1 Chapter 1
♤ No P.O.V ♤
Hikari was the granddaughter of a rich businessman living and running his business within the city, known as Mr. Orochi Fujiwara. However she wasn't exactly familiar with this grandfather of hers as when her mother was pregnant with her, her father, Sero Fujiwara, was disowned by that very grandfather of hers since he married a commoner, Aimi Soma - Fujiwawra, and what's worse was that he got that very commoner pregnant as well.
Her father did not take lightly of being disowned which resulted to him divorcing Hikari's mother and splitting custody. Her father tried very hard to get back the inheritance he was once promised as well as the good side of Mr. Orochi, but rotten runs in the blod, his efforts were to no avail.
Hikari never really liked her father because of this. There are times where her father drinks till he's drunk even when Hikari was in his care and he'd blame her for everything that's happened in his life.
Fortunately, Hikari took it like a champ, she was a bright young girl, smart and cunning so she knew what to do to keep herself safe. She was raised by a strong woman, after all.
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One day however, when Hikari was just a young 9 year old, her father thought of a plan to get back on her grandfather's good side. Sero offered Mr. Orochi the chance to get to know his granddaughter and have asked if she would be allowed to spend one summer there. If Mr. Orochi has taken a liking to his granddaughter then he surely has to take back his son, Sero, as well, or so how he thought.
Sero wasted no time teaching Hikari what to do and how to behave, even scolding her whenever she did something wrong. She must be perfect when she finally meets this grandfather of hers and she must do anything she can for him to like her as a granddaughter.
When summer finally arrived, Hikari bid farewell to her mother promising to behave and keep herself safe. Maybe even bring a small gift home to her mom. Aimi, however, wanted nothing more but for her daughter to be safe. She gave Hikari a small adjustable cloth woven bracelet she made. It's a lucky charm to keep her safe and away from harm. "I love you Mom. I promise I'll be safe, I'll take good care of your bracelet."
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When she and her father arrived at the summer house of her grandfather she was also greeted by the sight of another young girl, she looked about her age, maybe a bit older, her eyes glistened like Blue Sapphires and her hair was brunette, it gave off a warm brown color.
"Erm, who might this be Father?" Sero asked Mr. Orochi.
"A young girl I was tasked to take care of, she was from the orphanage in the town near this summer house, I've rather taken a liking to her and if she behaves, I just might have a new heiress, as I do not have current children available to inherit my fortune. That is, if she behaves and does what she's told" Mr. Orochi spoke as his hand slightly tightened around the young blue eyed girl.
Hikari knows for sure, something doesn't feel right and the atmosphere around the room grew thick enough for someone to cut through it like a slice of gelatin. Hikari was a bright child after all, so without a moment to lose she put on a fake smile and spoke.
"Well, it's ever so lovely to meet everyone. Would you like to play- um? I'm sorry but I didn't seem to catch your name?" Hikari asked to which the Blue Eyed girl just looked at her in silence.
"She doesn't have a name yet, for now she's being observed and tested." Her grandfather spoke coldly as he walked away slowly to leave the room. "There's no need for you to stay much longer Sero, you may leave. I'll be sure to have one of the servants give you a call from time to time." I spoke one last time before closing the door to what seemed like his office.
Sero was then escorted out much to his dismay as Hikari and the other child were escorted to the garden.
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"Hey, I'm Hikari by the way.. Don't you have.. Like, any name for yourself?" She asked the quiet girl to which she shook her head instead.
"I see, that's a bit difficult then. Are there any things you like? What's your favorite food? How about favorite... day? month?" She asked walking around the garden.
The nameless child just stood in silence and shook her head again. Hikari just scratched her head in confusion.
"You don't talk much do you?" Hikari said as the other girl suddenly looked very sad, and suddenly apologized.
"I'm sorry.. I don't really know... much words." She spoke, Hikari's face beamed brightly as she ran up to the other girl.
"That's totally okay! I can teach you!" she said smiling. Startling the other girl.
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The two were now in the quiet girl's room where she prepared paper on a table as she was also excited to learn new things as well. As the other girl was busy preparing papers Hikari also saw various drawings, however most of them were of fireworks.
"Woah, you sure like fireworks huh?" She questioned the other girl to which she nodded furiously.
"Hm! Fireworks!" The quiet girl exclaimed. Hikari almost found the sight funny.
"How about we name you that. Well... like a name of the same meaning? Naming a person "Fireworks" seems a little harsh and rude. How about.. Hanabi?" She questioned the quiet girl.
Her expression brightened as she nodded aggressively suddenly lunging to hug Hikari. "Hm, Hanabi!" she spoke.
Hikari could only laugh and rub the other girl's head. "It's our little secret though, can't have grandfather finding out I named you, hehe. It's a secret alright. Shhhhh" Hikari held up a finger against her mouth going 'shhhhh' to which Hanabi copied, making Hikari snort a laugh.
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Hikari spent most of the time having fun and teaching Hanabi how to write basic words and even how to count.
However, she also felt how close her grandfather was to Hanabi. A little too close for comfort. People her age don't usually see the difference between familial, platonic closeness to something else, to a different kind of closeness. But Hikari knew for sure the difference and this wasn't the familial kind. Because of that she would often sleep next to Hanabi.
There were times Hanabi had nightmares but Hikari knew how to calm her friend down.
With the constant occurrence of these nightmare she tried getting answers from Hanabi herself. Thankfully nothing bad has happened yet. Certain touches really just made Hanabi uncomfortable, and the old bastard was even more touchy before Hikari came.
Hikari's presence really gave Hanabi a huge feeling of relief and safety.
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Hanabi's relief suddenly turned into anxiety and fear when Hikari explained that summer was already near the end and that she needed to leave soon. That's why she wanted to tell Hanabi sooner so that she may be able to adjust.
"I really need to leave soon alright? We'll play next time again alright?" Hikari assured Hanabi, careful not to mention the name she gave her.
"Yes, young Hikari shall come again next summer. Maybe even this Christmas break. But for now she needs to go back home alright?" Mr. Orochi spoke as he once again put a hand, rubbing Hanabi's shoulder. Making her flinch and look down suddenly. Hikari saw this and she knew for sure, the friend she spent all summer with isn't going to be safe.
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When nighttime came Hikari was quiet sitting beside a crying Hanabi. It really broke Hanabi's heart that the only feeling of safety was about to leave.
"Hey. Hanabi? I'm sorry. But it looks like I won't be seeing you so soon afterall." Hikari took a hold of Hanabi's hand, she put the bracelet her mother gave her around Hanabi's wrist. "This is called a charm alright? My mom gave it to me, it'll keep you safe."
With that Hikari ran to the phone contacting the Authorities and advising them to move carefully, and meet her and her friend outside the house on the location she gave.
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A lot has happened on that night, it involved a lot of police and even ambulances to gather around, flashing red lights and blaring sounds scattered everywhere.
To everyone's surprise and with the statement of the young Hikari, Mr. Orochi was further investigated and was guilty of possessing multiple child p*rnoghrapy video tapes and all have evidences of him being the creator of the very videos found.
As those who were supposed to be arrested were now being arrested. Hikari walked towards Hanabi who had just been interview and medically checked and was marked clean. "I don't think we'll be meeting anytime soon.. But I hope you find a family who'll love you and genuinely be there for you. This charm will keep you safe! I know it!" Hikari hugged Hanabi one last time and the rest was history for the two.
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The huge scandal and with all the backlash the Fujiwara business plummeted down and have been dragged to the dirt until nothing was left of it.
Aimi has taken it to herself to fully cut off Sero Fujiwara from their lives and with that She and Hikari are now living far away from them and Hikari has decided to take in her Mother's last name.
