Luna led the pair of them up the cliffside paths to Megaris's shop. The second she entered the shop a small wave of flames encircled her, drying her clothes in a near instant. "I won't have you dripping on my floor again Luna." stated the young man behind the counter. "So you blast fire at me? I feel really welcomed." she said as the same flame wrapped around Yumi before floating up towards the ceiling. Yumi followed it with her eyes and saw the whole ceiling was covered in dim orange flames. "It's almost like having a heater installed isn't it?" asked Megaris, noticing Yumi's curious expression. Yumi nodded while smiling nervously at the man. "Shy huh? No need to be nervous around me." he said, smiling back at her. "Really? You can say that calmly after engulfing us in fire?" asked Luna as she walked up to him.
"I knew what I was doing and besides, it worked like a charm. You're dry as could be right?" "That still doesn't excuse what you did. You could have at least warned us first." pouted Luna. "I'll take a note of that for next time. Now, who did you bring into my shop this time?" "This is Yumi, my girlfriend and roommate. Yumi, this is Megaris, he's been repairing my gear for me since SAO." "Pleased to meet you." said Yumi, quietly while bowing her head. "It's nice to meet you as well, Yumi. Girlfriend huh?" he asked, turning his attention back to Luna. "Yep." answered Luna cheerfully, grabbing Yumi's arm and pulling her close.
Yumi's face turned a bright red as she avoided Megaris's gaze. "I hope she isn't giving you too much trouble, Yumi." said Megaris. Yumi shook her head. "Why does everyone say that?" asked Luna. Yumi laughed at Luna's frustrated expression. "Everyone says that when I first meet them." stated Yumi. "Ah, well she does have a reputation for getting in trouble so it makes sense. I hired her to help me around the shop for a bit once in Aincrad and nothing but bad things happened that day. Someone tried to rob the store and then later a customer came in and began complaining about her service before she challenged him to a duel in the street out front. After that happened people were scared of going near the shop for a whole week." explained Megaris.
"It also brought customers that were looking to fight me so you're welcome for that and besides, he deserved it for what he said to me." stated Luna. "What did he say?" asked Yumi. "He called her a cold and emotionless child that shouldn't be behind a register. I think he also made fun of her size if I remember correctly." said Megaris. "Her size? She's a little on the short side but not by much. I'm only an inch taller than her and I don't really get made fun of." said Yumi. "It wasn't about my height." muttered Luna. "Weight?" questioned Yumi. Luna shook her head. "It was my chest alright! He made fun of my chest." exclaimed Luna to Yumi's puzzled look. "I didn't know you were sensitive about that." said Yumi. "I didn't either until that happened." stated Megaris. "You should have seen her, I don't think I've ever seen a person so mad before that." he added.
"Look, can we stop talking about all of this? Here." said Luna, sending a trade notification to Megaris. "Sorry about that, Luna." said Megaris, smiling and accepting the trade. "It's fine, I know you just like to tease me, you and every other person I know. It's nice to reflect on the better memories of that place anyways." said Luna, calming herself down. "Yumi, you can order some gear as well while we're here, I'll pay whatever it comes out to." she continued as she sat down in a chair against the wall. "I suppose if you're offering, I might as well do it." muttered Yumi. "Good, here is a book of what I can currently make. Pick anything you like and I'll get started on making it right away." said Megaris, handing over a large leather bound book. Luna watched Yumi happily as she flipped through the catalog, pointing things out to Megaris.
"All set?" asked Megaris. Yumi nodded in response. "Cool, I'll begin on this as soon as possible so it should be ready in a few days. It's pretty expensive Luna so I hope you can afford it." "I've got it covered and if not I'm sure we can work something out." said Luna as she approached the counter. After handing over the price of the gear Luna thanked him and grabbed Yumi's hand and exited the shop. The damp freezing air caused her hair to stand on end as her body readjusted to the temperature. "At least it stopped raining." said Luna. "Yeah." muttered Yumi. Is something up?" asked Luna. "Huh? Oh, it's nothing important." answered Yumi. "I can tell it's bugging you, what is it?" "It's just, after meeting all of these people and hearing these stories and stuff, I realize that there's so much I still don't know about you." "I told you that you only have to ask, I'll answer any questions you have." stated Luna.
"The problem is that I don't really know what to ask or if it's okay to." "Of course it's okay to ask me questions, it doesn't matter what it's about." "Even if it's about Clair?" Luna froze up for a moment as the two came to a halt. "See, I don't want to bring up bad memories or anything." "You're right, she is still a sore subject for me but it's not something I want to hide from you. When I said we were close I meant really close. Even calling her a lover doesn't seem like the right word because she means so much more to me than that. We were like two halves that depended on each other to be whole. She helped see me through the guilt that was eating away at me after I killed those people and helped make me realize that I do deserve to live despite my mistakes."
"I don't think I can ever compare to that." muttered Yumi, her voice growing faint as she glanced towards the ground. "I see now. It's not that you didn't know what to ask, you were afraid to. You knew she meant that much to me." stated Luna. "How could I not be afraid to confirm it? She sounds like the perfect person and I'm nowhere near that. How could you settle for someone like me after being with her?" Yumi's eyes began to water as her pent up worries began to reveal themselves. "I know I don't compare with someone like that so I know the second you realize that you'll leave and I won't even be able to blame you." "You would be able to blame me and if I ever left for something as stupid as that than I expect you to blame and hate me with every fiber of your being." stated Luna. Yumi looked back up into her bright yellow eyes.
After a sigh Luna continued on. "You're right, nobody ever will compare to her but that doesn't mean that you aren't just as important. You don't compare not because of what you have or have not done but because you aren't the same person. You've earned your place in my heart because of who you are and how you've helped me in your own way. Ever since I saw you there's been this pull that I couldn't resist and after some time you became something for me to lean on. Helping you and getting to know you bit by bit has been helping me get past Clair's death in a way that nothing has before. I've tried counseling and talking with everyone I know and even secluding myself but none of that has worked. You are the one thing that has allowed me to move forward one step at a time and finally feel whole again.
Clair will never leave me and I'll always love her for what she's done and how she's changed me as a person but that doesn't mean I can't love you as well." Luna took a breath as she stared into Yumi's light blue eyes. "I… I don't know…" stuttered Yumi. Luna wrapped her arms around Yumi. "I don't compare you to her so don't try to compete with her. I love you for who you are. I thought I made it pretty clear last night, or did you think I was lying to you?" Luna felt Yumi's head shake as the sound of her sobs flooded her ears. "If it helps any, she was nowhere near perfect. She was just as broken as the rest of us, she was just really good at acting like she wasn't." Luna whispered into Yumi's ear.
"I'm sorry." muttered Yumi. "It's fine. I want you to promise me something though Yumi. I want you to promise me that you won't think of yourself as less than anyone anymore. You're beautiful, smart, and even your shyness is adorable. You're loyal and every time I need help with something you're right there with an open hand and you don't complain about it. If anything, I don't deserve you." "I promise to try." said Yumi with a muffled voice. Luna pulled away, keeping her hands on Yumi's shoulders. "If you ever need help just ask okay? It's what I do best after all and from now on if there's anything you want to ask about, don't hesitate. It doesn't matter if it's painful or sad or anything, just ask about it. I can't promise it won't make me upset but that's where you do your part and cheer me up okay?" Luna had a large smile on her face as she leaned in close to Yumi's lips.
She gave a quick peck on Yumi's mouth and hugged her again. "I'm terribly sorry to interrupt you two but I have a request for the Lightning Dancer." said a stout well dressed man in a high pitched voice. "Lightning Dancer?" asked Yumi. Luna sighed and looked down at the ground. "Please don't ask." she muttered before looking towards the man. His hair was slicked back and he was wearing a formal looking coat over some expensive clothing. Pinned on the collar was the badge representing an official from the human faction in Somerant. "Can I help you?" asked Luna. "I was instructed to escort you to the palace at once to meet with the general." "Before I ask anything else, how did you know I was here?" "General Seret told me you were so I came. If you have any more inquiries about it I suggest taking it up with him when we arrive there." he explained.
"Should we go?" asked Yumi. "I have orders for only the Lightning Dancer, not for some stray cat off of the street." he muttered. "Stray cat?" gasped Yumi. Luna growled at the man as she stepped forward to him. "Don't call her that. If she can't go then I'm not going anywhere, understand me?" she snarled, lightning crackling around her fists. "I never heard about how uh… feral you could be. I do apologize for the insult and if you insist then I'll have to agree. Just make haste in your decision." "Fine then, come on, Yumi. Let's get this over with." Luna stormed past the man and made her way towards the castle.
"What was with the stray cat thing?" asked Yumi. "People tend to take the role playing here a little seriously and unfortunately hybrids aren't held to that high of standards to the humans so they look down on us. They seem to forget that we're all humans that are just playing a game." explained Luna. "If it's just role playing, you don't have to get so angry about it." stated Yumi. "Maybe but another unfortunate thing is that I am one of those people sometimes. After being here as long as I have been I feel like I live here. My ears and tail feel like a real part of me almost to the point that I miss them when I'm not logged in so when any other race looks down on mine I can't help but feel angry. Plus it was meant as an insult directed at you so I couldn't look past it." said Luna.
"I know what you mean about it all feeling real. Now that you mention it though, is that why I found those things in your bedroom?" Luna's face turned a bright red as she suddenly glanced at Yumi. "You found those? I can't believe it, first Jin and now you. Even Zin knows. I might die from embarrassment." "I didn't think you would get that embarrassed by that. It's just a little dress up. I think it's pretty cute." said Yumi, twiddling her fingers. "It's not just dress up, it's not like I bought it from a costume store or at least not a normal one. I didn't want anyone finding out about that." "Normal one?" muttered Yumi. After a minute she gasped and her face turned red. "So the tail is…" Luna nodded while covering her face with both hands. "I don't use it for those reasons. I just thought it was cute and I like posing in front of a mirror with it."
"As much as I enjoy listening to you two prattle and whisper we do have a meeting to get to." said the well groomed man, walking past the pair. The man's reminder quickly chased away her embarrassment and replaced it with the previous annoyance she had been feeling towards him. Luna and Yumi both followed him towards the palace. The center plaza was how it always seemed, full of new players and NPCs giving them their introductions. The three moved past the crowd and entered into the palace proper. It being Luna's first time inside, the surroundings were a surprise for her. Reflective stone made the walls and floors, the ceiling was a black tile and the walls all had glowing orbs of light illuminating the rooms. Luna shook off the awe at the sound of the man's throat clearing. "This way please." he said, opening a set of polished wooden doors.
Maps and papers were scattered on every desk in the room. In the center was a polished wooden desk with a larger muscular man looking over a map lying on its surface. "General, I brought your dog like you asked. Apparently she has also found a cat to follow her around." Luna gave an intense look his way causing the man to step back towards the door. "Thanks, Mika, you may leave." said the General. The man known as Mika bowed and exited through the twin doors leaving Luna, Yumi, and the General alone. "Lightning Dancer, it's a pleasure to meet you, my name is Seret, the general of the human faction. Would you mind taking a seat, you too of course, cat." He gestured at a couple of chairs next to the war table.
"Just call me Luna and this is Yumi." she explained, taking her seat. "Will do, Luna, nice to meet you, Yumi. Well, if it makes no difference to you I would like to get straight to business." "That would actually be preferable as I have other plans to attend to." said Luna. "It's a win win then. To get to it, here, give it a look over." He handed over a parchment and Luna took it in hand. "Names?" she questioned. "Targets to be more precise. It's no secret that the elven faction has gained some ground and the human army is falling behind the pack. I want to change that and to do that, we need points, and fast. These names are all players that rank rather high in the elf and hybrid armies that I need taken out. I would pay quite handsomely for their points." he explained.
Luna read through the list once more before placing it down on the table. "How many times would I have to fight them?" she inquired. "Just once. Mika did the math on it and their points should give us a decent lead if you act quick enough. You might not even have to kill all of them." Seret stated. "I'll think it over. When do you need an answer?" The general pondered for a moment. "A few days should be fine. Take the letter and send me a message if you choose to accept the job." "I will. Have a good day, General." Luna and Yumi both stood and bowed before taking their leave. Mika was standing just outside the door and glared as the two hybrids walked past. Luna smirked and in an instant a knife left her hand and stuck the wall next to the man's head. A small scratch appeared on his cheek with a sliver of blood bubbling from the wound.
"Mutt." growled the man. Luna winked and continued walking with Yumi at her side. "So, are you gonna take it? The job I mean." asked Yumi. "I don't know. I'm kind of backed up on jobs at the moment. After the tournament I've been getting slammed with people asking for help. Gathering flowers, clearing dungeons, escorting them in PVP heavy areas. The requests just won't stop. I honestly doubt I have the time to even get to all of those on my own." "Why don't you let me help with some of them?" asked Yumi. "Would you really? You have to talk with people, you know that right?" "I-I don't mind. I could definitely do it if I needed to. It would give me something to do anyways." Luna remained silent as she thought for a minute. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt. If you don't mind then I would be honored to have your help."
"Cool. So, when do I get started?" asked Yumi, putting on her best showing of confidence. "In a couple of days. I have somewhere to go tomorrow and I wanted you to come with me and the day after that we're going to my school's gym." "I do remember you mentioning that, why are we going there again?" "The volleyball team at my school wanted to do some practice and they invited me to help. I thought it would be nice for you, Piper, and Fi to come with me." explained Luna. "I've never played before, will it be alright?" asked Yumi, nervously. "I don't see a problem with it. It'll be a fun time, promise. If it helps I don't think Piper or Fi have ever played either." she said, noticing Yumi's unconfident expression.
Getting lost in their conversation, Luna didn't even realize they were back at the warp gate. "Hey, girls." said Zin, waving at the pair of them. "Hey." said Luna. Yumi waved shyly and stepped closer to Luna. "You two are as close as ever huh? It's so good to see that somebody else was able to put up with you, Luna." he said, smiling. "Oh shut up. I should be saying the same about you." "Correct you are. Remi was quite the blessing. Anyways, I'm in a hurry so if you don't mind. Later, girls." He winked and walked past them. "I wonder what he's up to." muttered Luna. Yumi shrugged her shoulders as her body relaxed. "Come on, let's get back to the cabin. I'm getting pretty tired and want to get off for the night." Yumi nodded and the two walked through the gate.
Upon arriving back at the cabin, Yumi decided to stay on for a while longer so Luna logged off on her own. After waking in her bed she slid the helmet off and scratched Shu's ears before climbing from the bed. She wiped her untied hair out of her eyes and draped her black parka over her shoulders to provide some warmth. Her other clothing was a pair of pajama pants and a white tank top. Her usual black ribbon was tied around her right wrist and her silver necklace hung over her chest. Shu yawned and closed his eyes again as Luna exited into the hallway. Once in the kitchen she made a cup of tea and began boiling a pot of water on the stove. "Pasta?" asked Yumi, entering the room fifteen minutes later. "Yeah, spaghetti. I've been taking a liking to western dishes lately so I thought I would try it. It seems simple enough so even I shouldn't screw it up so that's also a plus." said Luna before sipping from her tea.
After the two finished eating, Luna started on the dishes. "It was good." said Yumi. Luna giggled and placed a plate into the dishtray. "For real? I think you're just saying that." "No, honest. It's the best spaghetti I've ever had." "That's because you've never eaten it before." said Luna, flicking some bubbles towards Yumi. "Even so, I'm not lying." Luna couldn't help but smile and continued on her dishes. "If you mean it then come over here and tell me to my face." Yumi grinned and inched nearer. "I. Liked. It." Yumi said slowly and clearly, staring into Luna's eyes. Luna swiftly wrapped her hand around Yumi's waist and pulled her close. While staring longingly back at Yumi she poked her nose leaving a glob of bubbles there.
Yumi let out a quiet sneeze, clearing the foam from her face. "Sorry about th…" Yumi's apology was cut short by Luna's lips touching hers. "Was it really alright?" asked Luna, pulling back. "I wouldn't lie to you." said Yumi. After another chuckle, Luna pushed Yumi back a step. "Well, thanks for the compliment. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to continue working and you're kind of in the way. Out with you." Luna said in a joking tone. Yumi put her hands up and backed out of the kitchen, apologizing and wearing a large smile as she left. After her chores were done, Luna retrieved her sketchbook and sat on the sofa in the living room. "What are you drawing this time?" asked Yumi, taking a seat next to her. "You." Luna replied. She finished a couple more strokes of her pen and held it up for Yumi to examine it. On the page a girl was standing on the edge of a cliff staring out at the rising sun on the horizon.
The girl's hair was billowing in the wind and being swept behind her right ear as leaves blew past her. The ocean stretched out past the cliff, reflecting the light of the coming dawn. "Every time I look at these I'm blown away." Yumi said, taking in every detail of the drawing. "Once again, I appreciate the compliment. Man, first my cooking and now this, you're spoiling me tonight." "I just speak the truth." said Yumi, leaning closer to Luna. "You better be careful, I might start getting a big head if you keep it up." Luna said quietly, leaning herself forward. She was now on her back and Yumi above her, grabbing the book from Luna's hand. "I don't think that would be such a bad thing if it means I can keep complimenting you." "Then by all means, tell me more about what's so great about me." said Luna, smiling.
Yumi pecked Luna's left cheek. "You're smart." She then did the same to the right. "You're pretty." Then the lips. "You're kind." She then kissed the front of Luna's neck. "You're always there for me." Next was the side of her neck, under the ear. "And your cooking is always amazing." said Yumi in whispered tones. "Now I know you're lying." said Luna, wrapping her arms around Yumi's body. "My turn?" asked Luna. Yumi nodded. "Let me see. The thing that I like about you." Luna paused and looked over to the side as she thought. Yumi smacked her arm lightly and giggled. "What's taking you so long? Is it that hard?" Luna shook her head. "I'm just trying to shorten the list. I guess I'll say everything about you is nice." "That's cheating, you have to pick something." "I did." retorted Luna, pulling Yumi down and kissing her softly.
Come sunrise the next morning Luna was wrapped in Yumi's embrace on the couch. Luna smiled and gently crawled out from under her arm. She grabbed her grey long sleeved shirt from the ground and pulled it over her head and covered her bare body. She brushed her unruly hair out of her eyes but it fell back in place within a couple of seconds. She glanced back at Yumi's sleeping face before proceeding to her room and grabbing a change of clothes. By the time her bath was finished Yumi was sitting up on the couch and stretching. "Morning." said Luna, sitting on the arm of the couch. "Morning." replied Yumi as she yawned. "Ready for our little adventure?" "You still haven't told me where we're going." said Yumi. "In good time. For now take solace in knowing you'll like it. I guarantee it." "I guess I'll have to take your word." said Yumi, standing from the couch. "Let me get ready." she added, yawning again and walking towards the hallway. Luna whistled, causing Yumi to glance back. The second she did a shirt was tossed at her face.
Yumi barely caught it and saw Luna grinning on the other side. Yumi looked down and noticed she was standing there naked before letting out a quiet shriek. "Relax, it's only us." said Luna. Yumi's face was a bright red. "Still." she muttered. Luna smirked and shooed her away. After the girls were ready Luna pushed her outside and locked the door behind them. "Alright, let's get this trip started." Luna took Yumi's hand in her own before leaving the apartment behind them. As the day went on the two went to different shops buying things from clothes to some pet toys for Shu. Luna then took Yumi to a movie theater and then out to dinner afterwards. "This was all rather unnecessary. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate it but it seems like a little much." said Yumi as they walked up the stairs to their apartment.
"I think it's just enough and every bit was important. I had to buy time somehow." "Time for what?" "You'll see. Close your eyes and I'll guide you inside." Yumi agreed hesitantly and held tightly to Luna's arm. Luna opened the door and helped Yumi inside before letting her go. "Wait here a sec, okay?" she said. Luna soon returned, grabbed Yumi's hands and opened them so that her palms were facing the ceiling. "Don't freak out okay? It's a lot cuter than whatever you think it might be and be very gentle." Yumi felt something small and furry sitting in her palms. It moved around a bit in her hands and brushed against her fingers. Yumi opened her eyes slowly and saw an orange kitten with black stripes running down its body to the base of its tail, its eyes a crystal blue.
Yumi just stared in awe as the kitten purred and rubbed against her fingers. "So, are you going to name her?" asked Luna, nudging her arm. "Uhh, y-yeah, sure. Ummm, maybe, Miu. It's my mother's name." "I like it." said Jin, walking in from the kitchen. Yumi jumped from the unexpected surprise. "Y-you were here." she said softly. "He's the one that brought the cat." said Luna. "I had to keep you out all day so he had time to get her and the supplies." she continued. Yumi looked at the orange bundle of fur in her hand and smiled. "Why?" she whimpered. Tears dripped onto her palm and some hit the kitten's head. "Why?" she asked again. Luna's hand's gently wrapped around hers and Yumi felt a soft touch on her cheek. "Because I love you." Luna whispered into her ear before kissing her cheek again. Yumi grinned wider and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Thank you." she said, returning Luna's show of affection.
She looked up to Jin and thanked him as well. "Of course, Yumi. I know I haven't known you for too long yet but I think of you like another sister. This was the least I could do. Now with that taken care of. When's dinner, Luna?" he asked. "I promised him dinner for helping." Luna explained to Yumi before walking away. Luna hit Jin as she walked by and proceeded to the kitchen. Luna made cuts of beef with a side of rice for their meal. "This isn't half bad, Luna. It's good to see your cooking is getting better." Jin stated before taking another bite. "Thank y…" "I mean the rice is a little undercooked and the meat could have been seasoned a little better but still, not too bad." he interrupted. A handful of rice hit him dead in the face causing Yumi to nearly burst out in laughter. "I'm sorry. I thought you liked it so much that you wanted seconds." said Luna with a scowl on her face.
"Just asking me would have sufficed." Jin said while wiping his face. "I would have but you might have been too busy criticizing it to answer." she retorted. "I'll take note to not comment on your cooking in the future." he said, continuing his meal. Yumi stayed silent for most of the meal with Miu resting in her lap. "Bye, Jin." said Luna, hugging her elder brother. "See ya sis." he replied. He then turned to Yumi and opened his arms wide. "Come on, Yumi, you get one too." Yumi was reluctant but Luna pushed her forward into his arms. "I won't bite." he said. She closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you, Jin." she said softly. The two separated and Jin waved bye to the girls. After he was gone both Luna and Yumi took a bath and headed for their beds.
An alarm sounded off in the morning waking Luna from her slumber. Shu stirred and yawned as he stretched his limbs. Luna sat up and looked towards her curtain covered window and saw the sun's light peeking through. The March air chilled the room but the sun had helped ease it. She took the ribbon from her wrist and tied her hair up as she left the room with Shu trailing behind. The black and white shiba had always stayed at her side since she got him and it always brought a smile to her face. Sometimes she got lost in thought while staring at the pup. He was a present from her parents with the purpose of acting like therapy. Luna had never wanted to try counselors though she had once or twice. They never worked which is what she figured when the suggestion was brought up.
Even talking with her family or friends only got her so far but with Shu it was different. He obviously didn't talk but maybe that was what she liked about him. A silent companion that was always by her side no matter what. He sleeps with her in the bed, he follows her everywhere she goes inside the house, and when she's gone, he waits by her door for her to come back. The thought of it always pleased Luna, the thought that no matter where she goes or what happens to her, this little shiba will always be waiting for her. "Just like Clair is." she thought aloud while scratching behind his ears. "She would have loved you, probably more than she loved me." Luna added with a faint smile on her face.
Luna pulled eggs, bread, milk, and some cinnamon among other things like pans and butter. She grabbed a black apron that was hanging on a cabinet knob and began mixing stuff together. After a while several pieces of bread were stacked on a plate to the side and she was pouring two glasses of her favorite honey flavored tea. "Can you go get Yumi for me, buddy?" she asked Shu. He stared back blankly, wagging his tail excitedly. She smiled and let out a quiet whistle. He barked and took off towards the hallway. After some scratching and whining at the door, Yumi came from the room with the orange bundle from before in her hands. "Morning, Shu." she said in a groggy voice as she still felt half asleep. He barked once more and made his way back to the kitchen.
"Smells good." Yumi commented as she sat at the table. "It's called french toast. It's another western thing I saw the other day." she said, setting the table. Luna gave Yumi a peck on the cheek as she passed and then brought out the two cups of tea. "Have you been looking these things up or something?" asked Yumi. "Truth be told, Clair's mother mentioned it to mine and in turn my mom told me. I'm kind of getting this habit from my mother. The more she hangs out with Karen, the more it seems she wants to move to America. She's been listening to western music and making western foods. Before I know it she's going to be on a plane and across the ocean." explained Luna. Shu sat at Luna's feet as he did most mornings and Miu was calmly curled up in Yumi's lap.
"It's nice that she's taken an interest in it though, right?" asked Yumi. "Of course. I'm not complaining about it or anything. My dad might be though. My mother spent time in America when she was younger so she has always liked western things but my dad is more traditional. I'm sure all of this is getting old for him pretty quick." "And you? How are you liking it?" Yumi inquired. "So far, I like it a lot, as you can tell. Maybe I'll move to America some day as well. I'm almost fluent in english thanks to Clair so it could work out." "Well if you go then I'll have to also." said Yumi. Luna smiled at the thought. "I would like that. Two young foreigners in a far off country. I like the sound of it." Yumi giggled to Luna's comment. "There's no need to make it so dramatic. What would you do if you were to move?" Yumi asked. Luna had to think for a minute before her usual answer came to her.
"I don't really know." she said. "You got to have some idea. Isn't there anything you want to do?" Luna pondered again. "I haven't really given my future much thought to be honest. After SAO and even the stuff that happened after that, it hasn't crossed my mind. Maybe I'll get a job at some game company." she joked. "Maybe I'll get an office job at some tech company or maybe I'll rise to be some CEO of my own business." Luna continued on. "I doubt every one of those." said Yumi with a kindness in her voice. "Yeah, why's that?" questioned Luna, resting her head on her open hand and poking at her food with the other.
"They just don't seem like you. I can't say what you would do but those don't really feel like the answers." "Not so much huh? They did feel weird coming out of my mouth. It doesn't matter much, those are tomorrow's problems while we have all day today to ignore them. Before I drop the subject however, what about you?" "Me? Well, um… I was thinking of being a fighter, you know, in tournaments and stuff. I don't know if there's money to be made in it but it might be pretty fun and I need to make some use of this stuff I was forced to learn." "Forced? You never wanted to learn martial arts?" asked Luna. Yumi shook her head gently. "My mother forced me too. She wanted me out of the house most of the time and then after my father died she got in trouble with this group and… Well, you saw the result.
She owed him money and I went there to be the middleman of some sorts. He kept an eye on me as leverage and at times I would pleasure him or bring him the money my mother owed. Other times he would just hit me. Either way, that stuff is in the past so I should look to the future." "Yeah, you should. I think for both of us, our pasts could easily become a burden. Might as well look forward to where it's brighter." Luna stated, melancholy in her voice. They finished their breakfast and Luna took Shu for a walk. Once back Luna grabbed a pair of blue denim jeans, a white long sleeved shirt, and took a quick bath. Yumi bathed as well afterwards and changed into a pair of jeans and a purple shirt with shorter sleeves.
Luna pulled on her black parka and hurried Yumi to get ready. "Come on, we're going to be late." "I'm working on it." said Yumi, pulling her purple hoodie over her head. They walked to the school and met both Fi and Piper at the gate. "This place is creepy when no one else is here." Piper said once Luna and Yumi greeted them. "We've been to creepier places and it's the middle of the day. There's no need to be afraid." said Luna, patting her friend on the shoulder. Soon after the meeting, Risu and another two girls showed up. "Morning, Risu, Suki, Minori." Luna greeted the three of them. Yumi bowed and greeted them as well and was then followed by Fi and Piper.
Suki was a girl with ruffled brown hair similar to Luna but it was as short as Risu's. Her eyes were the color of chocolate and she had faint freckles around her nose. Minori stood taller than the other two and had her sleek black hair tied up into a bun with her bangs held in place with a rose shaped hair clip. The three of them were wearing the same uniforms they wore for their regular team practices. The three girls said their good mornings and the group of them entered through the gates. They found themselves at the gymnasium in a matter of minutes. Risu used the key she had been given to open the doors and allowed all of them inside. The court was a polished wooden floor. The volleyball net had already been set up assumedly from their last practice session. "Alright, there's four of you and three of us so we need to figure out how to set up the teams." said Risu, resting her head on her palm as she thought. "I won't actually be playing." said Fi, raising her hand. "I'm not one for sports I'm afraid." she added to the inquisitive look Risu had given her.
"Well, that settles it then." said Luna with a smile on her face. Luna shrugged her parka from her shoulder and tossed it onto a bench before stretching her arms. "Alright, Piper and Fi are with me, Suki and Minori with you." said Luna. Risu nodded and took her own jacket off. Yumi had kept hers on for now and the six of them went to their respective side of the court. "We'll go to ten for the first game as a warm-up." explained Risu, bouncing the ball against the ground and catching it. "Sounds good to me." Luna called back. Yumi leaned over to Luna nervously. "I've never played before, how do we win?" asked Yumi. "You keep the ball from touching the ground on your side and make it hit the ground on theirs. Don't worry too much about it. You'll get it as we play." explained Luna.
Luna gave a quick nod to Piper and they all got into position. Risu was up to serve and tossed the ball into the air. She jumped and slammed the ball over the net. Piper was the one in the back and hit it back into the air. "Yumi, get ready." said Luna while running to the ball. She lightly hit into the air, positioning it near Yumi at the net. Yumi jumped up and hit the ball downwards on the other side of the net. Minori who was closest managed to hit it up and Risu set the ball for Suki to spike it. It went straight for Yumi who mistakenly launched it skyward. Piper was next to set the ball and Luna sprinted to meet it. She launched herself up and met the ball above the net. She hit it as hard as she could and the ball flew past the opposing team before they could react to it. "I keep telling you girls to watch her." said Risu, playfully. Luna smiled and they threw the ball back to her. She stepped to the edge of the court and took aim to serve.
Luna tossed the ball ahead of her and kicked from the ground. Her hand hit the ball in an instant and it flew straight past Suki. "Out!" yelled Suki, pointing to where the ball landed outside the line. "Accuracy before power, Luna!" Risu called out. Luna gave a quick thumbs up and got back into position. Suki was next to serve. She gently tossed the ball and smacked it over towards Luna's side. Piper was the first to grab it and then Yumi set the ball for Luna. Luna moved as quick as ever and leapt up to meet the ball again. Risu was however ready this time for her quick attack and received it. It flew back up, both Piper and Minori jumped at the net to reach it. Minori had more reach with her arms and managed to hit the ball back over just before Piper's hand reached. The ball fell inches from the net and hit the ground.
They continued on with the back and forth until Risu's team had nine and Luna's had eight. "Alright, keep up the defense and keep your eyes on Luna as much as possible." instructed Risu. Luna was humbled by extra attention despite her belief of it being undeserved. In this game both Piper and Yumi managed to score more than she had even if it had been with her assistance. Luna smiled back at the opposing trio as Piper readied herself to serve. Piper nervously hit the ball sending it just barely over the net. It had hit the top and rolled a few inches onto their side. Risu was quick enough to recover it and Suki set it for Minori. Luna's eyes darted to the now airborne girl and watched closely.
Luna was already moving by the time Minori's hand made contact and sprinted into a dive to hit the ball. She slid across the ground and hit it back towards the ceiling. Piper awaited under it and set the ball to the right where Yumi was running towards. Yumi launched up higher than she had the entire match and swung as hard as she could. Her palm hit it hard enough to turn her hand red. The ball flew fast but not fast enough to avoid Risu who was by far their best defender. She managed to slide under it and kicked it up with her foot. Suki struggled to set the sloppy recovery but Minori, their best spiker, had managed to salvage it. Even Luna wasn't fast enough to catch the hit. Minori had jumped up at the opposite side from Luna and hit straight along the left border. It hit the court at the very corner of the white borderline granting them the final point.
A few minutes later they were taking a break on the benches and eating lunch. "I thought you were going to hit it my way." Luna stated. "I wanted you to think that. You've trained with me enough to know that's my specialty so I decided to mix it up." Minori explained, smiling widely. "I have to say that it worked. You guys are getting a lot better. I don't know how much longer I'll be of help to you." Luna said. "You'll be of help as long you're around. We aren't the only ones getting better you know?" "Oh stop, you're making me blush." said Luna, jokingly. "You two were pretty good as well for your first time playing." Suki said to both Piper and Yumi. "T-thanks." Yumi said. Piper gave a thumbs up while she attempted to catch her breath.
"Tired?" Fi asked Piper. Piper nodded. Fi gave her a bottle of water and a sandwich from her bag. "Thanks Fi." said Piper, accepting the generous gifts. They played several more games before calling it quits for the day. "You guys really know how to wear me out." Luna stated to Risu. "Same to you. You always make us work a little extra to keep up with you." said Risu. Luna and Yumi said their goodbyes and began heading for home. "You did really great by the way." Luna said, grabbing Yumi's hand. "I'm nothing compared to you. I had no idea you were that good, maybe this is what you could do if we go to America." "Maybe." said Luna, giggling. "You know you would have to join with me right?" she added.
"Then I guess you won't be playing volleyball. Maybe you could do something with your drawings." "Another good suggestion but then I can't work with you." said Luna. "I'm better in a supportive role." said Yumi. Luna couldn't help but laugh and the two reached home soon after. After dinner Luna and Yumi both took a quick bath and made their way to their beds. Luna laid there for a while with Shu resting at her feet. "You know, Shu, I really am happy. Everything seems to be going so well lately." she said aloud. Shu barked to her words and moved himself under her arm before stretching out on his stomach. Luna smiled and scratched his ears. "You're such a good listener." she said, stroking his back. Another bark rang out and he licked her face. "Love you too, buddy." She kissed his nose and soon her eyes closed as slumber overtook her.