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Mirage
by Rei Himura
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Disclaimer: Flame of Recca and whatever other characters which -will- be featured inside and which I will not tell, do not belong to me. They belong to (a) Nobuyuki Anzai-sama and (b) other people.

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Prologue: Images are always being bent and distorted that's why you can never see things properly...

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The papers in Fuuko's hand drfited slowly to the floor. The expression on the Hokage's face was pale. Her eyes glazed over. Her heart... broken.

The wind carried the scented papers across the lawn, whispery voice reading out its contents.

Dear Fuuko-san,

I guess it must have amused and irritated you greatly to recieve a letter instead of me in flesh and blood. But now as you read this, there is no humour in my voice. Or in the fluency of this letter.

Fuuko-san, how long has it been since we first met? I can't quite recall, but all I know was that your face was as radiant and as vibrant as ever. So full of life, so full of energy. How I yearn to cup your face once again in the waning sunlight. But from where I am... I can't. Is it early to say this? I think it is. But I miss you.

So now I shall come straight to the point. Sharp and blunt. I apologize in advance. For not giving this letter to you personally, or say the contents face to face. I apologize for leaving you. Yes... that is what this letter is about.

I fear that my time has ended. As much as I refuse and am reluctant in leaving you, I have to. I must. My work has been completed. Kurei-sama is happily and safely married to Neon-san. I am glad that he has finally seen the beautiful and faithful woman who has stood by him through thick and thin. A smile comes to my face when I recall that you too, have stood by me for better and for worse.

I shan't keep you waiting any longer. In suspense, in anger, whatever your emotions may be. It has taken me this long to tell you this. Ah, if only I had said it to ou the first day we met. Though I doubt you'd be too happy to hear it. Especially from your enemy.

I love you Fuuko Kirisawa. Aishiteru.
Always have, always will.

Enclosed with this letter, is a map to an old warehouse in Hokkaido. It is a request from me, that you go there. Use the key included to open the locked door. Inside, a second letter awaits. No, this is not some treasure hunt where I am the prize. Though I wish it were. Go Fuuko. I may not be with you but no doubt I am with you. Forget me...


Loving you always,
Raiha

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It is the rain...
That these droplets of moisture are on my face.

It is the summer...
That my face flushes.

It is the sun...
That my hair is losing its lustre.

It is you...
That my heart is now broken.

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Author's Notes: So well, good enough for more? o_O?

[rei]