Author's Note: Hello all, and welcome to the updated installment of "Path of Memories" Unfortunately, last time I wrote it, I discovered I didn't like taking the 1
That's all. I hope you enjoy, and critique is always appreciated. ~Laserif
=^x^=
Chapter 1: Return to Castanet
"Bro?"
A cerulean eye cracked open for a split second before falling shut again, its owner grunting irritably. He was curled into a ball, clutching his gray jacket to his lanky frame.
"Bro, come on, wake up."
He yawned, rolled onto his back, and stretched out. He opened his eyes and saw a young girl with red hair standing over him and staring impatiently.
"Sis, I told you not to wake me 'till we were there," he groaned, sitting up and cracking his back and neck.
"We are there, bro," she argued bitterly, "We're like five minutes away."
"Five more minutes I can sleep, then."
He curled back up on his dark blue wool blanket and closed his eyes, the cool ocean breeze trickling through the loose strands of his jet black hair. He could hear the waves gently breaking against their boat, and a few snowflakes tickled his cheeks.
Officially Winter, he thought, Ma would be dragging the animals inside about now…
"Bro, get up, now!"
A heavy boot flew into his ribs, and he gasped loudly, doubling over and clutching his stomach in pain and disdain. He glared up at her with clenched teeth.
"Why do you do that?" he muttered, pushing himself onto his feet. He was a head taller than her, but she still managed to look menacing, "I swear, Nami…"
"Oh come off it, Alex," she sighed, shaking her head.
Her green eyes bore into his, and her hair billowed out in the wind like a witch's cape. She wore a glare that would make the devil blush.
"You can't be all groggy on a day like this," she said, "Come on, Alex. This is important."
"So bossy…" he groaned.
"Someone's gotta be…"
He surrendered and walked around the small deck, his arms stretched out behind his head. Nami paced along with him, the two watching their destination grow steadily closer. She clutched her own white coat around her tiny frame, her cheeks growing pink from the wind's sting. Alex grabbed the wool blanket off the deck and draped it around her.
"I'm scared," she blurted out, staring up at him.
"Why scared?"
"What if dad doesn't want to see us?"
"You're being silly."
He draped his arm around her and ruffled her hair up a bit.
"You of all people should know dad favored you," he continued, "So don't worry, alright?"
"B-but…"
Her hands were clenched around the blanket, and a little ring glistened on her left index finger. A small piece of blue feather was locked inside of the jewel.
"It's just…we don't have any clue what happened," she said, "What if he's mad at us just dropping in? I mean he's never attempted to make contact, to visit…"
"I'm sure it'll be explained, Nam," he sighed.
She hiccuped as tears welled up in her eyes.
"Little sis, you cry too much…" he sighed, patting her on the head, "Come on, calm down. He's gonna be really happy to see us…you, especially."
He shook his head, thinking of how huge of an emotional disaster she could be, but he also couldn't bring himself to blame her. He pulled her close and she sobbed into his shoulder, and he thought of how young she had been, how she hadn't understood anything, how it had affected her so badly compared to him and their mom, as far as he could tell.
He stared up at the approaching landmass. From the outside, it seemed small, but it was actually a pretty vast and spacious piece of land. He remembered how, until six years ago, he and Nami had grown up amongst the tight-knit community, how they had known only the quiet and simple life until they'd moved to the city, where everything was always busy and bright. He missed the quiet and dark nights, knowing and trusting everyone, cows that weren't packaged in a grocery store…
Finally, they would see it again. They'd taste the lingering flavor of their old life.
Their happy life…
"Alex?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you think dad kept the farm going?"
"That's a huge maybe. Dad was never too good at farm work…"
"Well…I'd like to check there first for him…"
"Yeah, agreed."
Finally, just as the sun began to set, their boat docked. Alex and Nami slowly set foot into their old home: Harmonica Town. A gray-haired man in a beat up captain's hat was waiting on the dock. He approached the two new visitors and shook their hands.
"It's been a long time, you two," he said, smiling, "My, how you've grown."
"I'm surprised you recognized us, Pascal," Alex replied.
"How could I not? You're like Jin's clone, and Nami's growing into a miniature Rei."
Nami shuffled uncomfortably, and Alex smiled weakly.
"Send Ozzie and Paolo our best," Alex said, taking his sister's hand, "We've got some errands to run."
Pascal smiled and saluted, and the siblings headed off towards their old home.
=^x^=
"He must've left. The soil looks so bad…like it hasn't been watered since…"
"Since we left…"
Alex and Nami stood staring at their old fields. What once bore the greenest grass and the highest quality crops now lay barren and lifeless. Alex stooped down and sifted his fingers around in the rough soil.
"No rain lately, and it's really light. This stuff hasn't seen fertilizer in ages," he observed, "It would take ages to make it suitable for farming again."
"I suppose," Nami agreed solemnly, treading across the field towards the deteriorating barn and chicken coop, "Well, papa wasn't super keen on farming anyway. He liked the animals, though. Maybe there's still some around. Come on."
"It's doubtful…"
"I know…but it's worth looking."
He couldn't argue there. They stepped into the chicken coop and saw only empty nests, cobwebs, and a dust cloud rising with every step.
"Not a peep," Nami whispered, folding her arms.
"Normally, I'd have a hole in my shoe by now," Alex sighed, his heart sinking as he ran a finger over the dusty incubator.
"And I'd have raw egg dripping down my shirt," Nami remarked coolly, her own hands fiddling with the old yarn maker.
Alex winced. Their mother had always asked him and his sister to crate the eggs during large harvests, and poor Nami had always broken at least one.
"I guess dad didn't keep any chickens, then," he muttered.
A very unsatisfied Nami turned and stomped out of the coop, Alex walking quietly behind her. The two entered the barn, and were greeted with a sight even gloomier than the empty coop.
"Empty feedboxes," Nami said in slight shock, "I…didn't know that was possible. Can those be empty, Alex?"
"Apparently so," he murmured, gazing around, "I didn't know this place could be so silent. Not a single neigh…"
Saddles lined the walls, but none of their mother's lovely mares were around to wear them anymore. Nami trotted around, picking an old brush up off the floor and plucking white hair out of its frayed bristles.
"Only job I ever liked," she sighed, placing it back onto the shelf, "I'm pretty sure this is Rosie's hair…"
She went silent for a moment.
"Alex?"
"Yeah?"
"When was Rosie born?"
He thought for a moment, but those days predated his clearer memories.
"I think a bit before you came along," he answered, scratching his chin, "I'unno. The days before you existed don't stand out too well, honestly."
She half-smiled at the flattery and returned her gaze to the brush.
"I wonder where she is, then," she murmured, walking along the feed boxes, "This one was hers…"
She stood at the empty box closest to the window, then shook her head.
"This isn't right, Alex. I shouldn't be able to hear myself think in here."
"Agreed. This is surreal…"
She paced around a bit more, looking around the barn, searching for any recent or current sign of life. He turned back to the saddles, patting the dust off a black one in the middle. He thought of his mother, how she'd taught him how to fit one of those onto a horse, how she'd taught him to ride.
"I give up, nothing's lived here for ages," Nami observed flatly, the note of disappointment trilling in her voice, "Welp, let's go confirm it. Alex, you lead."
"Confirm what?"
She grabbed the sleeve of his jacket and half led, half dragged him to their old home. It was falling apart, and none of the lights were on. She shoved him onto the doorstep.
"Knock," she ordered.
"You knock!" he grunted.
"No…you…"
The two stood petrified for a moment, feeling as if they were knocking on the door to a haunted house. Alex gulped and knocked loudly three times on the brown wood door. The two stood waiting, breath held, for what seemed like hours.
"Again," she said after a few moments.
They repeated the process a few times, until Nami finally turned her gaze to the ground and gave in.
"I guess he really did go…" she sighed.
"He's probably moved back into his clinic," Alex said, "Come on, let's-"
"Excuse me, but…who are you two?"
Nami squealed and jumped. Both turned on the spot to see a plump, gray-haired man in a purple suit standing a few feet behind them.
"This is private property, you two," he explained gruffly, "Please explain why you're here."
Alex straightened up, and he could feel Nami clutching his arm as she hid behind him. After a few seconds, his mind pieced it together, and he managed a small grin.
"I think I remember you being a bit jollier, Mayor Hamilton," he replied.
The old man was stunned for a moment, then squinted, as if trying to find their names etched onto their foreheads.
"We used to live here, sir," Alex clarified, "This was our home a long time ago.."
His eyes suddenly widened as if Christmas had come early.
"Oh m-my!" he stuttered, "Oh, um…Rei! Yes! Rei's kids!"
He rushed up to them, shaking Alex's left hand vigorously and apologizing profusely.
"I had no clue!" he exclaimed, his face exploding into happiness, "You've both grown so much, so tall! But how silly of me…you're the perfect pictures of your parents! Why, your little sister could be a miniature Rei! And you! You're like Jin without the glasses!"
"And the ponytail," Alex muttered sheepishly.
"How on earth did I miss this!"
He was still shaking Alex's hand, almost threatening to tear it off. He felt Nami's grip tightening. At last, the mayor released his hand, smiling nervously.
"Forgive me, it's unfortunate…but I daresay I've misplaced your names," he said, the tip of his plump nose reddening.
"I'm Alex, and this is Nami," Alex replied, waving his hand as if to push it all aside, "But, Mr. Hamilton, before we go on, does anyone still live here? It seems this place has been abandoned for ages…"
"You're not wrong, unfortunately," Mayor Hamilton sighed, "Jin does still own it, and it's in his name. Rei left everything to him. But from what I've seen, he stays locked in his Clinic all the time. I've only seen him come up this way a few times over the years, but I doubt it's for maintenance."
"Probably more for memories," Nami murmured, "Mr. Mayor…has dad been alright?"
Hamilton's face fell a bit.
"Well, he's seemed much more reclusive than usual. Really quiet since you three left, really…always quiet, that guy, but now it's like he's got no voice at all. Only talks business with most folks. Doesn't open up to anyone, really, 'cept maybe Miss Irene."
"Papa…" Nami whispered, her voice quivering, her face buried into Alex's back.
"B-but otherwise he seems okay!" Hamilton added hurriedly, trying to console her, "D-don't you worry, he's still sharp as ever, still our trusted doctor."
She didn't seem reassured. Hamilton's expression softened, and he stopped down and pat her head.
"Don't worry.." he said gently, smiling, "I assume you two are here to see him, yes? He'll be so thrilled…"
"He's right," Alex said, pulling her into a hug,"Come on. Let's go see him now, okay?
"O-okay…" she sniffled.
"Wonderful!" Hamilton exclaimed, "Let's go to the Clinic, then."
They followed Hamilton back to town, Nami still clinging to her brother. She thought of their dad, how upset and lonely he must be. Her fears, unfortunately, had been unknowingly confirmed by the jolly old mayor. She'd often brought it up to her mother and brother, often said how much she knew their dad was hurting, how much they had to go back.
But their mom had always refused.
"I wish I'd stayed with papa…" she whispered, her voice shaky, "All this time…"
"I do, too, but it should've been all of us," Alex said firmly, "Dad wouldn't want just you, or just me. He'd want us together. He'd want his family."
"Mom didn't care about that," Nami grunted icily.
"If mom didn't care, you would've stayed with dad…"
She stopped dead. Alex turned to face her, and Hamilton waited nervously.
"Say what you want about mom, Nami, but dad wouldn't have been on board with separating us, and neither would mom. At the very least, they agreed on that."
"Then maybe we should both just stay here. With papa."
"What about mom? She needs us, too."
Nami's eyes narrowed, and she stuffed tightly balled fists into her pockets.
"Look, don't take it like that," Alex sighed, keeping his voice low so Hamilton wouldn't hear, "I just think we need to be a family. Nobody should have to lose anyone. It's the only way nobody will suffer…"
"Well, obviously that can't happen, so you're fine with papa suffering!" Nami spat, kicking the dirt and stomping away.
"I didn't say that," Alex groaned, but Nami was already storming into town. Hamilton caught his eye for a moment before pressing on, feigning deaf out of respect for their privacy.
Sometimes, Alex wished Nami could share that same respect.
=^x^=
"I apologize, Mayor Hamilton, but Jin is away for a few days at Toucan Island."
"Ah, such dreadful timing, Miss Irene…"
"Can't tell that to nature, I'm afraid. He has to go where he's needed."
Alex remembered old lady Irene fondly. Strict but gentle, she stood at the clinic counter, draped in a heavy purple dress and a pink shawl. Her gray hair was drawn into a tight bun. She was the kind of old lady who always looked angry or mean, but could never bring herself to be anything but sweet. When her narrow eyes and pointed nose fixated onto him and Nami, they knew they were remembered.
"Jin's babies," she said affectionately, extending a hand and smiling, "Welcome home, you two."
Alex shook her hand, but Nami refused it. Instead, she walked around the counter and embraced the old woman. She chuckled gently and stroked her hair.
"Little Nami," she cooed softly, "January 20th, 7:09PM, six pounds four ounces, and the pinkest little cheeks I'd ever seen…"
"Granny Irene, twentieth of of October, only forty years old," Nami replied, giggling.
"My dearest, you still remember," Irene laughed, "and you, my boy…"
She turned to Alex and looked up at him.
"Little David, nineteenth of April, 11:37AM. Eight pounds, two ounces. Born one day after Luna's little Vivian," she recounted fondly, "Jin often wondered if you two would end up fancying each other…"
"He liked Angie!" Nami blurted out.
Alex looked away, his cheeks burning red. She smiled devilishly at him, the sweet taste of revenge marking her lips.
"Not surprising. Angie is a good match for you…" Irene sighed.
"H-hush up, Granny," Alex muttered.
"Oh, stop now. It's all in the past," she chuckled, reaching up to ruffle his hair, "My, you tower over me now. Rei always said you'd get tall…"
Mayor Hamilton cleared his throat, and attention turned to him.
"Well, given the circumstances, I suppose you two will be staying until Jin's return, yes?"
"Yeah, we would," Alex said, "Do you know when he'll be back, Granny?"
"Tuesday morning, dear," Irene confirmed.
"Then I will set things up at the inn," the mayor announced, "You two can stay as long as needed, no charge."
Irene looked to them both.
"You know you two are always welcome to stay here, if you'd rather," she offered.
"It's appreciated, but…we're a bit nervous to just drop in on papa," Nami replied apprehensively, twirling a strand of hair around her finger, "It'll be really awkward if he walks in and just finds us there…"
"…It's understandable, hun," Irene said, "Well then, Mayor Hamilton, I entrust their safety to you. Make sure they have the best room!"
"But of course!" the mayor announced.
The trio turned to leave, but Irene grabbed Alex's hand. She shoved some money into it.
"Buy your sister a cocoa," she whispered, "It will help."
"Ah, Granny Irene, I brought pl-"
"Just take it, dear."
Before he knew it, she was shoving him out behind the mayor and his sister. She winked slyly before shutting the door. With a sigh of surrender, he put the money into his pocket and followed Hamilton and Nami to the inn.