The Lotus Tale

[@@~Digit~@@]

The Lotus Tale

Prologe

Edo, Japan

"But Yayoi, you can't die. Who will tend to the house while I am at work?" Michiko Harunaka asked her mother, who was lying on the futon, unable to do more than breath. "My darling Michiko, you are old enough, I think, to make your own desicions. You must follow your heart. If you don't want to stay here in Edo, you can go wherever you wish. Just don't grow up alone." Yayoi Harunaka's last words stung Michiko deep. Don't grow up alone. Yayoi I thnk it's a little too late. And it's all his fault. Michiko thought as she prayed, and left the room.
A week later, the funeral was held, and Michiko Harunaka was no more. She was Yumiko Sarasuna. The 15 year old left Edo the next day.

Chapter 1:A place to call home

2 years later in Osaka, Japan

Yumiko Sarasuna walked through the damp streets of Osaka. Her clothes were dirty and covered in mud. Her only compainion was a little kitten that she picked up in Nagasaki. "Hmm. We better find a place to stay dry and eat, huh Arisu?" She whispered to the kitten. "Mew." the black cat agreed. "Excuse me dear." A graying man said holding an umbrella over her head. Yumiko whirled around, her hand on the hilt of her katana. "Oh. Sorry sir. You startled me." She breathed relaxing. "Forgive me. I'm Yakashiro Sinske. Do you have a place to stay tonight? I own a house a few houses away, you and your friend can stay there for the night." The old man said. "Thank you. Thats very kind of you." Michiko replied kindly. She didn't trust strangers, especially men because her father abandoned her and her mother. A few weeks later her mother died of a broken heart and a disease she couldn't pronounce.

"What is your name young lady?" The old man asked opening his door. Yumiko was silent for a few moments. "My name is Sarasuna Yumiko, and this is Arisu." Michiko said lifting the kitten out of her kimono sleeve. "Oh Sinske. I was wondering where you were." Adark haired woman said taking Sinske's umbrella. "I was on my way home when I found this young girl and her cat wandering the streets." Sinske replied kissing the lady on the cheek. "Oh dear. Well come dear you will stay with us for right now. We can't have a pretty little thing like you roaming the streets at night. I'll prepare a warm bath for you and then you can eat supper with us. Sinske go prepare the extra room." The lady said leading Yumiko into the bathroom.

"I don't want to trouble you." Yumiko said dipping Arisu into the water of a small bucket. 'Not at all. Here hand your kimono to me and I'll wash it for you. I laid out a jinbei for you. It's not very stylish but it's warm. I'll be in the kitchen if you need me." The lady said taking Yumiko's kimono and heading out the door. "Um. Mrs. Yakashiro, what can I call you while I'm here?" Yumiko asked. The lady smiled. "You can call me Mother. Everyone does." The woman disappeared closing the door. Mother. What an odd word. Yumiko thought as she slipped into the warm water.

A few minutes later Yumiko appeared wearing the black jinbei and a pair of tabi. Her brown hair was loose and shining about her shoulders and back. Even Arisu looked cleaner. "Well, now. You look like an angel, desended from Buddah." Mother said placing shiokara and rice on the table. "The dumplings are still cooking.Akihiro should be home soon." She said bustling about. "Who's Akihiro. Mr.Yakashiro?" Yumiko asked a little confused. "Akihiro is our son. Akihiro perfers to be called Ren He works till now. He should be coming home soon." Sinske replied.

"Mother Father I'm home." Came a male voice from the entrance hall. "Oh Ren, I was worried that you had to work late again." Mother cried as the young man came in. "Hello, Mother. Hmm. Who is this young girl. Why she's no older than myself.' The Akihiro said. He looked about 17 to Yumiko. 'This is Yumiko Sarasuna." Sinske replied. Yumiko bowed her head in greeting. "And this is Arisu Sarasuna." Yumiko said pointing to Arisu who was drinking a saucer of milk. "Pleased to meet you. I asume my father brought you here." Ren said pushing aside his black bangs.
"Yes He did. Your parents have been so generous as to let me stay the night since it is raining so much."Yumiko said sipping some green tea. Ren smiled.

"You know, when I went to Edo, I met a young girl who's name was Michiko Harunaka." Ren said grabbing a dumpling. Yumiko's breath caught in her chest. "Really. I used to live in Edo till I was 12. 6 years ago in fact. I met a young man. He said he lived in Osaka. He didn't give me a name, just some yen to get a bowl of rice." Yumiko replied. "You know. A lot of men think you live here. Why on my way home, some of the men told me that my wife was home. I had no idea what they were talking about. They said a young beauty just followed my father in here." He smiled. "They were right about one thing. A young girl did walk in here." Ren said.

"Oh come now Ren, don't act like that. Yumiko is new to the city and she's young. Men like the ones who live here think that any girl who walks into a man's house is his wife." Mother said placeing the food on the table. "Yumiko, your room is ready for when you're ready to go to sleep." Sinske said passing a bowl of rice down to her. "Thank you. I don't know how I can repay you though." Yumiko said smiling.
'You're smile is enough thanks dear. Though if you want, you can help me out in the teahouse tomorrow." Mother said taking a bite of shiokara* "I'd love to help."

After a nice warm meal and a few musical performances, Yumiko was exhausted. "Um Mother where is my room. I'd better get some rest, if I want to be in top shape to help you tomorrow" She asked politly. "Of course dear. I'll show you." Mother said getting up. She lead Yumiko and Arisu to a small room down the hall. "It's not very big, but I hope it will do.' Mother said hopefully. "It's perfect. I never been in a place so warm and homey. Something I never knew, back when I lived in Edo." Yumiko said smiling. "I'm glad you like it. When you leave to finish your adventure, please if you're ever in Osaka, and don't have a place to stay, you can stay here. You're like the daughter me and Sinske never had. And the sister Ren has always wanted.Good night, Yumiko." Mother said and closed the door.

Yumiko curled up on the futon. Sleep taking hold of her fast. Her dreams were happy now. The soft purring of Arisu kept the bad dreams away. Yumiko thought of Akihiro. His face was like something out of a dream. Big expressive brown eyes, and black hair that fell naturally in his eyes. His frame was lanky and muscular. He looked like he belonged in a fairy tail, instead of the real world.

[@@~Digit~@@]

Chapter 2

Fighting for a Friend

Yumiko heard Akihiro in the room next door. It was 6 a.m. and he was waking up. Quietly she stood up, and changed back into the clean kimono, Mother had washed last night. Mother. Such a strange word. I never called Yayoi that. It's like I've been thrust into another world. No one has ever shown me much kindness. I never expected it, and ended up not giving it. I'm not sure if I even know how to be kind. "Ah you're awake. Did you sleep well?" A tender male voice said from behind her, and it made her skin crawl. Yumiko turned around to find Akihiro standing in the doorway. Smiling she said, "Good morning Akihiro-san. Yes, I can tell you I've never slept better in my life." Akihiro grinned. "Mother will be pleased to hear it. The sun is starting to come up, would you like to go for a walk, Lady Yumiko?" He asked.

Yumiko's breath caught. He couldn't be asking her out. They hardly knew each other, besides it was just a friendly walk outside, before all the noise started. "Are you sure? What if your parents wake up to find us gone?"
Ren's grin grew. "Don't worry Yumiko-chan, Mother and Father know I go on walks when the sun comes up. It's the only peaceful time around here, these days. They'll just assume you tagged along." He said softly. No one has called me -chan in a very long time. She thought. Akihiro held his hand out toward her. Cautiously she placed her hand in his, and he led her outside. Thankfully the rain had stopped, and the village looked beautiful in the light red and orange glow.

"So, tell me about yourself, Yumiko-chan. Do you have any famliy in Osaka?" Akihiro frowned when she shook her head. "My mother died when I was 15, in Edo. My grandparents moved to China, and I don't know about aunts and uncles." "What about your father?" "My father, abandoned my mother and I when I was 5. He was the reason she died. He left and she died of a broken heart 10 years later." Yumiko took a deep breath. "What about you Akihiro-san?" Her brown eyes were amber in the glow of the early morning sun. "For one thing, call me Ren, second of all. What do you want to know?" Ren said threading his fingers through his black hair. "Any brothers or sisters?"
Ren shook his head. "Then how come you're not married?" Ren looked at her. "Who knows? Maybe it's cause I haven't looked, or the right girl never came along." He said shrugging. Yumiko looked up at him. He looked relaxed in the calm atmosphere, in a white shirt and black pants. "Yumiko?" "Yes?" Was her startled reply. 'How would you like to come to school?" He asked a grin was teasing the sides of his mouth. "W-ith you?"

Ren was taken aback. Where was the girl who was smiling a few minutes ago. It was like she just vanished. Instead here was a girl who's eyes were filled with terror and distrust. Yumiko's eyes were cold and her voice was scared. "If you want to." He said stepping towards her. Involuntarily Yumiko stepped back and shook her head. "Thanks for the offer, but no thanks." She said and ran off. "Yumiko, wait!" Ren's voice called. Yumiko just ran faster.

How can I be so foolish? He never wanted to be my friend, he just wanted to show me off to everyone at his school. It's always the same. But...what if I'm wrong? I never thought of that before. Maybe Akihiro does want to be my friend, and help me make new friends at his school.I'm such an idiot. Yumiko thought as she ducked into a back alley. "Yumiko! Where are you?" She could hear Ren's voice calling her name. Yumiko covered her ears and waited for her breathing to return to normal. After a few minutes Yukimo uncovered her ears and peeked out behind the pile of boxes she was hiding behind.

"What have we got here?" A deep baritone male voice said behind her. Yumiko gasped and turned around, her hand on the hilt of her dagger. "What do you want with me?" The man behind her laughed. He was about 6 foot, and desperatly in need of a shave. His face was rugged and his flesh was covered in scars. His clothes were torn and ragged, and he smelled of Sake. Too much sake. "What do we want with her. She asks. What's a little bird like you doing around here. You know, you shouldn't be wandering away from your daddy, little girl." The man reached for her with a huge calloused hand, then he reared back in slight pain. "Keep your grubby hands off of me!" Yumiko exclaimed as she pulled out her dagger and slashed against the hand. "You little wench!" One of the lanky guys behind him said, pulling out a sword. "No one hurts our boss and gets away with it!"

"Yumiko!" Ren's voice reached her ears. She looked at the men and ignored him. She had to find a way out.
"Ooh. Is this your boyfriend?" The calloused hand man asked. Yumiko didn't answer him, he grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her. "You little wench answer me!" "Let her go!" Ren shouted barreling into the man. The man immedietly let go. Yumiko fell to the ground with a light "Thud." "Yumiko are you alright?" Ren asked. Yumiko nodded her eyes firece. "This isn't your battle. I can handle myself." She shot. "But you don't have to alone."
"Isn't this sweet. Any who, boy shouldn't you be heading off to school or something?" The man stated getting up from the ground and drawing his sword. "Actually not yet, you big oaf." Ren replied a smirk on his face. Yumiko drew her sword. It had been specially made, when she was a little girl. The sheath was pure black with white trim, and sakura painted on it. The swords hilt had the same design but in red. The blade was sharp, and could kill a defensless man in seconds.
The man's jaw dropped. "I didn't realize Shogun Toboro was recruiting girls now.Excuse our behavior." The men sheathed their swords and bowed apologeticly. Before returning her Katana to it's sheath Yumiko said, "I forgive you, but you must never harm a human being again." She sheathed the blade and turned on her heel and left. Ren running to catch up.

[@@~Digit~@@]

Chapter 3

Working at the teahouse

"Yumiko, where did you did you get that sword?" Ren asked, struggling to keep his curiosity at bay. His brown eye were wide with wonder and eagerness. "It was specially made for me when I was a little girl. My only friend Eiji made it for me. His father Takeiru, taught me how to weild it. Not long after they were sent to war, and they never came back." Yumiko's soft words were solem. "I'm sorry Yumiko-chan. I didn't know.' Ren said, giving her a quick hug before pulling back. She shook her head. 'You have nothing to be sorry for. I'm the one who should be apologizing, for running off like that. I have bad memories about school. But I would like to go. If you want me to." Yumiko said with a slight hopeful smile teasing her lips. "Of course you can come Yumiko. The teahouse doesn't open until after school anyway." He replied his voice warm and kind, soothing as well. Yumiko couldn't help but smile. "Come on. Let's head back and get something to eat." Ren syggested, to Yumiko's agreement. He held out his hand and she placed her own hand in his. Running, Yumiko and Ren headed back to the house.

Later, Yumiko stepped into the Yakashiro Teahouse and almost fell over. On the outside it looked like a small plain teahouse, but the inside was exqusite and huge. The pillows were satin, with beautiful desgins.
"Yumiko are you gonna stand there all day with your mouth hanging open?" A girl that was introduced as Chiasa. "Sorry, it's just this place is so beautiful but still has a homey feel to it." Yumiko apologized. "That's Mother's special touch. She's like that." Chiasa said smiling, pushing a strand of dark brown hair out of her amond shaped eyes. Yumiko smiled, she could learn to like Chiasa. Chiasa was thirteen years old, her parents had both died. Her mother, from complications of Childbirth and her father of alcohol poisioning. She lived with her grandmother and brother. Chiasa was a hard worker and easy to get along with. "Come on Yumiko! I'll show you what to do." Chiasa's sing song voice broke Yumiko's train or thought. She nodded and followed the girl.

Yumiko had never seen an afternoon's work untill she left Edo. And that was just running errands. Instead of feeling tired and sore, Yumiko felt usefull and happy. She leaned against a wall in the kitchen, catching her breath. "Yumiko! Some guys here looking for you." A small girl named Ayaka said running into the room. "Why would a guy be looking for me? No one around here knows me Ayaka" Yumiko replied looking at the black haired girl confused. "I don't know Ymiko-chan. He says he's looking for you. He's real handsome too. Want me to tell him your busy?" Ayaka said her eyes bright. Yumiko shook her head. "I'll be there in a minute." Ayaka nodded and left the kitchen to deliver the message.

Eiji was impatient as he waited. The little girl Ayaka had said Michiko would be here in a minute and it had been five. He sighed and tapped his fingers against the small table. A tall man came in the teahouse. Eiji heard him say to one of the younger girls to find Yumiko Sarasuna. Who is Yumiko Sarasuna? Her name is Michiko Harunaka, unless I'm mistaken. He thought brushing his brown hair out of his eyes. "Sir, you wanted to see me?' A soft familiar voice said from behind him. Her voice was soft, but Eiji could tell there was the same distrust for men in the tone.
He turned and stared up into the face of Michiko HArunaka. Her features were different but the expression was still the same. "Yes, you wouldn't happen to be Michiko Harunaka would you?" He asked, knowing the answer was yes. Michiko shook her head. "There is no one here by that name."

Yumiko's stomach clenched as the man had asked the question. How could this man know her previous Identity. "Yumiko. There you are." Ren's voice said from her other side. The man stood up and extended his hand to Ren. "Konnichiwa, I am Takireu Eiji Miss Sarauna was just informing me that the lady I am looking for isn't hear." Yumiko's breath caught as she heard the man call himself Eiji. Ren shook the mans hand saying. "Hello to you to. I'm Yakashiru Akihiro. Call me Ren." "You say you're looking for a girl called Michiko Harunaka. Is it possible, she may be going under another name Mr. Takireu." Yumiko said softly, feeling Ren take her hand.
Eiji nodded. "In fact, I think I'm looking at her. I made that sword for Mchikiko before my father and I left for war." "I regret to inform you Michiko Harunaka died the day her mother was buried." Yumiko said and disappear into the kitchen.

"Michiko Harunaka is her real name?" Ren asked. Eiji once again nodded. "She didn't tell you?" Ren shook his head. "If you'll excuse me, Yumiko and I need to be heading back to my parents house. They don't like late dinners." Ren said bowing his head and turning to go into the kitchen. Eiji stopped him. "Take care of her for me." He said. Akihiro nodded and went into a kitchen full of giggly girls. Sighing he looked for the silent one. But she was nowhere to be found. "Ayaka, where's Yumiko?" He asked. Ayaka shrugged and pointed towards the back door. "Great she ran off again." He grumbled and headed outside. Yumiko was a few paces ahead of him and he caught up easily. "Yumiko, why did you lie about who you are?" Ren asked softly stopping her. "I didn't lie. Michiko Harunaka did die when her mother was buried. She was reborn, into Yumiko Sarasuna. I'd appreciate it if you didn't make me explain my actions." She said sharply breaking away from his grasp. "Yumiko wait." He called and followed her. Trying to figure out what to say. Women. He thought.

Mother and Mr.Yakashiro met them at the door. Mother's eyes had a suspiscoiuos gleam in them that Yumiko chose to ignore. "Yumiko-chan, you shall stay with us from now on. You can go to school with Ren in the morining and work at the Teahouse in the afternoon. Unless you have somewhere to go." Mother said smiling.
"I couldn't possibly. I've already caused you so much trouble already." Yumiko started. "Nonsense. Thanks to you the bills on the house and the Teahouse are paid. More custemers are coming in to meet the new waitress." Mr.Yakashiro countered with his wife nodding. "But.." Yumiko said again but stopped when she felt Ren's hand on her shoulder. "Stay." Was all he said. She couldn't read the expression in his eyes but she knew the gaze was intense. "If you want me to, I guess I could stay for one more day." She said defeated to the agreement of the three Yakashiro's. "I knew we'd be celebrating tonight, I already fixed a special dinner." Mother said smiling and disappeared into the kitchen. Mr.Yakashiro went outside to meet someone and said he would be back in a few minutes.

Yumiko could still feel Ren's hand on her shoulder and swallowed involuntarilly. Turning around she said, "WHy do you want me to stay?" Ren held her gaze for a few minutes. "Because you need a home. Where there are people who care about you. A place where you belong." "What makes you think that my place is here?" She shot, not meaning to put so much venom into her words. Ren stared at her and then released her. "Who knows? But you can belong here, of that I'm certain." He turned on his heel and headed down the hall to his room, shuting the door behind him. "Don't worry about it child. He'll get over it." Mother said from behind her. Yumiko turned, desperatly trying to hide her tears. "I didn't mean to hurt him." She said, not noticing her voice was shaky. Mother pulled her into a hug. "I know dear. But it'll be alright."