AUTHOR'S NOTE

Hey, everyone! Thank you for reading my work! It means a lot to me. I'm trying to be more active with my readers, so please, feel free to leave a review! Give me criticism and tell me what you think of my story. I promise I do not bite... (:

It is the Kakusei era, year 3XXX.

The world has undergone a drastic change due to the series of global conflict, ecological disasters, and the advancement of technology. Modern civilization had long collapsed and the merging of countries, increase in oligarchs and totalitarian regimes, corruption, and warfare was rampant.

Left alone, uninterrupted without pause, was a world unbeknownst to those fortunate; a world filled with demons and those who slay them.

MEDIA DICTIONARY
* Thoughts
* "Dialogue."
* 'Telepathic dialogue.'
* "Past conversation."

┍━ 【❀】 ━┑

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Yaegashi was blanketed underneath in a sky of darkness and the night was still.

Darkness appeared to extend into eternity with nothing to penetrate it save for the lampposts and lanterns. An eerie, oppressive stillness loomed over the area. The affluent municipality descended further into silence, the only sound being the soft whisper of the wind as it rustled through the trees, until mischief arose in upper-class Yaegashi's chapel and crematorium.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Upper-class Yaegashi's chapel and crematorium was a somber and respectful place of worship and remembrance. A crematorium and a columbarium were attached to the chapel to tend to the dead.

Candles flickered in the windows of the chapel, casting light across the sacred grounds. Through the windows, one could see a shrine-like altar centered in the main area, with white stone sculptures of a Buddha and the Bodhisattva.

It was in the dead of night when shadows crept into the chapel. The shadows concealed two humanoid figures that slithered into the crematorium.

There, the furnace's flames were licking and consuming the corpse within it, vaporizing and reducing the body to ash. The air was thick with a smoky smell, as if the fire was trying to burn away the memories of the deceased individual.

The figures scoured the area until they found what they were looking for: a particular corpse lying on a metal slab, wrapped in a white sheet.

The figures picked up the corpse tenderly and left the crematorium as quickly as they came, leaving nothing but darkness and flickering candlelight in their wake.

Then, the night was still again.

YUI

The Maeda-Katōwamuros sat at the main dining table in an awkward, deafening silence.

Kihaku stared ahead blankly, a faraway look in his eyes. He looked unkept with his messy hair that shadowed his pale, gaunt face, and he was wearing nightclothes in the middle of the day. Slowly, he hunched over the table and sat motionless with his head hung low.

Father-sama looks so sick... I just want to hug him!

Soaku was taking too many sips of white wine and was tapping her finely manicured nails against the dining table.

Saori had yet to arrive at the dining table even though she was told to come down at the same time as everyone else.

Surprisingly, Fuwapo was not at the dining table either; the shih tzu appeared to be saddened by the recent events and would lay around in the places Himari's once dwelled as if it was grieving.

The sound of Yui's stomach growling interrupted the uncomfortable silence. "Something smells good... When will our dinner arrive, Mother?" she asked.

Soaku paused from taking another sip of wine, her red lipstick staining the rim of the glass. "When it arrives, Yui."

The footsteps were heard as Saori, with her dark fuchsia hair and emerald, green eyes, descended gracefully down the stairs.

"Saori, you are late," Soaku groaned.

"Fashionably so," Saori replied, taking a seat across from Yui.

Everyone turned to the entryway of the kitchen when two strangers presented themselves: one was a stern-faced, middle-aged woman and the other was a wide-eyed, blonde-haired young woman with bright blue eyes. They both wore traditional maid attire consisting of a ruffled, black-and-white maid dress and a white mobcap.

Soaku tapped a spoon upon her glass to gather everyone's attention. "The dreariness of this place is utterly revolting, so I took it upon myself to liven the Katōwamuro manor once again. Everyone, I introduce you to our new live-in maids: Moe and her apprentice, Emiso!"

The two maids bowed in perfect unison. "I, Moe, and Emiso thank each member of the Maeda-Katōwamuro family for giving us the pleasure of living under your roof and serving you," the middle-aged maid stated.

"Oui!" the blonde-haired maid chimed.

✧TRANSLATION: "Yes!" the blonde-haired maid chimed.

The two maids went into the kitchen and returned pushing serving carts. The meal was a golden roasted chicken that was basted with a blend of herbs and spices, paired with various steamed and chopped vegetables.

The Katōwamuros were served promptly.

"We do hope you enjoy," Moe, the middle-aged maid, said.

"Yes, we will certainly enjoy this blessed feast!" Soaku said happily, speaking for everyone. "Moe and Emiso, we thank you for this meal! It looks delicious!"

That was when Kihaku lowered his head and began to weep at the dining table. He whined through his distraught sobs, causing everyone to look at him with expressions of either shock, concern, or disgust, the latter being the expression of his own wife.

"Father?" Yui asked softly, her pink, glossy lips quivering. "Father, please…"

Soaku slammed her hand upon the dining table, forcing all the attention on her. "Kihaku, honey, please leave us and go take a breather!"

Kihaku got up from the table and downed his cup of wine before leaving the dining room.

The noblewoman turned to the two astounded maids with an awkward smile that was smeared with red lipstick. "Do not mind my husband, he is a sensitive man. You see, his daughter died recently."

The maids bowed to give their respects and condolences.

Yui found herself unable to pick up her fork, let alone move. She just sat there and stared at her plate with eyes that were glassy from oncoming tears. The mention of the Himari and how her death affected everything was more than enough to force Yui to hold back tears.

When Soaku heard a soft sniffle, she turned to Yui and asked, "Yui, are those tears I see? Are you crying?"

"No, Mother... It is just that these onions are very strong! I am not hungry anymore!"

"Mother, has my punishment been lifted?" Saori asked abruptly. "I miss my friends and the fresh air of the outside world. I cannot do much grieving while trapped in this house, you know."

"I suppose so, Saori… for a limited time that is."

In a fit of rage, Saori slammed her fork on the table. "But Mother, why—"

"Saori, before you say another word, ponder upon why I said that. I chose my words carefully. Please, think long and hard!"

Saori rolled her emerald-green eyes as she conceded to her mother's request. "Certainly, Mother," she said before rising from the dining table and making her way upstairs.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

With dinner cut short, Yui returned to her bedroom. She threw herself upon her bed and grabbed a plush rabbit from her mountain of toys, stroking its floppy ears. She laid on her back and raised the stuffed animal high in the air as she said, "Mister Hops, do you not feel it? Do you not feel the spooky atmosphere of this manor as if something awful is going to happen?"

I cannot shake this sick, dark feeling.

Yui heaved an exasperated sigh and threw Mister Hops on the floor. She closed her eyes and when she opened them again, she saw the beautiful face of her older sister.

"Yui, wake up!"

"Saori? Hey, what is it?"

"Come with me. There is something I wish to show you."

The sisters went downstairs into the basement and what Yui saw nearly took her breath away.

The basement was a complete mess: Broken glass, scattered botanical specimens, and overturned jars of oils and perfumes were spilled across the floor. All the books that lined the shelves were either thrown on the floor or were piled in a wheelbarrow, and jars, vials, bottles, and laboratory equipment were in the wheelbarrow as well. The air was thick with the sweet scent of floral perfumes. Glass would crunch, and liquid would slosh with every step.

Yui was taken aback by the scene of mass destruction and was at a loss for words. "Saori…"

All of Himari's belongings and work…

"Hey, help me put these things in the wheelbarrow," Saori asked, gathering a few books and throwing them into the wheelbarrow.

"Oh, I have such a terrible feeling about this, Saori! We should not do this! Have we not done enough to her when she was alive?"

"What? Calm down and get a grip, Yui. All we are doing is giving her a proper send-off. Are you going to help me?"

Reluctant, Yui assisted her older sister in throwing the rest of the books in the wheelbarrow. They pushed the wheelbarrow outside into the garden in an area away from the greenery so nothing would catch fire.

Saori poured gasoline all over the wheelbarrow's contents, humming as she did so. When the gas can was emptied, she offered Yui a matchbox. "I will let you do the honors."

"W-what? Me?"

"Yes, you. What, are you scared?"

"I am not scared!"

"Then do it, Yui."

Yui unwillingly took out a match and struck it against the side of the matchbox. A spark ignited the match to life, and a small, dancing flame was born. It was close to twilight, so the young girl's face was illuminated by a bright orange light. She looked to her older sister to see her smiling deviously and beckoning her to continue. With Saori's original punching bag gone, Yui knew that it would not be wise to disobey her.

I hope that I am forgiven…

Yui tightly shut her eyes and threw the lit match into the wheelbarrow.

A fire engulfed all the contents in the wheelbarrow in a matter of seconds. The extreme heat caused the vials of perfume to burst, releasing a powerfully acrid scent of scorched florals bathed in sorrow.

Yui stood beside her older sister as they both watched the violent embers of the blazing fire. Saori laughed gleefully, the flames reflecting in her emerald-green eyes.

The flames devoured everyone, burning the pages of the books away and turning them into soot. Not an item was spared, along with the memory of the one who possessed them.

I am sorry. I am sorry, Himari!

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

On a dark, foggy morning, Yui stood in front of two graves, holding two bouquets of white flowers. She looked like a lovely porcelain doll in her dark, gothic petticoat dress.

Himari's grave was placed right beside her mother's grave in the upper-class Yaegashi cemetery.

Yui crouched to rest the bouquets of white flowers upon the two graves. Tears pricked her eyes and smudged her dark mascara.

Life at the manor is horrible! Nothing is the same anymore! Why did you have to die after I begged you not to? Why did you have to go as soon as we began to like each other? I never felt a feeling of despair as intense as this before, and it is all your fault, Himari!

… How can I blame you? You are dead. You are dead and I am not.

A gentle touch upon Yui's shoulder drew her attention, and she turned to see the white-haired chauffeur of the Katōwamuro manor, Alde.

"Are you having trouble, Lady Yui?"

"Trouble? Oh, I do not know what to call it!"

"Pardon me, but I was a little surprised when you asked me to drive you here, Lady Yui. I was under the impression that you were not close to the dearly missed Lady Himari!"

"We were not that close but we kind of were at the same time. It is complicated or should I say that it was…" Yui's voice trailed off into nothing because she was not certain what she meant any more than Alde did.

The white-haired chauffeur handed the young, sniffling girl a handkerchief. "Losing the people we love is always challenging and difficult," he said.

"Yes, I know! It feels even worse because I was just talking with her, and now she is gone! I cannot believe how fast everything happened…"

"Yes, it happened very fast, indeed. We must remember that we are all here for but a moment."

"Alde?"

"Yes, Lady Yui?"

"Do you believe in people coming back from the dead?"

Alde was visibly taken aback by Yui's question, appearing to be shocked and disturbed by it. "What? Lady Yui…"

"I once heard that dead people who are unable to move on from things that happened to them in life come back. They cannot let go of the past, so they come back and take vengeance on the living. Do you believe that, Alde?"

"Do I believe in the dead returning? Well, I cannot say much about the afterlife considering I am, gratefully, still part of the land of the living but what I can say is this: people have their own superstitions, ideas, and beliefs, but I believe that whatever happens, happens."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I mean that we must be prepared for every possible outcome life throws at us. While it is impossible for people to return from the dead, old memories and sentiments from the past can resurface and prevent us from enjoying the present. Time moves for us because we are alive and able embrace the future, but time freezes for those who dwell in what has already happened, so they are left behind. In a way, we are all haunted by the past."

The older gentleman's words appeared to soothe Yui for even a moment, which she was grateful for, but there was nothing that could alleviate the immense amount of guilt she felt. "… I know what you think of me, Alde," she whispered in a solemn tone. "I know that you think I am a spoiled girl and I do not blame you one bit. We did horrible things to her, I regret everything! I thank the Heavens that I got the opportunity to apologize to her before she… before she... before she died! "

Unable to hold herself together any longer, Yui threw herself against Alde's chest and cried. Her shoulders shook with every sob that left her lips, for the aura of despair had overtaken her.

"Lady Yui, I no longer believe that you are a horrible, spoiled girl!" Alde shouted, embracing her. "Being able to admit your mistakes and wrongdoings proves that you have matured well and shows your humility!"

"No, you are wrong, Alde! I am a terrible, awful girl who is a follower, not a leader! I treated Himari terribly simply because my mother and sister did! Himari did not do anything to deserve even a smidgen of everything she went through! She died horribly, Alde! I saw her lying in her bed, dying and spitting up blood! No one deserves to die like that, especially not her! She was a good person unlike me and everyone else!"

"We can only hope that she has been reincarnated to live a happier life, Lady Yui!"

"Reincarnated? As what, another person?"

"Perhaps. Some people believe that departed souls can even be reincarnated as animals."

"Animals? Well, Himari did love cats…"

That was when a black kitten with large, pitiful blue eyes appeared. The kitten walked over the two graves and stretched as it gave a wide yawn. "Mew, mew!"

"Ehhh? It is a cute little kitty-cat!" Yui squealed. She stroked the kitten's fur and rubbed its head, eliciting loud purrs of satisfaction.

"Mew, mew!"

"Lady Yui, that could be Lady Himari's reincarnated form!" Alde exclaimed with soft, light-hearted laughter.

"Yes, Alde. It may just be her reincarnated form! That makes me feel so much better about everything!"

At that moment, a sense of maturity and acceptance came over Yui. She found that she could finally rid herself of the tremendous weight of all the guilt she felt.

For the first time since Himari passed, Yui was able to take solace in her death and place her in the back of her mind, which evolved Himari from being a figure in Yui's nightmares to a bittersweet memory.

Himari, my former stepsister, I hope you are at peace wherever you are.

SOAKU

Soaku stood in front of Kihaku's study, daring herself to enter. The almost tangible aura of sadness and despair that emanated from the room was powerful enough to seep underneath the door and through the floorboards.

The noblewoman braced herself before she knocked upon the door of Kihaku's study. "Kihaku!" she called out. "I must speak with you!"

Silence.

The door was unlocked, so Soaku shakily turned its knob and opened it. As she stepped inside, her heart sank, and her eyes widened in shock at the sight before her.

The study, engulfed in a cloud of melancholy, was in complete disarray with papers and documents strewn everywhere. The musky smell of rotting food permeated the stale atmosphere, as plates of forgotten meals were part of the clutter. The once pristine room was now filled with easels and paints, the desk pushed against the wall to make room for them.

There, in a corner, she saw Kihaku, or what was left of him.

A pale, lithe specter of a man was craned over a canvas, his pale face lined with grief and disease, terribly so. As he made delicate strokes with his paintbrush against the canvas, his eyes were glazed over and had a distant, foggy look to them. The man was in a state of insanity and lost in a world of grief, and his only way of coping was through painting.

"Kihaku, what are you up to in here? It is not right of you to lock yourself in your study!"

The man did not respond and continued his work, muttering to himself. He was now a mere shadow of his former self.

This man is clearly not in the right state of mind!

Soaku glanced around at the multitude of paintings and noticed that they were of the same sweet, heart-shaped face in sceneries of flowers. "That face… That is the girl, is it not?"

For a moment, Kihaku stopped painting and looked at Soaku directly, appearing to see right through her. "I cannot stop thinking about her. She haunts me."

"Oh, God!" Soaku groaned with a roll of her viridescent eyes. "When will the madness end? There is no haunting, Kihaku. The girl is gone and that is all there is to it!"

"I do not know how you do it, Soaku."

"How I do what?"

"Carry on as if nothing happened, like there is not a void present within the walls of this cursed manor. I envy you and your resilience… I keep having dreams about her, nightmares. In one reoccurring dream, I see her in a coffin deep underground. She is alive and is trying to find a way out because she is cold and afraid of the dark, but she cannot free herself, no matter how hard she tries."

"Get a hold of yourself, Kihaku. You are not making any sense! Quiet your delusional rantings or else I will have no choice but to have you committed!"

"At night, I wonder if she was cold and alone in that casket all by herself!" Overcome with grief, Kihaku crumbled to the floor and wept. He curled into a fetal position and his body shook as he cried.

Look at him, the epitome of pathetic. Is this truly the man I married?

FLASHBACK:

Soaku was attending a wealthy dinner party in Yaegashi. The dinner party was filled with that was filled with prominent elites from all over New Japan. The clinking of glasses, light chattering of conversations, and the soft tones of jazz music from the live band filled the air. Waiters shuffled about, serving the guests wine and gourmet cuisines.

As the guests conversed, danced, and dined, Soaku and her sister, Suyume, stood on the sidelines. They spent their time people-watching, which was the equivalent of birdwatching. The sisters had something to say about everyone they laid eyes upon whether it was about their fashion sense or rumors. Right now, the topic was to find a man suitable for Soaku to marry.

Suyume scanned through the crowd with her keen emerald-green eyes. She pointed at an attractive man dressed in a tailored suit, sipping a glass of red wine as he spoke to another businessman. "That man over there is Kihaku Maeda. He is a popular corporate financial advisor, so you know that his pockets are deep!"

Soaku frowned as she said, "Kihaku? I do not like the similarity between our names..."

"What, do you not like it? I think of it as a sign that you two were destined to be together, as ordained by fate!"

"Fate this, fate that. You still believe in that gobbledygook, Suyume? Grow up."

"Soaku, you have never been proficient in making a man want to be with you. You are always so sly and conniving, like a mix between a fox and a snake! In love, there is nothing to gain from tricks like that. I would know, for I am cupid!"

"I do not need your help finding a man, Suyume! Go matchmake with someone else!"

"Look, Soaku, we need to find you the perfect husband here at the party tonight!"

Kihaku finished his conversation with the businessman and as he walked away, he made brief eye contact with Soaku from afar.

Soaku noticed the sets of four freckles upon Kihaku's cheeks. "Freckles," she scoffed. "How childish."

"Soaku, are you blind? That man is very handsome! He looks better than all our past lovers. Either you court him, or I will... Oh, he is coming this way!"

Kihaku excused himself as he moved through the crowd. He approached Soaku and Suyume and bowed in respect. "Good evening, my dear ladies," he said, taking both of their hands and kissing them. "It is a great evening we are—"

Suddenly, a businessman who had too much to drink shimmied against Suyume inadvertently. The man was going to apologize but when she shimmied back against him, he took her arm and guided her to the dance floor.

"Soaku, I will come back for you later!" Suyume shouted through her fierce giggles and hiccups. "Oh, you are a wiggly one, are you not?"

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Seeking solace from the bustling surroundings, Soaku and Kihaku ventured to a serene and secluded spot outdoors. Taking a seat on a bench beneath a blooming sakura tree, their cheeks were flushed with a gentle rosy hue, a result of their relaxed state induced by the mild intoxication of alcohol.

"Ah, so you are the one everyone is raving about," Soaku said, lighting a cigarette. "The great and crafty financial advisor, Kihaku Maeda."

"In the flesh," Kihaku said with a slight smile.

"So, Kihaku, do you truly believe that you have what it takes to work with my father?"

"Excuse me, Lady Soaku? What do you mean?"

"Well, you do wish to own Katōwamuro Enterprises, my father's first company, right? That is why you are here at this party and why you approached me, after all."

Kihaku opened his mouth to contend Soaku's accusation but refrained from doing so because she was right; meeting one of the Katōwamuro daughters was his goal for the night. "How did you know?"

"I know because I know everything," she laughed, amused by his naïveté. It did not help that the man looked like a deer in headlights with his wide, bronze-colored eyes.

"Hm... Yes, you are correct. I do wish to own Katōwamuro Enterprises, having been a loyal benefactor and stockholder for years. I heard along the grapevine that your father is searching for someone not related to him to inherit his enterprise. I approached you in the hopes that you could arrange a meeting between us so I could meet the man and make a great impression. Please, do not view this calculated encounter as an insult to you."

"I do not think of this as insulting. Normally, I would take great offense, but this could be beneficial for me as well."

"How so?"

"Before we get into that, I want you to tell me of your plans for the family business."

For nearly an hour, Soaku listened to Kihaku intently as he presented his case of why he was the rightful candidate to inherit her father's business. The man revealed his plans and ideas for the business and the advantages of partnering with him, and as he spoke, Soaku thought of her future.

He could be the one. He could be my next husband!

Kihaku finished when his throat became too raw and dry to continue. Clearing his throat, he asked, "What do you think of that, Lady Soaku?"

"I agree with you," Soaku replied sincerely.

"Excuse me?"

"I agree with all your business propositions, Kihaku."

"Really?"

"Yes, I think you are the perfect one for the job. You are exactly the kind of man my father is searching for."

"Am I really? That is most astounding! Lady Soaku, your opinion and approval means so much to me!"

"My father values my word above all his other children. Anyone with my signature of approval is bound to succeed. I will happily vouch for you as a candidate, but on one condition..."

"Yes, of course, Lady Soaku! I will do anything! What is your condition?"

"We must be married."

"Marriage?" Kihaku gasped, taken by surprise at the randomness and abruptness of the noblewoman's suggestion.

"Yes, marriage. Marriage would help the both of us. There is nothing my father values more than family. If any unmarried person comes up to him to do business, he will laugh and slam the door in their face! You need a wife, Kihaku, and there is no better woman than I on the market! What, why are you looking at me like that? You are not married, are you?"

"I am a widower, a recent one," Kihaku said sorrowfully. "My wife died months ago."

"Oh, really? I am sorry to hear that… My condolences."

The bitch could not have died at a more perfect time.

"Yes, it has been quite difficult, but the world goes on, right? I have been trying to go on. That is why I am here in Yaegashi."

"If it makes you feel any better, I was divorced a few months ago."

"I am sorry to hear that, Soaku."

"No, do not be sorry. My ex-husband was a spineless, shallow sop of a man. I do not know why I did not divorce him sooner, but it happens to the best of us, does it not?"

"Yes, it does." Kihaku sat in silence for a long while until he said, "Soaku, I should tell you that my late wife was my one and only true love. I am not capable of loving ever again."

"And I am not capable of loving to begin with!" Soaku exclaimed, laughing. "That works rather well, does it not? Let us wed, Kihaku, without any sentimentality or ties. Think of it as I scratch your back, you scratch mine."

"I do not know, Lady Soaku…"

"The manor I have inherited is like a castle. Is that enough to sweeten the deal for you?"

"Marriage is supposed to be sacred and here we are, gambling and using it as leverage," Kihaku laughed softly, uncertain of himself. "I did just lose my wife, Lady Soaku. This is happening too fast. I do not know how my daughter will process this."

"Daughter?" Soaku asked, her eyes growing wide. "You… You have a daughter?"

"Yes, I do. Her name is Himari, and she is almost nine years old. Do you have any children, Lady Soaku?"

If I marry this man, I will become a mother to another woman's child, a child that is not mine!

"Yes, I do have children," she answered. "I have two daughters, Saori and Yui. Saori is ten and Yui is seven."

"Two daughters that are close in age? Wow, that is very fortunate! Himari always longed to have siblings. She would certainly thrive in such a great environment."

"Does your daughter have any relatives she can live with?" Soaku blurted out.

"Why are you asking me that, Lady Soaku? Why would she not stay with me?"

"I am not fond of the idea of rearing the child of another woman..."

"Why is that?"

"Must I say it aloud? Caring for another woman's child is utterly humiliating! And she will look out of place when she is around my daughters. Tell me, does the girl have fuchsia hair and green eyes?"

"No, she does not but that should not matter. Where is all this coming from?"

"Kihaku, are there any relatives for her to stay with or what?"

"There are no relatives of mine to take her in because I am estranged from my family. Himari will stay with me, and that decision is final. That is my one condition if we are to marry."

"Oh, fine!" Soaku fumed." The girl can stay but do not expect me to swaddle and cuddle her!"

PRESENT:

Soaku looked down upon Kihaku in great disgust and felt nothing but a deep revulsion towards him.

I never loved this pathetic man or any man for that matter. Love is a fool's pastime.

Kihaku leaned on an easel to stand to his feet, shooting daggers at her. "I will never forgive you for what you did, Soaku!" he shouted. "You abused Himari, and you trained your daughters to do the same to her like a pack of dogs."

"All with your blessing!" Soaku retorted.

"What? What the hell do you mean by that?"

"Kihaku, you can blame and point the finger at me as much as you want, but you are just as much at fault, if not more so! You kept the girl around for your own selfish desires. I told you to get rid of her, but you could not let her go!"

"Why the hell would I ever get rid of my own daughter?"

"The same reason why you remarried before your wife's body was cold! You wished to move on and forget about the past after she died; that is why you came to Yaegashi and sought me out! That is what you told me every night we spent together. Every time you brought it up, you mentioned that the girl brought back horrible memories for you!"

Kihaku seethed as he listened to Soaku speak. His hands shook as he clenched them into fists, trying to contain the rage that threatened to burst forth. He could feel the tightness in his chest, the pain of her words. The man stood still for a long while until he spoke. "I do not know how I managed to lay beside you all these years," Kihaku spit, his voice filled with spite. "You are indelicate and coarse, not like how a woman should be."

"Oh, really? I may be 'indelicate and coarse,' but you, Kihaku, are softer than your own limp, flaccid dick! You are a such weak, pitiful man. It is a wonder you have a scrotum at all! I do not know why I ever proposed to you. It was a moment of weakness, perhaps. Whatever, never mind that. Stay in here where you are not an utter embarrassment!"

Before Kihaku could say a word, Soaku stormed out of the study and slammed the door behind her. At that moment, she felt nothing but contempt for Kihaku and kicked the wall in anger, which caused an ornamental flower vase to topple over and break.

Stupid Kihaku, too busy dwelling in the past and crying like a little girl! Crying, whining, and rolling around on the floor like an infant in a soiled diaper. Despicable!

┍━ 【❀】 ━┑

CHAPTER TWELVE

YUI

"NO!" Yui screamed as she was jolted awake, her heart pounding in her chest. She was surrounded by darkness, but a sliver of moonlight shone through her curtains, illuminating the room just enough for her to make out the familiar shapes around her. Her breathing was uneven, and her nightgown was damp with sweat.

It was just another crazy dream...

Yui held onto a stuffed animal to help her relax but she screamed even louder when she noticed Saori standing by the side of her bed. "EEK! Saori, do not sneak up on me like that!"

"You should put yourself in my shoes when I heard you screaming in the middle of the night!" Saori chastised. "Were you having the same dream again?"

Yui gave a sorrowful nod.

For the past days, Yui was having the same reoccurring nightmare of Himari returning from the dead. The nightmares only worsened after the news of Himari's body being missing.

"I remember what I and Alde talked about before. We talked about superstitious beliefs, and he emphasized that I must be prepared for anything possible! Saori, it is possible for people to return from the dead! I have been researching!"

The young girl went to her bookcase and grabbed a book about Japanese mythology. She flipped its pages until she stopped on a page titled 'Yūrei.' "Take a look at this!"

Saori raised a questionable eyebrow. "... Yūrei?"

Yui flipped the book's pages once more and stopped at a page titled 'Oni.' "And look at this! I learned that onis are an evil, carnivorous species! They are like vampires because they devour humans and cannot be in the sunlight." She slammed the book close and gasped, "Oh my God, what if Himari turns into Kuchisake-onna?"

"What makes you say that?"

"Because you cut her right across her cheek, did you not? That would make anyone angry…"

"Shut up, Yui!" Saori shouted, enraged. "No wonder you are unable to sleep and are having such frightening dreams; you have been reading a book like this before your bedtime, like an imbecile!"

"I do not care what you say, Saori! Everything in this book is real."

The rage in Saori bubbled to its highest peak because deep down, she was frightened as well. She drew her hand back and slapped her younger sister before grabbing the young girl by the shoulders and shaking her. "There is no such thing of anything in that fucking book of yours, and this is the last we will speak about it! I will talk to Mother in the morning about getting this manor cleansed and after that, I better not hear a peep from you!"

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

The next morning, a revered group of priests were summoned to the Katōwamuro manor.

The priests had finished praying, chanting, lighting incense, and placing the last of the sutras and charms around the manor. They approached the Katōwamuro women and bowed before them.

"Madam, the manor has been cleansed and purified," the lead priest stated. "No specters, spirits, or demons would dare step foot on these blessed grounds."

Another priest placed a comforting hand upon Yui and gave her an Omamori charm. "Take this, my child, and be protected from all evils, even the darkness from thine own heart, which is present in all men."

Yui accepted the Omamori charm and stared at it in awe. "Thank you…"

"We will be on our way then." Once the priest and his apprentice left, the Katōwamuro women resigned from their kind, gracious demeanors and reverted to normal.

"There! Does that satisfy you, Yui?" Soaku snapped.

"Yes, it does, Mother!"

"Then I better not hear any more of this dead returning for vengeance!"

"And I better not hear anymore screaming in the middle of the night!" Saori added.

"Yes, of course!" Yui sobbed, crying tears of joy. "Neither of you will hear any more of it, I promise!"

Satisfied, Soaku began to walk away until she paused and let out an obnoxious groan. "Oh, damn it all! I wish I told them about that depressed waif of a man hiding in his study."

TIMESKIP: NINE DAYS

KIHAKU

After a long while, Kihaku emerged from his study. He went to the kitchen in an almost sleep-like daze, a taste for cold water on his lips. There, he saw the young blonde-haired maid, Emiso.

"Monsieur!" Emiso bowed in respect and stayed in that position for a long while. She picked up the kettle that was filled with hot water and asked, "Thé?"

✧TRANSLATION: "Sir!" Emiso bowed in respect and stayed in that position for a long while. She picked up the kettle that was filled with hot water and asked, "Tea?"

"Non, merci," Kihaku declined. "Je vais bien."

✧TRANSLATION: "No, thank you," Kihaku declined. "I am fine."

Kihaku got a glass from the cupboard and was filling it with cold water when he heard a familiar voice ask, "Is there anything else I could do for you, Father-sama?"

What?

To his horror, Kihaku turned around to see his daughter standing behind him.

'Himari' wore a provocative version of traditional maid attire, complete with fishnet stockings, garter belts, high heels. She looked at her father with a mischievous smile and took a few steps closer, swaying her hips.

Kihaku gawked at his daughter in disbelief; he knew this could not be real, but he could not deny what he was seeing. He wanted to scream at the corrupted apparition to command it to leave, but he settled to keep his composure and not alert anyone else in the manor. He stood in silence for a few moments before finally finding his voice. "... Is that you, Himari? What are you doing here?"

"I am here because you called for me," she answered with her arms outstretched. "I miss you, Father-sama, I really do."

"No, this cannot be happening. You cannot be here. You... You are dead!"

Himari leaned against the counter, caressing her silken raven tresses and twirling locks of her hair. "Dead? No, no, no, Father-sama, I am more alive than I have ever been."

Kihaku gritted his teeth at the sight of his daughter; the way she was standing there, posing in a seductive manner and biting her lips, enraged him. "You were not supposed to be this way," he spat in a voice filled with bitter venom.

"I was not supposed to be what way, Father-sama?"

"Like a... Like a whore! You were supposed to remain pure."

"A whore? Oh, you silly little man! Is that really something you should call your own daughter?"

That was when Kihaku grabbed Himari by her shoulders and slammed her against the wall. "You are provoking me," he growled.

"Oh, you are getting rough with me now? Do you want to hit me? Then strike me, Father-sama. Do it! You know how much you have always wanted to hurt me just like everyone else! I hate you so much!"

"That is a lie, and you know it, Himari! I never wanted to hurt you, but you have been out of control! Why could you not remain pure? Why did you have to disgrace yourself? If I ever raise a hand to strike you, it is that you may return to your rightful state of honor!"

"Kihaku, STOP!" a shrill voice commanded.

Kihaku turned his head to see Soaku standing in the entryway, her hands covering her mouth in horror. When he redirected his attention to his daughter, he saw that the young woman he was holding against the wall was the young blonde-haired maid, Emiso.

Emiso was frightened beyond comprehension. She could only stare up at Kihaku with her large, terror-stricken eyes and beg to not be harmed any further. "S-s-s'il vous plaît!" she pleaded in her mother tongue, stammering. "S'il v-vous plaît, Monsieur!"

✧TRANSLATION: Emiso was frightened beyond comprehension. She could only stare up at Kihaku with her large, terror-stricken eyes and beg to not be harmed any further. "P-p-please!" she pleaded in her mother tongue, stammering. "Please, Sir!"

"You... You are not her?" Kihaku released the young maid from his fierce grip, unable to comprehend all that had just happened. "I saw h-her... I know what I saw!"

Emiso fell to the floor and backed herself against the wall in fear, shaking. "Vous êtes malade, Monsieur!" she sobbed, running out of the kitchen.

✧TRANSLATION: Emiso fell to the floor and backed herself against the wall in fear, shaking. "You are unwell, Sir!" she sobbed, running out of the kitchen.

Now alone, Soaku stomped towards Kihaku and shoved him angrily. "What the hell was that, Kihaku? Why on earth were you terrorizing that poor girl like a pervert?"

"I thought she was her!" Kihaku cried out as his body shook with fright.

"Who? Oh, do not tell me…"

"Yes! It was her, Soaku! It was Himari! I saw her with my very own eyes! You must believe me!"

I could not have been imagining things. It was all so very real, impossibly so.

"Kihaku, you need to wake up and move on! I cannot have you acting like a brain damaged simpleton, not with my family's reputation on the line! The girl is dead and has been burned to a crisp by now!"

"Do not speak of her like that!" Kihaku roared without thinking beforehand.

"I never allowed a man speak to me like that ever in my life, and I will not start today!" Soaku turned away to leave but Kihaku held onto her arm.

"No, Soaku, do not leave me," he pleaded. "Stay! Stay with me, please!"

"Stay? Why should I?"

"Because... Because I need you! " Kihaku slowly sank to his knees and wrapped his arms around Soaku's legs, resting his head against her. "I feel like I am losing my fucking mind!" he wept, tears streaming down his face.

The noblewoman looked down at Kihaku, her expression one of disgust and disdain. Unmoved by his pleas, she pried his hands off her legs and stepped away from him. "Get off me, Kihaku! Let go of me! I do not know what the hell is going on with you, but all of it must end!"

That was when the world around Kihaku faded away. He found himself in an infinite black void, with one word echoing in his ears, striking a chord in him.

End? End…

I must end this. There is one thing I can do... to end all this pain and suffering.

The man turned away from Soaku and walked away, his bronze-colored eyes darkening to inky black pools that reflected a broken soul devoid of hope, love, and joy. "I must leave, Soaku," he spoke monotonously. "There are some things I must do."

Soaku erupted in wicked laughter as she watched her husband walk away from her, feeling a rush of power from having won the argument. "Oh, you are leaving so soon? Fine! Fine, Kihaku! Go! Run! Running away from all your problems is the only thing you are truly good at anyway!"

SOAKU

Soaku sat in the main living room near the fireplace, angrily bouncing her leg. She felt a mix of disbelief, anger, fury, humiliation, and wrath.

Kihaku, the foolish idiot! I am so sick of that man! How dare he? Hiding in his study for days on end, seeing things that are not there, and bumbling around like a complete imbecile! I will divorce him soon. He has brought nothing but chaos and misfortune to this manor.

The noblewoman continued inwardly cursing her husband until the older maid, Moe, approached her.

"Madam?"

"What do you want?"

Moe held out a document to her handed and said, "My former Mistress, I regret to inform you that we, I and Emiso, are leaving. Please take a minute to sign this contract."

The noblewoman gawked at Moe in disbelief, her eyes widening as she read the contract. "What? Why?"

"The contract has been breached."

"Breached? How so?"

"A line in the contract states that if we feel that we are in an abusive, unsafe environment, we may break the contract and leave the premises."

"An abusive, unsafe environment? How?"

"Your husband has become a danger to himself and others," Moe explained. "He cornered Emiso in the kitchen, shouted nonsensical things at her, and attacked her! You were present, I heard, so you certainly saw it."

"Oh, Kihaku is as skinny as a twig; he would not hurt a fly!"

"The man needs help, Lady Soaku!"

I cannot have Kihaku committed. Our reputation would be sullied if word got out that a Katōwamuro was strapped up in a psyche ward, taking antipsychotics and antidepressants! If Moe and Emiso leave, they will surely let all that happened in this manor be known...

"Moe, I refuse your resignation," Soaku said, balling up the contract.

"What? You refuse? You cannot do that. It does not matter if you accept our resignation or not, we will still leave the premises."

That was when Soaku rose from the sofa and stepped closer to Moe. Swallowing her pride with a quiet sigh, she fell to her knees and put her palms together in front of her to plead. It was humiliating for a woman of Soaku's stature to be so low to the floor, but it was the only thing she could think of doing to persuade the stern-faced woman. "Moe, I beg you to hear my plea. I beg you to stay! I have never begged anyone for anything, not even once, but I am begging you to stay right now. The work you and the young Emiso have done is greatly appreciated, furthermore it is the best service we have ever had! I will handle Kihaku and see to it that he receives the help he needs. I sincerely apologize for what happened. May we let bygones be bygones and start our relationship anew?"

Moe looked down at Soaku for a long while, her expression unreadable. After a moment, she sighed and gave her answer. "No," she said curtly.

"No?"

"No." Moe clenched her fists and said, "Madam, groveling does not work on me! Stand up, please! It is most unbecoming…"

Soaku's knees ached as she leaned on the sofa for support to stand to her feet. "Ah… Then I will double your pay."

"No, Madam! We will not be bought! We refuse to work in an unpredictable, unsafe environment where—"

"Triple."

Upon hearing that, Moe bowed her head and gave a curtsy. "I will leave to tend to the garden, My Mistress."

Now alone, Soaku smirked in triumph as she quickly rose to her feet.

Ba-haha! What a complete simpleton. No matter how much pride someone has, money talks. It is a good thing I have more than enough of it! No one will ever refuse to give me whatever I desire.

KIHAKU

Kihaku returned from his workplace after announcing his retirement. His superiors were saddened to lose such an asset but accepted his resignation. In his honor, a plaque engraved with his name was commemorated on the walls of the building' exterior.

I should have resigned a long time ago. My career was all-consuming. It distracted me from reality and what truly mattered: Himari, my daughter.

"Hello, Sir," Alde greeted kindly. "Please, let me park your vehicle in the garage for you."

"No, thank you, Alde. I can take it from here. In fact, you should take the rest of the day off."

"... Sir?"

"Go ahead and enjoy the rest of your day, Alde. Soaku and the girls are not going anywhere today, so there is no reason for you to be standing out here. You will be paid fully."

"Oh? Well, thank you for your kindness, Sir. I am very grateful! I will leave the premises shortly." Alde removed his hat and held it over his heart solemnly as he said, "Also, I give you my condolences for the loss of your dear girl, Sir. Your daughter, Lady Himari, was a soul too pure for this world."

"Yes, she was. Good night, Alde."

"Good night, Sir."

Kihaku drove to the garage area and backed his vehicle inside of it. He parked and turned off the engine and watched as the garage door closed slowly as if sealing his fate.

I am tired of everything.

The man stepped out of the vehicle to gather his supplies. He grabbed a garden hose and connected it to the vehicle's tailpipe, then used his suit jacket to stuff the crack of the window the hose was running through. Once that was complete, Kihaku sat down inside the vehicle, closed the door, and turned the engine on.

A flash of his daughter's smiling face appeared in his mind.

Kihaku laid back in the driver's seat and closed his eyes that were forming rivers of tears.

FLASHBACK:

Kihaku burst through the hospital doors, his face indicating a sense of urgency and trepidation. He asked a nurse where his wife was located, then hurried down to the maternity ward to see her.

Upon entering the room, Kihaku apologized profusely for being late. He had missed the birth of his daughter and felt guilty for not being there to witness the momentous occasion.

"Shush," Kihaku's wife said, a finger to her lips. "Please come and meet your daughter, Anata."

Slowly, Kihaku approached his wife's bedside, and when his eyes landed on the bundle in her arms, he immediately became transfixed.

The man scooped the newborn up gently and cradled her in his arms, moving the swaddle away from her face to look at her. A tiny baby girl stared up at him, and he was struck by her innocence and beauty. The newborn had rosy cheeks, and red, puckered lips fixed into a permanent pout. A tuft of dark hair peeked out from underneath her pink cap.

Kihaku was taken aback by her tiny hands, so delicate and perfect, and was overcome with love and admiration for her.

I am a father! No words can explain how joyous this day is.

"How beautiful is she!" Kihaku gushed, rocking his daughter in his arms. "What is she to be called?"

"Her name is Himari, meaning sunflower."

"Himari. Himari Maeda... What a beautiful name! There is no other name more perfect for her."

PRESENT:

Carbon monoxide began to fill the vehicle.

The toxic exhaust fumes caused Kihaku's head to spin and his vision to blur. He gripped tightly onto the steering until he grew so weak, he lay slumped over in his seat.

I do not wish to live in this cruel world for another moment without both of you. I want to be reunited with you two again.

Soaku, Saori, and Yui's faces appeared in Kihaku's mind, and he imagined them discovering his asphyxiated corpse in a vehicle of poisonous, invisible smoke. There was no doubt that each of them would be traumatized but the man had already made up his mind.

Everyone, I hope you can forgive me, but I must leave you now.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Less than an hour later, Kihaku tumbled out of his car. He wheezed and gasped for air on the ground, his eyes all red and bloodshot. His throat was burned raw from the toxins and his vision was still blurred.

How am I still alive? Why did I not die already? God, I cannot do anything right even when it comes to killing myself! I cannot face them. If anyone finds out, I will forever be known as the coward who could not even kill himself correctly!

Nauseous, Kihaku struggled to stand to his feet. He leaned against the walls and staggered towards the garage door to open it before lurching into the manor. He went to stumble into his bedroom but paused when he heard voices coming from the main living room.

There, he saw Soaku speaking to a man in uniform.

A constable? Why would a constable be here?

Kihaku composed himself as he crept into the main living room, straightening his hair and tie. "Hello, everyone. May I ask what this is about?"

The constable turned to Kihaku and asked, "Sir, are you Kihaku Maeda-Katōwamuro?"

"Yes, that is correct."

"It is most appropriate for you to be present, as this concerns you greatly."

Kihaku sat beside Soaku on the sofa, placing his hand upon hers. "Yes, of course, constable. What seems to be the issue?"

Just as the constable opened his mouth to respond, Soaku interjected and said, "Apologies for my interruption, constable, but may we please have a moment? I must speak with my husband."

"Of course, my good lady."

Soaku motioned for Kihaku to follow her, and they retreated into a corner in the hallway. "Kihaku?"

"Yes, dear?"

"Why do you look like death and smell like exhaust fumes?" she asked in a low, almost inaudible whisper.

Kihaku leaned in close to her ear and whispered, "Like with whatever happened with Saori, I implore you not to ask."

For the first time in her life, Soaku accepted her husband's response with a tight lip and did not argue. "Will do."

The couple returned to the main living room and sat beside each other on a sofa closely. Their hands were placed a hand upon each like how any picture-perfect husband and wife would do while receiving less than unpleasant news. "So, what is all this about, constable?"

The constable cleared his throat before he began. "A few days ago, there was a breaking and entering at the upper-class Yaegashi chapel and crematorium."

"A breaking and entering at the chapel?" Soaku gasped, resting a hand upon her plentiful chest. "Oh dear, was anyone harmed? Was anything vandalized?"

"No, my good lady. No one was harmed and there was no vandalization, but I regret to inform you that one thing was unaccounted for: a corpse."

"A corpse, you say?"

Kihaku moved close to the edge of the sofa, rising to his feet. "What? What are you saying, constable? Why would you tell us about that?"

The constable removed his hat solemnly and said, "My good sir, I regret to inform you that the body of your recently deceased daughter, Himari Maeda-Katōwamuro, is missing."

Upon hearing that, the shock of the news hit Kihaku like a physical blow. He stumbled back, his legs giving way beneath him. "H-Himari… Himari's body is missing? How can this be? How could this happen? I need answers!"

Soaku, bewildered and flabbergasted, was taken aback by the unexpected news and could not give an adequate reaction. Her mouth was wide open, but no sound was coming out. "I..."

Unbeknownst to all, Yui was crouching on the stairs, eavesdropping on the conversation. The young girl covered her mouth in horror, weeping silent tears and grasping her pounding heart. "I knew it… I knew it… I knew it! "

┍━ 【❀】 ━┑

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

HIMARI

DREAM:

Weightless.

Floating.

Everything yet nothing.

Himari's entire body was semitransparent like the gossamer that is spun by spiders in the early mornings of autumn. She was white in a sea of black, the lower half of her body wispy like curls of rising steam.

Where am I?

I do not know but this feels nice.

I kind of like it here because it is very peaceful.

I wish to stay but something is pulling me back…

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Himari found herself in a familiar garden of flowers and a cobblestone path. She looked down at her hands and saw that she was not pellucid like before and that she had legs. She was barefoot and dressed in nothing but a pale nightgown.

I am at the manor…

She wandered aimlessly through the Katōwamuro garden until she heard, or felt, something calling for her. It was not in the form of an audible voice but as a gut feeling, like how one would feel when they are met with a forked road.

Like a moth fluttering towards a beacon of light, Himari wandered towards the source of her deep yearning. She arrived at the center of the garden where the stone cherubs were pouring vases of water into the mouths of large fish.

There, she saw Tsukihiko waiting for her at the water fountain in the garden.

When Tsukihiko turned towards her and looked at her directly, Himari saw that he looked like a dream, a vision of beauty clad in a finely tailored suit. The moonlight cascading down upon his skin like a soft blanket of silver, almost fading into him, and lent an ethereal beauty to his handsome features. His captivating, light-red eyes had a striking contrast against the milky whiteness of his visage, and his curly, wavy black hair framed the sides of his face perfectly.

"Tsukihiko-san!" Himari exclaimed. "Tsukihiko-san, you are here! You came for me!"

"Yes, of course. I would never leave you, Himari."

"Will we always be together?"

"Forever."

"Take me," Himari whispered, her voice climbing to an adamant shout. "Take me away from this horrible place!"

With that, Tsukihiko took Himari's hand, and they began to soar through the air, feeling free and weightless like birds. The Katōwamuro manor grew further and further away until it was unable to be seen.

"Oh, my, this is astounding, Tsukihiko-san!"

Soon, the two of them landed in a vibrant sea carmine, scarlet, coral-red. They stood in an endless field of red flowers underneath void that appeared as a sunless sky, if it was even a sky at all.

The red blossoms were crushed underneath Himari's feet as she waded through them to pick up a lone flower that seemed to glow. She held the flower by its stem to examine it, noticing the umbels of curled, reflexed tepals, and long, exserted stamens resembling a spider's leg around the bulb.

Red spider lilies, Lycoris radiata.

"I need more from you, Himari."

"More from me? More of what, Tsukihiko-san?"

Tsukihiko did not respond but drew close to Himari before he dove into the crook of her neck.

Himari experienced a sharp, intense pain just like before when he bit her left shoulder. Grimacing in pain, she could feel blood pouring down her skin and bloodying her nightgown. "Tsukihiko-san!"

"Quiet yourself," Tsukihiko demanded, his teeth sinking even deeper into her flesh. "Learn to bear the pain and take great pleasure in it. You are the woman for me."

Instead of attempting to flee, Himari moved her head to give Tsukihiko more access to her neck and held onto him tightly.

There was love and beauty within the pain, and she liked it.

AWAKE:

Himari slowly opened her eyes to see a familiar pale, white face above her. "Tsukihiko-san, it is you," she whispered breathily, her chest rising and falling in tune with every word. "Kon'nichiwa…"

✧TRANSLATION: Himari slowly opened her eyes to see a familiar pale, white face above her. "Tsukihiko-san, it is you," she whispered breathily, her chest rising and falling in tune with every word. "Hello…"

"Kon'nichiwa," Tsukihiko greeted warmly. "It is wonderful to see that you have awakened, Himari. I have a bowl of bone broth for you."

✧TRANSLATION: "Hello," Tsukihiko greeted warmly. "It is wonderful to see that you have awakened, Himari. I have a bowl of bone broth for you."

"Tsukihiko-san, you are too kind," Himari said weakly. "Arigatō…"

✧TRANSLATION: "Tsukihiko-san, you are too kind," Himari said weakly. "Thank you…"

Disconcerted, Himari looked down at the intravenous catheters inserted into her arms. "I feel so drained and fatigued, Tsukihiko-san," she groaned. "How did this happen?"

"You feel fatigued because you fell ill suddenly."

"I fell ill?"

"Yes, Himari. It was an acute febrile illness; you were hot to the touch and severely dehydrated. Luckily, I have a background in medicine. Things would have certainly taken a turn for the worse if you did not come to me in time."

"How did I get here?"

"Ah, so you do not remember a thing," Tsukihiko remarked sorrowfully. "Partial amnesia is to be expected from such a high fever. Himari, you came here after a terrible argument you had with your family. You were devastated after receiving the news that your father disowned you."

Upon hearing that, Himari forced herself to sit up. "Father-sama disowned me?"

"Yes, he did. That is what you told me when you first arrived. You were very inconsolable and distraught. You told me of how your father and your stepmother were forcing you into an arranged marriage. You refused, which enraged your father, so he disowned you, legally and emotionally. The man stripped you of your surname, Maeda-Katōwamuro. He chose your abusive stepmother and stepsisters over you like he has done countless times before."

Himari burst into tears and cried profusely, her frail body shaking and wracked with sobs. "No! No, no, no! Oh, my, that cannot be right! Father-sama would never do such a thing to me, he would not! Tsukihiko-san, may I speak with my father?"

"No, I am afraid not, Himari. You must rest." Tsukihiko held a spoonful of bone broth to Himari's lips and said, "Here, allow me to feed you. Take a little and you will feel much better."

"Please, Tsukihiko-san, I beg you to let me speak with him!" Himari threw the blanket off her and attempted to get out of the bed, but her legs would not move. Her legs remained limp and unresponsive, and felt like they weighed heavier than a ton.

What? I am paralyzed! My legs will not listen to me!

Slightly vexed, Tsukihiko picked the blanket up from the floor and tucked Himari back into it. "I do not think it would be wise to stress you further in your condition of ill health, Himari. It would be more appropriate if you spoke with your father once you regain your strength."

"But I must speak with him now, Tsukihiko-san! I am so, so, so frightened and confused because I do not remember a thing! I cannot believe that we would ever have such an argument so terrible! Why will you not allow me to speak with him?"

"Himari, you must have some understanding as to why I do not want you contacting them ever again. I do not want you to get hurt. The ones you call your family are vile and are unworthy of your love. Let us focus on your full recovery."

"Could you bring a telephone to me, please? The call will not take too long, Tsukihiko-san! I just want to make sure my father is all right. He is a busy, overworked man who forgets to eat, and I was the main one taking care of him! I just need to speak—"

"Silence," Tsukihiko interjected angrily, completely out of character.

The young woman was taken aback by the pure hostility in Tsukihiko's deep, resonant voice. She began to tremble, and a new wave of tears welled up in her eyes. "T-Tsukihiko-san…"

I never thought he would yell at me like how my stepmother yelled at me!

Tsukihiko rubbed his temples in frustration, attempting to soothe his nerves. Once he regained his calm disposition, he placed his hand upon Himari's and spoke in a softer tone. "Forgive me for my outburst, Himari. It was rude of me and uncalled for. Are you able to forgive me?"

"Yes, I forgive you, Tsukihiko-san…"

"I appreciate your forgiveness, but I must ask why are you being so resistant to my instruction? It is like you are trying your hardest to get away from me and return to your abusive family. Are you not content being here with me, Himari?"

"Of course, I am content being with you, Tsukihiko-san! Seeing your face when I first awoke is the closest thing to a glimpse of Heaven."

"So why are you so persistent to speak with your old, wretched family? You have suffered more than enough under their callous cruelty. They do not deserve an ounce of your concern."

"That may be true but no matter how cruel, callous, or wretched they may be, they are still my family, Tsukihiko-san!"

"I thought I was your family."

"You… You thought of yourself as my family?" Himari asked, her heart fluttering in her chest. "Do you really mean that, Tsukihiko-san?"

"Yes, I do mean that. We have become extremely close, so close that I cannot envision a world without you. I assumed you felt the same… My apologies. How foolish I was to believe that I meant anything to you."

"What? No, no, no, I do feel the same, Tsukihiko-san! I love you, I love you more than anything! You are my world, the universe, and everything else in between!"

"Then do not concern yourself with the ones you once loved dearly," Tsukihiko said to her, running his fingers through her hair before tucking a lock of it behind her ear. "Do not turn away to look at your past, for I am your future. I will protect and never harm you. I am all you need."

"Okay, Tsukihiko-san. I will not speak of my family anymore. You are right; they are memories of the past, and a life with you is my future. My only wish is to live alongside you as your wife."

Then I will give myself to you completely, Tsukihiko-san.

Tsukihiko kissed Himari upon her forehead and whispered, "Good girl."

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

TIMESKIP: FOURTEEN DAYS

HIMARI

The days flew by rapidly and soon, fourteen days had passed. The cold breeze rustled the late autumn leaves, and the air was scented sweet because of the fragrant flowers from nearby.

Himari sat in the balcony area of her bedroom, reading a book and enjoying the view from above. She missed her family dearly and wanted to contact them, but she promised Tsukihiko that she would not concern herself with them.

Lady Mistress Soaku-sama, Saori-chan, Yui-chan, Alde-san, Fuwapo, and Father-sama… I miss them all so, so, so much! I wish that I could see them one last time… I wonder what it would be like if Tsukihiko met my father!

A vision of Kihaku glaring at Tsukihiko from across the table after they announced their engagement at dinner came to mind, making her giggle.

It is not wrong to assume that Father-sama would not be as thrilled, but I am certain he would accept it and give us his blessing!

Himari would sleep during the day and when she awoke in the dead of night, Tsukihiko would be there. The man would feed her, bathe her, clothe her, and even read to her until she fell asleep. With his medical expertise, the young woman's condition was improving day by day, so much that she could walk on her own again.

Tsukihiko Kobayashi exuded an enigmatic aura of nobility and distinction, apparent in his entrance to any room and the confident grace of his stride. This rendered the label 'boyfriend' inadequate and lacking sophistication in Himari's perception, causing her to regard him as her 'lover.'

Over time, Tsukihiko began to feel like less like a romantic partner and, strangely, more like a father. This notion seemed taboo and sinfully immoral, akin to the act of self-gratification, but it could not be deterred. Himari feared that her unresolved paternal issues were causing her to project them onto Tsukihiko, thus damaging and ruining their relationship akin to aphids infesting a delicate flower's stem.

I do not like where our relationship is going. I feel so small and feeble around him, like I am a little girl! I am not a child; I am a woman. If I am to be Tsukihiko's wife, then he must think of me as his equal. I must make him see that I am his woman the only way possible…

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Around ten o'clock, which was Tsukihiko's usual arrival time, Himari made her way to the master bedroom to eagerly await him. Clad and swathed in a delicate floral negligée, she embraced her nudity and let her lustrous, ebony locks flow down to her waist. Filled with anticipation, she nervously bit on her red lips while fixating her gaze upon the door.

Please come to me, Tsukihiko-san, come to me. I am upstairs waiting for you in your bedroom. I want you to see me for all I am…

Shortly after, the doorknob turn, and the door opened. Tsukihiko walked in, holding several gift bags. "Himari, I have returned. How are you-" The man's words trailed off as he caught sight of the young woman standing near the bed, wearing nothing but a diaphanous gown. "... Himari."

"Tsukihiko-san." Himari approached him with a deliberate and enticing stride, her negligée falling to the floor, unveiling her every contour.

Tsukihiko's gaze remained fixated on Himari as he inquired, "Himari... What is this? What exactly are you up to?"

"I am showing my love for you in the deepest way, Tsukihiko-san."

"Why are you doing this?"

"I am doing this because I wish to thank you."

"For what?"

"For saving me from the dreadfulness of my life! I was destined to either marry a stranger or remain a housemaid for my cruel family, but you opened your home to me and took me in! Tsukihiko-san, you have done nothing but shown me kindness, so I am eternally grateful."

"That is hardly worth anything to be thanked for," Tsukihiko replied somberly. "I was only doing what I thought was right. Himari, I am saddened you felt that you needed to throw yourself to me to show appreciation. Forgive me for pressuring you into this course of action."

"No, no, no, Tsukihiko-san, you have not done anything wrong. I was not pressured into doing this! I am doing this of my own accord because I want us to become closer, like a real couple…" Himari touched the side of Tsukihiko's face tenderly as her small, perky breasts pressed against his suit, producing a pleasurable friction. "I wished to await marriage, but I do not want to wait; I want it now! It is undeniable that you and I will become a married couple, so why must we wait any longer? I want everything and all of you because I have come to the realization that I love you, Mister Tsukihiko Kobayashi-san."

I want you, Tsukihiko-san, and I know you want me, too…

To Himari's surprise, Tsukihiko rejected her touch by moving her hand off his face and pushing her away from him. "Tsukihiko-san, why?" Himari gasped. "I thought you wanted me!"

No, this cannot be! I thought he loved and wanted me!

Suddenly, Tsukihiko pushed Himari against the wall with great force, stealing her breath away. "Oh, my!"

The man tasted her chest and neck region with great restraint as if he could barely contain himself. His cool breath caressed her skin, sending ripples of delight, as he hovered over the crook of her neck. "I have yearned for this, Himari. I have so longed for the day you revealed yourself to me."

"Take me, Tsukihiko-san," Himari pleaded, whimpering in a flurry of sexual excitement. "Just take me!"

Tsukihiko wrapped his hands around the young woman's waist, picked her up, then laid her upon the regal bed. His light-red eyes scoured Himari's splayed physique and soaked in all her features: the rosiness of her flushed skin, the firmness of her taut nipples, and the triangular patch of hair that crowned her privates. "Wonderful, wonderful… Himari, my dear girl, are you certain you want this?"

"Yes, Tsukihiko-san. I am certain I want this. I am ready to give myself to you."

Without wasting another moment, Tsukihiko mounted her and pinned her hands over her head. He took a small breast into his mouth whilst fondling the other. He targeted the tumescent, rosy-brown nipple and mercilessly bit, chewed, and sucked the tiny bead of flesh.

Himari moaned and mewled as her breasts were assaulted by Tsukihiko's voracious mouth. His other hand ventured further down her body, brushing past her mons veneris. "Oh, my!"

Tsukihiko resigned from mauling Himari's breasts and gave her a deep, meaningful kiss. He lowered himself to her privates, biting her flesh along the way.

"Where are you going, Tsukihiko-san? Tsukihiko-san?"

Tsukihiko flashed a devious grin as his head vanished in between her legs. The feeling of his cool breath near such a lewd, sensitive region caused Himari to release shaky, shuddering breaths. Shivering, she opened her trembling legs and rested them upon his shoulders.

"Wider."

Biting her finger, Himari's vaginal walls clenched as she spread her legs wide. The anticipation of Tsukihiko being so close to her hot, drooling sex was enough to liquify her.

"Himari, what do you wish for me to do to you?" Tsukihiko asked, his cold breath conflicting against the warmth emanating from her privates.

"W-what, Tsukihiko-san? What do you mean?"

"I am asking you for instructions."

"Why?"

Tsukihiko raised his head from in between Himari's thighs and said, "Himari, I came home to find you naked and waiting for me. You initiated this, so you must lead the way. Direct and instruct me on what to do."

"You... You are supposed to— Oh, I do not know what to say, Tsukihiko-san!"

"And I do not know what to do," Tsukihiko chuckled, amused by the young woman's pitiful whining. "I do not know what you want from me."

"Oh, just stop it, Tsukihiko-san!" Himari cried out, squirming all over the bed. "You know what I want! You know that I want you to lick me and touch me all over! Oh, my body is so, so, so hot!"

"Then beg for me, little one. I want to hear you beg."

"Please make love to me, Tsukihiko-san! I want you to love me, touch me, kiss me, taste me, caress me... Only you, only you, only you!"

"That is a good girl. I will give you what you desire." Tsukihiko's touch was incredibly gentle as he ran his hands from in between the tightness of her thighs to her drenched, throbbing core.

Himari could not help but cry out when she felt his fingers brush against her vulva. Tsukihiko's fingers traced the seam of her swollen sex, its puckered lips and labia curled outward like an erotic flower. He stroked her gushing slit before plunging a long finger into her.

"Eyah!" Himari screamed, arching her back high and buckling within Tsukihiko's hand. A deep moan was torn from her raw throat and full lips. Her vaginal walls clenched in surprise, and it responded by pulling his finger further into her.

I am almost— I am there! I am g-going to… I am going to COME!

The man's skilled movements brought Himari to the pinnacle of trembling, mind-numbing orgasmic pleasure. Writhing upon the satin bedsheets, she would squeal and buck her hips in midair. The delightful, light-headed feeling of an impending orgasm was just about to take her to the Heavens until, suddenly, everything came to a halt. At that moment, her orgasmic euphoria was dropped, and the sense of painful frustration caused her to become enraged.

"What? Why? Why would you stop when I— Why would you stop when I was so close?"

"Did I? I did not notice..."

"Tsukihiko-san!"

Smirking deviously, Tsukihiko plunged two digits into the young woman. His fingers penetrated her deeply at an accelerated pace along with Himari arching her back in tune with his movements, enraptured in blindingly white pleasure.

This, too, continued until he stopped just as she was on the verge of climax once again.

Thrashing around in the satin bedsheets like a child having a temper tantrum, Himari screamed, "You are a cruel bastard, Tsukihiko-san!"

Tsukihiko laughed heartily as if that was the greatest compliment he had ever received, which enraged her further. "Bastard? I never heard you speak in such an obscene way, Himari. That said, I do not deny being one."

"Please, oh, please, Tsukihiko-san! Just let m-me— Just let me release, please!"

"What is it that you want?" Tsukihiko's fingers slowly spread Himari's engorged vaginal lips and to make matters worse, he hellishly teased the orifice by blowing cool air against it. "What do you want from me, little one?"

Himari wriggled around on the satin bedspread, allowing the smooth, glossy fabric to caress her bare skin. Closing her eyes, she began to move her body in an undulating manner with gyrating hips and stretched out arms. "Tsukihiko-san... I want... I want you... I want you to— Nghhh! "

Raising her leg high to give her foot a playful bite, Tsukihiko said, "I cannot give you the pleasure you seek if you do not tell me exactly what you desire, my sweet."

"Oh, I cannot put what I want into words! Just look at me! Look at me and know all that I wish, all that I desire, all that I need! God, do not forsake me, not like this... Hyaaa!" Himari covered her mouth to muffle scream when she felt Tsukihiko's tongue squirming between her legs, tasting her vaginal lips. Her toes curled as she gripped onto the bed sheets, enraptured by the skillfulness of his oral techniques.

The taste of the young woman's nectar was sweet with a savory, tangy edge Tsukihiko enjoyed, so he went even deeper. He sucked her glistening folds into his mouth and gently chewed them, driving her mad in the process.

Upon feeling something long, warm, wet, and flexible enter her, Himari threw her head back and screamed in immense pleasure. The long muscle flailed around as if tasting her insides. As a result, she pressed Tsukihiko's head further between her legs and pleaded for his oral assault to deepen.

His t-tongue feels so long, like a snake! I cannot think of another thought, I am losing my mind! All that matters is moving my hips against his face!

Driven only by the movements of Tsukihiko's tongue and her own indescribable lust, Himari bucked her hips against his face. She moaned with shimmering tears in her eyes, grabbing the back of his suit vest with clenched fists as if she was holding on for dear life. "Tsukihiko-sama, yes! Tsukihiko-sama, yes, yes, yes! Tsukihiko-sama! "

Tsukihiko withdrew his serpent-like tongue from Himari's vagina and returned to tending to her vulva. He targeted her clitoris with his tongue flicking its fleshy hood until the tiny bud of flesh could not stop twitching. He caught her clitoris in his mouth and swirled his tongue around it in cruel, slow circles. The divine moans that left the young woman's lips signified that she was soon to climax and this time, he would allow her to.

An angelic choir sang in rejoice as Himari orgasmed violently, her eyes twitching and rolling to the back of her head. Spasming, she arched her body high in the air and made an impressively long, shuddering moan as she released.

Tsukihiko emerged from between her legs and pressed his mouth against hers. Through the pleasurable haze, Himari could taste herself upon his lips and tongue.

Yes, y-yes, yes… More, more, more… Tsukihiko-san, give me more, more, more! I want to do this forever with you, nothing would make me happier!

Tsukihiko pulled away from her lips, disrupting the wet, erotic kiss. His light-red eyes seemed to grow darker with passion as he spoke. "Himari, I assume you are naïve of the more carnal matters, yes?"

Himari nodded, breathless.

"Then I shall teach you. I shall teach you how to give and receive pleasure, and what it means to belong to me. Are you ready?"

"Yes, yes, yes, Tsukihiko-san. I am ready."

With that, Tsukihiko went to the foot of the bed and began undressing himself. He unbuttoned his vest and the cufflinks of his shirt to reveal his chest, then neatly folded and placed his clothes on the chair next to the bed. His bare chest and toned, well-defined flesh was unveiled for her, only her, to see.

Himari was unable to refrain from staring, her bronze-colored eyes widening at the sight of Tsukihiko's powerful figure, a white physique reminiscent of the marble statues of gods. The man was a sight to behold with his milky, alabaster skin, broad shoulders, and chiseled abdominals. A scintilla of lecherous desire seeped into her pure, maidenly heart, thus infecting it with an intemperance for sex.

Sugoi! I did not know that Tsukihiko-san was so muscular. He looks so strong, like he can do anything and nothing can stand in his way!

Finally, Tsukihiko unbuckled his belt and unzipped his pants. He pulled them down and stepped out of them, then folded and placed them on the chair as well. The man turned to her slowly, stroking his flaccid yet gradually hardening member.

Himari's eyes widened tremendously at the sight; the sexual organ was pale like the rest of him with prominent veins lining the shaft and a bulbous, dark purplish-red head. It erected with every twitch, growing a few inches right before her eyes. "W-what? No, no, no, Tsukihiko-san, I do not think that will fit inside of me!"

"I can assure you not to worry, little one. It will fit just fine." Kneeling between Himari's legs, Tsukihiko rubbed his member against her labia to coat himself in her nectar and saliva for lubrication. Thoroughly lubed, he positioned himself at the young woman's entrance, then slid inside. His member went past her folds and filled her to the brim, which elicited a soft, startled moan from her.

Oh, my! I feel so, so, so full… Tsukihiko-san is in the deepest part of me! I can feel him pulsing!

The foreign discomfort gradually intensified to the point of Himari feeling a sharp twinge of pain reverberate in her lower abdomen. "Aie!" she cried out.

Visibly concerned, Tsukihiko refrained from deepening any further and withdrew. "Am I causing you any pain?"

Tears began to prick Himari's eyes, making them appear glossy. "No, no, n-no… I am fine, Tsukihiko-san," she whimpered, her nose twitching. "Please, keep g-going! Khieee…"

With that, Tsukihiko reentered her slowly until he reached her cervix. Nestled deeply inside of her, he said, "There we are, Himari. That was not too hard, was it? We are finally one, and you are officially a woman now."

Once her inner walls adjusted to the size of Tsukihiko's member, Himari relaxed and felt at ease. The feeling of losing her maidenhead by being filled with him pulsating deep inside her was indescribable. "I am a woman now," she whispered with a face flushed with arousal. "I am so, so, so happy…"

I am no longer a virgin. The man I gave myself to is the man I will take as my husband.

The man lowered himself and rested on top of Himari, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around him. He began by moving his body in long, slow strokes, then he gradually picked up the pace. He thrusted into her with passion, causing her a searing pain accompanied by blood streaming down her thigh.

Tsukihiko-san, it hurts! It hurts but I do not want this to end. I want this to continue forever because in this way, I am close to you. Is that pathetic of me, putting your pleasure above my own pain?

Tsukihiko's thrusting movements slowed to a halt. "Himari, you are bleeding. I have torn you. Why did you not tell me that you are in pain?"

"I— I am okay, Tsukihiko-san… I will be strong for both of us. Please, do not stop!"

Tsukihiko began kissing all over Himari's chest and shoulder area ever so tenderly, soothing her instantly. He moved close to her ear and whispered, "Kore wa ima dewa fukai kamo shiremasenga, watashi wa subete ga sugu ni tanoshī mono ni naru koto o yakusoku shimasu."

✧TRANSLATION: Tsukihiko began kissing all over Himari's chest and shoulder area ever so tenderly, soothing her instantly. He moved close to her ear and whispered, "This may be uncomfortable now, but I promise all will soon become pleasurable."

"Yes, yes, yes… Ohhh!"

Still nestled deeply inside of her, Tsukihiko crawled on top and hovered above her. Their noses touched, and his curtain of black, wavy hair veiled them from the rest of the world.

I want to see only him forever.

Himari surrendered to him completely, enveloping him with her arms around his neck. Tsukihiko began thrusting into Himari in slow, sensual motions. He grunted softly under his breath, and looked at her with the same kind, gentle light-red eyes he looked at her with when they first met.

He is taking me like he loves me very much. If this continues, I could become pregnant! I am happy with the idea of carrying Tsukihiko-san's baby.

The young woman winced and screamed when Tsukihiko began thrusting into her more passionately. A single tear rolled down her cheek as she became intoxicated with a rhapsodic happiness that she never knew existed. The ravenous kiss that followed was full of hunger and need.

Himari and Tsukihiko moved into another position with him lying on his back while she straddled him. The young woman felt incredibly nervous because she could feel every inch of him throbbing inside of her, and she knew that she was the one who would have to take the lead.

"Tsukihiko-san, this position…"

"Just rest your hands upon my chest for support and move your hips, Himari."

Himari tightly shut her eyes as she balanced herself upon Tsukihiko's member. Guided by pure instinct, she moaned in utter bliss as she rocked and bucked her hips against him at a steady pace.

"Good girl."

I am tingling all over like I am on fire!

"Enough of that." Tsukihiko grabbed Himari's hips and repeatedly lifted her up and down upon his member. Sweet nectar gushed from her slit and dripped down his shaft, providing more than enough lubrication.

Like the tides of an angry, roaring sea, pleasure washed over Himari when she began to ride Tsukihiko at a faster pace. What escaped her lips was first a barely audible whimper that rose into a soft mewl, then a loud, howling moan. Himari shivered with each descent, with her back arched and her head thrown back. "Tsukihiko-sama!" she wailed, her entire body set aflame with a pleasurable hellfire. "Tsukihiko-sama, your dick is so good! I have n-never felt anything like t-this before! It feels otherworldly, unbelievably good! S-so deep… You are so deep inside me, so d-deep inside m-my womb! It is so good!"

He is so, so, so strong; I feel his strength with every thrust!

"Yes, continue with extolls of my greatness, my power. Give yourself to me and allow my rod to grant you salvation!" Tsukihiko gripped Himari's hips even tighter and slammed her up and down upon him to help her along the road to climax.

"So good!" Himari wept, her hard nipples pulsing with a tingling sensation and becoming coated in drops of perspiration. Before she could catch her breath, Tsukihiko grabbed her hips, lifted her high, then slammed her down with great force. His member pushed through her cervix, entered her womb, and filled her with his hot, creamy seed. "Fuehhh!"

At that moment, Himari's body began convulsing from pleasure, and she became pleasantly lightheaded and faint. Her vision was beclouded by a euphoric white fog filled with twinkling stars, and her back arched unconsciously at the pleasure shuddering through her. The control she once had over herself was dwindling; her body trembled and jerked as her inner walls clenched erratically until everything, including time itself, paused.

A euphoric, blissful sensation that told of oncoming orgasmic pleasure enveloped Himari entirely, making her full lips part in a wondrous awe. She swore she could hear wind chimes, angels, and birds singing.

This feeling… This must be it! I would go through all the pain I ever endured again just to feel this! Ohhh, I am going… I am g-going to—

"COME! Tsukihiko-sama, I— I am going to— EYAHHH!" Himari threw her head back and howled in pure, unadulterated carnal pleasure. Her face contorted in a lewd, unholy expression that not only made her look unrecognizable, but made it clear that the pure young woman she was before remained no longer.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Himari laid wrapped in Tsukihiko's arms with her head resting upon his chest. She snuggled against him with the smile of a happily inebriated person, her skin glowing with a rosy, flushed tint. They were both nude and still entwined, inhaling the lingering, relentless perfume of sex.

I am not a virgin any longer. I love Tsukihiko-san so much. No one else will ever take his place, no one.

"How was it, your first time?" Tsukihiko inquired, his voice a low purr that could be felt upon his chest.

"Oh my, I cannot find the words to describe how wonderful it was, Tsukihiko-san! I loved every moment."

"I am pleased to hear that you enjoyed it. Do you still wish to speak with your father?"

"No, no, no, I do not wish to speak with him. I only wish to stay here with you, Tsukihiko-san. I want to stay in this mansion and live alongside you forever."

"Good girl. Now, come here."

Himari rested her head against Tsukihiko's pale, broad chest and snuggled against him. "Tsukihiko-san, will you leave before I wake?"

"Yes, unfortunately… I have no choice."

"Oh… That is most unfortunate."

"It is."

"… Tsukihiko-san?"

"Yes?"

"It is unbecoming for a woman to give herself to man she has no intentions to marrying. I have already given myself to you, so…"

"Himari, I will marry you in due course. I would be foolish to not claim an attractive young woman like yourself as mine but first, I have a proposition for you."

"A proposition? What kind of proposition, Tsukihiko-san?"

"The task is not difficult; I would like for you to cook my favorite meal, kakuni, to the utmost level of perfection. Only then will I know that you are the right woman for me. I will wed you swiftly."

Himari gazed up at Tsukihiko, the man she was certain that she would call her husband, with a smile full of confidence and determination. "I accept this challenge!"

"Splendid. Now, there is a wonderful marketplace and shopping center in Osungi, just outside of Ni-Kunoe. A chauffeur will drive you there whenever you please."

"A chauffeur? I appreciate that, Tsukihiko-san, but I prefer to ride the bus. I miss walking to enjoy nature and clear my mind!"

"No, nonsense. You will be escorted. A woman of mine will know only luxury. Also, I do not want you to speak to anyone casually while you are out. Keep all conversations to a minimum, especially when speaking to other men. You must dress appropriately as well. Do not gather any attention, I do not want anyone leering at you."

Oh my, he is so protective of me!

"So many rules…" Himari whispered. She made a sharp inward breath as Tsukihiko lifted her chin so that she was staring at him directly.

The man's expression was gravely serious as he said, "Himari, I will fulfill all your desires if you do as I say and never cross me. Do you understand?"

"Yes, yes, yes, Tsukihiko-san. I understand."

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

The following morning, Himari awoke with a pleasant ache in all the appropriate spots. As she gazed at the intricately designed ceiling, she could not help but smile and reminisce about the sensual, passionate night she had shared with Tsukihiko. To her dismay, the side where the man once laid was empty, as he had left long before daybreak, but his woody, amber fragrance still lingered and clung to the bedding as if he had attempted to prolong his stay.

Tsukihiko-san…

Himari approached the mirror and admired the tender love marks delicately scattered across her body, particularly on her neck and shoulders. These mementos were lightly tinged with red and gradually mending.

Last night, I and Tsukihiko-san became united in the most sacred of ways, and we become one just as he said! How romantic is that? I must devote my life to becoming the best woman for him!

To become Tsukihiko's wife, I must make kakuni, braised pork belly perfectly… Oh, my, I do not believe I have cooked that before, but I am good at cooking! I will go to the marketplace and find a recipe today. I do hope that Tsukihiko-san will be delighted!

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Arriving in the marketplace in Osungi, Himari exited the luxury vehicle and gazed at the marketplace in wonder. "Sugoi…"

✧TRANSLATION: Arriving in the marketplace in Osungi, Himari exited the luxury vehicle and gazed at the marketplace in wonder. "Wow…"

Osungi's marketplace was a vibrant hub for the wealthy elite, who filled it with the sounds of chatter and the scents of street food. The area was illuminated by colorful lights and filled with locals dressed in traditional Japanese clothing. Himari, however, stood out in her conservative attire: a bowknot lapel princess coat, gloves, ankle boots, and a cloche hat adorned with a large flower.

Tsukihiko-san gave me strict instructions to not gather any attention but how can I not when I am the only one who is not wearing a kimono? I guess this is what he meant when he told me to dress appropriately!

Himari wandered through the marketplace, trying to make herself invisible within the crowd. There were a few questionable glances, but the people of Osungi were generally too polite to stare.

A flyer regarding a parade made Himari pause to read it.

The Sunshine Parade? That sounds so fun! I will tell Tsukihiko-san about it tonight over dinner!

The young woman continued shopping and went on to purchase all that she needed. A short while later, she collected all the ingredients except for one: pork belly, the main entrée. She quickly found a butchery where an elderly woman was sitting on a stool, reading a newspaper.

Himari approached and stared at the menu for a long while with a finger to her lips.

Pork belly…

"Hey, miss, are you lost?" a male voice called out. The voice belonged to a young, attractive man with long, chestnut-colored hair tied up in a tall ponytail. His bright eyes and a dimple in his smile gave his countenance an air of either charm or provocation.

"Lost, me? No, no, no, I am right where I need to be. I was lost when I was looking at your menu, though. So many choices…"

The young man gave a hearty laugh. "You really are a cute, funny woman! I like that… What are you planning to cook?"

"Kakuni."

"How many people are you serving?"

"Two."

"Two? As in you are cooking for another person?"

"Yes, yes, yes!" Himari exclaimed. "I am cooking a romantic dinner for I and my… husband!"

Oh, do not like to fib, but I cannot help myself! Tsukihiko-san and I are getting married soon, so in a sense, we are already husband and wife!

"You are married? Lucky guy… You will need no more than half a pound."

"All right. I would like half a pound of pork belly, please."

"Yes, ma'am. It will not take too long to prepare your cut."

Himari affirmed with a nod and then, unexpectedly, she felt a fierce clench and a tug at her heart, an intense urge to reach out to her family. Despite knowing that it might not be prudent to do so after her discussion with Tsukihiko, her heart remained undeterred. "May I use your telephone in the meantime?" she blurted out. "There is a call I would like to make."

Tsukihiko-san advised against this, but I just want to know if everyone is alright…

"Sure, go ahead. Be certain to leave your number on a napkin as well… Just kidding!" The young man went to cut the pork belly, winking at Himari as he twirled the cleaver in his hand skillfully.

"Oh, my…"

The elderly woman sitting on a stool turned to Himari and said, "Do not mind him, young lady. He is always flirting with every pretty girl he sees."

Himari gave a soft laugh, then walked over to the telephone. Looking over her shoulder, she dialed the number of the Katōwamuro estate. The young woman held it close to her ear, praying that her father would answer.

Father-sama, please be the one to pick up the phone. I want to know how you are doing. I miss your voice.

The call was answered almost instantaneously. "Thank you for calling the Katōwamuro residence!" an unfamiliar female voice on the other end of the line greeted. "May I ask for the name of who is calling?"

Silence.

"Hello, this is the Katōwamuro residence! Who is this?"

Silence.

"Hello, is anyone there?"

Himari opened her mouth to respond but froze when she recalled Tsukihiko's words.

"Himari, you must have some understanding as to why I do not want you contacting them ever again. I do not want you to get hurt. The ones you call your family are vile and are unworthy of your love."

"So why are you so persistent to speak with your old, wretched family? You have suffered more than enough under their callous cruelty. They do not deserve an ounce of your love."

"Then do not concern yourself with the ones you once loved dearly. Do not turn away to look at your past, for I am your future. I will protect and never harm you. I am all you need."

"Hello? Is anyone there—"

Before the unknown woman could finish, Himari hung up the phone. She felt a twinge of sorrow within her heart but knew that it was wise to hang up.

"Is there anything else I could do for you?" the young butcher asked.

"No, no, no, not at all. You have done more than enough for me, letting me use your telephone. How much do I owe you?"

"That cut of yours was seven thousand yen, but I will give you a discount simply because you are cute, even if you do have a guy waiting for you at home. Four thousand yen it is."

A simmering blush burned Himari's cheeks. "Arigatō…"

✧TRANSLATION: A simmering blush burned Himari's cheeks. "Thank you…"

Himari delved into her coin purse to fetch the coins to hand to the young butcher. As the exchange took place, their hands brushed against each other, making slight contact.

"Arigatō!"

✧TRANSLATION: "Thank you!"

"See you next time!"

Himari gave the young butcher and the elderly woman a smile before she turned away, holding her coin purse and groceries close to her chest. As she returned to the chauffeur, she thought of her family.

I miss them but perhaps it is better this way.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

It was a little past ten o'clock when Tsukihiko returned from a long day of work. As usual, he placed his fedora and overcoat on the coatrack and asked, "How are you doing, beautiful?"

With excitement, Himari rushed to welcome him, gracefully bowing. She wore a frilly apron over a pale yellow kimono, and her hair was elegantly styled in an upswept bun, reminiscent of a traditional Japanese housewife. "I am doing well, Tsukihiko-san! How was your day at work?"

"It was tedious and tiresome, but I am more than satisfied just by seeing you."

Oh, Tsukihiko-san makes me swoon with every word he says to me.

Flattered, Himari bashfully looked away from him and covered her rouge cheeks. "I have made dinner, and I made your favorite: braised pork belly over a bed of rice!"

"That sounds delightful."

Himari turned to guide Tsukihiko to the dining room but was interrupted by him taking her hand and bringing her back towards him. "Yes, Tsukihiko-san?"

"How was your time in Osungi?" Tsukihiko asked.

"Oh, Osungi was delightful, just as you said! It is even better than the marketplace in Yaegashi!"

"That is wonderful to hear. Now, Himari, did you do as I asked of you?"

"Did I do what you asked of me? What was that, Tsukihiko-san?"

"The instructions I gave you," Tsukihiko answered with a strange, growing smile that appeared to be insincere. "The ones about dressing appropriately and keeping to yourself."

"Oh, those instructions. I dressed very nicely in my princess coat, boots, and hat! You should have seen my face when I saw that everyone was dressed in kimonos!"

"Did you speak to anyone?"

"Yes, yes, yes. Well, not really…"

"Himari."

"No, no, no, Tsukihiko-san. I did speak to others but only to shopkeepers and merchants!"

Tsukihiko maintained his grasp on Himari's hand, his hold tightening as his expression turned cold and menacing. "Himari," he uttered with anger searing his voice.

Himari looked up at Tsukihiko with her bronze-colored eyes that were shimmering with tears and cried out, "What is it, Tsukihiko-san? Why are you looking at me like you are angry with me? Did I do something to upset you? Y-yes, I did speak to others. I had to speak to people to get the ingredients I needed... I do not want to us to argue, Tsukihiko-san!"

Tsukihiko's light-red eyes, filled with anger, calmed like settling dust after a fierce breeze. Gently, he reached out to tuck a lock of Himari's hair behind her ear and drew her close, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. "Very well. Let us proceed," he said softly.

As per his routine, Tsukihiko made his way into the dining room and took a seat at the distant end of the table, anticipating his dinner.

Himari entered the kitchen to retrieve Tsukihiko's dinner and placed the bowl braised pork belly on the table in front of him. As she poured him a cup of sake, she said, "Earlier, when I was in Osungi, I saw a flyer for a parade in two days. I was wondering if we could go together, if that is all right."

"What time will the parade be held?"

"It starts early in the day and ends before nightfall!" she replied cheerfully.

Tsukihiko furrowed his brows and shook his head. "Ah, I am afraid not. You know how hectic my work schedule is."

"Are you certain you could not take the day off? You work so, so, so much, Tsukihiko-san!" Himari rocked her hips seductively as she said, "I will even wear that pretty kimono you brought me. You know, the one with the doves…"

Still, Tsukihiko was not dissuaded. "Himari, I am certain I cannot."

"Oh… Well, perhaps another time."

"Yes, perhaps another time."

When Himari sat across from Tsukihiko, she became alarmed when she noticed that he was staring down at his untouched plate with an unreadable expression. "Tsukihiko-san, are you not hungry?"

"Come again?"

"You have not taken a bite of your dinner…"

"Ah." Tsukihiko frowned as he stabbed at the pieces of pork with chopsticks, unimpressed.

"Oh, my, is something the matter with your dinner, Tsukihiko-san?" Himari asked.

The man heaved a quiet, disappointed sigh and shook his head. "No, I do not wish to be impolite."

"Oh, please tell me, Tsukihiko-san."

"Darling, forgive me but this meal is not of my preferred standards. It is rather… dry."

"It is dry, Tsukihiko-san? Oh, my! Forgive me for not noticing that before I served you. There is no excuse for my mistake, but this is my first time cooking this meal. Gomen'nasai!"

✧TRANSLATION: "It is dry, Tsukihiko-san? Oh, my! Forgive me for not noticing that before I served you. There is no excuse for my mistake, but this is my first time cooking this meal. I am sorry!"

"Unfortunately, you have not earned the engagement ring today but the best thing about our little challenge is that you can try as many times as you wish."

"I will use your criticism to improve and serve you the greatest kakuni dish ever made, Tsukihiko-san!"

"I look forward to it, Himari."

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

TIMESKIP: TWO DAYS

HIMARI

Quietly, Himari observed as Tsukihiko carefully inspected and deconstructed the kakuni dish, while she silently prayed. This was her second attempt at cooking kakuni, and she had full confidence that this particular dish would capture his heart.

Please enjoy it, please enjoy it! Please find no flaws!

With a long sigh, Tsukihiko grasped the square-cut pork belly with his chopsticks, applying pressure to demonstrate its rigidity. "Himari," he said, "This meat is so resilient that even a fork would struggle to pierce it. Unfortunately, this dish fails to meet the expected standards. It is just not up to par."

I marinated the pork belly for hours to ensure it would not be tough! It appears tender enough to melt in one's mouth, but I value and trust Tsukihiko's judgement. Could it be that I let it simmer for too long at a high temperature? That might be the reason for my failure...

"Oh, my, I am a failure!" Himari cried out in frustration. "It will take so much longer for us to get married, and it is all my fault!"

When Tsukihiko sensed Himari's impending tears, he cradled her in his arms and gently kissed her forehead. "Ah, do not worry about that, Himari. You will try this again another time, yes?"

"Yes, yes, yes, I will never give up! This is very disheartening because I do not like to disappoint people, especially the ones I love. I only wish to make you happy, Tsukihiko-san!"

Tsukihiko ran his fingers through Himari's hair and tucked a lock of it behind her ear affectionately. "In time, you will certainly learn how to make me happy, Himari. You are young with a mind that is very pliable. There is no doubt that under my tutelage, you will become a marvelous housewife."

Himari did not resist when Tsukihiko leaned in and caught her lips with his. His mouth completely covered hers and his tongue slipped inside. The young woman was limp in his grasp, completely at his mercy.

Enveloped in the all-consuming kiss, Himari made pleasurable, muffled moans. The friction of her nipples chaffing against the buttons of Tsukihiko's suit made her mewl like a kitten. The man squeezed and fondled her buttocks like his livelihood depended on it.

Himari gasped upon feeling something sharp and claw-like digging into her bottom as she was groped. She also felt Tsukihiko's prominent erection pressing against her thighs.

"Right h-here, at the dining table?"

"Yes, right here."

Tsukihiko helped Himari off his lap, then stood up in front of her. "Get on your knees," he commanded.

Himari obeyed and kneeled before him. She became wet and blushed in expectancy and desire, for she had a brief understanding of what was about to happen: fellatio, the oral stimulation of a man's genitals. Just as Tsukihiko had done when his head was submerged between her legs, it was her turn to taste him.

I… I want to do more dirty things with Tsukihiko-san. I want to give pleasure and be pleasured at the same time. I will do whatever it takes to succeed in that!

As soon as Tsukihiko undid his belt and unzipped his pants, his penis leapt out to greet her. The sexual organ was inches away from her face. The frenulum brushed across her full lips for a moment, the scent of male arousal it carried intoxicating.

"Go on, Himari. Do not just stare at it, touch it."

Nervous, Himari wrapped her hand around his length and stroked it timidly. "L-like this?"

"Yes, you are doing it correctly," he assured her. "Continue."

Himari continued stroking Tsukihiko's member, her face reddening from sheer arousal. She stroked his length at a faster pace until he slid inside her mouth abruptly. The salty, musky taste of a man's genitals overwhelmed all her senses.

Oh, m-my, Tsukihiko-san's dick is in my mouth! I cannot help but love it…

Struggling to consume more of his length, Himari moved her tongue all over the throbbing sexual organ to compensate. Her tongue ran across the protruding veins and the glans in circles, enjoying the feeling of his length erecting fully within her mouth. Pulling away, the young woman blushed as she engulfed the drooling head of his slick hardness into her mouth once more and suckled.

"Are you tired of using your jaw already? Look up at me and hold it firmly in your mouth."

Himari obeyed; she clenched her jaw and stared up at Tsukihiko with her teary, bronze-colored eyes, begging for his approval.

I only wish to please you, Tsukihiko-san…

Tsukihiko leaned his head back and fisted his hands in Himari's hair. He made a low noise of satisfaction that was something between a growl or a purr, as the feeling of her tongue curling around the most sensitive part of him was divine. "That is right, Himari. You are doing well, very, very well. What a good girl you are."

Yes, yes, yes, Tsukihiko-san, I am a good girl!

The pleasurable rush of accomplishment ended when Tsukihiko grabbed the back of Himari's head and thrusted his entire length down her throat abruptly. He moved his pelvis back and forth, his member hitting the back of her throat constantly.

Himari made gurgled, muffled cries of shock. Thick, wavy pubic hair tickled her face as she struggled to adjust to the oral assault. Her throat felt incredibly raw and burned due to the friction.

I cannot breathe! My throat hurts! Please, not like this…

Finally, Himari's head was yanked back and Tsukihiko's member left her throat. A string of thick saliva connected her lips to his pulsating length, and her eyes watered as she gasped for air.

Tsukihiko helped Himari to her feet before his hands went under her dress and removed her undergarments. A pair of white, lacy panties fell to the floor as Himari was picked up as if she weighed no more than a feather. The young woman wrapped her arms around the back of her lover's neck and her legs around his body while he held onto her waist.

Without any warning, Tsukihiko entered Himari and began thrusting into her with great force. The ordeal felt agonizing and incredibly rough, but Himari refused to give any indication that she was in pain.

It hurts, but I do not want to spoil Tsukihiko-san's pleasure...

After what felt like an eternity of Tsukihiko plowing into her at maximum speed, he withdrew himself from her wounded orifice and placed her down.

Himari leaned on the dining table for support, struggling to catch her breath. "Oh, m-my, that was very intense, Tsukihiko-san…" Just as her body fully relaxed, her head was pushed onto the dining table with her bottom propped up. "W-what?"

More? Already?

Tsukihiko entered her from behind with a low, guttural grunt. Himari was unable to refrain from crying out in pain. The coitus proceeded with Tsukihiko slamming, thrusting, and ramming into her. Himari clenched her teeth and wept silently as she was rammed into from behind with no mercy.

Oh, this hurts so, so, so much! I do not know how much more of this I can take!

The man began slapping Himari's buttocks, belaboring her bottom with his open palm. He hunched over her figure, growling gutturally and moving without pause.

Tsukihiko-san! Tsukihiko-san, please! See me. See my face to know how painful this is for me!

Minutes later, Himari laid like a broken doll on the floor. The back of her thighs and her buttocks were an angry shade of red decorated with scratches and scattered hand imprints. A pink, creamy liquid composed of male ejaculation and blood oozed out of her.

Tsukihiko stood above Himari, grunting as he stroked his stiff, erect member. He spewed ropes of his liquid essence onto her abused body, his seed pelting her like rain. Satisfied, he went to a mirror to straighten his hair and attire. Before he left, he said, "I will be absent for a few days. Clean the dining room and yourself well."

Now alone, Himari found that she did not have the strength to move. A series of sharp, intense stabbing pains reverberated in her abdomen, and her body was unbelievably sore.

It hurts… It hurts so much. I am hurting all over, but it brings me pleasure to know that I satisfied him. That means I am enough, at least in his eyes. For once, I am a good girl.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

TIMESKIP: FIVE DAYS

HIMARI

Himari knelt on the floor, panting, as she vigorously scrubbed the marble flooring of the foyer. Dark circles marred her eyes, and loose strands of hair escaped from her bun. She had been tirelessly cleaning for hours ever since Tsukihiko's return, as the mansion failed to meet his impeccable standards.

"I have finished, Anata!" Himari called out, her hands and knees feeling sore.

"Is the floor spotless?" Tsukihiko asked from the main living room, where he sat near the fireplace.

"Yes, yes, yes, Anata! The floor is clean enough to eat off!"

Tsukihiko entered the foyer, inspecting the marble flooring with his keen eyes. "That is good to hear," he said, satisfied. "You must maintain this level of cleanliness without me having to ask, Himari."

"Yes, yes, yes, Anata."

The man continued inspecting the area until he approached a vase upon a pedestal. Upon touching the vase with a finger, his face contorted into a displeased scowl. "Himari," he said with a sharp, abrupt snap of his fingers. "Himari, darling, do come take a look at this."

The young woman rose to her feet, her hands gripping her scarred, sore knees for support. She was exhausted, so her movements were slow and lethargic. "Y-yes, Anata?"

Tsukihiko held his finger to her face and asked, "What is this?"

Himari lowered her head in sorrow, feeling nothing but shame. "It is dust."

"Correct, it is dust. Tell me, what are you doing all throughout the day?"

"Well, I went grocery shopping, I went for a walk, I tended to the shrubs outside, I scrubbed the bathrooms, then I—"

"Himari, for this arrangement to work, we both need to be pulling our weight. Do I not work all throughout the day to provide?"

"Yes, yes, yes, you do, Tsukihiko-san."

"Do I treat you fairly?"

"Yes, yes, yes, you do, Tsukihiko-san."

"Do I not deserve to come home to a clean house?"

"Yes, yes— I mean, no, no, no, you—"

"This mansion should be spotless," Tsukihiko interrupted, his voice carrying an edge of anger. "I assumed that you knew what you were doing, regarding your past, but I see that you do not have even the slightest idea nor inkling of how to maintain a home. I cannot teach you how to be a woman, a wife, or a servant, but everything must be perfect, Himari. It must be perfect. Do you understand?"

Humiliated, Himari nodded in shame and bowed. She felt like a child being scolded by an adult, and the venom in Tsukihiko's voice during his harsh reprimand made her feel stinging pricks all over. "I understand."

"Now, is dinner prepared?"

"Y-yes, yes, yes, Anata. It is ready for you."

Tsukihiko went to sit in his usual dining chair, and Himari served him a bowl of kakuni paired with a cup of sake.

"Tsukihiko-san, I do hope you enjoy your meal," she said. "I want nothing more than to please you."

Visibly unimpressed, Tsukihiko stared down at his plate for a long while and examined it. "It is rather burnt, Himari," he said, pointing at the crisp edges of the square-cut pork belly.

Remorseful, Himari bowed repeatedly for forgiveness. "Gomen'nasai, gomen'nasai, gomen'nasai! Please, do forgive me, Tsuki—"

✧TRANSLATION: Remorseful, Himari bowed repeatedly for forgiveness. "I am sorry, I am sorry, I am sorry! Please, do forgive me, Tsuki—"

"Silence!" Tsukihiko interrupted sharply with a hand raised. "There will be no more of that grating, pitiful whining of yours. Have you looked at yourself in a mirror? You appear so… disheveled and unkept. Is this your way of retaliating against me?"

"No, no, no, it is not, Tsukihiko-san. Forgive me, I have not been sleeping too well…"

"That is unacceptable. The least I ask of you is to look presentable for me. Why are you constantly failing to meet my expectations, Himari? I thought you wanted to be my wife."

"I do, Tsukihiko-san, I really do! I love you! I want nothing more than to be your wife!"

"Then why are you disappointing me so?"

Unable to find the words for an answer, Himari prostrated herself before Tsukihiko's feet. "Tsukihiko-san, please give me another chance to prove to you that I am the right woman for you!"

Tsukihiko gazed at the submissive young woman, who was groveling before him, and felt a sense of pity. "Himari, I am willing to offer you another chance to demonstrate your worth, but remember this: Chances are what you are running out of."

"Arigatō gozaimasu! I will not disappoint you, Anata!"

✧TRANSLATION: "Thank you very much! I will not disappoint you, Anata!"

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

At a park in Osungi, Himari sat on a bench and enjoyed the sunshine. She watched people as they went past, imaging what their life may be like. What caught her attention was a young couple with a baby in a stroller. The young family all looked so beautiful, perfect, and happy together.

The way the woman and man gazed at each other made Himari's heart swoon, and the child, the physical manifestation of their love that carried the likeness of both, made her heart flutter. Himari watched the young family in deep yearning, almost envy, until she came to a sudden realization.

A baby. A baby will mend my relationship with Tsukihiko-san! A child would not only repair I and Tsukihiko's love, but it would also repair... me.

There is nothing purer than the love of a child. Babies love their parents unconditionally. I have been neglected on all fronts for so long, so I long for the taste of love!

Starting that day, Himari took on a diet of foods that boosts the fertility of women such as eggs, berries, walnuts, and salmon. She prostrated herself as she prayed to conceive and for a happy, wonderful future with Tsukihiko.

Every night Tsukihiko came home, Himari made certain that they would make love. The young woman would writhe underneath his muscular form as he took her, weeping tears of joy as their love was expressed to the deepest. It became rough at times, involving nails that felt like piercing needles and teeth that felt like a mouthful of fangs, but it was pleasurable, nonetheless. The man, showing no reluctance, granted her requests and was pleased to be with a young woman that matched his carnality and high libido.

Fill me, fill me, fill me with your seed so that my body may carry your child. Our child, our sweet little baby… I must become pregnant, then you will love me once again.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

TIMESKIP: TWENTY-TWO DAYS

HIMARI

Nearly a month had passed since Himari began her journey to become a mother. Her efforts to conceive were not ignored because now it was her time of the month, but there was no menstrual cycle in sight. It was not like the times when she became so underweight, she did not menstruate because now, she was at a healthy weight; the glow of her sun-kissed skin and the rosiness of her cheeks attested to that.

Oh, my God… I may be pregnant! Oh, I cannot wait to tell Tsukihiko-san! He will be so happy; he may do away with the kakuni dish competition and marry me swiftly! Oh, my, I cannot wait!

All throughout the day, Himari daydreamed about her promising future. She daydreamed of what her life would be like as a wife and mother, and what her and Tsukihiko's children would look like. Miniature versions of her and Tsukihiko running around the mansion came to mind.

Awww, how cute is that? Kawaii!

Watching herself in her bedroom floor-length mirror, Himari placed a hand upon her stomach and caressed it lovingly.

I will become a mother soon. I am so, so, so happy!

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Around ten o'clock, Tsukihiko returned from a long day of work. The man removed his fedora and overcoat and hanged them on the coatrack.

Himari rushed to welcome him, exclaiming, "Tsukihiko-san, you have returned!"

Tsukihiko brought the young woman close and kissed her upon the forehead. "Hello, Himari. I have longed to see you. How are you, beautiful?"

"I am doing well, Tsukihiko-san, now that you are here. I missed you so, so, so very much! I did not know that you were coming home. Would you like to have kakuni for dinner? It is late but I can make it in a timely manner. I have marinated the pork belly for a few days, so it should be scrumptious! I figured out how to improve my cooking technique!"

"No, thank you," he declined. "I have already eaten. Perhaps you can cook for me another day."

"Yes, Anata." Himari gracefully took a step backward and pirouetted before Tsukihiko, then asked, "Have you noticed anything different regarding my appearance?"

Tsukihiko looked the young woman up and down. "I see nothing different; you look beautiful, as always."

"Oh, you can try a little harder than that, Tsukihiko-san!" Himari giggled. "Guess again, please!"

"Well, you do look much livelier, brighter, and healthier. Courtesies of my handiwork, yes?" he chuckled, stroking her bottom.

"Yes, yes, yes, but that is not entirely it," Himari spoke softly, blushing with arousal. "Tsukihiko-san, I do not know for certain, but there is a chance I may be… pregnant!"

Upon hearing that, Tsukihiko's smile fell, and he stared at her in disbelief. "Pregnant?"

"Yes, Tsukihiko-san. I might be pregnant!"

"No, that is nonsense."

Himari was stupefied by Tsukihiko's response because she had anticipated that he would be thrilled to hear the possibility of him becoming a father. "But w-we… But we did it, Tsukihiko-san!"

"What did we do, Himari?"

"We… We did the thing. "

Tsukihiko raised his eyebrows in pure befuddlement.

"Pardon me, but we had s-e-x!" Himari spelled out bashfully. "We made love so many times, and my period has not come on! This is my usual time of the month…"

"And?"

"Which means that there is a possibility that I am carrying your child, Tsukihiko-san!" Himari took his hand and brought it close to her stomach as she pleaded to him, saying, "Tsukihiko-san, please touch my stomach, then maybe you will feel the life we created inside of me."

Irate, Tsukihiko yanked his hand away from her with a face twisted in repulsion. "Do not be so desperate to embarrass yourself in such a crude manner. You are not pregnant."

"But—"

"Himari, I refuse to indulge this charade any longer," he interjected harshly. "Now run along and do something useful, like cleaning or cooking."

"Tsukihiko-san, why can you not believe that I may be carrying your child?" Himari asked tearfully, heartbroken. "Our sweet, little baby…"

The door of Tsukihiko's study was closed on Himari's face, leaving her with an aching in her heart.

Does Tsukihiko-san not want children? That is very disheartening because we are to become husband and wife! What if he does want to start a family but he does not want to start one… with me?

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

The next morning, Himari awakened to a nauseous, queasy feeling accompanied by a discomforting moistness between her legs. She rose from the bed and looked in her panties to see a familiar streak of red staining the whiteness of them.

So, it is true… I am not pregnant!

Distraught, Himari covered her mouth in shock, then crumbled to the floor and wept.

KIHAKU

Kihaku was slumped over in a chair in his study. His eyes were closed, and he was snoring gently when loud knocking on the door startled him awake. He shot up in shock and looked around at his messy surroundings, forgetting all that ever happened for just a few moments.

"Sir, it is I, Moe!" a voice called out.

"What do you want?"

"I must clean your study, Sir."

"No, thank you. I decline."

"Please, Sir. A stench fills the hallway and will soon reach the main area if it is not handled."

"I said, leave me be, Moe!"

"Sir, please."

Silence.

Moe began rapping upon the door with a tight fist. "Sir! Oh, Sir! Sir! Sir!"

"Fine, you may come in!" Kihaku sighed, too lethargic to argue but not before cursing at the maid. "Damn you!"

The door opened and Moe crept inside, holding a bucket of cleaning supplies. Upon smelling the stench of rotting food, she held her nose and grimaced in repulsion. "Sir, please allow me to clean your quarters."

"I already told that you none of that is necessary."

"I implore you, Sir! Allow me to do what I have been hired to do."

"… Go ahead."

With that, Moe began to clean. She gathered the plates of rotten food, scraped the rotten food into a trash bag, and stacked the plates. She removed all the documents from the desk, wiped it clean, then organized the documents in the filing cabinets.

"There needs to be some light in here." Moe opened the curtains, and sunlight filled the study.

Kihaku moved swiftly to a dimly lit corner of the study, seeking refuge from the intrusive light. He shielded his eyes as he shouted, "Close them! Close the damn curtains, Moe!"

"This is for your own good, Sir. Darkness will only worsen your depression… The Mistress told me of your affliction."

"Soaku told you? She had no right to do that… There is nothing wrong with me, I am fine."

"No, you are not the slightest bit of fine, Sir. I know it all too well… Long ago, I lost a child, too. A young girl just like your girl."

"What happened to her if you do not mind me asking?"

"My daughter got tangled up in a web of disgusting men and died at the hands of one of them. I thought of myself as a good mother until I was tested by my daughter's emerging sense of individualism. You see, she was nineteen and wanted to leave me to live on her own with the man she was certain she would marry. He was no good for her, having a criminal record and a terrible reputation. I tried to show her reason and pleaded with her to stay with me but not hard enough, clearly… I could have done more for her. After she died, I was angry at God and the world for a very long time."

Christ, the way I have been treating this woman… She has been living with this pain longer than I!

"My condolences," Kihaku said somberly. "I… I did not know."

"You could not have."

"I am at a loss, Moe. Time is at a standstill for me, like I am bound in chains without any chance of being freed. I see her in everything, and I lose sight of reality. Hell, I was aggressive towards Emiso because I hallucinated that she was my daughter. I cannot eat, sleep, or bathe myself! How pathetic is that? Moe, I cannot find the will to continue living this way…"

"You have no choice but to continue; your wife and daughters need you."

"It feels like they would be better off without me."

"That is not true, Sir. You are a good man who is immensely talented."

"Oh, you are just saying that."

"No, Sir, it is true. Your stepdaughters, the girls you helped rear, are angelic delights!"

If only she knew.

Shifting the conversation, Kihaku asked, "How did you find yourself again after the loss of your daughter?"

"Pardon me, Sir?"

"Moe, you appear so confident and self-assured, no one would guess that you have lost a part of you, a child. What is your secret? How do you move on from something like that?"

Moe removed a bouquet of withered white roses from the vase and threw them in the trash. "You do not," she replied bluntly. "There is no moving on. There is no cessation of grief for us in this life. It just becomes a part of us, deep inside."

HIMARI

Himari paused from scrubbing the marble floors to look out the window. Her eyes were met with a sky, her very own sky, that she watched every day. The sight of a dreary grey, cloudless sky brought a small smile to her lips, even if for a moment.

How pretty.

Himari's life was becoming similar to her life at the Katōwamuro manor, except for the fact that the floors were made of marble instead of hardwood. As she gazed upon the marble flooring, she could see her forlorn, pathetic, and shattered reflection staring back at her.

The young woman turned her head and saw a memory of herself kneeling on the floor and pushing a sponge back and forth, wearing seedy, torn pinafores.

I was so, so, so unhappy there. How did I allow myself to feel that way again?

At that very moment, Himari experienced an overpowering and all-encompassing longing to alter her destiny. She ceased her vigorous scrubbing and impulsively tossed the sponge into the washbucket.

Once I create the most delicious kakuni dish that was ever conceived, Tsukihiko-san will take my hand in marriage and then, finally, we will be happy!

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Himari walked around the marketplace in Osungi. She finished gathering the ingredients for braised pork belly and was on her way to the chauffeur until she spotted a small, obscure boutique squished in between two larger buildings. The sign on its window stated that cosmetics and other beauty essentials were sold there.

I need to hurry and marinate this pork belly, but there is some time I can spare…

Himari carefully stepped into the obscure makeup boutique, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the vast array of products. She slowly made her way around the shop and inspected various items until her gaze finally settled on an ink pot of eyeliner. She picked it up, turning it around in her hands and admiring the intricate design.

Suddenly, an elderly woman, presumably the shopkeeper, appeared beside Himari. She had a warm smile on her face and was wearing a colorful head scarf. "That is a special gel-based eyeliner. It has been enchanted with love and luck. It also smudges very well!"

"Love and luck? I need as much of that as I can get!"

"How may I assist you?"

"I was wondering if there were any lipsticks."

"Yes, right over there. Come with me." The elderly woman guided Himari to the lipstick section and showed her all the different shades of her collection.

Curious, Himari picked out a light pink shade. "How about this one?"

"No, no, that shade is too peachy. I know a shade that will suit you much better!" The shopkeeper picked up an elegant, deep red shade.

Himari hesitated before taking the lipstick and examining it. She read the golden label aloud and said, "Truest Red?"

"Yes, it is the most pigmented red I ever came across. A rare treasure, it is indeed. Try it on."

Himari carefully opened the lipstick and looked at her reflection in the mirror as she tried it on. She pursed her lips together and delicately traced the outline of her lips with the lipstick, taking care not to go outside the edges. When she was finished, she was amazed at how beautifully the deep red shade highlighted her cupid's bow. It made her look more mature in an alluring, sultry way. "Oh, my..."

"Do you see what I mean?"

"Yes, I see exactly what you mean. It suits me very well... I will take it!"

Grinning, the elderly woman opened a case of various jewelry and kanzashi, each of them sparkling beautifully in the light. "So, we have chosen eyeliner and lipstick. Now what a young lady needs to complete her is a jewel that shines brighter than the sun itself!"

A sunflower hair ornament with dangling chains of pearlescent petals caught Himari's attention. "I would like the sunflower hair ornament, the one at the top left."

"Good choice, good choice."

"How much is it worth?"

"Not a thing, it is yours."

"Oh? Arigatō, Obaachan!" Himari purchased the eyeliner ink pot and lipstick and headed out of the boutique.

✧TRANSLATION: "Oh? Thank you, Grandmother!" Himari purchased the eyeliner ink pot and lipstick and headed out of the boutique.

"Come again!" the shopkeeper called out, waving.

Himari was one step away from exiting the boutique until she paused. "Obaachan, would you have any recipes you would like to share with me? I am a newly wedded woman and I wish to please my husband's finicky palate and appetite."

"Recipes? Ah, where should I begin? I have a lot of recipes deep in this old head of mine, eh?"

"How about a recipe for kakuni, braised pork belly?"

"Kakuni? I may know a thing or two... The fastest way to a man's heart is through his stomach! First, you find the most succulent, exquisite cut of pork belly… Hey, are you writing this down, young lady?"

Himari nodded fervently, holding a pen and a notepad. "Hai, hai, hai!"

✧TRANSLATION: Himari nodded fervently, holding a pen and a notepad. "Yes, yes, yes!"

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

At ten o'clock, Himari stood by the majestic entrance of the mansion, patiently awaiting Tsukihiko's arrival. Her attire exuded elegance; she adorned one of the numerous silk kimonos thoughtfully bestowed upon her by him, and her eyes were highlighted by meticulous strokes of black eyeliner. Her lips were adorned with a vibrant shade of red that perfectly resembled the deepest hue of blood. Furthermore, her hair was elegantly styled into a voluminous side bun, exquisitely decorated with a sunflower hair ornament for an enchanting touch of romance.

The front door unlocked and Tsukihiko entered. As usual, he removed his fedora and overcoat and hanged them on the coatrack.

"Welcome home, Anata," Himari greeted with a bow. "I have longed to see you."

Tsukihiko approached her slowly, visibly pleased and in awe of her beauty. "Himari, how beautiful you are when you care for yourself. Now I can recall the lovely, supple vixen that first caught my eye."

The man drew her near to his chest and leaned in for an intense kiss. While they were engaged in the kiss, Himari detected a distinct flavor resembling that of blood on his tongue.

This taste…

Tsukihiko pulled away from Himari's lips, his light-red eyes lingering over her sweet face and petite physique. "This is how you should always appear before me, Himari. Remember that."

Himari simply gazed up at him and replied, "Anata, your dinner is ready."

"Splendid." Tsukihiko followed her into the dining room and sat at the table.

"I do hope you enjoy this blessed meal, Anata," Himari said, placing a bowl of braised pork belly in front of him.

The dish was perfect.

The pork belly had been marinated overnight in a sake, mirin, ginger broth, braised for over five hours, then roasted. A crispy, golden brown outer layer cradled the tender, moist meat within. The caramelized sauce that was drizzled over the square-cut pieces of pork was made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and vanilla bean. Scallions and aonori rested upon a bed of fluffy rice. Finally, the dish was garnished with soft-boiled egg yolks, garlic, and sprigs of rosemary and thyme.

Himari sat across from Tsukihiko, never taking her eyes off him. She was certain that the dish was sublime and had no flaws.

I followed Obaachan's recipe to a T. She assured me that this dish is so deliciously ambrosial, even Buddha would be jealous. Tsukihiko-san will take a bite from my dish and enjoy it.

He must.

Tsukihiko sat in silence as he used chopsticks to inspect the dish throughly. He poked and squeezed the square-cut pieces of pork belly to observe the juiciness and tenderness, stirred and sifted through the fluffiness of the rice, and examined the steamed vegetables for even the slightest hint of overcooking, which he failed to find.

Tsukihiko-san has not found any errors in the dish and is about to take a bite!

The man stared at the dish for a long, long, long while until he stood up from the table. "I am not hungry. I will be in my study. Do not disturb me."

Himari watched as Tsukihiko left the dining room, her side bun unraveling in worry. "Wait, what? Tsukihiko-san, you are not going to try it, not even a bite?"

"No, I am not, Himari."

"Why? It was perfect! At least tell me what I did wrong! Wait! Please, Tsukihiko-san, wait! Come back, Anata!" Distraught, Himari took the dish and followed him. "Please, just try it! I made this for you with all my heart and soul! I have cooked this dish with love, gave it my all, poured my soul into—"

Suddenly, Himari tripped over her own feet and fell to the floor. The dish flew out of her hands, causing the ceramic bowl to shatter everywhere. The meal splattered all over the walls and the marble floor, and some of it got onto Tsukihiko's shoes.

Tsukihiko loomed above Himari, glaring at her in disgust and disbelief. His expensive loafers were covered in kakuni.

Shaking, Himari struggled to pick up pieces of the shattered dish and stand at her feet. "Oh, my! Anata, please forgive me. I did not mean to make such a mess! Oh no, some of it is on your shoes! Please stay put, I will get a paper towel to clean it off! Tsukihiko-san, I did not— Gomen'nasai! Gomen'nasai! Gomen'nasai! Gomen'nasai!"

✧TRANSLATION: Shaking, Himari struggled to pick up pieces of the shattered dish and stand to her feet. "Oh, my! Anata, please forgive me. I did not mean to make such a mess! Oh no, some of it is on your shoes! Please stay put, I will get a paper towel to clean it off! Tsukihiko-san, I did not— I am sorry! I am sorry! I am sorry! I am sorry!"

"I will be absent for a while," Tsukihiko said coldly. Before he went into his study, he went close to her ear and whispered, "You have disappointed me, Himari."

Heartbroken, Himari's knees buckled, and she collapsed to the floor. She lay in a crumbled mess and wept over the pieces of shattered ceramic and mounds of rice.

I tried so hard to please him, but I failed! This is so disheartening. It feels like I will never be good enough!

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

TIMESKIP: TWENTY-SIX DAYS

HIMARI

Himari was sitting in a corner in the main living room, hugging her knees to her chest. She had been in a deep depressive state ever since Tsukihiko had left.

It was like a drug-addled individual going through withdrawal: she would cry constantly, shake, and could not stomach water or food. There were self-inflicted scratches on her arms and legs, and her mind was riddled with thoughts of taking her own life. The young woman wished for a swift, sweet death but before she would do anything drastic, she wanted to see him.

Tsukihiko-san, please come back to me. Return to me, please. I miss you so, so, so much! I need you, I need you here with me! God, bring him back to me, please! I cannot go on without him.

I want to see him. I want to see him again, just one more time before I die. Please…

Suddenly, Himari heard the front door unlock. She was instantly pulled out of her depressive stupor, and her heart fluttered in joy, excitement, relief, and anxiety all at once.

Could that be him?

That was when Tsukihiko entered, his face donning a gravely morose expression unlike anything Himari had ever seen. He appeared to be irritated as if returning to the mansion was a great inconvenience.

"Anata!" Himari cried out, weeping tears of joy as she rushed to embrace him. "Tsukihiko-san, you have returned to me! I have not seen you in so long! I am so happy that you came back to me! I was so, so, so lonely without you, waiting for you all alone in this mansion!"

Unmoved, Tsukihiko pushed Himari off him and moved past her. He removed his fedora and overcoat and hanged them on the coatrack, ignoring her presence as he walked to his study.

Still, Himari followed him. She ran her fingers through her hair in an attempt to straighten her tangled, unkempt locks. "Anata, would you like it if I make you something to eat, or pour you a cup of sake?"

Silence.

"Tsukihiko-san? Tsukihiko-san, may we talk? I have so much to speak with you about. How was your business trip? Where did you go?"

That was when Tsukihiko stopped walking and turned to her, the veins upon his face protruding and throbbing in anger. "Since when do I answer to you?" he snarled. "Are you not living freely under my roof, enjoying the luxurious life I provide for you? Know your place!"

Frightened by the intensity and volume of his voice, Himari took a few steps back. "Why are you speaking to me this way, Tsukihiko-san? I only wanted to know if you were alright. I was so very worried… While you were gone, I was very saddened. I almost lost my mind, but I am so glad that you are here with me now. I love you, Tsukihiko-san. I love you more than anything!"

The man stared at Himari with an almost palpable animosity.

"Tsukihiko-san, I think w-we should talk," Himari said softly, trembling. "I can see that something is bothering you…"

"Himari, you are persistent, pestering me like a nagging housewife!" Tsukihiko hissed sharply. "Have you no restraint nor intellect in that thick skull of yours?"

Upon hearing that, Himari was faced with a wave of painful memories of her older stepsister, Saori. Saori would not only physically abuse her but would verbally abuse her as well; she always made Himari feel worthless, insignificant, and ugly. Tears welled up in Himari's eyes as all the memories flooded back, and she began to scratch and rub her raw, scarred arms to soothe her pain. Her fingernails scratched harder and harder until they broke through her fragile, welted flesh and blood began to trickle down her arms.

"Himari, you stupid, hollow-headed fool! You embarrassed me in front of someone of high status! Why can you not learn to knock like a normal person or is that too much for a pig like you?"

"I am prettier than you. That is true despite what was once said, so get that through your thick, hollow skull."

"No, no, no, please do not say that, Tsukihiko-san!" Himari cried out through her sobs. "I am not a fool, stupid, or hollow-headed! I am so worried about you, Tsukihiko-san! You have changed; you do not look at me with the same kind, loving eyes you used to!"

"I changed? Look at yourself. You have become an utter eyesore! Not even your body is appealing to me; touching you is like grasping a bag of bones!"

Himari covered her thin, bloodied arms with the sleeves of her sheer floral robe, saddened by Tsukihiko's remarks. "F-forgive me, Tsukihiko-san. I have not had much of an appetite since you left…"

"It is always something with you, is it not?"

"What happened between us? What happened to our love, Tsukihiko-san? All I ever wanted was to be loved by you and everyone else… I just want you to love me and see me for who I am like you did before. I cut for you, I bleed for you, I cry for you. I suffer so that you do not have to. That is what love is, Tsukihiko-san, a sacrificial love. I give that to you, so why do you not give any of that to me?"

"Because you are not worth the effort."

"No, no, no, you do not mean that! You love me, Tsukihiko-san! You and I love each other, and we are to be married! All the things that happened between us, all the secrets we shared… I showed you things I have never shown to anyone, not even my own father."

Nothing can compare to how vulnerable I felt when I revealed the burns my stepmother gave me to Tsukihiko-san. I never told anyone about that, not a soul… Oh, my heart is breaking in my chest!

"Himari, return to your bedroom chambers," Tsukihiko demanded. "I do not need your input nor that body of yours yet."

Appalled by his crudeness, Himari covered her mouth and gasped. "What, Tsukihiko-san? You do not need my body yet, is that what you said? Tsukihiko-san, I cannot believe—"

The door was slammed in Himari's face, interrupting her words. She could not prevent herself from bursting into tears as she walked to her bedroom with only one thing on her mind: leaving.

Tsukihiko-san is not the man I thought him to be at all! He has been so cruel to me. The way he slammed the door in my face makes me feel so insignificant to him. It is like he does not love me anymore…

Unbidden memories of Himari and Tsukihiko's night at the annual Tsukimi festival came to mind.

That night, underneath that golden full moon, I was so sure that he loved me, but it was all a lie. He seems to have gotten what he wanted from the beginning: my body. It is my mistake for believing his words and falling in love with him!

Himari ran into her bedroom, screaming through her cries. She opened the wardrobe and dressers and threw all the luxurious clothes onto the floor, not caring where they landed.

Once there were no more clothes for her to throw around, Himari rushed to the bedroom's balcony. She leaned over the railing and stared down at the pavement below, contemplating suicide.

I could end it all right here! I am afraid of heights but by the time I feel myself falling and want to scream, it will be over, and I will be gone. I will feel no more pain ever again.

Is this what I want? Is that what I truly wish for, to die? No…

Death? Suicide? What was I thinking? I do not want to die at all! Whatever is happening between I and Tsukihiko-san is painful, but I can get through this. I will love again. There is much more to life than just this.

With that, Himari picked up the clothes from the floor and folded them in the dressers neatly. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Tsukihiko standing in the doorway, watching her.

The man scowled at her with sharp, narrowed eyes. "What are you doing?"

"I am cleaning the mess I made before I leave," Himari sniffled, wiping her teary eyes as she continued folding the clothes in the dresser.

"Leaving?"

"Yes, leaving. I am leaving, Tsukihiko-san."

"I see."

Once she finished tidying the bedroom, Himari went to leave but was blocked by Tsukihiko standing in the doorway like an immovable fortress. The man towered over her with ease, and she could not remember him ever being that tall. "Tsukihiko-san, could you please step out of the way?"

"No."

"Excuse me, Tsukihiko-san?"

"You are not leaving, Himari."

"Yes, I am! I cannot stand you treating me like this any longer, Tsukihiko-san! What is the point of me staying here if you do not love me anymore?"

Tsukihiko bent his head closer to her level so that she could see how gravelly serious he was. "Did you not hear what I just said?" he questioned menacingly. The deep, resonant voice that was once like velvet, all warm and inviting, was now frightening and cold.

It is like Tsukihiko has become an entirely different person, a cold-hearted one at that. This is not the man I fell in love with! Something is warning me to leave right now! I am so afraid, but I cannot let him know it. I must not back down!

Himari regained her composure and put on a false front of confidence. "Tsukihiko-san, I thank you for all you have done for me, especially when you cared for me when I was sick, bought me gifts, and allowed me to reside in your home. The months I have spent with you have been the most exciting, wondrous months of my life. Being with you was a beautiful thing but it was meant to last for but a moment… To put it simply, I am breaking up with you."

Tsukihiko smiled in amusement, appearing as if he was receiving his fill of entertainment. "Is that so?"

"Yes, it is, Tsukihiko-san."

"Have you already forgotten, Himari? There is nowhere for you to go. Your family stripped you of your surname and disowned you, so you are entitled to no property or riches. There is no one for you to confide in; you have no social life because you locked yourself away from the world for years. You are alone and have nothing, which gives you no choice but to stay with me."

"You are wrong, Tsukihiko-san! Choices are what I have an abundance of! I will speak with my father and if he denies me, I will still be fine! I will go where I am wanted and loved."

I have come to realize that I am, for a fact, beautiful even with all my flaws! I can court a nobleman and have him fall for me with ease, then I may start a life anew. For me, this world is full of possibilities.

My memories… They are starting to come back to me. Yes, I understand it all now! I do not need any influence. I can be selfish, cruel, and vain all on my own!

"Why do you want me so badly? You have shown nothing but contempt for me, so why? Why does it matter to you if I leave or not?"

Tsukihiko did not answer.

For the first time in their relationship, Himari felt that she had power over Tsukihiko. She laughed and smiled in overwhelming confidence as she said, "Ha! There is something wrong with men like you, the ones who believe the only way to be with a woman is to break her soul."

"There is something wrong with me, you say? That is grand coming from the one who stalked her own stepsister like a pervert and mimicked her, even going as far as proclaiming that she was your first love. Anyone can see how deranged that behavior is."

He is twisting the words of everything I told him and is using it against me. How cruel!

"No, no, no! I did not mean it like that, and you know it, Tsukihiko-san! I cannot believe you would imply something so… so… so—"

"You cannot believe that I would imply something so what?" Tsukihiko laughed with a snide smirk. "Immoral? Licentious?"

"Tsukihiko-san, you are repulsive! How did I not see this before? I thought you were kind but now I see that you are a cruel, manipulative person! Only a weak, desperate man would go through such lengths of deception. I am enraged, heartbroken, and disgusted all at once! To think that I wanted to live alongside you as your wife!"

Tsukihiko's smug smirk fell, and his sharp eyes widened gradually, frightening her. "What did you just say?"

"That I am enraged, heartbroken, and—"

"No, what was it that you said before that?"

"Before that? I said, only a weak—" In that instant, Himari felt a bone-shattering pain against the left side of her face. A ringing in her ears was present as she fell to the floor in slow motion, incapable of understanding what was happening.

Did something just hit me? I cannot hear anything…

As Himari gradually returned to her senses, she felt herself being pulled off the floor by her hair. The grip on her hair was unnaturally tight as if threatening to scalp her. She began to struggle and fight, screaming, "Yamete kudasai! Yamete kudasai, you are hurting me! Tsukihiko-san, you are hurting me! Let go, let go, let go of me!"

✧TRANSLATION: As Himari gradually returned to her senses, she felt herself being pulled off the floor by her hair. The grip on her hair was unnaturally tight as if threatening to scalp her. She began to struggle and fight, screaming, "Please, stop it! Please, stop it, you are hurting me! Tsukihiko-san, you are hurting me! Let go, let go, let go of me!"

Tsukihiko pulled hard on Himari's hair and yanked her head back, smiling deviously. "Foolish woman, why would I let go of you? I thought you liked pain."

Not this kind of pain! There is no love and beauty in it, this pain is just cruel!

Tsukihiko's grip on Himari's hair remained unwaveringly strong as he shook her head from side to side. "After all I have invested in you, why would I let you leave so easily? Besides, there is nowhere else for you to go."

"Oh, just stop it, Tsukihiko-san! That is not true! I will return to my family and beg for their forgiveness! They will take me back, they must!"

"If you return to your family, then you will be wedded swiftly to a stranger. Is that what you truly want?"

"Perhaps being married to a stranger would not be so bad compared to being with you!" Himari screamed, sobbing. "I do not want to be anywhere near you, Tsukihiko-san, not anymore!"

"You are not going anywhere, you insolent harlot," Tsukihiko spat. "You are not stepping foot outside this mansion."

"I do not care about the cruel words you say, Tsukihiko-san! I am leaving! I will return to my father! I do not want to be anywhere near you! Let go of me!"

"Return to your father? What, is he your salvation? The very same man who placed your stepmother and stepsisters on a pedestal, and neglected you? I did him a favor by taking you in. After all, you are a constant reminder of all he lost. I am the only one who is willing to be near you, let alone bear the sight of you, Himari."

"You are going too far, Tsukihiko-san, speaking on things you know nothing about! You are wrong because my father loves me!"

Deep down, my father loves me. I know he does. It may be hard for us to meet eyes but…

"Oh, really, Himari? Is that why you were crying about how selfish and unfair he was to you? Did you not once tell me that you wished that he was the one who perished in lieu of your mother? Do not pretend to be an innocent, unwilling participant in all this when you are guilty as sin, Himari. I know of all your darkest thoughts and foulest secrets… You told me them, after all."

"What do you want from me?" Himari whispered, tears streaming down her face.

"I covet your total submission, compliance, and loyalty."

"What? I do not know what any of that means…"

"It means that I want you to become mine; mind, body, and soul. You shall live alongside me as my kept girl, a pet of some sorts."

"Kept girl? Pet? No, no, no! I do not want that! I will never be yours!"

"It does not matter what you want, Himari. Nothing you say or do holds any value. You will serve me however I see fit."

"I will serve you?"

"Yes, you will serve me."

"H-how will I do that?"

"Like so." Tsukihiko leaned forward and covered Himari's mouth with his, incapacitating her. The young woman could do nothing as the man's tongue invaded her mouth, slithering over her tongue, behind her molars, and on her palates. The man was pleased by her acquiescence; all the feelings he harbored deep inside his black, wicked heart were now lethally tangible, and he had someone to share them with. He wanted to inflict pain, give and receive pleasure, and make all his dark, venereal fantasies come true, no matter how bestial, with her.

The taste of blood on Tsukihiko's tongue awakened Himari and broke her out of her haze. She pushed him away, disrupting the untamed movements of his tongue. "No!"

Enraged, Tsukihiko drew his hand back and struck her across her face once more. He grabbed her viciously, his nails rasping her skin. "How dare you deny me, wench? Do what you are good for."

The young woman screamed in terror and pain, struggling desperately. As his nails dug further into her skin, she could feel the warmth of her own blood oozing out of the cuts. "No, no, no! Get away from me! Get away! EYAHHH!"

Himari managed to break free from his unyielding grasp, but Tsukihiko lunged at her and grabbed ahold of her leg. Crying out in pain, Himari yanked her leg away from him with all her might. The man lost his grip, but not before he left a deep scratch on her leg.

Tsukihiko-san… How could this happen?

Limping, Himari ran downstairs to the grand front doors of the mansion. To her horror, a strange, fleshy matter covered it, rendering it unusable.

Oh my, what is that? It looks disgusting! I must find another way out of here!

"Himari?" Tsukihiko's resonant voice carried into the foyer with ease, indicating that he was near.

He is close! I must hide!

The young woman ran down many hallways until she found what one would presume to be the basement. Upon entering, she was greeted with a foul, putrid odor and dangerously dim lighting.

Oh my, something smells terrible!

Straining her eyes to see in the dark, Himari moved cautiously in her dimly lit surroundings. She glanced around and discovered portraits of a noble family scattered on the floor.

Most of the portraits depicted a middle-aged man with glasses and middle-aged woman with a dragonfly hair pin in her neatly styled hair. A few of the portraits depicted a pale, mysterious young boy with shiny, slicked hair.

The young boy looked familiar, eerily so.

… Is that Tsukihiko-san?

The revolting stench intensified to the point it was unbearable, and it all seemed to emanate from the wine cellar.

Curious, Himari covered her nose and trembled as she went to open the wine cellar's door. A pitch darkness welcomed her but when her eyes adjusted to the dark, she was met with an abhorrently gruesome sight.

A huddle of decomposing corpses filled the space, all of them showing clear signs of violence. Remnants of rotting flesh wedged between pieces of exposed bones elicited an unfathomable stench. Some of the corpses were dressed in either noble or servant livery but one of the corpses had the same dragonfly hair pin as the middle-aged woman in the portraits.

"KIYAHHH!" Horrified, Himari turned to run away but froze when she saw a pair of red, menacing eyes cutting through the darkness.

Tsukihiko-san!

"I did not anticipate you stumbling across this."

"T-these poor people… Are y-you the one who killed them?"

"What if I am?"

Fear overwhelmed Himari as she stumbled backward, whimpering. Before she could take another step, Tsukihiko grabbed her and slung her over his shoulder. He ascended the stairs to the master bedroom with the young woman kicking and screaming the entire way.

"You murderer! Murderer! Help me! Someone help me, please! HELP ME! "

Once they reached the master bedroom, Tsukihiko threw the young woman on the floor. Himari crawled into a corner and hugged her knees, crying and praying for rescue.

God, please help me! Help me, I beg you! I just want to go home to Father-sama!

"Finally, I do not have to keep up this charade any longer…" Tsukihiko hunched over the dresser, and his pale, white flesh began to swell and bubble like a boiling liquid. His squirming, contorting muscles burst through his attire as they shifted to form a defined, powerful physique.

N-no, no, no… What is happening?

Once the transformation was complete, Tsukihiko turned to Himari with a face that looked like a frightening version of the man she once knew, as if she was seeing him in a true light. The man now had more angular features, a ghastly, pallid complexion, and sharp eyes that were a deep plum red color with vertical slit pupils, like a feline or reptile.

I do not b-believe what I am s-seeing... This cannot be happening!

Petrified, Himari watched Tsukihiko's nails lengthen and transform into sharp, blue-stained claws right before her eyes.

Tsukihiko walked to Himari in long, slow strides and kneeled to her level. He threaded his long, slender fingers through her raven hair and tucked a lock of it behind her ear.

A tangible sense of terror and dread saturated the air, affecting Himari to the point she was quivering without her knowledge. The heaviness in her chest continued to intensify and threatened to crush her into a fine powder like pestle and mortar. "What are you?" she whispered, frightened out of her wits.

"What do you think I am?"

"I do not know… I do not know w-what to think!"

Tsukihiko touched the trail of blood from Himari's full lips, then licked his bloodied finger clean. His plum red eyes were mocking her, ridiculing her for her obliviousness to what he truly was all along. "I am a demon," he answered.

Upon hearing that, Himari became hollowed. The gold of her bronze-colored eyes lost their light and dimmed into a somber, completely black hue. She donned a dismal, soul-crushed expression as if her soul had frozen over.

Tsukihiko-san is… an oni? I cannot bring myself to believe it. Come to think of it, I never saw him in the day… I never saw him in the day! I do not know how to process this...

The beautiful man Himari fell in love with did not exist; Tsukihiko's charming façade and mask had fallen off, and what was underneath was both terrifying and repugnant. The mere thought of the man she allowed to deflower her being such a foul creature made her want to tear off her flesh.

The creature I saw murder those five men must have been a demon, too...

Memories of all the pleasant times Himari and Tsukihiko shared came to mind, such as when he first came to her aid when she was alone in the streets of Yaegashi, when he took her to that secluded spot on their first night together, and their night at the annual Tsukimi festival. The unwarranted recollection of their intimate moments flashed before Himari's eyes, besetting her with the throes of heartbreak. The vulnerable, arousing images of herself and Tsukihiko entwined in erotic positions caused her to remember his grasping touch, the whispering caress of his cold breath, and the firmness of his muscles against the softness of her skin.

I do not want to believe this. I do not want to believe any of this! No, no, no! I cannot let myself even think—

"It was you," Himari whispered, her eyes widening as she recalled one of her nightmares from the nights before. "You were the black snake that bit me!"

"I was a serpent that bit you? I did no such thing."

"No, no, no, not literally. Many nights ago, I dreamt that I was in my very own garden. It was a beautiful dream until a snake bit my leg. I thought the serpent symbolized my family intruding on my happiness but now I realize that it was you! My dream was warning me about you!"

"Well, you did not heed your dream." Noticing how much she was trembling, Tsukihiko narrowed his eyes and asked, "Himari, are you afraid of me?"

"N-no, I am not…"

"How come?"

"I am not afraid of demons; humans are far more frightening."

"Is that why you are trembling?"

Inconsolable, Himari shook her head and reeled back and forth in denial as she wept. "You are not the reason why I am trembling. I am trembling in anger, not fear, because I allowed myself to be fooled by you! I fell in love with a version of you that I made up in my head! I thought you were beautiful, something else! Traitor!"

I thought he loved me.

The flames of the fireplace licked the logs within it, crackling and emanating a golden-orange glow.

Once Himari's bawling fell to a whimper, she gathered the courage to speak. "I am beginning to think that the w-way we first met was not a coincidence… So, why did you choose me?"

Tsukihiko gave Himari a blank, vacant stare. "Do you truly wish to know the answer to that question?"

"Yes, I do..."

"I approached you because I was intrigued, nothing more," he responded. "I thought you were suitable to become either a meal or my personal 'pet,' but I soon realized there was more to you than just that. Your knowledge of medicine and botany is essential, and you will soon play a vital role in helping me fulfill my dream. Now let me see your leg injuries."

Reluctant, Himari revealed the scratches on her leg that he caused to him.

"They are not too deep. Is it painful for you to move your leg?"

"No… It is not."

Tsukihiko turned and walked away to gather supplies to treat her wounds.

As Himari watched him, she realized that even though it pained her to admit it, she still loved him and found him to be beautiful. It was too difficult for her to separate Tsukihiko, the lie, with the true demon in front of her and it did not help that his hands were too soft and gentle to be the same hands that slaughtered people with ease.

It does not matter if his hands are soft or if his face is beautiful, he is still a foul beast that murders people! A demon, an oni! I need to find a way to get out of here!

Himari glanced around the bedroom for a way to escape. Her eyes landed on a nearby end table with a lamp on it.

Yatta! I could use that lamp as a weapon to buy myself enough time to escape. Now I just need to keep him distracted…

Women are weaker than men. That is our unfortunate reality. Since the beginning of time, women have been the weaker helpmates of our stronger male counterparts, but everything changed for the better when we learned to use our beauty to our advantage. Our innate softness draws everything to us, and the ones who swear to hate us desire us the most.

In a sense, the way of being a woman is to look as beautiful and innocent as a flower but to be the serpent underneath it.

Himari held her breath as she moved closer to the end table. She crept to the end table without so much as a sound but stopped when Tsukihiko turned around.

Tsukihiko kneeled in front of her and began caring for her superficial wounds. He dabbed a cotton-ball dipped in antiseptic over her cuts and scrapes.

Himari tightly shut her eyes and turned her head the other way, wincing at the stinging sensation. "T-thank you for this…"

Silence.

The young woman took a deep breath, gathering enough courage to attempt to make conversation once more. "What is y-your dream, Tsukihiko-san?" she inquired in an unsteady, wavering voice.

"It is none of your concern yet," Tsukihiko replied with a tincture of sharpness edging his voice.

"Oh… Tsukihiko-san, I want to talk about the reason why you hit me. I thought you vowed to protect and never hurt me, is that not what you promised?"

"I am not fond of hitting the women I am attracted to, but you were being difficult and unruly."

"Is that all you have to say? That does not sound like an apology."

"Why should I apologize to you?"

"Seriously, Tsukihiko-san? You hit me and now think you have nothing to apologize for? I did not expect you to be anything like this. How disappointing…"

Tsukihiko's face revealed the slightest bit of aggravation and gave Himari the impression that he took offense to what she said. "I admit that I should not have raised my hand to you. That is all."

"Fine, I accept your so-called 'apology'," Himari sulked, pouting. She observed Tsukihiko quietly for a brief moment as he adeptly wrapped a bandage around her injured leg. "I cannot help but wonder, Tsukihiko-san, did you ever have genuine feelings for me?"

"My perception of love is vastly different from yours," Tsukihiko answered with no tone to decipher how he truly felt.

"Just how different?"

Silence.

"I ask because I want to know if there is still a chance for us to be together," Himari whispered. Her nose did not wiggle or twitch because deep down, there was still a part of her that wanted to be with him, even if he was a malevolent beast that harmed her physically and emotionally.

His abuse is no different than what my family have already done to me.

"I still want to be your wife, Tsukihiko-san."

"Oh, is that so?"

"Yes, yes, yes! You are the man I allowed to deflower me, so we must wed. There is nothing a young woman like me wants more than a husband even if he is not human."

Tsukihiko made an amused chuckle as he finished tending to her leg. "There we are."

Himari raised and flexed her injured leg, ensuring that it did not cause her too much pain to move. "Oh, my! Arigatō!"

✧TRANSLATION: Himari raised and flexed her injured leg, ensuring that it did not cause her too much pain to move. "Oh, my! Thank you!"

Tsukihiko did not respond and only stared at Himari blankly in a cold, inexplainable manner. It frightened her because the man's gaze was reminiscent of how a predator stares down at its prey before it strikes.

I am not prey.

At that moment, Himari experienced a newfound, unprecedented surge of aggression; an intense urge to engage in combat and fight for her own survival. Her heart raced with an unwavering desire to inflict harm upon the very man who had betrayed her heart and shattered her trust. Concealed by her raven hair, an ugly, sinister grin formed upon her lips as she softly cooed, "Oh, by the way, Tsukihiko-san?"

"Yes, Himari?"

"There is one thing that I have been wanting to tell you."

"What is it?"

"The thing that I have been wanting to tell you is… Eat shit!" Himari did not hesitate for a second as she took hold of the table lamp and struck Tsukihiko across the face. Ignoring the aching, excruciating pain that shot through her body, she quickly got up from the floor and made a dash for the door, her raven hair and tulle dress trailing behind her.

Almost there! I am close! I can make it!

Himari was just about to descend the staircase when the sleeve of her robe became caught on the doorknob in the middle of her sprint. The sheer fabric ripped as Himari was jerked back, causing her to lose her footing and miss a single step. "Oh, no, no, no! Oh my God! "

FLASHBACK:

A loud thud that shook the entire manor was heard, accompanied by a shrill howl of pain.

"Himawari!" a voice bellowed. "Himawari, you bitch! Come here right this instant!"

Himari stopped polishing the fine china and ran to the main staircase area where the voice was heard. There, she saw her father helping a groaning, disheveled Soaku up from the floor. She covered her mouth in immense shock, feeling that everything was her fault.

Soaku was pointing at Himari, all red in the face. "Himawari, you caused this!" she scolded. "You did not clean the staircase properly and left a puddle behind on purpose!"

"A puddle? Lady Mistress Soaku-sama, I—"

"Himari, is that true?" Kihaku interrupted. "Were you the one who cleaned the staircase?"

"Yes, yes, yes, it is true, Father-sama... Gomen'nasai!" Himari bowed deeply to beg for forgiveness, tears welling in her eyes.

✧TRANSLATION: "Yes, yes, yes, it is true, Father-sama... I am sorry!" Himari bowed deeply to beg for forgiveness, tears welling in her eyes.

Kihaku heaved an exasperated sigh and gave his daughter a look of sheer disappointment that made her feel burdensome. For a long while, he avoided Himari's gaze and did not look her way, which made Himari feel even worse.

These feelings were foreign to the young Himari because no one had ever treated her that way but ever since her mother died, nothing made sense. Something told Himari that this was the beginning of her new life in the Katōwamuro manor, and this situation was a preview of how things would be for her.

Oh no, no, no...

"See, Kihaku? I told you that girl had it in for me! I told you she despised me, the devil-spawn! Evil little runt!"

"Now Soaku, you know that is not true. She just made a mistake."

"A mistake? You call this a mistake? Kihaku, I cannot feel my legs or the rest of my body! That blasted, devilish girl tried to kill me!"

"She is not too experienced in cleaning!"

"Is she experienced in anything other than destroying everything?"

"Do not worry, darling, the ambulance is on their way. Hold tight."

"That thing needs to earn her keep if she is to remain under this roof! Kihaku, either you teach her to obey and respect authority or else I will leave her on the steps of an orphanage myself!"

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

The next four days were torturous for Himari.

Saori and Yui constantly told Himari that it was her fault that their mother was in the hospital 'fighting for her life' and made certain she would never forget it whether it was by spitting in Himari's food, throwing dirt on her bedsheets, or hitting her.

Himari would rush to tell her father all the awful things that were being done to her, but Kihaku would not listen and would disregard her claims. It was clear that he did not want to spend any time with her, as he would take Saori and Yui out to the movies or the park and they would return with new gifts.

Three days later, Soaku returned from the hospital. Kihaku went away on a business trip, so Himari was left alone with the Katōwamuros.

Sometime during the afternoon, Soaku called Himari into the kitchen.

Himari timidly entered the kitchen and was startled by the sight of her stepmother.

The noblewoman was wearing a metal back brace, so it was difficult for her move. In her hands was a silver flask she once carried around discreetly, now overtly, to down opioid pills whenever she felt the slightest bit of discomfort.

Soaku's face was a pale, drawn mask of hatred: Her stained lips were pressed tightly together in a thin line, and the foundation piled upon her face was caked and full of creases. As she spoke, Himari could smell liquor on her breath. "You think I do not know of your intentions to destroy and besmirch this household? You tried to kill me and now I am in this metal prison all because of you. Like Hell am I going to let you get away with that! It is up to I to discipline you."

Soaku turned on the faucet and let it run until steam appeared, proving the water to be scalding. "Now hold out your arm," she commanded.

Himari obeyed and held out her arm. Soaku took it and forced it underneath the water.

Upon feeling the high temperature, Himari yanked her hand back and screamed.

"No, keep your arm under there!" Soaku yelled.

"But Lady Mistress Soaku-sama, I c-cannot! I cannot do it again!"

"Then let me do it. Give me your arm! Give me your arm, Himawari!"

The noblewoman's rings pressed into Himari's flesh as she grabbed the young girl's arm and held it under the water.

Pain.

Sheer, agonizing pain.

The young girl screamed in agony as Soaku counted down slowly, cruelly taking her time.

"One… Two… Three... Four… Five! "

As soon as Himari's arm was released, she fell to the floor and curled into a ball. She bawled loudly because it felt as if her hand was still under the faucet. Red, angry marks and blisters began to form all over her hand.

"Do you know why I am doing this?" Soaku's voice resonated from above.

The pain was so unbearably great, Himari could not move her lips to answer and could only whimper.

"Answer me, girl!"

Himari shook her head, sobbing. "No, no, no, I do not know why!"

"I am doing this because there is an evil in you that must be purified and cleansed."

The young girl stared at her stepmother with teary eyes, her young mind unable to comprehend what any of that meant. "An evil in me? I do not understand, stepmother!"

"Do not refer to me as your stepmother, girl. It is Lady Mistress Soaku-sama to you! As if I would allow myself to be a mother to another woman's child, nonsense! I will never be a mother to the likes of you! You are a bad seed, Himawari, I just know it! Underneath that prepossessing exterior, you are evil! Bad girl! Bad girl! Bad girl!"

PRESENT:

The way down the stairs was a long, painful ride.

Himari's body slammed against the walls and steps as she hurtled downward, the force of each moment of impact sending a shock of pain. Her neck rolled against the end of every step and her limbs were lacerated and scraped.

A sickening crack resounded through the mansion as soon as her body met with the edge of the stair's landing.

A few moments passed until Himari slowly opened her eyes, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps. She intuitively glared down at her leg and gaped at the sight; her leg was twisted in an awkward manner with bone protruding through her skin. The young woman gawked at her leg in a state of nauseous disbelief, the pain suppressed by shock and adrenaline rush.

My... My leg is broken, I can see the bone coming out of it! I do not feel anything even though I know I should! How c-can this be happening?

The slight movement caused Himari to roll off the edge of the stair's landing, sending her tumbling down yet another flight of stairs.

Please, no, no, no!

The pain of this fall was far greater than the last. Himari continued her descent until she landed smack on the unforgiving marble floor, the shattering impact reverberating in her bones.

There, Himari lay motionless in a broken, crumbled heap. Blood pooled around her head like a halo, stark against the white marble flooring. Pain radiated and coursed all throughout her frail, twisted body, and the only sounds present were of her own labored breaths.

I cannot move.

I cannot speak.

What is this liquid warmth I am feeling? Is it blood, my blood?

Himari could feel her vitality drifting and ebbing away.

Am I… Am I going to die here?

I do not want to die. I know I have thought of taking my own life many, many times, but it was just a fleeting thought due to all the pain I have experienced. Prospects change when you are staring death in the eye!

There is so, so, so much I want to do. I want to study at a university in France and become a pharmaceutical botanist just like my mother. I want to concoct cures for the most baffling diseases and win awards for my efforts. I want to fall in love with a man who loves me just as I love him, marry him, then start a family. I want us to watch our children grow up as we grow old until we lay buried beside each other.

That is a simple life. I do not even have to have a prosperous career, a husband, or children; I just want to live! Is that too much to ask?

God, Buddha, whoever is in control of all things, I beg of you to please have mercy on me and let me live. I will never consider ending my life prematurely ever again. Just let me live!

It was not long until Himari heard Tsukihiko's footsteps. Unable to move her twisted neck, she could only move her eyes to look at him as he approached. An unimaginable sense of dread filled Himari to the brim as the man neared.

No…

Tsukihiko looked down upon Himari with great pity and shook his head, expressing nothing but immense disappointment. He appeared unscathed by the lamp being thrown directly at his face mere minutes before. "Now, why did you go and do that? You have broken nearly every bone in your body."

Himari sputtered blood in response.

Ha… It looks like I am dying… It is so very cold.

I am going to die here on this marble floor with only him to witness it.

I was unable to have anything I ever wanted in this life. How sad is that?

I have… so… many… regrets…

"It will not be long before you perish, so here." Tsukihiko knelt down next to the broken young woman who was on the brink of death. Then, he pricked his finger using a sharp, blue-stained claw.

A droplet of blood appeared upon his finger.

Tsukihiko held his finger to Himari's lips, the coldness of his frighteningly inhuman eyes beguiling her to proceed.

Bewildered by the man's actions, Himari stared back at her terrified, distraught reflection within the crimson pearl.

Why would he offer his blood to me? Has he not yet had enough of torturing me?

Before Himari could think another thought, Tsukihiko shoved his finger in her mouth. The metallic, coppery taste of blood overwhelmed all her senses in a split-second.

Suddenly, Himari's body was infused with a surge of vitality akin to a potent narcotic injected directly into her jugular. Her vocal cords that were once silent and welded shut in preparation for eternal slumber were widened, torn, allowing her to unleash an abrupt scream of sheer terror.

… Tsukihiko-san!

Pain.

Pure, indescribable pain.

The previous moments of a descent into the peaceful nothingness known as death were obliterated by acute, excruciating contractions that racked Himari's broken body. "ARGHHH!"

What is this sensation? It feels like I am being ripped in two! W-what is h-happening to me? I do not understand!

Foaming at the mouth, Himari began to spasm and convulse violently. Her broken limbs thrashed and flailed erratically, and she arched her back and folded in on herself like how one would crumble a piece of paper into a ball. Her face was contorted in agony with her breaths coming in short, ragged gasps.

I have never experienced an intense, agonizing anguish like this ever before! It is a kind of pain that I would not wish on anyone!

As Himari endured brutal paroxysms and relentless convulsions, she saw Tsukihiko watching her. The man donned a delicate yet revealing grin, as though he found her suffering entertaining.

Amused at her pain.

Amused at her terror.

Amused at her torment.

Tsukihiko-san, how could you? Save me… Someone, p-please save me. God, Buddha, save me! Please, s-someone, anyone… HELP ME!

As Himari's strength waned, a cloak of enervation blanketed her. Her breaths became shallow, and her pulse gradually faded away into nothing. The last thing she saw was Tsukihiko's pale, white face before it vanished into the void, consumed by an impenetrable darkness.

*ೃ༄OUTRO .ೃ࿐

𓆩 𓆪 HYDRA - MYTH & ROID 𓆩 𓆪

破滅さえ 厭わないで
ねえ まだこの手に残る欠片だって
貴方のもの
何もかも 失くしても
捧げるものが 在るの
未来だって 命でさえ
焼け尽きた感情も 不毛な祈りも
縋る無様も 貢ぐ愚かも
病んだ声も 穢れた両手も
傷で裂かれた心も

𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳

何もこの手に失くても
時間がまだ 在るのなら
何度も繰り返そう
無意味だって 無駄だっていい
積み上げた日々が 無残に散っても
想いが呪いに 変わったとしても
報いも無く 徒労に終わってもいい
もう貴方しか見えない
暗く陰った この道の先では
どんな光も やがて潰えるでしょう
運命がそうなら
希望待つように 生きるより
尽くしきるの 今を
焼け尽きた感情も 不毛な祈りも
縋る無様も 貢ぐ愚かも
何もかもが どうなってもいい
全て貴方に 捧げよう

𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳