Act XIV: Shattered
The journey back to the mansion was a quiet one. Instead of celebrating the destruction of Fukushunegau, the last of the Gedoushuu, there was an air of concern, concern about Kotoha's wellbeing and state of mind and of her relationship with Chiaki. Following her sudden disappearance, they were all worried about her.
"Where would she have gone?" Ryunosuke wondered as they walked down the quiet and dark street which was illuminated only by the street lamps and the odd passing car.
"I don't know, but I'm guessing that she went back to the mansion," Takeru replied.
"Why there?" the Water samurai asked. "If I were her then I'd want to get as far away from all of this as possible."
"Her sister is still there," Mako replied. She looked behind her at Chiaki. He hadn't said a word and she was becoming increasingly concerned about his wellbeing as well. She knew that what Fukushunegau had said was a lie and she had to prove it, not just to Kotoha, but to Chiaki as well.
"She's still not picking up," Genta said sadly, flipping his Sushichanger closed. He sighed heavily as he put it back in her pocket.
"We just have to hope that she went back to the mansion then," Takeru said. "It's too dark for us to look anywhere else."
"Argh!" Genta kicked a discarded can, sending it flying through the air, hitting a street lamp, making them all jump.
"Boss!" DaiGoyou cried, surprised at Genta's outburst.
"Sorry," he said, shaking his head. "It's just, we won. We beat that bastard and this is our reward!"
"Genta," Mako began softly.
"I know, I know, but," he scratched his head in frustration, "this shouldn't be happening. We're supposed to be happy, celebrating our victory and finally enjoying our reunion, but instead we've got a runaway Shinkenger and another one who's depressed..."
Chiaki's head snapped up and he looked at Genta in anger, but he didn't respond.
"You know that's not their fault," Mako said.
"I know. I'm just annoyed that things aren't the way they should be."
Mako nodded. "We all are."
Another wave of silence flowed over them and without another word, they continued their journey back to the Shiba mansion. When the mansion eventually came into sight, it was clear that all of the lamps had been lit, casting a glow over the building and part of the gardens. The Shinkengers entered the mansion to see Hikoma, Tanba and Kaoru, whose arm was wrapped in a cast and held up by a sling, waiting for them.
"Tono!" Tanba called, rushing over to Takeru.
"Is Kotoha here?"
Hikoma lowered his head. "About that..."
"She's gone, isn't she," Chiaki said, speaking for the first time since she disappeared.
Hikoma nodded sadly. "She arrived back, called for her sister and asked for transport to the train station. Within minutes they both left with all of their belongings."
"Where would they have gone?" Ryunosuke wondered.
"Back to Kyoto I expect," Mako replied.
Kaoru took a step forward. "What happened out there?" she asked.
Takeru quickly glanced at Chiaki. "I can't really say," he replied. "But we'll sort it out."
Kaoru nodded.
"Aren't any of you going to ask about your Hime's injuries?" Tanba suddenly shouted. "She was grievously wounded and none of you have asked about her wellbeing!"
"Tanba!" Kaoru snapped, "That is enough! They are tired and worried. They can see that I am perfectly well."
"But, Hime–"
"That is enough!"
Tanba bowed to her and retreated a short distance.
"She didn't say anything then?" Genta asked.
Hikoma shook his head. "No, only asking for Mitsuba-san and that they were going to the train station. She did look very upset though."
Mako sighed. "I'll try and call her again later, maybe some time with Mitsuba-san will have cleared her mind and she'll be ready to talk."
"Maybe," Takeru replied. He looked at Chiaki again. "At least she's with her sister," he told him.
"Yeah," Chiaki said, dejected. "I think I'll go to bed. It's been a long day." And without another word, he left them standing in the alcove.
"What happened?" Hikoma asked.
"Later. Later," Takeru said, watching his friend leave.
Once he had closed the door, Chiaki leaned against it and slid to the floor. "Kotoha," he whispered.
He stayed like that for what felt like hours when there was a knock on the door.
"It's Hikoma," a voice called through the door.
Chiaki thought about ignoring it and pretending that he was asleep, but didn't see the point. He was going to be asked eventually. He got up and slid the door open enough for him to look out.
"Kotoha left this for you," Hikoma said, pushing an envelope through the small gap. "I thought it best to give this to you away from the others."
Chiaki took it and nodded in response, sliding the door closed.
On the other side, Hikoma let out a sigh. Chiaki, he thought, before walking away.
Chiaki opened the envelope and his heartbeat increased as he recognised Kotoha's handwriting, though some of the writing was blotched by what could have been tears.
Dear Chiaki,
When you read this I will be gone.
After everything that has happened, I think that it is best that we have some space, so I have decided to return to Kyoto with Onee-san. I don't know if I'll be coming back and I ask that you not follow me.
I want to believe that Fukushunegau was lying, but I can't get the thought out of my mind. I want to trust you, but I have no way of knowing what happened and as such, my mind is confused. I do know, however that I love you and that I always will, so it is not a case of that I don't believe you, because I do, I know that you would never willing do that, but I can't forget. I can't forget the words Fukushunegau and Momoko-san spoke to me no more than I can forget my love for you, but I think that I need the space and so do you. I think that you need space from me in order to sort out your feelings towards me and towards Momoko-san.
So I guess I am doing this for both of us.
I hope that we can both understand how we feel soon, because even as I write this, I know that I don't want to leave you, but we both need the time and separation.
I just wanted you to know that I'll be alright and I know that you will be too. You're so strong and that's what I love about you, but, like I said, so much has happened and we both need time to know where we stand with each other.
And with that, there's nothing else for me to say except that I love you and nothing will ever change that.
Kotoha.
As he read, Chiaki's heart sank, as did his body and by the time he reached the end, he was sat against the wall, tears streaming down his face. "Dammit!" he shouted, crumpling the paper in his hand. Why Kotoha? Why did you have to leave? He threw the letter across the room before burying his head in his hands.
Mako stood outside of Chiaki's door. She was about to knock when she heard his shout. She withdrew her hand and sighed. Chiaki... She walked down the corridor into her room. She approached her bedside table and picked up a photograph of her and Kotoha taken shortly after the battle withNakinakite. Why did you leave, Kotoha? We need you. Chiaki needs you. Her fingers touched the photograph. "There's so much that I want to talk to you about, about me and Takeru and you're the only one I can tell, who would understand," she whispered to the picture as tears streamed down her face.
"Hey."
The voice made her jump and she turned to see Takeru standing in the doorway. She gave him and half smile before turning back and looking at the picture. "I can't believe she left."
Takeru walked across the room and wrapped his arms around Mako, she sighed and relaxed in his embrace.
"She had her reasons," he said, resting his head on her shoulder, looking at the picture.
"I know, but it still hurts. I miss her already."
Takeru took the picture out her hand, setting it back up on the table. She turned around so that she was facing him. He gently kissed her forehead.
"I don't think she's coming back," Mako said.
Takeru didn't say anything. Instead he pulled her close to him, kissing the top her head as she clung to his t-shirt, crying into his chest.
XxX
Ryunosuke and Genta were sat in the meeting room. The whole household was eerily quiet, everyone having decided to turn in early in light of recent events.
Ryunosuke sighed deeply and leaned back against the wall. "This isn't right," he said.
Genta looked at his friend for a brief moment before nodding solemnly. "Yeah."
"I should have said something, then maybe she wouldn't have left, but I didn't know what to say," Ryunosuke said, looking up at the dark ceiling. "I knew she was shocked and upset, we all were, but I didn't say, do, anything. I should have. You all said something – Tono even spoke to Chiaki, but I said nothing. Dammit, I should have said something!"
"I don't think it would have made any difference," Genta replied. "Her mind was made up."
"Do you think it was true, what Fukushunegau said about Chiaki and Momoko?"
Genta turned quickly looking indignant. "Of course not. How could you think that?"
"I don't believe it either," Ryunosuke almost snapped back. "But part of her must have done, why else would she have left like that?"
"God, these damn Gedoushuu!" Genta shouted, punching the wooden seat.
"There has to be a way of finding out what really happened," Ryunosuke said thoughtfully, ignoring Genta's outburst. "I don't believe it happened, but if we find out then it would put both of their minds at ease," he added, seeing Genta's expression. "And things can finally go back to normal."
Genta snorted. "What's normal?" He leaned back and groaned. "If only Chiaki could remember."
"But he doesn't, which means we have to find out for him."
Genta sighed deeply. "Yeah, but how?"
Ryunosuke thought for a moment before mimicking Genta and sighing. "I don't know," he admitted. "I don't know."
XxX
Mako lay on her futon, thinking. She couldn't sleep. It was pitch black, the only light coming from the faint glow of the silvery moon through her window. She had been tossing and turning for hours, but sleep wouldn't come.
There has to be a way to fix this, she thought, to fix them.
She knew she had caused some problems, what with her accusing Kotoha of moving on to Genta shortly after Chiaki left with Momoko. Looking back in hindsight, she knew that was a grave mistake on her part. She knew, even then, that Kotoha would never have moved on from Chiaki like that or that quickly. But she had been so consumed with jealously at her friends' relationship that she grew bitter. Kotoha was her best friend, she never should have said – or thought for that matter – what she did and she still deeply regretted it. She also regretted hiding her and Takeru's relationship from everyone. They had agreed that once everyone was back together then they would tell them. And they had all been together, but briefly and now they were torn apart again.
There has to be a way to fix this, she continuously thought. There has to be a way to prove that Chiaki never slept with Momoko. Then they'll be back together and they'll be happy and we'll all be happy. She sighed deeply. There has to be a way.
She stared at the blackness above her before gasping and sitting upright. Of course! She threw her blanket off of her and ran to the door, sliding it open before running down the corridor towards Takeru's room.
She was gasping for breath as she hammered on his door. "Come on," she muttered. "Wake up."
The door slid open, revealing Takeru, rubbing sleep out of his eyes. He yawned deeply before his eyes became fixed on the person before him. "Mako? What time is it?" He yawned again.
"I-I don't know. I'm sorry for waking you but I've got an idea." Even in the dim light, she make out his tousled hair and sleepy figure and smiled to herself as she thought that he looked ever cuter when he's half asleep. She then realised that she, herself, must look a bit of a mess. I should have at least brushed my hair, she thought.
Takeru pinched the bridge of his nose before shaking his head in an attempt to wake himself up. "It's still dark," he muttered.
"I know, I'm sorry, but I had to tell you my idea."
"Okay," Takeru said, rolling his shoulders. "Come on." He left his room, sliding the door closed behind him before leading Mako down the corridor into the kitchen. He sat down at the table and Mako sat opposite him. "Okay," he said, "what's so important that you had to wake me up in the middle of the night?"
Mako blushed slightly as he once again reminded her that it was the middle of the night. "I couldn't sleep," she said. "I couldn't stop thinking that there has to be a way to help Chiaki remember what happened and then I remembered. Do you remember the Ayakashi that put the sleep spell on Genta, Dayu and I?"
"Yumebakura," Takeru replied, nodding in response.
"Well you sent Ryunosuke and Chiaki into Genta's dream to get Yumebakura out, didn't you. So I was thinking, what if we did it again, to Chiaki."
Takeru sighed. "Sounds like a good idea, except I don't think it's something Chiaki's going to be dreaming about."
"Right." Mako nodded. "So, what if instead of entering Chiaki's dreams, we entered his memories."
"But he doesn't remember."
"Yes, but there will still be a subconscious trace of the memory of the event in there. It's a case of awakening it."
"Maybe."
Mako shook her head. "There's no maybe. It'll work. It has to." She leaned across the table, taking his hands in hers. "Takeru, please. This might be the only way."
Takeru looked down at their hands before looking up at her. "I'll think about it," he replied. "And I'll talk to Kaoru. Maybe she'll have an idea." With that, he stood up, disconnecting their hands. He leaned over and gently kissed her cheek. "I'm going back to bed, maybe you should too." He then left, leaving Mako alone. She stared into the empty hallway for a moment in disbelief. He had pretty much disregarded her idea.
She stood up and walked over to the counter, placing her hands on it as she groaned in frustration. She couldn't believe he had disregarded her idea like that. It would work, she knew it would. It'll work. I know it will! She grabbed an apple from the basket and threw it across the kitchen in anger, screaming in anger as she did so. The apple exploded as it hit the wall, spraying the room.
Mako sank to the ground.
XxX
"Mako? Mako?"
Mako groaned slightly as she felt someone gently push her. She groaned again as she felt the cold, hard floor she was lying on. This doesn't feel like my bed. She opened her eyes to see the kitchen floor. What? She frowned before she remembered her discussion with Takeru. Oh, right. I must have fallen asleep.
"Mako?"
Hikoma-san? She turned to see Hikoma crouched next to her, a look of worry clearly visible.
"Mako, are you okay? Why were you asleep in here?"
Mako sat up, groaning as she did so. Kitchen floor, definitely not a good place to sleep. Her body ached all over. "Sorry," she muttered. She stood up and sat down at the table, in the same seat as a few hours ago. She stared at the empty seat across from her and sighed deeply as she remembered Takeru rejecting her idea.
"Here." Hikoma placed a cup of steaming tea in front of her.
"Thank you." She wrapped her hands around it, thankful for the warmth.
Hikoma sat in the seat across from her. "So, care to tell me why you were sleeping on a cold hard floor when you could have slept in your warm room?"
Mako gave him a small smile. "I couldn't sleep. I just in the end I just fell asleep in here."
Hikoma nodded. "And the apple?"
Mako inwardly winced. She'd forgotten how she'd thrown it in a fit of anger. "I was just angry about everything." Well at least I'm not lying, she thought. "I'm sorry. I'll clean it up." She made to stand but Hikoma motioned her not to.
"It's already taken care of."
"Thank you." She sighed again.
"Is there anything I can help you with?" he then asked her, looking at her with a concerned expression.
"No, thank you." Mako replied. "Maybe I should just talk to Kaoru-san," she then muttered.
"Talk to me about what?"
Mako jumped upon hearing Kaoru's voice.
Kaoru joined her and Hikoma at the table, Tanba placing a cup of tea before her, bowing as he did so. Kaoru took a small sip. "What is it you wish to talk to me about?"
Mako bit her lip, debating whether or not to tell her. If she did, she would feel as though she were going behind Takeru's back, but then again, Kaoru may agree to her plan and she wanted to help Chiaki and Kotoha more than anything.
"Mako?" Kaoru asked, jolting Mako out of her thoughts.
"I, I had an idea as to how to help Chiaki and Kotoha," she replied.
"Really? I've been trying to think of something too, but I haven't been able to come up with anything. I'd love to hear your idea," Kaoru said.
Mako stared for a moment, surprised that Kaoru had been unable to think of anything. "Well, there was an Ayakashi, Yumebakura, who could put people to sleep and go into their dreams. Takeru was able to send Ryunosuke and Chiaki into Genta's dream and I was thinking, what if we did the same, but instead of going into Chiaki's dreams, we into his memories."
Kaoru looked at Mako, who bit her lip nervously. Hikoma nodded in agreement with the idea while Tanba watched Kaoru.
"It sounds good," Kaoru said and Mako let out a sigh of relief. "It would take a lot of mojikara since the memory will be buried deep within Chiaki's subconscious, but I think it will work."
"You really think it will work?"
"I do. Have you spoken to Takeru about this?"
Mako paused. "I did, but he didn't seem overly keen on the idea."
"That son of mine," Kaoru said smiling. She reached across the table and placed her hand on top of Mako's. "I'll talk to him. We'll also need to talk to Chiaki. We can't do this without his permission."
"Thank you... Hime."
Kaoru smiled again. She stood up. "I'll talk to Takeru now. You speak to Chiaki. Tanba, bring my tea." She then walked out of the kitchen, Tanba scrambling behind her with her tea.
Mako then also stood up. "Do you think it will work?" she asked Hikoma.
"I do."
Mako nodded. "I'll go and freshen up before I go and see Chiaki I think."
"That would be a good idea."
Mako smiled before leaving the room. Everything was going to work out. She was sure of it.
XxX
Mako approached Chiaki's door apprehensively. She raised her hand to knock and swallowed deeply before taking a breath. There was no reply. She knocked again. "It's Mako," she called though the door.
The door slid open a moment later to reveal Chiaki. He was pale, his hair and mess and eyes red-rimmed.
"Chiaki, you look like you haven't slept."
Chiaki shrugged his shoulders before turning round and going back into his room. Since he hadn't shut the door in her face, Mako assumed it was okay for her to enter, though she did so cautiously. The room was dark, none of the lamps lit and the blinds closed. Chiaki sat on his futon and watched Mako. There was a tense silence.
"Well?" Chiaki said, breaking the silence.
"Uh," Mako began.
"What do you want?" he snapped, making her jump slightly.
"I wanted to tell you that we might have a plan."
"A plan? For what?"
Mako swallowed. She didn't like the tone he was using. She knew he was upset and angry, and being in his presence now worried her. "We think we might be able to help." He didn't respond, but kept watching her. "We might be able to find out what happened with... with M-Momoko."
Hearing her mention his friend's name surprised him and he looked at her intently. "What do you mean?"
"We – I thought about using mojikara to go into your memories to find out what really happened and then we can get Kotoha and explain it all to her."
Chiaki flinched slightly at the mention of her name. He stood up and walked over to the bin. He bent down and took something out before walking over to Mako. "Have you read this?" he snapped, throwing the object at her, making her take a step back to stop it from hitting her. Instead it fluttered to the ground. She picked it up and realised that it was a letter from Kotoha.
Chiaki watched her as she read it. Watched as her expression changed, her mouth opening slightly as she read its contents.
Once she had finished, she looked up. "Chiaki..."
"She's made up her mind. She doesn't trust me, which means she doesn't want me. She doesn't want to see me again."
Mako took a step forward and wrapped her arms around him, letting the letter flutter to the ground. "She'll come around. Once we find out what really happened she'll come around."
"It won't make any difference."
"Yes, yes it will. I know that you didn't sleep with Momoko and she does too. She's just confused. She doesn't know what to believe, but if we do this, we'll have proof. We'll know that you didn't sleep with Momoko and you can then go and tell her and be happy again."
Chiaki shook his head. "I don't know. What if she still won't believe me?"
"She will. She still loves you. She said so." She moved back and placed her hand against his cheek. "If you can't do it for her, then do it for yourself. At least you'll be able to have peace of mind."
"But –"
Mako cut him off. "No 'ifs' or 'buts'. I know you didn't do anything with Momoko. Everyone does, remember that."
"Kotoha –"
"She knows it too. Trust me, Chiaki. If we do this then everything will be okay. You and Kotoha, you'll be okay."
He looked at her for a moment before slowly nodding. "What will you do?"
"We're going to use mojikara to go into your subconscious memories and find out what really happened when you were with Momoko."
"It kinda sounds like that time with Yumebakura"
"Well, that is where I got the idea from."
Chiaki paused for a moment as he remember going into Genta's dream. "Will the same thing happen?" he asked. "Will you actually be going into me?"
"I don't know, probably. I expect Kaoru might adapt it slightly."
He nodded. "Are you sure it will work?"
Mako clasped his shoulders firmly. "I'm positive. It will work, Chiaki. I know it will."
Chiaki could hear the determination in her voice and see it in her expression. If Mako was sure it would work, then he knew it would. He didn't have anything to lose. All he could do was hope that they would find what they were looking for. He nodded again. "Okay, I'll do it."
Mako smiled. "Good. I'll tell Kaoru and we'll work the details of it out." She was about to leave when she stopped at the door. She turned back to Chiaki. "It'll all work out you know," she said to him. "You and Kotoha, you'll be fine."
"I hope so."
XxX
Everyone was gathered in the meeting area. Kaoru had summoned them all together. She was sat in her chair next to Takeru, with everyone else, including Hikoma and Tanba, who were standing either side of them.
Ryunosuke and Genta were curious as to why they had all been summoned, though they were both relived to see Chiaki with them and in a slightly happier mood then they had seen him in a while. They both guessed that someone had come up with a plan on how to reunite him with Kotoha.
Kaoru stood up and addressed them. "I have called you all together to discuss a plan Mako has had in order to find out what really happened when Chiaki was with Momoko."
All eyes snapped over Mako, who blushed slightly, though Takeru was frowning at her.
"Mako." Kaoru made a gesture with her hand as she sat back down, telling Mako to address them.
Mako swallowed before standing up. She informed them of her idea and watched as Ryunosuke and Genta nodded in agreement. Takeru, however, stared at her with a stony expression. Once she had finished she sat back down.
"I like it," Genta said. "I think it will work."
Ryunosuke nodded in agreement.
Kaoru smiled. "I'm glad that you think so." She looked over at Takeru. "What do you think?"
Takeru continued to frown. He still wasn't overly convinced by it, but because everyone was seemed excited about the prospect of it working, he slowly nodded. "Okay."
Kaoru had noticed his expression and frowned at him momentarily. She would speak to him about it later. She turned back to the others. "Chiaki, you will be asleep and I will only be able to send two others inside with you. You will need to lead them through your memories until you find what you looking for."
Chiaki nodded. "Okay."
"But, who's going to go in?" Ryunosuke asked.
"I will," Mako said straight away.
"So will I," Genta added. They all turned to him. "I've helped Kotoha out a lot during this and I'm going to continue doing so," he said. He then turned to Chiaki. "Of course I want to help you too."
Chiaki gave him a small smile. "Thank you, Gen-chan. You too, Nee-san."
Mako smiled. "Of course."
Takeru continued to frown.
"But, how will they get back out?" Ryunosuke then asked. "Last time with Yumebakura we were only able to get out once we had found him. But this is different. We aren't looking for an Ayakashi."
"There will be time limit," Kaoru said. "Two hours. All of you will automatically be brought out."
"But what if we don't find what we're looking for?" Genta asked. "I mean we are going to be going deep into Chiaki's subconscious."
"You had best find it fast and don't be distracted by anything else that you come across." Kaoru then stood up again. "We will do this in an hour," she said and left the room, closely followed by Tanba and Hikoma, whom she had gestured to.
Takeru stood up, grabbed Mako's arm and pulled her out of the room. Chiaki, Ryunosuke and Genta exchanged confused looks.
Out in the hallway, Takeru still had a grip on Mako's wrist.
"Ow, Takeru. What's the matter with you?"
"I thought I told you I was going to speak to Kaoru."
"You did, but she asked me what was wrong and I told her that I had an idea and she seemed interested and then she agreed to it, so what's the problem?"
"The problem? Mako, you went behind my back."
"I didn't. Takeru, this is for Chiaki and Kotoha. Why are you against it?"
"I'm not." He sighed and released her arm.
"So what is it?" She rubbed her wrist gently.
"I don't want you – any of you – to be disappointed."
"What do you mean?" She tilted her head, curious.
He sighed again. "You don't know what you're going to find," he said. "You may find out that he really did sleep with Momoko. I don't think that he did," he then quickly added, seeing Mako's almost seething look. "But you're all expecting to find out that it was a lie, but what if it wasn't?"
"We'll never know unless we do this," Mako said, now understanding his reluctance.
"I just don't want you to be disappointed." He gently touched her shoulder and moved into his embrace.
"I won't be."
Shortly after, they retreated into the garden.
XxX
Chiaki stood on the veranda, watching as Takeru and Mako walked around the garden. Nee-san and Takeru would make a good couple, he thought with a pang as he remembered Kotoha. He sighed deeply. Why did all of this have to happen? Why couldn't we have just enjoyed our reunion and be happy? Why did Momoko-san and the bloody Gedoushuu have to mess everything up? Why?
"Chiaki."
The voice made him jump and he turned to see his father standing in the doorway. "Oyaji, what are you doing here?"
"Hikoma-san called me again and told me what was going on," Kurando said, standing next to his son. "How are you holding up?"
Chiaki stared at his father, his father who was usually smiling and finding a joke in everything was standing before him with a serious expression. This whole event had changed him. He had never seen his father so serious before. He shrugged his shoulders. "I've been better."
"You've been through a lot recently," Kurando said. "None of it was your fault, remember that."
Chiaki frowned. "I know, but I could have prevented some of it. Momoko-san didn't have to die."
"I'm not here to talk about Momoko," Kurando said. "In regards to her, what's done is done and nothing you say or do will change that. I'm here to see you. I'm worried about you."
"Why?"
"Like I said, you've been though a lot and now Kotoha-chan is gone..." He sighed. "I know that I've never been around for you much over the years, but I'm here now."
"I know and you've already helped me, a lot," Chiaki replied.
Kurando gave his son a small smiled. "Hikoma-san told me that you're going into your mind to try and find this hidden memory."
"Yeah."
"You scared?"
"A bit." Chiaki looked out across the garden, Takeru and Mako had long disappeared from sight. "I don't know what we're going to find."
Kurando nodded. "No matter what you find, remember you've got people around you who love you and won't judge you – even Kotoha-chan."
"But she left. She believed what Fukushunegau told her and she left."
"Look, when you were gone I saw her. She never gave up on you. She just needs space and maybe running off wasn't the best idea, but it was something she had to do and even if she was here, would anything have changed? Probably not. Neither of you would be able to be in the same room as each other, especially with this hanging over you. So go in there, get this memory and find out once and for all. You're not just doing this for her, but for yourself, because you need to know what really happened."
"But what if it turns out that Momoko-san and I did...?"
"Then you'll deal with it. But you're my son and I know how much you love Kotoha-chan that you would never do something like that willingly."
"I guess."
"Chiaki, listen, no matter what you find, you're still my son and I love you." He wrapped an arm around his son's shoulders.
"Oyaji." Chiaki pushed him away, smiling.
Kurando smiled back. "So stop feeling low, go and get that memory and then go and get your girl.
XxX
Once the hour was up, everyone returned to the meeting room. As Mako and Takeru walked back in, they saw that a futon had been placed on the ground. Chiaki was sat on the futon, with Genta sat on his left side. Takeru nodded to them before turning to Mako and giving her a small nod before she joined them, sitting on Chiaki's right side. Takeru then sat next to Ryunosuke and Kurando on the bench.
Kaoru entered the room, her Shodophone in her hand. She stood before the three Shinkengers. "Are you ready?"
"Yes." They all nodded in unison.
Kaoru nodded back at them. "Chiaki," she said, "I will put you to sleep first. Mako and Genta will then join you."
"Okay." Chiaki glanced at his father who gave him a nod, smiling. He nodded back before lying on the futon.
Kaoru flipped her Shodophone open and wrote the kanji for 'sleep' above Chiaki, whose eyes rolled back and closed. Moments later he was asleep. She then turned to Genta and Mako. "Good luck," she said. She closed her eyes and concentrated as she wrote the kanji for 'memory' above Chiaki.
"You ready?" Genta asked Mako, holding out his hand.
She nodded as she took his hand. "Let's do this."
They both took and deep breaths before stepping onto the kanji floating in the air. They slowly slid down and moments later they were gone.
Kaoru let out a deep breath and slid to the floor as the kanji disappeared. "Good luck," she whispered once more.
So, I got this done so much quicker than previous chapters, but I guess that's what happens when you don't have a job to go to.
Also, I'm not overly keen on what I wrote for the letter, but there you go.
Anyway, I'm starting to get the impression that this story doesn't want to end. The bit with Mako, Chiaki and Genta in Chiaki's mind was supposed to be this chapter, but because I ended up writing more than I originally intended, it got pushed to the next chapter. So now I'm thinking three chapters left, but with the way things are going, who knows!
Song: Shattered
Artist: Trading Yesterday