Chapter One

Memories Scattered

In The Rain

Piano notes filled the air.

They danced around my head, in one ear, and out the other. Despite the fact I hadn't played for years, I could still hear every little mistake the pianist made.

I sat back in my chair and closed my eyes. The auditorium wasn't full, as usual. Then again, most people don't listen to classical music in their spare time… even if it was a rainy day. Only people who like classical that much was the elderly. Through the playing I could hear the rain pounding the roof. It was as loud as the thunder that shook the building at random intervals.

I sit up when the music stops and the crowd erupts into applause. I clap half-heartily. The pianist made at least ten mistakes. An announcer came onstage and announced the show's end. I stood up and headed for the exit before he could finish his speech.

It was pouring.

Once I got outside I got the full effect of the rain. It whipped around and blinding anyone who dared tried to brave the walk home. Everyone else ran to their rides as quickly as their false hips and knees would allow. I burst into giggles at the thought of them running. But it was short lived, cause unlike the elderly I had no ride. I sigh and run my fingers through my long, silver hair. "Guess I'm getting wet."

I started for the park across the street from the auditorium. Least this way I won't get so wet. I ran across the street and headed for a huge tree. The rain fell through the leaves and hit me as I slid to the ground under the huge oaks protection. I pulled my knees up and waited for the rain to let up. My hair plastered itself to my face and back. Thunder rolled and lighting lit up the sky. It cast strange shadows on my pale face. I imagined my violet eyes glowing in the light and a small smile crept to my lips. I looked a mess. with noting else to do, I lay back and close my eyes.

"AKKI!"

I turn at the sound of my name. And then yelp in surprise when Utau runs up and tackles me. She grabs my collar and screams "Why does brother want to go on a date with YOU instead of ME?" I blink in confusion. "For the last time Utau, it's not a date" Utau sits up and I push myself up. "Get off her" Ikuto says. Utau lets a loud humph loose before complying. Ikuto sighs, walks over and offers me his hand. I ignore Utau's dirty look and take it. He yanks me up and I dust myself off. "Thanks" Ikuto says nothing. He looks over at Utau and says "Scram". She sticks her tongue out at me and runs off in a huff. Ikuto sighs and scratches his head.

"Sorry about that" he says.

I shake my head and reply "No problem" He smiles, which for Ikuto is rare. A silence falls. I was one a few people who could pull a smile out of him. "Anyway, what did you want?" he looks up at the sound of my voice. He says something but I don't hear it. "What?" I say. He repeats himself but I still can't hear. The sky that was blue turns dark black. Lighting flashes and rain falls. Ikuto and the park vanish. I squeeze my eyes shut and scream. And…then

I wake up.

Once again I'm alone under the oversized oak tree. The rain was nothing but a drizzle, but it was still thundering and the sky hadn't lightened up. I sigh. Nothing but a dream. I stand up and wipe the dirt off my butt and start for home. Why have those dreams now? That was years ago. I shake my head and loosen the hair stuck on my face. "It was the rain. Nothing more. Everyone one says rain brings on nostalgia." But as I walked I knew it wasn't the rain. The fact was…that was the last time I saw Ikuto and Utau before the incident. And it was the last time I saw Ikuto smile.