Love Among The Sakura

By P.J. Sanchez-Urcuyo

Tafui (Mkale) Le appears to be an African American woman who is an award-winning graphic artist, novelist, and an internationally known kendo sensei. She has been asked to come to Tokyo, Japan, to assist in the development of a new graphic design company, The Aki No Rio Group.
Soichiro Toshibana appears to be a wealthy, English/American-educated Japanese entrepreneur who is waiting for Tafui's arrival. In reality, he's a crown prince from the planet of Zelania in the galaxy of Thezulian. Tafui is his fated princess.
There are three major challenges awaiting this couple as they move toward their destiny: Tafui is Soichiro's fated Zelanian mate and lost lover, but she has no clue about her true alien identity. Their involvement has been going on for over four hundred Earth years, and it has not been smooth. Most of all, they must undergo three rites before their life-mate covenant is sealed.
Can these two come together? Can they find love to bring harmony and peace back to their planet when one party has no clue what's going on?

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Apr 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9798987119402

Book preview

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Love Among The Sakura

Copyright 2023 by P.J. Sanchez-Urcuyo

ISBN eBook # 979-8-98711-940-2

ISBN Paperback # 979-8-98711-941-9

This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents in this book are either the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

To Elizabeth, and my Ramón

Table of Contents

Prologue

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Eighteen

Nineteen

Twenty

Twenty-One

Twenty-Two

Twenty-Three

Twenty-Four

Twenty-Five

Twenty- Six

Twenty-Seven

Twenty-Eight

Twenty-Nine

Thirty

Thirty-One

Thirty-Two

Thirty-Three

Thirty-Four

Epilogue

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Prologue

Goddess Nyemah had been searching the galaxy for her missing subject. She finally found her on an obscure dwarf planet curled up tightly in on herself, looking inconsolable.

Tafui M’kale was crying hysterically. She was dressed in a drab gray robe with ragged edges. She was dirty in appearance as she sat on the rocky ground. The goddess approached Tafui quietly as she manifested from incorporeal spirit to her corporeal form and reached out a hand to comfort her.

Tafui, I know you are upset, but you must return to Earth to reunite with Crown Prince Soichiro so our galaxy can maintain its balance of harmony.

No, she replied flatly, curling more tightly into herself.

"You have no choice, Tafui; it is your destiny. Your planet, Zelania, and the greater Thezulian galaxy need you.

She jerked upright, defiantly facing the goddess, tears streaking down her face, her hair askew.

"The only thing I needed was my son! Whether or not Soichiro had made it back to me, it didn’t matter because I would have had my son. That would have been enough, but he’s dead! Screw this! I am not going back! Those Earthlings are horrible to each other! Find someone else. I am not going back for a third time.

The goddess understood Tafui’s hurt and anger, but at the same time she was getting frustrated with her.

Tafui, you have been chosen by the celestial council! You cannot refuse!

Yes, I can! she screamed at the goddess, as she leaped up and ran as fast as she could, determined to get as far away as possible.

The goddess had had enough. In a heartbeat, she froze Tafui in place so that she could not move.

Princess, you are going back. I am removing your memories, so you have no recollection of who and what you truly are. You will think you are a human, a native of Earth. You won’t remember what happened before in Kyoto or New Orleans till you complete the Three Sacred Rites of Zelania needed for you and Soichiro to become eternal mates. Then, the celestial council and I will return your powers and memories. With your powers and memories restored and your forces united, together you will complete your mission to restore the peace and balance to Greater Thezulian.

Saying so, Goddess Nyemah waved her arms and sent Tafui M’kale back to Earth.

She then transformed, departing the dwarf planet.

I need to inform Prince Soichiro of the challenges he will face on his third attempt to connect with Princess Tafui M’kale the Fully Realized one, who will now be known as Tafui Le, the Hidden One, thought the goddess. He must succeed this time, or he will forever separate from his heart’s true mate.

One

It was a hectic day and Mr. Joben Kai needed to get to his boss right away. If he did not get the contracts to the CEO to be signed in a timely fashion, the man would have his head. The delay was caused by the attorneys going over the contracts one last time as there could be no errors. Fortunately, he found his boss engaged in his favorite pastime of late.

Soichiro Toshibana stood at the picture window in his office, gazing out over his striking view of the Tokyo skyline, a crowded metropolis of concrete and glass, with the glory of Mount Fuji in the background. A slight grin slowly appeared on his face.

He was one of the few wealthy and influential CEOs in Asia, having earned the respect of millions of people from around the world, while amassing a considerable fortune at a young age. Being in his position while still in his late forties was an almost unheard-of accomplishment.

Educated at the finest schools in England and the United States, Soichiro spoke several languages fluently. His tall height, broad shoulders, and silver strands woven through his midnight black hair along with chiseled facial features like those of an ancient samurai daimyo, or general as they were known in feudal Japan, drew positive attention from both men and women immediately—despite the eye patch he sported over his left eye.He was always stylishly dressed, never flamboyant, whether in a Savile Row suit or Ralph Lauren jeans. Anything he wore was tailored by Sam’s Tailor of Hong Kong. The elegance of this man made many women long for his attention; however, he had just one woman on his mind. This woman Soichiro had loved deeply, yet sadly, she did not remember their connection. This quest for her love had begun a long time ago. Finally, he was on the road to completion, and he was elated.

Soichiro had three secrets. Exposure of these secrets could ruin his desired plan to reconnect to his love. The first secret, the eye patch he wore in public was a sham. He hid one eye to conceal his heterochromia. The right eye was obsidian black, which people often described as intense, while the left was a beautiful emerald green. The color of his green eye reminded others of a vibrant gem that sparkled in the light. Where he came from, it was considered a sign of royal lineage, but in Japan, they thought it was a curse or evil eye, so he chose to conceal it. He could see perfectly out of both eyes, but soon realized that the patch increased his mystique, which, in turn, helped in his business transactions.

His second secret was more astounding. He happened to be an immortal being from another galaxy.

After Soichiro and his followers found this beautiful planet more than four hundred years ago, the Celestial Council had them establish residence here. Some settled in Japan, as their features resembled those who already lived in the area. Others ventured to various parts of the Earth where their own looks helped them fit in more naturally.

Just then, Mr. Kai, his long-time personal assistant, and former head vassal, entered the room. Soichiro turned to face his assistant.

Sorry, Joben. I was thinking about how this all started and the consequences.

They had arrived in Japan during the Sengoku period, a time when many warring factions were constantly seeking the upper hand no matter how brief or small their victories. Soichiro, along with many of his brethren, had taken it upon themselves to fight on the side of those who desired to unite the country. Others, however, enjoyed the chaos of the warring states and tried to maintain status quo.

It was during those early days on Earth that Soichiro first heard of a legendary fighter. It started as a rumor about a warrior from another continent who defeated all challengers. A warrior ruthless enough to not hesitated to take on anyone. It was not a renegade soldier with unique abilities or a Japanese samurai. Soichiro learned it was a beautiful woman, a goddess with a deadly sword. This woman was tall, proud, and fierce with gorgeous cocoa skin and dark almond-shaped eyes. Soichiro’s spies informed him that she was another immortal who had somehow been brought to Japan. Curious, he’d searched for her unsuccessfully until the time finally came that their paths crossed, and they engaged in combat near Hamamatsu in the Shizuoka Prefecture.

It was 1603 and he had stood face to face with one of the best katana fighters of all time! He let out a shout at this memory. That woman had been merciless, and she handled her sword as if it was an extension of herself—and there she was trying to kill him!

Were you thinking about what happened between you and the princess? Mr. Kai asked.

Yes, I was, Soichiro nodded, allowing a small, crooked grin to appear on his face.

He then turned to Mr. Kai. I know you remember. It was a violent confrontation. I was going hard against that terror with a katana. She had already left many of Tokugawa’s soldiers dead. Just then, a bright light appeared, almost blinding me. Goddess Nyemah, the Supreme Being of the Universe, made her presence known. The goddess had placed all the combatants in a suspended state, unable to see move or hear what she proclaimed—everyone but that woman and me. Instead, she had frozen our feet to the ground so we could listen but not move a step from our spots.

The goddess had announced, This woman whom you are fighting was determined by the Celestial Council and me to be your intended, your Crown Princess for all eternity. She is Princess Tafui M’kale, daughter of King Zakhele and Queen Taitu. Soichiro, I scoured our universe to find you the perfect one to suit you in all your ways. She’s strong-willed and smarter than you. She’s also from our galaxy and your planet, Zelania, which makes her selection perfect! The two of you being joined together should bring peace to our galaxy.

After she finished her proclamation, the goddess had disappeared. Then, when we were released from the goddess’s hold, my opponent continued to come at me, Soichiro continued. It appeared as if she had not received the message I heard or if she did, she still wanted no part of me!" He chuckled grinning at the memory.

That was then; however, here in this twenty-first century on Earth, she had no memory of him.

It was over four hundred years ago when I captured her during that fight. She was getting the best of me, so to get the upper hand, I threw dirt in her face. While she was momentarily blinded it gave me a chance to knock her out. I then dragged her off the field and dumped her into a cart to take her back to camp, Soichiro shook his head.

Mr. Kai listened silently as Soichiro continued talking, sadness filling his voice.

"What happened between us was thorny. I was an unfeeling brute back then. I think I had gotten caught up with the attitude of the men at that time. I had planned to make this so-called princess my ‘comfort woman’ without her permission. This was not what the Goddess Nyemah, had planned. However, the goddess was correct. Tafui was smarter than I thought and had cleverly planned a successful escape. The goddess had wanted us together, so I have been chasing, and she has been avoiding me ever since! Well, she had been avoiding me. Things changed in New Orleans," Soichiro smiled slyly.

You remember us in New Orleans; it was before the American Civil War? Hmm, he pondered over it for a moment. If I remember correctly, the year was 1860. Our reunion had a rough start. Tafui remembered what had happened in Japan. She even called me ‘Lanceur de salete’ or ‘Dirt Thrower’ and hit me with the bouquet I had presented to her.

Soichiro laughed ruefully when he thought of that memory. That woman was so feisty! He remembered it had taken some time, but he had finally successfully wooed Tafui, and they had become close. In fact, they had become lovers. For a moment, an expression of happiness came over his face. Yet again, Tafui sacrificed her happiness for a more noble cause.

His mood darkened, as his thoughts brought about a painful memory. He had allowed Tafui to talk him into waiting to become life mates by delaying the three rites that were required to bind them together. She wanted to wait until after she got the women of color who were slated to attend the Octoroon Ball away from New Orleans. The ladies had explained to her that they would rather be poor and free, than be selected to serve rich white men’s sexual gratifications, no matter how well, kept their lives would be. This would be Tafui’s last run for the Underground Railroad. She succeeded, but at a terrible personal cost. The American Civil War had begun. Soichiro got delayed reaching Canada. He knew she had made it there safely. Once he arrived in Toronto, his joy turned to heartbreak. He found out that Tafui had given birth to a son. His son! Which filled him with such happiness that he thought his heart would burst. However, the child had not survived. He had been told that Tafui had been despondent, and then one day, no one could find her in Toronto. It was as if she had vanished. He had wanted to search for her, but the goddess insisted that she needed to handle the situation.

He had returned to Zelania, and Goddess Nyemah informed him that she had finally found Tafui self-isolated and crying in despair on a remote dwarf planet. It had broken his heart to learn she suffered so much emotional pain thinking she had lost him and her son.

Tafui refused to go back to Earth, so the goddess sent her back with no memory of their two previous interactions.

Soichiro also knew their son was not dead. The goddess had taken care of his soul until the timing was right, when he could be returned to Earth to be their son again. As Soichiro had prepared to return to Earth this last time, he recalled the words Goddess Nyemah had spoken to him after she summoned him to relay valuable information for his third attempt to reunite with Tafui.

Soichiro, I had to send Tafui back with no memories of your two previous interactions. Also, her powers were sealed. Tafui thinks she is a human. As you undergo the three rites, she will react as her former self, but afterward she will think it’s a dream or perhaps a delusion. I have kept your son’s essence with me, and he shall come to you at the age of eight. Your son will feel a connection to you almost immediately. This information will help you reunite your family at the proper time.

Mr. Kai stood in silence as his master vented his feelings, waiting for instructions. He and a few other citizens from their planet had sworn their loyalty to Soichiro and were more than happy to assist him in making this attempt a success.

Soichiro turned and faced Mr. Kai.

You know, she has arrived here in Tokyo. I must be on my best behavior to win her heart.

Mr. Kai nodded in agreement with his master.

The Celestial Council and the goddess will restore her memories and her powers after we bond. So here we are again! In the twenty-first century this time! If we do not connect, we might not connect again and we might even lose our son to another set of mates. This time, we must be successful and move on to our next level, thereby restoring the balance to Zelania and our galaxy!

Master, the goddess has given you every advantage, Mr. Kai encouraged.

Yes, Joben. The goddess has blessed me abundantly to complete my quest.

Soichiro had wealth, position and power. This allowed him to stay informed about Tafui and her activities over the years. Soichiro even saw her two years ago at a symposium. It took all his strength not to run up to her and kiss her passionately. However, he knew he had to wait. He had finally received a message from Mayra, the goddess’s representative that he could at last reach out to his beloved. His heart was filled with joy knowing that his princess will soon be by his side.

She had arrived in Tokyo, as if brought to him on a platinum platter no less!

Oh, Goddess, you have a wicked sense of humor.

Soichiro faced Mr. Kai, Actually, getting her here was easy. My good friend, Kenta Sato, just opened his graphic design business and has been doing well. I suggested he invite the hot new graphic designer and novelist, Tafui Le, to join his Tokyo team to help increase his visibility. Sato was on board with the idea. The initial interview went well, and after Mr. Sato resolved a few minor issues, I wanted to assist him, so I appeared in her dreams and encouraged her to come to Tokyo. Last week, Sato informed me she signed the contract and was on her way.

He smiled inwardly considering his third and most important secret of all: Tafui Le. She was a woman found in stories of African folklore, once a famous warrior who’d briefly been his prisoner in feudal Japan, a freedom fighter in pre-Civil War New Orleans as a member of the Underground Railroad. In this time and place, she was a successful graphic artist and novelist, who would now complete her most vital role: that of his other half.

Soichiro affirmed a promise. This time, the goddess’s decree shall be fulfilled!

He smiled at Mr. Kai at last taking the contracts from his ever-patient assistant’s hand and heading back to his desk to peruse those agreements that urgently needed his attention, leaving the view of Tokyo’s majesty behind.

Meanwhile, on the other side of Tokyo

I finally made it to Japan, Mother, Tafui said, speaking aloud to a photograph she kept of her beloved mother as she looked out the window of her small but well-designed and fully furnished studio apartment.

She thought about Japan and its rich history, full of contradictions.

As a self-described nerd, Tafui Le had finally made it to the place that had haunted her with its history and drama. After years of working in the medical field, she followed her passion for writing, art and color. Tafui walked away from security and tried something new. She launched herself into the world of graphic design and writing, penning a few graphic novels. It had proven an excellent opportunity for her, as her books were popular and received critical acclaim. Positive female characters were her forte. Tafui had done so many things in her life, but graphic design and writing gave her the fulfillment she craved. She was having a blast and was pleased with her own development. She already had a body almost comparable to her idol, Esther Stevens, an extraordinary African American woman who was a champion bodybuilder at the age of eighty. Tafui just wasn’t as cut.

She had decided she was done with trying to look more conventional.

Enough with the hair, and no more chemicals! It was such a pain, she’d told her stylist.

So Tafui cut her hair down to her natural curl. A mixture of silver and deep brown loose curls framed her beautiful brown face and enchanting brown eyes. She was striking, tall, elegant and quick on her feet. She was poetry in motion when she was doing martial arts demonstrations with her katana and shinai.

There were few good gigs right now. The offer to work for a fledgling graphic design company, the Aki No Rio Group, and tour Japan at her leisure was tempting. In addition, the money they offered was excellent. It was only for eight months, with a chance of extending her visa if they liked the work she had done. It was an offer she could not pass up. Also, Tafui had a secret. She often dreamt of a tall man who demanded she come to Japan. She could not see his face. The dreams had first happened only occasionally before she got the offer from the Aki No Rio Group, but once she received the offer, they occurred nightly. She thought it was weird they had stopped when she signed the contract.

While sitting in her apartment, Tafui felt the need to FaceTime her best friend Rosalind, who was more of a sister than a friend. Rosalind knew Tafui was all about new experiences, but even Rosalind was surprised by Tafui’s decision. She knew her sister–friend was hiding something. Now that Tafui was safely in Japan she decided to come clean to her bestie. She realized Rosalind was getting ready for work with the time and day difference, so it was okay to call her. The app made its familiar trill, and then they connected. As usual, Rosalind was always willing to listen to her eccentric sister–friend.

Hey, Sis, I am here trying to get myself together to do my best for this new job, but I need to confess. I’ve been having strange dreams again.

Oh, was it the hot one where you were naked in Paris or New Orleans and there was some hot guy sucking on your body? Rosalind inquired with enthusiasm.

No, and I am not telling you anything else again! Tafui laughed aloud because they both knew she was lying.

This was totally different. It was a tall man whose face I could not see but he’s first asked, then demanded, I come to Japan. Ros, I know you think I am crazy, but I had to take this opportunity as the pluses outweighed the minuses. And there is another weird thing that has happen since I arrived. I have this feeling that somebody has been watching me! When I look around, I do not see anyone, but the feeling is still there, Tafui insisted.

Just be careful! If things get too weird or dangerous, come home! Please don’t make these knees try to run through an airport to catch a flight to kick some butt! Rosalind warned.

Don’t worry, Sis. I got the kukri with me! Tafui said.

How the hell did you get that thing through customs? Never mind! I don’t want to know! Rosalind said, shaking her head at her sisters’ antics.

"I declared it like I have done in the