Chapter 11 – Believing Destiny I – The Meaning of Stars
David removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes tiredly. He had been going through the pages of the audited report a few times already without much thought in it. He shook his head slightly, no matter how he tried to focus and concentrate, his distracted mind would always go back to the earlier events of that day. It was like her sweet face was already engraved not only in his heart but in his mind. Even the words and numbers in the documents turned into jumble of letters, forming an image of her. He was not the type of person to obsess but his actions and thoughts pretty much says he indeed was.
With a sigh, the former emperor put back his glasses and resumed reading. He also needed to go through a few amendments in the memorandum of agreement before the official announcement of his position in the company. The board of Directors and Shareholders has decided to overhaul the organization and remove a few people in the top management who only had their own hidden agendas, milking the company like a poor abused cow to fatten their personal bank accounts.
Betrayal of trust is a painful thing and by stepping up and taking over a practically suck-dry company and restore it to its former glory will most certainly be long, tedious and excruciating process. His face hardened at the figures, it was a pitiful sight that even if they sell the company, it wouldn't be enough to cover the losses and pay for the debts.
It was only because the majority of the board insist to make the announcement official, thus the gala tomorrow. It was the best approach to circumvent the press of the company's real standing in the business world.
The Gala. He was not at all thrilled attending the said event. He hated parties as much as he hated pickles and still wondered why he even agreed when he knew he would be the centre of attention. If only Miaka agreed to his invitation, it would certainly be different.
The truth of the matter was that, he was looking for a perfect sign that she indeed was the One. So, his initial plan before revealing his feelings was to invite her. If she says yes, then he'd take it as a sign, a first step for him to pursue her. But if she say no...
Well, it wouldn't really matter, would it? Since he was so bloody distracted that he didn't know what he was doing earlier. It was a good thing though, since he found out the feeling was mutual after all.
But if she say no, his mind insisted and he frowned slightly at the nagging thought. Logically speaking, if she says no, he would have to rethink whether it's worth taking chances. Although he already knew from the beginning that his logic even when already screaming at the back of his mind was just like a faint whisper in the overwhelming voice of his heart. And he knew that he'd still pursue her no matter what... ring, fiancé and all.
He sighed, since when he had become fickle minded about decision making? And for the last time, he was supposed to review the audited reports.
David removed his glasses and decided to get some fresh air at the balcony. A small smile curved on his lips at the sight of the two stars and thought they looked lovely together. The sight reminded him of Miaka. She must be sleeping by now... my sleeping beauty. He felt the urge to check if she was indeed taking a rest and quickly dial her number.
OOOOOO
Miaka woke up from the smell of the sizzling bacon. She stretched her body and purred like a feline cat in her pink floral comforter, after a while she smiled dreamily, embracing her bolster pillow and burying her face onto it as she remembered the events of last night.
Before she went to bed, she sat down in front of her dresser and combed her auburn long wavy hair while contemplating the events that occurred these past few days. Certainly, after her meeting with Hotohori's reborn at the airport, everything seems to move in quick motion, as if her sorrowful nights happened in a distant past and if she tried to recall it, there was no bitterness or emptiness in her heart.
All those years, there was only a man who owned her heart. There was only one Tamahome or Taka and her feelings for him were certain and true. And so, the mere thought of falling in love to another man was like an unforgivable crime.
But then, David Wong came along and instantly created a small space in her heart and that small tiny space was slowly and steadily expanding its territory. She always thought only Taka was capable of healing her heart and yet, Hotohori's reborn had unconsciously done it, in a matter of days. If that is true, then she was wrong in her assumption. Perhaps the best medicine to a broken heart is a brand new love.
She sighed while staring at her own reflection in the mirror. She looks different compare to the previous times she stared at herself. The last time she saw her own reflection, her pair of hazel eyes and every feature of her face has nothing but complete dullness. Even if she flashed a smile, it was pitifully empty.
After the storm in her life had ended, the only season that lingered was autumn... the shades of gray represent dullness... black for the shadows of bitterness... brown for every wilting leaves of hope...
But now, staring back before her is a completely different woman... suddenly, spring came to take over autumn with a promise of a beautiful life ahead. The shades of gray, black and brown on her face was gradually replaced by shades of wonderful, sweet pink colours that made her glow like cherry blossom. Her eyes beaming in emerald of translucent hope... her red lips that showed a brilliant smile exalting for the freedom of mourning enslavement.
Indeed, a new life has sprang before her... a new beginning... a new chapter... a new page... and she couldn't help but give the most beautiful smile she never had before. Her eyes full of wonder and enthusiasm for the promise of a new day... to be with the wonderful man with golden brown eyes whom he knew will bring more colours in her life. Miaka sighed once again. She put down the hair brush on the counter when she glance the ring in her finger.
Her engagement ring Taka gave her, which she wore and has never taken out for the last ten years now stared back at her. The ring was not just a promise ring given by Taka. It was symbolic to her since it was the epitome of her fulfilment as a priestess. The ring was her Shinzaho, her most precious treasure that has been blessed by Suzaku. Miaka bit her lower lip. She knew that removing the ring in her finger will be as symbolic as being its shinzaho. Removing it means she is crossing over that invisible line and liberating herself undoubtedly of all the memories that tied her to Taka. Everything... the man, the love, the promise, the hopes, all the bitter sweet memories will served as just 'memoirs' she will cherish from time to time.
Although the shinzaho was as important and as valuable to her, she knew she couldn't continue wearing it if she wanted to live a new life. As a matter of fact, the shinzaho was supposed to stay inside the Universe of the Four Gods and was to be guarded and protected by her seishi with their life as if the shinzaho was the priestess itself. After all that happened, the duty of the celestial warriors never ceases even after the priestess has summoned the guardian deity. The reason she kept it was because it was her engagement ring and had thrust to take care of it herself.
She remembered the celestial warriors of Genbu who had guarded Takiko's shinzaho for almost two hundred years. She sighed. Even deaths didn't forfeit their duty as celestial warrior. Their spirit lives to guard and protect the precious jewel of their Miko until a worthy priestess of another God will claim it. She was imprisoned in a block of ice and only her willpower as a worthy priestess can liberate herself from its imprisonment. Her own seishi can only stare in horror when no kind of weapon, power or magic could release her from the ice block. And she proved to be worthy of the jewel, in the end, Takiko's Seishis thanked her for they had finally fulfilled their duty and their spirit can rest.
And Tatarah, the celestial warrior of Byakko who had guarded Suzuno's shinzaho for almost ninety years, had also waited for the worthy priestess to claim his beloved's precious jewel. And she had proven that as well. Miaka lowered her head in melancholy at the thought of Tatarah dying in the hands of seiryuu seishi in his quest to retrieve the shinzaho he entrusted to her. Her lower lip trembled in mixture of emotions. It was a brief meeting but she had witnessed his undying love for his priestess. He died with a smile on his lips as his spirit travelled across the two worlds to reunite with his beloved Suzuno who also breathed her last breath as an old ailing woman. A shiver ran over her spine and a tear slid down her cheeks remembering Keisukei's story when he witnessed that reunion. After waiting for more than ninety years, they were finally together...
Miaka sighed shakily, again murmuring words of thanks for Suzaku's generosity. Now, if she could only go back inside the book and entrust the ring to Chichiri and Tasuki. But a part of her opposed right away, surely, she wouldn't want them to live hundred years just to guard her jewel when she had it safely in her finger for a decade already.
What if she entrust it to David when he remembers his past? A frown slowly formed on her features, after all that had happened inside the book, how could she be so insensitive even in thoughts? The very idea was absurd it even bring chills down her spine.
Miaka tapped her fingers on the hairdresser in agitation. Returning the ring to Taka was another option, she guessed her former lover would understand her need of moving forward. But she didn't know where he lives and also she was having a hard time thinking of the right way to approach him. She's not returning his 'ring' because they were over but because he has to guard it with his life. Will she not again rub his past life on his face as if he was reborn just for that purpose when he wanted none of it already?
The russet haired girl took a deep breath. She never thought taking care of the shinzaho will become a problem to her.
She stood up and walked towards the window to gaze at the sky. 'What a beautiful night.' She remembered David, it's only been two days after their first meeting and they already came to a mutual understanding of their feelings. Heat suffused her cheeks and her heart made a thumping sound similar to the pitter-patter of raindrops. She smiled wistfully, her thoughts were dominated by the former emperor just as she suspected. He left three hours ago and she already longed for him. 'Oh Suzaku, what am I going to do... I missed him already..."
Her musings were interrupted by the sound of her mobile phone ringing and thought it was her mom or Keisukei. Her eyebrows furrowed when she saw an unfamiliar number but decided to answer it.
"Still not sleeping, milady?" The man answered on the other line.
Another unrestrained smile crossed her lips once again when she heard the familiar smooth cool voice. "Ah, it's you Sir Knight... well, not yet, but will sleep soon."
"Why are you still awake? You should be resting by now..."
"How could I when you're calling me..." She replied teasingly. "Where are you now?" She inquired while leaning on the window sill, tapping her left foot on the floorboard.
"I'm here at the balcony of my hotel room. I was admiring the beautiful night and remembered you, I already missed you." He said poetically.
This time, the priestess was unable to restrain her giggle albeit their similar thoughts. "I'm also standing by the window, admiring the beautiful night as well..." she wanted to tell him how much she missed him too but shyness prevented her from saying so.
"Is that so... well, I hope you're remembering me as you gaze at the stars..." David was slightly astonished by the coincidence as he carelessly crossed his leg to the other while leaning at the railing.
A deep blush graced her cheeks as she admitted shyly what she couldn't say earlier "err... of course... I was thinking about you too..."
David smiled; pleased to hear they share the same longing. "Milady... I really wish I can dance with you tomorrow. But I guess I can't compete with your brother, ne?"
"Sir Knight, since you were gazing at the sky, why don't you wait for a shooting star and wish for it" she teased.
"Hmm... why not." He pushed some of the loose tendrils hanging on his face behind his ears. "Just the other night, I witnessed a shooting star... you know, the night I met you... when I saw it, I suddenly thought of you." He wanted to tell her, he was practically thinking about her the whole night.
Miaka blinked her eyelids. This was all surprising to her "Hoto... David... was that the shooting star blazing in red?"
"Yes, the one that flew across the two bright stars." David's voice was getting excited by the revelation. It seems that something was about to be unfold. "'don't tell me you had seen that too?"
"Well... yes... it was a beautiful sight... and the moonlight... was like speaking to me" she almost told him she was thinking about him the whole night.
"The moonlight? Miaka... I'm beginning to think this was not mere coincidence... but... is this... destiny?" David cocked his head in astonishment
"Do you believe in destiny?" both asked each other in unison. Miaka gasped. David felt he has been electrified. Both hearts were hammering in their ribcage.
Silence took over for a few minutes, both were overwhelmed with the new information they found from each other. Could it be? Was that really possible? Everything was just unbelievable, like there was a strong invisible force that connects them together... their thoughts and their actions, their longing for each other seemed intertwined with the forces of nature. They thought they served as spectator of nature's beauty where in fact the stars and the moonlight laid witness to the two souls longing for one another.
Even Miaka was shocked. She knew they shared a bond. He was her seishi, after all. But this was such a strong connection like they share an umbilical cord, like they were twins. She never experienced this kind of bond even with Taka or Tamahome. This is phenomenal. Does this mean that she is supposed to be with Hotohori, after all?
"Miaka... I wanted to see you again." David finally said.
"BLAG!"
A loud bang on the wall was heard on her room. Miaka jerked in surprise and almost fell from her bed, disturbing her thoughts.
"Wake up sleepy head!" Keisukei shouted after slamming the door against the wall.
"Are you going to give me a heart attack!" she growled, gnashing her teeth.
"Just kidding! Breakfast is ready, mom's calling you" Keisukei ignored her hostile reaction, walked towards the bed whistling and suddenly pulled her blanket from under her that made her fall from her bed
A loud thud was heard. Miaka rubbed her hips down to her butt as she glared at Keisukei "You are so dead you evil monster!"
Keisukei ran out of her room towards the kitchen, laughing maniacally. Miaka followed him shouting unintelligible words but as soon as she entered the kitchen, she halted in surprise.
Good morning Miaka! Shouted the people.
Miaka was surprised to see the whole staff: Yui, Ino, Hana, May and Eli. Tetsuya was there too sitting beside Yui.
"Guys, what are you doing here? This is surprising!" She said.
"We weren't able to visit you at the hospital that's why we decided to visit you here instead" Ino replied.
"And we decided to have our breakfast here so we brought a few things to share, then we'll go together to the office" May added.
Miaka was extremely touched that she had forgotten Keisukei and the food served on the table. "Thank you guys, that's just so nice of you... I think i'm going to cry..."
"Come, sit down Miaka" Called Mrs. Yuuki.
"I'll go brush my teeth first... and wash my face" she giggled animatedly while covering her mouth.
She ran towards the bathroom to do her morning ritual. In a few minutes, Miaka stepped into the kitchen and joined the group in the dining table. Yui asked her to sit beside her.
"How are you feeling now?" Asked Yui.
"I'm good. I slept well... the meds prescribed by the doctor makes me drowsy, so every time I took it, my head feels heavy."
"Mrs. Yuuki said you were given four days sick leave, I think it's for the best. You haven't taken your day-offs since Jurassic" Yui muttered.
"Not only I. You too!" Miaka replied poking her right arm.
"Children, it's good that you are working hard. But, don't neglect yourself; you have to rest your body too." Mrs. Yuuki said in motherly tone.
The younger Yuuki smirked and rolled her eyes while the rest discreetly poked one another under the table. They shared the potluck breakfast and discussed their assigned works, deciding who will fill Miaka during her absence. The latter felt guilty since their agency was terribly busy but they assured her everything will turn out fine and she should just relax and take things easy. After an hour and a half, Tetsuya drove the girls to the office.
Yui promised to return later in the afternoon to help Miaka fix herself. In truth, the russet haired girl was itching to talk to her blond best friend and share her excursion inside the holy sword but knew she had to be patient and wait for the right time.
OOOOOO
Miaka dashed towards the door excitedly when she heard the familiar female voice calling her. It was Yui who came a little earlier than expected. Wasting no time, the blond helped curl Miaka's hair so it will be easier to fix in whatever style they will come up later, though she already had something in her mind. Excited with her own dinner date with Tetsuya later that night, after fixing her own hair with a curler, Yui showed her cocktail dress and pair of shoes to her best friend for approval. It had been a while since the last time they bonded like this and they were seriously having a lot of fun.
They sat on the bed and started their conversation. Miaka had been dying to share her little secret to Yui or Keisukei while it was obvious that the two were just as anxious to hear her story. Taking a full deep breath, Miaka opened her mouth and started to tell her tale by saying that David Wong was in fact her second seishi, Hotohori, in the Universe of the Four Gods.
Yui was flabbergasted and wondered how it was possible for Hotohori to be reborn in their world. It was against the law of the Gods. Tamahome was one thing, but Hotohori too? She rubbed her temple to ease the rising headache. Anything about the book made her feel nauseous, truly, her whole experience was a traumatic one and the idea that there was another way to enter the Universe of the Four Gods made her want to collapse on the floor. And it was most disconcerting how the holy sword ended up in their world and in their time. Yui had a frightening idea that it was not coincidence.
Although, both items were a doorway to the same world, Universe of the Four Gods, the book was obviously a portal to that world's present time, allowing the characters to fill every pages as they create their story or adventure while the holy sword seemed to allow the priestess to go back in the past just to see but not alter anything.
It all made sense why Miaka's body was in coma, only a part of her spirit was whisked away inside the sword, compared in the book.
Unable to wait for her turn, Yui cut Miaka's story short to inform her all the happenings that she missed out while in coma. How Keisukei called them in panic and distress because of her screams and agonizing tears and whispers.
Hearing how her body reacted was too much of a shock that the priestess of Suzaku remembered once again how she witnessed Hotohori's last moments, her spirit literally beside him when he heaved his last breath after uttering his perpetual promise. Tears involuntarily flowed in her eyes as she was reminded of that sad event, as if it only happened yesterday.
"Maybe when your spirit wasn't able to cope up with the trauma, your body reacted unconsciously." Yui voiced out her thoughts. "We decided to search for the book. Keisukei was worried that something happened to Hotohori and you had witnessed it yourself. He desperately wanted the book to know your whereabouts but we were left in vain. We cannot locate the book as if it magically disappeared."
Miaka was touched with the concern the three had expressed especially Keisukei. He was always a big brother to her despite their bickering. She knew he loved her and would protect her no matter what.
"So, are you sure about your decision... moving on without Taka?"
"Yes, it's been five years. I need to face reality and I need to live my life."
"And Hotohori or David... Are you sure about him? What about his memories, are you going to tell him?" Yui inquired.
Miaka paused for a while and then replied "It's peculiar but ever since I met him at the airport, there was a strong bond that linked us. Much stronger, actually I never had that kind of connection even with Taka or Tamahome. I think what happened to me inside the sword was a major wake up call. When we were inside the book, I already liked Hotohori that time... it's just that, my feelings for Tamahome was stronger. But what happened after we met again a few days ago was magical, like we were both unconsciously linked telepathically by nature, but not. And about his memories," she sighed deeply and continued "I still don't know... I was wondering why he hadn't remembered anything, it's been ten years. But when we were at the restaurant, he was gazing at me and suddenly he called me 'miko'. Maybe if we spend more time together, he will slowly remember it, he just needs a trigger."
Yui shrugged her shoulder "Well, I guess your mom was right, half a decade of your life was already wasted just waiting for someone uncertain of return. You deserve to be happy, maybe there was a reason why you two met. And miaka..."
Miaka cocked her head and waited "Yes..."
"You are glowing... I can see it in your eyes, in your smile. Like the old Miaka we used to know finally emerge from her long slumber. Your face light up like Christmas tree and I would believe a handsome man with long hair has something to do with it." She said, smiling to her best friend.
"Awww... Yui. Thank you." She tugged Yui and gave her a big bear hug. "Am I that obvious?"
Yui laughed lightly and poked her best friend's side. The russet haired girl yelped in surprise and tickled her best friend in return. After the long serious talk, Yui started to help Miaka fix her hairdo and make up. They were laughing and talking and being silly discussing about boys, gossip, latest trends, foods, movies, upcoming concerts except their job. For the first time in a long time, they wanted to be free from the pressure of their chosen careers and just relax and enjoy.
A little while later, Keisukei came to pick her up. When Miaka stepped out of her room, Keisukei was stunned. Even he who likes to tease and annoy her sister at any given opportunity was awestruck. By all accounts, she looks stunningly elegant with her deep red evening dress that complimented her classy make-up and hairdo. Miaka was satisfied with the approval look from her brother. Likewise, Keisukei looked handsome in his ash grey suit with his hair parted to the side.
Miaka hugged and thanked Yui for all the help. Yui will stay behind to wait for Tetsuya which will be a little later. Even though Miaka lives alone in her apartment, her mom and best friend have a spare key of the unit.
They reached the hotel an hour late due to the unexpected traffic caused by a bus that lost control and collided to the two cars.
The hall was huge. In fact, the hotel had to open the three adjoining hall to cater to the number of people attending the gala, the adjacent garden was also open for smoking area and relaxation. Miaka suddenly felt nervous as soon as she entered the hall although her right hand was tucked in Keisukei's arm. This was the biggest formal gala she ever attended and the fact that she doesn't know anybody else except her brother makes her anxious and self-doubt her initial confidence. Keisukei saw her anxiety and whispered some comforting words.
"Keisukei, I am fully aware we are attending a dinner and dance party but you forgot to tell me one little detail. This party is huge and I feel as diminutive as my height." Miaka whispered.
"What are you worrying about? You look stunning!" Keisukei assured her.
"You only say that because I'm your sister. It's a bias statement." Her diminishing self-confidence is clearly visible in her voice.
Keisukei sighed and turned to face his sister "Miaka, I'm not being bias just because you're my sister. Maybe you're not aware but ever since you woke up from your coma, you were glowing. Your eyes were shining, your smile, enchanting. You looked beautiful even without make up. I don't know what happened to you during your state of coma, but you were like a caterpillar that when you emerged from the cocoon, you transformed to a beautiful butterfly."
Miaka was stunned and speechless. She was deeply moved by her brother's words and was now caught in mixed emotions. Yui said the same thing earlier, was she really that obvious?
He continued, "that's why, even though I was worried about you, when you woke up with a totally different glow, I couldn't bring myself to ask you what happened to you for fear that I might touch a sensitive issue that will make the glow disappear."
...
"...Thanks Keisukei" she smiled softly, her eyes nearing tears.
"And if there's someone who have to feel insecure, should be me" he mumbled to her ear.
Miaka's head jerked back, "huh. Why?" she asked curiously.
"Do I really have to tell you why?" He sniggered.
Miaka chuckled and tapped her forehead in disbelief. "I can't believe it," her head shaking. "We are really siblings born with low self-esteem."
Keisukei snorted. "It's your fault. Your whining is contagious like flu. Anyway, let's go over there, I just saw my boss." He said, tugging his sister with him.
She followed him but whispered to his ear "Keisukei, I forgot to tell you, you look dashing." Keisukei turned back to her and smiled.
They reached one of the tables and Keisukei introduced Miaka to his Manager, Mr. Motoi and colleagues. In turn, they were introduced to their partners. They were offered the seat but Miaka excused herself to go to the powder room. Mr. Motoi gave Keisukei a ran-down of what they had missed, like the introduction of the new Director, company's expectations, deliverables. He also gave him a stub for a raffle draw later.
Inside the powder room, Miaka can't seem to alleviate her tensed nerves. Her excitement and nervousness were rubbing each other underneath her skin. A slender woman was looking at her from the mirror, her eyes probing. Miaka decided to leave the powder room and go back to Keisukei, the least she can do is to just make the best of this night, enjoy the food, music and the company of her brother. She was his date after all. If she meets an acquaintance, then it will be just an added bonus.
She strode back to where Keisukei's group was seated. When Keisukei saw her coming, he stood up and followed her direction. Most people were already seated and having their dinner. He placed his hand on her elbow and tugged her to the buffet table. Enormous feast were laid on the long counter, with cascading water fountain with intricate design of fairies and flowers served as centrepiece. The assigned waiters assisted them with the serving. Miaka's eyes sparkled, her nervousness suddenly forgotten with the mouth-watering banquet served before them, if she could only transform into a chibi, she would. Keisukei asked what drink she preferred that night. She opted for mango juice since she was worried the wine will have some adverse reaction to the medicines she's currently taking.
On the way back, a few colleagues of Keisukei from other department greeted them, introductions were made. When they reached their table, she felt more at ease compared earlier. They continued to chat while eating, laughs can be heard from their table and Miaka realized Mr. Motoi was an amiably pleasant boss. It was a little later that she became aware of a few couples heading to the dance floor even Mr. Motoi stood and tugged his wife saying that the song being played was their wedding song.
After an hour, Keisukei asked her hand for a dance which Miaka obliged. They joined the other couples at the dance floor both giggling knowing how off it was to dance a romantic music when they were not really couple.
"Now, you've done it! You spoiled your night for asking me, YOUR- sister to be your date" Miaka sniggered in a playful tone.
Keisukei chuckled and shrugged his shoulder "You really have to rub it in my face, you ungrateful klutz?"
"But seriously, why have you not asked any of your colleagues from other department. I saw few and they look gorgeous." She inquired.
"Not interested!"
"What?" Miaka guffawed as she rolled her eyes "What is your standard anyway? Mr. Airhead who thinks he looks like Adonis?"
"Well, it's not about standard. Actually, I liked someone but she's already engaged." He replied, suddenly turning sober.
"Oh..." Miaka muttered after realizing she hit a soft sour spot. "Is she... here?"
He sighed "If you really wanna know, yes. That's why I don't want to attend in the first place."
Miaka finally understood his dilemma. She suddenly felt sorry for his brother. He was engaged when his fiancée died, it was horrible. And now that he finally opened his heart to another girl, it's still not possible. Sometimes life is so cruel.
"Don't worry. You'll never know... you might meet her... the right girl... when you least expect it. It could be tomorrow..." Miaka said encouragingly.
Keisukei smiled. "Actually, the reason I'm dancing with you is because a few guys are already lining up to have a dance with my little sister who thinks she's as diminutive as a dwarf."
"What? Are you serious? No way!" Miaka scoffed indignantly.
"You think I'm kidding? Of course they can't dance with you unless they ask permission from me!" He said grinning.
"But I'm not really interested to dance with them," pouting her lips.
Keisukei chuckled. "Oh really! What is your standard anyway? Ms. Airhead who thinks she looks like Aphrodite?" he asked mockingly.
Miaka glared at Keisukei "Shut up!"
He chuckled once more. People who knew them like their neighbours, relatives and friends were used to their bantering and bickering. But others who don't know Miaka as his sister but rather his 'date', the male Yuuki was aware of the possibility that others will look at it as if they were having a lover's quarrel.
"Well, seriously... What are your plans after Taka? Are you still willing to wait for him?" Keisukei asked carefully.
Miaka paused for a while "... I think I came a point where I realized I have to move on with my life now..." she said slowly.
"Then, this party is really for you my dear sister... you'll never know... you might meet him here..." he said encouragingly, glad that his sister is now picking up her broken pieces.
She smiled a sweet smile "I-I think... I already met him."
"Really?" he asked, blinking. "When? Who?"
"You will never believe it... three days ago... the reincarnation of Hotohori." She replied with her eyes sparkling.
Keisukei's jaw dropped, he felt the ground underneath him collapsed. Just before he could react, a man tapped his shoulder and asked permission to dance with Miaka. Both sibling were absorbed with their talk they didn't realize it was their fourth song already. He has no choice but to give Miaka away.
End of Chapter 11