The Knights Diary

Disclaimer: I do not own Mirai Nikki or any of the characters associated with it.

"talking"

thoughts

Acknowledgment

A month had passed since the start of their community hours as it was a long hard yet rewarding service back to the neighborhood.

Now within the afternoon many screams of laughter, talking, and crying could be heard as many children were running about unrestrained like little energizer bunnies which left their attendees breathless trying to keep up.

"Please stop running" Tsubaki heavily breathed as she gave chase, but then stopped as she was bent over holding her knees just trying to catch her breath. Tilting her head, her face scrunched to what she saw as Aru was sitting with a group of kids as they were all happily singing together. Seeing the kids she was watching over were in no immediate trouble, she went to the boy detective. "How do you do that? How did you get them to be so well behaved?"

"It's nothing really" Aru warmly smiled. "Just needs a patient soul, a calm mind, and a steady hand".

Averting her gaze to the children, she noticed an unusual admiration emanating from their eyes both boys and girls alike as if they couldn't get enough of the silver haired youth.

"Aru-niisan".

"Oniichan".

"Please play with us more".

Aru turned back giving off one of his dazzling smiles. "Of course, let's sing another song together".

"Yay! Aru-niichan!"

Tsubaki could only give a tired sigh as she watched the group now engage in another song. "There it is the infamous Akise charm . . . ."

Then looking out to Tsubaki's group Aru called out to them. "Hey! You guys want to come over and have fun with us?"

"Looks fun!"

"Yay!"

"Let's play!"

"I know" Aru then said. "Why don't we have Tsubaki sing with us?"

"Yay!"

The pale girl choked at this as she stepped back. ". . . . I . . . . I don't really think that's a good idea".

"Come on" Aru then encouraged. "It'll be fun and it's for the children too".

"Yeah! Come on Tsubaki-neesan, please sing with us!"

Tsubaki rubbed the back of her head as she was trying her best to think of a way out of this without upsetting anyone. However seeing their puppy dog eyes and Aru's ever so charming self; she gave a sigh of defeat. "Alright, but just know that I'm embarrassed of my singing voice".

"Don't worry, no one will laugh".

Picking a song everyone knew, Aru set up the rhythm of the music as slowly the words began to get picked up by everyone else. But as they sung, each child became distracted as slowly one by one an angelic tune caught their ears as they looked to the person to whom the voice was coming from. But even as the children stopped, Aru continued to hum as he turned his head to see Tsubaki continuing to sing with her eyes closed with her hands folded in front of her. Continuing until the song was finished; Tsubaki opened her eyes as her cheeks then turned red from embarrassment from all the eyes that were staring at her. ". . . . Was I that terrible?"

But soon enough all the children began to cheer with a large applause with a few whistles.

"Ehh?"

"That was wonderful Tsubaki" smiled Aru. "I didn't know you can sing".

"I can't . . . . Or I didn't think so . . . ." as Tsubaki blushed harder while waving her body back and forth. When her parents were around, they would always compliment her on her wonderful voice. However growing up, she figured it was just the thing parents did encouraging their children even if they didn't have talent. But after their deaths and two year torture, there was very little to sing about . . . .

"There you guys are we're being called back now".

The pair looked up to see Hinata approach them with Mao apparently anchoring herself to her arm. Like them, they too were assigned to the same community service. Although they were not being that productive with the little flirting that was going on.

"You need to take it easy Hinata" said Mao as she was tenderly holding her arm. "You're still recovering after all".

"I'm fine" she then rebutted. "I don't need you tending to me all the time".

"But I'm worried about you" as Mao caressed Hinata sides before hugging her around the stomach. "I've also noticed that you're not eating much either. You need to eat more to keep up your strength especially if you want these to grow out" as she cupped Hinata's boobs in her hands.

Hinata instantly turned red at this as she struggled in her grasp. "OK! I got it! Not in front of the kids!"

Aru and Tsubaki both gave a nervous laugh. They were both aware of Mao's orientation and Hinata's relative feelings about this. But it was fine as far as they were concerned. Although if they were going to be doing this kind of flirting then they should be doing it somewhere not in front of the children as the pair tried their best to cover their sight.

But finally calming everything down they all returned back to the orphanage where they met its owner.

"Thank you for your fine efforts" smiled Kamado rather happily. "Please continue working hard".

"Yes" the four answered together giving a polite bow. Looking to the orphanage owner, she was a rather strange looking woman with very unusual proportions for an adult female. But more interesting to Aru and Tsubaki was that Kamado Ueshita was the eighth diary user holder of the blog diary. Although concerning at first, it was apparent by observation that she had no interest in the game as she didn't partake in any form of hostile actions. Although worrisome that her older children would kill in her name, she was quick to chastise them for even considering such an evil deed. So it was fine for the time being to leave her be so long as they weren't causing any kind of trouble.

Hinata noticing a tinge of worry in the disproportionate woman was quick to react. "Is there something wrong? You seem . . . . Sad about something".

"It's nothing" as Kamado gave a sad smile while waving her hands. "It's nothing you kids need to worry about . . . ." Soon enough she walked back in followed by the others where they were met by another familiar sight.

"Welcome back" said Ai. "Everything has been going well here".

"Great as usual" said Marco. "Although fussy these kids have been behaving".

"So far so good" said Orin.

As it turned out, the trio was orphans together and taken care of by Kamado until their coming of age. Every so while if they weren't busy, the former two would come by to help their foster mother out with some of the older kids that needed watching over. Although unnerving to bump into the seventh diary user of all places, they knew they wouldn't try to start trouble in the orphanage so long as the status quo remained as such. So for the time being they played nice with each other which was fine for now.

The three adults kneeled as they gave a group hug to their foster mother. "I'm so happy that you were able to come and help me today" said Kamado. "I really do wish you can come over more often. The children really like it when you visit".

"I know" said Ai. "But we've been busy as of late. We'll try to visit more often from now on".

"I'm sorry for asking so much of your time. But there is one errand I need help with that I can't see to myself tomorrow".

"What that?"

"There are a few items that I need to pick up for dinner. So if it's OK" handing over a list. "Can you get these for me?"

Marco taking the slip of paper carefully looked it over as his eyes slowly began to grow wider and wider as he scanned the list. "This is a lot of items. It might take a while to gather all these".

"Then why not take along some extra help?" Kamado then looked to the four volunteers. "Would you mind helping me with this task tomorrow?"

Tsubaki instantly knew this to be a bad idea as there was still much friction between her and the seventh with the whole trying to kill her during the Omekata incident. Before she could even object, "we'd love to" said Mao with a wide smile. "We'll be with you right after classes end".

"Excellent" Kamado chimed. "Please arrive on time".

~ Akise residence (Tsubaki's room) ~ (late night)

"I think you're worrying over nothing" said Aru simply while sitting on her bed. "I think you need to relax some more".

Tsubaki at this time was pacing back and forth in a panic as she was holding her head. "What am I going to do? What am I going to do? I have to find a way out of this! Maybe I can just call right now and say I'm busy or maybe I'm coming down with a cold or something! Yeah that's it!"

But before she could race to retrieve any phone, she was stopped as Aru gently tugged on her wrist pulling her back while motioning her to take a seat on the bed. "You just need to calm down. I'm sure it's all water under the bridge now with Ai. Besides I'm certain neither she nor Marco would try anything while in the open view of public. So you have nothing to worry about".

"I can't help it" as Tsuabki's lips curled while her brows slanted in worry. "I . . . . I just don't know what to do!"

Aru gave a soft sigh. "Here, face your back to me for a moment".

"Why?"

"Well, I got just the thing to make you feel better". Although hesitant at first, the pale girl did as she was told as she turned around facing her back to the boy detective. Placing his hands to her shoulders, he applied some light pressure as he motioned his thumbs in a circular rotation while moving his fingers back and forth.

"What the . . . ." Tsubaki began feeling a strange sensation fill her as it was a mixture of calm, embarrassment, and euphoria. "Aru" peeking back, "I didn't know you massaged so well".

"Well aren't we showing some new sides to ourselves today" he smiled indicating her singing earlier. "But you pick up things here and there when you do my kind of work especially acupuncture when looking to weaken a foe or to invigorate a fellow ally". Moving his hands out a bit more, "it seems you really needed this from how tense you feel".

The pale girl could only nod meekly as she blushed a shade of red as she looked forward still confused about how she should be feeling. However as Aru continued to work, her thoughts slowly began to drift off as she was becoming lost in this overly pleasant feeling of warmth and joy.

Aru was careful with his movements as his hands glided down the sides of her arms as he took his time making sure that she was comfortable. Then moving his hands to her waist, he felt Tsubaki tense a bit at the sudden contact. But he slowed his movements as he didn't want to alarm her. Then feeling her relax while pushing back against him, he continued as he pressed the lower of her back. "Tsubaki, can you lay on your stomach for a bit?"

Tsubaki nodded as she was having trouble finding her voice from how she was feeling.

Now on her stomach using her hands as pillows, Aru began working down rubbing her waist before proceeding to her thighs then feet. But as he continued down, he felt her shiver especially when he made skin to skin contact with her bare legs. Although he found it peculiar how she seemed to have been panting. Finally finishing his task, Aru sat on the side edge of the bed as Tsubaki slowly got up sitting on the end of the bed with her back still faced to him. "So do you feel better now?"

She nodded as her head seemed to have been lowered slightly as if she were deep in thought.

"I better get going then. Got to take a shower and get ready for tomorrow".

Just getting up to leave, "Aru . . . ." which got the boy's attention "can you do something for me?"

"Yeah, what is it?"

". . . . Hold me".

Blinking a bit to the unusual request Aru sat back down on the bed as he encircled his arms around Tsubaki's stomach as she then laid her arms over his. "Hmm, she still might be nervous about tomorrow", "so is everything OK now?"

Tsubaki slowly shook her head to this. Then turning her head back, ". . . . Kiss me".

"Huh?"

Leaning back, her face blushing red from cheek to cheek, she planted her lips softly on his.

Aru was startled by the sudden action which caught him off guard as it was one of those few times someone got the jump on him.

Releasing herself from his grasp, Tsubaki faced her entire body towards him as soon Aru responded in full wrapping his arms around her petite form deepening the contact they were sharing.

Soon enough, the silver haired youth guided her down to the bed continuing their activity as this feeling of passion began to encompass them. Almost in an instinctual way, Aru glided up caressing Tsubaki's side as his hand reached the buttons to her blouse beginning to undue them one by one as he went down. However upon reaching her fourth button, he noticed it. Although faint and vague, it was apparent as day as it reflected in her eyes and body language. In them he saw fear, worry, frustration, as well as a tinge of disgust. He then pushed himself back up as he stepped away while trying to give a comforting smile seeing the confused expression on Tsubaki's face. "It's getting late. I better get going now as we both need to get some sleep". So waving his hand, "good night Tsubaki" as he exited the room.

Tsubaki sitting up continued to watch on somewhat confused before her eyes looked down in sadness as she clutched her open shirt closed with one hand. "Aru . . . ."

~ Sakurami city ~ (afternoon the next day)

Arriving as scheduled, the group met up with Ai and Marco as they then proceeded to the shopping district.

But upon arriving, "there's way too much on the list and it'll take the entire day just to get everything. I think we should split up into groups to get everything within a timely manner" said Mao.

"I agree" said Hinata. "So who is going where?"

"How about" as Ai quickly intercepted. "We girls go as a group".

"While us guys" Marco followed. "Will be the other group. Don't worry, we'll take care of the heavier items" as he slung his arm over Aru's shoulder.

Tsubaki opened her mouth but then fell silent as she withdrew. Hinata did not know Ai and Marco was the seventh diary user. Furthermore did not want to alarm them. As Aru pointed out earlier that day, it was unlikely that they'd start trouble in public. But more so with what happened yesterday . . . . It was a bit awkward between her and silver haired youth. So she wanted time to be away from him till things normalized.

"Well we'll be seeing you girls later then" smiled Aru as Marco began pulling him away.

"Let's meet back here when we're done" said Ai as she pushed the girls along.

Going store to store, the girls were quick in gathering the items they needed. From appearance things seemed to have been rather pleasant. However Tsubaki was constantly on guard during the entire debacle which took away from the enjoyment of this girl time. But after finishing their task, the girls decided to take a break at a local café where they ordered their drinks.

"I need to go to the restroom" said Hinata.

"Wait! Let me go with you" then said Mai as she tagged along.

"I don't need someone to hold my hand!"

"Hmm? Why not?" said Mai as they continued to banter all the way to the restroom.

Tsubaki was silently in shock with being left with the older girl. Anything could happen because if worse came to worse she was in a sense utterly defenseless before the seventh as she had to hope that Aru was right about them. Before she could muse any longer, she was shaken out of it when she was spoken too.

"So how has your life been going?" Ai smiled. "Good I hope".

"Yeah" Tsubaki stuttered clamoring to keep herself calm. ". . . . It's been going well . . . ."

Ai nodded as she opened her phone quickly reading any new diary entry before putting it away. "So it seems you're currently living with that charming detective boy huh".

"Yeah . . . ."

Ai then giggled as she gave a wide smile. "So have you two . . . . 'Done it'?"

Tsubaki face instantly flashed red while showing an embarrassing expression. "What? No!"

Ai gave out a hearty laugh to her reaction. "You sure? He seemed like a very forward guy if you ask me".

"Yeah I'm sure! We haven't done anything like that!"

Finally finishing her laugh, Ai settled down in order to have a proper discussion. "But in all seriousness, are you enjoying your current living arrangement?"

Settling down as well, Tsubaki paused for a moment to articulate her answer. Compiling the short time she had at the Akise residence a small smile formed as her heart warmed fondly to the memories. "It's been the most wonderful experience in my life. The Akise family has been more then generous in allowing me to stay with them as they helped me live as a normal girl. For this, I will always be grateful to their kindness".

Ai stared at her for a moment as she looked into her eyes. Seeing the glow on her face, she grinned. ". . . . You love him don't you?"

"Ehh?"

"Aru Akise, you love him don't you?"

"What are you saying?" Tsubaki exclaimed returning to her flushed face. "You can't be serious!"

Ai giggled again as she knew she hit the nail right on the head as she found it amusing how flustered the pale girl was. "It's written all over your face. You've fallen head over heels for him haven't you? I wouldn't be surprised if you've reached about second base with him by now". Just seeing her flinching a bit while looking away, "You have!" she squealed in excitement. "You need to tell me all about it!" as she was just enjoying her reactions too much. But then her face fell as she saw Tsubaki's expression shift to that of a sad one.

"You're right . . . ." as Tsubaki's tone became heavy. "I do love him. I love him so dearly. I love him so much that it hurts" cupping her hands over her heart. "I'd do anything for him. He had shown me so much kindness. He had shown me a world bigger then I could possibly imagine. He showed me a life worth living . . . . But yet . . . . I don't think I could bare anything in return . . . ."

"Why?" Ai then asked cautiously as she had a feeling to what the answer would be.

Tsubaki hugged herself as her eyes wavered with tears beginning to form. As her lips curved into a deep frown, her body began to shiver. ". . . . Those two years . . . . All those men . . . . Everything about me has become defiled . . . ." as tears began to stream down the sides of her cheeks. "Even now . . . . I feel disgusted about what happened and no matter how much I try . . . . I can never forget what happened. Thinking about Aru . . . . Why would he want someone . . . . As used up as me?" Now freefalling, Tsubaki could not hold back her anguish as she was biting her lip just trying to keep it in. Although she found happiness with Aru, she would always be quickly reminded of those two years of being forced to do those disgusting 'rituals'. Just the pain of remembering how much it hurt the first time . . . . She was lost in what she was supposed to do now. Tsubaki then folded her arms on the table as she sobbed on them not wanting seventh to look at her.

Ai felt her heart breaking with hearing her story. No child should ever have to experience the things she did as it was just too horrible to even imagine the terror and pain she felt. Originally when she first met her, she too wanted to help her upon discovering the dilemma she was in. However was conflicted as she was resolved in doing whatever it took to win the final prize which meant killing the other diary users. But from reading her exchange diary with Marco, he learned from Aru that Tsubaki wasn't interested in becoming god anymore and was just happy living a simple and content life. "Why couldn't it be someone else? Anybody else? Why couldn't you be just some evil person like the third or insane like the twelfth?" as her face scrunched in confusion. The more this game continued, the harder it became. Simply sixth was just a little girl wanting to be saved. Now that it has happened, to rob her of her life now would just be far too cruel. Adding more fuel to the fire, the fifth diary user was an innocent child who had no interest in the game either. As for the eighth, how could she ever bring herself to murder the one woman who was in all sense the closest thing she had to a mother? Allowing these thoughts to dwell in her mind, ". . . . I don't know if I can still play this game anymore . . . ." as she couldn't bare the idea of either herself or Marco slaying any of them. Ai then scooted closer to Tsubaki as she wrapped her arms around the petite girl's shoulders giving her a tender hug.

"Don't touch me!" she yelled with a snort. ". . . . Please don't touch me . . . ."

This only reaffirmed Ai's fortitude as she kept her hold over the sixth. "I'm sorry for everything you've been through. But it's over now. It's OK to cry in front of people when you're sad. But know that there are people around that care for you".

The pale girl took this in as she sniffled. "But what about Aru . . . ."

"Take it from me. He does care for you dearly. He might even love you. But you won't know until you're straight with him. It's OK to take things slowly until you're comfortable. That's what a mutual relationship is all about you know".

Tsubaki then sat up completely red eye as she jumped onto Ai now crying onto her.

Although surprised, she held her softly while patting the back of her head. "It's OK now. It's all OK now".

~ Sakurami city ~

While picking up items, Marco and Aru were chatting away with each other as if they've been friends forever. As they went, they talked about everything they could think about.

As they talked the time away, Marco had to admit that Aru had some terrific skills if he was getting him to talk so much and openly. Even about topics that he shouldn't have been saying anything about.

But finally gathering everything that they needed, the two boys sat at a fountain where they continued their talk. Conversing happily as it was, 'that' topic then came up.

"You're still after the prize, aren't you?" said Aru.

"And what if I am?" questioned Marco threateningly gripping his fists till his knuckles popped.

"I meant no hostility with what I said" as Aru waved his hands passively. "I'm certain if I even tried anything that I'm clearly outclassed in both skill and strength in comparison to you. Not to mention your brawler diary gives you an overwhelming advantage over me".

"Better believe it" Marco huffed in confidence.

"But what I want to understand is why do you want this prize so much? What is compelling you to go to such extremes for it?"

Marco looked to him briefly before looking out as a fond smile began to spread on his face. Closing his eyes for a moment, Marco gave a soft chuckle. "It's because I'm in love".

Aru looked to him to continue.

"Ai and I, we've been together ever since we were kids. It was practically love at first sight as we were inseparable. As our time together grew, so did our love as I swore to protect her from any harm that would befall her. But in the coming of these games and the final prize, we both decided we'd do anything it took to achieve it and spend the rest of eternity together". Marco then gazed to Aru with menacing eyes. "I will do whatever it takes to keep our love eternal!"

The boy detective stared at him in silence. But leaning back, he looked to the sky. "But is that really what you want?"

"Are you questioning the strength of our love?" Marco then asked sounding offended with what was being implied.

"Not at all" as Aru shook his head. "But to win this game . . . . Are you willing to kill innocent children for it?"

Marco fell silent as he had no proper rebuttal to that.

". . . . Are you willing to kill the woman who has been a mother to you for most of your known life?"

". . . ." as Marco gripped his fists tightly as that was another thing he didn't quite take into consideration.

Aru gave a soft sigh as he looked to his compatriot. "Although I know it's not my place to say this, but I don't think love it meant to be like that".

"What the hell do you mean by that?"

"I feel . . . . Although love should be cherished, it's not meant to be forever as singular individuals. As human beings we are only but small flickers upon the grand stage of the universe. But that's what makes life beautiful and important as we are governed by the rules of time and that's what makes it all so precious. Being here on Earth with these limitations is what gives our actions meaning. Eventually when I find the one I'm destined for, I enjoy the idea of falling in love, getting married, and then growing old together with them surrounded by our children and possibly their children. But to become ageless with the one I love, romantic in itself but left stagnant never able to progress to something more or something better". Aru let out a soft sigh. "Of course . . . . This is just what I think as it's your choice in the end to decide for yourself . . . . What do you want?"

Marco blinked at the compelling speech as it was in a way life altering. There was so much now that he needed to consider. Although he and Ai promised to be together for eternity, was he truly ready to be a murderer? Although he resolved himself to the dirty deed, it was one thing to think it and another thing to do it as he knew taking life can really change a person. More so, could he really take the life of children and that of his own adopted mother? He loved Ai and there was no questioning his devotion to her. But taking in what the boy detective said, he too eventually wanted to make a family with Ai. Although unacceptable, the idea of growing old together did have its appeals. Scoffing a bit, the brutish man pulled out his phone to check any new updates in his exchange diary. Reading the latest entry, ". . . . So you agree too huh?" Placing his phone away, he stood up while rubbing his hand on Aru's head while chuckling a bit. "Quite the poet we have here. Come on, the girls are waiting for us. We better get back now".

"Alright" as the pair then returned back.

~ Sakurami city ~ (late night)

It was dark out as the eighth was walking towards a certain destination. Not too long ago, she was informed that her orphanage was going to be closed by order of the city council. To hear such news was indescribable as her children were her entire world. But recently she received a letter from a man going by John Balks who wanted to talk about her current situation.

Going to the intended meeting place, Kamado arrived to a rather luxurious building. Talking to the register for bit, she was escorted to a large office where she was met with a menacing looking man.

"Kamado Ueshita I presume?" to which the eighth nodded too. "I've heard of your dilemma and my heart goes out to you. But if you're interested, I have a business proposition I'd like the discuss which I feel will be mutually beneficial".

To be continued . . . .

Author's notes: I hope this chapter was OK as there were a few things I was iffy on.

So thank you for taking the time is reading this fic and I further extend my gratitude if you can review it as well.