The Zangyack had finally been defeated. Looks like Marvelous and the Kaizoku harnessed the ability to overcome their fears and themselves, he thought. Gai Yuki relaxed at the Golden Gate Bar. The drinks had gotten sweeter. There were no men around the bar, thank goodness. The Goddess hadn't gotten any better at poker, but that didn't matter. He was wondering where she was.
Just then, the front door to the bar opened. In walked a woman Gai had never seen before. Dressed in white, like the goddess, she looked like she was in her early thirties, with a grace and confidence of a strong, modern woman. Gai was captivated in a way that he had not felt for quite some time.
She sat down next to Gai's left hand side. As confident as both individuals were, she seemed somewhat smitten and shy around him. Although Gai was used to that kind of thing, this was different. He had no idea why a woman with this kind of strength would become so soft and stilted. "I know that someone as young and as beautiful as yourself thinks you shouldn't be here, but... I think I can call this place heaven now that YOU'RE here." That Yuuki charm couldn't possibly fail him now. And, what risk did he have? He was dead.
The woman looked at him, looked down, and smiled. "I see you've gotten better at being a little gentle on those women you charm." She looked back at him, almost knowingly. Gai was puzzled. "Pardon my correction, but I don't think I've ever met you before." The woman straightened her back and turned to him. "After an incident in my life where I witnessed my family crumble, I dedicated my life to social work as a family and adolescent therapist. I was killed in a monster attack getting some kids at a school out of the building. But, I loved my life. I loved my work. So, in a way, I don't call THIS heaven. I call it resting. My life with people was Heaven."
Gai was simply awestruck. She...was too noble for him. It wasn't like Kaori's refined lifestyle, or Ryu's by the book ways. It was her genuine spirit that caught him off-guard. Her authentic concern for others. For the first time since Ryu's breakdown over Rei, he had no idea what to say. The woman, however, simply smiled at Gai. "That's not the response from the man who killed the Vacuum Vyram. I'd expect more from the man who brought the "Condor Finish!" into the world!" she laughed.
All of a sudden, the flashbacks hit him... The Vacuum Vyram? Condor Finish? Wait a minute... Gai gasped at his realization. "Chibi? Michiru?"
The woman blushed. "I can't believe it, but I swooned a bit when you finally said my name!" she giggled. Gai couldn't help laugh. "So...What do you intend to do, now that you are in heaven?" "Well," she smiled, " I don't have any kids or husbands to worry about, and my nephews and nieces are alright..." "No boyfriend, even?" Gai asked. "Oh, no," said Michiru. "My life helping people was my love. I didn't want anything to get in the way of that."
A jazz ballad of "Round Midnight" came on. "Mind if I give it a try?" asked Gai. He let out his hand. Michiru couldn't help but smile and blush. "You once asked me that you wished I was ten years younger. Here, age doesn't not matter." He kept his hand out. With some hesitation, she put her hand in his.
They both walked out to the floor. Dressed in white, they were a beacon of hope in the otherwise dark room. After a minute or two, Michiru finally relaxed enough to rest her head on Gai's chest. "You asked me to wait for you," whispered Gai into Michiru's ear. "I'm glad I did." Even when the music stopped, the two stood together, alone and huddled close. After some silence, they continued to stand together after Michiru whispered back, "Arigato."
