A/N: Although I said I would update soon...I don't think I can keep my word so I won't say it anymore. So...I will update whenever I can or when I can come up with something.
Anyways, I hope this chapter will explain things for some people...uhh, I mean...everyone.
In the blink of an eye, night had fallen before Kotone even knew it. She had nodded off into her own little world, immersed in her train of thoughts while sitting against the thick tree trunks and quietly humming to herself to keep herself company. There was no point in looking around so she buried her face into her thighs. No one else was here and also, it was too dark to make out much of anything. With that being said, hours went by all the while she did nothing.
She sighed to herself for being too rash. Ultimately, she had childishly lashed at them and ran away after a scolding, albeit, his words were more than harsh. They were true.
Kotone sighed again. Thinking about it now didn't do her any good. Maybe if she had thought more before, she wouldn't be in such a predicament. Again, thinking things over now simply did her no good, but at least she had a chance to reflect. She admitted to herself she was wrong, but in no way did she have the courage to go back. Not after seeing...him...like that.
So for some...hours now, she sulked and moped, like a child and regrettably...was lost.
...
"Matsuba~kun," called the black clad man. Matsuba turned his attention to Asashinn. "It's pretty late, don't you think? Kotone hasn't come back, yet."
"She ran off on her own."
"But you were the one who stimulated her."
"So it's my fault," Matsuba eyed the other man.
"Ohohoho, I didn't say that. I agree that Kotone should also face the consequences herself, but I'm just worried that maybe, well...the timing isn't right," insisted Asashinn. "It's dangerous for her to be alone right now."
Dead silence soon followed his words until Matsuba reluctantly cut in.
"I know, I'll go check on her. You reap what you sew, correct?" he added with a sigh.
"How kind of you!" cheered the gentleman. "Ah, but really, it is getting late. We should make haste, right?"
"Of course." Matsuba didn't need to make eye contact with Asashinn for they both shared the same thoughts.
Leaving with said words, Matsuba departed into the thick woods beyond the edges.
….
Kotone had not moved an inch since she sat down. Her bottom had grown soar and her back ached against the stiff wood. Still, she was too afraid to return to their side. She couldn't quite understand why she was, but something kept gnawing at her that she was best alone.
It wasn't just the feeling that gnawed at her.
The image of his cold glance flashed in her head and sent chills down her body.
No, no, she thought to herself. She isn't scared, not one bit, not of him...not him...
Right, she shivered because she was cold, that's all that it was!
That's right, there's no way, right? Because, Matsuba has always been kind and gentle, as far as she could remember.
Her eyes snapped open.
As far as she could remember? How far did she remember? Wait, how much did she remember?
Again, her head pounds profusely, confusion hammering at her from the inside.
It's weird, she thought. Why was she the only one with the vague memory?
A loud ringing began to drum in her ears. A small voice resounded like echoes trailing each ring.
Again...it was happening again.
I want to know...
I..I want...
I want to know.
And then it began to beat at her.
The truth! The truth!
!
Painfully, Kotone yanked at her hair in the hopes of dulling the calamity within her head.
!
No, stop! She cried to herself.
Why? Why was it happening again?
The truth!
No! I-I don't want to!
Afraid!Afraid!Ithurtsithurts!
Tears pooled out from her tear ducts as a recoil shot from her head. In an instant, the voices subsided.
With her eyes wide and ragged breath, Kotone clenched at her racing heart.
"What was that?" she asked herself. It happened again, just like earlier.
The feeling raged inside her as if trying to make its way out. Like a cat in a bag, scratching, clawing away all the while suffocating from the lack of air.
Desperately, Kotone tried to keep it in, to soothe it out.
Think, Kotone. Think happy thoughts, she told herself.
Yes, happiness can drown the pain, it can disperse the illness that wills its wrath on her. Think about a place, a time when she was happiest. And everything else can be forgotten.
Almost as if she were hypnotized, Kotone felt drowsy and weak, sleepiness dealing a helping hand.
And fluttering to her guts is a nostalgic feeling of warmth.
The image of a tall man and a bright smile, ruffling her soft brown hair. A kind and loving hand placed on her shoulders, followed by another, pulling her into an embrace. Long hair that tickles her neck and a warm hand that encourages her. Kotone, although in a semi-dreaming state, realizes almost instantly, the identity of the gentle figures.
The first a kind man, her father, grinning at her with overbearing love. The second, a touch of mother's love, transmitted through their skins of kin. Kotone wrapped her childishly small hands around her mothers arms, keeping herself locked between their arms.
It was at that time she knew nothing, but happiness. An innocent world that revolved only around her now lost family. If it were possible, rather than traveling around the world, she would love to travel back to that time, thousands of times more.
But it's about time to wake up from the dream.
A staggering pain inflicted onto her heart, almost like being jabbed. It's a pain she knew all too well. And that's when she realized the oddity that has been revolving around her. The growing spasms she's been encountering, and the light insomnia, they were all one single pain.
Her breath runs ragged again, but this time she knows what it is. The cause of it as well.
A moment after her next attack, Kotone heard small steps approaching from behind. They were light and soft, silent and...dark. The sound came closer and closer and seemed almost hostile. She couldn't let down her guard.
This is it, Kotone thought. The answer to it all. The weird vibe she got will finally be clear.
Like a secret kept hidden inside a closet, her pain, the truth that haunts her, will soon be revealed.
A sudden dash passes right by Kotone, barely missing a direct collision. A strangled growl, like a hungry beast unleashes from behind her. Kotone blindly sidestepped and although not as fortunate as last time made out with just a grazed arm.
She heard the beast flop to the ground with light movements suggesting its readying itself for another lunge. Kotone frantically tried to keep a distance, but she knows fairly well the disadvantageous state she's in. The thing could see her, but she can't see a thing.
Another cry is unleashed, signaling its next move. Caught by surprise, she didn't have time to react and shut her eyes, embracing herself for impact. But the beast never made its way to her.
Slowly, Kotone opened her eyes, but it made no difference. She still couldn't see a thing.
A grasp on her shoulder told her she is not alone. Kotone let out a frilly shriek that could beat ten screeches done by clawing a chalkboard.
"Kotone, it's me."
"Ahh- eh?" The familiar voice finally registered into her head. "Ma-Matsu...sa..."
"Are you alright?" he asked, hinting concern.
"I-I...I'm...sorry..."
"...Let's get out of here for now..."Confused and still somewhat dazed, she almost couldn't believe that he was here. Snapping out of her reverie, she searched for the hostile being, but realized that she could no longer track a hint of its presence.
Kotone nodded at Matsuba blankly. A few seconds later, after not moving an inch, Matsuba offered her a helping hand to lift her to her feet.
"Come on. It isn't safe here."
"T-tha...thanks," the word choked out. She couldn't believe he was in front of her. He came for her. A feeling of warmth swelled in her chest and she exploded into tears. He really came for her. He had saved her once again.
Matsuba pulled her up and led her by the hand so she wouldn't get lost again. It made her wonder how he can move so freely in the dark, but to her what mattered most was that she was safe and by his side.
"Thanks, Matsuba-san..." After a long walk, Kotone had finally found the strength to speak. She was no longer hiccuping and sniffling.
"For what?" Matsuba questioned without turning to her.
"You came to get me even though I ran off. I'm sorry for acting like a kid. I just keep getting into more trouble and pulling you into it. But even so...I'm happy."
"I don't deserve that much praise. I am simply doing this for my own reasons."
For some reason, it hurt her. His words didn't hold any emotion. She knew from the beginning that he had his own agenda, but hearing it straight from him was different.
"I know..." she whispered sadly, "but even so, I'm happy you came for me."
She gave him a small smile even though he would not see it with his back turned to her.
"You came for me...and save me again, just like at that time. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be here now."
"I thought I told you to forget about it. That encounter with that man will only harm you. What happened then was-"
"I'm talking about when I was a kid." Kotone briefly cut in. Matsuba swiveled his head back to her with a look of shock and confusion. She couldn't see his face, but she knew what he was feeling. That's what her intuition was telling her, anyway.
"...What...?" his voice came out as a quiet, shaken whisper.
"When I was a kid...you appeared in front of me and chased away a strange man, just like today. Somehow, it almost feels like fate that we met like this again." Kotone rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. To be honest, even she knew she sounded ridiculous.
"Oh, I can see something up ahead!" Kotone yelled in a sugary high voice. "Let's go! We're finally out!"
Breaking their hold, Kotone dashed off without turning back. Matsuba, still stunned, took his time to reach the exit.
I should never have doubted him.
Kotone!" Asashinn shouted.
"Asashinn-san!" She called out.
"You're...okay?" Asashinn had been quite excited at her return, but was suddenly thrown into confusion as he grew closer to the brunette girl. "Kotone...?"
"I'm fine!" she cheerily replied. "Were you worried?"
"Still am." He replied almost instantly with concern.
"I-I see...Sorry," she stuttered. "Ah, l-let's go to my house. My mom is probably out with her-"
A soft pat on her head caused her to flinch. The pat turned into a light caress as it made its way to her cheeks and then her chin.
"A lady's tears are like a knife...Tell me, should I bleed in pain or pleasure?"
"Wha-what are you saying?" Kotone exclaimed. "Knock off with the jokes-"
"I may joke and tease, but I don't lie. Such a face...I'm worried, what's wrong Kotone-chan?"
Again, she felt extremely embarrassed. "It's embarrassing. I said some crazy things earlier to you guys and it hurts. I'm crying because I feel ridiculous. I keep saying things that I regret later. I feel...so, so stupid!"
She could no longer hold it in. The words just spewed out of her like a fountain.
"The words of a woman are like water. Like glass that mirror your true feelings. Do not fret, your words are clear and beautiful."
She couldn't believe this was happening. Asasshin was being nice and serious to her. It was so unusual that she was blushing.
"T-thanks."
"If you feel any better, let's get going. It looks like Matsu-chan just got here. Welcome back, Matsuchi!"
Kotone stiffened. She had just cried and Asashinn saw her. If she were to turn around now, Matsuba would see to.
"Ah!" She cried out unexpectedly. "We have to hurry! I-it's getting really dark. We need to get our stuff and head to my place before we really can't see anything!"
With her legs pulling her forward, Kotone rushed off towards the carriage. "This place gets dark really quick! Come on!"
The pair of men stood solidly in place.
"She cried," said Asashinn.
"I know," Matsuba responded, clearly.
"She said that she regrets them," continued Asashinn.
Matsuba connected his gaze with Asashinn. "It's already too late, now."
A smile formed on Asashinn's lips. "But it's better late than never, don't you agree?"
Lifting his gaze upwards, Matsuba studied the moon.
"Perhaps."
...
When they reached Kotone's home, they realized she was indeed right. Her mother was no where to be found.
"It's late, but do you want dinner? I can make you guys something light."
"No, no. That would be too presumptuous of us. Please, lady Kotone, enjoy the rest of your night. I'm sure you would like some time to relax. Bare of no mind."
"Um, alright..." Kotone felt somewhat let down. She actually wanted to make them feel welcome, or at least apologize and make up for her childish behavior. "...then, I'll prepare a room for you two!"
As she rushed off, Matsuba stopped her on the stairs.
"There's no need. We'll be fine as we are tonight."
"But you guys won't have anything to sleep on!"
"The couch is fine."
"But-!"
"He's right, Kotone-san! We'll be fine without accommodations. On the upside, you're living room is quite lovely!" Again, Asashinn was back to being Mr. Smiley.
On the other hand, Kotone was all frowns.
"I told you before didn't I?" Matsuba looked at her square in the eyes. "As you are now, what can you do for yourself? Worry about yourself first."
"Even so, I want to do something for you..." she mustered the courage to let it out. "Why won't you guys let me make it up to you?"
His eyes still locked with hers, Matsuba softly spoke. "You'll regret it."
Confusion ran through her head. Why did he always speak so ambiguously? The things he says sometimes just don't make sense to her.
"If you have anything else to say, then you should say it."
"I-I...I'll be in my room. If you need me," She paused, "just say a word and I'll be there."
"Thank you."
She didn't feel satisfied. Kotone stared at her ceiling for minutes without blinking. It was kind of creepy. She felt like she might have set a new record. Ah, but no one would know of course. Frowning, Kotone flopped onto her belly and buried her face into her blanket. Nothing in her room had changed. They were left neatly in place just as when she left it. Then again, she had barely been away for a few days and already she was back in the place she hated most. Of course she wouldn't feel satisfied.
Feeling restless, Kotone sat up and stared out her bedroom window and sighed. All the sleep she had prior to reaching her home kept her from falling asleep. It made her wonder how she fell asleep in the first place. She thought it was strange how whenever something happened, she would instantly fall asleep until night had fallen. The same was happening again...
….Again...
When was the first time?
A silhouette of a person could be seen a few feet from the front of the house. It made its way to the door, stumbling and bumbling for its key.
The outline was familiar, she realized.
She let out a gasp. Her mother came home and both Matsuba and Asashinn were in her living room. A big misunderstanding would ensue if she doesn't get down quick.
Kotone sprinted out of her room and downstairs, surprising both males present in her living room.
"Kotone? What's wrong?" asked Asashinn.
"I-uh, my mom!-"
The sound of a click sounded from the door. They turn their attention over to see the door knob twist open, revealing a middle aged woman and the figure of a man hidden behind.
"M-mom!" cried Kotone.
"Kotone?" shouted the shocked mother. "When did you-, who are these men?"
"Wait, it's not what it looks-, they're my friends- ah, t-they're staying over."
"Kotone, how dare you bring boys over, especially one's I've never met!"
"Just listen! They needed a place to stay for the night, so I-...why is he here?" Kotone asked, abruptly breaking her train of thought.
"Don't change the topic on me young woman!" Scolded her mother.
Kotone, wary, stared at the man behind her mother with intensity. Why didn't she see him when she was staring out the window? Her heart beat much faster than when she ran down now which has been happening quite a bit recently, but that was besides the point.
The man behind her mother was her mother's boyfriend. She had been seeing him for a while, but Kotone never could like the guy. She knew he was a violent man who treated her mother horribly, but she couldn't stop them from seeing each other. If only her mother could get over her father's death and find herself a better man than the one standing before her, maybe she wouldn't have turned out the way she did. But that was also beside the point. The fact that he was here now meant that her mother was going to suffer again tonight.
Her mother turned around, releasing a small cry.
"Honey!" she shouted, "What are you doing here?"
The man, her boyfriend, answered.
"I thought I'd keep you company tonight, but it looks like you have plenty..."
The man was slightly bald, and rugged looking. He peered at them pleasantly, but underneath, Kotone knew that he was just pretending.
"Good evening," he greeted. She felt an amazing pressure from him. It didn't feel right, she really hated the guy.
"Evening, good sir!" chatted the merry Asashinn. "Sorry for the intrusion, our presence must be quite the surprise for you and madam."
"No no, not at all..."
"Ah! Forgive me, I am Asashinn, sir. This is my good friend Matsuba. It is good to make your acquaintance."
"My thoughts exactly, although it is quite unexpected, please make yourself at home. Oh right, my hame is Bartic."
"But honey-!" cried Kotone's mom.
"It's fine if it's only for tonight, right Karane?"
Kotone's mother, Karane shifted uneasily at the presence of the two strangers. "I-I guess, but only for tonight."
"...Thanks," muttered Kotone spitefully.
Bartic only grinned. "Alright, now that that's settled, lets get to bed, shall we?"
Asashinn also returned the gesture.
"Yes, that would be wonderful, sir Bartic. It is about time that this day is...over."
Kotone found it odd how he dragged out the last word. He came off sort of twisted, in her opinion.
"So, we'll be upstairs if you need anything. Let's go, Karane."
"Ah, excuse me."
Matsuba spoke at last.
"Hm? What is it?" Bartic questioned.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to have a word with you..."
"...I don't mind. Kara, you go on ahead."
"H-huh? O...oh, okay..." The woman timidly left their presence.
"Kotone," Asashinn called. "You too. You need to get your beauty sleep."
Kotone did not reply. She nodded and left knowing fairly well that they didn't want her to hear.
However, as she made her was pass Matsuba, a chill ran down her spine. She felt an unpleasant sensation crawl around her skin. She didn't know what to make out of it. Not of her feelings, her thoughts, nor the smile that crawled onto his lips.
Kotone could not help but think that this night could not possibly get any stranger.
...
Her eyes snapped open as a loud crash resounded her home. She jumped out of bed and followed the sound downstairs.
As she made her way to the living room, she was hit with an acid like smell. It resembled the smell of rusting metal, except fresh and overpowering.
In the middle of the room she saw two figures laying down blanketed in red ooze.
No, she took it back. It wasn't ooze, it was blood.
Her eyes bulged out of her sockets as she ran over to the bodies and nearly fell out when she discovered their identities.
They were no other than her guests.
"Ma-Matsu...ba...Asa-sashi-inn-" she stuttered, horrified at the sight.
She felt for their pulse. None.
No pulse, nor a living temperature.
They were as good as dead.
She opened her mouth to let out a scream, but a clasp around her neck suddenly crushed her voice. The pair of hands dragged her backwards across the floor and into the kitchen.
Upon release, she choked and gasped as the culprit revealed himself.
"Oh my, Kotone. Hehe, you're such a good girl..." the voice was deep and rough, almost like a dog. "I can't thank you enough. Hahaha..."
"W-why..."
He grabbed her top and yanked her up causing her to slam her arms against the counter.
"Delicious, oh you are all so delicious...I know...I know!"
His eyes were those of a deranged man, wide and red, pooling with insanity.
"Hahahaha! That man with the purple eyes. A pretty boy, ain't he? Thought he could mess with me! I showed him, I showed him what happens when you try to make a fool of me! What a bastard, thinking he could outsmart me...I fucking smashed his head! AHHAHAHA! And the weird guy, too. Thought they both could take me on, ahahah...hahahhah!"
The man was fucking crazy. He continued to cackle in a throaty voice, with eyes bugged out and veins protruding forth.
"….What the hell are you looking at? Huh? Answer me, bitch!"
Using his monstrous strength, he slammed her against the fridge.
"Can't talk? Fine!" He grinned at her with animosity.
"How about I rip your fucking throat out?"
With one hand binding her to the fridge, he brought the other to her throat.
"Scream while you still can."
"Bartic..." came a voice from stairway. "What's going on...? What's that smell?"
Lights flickered on and a garbled screech echoed within the house.
"W-what the hell is going on?"
Indeed, what is hell doing in her house?
"...Kara...ne... hehehe, don't you think it's time...for you to join...them?"
"N-no...no, no, NOOOO!" The woman ran away in hysterics. The mad man, in his frenzy found excitement at her panicked form. He dropped Kotone and ran after her mother instead.
Kotone wheezed for breath and ached in pain. It was horrifying, gruesome...inhuman.
All kinds of thoughts ran through her head, but she dismissed them when she heard her mother scream again.
"B-Bar-ti-tic...st...op!" she squealed.
"M-mom!" Kotone cried. The mad man laughed harder as he took pleasure in their cries. "L-let her go!" Kotone didn't know what brought her to do so, but she grabbed a vase and slammed it against the man.
It didn't even faze him. However, Kotone gained his utmost attention.
"Oh...I get it!" He jeered with a creepy smile. "You want me to kill you first! Okay, okay...how should I do it? You gained the right to choose your death! I'll let you decide, hahahaha."
"N-no..." she squeaked. Her voice quivered and came out almost inaudible.
I don't want to die...she thought.
"No? Fine, how about I pick for you?" Again, he had her in his hold.
His face squandered closely to hers, close enough she could feel his breath. It was the first time she noticed the disgusting stench and stains that covered him from head to toe.
Inhuman, was all she could think.
"How about I do this?"
Kotone let out a broken string of notes from her throat as the man bent her left arm back and snapped it.
"Ahhh, that was nice...what about this?"
He grabbed her other hand and twisted three of her fingers. Another raspy cry emitted from her throat as the tears came down like waterfall.
"So...fun!" Bartic's hoarse voice shook in ecstacy.
"S-stop..." came a weak and terrified voice.
"...Eh?"
"...Sto...stop!" the voice grew louder.
The man looked down and saw Kotone gasping in pain. It didn't come from her.
"My..m-my daughter...don't...hu...hurt her..."
"Oh...it was you...Kara."
"Kotone...don't hurt K-Kotone...!"
"Don't worry, Ka-chan, it will be your turn soon."
And then he proceeded to dismembering her other hand. Kotone let out another cry. "Should I do this to you too?"
"...No!" Her mother looked on in horror. This was not her boyfriend. He was a monster.
"K-Kotone!" she cried, helplessly.
Another crack resounded the room followed by shrill screams of agony.
"Ah...I'm getting bored of her. Should I kill her now?"
"Stop it!" Karane could no longer bare to watch her daughter. "Stop it, stop!"
But the mad man wouldn't listen. He placed both hands around her neck and proceeded to ring her like a rag doll, shaking her recklessly. She could snap at any moment.
"Let go of my daughter!"
The older woman, distraught ran head first towards the crazed man only to have her face smack into the man's fist. The man swung one of his arms at her, the impact sending her colliding into the stairs, her head leading the way.
A snap rang into their ears as Kotone's eyes forced open. The sound of a cuckoo clock clucking away at the strike of a new hour filled her mind with disgust at the uncanny timing.
No...
"Ah...I was gonna break your neck...but it looks like I broke her's instead...ehhh, how should I kill you now?"
She wanted to scream, she wanted to cry.
Her mother...was dead.
"Oh, I know, I'll eat you alive, ehehehe...Aha, AhahAHAHAHA!"
She wanted to die...
"Sorry, but I can't let you do that."
"Eh?"
The sound of ripping flesh splattering against the surface rained into her ears and flooded her eyes.
The menacing look on Bartic's face swiped off and replaced with confusion.
"...Ah...? Hahhh...H-Huaaahhhhhh!" The confusion contorted into horror as he verified a hand protruding from his chest with a bloody lump in hand.
Kotone was dropped to the floor, struggling and doubling over in pain. Her broken bones stuck out underneath her skin like a larva waiting to hatch.
Bartic soon keeled over and dropped as limp as lifeless. No scream, no gasp, no sound at all.
"It looks like I made it in time..." said Matsuba looking over at the clock. "But it looks like...we screwed up, too."
"Ah...it can't be helped...Not even you could foresee this, what could we have done?" A voice suddenly sprouted from above Kotone. The shadow of a man was all she could make out, but it was undeniably the one and only...Asashinn. "Oh, dear...Karane-san died...that's too bad. And you didn't let him say his final words. You're pissed."
"I got tired of listening to him."
No...no way.
They were...alive?
"You're not done yet, Asashinn..." It was Matsuba, but why did he sound so cold?
Weren't they...killed?
Didn't they die?
A dull ringing rummaged inside her brain. Ah, again the painful ringing.
...The truth.
What is the truth?
Even though her vision blurred from pain, she could tell they were fine and dandy.
"Ah, that's right, I'm not done."
A cold stick pressed against her throat.
"What about you? Do you have any last words?"
Kotone wanted to shout what the hell was going on, but the words would not come out.
"Gomen, ne, Koto-chin. You'll have to die with your regrets."
A sharp, coldness sliced across her neck and a red show began to play.
...The truth...is...
...
The man was dead. She knew there was no hope. The attendant laid splattered across the ground as messy as his blood.
Now, all that was left, was her.
"Ah... now that you got your target...Kotone-chan, be a good girl and come over here."
"She is your target?"
"And if she is?"
"That question does not require an answer. I would appreciate it if you could hurry up and finish your assignment."
"Quite hasty today aren't you, Matsuba-kun. Has a little steam been stuffing your head? Or perhaps the blood is making yours boil?"
"Again, that question does not require an answer. Make haste and be done with her."
"Ahahaha, oh matsu-matsu...look how frightened she is. You can lose a lot of fans because of those harsh words. A gentleman must always treat a lady with daint and care."
The blond's expression remained void, but sure enough there was a malicious glint in his violet irises.
Yet the grinning madman remained unfazed.
"I understand, Matsuba-kun, but what you ask for is a no can do."
"What do you mean,?" Matsuba's voice raised.
"It isn't her time yet, that's all..." Matsuba hardened his gaze on Asashinn who only carefreely smiled back.
"How can that be?" questioned the blonde.
"Shouldn't the question be when? For us, that is the only thing that matters. If it is, then one more day. 3AM, to be exact! However, until then, I ask you to be patient. It seems your next assignment coincides with mine. Oh! But let me tell you something interesting."
They were...they were talking about her death. She couldn't believe it.
"I'm running out of patience with you, Asashinn."
"Aw, don't be such a party pooper. Don't worry, you won't be disappointed."
"...Your targets about to run away."
"Eh?"
The distracted Asashinn turned towards Kotone who managed enough strength to crawl away, but she didn't get far before he got a grip on her. "Kotone-san! I told to you come over, not run away!"
No way in hell would she listen, not when she saw him dragging the poor attendant and especially not after his partner killed the same man.
"You already knew she wouldn't listen."
"Ah! Why can't you just let me tease her for a bit?"
The blonde frowned, finally putting on a somewhat normal expression.
"Rather than that, tell me what it is you find so interesting, but if its classified information, I don't want to hear it."
"Hahah, you're as strict as always, Matsu-tan. As for the info, nope not classified info at all...or rather, there's a lack of it..."
There was a silent pause and a flux in their expressions.
"I see I got your attention. Kotone-chan's cause of death...isn't listed."
...What the hell is that suppose to mean? thought Kotone.
"...You're saying...they don't know how she will die..."
"Correct. My mission is to find out how her life will end and report back to the Records Keeper."
"I see. So all we have to do is be there when in happens."
"Yes, but as you can see, she heard everything!"
"It's not like you were trying to keep it secret."
"...Is it so hard for you to play along?"
"...Fine, but only this once. I admit I'm also curious."
"Hehehe, you hear that, Kotone-chi? Matsuba-san will play with us." A sly grin appeared on his face as his eyes twinkled in delight.
"Ah...that's right...you need to play too."
End of Chapter.
...
Anyone else think this is long? Well, at least it took me a long time.
A/N: Review please!
