Chapter 1- Dual Existence

“Someone, please give me salvation.”

--

The dusty fire alarm stirred wildly as it emitted a boisterous sound across the smoke-filled cosmic laboratory. The entire place was dusky with some of the computers on blazing fire. Shattered test-tube and beaker fragments lay flat on the blood pervaded floor. Red lights continue to flicker slightly illuminating the blood-filled room.

“Beep. Beep. Beep. Unidentified light source, operation failed.” A frail voice resonated impulsively in the room adding more tension.

Upon hearing those words, the bloody girl who was leaning her head on the fluctuating computer monitor suddenly flinched. She slowly came up to her senses. Slightly shaking her head, she suddenly realized that her body was covered with blood. Her eyes blinked for a moment or so, she slowly turned around and perceived her eerie surroundings. Everything was real she thought to herself. She touched her face feeling the horrid sensation of blood covering her left eye. It was then that her eyes rendered to the motionless and bloody body she was embracing. An indefinite chill crept down to her spines as her golden eyes were overwhelmed with tears. Dread engulfed her already suffering heart. Sobbing bitterly, she gently laid a fingertip to the pale lips of the bloody young man. His bloodshot eyes met with her golden ones and she gently embraced him once more.

Cold. Motionless. Dead.

Horrid realizations crept through her mind. It was like she was going crazy.

“Beep. Beep. Beep. Unidentified light source, operation failed.” The computer made another sound.

Her bloody hands suddenly turned to trembling fists at the words the computer has just uttered. She released him from the embrace as she slowly raised her head revealing a horrific glare.

“Fake.” She gasped.

With a loud bang, the dusty metal doors from the balcony suddenly opened. Light rapidly illuminated the smoke-filled room as the fire alarm went to a halt. Two mysterious figures hastily entered the room. One is a tall, masculine man wearing a black suit and dark glasses. He was holding a metallic vacuum on his left hand. The other figure was short compared to the latter. He also wore a black suit with horn rimmed glasses. At the snap of his fingers, the taller man lighted a tobacco and gave it to him. The smoking man motioned forward leaning on one of the bars. He smiled evilly at the bloody girl who was glaring at him.

“I told you, if you haven’t hesitated in giving me that, this wouldn’t have happened.” The man spoke in a malevolent manner while smoking with his tobacco.

“You...it was your entire fault! You stole it! You-“The girl was enraged but the man cut her off.

“So what if I did?” He retorted with another evil smile as he snapped his fingers again.

The masculine man hastily opened the metallic vacuum. Her eyes widened upon seeing the thing that was inside the vacuum. The girl’s right hand turned into another fist as she furiously banged the monitor.

“I told you, Ria. There is no such thing as justice. The strong shall live and the weak shall die.” He took another sip from his tobacco. With the snap of his fingers again, the taller man swiftly closed the metallic vacuum with a loud thud. The two of them deliberately turned their backs on her. They motioned forward but were halted by Ria’s sudden bellowing.

“You! You killed him! You murderer! You….”Ria was lost in her train of thoughts. She didn’t know what to say anymore. The only thing that she could feel was the swollen pain that was hurting her insides like crazy.

The man with the tobacco gave a slight snort. He turned around again slightly twitching his brow as he gave her a nasty scowl.

“No Ria. It was not me who killed him…..it was you!” He gave another wicked laugh and both of them departed the place.

The cruel words that come out from the man’s mouth pierced her heart like sharp knives. The bloody girl winced as she stared at the bloody young man she was holding, again. His bloodshot eyes gazed intently at her fearsome ones as tears streaked down her face. It was then that she realized. Her heart was suffering in intense anguish because she couldn’t accept the fact that everything that the man said was true.

She tightly embraced the dead body as if afraid of letting it go. She let out a very frightening scream while burying her face in her cold bloody hands. Everything was over. Nothing was left.

“I can’t save him at all.”

--

“Ouch…” The brunette slightly shrieked.

She unconsciously banged her head on the bar she was clinging to when she fell asleep. Her eyes mildly recuperated perceiving her seemingly moving surroundings. She let out a yawn while rubbing both of her eyes.

“Next Stop, Asakura District.” A stern voice suddenly resonated in the fast-moving bullet train.

The yawning girl swiftly stared at her silver watch. It was seven in the evening, Japanese time. A blatant smile crossed her face as she hurriedly took her black backpack. She opened it and looked for a hairbrush. As she was to grasp the hairbrush, her purple eyes rendered to the little indigo eyes that were staring back at her.

“You have drool.” He bluntly uttered.

“What?!” She panicked and hastily rumbled her bag looking for a mirror.

“Would it be better to wipe your face first?” The mini humanoid held out an azure-colored handkerchief.

She harshly seized it and wiped her mouth.

“You are hopeless.” He sighed while staring at the panicking girl.

“What did you say?! You little….” She was about to grab the humanoid but the bullet train suddenly halted leaving her to be swept at the edge of her seat.

“That hurts.” She groaned in pain as she gently massaged her butt.

“Umm..Yuki….”

“Shut up!”

“Earth to Yuki….”

“Again, shut up Lake!”

“The door is closing.”

“What the heck?!”

Yuki looked around to see that no one was left except for her. She hurriedly seized her bag and luggage as she dashed towards the exit.

She reached the outside of the bullet train, panting. Catching her breathe, she gently tapped her heart. Yuki glared at Lake who was glaring back at her as well.

“If you have said earlier then this wouldn’t have happened!” The brunette fiercely blamed him.

“I was trying to, but a certain idiot was not listening to a word I’m saying!” Lake furiously retorted.

“And now it’s my fault?! Why you little creep…I’ll...” She stopped on her words when she realized that all eyes were turned towards her direction.

Everyone in the station was staring at her, confused. Gossips reached her ears about a foreign high school girl who was talking to herself in a very perplexed manner. She was embarrassed.

Twitching one of her brows, she gave out a sigh and apologized to everyone in the station.

“Excuse me.” She said in Japanese.

She bowed down her head and hurriedly left the place. She scurried to the escalator while giving out another sigh.

“Embarrassing.” He sadistically remarked from inside the backpack.

Yuki was about to retort but Lake cut her off by another sadistic remark.

“Do you want others to think that you’re retarded?” He quietly giggled.

She looked around her and realized the he was right. Blushing, she gave out another sigh as she subtly landed on the flat surface.

The brunette paced through the massive station. She made her way through the rumbling crowd as she hurried on her steps walking past different people who curiously stared at her. Yuki gaited towards the exit and perceived the marvelous view of the outside world. It was the start of a new beginning for her, or better yet the beginning of an undeniable end.

“Remind me again why people are staring at me?” Yuki bluntly questioned Lake who was rumbling inside her backpack.

“Duh! Who wouldn’t stare on a foreign high school girl who seemed to look like an elementary student strutting like a horse inside the station and talking to herself in public? Wouldn’t you think that’s weird?” Lake immediately answered while eating his favorite pretzels.

“What’s that suppose to mean?” She gave out a faint sigh while stooping her head low in depression. Sitting on a bench, she rubbed her eyes preparing to cry.

“Well, well, its beginner’s luck, you know and besides, you’re not familiar with the place. Luckily, no one understood what you said in the station. You’re brainless mishap has somehow done you good.” He sadistically comforted her while munching a mouthful of pretzels again.

“You’re not helping me!” She burst out into tears.

She’s at it again, Lake thought for a moment. Without a choice he decided to comfort her again and this time, seriously.

“Yuki, look around you.” He gently uttered.

Upon hearing those words, she stopped crying. She quickly wiped her tears and perceived her surroundings. Her attention was caught by the exquisite bulletin board with two male models in a sweet embrace. The flashy streetlights illuminated her beautiful purple eyes. Different people passed by her with broad smiles, some were dating and some were just simply having fun. She saw two girls, the same age as her, dashing to the nearest Takoyaki stand telling the owner that they were really famished. Her heart suddenly raced as an overwhelming sensation engulfed her insides. It was a whole new different world she thought. A smile crossed her cute face.

“Yeah.” She gave out a slight nod while holding her chest.

“He wants you to be happy, Yuki.” The humanoid peered to the opening of the backpack while glitzy waggling his pointed silver tail. He gently smiled at her.

Hearing those gentle words, she relaxed, closing her eyes as she felt the warmth of her environment. The night breeze surely felt good on her skin as it soothingly blew away each strand of her lengthy wavy hair. Her white bohemian skirt did the same too.

Her eyes mildly recuperated as a smile crossed her face once again. The brunette fixed her black shirt with pink butterfly prints and adjusted her also black high-cut sneakers.

“Lake….” Yuki held out her left hand.

“Here you go.” Lake immediately handed her a magenta ribbon.

Yuki gently took the ribbon from Lake’s thin hands. Brushing her hair with her hands, she took a portion of it and carefully tied it in a ponytail.

“Let’s go.” She exclaimed in a loud voice taking her luggage as she gaited through the sidewalk. Lake just replied with a simple nod.

Someone, please give me salvation.

--

“Tell me, we’re lost, aren’t we?” Lake questioned the sweating Yuki. He was very much irritated. Both of them we’re endlessly walking for about an hour on a seemingly deserted road.

She gave out a sarcastic laugh but continued to sweat big time.

“Of course not, look, that is the silver post! I know exactly where we are!” Yuki energetically pointed at the silver post.

“Duh, we have been returning to this place for about an hour now. Please don’t put me in the same level as you, Yuki!” He furiously retorted while rumbling in Yuki’s bag.

Depressed, the brunette smacked her face many times. Both of them we’re really in an undeniable stupid situation she thought to herself. She sobbed bitterly at the distress she was facing. Agitated by her sudden crying, the cute humanoid hurdled out of the backpack and smacked her head forcefully.

“Ouch, why’d you do that for?” Yuki grasped her head feeling the intense pain rushing through her brain.

“Now is not the time to cry, idiot! I’m hungry and if you don’t come up with something.” Lake went into a pause as he turned his back on her.

Sadistically grinning, Lake faced her again with a terrifying look on his face. He was on blazing fire and his tail looked even more pointed than before.

“I’ll severely punish you!”

The hair on Yuki’s hands stood up as a sudden chill crept through her entire body. Lake was one terrifying being. Twitching one of her brows, she immediately surrendered to his glare and replied with a faint nod.

“Good.” He returned to his old self hurdling back into the backpack.

Scary.

Yuki’s gaze returned to the brown paper she was holding. She frequently scratched her head while analyzing the faint sketch. Her lavender eyes continued to blink hastily. Faster and faster the chill came up to her spine as she sensed a burning intent to kill from inside the backpack.

“Yuki….”

“Ah! Look at that!”

Yuki’s face lit up with excitement. God has truly blessed her she thought to herself. She energetically pointed at the opposite direction. Lake steadfastly peered at the small opening of the backpack to the direction she was pointing. One of his brows twitched and Yuki was felt that she was in trouble, for the third time.

“Look at where, Yuki? I don’t see anything.” He bluntly asked her revealing his shiny silver fang and a horrific glare.

“There!” She pointed at the same direction again while sweating.

He finally stopped his intense glaring and gave out a sigh. Lake looked at the same direction she was pointing at. His cute eyes widened upon seeing the object. For a moment, his mouth suddenly trembled. As though confident, Yuki beamed with her eyes sparkling but what she expected to be happiness turned out to be the worst nightmare she could have imagined. His mouth twitched into an utmost frown and he blazingly glared at the brunette with hatred embedded on his face.

“WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT THAT VENDING MACHINE?? I’M HUNGRY, NOT THIRSTY!!” Lake furiously bellowed leaving Yuki stunned.

Lake’s fangs evolved impulsively into giant ones. His eyes turned bloodshot as his silver nails became sharp. The horrified Yuki strongly embraced herself on the corner while she prayed intently. Panic and helplessness can be seen all over her face.

“Yuki….” Lake wiped his drool as he motioned forward to attack the helpless Yuki.

“Lake! Stop! Please have mercy!” Yuki closed her eyes upon seeing the evolved evil form of the cute humanoid.

“Mercy is for the weak!” he fiercely retorted. Flying in midair, he revealed all of his fangs attempting to devour Yuki’s hand. Yuki was doomed.

Bite.

“No!!”

The trembling Yuki raised her head upon hearing the strident scream. She stared at Lake who was briskly twirling in every direction while shaking his thin hands out of helplessness.

“Disgusting! Disgusting! Get out of my mouth!” He bellowed angrily while continuing to fluster.

“Lake, what happened?” Yuki stood up and dashed towards him. He grasped Lake’s shiny small body and examined it. The mini humanoid’s eyes became swollen from too much crying as he stared at Yuki, helpless.

“Oh, I see…” Yuki exclaimed with such glee.

She carefully removed the dead fly that was lying flat on Lake’s tongue.

“All better now?” The brunette asked him while constantly beamed.

Lake’s head ached furiously as he was preparing to vomit.

“I think I’m gonna be sick.” He spitted.

Lake noticed the broad grin on Yuki’s blatant face. He felt disgusted upon seeing that plastic smile and he felt even more nauseous.

“Are you thinking of something stupid again?” He bluntly asked her while rubbing his head in pain.

Yuki’s smile even widened as she pointed at the vending machine once again. This time she felt very confident. She has just got herself out from what was about to become an eerie situation.

Lake stared at the vending machine and finally gave out a sigh.

“I surrender, you win.” He uttered in a low voice.

“Yey me! Yuki exclaimed in a very loud voice while raising her right hand.

Yuki darted towards the vending machine dragging her luggage in an uncanny way. It emitted a deranged sound that echoed through the quiet night. Lake rumbled inside the messy backpack feeling the pain rushed through his entire body.

She halted beside the green wooden bench as she laid her backpack on it. Peering through the bag, Lake caught a glimpse of Yuki reading the words on the vending machine.

“What would you like?” She asked while examining the vending machine.

“Anything edible will do.” He answered while continuing to pressure his head.

“Orange Juice will be fine then.” She replied with a smile.

She took out two one-hundred yen coins. Yuki swiftly inserted a one-hundred yen in the vending machine and clicked the button with the name, Orange Juice. An orange tin can bounced out of the machine. She quickly tossed it to Lake who perfectly captured it.

“Nice!”

“Yeah right.”

The famished Lake slurped his juice noisily. He finished his drink in a minute or so with a loud burp when he wiped his mouth.

“You’re like a monster.” She commented unable to believe what she has just witnessed.

“I know.” He sadistically retorted while cleaning his fangs with a toothpick.

She replied with another smile. Feeling thirsty, she turned her attention to the vending machine. She swiftly pressed the button again. She waited for a minute. Then for five minutes, and then….nothing still happened.

“WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS STUPID VENDING MACHINE?!” The fiery brunette furiously banged the vending machine but nothing came out.

“I’M DAMN THIRSTY, YOU KNOW!” She gave it another bang but to her dismay, still nothing came out.

“Oh, you have infected the vending machine your sickness of being an idiot, idiot girl.” Lake gave out another sadistic remark while waggling his tail in glee.

“WHAT DID YOU SAY?! MY NAME IS YUKI AND NOT IDIOT GIRL!” Yuki retorted. She was infuriated by the sudden remark.

“Whatever, idiot girl.” He continued to tease while laughing really hard. He hurriedly returned to the backpack when he saw the blazing evil form of Yuki, the evil thirsty Yuki.

“MY NAME IS YUKI AND NOT IDIOT GIRL!! YOU HEAR ME??” She angrily bellowed in the peaceful night.

“She’s also scary.” Lake gasped.

Yuki gave out a deep sigh after shouting her heart out. She was about to cry but a sudden movement stopped her from doing so.

“Are you okay, Miss?” A gentle voice vibrantly resonated in her ears as she caught a glimpse of a seemingly beautiful presence inches away from her.

“I..uh…” Yuki flushed feeling a bit embarrassed. She didn’t know what to say anymore. Her eyes were captivated by the man’s charming aura.

“Can I help you?” The teenager smiled at her.

Yuki blushed even more upon seeing that smile. The young man was tall. Probably, he was same age as Yuki or so she thought. He wore a neat black Gakuran with a white buddy bag on his shoulder. He had short yet spiky silver hair that glimmered in the night. The teenager suddenly reached for his pocket taking out a hundred-yen coin. He motioned forward to the vending machine as his soft silver eyes met with her cute purple ones. She blushed again.

“My juice….it’s….umm….” She pointed at the vending machine while her fingers trembled.

“Oh, you’re juice is stuck. Don’t worry, I’ll fix it.” He spoke in Japanese as he pressed the button really hard. With a loud bang, the orange tin can bounced out of the vending machine.

“This usually happens all the time. Here!” He gently handed her cold juice.

“Thank you very much.” She retorted in Japanese but her voice sounded a bit sluggish.

“You’re welcome.” He gave another smile. Turning his attention to the vending machine, the teenager swiftly inserted the coin. He pressed a button and with another loud bang, a black tin can bounced out of the vending machine.

He opened the cold can while slightly flinching and he took a sip. Yuki was dazed as she perceived the satisfied look on his face. The young man noticed it and she smiled at her again.

“Aren’t you going to drink that?” He pointed at Yuki’s untouched Orange Juice.

“Eh? I’m sorry….” She quickly took a sip of it. Her eyes widened when she mildly choked.

The teenager smile at Yuki’s troubled face. Meanwhile, Yuki was roughly patting her chest while the juice was all over her face. How unfortunate of her she thought to herself.

“Here, you can use this to wipe your face.” He took a cerulean handkerchief from his side pocket and gave it to her.

“Ummm….it’s okay….it’s nothing rea-“ Yuki was about to turn him down but the young man cut him off by suddenly grasping her hand and gently laying the handkerchief on her pale hand.

“It’s okay. Take it.” He gently uttered as he gazed at her intently.

Yuki blushed. Her hesitation retreated and she coyly accepted the handkerchief.

“Thank you.” She replied timidly. Yuki instantly wiped the juice in her mouth.

“You’re very welcome.” He replied in a gentle manner. Fixing his hair, he took another sip from his black tea.

“Black tea really tastes good after practice.” He told her while slowly facing the dazed girl.

“Practice?” She asked him while slurping her orange juice.

“Yeah, I play soccer.” He softly replied.

“Really? That’s amazing.” Yuki complimented him with a smile.

“Well, thank you.” The young man smiled at her again.

For the third time, Yuki blushed as she hurriedly took her gaze away from the charming man.

Focus Yuki! You must not be charmed!

There was a long silence as both of them continued focused on their drinks. Yuki was mildly sweating considering that, for her, the silence was unbearable.

“Umm….”

“Yes?”

“Would you happen to know where Fukuyama Street is?”

“Of course.”

The teenager swiftly pointed at the silver post.

“Just go straight and to the right of that is Fukuyama Street.” He told her while moving his hand.

“Ah, I see. Thank you very much.” She bowed down lowly and thanked him.

“I see you’re new here. Please no formalities for me.” He gave out a slight laugh.

“I’m sorry about that.” Yuki replied with a smile.

“It’s okay.” The teenager looked at his watch as he gave out a slender whistle.

“It’s already getting late. I really gotta go.” He beamed while motioning forward at the opposite direction giving her a slight tap on the shoulder.

“See you, Yuki-chan.” He departed from her while waving his hand.

“Goodbye!” She waved back at him. There was a soothing sensation that filled her insides like crazy. She was happy not knowing the reason why.

“Hey idiot girl, you’re in love aren’t you?” A chilling voice suddenly commented.

“Of course not! I…he was….umm you know…” Yuki didn’t know what to say anymore. She was freaking out.

“Don’t deny it, idiot girl. You can’t fool me.” Lake hurdled out of the backpack as he gave her a seductive grin.

With a deep sigh, she surrendered to Lake’s grin and finally confessed.

“It’s just a crush.” She replied timidly while her face was all red.

“I knew it!” He suddenly jumped to Yuki’s left palm and squeezed her cheeks. Yuki felt flustered at what Lake was doing to her face.

“Then when will you court him?” Lake asked while grinning.

“What? Isn’t it the guy’s responsibility to court the girl? And besides it’s just a small crush. He’s just good at soccer. That’s all.” Yuki angrily snapped back.

“Ah, is that so? I just thought that your heart is at the same level as your brain.” He gave another sadistic comment but to his surprise Yuki didn’t fight back. She just stood there, dazed. It was not long enough when she uttered a word thus breaking the deafening silence.

“I will only love one person.” She gently spoke.

The gentle breeze blew her soft hair as her eyes revealed a faint sadness.

The past can’t be reversed. It was inevitable.

“Yuki….” Lake managed to say her name but was still worried at her current condition.

She has suffered enough.

“Ah, wait a minute.” Yuki suddenly became energetic and broke the silence.

“Yuki! You ruined my worrying moment!” Lake fiercely bellowed while shaking his hands.

“Did he say, Yuki-chan?”

--

“Ding dong.”

“Press it again.” Lake ordered her as he continued to rumble inside the backpack.

“I have already pressed it five times!” She furiously retorted.

“Well press it again! Apparently, no one is opening the door, idiot girl!” He snapped back, infuriated.

“Stop calling me that!”

She deeply sighed as she pressed the button again five times. The brunette was standing in front of well-polished wooden gate that was slightly taller than her. The words, “Long live, Japan” were embedded on the gate’s crest. Weird, Yuki thought to herself. Her attention turned to the large yet lofty wooden house that was behind the bars. Though a bit old, it was still well-maintained and clean. Added to that, the garden has lots of flowers that made the house more attractive. Yuki patiently waited from someone to open them and at long last, she heard something coming from the inside.

“Coming!” A strident yet sweet voice called out.

The wooden sliding doors suddenly opened. A beautiful woman emerged from the lofty doors with a sweet beam on her face.

“Ah, you’re here.” The woman exclaimed in a sweet way while walking towards the gate.

She hurriedly opened the wooden gate. The woman immediately became ecstatic upon seeing Yuki. She quickly grasped her hand as if never wanting to let go. Yuki felt a bit of disgust not knowing the reason why. Well, there was nothing wrong with the woman holding her hand but her instincts tell her the opposite.

The woman was incredibly sexy not to mention beautiful. She wore a scarlet sleeveless evening gown with a slight opening in the middle revealing a portion of her huge breasts. Added to that, there was vermillion colored ribbon that accented the evening gown making it more pretty. Her red hair was also wavy and reaches up to her hips. She also wore a rosy pink lipstick that fits the shape of her lips very well.

Her magenta eyes flickered when she saw Yuki’s purple eyes. For her, it was the first time seeing that kind of eye color and it really made her ecstatic.

“What great eyes you have!” She exclaimed while holding Yuki’s cheeks. She stared intently at the distressed purple eyes.

“Well, thank you.” She uncomfortably smiled feeling the same disgusting sensation.

“Ah, I’m sorry. I should mind my manners.” The woman released her from the tight squeeze with a smile and gently grasped her hand.

“Come in.” She motioned forward roughly dragging Yuki by the hand. Yuki on the other hand, wanted to let go of her hand but thought it would be rude to do so.

“Oh, let me carry your luggage. I can tell that you’re really tired from your long journey.” The beautiful woman offered Yuki while constantly beaming.

“Why, thank you-“Yuki was about to thank her but her eyes widened upon seeing the woman carrying her huge luggage with her bare hands. Not womanly, she thought. She was a bit taken aback by the woman’s sudden behavior but she just retorted with another smile.

“Is something wrong?” She asked the dazed Yuki.

“Umm…you can drag it, Maam. That thing has wheels.” Yuki pointed at the wheels while she mildly fretted.

“It’s okay. I’m strong!” She gave out a zealous laugh as she opened the wooden sliding door with great force causing the door to give a loud screeching sound.

Both of them entered the house but Yuki was still disturbed by the woman’s spine-chilling behavior so she gradually decided to distance herself.

“You can leave your shoes here.” The woman pointed at the small area separating the living room and the door.

“Yes.” She replied quickly while rigorously taking off her shoes.

“I’ll go prepare tea. Feel free to choose your seat in the living room.” The woman beamed at her again as she gaited towards the kitchen, still carrying Yuki’s luggage.

“What a weird woman.” Lake suddenly uttered out of nowhere.

“You bet.” Yuki bluntly replied in mishap.

Yuki felt a cozy sensation reaching her knees as her feet softly landed on the warm surface of the wooden floor. Feeling a bit of happiness, she strode forward sensing the unfussy yet charming aura the living room protruded.

She parked herself on a soft pillow in a knee bending position. Her purple eyes projected to the array of beautiful paintings that were gorgeously hanged on the ivory-colored wall each tied with a magenta ribbon. A twenty-one inch television was tuned to a channel that advertises slimming tea products. Her attention was also caught by the antique lampshade beside the television that flickered every ten seconds. Yuki laid her backpack in one of pillows that was nicely placed around the small auburn table.

“Did you like the paintings?” The beautiful woman entered the living room holding a tray.

“Yes, I do. Who made all of this?” Yuki answered while still dazed in amazement.

“Me!” She exclaimed at the top of her voice wiggling her head like crazy and giving a slight chuckle.

“Really? You’re really good, maam.” She skeptically replied but gave out a faint smile.

I wonder.

“I’m very happy! Thank you very much!” She gave Yuki another beam as she gently placed the tray on the table. The woman also sat in the same knee-bending position as Yuki while serving her tea.

Yuki gently took the emerald tea cup from her hands as she slowly took a sip.

“Dinner will be served after tea, will that be okay?” The redhead asked her while taking a sip of tea.

“It’s fine with me.” She placed the emerald tea cup back to its saucer.

Yuki fixed the bangs that trickled down to her left eye. She mildly twisted it as she took a hairpin from her pocket and gently locked it. She took another sip from her green tea when she realized that the person in front of her was gazing at her, in what she thought to be a seemingly nauseating manner.

“You’re really cute. I want to bear hug you right now.” The beautiful woman mischievously beamed at her as her eyes glimmered.

Yuki suddenly vomited upon hearing those words. This was not funny she thought to herself. She vigorously wiped her mouth while constantly tapping her chest. She didn’t want to raise her head, never. For a moment, another chill crept through her spines. The panicking girl felt her feet wanting to leave the place.

“I was just joking.” She gave out another chuckle at the sight of Yuki’s trouble face.

This girl is interesting.

“That was not funny.” She replied feeling a bit depressed.

“I’m sorry. I just couldn’t help myself. Oh, I forgot something.” The redhead told her while brushing her hair with her hands.

“My name is Shizuka Todo. I’m the landlady of this house don’t ask about my age though, because I won’t bother telling you. I’m very pleased to meet you, Yuki-chan.” Shizuka introduced herself while bowing lowly.

“You know my name?”

“Of course, Jinx-san told me so. She’s a very nice person isn’t she?”

Yuki gave a faint nod while she slightly flushed. The brunette faced Shizuka and also introduced herself.

“My name is Hikaru Yuki. I came all the way from Los Angeles California. As a newbie, I’m deliberately asking for your guidance and knowledge, Shizuka-san. I’m also very pleased to meet you.” She introduced herself while bowing lowly too.

“You already have them, Yuki-chan.” The redhead slightly tapped her head leaving the brunette blushing. “Well then, enough of the introductions, have you decided on a school?”

“Ah yes.” Yuki hurriedly took out a piece of brown paper and handed it over to Shizuka.

When she read what was written in the brown paper, a broad grin crossed her beautiful face.

“The school’s name is Asuzagawa High, ever heard of it Shizuka-san?”

“Of course! It’s Yuu-chan and Shi-chan’s school!”

I have the feeling that this girl will be popular.

“Shi-chan and Yuu-chan, who are those people?” Yuki asked her slightly avoiding her mischievous gaze.

“They are your housemates. I’m sure you’ll get along with them just fine! Both of them are so nice.” The redhead winked at her while drinking her green tea.

“Ah, I see. Can I meet them?” The brunette asked her but again felt freaked out by something she couldn’t explain or better yet something that was unexplainable.

“You could but you have to wait after dinner. Yuu-chan is upstairs probably doing something important!” She flinched at the word “important.” “Shi-chan will be probably back before dinner.”

“It’s fine with me.”

“Then, let’s go to your room.”

--

“This is your key, Yuki-chan.”

Shizuka held out an old silver key and handed it to Yuki who accepted it with a smile.

“Take care of it, okay? If you ever lose this, there’s no way I’m giving you another one.” The beautiful woman warned her while brushing her wavy hair out of her eyes.

“Yes. I’ll take care of it as my life.” Yuki retorted with a trivial titter.

“Love your spirit!” Shizuka gave her a tap on the head as she turned her back to the smiling Yuki. “Come down if you’ve finished bathing, then we’ll have dinner.”

“Yes.” She bowed down lowly when Shizuka gaited towards the stairs.

When she could no longer see Shizuka’s figure, the troubled Yuki gave out a deep sigh. She gently patted her head as she released the intense creepiness in her head.

“My sensors tell me she’s a bit dangerous. Imagine her carrying that huge luggage. Now that was something, huh?” Lake squinted out of the backpack while staring at the distressed Yuki who’s troubled face looks like she was about to cry.

“You bet.” She gave out another sigh while she turned around and perceived the place where she sat foot at. “But…”

“But what?” Lake asked her in a mocking tone.

“I can feel that she’s a good person.” She smiled at Lake who was twitching his brows feeling a bit perplexed.

“How can you say that?”

“Well, let’s say she gives a very different aura from the ones I have encountered there.” Yuki gave another smile as she inserted the silver key on a rusty gold doorknob. Her room was situated in the center of two wooden doors, the same as her door. The upper portion of the house was a bit narrow compared to the lower part. There was a small terrace on the right side of the rooms and a yellow light bulb was situated at the center of dusty ceiling mildly brightening the room. Two pink rubber objects were carefully nailed on both doors thus forming the words, Shi-chan and Yuu-chan.

“That was probably one of her works,” Lake giggled.

With a deep sigh, Yuki gathered up all her courage and slowly tilted the silver key. The door flew open and Yuki perceived the seemingly austere room.

Simple yet beautiful.

She entered the room in what seemed to be a dash. The brunette laid both her backpack and luggage on the well-polished floor as she hurriedly laid herself on the soft chambers of her magenta-colored bed sheets. She laid a pillow, the same color as the sheets in her head while she gazed at her beautiful surroundings.

The bed was big enough for her to fit and it was cozy. Her gaze was then turned to the black study table on the right side of the bed. It was accompanied by a black study lamp. The bathroom was a few steps across the bed. Added to that, a glassy window was situated above the magenta-colored bed where she perceived the beautiful full moon. All’s well that ends well, Yuki thought while silently giggled to herself.

“I hate to break your stupid outbreak but Jinx has just sent you a mail. You better reply to her.” Lake jumped to Yuki’s lap who was now sitting as he displayed the mail in a virtual image.

“I’ll reply to her later. I’m feeling stressed out so I really need to take a bath.” She quickly pressed the buttons on the virtual image and it went to a close.

“Well, suit yourself.” Lake bounced out of her lap and into her bed.

Yuki opened her luggage grasping a white towel and some bathing supplies. She took the magenta ribbon from her hair and nicely laid it on the table. The brunette was about to take off her clothes when she suddenly glared at the noisy Lake.

“Don’t stare!” She warned her with a threatening glare.

“Like heck I would look at your ugly body full of fat.” Lake shook her head as he focused his attention again to the manga he was reading.

Yuki ignored his sadistic comment and finally took off her clothes. She covered her pale flawless body with the white towel as she pulled her hair in a ponytail. Yuki heard the strident voice of Shizuka who greeted Shi-chan on the door.

Shi-chan is already home. Wait a minute, why am I also calling her, Shi-chan?

“Oh, before I forget. Turn into a dog, Lake.” She told Lake who was half listening.

“Okay, what-?” The manga addict snapped at her words furiously glaring at the towel-covered girl.

“Duh! Disguise, you wouldn’t want anyone to know what you are, would you?”

“But a dog? No way! I hate dogs”

“You know I’m allergic to cats, idiot!”

“Why not a shark?”

“LAKE!”

Yuki was really pissed off by the senseless conversation and let out a life-threatening glare. Stunned, Lake gave out a sigh and obeyed Yuki’s order.

“Fine then.” A bright light emerged from his body as he suddenly transformed into a small dog with black spots and wavy white fur.

“What kind of dog are you?” She asked him while twitching one of her brows.

“A Dalmahua?” Lake was also confused.

“LAKE?!”

“This is the best that I can do!”

“Fine then, but act like a real dog!” She ordered him while motioning forward towards the bathroom.

“Woof, woof.” He barked in a sadistic manner.

Geez. She’s giving me a rough time.

Yuki stood outside the white door fixing her bathing supplies. She deliberately opened the sliding door but to her surprise, something “unusual” greeted her.

“Miso Soup, I feel loving, yeah!” A sing-song voice protruded from the bathroom.

White steam suddenly dispersed on Yuki’s pale face as she relentlessly blinked her eyes to see if she was just hallucinating. A creepy thought rushed through her already confused mind while white steam loomed inside the room. As the steam was subsiding, Yuki finally caught a clear glimpse of what seem to be a moving figure inside the bathtub.

“Yeah! Miso soup, yeah!” The bathing person hummed happily.

The figure suddenly stood up as Yuki flinched. She broke from her daze and perceived more of the mysterious figure.

The misty figure took out the earphones from his ears while looking for a towel. He took the towel that was hanging on the metallic bar. It was then that his soft azure eyes met with her perplexed purple ones. He saw the blood rushing up to Yuki’s head as her face turned red. Finally understanding the situation, the bathing person covered his body with the towel and grinned, though he was embarrassed.

“A Girl!”

“A Man!”

Shizuka motioned to the boiling pot that seemed to protrude a deranged sound. She slightly opened the pot and poured a small part of the boiling soup in a mini container using a big metallic spoon.

“Fantastic!” She exclaimed upon tasting the soup. “The night is so peaceful-.”

“GET OUT OF MY ROOM, YOU STUPID PERVERT!!” A loud bang shook the entire house as a furious bellowing was heard.

“I’M SORRY PLEASE HAVE MER-“another bang shook the entire house, again.

The redhead who has just finished cooking heard the screeching and shouting. But instead of a shock, a mischievous grin crossed her beautiful face as she once again brushed the hair out of her eyes.

The fun has finally started.

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A/N: Yep, this is my first fic..lol...kinda got the idea from watching to much animes with slice-of-life themes...anyway, reviews are very much welcome...)

Others:

I think most of you already know the meaning of these following terms and suffixes but for those who doesn't, i'll be happy enough to explain them...lol...

-chan in Japan is a suffix used to address girls.

-san in Japan is also a suffix used to address people who are older or younger than the speaker.

Takoyaki- a japanese food

Gakuran- black uniforms worn by high school students.

Dalmahua- well, this word doesn't exist in any dictionary, lol...it's a combination of Dalmatian and Chihuahua...Lake used that make-up word because he wasn't sure if he was either one of the breeds or he was a mix breed.

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Preview: What other misfortunes await Yuki on that seemingly weird house. After that encounter, Yuki felt very depressed and decided to leave the house during night time. But what's this?

"Where are you going, Yuki-chan?" Soft silver eyes met with her purple ones, and once again a soothing sensation rushed throughout her entire body.

"You are..."

Next Chapter: The Silver Prince