Haha…I decided to combine Mitsuru and Aigis because I don't know where else would Aigis go. A robotic female running around the country for ten years? That would unlikely cause an encounter. So here it is. Once again, thank you for your reviews! I was a little nervous if you guys will like that Shinji chap or not. And now I'm still nervous if you guys will also like this. xD
I do not and, sad to say, will not own P3P.
MORNING
"Here are the reports for the Gekkoukan High School Maam" A folder was passed down to the lady sitting at the end of the table. She crossed her legs and looked up dismissing the other members.
"Thank you. The meeting is over." Looking over to her shoulder, she signaled for another girl as the other advanced towards her. The other members were exiting the room as the girl started to speak.
"The meeting ending at precisely 9:45 am was officially recorded. Shall I assist you with the preparation for the next meeting as well?"
"That won't be necessary Aigis." Taking the folder, the lady handed it to Aigis and stood up. "Please review this and have it filed on the database."
"Would you like anything else, Mitsuru-san?" Aigis waited as she watched the lady walked towards the window and gazed outside seeming to be deep in thought.
"No, that will be all. Thank you." Not bothering to look at the other, she continued to stare outside as one hand reached up and fingers twirled her hair. She looked at her reflection through the glass window and sighed.
The next meeting would be an engagement meeting. Another one was paired to her yet again. How could these guys be so idiotic? Did they not already evaluate her competence for ten years? Although a woman, she is far more capable than any man she had met. That is the very reason why she hasn't married anyone up until now. Nobody passed her standards, and probably nobody ever will.
"I'll probably grow up to be an old maid." She softly laughed to herself. Although young, much responsibility was put upon her. And now that she has the power, she could feel more pressure as her responsibilities add up. She recalled that movie where she took Ken once. 'With great power, comes great – no that's not it! '
She mused at the thought of her becoming one of those tightly clad heroes. She was once a so called hero, but unfortunately nobody knew of their exploits. She again laughed as she realized she sounded like a certain loud, childish guy with a blue cap. Her train of thought passed a certain girl. "She's the real hero…our heroine."
She was interrupted by the sound of Aigis barging in the office. There was an indescribable emotion evident on the face of the girl. Tears were swelling up from the corner of her eyes as she rushed to Mitsuru and gave her a paper.
"She…came back to us!" She exclaimed as the head of the Kirijo group looked at the paper in her hands. It was the recent record of a transfer student, and on it she knew well the name printed plus the photo attached to it. Puzzled by the information, she immediately sat on her chair then typed keys into her laptop as the screen filled with profiles of past students. True enough, it was the same profile she had over the decade, word per word.
"Aigis, run a thorough check on the database. They must have made a mistake. And put me through the principal." Her assigned secretary immediately handed her cellphone and proceeded to check the database.
The call was received as the person on the other line answered. "Yes Ms. Kirijo?"
"I have an inquiry about the given bio data of a particular transfer student. I would like to know more about it, a certain Hamuko Tomoe."
The principal answered. "Ahh yes Ms. Tomoe! She came in late for the first day of class yesterday. Is there a matter Ms. Kirijo?"
She couldn't believe what she heard. That girl came to school yesterday morning? If she was any other person, she would have not recognized that fact. But ever since a child, Mitsuru Kirijo has known a lot of events that a normal person would not be able to comprehend. There is only one way to prove it. She hung up on the phone as the robotic girl approached her.
"Mitsuru-san, I have made a thorough check on the database. Nothing seems to be amiss. It may be possible that she indeed came back." Aigis could not contain her happiness. She holds on to her chest and smiled happily. Finally she can be with that person once again. She can fulfill her promise to be by her side and protect her. She can feel whole again.
Mitsuru also felt the excitement that robot was giving off. She stood up and straightened her clothes as she turned to the girl. "Cancel all my meetings for the day. We're going on a trip to school."
She was just about to leave when she added. "Oh, and call everyone. I'm sure they would want to hear the news." With that she left the office, leaving the girl still smiling and clutching on the profile she had brought earlier. If there is one she could call a God, she would personally give her gratitude. She would do anything she can for that person, even if decades passed.
Meanwhile, Mitsuru walked quietly along the halls of the building. Eyes were following her every move as she disappeared around the corner. She knows of every gossip they whisper and she was glad to have Aigis be her eyes and ears inside the corporation.
Ever since that fated day, the former Anti-shadow weapon volunteered to assist her. The robot figured this was where she was born and this is where she should be. Aigis is becoming to be more of a human each day, but the leader of the group knew that the said girl was rusting emotionally inside without that someone to protect. She agreed to the robot's whims to be by her side in lieu of her special someone. But no matter how she thought about it, she could never replace the one who has taken hold of the girl's Papillion heart.
Walking out of the building, a limousine was automatically parked in front of her as the driver went out and opened her door. "Where to mademoiselle?"
"To Gekkoukan High and please wait for my secretary." She gracefully went inside the car and patiently waited for the girl. Minutes later, Aigis joins in the car as they drove off to their destination. Not a word was said during the entire travel. Either of them overjoyed to be seeing someone they had lost and now found.
When the car stopped in front of the gate, Mitsuru gazed at the girl beside her who was looking down. She can tell Aigis was nervous as she held her hand and reassured her that everything will be alright. The girl smiled sincerely as they both exited the limousine and made their way inside the school. So many memories of the past invaded their minds, some of them hurtful, but most of them are joyfully memorable.
Heading straight for the faculty office, Mitsuru was politely greeted by every faculty member she comes across to. Among them was a friend whom she had known for more than a decade. "I see you still work here, Akihiko."
"Yeah…" He smiled at her then turned to the other. "Nice to know you're doing well, Aigis."
The former nodded her head and responded. "You are looking good as well Akihiko-san."
Looking at the two, he questioned with his usual tone of seriousness. "What brings the Kirijo Group Empress here?"
Mitsuru looked back at him seriously. She handed the transferee file over to him. "I assumed you've already met her."
Smiling down at it, he gave a small chuckle then continued. "I see…you already know about her. I was beginning to think I can have her to myself…"
He could feel the heated glare that a robot girl was giving off. He laughed and shook his head. "I was only kidding, Aigis. Shall I bring her to you?"
"That won't be necessary. I shall see her for myself." With that, Aigis sped up to the second floor and vanished. The two, still looking where she headed to, shrugged and smiled. "She really did miss her, didn't she?"
"We all did…" Mitsuru said as she slowly followed the girl's trail. "I called everyone. Now that she's back, I was thinking we should have a little reunion at the usual place."
His face shifted to sadness as he adjusted his glasses and looked away. "I don't know if I should tell you this…" He rubbed the back of his neck then continued. "Her memory seems to be gone. Her appearance didn't change either. She doesn't remember me…or you for that matter. And probably, she won't remember Aigis as well."
Mitsuru stopped in her tracks and grew silent. She knew that would terribly hurt Aigis, but there was nothing anyone could do. She forced her logic mind to process. What is the real reason behind all this? A thought came to her as she mumbled out loud. "…the seal…"
"Is it possible that it has been…" She raised a hand by her chin and looked at the other. "…broken?"
Realization hit them as they both looked out of the window and up to the sky. A chill went up their spine as they recollected the moment of the final day. How could such a day happen too soon? It seems like it was only yesterday they were putting their lives on the line. For it to happen again, how could they fight it when they themselves no longer fight?
Mitsuru was the first one to speak. "Of course, that was only my theory. It is not yet proven. Whatever reason it may be, let us just enjoy this moment for ourselves." Having said that, she walked away to meet her friend again for the first time.
Inside the classroom, Aigis quickly walked in front of the girl as the latter blinked at her, rather confused. The robot hugged her again, as it was the first time they met. All around, murmurs were heard as the other students watched the scene.
"Finally…I can be by your side."
Tears fell from her eyes while she still hugs the girl, not wanting to let go. Wherever this person may go, she is sure now that she will follow. Her existence was meant for her and her alone. Her Papillion heart beats faster as she holds on to the girl for dear life. She can now say that she is alive, just like any other human. For her, today will mark the beginning of her life, as a human who cares for another human. She may not die or wither away, but she may stop functioning all together. And when that happens, she is sure that the only imprint in her heart would always remain the same.
Mitsuru walked in on the two and cleared her throat to stop the already increasing noise inside the classroom. "Aigis, please release her. I would like to apologize for this. May we speak to you outside Tomoe-san?"
She felt the girl named Aigis soften her hold and released her from the hug. She wonders why she keeps meeting all of these weird people. They seem to know her very well but on the contrary, she doesn't. She's starting to think that maybe she has a twin who has the same name as her. She dismissed the thought and followed the lady.
Once outside, the lady who spoke earlier touched her cheek and looked at her tenderly. "It really is you…"
Tomoe just stared at this elegant lady as she spoke to her. "I'm sorry…my name is Mitsuru Kirijo." Upon hearing the name Kirijo, she gasped as she remembered hearing her friends about the Kirijo group and the power they hold over the vicinity. Why is their leader talking to her? Her hands grew cold, thinking that she may be in trouble because of her imaginary twin.
Mitsuru saw her reaction and quickly assured her. "You are not in trouble, if that is what you're thinking. I am merely trying to introduce myself." Glancing towards Aigis, she can sense her indecisiveness on the matter then looked back to the girl. "Please excuse us."
She pulled Aigis to the side and talked quietly. "Mitsuru-san, why is she acting strange? Is she not our Hamuko-san?"
Mitsuru sighed and said in a softer voice. "You of all people should know Aigis. She is who she is, that is for certain. Unfortunately, her memory was lost along the way. When will it come back is unknown, but for now, we are strangers to her. Do you understand?"
"I-I understand…"
They turned back to the girl who was waiting nervously, fiddling with her portable mp3 player as they speak. "Umm…is there something wrong Ms. –"
"- call me Mitsuru. This is Aigis. "
Hamuko noticed the girl named Aigis suddenly became depressed, not anymore looking up to her. "Nice to meet you." As she said that, Aigis suddenly ran away, not looking back.
"We were thinking if you have some free time later, maybe you could join us in a welcoming dinner." Mitsuru placed a piece of paper in her hand. "This is the address. We will be waiting for you."
The girl looked at the address and said. "Why me…?"
Mitsuru smiled at her. "It may be a bit too hard to explain it in details right now. But please don't worry. We would just want to welcome you –"
" – are you sure about this Mitsuru?" Akihiko stepped from behind.
She sighed and looked to her side. "It's not like we're going to do anything bad to her. I would just like to invite her for dinner."
Akihiko turned to his student and smiled gently. "Hamuko-chan, please go back to the classroom. I'd like to speak with Ms. Kirijo for a while."
"S-sanada-sensei…" Uncertainty filled her eyes as she nodded and went back inside the building. Still holding the piece of paper, she again looked at it then placed it safely in her pocket.
"She doesn't remember who we are, even if we all meet up with her. I think it would be best to just leave her be. Don't make it hard for her just so you can have all the answers." Akihiko stated still looking at the direction where the girl disappeared to.
"Akihiko, don't tell me you don't want her to remember you?" The man flinched. Mitsuru continued. "And what about the seal? If my theory was correct, should we just wait for that day to happen again?" She glared at the guy as he clenched his fist, trying hard to calm down.
"I know that…" He paused and sighed. "…but if anything happens to her again…I can't…"
"We'll be there for her…this time we'll all be together." She placed her hand on his shoulder then slowly walked away.
AFTERNOON
School has ended and students were starting to go home as the classroom was emptied. Two people were left behind as the man walks towards the other. "Hamuko-chan, we're not forcing you to come to dinner…but we…no," He paused, taking off his glasses and looking straight into her eyes. "…I would be glad if you could make it."
She could feel her face heats up as the man came closer, his hands on each of her shoulder. "I will not let anything happen to you. Please do remember that."
She stared at him motionless. Remember? There is something…she must remember. Her eyes went dull as everything around her fades. The teacher holding her worriedly shakes her, calling out her name. But it fell to deaf ears as she remained unresponsive.
Just as quickly as it occurred, she was back to normal as she blinked at the person in front of her. "Jeez…don't scare me like that…" Akihiko was still gripping her shoulders.
Her blush surfaced once more as she smiled. "I'm sorry sensei…"
He slowly let go of her shoulders, his hands falling to his side and balling into fists. "I knew it wasn't a good idea…forcing you to remember…"
"Remember what?"
He shook his head and sighed. "N-never mind…you know, I could take you there later…" He patted her head. "I wouldn't want you to get lost again, would I?"
The girl pouted and swatted his hand away. "I'm not a child sensei…I can handle myself. And besides, I have a job this afternoon." Checking her watch, she cried out. "Waa! I need to go!" She grabbed her bag and started to run.
Just as she was about to open the door, a hand stopped her from doing so as his body pressed against her back, trapping her between him and the door. "I'll see you tonight, Tomoe-san."
There is something about his voice that made her shiver as he slid the door open, chuckling at the girl standing in front of him. He could clearly see the redness on her face that she was desperately trying to hide.
Forcing her feet to move, she soon started running again, irritated that her blush still hasn't receded. "Stupid stupid stupid!"
EVENING
Upon reaching the noodle shop, she inhaled deeply and then quickly opened the door and was surprised that the noodle shop was empty. A delicious aroma wafted her senses as she closed her eyes following the scent to the kitchen. She opened her eyes just in time to see a hand nearing her as it hit the middle of her forehead. "Ah!"
"You're late!" The man in the apron loomed over her as she squeaked beneath him.
Holding her forehead, she looked up to the man frowning. "H-how dare you hit a girl…!"
She received another smack as she shielded her forehead in case of another one. "Ah! You hit me again…!"
"I don't tolerate any laziness…" He threw a rag at her and pointed to the tables.
He silently watched her as she wiped the tables clean. His mind kept wandering off to the call he received earlier. There was nothing he could do but to accept the proposal. Who were they kidding inviting her for dinner? He stared at her, taking in everything about her. He can understand how they feel, but they can't understand his. Feeling frustrated, he sighed as he stirred the boiling broth.
"Shinjiro-sama?" His attention turned to her as she pointed to the door. "Why are we closed today?"
He sighed and removed his apron. "Some idiots rented out the place for the night." After saying that, the door slid open followed by a loud annoying voice.
"Heeey Senpai!"
The fated reunion was about to start.
Under the increasing light of the moon…the end draws near yet again.
-Author's note-
Hmm…took longer than expected. The afternoon and the evening part was a last minute addition since the morning part was already long. But here it is. Tell me what you think. *yawn* so sleepy…Oh and by the way, I drew a comic strip of the shinji chap but unfortunately my scanner broke. I'll show it next time… ^^
Deidara'sgirl19 - oh hello there! xD I was wondering where you were. I'm glad you liked my shinji and ken chappie.
Tsuki Rae - I'm sorry for the teeth marks xD Hmm...I have a plan for Theo but I'm not gonna tell. I like him too you know ^^
Raven236- haha...well he has to taste them eventually so i guess he does snack on the job.
Ayla- awww...thank you! i was relieved to hear that, honestly! I thought nobody would like it.
