/Euca: Konnichiwa! Welcome to our little fic world! Thanks to our creator, Lumière de Fleur-sama! I'm Euca, her apprentice. Nice to meet you! (Bows) Our master sends her warmest gratitude for reading her works! And since she was out… I'll be your guide throughout the story! So, let's start. Please welcome the leading figure of this fic, Kazumi! (Crowd applauding)

/Kazu: Ne! You finally meet me then! (Laughs hard but suddenly get confused) Once again, Toushi Kazumi… that's me! Call me whatever you want, it's alright. Mou… I'm really astounded by the showed up of this little girl, Himiko. Weirder than weird, that she is! But she's kind. I hope we'll meet up again in the near future. Anyways, in this chappy you'll gonna meet my Aunt, Takumi Mori and my cousin. Her name? Hmn… it's for you to find out. Word of advice? (Whispers) Don't get them mad. Sou, here you go! Chapter 1: The Soft Flickering Light! I wonder why light flickers… Hmn? Mou… I hate dreaming! Okasama, tetsudatte kudasai! T.T! (Lights fade)

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Chapter One

The Soft Flickering Light

"Don't cry, Kazumi… We'll be meeting again. And if that happens, we wouldn't be apart anymore…"

Two years had gone too fast. The memories of yesterday were still freshly embarked on her keen mind. Many things had changed. Her long, dazzling chartreuse-colored hair had been cut to the edge of her shoulders, forming the shape of her pretty face. Her built had become slender and well-proportioned that adds to her charm. It can't be denied that she grew more beautiful as the years passed.

Aside from being a 17 year old girl, Kazumi was now living with her aunt in a small town where they have moved after the death of her parents in arson, a year ago. It's been hard years for her yet she had to accept the fact that they won't be able to be with her again. Though it's difficult for her, she still continues with her life without being embittered by her past.

Kazumi had all these vague dreams when she was still a child, dreams about being haunted by dark spirits, witches and other forces of darkness. But this time, it got worse that she almost cannot sleep. She dreamt about villages that were burned to ashes, never ending plague that keeps on killing massive of innocent people and dark spells that tormented cities for years. She never knew what these things meant but their cries of agony strikes down to the depth of her heart. They seem to be true yet it remains only in the profundity of her thoughts.

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The darkness was after her, cursing every little thing it could touch. Running away from it was nearly impossible but still she needs to find a way. She was panting hard, worn out of running away from these undead that keeps on haunting her. The night was pitched dark and the air was still. There's no one around, only the wolves cry could be heard in a distant valley.

Panting, she hid behind the shadow of a gigantic old tree, glancing back at the dark forces of evil that keeps on increasing its legion and obstinately tracking her path. Her heart was throbbing wild, there's no way out for her now. Her hope abandons her at that very moment. She feels weak and tired, almost out of breath. She was on the middle of nowhere, not even knowing what that place is. Nothing could be pictured on her mind but the bidding desire of escaping these creatures.

Looking ahead, she saw a thick, dark forest that might lead her to the village nearby where she could find some help. She forced herself to run as fast as she could, racing down the shadowy woodland that serves as her last option. Kazumi traversed the dusky path weary and defenseless. Only the screeching sounds of the nocturnal birds could be heard far and wide, making her body quivered with a sudden fear. She was completely alone on that spooky forest, never knew where exactly this course could possibly brought her. Winded by exhaustion, she suddenly fell hard on the ground, tripped by the root of a century old tree which doesn't captured by her sight due to the pitch black ambiance of the evening. She tried to stand back to her feet but her legs throb painfully. Glimpsing back, she saw the mirage of the dark draws nearer and nearer, just a few distances away before her. She strived hard to get to her feet, grasping persistently the vines that hanged upon the deep-rooted tree that had aided her to stand and continue trailing down her path. She had almost reached the extremity of the forest but she found no help in there, nothing but an endless eclectic darkness. She shook her head nervously, looking down below the steep cliff where the wide ocean lies down. Its fierce wave crashes down wildly on the sharp edges of the jagged, rocky shoreline just beneath the cliff. She finally concedes that there's no escape at all even from the beginning. It might be her fate to die. Clasping her both hands together, she closed her eyes and prayed to Kami that may His blessings bestowed upon the people she love that if she dies her memory will be remembered by everyone.

The darkness finally came, enfolding her whole being. It engulfed her bit by bit, draining the faith, love and courage in her, even her own soul. It frantically runs down to her veins, to her senses till it finds the depth of her heart, making its beating stop. She can feel no more but emptiness. The light that once surrounds her is now fading until she can't see anymore. All was dark… lifeless. As if she's floating in a still water that never runs down and never will.

"Kourin…," a voice called from within. A voice of a man he never knew. It was comforting, gentle. It keeps on calling the name "Kourin". The name echoed on her heart, making it beat again. She felt warm and safe.

She wants to speak and asked, "Anata no dare desu ka? Kore wa Kourin-san, kanojo wa dare ga?" but no words came out. The silence deafens her.

"Reach for my hand…" the voice added. She slowly opened her eyes, envisioning a soft flickering light on a distant slowly drifting towards her. She can obscurely foresee a silhouette of a man, with a hand gently reaching for hers, welcoming her.

She could feel her strength recovering. Her heart fluttered with joy yet she could still feel this little confusion and bewilderment inside her. It feels like this easiness would also be ending soon. She helplessly reached for his hand… She had almost touched his hand… just a little farther. She continued reaching for it yet it seems to draw farther and farther away from her. She hesitantly moved towards him.

Wait! She whispered, holding back his hand. He smiled as he faced her. It was the most alluring smile she had seen. His ivory-colored hair was flowing freely from his face, partially concealing its feature. Though she can barely see his face, she was sure he is a charm. She was confused, this man seemed so dear to her yet she felt troubled deep within.

By the time she had touched his hands, he suddenly broke into pieces like a shattered glass that lost its firmness becoming brittle and fragile that even a single touch could break. She was astounded. Everything had turned to gloom again. The light had perished and taken away by the dark.

No…. It must not be… She then began to fall. Everything had fallen into pieces even the place where she was standing had been shattered each by each. She had fallen into eternal darkness which she can no longer escape. She felt cold and helpless.

Kazumi began closing her eyes, surrendering herself to the darkness that awaits her. She had lost the fire of courage that had dwelt inside her heart. Everything grew darker and darker as she falls down. She was about to lost her senses when a gentle hand finally caught hers, drawing her out of the dark once more. She gently opened her eyes, seeing the never ending light that was now surrounding her…

Who is this man that had rescued her? Everything was seemed so peaceful. He was still holding her hands, hands that were once cold now turning warm. She felt a light gaiety sensation in her heart. It was different. Different from what she had felt earlier. She felt the worries no more, nothing but contentment. At that very moment, she felt the desire of being with him forever… by his side. There is a secure feeling inside her. It looks like her heart knows who he was although she never met him before. She felt light with happiness like a feather being tenderly carried by the soft wind. His touch had given her an interminable strength and comfort. She doesn't want it to end.

It was a very peaceful place. The darkness was finally gone. There was life everywhere… the flowers had begun to bloom, filling the air with their sweetness. The sakura tree had bloom the most beautiful sakura, falling on the evergreen field, gently being carried by the subtle wind. There, she found the missing part of her.

Facing him, Kazumi looked directly on his face. He had a lengthy, fair-colored to light brown hair about his waist, flowing freely over his face and was wearing a white mask with glittering silver on one edge along with the white, elegant cloak that he wore, making him more mystifying to look on. She suddenly gazed upon the corner of his eyes and was astonished by the deep sadness that she had seen on them. She wanted to see his face but he cautiously held her hand.

"Who are you?" Kazumi inquired. "Why did you save me?"

He remained silent. She had no idea who is this man? And why he felt so precious to her? She wanted to take that masked away for her to see him distinctly but she was never allowed to. Why? Why would he never allow her to see his face? This question resonated on her mind.

He abruptly lowered his despondent eyes just about to touch her lovely face when black shadows appeared from nowhere that swiftly seized his shoulders, encircling around him, drawing him back into the darkness that lies far beyond. She held his hand tightly, forbidding the darkness to take him away. She never planned to let go of it even she was also being carried by the compelling force that magnetized them to the dark portal that lies ahead.

The flower's blossoms began to drooped, the leaves of trees had withered, the green fields lost its splendor, and the rivers had run dry until the entire scenic spot had turned into devastating grave-like site. It the vision she didn't want to happen.

"Let go" he whispered softly into her. She shook her head, tightening her gripped on his hand. She would never do that. Giving up never entered on her mind. Besides, he saved her and now she must do her part. An urging desire of saving him grew stronger. She doesn't want to lose him to the dark that once took over her for she knew how relentless it was.

To her surprise, he unexpectedly let go of her hand as the shadow drew him inch by inch to the endless darkness awaiting them. She tried to pull him back but they gradually disappeared in a glimpse of an eye within the dark porch, leaving no sign of him neither of the dark. Everything went back to what it was before. The flowers began to bloom, trees had it leaves again, and the fields went green as the river flows down the fruitful valley.

She fell aimlessly to the ground. She could feel a lingering emptiness on her that couldn't be filled up even by the beauty around her. Suddenly, she felt moist on her eyes, dimming her vision. Something was falling down her face. She touches it with her dainty hands. It is wet and warm. Kazumi finally realized that she was crying. These are tears. Why am I crying? It was her tears. Yes. Tears, that flows freely from the depth of her gloomy heart.

"Don't cry, Kazumi… We'll be meeting again. And if that happens, we wouldn't be apart anymore…" She heard his voice somewhere that she couldn't perceive. Looking around, she found no one in there. She was alone. He was gone, sacrificing himself in place of her. Guiltiness had flooded her.

Snow began to fall from the sky, covering the green fields and trees, putting everything into white. She shivered with cold yet she never paid attention to it. Something's bothering her. The words that he had spoken remained in her thoughts. Does he call me Kazumi? How did he know my name? Who is he?

Kazumi tried to walk even her knees trembled with weariness. Someone will definitely find her. She never loses hope. No. She had walked a few paces until everything had gone black. The last thing she saw was her own self, lying lifeless on the ground frozen with the cold winter snow.

"Dekinai yo!" Kazumi cried, arising from her bed. She could hear her heart beating roughly with fear. She caught up her breath, looking about her whole surroundings. She was certainly on her room not on a terrible snow-filled place and she was surely alive! She cautiously surveyed every corner. No one was there. She was absolutely alone. The sun's rays are passing freely from the vermilion-red curtains hanging from her opened window which was being carried softly by the breeze.

It was just a dream… nothing but a dream. She felt the soothing gust of wind on her skin. Curling up on her bed, she sighed deeply as she crossed her arms tightly over her shin. It was a dream yet it seemed so true. She can still clearly picture them on her mind. Who are they? What is that all about? These dreams are becoming more vague and compulsive.

She sighed deeply, closing her eyes for a moment. The man clothe in white. Why he seemed so closed to her heart, calling her by her name? Just a little frustrating, she had never seen his face. Kazumi felt a little discomfort and the inquisitiveness inside her grew stronger. If only she saw his face then she'll be quite contented. She sighed and eventually stopped for a second, remembering the other guy on her dream… the guy with a charming smile. In an instance, she blushed as she pictured him on her mind. This guy called her Kourin. It grows more confusing. One knows her name and the other called her by name, Kourin. I wonder who those people are. Are they true? Living? Kazumi suddenly sneered, realizing the thought that just popped out on her mind. What an idiotic question, she thought. Why are these people gonna live when they were just part of her silly fantasies? Kazumi sighed. She was just tired maybe.

"Kazumi!" she heard her Auntie Mori called her in a more irritated tone. Well, she never had been good to Kazumi ever since the girl stepped on her house. She is further similar to Cinderella's demonic stepmom, making Kazumi's life a living hell. What a gruesome term right? Make her life a living hell.

She immediately jumped off her bed, fixing it in haste. She knew her Auntie doesn't like waiting. One time she got delayed, she was forbidden to eat the supper just for being late for a couple of minutes. That's how cruel that old lady is! But it's not her lapse anymore! Her class ended by five and she asked her to be home before the given time? How can she do that? Is it by using teleportation effects? Pshh. Kazumi shook her head. If only she could borrow the ability of Goku from the anime that she'd watched when she was a little girl, then it would be easy. She's wondering what graved mistake could she have done to her Auntie for her to be treated like that? She never burned her favorite dress!

Her Auntie Mori was a horrific woman. She was bit older that her mom and was the eldest among them, aside from being the most money-oriented and materialistic of all. All she had in mind was her business, her money, herself and her precious daughter, Ringo who's a hard-headed brat who might have inherited her mother's ruthless, dreadful attitude.

Her Uncle on the other hand, was an old fat man, a gambler and a drinker. Wasting his idle time with his gang while extravagantly, spending all of his wife's wealth was this old man's interest. But it's never been a problem for they've got plenty of it, enough to guarantee their indulgence and luxuries. In fact, they've own a vast shoe company, one of the basic distributor of sophisticated footwear in the whole country. After all, it's a wonderful family at all! A money-greed mother, a gambler father, a cheeky daughter and she, a miserable niece who's doing all the housework like that of a maid.

Kazumi was forced to work early as the sun rises in the morning till it sets on the afternoon. She does every household chore from preparing the cuisine, cooking a minimum of five different dishes each meal without tasting any of it neither joining them on the table. She only eats after they've finished gobbling lavishly all the food, leaving it messy along with lots of left overs that might be left out for her. After she had eaten, she then cleaned the dining area each by each, washing all the tableware afterwards. But her misery never ended with that! Every two days, she does a pile of laundries that the four of them wore including hers, though the three have worn most of it. Her cousin Ringo as well as her Auntie loves changing their clothes, hating even those simple stains. And on weekend, she goes to the market to buy some grocery items and fresh fruits, walking for about seven blocks away from their house and carried the loads herself all the way back. With that kind of treatment, she sometimes had planned to complain and asked why her own Aunt turned out to be like that when it comes to her, but she never did… not a single word, keeping all her difficulties just to herself. And as time passed, she had already got used to it even at first, Kazumi really felt being completely excluded.

Her room on the other hand, was nothing but a tiny space on the attic. Several of the stocks were kept there for future use yet she unfortunately still shares with them. She only got a small bed with a teeny table on one side where she kept some of her things. From there, she could clearly see the beautiful city of Okinawa, extending at the distance was the magnificent sea coast where the clear, dark blue water of the deep ocean lies. The calm breeze serves as her bestfriend, greeting her every morning with its gentle warming kisses as she woke up by her bed, melting down all her bloody troubles. And furthermore, from that very spot she could also be heard the indistinct grumbling voice of her Auntie Mori downstairs. She was a hundred percent sure it was again about the precious time.

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Terminology Keys:

*Sakura – Cherry blossoms

*Dekinai yo! – It can't be!

*Goku – From the anime Dragon Balls