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We met three times in three different lives.
My first life was short because I was a mere servant.
I aided a lady of high status about her daily needs and that was when I saw you.
'Look here [Name], it's a beautiful tachi crafted by the hand of Awataguchi Yoshimitsu. Beautiful isn't it?'
I was amazed and overwhelmed by your beauty,'Indeed Madam. It's a beautiful sword.' I was so overwhelmed that I asked,'Madam, may I have a further look at the sword? I apologise if I am being too demanding.'
My master was a lovely woman and she always helped me whenever she could. We were close because we always spent time together.
She smiled happily,'Of course. Go ahead my dear.'
I unsheathed the sword with my trembling hands,'What is its name Madam?'
'Ichigo Hitofuri. The one and only tachi made in the lifetime of a tantou sword smith.'
I was completely amazed,'Ichigo... Hitofuri.'
But my happiness was not for long.
'STOP HER! HOW DARE SHE UNSHEATHE A SWORD IN FRONT OF MADAM?!'
My master was shouting,'Put her down! She didn't mean any harm! I was the one who let her! Let her go this instance!'
'Madam, we're sorry, but we cannot. She dared to point a sword at you. We must dispose of her immediately.'
'LISTEN! SHE DID NOT! HOW DARE YOU DISRESPECT ME!'
'Madam, don't! I am unworthy of your protection. It's alright, I was wrong.'
And my life ended with a swift cut.
My second life was much worse then my first.
I was born into a noble house as a young noblewoman. This was the second time I saw you, but I couldn't keep you for long either.
'Listen here [Name] dear, this sword is called-'
'Ichigo Hitofuri!' I said happily,'I read about it in your study Father. It's so pretty and beautiful.'
I retained my love for you.
Everyday I would visit you, see you and talk to you sometimes. My gift expanded as I was born with the ability to speak to the souls of the inanimate.
The first time I heard you voice was indescribable.
'Ichigo, I'm back! You can't believe it! Father actually told me I had to marry some guy. Gah! How irritating.'
'Haha, I wouldn't think so. It is by tradition is it not?'
I froze. 'You... You spoke.'
'Indeed. Your spiritual energy has rubbed off enough on me that I had gained this ability. Your conversations are much appreciated Young Mistress.'
However because you could speak, I could also hear you scream.
Fire burned and scorched the wooden mansion into nothingness.
'SAVE THE MASTER, MISTRESS AND YOUNG LADY FIRST!'
'The young lady?! WHERE IS SHE?'
I coughed and breathed in ash and smoke. I needed to get to you and save you, but yet again, I couldn't.
'Ichigo! Ichigo, I'm coming! Hang on!'
A crumbling huge wooden pillar stabbed through me as I neared your display. I coughed out blood as I collapsed on the ground, clutching my stomach.
I could hear your screams, your painful, painful screams resounding in my ears as I watched the fire consume you.
No amount of ash, smoke or flames that neared me could compare to the pain I felt from watching you burn.
My second life ended again, as the fires raged on. I couldn't be with you.
My third life came about a new timeline. I was reborn a high school girl with a normal life and retained no memories of my past lives.
I was born with birthmarks resembling burn marks that covered my back with horrible scar-like patterns.
I was always wondering why. Why was I born like this?
Fate answered those questions for me.
'You have the gift. We need you to take part in a mission to restore the past. You will become a Saniwa to save the world.'
I had no idea what was happening nor why I chose I agree. Somehow, in the depths of my heart, I remembered something. Something incredibly important to me and my past selves.
You.
It was 3 months since I had become a Saniwa sage. I had called on to so many swords that I have come to love and protect.
But without you, my life was repeating itself again.
'I am Ichigo Hitofuri, the only and one tachi blade made by the hand of Awataguchi Yoshimitsu...'
Fate. Oh lord, Fate.
Fate was kind to me in my current life.
He raised his gloved hand and stroked my cheek. 'I have longed to meet the woman who has met me 3 times in my lifetime and proclaim my debt and love for you.'
Tears were welling up in my eyes.
'I... I have longed to meet you so much... 3... 3 times. I barely knew you in my first, could not save you in my second, but now.... Now... Finally. Finally, I can.'
My third life was the most beautiful, most loving and kind life I ever had. Because of you.