Hey Reader-Chan! I am soooo sorry I didn't upload yesterday! Friday was a really busy day since I had school and a Christmas show to put on. But here I am and with a good chapter to continue this story and get you hooked again! This reveals a little more of a certain character I didn't highlight too much yet. Enjoy!

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Finally, after a while, Maiko tired out and Akito and I caught up to her. We walked through the town that was not so busy. Some stores already opened, but it was fairly early too.

We passed by the school, which seemed locked up, except when I saw an unfamiliar lady step out in a formal business pantsuit. Akito and Maiko didn't explain even though I murmured a question to myself.

Though a few minutes later, as we were walking, I was glancing around at hearing a faint sound. It sort of sounded like a melody. I looked around, trying to spot anything producing the music. It was beautiful, and I couldn't resist trying to find who played it. When we got closer to the source, I realized that someone was playing a piano.

“Who’s playing that?” I asked sort of impatiently. Maiko blinked and looked toward me, “Hmm? Oh, the piano?” I nodded. “It's beautiful. Is it something from Mozart?” Akito shrugged, “Beats me. But I know who’s playing it.”

“Who?” I asked. Maiko took my hand, jogged forward and dragged me to the side of a house. Akito hissed, “Maiko!!” And ran after us.

Maiko ducked below a window where the piano music was especially close. I was a little eager to see who would be playing the wonderful piano music. Maiko shushed me and pointed up. Akito shook his head at me, as if telling me not to look.

He glanced through the window and stood at the side. “We're going to get in trouble!” He whispered in a tone that almost sounded like a little boy warning his friends not to get into mischief. Like said friend, though, I slowly scooted up the wall in defiance. I stood up and peered through the window to see who was playing the piano.

It kind of surprised me to see Dominic sitting at a piano, playing it. It was beautiful to hear but the sight of Dominic playing made me gasp. “Wait, Dominic?!” I looked at the siblings confusedly. Akito and Maiko simultaneously shushed me, reminding me that Dominic could possibly hear me.

I heard him exchange into another song, River Flows in You, and asked, “He plays piano?” Maiko nodded, “I always hear him play, especially on Saturdays. Isn't it nice?” I nodded, agreeing, “Well, yes, but...Dominic? Dominic Hoshida? The one that loves to outsmart everyone and belittle people?”

Akito nodded and slanted his mouth, “That's him. I know it's kind of hard to believe, but I think he’s actually pretty good at it. I haven't gotten a chance to ask him much, since I don't like to pry, but he started practicing about 2 years ago and he’s amazing at it. He tells people it’s a way to relax, so I guess it's more of a hobby than a career path.”

I couldn't seem to fit the pieces together. How could such a rude boy play a piano so sweetly? “It sounds relaxing. Do you think it's because of his curse?” Akito shrugged but Maiko nodded. “I think his therapist told him to find something else to focus on. Something about his studies in science and math being a bad reminder to him.”

This could have been a clue to what his curse might be. Could it be that he forgets things easily? Maybe that his memory of a certain event makes him upset. He had no signs of physical disability, but curses worked all the way around. Flowers of Despair could curse you to not be able to speak, to only speak another language, to not be able to walk (Sort of like what happened to Asher). They could also curse you to have a change of personality or thinking, which, I have heard that in the past, always led to harm or devastating events.

Michael's was more of a emotional weakness curse, being with no family or friends. Dominic's curse wasn't obvious, so it might've been a mental or emotional curse. “Why would that remind him of something bad? What does it have to do with his curse?” Akito and Maiko stared at me.

“I don't know, probably.” Akito looked down, “It's none of our business, Maiko.” Maiko chuckled. “Right. Or else we might get infected with it!” Akito face palmed, “That's not how it works, you know that, Maiko. I just don't think this stuff should be our business.” He looked at me and shrugged, “Sorry, Ritsuko.” I smiled, “Hey, no worries. You're right anyway.”

“Anyway, why are you so curious about curses, Ritsuko?” Maiko inquired, “Are you thinking of becoming a therapist here?” I answered quickly, to not show that I was making something up. “Something like that. It would be a cool career, but I don't think it's be easy dealing with people like-” my voice dragged off as I stared back at the window at Dominic.

I could see him mouthing keys and notes to play as he kept playing his song. This made me grin and turn to them. “You know,”

Akito chuckled, “That explains it. You seem to handle Michael pretty well, and he’s the reason why 4 students have moved from the seat in front of him. You're really good with people.” my face flushed a little, “Really?” Akito nodded.

Maiko took one last look at the window and walked forward, “Well, let's get moving! We're burning daylight.” Akito scoffed, “It's barely 9 o'clock.” Maiko insisted, “Still! Let's get to Kyoko’s!” I stared back into the house where Dominic played another piano song. He seemed a little troubled, and I didn't know if that was his face usually when playing or something was bothering him. I never got to ask Alexandra what happened. Sadly, I guess it would have to wait for now.

After that, we made it to Kyoko’s house. It appeared like a nice little house. Maiko, instead of knocking, just reached under a flower pot, took out a key and opened the door, barging in, “Good morning, everyone!!” She screamed at the top of her lungs. Akito nervously went in, “Maiko, shh!” And her expression faded into a disappointed one.

“Aww, you're already up!” She whined. I came in only to get hit in the face with a stuffed giraffe. “Agh!” I yelped, grabbing the plush animal and holding it in my arms. That took me by surprise that I almost fell back.

That's when I saw a group of children running around the room laughing. Kyoko was sitting down in a relaxed manner in some casual blue pants and a coat over her shirt, talking to a young man whom I recognized from school. She was into her conversation until she spotted us, me specifically with a giraffe in hand.

“Hey!” She called, standing up and clapping her hands to call the kids’ attention. The three kids stopped in their tracks and stood in front of her. “Yes, Ms. Kyoko?” They asked simultaneously. Kyoko strictly reprimanded, “You do not throw toys at people, remember? And you should definitely not being yelling right now, since Mei is still asleep. Who threw it?”

The children got especially shy and refused to speak. Kyoko asked again, “Who threw it? You won't get in trouble, I just want to know.” one little boy and a girl pointed at another boy in tan shorts and a green shirt. “Wha! No, no, it wasn't me, Ms. Kyoko!”

Kyoko clicked her tongue and shook her head, “David, this is the second time I’ve told you about this. I don't wanna see it happening again, understand?” David, the little boy, nodded.

“Alright, then. Say sorry to Ms. Akiyama and then you can go play. All of you.” The kids went up, staring at me and bowed, “We’re sorry, Ms. Akiyama.” I smiled, “Oh, no worries.” I handed the giraffe back, to which the little girl with short blonde hair took back. “Thank you, Ms. Akiyama.”

“Call me Ritsuko.” I offered. The girl smiled, “Okay, Ms. Ritsuko. My name is Yuki, by the way. That's my big brother, David.” David waved shyly to me, I returned the gesture. The smaller boy walked up to me, pushing Yuki to the side, “Hey! I’m Koji.” I chuckled, “Nice to meet you, Koji.”

Kyoko sighed, “Okay, now go play quietly over there.” The three young kids ran off, laughing. “Whew! It's already been a crazy morning and it's not even 10.” Maiko hugged her and giggled, “That's the way it usually is.”

“Are they your siblings?” I questioned. Kyoko's shook her head, “Nope, I babysit them. Yuki and David are brother and sister and Koji is a boy from across the neighborhood. He has some older siblings, but most of them are grown. He likes to be here with me and his friends often.”

Maiko looked around mischievously and winked at Kyoko, “Do you think I could give them a little treat right now?” Kyoko rolled her eyes playfully, “Oh dear, Maiko. You're gonna stuff these kids and their moms are gonna blame me. Sure, why not?”

Maiko gave her an opened mouthed smile and took out a bag of small shortbread cookies. “Hey kids, want some cookies?” The kids gasped at the same time and ran toward her. Maiko led them into Kyoko's kitchen, telling them to calm down.

“I believe you forgot an important introduction, Kyoko.” The guy with sandy hair and grey eyes sitting on the couch smirked at her. Kyoko groaned, “Oh, you're so full of it, Kaito!” she smacked him with a pillow.

Akito rolled his eyes playfully, “Really, you are. All of us know you, moron.” He walked up to the guy and shook his head. The young man took the pillow off his face and said, “No, she doesn't know me.” He pointed at me, who sat down next to Kyoko. He glanced at me then went back to get a good look at me.

“Actually, you do, Kaito.” Akito insisted. Kaito’s eyes widened in realization and he gasped, “Ohh, you're the newer student. Akiyama?” I nodded, “Ritsuko Akiyama.” Kaito grinned, “Oh, yeah, you're from class. Sorry, I guess I’m not good with faces.” Kyoko hit him with the pillow again and chuckled, “Oh please, don't lie.”

Kaito laughed and took the pillow, “I think I need to take this for a while.” Kyoko folded her arms and playfully glared at him, Kaito responding with putting his arm around her and pulling her toward him. Kyoko squealed and chuckled.

“Um… are you two-?”

“Dating? Yes, sort of. We try to keep it secret since the teachers would get on us about it.” Kyoko bit her lip and looked to Kaito. I blushed a bit, “Really? That's nice.”

Kyoko narrowed her eyes at me and smirked, “Are you dating anyone, Ms. Akiyama?” I shook my head, trying not to show my embarrassment. Akito’s eyes darted to me, and I blurted out, “I don't have a boyfriend. But…” I looked at Akito and let a small smile form on my lips.

Kaito finished for me, “You hope to get one soon?” He slightly pointed at Akito which made me flustered, “Um..” I felt an unfamiliar warmth in my stomach building up as I felt even more flustered.

“The kids are distracted with the cookies for now.” Maiko chirped, stepping into the room. Thank goodness that she came in before I could answer. “Great. I haven't been able to calm them down since they got here. And they’re gonna wake up Mei. Which I should check if she’s still asleep. Excuse me.” She stood up and went into a room, closing the door behind her.

Kaito asked me a question. “How do you like it here in Crysolia?” I thought for a second, “I like it here. How long have you been here?” Kaito put a hand on his chin, thinking. “When was it when Asher moved here, again?”

Maiko quipped, “7 years ago.” Akito shook his head, “No, it was 6.” I didn't understand this. “What does Asher have to do with it?” Kaito replied, “Oh yeah, I don't think you know. I’m one of Asher’s best friends.”

I raised an eyebrow, “Really?” Kaito nodded, “Yep. I decided to move here a year after he came. I thought he might’ve wanted a friend with him.” I needed to know more now. “What was it like? Is it hard being his friend since he’s...you know, cursed?”

“He’s not as bad as before. It was kinda hard before he moved here. You probably know he loves sports, right?” I nodded, “He told me that when I talked to him.”

Kaito grinned and looked up as if remembering something, “He was awesome at them. He mostly liked playing soccer and baseball. We met on a soccer team when we were like, what? 8 maybe. That changed one day when he and another friend got cursed.”

Akito and I both looked at each other in disbelief, “Him and another were cursed?” He asked. Kaito hummed an affirmative response, “Back in Betsugata, we were playing a lot of soccer in the summer, though it was off-season. It was kind of a stupid thing what happened. We found a Flower of Despair when we went to pick up a soccer ball and our friend dared Asher to touch it. Asher said no and eventually got mad enough to force our friend to do it. We thought it was myth or something like that.”

I couldn't help but feel a little sorry for them. “What happened then?” I was afraid to see what the answer would be. “He ripped the Flower and threw it at Asher. They both got cursed.” I gulped. “What?” Kaito breathed deeply, “Yeah. Our friend’s curse was an unknown disease that ended up killing him in a few weeks.”

Maiko held her breath, Akito's eyes widened, and so did mine. This friend of theirs was cursed to have a terminal sickness? Kaito continued slowly, “Asher didn't come to practice anymore, telling the coach his leg hurt often. Then one day, I just saw him, without a leg, lying down on a bed. He was so angry and frustrated with it. He felt helpless.”

“So he couldn't continue his playing in sports?” Kaito nodded, “I’m afraid so. He was so broken. Doctors told him after he completed his physical therapy he would move here for curse therapy. That's why he’s here. Me, being a good friend, stuck around no matter what.”

I looked at Kaito and smiled at him, “You're a really good friend, Kaito. It’s just really sad what these curses do to people.” Akito looked down, “Yeah.I mean, it takes away something important from you eventually.”

That comment made me think back to what Alexandra told me about how she and Rosalina set their house on fire and ended up killing their parents. That's the moment I learned, these curses can either break, take, or make monsters of people. Either one was an awful fate to face. And who knew when my time was up and these curses made monsters of the students? It wasn't hard to tell which ones were close down that road.

Maiko put her arms around herself and comforted, “Hey, at least that's not us. We don't have to worry about those things like that. As long as we’re careful, we’re safe. And we can help those that are struggling.”

Kaito agreed, “Of course, Maiko.” Kyoko came back in the room, “Hey, sorry it took a while.” All of us straightened up and relaxed. “No problem.” Maiko waved her hand and leaned toward Kyoko, “Hey, why don't you tell us your first babysitting story? That's always funny.”

“For the fifth thousandth time it really isn't.” Kyoko sat back. Maiko looked at her, “Oh come on, yes it is.” Kyoko's serious expression turned into a happy one, “Alright, alright. I don't think Kaito's heard this one, anyways. So, this woman asked me if I could babysit her daughter-”

The story went on and on, each bit getting even funnier. Kyoko could tell stories that were so funny. The kids came out of the kitchen a few minutes later and started playing.

Koji gave Akito a paper, which he accepted and took with him before he left. The little boy seemed especially fond of Akito as he kept rambling on about Akito's camera and what he could do with it. It was the sweetest thing to watch.

Eventually, though, Kyoko got busy taking care of the kids and insisted we leave her so we could have fun while she works. “Bye-bye, Kyoko!” Maiko waved on her way out. Akito and I waved, walking away together.

“Oh, well that was fun!” Maiko chimed. I mused, “She's really good with children.” Maiko winked, “Of course, she wasn't always good with taking care of them.” She made me think back to Kyoko's story. Akito and I laughed heartily.

Akito unfolded the paper that Koji gave him and eyed it. “Aww.” He grinned. This made me grin as well. “What is it?” Akito showed the paper to me, a colored drawing of Koji with a camera with Akito beside him, smiling. The writing on top read, “Cameras”

The drawing made my heart melt with joy, as if it was for me. “That's so nice of him!” Maiko looked over her brother's shoulder and teased, “Hey, he has better art skill than you do, Akito!”

Akito agreed, admitting his terrible skill in drawing. “Yeah, he does.That's so nice of him.” I admired the drawing, asking, “So he’s interested in cameras?” Akito shrugged, “I’ve shown him a little bit of what I know. I let him play around with it sometimes. No big deal.”

“Well, I think that's very sweet.” I said, putting my hands behind my back and playing with my fingers. The warm feeling in my body started again.

It was bad of me to think that I could get closer to him. After all, it could never happen because of what I was. I pushed away those feelings as best I could when Maiko gasped loudly. “Hey, guys!” she pointed toward the forest area.

“What is it?” Akito questioned with a slightly concerned voice. I became slightly alarmed as well. Maiko explained, “There’s someone over there!”

“Are they hurt?” Maiko shrugged, “Let's go see!” She jogged forward. When we made it to the part where the forest began, we all peered over a bush to see a tree in front of us.

“There’s no one?” I was kind of confused. Akito nudged Maiko, “What did you see? There’s no one here.” We both glared at Maiko. “Actually, there is someone.” A voice added.

All three of us jumped, startled by there being another voice, and gazed up.

There on a thick tree branch sat none other than Michael Oshiro. He wore a pair of khaki pants going up his knees and a orange striped t-shirt. He had some tan colored shoes dangling off his feet loosely as he held a grey coat off the branch.

“Michael?” I asked. Michael looked at me, “Who else would it be?” He chuckled with a yellow lollipop in his mouth. Maiko glared at Akito. “See? Someone was here!” She stepped up around the bush next to me.

Michael blinked and warned, “Wait, watch out!” He put his hand out warning her to stop. Maiko froze and I tensed up. “You’ll crush them.” He pointed downward at the stump of the tree. I bent down to see that Michael had built a ramp with a piece of plastic and a pebble for some ants, who were gladly crawling up using it. Akito and I glanced up at the same time to spot a pink lollipop stuck to the tree where the ants were going. That was a pretty smart contraption.

“Oh.” Maiko moved her foot away from the ants to not hurt them. “You did that?” Michael nodded, “Yep!” He took out a bag of lollipops and offered it. “Want one?”

Maiko slowly accepted one and unwrapped it. I assumed if Maiko took one, they'd be safe. I took a red one from the bag, “Thank you.” Akito grabbed one and put it in his pocket. Maiko looked around, “So what are you doing here all alone?” She pulled her green lollipop out her mouth.

Michael hopped down from the trunk and looked at Maiko curiously, “What do you mean? I’m not alone.” The three of us took a step back just in case. “What?”

“Because! You, Maiko and Akito are here!” He pointed at each of us. I heard Maiko let a sigh of relief escape her mouth. “Oh.” I sighed, letting out a small laugh. “Plus, the ants keep me company.” He added, sticking his sucker back into his mouth. “What are you guys here for? Weren't you going to Kyoko's house?”

How would he know that? “How did you know?” Maiko asked, suspiciously. Michael shrugged, “Just a guess.” The three of us eyed him carefully as we stepped away. “Oh, okay. We’ll see you around then.” I said, indicating to the others that we should go.

“Of course we will. It’s a small town, anyway.” He sat on the tree trunk again and propped his head on his palm. Maiko stepped backward quickly and practically ran off, dragging Akito with her. I looked back at Michael and laughed nervously, “Yeah.”

Michael gave me an innocent, child-like smile. I smiled nervously and followed after the siblings.

“Oy, that boy gives me a creepy feeling up my spine.” Maiko shivered, rubbing her arms. Akito shrugged, “So what if he’s a little different?”

I couldn't believe what Akito said. Even I, who was typically calm with Michael, got freaked out by our conversation. “Akito, you have to admit, he was a little on the weird side that time.”

Maiko shook her head, “I dunno. There's just something about some of the cursed students that doesn't feel right.” If only she knew that she was friends with someone who was part of this whole Flower Of Despair business.

Akito left for his apartment to grab his camera while Maiko picked up her work uniform and left for the cafe. I stayed at my apartment the rest of the day

The morning after that, Maiko was so excited to go to Rin’s house. She said Rin awas taking off in a couple of months to go to some school. It kind of sounded like a gymnastics school or something.

“Hello Mrs. Sakura!” Maiko and I answered at the doorstep. Rin’s mother stood at the doorstep in a long dress and her hair pinned up. “Hello, girls. Ritsuko, right?” I nodded, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Sakura.” I bowed in greeting.

Mrs. Sakura frowned, “I’m sorry to tell you, but Rin left a few hours ago. She’s preparing for her final performance at the center. You can go visit her there if you’d like.”

“Thank you!” Maiko bowed and dragged me off while I was in mid-bow. Mrs. Sakura waved goodbye as she disappeared from my view.

We got to a beautiful structured dance center where Maiko told me Rin always went. So she was a dancer, after all. I stepped in almost at a wrong time as Rin was in the middle of a dance rehearsal. There was no one else in the room but her, and only the music resonated through the room.

Rin’s sparkling light pink dress that simulated that of a ballerina leotard and tutu. She wore white leggings with bubblegum pink shoes that made no sound when they touched the ground. Her hair was up in a ponytail, which left her beautiful dark hair flowing with her as she twirled. Maiko came up behind me and whispered, “Isn’t she great?”

“She's astounding.” I marveled, hypnotized by Rin’s fluid movements. She looked so graceful and gentle doing her fancy ballet moves. I had never really cared to see ballet growing up but Rin made it look so beautiful to watch.

Once she finished, Maiko and I applauded her. “Awesome!” Rin startled but went along and bowed at us. “Thank you, Maiko. Thank you, Ritsuko.”

Maiko smiled, “You're going to be great in your final performance. I’m so excited.”

“Thanks! I hope I do well. The president of the dance school is coming all the way from Akinara to see me. She’s going to report to the head teacher of the academy to see if I meet up to their standards, and let me tell you, they are pretty high.” Rin rubbed the back of her neck.

Maiko put her finger up and said matter-of-factly, “Well, in my opinion, you already exceed the dancers here by far. I’d be surprised if they didn't pass you.”

“Ohh, but I’ll miss you guys.” Rin stomped her foot lightly. “Even you Ritsuko.” I added, “But we still have a few months.” Rin nodded, “That's true.”

“How long have you been dancing or doing ballet?” I walked up to her, interested. “I’ve been dancing ever since I was 5. It's been a passion of mine. I thought it might be better than working at a restaurant my whole life.” I grinned. “I wish I could dance like that. I don't really have a knack for dancing.” Rin gasped, “Why don't I teach you a few little steps?”

I was taken aback by her offer and started fidgeting. “Um, no, not really- uh, no thank you. I’m not that good at stuff like this. I’m not even wearing good dancing clothes.” I gestured at my red blouse and black skirt. Rin took my hand, “Hey, it’s just for fun!” She took me in front of the giant mirror.

Oh gosh, what am I getting myself into?

Learning how to dance ballet was not as easy as Rin made it look. My balance was almost perfect, due to that being part of my education as a Despair Healer, but staying light on my feet while stepping or crouching didn't work out.

Maiko and Rin laughed so hard at my multiple attempts at doing a plie as Rin told me it was called. She made it look so simple but it actually sort of hurt. I tried pirouetting once but quit that after I fell into the mirror and heard Maiko clapping her hands in laughter.

I had to be honest, I laughed too, but still tried. Rin dismissed me after a bit when I almost twisted my ankle copying a move. Ballet just wasn't for me.

She went back to her rehearsal for her final performance she said would be in a few weeks. Maiko and I promised we’d be there, but I thought to myself if I would be here that long.

The rest of the day went on fairly slowly as well. I spotted Michael working on a metal device still sitting on his tree, where ants covered a half-eaten lollipop on it. When I glanced and got a good look, I saw it was Michael's homemade multi-weapon made of a compass. He didn't see me, which I was secretly glad he didn't.

I went home, really just my apartment, and rested. School was taking a toll on me, and the stress and thinking from my plan here was the reason why. I wasn't sleeping well some nights. But this was important, and I couldn't let everyone down. I predicted more than I thought was counting on this.

I came up with a plan for the next coming day and figured out what I was gonna do for then. I was gonna make a special visit to one of the cursed ones. This wasn't an exciting visit, for sure, but I knew who I had to find out more about: Dominic.

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Holy crap, this was a pretty lengthy chapter! I hope it does make up for the late update and you liked this chapter! I can't wait for you guys to see the next chapter. Its one of my favorites! Anyways, comment below on what you think so far and any other things you might wanna comment XD thanks Reader-Chan! 💜