It Was All Arranged [R. Sakamaki]

42 Years Later

BEEP.

"Please repeat what you just told me, Mrs Sakamaki." The groaning of the metal recorder sent irritated shivers descending Athena's spine as she dabbed cautiously at the wet tears that'd smudged the makeup beneath her eyes.

"It had been planned a week in advance that I babysit Casper for Carlos and Malory," Athena sniffled, ears perking at the jerking noise of the recorder, "I arrived early, three hours early to be exact."

"Why did you arrive early?" Hanks' voice was gruff and laced with sorrow as he watched the grieving lady closely.

"My husband and I," Athena choked on a sob, "we'd gotten into a fight. I had insulted him and he'd... he'd," she took a sharp breath, "I'm sorry."

"Take your time."

"He'd strangled me, scolding me. I'd been out of line, yes but... to be attacked? Did I... did I deserve that?" She gnawed her lower lip. "Carlos and Mallory were surprised to see me there so early - which was fair, I have a reputation for being late. Uhm... I'd walked upstairs, greeted Casper and bid the couple farewell - they were going on a date. Well... I thought they were. Mallory had a gun aimed towards me, Carlos had a knife.." she took a deep breath, "my cheek - you saw it the other day, detective, that was from Carlos. I'd screamed and within seconds, I'd heard a loud thud." She adjusted herself, the detective's pulse was loud, making her feel uneasy, "Mallory was... she was dead - my husband stood over her body. It- I... she was gone. Reiji... he killed Carlos after that... right in front of me... I was so scared. I'm still scared. What if he kills me too?"

"Thank you Mrs Sakamaki." The recording stopped and silence filled the courtroom.

Reiji Sakamaki stood behind a stand, dressed in bright orange. The colour was ridiculous on him, his hands were handcuffed before his stomach. The man's eyebrows were furrowed, his jaw set and his foot tapping. Fuschia daggers were sent the pale wife's way - she sat behind the stand, presenting her testimony. She merely sent a small smile in return. The judge stared at Reiji, thick eyebrows furrowed and lips pressed in a thin line.

"How do you feel about the evidence provided, Mr Sakamaki?" He asked.

"Cheated," the man said, "betrayed. Hearing the woman I love say these... These lies about me. I've never laid a hand on her beautiful face, I've never thought about harming her." He gulped, staring right at Athena, "I gave you my everything Athena." She leaned forward, auburn curls stroking the polished wood.

"You gave me a bruised neck."

"You will be given two life sentences, Mr Sakamaki. 50 years behind bars with no parole." Before he could protest, the judge slammed his hammer upon the wood. Athena waved, her slim fingers dancing as her husband was dragged away.

-_-_-_-_-_-

42 years had passed since that day. 42 years since the day Reiji Sakamaki had been locked away. Athena had moved from that old cottage and had relocated in Tokyo, Japan. The young lady was an art student, her apartment had been covered head-to-toe with used and unused canvases. The unfinished canvases had been discarded, deadly fuschia glared her way whenever she walked past them. 2013 was the year and the first-blood was stronger than ever.

No, she didn't hunt down humans and feast from them, she'd drain the dying cattle for their blood and she'd save it, hidden in her fridge. It was weak but good enough. Not that she planned on using her powers, she was just fond of the feeling. Dragging a thin paint brush along a thick canvas, the bushy-haired girl smiled warmly as she stared up at her creation. Quick, her smile fell. She'd painted him again. It'd go in the discard pile.

Athena Tsukinami had become a much happier character as the times changed. She finally had her freedom, her paints, the life she'd always wanted... still, she didn't have her family. Grey eyes skimmed the only letter Carla had sent her. It'd been pinned to the fridge, his cursive writing large and loopy.