The sunlight seemed to splash like a golden liquid over the northern rise as the sound of a grass broom sweeping across a cobbled ground filled the air. The lane seemed to weave its way like a worm through the mountainside and paved the way to the mountain retreat of Mutsui Temple.
Rumors had been intertwined through myths for hundreds of years about the elusive Mutsui family who inhabited the temple, about the curse that rifted through the bonds that held them together but only just.
"That should be the last of the day," came a soft voice. A content sighing came from the course of the voice and was followed by a light chuckle. Lifting up the grass haired broom, they walked along the cobbled pathway and slide open the paper door before glancing back and, satisfied her work was done, she left. The door slide shut with a soft 'thud'. The petals rose up in a torrent, like a mini-tornado, and swept along the path. The cherry blossoms overhead swayed softly in the light breeze and a distinct giggling was emitted from the side of the path.
A young Kougra bounded from the bushes and rolled along with the petals, trying to catch some in her teeth and finally stopped, panting hard. She shook her head and snapped at some more swirling pink 'butterflies' that teased around her, she spun and stopped again. Another burst of giggles was heard, from another playful youth. This time a teenage girl ran after the tiger and threw her into the air and caught her again, hugging her close.
"You though you had gotten away?" there was a 'poof' sound and the pink smoke cleared to reveal a young girl dressed as though she was heading to a disco. She wore a short, brightly coloured top, short shorts, again brightly colours, footless tights, mismatched legwarmers and blinding white trainers. She was a contrast to the young teen who now was hugging her. She was dressing in a tradition kimono.
"Don't be silly Kasha, you're impossible!" she smiled and pulled a face at her friend, her tail swishing and twinkling from glitter dust in the sunlight. She released herself from her friend and jumped around in a circle on one foot, she was clearly very hyper. She also had blue glitter around her eyes. She seemed to be sparkling, creating light as though in competition with the radiant sunlight. She giggled again and there was a sudden bang as the paper door opened again and a young boy stood at the door.
A high pitched squeal was heard, "Kash? You're here!!! YOU NEVER SAID!!" he excited dashing from the door and jumping down from the small porch and racing over to embrace Kashindra. The petals kicked up around him and he giggled with delight, his blonde hair dancing around his eyes. The joy danced in his eyes and he embraced her around her middle.
It's true to say that there was something surrounding the Mutsui family that you couldn't quite figure out unless you were in on the family secret or indeed, in the close inner circle. As days grew into years and time passed, more was elaborated and added onto the first slip of the tongue. So well covered was the truth, even those who were in the inner circle sometimes doubted that they knew the truth…