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clankryze511 · 5 years

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The Search for Ezra

Story by @ofhisbridgerways on Instagram Edited by me

Sometime had past since the Ghost Crew, and a band of rebels had liberated the planet of Lothal, Ezra had set the final plan in motion into freeing his home world from total Emperial Lockdown, as he was in a desolate location in the unknown region as he awoke after he had been knocked unconscious after dropping out from hyperspace, he would look around, as he limped into a cave where he managed to keep himself warm, and fully immense himself into the force, as he would meditate, knowing that Sabine would find him. The two had grown so close before the Final battle of Lothal, to liberate the system, he had complete faith in the fact that she would one day find him, and bring him back home. He also had this strange feeling anytime that she entered his thoughts, though they were friends, he felt something more than being just friends, as he cleared his mind. Sabine reminisced on some of the old days, back when Kanan was among their numbers. Back before when they were simply six against a mighty Empire that reigned across the galaxy. Simpler times in a way, they have long passed and now the Empire was finally gone... not just from Lothal, but from everywhere. From the farthest reaches of Tatooine, to the shining cities of Coruscant. Still no sign of Ezra, but she’s looking... she hasn’t given up on him yet. It was funny, the two had come a long way in the terms of relationship. First, she knew him as the Kid. Now, he was probably one of her closest friends... closer than she would ever imagine. If someone were to tell her years back that she would become friends with some blue haired kid that would become a great friend... she admits, she would probably be skeptical. Not that it truly matters now. Sometimes, she could swear there was more to their relationship than she thought. Maybe that was just her brain going off of stupid things... maybe not, emotions can be weird, for the most part. She stood up, helmet at her side. She’ll find him, she had to.

As Ezra meditate, he had a vision that showed him the fact there was one ship that wasnt damaged nearby, that had a working transmitter, to perhaps send off a distress signal, or some sort of communication, that he only hoped could reach Sabine, and be able to help her find him. He then sat and thought to himself "I know I can always count on you, Sabine. Don't give up hope on finding me." He then would mutter words under his breath, not realizing that he was saying this in a transmission, nor out loud "I love you.." as the transmission was sent in a rather quick way, though surprising to Ezra, he was certain that no one would receive the transmission, as he bandaged his shoulder up from where Thrawn had shot him, before the two left Lothal. Sabine sat at the control console of the ship, it wasn’t the Ghost... but it was something so she could have some privacy. Somewhere she can vent her thoughts, almost like her room was. Decorative drawings were scattered around the interior, some unfinished and some barely drawn. The search for Ezra still consumed most of her mental facilities, the Jedi was unique... funny, sometimes, but he was a friend she could count on. Now, more than ever, he was counting on her to bring him home. She wasn’t sure where Thrawn was, or even what his fate was...but damn that Chiss. Even if he lived, she didn’t doubt that Ezra would’ve dealt with him by now. Probably would’ve been difficult without his lightsaber, but not impossible. The Mandalorian perked up at the sudden beeping on the console, staring at the lightsaber that laid above it, untouched by her artistic hand. Even if she had inspiration... she couldn’t bring herself to spray over it, a rarity in her life. Though he felt weak, he didn't give up hope knowing that soon Sabine would be there to rescue him, and bring him back home, and nothing would stop her. He knew in his heart the Mandalorian would come and bring him back to where he belonged. He had also learned in the force to send a telepathic message to those not strong in the ways of the force, as he used more strength to send a message to Sabine "Please... I am here, you've been on this planet before..." Before he passed out from exhaustion, as he had a strenuous battle, and over-strangulating his abilities in the force, as he was kept warm, so he could be kept alive. Sabine heard the plea for help, the transmission playing like a spark of hope over an open fire of space. Her fingers moved without thought, pruning up the engines. This was the first time she has heard from Ezra in a long time, her eyes sharp and focused on tracing back the transmission. The last words played on and she felt her heart do flips, she was uncertain what this feeling was. She brushed off her current thoughts, managing to find a general location. And what it said, shocked her... the Unknown Regions. That’s a bit far, but she didn’t give it too much thought, only precise calculations. She just hoped that it wasn’t within a black hole, but honestly... she had a good feeling about this. “I won’t break my promise.” She vocalized, putting in the coordinates and making the jump. As he heard her reply, from the vastness of being in the Unknown Region, a small smile formed upon the now older Jedi, whom still held out hope that the one he cared about more than anything in the universe, would find him soon, and that he could be reunited with her once more. Though he always had feelings for her, they had seemed to grow stronger as they got older, and got to do more missions together, as he felt a tear fall from his eyes, reminiscing about how things were with Kanan, before he was able to regain himself, and sit up against the side of the ship, patiently awaiting the one woman in his life to appear before him. The stars zoomed by, quick and almost as if they were long lines. Though to Sabine, it was slow... too slow. There was no time to waste, no time to mess around. Her brain currently on overdrive as she ran a hand through her now shorter hair, every sound almost audible aboard the ship. There were few people that weren’t family that she would to the ends of the Galaxy to find... Ezra topping that list. Despite how closed off she was at the beginning, he cared and tried to talk to her. Despite how much of an ass she could be, he still tried to be her friend... and in a time when her clan hated. Ketsu had left and when she felt she couldn’t trust anyone, it was special. Really special. The ship soon left hyperspace, breaking her from her thoughts and memories. Ezra would then open his eyes completely as he sensed a ship coming out of hyperspace, as he knew without a question, it was in fact Sabine, who heard his pleas for help, as he felt a sense of almost having butterflies in his stomach, it had been nearly a decade or so since he'd seen the Mandalorian, and he held so many questions within him, but he remained calm, and found his center, as he got back into the ship, as he awaited the ship to land near him, as he knew she was close. The Only thing that the Jedi could do now, was wait, and trust in his friend, but more importantly, he knew that once they reunited, that he would have to reveal a hidden feeling to her, unsure of what her reaction might be. Sabine placed her helmet on her head, sending a ping out to any active transmitter in the area. Her stomach curled with worry for the guy that she cared about, who sacrificed himself for Lothal. Her fingers tightened on the ship’s controls without her knowledge, as she awaited a ping. The cold expanse of space was unfeeling, yet she knew that Ezra was near. He had to be... she took a deep breath to calm herself. The Mandalorian anxiously waited for some transmission to spark back, something... anything. Even if it was some lame pick up line that came through. Then, truly pinpointing where he was would be easier than paint... well, that was an exaggeration, barely anything flows together than the Spray Can she still carries with her. With a renewed strength, he sent another transmission, stating this time "Tell me how much you've missed me now." As a small smile creased the Jedi's lips, as he awaited the response, as he looked at the scanner and picked up a ship coming in close to his proximity, as he paused feeling tears run down his face, as he did not forget about Sabine, the undeniable love of his life, though he never admitted it to her, because he was afraid of falling in love, after his parents were close within reach to him, prior to his sacrifice. He dropped to a knee in pure joy knowing that he was found, and still was alive. “A lot, dork.” Sabine said, keeping the positive emotions from overwhelming her. It has been a while since she had heard Ezra’s voice, and it was like no time had passed. “I’m on approach.” She said, hands moving to bring the ship to Ezra’s location. She didn’t bother to ask about Thrawn, fingers flipping over the landing gear. She felt the ship land, ground meeting metal once again... well, for the first time in a few hours. Once landed, she sprinted from her seat, purpose in mind. This was a moment in both dreams and nightmares... for fear that Ezra could be dead. That fear, fortunately has passed... and Sabine has never been happier to hear his voice. Relief and happiness have made themselves known in her mind. As he saw lights of a ship come into his view, The older Jedi now stood up from being in the ship, appearing on the side, as he saw her for the very first time since they were on Lothal, as he couldn't help himself, he would run off towards the Mandalorian, no worries in the world. He sensed her emotion, and the joy she had in her angelic eyes, as he ran up towards her, as a smile came across his face, before wrapping his arms around the woman that stole his heart, and his face buried into her neck, he would speak to her for the first time since their final encounter on Lothal. "You cut your hair, to resemble mine hm?" For the first time in what seemed to be a lifetime, he felt like a normal person, and not just a Jedi. But to Sabine, he knew he obviously meant more to her than before. “Yeah, it helped.” Sabine admitted, arms tightly wrapped around Ezra. Her armor had changed once again, now with bits and pieces of all the armor types she wore over the years. All combined into one neat new color scheme, “It’s great to see you again.” The Mandalorian managed, fingers holding onto the fabric of Ezra’s clothes tightly. A reassurance, that this was real... very real. Practically a dream come true in a way, a recurring one to be exact. She let her lips curl into a huge grin, relief washing over her. She can almost remember some of the sleepless nights she had while searching. The cold stars her company, the others were there to help when they can. Now within the arms of the Mandalorian whom he grew close to, he would whisper in her ear for the first time in a long time, and what felt right to him at that time "I love you." as he looked into her eyes, seeing the relief, and at the same time, seeing her emotion at seeing him for the first time, since he nearly heard the heartbreak in her voice when she begged him to not be in the Star Destroyer when they liberated Lothal years prior; he would then say to her with a completely confident feeling amongst him, knowing that he could be honest with her. "I've waited so long to be able to ask you this, Sabine. But I would like to give you one single kiss. If you'd allow it." The Jedi paused for a moment, as he held her in his arms, knowing she felt a sense of comfort and security with him being around again. “I know, and I love you too.” Sabine said, staring Ezra in the eyes. Blue orbs that always seem to beam with friendliness and some form of positivity. Her thoughts drifted back to the past once more, specifically all the time she and Ezra spent together. From the first words - they spoke to each other to the Battle of Lothal. Her mind snapped back to reality, hearing the next words the Jedi said. He was taller, now no longer being the shortest of the non-droid members of the Ghost. “Yeah, I’d like that.” She admitted, time itself seeming to slow down - as a small breeze blew by. The air not cold, just a nice amount of cool. Her heart began to beat faster in her chest, ready for this to happen. As the two stood in between the ships, Ezra leaned in as his lips connected with Sabine's. Sabine kissed back It felt like time stopped as his lips connected with hers, allowing himself to be in the moment, with no one saying anything to him, as he realized that she was the only one that meant - more than the well-being of himself. He learned more as he was stranded on a planet, but one thing remained the same, and that was that he fell in love with the Mandalorian, who at first was indeed an ass to him, but he felt even closer to her than even his own parents, since - he had been on his own, prior to meeting the Ghost Crew. He looked into her eyes, and said "Lets go back to Lothal, my love." “Yeah, Lothal... it has changed for the better. The sky’s no longer polluted.” She said, remembering it rebuilding as she and the others watched over it. No Imperials decided to take the planet back, thankfully. Ezra looked Sabine in her eyes, as he spoke to her " I sense your trembling.. whats troubling you." The Jedi could sense a overwhelming amount of emotion coming over the Mandalorian as he felt tears from her face on his hands before he stopped to ask her once more, this time - with a little more of a worried tone to his voice. "Whats wrong, Sabine?" Sabine took a moment, taking deep breaths in an attempt to reign in her emotions. All nice feelings just bubbling at the forefront of her mind, it was as if a part of her knew this moment would be assured... and it has. “Just... kind of overwhelmed, y’know?” She admitted, eyes continuing to stare into Ezra’s, a hand moving to the back of her neck. The good kind of overwhelmed, thankfully. "Is it because you found me?" The Jedi looked into his loves eyes, noticing that she couldn't stop smiling at him. He then would reply with another promise, this time managing to hold Sabines hand, before kneeling down, looking up at her as a smile creased his lips before he said "And I promise for today, and everyday for the rest of our lives to be the best man I can be for you. I love you, my queen”.

#Ezra Bridger #Sabine Wren #Sabezra #Ezrabine

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athyrabunlord · 6 years

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LLSHP 17 - Untitled

Arc1: [Chapter 1] [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3] [Chapter 4] [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] [Chapter 7]

Arc2: [Chapter 8] [Chapter 9] [Chapter 10] [Chapter 11] [Chapter 12] [Chapter 13] [Chapter 14]

Arc3: [Chapter 15] [Chapter 16] [Chapter 17] [Chapter 18 - sanguinem pudicitia (TBD)]

Interludes: [Carbonado (1)] [Carbonado (2)] [Of Feathers and Wind] [Delphinus (teaser blip)]

[Brief note about School Term] [other LLSHP AU stuff] [YohaMaRuby concept arts] [ChikaYouRiko concept arts] [KanaDiaMari concept arts] [Hogwarts Staff]

[FFN link] (up until ch14!) [Pixiv Link] [Translated to Chinese by plin2290]

A/N: After gazillion years I finally finished this chapter XD; And no, that’s not a typo, this chapter really is called ‘Untitled’. Anyway, this chapter went through a bunch of rewrites and, combined with RL issues, it took this long to complete. The next chapter will be more fun I promise whenever that is. As always, any feedback is appreciated and thank you for reading! Words: 7,814

Not even a week has passed since the visit to the hospital, two letters arrived at Hogwarts, one they had been hoping for and one unexpected.

The first letter was from the Kurosawa Patriarch, with a seal of approval for Dia to visit Riko. This was most likely due to the hospital staff and the Sakurauchis’ requests, as he had disregarded Ruby’s prior inquiries. However, Dia must be cleared of her charges before she could be allowed to step out of the Estate. While the heiress was never formally convicted, any smidgen of doubt is still a stain to the family name, and there are laws to abide to as well. From the Ministry’s standpoint, Dia is not guilty yet not innocent either, especially since there have been no leads to who the true perpetrators were.

Therefore, for the time being, Dia and Ruby’s parents will be meeting with the Sakurauchis to discuss what they could do in this situation, to help Riko’s recovery. As the former Chief Warlock whose words carry a lot of weight, the Patriarch has also exerted his influence and connections with the Ministry. Several of the Kurosawas from the Estate are allowed to join the Auror team that has been investigating Moonstruck and the slip of security on Hogwart grounds that led to Riko’s kidnapping.

It isn’t the best scenario, but it is at least more than they could have hoped for.

The second letter was from Hanamaru’s grandmother, about how her grandfather is sick with a flu and wishes to see her. Without access to owls, Muggle relatives usually send letters to a specific address, which is actually an outpost under the Muggle Liaison Office’s jurisdiction. Because of this extra detour, the letter took longer to be delivered and so Hanamaru doesn’t know if he has already recovered or if the flu has worsened.

As much as she tries not to let it show, but she must miss her family especially after the rather traumatic hospital visit. Ruby is able to convince Hanamaru that they will be fine and she should visit her family.

Yoshiko requests to go with Hanamaru, a gesture that the rest of the group appears rather happy about, especially the brunette. At the end, Ruby has managed to include herself, along with Chika and You, in the meeting today between her parents and the Sakurauchis, while Kanan and Mari decide to stay behind at Hogwarts. The staff, some of the Professors especially, is sympathetic to their situation and is willing to turn a blind eye to their supposed surveillance.

And so, it is with heavy heart that Yoshiko treks towards Hogsmeade with Hanamaru and Professor Hoshizora, who volunteered to accompany them. To get to Hanamaru’s home, they would have to travel either via Apparition or Portkey since there is no fireplace at her house, and even if there is one, it’s not connected to the Floo Network anyway. Therefore, a special Portkey has been arranged to be activated at a designated spot to bring the girls to the Kunikida residence.

Yoshiko walks a little ways behind the chatting pair, still feeling a little awkward in spite of that heart to heart conversation with Hanamaru at the bus stop. She has, however, acknowledges that she needs to stop pushing away her important people and stay close to Hanamaru for as long as she could. She promised her that she would try.

“Okay, here we are!” They stop just outside of the train station, and Yoshiko wistfully recalls the last time she was here, with Ruby and Hanamaru, running from the supposed Grim and receiving help from the golden cat.

“Thanks for taking us here zura~”

“No worries, I need to get some supplies from Hogsmeade anyway so this is on my way nya~” Professor Hoshizora was the one to bring the petite Muggleborn to Diagon Alley, so it makes sense that Hanamaru feels most at ease around her. After all, her memory is clear up until her arrival at King’s Cross Station.

“So, just remember to touch this badge again at 5pm nya, both of you,” the gamekeeper hands a riceball-shaped badge to Hanamaru. “And it will bring you back here, where I’ll be waiting to take you back to the Castle. Unless, of course, if there’s any emergency, just tap on the badge with your wand and someone should Apparate right over to you! Any questions? No? Good!” She thoughtfully rubs her chin as she peers at the teenagers. “Hmm, you sure you don’t need another person going with you two nya?”

The ponytailed witch looks concerned at their wellbeing, rather than having them leave the castle grounds unsupervised. Yoshiko appreciates that, but she still replies firmly. “I’m more than enough to protect her, Professor, but thank you for offering.”

Lucifer pops out from under her jacket then, hissing as if to protest that it is a fine bodyguard too. She doesn’t know how the bat knows, but it’s rather miffed at her for wandering around the Muggle world by her lonesome. Since then, her loyal minion has been attached to her side since her return, even during daytime like now.

Professor Hoshizora laughs. “I see you’re both set then! Well, lemme tell you a lil secret nya~” She lowers her voice playfully. “The Trace is actually just a myth, meaning you can use magic in the Muggle world. We trust that you will not abuse magic and follow the standard protocol of the Statue of Secrecy, so it’s okay if you want to show off some tricks for your family nya~”

“Oh, but I can’t use magic, not really anyway. It comes and goes zura…”

“That’s why she’s here, isn’t she?” The Muggleborn professor laughs again and ruffles Yoshiko’s hair, ignoring her protest. “As awesome as magic is, it’s always good to spend time with your family. Have fun nya~”

Though slightly annoyed, Yoshiko is grateful for the Professor’s effort in lightening up the atmosphere. She could tell Hanamaru’s feeling anxious, in spite of her cheerful tone while conversing with the older witch.

Yoshiko holds out her hand, and without any hesitation Hanamaru hands over the badge to her, though her fingers remain in contact with the Portkey. Minutes later, upon the activation time, she feels this unpleasant sensation of something hooking her navel and flinging her into the sky!

The world spins around her, disjointed scenes of clouds and forests and roads and whatnot. The nauseous sensation continues to swirl, particularly in her tummy, even after they land ungracefully at a small clearing.

“Ugh, no wonder the Apparition license is so popular… I bet anything’s better than Portkeys.” She fights down the urge to throw up and shakes her head slowly a few times. “As soon as I’m of age, I’m so gonna-” Before her mind begins to form plans for the future, she bitterly stops herself and tries to focus on the present. Lucifer rolls out of her jacket, coughing sickly from the Portkey travel, but the bat still nudges her hand as if to comfort her.

“T-This feels like my first time on a car zura…” Hanamaru isn’t faring any better, her back resting against a tree as she attempts to get her breathing under control.

Pocketing the badge, Yoshiko struggles to get to her feet and wobbles towards her companion. After a moment’s hesitation, she extends her hand towards the brunette to help her stand up. “So, did we arrive at the right place?”

“Yes, this is close to our backyard actually, I recognize it!” Hanamaru’s eyes light up in excitement as she gestures at the pebble-paved path behind the shrubs. “Come on, Yoshiko-chan! I bet Obaa-chan’s waiting for us!”

Without waiting for a response, the smaller girl pulls her along the forest trail and past a jizou statue, the foliage gradually thinning. Lucifer faithfully glides behind them, its presence bringing a certain amount of comfort to Yoshiko, but she still gulps nervously at the spiritual atmosphere from the surroundings. She tries to remind herself what the merpeople Chieftainess told her though that doesn’t lessen the feeling of being unclean.

“Yoshiko-chan, just a bit more.” Hanamaru looks over her shoulder and gives her an encouraging smile then, her grip on their intertwined hands firm and steady. Yoshiko relaxes slightly, finding her being here upon these holy lands acceptable as long as she’s accompanied by the temple maiden.

The path widens until it reaches the edge of stone pavement that meanders around a wide expanse of grass and bare soil tops. There are trees and shrubs here and there, carefully arranged and maintained in a way that Yoshiko is certain would form some sort of pattern if seen from the sky. Some flowers are just starting to bloom, adding splashes of vivid red, violet and yellow to this otherwise lush and green scenery.

A moderate two-story house is located just ahead, near a greenhouse that has a shelf of miniature bonsai trees right beside its open door. The old temple is further ahead, along with many slabs of grey that Yoshiko assumes to be weathered tombstones from ancient times. Strangely, she doesn’t feel uncomfortable at the thought of this place possibly haunted by ghosts. Rather, she likes to think that the spirits of the deceased guard the Kunikida residence just as much as they do for the temple.

Hanamaru’s serene expression shows that she most likely grew up thinking along the same lines too. She slows down a bit as she scans the the yard before letting out an excited yelp. There, beside a heap of fallen leaves and some gardening tools, is an elderly woman wearing thick-framed glasses and a similar gentle smile.

“Obaa-chan!”

Hanamaru runs towards her grandmother, who opens her arms wide to accept the girl’s greeting hug. As the Kunikidas exchange words joyously, Yoshiko couldn’t help but watch over them with a small smile. There’s envy, or rather longing, for growing up with such a loving family. Simple gestures or just the cozy atmosphere itself are indicators enough that Hanamaru is very close to her grandmother. Looking around, Yoshiko could almost picture a miniature Hanamaru exploring the yard and helping her grandparents with the gardening.

“It is good to have you back, even for just the afternoon, Maru-chan. I see you have brought your friend-?” Grandma Kunikida’s eyes crinkle at Yoshiko’s hesitant approach.

“Nice to meet you, ma’am. I am Yoshiko Tsushima, Hanamaru’s friend,” she politely dips her head and holds out her hand.

“Oh~ You’re that Yoshiko-chan, the one Maru-chan always talks about in her letters,” the elder chuckles as both of her hands clasp warmly over Yoshiko’s. “I’ve always wanted to meet you in person.”

“U-Uh-? Thank you-?” Uncertain how to respond to such enthusiasm, Yoshiko drops her gaze awkwardly. Normally, she would have been overjoyed that her girlfriend would talk to her family about her but, as the situation stands, she’s just Hanamaru’s friend.

“O-Obaa-chan! Um, where’s Ojii-chan? How is he doing zura?” From how flustered Hanamaru appears, does that mean she still mentions her even after her memories became jumbled?

Yoshiko isn’t sure whether to feel happy about this or not.

“He was just napping until moments ago! He has gotten much better, thankfully, but he still likes being cooped up under the kotatsu, that ol’rascal. I came here to roast some sweet potatoes, y’know, his favorites,” Grandma Kunikida gestures at the house. “Why don’t you talk to him dear? I’ll have Yoshiko-chan help me with the prepping and cooking.”

Hanamaru glances at her hesitantly, so Yoshiko gives her a stiff nod. This is the purpose of their trip here after all. Surely, she can be alone with her former girlfriend’s grandmother for a period of time.

Surprisingly, once Hanamaru is out of sight, the elder does not grill Yoshiko with questions about school or her granddaughter. Despite her easy-going manner and slow pace, Grandma Kunikida is rather focused on her task and only instructs Yoshiko every now and then to set up the fire pit.

“Erm, I’m done with the skewers. Is there anything else I can do to help, Kunikida-san?”

“Please, just call me Obaa-chan too,” the woman’s wrinkled smile is kind as she beckons for the girl to come sit beside her. “And yes, if you could please hand me the lighter and my gloves…”

“O-Okay!” Yoshiko is rather surprised but glad at such mundane request and sense of familiarity. The elderly woman’s relaxing and accepting aura makes it easy for her to feel included at the Kunikida residence. Again, Yoshiko is humbled by this down-to-earth and simple atmosphere of Hanamaru’s grandmother.

After Grandma Kunikida starts the fire, a stretch of silence descends upon them. Yoshiko tries to think of a topic, uncomfortable with the lack of conversation, yet only apologies come to mind. The elder probably doesn’t know the full story of what had transpired at Hogwarts and how she, Yoshiko, is the cause of Hanamaru’s suffering.

A quiet crackle from the smoking twigs prompts the elderly woman to prod at the sweet potatoes. Yoshiko fidgets and swallows dryly, deciding it’s now or never. She takes a deep breath and opens her mouth to speak.

“Something happened to Maru-chan at school, no?”

Yoshiko narrowly avoids biting down on her tongue. “Pardon me?”

Grandma Kunikida folds her wrinkled hands over her knees as she stares contemplatively into the fire. “The letters she sent us seem different after the end of January. Her Head of the House had sent us a letter explaining to us what had happened, how her magic had been compromised, but Maru-chan did not tell us any of that.”

“She… didn’t-?”

“Maru-chan never lies to us, so I’m certain that she did this for an important reason.” The elder shifts slightly so that she faces Yoshiko, her eyes solemn but kind. “Jii-chan and I do not want to push her. Still, she is our precious granddaughter, the only family we have left after our son and daughter-in-law passed away. We’d like to hear her story too.”

Yoshiko’s fingers subconsciously curl into a fist, though she doesn’t avert her gaze. “...if Hanamaru herself doesn’t tell you, then it’s not my place to either. I can tell you though, that she always thinks the best for her friends. She… she could have just came home, came back here to all of this, yet she chose to stay with us, because she wants to be of help.”

“And? What do you think of her decision to stay?”

Yoshiko lowers her head in shame but she’s unable to stop the words from pouring out of her heart. She couldn’t bring herself to avoid the question or lie to this elderly woman. “I-I want her to be safe. I don’t want her to be hurt again but the truth is, deep down, I… I’m happy that she chose to stay. Close to me, willing to still stay by my side, I mean.”

Grandma Kunikida nods patiently, giving her a few moments to gather her thoughts.

“I need her, um, Obaa-chan. Even after everything that’s happened, she continues to mean a great deal to me, and she calms me like no one else can. R-Recently, I realize that…” I still love her. Yoshiko ignores the heat crawling up her neck and ears and tries to keep her voice from wavering. “...I’m still weak, but never again will I let her get hurt, not while I’m around.”

Yoshiko meets the woman’s gaze as earnestly as she could, and is unprepared for the quiet chuckles that follow. Grandma Kunikida is slouched over her seat, one hand covering her mouth to muffle the laugh.

“Erm-? What did I say?”

“Oh don’t worry dear, I just wasn’t expecting you to tell me… this much, and so truthfully too. Then again, I should have expected it - you’re every bit the good girl I’d imagined you to be, Yoshiko-chan.”

This time, Yoshiko is very aware of the blush burning her face, especially after the woman gives her an affectionate pat on her bun. “Eh?”

“Maru-chan talks about many things and many of her friends in her letters, although I don’t think she’s realized the topic always goes back to you. Yes, even nowadays.” At this, Grandma Kunikida gives her a significant look.

“R-Really-?” Alright, this time, Yoshiko couldn’t help that flutter of joy in her chest, but now she’s more worried about how the woman would react if she finds out their past relationship.

“Ho ho ho, look at you, what an adorable child! We old people don’t last this long on this planet for no reason! We see and sense things young people can’t. Had I disapproved of you with my granddaughter, I wouldn’t be talking to you, would I? Well, Jii-chan did throw a minor fit, but he got over it after I talked sense to him.”

Yoshiko gapes. Grandma Kunikida laughs again.

“I heard you were quite taken with the kimono my granddaughter wore to the Christmas party?”

“Ah yes, thank you for sending her the- wait no! That’s not what I wanted to say-!”

At her frantic gestures, Lucifer flies nearby in her defense. Grandma Kunikida watches the bat with interest and attempts to coax it with some snacks she takes out from her pocket.

“I’m okay, Lucifer, this is um, alright, I’m not in any danger,” physically at least.

The clever bat looks between her and the elder, and decides food is the priority. It swoops down and perches on Grandma Kunikida’s shoulder, crooning when it’s fed and caressed behind the ears.

“Tch, that was fast,” Yoshiko complains half-heartedly, relieved that her minion’s intervention saves her dignity from crumbling further. Grandma Kunikida probably decides that it is enough teasing and seems content with Lucifer’s company.

“You girls lead a very exciting life at Hogwarts, though I understand that there have been quite a few dangerous incidents. You’re right, I would have preferred to have my granddaughter back here with us, where it’s safe, but that’s not the path she has chosen. Jii-chan and I respect that. I was going to ask you to keep an eye on Maru-chan, but that’s not necessary, is it?”

Yoshiko says seriously. “I will protect her with my life-”

“That’s not what I want to hear, dear,” the woman admonishes quietly as she covers Yoshiko’s hand with her own. It feels warm and protective. “It’d upset me if I hear anything were to happen to you. I want you to take care of yourself too, Yoshiko-chan. I may not know what had happened, but you’ve been hard on yourself, haven’t you?”

“How did you-?” Had she been that obvious, or is the elder that perceptive?

“It’s just a haunch, from our conversation. Your expressions are rather stiff, as if you haven’t allowed yourself to feel.” Grandma Kunikida chuckles gently. “It’s okay to want to be happy. I’m sure that would make Maru-chan happy as well. Now, give this old woman your best smile, hmm?”

Yoshiko hastily wipes at her eyes and tentatively makes a pose, which feels both nostalgic yet unfamiliar since it’s been a while. Nodding, she gives the woman her best grin.

“Obaa-chan~ Ojii-chan wants some pork buns now but I can’t find any in our freezer-” Hanamaru walks up to them, blinking at her applauding grandmother and the posing girl. “Umm, what’s happening zura?”

“Pork buns, you say? That Jii-chan, a bigger glutton now that he’s recovered from the flu...”

“Oh, so Hanamaru got that from her grandfather huh… ack!” Yoshiko slaps a hand over her mouth but it’s too late. Hanamaru glares at her but bursts into giggles a moment later, while Grandma Kunikida watches them with a fond expression.

Yoshiko clears her throat and tries to appear nonchalant. “What do we do with these sweet potatoes then? They’re about to be done, right?”

“They are indeed. You’re both welcome to enjoy them while they’re fresh!”

Hanamaru glances at the sweet potato longingly but determinedly tears her gaze away to face her amused grandmother. “Actually, if you don’t mind, Obaa-chan, I’d like to take Yoshiko-chan to town, to get those pork buns for Ojii-chan but also to walk around the neighborhood zura?”

“Hmm, it’d be a nice change of scenery. I’ll bring these to Jii-chan for now,” Grandma Kunikida makes a playful gesture of shooing them away with her broom. Lucifer smartly takes flight and circles overhead. “Don’t dawdle though. You know how your grandpa gets when he doesn’t get his food, fu fu.”

“Like how Zuramaru gets when you don’t feed her bread?” Again, words slip out of Yoshiko’s mouth before she realizes it, so naturally and smoothly that it takes both girls a few moments to process what just happened. This is the second time!

“Mou! Yoshiko-chan is mean!” Even then, Hanamaru looks rather happy as she tugs at the taller girl’s arm. “Okay, Obaa-chan, we’ll be back soon!”

As much as she enjoys Grandma Kunikida’s company, Yoshiko is rather relieved to take a little breather. As they walk towards the main entrance to the temple and down the stone stairway, she has to suppress the urge to skip and hum to express this liberating sensation.

It’s nice to feel normal.

“So, did something funny happen zura?”

“Hmm? Why would you say that?”

“W-Well, I haven’t really seen you smile, not really,” Hanamaru looks a bit wistful at that.

“Is that so…” Yoshiko awkwardly rubs the back of her head, unaware that she’s been smiling. “It’s just that, uh, you have a good family, Hanamaru. It’s nice.”

“Really? I’m glad to hear that!”

“So your grandpa, he’s all better now?”

“Yup! If he hadn’t asked for those pork buns, I would’ve fallen asleep in the kotatsu too,” Hanamaru chuckles sheepishly, but her eyes dim in sadness a moment later.. “It’s good to see him so energetic. I was so afraid when I got the letter. He’s old… they’re both old, a-and I’ve b-been away…”

They stop at an intersection, though there is no need to since there are barely any cars in this quiet neighborhood.

“Will you come here again with me in the summer, Yoshiko-chan? Ruby-chan and everyone else too, I’d like to introduce them to my family zura.“

Yoshiko’s throat aches a bit but she manages to squeeze out a word. “Okay.”

Hanamaru’s demeanor lightens at that. “Something to look forward to! First though, those pork buns for Ojii-chan zura~ He wants to talk to you too, Yoshiko-chan, so we should hurry~”

“Heh, yeah, it’s better if I bring some offerings to him.” And if that doesn’t work, Obaa-chan probably will have to save me.

“I think he likes you too. He showed me some of the letters I used to send, before my memories were… yeah,” Hanamaru glances at Yoshiko curiously. “Those letters said you used to pose a lot, something about little demons and being fallen angel Yohane?”

Yoshiko is mildly surprised that she isn’t as bothered as she thought she would be. True, back then, she was ignorant and silly, but at least her antics had made her friends happy and she had believed that identity to be real. It’d be wrong of her to denounce the memories of that time, when things were perfect as they were.

“Yup, I used to collect black feathers. It’s just that… things had happened and, well, I just found more important stuff to do than indulge myself in the fantasy.”

“Do you still believe in it?”

“Believe in what?”

“Being a fallen angel,” Hanamaru pauses, her voice lowering apologetically. “I shouldn’t have asked that, when I didn’t even know what happened-”

“It’s okay.” Yoshiko looks up into the blue sky, smiling at the sight of Lucifer circling underneath the clouds. “I’d been angry and depressed for a while, and now I’m just… honestly, I’m not sure how I feel, or how I should feel. In a way, I’m still one heck of a mess just as I had been before I went to Hogwarts. Fallen angel? Perhaps I really am.”

Her definition of fallen angel is different from Yohane after all.

Hanamaru is about to reply when she notices the surprise in Yoshiko’s gaze. Turning, she smiles at the sight of the playground just ahead of them. Gently tugging the stiff girl, she leads her into the small park.

“Do you remember?”

“Yeah, I do,” Yoshiko mutters hoarsely, glancing around the swing set, the monkey bars, the slide and the sandbox. Everything seems so nostalgic, so precious. “Heh, they’re smaller than I remember, then again we… we were just little kids. There’s no one here though.”

“Mostly elderly people live in this area, I think you’ve noticed that from our walk here. The few children here are all grown up or have moved out of town already,” Hanamaru says a little sadly. “No one comes to play outdoors anymore.”

“Their loss,” Yoshiko shrugs and approaches the swing, hesitantly touching the chains. “We had fun here, hadn’t we?”

“We did,” Hanamaru seems to be thinking about something. “Can I… tell you something?”

“Sure? What is it?”

“I-In spite of how nice everyone is, a small part of me still isn’t sure, because of how my memories are all over the place. Classmates I don’t remember, friends I should be close to, magic I should know. But… only you, Yoshiko-chan. I’m certain I’ve met before Hogwarts. I didn’t want to say anything because I don’t know what’s real or not but now that we’re here, now that you’ve said that you do remember playing with me here, I’m relieved.”

“I didn’t know it bothered you that much,” Yoshiko says guiltily and struggles to find the right words to express her thoughts. “It’s only recently that I remembered this playground though…”

Even though it wasn’t me, it was Yohane. I didn’t even exist back then.

“I’m just glad you do now. That will always be one of the most special memories in my life,” Hanamaru smiles up at her. “The first time I’ve witnessed magic zura.”

Yoshiko almost spills out everything then, about Yohane and Horcrux and all that, but she couldn’t bring herself to ruin the joy and the utter trust in those ochre eyes. Instead, inspiration strikes her and prompts her to extend a hand towards the shorter girl.

“Come on, let’s go up there.”

“Eh-? Up the slides?” Though giggling, Hanamaru takes her hand as they carefully climb up the tiny steps. The platform at the top is almost too small to fit the two teenagers, and they could easily sit on the railings.

“Hmm, there’s no one around us right?”

“No, I don’t think so-” Hanamaru checks the surroundings, blinking up at Yoshiko when she takes out her wand. “What’re you-?”

“You said you’ve become fascinated by magic because of… me, right? Well, I’m gonna recreate that,” Yoshiko wraps one arm securely around Hanamaru’s waist so that they are practically hugging. The proximity makes them both blush but she tries to ignore her pounding heartbeats as she grins down at the flustered girl.

“Are you ready to fly with me?”

Her grin widens at Hanamaru’s confused expression. With a careful Ascendio, they’re propelled into the sky. Startled, the smaller girl clings to Yoshiko, whose grip tightened around her to ensure that she wouldn’t fall. Using a few Hover Charms and Descendio here and there, Yoshiko is able to stabilize their flight as they weave and fly around the playground.

Pleased by the success, Yoshiko finds herself laughing and is soon joined by Hanamaru. They continue to chuckle even as they glide over the monkey bars and land safely beside the sandbox.

“T-That was unexpected, but amazing, Yoshiko-chan!” Hanamaru leans against the taller girl, her legs slightly wobbly.

“Heh, it’s different than flying with a broom, isn’t it?” Yoshiko keeps her steady, breathing her soothing scent and the lingering fresh breeze. This must be what freedom feels like, as fleeting as it had been. What they experienced just now is theirs. Not Yohane’s.

This belongs to her. With Hanamaru.

As the thrill gradually fades, she becomes conscious of their closeness again but she couldn’t bring herself to let go. Grandma Kunikida’s words echo in her head, that it’s okay for her to be happy too.

Before she loses her nerve, she leans down and kisses Hanamaru’s forehead. The brunette jolts slightly in surprise, but she then responds by tiptoeing and kissing Yoshiko’s cheek, her lips lingering as she glances at Yoshiko’s.

“I… I think that’s what’s missing. We weren’t just friends, were we? Please tell me the truth, Yoshiko-chan.”

Swallowing hard, Yoshiko embraces Hanamaru and whispers against her ear. “No, we weren’t just friends.”

Hanamaru makes a small sound, burrowing her head against Yoshiko’s shoulder. They stay like that for a while, relishing in each other’s warmth and touch. The tension is replaced by something more familiar and comfortable.

“...I think I know what you’re thinking zura. You didn’t want to push it because I don’t remember that we were a couple. You didn’t want a preconception to confuse me.”

“How well you see through me…”

“But the thing is. I-I still find myself… well, you seem distant but you’re kind, and today I see for myself that you could be funny and a bit of a dork too-”

“Hey!”

“-and I think that’s how you used to be zura. So, it doesn’t matter how you’re like, I…” Hanamaru’s voice is so quiet and muffled against her jacket that she has to strain to hear her. “I’m still attracted to you. Because, you’re, you.”

“Hanamaru…”

In spite of the Imperius Curse. In spite of everything that’s happened. In spite of Yohane. Hanamaru still ends up liking her, just as she couldn’t ignore her feelings either.

Horcrux be damned. The whole mess with the Fallen be damned.

She may not have been the one to save Hanamaru from Dementors back then, but the fact stands that a Patronus was summoned, and somehow she was still able to cast it while Yohane couldn’t. Maybe...

“I don’t know if this would do anything but, we’re here at least, so why not?” Yoshiko pulls away a bit, though she keeps one arm around Hanamaru. “Expecto Patronum!”

Silver light burst out from the tip of her wand, and the shimmering coelacanth swims around them freely and magnificently. An evanescent trail of light envelopes them, filling them with such positive energy that they find themselves smiling.

“Looks familiar?” Yoshiko watches her Patronus maneuver around the playground, similar to how she had flown with Hanamaru earlier.

“Y-Yes, it saved me from those Dementors,” Hanamaru murmurs, entranced by sparkles of light and the coelacanth’s corporeal form. “I was so scared, so very scared, but this concept of fear seems so… impossible zura, now that we’re standing here with the Patronus.”

“It’s an amazing spell, isn’t it? It’s said to be the only way to defend yourself against a Dementor, but not much is said about its other uses and that’s why not a lot of people bother learning it.”

“But it’s so beautiful…”

“Right? I believe there’s more to the Patronus Charm. It reveals your inner self and hints at your Animagus form - heh, it’d be hilarious if I turn into a fish though. Most importantly, it reflects the caster’s soul, or at least that’s what the merpeople Chieftainess told me. She saw my Patronus and told me that it’s proof of my worthiness.”

As Yoshiko says these words aloud, she recalls how her Patronus is able to damage Yohane’s wings, which are practically pieces of her soul. The correlation must mean something, though she doesn’t understand magic enough to figure out what.

“Anyway, I always feel a bit better whenever I cast this spell. It’s reinforced by positive thoughts after all. And the coelacanth, it’s a nice reminder.”

“The living fossil that we learned together from the encyclopedia zura,” Hanamaru giggles, reaching out a hand towards the silver fish. “Shiira-kansu, ne?”

When her fingertip comes in contact with the Patronus, Yoshiko feels an odd sensation of cold water trickling down her body and she gets tunnel vision on the coelacanth. Moments later, the vision returns to normal again, except the scenery looks slightly different.

Hanamaru has reverted to a little girl, her eyes wide with terror as she stares blankly at something behind Yoshiko. Yoshiko glances down at her hands, which are tiny as well, before turning around.

Dementors seem to glide towards them in slow motion, their tattered cloaks fluttering and their rotting bodies oozing of despair. A faint voice at the back of Yoshiko’s mind reminds her that this must be a flashback, but she’s mostly rooted in fear and consumed by a child’s young mind, unable to process her thoughts. All she could do is pull at Hanamaru’s hand as they try to run away from those foul creatures.

Little children’s legs could only move so fast and so far, and soon they stumble at the edge of the sandbox. Yoshiko spreads her arms wide, willing her tiny body to shield her friend from harm. The Dementors descend towards them, enclosing upon them, ready to suck their souls dry.

Hyperventilating now, Yoshiko fervently hopes for her angelic powers to manifest, to defeat this evil and protect her precious friend.

Something hurts within her chest, the pain so agonizing that she’s forced to her knees, but that is soon overcame by this sense of joy and hope. Light bursts from her body and the coelacanth Patronus swims around them, warding off the Dementors and chasing them away.

Yoshiko blinks at this miraculous turn of events, and only jolts out of her trance when she notices Hanamaru slumping behind her. The little girl must have been overwhelmed and thus had lost consciousness. Yoshiko herself is close to passing out as well, though she couldn’t look away from the brilliant Patronus.

Then she realizes that the Dementors are still around. Perhaps her magic isn’t as strong as a child, and the coelacanth is already doing all it could to keep the creatures at bay. Whenever it swims to chase one away, the others would attempt to close in on them.

It would only be a matter of time before the Patronus fades.

Then how did she save Hanamaru? How were the Dementors vanquished? This is a flashback right?

She finds her answer soon enough in the form of another Patronus, a Raven, powerful in its bright light as it soars straight through the Dementors and repelling them far away.

A dark-haired woman, her mother, stands in front of her determinedly while her father wraps protective arms around her small form. Yoshiko sniffles, clinging to her father’s warmth as he murmurs comforting words and caresses her back. The coelacanth fades not long after, its magic depleted, and exhaustion washes over her like a tidal wave. Before she nods off, she sees her mother speaking with the wizards and witches who just Apparated into the playground.

Her vision darkens but she remains aware.

She floats aimlessly in the darkness for who knows how long, and suddenly she finds herself facing a fallen man.

The fireplace nearby is littered with charred kindling and the Floo powder is scattered all over the expensive-looking carpet floor. Ornaments are shattered, portraits torn and furnitures upturned, a clear sign of an aftermath of a vicious battle.

Yoshiko discovers that, unlike the flashback earlier, she couldn’t really control her movements. There’s something viscous about the atmosphere too, adhering to her thoughts and weighing her down with malicious intent.

The red-haired man struggles to sit up, but all he could do is to slump against the wall. Amusement fills Yoshiko’s mind as she watches the wizard raise his wand with a trembling hand.

Nothing happens. Not even a spark from the tip of the wand.

Panicking now, the man utters incantations after incantations yet he’s still unable to cast a single spell.

“You Pureblood rely on your magic too much.” A familiar voice, Yohane’s voice, comes out of Yoshiko’s mouth. She tilts her head slightly, and one of the hooded figures behind her steps forward to wrench the wand out of the wizard’s hand.

“You won’t be needing this anymore after all.”

Yoshiko feels vile magic pooling at her back and, from the edge of her vision, she could see black feathers materializing. She flexes her wings in a silent command, and the hooded figures leave the room at once.

The reason becomes obvious when a Dementor glides in, and its terrible effect immediately shows as the wizard begins to quiver.

Yoshiko wants to scream, anything, to stop the creature from nearing the man. Alas, trapped in Yohane’s body, all she could do is watch in sheer horror as his soul is sucked out of his body.

A Dementor’s Kiss.

The man collapses, his eyes still open but blank with nothing inside of them.

Yohane does not laugh, though she’s obviously pleased from the way she kicks a broken plate out of her path as she exits the room.

“Oh, I didn’t notice you were here too.”

Abruptly, Yoshiko’s vision darkens again, the despair and dread dragging her down into that void of nothingness. She doesn’t even have a corporeal form, wherever she is, wherever this is.

Wandless.

Helpless.

What’s happening to me?

Did my soul leave my body or something?

The more terrified she feels, the deeper she sinks and it becomes harder and harder to form thoughts. This is different from her mind just blanking out when she loses control and those black tendrils burst out. She feels like she’s losing something, something important…

Is this what dying feels like?

“Yoshiko-chan!”

Someone’s calling her.

“Yoshiko-chan, snap back to your senses!”

She could feel it. Hope and light, somewhere far away and out of reach.

“Please, Yoshiko-chan!”

A familiar soft cry, a bird that is tragically misunderstood like she is.

Her vision is filled with light, forcing her to blink several times to adjust to the sudden brightness. A shimmering Patronus in the form of an Augurey flies around and encompasses the trail of light around her and Hanamaru.

“Y-Yoshiko-chan! You’re awake!” Hanamaru chokes with emotions, gripping Yoshiko’s hands so tightly that it’s almost painful. Lucifer is also perched on Yoshiko’s shirt, hissing softly in concern.

Yoshiko peers at them rather dumbly, trying to gather her thoughts and process what in Satan’s name just happened. “You saved me…”

“F-From what? What happened zura?”

“I… there was… it was all so dark, I…” Yoshiko says slowly, squeezing Hanamaru’s hands as if to reassure herself that she is back in her body. “Did you see anything-?”

“Y-Yes, h-how you saved me from the Dementors when we were little kids, here at this playground, but then I came to my senses and saw you’ve fainted zura. I-I kept calling your name but y-you wouldn’t respond. Lucifer tried too, it even bit your finger but nothing worked.”

Yoshiko takes a deep breath, pressing her hand against her chest and sighs in relief at the sensation of heartbeats. She’s back to reality now, from wherever that was.

“Is this-?”

The silver Augurey lands gracefully beside her before fading. “I couldn’t cast any spells, no matter how hard I tried, so I thought about what you said about souls and the Patronus Charm a-and, well, it somehow worked a-and it helped me wake you up.” Hanamaru shakes her head, as if unable to believe her success.

“T-That’s amazing… you’re able to cast an advanced spell, a Patronus Charm too...”

They both smile tentatively, though it’s obvious they’re still in a state of shock at what just transpired. Yoshiko rubs her aching temples, fragments of that scene with Yohane scaring her for many reasons.

Unlike the aftermaths of her previous connections, she doesn’t have a nosebleed, meaning this is something else.

Or that Yohane has recovered and is on the move.

And the poor man who was executed by a Dementor was unable to cast magic, most likely because he was hit by that same spell that affected Mari and Hanamaru.

Unlike the childhood memory in the playground, if Yohane can acknowledge her presence, it would mean that event has just occurred in the present. Yohane and the Fallen had attacked the man in his home before he could escape.

A Pureblood, a prestigious one too, based on all the fancy decorations.

The Black Jaguar insignia on the broken plate.

The Kurosawa emblem.

Cold fear settles in the pit of Yoshiko’s stomach.

“T-The Kurosawa Estate! It must be! We must get back to Hogwarts now and let the others know!”

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

She grits her teeth and barely manages to dive behind an ornate mirror to avoid a powerful Stunner. A mere moment later, the glass shatters under the house-elf’s onslaught and forces her to vacate her hiding spot. The magical creature’s eyes are wide in turmoil, unable to fight against the powerful Imperius Curse forcing it to attack its liege.

She’s learned a few useful wandless spells for dire situations, yet she is unable to even summon magic. The terrible disruption remains, causing her great pain and almost paralyzing her when she tries to forcefully pour out her magic into the form of a spell. As the house-elf stiffly moves towards her, she mutters a silent apology before flinging a heavy book towards it.

While the servant is distracted by the impact, she lunges forward and smears her bloodied hand upon its brow. The house-elf shudders once before its energy seems to shut down as it closes its eyes and slumps to the side. Feeling her adrenaline receding, she crawls towards the wall, her body aching from exhaustion. She fruitlessly taps the corner of the shelf, hoping to activate the hidden passageway, yet nothing happens since there is no magic output. It seems that while ancient blood magic still works due to the bond between master and servant, she is practically a Squib and utterly defenseless.

It must have been that tea.

Grandfather had summoned those that remained within the Estate for a meeting and, as per tradition and decorum, tea had been serviced before discussions were allowed to proceed. Though fond of tea, she had been nervous and had only taken a small sip.

When the Wards were first breached, her relatives were shocked to discover that they could not cast even the simplest of spells to subdue the intruders. Cloaked trespassers aside, there was a legion of Dementors whose terrible presence alone was enough to incapacitate her relatives and even the Kurosawa patriarch. Having relied on and grown dependent on magic for so long, the formidable former Warlock and the rest of her family were easily overpowered.

Those who weren’t in the meeting were disarmed by a few Imperio’d house-elves and the Dementors. The number of house-elves then quickly dwindled down after they deliberately injured themselves, once they discovered having betrayed their masters even though they were controlled against their wills.

Those black feathers… such malignant magic...

Even without her magic, she was able to keep those intruders out of reach at first due to her sabre. Then, the winged witch commanded a different group of people to attack her with weapons like axes, halberds and swords. No matter how confident she was with her sabre, she was terribly outnumbered and, without her wand to cover this flaw in her defense, a blade slipped through her guard and disarmed her.

In spite of her injured right arm, she’s ambidextrous and has trained to fight like a Muggle. She knew there was no winning the fight then and successfully fled the room. She evaded Curses and Jinxes, using the layout of the Estate to her advantage when the intruders gave chase. In that moment of panic though, she had ordered Pana and Elicchi to leave the premises carrying the Kurosawa heirloom so that it would not be broken or fall to enemy hands. She did not know who are still free within the Estate but she knew that the Floo Network is compromised and the Wards are overwritten.

Knowing the two intelligent owls, they would have flown for Hogwarts to her little sister and her friends. And knowing them, they will definitely find a way to come here to save her.

However, by coming here, they would all be placed in grave danger and Dia despises herself for being the reason.

Alas, what else could she do in this predicament? Help isn’t coming, not from those outside the Vow, and she doesn’t know how long she can evade capture.

Her vision blurs precariously, prompting her to bite the inside of her cheek to jolt her back to consciousness. The copper tang of blood makes her stomach lurch. She breathes deeply, hoping to clear away any vestige of lightheadedness so that she could plan her next course of action. The deep cut on her right arm throbs, reminding her that the makeshift bandage to staunch the blood flow won’t be enough. The enemies had time to study her fighting style, and had improved their counter since they knew the sabre’s weakness against purely Muggle-forged weapons.

“...I ...I’m sorry…”

“It’s not your fault.” Dia tries to block the vivid image of Riko from the Pensieve, but her faint whisper hasn’t stopped haunting her since that day. “...it is mine.”

Anger overwhelms sorrow and fear, and she regains the strength to move again. With a pained gasp, she concentrates all her energy within herself and is relieved when the transformation slowly takes place. Though her world has become much larger from the new perspective, her sharpened senses now allow her to pick up even the slightest sound from down the hallway. She tests her injured foreleg, finding the limp acceptable before running out of the room. She uses her small size to squeeze under an armored statue without alerting a passing Dementor, though she almost falters from that shroud of despair.

It doesn’t affect her as much as it would have been if she was in her human form. She’s grateful to have learned Animagus magic, for it is her only defense against such horrid creatures now.

Even if she was able to use magic, she would still be defenseless against Dementors. She hadn’t been able to cast the Patronus Charm since...

She hastens her pace, fueled by rage and hatred. That winged witch, the leader of these intruders, most likely knows what her Animagus form looks like due to Riko’s memories. It’s only a matter of time before she’s found or succumbs to her injuries. However, there are still many things she could do, things that only she knows about the Kurosawa Estate.

Just how long would this battle of attrition last, between the wounded rabbit and the hunters out for her blood?

62 notes · View notes

guiltytuning · 6 years

Note

Could i request so e angst diamari with happy emding?your angst makes my heart explode ;_; i legit cried when iread that diamari where they were texting

8k / ao3 / this ended up as a series of vignette post-s2 (assuming the movie doesn’t exist) / warning for: mentioned Mari/Other(f) and Dia/Other(f), and slight Dia/Sarah + implied Ruby/Leah

You watch Mari wrap her armsaround Kanan in a final, tight hug. Mari’s lips are curved into a gentle smile,her chin burrowed into the curve of Kanan’s neck.

“Gonna miss you,” Mari says ina soft tone. It feels like you’re intruding on something, and you avert youreyes to the ground. Kanan and Mari had always had something special between thetwo of them. Something that you were never included in. You clench your fistsand then you release them.

“Remember to keep in touch,”Kanan says after a while. They’ve parted when you look up again, arms holdingonto each other and smiling brightly. Then she turns her eyes on you, and youfeel lost once again, drowning in the sea without an anchor. You can’t move.

She opens her arms wide toyou. It’s an offer; you take your first step, feet hesitating. And thenanother. And then another. And then you’re falling into her arms with a chokedsob.

“There, there,” Mari sayswhile stroking the top of your head though you can hear the tremor in hervoice, and you’re glad at least she’s trying to stay strong. You hold tightlyonto Mari, because you know what letting go means. You’ve already experiencedit once, two years ago. But this time – this time will be permanent.

No more morning practice,where you two sometimes jogged together at the very back of the line. No moreafternoon tea at her place when you have a new idea for a choreography thatyou’re dying to share. No more nights when she forces you to stay up and listento her punk rock albums.

And yet still – you can’t findthe words. There is something stuck in your throat, and you’re scared that you’llreally cry if you start to speak. Mari doesn’t need this right now. Not whenthe three of you have already made your promises in that tunnel, when she had spunaround, smiled and fixed her unrelenting stare on you and Kanan. You had lookedaway.

“Don’t tell me you’re going to try and stop me from goingto Italy?”

No, you’re not. You knowyou’re not.

But that doesn’t mean youdon’t love her.

She deserves to hear it, youthink. She deserves to know, before she leaves. She deserves to hear you say itbefore she makes her final decision.

You pull back from the hug andlook up at her. Her eyes are wet and her smile is being pulled down, verging onthe point of tears. “Mari,” you start. Your throat is scratchy like you haven’tspoken for years. You try again. “Mari, I –”

And that’s as far as you cango before you feel the tears running down your cheeks. And you know you can’ttell her. You have to keep these words locked up where she’ll never get thechance to hear them. It would be too selfish to subject her to your feelingswhen the time is nigh. The helicopter is waiting for her – the same brightfuchsia monstrosity you called her out for in middle school. The same one thattook her away in first year and then brought her back in third year. The verysame one that will take her away from you again.

Mari is reaching a hand outand wiping away the unbidden tears from your cheeks. You blink more tears awaywith a sniffle.

You try again, “Mari – I wishyou luck in your future.” The words feel clunky; Your heart is screaming atyou. That’s not what you wanted to say. You wanted to say I love you! You wanted to paint the words across the sky for her.You wanted to declare it so loudly it would be impossible for her to leave. Butyou can’t. You can’t be selfish.

“Oh Dia –” Mari is looking atyou so tenderly that you feel raw and exposed, your words stripped naked andrevealed for what they are: a love confession hidden under a layer of wellmeaning wishes. You can feel it – the electricity jolting through your bodyfrom the place where your skin meets her hand, the lowering of her eyes to yourlips. She’s going to kiss you. She’s going to kiss you. She’s going –

She lets go of you and stepsback, leaving you bereft. You feel like you are a fish, reaching for the moon. Mariwas never yours to begin with.

“Goodbye,” she says, blowing akiss to you and Kanan before she turns and runs towards the helicopter withoutonce looking back. Your chest is a gaping wound and Mari has stuck you throughwith a knife. You take a step forward before you can stop yourself. Then youpause, holding your breath in an attempt to hold yourself still.

You and Kanan watch her getin, and the both of you watch her leave once again the same way she left twoyears ago.

She’s waving through thewindow as the helicopter rises and the both of you wave back to her, even whenshe is so high up in the air and you can’t see her through the window anymore.You’re still waving when she’s nothing more than a pink dot in the sky.

When you arrive at home, you headstraight into your room. The bedroom is neat and orderly, just the way you liketo keep it, though something makes you want to tear everything apart, rip openthe colour-coordinated notebooks on your bookshelf and spill all your clothes fromthe closet onto the floor. You close your eyes and take a deep breath in andthen you release it before opening your eyes. It hurts, but that’s no excuse tobe unreasonable.

On your bed is your school uniform,a little ratty from being unwashed, the green tie beginning to come undone. Youpick it up and wrap in your arms, bringing it up to your face. And there, justthere, you think you can smell a faint hint of Mari’s flowery perfume when shehad sprayed you with it during graduation. You had protested then, much toMari’s amusement, but now you’re grateful for at least this one thing left ofher, no matter how ephemeral it is.

Then, you bury your face inthe uniform and cry.

Kanan accompanies you to Tokyowhen you move into your new apartment. It’s a tiny place with a single bedroomand a bathroom, and the window is a tiny square of light filtering through thedim place. It’s a little dusty, and you apologize to Kanan for it. She onlylaughs and shakes her head. “It’s no biggie,” she tells you. “I’ll only be hereuntil tomorrow afternoon. Then I’ll need to catch my flight to the Philippinesat the airport.”

You nod, trying not to feeldejected that your other friend is leaving as well. You kneel on the floor andbegin to unzip your suitcase before you remember that your school uniform fromUranohoshi is sitting on top of your clothes. You hadn’t expected Kanan to comealong, and now you feel a little embarrassed that she might see.

“Dia,” Kanan says,interrupting your thoughts. “Why didn’t you tell her?”

“Tell who what?” you ask, alittle too sharply. You wince at how defensive it sounds.

Kanan rolls her eyes. “Don’tplay dumb, Dia. You know what I mean.”

“I don’t,” you say, decidingto open your suitcase anyway. There’s no doubt that Kanan can see your schooluniform now. You push it aside and begin to organize your shirts slowly andcarefully, dreading what Kanan will say next.

“Why didn’t you tell Mari thetruth?” Her voice is quieter now.

“I did. I told her good luck,”you respond. It sounds inadequate even to yourself. Your hands are shaking andyou can’t stop it.

“That’s not the truth.”

You don’t respond, hoping ohgod, oh god, that she doesn’t continue.

“Dia,” she says again.

“Stop,” you tell her, shuttingyour eyes tightly. You heart hurts again. “Just stop. I don’t want to talkabout it.”

“Okay,” she finally says, andyou feel a rush of relief fill your body. “But if you ever want to talk, I’mhere for you.”

You nod without looking ather, hand reaching out to smooth the wrinkles of the school uniform.

When you come back from thecampus tour of the University of Tokyo the next day, Kanan is already gone.

You’re buying groceries oneday when you think you see her.

She’s wearing what seems to bea white blazer and a black skirt. She has her back to you while she’s staringat the coffee beans section, hand mulling over the different brands as sheexamines them carefully. Maybe she’s here in Tokyo for a business trip and hasstopped by to do some quick shopping before she takes off again. She’s alwaysloved going on a shopping trip to Tokyo to buy coffee beans. You and Kanan hadfollowed her more than once in the past – with you getting lost on the firstoccasion. Her signature hair loop isn’t there, but maybe she’s decided for adifferent style after high school. After all, you’ve cut your hair a littleshorter so it sits on your shoulders, and you think you might let your bangsgrow out soon from your usual straight cut.

You’re almost right behind herbefore you know it, having dropped your shopping basket while you ran over toher. You��re calling her name, but she’s not responding, and you’re wonderingwhy she’s ignoring you. Does she not want to associate with you any more? Ithas been a year and a half, and you suddenly wonder if she’s forgotten you. Youpush that silly thought away the moment it arrives.

“Mari,” you say again,touching her shoulder. Your heart is racing. She turns around, looking down atyou with her…blue eyes.

That’s not Mari.

“Oh… I’m sorry,” you say,backing away slowly. You can feel your heart crash into the floor, and thenthere’s nothing but the hollowed emptiness you’ve felt growing inside of yousince Mari left. You can’t feel anything but numbness spreading through yourbody. Why did you think that was Mari? Now you can see how different she is,even from behind – taller and too skinny. But in that desperate moment, yourmind had concocted an image you believed.

“Don’t worry,” she says in aheavy American accent, smiling flatly at you before turning back to the shelvesof coffee beans. You continue staring at her for a second before forciblyturning away. It’s been months. It shouldn’t have this effect on you.

You walk back to pick up yourfallen basket, checking the eggs thoroughly to make sure that they haven’tcracked and continue on with your shopping chores.

You attend the idol club’sannual general meeting for the first time in your second year of university,and you’re on your phone under the table the whole time. The old Aqours groupchat is still there, littered with goodbye messages from Chika and the gang anda video recording Ruby sent of your final live. It brings a smile to your face,but it also makes you feel nostalgic. You haven’t talked to them since you leftUchiura two years ago, having stayed the break at school. Neither Chika, You,or Riko have chosen to go to the University of Tokyo this year either.

You talk to Kanan sometimesover the phone but things have gotten busy for the both of you to keep intouch. The last time you talked was last month.

And Mari. You haven’t had afull conversation with her since the second month of her departure for Italy.All that’s left are sparse “hey how are you?” messages that get answered a weeklater with a generic “I’m doing good. You?” It suddenly hits you that you don’teven know which city in Italy she’s currently living in, if she hasn’t movedsomewhere else yet.

You still miss her but you’vebeen getting better at living without the two of them. Without her.

You put away your phone andtry to focus on what’s being discussed. There’s a plethora of executivepositions open, but you don’t think you’re very interested. They tend todiscuss about the actual idol industry rather than school idols. It makessense, you are all adults after all. The single most interesting thing in the entiremeeting is when they mention how Yazawa Nico, a former member of the schoolidol group μ’s, had gone on to become a highly successful idol herself beforemoving onto mainstream pop. Of course, you had already known all of that, buthearing them talk about μ’s begins to reignite your passion, though the meetingends quickly after that.

You’re leaving with the restof the attendees when the vice president stops you.

“Excuse me,” she says,squinting at you, “but do you happen to be a former idol from Aqours that wonthe Love Live competition two years ago?”

Two years ago, you would havejumped for your five minutes of fame. But something doesn’t feel right about itnow that you’re the only representative of Aqours standing here. You end upshrugging like it’s no big deal. “Yeah,” you say almost coolly. Her mouth fallsopen in astonishment. Before she can say anything else, you walk out the door.You can’t help your wide smile though and you text the group chat immediatelyafter you leave without even thinking. You get a flurry of messages andstickers immediately after sending it, mostly from Chika and Yoshiko. Did she mention me? Did she mentionUranohoshi? Wow, that’s so exciting! Ah, my hard work has finally paid off andnow Yohane, the fallen angel, is getting recognized for their arduousendeavors! But Yoshiko, that girl didn’t mention you at all, she was talkingabout Dia. Shut it, Zuramaru!

You grin at the message,realizing that Aqours and your friends aren’t gone forever. They’re here, justwaiting for you to reach out to them.

When you see the picture onyour screen, you answer the call immediately, almost dropping your phone in theprocess.

“Hey, Mari! How are you doing?”you ask almost breathlessly into the phone. You get a laugh in reply, and itsounds just as you remembered it – like windchimes on a gentle day, soothingand joyful.

“Have you been running? Yousound out of breath,” she comments with a giggle. It feels so, so good to hearher voice again. You’re clutching desperately onto your phone in the middle ofthe street in Akihabara, and you’re sure you’re obstructing the path, but youcan’t find yourself to care at the moment. “Anyway, I’ve been good. Businessschool is a little hard, but I’m working through it. How are you?”

“Me? Oh! I’m good. I’m good.”You just want to sit down and listen to her talk for hours. After somegrumbling from other pedestrians, you decide to move to the side of the streetnext to the school idol shop.

“Saw your message from theother day. You got recognized as Aqours?”

You smile, hugging one arm aroundyour chest as you look at the ground. “Well, I don’t think she knew my name butshe definitely knew who I was. Though you know, I had class so I played itcool, said ‘yeah’ and walked away.”

And just like that, it feelslike nothing has ever changed. You’re back in high school, and Mari is makingher way to Tokyo from the train in Numazu. You’re seventeen again, and you’repreparing for one of your live shows in Tokyo. Chika is in the school idol shopfangirling over bootleg μ’s merchandise while Riko is buying yuri manga in theshop upstairs and You is buried waist-deep in uniforms. Kanan is off buyingfood to share with the rest of Aqours later on, and the first years aresomewhere on the streets with Yoshiko definitely making a fool out of herselfwhile Ruby and Hanamaru giggle in the corner. The conversation with Mari comeseasily, and you forget the distance between the both of you. Your heart isswelling and you haven’t felt filled to the brim in so long.

A sudden drop of water hitsyour forehead, and you look up to realize that the sky has darkened with stormclouds and the once crowded streets are thinning out. You hurry your way intothe school idol shop you haven’t been in since you made your second debut asAqours. The shop is practically empty and you browse the new merchandise whileyou talk to Mari on the phone, describing everything that you see. You don’tsee anything from Aqours here, and you’re not surprised nor saddened by thefact. School idol groups rise and fall quickly, and most of them hardly make alegacy like μ’s did.

“Oh, did you know Ruby,Yoshiko and Hanamaru started up an idol group?” you tell her while you’relooking at plush toys of the three of them. You begin to tell her all abouttheir group and the songs they sing, and how once, you had to play mediator fortheir lyric writing over a video chat since their styles were so different andcontrasting.

“You sound happy,” she sayswhen you finish.

You duck your head down,trying to a hide a smile even though the shop is empty except for a boredlooking worker on her phone at the checkout. “Yeah well… It’s good to hear yourvoice.”

“Don’t tell me you’redeveloping feelings for me, Dia!” Mari scolds lightheartedly, and you feel yourheart suddenly drop, your good mood dissipating with her words. Have you been readingeverything wrong the whole time? There’s something in her voice that’s off… Youput the plush Ruby you’ve been holding back in its place beside Yoshiko. Whenthe silence is a microsecond too long, Mari lets out an awkward laugh. “Sorry,guess it wasn’t that funny. But I just want to tell you… I’ve been seeingsomeone.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah… She’s, um, really cool.If we ever meet up some time soon, I’d love for you and Kanan to meet her.”

You don’t know what to say,but you’re smiling for some reason. It’s a painful smile, stretching thecorners of your lips so wide that it feels false. Something starts to build inyour throat and you don’t know why you’re forcing yourself to smile – nobodycan see you right now. You don’t have to physically fake feeling happy for Maribut you can’t stop yourself. “How long?”

“Huh?”

“How long have you beendating?” You hate how defensive you sound. You hate it so much. If you trulyloved Mari, shouldn’t you be happy for her? Why do you have to be so selfish?You’re clenching a fist against your sternum and pressing down in some attemptto alleviate the sharp pain.

“I… Just last month. But I’veknown her since I arrived in Venice. She was one of the first people who talkedto me in class.”

Your lungs are gasping forair. The words won’t come out.

“Dia?” Mari asks quietly overthe phone. You can’t breathe when she says your name so softly like that, eventhough you know her smiles and her touches are reserved for someone else.

“Something just came up. Ihave to go.” You end the call, slipping your phone back into your pocket andlowering your head. Talking to her has reopened all the wounds that time hasbeen healing and you find tears streaming down your face. You can’t stop them,no matter how hard you rub your face with the sleeves of your shirt. Quiet sobsturn into loud ones as you end up uncontrollably crying in front of the shelfthat holds illegal merchandise of your little sister’s idol group.

It hurts so bad, and you wishyou weren’t so selfish to want Mari all to yourself, even years after you’veparted. Every time the tears seem to be slowing, an image of Mari hand in handwith a gorgeous woman floods your mind. You were never good enough for her. Herfather had made his distaste of you clear back when you were children, andyou’ve been scared ever since even though your feelings have kept growing andgrowing in size and intensity until this very moment.

Someone is asking you ifyou’re okay – you think it’s the store clerk – and you end up running out ofthe store and into the storm. Raindrops stream down your face, mixing with thetears on your face as you run. You don’t know why you’re running, only that youneed to get out of there and go home. The streets are practically empty, a lonecar passing by and splashing your clothes with gutter water. Somewhere alongthe way, you trip and fall onto the ground, cement scratching into the palms ofyour hands. When you’re on the ground, rain pounding against your back, yourealize that you need to forget about her. You need to forget about everythingthat’s happened between the two of you in order to move on. Clearly Mari hadnever been interested in you and you’ve been chasing after nothing this wholetime. She never loved you.

After a few moments, you forceyourself to get up again and keep running, your heart chaining you down withevery step.

In your fourth year ofundergrad, you come across Kazuno Sarah in a café in Tokyo.

You had been studying for afinal, headphones plugged in to one of μ’s’ songs on your laptop and hummingalong quietly while students and office workers bustled by to get their morningcoffee. Someone had tapped you on the shoulder and when you looked up, it wasSarah. “Hello, Dia.”

“Sarah! I haven’t seen you in– wow! A long time,” you say, taking off your headphones. She looks exactly thesame as she did when you were both in third year, except she has her hair downthis time. She’s also gotten slightly taller, and has shed all the childishnessin her face, looking exactly like an elegant woman who has stepped out right ofa fashion magazine. In other words, you’re totally floored by how beautiful sheis. Well – she’s always been beautiful but you hadn’t noticed at the time. Youcan feel a blush coming to your cheeks and you try to think of something else.

She reaches a hand out and youshake it. It feels oddly formal and familiar at the same time.

“May I sit?” she asks, and yougesture for her to go ahead.

“So how have you been?” youask her. “What are you doing now?”

“Oh, nothing much. I’mcurrently a voice actor, but work has been work.” She shrugs, and then shelooks at you, head tilting and smiling slightly, intense eyes focused on you.You’ve never really been the attention of a beautiful girl’s gaze like this inthe past few years and it makes you blush. “How about you?”

“Well, I’m just studying atthe moment,” you say, remaining humble. “I’m going to finish my undergraduatedegree and then I’m going to study for law school. Maybe somewhere in America,”you add. God knows how prestigious those schools are, and it’ll look good whenyou come back to Japan after your studies.

“Aren’t you just theintelligent one,” Sarah says, smiling at you in a way that makes you feel likeyou’re something special. You can feel the flush on your cheeks already and youlook down at the scribbled mess of your notes. You’ve never dated in yourentire life, but you already know she’s flirting with you. You don’t know whyshe’s doing it, especially when she’s always had a stronger connection to Chikaback in high school, but you’re not protesting any time soon.

The both of you continuetalking for a while before it becomes apparent Sarah is interested in you. Shefinally breaks the question before you get tired of dancing around the question,“Do you want to go on a date with me?”

You want to say yes, but atthe same time, you’re curious why she’s asking you so suddenly and now of alltimes when you’ve only just met up since high school. Ruby and Leah arepractically inseparable at this point – Sarah could have asked them to relaythe message to you any time she had wanted to.

“Why?” you ask her.

She’s taken aback by yourstraightforwardness, blinking a few times. The people in the café mill aboutyou, going about their normal morning business without even taking a glance atthe both of you. “Well why not?” she finally answers, though her smile isunsure this time. You come to an understanding that she’s asking because sheknows you and wants to see if there might be anything between you two thatcould work out.

And you can just accept thisanswer and go on with the date, but something is digging in the back of yourhead. Something you can’t put a finger on quite yet. A feeling deep in yourheart that has never quite recovered. You try to imagine yourself going on adate but something about it feels deeply wrong, twisting in your stomach. Youshake your head. “I’m sorry, Sarah. I can’t,” you say, looking down at thetable. It’s not like you don’t want to try it out too, it’s just that you don’tthink you’re ready to be dating, even though you’re past twenty years old. Whenyou look up, she’s nodding in understanding.

“Don’t worry,” Sarah tellsyou, getting up from her seat. “It was a shot in the dark. But, text mesometime if you want to chat. Maybe I can hook you up with a voice acting jobif you ever have the desire to do it. Your singing is pretty good from what Iremember.” She winks.

“Oh no,” you say, waving yourhands out in front of you. “That stuff is long behind me.”

You and Sarah still keep intouch, but as nothing more than a casual acquaintance.

You’re back in Uchiura sevenyears since Aqours won the Love Live. You’ve just barely arrived at home when youreceive a phone call from Matsuura Kanan.

“Hello?” you begin hesitantly,unsure if you’ll still recognize your friend after so many years. You’ve beentalking online once in a while, catching up with each other’s lives, but you’rescared it might not be the same as it was before.

“Dia! I heard you were back intown. Want to come over to the diving shop?”

You agree, and when you showup, Kanan has a shiny new diving license to show you before she drags you outinto the sea to go diving, just like the old times. It’s like nothing haschanged since those days in high school.

Except the both of you knowyou’re missing one person.

You end up sitting together onthe edge of the boat in your wetsuits when the sun starts to set, casting anorange glow in the sea’s waves. It’s been a fun day, but there’s somethinglonely about looking out into the endless sea. You wrap your arms around yourlegs, bringing your chin to rest on top as you listen to the rhythmic sound ofwater crashing against the boat. A few birds soar up in the sky high above youand you watch them disappear into the horizon.

“What’s up?” Kanan asks you,sitting beside you casually, one leg hanging slightly off the top of the boat.

“Nothing,” you say.

“Oh, come on,” Kanan replies,punching you lightly on the shoulder. You don’t react. “Is this about…Mari?”

You feel like you haven’theard that name in years.

“I don’t know,” you admithonestly. “It’s been a long time since I thought about her, really.” And that’strue. You haven’t thought about her that much since the day she revealed thatshe was dating someone else. You had gotten irrationally emotional over it, butat the end of the day, the messages with Mari had eventually slowed to a stop.Something would have ended the relationship anyway even if that conversationover the phone hadn’t. “I haven’t spoken to her for years.”

“Hmm,” Kanan muses. She doesn’tsound surprised. “Why not?”

“We just grew apart,” you say.“Nothing much.”

“Well, I talked to her lastnight.”

You freeze for a second beforeyour body remembers that it’s not supposed to care anymore. “Oh, really?” youask, turning to look at Kanan, and you’re genuinely interested.

“Yeah, she’s pretty caught upwith her father’s company. They were starting a branch somewhere in Greece andthey wanted Mari to handle it.”

“Knowing Mari, she can dopractically anything,” you say with a laugh. It’s been years since you’ve saidthat name, and the way it rolls off your tongue feels wrong. Off. You thinkmaybe Kanan feels it too by the way she looks at you.

A silence falls between youand Kanan where you can only hear the sound of the crashing sea and theseagulls crying to each other far above. Finally, Kanan asks, “Dia, answer mehonestly this time. Do you still love her?”

If you were asked this yearsago, you might have reacted strongly to those words, like an unwantedconfession spoken out loud. But this time, you don’t feel much: just a twingein your heart at the words that disappears the moment it comes, like it’s beingswept away by the sea waves.

“I loved her, yes,” you begincarefully, releasing the words that have been pent up for so long. It doesn’tfeel like the release you had always thought it would feel like to speak thesewords, and you think, maybe this is because you’re no longer in love with her, thoughyou know she might have possibly been the only one you’ve ever loved. Fell inlove with. Sure, you’ve gone on dates with other women after the meeting withSarah years ago but nothing had felt right, and it was always hard to explainto your girlfriend at the moment exactly why you didn’t want to date anymore. Maybeit’s tragic that you’ve fallen out of love with Mari; You don’t know. Itdoesn’t hurt to think about her with someone else anymore. “At some pointthough, I realized she had moved on,” you retell, remembering that day in theschool idol shop. “And,” you say, shrugging and looking down at the orange-bluewaters, “I realized it was time for me to move on.”

“Then have you moved on, like youtold yourself to?”

You pause, wondering if youshould say it or not, but then decide that you have nothing left to loseanymore since it’s all over. “Kanan, I’ve loved her since we were kids anddidn’t know what the feelings meant.” Kanan is staring at you intently now, anexpression of understanding mixed with pity and sadness. “I was jealous of whatyou had with Mari.”

“Mari and I are just friends,”Kanan interjects.

“I know,” you say.

After that, both of you don’tsay anything. And when you start talking again, it’s about Kanan’s experiencein the Philippines or your current life in Britain as a law student. You’regraduating soon, and you think maybe you’ll be getting a job at a firm therefirst to establish yourself before coming back to Japan. You talk about yourfutures until the sun has set and Kanan has to steer the boat back to the shoreagain. On your way back, you look over at the other shore where the Awashimahotel is. Just in the distance, you think you can make out the shape of thehelicopter pad far away.

It’s raining again. Luckily,you have your umbrella with you as you make your way down to the office. Youhave some paperwork to fill out before you’re officially leaving the company.When you arrive, you find out that your coworkers have left a card at your deskwith heartfelt messages and you can’t help smiling and thanking them all forsuch kind wishes. A part of you is sad that you’re leaving, but you think maybethis will be for the better. You miss Japan a lot, and you already have ticketsfor a one-way flight tomorrow morning. If you had stayed any longer in London,you might have continued putting off your flight like you had been for the pastfew months. You had only managed to get tickets after Ruby and Leah had calledyou and begged you to book the latest flight, which was on sale.

You decide to sneak into thebreak room to grab a final jelly-filled doughnut before you leave to theairport in the afternoon. When you enter, a commercial is playing in thetelevision screen and you hear an all too familiar voice fill the room.

“And now the hotel is beingbuilt in places near you! Check in today to see our fabulous spas that comeswith a night booking!”

You’re staring at the screen,watching as a blonde girl with bright amber eyes and a cowgirl uniformintroduces the Awashima hotel. For a minute, you forget where you are. She hasalways had an affinity for cowgirl uniforms. You don’t know why you justremembered that.

“Oh, she’s so cute,” one ofyour coworkers say. “I always love these commercials.”

Instead of responding, youturn around leave, wondering why your heart is racing a mile a minute.

You arrive just in time to makeit to Ruby’s fashion show, watching as model after model strides the catwalkwith colourful, pastel and frilly outfits. As a recently graduated fashiondesigner, Ruby has had a lot of success, and you feel a swell of pride everytime you see a new model march out with one of her designs. You’re a little sadthat you weren’t here in Japan to support her from the very beginning butnonetheless, you’re glad you’re here now to support her.

At the end of the show, Rubygets dragged into interviews to talk about her choices, and you’re surprised tosee how natural and confident she is in front of the camera, turning up herfull charm as she smiles. Of course, she had grown leaps and bounds when shejoined Aqours a decade ago, but this…this is a whole new side of Ruby that hasmatured over the years. You had always been by her side since childhood untilyou graduated high school, and you begin to wonder how everyone else haschanged. You’ve lost connection with You and Riko, but Hanamaru, Yoshiko andKanan are usually within close proximity, and Chika always responds a few hourswithin receiving a message. And Mari… Well, it’s been a long time but you can’tforget that commercial on the television you saw before you left your previousworkplace. At least you know she’s still working for her father’s business.

When the interview is done andyou’re leaving with Ruby, you think you see a certain flash of blonde hair inthe crowd. But when you turn around to look, they’re already gone. Quashingyour disappointment, you and Ruby make your way out of the venue and begin toplan a trip back home to Uchiura.

It only takes two weeks beforeyou see her again.

It’s been ten years sinceyou’ve all parted ways, and eight years since you’ve last spoken to her and shelooks as beautiful as always. A little bit different and older and a littlemore tired, but still beautiful.

You had been about to go for amorning jog, having opened the door just when she was about to knock. You bothstare at each other for a while before bursting into laughter and it feelsgood. It feels really good. When you look at her, it doesn’t feel like you’vespent ten years apart on different parts of the world. Something in the back ofyour mind tells you that she was always here, right beside you whenever youneeded her. Two parts of a whole that had been separated, learned to livewithout each other, and then reunited again.

“I’m going for a run, want tojoin me?” you ask her.

“I’m good,” she says, in anaccented Japanese that shows she hasn’t been using the language for a long time.“But do you want to take a walk to the temple at the top of the mountain?”

“Sure,” you say and you bothhead out.

You begin by asking about eachother’s lives, catching up after eight years of silence. And it’s awkward atfirst, like it should be. But at the same time, it feels so right. Like a partof you has been missing and now you’ve found it again. It fits so perfectly inyour heart and you don’t even know why you had cut communications for eightyears.

It turns out that Mari is hereto visit old friends and you had just happened to be home just in time for herfirst visit.

When you reach the top, youfinally stop to get a good look at her. She’s dressed simply but eloquently: asoft white sundress and a white beach hat with a purple flower pinned to it. Youcan’t see from the hat but something tells you that she no longer wears herhair in a braid and a loop. Her hair is now perfectly straight instead of thenatural curly bounce she wore in high school, and it’s a little bit longer now,growing just before her elbows. Her face has grown into her age, and she’s lostsome of that mischievousness she’s always had as a teenager – her mouth softand stern instead of the curled half-grin like she was about to pull a prank.Still, you think, despite all of the changes, she’s still Mari. And you think she looks like a goddess.

You realize that she’s lookingat you and you blush, hoping she hadn’t seen the thoughts on your face. Yourlooks have also changed a bit, having cut your hair into a businesswoman’s neatlong bob that stops at the top of your shoulders. Your bangs are gone, havinggrown longer into your hair and swept to each side of your face. You’re stillshorter than Mari, though.

“So, how’s your girlfriend?”you ask, cutting to the chase.

“We broke up a long time ago,”Mari says without a beat. You barely have time to recover before she sayssomething else. “I realized I might have been using her as a replacement forsomeone else very dear to me.” She smiles almost pitifully, staring at thestone temple that you used to run by every morning when you trained for LoveLive as Aqours. That was so many years ago that it doesn’t even feel realanymore. You barely have a recollection of it.

“It’s good to know what youwant,” you offer her. She shakes her head, clenching her fists and refusing tolook at you. You get a feeling that she’s about to say something that you hadwanted to hear years ago, and you begin to feel a pressure in your chest youhaven’t felt since you watched Lost andDelirious back when you were working at the law firm.

“I made a mistake,” Mari endsup saying. “And…while I wouldn’t take back the last ten years, I wish thingswere different.”

Your throat is dry. Is thisreally it? Did it really take ten years to lead up to this one moment? “Mari…”Her name spills from your lips.

“Dia, I love you,” she says,looking at you so honestly, so openly, that you feel like your heart is aboutto explode. “I’m sorry I didn’t realize it before but… If you feel the same way…”

You don’t know what to say.

“I…”

Ten years. Ten years andyou’re standing speechless in front of her just like the day she left.

“Dia, it’s okay if you don’tfeel the same way,” Mari says, still looking at you, though the light in hereyes have dimmed, and you’re certain that her boldness is fleeing her spirit bythe second. “I just wanted you to know, if anything.” She turns awaycrestfallen with her shoulders hunched over, and she starts to head in thedirection of the stairs down the temple. No – No. This can’t be how it ends.This can’t be how it ends with the only girl you had ever truly loved.

“Mari, wait,” you say,reaching out and grabbing her arm. She stops but she doesn’t turn to look atyou. “Mari… I loved you too,” you tell her, forcing the words out even thoughthey protest being thrust in the open, “but that was a long time ago, andthings have changed. I’ve changed. I’m not the same Dia you know.” There’s apause, and you know that Mari has heard the past-tense in your confession.

“I know,” Mari says, her voicebetraying no emotion. You press on, wanting her to understand that while thingsare in past-tense, it doesn’t mean that it has to stay that way. You can’t havewaited for ten years in order to throw away your sole chance at redemption.

“No, what I’m saying is… Mari ifyou still love me after all these years, give me a chance.” A part of you feelsstupid, begging for a chance when you’re the one who’s fallen out of love. Butyou can’t let her go if you haven’t tried anything yet. You’ve been stubbornfor so long, and now an opportunity has appeared. You think about what Kanansaid three years ago, the last time you were in Uchiura: Then have you moved on, like you told yourself to?

You have moved on, but itdoesn’t explain the feeling stirring in your chest, the sudden buzz under yourskin as you look at the woman you’ve loved since you were both young children.

There’s a brief moment ofstillness before Mari turns to look at you. You can feel your heartbeatthumping dangerously. “A chance?” she asks, hesitantly. You nod, letting go ofher arm now that you know she won’t dash off without hearing you out.

“Give me a chance to fall inlove with you again,” you say in one breath.

Mari averts her eyes and youresist the urge to grab her again. It’s her choice in the end, you tellyourself. You had never wanted to make your love feel like a burden, which iswhy you never said anything when she left for Italy. You’re not going to makeher choices for her either this time, but you’re not going to shoot yourself inthe foot like you did when you were a teenager. “I don’t think that’s possible.If you don’t love me anymore, it may be best if we just stay as friends. Iguess I just missed out on all the good stuff.” She’s trying to joke, but youcan hear a crack in her voice when it hits too close to home for her, and youthink she’s trying not to cry.

“Just give me one chance,” youbeg her. “I’ll prove to you that I can.”

“And if you can’t?” Herquestion sounds like an ultimatum.

“Then we remain friends likewe always have been and nothing changes between us,” you confirm. After allthese years, you are given the chance that you’ve wanted all along. You can’tthrow it away like this. Not when a piece of you is yelling at you to pursuethis. Not when you’ve come so close after being unable to tell her your truefeelings ten years ago.

“I’m sorry I grew distantafter you told me about your girlfriend,” you admit when she doesn’t sayanything. You’re babbling now, but you can’t stop yourself. It’s like herconfession has lifted up a wall and now you can’t stop telling her abouteverything you’ve suppressed over the years. “I was being stupid. I was jealousand I thought that I didn’t stand a chance. I thought that you didn’t love me,and had never loved me and that I was just…pining after you hopelessly. I feltlost, Mari. I was hurting and I made some dumb decisions.” Your voice fallssoft. “I didn’t want to be in pain anymore.”

“Dia…,” she begins almost toherself. Then she closes her eyes and shakes her head like she’s trying to pushaway a thought. “I knew how you felt since we were in third year,” sheconfesses quietly. The knowledge should have shaken you, but it doesn’t, andyou think that maybe some part of you had suspicions all along but was tooafraid to talk to her about it. “But I was never sure if I was right and Ididn’t know if I felt the same way… Dia, I’m so sorry. If I were you, I wouldhave done the same. I never wanted to make you feel that way. I’m so sorry.”She wipes a hand over her eyes and tries to say something else but only a sobcomes out, which she quickly covers by putting her palm over her mouth. You canstill hear the sounds coming from her, and you want to reach out and hug her sobadly, but you know you have to talk through this.

You take a small step towardher and speak in a gentle tone. “It doesn’t matter anymore. If you weren’tready to make the decision then, it’s okay. I’m not angry at you. The choicewas always and still is yours to make.”

She removes the hand from hermouth and then speaks. “I… I practically rejected you. We haven’t seen eachother in ten years. You can’t change what has already happened.” Her voice isshaky.

“Then let’s start over,” youtell her. You need her to understand this – that the potential isn’t goneforever the minute one of you have begun to fall out a love. That you stillhave your entire lives in front of you and you still have a chance to redeemwhatever is between you and Mari. You remember something your mother told you along time ago, about how love is always an active process that two people arecommitted to and a part of, and you offer Mari her part in that process: “I’mKurosawa Dia. And you are?”

“I… Ohara Mari,” she says,almost a mumble. Her eyes are still looking at the ground, but you think, atleast she’s responding. She has to want the same thing as you do, to have gonethrough such a long tirade and still be here, standing in front of you under afoliage of leaves, in the place where you used to pass by on morning runs asteenagers back when you two were school idols.

“It’s nice to meet you. I’mjust wondering, would you be free for a date with me tomorrow night?”

She looks up to meet your eyesnow, her own eyes glazed over with tears. But now there’s a smile spreadingacross her face as she takes in the depth and truth of your words. Falling outof love had been a long and arduous process, but you know you have the capacityto love her again when you feel so complete with her. You reach a hand out withthe palm facing up, and after a moment of hesitation, Mari reaches out to graspyour hand. You smile at her, brilliant and wide, and your heart feels likebursting at her next words.

“I’d love to.”

#long post for ts #my writing #diamari #love live #love live!#love live! sunshine!!#love live sunshine

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kingdomheartsloversstuff · 6 years

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Light of Lothal Chapter 14 Lost and Afraid

Kallus knew nothing about parenting or raising children, yet here he was, adopting a child who had just lost his parents and was now being hunted by the Empire that he worked for. It was insane, but Kallus didn’t regret his decision for one second.

Read it on AO3

“Lyste I can-“ Kallus frantically began, but before he could finish Kanan charged him swinging and knocking him to the ground.

“Kanan no he’s a friend!” Kallus cried. “He knows about Dev!”

“You should have started with that,” Kanan grumbled as Kallus ran over and kneeled down next to Lyste who stared up at him, groaning in pain.

“Lyste are you alright?” Kallus asked.

“I thought we were friends,” Lyste groaned. Kallus chuckled and helped pull Lyste to his feet saying,

“Sorry but we need to get Dev and get out of here, where is he?” Kallus hurriedly asked.

“Kallus…he’s….gone,” Lyste said, unable to look him in the eye.

“Gone- what do you mean gone?” Kallus demanded, heart hammering in his chest.

“He ran away,” Lyste said. “After we got the news of your supposed death he locked himself in his room and when I went to check on him he was gone.” Everything went numb as the words processed in his mind. Dev had run away and was now defenseless and certain he was dead. Why would he run away? Did he know how dangerous it was for him? If anyone found out who he really was, he’d be killed without hesitation.

Even if Dev’s true identity was never discovered, that didn’t take away the danger of a young child living on the streets alone. Winters where extremely cold, it was nearly impossible to get a regular supply of food, not to mention the scum who lived in the shadows, preying on the innocent and truly desperate. If they didn’t find him soon, they would more likely find his body.

“We have to find him, quickly!” Kallus cried, anxiously pacing across the room. the last time he’d felt such terror was back on Onderon as he helplessly watched his men get slaughtered before his eyes….this time though he wasn’t helpless, he could do something this time. He refused to let anyone else he loved die. He’d lost too many people already.

When his men were killed, he’d promised himself he’d never let himself get attached to anyone ever again, but then Dev came along and ruined it all; and he’d never been happier for it. Dev had brought light into his dark world, brought joy and happiness into his life after he’d been so sure he’d never have it again, he refused to let the Empire take that away from him again.

He was afraid, terrified even, he refused to let that fear overcome him, he needed to focus on saving Dev. Fear would only slow him down, make him sloppy.

“Why?” Lyste asked. “I mean why the sudden rush to leave?”

“Did they tell you what happened on Lasan?” Kallus softly asked.

“…no,” Lyste slowly said. “Did something bad happen?”

“Tarkin…he ordered the destruction of Lasan….ordered every Lasat be killed-“

“Are you sure?” Lyste asked. “I mean would the Empire really-“

“They marked a child for death Lyste!” Kallus snapped. “Does this really surprise you?”

“The Empire has never done these things bef-“

“That we know about!” Kallus said. “The Empire could be just covering all of this up!”

“Do you really think that?” Lyste asked.

“I don’t know what to think,” Kallus admitted. “Nothing makes sense anymore!”

“You where there, maybe they attacked because the Lasat attacked-“

“No, we attacked, they defended,” Kallus whispered. “I can’t raise Dev in a place like this! We have to leave and get as far away as possible.”

“That will be easy for you both to do since the Empire doesn’t care about an orphan and they think you’re dead…” Lyste sighed.

“We could find a way to get you out quietly too if you wanted to come with us,” Kallus gently said, imagining what it would be like, the three of them could go to a world far away in the outer rim where there wasn’t much Imperial presence, they could get a small house and raise Dev together- together. He liked the thought of that. They could be a family, together. They could never replace Dev’s parents, but they could do their best to fill in for them.

“N-no!” Lyste stammered. “No I can’t leave. The Empire would know and they’d hunt me down and execute me for treason!” Kallus could only stare at him for several long moments, the thought that Lyste might say no never even crossed his mind. Lyste coming with felt so right, like he belonged with their little family.

“You’d rather work for an Empire that murders innocent people?” Even if Lyste didn’t want to help raise Dev, why would he work for an Empire that’s done so much harm to so many innocent people? Lyste was a better man then this!

“If they come after me they’ll find you and Dev and kill you both!” Lyste cried. “I can’t let that happen!”

“But-“

“This is my choice Kallus,” Lyste firmly said. “Now go find Dev.”

“Lyste-“ Kallus began, reaching out to Lyste. It wasn’t his job to protect Kallus, he was more than capable of taking care of himself, of Dev. Lyste didn’t need to force himself to stay-

“Kallus come on, we don’t have time for this,” Kanan snapped, grabbing his arm and yanking him back. “He’s made his decision and now we need to go.”

“Goodbye Lyste,” Kallus whispered.

“Goodbye,” Lyste mumbled, turning away from Kallus. Lyste refusing to come with him, stirred up an emotion inside of him he was painfully unfamiliar with. He wanted to beg Lyste to come with him, to get as far away from the Empire as physically possible, but he knew he couldn’t force Lyste, besides, he had to think of Dev now. Whatever he was feeling for Lyste couldn’t distract him, Lyste had made his decision, he had to respect that decision and move on. Kallus took a deep breath, and shoved the strange emotions deep down. It was almost frighteningly easy to do.

“Come on Kanan, I think I have an idea where Dev may have gone,” Kallus said before turning and walking out the door, not once looking back, unable to see the wistful look Lyste sent over his shoulder at the door as it shut behind the pair. His focus was solely on Dev.

Don’t worry Dev, I’m coming.

----------------------

He’d forgotten how cold it got at night on Lothal. He’d gotten used to the warmth of his new room. Dev had let himself get comfortable in his new life, a mistake he didn’t intend to make again. After the Empire took his birth parents he should have realized they wouldn’t let him be happy with his new family. He could never be happy, never have a family, he knew that now.

It would be better for everyone if he stayed in this cold lifeless tower, alone. Where he couldn’t get close to anyone and get hurt again. He was safer in isolation, you can’t miss anyone if there was no one to miss. But he had people to miss, so many people, why did everyone he loved have to die? His parents, his papa? A few treacherous tears leaked out of the corners of his eyes that he furiously wiped away.

Dev curled up on the cold ground, clutching Mr. Muttonchops to his chest. He knew he should ditch it, it made him think of his dad, both of them, and those where things he didn’t want to remember, but every time he started to toss his, his stomach would twist up painfully and he found he couldn’t do it. Despite telling himself otherwise, he didn’t want to forget Mr. Kallus, he was the first person to be kind to him after his parents died, he’d protected him and shown him love and kindness in a cruel, dark world.

He didn’t know anything about being a parent, but he’d been willing to try, for Dev, a little orphan he’d only met a few weeks earlier. For a moment, he’d made Dev believe that maybe, just maybe the Empire wasn’t as bad as he thought, that maybe their where good people who were looking out for everyone. But only Mr. Kallus and Mr. Lyste had been kind to him, the others were just as bad as his parents had told him. Cruel and uncaring, tossing him out like he was nothing after Mr. Kallus’s death- Dev clutched Mr. Muttonchops close to him, desperately trying to keep the painful memories at bay, but unable too. He didn’t want to be alone in the cold dark tower- he wanted to be in his home with his parents or his new home with his papa in their warm embrace.

Wishing for them back though wouldn’t bring them back- he was all alone now, and he had to accept that. There was no one here to comfort him, and their never would be. He needed to forget his families, both of them, and find a way to move on. He was all alone now, but he would survive. His parents had always said he was strong and could survive anything.

“You’re such a brave boy,” His mother said, running a hand through his hair. “No matter what happens, know we love you, so so much.”

“We need you to keep being brave for us okay?” His father said. “And always have hope.”

He didn’t feel brave, or loved. Had no hope. What was there to hope for? He hoped his parents would come back, but they never would, he hoped he could have a new family with Mr. Kallus, but now he was gone. All he wanted to do was curl up in a corner and cry. He desperately held in the tears though, brave boys didn’t cry, and he would be brave, for his parents and his papa. He wouldn’t cry, and would never let himself love again.

#Kallus #Agent Kallus #Ezra Bridger #SWR #Star Wars Rebels #Baby Ezra #Light Of Lothal #Sorry for the delay #life has been insane #daily 12 hour shifts #ect #but things have calmed down so updates should be more regular

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xcamay · 7 years

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Special edition! #1 - Kisses. (1/?)

Hi everyone! :3 Let me present you a bunch of ficlets related to my new AU, Aqours as parents! [others are coming soon ...]

(I forgot to mention that in this AU just like almost all my other AUs and fics, two girls can have a baby together, just like a boy and girl can have one. Because .. It's magic! And it's pure love! I hope it doesn't bother anyone btw...)

Neck kiss. [→ NSFW] Thursday, January 1st 2026

Mari took up the challenge for New Year's Day, again, promising her old friends that the party was going to be wild and shiny. And, for the tenth time Aqours decided to celebrate New Year together, as a group and as best friends, Mari did succeed : the evening was wild and shiny. The music was great and rousing ; the buffet was incredible, some dishes were even new for most of them and exotic ; and Aqours was still as lively as ever, which resulted in so many fits of laughter, in dance challenges and in never-ending conversations. As usual, they spent an amazing evening, and each committed couple came back home around 4AM.

But the night is still young, and dawn is not ready to rear its head.

"Y-You-chan ..." Riko murmurs, her hands lost in her wife's already disheveled hair.

You lightly hums in return, her mouth clamped around Riko's hardened nipple, as she lets her tongue roam all over it, causing the musician to suck in a sharp breath. Electric waves flow through Riko's entire body, making her shiver. It is all because of this expert tongue, but also because of this knee placed between her legs, which is tirelessly rubbing this specific spot ... And it is driving her crazy.

"You-chan," Riko huskily calls -and she smiles when You finally raises her head, with that small angelic grin of hers.

"What is it? Did I do something wrong?"

"No." The red haired woman shakes her head, her left hand now placed on You's cheek -and another smile paints her lips when she instantly spots her wedding ring. "I ... I just want you to kiss me."

A soft chuckle escapes You's lips at this, but she doesn't have to hear it twice. As she lowers her head and brushes her lips against Riko's, she whispers, "Needy tonight, aren't you?"

"Hush," Riko quickly retorts, her back arching ever so slightly as You presses her knee even more between her legs.

Riko muffles a gasp as she traps You's lips with her own, finally obtaining the kiss she was craving. Their smiles instantly grow wider, and their tongues soon brush each other, performing a sensual dance. The fiery kiss lasts for a few long seconds and, as You reluctantly breaks it and starts sitting up straight, Riko lets out a whine, her hands quickly grabbing her wife's shoulders.

"No ... Stay."

"I'm not going anywhere, Riko-chan you silly," You gently laughs, planting a quick peck on her lips. "I just want to take off–" her hands hurriedly grab her panties, and she tosses them aside "–that."

That. The last article of clothing which was just waiting for that ; being carelessly thrown onto the floor.

"You-chan ..." Riko shakily breathes. She instinctively tilts her head on the side the moment You attacks her neck, her hot breaths tickling her at first.

"Riko-chan–" You kisses her pulsating point "–we're going to have this baby–" she plants a few other kisses after gently nipping at some spots, as if she was healing them "– I promise."

In the meantime, one of You's hands has found its way between Riko's legs, causing the pianist's muscles to tense up and her back to arch. She whispers her lover's name, one hand clawing at the back of You's head, as she feels the beginning of a smile against the sensitive skin in her neck. It is when You slips two fingers inside her that her mind goes blank, and Riko instantly gives in to the carnal pleasure.

Happy kiss. Wednesday, July 8th 2026

"Oh my," Shima said, the palm of her hand resting on her cheek, pensive, "It does sound like implantation bleeding."

"Implantation ... Bleeding?" Chika repeated, puzzled.

"Yes. It's part of the early signs of pregnancy, but it's less common than nauseas or tiredness."

"Ohoh," Mito piped in, a teasing smirk paiting her lips. "It seems like Baka Chika did a lot of unprotected hanky-pankies with Kanan~"

"S-stop that!" Chika furiously blushed, pushing one of her big sisters' face away. "I'm sure it's because I'm going to have my period!"

"But you did say that it stopped the day after, and that it was a light bleeding," Shima remarked, her finger tapping her chin. "How many days have passed since you lightly bled?"

"A week ..."

"Don't you think you should have had your period now, after one week?"

Chika never replied to her sister, as she was already running for the nearest supermarket, totally freaked out.

"This is nonsense ..." Chika mutters as she puts her shorts back on, not even thinking of pulling up the zipper.

The young woman grabs the rim of the washstand, shoots a glance at her reflection in the mirror, and deeply sighs. She waits a little bit, swinging on her feet, before looking at the watch. They said to wait a few minutes before checking the result ...

"It's been more than two minutes, I can check, can't I?" She muses, before extending a shaky hand toward the item she'd turned upside down a few minutes ago.

Not even a second after, Kanan jumps with surprise as her ginger haired lover darts into the living room, a deep scowl on her face. Chika looks dreadfully mad, and it is certainly the first time that Kanan cowers in front of her.

"Um, sweetheart, you–"

"IT'S WRONG!" Chika suddenly screams, making Kanan flinch. "GET ME ANOTHER ONE!"

"What–"

Kanan can't say anything else, freezing the moment Chika throws a pinkish stick right in her face.

"GET ME ANOTHER ONE KANAN-CHAN!" she demands once again, stomping her foot onto the floor.

Kanan rubs her forehead, lightly groaning, and takes a look at the stick. She raises an eyebrow before her amethyst eyes land on the girl in front of her. "Chika, this pregnancy test ... It's positive, isn't it?"

"GO BUY ME OTHER ONES!"

"Ok ok," Kanan quickly says as she hurriedly reaches the front door, grabbing her dark blue purse at the same time. "I'm going!"

Once her blue haired lover has left, Chika returns to the bathroom, her heart thundering. She turns the water on, deeply inhales, and splashes her face with cold water.

"It can't be ..."

She soon gets lost in her thoughts, still shaken up by the recent news, her mind filled with what could happen if she really is pregnant ; yes, what could happen. What it implies, too. The impact it's going to have on her finances, on her life in general ... But also on her life with Kanan.

If she really is pregnant, it means that there will be a little human growing up in their own cosy nest, a bundle of joy relying on Kanan and her all the time. It means cries in the middle of the night the first few months and toys and diapers everywhere. It means spitting up and drool on her clothes all the time, and boo boos, and spikes of fever when it's time for teething. It means that they have to entirely secure the house. It means fright each time he or she will approach the oven or the gas stove ; when he or she will run everywhere and brush past pots, curtains, furniture ; when he or she will try to go up or down the stairs ...

But if she really is pregnant, it also means other things. It means ... It means that Kanan and her will be here for all their little bundle of joy's first times. His or her first smile. His or her first peal of laughter. His or her first words. His or her first steps. It also means that they will be proud to introduce their newborn to the world ; that they will be proud each time someone will say "Oh, look at this adorable sweetheart!" or "This baby is so cute!" ; that they will be proud of the apple of their eye, in general. It means hugs and cuddles, whether it be in the morning or before going to bed, or once Kanan or Chika herself has picked him or her up from the daycare center. It means sweet and warm and reassuring kisses, to say hello or goodbye or goodnight, or after baby has been scared by something or got hurt. It means encouragements each time he or she is about to do something great for the first time in his or her entire life, but also laughters after some tickle attacks or funny things babies can do without even wanting it ... And it means bedtime stories, and funny games, and new discoveries, and–

"Chika?" Kanan's voice suddenly snaps the ginger out of her reverie, and the latter quickly opens the door, finding herself face to face with the blue haired girl and two rectangular boxes. "I took these, I hope it's ok–"

"It is!" Chika hurriedly grabs them, before slamming the door in Kanan's face, who only blinks twice.

"Alright ..."

And Kanan can do nothing except wait for Chika to use the pregnancy tests again. She doesn't even think of cooking or watching TV to pass the time, and just impatiently taps her foot on the floor, her arms crossed above her chest. After less than ten agonizing minutes, Kanan's head perks up as she hears a few shaky and shuddering breaths coming from behind the door. She instantly knocks on it, calling her name, worried.

"K-Kanan-chan ..." Chika finally opens the door, and Kanan sucks in a surprised breath when she notices that her crimson eyes are glistening with tears.

"Chika– oof!"

And, as Chika tackles her lover into a bear-crushing hug, she ecstatically yells, "I'm pregnant!"

She starts laughing and grabs Kanan's hands, tightly, making the two of them spin in the corridor. "I'm pregnant Kanan-chan, I'm pregnant~" she singsongs, before crashing her lips onto Kanan's, happily.

Kanan wraps her arms around the future mother's waist, bringing her closer, pressing their lips together even more. Chika is still giggling against her mouth, almost breathlessly, and Kanan can swear that she has never seen the bubbly girl as happy as that.

"Chika ..." She tenderly smiles, her thumb stroking the ginger's cheek.

"We're going to have a baby, Kanan-chan!"

As an answer, Kanan only tightens her grip around Chika and showers her face and neck with soft, messy and quick kisses. The latter bursts into laughter, but still hugs Kanan back, not even trying to get away from this vicious embrace.

"Kanan-chan, stop that~"

And she does, giving Chika's lips one last, loving kiss.

"You scared me for a moment, though," she says when their lips slightly part. Chika's ruby eyes slowly flutter open at this, curiosity veiling them. "I thought you didn't want to be pregnant."

Chika sheepishly chuckles, scratching the back of her neck. "You know that I'm sometimes bad at dealing with sudden and big news like that ... I wasn't expecting it and I freaked out for a moment, it seems so crazy after all Kanan-chan! I have a baby inside me, no wait– I have our baby inside me, it's just–"

"I love you," Kanan interrupts her, brushing her bangs aside and planting a new kiss on Chika's soft skin.

"We should tell the others!" Chika excitedly squeals. "We have to call You-chan and Riko-chan, and Mari-chan, and–"

"Wait, Chika." Kanan is quick to detain her dynamic girlfriend by the hand, drawing her closer again. "We should wait a little bit, for Dia and Mari at least."

"What, why? They're your best friends, they're going to be our baby's aunties, they have to know!"

"Chika." Kanan rests her hands on her shoulders, as if to hold her in place. "I know that, and I really want Dia and Mari to know about all this but ... They've been trying for years now."

"Oh ... Right ..." Chika's smile wavers and drops as she remembers this small detail.

"Let's just wait a little bit before announcing it," Kanan pulls Chika into a hug, one hand instinctively slipping under the ginger haired girl's tank top and resting on her lower abdomen. "We'll go see the doctor this weekend to see for how long you've been pregnant first, mh?"

Chika eagerly nods her head, arms wrapped around her amethyst eyed lover.

"We're going to be two incredible Mamas, Kanan-chan!~"

Belly kiss. Sunday, February 21st 2027

"Riko-chan, I found it!"

Riko looks up from the book she was reading the moment You's cheerful voice fills the living room. She slowly closes it and wedges it between the two big cushions she's resting against, before smiling when her ashen haired wife plops down next to her, with another book. It is a pinkish one this time, with the big title writing in a girly manner : 'A sweet name for the sweetest baby girl'. As Riko briefly reads that, she lets one hand draw circles on her rounded belly.

"Where was it?" She curiously asks, her head soon finding refuge on You's shoulder as the latter sluches into the cushions.

"At the back of my nightstand. I forgot I put it here last time," You sheepishly laughs, before resting her head against Riko's, opening the book right on the contents page. "So ... They sorted the names per category, uh ..." She glances at her wife's beautiful tummy, extending her hand and tickling its side. "Wakey wakey, Tootsie~ Mommy and Mama want you to hear your future name–"

"If we find it," Riko butts in, her fingertips turning around her belly button.

"We'll find it, Riko-chan!" You widely beams at her wife, before exclaiming, "Oh, she's waking up!"

"I know." A tender smile graces Riko's features as she feels their little girl slowly moving inside her.

Soon, a small lump forms under Riko's fingers, before it moves toward the spot that You is currently tickling.

"Good afternoon, sleepyhead," You greets their unborn baby girl, leaning over and rubbing her nose on the bump. "Mommy and I are about to give you the best name ever, so you better hear that! The best name for the best little girl ever~"

She places another kiss on Riko's beautifully swollen belly, right before the latter's fond amber eyes. It takes them almost ten minutes to stop babbling and cooing to their sweetheart, finally paying attention to the book again. They both skim the first pages, returning to their previous position with Riko's head resting on her wife's shoulder.

"Mmh," You slowly hums as she places one foot on the coffee table, cracking her ankle, "Oh, here. What about Haruka, Riko-chan?"

The answer is almost immediate :

"Too common."

You glances at her lover, surprised, but keeps reading the page nonetheless. "Alright ... What about Sakura, then? That's a sweet name."

Riko shuffles even closer, the side of her tummy gently colliding with You's hip. "It's sweet, yes, but it's just like Haruka, too common. We see and hear it everywhere, You-chan ... I don't want my daughter to have the same name as four of her future classmates."

"You have a point, Riko-chan."

The names come one after another, and the swimmer ends up sighing each time.

"What about Asa?"

"What the heck, isn't it an old name?"

"I guess that's a no. What about Shiko?"

"I don't like it."

"Mh ... And Kanta?"

"I've never heard of this name."

"... And?"

"No."

"... ... Ok ... And, oh, look! It's cute! What about this one?"

"Ucchi? No."

"Mou, Riko-chan, you're picky!"

"You-chan, we're about to choose the name of our baby. It's really important." Riko's amber eyes are deadly serious as she says that. "She's going to have it from beginning to end. We're going to call her like that all the time, during her entire life, just like her friends and her lover. And her teachers, too. Her friends are going to give her nicknames related to her name, and all. It's ... It's vital. We have to give her the best name ever."

"I know th–"

"So no," Riko goes on, "I don't want her to be called Sakura or Ai or Mei or Yui, because those are names which are too common. I don't want an old name like Kogō for our daughter either."

"I got it, I got it. You want the perfect name. And I want that too!" You smiles and nuzzles her lover's crimson hair, before placing a soft kiss on the same spot. "Then, what if you look at the book and pick the ones you like?"

Riko only hums, gently taking the book from her lover's hands and using the curve of her belly as a support. She turns the page, silently reading the names and then their description, origin and meaning -if they interest her. You's smile never leaves her face as she stares fondly at the pregnant woman next to her, and it even grows wider each time she notices the cute crease between Riko's eyebrows each time she unconsciously frowns. When she reads, Riko's face always ends up being very expressive : either she presses her lips hard or bites them, or she raises an eyebrow in surprise or frowns and shakes her head when she's not fine with whatever is happening in the book, or she wrinkles her nose or, on the contrary, a small but adorable smile paints her lips, ...

It's like Riko is reading her the entire story, without saying anything.

And it never fails to make You lovingly grin. She got to know all this after so many calm nights spent together, in their comfy bed. Riko has always loved reading, and she often does so before going to bed, when the two of them don't feel too sleepy, or when they're not tangled in the sheets in one of the most passionate embraces ever.

"... -chan? You-chan?"

You blinks several times as she hears her name, her sapphire eyes landing on Riko's curious amber ones.

"Ah, sorry sorry, I was lost in my thoughts!"

"I saw that." A gentle smile finds its way on Riko's lips, before she glances at the book still resting on her belly. "I was saying, what about Risa? I like this name."

You seems to ponder this for a few seconds, but shakes her head, which makes Riko pout. "No ... It's one of my cousins' name."

"Oh, right. Then, um ... Shiki?" Riko looks at You, before they both shake their head at the same time. "It sounds too childish."

"Yeah. Another one?"

The dark crimson haired musician hums lightly again, swiftly turning a page.

"Oh! Suzuko, I like it!"

You raises an eyebrow. "Not me."

Riko slides a frustrated hand through her long strands, heaving a sigh, "It's going to be too complicated, we're not on the same wavelength."

"Hey, don't say that! We'll be when we find the perfect name!"

"Why did Chika-chan and Kanan-san choose Anju first, it's such a cute name," Riko growls as she leans her head back on the big cushion behind her. "We'll ask them for advice if we're too desperate ..."

You takes advantage of this new position and shuffles closer, tucking her head into the angle of her wife's neck. She chuckles and nods, before lazily pointing at the last name on this page.

"Rio ..." She half-reads, half-yawns, before placing a hand in front of her mouth. "Wait."

She shifts her position again, finally sitting up, and the two lovebirds share a glance, before uttering the same syllable at the same time :

"No."

You laughs as she adds, "It sounds too much like Riko!"

A chuckle leaves Riko's mouth as she closes the book, throwing it onto the coffee table. She then stretches and whines a little, hands placed on her belly, "Oh my baby girl, we're not ready to find you a name!"

"Daijobu." You nuzzles Riko's cheek before leaning toward the round tummy, her lips already on the tight skin. "Have a good nap, dear princess. Mama is going to make Mommy relax a little, so she won't be too worried about all this name thing!"

Overjoyed kiss. Thursday, February 25th 2027

After stirring the breaded chicken, the dashi, the mirin, the onions and even the soy sauce in the wok, Mari brings the wooden spoon to her lips and tastes the still-stewing dish. She hums, unconsciously moving her head and tapping her foot on the white tiles, as her small purple speaker blasts the first notes of one of her favorite metal songs in the kitchen.

"Now, the eggs," she mutters to herself, grabbing the bowl with the two beaten eggs in it.

She pours them in the wok, stirring again, before a buzzing sound catches her attention. She looks at her phone, the screen displaying a new text -and a smile automatically brightens her face.

'I made a quick detour, I'm sorry, but I'll be here soon.'

Mari grins as she types back, 'No need to worry hon~ I'm waiting for you~', before sending it. She then takes the speaker, waits for the song to finish -it's one of her favorites, after all!- and turns it off. She knows it's going to both annoy and weary her soon-to-be-wife if she comes back home and is only greeted by one of those 'aggressive things'. She chuckles as she remembers that ; Dia used to describe Mari's fave songs like that a lot during college, when she was unexpectedly dropping by her place. It only became worst when they moved in together -much to Mari's amusement, as Dia always makes this cute surly and snobbish expression each time she hears metal tunes.

The young woman's ears perk up when she hears the door open, and her smile instantly widens.

"Dia~," she squeals, rushing into the corridor and instantly throwing herself into Dia's arms, nuzzling her chest -a bad habit of hers. "You're here, darling!"

"Mari, not now," Dia says through gritted teeth, pushing on the blonde's shoulders to push her away.

"Eh?" Mari blinks as she straightens up, completely astounded by this reaction. "What's wrong?"

But Dia has already slammed and locked the restroom door, leaving a stunned Mari in the corridor. Alright, Dia does not like when her girlfriend shows up out of the blue and pulls her into a tight hug only to bury her face into her chest. Mari knows that. But Dia has never -never- repulsed her like that. Not even when she felt too sick or when she really wanted to go to the bathroom after a long day at work ... Something is wrong, definitely.

"Dia?" Mari hesitantly approaches the door, placing a hand on it as if it was Dia's arm or face. She even glues her ear against it, trying to hear if Dia is sobbing ...

But she flinches and steps back when Dia roars, "Leave me alone! I need to do something!"

"Uh ... Do you feel ill?"

"Mari."

Dia's voice sounds so pleading that Mari doesn't have any other choice and obliges.

"Fine. But call me if you need anything, alright?"

Hearing a muffled 'yes', Mari nods -even if Dia can't see it- and returns to the kitchen, keeping a close eye on the katsudon in preparation. She instinctively grabs the wooden spoon from earlier and fiddles with it, worry starting to gnaw at her. Dia isn't fine. The only times she acted so distant were when they were t–

No.

Dia promised her she would stop thinking about that ; and Mari promised the same thing in return.

She heaves a deep sigh and looks at the utensil in her hands, almost indifferently. No, she is mostly lost in her thoughts and–

"MARI!" Dia's screeching voice snaps her out of her reverie. "MARI!"

Aside from being screeching, Dia's voice sounds strangled, filled with tears and sobs, which makes Mari run to the restroom without even thinking first. She is about to force the door open, too worried, but Dia unlocks it, causing her to freeze for a split second. It's not only the surprise of the door opening before she can do something that strikes her ... But the tears flowing on her fiancée's face.

"Dia ..." Mari's hands automatically cup the brunette's cheeks, brushing the tears away with her thumbs. Her voice drops in a whisper, "What's wrong, did something–"

"Mari," she interrupts her, choking on another sob while leaning in Mari's frail -almost shaky- touch. "I ... I-I'm pregnant ..."

Everything around Mari seems to stand still for a few seconds as she proceeds the information. She can only hear her heart thumping in her chest, resonating in her entire body, while her mind keeps repeating Dia's words. I'm pregnant. I'm pregnant. Some simple words, but with a strong meaning behind. It is even more intense for the two of them, Mari thinks, as they suggested having a baby two years ago.

... Two years ago.

"M-Mari ..." Dia amost whimpers, not expecting Mari to be as silent as that. "Please–" the imploring tone makes Mari blink "–please Mari, say something ... We've been waiting for this to happen for so long ..."

It was so sudden, impromptu, and even unforeseeable -because yes, Mari pushed aside the idea of having a baby a few months ago- that she doesn't know how to properly react. After all ... She gave up. As much as she hated that, she gave up on having a baby with the love of her life -because it was impossible ; Dia wasn't supposed to become pregnant ... not after all those unsuccessful attempts, not after all those tears and screams and fights. At a loss for words, the blonde only tries to blink her forming tears away, before pulling Dia into a strong embrace. She tucks her chin on the top of Dia's head, hugging her even tighter, as the brunette bursts into tears.

It is the second time in her entire life that someone (Dia) has rendered her speechless. The first time was ... In her spacious king-sized bed, in the huge room her father saved for her in his brand new resort hotel in Uchiura. Dia was naked, right under her, her dark and silky hair spread out all over the comfy pillows. On that night, the Kurosawa heiress was beautiful -and she was Mari's, and only Mari's.

This is the second time Dia has shut her up. And it's one of the first few times Mari's tears are freely and endlessly flowing. Tears of relief ... But tears of happiness mostly.

"I-is ... ... F-for real ...?" Mari shakily breathes in Dia's hair, one of her hands bringing the latter even closer while the other tenderly strokes these dark locks.

Dia wordlessly nods her head, giving a quick sniffle before raising her head. Watery turquoise eyes land on golden ones and, as she grips her future wife's shirt, Dia flutters them close.

No words need to be said, and Mari mimics her, before locking their lips in a gentle kiss ... Which quickly escalates, soft breaths and sighs blending together.

"I think we deserve a chocolate pudding tonight," the blonde murmurs against her lover's lips, their eyes slowly opening.

Dia's smile has never been so blinding and enthralling to Mari's eyes, and the latter can't help but capture these beaming lips again, with more fervor.

Happy belated birthday to Chika (with this happy event) and Honoka! Even if our hyperactive ginger baby isn’t here ... For now. c: (Just a last message to tell you that I certainly won’t post anything before September, I’m going to be busy in August but I’ll do my best to write as much as I can in the evenings and maybe when my nephew is napping!)

See you, guys~ I hope you liked those ficlets!

59 notes · View notes

conartisthaiji · 7 years

Link

Fandom: Love Live! Sunshine!!

Pairing: Kanan/Mari/Dia

AU where Kanan is a dragon, Mari is a princess, and Dia is a knight. based off of that comic where the dragon is wingwoman-ing for the princess

actual fic under cut

Mari is quietly brushing Kanan's hair when they hear the warning.

"God damn," Kanan mutters, as she jumps up and races out to the tower. "Can't they ever just wait a fucking minute."

Mari hikes up her skirts and sprints after her friend. She ducks down behind the stone wall and watches as Kanan shifts into a dragon. The way scales creep over her face and wings erupt from her back always convinced her that it hurt, but Kanan has never once given any indication of pain.

"Foul beast!" A low, rough male voice comes booming in. "I have come to release the fair princess! Unhand her at once!"

Kanan snarls, then dips her head to look at Mari.

"How does he look?" Mari asks.

"Nasty, rude. Probably full of himself, and only wants the riches the king promised."

Mari pretends to consider it. "Nah. Fire away, Kanan."

Kanan nods and inhales. Mari hears the blast of flames upon the path and feels the heat emanating from her friend's body. She hears the knight's screams.

“Remember, only those pure of heart can save the princess!” Kanan roars.

After Kanan falls silent, Mari peeks out and sees a scorched shield in the place of where the knight once stood.

Kanan mutters, "Let's pray that happens."

Mari bites her lip. She really, really hopes it doesn't.

"Thanks, Kanan," she says.

She loves how Kanan's violet eyes light up. She'd do anything to keep the happy light in her dragon's eyes.

Kanan gives her a toothy grin. "Now, I believe you were brushing my hair?"

Mari grins back as Kanan shifts into a human.

"Last one back is a rotten egg!" Mari cries out, and laughs as Kanan jumps up and starts sprinting down the stairs. Mari focuses on the stone beneath her feet, and Kanan's purple hair up ahead, and Kanan's teasing cry in the air, and wishes that these moments would never end.

Mari is making stew the next time the alarm goes off.

"I can take care of it, if you want to finish dinner," Kanan offers.

Mari nods. "Okay, go for it. It’s probably a nut job anyways.”

Kanan disappears, and Mari smiles at the dragon's retreating back.

She carefully tastes some of her stew, and it's delicious, just as she expected. Knowing that Kanan will be back soon, she grabs two bowls–already filled with rice–and begins pouring stew over it. She sets them down on the table, and get out two spoons and two napkins. The table is perfectly made. She sits down to wait for Kanan. All that remains is an odd silence from above. Kanan should be back already, Mari thinks, frowning and standing up to exit the kitchen. She starts heading up the stairs to the tower, but ends up meeting Kanan halfway.

"Oh good," Mari says. "I was coming to check up on you. The usual?"

Kanan shakes her head. "She was weird. Claimed she knew you when you where children. She said that she wanted her friend back." Kanan sighs and rubs her hand over her face. "I told her to come around to the door. Tell me if you do know her."

Mari stares dumbly as Kanan stiffly walks down the stairs. There was something harsh and cold on the her friend's face, and Mari feels a pit of dread growing in her stomach. Who could this girl be?

There's no way that it'd be...

"Hurry up, Princess!"

She's shocked back to reality, and Mari hurries after Kanan to the front door.

She sees Kanan fling open the door, and Mari presses herself into the shadows.

"Thank you," the strange girl says politely. "Are you another Princess here? Where is Princess Mari?"

"I'm the dragon, you fool," Kanan snaps. "I can shift between Dragon and human."

"I'm sorry," the girl replies.

Mari steps out of the shadows and studies the girl. Emerald green eyes, long dark hair, a beauty mark under her lip-

"Dia?!" Mari rushes forward.

"Mari!" Dia drops her sword and throws her arms around Mari.

"It's been forever since I've seen you!" Mari exclaims. "Too long!" She laughs with glee.

"Stay for dinner," Kanan interjects. "You and Mari can catch up, and then Mari can pack up her things and go."

"I made stew," Mari proudly informs Dia. "Kanan loves it."

Dia smiles and follows Kanan to the kitchen. Mari frowns as she takes in the stiff way Kanan moves to the kitchen.

She's got a gut feeling that this is going to be a mess.

Mari stands over the stewpot, filling up another bowl. She can feel tension, radiating from Kanan, and awe and fear radiating from Dia.

She has a bad feeling about dinner, and it's only worsened in the few moments she's been in the kitchen, preparing another bowl for herself.

Eventually, she sits down. "Enjoy!" she exclaims, and beams.

Kanan starts eating right away. Dia, however, eyes the bowl mistrustfully.

"I'm not that bad," Mari whines.

"You almost blew up the kitchen," Dia states, deadpan.

"I was five!" Mari defends.

Kanan gasps. "You almost blew up the kitchen?!"

"I just wanted to get rid of the ugly glass Papa gave me!" Mari shrieks. "And I'm a lot better now!"

Dia hesitantly takes a bite as Kanan snorts. Her eyes widen. "Wow, Mari...this is really good." She swallows. "I'm impressed."

"Ha! I knew you'd like it!" Mari happily takes a bite. "So, Dia, what brings you around these parts?"

"Ruby wrote me a letter saying that Princess Mari had been kidnapped by a dragon," Dia begins. "She was concerned because the king has been having the temples pray constantly. Her friend Hanamaru was being run ragged, and so she asked me to do something." Dia tilts her head and looks straight at Kanan. "Why did you kidnap Mari?"

"I didn't kidnap her," Kanan retorts. "In the olden days, dragons were safe havens for royalty who were forced in unfortunate circumstances. Eventually, the myth that dragons kidnapped royalty was born, but there are still the occasional princess who comes right to a dragon's lair. Mari was one of them."

Mari sighs. "I didn't come right to the dragon's lair. I snuck out of the palace, but I didn't take a horse. Kanan found me wandering the countryside, half-delirious and almost dead." A smile curves across her face as she recalls Kanan's warm arms lifting her up. "She brought me back to her lair, and nursed me back to health. She also spread word that I'd been kidnapped by her, so that we could wait for an appropriate person to marry me." Mari sighs wistfully, recalling Kanan's gentle ministrations and cool hands. Those had been...ridiculously good days. Lounging under soft sheets, Kanan's soft voice and caring nature, the ridiculous body heat from the dragon, those arms, those abs...

She's going to start drooling, so she hastily stuffs some stew in her mouth.

"Then, I must thank you, Kanan, for saving my friend," Dia calmly replies. "It seems that the stories circulating through the rumor mill are just that–rumors."

Kanan shrugs. "You would've done the same." But Mari can see how Kanan's smile is a little more smug.

Perhaps dinner won't be a disaster after all.

"So, Dia," Kanan starts. "Tell me about yourself. What do you do?"

"I'm a knight," Dia responds.

"Oh, so have you participated in any of the witch hunts lately?" Kanan's smile grows cold and feral. "It was near-impossible to find a witch where I would be able to obtain medicine for Mari. I must thank you for that."

Dia flinches. "I-"

"Have you actually fought against a dragon?" Kanan continues, sharp and biting. "Do you have the strength to kill-"

"Kanan," Mari hisses.

"No, no, it's fine," Dia says. "After all, isn't that what Knights do? Kill senselessly and destroy innocent creatures. Heaven forbid we try to save our people, who cannot fight or wield magic or breathe fire." Her polite smile drops from her face. "Heaven forbid we try to save the people we love."

It's Kanan's turn to flinch.

"Dia-"

"Oh, no, Dia is absolutely correct," Kanan interjects. "After all, the whole point of a knight is duty to the people they love." She shrugs. "If they don't love you, then you're garbage to them."

"That isn't true," Dia snaps, face flushing in anger.

"Oh, but it's what you said," Kanan replies coolly. She slams her bowl on the table. "Anyways, I'm finished. Thank you, Mari. I have some business to attend to."

Mari stares as Kanan walks away.

"Mari, I'm so-"

"Save it," Mari whispers numbly. "I just wanted a good dinner with my friends."

"No, Mari, you're right. I shouldn't have baited her. Or responded. It wasn't fair to you."

Mari feels a few tears gathering in her eyes. "Dia-"

"You really care for her, don't you?" Dia smiles sadly.

Mari nods. "I think I might love her," she admits. The tears start rolling down her face.

"Mari-"

"It's fine," Mari says, wiping her eyes and putting on a smile. "Kanan's been a great friend. But it will be wonderful to go back to the courts with you, Dia. You've been so busy. I missed you a lot."

Dia smiles, but it doesn't reach the corner of her eyes like usual. "Of course. Would you mind pointing me in the direction of the bathroom? I, too, have finished my stew. It was delicious, by the way."

"Thank you. Just follow the hall and make a left. You'll find it pretty easily."

Dia disappears, and Mari is alone, with only her thoughts for company.

When she was thirteen, she had a huge crush on Dia. Dia, who was working so hard, who still smiled, even as blood gushed freely from her arm. Dia was going to be a great knight. And then Dia was sent on various missions, and was rarely home. Even when she was, Dia was training hard.

And Mari felt her heart shatter, as Dia had less and less time for her.

But looking at Dia today proved that she hadn't forgotten her feelings for Dia. Dia, who was so dedicated and determined. Dia, who always wanted the best for Mari.

Can she love both Kanan and Dia at the same time?

She can. Mari closes her eyes, and pretends she lives with both Kanan and Dia. They'd both hold her while she slept, and Kanan and Dia could spar during the day, and Mari would cook for them. They could all sit at this table, and laugh...

But tonight's argument had proved otherwise.

Mari finishes her stew, even though it tastes like ash in her mouth. She trudges up to her room, and takes in various presents Kanan had got her.

It hits her like a punch in the gut. She doesn't want to leave. She wants Dia to stay, but she will have to choose between Dia and Kanan.

The thought makes her want to cry. So she stands up, leaves her room, and start running to the tower where Kanan terrorized so many useless knights for her.

However, she sees Dia walking up those very steps, and frowns. Wasn't Dia in the restroom? Mari shurgs, then silently follows Dia, who strides out into the open air.

"There you are," Dia says, presumably to Kanan. Mari sneaks forward and presses herself against the wall. "I'd like to apologize for my words as dinner."

"Don't bother," Kanan replies. "I was equally rude."

"That isn't what I'm here to talk about, though." There's a pause, and then Dia continues. "I must apologize for bursting into your home like this. I will not be taking Mari with me when I leave. It appears that she will be much happier here."

Mari has to slam her hands over her mouth.

"Nonsense," Kanan insists. "Mari was always meant to go back home."

"She will be happier here." Dia's voice grows soft. "I cannot do that to her. She loves you, Kanan. What kind of monster would I be if I took her from the one she loves? From her home?"

Mari can't help it. She rushes out, tears once more gathering in her eyes.

"Dia, I've had a crush on you since I was thirteen and you were a sweaty mess training fiercely in the guard. I thought it faded as I saw you less and less but seeing you here tonight brought everything rushing back. And Kanan, I've had a crush on you ever since you picked me up from that field and nursed me back to health. This castle has become more of a home to me than the palace ever was. And I want to stay, here, with both of you. Dia, stay here with Kanan and me, please!" She pants, exhausted from her outburst. "Please! Kanan, let Dia stay here!"

They're both silent for a moment, and then Dia smiles.

"It appears we got off on the wrong foot," Dia declares. "My name is Dia. May I stay with you for a while?"

Kanan smiles back. "I'm Kanan, and Dia, you may stay with us."

Mari beams as Kanan pulls Dia into a hug. Then, she frowns.

"Are you guys ever gonna kiss me?"

Dia chokes.

Kanan, however, steps right up and pulls Mari in close. Her face has gone scarlet, but she presses her lips firmly to Mari's.

Mari feels giddy when they pull apart. "Dia! Your turn!"

"N-no!" Dia shrieks, turning red. "Not-"

"Have you ever kissed anyone?" Kanan asks.

"Wh-what?!"

Mari laughs, and grabs Dia's waist. "I've wanted to do this since forever," she whispers, and gently kisses Dia.

"Okay, so how are we going to do this?" Dia demands. "What are the rules? Kanan and I are both dating Mari, right?"

"Right," Mari says, still feeling giddy. She has two girlfriends! Awesomely strong and serious and fun girlfriends! Both of them are amazing!

"Do we all share a room? Are Kanan and I dating as well? How are we going to divide the house up? Heck, are we going to divide the house up?"

"We aren't dating," Kanan replies.

That is the only issue. Mari wants cuddle piles with both her girlfriends. She has to trick Kanan and Dia into falling for each other as well.

"As for room arrangements,” Kanan continues, “I can get you one soon enough. Everyone shares the house. That all right with everyone?"

"Yes!" Mari pumps her fists with glee. "Absolutely!"

"Okay," Dia says, shrugging. "By the way, can I borrow something to sleep in? I'll have to get my stuff tomorrow. And it will be some time before I can fully move in–I will have to get my affairs in order."

"Of course," Kanan responds. "But what if you just pretended you were dead?"

"I can't leave Ruby behind," Dia admits. "She'd be devastated without me."

"Ahhh," Kanan says knowingly. "I see." She hesitates. "It will make things difficult, though."

"But..." Dia bites her lip. "I guess...I just don't know if I can disappear like that."

Kanan nods. "Disappearing is hard, Dia."

"Kanan, I miss Dia," Mari mumbles, burying her face into Kanan's boobs. “It feels like she's been gone forever.”

"Get your face out of my boobs, and we can talk about it."

"Kanaaaaann," Mari whines.

"Maaaariii," Kanan parrots.

"Your boobs make me feel safe. Like I’m home."

"For fuck's sake."

Mari stands up and looks at Kanan. "Do you miss her too?"

Kanan's silence is answer enough.

The alarm rings.

“Is it Dia?” Mari exclaims hopefully.

Kanan hops out of the window and transforms. “Yes!” she roars, and circles around the castle joyously. “Dia’s back!”

Mari rushes to the door to greet her other girlfriend.

“Dia,” she whispers, and throws her arms around Dia’s neck, and starts crying with relief.

She feels Dia’s lips on her forehead, and then feels Kanan’s scaled claw around both of them.

“Get on my back, we’re going flying.”

"Mari really misses you, you know."

Mari freezes as she hears her name floating from behind the shut door. She presses her ear against the wood.

"I know. It isn't fair to her."

"Dia, you're not always going to be able to move in and out from here and the castle. It's a two day journey between both places. I hate to pressure you, but you have to pick."

"Do you," Dia begins, but falls silent. Mari presses herself closer. "Kanan. Do you...miss me as well?" Dia sounds unusually vulnerable, and hesitant.

"Yeah," Kanan admits. "Yeah, I do." There's a pause. “You were here for three days, and then you left for a month, Dia.”

“I won't let it happen again. I…I can stay here. Stay home.”

Mari smiles and pushes herself off the door. The three of them will be all right after all.

That night, as Mari is lying in bed, she hears hushed whispers outside her door.

"Come in!" she calls, hopeful.

Kanan immediately opens the door and steps inside, followed by a breathless, pink-faced Dia. Mari opens her mouth to comment, maybe on Kanan's kiss-swollen lips, but Kanan beats her. "We'll sleep with you," she declares.

"B-both of you?!" Mari exclaims, unsure of why, exactly, she's surprised. She should've seen this coming. "Well, then by all means," she purrs.

"It's not going to be sexual!" Dia shrieks, waving her hands furiously.

Mari smirks. "We'll see about that."

"M-Mari!"

Kanan just laughs and hops into the bed. "Something tells me that we'll need a bigger bed at some point."

"Yes, we will," Dia agrees, as she slips next to Mari. "Go to bed, guys."

Waking up the next morning is one of the best moments of Mari's life. She has Kanan in her arms, and Dia sleeping peacefully next to them.

Mari smiles and pulls Dia closer to her, then closes her eyes to sleep some more.

#love live! sunshine #guess who's writing fic again #My writing #its kananmaridia #there isn't enough fic about them

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tarisilmarwen · 7 years

Text

Cracks In The Mirror: Escape

( Chapter One. Chapter Two. Chapter Three. On FFnet here.

Drawing closer towards the final showdown. I am excited.)

---

Kanan felt Ezra long before they'd exited the shuttle. His presence in the Force was blurry and muted, worryingly faint and radiating out a dull, fuzzy sense of pain.

The sounds of the firefight were already loud and raucous by the time they reached the ramp. Kanan hoped fervently that Ezra was out of the line of fire. He could hear Chopper squealing, smell the sharp tang of melting durasteel. A tinny electric whine buzzed in his ear and Rex yelled at Chopper to block the door. The troopers must have been trying to cut through it.

They beelined for the sound of the heaviest fighting. Kallus grunted—sounded like he was winded. Kanan increased speed trying to close the distance faster. How big was this hanger, surely they were at the scene now?

A sudden flare of fear spiked out from Ezra, followed by a cry of distress. The helpless sound ignited a fury inside Kanan and his blaster was raised even before his feet came to a stop.

He focused intensely through the Force, even as he desperately prayed his aim was true.

"You are going right back to Interrogation," a woman's voice threatened.

Kanan fired.

There was a gasp, and a thud.

Shaking, Kanan divested himself of his helmet. From behind them, he could hear the grind of Chopper's wheels as he rolled up.

"WUB-WUB!" he beeped in greeting.

"Thanks for opening up the shield gate for us, Chopper," Rex said.

Chopper buzzed proudly. His last act before unplugging from the security console and disabling communications had been to reprogram a subroutine in the hanger control system, so it would lower the docking shield automatically upon the sensed approach of a ship, bypassing the need for clearance codes. The Chimera's system hadn't taken too fondly to that, and was already booting Chopper from access while he unplugged.

Kanan was busy kneeling down next to the quivering presence that was Ezra. Kallus's gloved hands had hold of the boy's head and shoulders, holding him off the floor, and the agent wordlessly passed him to Kanan.

The Jedi took him awkwardly. Ezra felt heavy in his mercenary armor, and his head thumped limply into Kanan's shoulder.

"Ezra," Kanan called gently. He touched a hand to his padawan's face, biting his lip at the scabs and dried blood he could feel under his fingers.

"K'nan...?" Ezra's voice sounded groggy and drunken, with a paper-thin rasp in his throat. His breathing was labored, unsteady.

Kanan sensed uncertainty from him, like he wasn't sure Kanan was real. "I'm here, Ezra," he assured the boy. "It's all right now. I've got you."

"...hurts..." Ezra whined. He sounded so much like a small, broken child that Kanan forgot where he was a moment and cradled him tightly.

"I know." A solid-sounding crash at the door brought him back to the present. "Just hold on. We're getting you home."

He slipped a hand under Ezra's knees, hoisting him up as he stood.

"Gently," Kallus cautioned from his right. "He's recently had abdominal surgery."

"Surgery?" Rex repeated incredulously.

"He told me they put something inside him. I'm not sure what," the agent explained quickly.

"Let's not stay to find out." Kanan gripped Ezra a little harder, grinding his teeth as he led the way back to the shuttle. Rex barked at the droids to follow.

Just as they dashed up the ramp a cacophonous THUD! came from behind, as the troopers working at the door finally managed to cut a huge piece away. The crates AP and Chopper had pushed in front of the opening still blocked their way, but a few of them fired at their backs through the hole.

Blaster bolts pinged off the shuttle. The ramp retracted behind them and Rex pushed ahead and led the way to the cockpit, Kanan slowing to avoid knocking Ezra against the walls and doorways of the shuttle.

It lurched under them as Chopper plugged in, uploading hyperspace calculations in a flash and quickstarting the engines.

Kanan couldn't help but give a sigh of relief as the sublights fired up, launching them out of the hanger and into open space.

The jerk and acceleration of lightspeed moments later had never felt better.

***

The bridge of the Chimera was a flutter of nervous anxiety and disarray when Thrawn stepped through the doors, hands clasped behind him and jaw terse, eyes narrowed in irritation.

"Comm Tech, report," he called calmly, directing his attention first to the station on his left.

"Ship's internal communications are 80 percent restored, sir," the man answered.

"Tell the technical crew to run a full systematic check of all operations; I want all Rebel spyware purged from the system," ordered Thrawn.

"Right away sir."

"Sir!" another crewmember called, finger locked on the call button on his console. "Detention Level reports two more bodies outside cell B-56!"

The hint of a frown pursed his thin lips. Kallus had certainly left quite a mess in the wake of his escape, something he found oddly... annoying.

"Grand Admiral," a Stormtrooper from behind addressed him. "Colonol Yularen is on his way up."

Even as he was speaking, Thrawn heard the colonol's voice from the hallway behind the door, loudly protesting.

"Stop your fretting, Lieutenant!" he snapped at Lyste as the door hissed to admit them. "I'm quite all right!" he insisted, batting away the lieutenant's arm with one hand while the other cradled his temple, massaging at a pounding headache.

Thrawn turned from the Stormtrooper to his officer. "Are you well, Colonol Yularen?" he asked, stepping towards him.

"He attacked me!" Yularen blurted out angrily. "My own student!"

"I believe I cautioned against going in to see him until my assessment was completed and the report from the survey team on Lothal came in," Thrawn said, nonplussed. "Please endeavor to exercise more caution next time, Colonol Yularen," he continued, feigning a vague concern.

Yularen's eyes narrowed a bit at the subtle 'I told you so', but he offered no excuse and made no comment.

"Communications restored!" announced the Comm Tech.

"Deep space sensors back online," another technician reported. He looked up from his station and made eye contact. "The signal's coming in strong, sir."

"Very good," replied Thrawn, turning away from the disheveled colonol. "Pull all camera footage and begin system check," he ordered again.

A technician at a station to the far left raised a hand, "Sir, I've got a report from squad G-19 down on the surface, they say there was a coordinated rebel incursion at the shipyards."

Thrawn stirred at that, angling in that direction to address him. "Was the survey team hindered?"

"No sir, they proceeded to the tower as ordered."

"Keep me appraised."

"Grand Admiral!" another man shouted above the chaos. "I have confirmation, Ezra Bridger is missing from Interrogation!"

"Those fiends!" growled Lyste. "They've escaped!"

Thrawn stepped across the walkway to glare out the window at the glittering stars.

"They won't get far," he said, eyes narrow.

***

In contrast to the ruckus inside the Chimera, its outward appearance was peaceful. The Imperial Star Destroyers floated silently in formation outside the blue-brown planet, engines off, drifting serenely with the flow of gravity.

From around the far side of Lothal, a single lumbering ship moved out of position.

***

Hera paced in tight circles to one side of the holodisplay hub. Her lekku slapped her back in an agitated rhythm. Off to the side, Zeb waited, tapping his fingers together, elbows on his knees as he sat on a crate.

The communication terminal beeped to indicate a call and everyone looked up, every head turned in that direction as Hera lunged for the button, several pilots and crew rushing to gather around.

"Kanan?" Hera asked, almost shrilly, as soon as the line was open.

"We've got him," Kanan told her. "Both of them."

Tension deflated out of Hera and her shoulders loosened with an exhale. Thank the stars, she thought. "How is he?" she breathed, as she felt Zeb coming to stand by her shoulder.

"Not great, but recovering. But there's a problem."

"What kind of problem?" Hera asked warily, picking up the noises in the background. It sounded like Kallus and Rex were having an argument.

"Heading two point eight and then—"

"I know what I'm doing," the old clone trooper snapped. "This isn't my first clown show."

"That device could go off any moment and you want to risk the base by taking Ezra straight to it?!"

"If it's remote-detonation it won't matter where we take him."

"Farther away would be better!" the agent insisted.

"The Imps put some kind of object in him," Kanan spoke over the two. "Kallus thinks it's an explosive."

Zeb straightened to attention. "I'll get Sabine on the other line," he volunteered, moving off towards the terminal mounted on the wall of the nearby coral overhang.

"Can you have Dr. Leslynn standing by?" Kanan asked. "Ezra's in rough shape. Pretty sure they tortured him."

"I'll let her know," Hera promised, clenching her jaw tersely. When she got her hands on Thrawn... "Chopper and AP?"

"No worse for wear. Chopper's eager to get his old paint back, as usual." Kanan paused a moment, then added cheekily. "How are you doing?"

Hera smiled faintly. "Ask me again when you're all back home."

"What do you mean something happened on the mission to retrieve Fulcrum?!" Sabine's voice burst out from behind them, suddenly loud. Her wavering holo image leaned to one side as if to peer past Zeb. "What happened? Where's Ezra?"

"Calm down," Zeb said, holding up his hands to placate her. "He's safe now. But they put something in him. Kallus thinks it's a bomb; he doesn't want to bring it here," he explained. An' I don't blame 'im, Zeb thought, remembering the nasty business with the warhead-carrying Imperial probe droid. "Think ya can take a look at it, tell us how t' diffuse it?"

"Well, depends." Sabine's expression was still tight with concern, but her shoulders relaxed a bit. "You got the schematics for me?"

Zeb turned towards where Hera was waiting.

"Uh, schematics?"

There was a rustle of noise on the open channel, and voices conferred in a low murmur.

Kanan's voice returned. "Chopper has a scan," he said. "We're patching it through."

The holodisplay flickered to life as the data came through. Zeb flicked a switch on his console station to transfer the image to his terminal, and then to Sabine.

Sabine leaned forward, peering intently at the wireframe holo, squinting hard. "That's... not an explosive," she said. She took a closer look, a dawning realization spreading across her face. "That's an S-35 ChandrilTech tracking device!" she cried, eyes widening and reeling back in alarm.

"KARABAST!" Zeb cursed.

"Zeb?" Hera called in worry.

"They tagged him!" the Lasat yelled, furious.

Cold horror hit the pit of all of their stomachs.

***

The three men were frozen stiff in the cockpit a moment.

Kallus was the first to recover, stirring from his place standing behind the pilot's chair.

"Drop out of hyperpace," he told Rex. "Drop out now!"

Rex started. "Right!" he blurted, hands leaping to the controls, pulling the level.

The blue tunnel of hyperspace dissolved into long white streaks and then the pinpoints of stars as the ship lurched out of lightspeed.

As it jerked to a slow hover, they all collectively held their breath, petrified with dread.

***

"Sir?" The Imperial officer addressed the Grand Admiral on the walkway above him. "Konstantine reports the shuttle has dropped out of hyperspace."

Thrawn glanced away from the window. "Tell him: Pursue at a distance, but do not engage," he said. "And have the navigation data imported to my office and charted to Imperial starmaps." He turned from the bridge, striding calmly across the walkway towards the door.

So. They'd found his little surprise. Earlier than expected, but no matter. The navigation data beamed out to them from the tracking device would still prove invaluable.

And now he'd trapped the Rebels in a conundrum. They couldn't return, and they couldn't move forward. Anywhere they went, the tracking device would betray them. Even without capturing them directly, he had them esentially prisoner. Thrawn was just a little bit excited to see Hera Syndulla's next move. Would she risk the base? Risk herself? She would hardly abandon the boy, or her Jedi lover, so her next tactical decision was bound to be reckless, made out of emotion.

He allowed himself a private smile of satisfation.

Let's see what their next move is.

***

The tension was thick inside the shuttle.

There was nothing on their scopes yet, but they couldn't shake the eerie feeling that they were being watched.

Kanan had his eyes closed and senses up, seeking out signs of pursuit, eddies in the Force.

"Well this a real gravity sink," Rex deadpanned. "Now what do we do?"

Chopper piped up with a suggestion.

"Weren't you paying any attention? The Empire's tracking us, taking a few extra hyperspace detours won't help," Rex said, shooting the droid a withering look.

Chopper beeped what sounded like a sheepish, Oh.

"Could buy us some time," Kanan considered, coming back to normal. "Give us space to think up a plan that won't compromise the base."

"If it isn't already compromised," said Kallus, spitting the words out gruffly.

"What do you mean?" asked Rex, turning in the pilot's chair.

Kallus smeared a hand down his face in frustration. "I didn't get a chance to tell Ezra before they uncovered him," he sighed. "Thrawn has a map. He's narrowed the possible locations of the base to eleven planets."

"Would have been great to know that before we jumped into hyperspace," Rex snarked.

"I'm sorry, I assumed we were going to be careful and not go directly there!" Kallus exclaimed, voice pitching higher with stress.

Kanan shook his head. "We can't exactly walk into any old med center." He looked toward the comlink speaker. "You getting this, Hera?"

"I'm getting it," she replied. "Hang on a moment, lemme get ahold of Ryder."

She went silent on the other end for a moment.

Kallus glanced over to the backseat they had propped Ezra into. He seemed to be resting easily for the moment, slightly slumped and breathing steadily, eyes closed. The sedatives were probably catching up with him. Kallus shuddered to think what would have happened if Ezra hadn't fought them for as long as he did. Then they wouldn't have known about the tracking device at all, carried it with them blindly straight to the Rebel base.

Not that the situation was much improved.

"Isn't there anyone? Anyone friendly to the Rebellion we could go to?" he asked, voice strained.

"None close by," Rex answered. "Unless you wanna drop in on the black market on Garel."

"Ugh, no thanks," Hera dismissed, piping up over the channel again. "They'd sooner take Ezra's kidneys out than remove that tracker for us." The line clicked. "How do the skies look, Ryder?"

"Captain Syndulla," came the former governor in acknowledgement. "One of the ships vanished from orbit just a little while ago."

"Probably tailing us," Kanan mused darkly.

"We hit the shipyards pretty hard, like you wanted, caused lots of sparks, but they don't seem to be paying us much attention." Ryder muttered his next words, almost grumbling. "Too busy prowling around the old communications tower outside Capital City."

A jolt of ice shot through Kallus and his head whipped around. "What did he say?" he asked frantically.

"The tower. They've got Stormtroopers and technicians crawling all over it," Ryder repeated.

His lungs felt tight and Kallus almost staggered, gripping the back of the copilot's seat until his nails dented the leather.

"Scuttle the base," he ordered.

The other two men glanced askance at him.

"What?" Rex said.

"Scuttle the base, scuttle everything," Kallus insisted, eyes wide, reaching to grab handfuls of Kanan's collar. "I make Fulcrum transmissions from that tower. There's broadcasting equipment in there—they're trying to turn it on," he explained in a breathless rush. "If they trace the signal, Thrawn will have enough information to know exactly where you are." His heart threatened to pound right out of his chest. "You have to escape, now!"

Kanan felt the man's fear through the Force, angled his own head. "Hera?" he called.

"...I'll give the evacuation order," she decided. "Kanan, there's a small uncharted asteroid and debris field just two clicks off your starboard bow. I'll bring Dr. Leslynn and meet you there."

"Hera, what's going on?!" came Sabine. Even faint and in the background, her voice was shrill and full of panic. "What's happening?!"

"No time to talk, Sabine. Just focus on your own mission."

"But—"

"I'll contact you later with the details," Hera cut her off. "Kanan, get going!" she ordered.

She disconnected.

Kanan blew out a long breath, then straightened.

"Well, you heard her."

Rex's hands became a flurry of motion. "Chopper, scan ahead for that debris field. And let us know if the scopes pick up that missing cruiser."

"WUB!" Chopper acknowledged.

Kallus let go of Kanan's collar and staggered back, dropping weak-kneed into the other backseat. He put his face in his hands miserably, cursing himself a thousand times over. Why hadn't he considered that the Grand Admiral would immediately look into his whereabouts and activities once it was discovered he was Fulcrum? Of course he would have made the connection between Kallus's Fulcrum transmissions and the defunct communications tower Ezra had called home. Like a blasted nerfhead he had practically painted a target on it! Why hadn't he used somewhere less familiar and sentimental?!

All his caution, all his efforts, undone by such an obvious oversight.

A cold shudder ran through his body.

He'd led Thrawn right to them.

***

A smile of satisfaction was on the Grand Admiral's thin blue lips. His eyes tracked the orange line of the shuttle's course greedily. The path of the shuttle had been extrapolated from the pulses sent out by the tracking beacon, and as per his orders was overlaid on his map of possible systems.

They had veered off course sharply just a moment ago, Konstantine had reported. That way lay only deserted systems and asteroid fields; likely they were attempting to hide.

Delightfully, however, there were only three planets in the path of their original route. Two of which were marked as possible locations for the Rebel base.

And once the trace on Agent Kallus's Fulcrum channel was completed, which—his subordinates had assured him—would only be a matter of moments, it would be down to one.

"This has turned out better than I expected," he remarked lightly to his company. "Ezra Bridger gave up his secrets after all."

Seated across from him, Yularen looked at the wall uncomfortably, and Governor Pryce rubbed the sore spot in her shoulder where the stun bolt had caused her muscles to seize up.

"You might have forewarned me you were going to let Bridger go," she complained.

"The tracking device was a precaution," Thrawn corrected, folding his hands behind him. "An attempt by the Rebels to rescue Bridger was inevitable, and they could not be allowed to take him without dooming themselves in return. I merely took preemptive initiative to account for such an eventuality," he dismissed. His gaze narrowed in on Yularen. "Although... I did not anticipate the ease with which Agent Kallus was permitted to escape."

Yularen rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding eye contact. "He caught me off guard. And I... may have been softer on him than I should have been," he admitted reluctantly.

"Yes, I suspect Agent Kallus was rather... persuasive in that regard," Thrawn commented cooly. "He used your sentiments against you, played on your history together to portray himself as little threat." No hint of actual accusation colored his tone, but Yularen still felt distinctly put on the spot.

He hastened to defend himself with a snarky, "He told me some very interesting things about how you were handling Bridger."

Thrawn raised an eyebrow. "Such as?"

"He said you used the Brisney-Favvin on him," Yularen accused the Chiss hotly.

The red eyes did not blink, and Thrawn's face didn't even flinch. "I use whatever tools I am given, Colonol Yularen," he replied impassively.

"Surely you can't be serious."

"I will not deny it."

"There are rules, Thrawn!" Yularen burst out, suddenly angry and glaring. "The Senate has clear guidelines and procedures for where, when, and how that interrogation method is to be used! You can't just dole it out whenever you please!" He punctuated his words with a solid fist thump on the desk. "You could have killed him!"

"So what?" Pryce gave a dismissive shrug and a huff. "What great loss would that be? He's a rebel."

"He's a child!" Yularen growled, rounding on her.

"A very dangerous child, I remind you, with a long list of crimes against the Empire," Thrawn said tersely, his jaw stiff. "Don't let his relative youth fool you, Yularen, or make you forget that."

Yularen simmered down at the scolding, but his surly look remained.

A little brighter now, Thrawn added, "Enhanced methods of interrogation has proven to be quite effective in the past. Given the nature of the boy's importance within the heirarchy of Phoenix Squadron, I feel no need to justify employing harsher procedures on him."

The Colonol wondered if Thrawn noticed the irony in that he had, in fact, just attempted to justify himself. "And was it effective?" he asked casually. "What secrets did Bridger reveal?"

There was a flash of hideous rage behind Thrawn's eyes for a moment, and every muscle in him stiffened and bristled. For a split second Yularen wondered fearfully if Thrawn was going to throw himself across the desk to throttle him.

The moment passed, the Grand Admiral regaining his composure. "Do remember your place, Colonol Yularen. This is my ship, and I will not have you undermining my authority while you are onboard," Thrawn warned him.

"Understood, sir," Yularen replied, dropping his eyes.

A light beeped on the console, interrupting their debate. Thrawn looked down at the incoming message, and his smile returned.

"The survey team has the coordinates." He adjusted the hem of his sleeve, speaking up to the Stormtrooper guards in the room. "Prepare the fleet for departure," he said, beginning to make his way towards the door.

"Grand Admiral," Pryce called, standing up with an anxious look as Thrawn passed her. "What about Agent Kallus and Ezra Bridger?"

"Konstantine will bring in that catch." The Stormtroppers moved to flank him as he stepped into the antechamber. "Don't fret, Governor Pryce," he told her, velvet voice soothing. "They won't escape."

***

Pounding feet rushed across the dusty sand of Atollon as metal latches clamped, bolts were unscrewed, and crates were hefted onto hoverlifts and rolled quickly aboard anything that could carry them. A low, blaring alarm sounded across the base.

"General alert, evacuate the base... General alert, evacuate the base..." the prerecorded order played over the speakers, repeating often, echoing across the hollow.

Hera heaved a carton of rations onto a hoverlift. "That's the last of it," she said, stepping back, touching her hand briefly to the pilot's back. "Go!"

He nodded and took off running. Two others rushed up to grab the handlebar of the lift and whisk it away. Hera looked past the running bodies to spot the purple form of a Lasat.

"Zeb?" she shouted at him.

He yanked the fuel clamp off an empty cylinder and sent it rolling away with a kick. "The Ghost is fueled and ready for take-off!" he told her.

Hera jabbed a thumb towards the ramp. "Get the engines running, I'll get Dr. Leslynn!"

She sprinted off, lekku flying behind her as she dashed under the overhang and took a sharp left turn into the nearest carved out cave entrance. She squeezed her way past a group of A-wing pilots going the other way and emerged into a larger chamber, almost ninety percent deconstructed and divested of Rebel equipment.

Her eyes searched, darting from corridor to corridor before she found the right one and darted down it.

Two doors down Hera swung around into the base's makeshift medical bay, where a silver-blonde-haired woman and her two aides were frantically packing up medical devices.

"Leslynn!" Hera called her. "What's the bare minimum you need to perform abdominal surgery and remove a foreign object?" she yelled.

"Uh..." Green eyes darted anxiously about the room. "I can get a basic kit together..."

"Box it up and come with me," Hera said, moving to grab the tools off a tray and throw them in an open crate. "You're coming on the Ghost."

Leslynn didn't question the order, just went around the room grabbing miscellaneous things and tossing them in a durasteel briefcase.

As soon as she'd flipped the latches, Hera grabbed her wrist and pulled her towards the door.

The two women ran through the cavern corridors. Hera's comlink buzzed when they reached the antechamber.

"Phoenix Leader—" It was Wedge. "—all starfighters are in the air. Where are you?"

"Don't wait for us!" Hera yelled into the comlink. "Just get going!"

Thrawn could be on them at any minute. Even if the full strength of their planned Lothal liberation fleet was not gathered, Hera knew the location of Phoenix Squadron's main base of operations was too tempting a target, and Thrawn would be hastening to cut off their escape. Especially now that the Rebels were alerted and aware of how close he was to finding them.

Even the Grand Admiral could only watch and wait patiently for so long. Much as Hera wished he'd continue to sit back and observe them, biding his time in order to lay the perfect trap for all of them, she knew he couldn't allow them to simply move to a new base, start the process all over again. Now, it was time for him to act.

So they just had to be quicker than him.

The dull orange sunlight hit her face, making her squint, as she and Dr. Leslynn made it outside into open air.

Hera glanced at the holodisplay as they ran past it, counting the number of Rebel ships still in orbit. She frowned, bringing the comlink to her lips.

"Commander Sato, tell those Hammerheads to quit stalling, and get that carrier into hyperpsace!"

"Not until the last transport is away, Captain Syndulla," Sato replied stubbornly.

"There's no time!"

"Commander! We have incoming ships!" someone in the background of the call shouted.

Sato quickly reevaluated. "Heading point five seven, P1. Fighter Squad A, follow them!" he ordered.

Hera's head whipped back over her shoulder one last time, relieved to see a few blips disappear from the display.

Zeb was waiting on the ramp to user them in.

They made it inside the Ghost just as the first Star Destroyer dropped out of hyperspace.

---

Chapter notes!

1. The Chimera is a bit like a housewife, she'll be nice and accommodating if you're respectful of her space but the minute you start rifling through her things and messing them up she's like: "HEY!" and kicks you out.

2. The callback to Kanan's Arc Words "I've got you." was very deliberate because I'm a masochist and I love pain.

3. I know you were wanting and waiting for Sabine to be involved in things, guest reviewer "Bob", so here she is, and we'll see more of her. But I can't say any more because spoilers. ;)

4. ChandrilTech is another Legends corporation, primarily known for handheld sensors. Figured small tracking beacons weren't out of the realm of their capabilities. (Whenever possible I like to ground the story in familiar Star Wars facts and trivia, no matter how obscure. Just in case there are readers out there who are bigger Star Wars nerds than me.)

5. Kallus continues to be Eternally Stressed, which was pretty much my favorite part of "Through Imperial Eyes". (Well, that and Ezra in his spiffy officer's uniform.)

6. Thrawn has three Berserk Buttons: denigrating or insulting art, xenophobic bigotry, and—I strongly suspect—people throwing his plans out of whack or somehow behaving contrary to what he expected. I make the argument for the last one based on his barely-contained irritation at Konstantine defying orders and wrecking the Interdictor in "Zero Hour". So because I wanted Thrawn to lose his cool at least once in this fic, Yularen hits on this third button by reminding Thrawn that Ezra didn't break under torture like he was fully expecting. Serves ya right, ya blue bastard.

The action continues in the next chapter!

#star wars #star wars rebels #ezra bridger #agent kallus #spoilers #grand admiral thrawn #prompt fics #fanfiction #space dad and his precious pumpkin child

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zaney-hacknslash · 7 years

Text

God From the Machine 11

Hakkai

For several days, I camped in the woods beyond little Gojyo’s house, biding my time and trying to decide what to do, but it seemed as if I’d created an impossible dilemma for myself.

Perhaps if I’d left right away, it would have been an easier decision to make, but seeing the severity of her abuse first hand left me with significant doubts. My roommate hadn’t gone into details when he told me about the dangerous home life he’d come from. He’d never told me any stories about getting his head broken open against a window, only that she’d hit him, and the fact that Jien slept with his own mother regularly, as a device to neutralize the situation, added a whole new disturbing level to the situation.

It was hard to imagine leaving little Gojyo behind when I knew such atrocities were being committed around him and against him, and I assumed it was only a matter of time before she began to prey on him sexually as well.

Of course, when I considered that I remembered, sickly, that it would never get that far; she’d make that obscene attempt on his life, Jien would murder her, and the boys would part ways, likely forever.

If I’d left matters alone and gone back to my time machine before I got a glimpse of these horrors, it might have been easier for me. I would have gone on the rest of my life not knowing about any of it. Now that I did know though, could I leave him here to go through all that, trudging every day through abuse and neglect and fear and lovelessness until it all culminated into that ultimate violence and then trickled away into the resulting trauma? That was difficult to imagine.

On the other hand, I didn’t have many other options. I supposed I could stay here, never go back to my own time at all, and take it upon myself to look after Gojyo. I could be with him when Jien left and shield him from all the things that might happen to him when he was living on the streets alone. I might even be able to prevent her from attempting to kill him. I might be able to make it so Gojyo and his brother could stay together, and then I’d be able to leave this time, knowing I’d done what I could to rectify the situation.

Who knew when that was going to happen though? Gojyo always talked as if he’d been on his own since age twelve, and seeing how he was eleven now, that dreadful day was months away. Did I dare stay here and continue to tamper with things, and camp, and raise Jien’s suspicions until then?

I supposed I could silently kill her before any of it happened at all and then return to my time machine, but that seemed irresponsible. Who knew what would come of that sort of meddling?

It kept occurring to me that I could tell little Gojyo the truth about who I was and where I’d come from. He might laugh at first, but surely when he saw the machine he’d realize it was the genuine article, and then I could take him with me back to my time and take care of him.

Although that plan seemed like it would be the best for Gojyo, a little voice inside me kept nagging that it wasn’t a good idea overall, and I couldn’t quite determine why. After all, I’d come back in time meaning to reunite with Kanan and save her from her fate, and me from my own, and I’d even considered taking her back to my time so she could live with Gojyo and me. Once, that idea had made me unbelievably happy, but that sentiment didn’t transfer into these circumstances at all. I didn’t think I could take little Gojyo with me back to my own time.

For one thing, Gojyo already existed in my time, and seeing how I was tampering with science not fully explored, I didn’t know what ramifications might come of two of the same person existing side by side. In addition, I didn’t think adult Gojyo would appreciate having a child version of himself brought into our home to live alongside us. I imagined he’d be somewhat angry that I’d interfered in such a way.

Over and over again, I told myself it might be best to leave now, before things got any worse, and over and over again, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I kept remembering the way he’d screamed for me in the woods, and the expression of pain and fear on his face, and the despair in his voice as he told me she broke the window with his head. It was just so hard to imagine leaving him to that, especially now that we’d met, and he’d developed a fondness for me and apparently wanted to rely on me.

I resolved to wait it out a little longer and see if there wasn’t something I could do. With the time machine at my disposal, I could always go and see Kanan later. I could go wherever I wanted.

A few days passed before I saw little Gojyo again. I found odd jobs to do around town strictly as a way to spend time. I didn’t necessarily need the money. I dwelled constantly on my dilemma and fretted over it when I tried to sleep at night, and more and more I began to feel as if I’d made a mistake coming back in time.

Except, I hadn’t intended to come to this time and place, and I didn’t understand how I’d wound up here. I went back to my machine and searched for any clue as to what had gone awry, but nothing was apparently wrong. I hid it the best I could and returned to town.

On the third day, Gojyo came looking for me. I was helping an old man in his hardware shop at the time, tidying up for some pocket money, when Gojyo swaggered through the door, glancing around with his unassuming air. The bandage was gone from his head, and the bruises and abrasions on his face were healing well.

“Hello,” I said with a smile, leaning on my broom. I thought momentarily of what I’d promised Jien, but that wasn’t of much consequence. He was a fool for wanting to deprive his little brother of a chance at friendship, and in any case, I wasn’t out to hurt Gojyo, so what did it matter?

He grinned and waved. “Hey. Somebody told me you were here.”

“Yes.” I resumed sweeping. “I’ve been doing all sorts of little services around town.”

“I thought maybe you woulda left by now…”

“Ah, not without saying goodbye. You look better by the way. The rest seems to have done you some good.” I added gently, “I’m glad you’re okay.”

He beamed at me. I knew he appreciated my concern. As much as adult Gojyo liked to scorn and complain about it, I’d always known that it must touch something inside of him to have me fuss and exhibit interest in his emotional needs. Now I understood the reason for that: he’d spent his childhood trying to get people to care, and they simply hadn’t bothered, so he’d gotten used to going without, and he was afraid to believe it was real, and yet it did make him feel better. It must.

I finished the chores I’d been assigned around the shop, and then Gojyo and I went and got some lunch. He managed to find a place that didn’t seem to mind his patronage, although they did give him dirty looks, so we sat on the patio, away from the other guests.

He blew bubbles into his soft drink as we waited for our food to come. “Jien told me ta stay away from you, by the way.”

He was astoundingly honest compared to his full-grown counterpart. “Oh? I see you decided not to take heed of that.” No surprise there. As far as I knew, no one on earth could really make Gojyo do what they wanted, not if he decided against it.

“Yeah, well I just think it’s kinda dumb. He told me he thinks you’re a social worker and that you wanna take me away from home.” He leveled a serious, partially analytical gaze on me.

“He said a similar thing to me. Not to worry though, I’m not a social worker, and I’m not interested in making you do anything you don’t want to do.” I thought of Jien’s other, more distasteful theory about my being a pedophile, and even now it irritated me.

“I know,” Gojyo said easily. “He’s just crazy sometimes.”

“He loves you,” I reminded him gently. “He’s trying his best to take care of you.”

Gojyo nodded and turned his gaze away as if embarrassed.

Of course, even knowing that, it was difficult not to feel agitated with the elder Sha brother, because I too cared for Gojyo, and I wanted to protect him just as much.

I sipped my tea and then continued, “If memory serves me, you expressed some desire to leave this place anyway, so would it really make any difference if I were intending to spirit you off somewhere?”

He shrugged, not looking at me. “I dunno. I wish I could get outta here, but I wouldn’t wanna leave him. We’re brothers. We should stick together.”

I smiled sadly. It was hard to know they’d soon be separated regardless, and as I studied his unscarred face I wished there were some way to spare him that suffering.

I’d thought it before, on sparse occasions, when Gojyo mentioned various aspects of his past or let on to the scars that ran deeply through him, that if I could somehow minimize or even erase his pain, or at least relieve it, I would. Here it seemed I’d been given that opportunity, and I simply didn’t know what I could do with it.

When we finished our lunch, we took a walk around town, and Gojyo prattled away more exuberantly than ever. I got the impression that my kindness from the other night had left a deep impact, and I knew he was somewhat enamored with me. He trotted around me, more energetic than Goku even, kicking rocks, picking up sticks and running them against the pickets of fences, pointing at things, laughing, yelling, yanking sometimes on my arms, jogging circles around me, and asking endless questions. I couldn’t help loving him for it. He was very different than I’d been at age eleven.

As I looked up at the sky, it occurred to me that my young self was somewhere in this time as well, thousands of miles away. I’d been accepted into school by this time, and was hard at work applying for scholarships and studying for tests. I didn’t have time for friends, games, laughter, or fun. I wondered how it would have been to have Gojyo in my life at this point. Would he have simply irked my grave sensibilities, or would I have taken solace in his brave spiritedness?

Whether he irritated me or not, he would have made a good friend for me, I knew that much. I felt that no matter what age we were, Gojyo would have dispelled the dark fog of despair that constantly hung about my life.

I missed him, I realized. Even though he was technically right beside me, I missed his vulgar jokes, and his fatalistic optimism, and his dependability. I regretted I hadn’t waited longer to say goodbye to him.

Would it help him at all, I wondered, to stay in the past and help his young self? There were several schools of thought when it came to time travel, one being that time followed a single path and anything one did in the past would drastically alter the future, and the other being that there were different courses time could take—different universes, some might say—and they existed separately. Either whatever I did in the past would change the circumstances of the man I’d lived beside for three years, or else my actions would only affect this particular version of Gojyo. There would be no way of knowing which it was until I went home.

I would help you if I could…in any way I could…

And then a new idea dawned on me. If I did alter the life of the Gojyo I knew in my own time, if I somehow made it so he and Jien never had to be separated, it was possible he wouldn’t be there on that fateful night to save me. Did that mean I would cease to exist? By coming back in time, would I destroy myself?

Beside me, little Gojyo chattered on, and I looked down on him in a new light. Was he worth my own destruction? Was sparing him some pain important enough to condemn myself to simply vanishing from the face of the earth? Along that line of thought, shouldn’t I be trying to ensure that his mother tried to kill him and his brother abandoned him?

Gojyo smiled up at me brightly. “Whassamatter? You’re all frowny.”

Somehow, this child held my very life in his hands, and only through that trauma and pain I so wanted to spare him could I survive.

His smiled drooped a little, and he hesitated. I could only imagine the terrible expression now gracing my face. “Hakkai?” he said my name tentatively.

“It’s nothing.” I smiled again and reached down to brush my hand along the cheek that would some day have the scars…if I allowed it.

He grinned again and caught my wrist, and I knew how happy he was that I was with him.

The moment didn’t last long. Gojyo let go of me suddenly and raced ahead. “Look there’s the school! It’s recess time!”

I followed him, still pondering my dark thoughts.

It was the same schoolhouse I’d seen when I first came into town, small and quaint, surrounded by the beauty of nature, kissed by the rays of the sun. Children of varying ages gamboled in the meadow, chasing one another, throwing and kicking brightly colored balls, laughing, crying, shouting angrily, and even fighting. I saw both human and youkai children.

Gojyo hopped up on the fence and leaned against a post, watching them with a wry smile and lighting a cigarette. “Look at ‘em all. Ha! Suckers.”

“Is this the only school in town?” I asked when I arrived at his side.

“Nah, there’s another over near my house, an’ one more on the rich side of town, where my dad used to live.”

“I see.” I watched the children a while before asking, “Why don’t you go to school, Gojyo-chan?” My roommate had made it abundantly clear that he’d not set foot in a classroom—ever—and that he didn’t regret that fact either. He told me ignorance was bliss and that I had enough education for both of us, in that smug, teasing manner.

I miss you…

“I did once,” little Gojyo said. “Jien made me go a few years back but…” he shrugged. “The other kids were assholes. They didn’t wanna have anything to do with me, so I never went back.”

“You deprived yourself of the chance at an education. You know that, don’t you?”

He didn’t seem to care. “I don’t need an education to be a sailor. Anyway, it wasn’t just the kids—the teacher picked on me a lot when I was there.” He snorted. “Good riddance. Look, how fucked those losers are.”

“Now, now, what did I tell you about speaking that way? You’re far too young to use such inappropriate language.”

He stuck his tongue out at me playfully. “Want me ta speak keigo like you do?”

“It would be a touch more charming,” I told him, ruffling his hair.

Gojyo laughed and went back to watching the other kids, and despite what he said, I detected a touch of yearning in his expression. He did wish he could be there with them, laughing and playing like a normal little boy.

I’d squandered that opportunity, I realized. I could have made friends with the other orphans and laughed and played their games, but I’d purposely chosen not to, and now I’d never know how it felt to be like one of those children on the playground.

“Hey, Hakkai,” Gojyo asked in a while. “Tell me about your roommate, would’ja?”

I glanced quizzically at him, but he still wore that wishful smile. “Why are you asking me that?”

“Dunno. You said he’s a hanyou like me, right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Jien thinks you made him up to trick me.” He focused a strangely serious gaze on me. “You didn’t, right?”

I wondered what Jien was thinking, telling him something so absurd. Didn’t he realize there was a thread of cruelty in that? “No, of course not. He’s very real.”

“Tell me about him.”

I sighed. “Let’s see… He’s my age, but taller than me, and he’s something of a punk.”

“Yeah, okay, what’s he weigh?” Gojyo rolled his eyes. “What’s he like, dude?”

“Oh, excuse me. Ah, well he’s…”

“Did he really save your life?”

“Without a doubt. I would have died if it weren’t for him. He has an unexpectedly soft heart for a delinquent, and he always makes me laugh, even when I don’t want to.” I hesitated again, unsure what else to say. It was impossibly strange, trying to describe Gojyo to himself. I half worried he might realize in time that I was describing his own characteristics. “He’s a touch immature, but…he’s highly dependable. I trust him with my life.”

“You said he’s like a brother to you,” little Gojyo said quietly. “Is he really?”

“Yes. He’s my best friend.”

When he looked at me again, I could tell he was surprised. “You mean that?”

“Why would I lie about such a thing?”

“I dunno. It’s hard to believe somebody would be best friends with a hanyou.”

I frowned. “Do you really think that, or is that just what they want you to think?”

His look hardened in contemplation, and he watched the children again.

“The people in this town would not appreciate my roommate any more than they appreciate you, which is a shame since he’s worth the whole passel of them put together. Anyone who could think he’s undeserving of my friendship because he happens to be of mixed blood and I’m not would be quite mistaken—I’m the one who’s unworthy.”

His eyes bulged as he whipped around to stare at me.

Softer, I said, “I didn’t deserve the second chance he gave me, and I don’t deserve the friendship he offers me on a daily basis. He’s a far better man that I can ever be, far, far better at handling his hardships and making the most of his situation, and far better at treating people with compassion. He’s unbelievably brave, all things considered. I can’t ever hope to be like him.”

“You think he’s better than you?” little Gojyo asked reverently. “Even though he’s taboo?”

“I think he’s my equal,” I amended, “and that he has strengths I lack, and that I need his strength on my side.”

No truer word had ever been spoken, and I suddenly missed my roommate so much I could hardly stand it.

I’m sorry I just left you like that…ignoring what you said. You warned me this could happen…and I didn’t listen. Now I’m not sure what I should do.

“Does he know ya think that?” little Gojyo wondered, voice still soft with wonder.

“I’m not sure. I’ve done what I could to express his value in my life, but I fear he doesn’t honestly believe in it. Like you, he’s bogged down by the lie that he couldn’t possibly be worth anything, even to me, because he’s a child of taboo. I don’t know if he’ll ever let himself buy into the idea that I love him more than anything and that I would do anything for him.”

He stared wide-eyed at me, speechless.

“I would kill for that man, Gojyo-chan. I would die.” I drew a deep breath. “I would stop existing simply to spare him a moment of pain.” I touched his unscarred cheek again, smiling contritely. “He’s earned every sliver of loyalty I have to give.”

�� If I save you…and it kills me…I’ll never see you again, will I?

That thought was far too grave for the moment, and I didn’t wish to dwell on it. I’d much rather enjoy my present company and hope that things worked out, though I didn’t see how they could. I’d put myself in this position, and it seemed as if I’d backed myself into a proverbial corner.

The whistle blew, and I watched the children swarm reluctantly back into the school house, and then I climbed the fence myself, smiling. “Let’s play a game, shall we?”

Gojyo looked skeptically at me. “On the playground?”

I gestured to the open meadow. “I don’t see why not, seeing how it’s been vacated.”

Still, he looked unsure. “What kinda game?”

“Oh, I don’t know.” I lifted him over the fence and set him down beside me. “Hide and go seek?”

Nervously, he glanced around the playground, like he expected someone to materialize and chase him off. “Can we do that with just two of us? Don’tcha need like a bunch of friends to play hide and seek?”

“Not necessarily, even if it does make it more interesting.” I studied him. “Have you never played before? Not even with Jien?”

“Yeah, but that was back when…” He seemed to think better of what he was saying and rerouted suddenly. “When he was a kid. It’s just been a long time.”

“I think you and I will have plenty of fun on our own,” I assured him with a smile. “Come along now. Do you want me to count first?”

He nodded, slowly, breaking into an uneasy smile.

I added, “Don’t worry. I’m with you; you’re not going to get in trouble for being here, Gojyo-chan.”

“All right.”

“All right,” I agreed. “Now go hide.” And I turned away to count.

The meadow was not the most ideal place to play hide and seek, because it was mostly open, with a small thicket of trees off to the west, but I took my time looking for Gojyo, focusing my energy on enjoying the sunshine and the thrill of the hunt, just to keep myself from considering the bleak circumstances at hand.

Nevertheless, I found him within fifteen minutes, and when it was my turn to hide, it didn’t take him much longer than that to find me.

Still, it didn’t take him long to forget his initial reservations, and before long he was running through the meadow, laughing, like all the other children had been, and I was lax when it came to chasing him. I shut out all my worries and concerns and appreciated a chance to see him be happy and normal.

After several rounds of hide and seek, Gojyo grasped my wrist, eyes wild with excitement, face flushed with exertion and joy, and feverishly suggested we broaden our horizons and play hide and seek throughout the entirety of the town.

I was reluctant at first. The meadow was small and controlled, and my chances of actually losing track of him were slim. Furthermore, it was empty, and no one was going to harass him, and even if they did, I’d be well within earshot. I told him the town would be much too large for a game of hide and seek, but he insisted it would be more fun.

Reluctantly, I gave in, on the condition that we choose a particular section of the town, and that other areas were strictly off limits. I told him we could play on the market street, but not one block outside of that.

He agreed to my strictures with some disappointment, but by the time we walked to market street and he hid his face against the wall of the post office to count, he was excited again.

I slunk away to hide behind an apple cart, telling myself that Gojyo had always wandered this town by himself before I met him, and it was silly to worry.

For the remainder of the afternoon, we played hide and seek, and slowly my worries vanished into nothing. Gojyo was good about staying within the boundaries I’d set up, and he seemed satisfied with playing in the bustling market place. Similarly, it was small enough that I never really lost track of him for too long.

Once, when he was supposed to be hiding, he was accosted by a small group of children near his age. School must have gotten out by then, and I came across them, surrounding him in a small semi-circle. The largest of the three was a boy who appeared to be several years older than Gojyo, and he was shouting at him and pushing him around.

Gojyo was being surprisingly non-violent about it, not saying so much as one word in his own defense, and as I drew closer I heard him say, “I’m sorry, Taro. Look, I’m not gonna tell on you—”

“You better not, freak!” Taro gave him an especially vicious shove, and his friends caught Gojyo by the arms, holding him in place.

Next, Taro produced a shiny switchblade with a bright red handle and brandished it back and forth.

“I said I’m not gonna!” Gojyo insisted, struggling against his captors. “It’s been days since that even happened!”

“Yeah, well just in case you think about changing your mind, here’s a little reminder for you.” Taro closed in with the knife, and one of his friends jerked Gojyo’s sleeve back and held his arm in place.

Fortunately, I arrived at that exact moment and gripped Taro by the shoulder.

He was so startled, he let out a high-pitched shriek and jumped half a foot in the air, and by the time he landed, I’d turned him to face me.

“What do you think you’re doing?” I demanded.

The boy gaped up at me, stammering, “I…we…I mean…he…he stole this. I-I was just tryin’ to—”

“That is not a toy,” I informed him severely, disarming him with a deft twist of the wrist. “And I’m appalled to see a young man your age resorting to such craven intimidation. Detaining and threatening to do bodily harm to a peer suggests cowardice, not to mention a strong possibility of sociopathic tendencies. I may just have to speak with your parents about having you psychologically evaluated.”

Taro’s face paled. “What? I…I wasn’t gonna hurt him. I just wanted to scare him.”

“Ah, well in that case, you’re well on your way to being the dictator of a small country, purposely exploiting the less fortunate than yourself and fear mongering in order to get what you want.” I released him and pushed him away, a bit roughly. “I suggest you and your friends go back to torturing small animals now. You wouldn’t want me to get the police involved.”

“The police!” one of the other delinquents squeaked. “T-Taro—”

“We didn’t do anything wrong!” the third whined.

I waved the knife at them. “I think minors in possession of a concealed weapon is a case worth investigating. I’m sure the authorities would be fascinated to hear how you came by it.”

Taro pointed ferociously at Gojyo. “That hanyou stole it, onichan!”

“H-hakkai,” Gojyo blurted, looking absolutely terrified. “I didn’t—”

I smiled at Taro. “Mm. You are a coward, aren’t you? And quite rude, I might add.” Next, I slanted a look at his cronies. “Now let him go.”

They took their hands off him so fast, Gojyo nearly fell, but I was quick to steady him, and then we watched the trio of troublemakers dash up the street as quickly as they could.

“I didn’t steal it,” Gojyo said quickly. “I didn’t steal anything. Taro took the knife when I wasn’t looking, it’s just that I was holding it first, but he’s the one who swiped it, I swear!”

“Now, now.” As he babbled on, I looked him over for any sign of injury, but other than being somewhat ruffled, he appeared unharmed. I straightened his shirt for him and dusted him off. “Now, now, I believe you. There’s no reason to be afraid.”

His forehead wrinkled as he looked up at me, and he did look scared.

I brushed a strand of hair away from his eyes, smiling reassuringly. “Shall we sit down somewhere so you can compose yourself?”

Gojyo shook his head suddenly. “No, I’m fine.”

“Good then, because it’s still your turn to hide.”

We played a while longer, and soon Gojyo forgot about his encounter with Taro and his gang, but from then on I made Jeep accompany him when we parted. If nothing else, he could alert me if anything else went wrong; I was beginning to see I couldn’t trust any of the people in this intolerant town with my little friend.

Fortunately, we didn’t experience any further difficulties. The people around us looked strangely at me when they realized I was playing a game with their resident child of taboo, but none of them disturbed us, and Gojyo laughed and ran through the streets as if he didn’t even realize anyone else existed. I supposed he’d always been that way—oblivious if not indifferent to the judgment of others, despite the fact that he was an individual most people would be quick to criticize.

That realization made me feel glad to know him. Not just this small version of him, but my adult roommate as well. So many people over his life had simply brushed him off as a person of insignificance, and here I had had the great stroke of fortune to be given the opportunity to cultivate an intimate relationship with him.

God, I hope I get to see you again.

I thrust that thought away at once. I didn’t want to imagine not seeing him again.

When the sun began to set, I told Gojyo it would be best if we had some dinner, and then I would walk him home, or to meet Jien, if he preferred, but Gojyo wanted to play one more time. He spent several minutes and quite a bit of energy convincing me. At first, I was steadfast in my decision, because I didn’t want Jien to worry about him, or to blame me when he got home late, and I also thought it was important for him to have some discipline and structure in his life.

Still, he insisted he’d thought of the best place to hide, and he wasn’t at all satisfied with the promise that we’d play again tomorrow, possibly because he half-believed I’d leave town in the middle of the night. As he went on begging and insisting it wouldn’t take long, I reconsidered, simply because it was clear that he rarely got to enjoy such pleasures.

Finally, I agreed that we had enough time to play just once more.

Gojyo was ecstatic at once, pumping his fist against the sky and cheering, running a circle around me, thanking me exuberantly.

“All right now,” I told him with a laugh. “You run along and hide—don’t waste time.”

With that, he tore off down the street, and Jeep flapped after him.

Still chuckling, I closed my eyes to count, and I even gave him five extra seconds.

I took my time finding him. I thought as long as we were behind schedule already, we might as well enjoy it and not rush it. The street was mostly empty now, so Gojyo would be easier to find anyway, and the streetlamps and shop lights were coming on. I passed a tavern and smelled the mouthwatering scent of roasted meat. Perhaps we’d dine there, if the management wasn’t too intolerant.

As I went along, I peered carefully down alleyways and behind stands, carts, barrels, and crates, but I saw no sign of Gojyo. He’d seemed to think his hiding spot was unique, so I kept my eyes open for unusual places as well, but still I didn’t see him anywhere. As a matter of fact, I got all the way to the end of the street without catching a glimpse of him, and then I stood there, pondering it.

Evidently, he really had chosen a good spot.

Or else I’d simply overlooked him.

Shrugging to myself, I turned back the way I’d come and walked up the street again, being twice as careful this time, stopping to investigate cluttered allies and abandoned buildings, checking behind dumpsters and even going inside various establishments, but still, when I reached the far end of the street I hadn’t found Gojyo.

By that time, it was beginning to get dark, and I had a nervous feeling sitting in my gut. Would he have gone outside the boundaries of the game to hide on a different street? That was unexpectedly naughty of him, seeing how he’d been so compliant with my instructions all day. Still, I couldn’t overlook the possibility.

I walked down the street a third time, and this time I called him by name as I went along, and I asked several passersby if they’d seen him, but no one had. I called to Jeep as well, thinking he might be more obedient, but the night was silent.

Eventually, I cut through an alley to go to the next street up and searched there as well. I combed every inch of it, still calling for them, but they didn’t answer.

As time wore by, I began to feel more and more afraid. Could something have happened to him?

No, that was absurd. He wasn’t well-liked in this town, but I didn’t want to believe someone would take him or hurt him.

“Gojyo!” I shouted, unable to help sounding angry now. “Answer me! At once!”

The only response I got was the startled yowl of an alley cat streaking across my path.

“This is not funny!” I called again.

Still nothing.

I spent over an hour searching the marketplace again, along with its surrounding streets, and I branched out further and further until I felt I’d been all through that side of town. It occurred to me that he might have gone to meet Jien. Was he inconsiderate enough to have done that without informing me of his intentions?

My roommate certainly was, but this youthful version of him seemed far too innocent and far too eager to be liked to behave in such a distasteful manner.

Still, not impossible.

Just as I was beginning to think I should go find Jien myself and see if Gojyo wasn’t with him, Jeep flew out of the night, screeching wildly.

“Jeep? Where’s Gojyo?” I offered him my arm.

Instead of landing, he fluttered before me, tugging insistently on my collar. From the way he was panting and perspiring, I took it he was rather exhausted, and his manner was frantic.

“Where’s Gojyo?” I demanded again, heart beginning to pound.

With another shriek, Jeep took off again, back the way he’d come.

I raced after him, chest tight with dread.

Past Gojyo

Rough hands shoved me forward, and I fell on my knees, wrists tied behind my back, unable to catch myself.

Somebody kicked me in the ribs, knocking me onto my side, and I gave a pained yelp, voice muffled by the gag in my mouth.

“Oh, come now,” a sneering voice scolded. “That was uncalled for.”

I felt someone hovering over me and curled into a ball, unable to shield myself from the next blow, but someone snagged my arm and jerked me to my feet. They yanked the blindfold off, and I looked around, blinking.

It was a little room, all concrete and stone with a dirt floor, and it was wet. I heard water dripping somewhere, and the air was stale. I didn’t see any windows, just a rough-cut door behind me, and chains hung off the walls. A pile of dirty straw lay in the corner.

Shuddering, I turned to face the kidnappers, but they were just big, brutal guys I couldn’t make out very well in the dim light of the single torch they brought with them. Their eyes gleamed wickedly.

“What’s the matter?” one sneered. “You scared?”

My whole body was shaking, and my heart was in my throat, but I just stared at them, trying to recognize them. All I could make out was the glint of the badges on their lapels and the brass buttons down the fronts of their uniforms. Cops?

I shrank away from them.

What the hell did I do? One second, I was playing hide and seek with Hakkai, and the next, somebody nabbed me from behind, but I didn’t expect it to be the fucking cops.

One of them grabbed the front of my shirt and threw me to the ground again. “Might as well siddown, kiddo. You’re gonna be here a while.”

The other loomed over me, laughing. “You know what you did, right? Yeah, you do. You’re not getting out of here any time soon.”

“What did I do?” I screamed, but the gag filled my mouth, and the words came out as a bunch of stupid sounds.

They laughed at me and kicked dirt on me. They spent a few minutes jerking me around. One would tell me to get on my feet and yank me up by the collar or by my hair or arm, and then the other would yell at me for standing up, and throw or push or kick me down again. It didn’t take long before I was bruised and covered in dirt, but they wouldn’t take off the handcuffs or the gag to let me defend myself or even speak up for myself.

One of them backhanded me so hard I saw stars, and I lay on the cold floor, panting, vision going black, writhing with terror and pain.

His buddy hauled me up again, snickering. “Man, we could do whatever we wanted with him down here, huh, Fang?”

Fang had a stupid, mean laugh. “Oh, yeah. Anything.”

The other guy got in my face, grinning like a chimp. He was missing a tooth. “We could fuck him, huh?”

My heart slammed to a sudden stop and I nearly passed out.

“Yeah, I could use somethin’ tight.”

Fang stroked my cheek with the back of a grimy hand.

“We could sell him.”

“Heh. Think anybody would want him?”

I closed my eyes, trying to shut this out. Trying not to cry.

“Like you said, he’s tight. People got sick fetishes.”

They stood back and laughed about that and shoved me around and hit me again and joked about fucking me just to sample the merchandise.

After a moment of silence, Fang hissed, blowing fetid breath in my face. “We could just kill him.”

“Nobody would ever know.”

“There’s lots of ways to do it. Lots of ways I’d like to try.”

My body shuddered so violently, I almost fell down, and my eyes and throat were burning. Where was Jien? Could he come and save me? He didn’t even know where I was.

Hakkai might look for me, but he’d get frustrated and give up when he couldn’t find me. I wasn’t his to come and save.

No, I couldn’t think that way. Hakkai acted like he cared about me. For all I knew, he really did. For all I knew, he’d realize I was missing and he’d…

Even if he realized I was missing, it’s not like he’d find me.

Fang and his friend went on discussing all the messed up ways they could kill me, all the nasty ways they’d ever fantasized about killing somebody, from decapitation, to chopping my body into pieces bit by bit.

I stood pressed against the freezing wall, too scared to even blink.

“Maybe we could do it all,” Fang decided finally. “Fuck him first, kill him, chop him into pieces, and sell his body for parts.”

Blood and spit drizzling down my chin, I bit back a whimper, unable to even beg for my life.

“I like that idea,” the other decided, drawing his knife and moving toward me. He set the cold flat of the blade against my cheek. “If we’re gonna do it, might as well do it right.”

I managed to sputter out, “don’t,” but he just laughed in my face.

Behind us, the door creaked open. It was heavy and wooden and sounded like it had never been oiled. The massive frame of a man filled the doorway a moment, and then he stepped in, calmly shutting the door behind him.

They stood at attention right away, and the new guy made his way toward us, hands clasped behind his back. I could just make out his badge in the light. It looked like he was an officer.

“What’s going on in here?” he demanded in a lazy tone.

“Sir. We apprehended the thief, Sir,” Fang explained.

The officer looked from him to his partner. “Kekatsu, what are you doing with that knife?”

“Er… Sir, I was priming the prisoner for interrogation.”

“Hmm.” The officer lit a cigarette. Blue smoke gushed from his mouth and swirled around his head, and the sweet smell of tobacco filled the room. “The two of you are something. Terrorizing a little kid when he’s bound and gagged. That’s not what I told you to do, is it?”

“No, Sir,” Fang murmured, and Kekatsu echoed him, shoving his knife back into its sheathe.

“Untie him.” The officer snapped his fingers. “And get that goddamn gag out of his mouth. I want to talk to him.”

The shuffled around, undoing my handcuffs and taking the gag off, and then they stepped back and he stepped forward, towering over me. He seemed twice as tall as Jien.

“Well, Gojyo, do you know who I am?”

I stared at his face. It looked like his nose had been broken a couple times before, but I couldn’t see much else about him. I shook my head, still trembling all over.

“My name is Officer Teiping Lapato.”

I’d heard of him. He was pretty high up around here, and his father was one of the town officials. An elder or something.

“I-I’m Sha Gojyo,” I muttered, wiping my mouth with my wrist and offering him my hand.

Lapato looked at it with a raised eyebrow, like I’d offered him a cockroach on a plate, and he wouldn’t shake hands with me. “I know who you are, obviously. I’m offended you don’t know me, but I guess I’m not surprised, and I guess it doesn’t really matter.”

“’Kay…” I rubbed my eye next. It felt like it was starting to bruise already.

“Do you know why you’re here?”

I stared at Fang and Kekatsu, thinking they could give me some hint, but they hadn’t said anything about why they’d brought me here. I looked up at him again, feeling shorter by the second. “No. Did I do somethin’ wrong?”

The two of them laughed at me, talking about how I was just a stupid, immoral, little punk, but Lapato shook his head like he was just really disappointed.

He crouched down to look me in the eyes. “Let me tell you something, Gojyo, all right? In this world of ours, there is right and there is wrong, there is truth and there are lies. How old are you, Gojyo?”

“Almost twelve,” I muttered.

“Okay, so you’re old enough to understand that, don’t you think? I think you’re more than old enough to follow the rules, don’t you?”

I didn’t understand what the hell he was talking about. I hadn’t broken any rules. I nodded anyway.

“That’s good. You know, we have rules for a reason. You know that, right? And you know when you break the rules there are consequences, don’t you? Punishment?”

“Yeah, but…I didn’t—”

“Don’t interrupt me, all right? I’m talking, and you wait until I’m done, you got it?”

I nodded again, but I didn’t get that either. He asked me a question.

He sighed suddenly, like he was deeply troubled, and ran a huge hand back over his slick hair. “I’m just trying to understand, Gojyo, okay? I’m just trying to understand; if you know there’s right and wrong, and you know there are rules, and you know there’s punishment for breaking them, why do you think you’re exempt from all that?”

I just stared at him. I didn’t even understand what he meant. “I—”

“Well? Is there a reason you think the rules don’t apply to you?”

“I-I don’t. I mean…I know they do. I don’t think I’m special or nothin’.”

“That’s good. Because you’re not.” He got up again, puffing on his cigarette, and he stood there a couple minutes, just studying me and smoking.

I wanted a cigarette too, but I didn’t dare get one out right now.

“So,” he asked at last. “Do you know what this is all about?”

I shook my head.

Lapato’s eyes hardened. “This would be a lot easier on you if you told me the truth right away, don’t you think?”

I thought about that. I didn’t know what he thought I did, but yeah, probably if I just confessed it right away they at least wouldn’t hit me anymore. If I didn’t, who knew? They might beat the hell out of me. At last, I just nodded again.

“All right, so do you want to tell me the truth? Do you want to tell me why you think you’re here?”

I thought hard about that next. I went back through months and months of my life, trying to remember anything I might have done that was bad enough for them to treat me like this, but in the end, all I could think was that I was here because I was a hanyou, because I didn’t do anything wrong, and even if I had, none of it was bad enough to get tied up and dragged down here, threatened and harassed by cops, with a knife stuck in my face. “I-I don’t know,” I admitted. “I was just playin’ in the market with my friend. I didn’t do anything wrong.”

He took another deep sigh.

I glanced toward the door.

Suddenly, Lapato struck. He snatched me up by the neck and slammed me back against the wall, and I hit my head against the stone. He spat in my face, words dripping with venom, “Listen here, you little fuck, I know your kind—born villain, that’s you. You don’t give a fuck about the rules, you don’t give a fuck about other people, all you give a fuck about is you, am I right? In a few years, you’ll be an all-out criminal, and I doubt there’s anything anyone can do about it, but I’m tryin’ to save you from that shit right now, kid. You’re starting out young, and unless you wanna go to honest-to-God prison and get pounded in the ass by the time you’re eighteen, you need to appreciate what I’m trying to do for you and be honest. Now, let’s hear it.”

I was so scared I could barely breathe. Me? A criminal? No way. I never did anything wrong. Yeah, I played with fire behind the grocery store and was learning to gamble, but I wasn’t planning on being any kind of criminal. “I-I don’t know what I did,” I whispered at last. “I really, really don’t. I’m sorry, but I just don’t know. I was playing hide and seek, and—”

“Fuck your hide and seek.” He dropped me on my ass suddenly and paced around the cell. “Fine. You want me to spoon feed salvation to you? I’ll try it. You know who Raekishima is, don’t you?”

“Raeki? Y-yeah…” I glanced at the other two, once again looking for some clue. “I know Raeki. He sells knives, right?”

“Oh, he sells knives, right?” Lapato sneered, mimicking my voice. “All right, so at least you’re not completely stupid, right, hanyou? So the other day, Raekishima comes and reports to me that he had some merchandise stolen from him—poor bastard looked like hell too, with a fractured skull and broken arm—he fingered you for the thief. What do you have to say to that?”

My heart pounded to another sudden stop, and I got that watery feeling down the back of my throat, like I was gonna throw up. “I didn’t—”

“Today, little Taroshita Kina comes to me and says he saw you with one of Raekishima’s knives. The one that was stolen, as a matter of fact. Isn’t that something?”

For a long, long time, all I could do was sit there and stare down at my own boots. Raeki really thought I stole that switchblade, so that was one thing, but Taro knew he did it, and he was just trying to stick it to me because Hakkai made him look stupid today. Once again, I didn’t do a damn thing wrong, and everybody was out to get me for it.

Part of me thought, hey, fuck Taro, he’s a backstabbing piece of shit. But I said I wouldn’t tell, not because I was scared of him—I could kick his ass if I really wanted—but because I wasn’t a tattletale like that. I wasn’t a rat. There was no way he’d ever be friends with me, I guessed, but that didn’t mean I wanted to get him in trouble either.

Bitterly, I wondered what they’d do to him if they found out he stole the knife. I bet anything they wouldn’t throw him in a dingy, little cell without windows and threaten to kill him over it. They’d probably just talk to his parents and want the knife back.

Were Taro and his friends really that much better than me that I deserved this and they didn’t?

Lapato nudged me with the toe of his boot. “Hello? Anybody home?”

I looked up at him again, breathing hard, feeling wild with terror. “I didn’t do it. I didn’t take it. I didn’t take anything. I mean…I was there, so I can see why Raeki thought I did, but I didn’t do it. I’m not a thief.”

He laughed at me, and the others joined in. Again, he made fun of my voice, talking all high-pitched like his balls hadn’t dropped yet, “I can see why Raeki thought I took it, because I was there and then the knife disappeared, but I swear I didn’t do it!’ Give me a break, kiddo. You wanna be a liar on top of a thief?”

“I swear I didn’t take it,” I said again.

“All right, so where did it go?”

I shook my head and swallowed hard. “I don’t know.”

“You saw it though, didn’t you? Don’t lie about that, because Raeki saw you playing with it, and then Taroshita saw you with it today.”

“So where is it?” I demanded suddenly, jumping to my feet and spreading my arms. “Fucking frisk me, asshole, because I just saw Taro like two hours ago, and I haven’t been anywhere since.”

All three of them stared quietly at me. Lapato puffed his cigarette thoughtfully.

“Do it!” I insisted. “’Cause I didn’t take it, and when you don’t find it on me, you’ll have to let me go!”

Lapato snapped his fingers again, and Fang stepped forward and frisked me really quick. He turned to his boss, shaking his head.

“Maybe you better do a cavity search,” I sneered. I could barely believe those words came out of my mouth, but there they were, and I couldn’t take them back, so I just tried to look confident.

Lapato came forward again and grabbed me by the shirt again, jerking me forward to stand face to face with him. His conversational voice turned deadly. “Listen here, you little prick, you’re not in any position to act like a smart ass. Raekishima saw you steal his knife, and Taroshita saw you with it today. Just because you were smart enough to ditch it somewhere doesn’t mean you didn’t take it.”

“I didn’t though,” I insisted. “I didn’t take it, and I didn’t ditch it. I never had it.”

He shook his head. “Well, you’re wrong about one thing anyway. We don’t have to let you out of here, not if we don’t want to.”

I almost fell down when I heard that. “Yes you do. You can’t keep me for nothing.”

“Oh, I can. Because nobody’s gonna miss you, hanyou.”

He shoved me away again and turned his back on me. “Maybe in a day or two, when you’re really cold and really hungry you’ll change your mind about leveling with me, but I guess that might be giving you too much credit. We’ll see.”

“You can’t do this!” I yelled. “You can’t lock me up for nothing!”

He made his way toward the door. “Tie him up again, boys. Maybe rough him up a little—see if you can get him to talk.”

I choked, and my body jerked. I opened my mouth to scream, but I couldn’t even breathe.

Lapato opened the door and stopped dead.

Hakkai was just chilling there in the doorway with his hands in his pockets, looking around like a kid on a field trip. He smiled when he saw Lapato. “Oh, good evening. You wouldn’t happen to be the man in charge, would you?”

Lapato stared at him. “That’s me. Who are you?”

“Ah, no one of any consequence, but I think you may have something of…ah yes, there he is.” He waved at me. “Konbanwa, Gojyo-chan.”

It was a dream. It had to be a dream. I hadn’t honestly believed anyone would show up to save me, so this couldn’t possibly be real. But it didn’t matter.

“Hakkai!” I ran, reaching desperately for him.

Fang caught me and held me back, twisting my arms behind my back again.

I struggled and screamed, trying to stomp on his toes. “Let me go! Let me go! Hakkai, help me!”

Unfazed, Hakkai looked at Lapato again. His voice was quieter now, and more serious. “Are you going to let him go?”

Lapato snorted. “What, because some little prick like you showed up for him? I don’t think—”

“No, because you’re detaining a child against his will for no reason whatsoever, and you’re abusing him from the looks of it, and maybe I’m just a bit old-fashioned, but I think your superiors would be a touch disapproving of this type of misconduct.”

Lapato laughed, and his boys joined him again.

“Hakkai!” I yelled, fighting the urge to cry. “They don’t fucking care! They—”

Kekatsu hit me suddenly, “Shut up, mutt.”

Hakkai’s eyes flashed, but Lapato patted him on the shoulder. “Look here, boy, I don’t know who you are, but you’re definitely not old fashioned—you’re progressive. That hanyou doesn’t have rights like you and I do. I can do whatever I want with him. And until I figure out this whole scenario with what happened at the knife stand, I don’t think I can let him go. It wouldn’t be right to put that little criminal back on the streets just so he can grow up into a big criminal and start doing real damage.”

Hakkai ignored him. He pushed his hand off his shoulder, but he kept his eyes on Kekatsu, and his voice was blizzard cold. “If you strike him again, I promise to every god you believe in, I will rip your hand off and shove it up your rectum.”

Kekatstu started to laugh, but he stopped right away, and I could see why. Hakkai’s face had turned scary dark. His eyes were lightless pits, his mouth a curving snarl, teeth just slightly bared, and he looked like he was only a second away from literally ripping someone a new asshole with their own hand.

Kekatsu and Fang both took their hands off me. One of them muttered, “Shit.”

I sprang forward the second I could, shoved passed Lapato, and threw myself against Hakkai, wrapping my arms around his waist and burying my face against his shirt. I was breathing so fast I thought I’d hyperventilate.

Hakkai touched my hair and held me close.

I heard him murmur, “There, there, you’re all right—I’ve got you.” And then he said, “Well, in any case, here’s the stolen merchandise in question.”

I chanced a glance up to see him produce the red-handled switchblade.

Lapato glared down at me. “You little fuck job, you did—”

Hakkai popped the knife open and threw it at his feet, and the blade stuck in the ground a quarter of an inch from the toe of his boot. “Today, I took it away from a child whose name I believe was Taro. I heard him threatening Gojyo not to inform on him. I believe if you speak to your sword salesman again you’ll come to learn that that boy was also present when the knife went missing, though I highly doubt you’ll treat them in this appalling manner. Funny, though. They don’t have anyone half as furious as I am who would come to get them.” He paused to scan all three of them, and that expression was still terrifying, so I pressed my face against him again. “Frankly, I would love nothing more than to teach all three of you some manners. I suppose you’re just lucky you didn’t have him for very long, otherwise I certainly would.”

With that, he scooped me up, tucked my head under his chin, and turned away, muttering, “Say goodbye, Gojyo. I can’t guarantee you’ll ever see these men again.”

There was such a chill in his words, I couldn’t help shuddering, and when I looked at Lapato and his men I knew they felt it too. He had just threatened to kill them.

And then he slammed the door behind us, locked it, and strode up the stairs, holding me tightly.

I fisted my hands in his shirt and rested my head against his shoulder. It had been a long time since anybody carried me like a little kid, but I wasn’t embarrassed. I was just glad he came to save me.

We were quiet as we left the jailhouse, and Hakkai carried me several blocks before we came to a bench under a lamppost. He set me down, carefully, turning my face back and forth to look at the damage. He scrubbed the blood off my nose and chin and smoothed the hair away from my eyes. I studied his expression, but it was nothing like that haunting stare he’d given them. It was much gentler and kinder. His voice was warm when he asked, “Are you all right, Gojyo-chan?”

My heart was still racing with leftover adrenaline, but I nodded. “H-how did you find me?”

“Jeep showed me where you were.”

Jeep flew down from his perch on the lamppost and nuzzled at my cheek, licking my face.

I patted his head. “Thanks, boy.”

He chirped at me.

Hakkai petted him too. “That’s why I sent him with you in the first place, I suppose, but I am still rather shocked this happened.”

“It’s just ‘cause of what I am,” I told him quietly, leaning my pounding head on his shoulder. “Like you said, they wouldn’t’a done that to Taro and his friends.”

“No, I’m afraid that’s true.” He combed his fingers through my hair and sighed. “I must apologize though. I shouldn’t have allowed this to happen.”

“It’s not your fault. They all think I’m a criminal. I dunno why.”

“I don’t know either.”

I looked up at him, sadly. “D’ya think I’ll be a criminal, Hakkai?”

He went on petting my hair absently, and he shook his head. “No, I don’t think you’d be very good at that.”

A little comforted, I snuggled against his shoulder and closed my eyes. He smelled good, and he made me feel safe.

We sat there for a little while before Hakkai said, “You had me very scared. I want you to know that.”

I opened my eyes again. “How come?”

“I couldn’t find you. I feared the worse.”

“Sorry,” I husked.

“Oh, no.” Hakkai looked down at me, green eyes grave. “I didn’t mean for you to feel responsible for my fears; I thought you should know how worried I was when I couldn’t find you, that’s all. I want you to know my care for you is sincere.”

It was such a nice thing for anyone to say to me, I couldn’t help smiling. I felt like even Jien would just be relieved if somebody took me or killed me. I hugged Hakkai really tight, and his arms came around me automatically.

“You stay close from now on, little Gojyo,” he said quietly. “There appear to be quite a few monsters in this town.”

And then he stood up and took me by the hand and led me up the street, Jeep sitting on my shoulder, chirping and tugging at my hair.

#saiyuki #cho hakkai #sha gojyo #son goku #genjyo sanzo #sha jien #young gojyo #time travel #alternate universe

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endestprana · 7 years

Text

Mari: Hope

“Like the skies brightened by the light of the stars… I need you so much I’m dying for it…”

“I love you, Mari…”

“I love you too, Kanan… see you tomorrow…”

As the call ended that night, Mari sighed once again. “How hollow…” thought herself together with the reminiscence of the day she got together with Kanan. Not long after she talked to Dia regarding the latter’s feeling, turned out that not even Mari herself has the power to make Dia acknowledged her feeling. This feeling of emptiness kept on grazing inside Mari’s heart whenever she heard the word ‘love’ from Kanan. “You don’t even saw me in myself…”

But love sure was cruel. And so does Mari herself. Why did she chose to fight for her own feeling, not choosing the other option and help Dia instead? The answer was simple. Mari knew her childhood friend too well. She knew that Dia’s stubbornness might be one of the wonders of the world. If Dia said that she didn’t like something, then she would never come to like it no matter what happen. If she loved something then she would love it to death. And obviously even those stubbornness of Dia has an exception. True to herself, only could be swayed by none other than Kanan. Ever since they got closer in elementary school, Mari always remember the look on Dia’s face when she saw Kanan. The smile that grew from the black-haired girl whenever she saw her closest childhood friend was indeed unforgettable. “So bright…”

----

Comfy bed. Nice music. Sweet aroma of the coffee put some refreshment inside Mari’s mind as she prepared herself for a date with Kanan this afternoon. Ignoring the fact that she never liked it when she saw Kanan nowadays, especially after she accepted her as her girlfriend, Mari kept on struggling. Yes, together with the hope that someday she would be able to be the number one inside that closed heart. The heart that was already full of somebody else. Locked, the lonely feeling of selfish love, untouched not even the straight-forward Mari. The only key to open the door to that very heart was buried inside another heart which refused to even name the abundant feeling of affection as love. “Both of them sure are cruel…”

Mari arrived at the meeting place a little late than the promised time and there she saw Kanan was already standing near the clocktower waiting for her. Mari smiled as she called out to the blue-haired girl. The latter smiled and took the former’s hand as she led her to their usual café. “Your smile sure is beautiful, Kanan…” said Mari to her girlfriend and the latter would once again showed that beloved smile which made Mari never regretted the choice she made before. “If the price for me to be able to see that beautiful smile of yours everyday was to betray Dia then I don’t mind it one bit…” thought Mari to herself.

“Here, Mari.”

“Aaaa~”

“You are just like a little girl who wants to be spoiled…”

“Well, I am. It’s fun, after all, seeing you smile and treat me like a princess every day, Kanan…”

“You and your teasing…”

“Kanan…, you seemed to be in a good mood today. Did something great happen today?”

“Ah, no. There’s nothing big happen…” You said it like that even though I would instantly realize that it must be connected to Dia

“Well, as long as you’re happy then I’m happy for you, Kanan…”

“Thanks, Mari… I love you…” There she goes again with that empty words

---

The night skies were clear when Mari glanced at them later on after the date. She always wished that her relationship with Kanan could be that clear. She always wished that honesty would one day help Kanan to acknowledge herself as a girl who deserved to be loved, not as someone’s replacement. And so her heart was already filled with uncertainty and doubt. Not even Mari was strong enough to live this love life of hers without at least crying once or twice. She would sometime talked about it with Riko who surprisingly well-versed in love matters (considering she was already in a relationship with Yoshiko from their school days before, it’s given). And Riko would always listened to the very end and said to her that this is the time for her to just hold on and believe that there’s hope for a change of heart. No matter how small the chance is, if she really loves Kanan then it’s not entirely impossible, after all.

The morning came in a flash as Mari was suddenly surprised with the alarm of her phone. “Today is the start of the break…” said Mari as she started to wake from her bed and head to the bathroom. Last night she got complains from Riko regarding her girlfriend who picked a fight with her even though they were supposed to plan their wedding together. Well, knowing that Yoshiko was a peculiar woman to begin with, Mari laughed at her junior and said that she would do something about her situation and in turn, she would help her when the time came.

“Hi, Yoshiko…”

“What is it, Mari? I’m busy right now…”

“What are you doing right now?”

“I’m busy planning the reception party for me and Lily so if there’s nothing else I would hang up…”

“Wait!”

“What is it, just tell me, for gosh’s sake!”

“Don’t be such a jerk like that, Yohane-sama. I just thought that maybe you needed a time to relax yourself…”

“Didn’t you hear what I said before? I’m busy so I don’t have time for vacation or anything alike! Why don’t you take Lily with you so she wouldn’t disturb my grandiose wedding plan again!?”

“So you really did have a fight with her, huh Yoshiko?”

“It’s none of your business…”

“Of course it is. If you’re still fighting over such simple matter then Riko wouldn’t have time to listen to complains of mine, right?”

“I don’t care!”

“Are you sure it’s fine to talk to me like that, Yoshiko? Or do you want me to reveal the things that you did last week to Riko? Hehehe~”

“W-W-W-W-Wha-What the!? Fine then! What do you want me to do?”

“Well, it’s nothing much. I just wanted you to accompany me in my next trip. How about it?”

“It’s already this close to my wedding and you wanted to take me for a vacation…? What’s Lily thinking, I wonder?”

“You know she just wanted you to not be so tense about it and let her help you in the planning, isn’t it…?”

“Well, why not? If she said that it’s fine then I would comply. But remember to take me home at least two days before the wedding, okay?”

“Don’t worry!”

---

“MARI-SAN!!!!!!!!!!!!”

“Ah, Riko, what is it?”

“What did you do? Why did you took her with you to your vacation!? I thought you would just talked to her about it and made her comply with my wish?!”

“Hehehe~ I’m lonely by myself here so it’s fine, right?”

“How the heck that it’s fine for a bride to left with another girl just a week before her own wedding!? I would make sure to give her good spanking when she got home, just you wait Yocchan!! I know you’re beside her right now! I can hear you just fine!!”

“Hahahaha… C’mon, it’s my fault so don’t be mean to her.”

“It is your fault!! Well, whatever, just make sure to bring her back safely before the wedding, okay?”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Mari hung up the phone as she looked at the junior beside her whose face was started to turn white because of the sudden yelling from Riko earlier. Mari patted Yoshiko’s head and told the latter to take a bath first. While Mari waited for Yoshiko, suddenly there was a message from someone she didn’t know. There, inside that screen, she saw the whole reason of the tragedy that soon would befall her and Yoshiko.

The sky was a little bit cloudy that day, reflecting the liar’s heart who hid behind the mask of happiness. The façade might fool anyone but it won’t fool her own heart. She knew she was hurting so much from the picture she saw in that message, but there’s nothing she could do to prevent things from happening. All that she could do was to wish that this vacation of her managed to give her a way out from her predicament.

#kanamari #yohariko #love live sunshine #ohara mari #matsuura kanan #kurosawa dia #sakurauchi riko #tsushima yoshiko #endestwords

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furinjuru · 6 years

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Waiting - Chapter 2 - Wednesday

Mari’s alarm rings at exactly 7 o’clock, waking her up from her embarrassing, romance-filled dream.

She immediately has to suppress the urge to toss the alarm clock at the wall. Because even though her family is wealthy and is more than able to buy as many clocks as she wants, this one is somehow still working after over a year without use. Also, because she has better things to do than smashing innocent clocks to pieces.

After all, today will be her first day at Uranohoshi.

Not officially, of course. Her transfer paperwork, as well as the one giving headmistress privileges to her both state that she starts Monday, but can use her privileges as early as Friday. But why wait that long? The teachers definitely won’t mind having her sit in class as long as she doesn’t bother the other students.

She can’t promise that she won’t, but the point still stands that she’s going to Uranohoshi today. And nothing will stop her from seeing Kanan and Dia again!

Humming a pop tune she remembers from America, Mari walks towards her dresser and opens it, looking for her uniform. The old, first-year sailor uniform is still there, but the new one she’s supposed to have isn’t. Maybe it’s in the front lobby?

She shuts the dresser before moving towards the door. When she opens it, she sees one of the family’s maids about to knock. She seems more surprised to see Mari actually there, rather than that she’s up early. It might be a few days before the staff gets used to seeing Mari again.

“Miss.” She speaks curtly, “if you would please come with me, there’s something that requires your attention.”

“Hmm? I have time to spare, what’s up?” Her speech, too casual from someone of her degree, still has a slight western accent. It’s funny; she was made fun of for her Japanese accent in America, and in Japan, her speech is still too English-sounding.

“It’s in your study.” The maid answers, leading Mari through the halls of her own home. Her specific words manage to pique Mari’s interest.

“I don’t remember having a study.”

“Your father required a new room to accommodate new developments in the Ohara Resorts.” She explains, “He’ll inform you of the details as soon as possible, but what’s important now is that his previous study has been re-purposed. It now belongs to you, and will suit your needs as the new headmistress of Uranohoshi.”

“Oh! How wonderful!” She exclaims, wanting to see her new room. Eventually, they arrive in front of a door, with a nameplate stating “Mari Ohara, UraGirls Headmistress” at the front. The maid hands her a key, which she uses to unlock the door and open it wide.

When she sees what’s inside, she pales immediately and wishes she can go back to her room.

The room is beautiful, painted white with small paintings lining the wall behind a mahogany desk. It’s new; she remembers her dad’s desk, and it looked far older than this one. If she were sitting, all it would take is for her to look right to see the majestic ocean of Uchiura fame, along with the beaches and Mt. Fuji.

That’s not what makes her pale, oh no. That would be the piles of paper stacked on her desk. Piles, as in multiple.

“Oh,” Mari says in a dead tone. “....this is what requires my attention?”

“Yes. I apologize, but it’s critical that you fill these immediately.” The maid at least seems apologetic. “Welcome back.”

Mari rolls her eyes as the maid leaves, and she closes the door. “...I’m home.”

Her first order of business is testing out the chair, making sure that it’s comfortable. Her second order of business is looking out the window and watching the waves rhythmically hit the shore. Her third one is rearranging the paintings behind her until they look good, even though she won’t be looking at them when she’s working.

It doesn’t take a genius to tell that Mari’s ‘order of business’ is just her buying time until she has to face the mountain of paperwork.

She turns around, staring at the paper as they stare back at her, unflinching. She doesn’t mind working, especially if it’s for a good cause...

But she really wanted to see Kanan and Dia today. She can feel her heart aching for them (platonically for Dia), but these papers are standing in her way!

However, Mari begins to calculate how long it’ll take to go through everything, and squeals in joy when she realizes that if she hurries, she’ll be able to catch up with Dia and Kanan just before they leave school. That’s more than enough to motivate her to begin working.

The paperwork, luckily, is what she expects. Transfer papers, as well as a contract that ensures that Mari is aware of Uranohoshi’s current condition. Understandable. Most people wouldn’t consider transferring into a school about to be combined as a good idea.

Once she finishes that, she moves on towards the bulk of the paperwork. Papers detailing the responsibilities held by Uranohoshi’s headmistress, her schedule, as well as her rights. She notices that she’s not allowed to fire any of the teachers for a year unless she holds an official meeting and discusses it beforehand. The reasoning is sound; it’s to prevent her threatening the teachers to give higher grades to her friends. Kanan and Dia don’t need help, anyway.

As she moves down the pile, she notices something that catches her eye. Another transfer paperwork, but for another student.

...someone else actually chose to transfer this year? She thinks, reading the student’s data. Sakurauchi Riko, huh? From Otonokizaka. I wonder why she transferred? She flips to the next page, looking for the dotted line telling her where to sign. But when she sees another signature already there, she feels her heart doing somersaults.

Student Council President: Matsuura Kanan

Subconsciously, her finger goes towards the lines of Kanan’s signature, gently tracing them. Her penmanship has gotten really beautiful. Mari smiles, her mind beginning to drift into a daydream until she focuses again. She signs the document and pushes it to the side.

She forgot that both the headmistress and the student council president had to be notified of any transfers. But even if she did remember, she definitely didn’t expect it to be Kanan of all people.

So Kanan’s the student council president now? Mari giggles inwardly.

------

“Achoo!” Kanan rubs her nose, blushing in embarrassment as Dia stares at her.

“Do you have a cold?”

“Nope.” Kanan smiles cheerfully. “Someone must be talking about me. I wouldn’t blame them; there’s a lot to talk about.”

Dia scoffs loudly, clearly trying to aggravate the older girl. “Get off your high horse, Kanan. And I thought it meant someone was thinking about you, not talking?”

“Wrong country, Dia. We’re in Japan, not China.”

“Ah, I must’ve gotten my notes about sneezing myths wrong.”

------

Back at the Ohara Hotel, Mari continues working on the paperwork, making a sizable dent in the previous mountain. At this rate, she’ll finish in no time!

But...her arm is getting sore. At the table, she sees a phone that connects to the front desk, so she uses it to contact one of the receptionists.

“Hello, this is Ohara Hotel. How may I help you?”

“Yes, it’s Mari. Please bring a drink to my study.” She requests.

“Of course. What drink would you like, Miss?”

“A glass of cold water is fine.”

“Right away.”

Mari hangs up, grinning as she stands up from her seat and towards the window. Even here, in a closed room, she feels free, like she can do anything she puts her mind to. Maybe she can use her fully-developed dancing skills to popularize Uranohoshi. Maybe she can use her headmistress powers to expand Uranohoshi a bit more. Maybe she can use her father’s connection to throw a massive graduation party.

Maybe she can just be Mari, and confess to Kanan.

Mari proceeds to lightly slap herself at the thought. She’ll never be brave enough to do that. She never was.

A knock at the door pulls Mari out of her thoughts. “Come in!” A maid opens the door, carrying a tall glass of water on a tray. “Please put it on the table.”

She walks towards the table, placing the glass where there’s no paperwork. “Do you need anything else, Miss?”

“Thank you, that’ll be all,” Mari replies gratefully, watching as the maid closes the door behind her. Time to get back to work.

Sitting down again, Mari pulls a paperwork from the stack and starts filling it out. It’s monotonous, but the prize in front of her keeps pushing her forward. It doesn’t stop her from getting frustrated, unfortunately.

“Aaah, why is this so boring?!” Mari exclaims, knocking back a large gulp of water. If coffee gave her the energy she needed in the morning, water was what calmed her down. Cold water was even better.

But when she places the glass back down, she sees something that wasn’t there before. A small puddle of water. Some of it was beginning to seep into the paperwork. Mari looks back at the glass previously filled with cold water, and notices water droplets on the outside of it.

Of course. It was cold water, Mari. She scolds herself for forgetting about basic science and condensation, but is able to take some pride in her foresight. Since she took the liberty of separating the finished paperwork, none of them were damaged. Only the ones that were still unfinished and can be reprinted, were ruined. Mari smirks; she wasn’t going to let a mistake like that ruin her reunion with her best friends.

She separates the papers that are still dry with the ones that are wet and dials the front desk again.

“Hello?”

“It’s Mari again. Can you send someone to my study? I spilled water on some of the paper, and I need them reprinted.”

“Understood. Someone will be with you shortly.”

When they said shortly, they really meant it. Mari only had to wait a few minutes before someone arrives and takes the wet paperwork back to the front desk. Mari then continues working on the other paperwork, with almost no productivity lost. Who said Mari can’t plan for accidents? All she needs is a little motivation.

In the middle of signing one of the papers, she hears a knock on the door. “Come in!”

The person who took the previous paperwork returns, looking slightly guilty. “Miss Mari. I apologize, but our printers are currently malfunctioning.” Mari doesn’t react to the news, completely stunned.

“...all of them?”

“The few that are still functioning are being overworked. We’re currently trying to outsource your request to someone else in Uchiura.”

“I understand,” Mari says, trying to hide the annoyance in her voice. Looks like her plans were useless after all.

When she leaves, Mari dials front desk again, not bothering to wait for the receptionist to finish her greeting before speaking.

“It’s Mari. Can I speak to one of the kitchen staff?”

“Of course. Please wait a second.” She hears shouting coming from the other end, before a voice replaces the previous one. “Hello?”

“Someone from kitchen staff brought me a glass of water. I want to know, is the glass expensive?”

“For everyday use, no fragile items used are of significant value to the Ohara name.”

“Good. Was it a gift from someone?”

“I don’t believe it was.”

“Does it have any sentimental value?”

“...no. Why?”

“No reason.” Mari remains silent for a few seconds, staring at the glass in her hands. “Please bring a broom to my study.”

“...of course. Will that be all, Miss?”

“Thank you.” She hangs up, continuing to stare. The murderous rage she felt towards her alarm clock is returning with a vengeance, but this is different.

The alarm clock was innocent. It was simply doing its job of waking Mari up. Mari had no right to remain angry at it for too long. But this time...

The glass had no business soaking her paperwork. Its job was to hold water, for fuck’s sake! For that sole reason, Mari felt like what she’s going to do was justified.

She aims at the wall right in front of her, and throws as hard as she can, enjoying the sound of glass shattering against the wall. She proceeds to sit back down while pretending that never happened. She doesn’t even give the maid sweeping glass shards off the floor a second look after she enters, only offering a small ‘thank you’ when she’s about to leave.

-------

Mari has officially lost motivation.

It’s not her fault. School is ending in a few more minutes, and there’s still no news about how the paperwork is doing. With the current paperwork signed and safely located where nothing bad can happen to it, she has nothing else to do but wait.

It’s depressing. She’s planned everything from the start. She predicted the worst case scenario and made plans if that were to happen, only for it to fail because the printers were broken. She stands up and walks towards the window, staring out towards the school she’s now in charge of.

It’s not fair, Mari thinks to herself. She didn’t ask for anything other than to meet Kanan and Dia again. It’s a simple, albeit possibly selfish wish, but that’s all she asked for. She did her best, but apparently that wasn’t enough.

Mari steps away from the window and towards the middle of the room. Before, it had couches and a table for future partners to relax and discuss things with her father, but they’ve been moved to his new room, leaving the space empty. That’s fine by her.

Breathing deeply, Mari begins to move her body. Turning and spinning, jumping and stepping. On their own, the moves are nothing, but together they can create something much more beautiful. After a few minutes of warming up, she stops facing the empty wall.

...maybe I can do it now. She usually does the move with a running start, but even a small one should be fine. She calculates the distance between her and the wall, visualizing every part of the move before going for it. She runs three steps forward before planting her hands on the ground, executing a cartwheel. She doesn’t stop when she lands on her feet, instead going for a second one. When she lands with her feet parallel to the wall, she goes for the last part of the move, jumping backward and planting her hands on the ground again.

This time, however, without a clear view of the ground behind her, she overshoots the jump. Her world spins as she lands on her head, and she ends up letting out a wail of pain.

“...miss?” A voice calls out from behind the door. “Are you okay?”

“Not really.” She forces out a laugh. Her heart hurts more than her head. “What is it?”

“Your paperwork has been printed.” Mari’s eyes go wide as she opens the door, grabs the paperwork from the girl’s hands while screaming out a ‘thank you’ before shutting it close and going back to her desk. The stack in front of her seems intimidating at a glance, but she’s already finished this many. A few more isn’t going to kill her.

She goes through the stack at a steady pace, the sight of the slowly shrinking stack pushing her further and giving her the energy to finish another paper, driving her cycle of determination. Until finally, when Mari goes to grab another paper but feels nothing underneath her fingers, she looks up. The pile has vanished.

Mari places the final sheet of paperwork in the safe spot before rushing out of the door, telling the closest maid that she’s heading out. She doesn’t even care that it’s now raining and she forgot to bring an umbrella. She can think of whether or not she gets a cold later.

With nothing holding her back, Mari runs straight to Uranohoshi in search of her friends.

-------

To say that Mari was disappointed when she arrived would be the understatement of the century. The school was mostly deserted by that time, and even the few students that remained had informed her that both Kanan and Dia have left the school. Some first and second-years who obviously don’t know her offer to take her back home since she didn’t bring her umbrella, but she refuses.

“...man, what a pain,” Mari mutters as she leans against the wall of the main hall of Uranohoshi, soaked from head-to-toe and dripping water onto the floor. Her eyes glaze towards the student council room, hoping that she might see Kanan walk out and accompany her, and that the person the others saw leave was just Kanan’s twin.

But Kanan doesn’t have a twin, and Mari’s still alone.

Once she’s given up hope on that, she begins to walk around the familiar halls, leaving a trail of water behind her. Her feet take her to the first-year classroom. It’s empty, so after a moment of hesitation Mari steps in.

Not much has changed. It’s like the school, just like the town it’s in, is stuck in time, unchanging from two years ago. Mari takes her old seat near the window, running her hand across the surface of the table as she lets the memories flood back in.

Mari only leaves after an hour has passed and she’s sure that the school is deserted. Mari returns to the hotel drenched in rain and immediately takes a shower, which she forgot to do this morning.

Mari goes to bed that night with a fever. Every time she sneezes, she hopes that it’s because Kanan and Dia are thinking of her.

#love live #love live sunshine #mari ohara #kanan matsuura #dia kurosawa

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