Prologue
For as far as I can remember, I have always been different. I cannot say that I grew up in a normal setting, because what may be normal for me can be viewed as abnormal for others. I am an only child in a Japanese family that value traditions; while also is open minded for modern day upgrade that will benefit the family.
My family is very well off; having been around for over a thousand years; however, we are not well known in the upper class society. Growing up I was taught that our family value the traits to be discreet and cunning; as well as being known for their privacy. Our ancestors believe that staying out of the lime light of society is the easiest way to survive; that's why we are 'Seisatsu' [reflection]. Our family is like the shadows; something that is seen everywhere, yet held not much value in the significant of most people's mind. The shadows are very visible, yet it is untouchable; much like a reflection. If one would relate our family to an animal it would be a fox. We are beautiful, cunning, intelligence, and most importantly, we have the gift of illusion.
Magic is the source of our family survival. It hides away our abnormal aesthetic appearance from the world; as well as over average life span. The Seisatsu family consists of 3 branches: Hana [flower], Choucho [butterfly], and Houshu [jewel]. The three sections of the family are only there because of each unique skill; we are in no way segregated. We do not have a head family because we believe that absolute power corrupts those it touches.
The Hana branch specializes in flower arrangements, tea ceremonies, dances and swordsmanship. They are the family's treasurers or accountants. Choucho are silk producers. They have silk worm farms and are the family's fashion designers. Houshu are jewellers, but most importantly they are the family's blacksmith. The Houshu branched are responsible for the family armories and magical amulets. These amulets are what kept our family line strong and out of notice.
Okay, enough about the family history. Let's get back to me. First off, my name is Seisatsu Satomi [wise beauty,] and I am 15 years old. I'm 5'6'' and my weight shall remain a mystery to you. Okay, so my height is not average for a Japanese girl of my age, but who ever say that I was normal? I have ridiculously straight hair; and I mean straight! No matter what I do to it, it always stays that way. I guess I have the family's powerful gene to blame for that! My hairstyle is layered in the front, with a side bang that frames my heart shaped face-it also serves to cover my birthmark located on my left temple-. My hair color is deep, polished obsidian black that shines naturally, especially in the sun light. My dark eye lashes surround my alexandrite [purple] eyes which I absolutely love because alexandrite is the only gemstone that changes color. Now . . . How to describe myself? I can tell you I'm not unsightly in anyway. I wear glasses, but not because of any medical reason. I do believe that one's eyes are window to their soul and so my glasses act as an armor of sort.
So, from what I've told you about my family, you can now fully assume we're not 'normal'. Other than our magic, which has limited uses, and a few other things, we're really not that different from your family. I bet by now you'd probably take us to be a living fairytale from a book. Though, I suppose in reality, that's really what my life is.
From the time that my brain was fully developed, at around age 7 or 8, I had to keep a secret. I had to lock it away in my heart, and never let anyone know the existence of a key. And somehow, I got lucky and no one has ever figured out what truly makes me unique. I was taught the art of how to be cunning and how to react to every situation imaginable. Also, that was around the time I learned to read, and perform critical thinking. I read the vast resources of autobiographies from my family's library. Not to say that those are all I read, but they are my favorites. Unlike other books, autobiographies have a voice within its text.
I am a well-loved child. My parents shower me with parental affections, but between the two my father is the doting parent. If you are doing the math as you read, that leaves my mother to be the responsible parent. I recall a day when we went to a private lake in early spring some time ago. "Hey! Let's go for a swim, "He had said. To which my mother replied, "Yes, that'd be splendid. Let us observe the calm presence of the lake and scenery as we take in the melodic song of chipping birds." It'd always make me smile, they're relationship. Though I have to admit, that was not a very accurate example. Oh well, let's move on.
So, now you know all about me, Satomi, and my secret. After all these years, you'll be the first to know my every step into this 'new' world. By new world, I mean I'll be attending the prestigious Cross Academy. And I don't think I'll be disappointed. Wish me luck.
-Betaread by Anna0