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Genya watched as Kyogo lifted up his hand once more-she closed her eyes hoping it wouldn’t cause a bruise again. Hit after hit she took it, her body never stopping from protecting Koto's small body. He trembles just like her his hand holding her tightly never once letting her. In the corner of her eyes he could see her other siblings holding onto each other as they trembled in fright. She wished she could take their pain and not let them suffer under Kyogo wrath–another punch on her back. She could only wish. She could hear the slurred shouts of Kyogo, his voice filled with rage and destructive words.
A shocking wave of pain went through her as she let out a pain cry. Her hair was pulled-pulling her back, her body getting dragged to the side. Without a thought she let go of Koto as her body was pulled back to face Kyogo.
“You fucking bitch look at me when I'm talking to you!” his booming voice charged with demand.
She cowardly turned her face in fear as she shut her eyes tightly letting out a whimper as his nails dug into her cheeks. She could hear the other children sob as his hand lifted up into the air before slapping her across her face.
“ Look at me .”
Tears welled up as she faced him. She stared at the man whose eyes were filled with hatred and anger.
“How did I let such a useless daughter be born? I should've just sold you to some brothel instead. Maybe then you could become useful and get me more money than what your fucking brother and mom make.”
His harsh words filled the room, his eyes pinning her down, not letting her utter a single word. She wished Sanemi was here saving her from Kyogo cruel words but he wasn't. It was her job to take care of her siblings.
By the time Kyogo was gone her body was full with blood and marks left behind by his hands. She could feel the heaviness of her body as she lifted herself up. Hiroshi was immediately by her side helping her get up as the girls rushed to get her some spare clothes to change. Koto just stood there next to her holding her hand as he sniveled watching everyone else do something.
They led her to the washing room where she sat there alone as she peeled her clothes off biting her lip as more pain blossomed each time she moved. Carefully she washed the blood away with water as it pooled right beneath her feet. She shivered as the cold water dripped down her face before the transparent blue turned into dark red. She trembled before she collapsed from the pain–covering her mouth she started crying. She couldn't hear her when they needed her right now. She needed to be strong just for them so she wouldn't let herself fall there and then. Wiping her bloody face she got up her siblings were still waiting for her pushing through the pain she changed herself and went out again.
Sanemi was rushing home when he had just finished working when he saw Kyogo walking through the streets swinging his cheap bottle of alcohol around. He was never here around this time, mostly somewhere far away from their home. The sun was already down as he ran all the way through the dirty pathway. Making it home he opened the door wide open gasping for air as he looked up ahead.
“Welcome back home aniki.”
In front of him was his sweet baby sister. Her pretty face is covered in large bruises as she smiles widely at him. It made his chest tighten up as he walked towards his sister who’s smile lit up the whole room.
“Are you hungry? I made some dinner.”
She still smiles at him even though he wasn't there to protect her from Kyogo's punches. He watches are her smile drops into concern and her small hands reaching out for him
“Are you hurt aniki?” Her small fragile hands covered in dark purple marks reached to his cheek, her eyes filled with concern.
“I'm sorry I wasn't here to protect you.” He lets out as he pulls her into a hug.
Why wasn't he there when Genya was getting hurt when that monster was putting his hands on his baby. He pulled Genya closer expecting her face as the swelling on her cheek mocked him for not being there. The large fingerprints left behind for him to see.
“Nemi its fine I'm fine-”
“No you're not. You're hurt.”
He immediately went to get the small bag filled with scatter bandages. Gently he guided her to the floor in the far corner away from their sleeping siblings. Pulling her sleeves he could see the angry fingerprints left on her small arm the color of purple and green scatter around. He could see the hesitation written on her face as she watched him pull the few bandages they had. He ignored her hesitation and started wrapping her arms, she needed them.
Once he finished he just stared at her. He could see her using her small body to protect their siblings. Her small cries as Kyogo would beat her for being fragile. He wished that man would disappear and never touch one strand of her little sister's hair. His eyes wander off to his younger siblings; they didn’t deserve this, none of them did.
“Nemi here eat.” Genya appeared with a bowl in her hand.
It was a simple dish of miso soup that Genya had made for them. He thanked her as they sat next to each other, him eating and Genya resting next to him. From the corner of his eyes he watched her hair slowly falling down to her cheek, her eyes downcast as she stared down. His sister was beautiful even though she was silent, his eyes were only drawn towards her.
“I truly have one beautiful sister.”
“Wha- don't say something so embarrassing aniki.” Genya's face turned red pressing her hands against her cheeks as she looked away. Wincing a bit from pressing too hard on her swollen cheek before turning away from Sanemi’s eyes. Even so he could see her eyes burning red and he couldn't help but let out a laugh. “I'm so lucky to have such a pretty sister.”
Her long dark eyelashes fluttered for a moment before she stared right at him. “Then I have a strong pretty big brother as well.” They both laughed together in the silence that was filled with laughter and soft snoring.
Sanemi observed Genya who slept by his side, her body curled up next to him. His hand reached out pulling the small strands of hair away from her face. She slept so peacefully next to him knowing that she was safe by his side. Closing his eyes, his hands holding Genya’s he slowly fell into a deep sleep. Swearing that he would always protect her from that monster from any monster that would dare to lay a hand on her.
The sun hit bright against his face as he stared into the empty room he laid in. Sanemi covered his face as he closed his eyes, letting out a deep sigh. His chest felt tighter as he laid down on the floor, his mind replaying the same dream. His hand reached down to his chest gripping the blanket as Genya’s smile flashed through his head. Ignoring it he went on through his morning as he sat alone eating a plate filled with plain rice. His crow next to him informed him about his next mission before he flew off somewhere.
Grabbing his sword he closed his eyes once more remembering Genya sitting next to him as he ate. His jaw clenched as he remembered Genya's scared look when he tried to blind her. He promised, didn't he? That he would protect her from any monster that tried to hurt her.
Including himself.
He himself was a monster.