The wind’s eerie cry reached its climax as leaves shook and the ground stirred. Tonight was drowned in a black blanket full of grey clouds that covered the indigo sky; the moon scarcely peeked through occasional openings, and, at times, glowered through the dark veil. Clashes and rumbles echoed from behind verdant mountains, a warning that a strong storm would soon approach the small town.

Caught between the winds’ and the rain’s indecisive direction and heavy force was Yuuki, hissing profanities that were made inaudible by the inimical environment. Drenched from head to toe, she sent a flurry of curses directed at her master. “Of all nights to do such a thing,” Yuuki seethed, glaring over at the one house whose garden was slightly visible from the right side angle of the front. “…Of all nights!” Yuuki continued her irrepressible rant, “You just had to give me an order on this sloppy night, didn’t you, Master?”

Sharp, black eyes quickly scanned the surrounding area, and once she finally caught a glimpse of a covered porch, a smile lit across her face for the first time that night. As she stepped onto the wooden surface, Yuuki stopped herself from sending another curse her master’s way when she spotted a group of Morning Flowers in the garden.

For the second time that night, Yuuki smiled. Walking out into the evolving storm, she gently pried a single Morning Flower from the soil. Thinking about how lovely its bright colors would stand out against her rich, black hair, she situated the flower above her cat-like ears. “Master.” Her voice was calm this time, timid even, with no trace of the frustration she had felt moments ago ever being present. Her eyes became distant as a forbidden memory recalled itself, and her heart danced as she thought of the satisfaction and attention that would accompany the accomplishment of this mission.

My orders… Yuuki’s orders had been stern and direct: to capture the girl before daybreak. Shaking away the memory and enveloping herself with anticipation of the rewards she would receive upon arriving home—with the girl intact—she stepped back onto the porch.

“Here I come, Hiraku.” With that, she quietly slid the door open, engulfed by darkness upon entry.