Smoke arose from not far away.

What he knew though, was that it wasn't Hinata whom was burning the town, or so he hoped. The magic feel was familiar, but Akira couldn't put his finger on it.

Ashes flew their direction, flooding the sky in it's gray substance. The residents ran for safety, away from the unfolding scene.

Sparks flew as metal hit metal, two figures clashed in the air. Purple and blue danced around each other, gracefully, they carried themselves. They separated. Each enveloped in their own magic particles.

A puff of smoke had sent a fighter hurdling towards them. Tumbling, scraping, Hinata now lay at their feet. Her black waistcoat was ripped at the side, exposing a deep gash that gushed out blood.

Blood dripped from her mouth, yet she cockily grinned, her golden eyes sparked in so much emotion. Stiffly, she pushed herself up with her shoulders. "Is that all you have?" She sneered. Her dirtied legs failed from under her, sending her crumbling the the ground once again.

"Hinata," Daiki ran past Akira. "Quick, Aiya, she needs hep."

Aiya followed his lead, white light glowed from her palms as she neared Daiki and Hinata. "I don't need your help," Hinata spat, attempting to stand. "This is my fight."

"Hinata, my beautiful blossom~" The enemy cooed. "How long until I can break you?"

The enemy hid within the smoke, only allowing them to see his silhouette. "You can never break true art-" She smirked.

Chuckling, the silhouette raised his hand snapping his fingers in the air. "Because it's already been broken," He laughed. "The Firefly Princess is on her knees, from the day I left, you broke. Was it because of me? No, it was Akihiro, wasn't it? He humiliated you, defeated you in battle, looked down on your 'beloved' art, you might have worn a cocky smirk, acted as if you didn't care. But there's no denying it, Akihiro has set down a cage upon you, trapping you in place, in Neikans group. And you are painfully aware of that. It's killing you inside."

"Shut up," Hinata growled. Her eyes failed her, although they glared with superiority, a hot stream of tears ran down her cheeks.

"How does it feel? How must it feel, living your life knowing that you lost, simply because you weren't strong enough? Stand up, prove that you are superior, prove that you are stronger than-"

"You sure run your mouth, Chatterbox." Akira growled.

The wind rotated, sending anything in its way to follow, as if creating a border. "But Akira, didn't you want to know why she despises you so much?" The smoke cleared out, showing the enemies green eyes. "Now, Akira, I'll tell you the truth: I destroyed Thornville."

Daiki and Aiya stared in shock, how could one mage cause so much damage? Why would he do it?

"T-that's impossible." Aiya muttered.

"Why would you do that?" Daiki shouted. Hinata's eyes were now dull, void of any emotion.

"I did it for Hinata." He smiled. "In a world of darkness, my precious flower would only wither."

No, it didn't make any sense. "Mukami," Akira whispered. "I-I don't understand."

"That's because, you're naive, oblivious to the world around us." He removed his hat, spinning one of it's red feathers on his finger. "Demon's Blade." The red feather shifted, turning into an enormous scythe. Mukami swirled, sending the scythe flying towards Akira.

"Heaven's Judgment." The scythe scraped against a glowing white sword. Akira didn't feel a thing. Kill, was all he though about. Yes, he wanted-no, he needed-to kill this man. "Water Pass" Swinging his sword, Akira created a streak of water, and launched it at Mukami.

He jumped as the water chopped down the trees and roofs of the homes nearby. "Dance of the Stars" A large magic circle appeared in the sky, clouds floated around as they got darker. Glowing brighter, the circle launched countless orbs of magic. The ground cracked as they aimed for Akira.

"Phoenix Flare: Nebula" Daiki's arms flared, sending spirals of fire towards Mukami.

"Sky Art: Hurricane." Aiya outstretched her arms, creating a hurricane behind Mukami. With fire coming from one side, and a hurricane behind, Mukami jumped through the gap.

Aira smirked in victory, with a swift motion, he snatched Mukami's scythe away, and aimed his sword towards Mukami.

The sword met flesh, digging deep inside, and exiting through the other side. Akira raised his head, wanting to see Mukami's defeated face. But what he saw was different. Golden eyes stared back at his, strands of her lavender hair brushed against his cheek as she gasped.

Mukami stared wide eyed at the scene before him. Akira's blade went through Hinata's stomach. "Hina...ta..." By the time Mukami hit the ground, he had vanished.

Akira's sword disappeared. He swooped her body, and landed with a slight thud. He held her bridal style, his tears stained her hair. "Why?"

"I love him." Hinata answered, her eyes beginning to close.

Aiya quickly ran to them, the glow in her palms returned, as she placed her hands over Hinata's heart.

"There's a clinic not far, she needs professional help," Daiki commented. Akira lifted her up and they set off to the clinic, residents poked their heads out to see the commotion.


"I'll go tell Neikan," Daiki offered. "If I go now, I can make it by night-"

"That won't be necessary," An orange head spoke. "Hideaki already set off."

The ginger walked up to a nurse. He handed her a sack of jewels, and turned to walk out. "That's for the damages on the town."

Aiya stood. "Hey, who're you?"

"Names Kioshi," He waved. "I wasn't at the meeting, but got the message that we would have three new members. I guess it'll soon be time to take down those stupid Reaper's Scythe's. Toodles~"

Aiya stared confusingly at the mans retreating back. Were they seriously strong enough?

Daiki was meanwhile munching on a carrot, a habit when he gets nervous. Akira sat staring at the wall, deep in concentration.

She was willing to die for him. He was her savior.

Why?

What does the destruction of Thornville have anything to do with Hinata?

He needed answers. He needed to see Akirhiro now. But he couldn't leave, he was the one who injured Hinata, he has a reason to apologize now.

"Friends of Miss Bell Naoki?" A nurse asked as she entered through two doors.

Confused, Daiki stood. "Uh, you mean Hinata?"

Equally confused, the nurse looked down at her papers. "No, I have a Bell Naoki? The lavender haired girl you brought earlier."

What was going on?

"Oh right," Aiya spoke up. "Sorry for the misunderstanding, we're still tired from the fight."

"Ah," The nurse smiled. "Well she is starting to wake up, she is allowed only one visitor today."

"I'll go," Akira quickly replied.

The nurse led him to the third floor, and into a plain hallway.

White

That's the only color there.

Through a door, with the numbers 38 on it, Akira stepped inside the room. It was equally white, white walls, white sheets, white curtains.

His eyes landed on Hinata, her face was paler than normal, her hair was a mess. "I know you're awake." Akira sat on the chair that was placed next to the bed. "I want the truth, Bell" Thunder stroked the sky, much to Akira's annoyance.

Hinata giggled, it echoed around the room. Hot tears ran down her face.


"Filthy scum," A woman hissed as she drew her whip. A young girl, about the age of 7, laid on the dirt ground. Her arm shielded her face, ready to be met by her punishment. She whimpered as it landed on her side. "Why did I ever bother to raise you, I should've killed you when you were born."

"I'm sorry, momma." The girl cried.

The woman growled. "You have no right to call me that, you're lucky I'm Leona's second hand. In fact, Leona need's a future bride for her strongest child. You'll be going to their household. You'll be monitored, and trained to be stronger. I heard she has a few more girls who are in training, don't disappoint me. Heck, if you can become a Caldwell, then you can address me as Mother again. If you're not chosen, then you might as well die. Am I clear?"

"Y-yes, Fiona."

With that, the woman known as Fiona stalked away. Her indigo hair flowed with the wing, contrary to the little girls. The girl was dirty, her hair brown from the dirt. She could feel bruises forming under her torn clothes.

"Bell," A whispering voice called out. "Ah, there you are!"

A young bow, the same age s the girl, strolled towards her. A box in his hands. The boy had short indigo hair, and golden eyes, like Bell.

"Chess?"

"Hm," He grabbed her hand. "I heard Momma is giving you to the Caldwells tomorrow, she's arranging to get you cleaned up this afternoon." He continued to drag her into the forest. Once they reached the trees, they hid behind a bush. "I stole this cake from the kitchen, it's chocolate, your favorite." He pulled out two forks from his pocket, and handed one to Bell.

"This won't be the last time we eat together, right?"

"I won't let it. Momma is Leona's second hand, I could possibly beg her to let me go over for dinner." Chess took a bite of the cake. "And when I see you again, you'll be the strongest."

"But I don't have any magic..."

"You don't know that, maybe you're a late bloomer,"

They continued to eat in silence. It was nice. Chess was usually training since he already showed his magic abilities. "Master Chess?" A maid not far called out. Her eyes scanned around, but she couldn't find the boy.

"I gotta go," Chess stood. "One day, everyone is going to call you Mistress Bell, I have faith in you."

Bell smiled, her brother was the only one kind to her. She mustn't give up, she'll be the best, for Chess. "Bell," Another maid called out, without much effort, the maid simply stood there. "Lady Fiona has ordered me to clean you before tomorrow, don't hide."

"H-hai," Bell rushed out from the bush. The cake was left half eaten as Bell followed the maid through the house. Truth be told, she was rarely allowed inside, her mother would make her sleep outside, claiming that it would 'toughen her'.

-n-

The maid led her into an enormous bathroom, the tub was full of steaming water and bubbles. It smelled like lavenders. "Undress, and get in, I'll be outside the door."

Bell stood in front of the mirror wall. Her wavy hair reached her shoulders, a fringe fell over her forehead, as two strands framed her face. She wore a large button up shirt for sleepwear.

Even she couldn't recognize herself.

-n-

"Get up," A maid opened the curtains. It had been a while since she had slept on a bed, and frankly, she didn't want to get up. Groaning, she did as told, the maid had set a set of clothes on thee bed, and ordered Bell to change.

The maid stepped outside to allow her to change. The clothes were simple, a lavender sundress with a white dress shirt under, covering the bruises on her arms. Purple and white stripped leggings covered her legs, and she wore a pair of fluffy black boots. The look was completed with a knee length black coat, and lilac scarf due to the season being winter.

"You may enter," She called out to the maid.

Stepping back in, the maid glared. "Don't act so high, until you become a Caldwell, you wont be treated any different. Come, the Caldwells are being served breakfast here, do not disappoint your mother."

The walk to the dining room seemed like an eternity away. During the way, Bell had to listen to the maid's lessons. Do not speak unless being spoken to. Do not make eye contact. No eating with your mouth open.

The large doors leading to the dining room seemed so big. Bell's hands sweated although it was cool indoors.

Opening the door, Bell stepped in before the maid. A woman with long, pale blue hair sat at the table meant for five, just like her mother adjusted it. Next to her, a boy whom seemed to be in his mid teens stared at Bell with his green eyes, his hair was pitch black with silver tips.

The table was round, allowing Fiona to sit next to Leona. Chess sat next to his mother, meaning that Bell had to sit between her brother and the boy. "Bell, my beautiful child, come join us. Breakfast is about to start, what took you so long?"

"Pardon me, Mother." Bell kept her head down.

A firm hand pushed Bell towards the table. She sat at her seat, and the teen boy pushed her chair closer to the table.

He smiled at her, and it wasn't out of pity. It was like how Chess smiled at her, like an equal.

"Ah Bell," Leona spoke first. "You're a beautiful young lady. Fiona has told me that your magic hasn't come up yet. No biggie, as Fiona's daughter, I expect great things from you. What do you think, Ayato?"

The teen's smile grew wider. "Now, Mother Leona, a flower cannot be rushed into blooming. Her magic will sprout when she is ready, after all, she's still a child."

"Even so, you were able to master three elements by her age." Leona announced. "Shall we eat?"

The chefs rushed in, placing plates of food before them. Bell gazed at the food, apart from the treats that Chess would sneak to her, she rarely ate anything good.


"So, Mukami's real name is Ayato," Akira muttered.

"I wouldn't say that," Hinata answered. "His full name is Ayato Mukami Caldwell."

Akira was still confused, it didn't make any sense. "Why change your name though?"

"Ayato likes to call me Hinata, you know the meaning don't you?" She grinned.

"It means 'sunflower,' doesn't it?"

Hinata smiled softly. "My magic appeared late. But, he told me to be like a sunflower," She giggled. "He told me to keep looking up, because everything was going to be fine. So, I've been going by Hinata for so long now, and I'll keep being Hinata, for him."

"Him this, him that." Akira hissed. "What about you? Just, who are you?"

"I am Hinata."

"Why would he attack you? All the things he said, why are you still protecting him?"

"Because, that wasn't Ayato." Hinata closed her eyes. "You looked at him as if you knew him. You know it too. That wasn't the Ayato you know."


"Hiro-nii-san." Akira shouted. "You promised me you'd train with me."

Akihiro stood at the doorway of his home, "Sorry, nii-chan. I promised a friend-"

"Oi, Hiro." A booming voice called out. At the gates of their property, stood Yuu, his silver hair was being held back by blue hair pins. Next to him, another teen with black hair and silver tips stood. "All Mighty God just recruited another sucker. This is Mukami, he's a chill fucker."

Twitching, Akihiro sent a deadly glare towards Yuu. "What did I tell you about cursing at the presence of children?"

"Tehee," Yuu was unaffected by the glare. "The kid is 8 years old, I'm sure he's heard worst."

"He's right." Mukami cut in. "Children are still learning, you mustn't influence him into doing the wrong thing, Yuu-san."


"There's still gaps. It still doesn't explain anything."

Hinata stayed quiet, her eyes traced the droplets on the window.

"I need to know the rest-"

"Visiting hour is over. Your friend left an address, you may come back tomorrow." The nurse smiled.

"Just a bit longer, please?"

Sighing, the nurse stared at Hinata. "Well, if she's fine with-"

"Leave." She growled. "Both of you, I want you two out, now."


Akira had arrived at the hotel, Aiya and Daiki had left before him.

It was simple, cream walls, a few decorations. Outside, the rain continued to pour, come to think of it, it wasn't raining nor sprinkling that morning. Akihiro must have placed a seal on him.

"Akira," Aiya called from the doorway. She wore a towel over her hair, which was dipping. "You sure took your time."

He nodded and stepped in the room. Daiki sat at one of the three beds in the room. At the far corner, the orange haired teen meditated, Kioshi was his name.

"What is Heavens Rose's relationship with the Reaper's Scythe?"

Kioshi opened is purple eyes. They bore holes through Akira, though, he stared back. "We were 'acquaintances' to say the least. To be fairly honest, I've only been following orders. As long as I can be on the battlefield, then I wont ask questions."

"Ahihiro said that you guys didn't destroy Thornville." Aiya muttered; her blue eyes glared at Kioshi. "But, Yuu said he sliced my fathers throat open...Nothing is making sense!"

Kioshi didn't seem fazed at all. He threw a lazy glance at her, and laid on the bed. "Yuu was defending himself. The Skye Clan was plotting with the Reaper's Scythe's; us Heaven Rose didn't meet eye-to-eye with them. So, a battle broke out. The Skye Clan wasn't strong enough, you should know it too, Yuu is the Skye Clan's prodigy, his blood lust could never be rivaled. Well, Neikan never let us get too deep into training, so we're not really sure."

"So that's why my father wanted me to go on the trip." Aiya muttered.

The door swung open.

A man with straight green hair and brown eyes stepped in. He was of average height, and wore a cloak that reached the ground. The hood hung over his head, shielding him from the rain.

"Neikan wants us back by tomorrow afternoon. We'll start training, the Reaper's Scythes are expanding." The man informed. "We strike next week."

He appeared to be calm. Contrary to the orange head that was sticking his tongue out at the newcomer. "Hideaki," Koishi wined. "You're so serious. Not even a 'hey there, my most favorite partner, Koishi'? All these years, and you're still a cold hearted bastard."

"Shut up, idiot." The green haired man, Hideaki, glared. "This is no time for childplay."

Kioshi grunted. "From what I gathered, the lacrima implanted in Ayato is acting up again."

"Hinata needs to learn that she can't do anything about it."

"An eye for an eye, I guess." Kioshi thought aloud.

Daiki looked back and fourth at both Heaven Rose members. "Lacrima?"


"My dearest Ayato." Leona cooed at the black haired teen. "You re still not stronger than your elder brother. Don't you worry, we stole a very powerful lacrima, just for you."

Ayato bore holes through the object in Leonas hands. "What type of lacrima is it?"

Leona smirked. "It is a Demon Lacrima, stronger than a Demon Slayer. Stronger than any magic. With this, you will be able to be my successor. All you have to do, is learn to control it."

"What if I can't?"

"Then the demon will consume your sole, and take over your body. Which is why, you must learn to control it. I sensed Astral and Celestial Magic from Fionas daughter. Her blood will help to create a seal to tame it." Leona explained.

"Her...blood?"

Grinning, Leona placed her hand on Ayato's shoulder. "We have to kill her."

Ayato's green eyes widened in shock.

"A month from now, we will expand to a town named Thornville. I have made a deal with a powerful Clan, the Skye Clan. Fiona is one of my strongest mages, she cannot know that we will be killing her daughter. Therefor, we'll make it seem like it was an accident."

"I understand." Ayato smiled. "But Mother, may I go visit this Thornville you speak of? I mean, won't it be easier if we know the town?"

Leona chuckled. "This is why you'll be my successor. So smart. I will arrange your stay there for the month. Just report to me if you find anything useful."

"Yes, Mother."

-n-

And so, Ayato was taken to Thornvile. "My, my~" A familiar voice cooed. "What have I got here?"

"Neikan, stop being foolish." Another voice sighed. "So, what are you doing here, Ayato-nii-chan. I hope Mother didn't send you to find us."

'What are they doing here?' Ayato thought. "No, Mother doesn't waste her breath on you two anymore, my beloved elder brothers." He spat with a hint of sarcasm.

"Then what are you doing here?" Neikan asked.

"I need help."

Neikan smirked. "I don't know. What do you think, Miyako?"

Miyako studied Ayato, his eyes blank as usual. "I guess it depends. What is it?"

"Mother is planning on expanding to this town." He explained. "According to what I was told, she has an alliance with the Skye Clan. They plan on invading in one month."

Neikan hummed. "There's something else, isn't there?"

"She is planning on implanting a Demon Lacrima inside of me."

"Those things are dangerous. No one has ever been able to fully control it." Miyako stated aloud. "You can't let Mother implant it in you."

"Well it's you guys' fault. If you two hadn't left, then I wouldn't be in line to becoming her successor. Not only that, but she's planning on killing an innocent girl to tame the demon in me." Ayato shouted. "You can kill me when the lacrima is implanted, but, I can't let Bell die. She's done nothing wrong."

Neikan and Miyako exchanged glances. "Well, us brothers have to stick together, right?" Neikan grinned. "Looks like we were prepared."

"Huh?" Ayato muttered in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Well-"

"Neikan," An orange headed teen yelled from above a tree. "I challenge you, to a battle."

The teen jumped, aiming his foot at Neikan. "Kioshi, you idiot." Another voice boomed. Before Kioshi could land a hit on their leader, he was hit by a gush of wind.

"What the hell, Hideaki!?" Kioshi snarled. "Today what the day I was finally going to beat him."

Hideaki glared. "You are such a brat," He hissed. "Why was I even partnered with you? You're not even to my level."

"You want to repeat that, basta-"

"Now, now." Neikan spoke as he got between them. "As partners, you two will have to coexist peacefully."

The two continued to glare. "Neikan-tono." Hideaki was the first to react. "Can't you just pair me up with that Heavengem, what was his name? Aki...hiro?" Hideaki thought aloud. "Yeah, Akihiro. At least he can probably keep up with me. Just give the silver freak to this idiot, they basically have the same vocabulary and personality."

"Fuck did you say about me, you stupid plant?" Yuu hissed as he walked closer to them.

Ayato stood next to Miyako, whom didn't seem fazed about the situation unfolding in front of them.

"Calm down, all of you." Neikan growled, hushing the three arguing boys. "Hideaki, Kioshi, I have a mission for you two. And Yuu, this is...er...Mukami? Yeah, that's is name. Since we don't have a partner for him, he get's to join you and Akihiro."

"Whatever." Yuu muttered, still glaring at the green headed teen.

Ayato was frozen in place. These were the type of people his older brothers were recruiting? "They're stronger than they appear. Trust me, you haven't seen them in battle. The silver haired one, Yuu, is part of the Skye Clan, his cousin is going to be the successor. Though, I wouldn't worry about that alliance you mentioned. He doesn't really like the Clan's ways."

He nodded. "Neikan," Ayato called out. "Mother will be bringing Bell, the girl, to make her death look like an accident. I'll be on stand by, the lacrima will be implanted in me during the battle. I need you two to get her to a safe place."

"How powerful is this girl?" Neikan questioned.

"We sensed Astral and Celestial Magic in her, though, she hasn't been able to use any of her magic." Ayato answered. "She's 7 years old, her magic should be coming soon."

"Astral Magic, hm? That's quite rare." Miyako stated.

Neikan glanced at his brunet brother. "We'll help then. But, you must join our group. Heaven's Rose."

"Since when do you own a guild?"

"We don't," Neikan grinned. "But, when we beat Reaper's Scythe, we'll be strong enough to make it official."

Ayato smiled. "At least you two still walk in the light. The others are turning just like Mother. Especially our youngest brother."


And that concludes this chapter. It took me a while to finish, I'm trying to make everything make sense.

I hope you guys enjoyed, don't stop reviewing, it gives me more confidence to finish faster!

I am quite interested in what you guys think. What do you like? What don't you like? How can I make it more interesting?

The battle in Thornville will be happening soon, maybe not next chapter, but probably by the end of next chapter and the whole chapter after that.

You know what that means?

It means that the characters that you guys have submitted will be appearing soon! As far as I've seen, every character has passed and will be appearing in the story.

As I have stated, I will always be accepting characters, and a few plots/arcs. If you feel like a new character should appear sometime in the story, just PM it to me, and I'll make him/her fit.

Thank you guys who have been reviewing, following, and have favored my story.

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