GIN-HA
Original Character by JR19759; Story by The Atomic Punk
“Saiban? Yes, that name is familiar to me. It has been a few years. So many names… so many faces. I never made it a point to remember any of them. The name does not explain the mask. I would not have recognized you… Kira…
“Yes, Kira, such a frail girl. Always by her father’s side, never letting go of his hand. I recall when Kira wandered into the trees alone one day. She came across a dying Yoshino in the heart of the orchard. Do you remember?
“Your father found you in tears, curled in a ball at the base of the tree. The Yoshino had succumb to silver leaf. Its branches sick with fungus. The blossoms were brown and black. Such a horrible sight. There was no choice but to destroy the other cherry trees to prevent blight.
“I remember the fire burning bright in a sad little girl’s eyes. I remember the fire spreading uncontrollably to the house. Well, that was intentional. Sloppy… we thought that everyone had been consumed by the flames.
“Which still does not explain the mask. You are as pretty as I remember you. Why hide such an innocent face and beautiful eyes? You wear your hatred and wrath. That’s it. The mask is so your enemies do not see your pain. The black lenses are to hide the fire that still burns. The sword… that is your gin-ha… your silver leaf.
“Life is not so black and white as you dress. Cherry blossoms continue to thrive with radiant color and fragrance. If anything, just to spite this ugly world with their beauty.
“I guess the blood of your enemies… my blood… that represents the blooms. I understand. One thing that you loved almost as much as your father was poetry. Strangely, in this violent death, I find peace. May your heart also rest, Kira… my dear sister.â€
