Hakuouki: The Masked Cherry Blossoms

Chapter 12

"Damn!" I yell, throwing my fan at the wooden pillar. "Damn!" I yell again, throwing my other fan at the pillar.

"Come on-" Souji starts.

"I let him get to me, that's why I'm mad." I say jumping up and catching the lower fan. I use that to pull me up enough to grab the other fan and jump down.

"That was pretty vicious to attack you like that." Harada says.

"Yeah, well it seems like he never changed." I say trying to calm myself against the pillar.

"All this because you won't take some lessons from him?" Nagakura asks.

"Him not able to teach me is a strike against his pride. That's why he pushes it."

"But did you really save him?" Heisuke asks. I nod.

"He was ambushed by some rouge samurai. Luckily I found him in time to help his injury. There should be a scar on his stomach." I use the fan to cool me.

"So, who's the guy he was talking about?" Souji asks.

"Hey, Souji-"

"My servant and my only one I would call my master besides the boy I talked about. Although he taught me how to fight with the fans not a sword."

"Who's the other guy? You got a little blush when talking about him earlier." Garda says grinning. Everyone also expressed their interest. I laugh.

"No I was only about five. For some reason I can't remember too much except for watching a boy practice almost all day. I would retain it and practice later. I don't think he noticed me at all though." I shrug.

"Wait..." Saitou says confusing me and everyone else. "When you were five?"

"Maybe, I don't remember." I shrug.

"It seems that you can vaguely remember that age. Your memories seem to be unclear in that time frame." My eyes widen.

"What?" He turns to me. How have I not noticed?

"Recall a clear memory from each age group I call. Four."

"My friend falls from my tree."

"Six."

"My brother gives me my first sword."

"Five." I pause.

"Um... I..." Something flashes in my mind.

"What can you remember?"

"I'm in a tree... Someone finds me... I- I can't remember anything else." I say surprised.

"It seems you can recall vague flashbacks but overall it seems a year of your life is missing." My eyes widen.

"H-How did you know?"

"I realized you kept saying you didn't remember after recalling a memory from when you were five. It was only a theory."

"I... I figured so but refused to believe it because of all people I didn't think it would be possible to happen to me. I would think I would notice."

"Five is a young age." He says.

"But why five? Why can I remember something when I was four but not five? What's so important about when I was five?" I ask and I realize I'm getting worked up.

"Uh... Never mind. I... I need some time to think. Excuse me." I say and climb up the tree using its height to jump over the wall.

~~~

When I get back they're waiting for me in my room. I sigh and sit against the wall. "Really? I just want some sleep. I don't feel like talking." I say putting an arm over my eyes.

"Then you can listen." It's Yamazaki. I look up in surprise. I hadn't noticed him.

"What is this about?" I ask.

"Saitou has explained your situation and I believe I can help." I don't respond. "My family are acupuncturist and I may know of a technique that may help in recovering your memories." They all look to me.

"I'm listening." I say blank faced.

"The technique itself is short and simple being called the 'Seven Dragons.' Only needing seven points of contact."

"Okay... We'll start tomorrow. But I'm not confident in what will be in my past. To prevent complications I will not work and I request no one but Yamazaki to see me."

"What? Shouldn't we keep watch over you?" Heisuke asks.

"No, I don't believe it safe." They all stare at me in shock. "I've had bad reactions to acupuncture and they can be violent. But I believe Yamazaki can manage on his own." I cast him a look and he nods with understanding.

"I agree with Sakura." He says.

"If he is willing to agree then I guess it's okay. We will respect your wishes." I nod.

What will be discovered?