Disclaimer: See chapter one

Chap. 15

Sakura had finished bathing in the nearby pond. The water was a little cooler than normal, but it was still relaxing. As she clothed herself, a part of her kept a lookout in case for any peepers. But she didn't really have to worry. There wasn't anyone around for miles, except for Ryu and he wouldn't do such a thing. Experience taught her that...

Sakura sighed inwardly. She knew what she had to now. It was the true reason why she returned here at all. It was true that she did have to train for her battle with Karin, but that wasn't the main reason. And after her near death at the blond-haired immortal, she realized that she shouldn't waste any more time. After dressing and drying her hair with a towel, Sakura strode back up the side of the hill toward the dojo. The sensation of Ryu's presence added to the tension she felt, but she moved on and peeked inside.

There, Ryu moved into his own katas. Sakura simply watched in amazement as Ryu moved with a solid, fluid grace. The blade shimmered and dashed through the air and Sakura could have sworn that the blade left shadowy afterimages behind. Ryu continued on, seemingly oblivious to Sakura's presence. Finally, Ryu stopped and ended with him sheathing his blade. He remained still and quiet for a good minute and then he opened his eyes and turned to Sakura.

"What is it?" he asked, after seeing the strange look in her eyes. "Is something wrong?"

Sakura looked down a bit, but forced her eyes to refocus on Ryu.

"I... We have to talk. About why I really came back."

Back, 1890

It was a warm spring day outside and Ryu was returning from a nearby field after spending nearly the entire day training. It was late afternoon and he was tired. But even so, he still managed to pick up some fish and berries for dinner. Even if he wouldn't be able to eat, he had to make sure at least Sakura would have that option.

"Sakura?" He had sensed her earlier from outside, but she was nowhere in sight. Ryu placed the food down and prepare to go outside and make a fire when...

"Hey Ryu. Long day?"

Ryu looked to the side to see Sakura wearing a long, beautifully decorated robe. Ryu cocked his head slightly. 'Where did she get that?' he wondered.

"You look tense, Ryu." she said in a low tone. "Would you like a massage?"

Ryu blinked at the question, but managed to answer, "No thanks. I'm alright."

She moved closer, "Please. I insist. It'll only take a little while."

Ryu was a little baffled by this new behavior, but his current fatigue was beginning to wear on him a bit and there was nothing really wrong with a massage.

"Very well."

Sakura gave a small smile and placed a hand on his shoulder. Ryu lowered himself to the floor and Sakura removed the top half of his gi. Sakura knelt down behind him, the pleased smile still on her face.

'So naive. He's so cute like that.'

Rubbing her hands lightly, Sakura slowly placed them on his broad shoulders. Giving her training, she knew where the sore spot where. There where a few times when Ryu had to massage her in order for her to rest at night sometimes after a hard day of training. She found it very relaxing and refreshing, but now it was her turn. Stroking the area gently at first, she softly began to press on the sore area. Ryu gave a short moan, but stayed quiet as Sakura stroked his tense shoulders.

Ryu's eyes slowly closed and Sakura began to move her hand along the ridge of his back. Her own eyes were closed as she began to become draw in her own advances. Dropping one hand away, she used it to slowly undo her gown. The front now open, Sakura slowly slipped around, bring both her hands back to his shoulders, still massaging. Her robe was still on, but the front was wide open. She was now facing Ryu, whose eyes were still closed and he was starting to waver side-to-side like he was in a trance. Sakura continued to stare at his peaceful face. So handsome...

She began to inch her face closer to his and her eyes began to lid close.

So beautiful...

"Sakura..."

"Just let it be." she whispered unconsciously.

"Sakura!"

Sakura suddenly blinked and looked at Ryu's now wide open eyes. He had opened his eyes moments ago after she had stopped massaging and was shocked to see the half-naked girl descending upon him.

"What are you doing?"

The girl began to stammer, "But...I...we...I'm..."

Sakura slowly backed away in partial shock. This was not what she had expected. Not at all. It wasn't supposed to happen like this. Shame began to fill her slowly as she closed the robe instantly. As Ryu stared at her, tears welled up in her eyes and she suddenly ran away into the room. Ryu was still in shock, but he didn't move. He couldn't. He still didn't know what to think of it.

No one ate that night...

Next Morning...

Ryu moved out from his room and into the center of the dojo. He hadn't slept much that night. Most of it was spent listening to Sakura's weeping in the next room until she fell asleep. He wanted to help her, to comfort her. But the truth is he didn't know how. This was a situation that he had never encountered before. He was still unsure, but he knew that they did have to talk now. Clenching his fist a bit, he moved to Sakura's room, only to find her missing. Looking to the side, he saw that her blade and her clothes were gone as well. The only thing there was a letter on her futon. Picking it up, it read...

Ryu,

I sorry, but I have to leave. After last night, I just couldn't stay any longer. I don't know what to feel anymore and I need to go to understand just what it is that I feel for you. Please do not search for me or worry about me. It's time for me to care for myself now. I will find you when I am ready.

Sakura.

Ryu folded the letter and looked toward the window. There was nothing he could do now.

He would have to wait. If she survived...

'Take care of yourself, Sakura.'

"So you see. That's why I really came back."

Ryu remained quiet as Sakura continued in her words.

"After I left, I wasn't sure about myself for awhile. I...didn't know what to think of myself or what to do. After some time, I began thinking about how I acted and I saw that that was childish of me." Her head lowered slightly, "Like a little girl with a crush."

"Sakura, stop." Ryu said finally. "You have nothing to apologize for."

Sakura gave a slight chuckle, "I'm not apologizing. At least, I'm not sure. I shouldn't have done what I did." Her now glassy eyes looked up at Ryu's once again. "But at the same time, I'm not ashamed. I do have feeling for you Ryu. Feelings that go beyond teacher and student. Even beyond friendship." Her focus became hardened, "But I won't push myself onto you."

Ryu stood there, absorbing the words of his former student. The time she spent away from him has really helped her to mature. And there was no need for distance between them. She was a friend, a close friend. Only time would tell if that would go any further or not, but for right now, that was enough for both of them.

"Thank you."

Ryu bent down to pick up his sheathed blade and began to move to his room, but Sakura spoke again.

"Ryu. Is there...someone else?"

Ryu stopped dead in his tracks. If Sakura could see his face, she would have seen the look of both longing and sadness in his eyes.

"I'm not sure."

Hong Kong

The street of the city bristled with activity as the apartment building towered over it all. Focusing on one of these apartments, the door opened and a beautiful Chinese woman entered in. Her brown hair is tied in two buns and her lovely face showed incredible weariness, evidence of a long day of work. Closing the door behind her, she dropped her back on the floor and sat down on the , she leaned back and rested briefly before getting up again. She strode into her room, expecting to fall and just sleep the day away.

But she didn't. Rather, she turned to the wall behind her and stared. Strapped on it was a short, double pointed sword. The silver blade glistened in the sunlight and the hilt was decorated with a few strands on material on the end. Her eyes softened in a deep sadness as she raised her hand. Lightly, she traced her fingers against the sharp blade, careful not to cut herself, although that wasn't necessarily a worry for her.

Not for an immortal...

"Father..." she whispered.