Mizaki awoke with a strange head rush. The fragrant air made her dizzy, having spent most nights in a train station since leaving the guild. She glanced around her surroundings, momentarily forgetting where she is. The puffy, white duvet covered her from the waist down, fluffy pillows perched behind her in the same blinding shade. She squirmed on the cushy mattress, before ripping the covers to reveal her bare legs. She gasped, clutching a buttoned dress shirt that wrapped around her body. She had only remembered falling asleep on the couch and foggy memories of her being lead to this pristine bedroom.
She tugged on the unfamiliar shirt, buttoning it down to show she wasn't wearing a bra. Her stomach twisted as she pulled up the hem of the shirt. Relief washed over her as she was greeted with her usual, black underwear.
Mizaki lay on the bed for a few minutes, turning to her side and staring out the white, lacy curtains. The bright sun shone in through the half-transparent fabric, painting a beautiful pattern on the shining dark-wood floor. The decor of the guest bedroom followed the theme of Tamaki's apartment: clean, modern and attractive. A golden design was painted across the sea-foam coloured walls, twisting and turning in the exact middle. The colour scheme of the room reminded Mizaki of the beach, a place she hadn't been in a very long time.
The sudden smell of bacon floated into the guest room, catching Mizaki's attention. She rolled out of bed, her nose stuck in the air comically. The young girl licked her lips, not realising how hungry she actually is. She yanked on the bottom of the over-sized shirt, her face painting red as the fabric only reached just below her bum. She continued out the door, her steps silent against the hard-wood floor. The smell became stronger, as well as sizzling ringing out from the kitchen. Mizaki sneaked through the door frame, standing awkwardly in front of the kitchen island.
Tamaki hummed a catchy tune, a frying pan clutched in one hand. Mizaki watched from behind as he shook his hips, his toned triceps visible with his sleeves rolled-up. He bent back a little bit, flicking his wrist. An omelette slid from one end of the frying pan, flipping in the air and landing back to its place, causing a rampage of sizzles to break out.
Mizaki cleared her throat, causing the young man to turn his head. His gaze fell onto her attire, a small smile playing on his lips. He turned back around, tilting the pan and scraping the omelette onto a plate with steaming bacon. He flicked the oven off, taking one plate in each hand. He set them on the island, flashing Mizaki another beautiful smile. "Good morning, Mizzy." He chimed, gesturing to the stool she was standing beside.
"Who the hell are you calling 'Mizzy'?" Mizaki grumbled, not bothering to take a seat, though she so badly wanted to eat the food he had made for her. "Also, where are my clothes? It's pretty creepy of you to dress me while I'm passed out, I hope you know."
Tamaki only chuckled, pointing towards the door frame of the kitchen. "I put them in the wash, they were filthy." He casually sat down, as if nothing he had done was wrong. It angered Mizaki, but all she managed was a scowl.
"Who told you you could just undress me and wash my clothes?!" Mizaki yelled, stomping her foot on the ground.
Tamaki gave her a slight pout, playing with the omelette on his plate. "Whenever you came back home from a long trip, you would always walk in absolutely filthy. You were covered from head to toe in mud, sweat, and even blood. I would always wash your clothes for you, and when you were too tired I would dress you myself." Mizaki puckered her lips, completely expressionless. The blank emotion was suddenly filled to the brim with anger.
"That was then! And I don't even know if I can fully trust you, so shut the fuck up about the past unless I ask you about it!" Mizaki took a big step, balling up Tamaki's perfect hair in her fist. She tugged his head towards her, so their foreheads were touching. She lingered in his gaze for a moment, staring into his emerald eyes. She hissed, gritting her teeth. "Now I'm gonna eat your stupid food, and then you're gonna tell me everything"
Tamaki only nodded, letting out a sigh of relief once Mizaki released his blonde hair. She pulled her shirt down further, plopping down on the stool beside the young man. She angrily stabbed her omelette with a fork, shoving a chunk of it in her mouth. She shut her eyes as the burst of savoury flavours met her tongue. She eagerly grabbed a strip of greasy bacon, stuffing it in her mouth before letting out a quiet moan. Every bite made her hungrier.
"You like bacon?" Tamaki asked
"Love bacon." Mizaki corrected, a bit of food spewing from her mouth. Tamaki slammed his hand down on the marble countertop, turning to face a confused Mizaki.
"Ah-ha! You haven't forgotten anything!" Tamaki yelled, a large smile growing on his face. Mizaki frowned, raising an eyebrow in suspicion. She lifted her hand, moving it in a circular motion, waiting for the happy boy to elaborate. "Memories are what makes person! Each memory is like a thread, weaving them together to make an entire personality! When someone forgets something, that memory is swiped, and they are a new person, or maybe just have a new trait or interest. You haven't changed very much, Mizaki. Your memories are only hidden away in a certain compartment made by an abiotic, or possibly a spiritual being!"
Mizaki tilted her head in confusion, before swallowing the rest of her bacon. She held up her hand, gesturing for him to stop talking. "Kay Tamaki, too many words." She began, resting her elbow on the countertop. "And how did you get all that from me talking about my love for bacon?"
Tamaki chuckled. "I guess I left out that part!" The male was still very excited with his discovery. "When you first came here, you said you absolutely hated bacon. After I made you a plate full and forced you too eat it, you suddenly loved the stuff! See? If your memory was wiped, you wouldn't have that love of bacon. What I'm trying to say is... Your memories are still there, you just can't find them, but they are real enough to keep you you."
"Well I still don't really get it but, okay." She licked her fingers, before sliding off the stool. "So, if I try really hard, I can remember again?"
He shook his head in response, getting up and collecting her plate. He rinsed them in the sink, before letting his gaze fall on Mizaki's bare legs. "Not exactly, no one can just remember. All I'm saying is that they aren't gone, so an object or person could trigger a few." Mizaki yawned; tugging the hem of what she assumed was Tamaki's shirt. She turned around, waltzing into the pristine living room, not a speck of dust in sight.
"Where the hell are my clothes?" Mizaki asked, until her face suddenly went pale. "Where is my Staff?!"
Tamaki walked past her, opening a small closet near the front door. A washing machine and drier were stacked on top of each other inside the dark space. He flicked on a small light, digging around in the bottom machine. Mizaki tapped her foot impatiently, wondering if the boy in front of her has already seen her completely naked. The thought made her face flush, covering her burning hot cheeks in embarrassment. Tamaki turned around, a few black articles of clothing piled in his arms. He handed them to her, before fixing his tussled hair. "Don't worry, Mizaki. I put your Staff in your closet."
"Tch, whatever. Once I get pants on, you better starts talking." Mizaki flipped her long black hair over one shoulder, whipping around and heading to her bedroom.
After she had fully dressed herself in her usual attire – leather pants, studded belt, black tank top and a hoodie – she sat herself down on the living room couch, her Staff clutched in one hand. Tamaki came walking out of his room, running his fingers through his hair and letting out a hiss. He talked into a Lacrima-phone, his voice stressed and hoarse. Mizaki turned to the male, curious of his conversation.
"I don't care if you need me in! You're supposed to send me some kind of warning a week ahead!" Some muffled mumbling echoed from the speaker, before Tamaki frowned once again. "I have company, so I can't make it today. Please stop crying, I didn't mean to yell!"
Tamaki angrily clicked "OFF" glancing over at Mizaki. The Elemental mage froze, locking her gaze with the now fully calm male. He smiled, walking over to the couch and taking a seat beside her. Mizaki awkwardly fiddled with her thumbs, unsure of what to say. She bit her lip, before finally speaking. "Are you some fucking secret agent?"
Tamaki laughed aloud, shaking his head. He flashed a seductive gaze, biting his bottom lip. She blushed slightly, looking away as if she were disgusted. "I'm a model, actually. Way less awesome, I know. But, gotta pay the rent!" He chuckled, resting his ankle on the knee of his other leg, leaning back on the comfy couch.
"Speaking of rent, what the fuck is up with this place? It's so sketchy and broken down from outside, but then you come in and see this!" She gestured to the room dramatically, slumping over with a confused groan.
"Well, I own the entire building. I make the outside and hallways look that way so no one will think to buy an apartment here." He explained.
"But why."
"For you."
Mizaki froze, the colour draining from her face. Connecting all of the things she has discovered about "Rose" the thought of someone renting an entire building just for her use was disturbing. Not to mention the smell of...death downstairs. Mizaki narrowed her eyes, bolting up from the couch and strutting towards the coat rack. Her leather jacket hung from one of the hooks, and she quickly slid the coat on.
"Where are you going?" Tamaki asked, walking towards the coat rack. Mizaki grabbed the second jacket that was hanging, throwing it to the young man.
"Where are we going, you mean? I need to get out of here, let's talk outside." She adjusted the black toque sitting on her messy hair, before turning the handle and swinging the door open. Light from the window behind them caused the cracked and stained floor to paint their silhouettes. Mizaki stepped out into the hallway, covering her face with her scarf and shoving her hands in her pockets. Her Staff was hanging from its sling on her back.
Mizaki didn't ask about the disgusting smell that floated around on the ground floor of the building. Tamaki didn't tell. They continued walking down the street, the sun shining brightly yet giving off no heat. She shivered, her breath visible as she spoke. "I want you to tell me how you helped me with the Fifth Element, and how you can help me now" Mizaki demanded, her voice slightly muffled through her scarf. She pulled down the fabric, her throat sliced by the cool air she inhaled. She turned her head, her eyes catching a crumpled up flyer with the word WANTED printed on the top. Mizaki stopped her face pale. She took a moment to read the flier further, relief washing over her. "Thank god."
"What is it?" Tamaki asked curiously, stopping beside Mizaki and skimming over the poster.
Mizaki waved him off. "No, I thought someone else would be printed here, but it's just someone named 'Trace Varsuna'" Tamaki nodded, continuing to walk. She bit her lip, realising the last name was familiar. That's Master's last name...I think...
Tamaki kept walking as Mizaki caught up with him. He pondered in his thoughts for a moment, glancing around the empty street. He sighed, staring up at the blue sky. "I'm an Archive mage; I helped you figure out which element came first in the five clues that are to be found, and who you could meet up with to receive further help. We didn't get too far before you left, the two years we were working together ended pretty badly." He began, answering Mizaki's first question, before smiling lightly to himself. "I want to help you again. We were so close to figuring out the fifth clue, but you suddenly left. I knew you would come back one day, and I guess yesterday was that day. I can and I will help you again, but this time we will succeed."
Mizaki played with the coins in her pocket, a small smirk forming on her lips. "I need your help, that's the only thing I'm positive about right now. I don't know too much about Archive, but if you helped me then, you can help me now. Just...no more undressing me, got it?"
Tamaki chuckled, before stopping and holding out his hand. Mizaki stared at it, utterly confused. He gestured to it with a flick of his head, and Mizaki hesitantly grabbed it. He shook her hand lightly, winking at her. "I'm Tamaki Glen; it's nice to meet you, Mizaki Ome." Mizaki couldn't help but smile.
"Pretty cool to meet you too, Tamaki." Just as the words left her mouth, a large explosion sounded from behind her. Mizaki screamed, tackling Tamaki to the ground as debris came flying from every direction. Her ears rang and her vision became blurry, all she could see was blazing orange flames surrounding her. She groggily glanced behind her, her gaze skimming the broken bits of a house. Mizaki took deep breaths, her eye-lids heavy. Her vision caught something deep within the burning hot flames. The blazing fire licked the streets around her, catching onto anything it could hold.
Yet floating in the middle of the carnage was a woman.
And she was staring at Mizaki.
