Episode 4 – Fanning the Flames

The following day, Akane spent nearly the entire morning brushing down her beloved Ikezuki. She wanted her favorite horse looking her absolute best when she introduced her to Ryo, having not been this excited in a long time. If nothing else, it provided a great distraction from the one thing that had constantly been on her mind since yesterday, and the day before… Akane shook her head to clear it. She'd kept that skeleton in the back of her closet for this long, she wasn't going to bring it to the forefront now, especially since today was such an important day, and a happy one at that.

With that thought, she turned her attention back to where it should be. "I want you to be on your very best behavior today, okay Ikezuki?" As if to answer her the same way a human would, the mare tossed her head and whinnied. Akane laughed and give her a brief hug and kiss. "Now you stay here in your stall," she instructed the horse firmly. "I'll come get you when it's time." And with a turn on her heels, Akane began her walk back to the house, until she cleared the stable and broke into a run.

One thing that certainly helped to brighten the day was the weather itself. Although it was summer, Akane and her family lived in a high-altitude area, where there was always a cool breeze ready to blow before it could get too hot. The grassy fields seemed extra green, as did the leaves of all the trees surrounding the property and beyond. And of course, the brilliant blue sky with only a few small clouds here and there appeared to shine like a suspended ocean with frothy waves. There truly was no other place in Japan – in the world – Akane would rather live.

Upon entering the house, she headed for the stairs without stopping. But once she was halfway up, she halted before she could collide with her aunt. "Oh, sorry Aunt Hina!"

"No harm done," Hina smiled assuringly, but then frowned with concern. "Akane, I know you're eager to show Ryo the horses. But it's so soon after he's regained consciousness."

"Hmm; that's true," Akane returned the frown. But she quickly reasoned it out. "Still, even if he has yet to regain his memory, you have to admit he's doing very well already. I can tell." And yet, I can't tell why. He just seems…special.

"That's true as well," Hina agreed. "He's certainly proven himself to be a very brave and thoughtful young man; and I couldn't thank him enough for rescuing you and your cousins during the earthquake. Speaking of which…" Hina laid a hand on her niece's cheek, and gazed at her with a maternal love Akane hadn't personally seen from her in a long while. "Whatever arguments we may have had regarding Ryo's wellbeing, you're obviously one of the biggest reasons he's doing so well – if not the biggest. Honestly, were you my own daughter I couldn't be any more proud."

"Th-thank you," Akane stammered. "And, thank you too, for taking him in." Her aunt's words touched her, even if there'd been a slight sting. Akane knew Hina didn't mean it, but she felt the briefest of pains at being reminded that the motherly woman in front of her was only related to her by marriage to her uncle.

Sudden thoughts of him brought further pain, which was shared with Hina judging by her eyes. Whereas before they'd glowed, they were now dim with sadness. Her voice also turned wistful. "I only hope your uncle makes it back so he can be as proud of you as I am."

"If he's anything like the rest of you, I'm sure he'll be back before you know it," a young masculine voice cut in. The gazes of both Akane and Hina flew up past the top of the stairs to see Ryo. For her part, the brightness in his eyes made Akane's own light up with relief. He had to have gotten at least a few hours of sleep last night. But then he sheepishly scratched the back of his head. "Sorry, I shouldn't have…"

"Oh no, it's alright, Ryo," Hina assured him just as she had Akane. "If anything, we need all the encouragement we can get right now. Speaking of which, how are the clothes fitting?"

Only then did Akane realize that Ryo had borrowed some of her uncle's clothes, likely at her aunt's insistence. She herself quickly saw the logic behind it. Her uncle was – and hopefully still is – the only man in the family. Still, it did feel really strange if not surreal to see someone else – Ryo especially – wearing them.

"A bit baggy," he replied to Hina, tugging on his shirt collar for emphasis. "But close enough. Now then, it's time I went out–" Ryo broke off suddenly, then added, "For some fresh air." Akane, believing she knew what he'd been about to say, blushed. Luckily, her aunt seemed not to notice.

"Very well," she gave an accepting sigh before replacing it with a tone of warning. "Now I want the both of you to be very careful. Akane, for you that means staying by Ryo's side at all times. If he seems faint or lightheaded, or if anything in general seems at all wrong, come and find me immediately."

"You got it, Aunt Hina," Akane nodded. "Besides, I haven't screwed up so far. But yes, I'll keep an eye on him. I promise."

"Hey, I'm right here, you know," Ryo pointed out, though Akane could tell he was just poking fun. Nonetheless, she hurried up the stairs to his side. As if by instinct, she offered him her arm.

When she realized what she was doing, Akane said shyly, "If you want it…" Fortunately, judging by Ryo's smile – one that rendered him handsomer than he already was – he seemed delighted. He joined his arm in hers, and Akane hoped he didn't sense the shiver that traveled up her spine at the contact.

They made it down the stairs and then out the back door without incident – much to Akane's relief – and once they were outside, she couldn't suppress a grin at how awestruck Ryo looked now that he was seeing the rest of her home for the first time. "Wow…" He briefly closed his eyes and breathed in the clean, fresh air of the outdoors and season of warmth with a contented sigh. "So this is your backyard, huh?"

Akane chuckled. "I take it you're impressed; but there's even more to see!" Noticing then that their arms were still joined, she gently tugged Ryo toward the path that led to the stable and fields. "Allow me to lead the way."

Ryo seemed happy to oblige. "Lead on then!" With another soft laugh, Akane guided him down the dusty trail, her anticipation of introducing him to her favorite horse increasing with every step.

Suddenly mindful of Hina's instructions, thoughts of her compelled Akane to nervously ask, "I hope my aunt hasn't been giving you a hard time?"

"Oh no," Ryo replied as though surprised. "Not at all, of course not. If anything, she's about as nice as you are…if a little bossy."

Akane couldn't help but giggle with relief, until she frowned when a far more important question came to mind. "You didn't tell her about last night, did you?"

"Oh no way," Ryo shook his head emphatically. "Of course, I mean, if you haven't, that is."

Akane shook her head in turn. "I don't want anyone here to…get the wrong idea…any more than you do." She again sensed warmth spreading across her cheeks – warmth that she wished had been due to the sun – and promptly cleared her throat. "Anyway, we're almost there."

With that settled, Akane once more felt excitement course through her – only for it to backfire when the stable and fields came into view. She halted abruptly and her eyes went wide with alarm at seeing Ikezuki outside with the rest of the horses. "Oh no!" she groaned. "I knew I should've shut her stall door! I spent hours grooming her! Now she's gonna get all dirty!"

"Which one?" Ryo asked. Akane – her enthusiasm now deflated – motioned toward the white mare on the far side of the field, shaded by a tree inside and next to the wooden fence.

"Her, Ikezuki," she replied. "And to think I actually believed she would behave herself." In an attempt to distract Ryo, she pointed out all the other horses to him. First were the three geldings, Goto – a dark bay – Ouba – entirely black – and Kurige – chestnut with white stockings. The fourth was another mare, a blue roan named Usuzumi. But in spite of Akane's efforts, she sighed in discouragement when she ended up back to where she'd started.

Ryo smiled softly at her. "I'm sorry you feel bad Akane, 'cause it's obvious to me that you and your family love these horses." With a good-humored chuckle, he added, "And it's also obvious that Ikezuki is particularly special to you."

Her spirits lifted at his compliments, Akane let the corners of her mouth lift as well. "You have no idea." She jutted her chin at the fence, and then proceeded to escort Ryo toward it. "Come on, I'd like you to meet her." Once at the edge, both leaned on the wooden barrier. Upon hearing her mistress call her name, the white mare's head shot up. With a whinny of greeting, she came trotting over to join Akane and Ryo.

Akane took Ikezuki's muzzle in her hands and gave her a good rub. "I'm happy to see you too, pretty girl." Then, with a stern expression and tone, she added, "Didn't I tell you though to stay in your stall and wait for me?" Whether it was in answer to Akane or simply because she had an itch, Ikezuki shook her mane. "I guess it was pointless anyway," Akane sighed again. "She hates being kept inside when the weather's nice."

"No wonder," Ryo heartily agreed. "I'd feel the same way." Akane then gazed at him and could tell he wanted to reach out to the horse, but was hesitant.

"It's alright," she encouraged him. Turning toward her horse one more time, she introduced her to the strange new man beside her. "Ikezuki, this is Ryo. If it weren't for him, I probably wouldn't be here with you now." She then stood back and watched as the two faced each other for the first time.

Initially, Ryo still appeared reluctant to reach out toward the mare. For a moment, Akane wondered if he may have had a bad history with horses, one he instinctively recalled even if he couldn't actually remember it. But Ikezuki's soulful brown eyes remained soft, and she ended up making the first move, nudging the hand of the man who'd saved her mistress. To Akane's relief, Ryo seemed to immediately warm up to Ikezuki. Mimicking her gesture, he took the horse's muzzle in his hands, and gently rubbed her as his gaze swept over her.

"I may still not remember much," he remarked. Then, with utmost sincerity, he added, "But I know for sure I've never seen a horse as pretty as you." At his words, Akane thought she'd lose it. She'd hoped for a good introduction, but she hadn't imagined it would feel as good as this! To her further astonishment, Ikezuki rested her muzzle against Ryo's shoulder. She…she's only ever done that with me…

And it all came to a grinding halt when the mare playfully nipped at Ryo's own loose mane. "H-hey!" he laughed. "That's my hair!"

"Ikezuki!" Akane gasped, feeling as mortified as she'd just been elated. She began hastening toward her horse, but Ryo quickly stopped her.

"It's alright, Akane!" he waved her off, still laughing. "I know she was just teasing." Yet despite his reassurance, Akane still felt a flood of embarrassment.

But she soon realized that – given what'd just happened between her, Ryo, and Ikezuki – she should be grateful things were going this well, and her smile returned accordingly. "You know, if anything, it's kinda surprising she responded to you like she did. She's always been an affectionate horse, but…I've never seen her act that way toward anyone else except me. She must've taken a serious liking to you." Even as she spoke, Akane couldn't help but wonder if this was further evidence to support her theory of Ryo being special in some way.

"I'll admit, I didn't see it coming either," Ryo agreed with a chuckle. "But yeah. I'm glad she already likes me as much as she seems to." He then turned a pair of bright, curious eyes on her and asked, "If you don't mind, how did you come by such a beautiful horse?"

Akane didn't mind at all. "Believe it or not, it was mostly chance. See, about ten years ago, my family bought this property from a friend. He owns a racing farm. In fact, the other four horses here are retired, and way older than Ikezuki. When she was born at the farm five years ago, her dam – or mother – died giving birth to her. Ikezuki herself was small, weak, and sickly. When I heard about her, I practically begged my aunt and uncle and their friend to let me care for her. I knew no one else would. And the school year had just ended." Akane paused as the memories filled her mind, then went on.

"For weeks, I spent almost every day with her. I slept next to her, ate with her; I gave her my all. And she gave me her all in return. Then, when I turned fifteen the following year, my aunt and uncle bought her for me as a birthday present. Their friend said that, though he'd considered putting her on the track, all the care and attention I'd given her made her more my horse than his…" She trailed off momentarily, recalling the happiness that had overwhelmed her that day. "I really couldn't have asked for a better gift before or since."

Once more, Ryo warmly lifted the corners of his mouth at her. "That was a great story, Akane. You're very kind and devoted. I should know!" Akane glanced away, feeling bashful. But Ryo either didn't notice or intentionally overlooked it. "I'm guessing you named her as well? That is an interesting name, Ikezuki."

"Oh yes," Akane nodded, grateful to move on. "I named her after the white horse owned by the shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo. Granted, that Ikezuki was a stallion, but I didn't care. I've loved his story ever since I was little." She meant it, but Akane then frowned sadly when she recalled how the stallion had gotten his name, according to the legend. "Just like my Ikezuki, his mother died. One night, during a full moon, he thought he saw her in a pond. He jumped in and out of the water after her, again and again, not realizing he was actually seeing his own reflection the whole time."

Akane then felt a slight stinging sensation in the backs of her eyes. As she told the tale, her thoughts had drifted to her own mother, and father. At the same time, her hand had instinctively risen to lay itself on her shoulder, reminding Akane with a flash of inner pain of the day when both her parents were taken from her. She was only pulled back to the present when she heard Ryo ask with concern, "Akane, are you alright?"

Lifting her hand and placing it back to her side where it belonged, Akane nodded again. "Yeah, I'm okay. I was just…zoning out for a bit."

Thankfully, Ryo seemed content to leave it at that. He glanced away just as she'd done. "Sorry, I didn't mean to pry." Akane was about to reassure Ryo, when their eyes suddenly met, and she found herself seeing things she hadn't before.

Somehow, she hadn't noticed until now just how blue his eyes were, nor how they shined just as brightly as the sky above. And yet, there was something else… Akane knew it was possible she could be imagining it, but from this angle, Ryo's gaze seemed to glow, almost like blue…fire.

And just like that, it was as though that very fire had lit a match at the back of her mind, shedding light on her first introduction to Ryo just before the earthquake. Ever since, whenever she was around him, there was this familiarity about him that'd drawn her to him. Of course, anyone else probably would've said it was only a crush. But Akane couldn't recall any of her past crushes giving her the same sensation Ryo did. Suddenly, before she knew it, the light from that same match turned her thoughts toward the dream she'd had three days before she'd met Ryo.

Though more time had passed since then, Akane still vividly remembered that scene in the clearing shown to her by the ghostly redheaded woman. Despite the haziness of it all, she did recall one specific figure aside from the one she'd believed was her, and how it resembled…a young man.

Akane let out a light gasp. She knew how crazy it would sound to her had it come from anybody else, but could it be possible that Ryo had anything to do with what – and/or whom – she'd dreamed about? She was fairly certain she'd never told Ryo himself about any of it. It was a long shot, but if there was a connection between Ryo and that shadowy young man, Akane wanted to be absolutely sure.

"Akane?" Ryo broke into her thoughts. "Are you sure you're okay? No offense but, you keep staring at me." Though she had heard him, Akane was hit with a fresh wave of doubt. As nice as Ryo had been to her today and yesterday, would he really be willing to listen to the wild and crazy theories forming in her mind?

But before she could voice her concerns, Ryo voiced his own. "Actually," he sighed, as if he himself faced a similar predicament, "there's something that I kinda…" As though having determined he might as well be out with it, he declared, "I have to talk to you."

Akane opened her mouth to ask him what about, when she heard her name being called from not too far up the path behind them. Both she and Ryo turned, and Akane let out a slight groan upon seeing Atsumi. "There you are!" the younger girl called, waving at her cousin, the rough encounter between them the day before having apparently been forgotten. "Mom says we're having a bonfire tonight."

Reluctantly putting her conversation with Ryo on hold, Akane asked, "A bonfire? But we usually have those in the fall. And that's months away."

"She decided on it just now," Atsumi explained. "She said we could use that dying tree nearby for wood." She then wavered, the light having fled from her eyes. It was quick, but Akane felt quite unsettled by it. She couldn't remember ever seeing such an expression from her younger cousin before. But then Atsumi picked up where she left off. "She also said we need to let loose after the shock of that earthquake…and that worrying about Dad won't make him come home any faster."

Glad that that moment had passed, Akane agreed with her aunt, despite knowing it wouldn't stop them all from worrying about her uncle anyway. She also agreed about the need for a time to relax and be with the family they did have. "Of course," Atsumi then addressed Ryo, causing Akane to stiffen, "you're welcome to come too, if you want."

At that point, Akane realized to her pleasant surprise that rather than being embarrassing, Atsumi was actually behaving herself. Perhaps because Ryo was wide awake and fully alert this time? In any case, she smiled appreciatively. "Sure," Ryo grinned as well. "Sounds like a perfect way to spend almost any evening."

He then glanced at Akane. Knowing what he was silently asking, she expressed her acceptance of his offer by dipping her chin. She could only wonder what Ryo had on his mind. Maybe he'd finally remembered something? Something important? Perhaps, that he was already taken…? Akane frowned. Whatever it is, it can't be any crazier than what I plan to discuss with him. I just hope I can stand the wait.

Ryo flinched as a particularly large branch was hurled rather than tossed onto the burning blaze, sending more sparks flying into the cool, black, nighttime air than any before it. Strangely, for whatever reason, instead of shielding himself from the cinders, it felt to him like getting splashed by water, and he laughed. But Akane's cousin was quickly called out for what she'd done by her older sister. "Watch it, Atsumi! You could've burned me or Ryo! Worse, you could've started another fire!"

The following look on Atsumi's face made Ryo think of one a dog would make when being scolded. "Sorry," she apologized, her shoulders slumped. "I didn't mean to. I just…wanted it to be a surprise, I guess."

"Regardless, your sister's right, Atsumi," Mrs. Otani said as she returned, having left earlier to briefly check on the horses. "You should be more careful, especially since we have a recovering guest with us."

"Yes Mom." Atsumi hung her head in deference, then strode over to take the seat by her mother and nearest the fire.

Recalling that he himself was sitting next to someone, Ryo turned to face her, only to realize with slight embarrassment that he still didn't know her name. "Hey, I remember seeing you around here." With a chuckle, he added, "I got the feeling you were the oldest. But I don't think I got your name."

"Anzu," she introduced herself. "And I remember you, too, Ryo. Though, in a different way." For a moment, she appeared hesitant, but then proceeded to explain. "You helped guide me and my sister and cousin to our car during the earthquake." With a dramatic shake of her head, she added, "And I seriously couldn't be more thankful. Not a lot of people would do that for one total stranger, let alone three."

"I heard, and you're welcome." Ryo hoped his gratitude at the reminder showed. "I may not remember it, but had I been given the choice, I'd probably do it again."

"I just hope you're never presented with that choice again," Anzu remarked with a smile. But then the corners of her mouth fell, and she let out a sad, wistful sigh. "I feel bad, though. You've been recovering in our house the last couple days, and the only thing I've been able to focus on is my missing dad."

"Don't sweat it," Ryo encouraged her. "I get it. Like you said, I'm a total stranger." She continued to frown. Despite knowing he might be treading shaky ground, Ryo couldn't help but ask, "Have you still not heard anything from him?" Anzu shook her head again, despondently this time.

"No. And not knowing how he's doing is really stressing me out. Even if we heard he died, I'd be devastated, but I'd at least know." Ryo then heard a gasp from not too far away, and turned toward the direction it came from to see Akane.

He momentarily tilted his head at her. It was curious; ever since the fire started, she'd been standing by herself a few yards off, leaning against a tree with her arms crossed and her face turned away. Clearly, something was bothering her. Then Ryo remembered he was sitting next to her cousin. Could Akane be…jealous?

Before he could think further on it, he heard Anzu address him again, and politely turned back around to face her. "I figure it's the same with you, too?" she asked. "You still don't remember a thing?"

Ryo searched carefully for the right words. His memory had much to do with what he'd intended to discuss with Akane, but for whatever reason he wasn't as comfortable sharing it with Anzu. "It's complicated," he finally said. "It's like there are snippets here and there, I'm just having a hard time grasping them."

"Must be rough," Anzu gave a small sympathetic smile. Then, as if wanting to cheer him up, she changed the subject and brightened her tone. "You were right about me being the oldest, though. I'm twenty, Atsumi is seventeen, and Akane turned nineteen back in April."

At the mention of Akane, Ryo once again directed his gaze toward her, intrigued at this new tidbit of information. If he was right about his own age, then Akane was only less than two years younger than him. Suddenly though, he recalled that if he was going to talk to her about what he'd already waited for hours to discuss, now was as good a time as any. But before he could call out to her, Atsumi did it for him. "Hey, Akane! Are you sure you don't wanna come sit with us?"

Akane turned her face toward everyone, before looking away again, shaking her head as a cat soaked to the skin would in an attempt to dry off. "I'd rather not," she called back. "But thanks for the offer!" Atsumi placed her elbows on her knees and her chin in her hand, a disappointed look on her face.

Then she caught Ryo's eye. "I figured she wouldn't want to. See, wh–" Mrs. Otani interrupted Atsumi by loudly clearing her throat, bringing her daughter's attention to her. As Ryo watched, the older woman sternly shook her head at Atsumi, and the latter seemed to pick up the silent warning. With a frown, the girl turned to face the fire again and sighed, "Fine." It was too late, though. Ryo's curiosity had been aroused. What had Atsumi been about to say regarding her cousin?

Ryo turned to look at Akane a third time and frowned himself. She was now staring at the fire, but he wondered if she was just refusing to acknowledge him. With fresh determination, he soon decided that, however she received him, he had to get to the bottom of what he'd wanted to all day. But he still had the sense to ask permission. "If it's alright with you, Mrs. Otani, I'd like to go and talk to her." To Ryo's relief, the woman gave him a nod of approval. After dipping his chin in turn to thank her, he stood up from his seat, then hastened up the small rise and toward Akane.

Immediately, he could sense how restless she was. Whatever was making her uncomfortable, Ryo knew he needed to ease into this. He took the same pose she did, casually leaning back against a tree just across from her, his arms crossed. "Hey, you okay?" he asked.

Akane finally redirected her eyes from the blaze to Ryo – the firelight dancing across her magenta irises rendering him momentarily breathless. "I'm fine," she half-insisted, "really. Sometimes…I just like being alone."

Ryo wasn't convinced, but this wasn't the time to press Akane when he needed someone as understanding as her to talk to right now. "Listen," he began, mindful of keeping his tone relaxed, "there's something I want to talk to you about."

Akane's eyes widened, as though his anxious but reserved urgency had proven contagious. "What is it? Did you remember something?" Instead of immediately replying, now that he was actually bringing it up, Ryo felt lost as to how he should put it.

"Yes and no." Right away he knew that wasn't a good-enough answer. He pinched the bridge of his nose and furrowed his eyebrows in frustration. "How do I say this…?" he wondered out loud, until he thought he might as well just get on with it. "I don't know how it usually is for other people when they have amnesia, but for me personally, it's like…I know my memories are there. They're just locked up, at least while I'm awake. Does that make any sense?"

Akane raised her eyebrows. "Well, I am by no means an expert. But common sense tells me every case is different. Personally, I think what you just said makes sense."

Grateful that she seemed to get it, a smile tugged at the corners of Ryo's mouth. So far, so good. "See, I had this dream last night, when I went to bed after talking to you. And given how familiar things seemed, I know there has to be some connection to my lost memories."

Akane was now leaning forward, the firelight adding to the curious glow in her gaze. "So…what'd you see?"

A lot. But they couldn't stay here talking all night – nice as that would be. Fortunately, he'd had plenty of time to determine the most important things to bring up and prioritize them accordingly. "Do you ever have one of those dreams where it's like you're watching yourself?" Akane nodded. "Well, there was a bit of that in my dream last night. But, though I recognized myself, I didn't recognize any other people I saw."

Akane's face fell in disappointment mixed with sadness. "I wish I could help you figure out who they were. But I couldn't guarantee it even if you described them to me."

"That's okay," Ryo assured her. "Just talking about it is already helping me sort it out." He shrugged his shoulders. "There's not much to describe anyway since they were all like shadows, including me." Now that he was back on topic, Ryo continued the recounting of his tale.

"Besides me, there were these four other guys, and they had to be at least my age. There was this strong sense of comradery between us, almost like we were brothers. I wondered why, until I heard the sounds of battle, like in old samurai movies. Only this sounded like the real deal, and felt way more intense." Even as described it, Ryo could almost once again hear the clanging of swords, the grunts and shouts and screams, and the banging of armor clashing against armor.

"And even more than that, there was this awful feeling coming from the enemies the four guys and I were battling. I mean, there's evil you see in movies and on TV, and then there's actual evil. And these enemies… They were the latter." In spite of how harrowing his tale already was, Ryo smirked. "Probably the only good thing was that it motivated us all the more to defeat them, 'cause the next thing I remember seeing is the five of us looking like we'd won. And we were wearing armor that reminded me of the kind samurai wore."

Had the situation not been so dire, Ryo might have better enjoyed the mystified look on Akane's face. She was clearly listening just as intently as he'd been when she told him about Ikezuki. "But the weirdest thing was that we all had these single kanji characters glowing on our foreheads, and in different colors. Mine was red, the others were green, light blue, orange, and dark blue. I even remember what they said. Mine said 'virtue,' and the rest were 'wisdom,' 'trust,' 'justice,' and 'life.' And…that was when everything went dark…and other things came, that were different from before…"

Now that the truly hard part had come, Ryo took a deep breath and went on. "Though I couldn't see anything, I heard plenty. It was distant, but what I first heard sounded like a huge, raging fire, way bigger than this." He pointed an emphasizing thumb at the bonfire. "The next thing I heard…" Ryo trailed off with a sigh, but then reminded himself it was necessary that he tell his story in full. "The next thing I heard…was a young girl screaming. And I knew it was because she was trapped in the fire." He then looked back at Akane, only to pause in alarm at the face that greeted him.

Her features had paled significantly, and her quivering hands had clapped themselves over her mouth. For a moment, Ryo thought to ask her what was wrong, until he realized he already knew. Obviously she was just as horrified as he'd been when that girl's distressed crying had pierced him straight through to his heart. "So I did the only thing I could. I looked and looked, but I couldn't find her. And eventually…I stopped hearing her…" Not wanting to relive how helpless he'd felt, Ryo quickly moved on.

"The very last thing I saw was this shadow of a young woman. I of course had no idea who she was. But if I had to describe her in one word, it'd be…intimidating." Ryo stopped to conjure the image that had long since been stamped into his mind. "She looked like she was wearing a female version of the samurai armors I just mentioned. But I couldn't tell if she was on my side or what. Then, out of nowhere, she sort of summoned these twin flames and turned them into a sword for each hand. For a second I thought she might attack me. But then…I woke up. And…that was the end of it."

Ryo exhaled, immensely relieved that he'd gotten everything off his chest. The color also was now slowly returning to Akane's face, though she was no less stiff. Then again, he'd been well aware from the get-go of how insane this whole tale would sound. And in terms of expectations, Akane's reaction did not disappoint. "That's…quite the story, Ryo," she finally breathed. "And, don't take this the wrong way but, if you do still have amnesia, it's pretty remarkable – how much of it you remembered. And it wasn't even real."

Ryo stared blankly at her. "Maybe not the dream itself. But again, I can't help but think it's connected to my actual memories. And I do have one theory…" When Akane silently asked him to elaborate, and he did so rather gladly. "I think the girl and the woman might be connected too. Given how intimidating the woman was, I'll bet she played a part in that girl's suffering." Ryo then looked at the ground, his hands becoming fists. "If I know either of them…if I'm right about that woman…and if she hasn't already paid for what she did to that girl…she will when I remember everything!"

When he lifted his gaze back up, Ryo was momentarily stunned when he saw what seemed to be fear flashing in Akane's eyes. Had he been too intense? He glanced at her family, and felt all the more awkward at how they'd all turned their heads their way, eyebrows lifted and eyes wide with concern. After nodding in an attempt to convince them everything was fine, he redirected his attention back to the girl in front of him – only for her to let out a massive yawn. "Thank you for confiding in me, Ryo. But, I'm getting tired. I think I'm gonna go to bed. Good night."

Ryo's own mouth fell open in bewilderment. "Wha–? Akane, wait!" He reached for her, but his fingers barely brushed her wrist. Why are you so frightened?

Having failed to intercept her, Ryo could only watch as Akane strode toward her family to bid them good night, leaving him to wonder what had gotten into her…when his ears picked up a strange, low sound. Though he didn't immediately recognize it, Ryo spun around to face the direction it came from – and found himself staring past the trees he and Akane had leaned against, and far into the deep, dark forest beyond.

With the light of the bonfire now beginning to fade, Ryo squinted his eyes as he peered into the night. At first, he saw nothing except the long shadows cast by trees in the moonlight, and heard nothing except crickets chirping and the occasional rustling of leaves. Suddenly, there it was again, slightly louder this time. But even as he kept searching for its source, a sense of dread coursed through Ryo's veins, because it sounded a lot like a growl. Wait a minute. Wondering if he'd overlooked something, Ryo zeroed in on that same spot again, straight ahead in the middle of the trees.

A pair of fierce, glowing, catlike eyes gazing right at him seemed to be floating in the center of the woods. Ryo jumped back with a startled gasp. But then, on closer inspection, he realized with further shock that he knew these eyes. Even more, looking just above them, he found that, rather than the shadows of trees in this particular part of the forest, he'd actually been seeing stripes. If only the mysterious creature would step fully into the light…

Unfortunately, as much as he wanted to continue his investigation, a silent voice warned him that Akane's family would get suspicious and come looking for him if he stayed too long. With a frustrated groan, Ryo reluctantly dragged himself out of the wood. Once again, he'd come so close to regaining a lost treasure trove of memories, only to be ironically hindered by those who'd only ever helped him. Fortunately, when he asked to be excused, they let him go in peace.

As he watched the final embers of the bonfire die out from his window, Ryo knew he shouldn't even be thinking his increasingly audacious thoughts. Could he really go behind the backs of Akane and her family, given all they'd done for him? Still, he also knew he was now closer than ever to clearing his amnesia. All he had to do was find that unknown animal. It was certainly a risky plan on all fronts. But if there was one thing Ryo had remained certain of about himself, it was that taking risks was second nature.

Why didn't I tell him?! For hours now, ever since she'd gone to bed, that had been the only thought on Akane's mind. And for the second night in a row, the likelihood of getting any sleep at all was slim. Still… Why hadn't she told him her dream like she'd wanted? She quickly received an answer – or an excuse rather – in the form of a yawn. But this went far beyond her own issues.

When Ryo told her about the girl he'd heard screaming in the midst of the dream fire, Akane had known exactly whom he was referring to, and considered it miraculous he hadn't figured it out. It only went further downhill when Ryo spoke of the young woman. All doubts Akane had had about him and her being connected in some way had flown away like the bonfire sparks. Of course, she hadn't made things much better by practically fleeing the scene. But given the startling similarities their dreams shared, just being near Ryo had made it too hard to think.

As for why she hadn't told him she herself could be the woman who'd turned those flames into swords, this was the first time she'd seen Ryo angry, and it scared her. Although his strong sense of justice was attractive, the last thing Akane wanted was to be at the receiving end of such fiery rage.

And lastly, as for why she didn't tell him she was the girl crying in distress… Telling him would mean reliving that most terrible of nights which she'd spent the last ten years trying to forget. She'd already had to relive it in the dream she had before she met Ryo. And judging by her obviously suspicious behavior tonight, it'd reignited her fear of fire which she'd thought before to be long gone.

With such a combustible mixture of thoughts, Akane jumped at the slightest noise. Wait, did I just hear what I think I did? It certainly sounded like the echo of the back door closing. Who could be up at such a late hour, and why? Even as she asked that question, Akane had a strong, alarming feeling she already knew who. But Ryo wouldn't do something so foolish, especially considering he still had yet to recover…would he? In spite of her previous misgivings about him, Akane tossed back the covers and hastened toward her door as quietly as she could before opening it.

She looked down the hallway where it led to the stairs, then the other direction, and gasped when she saw that the door to Ryo's room was open. Fearing the worst, Akane dove for the doorway, and had to bite her tongue to keep from calling for her aunt when she saw Ryo's empty bed. Without missing a beat, she then hurried to his window, and bit her already pained tongue a second time to stop herself from calling out to Ryo, who was now running down the path she and he had walked just twelve hours earlier.

While she couldn't even begin to guess where he was going, Akane did know she had to get Ryo back before something even worse happened to him. Granted, she also knew that she herself shouldn't go out alone at this hour, but doing things this way would mean less embarrassment for Ryo. Besides, surely the only motivation he needed was to see how worried she was. Filled with resolve, Akane rushed back into the hallway. She dashed down the stairs, through the house, and out the door as hastily and quietly as possible.

Upon being met by the coolness of the midnight hour, Akane turned in the direction of the trail and followed in Ryo's footsteps, her heart pounding a mile a minute. She didn't know whether she was anxious about Ryo hurting himself further, or how he would react when she did catch up with him. Whatever the case, when the young man came into view, Akane gathered as much air into her lungs as she could and ran faster. After about a dozen feet, Ryo seemed to realize he'd been found out, because he slowed to a halt, allowing Akane to catch up with him.

She stopped a few feet behind him and crossed her arms, her anxiety now replaced with indignation. "And where do you think you're going?" she asked his back.

When half a minute had passed, Ryo finally turned around. For the longest time, the two stood and stared at each other under the watchful eye of the moon, each silently daring the other to be the first to speak. Eventually, Akane thought she saw Ryo smirk. "Guess it's my turn now to ask what you're doing out of bed."

Akane's nostrils flared. Was he seriously going to joke about this?! "I asked first!" she snapped. "And I'll also be answered first. You of all people should know how dangerous it is to go out on your own in the middle of the night, and in a place you're completely unfamiliar with for all we know."

Ryo's eyes flashed with the same blue fire Akane had seen earlier. "You of all people should have at least some idea of what I'm going through!" he retorted. After they spent a few more seconds staring each other down, Ryo looked away, muttering, "I knew you wouldn't get it."

Akane didn't know if she was meant to hear that, but she had, and couldn't believe that such an immature statement and tone was coming from an otherwise very mature young man. "At least I'm not putting myself at further risk!" she argued. "And what do I not get?"

Ryo turned back to face her again so swiftly that she flinched. "Do you have any idea what it's like to lose your memories?" he demanded angrily, but with an underlying hint of loss. "Memories you knew you loved and cherished and would do anything to get back again?!" Without waiting for an answer, Ryo pointed behind him toward the woods. "After you left the bonfire, I saw something in there that triggered something in me, and I wanted to find it again. I'm sorry I didn't tell you, Akane. But I knew you wouldn't let me go if I did."

A wave of hurt crashed over Akane, one she never expected to receive from the man in front of her. Without another thought, she let that hurt spill out. "Well then I'm sorry for being so concerned! Apparently I was right when I said I cared too much!" She quickly moved on before he could counter. "You're right, Ryo. I've never lost my memories and hope I never will. Nor would I wish that on anyone, especially you! I know for sure now that there's something special about you, but I don't think chasing after some sort of phantom is the best way to clear your amnesia!"

Instead of deferring to her reasoning as she'd expected and wanted, Ryo turned Akane's own words against her. "What do you mean you know for sure now?" he asked accusingly. "Is there something you're not telling me? Something that could help me? Did it have anything to do with last night?"

Struggling to keep up with his questions, and fearful of where this would lead if she didn't stop it, Akane returned his tone. "What are you talking about?"

"Don't think I didn't notice your behavior at the bonfire, Akane," Ryo replied, his voice now more imploring than accusing. "I was looking forward to talking with you, but you acted like you wanted to be anywhere but there. I knew something was bothering you, but I didn't wanna make it worse by bringing it up. And to top it all off, you just up and left!"

Akane could only stare at Ryo, dumbfounded and unable to deny everything he was saying. "Now I've noticed the more we talk about my memories, the more upset you get. Not to mention you've never told me why you're living with your aunt and uncle rather than your parents. What's going on with you, Akane?! What aren't you telling me?!"

Knowing she had to end this now, with her fight-or-flight instincts demanding a response, Akane chose the former. "Just leave me alone, Ryo!" she shouted, not caring who heard. "I have nothing to say to you, or anyone!" Akane went further, marching up to Ryo and shoving her face into his. To her satisfaction, he took a step back in wide-eyed alarm. But she wasn't done. With her finger pointed at the woods beyond, she added, "You wanna chase some unknown whatever to try and remember something?! Fine! But don't come crying to me when you end up worse off than before!"

Without giving him a chance to respond, Akane spun around and sprinted back toward the house, her eyes burning with unshed tears. How could this day have started off so great only to end so terribly? How had she come to care so much about a guy she'd known for so short a period of time? She didn't know, nor did she want to. She no longer wanted to think nor care about the man she'd left in the dust. Just as Akane would never understand his quest to regain lost memories, Ryo would never understand her desire to expel memories that brought nothing but pain.

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