4 - The Beginning

I am not scared of my nightmares anymore. I do not wake up screaming, covered in sweat and tears. I have begun to try and discern what I am seeing. I analyze every minute of them, every variation. There are two things static in every dream; fire or lightning, and Lee. I wonder which will cause me more harm...

"Good evening, Ayumi." I look up to see Mushi smiling down at me, a steaming cup of jasmine tea in his hand.

I slide my good arm over my journal instinctively. I don't want him reading about my debatable stalkerish dreams about his nephew. "Hello!"

"And what a beautiful evening it is." He smiles as I glance past him to where Lee is serving a wrinkly old man, his posture more relaxed than I've ever seen him. I think he actually just smiled. Mind you he's still stiff and rigid compared to a normal person. "Did you have a good day today?" Asks Mushi.

I shrug slightly, "It was neither good or bad. Yours?"

Mushi's eyes crinkle with a smile, "Every day is a good tea when I am making and serving tea."

"And drinking tea!" I add, raising my cup in a toast before taking a sip. "Especially when it's jasmine."

He laughs heartily, patting me on the shoulder. "I will leave you to write, Ayumi."

I nod, my attention turning back to his nephew. I'm anxious to understand what purpose he will serve in my life. There has to be a reason I cannot surrender to sleep without seeing his anguished face.

He meets my eyes then, seemingly sensing my searching gaze. I smile slightly in an attempt to look innocent before looking away. There's no good way to play off staring at him. So I will pretend that I was never looking at him.

I focus instead on my tea and my surroundings. Circling my good hand around the steaming mug, I let my eyes roam the teahouse. There is a gentle hum in the air as people talk quietly amongst themselves, feet tapping against the smooth wooden floor.

I sigh, wondering if this will be the last time I will see it. My father could show up any day now, and when that day comes I will have to return to my reality of being an Ogawa. I don't know if I'm ready for that. I know that people would think I'm certifiably insane if they new my true identity. They would wonder why on earth I'd trade the Ogawa Estate for the lower ring, but I'm saner than ever. I am truly happy here, volunteering, helping others. Instead of sitting in a mansion having people wait on me.

"Ayumi?"

I jump, realizing that Lee is staring down at me, a slightly amused look on his face.

"I was starting to think I'm invisible," he informs me.

"Who says you aren't? Maybe only I can see you!" I chuckle, wondering how we got from distrustful glares to friendly banter.

He nods at the cup in my hands, "I was wondering if you wanted a refill."

I nod, suddenly thankful that I had gotten Cami to braid my hair for me last night. "Thank you," I say, pushing the thought from my mind. Who cares what he thinks I look like?

"Are you going to become an author?" Lee asks suddenly, glancing at where my journal lay open beside me.

I chuckle, closing it discreetly with my good hand, "Considering I refuse to let anyone read my writing, probably not."

"You should share your work," he says firmly.

"Not likely, I don't think the world would want to read my diary."

He smirks, "You'd be surprised."

"Seriously, it's just me venting about all my problems and drama with my father." I smirk, "Boring stuff, unless you're good at advice."

"My father and I had a complicated relationship," he says quietly. "I'm probably not the best person to ask."

"Good thing your uncle is the wisest man around." I smile at Mushi from across the room.

Lee frowns slightly, following my gaze. "Sometimes he can be too wise."

"Do you want to take a walk with me?" I blurt out suddenly, wondering where on earth the bold Ayumi came from.

He hesitates a moment, a stunned look on his face, before nodding. "Yes, we're closing up here in a few minutes, so after that?"

I nod, still in disbelief that I actually just asked that, and that he said yes. I clear my throat as he goes to check on the next customer. I catch Mushi's eye from across the room, ignoring the pleased smile on his face. I hastily grab my pen again, taking a large gulp of tea.

I am about to go on a walk with Lee, maybe I can get some answers for why he won't leave my dreams? I scribble, Who am I kidding, I want to spend time with him. As much as he freaks me out, and as weird as this situation is, I am drawn to him. I can make as many excuses about this being a mission to figure things out as I want, but that won't change the fact that I am actually very excited to spend time with him. I won't ever admit that, of course, but it's a very confusing turn of events nonetheless. This is the beginning of something good.

I can't help but wonder if my mother and father started out with feelings just like this, before things blossomed into the epic romance they shared. Did Hiro Ogawa give Yuna butterflies? There are so many questions I want to ask her. My father doesn't tell me nearly enough, he's not exactly an open book.

"Ready?" I glance up again to see Lee, an expression that I can only describe as nervous on his face. Do I give him butterflies?

"Lead the way!" I say cheerfully, hoping I don't sound too cheerful. "Is your Uncle letting you go early?" I ask as I wave goodnight to Mushi. There is a particularly pleased look on his face.

"More like he demanded that I leave early," Lee muttered, shaking his head. "What?" he asks as I burst out laughing, holding the door open for me.

"Your Uncle," I step out into the cool evening air, turning to face him. "Does he think he's subtle?"

Lee smirked, "Doubtful, Uncle Mushi isn't exactly one for beating around the bush."

"You're really lucky you have such an awesome Uncle," I tell him honestly. I envy him.

He kicks a loose stone as we walk, not having chosen a path or destination. "Do you have aunts and uncles?"

"I did," I nod, "But none like yours." I glance over at him, taking a moment to study his face. It's his scar that faces me, and I can't help but be curious. I want to ask, but I feel like a question like that would make him close up.

"Did?" He clarifies, and I nod.

I say simply, "I had an aunt and an uncle, they both got sick." It's the truth and not something I like to talk about.

He nods, not prying any further. We walk not too close together but not too far apart. His hands are in his pockets, mine hang at my sides, open to the possibility of being held. I realize I have not thought about my dreams since we left the Tea House. It is somehow nice to just simply be beside him.

"So where are we going?" He asks after a moment, casting a sideways glance at me.

"My roof?" I suggest, albeit very vaguely.

"Your roof?" he repeats, raising an inquisitive brow.

I nod, "Best view of the lower ring."

We make small talk as I lead the way to my house, about how each other's days were, nothing too deep or serious. I can tell he's still a bit unsure of me, and the feeling is mutual. Not in the sense of unsure of the type of person he is, but in how I feel about him, and I'm definitely not sure how he feels about. That's not something I'm going to ask.

As we turn onto my street I catch sight of Nori and his sons sitting on their step, laughing raucously. No doubt at some joke that Codo cracked. Lee tenses visibly beside me, his eyes trained on the men.

"Ayumi!" Crowe calls, catching sight of me. "We're going to have another brother!"

"Sister!" Cami yells out the open window, correcting him.

"I'm with Cami, this one's going to be a girl," I chuckle as Lee and I come to a stop outside their house.

"Traitor," Dane mutters, shooting me a mock glare.

"Who's your friend?" Cami interjects, coming to join her father and brothers.

"Lee," I say, "Meet Nori, Crowe, Codo, Cami and Dane." Everyone but Codo gives him a warm welcome, smiling and shaking his hand.

Lee smiles a small smile, "It's nice to meet all of you."

"How do you know Ayumi?" Codo asks, or rather, demands.

"I helped him and his Uncle get set up working at Pao's when they arrived," I explain, frowning at Codo. He glares back unflinching. "We should go," I say then, not wanting to subject Lee to Codo's coldness any longer.

"Nice to meet you, Lee," Nori says kindly, as the others chorus their goodbyes. Lee smiles and nods, waving as we walk off.

I can feel Codo's eyes burning into our backs as we walk around the side of my house, finally out of sight.

"Am I stepping on Codo's toes?" Lee blurts out as we stop next to my rickety ladder, a look of concern on his face.

I shake my head, beginning my climb up to the rooftop. "I say no, but he might disagree."

"Do you need help?"

"I'm more than capable," I assure him, pulling myself up onto the shingles, and grinning down at him. "But thanks."

He is up in a moment, returning the smile. "You were right, this is a good view." He stares out over the rooftops, as I put my back to the chimney. He sits down beside me a moment later. Close but in my opinion not close enough.

"So tell me about yourself," I say suddenly, very much wanting to know everything I can about my mysterious refugee.

"Uh, it's just me and my Uncle, I have no other family left. I used to have a sister and a father, and my mother went missing a few years ago. Now it's just Mushi and I." He glances at me, "Your turn."

"My father is fighting in the resistance right now, and my mother died when I was born. And my greatest wish is that I could have known her. Or at least know about her."

"Your father never talked about her?" Lee asks, studying me in the dim evening light.

I shake my head, "Not nearly enough. It's too painful for him."

"What was your mother's name?"

"Yuna, yours?"

He frowns slightly, as if remembering something. "Ursa."

"What a beautiful name," I tell him, before changing the subject, asking him to tell me about Mushi. It's obvious I've hit a sore spot making him talk about the rest of his family.

"Mushi has been there for me through thick and thin, even when I didn't deserve it," he tells me, his voice heavy.

"That's how family should be," I smile. "My father is a lot like that." I wonder then if my father will forgive me for lying to him. He certainly won't be happy. I sigh.

"What's wrong?" Lee asks, leaning in towards me so that his arm gently rests against mine.

"I was just thinking about my father again, that's all." I smile at him then, not moving my arm from his, "This is nice." I am thankful for my moment of boldness.

"This is nice," he smiles back. "Thanks for inviting me. And I'm sorry for all the times I just glared at you when you came for tea."

I chuckle, "That's alright, I'm sure I probably came across as sketchy."

"You're far from sketchy, Ayumi."

I groan internally, wondering if he'd still feel that way if he knew about my nightmares.

"Look at all the stars," he points out then, distracting me. The sky is so clear, the stars shining bright and too plentiful to count.

"I told you I had a good view!" I say with a smile, shivering slightly. Without a word Lee wraps his arm around me, holding me gently. Warmth envelopes me. I am fighting a smile, resting my head gently on his chest.

We sit in silence then, enjoying each other's closeness and the impressive beauty of the night sky.

Later, Lee helps me back onto level ground, his hand lingering for a moment longer on my waist.

"So, I'll see you for tea tomorrow?" He asks hesitantly, a shy smile on his face.

"Yes, but if you want a real view you should come see the sunrise."

"Are you asking me out on a date?" He teases.

"Didn't I already?" I retort, grinning up at him. I am definitely feeling butterflies.

"I will see you at sunrise, Ayumi."

I stand on my tiptoes and plant a gentle kiss on his cheek, "It's a date."

I watch as Lee disappears down the darkened street, sighing softly. I can hear the soft rustling of feet as someone approaches from Hela and Nori's house.

"Your friend finally gone?" Codo asks as he steps in front of me.

"Yes my friend has gone home," I retort, bristling at his attitude. "What are you doing up so late?"

"Making sure you're ok, I don't trust the guy."

"Well I appreciate your concern, but Lee is a good guy. I trust him." My nightmares flash across my mind, and I feel a flicker of doubt. I know there are secrets he's keeping.

"Well then you have bad judgement," Codo snaps.

I raise my eyebrows, stung, "Did you really just say that to me?"

"Yeah, I did."

"I thought you were my friend, Codo." I don't know whether I'm more hurt or angry at how he's talking to me.

"I am, I'm worried about you is all," he snaps.

"I think you're jealous." I say quietly.

I can see his face turn red in the pale light of the moon, and he fumbles for words. Closing his mouth he shakes his head and stalks away.

"Goodnight to you too," I mutter, turning back towards my own house. Let Codo be jealous, that's his own issue.

"Ugh!" I groan, slamming the door behind me. "Why is everything so complicated!"

Obviously nothing in my empty house answers, and I am overwhelmed by exhaustion. I collapse onto my bed, my head aching from all the drama. Things were so much more simpler when I was at the Ogawa Estate, perhaps because I was so sheltered. I don't know what's bothering me more, the fact I'm living a lie, my recurring nightmares, or the issue with Lee and Codo. I scrunch my eyes close in frustration, tears smarting, trying to ignore everything wrong and fall asleep.

I open my eyes to see my mother sitting in front of me, no sign of Lee. She is staring at me in concern and frustration. There is so much I can see she wants to say.

"What are you trying to teach me?" I ask desperately. For once there is no sign of fire or lightning.

"Danger," she warns. Her brilliant amber eyes meeting mine. "Danger."

"I know, I know!" I yell, throwing my good hand up in frustration. "But what danger!" She doesn't answer.

"Is it fire? Lee? What are you trying to warn me about?" I demand.

"Danger," is the only answer I receive. I can smell smoke, and it tells me the fire is coming, even if Lee isn't in this dream.

"Do you have any answers for me?" I ask her, feeling more and more frustrated. "At all?"

She stares at me sadly, silent as usual. I scream in frustration, smashing my fist against the smooth wooden floor. A low roar sounds on the distance.

"What was that?" I ask her, not expecting an answer, and I'm not given one. Whatever is approaching roars again, making the hair on the back of my neck stand on end.

I see a pair of large yellow eyes appear in the darkness and hear a final roar before I am enveloped in flames.

Flames so hot that I no longer feel pain. All I see is red and orange, the acrid smell of smoke burning my nose and lungs. I can no longer see my mother.

The steady stream of flames from the beast is unrelenting. I can still hear my mother warning me, "Danger!" Danger!"

There is another voice, I can barely make out what it's saying, but I can hear my name.

"Ayumi, wake up!" I hear it clearly this time, but I can't make out what direction it is coming from. The roar of the beast attempting to overpower it.

The beast comes forwards then, and I see the head of a great dragon looming over me, bombarding me with flames. Its face flickers momentarily and I see Lee, the flames now pouring from his mouth.

"Ayumi, wake up!" He yells through a mouthful of fire.

My eyes snap open and gasp, inhaling a mouthful of smoke. The fire is real, and it is in my house. I can't see anything but flames through the thick wall of smoke.

"Ayumi!" I turn to see Lee crawling towards me, his face wrought with concern. "Get down and follow me."

I do what he says, not questioning why he's in my house and still hardly comprehending the fact that my house is quickly being engulfed in flames. The smoke is making me dizzy, and a moment later I collapse, I can't remember what I'm doing. My brain is so foggy, I just want to sleep.

"Stay awake, just focus on my voice!" Lee demands, grabbing my arm to drag me out of the house. I watch as smoke billows above me like storm clouds. So tired. Everything goes black.

"Ayumi!" Water splashes on my face and I jolt, my mind suddenly clear. I am lying in a small bed, my surroundings unfamiliar.

"Where am I?" I ask aloud, catching sight of Codo and Lee at my bedside. They exchange a weighted glance, as if trying to decide who is going to do the talking.

"Cami's bedroom," Codo says after a moment. "You're going to be just fine, thanks to Lee."

"What happened?" I ask Lee quietly, suddenly aware of how raw my throat is.

"I came to meet you for the sunrise and saw smoke, your house was already burning. I dragged you out." He says lowly.

Codo claps him on the shoulder, "He's alright in my books."

"Thank you," I say softly, reaching and squeezing Lee's hand. He smiles slightly. "Do they know what happened?"

"It started in your room," Codo pipes up, his eyes on where Lee and I are holding hands. "They think you fell asleep with a candle burning and knocked it over."

I nod aimlessly, keeping the fact that I was not burning any candles last night to myself. I don't want to arouse suspicion, whoever set fire to my house can't know I suspect it wasn't an accident.

"You can stay here while they figure what to do about your house," Codo is saying, a satisfied look on his face.

I feel a sudden rush of panic, my journal and my passport are still in the house. Not to mention my mother's necklace. "I need to go there, now," I state, sitting up and rolling out of bed. Lee steadies me, offering me his arm.

"You can't go back there!" Codo argues, grabbing my lame arm.

I nudge Lee to lead me out, "I have to," I say over my shoulder. To my surprise he follows us outside and onto the now bustling street. It seems as if the whole lower ring has arrived to watch. The sun is already high in the sky, I must have been out for awhile. Long enough for the fire to be put out at least.

Lee leads me through the crowds, and up to what remains of my house. "Do you need me to go in with you?"

I shake my head, slipping into the charred ruins, heading in the direction of my bedroom. Surprisingly, my desk is only partially roasted, the drawer that houses my valuables seems to be for the most part intact.

It takes thirty seconds for me to gather my passport, journal and necklace and head back the skeleton of my house to Lee and Codo. My eyes are watering from the putrid smell of my burnt home.

Codo glances at the small package in my hands, "What is it?"

"My most prized possessions," I say simply, glancing around the crowded street. I turn to face Lee, "I owe you my life."

"It was nothing," he says quietly.

I shake my head, "It wasn't nothing, I might not be here if it wasn't for you." I pause, a thought hitting me. Could this be the danger my mother was trying to warn me about? It was fire, someone burned down my house, but Lee didn't harm me. He saved me. I want to believe that my troubles are over.

"I'm glad you're ok," Lee says, smiling down at me.

I glance past him, my eyes lighting on a mysterious figure lurking in the shadows. The same figure with the hooked claws. My ghost. I know in an instant that it's not over. It's only the beginning.