Chapter 6

I hadn't really had a chance to look at the city after arriving since it was dark and I was running away from crazed men, but now in the sunlight there was cheerfulness in the air along with a slight hint of fear. Looking around I saw no real reason for the fear to be present, but through experience I discovered peasants always feared something. Some of the young women were whispering to each other as we passed them. I heard one of them ask the other who the new young man was. I could only assume she was referring to me. It seemed only educated people could see through my appearance at a glance.

"I'm surprised you haven't taken off yet," Okita said without looking back at me. I hid my blush the best I could and scolded myself. It hadn't even crossed my mind to leave and for this I was ashamed. It was best not to get attached to one place. Staying still made it easy for those chasing me.

"I have business here," I replied flatly, but I was just making excuses for myself. Okita chuckled and continued walking. I had to ask myself; why was I staying? I was not particularly fond of any of the men or Chizuru. I didn't like staying in one place for too long. But one look at Okita, even if it was from the back, gave me a warm feeling. I didn't understand what it meant or even what this feeling was.

In my thoughts I didn't see the man grab my arm. I glared at the man at first, but upon seeing his face, my body became cold. He was bald and his cold black stare pierced my body to its core. He had two katanas on his left hip and his grip was firm, almost painful. My father was a tall man, much taller than I.

"Did you think you could run from me?" he asked in a low growl. Before I could force them back, memories flooded back. All the times my skin tasted his katana. All the times I was knocked unconscious and waking up with new cuts and bruises. All the times he shoved my face into the ground after he was finished eating and I wasn't. All the various medicines he placed in my food so I would build up immunity. All the beatings he gave me if I didn't wake up at the proper time.

My attempt to pull away was weak at best. His grip zapped all of my strength and made my body shake. I fell to my knees and lost the little breakfast I ate on the side of the road. My father merely laughed. I looked up at him and my expression must have been pathetic. I felt like a child again as the scars that littered my body began to ache as if they were fresh wounds. Even now I could not draw my katana or fight against him. I thought I heard the clash of steel, but I was far too lost in the past to hear anything clearly. Anything; but his voice.

"We're going home and this time you're staying there," he growled. He didn't wait for any confirmation. He began walking, dragging me in the dirt. I could feel small rocks slashing my skin, but I was shaking too hard to even attempt to stand. When we stopped I looked up again. My father was looking angrily ahead and I followed his gaze. Saito, Okita, and Sano were standing in front of him, katanas drawn. "You would threaten me?"

"You attacked one of our men," Saito replied plainly. My father's expression changed from confused to a smirk before looking down at me.

"You managed to fool even these men? I'm so proud of you Akita," he said grinning at me. I made a much undignified sound, much like a whimper. To show this much weakness in front of others was unforgivable, but I could not stop it. Whenever Father told me he was proud of me, he would become harsher and the training more severe. He looked back at the three warriors, his face annoyed again. "I cannot take all three of you on and hold on to this at the same time, so I suppose you win this time. But I will get her back."

"Not likely," Okita sneered. My father gave one more good tug on my arm resulting in a loud popping sound. I cried out and he dropped my wrist. He knelt down next to me.

"Thank you for making it easy to find you," he whispered before shoving my face into the dirt violently. Pain exploded and I dare not lift my head again. I heard him leave and three katanas being sheathed. I felt a gentle hand examine my shoulder before forcing it back into place. I fought back the scream this time and looked up. Okita was looking at me with concern. He took my good hand and helped me to my feet, but my legs would not support my weight. He caught me before I fell and lifted me into his arms.

"She looks like she's not all there," Sano commented, but his voice sounded so far away.

"She's in shock. You two continue the patrol, I'll take her back," Okita replied. My father taught me to be void of all weakness, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't stop the shaking. Okita seemed to walk quickly and we were inside his room before I knew it. I tensed as he put me on the bed, laying me across it. He was about to remove my top, starting at the shoulders, but I didn't let him get that far. I grabbed his hand and twisted, nearly breaking it. I sat up and forced myself away from him, holding my clothes closed while looking at him with wide, frightened eyes. Would this shame have no end? He didn't say a word as he got up and knelt in front of me again.

"Don't," I said my voice barely a whisper. He looked at me with sympathetic eyes, stabbing my pride with a thousand knives. I could stay here no longer. He pulled me into his arms and held me close, being mindful of my shoulder. My honor was already in shambles and I could no hold back my greatest fear. I cried in this man's arms. I couldn't tell exactly when I stopped crying and fell asleep, but I did know that all Okita did was hold me until the world was dark.