True Love: Story of Survival and Strength

In Tokyo Japan there survives through the end of the 1800s a complex society of hierarchy, tradition, and intrigue. The social system is simple. Based on social economic status, age, gender, career, and family you were placed on a ladder of social standing. There was always someone above. There was also always someone below you. Learning your place compared to others created a delicate balance of harmony. Doing as told by those above you, and asking favors of those below you, kept the society as a whole running smoothly if not a bit corruptly. Tradition also plays a key role. Those of wealth are treated with proper respect and never behave without proper etiquette or unseemly behavior. The father rules the house and business world. Politics and power of any kind play key roles in even the most common of people's lives. That was what existed at the start of the 1900s.

Tokyo itself was run by several major corporations. Each vied for power and sought to outdo the others. From major acquisitions of the phone company to smaller details like the lobby their offices having the new invention known as a radio. It was a delicate balance of appearances, blackmail, and how much money they had to buy what.

In particular interest was a wealthy corporate owner of several business. Known as Yoji Corp. run by Mr. Yoji Yomata, this was considered the top of the business world. Always in competition and eager to make a bargain anywhere to keep in top status, Mr Yoji was willing to do anything including the sale of his own daughter.

Mr. Yoji sat at his desk on the 56th floor looking out the window. He swirled a fountain pen in his hand absentmindedly even though the fountain pen was relatively a new invention of 20 years ago. He was contemplating the cost of a second escalator system in one of his main buildings. When those had been invented 10 years ago, he had promptly installed a system in several of his main buildings. However the cost had been staggering and he didn't want to plan such again without better understanding of the outcomes financially.

His mind was busy. Tonight was the public attendance at the new cinema that had been built 5 years ago. Black and white films were something he wasn't entirely used to seeing, but were so popular with the common public that he had to make an appearance at them every now and then. After the movie, he would escort his lovely daughter to a special supper at a fancy restaurant for cameras to capture in celebration of the coming wedding.

That brought a frown to his face. She had been most... reluctant... at the news he had offered her. An arranged marriage with the heir to a lesser corporation. With their combined strength, he wouldn't have to walk on eggshells quite so often. She should be thrilled at the news and opportunity this would bring her. More banquets and chances to be in the public eye. The media loved her already and would gladly cooperate. The public adored her and her fan club was one of the largest in town. She most likely had not been reluctant at all, but simply modest as is becoming a blushing young bride.

Sakura Yogi dislike being in the public so much being flowed around. lately she had been upset yet would yell at anyone that talk about the horrible arranged marriage. to bad her mother had left them when she became 12years old. the young woman hated the cameras,most of all she is all ready in love. with her child hood friend how she fell in love with at a young age. for a teenager of only 16years old her own Father. did not want to hear what she has to say about all of this.


Right now she sits in her bedroom with the door lock. heck so far this week she tried to hurt her self more then once. just get the dam wedding called off she'd yelled at her father over 200times since. he tolled her about his grand idea to marry her off to someone she dose not even know. are would fall in love with as of now she was drugging her own tea to get her self sick. if this did not work then running away would be her only choice left after. just so she can marry the man she truly loves not. some dam rich snob of jerk that would only beat her.

Mr. Yuji arrived home. The butler opened the door for him and welcomed him inside. He handed his hat and coat to the butler and made his way to his office. "Send a maid to retrieve my daughter. I want Sakura ready to leave for the cinema in 5 minutes. We mustn't be late for any excursions. The public will be watching and we all know that media attention is power. Now hurry! He shut the door to his office and went to his desk to sit down. Quickly scanning a letter that had arrived that afternoon, he paused and pulled out a fountain pen. Carefully starting a reply, he wrote a salutation and then started in on his own comments.

Across town near the countryside was a small diner. Located in a small and less populated section of town, you could be sure not to come across the wealthy or men of business here. The diner itself was known for its good food. Simple food by some's tastes, the place served hamburgers and fries, pizza and rootbeer, pasta and milkshakes. The long counter with its barstools were mostly empty with two regulars sitting at them. At a small round table near a window sat a lone figure. Staring absently out the window, she was dressed in a white shirt and brown pants with a vest and mini skirt on top of those. She also had a white hood covering her brown hair providing shadows to cover her brown eyes. With black glove and a brown cape styled coat, she was obviously not a farmer or a business person. So she fit in nicely here. Her name: Jane Doe.

She came from a family of artisans. Not a blood family, but a craftsman family. A family whose skills required talent as much as they were unique. She relished the memories made with them. The closest to her was Sarah Doe. Apprentised under Sarah, Jane had learned valuable lessons in her art. The most important in not leaving behind witnesses. The second most important in disappearing. The rest of her family, also going by the last name of Doe, were all of the same career though skills differed. They were assassins. They formed the Assassins Alliance.

"Go away I'm not coming out of my Bedroom! I don't give a dam about the public! are this stupid idea of his of a so called arranged marriage!" Sakura yell's out at the maids then picks up her tea cup. taking a nice long sip of the tea hoping the drug would work. the girl knows people that stay out of the public eye at all cost. one was a lady her mother use to work with when she was younger. the lady would give the teenager any type of drug. she wants for a small fee as her payment for the item. once she finish off's the tea she lays down on her bed while throwing. the tea cup and it saucer at the door to keep the maids back.

She rarely get's this mad but now she understood why her mother had left them. it was to get away form all of this madness of a greed world. with the public all ways watching you if you are famous enough that is. if someone comes form a rich family they would flow them all day long. the teenager turn's off her oil lamp to make the room pitch black. maybe then her father would leave her a lone for a few hours. heck if she was crazy enough she would set the dam house on fire. then jump out of a window maybe break one are even both of her legs. go to jail not having to deal with this ever again for the rest of her life.

Mr. Yugi was in the middle of a letter when a knock sounded on his office door. "Come in," he said absently. The maid came in and proceeded to inform him that his daughter was not being reasonable. She refused to leave her room. He stood up and in a cold steel voice said, "Tell her to come down this minute or I will drag her in whatever state she is in be it pajamas or sweats out of this house." He stood there angrily watching the maid scurry back out of his office. Hearing her quick steps up the stairs, he tossed down his pen and headed to the door. Might as well follow the maid. Knock some sense into Sakura's skull.

The teenager just lays in her bed with her kimono on that has ume blossom's. all over it heck it was the only thing that she had of her mothers. she could slowly feel the drug working inside of her body. it would take a while but oh well at lest she could give the dum public a bit of a show. truth be tolled she wish's that her father will forget about his business. just for once in his life stop trying to get more money for his dam company. she could hear them coming up the strait case.


By now he must have got mad and yelled at the maid how is. trying to fetch her out of her room to make her boss happy. "Father call off the Arranged Marriage! I will not marry someone I do not Love! all the guy will do is abuse me to death your such a baka." she says hoping to get him mad enough to agree with her just this one time. but she doubt he will listen since he is stubborn man that wants his own way. the teen think's about her lover wondering what he has been up to? even wondering how would he try stop the wedding form happening?

The maid was banging on the door when he arrived. Hearing his daughter's declaration, he pulls out his master key and unlocks the door. The maid hurries in with Mr. Yugi close behind. There is absolutely no reason why he would be abusive. You think I would pick out such a man for my daughter? No, my daughter gets only the best. You have never met him, so you have no idea what his character is like. He comes from a respectable family and I will not have a member of my household trash talking someone simply because they don't like my idea. Now get out of bed! he roared.

The maid noticed the tea cup and checked the girls vitals. Silly child. You make things hard for yourself don't you. Mr. Yugi, she drank something that will make her sick. Hold her down for me will you. He walked over and pinned her down with his body. The maid used one hang to clinch Sakura's jaw open, and the other to force her to throw up the drugged tea. Turning her head so she wouldn't choke, the maid commented, Well sir, you might have to call of the cinema trip. However, this gives us more time to get her ready for the special supper tonight.

"I heat you both." she says before thinking about a idea for later on. look like she would have to run away after all dam luck. why did her father have to heir the smart maids for in the first place? but wonder why her Father wanted her get married off to someone she dose not know? sure it was for the money as well his stupid company. after a few minutes of throwing up she close's her mouth but only turn's it away.


"Go to hell and I'm not a child I'm someone that dose not like. this horrible idea all because of the corporate world of this city." Sakura says quickly to the maid in a low voice. so only the maid could hear her but would not try to keen her own dad ware it hurts at. the girl never kept vase's in her room due to the fact she had bad problems with flowers. it was inherited form somebody in the family maybe it could. be form her great grand mother on her fathers side of the family? maybe it was somebody form her mother's side of the family?

He left and went back downstairs angry. She would not see reason. What was wrong with her? Her temper definitely was from his side of the family. Her mother had been so sweet. Or at least that is how he remembered her. He went back to his office to finish composing his letter. Looks like the cinema was out. At least they would enjoy supper. Or attempt to. At this rate, he might have to seclude her indoors tied up in a straight jacket. She was a complete embarrassment. She defied society's rules. Just back talking him was reason enough for harsh measures. That she would disobey him was worse. He might call off supper just to hide her disrespect from the public view. It would destroy so much of his reputation if she acted like this in front of the media. He groaned and buried his face in his hands. Why couldn't he have had a son instead?

Sakura get's up form her bed pushing the maid out of her bedroom. then look's for the stupid master key she wanted. to destroy the dam thing so her father will stay out of her bedroom. once she made sure the maid was gone she walk's over to her bed. turning the oil lamp back on so she can read a book. but did not care about the dinner out of the house. why could her father understand she really dislike the public as well. this dam arranged marriage it was plain stupid to her. being force to get married to some random guy she would never love. she'd make sure not to give the idiot any heirs to his family's business. even if it means kicking the man in ball's till her can't try for children at all.

About five minutes until it was time to head to the restaurant for supper, he sent the maid back upstairs to make sure she was ready. He gave his letter to the butler to mail and went to the mirror. He made sure his hair was carefully pulled back and his jacket was straight. Pleased with his appearance, he headed out to foyer.

She was ready go to dinner but would make sure tell the public to stay out of her life. Sakura had lock her bedroom door when getting ready for dinner. she had on a night sky colored dress on with stars on it. her hair style is two bun's one on each side of her head but the teen dislike putting on high heels. so she had put on a pair of dress flat shoes on to her feet tonight. "Tell my Father I'll be down in a minute. I can't find that stupid purse he bought me. a few months ago I know it is some were in this closet." she says while looking in her closet for her matching purse it was a star dust gold in color.


The last time Sakura used it was when she went shopping before this arranged marriage. idea came in to plan back then she was so happy. thinking she could get married top the man she loves someday. but knew it mighty take time for her child hood lover to even pop the question to her. yet wonder if her father would say no to her childhood lover asking for her hand in marriage. right about now she doubt he would ever allow her to get married to him. but wonder if she can some how get out of this dam arranged marriage?

Arriving into the foyer, he motioned the butler over. "Please have the limo pulled up. I want us ready to go as promptly as possible. We already have caused a scandal for the media to talk about by not staying with our itinerary. Let us hope things go more smoothly." The butler knodded and headed to the carpool where the drivers were staying. Watching him go, Mr. Yuji sighed to himself and again wished for a son instead of his emotionally unstable daughter. She was so ill-tempered. He couldn't wait for her to grow out of these teen years. Walking to a mirror on a nearby wall, he again checked his appearance. Every hair was in place. Every wrinkle brushed out. He turned and saw the maid coming into the room. "It is time we were on our way. Where is Sakura? We must be going. Is she pulling another temper tantrum? I swear if we miss this dinner, I will use the belt. If she is going to continue to act like a two year old, then she will be treated like a two year old. Go get her at once!" He felt a growing irritation inside of him at the thought of fighting with her. Why couldn't she behave like a lady instead of a devil.

Sakura walk's out of her bedroom yet heard what her father said. "I'm coming Father I had to find my purse." Sakura says while asking the maid. to move to the side go back down she was trying to be nice for now. the teenager wanted to say to her father 'Why don't you go out find your self a new wife that all ready has a son?' but only think it since she could not stand his guts at all. once down the stair case she stand a few feet away form her father. "I think you should try find my mother maybe she has a son for you. after all she was acting strange before she left us." she says to her Father only trying to give him a idea. if her mother had a other child with him that is a boy maybe.


He could find her mother bring her back home stop the arranged marriage idea. have the boy get married instead to some rich girl. that way he can have his way and she can marry the guy she loves. not some baka how she would not love at all of his choosing. heck if Junko had left them when she did. maybe things would not be like this like they are now?

He raised his eyes at her and looked her up and down. Then he allowed suspicion to enter his gaze as he checked her outfit over again. Well, at least she was behaving now. That was an unexpected twist after the earlier scene in the bedroom. He sighed and responded, "I'll send an investigator to check up on her. For now though, we should head out to supper before we completely lose our appetites. Be forewarned though, the media will be buzzing and wanting to know why we didn't show at the cinema. Just smile and wink okay. That will let them gossip to their hearts' content. We in the meantime will be allowed to go on our way unmolested. Think you can handle that?" He sure hoped so. The life of the wealthy was closely monitored by the media. It didn't matter where in town they went, they were recognized and talked about. Best to ensure that any and all stories were tightly controlled if possible. The last thing he needed was scandals. The last thing anyone needed was scandals. At least she was cooperating now, if not a bit unwilling.

Slight long blonde hair flew threw the air as he ran. HIs feet pounded on the ground as he made his way to Sakura. He had been sent on a erraned from his father though his father didn't really care if he was to come back. His father just wanted him out of the house and away from them. HIs parents weren't real big fans of him since he didn't plan on taking over hte shop. He actually wanted to travel and maybe play music. He was talanted with a violine and a flute so he was sure he could make a living doing that or working with Herbs. Either of those he would be happy doing and as long as he got to stay with Sakura, she was the love of his life and always would be for him, Tom davis.

"Sakura!" he called to her and then noticed that her father was with her. Slowing his pace, he forced himself not to hug Sakura and pull him close. He then bowed to her father, "sir." he said simply and then smield at Sakura. "hey, I was wondering if you were doing anything later? I was hoping that we could hang our or something." he said as he smiled at her and wished that her father wasn't here. Though as he stood ther ehe felt that somethingw as off and hoped everything was okay.

Mr. Yuji knodded to the familiar friend of their household. Hello Tom. We are on our way to supper. The media knows of our evening plans and will be clamoring with questions as to why we already deviated from them. It is a public relations mess. You have Sakura to thank for that. Perhaps you can try to talk some sense into her. She drugged her tea earlier in an attempt to make herself either ill or to kill herself. We don't know. Maybe you can get through to her. Either way, now I have to send her to counseling. Cool and impatient, he was glad he was taking the time to let Tom Davis know about Sakura. She listened to this kid most of the time. So hopefully Tom would tell Sakura to stop harming herself, pull herself together, and act like the bride she now was.

Turning and approaching the car, a valet opened the doors for them. Tom. We should be back around 9pm. Stop by then and we can all enjoy a glass of wine. I'll let you too hang out after that if you wish. He austerely knodded and slid into the old fashioned black car of those days. For you see, the 1900s were very stylish in that all vehicles looked alike but were a pride to have anyways.

"Hello tom and I was trying to make my self ill Father I don't want to get married to someone. I do not know are will nerve love." she says while trying to be nice to her father around her long time lover. why did the old man suggest wine for? why could not be like a cup of tea instead? Sakura wonder if Tom knew about her Father's plan to marry her off to some rich guy. just so he can get more power in the business world make her life horrible. heck if the teen's father would listen to her for once maybe. they would not fight with each other so much could he not see that she only loves Tom?

Tom nodded as he listened though when he heard hte word marriage he wanted to know exactly what was going on. No one was going to marry Sakura but him. He then nodded when he heard her father and smiled, "sir, you will see me at nine. I would like to hear what this is all about." he said as he looked at him and then Sakura. He wanted to pull her close and tell her that no one was going to marry her or anything. "and remember I dont drink wine or anything of the sorts." he said as he looked at him. The only thing he ever drank was juice or water. Wine or beer or anything else just wasn't for him.

Mr. Yuji absentmindly waved and turned to look at Sakura. Get in Sakura. You have caused enough trouble already.

Across town, a lithe form rose from a restaurant table and quietly stepped into the twilight. Blending into the shadows she disappeared.

Sakura only obey's her father while getting in to the car. yet sits by a window away form her father. she really wanted get married to Tom only not someone else. once in the car she waves good bye to him. but keeps quite for the ride in to town not wanting to talk with her father. hopefully they would get to the place to eat dinner with out. her so called husband to be around if is. she will only try be nice to him yet tell him in front of her father she. dose not wish to marry him that she is in love with someone else all ready. in a polite way to try break the arranged marriage off.

They arrived at the restaurant and were shown to their table. Joining them was Mr. Haki and his son Mr. Haki Jr. The restaurant was an elegant place decorated in gold lining on red. The tables were of solid oak with maple trim. Mr. Yuji greeted their companions "I am so glad to see you both. Welcome! I trust your day went well?

Mr. Haki knodded, Quite well. I managed to close a deal that was quite satisfying. Public relations also went well when I founded the opening of a sea life park. The idea of education through play among marine life was touching for them.

Well done! Mr. Yuji smiled and knodded.

Mr. Haki Jr turned to Sakura and smiled, Miss Sakura, you are looking well tonight. Have you had as pleasant a day as our fathers seemed to have had with theirs and their business ventures?

Sakura thinks before speaking she was unsure if she knew this man are not. "Um I'm sorry but do I know you? Mr. Haki Jr please forgive me for such a question. my memory is not is a bit foggy right now." Sakura kept a fake smile on her face. when speaking to him trying to figure out if this was guy she is to marry? if so hello making her dad mad soon with the politely turning down. the agreed arranged marriage that he had set up for her. she wanted to make the old man understand she will not obey him.

Just so he can have what he wants in life for his dang business. the teenager wanted to have her own life and not be. some darn pawn to help him get what he wants for his business to grow more. heck if he would not stop this she will move out of his house with what money. she has move to some place far away form the likes of her own father. just so she can be with Tom for the rest of her life.

Mr. Haki coughed and his son smiled politely while looking down for a moment. Then he replied, It seems your father has done you this disservice of not informing you the name of your betrothed. We have not met before, however we are to become better acquainted. Our fathers have come to an agreement that arranges for us to be wed. I pray that I can learn who you are better as a person, so that we can be friends before the big day. I think that would help ease this transition. The 1900s are a more modern time. You need not marry a stranger. I can visit you often until we are more comfortable with each other. Turning and grinning to the other gentlemen there he added, And hopefully we have better luck than our emperor is having with the Americans and their president. He gave Sakura a wink. However, let's not dwell on that right now. I am sure that marriage is a topic much too heavy for tonight.

He turned turn Mr. Yuji and asked, The olympics in Paris were remarkable to watch. I went to attend. What is your opinion on having Japan enter in the near future? After all, to be a Pacific force worth reckoning, Japan needs to step up in global affairs. The Americans taught us that when they parked a battleship outside Japan and blackmailed us into entering world economics. I rather think we would excel at most of the contests.

"I'm sorry but I'm must turn down the offer of marriage. since I am all ready in love with someone else. I do not wish to marry you at all I heat this hole idea of a arranged marriage. please forgive me but I only wish to be friend's with you nothing more." she says in a clam yet polite voice trying to be nice to the man how. she dose not wish to marry at all but would admit not wanting to become his wife. Sakura give a kind smile to him but nothing more then that.


"I just hope I can get divorce form you after one year of marriage." Sakura says to him she really dislike being born to a rich family. a rich father that try's force her to obey his rules. sure she had been a nice little girl growing up but a teen. was bound to be rebloius sooner are later in there life time with there parents. she really did not want to marry this man at all. heck she was trying to plan go on a trip just so she can run away more quickly.