Day 1-Sakura

What I deserve

I arrive at the Matou house shortly after school. Ordinarily I'd go directly to Senpai's home, but brother "requested" I prepare a snack for him first. Before I know it, my mind wanders. What a petulant, helpless boy. No, I mustn't think that.. Grandfather would be furious..

After I prepare food for Shinji, I find myself drawn to the basement. There are no good memories for me there, but that servant.. I can't help but be curious about her. I enter the room, trying my best to block out the all-too-familiar squelching sounds beneath me.. Before I've even spotted her, the woman speaks. "Master, what a surprise to see you here. I was expecting that spineless twerp."

I look up at the woman, her long purple-pink hair seemingly weightless, shifting around her, writhing, like snakes. Beautiful, but terrifying. She's clad in a revealing outfit of black and pink. I haven't seen her fight, but I have no doubt she fulfills the criteria of her class.

"Assassin, please, you shouldn't speak like that about brother. Grandfather would be furious." I know these aren't my true feelings, but expressing this is my duty…

She lets out a huff, and then a snide laugh. "Please, Master, I've seen your memories. You hate them more than I do. You know, if you simply refused to give up your command spells, I could have a blade driven through each of their hearts before you finished giving the order." Her words are cruel, mean, but tinged with affection. I know I have a responsibility to reprimand her, but I… I can't bring myself to do it. I have no right to let her speak this way, but she's correct…

"Assassin, please…" I can't squeeze out anymore than that… I leave that hell as quickly as I can.

As I make my way back upstairs, I hear the front door. Thankfully I beat Shinji here. As I go to sneak out the back, I hear Shinji shouting something about Mitsuzuri. She must have turned him down again. I move quicker, eager to escape.

I walk as quickly as I can, in desperate need of the relief of Senpai's home. The wave of comfort I feel as I enter washes away most of my worries, leaving behind only Assassin's words… Is she right, do I really hate brother and grandfather that much? The thought consumes me that whole evening. Even as I cook dinner with Senpai, I'm distracted…

"Sakura, are you alright? You've barely touched your meal." I look up, and the concern on Shirou's face drives a knife into my heart. I shouldn't be worrying him like this. I shouldn't be letting my problems call onto him.

"I'm fine Senpai, just a little tired. I think I'll head back early tonight." I hope this explanation will be enough for him. The look on his face seems to say it was, thankfully. I quickly gather my things, and head out as fast as I can. I'm sorry, Senpai. I don't deserve your concern.