OCTOBER 31ST
12:00AM
THIRD PERSON POV
It was a dark scary night. Ominous clouds covered the sky as their tears dropped down to the earth.
Ken Tsubaru's wife, Aiko Tsubaru was going into labor at their home. Aiko screamed in pains.
" You are doing great, honey. Keep going!" Ken encouraged her earnestly. He squeezed her hand tightly, head to toe drenched in sweat as he knelt beside her .
"Push!" The mid wife said.
She pushed with all her might enduring the agonizing pains that came with childbirth. Few minutes passed.
The mid wife exclaimed with joy," it's a girl!"
The couple were elated. Smiles plastered on their faces. The midwife quickly wrapped the infant in a swaddling cloth. The midwife handed over the infant to her mother who was lying on the bed .
" My daughter," her voice filled with emotions words could not describe as she carried the new born in her arms. Her eyes welled up with tears of happiness.
The baby's skin glowed in the dim lights.Her raven black hair was curly but her crimson eyes were the most fascinating things about her. They told a tale of mystery.
"What should we name her?" Ken asked his wife while admiring his child.
Before she could speak someone knocked on the door.
'Oh no!' Aiko said inwardly,' this can't be happening.'
" Who's ther—"
" Honey, no! Don't open the door. They are dangerous people out there!" Aiko yelled at Ken.
" What are you talking about?" Ken asked curious about his wife's sudden paranoia. The mid wife continued arranging the infant's cot in silence when the mysterious stranger knocked harder. Aiko was petrified. Only she knew the danger of letting that person in. It was the supernaturals. They were coming for her– her child.
"Ken, no! Don't open the door!" She screamed at the top of her lungs crying in fear. Ken became confused. He didn't know if he should open the door or not. He didn't understand why she was behaving this way. The stranger knocked even harder this time almost to the point of breaking the door. Aiko jumped out of her bed with her child in a frantic effort to escape. He was perplexed.
The middle aged mid wife who had been silent until now spoke," Where are you going?" Aiko didn't answer but continued to wrap up her child.
"Where are you going? What's the matter with you?" Ken was becoming anxious.
" I am saving my child." She said earnestly.
" It's raining outside. And what do you mean by saving—"
*BOOM*
The stranger actually broke the door! Aiko's face turned pale white. The midwife's expression remained normal. Ken found what the stranger did outrageous.
" Who the hell are you? How dare you break into my hou—"
Before he could finish his sentence, the stranger slit his throat in the blink of an eye. He fell to the ground with a thud.
"AAA AHHH!!!" Aiko shrieked.
"That child must die!" The hooded stranger yelled pointing at the baby girl. Aiko tried to run but tripped on a loose floor board.
"Heh." The hooded man flashed a menacing grin. Aiko sobbed and begged," please I know I was wrong but I beg of you, please spare my child! Please! She is all I have! I can't live without her!"
" You should have thought about that before you decided to carry the child of the demon king. It is a bastard! An enemy to the witches and demons. That thing must be destroyed!" The man said with conviction.
" N—n—noooo! Please, have mercy on my child. Kill me instead!" She continued to cry.
The man's hands transformed into sharp claws.
"Pleas—"
His claws tore her face in half leaving a disfigured and gruesome sight of flesh and blood.
She shrieked in pain.
"And now, the bastard's turn." The baby instinctively started to cry.
" There, there, this will all be over soon."
" Binding chains!"
" What is this!"
It was the midwife. She was a supernatural. The man was immediately tied up . She ran to where the baby was. She picked her up and hurried to Aiko's side.
" No! Get out of here!"
"…"
" I can use my spells to heal—"
" No! Leave me here. Run away as far as possible. The chains won't hold him much longer. Promise me you will take care of her. Promise me."
" I promise." The midwife replied. Thank you. Now Go!"
She nodded and ran off with the child in the rain.
"RAHH!" The man roared as he completely shattered the chains.
"You're not getting away so easily!" He shouted.
" Leave my child alone!" Aiko held his legs to stop him from moving.
The man kicked her stomach.
"AHHH!" She exclaimed as she landed on the floor.
"DIE!"
Shrill screams echoed through the buildings.
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15 YEARS LATER…
FUJISAWA, KANAGAWA PREFECTURE
SORA'S POV
It was a Monday morning. The sun's bright smile shone down to earth. There wasn't a cloud in sight. The cool breeze caressed my cheeks as I opened my room windows. My mind swirling with thought as I listened to the serenade of the birds.
It was my first day of high school and for someone who had been homeschooled for almost half of her life I was looking forward to it. I had freshened up, put on my school uniform and tamed my wild black hair into a simple ponytail.
I lived with my Obaasan for most of my life. My parents died in a horrible accident when I was just a day old so as an orphan with no place to go she took me in and cared for me. To be honest, she's the only family I've ever known– an epitome of love and guidance though she can be strict when she wants to be. However, growing up, some of her rules seemed odd to me.
I wasn't allowed to leave the confined space of our house. During that time I had little to no social interaction with my peers or just going out in general. My only friends were the books Obaasan kept on the shelves. She said they were for "productive recreation". So whenever she left for work she would lock the doors and only open them once she got back.
Whenever I had asked why I couldn't play with the other kids she would change the subject and avoid the question completely telling me that everything was okay. I always felt envious looking at other kids from the windows laughing and enjoying their childhood. I felt trapped in isolation.
I never truly understood why those rules were set in place. Why was it a crime for me to enjoy freedom? Why was it dangerous to socialize?
When Obaasan told me I could attend a public high school I was overjoyed.
" You really mean it?" I asked to make sure I heard her properly.
" Yes, Sora. I realize it was foolish of me to kept you locked indoors when you would rather be happy socializing with your peers." I'm so sorry." Her voice coated with regret.
" No, no, don't say that. You shouldn't apologize. You did it because you wanted to protect me," I leaned in to hug her," You are the best Grandma I have ever had."
" And you are the best granddaughter ever," she hugged me back laughing heartily.
"…"
"Sora, time for school. You don't want to be late on your first day, do you?" Obaasan called out from downstairs ending my trip to memory lane.
" Coming Grandma!" I replied.
*. *. *. *.
SHISHIDA HIGH SCHOOL
FUJISAWA, KANAGAWA PREFECTURE, KANTŌ REGION
Finally the bus alighted at my destination, Shishida High. A simple public school.The school was big, with red brick-coloured walls, a clock in front of the main entrance and a pole with Japan's national flag. I stepped down from the vehicle. I stood watching
students coming in and out of the building, some walking, others chatting and some just sitting by the green fields feeling the warm breeze.
" Okay. You got this. You will make friends in high school."
I walked into the hallway. My gaze met the receptionist who was sitting at her desk operating her computer.
" Hello." I greeted politely," my name is Sora Tsubaru. I'm new here."
" Oh," she raised her head to face me," Ah, yes. The new senior high student. Follow me." The blonde haired woman showed me to the director's office where I was briefed on the school's rules and regulations. I was given a leaflet containing my schedule, homeroom numbers and so on.
Soon after the director told a fellow student to show me around which she did without hesitation.
The girl had long blonde hair and green eyes. She was of average height. She carried an aloof personality. She was probably popular.
" Welcome to Shishida High School. One of the top public schools in the region" she stretched out her hand to handshake, "I am Nora Inoue."
I shook her hand," Nice to meet you, Nora. I'm Sora. "
She flashed a small smile at me and continued the tour. After the tour the bell rang.
" Well, it's time for class. Your homeroom is down the hall, by the left, class 1-A," Nora explained.
" Okay, thanks," I replied. We waved each other goodbye and I started walking towards the direction she gave.
I stepped into the class and spotted a vacant seat at the back of the class. Finally could attend a physical classroom and not just read about them. Some students walk towards me.
" Hello. You're the new girl right?" A female student with brown hair bunched in pigtail and green doe eyes asks with a smile.
" Yes, I am. My name is Sora." I reply trying to hide my nervousness.
" Hello Sora. My name is Hanako. Welcome to class 1-A."
" Um… thank you."
Hanako introduces me to her other friends. She asks me about myself and I answer all her questions. I was immediately drawn to her warm personality. She was so nice
" That must have been rough being all alone at home," she patted my shoulder," but don't worry, you'll totally make friends here." My nervousness dissolved the moment she said that.
I smiled at her feeling grateful for her words.
Few minutes later the teacher came in and the students took their seats. He scribbled some notes on the chalk board. When he was done he quickly turned to face the class.
" Alright, good morning students," he said cheerfully.
" Good morning, Yamaguchi-sensei." We replied in unison.
" As you all know, it's the start of the school year and before you know it you all will be graduating. I have taken it upon myself to meticulously prepare self explanatory notes to help you study faster, understand topics better and minimize mistakes making homework and tests easier.
As a reward for my thoughtful gift I employ all of you to work hard. Study hard. I wanna see future leaders of tomorrow emerge from this very classroom. This is my one request. I hope you will be able to fulfill it."
" Yes, Yamaguchi-sensei! We shall do our very best!" The students replied earnestly .
The teacher, Yamaguchi-san ended his speech. He was presumably young, probably in his middle to late twenties. He carried an air of enthusiasm but at the same time an aura of superiority. With his brown hair, hazel eyes, approachable personality and charming looks, he was certainly going to be my favorite teacher.
The teacher's gaze met mine. Something strange flickered in his eyes .He briefly cleared his throat ,
" Ah, yes. Some of you may have already guessed but we have a new student," he gestured his hand at me to come up to the front of the class. I walked up to the front, standing beside him. All eyes were on me now. Thinking about it alone was nerve wracking. My palms immediately got sweaty, my legs felt like jelly.
" She will be joining us this semester," he faced me," why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself."
I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. I began,
" Hi everyone, My name is Sora Tsubaru I'm 16 years old. My favorite hobby is reading. I also help my Grandma in her garden sometimes. My dream is to become a famous person, someone my Grandma can be proud of so I believe Shishida High will take me a step closer to that dream. I can't wait to study with all of you and I hope we can get along." That was all I managed to say. " Was that okay Yamaguchi-sensei?" I asked.
" Um…yeah." He said with a beaming smile," That was wonderful. Let's give her a warm welcome," he instructed the class.
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Fifth period ended when the bell rang. It was time for lunch.
" To the cafeteria everyone. Class dismissed."
I gathered all my books into my school bag, preparing to head out to the cafeteria when a pair of sneakers stopped in front of my desk. I looked up only to meet the gaze of the most gorgeous yet mysterious eyes I had ever seen.
"You're Sora right? The new girl?" A boy with luscious black hair and pretty golden eyes inquired. He removed his hair from his eyes in the cutest way possible. The way his eyes gleamed in the school's lights was mesmerizing. He possessed a nice physique. He was tall, dark skinned with broad shoulders. He was the embodiment of beauty. Someone I only read about in novels.
" Y…y–yy–yes, Sora is me, er, I mean I'm Sora." I studdered. Heat creeped up to my cheeks.
He chuckled slightly," I just wanted to know if you got Yumei-san's homework questions?" He asked.
" Yeah, yeah. It's right here," I started fumbling through my books in an effort to find those questions.
' Where is that notebook?!'
" Um, it's okay if you can't find it. I'll ask someone else" Jei said.
" No, no…I got it!" I waved the notebook but accidentally knocking over my pencil case.
" I'm sorry," I mumbled. We both bent down to pick it up when our fingers brushed over each other. His touch felt warm and it gave me a fluttery feeling in my stomach. Not being used to the feeling I immediately retracted my hands and stood up. Being so close to him made me feel shivers through my spine. Heat rose up to my cheeks again.
" Um, here you go," he handed over the case to me.
" T-thanks,"
" Thanks for the questions," he smiled," by the way, I'm Jei."
I simply nodded.
"See you later."
He gave me a smile then left the classroom.I think my heart skipped a beat.
My stomach rumbles angrily. Oh yeah, speaking of stomach, I haven't eaten lunch yet . I was starving. Following the directions on the leaflet while sprinting I tried to find my locker. It was situated at the further end of the hallways.
After placing my books, bags and stationary inside, I made sure to close my locker properly before hurrying to the cafeteria.
*. *. *. *. *.
The cafeteria was huge. Obviously built to occupy large number of people. It was packed with numerous students from different classes. Loud chatter filled my ears. Long benches were arranged across the room horizontally, light bulbs were dangling from the ceiling brightly. Apparently, the school provides food for its students. Some students drapped in white aprons and hairnets with scrowls on their faces were serving other kids in a queue holding trays in their hands. Overall, the atmosphere was lively.
Different delicious smells filled my nostrils from all angles making feel even hungrier. Now, all that's left to do was find a place to sit.
I settled for an empty table at the farther end.
I spotted Nora chatting with her friends at another table.
She looked so happy laughing with them. I wish I could laugh along with them.
'Just go talk to them.'
The thought came. Of course!
I made a straight beeline to her table determined to become their friend.
*. *. *. *.
THIRD PERSON POV
Sora decided she would walk up to Nora and her friends and talk to them. She stood up with her bento in one hand, while the other waved at their table. Accidentally, Sora bumped into the most popular girl at Shishida High, Nadia, who was walking by. Her bento tipped over its contents all over the girl's expensive looking sweater.
Nadia's eyes widened in shock as she stared at the gigantic stain on her sweater. " How dare you?!" She spat, her scream attracting attention from the crowd,
" I'm so sorry," Sora tried to apologize," I-I didn't mean to,"
Nadia, feeling embarrassed and humiliated began to mock Sora," you clumsy freak! This velvet sweater costs more than your life, look at what you have done to it!"
The other students eager to fit in with the popular crowd joined in, teasing Sora mercilessly,
" Freak!"
" Watch where you walk, bitch!"
" She's probably jealous that she will never be able to buy clothes half as good as Nadia's."
"Yeah."
" That's not true. I-It was an accident, I didn't do it on purpose," she tried to clear the air but it was futile. They wouldn't listen.
" Just shut up!" Nadia shouted at Sora, her gaze filled with contempt.
Sora kept her head down. She clenched her teeth. She wasn't going to cry, not in front of these people.
Unbeknownst to her, her demon powers were growing stronger as her emotions began to intensify.
Without warning, her eyes glowed crimson, and a burst of energy shot out, causing the cafeteria lights to flicker.
The students gasped in shock. Nadia still fuming from the earlier incident, pointed her fingers at Sora,
" You! What did you just do?! You monster!"
The crowd began to chant," Freak! Freak! Freak!"
Sora overwhelmed with emotions, fled the cafeteria in tears.
For the rest of the day, Sora had to dogde balls of paper being thrown at her. In class, girls whispered to each other. They would point at Sora and start to giggle.
Everyone in school now knew her as the girl who ruined Nadia's sweater because she was 'jealous' of her. Even Nora and Hanako stopped talking to her, ignoring her completely.
As Sora tries to navigate the treacherous waters of high school a figure from her past emerges from the shadows. The hooded stranger has been following her.
With a sinister grin he watches Sora from afar, his eyes fixed on her like a predator stalking its prey.
-
The bell rang. This was time to go home.
'Just great! So much for a first day.' Sora thought.
After school, she packed her bag. She decided to wait for everyone else to leave as to avoid more drama.
She walked towards the exit when Zatel burst into the hallway. The sound of shattering glass and screams filled the air as the students ran for cover. Zatel appeared in front of her, his presence caused the air to ripple with tension.
" Well, well, well," he said, his voice dripping with venom," look what we have here. The little bastard of the Demon King, all grown up."
Sora sensing danger radiating from Zatel, took two steps back, her heart racing. Her eyes widened in shock.
" W-who are you?" She asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Zatel chuckled, his grey eyes glinting with amusement.
" You don't remember me or know who your father is either? Figures. That old hag wouldn't tell you anyway."
"…"
" In that case let me refresh your memory."
With a swift motion, he lunged at Sora, his claws extended.
The scene unfolded like a slow motion nightmare. Sora, caught off guard, as Zatel's claws sliced through the air, missing her head by inches. Sora had to find a way to defend herself. She had to find a way to get out of here– alive!
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