The stillness of night was one that always intrigued Lyra. It gave an odd comfort that was unbecoming of the eeriness of the dark. This stillness, its comfort, kept Lyra active throughout the night. It causes her to wonder her long halls and enter her cavernous rooms. She would then take one of her parents Kendo Sticks and go outside. She would swing it until she dripped sweat and her hands became callous. Tonight isn't any different either. Lyra got out of bed and began her nightly ritual; she would look around the house. She's going through each room she loved until eventually meeting her favorite room, the display room. There were many amazing things in this room but, none greater than her parents' prized possession. A Heian era katana with a polished black sheath and black hand-wrapped handle. She reached her hand out with temptation, The temptation to swing a real blade. Her hand shook with anticipation the closer she gets to it. Just before she is able to grab it, she pulls back from it and grabs a Kendo Stick instead.
Lyra: "No way Lyra, mother and father would kill you if they found out."
She took the stick outside to the chirping of the crickets. As the clouds in the night sky flew on by, several hours have passed as Lyra finishes up.
Lyra: "Four Ninety-Seven, Four Ninety-Eight, Four Ninety-Nine, Five Hun- "
Suddenly a buzz came from her phone with a notification. The notification read 'Lyra honey, we just arrived for our business trip. I expect the house cleaned and organized when we get back. -Love Dad.' She went to answer but, she heard a crash coming from inside her house. Lyra quickly ran over and looked through the glass. All that was visible in the dark was what looked like a large man with his hood up. Frightened Lyra takes off toward her fence line. The shades of dark started blending the faster she ran and the longer she went. She eventually ran into a solid thing, knocking her over. Lyra began rubbing her eyes to clear up her vision. What she was met was a creature that started raising its arm. Thanks to the moonlight Lyra saw a glint coming from what she could tell was a sword. Instinctually, she raised her Kendo in a pitiful display of defending herself. The creature swung through the Kendo stick, smashing through it and throwing Lyra several feet away. Blood dripping down the side of her face and struggling to get up. She finally rose and ran towards her door. Rushing through the rooms while these vile creatures gave chase, she ended up back in the display room. With nowhere left to go she falls to her knees and begs.
Lyra: "Please! Please leave me alone! Why are you doing this!"
The wails from Lyra did not bother the creatures who continued rushing forward. She closed her eyes as a flow of tears and blood go down her face. While her eyes were closed, she heard strange noises. SWOOSH! VRROOM! She heard a quaint voice after those noises.
Mysterious Woman: "Are you okay little one?"
The voice sounded of a woman maybe her Mid Thirties. Lyra slowly opened her eyes and saw a woman with silky black hair and exuberant with energy and glow.
Lyra: "Who are you? What are those things?"
The lady chuckled and pushed her hair behind her ear. Lyra noticed the slant to her eyes and the fair complexion. This lady was beautiful. The lady than began to speak over the groans of the dead and dying creatures.
Mysterious Woman: "I'm afraid I can't tell you that yet. Though I hope I can soon."
Lyra had visible confusion as she stood up. Grabbing at her side and trying to hide the pain.
Lyra: "Why not? What do you mean not yet?"
The groaning became louder yet. The lady gave a warm and loving smile.
Mysterious Woman: "Seems there isn't much time left. I'm here to help but, only if you take my hand. If you don't soon enough, then I can't help you."
Lyra's head is spinning and her vision blurry. Was this really happening? Was this lady real and were those things real? And perhaps the oddest thing about this situation is that she couldn't stop thinking about the katana.
Lyra: "I-I don't know what to think of all this stuff. I do know I don't want to die and if you can keep me alive then I'll take your hand."
She grabbed her hand as the lady smiles. Slowly the lady's body becomes transparent and disappear. Lyra was now alone with these things again. She doesn't know what to do.
Lyra: "Please, tell me what to do. I don't know what to do!"
She heard more chuckling in her head this time. The groaning of the creatures coming closer sends shivers down Lyras's spine.
Mysterious Woman: 'You see the Katana behind you Lyra? Take it so you can defend yourself.'
Lyra perked up and looked over at the katana that she wanted so much.
Lyra: "B-B-But I don't know how to use it? It'll be useless for me."
The lady chuckled again and told Lyra that it was okay.
Mysterious Woman: 'Just trust the blade, let it guide you Lyra."
The creatures were now in view and charging forward towards Lyra. She turned and reached quickly for the blade. Before her hands shook with anticipation and nervousness but, now her hand stayed steady. The blade slowly pulled from the sheath. The blade with a yellowish glow. There was a Kanji etched into it. Lyra wanted to ask the lady what it could've said but those creatures cut that possibility short. With a large downward swing heading toward her, Lyras eyes narrowed, and she slashed against the creature's sword. She turned her wrist and twisted the blade around the creatures, parrying the attack and sending the weapon flying. She then takes her chance and slashes from the left shoulder to the right hip. The creature fell in half of the floor as Lyra flicked blood off the weapon.
Lyra: "WOAH! How did I do that?"
The lady chuckled again and started talking to Lyra in her head.
Mysterious Woman: 'Well, we are soul binded. What I knew when I was alive is now given to you. That includes my skill with a blade. Oh, I almost forgot. You asked my name Earlier, It's Tomoe. And by the way, that Kanji says Kaminari, the name of the blade.'
Lyra looked down at the blade and the Kanji. She gripped it hard enough that her hand bled. She then walked over and wrote in the blood, 'Headed East'
Lyra: "The house is trashed; I can't stay here Tomoe. I'll go east."
Tomoe was a little puzzled by this but, trusted her new partner.
Tomoe: 'I think that's a great idea Lyra. Hopefully you'll find others.'