A few years ago,
"With moves like that, you will certainly do well in gymnastics."
"I'm really grateful for the offer, but I can't, sensei, not when my sister's still young."
"Are you sure you're going to pass up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?" A woman in her early thirties heaved a sigh. However, there was nothing she could do about the young girl's decision. She was talented, sure, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to whether she was willing to pursue the path or not. "In any case, think about it. You don't have to decide right now."
"Thank you, sensei,"
Karuizawa Triciana lived a normal life with her younger sister and mother. Ever since their father passed away in an accident a couple of years back, she had been supporting her mother with the finances. Just now, she had the opportunity to study at a prestigious gymnastics school, but she had to give that up since it meant being separated from her family for years. She knew that her mother wouldn't be able to handle taking care of her younger sister alone.
"It's better this way," Triciana muttered to herself as a gentle breeze blew against her hair. The sunset shone with a serene brightness behind her as she walked home.
Once she got to their street, she noticed that Amaya and her mom were waiting for her outside. Amaya, who had just turned five, was comfortably sitting down by the side of the road, watching a line of ants as they walked past while carrying bread crumbs.
"Big sis!" Amaya greeted her after seeing her arrive.
"Were you waiting for me?" Triciana grinned, patting her younger sister on the head.
"She insisted on waiting for you outside. I don't know why, she probably wanted to tell you something. Do you have something to say to your older sister?" Their mother asked.
"Big sis, let's greet dad together," Amaya smiled as she said something that almost tore their mother's heart.
As it turned out, today was their father's death anniversary. With the finals coming up as well as the excitement in her gymnastics club, Triciana almost forgot about today. She stole a glance at her mom who was wiping a stray tear from her face. "Sure, let's do that," Triciana responded to her sister, picking her up as the three of them headed back inside.
Her mom, who was the last one to head in, closed the door behind her. She couldn't help but proudly look at Triciana. "She looks just like you, honey. Just like you." She mumbled to herself.
"What was that mom?" Triciana asked, turning around after hearing her mom whisper under her breath. Of course, she heard what her mom said, but she acted as if she didn't hear anything.
"Nothing, let's go greet your father and then let's have dinner." Their mom shook her head.
At the end of the hallway was a small cabinet where their father's urn was. As the three of them headed to commemorate their father's death, screams were heard from the outside.
...
Gasp!
A distant scream echoed throughout the city that night, waking up Tris in an instant. Her mind still dwelled on the nostalgic dream that she just had— not because of how fresh the memory was, but because the screams by the end of her dream seem to transition into real life as she heard the distant noise.
Kazuichi, who was sitting curled up in front of the smoke grill, saw Tris bolting upright in an instant. "Oh, you're awake. Did you sleep well?" He asked, waving his hand before pointing at Tris's ankle.
To Tris's surprise, her ankle was already neatly cleaned and bandaged. "T-thanks," She muttered, turning away since it was stupid of her to let her guard down. While there was a sense of trust between her and Kazuichi, she knew that she shouldn't have fallen asleep in his presence. He could've done way worse things to her after all.
"You seem like you were hurting, so I wrapped it up," Kazuichi spoke. That was the reason why he asked if she had a good sleep. She fell into a deep sleep after he was done wrapping up her ankle after all.
"What time is it?" Tris asked, changing the topic before Kazuichi could say anything else.
"Almost early morning."
"Then we have to move." Tris suddenly said as she stood up. After doing a couple of stretches, she packed what little belongings she had and she was raring to go. Her ankle still hurt, but the pain was manageable compared to before.
"What are you talking about?" Kazuichi had no clue why Tris wanted to go as soon as possible. The sun hasn't risen yet, and there was still plenty of time to kill before they move.
"We have to move, otherwise we're going to be in real trouble," Tris explained. "Are you new to the place? This is the time when scouts and hybrids are active. We might get in their crossfire if we don't move." Tris continued. "I mean, this place is already open enough as it is. It would be better if we found another hiding spot before the fun starts."
"I understand. This penthouse is too good of a place to pass up. I'm sure a lot of hybrids would come sniffing around the place... not to mention the scouts who are desperate for supplies." Kazuichi thought out loud before he shrugged. "Sure, do you have any idea where we can hide for now?"
Tris nodded. "Follow me,"
"Ah right, before we go somewhere..." Kazuichi trailed off as his gaze wandered towards the nest of Aberrants by an abandoned building in the middle of the city. "I have somewhere to stop by..."
"It can wait. For now, we have to get out of here. Do you hear that?" Tris asked. From a distance, the sound of a rumbling truck could be heard. "Those are the scouts. A number of them would get here soon, so be prepared."
"For what?"
"You will see. For now, let's get out of here." Tris repeated.