The Cursed Iris

How Do We Tell Her the Truth

Akane was Ayame's mother, and she looked exactly like her. Same features as her daughters except she had small noticeable smile line at the corner of her lips. She was walking along with another woman who was Atsuko's mother. Red hair, hazel eyes, and a body type like Atsuko as well.

The day was sunny, the breeze chilly, and the shopping center was bustling. Both of them were similar to Ayame and Atsuko because they've known each other since they were children.

"So, Akane what do you think your daughter will do once she learns about our families?"

"I don't know. Honestly, Maki, hiding this from her has been hard."

"Well, I know for a fact that soon both of those others will grow impatient," Maki stated as if stating an obvious point. "Ayame's birthday is next week, so you might as well let her know before something happens."

"I know that, but I don't want to endanger my only child," Akane said as she adjusted her shopping bag. "Ayame is a sweetheart, and this type of life isn't for her. You know?"

"I get exactly what you mean," Maki's body language changed. "Atsuko has been acting weird lately and she's worrying me."

Akane began to weigh her options, If I do tell Ayame how she will react? She's different, so will she be all right if I do tell her and send her off?

Maki shook Akane's shoulder, "Akane, hey, are you okay?" she asked in a worried tone.

"Yes, I'm fine."

"Well, I hope you are," she stated as she pointed to two people. "The turtle and the dragon are here."

Akane's heart began to beat faster as she already knew those two appearing would mean for the future of her family. All four of them went to school with each other. They were a part of the student council in high school, and they were all called the Four Guardians. But it wasn't just in name, they are the descendants of the vessels for the Four Guardians of Japan.

The Akiyama family are the descendants of Byakuya: The White Tiger.

The Tsukiyama family are the descendants of Suzaku: The Vermillion Bird.

The Yamamoto family are the descendants of Genbu: The Black Tortoise.

The Matsumoto family are the descendants of Seiryū: The Azure Dragon.

The families have been tied to each other for centuries, and they are all responsible for the direction of Ayame's and everyone's fate.

"Keiko! It's been forever since I've seen you," Akane exclaimed.

Keiko Matsumoto was a woman below average height, pale skin, blue hair, and green eyes. She smiled softly, "Hey Akane, how have you been? How has Ayame been?" she asked.

"Matsumoto do we really have time to think this is the time to be asking questions like that?" the man with Keiko asked.

Keiko looked at him irritated, "Shut up Hiro," she replied. "I haven't seen Akane in a while. She's the one with the most pressure on her, so I wanted to catch up first."

Hiro Yamamoto was a fairly tall man, he had on a casual business suit, black hair, he also had dark eyes that appeared to be black as well. Not only that he also wore glasses. His presence was intimidating enough to make Akane and Maki shiver.

"Why are you always so stuck up?" Maki inquired.

Hiro adjusted his glasses, "I'm not stuck up. I just don't like you specifically, that's all," he stated in a pretentious tone.

A vein seemed to pop from Maki's forehead. "What was that?"

"You heard me."

Akane saw Maki reaching for her bag as if she were about to throw it. "Maki calm down."