Chapter 10
- So this is the Great Seal…
The strange man landed quietly on his feet. He then stepped closer to where Hamuko was bound. Placing his hand on his chest, he bowed down politely:
- Good day, Miss Arisato. It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance.
Hamuko tilted her head and observed the strange man. He had wavy red hair, purple eyes and was wearing a black tuxedo. Hamuko raised an eyebrow.
"Talking about tux, senpai looked good in those butler outfits. Ahhh … good memories…" She smiled widely. Every time she thought about him, she couldn't help but show a completely stupid love struck grin and a pink blush on her face.
Hamuko returned her attention to the man. He had been gazing at her for a while. What does he want? How could he get in here? Meh… Whatever! It's not like he can hear her or anything…
- I believe that there's a way for us to communicate. – The strange man pointed his finger at the stone statue. Suddenly, lights covered Hamuko and while still chained to the gate, she returned to her human form.
- Oh … - Hamuko raised an eyebrow – What did you do to me?
- I've just cast a transformation spell on you. With this, I can hear your words, miss. – The man answered politely.
Hamuko's crimson red eyes hypered with excitement. It had been so long since the last time she talked to someone apart from her daughter and Eurebus.
- Really? Great! I have been so lonely ever since … Oops! How rude of me! What's your name, stranger?
- My name is Loki. I'm a commoner from the magic world who happened to own a key that opened the door to this place. – The man smiled gently.
- Loki, ha? Nice name! Want to play cards?
What is with you and playing cards anyway?
- Shut it, Eurebus! Hey! Is it okay if I use my feet …
- I'm terribly sorry – The young man interrupted quickly – But it seems like I can't afford to play with you now. I have other greater business to discuss.
- You gotta be kidding me… Business? I'm retired, dude! – Hamuko sighed loudly. She was greatly disappointed. The first man she got the chance to talk to after so many years only came for her to discuss about … business. – Better be a good one then. – Hamuko smirked sadistically – Ok. Hey Eurebus! You know what to do with the uninvited, right?
I'm not your pet.
- Nah … I'm just reminding you of your job. – She then turned her head to face the young man. – You'd better watch out. It looks like you'll have to deal with that thing over there first, before you get the chance to discuss your "greater business" with me. – She then gave him her usual maniacal grin - Don't die and good luck!
Eurebus charged in.
Evening…
It was raining outside.
Little Minako curled to a ball next to her dad. It was cold and it was raining. There was nothing to do because Ken hadn't got back yet. But, that didn't mean she was bored. She enjoyed her father's lap that she rested her head on and his gentle pat on her back greatly.
- Are you cold?
- No…
Shinjiro moved the gaze from the newspaper to his child. She was breathing peacefully and her eyes slowly closed. When there were only Minako and him alone, they didn't talk much. He gently used his fingers to comb Minako's messy, curly album red hair.
"Just like her mother…" Shinji smiled to himself.
- Papa …
- Yes?
- Today, aunt Yukari's little brother came and play with me…
Oh, Yukari's half brother. He was around Minako's age.
- Did you have fun?
- Yes... – The girl answer bashfully. She blushed.
Shinjiro then pulled the girl up and place her on his laps. Arms wrapped tightly around his small daughter, he asked:
- Minako –chan, do you want to make more friends?
- Friends?
- Yeah, friends. The people, who play with you, laugh with you when you're happy, cry with you when you're sad and help you through hard time.
Minako tilted her head.
- Like uncle Minato and papa?
- Yeah…
- Like uncle Aki and papa?
- Yeah…
- Like Ken- nii chan, Mitsuru- san, Aigis, aunty Yukari, aunty Fuuka, Junpei san and papa?
- Let's count Koro- chan in too.
The girl smiled.
- I also … want to have friends.
- I know just the place. – Shinji lifted the girl up and headed to her futon where he put her down.
- Where is it? – The girl yawned and get inside the blanket.
- I'll take you there tomorrow. – Shinji planted a kiss on his daughter's forehead. – Now, sleep well, 'kay?
- Good night, papa…
Minako slowly closed her eyes. Minutes later, the room was filled with the child's peaceful breath.
- It's because, I love you, Junpei…
Junpei suddenly woke up. He sweated like crazy. An immense pain and warmth lurked around his chest. He places his hand where it hurt most and gripped it tightly.
- What's wrong, dear? A nightmare?
Junpei accidentally woke his wife up. Yukari turned on the light giving Junpei a worried look.
No. It was not a nightmare.
It was a rather bitter sweet dream.
With the girl you loved the most uttered three magical words while she died in your arms.
In the middle of a sun flower field.
Junpei shook his head. No. Chidori didn't die. She lived in him.
And that wasn't a dream either. It was once reality.
- A-are you okay, Junpei? Do you need to go to the hospital? – Yukari stroked her husband's cheek and wiped his sweat off.
- I'm okay. You don't have to worry, Yuka-tan… - Junpei forced a smile on his face while he wrapped his arms around Yukari's waist. – Let's continue where we left off last night, shall we?
- You moron! – Yukari pinched Junpei's arm – Don't tell me you wake me up in the middle of the night just to do it!
- Come on, Yuka –tan. If not now, then when? – He leant in and kissed her.
Yukari pushed Junpei away and gave him an unpleasant look:
- I – Idiot! Like hell Imma let you …
Even so, things still went on smoothly.
Yukari rested her head on Junpei's arm pulled the blanket closer to her. She snuggled further in and used her finger to draw countless of air circle on his chest. She felt his heart beat. It was really bright and energetic but in some degree, sorrowful, lonely and sad. She felt love too. But, she wondered if it was for her.
- I'm sorry, Yukari…
It was rare for Junpei to whisper. He was the kind of person who was noisy and always tried to brighten others up with his loudness.
- People said, it was not easy to forget your first love…
Junpei was silent. Yukari could feel his teeth clenching to stop the sob coming out from his throat and his grip around her tightening up. So … she was right … then.
- No … it was impossible to forget – She continued – Don't worry, Junpei. Me too. I still couldn't erase the lingering affection for him…
…
… but… we all have to move on.
It was a long pause before someone actually broke the silence.
- Yeah. We have to live on… no matter what… for those who gave their lives for us. – Junpei wiped his tears. He was right to choose Yukari to be his partner afterall.
- I love you, Junpei. As a friend, as a wife. I know you do too. – Yukari smiled gently.
- I love you, Yuka tan.
They kissed.
It was a rather long night that they spent together…