19

14, June 2009

Iwatodai, Japan

Rosemary sighed as she fought the urge to pace in front of Ken's Uncles home. She was getting Ken, the guardianship had been finalized, and bringing him to the dorm. Ikutsuki had seemed pleased when he learned about her guardianship over the soon to be eleven-year-old and had noted that he might have the potential to use a persona. It rubbed her the wrong way, but she refused to go deeper into his mind. If she was right about him being a bad guy, she'd put Ken in danger. It was obvious that Ken, Yosuke, and Akihiko were her weaknesses. Though, most would argue that Fuuka and Shinjiro were her biggest weaknesses. She hoped that Ikutsuki didn't know about that. Knowing her luck, he already did.

"Ah, May-Chan," Ken greeted her with a bright smile.

"Ready to go?" She quietly asked him, "Or do you need help to pack up the rest of your stuff?"

"I need a little help moving mom's shrine," He admitted, and she gave him an understanding look.

"All right, show me what you need me to do," She told him, "I don't want to break anything on accident."

He nodded at her and showed her to the small shrine that was in his room. It was old, and some of the hinges were starting to rust. It was something he had gotten for the picture of his mother, so he'd be able to respect her memory. He looked a lot like his mother, they had the same kind eyes and wavy hair. She gave a tiny prayer to the woman and made a promise to protect her son to the best of her ability. She waited as Ken closed it so nothing would fall out and she gently picked it up with the few fingers she could use. It was lighter than she expected. She headed out of the home. Ken seemed a bit happier the moment he exited the home and closed the door behind him.

"Sorry I don't have a house yet," She apologized, "I hope the other kids don't say anything bad about you living in the dorms."

"I don't mind," He told her with a slight smile, "So, who else lives there?"

She relaxed a bit and told him about the two upperclassmen and then her friends. He seemed excited to meet Akihiko and she smiled at that. It was nice that her brother figures were going to get along, she could just tell. Well, she hoped that Akihiko wouldn't be ready to fight with a child. Sometimes she didn't really know with him. He never let any opponent get the better of him. She was not about to think about it.

"What's wrong?" Ken asked her.

"I just realized that Akihiko has a habit of giving it his all against any opponent in his path," She answered, "I don't know if he's ever had to box against a kid…I really hope he didn't because he does not go easy."

"Is that what happened to your hands?" Ken asked as he suddenly grew nervous, but also a bit protective.

"No, this was something else," She told him with a small smile, "I'm physically fragile for the most part."

"Most part?" He asked and he noted the strange expression on her face.

"I'm very strong in my legs," She answered.

How was she supposed to tell him that her mother had dragged her to a doctor just to make sure she was still able to produce children? Oh, her mother had made sure she had a full checkup and she found out that she could have children. It would just be difficult for her to even attempt a natural birth due to her physical fragility. She didn't like thinking about it. That day was one of her most embarrassing moments. Yet, she couldn't help but think that was the day where her mother got the idea of a marriage contract. It made sense, several men who signed up for those wanted women who could give them an heir. Very few were those who were avoiding prosecution from their family members due to their preferred sexual orientation.

"This building looks nicer than the elementary schools' dorms."

Ken's comment brought her out of her thoughts, and she gave him a small nod of agreement. The dorms were nice, but she couldn't help but think that the people inside made it feel like a home. It was an extravagant building and without its occupants that's all it was. With Ken joining them she couldn't help but feel even more at home. She could always come and hang out with him to ignore the harsh words and thoughts of some of her more judgmental classmates. Some of them, and the entirety of the gardening club, decided that she was all right. They didn't hold her past against her and now had an explanation for her cold personality.

She couldn't help but think back to her short stay in the hospital, several gardening members had shown up with Minato in tow. He easily met her eyes but refused to physically acknowledge that it was his idea to let them know which room was hers. She left with several potted plants, they all thought it was better than cut flowers. She appreciated the thoughts, more than the flowers.

"Sometimes I feel as though a building is just a building until people are inside of it," She couldn't help but tell him, "The dorm feels more like my home than anywhere else I've lived."

"Really?" He blinked in surprise.

She gave him a fond smile and nodded before opening the dorm door and welcoming him inside. Spring was slowly turning into summer and the weather was reflecting that. The foyer was cool compared to the slightly humid air outside. Ken wondered how Rosemary was so unbothered by the humidity. She wasn't sweating and looking at the red head who was wearing short sleeves in such cool air, she'd be the same.

"You must be Amada Ken," The red head said, and he felt his cheeks warm up before he gave a small nod, "Welcome to the dorm."

"T-Thank you," He quietly said.

Mitsuru looked at the two and gave Rosemary a nod to lead Ken up to his room. She heard the British girl speaking softly to Ken and informing him where everything was. She let a small smile slip onto her face at that. No wonder Ken had asked for her to gain guardianship, she was a better role model than Akihiko. Which wasn't that hard to do. Her smile slipped at that thought and a serious expression took its place. She didn't have a problem with Amada living in the dorm, she was bothered by the way that Ikutsuki was ready to have a child join their ranks. Everyone that had already joined knew of the consequences and were of sound mind. Sure, there were slip ups like when Rosemary charged ahead without calling for backup, but all her other actions pointed towards logic. Perhaps she was thinking too much about it. The revelation of Rosemary being reminded of her mother by Ikutsuki would be enough cause for her to contemplate it. She would keep her suspicions quiet and act normal.

Rosemary helped to put the shrine down on the desk and Ken gently opened the doors. The smiling picture of his mother greeted him and the two relaxed a bit. It was nice to see that it had made the trip. Rosemary had started to worry that she had jostled it a bit too roughly on the way up the stairs. It was nice to see that wasn't the case.

"Do you want anything special for dinner on your birthday?" She asked him as she sat down at his desk as he began to put some things away.

"Hmm, can you make Omurice?" He asked her and she blinked at that before nodding.

"It's not a problem," She told him, "Anything else to go with it?"

He shook his head and she mentally noted down what he wanted. It was such a simple dish, but it held significance to him. A sentimental dish, something she could relate with. Well, for now at least. Her strawberry lemon glazed scones were sentimental to her, a link between her and her grandfather. She hoped that she was doing him proud, he was the last remaining happy memory in her childhood. She didn't want his memory to be tarnished.

"Do you think your family will like me?" Ken asked.

"Aunt Naomi thinks your adorable and Yosuke can't wait to meet you over the summer," She confirmed.

"Is he visiting here?" He sounded surprised.

"Yes, he wants to enjoy the fireworks at the festival," She answered, "He'll be bunking with me since I can keep an eye on him."

"Why do you have to keep an eye on him?"

"He likes to play pranks."

That made sense, he caught a faraway look on her face and decided to ask further another time. He went back to unpacking and came across the action figure she had gotten him. He placed it on the desk, and she gave him a small smile. Both were happy the other was happy. It was strange to feel such positive emotions after having a singular focus for so long.

"You want me to leave you to your unpacking?" Rosemary asked as he looked at his suitcase, "I'll come up to let you know when dinner is ready."

"Thank you," Ken said in a relieved manner.

She gave him a fond look at that before ruffling his hair. She left him after that, and he returned to looking at his suitcase. He didn't want to pull down her mood with his less than happy thoughts. He looked over at the picture of his mother and frowned. His mother's killer was closer now. He had to remain patient, he needed to learn more about the man. Observe before action, he could do that. He heard his door creak open and looked down to see a cat walk in. He tilted his head in confusion before realizing that it was Mochi.

"Hello, Mochi," He quietly greeted the cat.

He smiled when Mochi walked up to him before rubbing her head against his shin. It was oddly satisfying when a cat did that. Mochi gave him a quiet meow before jumping up onto his newly made bed. She curled up right next to the pillow and closed her eyes. He wasn't going to move her anytime soon; he didn't want to face a potential attack from her claws.

Rosemary sighed as she walked into the foyer. Mitsuru had one of the Kirijo employees put up a mail container so that if anyone got any letter or packages, they could pick it up. She had gotten mail from her grandmother again. It was a small box this time. It was big enough for a couple of letters or a small item. She picked it up and took it to her room with a slight frown on her face. She didn't really want to know what the woman had to say. Yet, she'd still read it out of curiosity.

She opened the box once she was in the safety of her room. She sat down on the bed and looked inside. There was a second box, but it wasn't labeled to her. Great, her grandmother was sending Shinjiro mail now. She sighed and removed the box before blinking in surprise. When it was in the bigger box the writing looked like her grandmothers, but this was her grandfathers writing. She looked at the letters inside, noting that one was from her grandmother while the other two were from him. She hesitated and looked at the one for Shinjiro. She'd have to find him and hand over whatever he was sent. She opened her grandmothers' letter first.

Rosemary,

You aren't too happy with me, are you? I don't know exactly what you've heard but please believe me that this was the only way to see your best possible future. Naomi is wrong, you wouldn't have been the same person. You would've…it doesn't really matter. What has been done is done.

She stopped reading after that. She would've died. She could only guess that's what her grandmother was alluding to. She sighed and quickly skimmed the letter. Nothing but apologies and words of encouragement for her to ask Shinjiro to help her. She didn't crush the letter like she wanted to, only folded it back up and put it into its envelope. She was…furious? She was furious at someone who was dead. A part of her found it ironic, but another part wanted to point out that she had loved her grandmother. That love had dimmed before diminishing once she learned what happened. She would've gladly died if it meant that she had known what it was like to genuinely be wanted and loved by a parental figure. Now, she wanted to live. She wanted to watch Ken graduate high school and have a family of his own. She wanted to graduate. Everything was twisting into a spiral she couldn't stop.

She reached for her grandfathers' letter and hesitated over it. She almost didn't want to read it. She didn't want to lose those happy memories. She knew it was selfish- and childish- to cling onto her perceived memories. Still, she did. She finally picked up the letter and gently opened it.

Little bud,

I never knew. My god I never knew the extent to what you went through. I would've pulled you out of that environment straight away. I love my daughters, but what Susan (there were a few illegible words there that looked to have suffered from water damage, several areas were like that) was inexcusable. No mother should ever treat their child like that, I hope you sell the business and have a happy life away from her.

You may have picked up your grandmothers' talent and love for gardening, but you are also my grandchild and I see so much of my personality in you. Never stoop to their level unless you absolutely have to. Just keep being yourself, that boy she always talks about sounds like he'll look after you. I'm not going to push you into making any decisions, the choice is yours. You're a smart girl when you think before you act. I will support any decision you make. My only request is that you wait to give that package to Aragaki, he'll know when to ask for it. It's all in the letter I sent him, though it's in your hands right now.

I truly am sorry, my little bud. All those times we baked and had fun together mean the world to me, just like it does to you. I'm sorry I can't be there for you as you read this. I can't protect you from your parents from beyond the grave, but I know you can win against them.

I love you,

Grandad.

She had cried when she had gotten her grandmothers letter, but it didn't hold a candle to the sobs that wracked her body. She brought a hand up and wiped at her tears as they ran down her face. They wouldn't stop. She felt her throat constrict as she sniffed. She knew what it was that caused such a strong reaction.

Her grandfather had wanted her and loved her. Those memories she cherished that made her childhood just a little lighter were precious to him too. She brought her knees up to her chest before burrowing her face into them. She didn't even care if the camera was on in her room or not. She had the right to cry.

Two hours later saw a slightly puffy eyed Rosemary cooking dinner while Ken watched. She was a bit amused when he joined her but became worried when his stomach started to hurt after drinking some milk. She thought for a few seconds before recognizing what it could be. He was lactose-intolerant, he shouldn't really be drinking a lot of milk. He could handle ice cream, but he had a few memories where too much had hurt his stomach the next day.

"I think you might be lactose-intolerant," She said with a slight frown as she maneuvered around with her broken fingers, "We can always test it with some lactose free milk."

"I can eat ice cream just fine," He pointed out.

"Yes, in small quantities," She countered, "It's nothing to be ashamed of, it's basically a food allergy."

"Do you have any allergies?" He asked.

"Mangos."

He stared at her for a few seconds. She was born and raised in the UK where did she even encounter mangos? She seemed a bit amused at that and he looked away to the side in embarrassment. Ah, a supermarket. Sometimes it's the most obvious of things. He jumped at the sound of hot oil bubbling and fizzing when something was placed inside of it. She was making him something from her home country. Authentic Fish'n'chips. The fact that she even made homemade chips was surprising. She kept an eye on the fish as she waited to turn them. She would cook the fish first and let the access oil drip off of them before serving them on a bed of freshly made chips. She almost wanted some newspaper to serve them on, she bet that Ken would get a kick out of it once she explained why. Akihiko already knew the reason why she didn't. It would be unhygienic, and she didn't want anyone to get sick eating her food.

"Oh, that smells good," Yukari commented as she came down the stairs to see what the noise was.

Minato was right behind her, he seemed slightly curious. He blinked at the sight of Ken sitting at the table while Rosemary cooked. The taller girl looked up and sent him a raised brow before motioning them towards the table. Yukari almost dragged him to the table as she hurried to sit down.

"Is her cooking that good?" Ken asked with wide eyes.

"Yes, everything she's made so far has been really good," Yukari confirmed as Minato sat down.

"Ah, I'm Amada Ken," Ken introduced himself, "It's nice to meet you."

"Arisato Minato," Minato quietly said as he gave a slight inclination of his head.

"Takeba Yukari, it's nice to meet you, Ken-kun," Yukari smiled.

"I made plenty," Rosemary said as she started bringing plates to the table, "Its fish'n'chips, so it's a bit more western in presentation."

"You made something to eat with our hands, didn't you?" Minato softly asked.

"You can use a fork or chopsticks," She said as she went and got the utensils, "I simply forgot at first, my bad."

He felt and about that and found himself mentally apologizing. That article in the paper, said her mother thought she could read minds. Maybe she could. They could summon monsters by shooting themselves, reading minds wasn't that implausible. She gave him a slight nod of confirmation before everyone said their thanks for the meal and dug in.

Yukari was in greasy heaven. She liked having greasy food once in a while, she had to keep to a diet so that she would be fit for archery club, and this just hit the spot. She looked over to see Minato eating with a surprised glint in his eyes. She wasn't lying when she said that Rosemary was a good cook. They ate in relative silence that was broken with sparse conversation with Ken. Ken didn't mind, it was nice to just eat with people. The food was good, it made him a bit sleepy with how heavy it was compared to what he usually ate.

"I think I'll head to bed," Ken quietly told her, "Night."

"Good night, Ken-chan," She said back to him as she began cleaning up.

She heard his footsteps going up the stairs as she cleaned up the oil in a proper manner. Yukari and Minato were sitting at the table and quietly talking. Well, Yukari was talking to him while he simply listened with a blank expression. Rosemary wasn't surprised by his thoughts; he was content to just listen to the other teen as she talked. It was sweet.

She finished cleaning up and winced when she flexed her few fingers that were out of splints. The broken bones were truly something she could do without. She went up to her room and grabbed Shinjiro's letter. It was best for her to deliver if before she forgot about it. Her grandfather was one of those people that didn't speak much, but let his actions speak for himself. He was good at that, so wonder she usually go flowers from him on her birthday. He knew her well.

"Going out?" Yukari asked when she saw the old light grey jacket.

"Yeah, I have a quick errand to do," She confirmed, "I shouldn't be out too long."

Yukari gave her a worried look and Minato gave her a slight nod. He understood that she liked everything to be normal. She learned her lesson on not calling for backup. She wouldn't make that mistake again if she could avoid it. Sometimes there wasn't a way for her to call for help. She gave a slight nod towards the two before heading out of the dorms. She needed to find Shinjiro and fast.

He wasn't in the back-alley near her work so she had to get on the monorail and ride it to the station. He was there at that back-alley. She let out a soft sigh and easily snuck around the large group of people that had congregated. Their was a party going on with them. She could smell the alcohol and cigarettes. Well, as long as they didn't hurt anyone she didn't care what they did. She caught sight of her target and noted the annoyed look on his face as he spared the partying teens and adults a glare. He wasn't a fan of the loud music and smell. She got his attention and his thoughts paused for a few seconds before he walked up to her.

"Are you forming a habit of showing up when there's a possibility of you being seen?" Shinjiro asked as he walked past her.

"I hope not," She quietly said before tilting her head, "It seems like it, doesn't it?"

"Why are you here?" He asked and she rummaged about in her pockets before pulling out the letter and holding it out to him.

"You got mail," She answered, "It's from my Grandfather, apparently he wasn't too pleased by my grandmothers actions and took it upon himself to write some letters of his own."

"Don't you ever get bothered by them?" He asked as he slowly accepted it.

"…I do…" She admitted, "It was nice at first, but now there's a bit of resentment when something from my grandmother pops up."

He understood that. She let her shoulders slump a bit before rubbing the back of her neck with her least injured hand. He put the letter away in his pocket to read at a different time and studied her. She had a small bruise on her face that was mostly healed up and her hands were all jacked up. She really did bite off more than she could handle.

"Do you know anything about Ikutsuki-San?" She quietly asked him and he frowned at the question.

"He's the chairman, that's all I know about him," He answered and he noted her frown that appeared at that, "Why?"

"He seemed to welcome Ken into the dorms with the pretense that he would join SEES," She answered as she crossed her arms across her chest, she wasn't happy about that, "I can't figure out what kind of game he's playing and if I even think about delving for information and my suspicions are proven true then I could get someone hurt."

"Have you told Aki or Mitsuru?" He asked.

"They both know my suspicions and are keeping a light eye on him to keep him from knowing," She confirmed and he brought a hand up to rub the back of his head.

"Shit…" He muttered.

He might have to rejoin SEES to keep an eye out for Amada. He already screwed that kids life up once and he wasn't about to let it happen again. He looked towards a slightly surprised Rosemary and a look of understanding appeared on her features, he couldn't help but be a bit embarrassed at the slight pride mixed in. She was proud of him? He didn't even know what for. He didn't want to ask, she'd just confuse him.

"Should I even ask about the letter?" He grumbled.

"I didn't read it so I have no clue," She shrugged, "I don't really have to apologize ahead of time for Gramps, he's the most normal person in my family besides my uncle."

Her mother was the craziest, he knew that much. He sighed at that and she looked down at her hands. They were starting to hurt. She kept her wince off her face as she bent one of the bruised appendages. She was used to worse pain, she really shouldn't be bothered by broken fingers. She was broken out of her thoughts by Shinjiro moving. He had something in his hand and she wondered what he was going to do with a handkerchief.

"Your bandages are falling apart," He muttered, he reached for her hand and she fought the flinched at the sudden contact.

He noticed it, the sudden spasm in her hand when he touched it. She didn't look at him and he gathered that it was something she hated to talk about. He wrapped the handkerchief around her hand where the bandages were coming apart, it would stop them from unraveling completely. He worked quickly, but spared a glance at her face before tying it off. She had a blush on her face and refused to look anywhere near him. It was kind of cute. Her blush increased at his thought and his face warmed up a bit.

"I should head back before someone starts a search party," She said, and he gave her a curt nod, "Bye, Shinjiro."

He shook his head at that, but didn't glare as she walked off. He trusted her to get back to the dorm safely. He sighed and went to sit away from the party and reached into his pocket for that letter. His name was in English in a tidy script. He wondered if hers looked the same. He'd have to ask to see. He narrowed his eyes at that thought. He really screwed up where she was concerned. Sure, Akihiko said he was a mother hen at the best of times but it was usually because his childhood friend was a protein loving moron. Rosemary was a shy bookworm that loved to take care of plants, she was an even bigger mother hen then he was. He looked at the letter one last time before opening it.

Aragaki,

Please forgive my Japanese it's been a while since I've really had to use it.

Let me first start off and say thank you for keeping an eye on my granddaughter. She doesn't even notice because of her upbringing. It's difficult to word this correctly due to not knowing much about your personality outside of what my wife says, which isn't much. It's quite annoying. Though I should say, it was annoying. I haven't been near my wife since she passed a year ago, though by now it would have been several years.

It's a weird concept to think about.

Shinjiro was pinching the bridge of his nose. This is where she gets her personality from, it made so much sense. She was just as weird as her grandfather, who seemed to think he was nice as well. How did Susan even come from someone like this guy? It made him very curious. He went back to reading, while keeping in mind that he might see some Rosemary like thought processes.

No wonder people think Rosemary is a lot like me, we both have a bad habit of getting lost in thought and ending with strange conclusions. Granted, she can get stranger than me but is also more aware of logic. It's difficult to explain, lad. That's not the point of this letter.

My letter was to explain the problem that's arisen due to my daughter. I've grown tired of watching her push around the little bud for so many years, and I didn't even know the extent, so I'm hoping that writing to you might help her. I know that you believe you are going to die soon, I can't change that thought because I don't know everything about the situation and I have no idea if it might be untrue. If it isn't true then you might miss out on so many things. My advice, from someone who is dying and now dead, is to enjoy what time you have. Rosemary would agree with me, but I think she respects your wishes.

He was getting advice from a man who was dead. Well, Shinjiro could now say that this was the weirdest that his life would get. He ran a hand down his face and sighed. The man had a valid point, but he didn't know why he refused to enjoy his time. He didn't deserve it.

I really should get to the point( he would find that helpful). My daughter locked Rosemary in with a marriage contract, and there's really no way for her to get out of it without signing one with a different person before the school year ends. She refuses to ask anyone for help simply because she doesn't want to force someone out of pity or use them. She knows what it's like to be used and have no say in her life, she doesn't want to do that to someone else.

If I was there I would probably beg you for you help, and writing doesn't really convey it well. Please, help her. Do something that I couldn't do when I was alive, get her out of her parents grasps. Please.

Martin Pinefield.

P.S. ask Rosemary fortune package I sent with this after a few months if you agree. If it's no then just tell her and let her keep it.

Did…did he just get a letter from a dead man asking him to help his granddaughter who liked him? He gave the letter a blank look. He did, the paper was real and he was sure he wasn't dreaming. How would he even go about a marriage contract? Why was he considering it? A small part of him had admitted that he liked her. He let out a soft sigh before folding the letter back up. Well, he was going to have to rejoin SEES to keep an eye on her and Ken, but he wanted to wait to see how long it took Akihiko to come and ask him to come back. He felt it wouldn't be long at all. He leaned against a wall and closed his eyes for a few seconds, feeling fatigued. No, it definitely wouldn't be long.