Vol 1 Prologue

Prologue

"Nii-san!"

Aiba Mui called out as she descended the stairs leading to a dimly lit subway platform.

Though none of the lights in the area were lit, her surroundings were nonetheless covered in a hazy glow.

This light emanated from several small spheres floating around her like b.a.l.l.s of flame.

Radiating a soft yellowish light, the three spheres dipped and bobbed as they followed her every movement.

Responding to her call the young man turned his head to gaze back at her. He like she, was similarly shadowed by three spheres of light.

These however glowed eerily with a pale white light.

He coldly turned to face her, clothed not in the uniform she was accustomed to seeing, but rather in a white s.h.i.+rt and jeans.

His lips never broke their silence.

"Nii-san, I've been looking for you for so long. Please, come home with me!"

As Mui neared the youth, reaching for his arm, a sharp pain flashed across her cheek.

Before she knew what had happened she found herself on the ground.

"...Nii-, Nii-san..."

Although she'd already realized that she'd been struck, she raised her head and continued to plead with him.

The youth's only reaction to the scene before him was a wintry smile.

The contemptuous look in his frigid eyes filled Mui with fear.

"...Nii-san?"

Mui, however looked up tentatively with hope.

Unfortunately, the sneer filling her brother's face, an expression she'd never before seen him wear, quickly replaced any such feelings with despair.

His mocking smile suddenly twisted into an angry snarl.

His first words.

"What're you crying for?"

She hadn't noticed the tears.

"Please remember, Nii-san! Remember Mom, and Dad, and me! I refuse to believe you've just forgotten everything!"

Teardrops traced the angry red lines her brother had left on her cheek.

Seeing Mui in this state the youth's irritation turned impetuous.

With hate-filled eyes he drew his saber from its leather scabbard at his waist, and pressed its point between her eyes.

"Are you going to kill me?" Mui asked her eyes still moist with tears.

"I won't kill you. Your abilities, after all, are needed by we