- Created By Tsakura
Chapter 12 - Inner Peace
It’s been a week sense Sakura’s interview. She has been doing very well with her recovery. She is now walking around with her own straight. It still hurts a little when she bends down, but she’s ok with it. Sadly, she still can’t sing yet.
Sakura doesn’t let this get her down. She has been enjoying her manga and playing Mahjong with Rini. It’s now Monday and 1pm. This is when the doctor come in to check up on her.
“Good evening Watanabe-chan. How are you doing?” The doctor asked with a smile.
Sakura looked at her and happily replied, “I’m doing much better!” She signed.
“I can see that you’re able to sign without pain now. This is a good thing to see.” The Doctor was really happy with this.
“Yes, it’s easier now. I just hope my cheeks heal up soon.” Sakura allowed a tear to come out and smiled. “I’d like to sing soon.”
“I’d love to hear that. Can I take a look?” She asked.
“Yes please.” Sakura was eager to know.
The Doctor took a look at Sakura’s wound. “I want you to open as wide as you can without it hurting.” She asked.
Sakura was almost able to open her mouth all the way. The pain shot through her face. She yelped and closed it, while covering it with her hand.
“You ok?” She asked right away.
Sakura removed her hand and there was some blood on it. She had opened one of she cuts. She looked at the doctor. “It’s bleeding again. I guess it’s not ready yet.” She said sadly.
The doctor smiled and cleaned her up. “I guess you're right. The good thing is, it was only one this time.” She gave her a hug.
“Ok, take off your shirt so I can check out your back.” She asked.
Sakura took off her shirt and turned her back to her. She know it wasn’t healed yet, but was hoping for something good. At least she wanted the bruising to be better.
The doctor looked at her back. The circle was already starting to scare. The bruising had change to a lighter color. It was healing up nicely.
“Ok, I’m going to put some pressure on your back. If it hurts, raise your hand. If it’s really bad, tap the bed.” She explained.
Sakura nodded and braced for the pain that might come. The doctor began testing different areas of her back. Sakura raised her hand only a few times. Luckily, there wasn’t any spots that were really bad. This made the doctor really happy.
“Ok, that’s great!” She smiled. “You didn’t have to tap the bed once this time!” They both smiled. “Alright, time to check your shoulder out.” She looked at Sakura’s shoulder. The wound was almost gone. Even better, it wasn’t scaring. “Ok, you can put your shirt back on.” She then made a few notes. “Today was what I’ve been wanting to see.” She gave Sakura a smirk. “I think I can let you go home tomorrow… That is, if you want to?” She said with a wink. “You might miss us!” She laughed.
Sakura laughed with her and then leaped into her arms with a big hug! She then whispered, “Thank you!”
The doctor was caught off guard by that and returned the hug. “I’ll go get your sister and let her know the good news.” She smiled and left.
It is now 9am and Sakura is walking to the front door. All the nurses are cheering for her. She then turned around to face them and bowed. She then got into a taxi with Rini and went home.
When she walked inside her house…
“Surprise! Welcome Home!” Everyone cheered!
Sakura nearly fell over. She saw everyone there! Au, Rai, Her Mom and Dad! Her sisters and her grandparents! There were even some of her Aunts and Uncles there too! She was so overwhelmed, she slid to the floor and cried.
Emiko was setting by Sakura’s bed. Sakura had falling asleep after the party. Au poked her head in. She want to see how she was doing. “I guess we made her a little too happy.” Au giggled.
“I think we did.” Emiko just smiled. Happy to have her daughter home. She then looked up at Au. “She’s going to be okay. Thank you for helping her.” She bowed.
“My pleasure. She’s a dear friend now.” She smiled.
They left the room. Sakura laid there peacefully. She was home. She was finally at ease. She could now sleep where she has been wanting to, Home.
Chapter 11 - Breaking News!
“Good morning and welcome to NHK World! I’m your host, Au Go and we have a special show for you today!” Au said happily. She wanted to tell everyone the good news! With a frown, she recapped what happened.
“A couple of weeks ago, we got to meet a beautiful mute. This mute then sang for us and showed us her voice.” She was having a hard time not crying. “That same day, someone attacked her.” Au had to take a sec to compose herself. “After getting hurt bu this person, she fell into a coma.” She started to cry as she happily said the next part. “Two days ago, she woke up!” She proclaimed.
The audience cheered! Au was in tears with them. “The thing that makes this special is that we get to let everyone know! They wanted me to announce the good news!” She was so happy to be the one to do this.
In a cafeteria in Tokyo, a glass shattered on the ground. Everyone looked over at Yumi. She noticed she was making a scene. “Thank the gods! My niece just woke up!” She said happily. Everyone there cheered and congratulated her. She watched in horror as Sakura’s interview started.
“Watanabe-chan, how are you doing?” Au asked.
“I’m doing much better now. I’m just a little sore.” She signed with Rini translating it.
Au gave her a hug. “Can you tell us what happened?” She asked.
Sakura had a sad look while she began, “I was walking to the store when someone grabbed my shoulder. I was then pushed into a wall really hard. They then hit me in the face and knocked me over.” She paused as tears started to come out. She took a deep breath and continued. “I remember barely picking myself off the ground. I then limped to the store. Then everything going black. I then woke up here.” She looked the other way thinking.
“Do you know who it was?” Au asked.
Sakura had a scared look and crossed her arms to give herself a hug. “Yes I do.”
Yumi nearly fainted. “Takamoto-san!” People rushed over to help her.
“I’m fine. I guess the pressure is getting to me.” She said trying to not raise any suspicion.
They helped her to her office. She thanked them and set down. She then turned the TV on to watch more of the interview.
“We’re back! It’s sad Watanabe-chan can’t tell us who it was.” Au said sadly. “Now, back to the interview!”
“Watanabe-chan, how’s your injuries doing?” She asked.
“They are healing fine, but the doctor says they are going to scar.” She smiled. “At least I can make something up for fun about how I get them.” She laughed.
“Can we see them?” Au asked. She hadn’t seen them yet.
Sakura boded. She first pulled down her collar over her shoulder. There was still a little bruising there. The nail marks were still there. “This is the least painful one.” She commented. She then asked the nurse to remove the badge from her cheek. The nurse did. Her cheek had four deep cuts on it. They were from the nails that hit her. “this hurts a lot. It’s really hard to sing right now. The doctor said this will scar.” She couldn’t help a tear from rolling down.
She then turned her back to the camera and took off her shirt. Au covered her mouth with her hand and started to cry. “No..” She let out. It was soft and horrified. Her back was covered with deep scratches and dark bruises! The only spot that wasn’t bruised was a circle. It was obvious that was part of the wall’s pattern.
“This hurts the worst. Especially where the circle is.” She was right. There was a black ring around it.
Yumi looked in horror at what she had done. She only wanted to scare her, but… She didn’t think she had done this to her. “What have I done!?” She thought. She bit her thumb. “No! She made me do this to her! She got everything she deserved!” She tried to convince herself. She turned back to the TV.
“Do you know when you’re going home yet?” Au asked.
“They said I have to stay here for at least another week or two. They want to make sure I can walk before I can go home.” She smiled.
Au smiled. “Then here’s a gift from mo to help!” She gave her a present.
Sakura was surprised by this. She opened it and started to cry. “Thank you so much!” She gave her a hug. Au had given her a box full of manga to read.
“You’re welcome.”
Yumi turned off the TV and leaned back in her chair. She jumped and almost fell out off of her chair when her phone rang.
“Moshi, Moshi?” She said.
“Hello, this is Shinichi. How are you doing Takamoto-san?” He asked.
There was a short pause. Why was he calling? “Ono-san, good morning! What can I do for you?” She said trying to keep her voice calm.
“Did you see Sakura-chan’s interview?” He asked happily.
“Yes, I did. I’m happy she’s awake.” She lied.
“Thank you! I hope this interview will keep her safe. We still haven’t arrested anyone yet.” He paused for a moment. “Go-san is ready at a moment’s notice when we do.” He left it at that.
She was scared. “I see.” She know he was fishing fro something again.
“Well, I got to go. I really hope this interview helps. Best of luck with your reelection campaign!” He said merrily.
“Thank you.” She said slowly. He hug up. She got the message loud and clear. She wasn’t going to do anything else to Sakura for now. “I’ll get you back… somehow!” She was thinking to herself.
Chapter 10 - The Awakening
Another week has passed. Rini was caressing Sakura’s hair. She had so much to say to her. She silently cried. “I should’ve come with you. I’m so sorry I couldn’t protect you.” She laid down on the couch and cried herself to sleep.
Three hours later, Sakura slowly opened her eyes. When her eyes focused, she saw an unfamiliar ceiling. In a panic, she set straight up in bed. She Felt a sharp pain all over her body and yelped. She slowly laid back down.
“Sakura-chan! You’re awake! Thank the gods!” Rini rang out in joy!
Sakura turned to her right to see her sister in tears. “Rini-chan!?” She was so confused. She didn’t’t remember what had happened.
Rini was holding back the tears when she answered. “You’re in the hospital. You were attacked on your way to the store. Don’t you remember?”
Sakura tried to remember what happened. She slowly moved her right hand over the bandages. At that moment… She was in the street walking, when Yumi attacked her! She remembered everything all at once. Her eyes had only one thing in them… terror.
Rini saw the horrifying look she had and gave her a gentle hug.” Sshhh… it’s ok, I’m here.”
Even though it hurt, Sakura cried in her arms. After an hour, Sakura calmed down. She fell asleep from crying. Rini let the nurse know the good news and then called her dad.
Four hours later Sakura woke up. She looked around and saw her dad. She also saw Rai. She smiled. “Daddy! Eto-chan!” She was happy.
They both gave her a soft hug. “I’m so happy you’re awake Sakura-Chan!” Shinichi said with tears.
“I know you’d be ok.” Rai said and gave her a big thumbs up.
“Sakura-san.” Shinichi said sternly. We need to talk to you about what happened.” Shinichi was serious.
Sakura’s eyes had the same look as before. She then turned her head away. “I can’t.” Is all she said.
They both know at once that she was threatened to keep quiet. “Sakura-san, if you’re afraid that Takamoto-San will do something to you, we have a witness.” He said in a comforting voice.
She turned back with tears in her eyes. “You know that Takamoto-Soma did this to me?” She started to cry! She had been holding it in for a while.
“Yess we do. Please Watanabe-Chan, tell us what she did to you.” Rai bowed as she asked.
She looked at them and decided to talk. “ I was walking to the store to get some snacks. I was really excited.” She said sadly. She then put her hand over her right shoulder. “Then out of nowhere a hand grabbed me. It’s nails dug into me. It then pulled me, then pushed me hard into a wall. I could feel something cutting into my back.” She paused and shivered. “I had closed my eyes. I didn’t know what had happened!” She paused and covered her face.
“You ok, Watanabe-San? Come on, you can do it!” Rai said to her trying to encourage her.
“Sorry. It’s just her eyes… They were really terrifying!” She took a deep breath to calm herself down. “Takamoto-Soma was there. Her eyes were dark and cold. She started telling me how I was worthless and how I embarrassed her.” She put her hand over her left cheek. “She then hit me so hard, that she knocked me over. I stand down, laying there is pain. Then she told me that if I told anyone, that she’d firer you! She then went to hit me again! Then I told her I understand and then she left.” She started to cry.
They were beside themselves! They looked at each other. Not knowing what to do. Shinichi took a moment to think. “Sakura-Chan, do you trust me?” He asked.
Sakura stopped crying and looked at him. “Yes I do.” She calmly said.
“Ok, good. Listen carefully. Don’t tell anyone what you told us. Just say you’re not ready to talk about it yet.” He said calmly to her.
“Yes Father.” She replied.
Chapter 9 - The Witness
It’s been two days sense Sakura was attacked. She’s still in the hospital unconscious. Shinichi was looking out the window lost in thought. When he got the call about her, he rushed over! He road with her to the ER. The doctors did everything they could. She was asleep in bed when Rini walked in.
“Daddy!” She ran over to him and cried in his arms. “I think it was Yumi who did this!” This is what stuck with him. Rini wouldn’t say someone did something if they didn’t…
“Ono-san, what’s the plan?” His partner asked, breaking him out of his deep thought. He looked over at the driver’s Seat at her. Rai Eto has been his partner sense he moved there. He still remembers the first time he meet her. She was 25 years old, but looks like she’s 16. She has black hair and pink eyes. She’s only 1.52 meters tall, but strong for her size. Her father is a martial arts teacher and has been her sensei sense she could walk. Nobody will dare spar with her when she’s mad.
“When we talk to her, we’ll say we have a witness.” He Calmly said.
She smiled, “Think she’ll fall for it?” She asked.
“She will. It’s an election year.” He grinned at her. “She doesn’t want to lose everything.”
She then looked puzzled. “Then why would she do this?” She asked wondering. “She’s the mayor of Tokyo, so why?” She just didn’t get it. She was going along with him. She know to trust him with things like this.
He looked out the window, “I don’t know. She has everything she wants. I’ve been trying to put things together, but they just don’t fit.” He looked up and calmly thought about it.
“Is there anything you’ve seen her do that was strange?” She was trying to help solve the puzzle.
He thought for a moment and then some pieces fall into place. “Now that I think about it, there is.” She could see that smile he always does when he finds something.
“What do you have?” She was a now getting excited.
“Well, for starters…” He was thinking how to say it. “Takamoto-san has never listed my house. Even for family get togethers. It’s as if there is a reason why she won’t come.” He was thinking about some other moments. “Also, when I was dating Emiko, there was things that never made sense until now.” He paused.
“What are those?” She loved how he would put things together. It was one of the things she loved about being he’s partner.
“Well, when we were over at her house, the girls would be playing with Sakura. More then once, Takamoto-san would come and get her. I’d then find her cleaning something.” He said.
“Really? Even if she would be playing?” She felt sad to hear this.
“Yes, more so when she was playing. I remember asking her why she wasn’t with us one time. She just told me sorry and that she forgot to do her chores.” He paused when he thought about the next part.
“What is it?” She know something Unpleasant was coming.
“I remember her eyes screaming for help. She then said not to worry about it. She then just kept at it.” The made him mad now that he understood what was going on. They finally got to city hall.
“You ready for this?” Rai asked almost with an evil smile.
“Yes.” Was all he could say. She know that look and was ready to help.
They entered Yumi’s office and set down. “Thank you for coming.” Yumi said. “What can I do for you?” She said politely.
“We’re here about Sakura. Did you hear what happened?” He asked.
“Yes, I did. Go-san reported it on the news. Is she okay?” She was showing censure. She appeared really worried about her.
Shinichi was watching her every move. He wanted her to do or say something wrong. “She doing better now. The swelling on her face has finally started to go down. Also the bruise on her back is starting to turn back to a normal color. The doctor say that she will most likely have scars after she heals.” He said.
Yumi was worried. She was furious that night and didn’t hold back. She didn’t think she had done that much damage. “That’s good to hear. Is she awake yet.” She was really worried about this part. She thought that’s why they were there.
“No. They don’t know how much longer ether.” He said sadly. “Rini and Emiko are taking it really hard. Rini won’t leave her side.” He said with a tear rolling down.
“Takamoto-san, we also come to talk to you about something more.” Rai commented.
“Yes, what is it?” She was now really worried that she messed up.
Shinichi had Rai tell her, so he could watch. “We have a witness who saw the person who attacked Watanabe-chan.” Rai just said bluntly.
Yumi nearly fall out of her chair. She had gone white as a ghost.
“They said it was a women with dark hair, slender build, and about 1.65 meters tall. She drove off in a grey or white Nissan.” She stated. “We have already interviewed everyone in Okayama that meet that description. We need to ask you some questions. This is because you were in town that day.” Rai said with piercing eyes and a smile.
The color had returned to her face with this news. “Sure, go ahead.” She wasn’t going to say no now.
“Where were you at 7pm, Tuesday night?” Rai asked.
“I was driving home after I visited Ono-san’s house.” She was choosing her words very carefully.
“Can anyone verify this?” Rai pushed on.
“No one can, because I was on the freeway.” She honestly answered.
“Why were you at Ono-san’s house?” Rai asked.
“I invited Yuri Uchida to talk with Sakura about her school.” Yumi said.
“Thank you. One more thing, can we see your hands?” Rai inured.
Yumi didn’t like this one bit and let it show on her face. She showed them her hands. They couldn’t see anything. Luckily for her, her hands had time to heal. So they didn’t show anything anymore. She smiled despite herself.
“Thank you, Takamoto-san.” Shinichi said and bowed.
“You’re welcome. Have a good one and good luck finding this person.” She said happily.
They walked to their car and got in. Rai was mad. She turned to him. “She did it!” Nearly yelling. “I want to give her what she deserves!”
Shinichi Took a deep breath. “It was too obvious. Sadly, we don’t have enough evidence. We’ll need more for her, because she’s a Mayor.” He turned and smiled. “At least we know she won’t try anything more to Sakura now. She knows we’re on to her.” They both nodded. “We’ll know more when she wakes up.” He smiled and had that look again. “Then I’ll talk to the chief about starting a secret case on Yumi Takamoto.” He’s smile was all she needed to see to understand the rest of the plan.
Chapter 8 - Joy and Sadness
It was Tuesday, Rini and Sakura were waiting in the prep room. Sakura was nervous.
“You ready for this?” Rini asked.
She nodded and smiled.
“Good morning everyone! Welcome to NHK World!” I’m your host, Au Go!” She said with a smile. “Today we got a special guest. Our guess is the winner of the Singing Contest/ She has a beautiful voice. She is also a Mute!” She said with excitement. “Let’s give a warm welcome to Sakura Watanabe and her sister, Rini Ono!” She started to clap as the audience cheered.
The girls came walking out. They were both smiling and Sakura was waving. They set down.
“Thank you both for coming.” Au said.
“Thank you for having us.” Rini replied. Sakura smiled and bowed.
“Ono-san can you let our viewers know why you’re here?” Au happily asked.
“Sure.” She smiled and giggled. “Sakura is very shy and she’s not able to talk to people.” She smiled. “I’m here as her translator. She’ll be signing.”
“This caught me off guard the other day.” She facepalmed herself. “You all were having fun with it.” She gave a mean look and laughed.
“Sorry about that. It happens so often that it’s a joke to us.” Sakura signed and laughed.
“That makes sense.” Au gave them a sly grin. “So Watanabe-chan, where did you learn to sing?” She asked with wonder.
Sakura took a sec to think. “I taught myself how to sing. It was a fun way to relax.” She smiled as she thought about it.
“Did you ever show anyone?” Au had to ask.
“No. Nobody know until Rini took me to Club Dam with my Sisters.” She replied.
“Really? Must have took you all by surprise Ono-san.” Au said.
“I was amazed! We were all speechless! I couldn’t believe my mute sister could sing like that!” Rini said with start eyes and gave Sakura a hug.
“Well Watanabe-san, would you sing for us?” Au asked and bowed.
Sakura nodded and asked for the same song from the contest. She got a mic and her persona changed. The Music started and she sang beautifully. Everyone was in awe!
Elsewhere, someone was in disbelief. Yumi had been watching like she did every day. She couldn’t believe Sakura was on it. Her disbelief changed into Pure hatred.
Sakura finished singing. Everyone exploded in cheers! She was blown away. She set back down and blushed.
“That was astonishing!” She was so happy Sakura sang for them.
They were on their way home and Sakura was beaming. As they walked to the train station, people would tell her how impressed they were. They got on the train and went home.
When they got home, they found Yumi and another lady waiting for them. When Sakura saw her, she froze in fear. Rini saw this and was worried.
“Hello Sakura-chan.” She looked at her waiting.
Sakura was shacking a little. Quietly she forced her voice out and bowed. “Hello Takamoto-sama.”
“I was so shocked to see you on the news. I had to come and congratulate you in person.” She said with a sinister smile. This was the type of smile that looked normal, but made your skin crawl.
“Thank you very much.” She said, trying to sound normal.
“Sakura-chan, I’d like you to meet Yuri Uchida.” She motioned with her hand at the woman beside her. “She is the dean of Tamagawa Academy.” She said with honor and respect. “This is the same school my daughter is going to.” She was beaming.
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you!” She said sweetly. “I was impressed with your singing. I was also surprised that you were already on our list for students we wanted to be at our school.” She said happily.
Yumi looked confused. She didn’t know about this. “She is?” She had to ask.
“Yes she is. She turned us down last year. This is why I came with you Takamoto-san. I wanted to ask her myself this time.” She was smiling. She really was happy to meet Sakura.
Yumi’s eyes had red in them. Sakura know that look. “I see.” Yumi was staying polite.
“Sakura Watanabe, I would love it if you would come to my school. You will have a Full Scholarship if you do.” She said while keeping eye contact with her.
Yumi couldn’t believe what she just heard! Yuri doesn’t just give those to everyone. Only about one to three students a year might get one. Even her own daughter doesn’t have one. She was shocked.
Sakura smiled and looked at Rini. She begone to sign. “Thank you very much. I’m honored. However, my answer is still the same.” She took a deep breath and used her voice to the surprise of everyone. “I don’t want to go to a private school. I like where I am right now.” She smiled. “I don’t want to have to leave my friends and family. Please understand.” Tears were going down her face as she bowed.
Yuri walked over and gave her a hug. “Don’t cry. I understand. If you ever change your mind, let me know. There will always be a place open there for you.” She said kindly.
Sakura looked up and smiled. Yumi and Yuri left. Rini was so happy of her sister. She was proud of her following her own path.
Sakura was walking to the convenience store for some snacks. She was singing to herself. Out of nowhere a hand grabbed her shoulder, differing its nails in painfully. The hand pulled and then pushed Sakura into a wall really hard. She hit the wall so hard that she yelped in pain and closed her eyes.
She was scared. She slowly opened her eyes to she who it was. She froze in terror. Yumi was there and had her pinned to the wall. “You piece of trash!” She yelled loud enough that only they could hear it. “How dare you embarrass me.” Her eyes didn’t look human. They were almost demonic. “You could have just said yes and left my sister for good!”
Sakura was stunned. So that’s why she did it. She was trying to get rid of her.
“I wish your worthless father took you with him. You’re just a stain on the family Name!” With that, Yumi slapped Sakura so hard that she was knocked over. She was now laying on the ground. She was in a lot of pain. She kept quiet.
Yumi looked at her. “Don’t tell anyone about this. If you do, I will make you sorry. I can get your father fired!” Yumi’s face was evil, “Do you understand?”
Sakura said nothing. She was too scared!
Yumi raised her hand once more. “I said, DO YOU UNDERSTAND!”
“YES TAKAMOTO-SAMA!” It came out more like a yelp.
Yumi was satisfied with that. She got into her car and drove off. Leaving Sakura on the ground.
Sakura just laid there crying. She was in terrible pain. She pulled herself up slowly off the ground. She put her hand over her right shoulder. It was bleeding. She also had a cut on her lip. Her cheek was swelling up and had cuts from the nails.
Ten minutes later she into the store, barely on her feet. She was a regular her and the know her.
“Hello Watana…” The cashier couldn’t finish. “Watanebe-chan! What happened!” She screamed and ran over to her!
Sakura finally gave into the pain and collapsed to the floor. She looked up to see blurry faces fading into black. The voices calling her name went silent. She had fainted.
