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As I dash through the deep forest filled with traps of all types, my teeth are clenched and I huff from exhaustion. As I run, the trees flash past my view, and sweat drips down the side of my face. My arms pump back and forth while my legs continue to race through the thickets, challenging me.
In the corner of my eye, I noticed a swift movement. My brows scrunch as I leap into a forward roll to avoid the several shurikens aimed at my head. With a thud, the shurikens burrow themselves into a tree, and I return to sprinting through the brush.
When I look down, I notice a dent in the forest floor, which causes my eyes to narrow. I vault onto a neighboring tree branch that is strong enough to support my weight, then continue on my way through the forest, avoiding any traps set on the ground beneath the trees.
As I sped through the dark woods, the wind surged past my hair. I smiled as the feeling of adrenaline rushed through my veins, driving me forward until I was nothing more than a little blur in the wind.
After a brief burst of speed, the woods begin to break, revealing a wide clearing with a one-story Japanese estate. A big koi fish pond lay at the estate's entryway. The waters of the pond were tranquil, and the water was surrounded by mossy rocks and dewy grass blades. The leaves of a giant willow overhung the pond, their graceful and arched limbs draped from the tree's frame, while the entire plant leaned eagerly towards the water.
Sunflowers, roses, and irises of all colors and varieties strewn over the garden, filling it with the myriad hues produced by the blooms. They fluttered in the gentle breeze, together with the many wisteria trees that ringed the entire estate, providing us with protection from demons.
I panted lightly as I walked along the stone path, wiping a bead of sweat from my brow. The peaceful environment helped to calm my breathing until it was just regular puffs.
I coughed lightly, bringing my elbow to my lips. I felt a numbing sensation in my lungs, however, I assumed.
It was just fatigue.
I continued strolling through the garden while ignoring the small ache in my chest.
I entered the estate through the front door and strolled down the long, dark wood hallway, passing by the occasional Oji door that led to other rooms. As my footsteps resonated throughout the structure, oil lamps hung from the ceiling, giving the hall a comforting glow. The muffled shouting from the Oji door at the end of the corridor made me sigh with a slight smile on my face as I continued my trek.
A clock hung above the Oji door, and on either side of the clock, the wall had two shelves that matched the hallway's wood, and the shelves had a few books and a plant or two, bringing distinct serene colors to the hall's calming ambiance.
Muffled shouting canceled my train of thought and brought my attention back to the door. "I TOLD YOU NOT TO TOUCH IT!" A feminine voice screamed from the other side of the door, making me raise a brow.
"I DIDN'T!" a masculine voice screamed. You could hear the annoyance and fear in his voice as he screamed. "I TOLD YOU, IT WAS THE DAMNED OWL!" He screamed.
I then heard the female voice scream. "OH YEAH, BLAME IT ON THE OWL!" Her voice was enraged. "THAT'LL FIX EVERYTHING WON'T IT?!"
I deadpanned before sighing and opening the door. The voices froze as I entered the room and closed it once I was fully through. I look up to Akahana and Jomei while still deadpanning. "What did you do this time?" I spoke, my voice was soft as a yawn escaped my mouth once I had finished speaking.
Akahana tensed before avoiding my gaze and whistling a soft tune while putting her hands behind her back innocently. I then turned to Jomei whose eye was twitching out of annoyance. (Y/N)-Chan...! We didn't think you'd be back so soon..." Akahana chuckled out nervously.
(o/n) was perched on a nearby shelf, while sleeping and not giving any thought towards the scene at hand. I looked at Jomei once again and tilted my head at him. "Are you going to say anything?" I inquired as he scratched the nape of his neck.
He kept avoiding my gaze, his sharp eyes hurriedly scanned our surroundings. ".....Sorry kid." He spoke, his voice was quiet and...ashamed? What happened here?
Akahana walked up to me, her movements slow. She patted my head and looked down. "We're sorry..." I tilted my head, my brows were knitted together in worry.
I gently grabbed her hands and made her face me. "What happened? What are you sorry about?" Her green orbs faced the ground with sadness.
"Well...." She paused. "You know how today is the last day of the year, right?" She questioned, I nodded. "....Since you can't remember your birthday..." Jomei walked up beside her. "We thought we could celebrate your birthday today..." My mouth parted and I blinked.
Jomei continued for her. "Akahana made a cake and everything, but when (o/n) came through the window, he knocked the cake down from the table and most of it is inedible at this point." He spoke as he laid his rough, large hand on my shoulder. "Sorry kid."
The two looked down and avoided my gaze, they only looked back up when I started laughing. They stared at me confusedly while I continued to laugh. "Is that what you two were arguing about?" I spoke through laughs.
Akahana looked at me hopefully. "You're not mad?" She questioned and Jomei nodded, agreeing with her question.
I shook my head while smiling. "Why would I be?" My laughs began to die down to chuckles. "I don't care about a cake, I'm just happy you thought of this." I grinned, wider than I have in a long time. "Thank you!" I exclaimed as I brought Akahana into a hug.
She froze before wrapping her arms around me tightly. "You've been working so hard recently...We just wanted to make it up to you." She spoke softly against my shoulder.
"You already have. Just you being in my life is more than enough" I gave her a close-eye smile. Jomei sighed before patting my head and smiling.
I may not be able to remember my first family, due to the explosion, but what I do know is that this is my new family. The people I love above all else. The people I would trust with my life. The people who take care of me, and the people who love me. I know this is my new home, and I know this is my new beginning.
