Hey, Reader-Chan! I know I'm updating Cry of the Flowers almost a whole week earlier, but since it's Thanksgiving this week, I won't be able to publish some new chapters. I hope you have a good Thanksgiving, though. And because of the holiday, I'll be updating Cry of the Flowers by TWO chapters this week! Yep! Chapter 6 will come up before Thanksgiving, not sure when between that time, but I'll upload it anyways! Thank you, and enjoy!
(WARNING: Slightly graphic and scary descriptions are ahead!)

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My eyes widened and my mouth dropped open. I covered my mouth in shock at what I saw. Michael caused that mess? It didn't look like a classroom, it looked like an insane asylum room. He did hold a chair by its leg, so he must have done it.

Michael suddenly dropped the chair, causing it to thud deeply. I jumped a little at the sound it made. Then, Michael did something kind of unexpected. He fell on his knees and leaned back on the wall. He pulled his knees to his chest and covered his eyes with his hands, letting out a little whimper.

He kept whispering something repeatedly but I couldn't tell what. He suddenly picked up his head a little and cried, "It's useless..." sniffling with tears running down his face and dripping onto the floor.

I also spotted a place on his uniform where something started glowing red underneath. It seemed similar to the mark of the Flower. Michael was cursed, wasn't he?

I had seen enough of this his breakdown to make me feel guilty. I pulled back from the door and leaned against the wall, taking a deep breath in grief. I gulped, holding back a few tears. It may have not been my fault that these people were cursed, but I felt like I was part of the cause.

Sure, Michael may have annoyed me to death, but seeing him cry over his curse was something I never considered. I could only imagine how the others felt like. I shook my head, deciding to do nothing and walk outside.

After meeting with Maiko and Akito outside, I thanked Maiko for the lunch and went on my own. Akito was a little concerned but I assured him I would be okay and I would come back later. I decided to eat out at the same place Maiko took me the day before. Who knew, maybe Rin was working there.

I sat at a table all alone with my head down. My head hurt from how much thinking I was doing. So many things happened that day, I needed to focus on my main goal.

Watching Michael alone in that classroom made me feel how important this was. I needed to heal these people quickly, but how? I didn't even know the fifth cursed person. This job was turning out to be harder than I thought. But for some reason, I was still motivated to go on. Probably because of the relief it would give those unfortunate people.

"Special surprise order for Ms. Akiyama!" I heard Rin's voice cheer as she put something down in front of me. My eyes darted forward to a glass cup with a large sundae in it. Vanilla and chocolate scoops of ice cream topped with whipped cream and wafers got my attention. "Oh my!" I gasped.

I grabbed the spoon and looked up at Rin, "Thank you! How much do I owe you?" I took out my small money purse. Rin beamed brightly and patted my head, "No worries, Ritsuko. It's on the house."

"Seriously?" I asked. Rin nodded, "Yep! You looked like you needed a bit of cheering up. Was the first day of school rough?" I smiled sadly, "Not exactly rough, just frustrating. I mean, classes are good and everything, it's just I made a bad impression with some of the students." I stuck a spoonful of ice cream in my mouth.

Rin chuckled, "It's always like that at first. Who are they? Who are the students that are giving you a hard time?" I leaned back on my seat and answered, "I kind of doubt you know them well, but Dominic Hoshida and Michael Oshiro."

"Oh those guys?" Rin snickered, "Dominic is a really intelligent student, but I can see how he would be a kid who would give you a bad impression. He is a little bit of a smart-Alec. I'm surprised that guy didn't graduate with me. He was almost smarter than half of my class."

"He's also cursed, just like Michael." I mentioned. Rin stopped and raised an eyebrow, "You heard about that, huh?" I nodded. "Yeah, it's been a while since any cursed people came to Crysolia. He was one of the last. Don't mind that though. Michael and Dominic are good guys. They just are... a little different, and it's only because they're cursed." She finished.

I nodded, taking her advice. "Just don't let them make your day horrible, either." I chortled, "Alright. Thank you, Rin." Rin took her tray, "No problem! Anyways, I gotta get back to work." She walked away calmly.

Scooping another spoonful into my mouth, I thought to myself. If only Rin knew why these people were causing me so much trouble. If only someone knew about why I was really here. They could help me. I wish Akito and Maiko could help me.

I smiled at the thought of Akito. I wished I could tell him, but then, he would probably hate me. There'd never be a chance for us. There barely even is a chance. After all, Akito would never go out with me anyways. I would eventually leave Crysolia.

What was I stressing myself over? This was only the second day. I probably still at least had a month before I finished my mission. I needed to look on the bright side.

I shook my head to myself. I couldn't let this stop me, the next day would be a new day, I could change the way things were. If only I could make it happen.

"Thanks, Rin!" I waved at her, leaving the restaurant. "Bye, sweetie!" I licked my fingers, tasting the rest of the sweet and sour pork sauce that I ate from. I probably needed to start eating at my own place by then or else I would be eating out every day.

I strolled casually on my way to the apartment complex. I hadn't been alone like this for the past few days, it helped me think clearly. I started thinking about what I was going to establish at school. I would probably try to be nicer to Dominic, though he had to level it down with his know-it-all attitude.

Michael was another story. I couldn't even begin to think what I could do with him. I offered my friendship, but obviously he didn't care about that. He just wanted someone to prank but his curse made him a person of my interest. Otherwise, I would have forgotten about manners and punched him that next day.

How could I get to him? I pondered to myself while I stepped in the building.

"Hello, Ms. Akiyama!" Greeted Mr. Tanaka from the desk. "Hello, Mr. Tanaka." Akito came out of a supplies closet almost in a rush. I jumped back at his sudden appearance.

"Hi, Ritsuko!" He smiled at me. I waved, "Hey, Akito." He leaned a broom on the closet wall and asked, "Is everything okay?"

It was nice to see him concerned for me. "Yeah, everything's fine. I'm just tired." I tilted my head to the side and grinned. Akito nodded, "Okay. See you tomorrow, then."

"Tomorrow it is. Tell Maiko I said goodnight." I prompted, taking a step to the side and walking up the stairs. "Okay, goodnight, Ritsuko!"

I went upstairs to my apartment and took out my key. I did feel a little tired. I must've been even more tired than I thought because I don't even remember changing into my pajamas or locking my door. All I remember is collapsing into bed.

I started dreaming that night. It started off like any dream of mine. I was nowhere. It was pitch black darkness that seemed to surround me. Soon, I stepped forward and saw the moon up in the night sky. It was so bright and gorgeous.

For some reason, I felt a jolt of panic and I looked around. I was in the forest. Why would I be here? I gasped and took off running when I heard footsteps following me.

Horror filled my mind and all I could think was run, run! I had no idea why, but I didn't stop. I heard a branch of a tree fall down behind me which startled me into sprinting. I didn't feel like I was running so fast.

I was still running when out of nowhere, I stumbled over a rock and fell into a lake. I coughed and got up on my hands and knees, wiping my bangs out of the way.

Wait, this wasn't water, this was a lake of blood. I lifted my hand and saw the warm, scarlet liquid dripping off of it. I yelped, throwing myself backward, as if I would get out of the blood.

Quiet, maniacal chuckles went about the forest. I raised my head to see 5 silhouettes standing in the pool of blood. All I could see was their creepy smiles.

"Tell me, is this the one who is to heal us?" a honeyed, high pitched voice said, in an almost taunting way. "Well how could she be when she is so defenseless and weak." Another voice chimed, this time a male voice.

"She's hardly worth the trouble." another female voice mentioned, stepping up to me. "After all, she didn't go through the trouble to help us." The shadow seemed identical to the last female one.

Something caught my attention, though. From the top view of my eye, I saw things falling. Flowers of Despair floated down everywhere, even on the river of blood then sinking in as if becoming part of the blood.

I held my hand out and grabbed one, it almost felt like I was actually here, holding this flower, in a pool of blood.

Slowly, the shadows started approaching me, pulling weapons out from behind their backs. "Say, why don't we just get rid of her now?" One voice said eerily. I held the Flower of Despair to my chest and whimpered. "After all," one of the twin voices began, "She is just another cursed Flower to hurt others. What's the point of her existence if she can't even do what she is supposed to?" She raised a thick dagger up to me.

I noticed the mark of the Flower starting glowing on each of them with the twins having one on their back of their hands, one shadow with the mark on his chest, the other in his shoulder and the last with a mark on his leg.

All that I could hear was laughter booming from them like hyenas as they took me into the blood, drowning me. Everything was blurry and hazy as I sank into the pool multiple times. Warm blood went into my mouth making me gargle on it until I gagged it out, but I was submerged into the blood, forced to do the same again.

Pain went through my body as I felt the creeping shadows cutting my fingers off, stabbing my sides, my back, anywhere. They cackled in entertainment at this.

"Someone help!!!!" I shrieked for my last breath then went into the dark red fluid.

I woke up to the sound of my own screaming. Two hands were on my shoulders shaking me. I pushed the hands off of me in fear and pulled my covers up.

"Ritsuko, are you okay?" Maiko asked urgently, pulling her hands back. I panted for air as if I hadn't breathed it in so long. Was my dream that realistic? I looked at the girl, shaking in shock and panic.

"Nothing. I mean, yes. I'm fine. I just had a bad dream." I stuttered, trying to get back to my senses. Maiko looked at her hand and murmured, "You're lucky the door was open. You sounded like you were being killed."

I was. At least in my dream I was. I shook my head and faked a smile, "No, I'm fine. I just had a realistic nightmare. I'm sorry if I woke you up." Maiko sighed, "I'm just glad you're alright. I'll go tell Akito and my dad that you're fine. I think we're the only ones who noticed."

Akito. Oh my gosh he must've thought I went crazy. I was embarrassed but I didn't mind much of that at the time. Maiko stepped away out of my room leaving me alone in silence. I whimpered, putting a hand to my face and realizing, there were tears coming out of my eyes.

Crying wasn't typical of me since I wasn't one to get highly emotional a lot, but I was terrified of what I saw. What my dream meant, I had no idea. No one could tell, though, what I experienced. Did my dream have to do with the cursed ones? There were twins, (The Koizumi Twins?), and the others were guys. Could one of them happen to be Michael and the other Dominic? I couldn't make their faces out in the nightmare, but it seemed like the only answer.

I wiped my tears, hoping they would stop soon. I was so confused by everything, I was lucky to have glanced at the clock. 6:21 A.M. I should get ready soon. I composed myself, taking a few deep breaths and getting ready for school.

A while later, Akito and Maiko came in ready to go. I slipped on my shoes and strapped my bag on. "Alright! Let's head out." Maiko chirped, handing me a lunch sack and skipping out the door.

On our way out, Akito and I looked at each other, exchanging shy smiles and catching up to Maiko.

We got to school early and I was pretty relaxed now, barely remembering my nightmare. Maiko pounced onto a classmate in a hug. "Morning, Kyoko!!"

The young girl yelped and leaned forward, "Ah, Maiko! You little scoundrel!" Her curly dark brown hair flew forward as she kept her balance. She swung Maiko around and lifted her hands off her. She giggled, fixing some of her hair in a new side ponytail.

"This time I'm early!" Maiko giggled and stuck her tongue out. "I was still here before you." Kyoko countered. Maiko put her arm around her friend and introduced her. "Ritsuko, this is one of my classmates, Kyoko Mizushima."

I waved a hand, "Hi." Kyoko didn't hesitate and grabbed my hand, "Nice to meet you, Ritsuko." Her sharp green eyes winked at me and she pulled back. "Ha, nice to meet you too."

Maiko clapped her hands together, "Wow, you two are already getting along." Kyoko looked at Maiko, "Yep, this one's all good." She held a thumbs up at me. "Well, thanks." It was all I could think to say. Akito nodded at Kyoko and cleared his throat, "Well, Ritsuko and I ought to get to class. Play nice, Maiko."

"Please, I never play rough." Akito rolled his eyes, "I know how wild you can get with your friends." Maiko stuck her tongue out at her brother rudely and turned around. I walked into the door, opening it when Alexandra popped out at me. "Hi, Ritsuko!" She gave me a friendly smile.

"Oh, hello Ms. Koizumi." Alexandra put a hand behind her back and offered, "You can call me Alexandra if you want." I nodded, hesitantly agreeing.

I could see Maiko's suspicious look at me and Alexandra from the corner of my eye. "Rosalina and I wanted to talk to you, if you don't mind." I chuckled nervously, "Yeah, of course. That sounds fine." Alexandra took my arm and walked me in.

Glancing back for a second, I could see Maiko and Kyoko looking at me curiously. Maiko almost looked like she was a bit jealous. Akito held the door for himself, "Um, Ritsuko, I- I guess I'll meet you in there." I grinned at him. "Uh, yeah." I assured him and tripped over to our class with Alexandra gripping me.

Dominic turned to glance at us, causing Alexandra's hold to tighten. I tried to slip my arm out but couldn't. Dominic simply grinned at Alexandra and she returned the smile with a cute blush.

I didn't bother to exchange a look with Dominic and instead turned my head. Alexandra walked me to Rosalina's desk, where the twin sat in silence writing in what seemed to be a journal.

"Rosalina!" Alexandra chimed playfully. Rosalina snapped her book shut and folded it under her desk. "Yes?" Alexandra brought me in front of Rosalina. "I found Ritsuko now."

"Good." She replied rather blandly. I sat down where Alexandra put me and inquired, "Alexandra said you wanted to speak to me." Rosalina turned her chair to me. "Yes." I took a second to read her mind, maybe to get the chance to see her intentions.

I don't trust her a whole lot, but she doesn't seem bad. Then again, she's Maiko's friend. I couldn't resist tilting my head to the side a bit. "Alexandra and I decided you're trustable, so we're letting you come to our house."

She didn't exactly sound too excited but definitely bratty. She was going to let me go to their house. Who knew, maybe they didn't have many people at their home.

Alexandra folded her hands in front of her and added, "We also want to be good friends with you, Ritsuko." Haven't I heard that before? I said it to Michael just the day before and he took that and threw it back at me. But I was letting Michael get to me, so I needed to trust the twins as they now said trusted me.

"Yeah, and if anyone tries to mess with you, we'll get em back for you." Alexandra looked behind me. I turned around spotting Michael who was messing around with a compass, taking it's pieces apart. He looked specifically interested in the sharp metal point, which I needed to admit, alarmed me quite a bit.

He was actually a pretty creative boy for someone who seemed so childish and dumb. From what I've seen, he got distracted easily in classes but built some pretty unique things with pencils or paper or whatever was in reach.

"You know," Rosalina shrugged. I nodded, "Thank you. I hope that we can be friends too." I gave them a half-friendly smile and suddenly got the whim to ask something. "What was with you and that guy yesterday, if you don't mind my asking?"

Alexandra blinked a few times. "Who?" I tried to find the person I remembered. "That guy." I slightly pointed at the boy. He was the same guy from yesterday that was arguing with Alexandra. I could tell by the way he leaned on his desk. He did that constantly, especially when he needed to stand up.

"Asher Nakamura? Oh, that was nothing." Alexandra laughed nervously. I questioned, "He was ticking you off, wasn't he?" Alexandra cleared her throat and brushed her bangs back. "A little. But it wasn't really his fault, it was Michael. I wasn't that angry."

Rosalina fake coughed and cleared her throat, "Yet you threatened to destroy his only leg." Alexandra turned red in embarrassment. Something got my attention though.

"Only leg?" Rosalina nodded. "He only has one leg." Alexandra played with a key chain casually and explained, "He lost the other one to his curse."

"Curse?!" I must've startled the two with the volume of my voice, because they almost jumped out of their seats. Looking around, I saw a few other students with eyes on me, especially Dominic and Michael. Asher was also drawn out of his thoughts and looked at me.

I gulped and turned to the twins. "Sorry, I just find that curse thing really frightening." I said the wrong thing, because Rosalina's face went stone cold again and Alexandra looked profoundly hurt.

"Uh-um not that you girls are scary or anything. I like you both, you're really nice and-" my sputtering and stuttering didn't help much. I looked back at Michael and looked down. I could tell what they were all thinking.

What are you doing here, then?

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Sooooo, Ritsuko just screwed up! (Haha) She has a good idea of who the five cursed ones are, but also ended up offending all five too! What do you think so far of these five characters? What did Ritsuko's nightmare mean? You'll find out soon. Comment below any theories you might have or any feedback please. I'd love to see what you think so far! Thanks! 💜