• SLAM!!

    As he flew backward through the air, Kairou saw the noon sun. As his body spun around he saw his face reflected in the pond he was now skidding across. A face that had once been referred to by some of his home village's elders as “cute” was now covered in dirt and blood. Except for the deep blue eyes staring back.

    And as he hit the surface of the water, and began to sink, the events of the previous few days flashed before his eyes.

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    As the sun had just disappeared beyond the horizon, and the first stars were appearing, the door to the bakery opened. Out stepped a 15 year old boy of average height, less than average weight, light blond hair that looked like he had just stepped out of a bath, and shook his head wildly, and a face that the older people in the village said was “cute”.

    “Have a safe trip hope, Kairou,” the baker said as he pulled the door closed and latched it. While he was turning the sign on the door around, he watched the boy who was meant to lead the village walk down the village's single cobbled street towards his cabin overlooking the sea.

    If either one of them had looked at the cliff sitting opposite the sea, and towering over the village, they'd have seen the duo of cloaked figures.

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    “Is that him?” came a deep, but clearly feminine voice from the taller figure pointing at the shadowy figure of the boy.

    “Yes.” replied the other figure, with an emotionless voice that simultaneously inspired fear and pity. “I'm sure of it.” He lowered the photo of a slightly younger Raikou.

    “Sigh. I still don't get how you can make out anything at this time of day.”

    “Don't make me explain it again......”

    *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


    “I'm home, Suji,” Kairou called towards the small fishbowl. When he approached the small table beside his bed that the bowl was resting on, the young koi swam to the edge of the glass. Smiling, he took the bread he had just bought out of his bag, and crumbled a small piece of it. The crumbs had barely touched the surface before the fish darted upwards to greet them.

    Tearing off a piece of bread for himself, Kairou sat on his bed and stared out the window at the crescent moon.

    Slam!!

    The door to the hut was thrown off its hinges, and flew against the fireplace. Kairou jumped up just as a half dozen shadows bolted into the hut.

    “Wha- who are y- you?!?” Kairou stammered, trying to summon every ounce of courage he could find.

    None of the armored figures that had now lined themselves three on each side of the door frame, said anything. They didn't even move until a seventh figure, larger and wearing heavier, gold-plated armor, strolled in, at which point they all fell onto one knee.

    Extending one hand, the man who Kairou assumed was the leader, said “I'm afraid your wanted. We need you to come with us.” His voice sounded sweet. But it was a clearly artificial sweet.

    BAM!!

    Suddenly a gust of wind blew a chunk of the wall off, and slammed it against the intruding group. Two cloaked figures sprinted inside.

    Extending her hand, the taller one shouted “Come with us if you want to live!!”

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