Author’s Notes: So… for those of you who always like to read my stories, I think this piece might come as a bit of a shock, especially because it’s a completely different type of story to the other ones I’ve written. Unlike most of what I write about, this story – or manga, I should say – will be mainly character-based, but I will include a lot of plot in it to keep it going. I’ve planned to write a manga for a few months now, but when I was looking through my folders in the computer downstairs (which I haven’t used in so long now because I now use my own laptop), I discovered a manga which I’ve already planned some time last year and the majority of this first chapter was written last year. So I decided to combine both ideas together, seeing that they’re more or less the same.

This story is written purely for my own pleasure and serves no purpose whatsoever except to make me know my characters more and have fun with them. All the characters here are mine, and same goes for most ideas included in the plot. The base of this manga came from two roleplays I joined in Gaiaonline, and if you want the details on that, just say so and I’ll happily give it to you. But for now, I hope you enjoy my first manga.

Elemental Flow

Chapter 1: The Five Habitants
"Don't let good friends fall out over something small and ridiculous. It's not worth looking back on."

Tap, tap, tap…

The sound of feet treading on the wooden floors was barely heard above thunder, lightning and rain above, which was amazing because usually, no sound of feet would ever be heard in the usually-exciting mansion. The one responsible for making the soft noise was none other than a young girl who would appear to be eighteen years old to the human eye, walking down the corridor with a tray balanced in both her white hands. With straight black hair and dark emerald eyes like the greenest of forests, Akiko appeared to be someone who looked particularly haunted, but beautiful.

She stopped at a door and pressed her right ear to the surface of the wood, listening intently. Hearing no particular sound coming from inside, the girl opened the door and stepped inside, casting her eyes on a sweating figure lying on the bed at the end of the room. Making her way to his side, she set the tray aside and a removed the damp cloth from his forehead so she could place her own hand to check his temperature.

“He’s getting warmer…” Akiko said softly, removing her hand from his forehead. She frowned and bit her lips worriedly, gazing at her friend who lay on the bed, brows furrowed from the fever. “Takeshi, please…” She whispered. Slowly, Akiko perched herself on his bed, grasping his hand with her right and placed her left on his forehead again. The eighteen-year-old then closed her eyes and breathed softly as she started to stroke his forehead gently.

It was a horrible day. Rain poured endlessly from the days before – the cause of Takeshi’s high fever in the first place. Clouds remained thick and dark, hung low with occasional flashes of lightning, accompanied by the sound of thunder from above. The cold droplets of water were sent down, spattering on the windows of the Edisen Mansion, also ruining the dirt and newly-plant flowers of the garden. The small outhouse near the mansion was also sealed shut, for nobody would bring themselves to venture in the rain to check what was concealed inside.

Other than the natural faces of nature, everything else stayed still, except for the five habitants of the Edisen mansion. Then again, it was quite odd that the rain managed to land on the mansion in the first place, for around the building, a barrier was put up, sealing the whole place from the outside world. When and why the barrier was put up would be a question to ask for later when it shall be explained in time, but for now, that should best be left alone. All which mattered was that the place was simply impenetrable, except for one who shall bring across this story which was kept away from all, but told in the future from the eyes of a twelve-year-old girl, only for once… but enough. Still… the story does not start there.

Across the halls of the mansion, quite suddenly despite the silence earlier, a loud voice rang, echoing and also magnified from the intense silence. It belonged to a young woman, commanding another to show herself; “Sakura!!” Kyoko called angrily, storming through the stairs. “Sakura, get here now!”

“What’s going on here?” A young man’s voice answered. Slowly, Shinichi poked his head out from the door of the study, eyes wandering around until they landed on the nineteen-year-old girl with purple-grey hair. “Why call for Sakura? She’s somewhere in the library.” He pointed out, then sighing. Gently, Shinichi strolled over to Kyoko and shrugged. “But I think it’s best to leave her alone to think about her actions…” He whispered.

“I don’t care about what happened, but she shall be responsible if anything happens. It’s her fault that Takeshi’s lying in there – ill.” Kyoko snapped, rolling her eyes at him. Must he be so gentle?

Shinichi shook his head with a small smile. “Come on, Kyoko – you know Sakura as well as I do. She wouldn’t do anything like this without having a good reason to – Takeshi must’ve sparked something for her to cause the rain to fall. Being so fiery, he might not be so adapted to such cold droplets of water.” He said simply.

“Well… you’re right there. But really, Shinichi, you should go and see him for yourself. I’ve never seen Takeshi in such a weak position and I overheard Akiko saying that his fever is getting worse. He stopped talking altogether a few hours ago and we can’t ask an outsider to come in here and check up on him…” Kyoko trailed off, speaking more to herself than to the one in front of her. “I’m worried about him.”

“For once.” Shinichi snorted. “If I haven’t known better, the most likable reaction you would have taken was to laugh and tease him. It’s just a fever – it’ll cool down. And anyway, according to the logic of our lives, heat will never be able to kill Takeshi, no matter how intense it is.” He reassured her.

“But… he claimed that he was cold. He even shivered a few times…”

“Which is, of course, quite expected when one has a fever. Don’t worry yourself too much, Kyoko – I’m sure Takeshi will wriggle out of this safely. Now if you don’t mind, I might go and check up on Sakura and see why she made this rain. It’s a good thing Takeshi didn’t do anything with fire or they both would’ve ended up killing themselves.”

“I… alright.” Kyoko sighed, giving him a weak nod.

“Go to sleep, Kyoko. It’s still early, but you need it. I heard you in the infirmary last night, pacing around – no doubt taking care of Takeshi, eh? Get some rest. Akiko should be able to take care of everything. Go on now.” Shinichi waved her off, acting as if he was older even though in truth, Kyoko was at least a year older than the rest of them. Reluctantly, she agreed with his suggestion and with a nod of thanks, exited the hallway and climbed the stairs to her bedroom.

As soon as he heard the bedroom door shut, Shinichi managed a small smile and crossed over to the library, knocking on the door six times with his natural tap-tap-tap tap-tap-tap beat. He waited for two seconds, repeated the knock, and leaned closer to the door. “Sakura…? May I come in?” Shinichi asked gently.

“Shinichi… of course…” Another kind voice answered from behind. “Please, do come in…” She added after a slight pause.

With a nod, Shinichi entered the room and closed the door behind him, spotting the sixteen-year-old girl sitting on the floor, gazing out of the window. “Hey…” He approached her carefully, sitting down beside her. “The rain is still pouring… don’t you think you should stop it now?”

“I like the rain, you know that. It makes me feel calm…” Sakura answered, turning her head to look at him. Her eyes were red-rimmed and her long, light blue hair rested on her shoulder lightly, pooling on the floor. “…How is he?”

Shinichi shrugged carelessly. “I’m not sure, really. I didn’t check up on him though Akiko and Kyoko seemed rather worried about his fever. The fight is really serious this time, isn’t it?” He asked wisely, receiving a hesitant nod from the girl. “Look, Sakura, I don’t think anyone will blame you for this. We behave like our elements and it just so happens that yours clash against his. It’s nothing one wouldn’t expect to happen.”

“Yes… but still, with Takeshi caught up in a fever, the barrier surrounding Edisen will weaken slightly. I hope he’s alright…” She whispered tearfully.

Shinichi placed an arm around her and pulled her close. “I’m sure he’ll be alright. Like I said to Kyoko earlier, Takeshi’s element is the Fire itself. No heat will kill him – the same as saying that no water will kill you, no dirt and earth will kill Akiko… and no spirits of the dead will kill Kyoko. It’ll be alright.”

“…Can I go and see him?” Sakura asked, raising her head to gaze at him. She wiped her tears and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I want to see him.”

“Then I am in no position to stop you.” Shinichi answered. He stood up and took her hand, helping her to her feet. “Takeshi’s resting in the infirmary – I’ll have Akiko out for you two to have some time alone… though I wonder what that might do.” He smiled.

“That would be great, thank you.” Sakura replied, allowing him to lead the way.

They ascended the carpet-covered stairs together and entered the third floor, reaching the landing quietly. Shinichi moved swiftly through the corridors and when he reached the infirmary, he knocked six times with the same, usual beat, listening intently. It didn’t take more than ten seconds for the door to open and when Akiko saw who it was, her smile widened slightly.

“Shinichi. Sakura.” She greeted.

“Akiko…” Sakura replied.

“Sakura would like to see him.” Shinichi said easily. “I sent Kyoko to sleep – she should be alright.” He said. Without waiting for an answer, Shinichi grabbed Akiko’s hand and pulled her out of the infirmary, placing his arm around her shoulders playfully. “I need to point something out to you anyway.” He said, giving a wink to Sakura as he led Akiko away. “That painting on the first floor – you know, the one Kyoko did? – well, I think she mentioned once about a previous owner of the Edisen Mansion…”

The voice trailed off softly and Sakura sighed to herself as she entered the infirmary, closing the door behind her. Surely enough, she could see Takeshi who was lying on the bed, breathing deeply with his eyes closed. Sakura crossed over to him and placed her hand gingerly on his forehead, gasping slightly at the temperature. “Takeshi …” She whispered, sitting down beside him.

She spotted a small cloth at the bedside table with a basin of cool water and with that, Sakura dampened the cloth and dabbed his face gently. “Takeshi… Please wake up.” She sighed.

“Heh… if it isn’t Sakura. I’m already awake, don’t worry.” Takeshi answered, though very quietly, perhaps too tired to go any louder. Slowly, he opened his eyes and gazed at her, taking in her appearance with a scowl. “You’ve been crying? Or was it the lack of sleep?” He asked.

“Crying.” Sakura answered, dabbing his face as she looked straight into his eyes. “I’m sorry.”

“Nah, it’s nothing. Not as if it’s the first time we fought.” Takeshi snorted, almost laughing. “You need not worry yourself, Sakura – it’s only a fever. It’ll go away.” He said confidently.

“Akiko was worried – even Kyoko was worked up, and –”

“Kyoko is always worked up.” Takeshi pointed out with a frown. “Come on, Sakura. Really, forget about it – you’re clucking like a hen and it’s not as if a fever will kill me.”

“You’re weak.” Sakura stated, dampening the cloth again. She folded it neatly and placed it on his forehead, pressing down gently. “Not once, ever since I came here, which, I shall remind you, is a long time ago – not once have I seen you as weak as this.” She said, looking down at him. “It’s more serious than any of us would expect.”

“Might I remind you that fires aren’t accustomed to cold droplets of water?” Takeshi answered with a small smile. “Sure, I’m nothing but a piece of sardine, but really, Sakura, there’s nothing to worry about. I’m fine with it – why shouldn’t you be?”

“Because I know you well enough to know that you’re lying.” The younger one answered in a monotone.

Takeshi rolled his eyes at her, pausing slightly to prevent himself from coughing. When he regained his composure, he looked at her and sniffed. “Nonsense.” He defended himself.

Sakura narrowed her eyes at him, quite annoyed with his stubbornness. “You know it’s true, Takeshi. But as usual… the reputation needs to be kept clean.”

“Whatever.” He sighed, relaxing his body with a small groan to both their dismays. Frowning, Takeshi closed his eyes for a moment, breathing deeply before opening them again to gaze at her. “If you’re so worried and you want me to get better soon, then let me sleep, Sakura. That in itself will do a lot for me already, okay? Let me have my rest and hope for the best. Got that?” He asked, receiving a nod. Confident, Takeshi snuggled deeper into the blankets, shivering ever so slightly as he did so. He closed his eyes and slept soon enough, leaving Sakura alone in the room with her own thoughts.

Thus… the story begins…

In the country of Acirne, a large manor stood proud and tall, hidden in a deep forest which was said to be very much impenetrable. The mansion was called the Edisen Mansion, though very few know about the place – mainly because of a magical barrier hiding it. Inside, five Elementalists live together, putting up the shield to keep themselves alive from the outside world. It hid them from view; from humans, Demons and Angels alike though the latter two are quite aware of their existence, but their presence would serve no great detail to this particular story.

The Demons and Angels have more important businesses to attend to rather than to see these five Elementalists, for these Elementalists keep to themselves and never utter more than thirteen words to an outsider. The only way they could contact an Angel or a Demon (if they wanted to contact an Angel or a Demon) would be the special (but sealed) outhouse which stood not far from the mansion itself.

These Elementalists never have always existed, and the Edisen Mansion was once non-existent. In fact, the reason of their existence would be one completely different story to the one you shall discover here and now. A few decades ago, a young couple decided to build the mansion for themselves, as they were very rich and wealthy as well as loving. Consisting of four floors and two wings that appeared like a tower, the manor was large enough for them to live there forever and not get bored of the place, but something happened and cursed the mansion and the couple who lived in it.

After building the place and living in it for thirteen whole years, the woman of the couple was ruthlessly killed by an unknown. Overcome by grief and pain, the man cursed the mansion and those in it before sealing himself shut in the right wing of the mansion. A few weeks later, the mansion disappeared from the human eye, obstructed from view by a large barrier surrounding the place. Servants and habitants of the mansion died and disappeared, and nobody knew what happened to the man who lost his lover.

At the exact same time as the Edisen tragedy, at the age of four, Kyoko opened her eyes for the first time to the sound of spirits and ghosts of the Edisen Mansion. With no idea as to how she got there, or who she was, she lived in the place, unable to find out anything else that would help her. Fifteen years later, as far as everyone but Kyoko was concerned, the only habitants were five Elementalists who were unable to go back to their original form: Air, Water, Fire, Spirit and Earth. The mystery as to what happened remained, and the curse still plagued the five Elementalists who could only cling to each other and try to call the mansion their ‘Home’.

“Oh beautiful rain, my very cold droplets. Calm yourself and stop your hate. Dry your tears for it is a request – I ask you to stop the showers.” Sakura commanded softly. Her hand was outstretched out of the window, palm facing down with her fingers slightly apart. Her eyes were closed as she whispered her incantation and when Sakura opened her eyes again, she gazed at the now-clear sky – to both of the skies in and out of the slightly weakened barrier.

Seeing that the rain had stopped, Sakura slumped down onto an armchair, breathing deeply. It took a lot of energy for her to help place the barrier up and even more so when she had to use her powers – the fact that Takeshi was too ill to do his part for the barrier didn’t help and, being the youngest of the Elementalists, Sakura was feeling rather exhausted already. However, part of her knew that the reason why this incantation now was so easy was because somewhere, in the mansion, Shinichi must have heard her and decided to lend her his help. Otherwise, she knew that she would feel much more exhausted than this.

Silence filled the infirmary then, except for the sound of deep breathing from Takeshi nearby. Sakura’s eyes moved slowly towards him, watching him intently as he continued to sleep. She could see his chest rising and falling with a calm beat and even though his breathing was worryingly loud, Sakura was secretively pleased that Takeshi managed to be enveloped by the darkness of his dreams. As if hearing her thoughts, he turned slightly and furrowed his brows, but continued to sleep not a second later.

No more than five minutes passed, however, when the sound of footsteps reached Sakura’s ears. Before she could turn, a glass of water was pushed into her hands and a hand was laid on her shoulder, patting it lightly. The Water Elementalist could see Kyoko moving across to Takeshi, placing a hand on his forehead without a word. Her expression didn’t change, but she turned to look at Sakura a moment later, giving her a tender smile. Sakura looked up to see Shinichi behind her with his hand still on her shoulder, being the one who had pushed the glass of water into her hands earlier.

“We came as soon as you stopped the rain – everything solved, I hope?” Shinichi asked casually.

“I think so – Takeshi woke up a while ago and told me not to worry. I think it was about time to stop the rain anyway…” Sakura trailed off quietly. “Where’s Akiko?”

“Sleeping.” Kyoko answered, moving across to the cabinets. She fiddled with the handles and opened the pine doors, peering inside with a small smile. “Apparently, taking care of Takeshi was more tiring for her than what we both had expected.” She finished. “She pushed herself too hard, really. I forgot that Akiko stayed with Takeshi longer than I did – she was even with me for a few nights and mornings. I owe her an apology for overlooking that.”

Kyoko moved to the side-table and poured a glass of water, dropping two white tablets inside. She waited for a moment and walked over to Takeshi, taking him by the shoulders as she helped him to a half-sitting position. “Here…” She whispered, bringing the glass to his lips as she tipped the contents of the glass carefully for him to drink. The taste must’ve been horrible for Takeshi coughed after the first gulp, but he finished the drink eventually. After he did so, Kyoko helped him down again and covered him with the blankets, looking quite pleased with herself – especially so when he went back to sleep.

“Any better?” Shinichi suddenly asked.

Kyoko managed a hesitant nod. “Quite, but not as much as I had hoped. He’s improving, of course – the cough wasn’t as bad as what he had last night.” She smiled.

“You’re a natural mother, Kyoko!” Shinichi cried happily, moving across to her. He hugged her tight, pretending as though he was overwhelmed with emotion. “I wonder what we would have done without you!”

“Keep it quiet!” Kyoko hissed. She couldn’t conceal her delighted smile, however, at Shinichi’s cute attack. It seems as though the Air Elementalist always managed to lighten their spirits. Pushing him away from the embrace, Kyoko glanced over to Sakura and looked outside. “You might want to get some sleep now, Sakura. It’s getting late – I’ll take care of Takeshi from here.” She said lightly.

Sakura opened her mouth to argue, but she closed it again with a small sigh, deciding not to voice anything out. After all, with Kyoko being three years older than she was, it might not be a wise idea to argue with her. Sakura glanced at Takeshi oddly, pressing her lips together slightly as she gazed at him. He was always so fiery and angry that seeing him lying helpless there made her anxious. Sakura wasn’t fooled – she could see that Kyoko was more than worried on his condition, so that made her feel more resentful to what had happened. Slowly, Sakura turned away and headed to her room, head bowed low as she gazed emptily at the red carpeted corridors.

Somewhere outside, a twelve-year-old girl rubbed her eyes and looked up at the Edisen Mansion, her eyes widening at the new discovery.

“Strange… I’ve never seen this mansion here before…” She blinked.