HAPPY REVERSE BIRTHDAY GIFT SURPRISE!
Basically... every January 22nd I write a chapter for one of my stories and update on that day. (The fact this chapter is so freaking long has no correlation to that.)
So... Happy Birthday to me, here is my gift for you. I'm weird. Don't judge me.
(Also October 2017 was a rough month for me and was when I quit writing, so thank you guys for making me feel welcomed again after four months ( ))
Now onto the story!
.oOo.
"What if they don't like me?" The greenette worried. "What if they don't want me? What if-"
"Monaca," I kneeled down and held her hand, "They are going to love you, and do you know why?"
She shook her head, tears threatening to spill.
I tightened my hold, "Because you are my little angel. You are the kindest, gentlest, most intelligent and incredible girl they will ever see." I whispered to her rocking back and forth. She smiled a bit at every word. "Now... are you ready?"
"..." she looked at the dividing door between what could be her dream come true, or reality turn nightmare. "What about Ki-chan?"
My mind drifted to her former maid. We talked to each other while Monaca was asleep still.
Flashback
"I would like to be employed by your family."
"Eh?" Shocked, would be an understatement, "Ehhh!?
"Hold on, Tojo-san, what about your friends and family, wouldn't they be worried about you?" I tried to reason. While Kirumi was nice, I don't think my family would take lightly to employing someone to be our maid.
"I have no such relations," she replied bluntly, "I am a maid first and foremost, the well-being of my masters and mistresses takes priority over all else." She stole a glance at the sleeping form in the bed.
"I will admit... Monaca is the first to call me a friend," I swear I saw a ghost of a smile grace her face. "... That is why I would like to continue watching over Monaca."
I bit my lip, in all honesty, I did not mind if Kirumi did stay. I mean, there were two probable possibilities when she came to my house. Monaca, being wheelchair bound, would likely be in a room with someone else. I would expect Komaru to offer, however she was not home yet and cannot be contacted yet. The other, and what I can see Monaca begging, is she be in my room.
I say this simply due to the fact she is used to my presence, and she is going to find herself in a strangers', well not quite, but strangers to her, home.
The issue that really prevented me, was income. Kirumi mentioned she was contracted to the Towas. While her contract likely broke the moment Monaca needed medical attention, my family is not rich. We are not poor either, simply average.
However, I saw no way my parents could handle three kids and pay for a maid.
"Tojo-san, I know you mean well, and if Monaca heard us, I would not doubt she would plead with me until I could convince my parents, but we cannot afford to pay you." I tried to explain. I rubbed the back of my neck with my free hand.
"..." She stared at me, not even a single emotion was expressed. "I had thought so." She admitted, "However, I do not need such payment."
"..." It was my turn to ask my silent question.
"Naegi, as I had mentioned, I was to be employed by the Towas until the end of my middle school years. Over summer, now that our contract has been terminated, I will be in search of work, not for a desire to be constantly busy, but rather to avoid the frustration of doing nothing. Over summer break, I ask to visit your family, call it... a friend staying over?" she said, though it sounded more like she was not certain herself. "I would like to stay for two weeks. I will try to act more my age, however, by the end, I would like to ask your permission, to request this again personally to your parents.
"I will not require payment, serving someone is satisfactory enough, I will only need lodging and meals, meals I am more than comfortable preparing myself. I do not mean to be an inconvenience to you nor your family."
I took a deep breath in. Kirumi is absolutely incredible and selfless, I understood that. I wish people were more like her, but that would be hypocritical of someone who gets jealous of his little sister wouldn't it?
I think she knew the answer before I could say it, she had a soft smile clearly displayed on her face.
Flashback end
"Ki-chan still has school to go to, but she promised she'd tell me if she is able to come over, and I would tell her where we are. She'll spend two weeks with us. Is that okay, Monaca?" I said softly, rubbing the back of her hand with my thumb.
Knowing her friend would visit she looked excited again. That's the expression I want on her face every day if I could help it. "Okay... I'm ready."
"That's my girl." I smiled back, I knocked on the door and went to Monaca's wheelchair.
The door opened slowly, it was my parents. They smiled and kaa-san walked out to meet Monaca.
"Hello there dear, I'm Makoto's... well I guess I'm your kaa-san too now, aren't I?" She smiled gently at her. "That man over there will be your Tou-san... if that's fine by you at least?"
It seemed kaa-san and tou-san were just as nervous to deal with Monaca.
Monaca was silent. I looked down, her hands were shaking in her lap. She was putting a brave front with me, but her confidence seemed to vanish and can't tell my parents, our parents were equally so.
I patted her shoulder, "It'll be fine. Go on, introduce yourself," I whispered quietly as she looked up to me, "I'll still be here, no matter what happens I'll still be your nii-san, okay?"
She gave me a curt nod, "... M... Monaca's..." She slowly got out, "Monaca's name is Monaca." This is the third time I've heard her introduce herself, this time, I could hear how nervous and afraid she sounded, at the same time there was hope in her voice, looking for acceptance.
Tou-san smiled, "That's a lovely name, Monaca-chan." He said leaning against the doorframe. "Do you need any help, Makoto?"
I shook my head, "Where is Monaca staying?"
The two looked at each other, "Well, there is the spare guest room, but it would be inconvenient if she were to need anything, but its the only room with a spare bed." Kaa-san reasoned. "We would offer our room, but she is a bit too big, and Komaru has not woken up yet, though she probably will in a moment."
I nodded, I was about to ask my next question when Monaca jumped in for me. "Can... Can I stay with nii-san?" She asked softly, sounding afraid if her request was denied.
My parents shared glances, "If its okay with you two, it's fine with us."
Smiling, I replied, "I certainly don't mind having my new imouto stay with me."
As usual, Monaca's smile returned.
"Kyaaaahh!" A cry was heard from within the house. "She is so cute!" Apparently, Komaru is awake, and at the door in her pajamas.
.oOo.
For the last two weeks of school, Monaca was mostly left to herself, albeit we made sure just about anything she would need was within arms reach. This ranged from small snacks, juice pouches, the TV remote, and small activities she could do, crayons, pencils. Don't tell anyone, but I might have slipped her a couple of her blueprints from Towa. Well, actually she told me where she put them, in a file on her laptop in her bag. Though no one was supposed to know that yet other than the Towa Group.
Once summer began, Monaca decided she wanted to really be part of the family, having her last name changed to Naegi. It did not exactly have the best ring to it, but she refused to ever be called Towa again. She held no disdain for the company, but the family was taboo. However, as her first official month at the Naegi residence ended, she has been happy. Well, other than the day she was sick, but Komaru and I stayed with her all day.
Komaru and Monaca had really hit it off well. Well, better than with kaa-san and tou-san. She was still a bit wary around 'parents' in particular, though it appears she always wanted a sister. She isn't quite as close to her as she is to me. Monaca almost worships me, though I will be the last to deny she's got me wrapped around her finger.
Today, Komaru, Monica and I decided to go have a little picnic. We went to our local park, which was much larger than that of the Commercial centric Towa City.
I pushed her wheelchair while Komaru carried the picnic basket, and in Monaca's lap was the picnic blanket.
We rested underneath the shade of a big tree, overlooking the slides and swings, as well as a baseball diamond where some guys were playing.
Monaca's wheelchair was closed up, resting against the tree. Komaru was handing out our prepared meals.
So, if Monaca wasn't in her chair, and Komaru was setting the food up, where was she? Well...
"That one looks like a unicorn!" The girl cheered. She was actually laying her head on my lap and was currently cloud watching. "And that one looks like cotton candy." She pointed to another cloud.
"I think they all look like cotton candy, Monaca-chan." Komaru giggled at the childish innocence.
"Nuh-uh! See this one has a stick, so it has to be cotton candy! And that one had four puffs sticking out on one side, and a long cone on the other side, so it should be a unicorn." She said sounding completely serious.
I looked up and decided to humor her, "Hmmm... that one looks like a dragon."
"Really?! Where?!" Monaca said trying to find the cloud I saw. "Wait a minute... that's a turtle nii-san!"
"Well enough about turtle dragons." Komaru cut in, "I've got our bentos sorted out."
Komaru picked up Monaca and set the girl on her lap. "Here you go, Monaca-chan!"
A subtle ring resounded in the air. I grabbed my cell and instantly noticed the name. "Mou... Onii-san it's rude to have your phone on!" Komaru chided me.
"Sorry, sorry." I waved, "I really need to take this one though. I promise I'll be right back." I went to the next tree over as to not disturb the girls.
I looked back to make sure they weren't listening before answering, "Hey Tojo-san, I didn't expect a call from you this early in summer."
"I apologize for that. I had initially intended to call right after my schooling had ended two weeks after you had left, however, I was asked to aid someone for the time being, and only concluded it recently." She explained over the phone.
"That's fine, you don't need my permission to speak. So is there anything else you need to mention, or maybe are you coming to visit now?"
"Ah, yes, I have prepared for my stay, could you perhaps inform your parents that I will be coming in, a weeks time?" She asked.
"That should be fine, we have a guest room, do you need anything set up or something you couldn't bring?"
"No, I have no needs. Though..." She trailed off.
"You don't need my permission to speak," I told her again.
"Even still, thank you. This is a bit of an odd request, but please do not tell Monaca, I would like to surprise her." I had not expected this. I couldn't help but smile myself.
"Yeah, I can do that, see you in a week?" She confirmed and ended the call.
I turned back, "Hey! Monaca that's mine!"
"You took too long nii-san!"
.oOo.
We ate happily, Monaca occasionally telling some clouds were definitely one thing, or telling me what I saw was wrong. Komaru was just laughing at us. All in all, we were content.
After packing back up, now with the picnic basket without empty bentos inside hanging from Monaca's wheelchair, we just started to walk around the park, though this time Komaru was pushing Monaca.
It was hard for me not to notice the forlorn looks Monaca would give the playground. She would look away quickly whenever she caught me seeing her.
Anybody with eyes could tell Monaca was with us, happy to be with people who like being around her, but she still misses being able to do things herself. Haiji robbed her of her independence.
In the future, when Monaca can get a wheelchair she can move, maybe she'll get the feeling back. She was the type of girl that though loved being with others, preferred to do something herself.
CRACK!
Our heads turned to the source, "Nee-san what's that?" She pointed to what we were all looking at.
"It's a sport called baseball," Komaru explained before delving into the basics of the rules. "... and whoever reaches 'home base' more before the game ends wins."
"That sounds like fun, I wish I could play." She pouted.
I think it was less of her being able to play, and more wishing she could use her legs.
"Screw you man! I don't need you breathing down my neck! I've already got offers to hit the major leagues!" Someone yelled, though after the first statement I covered Monaca's ears. She just looked confused after that.
"STUPID FOOL! I don't care if you think you're some tough hotshot, there are some facts in this world that everyone knows! Any athlete, and more importantly any man that knows half his worth knows the vital importance of a few things!" A large man bit back at the first. "ONE! A good rest solves many problems. TWO, never train on an empty stomach! THREE! Remember to have a good SHIT! FOUR! Never ever stop practicing!"
I looked at Komaru, still holding Monaca's ears, "We should probably leave them alone for now." She gave me a nod, I let go of our imouto's ears. "Ready to go home?"She gave a nod and we went on our merry way. Though... something told me it wouldn't be the last I heard those voices.
.oOo.
When we got home, I cleaned our room while Komaru helped Monaca get ready for a bath. In the meanwhile, I decided to call tou-san and ask the question regarding Kirumi.
"Is everything alright at home Makoto?" Tou-san responded immediately. Ever since Monaca joined us my parents have fussed over the girl knowing her background. Just as I knew they would, once they heard her history the word 'overprotective' would barely cover the extent they would go for her.
"Everything is fine, we just had a picnic at the park today. Komaru is helping Monaca with her bath, I just needed to ask you something," I explained, "When I met Monaca she had a friend come over as well, her name is Kirumi Tojo and we exchanged numbers. She's a year younger than me and wanted to come over so she can see Monaca. She was with me while Monaca was in the hospital, and the reason I knew she was there.
"Is it okay if Monaca's friend comes over next week and stays for a while?"
"Hmm, how long would she be staying?" He asked.
"She wants to stay for two weeks, just to be sure Monaca is better since she got released." Not a complete lie. Kirumi did ask for me to say that... but she wanted to stay and make sure Monaca would be attended to at, almost, all times.
"That's fine by me, I'll tell your mother when she picks me up at work, does she need anything?"
"She said she'll be fine. Thanks, tou-san ill clean the guest room. Oh!" I stumbled over my words, "Don't tell Monaca, Monaca is a really good friend of Tojo-san and she wanted to surprise her when she comes over. Thanks again, I'll prepare the guest room for her."
"I thought she didn't need anything?"
"Dad, the guest room might as well be a miniature landfill. When was the last time anyone even cleaned that room, let alone sleep there?" I challenged.
I was meet by silence.
"Good... point... Alright, I shall leave it to you."
.oOo.
The week rolled through rather quickly. Once my call ended with tou-san, I gave Kirumi our address, she informed me she expected to arrive around 10 AM, Saturday, give or take an hour. Nobody had plans at the time so it fit well into the schedule.
Well, in all honesty, I just wanted everyone to meet Kirumi and for us all to hit off well. That and I really want Monaca to be surprised and its more surprising if she is on the outside, not the other way around. Mainly since that would ruin the surprise of Kirumi staying over.
Monaca was in the living room with Komaru at the time. The younger of the two was watching her favorite show, while the other was working on her homework. Kaa-san was sitting by Monaca in case she needed anything whereas tou-san and I were in the adjacent dining room.
I looked at the clock behind tou-san. "It's almost time, you know the signal right?" My parents and I came up with this weird idea.
Initially, I was just going to have Monaca at the door, but that was random. Kaa-san decided to have it seem like I needed help with something and that's when tou-san would come, and while he got to know Kirumi-san a bit, to the rest it would seem like we were taking to long, and kaa-san would bring Monaca to the door.
Convoluted? Probably. Worth it? Hopefully.
10:00 on the nose, there was a knock on the door. "I got it," I said hoping it was Kirumi.
"Hello, Naegi-kun." What stood at the door was not exactly what I was expecting.
I walked out and closed the door, the signal began. First, however, I had to address something.
"I honestly expected you to arrive in your maid outfit." She was dressed in a bluish-gray sailor outfit with red accents, and she had a small ribbon in her hair opposed to her maid attire.
She tilted her head to one side, "Thus outfit is required for girls in my middle school, I simply chose to wear this as I am to be here as a friend."
The door opened again and my dad stepped out. "You must be Kirumi, a pleasure to meet you."
"Indeed," she gave a short greeting, "Is Monaca in at the moment?"
I briefly explained we wanted to surprise her as well. "Well we knew you wanted to surprise her, but I couldn't just bring her to the front door when I shouldn't know who was at it. So I answered, tou-san came in as if to help me and-"
At that moment the door began to open again, tou-san and I stepped aside and turned to the door.
"Ki...Ki-chan?" Monaca's voice broke the silence. "Ki-chan!"
Without any sign of hesitation, Kirumi dropped her items and went to embrace the girl. "Hello, Monaca-chan. I'm so glad I could see you again." She whispered gently to the girl.
We all walked inside, tou-san bringing Kirumi's effects inside. I went over to Komaru, the only other one left out of the loop, and explained everything.
Unsurprisingly she was first upset none of us trusted her to keep the secret.
I also decided to pull Komaru aside and explain the true purpose she was here.
"So you mean to tell me, she's here first to help and see Monaca, her first 'friend' as you say she puts it, but secondly she's this what, Ultimate Maid, and wants to be employed under you?" Komaru said arms crossed.
"I never said she wanted to be employed by me!" I defended.
"You mean it makes more sense for her to ask our parents, whom up until now she never knew even a bit of, than you, who spent an entire day making her first, only, and therefore best friend have the best day of her life?" And now shes tapping her foot. "I always thought you might be a bit dense, I never thought you were completely oblivious."
"Ugh... when you put it like that you make it sound like she said it to ask me out." I groaned. "Look, Komaru, she is a friend, more importantly, she's looking out for someone she really cares about. Are you going to tell either of us off, just because we want to look after Monaca?"
She rolled her eyes and stopped her annoyed stance, "I never said that. It's just... how you've described her, the way she and Monaca are so comfortable around each other, the way you act towards Monaca," Her voice grew quieter, "you guys make it sound like you're her parents, it feels like I'm losing my brother."
My eyes widened and pose relaxed, "Komaru..."
"You and Monaca, you just... seem so happy with her. Unlike with boring ol' me. All I ever did was ask for help on homework, or to play a video game every once in a while. It's like... like you don't have time for me. And I know, maybe that's a bit selfish, and now probably isn't the time, but I can't help it!
"We used to have fun, together, we used to do the things you tell me You and Monaca did in Towa City. We used to have fun simply being with each other. We used to... we used to be so close. I just... I miss those times."
Have I been pushing her?
All the time I was envious of her, how I spaced myself, either to get out of her way so she could be with friends or so that I didn't have to feel that way...
In my silence, Konaru turned around, probably to go to her room.
I knew then and there if I let her go. If I didn't do something, anything, it would be one of the biggest regrets in my life.
"Eeep!"
I did the only thing I could, I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her back, "I am sorry. I am so sorry,"
It seemed like I could apologize a thousand times over, and I don't think I could forgive myself.
"O...Onii-san." Komaru stuttered softly.
I opened the door to her room and pulled her inside.
I went to her bed and had her sit beside me.
We talked, or rather I talked and she listened. I wanted to tell her everything, I wanted to explain my jealousy, to express my regret, to beg for her forgiveness and wish things could go back the way they were.
But I couldn't. Not to the extent I wanted to.
I told her I thought she wanted to be with her friends. I told her I thought she wouldn't want to spend time with me because she thought I was busy with school. I told her how sorry I was, and promised her I'd find time for her and her alone.
But I couldn't tell her how envious I was of her, how there were moments I despised how she was better prepared in life than me. I kept those locked inside, I guess I didn't quite deserve her forgiveness. Not in my mind, not yet.
Time passed, with just the two of us. Each of us holding some level of regret, wanting to say it, but not sure if the other would accept it if we thought we deserved the other's acceptance.
Eventually, we agreed to meet halfway. We knew to prioritize Monaca's needs over all else right now. But every now and again, just the two or even three of us.
With Kirumi we had time to do that now, and if her plan goes well, more often at that.
We slipped out of her room before Komaru went to check on Monaca, and I checked on Kirumi.
I knocked briefly on her door. "You may enter."
When I entered the near spotless room, there was still some dust on the upper shelves, Kirumi was setting her luggage away.
"I hope everything is to your liking." I said, "Are you sure everything is to your satisfaction?"
"I am quite used to sleeping in quarters of lower quality, if not I am more than capable of cleaning myself."
I sighed and rubbed the back of my neck, "I understand that, however, you are a guest here Kirumi, not a maid."
She gave me a cold glare, "I do hope you do not intend for me not to during my... trial period, master."
"Master? And no, only while my parents are home. I've already explained to Komaru your intentions, during the weekends you just be, however you planned to, during weekdays, if you absolutely need to, you can be our maid.
"Honestly, you don't need to work for us. Komaru and I are capable of handling ourselves, you can just watch after your friend." I tried to explain to her. Even if she wanted to work for us, it didn't sit right with either Komaru or myself to have someone work for us, particularly someone we see as a guest.
"With all due respect, I have told you before I do not work for the desire of working, I work as a result of despising not working."
'I'm pretty sure that's the same thing...' if life were an anime, I would have a massive sweatdrop on my head. "Alright then... So, how was meeting Monaca?"
"I do wish she was not wheelchair bound, she never did anything wrong, she is a sweet, innocent girl who was born into a family that didn't deserve her." She spoke in monotone, however, her shaking fists said otherwise. "I am glad she is with your family now. Though I have every intention of ensuring this plan of mine works, I ask of you to please look after her should I be unable to for extended periods of time."
I held a steel look at her, "You have my word, nothing will harm Monaca, not if I can help it."
"Ki-chan, nii-san! Come on, its dinner time!" Monaca's voice called out from the other side of the door.
"Shall we?" I gestured.
.oOo.
After we ate Monaca, Kirumi and I meet in mine and Monaca's room. Monaca lay sprawled on the bed, "Sleepover!" Monaca cheered.
"Monaca, it's not exactly a sleepover if Kirumi is going to stay with us." I chuckled.
"But she's sleeping here with us, right? So it is a sleepover, Haiji never lets me have sleepovers..."
"Of course its still a sleepover Monaca-chan," Kirumi said suddenly to take Monaca's mind off them. "What do you want to do?"
She rolled over, and propped herself on her elbows, "Can we invite Maru-nee-san?" Ever since Monaca found out she, one had more siblings, and two, couldn't refer to us by our last name without likely confusing herself, she gave us her own little nicknames. Komaru being just Maru, and myself being Koto.
Kirumi smiled and gave a small nod to Monaca before seeing if she could get her to join us.
"What else do you want to do?" I asked.
"I don't know, what do you usually do for sleepovers?" She wondered back.
In all honesty, I did not know either. Then again, I don't think any of us did. Komaru brought friends over, but she never had a sleepover either. I doubt Kirumi had either.
"Onii-san? You guys are having a sleepover?" Komaru asked.
I didn't have to answer, Monaca was more than excited to.
In the end, Kirumi and Monaca ended up telling stories about what they've done in the past. Komaru and I were impressed by the feats Kirumi was asked for and capable of doing. I mean it's not every day you end up having to save your boss from a hostage takeover or be asked to end a freaking war! Okay so she told us she refused to actually do that, but still to have such expectations is incredible.
Monaca told us the different groups and projects she has worked on. She also told us the many difficult people she's worked with. The three of us loved hearing about her projects. While she couldn't work directly with them, the Towa Group still listened to her instructions over messages and blueprints she designed. Her tales of incredibly difficult groups finding a way to work together really surprised us.
It was as though she had this natural sense of leadership that people just gravitated towards.
.oOo.
"Hey kids," kaa-san asked over breakfast. "how would you all like to watch a baseball game today? A friend of mine's son is their team manager, actually, he's known as the Ultimate Team Manager."
It would be a lie to say she did not deliberately say that. Komaru and I had interest in who were the students of that academy. The academy whose name alone guaranteed success in life come graduation.
Hope's Peak Academy.
Everybody's dream was to attend here, and the requirements were the toughest.
One, you must already attend high school, it's why there is no freshman until the first quarter of the school year was over and why the welcoming ceremony was not until the first semester and why freshman only had finals and no midterm.
Two. You must be an Ultimate, that is to say, you must be the best of the best in your talent for your year. This is part of what makes it difficult, you must either be born with talent or never stop working on it.
The third and most difficult part, you must be noticed by the school scouts. You cannot stay silent about your skill. Students are practically required to flaunt their ability unless your talent involves hiding, but even then those whose talents required such were found and accepted.
There was one exception to the rules. The Ultimate Lucky Student, who was accepted based on a lottery system.
We knew the one our kaa-san was referring to, it's not like we stalk forums regarding the school every week... just every OTHER week, we take turns.
Nidai Nekomaru, known for turning troubled youth, whether individuals or teams, into legends. He's turned failing sports teams, into national champions, his talent was not just incredible, it was infective. Few could boast a talent that directly impacted others so directly. His classmates, Class of 77-B, the closest ones who could make such claims were Sonia Nevermind, the Ultimate princess from Novoselic, and Fuyuhiko Kuzuriryu, the Ultimate Yakuza, their titles alone being enough of an explanation.
"Sounds like fun!" Komaru answered for us, "It would be awesome to meet an Ultimate in person."
.oOo.
So we went, the game was a one-sided slaughter, and based on the boisterous laughter coming from the sidelines, not to mention the fact he seemed to constantly declare his pride in his team and work, it was Nekomaru's team.
"AHAHAHAHAHA, GOOD WORK TEAM!" The man laughed, "I'll see you all again next summer, and if you dare to drop practice and think you can still be on my team, you can forget about me doing it to you while I do it for the rest of your team!"
"H-hey hey, d-don't worry coach we'd never do that!" One of them nervously replied.
"GOOD! NOW GET GOING!"
Nidai went back to the front row seats, "Mrs. Naegi, nice to meet you! Okaa-san told me you'd come see my team at work, well... what do you think?" He had a confident smirk on his face.
"You certainly have the bite to your bark." She joked. "Nekomaru-kun, these are my kids," she gestured to us, "Makoto, Komaru, and my wonderful Monaca, this here is Monaca's friend Kirumi Tojo,"
"Pleasure to meet you all," It was then he noticed just where Monaca was sitting. "Hmm, how are you Monaca-chan?"
She noticed his stare, "..." she shyly looked away. I couldn't tell if it was due to his size, or if she was just nervous.
I walked over to him and whispered she was paralyzed from the waist down.
His eyes softened, "My condolences, I wish I knew some way to help but spinal injuries are rarely treatable." He said softly. "..." He was silent as he watched Monaca.
She was looking anywhere but at him. His head drooped a bit. I would be lying if I said there was not a part of me hoping he had a solution to this. I mean, athletes get injured all the time right? They might not bounce back, but they recover don't they? Monaca's still so young... I'd give anything for her to walk by our side again.
"Mrs. Naegi, may I ask a question that concerns your youngest?" Nidai suddenly asked.
"If it concerns any of my children, you will have to ask them yourself. They need to decide themselves if they want to hear the question."
He nodded and turned to Monaca, "Monaca-chan, how much does using your legs again mean to you?"
"Everything," she whispered, "I want to walk again, I want to run again, I want to jump and play, and dance, and... I want to stand next to Koto-nii-san, and Ki-chan, and Maru-nee-chan." Tears were collecting in the corner of her eyes.
"I see..." He said quietly. "I cannot guarantee anything, I don't even know if it's possible, however, I will tell you the one thing, don't give up hope."
She jerked her head to look at him, "hope?"
"Hope. I tell my team many things. Even if the odds sound impossible, we can hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. The teams I manage know that there will be times where they face something beyond them, something only a miracle can save them from, but they don't give up.
"Monaca, no matter what happens, I promise you I will try to help in any way I can, but I want you to prepare for the worst. Hope can only go so far, but if you stop hoping you've already surrendered your dreams. So promise me, you will always dream you will use your legs again."
She started crying but nodded, eventually, she bawled, her emotions probably got the best of her.
Or maybe all the pent-up stress, the incident, her loss of use in her legs, the transition, meeting new people, meeting Kirumi again, and now being told to continue hoping in a seemingly hopeless scenario, it must have broken her.
Komaru and Kirumi strolled Monaca away to calm her down.
I looked at Nidai, before asking him, "About what you said, about not giving hope... why?"
"Why say it?" He finished for me, "Because that is how I've every day. I suffer from dyspepsia, and unfortunately, it's not getting better. Thankfully since it's been diagnosed it has not gotten too much worse. However, many like me do not live past twenty. Each day, I hope to live another day, each day I hope to help others reach their potential, but every night I am more than aware it may be the one I never wake up from.
"I honestly want to help Monaca, because unlike me, she has a lot of time on her hands to find a solution, and if I can help, by any means, than I would like to. Wouldn't you do the same?" He looked at me intensely.
"I'd fight tooth and nail to make Monaca smile," I told him in all seriousness. "Thats why I want to be strong. I want to become the strong person Monaca sees in me, she has said I'm a strong brother, so I need to be strong for her."
"I see." Nidai said, "I'll ask my schoolmates to see if we can do anything if we meet again, I would like to help Monaca, not as the Ultimate Team Manager, just another person who cares."
He held his fist out to me. "Promise me as a man then."
I held his look and connected fists. "As a man."
.o0O0o.
HOLY CRUD THIS IS LONG.
In case you didn't know, I wrote like 80% of this through the FanFiction app on my phone, and typos are probably a dime a dozen here.
This chapter was much longer because of 1. Reverse Birthday Gift Surprise and 2. It took me forever to find a way to get Nidai into the story easily. This chapter had a TON of character development too regarding Makoto and his relationship to his sisters and Kirumi.
Yes, the ending of this chapter is going to segway the relationship for Chihiro (And to make it easier to write for Owada later).
OKAY QUESTION TIME!
Last chapter:
1. Despair or Non-Despair?
1. THIS STORY IS OFFICIALLY NON-DESPAIR (I really doubt anyone is surprised)
1.1: Save Junko?
1.1: Most people say Junko is still Despair Crazy, but after meeting Naegi, things start to change. I've done some further research on the DR Universe and found some material to work with, that and a ton of suggestions left in the reviews. For now, I will say this, there will be no Ultimate Despair by the time the class of 79 (DR:V3 characters) come in. I will not say what happens to Junko.
2. Pairing?
2. Almost everyone is pretty much saying something along the lines of "Harem... but if not X, Y, or Z". So... Harem it is, but this is NOT Naegi X Everyone. That's done by everyone and doesn't leave me much time to develop the relationship between them. If you want that kind of story, look elsewhere, if you want a ton of fluffiness between Naegi and everyone but more when it comes to who he's with, this is your story.
2.1 Some of you are asking about are there other pairings? As in anyone other than Naegi.
2.1 YES, you can ask for others but know this, this story is told in Makoto's POV, meaning we will not be going into details of something like Chiaki x Hinata, or anyone else (that was the first obvious pair in my head) So if you want someone to be with someone else just suggest (I say that because it is not guaranteed, someone may want them paired with someone else or Naegi)
NEW QUESTIONS
1. Chihiro's chapter is next, however, I have one last thing to write about, it involves the future of the story but it (probably) won't be nearly as long as my other chapters. Would you still like to read it, or save it for a flashback?
2. Time skips? This chapter they were used all over the place to further character development and plot (Because if I had to write for every single day, I'd go crazy) however I feel this chapter went on way too long. Would you have rather I split the chapter up? (For future reference, this chapter is staying this long because I am evil.)
RANDOM FACTOIDS FOR THE STORY
This was going to be a story in which Naegi was captured by the Remnants of Despair and successfully converted (after a lot of emotionally straining events.) before Komaeda sends him off the deep end with his twisted view on Hope, which ends up causing Naegi to give up (among other things I had somewhat-planned).
That was inspired by two such stories, the idea of him snapping (Because damnit Naegi deserved better than to be practically used by everyone), and Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends: Destination Imagination (In which someone was tired of working without a word of thanks or show of respect... see where I'm going?)
The reason this is a story, and that one was not, is because... I couldn't help but cringe every time I tried to write up the moment Naegi snapped. (I find writing key moments makes the story easier to write. Knowing how to end and the turning point makes everything else easier since you have goals to reach.)
At some point in the future I would like to write that story, but not now.
Thanks for reading the chapter (Don't expect them to be this long... maybe... I don't know writing is fun again! I have college though so... busy.) leave a review suggesting any ideas you have and if you can answer the questions above, thanks!
