• It was a quiet summer night at the headquarters of the underground organization Caterva. A warm summer breeze was drifting through the air, and there were children laughing outside the huge castle, running about in their bare feet, laughing, making memories The breeze drifted up to the fifth floor of the huge castle and into the many open windows, and along with the warm wind came the sounds of the children’s loud laughter and screams of joy.

    In the gigantic library were two girls, one at her desk gazing at a stack of papers and the other laying on the couch. They had both put down their work absentmindedly, one lost in the deep world of the past, the other lost in trying to remember nights like this. When they heard the sounds of laughter, they both smiled sadly, their hearts longing for simpler days. This night was very nostalgic for both of them.

    The girl at the desk rested her head quietly in her hands, frowning and allowing her dirty blond hair to fall out of place. She, for just a moment, wished that she had her memories back and could remember last summer, and the summer before that, and... Well heck. Any summer’s memories would be better than no memories.

    Shirotori, for that was her name, had her memories erased at least once a year. It had to be done, as she was the leader of Caterva and learned secrets that could demolish entire kingdoms if learned. No, it wasn’t fair to her as a person, but for the safety of others she was glad it was done. But just for a second she wished it was different. That she could remember.

    Her brown eyes flashed with desire as she glanced at the black haired girl, Mae, lying on the couch, who was obviously caught up in memories of the past. Shirotori was only 19, and she was far from perfect. And right now she wanted Mae’s memories badly. It pained her to see that sad smile on Mae’s face, as Mae remembered things Shirotori probably never would.

    Every day, they were reminded of the fact that maybe tomorrow, maybe in a month, maybe in a year, Shirotori wouldn’t be able to remember the conversations they were having. She wouldn’t be able to remember the things they did together, or the things happening in their lives. It hurt them both, although Shirotori bore it with a smile.

    Thankfully Shirotori was allowed to passively keep her memories of people and her feelings for them. She always remembered that Mae was her best friend. It was a tricky job, erasing her memories so specifically. Mae never found out who was doing it.

    Shirotori’s eyes drifted back to the paper she was holding, and she blankly looked at it, too distracted to focus. She idly opened a few filing drawers without knowing what she was doing, yawning quietly. Shirotori shook her head, trying to focus even as she pulled out a few files.

    The files she had pulled out were familiar, and she frowned. They contained pictures of a tall blond man. He had blue eyes, and... she rolled her eyes. Perfect skin. He was attractive, but she’d never date him.

    She blinked, wondering why she’d even thought about dating him. Shirotori had never even met the man. Nor did she have time to date. She had no idea who he was, or why the files were on in her drawer. She’d stumbled upon them last week, and ever since she’d been captivated by the mystery behind them.

    Shirotori was jerked out of her thoughts by Mae’s face three inches from her own.
    “Whatcha thinking bout?” Mae giggled.
    Shirotori pushed Mae back. “Mae! Not appreciated!”
    Mae smirked as she sat on Shirotori’s desk, wiggling her neko ears at the older girl teasingly. “Does someone have a crush?”
    Shirotori glared. “Where on earth did you get that idea?”
    “The look you had on your face.”
    “Well, you’re wrong.”
    Mae rolled her eyes while mouthing something Shirotori was sure she should be glad Mae wasn’t saying out loud.

    As Shirotori watched Mae lay back down, she mentally slapped herself. Mae always knew when she was thinking about a guy. She smiled quietly. She was glad she had Mae as a friend. Shirotori had no idea what she’d do without the crazy little neko.