Time
Chapter 9
Yakushima
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters and main story line. I just spice them up :D
7/18 Saturday, Evening
Akihiko is facing some emotion issue. Days passed and he could still see her with other males clearly in his mind. Banging his head to the wall, Akihiko wondered what is wrong with him. Perhaps it started since the accident at the hotel the other day when they fought against the hierophant and lover shadows but it escalated into something he couldn't decipher.
Scrolling down the contacts in his phone, he paused when he saw Minako's number, the very person that is occupying his mind. Even in his hazy mind, Akihiko could still remember the softness of her skin, her burning eyes and her smooth hairs when he touched it during that accident. Her confused and focused eyes stick to his mind like glue and had made him awkward around her whenever he caught the same ruby eyes of hers looking at him. Just like at school when they met Ken.
Ken. That reminds him of Shinjiro and the importance of telling this little progress to him. Maybe Minako can tell Shinjiro with how close they are… No, what is he thinking? The thought reminds him of the scene he saw at Hagakure the other day. It was purely coincidence that he caught them hanging out together, being friendly with one another and Shinjiro was actually caring and smiling toward a female.
A huge sigh escape Akihiko's mouth as he caught himself thinking about Minako again. What is wrong with him anyhow? Why is he acting like a jeal- no, he is not jealous. Why would he? It was not as if he is going out with her or even wanting to go out with her. If so, then why is he so flustered over the things that she do? It is her live, so he has no right to feel this way, right?
"Brother! Why are you acting like this? I'm just going out with him as friends!" the shriek from the TV pulled Akihiko out of his thought and back to the TV. The girl looked enraged as she glared at the male actor that played as her brother.
"It is because I am not ready to see you with another male as your brother! You are my sister and I can't let you go out with some random male, even though they are your friends!" the male answered looking frustrated. He reminds Akihiko of his situation with Minako perfectly.
"Stupid onii-chan! Such sister complex!"
Sister… complex? Is that what people call this feeling of his? Akihiko turned off the TV immediately and pondered over this new discovery of his. Of all thing, his feeling is sister complex? It is true that he had begun to see Minako as his own sister, not to mention how she bear close resemblance in personality to his deceased sister. That's it?
With a pitiful sigh, he could now sympathize with Minato's overprotectiveness whenever Minako is with a male, especially some random guy like the odd man that came to school for Minako the day before exam. Akihiko had realize that something is wrong ever since he saw the closeness of Minako and the stranger because he could not help but feel terribly affected by the scene. Then again, he now knows why he is acting strange.
Sister complex, huh?
7/20 Monday, Daytime
"YA-KU-SHI-MA! Here I come babes!" Junpei shouted excitedly despite the heavy atmosphere around the group. Fuuka tried to live up the spirit but fail terribly. The two keep trying until Minako sighed which stopped them from even trying. The awkward air continues even after they reach the island and unload their baggage.
"Welcome back, Milady," the group gapped like fish as the lines of maid bow down, greeting Mitsuru as if it is normal while Mitsuru nonchalantly nodded and give them the information of their stay. Yukari, Fuuka, and Junpei can only nodded stupidly as the maid greeted them and led them to their respective room.
Minako paused as she saw a stern looking man that she recognized as Mitsuru's father. Giving the father and daughter some space to catch up, the group starts talking nonsense as Minako reminded herself of what her objective there was. Stealing some glance toward the two, Minako started to doubt herself over her decision.
"I am sorry for the wait," Mitsuru greeted the group back after she finished her short chat with her father, "We won't be staying long but please enjoy yourself," she continued, melting down the tense atmosphere. That immediately send Junpei jumping into excitement, instantly proposing the group to go to the beach despite some complaints from Yukari as if there is no tomorrow.
Silently feeling relieved, Minako was ready to change into her simple swimsuit until a loud bang of her room door stopped her half way. Gulping, Minako cautiously take some step back when she caught Yukari staring at her swimsuit with disdain as if asking 'Are you seriously going to wear that?' before producing a pair of bikini.
'Minato is going to throw a fit,' is what rang in Minako's head as she walked along side of Yukari and Fuuka, using her large towel to hid her swimsuit for just a while longer. Yukari sighed as they heard Junpei's excited rants even from their position which is not exactly near.
"Could he be any louder?" Yukari sighed but a blush adorned her face instantly when they look at Akihiko, "What's with Akihiko-sempai's swimsuit?" Yukari asked, sounding thoroughly confounded as Fuuka agreed readily to Yukari's comment. Minako would have agreed as well if she had not remembered that Akihiko wear the exact same thing in her memory before. She smiled as Akihiko saw them walking toward the guys.
"Yo, about time you guys got here," Akihiko smiled before looking at the blushing Yukari and Fuuka quizzically, "Something wrong Yukari? Fuuka?" the two gulped and Yukari just laugh inwardly, "That's a… pretty small swimsuit is all…" she commented awkwardly.
"What, don't you know? Swimsuit like this reduces water resistance and-," Akihiko blinked, surprised as Yukari cut him and shut him up. Yukari turned toward Junpei to change the subject and found him staring like an idiot that he is, just a bit more extreme than usual.
"What's the matter with you? You looked dumber than usual," Yukari asked hesitantly. Minako automatically hit Junpei's head when he started to emit some perverted laugh, muttering 'pervert' under her breath. "Hey, Mina-tan! I'm just letting my eyes enjoying its sight!" Junpei whined before turning back to Yukari that instantly take a step back, "Yuka-tan's wearing a more aggressive model than I had imagined!"
"Could her boldness comes from the confidence that her club training has toned her bod?!" Before Yukari could kick some sense to Junpei's head, he had turned toward the startled Fuuka, "And we have the lovely Miss Yamagishi! Wow, and I mean, wow! Fuuka, you should wear swimsuit more often!" praised Junpei despite the scandalous look across Fuuka's red face. That earned him double hit from Yukari and Fuuka. Lying down with a pained head, Junpei looked up toward the coming Mitsuru with an elated perverted smile.
"Is there… something wrong?" Mitsuru inquired worriedly upon the look that Junpei is giving her. Fortunately, Fuuka, Minako, and Yukari praised her beauty before Junpei could say some of his perverted comments again. Thoroughly ignored, Junpei whispered to Akihiko who simply smile over the gushing girls.
"So, sempai, who's your type?" Junpei asked slyly. Just before Akihiko got the chance to answer, Minako's laughter stopped them. "Guess we should hit the beach soon, shouldn't we?" she commented before taking off her towel, showing off her sexy bright red bikini that complemented her figure perfectly. The two gawking boys simply said 'wow' at the sight while Minato stood up abruptly and protested to Minako and demand her to change her swimsuit instantly.
"No! There is no need!" Junpei and Akihiko shouted automatically over Minato's demand, earning them a death glare from Minato. With some hidden strength, Minato throw the two of them to the sea and chase them down with killing intent showed clearly. The girls could only sweat dropped over the sight and laughed when Minato caught the two of them and tried to drown them. Suddenly, Minako could feel a presence of someone observing her from a far though it disappeared instantly when she turned around.
'I guess… it's just my feeling,' Minako thought before joining the boys with the others.
7/20 Monday, Evening
"We'll gather at the mansion's reception room. My maids will lead you there once you are ready."
Now come the biggest chance for Minako to once again change the future because maybe, she can save Mitsuru's father from the clutch of death but Minako wonder whether it will be alright. If she changes the fact that her father passed away, Mitsuru might not mature and change her persona for the better and be alright. Even though it might sounds like a small deal, it involves a life and people around the person, herself included.
Trudging as slow as possible toward the meeting venue, Minako couldn't help but frown at yet again another decision she have to make. She looked out at the night sky from the pristine glass window along the hall and thought about her decision along the months. With a heavy heart, she closed her eyes and made her decision.
"Good evening everyone," the current leader of the Kirijo group greets with a small smile that warms his previously frightening face. 'A good and wise man,' Minako thought sadly at Takeharu Korojo, 'Fooled by his trusted right hand man,' she sighed inwardly while greeting the man back with respect, he deserves all the respect she could give. He cleared his throat, catching everyone's attention, a sign that he is ready to start the meeting.
"From what I understand, Mitsuru has already given you the short version," he inquired, getting a nod from the new members instantly. He gave a small sad smile before continuing, "Well, it's true… We adults are to blame. If I could've atoned for it with my life, I would have done so. Now, I have no choice but to rely on you," he paused, making the tense atmosphere tenser than ever before.
"What my father wanted to create with those monsters' power was a time manipulation device," he finally revealed, stopping once more as if to gauge our reaction but we stayed quiet before he go on, "Imagine if you could control the flow of time… eliminate unwanted events before they occur. With such a device, you could shape the future to your liking," he explained, making some of us look at him in disbelieve. Such idea was never more than an imagination for them before and to hear that someone is trying to make this imagination into reality is simply insane.
"However, inder my father's direction, the research began to stray from its original goal. In his later years, my father seemed to have only nihilism in his heart," he sighed, "Now that I think about it, his madness may have resulted from his struggle to break free from that," then he looked up at all of us, his eyes lingering at his daughter before he stated, "It's only natural that you want to know the truth… and it's my duty to tell you." As he stopped, a monitor appeared before an old clip was played.
"I pray that this recording reaches you safely."
A gasp rang clear, cutting the tense silence and Minako decide to block out the rest of the meeting. Her eyes stared at Yukari's flabbergasted face for a second before it shifted to Takeharu Kirijo, a man who will die in this madness. Unfortunate soul he is, having to have a father who did not care about his family, pursuing madness and making his son bear his sin. The sound of explosion from the video shifted my eyes back to the screen which has turned black once more before it disappear from our sight.
"His name was Eiichiro Takeba… he was the heas researcher at the time, and a very talented man, but we are the ones who are responsible. We pushed him to continue the research. The Kirijo group is to blame for his death," Takeharu Kirijo finished with a heavy sigh.
"I see… so my dad cause all this," Yukari finally open her mouth, her eyes brimming with held tears and flicker of anger, "So you never told this to us because you feel sorry for me? Is that it?!" she ended up screaming in anger, biting her lips as if her live depend on it. She finally looked at Mitsuru, shouting, "I don't want your pity!" before storming out from the mansion. Minako was already standing up to follow her, but her twin's hand grabbed her wrist, pulling her back to the sofa before dashing out himself. Although it was unexpected of Minato, she is grateful because there is something she had to do.
"Junpei, can you wait for those to for a bit just incased they didn't turn up soon because dark hour is coming. The rest should go back to their room and rest. We still have our holiday, remember? We can cheer Yukari up," Minako instructed, getting a nod from everyone. Silently, she followed Takeharu Kirijo with the sleekness of a cat, finding out which is his room before waiting for the Dark hour. Within a minute, she can see the eerie green moon and blood. Then she knocked.
"Who is it?" his voice called, fatigue latching on his voice but Minako decide she will do this so she will. Opening the door, she greeted the surprised Takeharu with a smile before closing the door behind her, making sure that no one is around to listen to them.
"I am sorry for intruding you at such a dangerous time but I need what I am going to tell you to stay between you and me. I will begin once you promise me to keep your word on this," Minako started, seriousness filling her eyes like never before. It seemed that he can see the importance of this talk since he firmly nodded shortly afterwards. Minako offered him a small sad smile as she inhaled deeply.
"Takeharu Kirijo, you will die on the hand of your trusted Ikutsuki in few months," Minako delivered the information she had decide to tell loud, clear, and straight forwardly. She can see that this man is used to surprise as she can barely see the flicker of surprise lit up on his eyes before he collected himself all together. 'Such a waste of a wise man,' Minako thought sadly before she continued, "Believing my words is entirely up to you but I have a favor to ask of you," his eyes stared at mine deeply as he nodded.
"Please," she started, bowing her head, "Spend more time with Mitsuru-sempai," he didn't seem to expect that as he lost his façade for a second before asking why. Lifting her head, Minako once again offered him a smile, "It's to help Mitsuru-sempai to let go of her guilt faster later on," she sighed, "Although this may backfire at my intention since I can't predict the future, but I feel that you deserve to know this," she paused as she could practically see his thoughts through his eyes.
"All that happened in the past is none of your fault as well. I feel the need in saying this to you because you are blaming yourself for what your father had become, just like how Mitsuru-sempai is blaming herself for your death in near future," realization seemed to dawn him as he figured out Minako's intention but she can still see the doubt in him.
"All this information you are telling me, how did you know this?" Takeharu questioned, showing his full interest. Contemplating whether to answer his question or not, Minako realize that the only way to make him trust her is by telling the truth. Truth can never be wrong after all. So, she answered.
"This life is my second chance, some kind of a rewind. I have experience all that happened in the past ten years twice, and I know what will happen from today on until the day I die. Your death and my death is not something we should avoid, just anticipate," she smiled sadly at her own words. Escaping death has never crossed her mind and she intends to keep it so. When she looked up, she knew that he agrees with her.
"Thank you for telling me this," he smiled, "I will try and contact Mitsuru more often from now on, despite my tight schedule." That is all that Minako needed, so she gave him a pleased smile before approaching the door for her exit but then his voice stopped her once more, asking, "When will you die?"
Looking back at his eyes, she answered, "Officially, 31th January but I made a promise I can't break so it was delayed until the 5th of March." He seemed to know why, graduation day rang clear in their mind and she continued before he even asked his next question, "I decide to do what I can to protect this world that contain my precious friends, not because of your father's wrongdoing so don't even start to feel guilty," she give him another smile of her, brighter than ever before biding him good night.
As she turned to where her room is located, she found her brother standing a meter or so from her, looking thoroughly shocked and a hint of fear touch his feature. He heard us is the only logical reason why he looked so terrified so Minako was not surprised when he asked, "You are… going to die?" his voice is cold and shaking slightly as he shot her the question.
"Eavesdropping, brother?" Minako asked, trying to calm him down using her usual playful tone as she walked toward her room briskly. He grabbed her wrist instantly, desperation for answer showed clearly in his eyes and Minako just offered him an assuring smile before dragging him to her room in silence. Within a minute, they arrived at her room and Minato hugged her tightly right after she closed her door. The fear her brother is feeling was practically emitting from him, making Minako smiled in happiness since that just showed her just how much he really care about her.
"You told me, you were having dreams about the future events and you don't have me by your side," Minako started calmly, pulling one of his hands to her lips and she kissed it, "The recent one was showing you flying toward the moon by yourself, right?" he told her this a day before their departure to Yakushima.
"Your battle up on the moon alone… Is the same battle that I faced by myself that ends up killing me," she revealed, smiling wryly as she remembered the memory of the battle. It was obvious, the words Minato was ready to shoot her but she stopped him, "This time… none of us will face it alone," she turned and looked at her twin's deep blue eyes filled with care, "Perhaps it was fate that save both of us from the accident this time, instead of just one of us. Perhaps it means something… and maybe," she paused, smiling at him with hope filling her eyes.
"Maybe… we will both survive this. Just, maybe."
Then she hugged him back, letting him stayed with her that night.
7/21 Tuesday, Daytime
Minako looked at Fuuka with pity as the girl tried to cheer the sullen mood between Yukari and Mitsuru her best and failed. She would have helped if she didn't feel to be in silence and that day is one of those days that she appreciated silence with her brother by her side. Talking about her brother, he had been giving Yukari a worried stare as well. She couldn't help but smile, knowing that her brother finally can start caring for friends as well, not only her.
Suddenly, the awkward moment was shattered by Mitsuru's phone ringing. Obviously having nothing else to do, they listened to her as she changed the call to speaker phone and then we heard Ikutsuki's voice, "Well, I'm at the lab here on the island and a machine that was considered inoperable suddenly left the facility on its own."
"What kind of machine is it? I need detailed information to locate anything that is not a shadow," Fuuka informed seriously at the important information. While the others were trying to gain more information from Ikutsuki and trying to gather the others, Minako could only grin in anticipation in meeting another friend even though she knew well enough that even the robot wouldn't know anything about her nor her twin.
"The target cannot be captured. Do we have permission to destroy it?" Mitsuru asked, getting a laugh from Ikutsuki who then clearly telling us that it is near impossible to destroy the machine, panicking the group while Minako continue to smile in excitement. Hearing the others failing to contact the others and trying to get their equipment, Minako decide it's time to stop them.
"Hey, don't worry too much. I had known enough to know that the Anti-Shadow weapon is humanoid robots that are programmed not to attack humans so it wouldn't be an all-out battle or anything. For now, let's just go get the guys at the beach since we can't seem to call them," Minako suggested before dragging her brother to the beach. They reached the beach right when Akihiko and Junpei seemed to hit on a short haired blond girl wearing a long dress.
"Those idiots, when will they ever learn?" Yukari sighed in annoyance while Minako laughed in amusement as the girl continue to give the two a straight face while the two boys keep on talking. Then she called out to them, gaining the three's attention then she noticed that the girl is that robot. Before they knew it, the girl had basically jumped on Minako and Minato, hugging them to her.
"I am correct. I have found you. My highest priority is to be with you!" she announced using her robotic voice. A small happiness can be heard from her voice. While Minato don't have any idea what to do, Minako simply hugged back and said, "Hello, nice to meet you again."
"Whoa, what's this?" Junpei asked in open surprise when they reach them. With the girl strong arms enveloping the twin, they stayed down at where they were as they listened to the others bickering. Not long afterwards, Mitsuru decided that they bickered enough and stopped the group as she briefed the group on their current mission.
"Sempai?" Minako then called, cutting Mitsuru's words, getting the other's attention while she gave an awkward laugh. The look on Mitsuru's face was basically asking why did she interrupted, so Minako just said, "I don't think it will be a battle after all. We got our Anti-shadow weapon."
"Are you referring to me? If that is so, then you are correct," the girl backed Minako's words up immediately, getting a gasp from the group and a laughed from Ikutsuki who had finally arrived. Minako's eyes turned cold instantly when she saw him although her smile stayed intact.
"You had me worried. You don't have permission to leave the lab on your own, Aigis," Ikutsuki sighed, getting a nod from the robot. Staring at Ikutsuki, Minako couldn't help but thought how easy live would be if this one man didn't exist. Then, she mentally slapped herself at her selfish thought before she followed the others back to the manor.
7/21 Tuesday, Evening
"I apologize for all the trouble. Everything is under control now," Ikutsuki started, and instantly, the others were wondering about their previously given mission. Minako then started to daydream as she zooned out the useless conversation. She shifted her eyes to meet Aigis's when Ikutsuki mention the word 'ten years ago' since it reminded her of that day and Minako couldn't help but wonder whether Aigis remembers the event that happened ten years ago.
"Umm… when you saw her and her twin earlier, you seem to know them?" Yukari suddenly asked, turning all attention to the twin who had stayed out from the conversation until then. Nodding in agreement, Aigis answered, "Yes, it is very important for me to be by their side." This confused every single person in the room except for Aigis, and Minako who cut Ikutsuki's words about Aigis malfunctioning.
"We have met before," Minako smiled toward the robot who looked a bit confused at this revelation. That confirmed Minako's theory about her not remembering the event that day as she continued, "At the bridge, the day our parents passed away due to an accident. The day of the explosion, do you remember?" Minako asked, not mind a single bit in revealing about the accident that took their parents away from them to those who didn't know of this before.
"I saw you fighting against this shadow that called itself the Death Arcana," Minako paused again as she elaborate about that night to the robot, getting a blank and curious look from her instead. Minako sighed, "So you don't remember," she muttered softly under her breath. She shrugged before suddenly receiving a line of questions from Junpei and Fuuka who didn't know about how her parents died. She continued to plaster her smile on until they finished asking, answering them, "I don't want to remember about those days if possible."
Then she left the group, Minato following behind her as usual as she waved her hand in goodbye.
7/22 Wednesday, Daytime.
Minako smiled as she watched her friends playing at the beach as if there is no Dark Hour events that are shadowing them, especially Aigis. Minako had wondered how it goes before, her group and Aigis's relationship, and now, watching the robot smiling, even if it was a small one, made her feel that everything will be alright. With the right push and shadow to train on, she can, will, make sure they will be ready.
"Minako, we should join them now that Ikutsuki-san left," Akihiko called, pulling her out of her trance. Blinking in surprise, she sat up but made no further movement, making Akihiko stare at her in wonder. At first no words were uttered between the two of them but the Minako smiled, not the usual smile she flashed, rather, it was a small wistful and sad smile. She looked away from the group to Akihiko, "If only this small moment of peace and happiness could last forever, would you sacrifice everything, sempai?" she asked, standing up.
Not even waiting for an answer, she left the boxer staring at her straight back that suddenly look so small yet carried a heavy burden…
…and she showed her determination on facing everything for this moment, even if she had to face it alone.
Author's note:
The ending of this chapter is very cliché isn't it?
Odd and doesn't make any sense… but I still hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I wrote this.
I want to make Akihiko and Minako's relationship to move rather than focusing on Shinji x Minako's relation, which what I had realize that I did it in previous chapters…
Oh well…
Some reviews would be nice
