Chapter 21A: Takamagahara

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Author's Note:

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Author's Note:

• To celebrate Soulbound: Part One being officially added to Wattpad's YAFantasy profile under the Romantic Fantasy reading list this February 2021, I posted this chapter earlier than scheduled

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

• To celebrate Soulbound: Part One being officially added to Wattpad's YAFantasy profile under the Romantic Fantasy reading list this February 2021, I posted this chapter earlier than scheduled. I hope you guys enjoy this part.

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It always starts the same way. The same place. At the same time. In the same moment. I know what's happening to me right now. I'm dreaming -- trapped in a memory I had when I was nine years old. This happens from time to time and I have no control over it. But I let it happen anyway and try to stay for as long as I can.

The grass brushes against my bare feet. Streaks of sunlight stream down from above -- warming my body. Beads of sweat form on my forehead. But the midday breeze cools my skin.

Taking ragged breaths, I press my hands on the smooth, cold stone and sit on the edge of the fountain. The trickling sounds of running water from the three-tiered marble structure calm my senses while the finely crafted sculpture of the sixteen-pointed sun on the top tier reminds me that I'm home.

"Minako." A clear, mellifluous voice calls me from a distance, I pace towards the white and periwinkle hydrangea flower beds. Passing through the wooden arches covered by ivory-colored climbing roses, I hide behind one of the tall hedges.

"You've won, Minako. Now, come out." A loud booming voice speaks in an authoritative tone. But I crouch down, even more, to keep myself hidden. A giggle escapes my lips. They can't find me here. They can't-

"Gotcha." Someone grabs me from behind and I smell the soothing scent of lavender. I don't need to turn around to know who caught me.

"Mom." I pout as she wraps her arms around me and plants a kiss on my head. Her deep purple eyes complement her long, flowing blonde locks. Mom tenderly smiles at me, wearing her long-sleeved chiffon dress with butterfly sleeves and beige lotus sandals.

"I found her, Yuu," she calls out as she smooths down my crumpled dress. I'm supposed to be wearing the same thing as Mom. But youth would prove to be a challenge on the cleanliness and state of my clothes.

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