Shiwomura

A young woman stood at the end of her driveway, hair flowing like a melody through the wind, as she clinged onto her booksack. She dreaded the thought of taking even one step closer to that hell that she calls home. The screen door was battered and beaten from the numerous attempts of murder and the paint was peeling, because no one was sane enough to take care of the house, let alone themselves.

Yoko Shiwomura decided to finally go inside and check on her mother and sister. She could hear screams emerging from the backyard and noticed with such sorrow that they belonged to the ones whom she loved the most, her mother and sister. Yoko ran to their aid, but couldn't save her mother, for her body had already been acknowledged as a corpse. Her little sister, Akira, managed to run away with Yoko. They hid in a field, hoping that anyone BUT their father finds them.

* * *

The two girls were sitting there, waiting for the man in uniform to say something.

"Ah, you're Yoko and Akira Shiwomura. Please inform me as to why you were sleeping in a rice field."

"Our father, he killed Okasan...and then he tried to kill us..."

"Well, it's best that we send you to live somewhere else until we are sure your father's guilty."

"We have evidence! How could you not be sure?"

"Didn't your mother ever teach you not to talk back? Now, we're sending you to Tokyo to live with the Matsuura family. They're very rich, so you should be satisfied."

"Ugh...fine. Send us to Tokyo."

* * *

They carried their bags to their room and then were greeted by an elderly woman.

“You will call me Elderly Mother and you will respect your elder sister. She is coming back from a tour today and will most likely need some rest.”

“Yes, Elderly Mother.” The two girls scurried off to groom themselves in preparation for her arrival. She was the famed Mazuiko Matsuura. No doubt she could turn a head more than once. She was always dressed for the occasion and as much of a diva as anyone could be. She demanded to have her water “chilled” instead of cold. However, she still remained an inspiration for many, because when she sings, she vocalizes how she truly feels deep down in her heart.

"Oh, she's here! Bow, girls!" The J-Popstar glided out of her limo in her slimming black silk dress and fur coat. She wore sunglasses bigger then her forehead that covered up her diamond blue eyes. She saw the two girls and laughed with a smirk.

"Mere peasants bowing high like I am nothing to them...you two must bow lower than that, I am at a much higher rank than you." They did as she said.

"We are sorry. Our father killed our mother, so we are forced to live here. We will bow like this to you from now on."

"Oh..." Mazuiko looked down at the floor, trying to remain confident-looking. "Sobo, I feel sick. Could you please make me some ramen?"

"Sure, Ma-chan."

"Well, I'm going to lie down for a bit, so send it upstairs."

"I'm sure Yoko here would enjoy doingso." Elderly Mother gave Yoko a look as Yoko smiled and nodded her head.

"The pleasure is all mine, Zui-kun."

"That nickname is cute...us it from now on."

"Yes, ma'am." Mazuiko made her way upstairs to her room.

* * *

"Yoko! The ramen's ready!"

"I'll bring it!" Yoko grabbed the bowl and entered Mazuiko's room. She was fast asleep. Yoko placed the bowl on the dresser and studied the diva. In her sleep she looked docile and innocent. When she was awake, she was usually at war with herself and trying to show an air of confidence, but it seems to be more like arrogance covering up her self-pity. She always thought that she had ruined her life the minute she decided to have a baby with Kyo at the age of fourteen. Elederly Mother forced her to put the baby up for adoption and she was devsatated. Mazuiko and the limo driver, Kyo, were so much in love at that age, that the decision Elderly Mother made for her was actually the worst in her life. It would've been like two responsible adults raising a child correctly, but her own grandmother didn't realize this. Now, Mazuiko is forced to suffer a life that is not her own.

Yoko smiled and decided that she should go outside to get some fresh air. She stepped outside and inhaled deeply.

"I love the fresh air!" She spread her arms out as a boy ran into her. He was the same age as her and was instantly attracted to her. He got up and dusted himself off.

"Take my hand." She looked at him and blushed.

"I really should-"

"Come on, can't a guy do a beautiful girl a favor?"

"Beautiful? You think I'm pretty?" She was a bit shocked at that, even though it was true. She let him help her up and looked down at her feet. "I'm not worthy of such praise."

"You talk like a singer."

"Well, I do like to sing, but what do you mean?"

"Well, a singer could be the most beautiful thing in the world, but when someone says so, they put themselves down. They all talk like they have to be concerned about everything."

"Is that bad?"

"No...I like when they do that, because it means they care...look, if I see you again, please be more cheerful...I hate seeing someone so beautiful sad."

"Like this?" She grinned cheesily and they both laughed. It was the perfect icebreaker.

"Well, I guess it's goodbye then..." Yoko hugged him and smiled. "Hope I see you again."

"I didn't tell you my name! It's Yoko Shiwomura!"

"My name's Tenshi Takazen! See ya!"

***

"Zui-kun, could you tell me about Takeshi?"

"How do you know about...my son?"

"Kyo told me to come see why you're so upset about him lately."

"You noticed, too?"

"You're kind of easy to read."

"Right." She laughed briefly and began to cry. "I saw him just the other day with his adopted parents and I wished to be the mother holding him in my arms...he had my eyes and Kyo's smile...I know it was him...I want to raise him..."

"There's always a chance you could have another one."

"I'm twenty-seven! There's no way Kyo would want to!"

"You won't know until you ask him."

"Okay..."

"Truth is the foundation of a relationship. It helps one last forever."

***

"Kyo, I need to tell you about Takeshi myself and why I'm so worried."

"So Yoko asked?"

"Yes, but I saw our son the other day with his adopted parents and it bothered me."

"I just wanted to know what was on your mind. Go ahead and let it all out." Mazuiko cried while Kyo held her before she tilted her head up to look at him.

"Do you want to have another one?" He smiled and kissed her.

***

Yoko was sitting outside, looking up at the sky. She enjoyed simple things. Tenshi came and sat by her.

"So, how have you been?"

"A little bit of drama here and there, but I'm doing okay."

"I know how that is, being that I was also adopted."

"Really?"

"Yeah, my real mom couldn't take care of me, plus, I think she's forgotten about me."

"I doubt that. No mother could forget about their child."

"I guess so." He paused for a minute and then got up and smiled. "I'm gonna go get us some ice cream."

"Okay."

***

"It's been a long day," Yoko said as she leaned her head on Tenshi's shoulder.

"Yeah, we've gotten to know each other and I'm glad, but I've gotta get back home soon or my mom'll throw a fit."

"One more thing."

"Okay, sure." She gave him a kiss on the cheek and laughed as he turned red as a cherry.

"You're so cute, Tenshi!"

"Stop! You're making me blush!" She poked him on his chest and smiled.

"Well, you are. I don't lie, ya know."

"Obviously."

"See ya."

"Bye, Yoko!" He waved to her as he left. She smiled while thinking to herself of maybe having met her true love. She blushed at the thought of it. She felt so happy that she had found someone like him.

***

Yoko awoke in the middle of the night to the sound of fists banging on her window. She jumped up and slowly opened it. Tenshi pulled himself through and also brought a present.

"Takazen, what are you doing?"

"I got something for you." He opened the present and pulled out a red and black kimono with lilies on it. "It's something my mother used to wear before she...you know,"

"Yeah, but it's beautiful! I don't deserve this!"

"Trust me, you're worth it. Put it on so I can see before I go."

"O-okay," she smiled softly and retreated to her closet to change. When she walked out, Tenshi was so mesmerized. Never had he seen something of such beauty and it made him satisfied.

"I don't know what to say."

"That bad?"

"You're like a goddess!"

"Thank you for the gift. I appreciate it very much." He stood up in front of her and felt the furisode(long, billowing sleeves of the kimono). He didn't know what to say next, so he simply looked up and kissed her on the lips. She was surprised and her eyes darted all over the room.

"I have to go now."

"See you tomorrow?"

"Yeah." He smiled, glanced at her one more time, and left.

***

"Yoko-chan! Yoko-chan!"

"Yes, Mazuiko?"

"Where did you get that kimono from? Tell me!" The singer was down on her knees, covered in tears. Yoko figured the kimono must've been important to her.

"There's no way that you're-"

"Did you see my dear Tenshi? Did you?"

"You're the mother he's always talking about?" Yoko changed into her normal clothing and handed the kimono to its rightful owner.

"This was my favorite kimono...and little Tenshi loved it, too. You must mean a lot to him."

"Well..."

"Tell me where he is!" They both heard the doorbell ring and ran to answer it.

"Is Yoko there?"

"Tenshi?" Mazuiko held him tightly as she sobbed. He finally realized that it was his mother.

"Mama! I missed you! My adopted parents are so horrible!"

"Kyo, come see!" The limo driver walked over and gave his son a hug also. Once they let go, Tenshi and Yoko were standing there looking at each other.

"Yoko, you made it all happen!" He kissed her as his parents laughed and ushered them inside.

***

"This miso stew is excellent, Elderly Mother! How do you do it?"

"I didn't have anything better to do as a child. The mackerel might be the key, though!"

"Sobo, could you please make some dessert for us?"

"Anything for my little Mazuiko!"

"Don't call me little! Oh, my CD's being released tomorrow! Buy one for my son! I'm sure he'll enjoy it!"

"I get to hear Mama sing! Yoko, you'll listen with me, won't you?"

"I'd be delighted, but I think I need to contact my sister, Akira, first. She's been at a boarding school."

"Okay. I've never met her, though, so I wouldn't know what she's like."

"You'll meet her one day, but at the moment, I would like to practice my singing." Yoko got up and went to her room as Tenshi waved to Mazuiko and followed.
***

Yoko sang "Let Go" by mflo and Yoshika as Tenshi was amazed. He applauded her noisily and screamed as she sat down.

"That was amazing! You should become a professional singer!"

"Thank you...you're so kind to me."

"It's not out of sympathy, and you can trust me on that." She smiled softly and laughed heartily to herself.

"Someone deserves a kiss!"

"I sure hope that someone is me!" She gave him a kiss and then rested her head on his shoulder. He looked down at his feet and frowned. "I'm going to miss you so much..."

"What?!" Yoko was shocked. "Why? Where are you going?"

"My parents want to move to Kobe. They're tired of Tokyo." She began to cry on his shoulder and he felt guilty that he had brought it up at a time like this. He grabbed her hand and embraced her, hoping that he could take the pain away, even though he knew he couldn't.

"I won't be gone long, I promise. Let's see, we're fourteen, so I'll come back when we're fifteen. How about that?"

"Okay." He wiped the tears from her face and laughed.

"You're so cute when you dry, but try not to do it too often."

"I promise you that I won't cry from this day on, Tenshi. I promise."

"I promise that I will like no one else but you."

"It's a fair trade." She giggled and squeezed Tenshi's cheeks together. "You're my Tenshi with the funny fish face."

"Let go!" They laughed and then grew tired. Yoko fell asleep in Tenshi's arms. Mazuiko saw this and smiled. She thought it was cute.

***

"So, Yoko, how was yesterday?" Mazuiko asked with a grin as she was eating. She giggled until she noticed until she noticed Yoko's grimace. "Did something happen?"

"His family is moving to Kobe. He said he would be back in a year."

"What-why?!"

"They're tired of Tokyo..."Yoko decided to sit outside and think for a while. Tenshi rode by on his skateboard and joined her.

"Are you okay?" He grabbed her hand. "I'll come back for you, I promise. Don't make it harder on me, please!"

"I'm sorry, but it bothers me..."

"I hate seeing someone so beautiful sad, remember? You're gonna make me cry and that's something hard to accomplish."

"I can't!" She put her hand over her face and tried to hold back the tears. She didn't want to break her promise.

He put his arm around her shoulder and rested his chin upon her head. You could see a tear falling from the corner of his eye, because he knew he would never see her again. He didn't want to tell her, because then she would cry , and he didn't want that.

"I need some rest, Tenshi. You should go pack." She got up and went inside as Tenshi just sat there, wondering if he could find a way to stay.

***

"Blow out the candles, Yoko!" Her two best friends Airi and Kyura were wearing little party hats and were waving noisemakers around. Everyone was happy and was waiting for Yoko to blow out the candles. It was her fifteenth birthday.

"Her I go!" She blew and then made her wish. 'Please bring Tenshi to me!' Her friends and family sang "Happy Birthday" to her and then dug into the cake.

Yoko sat there, staring out at the sky through the window, hoping that Tenshi would miraculously arrive at her doorstep. Airi covered Yoko's eyes and giggled.

"We have a surprise for you!"

"Oh, you guys!"

They then turned her around and uncovered her eyes. There he was, as if in a dream, standing there. He had grown to be even more handsome and intelligent. He had received six scholarships for Tokyo University. He had a bouquet of flowers and a smile on his face.

"Oh my...Tenshi!" She leaped to hug him.

"Careful! Don't wanna ruin your flowers!" He embraced her tightly and kissed her before he decided to give everyone else he knew a friendly hug. Yoko was crying from extreme happiness. She didn't think her dream would actually come true. Everything was perfext ubtil her father walked in the room.

"Wow, daughter, you're quite beautiful..."

"Stay away!" Tenshi shielded her. He stood in front of her and was very unhappy with her father being here.

"You're so delicious-looking, Yoko..."

"If you say one more obscene thing about her..."Tenshi pulled out a gun as everyone in the room froze.

"Tenshi, don't stoop to his level!" She had her hand pulling his arm down so that he wouldn't shoot anybody, but he was so intent on protecting the person he liked, maybe even loved.

Mazuiko ran in front of him right as he shot the gun. As soon as he noticed this, he dropped the gun and ran to her aid.

"Mom, are you alright?"

"I'm fine...j-just tell Yoko that...that I wish I could have been th-there for her and that I died fighting for her. I l-love you, Tenshi." She then stopped breathing as he held her body and sobbed.

"This night was supposed to be perfect for Yoko, but he ruined it!" He picked up the gun and shot Yoko's father three times as everyone screamed.

***

Yoko ran up to the bars and cried as she asked Tenshi what the sentence was.

"They're going to kill me..."

"Is there anything I can do?"

"Well...it might be too much...but I want you to have something to remember me by...they're letting me out for just tonight..."

"What is it?" He looked at her until she finally understood. "A child..."

"You could talk to them...they won't kill a fifteen-year-old who's soon to become a father."

"I'll do it."

***

They were in the interrogation room. Tenshi kissed her.

"If we don't persuade them, there's nothing we can do."

"Why should we let this boy live?" The officers stared at Yoko.

"He is to be the father of my child and he is only fifteen years old. That is cruelty towards juveniles."

"He murdered two people!"

"It was an accident, can't you understand? Besides, my father deserves to be dead." The officer looked at her.

"You're the Shiwomura girl!"

"You?!" She slapped him across the face and began to cry. "If you would've put him in jail, none of this would've hapened, you bastard!"

"Leave this instant!"

***

"What did they say?"

"I'm free!" They hugged each other. He gave her a passionate kiss and then looked at her while smiling.

"What?"

"When we turn sixteen, you'll find out. It's something that would make Mom proud."

"Can't wait!" He grabbed her hand and they walked home together.

"If it's a girl, what woudl you want to name it?"

"Um...Mazuiko...that name means a lot to me."

"And if it's a boy?"

"Shinji, because it means believe. My son will believe. I don't know what or who, but he will believe in something."

"Is there anything that's been on your mind? You're acting different then you did a year ago."

"Actually, there's something I need to tell you." He stopped in his tracks, grabbed both her hands, and got nose-to-nose.

"Say it..."

"I love you." He kissed her before she replied,

"I love you, too." They began walking again, devising about how they were going to inform Elderly Mother of the pregnancy.

* End of Chapter 1*