Chapter 3

(Shinta)

As I walked through the halls I felt my heart rising into my throat. I was so afraid that he wasn't going to be the way I thought he was. He had been so kind and soft-spoken with me the first time, the only one who had ever been that way. But what if he wasn't always that way? What if he was violent?

I shuddered again, smoothing my kimono slightly and taking a deep breath as I halted before the door. 'If all else fails…' I thought forcefully. 'I will run from him. I will get out of this place, and then I will run. I have to get away.' I put a hand on my belly through my kimono. 'For my little one, I will get away from this place…'

(Sano)

I was nervous, but I didn't know why. One of the girls had run up to me as soon as I had entered, begging, pleading with me to hire the boy I had gotten nearly 3 and half months ago. He wanted to talk with me she had said. I had obliged her wishes, and she had been sent to find him.

I waited in the room I had been sent to, then there were light pattering footsteps and the door opened. The figure that entered was petite and small for a man, with beautiful red hair pinned up in the same style as all of the women. His white face was tight with tension, painted lips pursed with what looked like worry.

He knelt in front of me, touching his forehead to the floor. "Sessha thanks you," he murmured. His voice was soft and floaty, like a breeze wafting through the air.

I frowned, reaching forward and touching his shoulder. "Please…" He looked up, confused. "Don't do that." I said urgently.

He sat up slowly, though he kept his face down. "I…I wanted to speak with you about something important, sir."

"Sano." I said. "My name is Sanosuke Sagara." I tilted my head slightly. "I never caught your name beautiful."

I could see the blush though his makeup, and I grinned. "My name is Shinta." He suddenly sighed. "I was hoping you would help me with something Sanosuke-san."

I nodded. "Go ahead Shinta. I'd do anything for a beauty like you." I couldn't help myself, this little redhead was sparking something within me, and I wanted to erase the fear and sorrow etched along his thin frame and in his entrancing violet eyes.

He blushed again, his hands twisting in the pretty blue fabric of his kimono. "I want to get out Sanosuke-san. There is a man, he comes for me often. But…he beats me, and I am afraid he will kill me." Shinta suddenly fell forward onto the floor, sobs racking his thin body. "Onegai! Help me! I'm so afraid, so very afraid…"

I was shocked. "But…why me?"

"You are kind Sanosuke-san. You are gentle with me. You are my only hope, onegai!" he begged me, his fragile hands twisted in my pants, and he put his forehead to my knees. "Onegai…."

I lifted his face, gently wiping away tears. "Calm down, it's okay Shinta. I'll help you." I pulled a handkerchief from my pocket, cleaning his face of the makeup. "So beautiful…" I whispered. His eyes widened and a blush darkened his cheeks. I now saw that he had flawless pale skin, and full lips. I kissed those pink lips softly. "I will take you away my kodora, and no one will hurt you again."

His mouth opened, but no sound escaped his lips. He finally just nodded, a single tear falling down his cheek.

I wiped it away and stood, winking at him. "Now you just wait here, I'll be right back."

I strode from the room, leaving him there. I met the owner at the front. "The geisha Shinta. How much do you want for him?" I knew very well that Shinta was one of the few that were captives there, like slaves.

The man stuttered. "E-excuse me sir?"

"How much for the boy? Name your price." I growled, planting a fist on the counter.

He set his face. "He is not for sale."

"Oh yes he is. How much?" I said, getting angry now.

The man jumped as I slammed my fist on the table. He was obviously not the bravest man. "Um…"

I threw my wallet at him. "Is that sufficient?"

He looked through my wallet, and then back at my scowling face. "H-hai…"

I grinned wickedly. "Excellent. We'll be going now." With that I turned, going to where I had left Shinta.

He looked hopeful. "Sanosuke-san?"

I grinned. "You're coming with me kodora."

His face broke into a wide smile and he nodded happily. "Oh, arigatou!" He stood, and then hesitated. "Could I…Could I say goodbye to my friends?"

I nodded. "Of course."

(Shinta)

I ran to the bathhouse, where I knew the rest of the girls would be awaiting my news. "Kaoru!" I cried as I ran in. "It worked, he's going to take me with him!"

I was smothered an instant later by many yukata-clad bodies, and a collective cheer echoed. I identified Kaoru, Sakura, Kasumi, Bara, and Karei all hugging me happily.

Kaoru's voice called my attention. "Oh Shinta, I'm so happy for you! You're going to be safe!"

I saddened then. "We're leaving now Kaoru. I…I came to say goodbye everyone."

Still I found myself being hugged. "That's good Shinta." Sakura said. "Now go on, you can't leave him waiting."

I nodded, pulling away from them. "Arigatou, all of you, for being there for me. Tell the other goodbye for me." I couldn't hold in the sniffles as my emotions grew too much. "S-sayonara…"

I heard their replies as I left the room, going out to where Sanosuke waited. "I am ready."

(Sano)

I led Shinta from that awful place, watching as he looked around, eyes wide in wonder. I faintly wondered how long he had been in there, but I did not ask. "I hope you don't mind traveling with me. I was going to leave earlier, but I wanted to see you once more."

Now those wide violet eyes looked at me. "You wanted to see…me? Why?"

I grinned lopsidedly. "I just like you. I've been watching you for a while you know."

His gaze darted down. "I…had noticed."

I laughed, and then grew serious. "Don't you have any belongings Shinta?"

He shook his head. "This is all I have."

"Just a kimono eh? Well, we'll have to get you a gi and hakama then." I mused out loud.

His face grew fearful. "I'd rather not Sanosuke-san."

"Stop with the Sanosuke-san, it's just Sano. And why not? That kimono will be uncomfortable to travel in." I said good-naturedly.

He sighed. "I will explain a little later Sanos- I mean Sano. I'd just rather not."

I shrugged. "Suit yourself."

We walked for quite a while, and soon were out in the wilderness. Shinta didn't say a word, and I eventually had a thought. "Hey Shinta, how old are you?"

"Sixteen," he replied softly.

I started. "Wow. I'm almost a perfect 3 years older than you."

He looked at me sideways, curiously. "Is…that a problem Sano?"

I shook my head and grinned. "Iie. I just think it's interesting." Silence returned, and we continued to walk into the graying dusk.

Kodora : Little Tiger

Reviewer Responses:

Marlingrl - Thanks for the critism, I tried to do that at the beginning of this chapter. I'm not sure if that really helped though... This is one of those 'love at first sight' kinda things in my mind. I hope you liked this chapter too!

Lolo popoki - Nice to see you reviewing this story! I'm glad I seem to have sparked your interest, and I hope that you'll continue to read!