I do not own Karin, nor anything Yuna Kagesaki makes.
Karin: Paradox
-- Author's Notes --
I think Yuriya got gypped in the ending, so my version of the ending will have her better off. And, Of course, Karin and Kenta romance will come in the next chapter, don't worry!
And what exactly is a "Psyche"? Well, that's the name other vampires call a special vampire like Karin. This "psyche" means "soul", and yes, Karin has the soul of a girl inside of her.
It is actually a curse put upon her family that made her that way. Interesting eh? This story will explain the origins of this curse. More will be explained in later chapters.
Anyway, that's all for now. Don't wanna say too much or I'll spoil it.
Now, enjoy chapter 2!
CHAPTER TWO: Yuriya's Past Part 1
"This time, I'll try to be useful. I've finally found the vampire that Uncle was looking for, and I can't let this chance slip by!"
Closing the door to her run-down studio apartment, a nubile young woman walks down a vacant street.
Her hair is neatly tied in two large pigtails, with tiny spectacles worn on her face that reflected the morning sun's rays. Her black sweater hung on her shoulders, swaying with the wind.
Not paying any attention to the scenery, she reflects upon thoughts swirling in her mind.
I feel so bad doing this to Maaka-san. I... I know Uncle said I shouldn't feel sympathy for a "Pushuke" like Maaka-san. I know that "Pushuke" are only born to sacrifice their lives for the sake of vampires. But...
She shakes her head, trying to get rid of the her lingering feelings of sympathy.
No. I've already decided that I'd go through with this ever since I told Uncle over the phone. After all that he's done for me... I at least owe him this much in return.
Closing her eyes, she recalls that fateful day. A melancholic day that she would have liked to continue to forget if not for the current circumstances.
The pool of thoughts in her mind flow and swirl to form the images of her past.
The smell of seasoning and spices. A small, but comfortable little home.
A solemn woman with long brown hair stirs a pot of stew, white steam slowly dancing upward from the black pot.
"I'm home."
A girl wearing a winter Middle school uniform shut the door behind her, removing her dark brown shoes to face the door, squeezing the lengths of skirt.
"It's raining cats and dogs out there. The weather's been getting pretty bad lately. Don't you think so too, mom?"
The woman turned her head to the girl, still stirring the stew.
"Yes. But rain is very important, Yuriya. Without it, seeds can't grow into beautiful flowers."
"I guess so... but it doesn't make it any easier for me."
The girl brought out a chair and sat on the table where the both of them always eat their supper together.
The woman used a metal ladle to pour the stew into two small bowls, placing a spoon in both of the bowls. She carries them to the dinner table and places one in front of her daughter.
"Eat up."
The little girl puts her two hands together and says, "Itadakimasu." Lifting her spoon, she sips on the broth of the stew. Her mother sits on the opposite chair and begins the Japanese saying--
"Itadakima--"
The woman's eyes widen in horror. The spoon that was in her right hand drops to the linoleum floor. Clasping both hands to her face, covering her mouth and nose, she gasps for air and wheezes.
"MOM!"
The girl leaps from her seat and runs behind her mother to assist her.
"MOM! WHAT'S WRONG?! MOM!" The girl put both hands on her mother's shoulders and turned to look at her.
The woman's wheezing subsided for the moment after her daughter's interjection.
"Let... let me rest for a bit..." Helping her up, the girl puts her mother's arm over her shoulder to support her. She carries her to an unwrapped futon, her mother now resting under the soft blankets.
The woman shut her eyes and breathed unsteadily. Her daughter brought in a bucket of cold water and a soaked towel and placed it on her forehead, sitting in seiza position beside her resting mother.
A few hours later... the woman's condition continues to worsen.
She can no longer breathe normally, now convulsing in pain and coughing up small amounts of blood.
Looking more and more pale every passing second, she manages all her strength to bring one hand to her daughter's face. "Don't cry, Yuriya." She rubbed the girl's cheek slowly. However, tears continue to stream down her daughter's face.
"...m...mom...*sob*...mom..."
The pig-tailed girl squeezed her mother's white hand tightly. It's cold. Absolutely no warmth at all. It's as if she were touching the hand of a doll.
The girl's lips trembled, her red face filled with hot tears.
Her mother lifted her weak arm, pointing to the corner of the room where she lie.
"Yuriya... open my bottom dresser-yes, that one... do exactly as that letter says.
"...but...but mom..."
"It's okay... Please know that wherever you are, I am there with you. No matter what, I will always be there. I'll always be watching over you...
...I love you, Yuriya."
"MOOOOOOM! NO, YOU CAN'T! ...mom! ...mom... *sob* mo..."
Weeping and wallowing in her sorrow, Yuriya shrouds the face of her deceased mother and leaves her hometown. She'll never see this place again, for it's brought her misfortune and bad memories.
She'll kill all emotion inside of her, destroy that part of herself so she can move on without regrets.
Now begins the search of her last remaining relative. The sole person she will entrust her life to.
Yuriya's new life is only just beginning.
