Special: Aoi
Ever since she was born, her parents would always tell her how to behave and act in front of others. The only person to whom she could act like her true self was with her friend Kariya Matou.
One day while they were playing, Kariya Matou asked her, "Aoi, can I tell you something important?"
"What is it, Kariya?" Aoi asked.
"I- I really like you. Well, that's not right… I love you!" Kariya confessed in a low voice.
Aoi was blushing and she said, "Kariya, can you close your eyes, please? Just for a second."
Kariya nodded and obeyed Aoi, who quickly checked that her parents weren't watching.
Aoi remembered a scene that she had watched in a movie where the female protagonist kissed the male protagonist in order to show him her feelings.
Aoi kissed Kariya and, after kissing him, Kariya, who was blushing, opened his eyes.
"Now you know what I feel about you." Aoi told him.
Aoi was nine years old when she kissed Kariya, who quickly told her, "I will promise that I'll marry and make you the happiest woman in the planet!"
Aoi smacked his head.
"Why did you do that!?" Kariya said.
"Swear that you'll fulfill your promise!" Aoi said.
"I swear. I will fulfill my promise because for you I will do anything!" Kariya said while both he and Aoi smiled.
Yet, as the years went on, Aoi noticed that something changed within Kariya and it hurt her that he didn't tell her what was going on. Until, one day, Kariya informed her that he was going to travel to the USA in order to pursue journalism. Aoi was happy about because, unlike her, he didn't fear to pursue his dreams while her parents never allowed to pursue anything greater in life and just told her that due to her being a Zenjou she shouldn't worry about those things and just concentrating in being a housewife.
"Take me with you." Aoi said without thinking.
"If I take you with me, then I must warned you that I won't have enough money to sustain the both of us and, if it all fails, then we will end poor and miserable. And, I don't want that to happen to you." Kariya confessed.
Internally, Aoi didn't care if she would end up miserable and poor because, as long as she was with him, she would be happy. But, she remembered what her parents had taught her and she responded, "Then, I'll wait for you."
"I'll try to write to you every day and, when I get a steady job, a steady income, and a house, I swear that I'll come back for you." Kariya told her.
They both kissed and, for the next 3 years, Aoi waited for him even though she never received any of his letters. Also, her parents were constantly arranging her various magi suitors, but she would always turn her suitors down. That was until her parents sent her to the Tohsaka household in order to meet Tokiomi, heir of the Tohsaka family. At first, Aoi had her plan ready, she would talk with him and turn down all of his romantic advances. But, when she enter his study room, she saw him concentrated in reading some of his books.
At first, she tried to talk with him, but then she realized that he wouldn't pay any attention. So, she had to execute her second plan.
Aoi proceeded in slamming the table where the books that Tokiomi was reading where.
"The least you could do is introduce yourself!" Aoi said.
Tokiomi stood up, looked at Aoi and said, "And, who are you?"
Aoi quickly regained her composure and introduced herself once again.
"I'm sorry that I ignored you earlier, Miss Zenjou. I hope you can forgive me." Tokiomi sincerely said.
Aoi was surprised because so far all of her suitors were prideful and considered themselves to be the very best just for being magi. But, Tokiomi seemed different.
"I forgive you, Mr. Tohsaka." Aoi said.
Aoi decided to use an English word like Mister because as her parents taught her various magus love to have a word like that included in their names.
"Please, call me Tokiomi." Tokiomi told her.
"In that case, you can call me Aoi." Aoi told him.
For the next 3 months, Aoi and Tokiomi spent a lot of time together and, despite the fact that Aoi didn't love him and instead saw him as a close friend, his presence did help her feel less lonely. Yet, after those 3 months, Aoi and Tokiomi were alone when Tokiomi proposed to her. In an instant, Aoi accepted, but, when she realized what she had done, Aoi wanted to tell him that it was an misunderstanding and that she still love Kariya while she saw Tokiomi as a close her friend. Yet, no matter how much she tried she couldn't bring herself to tell Tokiomi that because she saw how happy the man was when she accepted… As if it was the very first time that he truly smiled.
The wedding occurred in a matter of a few days, but, while Aoi and Tokiomi were exchanging vows, Aoi kept thinking about how she would tell the news to Kariya and what her life would be with a man she didn't love.
After a month, Kariya came back and saw Aoi with Tokiomi. Aoi privately informed Kariya about what had happened while he was gone.
"Are you happy?" Kariya asked.
"Excuse me?" Aoi said.
"Does he make you happy?" Kariya asked.
In truth, Aoi wanted to tell him that she still loved him, but she realized that if she told him that then it would only bring trouble, so she lied and told Kariya that she was very happy with Tokiomi.
"I'm glad." Kariya softly said.
A few weeks after that talk, Aoi found out that she was pregnant and she and Tokiomi decided that if the baby was girl then her name would be Rin, but if the baby was a boy then his name would be Hariyu. Aoi realized that whenever Tokiomi would say that name he would be sad and melancholic.
After 9 months, Aoi gave birth to a by girl, but, when the baby got out, the baby didn't cry and the magi, who were helping Aoi during childbirth, were scared.
"What's wrong? Why isn't my baby crying?" Aoi asked
A magus took her child away while another magus told her to calm down and that everything was going to be alright. Aoi was scared and she urged the magus to explain her what was wrong. After 4 hours, the magus, who had taken her daughter away, returned and told her that her daughter had so much power that her body can't contain it. Aoi couldn't believe it until she saw her daughter being kept alive thanks to the magic of Tokiomi.
During an entire year it was a constant battle in Rin alive because there were some nights in which Rin stopped breathing and Tokiomi had to use his magic to help while Aoi could only helplessly watch. The worst thing was to see Rin getting weaker each day, to the point that Aoi, Tokiomi, and Kariya (who always helped them in every chance he got) had to accept the very high possibility that Rin was going to die. Upon accepting this possibility, Tokiomi and Aoi decided to have another child and, after nine months, Sakura, their daughter was born. But, Tokiomi and Aoi realized that Rin was getting stronger each day and that her body was learning to contain her great power. Soon, Tokiomi and Aoi had a predicament in their hands and the only thing that Aoi could wish for was that one of her daughter wouldn't have magic. Sadly, her prayers were in vain because both of her daughters excelled in magic power and Aoi knew that only one of them could become the Tohsaka heir.
After 8 years, the decision of who would become the Tohsaka heir was made and the chosen was Sakura due to the fact that Rin was able to manipulate all five great Elements and the Matou Family's previous Magus had an affinity with water so Rin could easily get acclimated. While Sakura's affinity to Imaginary Numbers could be perfected by the Tohsaka magecraft.
Aoi couldn't believe how her parents and her husband spoke about her daughters as if they were some sort of object, but she had been taught to accept this kind of decision and thus she said nothing. And, as for her daughters, the news was told to them and immediately Sakura began to cry and beg them not to take Rin away from her, but Rin calmly told her not to cry and that Sakura could visit her. It broke Aoi's heart when she saw Sakura being hugged by Rin, who was in the verge of crying.
The next day, Aoi kissed Rin in the forehead and hugged her because she knew that today Rin was going to become a Matou. When Tokiomi returned from the Matou house where he left Rin, Aoi asked him why this was the only way possible.
"Aoi, there is simply no other way. In time, you'll see how this will be beneficial for Rin and Sakura." Tokiomi said.
" You're lying! You have contacts with almost every important magus in the world! I'm sure you could have thought of something better!" Aoi thought, but she said, "Yes, I'm sure you're right."
Ever since that day, Aoi sometimes couldn't look at her husband like before and she preferred to ignore him and spend time Sakura, who was really struggling without her sister. Aoi was scared how Sakura would look when she would grow up because Aoi just kept imagining a shy little girl afraid of everything. Although, as the year went on, Aoi saw that Sakura was regaining confidence, becoming braver and acting like… Rin. When Aoi was alone with Sakura, Aoi said, "Sakura, you don't have to act like Rin. You can just be yourself."
"I'm being myself, mommy." Sakura said.
"Sakura, we both know that you're imitating Rin." Aoi softly told her.
Sakura backed away a little bit and said, "N-no, this is me. It really is, mommy!"
Sakura began to cry and Aoi gently hugged her while, "There, there sweetheart there's no need to cry. Rin is doing fine with the Matou family."
"Mommy, I wish I was never born." Sakura confessed.
"Sakura, never say that! Your father, Rin, and I are all happy you were born!" Aoi said.
"B- but if I was never born then Rin would still be here and you wouldn't be so sad." Sakura said.
"That's not true, Sakura. Your father and I chose to have you… It is our fault." Aoi said in a soft voice.
The next day, while Sakura was playing in the park, Kariya appeared.
"Hello, Kariya." Aoi told him when she saw him.
"Hello, Aoi." Kariya said.
When Sakura looked at Kariya, Sakura ran towards Kariya and told him, "Uncle Kariya, you're back!"
Sakura hugged Kariya, who hugged her back, and told her, "Sakura, I brought you a gift."
Kariya gave Sakura a beautiful golden necklace, then he asked, "Where is Rin?"
Sakura frowned and went away.
Kariya looked at Aoi, who explained him the situation.
"Why would you do that!?" Kariya said in disgust.
"The Tohsaka family only needed one heir. So, Sakura was chosen to be that heir." Aoi said.
"That's still no excuse for disowning Rin as if she was an object!" Kariya told her.
"You think that I like this decision!? I hate it! The only thing I want right now is to have both of my daughters with me!" Aoi said while she was holding back her tears.
"Aoi, I'm sorry. I-" Kariya was interrupted by Aoi, when she said, "Kariya, please take care of Rin. She might try to act like she is brave and needs no one, but I'm sure that right now she is feeling sad just like Sakura."
"I will." Kariya told her before he left.
Kariya said goodbye to Sakura, then he left. While he was doing that, Aoi thought, "When did all go wrong?"
Aoi was grateful for how much attention Kariya gave towards her daughters. After all, Tokiomi was never the type of person to leave the house and play with his own daughters and instead focused on teaching them the basics of magic while they were in the house. While Kariya, when he was in Japan, would always contact her and he would come to where she was and help her take care of Rin and Sakura… Something that Tokiomi rarely did.
A few days later, Aoi and Sakura left the Tohsaka household because Tokiomi was going to participate in the 4th Holy Grail war. Aoi thought that their good byes would be heartwarming, but she never thought that Sakura would angrily talk to Tokiomi.
Before leaving to get Sakura, Aoi quickly apologized to Tokiomi and to Tokiomi's apprentice, Kirei Kotomine, who witnessed the scene.
When Aoi went outside to catch Sakura, she found that Sakura was already inside the car. Aoi got inside the car and told Sakura, "Sakura, you should apologize to your father."
"No!" Sakura said.
"Why not, Sakura?" Aoi asked.
"He doesn't love anyone. If you had a third child, I'm sure that he would abandoning me too or he would abandon that child." Sakura said.
Aoi didn't know what to say because, as much as she wanted to deny it, she knew that Sakura was right.
The only thing she did was to remained quiet in the car while the chauffer was driving them to the house of Aoi's parents.
While they were staying in the house of Aoi's parents, Sakura found a box and gave it to Aoi. When Aoi saw what was inside the box, a feeling of sadness and regret invaded her.
"Mommy, what's wrong?" Sakura asked.
"Nothing, Sakura. Nothing is wrong." Aoi said.
That night, Aoi had a fight with her parents and, after that fight, Aoi returned to her room and silently cried because she learned that Kariya had written to her every single day. And, his last letter said that he had managed to find a steady job, a steady income, and a house and that he was going to return and marry her.
"I'm sorry." Aoi said while she was crying.
The next day, Aoi had the courage to confront her husband about what he had done to Rin. So, when she arrived at the place where Tokiomi was, she saw a young blond man in the living room.
"Who are you, mongrel?" The young blond man asked her.
"My name is Aoi and I can deduce that you are my husband's Servant so if I were I wouldn't say such derogative terms, mongrel." Aoi said.
The young blond man smiled and laughed in response.
"Compared to Tokiomi you're much more interesting. Such a pity you had to marry him, if we would had met than you-." The young blond man was interrupted when Aoi said, "Tell me where he is.".
"He is in his study room." The young blond man said.
"Thank you." Aoi said then entered the study room.
When Aoi entered the study room, she saw Tokiomi reading a book.
"Tokiomi, we have to talk." Aoi said.
Tokiomi didn't bother to turn and look at her.
"What do you want to talk about?" Tokiomi asked.
"We have to talk about Rin. I want her back." Aoi said.
"Why? She's fine with the Matou Family. Plus, she's not our daughter anymore." Tokiomi said.
"How can you say that!? She's still daughter no matter what!" Aoi said.
"Aoi, I don't have time to talk about this. I need time to concentrate about my plan for the 4th Holy Grail-" Tokiomi got interrupted by Aoi who said, "WOULD YOU LISTEN TO OTHER PEOPLE FOR A CHANGE! Just look at what this war is doing to us! For once in your life think about others!"
While Aoi was talking she was getting closer and closer to Tokiomi until she was just a few steps away from him.
"I care about other people." Tokiomi said.
"Then, the least you could do is to look at me while you're talking." Aoi said.
But, when he stood up and turned around, Aoi saw that the book that he was holding came closer to her face… Then, she felt something hitting her face which made her fall down to the floor. She was confused and couldn't hear properly, but, when he saw that Tokiomi was getting closer to her, she grabbed the sharpest object in the room and said, "IF YOU TAKE ONE MORE STEP, I'LL PIERCE YOUR HEART WITH THIS!"
Tokiomi stopped walking towards her and Aoi stood up and went away.
When Aoi arrived at her parents' house, Aoi saw her daughter Sakura and after exchanging some words Aoi saw that her parents were nearby. Privately, Aoi told her parents about what had happened but her parents didn't believe instead they told her to stop lying and tell them the truth. Aoi felt betrayed by her parents, who were in a strong denial.
The next day, Sakura went to her school like always but this time she didn't return back home. Aoi started to search for her during all day until Aoi encountered Kariya, who was carrying an unconscious Sakura.
"Sakura!" Aoi said while she went closer to them and she carried Sakura. But, Aoi looked at the disfigured face of Kariya.
"What happened to your face, Kariya?" Aoi asked.
"The magic of the Matou family. But, don't worry Rin is fine!" Kariya said.
"Please, don't lie to me." Aoi said while tears were escaping her eyes.
Kariya slowly hugged and told her, "I'm sorry. I didn't keep my promise."
"I'm also sorry." Aoi said while she cried.
From that day on, Aoi and Kariya would meet in secret and Kariya would inform her about Rin and how the 4th Holy Grail War was going. Until, one day, Kariya informed her that he could get Rin out of the Matou household and that they would meet in the Church in Fuyuki City.
"But, I have to tell you something, Aoi." Kariya said.
"What's wrong, Kariya?" Aoi asked.
"Zouken messed with Rin's memories and she doesn't remember her life as a Tohsaka." Kariya told her.
Aoi was crushed yet, despite not wanting to believe it, Aoi had to accept it.
"She's still my daughter." Aoi said.
That day, Aoi left her parents' house with Sakura and Aoi took some money with her. Aoi's parents at first began trying to persuade her to stay, but then they started threatening her. Yet, Aoi never listened to a word they said.
Eventually, Aoi and Sakura arrived at Fuyuki City and Aoi used her money to rent a tiny room in a motel, which was close to the Church. When they arrived at the tiny room, Aoi said, "Sakura, I'll have to leave you, but I'll come back with your sister."
"Really?" Sakura asked.
"Yes." Aoi said.
"Then, I'll wait for you." Sakura said with a smile in her face.
Aoi left Sakura and went to the Church where she was going to see Kariya and Rin, but when she entered the Church she saw that Tokiomi was inside holding the Azoth Sword which was covered with blood.
Aoi tried to slowly tried to head away, but the doors closed and Aoi realized that she was trapped inside. Quickly, Aoi tried to escape, but Tokiomi caught her, pinned her to the floor and began to strangle her.
Aoi desperately tried everything to free herself while she thought about what would happen to Rin and Sakura. After some time struggling, Aoi realized that her end was near and with her last breath she said, "To… Ki… Omi… S… Stop."
The next thing Aoi saw was her life flashing before her, but then it all went to a halt as she felt that something was inside her throat and hurting her entire body. And, in the end, Aoi was trapped in a fantasy in which her memories would be repeating over and over again.
Author's Note
This type of Special I'm going to try to do very few and, despite the fact that I already have some characters in which I have thought to give them their own Special, I would be interested in hearing which you would to have their own Special. Anyways don't forget to RSS!