Snow Sato: trouble in the land
Chapter 1

It was late afternoon December 31, in the Snow Sato (S.S.). Taizen Yaiba and
Yuki Mitsukai was outside building a snowman. Taizen was around 8 years old and Yuki was around 7.
“Take this!” Yuki shouted throwing a snow ball at Taizen.
“Watch it; Yuki that hurt!” Taizen yelled still rolling up the head of the snow man.
“Haha, you’re so naïve!” Yuki laughed. She dodged the snow ball Taizen threw at her then threw another one hitting Taizen in the face.
“You’re aim is too good! I don’t like it!” Taizen said wiping the snow out of his hair. He threw a snow ball up then sent a small bit of magic and made it burst.
“Now that’s just mean, show off!” Yuki said making another snow ball.
This time Taizen dodged it then threw one a Yuki. “Woo hoo, bull’s eye!” Taizen said when the snowball hit Yuki.
“Hey, that one hurt!” Yuki exclaimed blushing a bit.
“Haha, now you know what it feels like!” Taizen said laughing. He fell on the ground laughing trying not to roll over and crush the snow man’s head.
“Kids, it’s time to come in. Yuki’s father would be disappointed if I let her get sick,” Kiri said walking out the front door. Her long black hair fell past her waist. Her brown eyes hid the fact that she was 31.
“Yes mother, could you make us some hot coco?” Taizen asked sitting up.
“I will,” Kiri said smiling. She went in and started making the hot chocolate. “Amai, come on down, I’m making hot coco,” Kiri said making Amai come down stairs.
Yuki and Taizen came in just in time for the hot coco. “Thank you!” they said.
“Big brother, Yuki, when can I go outside and play with you?” Amai asked sitting at the small table. Her green eyes were shimmering with hope. Her silver hair came to her shoulders. The fact that she was 5 was hidden by her intelligence.
“Whenever you want, I’m sorry, but it was colder than usual today so…,” Taizen said taking a sip of hot chocolate.
“Sorry Amai, we really would have like for you to play with us. Maybe you can next time?” Yuki suggested. She put her cup on the table then hung her coat on a hook on the wall.
“Kids, would you like to play an inside game?” Kiri asked.
“Sure!” all three of the kids said at the same time. They went up stairs to pick a game.
Knock…knock…knock!
Kiri went to the door and opened it. “Oh, it’s you Ganjou, welcome!” Kiri said letting Ganjou in.
“Why thank you Kiri!” Ganjou said walking in. “Where’s my little girl?” he asked with a gentle smile. His brown hair was up in a tie. His dark brown eyes melted even the coldest ice. His 34 year old smile never faded.
“She’s upstairs with Amai and Taizen. They’ll be down in a minute,” Kiri replied. She poured Ganjou a cup of tea then poured herself a cup.
“Thank you Kiri,” Ganjou said sitting down at the table. “Have you told Taizen and Amai about Ryoku?” he asked taking a sip of his tea.
Kiri stopped what she was doing then looked away. “I haven’t built up enough courage,” she admitted.
“You’ll have to tell them sooner or later,” Ganjou said looking at Kiri.
“I know…I wish you would tell them…but I’m their mother so,” Kiri said looking at Ganjou.
“I’ll tell them if you want…I can wait till tomorrow that way Yuki won’t see Taizen cry,” Ganjou said finishing his tea.
“Please do…they’re gonna hate me,” Kiri said letting a tear roll down her cheek.
Ganjou stood up and went over to Kiri. He put his cup down and hugged her. Then he whispered in her ear, “I know how it feels.”
“Thank you, cousin,” Kiri said crying. She hugged him back with her face buried in his chest. “If something ever happens to me…promise you’ll take care of Taizen and Amai?” Kiri asked.
“I will if you promise to do the same for me,” Ganjou said.
“I promise,” she said looking down. “I wish Ryoku was still by my side…,” Kiri said looking up at Ganjou with tears in her eyes.
“It’s the same without Ukiyo…,” Ganjou said thinking of his wife.
“Ganjou…so far how many people has Satsubatsu killed?” Kiri asked.
“That’s not for you to know. I can’t have you troubled,” Ganjou said sitting down.
“Yes, I can see why…there’s too many that have died…over 50, am I correct?” Kiri said sitting down.
“I shouldn’t have thought about it…the master of spells is right here…reading my mind,” Ganjou said putting his hand on his forehead.
“Taizen is next in line…then Amai…,” Kiri said bragging about her kids.
“Ah…,” Ganjou sighed. “They learned from the best.”
“Thanks,” Kiri said blushing.
“Mother, Taizen won’t quit bragging about his spells! Tell him to stop!” Amai said running down the stairs.
“It’s her fault! She kept teasing me!” Taizen said racing after her.
“You two, quit fighting for just one day!” Yuki said coming down after them.
“Oh, speaking of the kids…,” Kiri said moving out of the way. She looked at them then looked back to Ganjou.
“Father you’re back!” Yuki said running over to him. She jumped into his arms and kissed his cheek. “I missed you!”
“I missed you too, my little angel!” Ganjou said returning her hug.
How can you see into my eyes like open doors? Leading you down into my core, where I become so numb. Without a soul my spirits sleeping somewhere cold, until you find it there and lead it back home. Kiri thought turning her head. She looked at a sketch of Ryoku then tried not to cry.
Ganjou saw what was going on so he tried to change the subject. Wake me up…I can’t wake up. Save me…call my name and save me from the dark. Now that I know what you’re without, I can’t just leave you. Breathe into me and make me see...the nothing I’ve become.
Kiri almost cried before she ran out the door. “Tell them,” she whispered passing Ganjou.
Ganjou watched her run out the door then bowed his head. “Okay…,” he said putting Yuki down.
“Tell them what? What’s wrong Father?” Yuki asked looking to Taizen. She waved for him and Amai to come over then smiled. “Is it a surprise?” Yuki asked with a smile.
“That’s for sure…,” He whispered to himself. How…how can I tell them? Kiri knew right away…why didn’t-
“Ganjou…you can’t mean…father is…,” Taizen said stepping back. He held onto Amai’s hand then started to cry. “It’s not true…you’re lying…he can’t be!” he yelled.
Amai caught on to what Taizen was saying, then stood in awe.
Tears streaming down his face he held Amai’s hand then ran out the door. Amai… c’mon …we can’t let this be true… Taizen thought stopping to put her on his back.
“Father…what’s wrong? Why is Taizen crying…did something happen?” Yuki asked.
“They’re just like their mother…reading my mind before I could even tell them,” Ganjou said still not looking up.
“Father…please…just look at me…,” Yuki pleaded.
Ganjou looked up. “Ryoku is gone…,” he said.
“What do you mean…gone?” she asked stepping back a little.
“Yuki…he’s dead,” he said standing up. “C’mon…we’ve gotta find them,” he said.
Yuki stood still for a moment. They…lost their father? …I couldn’t live without mine… “How long ago?” she asked walking beside him.
“Two days ago,” Ganjou said wrapping his scarf around Yuki’s neck.
“I know where they are at…,” Yuki said starting to pick up the pace.
“Where are they?” Ganjou asked.
“At the memorial stone…the L.I.B. (lost in battle) memorial stone…,” Yuki said when she noticed it was getting darker.
“It’s…probably so…,” Ganjou said knowing she was right.
When Taizen and Amai to the memorial stone, they ran over to their mother with tears streaming down their faces.
“Mother…it can’t be true!” Taizen said tears rolling down his face. He wrapped his arms around her then pleaded for an answer.
“Mother…was it Sasukatsui?” Amai asked trying to pronounce the name.
“Yes Amai…it was Satsubatsu,” she said with her head hung low.
The rain fell as the three traced their fingers over Ryoku’s name, which was imbedded into the stone.
“Father…you’re not forgotten…,” Taizen said wiping tears from his eyes.
“Daddy…we still love you…,” Amai cried as her cheerful green eyes grew dim.
“Ryoku…don’t leave…your life shouldn’t be over,” Kiri said running her finger over his name. R-y-o-k-u… she thought. My prince charming…isn’t here to protect me…us…
Taizen looked up at his mother. I never thought I’d see you cry…I thought you were the strongest person is the world… Taizen thought watching the tears roll down Kiri’s face.
“I’m defiantly not the strongest person in the world…but your father…that’s a whole different story,” Kiri said.
“I make a vow…that from this day forth…I’ll try my hardest to be a spell master like Mother…then I’ll beat Sasukatsui’s head into the ground!” Amai said.
“Me too…,” Taizen said holding her hand.
Kiri pulled out her kunai knife then threw it.
A shadowed figure swiftly dodged it. Its hooded cape concealed it from Kiri. I did it Kiri … aren’t you ready to kill me?
Kiri flinched. Satsubatsu…You’ll pay! She thought lunging for him.
Satsubatsu waited until the last moment to withdraw his sword, driving it through Kiri. “Have a nice life…in the afterlife!” he said ripping his sword from her.
Kiri couldn’t even scream she was in so much pain; she instantly fell to her knees.
Satsubatsu bent down beside her. He put his sword up then revealed only an evil smile. “He’s not dead…Sardis has him,” he whispered so softly in her ear that she could barely hear him.
Amai threw a Kunai knife. “Get away from mother, Sasukatsui!” she yelled.
This kid can’t even say my name…more less throw a kunai… he thought standing up.
“But I can, Satsubatsu,” Taizen said from behind him. He put the kunai to Satsubatsu’s throat then sliced.
“You’re just like your father,” he said flashing away.
After a moment silence, Taizen and Amai ran to Kiri, tears still streaming down their faces.
“Mother, don’t leave!” Taizen cried leaning over her.
“Taizen…my baby…boy,” she said ripping the silver cross necklace off her neck. “Here,” she said putting it in his hand.
“Mother…why are you giving me this, you’re gonna live!” he lied to himself.
“My boy….don’t worry…,” she said trying to keep her eyes open. She took her silver ring off and gave it to Amai. “My precious…little girl…hold it dear…those were…from your father…,” she said taking both their hands.
“Mother…don’t leave…you’re life hasn’t been lived to its full yet!” Amai cried desperately.
“Don’t cry…I’ll always be with you…hush now…my…babies…,” she said taking her last breath.


Chapter 2


6 years later. December 13, 507

Amai yawned as she brushed her waist long hair. She looked in the mirror to see her blue eyes staring right back at her.
She put her scarf around her neck then went to Taizen’s door and knocked. “Brother, are you awake yet? It’s time for school.”
“I’m awake…just not up…,” he replied with a sleepy tone.
“Get up, I’m gonna help Yuki cook breakfast.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah…,” he said sitting up. It’s horrible when my own little sister wakes me up… He stood up and went over to his closet.
After pulling out a black tank top, a cloak, and a pair of black pants, he closed his door and changed.
He brushed his shoulder length black hair then put his mother’s cross necklace on. After that he went down stairs with a smile. “Good morning!” he cheered. “Good morning Ganjou!” he said bowing his head to Ganjou.
“Good morning Taizen,” Ganjou replied.
“You finally woke up! And it’s almost time to go!” Yuki scolded.
“Hey, at least I got up, right?” he said. “What’s for breakfast?” he asked.
“Toast,” she said picking up the plate of toast. Her purple eyes were full of disappointment
Taizen took the one from the top and headed for the door. “Thanks Yuki!” he teased walking out.
“Taizen Yaiba! Come back! How is it that he wakes up last, but is always the first one out the door?” she asked Amai.
“I don’t know, but I wish he would stop charging off!” Amai answered.
“Give him a break, girls. You’d do the same thing ya know!” Ganjou teased.
“Okay, we’d better be on our way,” Amai said smiling at Ganjou.
“Come home safe,” he said sitting down at the table to eat.
“See ya dad!” Yuki said walking out the door.
“See ya later girls.”
When they were outside Amai looked at Yuki. “Which way should we take today?” she asked.
“Hmm, let’s take the path that goes by Hoshi’s house. Does that sound okay to you?” Yuki suggested.
“Yeah, that’s a great idea!” Amai said.
Yuki moved her waist long, braided hair over her shoulder and started to school.
On the way, they saw Hoshi and Kei walking out of their house.
Kei was Hoshi’s little brother, his silver hair came just above his shoulders. His blue eyes made him look older than he really was. But he was really 14 just like Taizen. He was reading a book called, ‘Fight to the death’. When he looked up he saw Yuki and Amai.
Hoshi closed the door behind him then turned to Yuki and Amai. His shoulder length silver hair brought out the color of his blue eyes. He was just a year older than Kei.
“Hey, Yuki! Good morning, Amai!” Hoshi said walking over to them.
Amai bowed her head then put her hands behind her back. “G-good morning Kei,” she said hiding the fact that she was blushing.
Kei wasn’t rude so he replied with a simple but sweet, “Good morning, Amai.”
Hoshi stood beside Yuki smiled. “It’s so obvious,” he whispered to her.
“Yeah,” Yuki chuckled.
“Hey, would you guys like to walk to school with us?” Hoshi asked elbowing Yuki a little.
Yuki took the hint and answered before Amai could say anything. “Sure!” she said looking at Hoshi.
Amai bowed her head even more. She went to Yuki’s right side.
Yuki put Hoshi between her and Amai. Then she smiled at Hoshi. “She should get use to having to be by boys,” she whispered.
Hoshi nodded. He looked at Kei and smiled.
Kei stuck his tongue out then walked beside Amai.
Amai looked up at Kei then looked back to the ground. Blushing while she thought. Why am I so nervous around him?
“If you blush anymore your head is gonna explode,” Kei said looking ahead while he walked.
Amai stopped and pushed Hoshi between her and Kei. “You walk by him!” she demanded.

Taizen just got to the school; he walked into the classroom to see Futeki and Kitai. “Good morning!” he said walking over to them.
“Taizen,” Futeki put her hand on Taizen’s chest. “Good morning!” she said hugging him. “You’re wearing your cloak today right?” she asked.
“Yes, the black on to be exact,” he replied moving a piece of her blonde hair out of her sightless eyes.
“Sister, don’t be so rude!” Kitai said. She was pulling her waist long blonde hair up into a tie. Her soft green eyes were all the more excited to see Taizen. She was a year younger then Taizen and Futeki.
“Oh…did I do something wrong?” Futeki asked turning her head to Kitai. Her gaze was only a little off. “Is Yuki and Amai here?” she asked.
“They’ll be here. I always leave before them,” he said.
As soon as he said that, Kei, Amai, Yuki, and Hoshi walked in.
“Hey, long time no see, Hoshi!” Taizen said going over to greet him.
“It’s been to long!” Hoshi replied giving Taizen a quick hug.
“Do you know where Mrs. Hotaru has been? She hasn’t been here the past few days,” Taizen asked.
“She’s sick,” Kei spoke up.
“That explains it. And so close to the Winter Futari (W.F) too…,” Taizen said.
“Oh! Um…Taizen…,” Futeki paused.
Yuki smiled and went over to her desk. While Futeki thought of the words to say, Yuki pulled out a piece of paper and wrote ‘Taizen & Futeki’. She tried not to laugh.
Hoshi and Kei took their seats while Amai and Kitai took theirs.
“I was wondering if…,” she was twitling with her skirt.
“Futeki, before I forget to ask,” he started. He looked at Yuki and gave her a face that said ‘watch this’. “Would you like to go to the Winter Futari with me?” he asked.
Futeki gasped. “Really?” she asked with a joyous look on her face.
“I really mean it,” he said smiling. “I like spending time with you,” he said wishing he could take those words back he looked down.
Futeki blushed. “Thank you Taizen.”
What is it with all this blushing?! It makes people look like their head is about to explode! Kei thought looking at Amai. Ugh… either she’ll ask me or I’ll ask her… “Would you like to go with me?” he asked Amai.
“Y-you really mean it?” she asked looking up.
“If I didn’t mean it, why would I even ask?”
“Okay, I’d love to!” she said. This is my chance to prove I’m not as shy as I look!
Girls…I just don’t get them… Kei thought sitting down beside Amai.
I’m gonna be sick… Amai said getting up. She ran to the bathroom, went into a stall, and closed the door. Why would he ask me? I thought he like Hisakata…she prettier and more popular… she thought sitting on the lid of the toilet.
“Amai, what’s wrong?” Yuki’s voice was concerned.
Amai pulled her feet up so Yuki couldn’t see her.
“I know you’re there,” Yuki said. “If you like Kei, you shouldn’t run away from him. Be bold,” she said.
“Easier said than done…,” Amai said putting her chin on her knees.
“Come on out.”
Amai didn’t budge.
“Amai Chi Yaiba, I am not giving you a choice!” Yuki demanded.
Amai slowly stood up and opened the door. “You do know that I could make you walk back to class saying I was sick don’t you.”
“Well, I’ll take my chances,” Yuki said.
“You win…but do I have to tell him how I feel?” Amai asked.
“Yes! If you don’t, you might never get another chance!” Yuki said pushing Amai out of the bathroom.
“Yuki stop!” she pleaded. “Don’t make me do this!” she said when she saw Kei walking down the hall.
Yuki gave her one more push then went into the classroom. “Good luck!”
Amai bowed her head. I’m gonna kill her! Taizen you can tell her! She thought steaming with anger.
“Uh, Amai, are you okay? You left so fast,” Kei said walking up to her.
“Do I look okay?!” she exclaimed stomping into the classroom. She glared at Yuki then took her seat.
Kei was about to sit by her but Amai pulled Kitai into the seat. “Sit here for me,” she whispered.
“No problem,” Kitai said with a smile.
Kei sat behind Amai then started writing on a piece of paper. He gave it to Amai and waited.
Amai read the note that said,
Amai,
I’m sorry if something I said offended you. I came to check on you to see what was wrong. Are you mad at me?

Amai wrote something then gave it to Kei.
Kei read it.
Kei,
I’m not mad at you. Before I forget, and it’s totally random, do you like me or Hisakata more?

Kei smiled. “You,” he whispered.
Amai blushed then wrote down what was on the chalk board.
On the other side of the classroom, Hoshi slipped Yuki a note.
Yuki,
Would you like to go to W.F. with me? So long as Taizen doesn’t get mad...

Yuki smiled and nodded. She gave the note back.
Hoshi,
Taizen won’t get mad. He’s just a friend. He’s going with Futeki any way 

Hoshi wrote something down then gave it to Yuki. He raised his hand and asked to go to the bathroom.
Yuki,
Good, I have something for you after class.

Yuki smiled and kept the note.
After class Hoshi gave Yuki a box and a letter. He walked away hiding his face.
Yuki gasped when she opened it. It was a friendship ring with an amethyst in the middle. She read the note that said, ‘I hope you except my offer to be more than a friend. I have one just like it. Now you can talk to me any time you want, through this.’
Taizen came up behind her and started chanting, “Yuki and Hoshi sitting in a tree-”
“Shut-up, Taizen!” she yelled.
When they got home Ganjou told them he had to go on a mission in a few days and that they would need to prepare for him to leave by sparing.

“I’m gonna win this time!” Yuki said taking out her shuriken.
“Yeah, you might win…in your dreams!” Taizen teased.
“Shut-up, Taizen!” Yuki said. She vanished appearing behind Taizen.
“Shut doesn’t go up!” he teased her. He took his two swords out then flashed away. He chanted something then disappeared.
“Taizen, that’s not fair!” Yuki exclaimed looking around for him. Then she felt two blades at her throat. “I give…,” she admitted.
“Okay, done with training. I wish I had a more challenging opponent…,” he said sarcastically.
“You always win with that move! I don’t know any spells…it’s not fair!” Yuki exclaimed.
“Well, you should learn from the first time. I might use a different technique now that I’ve told you that.”
“Hmph, show off…”

The next day is the W.F. At noon couples will get together and spend the day together.

Kei and Amai were the first people there. Amai went to the fountain with Kei while they waited.
Kei sat down on the edge and looked around. “I still can’t believe we’re the first people here…,” he said.
I’m not sure about this…I’ve never been alone with a boy…well, besides Taizen. But it just doesn’t feel right…is he really the right guy? Amai thought not realizing she was crying.
“What’s wrong?” Kei asked. Am I doing something wrong? I’ve never been on a date before…
I can’t tell him… “I’m just…confused and frustrated,” she said. It was partially true.
“What are you confused about? Did I say something to frustrate you?” he asked.
“No! I’m confused because of your actions! I’m frustrated because I’m apparently not exactly who you want!” she yelled standing up.
Kei listened but didn’t know what he had said wrong. How does she know? I really like her…I don’t see why she’s so mad…what did I do? He thought.
“I’m a spell master! That’s how! Taizen is the same way…our whole family…biological family is that way!” she said turning her back on him.
Kei stood up when Amai did. He grabbed her into a hug. “Calm down-”
Taizen…why did I get myself into this mess?! “Let go…,” she whispered.
Kei didn’t hear her so he kept hugging her.
What’s wrong? Did Kei hurt you? If he did…! Taizen thought. He was holding Futeki’s hand. His grip grew a little tighter
“What’s wrong Taizen? Is something happening?” Futeki asked when she felt Taizen’s hand.
“It’s Amai…,” he said with a worried tone. “I knew I shouldn’t have let them be alone!” he said.
“What’s wrong? Did Kei do something?” she asked.
“I don’t know. But she’s really mad, and really confused,” he explained.
“Big brother!” Amai cried when Kei wouldn’t let go.
“Futeki, I’ll be right back,” Taizen said.
“O-okay,” Futeki stuttered when Taizen hugged her.
“What’s wrong Amai?” Taizen said running up to her. He didn’t see Kei, but he ignored that.
“Big brother, Kei…he…,” Amai said looking up.
Taizen picked her up like the little kid she was. “Tell me all about it. I’ll listen,” Taizen said sitting down with Amai in his lap.
Amai put her head on Taizen’s chest. “He’s not the right person…he…,” she started.
Taizen listened to the thoughts around him until he heard Kei’s.
Where is she? All I wanted to know is what I did wrong…maybe she’s mad because I think about Hisakata… Kei thought.
Taizen twitched. “What’s this about? Are you just jealous?” he asked.
“I am not jealous! You listen to his thoughts in class! You listen to his thoughts when he’s around me! I barely ever hear any thoughts about me! Not even my name! If he really wanted me, my name would be in his head at least once! Don’t you think?!” Amai exclaimed.
“Shhh, hush now,” Taizen said with and understanding look. Go hang out with someone else. If you want you can stick with me and Futeki.
Amai nodded. I don’t want anything to do with Kei!
“C’mon, the Futari is about to start,” Taizen said. He lifted Amai up then put her on her feet.
Taizen and Amai walked back over to Futeki.
“Sorry about that Futeki. Do you mind if Amai tags along with us?” Taizen asked with Amai’s hand in his.
“Sure, I don’t mind one bit!” She said smiling. She shivered then pulled her blue, long sleeved dress over her hands.
“Hey, Yuki and Hoshi are here!” Taizen said watching them come in.
“So are Kitai and Hatsu!” Amai said with a cheerful expression.
Futeki listened for their voices. “I really wish someone would tell me where they are!” she said.
“We’re right here,” Kitai teased Futeki.
Futeki stuck her tongue out. “You try being blind!”
Hoshi looked around. “Where’s Kei? Wasn’t he with you Amai?”
Amai looked away.
Taizen shook his head in a motion to stop.
“What happened?” Yuki asked. She ignored Taizen.
Taizen glared at Yuki.
Hatsu looked around for his twin brother Takai. Through the crowd he saw him and waved for him. “Takai! Over here!” he called. His brown hair and green eyes was a perfect match. He was around 15.
Takai looked over to Hatsu. “Come on Hisakata; let’s interact with the other people a little bit.”
“Okay,” she said moving her icy blue hair out of her face. Her hair came to the middle of her back; her eyes were a shimmering blue. She was about 14 like Kei.
They walked over there holding each other’s hand.
Amai looked away. Can I go home? This day is just getting more frustrating by the moment… she thought looking at Taizen.
Taizen hesitated. Stay a little longer, if it’s not too much…
“Okay,” Amai said.
“Huh?” Kitai, who was now beside her, asked.
“Nothing…,” she said. “I’m gonna get some punch…,” she said walking off.
She was at the punch table when she heard a voice.
“Hey,” it said from behind her.
She turned around to see a boy with orange hair and orange eyes looking straight at her. “Who are you?” she asked. “And your little fox is…so cute!”
“Um…,” he paused. “My name is Fox…this is Foxtrot,” he said putting his hand out to shake Amai’s.
Amai hesitated, but shook his hand. His thoughts are so clear… “Amai Yaiba. So you’re the new student? You skipped yesterday…,” she said pouring a cup of punch.
Fox turned his head but kept his eyes on Amai. Beautiful…that’s the only word I can think of…. he thought.
Amai stopped and turned her body to Fox. “I couldn’t be more thankful…,” she said with a smile.
Uh… “What do you mean?” he asked looking at her.
“I can-” she stopped herself. Only Taizen, Yuki, and Ganjou know that I’m a spell master… I can’t tell anyone else… “I can…read your face…it’s not that hard,” she lied biting her lip.
“Awe…can’t you tell me the truth? How did you know I was a new kid, I skipped school yesterday, and I didn’t say anything a moment ago,” he said leaning up against a nearby tree.
Amai bowed her head. “I’m…a spell master…,” she whispered so that only Fox could hear.
“Ah, that explains…,” he said looking at the bright blue sky. “Who were you running away from? I can read your expression. You’re too easy to figure out,” he said petting Foxtrot.
“I wasn’t running away-”
In an instant, Fox’s finger was at Amai’s lip. “Truthfully. I can tell when you’re lying,” he said moving his finger.
Amai bowed her head. “Kei Toku…he…,” Amai paused. Why am I telling him about my life? I just met him…
“I get it-”
“There you are Amai!” Kei called trotting over to Amai.
She bowed her head.
“Who are you?” Kei asked looking at Fox.
Fox looked at Amai. He put Foxtrot on the ground and smiled. “I’d rather know who you are first.”
“I’m Kei,” Kei said reaching his hand out for Amai’s.
“Would you just leave me alone?!” Amai shouted at Kei. She pulled her hand away and glared at him.
Kei looked at Amai with confusion. He put his hand on her shoulder. “Amai calm down-”
“Don’t you see that I’m trying to get away from you?!” she shouted trying to push him away.
Fox watched with confusion as Amai’s eyes grew angry.
Amai looked at Fox with tears in her eyes. The look on her face was shouting ‘help me’.
“Foxtrot,” Fox said watching Amai.
“Don’t hurt him…,” she whispered. She fell to her knees.
Fox ran over to her. “Amai? Are you okay?” he asked kneeling down beside her.
Amai looked at Fox. Is he the one? I feel comfortable around him…but… she thought as she looked at him. Her eyes were filled with tears. “I’m…fine…,” she cried. She leaned on him.
Kei glared as he held Foxtrot in front of him. “Stupid fox…see what you made me do?” he said looking at Foxtrot.
“You’re the stupid one!” Foxtrot yelled snarling her teeth.
Kei put her down. “Heh…guess I didn’t see that coming…,” he said watching Foxtrot.
Amai looked at Kei then back to the ground.
Kei reached his hand out. “I’m sorry Amai.”
“I said go away!” she yelled. She stood up bowing her head.
Kei took a step toward her.
She ran off crying. Kei…you…you jerk! She thought running away from the festival. She ran to the memorial stone.
When she got there she wiped the snow of her mother and father’s names. Mother… father… she let out a little chuckle. “I couldn’t even say his name right…how do you expect me to fight him?” she cried tracing her finger over the lettering.
She felt a hand on her shoulder then turned her head to see who it was. She looked back to the memorial stone once again feeling the names. “They died when I was five…I miss them,” she said.
“I know how it feels…I lost my whole clan. No one survived. Not even our leader,” Fox said letting Foxtrot crawl into his coat.
Amai turned to him. “That’s horrible…,” she said wiping the tears from her eyes.
“Yeah…well, I don’t want you to get sick. Let’s go back to the festival,” he said.
Amai stopped and bowed her head. “Kei…he’s still there.”
Fox hesitated. “Yeah….”
“I’m going home…,” she said walking past Fox.
“But do I?” Fox asked putting Foxtrot on the ground.
“What do you mean?”
“I’d like to get to know you, Amai,” he said walking to her.
“I’ll see you tomorrow at school. We can talk then, I’m just not in a good mood…,” she said. She closed her eyes and said, “Terepo-to. See ya Fox,” then she vanished.
“Ya try to comfort them and they vanish…I don’t get it. Hmm…,” Fox said dazed.
“Fox, snap out of it! Hello, earth to Fox!” Foxtrot said looking up at Fox. She looked at Fox then to where Amai was. She smiled. Awe…she’ll love Amai. I don’t think Fox even knows…hmm…

Amai sat on the front porch with her face buried in her hands. Why should I cry so much?! She sat there until it started getting dark.
Taizen and Yuki were walking to the house when they saw Amai on the porch.
Taizen looked at Yuki. “You’re a girl, you talk to her…,” he whispered.
Yuki nodded. She went up to Amai. “Amai…is there something wrong?” she asked.
“Yeah…can we talk about this later? I’m not in the mood…,” she said.
“Amai…now is fine. Let’s go up to my room,” Yuki said.
Amai nodded. “You win…,” she said standing up.
Taizen went up to his room. Sheesh…girls… he thought.
He went to his closet and pulled out his black t-shirt. He changed after he closed his door.
He pulled out his note book and went to his bed.
Can’t people care to observe? Taizen heard through his thoughts. He closed the note book. “Where and who are you?” he asked looking around his room.
“I’m right here. You haven’t given me a name yet,” a female voice said.
Taizen looked beside him. “You’re a ferret…I think I’m going crazy…,” he said putting his hand on his head.
“You’re not going crazy, Taizen,” she said.
“Hey, how do you know my name?” Taizen said looking at the ferret.
She sighed. “You’re my master. I haven’t been able to come to you until now because of Sardis. I’ll explain that later though,” she said.
Taizen picked her up. “How old are you?”
“Don’t you know it’s rude to ask a girl how old she is? But…you are my master, you’ve gotta know…,” she sighed. “I’m the same age as you. Your mother and father were the masters of my father and mother,” she explained.
“Mother and father didn’t have any pets…,” Taizen said.
“Yes they did. You didn’t see them because your parents didn’t let you. If a master doesn’t want their companion to be seen by certain people, those few people can’t see them. Do you understand?”
Taizen soaked it in. “Um, I guess so. Am I the only one?” he asked.
“No. There’s Fox and Foxtrot, who you’re sister knows. There’s one who will belong to Amai. And another who will belong to Yuki,” she explained.
“Amai knows…Fox and…Foxtrot?” Taizen asked.
“Yeah, they’re from the ‘Kitsune’ clan,” she said.
“Hmm…,” he paused. “You really need a name…,” he said when he was about to call her.
“I’d love one!” she said with glee.
“Koichou…that’s good,” he said.
“I love it!” Koichou said crawling into Taizen’s lap. She looked up at him as if to say, ‘thanks’ to an old friend.
“That’s good,” he said.
“You said that Yuki and Amai had an animal each…what animals are they?” he asked.
“Um…Amai’s animal is a snow fox. Yuki’s is a silver dove,” she said smiling.
Taizen laughed. “Have they come to them yet?”
“Yeah, we should go check on them now,” Koichou said.
Taizen stood up with Koichou on his shoulder. He walked to Yuki’s room and knocked on the door.
“Come in?” Yuki called.
Taizen walked in to see Amai holding a snow white fox and Yuki holding a silver dove.
Yuki looked at Taizen. “They were right!” she said.
Amai smiled. “This is Chiisai,” she said snuggling the white, three tailed fox.
“This is Rikka, may I ask her name?” she said softly petting the dove’s back.
“This is Koichou. She told me about why they couldn’t come to us earlier; something about Sardis?”
“I told you I’d explain later. Sardis is slowly losing her power,” Koichou said. “We can talk about this later.”
“Okay,” Amai agreed. “Can we take you guys to school?” she asked.
“Yeah, but we can’t help,” Rikka said.
“That’s good,” Amai said petting Chiisai.
“Would you like us to explain our powers?” Chiisai said with an elegant voice.
“Please do,” Amai said listening very carefully.
Koichou looked at Taizen. “We’ll explain the rules too.”
Taizen rolled his eyes. “Great…rules…”
Chiisai jumped out of Amai’s lap and stood by the door waiting for Rikka and Koichou. “We have to go outside. Each one of our powers are different, but it varies according to our master’s powers,” she explained as Koichou walked over to her.
Rikka spread her wings out and flew over to Koichou and Chiisai. “Let’s go to the back…I’m glad we don’t live too far into town…,” she said flying out of Yuki’s room.
Koichou and Chiisai followed.
Taizen shrugged. “We might as well go.”
When they were outside Rikka perched in a nearby tree. “We’ll explain the rules…well there not really rules…but it’s what happens,” she said.
They listened.
“If one of us dies, you live. But like the dragon riders, if you die, so do we,” Rikka explained.
“And if you fall sick, we take care of you. Since we can transform into people, and all that,” Koichou said scratching her ear.
“Rule number 3, if you tell us to do something, no matter the cost, we must do it,” Chiisai explained as she went over to Koichou.
“How many rules are there?” Taizen asked.
“Four. Not worry, the first was the worst…the fourth one is, that if we disobey you, we get a punishment as bad as what happened for not obeying you,” Koichou said looking at Taizen. She smiled. “I guess now, we get to show you our powers. Chiisai, would you like to go first?”
“Yeah,” Chiisai said. “You might want to step back. Oh, before I do this, we can each learn new powers. But we only know one to start with. For the others, we have to do with our master,” she said.
“Okay,” Yuki, Amai, and Taizen said.
Chiisai closed her eyes.
Snow swirled around her so fast you couldn’t see her. When the snow stopped, she snarled her teeth to make it look as if she were fighting.
Her body had gone from small and graceful, to large and powerful. Her three tails were no longer as soft as the snow fox, but as graceful as a snow blade. Her fur turned from snow white to a sterling silver.
“Wow…,” Amai gawked.
“This isn’t all there is to my attack,” Chiisai said.
She sat down and looked to the sky. Howling, she lifted her head. She looked back to Amai. “Before I go on, put a barrier around yourself and the others,” Chiisai explained.
Amai nodded and chanted something. Soon there was an invisible barrier around them and the house.
Chiisai heaved her powerful body into the air and seemed to be walking in the air. She said something in a language that no one understood, but her eyes turned ice blue and the snow that fell turned to icy blades.
Amai was still gawking, now Yuki’s jaw dropped. “Wow…,” they said.
Chiisai bowed her head.
Koichou spoke up. “Um, I guess Rikka can go next,” she said looking at Rikka.
“Okay,” Rikka agreed. “Mine isn’t an attack like Chiisai’s…”
“Oh?” Yuki asked.
“Mine is a defensive move,” she explained.
“Yes, go on,” Yuki said looking very interested.
Rikka flew to a spot where she could be seen by all, she outstretched her wings and put her head towards the side, doing this, she created a barrier. “Throw something at me.”
Taizen took the pleasure and threw a small stone very lightly.
The barrier absorbed the stone, then threw it back with much more force than Taizen had used.
Taizen blocked himself then smiled. “That’s impressive!”
“Thank you,” she said letting the barrier down.
She flew over to Yuki and perched on her shoulder.
Yuki smiled and pet her. “So that leaves Koichou?” she asked.
Taizen nodded.
Koichou walked over to Amai and touched her nose to Amai. Quickly, she began to take Amai’s form.
When she was completely like Amai she spoke, sounding just like her.
“I can take on the form of any object that I touch. After I have touched that object or person, I don’t need to touch them again to transform into them.”
Koichou closed her eyes and turned into Taizen. She went and stood by him. “If you hadn’t seen me walk to him, would you have known it was me?” she asked, sounding just like Taizen.
Yuki blinked twice then looked from Taizen to Koichou, then Koichou to Taizen. “You’re right. I can’t tell the difference!”
Taizen smiled. “That’ll come in handy!” he said already scheming ways to get out of school.
Koichou went back to being a ferret then looked up to Taizen.
Taizen picked her up and smiled.
They were silent.
“Um…well…now what?” Yuki asked.
“I guess we can go inside?” Amai suggested.
Taizen nodded. “Sounds good.”
They all went inside and sat down. None of them could think of anything to say then they heard a knock at the door.
“I’ll get it!” Taizen and Amai said standing up.
They both looked at each other and laughed.
“Go ahead, Amai,” Taizen said.
Amai walked to the door holding Chiisai. When she opened it she closed it again.
She blinked twice then opened it once more.
“Well, thank for shutting the door on my face. That’s what I’ve always wanted,” Fox said.
“Who is it Amai?” Taizen asked.
Amai looked back. “Um…I’ll be right back brother,” she said going outside.
She looked at Fox, who was just a little taller than her. “Why are you here? How’d you find me?” She asked.
Foxtrot popped out of Fox’s coat. “Chiisai!” she said jumping out and to the ground.
Chiisai jumped down to greet Foxtrot.
Amai ignored them. “Well?”
Fox smiled at the two foxes then looked at Amai. “I wanted to see how you were getting along with Chiisai,” he said.
Amai wasn’t buying it; she crossed her arms waiting for the real answer. ‘If you don’t tell me, I’ll just read your mind. You get to pick,” she said.
Fox smiled and looked at Amai. “Well, I’ve been found out already. Then again, I shouldn’t really be surprised,” he said with a soft laugh. “Anyway, I came to…um…,” Fox tried to find the right words.
Foxtrot looked up to Fox who was biting his lip. She chortled then shook her body to get the snow off. “Fox, go on and tell her. You had no problem telling me what you were going to say.”
“Yeah, but I know you,” he said with a little laugh.
Amai was still waiting. She picked Chiisai up, hoping Fox would stop paying attention to Foxtrot and look at her. “Like I said, we can do this one way or another Fox,” she said.
She cuts to the chase without even thinking. He thought looking her in the eyes.
Fox bowed in a ninety degree angle the spoke. “Since I’m new in this Sato, I need someone to show me around. I was hoping you might be able to,” he said still bowing.
Amai laughed. “You had such a hard time saying that?” she asked. “Why is that hard?” she asked, wanting to know.
“Um…well, I don’t really like asking others for help. I’m more of a loner,” he said standing up straight then putting his hands behind his head.
Amai smiled. “Sure, I’ll show you around the school as well. Where do you live?” she asked.
Fox looked around as if to see if anyone were listening. “I don’t have a real home yet…,” he said looking down. “I just came here since the Kitsune clan is on the outer rim of Snow Sato.”
Amai gasped. “You don’t have a home?!” she exclaimed.
“No, I have a house…it’s just—how do I say it? Home-made…?” he said trying to figure out how to say it.
Amai put her hand over her mouth while holding Chiisai in her other hand. “Don’t you get cold?” she asked.
“Well…not really, I am—after all—part of the Kitsune Clan. Roughly translated that means Fox Clan, so we can do anything we want with any type of fox.”

Impressum

Texte: Credit goes to Kinomi for this book. Do not steal.
Tag der Veröffentlichung: 21.06.2010

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