Fan Fiction ❯ Taking Over Me ❯ Here we go again... ( Chapter 1 )

Well, this is part two of this series. It never seems to end. Still I keep typing away like a madwoman at this monster.

 

At any rate, please enjoy and tell me what you think!!

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The rain poured down on the asphalted streets. Darkly clouded skies billowed over the populated city. People ran for cover in the downpour under umbrellas, in their houses, or cars. School was in and children were grumpy, as usual in the city of Aughrim, Ireland.

 

A black Chevrolet pulled up in front of an enormous house. Large and white, Victorian style, this was a house of queens. It's neatly kept and well trimmed lawn matched well with the vanilla siding. A small walk way led to the polished door and framed windows with gray shutters. Trees lined the long walkway bearing assortments of fruit. To anyone it was a house of dreams.

 

The car door opened slowly. Out stepped a youthful teenager of 16. Dressed in a plaid skirt with a matching white blouse and new black shoes. Her long baby blue hair was pulled up into a high pony tail save for the strips that fell to frame her heart shaped face.

 

Clear blue eyes took in their new home. Her mouth formed a frown. She hated how her parents always had to go and purchase the most show off things. Always the best, nothing less. She could never win at anything when they had their minds set on it. She had won a fight over which school she'd be attending, though. Instead of a prestigious private all girls school, she was now enrolled in a normal high school to her delight.

 

The thought made her smile a bit showing her perfectly white teeth.

 

“Aina, honey, come along and see the house, dear.” Her mother called.

 

Aina sighed resigning to her fate. Tomorrow though she would get to attend her first day of normal school! Listening to her heels click walking up the walk way she kept a strait face though her thoughts were rampant.

 

Here, in this town, was a girl she had waited on for eighty years of sleeping and sixteen more living the life of a child. Finally, she would see her. But would she remember her? That was the problem.

 

Aina followed her mother and father into the house. While they basked in the delight of more expensive things, she headed up the spiral staircase to the room level. Someone else may have loved the carved banisters and carpeted stairs, but she didn't really care. It was an everyday thing to her.

 

Tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear, Aina began opening doors looking for the perfect room: Nothing to huge but good enough to fit her needs. Basically, anything small and with a bed and mirror.

 

At the fourth room, she found it suitable to her likings. It was quite bare compared to the others. Holding a large vanity dresser complete with makeup already spread upon it and a lit mirror attached to it. The canopy bed with movable sheets to hide whoever was sleeping in it had several lace pillows along the red polish head- board. Its covers were also lace. White lace. Spun from pure silk. The windows were closed but if opened reached to the ceiling, also with silk curtains. Aina knew it also had a walk in closet, but she didn't want to look. She didn't care. The cost of this room alone had to be double that of any normal house. And this was the simplest room she had found!

 

Her mother was downstairs telling the servants where everything went. Like they needed any of it. This house supplied it's own. Sneering at her mother she lay on the bed gently, feeling the soft mattress sink like fluff under her light weight. She didn't like her mother but she despised her father.

 

All she needed to do to take her mind off the matter was think of a certain red head that had haunted her dreams since she left her past life. Of course she remembered it all. She had been an angel after all.

 

Humming a song she had heard when in Russia named `Malchik Gay' by a cute girl group, she meandered out into the hallway to explore the rest of the house. She didn't like living here but that didn't mean her curiosity had died any since she did.

 

Before she could get started, a call from her father stopped her. `He wants my help as usual, the pig. But I just need to wait till tomorrow.' Aina went downstairs with a bright smile on her lips. Tomorrow, she would reach the purpose of this life. Tomorrow, she would finally see the other side of population. Tomorrow, she would she her beloved.

 

Tomorrow.

 

 

*

 

 

“You! You there! Stop!”

 

Three kids bolted from the gun shop. All dressed in black leather for head to toe. Each had a different version of the Celtic cross dangling from the chains on their necks and waists. Their boots tromped on the wet ground as they ran from the chasing storeowner.

 

The leader turned her head around to yell, “Down the next way!” The only way you could see her in this dark of night was the bright color of her red hair.

 

The two behind her nodded and split away from each other leaving the girl to deal with the man.

 

Coming to a quick halt, and tucking the guns she held into the lining of her pants, she spun on her heels, pulling a knife from her boot. She raised it to catch the street lamp's light.

 

The owner skidded at the reflecting light shinning into his eyes from the blade. Raising his arm to block the shine the red head let the knife fly. She turned listening to the echoing screams and curses he yelled at her fading back.

 

Darting across traffic to reach the ally on the other side, the leader hit the pavement rolling and disappearing into the dark.

 

Feeling around her body, she came to rest on a bulge in her left coat pocket. Squeezing it tightly, the leader took deep breaths to calm down. Turning to face the dark alley, hair clouding vision, her senses went up at a dark, moving shape.

 

“Who's there? Speak.” She breathed.

 

“What am I? A dog now?” came a light reply.

 

“Jesus Koku. Don't do that to me.” sighing in relief she slid away from the wall, and walked to join her friend.

 

“Yeah well, we got some good packing tonight, Alcesta. Maki is already going back.”

 

Alcesta nodded. “Good. That saves me from having to rescue his arse again.”

 

Koku laughed, knowing that by saving his arse would be worse than kicking it. “Oh by the way. We get a new kid in school tomorrow Julia said so and you know how she is.” Referring to the fact that the girl couldn't keep her nose in her own business to save her life. With a roll of his eyes he pulled out a cigarette and lit it up.

“Really?” The read head piqued. “Who and where?”

 

“I don't know them personally. Yet.”

 

A sniff came from the girl.

 

“I said yet! Yet, yet, yet!”

 

“Ok get on with it already!” she beckoned with waves of her hand.

 

Koku leaned against the brick wall crossing his arms. “Well, from what I hear, they are totally in the money. And the bought that huge house at the end of 6th street. We could get a lot of profit from them” he grinned. “Plus, they have this really sweet daughter.”

 

Alcesta watched him lick his lips with disgust. “Ungh. Please. Like any girl would want you.”

 

Laughing he replied, “You're right. My boyfriend wouldn't like it much. She seemed more your type. That submissive do anything you want type. Huh huh?”

 

“Oh shut up. And that boyfriend thing doesn't count. It's illegal to date your own brother.” She admonished.

 

Koku held up a finger. “It can very well be legal. I consider it so. I mean, if he's not a boyfriend, we are just very close twins.”

 

Alcesta wrinkled up her nose. “I'm sure. That's called narcissism. Besides, people can tell you taste the rainbow from miles away.”

 

“Hey!” he protested. “Skittles are good!” Then an understanding look dawned on his face. “Wait a second. You're trying to insult me aren't you?” pointing his finger at her accusingly.

 

The leader rolled her green eyes. “Job well done Sherlock.”

 

Koku sneered at her.

 

Turning to leave, Alcesta called behind her, “I'm going home. If you need anything come over. I'll leave the window unlocked.”

 

“I'll keep that in mind my dear.” Koku said with a grin.

 

“And no orgies!” Alcesta yelled before vanishing into the night.

 

Koku kicked at the dirt on the ground and muttered, “Drats…” before going his own way home.

 

 

*

 

 

The school bell rung loud and clear over the yard. It was now time for homeroom. And any students not in their seats were beyond late.

 

In other words, Aina.

 

“Ohhhh!!! I can't believe I didn't wake up earlier! Of all the days!” Aina cried, tearing up the stairs and down halls to reach her class.

 

Reaching room 201 she swung the door open and stepped inside quickly hoping the teacher wouldn't be too harsh. She squeezed her eyes closed at a “You're late, Miss…?”

 

Aina blinked and replied, “Oh! Um, Akina.”

 

“Right. Miss Akina. You're the transfer student from The USA aren't you?” he asked flipping a page in the attendance records. Looking to the class he stated simply, “Class, meet Aina Akina. As you heard she has moved quite a long way from her home in the US so treat her well.” His words sounded like pure threats and Aina shifted her weight on her feet waiting to be seated.

 

“No where shall we put you. Hmm…” While he looked over the class for an empty space, Aina twirled the end of her blue hair taking in everyone sitting. Her crystal eyes hooked on one in the back row end seat by the window.

 

Feeling her heart skip a few beats, she barely heard the teacher say, “You can sit by O'Shina. Right there.” He pointed to the girl Aina had been staring at.

 

Nodding slowly, she made her way to the back, keeping the tears in check. Sitting her things on her assigned desk, Aina held her hand out to the red head. “Hi. I'm Aina.”

 

Alcesta spared a glance at her like it was hardly worth her time. “Whatever.”

 

Flopping into her seat, eyes wide, Aina stared at the girl she once knew. “Alcesta?” she asked timidly.

 

Hearing her name, Alcesta snapped her head around. “How did you know my name?”

 

Aina looked her up and down. From her hard black boots, to her leather pants, to the chains that dangled from her waist, to her tight tank top, to her black streaked red hair and black makeup ed face. She was so different. Sure she looked the same, but she was different. This was what she was searching for. She had found her Alcesta, but…she wasn't the same.

 

Alcesta moved her head from resting on her hand lazily. She watched the other girls eyes fill with water and paled. “You're not going to cry are you?”

 

“Is there a problem?” the teacher asked.

 

“No mam'.” The black- leathered one replied coolly.

 

The teacher bristled. “I am no woman. Now if both of you don't settle down, you'll be out of this room and serving detention.” He turned back to the blackboard finishing his writing.

 

This sentence only succeeded in making Aina cry and Alcesta yelling at the teacher because of the noise the `psycho blue girl' was causing.

 

Sweat drops were on everyone's heads. Grasping his head, the teacher glared at the two in the back.

 

Koku and his twin Shun began scolding Alcesta. “What are you doing?” “How could you make her cry?” “Are you nuts!?” “You're going to get detention!” “That was really uncalled for Alcesta.” “Yeah, that was imaturezez.” “It's immature, Koku.” “Oh…”

 

Alcesta was whining about Aina. “Shut up! Stop your whining! I don't want to spend an entire detention with you! I have other things to do. Stop your bawling already!”

 

Aina sniffled her tears. “How could you be so mean? You used to be nice! I waited eighty some years to see you! And this is what you are?! Stop yelling at me! You never used to do that!!”

 

The class held onto their desks as the teacher exploded like a bomb. “ENOUGH!”

 

All four shut up save for Aina's crying.

 

“Now,” he began, “I want you two,” motioning to Aina and Alcesta, “to leave this room and not come back for a long while! Miss Akina, I expected more of you than to sink to that troublemakers pits!”

 

Alcesta sat strait. “Troublemaker? Don't you mean little demon?”

 

The teacher drummed his fingers across his desk. “Now Miss O'Shina, If you were such a thing, which I don't doubt you, I would not be here teaching, oh no. I would be out and returning with a banishing spell so no one else must bear your presence!!!”

 

Not a noise was uttered.

 

“Now, the lot of you…GET OUT!!! And you two go with them!!!”

 

The four in the back stood and followed the teachers pointing finger to the door.

 

 

*

 

 

The detention room was a normal and familiar as always to Koku. He lounged in his brother's lap watching The two girls argue from either side of the classroom. Each time Aina tried to make her way to Alcesta, she would yell her head off and move to the farthest point from the girl.

 

Leaning back to rest his head on Shun's shoulder he whispered, “Don't you think we should do something?”

 

Shun shook his head lightly. “No. Whatever's going on, that girl knows. Just watch and analyze.” He placed a soft kiss on Koku's cheek, tightening the hold on his slim waist.

 

“Are you sure? I mean, a few more minutes and I think Alcesta's going to blow.” Koku said wearingly.

 

Shun looked from his brother to the two circling girls. “Just wait a bit longer, Koku.” And a bit longer was all they needed.

 

Aina stopped her chase for the red head around the classroom when the girl's necklace fell out. Her loud gasp could've been heard in the halls. Hanging from a thin string, old and worn, was a crystal chunk with a silver hue. It had definitely been through some wars in its time. Still though it shone as bright as it could ever.

 

“My crystal!” Aina shouted pointing at the chunk on Alcesta's neck.

 

Alcesta glared then looked where she was pointing. “You're mad! I've had this since I was born!”

 

“But that is mine! I had it when I died! No wait, I lost it going out the window…” Aina sunk into her thoughts ignoring Alcesta's rants.

 

“When you died?! Girl, you are still alive! I wish you did die though! It would've saved me a whole lot of aggravation!” she spat.

 

“Shun, what's going on?” Koku asked.

 

“I don't know. Just listen.” Shun played with Koku's short tan hair. Something was not right…he knew what was going on he just couldn't place it.

 

“Please, Alcesta please! You have got to remember me! Why don't you?” her blue hair was slowly falling out of it's bow to shadow her face. “Remember our past! What we went through! What you went through!” Aina fell to her knees in front of Alcesta begging, “You said you'd never leave me. You promised.” Burring her head in her hands she bowed lower to the floor. “But seeing you now and not being able to hold you, it hurts. Worse than if you wouldn't have been reborn. I'd rather you never be here then to not be who you were.”

 

Alcesta worked her jaw with confusion. “What?” What on earth was this crazy girl talking about? Did she miss the bus to the penitentiary or something?

 

Koku knitted his eyebrows together. Was Shun shaking? He glanced over his shoulder. He was indeed. “Are you ok?” Turning fully in Shun's lap, Koku shook his shoulders. “Hey, what's wrong? Hey!”

 

Shun didn't even hear his twin. Simply just removed him from his lap and bent over forwards. His head ached so badly. Holding it together, it had so much pain as if his skull was going to crack.

 

Aina and Alcesta were turned away from their fight for a moment. Watching paralyzed as Koku freaked out over his brothers trembling form.

 

Hundreds of things flashed like a picture film of old days through Shun's mind. So many things…all black and white. Black and white like they weren't alive. The images were frozen in time. The giant block of ice that constructed the far away past. But they were fogged up, like someone had breathed warm air on a cold glass.

 

Sweat dripped off his face collecting on the floor. Opening his navy eyes to look at the floor, he shot backwards into the desk. The sweat he dripped was red! Was he bleeding?

 

Checking by running a hand across his forehead, he pulled it back to see it covered in red. Funny, he didn't remember getting hurt. Nothing was pulsing in pain except for his head. Maybe one of Alcesta's guns went off. She was known to take them with her everywhere. With the types of people she deals with, she needed them.

 

But he didn't remember any shot. There wasn't any bang, was there? Looking up, he saw the Panicked face of his brother, stained with tears. Alecesta didn't know what to do. She just stood there like a statue. But she was covered in blood to!

 

It was smeared on her leather clothes, no wait, her clothes were a white shirt and jean shorts, when did she change them? Shun shook his head regretting them movement. Shooting pain like electricity coursed through his body. Squinting, he looked at the last person in the room, Aina.

 

Now this was weird. She was in a sky colored dress. It looked like it was shredded. Red liquid dripped from the tips of her pale fingers originating it seemed from her neck. Her blue hair flowed in tangled cascading waves knotted by the blood. Was she crying too? But, she was smiling…

 

Shun screamed and fell, his legs giving out from the strain of holding the pain for so long. He felt a pair of arms encircle his waist before he hit the ground. Blinking at it dazedly, it was just his sweat that dropped. `What the hell did I just see?' His breath caught, and he passed out into a deep sleep.

 

Koku on the other hand, wasn't taking this as well as his brother had. “What the f*** is going on!!! Shun!! Wake up!”

 

A hand connected with his face, knocking his head to the side violently. “Stop your yelling! It isn't helping him any!” Alcesta roared at the boy. “Get him up! We're taking him to the hospital. Screw that teacher. Let's go.”

 

Aina began to follow the three out the door. Before she took two steps, the red head shoved her back into a desk. “Now listen you, as far as I'm concerned, this is all you're fault. I don't want you anywhere near him. Go home. Back to your US or whatever. I don't want to see you ugly face again. Witch.” She growled before leading the way for Koku down the hall.

 

Aina wrapped her slender arms around her in an attempt of comfort. This wasn't the way it was suppose to go. This wasn't what she hoped for.

 

Looking at the place where he once lover had just been standing, her words echoing in her mind. `I don't want to see you ugly face again. Witch.'

 

She shut her eyes tight trying to obliterate the image. All this time she had been patient. Keeping the thought that one day, she could see her faithful love again. Through the beatings her father gave her. Through the harsh scolding of her mother for her never quite being up to her standards. All the torment her schoolmates had given her each time she transferred to another school.

 

In a trance, she walked from the room moving to go back to her house. She never forgot her memory. She kept it the whole time. What kind of angel could die and not remember their past life? That's how they grew and held themselves over humans. But in truth, they were no better.

 

Aina could see them now. Laughing at her for putting her trust into someone who said they loved her only to look for that love now, bearing everything thrown at her and never shedding a tear, to now. Trapped on this earth, the one thing she could ever trust, not knowing her. Not giving her a chance, and shunning her.

 

Aina collapsed on the monument outside the school. Dusk was approaching. She didn't care. Lying down on the cold stone, she used her hair for a blanket not wanting to go back to what her `parents' called a `home'.

 

“This wasn't the way it was suppose to be…” she sobbed hiding her head in her arms. “This wasn't the way…” her voice squeaked with the force of her crying.

 

Hours later, she finally was eased into some sort of sleep, dreams filled with the love she couldn't have.

 

Passer bys left the girl where she was. They had other places to go and didn't need to be bothered with taking care of somebody else's kid. Even if it was going on eleven at night and she was curled into a little ball alone.

 

 

*

 

 

The light from the sunrise hit the tubes, equipment, and other devices attached to Shun. He had never awoken once. The doctors had called it off to a matter of being over worked and stressed. Alcesta didn't believe one word of it. She sat watching the IV drip fluid into his arm, listening to the beep of his pulse go steadily across the black TV like screen.

 

Her painted fingers rolled the crystal necklace back and forth on her knee. Through the whole night she hadn't slept a wink. In a few hours school would start. Like she cared.

 

Shun was curled up like a good puppy dog waiting for his master to awaken. Of course he had slept. He didn't have the thought of seeing some psycho girl again that thought you were the reincarnation of someone she used to know.

 

“Man…I should have slept.” She groaned rubbing her face. She dragged her hands downwards, stretching her face so only her eyes were shown. The door opened to a nurse carrying a try of new medical needles and bags of liquid presumably for the IV machine.

 

She sat the tray down and bent over with o needle injecting Shun with its contents. She looked to Alcesta. “Good morning, Miss. Will you be staying here or going to school like the doctor recommends?”

 

The read head sunk lower into her chair. “I guess I will be going to school to raise heck with my teacher. But he will have to stay.” She said pointing to Koku. “There's no way you'll be able to pull him away from that spot.”

 

The nurse blinked down at Koku who was holding Shun's hand with all his might. “I suppose…but you need to be off. I already allowed you to stay after visiting hours now you must go since you're not family.”

 

Alcesta mouth-mocked everything the nurse said behind her back and got up rolling her eyes. It took a moment to get her senses right due to her not moving from the hard, small chair all night.

 

She took one last look to the twins before closing the door with a bit of a slam. Like she was going to actually go to school. Ha! What a joke!

 

Her mind drifted onto the psycho girl again as she wandered her way around the town. Running a hand through her streaked hair, she didn't put any consideration into where she wanted to go.

 

The next thing she heard was the sound of a bell ringing. `That can't be right.' She thought. In fact, it was right. The school to the right of her proved it. All the kids were in there trapped like in prison. It was horrid. Why someone ever got the idea of wanting to make a school, she didn't even what to know what they were on. Because she didn't want any if the results were this.

 

She turned to continue walking, but her well-trained eyes caught a shape of baby blue.

 

Turning to see what it was, she thought, `Oh no. It's that girl. She didn't go home?'

 

Steadily approaching, Alcesta tucked her necklace into her chest pocket. She didn't have a very big bust, but as far as she was concerned, those worried about getting one were just vain bimbo's. You get what you get. What she was in black leather and weapons was what she was. She didn't need a bust to prove that she could bust someone up.

 

Now a foot or so from Aina, Alcesta kicked her in the side roughly. “Wake up.”

 

Aina was brought from her dreams in a rip. Sitting up quickly and blinking her puffy eyes she focused on the girl in front of her with fright. She backed up till she fell over the stonewall of the monument. Aina cowered down afraid Alcesta was going to shoot or beat her. Never had she thought she'd be doing this.

 

The read head scratched her head, reached down and pulled Aina up by the collar of her school uniform. Before the girl could begin bawling again, she sat her on the wall. To her surprise, the baby blue one didn't let one tear go. `She looks like she cried them all out anyways.' Alcesta thought.

 

Then she asked, “Did you even go home like I said?”

 

Aina slowly shook her head.

 

“Why not?” she pushed.

 

Aina began twiddling with the edge of her skirt before replying. “It's not even a home.” She spoke in a low voice sore from crying. “I don't want to put up with it anymore. I can't. Not anymore…”

Alcesta kept her green gaze on the other's fingers playing nervously with the hem of her skirt. A flash of someone else doing the exact same thing echoed in the back of her mind.

 

She closed her eyes to straighten her self before opening them again. Aina was still fiddling with the hem. The image came back: A young woman tripping over her to baggy pants.

 

Alecesta massaged her forehead. `I never even saw those things in my life.'

 

Aina looked up at the frustrated girl. “I-I'll be going now…I'm sorry…” Standing and fixing her outfit to make it sort of presentable, Aina tried to make her way around Alcesta.

 

The sight of her in front of her wouldn't let her go. Instead she sat back down and began fiddling again.

 

Alcesta ran her tongue over her teeth in annoyance. Reaching out, she slapped a hand over Aina's to stop her bugging habit.

 

Green locked onto baby blue.

 

“I-I'm sorry!” Aina whispered. “It's always been a habit of mine. Sorry!” She tried to pull her hand from Alcesta's grasp, but the other girl's hold was to strong. “Um, excuse me?” she tried.

 

Alcesta was to busy staring at the girls eyes and features to hear what she was saying. She watched in her mind scenes that she didn't know. She watched them play.

 

Alcesta caught an eye and mouthful of baby- blue hair. A sweet melodic voice drifted to her ears, “Are you alright?! Miss? I am so sorry! I- I didn't mean- I mean I couldn't move out of the way-”

 

 

“What are you doing?”

 

The girl ignored the red head and continued with the weird motions. Slowly the injury began to stitch itself up and healed without the slightest scratch.

 

Alcesta stood back up amazed and examined her heel. “Uh, what exactly did you do to me?” The only things that showed any sign that there had been a wound was the blood on the ground.

 

“Just a little something I learned.” The other whispered. Tilting her head in what looked like shame she looked back up to Alcesta with tear filled eyes. “Don't be mad. I thought I did something good for once.”

 

 

“Dang it!!!! Don't do that Takeda!!!” Alcesta's brother ignored the familiar rants of his sister moving strait forward to Aina.

 

“Who's the cutie?” He asked looking her up and down. “I've never seen her around before. Hey sweetie how would you like to have a little snack with me?” Takeda offered holding his tanned hand to Aina with an award- winning smile.

 

 

She wore Takeda's baggy shirt and pants with had been rolled up and pinned at the sleeves and pant legs so they wouldn't drag. Her baby blue hair, cutely cast astray and damp from her bath, was wavy and dropping in her delicate face. Her hands were still wringing the bottom of the black shirt where her lace strings normally would have been.

 

 

“Aina! Don't touch it!”

 

Aina only reached out to the hissing spider gently petting it before picking it up.

 

Aina however continued stroking the little arachnid peacefully with a smile. “It's ok it said it won't hurt you.”

 

Alcesta watched her like she had gone mad. “It said, Aina?”

 

 

Alcesta yanked her hand away from Aina. “What are you?” she hissed like the demon she proclaimed to be.

 

Aina only sat there. She had seen the struggle within Alcesta's eyes. She saw her crystal glowing from inside her pocket. She knew she remembered, but only bits.

 

A flicker of hope sparked in the back of her mind. Looking up at Alcesta, Aina smiled. Maybe- no. She didn't want to think of it. She'd just wait for Alcesta to let her memory catch up to her.

 

Alcesta froze as Aina wrapped her arms around her, not even paying attention to the guns she had tucked in her belt. She just stood there allowing the girl to rest her head on her chest. Looking down at her, it was only then that she noticed her necklace was glowing.

 

But so too was Aina.

 

What startled her more was that transparent wings were attached to her back. She stood there rooted to the spot till Aina pulled away. In the blink of an eye, her wings were gone, the glow stopped, and Aina was half way to the gates of the school.

 

Alcesta removed the crystal from her coat and stared at it. Could this all be true? Was this hers? A call from behind her made her look around.

 

“Alcesta,” Aina started still smiling. “I'll see you in school tomorrow. Bye!” She waved happily and exited the grounds.

 

Alcesta blinked. Now was a time to get drunk and blame all she saw on her imagination. But she didn't fully want to. “I think I'll just go sleep.” She muttered slapping her face in exhaustion.

 

 

*

 

 

Aina returned home to the sight of packing. “What's going on?” she asked and bit mad.

 

Her mother turned around dressed in her best and replied, “We are moving. Your father got a big job over in England.”

 

“What?!” Aina screeched. “We can't leave!!”

 

The refined woman bristled. “Well, dear, by all means tell me why.” The sheer sarcasm she said the word dear with only intensified Aina's anger.

 

“I finally like it here! I will not leave!” she said resolutely stomping her foot.

 

Aina missed the next words that came from her mother's mouth, for she was slapped so hard she saw stars. Catching herself by the hands so she wouldn't fall to hard, she glared up at her father, a line of blood coming from the corner of her mouth.

 

“Watch what you say to your mother! You ungrateful, little-”

 

“That's quite enough, John. I think she learned her lesson. You can deal with her later we have work to do.” Aina's mother said without a care. She walked off to examine how the packing was proceeding.

 

Her father spat at Aina growling, “Just wait till later. If I don't see an improvement in you…”

 

“What makes you think that this time I will bow at your feet?” Aina glared, wiping the trickle of blood from her face. Already she felt the oncoming bruise.

 

“You thank your mother that I don't kill you now. Go to your room. I don't want to see you till night. Go!”

 

Aina lifted herself up with trouble. Her ankle might be sprained. She'd have to check it when she was safe in her room.

 

Using the railing as support, Aina climbed the long stairs not giving her father the satisfaction of seeing her buckle from the pain in her ankle and cheek.

 

She shut the door to her room and limped to the large bed. Falling upon to loosen the stress on her ankle, she checked it. Sure enough, it was sprained.

 

Thanking whoever let her keep this, Aina healed her leg and face. She almost couldn't wait to see the look on her father's face. She smiled and sunk down into her bed.

 

Turning on the music, she fell into a light sleep until her father did come.

 

When the time came, she smiled despite the pain.

 

The look on his face to see she was unharmed was worth the ensuing beating.

 

 

*

 

 

Alcesta slammed the rickety front door. As usual, the house was a total mess and her mother was perched in the kitchen trying to cook.

 

Alcesta seriously didn't think she knew what she was trying to do. She always had been schizo since their father had left. But Alcesta wasn't complaining. Like she wanted a drugged up man around her, no!

 

Walking up to her room she replied to her mother's cry of, “You want any food?”

 

“No.”

 

The woman tried again, “You keep getting skinnier each time I see you. Eat something.”

 

Alcesta answered, “I said I didn't want anything. So that means no.” before slamming the door to her room.

 

“Keep getting skinnier each time she sees me. Ha. That is a laugh. She barely takes time to look at me through her so called `reality'.”

 

Alcesta sat in front of the broken mirror attached above her desk.

 

She had shattered it when she was ten. Never liked the way she looked. Never liked how weak she looked. Or how little she looked.

 

Sitting in front of it now, she was proud of what was cast back at her. She was strong. She was determined. She wasn't little. She wasn't anything anyone could even think of hurting.

 

The confident smile dropped from her lips.

 

She was the direct opposite from Aina.

 

Once again Alcesta took out the necklace to stare at it. It did remind her of Aina's eyes. They were such a pretty blue…

 

Stop!

 

She wasn't thinking this.

 

But, she argued with herself, Aina is everything she wouldn't want to be. She was so…so…vulnerable. That was the only word Alcesta could think of that described the girl fully.

 

Didn't her parents care that she never returned home last night? She comes from a very proper family. Shouldn't they have been worried about their little girl?

 

`Evidently not.' She thought.

 

Alcesta looked back up into the mirror, reveling in what she had become. Black belts hung from the sides of the mirror that led down to the many make-up bottles and nail paints that scattered across the desk.

 

She gazed at herself and her broken reflection. Could she have become a goody two shoes?

 

Of course.

 

Could she have been weak?

 

Of course.

 

Could she have been killed?

 

Of course.

 

Could she have killed herself?

 

Of course.

 

But she didn't. And she wasn't. Things didn't go that way. She didn't let things go that way. Fate led her here. The thought of Aina earlier reached her mind. Fate gave her Aina.

 

`Wait. Fate gave me Aina? Why would I want her?'

 

Her grip on the crystal's chain tightened. She had more important things to worry about than that whiny girl. For example, Shun and Koku.

 

Shun was supposed to be let out soon. But what happened to him? She knew that he was always a bit…strange, but she never thought it could be of something magical. She heard him tell Koku everything he saw when he was in the classroom with Aina and them. Something was up.

 

Looking from the mirror to the crystal again, then back to the mirror, she continued to think.

 

She thought till the sun rose the next day. Today, Alcesta felt a bit brighter.

 

Even though she hadn't slept in two days. She was going to be on speaking terms with Aina. She almost smiled.

 

Almost.

 

Standing, she lit her favorite candle before going to take a shower and change for school. Her mother would know where she went, if she cared.

 

Alcesta reapplied her makeup in front of the shattered mirror and grabbed her usual belts and chains. She repainted her nails and pulled up her bright hair. She laced and zipped her black boots and pulled on her black trench coat. Through this whole process the crystal never left her neck.

 

She spent a few extra minutes staring at her reflection just to get on the teacher's nerves when she came in late. She wrinkled her nose. “Ungh. What's that smell?” she didn't ponder it long though because of her reflection in the glass.

 

Only, it wasn't her reflection that shown back. It was Aina's.

 

Her old, wooden chair flipped and skidded on the floor as Alcesta jolted away from the desk. “What? What is this!?”

 

She noticed her crystal glowing again. Grasping it, she stared in shock and apprehension at the image in the mirror. Once again her mind was hit with images, only this time each one felt like it burned into her brain. Each one seared worse than the last.

 

Looking down not blinking from shock, the copper color of the mud and grass mingled with the light rain that was now falling.

 

 

The area where the bullet penetrated was directly in the center of the base of her neck. Blood was splattered over her baby blue hair and outfit permanently staining them. The deep crimson was a drastic contrast to her pale skin. But, strangely, she still had a faint smile on her pale lips.

 

 

“You did this!” she cried.

 

Still grinning he replied, “Yes and it was the best thing I've ever done, getting rid of such a disgrace.”

 

 

Alcesta screamed in pain falling to hold onto her desk for support. “You did this!” she yelled mimicking the memory.

 

 

He rained bullets down upon the charging girl. With a speed not given to humans, she easily dodged. He gave one last yell before the blade tore through the muscle of his throat.

 

 

“Die you bastard…” Alcesta growled glaring at her mirror. “How dare you…” She sucked in each breath reliving each horrible moment.

 

 

“Tell me she'll get up.”

 

 

“Let her get up.”

 

“Takeda? Takeda tell me she will wake up!”

 

 

“She isn't that weak.”

 

 

“I'm sorry.”

 

 

The words echoed over and over pounding inside her skull. “So this is how I lived.” Alcesta breathed remembering each bit.

 

 

Fiddling with a lacy string on her blue outfit she replied slowly as if thinking about her words before daring to speak them. “My name is….Aina.

 

 

“Oh god…Aina. She's here. I remember! But oh god…I remember two lives!!” Standing straight, Alcesta looked at her necklace. She did remember. It was all clear. So clear. Too clear.

 

“I've got to get to her!” In her hurry to race out the door, her arm crashed through her items on the desk. Each on crashed on the floor. Including the candle.

 

Alcesta raced downstairs and out her door, knowing full well her mother wouldn't worry about her. Pulling on chain up from her waist, she looked at the time on it: 6:25 AM it blinked.

 

“She should still be home! Now where did Koku say she lived….”

 

Alcesta strained between her two minds and snapped, “The end of 6th street!”

 

Her boots ran surprisingly well. Carrying her quickly. Turning her head to examine traffic, her eyes caught a U-HAUL truck. “Wonder who's moving?” she huffed.

 

Looking down the direction it was going, she saw a familiar mop of blue hair opening a door. “NO! She can't leave yet!!” Alcesta forced her feet to quicken to reach the closing door.

 

She wasn't going to make it…

 

 

*

 

 

Aina sadly slid into the car. This was it. Alcesta didn't remember and she would never see her again. This is what she gets for wanting to be with the one she loves?

 

She moved to shut the car door but stopped realizing she forgot her backpack. “Mother wait. I need to get my backpack. I must have forgotten it in my room.” She said emotionlessly.

 

Sighing her mother nodded. “Alright. Just hurry it up we have a schedule, you know.”

 

“I know.”

 

 

*

 

 

“Oh! She's getting back out! Thank you whoever is watching!!” Alcesta screamed, arms outstretched, to the sky still running. People watching had quite a funny story to tell others for some time to come.

 

“Almost…”

 

Alcesta watched as Aina looked in her direction and stopped walking frozen.

 

Alcesta felt the burn in her legs, which she thankfully gave out upon reaching Aina. She pulled her as close as she could hold her and as tight as she could knocking her backwards against the car.

 

“I missed you so much…I'm sorry I acted that way towards you. I never would have if I remembered. I missed you so much.” The read head rambled into Aina's neck, breathing in her sugary sent.

 

“A-Alcesta?” Aina asked timidly. “Is that you?”

 

Alcesta laughed. “Of course it is. Who else would it be?”

 

Aina screamed for joy hugging the life out of the girl. “I'm so glad you're back!!!”

 

“ACK!!! Yeah, so am I, but loosen up!!” Alcesta managed to get out.

 

“Oh, sorry.” Replied the blue one.

 

“Yes. Someone had better be sorry.” The father growled before belting Aina to the ground once more.

 

Alcesta reacted with bottled fury. “How dare you!!!” With a swift movement, and a slip into her pocket, brass knuckles were slid onto her hand and connecting solidly with the older mans face, successfully breaking a nose and busting up his mouth badly.

 

One of her thick heels connected with his groin as he lay on the ground. Alcesta ground in into him further, ripping screams from his throat. “Now listen here. You don't treat your kids like that, pal.” she sneered at the woman trying to pull her off her husband and knocked her to in the stomach. “For all I know, you deserved that.” she turned back to the father. “Stay away from my Aina!”

 

With a final kick, she picked the young girl up from the ground holding her against her tightly. She smiled darkly. This was right. She was finally right. She was strong and found someone to be strong for, as she had just shown.

 

The father picked up his wife and placed her in the back seat of their car before hoping in the drivers seat. “Don't think you'll get away with this!” He yelled.

 

Alcesta smirked and pulled one of her handguns out. Firing, she blew out the rear light. “No. I don't think you would want to do anything to stop us. Want another bullet in your car?” she asked cheerily. “I've been wanting a reason to us this baby.” Alcesta watched with pride his scared face as she made her promise and kissed her gun. “Now leave.” She finished with a grave look.

 

The car revved up and zoomed down the road without any more trouble.

 

Aina looked up at her love with tears. Before either could speak, a loud explosion was heard. Screaming, the two looked in the direction it came from.

 

A large cloud of smoke was rising from the western distance.

 

“My house!” Alcesta screeched flying in the direction.

 

Aina raced after her in panic.

 

Within minutes, they were standing in front of a smoldering shell of a house.

 

“What happened?” Aina breathed.

 

Alcesta stood unmoving. “My candle…”

 

Aina crinkled her brow. “Candle?”

 

Alcesta nodded. “I thought I smelled something earlier.” Stepping through the ruined house, she stopped before the stove. Rubbing the black off the dial it read: ON

 

“I knew it.” She muttered.

 

Aina came up behind her and slid an arm around her waist.

 

“Jeeze Aina. If I would have gone through my whole routine, I would have been blown to bits. If it wasn't for you…”

 

It took 4 minutes or so to run to Aina's house. If she would have dawdled around and did what she normally did, it would have taken at least 15 more minutes. She wouldn't have had nearly enough time to get out before the gas from the stove hit her candle's flame and ignited. She laughed a bit. To think, love really did save her in the end.

 

“What's so funny?” Aina asked confused.

 

“Nothing.” Alcesta replied with a smile. She didn't really care her mother was gone. She was happy with it actually. And as for the house, well, she had been saving to get that 6th street one. Her plans were almost ruined but now it seemed they weren't. She almost had enough. She could make a down payment and work for the rest. Aina was the brains anyway and she knew enough to continue with life.

 

“Are you sure? I mean your house just blew up and-”

 

Alcesta shut her up with a kiss. “Listen you, I have a home. Wherever you are is my home.”

 

Aina blushed brightly and looked at her feet.

 

“Also,” Alcesta continued, “I'm buying that house you were staying in. I've wanted it for a long time.”

 

Aina almost had a heart attack. “Really???”

 

“Yes.” The read head laughed. “Don't ask how, you'll scold me for it. Just go with the flow.” Alcesta gave her another breath taking kiss. Looking up in the middle of it, she noticed the many people staring. Some looked on thinking `How adorable!' others with disgusted looks. Breaking it off gently she whispered, “Aina, we're attracting an audience. What say you that we go chrysene our new bedroom?” The she added as an after thought, “or the entire house?”

 

Aina laughed and walked out still encased by the girl's arms. “I think that is quite a good idea, Miss O'Shina. But you'll have to catch me first!”

 

Aina shot out of Alcesta's arms and down the street with a gust.

 

“HEY!!!” Alcesta yelled waving a fist. “Not fair!!!”

 

She heard a small, “Tough!” come as a reply.

 

Alcesta grinned wickedly, thinking of all the things she could do to her angel once she caught her. This new age was so much more advanced than her last one.

She shot off after her so fast, you wouldn't have guessed she had already run the length twice.