Finally! Chapter 5, I hope this won't be boring everyone. Thank you for reading my Fanfic. Enjoy!

Sometimes people don't wan't to hear

the truth because they don't want

their Illusions destroyed

- Friedrich Neitzsche

Chapter 5: Hidden

I felt somebody checking my temperature again. I shifted uncomfortably but the hand held me from sleeping on my side, I slowly open my eyes and recognize the person who's been taking good care of me. Strawberrie sighed deeply when she knew I'm still not it good shape, the young assistant stood up and walk out of the room with her equipment.

The peach with the mark is there with the tray of food, my body felt a bit sore and I manage to sit up carefully. The tray consists sweetened porridge, a cup of cherry tea and a sweet potato salad.

My appetite drop when the mark was visible to my view, I can't understand what she said. Satsuma warned me to leave this place and they deserve it, somehow, I feel something isn't right here.

A need more research, I coughed violently. This reminded me that I'm not in good shape to move around, my legs ache a lot like shit, I ate my breakfast silently. None of the food is delicious, it sucks to be sick like this.

" Should I eat this?" I asked myself, I took the fruit and eyed the mark. Even after three days the fruit is still fresh. She turned into a peach tree and this drop in my palms, I wonder what this taste like.

I might be poisoned, I don't like that woman in one bit. She's been giving me terrible nightmares, it makes my fever worse whenever I lack sleep. Whatever, I kind of feel hungry all of the sudden. The fruit is begging to be eaten and I imagine the ones that I ate before, I lick my lips hungrily.

I took a bite from it, I cringed at the taste. It's a bit salty than the others, I expected that it would be tangy or sweet, by far this is the worse fruit that I've ever eaten! My eyes widened in fear to see blood dripping from the fruit.

" What the fuck?!" I dropped it on the ground, the blood slowly seeps from the peach. But that's not the best part, it suddenly arranged into words. This is not something you could see every day, the sight of it makes me want to gag a bit.

' Go Home...' A foul odor of blood and rotten flesh seeps out of the room, I started to cover my nose and coughed violently from the unpleasant smell. I bent over to the side, gagging heavily. I felt the food I ate slowly rising from my stomach, I held it in, not wanting to create a disgusting mess.

" Suika! What's wrong?!" Strawberrie burst into the room with a worried expression, I pointed to where the peach was. I forced my food and vomit down my throat, balls of tears slowly formed in my eyes.

She glances at me like I'm some kind of lunatic and folded her arms around her chest.

" I don't see anything! And finish your breakfast Suika. You need to eat your fill." she said as she pointed at the peach in my hands. I glance at my hands to see that creepy peach in my palm, I couldn't believe my eyes. It just magically appeared! What the hell...For a second that peach was there with all of the blood-

The peach and the blood were gone, what's happening to me? I'm really going crazy right here, this is just an illusion...Just an illusion...A fucking illusion...

I'm becoming insane...Holy shit...

" A-Are you alright Suika?" I don't feel so good, I still remember those bloody words. How come it's gone? Seriously! This is not normal anymore, everything is becoming serious!

She kneeled in front of me as she grasps my shoulder, I eyed the peach then glanced at her. I can't tell her what happened, she might assume that I'm a crazy woman and might throw me to a nut house. I shivered at my thoughts and forced a fake smile to my lips.

" I-I'm alright...I...I just saw a rat..." She made a puzzled look at me then walked over to my writing desk, to my closet and under my bed. She eyed me suspiciously and giggled after that.

" There's no rat around here...And I'm surprised that you're scared to rats. I thought the Red-eyed demon isn't afraid of anything!" I gasped at her words, I sucked in a lot of breath and made a death glare. It may just be a joke but no one makes fun of me!

" Hey! Anyone has to be scared something! Even the small ones or those creepy crawlies!" My dear assistant burst out laughing again, I rolled my eyes and cross my arms around my chest. I can't believe the end result would be so infuriating, I should let her have her fun.

" You have a point Suika, but it's just a tiny rodent! You can't be serious!" the two of us argued about my fake fear to change the subject. In the end I surrendered and lay down my bed, the argument made me flustered.

I blushed in embarrassment, knowing I won't be able to escape this, I let her make fun of me until she ran out of left the room to give me some more peach and quiet.

This peach really scared me, it's still snowing outside. Good thing I left the window open to keep me entertained, every day I would watch the snowflakes fall from the clouds. It's beautiful thing to watch even if it's only once a year.

The peach is still on my hand, I eyed the fruit in wonder. To my surprise the words changed and it said:

" Stay away from this Village and leave." To my dismay I got pissed and threw it out of the window, I grinned ear to ear when it was gone from my sight forever, this might piss Satsuma but who cares about her? She's the one who dared to piss me off.

You did it Suika!

Satsuma-2 Suika-1

I made some plans about defeating her if ever she appears again, using my Lion strike won't be that bad. Crescent strike sounds kind of nice, imagine the defeat on her face when I-

" OWWWW!" I heard someone yell in pain, I ran over to the window and gasped to see one of the guards on the ground holding their head in pain. That's when I realize that it was my fault, he got hurt because of me.

" Oh my Kami! I-I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you!" I shouted at him, he cried on his hands and knees like a child would and complained why I would do such a thing.

" WHY ME?! OH HUMANITY!" the poor guard had a huge bump on his forehead, he screamed on the top of his lungs and I sent him a thousand of apologies until his comrades carried him away from my sight, I scratch my head nervously. I didn't mean to hurt him! he shouldn't have been there in the first place!

I sat on my futon and tried to meditate this time, I closed my eyes and focused on thinking about the peaceful nature. I sucked in some breath and exhaled deeply, this time I fell my Ki slowly rise in fall as I breathe in and out.

' Please, if there is way...Please help me...'

My energy coarse through my body like lightning, I felt a little drowsy minute after meditating. The wind in the room got really colder the usual, I suddenly heard creaking sounds just above me and memories of my nightmares rush through my head.

I shifted uncomfortably when I started hearing voices in my ears, I shook them away but it kept coming back.

Get out

Get out of here!

Leave this place at place!

Get out! Please!

Go away!

They don't need your pity!

The voice interrupted my peace once more, sweat formed in my nape as the words kept on ringing in my ears. I scrunched my eyes shut as it got louder than ever like somebody is actually screaming on my face, I couldn't handle this anymore. My shoulders shake in fury, Satsuma is starting to disturb my silence. If she wants to play then I'll won't hesitate to bring her down.

LEAVE!

" Shut the fuck- Up..." This is the part where hell breaks loose, I'm no longer in my room. The place looks like a small cupboard, there were cob webs all over the place, I sneezed loudly when dust surrounded me. I wipe the snot off my nose and ty to figure out what caused this.

I was just meditating, asking for help from Kami and magically I end up in this little room, I feel claustrophobic. The space of the room just makes me feel like they're going to squeeze me, my mindset right now is to get out of this damn room.

Little bugs skittered around the floor, I ignored the crawling sensation on my feet and opened the slightly jarred door. I push with all of my strength and stumbled when it finally busted open, a lot of dust ran through my nose which caused me to sneeze louder, it echoed through the place and to my surprise I'm in a hallway.

" Where the hell am I?" This place doesn't seem familiar, this place gives me the creeps though. At my peripheral vision I saw a woman. A very familiar woman, it wasn't Satsuma to my relief, as I got a bit closer tears were slowly running from my eyes.

It's been 17 years since I've last saw her, her beautiful angelic face haunts my very core. Her small lips curled into a smile, this felt like a dream but I don't want to wake up just yet. I reached out my hand when she slowly backs away. More tears poured out when I realize I almost forgot how she looked, I never had pictures of her. She only clung to my memory and it faded through the years. But now the pieces are slowly coming back to me.

I longed to see her..

The person is my mother, she stood with a grim smile. I gasp when she turns and walk away to the opposite direction.

" Mother wait!" I called out to halt her, my body felt a bit sore due to my sickness. I followed to where run off. As I got farther, the hallway slowly shifted into something else, this is when I realized that we're in my home...My old home...

The home form my childhood, I almost forgot how it looks like. The place looks horrible, some of the foundation collapsed and there was dust all over the place, it looks a bit eerie and haunted. The homely aura is already gone, it's been so many years now. Ivy sprouted everywhere, tangled on the pillar, beams and walls.

My Mother smiled at me then walk up in the stairs, I slowly limp at the pain. I felt very cold all of the sudden, I clutched my kimono jacket tightly and followed behind her.

" Mother, don't go too fast! Wait for me!"

In a blink the two of us are inside my former bed room, she stood at the center with a hollow look. Mother began to knelt down on the ground and rip a piece of wood from the floor, I gasped as she pointed at it.

" W-What is that?" I asked her, she ignore my question and encourage me to take a peek at the small hole in the floor. I inched closer to see a mass thick blankets inside, I slowly knelt beside her and set all the cloths aside and it revealed an old faded purple notebook.

There was no title or a name, this made me wonder why my mother guided me here.I opened it to see faded letters, I traced my fingers through the words until one caught my interest.

Dear Diary,

There is another way to save my sister, it's a bit impossible but I believe it's the only way to do...

Last night I went to the Yakushi Nyorai's Shrine to pray for my sister's health, I begged him to save her. After countless hours of praying a miracle happened, a mysterious man arrived. At first, I got scared of his appearance, he doesn't look human to me. He had green skins, purple clothing and most of all had two antennas.

He said that I should be glad to see him in person, he told me that he heard my prayers and wants to make a deal with me. I'm willing to cope with anything, he promised that I'd see him here once a week to train with him.

I remember what he told me

" I have potential..."

I kept this as a secret, no one should know what my encounter was. If this is the only way then I have no choice but to comply with him. This made me realize that he's willing to help me save Momo-

I turned to the other page but unfortunately everything is completely faded, I couldn't make out the words. I slowly glance to where my mother was but to my disappointment, she was already gone. My heart quench with sadness knowing I didn't have a chance to talk to her or even ask forgiveness.

Will she ever come back? My attention went back to the diary, this was Satsuma's alright but that man...

" That green-skinned man...Could he be...The god-like figure in the legends?" I asked myself in curiosity, this made me wonder why this diary is hidden under my room. If only the pages where there I could have learn more about that man...

I slowly closed my eyes then sighed deeply, what should I do? Should I really leave this village for good or should I find another way to help them? Those kids don't deserve to suffer like this but Satsuma kept on telling me that they need to be punished.

Punished for what? I don't get it, is there something I need to know? What made Satsuma hate them all so much? What did they do?

A lot of questions were on my mind now, they must've done something to anger her. The place became very cold, I shivered violently and ached for a cup of tea.

I slowly opened my eyes, to my surprise I'm already back in the manor, I stood outside the garden beside the huge peach tree.

Why do I always end up being here? My sore legs made me cringe, I heard footsteps going this way and gasped in surprise to see the village elder. He doesn't look amused with my presence, he ran towards me and grasp my shoulders with worry in his eyes.

I hid the old diary behind me and nervously laughed at him.

" Suika, what are you doing out of you room?! You're supposed to be resting! For heaven's it's cold out here!" He summoned one of the maids, they scurried towards us with curious glances.

He took off his kimono jacket and place it gently on my shoulders, I sneezed out loudly. He slowly led me inside the manor and guided me back to my room, he left as the handmaidens help me undress, they made me wear layers of sleeping kimonos and help me lay down on my bed.

I feel weaker every time I get close to that stupid tree; those illusions are starting to get on my nerves. I wonder why whenever I ask for help something just pops out of nowhere and give me clues, Kami might be generous enough to give me hints about Satsuma.

The handmaidens ushered out of the room, the lights got a bit dimmer and tried to get everything off my chest. I feel afraid, nightmares will plague my mind once I sleep again but to my disappointment I feel very tried and gave in to sleep.

~ Goku's P.O.V. ~

I couldn't believe my eyes, Bulma made a magic trick but told me that it's just a normal capsule house. The two of us went inside, it was a bit dark but in a second she managed to make everything bright. This made me think that this girl is witch!

" Wow Bulma! You made it light but it's still dark outside!" I scanned my eyes all over the place, the room is very different from my Mommy. It's amazing, I never knew that I'd see anything such as this, I'm excited to tell this to my mommy when she gets back!

" Just relax, this is called electricity. Jeez! Did you come from the stone age or what?" I didn't understand what she just said, but all I know is that this room seems amazing. I lower my guard, there are no bad monster around here, I really need to trust Bulma a bit more from now on!

Imagine the stories I'm going to tell her, Bulma told me that Grandpa is actually a Dragon ball and if you collect all seven you will be able to summon a dragon and make a wish. The thought of it excites me, Bulma invited me to travel with her.

At first I made second thoughts about leaving, what if Mommy comes home and I'm not there? She promised that this will be quick and easy, she even told me that my mommy will be proud of my adventures too!

If it makes my Mommy happy, then I'll do this and help Bulma collect the Dragon balls with her.

" Bulma, this place is amazing!" I looked around at the corner of the room, I heard her giggle when suddenly a man appeared on a strange box with ear piercing music.

" Oh no Bulma! The man is trapped inside, he's trying to break the glass by playing horrible music!" My friend only laughed at me, the Box changed a scene wherein there were two people trapped inside. I watch as their faces slowly move closer, I look at Bulma with curiosuity.

She was drooling, maybe she's hungry. I eyed her hand and curiously took the strange little rectangular box from her hands, it had buttons all over it.

" One kiss...Just one little kiss! Yes...Almost there!" I pushed the button as a huge monster appeared on the box scaring Bulma. She fell on her butt with a fearful glint in her blue eyes. I laughed so hard for her reaction and pointed at her.

I hadn't had this fun in months now, the last time I laughed hard like this when Mommy and Grandpa got knocked out during training, Bulma scowled at me angrily. I stopped laughing and pointed at her face with worry.

" Uh Bulma? Are you hungry? You're drooling." I said as she wipes her mouth while blushing, she slowly stood up from the ground and sniffed at me.

" H-Hey, what's that horrible smell? UGH! Goku, you need a bath, seriously!" She pinched her nose, I don't smell anything. She might have a sensitive nose like a dog, speaking of which...What's a bath?

" Ummm...What's a bath?" Her face grew paler than usual, my friend glared at me for a long time and scoffed in annoyance.

~ Bulma's P.O.V.~

I can't believe Goku asked me what a bath is, didn't his Mother ever give him one? It is confirmed, she never cared for him judging by his smell. I felt sorry for him and thought about his future after collecting the dragon balls, maybe I can convince him to stay with me. I don't even trust him for telling me that his mom might come home anytime soon...

I bet she's in the somewhere out there feeling relieved about leaving him alone, I can imagine her enjoying her life far away from her son. How disgusting, A parent irresponsible as her doesn't deserve a child like him.

I've got friends who experienced the same thing, all of them hope for him/her that they'll come back for them.

" Gee Kid! Does your mother even take you a bath or something?!" I asked him while covering my nose from his ungodly odor.

" I don't know what that is!"

" Well...I have no choice, I guess that I have to show you..." I grab his hand then guided him to the bathroom, the poor little boy had no idea. I ordered him to strip all of his clothes, he push all of his things aside then held out the piece of towel in curiosity.

I blushed when I saw his pride and glory, anyways I pushed him down on the tub and running my fingers through his thick hair as I poured water. Gosh, it's too spiky that it gave my poor precious hand some little cuts.

" So bath is actually swimming?! Mommy and I always take a bath by the river!" He said with a big smile, I suddenly sweat drop. So his Mother actually gives him a bath huh? My bad...Maybe his mother isn't that bad after all. Wait-

He skinny dips with his mother? Isn't he a pre-teen?! Wow a natural born Momma's boy

" No, swimming and taking a bath is different Goku." I applied shampoo, he watches in curiosity when bubbles started to form. He started touching the bubbles and gasp in surprise whenever it pops, I giggle in amusement as the little boy began playing with it like a baby.

He may be annoying but he doesn't seem bad after all, he's damn adorable. I wonder what his mother is doing, why did she need to help people anyways? Maybe my assumptions are correct, an irresponsible parent. I bet she doesn't even write a letter or even use a phone- Wait, I bet he doesn't know what a phone is. Never mind Bulma!

Just focus on cleaning his hair, scrub his back and it's my turn.

" Why are you putting this fun fluffy stuff on my hair?" He asked with a smile.

" It's called shampoo, stop moving too much! I'm doing this so I can clean your hair! I don't do this very often, you should consider yourself lucky, no wonder your hair stands up, It's never been washed. Does your mother even brush your hair Goku?" I asked him as I poured water to rinse all off the shampoo, he wipes his face with his hands then pouted when it's all gone.

" Well, my mommy tries to fix my hair but it just keeps standing up like that. She said I was naturally born with it." I listened to him, his hair won't be falling on his cheeks anytime soon. I took my body scrub then look over his little back.

I need to take off this tail, I pulled it hard and this caused him to shriek loud like a wounded puppy.

" H-Hey what are you doing! Let go off my tail Bulma, it hurts!" Goku turns to me with a painful look, I still kept on pulling it. He must have put some super glue with it, what's the big deal anyways?

" I'm trying to take off this tail so I can scrub your back better Goku!" I complained to the little boy, he gritted his teeth as I squished harder.

No matter how hard I pull, It's stuck on his butt, he pulls away from me with full force. I feel highly curious about him, is he trying to pretend to be an animal or something? Why does he need a tail? Maybe he uses it as a disguise for hunting wild beast.

" It's okay, I can do it. Watch!" My eyes widened in pure shock and fear as the tail moved on its own. It took the scrub away from my hand and scrub his back up and down with a smile. My lips twitched I couldn't even say a word, I feel astonished and afraid of him. M-Maybe he's a monster or moreover a shapeshifter-werewolf!

With that I screamed as loud like a banshee, for the first time in history there's a human that has a tail... A tail damn it! A tail! No one is going to hear me, I'm in the middle of nowhere trying to find the dragon balls!

" So your tail is actually real?! Goku? Why do you have a tail growing?!" The two of us were in the bedroom, I really couldn't believe my eyes! Maybe Goku's a mutant, does it mean his mother has one too or his Grandpa? So far, he doesn't seem bothered as I stare at his stark-naked body.

He kept on drying his hair with the towel I've provided for him, he doesn't know what modesty is, huh? I bet his mother walks around the house completely naked.

" I don't know but Mommy told me all boys have them, it's just the way we are!" He said with a smile as I gawk at him, a big question mark appeared on my mind and imagined all of the men having tails like him. I leaned back and sighed deeply, I'm still very shock that I couldn't get this all off my head.

" I can't believe I'm a teenager and I just now finding out?!"

" I can't say just all boys because my Grandpa doesn't have a tail!" I felt the hope rise in my chest, maybe all of the boys don't really have them. It will be really scary if my future boyfriend had one!

" Normal boys wouldn't have tails because your Grandpa didn't have one!" I beamed at him, Goku suddenly flashed a smile. His eyes twinkling like stars and pointed his finger in the air.

" Well, my Grandpa said is an odd fellow!" He said as a tick mark appeared on my head, Man, if anyone is weird then it's only him!

I felt really annoyed about this kid. This boy is no ordinary kid with his tail, strength and speed! Something is off about him like he's not completely human! He took his clothes and started dressing in his smelly clothes.

" You're the weird oddball!" I screamed at him angrily, he shook his head and smiled.

" Well, my mommy that I was born special and she said no matter how different I look, I'm still a gift from Kami." My face softened, how touching. His mother really cares about him but why leave this innocent boy in the wilderness?

Speaking of which, does she even know that her father is already dead? If she didn't, that would-be heart breaking when she finds out. The poor boy, he had to go through a lot in such a young age. It surprises me that he stills smiles and laughs, my gosh this kid is so adorable!

" Say Goku, why did your Mother left you anyways? You told me that she left to help people, right?" I asked Goku

He's already completely dressed in his clothes, the boy's face turned sad and silence spread across the room, it's already deafening my ears. Maybe I shouldn't have asked him, I made a wrong move tonight. Stupid me, upsetting a kid like that.

" Well, there were people who arrived at our house that day. They told her that they need her help, the next day she left with them. She even gave me a piece of her hair for good luck. Look at this!" He showed me a dark bracelet, he places it on my hands and I eyed the hair. It's so shiny, it doesn't look like hair if you ask me.

" And then she promised me and Grandpa that she'll come back for us. I wonder when is that?" He's shoulder slump sadly, I felt pity for the poor boy. He really loves his mother, a group of people taking her away means trouble. Somehow I don't trust this woman, It's been a year and a half with no messages...

He went over to his back and grab something, I tilted my head to the side. He brought out a picture and showed it to me. Wow, I thought that she'd look like an old hag but I have to say. His mother looks attractive, but no one can beat my looks! She looks nothing like Goku.

" Wow Goku, your mommy's really beautiful. Are those...RED EYES?!" I gaze on the picture in horror, he grinned ear to ear. His tail slowly sway side to side like a cat when I complemented his Mother, her eyes makes me feel intimidated. Wait a minute...She has red eyes and he has a tail...

" That my mommy! She's the most beautiful girl that I've ever seen!" I pretended I listened to him, I'm in danger right now. This explains why the kid has inhumane strength and speed...

Does it mean that she's a vampire and he's a werewolf?!

She sat on a chair smiling, Goku had a surprise look and behind them must be his Grandpa. The woman has pale skin, Oval face, almond eyes and pink lips. An oriental beauty if you ask me, though her red eyes are so scary.

" Yeah...Abou that...H-her eyes Goku...Her eyes! I-is she a monster-"

" My mommy's not a monster! Don't call her that! She hates it when you call her a monster!" He half shouted, my panic stopped and I suddenly calmed down. Oopsie, wrong move again!

The boy's face grew sadder as he stared at the portrait, I made another wrong move. I gave the picture back to him, he snatched it from my hands then returned it to his bag.

" I-I'm just going to take a bath Goku." I excused myself from him, he stopped pouted and nodded at me. Should I really let him stay with me? Goku doesn't seem that bad at all, his mother just gives me the chills but she really is indeed beautiful.

Any man would be lucky to have a beauty like her, I hope I'll find the dragon ball so I can wish for my true love! I drooled about his perfect features from head to toe, oh how I'd be perfect against his arms and his eyes slowly piercing mine! His luscious lips pressing against me and those manly muscles hungered to be touched by my hands!

Goku starred at me like I came from the nut house, I feel like dancing across the room. Any one will be so jealous of me for having the perfect boyfriend! I'm excited to learn his perfect beautiful name, he won't be able to resist me!

" Ugh...Bulma why are you dancing? I thought that you're going to take a bath!" Goku asked me, if I had the ability to fly I would have done it now. I swayed towards the bath, I gathered all of my beauty essentials and bath salts.

" A bath sounds wonderful..."

~ Suika's P.O.V.~

The remaining day was not so pleasant, my fever just got worse because of my stupidity. The Village elder took care of me and assumed that my body isn't accustomed to the cold weather since I've been gone for sixteen years.

It may be possible yet I highly doubt that, I'm not doing well since the day Satsuma showed me a piece of her memory. The nightmares couldn't make me sleep, the stress is getting through my brain. All of it affected my health, staying here is not healthy anymore.

I sighed deeply when he made me drink one of his ancient medicines, I gulp all of it down my throat and cringed from the bitter taste. He smiled at me, highly amused with the expression I made. He slowly sets my head down the pillow gently, the two of us watched the fire crackling in my fireplace.

" Vllage Elder, I really need to get better. The children needsme." I said to him while watching the fire with tears in my eyes, I can't slack off with my work. There are no guarantees that they'll live longer, I should really hurry and find another way.

" Suika, it's best if you take a rest. Let Strawberrie and the others handle the children." The village elder was about to leave but I took the helm of his kimono and smiled weakly. Satsuma ran through my head, I couldn't stop thinking about her after reading the faded diary, this might be my chance to know her better.

I listened to my grandfather's stories about her, he didn't tell me about her full story. He ends up telling me her healing powers, I know that the Village elder might have knowledge about Satsuma's full story or learn something.

" What is it child?" He asked me with soft eyes, he sat down at the edge of my futon.

" I know that you're busy but...Can you please tell me a story? I know that it sounds childish...I just can't sleep." I lied to him, he raised his eyes brows in question. He felt surprised that a grown woman like me likes to listen to bed time stores.

Speaking of bed time stories, I thought about my son for a moment. He likes listening to me and father's legends and fairy tales. I told him all of the stories that my grandfather used to tell me as a child, The legend of Kappa,

I hope he's doing okay without me, I wonder how long I have to stay here.

" A-Alright...W-what story should I tell you?" He asked me, I beam up a smile that only a mother could love and shifted my body for a comfortable position.

" About Satsuma Of course! I mean, about her life story...Remember what you would teach me while tea time? The usual story!" I said to the elder happily, he starred at me with a hint of confusion. After a minute of two, leaned back and smiled like a father would. The village elder then closed his eyes like he's trying to remember something.

" Are you sure? You know there are a lot of stories or legends that I could tell you" He asked me with a glint of amusement, I just look away from him and tried to reason with the old man.

" Nothing, I'm just wondering...My grandfather used to tell me stories about her before I go to sleep, I really enjoy how I would bond with him but now he's gone. I just missed that feeling...I miss my grandfather." I told half the truth to him, his eyes were shrouded with pity. Finally, he made a comfortable position and fixed my blankets.

Long ago there was once a newlywed couple looking for a perfect place to live, the husband is a samurai and the wife is a spear-woman? They found a village just behind the high mountains, the people were hospitable and kind. They welcomed the two with smiles and greetings.

The village elder gave them a new home near the forest, the two settled in with happiness beaming in their hearts. Everything was perfect, the years of marriage was fruitful and filled with joy. They don't know what they could wish for, until one day...

" My poor baby!" The wife cried in her husband's arms, their first child died during the birth. The couple were heart broken, they didn't know how to mend the pain. Losing someone is not easy, it takes years to be accustomed to it.

" It's my fault! I'm sorry!" The wide clutched the small box on her lap, her husband caressed her head to comfort, nothing could hush her cries. He gritted his teeth in both sadness and anger, he couldn't do anything but watch his wife suffer.

" It's not your fault...Please, don't cry..." The husband embraced her tight, the world around them crumbled. Their first child will never live to see the light of day or even grow old with them, a terrible fate for the couple. It felt like their luck had ran out.

For days and weeks they tried to endure it, only to have nightmares and illusions about their first born. The wife refused to get over it, she would cry night and day, her husband just stared with sadness in his eyes and vowed that he will make her happy again.

He showered her with his love, she slowly healed little by little. The scars will forever haunt her but she knew that her husband is here to support her. Her lifeless eyes bloomed with color, her pains turned into pleasures.

" I will always love you...I will make you happy..." He would whisper to her every night, she kissed his cheek. She knows what he said is true, he will do anything for her.

The years gone by, the two felt that their marriage was cursed. Not wanting to deal with the missing piece, they prayed to the gods for a healthy child, it was answered. The two of them were ecstatic, they have a beautiful girl who was born during spring.

" She's perfect my husband! A beautiful healthy girl!" The wife beamed with joy, the baby giggled at her parents. She felt all the happiness surround her, the gift they have waited is finally here and they couldn't ask for more.

The couple felt the girl is filled with good luck, after her birth the orange tree on their porch grew instantly with fresh oranges...

Thus, she is named Satsuma...

" Our daughter will be named Satsuma...You gave us joy and hope..." The couple watched as she slept peacefully, they imagined what she would grow into.

Everyone praised the couple for having a healthy child, the little girl had beautiful long hair, pale skin and brown eyes. The village elder gave the family his blessing, the child indeed is filled with luck. All of the crops grew instantly throughout the village.

The years went by, the couple is blessed with another child. The boy's name is Ringo, Satsuma loved her little brother and took care of him when their parents were busy. Life is perfect for the growing family, the young girl is graceful like the wind, beautiful like a goddess and gifted with so many talents.

She can play the Shamisen and Koto, draws perfect traditional Sakura patterns and cooks' bountiful meals. The parents were surprised and proud with their daughter, she truly is a gift from the heavens. People admired the child so much that they showered her with presents, flowers and crops.

After three years the couple gave birth to a baby girl named Momo, unfortunately the wife died. The father couldn't handle the pain but he did his very best to be a better father for the children. Satsuma had to mature in a young age to become a mother figure for her little sister.

The years weren't good to the family, war started in the south. The father volunteered to help fend off the enemies, he died as a hero and brought honor to their family. The three children were left to fend off for themselves and had to go through the lost of their beloved father. Satsuma did her very best for her siblings, she had to play the role as the mother, things were rough from that moment on.

The next thing they knew a disease arrived in the village, killing innocent children and finally Ringo got infected. Satsuma begged for the Village elder to tend him but to her dismay he couldn't do anything, the young girl was forced to go to Yakushi Nyorai's shrine to pray every day for her brother's health.

" Please...If you can hear me...Please heal my brother! I beg of you! Please!" She went down to her knees and pleaded, there were no answers. Her tears were spilled onto the floor, no one can help the poor children.

The weeks went by and no one bothered to help them, Ringo is slowly dying. Satsuma tried everything but nothing can help him, she couldn't do anything but watch him couch violently.

The poor girl grieved for him, Momo had to witness everything in such a young age. The woman became more determined than ever, she offered gifts in the shrine and would pray every morning, everything she can to help her brother.

A godlike figure went down the heavens, he looks at her with pity in his eyes and said...

" What is it you wish child?" The young woman went down on her knees with tears slowly dripping down her face.

" Please Milord...Please heal my brother...I'll do anything for you!" She humbly said to him, he stared at her for a long time. He closed his eyes and smiled to the beautiful woman who is still on her knees.

" What will I get in return?"

" Anything...My life, my soul! Anything, just to make my brother and the other children of this village better!" He nodded to the woman, he disappeared into thin air and suddenly the young woman felt a rush of power through her body.

She couldn't believe what she was feeling, she immediately returned home to her brother and used the power that was given by the deity. He felt better afterwards, Satsuma cried on her brother's shoulder and thanked the heavens for his good health.

The word is spread throughout the place, every child who had the disease was brought to Satsuma's house. She healed all of them one by one, the people praised for her power. The village elder asked forgiveness for his selfishness, the dear Satsuma forgave him and as a reward he gifted her with wealth.

She used it wisely and decided to build a school about medicine, everyone was eager to learn about her abilities and the rumors of the power spreads like fire across the land. People visited Furutsusarada for her astonishing ability, they paid her with money.

Unfortunately, the young woman died at the age of 20, though her knowledge and abilities lived on. Her successors grieved for her death but knew that she wanted to become happy. Weeks passed by and a beautiful peach tree stood near her grave, the fruits had power in them and whoever has a pure heart shall be gifted with Satsuma's healing powers.

The legacy lives on...

" Now that is the story of Satsuma..." He said with a wide smile, he felt like a proud man after telling the story. I gave him a fake smile in return and watched as he puts more wood on my fireplace, the fire cackled loudly in the room as he poked them with the iron stick.

I felt a bit skeptical, after experiencing the memory and the faded Diary, there were many holes in the story. It's either he misinterpret or he made it up. There is a reason why Satsuma's angry with the people in the village, I need to see through this fabricated story.

I held the diary under the covers, there are a lot of things I wish to learn about her. She may be the key in helping those poor children, she may try to disturb me by giving me nightmares but I will not stop until I find the answers to my questions.

The village elder finished poking the fire, he bids me goodnight and left me here in peace. My weak body slowly sat up and stretched my back to soothe the sore muscles. I took out the notebook and turn back to where I read about the god-like figure.

He had green skin, purple clothing and most of all had two antennas.

He must be a Kappa or a Gaki, she didn't mention any fish scales or rotten skin. In the false story the Village elder mentioned that he looks inhuman. Green skin and two antennas, there can be one answer to that. A demon?

No, demons have red skin and has two horns. I can't figure what this deity-man is...

He asked her to go to the shrine once a week, what do they do there? Satsuma said she's willing to do everything to make Momo better again, I imagined the possible things that they could do.

I coughed violently, my body is getting weaker again. I covered my hand to my mouth as another series of violent coughs ran through my throat. I reach for the cup of water and gulped it down, I panted heavily but sadly it came back.

My tears were seeping out tears, I couldn't stop it. My body grew goose bumps once again and clutch the covers tighter around my body, I felt a bit dizzy but shook that away. I need to learn about Satsuma and crack the code that I need.

" Damn it..." I muttered under my breath, I couldn't feel my throat and my voice became raspy after that. I wiped the saliva from the corners of my mouth then drank the remnants from the cup, all I could do is rest until I feel better.

No, I can't even rest. The nightmares will just haunt me again, she will make me drive myself insane until I leave this village for good.

You can go home; your son is waiting for you...

Stop putting your life on the line for others, how about Goku?

He's all alone...Without you...

An irresponsible mother...

You don't deserve him...

" Shut the fuck up..." I cursed the voice in my head, I don't know if it's her, messing with me or I'm starting to become insane. Why can't she tell me herself?! She can just tell me what's her problem with the village.

Maybe I can try figure this out and find more clues about that wretched woman, I might be able to learn about what happened to Momo, I don't have any more time to waste. The children are slowly dying, I have to make solutions for this or die trying. I'm so sorry Goku, you have to wait a bit longer...I've got to save them...

I turn the pages to find any more clues, all I could see were faded unreadable words. I'm starting to get more agitated with solving this little case, I push aside my sickness and determined myself about finding the things I need to know.

Faded words

Faded words

Faded words, more faded words.

Something caught my eye...

At the end of the notebook I saw a folded paper, I carefully took it and unfold the old paper very slowly. To my surprise the handwriting wasn't faded like the diary, I set down the notebook and limped closer to the fireplace so I could read it properly. My aching muscles made me cringe in every step I take.

I knelt down and read the words inscribe in the note, it said:

Momoko,

I know you won't forgive me but please read this letter. I made a grave mistake and I won't be able to atone for what I have done. But for now I want you to hide this diary, make sure no one finds this or else you will be in danger like I am.

Something happened when I ate the fruit, I saw things that I couldn't imagine and told me to leave. I became very more curious about it and delve even further, I found this notebook while arranging the books in the library. I found a hidden room beneath that place. This is not the only one Momoko, there are many others diaries, so far this is the most important one! It answers why that wretched army wants us, they don't even know half the truth.

It's okay if you don't read the diary, I understand that you're scared to know everything. I can't bring myself to put this back, they're planning on disposing everything but I know someday that someone will have to stand up and tell the truth.

I don't want you to get involved but please, hide this diary and never let anyone have it! You'll be in grave danger like I am right now. She's angry at us, all of us! I feel guilty but I couldn't understand why they had to do it to her.

Momoko, please be safe. You won't be able to see me anymore, I have to leave this place for good. I'm starting to become weaker, I'm sorry. Know that I will always love you no matter what. I'm also sorry that I won't be able to be there for my godchild's birth, I'm excited to see him/her born but I won't be by your side.

I will always love you...

Whatever you do, don't get involved.

Love, Budou

After reading the note my heart started palpitating fast, I'm not the only one. He also felt what I felt, everything that happened is actually real. I'm not crazy, that poor man. I accidentally dropped the note and gasp as the fire devoured the paper.

Why would he leave this Diary to my mother in the first place? If he didn't want her in danger he should have returned it where it came from or rather burn it. Everything happens for a reason, I think this man witnessed a lot of things more than I did.

Someone threatened to kill him, who was it? I highly doubt it's the village elder, one of the council men or the handmaidens.

I walk over to my closet carefully, I cringe in pain whenever my knees were aching. I slid the door open then knelt down on the ground. I need to hide this thing, I might be threatened as well if anyone found out I have this in my possession.

I forced one of the flat boards to be peeled off the ground, I smiled knowing there's a perfect hiding place for this diary.

That night I couldn't sleep, I kept on thinking about that man who left the village, he must have work here as a guard on assistant before he left Furutsusarada.

" Budou? How come that name sounds familiar?" I asked myself in wonder, There are things that should be left unattended, but this man may be my key.

There are things I really need to know, I don't get care if I get in trouble, the village needs me and they have to cope up with everything that I'm going to do. I hope that they won't hate me for it, after all I'm doing this for them.

What are you hiding Satsuma? What did you show to Budou?

I'm going to figure this out soon enough...

Satsuma- Mandarin Orange

Kappa- River imp

Gaki- Hungry ghosts

Budou- Grapes

Yakushi Nyorai- Japanese god of medicine/healing