The New Winds

Sakura was happy to be back on the roof again. Things were getting close to finishing, and in a way it made the girl slightly nervous. Soon she'd be travelling home...with Zashi. To bring him to her parents. What were they going to think? Would they be ok with it?

Sakura sighed.

"Why do things have to end so soon...."

"It's just the beginning, isn't it?" Zashi seems a bit more muted, thoughtful, as he stares out around the stars. "You did what you came out to do, no? You got to show off what might be a once in a generation talent." He smiles softly

"I know. It's just..." she looked over at Zashi "I think mother will be annoyed at me for not doing better, and father will be annoyed because I'm bringing a boy home. Am I being silly?"

"Sakura-chan, you are coming home having made an exceptional piece of craftsmanship, with the sensei acknowledging your skill. Didn't they talk about offering you the space to work?" Zashi embraces his lady, "No matter what she thinks, there are plenty of people impressed by you. As for your father...well, maybe, but I'm planning to go out of my way to impress him. I don't know how yet, but..."

Sakura wrapped her arms round Zashi, giving him a squeeze.

"You always know what to say. Just...don't tell my father about the whole Chikushudo thing, or he might think you're something from down south. I'm sure you'll do great though, I just know it."

"My lips are sealed. At least they will be~" Zashi taps her lips with his finger and let's out a giggle.

"Don't worry, your adventure is your story to tell. You might need to tell them how you acquired a Nemurai though"

"Ano...I wasn't going to tell them it was a nemurani. Neither of my parents would do a somersault while wearing it" Sakura said, looking down a little shyly "is that wrong? They might take it off me if I tell them."

Zashi gently tilts her chin back up. "The adventure is a testament to you, and your resiliency when thrust into the strange. It's a badge of honor. But yes, they might be fearful and take it away from you. I think I said before that it is your story to tell, not mine. You are free to tell them whenever you like, or never even. I trust your decisions either way."

"Ano...I don't think Zashi-kun is correct" Sakura shook her head "I think it's our story. It's nicer to share a story with someone special, ne?"