Crisis Core Book One~Chapter Three

What is Angeal thinking? It has been one month already. Everyone thinks that he is working with Genesis. Even Sephiroth…thinks that as well. The 2nd and 3rd class SOLDIERs who were with Genesis…where are they? Using copies to attack us? Angeal would never forgive something like that! He holds his pride as a SOLDIER dearer than anyone, why did he disappear? What the hell is going on? Angeal! It doesn’t matter anymore just hurry back here!

Zack stood in the SOLDIER lounge confused in his thoughts. He was growing more and more frustrated by over the current events as each second passed. He was awaken out of his thoughts when he received a strange phone call.

“SOLDIER 2 nd Class, Zack?”

“That would be me. Who is this?”

“Director Lazard wants to see you. Go to the briefing room.”

“Hey! Wait!”

The line went dead a few seconds later. He closed his phone and slipped it back in his pocket. “Who was that?” he wondered aloud then headed to the briefing room. He hoped this meeting was about Angeal.

“Any word on Angeal?” Zack asked as soon as he arrived.

Lazard shook his head. “He hasn’t contacted his family either.”

Zack let out a sigh. “So what’s this about?”

“A new assignment. I want you to go to the hometown of our missing 1 st class, Genesis.”

“Huh?”

“According to the parents, they’ve had no contact with Genesis whatsoever. But they can’t be trusted.”

“Why?”

“They’re his family.”

“Oh.” Zack nodded. “Uh-huh.”

“I had already dispatched some of the staff, but we lost contact. I want you to go and investigate. He will go with you.”

Zack turned at the sound of footsteps behind him.

“Tseng, of the Turks,” the new arrival said.

“This job is looking really gloomy…”

“Let me know when you’re ready to go,” Tseng told him.

Zack nodded then looked away from him. He sighed.

“Ready to go?” Tseng observed.

“A routine job, right? No sweat!”

“I wonder…” Tseng started to say. “Originally Sephiroth was assigned to this mission. That means it is a top-priority matter. Be alert or you’ll fail.”

“And Sephiroth?”

“Refusing to go, apparently.”

“Oh, what is that? They spoil him too much!”

“Hm. Why don’t you say that to his face?”

“Uh, no thanks!” Zack said nervously with his hands together pleading not to do what Tseng had suggested.

~~~~

“Weird trees,” Zack stated.

“They’re White Banora Trees, otherwise known as Dumbapples.”

“Which this means this is the Banora Village? Angeal’s hometown?!”

“Exactly. It would appear that Genesis and Angeal are old friends.”

Zack whirled around when he heard something then pulled out his sword. He ran forward and finished off one. He then spun his blade and sliced the other one down.

“It seems they’ve arrived in the village as well. The safety of the villagers is what concerns me. It’s possible that they have taken the villagers as hostages. With weapons of mass destruction we’ll get rid of Genesis and his accomplices, that’s what the President plans to do, so it would be best if we moved quickly.”

“Alright, leave it to me.”

Zack walked along a trail until he arrived outside a residence. He was greeting by some troops and a giant spider-like robot. “Hopefully a challenge for once.” He held his sword out in front of him with one hand then decided to wipe out the troops first. One ran toward him. Zack forced the hilt of his sword into the troop’s chest. He fell gasping for breath while ran for the other while dodging the robot’s bullets. He slid a foot under the second troop’s feet and sliced at his chest. Zack then turned toward the robot.

“Alright you’re next,” he said with a slight grin on his face. He held his blade to the right then ran toward it. He brought the sword straight across its middle then sliced at it diagonally. He made a few more slashing movements till the sparks inside had lit up to show a star before exploding. Zack leapt out of the way just in time. He looked at one of the troops then removed his helmet.

“A Genesis copy,” Zack said calmly. He hasn’t seen one since the night Angeal disappeared. He didn’t have to wonder why he saw one here in Banora.

“Where did you hear that?” Tseng had just arrived and walked past him.

“Sephiroth said it.”

“The technology was stolen from our scientists.”

“Huh?”

“It apparently allows Genesis’s abilities and traits to be transplanted to SOLDIER members…and monsters.”
“SOLDIER and monsters…we’re the same?”

Zack turned his attention to the robot remains, but he didn’t have long to study it. Tseng was walking to whatever was the next destination that he had in mind.

“This is Genesis’s home. His parents are wealthy landowners.”

Moments of silence followed after. Zack remembered something that Angeal said. He stared intently at the Banora tree.

“But I never stole from that tree because the wealthy man’s son was my friend.”

“They weren’t mere acquaintances. They grew up together, and were best friends,” Tseng informed him breaking him from his thoughts. Zack took a few steps till he was standing next to Tseng.

“So Genesis deserts and gets his best friend Angeal to join him. Is that it?”

“Sephiroth believes that is the case. There… A gravestone. Still very new. Zack, go find Angeal’s house. I’ll check the grave.” Tseng walked in the general direction of the grave while Zack followed him.

“Ugh…so Turks always do this stuff.”

“Someone has to do it.”

Zack stopped walking for a moment. “Must be rough…”

“Don’t worry. We’re paid much better than you are.”

“No way!”

Zack left Tseng to his job to go find Angeal’s home. He arrives in the center of the small village, but was surprised by seeing no one around. It seemed like a ghost town. He goes further into the village to investigate. He opened a door to one of houses and saw an elderly woman inside. He shut the door behind him. She looked toward him and smiled.

“Can I help you?”

“Uh…uh, greetings, ma’am. Are you Angeal’s mother? Um…my name is Zack.”

“Are you Zack, the puppy?”

“Excuse me?”

She chuckled then said, “My son wrote to me once about you. Zero attention span, restless as a little puppy.”

“Thanks, Angeal,” he grumbled.

“You’re not here together with Genesis, are you?”

“No, I’m not. Don’t worry.”

“What is happening with my son?”

“I’m not really sure.”

She looked away from and kept her gaze on the table. “Genesis came back here, a month ago, with an army of cohorts. And they proceeded to take the lives of many townspeople. Genesis…he used to be such a good boy…”

“Is Angeal…?”

“He came here. But, he left his sword and went off somewhere.” She moved her gaze back onto him while he looked to his left. He saw the sword and walked over to it.

“That sword represents our family honor,” she said, breaking the silence.

“I see…no wonder… He never uses this sword, really ever.” He took two steps towards her and knelt down on one knee. “I’ll take care of Angeal. You should go and hide somewhere.”
“Don’t be concern. Genesis…cannot harm me.”

He got up then look back at the sword. He left the house to continue his search for Angeal.

“Angeal, where are you?” His phone broke the silence.

“Zack, I believe I have found the base for the Genesis clones. I need you to head over here immediately.”

“Right, just tell me where I need to go.”

“Head out of town towards the mountains, there should be a path.” The line went dead. Zack put his phone away and starts to trek toward Tseng’s direction.

“Genesis’s parents were in that grave.”

“Wait, he…his own family?”

“We can’t expect reason from him. What about Angeal?”

“He wasn’t at the house. But please, give me time. If I find Angeal, I can talk to him. If I can convince Angeal, maybe…just maybe Genesis will come back, too.”

“I understand now why Sephiroth choose you.”

“Huh?”

“Genesis and Angeal. Those two were Sephiroth’s only friends. He didn’t want to fight them so he refused the mission.”

“Well, Angeal is my friend, too.”
“Sephiroth is counting on you to bring those two back. Time is short. Let’s go.”

Zack goes down and breaks into the complex then is greeted by more Genesis copies. “More fun for me, eh? Tseng go on ahead…I’ll catch up.” He grinned then charged toward a clone while Tseng goes to a computer to gain access to the information on the clones.

“But I have no time to play long so… Hyah!” He took one out in two blows then went on to the next. He decided he wasn’t going to be fancy with his moves like normal. He struck each one down with simple attacks then ran into the next room.

“ ‘Ripples form on the water’s surface. The wandering soul knows no rest.’ ”

Zack stared into Genesis’s eyes with an uncertain intensity.

“Settle down…Zack the puppy.”

Zack grimaced then looked to his side when Tseng arrived.

“The grave at the house… We found the remains of our people there as well.”

“It didn’t take much to have them send false reports. Just some mild threats…”

“They would have done that anyway. At least your parents would have,” Zack told him.

“My ‘parents’ betrayed me. They had always betrayed me, from the very beginning. What do you know? Shinra lapdogs!”

Genesis attacked Tseng with fire while Zack pulled out his sword to ready himself for battle. Angeal appeared out of nowhere holding Zack’s sword towards Genesis.

“Welcome partner.” Genesis held out his arms with a sly smile on his face. “I see…you’ve finally made your decision. I’ll respect your wishes, old friend. However…” Genesis walked till he was standing close to Angeal, but didn’t look at him as he spoke. “Can you really live on that side?” He walked on without waiting for the answer.

“Angeal!” Zack said, relieved. He walked over to him, but Angeal pushed him away and stabbed the sword into the floor. He walked away without saying a word. Zack stood there for moment stunned then yanked his blade out of the floor. He ran out of the room to hopefully pursue after Angeal.

“Dammit! Where did they go?!” he said when he lost track of them. He saw the door that led to the outside. He opens it, but is surprised by the monster that pops out. The monsters fell down after a few bullet shots sounded.

“There isn’t much time left. We need to leave the village soon,” Tseng told him.

“Are we not going to go look for those two!?”

“Any trace of this deplorable will be erased. That’s the method the company has decided on. There will be an aerial bombing on this village. Back at Angeal’s home was there really no one there?”

Zack didn’t say a word.

“Hurry!”

More monsters start to make an appearance and Tseng clears the way for Zack to get through. Zack continues his chase then arrives at Angeal’s home. He stopped stone cold at the sight on the floor. He looked to his right and saw Angeal standing there.

“What the hell did you do, Angeal?” Zack asked as he forced Angeal against the wall while holding him by his collar. He jerked him from that wall and threw him out the door. “Is that…is that your idea of honor?”

Angeal slightly sat up and said, “My mother…could not continue to live. And neither can the son.”

He stood up and looked Zack into the eyes.

“What are you talking about? What is going on here?!”

“I told you…” Genesis said smugly. “You can’t live on that side anymore.”

Angeal placed his sword on his back then walked away. “Angeal!” Zack tried to run after him, but Genesis tripped him. He fell to the ground and called after Angeal again.

“ ‘My friend, do you fly away now? To a world that abhors you and I?’ ”

“Shut up!”

“ ‘All that awaits you is a somber morrow.” Zack continued to scream at him to shut up. “ ‘No matter the winds may blow.’ ”

Zack got on one knee and looked up at Genesis. “I don’t see Sephiroth today, but… are you game?” Zack stood up slowly and realized Genesis was summoning another creature.

“Not again…” He had to drawn his sword and brace himself for the attack coming toward him. There was no way for him to avoid it. He saw a blinding blue light from behind the shelter of his arms and sword. “Using the big attacks first, huh? Not a smart move…” Zack muttered lowly. He felt the ground beneath him crumble. When he felt the force around him cease he looked up and glowered at the giant monster as it flew above him. Zack jumped out of the small crater onto a more level ground. He twirled his blade a few times before it went ablaze. He leapt into the air while holding his blade behind him until he was within a few feet of it. His sword radiated a massive amount of energy allowing him to pass through the monster. He quickly spun around and slashed at it several times while the hurtled toward the earth. He used his sword to break his fall and chuckled.

“Summons aren’t meant to be used like this. What happened to dreams and honor?” Zack said. Genesis kept his back to him.

“We are…monsters. We have neither dreams nor honor.”

Genesis left Zack standing there by flying away with one black wing. Zack looked up into the sky while black feathers fell like snow. He held up his hand and allowed one to fall into it.

“SOLDIER…doesn’t mean monster.”

Explosions went off as he left the village. A helicopter landed in front of him. Before he got on it he looked behind him. “Angeal…”

Chapter Two: New

Ashe woke up to the sound of her alarm clock. She slammed her fist on top of it to shut it off. She sat up then noticed that the window seat looked slept in. She remembered that she had straighten it from the night before going to sleep. Ashe scanned over the room then stopped when she observed a plate of food. She walked over to her desk and picked up a small piece of paper. There was only one word along with an initial written in a fine script.

“Enjoy… K,” she muttered under her breath. “Yeah, that’s me.” She about jumped then she turned around while her eyes widen. “Sorry, Ashe, I didn’t mean to scare you,” he said softly. “You know I was to going to ask how you got in here, but I already figured it out,” she said confidently. “Oh, really now?” he said smugly. “You’re not human and there is no way that you could be.” Both of his eyebrows shot up to have a somewhat innocent look on his face. “I will neither deny nor confirm your speculations of who or what I am in this case.” She frowned at him while she folded her arms across her chest. “I’m sure you’re not going to, but eventually you will.” He sighed then sat down in the chair. “Why are you here anyway?” she demanded. “My reason is simple and it is to make sure you are taken care of. You weren’t planning on eating and you barely had eaten anything yesterday. So…” he said while shrugging his shoulders. “Is that a problem?”

She shook her then picked up the plate and pointed at the plate. “How do I know that you didn’t poison this?” Ashe asked. “Now why would I go through all the trouble of keeping you from drowning to poison you the next day? But if you don’t believe me than I guess I’ll just have to prove it to you.” He picked up the fork off her desk and scooped up some of the scrambled eggs then ate it. He opened his mouth to show her that he had swallowed it. A few moments later he began to grasp his throat and started making a choking noise while his other arm had slight spasms. She set the plate on her desk and began to panic. He had dropped the fork while his free hand gripped his shirt tightly.

Ashe began pondering on what to do if he really did die. He was on his knees then busted out in laughter. “You so had that coming!” he said through his laughter. “You should have seen the look on your face. It was priceless.” Her eyes widen while her expression turned to full fledged anger. “You… You…” She was trying to refrain from saying something she did not mean. She stomped her foot out of frustration and ended up having the fork puncture the skin of her foot. “Damn it!” she cried. Within seconds of it happening she was off her feet and in his arms. He sat her on the bed and said, “I’ll be right back, Ashe. I just need to get a few things to clean this up.” He left the room then came back with a first aid kit. “Where did you get that?” she asked him. He opened it and sorted through the supplies till he found some gauze, alcohol swabs, and iodine.

He held her foot gently and pulled out the fork. He took out the bottle of peroxide then poured some of the liquid over the wound. “It wasn’t in my house, was it?” He paused for a moment then continued cleaning the wound. “No,” he muttered under his breath. She could tell he didn’t want to talk about it. “You’re really good at this,” she said in attempt to change the subject. He only nodded in response. He wrapped her foot up in gauze then placed it down gently. “It is going to hurt at first when you walk on it other than that you will be fine,” he said. “I’m going to go get a clean fork, alright?” He then left after a few seconds glance out the window.

She stood up gingerly then went over to her closet. Ashe felt a slight pain shoot up her leg and grimaced. After the pain stopped she took out a red button-up blouse, black slacks, and an ivory sash to tie around her waist. She dressed quickly then slipped on a pair of dress ballerina-like shoes. Just as soon as she finished he arrived with another fork and a cup of orange juice. He handed her the cup along with a couple of aspirin. “Here, take these. They’ll help with the pain.” He chuckled while Ashe swallowed the pills quickly. “I can see nothing can keep you down.” It took her a moment to figure out what he meant then nodded while a slight smile appeared on her face. She blinked when she saw the plate flash before her eyes. “Ohh…it’s cold,”’ she complained. He frowned and then said, “I can heat it up real quick, but under one condition. You must forget what you saw.” She nodded then she saw him glow a dim blue Soon after that she held a very warm plate. “Now eat,” he ordered then left her.

She ate her breakfast quickly after she found what time it was then she rushed to the bathroom to brush her teeth and hair along with washing her face. Ashe then grabbed her purse and walked down the stairs. The piercing silence of the early morning seemed unnerving to her as she wandered through the empty house to the front door. She looked out the living room window toward the driveway and found both vehicles were gone. Her parents had left for work without so much as saying a good-bye or more extended version saying for her to have a good day and they would see her when they got home.

Ashe stopped when she heard her name. “Take care of yourself and just so you know I am here for you.” Even though a perfect stranger spoke those words she actually felt cared for which caused her to slightly smile. He walked over and wrapped his arms around her. “Ashe,” he whispered. “You don’t have to worry. Just trust me.” She felt compelled to hug him back, but yet she didn’t. He let her go and she opened the door then turned around to look back. Just like that he was gone. “How does he do that?” she muttered. She was locking the door when she heard someone from behind. Ashe glanced over her shoulder and saw him standing a few feet away from her. “I guess I’m just magic,” he said softly then laughed silently to himself. “You need to quit appearing out of nowhere,” she said while moving past him to stand in her usual spot for the bus. He chuckled then said, “But where is the fun in that?” She frowned deeply while avoided looking at him. “I’ll see you later, okay?”

She looked over at the peaceful looking willow tree. She usually used it as a refuge when she didn’t feel like making a trip all the way to the cliff. Ashe snapped out of the trance she was in when the bus arrived. She got on the bus and saw a few new faces mixed in with some old ones. The ride to school had proven itself of being uneventful. She was somewhat glad that the man was not there with her. She started to think that he was a figment of her imagination, but then again how would an imaginary character save her life?

Ashe got off the bus when it arrived at the front of the school. Eagle Point High was the hellhole of her life consisting of a little over eleven hundred students and is just as uneventful as the town itself. The same people and stories day in and day out. Ashe wasn’t much for the social scene along with idle chitchat with those she didn’t associate with everyday.

She scanned the small cafeteria for at least one of her friends to be there. Ashe saw Raelyn from where she stood then turned and saw Samira walking toward her. She had known Samira ever since the beginning of their freshman year. They have had many good laughs and a few times of disagreement. Ashe has always thought of Samira as a sister and would stick by her side no matter what. During the summer it was a tragic time for Samira he wanted to go back to his homeland to visit his family. He promised that he would come back the only problem was…he didn’t come back. His life ended a few short hours after being in a horrific car accident. Tynan was only eighteen years of age and had a long future ahead of him.

Ashe deep down had secretly hoped that the man who did this would regret it for the rest of his life and then some. This heart-crushing event gave Ashe a new perspective on life. She had decided from that moment she would cherish each day as if there was no hope of a tomorrow. She wouldn’t count on the fact that she would live tomorrow because just as soon as you are given a day you can lose it in a heartbeat. Ashe learned that life is a tricky game to play and harsh consequences happen if you lose.

She appeared right beside Samira then gave her a hug. Ashe let go then said brokenly, “How have you been…since…you know…Tynan’s passing?” Samira didn’t say anything at first as if she was thinking of what the answer would be. “I’m doing okay…I guess.” Ashe nodded then sat down in front of Raelyn while Samira sat next to her. “Have either of you seen Steven yet?” Ashe shook her head then looked at Samira and saw that she was nodding. Ashe felt dread creep up her body. “You have?” Raelyn asked. Samira nodded silently again. “Where?” Ashe’s eyes followed to where Samira was pointing.

Steven was standing by the front door. Ashe could tell he was looking for someone while hoping that someone was not her. “Hopefully he’ll avoid us as much as humanly possible,” Ashe said icily then he looked at her as if he heard her speak. “Damn,” she cursed under her breath Samira and Raelyn looked confused then saw that him walking toward them. “He is doing the opposite of what we were hoping for,” Raelyn commented. Ashe jumped up from her chair. “I’m the prime target he is after. I hate to ask you this, but please distract him.” She ran to the library and hid behind a couple of bookshelves.

“Are you okay?” She looked to her immediate right and saw K. “Oh, it’s you,” she said, relieved at the sight of him. His expression was puzzled. “I wonder at who else I could be other than myself, but that is beside the point. I sensed you needed some help. So what is it you need?” he whispered. He took her hand and pulled her over to him. “I thought for a second that you were my ex-boyfriend, which if you can get him to stay away from me then I would be eternally grateful,” she whispered forcefully. Her anger pulsed throughout her. “I don’t know how you could do that…” he said softly. “You need to leave now because he is coming.” Ashe nodded then walked quickly out of the library. She rounded a corner into an adjacent hallway. “I guess they couldn’t distract him for very long, huh?” He smirked then said, “You could say that.”

Moments later, Steven walked into the same door she walked out of. She sighed then felt a bit alarmed by the hand on her shoulder. “You’re safe.” Ashe had forgotten that K was there. She sharply turned around and looked into his eyes. “Thanks… K.” He smiled warmly then said, “You’re welcome, Ashe. I told you I am here for you. By the way, if I ever tell you my name…don’t ever call me ‘K’ again, please.” She nodded then started back toward the cafeteria. “Good-bye, Ashe.” She didn’t look back as she waved. He crossed his arms and looked off to the side. “I will make sure he can never hurt you again… or anyone else for that matter.” He smiled as he watched Ashe walk away to return to her friends.

“You missed my rant,” Lana informed Ashe when she arrived. “Oh?” she said while sitting down next to Samira. “Yeah,” Lana giggled. “But, I’ll be able to IM you guys soon.” Ashe nodded then asked how she had been. “Aside to getting stabbed to death with needles, no eating or drinking for several days, painful surgeries, and having a bag attached to my body for several weeks…I’m just peachy.”

“Well…well…well…if it isn’t Kaila,” Ashe said when her junior friend arrived. She smiled at Kaila, who returned a short, unhappy one. “Hey, what happened? I lost contact with you sometime in the early part of the summer and no one seemed to have your number so…” Ashe said, curious with concern. Kaila’s frown deepens with a flicker of an angry flame burning in her eyes. “It sucked. My grandmother got fired from her freakin’ job and she wouldn’t ever leave the house. And you all know how I can’t use the IM when she’s home.” Her tone of voice was rather a surprise to Ashe and Samira, but it was no surprise that Kaila’s grandmother was behind it. Ashe knew all too well that woman was stricter than hell. “Well, that would explain your absence over the summer,” she said coolly. “I’m sorry that you have to deal with that woman…cow.”

The bell rang loud overhead. “I’ll see you guys later,” Kaila said while waving to them and walking off. Ashe pulled out her schedule and grimaced at what she read for first period while being mildly satisfied with the rest of it. She went off and found where the first class was. She entered the classroom and sat down in the seat closest to the door. She stared blankly into space. Her inattentiveness caused her to near freak out when she thought she saw K. She relaxed when she got a better look at him.

He had short, spiked hair that had the look of blackened bronze sculpture that still held some of its metallic sheen. His eyes were a cheerful light brown. He smiled then sat down beside her while he leaned slightly toward Ashe. He did, strangely enough, resemble her ‘protector’. His facial features were close in matching the other. The slight difference was her ‘protector’ looked slightly older and had a more slender physique. She almost would have thought that the two were brothers, but quickly dismissed the notion. The idea to her sounded ridiculous and almost impossible to even be conceived as possible. “Hello,” he said softly. She smiled back then nodded and turned away. Ashe wasn’t sure of what the vibe she felt coming from him was trying to tell her. She found it peculiar when he didn’t pursue after a conversation.

A door shut as the tardy bell and everyone went quiet. The teacher walked over and leaned on a small podium. “Good morning, students.” He paused long enough for them to respond. “I’m Mr. Caden. I’m going to hand out a few forms to you so you can fill them out and return them first thing tomorrow. No exceptions.” He held a stack of papers then continued, “Then I will take roll. I expect you to remain quiet during this.” He passed out the papers quickly then he started the list. Caden called each name quickly while looking up to see where they were.

“Chishio Mitsukai.”

Ashe’s attention was caught by the velvet voice that was slightly afflicted speaking those words. She looked over and found that it belonged to the man she had mistaken as someone else. She was placed under a spell by his angel-like beauty. She had not notice it before because she had avoided looking at him, but now she was fully captivated by him. She wanted to look away, but she couldn’t force herself to. Ashe couldn’t hear anything not even her own name being called. It was like time had stopped.

“She’s here,” Chishio said with a smile. His eyes directed Caden in her direction. She woke up from her trance then shook her head. She turned away from him and looked over at Caden. Her face began to turn a bright red. “Future reference, Ms. Twilight, I’ll count you absence the next time you don’t respond yourself.” Ashe nodded while blushing a deeper red. She avoided Chishio for the rest of the period. She could feel his eyes boring into her. This made her self-conscious of every move she made. “Tomorrow I’ll be assigning seats alphabetically then we get straight to work,” Caden called after them when they started filing out of the room.

Ashe groaned at the prospect. “Don’t worry…he’ll change his mind tomorrow.” She looked over her shoulder and sighed. “What makes you so sure?” she asked skeptically. He laughed. “Couldn’t you tell? Caden is trying to intimidate us.” Ashe looked up at Chishio and rose an eyebrow. “Just what I wanted…another teacher like that,” she muttered under her breath. Chishio shook from silently laughing. “Where is your next class?” The humor was light on his voice as he spoke. “I could walk with you there…if you wish.” She shrugged her shoulders then walked on.

For the rest of the day Ashe did not see Chishio. She was rather glad that she didn’t. From their first meeting for some strange reason she longed to see him again, but at the same time she dreaded it. She couldn’t explain it. Ashe said good-bye to Samira then walked over to her bus. She heard someone calling her name. Ashe turned around to find Chishio running after her.

“Ashe, I’m glad I caught you before it was too late. I was wondering, if you wouldn’t mind, if you would allow me to take you home.” A curious flame danced in his eyes. “Ummm… I don’t know. We’ve just met and…well I haven’t spoken to you much…” she trailed off. A flicker of disappointment crossed his face while the playful flame in his eyes died down to a smoldering ember. “Ah, well I should have expected as much. Maybe another time?” he offered. His voice reflected his displeasure. She sighed slowly. “Can you promise to take me straight home?” she mumbled. Chishio smiled while his eyes brighten. “Yes,” he promised.

They walked to his car in silence. He opened the passenger door while slightly bowing. Ashe cocked up an eyebrow then got in the car. He shut the door after her and was quickly in the driver’s seat. He started the vehicle then accelerated quickly out of the school’s parking lot. After a few moments of silence Chishio spoke, “You know you can ask me anything, Ashe.” He drove the car effortlessly like it was second nature. He looked over at her out of the corner of his eye. “I have nothing to hide,” he assured her. “Okay, tell me how you knew who I was?” He opened his mouth then closed it. She had left him speechless because her question had caught him off guard. To her, he honestly looked perplexed. “Well, to be honest I have no idea. I kind of just guessed by simple elimination.” Ashe nodded.

“How do you keep track of a thing like that?” He frowned slightly. “I have a fast working mind along with a supreme memory,” he said then forced out a laugh. So you’re a one of those guys that thinks they are so fantastic because of their mind. Great! Just what I needed another egotistical jerk. Why can’t I find a modest one? “Do you have any brothers or sisters?” she asked him in attempt to change the subject from his mind. Chishio thought of what she had just asked and sighed slowly. He hadn’t spoken of his siblings to anyone, but he’ll have to now. “At one point in time I did. I had a younger brother and sister. I took them for granted and I always counted on that they would always be here,” he said this in a hollow voice. Ashe grimaced at what she heard. A little time passed between the two while she grew unnerved to the point she couldn’t take it any longer. “Chishio, I’m sorry. Had I known I wouldn’t have asked…” she said quietly. “Ashe, I didn’t mean for you to feel regret. There would have been no way for you to know. But it is…hard to deal with… Your turn.”

“Just one and I’d rather not talk about her,” she said sternly. Silence followed after. “I’ll take it you two are not on the best of terms.” He saw out of the corner of his eye that she was slowly nodding. It seemed like it pained her to speak of her sister and he couldn’t figure out why she shouldn’t want to. “She annoys you, huh?” he asked. Ashe nodded yet again. He had the urge to find out more,but noted her refusing to speak and didn’t press her further. “Fine no more talk of your sister. Although it is a dire shame. You should appreciate that you still have a sister.” Ashe frowned then sighed. “I guess,” she said.

“You are starting to sound like my parents,” she grumbled coldly. “Great minds think alike,” he said, chuckling. Ohhh… This guy is exactly what I didn’t want. Why do you have to be a show-off who thinks he knows everything and then say things my parents do? She groaned silently. Ashe looked over at him and saw he had one of his eyebrows raised. “Anything wrong?” he asked. She shook her head. “No… Just you sound like my parents.” She looked up and realized they were already in her driveway.

Her eyes widen when she saw his hand appear a couple of inches from her face. “How…” she started, but he held a finger over her lips. Ashe took his hand and was surprised about how strong and cold it felt. He pulled her out of the car and led her to the front door. “Well, if I can’t talk about your sister, can I at least have a name to put to her face?” he asked. She pulled out her keys then said, “As if you’re ever going to see her… but it’s Star.” He nodded then put a hand on her shoulder. “She may not be as bad as you seem to think… just give her a chance.”

Ashe had felt a strong feeling of déja vu. It was a combination of things that had flooded her mind. Why does this…feel so…familiar? “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said, breaking her thoughts. She nodded as she unlocked the door and opened it a bit. “Good-bye, Ashe” He smiled slightly then walked away. She watched him walk to his car then waved as he drove off.

Good Night

 

Good night, sleep tight

Sleep well for me tonight

Do not fear, my love

Because I’ll be here when you wake

Humming to you the sweetest melody

 

I lie awake

For hours till dawn

Watching you sleep

In the light of the moon

 

I whisper in his ear

Do not worry you are safe

From them

And I swear to you

I won’t hurt you like them

 

I move my gaze

Toward the stars up above

Asking them

How could they let you get hurt ?

Why would anyone would want to hurt

An angel so sweet, so kind

So gentle and tender

 

I would love to

Wake up to you every morning

In your arms

Looking up at your smiling face

That would brighten up the day

I have yet to face

 

Good night, sleep tight

Sleep well for me tonight

Just dream sweet dreams for me

As I watch you sleep

Do not fear, my fallen angel

Because I’ll be here when you wake

Humming to you the sweetest melody

Look for me by Moonlight

 

 

The sun has gone to rest

The night has just began

Moon, come out of hiding

And shine your light bright

Please don’t sleep yet, my love

 

Moonlit path

A guide for you

To find your way to me

In the starry night

 

Come to me at midnight

Come out to play, my angel

I’ll be standing here, alone

In the moonlit night, waiting

Calling to you, calling your name

I must leave by early light

 

A new dawn arising

With the sun coming

I cannot stay any longer

 

Now that our night is done

I want you to live today for us

I’ll return again by night

Don’t forget your way to me

 

Shining halo above us

Look for me by moonlight

Watch me dance with the shadows of the night

I’ll come for you by twilight

While the moon will be your guide

As you come for me