Author's Notes: We'll be wrapping up shortly. The final day will be a two chapter finale.
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Chapter 24: Oh How I Realized How I Wanted Time
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Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it you can never get it back—Harvey McKay
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"Loki-kun," whispered the mortal girl as she held him tightly, "I'm so happy."
The kami remained in the girl's embrace, his chin resting upon her shoulder, "I'm glad that you're awake, Mayura," his voice sounded dull due to his conflicting thoughts.
"I was dreaming that Loki-kun would come," the mortal sighed in content, "And you did," resting the side of her face against his, closing her eyes in the process.
The kami could feel his strength faltering. It wasn't right. It wasn't right that her life was fated to end. But how could he selfishly make this decision for her? When even he did not know the full extent of the outcome?
"Loki-kun is so sad," whispered the girl, her arms tightening around him, "I never wanted this, Loki-kun. Gomen Nasai for everything," her voice broke as her tears fell, "I never wanted to cause Loki-kun pain."
The kami instinctively took the girl into his arms, his hand smoothening out her pink tresses in a soothing manner, "I know, Mayura," he murmured, the pain evident in his voice, "It's not your fault."
How could you have known that I would fall in love with you?
"Loki-kun, Papa asked me earlier if there was anything that I wanted," she began, her tears seeming to slow, "I asked Papa if I could have one day outside of the hospital before I die."
His hand stopped, resting on the back of her head as that dreadful word was spoken.
She calmly continued, "I want to see everyone once more outside of this hospital room. Just one day to say goodbye, then I will return to the hospital with no regrets."
The kami opened his mouth to comment; however, the girl's words continued, "And after I've said goodbye, I want to spend the rest of the day with Loki-kun."
Silence filled the room for a brief moment before the mortal broke the silence, "Ne, Loki-kun? It's alright if I'm with you, right?"
Her eyes studied him as the kami distanced himself from her, holding her gently by the shoulders, as emerald met crimson, "Mayura, why do you ask such questions?"
But before the mortal girl could answer, her thoughts were silenced, her eyes widening as the kami's lips met those of her own. And once more tears fell as she closed her eyes.
-
The Final Morning
"Arigato for helping me grandmother," thanked the pink haired girl as she sat on the edge of her hospital bed.
Her grandmother gently ran the hairbrush through the girl's long pink hair, "You don't have to thank me my beloved. You know that grandmother wouldn't want your father trying to get you ready for a day like today."
Her granddaughter laughed, trying to imagine her father helping her pick out an outfit and do her hair, "Papa wouldn't know what to do," she informed and then sighed, "Grandmother, thanks for explaining to Papa why I need to leave the hospital for the day."
"My darling, if it makes you happy how could I not?" Her grandmother took hold of the unique hairclip and studied it, "What a beautiful clip. Wherever did you get it?"
"Someone very special gave it to me," she whispered, her eyes closing at the thought of the kami.
Her grandmother wasn't one to miss too much and grinned, "It's always nice to have someone special isn't it?"
Her granddaughter merely nodded before her grandmother placed the clip in her hair.
"What do you think of my handiwork?" questioned her grandmother, holding a mirror up for her granddaughter to take.
The girl looked at her reflection in the mirror and her smile faltered. Her grandmother's watchful eye did not miss this detail.
"My dear, is it really that bad?"
"No that's not it at all," cried her granddaughter in apology, "It's just that I don't look very well do I?"
"Oh my darling," began her grandmother, taking the mirror from her, "Do you know what I see?"
The girl quietly sat staring at her reflection, "What, grandmother?"
Her grandmother's eyes softened as a smile appeared on her lips, "I see a beautiful young woman."
"But grandmother, I look so tired and—
Her grandmother shook her head and silenced the girl, "Those of us who love you, Mayura, will merely see you for your inner beauty. Never lose the light in those beautiful crimson eyes of yours."
"Arigato grandmother," thanked the girl as she wrapped her arms around the elderly woman.
"Oh my darling," she whispered, returning the embrace, "How I do love you so."
"And I you," replied her granddaughter.
-
"Are you going now, Mayura?"
The girl turned to find her father standing behind her in the hospital hallway. A smile appeared on her face as she nodded in response.
"You know I won't stop you," he began with a smile, "Grandmother wouldn't let me, would she?"
They both shared a laugh before the girl found herself embraced by her father, her eyes widening at the emotion within his voice.
"Papa loves Mayura. Please always remember that no matter what, Mayura will always be Papa's little girl."
Tears glistened in her crimson eyes as her arms slowly wrapped around her father's form, "I love you too, Papa," she whispered, "And I always will."
-
The Final Afternoon
The girl's back rested against the wall of the elevator as the doors closed and her father's form disappeared from view. Her long pink tresses shielded her face as the tears started to fall. The elevator chimed indicating that she would soon be on the first floor and quickly dried her eyes. As the door opened, the first thing her eyes found was the figure of a man wearing a red suit and red winter jacket. Her eyes softened as she realized whose form was before her, a smile on his face, as she gently pushed herself away from the wall of the elevator and stepped forward to take hold of his extended hand.
-
"Mou…Loki-kun, what are we doing?" questioned the mortal girl, who now stood blindfolded
"Don't be impatient, Mayura," teased the kami at her side, "Yamino-kun has put a lot of work into this."
A smile crossed her face, indicating her curiosity, "Yamino-san?"
"Hai," the kami continued to tease, his hands on her shoulders as he moved behind her with a playful grin, "Do you know him?"
The mortal tried to blindly hit the kami but horribly missed, "Mou! Stop teasing me, Loki-kun!"
The kami continued to easily side step her pitiful attempts, "Mayura, if you continue to act this way, I may take offense."
Even blindfolded she managed to puff out her cheeks and look annoyed, which caused the kami to chuckle. That was until she actually managed to make contact with his form.
A sucker punch to the gut…
The mortal stood with a sweatdrop appearing, feeling the kami's hands on each of her shoulders as he stood before her.
"…Loki-kun?"
"Just…a…minute…"
The question marks were forming around her head when she heard the butler's cheerful voice ring out from the next room welcoming them inside.
"Hai!" her cheerful voice replied, "Mou, Loki-kun, we can go!"
"…Hai…" replied the kami, his breath reentering his lungs.
-
"Mystery Girl?" questioned the black pup as he forwardly took a seat on her lap, noticing that she had been staring off into space.
The girl blinked, returning to the present, and smiled down at the pup, "Hai Fenrir?" she murmured, her hand gently rubbing his head.
"Are you happy to be with us?" he questioned, his black eyes searching crimson orbs.
She smiled; it was one that truly reached her eyes, "Hai, I am very happy to be with Fenrir, Yamino-san and everyone today."
"But?" he asked, noticing an underlying emotion, as she continued to pat him.
Her eyes softened, "But I'm sorry that I'll have to break my promise," she explained with a sigh, "I won't get to see a wolf with Fenrir."
She blinked away the unwanted tears and the pup merely moved closer to her, "Don't worry, Mystery Girl."
-
"Say Daidouji?"
The mortal looked up to find the form of her classmate, job loving, dance partner extraordinaire standing before her nervously rubbing the back of his head.
"Hai Narugami-kun?"
He awkwardly took a seat next to her, "Um, well Daidouji—
She cut him short, "Mayura," she insisted.
The look on his face told her that this was a new and perhaps dangerous concept. She frowned in disapproval.
"Please don't tell me that you're going to be as bad as Kaitou-san…" she grumbled.
For some reason, being compared to Freyr had struck a nerve as the brown haired boy's eye twitched in response.
"Alright, Mayura!"
She blinked; he had said her name so fast she had almost missed it. Never the less she allowed for him to continue.
"I just wanted to say that, you're a good friend," he began, repeatedly touching his index fingers together, "And you made coming to Mid—er—Japan and going to school a lot more interesting. You helped me with my after school jobs, and I will forever be indebted to you for helping me win those ten free dinners. So what I'm really trying to say is that—
He stopped talking when his eyes met hers and she nodded in reply, "I'm going to miss you too Narugami-kun."
-
"Mayura-chan?" questioned the blue eyed girl sitting on the sofa next to the mortal girl.
"Hai, Reiya-chan?" replied the pink haired girl with a smile on her face as she regarded the young girl.
"Ano," she looked down, shyly, "gomen nasai that you are so sick."
The mortal girl blinked and gently placed her hand over the girl's, "It's alright, Reiya-chan. Arigato for coming today, I was really glad to see your smiling face enter the room."
-
"Daidouji?"
The mortal girl looked up to find the form of Kakinouchi Kotaru standing before her, as if silently asking for her permission to sit. She nodded in acceptance and watched as he silently took a seat, wondering what he may have to say.
"Daidouji, I just wanted to say that," he started, yet he stopped, as if trying to choose the correct words.
Mayura noticed that people were doing this a lot today, "Hai, Kotaru-kun?"
He appeared to be having an inner conflict, "I do not know the words to say," he admitted, watching as the girl blinked and arched an eyebrow, he awkwardly continued, "How do I say, how do I go about saying—
His eyes widened as she covered his hand with her own and smiled, "I'm happy to have met you Kotaru-kun. Arigato for the fun we had that summer at your family's cottage, and for the dance competition this past spring. Narugami-kun and I wouldn't have entered if it hadn't been for you."
He sat in awe of her, how calm she was as she sat beside of him and gently held his hand with a smile on her face. He merely bowed his head with a smile appearing on his features, "We had a good time, Daidouji."
-
It was surprising to the pink haired girl that Tsubasa had appeared to have shyly been circling the sofa for the past hour. As the guests went into the dining room for lunch, the mortal girl reached out to her friend.
"Tsubasa-chan?"
Tsubasa turned, resembling a deer that had been caught in the headlights and fumbled, "Mayura-chan…"
Without any further conversation, the pink haired girl urged her friend to take a seat beside of her, "What's wrong Tsubasa-chan? Aren't you enjoying yourself?"
The girl's eyes widened as Tsubasa started to cry and angrily stated, "How can you be so calm? Am I enjoying myself? What on Earth kind of question is that?"
The girl sat in silence for a moment, contemplating the situation, "Tsubasa-chan, it's alright—
"Alright?" questioned Tsubasa in astonishment, "Nothing about this is alright, Mayura-chan!"
The mortal girl watched as her friend turned her head away in embarrassment.
"Tsubasa-chan," she coaxed, "we can't always change what happens within our lives. But we can control how we spend our time, and who we spend it with."
Tsubasa raised her head and looked into her friend's crimson orbs, "Mayura-chan…"
"I'll never forget the cheering routine we did together," happily informed the pink haired girl, "Remember how Narugami-kun and the others were watching us?"
Tsubasa blushed and started to laugh, "Oh I was so embarrassed!"
"Mou," replied the girl with a grin, "and remember how I broke my leg?"
Tsubasa hid her face in her hands, "Oh Mayura-chan! Please don't tease!"
Both girls started to laugh at the memories. When the laughter ceased, there sat two friends, the anger having been erased.
"Mayura-chan," whispered Tsubasa, "I owe you so much—
Her eyes widened as her pink haired friend embraced her and replied, "Your friendship was payment enough, Tsubasa-chan; arigato for being such a good friend."
-
The kami watched the pink haired mortal girl from a corner of his dining room. She seemed so happy, her crimson eyes full of life, and that beautiful smile on her face as she sat on the bench in a beautiful long sleeved pink dress with black lacing in the front and knee high black boots surrounded by friends—many of them gods. She happily conversed with Tsubasa, Reiya, Kotaru and Narukami—or maybe Narukami was merely conversing with the sweets before them? He really wasn't sure. But she truly did look happy and it was that happiness that he feared most of losing.
"Loki-sama, isn't this wonderful?" questioned the kami's youngest son with a smile standing next to the chibi matantei—who had thought it best to transform with the arrival of a miniature love goddess, "Mayura-san, looks very happy today."
"Daddy," his eldest son announced his presence, standing on the other side of his father, "the Mystery Girl is really enjoying herself. It looks like the baka finally had a good idea."
"Nii-san!" complained his brother.
"Yamino-kun. Fenrir," began their father, silencing their antics as both regarded his serious expression, "Please come with me for a moment, there is something that I need to tell you."
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"What is it that you needed to talk to us about Daddy?" questioned the black pup, now sitting on the sofa of his father's study.
The matantei's form quickly shifted, so that he could regard his sons with complete seriousness, "Yamino-kun, Fenrir," he began, his eyes closed as he inhaled, as if seeking the courage from within, "As you know, Mayura is dying."
The black pup hung his head sadly, while his youngest son quietly took a seat in one of the study's chairs, "Hai," they both murmured.
The matantei continued, "The mortal world has done all that it can to save her life. It is inevitable that she will die within the next day or two."
His emerald eyes studied their crestfallen expressions as he took another deep breath.
-
The pink haired girl kindly thanked everyone for coming to see her. And as the guests cleared out of the room, she couldn't help but notice that the three household occupants were no where to be seen. She arched an eyebrow in thought but the incoming happy fushigi mystery caused her to extend her arms with a grand smile, all thoughts of the missing occupants having left her mind for the moment.
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"I have been offered the opportunity to save Mayura's life by the Norns," informed the kami, watching as both of his sons raised their eyes with hopeful expressions.
"Mayura-san's life could be saved, Loki-sama?" came the hopeful question from his youngest son.
"Just tell us what we have to do to save the Mystery Girl," enthusiastically stated his eldest son, wagging his tail.
"It's not something that we can do, rather it's something that I can do for Mayura," explained the kami, "But I want to make sure that you understand what will happen…"
-
"Punyan, Mayura-chan," chirped Ecchan as the mortal girl lifted its form up and down in her hands.
The mortal girl smiled, "Kawaii!" she exclaimed, watching Ecchan's smile grow, "Ecchan is the most kawaii fushigi mystery ever!"
"Punyan!" replied Ecchan, obviously granting approval.
She lowered Ecchan to her eye level, "Ecchan, will you take care of Loki-kun, Yamino-san, and Fenrir when I can no longer be here?"
Ecchan's happiness suddenly disappeared, "Mayura-chan…"
"Please?" urged the mortal with a sad smile, "I know that you'll keep them on track. I mean, Loki-kun," she sighed, "Well, don't let him lock himself in his room, alright? And Yamino-san, don't let him try to make Loki-kun eat or drink any new mail ordered drink mixes or strange foods. And Fenrir, well make sure that someone hugs him when he's quiet because its then that he needs it the most."
She smiled and kissed the dubbed fushigi mystery, "I know you'll do a good job."
-
The mortal girl turned with a smile, this would be the last time that she would set foot in this house. This house had brought her to so much on that fated day. And she would always remember all of the memories she had within it.
"Yamino-san," she began, embracing the shy man, "Arigato for today. I had a great time and Yamino's cooking was wonderful as always."
He nodded in embarrassment and as she stepped away from him, he recalled his father's words; it's something that I can do for Mayura. And he understood.
She bent down to scoop up the black pup and held him lovingly in her arms, "Fenrir, arigato for our talks."
And as the pup closed his eyes, savoring her warmth, there was that mysterious sense of knowing once more and he knew that his father's decision was for the best, I'm going to ask Mayura tonight.
-
The mortal girl looked back from the gate, her hand in the kami's, as she raised her right hand to wave to the three forms standing in the doorway. Her smiling face imprinted within their minds long after she had disappeared from view.
-
The Norns sat around the table in silence. Tonight was the night that the fate of one mortal could be altered. The nearby clock was steadily ticking down the moments as they sat in candle light. There were no more words to be spoken for all had been said. And as Urd reached for the pot of tea before them the pot cracked. The other two members at the table felt a cool breeze and the candles flickered at what appeared from the darkness.
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The mortal stood in the forest's clearing as the moonlight poured from the sky and onto her form. Her long hair blew silently behind her from the gently blowing breeze, the ends of her black buttoned jacket billowing in the wind with the skirt of her long pink dress. She stood perfectly still; the moon's light illuminating her features as she smiled at him with true content on her features.
The kami was in awe as he watched her. Everything about the mortal was serene and inviting.
"Mayura," he began, extending his hand to her, "I have something that I need to ask you."
She placed her hand within his and instinctively moved closer as he gently pulled her into his embrace. The mortal quietly stood, the side of her face resting against his chest, her ear in alignment with his heartbeat as she listened to the steady beat of the kami's heart, as she felt his hand smoothening out her pink tresses.
"Mayura," he murmured, not quite sure how he intended to start, "Were you happy today?" He instinctively glanced downward already knowing that her face would be shielded from view.
"Hai," she whispered, "I was able to do everything today thanks to Loki-kun."
The kami paused before forming his sentence, "Mayura, do you have any regrets?"
The mortal distanced herself from the kami, yet merely to judge his face and its underlying emotions. Her crimson orbs met emerald before she sadly smiled and placed the palm of her hand on his chest and closed her eyes.
"I only regret causing Loki-kun so much pain. I wish that I had never gone to the Enjaku Detective Agen—
Her eyelids opened in alarm in response to her hand being ceased. She looked upward to find emerald orbs burning into hers and winced in both bewilderment and from the sensation caused by the sudden action. The mortal's eyes softened as she watched her hand be lifted from his chest and ever so gently be brought to the kami's lips. The caress of his lips on the back of her hand seemed to ease all pain as she silently studied his face before he lowered her hand.
"Don't ever regret ending up on my doorstep Mayura," his soothing voice entered her ears, "I will never regret it."
She bowed her head in shame, her long hair shielding her face from view, "Gomen nasai," she murmured, unable to control a tear drop from falling, the hand at her side forming into a fist, "I lied, about being alright, about accepting my illness," another deceitful tear drop escaped as her shoulders began to shake, she looked upward with a tearful gaze, "How can I accept my death, when I'm in love with Loki-kun?"
The kami couldn't bring himself to tear his eyes from her heartbreaking expression as he took her face within his hands, "Mayura," he began, emerald boring into crimson, "If it is your wish to stay with me, then I will grant it."
The mortal's eyes widened in disbelief, "Loki-kun…" she murmured, her mind not fully registering his words, "I could stay with Loki-kun?" She questioned, hesitantly lifting her hand, allowing her palm to rest on the side of his face as she searched his eyes.
He leaned forward, allowing for their foreheads to touch as he closed his eyes, "If that is your wish, Mayura. Then I will surely grant it," he whispered savoring the warmth of her touch on such a brisk night, "I will make a deal with fate and keep you with me," he explained, "You merely need to give me your answer, Mayu," he whispered sweetly.
"I choose…"
"Arigato, Loki-kun," thanked Mayura as she took a sip of her coffee and smiled, "it's very good."
"Do itashimashite, Mayura," replied Loki, as he too sipped his coffee.
"Loki-kun…" she began, fiddling with her spoon.
"Hai, Mayura?" he asked, looking over at her.
"I've had a really good time with you these past two weeks," she looked up and smiled at him, "I hope we can go on a trip together again sometime."
He smiled and stirred a packet of sugar into his coffee, "I must admit that I've had a nice time here in Okinawa with you; I wouldn't mind going someplace with Mayura again sometime," he admitted, watching the swirls in his coffee cup.
She practically beamed before wrapping her arms around him, "Arigato, Loki-kun. I'm so happy that you've had a good time. I was worried that you wouldn't want to spend anymore time with me, but then you asked me for dessert," she explained, as she rested the side of her face on top of his head.
Loki smiled and continued to stir his coffee, "Mayura, one thing I'm certain of, is that I could never be tired of you."
…
Her hand stopped in midair, having been about to knock on the closed door, the pup who had been on her heels stood at her side, hearing the air catch in her lungs.
"Loki, why do you insist on giving your attentions to that girl when you can have someone like me?"
"Aa, so you feel that you are better suited for me?"
"Of course, what can you possibly get from a mortal girl? Come now, Loki. When are you going to admit that you are playing a game with her?"
"And what if I am merely playing a foolish game with a mortal? Perhaps mortals are more fun to play with; after all I've never had the opportunity before. Maybe she just makes it that much easier, what with the way she follows me around like a puppy."
The pink haired mortal girl whose hand had come to rest on the doorknob let her hand fall limply to her side, her shoulders slumped forward and her head bowed, the pink strands hiding her face from the pup's view.
"Loki, you really are quite cruel. This entire time you've been trying to make me jealous over a silly mortal girl."
She stepped away from the door, the small package of chocolates falling soundlessly onto the carpeted floor outside of the office door and turned, slowly walking down the stairs, her hair shielding her face as the black pup hurried after her.
The butler met them in the hallway with a tray of cookies and a pot of tea in hand but took a step back at the sight of the mortal girl descending the stairs.
"Mayura-san…"
She looked up at him, his gaze falling on her pained expression, her normally bright crimson eyes dull and glassy as silent tears streamed down her cheeks.
"I never knew that I was just a foolish game," she commented, but shook her head before he could respond and whispered, "Please excuse me, Yamino-san…"
She quickly turned, heading for the front door and grabbing the closed umbrella in the process.
…
The front door slowly opened to reveal the mortal girl, wearing a pink peasant style dress, her long pink hair flowing behind her. Yet her crimson eyes held none of their normal beauty as her gaze landed on the guest before her.
"Loki…" she murmured, averting her eyes from him.
"Mayura," he began, seeing her pained expression and reaching out his hand toward her, "Mayura, I wanted to say—
She shook her head sadly and stepped back from him, "Loki, I don't want this anymore."
His hand froze in place at her words, his eyes widening as she turned from him.
"I don't want to be a silly mortal girl anymore, and I don't want to play foolish games with you."
And with that she closed the door.
…
As if on cue the mortal girl turned to look behind her, not only were her eyes filled with unshed tears but the object of her emotional turmoil was seen crossing the street and with no one else around it was a pretty good indication that it was her that he was pursuing.
"Mayura!"
Quickly picking up the pace, her tears falling as she ran, her hair flowing freely in back of her and her boots clicking on the pavement she began her attempt to outrun the Kami.
"Mou, go away Loki! I don't want to talk!"
The Kami was quickly learning that the mortal girl was quite the runner and that the clumsy mystery loving girl did possess some grace when the occasion called for it. He just wished that she hadn't chosen this occasion.
The girl gave a backwards glance to find that he was quickly gaining on her and grumbled; Mou things were much easy when you were in your smaller form, Loki. Your legs were a lot shorter too.
…
"Mayura, slow down!" the normally good natured Kami was getting more frustrated by the minute to have lowered himself to chasing after her, let alone being in this situation to begin with. Why couldn't she just be like all the other goddesses he had encountered, listening to his every word and following after him?
"Mou, I don't want to talk to you, Loki!"
The suffix missing from his name hadn't gone unnoticed and whether his irritation was due to the fact that the entire situation was irrational or that the suffix was in deed missing from his name he couldn't tell. But he had definitely come too far to quit now.
"Yes you've made that point well known! But I want to talk to you, Mayura!"
"Mou, how long are you planning to chase after me?!"
"Until one of us passes out or—
With a backwards glance the Kami did a double take, and then turned back and gave a shrug before stating in a nonchalant voice "Or they catch us."
"Nani?" questioned the mortal, looking back quickly, but still running, her eyes widening in alarm, to find a mass of teenaged girls, Freyr's head popping up and down within the hoard, the cries of My beloved Yamato Nadeshiko echoing, and the sign of a familiar blonde yelling Loki-sama!
With a horrified look Mayura cried, "It's them!"
To hear the response being a chorus of, "It's her!"
With a finger to his chin in thought it was as though a light bulb was seen being turned on within the Kami's mind as he smirked, "Oh, the aliens."
Mayura would have smacked herself on the forehead—what the hell? Did he want a cookie for figuring it out six months later—if she had been spared a moment to do so, yet her inner musings were; now he gets it!
"So Mayura, what will it be? Are you going to go with me or are we going to fall pray to them?"
"Loki, why are you even—
"Mayura, do you think I'd really be chasing you, let alone in broad daylight, if I only thought of you as a foolish game?"
"But you said…" her voice trailed off, giving him a sideways glance while trying to focus on the turn of the street ahead, her crimson orbs searching his emerald eyes.
"I lied," was his solemn reply, watching as her eyes widened, "So what do you say Mayura?" he questioned with a smirk, "Want to outrun our adoring fans?"
She paused for a moment but something within his eyes told her that everything he had said had been the truth and felt her eyes shining with unshed tears, "Loki-kun…"
…
"Loki-kun?" she questioned, yet a smile still warmed her face as she stood before him wearing, a light zippered jacket over her cheering uniform and her hair up in a pony tail.
"Mayura, I was hoping that I would find you here," smoothly replied the Kami, "I wanted to give you something."
"Nani?" she questioned, following his cue to have a seat on the bench of the bleacher, "Something? For me?"
Loki couldn't help but smirk at how clueless she could be, "Hai. After all," he stated with a shrug, "you did give me chocolates on Valentine's Day."
As realization dawned on her, it also made its way to her face in the form of a blush. Before she could comment further, a small square package in white paper was presented to her.
"Arigato," she murmured, carefully taking the package from his hand and proceeding to open the wrapped gift.
Although his attention appeared to be focused across the gym, his eye never left her face, and when she lifted the cover of the box and pushed back to the tissue paper, he didn't miss how her smile grew brighter and her eyes lit up.
"Loki-kun," she happily began, her fingers gently tracing every curve, "its kirei."
Before the Kami had time to let out a sigh of relief, he was embraced by his mortal girlfriend.
"Arigato Loki-kun," she happily exclaimed, catching the detective off guard and nearly taking them both off of the bench.
The Kami couldn't even reprimand her actions, for the smile on her face was gratitude enough. He watched as she pushed back, her eyes once more lingering on the gift.
"Mayura," started Loki, taking the gift in hand, and carefully placing the beautifully gold hair comb at the top of her pony tail, twirling a few of the loose pink strands in his fingers as she intently watched him, "the symbol is called a rune, and although it may look similar to a ribbon of sorts by mortal standards, its meaning is far more. For the symbol that I have given you means—
He was silenced by her embrace, her arms securely around his neck and the content heard within her voice as she spoke, "Mou takusan, Loki-kun. Wakatte imasu."
And the Kami's musings were only, Of course she would understand. She always does.
The mortal's eyes were closed as a smile appeared on her lips, "I choose to stay with Loki-kun," she murmured into the night air, "I want Loki-kun to grant my—
The kami and the mortal girl both opened their eyes at the sound of the newcomer. The kami's gaze shifted, his eyes widening at the man before him.
"I'm afraid I can't allow Loki to grant your wish," informed Odin, standing before them with an all knowing smirk on his face, his long silver hair shining under the moon's light, and his mismatched eyes surveying the pair, "Mayura."
The kami's attention quickly shifted to the mortal at his side. The mortal gasped, staggering backwards as she instinctively grabbed the fabric covering her chest, her eyes wide with fright.
Her eyes widened as she quickly stood at the sight of a tall and slender man with long silver hair and two mismatched eyes. The mortal girl opened her mouth to scream yet her attempt was ceased.
"My dear girl," began the stranger watching as the girl brought her hands to her throat, her coughs entering his ears as he walked past the mortal and casually took a seat on her bed, "I really can't have you ruining my plans, can I?" He smiled, his eyes creasing in the process, "No, of course not," he answered his own question in a carefree tone and an accompanying laugh, "I've worked so hard for this moment; everything has been timed perfectly and…"
The girl fell to her knees as he observed her state, "Oh I do apologize, here I am going on and you really have no idea what about." He sighed in contemplation for a moment before shrugging his shoulders, "It's rather amusing you see. Even I couldn't have predicted that Loki would find you of all beings. You did put a damper on my plans for a moment; however, once I realized the opportunity that I had been given, what better way to get my revenge? Loki took Baldur and I shall simply take you. A fair trade wouldn't you agree?"
He watched her eyes glazing over, her breathing labored, as he waved his hand in a calming manner, "I'm sure you would, if you could that is." He stood from his seat on the bed and knelt before the mortal girl, gently taking her chin in his hand and tilting her face upward, "It's a pity you don't recall my name," he stared into unfocused crimson eyes, "I'm Odin and you," he trailed off, letting her chin drop, "are the means to Loki's undoing."
"…Odin…" her voice was meek as her crimson orbs shown recognition of the events that had taken place.
"Now this is an unexpected turn of events," informed Odin.
The kami of mischief had no sooner blinked to find that the king of Asgard had disappeared from view. He instinctively turned, his eyes widening at the sight of Odin, his lean frame towering over Mayura, his slender fingers locked around her chin, tilting her chin upward, causing her feet to be lifted off the ground, his face mere inches from her own, and the wince on her features as his fingers imprinted themselves on her fair skin.
"You were not supposed to recall our meeting," explained Odin, his different colored orbs boring into frightened crimson, "I couldn't have you telling Loki that it was I who tampered with your fate, now could I?"
The events were happening too quickly, yet it was as though the kami of mischief were stuck in time. It was Odin, the king of Asgard, standing before him, declaring that he had purposely chosen to end Mayura's life. How could he have been so stupid? The signs had been there all along. The day Mayura went missing on the Mystery Club outing, how she had found him almost by coincidence in the park, how she could not recall any events in between her disappearance and reappearance, the cat that had appeared on her doorstep and his premonitions. They had all been leading up to this very moment.
"How can I possibly make Loki suffer," his calm face suddenly turned sadistic, "If you're not dead?!"
Her eyes widened out of fear and awe as the king of Asgard's blow was halted by the staff of the kami of mischief. Mayura watched as Odin staggered backwards off balance, her feet returning to the ground almost instantaneously, as the form of Loki stood before her, Laevateinn extended in his hand.
Odin looked amused as he studied his opponent, "It would appear that you've acquired a powerful new toy, since the last time we met."
Loki's eyes were fixated on Odin; however, his mind wandered to the girl behind him, he could feel the fear emanating from her,
What do I do? If I fight Odin now, Mayura could be hurt and there isn't much time left before the Norns appear. And there's no way that I can't fight Odin. I couldn't even hope to buy her enough time to get away—not in her condition, and now knowing that it's Odin who controls her fate. He's incredibly fast; I can't expect to parry his blows for long. Hand to hand combat isn't exactly my expertise and Odin knows this.
A crackling noise rang out and as an accompanying blinding light appeared from out of nowhere, the kami of mischief quickly wrapped his arm around the girl's waist and leapt backwards. The crackling remained; however, the light had subsided as the kami—who had shielded the girl—quickly checked her over.
The mortal appeared to be unscathed, yet her crimson orbs were fixated on what lye before them. Loki turned his attention forward, his eyes widening at the image of a brown haired boy, his back to them, with his trusted partner extended within his hand crackling with pure energy.
"Thor!" cried Loki, his attention having left the mortal at his side.
Thor tilted his head to the side taking in the sight of a stunned kami and a silent mortal girl, "Change of plans, Loki," he informed with a grin, "Odin's gotten to the Norns and it's impossible for them to come to you," he continued, "You know what you have to do, Loki," his gaze shifted to the silent girl, her crimson orbs locked on the sight of Mjolnnir infused with lightning, and he smiled, "You have to get Daidouji to the Norns."
Loki stood tall, his hand tightening around Laevateinn, "I understand," he bowed his head in appreciation, "Arigato, Thor."
"Loki, you better save her," ordered the kami of thunder, watching his amused opponent, his father, before him.
"You intend to fight me," scoffed Odin with a grin, "Your father?"
"It would appear that I have no choice, father," replied Thor, glancing back at the two, "Hurry it up, Loki," he stressed, Mjolnnir crackling in his hands.
"Mayura," began Loki, trying to shake her from her reverie, "Mayura, we have to go now!"
Her eyes refocused as she blinked, her attention turning toward Loki, "Go?" she questioned, starting to fully comprehend the scene before her, her eyes shifting to Narugami and Odin, "We can't leave him," she pleaded, grasping onto his hands, her eyes boring into his.
Loki's eyes shifted to the side, "We have to, Mayura. We have to get you to the Norns and away from Odin. It's the only way to save your life," he took hold of her hand and started leading her away from the scene, when she broke away, "Mayura!"
She had only gone a short distance but her eyes were taking in every intricate detail and her brain slowly began to process the situation…
Thor turned with a smile, "You've got to get going Daidouji!"
Her eyes widened, "But what about you?!" she found herself yelling, her eyes widening at Mjolnnir.
"Well Mayura," informed the kami of mischief with a smirk, "You see Narukami," he continued earning a look of disbelief from his fellow kami, "is really—
"Fond of thunder storms!" cried the frantic kami of thunder, trying to wedge himself out from between the mortal girl and the wall of the bus stop, causing his companions to be forced to their right in the process.
"…Honto?" came a muffled response from the mortal, her face currently in the fabric of the kami of mischief's coat.
"…He's a regular storm chaser…" muttered the equally uncomfortable kami the side of his face pressed up against the glass of the bus stop window.
Feeling that the danger had passed the trio were returned to their former upright squished seating positions.
"Narugami-kun really likes thunder?" questioned the mortal, her eyes seeming to sparkle.
"I don't like to brag—
"Yes he does."
"Like I was saying Daidouji, I'm very fond of thunder and lightning too. I can pretty much detect where it's going to hit and…why are you looking at me like that Daidouji?"
"Fushigi Mystery! Let's go find out where the lightning will strike!"
"I'm going to be fine," informed Thor with that smile she had grown so accustomed to, "It's you that I'm worried about!"
Her eyes widened as she found herself bowing her head, "Arigatou, Naru…" she looked up with tears in her eyes, yet there was happiness within them as she stood tall, "Naru-Kami!"
Thor's eyes softened, "You're welcome," he began then smiled confidently, "Mayura!"
The mortal girl smiled and let the tears fall, before turning and running toward the kami of mischief and grabbing hold of his hand—allowing him to lead her further into the woods in hopes of escaping.
I promise we'll meet again.
Thor's reflexes instinctively halted his father's attempts to follow, as he smirked, confidence in his eyes, "There's no way I'm letting you get past me, father. Not when it's her that you're after."
Odin's face twisted into a friendly smile as he let out a round of laughter, "So you've finally figured it out have you?"
-
Mayura instinctively covered her head at the sound and vibration from the lightning's impact. The pair shielded their eyes from the blinding light coming from within the forest before Loki pulled her along. Two thoughts…
Thor, please be alright, my friend…
Naru-Kami, please let us meet again…
-
One more chapter to go…