Sai Orlianna: Hi Hi! Next chapter's here.  Hope you enjoy it. One quick note, in

                     this chapter, you meet a character named Orlianna.  It didn't hit me

                     until after I finished the chapter that it was my name too. Heehee.

                     ;; just so you know, it's not supposed to be me. Ok, enjoy, R&R.

Fate Plays Her Hand

Ch. 8

When the Sakura Mourns…

Sanzo sat silently smoking a cigarette as the last rays of the sun faded into the welcoming hands of night.  Taking a long drag, he slowly blew out the smoke as the events of the day played over in his mind.  Of all the people in the world to run into, again, they had to run into these girls.  They just seemed to keep popping up at the worst possible times.  Now they had an even more annoying problem, Sephira had been poisoned in the battle and was now trapped in a feverish comma.  Hakkai and Emma had been working non stop since she collapsed, but even they were both at a loss of what to do since neither of them could identify the poison.  Sanzo sighed in frustration as he finished his cigarette and headed back inside.  Goku sat chatting with as she prepared a rushed dinner. 

"Emma, the hot water's ready!" she called.

"Thanks, be there in a sec." Emma answered as Hakkai came and sat by them.

"How is she doing?" Nara asked hesitantly.

"Better than she was." Hakkai said with a sigh. "The bleeding finally stopped. We cleaned and wrapped the wound best we could.  The fever seems to be holding strong though.  Emma's going to give her something a bit stronger to fight it off.  After that, only time will tell."

"Only time, that's something she needs but we don't have."  Emma said, coming up and sitting by the bowl of hot water.  Quickly, she started mixing in some herbs.

"Hey, what's that?" Goku asked referring to the strange brown powder Emma was using.

"It's Cymbelmyrn." Emma explained as she added a few red petals to the concoction. "It grows only in the mountains by our house.  The root, when ground and mixed with water and Andolus," she motioned referring to the red petals. "can help strengthen the immune system of one fighting off a fever such as this."

Nara watched as the herbs blended with the water, turning into a thick rusty colored paste.  "Will it help her?"

Emma spread the paste onto a few long green leaves.  "I don't know.  It's worked well against colds and minor poison induced fevers, but as Hakkai said, only time will tell.  Now, Nara, I will need your help." She said as she stood and handed Nara a few long strips.

Goku watched as they headed back to the patient.  "I hope she'll be alright." 

"She won't die."  Goku jumped at the sound of Sanzo's cold voice. Joining them by the fire, Sanzo sat quietly as Goku settled back down.

"I hope you're right, Sanzo." Hakkai commented.

"She won't die." Sanzo repeated.  'She's too stubborn to die.' 

After a moment of silence, Goku popped his head up and quickly looked around.  "Uh…Hakkai, where's Goyjo?"

"He and Roxanne went to get some fire wood." Hakkai stated nonchalantly.

"Why, we already have plenty." Goku exclaimed, indicating the tall pile of wood by the wall.  "Nara and I collected it while you and Emma where treating Sephira."

Hakkai looked at the pile, then at Goku, then the pile, then at Goku again. "Oh, well then, I don't know."  He replied with a smile.  Sanzo rolled his eyes.  He knew full well that Goyjo and Roxanne had snuck out as soon as they saw that Sephira was doing well.  They wouldn't be back for quite sometime.  Soon Nara and Emma returned and dinner was passed out.  Hakkai sat and ate in silence as the others, mainly Goku, chatted.  One thought kept passing through his mind.  Who where the men who attacked Emma and the others and why?  What reason would they have to attack them?  And from the looks of things, the girls had almost expected it or had experienced a similar attack before. Looking around he noticed the tired look on everybody's face so he decided to wait and question them tomorrow.          

OUT SIDE THE WOODS…

A soldier stood on duty, his cool brown eyes watching the woods where the fugitive had escaped.  His rugged face never moving as his eyes stayed fixed on the same spot.  Though they had escaped, the patrol was ordered not to pursue them.  The fugitive would come to them in due course, but it wasn't the fugitive who was plaguing his thoughts at the moment.  It was another whom he had faced that day.  Another face burned brightly in his mind.  Her face, he knew that face.  Yes, he knew it well.  Why did she have her face, the face of the one he had served so faithfully all those years ago.  The one who would smile and treat him like a friend and not an underling.  There was no way it could be her, she was dead.  She was gone forever.  That fateful day still haunted him in his dreams.  How could this mortal be her, the one the Sakuras mourned for…

600 Years Ago…

"Orlianna-sama!  Orlianna-sama!  Where could she be?  ORLIANNA-SAMA!!" The cry came from a young soldier with brown eyes and hair.  His eyes scanned the crowd as he search for his charge.  She had run off again.  Did she enjoy tormenting him like this?

"Sam!" the young soldier turned at the sound of his name and bowed to the boy coming toward him.  "Sam, there you are.  Have you found her yet?"

"No, Amon-sama.  I have yet to locate your sister." He replied as he stood again facing the brother of his charge.

"Well hurry.  Father is growing impatient.  I will try to stall him a little longer, but you know how he gets when she is late."  Amon said as he turned and hurried in the opposite direction.

Sam bowed once more and continued his search.  'Err…that girl is going to be the end of me.' 

"Check the fields."  Sam stopped as he heard a smooth, familiar voice.  Sitting at her usual spot at the side of the road was a mature looking woman with long deep crimson hair and white, ageless eyes that held years of knowledge and wisdom.  "If you are looking for a flower, check the fields where she blooms."

Sam smiled at the woman.  "Thank you, Great One."  Bowing one last time, he hurried to where he knew his mistress would be. 

She smiled a sad smile as she watched the young soldier leave.  "Yes, this flower will bloom soon.  The tragedy about  blooming flowers, they inevitably wilt soon after."

"Madame Amelia?"  A young voice shook her from her thoughts as her pale eyes fell on a messenger boy.

"Yes?" she replied in her melodic voice.

The boy stood nervously under her gaze.  Gathering what little courage he had, he delivered his message.  "My master wishes to speak to you.  Will you please come with me?"  He looked up expectantly.  The Great Seer always made him nervous.

Amelia smiled at him as she stood.  "Of course, young one."

                                                                               

In a field outside the city, stood a grove of Sakura trees.  The trees were in full bloom as their sweet aroma filled the air.  Orlianna stood quietly behind the largest one.  Her blue eyes danced with expectation as she waited.  Her pale skin contrasted greatly to the dark wood of the tall tree as she held onto its trunk and peered around it once more.  No one.  Sighing in slight disappointment, she hid again.  Where was he?  He always came around this time, that's how she met him.  'Well, not really'  she thought.  'It was more like the first time I saw him.  Not like I could go up and introduce myself to a man as great as him.  It would be improper and…'  her thoughts stopped as she heard quiet footsteps coming her way.  Peering from her hiding place once more, she saw him, the man she had come to spy on, Konzen Douji. 

He came here everyday and sat underneath the same Sakura tree.  Orlianna saw him for the first time a few months ago when she had run away from her body guard.  She climbed into one of the trees to hide.  After a few hours, she decided it was time to return, but as she was about to climb down, Konzen came into the grove.  Knowing that she was not fit to be seen by a man who was considered to be so far above her station, she stayed and hid in the tree until he left.  Since that day, she had found every opportunity she could to return.  At first, she was curious to see him again, soon that curiosity turned to fascination and soon that fascination turned into love.  She felt she knew so much about him by just watching him.  She had heard that he was an honest and gentle man who quietly enjoyed observing life.  That statement was proven to her as she watched him.  His cool blues eyes held more insight then she would ever know and his hair was as bright as the sun, making her own golden locks dull in comparison. 

Orlianna knew the love she had for him would always be one sided for many reasons, one being the gap in not only their social standing but also their ages.  He was a few hundred years older than she was but he looked no more than a grown man in the mortal world.  She herself was still considered a girl by some, being one who had only just come of age a few years ago.  'But, considering gods live forever, the age thing shouldn't be a problem, right?'  she reasoned.  The other reason is the fact that her father had already arranged a marriage between herself and the son of one of his friends who was slightly higher up then they were.  She was supposed to meet him tonight, but she was determined to see Konzen one last time.  No matter what happened, Orlianna swore that in her heart she would love no other.  She quietly turned around, as not to give away her presence, pressed her back to the trunk of the tree and sighed. 

She knew she would have to leave soon; she had already spent too much time there.  A deep sadness filled her heart.  She didn't want to leave.  She would be content to just watch him forever.  Peering around the tree one last time, her eyes sought him out for one last glimpse of her secret love, but he was gone.  Shocked, she stepped timidly out from behind the tree, looking around.  No one, she was alone.  Dropping her eyes to the ground, she willed the tears not to fall. 

"So, you're the one who's been spying on me."  Orlianna froze. Leaning against the Sakura where he had sat only moments before was Konzen, eyes locked on her face.  'OH NO! He found me, now I'm going to be in so much trouble.  I've acted above my station by even being in his presence without permission and worse, he doesn't even know who I am!  What am I going to do?  What am I…'  Her panic showed clearly on her face causing a small chuckle to escape Konzen's lips.

She blushed and dropped her gaze.  Taking a shuttering breath to try and calm her nerves, she bowed.  "Forgive me, Konzen Douji-sama.  I had no right to spy on you as I did.  I will take my punishment and…"

Konzen smiled at the girl infront of him.  She was young and naïve, he could tell.  Probably new in matters of society and the Heavens.  Her golden hair fell over her pale face as she bowed before him.  "Rise, sweet one, you have no fear of punishment from me."

Orlianna, looked up but, remembering herself, immediately lowered her gaze.  "But I am not supposed to even come near you without permission and I have…several times…so I must be punished."

"My dear girl, if I had wanted to punish you, I would have done it several months ago when you first started spying on me." Konzen said with amusement.

Orlianna shot up, locking eyes with him in disbelief.  "You…you knew, all along?"  Her blush deepened as he nodded.

Konzen gazed into the innocent blue eyes staring at him.  "You are not as good a spy as you had thought."  He said, observing her fully for the first time.  She wore a soft cream colored dress that hung delicately on her small frame with thick golden locks cascading down over her pale neck and shoulders.  Blue eyes set in a lovely face shone with the innocent light of a maid not yet tainted by the world.  Her blush seemed to deepen yet again at his gaze.  Lowering it, he sat down.  "What's your name, child?"

The nervousness soon was replaced by hurt pride as he called her child. She stood straighter as she answered him. "Child? I'm not a child.  I am Lady Orlianna, daughter of Lord Prin, Master of the Lower House."

"Ah so you are of the Lesser Nobility.  I see."  Orlianna bit her lip at his mention of her lowly station.  Konzen noticed this as he motioned her to sit.  Nervously, she sat next to him under the shade of the tall Sakura tree.  Her heart leaped at the chance of being in his presence, this time with his permission.  "Before you started to spy on me, why did you come out here.  I always thought I was the only person who admired and appreciated the untainted beauty of this grove."

"Well, My Lord..." Orlianna began.

"Please, call me Konzen.  There is no need to stand on formalities here." Konzen interrupted, with a twinkle in his eye.

"Alright, …Konzen…"  she replied, the blush tainting her pale cheeks once more.  "I would come here to pick flowers and to hide from my body guard.  I do not know why my father insists that I have one, but I do.  So, I play with him by running away once and awhile to see how long it takes him to find me."

"I see." Konzen mused.  Reaching down, he plucked a small white flower from its proud place in the ground.  "So the flower runs from her pot to the field where she longs to be."  He said as he placed the flower in her hair.

Orlianna felt the flower as it sat perfectly behind her small ear, not taking her eyes from Konzen's.  "I guess you could say that."  She stated quietly.  He was so close to her, watching her with those deep pools of blue.  Her heart skipped a beat as she lost herself in them. 

"Orlianna-sama!  Orlianna-sama!"

Orlianna sighed and dropped her gaze.  'He had to show up now?'  She looked up as Konzen stood and reached a hand down to her.  Taking her soft hand in his, Konzen helped her up.  She looked down as she heard her name called once more.  "That will be my body guard, Sam.  Looks like he found me this time."

"Seems that way."  Konzen trapped her once again in his eyes.  He could not tear himself from her innocent gaze.  "It was nice to finally meet you, little one." He said.  Her small hand remained captive in his.

Orlianna couldn't hide the emotions flashing across her face and in her eyes.  "Thanks you.  It was very nice to meet you properly, Konzen."  She couldn't move; she didn't want to wake up from this dream, but reality soon caught up to her.

Sam burst in through the trees.  "Orlianna-sama, there you are.  Come on, your father is waiting…Ah! Konzen Douji-sama."  Quickly, Sam bowed, knowing the punishment one would receive for disrespecting one of the higher nobility.  "Forgive me, milord,  I did not notice you there."

"It is quite alright, I was just keeping your young mistress company." Konzen said in his smooth voice.

"Yes sir.  But, if you will excuse us, My Lord, Orlianna-sama is late for her meeting with her betrothed."  Orlianna shot Sam a quick glare.  Why did he have to go and tell him that.

Konzen's face was unreadable as he heard the news.  So, she was to be married.  The smile on his face never wavered.  "Betrothed?  Well, my dear, you wouldn't want to be late.  Tell me, honorable guard, who is this fine ladies fiancé?"

"The son of Li Trousten of the Western House, Li Touten."  Sam said quickly. 

"Hmm…another of the Lesser Nobles, I assume."  Konzen said in a nonchalant manner.

"Yes, My Lord."  Sam replied.

"Uhuh."  Turning once more to Orlianna, he said,  "Farewell, little one.  I wish you the best of luck." He lifted her hand to his lips and planted a small kiss on her fingers.  "I trust I might receive an invitation to the wedding?"

Orlianna's heart fluttered and sank all in the same moment. "Yes, My Lord.  Farewell."  Without looking back, she turned and walked away with Sam.

Konzen watched as she left.  He knew he would see her again, in fact, he would make sure of it…

                                                                                  

One Month Later…

"Did you hear?  Old Prin's daughter has married."

"I know.  She married Lord Trousten's son, right?"

"No, her betrothal to him was called off when another asked for her hand."

"Another?  But Old Prin would never break a promise like that to a friend, unless…a member of the Higher Nobility asked him.  But that's impossible.  He doesn't know any of the Higher Nobility."

"That's the best part.  The day his daughter was to meet her betrothed, Old Prin got a message from none of than Konzen Douji-sama."

"No!  Kanzeon Bosatsu's nephew?"

"Yes! They married this morning.  Isn't that the oddest thing?"

"What of Li Trousten and his son?"

"Well, Trousten was overjoyed at his friend's good luck that he was happy to call off the engagement.  But his son was not so happy about it.  People say he was so angry that he threatened to kill her."

"I doubt he'll actually go through with it.  Besides, we gods don't kill, or has he forgotten that."

"I don't know, but what I do know is that no one has ever seen a happier bride."           

Madame Amelia sat in her usual place as she listened to the gossip of the ladies shopping.  The Sakuras bloomed and shed their pink petals in celebration of this great day.  Picking up one of the soft petals, she sighed.  Watching the small petal, her eyes clouded over as her gift took hold.

'On a day like no other,

When an innocent life blooms,

The Sakuras will sing, their petals full of song.

On a night like no other,

When an innocent life wilts from malice.

The Sakuras will mourn, their petals full of tears.

As she finished, a tear fell from her eyes.  Why must the most beautiful flowers wilt after they bloom?

Sam stood outside waiting for his mistress.  It had already been three months since the wedding and Sam couldn't remember seeing a happier couple than the two he now served.  Today, his new master, Konzen-sama, asked him to escort Orlianna-sama into town.  Orlianna had been acting strange for the last few weeks so Konzen asked him to take her to see the doctor.  Sam did as told and was now waiting for her to emerge.  He had been on alert ever since the couple had been engaged.  That day, a threat was made that seemed ideal but Sam knew not to take any threat lightly.  He just hoped his fears would prove to be fruitless.  He had never seen his young charge so happy, he didn't want that to change.  A moment later, the door slid open as the doctor escorted Orlianna out.

"Now remember what I told you.  Plenty of rest and watch what you eat.  Some foods are not good for a woman in your condition.  Come back to see me in a month to see how things are developing."  Orlianna thanked him and turned to her friend and guard, positively beaming.

Sam noticed this new look and smiled as his suspicions were soon confirmed.  "So, it seems I was right." He said with a smirk.  Orlianna just smiled, too happy to retort anything back.  "When will you tell him?"

"Tonight.  Maybe after dinner."  Orlianna replied with a sigh.  "Tonight is going to be the greatest night ever."

In the darkness of the shadows, a figure ran, clutching a parchment to his chest.  He had just come from his employer's home with an important message for his boss.  Finally he reached his destination.  Looking around cautiously, he knocked on the door.  A burley man opened it and ushered him in.  Walking down a few halls, he came to the room he needed and went in.  Across the room sat his boss, waiting expectantly for him.  Quickly, he saluted and handed him the parchment.  He watched as his boss unrolled the parchment and read the message quickly.

"It's been confirmed.  We move tonight."

Konzen walked outside and found the love of his life standing, bathed in the moonlight.  He still couldn't believe he had such a creature as his own.  Walking up behind her, he slowly wrapped his arms around her resting his hands on her stomach.  Orlianna smiled and leaned back against him.  "So, my love, which do you prefer, a strong son or a playful daughter?"

"I don't think I have a choice in the matter, little one."  Konzen whispered.

Orlianna laughed her own soft laugh at her husband's humor, "Well, if I know what you want, I can at least try really hard to grant that wish.  As your wife, my duty is to please you, ne?"

"You already please me, my love, nothing can change that.  Besides, whatever it'll be, I know she'll be just as lovely as you."  Konzen replied softly, his breath tickling her ear.

"Or, he'll be just has handsome as you, my dear."  She sighed, never getting enough of the feel of Konzen's arms around her.  "I love you, Konzen."

"And I you, little one."  Konzen replied, turning her in his arms.  "I will protect you, always." Orlianna smiled as he leaned down, enveloping her lips with his.  She leaned closer to him as the kiss deepened.  Nothing would take this away from her, nothing.

"KONZEN DOUJI!"

  Konzen looked up as a group of ruthless looking men emerged from the darkness.  Orlianna froze at the sight of them.  Konzen quickly moved infront of his wife, guarding her best he could, his voice soon took on a commanding tone.  "What are you doing here!  You have no right to be here, leave immediately."  Orlianna clung to Konzen, petrified.  Picking up on her fear, Konzen watched as the group of mercenaries began to advance.

"Oh, we can't do that, your grace.  You have something that doesn't belong to you and we're here to take it back."  The head of the group hissed.

"I am warning you for the last time, leave this place, NOW!"  Konzen barked as he began to slowly move backward.  Orlianna moved just as slow, trying not to attract unneeded attention.  Fear engulfed her completely.  What were these men after anyway?

  Her answer soon came as the group of men charged toward them, the first one drew a deadly looking sword.  She screamed as they attacked.  Konzen pushed her out of the way as two more charged.  She watched in horror as her love did his best to ward them off.  Not knowing what to do, she screamed again.  This time, it formed a word.  "GUARDS!!!!!  HELP!!!!!"

Sam raced through the house at the sound of his mistress's cry followed by several others.  They arrived to a sight none had expected.  A group of Mercenaries were attacking their master who was warding them off as best he could.  Sam charged in as the other guards followed.  Racing toward Konzen, Sam punched the attacker, knocking him away from his master.  "Are you alright, My Lord?"

Konzen looked up at him and smiled. "Yes, thank you.  Where's Orlianna?"  Sam looked around quickly and found her running toward them.  Relief washed over Konzen as his wife threw herself into his arms.

"Lord, please, get yourself and Orlianna-sama into the house, we will take care of the attackers."  Sam said.  Konzen nodded his head.  Wrapping an arm around Orlianna, they headed toward the house.  Sam watched as they made it safely inside before he headed back into battle.

Konzen shut the door quickly and locked it.  Then, once more taking Orlianna into his arms, he led her to the front of the house.  "We should be safe now my love.  The guards will take care of the rest."

Orlianna sighed with relief as she stood with her husband. "Good.  What in heaven's name could they be after?"   

"Why you, my lady." Orlianna froze as a cruel voice spoke.  Konzen quickly placed himself between his love and this new threat.  These men were after his wife, why?  They said they were after something that didn't belong to him, but she had given herself to him.  She was his as he was hers.  Anger rose inside of him at the thought, no one was going to take his love from him, no one. 

With a sinister grin, the cruel man charged them.  Lunging forward, Konzen raised his arm to block the attack while landing a punch with the other.  Righting himself, the Mercenary quickly repaid Konzen for his hurt jaw.  Relentlessly, the two men lost themselves in a series of attacks.  Coming at him, the Mercenary aimed a punch right for Konzen's face.  Konzen dodged the attack, accurately landing a few more punches of his own, knocking his opponent to the floor.  Orlianna watched the whole onslaught with horror.  Konzen stood for a moment, observing the fallen man.  He wasn't moving.  Orlianna sighed in relief as Konzen turned back toward her and smiled, sporting a black eye and a bruised lip.  "Well, that wasn't so hard."

Orlianna sighed in relief, but even that was soon dissolved.  Behind her love, the Mercenary now stood with a long, curved blade in his hand.  "KONZEN!!"  Not knowing what to do, Orlianna rushed to protect her love.  The Mercenary charged, his blade poised for attack.  The next few seconds seemed to drag as time slowed down.  Orlianna pushed Konzen out of the way as the Mercenaries blade executed its deadly command.  Pain overwhelmed Orlianna as the hateful blade cut through her small form.  A choked cry escaped her lips as she felt it drive completely through her.  A fresh wave of pain seared her body as the blade was ripped from her womb.  Gasping for air, she fell back into the arms of the one she tried to protect.  Her eyes began to blur as her life began to spill out along with her blood. 

Konzen couldn't believe his eyes.  The one whom he had sworn to love and protect always was now lying in his arms covered in her own blood.  Pain like no other enveloped his body as panic took hold of his mind.  "Orlianna!  ORLIANNA!! SOMEONE HELP ME!!! Orlianna wake up!" He looked desperately at his love as her eyes slowly opened.  Konzen watched as pools of blue began to overflow.  Her breath became labored as she tried to speak.

"Kon…zen…I'm…so…sorry.  I tried…I tried…but…the baby…" Orlianna raised her shaking hand and laid it on her bleed womb, her tears falling freely now.

"Shh…it's ok.  My love.  It'll be alright.  You'll be alright." Konzen stammered, trying to hold in the fear that consuming him.  Looking up, stricken, he cried again.  "SOMEONE HELP ME!!!" 

Konzen helplessly looked back at her as blue met blue.  Orlianna lifted her blood stained fingers and lightly brushed his face.  "I…I love you…Konzen…always…"

Konzen gasped as the tears he had been vainly holding in began to fall.  "I love you, little one, always."  She smiled a faint smile as her eyes slowly closed, her chest rising one last time as she breathed her final sweet breath.  Konzen couldn't move as pain ripped through his heart and mind.  She was gone.  The one light in his life was gone, stolen from him by hate.  Taking her into arms one last time, he cried.  "No…my love, don't go.  Don't leave me.  No…NOOOO!!!!"

Sam stood shocked at what he saw.  When he heard his master's call, he raced inside in a panic only to find a Mercenary with a bloodied blade standing over his mistress.  He hurried forward and grabbed the Mercenary, who also seemed to be in shock.  Turning the last of the attackers over to the others, he watched as his master mourned for his fallen love.  Tears welled up in his eyes as he looked once again at his fallen charge.  He couldn't believe it.  He had protected her since she was a baby, he had watched her grow, and now here she lies in a pool of her own blood.  Anger filled him, it wasn't fair.  She had found her happiness, why must it be taken like this?  A rage like none other soon replaced his pain, a rage aimed at one person.  Storming outside, he grabbed the head Mercenary in a vice like grip.  Fire burned in his eyes as he glared at the attacker. 

"Who sent you?"  The Mercenary remained silent.  Sam, unable to control his rage, moved his grip up to the man's neck and squeezed.  "You are dead either way, so you might as well tell me."

The attacker gasped for breath as he wheezed out two words. "Li…Touten…" Sam released the man who immediately grasped his neck, gasping for air.  'Li Touten, I should have known.'  Sam was going to personally see that he was punished.  Turning his back on the estate of the one he had served so faithfully, he left, never to return.

The next morning, Konzen stood outside under the Sakura tree where he had first met his love.  The pain hadn't eased since the night before and he knew it never would.  Why?  Why had his love, his heart have to be taken from him?  Was Fate so cruel as to give such a gift only to steal it away again?

"The Sakuras are mourning."

  Konzen stiffened at the voice of the last person he wanted to see.  His voice became icy as he turned to face his aunt. "What do you want?"

Kanzeon Bosatsu stood looking up at the trees.  "The Sakuras are mourning her, can't you see it?"  Konzen raised his eyes to the trees.  The petals were blue.  "When an innocent creature, such as Orlianna, is killed unjustly, the Sakuras will mourn."

Konzen sighed.  Memories invaded his mind of the day they first met, underneath those trees.  Pain once again squeezed the few remaining pieces of his heart.  Turning his gaze back to her, he asked again.  "What do you want?"

"I have a proposition for you.  Are you interested?"

"Have you heard?"

"Heard what?"

"Konzen Douji-sama has moved to the other side of the city.  It seems he is going to work for his aunt now."

"Not a big surprise after what happened to him.  That poor man.  How could someone do that to him.  He must be shattered.  I heard he hasn't spoken to anyone since that night."

"Did you see him at the funeral?  People said his eyes were as cold as ice.  The light had completely vanished from them."

"Did you hear what happened to Li Touten?"

"The man who was accused of being behind the attack?  No, what happened?"

"Well, it turns out that he was charged with the crime but someone pulled some strings.  The only punishment he got was a loss of his title and position.  He is now a clerk working for the Bureaucrats.  His family has disowned him as well."

"He deserves much worse for what he did."

The sounds of gossip filled the air once more as the days passed by.

"When the Sakura mourns, she turns blue with sorrow.  An eternal sadness that can't be overcome, only buried."  Amelia sat quietly as the blue Sakura petals fell around her.  She picked one up off the ground and sighed.  Her eyes clouded over as her Sight took control.  Konzen Douji, a hard man who loves nothing.  A man who's heart is closed off from any form of love.  A man who won't even stop to admire the beauty of a flower.  Who will break through this wall you have erected around your heart?… In her mind's eye, a picture of a small boy with golden eyes and long brown hair appeared …will you be his sun?  The image changed into that of another girl, this one a healer with green eyes and a tired smile.  A gasp escaped her lips as a tear rolled down her cheek.  No, please, do not crush another one.  I don't want to see another one fall too soon…

Present Day…

Flashes, images, dreams…all fever induced.  Sephira lay quietly in her fevered state.  Her body slowly began to fight off the poison that coursed through her veins.  Her mind shook her unconscious state with dream, images, flashes that made no sense.  Things her mind would not allow her to remember.  An unfamiliar pain swept through her mind and heart as a small tear fell from her sleeping eyes.  'Konzen…'

End of Ch. 8

Sai Orlianna: ::voice coming from hiding place:: I know ya'll probably hate me

                       for this chapter.  Other than that, I hope you liked it. Please

                       R&R.  I have some free time coming up within the next week

                       so I should have the next chapter done by then.  I am also in the

                      process of revising the first chapters.  I am fixing all those spelling

                      mistakes ya'll have told me about. So, if you are really bored one

                      day, please go back and reread them and tell me if you think they

                      are better. Ja!