Sprouting Flames Of Shadows
Chapter 2-Memories
Whitney unpacked quickly.
Bed sheets and pillows came with the room, so she didn't need to worry about that. As for everything else, her bag could hold more than it seems. As she set up her desk, placing pens, pencils and papers in their corresponding spots, she thought about the past week.
She had come from the American Branch of the True Cross Order, wanting to learn all that the Japan Branch offered in True Cross Academy. Or at least, that's what she told. The truth was, she was investigating the strange occurrences that seemed to happen only here in Japan.
As she set down a black sitting-cat ornament, a memory flooded her mind.
She walked into the room, carefully watching her older brother. He usually didn't respond too well to Whitney, and with her staying at his place, if only for a few days, things were bound to end badly. He knew she was only passing through, but that didn't calm his quirky nerves.
"Hello, brother." She greeted slowly, each word carefully said. His ears twitched in response. She relaxed slightly, before seating herself at the head of the mahogany dining table. She traced the woodgrain of the reddish table, mesmerized by the swirls and whirls of the scarlet-tinted wood.
A moment of silence passed.
Her brother silently stood from his place at the opposite end of the table, and quietly, almost cat-like, walked over to White.
"Listen, Whitney." He began, leaning on an arm placed on the wood in front of her.
"White." She corrected, a frown forming on her lips.
"Whatever. I know you and I don't get along." She pursued her lips in mild surprise. Was he...apologizing? "So, to prevent any...mishaps, you should leave." She slowly nodded her understanding. Of course he wouldn't apologize. This was her brother they were talking about.
"I was planning on moving on, anyway." She replied softly, wanting to carry on with her wandering travels. They just looked at each other for a second longer, tension building until White was sure it would pop like a champagne cork. Her brother ran long fingers through his bangs, midnight blue eye showing a predatory gleam.
"Just...get out of my hair." He ordered. She stood, the oak chair barely making a sound against the hardwood floor. She was about to leave the suffocating room, when he spoke again.
"But maybe...maybe you can do something for me, first." She turned from the beckoning doorway, an eyebrow raised in silent question. He slapped an envelope down on the dining table, the sound slicing through the unnatural silence like a sharp knife. White didn't twitch, she kept her eyes trained on her older brother. But, bound by curiosity, her gaze drifted to the package laying on the mahogany, stark white against the red tint.
A slight rustle of moving clothing had White glancing back up at her brother, but he was gone.
White glanced at her bed, where that same envelope now sat. It had contained a short letter, school administration papers, and a generous allowance. She had been surprised at that last one. Her brother was caring, but never towards her. It was probably because this was a prestigious school for rich kids, not a cheap public dump. At least he didn't insult her by giving her a passport; she already had one, for all her travels and sightseeing.
She took a deep breath, and decided she needed some fresh air.
She sat on the rooftop, dangling her legs over the edge, inhaling the still night air. The sky was clear, as if the brightness of the moon and stars had burned the clouds away. It was so quiet, she felt as if she could just...melt away into the shadows. She took another breath.
The night was incredibly peaceful, the silence welcoming. It grounded her mind as it rushed about with unnecessary clutter, much like a nice bath would do. The cool air was comforting against her cheeks. The night was still, but not dead. Dead would be unbearable, the air uncomfortably warm and no breezes stirring. No, still was better. Her chest expanded as the same air filled her lungs.
Somewhere in the distance the midnight hour chimed. Had she really been out here so late? Time flew by, so long as you weren't paying attention to its passage. Midnight...
Maybe...she should go back inside. She was now at school, so she would need a full nights sleep. Especially as she was studying Exorcism. But then again, she had never need sleep. A catnap or two, yes, but never a full night. It was just how her body worked. But...maybe she should, to keep up appearances.
She shook her head of those thoughts. Now was a time to relax, to let the cool night air calm her restless mind. She took an extra deep breath. And then another, negative thoughts just drifting away, flowing out of her head, lit on the wind. She had no use for muddled thoughts, only a clear, untroubled mind. She exhaled, imagining everything negative leave her in that breath.
Her mind drifted to her brother. She remembered opening the envelope, and reading the short letter.
Go to True Cross Academy. Study to become am exorcist. It had said. Investigate the strange occurrences happening there, and the one they seem to center around. You'll know him when you find him. I have some suspicions that I need to be confirmed.
Typical of her brother not to specify who the person is, or what those 'suspicions' are. She sighed. White just hoped she could get it done with already, so she could go back to her travels. She inhaled a shuddering breath, nerves shaking.
Her gaze was lured towards the sky, where the stars winked and danced. The moon bore down on the world below with it's shining light. It made worries slip away, its magnificent raidience replacing them. It was calming, to be out here on a night like this.
Perhaps coming out here tonight wasn't the greatest idea. But one thing was for certain.
She could never tell anyone.
Hey guys!
Notice how I said 'midnight blue eye' in the flashback? That was not a mistake. There are lots of little teasers spread throughout the story, all building up to later chapters. I've never done this kind of thing before, I'm so excited! ;P