Senko-san: …What's wrong with me? My legs are shaking, my hands are trembling… and my brain is going bonkers!!! Whoargh!!! Need… to chase… SQUIRRELS!!!!!!!! (Ran outside like a maniac)
Riyo-san: Forgive her. She's just suffering from a caffeine-rush… This is what happens when you are bombarded with ongoing assignments, lack of sleep and caffeine… (Wish could come up with a better excuse, but…)
Looking For a Blood-red Lotus
Chapter 12
Gojyo's POV
I quickened my pace towards Sanzo's keeping my eyes peeled for the sight of a brownish-red haired woman. As I arrived at Sanzo's chalet, I could feel the disappointment in me grew for failing to see her anywhere.
I knocked the door and minutes later, Yue opened it and gave me a smile.
"Please come in. I'll go and get it…" She invited me to the living room.
I knew she was just out of the shower… I could smell a faint scent of lavender from her… perhaps it's the scent of her soap…
I obediently sat down and waited for her to reappear from her room.
"Here it is…" she reappeared with something in her hands.
I held out my hand to receive it.
"I bet it's very important to her… because she placed it aside carefully before we started to cook…" Yue continued.
"Huh? …'cook'?" I looked at her, still puzzled.
"Hai'… (Yes…) I met her buying groceries yesterday… and I invited her here to cook together… for the sake of exchanging recipes… I hope you liked the bento (lunch box) she made… She really put lots of effort into it…"
I felt as if I had just been hit by a truck. My mind's eye flashed back on the ruined bento on the floor.
She didn't buy it… she MADE it…
"Gojyo?"
"…I've really been a fool…" I muttered, mostly to myself.
I slowly gazed at the item which rests nicely in my palm. At first glance, I thought it was just rubbish. But I continued to examine it. It's just pieces of worn and chipped beads threaded together with a red amulet attached to it. The amulet's color was faded as well. But as an overall, I discovered that the color and shape of this trinket was a bit queer because it has survived from massive heat.
I remembered Zhan telling me of her past… Perhaps, she even had this before the accident happened… I can see why it's important to her…
I took another look at it and suddenly something dawned on me. My eyes widened at the thought, and I abruptly stood up, startling Yue.
"Gojyo? What's wrong?"
I ignored her.
It can't be…! It's impossible…! Why…-?
"I must find her…" I muttered.
"Huh?"
"Gome ne… Yue. (I'm sorry, Yue.) I need to go…" I dashed for the door as my mind was bombarded with questions.
Scarlet's POV
From Kougaiji-san's, I let my feet do the wandering. I was still afraid to face Gojyo.
I really hurt him this time… Maybe it's for the best… but…
I could feel my heart in deep sorrow, that I could just drop down and cry hysterically, but I tried my best to control it.
I wonder what he's doing right now… Is he awake? Did he realize I'm gone? …Does he hate me now?
My pace slowed at that the thought. Trying to control the tears, I diverted my attention to my surroundings.
I saw the alley ahead, where it all began; how I met Gojyo and Zhan. I remembered his voice as he invited me to stay with him. His crimson red eyes… his charming smile… His scent…
Stop it! He's not meant for you!!! He has Rika! And you're just…-
I didn't end the words. It made no difference other than just making myself feel worse.
I focused on my surroundings again. I was shocked that I had walked to the place where he and Rika spent most of their time together… Their "Secret Garden"…
Why on earth did I walk here, of all places!!!
I wanted to leave, but the lotuses seemed to call me. I gazed at them, letting my emotions flow. I tried to smile, but tears began to fill my eyes. I gave in…
I sank down beside the lake facing the lotuses, and let the tears trickle freely down my cheeks.
"Ne, Gojyo… Why'd you hate red flowers so much?"
Huh?
"The lotuses are pretty, aren't they?"
What the…-?
"I hope to find a red one, one day!"
"There you go again! That's impossible, y'know?"
These flashbacks… Why…-?
"Since you're really that persistent, this is what I'll do…"
Gojyo?
"I promise to look for it, too…"
That's his voice wasn't it? When did…-?
"Hmm… I thought I might find you here…" a voice from behind startled me.
I turned to face the person. Her eyes were fixed on mine as she slowly approached me.
"Why the tears, Scarlet? Cheer up!" She brushed her fingers against my cheeks. "Gojyo's been worried sick about you…"
He has? But I thought…-
"You thought he'd forget all about you?" She asked. "All this time, he was looking for you! You're the one whom forgot about him!"
Huh? What do you mean?
Her eyes suddenly turned fierce.
"…All this time… I've waited for the day when he'll only see me in his eyes… All this time… I was invisible to him… All BECAUSE OF YOU!!!"
R-Rika??? What's wrong?
"I knew I should have got rid of you at the hospital 13 years ago… I shouldn't have let you live!!!"
Rika! What are you talking about? Stop it!!!
"Oh? Don't tell me you forgot that too? Don't tell me you forgot all about the heat and the pain during the accident?"
My eyes widened.
You planned it!!! You killed my parents!!!
"Well, since I've jogged your memory… It will be the last one you'll remember…" Her hand produced a gun.
I immediately tried to make a run for it but failed when I felt as if my right shoulder was blown away.
The pain was unbearable! It made my legs weak to move, but I continued to try.
Another blast echoed and I felt my left thigh burned.
I stumbled to the ground and I tried covering my wounds as if to lessen the pain, but the blood kept pouring out…
She was just in front of me now. Her eyes were cold. She didn't look like the Rika I know at all…
Rika… why are you doing this?
"This time…" her gun was raised.
Someone… Anyone…
"…I won't miss…" her gun was now aimed at my forehead.
"GOJYOOOOOOO………!!!!!!"
(Chapter 12 end)
