Finally! A new chapter for Cry of the Flowers! I should've posted one last week but I don't know why I didn't. That doesn't stop the story from continuing though! Now let's see what happens next.

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I would like to say things went the way I planned since that evening. Unfortunately, weeks turned into months and time was going on me.I started to think that soon, I’d finish my job. But before I knew it, two months had passed and no real progress happened.

Rin was close to leaving to her dance school after her final performance which was coming up the night I got ready with Maiko and Akito.

The subject of Emily's death wasn't spoken of often. Last thing my parents wrote was a word of gladness that I wasn't hurt. Police found more proof then took it out of town to more expert officers. The thing was that none of the cursed ones showed any signs or suspicions about even getting near Emily that night. Maybe I was just thinking something that just wasn't true. Rosalina seemed a little friendlier, but she occasionally still closed up and kept quiet. Alexandra was still innocent and sweet, like herself. I sometimes couldn't believe myself for thinking she could have killed someone.

My relationship with Dominic was kinder than before, and it was something. Asher and I talked sometimes, but there was never any real friendship. Michael stayed himself, maybe even a little more playful than rude to me, which was good. He still seemed to hide something which kept him emotionally distant. It was probably his curse affecting him.

“Ritsuko! Are you ready?” Maiko asked me, coming into my room. She sported a nice daffodil colored off shoulder blouse with blue jeans. Her hair was still in her classic pigtails, but they had orange bows tying them up. “Yes, I am.”

Maiko gasped and giggled quietly, “Akito, come here and look at Ritsuko.” Akito sighed and walked in, wearing a azure blue button up shirt and jeans. I loved the color on him so much. It brought the color of his eyes out all the more. I think I had to close my mouth to keep me from drooling.

“Wow…” I marveled quietly. I saw Akito mouth the same thing as he looked up at me and saw my off shoulder little rose colored dress. Maiko squealed and jumped up and down, “What do you think?”

Akito was still staring at me, as I was to him. Maiko bumped his shoulder, “Well?” He flinched and look at her, “Huh? Um, yeah, yeah. You girls both look pretty.” He nodded, looking back at me and smiling. I blushed furiously; he called me pretty. “Well, I think you look good too, Akito.” I stuttered. Good wasn't the word I wanted to say. I wanted to say he looked handsome. Of course, I’d probably be overstating, but I couldn't help it.

Maiko gave her brother a cheeky smile, “Oh, so you do think Ritsuko is beautiful.” It was Akito's turn to blush red. “What? I didn't say she was beautiful!” He looked at me and got even more flustered, “Yes- I mean, she does look beautiful. But-but…”

I tried to be the one to play it cool and tell him it's okay, but I sputtered nonsense too. “Yeah, thank you. I mean, you look beautiful too! Wait what?!” I blinked, the blood rushing up to my face to make me twice as red. Maiko laughed at us, as if she didn't set up to embarrass both of us. I think she secretly knew about my feelings toward Akito. Was it that obvious?

“Let's go, you two fools. Papa’s waiting for us and we’ll miss Rin’s performance if we don't get there.” Maiko said in a singsong tone, marching out my door and heading downstairs. Akito and I looked at each other and decided not to speak and just walk.

The four of us made it to Rin’s performance in time to get good seats. Maiko, of course, insisted that Akito and I sit next to each other while she sat next to Mr. Tanaka and by Akito's other side. I noticed Dominic was there too.

“Hey.” I tapped him on the shoulder. He turned around, looking down at me. “Oh, hi, Ritsuko. I thought you would be here.” I grinned, “I didn't know you liked dance performances.” Dominic shrugged, “Well, let's just say I lost a bet and Rin told me I had to be here.” I chortled. “Guess you're not too smart as you make yourself seem, huh?”

Dominic tilted his head up, “Whatever.” I giggled and looked around, “You didn't come with anyone?”

“Kira came along, but she's off seeing what she can see on set.” I offered, “If you want, you can sit with us. It's just me and my friends.” He raised a brow, “I guess that means that you're alone tonight.”

I glared at him, “Hey, I probably have more friends than you do.” He chuckled lightly and shook his head, “I’d like to sit with you guys, but Kira prefers sitting up with her best friend. I have to stick around them or else they might leave me behind.” He gestured at the front row where Kira joined a blonde haired girl, chatting. “But thank you.”

I nodded and stepped away from him. I didn't spot any other familiar faces. I recognized a few classmates here and there, but I didn't see any sign of the twins, Michael, or Asher. “Hey, is something bothering you?” Akito asked me, looking to where I looked. “No... it's just that I hoped to see the Koizumi twins or something.”

Akito hummed in acknowledgement, “Eh, maybe they’re not into dance performances.” I nodded, “Probably.” And sat down next to him. The lights dimmed down and I heard the orchestra tuning. Maiko whispered, “It's starting! It's starting!!” In excitement. Akito rolled his eyes playfully.

It began with other dancers appearing one by one, all dressed in white dresses, dancing in unison. Many other dancers appeared after that, doing various songs with different routines. Halfway through the show, Michael appeared out of nowhere and sat behind my row, staring intently at the performance.

It seemed strange to show up in the middle of a dance performance. I paid no mind to it, however, since it didn't disrupt anything. Rin finally came on in a silver dress, taking the stage and amazing the crowd. That's when I noticed a young lady and a young girl taking a clipboard and notebook out and writing notes down.

I suspected they were from the dance academy Rin mentioned. Rin was giving an amazing performance with spins and twirls and leaps. I never knew how flexible she was until now. I heard people in the crowd gasping.

Four dancers gathered up at each of Rin’s sides and they all tiptoed in a circle like a carousel. I could see Rin almost losing her footing when she went into the middle, but it hardly showed. If she was nervous, I wouldn't be able to tell because she had the calmest, most graceful face.

The music got a little more intense and the ballerinas’ dancing got faster. Rin still looked like she was gliding on the ground, each movement fluid and perfect. The three of us tensed up, leaning forward. The four dancers at Rin’s sides did simple spins while Rin took the stage, doing intricate movements, her dress and hair flowing around her.

We were all wowed at Rin's quick twirling, I wondered if she was getting dizzy. But she just captured us in the moment and still did it with a soft smile.

Snap! An object was heard cutting then falling. The stage turned dark but a crash sound was heard. Multiple screams rang throughout the room, people began to stand up and gasp. Some lights from offstage turned on, giving us some sight.

One of the ballerinas on Rin’s left side was crushed by a gigantic stage light. I noticed blood dripping from her head as she lay, soundless and with no movement. Rin and the other dancers shrieked again, jumping away from the corpse on the stage.

Suddenly another light fell onto the stage, knocking two ballerinas down. They screamed and wailed in pain. The lights must have been burning them. The crowd gasped in pure shock and people started to panic. One more light went shooting down toward Rin. She yelped and leaped out of the way. This light crashed hard into the ground. I gasped and stood up from my chair. Akito and Maiko followed suit.

Rin was seen getting up and running backstage, as was the one other dancer that was not injured. A myriad of dancers and backstage managers came out and quickly but carefully helped lift the light off of the two ballerina girls. One left the stage, limping with a burned leg, while the other sobbed loudly, looking down at the severe burns on her feet. Murmuring turned into panicked shouting just like that, and it got so crowded up front. I turned around, not seeing Michael anymore. I didn't see him up with the groups of people, surprisingly.

Akito grabbed my arm, “Ritsuko, come here. We have to leave the building.” I stayed, staring at the whole scene. How could this happen? A backstage manager yelled at the audience, “Please exit the building immediately! Go through any available exit, just go!!”

“What is this?” I quivered to myself. “Ritsuko!!” Akito jerked me back, snapping me out of my state of shock. I looked at him with big eyes and heard him say, “Let’s go, come on. We don't want to get hurt.” I simply nodded and stumbled with him out of the building. I didn’t even stop to care that he was holding my hand.

People pushed their way through out of the doors, almost making me trip and fall, but Akito's grip was tight. When we were finally at a safe distance, he let my hand go.

“Oh my gosh!” Mr. Tanaka stared at the inside of the building. Meanwhile, Maiko was hugging herself shaking her head, “No, not again! Not again, please, no. Please, no. Not this again!” Akito wrapped his arms around her and shushed her comfortingly. I wouldn't blame Maiko for one second for breaking down like that.

“Is Rin okay?” She asked. Akito and I nodded at each other. “Yes, she’s fine. I’m sure she's alright.” He looked at the building. “Who did this?!” I asked in desperation. No one answered, and I didn't expect an answer.

Akito questioned, “Do you think this was sabotage??” I nodded, “It couldn't be a coincidence that not only one but three lights fell. Especially on multiple girls.”

I had no idea who did it or who would. Dominic and Michael were the only cursed ones in there, but anyone else could have gotten in and rigged the lights. I was barely processing what happened.

About a half hour later, more people scattered and grouped around the building, trying to see what was happening inside. Police came in along with the paramedics. They took out two girls with burns on their bodies to the hospital, but that was all. Dominic and Kira came out of the building.

“Any news? Is Rin okay?” I inquired. Dominic looked at all of us, still open-mouthed. “Yes. She's not hurt but a few other girls were. Severe second degree burns on their legs and hands. One girl was even dead.” It came as no new surprise that the first girl got killed, but we were equally concerned. “Oh my gosh.”

Maiko crept up to him. “I’m so glad no one else was hurt. How could another incident like this happen?” Kira shook her head, “This wasn't an accident.”

Akito furrowed his eyebrows, “What??” Kira explained, “The lights before the performance were just fine. I was backstage with my friend, Mayu. When I went backstage to check if everyone was okay, the cords on the lights were cut clean. Someone cut the lights off and then dropped them on the girls.” My eyes widened. Somebody did sabotage this.

Maiko trembled in fear at this. “So someone did this to hurt Rin?” Kira nodded, “I’m afraid so. I told the police about it so they’re checking that out.”

“Do you think this would be the same person that killed Emily a few months ago?” I brushed some of my bangs back. Dominic shrugged, “I don't know! But this is getting crazy. Someone needs to stop this.”

I drew a deep breath, having no idea what to do now. Was this even any of my business?? I couldn't tell. The conversation went on without me. I was lost in my thoughts, as usual.

A moving sound behind me startled me. I turned my head to look around, no one was there. I looked back to see a mysterious shadow in a black cloak scurry to the side of a nearby shop. “Ritsuko?” I heard someone ask. My instincts told me to follow, but I stayed back.

“Ritsuko, what’s wrong?” Maiko put her hand on my shoulder. I slowly took her hand off my shoulder. “I just saw something.” I stated and bolted to the side of the shop where I saw the figure run off.

My gut told me that it was the person behind all of this. The person who killed Emily, the person who cut the lights that night. It just had to be!

“Ritsuko!!” I heard Akito call to me. I paid no attention and lifted my dress a little, trying to keep up with the quick shadow. I saw it turn a corner as I hit a wall. I ran so fast, I could barely turn. Especially in those slip on flats I wore, I could barely keep sight of the person in the dark cloak.

All I could see was the dark silhouette run under a light, it’s back turned to me and it stopped. I slowed down a little. “Wait!! Stop right there!” The cloaked figure turned to look at me and took off again, darting into the forest.

The forest in Crysolia at night was a creepy place to be in, but I was in the middle of a chase! I faced my fear and ran through the trees, following on the person’s trail.

I couldn't hear anyone calling my name now. I wasn't even sure I could hear anything but the rapid footsteps of mine and the shadow’s. The dim moonlight helped me see enough, but I still tried my best to dodge any obstacles.

Suddenly, the shadow let go of a tree branch back at me, whacking me in the face. I put my hands on my face and checked for blood; there was none. I took off, sprinting as fast as I could to chase whatever was running away from me. There was no one there, however, and I looked every direction to find this person.

I turned around to check if Akito went after me, but he wasn't there. The shadow was behind me though, and it gripped my arm and grabbed me. “No! Stop!!” I pleaded, trying to slip my hands out of its hold. Though this person wore gloves, it still kept a hard grip on me. It threw me against a tree, making me yelp. I grabbed the shadow by the wrist and kicked it in the stomach.

Whoever it was, he didn't make a sound though it fell back. I grabbed the cloaked person and slammed him into a tree, elbowing him in the chest. I was sure that would make the person stay down for a while, but he grabbed my arm and turned me around, pulling my arm up.

“Ow! Let me go!!!” I cried. The shadow shoved me into the tree again.The figure once again darted. I growled, “Hey! Stop there!!!” Its hand signaled to something that wasn't there and kept running. I ran toward it, not wanting give up, until another figure popped out from behind a tree and swung a metal bar at me.

I fell back, my head aching as I fell first on it. My head pulsed painfully from the hit in the metal and the fall. “Ah!!” I winced, turning around and getting on my hands and knees. I tackled the other shadow by its legs and took it down; it was the most I could do. It let out a small yelp and jabbed the metal pipe into my side. The metal almost pierced through my dress and into my side.

I grabbed the pole and turned it sideways, trying to overpower my attacker. We were evenly matched, but I was able to counter and put the pole up against the shadow's neck. I could see its mouth and identified it as female.

If only she opened her mouth, I could probably recognize her voice when she spoke. The girl grunted and pushed me over. I fell on my back into a puddle of mud. My body was drenched in the sticky substance as I groaned.

“Aah!!” I screamed as the cloaked female took the metal pipe and lifted it above her head. She was about to strike me and probably would have gotten a good hit if it weren't for Akito running up and calling, “Ritsuko!!!”

The girl lowered the metal pole, pulled the cloak hood down on her face and dashed away from me, leaving me in the mud. Akito ran over to me and looked at the disappearing girl.

“What was that?” He bent down, grabbing my hands and picking me up. Maiko arrived right after I was up. “Akito, there’s two of them!” I blurted. “Two? Two of what??”

“There were two people that were here right now. The first one was the one I saw back at the dance school and then that one left and another one appeared! She almost knocked me out!” I exclaimed. Maiko gasped loudly, “She?”

I nodded, “I saw one of them had a female complexion. I don't know if the other one was female too or male but we need to tell the police about it!” Akito nodded, checking my back which was covered in dirt and mud. “Okay, let’s go report this. But right after, we’re going to clean you up.” He grabbed a piece of my hair and tried to scrape some mud off of it. “Look at that, even your hair is dirty.”

Maiko and I laughed a little. We all left the forest and reported everything I had seen and experienced during the run in with the two cloaked people. I remembered to describe one of them as female and tried to recall her distinct features so the police could get an idea of who to look for.

The officer said I was a lot of help to them and I was very brave for what I did. For some reason, I felt like he thought I was a little kid. I didn't think I looked that young, especially for how I spoke. I spoke very maturely sometimes for someone my age.

Akito took me away right away to clean me up. He told me that my dress would need to be cleaned soon or it would be harder to wash the dried mud off.

At my apartment, I took a shower to rinse and wash the mud off my back and shoulders. Maiko helped me wash my hair and brush it while Akito took my dress to the laundry room he had in his apartment.

“Don't worry, Ritsuko.” Maiko comforted in a soft voice while she brushed my damp hair. “I think what you did was brave! You did what you could, right?”

“Ah, but I could’ve caught at least one of them. It's just that they were strong.” I brought a hand to my side. Maiko pulled my towel off my side and checked it. “Well, you’ll be happy to know it didn't bruise badly. You're lucky they didn't kidnap you or…”

I tucked the corner of my towel up to cover my back. “I know. I never want to do something like that again.” Maiko turned my chair toward her and took a rag. “Hmm, you still have some mud on your face.” “Do I?”

Maiko wiped my face, “You also have a small scrape up here.” She dabbed at my temple which made me flinch in pain. “Oh, I can't believe what's been going on here. Never in my life has something this big happened in Crysolia.” I put a finger to my mouth and thought, “So you’ve lived here your whole life?” She nodded, “Ever since I was born.”

“And where does your mom live, anyway? I haven't seen her around. ” Maiko frowned a little and sighed. “She passed away when I was a little girl. She was very sick.” My eyes widened. I felt shame for asking such a question, I should have known better. “Oh, I’m sorry for asking.” She shook her head, “Don't apologize. You didn't know.”

I looked down, “I should have not asked.” Maiko rinsed the rag and wiped my cheek, “I’m actually surprised Akito didn't tell you. You guys talk a lot, don't you?” I blushed, “Sort of. But not as much as I talk with you! I wish I could talk to him more, though.”

Maiko smiled and put her hands in her hips, “Oh, is someone a little sad that their crush won't notice them?” I leaned my face up to hers, “Maiko! That is a whole different subject!” She giggled, “But it is a subject, huh?” I fidgeted in my seat, “I don't know. Maybe it might be? Isn't it awkward, though?” She shook her head.

“Nah! I understand if you like Akito. He is gentle and caring. After all, why would it be awkward? Because I’m his sister? It doesn't matter who it is you like, it's your life. Besides, who am I to try to intercede in your relationship? Akito is just my big brother and I’m the cute little sister.” I blew out air and snickered, “Well, however you want to look at yourself.”

“That's right!” She bopped her finger on my nose as if I was a little girl and took the rag and the bowl of water. “Here, I’ll get some conditioner so your hair will stay soft and smooth. Be right back!” I heard her skip away into her apartment. My lips curled into a small smile as I chuckled, then I stood up and grabbed a cherry red shirt from my room. I pulled on my matching pajama pants and stroked my hair over my shoulder to put on my shirt when I heard footsteps, “Oh, Maiko, hold up.” I pulled the shirt over my head.

“I’m not Maiko.” I heard Akito's voice mention as he walked toward the bathroom. I froze up and stuttered, “Um, A-Akito, you might want. You may wanna stay-” I turned my head and reached toward the doorknob until I heard a bottle of detergent drop on the floor. I raised my head for my ruby eyes to meet his cobalt blue ones. I stopped what I did and registered the shock on his face. It was obvious to know what happened.

He saw my back, didn't he?

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Oooohhh the big reveal!!!! This chapter was so intense, I loved writing it. I hope you liked this one. What do you think? Did Akito actually see the mark on Ritsuko's back? How do you think he's gonna react? We'll just have to wait and see! Happy new year, by the way. I hope this year is better than last year XD bye, Reader-chan! Thanks for reading. 💜