Disclaimer: I don't own Sakura wars. I'm just a big fan. I do however own my own characters and story line, as well as my concept of angels. The story might contain violence, abusive language and sexual scenes. If you are underage you'd better stop here. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the story, have fun :)
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Chapter 6 Open Your Heart
A couple of months have passed and thankfully without any enemy appearances. It seems that Lilly has finally broken the ice barrier between her and the Hanagumi.
Autumn is slowly giving way to the white winter. All the trees outside are bare, like warriors stripped of their armor and weapons. The soft and tender breeze is replaced by a chilly wind that pierces through your whole being if you dared to go outside. Every other day nature is crying for her lost sunny summer afternoons.
The faint sunlight is playing on the windows of the TeiGeki. In one of the rooms the cold rays are swaying the small pieces of dust into a brilliant dance making the two women there smile. Dressed in a blue kimono with yellow floral patterns, Ayame is sitting on the floor in a sea of colorful cushions. Lilly's head is softly resting on the older woman's lap. The Major is gently passing her fingers trough the night black hair of her friend.
"I can't believe you did it." the petite woman finally broke the idyllic silence. "The girls are finally acting like a team… like the team I've always wanted them to be. I am so glad you're here."
The night haired woman smiled tenderly with her eyes closed.
"Me too. You can't imagine just how much…" Lilly sighed softly, caressing Ayame's hand.
The brown haired woman began quietly to sing a lullaby. Her friend's thoughts drift away to a moment few days ago.
She was cleaning the leaves in the park, preparing the plants for their winter slumber, when she heard a voice ringing in the distance. She looked back and quickly recognized the silhouette clad in a pink Kimono:
"Hello, Sakura-kun." warmly greeted the Bulgarian.
"Good day, Lilly-sama." smiled the raven haired girl.
"Please, just call me Lilly." the woman returned the smile. "What can I do for you?"
"Can I talk with you?" shyly asked Sakura.
"Of course!" friendly replied the hazel eyed woman. "Why don't we come inside for a warm cup of tea?"
Sakura nodded and smiled. After a few minutes they were inside the gardener's house, in the living room eagerly sipping the hot tea.
"I… I wanted to ask you about my father…" faintly said Sakura with her eyes fixed on the floor.
Colonel Novoska went to the young Japanese girl and wrapped her with loving arms around her.
"Sakura-kun, your father was and deep in our hearts still is an amazing man. He helped me regain my will to live, he taught me to believe in myself, to be proud I am different and not to let people get me down. He showed me how to defend myself properly and the way of Bushido, though sometimes I find it hard to follow…" she smiled at the last comment. "When we parted I was devastated because for that brief time we were together he, Ayame and Yoneda brought me back to the land of the living, replacing in a way my lost family. He gave me the Phoenix and made me vow to rise from the ashes of my past and never look back. To this day I have never broken this vow… But Sakura I want you to know that the time we were together, he never stopped missing and loving you and your mother. Each night we stood around the fire alone, he would tell me about you, how proud and honored he was to have you."
Silent tears started falling from all four eyes in the room.
"Thank you… thank you so much, Lilly-san." whispered Sakura, hugging tightly the older woman.
At first taken aback by that reaction, Lilly soon responded to the brown eyed girl's affection with a soft kiss on the forehead. After a few minutes the Bulgarian broke the silence:
"I want to give you something. Please wait a minute."
Then she disappeared in her bedroom. She came back shortly, holding something very close to her heart.
"This was taken just a day before they had to leave. I want you to have it." said the dark woman and handed the young actress an old frayed black and white photograph.
With a questioning look, Sakura took the picture and tears started falling from her big brown eyes when she saw what was on it. Three faces were smiling to her. She recognized them at once no matter the years that have passed since it was taken – her father, Major Fujieda and between them a young night haired girl.
"Domo arigato gozaimasu…" faintly replied the young Japanese, joyful rivers wetting her pale cheeks.
Lilly sat down next to her and with her soft hand wiped out the tears. She embraced her firmly and caressed her long black hair.
"I also want you to have something from me." said Sakura breaking free from the woman's grip. "I made this for my father while he was in battle. He never returned so I couldn't give it to him."
She put in Lilly's hand something that resembled a bracelet made of braded pieces of brown leather. A silver ornament was tied in one of the ends – it was a dragon. The hazel eyed woman stood speechless.
"Sakura… I cannot accept this." she tried to give it back.
"Please Lilly, I'd be honored if you had this and I am sure that that would be my father's will." smiled the raven haired girl holding the Bulgarian's hands.
The Colonel smiled back, placing the hand that held the bracelet close to her heart. Then she hugged the young Japanese girl, kissed her on the forehead and whispered in her ear:
"I will always cherish this."
An abrupt silence brought Lilly back in the present. Ayame had finished the song. The night haired woman touched the leather bracelet on her left wrist, playing with the dragon ornament attached to it. Her heart was smiling. Ayame noticed that and also smiled inwardly. She felt good and warm and hugged Lilly tighter. The first second the angel was taken aback but quickly responded to her friend's affection.
"You seem to get along pretty well with the girls Koneko." said the petite woman after a while. "Especially with Sakura."
"She is Kazuma's daughter Kotori." smiled the night haired woman facing her friend. "She is so much like her father. Every time I see her, I see him. In my heart he will always be like a father to me, so in a way Sakura is like a sister. You, he and pappy Yoneda gave me faith and hope when I had none, I'll never forget that…"
They both smiled at each other, their eyes clearly showed that their souls weren't here but somewhere in Rila 15 years ago.
"But it's not only Sakura." said an excited Ayame after a while. "It's all the girls. No matter if it is playing with Iris, spending time in the lab with Kohran or sparing with Kanna. They all enjoy being with you, share with you. You're their best friend even after the hell that you put them trough. Even Sumire! I saw you yesterday in the library commenting on "War and Peace" – Sumire never argues like that, accepting the others' point of view, neglecting her own. And what happened after that was even more amazing. She, you and Sakura making New Year decorations – she actually helped Sakura instead of yelling at her."
Lilly faintly smiled. "What wonders can a little trust create, heh Kotori."
"Yes… that was an extraordinary exercise. I wished I have thought of it." sighed Ayame.
The Bulgarian woman laughed softly.
"What is so funny Koneko?" asked Ayame in confusion.
"The irony of it all is that you and Kazuma taught me the importance of trust."
"Well, I am glad you're here to remind me that." smiled the Major. "And don't worry about Maria. She just needs some more time to sort things out. It was the same when Ohgami joined the team."
"After all this time you still can read my mind as an open book." chuckled Lilly.
"That's because after all these years our friendship is still as strong as it was when we first met in Karvlovo." replied Ayame.
Their conversation was interrupted by a sharp knock on the door.
"I was sure I'll find you two in here." said happily Kayama entering the room. "Look who's back."
The young man was followed by a brown haired woman who appeared to be at Lilly's age. She was dressed in a military uniform.
"Kaede!" cried Ayame running to the woman. "You're finally back!"
"It feels good to be home." said Kaede wrapping her hands around the older woman's shoulders.
"I want you to meet someone." said the petite woman pointing at the angel. "This is Lilly Novoska. She is an old friend of mine. Lilly, this is my younger sister Kaede."
"I am very pleased to finally meet you Kaede." bowed the Bulgarian. "I've heard so much about you."
"So you're Koneko." smiled Ayame's sister. "You're more beautiful than I imagined. The pleasure is all mine. I really would like to stay and talk but I have to report at General Yoneda's office immediately. I hope to see you later."
"Well we better leave you Kotori. I'm sure pappy Yoneda will call you right after Kaede finishes her report." said Lilly.
Major Fujieda nodded, the smile still on her face.
An hour later in the kitchen
Lilly with a big cooking apron over her jeans and dark blue long sleeved tight shirt is chopping vegetables on the table while Kayama is behind the stove.
"Mmmm… it smells delicious, coz!" said the angel sniffing the air.
"Glad to hear that." smiled the young man. "I love it when it's our turn to cook. It sure brings back good memories."
Lilly nodded remembering of the blissful days in the Balkan mountain twenty years ago.
"Say sladka… I need an advice." hesitantly said Kayama with his back to his cousin.
"Anytime coz." smiled Lilly. "What's eating you?"
"Well… It's kind of complicated… I don't really know how to start… well…" mumbled the Japanese man.
"Just say what's on your mind Kayama." firmly said the night haired woman.
"Well… how do you impress a girl?" the brown eyed man's face was all red.
"You mean how do you impress Kaede, right?" asked Lilly with an evil smirk on her lips.
"What… how did you…" cried the young man turning to his cousin in surprise.
"Oh come on coz, it was obvious. The way you looked at her, how you didn't want her to leave, the quick glances you stole, how your hand longed to touch hers… need I go on?"
"And you understood all that in five minutes!"
Lilly gave out a brilliant smile instead of an answer. Kayama loosened his shoulders admitting defeat.
"Ok, so you got me… Now tell me, what can I do to impress her?"
"You really care a lot about her, don't you? It isn't like you to act like that."
Kayama remained silent but his eyes said it all. Lilly smiled feeling so warm inside and said:
"Have you tried asking her out, making her little gifts, offering her flowers, talking to her?"
"Well… I thought my charm and sexy smile will do the trick." hopelessly answered the brown haired man.
The Bulgarian woman walked to her cousin and tapped him affectionately on the shoulder. "Well, Kayama I think you have a lot to learn about women."
They both laughed with all their hearts and continued preparing dinner.
Later the same day, after dinner
Lilly was sitting in a rocking chair on the porch of her house, wrapped in a warm blanket, enjoying the late autumn sky when she sensed a strong presence. Like a cat she leaped into the blackness of the night. Depending solely on her instincts she moved swiftly around the trees. In a flash the short woman jumped over a shadow wandering in the park. She grabbed the intruder by the collar pinning him on an oak nearby. Quicker than a heartbeat she drew her knife, letting the unwanted visitor fell the coldness of its blade next to his throat. Just then the moon came out of a cloud a lit the TeiGeki garden. Lilly loosened the grip on her knife surprised to find out that the person she was holding was Maria.
"What are you doing out this late Miss Tachibana?" she asked the blond.
"I couldn't sleep so I went for a walk to clear my head." harshly replied the Russian.
"It's cold out here. Why don't you come to my place, you can talk to me and I'll do my best to help you sort out your problems." friendly offered the angel.
"I suppose I don't have another option right now." said the jade eyed woman trough her teeth.
Maria followed Lilly to the small cottage on the far end of the park. They entered the house and found themselves in the candle lit living room. The dark haired woman gestured to the blond actress to sit down and disappeared in the kitchen. She came back with two small glasses and a bottle with a clear liquid.
"I was saving this for New Year but I guess this is a special occasion." the Colonel smiled while filling both the glasses.
She put the bottle on the table and Maria saw the etiquette – Stolichnaya vodka reserved, one of the finest Matushka Rus could offer.
"Nazdarovie!" said Lilly raising her glass.
"Nazdarovie." replied Maria.
They drank the tongue biting liquid in one gulp and the Bulgarian refilled the glasses.
"So Maria, tell me what keeps you out of bed, I doubt it is the beautiful stars."
Maria gulped the second glass of vodka with a firm expression on her face. A sense of warmness wrapped her body and she took off her blazer. She poured herself a third glass and drained it immediately.
"You." she said feeling a sudden courage.
Lilly was shocked. She drank her glass in attempt to regain her cool. She had expected this sort of answer from Maria but not the tone of her voice. It was so affectionate, so warm, even loving.
"I am so frustrated." continued the blond. "On one hand I am so mad at you for what you've done, I'm close to hating you at some points. But on the other hand I know that you were right and I appreciate the things you've done. I have great respect for you as a leader and as a person."
The jade eyed Russian gulped another glass. The night haired woman was petrified. She drank two glasses of vodka one after another but that didn't make her feel more at ease. She tried to open her mouth and say something but the words froze in the throat. All she could do was refilling the glasses because apparently both of them needed a drink. The air was tick with tension. You could almost cut it with a knife. Finally Maria dared to speak out:
"When we are in a room together I feel so good about myself and at the same time I feel like I'm not good enough. I don't know why I feel this way… All my life I was sure about everything and now…" her jade eyes were fixed somewhere in the distance of the cold autumn night, avoiding the deep hazel pools of the woman sitting opposite her.
For a good minute or two they were both sitting in an uncomfortable silence. The only sound heard was the sipping of vodka in the glasses and down their throats. Very soon a great deal of the contents of the bottle was gone. All that was left of it were the faint pink blushes on the cheeks of the two warriors.
Maria looked very gloomy. She has cuddled in a corner of the room, right next to the floor to ceiling window. When Lilly looked at her, she felt concerned for the young Russian. Not knowing how she ended there, she sat next to the blond actress. She wrapped her hands around Maria's shoulders, pressing her head to her bosom, gently caressing the golden hair. For the first time all night they felt at ease. Maybe because of the vodka or because of the other woman's warmth, Maria suddenly found great courage inside of her. She raised her head and locked her pale lips around the crimson lips of the angel. Lilly's eyes enlarged by the shock taking her out of her thoughts. Soon she overcame her astonishment and to her own surprise not only responded but deepened the kiss. Encouraged by the received reaction, Maria slid her hand beneath the Bulgarian's dark blue sweater. She felt her soft skin, wandered around it for a while and her fingers soon found their target – the soft fabric of the older woman's bra. She started tenderly caressing her big breasts. Lilly didn't rest in debt – her hands slowly found their way to Maria's hips and thighs. In a couple of minutes they were lying naked in front of the fireplace locked in a passionate kiss, their hands everywhere. The blond Russian moved her lips to the swan like neck of the angel, while the hazel eyed Colonel buried her hand deep between the younger woman's legs. The room was filled with both their pleasureful moans. The golden red flames were joyfully playing on their fused bodies.
That's how the first morning light met them. Wrapped in a tender embrace, Lilly's head deep in Maria's chest, her long night black hair covering the upper part of their bodies. Strangely enough the angel was the first to wake. She covered her last night's lover with a blanket and went to the bedroom to get some fresh clothes for both of them. Half an hour later Maria was taken out from her sleep by a familiar sent. She stood up and saw a long T-shirt and a pair of panties next to her head. She put them on and followed the pleasant aroma. It led her to the kitchen and what she saw in there painted a glorious smile on her face. Over an improvised fire Lilly was making blini.
"Dobroe utra." said the angel sensing her presence.
"Dobroe utra." replied Maria still smiling. "I haven't had blinchiki since I left Russia."
"Good, then you'll enjoy this. I've made some Russian tea as well."
Each of them took a tray and carried it to the living room. They sat around the table, Maria poured both of them a cup of steaming tea while Lilly served the blini. They enjoyed their breakfast in silence.
"Lilly…about last night" started the blond.
"Don't worry Maria." cut her sentence the Bulgarian. "You do not have to apologies. It was wonderful. I hope it helped you sort your feelings." she said staring in the jade eyes with a comforting look.
"It did." nodded the Russian markswoman. "It was an incredible experience and I thank you for it. It made my love for you even greater but this is a different kind of love. The love of a friend, of a sister. I can't tell how but I know we don't belong with each other that way."
Lilly simply smiled, happy with Maria's revelation.
"Druzya." said the Russian, her jade pools fixed on the hazel ones across the table.
"Na vsegda." replied the Bulgarian.
Teito 1928, New Year's Eve
The TeiGeki is full of excitement. Everybody is in the common room busy with preparations. Well maybe not everybody. Loud noises are heard from the garage. Even now Ohgami and Lilly are busy working on the motorcycle. It has taken a while but it looks in pretty good shape.
"Well Ohgami, I think we're finally done." said the short Bulgarian from under the bike.
"We are." replied the spike haired man with a wide smile on his face. "Domo arigato!" he helped her up and handed her a towel.
"Don't thank me. We did it together. What do you say we take it for a spin?" she smirked evilly.
"What, right now!" exclaimed the young captain.
"That's what I meant. What's wrong with now?"
"It's New Year's Eve, we should help the others…" hesitated the Japanese man.
"Come on Ohgami, I know you want to. They'll manage without us. Besides we won't be long." the angel insisted.
It didn't take long for Ohgami to agree and in a flash they were riding on the open road. Quickly they ran trough the empty streets of Teito. As they reached the outskirts Lilly, who was driving, left all speed limits behind in the celebrating city. The cold wind that announced the upcoming winter bit their faces, painting their cheeks scarlet. Without any warning the Bulgarian softly stopped.
"Is there something wrong? Why did we stop?" asked a concerned Ohgami.
"Look up." said the angel, turning her eyes to the evening sky.
The young captain turned his jet black eyes in the same direction and just then small snowflakes started dripping heavily from the grayish sky. Winter has finally come. They stood like that for a while enjoying nature's craftsmanship. Then they switched places so that Ohgami could bring them back to the sleeping city that was slowly being covered by fluffy snow.
Teito 1929, in the beginning of April
Nature has awakened from her deep winter slumber. She has put away the heavy white blanket to revel her full splendor. All the trees were in bloom, the wind gently caressed their mighty crowns taking away with him handfuls of white, pink, pale purple petals. The weak sun softly shown upon the thousands of flowers bathing in the green grass, wet with morning dew.
Under the shade of a big oak tree, Lilly was resting enjoying the solitude of the early hour.
"How about some company?" said a familiar voice from behind.
Lilly smiled faintly without even moving, her back to the person approaching. Ayame sat on the blanket beside her, peering in the wonderful view.
"What's wrong Koneko?" asked softly the brunet.
"Everything's ok, Kotori. Why are you up so early?" tried to change the subject the night haired woman avoiding her friend's eyes.
"It's seven o'clock. I have a meeting with commander Yoneda after half an hour. I thought you might be here. You can't lie to me you know. Now tell me what's on your mind?" said more firmly Ayame, almost like an order.
"I told you Kotori, nothing." irritably answered Lilly. "I'm fine."
"You know you can deceive the others with that happy mask of yours but you can't fool me. Now quit joking around and tell me what's bothering you!" furious Ayame raised the tone of her voice a bit. "I am your friend Koneko, I can help you." she added with love.
Lilly turned to the brown eyed woman with a bitter smile and hugged her tightly.
"Thank you for being there Kotori…" soft tears began falling on Ayame's military uniform. "I'm just confused…"
"What can I do to help you?" asked tenderly the older woman caressing the night black hair.
"Just knowing that you're there for me is plenty." replied the Bulgarian with a smile.
"Sure you don't want to talk about this?" asked Ayame with concern.
"Yes. I think I'll have to figure that one out on my own. I'm just torn between being an angel and a normal human." replied the hazel eyed woman wiping off her tears.
"Follow your heart. And remember your own words – "The best way out of difficulty is trough it!" said the petite woman while standing up. "I must go now. Will you be all right my friend?"
"Don't worry about me. With a friend like you to guide me, I'll find my way out." answered the angel with gratitude in her eyes.
Ayame gave her friend a reassuring smile and headed for the theater.
Later that day
In his room Ohgami was preparing for his night patrols, deep in his thoughts when he felt a hand on his shoulders. He jumped back in surprise and fell down on the floor.
"You should see the look on your face pal. It's priceless. Pure terror!" said a voice laughing.
"Kayama! You scared me out of my breath! When are you going to stop sneaking on people like that!" screamed frustrated the young captain.
"Well last time I sneaked on Lilly she did beat me up pretty good but it was nothing compared to the scared look on her face." answered the brown haired man trough his laughs. "Anyway… tell me my friend, why the sad face?" asked with concern the Tsukigumi leader.
"I'm not sure how to say this Kayama…" answered hesitantly Ohgami. "I think I'm in love…"
Kayama's eyes glitter with joy at his friend's last words.
"Ichiro this is great news. Love makes the world go round. Now you just have to find a way to sweep the lucky girl off her feet and you'll find yourself on happy lane." smiled the young man dressed in white while helping his friend up.
"That's the hard part." said Ohgami collapsing on the bed. "There isn't a thing in this world that would make her fall for me. It's so hopeless."
"Cheer up my friend, there must be something you can do. I'll be glad to help you." smiled Kayama, holding Ohgami by the shoulder.
"Thanks for being there for me my friend but even you can't help me out of this one."
"Come on. It can't be that bad." exclaimed Kayama.
Ohgami sighed deeply.
"Ichiro, tell me who the girl is and I'll figure what to do."
"I'm not sure if I want to tell you…" said hesitantly the spiked haired man.
Kayama looked at his friend with a mixture of surprise, anger and compassion. Finally the young Lieutenant gave in.
"I'm in love with… with Lilly…" said Ohgami looking away.
"WHAT!" cried the brown haired man.
A tense silence filled the room. After a few minutes Kayama spoke up, quietly but firmly:
"Here I must say something like 'Who do you think you are?', 'She's way out of your league.' or 'Stay away from my cousin.' but I know you, my friend and you are worthy of my precious Lilly. I see your point though. Her vow of no interference meant she is not allowed to commit to anyone but she is here and all the Hanagumi are her friends. To me that is a commitment. And a strong one." he paused and faced Ohgami. "I have one piece of advice for you my friend – talk to her. Otherwise you risk losing your sanity, consumed by thoughts about her." he said with a smile tapping his friend's shoulder.
Ohgami's face was frozen in shock. "Thank you my friend." he said after a while.
"Anytime. But know that if you hurt her in any way, I'll find you and beat the hell out of you." threatened Kayama before disappearing in the night.
Ohgami smiled and went on his night patrol. After it was done he decided to go outside for a walk and find a way to turn his determination to speak with Lilly into the proper words. To his astonishment when he entered the park he realized he was not alone.
Author's notes:
Domo arigato gozaimasu (Japanese) - Thank you very, very much
Kotori (Japanese) – small bird; singing bird
Stolichnaya vodka (Russian) – actual Russian vodka, a very good one I must say. Stolichnaya means "of the capital".
Matushka Rus (Russian) – an affectionate name used by the Russian and other Slavonic people to call Russia, especially during the Russian empire and the Soviet Union. It means Mother Russia.
Nazdarovie (Russian) - Cheers
Blini (Russian) – a type of Russian pancakes. They're very large and very thin.
Blinchiki (Russian) – a diminutive way of calling blini
Dobroe utra (Russian) – Good morning
Druzya (Russian) - Friends
Na vsegda (Russian) – forever
I want to thank everyone who has taken their time to read the story. Please don't be shy and say what you think about it. I'll answer each and every one of you. Special thanks to my good friend Benji Himura for his great reviews, constant support and advices. Thanks a million. Thanks to Shirogami for his review. And I would like to send a special thanks to Kai for ALL his warm reviews and praises.
Hope you like the story development. See ya soon