The morning sunlight filtered softly into
the room, casting a golden glow over the clutter-free space. A small calendar
hung on the wall, filled with vibrant, handwritten tasks: prayers, sword
practice, archery, meditation, bonsai care.
From the floor, Paguman let out a soft grunt, his round pug face staring
intently at the motionless figure buried under the covers. When no response
came, he jumped onto the bed, his wet nose prodding at her hand.“WOOF! WOOF!”
Sakura groaned, rolling over and pulling the blanket over her head. “Just five more minutes, Paguman…”
Paguman wasn’t having it. With a determined bark, he wiggled under the covers and planted himself against her shoulder, letting out a high-pitched whine.
With a dramatic sigh, Sakura peeked out from under the blanket. Her bleary eyes caught the numbers on the clock.
11:05 AM.
Her eyes flew wide open. “No way! I overslept?!” She sat up in a rush, her messy hair sticking out in every direction. “I can’t believe this—I couldn’t even fall asleep last night. I was too excited for today!”
She froze for a moment, her hand clutching the blanket. A faint image flickered in her mind—shadows, fire, and something monstrous. "My dream… that was horrific," she whispered, the memory slipping away like sand through her fingers.
Shaking her head, she threw off the blankets and scrambled to her feet. “Alright, no time to waste!” she declared, tying her kimono hastily.
She darted into the kitchen with Paguman at her heels, his tiny paws tapping against the wooden floor. Sakura grabbed a small bowl from the counter, filling it with food. “Sit, Paguman!” she said with a grin, holding the bowl just out of reach.
Paguman plopped onto his haunches, his tail wagging furiously as he tried to hold still. “Good boy,” she praised, finally placing the bowl down. He dove in with gleeful snorts, his enthusiasm earning a laugh from her.
She knelt on the tatami mat next, clasping her hands together. Closing her eyes, she murmured the familiar names of her ancestors, each syllable grounding her amidst the rush of the morning. When she spoke her father’s name, her voice softened. A faint chill prickled her arms, but she shook it off. “It’s nothing,” she whispered. “Today is special.”
With a deep breath, she rose and entered the dojo. The weight of the practice sword in her hands was familiar, almost comforting. Her first swing was clumsy—her grip too tight, her footing unsteady. “Focus,” she muttered to herself, adjusting her stance. Each swing, each turn, brought her closer to the rhythm she sought, the movements flowing naturally now.
Her father’s voice echoed in her memory: "A strong heart isn’t born—it’s forged. Keep going."
Satisfied with her sword practice, Sakura stepped outside, the crisp morning air brushing against her cheeks. At the edge of the garden stood her archery range, the wooden target weathered but sturdy. She picked up her bow, running her fingers over the smooth curve before drawing an arrow from the quiver at her side.
Her first shot veered slightly off-centre, thudding into the outer ring of the target. She frowned, lowering the bow. “Never rush a shot,” her father’s voice echoed in her mind. Closing her eyes, she steadied her breathing, letting the tension in her shoulders melt away.
This time, she aimed with deliberate precision. The arrow flew true, striking the target’s centre with a sharp, satisfying thud. A small smile tugged at her lips. “Easy,” she muttered.
Next came the bonsai garden. She settled onto the ground, pulling a pair of small pruning shears from her apron pocket. The tiny trees stood like miniature worlds; each branch carefully shaped under her guidance. She leaned close to one, inspecting its growth with a critical eye.
With gentle snips, she removed a few wayward branches, her movements precise and thoughtful. “There,” she said softly, tilting her head to admire her work. The simple act of pruning calmed her, each cut a tiny step toward harmony.
She placed the shears aside and ran her fingers lightly over the smooth bark of the tree. “Life is so fragile,” she murmured. “But even the smallest things can grow strong with care.”.
With the bonsai garden behind her, Sakura moved to the shaded corner of the yard where her meditation mat rested. She knelt on the soft fabric, the mat still warm from the morning sun. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and let the sounds of the garden fill her mind—the rustling leaves, the chirping birds, and the distant hum of life in the village.
Her breathing slowed as she settled into the rhythm of her thoughts. Images of the day ahead filled her mind—her plans, her excitement, and the promise of seeing Arata. A small smile tugged at her lips as she pictured his teasing grin. "He’d better not make fun of me for oversleeping," she thought, shaking her head lightly.
But a shadow flickered in her memory. Her dream surfaced again, unbidden—fire, destruction, and fear. Her smile faded as she tried to grasp the fleeting images, but they dissolved like mist in the morning light. Her breath hitched.
“No,” she said softly, shaking her head as if to dispel the unease. She straightened her posture, focusing again. “Today is too important to waste on bad dreams. Arata will laugh at me if I get all gloomy.”
Her gaze drifted to the sky, the clouds lazily drifting across the blue expanse. With a final exhale, she rose from the mat, feeling steadier. Her chores were done, and the day stretched ahead like an open path.
Returning inside, Sakura changed into her carefully chosen outfit, smoothing down the fabric and brushing her hair. The mirror reflected her flushed cheeks and bright eyes, and she twirled once, the hem of her outfit swirling lightly around her. “This outfit is soooo cute! Arata is going to love it,” she said, a grin spreading across her face.
Her smile faltered for a moment, her brow furrowing. “But he’s totally going to tease me for being late… arrghh!” She slapped her cheeks lightly with her palms, as if to shake off her frustration.
Then, as if struck by an idea, her expression shifted to one of mischievous glee. “I know! I’ll turn it on him—make him rush instead.”
Paguman barked from the doorway, wagging his tail as if agreeing with her.
At the front door, her grandmother waited, her warm smile deepening the lines of her face. “Be safe, darling,” she said, resting a gentle hand on Sakura’s shoulder.
“I will. Love you, Granny,” Sakura replied, her voice soft but brimming with anticipation. As she stepped outside, the fresh air filled her lungs, and her heart fluttered with excitement. The day was hers.
Sakura hurried along the path leading to the riverbank, the soft crunch of gravel under her shoes keeping time with her quick steps. The morning sun had fully risen now, casting dappled patterns through the trees. Her thoughts drifted to Arata—what he’d say, the teasing grin he’d no doubt flash at her. But as she approached the clearing, the air seemed heavier, the quiet hum of the forest oddly subdued.
Meanwhile, by the riverbank, Arata lay stretched out, eyes closed against the warm morning sun. The peace around him was rare, a perfect stillness. As he waited, his thoughts wandered to Sakura, wondering what was keeping her. She’s running late, he mused, a little grin tugging at his lips. Better be extra nice when she gets here; she’s usually so grumpy when she's late.
Just then, Sakura’s voice rang out across the river, bright and full of energy. “Arata!” She was running toward him, her hair bouncing with each step, her hand waving eagerly. Laughing, he sprang to his feet and took off toward her, calling, “Coming, Sakuraaa!”
“You’re late,” Arata teased, His grin widened as he saw Sakura hurrying toward him, her cheeks flushed and her hair slightly out of place.
Sakura puffed out her cheeks in mock annoyance. “Don’t start! I had a busy morning, okay?”
“Busy sleeping in, you mean,” Arata quipped, his tone light but teasing.
She swatted at his arm. “Fine, maybe I did. But now you’re wasting more time!” Grabbing his wrist, she tugged him forward with a dramatic huff.
Laughing, he let himself be dragged along. “Alright, alright! I just didn’t realize you were in such a rush today.
“So, where are we going?”
“You’ll see,” she replied with a sly smile. “We’re catching the train to Hajima shopping district!”
As they reached Zora Station, the train was already approaching. Without a moment’s hesitation, Sakura dashed forward, her voice ringing out, "We are not missing this train, Arata! Hurry up and move!"
Arata pushed himself to keep pace, the two of them racing toward the platform. They barely made it, slipping through the doors just as they closed behind them. Arata collapsed onto the floor, breathing hard, his chest rising and falling. Sakura leaned over him, her face alight with triumph, a soft, joyful smile playing on her lips. "We made it."
Once they’d settled into their seats by the window, the city buzzed around them, unfolding into a lively landscape of bustling streets and towering buildings. The train moved with a steady rhythm, and the blur of passing neighbourhood’s filled the windows with colours and movement. Sakura leaned against the glass, her gaze drawn to the vibrant sights of the city, her eyes bright with wonder. Arata stretched out comfortably beside her, his breathing calming as he took in the city’s ever-changing faces and winding roads.
With a playful grin, he leaned over, draping his arm over her shoulder. “So…what’s the rush?” he asked, a teasing glint in his eyes.
Sakura shot him a mock glare. “You just want to go to the Mega TCG store, don’t you?”
He laughed, scratching his head sheepishly. “Maybe… I need a few cards to complete my Senor Pinks deck.”
She rolled her eyes. “No time for that today. We have to be somewhere by 1 PM.”
The train slowed, the hum of its wheels drowned by the distant roar of Hajima’s bustling streets. Arata’s gaze flicked to the vibrant signs flashing past the window, anticipation sparking in his eyes. After they exited the station, Sakura took a few quick strides ahead, glancing back with a determined look. "Okay, not far from here," she said, already eager to press forward.
Arata chuckled, falling into step beside her. "Slow down, Sakura. We’ve got time," he said, casting her a relaxed smile.
She glanced at her watch, her pace slowing. "Alright, maybe we do have a little extra time," she admitted with a small grin.
“Exactly,” Arata replied, gently putting an arm around her shoulder. They walked in step, his arm light but steady around her as they took in the sights and sounds around them. Then, leaning in, he gave her a soft, playful kiss on the cheek. “Let’s just enjoy the walk.”
Sakura laughed, warmth spreading across her cheeks as she glanced up at him. "Alright, mister laid-back,” she teased. “Since you’re so keen on taking our time, I’ll let you enjoy the scenery."
Arata grinned and stepped back, extending an arm with a dramatic flourish. "Lead the way, oh wise one!"
They both laughed, the bustling energy of Hajima wrapping around them as they made their way deeper into the shopping district, taking in the lively shops and colourful storefronts that lined the streets. Their pace slowed, savouring the simple joy of being together amid the vibrant sights. The streets outside the train station bustled with life—street vendors shouted over the noise of the crowd, the smell of sizzling Takoyaki wafting through the air. Sakura slowed her pace, glancing up at the towering skyscrapers that stretched into the sky.
But then the ground beneath them shuddered. It was faint—barely enough to make the lampposts sway—but enough to make Sakura pause. She turned to Arata, her brow furrowed. “Did you feel that?”
Arata shrugged, his easy grin barely wavering. “Yeah, just another mini quake. They happen all the time.”
“Maybe…” Sakura’s voice trailed off, her fingers brushing the sleeves of her kimono. Her chest tightened as she glanced back the way they had come, a faint chill prickling her skin. “But it felt strange. Like… in the prayer room this morning.”
Arata nudged her gently, pulling her forward. “You’re overthinking it,” he teased. “Let’s focus on where we’re going.
Reluctantly, Sakura let herself be led, but her eyes lingered on the horizon, her unease growing as the tremor faded into the noise of the city.
As they finally approached Little Haru Street, Arata’s steps slowed, and a quiet recognition began to dawn. He glanced at Sakura, his cheeks-tinged pink, a mixture of surprise and fondness in his eyes.
“This is… the street,” he murmured, a shy smile forming.
Sakura beamed, her gaze softening as she glanced at him. “I can’t believe you remembered.”
“Of course I did. How could I forget?” as he approached closer to her
They stood there, the world fading around them, a shared memory lingering in their eyes. Arata stepped closer, his hand brushing against hers, their faces drawing near, hearts racing in unison
.
Just as their fingers intertwined, a flash erupted—a searing white-hot burst that shattered the serene street.
The explosion’s deafening roar tore through the air, and the peaceful streets of Hajima transformed into chaos.
The connection between them was torn apart as Sakura’s hand slipped from Arata’s.
The ground quaked violently, throwing them in opposite directions. Arata shouted her name, his voice swallowed by the thunder of collapsing buildings.
Dust and debris consumed everything, choking the air.
“Arata!” Sakura’s voice cracked as the force of the explosion sent her stumbling back.
She squinted through the dust and smoke, searching for him. The riverbank was gone, replaced by a chasm of shattered earth and flame.
Her chest tightened, panic clawing at her as she called out again, her words swallowed by the roar of the destruction.
In the blast's wake, an eerie silence pressed against them, as if the world held its breath.
Arata’s grip on Sakura’s hand had slipped, but he strained to see through the thick haze of dust.
As the debris settled, a dark, spherical object emerged through the haze, hovering ominously where the blast had originated.
It pulsed with a sickening rhythm, radiating an eerie glow. Fractures began to spiderweb across its surface, glowing like veins about to burst.
The air grew heavier, vibrating faintly with an otherworldly hum. The ground beneath her feet felt unstable, like it might crumble away at any moment.
“It’s alive…” Sakura whispered, her voice trembling. Her breath hitched as she took a stumbling step back.
For a moment, her mind flashed back to that morning—a moment of calm, her grandmother’s soft voice saying, “Be safe, darling.”
The thought felt absurd now, distant and unreal amidst the chaos.
“Sakura, move!” Arata shouted, grabbing her arm. “We don’t have time!”
Before he could say more, the orb shattered, erupting in a second explosion.
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