A story based on the game Shadow Hearts. A story about Yuri and Alice specially manufactured by Puffy.

(o) Warning: Though this is a story with mild adult theme, this is not the usual explicit story that Puffy is fond of writing. A word of caution though to the queasy reader. (o)

This story is dedicated to the child within each one of us, no matter how time flies, the child within remains.

Disclaimer: All such characters don't belong to Puffy and yadda, yadda, yadda!

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Memoirs of a Child.

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(o) A Brief Introduction (o)

1900, Spring, in a Chinese village.

It was an ordinary morning in the village square for the common folk, the same daily routine, all hustle and bustle with everyday life. The baker bakes bread, the farmer sells eggs and cheese; here and there a vendor would shout, trying to entice customers to check their wares.

So when a carriage rode in, something that rarely happens in the little town, everyone seemed to stop whatever it was they were doing to see who the newcomer is.

A gentleman emerged from the carriage. He smiled despite the curious gawking of the village folks. From the looks of his clothing, the villagers knew that he was a foreigner. It was therefore very much a surprise to them when he spoke to them in their language.

"Greetings dear folk! I am Morris Elliot, a priest from England and I have come here to visit your village if it's all right with you." The man said.

Someone must have called the village mayor, as the old man slowly approached the new comer.

"To what do we owe this honor sir?" He asked Morris.

"My church in England wishes to send aid, especially in troubled times like ours today. I have come to offer help to improve farming land techniques in your village. In return, I would like to invite everyone to a small Bible study every evening."

"And do we have to pay you?" the mayor asked, pulling on his long moustache.

Morris shook his head and smiled. "No sir. There's no need for that, I am a missionary sent by the church. I have brought some seedlings with me and other tools, you might find them very useful here."

Just then, a little girl jumped down the carriage to join her father. Her hair was like a beacon to the village people, made them draw closer, for they have not seen a girl as pretty as she is. Her silvery blond hair was neatly arranged in a braid, tied with violet ribbons. But it was her eyes that made people approach nearer. Violet with blue and gold specks, her eyes were like huge gems, sparkling with life and laughter. She smiled at each one of them, instantly winning them over.

"My daughter. " Morris announced proudly. "Her name is Alice."

The mayor looked at the little girl and felt more at ease. No shady character would ever bring their own child if they are up to no good.

"You are welcome to stay Mr. Morris, but I'm afraid we got a problem."

"What is it sir?"

"We rarely have any visitors here, so we have no inns. I would invite you to my own house, but we already packed in to the roof. The house is quite small you see, and I have 8 children."

"No need to worry about that sir." Morris beamed. "I'm sure we'll be able to find accommodations."

Then he pulled down a box from the carriage. He said something to the mayor, which made the old man smile.