chapter 3

Ai Ming jumped in surprise upon hearing the loud burst noise. Recognition suddenly flashed across her face and she brushed past Shiro, making her way towards the trees.

"Ai-chan! Where are you going?"

The young girl didn't stop until she reached the edge of a cliff overlooking the water. Panting, Shiro came to a halt behind her, resting his hands on his knees. it surprised the hell out of him that a young girl like her, could outrun a thief. And the feat was made all the more astounding by the fact that she was wearing a kimono.

"Ai-chan...wha...why did you...run...lemme catch....my...breath"

The girl hadn't even broken a sweat. she simply smiled and pointed up at the sky.

Shiro glanced up, finally understanding the reason for Ai's excitement.

The heavens were ablaze with a myriad of different colors, from the most brilliant red to a pure ivory white, the luminous display was incredible. Shiro stared in awe, for he had never seen such a dazzling light show as the fireworks of a Payonese new year's celebration.

"Isn't it beautiful? this is where me and my brother used to come every year to watch the fireworks."

never taking his eyes off the spectacle, he sat down beside Ai, who had finally stopped crying.

"Yeah...very beautiful."

the sparkling crystal waters reflected the kaleidoscopic brilliance of the fireworks, the perfect mirror for such a breath taking display. He didn't even feel the presence of two other people behind them.

"You know...it isn't safe to be out here all by your self little girl...and that thief doesn't look like he could put up much of a fight."

Shiro and Ai turned simultaneously to see a tall and slightly sinister looking blacksmith towering over them.