The Cursed Iris

Sprout 19: Atsuko's Will

"Atsuko Tsukiyama, the feather that transcend time. She's truly going to be something special Homura, you do know that right?" a woman said as she walked up behind Homura.

"I know that," Homura responded. "All she needs to do is figure out what her own will is. She has as much if not more potential as you Asami."

Asami was a girl with white hair, a slim physique, and she had cat ears and a tail. "More potential than the Senryu huh? I'll have to see for myself because the Raiya of your gear is unpredictable correct?"

"It is, but if anyone could conquer it, it's her. If she gets over this obstacle, then I will be ready to pass on my teachings as Suzaku to her."

Asami chuckled, "We'll see, because I'm interested to see how she and her Raiya will develop," she said as she sat down.

"Minori has taken an interest in that Akiyama girl as well. An Akiyama and a Tsukiyama, it's been a while since both of those have joined on this type of quest. Last time was during the first singularity, so the three realms has a lot in store for it soon," Homura stated as her Raiya chirped on her shoulder.

"Hey, Homura I have a question," Asami mumbled.

Homura turned her attention to Asami. "Yes my dear?"

"Well, if Atsuko awakens her Raiya wouldn't the cycle continue? I mean you've told me once that the next incarnation of the Phoenix the cycle would end. Weren't you the next incarnation?"

Homura chuckled. "I was the incarnation where the cycle should've ended, but the cycle only slowed. Atsuko is where it shall end once and for all; I will ensure she will be the end of it. Now my little feather, what is your decision."

*****

Atsuko opened her eyes, and she seemed to be in a dream. "Okay, so what now?"

"What you do now is walk around and have a look," Homura's voice said.

Atsuko sighed, "Of course you're involved," she stated annoyed.

"Just do as I say my dear," Homura replied.

Atsuko began to walk around reluctantly, "So, what is this? You knocked me unconscious in the middle of an unknown place, and now you're talking to me from where," she said.

Homura laughed, "Atsuko you really are just like me when I was that age. The reason why I did this was to help you to your answer, this is a test to awaken that Raiya of yours my dear."

"Awaken my Raiya?"

"Yes, now walk towards the center of this world that's where we will find this answer."

Atsuko's expression was skeptical. "Okay, I guess."

She looked around, and she noticed how everything around her were memories of her past, "Yeah, this is an interesting place. It seems like all of my memories are here."

"This is the Astral Dream Plane where the Raiya resides, so if you ever want to talk to it or summon it all you have to do is come here."

"Astral Dream Plane, I think I've heard of it before," Atsuko mumbled.

"Maybe you have, but it takes a lot to reach this realm of existence. Only those who wield the Gears can come here." Homura replied.

"I understand. Now where is this Raiya?" Atsuko asked.

"It won't just appear Atsuko," Homura sighed. "Remember a Raiya is the manifestation of your will, if your will isn't there then the Raiya isn't there. So what we are going to do is cause your will to manifest by taking a trip down good ole memory lane."