Author's Note: No I didn't fall off the face of the Earth. I merely lost my computer and just got it back. The good thing about that happening is that it gave me PLENTY of time to think. And I've finally decided how to end this story. I'm really impressed that it lasted as long as it did and that the readers continued to grow. Well, we won't say our goodbyes just yet…
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Chapter 22: You Cannot Stop Time
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Time is like a handful of sand—the tighter you grasp it, the faster it runs through your fingers – Unknown
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Present Day
"I'm sorry Loki-sama but the situation is out of our hands," informed Urd as she slowly stirred her tea with the silver spoon in hand.
"There must be something that can be done!" exclaimed the Kami, slamming both palms on top of the wooden table, causing tea to splash upon its surface as he rose from his chair.
"Loki-sama," began Skuld with concern in her voice, glancing at her sisters in panic, before slowly reaching forward to take hold of his arm, "Even if it were in our power—
"There is one thing that can be done," interrupted the most calculating of the three as she surveyed the group, noticing the alarmed look on one sister's face, the reserved expression from the other, and the look of hope in the Kami's eyes.
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How did this happen? How without a moments notice had the Kami come to find himself before the Norns pleading for their assistance? How you ask? I suppose it started two days ago…
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"Mayura, you look listless," commented the Kami as he walked alongside of the mortal girl who didn't seem to have her usual enthusiasm as they passed by shop windows at twilight, "Mayura?" he repeated her name watching as she stopped, placing her palm against the cool glass of a shop window.
The girl looked up, "Ah, gomen!" she exclaimed with her usual smile gracing her features, yet her smile didn't reach her eyes.
"Mayura," began the Kami, leaning forward to get a better view of her face, "is everything alright?"
"Hai!" she informed, quickly waving her hands in defense upon noticing the close proximity of their faces and laughed nervously.
The Kami merely arched an eyebrow before shrugging, "If Mayura says so…"
The mortal watched as the Kami continued down the sidewalk, hands in his pockets, and that familiar air surrounding him. Her eyes clouded over, as he appeared to be growing further and further away. She placed her hand over her heart and grasped the fabric of her jacket tightly, feeling as though the sound of her beating heart had reached her ears.
The girl pushed herself forward, hurrying with all her might to reach him and once she had reached her goal, she quickly grasped his arm. The Kami looked caught unaware but as his emerald eyes locked with crimson orbs looking upward reflecting a wave of emotions, his eyes merely softened in confusion as they waited for the light at the crosswalk to change.
"Loki," her voice in that moment seemed to be the only thing audible, as people continued to walk past them, cars moved on the street before them, and the world seemed to have lost all sound, "you're my best friend," she continued, crimson boring into emerald…
"…Loki…" she whispered, watching him stop his back to her, "…you're my best friend," sadly with her head down, her hair covering her face she continued, "…I love you…"
There he stood in his Kakusei form in front of her. He stiffened at her words but none the less sighed, lowering his head and closing his eyes he stood with his back to her, "…Mayura…I—
The words died on his lips as her heard her gasp. His eyes widened as he turned around to find that she had fallen to her knees; she had begun to cough uncontrollably, one hand covering her mouth, the other her middle. As he stepped closer he could see the crimson trickling between her fingers.
"Loki," a voice in the darkness called out, "to think that you would let yourself be consumed by a mortal. How I have underestimated you…"
"What have you done?!" he cried out, Laevateinn in his hand, ready to strike but the figure had already vanished.
Her gloved hand on his cheek returned his focus, "I just wanted you to know, I'm glad to have met you, Loki-kun," again her voice was the only sound to reach his ears.
Her words had caught him off guard, yet his arm instinctively moved around her shoulders causing her eyes to widen a fraction as he drew her near. And the only words murmured by the Kami as he safely held her in his grasp were, "So am I."
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They say that in life there are moments that you will always remember for as long as you live; memories that will forever be imprinted within your very soul. Perhaps this was one of those moments—the purest of emotions visible in the mortal's eyes and the sincerest affirmation from the Kami as he held her tightly. And for a moment time stood still; however, was it due to fate or was it merely an illusion?
Sadly, I fear that we have ventured too far into the day, you appear to be bewildered. Here, let's return to that afternoon. I'm sure you will better understand…
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"Mayura-chan, are you alright?"
The mortal girl smiled at Tsubasa, "Hai, just a little tired Tsubasa-chan," informed the girl, zipping up her gym bag as they finished cheering practice.
"You sure?" questioned her friend, "You look really pale, Mayura-chan. I could always walk you home."
"Mou Tsubasa-chan," began the pink haired girl with a look of disapproval, "you can't cancel your date with Yamada-san," she encouraged and waved her friend off, "Go on, you don't want to keep him waiting."
Tsubasa studied her friend's face, "Alright," she hesitantly began, "if you say so." As she ran toward the gym door, she turned with a smile, "See you tomorrow Mayura-chan!"
"Hai," replied the girl but her voice was dull compared to the enthusiastic call from Tsubasa as she lifted her hand to wave, "tomorrow then," but her words fell upon deaf ears.
The girl placed the strap of the bag over her shoulder and headed toward the exit, lost in her thoughts, Mou, what's wrong with me? Did Loki-kun's cooking from the other night really make me sick? I don't feel sick though, just tired…
Her eyes widened as she stumbled, quickly flailing her arms in an attempt to right herself once more. She wearily looked around, making sure that no one had witnessed her grace and then let out a sigh in relief when no witnesses were detected.
Mou, remind me not to eat Loki-kun's cooking anymore…
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"Ne," whispered Mayura, "I promised that I would come," she smiled, leaning down while holding her umbrella in left hand as he reached out with her left and set the flowers down on the ground before her, running her fingers over the carved letters.
Loki and Fenrir now stood perfectly still a little ways behind her. Loki had already opened his mouth to question her but had then closed it, when he saw the stone before her and watched her trace the letters that read 'Daidouji'.
Her pony tail fell over her left shoulder and she couldn't help but smile, "I'll come again to see you next year mama…"
Loki could feel his breath hitch, she had voiced what he had already confirmed, that they were now standing before her mother's grave; today just so happened to be the anniversary of her death, the day that she had left Mayura behind…
The rain dripped from the ends of her umbrella as she stood up and gave the grave and the flowers before it one more look, "Mou…another year gone already…" she whispered, her eyes closed in a silent prayer before she turned to leave.
Loki's eyes softened when her gaze caught his, "Loki?" she questioned, after regaining her composure, having been startled, she looked down to spot Fenrir who was staring up at her with sad eyes, "And Fenrir too?"
"Gomen Mayura, we were merely passing by and ran into Narukami who informed us that you had a promise to fulfill."
A smile appeared on her face as she motioned toward the flowers on the ground, "Hai, today is the anniversary of mama's death," she informed with regret, but still the smile remained.
"…Mayura…" he said her name so softly that she almost hadn't caught it, as she watched his emerald eyes.
"Mou, Loki…it's alright…I should have told you that I wouldn't be coming today," she explained before looking down to find the black pup now sitting at her feet. "Fenrir…"
He looked up at her expectantly, "Gomen Mystery Girl…" She smiled down at him before bending down and scooping him up with her right arm and holding him close against the front of her jacket to warm him. Fenrir blinked as he was held in her embrace and as he watched her crimson eyes he found himself feeling once again quite comfortable with the mortal.
"Its fine," she informed before turning her attention back toward Loki who was looking at her strangely, "Mou, Loki, are you alright?"
"Hai," he replied, with a smile upon his face, as he watched her standing before him.
He was lying; this she knew, but she decided to let it slide…
The Kami awoke with a start. He had apparently fallen asleep at his desk after having had the pleasure of being visited by a persistent goddess. It bothered him, the dream, why had he recalled that memory? And what were these emotions that had been stirred up? His eyes lifted to the clock on the mantel, three o'clock and no pink haired mortal in sight. He instinctively placed his hand over his heart, for he suddenly felt an unknown pain residing from within. His eyes widened in confusion, what was the cause of his pain?
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I suppose it wouldn't be kind to accuse Loki-kun of poisoning the food.
The mortal was contemplating what action to take as she stood patiently on the front doorstep after ringing the bell.
Perhaps, Loki-kun, when you were cooking, you used questionable ingredients? Mou that will never work…hmmm…
The door opened to reveal the friendly butler who she had grown so accustomed to over the duration of her visits to the Kami's home. As the butler stood there with his warm smile and welcomed her inside, the girl couldn't help but think that her objectives had changed so much since her first visit to the mansion. She had come to the posing matantei to find her lost doll and had found herself thrown into one fushigi mystery after another, only to unravel the biggest fushigi mystery of them all, the true identity of the master of the mansion.
And as the final realization dawned on her, her heart began to constrict and she found herself instinctively placing her hand over her heart, for it wasn't about the countless fushigi mysteries anymore or being the agency's self appointed assistant, the fact remained that she was irrevocably in love with a Kami. A being that she once thought not to exist for her prayers had been left unanswered.
The butler led her toward the stairs leading to the matantei's office—a room she knew all too well. Upon entering the hallway the girl passed by a lazy black pup that rolled over, in an attempt to look fully alert, greeting her in his own special way, asking if she had brought him any good treats. The littlest mystery was heading their way as it floated into the girl's arms with one of its enthusiastic greetings.
She had grown accustomed to this house and its occupants. So much so that she found herself spending so very much of her time there if only to be closer to the Kami. And this for some reason was the most painful realization of them all—to be so unconditionally in love. Why was it so painful? Shouldn't she be happy? Isn't it a wonderful thing to find love? It was painful, she thought, beginning her ascent up the stairs because…
"Loki-kun," whispered the mortal girl, "Loki-kun is one of my most precious people. I don't care if he's a kami or what form he takes, because to me…." She could feel her heart beating rapidly, "Loki-kun is someone I love."
The kami's heart was beating at an equally fast pace, for once he found himself responding to a woman's heartfelt declaration of her love for him and tilted his head to the side so his cheek brushed up against hers.
"Mayu," he whispered, savoring the closeness as he closed his eyes, "I—
"Hai, I know," she murmured, turning her head, her lips brushing up against his cheek, feeling his free hand comb through her hair.
The entire establishment around them falling to ruin while the desire of one fire kami to protect a mere mortal girl was the only thing protecting either; Mayura's eyes widened as she felt Loki's arms shift before placing one arm under her knees while the other wrapped around her back.
She watched him with crimson orbs reflecting the amazing glow from the dancing flames around them as he gently lifted her off the ground, her arms wrapping securely around his neck.
"Loki-kun…"
"You don't need to say anything Mayu," he whispered, watching her bury the side of her face in his neck, her warm breath trickling down his neck while she sighed in content.
"…Arigato, Loki-kun…" she mumbled, closing her eyes and feeling him tilt his head to see her face, "aishite imasu…"
Mayura smiled, feeling Loki's lips on her forehead, before whispering in her ear, "Kimi wa tottemo taisetsu na hito nan da, Mayura."
Although he had stated that she was very precious to him, he had never admitted to being in love with her. And perhaps he would never admit, or better yet, ever truly care for her in the way she cared for him.
She shook her head to clear her mind, everything was alright. Things didn't need to change, Loki-kun was Loki-kun and regardless of if he ever admitted to being in love with her, things would be the same. Yet, why did she so desperately want to hear his words?
The butler opened the door to the Kami's office and as she walked in emerald locked with crimson for both appeared to mirror one another, their hands clutching the fabric covering their hearts. The butler arched an eyebrow while the black pup titled his head in question, and the littlest mystery suggested refreshments where in order.
As the door shut quietly behind her, the Kami and the mortal appeared to be lost within the depths of one another's eyes. It was the mortal who found herself releasing the air that had become pent up within her lungs and let out a concerned, "Loki-kun…"
The Kami, resembling a mere child, stood, his form shifting before her eyes into his kakusei form. No more words were needed as she found herself walking toward him to aid him in his attempt to conquer the space between them. When she met him in the center of the large room, she placed her palm on his chest.
"Daijoubu desu ka?" she instinctively questioned after seeing an unusual emotion upon his features.
"Hai," was his quiet reply, covering her hand with his, watching as she closed her eyes, sighing in relief.
"Yogatta," she whispered in relief, causing him to recall when he returned to her. Those had been her exact words as she held him that night.
"Mayura," he murmured, watching her peaceful face, "Are you alright?"
"Hai," she replied, feeling his hand in her hair, smoothening out her pink tresses, "everything is fine, Loki-kun."
And she believed her words to be true…
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When he walked her home it was twilight. The streets were dimly lit by the street lamps, the night air was crisp, and the streets were growing busy as people made their way home from work. The Kami and the mortal as we now understand had stopped at the intersection awaiting the signal to cross the street. It was a good moment and yet looking back, it was a painful one…even more so for the Kami who now sits in thought…
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Present Day
"Verdandi!" cried Skuld, suddenly panic stricken, "What are you saying?!"
Verdandi quietly sipped her tea, her eyes looking past the brim of the cup at her attentive audience, "To put this bluntly Loki-sama, the mortal girl's life could be compared to this," she explained, motioning to the hourglass on the table, "Just like the sands within this hourglass her life's essence is slowly sifting," her eyes locked with those of the Kami's, "However," her voice went flat, "unlike this hourglass," she slowly lifted the item in her hand and turned it to allow the sands to sift, "her life essence will not be restored by a mere turn."
"I thought you said there was a way—
"Silence," Verdandi's voice rang out ending the Kami's protest, "I would not have said there was a way if it were not true," her eyes shifted to her panicked sister and then to the calmer.
"Loki-sama," suggested Urd, "Please sit and allow for Verdandi to continue."
"But Urd!" cried Skuld frantically looking between her two siblings.
"Be silent Skuld," came Urd's words, the finality in her voice.
The seemingly youngest of the three sat down dejectedly and bowed her head in defeat.
"Please Verdandi," came the sincere voice of the Kami as he sat before her, "tell me what I must do to save her life."
"This may be an impossible act even for you," informed Verdandi as her eyes bore into his.
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Present Day: Night has fallen and the day draws near
"You still have some time to make your decision, Loki-sama," whispered Verdandi, her hands around the now cold cup of tea.
"Please realize that whatever your decision, we cannot guarantee the outcome," informed Urd, her eyes shifting to the still like form of her quiet sibling, before focusing on the stunned Kami, "we can merely hope to intervene in the fabric of time."
"Regardless," continued Verdandi, "You have one day left to spend with the mortal. We will come to you in the twenty forth hour for your decision."
There voices echo within the depths of his mind as he opens that familiar door once more…
"Gomen," whispered the young lady emerging from the dimly lit room as the door to the room opened and the light from the hallway poured in, "I didn't mean to startle you."
"No," began the man with a listless tone, his tired eyes focusing on what lie past her form, "it's alright."
The sound of music reached his ear and the young woman smiled continuing to go about her duties, "They say music not only soothes the soul but heals it. I thought some music would be welcomed in this room."
"Thank you," his tired yet genuine reply came as he watched her return a vase full of once brilliant in the sunlight—now mysteriously so in the moonlight—flowers to the nightstand.
When she had left he did not know. His eyes had become unfocused and when his focus returned it was due to the steady noise returning to his ears. That constant and unchanging noise was as much of a curse as it was a gift—for it signaled time. He slowly pulled the tan chair beside the bed as he had before and reached for the hand of the girl lying silently before him.
"I can't believe that I'm asking for your advice," he whispered, shaking his head as a small smile managed to grace his face, "isn't it usually the other way around?"
His eyes fell upon the pale face of the sleeping mortal girl before him, "Twenty four hours left to spend with you," he whispered, "There was once a time when twenty four hours seemed like an eternity to be stuck with a mystery crazed mortal," he sighed, "Now it seems far too soon."
He reached out, pushing back the stray tresses that had fallen across her face and murmured, "What is your wish Mayura?"
And from within the depths of her mind…
A little girl stands in a meadow praying to any Kami that will answer her silent prayer to not have to be separated from one she loves…
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Breakdown of the chapters to come: next will be One Day Ago (Ending to when Mayura returned home, the last 24 hours, and present day); 24 Hours Together, and The Finale…