(There is someone calling.)

I swim, rising up. It's was night outside, and the light of the lamp reflected on the surface of the lake. I could hear a sound...

"NIGIHAYAMI KOHAKUNUSHI!!"

I start. That name... Nigihayami... Kohaku... nushi...

(That name!! )


A huge splash formed in the centre of the lake. Water spurted everywhere and I jumped back in shock. In the light of the lamps, I made out a form shooting into the night.

Haku!

I rushed forward again; delight in my expression as I called out "Haku!! Haku!!"

The form, as if attracted by the name, shot towards me with such force that the surrounding water splash up in its way.

The streetlamp shone. I could finally make out the figure...

It was not Haku.

My heart gave a pang of disappointment. It was a dragon alright, but it wasn't Haku.

Under the light, the dragon floated in the air. Its feeler floated with ease, violet eyes regarding me. I noticed the difference between it and Haku: its feeler's were shorter than Haku, the body color was darker and the dragon's body was covered with fur. Its absence of horns marked the dragon that stood before me as a female.

(Who calls the name Nigihayami Kohakunushi?)

I jumped. The dragon knows Haku's name! Maybe...

"I did." As I said so I stepped forward into the light.

(Maybe she would tell me about Haku...)


I recognized her as the girl I had saved that day. She seemed to be stronger now, and I wonder how she knew that name.

(How did you know this name?) I enquired, exhaling a breath.

The girl answers without hesitation.

"We met in the Land of Spirits."

My eyes widened. (The Land of Spirits? This girl has gone there!? How?!)

"I am looking for him" she continues. "After he helped me to get out of there, I couldn't forget him. Do you know where he is now?"

I am silent. This has come as a shock. It is a while before I answer her.

(Kohaku's river used to connect to mine back then. Then one day it was drained and buildings were constructed on it. I do not know where he is now.)

I can see the expected disappointment on the girl's face. I chuckled, and she stares at me.

(But I do know somebody that might be a help to you.)

One could tell, even in the dark that her eyes lighten up instantly.

(Nakamura Yuri. I believe she is from your school. We have met before this. She is very gifted in the super naturals. Her ability is quite developed and she knows where Kohakunushi resides in. she told me she had met him in one of her meditations.)

"Nakamura Yuri?" she repeats. She starts to ask more but I cut her off.

(Find her, and you will find what you seek.)

With these words, I swirl into the air and dived into the lake with a huge splash.