Finally, I got some spare time to update my book!! It is before Thanksgiving, luckily, so I did keep my word! Next chapter will be uploaded on my regular schedule. Next Friday is next update, so enjoy these two chapters meanwhile! Enjoy!!

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Embarrassed and upset, I stood up from my chair and excused myself from the twins and left the room. I just told the twins that I found curses scary and everyone in class heard it, including the other 3 cursed ones. I leaned myself against the wall of the restroom and sighed to myself, "I'm an idiot."

I just found out who the fifth was and I was so close to screwing up the small chance I had with the twins. Alexandra seemed to always support her sister's opinion which made it harder to get to her. Rosalina flip-flopped her attitude toward me many times, and slowly I was showing her I was just like what she thought Maiko was: a judgemental hypocrite.

I'm losing them. Soon, I'll never get the chance to heal them and I'll fail mission. The thought kept repeating itself in my mind. I covered my mouth and breathed deeply. What if that dream was a sign? A sign that indicated a dark secret about each one of these "special students." What if some of them weren't as innocent or kind or sane as they let off?

Why did I get that feeling? I didn't know, but suddenly that dream made more sense than before. It was clear to me that something would go wrong if I made a mistake, I couldn't afford that.

I walked out of the restroom a few seconds later, greeting a classmate named Emily as she walked by. Class hadn't started just yet, luckily. I sat next to Akito, who was working on writing some extra notes for something. He glanced at me once and smiled, me returning the expression and fidgeting, playing with my hair. I stroked a strand of hair still thinking.

That was until I felt someone yank on some of my hair. I was almost afraid that he would take apart my half pinned up hair. "Ow!" I yelped, not intending to sound so girlish. I turned my head and glared at Michael, who leaned back on his desk, supposedly minding his own business.

"Don't do that!" I growled at him. "How can you even prove I did it?" He looked at me with an amused look. For some reason, I felt what he could feel, a mix of playfulness with a little bit of vengeance. I guessed I did deserve it for what I said earlier.

I kept myself composed and rolled my eyes, pulling my hair over my shoulder. Classes went by quickly, although it was entertaining to compete with Dominic for answers, especially when it came to geometry, which did I happen to mention, I was a prodigy at?

Rosalina and Alexandra stayed a little more quiet during lunch, but I was fine with that. I was upset when Akito invited me to go to his apartment and eat dinner but I had to decline since Alexandra already still kept the invitation to visit their house.

After school ended, the Koizumi twins gave me their address to go and I was ready to go until something got my attention.

Asher, the fifth cursed one, was not far from the school and was watching some teenagers play soccer. Kyoko sat on the side, watching intently as Maiko rambled on about something to her. Asher leaned up against a tree and watched quietly, almost solemnly.

I walked next to Asher and looked at him. "Do you like soccer?" I inquired, trying to start a conversation. My presence being known almost caused him to startle, but he just looked at me suspiciously.

"I used to. Not as much anymore." I questioned again, "Do you like any other sports?" He chuckled as if I asked something ridiculous. "I used to love all kinds of sports. I was good at most of them."

"Really? Do you just not have time to play them or..." my voice dragged on. Asher answered dryly, "I can't. I suspect since you were talking to the twins of destruction, you would know why."

Guilt washed over me and I lowered my eyes, "I'm sorry about that."

"Why do you apologize if you didn't do anything?" He snickered. "I'm also sorry for the impression I gave you earlier in class." He looked at me with his dark green eyes. "If you're so scared of us, why come here to Crysolia?"

I narrowed my eyes, "I never said that. I only said that being cursed was frightening. I was trying to sympathize. I mean, I was surprised to find out that you were cursed."

Asher muttered, "So those little witches did tell about my curse! I'll kill them." For some reason, that threat surprised me, almost as if he would actually do it. What was I thinking? He wouldn't be angry enough to kill anyone.

"Hey, they're my friends!" I defended. Asher grimaced, "Yeah, well your friends should learn to stop sticking their noses in other people's business. They shouldn't be talking about other people like that. They're just gossiping witches, that's what! And I don't care if their cursed too, they should know what it feels like and know they shouldn't talk about it like that."

I got up in his face, standing on my toes since he was so much taller than me and snapped, "You know nothing about them, and you should probably think what it feels like to them if you label them. You're doing the exact same thing they're doing so I don't know why you criticize them so much. Do to others what you want done unto you."

Asher backed up a little bit, obviously surprised at my volume of voice. I stood back on my feet and sighed, "Think about that first, then get back to me." I marched away, somewhat satisfied with what I told him but still feeling guilt. This guy losing his temper so easily made me equally frustrated.

I glanced over to the side and noticed Maiko looking at me curiously. She didn't seem jealous, but instead a little surprised. She probably saw me fighting with Asher. She probably disapproved of my even talking to another cursed student.

On my way to the twins' house, I had some time to think. I could go to their house, eat dinner, go back to the apartment then try to practice some of my powers or healing spell. The healing spell would come in handy once I got close enough to each of the cursed ones.

I knocked at the door impatiently, suddenly feeling nervous. Come on, I told myself, They're just some twins having me over for dinner, not trapping me into their house to kill me.

The house on the outside was lovely, actually. I thought it would be a tiny, cramped, ugly house, but the tan color and coffee brown roof actually fit well. It was a good size for possibly a family, so I didn't know why two teenagers would live in it.

Alexandra answered the door, her hair loose now, different from what I saw at school. I could only tell it was her by the little point on one of her teeth that looked like a little fang. I noticed that the day before at lunch. Maiko was right, the small details were really what could help you tell them apart.

Alexandra was clad with a purple skirt she wore with a cute grey blouse. They were fancy clothes, to be honest, even though they were simple. "Ritsuko, hello!" She greeted me.

"Hi, Alexandra." I gave her a friendly smile and walked in, taking off my shoes at the door. Alexandra let me in and closed the door behind me. "Wow! You have a very nice home." I looked around. It was immaculate, in my opinion and warm. The furniture seemed a little expensive too. I could see an opening where there was a kitchen.

"Thank you. Rosalina and I like to keep it nice and neat. We don't have visitors often, though. Sometimes " She came by me and looked around with her hands on her hips proudly looking around the living room.

I sniffed the air, smelling a delicious fragrance. "Ooh, it smells good!" Alexandra pointed to the kitchen, "Rosalina is making soba noodles and her special sauce." I bit my lip a little, "Special sauce?"

"Yeah! It's a special sauce that our mother used to make. It tastes so good with soba! I can't wait for you to taste it." She chimed and smiled at me.

I couldn't help but ask, "So no one else lives here but you two?" Alexandra nodded, "Yep. Sometimes our friend Kyoko Mizushima will come over and visit but that's all."

"Ms. Mizushima is your friend?" The girl looked at me, "You've met Kyoko?" I nodded slowly, "Maiko introduced her to me this morning." Alexandra's stare faded away into a small grin, "Oh, yeah. She is Maiko's classmate."

I walked to the sofa and put my bag down, "That's what she told me. And what of your parents?" I shouldn't have asked, but I got curious. Alexandra frowned and stroked some hair behind her ear. "They don't live with us."

"Are they in another town?" she shook her head, "They passed away years ago when our old house was on fire. We're under the care of our aunt and uncle. They didn't really want anything to do with us so they send us money and gave us a home here to live."

My throat went dry and I couldn't speak. I almost guessed that the twins had something to do with the fire. And their own uncle and aunt not wanting to take care of them?

"Were you already cursed?" I said, in almost a whisper, wanting to close my mouth. How could I ask something like that without being suspicious?! Alexandra eyed me closely, almost as if she caught me off guard. "Yes. Why?"

I shook my head, "Um, no reason really, I just, um...I was just curio-" I stopped myself and stayed quiet. She looked a little scared, "Did you hear about it? When did you hear about it? What did they say? Did they really say....that Rosalina and I were the cause of it??"

This was a different response than what I expected. I didn't exactly expect her to go paranoid. "No, um, I didn't look into it. I knew a bit if what happened, but I was just a little girl."

"So was I." Alexandra mentioned, "But they thought it was us who caused the fire. Because of our curse." She held out her hand to me showing the mark, "Rosalina covered for me since no one could find the actual logical cause of the fire. Ritsuko, please don't tell anyone. Don't tell anyone about this. No one can know or else me and Rosalina will be separated."

My eyes widened. I never threatened to call anyone or tell anyone, and this confession was already shocking enough. "I never said I would tell anyone. I promise I won't tell about what really happened. You really didn't need to tell me, you know. I was just curious."

"I know, I know. It's just that everyone we trust ends up turning on us eventually. I guess that's just part of our curse." Alexandra stared at the back of her hand and put it behind her back. "It's also why Dominic and I would never be together." She looked up at me as if remembering I was still here.

Alexandra seemed to mention Dominic a lot, it gave me the idea that maybe she liked him. Crushes are always difficult things but two cursed ones is a different story. I didn't even know his curse yet.

"Dinner's ready." Rosalina stood behind us as if she was there for a long time. I jumped and spun around. "Oh, Rosalina! Dinner smells good." She gave me a small smile, "Thank you."

"It does smell wonderful." Praised Alexandra. She followed her sister into the kitchen happily.

Dinner was delicious as Alexandra promised. The sauce that Rosalina made was fantastic with the soba noodles. After dinner, Alexandra showed me some injured animals that she took care of and raised back to health. I thought that was sweet.

"There you go, little one." She offered, opening the cage to a young squirrel and grabbing it carefully with a gloved hand. She unwrapped a bandage around its leg and put it down, letting it scurry off back to the wilderness.

I smiled and took the cage for her. "Do you do this often?" Alexandra took off her gloves. "Only when I find one. One time I had to call the wildlife center because I didn't know what to do when I found an injured hummingbird."

I set the cage down and inquired, "Are you experienced with animals?" Alexandra shrugged, "I picked up some things. I think in a few days, I'll be able to set that sick bird free." She pointed at a yellow bird in a cage that chirped weakly.

Rosalina smiled at Alexandra, "She could be a vet someday." Alexandra giggled, "Oh, stop. I could never be a veterinarian! I only know so much."

"I bet you could make it to be a veterinarian." I added. The twins looked at me. "Really?" I nodded, "You really seem passionate about animals. I think you'd be really great." Alexandra chortled, "Well then, I guess I could be one."

I looked down at my watch and looked out. The sun was just starting to set. "Ooh, I ought to get back to my apartment." Alexandra tilted her head to the side playfully, "Aww, too bad. I would have loved for you to stay a bit more." Rosalina looked at her sister almost disapprovingly.

I cleared my throat and backed up, walking toward the door. "Sorry, but I have to get back and finish my school work." Rosalina nodded, "We understand."

Alexandra let me out and I walked toward the apartments, glancing back to wave once more at the twins. They were kind enough to have me over, and I kind of wished I could've stayed longer, though it was a little strange talking with Alexandra.

I got to the apartments at a good time, not too late. Mr. Tanaka greeted me at the desk along with Maiko who walked back into the kitchen and came out with a plate of brownies. "Try one." She offered.

"Thank you." I took one and tasted it. "How was school?" Maiko put a thumb up, "Great as always. What about you?" I smiled, "Just great."

Maiko gave a half-agreeing nod. "I saw you talking with a classmate. Asher, right?" I nodded, "He and I were just trying to get to know each other."

"I've never seen you mad. What did he say to tick you off so much?" I shrugged it off, "Don't worry about it. It's just that he was a little huffy at me "

Maiko shrugged too, "That's how he usually is. His friends are cool. They're athletes! Well, most of em." I hummed and looked around, "Where is Akito?" Maiko thought for a second, "I thought he told me he was going out to take pictures of the sunset."

"Oh, okay." I looked at the stairs and went on, "Anyways, I'm gonna go to my apartment and finish some homework. See you all later." Maiko lifted her finger, "Okay, just don't wake us up like this morning."

I was still embarrassed from that! "Um, yeah." I walked away shyly and went to my apartment.

While I put on my red pajama top, I checked out the window where I saw Akito taking pictures. He was looking at his camera then snapping a picture at a time. I closed the curtains after I was done.

I slipped into my traditional ceremony robe. It was usually worn for healing spells or cursing spells. My master's wife made it especially for me. She was one of the only ones to know who I was. It was a beautiful robe.

I loved the red color mixed with white stripes on the sleeves. White and yellow small flowers were embroidered on the body. It was always hard to tie the thick white bow on the back to keep the lower part controlled. My Master's wife made the robe a little wider on the lower part to resemble a skirt or dress.

Gathering a few Flowers of Despair to practice was a little difficult. I snuck out, picked the one that Maiko and Akito found and then went out to the forest to look.

About an hour later, I collected about 6 and kept them safely in a basket.

Later at my apartment, I formed a line of them in front of me. Lighting a candle, I put another at my side and got down on my knees, folding my hands together. I closed my eyes, in deep concentration, trying to see something. I felt the Flowers levitate and held each of them at least once.

The flames on the candles heated up a bit, surrounding me in warmth. I suddenly began to see a vision.

5 shadows stood at my view. Why was it 5 shadows again? They each held a flower at their palms. The sixth flower was at my hand. I heard myself speak, "Why do you all hate me?"

"If you think we hate you, why do you resist?" A shadow questioned. I saw blood running down a knife that one of the figures held. "Heal us, and you won't have to fight us."

"You don't understand. It's not that easy. It can't be forced upon. And I'm not sure I want to do this." Why would I say that?! I would want to heal those cursed ones in a heartbeat. That was my purpose after all.

A shadow chuckled benevolently. "Then I see. It's not that you don't want to, you can't do it!" I was shocked to see or hear such a thing. "If you don't heal us, all this road will lead you down to is suffering, loneliness, loss, and destruction." Each if the individuals had marks that glowed as they mentioned each one.

I saw quick scenes flash before me. I could barely tell who or what was in each of the visions, but they were all filled with blood or weapons or death.

Suddenly, this thumping sound started, and it got louder and louder. Everything was white, and I couldn't see anything. The thumping turned into thudding, then into banging, getting closer and closer. It got louder and louder to the point where it was almost deafening until-

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Another cliffhanger?! Aaaahhhhh! I really love leaving my readers on cliffhangers XD. Ritsuko literally did not get to finish her narration, wow! What do you think of this chapter? Getting a little darker, as we see, eh? That's just the tip of the iceberg! There's way more to come. Thanks for reading, Reader-Chan! 💜