This piece of fanfiction came into creation around the end of 2003. Within two weeks I managed to write the first four chapters and was quite pleased with the result. And then it was forgotten. Finally, after two and a half years, I decided to resurrect this project and release it to the public. The first four chapters have been somewhat revised to accommodate my new writing style and break away the previous immature tints the story possessed.
Even though neglected, I've always remembered the desired storyline and characters. Then again, considering all original characters were based after my good friends, it's hard to truly forget. Different character traits and aspects of this story are so true to reality for me, it's comforting in a way. Like leafing through a photo album, by revisiting this fictive world I am able to remember certain things. The readers may not see or comprehend my sentiments, but I still hope people can come to enjoy my weave of words.
Currently, my good friends aren't all that close to me anymore. Over the years we've slowly been drifting apart and found our own paths, more this past year than ever. Still, even though I let them fade away from the main aspects of my life, it does not mean I no longer miss them. That, more or less, is one of the main reasons I decided to resurrect this story. By continuing to write I am able to reflect upon my dear friends and all the wonderful times we've had. They may not get to read the final version of this tale, but that is the farthest thing from my mind. If one person can come to enjoy my writing, I'm content.
My original intent for this piece of fanfiction was for it to continue off the original Weiß Kreuz series. Though, only a month after I started writing, Glühen was released. Because of this, some readers may be confused, so I'll try my best to explain. My story occurs two years after the original Weiß Kreuz series ended, and Glühen (in my fanfictive reality) did not occur. For those who have only seen the original series, you don't need to pay heed to what I'm stressing. And for those who have seen Glühen, just try and pretend you never saw the series to avoid perplexity.
All in all, if you love it or hate it, thanks for reading.
Chapter One: The Night's Reflection
Ran Fujimiya walked silently, keeping his head low, letting the rain beat down on his face and body. The cold, penetrating feeling swept over him again and again with every descending raindrop. His clothing was drenched through and it chilled his body. It was like the feeling of loss, he thought, but didn't care. Nothing was left anymore.
Dark gray clouds covered the essence of the moon, though a dim, hazy light still lit the streets of Yokohama, a city that was a little distance away from Tokyo. This is where he had been living for the past year, since he left.
He shook his head removing the vile memories from his mind. He did do the right thing, he told himself. There was no other choice... was there?
No, there wasn't, he reminded himself. He had to leave Weiß. If he didn't Aya could've been killed. His sweet little sister could've died. But the accident...
The doors to the hospital slid open as the drenched Ran treaded inside. Many of the florescent lights had been turned down low. The place was silent except for the slight snoring sound the teenage girl behind the reception desk made. No bodies filled the waiting chairs. Then again, not many people were ever here. Just the patients—most whom would never wake. How he hated this place.
His wet shoes made squeaking noises as he walked over to the elevator. The teenager behind the desk still didn't stir. Not amused, he punched the up button, letting a loud vibrating sound fill the calm room.
She immediately jumped and looked over in Ran's direction. Yawning, she stretched and gave a welcoming smile. "Well hello, Mr. Fujimiya."
He stared at her with cold eyes.
Silence.
"Here to see your sister?"
The elevator doors veered open and he ambled in without saying a word to the receptionist. She stared at him blankly before the doors closed—his frozen eyes meeting hers for a quick second, enough to make her gasp.
Combing his left hand through his dripping wet crimson hair, the elevator climbed upward. Within the secluded box, however, he found his past dancing across his vision over and over again.
"I'm sorry, but considering her history, I'm afraid this time she will never awaken."
Ran stared at the doctor intensely, everything of pain and misery turned to bitter hate. "That's what you said the last time, three years ago. And she did wake up."
"And a miracle it was," the doctor said sighing. Removing his glasses from his nose, he rubbed his eyes. "But this time is different. Her brain is very fragile from the last accident. Now, considering the circumstances, I'm afraid the right amount of oxygen will never get to her brain." He paused. "She's going to be stuck in a coma forever."
Ran flinched as the elevator stopped and the metallic doors opened. The halls of the fifth floor were shrouded in a thick veil of the purest darkness. Still, a sliver of moonlight stubbornly shone through the windows, piercing the black sheet. Walking from the elevator, Aya noticed the rain had stopped; only scattered droplets lightly fell from the roof and past the glass.
The beauty of the night never ceased to amaze him. It was so ironic how a noisy, upbeat city could turn into a tranquil paradise. No, Ran thought. Not a paradise, a hunter's haven. A place of inconsistent beauty hidden within the light, but released when the obscurity approached. A place where you could feel safe but fearful at the same time. A place where your wildest dreams could come true, but your nightmares would continue to stalk you.
Ran knew all about the wonders and dangers of the night. Being an assassin gave you that insight on the world. Funny how a place could be so safe during the day, but a real hell when the moon rose.
Sighing, he reached the end of the hall, stopping in front of a door reading 'Room 234: Aya Fujimiya'. His hand clutched the knob but did not turn. That's when he realized it—it was too silent. Where was the janitor? A nurse? A security guard?
Suddenly he heard a light crack coming from behind.
Turning around slowly, Ran hunched his body into a ready position. Prepared to be attacked or stricken at any moment, he slowed and steadied his breathing.
Snap.
The bloody pulp of a security guard's body dangled centimeters from Ran. His dead irises were wide, terror-stricken. Blood pooled in the whites of his eyes from the strangulation, and his face was tattooed with multitudes of abrasions and bruises. A rope hanging from the ceiling supports was looped around his neck, chafing away the thin flesh, drawing more useless blood.
Without hesitation, Ran flung open his sister's door and hit the light switch. The darkness remained as a distant breeze twirled around him. And that's when he first saw her.
The silhouette of a tall, slender girl with flowing dark hair stood in the window, holding his comatose sister in her arms. Before he could move, her eyes shot at him. The pale moonlight reflected on her face, letting him see her ghostly-pale skin, her dark lips, and the most exquisite silver eyes he had ever known. His breath left his lungs as he stared at her almost in a trace.
But her eyes remained cold. As did his.
Pulling himself from his intensity, he took a step towards them. Though, with the subtlest of movements, she quickly leaped from the window without speaking a word. Panicked, Ran raced to the casement and gazed down. His eyes widened with disbelief.
Nothing. They were gone.
A sickly pain struck his heart as he fell to his knees and went limp, only to scream the name of the one he loved the most into the dead silence of the night.