Mana: Before The Rise 14 Sakura In The Shadows 11

And to be honest she is thinking about it, Akiyo seems to have also taken well to Tsiyi. That has been wearing her down, the little boy had been pleading with her to tak him with her to Tsiyi home country. Or better yet marry big brother "Tsiyi".

"You have a guest" Riyo beamed from behind her, Tsiyi by her side. "I will go and ask for tea" she winked then shut the doors behind leaving Tsiyi and Rachel alone.

Rachel folded her arms as if to protect herself for another 'talk', these last few days had been him coming over to talk and him wanting to learn about her piece by piece. Leaving only one thing out, that she is truly not Ise that she took what did not belong to her.

All of it was wrong and It will still break her heart no matter how long it takes. She never thought 'Transmigration' would feel like this but then again, she never thought about it to much in the first place. Many other Transmigrator that she heard about never seem to think about it like her.

It didn't matter if the original died, the Transmigrator still took over someone else life.

"What happened the first time you picked up an instrument?" Tsiyi asked in the middle of their conversation suddenly. He sounded so eager and straightforward.

"I loved it the moment I picked it up. The sound, the strings, all of it." Rachel said the truth from her heart. In the modern world she played the violin in her youth much to her mothers' displeasure. "my Mother did no allow me to continue for 'Lack of Skill'. Her own mother and Ise mother where nearly the same except Rachel's mother ended her musical career with abuse. Her hand could never play and instrument naturally again. But, Ise could.

"Lack of Skill? I do not believe it."

"Neither do I" Rachel breathed as looked at Ise's memories. "My teacher was never allowed to express it. In fact all he was allowed to was instruct me, the servants I believed where in the same position. I had always wanted to play for my father and cousin but…. My mother had always told I wasn't good enough."

"Was your Mother tone-deaf?"

"No, My Mother was…" Rachel trailed off

"I cannot see any other explanation" his brow wrinkled in confusion.

'Gosh, even his habits is like Kevin' Rachel couldn't help but think.

"Why would a mother who knew her daughter was so immensely talented try to hide it from everyone?"

"Jealousy makes people do strange things" Rachel whispered with a dazed expression that make her seem far away. Even though she was staring straight at him.

A woman who only relied on her looks, a woman who never had talent of her own, wouldn't a person like that be jealous of another with both looks and talent. Rachel was always forced to be conservative and closed off, convincing her own daughter that making friend was wrong that liking music made her a bad girl. That making any complains made her a bad girl. Trapped in a life of being silent forever.

"Ray" Tsiyi said as he gently placed his hand one her face, but, her gaze was looking past him. He saw the water in her eyes before they fell.

She wanted to turn her head to look away, but, he kept her their his eyes looking into hers before getting closer and closer.

He kissed her, warm lips parting her own. His hand sliding possessively down her spine. It was so gently that it brought Rachel back, it was a moment, and she felt herself getting carried.

"That's enough" she broke out and pushed back moving away from him.

Tsiyi left not long after that and Riyo walked out in his place. "He is such a polite young man"

Rachel gave a lightly sad smile while nodding her head and closing her teary eyes. "Have you heard anything from the Lord yet?"

"Yes, he's invited you, tomorrow night" Riyo said seriously.

-Next Day, Night-

The sun was setting as they enter the gardens for the party Lord Goto is holding. The Sakura trees tonight are going to be illuminated by the crescents gaze of the moon.

Holding Akiyo's hand as he excitedly expressed how beautiful his sister was for everyone to here including Riyo who was non-stop giggling at the small boy's happiness.

It was true for today Rachel did dress good. She wasn't nervous but full of confidence there was no way that she wouldn't get Lord Goto recommendation to the Moon Ball.

Rachel rub the little boys head and took a breath of the gentle scents of the flowery garden.

After greeting the Host Lord Goto, he led the them to a tiny paG.o.da at the center of the garden, carved in the style of the old empire, this was where she will be being her dance.

Rachel turned to Akiyo and squatted to his level after Lord Goto left. "You must stay with Big Sister Akiyo alright. Remember what you promised me"

"That if I am good I can keep coming to your performances" He said his face serious this time.

"This is one of my big days, Akiyo, so please be good. Okay"

"Yes" He nodded his head.

"That's my boy" She smiled as she kissed his forehead and waved goodbye, when he was taken away to where the remaining guest whereby Riyo.

She took another deep breath since she was the first performer and began to set up her stage.

-Some Time Later-

Like a Certain that had risen. Rachel began her dance the music slow and soft, as the wild scent of flowers came.

And like a spell everyone was entranced unable to escape the spell she had casted. Her free-flowing Kimono that fluttered along with her moves, not once restricted her. And then she began to sing.

Somehow, I've gone and lost my way

All this time, I've led myself astray

By following your blinding light and fragile footsteps

Though lost, within a guideless haze

Looking for a way out of this maze

I'll never let a sole regret rain down on me

I will call infinitely

Screaming, until they hear me

Our breathtaking, endless journey starts at last,

Beginning with your cue –

It's time to s.h.i.+ne, it's waiting for you!

The world you once created inside your dreams, is brought to life

As it now leads you and I across the distant sky

We'll set out toward that steady light,

And though our dreams may change,

We will always keep it in our sight

Hey, so bring it on my way

Barely visible ahead,

Is the hope we're searching for, you said

Although these scars are meant to heal, I'll keep them with me

At last, there's something I can gain,

So for this, I will take all the pain – and more

And this alone, is all I need, it's worth the price

Know if you still feel lonely

Inside your perfect story

This sky I have brought you is only just a taste of something more

Of what's in store

Even with no end sight

And though my feet are on the ground

The wind has made me light and suddenly I feel spellbound

The world you once created inside your dreams, lives on somewhere

It's a future I would like to find and live my life

We are unique, like two bright stars

And in this world we will be loved

For who we truly are

Ah, so bring it on my way

Let's go find a new adventure,

Traveling the world, though I know

In my heart, we may part separate ways

So for a little while more, can we just stay as we are?

I've put my faith in you and I'll always believe

The world you once created inside your dreams, is brought to life

As it now leads you and I across the distant sky

Our future melts into one dream

And in this miracle lies the boundary that we will transcend

Once more, it's not the end

The world you once created inside your dreams, is brought to life

As it now leads you and I across the distant sky

We'll set out toward that steady light,

And though our dreams may change,

We will always keep it in our sight

Till our dreams unite

Ah, so bring it on my way

* Courage - Sword Art Online II (OP2), English Lyrics: AmaLee (LeeandLie)

When it ended Rachels spell left her spectators silent. She caught Tsiyi appearance in the crowd but abruptly moved away from it. before moving it to Riyo who was wiping her tears from her cheeks. A gentle sigh seemed to ripple through the clearing, as people began to slowly come back to reality albeit still in a daze.

The first person to come to her side was Akiyo who was filled with nothing but praise for his awesome great sister. Then, Riyo eventually came to her side after talking with Lord Goto.

"Lord Goto, loved your performance" Riyo bragged making Rachel smile. As the person himself appeared not to long afterword. "My deepest thanks," he said bowing to Rachel. "I am honored to have seen your performance at one of my many gatherings.

Rachels beautiful smile dropped suddenly and then turned chillingly cold. Riyo shocked then said "Nikki is tired now from her performance. I think we should return home."

Before leaving Rachel thanked the musicians and paid them extra before leaving for good. The next few days, Riyo was bombarded with invitations that invited her to dance at events like Lord Goto.

Rachel had accepted nearly all of them and then within days her name was spread throughout as a beautiful genius with a loving heart. Lord Goto's recommendation also appeared as well, this in the end satisfied Rachel a lot.

Tsiyi had not shown himself for a while, much to Rachel's relief. He was due to return to his home country soon anyways.

Rachel and Riyo had a light conversation about it.

"He goes home soon. One week from now I believe."

Riyo's expression became stern "Would you have him stay, then?"

Rachel shook her head slowly "He has been in this land for more then Five years, and although he does not admit it, it has been hard for him. He does not belong here. He must go home."

"I suppose….In twos days from now, he will have no reason to stay. You will belong to someone else" Riyo said.

Rachels eyebrows twitched at her. Riyo was right and yet.

Rachel woke in with a fright, a nightmare. She covered her ears to block out the sounds that are overlapping from her dreams to reality.

She walked out into the veranda slowly and then futher , she didn't fell like going back to sleep. He looked at Hachi asleep and guarding Akiyos door. Before she disappeared into the shadow and appeared in the nearby woods. She walked slowly to calm her nervous.

It took her a moment to hear impatient footsteps, she turned to see Tsiyi bandaged in some areas.

Maybe the fright she got from her dream transferred over, but it seemed her emotions spilled out. As she started crying. Turning Tsiyi smile into a shock as he rushed over, gathering her in his arms.

"Ray. Do not, Do not cry" he said trying to soothe her. As he began to panic more when she didn't stop.

Rachel emotions where a mess, a flash from the past invaded her mind. 'It hurts, it hurts so much.' Was all she kept saying in her mind.

Before she drew a blank as Tsiyi kissed soft and sweet enough to make her sigh. And then once again she abruptly pushed him away before taking off in a dead sprint.

"Ray, Come back!" he said as he began to chase after her.

"GO AWAY!" Rachel shrieked as she ran.

"Do not be stupid!" He shouted back, no even breathless "I will not leave you out here alone."

Rachel suddenly halted by a tree banging on it hard until her hands began to bleed. Her bleeding hand was being held by another.

"Ray, Stop" Tsiyi said worriedly.

"This has nothing to do with you" She brought her hand back from his grip. "My life, My hate, none of it is" She continued to continued "I owe you nothing, Tsiyi, nothing at all so leave me alone!"

"I Won't" he said grabbing her shoulders crus.h.i.+ng her against him. "I cant….I love you, I have been in love with you since the day I saw you-"

"Shut up!" Rachel raged, punching and Kicking the same two words. She was a Hysterical mess totally not in control of her feelings.

He suddenly jerked his grip lessened for a moment.

"Sorry. I am Sorry" Rachel said lightly when she heard him grunt somewhat in pain. Her messy thoughts starting to pull together.

"I do not care," he said "You can hit me…..Just don't run away from me." He voice sounded as if it was begging.

He kissed her and she responded will the same need back. As the light of the moon s.h.i.+ned on them both.

When the kiss broke both where out of breath.

"Ray, I can not leave you behind, my homeland I leave for it tomorrow. So, please come with me."

"….." Rachel leaned on his chest and for a moment if only she was tempted to say yes.

"Ray?"

Rachel pushed him back and disappeared into the shadows. She couldn't answer him and if she did, she knew that she wanted nothing more then to say Yes.

-Next Day-

Rachel had avoided Tsiyi not even daring to be near him. Today was the Night of the moon Ball Where she will embark her most glorious dance. She constantly tried to push Tsiyi to the back of her mind

Nervousness never took her heart, after everything she has been through how a performance is going to stop her now. Plus, Rachel could not help but admire the glorious stage, it was breath taking even more so then her dance will be even more so.

This was the Prince's garden everything was set. Rachel thought as she thought about the Moon Prince, handsome he was he also looked very kind. That was air he gave off at least. The Moon Princess was tall and dressed in a somber black kimono, with very simple ornament.

Riyo had already greeted the pair as Rachel went to see about some things for her performance, her shadows keeping an eye on their conversations. But, in truth she was hiding from someone. Although he wasn't close, she could feel his gaze.

It began, once everything was settled the performances started. Beautiful ladies began their performances of the traditional dances each on beautiful and alluring. None stole Rachels gaze as they where all just moving without and pure emotions running through them, even if their was emotions it was nothing more then greed in their eyes.

Typical for Ancient Women

What was also typical was the daggers she felt from then on her back the moment she stepped into the large beautiful garden will fluttering petals.

Now it was Rachels after a brunch of performances and she was the last one. How Nice

Rachel stepped onto the fountain stage her white kimono with a single golden dragon designed into it. Many women smirked and mocked her for the her choice in clothes.

And with a drop of a petal she began her dance.

I can hear a gentle sound,

Soft as the murmur of this flowing river.
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As the wind caresses my cheeks,

Those sweet memories start blurring together.

The distant sky

Awakens in me the memories on the edge of oblivion

With a searing pain to my heart.

And thus, my tears fall.

Rachels dance began as simple as her Kimono, that flutter beautifully with her moves. It gave people a serene feeling,

The season of the white cherry blossoms

Now exists only in a faraway dream.

In that dream, the dancing petals whispered to me

Words I can never forget.

On sleepless nights, all by myself,

I'd take a walk in the soft warm breeze,

Only to realize that I've entered the realm of my memories

Where I simply frolicked around without a single worry.

As time Continued her audience began to notice the change in her Kimono it was still white, but it began to sparkle. Other colors where illuminated.

The moon has disappeared behind the clouds.

My memories of those sultry days-

The ones I wish to erase, have also grown hazy.

And my tears won't stop.

Her song was drawing near, and she felt it as she filled everything into it.

Cruelly, time ticks away,

Amusing itself with keeping people from moving on.

The luxuriant foliage of cherry tree leaves

No longer tells me anything.

And like the last performance of Kaleido Star where Sora began and Angel. Rachel's Kimono change one last time making her look like an angel.

The season of the white cherry blossoms

Now exists only in a faraway dream.

In that dream, the dancing petals whispered to me

Words I can never forget.

Her last words ended the Song and performance. The breathtaking scene, the illusion brought her audience to tears. She stole a glance at the Prince who flushed face was obvious as for the Moon Princess she had a look of surprise mixed with something else before it downturned speechless.

The Moon Princess doesn't like her.