The room was pitch black except for a small light emanating from one end of a hallway. Luna walked through it cautiously as she felt eyes watching her every movement. Voices were screaming and berating her as she walked. They came from the walls, the ceiling, the ground, from anywhere they could. Luna was surrounded by the words they spoke. "Murderer. Monster. Murderer! Monster!" They repeated and got louder as they continued. They soon drowned out the echoes of her every footstep. The voices became so noisy that she couldn't hear herself think and soon Luna felt like they were consuming her. Her progress down the hall was being slowed and it seemed like reaching the end was only a far off dream that could never be reached.
Luna reached out before falling under the weight amassing on her shoulders as the voices screamed into her ears. "Murderer! Monster! You don't deserve to live! Murderer!" "Stop. Please. I'm not. I didn't." she muttered but her voice soon seemed to go mute. The words wouldn't leave her mouth and if they did she couldn't hear them any longer. "Stop! Go away!" she finally screamed before feeling hands grasp onto her shoulders. "Luna, wake up." Her body was being shaken and when she opened her eyes she saw her brother's yellow eyes staring into her own. "Jin?" she asked. "How long has this been happening?" he asked, his voice stern and serious. "What are you talking about?" asked Luna.
"Don't play dumb with me, Lunasara. For the last two days I've walked in on you sleeping while logged in and both times you were crying and screaming. What's going on and how long has it been happening?" Luna looked away to avoid his piercing eyes. "Hey! Answer me." demanded Jin. "Since April first, so a few days ago. My nightmares are acting up again." she answered, still avoiding his gaze. "How much have you slept?" "I just was." "I mean actually slept." Luna sighed. "A couple of hours a night, maybe." "Luna." said Jin. "You need to log off and get in your own bed and I'll come by later today." "And do what? How can you help me? They'll go away soon enough, they always do." Luna stated. "Luna, we're not going through this again. Last time you let us help you, don't push me away this time." said Jin. "I'm not pushing anyone away. There is nothing you can do so don't stress yourself over it. I'll be fine and I have to go meet the general today so logging out will have to wait."
Luna forced herself to her feet and nearly fell over. Jin caught her and helped her straighten up. "Thanks." she uttered before freeing herself from his grasp. Luna left the cabin and her brother with it. She warped to the capital and struggled up to the waterfall palace. "General Seret, your dog is here to see you." said the well dressed official called Mika. Luna growled as she grabbed hold of Mika's shirt collar. "Dog?" she snarled. "Maybe I should bare my fangs then. Show you how much of a dog I can be." "Lightning Dancer. Please let my fool go." said the general's commanding voice. Luna's eyes weren't as bright as they normally were but seemed just as intimidating. The second she let the man go he darted from the room and closed the doors behind him.
"You seem annoyed, Lightning Dancer." said the general. "Tired. Can we get this over with?" Luna approached the table and threw the crumbled piece of parchment onto it. "The list of names. Most of them are done and that's all you're getting from me. That should have given you enough points to at least catch up to the elven faction." she stated. "It did and I appreciate your assistance in the matter. Your payment." Seret produced a brown sack of coins and tossed it in front of Luna. After pocketing the bag she turned to leave. "Can I hire you for something else?" "I'm taking a break so no. Best of luck, General." Luna left and snarled at the man Mika as she walked past him.
As Luna was descending the mountainside road a sudden pair of arms pulled her into an alley between two buildings. Their grip was tight and despite Luna's squirming and fighting she couldn't break free. "Let go of me!" she yelled helplessly. "What? You can't get out of this?" asked a familiar voice. "Jin?" she questioned as her eyes opened and widened. "I'll ask again. You can't get out of this?" Luna fought a second longer but inevitably gave up. "No. I can't." she resigned. "You need to log out and get some rest. I'm not even using that much force. How are you supposed to fight like this?" "I wasn't going to. I'm taking a break from work." "What?" gasped Jin. "I said I'm taking a break. I'll admit that I'm too tired to fight and I don't know when I'm going to get better. Besides, Yumi's been doing well enough on jobs to keep us going for a little." explained Luna.
"She's working with you now?" asked Jin. Luna wearily nodded her head. "I'm having her finish our last couple of jobs today. Speaking of which, I have to go meet her real fast at the cabin." Luna stumbled away from her brother and began walking from the alley. "Hey Luna, don't forget to log out once you talk to her." "I know, Jin, I'm tired, not stupid." "And I'll be stopping by later tonight so you better have a good dinner prepared." Luna rolled her eyes as she entered back onto the main street. "Rest or cook, brother. You need to make up your mind." she mumbled to herself as she returned to the warp gate.
Yumi was already waiting in the room by the time Luna made it back. "Hey." Yumi said with a wave of her hand. Luna returned the gesture and sat next to her on the bed. "You look horrible." Yumi said with a smile on her face. "It's so nice of you to notice." Luna retorted with a tired grin. "How did things go with Seret?" Yumi inquired. "Fine enough. I got paid and he seemed happy so all's well. Are you sure you can handle the rest of the jobs?" Luna asked. "I told you yesterday. I can take care of it so get off and try to sleep a bit. I left some sleep pills on the counter in a little bottle. They work pretty well for me so they might help." "Cool, thanks Yumi. I'll leave the rest to you then." With that, Luna hugged Yumi and soon after, vanished in a flash of blue light.
Yumi's smile dimmed after her friend had gone. "You'll be okay, right?" she asked the empty space where her friend just was. After a quick shake of her head Yumi stood and began equipping her gear. A pair of black leather pants that clung tightly to her skin, a grey cotton tunic with a leather chestguard over it, a pair of black leather boots with purple trimming and laces, and purple gloves that covered her index and middle fingers on each hand but left the other's exposed past the joint. A black and purple hooded cloak wrapped around her neck like a scarf and draped over the left side of her body and the quiver that hung from her waist. She fixed a dagger sheath to her right thigh and slung a black longbow over her right shoulder. She left her slick purple braided hair tucked under the cloak to keep it from getting in her way while she traveled.
Once Yumi was fully equipped she exited the room and softly shut the door. "Ah, Yumi, I was hoping to run into you." Jin said, surprising Yumi. She jumped from the startle and turned around to see Luna's brother standing behind her. "H-hey, Jin. Wh-what's going on?" Jin gave her a pat on the back and grinned at her. "Come now, there's no need to be so nervous. We should be close as siblings at this point. Come sit and have a quick chat with me." Yumi nervously nodded and followed him to the sofa. "So uhhh… Anything I can help you with?" asked Yumi. "How is Luna, really?" he asked. She was taken back by the sudden seriousness in his tone. In the few times Yumi had met Jin he had been playful, joking, and always had a smile on his face. That however was not the case this time. His smile was gone and his eyes showed a concern that Yumi wasn't used to seeing from anyone, let alone him.
"S-she's doing fine, I think. That's what she says anyways. You would probably know better than me if she was lying or not." said Yumi. "I know she's lying. I don't know if she'll get better by just waiting but I think she's hoping to fool me into believing that it will. That's not what I want to know. Is she eating or exercising? How is she acting? Is she okay?" "Well, she eats dinner when I make it. She's been kind of quiet these last couple of days but she still jokes around a bit when she does talk. As far as I know, Luna hasn't left the apartment though so no exercising. She took the last few days off of school and her job so she's just been in her room with Shu. The only time she leaves is to take him for walks." Yumi explained.
Jin stayed silent for a minute and Yumi spoke up again. "Why, do you not trust her?" "It's not that I don't trust her. I'm just worried. Something is different this time. Luna told me that she was at peace with the two people she killed and the nightmares had become less common for her. Thanks to you, she also seems to be doing better with Clair as well so I don't know what is causing this and she won't tell me." "Are you so certain it's different? Sometimes when people go through something traumatizing, it lingers. Maybe it's just a quick spell of it." suggested Yumi. "Maybe. Well, I'll let you get to your work. Luna told me that she's keeping you busy today. Thanks for listening to a brother's concerns." Yumi smiled timidly and nodded. She quickly stood up and left the cabin behind her.
"Something causing it?" Yumi whispered as she walked to Hilor's warp gate. "She said it was the fight but it does seem different than the last time. She was at least a little better by the end of the night. It's been a few days now and she still can't sleep. I'll have to ask her about it later tonight." While Yumi was thinking aloud she managed to travel to the capital and found herself by the main gate. Within the hour a party of two, one girl and one boy, both human, approached her. "Are you sure this is her, Citra? I thought she was supposed to be a wolf." said the girl. "You idiot, the message said we were meeting a cat with purple hair. Look in front of you and tell me what you see." said the boy named Citra.
"A girl that obviously isn't the Lightning Dancer." said the girl. Yumi watched them both while they talked. The girl had fine silver hair with eyes the color of hot flames and the boy shared similar features. The girl was dressed in light thief gear, a leather tunic with belts of knives and lockpicks, a pair of brown leather shorts, brown boots that stopped just below her knees, and a dagger around her waist. The boy had heavier armor that shone silver like polished steel. He had a longsword's scabbard slung over his shoulder and a dirk on the back of his belt. He stood a few inches taller than the girl who stood taller than Yumi. "Umm, Luna sent me to deal with the job today, she wasn't feeling well." said Yumi, interrupting their squabbling. "Not feeling well? She should have just said something and we could have rescheduled." said the girl.
"Chika, don't be so rude. We need to get the job done today and I'm sure if this girl was sent in her place then she's plenty capable. Can we get your name, purple cat?" asked Citra. "Oh, right. My name's Yumi, it's nice to meet you." she answered, bowing her head. "Well, Yumi, it's a pleasure to meet you as well." Citra said. The girl Chika only scoffed and reached out her hand. "Pleasure indeed." she said, looking away from Yumi. Hesitant, Yumi took her hand and shook it before Citra hit the girl on the back. "Come on, Chika, don't be so shy. Give her a proper greeting." "N-no, it's fine. You don't need to worry about it." said Yumi, waving her hands. Citra scratched his head and looked discontent. "If you say so." "Let's just get this over with." said Chika, pushing past the other two.
Citra apologised and rushed towards the girl. Yumi was left behind them as they led the way. After pulling horses from the stables, the group made heading southward on the main road. "It's in elf territory?" asked Yumi after several minutes of riding. Citra looked back and nodded before turning back to the girl. "Like I was saying, Chika, I think we're lost." "We're not lost, you idiot. The map said it's east of Milnor and south of Colin." explained Chika, holding the map ahead of her. "Which is why I asked why we weren't on the road any longer. There are signs to point the way and the roads would have led straight to the cities." Chika sighed and pushed the map into his chest. "Look, this is a shortcut. You really are stupid if you think sticking to the roads would lead to a hidden treasure. If we go southeast from this road here then we should wind up straight on top of the loot." she explained.
"I see what you're getting at but still, we could have just left the road closer to our destination instead of cutting through the trees. It's not that good on the horses either. We have to keep going slower due to the terrain and soon they're gonna get tired." Citra explained, shoving the map back to the silver haired girl. She clicked her tongue and re-examined the map. "Umm, if I may. We could probably head to the stream near here and follow that. It goes southeast and the ground is flatter than it is in the forest." suggested Yumi. "Who asked you?" barked Chika. Citra lightly hit the top of her head with a closed fist and smiled back at Yumi. "That's an excellent idea, purple cat. We're going with it, right, Chika?" he asked, turning his head back to the girl.
With some reluctance and a roll of her eyes, Chika agreed and the group turned their horses. "We'll let the horses rest a moment if that's okay with you, Yumi." said Citra. Yumi nodded and leapt from the horse at the water's edge. Chika scoffed and dismounted before heading further upstream, leaving Yumi and Citra alone. "You two argue a lot." said Yumi. "That tends to happen when I think I'm right and she thinks she's right. Sometimes we butt heads but it works out in the end." "Have you two been playing together for a while?" "What gives you that idea?" asked Citra as he washed his face with a handful of water. "Despite the arguing, you two seem close. You don't stay angry at each other for long and you two know when to give in to the other. I think it takes a special bond to do that. Plus you remind me of Luna and her brother when they play together."
"You're pretty observant aren't you?" "I don't usually say much around people so I tend to disappear in large gatherings. Because of that, people say whatever they want and I unintentionally hear. It allows me to get to know people without them knowing me so I've gotten good at reading people." explained Yumi. "I have to say, it does you good. Everything you've said about us is pretty spot on. We have been playing together for as long as I can remember. We are twins after all. Wherever I go, she goes, and we've always been together." "Twins? I thought you were in a relationship." said Yumi. Citra couldn't help but laugh as Yumi sat there surprised. "I suppose in some way we are. Brother and sister, lovers, friends, they're all relationships. So technically we are in a relationship, well about as much of one as any other brother and sister." said Citra.
Yumi's face had turned red. "I-I'm sorry for assuming something." Citra laughed again. "It's fine, purple cat, no feelings hurt and no harm done. Loosen up a bit, we already have one handful to deal with." "I heard that!" yelled Chika. "So you chose to join us?" asked Citra. "Just to suggest moving again. We need to keep going." "Whatever you say, sister. Come on, Yumi, she doesn't like to be kept waiting." Citra reached down to help Yumi to her feet. Before long the two siblings were back in front arguing with each other and Yumi trailed closely behind. "So, do you have any siblings, Yumi?" asked Citra, surprising Yumi with the sudden attention. "N-no. I'm an only child." she answered timidly. "That must be lonely." said Citra. "It was kind of. Sometimes I really wanted a sister or brother. I'm not that lonely anymore though. I got Luna and her friends so it's been better." Citra gave a gentle smile. "That's good to hear. It's always good to have good people in life to share your time with. Even if they're like her." he said, pointing towards Chika.
She swatted his hand away and trotted ahead. Yumi chuckled. "You really do remind me of them." she whispered. "Hmm?" asked Citra. Yumi waved her hands. "It's nothing. Just thinking out loud." "Okay then. Anyways, would you mind if I added you to my friend list? I know you already have your group and you don't know me that well but it would be cool to spend more time with you." Yumi blushed and turned her gaze away. "Umm, sure. I don't mind." "Great." he exclaimed. A "friend invite" notification appeared and Yumi accepted it. "Fantastic. It's a pleasure to officially be your friend, Yumi." "L-likewise." she said, still blushing. "You okay?" he asked. "I was never good at making friends before. It feels nice to make one on my own." she said. Her face suddenly got hotter and she looked away again.
Citra smiled and sped up to catch his sister. They fought a while longer until Chika halted the group. "We turn here." she instructed while scanning the map. "Don't get us lost again." said Citra as he turned his horse. Yumi watched them trot along and hurried along after them. Her ears flicked as she heard some rustling in the trees ahead of them. Her eyes darted around and scanned the area. "Look, right here." said Chika. "I don't know, it might be a bit further ahead." said Citra. "Yeah idiot." Chika grabbed his face and made him look up at a pair of bent trees. One bent in front of the other, forming an X. "Ah, I found it." said Citra. "I found it you stupid…" "Come on, hurry up." Citra slapped her back, interrupting her sentence and trotted towards the crossed trees.
Yumi blocked out their sounds and focused on the unusual noises coming from above them. Yumi felt her hand retrieve an arrow from her side, nock it to her bow, and draw it back to her cheek. Her arrow turned a bright blue and she released her grip. The blue bolt flew like a comet with a colored trail following it. It obliterated another arrow that was flying towards the twins. Her own arrow struck a tree leaving a large crater in the bark and the opposing projectile was nothing more than wooden chips raining down. The twins drew their weapons and scanned the area but Yumi already had another arrow nocked and loosed. It flew and hit its target causing an elven man with green hair to fall to the ground before fading into dust.
Yumi produced three more arrows and held them in between her fingers. She took aim and fired them in rapid succession. Three more bodies fell from the tree and dissipated in turn. The sound of rustling leaves behind her caused Yumi to spin but before she knew it, a dagger struck the enemy's chest, sending him to the ground. Yumi drew and released a shot into the man's head. She then rotated to the sound of metal hitting metal behind her and saw Chika hiding behind Citra who was backing up with two people grouping on him. Chika was unarmed and Yumi realized it was her dagger that had stuck the foe from before.
Without thinking Yumi unsheathed her own blade and threw it towards the girl. "Chika!" she yelled as it launched from her hands. Chika caught it and it quickly flashed a bright red before striking one of the elves. "Got you now, cat." said a voice from behind her. She spun and flipped from her mare. She fired two more shots before hitting the ground and the elf fell lifeless. Yumi spun back to her party members but they were back to arguing. "See, I told you this was the place." Chika said with a smug grin lining her face. "We were almost killed. You could have warned about the ambush. We would have had to travel all the way back here from town had we died." complained Citra.
"Is that all you do is whine? We lived and we found the spot so it's a win win. Stop your complaining and help me with this thing." Chika bent down and began tugging on a wooden chest lodged in the base of the tree. Citra pinched his nose and sighed before resigning himself to the work. Yumi slung the bow back over her shoulder and began retrieving the arrows she could find. Most had disappeared with the bodies but a few managed to stay behind. "That was amazing, Yumi." Citra said while clapping the dirt from his hands. "T-thanks." she said. "My dad used to train me in archery when I was younger. I even did a few tournaments before but that was a long time ago." she continued.
Yumi brushed her hand down the shaft and over the fletching of an arrow before returning it to her quiver. "A champion archer huh? We definitely struck gold getting you today." Citra stated. "Champion? I never actually won any of the tournaments, only participated. There were always people better than me but that's to be expected." Yumi holstered her final arrow and walked over to the pair as Chika was picking the chest's lock. "I'm also impressed you were able to hear them. If not for that then we might have been goners." said Citra. "I told you, I'm good at listening." "Enough with the flirting, I'm trying to concentrate here." said Chika. "No thanks for me even though I saved her life. It's okay, I understand. I don't have a handsome face or solid pecs or a di…" "Hey. it has nothing to do with that and I wasn't flirting with her." said Citra, cutting her off. "I'm in a relationship anyways." said Yumi. "And thanks for saving me. I'm sorry I forgot." she added on, bowing her head.
"Whatever." Chika snorted as she continued with the lock. "Why do you care anyways? Would you perhaps be jealous that a cute girl was into me?" asked Citra. "Eww. Don't even joke like that." replied Chika. "I'm being serious. Do you remember Sarah?" "That foreign student when we were in grade school? What of her?" questioned Chika. "She told you that she had a crush on me and the next day you spilled soup on her uniform and told her to stay away." Chika's face turned to a bright red. "You were all like "He's mine and mine alone. Nobody will ever take him from me." Do you remember?" he asked. "We were like six and I was being stupid. Just forget about that." she demanded.
Citra started chuckling and Chika in her frustration snapped the pick inside. "Damn it." she snarled. Chika threw the broken pick at her brother and then a red light illuminated the area. There was a loud bang and a flutter of wooden shards before Chika threw a dagger to Yumi's feet. "Here. It's yours." she growled. Yumi picked it up and looked to the chest which now had a large hole where the lock used to be. Inside was a cloth wrapping but what it was wrapped around Yumi could not see. Chika withdrew the cloth and brushed her hand against it. "This is it Citra. We finally found it." She hugged the hidden item against her chest before handing it over to her brother. "Seems like it." he said, returning it to her hands.
"What is it?" asked Yumi. Chika remained silent and scowled but Citra smiled gently. "A dagger. Chika's been looking for it for months now. This info cost a mint at the broker guild but it was worth every coin." "But you don't get anything." said Yumi. "That's not true. I get to see my sister's precious smile. She doesn't like to show it that much so it's a nice treat." "Eww." Chika muttered while taking a step back. "Sister complex." she stated. "In your dreams." retorted Citra. The three returned back to the capital with the siblings quarrelling the entire trip. "What a weird relationship brothers and sisters have." Yumi thought aloud while she followed behind the bickering pair. She almost felt envious of it. After her father died and the beatings started, Yumi had stopped wishing for a sibling. "Maybe that would have actually helped." she muttered while reminiscing and imagining a sister or brother she could turn to for help and advice.
Or even someone to protect. That would have been nice too. Someone to protect and hold and reassure when Mom was drunk or abusive. Maybe that would have given me courage and strength, a reason to stand up for myself long before I finally did. Yumi swiftly shook those thoughts from her head. There was no use imagining a past that doesn't exist. Besides, she had Luna now, and Jin and the rest of the guys. Piper and Fi and the volleyball team at Luna's school, they seemed pretty cool as well. Yumi felt like she finally fit somewhere again. The more she thought about her new life, her fresh start, the more the clouds that seemed to rain down on her drifted away. Yumi found herself smiling when she finally came back to reality. They were at the gate and the twins were looking at her curiously.
"Kind of spaced out there huh?" asked Citra. "Sorry if we bored you." snarled Chika. "N-no, it's not like that. I was just thinking about something. I d-didn't mean to offend you or anything." Citra laughed. "Offend? Her? Honestly you would do better to just ignore her. She acts like this with everyone so there's no need to apologize."Chika gave a stern look to her brother but he remained smiling. "Anyways, here, your payment." Citra tossed a bag of coins at Yumi. "I'll keep in touch if I need another job done or maybe just to hang out if you want." "Y-yeah. That sounds nice." said Yumi. Both Citra and Yumi said their goodbyes while Chika remained silent. Yumi watched as the siblings strolled down the road, still appearing to be in an argument with each other.
The next job Yumi was sent to finish was just a quick escort mission that didn't really lead to anything. No bandits attacked and no players attempted an ambush or robbery. Within the next two hours Yumi had managed to finish the final job of the day and return to the cabin where she logged out, exhausted from the day's adventures. She peeked into Luna's room once back in the real world and saw her fast asleep. Shu was curled up next to her and Yumi couldn't help but stare at the two of them with a wide smile on her face. "I love you." she whispered. She waited for a moment as if expecting a reply but soon closed the door. Yumi headed for the kitchen and began planning their dinner for the night. By the time Jin arrived the sun was near setting and Yumi had just finished the stew she was cooking for their meal.
"Smells good." he said, taking a seat on the couch. "Thanks." Yumi said timidly. "Oh, I brought this over from my parents." said Jin, handing Yumi a white box. "Cake. It's Luna's favorite." Jin said to Yumi's curious gaze. "Speaking of Luna, where is she?" he questioned. "Sleeping last I checked. I can go wake her." Yumi said. "No need." Luna said as she entered the room. "Ah, the birthday girl rises from her slumber." said Jin, standing to embrace his sister. "Hey Jin." she said, wrapping her own arms around him. "Nineteen already? You've really grown, little sister. I say that but looking at you now I don't even see an extra inch on your height and your chest is still the same since you were fourteen." Jin stated, rubbing Luna's hair. "Should a brother really be commenting on his sister's chest?" asked Luna, knocking his hand away.
"I don't know. I just think it's funny to mess with you and it usually gets a rise." Luna punched his arm and walked over to Yumi. "You seem a little rested if you can hit that hard." said Jin, rubbing the spot she had hit. Luna kissed Yumi before taking a seat at the table where the food was already waiting to be eaten. "So, Jin, any presents for me?" asked Luna. "Aren't you a little old to get birthday gifts?" he inquired with a sly grin on his face. "Then make it a gift to your host for feeding you." she replied. "In that case." Jin said while standing. He walked to the door and pulled something from the bag he had placed by the door. Upon returning he gestured for Yumi to hold out her hands. Nervous and confused, she obliged. "Now close your eyes." he instructed. "O-okay." She once again listened and waited.
"What are you doing Jin?" asked Luna but was ignored. Jin placed something in Yumi's hands and told her it was safe to look. A black sketchbook with tiny wolves decorating the cover was resting in her open palms. "Uhhh, t-thanks, I guess." said Yumi. "You got her something but not your younger sister?" asked Luna. "You told me to give it to the one providing me with food. If I remember, Yumi was the cook tonight." Luna crossed her arms and sat back in her seat. "Do you always have to be so specific?" Luna pouted. Jin laughed. "It's nice to still see you like that." he said. Yumi handed him back the book and Jin passed it along to Luna. "Happy birthday, Lunasara. I figured your books should be getting full by now and this one was kind of cute." "It is. More than what I expected from you honestly. Did Tami pick it out?"
Jin grinned and scratched the back of his head. "Is it that easy to tell?" he questioned. "Of course it is, brother. Tami showed this to me a couple of weeks ago and I told her how much I liked it." "Well, I was never good at picking gifts so be grateful that Tami suggested it or you might have wound up with a volleyball or something." "I wouldn't have minded that much. Make sure to tell Tami I said thanks." Jin nodded and sat back at the table. Yumi was collecting the dishes and then brought out slices of the cake for each of them. It was a chocolate cake with white vanilla icing trimmed around the edges and filling the spots between each layer. After their dessert Luna and Jin were sitting on the sofa looking through Luna's drawing.
The kitchen had a window-like gap in the wall that allowed the living room to be visible. Yumi watched on as she cleaned the dishes and left the two to catch up. "She looks better." Yumi muttered to herself. "She looks happy again." Later into the night Jin said his goodbyes and gave his hugs before taking off into the darkness outside. Luna and Yumi were on the couch together, alone, and sitting in peaceful silence. "Thank you for cooking and cleaning today." said Luna. "It was my pleasure. It's your birthday after all and you didn't really seem fit enough to cook today." "Well, I got a little bit of rest and am feeling at least two percent better now so dinner is on me tomorrow." Luna said, grinning. "I can't wait." Yumi stated. Yumi's face turned red as she dug in her pocket for something.
She removed her phone. "Happy birthday, Luna." Yumi nervously held the item out and Luna graciously took it. "Your phone?" she asked, giggling. I know mine is getting old but I can just get a new one." Luna added. "N-no, it's not the phone itself. It's on the phone." Yumi reached and tapped the screen, bringing up the lock screen. Displayed was a small white box with a "play" button in the center. Yumi tapped the button and Luna smiled from the anticipation. A voice began playing through the speakers and Yumi's face turned a brighter shade of red. It was Yumi's voice that started playing. It was a clear of the throat and soon followed by a faint humming. Luna recognized the melody instantly as the recorded Yumi began to sing.
The words to "Can't Help Falling in Love" softly played throughout the room. Yumi knew it was off key in spots and she didn't have much confidence in her voice to begin with but even still, tears began forming in Luna's eyes. Is it that bad? Yumi looked away, avoiding Luna's glistening yellow eyes. When the song was over the recording stopped and there was only silence. Yumi didn't know what to say and was too nervous to look but that all vanished when she felt arms embrace her. Tears dripped onto her shoulder, wettening her shirt and she heard Luna sniffling close to her ear. "I-I'm sorry if it wasn't any good. I've heard you singing and humming it from time to time and it was pretty. I'm not good at english but I learned it and…" "It's beautiful." Luna said in a muffled voice, cutting off Yumi's scared rambling.
"Thank you. Thank you so much." Luna said, squeezing tighter. "Does it mean that much?" asked Yumi. "Clair left a message for me after she died and on it she sang that. It was one of the last things I heard in her voice. This song has been very special to me." explained Luna, quelling her tears and sniffles. "Then I'm sorry to ruin it or take it from her." Yumi said. Luna shook her head. "You didn't take anything and I liked it. Really thank you. It's the best thing you could have given me." Yumi didn't know what to say so she remained silent and grateful for Luna's smile and embrace. They stayed together for a minute before separating. "I'll go prepare the bath." said Luna and with that, she went into the hallway. Yumi was left alone on the couch, a mixture of feelings swelling in her chest.
She was nervous yet excited. She was happy but also somber. Yumi was glad that Luna seemed slightly better compared to that morning but the image of Luna crying in the middle of the night still stained her memories. "Is there anything I can do for her?" Yumi found herself asking aloud. Before long Luna was back and grabbing her hands. "Come on or it will get cold." Luna said, pulling Yumi from her seat. They shared a bath and soon a bed. They didn't even bother getting dressed. Once the two were dried off Yumi was guided to Luna's bedroom before being pushed onto her back. Yumi fell softly onto the mattress and Luna crawled atop her.
"It's good to see you have some energy back." said Yumi. "Only a little so let's make good use of it." Luna said back. She's so gentle with me. She's soft and beautiful, scars and all. Yumi enjoyed Luna's hands and lips as they moved and touched different spots along her body. If I could, I would live this moment forever. Yumi wrapped her arms around Luna's neck and pulled her closer. When their faces were almost touching Yumi gave a peck to Luna's cheek and then her mouth. Luna had such a kind smile that made Yumi want to stare at it forever. She wanted to touch it, to taste it. Yumi kissed her again and then her tongue was inside Luna's mouth. Yumi felt a hand grab hold of her breast. Gentle. Kind. Lovely. Yumi moved her arms from Luna's neck to around her body. Luna's hand moved further south and caressed Yumi's stomach.
It caused a tickling sensation and Yumi let a small moan escape when their mouths separated to take a breath. Luna's gentle caress quickly moved down more. Yumi shifted slightly as Luna took her mouth once more. As Yumi ran her hands down Luna's back she felt the dozens of grooves and bumps that acted as reminders of the past. She knew Luna didn't like them, she found them disgusting but Yumi was different. Yumi loved them. Yumi saw them as a sign of strength, a strength that Yumi herself was a stranger to. Luna had fought for her life and for her families and these scars would always remind her of that. Yumi moved away from Luna's mouth and kissed the scar on Luna's neck.
Luna's body shivered and a quiet moan turned to music in Yumi's ears. Yumi caressed Luna's scarred right arm and then squirmed as Luna's fingers entered inside of her. Their mouths met each other again and Yumi's head felt hazy. So gentle. Yumi always loved the time she spent with Luna but when they were together here, in bed, and as close as they would ever be, she felt loved. It was a love Yumi never felt before and never thought she would feel for as long as she lived. It was bliss, ecstasy, and serenity all at the same time. Luna moved slowly but it was how Yumi preferred it. Every slight motion was enough to cause her to moan and shiver. They shared each other's touch for some time more before the two were laying side by side with a sheet thrown over them.
Luna's head was resting against Yumi's chest. Her soft breaths were calming and overtook any other noise. "Hey, Luna." Yumi whispered. "Hmm?" Luna uttered back just as quiet. Even her voice is gentle. Not normally but now, here, it just soothes me so much. "Can you tell me what's really wrong?" Luna didn't move or reply. Yumi didn't know if now was the time but it was something that was weighing on her so if not now, then when? "Luna?" She heard a sigh escape Luna's soft lips. "I told you the partial truth. It was because of that fight and for most of the same reasons. This time however, I think it's because I didn't let go." Luna's answer confused Yumi. "Let go?" she inquired.
"I almost killed the red eyed man back in SAO but Clair stopped me. I would have killed the instructor but you were there to prevent that. Nobody was there this time, Yumi. It was just me and him and I didn't let go." "It's just a…" "A game, I know. But I told you when I get like that, it's like I'm back in SAO. I fight for my life because those were the stakes. I think about it like this, I didn't let go and a man died. If you weren't there that last time then that man would have been dead and the same goes for the red eyed man. One of the things that scares me the most is my own reflection. I see myself with eyes of rage and my teeth bared out of anger. At first I didn't recognize it but as much as I hate to admit, that image is becoming rather familiar to me." Luna explained. Her voice was quiet but calm as she spoke.
Yumi knew she was afraid but Luna showed now signs of it at the moment. "If I may speak, Luna. I think I know how to help you." said Yumi. Luna shifted and looked up into Yumi's eyes. "Please speak then." Luna said. "Well, I think you should lean on me more. I know you do and that you have leaned on others before but it doesn't mean you like doing it. You try to do everything on your own and make others use you for support. You like to seem much stronger than I think you are sometimes and I think that's your problem. It's not a weakness to use the people around you in a time of need, not that I can talk to that much but I still think it's the right thing to say.
I guess what I'm trying to say is if you can't let go on your own, keep me with you to pull you free. Let me be your anchor like you were for me. Without you I would have never stood up to my mother and went out on my own. Use me to free you of your troubles or at least let me make it easier for you." Luna let her lips form a slight smile and she giggled. "What's so funny?" asked Yumi. "I don't deserve you, Yumi, and I see it now more than ever. I come to you and say that I am a monster and here you are trying to take some of this weight I carry for yourself." Yumi brushed her hand through Luna's hair and ran her fingers along her scarred right arm. "You're not a monster, Luna. You're a human that wanted nothing more than to live." "How would you know?" asked Luna. "I'm good at reading people. You're kind and loving despite how you act sometimes. You're afraid but you don't like to show it. You worry for me when we go on quests and now I know it's because of that fear of death you have."
Luna laughed but not joyfully. It was a laugh that had a sadness to it. "Sometimes I dream of Clair dying. I watch as she reaches out to me and I watch as her body shatters into tiny blue shards. Sometimes it's you instead that I see. I see you lying there with blood around you and your eyes staring blankly into mine. This fear will never go away, Yumi. It's a part of me now and I can't change it." "No, maybe not. But I might be able to help you cope with it. When you feel afraid I can hold you and when you feel angry I can calm you. When you go back to that world I can bring you back to me and wrap my arms around you." said Yumi, softly. Luna grinned and closed her eyes. "I would like that." Luna began humming a soft melody and then began to sing. "You are my sunshine. My only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray. You'll never know dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away."
Luna's voice was growing more quiet with each line until it faded completely. "That was pretty good." said Yumi. "It's another song that means a lot to me." Luna stated. She continued humming the song for a while longer until her soft tones were replaced by quiet breathing. Yumi's eyes had also grown heavy and the two fell asleep, with Luna resting on her chest.
As far as Yumi could tell, Luna slept peacefully that night. She didn't stir or awaken in the middle of the night and was still asleep when Yumi's eyes had opened at daybreak. Shu licked her face as her eyes opened slowly to adjust to the sun's invading light. "Morning." she said softly, scratching the dog's ears. Yumi gently shook Luna's body. "Hey." she whispered. "Hmm?" Luna muttered. "I have to use the bathroom." Yumi said. "Then go. You know where it is." Luna said, groggy and wiping her eyes. Yumi laughed and nudged Luna again. "I'm kind of stuck at the moment." stated Yumi. "Ah. I see your problem now. Maybe I'll make you hold it and go back to bed." Luna embraced Yumi and rested her head back against Yumi's chest.
"Then I'll be going on your sheets." said Yumi. "I suppose I should get up then." Luna sat up with a weary grin, allowing Yumi to crawl from the bed. She felt a chilling breeze brush her bare skin as the fan rotated her way. "I'm taking this." Yumi said, grabbing Luna's parka from the chair at her desk. Yumi shrugged it on and zipped up the front to shield herself from the early spring air. "You didn't even ask." Luna complained. Yumi laughed and left the room for her own. She grabbed a change of clothes and swapped into them. When she opened Luna's door, Luna was still nestled up against the pillow and wrapped under the sheet. "I brought it back." Yumi threw the jacket atop Luna's body and a groan soon followed.
Yumi giggled as she left the room once more. Yumi was peeking in the fridge searching for breakfast ideas when a pair of arms wrapped around her. Soft lips touched her cheek and then her neck. "What's for breakfast?" Luna asked. Yumi left Luna's embrace and closed the fridge. "Nothing at the moment. Fridge is empty." When Yumi turned around Luna was standing with only the parka on. It was only zipped up to her stomach to cover below her waist. "What?" Luna asked as Yumi stared at her with a reddening face. "N-nothing." Luna laughed and jumped up to sit on the counter. "I guess we should go shopping." she said. "I can go." said Yumi. "Are you sure? I can go with." Yumi shook her head and moved to the front door where her sneakers awaited. "I'm already dressed and I won't be long anyhow. Just you wait and I'll be back in no time." "Will do." said Luna.
Yumi smiled, pulled on her shoes, and left. The trip to the supermarket didn't take long and she was soon back on the road for home. As she walked, the feeling of eyes on her caused a shiver. Yumi hastened her pace and when she looked back a black car was driving slowly behind. Her breathing quickened despite her efforts to remain calm and she moved even faster before breaking into a jog. The car kept pace, never exceeding her speed but not falling behind either. Yumi ran for a minute or two before looking back again. The car was still there but she was almost home. "Should I lead whoever it is home? Will it be safe?" she asked aloud. She turned her head back to see a man in her path. She failed to stop and ran into him. It had felt like running into a wall and she fell back, the bag dropping to the ground and eggs leaking their yolk onto the sidewalk
"Ms. Kisama. We need to talk." said the man. Yumi crawled back while looking up but was stopped by something behind her. She turned her head and saw another man that bent down and grabbed her arm. With a strong pull Yumi was back on her feet and being dragged into the car that had stopped a second before. The men were all dressed in black suits, all except one. The man sitting next to her had a white button up shirt, black dress slacks, and a grey suit vest. His hair was jet black and slicked back. It's sheen was almost reflective as were his eyes. They were black as well and seemed to absorb any light that crossed their path. The car's door was closed and they began moving. "Buckle up, Ms. Kisama, it would be rather inconvenient if you were to get hurt." said the black haired man.
"Who are you?" she asked, her voice shaking and her heart beating fast. "My name is Giza Kushina. Don't strain yourself, my dear,I doubt you know me." he said, noticing Yumi's confused gaze. "W-what do you want with me?" she questioned. "What I am owed. Your mother owes me a great debt and now, so do you." "I-I had no p-part in what she did." Yumi stated. "T-take it up w-with her." Giza laughed a deep bellowing laugh. "She has already been dealt with, Ms. Kisama." Yumi gasped and a slight squeak escaped from her lips. "I'm sorry, dear, but she was a loose end and her payment was never going to come. She was a deadbeat and didn't have any way to pay me back. My brother Gyoza was keeping her somewhat safe from me but that all ended with your misdeeds. Yours and that other girl you live with."
"The instructor." gasped Yumi. "You not only got him arrested but the dojo closed down as well. Now, that won't do. It brought in a decent enough income and you and your mother both kept him plenty satisfied but now… now it can't be helped." "I-I don't have any money on me. I-I can get it f-for you if needed. L-leave Luna out of this." Giza smiled wickedly and pulled a cigarette from a compartment in between them. He struck a match and lit it. "That's a good girl. Gyoza had said you were a troublemaker but you seem pretty obliging to me. The girl won't be harmed and I don't want your money, not yet at least." Yumi gazed with a mixture of confusion and fear clear on her face.
"Heh." he chuckled. "There will be a time in the near future, Ms. Kisama, when I will need you. This scheme will make up the money you and the girl had cost me and then some. I thought it respectful to give you a heads up on the matter." he continued. "W-when is this scheme of yours?" she asked, nervous whether she was pushing her luck or not. "You will know when needed. Do not forget your debt, Yumi Kisama, because I promise you, I will not" "U-understood, sir. Uh, what about my mother's debt?" she reluctantly asked. "Nullified. If this works out right then everything will be quite caught up and like I said, she has been dealt with. Her burdens are no longer yours." The car stopped abruptly and the door soon opened. "I-is my mother d… d…" Yumi closed her eyes as she struggled to let the words exit her mouth.
"Is she d-dead?" she finally managed to say. The man smiled once more. His eyes gleamed at her as they reflected the bright glow of the cigarette. "Would you like it if I said yes?" he asked. Yumi was silent and caught off guard by his question. Would I? She had expected a yes or no but having that question for an answer took her by surprise. He laughed again as a pair of arms pulled her from the car. "Is she?" she asked again. The man grinned and remained silent. The door closed and soon the car drove off, leaving her behind as it turned a corner in the distance. Yumi looked behind and saw her apartment building. The thought of them knowing not only about her, but Luna and their own home sent a freezing chill through her body.
Yumi went to a nearby convenience store to buy more eggs, knowing she couldn't go back empty handed without coming up with some kind of excuse. "Should I tell Luna?" she asked herself multiple times on the trip back to the apartment. Not with everything going on right now. I don't want to add to her worry. If I told her about this debt and about my mother it would just make her situation even worse. She would try to act strong again and hide whatever is eating at her in order to help me. I can't have that happen. This problem can wait. Yumi's thoughts were all uncertain, all except one, she didn't want to burden Luna. If she could then she would be the one to shoulder this. It was originally her problem to begin with. If she would have just been honest with Luna from the start then she wouldn't have gotten involved and never would have gotten hurt or wound up being in debt to these shady people.
When she walked back in through the door Luna was lying on the sofa, still only wearing the parka. The T.V. was playing some western movie that Yumi couldn't really understand. "You're back." said Luna. "I'm back. I bought some eggs for breakfast, I know how much you love them. I'll get started on it in just a sec." "Sounds good." replied Luna as she turned her attention back to the television. Yumi prepared the breakfast and with her best smile, joined Luna on the couch. "Thanks." said Luna, taking the plate. It was scrambled eggs with cheese melted over it. It was simple but Yumi knew that Luna loved it. Well, she loved anything with egg in it really. "I always forget you know english." said Yumi, trying to make out the words from the film. "Asking Clair to teach it to me was one of the best things I could have done. I can listen to their music and watch their movies or play their games." Luna stated.
"Sounds like it really opened your options." said Yumi. "If you're into it. Before Clair, I never had a love for english music. I listened to lo-fi stuff mostly but after leaving SAO I began listening to other things pretty much everyday on my runs and stuff. Their rap music is a little weird but you can find some good stuff in there and american country is also a little off. I mostly like the older stuff though, the stuff Clair was into. She would sing all kinds of songs to me after that first time or I would catch her singing while she was cooking or drawing." explained Luna. "You seem more excited than usual. You must really like it." Yumi stated before taking a bite of her food.
"I do. It's nice to have something different from time to time. It's also a little piece of her that stays with me now. It helps me remember her." Luna said. "I can always teach you sometime. If you would like?" Luna added. "I'll take you up on that. It might come in handy at some point and I want to be able to enjoy the same things that make you happy. Like this movie for instance." said Yumi. "I can turn on subtitles and then we can watch it together." Yumi nodded and took another piece of egg into her mouth. Luna did as she said she would and then nestled closer to Yumi. She rested her head against Yumi's shoulder. She always smells so nice. I could stay like this all day. "Yumi? Are you paying attention?" Yumi snapped back to reality and gave a quick shake of her head. "S-sorry. I kind of drifted off for a second." Luna smirked. "You weren't thinking of anything dirty were you?" Luna teased.
She shifted until the shoulder of the parka slipped off and her chest was visible. "N-no, I swear." Yumi replied. Luna laughed and shrugged the jacket back up to cover herself. "Calm down a little, okay? I'm still tired from last night anyways so right now I just want to watch a movie with my favorite girl." Luna put the plate down on the table in front of them and wrapped her arms around Yumi. A wide grin appeared on Yumi's face as she watched on. Every problem melted away and it was just her and Luna, sitting there together. Nothing else mattered except them. This is all I want. No more mother or debt or people in suits. I just want Luna, and her smiles and laughter and sarcastic japes. Nothing more and nothing less.
With her decision being clear, she did not tell Luna. They spent the day watching movie after movie, all of them in english, and Luna even helped her learn some words while they did. It was in all accounts a perfect day besides that brief encounter in the morning. Luna seemed better to some extent and Yumi was happy. Later that night they shared another bath and then fell asleep in the same bed. The kitten Miu and the shiba pup Shu were also nestled together at the foot of the bed. It was a sight that Luna had giggled at before wrapping her arms around Yumi. "It's kind of like us in a way. The white wolf and the purple cat." Luna had said. That night Luna stirred and shook and she had woken up once in the night but without screaming or crying so Yumi saw it as an improvement. Yumi stroked her hair and pecked her cheek and Luna was back asleep soon after.
"I'll be your anchor." Yumi whispered. If me being here helps her more then I will be here every night if I must. Here, by her side, in her arms. Yumi herself couldn't fall asleep. She laid still, looking up at the ceiling. The sweet scent of lavender coming from Luna's hair filled her nose and the quiet sounds of breathing echoed in her ears. Both of them were soothing for Yumi. She grinned wearily and rolled onto her side so that Luna's face was near touching hers. Luna's hot breaths brushed her face as Yumi watched. Her lips were just barely open and her eyes were tightly closed. So calm. So peaceful. She brushed her hand gently against the scar on Luna's cheek. Yumi felt her eyes growing heavy and soon they were shut. Sleep came quickly after that with the scent of lavenders and mint bringing her a peace of her own.