Stars in a New Sky

Chapter 10: Attack

Who was that girl? 

Masako Mori heaved a weary sigh and stared out the window. Dark clouds had gathered obscuring the sun, leaving the afternoon drab and grey. A deep melancholy wrapped its suffocating hand around her heart. She didn't even have the distraction of a student to tutor. She was alone at her table, the only history tutor available for that day's session. She sighed again. She had been in such a good mood earlier. How could she not be with the hope of spending more time with Mamoru Chiba?

A sad smile tugged her lips. He was handsome and smart. Though he was often remote, he was never unkind to anyone. He carried himself with the dignity of a prince. Other students have even begun to look up to him as a leader, whether he wanted them to or not. He was uncomfortable with attention, though Masako had yet to figure out why. Mamoru was a fascinating person who she desperately wanted to get to know better. It was why she decided to join the tutoring program.

Her good mood evaporated the moment she'd witnessed Mamoru's confrontation with Takeshi...over a girl. Her insides twisted. The girl had long blonde hair in pigtail buns and a clueless expression on her face. She was looking between the two boys in confusion. From her uniform, she had to come from the junior high just down the street. What was a younger girl doing with Mamoru? Did she come for tutoring? Why did he look so concerned about her?

She hadn't been close enough to hear what was said, but she heard the tone in his voice. It was protective...as if that girl meant all the world to him. An ache started in her heart. He never looked at her like that. He barely paid any attention to her beside exchanging meaningless pleasantries or answering a direct question. Even then, his mind always seemed somewhere else.

Tears pricked her eyes. It was silly to get attached to someone so quickly, but she couldn't stop herself. The moment she saw him, she was suddenly falling. As if her feelings were inevitable. As if it were destiny. So wrapped up in her thought, Masako did not hear the sound of footsteps approaching her.

"Something on your mind, Ms. Mori?"

Masako jumped at the sudden interruption and the hand on her shoulder. She turned to see it was their substitute for Mr. Hayashi. "Oh! Uh...i-it's nothing." She stammered, offering a weak smile.

"That doesn't look like nothing." He replied with a smile. Though his expression looked pleasant enough, it left Masako feeling uneasy. There was something artificial in his concern. A shiver ran down her spine. There was a cold chill spreading from where his hand rested on her shoulder. Moving instinctively, she shifted her shoulder from his grasp and leaned away from him.

"I'll be fine." She reached for her books and hastily continued. "It doesn't look like anyone needs a history tutor today. I think I'll just head out." She rose, nearly dropping her textbooks. Dodging his offer of assistance, Masako gather her materials and left the library without a backward glance.

Thyst stared after her, a cruel smile curving his lips. Masako could run all she wanted. It was too late. He had already planted the seed of darkness within her. It would grow and flourish, feeding on her pain and jealousy. Every perceived slight will be amplified until her heart turned as black as his soul. Until he could capture the princess and the Silver Crystal, Metalia would need a vessel to enter this world. Who better than Beryl reincarnated?

Glancing covertly around the library, Thyst searched for Mamoru and the girl. However, they were nowhere in sight. Where had they gone? After the minor confrontation with another student, he'd teleported to the library thinking they would head there next. He'd been wrong. Thyst cursed and slipped behind a bookshelf for cover. Teleporting from the library to the roof, Thyst concentrated on sensing the princess' energy.