In a lush garden blooming with a riot of colors, Kotoha carefully selected ripe fruits, her nimble fingers skillfully plucking each one from the branches. Her laughter rang out melodiously as she worked alongside the old and wise servant, Hisashi, who had dedicated his life to the temple's tranquility.

As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden hue over the garden, Hisashi paused in his work, his gaze drifting to the magnificent Eternal Paradise Temple that towered in the distance—a pristine structure that had become a beacon of hope for many. Yet, shadows flickered beneath its grandeur, invisible to the casual observer.

"Ah, Kotoha," Hisashi began, his voice filled with a mixture of reverence and wariness. "Do you know the legends surrounding the Eternal Paradise Temple?"

Kotoha shook her head, her dark hair swaying gently. "All I know is that this temple is a place that symbolizes peace and happiness for our people. Do you know something more?"

Hisashi's expression turned somber, clouds gathering in his wise eyes. "The temple was once a sanctuary of light, guiding our leaders with wisdom. But I have been here long enough to know the story." He let out a small snugged, "Long ago, a dark force crept into its sanctum—an ancient corruption that whispered into the ears of those in power. It preyed upon their fears, amplifying their desires for control and dominance."

Kotoha's brow furrowed in concern. "What happened to them?"

"Those who succumbed to its call," he continued, his voice trembling, "became shadows of their former selves—insane and cruel. They twisted the very teachings of ancient leaders, using the temple's power to bend the will of the people to their own whims. The laughter that once echoed in these gardens was silenced by their tyranny."

Hisashi paused, a shiver running through him as he recalled the tales of the past. "The old leaders were consumed, their minds fracturing into darkness. Some vanished into madness, while others became tyrants, ruling with fear instead of compassion. The temple, which should have been a beacon of hope, became a harbinger of despair. However that had stopped long ago as leaders who had took over the temple...have stopped the cycle."

Kotoha's heart raced, a chill creeping down her spine. "Even though it has not occurred for hundred of years. Do you think it will happen again? To..Douma-Sama? If darkness can touch the temple, how can we ensure it never happens again? Or even to us?"

Hisashi looked deep into her eyes, the weight of many generations reflected in his gaze. "We must remember our roots, Kotoha. We must cultivate light in our hearts and guard against the shadows that seek to mislead us. Only then can the temple be restored to its true purpose as a sanctuary of peace."

As the last rays of sunlight faded, leaving the garden cloaked in twilight, The garden, once filled with vibrant colors, now seemed to darken around them, the vibrant flowers shifting into ghostly silhouettes in the twilight. Kotoha shuddered and looked back at Hisashi, who had grown serious. "We should head inside soon," he advised, his voice low and deliberate. "The night brings with it more than just darkness."

As they gathered the last of the fruits, the wind picked up, rustling the leaves as if the garden itself were warning them. The temple loomed larger in the deepening gloom; its once-majestic presence now appeared ominous, the playful hues of the garden giving way to shades of gray.

"Will you tell me more on our way back?" Kotoha asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Hisashi nodded, sparking a hint of bravery within her. But as they turned to leave, the wind howled in protest, and the ground beneath them rumbled faintly, sending a shiver through Kotoha—both from the chill of the air and the heavy weight of the legends veiled in darkness.

————

Douma settled into the steaming embrace of the hot spring, its wrapping around him like a sinister shroud. Deep within the woods, solitude embraced him as night fell; the only sounds were the soft murmur of the night and the distant rustle of leaves.

He had discovered this hidden sanctuary years ago during a grim ritual to "put down" a follower who had strayed, a grim necessity that had led him to this slice of tranquility among the towering trees. The soothing warmth enveloped him, a rare indulgence in a life consumed by shadows and fervent devotion. Most days, he was ensnared by the weight of his responsibilities—guiding his followers, orchestrating their unwavering loyalty, and maintaining the delicate balance of terror and reverence that held the cult together.

In his solitude, the leader found solace in the bottle of sake, letting the potent liquid dull the sharper edges of his mind. Hours slipped by as he soaked, the steam cloaking him in a mystical haze. He preferred the quiet; it was better not to be burdened by the insatiable needs of his followers, the desperate gazes filled with devotion, and the chaos they brought. Here, he was simply a man, free from the chains of his own creation. Alone, he could slip away from the shadows of his deeds and wrap himself in the calm of the night sky.

The moon cast a silvery glow on the surface of the water, and he gazed upward, marveling at its haunting beauty. However that tranquil moment soured as thoughts of Kotoha pierced the veil of his relaxation. Her laughter echoed in his memory, entwined with fleeting images of her radiant smile, the way sunlight danced in her hair. He longed for her presence, a sharp contrast to the dark world he had forged. "What's Kotoha-chan doing right now?" he mused aloud, a bittersweet smile tugging at his lips. Memories of their shared childhood invaded his mind — innocent moments marred by the shadows that loomed over his life.

But with that smile came a frown, as a nagging discomfort twisted in his gut. Kotoha's apparent amnesia gnawed at him. "Is she doing this on purpose?" he wondered, irritation flaring within him. "Or is she truly that foolish not to recognize me?" A heavy sigh escaped his lips, and a deep sense of dread coiled around his heart. "Or... has she really forgotten about me?"

I guess our childhood friendship wasn't that important enough for her to remember huh? What a shame. To think she could even do that.

The thought felt foreign, sending a chill through his spine. Pain, a sensation he rarely allowed himself to feel, emerged from the depths of his being. For the first time in years, he faced the truth that he had buried deep within: Kotoha was not just another follower; she was a part of him, a connection to a life he had long abandoned in pursuit of power. And the more he reflected on what he'd lost, the more sinister shadows took root in his mind, mingling regret with the dark ambitions that hung over him like a storm cloud.

—————

In the tranquil ambiance of a wooden bathhouse that is connected to the temple, Kotoha immerses herself in a steaming tub filled with fragrant water infused with blossoms. The soft light filtering through shoji screens dances on her porcelain skin, accentuating her graceful features. Her long, indigo hair, meticulously styled, cascades over her shoulders, her kimono is neatly folded and placed by the tub.

As she bathes, her mind drifts to what Hisashi said to her about the cult leaders that been lead to insanity. The reasons remain unknown but their actions would lead to devious or heinous acts and corruptions. Although it had no longer occurred for 100s of years, but she could not help but wonder if that were ever happened once it comes back.

Will it happen to Douma?

Hisashi had also told her on the way back that even they could portrayed as a saint helper who could done no wrong. They could mask their behaviors behind of their cruelty and viciousness and no one can tell the difference. 

With each gentle splash, the water reflects her curiosity and her little scared.

She hopes it won't happen to the leader for the sake of the people and the temple.

Surrounded by the calming scent of soap made from natural ingredients and the sound of water gently lapping against the wooden sides of the bath, she closes her eyes, envisioning a vibrant future where her inner beauty shines as bright as her outer grace.

As she slowly sinks in the and enjoys the relaxing bath, she began to wash herself as she hums. Her delicates voice is so beautiful and toning that it could attract animals, insects, people and even a certain leader.

Unaware that the strange cult leader had opened the door slightly ajar, he was drawn closer, compelled by an otherworldly allure. Through the narrow crack, he caught a glimpse of her silhouetted figure, her presence both enchanting and unnerving. The soft, haunting melody of her voice slithered through the darkness, wrapping around him like a shroud. It was a voice that seemed to echo from some forgotten realm, weaving secrets into the air that sent a chill down his spine.

He couldn't tear his gaze away from her, mesmerized not just by the dulcet tones that beckoned him, but by the uncanny way her body moved, as if she danced with shadows themselves every time she scrubs herself. Each graceful motion seemed to beckon him deeper into the unknown, while the flickering candlelight cast eerie shadows that wove around her like tendrils of smoke. In that moment, he felt an unsettling stirring in his chest—a mix of fascination and dread, as if he stood on the precipice of a decision that might lead him to salvation or doom.

However he pulled enough strength to control himself.

He gently closed the shoji door, turned away, and started to walk away from her. He decided to finish this off by heading to his room to engage in his private activity.

————

"We will always be together. No matter what. That's a promise we made."

The young girl raised her pinky and intertwined it with the boy's, her signature bright smile lighting up her face. She turned, her curls bouncing, and with her other hand, she gently picked up a delicate lotus flower she had found earlier. With a playful flick of her wrist, she turned back to face him and carefully slid the flower behind his left ear, her heart with excitement.

"Now you do me!" she declared, her eyes sparkling with joy.

The boy took the lotus, his fingers trembling slightly with anticipation. He leaned in and, with great care, tucked the flower behind her ear, a proud smile spreading across his face as he admired his handiwork.

"Kotoha-chan," he said, his voice soft and affectionate.

"Hmm?" she replied, tilting her head slightly, curious about what he was going to say next.

"Remember I told you about the meaning of a flower in the ear?" He smiled, his rainbow-colored eyes glinting with adoration.

"Hmm... Uhm, it means... uh... oh darn, I forgot!" Kotoha exclaimed, playfully knocking her head like a coconut, feigning frustration.

The boy chuckled, "If the flower is behind the left ear, especially on girls, it means she is engaged, married, or dating."

Kotoha's cheeks turned a deep shade of red, her mouth opening in shock. "O...o-oh!... does that mean we are...?" Her voice trailed off, filled with innocence and uncertainty.

The boy grinned widely, his heart racing with the moment's significance. "We promised to be together, didn't we? Might as well make a commitment," he said, looking straight into her eyes with sincerity.

Kotoha's eyes sparkled as she processed his words. She let out a series of giggles and squeals, bouncing in her seated position at the thrilling thought of marriage and settling down with her best friend. "We're like a real couple then!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands together in delight.

"Yes!," he replied, his laughter echoing hers, both of them lost in the magic of the moment. They shared a sweet look, filled with dreams of adventures and promises of forever, as the sun began to set around them, casting a golden glow on their innocent love.

"Let's make a pinky promise again to always stay together!" Kotoha suggested, extending her pinky once more.

The boy wrapped his pinky around hers tightly, their laughter and newfound commitment mingling in the warm evening air, creating a memory that would remain etched in their hearts forever.

"I can't wait to be with you forever, my love!" Kotoha exclaimed, her smile radiant as the sun cast a golden glow upon her face. In that moment, everything felt perfect, and the boy beside her couldn't help but flush at her. "We can finally settle down, start a new life and create a family together!"

"Me too!" he replied, his heart racing with excitement. "Nothing can ever separate us."

"I love you!" Kotoha beamed, her eyes sparkling with innocence and affection, her cheeks flushed like blooming cherry blossoms.

"I love you too, my Kotoha-chan." The boy's voice was soft, wrapped in the tenderness of their shared dreams.

As Kotoha squealed with delight, she leaned in, her eyes closing, lips puckered and ready for a sweet kiss.

But just as their moment felt timeless, a sudden force pulled her away, jerking her back from him. Startled, she opened her eyes to a chilling scene. Night had descended with an excruciating swiftness, replacing the tender daylight that had bathed them in warmth. The vibrant grasses and flowers lay desolate and wilted, consumed by encroaching shadows. The sun had vanished, leaving the cold, pale moon to illuminate her fears.

Kotoha's heart sank as she watched her beloved walk away, his back turned, oblivious to her plight. There was no sign of him turning back, no glimmer of recognition in his stride.

A once-lovely lotus flower, a symbol of their innocence, lay crumpled and trampled underfoot, its petals scattered like her hopes.

Desperation clawed at her heart. She felt something rise within her, and her mouth moved silently, trying to call out his name, but no sounds emerged. Only the faint breath of wind mocked her attempt. Her little arms stretched out, reaching for him as tears streamed down her cheeks, glistening like falling stars in the dark.

"No! Please, come back!" she cried, but the words escaped her on a breath of despair.

The distance between them yawned wider, each step he took pulling her further into the night, his figure diminishing until he was merely a shadow, fading into nothingness.

Around her, the world had warped into a nightmare. The very air thickened with an oppressive weight, carrying the acrid scent of fear and sorrow. Kotoha felt invisible hands gripping her tightly, dragging her away from the most precious part of her life. Panic surged through her as she fought against the unseen force.

"Come back to me!" she screamed into the night, her voice a fragile echo swallowed by the dark void surrounding her. "I need you!"

With every ounce of strength in her tiny body, she struggled against the pull, her heart pounding like a drum in her chest. "I won't let you go!" She felt hopeless, the shadows wrapping closer like a shroud, trying to claim her. But she couldn't give up. Not now. Not ever.

And in the midst of fear, she clung to the light of their love, willing it to guide her back to him, praying for a miracle that would bring them together once more.

The shadows thickened around her, transforming into a pair of ominous hands that emerged from the darkness, reaching out with an insidious intent. They wrapped tightly around her legs and torso, an icy grip that inexorably dragged her further into the night. Kotoha's scream erupted, raw and desperate, a blend of terror and love that echoed against the oppressive silence. She fought back with every ounce of strength, her body straining to escape the suffocating clutches of the dark.

With each futile attempt, Kotoha felt her resolve wane, her screams fading into whispers lost in the void. Her heart raced, pounding violently in her chest as the world around her spun wildly, the familiar slipping away piece by piece. The shadowy figures loomed larger, their forms blending into the inky abyss like tendrils of smoke, pulling her deeper into their grip. She clawed at the darkness, her fingers sinking into the cold void, but it was like grasping at smoke—her last connection to reality slipping through her fingers.

Suddenly, a powerful force yanked her downward, and she felt herself plummeting, spiraling further into the depths of despair. The sensation was disorienting, an endless descent into a world devoid of light.

Then, without warning, she broke the surface with a violent splash, plunging into an expanse of dark water. Panic surged through her as she gasped for air, only to be met with the chilling embrace of the murky depths. All around her, the shadows swirled, relentless and suffocating, entwining her limbs as they pulled her down into an abyssal chill.

Kotoha thrashed wildly, her lungs burning as she fought to swim to the surface. Each stroke felt heavier than the last, the water thick like molasses, as if the shadows conspired to drag her beneath the waves. Thoughts of what lay above faded with the rising pressure in her chest; she couldn't imagine surrendering to the dark. But in that moment, the reality of her struggle became stark—she was losing the battle against the shadows, the light above growing dimmer and dimmer as they drew her deeper into the unfathomable black.

'No.... no....no....not again...no....'

With a jolt, Kotoha shot up in her futon, the remnants of night whispers fluttering just outside the tranquil walls of the Paradise Temple. A moment of disorientation washed over her, but then familiarity flooded back. This was her sanctuary, her refuge from the chaos of the world outside. As she wiped the sweat from her brow, her hands trembled, and her breaths came in ragged gasps, a remnant of the haunting dreams still clinging to her consciousness.

She glanced around, her eyes darting frantically, scanning for any trace of the nightmare that had so recently engulfed her. Yet, all she found was the warmth of her spacious, tidy room—comforting accessories scattered about: mirrors reflecting her startled visage, a lipstick tube glinting in the dim light, a hairbrush resting on the bedside table, and her small wardrobe standing sentinel against the chaos outside. But no matter how serene her surroundings, the fear remained—a cold, unyielding knot in her stomach, tightly bound and refusing to unravel.

Her gaze settled on the wall across from her, where beautiful floral wallpaper danced in the faint light, its colors muted yet vibrant. The soft chirping of crickets and the gentle breeze whispered soothingly through the open window, reassuring her that it was still night. She inhaled deeply, finding a shred of solace as the chaos in her mind began to quiet, if only momentarily.

Kotoha continued to wipe the sweat from her face, but her fingers brushed against something unexpected—her eyes were wet. Surprised by the warm trails streaking down her cheeks, she realized the tears had spilled over, unbidden.

What kind of dream was that?

It wasn't like the other nightmares that typically haunted her, but it was still a nightmare in its own right—a swirling miasma of uncertainty and dread.

As she lay back down on her futon, staring up at the ceiling, concern etched deep into her features, her mind wandered restlessly.

"The boy," she murmured softly, the image of him drifting to the forefront of her thoughts. "I swear I've seen him before. Who was he? Is he real?" The echoes of his face lingered in her memory—something familiar, yet elusive, like a fleeting shadow just beyond her grasp.

The night deepened around her, the temple walls standing firm, a silent witness to her inner turmoil. The weight of unanswered questions settled heavily upon her, and as she wrestled with her thoughts, she knew sleep would be a distant dream.

Kotoha sat quietly, lost in thought as she tried to sift through the fog of her childhood memories. It was a challenging task; the more she tried to remember, the more elusive those early years became. A lingering haze obscured the joys and laughter of youth, leaving only fragments—shadows of moments that remained frustratingly out of reach.

One specific moment surfaced in her mind like a fleeting whisper from the past. She remembered an unusually long nap that had sparked worry and frantic concern among her parents. They had told her the story many times, but even now it felt hazy. It was a day when everything changed; a day when her innocence collided with danger.

Her dad had told her when he had gone fishing at dawn, drawn to the serene beauty of the lake before the bustle of the day began. As he cast his line into the shimmering water, a chilling discovery awaited him. He found her—not in her bed, but near the streaming lake, her small body limp and pale. He claimed bloated clouds hung low in the sky as he rushed forward, dread clawing at his chest. He stated she was surrounded by a family of wild boars, their presence both protective and baffling. He told her that the boars must had pulled her out of the stream.

In his panic, he assumed the worst—his little girl, teetering on the edge of life itself. He never learned how long she had been in the water, but the sight of her stillness shook him to the core. She remembered how his had heart raced when he told her and how he had cradled her in his arms and rushed to get help.

Her mom explained the doctor's grave expression told them all they needed to know. Kotoha had escaped a watery grave, but the experience left its mark; it had deeply affected her hippocampus, the center of her memory. For weeks, she had slipped in and out of consciousness, wrapped in a veil of uncertainty, her young mind had been grasping at the threads of reality.

She remembered when she finally awoke, the world felt distorted. Gradually, familiar faces emerged from the blur of her consciousness. Her parents stood by her side, worry etched across their faces, and though their voices were comforting, Kotoha struggled to piece together who she was. Fragments of her life returned—her favorite toys, the laughter of friends, the scent of her mother's cooking—but the memories were like jigsaw pieces scattered across a vast and empty room, many still missing.

Now, as Kotoha sat with her thoughts, she ached for those lost years. Her heart longed to remember the untainted joy of childhood, the stories and laughter that had filled her home before that fateful day at the lake. She held onto hope that one day, she would be able to bridge the gap of those silent years and reclaim the cheerful echoes of her early life. There was a treasure trove of memories waiting to be uncovered, and with each passing day, she believed a little more in the possibility of reconnecting with her forgotten past.

Especially to know who was the boy she saw from her dream.

Maybe he was a fleeting figure from her childhood, a shadow of joy that danced just out of reach before her mind was engulfed by the waves of time.

Would I ever see the boy from my dreams again?

Whoever he was, her heart raced at the thought, as if he held a vital piece of her very soul. Memories of laughter and carefree days surged through her, filling the void that had long been silent. She really wished she could remember his facial features as well his name.

The water...The stream?...me drowning?

In her nightmare, she was pulled down to the bottom of the earth and she recalled that she was pulled into a splashy ground, her surroundings were turned into water, causing her in her dreams to be drowning and being pulled down further.

Her presence in the stream seems linked to the drowning in her nightmare. Perhaps her dream is related to her past experiences in the stream, along with the boy.

However, this clue has left her feeling stuck. She wishes she were more insightful to unravel this mystery further.

She turned to her side, a soft sigh escaping her lips, as she gazed into the distance. The strands of her hair brushed against her cheek, framing her face as her long lashes fluttered gently, like butterflies preparing for rest.

A fresh tear rolled down her cheek, tracing a path through the remnants of her childhood.

"How I really miss my mama and papa," she whispered to the quiet room, the ache in her chest a constant reminder of their absence. Each memory was a bittersweet melody playing in her mind, flooding her thoughts with warmth and love.

The boy lingered there, in her dreams and in her memories—a reminder of the innocence that once filled her life. As she closed her eyes, she felt the weight of the past settle around her like a comforting blanket, yet the ghost of her parents' laughter echoed in her ears, a haunting serenade of what once was. She wished for just one more moment, to feel their love wrap around her like the embrace of a gentle breeze.

A/N:

Holy shit. 1 year since I updated this. I'm sorry you guys!! Well no amount of sorry could not excuse of my lack of updates. I got other stories to updates as well and so much happened in my life that I wanted to say that I graduated from my university and got my bachelors degree back in May of 2024! I'm taking a a year off for my master's degree.

Also KNY season 4 was amazing!! IM EXCITED FOR THE TRILOGY IN THEATERS.

I'm still continue to update but please bear with me ! I have other three stories and I'm...creating a new story for JJK soon so that means I got a total of 5 stories. If you guys want to check out at ties, go ahead! If not that's fine! 💕 right now I am planning out how to update the stories without mixing or taking longer time to updates. I almost got that figured out! Later, I am gonna have to fix the previous chapters (and my other fanfics) due to writing errors I made years ago as time flew by and my writing had improved a lot. Not perfectly but still better than my old writings! Again I'm so sorry for the lack of updates and I'm still continue with the story!! For those who are still reading to this chapter...thank you and I love you! 😭❤️ For those who are knew...WELCOME and I love you! 🥹💓 until we meet again!

Also this Wednesday (October 2nd is my birthday so I be turning 24 🥳💘)