Part 1: The Festival Begins
The festival was alive with the sounds of laughter, music, and fireworks illuminating the evening sky.
Lanterns hung across the pathways, casting a warm glow over the sea of festivalgoers.
Among them–
Four people walked together through the bustling crowd.
It looked like a double date.
It was–
Hikaru.
Teshii.
Mei.
And Hikari.
However–
While Teshii, Mei, and Hikari were having the time of their lives…
Hikaru?
Hikaru was suffering.
And the reason?
Teshii.
With his twin sister.
Mei noticed Hikaru's expression and frowned.
"Hikaru, what's wrong?"
"Nothing." Hikaru said quickly – before turning to glare daggers at Teshii.
Mei tilted her head. "Is it because Hikari invited Teshii?"
"WHAT? NO. DEFINITELY NOT." Hikaru denied instantly.
"Oh? It's definitely because of that." Teshii laughed.
Hikaru snapped. "SHUT UP, TESHII."
Then–
"Hey!" Hikari clung to Teshii's arm. "Don't talk to my date like that."
Hikaru froze.
His eyes widened in horror.
"Hikari… what do you think you're doing?" Hikaru stared at her, panicked.
Hikari smirked. "What? Can't I be like this with my date?"
At that moment–
Hikaru's entire world crumbled.
Mei giggled. "Come on, Hikaru don't be such a grump. It's a double date, isn't it?"
Hikari nodded, smirking. "Yeah, Hikaru. Lighten up."
Hikaru groaned, rubbing his face. "This is NOT a double date."
Teshii snickered. "Sure, Sunshine. Keep telling yourself that."
Suddenly–
Mei pointed excitedly at a game stall.
"Hikaru! Let's try that one!"
Hikaru sighed but nodded. "Alright, let's go."
Before he could react, Mei grabbed his hand and dragged him away, leaving Teshii and Hikari alone.
Hikari smiled up at Teshii. "Guess it's just us."
Teshii stretched his arms. "Looks that way. So, where to?"
Hikari thought for a moment, then grinned.
"I bet I can beat you at the ring toss."
Teshii raised an eyebrow. "Ring toss, huh?"
Hikari crossed her arms. "What? You scared?"
Teshii chuckled. "Not at all. Just don't cry when I win."
And with that–
The two split off to compete in festival games, while Hikaru and Mei continued their own little adventure.
Hikaru & Mei
Hikaru stood at the game stall, eyes narrowed.
He had one mission.
Win Mei a prize.
But–
The game was clearly rigged.
Still, he tried one more time.
He threw the ball.
It landed in the basket.
For a moment–
It looked perfect.
But then–
The ball bounced out.
"OH, COME ON!" Hikaru shouted in frustration.
Mei giggled beside him.
Later–
Hikaru and Mei sat on a bench, watching the festival lights.
Hikaru sighed. "Sorry I couldn't win the prize you wanted, Mei."
Mei smiled softly. "It's okay, Hikaru. You tried. The game was rigged anyway."
Hikaru smirked. "That's what I'm saying!"
Mei laughed.
Then–
Mei hesitated.
"Hikaru?"
"Huh?" Hikaru looked at her.
Mei looked down, fiddling with her fingers.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
Mei paused.
Then – she took a deep breath.
"Did… did you like Aoi?"
Hikaru blinked. "Aoi?"
"Yeah." Mei looked away. "You two were childhood friends… so, I was just wondering if you liked her or not."
Hikaru tilted his head. "No. Of course not. Aoi's just my childhood friend. Besides… she's dating my other childhood friend, Yami."
Mei let out a quiet 'Oh.'
Hikaru grinned.
Then – he closed his eyes and leaned back.
"Besides… I'm on a date with you, remember?"
Mei turned to him, eyes wide.
Then–
She blushed.
Reunion
"Sunshine! Shy girl!"
Both turned at the sound of Teshii's voice.
Walking toward them–
Were Teshii and Hikari.
But–
In Hikari's arms…
Were three stuffed animals.
"Wow, Hikari! You got three?" Mei gasped.
Hikari grinned. "Yup! Teshii won them for me."
Hikaru's jaw dropped.
Hikari walked up to Mei, handing her one.
"Here, Mei. This is for you."
Mei blinked. "B-but this is yours."
Hikari shook her head. "Me and Teshii saw how useless my brother was at winning this exact prize for you. So, take it."
Hikaru felt his soul leave his body. "Ouch. That really hurts, you know."
Everyone laughed.
As they continued walking–
They stopped at a stage.
Hikari and Mei excitedly wanted to watch a performance.
But–
Hikaru and Teshii exchanged a look.
Teshii leaned in. "Let's focus, Hikaru. The Element of Water might be here."
Hikaru nodded.
Then–
A strange energy pulsed through the air.
Hikaru's eyes widened. "Teshii… did you feel that?"
Teshii narrowed his eyes. "Yep. I definitely felt it."
Then–
The lights dimmed.
A figure stepped onto the stage.
A voice echoed.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!"
Part 2: Element of Water
The performer stepped onto the stage.
He had blue hair, traditional festival clothing, and a calm, confident aura.
Then–
He raised his hand.
And–
Water rose with it.
Hikari and Mei gasped in awe.
"Wow! The water is moving on its own!" Hikari whispered, amazed.
The crowd erupted into cheers.
The performer manipulated the water with incredible precision–
Creating dancing waves, floating spheres, and shimmering streams of liquid in midair.
It was effortless.
It was beautiful.
It was powerful.
But–
Among the cheers and applause–
Two people weren't clapping
Hikaru.
Teshii.
Hikaru and Teshii slowly turned to look at each other.
Neither of them spoke.
They didn't need to.
They both knew exactly who the performer was.
The Element of Water.
The performance continued.
Hikaru and Teshii watched closely.
The way he controlled the water–
So natural.
So fluid.
So… effortless.
Hikaru narrowed his eyes. "He's skilled."
Teshii nodded. "Yeah… way too skilled for a simple performer."
As the performance ended, the crowd cheered loudly.
Hikari and Mei clapped excitedly.
But–
Hikari frowned.
"Hey… what's up with them?" she whispered to Mei.
Mei glanced at Hikaru and Teshii, both laser-focused on the stage.
"No idea," she muttered.
Then–
Before either of them could ask–
Hikaru and Teshii moved.
They walked toward the backstage entrance.
Mei blnked. "Wait – where are you going?!"
Hikari huffed. "Hey!"
They ran after them.
The Performer
Hikaru and Teshii stopped at the backstage entrance.
Hikaru knocked on the door.
It opened.
And standing before them–
Was the performer.
A young man.
Hikaru and Teshii were caught off guard.
They hadn't expected him to be this young.
"Um… can I help you?" the performer asked.
Teshii grinned. "That was a nice trick you pulled up there."
The young performer tilted his head. "Oh. Thank you very much! I've been improving my tricks since last year."
He extended his hand.
"Haruto Setsuna."
CHARACTER INTRODUCTION
Name: Haruto Setsuna
Age: 19
Hair Colour: Blue
Eye Colour: Silver
Height: 5'9
Weight: 155lbs
Occupation: Performer
Hikaru slowly shook his hand.
"Hikaru Nozomi."
Teshii grinned, shaking Haruto's hand next.
"Teshii. Just Teshii."
Before they could go any deeper–
"Hikaru!"
Hikaru flinched.
He realized something.
He completely forgot about the date.
Mei. Hikari.
They were standing behind him, looking at him and Teshii expectantly.
"Hikaru, what's wrong?" Mei asked. "You and Teshii just ran off!"
Hikaru felt a lump in his throat.
He had promised himself that he would prioritize the date over the mission.
And yet–
Here he was.
Teshii glanced over at Hikari, who pouted at him.
He expected her to be upset.
But–
"Did I do something wrong?" Hikari asked softly.
Teshii blinked. "What? No, of course not. I just saw something and me and Hikaru need to check it out."
Hikari frowned but nodded. "If you say so."
Then–
"Um…" Haruto spoke up.
Hikaru quickly turned to him.
"Uh – sorry! We need to, uh – talk to you later! Right now, I gotta–"
Teshii clapped hand on Hikaru's shoulder.
"Don't worry. I got this."
Hikaru blinked. "Huh?"
Teshii smirked.
"I'll talk to Haruto. You go back to your precious date."
Hikaru opened his mouth to argue.
But then–
He saw the way Mei and Hikari were staring at him.
Expectantly.
He sighed.
"…Fine."
Teshii smiled at Hikari, placing both hands on her shoulders.
"Hikari, go with your brother for now, okay? I just need to talk to the special performer. But I promise I'll come back."
Hikari looked at him. "Okay."
Teshii winked. "Just… don't miss me too much."
Hikari blushed.
Hikaru groaned. "Let's go."
As Hikaru led Mei and Hikari back into the festival crowd…
Teshii turned back to Haruto.
"Right. Back to business."
The Nickname Theory
As Hikaru, Mei, and Hikari walked away…
Mei suddenly gasped.
"Hey! I just thought of something!"
Hikaru and Hikari looked at her.
Mei smirked. "Teshii calls me 'Shy Girl' and Hikaru 'Sunshine'… but when it comes to Hikari, he calls her by her real name. I wonder why?"
Hikari blushed.
Mei's smirk widened. "Maybe Teshii likes Hikari."
Hikari turned red. "H-He does not!"
Mei laughed. "He must be taking you seriously then."
Hikaru sighed. "Mei… I don't think that really matters."
Then–
Hikaru bumped into someone.
"Oh, sorry about that." Hikaru apologized.
The man he bumbed into had–
Blue hair. Silver eyes.
Just like–
Haruto.
But older.
The man ignored Hikaru and walked away.
Hikari huffed. "Okay, that was just rude."
But–
Hikaru felt uneasy.
That man…
He looked exactly like Haruto.
Part 3: Overprotective
Hikaru tried to refocus.
He needed to prioritize the date with Mei and Hikari–
And keep the Order of the Elements a secret.
But one thing still bothered him.
The man who bumped into him.
He looked exactly like Haruto.
But older.
Then–
"Are you okay, Hikaru?" Mei asked, concerned.
Hikaru snapped out of his thoughts.
He turned to Mei with a smile.
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"Are you sure?" Hikari frowned. "It looks like something is bothering you."
Hikaru shook his head. "I'm sure."
Mei and Hikari exchanged glances.
Hikari sighed. "If you say so, brother."
Teshii & Haruto
Teshii stood before Haruto, grinning.
He clapped his hands. "Alright, let's get straight to the point."
Haruto tilted his head, curious.
"You're special, Haruto." Teshii said.
Haruto raised an eyebrow. "Special?"
Teshii nodded.
"That little trick you did back there? That wasn't just some performance."
Haruto crossed his arms. "What do you mean?"
"You're the Element of Water." Teshii said.
Haruto froze, "Element of… Water?"
"Yep." Teshii continued. "One of the 10 Elements. The Element of Water grands control over water – just like how you controlled it on stage."
Haruto's eyes widened.
He looked down at his hands. "I always thought I was the only one like this… but if you're saying there are 10… does that mean there are others like me?"
Teshii grinned. "Yep! That fanboy from earlier – Sunshine? He's the Element of Light."
Haruto blinked. "Hikaru?"
"Yeah, Aqua."
Haruto narrowed his eyes. "Aqua?"
Teshii smirked. "Oh yeah, if you don't mind, that's what I'll be calling you from now on."
Haruto sighed. "I don't even know you."
Teshii shrugged. "You'll get used to me."
Haruto looked up. "But what does this mean?"
Teshii extended his hand. "Join us, Aqua."
Haruto raised an eyebrow. "Join what?"
"The Order of the Elements."
Haruto tilted his head. "Order of the Elements?"
Teshii nodded. "It's a secret organaztion. We're gathering the 10 Elemental Warriors, and so far, we've found you and Sunshine. We could use your help."
Haruto stared at Teshii's outstretched hand.
Then–
"NO!"
Teshii and Haruto turned toward the voice.
A man stepped forward.
The same man who bumped into Hikaru earlier.
Teshii raised an eyebrow. "Who are you?"
Haruto sighed. "Big Brother."
Teshii blinked. "Big Brother?"
CHARACTER INTRODUCTION
Name: Mamoru Setsuna
Age: 27
Hair Colour: Blue
Eye Colour: Silver
Height: 6'0
Weight: 171lbs
Occupation: Unknown
Haruto rubbed his temples. "Teshii, meet Mamoru. My older brother."
Mamoru folded his arms. "I heard everything."
His voice was calm – but firm.
"You want my little brother to join some cult?"
Teshii gasped dramatically. "CULT?! That's a bit harsh, mate."
Then – Teshii smirked.
"If it was a cult, I'd be wearing robes.
Haruto facepalmed. "Please, can we not do this right now?"
But Mamoru wasn't backing down.
Mamoru stepped forward, his presence heavy.
"Listen. I don't know who you are, and I don't care. But I'm not letting my brother get involved in something dangerous."
Teshii's grin didn't fade.
But his eyes sharpened.
"Oh? And what will you do if he does?"
Haruto sensed a fight brewing.
He quickly stepped between them. "Guys, please, let's not do this."
Teshii shrugged. "What? I like the guy."
Mamoru's gaze darkened.
"Look, whoever you are–"
"Teshii, the King of Martial Arts."
"I don't care." Mamoru snapped. "I want you to leave."
For a moment – there was silence.
Then–
Teshii sighed, relaxing his posture.
"Fine. I'll leave."
He turned away, walking off without another word.
Haruto stepped in front of Mamoru.
"Brother, you didn't have to do that. That was rude."
But–
Mamoru ignored him.
His mind was elsewhere.
Something Teshii had said…
Something that stood out to him.
"Teshii, the King of Martial Arts."
Mamoru's expression didn't change.
But deep down–
He was interested.
Meanwhile
A festival staff member was taking a break behind the stalls.
He saw a woman in red.
She had red hair, red eyes, red lipstick, red clothing.
He walked up to her.
"Are you okay, miss?"
She ignored the question.
Then–
She leaned in.
And kissed him.
For a moment – it seemed normal.
Then–
Blood.
His life was already fading.
She pulled away, wiping her lips.
She looked down at his lifeless body.
And–
She smiled.
TO BE CONTINUE!!!