If life is a dream within a dream, is it worthwhile to live it through?
I never understood why my parents were so distant towards me. It was as if I didn't exist. That was when I lost that vague memory, its meaning was one I did not understand. Yet when it came back, I realized why.
That day the Asakura family and my family were off in an important dicussion at the Asakura household. As usual, the Asakuras welcomed me to their house as if it was my second home. Though, they did not, or rather, could not allow me into the consequential gathering. From instinct, I felt that the meeting's sole purpose was discussing about me. My mother ushered me out of the room before it began. She told me to go about my daily habit--exploring. I approved and went upon my exploration until I stumbled across an ominous room. The door was left unlocked as if someone had entered before I had. A feeling of familiarity welled up inside me as I pushed against the wooden doors. You have been to this altar long ago, my mind kept repeating to me. An altar? A shrine? This sense of belong was alarming. This felt like my own room, a place where I kept to myself. The place was eerie and dark with no exposure to the warm light outside. Coughing from the murky dust, I proceeded up the creaking wooden steps. A shrine with a five-pointed star hung before me. This is familiar...My finger traced the faded drawn star. The Unity Star, a voice in my head echoed. "The Unity Star..." I repeated softly. This star represented the five elements, when mastered one can control life and reincarnation. Ahead of me laid a dusty ancient book. Out of curiousity, I held the book in my two hands. A uncertain familiarity arose in me as I held the ancient book. I've been here, I held this book. I flipped through the book's contents. Between two pages, a talisman of summoning slipped out. In a flash of light, two Shikigami spirits appeared in front of me. Staring at the pair, they readied their weapons and I stood there with my mouth slightly open. The book had now fallen to the floor beneath my feet.
Didn't this happen to me before? Then after this he--"Tsk,tsk I don't want my Shikigami spirits to attack an innocent girl like you." I was flinching, thinkng the Shikigami had attack me. Opening one eye, I glanced at my savior. Tan poncho, dark brown hair. He faintly smiled at me and I responded by taking a step back. "Who--"I hestitated, reminding myself of manners. "Arigatou for saving me." I made a small bow and started to turn away. "A thank you? That's it?"He asked me with a smirk his face him. Our eyes met and I caught a glimpse of the burning flames in his. From instinct, I took another step backwards. "Afraid? Afraid of me?" he asked and gave me a vague smile. The two Shikigami stood behind with no sign of the will to attack. " Listen up you two,"he looked at them at the corner of his eye."Don't attack her.Ever.Understood?". The sudden firmness in his voice made me stay alert and even more, made a peculiar feeling swell up inside me,like a bubble wanting to burst. With a brisk flick of his hand, the Shikigami were once again seal. That was then I felt an abrupt remorse of remaining here when i should have left. Looking up, I saw his face expressing no emotion except a faint trace of sorrow. "You truly don't remember do you?" he muttered to me. Remember what Another thought arose.No,it's you.You. "Have we met before...?" I asked quietly.We have, haven't we? "Depends,"he answered, emotionless,"Even so..." Smiling, he looked at me. "Promise me that we'll see each other...some day." I blinked and returned his smile with my own,
"Promise."
After our promise, my mother's voice called my name. She found me in front of the shrine entrance. Her auburn eyes fell upon the doors and they filled with fear. "Did you go in there?" she demanded, motioning to the doors behind me. My throat went dry and my words were stuck.Should I? I gulped,"Hai." My mother nearly fainted. Then my father arrived,supporting my mother. "You don't know what you just did." I desperately tried to explain everything, trying to convince them I did nothing wrong. Nothing wrong."So the boy saved you and sealed the Shikigami?" I nodded solemnly at my father. "That must mean..." My mother embraced me tightly, sobbing on my shoulder. My father, his face clouded with remorse, shook his head slowly. What's wrong? I did nothing wrong, then why? My eyes followed my mother as she paced back annd forth,"We must tell the Asakuras. First, her being the twin...then this? Our daughter's fate is truly tragic." I heard my mother sob harder,"Why?" My father paid no attention to me as he comforted my mother in his arms. I stood like a ghost, as if I did not exist. Then finally,"You are dismissed." I made a small bow and shut the screen door behind me,panting hard. My heart beat fast as I leaned against the screendoor.Should I eavesdrop?Who was that boy? I want to know. I want to know! I pressed my ear on the paper screen only to my mother's voice and a three-lettered word.
I gasped.