Chapter Three: Mysterious

Author’s Note: Finally after a couple of weeks of “writer’s block” and tons of rearranging I have Chapter Three done.  I say “writer’s block” because I could only get a word done on this, but I took a break from Sweet Nightmare to write some other articles which helped majorly. So here it is Chapter Three: Mysterious. Enjoy. ^_^;

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“I know I said yesterday that we would be getting right to work, but that will be put on hold…for now. Rules…that I have set for my class will be learned then strictly enforced. You will copy them down and be responsible to have them with you at all times. Also I’m willing to let you sit where you please as long as you behave yourselves. Is that understood?” Caden’s voice was stiff as he spoke. He focused his gaze intently on Chishio. No one spoke, but nodded in response. Caden smiled halfway then turned to the board and began writing. Chishio glanced at Ashe then back at Caden. There was an unexplained tension between the two of them. Ashe sighed then wrote everything that was on the board and tried to pay attention.

“You were right,” Ashe said to Chishio as they walked together to their next class. “Oh,” he said then chuckled lightly. “About what?” She glanced up at him with a raised eyebrow. “You know very well what.” He wore a half smile on his face as he shook his head. “The whole thing about Caden changing his mind about the getting-straight-to-work thing.” They stopped outside the classroom. Many of the girls giggled as they walked by him. “He is so beautiful…” Ashe heard often while Chishio rolled his eyes. “Teachers are predictable,” he said smoothly. She turned to walk into the class then said, “I’ll see you later, Chishio. And don’t get to big of an ego.” He laughed. “I’ll try not to,” he said then walked off quickly.

Ashe aimlessly drew patterns on a piece of paper in the library during lunch. She sighed as she felt her eyes begin to droop. She began to think it was her boredom that was causing her to nod off. Ashe tried to shake it off, but sleep had consumed her then she began to dream…

She stood in an unfamiliar place. By what she could tell at one time it had been a small, prominent town that had been deserted quite suddenly. It was if a plague of some kind happened and wiped away the people…like they never existed. Time had been the sole player of erasing the town’s past and future. The very proof of life existing had been worn away by time’s harsh rule. The adrenaline rushed through her veins while the only while the only sounds she heard was the howling wind through the empty street ways and the thumping of her own heart. Each step she took echoed with every beat it made. She walked through the maze of narrow streets till she came to the core of the town. It too was dark and dreary.

A man was standing near by an inoperative fountain. He had his back facing her. Her heart raced as he turned around. She relaxed somewhat when she saw it was K. He took off his sunglasses and stuffed them away in his blazer’s pocket then placed a hand on his hip. Her jaw slightly dropped at the sight of him. The trace of a smile on his delicately carved face had faded away when his eyes rested on her. “Ashe,” he said in a strong tone. “What are you doing here?” He walked over to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. She was surprised by color of his eyes. In the depths of the blackness was an intensity of wonder. She had just noticed the cold radiating from his hands. She shivered. He pulled off his blazer and offered it to her. She shook her head. “I’m not cold…” He draped it over her shoulders then said, “Doesn’t matter… But answer my question. Although a better question would be how did you get here.”

“I don’t know… This has to be dream, right?” she said uncertainly. He cocked up his eyebrows. “Are you certain of that?” he asked. He kept his tone level. “I remember sitting in the library, drawing while feeling a bit drowsy. I assume that I fell asleep after that…” He slipped an arm around her shoulders and tried to lead her to the fountain. “Anything is possible” Ashe froze as she grew panicked when she thought she saw something out of the corner of her eye. She studied the darken streets for any further movements. “There is nothing there. Even if there was it wouldn’t be able to hurt you,” he said reassuringly. On the other side of him she saw his hand resting on the hilt of a sword.

Ashe sank herself down the fountain ledge. “So why are you here?” He shook his head. “I was called here… I believe it may be about stopping something that should have been long ago, but I never had the power to…until now,” he said as he sat down. He held his head low while his arms rested limply on his legs with his hands grasping each other tightly. “You’re anxious,” she observed. He nodded. “For this to be finally over…yes, I am.” She moved herself to close the gap between them and placed a hand on his shoulder. “What are you suppose to stop?” He recreated the distance between them and maintained the silence.

She reached over and directed his head towards her. “K, what are you trying to stop?” His eyes were filled with agony. He pursed his lips, remaining silent. “If you can’t tell me that than tell me how I got here… Why am I here?” He took her hand in his and looked away. “I do not know the answers… Trust me I will find out one way or another.” Ashe frowned while trying to pull her hand out of his. She shivered as she slipped her arms into the sleeves of the blazer when he let go. “There has to be an answer somewhere, K. Like your name for instance,” she said. Her frustration was beginning to make an appearance in her voice. He got off the ledge and knelt down before her. “Look, Ashe, it would be better for you not to know a whole lot about me. Those reasons have to remain hidden,” he said softly. Her eyes widen while her jaw dropped. “Why?” she whispered. “Yes, brother, why? Surely you’re not going to deny her the pleasure of knowing who you really are.”

Ashe froze where she was while K stood up. She felt the hair on the back of her neck rising as chills ran down her spine. She looked up at him and found that his face was grave. “I am surprised,” K began slyly. “Surprised that you even referred to me that way.” Anger distorted his features. “Well, that is what you are…Kuro,” the voice answered back. “Kuro…” Ashe repeated. “Not now,” he muttered. He pulled her to her feet and pressed her firmly to his body while taking a protective stance. “I think it would be wiser for her to know who and what she is involved with.” Ashe heard a distinct noise of a growl in his chest. “Of course, you would…” he snapped. Kuro bent down till he was level with her ear. “Ashe, I want you to listen to me carefully. I want you to run as fast as you can to the clock tower. Now go!” He turned her in the direction she needed to go and pushed her away. “I will be close behind you.” She started to run as the voice began to tsk.

“Oh, Kuro…That’s shameful that you are willing to keep secrets from a lady. You know that doesn’t seem right, but when have you even been honest?” Kuro’s growl was drowned out by the cold voice’s laughter. “Why don’t you come out of the shadows, brother?” he spat. Ashe slowed down then looked back at Kuro. She desired to see who was the echoing voice was. “You have something more urgent..more pressing than I, Kuro. I believe…you left someone unattended.” Kuro’s eyes widen as fear began to set in. “Ashe,” he whispered then glanced back over her shoulder. “Why did you stop?”

“I thought I told you to run! Go!” Ashe did not budge from where she stood. She refused to go alone. Kuro ran toward her at an amazing pace and grabbed her by the arm then led the way through the streets. The voice had been silent for several moments. This was not easing Kuro’s tension. He pulled Ashe ahead of him then picked her up without stopping. “We’ll go a lot faster if I carried you.” She nodded as she tried to make sure she held on to him tightly. His breathing remained even through the added weight and speed. “Oh, Kuro…where are you?”

He set her down when they arrived and went over to the entrance then tried to open it. “Stand back,” he said then rammed himself into the doors. They broke free then fell to the floor with a loud bang while splinters flew into the air. “Are you ready for a short flight to the top floor?” She reached forward to touch what she though look like a pair of black wings. He turned around before her fingers even touched the smooth surface. “Flight?” He held her tightly against him then smiled softly. Ashe soon felt her feet lift off the floor. “You’ll see. Just hold on alright.” She wrapped her arms around his neck then closed her eyes. She now began to feel afraid. “Going up!” he said then zoomed through the opening.

Kuro avoided all the support beams perfectly then landed as soon as he reached the top. He let his grip on her waist slacken enough for her to stand on her own feet. The building shook after a loud boom. A moment later he let go of her then pulled out his pocket watch. “What are you doing?” she asked. Kuro opened the watch and began what looked like he was setting it. “I’m setting you up for a trip home. I won’t promise that you’ll land in the same place, but you will be home. That should be right.”

The hands of the clock began spinning till it they were nothing more than a blur. The glass face lit up then it shattered. Each piece glittered within the blinding light that soon faded. The town’s skyline now appeared in the opening. “Ashe,” Kuro said as he tucked his watch away. “You need to go through the portal.” She stared at him like he had lost his mind. “Are you barking mad?” she asked. He shrugged then said, “That is up to you, but right now the only thing that concerns me is your safety. My brother is getting close to us. I can hear him.” She walked over to the opening and looked down. “It is not as far as you seem to think.” Kuro placed a hand on her shoulder then pulled her back slightly. “Don’t worry I’ll be with you shortly.” He then pushed her forward and let go of her shoulder. Ashe screamed, but could not be heard as the clock’s ticking turned into a booming ring.

Ashe fell into a tree then onto the ground. “Ouch,” she groaned then sat up. Her eyes widen when she saw a foot. She slowly moved her head up and silently gasped. It wasn’t who she had expected. It was a different man that appeared to be in his mid to late twenties. “You’re not Kuro,” she said. His dark eyes held her stone cold. “Hm…I heard a scream,” he said as if she didn’t speak. “And instead of what I hoped to find…I find you.” His face maintained an expressionless front except for the twitch of a smile.

“Well, I’m sorry for bursting your bubble… Wait, do I even know you?” she said coolly. He glared at her with empty eyes. “No, you don’t, but I’ve seen you go out to the cliff,” he said slyly. She clenched fists tightly. “So you’re the reason I nearly drowned the last time I was there,” she muttered. His smile turned into a smirk then he grabbed her and pulled her to him. “I suggest you stay out of these woods, because you may not be alive the next time you come in here.” Ashe jerked herself out of his grip while stumbling back a few steps. “Who are you to tell me what to do!?” she screamed. He placed his hand over her mouth while he gripped her arm tightly. “Look, girl, I’m doing this for your own good. I won’t always be around to save…the same goes with everyone else. Not even…Kuro.” As soon as he released his hold on her she pushed past him.

She halted in her tracks. “Kuro!” He rushed over to her then held her close to him. “You’re safe,” he whispered softly. Ashe looked up and saw he was staring out toward the horizon. “Who was with you just now? Did he try to hurt you?” She shook her head. “I don’t know the man and no…he did not try to hurt me.” He nodded once. “Good. Let me get you back to school. If someone asks just say you fell asleep because you didn’t feel well.”

He moved her into a chair. “I leave you in the school’s capable hands.” Her eyes widen. “You’re leaving me…alone?” Kuro knelt down beside her then sighed. “I’m sorry, Ashe, but there are things I have to do. I have responsibilities to fulfill. It is only a temporary separation. At the first sign of danger even if you are not in any and you just feel afraid call for me. All you have to do is call my name and I’ll be there in matter of seconds.” He pulled his jacket off her then quickly put it on. “You’ll be fine, Ashe…for now at least,” he said then left swiftly before she could argue.

Ashe could feel sleep creeping over her mind again, but she didn’t want to give in. She feared dreaming of the town, but the voice even more. She didn’t want to hear its echoing terror. She allowed her head to rest on her arms as her eyes began to droop. No…I must fight it…off. She knew she couldn’t fight it off much longer. Ashe shivered while she sat there. She began wishing that Kuro’s blazer was still around her. She felt mildly safe then…as if nothing could hurt her so long as she wore it. She finally let her consciousness go and slipped into a light sleep.

“Ashe…” The voice sounded distant as it called her name. She looked all around then saw Chishio standing a short distance away. “Ashe, you need to wake up,” he said softly. She reached toward him while taking a step forward, but fell into the black abyss below.

Her eyes snapped opened suddenly, but didn’t move. She noticed that she had an arm out like she was reaching for something. Was that real or was it a dream? Ashe could now feel someone shaking her. “Ashe…Ashe. Are you awake? Come on, Ashe, wake up.” The voice of whoever was trying to wake her sounded frantic with worry. She soon felt two ice cold fingers on the upper part of her neck which caused her to shiver. “Ashe?” She sat up then rubbed her eyes. “I’m fine,” she said groggily then glanced up. “C-Ch-Chishio… What are you doing here?” she stuttered. He placed a hand behind his head then said, “Well, I thought I could offer you a ride since you decided to miss your bus.” He grinned. She forced out a small laugh. “Thank you. That is very considerate of you.” She still felt very sleepy. “Do you want to go now?” Ashe nodded then followed him out of the school.

“What happened to you?” he asked as they walked to the car. “Um…” She was unsure of how to answer until she remembered what Kuro had told her. “I…uh…didn’t feel very and I guess I fell asleep in the library. I feel better now that I slept.” He seemed satisfied enough with the answer he was given. “If you feel that you need to sleep then you are free to.” He pulled out of the parking lot and headed down the road. Ashe relaxed herself in the seat, but did not fall asleep.

The ride to her house was short and silent. “You have nothing to say. That is quite interesting…” he trailed off. She pretended to yawn then looked at him. “Ashe, I knew you were awake. There is no point to keep up that charade.” She opened the door and stepped out of the car. After she slammed the car door then ran to the house. “Ashe, wait!” She pulled out her keys, but froze when he grabbed her hand and ripped them away from her. “If you knew, why didn’t you say anything?” He opened his mouth then closed it. “Now, look at who has nothing to say,” Ashe said curtly. He let go of her and dropped the keys. They made a soft clink on the wooden porch.

He turned away. “I’m sorry,” he whispered then walked away slowly. “Chishio!” He didn’t stop or bothered to look back. Ashe stood there stunned as Chishio drove off. “What…was…that all about?” she wondered aloud. She grew puzzled and confused by this then sighed. “I’ll find out tomorrow…I guess.” She picked up her keys then unlocked the door. She paused and glanced up at the dark, clouded-over sky. “Tomorrow…”

 

 

 

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.

Kuro Mitsukai

 

This profile is upon the male main character of Sweet Nightmare, Kuro Mitsukai.  A lot of his history is in the story. The profile is basically about his general appearance, abilities, personality, etc. So hope this will clear up Kuro a bit. ^_^

Also in Japan, he would be called Mitsukai Kuro. Reason being is over in Japan they put last name first and first name last. But sense most don’t know that I put in the normal way you would see it. Well, here it is…

Kuro Mitsukai

Age:  478 (Appears to be in his mid-twenties)

Born: April 19th, 1530

Died: At age 26

Eye color: Dark chocolate brown

Hair:  Waist-long black hair. Normally left down, but when it comes to combat or at his whim he will have it pulled up high above his head. From time to time he has color streaks of various colors depending on his mood. When Ashe first meets Kuro his hair is completely blond until a latter time it goes to its natural color.

Skin:Pale (porcelain like)

Height/Weight:  6′11″ / 132 lbs.

Species: Arcus Vampire

General clothing appearances: Typically wears a tight sleeveless shirt that shows off his defined abdomen while wearing a short-sleeved button-up shirt over it witha pair of jeans during the warmer seasons. During the colder, he typically wears a tight turtleneck shirt or a tight sweater witha pair of black slacks. Occasionally he will wear the traditional male kimono with hakama pants.

Personality:  His character is built on his code of honor and morals he was taught as a young child.  Unlike the average Japanese man, he is not shy and will go ahead and go for what he wants. He is very modest in what he does for himself and others. Loyal and devoted to Ashe along with the very few friends he has. Often prefers to work alone because of certain incidents in his life had proven to him that. At times he can be very serious while others he is fun-loving and carefree. He has closed himself off from exposing his true feelings about his life and thoughts to anyone, but now he has started to open up to Ashe.

History:  His past is explained in the latter chapters of Sweet Nightmare. The parts that are not will appear in this space.

Transformation:

• Eye color: Crimson red with flecks of gold
• Hair: Pitch black waist-long
• Appearance: Himself with a set of demonic black wings. His nails are sharpened to a point while the signature fangs appear in his smile.

 

• General clothing appearance: Depending on what level his transformation is depends on what he wears. If he is in his full transformed state what he wears in the picture above. If he is in a partial state then he wears whatever he was that day.

 

 

• Weapon:   Scythe: The handle of it has black lacquered finish with his kanji characters in silver. The blade is silver with a crescent shape of a golden moon on the top edge of the blade. Katana:  The last time he used it was when he was living. He hasn’t touch the sword for four hundred and fifty-two years. It has the traditional black silk cord wrapped handle with both on the blade and sheath have his kanji characters engraved.
• Abilities: Limitless in the diversity in his magical skills for his level in the hierarchy of the vampiric world if in his full transformed appearance. If he is not then his abilities are limited to just healing, select few attacks that require magic, teleportation, telekinesis, and telepathy.

I hoped this helped put some dimension to Kuro. Out of all the characters in Sweet Nightmare, he is my personal favorite, and I’m the writer. ^_^;

Chapter One: Summer End Bliss

 

The summer has been long and blissfully boring especially in the sleepy, little town of Eagle Point, Oregon. The weather has been unpleasantly hot and humid with the occasional welcomed rain. Even through the glass window after it had rained you could still feel the heat radiating. But yes, aside to seeing a couple of friends and a few day trips here and there…the summer had been just that, boring. Today is just going to be another long day just like the rest.

 A teen-aged girl closed the journal then opened one of the nightstand’s drawers and placed the book inside. She closed her eyes and collapsed back on her bed. She laid there for a few moments in the quiet of the latter morning. She opened her eyes then glanced around her boldly red-colored room. The blinding sunlight was streaming through the white sheer curtains onto the warm cherry hardwood floor. There beside the window seat was a bookcase crammed full of books, her prize and joy. It was her way to escape the present world into an unknown one. Hours on end she spent in the window seat reading. It was the only time inside the house that she felt at peace. Not too far away from that there was a small, cluttered desk with a computer sitting on top. While on either side of the bed was a pair of nightstands of an oriental style. They too were cluttered with stacks of paper and a few pens.

 She rolled out of her bed onto the floor and stretched out her body. She stood up and made her bed then walked over to the full-length mirror near her bookshelf. Her mother had given it to her one Christmas out of hope that Ashe would take a glance at herself for her mother’s reasons, but Ashe held her own. It was to remind her who she was. She looked at herself within the mirror. When it came to her mother’s reasons, this was something she didn’t do often and that lied purely in the fact that she could care less. To her it seemed pointless unless she had a special reason in doing so and those were far and few in between.

 She pushed her long, reddish-brunette hair that was covering part of her slim, pale face behind an ear. Her head jerked in the direction of her bedroom door when a faint knock came from behind it. “Come in,” she said then sighed lightly. She sat down on the large trunk at the foot of her bed as the door was opening. It revealed her mother leaning in the doorway with her arms crossed. “Good morning, Ashe,” she said cheerfully. Ashe grumbled back a ‘good morning’ while crossing her arms and wondering how it is a good morning. She at the moment had a lot on her mind and probably will have more when her mother left.

“I just came to remind you that we were shopping today.” Ashe merely nodded to show her acknowledgment. Caroline paused long enough to study Ashe with her mint green eyes in a reproachful manner. She shook her head in a disappointed fashion while her voice reflected the disappointment on her face. “Honestly Ashe, why can’t you be more like your older sister and take some pride in yourself? I can’t seem to figure out why you are not open with me. I feel like I hardly know you. You never open up to me or your father and that is rather shameful that you don’t come to us.” Her mother sighed. Ashe glared at her mother with an agitated pair of golden hazel eyes. “I do have pride, but that pride is reserved for my mind. You don’t seem to realize that is where my pride lies and always will. I am sorry that I am such a big disappointment, but the primping you wish me to do just holds no importance to me. I just am satisfied with how I am and where my pride is,” she said unemotionally. She was trying to keep the agitation she felt out of her voice, but it was very difficult for her to do. “I’ll get ready whenever it is time to go.” Caroline nodded curtly then left without saying another word while leaving Ashe in a resentful mood. She could hear her mother talking to someone outside her room then tuned it out after a moment of listening.

Ashe’s feelings of impatience for school to begin began rising in her again then she felt dread sit in once again. Every time she had these feelings it wasn’t because of what she had to do it was who she had to see. She couldn’t bear the thought of going back because of her ex-boyfriend and having to see him. Certain points in time it made her quite reluctant towards going back to school. The memories of the past two years resurfaced within her mind causing old wounds to reopen. She didn’t want to remember them. She thought she had forgotten them, but she had thought wrong. The summer had not been long enough to forget. She still felt the pure hatred that she held for Steven coursing through her veins. He dared to ask her to take him back after all he had done to her. In essence she told him to go screw himself and find someone else to fall for his trickery. She had hoped and prayed that Steven understood that she wanted absolutely nothing to do with him. I swear that I will not be liable for whatever might happen to him if he does not grasp the concept of stay away. Leave my memories…please. She thought bitterly while staring blankly at the floor.

Her thoughts then turned its attention back to what her mother had said. There was one thing that her mother did that she hated more than anything and that was to compare her to someone else. She would always hold a sisterly love for Star, but it was not enough to get over her being compared to her older sibling. Ashe could not even begin to comprehend why their mother did that to her. She no longer wanted to burden her mind with it. If she honestly wanted to wrestle with that she would be doing that for hours on end with no results except for the already thought of reason.

Ashe jumped out of her thoughts and off the trunk when her bedroom door flung open. She wasn’t surprised at Star once again barging into her bedroom unannounced, but it was actually her mind not being partially focused on the surroundings. Speak of the devil. “You know it is polite to knock on the door before coming in.” Her feelings of annoyance were displayed clearly on her face. No one seemed to have gotten the hint of leaving her alone. “Ashe, I don’t want to hear it. I just-” Ashe cuts her off by holding up her hand then speaking in a careless manner. “My dear sister, if Mom sent you to tell me it’s time then don’t waste your breath. I was just about to get ready. Now if that is all,” she said while sitting down in her computer chair. “You know where the door is.” She leaned back as if she were reclining and pointed toward the open door.

Star did not budge a muscle from where she stood. She wasn’t going unless she was forced to. After a moment had gone by Ashe got back up on her feet and walked over until she was standing a few inches away from her sister. “Get out!” Ashe growled while Star shook her head. She then grabbed Star’s arm and began dragging her out of the room while Star tripped over her own feet and landed in the hall with a dull thud. Before Star even got the chance to stand up Ashe pressed a foot on Star’s shoulder. “Pay some respect to me if you want any for yourself. A tiny bit of advice for the future is…knock,” Ashe said in an angry hiss then turned around and slammed the door.

Later on Ashe went downstairs ready to leave the house. Well, I guess it is time to feed myself to the lions. She thought while dreading the very moment she left the sanctuary of the house. It was days like this she hated leaving the house mainly because of the usual pattern it took. She came into the kitchen and found her mother tying her shoes. “Oh good, you’re ready. Why don’t you go on ahead to the car and wait for us there then we’ll go,” Caroline said while handing her the keys. Ashe shrugged her shoulders then left the room.

She squinted her eyes as she walked over to the car. The sun was shining brightly overhead making it quite warm. It did not have to fear having its blazing fury covered because there was no clouds. Just a solid, clear sky. She unlocked the passenger door then sat down inside. She left the door open because it felt like an oven inside. She inserted the key into the ignition and started the vehicle. Ashe felt the cool air pour out of the vents then relaxed in the seat. A little while later Caroline and Star come out, got in the car, and drove off.

Ashe stared blankly out the window as they headed down the highway to Medford. She saw clouds looming in the distance and had hoped it was a sign for a rainstorm. Moments later, they pulled into the parking lot of the mall. Ashe hopped out of the car and waited for the other two. “Ashe, did I put the break on?” her mother asked about halfway to the building. Ashe shrugged her shoulders, unsure. “I think so…” she said numbly. “Well, will you go check?” She knew this was not a question and turned around. She looked inside quickly then ran back to catch up with the others.

Throughout the entire mall Ashe felt as if she was in a fog. She was barely focusing on what she was doing in the stores. Ashe aimlessly walked through the racks of clothes. She froze for a moment because she felt as if she was being watched. She looked around while walking around, pretending to be searching for something in the racks.

A short distance away was a man leaning against a wall. She stopped at a rack and began searching through them for no particular item while keeping her eye on the man. She was uncertain of if the man was looking at her or not for he had a pair of sunglasses on. She walked to the shoe department across from where she was and noticed that his head followed her. She ducked down in the shelves of shoes and around a corner into the men’s department. Ashe peeked her head slightly above the shoe shelves and saw that he was gone. She started to feel a bit silly and stupid for this imaginary paranoia.

When it was all over Ashe was beyond thankful. She was exhausted when they eventually got home. Her head was pounding with a headache she had received that day. She had very little energy for anything else because after she took her shower she collapsed into her bed and instantly fell asleep.

The last day before school had to start Ashe had decided to take a trip to her secret getaway place. It was her sanctuary away from the world. She could already tell that it was going to be a slow day. She left a note to her parents saying that she was going for a hike and for them not to worry. Ashe walked down the long pathway beneath the shady canopy of trees. Normally she would take her time in getting there, but today she ran to it. Ashe slowed down when she saw the start of the rocky cliff approaching ahead in the sunlight. Every time she came here it brought back the memory of the night she first discovered the place, but it made her stronger each time. The memories may have pained her, but she no longer had to fear the past.

The night she came here it was raining and the sky was black with storm clouds. She felt blind from the darkness and her tears yet she did not care. She kept running until she could no longer feel the rough ground beneath her feet. As she was falling she thought that it was her final moments and strangely enough she welcomed the idea. She tried to take her last breath of air, but ended up swallowing water instead. Ashe shook her head to rid her mind of the memory.

Ashe stood under the sunlight welcoming all of the warmth that it had to offer. She looked up to her left at the cascading water onto the rocks and lake below. Even after the many times she has seen the waterfall, it could still take her breath away. She sat her backpack down then took off her clothes till she was standing in nothing but her swimsuit. Ashe stood at the edge of the precipice then glanced at the cool, crisp water. She closed her eyes and lifted her head while she raised her arms high then dived down into the lake.

The water rushed against her skin after she broke the lake’s surface. A few seconds later she resurfaced for a breath of air. After awhile she climbed onto a small rock and stood a top it. Ashe made a quick glance at the cliff and found someone there. He was kneeling on the edge while his long hair covered most of his face. Her thoughts rushed through her mind in fear then wonder. She felt something grab her ankle making panic wash over her like a huge wave. Without thinking she tried to yank her leg free and fell back into the water. Ashe could feel her consciousness slipping as her vision blurred then all went black when she felt something take hold of her wrist.

Ashe awoke and found herself snuggly wrapped in a few thick blankets near a blazing fire. She sat up while trying to figure out where it all came from. “You’re awake.” The voice sounded relieved. A man came into view. The very same one that was watching her earlier. “Don’t be afraid,” he said when she started to crawl away. “Who are you?” she asked. “Haven’t I seen you someplace previously?” He stuffed his hands in his pockets as he walked closer. “A friend and yes, you have.” She didn’t like how vague he was being about himself and stood up. Ashe picked up her backpack then started running. “Where are you going?” She did not answer him and continued running without looking back until she arrived home.

She entered the house through the back door then ran upstairs and took a quick shower. Afterwards she felt clean and free from the previous events. The man in the woods may have meant well, but she couldn’t trust him for he could have been holding a cover. Masking his true identity from her. She slipped on a black, kimono-like robe and pulled her hair up into a tight bun as she headed back down to the kitchen. Ashe picked up her cookbook from a shelf and started flipping through the pages until she found something that looked appeasing to her hunger. She then began searching for the various in the pantry and spice cabinets. “I’m glad to see you got home safely.”

She froze and dropped the spice container that she was holding. Ashe grabbed a knife out of the cutlery block and hurled it in the direction of the voice. She wasn’t sure if she had got him because her eyes were closed tight. “Well, I must say that has got to be the most interesting way to say hello I have ever had the pleasure of encountering,” he said in an amused way. Her eyes snapped open and glanced over to see him still standing unscathed. She cursed herself for not aiming correctly.

He studied her from head to toe noting the angry look on her face. Ashe stood there with a hand on her hip while staring at him in disbelief. He pulled the knife out of the wall and said, “Now remind me not to ever give you any sharp objects if anyone wants to keep their head.” He placed the knife in the sink and moved his gaze back on her. A humored smirk slid onto his face while her face turned from anger to annoyed. “Alright, I want you out of my house this instant!” she said while stomping her foot. “Hey now, is this honestly the thanks I get for saving your life?” he asked in a somewhat serious tone. “Yes,” she said. “Wait… You’re the one who saved me?” He nodded once. “You were that guy at the mall… No wonder you look so familiar.” His smirk turned into a grin. “So you do remember me…”

“Wait!” she said. “How the hell did you find out where I live?” His grin disappeared. “Honestly, is there a reason of why you have to question everything that happens? Can’t we just leave things alone that do not need to be known?” he said. Ashe frowned then shook her head. “Let’s just leave it at I’m your bodyguard.” Her frown deepened. He sighed softly then looked off to the side. Ashe jerked her gaze away from him and stared blankly at the floor. A long silence passed between them then she looked back at him.

The way his hair was pulled back made it see like he wore a golden halo. His eyes unknown for the slim, rectangular sunglasses. Ashe reached toward his face for them as he to step away he ended up tripping over a small stool. His glasses slipped off into her hand while he flipped to keep himself off the floor. After a small metallic noise she looked at her feet and found a flat, round, silver object. She picked it up then pushed the tiny button at the top. It opened. The numbers were silver in a decorative Roman numeral script. The face of it was a black degrade until a crimson center.

 She turned her attention back to the man. His face was a bit flustered as he straightens himself. “Can I ask about this?” She waved the pocket watch in front of his face then looked into his eyes and found they were an ungodly dark brown. A color that you could never fathom as possible. His facial features she could see that they were predominately Asian. He took his glasses then slipped them back on, but left them halfway down his nose. “Not again,” he sighed. “This relic has been doing this for quite sometime. Since my pants often don’t have pockets I’ve had to clip it to a belt loop. The clip has been falling apart and I have been meaning to get it fixed, but time has been an issue. Anyway, can I have it back now?” She smiled as she moved it out of his reach. “Ashe, give it back…please.” Her smiled faltered. “How do you know my name?” He took his watch and reattached it to the faulty clip. “Ashe, for now it would be best that you do not know unless a change of events were to occur. I told you just to leave it at the fact that I am your bodyguard. Another factor always seems to be time. Your parents will be here momentarily and if I did start explaining now I’d leave you in a more confused state than I already am. Just promise me that you’ll never speak of my existence to anyone,” he said softly. Ashe nodded and before she could say anything else he was already gone.

She decided against having anything and started to put everything away. Ashe jumped when she heard the doorbell ring causing her to drop another spice container. She picked it up real quick, threw it back inside the cabinet, and rushed to the front door. Her eyes widen out of surprise when she opened the door. There were her parents standing before her. How did he know? She stared at her parents in bewilderment. “I was on my way to bed,” she said while stepping aside to allow her parents entrance. They stepped in while Ashe tried to close the door behind them, but her sister kept her from doing so. “Thanks for holding the door open for me, sis,” Star said. Ashe rolled her eyes at this. Why doesn’t she have her own place yet? She thought then sighed.

Ashe shut the door then turned to go upstairs. “Ashe, is this all I get to see of you today?” her mother asked her before she even got one foot on the bottom step. Ashe heaved a heavy sigh silently then turned back around. “I’m sorry, Mom, but it’s just that I have to go to bed now for me to get enough sleep to get up early for school.” She hoped that her mother would let her go. She wasn’t in much of a mood to talk to anyone. “Can I at least have a hug?” Ashe walked over to Caroline then hugged her. “Goodnight Mom,” she said then left.

 Ashe tossed and turned restlessly in her bed for the couple of hours she had been lying in bed. She got up then sat on the window seat. She looked out the window while trying to push her thoughts from her mind. She took a folded blanket and wrapped herself in it. Ashe couldn’t stop thinking about what the future held in the coming year. It felt ominous. After sometime she had lain down on the cushioned seat and forcibly told herself that everything would be fine. Yet she couldn’t believe it and the one reason why was in her house several hours before. She couldn’t believe that he was the one keeping her awake.

 She had kept her promise to him and for some strange unknown reason she would continue. Ashe could not get the nameless wonder out of her mind. He was such a mystery then it dawned on her. “He’s not human,” he stated the three words with a certain simplicity. “There is no way he could be…for all that I’ve seen…” She decided that she would wait for him, wait for him to return and possibly explain to her his presence in her life. She would find out who and what he was no matter what she had to do. Ashe went back to her bed curled up underneath the blanket. She told herself once again that everything would be fine. She finally ignored the nagging feeling in the back of her mind and nodded off into an uneasy sleep.