Fan Fiction ❯ The Twins of Tasogare ❯ Chapter 3

Author's Note: First author's note for this story! W00t! All right, each and every single one of these characters belong to me and only me. So that you know that. I will not be using references to any other anime or show or book or whatever. It's all mine. Right, so, this is the 3rd chapter. Enjoy...

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"Father's going to kill me..." Rimi said as she stared out on the horizon. Mana was gone, leaving her with Rain and Blaze. They were trying to comfort Rimi because of her recent loss, but they weren't getting anywhere. Rimi sighed. "Well, I better go tell my father Mana's phrase..." She slowly made her way back to the throne room where the duke was sitting, reading over some new law or something. She stood in front of him and raised her head high. "Mana has run away." The duke looked up.

"She's run away? What proof do you have of this? What if she was kidnaped?" Rimi sighed and lowered her head. She had gotten used to how her father worried, although it still annoyed her. She took a deep breath before speaking again.

"Before she left, she told me to tell you 'Its Mana's way' if that means anything to you..." The duke nodded.

"Rimi, you may go...Please, do not leave the palace. You girls are the only thing I have left," the duke said, worry tainting his voice. Rimi nodded before running out of the throne room. She ran to the stables to go visit Ripple. When she got there, he was sitting in his human form, thinking. Rimi sat in front of him and gazed into his sparkling blue eyes. He averted his attention from the ground and looked at her.

"So, your sister ran away, did she? She took Ember with her," Ripple said, before standing up. Rimi stood also. "So, what brings you here to my humble abode?" he said sarcastically. Rimi giggled and took a step toward him. She ran her fingers through his short white hair. He looked so much like her. Ripple smirked.

"I came to see you, of course," she replied playfully. Ripple wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his head on her shoulder.

"Quite an odd pair we are, a young duchess and a horse guardian," he sighed, "You know, it'll never work." Rimi pulled away slightly and gave him a quick kiss on the lips.

"I don't care if it works. I just like what we have now." She was about to kiss him again when Ember barged in. Rimi jumped away from him and Ember rolled her eyes. Ripple sighed before turning back into his horse form. Rimi sat on a stack of hay. "I suppose you have some information for us," she said. Ember nodded and walked into her stall.

"Mayonaka is a witch. A fire witch, to be exact. There is no doubt in my mind that you will also turn out a witch. We cannot tell your father and definitely not your uncle. Once you discover your powers, Ripple and I will train you in secret. Reimei, your sister will not be returning to the palace. At least, not anytime soon. I have entrusted her to a young warlock. He helped her escape some angry peasants. I pray I made the right decision..." Ember's ruby eyes looked down. Rimi jumped off the haystack and walked over to Ember.

"Don't worry, Ember. I trust your judgement. Mana will be safe," she said before hugging Ember around her neck. Ember neighed softly and Rimi left the stables. Ripple followed after her, changing into his human form as he did. "You're following me..." Rimi said softly. Ripple smirked.

"Of course. How could I let such a beautiful maiden walk off alone?" Rimi turned to face him before embracing him tightly.

"I do hope my sister will be all right," she said through tears.

"I hope she will too...for your sake..."