Bright Lighter

"It seemed as if everything in Ikebukuro stayed the same. No matter what was going on, it always seemed to follow the same endless routine. Not that anyone ever complained. Complaining about things that didn't change was nothing but a waste of time anyway. Yet, for the girl and her dog, the endless routine she knew would become a distant memory. And life would never be the same again."

1: Enter The Girl and Her Dog

The brown-haired, blue-eyed young female sat on one of the many benches found in the alleyways that littered the city. The resonating Snap! Flick! Click! of her metal lighter opening, lighting and closing was the only sound she made. She never really understood why she kept the lighter. She didn't smoke, and she wasn't a gangster arsonist either. Perhaps it was for sentimental reasons, or maybe she just liked to play with it when she was bored.

The large, black, German Sheppard-like dog at her feet raised his massive head and growled lightly. The young woman paid no mind the animal's behavior. The beast was a bit over protective then she liked sometimes. She continued to look at the hazy sky, head hanging over the back of the bench, playing with her lighter.

Perhaps it was because of this that she didn't notice the skittish, somewhat awkward brown haired teen that was looking frantically in every direction. His eyes suddenly landed in the figure lazing on the bench and he gulped.

Mikado Ryūgamine looked at the girl with indecision before making his way over to her and saying nervously. "Um excuse me." The black dog seemed to grumble at the boy. He gulped and felt sweat form on his forehead.

The lighter slid closed with a loud click and her head snapped forward so she could look straight at him. Her blue eyes seemed to bore into him. He twitched nervously under her hard gaze. Then she said. "Yes? What can I do for you?"

"Um." He started, silently cursing himself at how timid he was. "I just wanted to know if you could tell me how to get to Hiroshi Park."

"Well, how long do you have to get there." She asked smiling at him. This boy was too nervous for his own good.

He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Well, I have 30 minutes. I left my house early just in case I got lost, but after about the 10th dead end I sorta gave up."

"Alright then. How about I walk with you, that way you won't get lost again." She suggested. He almost nodded, but hesitated as he looked at the huge beast at her feet. She looked to where he was staring and saw her dog's golden eyes. She laughed lightly. "Oh, him? Don't mind Hakudo, he doesn't bite unless I tell him to." The dog looked at her pointedly.

Mikado cleared his throat and tugged on his collar. She laughed in her head as the boy revealed another nervous twitch. "Okay thanks." Was his reply. She smiled and nodded, getting up and starting to walk. Hakudo followed suit, nudging Mikado slightly to get him to follow. He stood for a moment before sprinting after them.

"Oh sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Mikado Ryūgamine, it's nice to meet you." He bowed his head.

"Cool name. Mine's Akira Xiame. Nice to meet you too." She bowed slightly in return.

"I can't thank you enough for helping me." He said more comfortably.

"No prob, kid. Just be careful about who you ask. Not everybody is as nice as I am." She looked at him sideways. He had stiffened slightly at her warning, probably waiting for a 'Just kidding'. "Anyway, judging from your lacking of direction you're new here, am I right?"

"Oh, um yes. I just moved here to see my old friend Masaomi Kida and find more interesting scenery. I am definitely not disappointed."

"She smiled. "Yeah, the people here sure are interesting. After a few years, you get used to it."

"How long have you lived her Akira-San?"

"No 'san' is necessary Mikado. Hmm, let's see, my parents were killed when I was 13, so three years before that…" She ran a hand through her hair, as she calculated time.

Mikado gasped. "Oh My! What happened? I mean if you don't mind me asking."

"Nah, it's fine. I brought it up." She waved him off dismissively. Though I actually hoped you didn't hear it. She thought. "They went over to visit the neighbors, but I stayed home. Mom and Dad and the neighbors were found dead. The police assumed a home invasion, but they never found out for sure."

Mikado gaped at how calm and collected she sounded. Akira glanced at him. "Relax kid. It was a long time ago. No sense freaking out about it now." He fidgeted again and Akira chuckled. Hakudo, who was moving fluidly at her feet, cracked what looked like a smile. "Hey we're here! see your friends anywhere?" She asked.

He looked around and saw the familiar blonde hair of his best friend. "Oh yeah! There!" He said pointing before running off. Akira smiled at her dog in amusement and followed him.

Mikado greeted his friends and Masaomi asked suggestively. "Who's your attractive friend, Mikado? She is fine."

She rolled her eyes. "I'm too old for you, kid."

"No one's too old for Masaomi Kida! Challenge accepted!" He smiled confidently.

"Anri, Masaomi, this is Akira Xiame. Akira, this is Masaomi Kida and Anri Sonohara." Mikado said.

"Nice to meet you." Anri said softly, bowing.

"Likewise." She smiled. Hakudo rumbled a greeting. The girl gasped softly, eyeing the dog.

"So, Akira-Chan, you wanna go on a date later? You, me, a movie?" Masaomi asked, putting an arm around her shoulder. Hakudo barked and snarled threateningly. Masaomi let out a 'whoa!' of surprise and jumped back.

"Hakudo." Akira warned. He huffed and looked at the ground, peeved. She looked at the large black clock in the square. "Oh, is that the time? I must be off. Bye Mikado, guys!"

"Bye Akira-San! Thanks again!" Mikado yelled after her as she walked away. She waved once and slowly disappeared. Masaomi pushed Mikado playfully and smiled. Mikado promptly began yelling at him and Anri shook her head quietly.

Akira smiled to herself as she headed to her apartment.