*Warning: If you haven't read Spring Shower yet, you should otherwise you'll be very confused. If you're not 18 years of age, please leave. If you're pragnent, please consider skipping this. If you're homophobia, please stop reading immediately. The story may contain some sexual contents, nudity, and foul languages. Readers be warn!

Summer Rain
***

The rain pouring hard on the tiny frail shoulders, as Kym stood silently in front of a fresh grave in the quiet cemetery. The darkened sky hidden her face along with the wet hair drape over her eyes, she still has the bandages on her head and arms. She checked herself out of the hospital earlier, so she could visit her mother’s grave for the first time since the accident a month ago.

Standing at the gate, Peter noticed how frail and fragile his sister was. She has always been fierce and strong on any situation, but this is the first time he saw her looking sad. A whom always in total control of her emotions, she let people see the weaker side of hers. But now, her emotions have finally betrayed her in front of their mother’s grave.

By the time the rain lift, Kym also turned away and headed out to a waiting brother by the gate. Once again, her face was expressionless and the only thing that betrayed her was a red stream of blood running down her cheek from her left eye. Peter did not know if it was a symbol of the curse or that her eye is dying somehow.

“Your left eyes is bleeding,” Peter finally said. “Weird, I was never able to cry tears from my left eye as long as I could remember.” Kym said as she wiped away the blood with the back of her hand. “We should get you check in with the doctor then,” Peter insisted. “I much rather go home and sleep now,” Kym declined his offers.

Kym never really liked hospital for a reason, there’s more spirits there than even the cemetery. She doesn’t want to interact with ghosts or spirits because she feel bad since she doesn’t know how to purify them so that they could move on to the next world. Some spirits could be really displeasing to the eyes and mind; it is something she rather not dealt with. So far, having the power brought her nothing but miseries, and she is starting to feel like things are slipping away from her slowly each day.

“Kym, go out and get some fresh air. You’re becoming a hermit if you don’t,” her father said kindly to his daughter. “I’m planning to go to the library,” Kym said coming down the steps dressing in her casual guy’s clothes. “Okay, but don’t stay out too late. You know how those things come out more at night,” her father warned her. “Don’t worry, you just relax and take tings easy. You just pulled a muscle on your back last week,” Kym said as she slowly puts on her shoes.

***Sorry about not updatingfor such a long time, my new job worn and stressed me out really bad.

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On the road, she saw few of them but she tried not to notices them as she keeps staring straight ahead. Fifteen minutes later, she pulled into a nearly empty parking lot on the side of a large public library. It was only late afternoon, but no a soul seemed to be around as Kym killed the engine and headed for the heavy double doors to the building. Carrying her backpack with some papers and a pen to take notes on anything she would find useful about the symbol on her hand.

It had become quite apparent that she has to wraps it up, the sight of the mark alone brought back the pain of the day her mother died. It was a sickening realization that even with such ability, there’s not a single thing she could do to prevent it. Even though saying she’s a descendant of a long generation of Shaman, she just can’t relate since she thought Shaman could at least heal people. Her case was total opposite; she attracts spirits and deaths all around her.

Not a damn thing good happens around me, her mind cursed loudly in her head. As she pushed the door open, the librarian looked up at her from behind the front desk with curious eyes. Kym only nodded her head slightly at the woman’s direction in acknowledging her present, before strolling by and down to the back to the religious section. She was never really interested in such a thing, because more of a scientific than religious.

Both of her parents are religious, gone to temple every Sunday to pray for their children’s well being. Even Son and Peter were into it, Calvin is more interested in booze and drugs than religion. Kym on the other hand, is more interest in reading about ancient dinosaurs than stepping outside into the sunshine and fresh air.

What irony, her mind laughed at her as she thumped through a variety of books. Her interest falls short as she grabbed a book and started to read, and nothing fascinated her nor helpful in any way. Suddenly she caught a glimpse of someone watching her from the other side of the bookshelf. She prayed that it wasn’t another haunting spirit floating around this place, because she’s sure as hell doesn’t want to see one right now.

“I’m sorry to have stared, but are you looking for something in particular?” a voice asked her from the end of the shelf. Kym turned to face the owner of the voice, and once again letting nothing betray her even she was surprised by the question itself. “No, nothing in particular. I’m just curious about it, that’s all.” Kym replied smoothly and calmly.

She could tell that the woman is quite tall and slender, gorgeously looking nonetheless. Her hair is raven color but her eyes are as blue as it can be, and Kym found it to be alluring almost hypnotizing. But the glimpse of the woman’s eyes that betrayed her calm question, there’s hunger within those glowing sapphires as it studied the tiny girl in front of it. It drinks in every detail, not letting anything out even down to the bandaged right hand that it stayed on for a little longer before moving on.

“I’ve been studying about Buddhism all my life, if you’re interested in dropping by. I could show you my collection of it, and I think it would be more helpful than just these here.” An opening invitation, and Kym seemed thoughtful about the woman’s offering. “Sounds interesting, but I’ll have to pass. I don’ go into stranger’s house,” Kym smiled faintly grabbing some of the books she’d scanned through a few minutes ago and headed out. The only thing that betrayed her was she doesn’t trust people, and it is quite normal for anyone to decline when asked like that.

“Well, could I at least invite you to have some coffee down the street?” she woman said dogging behind Kym. “No thank you, I don’t know you.” Kym said wryly. “Oh, how rude of me. My name is Kristine Sato, and I teach History.” “Nice to meet you then,” Kym turned around and give the woman a light handshake. “I’m Kym,” was all she said about herself. Seldom did Kym ever care to disclose her full name to someone she just met, especially late in the afternoon and in the library.

“Please let me buy you a drink?” the woman insisted on still. “What is it about me that you find so fascinating?” Kym asked with her brows furrowed together. “Just the fact that you never know much about religions in the East was a bit of a shock, since most Asian would’ve known a thing or two about it.” Kristine answered flatly. “Please go home or find someone else to amuse you,” Kym said as she placed the books on the counter to be checked out.

“Why must you deny me?” a familiar voice said as she steps outside. “Uh, because I don’t know you?” Kym said looking at the guy that hit on her a month or two ago. “But I know you, so now you can get to know me.” “Are you trying to pick a fight with me?” Kym glared at him as she swung the backpack full of books over her shoulders. “Come on, don’t be like that. You know you want to be my girl,” he said grabbing her by the arm.

“How about in your dream?” she grunts swinging her fist at his face. For a little girl, she packs an electrifying punch that sent the guy staggering. “Come close to me again, and you can forget about having kids for the rest of your life.” Kym said straighten her clothes a bit. “How dare you deny my affection for you?” he said with a crazed look in his eyes. Like a dream, the knife in his hand slashed across her arm and blood started seeping out, and Kristine called the police since she was there the whole time.

“You should be more careful you know? Such beautiful skin to bare scars,” Kristine said as she wrapped up the bandages on Kym’s left arm. “Sorry for dragging you into it,” Kym said looking down at her hands. “Don’t worry your pretty head,” she said as her face only inches away from Kym’s. Suddenly she smiles warmly caught Kym by surprised, but she sure doesn’t seems to show it at all.

From there, Kristine could smell the scent of Herbal Essence shampoo lingering in the air from Kym’s hair. The fresh smell of Bounce from her clothes, and her pale skin tone looks just so alluring to Kristine. She couldn’t help it but reaches out and pull away the hair that fallen over Kym’s face, because there’s no way she let it hidden those big brown eyes from her gaze.

Something else struck Kristine as her gaze froze upon Kym’s left eye, the color of the eye looked dead even its owner is alive and breathing. “Scary isn’t it?” Kym said in a voice so calming that Kristine found herself nodding quietly. “It’s a dead eye, but I didn’t want to remove it because it’s what I was given to by my parents. Besides, it’s not hard to adjust to using just one eye,” Kym let out a dry laughter.

Out of pity or just lust, Kristine couldn’t help herself but reaches out and pulled Kym into a kiss. If that isn’t shocking enough, she went as far as making it into a French kiss and a very passionate one at that. Kym didn’t seem to react to it nor did she reject the kiss, because with her strength she would have no problem pushing Kristine away. Or was she rather enjoying the kiss?

“Do you do that to every stranger you met?” Kym asked without a hint of emotion in her voice. “No, you’re the first.” Kristine blushed lightly. “Well, I’m glad to be of entertainment to you,” Kym said getting up. Not letting her confusion shown, Kym grabbed her backpack and headed out. The kiss give her a strange sensation of sweetness but also painful, and that really confused her because she cannot grasped why she felt that way.

A sudden eerie feeling swept over her as she opens the door, but a hand grabbed onto her arm pulling her back. Turning around, Kym could see the dead stares from Kristine’s eyes as another image super imposed in front of her. It looked like a young man in his late twenties with lightly tanned skin and a goat tee. Kym could feel her right hand throbbing slightly at the sight of the apparition, yet she just stares at it silently.

Time seemed to stand still for them, and like nothing existed but just the two of them. Kristine’s hand suddenly grabbed onto Kym’s right hand and brought it up to her face. “Please cleanse my soul,” a soft male’s voice echoed from her mouth. It seems that he knows about the mark on her hand, and Kym obliged by undone the bandages before placing the palm of her hand up at Kristine’s face.

Like she has done it many times before, Kym concentrated and focused all of her energy into her right hand. The mark on the palm of her hand glows brightly, and a sudden pure white light washed over the young man that possessed Kristine’s body. Slowly, the apparition faded into nothing, like fairy dust that float upward into the night’s air. Just so, Kristine dropped on the floor unconscious and Kym took the liberty in dragging the blonde woman back to her bed.

Scribbling a quick note and stick it to the door before leaving, Kym made her way back to her car still parked at the library’s parking lot. She could feel a fragment of her memory shattered, like a fading light she can’t seem to recall the name of the elementary school she attended. Kym also noticed that the mark on her hand seems to become more visible than before, and it made her wonder if this is something her mother would wanted or not.

For the next few days, Kym locked herself in her room and read through pile of books that she got from the library. She even refuses to meet anyone besides her father and brothers; even Shawn and Katie were told that she doesn’t want to see anyone for the time being. Katie took it literally and become quite upset over it, while Shawn is more understandable of why she didn’t want to see them. Losing someone so close to you could really made you have a withdrawal, and Kym seemed to be having it.

What Shawn couldn’t understand was that he felt as though he should be there for her, console her and telling her that everything would be all right. It is rather confusing for him, because he already has Katie so why did he think about Kym now while he’s with Katie. Days passing by and not a word from Kym, she didn’t even pick up the phone when he called either. He even drops by everyday to check up on her, and her father just give him the same answer that she doesn’t want to see anyone right now.

“So, how long are you planning on avoiding your friends?” Peter asked Kym over dinner. “I don’t want to see them, their dead weight really strained my nerves. You’re lucky that you got good karma, otherwise I would kick you out too.” Kym sounded monotone as usual. Peter know exactly what she meant, since living people tend to attract a lot of impurities around them that can really cause a sensitive person like his sister strain mentally.

“Are you ever planning to get a job?” Peter quickly changed the subject. “I don’t know, planning to go to Tibet for a few months soon. There’s something I need to clear up,” Kym said pausing to munch on her food. “That far? But we’re not from there,” Peter said giving her a confusing look. “Our ancestor come from there,” their father finally spoke up. “So you’ve been studying Tibetan lately?” her brother sounds excited. “Sort of, I totally can’t understand much of anything I’ve been reading lately.” Kym shook her head lightly with her soft reply.

Like a stalker, Shawn decided that no matter what it takes, he have to talk to Kym today as he sits in his car outside of her house. He made a mad dash as Kym stepped out of the house and heading towards her car. Upon seeing him, Kym halted and turned to face him with a calming look on her pale face.

“Kym, we need to talk…” “Talk then,” she cut him off. “I’ve been thinking a lot lately, about everything.” Shawn paused for a moment. “I know that a lot of things had happened to you lately, but I feel that I should let you know before it is too late. Before, I denying all of this, but after all that has happened I know there’s no way I can deny what I’m feelings anymore.” Shawn said as he started to kicks the ground. “I love you, more than anything in this world. I don’t want to see you hurt anymore Kym,” he finally confessed his true feelings for her.

An awkward silent entered between them, but when he looks up Kym’s facial expression didn’t changed. The expressionless face, the calming eyes, Kym waited until his eyes met hers. “I’m sorry but I have to decline your feelings, because I never have that kind of interest in you. I don’t have the time for such emotions, but maybe this is for the best.” Kym sigh. “Shawn, this is the end of our friendship. You chose your path and I chose mine, the feelings between us changed and it’s no longer mutual. It’s time for us to part our ways, it’s better this way than remaining friends after all this.” Kym said in a determined tone of voice.

It was a shock to him, he felt as though his heart was squeeze of its life when she told him this is the end between them. As though Heaven felt his pain, the sky darkened as Kym got into her car and drove off. The rain started like the tears that are running down his cheeks, helping him hide his pain in the pouring rain. Their years of friendship just ended like it never happened, Kym has changed into a rather cold-hearted person.

“Remember to take care of yourself okay?” Kym’s father said as he rubs her head gently. “You always worry too much dad,” Kym smiled warmly at him. “Since you could only see with just one eye, you’re at a big disadvantage so of course I’m worried. So be careful over there,” he forced a smile at her. “I will, but it’s time for me to board the plane now. Take care of yourself dad,” she gives him one last hug before heading to the gate to check in.

“May the Heaven watch over my daughter and Buddha protects her,” her father prayed as he watches his daughter moving out of sight. “Dear, please keep our daughter from harm,” the old man said weakly as he turns to go home. An emotional farewell as Kym left for Tibet in search for the truth behind the curse, even though he doesn’t want her to go he knows that this is something she must do. Like him, she’s not going to give up once she set her mind on something.

After about thirty hours of traveling, Kym finally made it to Tibet the land where her ancestral resided long ago. She traveled all the way back to the countryside, where the means of travel is still animals rather than cars. Trying her best, Kym managed to find shelter at a small Inn to rest. The simplicity of bathing and means of traveling cheered Kym up quite a bit, she has always wanted this kind of living.

Everyday after that, Kym wondered around the small town searching for any historical sites she could find. She even spend the night at the local library reading up on all the history about the town, and it give her great knowledge about the things she’s looking for. Tracing much of the information, Kym managed to pinpoint the exact timeline to when the curse was set into motion.

674 B.C.
A tiny village with a secret, the daughter of a monk fell in love with a frail young student. It was a forbidden love because they were half-siblings, because his mother went and seduced a monk right after his birth. Born with a secret, young Yun Huang never learnt of the truth until the day her mother died. Throughout her childhood, her half-brother was never around because he was sent to the big city for better schooling.

She met him during a trip to the city, and so they fell in love but were quickly forbidden when their father found out from his daughter. Unable to understand why, she decided to run away with him and together they eloped. But when the secret was revealed, the shock proved to be too much for the young man to bear. He decided that it all her fault since she’s the daughter of a monk, the sin from her father passed onto her.

“You’re a daughter of a sinner, how could I’ve ever loved you! You seduced me!” the frail young man said as he slapped her hard across the face. “I’m…” the young girl looked wild and insane. Suddenly she burst out laughing like a mad woman, and that thrown the young man back a bit. “Quang Huang, I curse that our daughter will bare the pain of Shamanism suffering from memory lost when she uses it and have a horrible end. This child of yours that I now bare will be the start of it, and no matter how many lifetime it takes. This curse will continue for generation to come and you will be that barer of that curse for all eternity,” said she.

With that, she drawn a hidden knife and stabbed him. Her beloved traitor, and upon his death she wondered away from the town. No one heard of her ever again, but some said that they sometimes saw a mad woman singing to her child in the middle of the night. But some years later, a young woman traveled by suffering from memory lost. She ended up living in this town until one day died from being trampled by a herd of cattle.

“Let see…” Kym murmured as she skim through the notes she made before she left for Tibet. “Died from stampede, decapitation, mutilation, tortured, burned alive, impale, skinned, throat cut opened, crushed by rocks, and so-on and so forth. The list could go on forever,” Kym sighed as she put the notes down.

That night, when Kym lied down to get some shut eyes the shadows cleared from her vision and shown her something unexpected. Everything seems like a blur, yet she saw herself lying in a pool of blood in the street. Standing nearby was a young woman around Kym’s age; the look on her eyes is one of satisfaction and destruction with a bit of power hunger to it. Kym noticed the marks on woman’s upper arm, the same mark that she herself bares.

After spending a few months in that town searching for clues, Kym decided to move to the city to get some fresh air. Though it really made her mood gone foul because of the all impurities, covering in sweat everyday she worked as a delivering person. Driving the motorcycle, she delivered fresh vegetables to the small venders and restaurants early every morning. She even does emergency runs when the customers need more products, and having only one functional eye didn’t slowed her down one bit.

This afternoon doesn’t seem to be her lucky day when a man jumped out in front of her, Kym ended up pulling on her breaks and swerved out of the way nearly crashing the bike. “I’m sorry but could you take me to the Yulang Hotel? I have a meeting there in fifteen minutes and I’m running late,” the man said in Chinese. “Get on,” Kym said with a stiff accent because the language itself is really complicated.

As the man hopped on, Kym raved the engine and burn the street at neck breaking speed. Before the time is up, she already got the man to the front door. “Thank you so much,” he said getting off and reaching for his jacket’s pocket. “Try not to be late on your next meeting,” Kym managed her words and sped off to get back on her timely delivery.

A few days later, the same man comes looking for her. “Miss, I would like to hire you as my personal driver,” he called to her as he walks up to her. “Sorry, but I’m not interested.” Kym said waving her hand shooing him away. “I will pay you handsomely, also you can live in without worrying about rent as well. I’m willing to get you a working visa when my business here is done,” he announced to her in a rather calming manner. “If I’m really interest in money, I wouldn’t be around here having a relaxing time.” Kym finally looked at him.

“Damn girl, why you gotta be so hard?” a bratty voice echoed. “Dave,” Kym stood up and looked at the young American man. “If the man offer you a job, take it. Ain’t no harm in it,” he said with a rather thick southern accent. “Mister,” Dave paused looking at the businessman. “I’m Motosawa Hiro,” the man replied politely. “Mr. Hiro, she’s my employee but since you come all the way here. I’ll stand in her place and accept your offer in hiring her, all you need to do is giving her the right car to get you wherever you want to go.” Dave said in Chinese to the man.

“I don’t remember signing a contract with you,” Kym spoke in English. “Chill girl, I just think you need a change of scenery.” Dave laughed. “Then bet your butt that your wife gonna make you sleep in living room tonight,” Kym said with a smirk on her face. While the man listen to their conversation, though some of it didn’t seem to make much sense to him even though he understand the language quite well.

And so, Dave sold Kym over to Hiro as he said and Kym kept her words and started working for Hiro the next day as his driver. Within a few months, Hiro was done with his business there and took Kym back to Japan with him. The place he lives in is a villa in Kyoto, though he has another house in Tokyo for his business. In Japan, Hiro have his personal driver as well as maids and cooks, which made Kym felt out of place.

“Do you not like Japan?” Hiro spoke to her in English for the first time since she arrived in Kyoto. “No, I just feel out of place in your house.” Kym sighed. “Would you care to tell me why?” he asked as they stepped into the courtyard. “You have maids, cooks, and drivers. What am I here for if not to drive?” she turned around and look at him. “My niece and her friend will be coming here tomorrow for the summer,” he said looking at the Sakura tree nearby.

“I will be going to Tokyo again soon, so I hope that you would keep them company.” Hiro said looking back at Kym. “I understand,” Kym replied softly. “Thank you,” Hiro suddenly paused. “Although they might give you a hard time, please forgive them if they do.” Hiro said as he bowed at her slightly. “You’re too kind,” Kym bowed back at him in the same manner.

The airport was crowded as usual, Kym stood in black suit next to Hiro waiting for his niece and her friend. Kym could sense the excitement from her boss, a kind of excitement from a man to a woman rather than the kind for relative. It made her wonder if there’s a secret that could really destroy a person, or maybe it’s just her imagination. Whether it is or not, Kym decided it’s not her place to ask nor does she care about such trivial matter.

“Uncle Hiro!” a clear female voice echoed as two young women approached them. “I shall get the car,” Kym said to her boss before excusing herself. “Thank you,” Hiro whispered as Kym turn to leave. “Misaki,” Hiro said with a warm smile on his face. “Motosawa-san,” the other woman bowed respectfully at Hiro. “Kanako-chan,” Hiro said in a gentle tone. “Uncle Hiro, who is that person with you earlier?” Misaki asked her uncle. “Our driver, she went to get the car.” Hiro answered as they exit the building where a black limo is waiting.

“Damn people and their baggage,” Kym murmured as she sits on the steps of the house. The night air made things muggy and humid, but that didn’t stop a shadowy figure from approaching her at all. Kym looked up and froze at the sight, an old lady dressing in kimono looking quite graceful for her age. Quietly the old spirit sit down next to Kym, smiling warmly at her as though she known her forever.

“It must be quite a burden on you with such power,” the spirit of the old woman said softly to Kym. “You must be having some unfinished business here,” Kym said calmly without a hint of nervousness. “Not at all, I just come back to visit since my great grand daughter is coming here to visit today. She always come here every summer,” the spirit smiled at Kym still. “That’s nice,” Kym smiled at the woman.

“Must be nice talking to yourself,” Misaki said as she stood by the doorway with a plate of cut watermelon on her hand. “I’m wondering why my uncle hiring you now,” she continued as she placed the plate down near Kym. “I’m sorry,” Kym said calmly getting up on her feet. “Pardon my rudeness, but I must take my leave.” Kym bowed slightly as she spoke in Japanese fluently. That surprised Misaki since she heard from her uncle that he hired her from China, but she was born in America.

“Your Japanese is very fluent for someone who just come to Japan only a few months ago,” Misaki said softly. “I’ve been taking Japanese since high school,” Kym replied. “I see,” Misaki sound thoughtful. “So you can see things that others can’t,” she continued. “So you have a sixth sense yourself,” Kym murmured. “Of course, my great grandmother told me it’s a very special gift given to me by Buddha,” Misaki said with a smile on her face.

“So that’s why you come to visit her every summer?” asked Kym with some curiosity in her voice. “Yes,” her smile widen as she sits down on the steps next to the spirit. “She is a very good girl,” the old woman smiled up at Kym. “Maybe it’s time for you to move on,” Kym smiled back at the old spirit. “Yes, I’m happy to see that Misaki is finally grown up and meeting someone she likes,” the apparition replied softly as it started to slowly disappear.

“Watermelon?” Misaki asked holding the plate of cut watermelon up at Kym. “Thank you,” Kym said as she gratefully took a piece. “Today’s so humid,” Misaki said as she loosens her yukata (summer kimono) a little bit. “I guess,” Kym said sitting down on the steps as well leaning forward munching on the watermelon. “Is there anything you enjoy around here?” Misaki asked the other girl with full curiosities. “On days off, I like to just watch the clouds roll by or taking a walk down the street.” Kym leaned back and look up at the sparkly night sky.

“You’re quite a simple person,” Misaki said looking over at Kym interestingly. “I try to keep things as simple as possible, life’s complicate enough already. So I’m just enjoying it since I might die tomorrow,” Kym grinned at Misaki. Their awkward conversation continued, and Misaki learned that this girl is simple yet very complicated.

The night comes, and Kym heard a loud thumping noise from a room as she strolls down the hall to her room. Curiously, she moved silently towards the source and at the same time Misaki heard it also and decided to investigate. In the room itself, Hiro was pushing a young girl against the wall in a rather rough manner though she doesn’t seem to mind it at all. Brushing her hand against his bare chest as he leaned in and kissed her forcefully pushing his body against her.

“Did you hear someone banging on the wall?” Misaki asked Kym as they met in the middle of the hall. “Yeah, it’s pretty loud.” Kym nodded her head. They stood there staring at each other for a moment before turning their attention to the door beside them. Then a sudden sound of someone moaning loudly, and then follow with someone grunting which caused the girls stared at the door with eyes all wild.

“…” Kym suddenly turned away and headed back outside. “Must be the reason he’s so excited about,” Kym murmured as she finally reaches the steps on the back of the house. “Wait up,” Misaki called as she closed the door behind her. “That’s just not right,” Misaki exclaimed as she stood next to Kym. “They didn’t think it that way,” Kym shrugged her shoulders. “But she have a boyfriend in Tokyo,” said Misaki. “There’s all kind of women in this world, you can’t simply expect everyone to be the same.” Kym said as she started walking away from the house.

“True, but Tanako always so uptight about those kind of things when we went to the movies.” Misaki said as she too falls in steps with Kym. “Then she’s just a hypocrite,” Kym shrugged her shoulders again strolling at a slow pace. “I don’t think so, there must be something going on.” Misaki said shaking her head slightly. She known Tanako since junior high and this is very out of her character.

“Well, aren’t you up early?” Tanako said to Kym as she enters the kitchen with a bathrobe hanging loosely on her slim body. “I have to take Mr. Motosawa to the airport for his business trip,” Kym replied without looking at the other woman. She was busied making herself a cup of tea, standing by the counter in black pants and white slack. When she turned around, Tanako was awestruck at Kym’s expressionless face.

“You heard of the noise last night didn’t you?” Tanako asked licking her lips slightly. Just about time, Misaki got up and decided to get some late morning breakfast when she overheard the conversation. “Why ask if you already know the answer?” Kym said as she took a sip of the tea while putting her free hand in her pocket. “You should give in to your desire,” Tanako said as she purposely letting the loose robe fell of her right shoulder and shows the bare bosom.

“Do you think you can manipulate me?” Kym asked as she took another sip of her tea. “We won’t know until we try, right?” Tanako give her a little smirk. Tanako approached Kym and reach out her hand to touch Kym’s face, but before she could Kym already grabbed her hand using her free right hand. Tanako’s face twisted upon contact, and she struggled trying to free herself from Kym’s grip. “Please refrain from touching me,” Kym whispered to her before letting her go just as Misaki decided to go in to see what’s going on between them.

Like a dream, everything went back to normal like it never happened and Tanako was quick enough to fixed her robe. Kym still drinking her tea as the maid come in and made them some breakfasts, as Tanako smiled warmly at her friend as she gets herself some water. Misaki sit down just as Kym went to get herself another cup of hot tea, she notices the Kym has no expression on her face as usual.

“Misaki-chan, would you like some juice?” Tanako asked her friend in a smooth and sweet voice. “No thank you, I’ll get some tea instead.” Misaki replied quickly as she got up to get herself a cup. “What’s going on between you two?” Misaki whispered to Kym as she poured herself a cup. “Whatever do you mean?” Kym said calmly. “I heard the conversation between you two, and I demand to know what’s going on.” Misaki said dangerously. “You must be hearing things,” Kym answered as she walked away from Misaki and excused herself out of the kitchen.

By afternoon, they went to the beach and Kym stayed at a small ice cream shop nearby intease to joining the other two in the ocean water. She pulled out an envelope that she received earlier; upon opening it she read the contents of the letter. As it turned out, it was written to her from her father and brother telling her the news of Sonny’s decision to get married to his long time girlfriend. His wife gives birth to twins just a week after the wedding, so Sonny is a dad and a husband. They said that he’s finally become a man and take on the responsibilities that he should’ve been doing years ago.

For the entire month they’ve stayed there, Kym said nothing more about the incident and Tanako did not come around her anymore either. Just before their vacation times ended, Hiro comes back from his business trip. The silent between everyone shattered as unwanted things started to stir up, and trouble comes in pair looking for someone to be its victim.

“Uncle Hiro, may I have a word with you?” Misaki asked Hiro just a few minutes after dinner was over and Tanako retired to her room for the night. “Sure,” Hiro smiled at his niece as he got up and followed her out to the courtyard. “So what do my beloved niece want to talk about?” he asked smiling at her still. “Is there a reason why you didn’t tell me about Tanako and you?” Misaki tuned around and look at him sharply. “H-how did you know?” Hiro cringed at his niece’s sharp gaze.

“I guess when I went to get some water late at night because I was thirsty,” Misaki answered honestly. “You see…” Hiro stuttered slightly trying to find the right words for this awkward situation. “Kanako and I have been in love since she’s still in high school, and you know how it goes when I only get to see her on her summer break.” Hiro explained to his niece while he face flushed from embarrassment. “Where was I all this time? Why wasn’t I’m being told about this?” Misaki sounded mad. “We just didn’t think that you would agree with us being together,” Hiro looked guilty. “Why wouldn’t I if it’s my favorite uncle and my best friend? Well, I would be rather shocked and disgusted, but I would get over and support you guys completely.” Misaki sighed.

“So you’re okay with it?” Hiro asked his niece hopefully. “No! She got a boyfriend in Tokyo, and there’s something not right between her and your new driver.” Misaki looked as though she’s about to explode. “What?!” Hiro look shocked. “I don’t know anymore, but I’m planning to get all of this craziness sort out tomorrow.” Misaki shook her head.

“Le-san, may I have a word with you?” Hiro asked as he knocked on the door to Kym’s room. “How can I help you?” Kym asked opening the door. She stood in her pale blue pajamas with her hair tied back as usual, and wearing glasses. “I was wondering what’s going on between you and Tanako-chan, because my niece told me that you two didn’t seem to talk at all.” Hiro lied. “We just have a mutual understand of things that we needn’t to communicate verbally,” Kym replied. “I see,” Hiro seemed lost in thoughts for a moment. “Oh, I didn’t notice you’re wearing gasses.” “I went to the doctor the other day for an eye checkup and it seemed that I have to start wearing glasses if I want to keep my eyes,” Kym smiled as she adjusted her glasses.

Around four in the morning, Kym woke to someone’s scream and she got up and quickly dressed before leaving her room to investigate. The noise seemed to be coming from the courtyard, as she made her way out there she saw Misaki bounded to a statue as Tanako stood nearby laughing cynically. Hiro looked on as Misaki barely have much clothes left to cover her body, since most of the clothes were in Hiro’s hands.

“Manipulative aren’t you?” Kym asked looking directly at Tanako. “Get her,” Tanako ordered Hiro and he obeyed. Suddenly her left eye throbbed, but it’s a dead eye yet it still throbbed like its alive. She removed her glasses just as Hiro about to struck her, like an invisible wave emit from her dead eye that caused Hiro to stopped. It seemed there’s something special about her dead eye that can affect a person’s mind, it eased into Hiro’s mind and dispel Tanako’s grip on him.

In return, the eye cried bloody tears that shocked Hiro when he regains his mind. But from the bloody tears, the dead eye let Kym saw Tanako’s true form. “Lust spirit, is that girl’s body become boring for you?” Kym asked calmly with stern look in her eyes. “You understand me after all,” Tanako laughed. “Of course,” Kym said with a crooked smile. “But you’re too slow for a lustful spirit,” Kym said as she grabbed Tanako by the throat with her left hand.

“H-how…?” Tanako seem frightened as she struggled to free herself from Kym’s grip. “What are you doing?!” Hiro shouted at Kym as he tried to get up. “Now, would you like to see what’s underneath?” Kym asked as her evil grin widen holding her right hand up to Tanako’s face. Ignoring Hiro, she bit onto her finger lightly to pulled the glove off her hand, then she proceed on grabbing Tanako’s face with her right hand as the mark on her palm glowed brightly.

By using excessive amount of spiritual energy to force the lust spirit out of Kanako’s body and exorcist it at the same time, Kym collapsed right after the show she presented in front of Misaki and Hiro. When she comes to, it has already been four days since the incident and none of the three left her bedside. Misaki was studying Kym’s hand as the other two sit at the table and talk about all that happened because Tanako didn’t have any idea what’s going on for the last few months.

“You’re finally awake,” Misaki said cheerfully. “How long have I been out?” was the first thing Kym asked. “Four days,” Hiro said as he stood up. “Thank you so much for saving me,” Kanako said bowing slightly at Kym. Her voice was rather soft and gentle, a complete opposite from when she were possessed. “Um…” Kym paused staring at Misaki. “Hm?” “You might want to let go of my hand,” Kym said as Misaki quickly let go and she pulled her hand back. The mark has finally become completely visible now, and Kym got up and put the glove back on her hand.

“It’s good that you’re back to yourself,” Kym said glancing over at Kanako. “Thank you for helping me out,” Kanako looked slightly flush. “Try not to walk by the cemetery at night,” Kym said as she looks through the closet for something to change into. “Uh, I got some papers to do.” Hiro quickly excused himself and left. Just as Kym took her shirt off, she knows nothing about not changing in front of others since it’s her room. Even the other girls find it embarrassing though Misaki couldn’t help but staring at Kym’s back that’s filled with a few strange unrecognizable marks.

Each time she uses her power to help someone, a black flame mark appears on her back waiting to swallow up her very soul. It is one of the effects of the curse, but for generations not many got to experience the effect she’s having right now. The white shirt drape over and Misaki suddenly realized that she’s been gawking at another girl. Kym put her glasses on; making her looks rather charming that even Kanako couldn’t help but stared also.

“I’m going to take a walk,” Kym said as she left the women there. Didn’t walk far when her right leg gives out from under her causing her to crash heavily on the floor. That jolted the women to rush up to the fallen girl, “Are you alright?” “I can’t feel my leg,” Kym murmured faintly. Her voice becomes rather hoarse and her breathing gotten shallow, looking as though she’s going to have a seizure at any seconds.

To be continue…