X-X-X-X
Chapter 53
X-X-X-X
I made sure Sakura was comfortable before taking my leave. Kurogane gave me a suspicious stare, but I ignored it. I went in the general direction of Kamui and Subaru, intending on speaking to them about what they did. Well, it's not like I can actually get mad at them. They were merely doing what they could to make it up to the people of this country...for the water that was lost. I thought remembering the water disappeared due to the real 'Syaoran' appearing.
"It's been a while, Luciana." Subaru said noticing my approach.
"I'm not Luciana, I'm Lucy." I looked at Fuuma and I released a small sigh. "You and your brother, such bothersome children..." I said with a hand against my cheek.
"I'm not like my big brother. I wouldn't hurt the person I saw as an elder sister." Fuuma said smiling at me.
"Don't get too close to her." Kamui said moving me away from Fuuma.
"May I call you Lucy?" Subaru asked looking down at me.
"I don't mind." Subaru and I pointedly ignored the two men arguing off to the side. "I'm sorry for causing you two quite a bit of pain."
"Don't blame yourself for that. Like you said, you're not Luciana. You shouldn't shoulder the blame when you weren't responsible for it."
"No, I should apologize." I held Subaru's hands in my own. "You're a sweet boy from Luciana's memories. She pulled you two into the fold as a precaution...should I ever become a part of this journey."
"Do you hate her?"
"...Not hate, but...she did something unforgivable to me..." I shut my eye, trying not to cry. "...To someone I care for..."
"You still love her, don't you?"
"...When I was small, I thought she was my grandmother even though she looked so young."
"I bet she reacted well to that. Hahaha."
"Well, I thought of it because of her white hair. When I first called her 'grandma' to her face, she looked so surprised it was cute."
"You still love her, but you can't forgive her...not anytime soon."
"I won't ever forgive her..." I shot Subaru a sharp look. "Not now, not ever."
"Don't say that. Unlike Luciana, your heart is so much kinder. I saw what you did earlier."
"..."
"That man...Fai, he was hurt by your words, but you were merely protecting him. You plan on doing something quite drastic, aren't you? You want him to live, but you don't want to hurt any of them with what you plan on doing."
"That's right."
"That's reckless. You're seriously becoming more and more like that woman."
"Kamui..."
"That's fine, Kamui." I looked at the man with a blank stare. "After all, it'll only hurt them for a little while...then, they'll forget me...if I have to go that far."
"..." Kamui reached out, touching the gaping hole in my shirt. "This scar will remain even if you retrieve your power."
"I know..."
"Unlike Luciana, you'll break. I was only with you for a short amount of time, but that was enough for me to know that your heart is soft."
"I know..."
"...If we do meet again...if you are still alive, I want to talk to you properly."
"...!" That's surprising. I gave Kamui a smile, reaching out to touch his face. He leaned into my touch, closing his eyes. "I'd like that too, Kamui."
"Hm..."
"...Subaru, what is it?" Kamui opened his eyes, taring at his twin with a suspicious look on his face. "Why are you smiling like that?"
"Lucy, Kamui would like it more if you patted his head."
"Oh?"
"That's right."
"Subaru, don t talk nonsense."
"There." I placed my hand upon his head instead. He went still before leaning down more so I can have better access to the top of his head. Fuuma looked amused at this and was grinning, but I was more focused on patting his head. His hair is a lot softer than I thought. "Like this?"
"That's right."
I released Kamui's head and the man pretended that nothing happened...and even threatened Fuuma with a glare if he said anything. I shook my head at their behavior before turning to look in the direction of my group. I saw Fai staring in my direction, a hurt look on his face. Sakura looked in this direction, noticing his gaze. I nodded my head slightly before turning my gaze away. I silently excused myself, walking away to be alone for a while. We'd be staying in this place for a few days...for now, I just wish to be left alone to my own thoughts.
"First thing's first...I should cut my bangs a bit..." I used my sharpened nails to cut my bangs above my eyes...exposing the eyepatch. "I won't hide this...there isn't any need for such a thing...not anymore..." I whispered quietly.
X-X-X-X
I played my Erhu, a cheerful tune that helped cheer up the children of this place. They were dancing or playing about as I played. I tapped my foot to the beat, a small smile on my face as I played. The older generation was also happy for the small distraction, some sitting around the edge of the room merely here to listen or watch the children play. I guess without proper distractions...the most they could do is just sit around waiting.
"Nee-san! Nee-san! You're really good at playing! It was great~!"
"Thank you."
"Nee-san, can I learn to play too?"
"You want to? I'm afraid that I'm not very good at playing myself so I'm not sure how to teach you."
"That's okay! I want to try it too!"
"Me too!"
"Me as well, Nee-chan!"
I decided to let the children try playing, guiding their hands and fingers to produce the proper sounds. I heard someone call my name and I glanced up...to see Fai standing a few feet away. He was calm...despite the fact the smile disappeared from my face. The children immediately knew that I wasn't in a good mood anymore and looked at Fai. One of the little girls tugged on my sleeve, gaining my attention.
"Nee-chan, are you fighting with your boyfriend?"
"...Excuse me?"
"It's not good!"
"That's right! If you love each other, you have to make up!"
"...No, it's not something so simple."
"Eeeh?"
"Really, why?"
"It's an adult thing...a very adult thing..." I took my Erhu. I stood up, walking towards Fai...only to move past him. "Follow me. I don't want to cause a scene here."
"Of course."
Fai followed me as I walked through the building. I had one hand against the wall, my other hand occupied by my Erhu and bow. I led Fai through the building, to an abandoned room on one of the upper floors. I sat down on an old desk, looking towards him. Fai wasn't looking at me though...he was looking behind him...as if making sure no one was around. I don't want to scare the people here...hence the sneaking about.
"So, what is it?" I questioned placing my instrument down carefully beside me.
"You need to drink." Fai stated shutting the door quietly.
"I don't need to do anything." I stated glaring at him.
"Yuuko-san told us, that since you'll need more blood than a normal vampire for a while." Damn that woman...well, I suspected she would do that anyways...as I didn't want to tell them myself. "You need to feed once a day for at least a month before your body is able to sustain itself. You didn't drink for the last three days since you were avoiding us. Your body won't last."
"If I did that, you'd end up with anemia."
"Kurogane and I agreed to switch every day to give the other a chance to recuperate." Fai rolled up the sleeve for his right arm, moving to stand in front of me. "You have to drink."
"...Don't blame me for this."
I held his wrist, lifting it up. My index nail grew in size, sharpening. I used it to cause a small cut along his arm at one of his veins. I lifted his arm to my mouth, licking at the blood that dripped down. Since his blood is rich in magical power...it was delicious to me...that I wanted more. My body was craving more...it needed more and it knew it. I felt a hand touch my hair and I pulled away from Fai's arm, slapping his hand away. I looked at him with a wide eye, blood dripping down my mouth and chin. Fai was as surprised as I was, but he was the one who reacted first.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to surprise you." Fai said with a fake smile.
"...It's fine." I rubbed at my mouth with my sleeve. I'm glad he did that...if he didn't...I probably wouldn't be able to stop myself. "I didn't expect you to touch me...is all." I said looking away.
"You should drink some more." Fai said holding his arm.
"It's more than enough for now." I touched his arm, healing the cut with a bit of my flames. "Excuse me."
I grabbed my instrument, walking off. Once I was far enough, my cheeks turned a bright red color. I covered my mouth with the back of my hand, feeling super embarrassed. I can't believe that I almost lost myself while drinking Fai's blood of all things. Even though I could accept my new status as a vampire...I almost ended up drunk off his magical power. The man's huge amount of magical power...it made me crave more...much more. My flames and my body desires it so much...Ugh, I need to be more careful in the future. I used my flames to store my instrument, losing all interest in playing today.
X-X-X-X
"Sakura, here, you can use me as a crutch." I said holding her hand as she leaned against me.
"Thank you, Lucy." Sakura said smiling up at me.
Today is the day of our departure. As such, we'll be heading down to the underground water reservoir to leave behind one of Sakura's feathers before we depart. I remained silent by Sakura's side as she took her feather from Fuuma. She held it tightly in her arms before I helped her walk to the ledge. She tossed it into the water and from the ripples in the water...I knew where it would end up going. Mokona's wings grew and I knew that I probably won't see Subaru or Kamui again.
"Take care of yourselves, Kamui, Subaru." I said looking in their direction.
"You as well, Lucy." Subaru said giving me a gentle smile.
"...Try to stay alive until then." Kamui said shutting his eyes.
I merely smiled before we headed off to the next world. The first thing I saw when we arrived though...was two men who were dressed in military styled clothing...waiting for us. They certainly changed...and I can't believe they actually paid for my return...or perhaps they had gotten help. Sorrell has changed, no longer is his hair somewhat long in a ponytail. Instead he wears it shorter with his bangs framing his face and almost hiding his left eye. Mao's hair is longer reaching past his shoulders in a tight braid...and he's wearing black framed glasses. The location we appeared in appears to a normal waiting room...but I suspect it's a room within one of their family's villa.
"We've been waiting for you...travelers." Sorrell said, but his eyes were entirely on me.
"Welcome back..." Mao bowed slightly at the waist. "Milady...Lucy." Mao said despite the fact his voice is shaking.
"..." I released a small sigh, knowing...relieved my message got through to my great-grandmother so quickly. "Yes...I'm home...Sorrell, Mao." I said shutting my eye.
"Is this...your world, Lucy?" Sakura asked tightening her grip on my arm.
"...Yes, it is..." I opened my eye, staring at the two coldly. "How many years have passed since my departure?" I questioned without hesitation.
"..." Sorrell looked at Mao...who nodded his head. "Approximately four years."
"What has happened since then?"
"Our families covered up your disappearance, making it appear as if you were merely studying abroad. Your family was well taken care of as well during your disappearance." Mao bowed his head to me. "Milady, the others are waiting for you."
"...This way, travelers." Sorrell turned slightly, indicating the door directly behind him and Mao. "I'm afraid that we must take our mistress from you. A meeting is taking place shortly and her attendance is required."
"Lucy?"
"...Sakura, it'll be okay. Sorrell, treat them with the upmost respect. The man with red eyes, he has an injury to his back. Handle it. Also, help this child walk. Her leg is injured."
"Of course." Sorrell walked towards Sakura and I, offering her his hand. "Sakura-san."
"..."
"It'll be okay, Sakura." Sakura nodded her head slightly, taking Sorrell's hand. Mao walked to me, offering me his arm. I reached to take it when a pale hand grabbed my wrist. I looked up quickly, staring at Fai. "Fai...?"
"Stay safe, Lucy."
"..." I shook his hand off, grabbing Mao's arm. "This is my home world. I'll return safely and as soon as I can. Just wait for me."
Once we exited the waiting room, we went in separate ways in the corridor. Mao and I going left while the others went right. Mao led me to a different room. A rather large bedroom...with some clothing spread out across the couch. I undid the cloak before handing it to him...then off came the boots. Mao turned around to respect my privacy while I stripped down, heading for the bathroom to take a warm shower. I walked out the bathroom ten minutes later, a towel wrapped around my body and another being used to dry my hair.
"What type of clothing would you like to wear?" Mao asked helping me dry my hair.
"...That one." I said pointing at the one on the far left.
"How would you like to do your hair?"
"Leave it down. Also...what of Yuuta's parents?"
"..."
"Inform them I wish to speak with them."
"I understand, milady. They will be brought here as soon as possible."
I pulled on a sleeveless turtleneck dress, the front reaching my knees while the back reached my ankles. It is ice blue...with white diamond patters going along the back. Mao's hand had gone still when he was helping me zip it up from the back...probably noticing the scar that lies there. He zipped it up, tucking the zipper in beneath the collar. I sat down, slipping on some white heels.
"Would you like to wear some jewelry?"
"...No, this is enough."
"Would you like to wear a different eyepatch?"
"No, leave it." My tone was sharper than I intended. "Just leave it..."
"I apologize."
"...What has happened since I left?"
"Your eldest sister gave birth...to a baby boy."
"Luna?"
"She took your...disappearance quite hard. Your great-grandmother explained what she could, but...well, you know how that girl can get."
"I see..."
"Are you hungry, perhaps thirsty?"
"..." My throat is a parched, but...not for a normal drink. I ran my tongue along my still new fangs. I placed my fingertips against my lips before shaking my head. "No, I have a meeting to attend."
"Of course."
"This is it...huh...?"
X-X-X-X
Chapter 53 Ends
As Lucy holds Luciana's memories, she feels close to Kamui and Subaru despite the fact that she's only met them in person recently. Lucy also returned home for a very specific reason, even giving up something to return home, the wish made in the last chapter. The next chapter will involve some yelling, some pain, and quite a few sad moments...but that's normal, right? You return home, but you cannot stay despite the fact you would love to. It's a painful and very sad thing, but you have to stay strong and act as if everything is okay as to not worry those you love. Or that's how I see it. Welp! That's all for now so bye-bye~! Also~! Happy 4th of July~!
