AN: Welcome to the final chapter of this story. It's been a very long journey and the longest story I've ever wrote. I'm glad it's over now. There's still another story I want to write. And there are a LOT of things I'd like to talk about, but that will be done in a following chapter, so if you are interested in a behind the scenes, keep this story subscribed. Some things may be interesting for you. For now, enjoy this last chapter of my sequel story to KLK. Thanks to everyone who travelled this journey with me and with Ryuko, Satsuki and Nui. :) We'll see us again. Either in the next chapter, or in another KLK story which will likely come out soon. :) Have fun reading now, and let this journey end.
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Peace has found it's way into the dark halls. The indescribable distances reveal the white memory fibers, far away, until they are nothing but little, little strings. Somewhere in the sky of these halls, they end, but where, and how, is something no one will find out.
The melodies have gotten quiet, though not silent. Now that they've all dissolved and lost their connection to the physical world, there is not much left for them. Nothing but the darkness.
Though, when you listen closely, steps can be heard, slow and cold. Echoes that hall through this realm. But there is no answer.
Only cold steps.
Ragyo's steps.
Her younger self wanders through the halls she ruled over, and every once in a while, she can watch a few memory fibers appear. Sometimes, a group of red life fibers hover around.
The melodies are calm. They don't hail the Entity anymore, who is but a simple lower life fiber itself now.
The mother wears her old clothes, the ones she wore during Izumi's time. Noble and elegant. Her arm is the same as well - she looks like a normal human who's wandering under beings that are not like her. But she wanted to be like that.
Ragyo kneels down, defeated by her own ambitions, defeated by her own children, her own tools. But it's not hatred that fills her heart. What fills her now is solitude. She was afraid of death, and now, death got it's grip on her. She may not be forgotten, but surely not the way she would have wished it to be. She never wanted this. She just wanted to make this world a better place. As so many people like her would want to. But the life fibers took her body, her fears, and eventually, her mind, to create a copy that works in her name. And when she got into danger herself, the life fibers found out how fragile their leader was, and so, they turned away, and relied on whatever was left.
Tears fall onto the ground. The dead life fibers on it suck them up like sponges. Her hands fall onto the ground, slow and weak.
Damned to stay in these halls until the end of time.
This thought alone is destructive. It's a horror she can't comprehend. What is left for her to do, except for waiting for an event that will likely never happen, as time will not stop. She cannot eat. Cannot drink. Cannot even sleep. All she can do is wander around. Like everyone else. Life is a journey - and the decisions of her journey brought her into the emptiness.
What an irony.
"... I'm sorry..." she mumbles, having tears in her eyes, knowing her words will not change anything.
Perhaps an ultimate end would be more preferrable. At least she then could escape this fate. Ragyo cannot stop tearing up.
The white fibers stay. They remember everything. They remember her too. Through them, Ragyo can see what her life was like. What could possibly happen today. The possibilities are endless. Like stars in space that look down on humanity.
In one of these fibers, she can see her brother.
In another one, she can see Satsuki, sitting on a chair made out of Life Fibers, her head lowered, and her old sword Bakuzan rammed into the ground, with blood flowing it down slowly.
The memory fiber in the far distance displays Nui, watching Ragyo apathic, the eyes dead and the body stance embodying judgement.
Even the primordial life fiber is visible. It sings Ragyo's name quietly, it wants her to embrace it's apparent warm feelings. But Ragyo knows better now. Knows that this is just a lie. And yet, it will always watch her.
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Steps can be heard. They get louder and louder. Life fibers hiss carefully. Ragyo doesn't turn around - there is no need to. No need to do anything anymore.
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There is something standing next to Ragyo. A Life Fiber Being. It's arms are shredded, the eyes orange and empty. It's body having a female appearance, and spiky hair.
Ragyo looks up to it, into it's face. Her tears weigh heavily, and inside the empty eyes, when taking a closer look, she seems to see Ryuko, mirrored in them. As the Life Fiber Being she always was.
The mother looks down again, sighing in subtle agony.
But briefly after, the Being sits down to Ragyo, calm and peaceful, not making any noises or saying anything. It just sits next to her. And then looks towards the halls. Sometimes, a few life fibers fall from it, but new ones grow fast enough. Ragyo looks towards into the emptiness again.
They both do, and her creations's body stance is comfortable and calm. She mourns.
The being starts humming a subtle and calm melody. Melancholic but soothing.
Minutes later, another thing appears, coming from her left, and she does not dare to look up. She can see the clothes. A white coat. And an atmosphere she has not experienced ever since... ever since he disappeared.
"... hey." Soichiro says calm. Ragyo cannot stop tearing up. Though his presence gives comfort, and Ragyo leans her head onto his shoulder. Their child on their right looks to them, watching Soichiro smile very slightly and wistful. It's shredded, destroyed face attempts to create a smile itself, and finally, looks back forward.
Forward, into the eternal darkness.
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Two years later.
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There is a dark sky conquering all of Japan and it's surroundings. It's evening, and a storm is howling outside. A thunder rings out, and briefly after, a lightning is visible in the clouds, all while the strong rain destroys the ground, scattering upon the stone paths of the Matoi mansion, in which only one person is residing now.
In the background, one can hear a TV, broadcasting the news.
When a lightning strikes the ground in the far distance, Nui can be seen, mirrored by the window.
There is only a cold face left. Lone apathy moving through each of her cells. The Matoi Mansion looks just like always, like back when the journey started. Clean, a warm temperature.
Ryuko's room is as always.
Everything is as always. Except Ryuko is missing.
"... and the closure of the REVOCS corporation has been announced today. CEO and spokeswoman of the company, Satsuki Kiryuin, said as followed:"
Scene switch to the main plaza of the REVOCS headquarter in Nagoya. The city is ravaged, skyscrapers broken, and what once belonged to REVOCS is now gone. Gone and destroyed. Private companies rule this city now. Here, it is raining as well, if not as bad as in Chiba. Satsuki insisted on holding her last speech as CEO today, and this has a price: behind her, you can see workers removing everything that is related to REVOCS, and the furniture is brought out. This is the last day with REVOCS having it's gates open.
Satsuki throws her gaze hesitatiously towards the few citizens and journalists that dared to cross these streets today, all to watch, and to record. The young woman wears a grey to white coat, perhaps for symbolic reasons.
"... this corporation... exists for a long time. My ancestors and I would look back at several centuries, no, millenias of REVOCS - of a company devoted to what was known as life fibers." she says calm and yet nervous.
"To know that I stand at the end of it's journey, watching the pillars of what once held this reign of terror together break apart... I would declare myself happy, if it wouldn't be for the costs I had to take. I've sworn to protect.
Protect both my sisters... of which both are life fibers."
The people stay calm. Everyone knows hybrids exists now.
"There may be more of them. More, of which I do not know. Hybrids developed by REVOCS, or other intelligent minds...
...
There was a time where I had a genuine disdain for these life fibers. I wanted them to die. I wanted them to be obliterated. I wanted them to disappear forever. No one would believe me today if I would say that these... parasites... that lived on our bodies and heads were more than what we used to know about them. Not just clothing.
Both of my sisters were more than what I saw. Perhaps made with cloths, but inside, there was a heart. More... or less.
One of them is dead. Gave her life to save mine.
The other one speaks no longer. She talks. But the words spoken out of her mouth are cold, lost.
And I cannot help.
...
Isn't it ironic that it's due to the life fibers that we are still alive?
Maybe we should learn to not point our fingers at something that is collectively known as evil if we do not know everything about it. There is more behind what you see. The grim man at the house next to you has a past. The disdainful CEO you work for has his reasons to be like this - whether they are justified or not. Rarely we are wrong on that, and there is nothing but pure evilness left.
If there is one thing I've learned out of all the battles I've fought, then that I was wrong.
Today, the last packages of the cure has been produced and distributed. I do not have any nightmares after I've received it.
Except for one.
In this nightmare, I have been killed by this "Director". My body - split into two. My organs - dissolved in front of me. And all I could do was watch my heart pumping in fear. My blood left my body.
Though...
... though my sister would have lived.
I wish every night that it would have happened this way." Satsuki tears up.
"...
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... fuck, I can't do this anymore." she mumbles and leaves the podest.
...
Nui watched the broadcast in an angle of her eye. Another thunder rings out. Nui slowly approaches the TV. Her hair is the same as always, but more clean now - short twin drills. The clothes she wears are hand made, of course. A purple scarf, a shirt in dark blue and a dark red skirt going to her kneecaps. And gloves, skin tight.
There are puppets on the desk. One of Ryuko, one of Satsuki, and one of Nui. She looks at them.
"... hey Ryuko, would you like to play a game?!" Nui asks the Ryuko puppet. She grabs said Ryuko puppet and speaks in a lower voice.
"But of course, Nui, you are the best little sister of all time!" she continues and looks at Satsuki.
"Mind if I join?" Satsuki asks curiously.
Soon, she understands however that all of this is a simple imagination. Nui grabs Ryuko and examines the little puppet. Carefully, she picks Ryuko's arms and drags them off. And puts them back onto her. And pulls them off. And back.
It wouldn't be too far off if someone would say that she lost her mind a bit. She is still sane, but there is a subtle gaze in his eyes that tells a viewer "I am not okay". Instead, it shows that Ragyo's revelation has left a mark on her. Sure is that Nui doesn't have much trust left, for anyone. Satsuki hasn't done much after Ryuko died. All she did was mourn for her. Day by day, night by night. And, while understandable, it seems as if Nui dislikes that - it drags Satsuki's attention away from her, and an instable person such as Nui needs someone to trust and drain attention from, and on the other hand, Satsuki loses her perception towards life. It's only about Ryuko now. Or at least what should have been.
"Hrmpf." she grumbles and puts the puppets away, then leaves the room, entering the hallway and looking down the stairs to the basement.
...
More days pass. Satsuki lives alone in a small mansion in the prefecture of Ishikawa, close to the beaches - her house is on a small cliff, on which the water clashes. Her house appears modern, with white walls and a flat roof. There is a window wall giving her a good look at the ocean, being stormy and dark the last days. Such as everything.
Satsuki stands there, in a white suit with blue stripes, watching the ocean while drinking a tea. Her body stance isn't as willful and resolve as it used to be, she became more calm. Attentive - but not willing to fight more. What's there to fight? What's left anyway? REVOCS is gone. Ryuko is dead. Ragyo is dead. Her friends lead their own lives.
She has enough money to spend for the rest of her life, that is granted to her as the heir of REVOCS - and now what? Her life was focused on taking out Ragyo, REVOCS and everything connected to it. And now something is missing.
The alarm rings out. It's 5:30 AM. She couldn't sleep. After turning off the alarm, she finishes her cup of tea and walks into the minimalistic kitchen. At the end of the small hallway, she grabs a thick and warm jacket in grey color and enters the rainy nature, opening her car and leaving her little estate.
Next step: Chiba.
...
While driving on the highway, she visits several smaller and bigger cities. Humans are everywhere. It's surreal to drive through them, now that REVOCS has been closed. Free of life fibers and free of Nudist Beach which has disappeared ever since the Director is gone.
Feels like she is in a world that doesn't need her anymore. It makes it difficult for Satsuki to find a hold - hence she's mostly at home nowadays.
Though, at least the feeling of having something accomplished remains. At least she's off the radar after everything about the life fibers has been revealed. The public opinion didn't like it, but it'll change over time. While driving through Tokyo, she notices the old REVOCS complex. The ruins have been removed, what is left of it is a large, empty foundation, and a banner of REVOCS on top of it, acting as a symbol. Below it, a sign with the sentence: "May the life fibers never return." Satsuki tries to ignore it. REVOCS is gone. Nothing but a shadow of her past.
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Knock knock.
Nui leaves the basement, closes and locks the door and opens the entry door, seeing Satsuki.
"... hey."
Nui watches her apathic.
"May I come in?"
Satsuki's sister musters her and hugs her briefly, though her face expression remains the same. She and Satsuki enter the hallway and after Satsuki putting her jacket away, both of them walk into the living room. It's comfortable here, and Satsuki sits down on a soft warm courch with a red blanket on it. Nui goes into the open kitchen and prepares a glass of water for Satsuki, then looks to her.
"How are you doing?" Satsuki asks.
She simply shrugs.
"Thought so." Satsuki answers. It's probably uncomfortable to see this from someone who doesn't want to talk much anyway, but Satsuki knows well that Nui is happy about having her around. Just the one thing she can't really feel like doing is actively expressing it. When everything breaks apart around you and your family has done evil deeds towards you, whether they were justified or not, you see the world different.
"How's... how's your therapy going?" she asks curious. Nui breathes in and out.
"I've been there three weeks ago." she answers calm and sits down, giving Satsuki a glass of water.
"I see. Is it going well?"
"Been told the perception in my head is irreparable."
"That means... you cannot be helped?"
"No."
"Have you told them you... have a condition? That you have psychopathic tendencies?"
"Yes."
"What did they say?"
"They were afraid. It's better that way."
"... I'm sorry."
"Don't think about it. Not like you can change it anymore." she says. They both watch the chimney. It's fall after all, and it has gotten cold.
"I have to think about what I want to do next. I don't know where to apply - people read my name and I am rejected by default." Satsuki mentions.
"Open a store."
"Honestly... I've thought about that already. I have the financial means. But I don't know what and I can't do it alone. I never learned any special professions."
"Open a clothing store."
"... maybe."
"I'll be your tailor."
"Do you feel alright with that?"
"Better to force people actual taste upon their bodies than to sit around and do nothing."
"I suppose that's true. At least we both have an understanding of what looks good."
"Right."
"..."
"..."
"But it has to be specially tailored clothes. We shouldn't be any ordinary store."
"Good enough for me."
"Nonon prepares a concert this evening. Would you like to join me? I'd have to visit Nagoya first however."
"... what do you want in Nagoya?" she asks skeptical.
"Just have to visit the manor. I want to visit the grave, like last year."
"You know I hate this place."
"Yes, I am aware. You don't have to join me though."
Nui considers the offer. She looks down... and briefly after puts on her gloves.
"... which car do we take?" she asks Satsuki.
"We'll take my car."
Satsuki's sister nods and stands up, grabbing an umbrella in the hallway and a coat with two colors - after turning off all lights, they leave the mansion and enter the car to visit their old home.
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A few hours later...
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Satsuki and Nui drive through the forests of Nagoya. The street they are driving on is in a bad state, and nature has conquered the area. At the cliffs constructed by the primordial life fiber when it escaped, trees hang there, broken parts of the estate, and water fills up little holes and margins in the dirt. Apart from the street, everything has gotten muddy.
It has been very stormy in the past. The entire place spreads an unnerving, lonely atmosphere. No one was here for years. Except for Satsuki and Nui, who seem to visit this place for years - always at the same time, and always the same, with Nui always asking why Satsuki wants to go there... and always with the same response. Like a loop both are aware of.
And despite this place that used to be fuelled by hate and evilness, nature still has come back, and accepted what happened here. The old lair in which the primordial life fiber resided slowly lives up in dark green colors, and ponds with water wherever you look. This might be a nice place, sometime in the future, on a day with a brighter weather.
In the distance is the old garden. A single tree is left there, with a grave next to it. Satsuki parks the car on the street, a few minutes away from said grave. Nui leaves the car as well, opening an umbrella and following Satsuki till they reach a few ruins which Nui stops at.
Satsuki wanders the path to the grave, being reminded of old memories - the childhood she didn't had, and the teenage years she spent preparing war. And the closer Satsuki comes to the grave and the stone dedicated to it, the tighter Nui holds the umbrella. As if the feeling of protection conquers her one more time, telling her "You will not hurt her, not even you are dead."
In these memories of Satsuki's, mother Ragyo is dominant. But she isn't there anymore. Not in her head to chase her down. Ragyo is dead, like Ryuko, and like father Soichiro. Maybe they've all met up in the dark halls.
Satsuki reaches the grave she digged up, looking down on it. There is a name on the gravestone. Ragyo's name.
"I wonder what you are thinking of me now." she says to the grave.
"The work of our family is done. What we did was done without will, without compliance. We did it as slaves. And you were corrupted by them.
I always wanted your death.
Now it has come. And I feel empty. I feel without a sense for this world, but with a sense for the discord and violence that is left here, in which only the strong rules, and the weak ones being destroyed. But perhaps you were wrong. Perhaps so many are wrong. Perhaps this world is supposed to be cruel and evil.
That's not your fault.
Is Ryuko with you?
...
I wish I could know if she forgave you. I do truly.
Well. Maybe it's not that important anyway. You wouldn't deserve it.
And yet, I did it anyway. I couldn't bear this burden any longer. And it felt... liberating. As if fighting you has showed me only that even after your supposed death, you would always hold your grip around my neck.
Mother, I am afraid of relationships. I am afraid of the challenges this world has to offer.
That is all your fault.
But you know what?
Despite all that fear, there are humans I love, and that love me. I live for those. You kneeled down before the future. If I would have had the chance, I would have changed it. I would have tried to make sure we are all a family. You, father, Ryuko, Nui and me.
It's just another wish."
A thunder rings out.
"My life will not be destroyed by the past - and yet, I fear and mourn for what I've lost. It's why I come back every year at this time, standing at this very spot.
... I think I would be a different person if I wouldn't have forgiven you. Maybe I would be just as disdainful as you were, using this cure for her own means.
I do not love you, mother.
But I wouldn't hate you either.
In the end, you gave me two little siblings to care for."
The wind howls slightly and the trees creak.
"I would stay longer. But you know what Nui thinks of you.
Please... if these dark halls have a gate left, and if you can hear my words... tell Ryuko and father we are alright.
We'll meet again. In the end, we always do, don't we?
Please take care of yourself... mom."
Satsuki breathes in and out subtly with her nose. Water stains her clothes. The woman turns around to Nui, who's looking into Satsuki's face, examining he movement with the eyes, not moving her head at all however.
"We can leave now." Satsuki tells Nui. She stands on the spot, while Satsuki enters the car and prepares the route to Tokyo. Nui stands outside in the rain, lifeless and cold.
What might go through her head now? How would this feel? Standing out there in the cold open, in the ruins where your life has been stolen, replaced with one enforced with fear and insanity.
No one can say what she is thinking. The only certainty is that whatever she is thinking, it's evil. And maybe justified. Her lips move subtly, speaking a language a human cannot comprehend. It's but two syllables spoken, in a cold, dark way.
She turns around and enters the car, closing the umbrella and looking forward, and soon after, Satsuki hold her hand onto Nui's shoulder, who's then looking to her.
"Thanks for coming with me, as you always do."
"... don't mention it."
"So... how about we drive to Tokyo now? Highway might be full so we'll have to take another route, but we'll get there anyway in time."
"Satsuki."
"Yes?"
The rain slams onto the car.
"Have you ever made a grave for me?" she asks, directly referencing to when she died her first time. An uncomfortable question, and maybe one that shouldn't be asked. But then again - she'll say it anyway.
"... no."
"I know. Would you have done one?"
"I... would have not. Not until now. Not until I know you better."
Nui nods slowly.
"But you know that I care for you, do you?"
"... I guess so. At least you are honest to me." Nui answers grateful.
"You'd notice a lie if one would be said. I don't want to hurt you. Even though I did."
"You didn't."
"No?"
"Satsuki?"
"... yes?"
"Why me?"
Satsuki doesn't know how to answer this question.
"I don't want to be insane."
"..."
"I feel lost."
"... you know... so do I."
"You do?"
"Mhm. What else is there left to do? I know I cannot make up for how I treated you. If I am being honest, I wouldn't make up for everything either. I know you wouldn't, too. I wouldn't be surprised if you'd straight up say you hate me."
"I don't."
"I know. I know that there are things you cannot forget. I can't either. There are things you wouldn't forgive Ryuko either, would you? That... arms... thing."
Nui nods slowly.
"All of that hurts. But you see... I forgave mother so that I can learn to accept the things she did. And I know you forgave both Ryuko and me as sisters. Not everything we three did has to be forgiven towards each other. That would be hypocritical. You wouldn't regret turning Ryuko into a life fiber monster when you first met her, wouldn't you?"
"I wouldn't."
"Yeah. You don't have to though. I guess what I am trying to say is... some things don't need to be forgiven, but the person itself can be loved still. What counts is the "now", not the "back then". To answer your question:
I wouldn't have made you a grave back then, because I hated you.
If you'd die today though, I would go with you. I couldn't bear losing my other sister.
I love you... and that is the truth."
Nui nods. And then hugs Satsuki.
"... I love you too, Satsuki."
Satsuki smiles hearing that and leaves off of her after a moment.
"We should go now." she says. Nui nods.
"Alright." the younger sister answers. Though it was uncomfortable to have this conversation, it's good they had it anyway.
...
As they drive through the inner city of Tokyo, rough neon lights lighten up the rainy evening, and cars enlighten the paths. Tokyo hasn't changed. It's just as lively as it used to be. Both park the car a street away from the theatre due to all the traffic over there, and walk the last steps on foot.
Inside the warm building, they can go through the backdoor behind the reception desk and from there on in a room for the staff - there, they leave their coats and go on. The theatre here is beautiful, with expensive, warm and good looking colours, decent lighting and impressing architecture. There must have been a lot of money put into this building.
Both sisters walk up the stairs and open the room where Nonon and her musicians prepare their concert. When Nonon turns around, she smiles satisfied and greets them, while Houka sits in the background, working on a new Laptop. They both haven't changed too much, though Nonon walks slower and more careful, and when Satsuki takes a closer look at her, she can see the scar near her neck, caused by Ichiro.
She hugs Satsuki and shakes Nui's hand.
"Hey, nice to see both of you. I'm surprised to see you here, thought you guys are out of this musical thingy."
"Good to see you as well, Nonon. Well, we've wanted to get on other thoughts and figured we could attend your concert. It's been a while anyway, no?" Satsuki answers, Nui stays quiet.
"Mhm!"
"And how are you doing, Houka?"
Houka looks up and clears his throat.
"Well, I've given Miss Jakuzures' music a chance and was not disappointed, in opposition of my expectations. Now I am here every month and watch the concerts from the VIP lounge.
In other words, I am doing fine."
Satsuki nods satisfied. Nui walks through the room and through a door to a large hallway that goes downstairs, seemingly leading to the podest. Walking these stairs down, she takes a gaze through the curtain, seeing people everywhere - including Sanageyama sitting with a man and woman that are about 20 years older than him. That's probably his parents. It seems as if he listened to Gamagoori's advice back in the days. Speaking of which, Gamagoori is present as well, though he's in the last row - the reason for that is probably clear.
Nui walks up the stairs again and notices Satsuki and Nonon are still talking.
"Well at least you could finance your own theatre. Your father would be proud."
"It's your fault I came this far though, I needed a credit. I'll pay that back sometime."
"No need to. It's not like I'm desperate for money."
"Right. Yeah well, I guess father would be proud, but all this Kiryuin crap has cost him his life. At least I know I can rely on you and the others - and it's nice to have a stable foot in life, you know?"
"Yes."
Nui walks pass Nonon and Satsuki.
"How's it going with you, Nui?" Nonon asks curious. Nui looks back with an apathic gaze.
"Oh... my bad. You don't like to talk much anymore. Apologies." Nonon mumbles.
"She's... just very conflicted. Hence she doesn't speak much. But she's doing fine."
"I see. I hope you'll do better soon. Oh yes, are you guys down to eat later? I'll gladly invite you to the restaurant near here."
Nui looks at Satsuki, being not very fond of the idea.
"Thanks for the invititation, but I think Nui and me will go back home after the concert. Another time."
"Alrighty, I gotcha. You guys should go to the VIP lounge now, and quick, my boys and girls are ready now." she chuckles excited and pats Satsuki's shoulder, then leaves the room with the musicians. Both sisters leave the room and enter the VIP lounge, where Satsuki then notices the other friends too.
At least they are doing well.
...
Snow falls. Days after Neo-REVOCS' destruction, most Nudist Beach members made their way home, if something is left of it, that is. Of the Elite Four, only Sanageyama is left. He watches how the dead are being brought away, and how the armory of the organisation is sealed away in chests, so that they never have to be used again.
Satsuki in the meantime sits lonely at the beach, watching the ocean and the destroyed Academy. Her hands are sunken into the sand that is soaked up with water. Sanageyama knows why. Briefly after, he sees Nui coming closer, carrying the dead Ryuko on her arms and bringing her to a car. He walks to Nui.
The youngest sister puts Ryuko onto a soft blanket and into an embryonal stance, then covering Ryuko entirely with her dead friend Senketsu.
"... *sigh* ... wish we could have avoided this." he mumbles. Nui doesn't react.
"Where are you going with her?" he asks. Nui closes the trunk and looks into his direction.
"What do you think?" she asks, being provoked by the question.
"To her dad?"
"Yes."
"At least she's reunited with him then."
"Right."
"... sorry. Didn't mean to come off as invading." he mentions. Nui looks into his eyes for a moment.
"I had so much on my mind when it comes down to my sisters - I feel like all of my "family" members hate me, and even if they tell me otherwise, I cannot get rid of the feeling they don't. I know not a single person who hasn't done any harm to me, and still I like them. Ryuko's dead and she owes my old arms, and yes, I am aware that she got what she deserved for that!
I think I'd laugh if it would happen again! I think I would also cry soon after cause she's still my sis. I don't understand the world anymore! Why can my mom live but I have to die for her?!"
"Hey, maybe you should talk with..."
"With who? Satsuki? Doesn't know what it's like to be me. No one does. No matter what I do, it always fails, whether I want to kill everyone or protect the one person that inflicted pain on me, and I would still love her.
I don't trust anyone. Why would I tell anyone what I am doing? Why the question in the first place? What do you think where a sister would go with her dead sibling? To a restaurant?"
"I'm sorry, okay?"
"... yeah." she answers and opens the cardoor.
"You all should be." Nui continues, enters and closes the car door again. Then she drives away.
The man visits Satsuki at the beach shortly after.
"... what do I do now, Sanageyama?"
"Live on. That's what she'd want the most now."
"How should I live on with the ill conscience that I can't protect my sisters?"
"Then she would have died for nothing. She didn't took the hit for the world, I bet she wouldn't give a shit about most people. She took that hit for you cause she didn't want you to die. If you give up yourself now just like your other sister, then this Director has won. Hell, he won enough already with Ryuko."
"..."
"You ain't gonna change it anymore, but you don't have to."
"Don't think just of Ryuko. Think of the others, think of Mikisugi, Tsumugu, Ira, Nonon, Houka, think of me, and think especially of your psycho sister that looks up on you even though she acts as if you are her greatest enemy. Man, now's the best chance to make it better. Ryuko's dead and nothing will change this anymore, but I've heard of your history in your family - at least show your other sister you're being there for her and that she can actually trust you. Otherwise you'll end up alone like we all did at one point.
You told me yesterday what your mother's plans were. She wanted to change the world to the better, right?"
"..."
"Then do that. Show that world that the Kiryuin's aint just heartless assholes, you have the chance now."
"... and what do I do after?"
"Live. Accept it happened. Only then you'll be able to live for yourself. Talk with your friends about this. And if you are truly down, you can count on the others, or your sister. If I learned one thing out of all the shit the last weeks, then that no matter how crappy everything gets, we'll get through it anyway."
"And you? What will you do?"
"Me?"
"Yes."
"I guess I'll go to my parents. I've sent them a message days before, they said they would meet me in Tokyo. Guess that's a rendezvous point you won't forget."
"Why did you stay here at all anyway?"
"Cause the others had their reasons to leave, and I know you and Nui aren't buddies. But you guys should be, damn it, you should be sisters. Ragyo's gone and so are the life fibers, you obviously cannot make up for the past but at least you can make something good out of the present time. Besides, we both are friends.
... well, and I wanted to duel with Ryuko. Guess I can forget that now."
Satsuki leans her head to the ground.
"Anyway... I suppose no one knows what the future will have for us in mind. All I know is that it's gonna be difficult, especially if you all of a sudden give yourself up too. So please, do me that favour, and don't do any bullshit. Kick the world's ass like Ryuko always wanted, clean your family name and use the time you have now to heal. You've still got friends to laugh with, things to enjoy, and a sister to care for. We all will be grateful.
You'll do well, Lady Satsuki."
"Alright. But... how should I start?"
"Get that cure done. And try to get closer to Nui. You guys gonna need each other these days."
A taxi appears.
"Ah well... guess there's my exit."
Satsuki looks back to Sanageyama.
"If you need me, you can count on me, you know that. See you soon, Sats." he says. Satsuki stands up and catches him.
"Wait." she pleads.
"Hm?"
Satsuki hugs Sanageyama. He pats her shoulder and sighs.
"I bet Ryuko's glad you're alive and well. Don't make her angry now, alright? Heal yourself and what is left of your family. You can do that."
"I'll try."
"Nah, you will do it. There ain't no trying. When we had our duels, all I thought was trying to defeat you. "I'll try to defeat you, and this time for real," you know?
But trying isn't doing. You'll do good, you always do." he says and leaves Satsuki behind until he disappears in the groups of people.
A wave reaches the beach, soaking Satsuki's boots.
"..."
She nods, biting her teeth while her lips are closed.
...
Satsuki sits at a window in the Matoi mansion, with Nui on a couch, watching Satsuki. Both wear their pyjamas already, and it's late. Packages of ordered food are on the table, and a few drinks as well as some movies.
"So... Nui?"
"..."
"About that store you spoke of... would you really want to do this?"
"Why not?"
"I thought we should leave this clothing thing beyond us."
"We'd have to take off all our clothes then and live like these Nudist Beach fools."
"I mean... producing clothes and all. I don't want to drill you into doing more."
"I love doing it. That doesn't have anything to do with Ragyo."
"Are you sure?"
"Sure am."
"Well, that's good then. I've seen those puppets you made of us. They're cute."
"Thanks."
"Could you maybe make them for me as well?"
"Yes. They'll be done tomorrow."
"Great." Satsuki answers genuine. Moments after, silence conquers the room.
That's how it's always is when it comes to those two alone. There's not much to say. Maybe no one really knows what to say, or maybe no one wants to talk at all. People say it's alright if you don't talk about anything sometimes, but what if that happens on a regular base? Can that really be healthy?
Though, both are probably glad anyway to be there and accompany the other.
"What are you thinking about, Satsuki?" Nui asks.
"... about Ryuko, I suppose."
"Again."
"I know. I shouldn't. I should try to think of something else."
"You need a break. It's fine to think of her. I do it too. Don't do it too much though.
That's unhealthy. I know what I am talking about.
Rely too much on something - and it'll kill you eventually.
Do you want to die?"
"No. I understand what you mean."
"Think of her all you want. But do it when you're over her." Nui mentions and moves her hand slowly across the couch, then down to the pillow next to her.
"You're right. It'll devour me. It's not easy, that's all."
"I bet so. You should go to sleep, Satsuki. You seem very tired, and tired people tend to have negative thoughts."
"Yeah. I wanted to go sleep in a bit anyway. I've heard there's going to be a fun festival tomorrow in Kisarazu.
They've got popcorn there. Lots of popcorn." Satsuki chuckles. Nui looks up, actually being interested.
"Oh. Do they?"
"Some of the best there is."
"That's a lie. But I'll take you up on it anyway."
Satsuki smiles.
"Great. Well... in that case, we shall conquer the candy booths." she says excited and stands up, patting Nui's hair and then entering Ryuko's old sleeping room.
"I'll go to sleep then. You should as well. Have a good night, Nui."
"Yes. You too, Satsuki." she answers and watches the door closing. Satsuki's younger sister stays in the room, while Satsuki lays down on the bed. When doing so, she observes the weather outside, and the sky. The bed is comfortable and warm.
There is also a little photo of Mako and Ryuko on the little table next to her. Why Nui kept the photo here is something she doesn't understand. Though, maybe Nui has gotten resistent towards such a sentimentality, unlike Satsuki, who's feeling guilt for her failure.
"... wish you could join us too, Ryuko." she thinks while looking at Ryuko's happy face while having her arm around Mako's neck. Mako's doing a peace hand sign. The young woman lowers her head, sinking it into the soft pillow and closing her eyes. Minutes and minutes pass, and only as Satsuki hides herself under the blanket entirely, it seems as if peace and silence took their turn on Satsuki.
And as the silence in the Matoi mansion slowly spreads across all the rooms, Nui's moment has come. She stands up and walks to the door to the room where Satsuki sleeps in. There are no more sounds coming out of it anymore. The instable sister looks at a clock in the room, of which she imagines the usual "Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock" as she watches it.
"Hrmpf. Finally."
Nui therefore turns her back to the door and puts on her normal clothes again. Done with that, she walks back into the hallway which is connected with the basement. Slowly, she descends down into the basement, with everything becoming colder and darker, and when she arrives at the end of these stairs, she unlocks and opens the door, entering it without turning on the light. Only when that door is closed, and darkness is everywhere, only then she turns on the lights.
Sounds of the lights going on can be heard, and a white room, of which it's walls have been damaged, can be seen. Desks with tools, shelves with clothes, and written papers are everywhere. Sketches of puppets, a destroyed mirror with blood stains, Isshin's old desk, imbued into the basement, scissors, strings.
One of those desks has a bunch of tools to treat cloths with, such as needles, scissors, a stitching machine. Strangely enough, life fibers, given by Hinata. Life fibers that had no connection to the Layer, and thus, never dissolved.
There's also blood on them.
Nui takes a few steps forward and grabs the life fibers. They seem to be inanimated - without energy, it wouldn't take long until they are useless. But Nui knows a way to give them life. The woman opens a shelf and grabs a few tools with which she can drain blood from a body, such as a few syringes. She raises her sleeve - little wounds are on it. She hasn't cut herself, but considering the entire area plus these marks on her arm - and who knows what else she did to herself - it's no surprise she doesn't want anyone to find out what is going on here.
Carefully, she injects a syringe and drains her blood out of her body. The process is uncomfortable to watch, but Nui doesn't mind, and once she is done, she treats the little wound carefully and infuses the life fibers with the blood, who gain strength and shine up in a nice red tone. They try to slowly move towards Nui, but she holds them with her hand. Then, she turns to the large table in the middle of the room. There is a blanket on it, and below, it seems to be a person, who's hand is bloody.
Nui throws the blanket aside.
Under it, Ryuko's corpse. Her torso, torn into two, regenerates extremely slowly.
One might wonder now why she is doing this. One might say why this could be entirely against the ideas Nui gives Satsuki - that she should accept things as they are, that Ryuko can't come back and that she needs to live her own life now. One could even say she is a hypocrite, and perhaps one would be right about that.
On the other hand, maybe this is also Nui's way to help Satsuki. Satsuki doesn't have to think about this. Nui can do that for her. Another sign of her conflicted mindset, which on one side still cannot forgive either of her family members, and the other side, which displays a caring, if crazy sister.
But maybe there is also the distant wish of having a family - one that doesn't die of unfortunate circumstances, war or sicknesses. A wish of having a family she could grow old with and hopefully die as a healed person.
She must be doing this for years now. It's inevitable that this plays with her mind even more. Who can sustain the gaze of their dead sibling for years, and every night.
It's sick by all means. But it's not like she's not used to be called like that. And if anything: perhaps Satsuki does eventually learn to live on her own, so that, if Ryuko comes, and that is a very big if, she knows now not to rely her entire life on her. After all, Satsuki has experienced what happens if she does.
Nui carefully connects the new life fibers with Ryuko's open body, who's wounds have been regenerated to a large extend. It'll take a few weeks, perhaps a few months until she is done. Only then she'll know if this "experiment" will be successful or not. Nui always keeps a few life fibers left, so that those can reproduce via her blood.
After 30 minutes, she is done, and leaves Ryuko under the blanket again. The sister cleans the room quickly, turns the lights off and then leaves it, locking the door.
She'll do this day and day. Tomorrow. In two days. Next week. In the following months.
Until Ryuko awakens. Or insanity conquers her.
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
A few days later.
Glasses can be heard. In a corner, a few men hold a conversation. Next to a bar, a man and a woman, drinking a cold one, and across the warm and comfortable looking room a few more grups. Such is the everyday look of the bar Mikisugi and Tsumugu now own - chill, far away from battles. The man with the blue hair who's working behind it cleans glasses, his clothes, as expected, rather fond of showing skin, and behind him, between all the glasses and bottles, a few photos of his comrades from Nudist Beach. As well as an image of his deceased girlfriend, and one of Ryuko.
Tsumugu in the meantime observes the room from the balcony of the first floor above Mikisugi. Both hear the door next to the bar open, and they watch curiously as to who might come in now. After a minute, Satsuki appears, putting away her coat and then looking at Mikisugi who's nodding slightly at her. It's a gentle smile he's throwing at her, but not as usual - not in a sexual way as one might think, rather like a good friend who's glad to see an old companion again.
"Satsuki, you seem tired. Been a while, how you've been? You good?" he asks and examines her rather empty face. Satsuki sighs.
"I don't really know what to do anymore. I'm but a simple young woman with more money than anyone else on this world. I could found a new company, and then what? I might have something to be busy about, but that wouldn't be fulfilling. I won everything one could gain one this world, but I lost the one thing I cannot retrieve back, no matter the cost." she explains. Mikisugi gives her a glass of water.
"Hm..." he thinks while cleaning the bar.
"... guess you could use the money to change something. I suppose people told you this already, I don't know, but if you really have that much money, I'd use it to change something. I'd do something meaningful with it. Sure, this life fiber sickness is gone now, but there are many other things on this world that can need help. Do it like Takarada. Even he, who's selfish and uppish knows that money isn't everything, even though he always appears like that. He spent a good bunch of his money with repairing Ôsaka again, and even modernize it. Reparations are still going, you can't get such a city back to it's full glory in two years again, but the thought counts already."
Satsuki circles with her finger on the bar.
"I wish Ryuko would still be here." she says and looks up to Mikisugi. He nods a bit.
"Yeah, I know. But even if she would be here, it wouldn't change the problem you are facing. Maybe you should do some sort of journey. Take a look at the people you've met, visit continents, perhaps see Japan for yourself as a free person. There is nothing that will restrain you anymore, no clothes, no aliens, no Ragyo. The end of one journey is always the start of a new one. It might inspire you.
In any case, you gotta try to leave Ryuko behind you. I doubt she would want you to mourn for her every day. Give you and your other sister the chance to live life. None of us really were able to live - we lived to fight, and now we try to live to enjoy life, see what it's about. See it in it's full, naked glory, so to speak."
"Mhm."
Mikisugi watches Satsuki. She may not say much but he notices that his words get past her defense - maybe thanks to him being older, she rather listens to him than others. He knows more about life than she does. Maybe a journey really is the right thing to do. Something that brings her on different thoughts.
"Hey, uh, this... so, you guys were captured in Tokyo years ago, right? And you had to walk all the way back to us?"
"Indeed."
"Would it sound overly crazy if I'd suggest to do this exact journey again, but with less evil corporate soldiers and psychos that hunt you down?"
"Wouldn't that bring me back on thinking about Ryuko?"
"You do it already anyway. But you could take it as a farewell. Despite the things that happened there, and yes, I know, some things really have gotten ugly - but you guys had fun too, didn't you? Relive this journey once more, visit the locations you've seen, and maybe more. Face that past and leave it all behind you. Then you will be able to see the world with different eyes.
And if you then want to change it like your mother tried to, you will succeed in doing so, because you know now what to do.
... besides, Arata's got his strip club back and I've heard you liked it."
"I will not comment on this." she says and sinks her head into her suit and scarf, trying to hide the little blush on her face.
"On a serious note though, Mikisugi, I can imagine this idea to work." she answers, slightly relieved.
"Good. You should take photos like the young Mankanshoku. Heard she's a photographer. Maybe she's got something for you, or you buy your own camera. Not like you are poor. Photos may not give back the feelings you had back then, but they can be a mirror for the past. Could be a good way to keep things in mind while also accepting them how they are.
"... yeah. You are right. Thanks, Aikuro..."
Mikisugi smiles and looks up to Tsumugu who's smoking a cigar. He's looking down to him and nods.
"So, are you planning to stay with us here for a bit? Weather's pretty bad, and we've got good music."
"I suppose I could stay here for a little longer. This rain is really ruining the last weeks. Meh."
"Mhm, I know, I am not a big fan of it either. It's to puke, but some people seem to like it."
"Heh... yes."
...
...
...
Additional weeks pass. The weather has stabilized and soon, winter will arrive. Whatever is left of the life fibers is being thrown away, and large companies that once relied on them break apart. The world is going back to partially natural and industrial ways to gain it's ressources. Taking down the life fibers for good has brought good and bad things. It changed the world forever.
Humans sleep better now. What plagued them is gone now, and except for very very few exceptions, there are none left in this universe. They will not come back. Nothing can do that. The life fibers are but a memory now - little cells that fly around somewhere in a different layer, different dimension, one that cannot be reached. Just like Ryuko and her parents do.
What should feel liberating for Satsuki is not liberating at all. And even if her friends and companions say to let go: it's not as easy as people say. Of course, what Mikisugi, Sanageyama and the others say might be true, but is it that easy to drop things as they are or were? And what would happen should Nui succeed in bringing Ryuko back? Would that be the final solution? Or would that end all efforts of bringing Satsuki into a state of mind that accepts that she is one of many people on this world now, free to live as she wants to.
It might be this freedom that plays with her.
Well, perhaps there is no good answer to all these questions. It's a complex problem for a complex person. There could always be something that will keep Satsuki up.
But she tries. The more time she spends for herself, the more she attempts to accept the thoughts that fly through her mind. No war leaves things unharmed. There is always something you are reminded of. Be it a scar, an event, or the death of someone close to you.
Often, Satsuki sits in her room on the white seat, looking at the ocean, not knowing what to do.
Though, there might be a man left who learned disciplin. It might be a good idea to seek up Gamagoori...
...
A car door closes. The weather today is cloudy, in the distance, the first snow falls, and the trees have lost their leaves already. There is a path in front of Satsuki that leads to a comfortable and big estate, with harvesting fields on the left and right, as well as a tree farm to gather apples when the tim ecomes. A little river is close to said estate. Near to that estate, she can see Gamagoori leaving a little warehouse, carrying wood for the chimney. When he sees Satsuki, he smiles satisfied and puts down the wood to greet her.
"Satsuki!"
"Hello, Ira."
"What honour have I deserved to be visited by you? How have you been?"
"It's been alright. And you?"
"Well. The last days I've been working in the yard, my parents are currently away, they will come back later today however. Until then, I wanted to make sure we got enough wood for the cold days."
"I see you've been diligent."
"I always try to be."
"True that."
"Would you like something to drink?"
"I'm good, I am here just for a moment. Your home is close to the route to Tokyo after all."
"Heh, fine. You won't mind me working then?"
"Not at all."
"Good. Then follow me and we can talk." he says and picks up the firewood which he carries to a hut close to the main building.
"So what is it that leads you here exactly?"
"Advice, to be honest."
"Advice? From me? Haven't you been the one who teached me?" he asks curious.
"I did, but now I lack such advice for myself. I've been speaking with friends over years. I believe I lost all the resolve that was left in me. You see, ever since Ryuko is gone, there was this last attempt to avenge her, and I did so, but after that... there was nothing. Mikisugi suggested I should embark on a little journey, and while I do like the idea, I cannot help myself but think it will not change anything."
"What makes you think that?" he asks and opens the hut, putting the firewood away.
"Well, as I said: Ryuko. And REVOCS. It's a complex problem and I am looking for simple solutions. But the world isn't that simple. Life isn't either. But I never had these situations until now - it was always about my mom, and now that she, and everything with her, is fully gone, there is nothing left for me."
"Hrmpf." he grumbles.
"I know what you are thinking. "How can she rely so much on a dead family member, and a company that more or less killed her?"
"No. I am wondering how you couldn't get over this."
Satsuki doesn't give an answer.
"Please, Satsuki, don't understand this the wrong way, but I don't know you as a woman that drowns in her own tears and emotions. Your sister is dead, REVOCS is gone, all that is left now is your own life. I assume everyone told you that however.
This however not: I don't like you are behaving like this. You seek help from others on a situation we cannot actively participate in. What should we do to change your feelings? What should I do? We can only talk with you, but in the end, we are all alone and responsible for ourselves. I remember the days when I helped the youngsters when they were attacked by people with ill intentions - and ended up killing people. I regret the latter till today. But it does not consume me, as it is something that happened in the past. All I can do is learn out of it. And I tried to learn. I still do.
Yes, Ryuko is dead, and there is nothing you can fight against anymore. Do you want to spend your entire life fighting though?"
Satsuki seems dejected by these words, though he might be right. Gamagoori raises an axe and starts cutting wood.
"Alternatively you do drown in your emotions. But you are not the kind of woman that would do that. You have a reason to live and this reason enables you to stay here now - otherwise you'd be long gone. I do not know what thrives you to continue, but you'll have to find out and live for that. I for one have achieved all the ambitions I wanted to success in, and maybe in the future there will be more for me. But I live for a reason. And so do you.
Whether it's protecting the sister that is left, or having more money than any other person on this world, hedonism, you name it. There is something that keeps you here. You'll have to drill yourself to find out what it is, and leave your deceased sister behind. Life is too short to mourn for everything. We can and should regret, but we should also move on."
Satsuki nods.
"I suppose so."
She looks at the valley far away from the estate. Snow is falling.
"All of this remembers me subtly of this one day where I could not take up on you and got defeated. But instead of me, kneeling on the ground and drowning in my misfortune, it is you now that kneels there.
So I am telling you: get yourself together. Your sister is not the end. The end has come when you did your last heartbeat, and that last heartbeat will seek you up many years from now on - and you will look back at a life that was worth fighting for. All the fighting there was is over now. Now it's to enjoy the reward. Or drown in vain.
It's up to you, Satsuki. But don't you dare succumbing to your pain - it's the pain that made us stronger."
"Yeah... you're right. I... have to get myself together. Something still keeps me here, and I will find out what it is. I am acting more respectless than I thought I would. I don't care for anything unless it's my family.
I need to stop. I need to accept it happened. But I must not mourn. I am not alone - there is my other sister, and there are friends like you.
This idea Mikisugi had is good. This way I can face what is left of the past. And leave it as it is. And when I come home, I will be certain there is a good life waiting for me." she explains to herself. Gamagoori nods satisfied.
"Thank you." she smiles grateful.
...
Additional weeks pass.
...
The cut of a scissor can be heard. And briefly after, life fibers pull themselves together. Nui looks down at Ryuko. A clock ticks in the background.
An immensely large scar goes through Ryuko's body. Her black arms have regenerated, hidden by skin. She seems normal. What is left now is a thread of fate, which Nui grabs from the desk, injecting her own blood into it. Carefully, Nui takes a look at Ryuko's head. Gently, she puts said thread of fate, which is now powered with energy, into her sisters head, and warmth fills it.
At least like this, well partially, she awoken her puppets back then. Is it possible this will happen with Ryuko too now? Nui waits and watches, minute for minute, but there is no movement from Ryuko. No heartbeat. There is nothing but loneliness.
Nui stands in that position for the next two hours, doesn't move a muscle, she just waits for an reaction, but even then: nothing happens.
...
...
...
It's gotten quiet in the Matoi mansion.
"Hm." she mumbles disappointed.
Nui covers Ryuko with the blanket again and walks up the stairs, slow and heavy, turning off the lights. Is there no other way to get her equally beloved and behated sister back?
Obviously not.
Nui stands at the top of the stairs for five minutes, and there is no one who is nearly as clever as Nui when it comes to reviving people, or giving life to them at all. Not even Iori could do that. And he has his hands full of own things to accomplish.
Nui closes the door and walks back into the living room.
Up in the living room, she walks to the window, throwing her gaze at the garden. Her face is mirrored in the window. She seems cold, calm, so much that it's not natural anymore. Briefly after, she looks into her own eyes.
It's this very spot where she stands like this for thirty long minutes, until it's 1 AM midnight. Silence has conquered the land, and her mansion.
Silence that will never be broken.
In that moment, Nui yells aggressively and destroys a glass table with her fist, shards fly around, her hand sustains wounds.
"FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!"
All the shards on the ground look at her. She can see herself in all of them. Some blood leaves her hand. Nui falls back on the ground, shaking her head, shaken by her failure. In life fiber language, she speaks around quiet, talking only to herself.
Well, what was the purpose of all of this now, if she failed nonetheless? Perhaps her attempt was determined to fail from the very beginning. At first, the life fibers she got from Hinata were supposed to be used to make something special with Senketsu. Now she knows everything was for nothing. She can take lives, but she cannot give one. It's unfair.
All of this is tiring. Soon enough, she's in the bathroom, taking a shower, brushing her teeth, and lastly, going back into the living room to watch what boring things happen on TV now. She just wants to be distracted.
Should she tell Satsuki what happened? Or should she visit the grave next to Isshin, where Ryuko is supposed to lie under?
Now she's all calm and cold, now there is this strange, nearly apathic attitude, with cool hands, relaxed body stance, and empty eyes.
As the clock strikes 2 AM, Nui believes the time has come to go to sleep. She doesn't have any work or any responsibilities, everything is done by Satsuki already. There is absolutely nothing to do for her. The woman turns off all the lights and walks to her sleeping room, but as she opens the door, she can hear something fall down in the basement, and instantly, Nui turns around. The door down there opens - has she forgotten to lock it up?
"Who's there?" she's yelling. No answer though, except for stuttering, and unhealthy sounds. Nui carefully, but not anxious, approaches the hall, but she cannot see what is going on. When she enters the hallway, she looks down to the basement - the door is open, as expected.
Something touches her foot all of a sudden, and a sad, helpless voice can be heard.
"... Nui..."
But she knows that voice and turns on the light.
In front of her, her sister Ryuko, half dead, breathing hardly and with a loss of orientation, and she is looking for a hold. She can barely walk.
This gaze shocks Nui, and she carefully looks down at Ryuko, turning her sister around and looking into her face.
All she can see is the same face expression like she had back then. Lost in a world she thought she couldn't visit anymore. The language in her face and eyes is clear - and it's to pity about. Nui touches Ryuko's cheek gently. And for a moment, Nui's own face expression changes.
To a slight smile of comfort.
"... long time no see, mon cher." she smiles tender. Carefully, Nui helps Ryuko up, who's stumbling, naked, and in need of clothes, and a fresh bath.
All of this in given time. For the moment, both just appreciate each other.
"... but why... did you..."
"You didn't thought you could get away from me by dying, did you?"
"... oh fuck off."
"You better not die again."
"I'll... give my best."
"I know."
...
...
...
The following weeks go on calm and quiet. One might thing Ryuko is back, jumping around happily and appreciating her return. But she doesn't. Instead, Ryuko feels healed. As if all the battles of her past have been accepted as what they are now: memories. Memories of a time before this life. Nui made it her task to treat Ryuko. Until Ryuko is well enough, Satsuki must not know about Ryuko - she is on a good path, and if she'd see Ryuko now, all the efforts done by Nui and all the advice given by the others would have been for nothing. During November and the start of December, Nui cares for Ryuko, cooks soups, helps her get used to walking and performing physical activities, and every once in a while, they both talk to each other, if not too much.
Satsuki notices during these times that Nui has changed a slight little bit. Perhaps it's both because of Satsuki trying to find her way back into life, and Ryuko being back and alive. Luckily, the first floor of the mansion has lot to offer for Ryuko to get creative and spend her time well until she is fit enough to walk outside again.
Whenever Satsuki visits Nui, Ryuko listens upstairs, hearing how Satsuki is doing.
"I think I'm slowly accepting it." is what she can hear. Or similar words, every week. And every time she hears them, Ryuko gently leans her head on the wall, having a slight smile. Satsuki is disconnecting from Ryuko in a way that she can live her own life. Sometimes, Ryuko loses a little chuckle from her mouth when Satsuki tells a bad joke.
"Wonder how she'll feel when she sees me..." Ryuko mumbles quietly and looks around. She's in the museum like room Nui discovered years ago. Behind Ryuko are a ton of books. She must have read most of them.
Two weeks before Christmas, Nui goes back into said room, visiting Ryuko who's examining all the things her father posessed. Not just the notebook. Clothes, a ring, and more. Nui stands next to the door and observes Ryuko.
"Dad told me about all these things in this room. See the little showcase? That's his ring when he married mom."
Nui doesn't answer.
"This dark realm was, in it's own way, a nice home, you know?" she says and turns to Nui. Nui nods and answers.
"Hundreds of years ago, you could travel wherever you want in there, see everyone's memories. I never saw my own."
"I did."
"What do you think?"
"I think that these days are over."
"But not the scars. Those will stay. Look at you."
"Yeah, maybe. But seeing how mom and dad spent their life... they both were obsessed with this life fiber shit. Then again, I guess without them we three wouldn't exist, right?"
"I suppose so."
"I'm glad I got two sisters."
"Me too."
Ryuko notices Nui is holding something under her arm.
"What's that?"
Nui puts clothes on a desk next to her. Ryuko comes closer. Thats her old jacket. All of her old clothes.
"People say you grow out of clothes, but you can still hang on them like memories. I figured if you want to visit your strange friend Mako, you should visit her the proper way." Nui responds.
"Alternatively I'll tailor something for you, but you'll have to wear it no matter what it is." she continues.
"I think I'm good. But... since you mention it..."
"Yes?"
"... all this time since you brought me back, I've been wondering.
Where's Senketsu?"
"Dead."
"... yeah. I thought so." Ryuko answers accepting.
"Are you sad?" she asks.
"No. It's okay. I just wish I could have said good bye. Like last time."
Nui nods. Something is on her mind.
"I see." she answers.
"Mhm. Well. Where are we heading? Where's Mako living?"
"Fuji Hakone Izu. Satsuki told her it's a nice place there." Nui answers. Ryuko seems impressed.
"And when do we tell Satsuki I'm here too?"
"Up to you. Satsuki's probably alright now. Said she wants to travel across Japan one more time, just like years ago."
"Pfft, alright. Hope they still have that park near Ôsaka. Remember that? With the booths and all? Would be fun to go over there one more time."
Nui nods.
"Yeah. It would be. Now get yourself ready and pack your stuff."
...
...
...
While Nui and Ryuko drive on the highway, Ryuko looks around to see Japan. It's not too long until they reach the little town Mako and the others live at. It's close to the one where they've seen Hakodate before.
"Damn. So nature has been taking over more of the country again ever since?" she asks.
"Yup."
The lands, destroyed by the life fibers, are cultivated anew, and nature comes back, coloring the country green again. Snow can be seen here and there, and on a cliff, they can see the large lake they saw a while ago. Ryuko opens the window and breathes in the fresh air.
It feels good.
And it feels right.
She enjoys this fresh air, and the calmness that goes with it, now that everything is over. Half an hour later, Nui and Ryuko arrive in the town where Mako resides. It's a simple city without anything too special. A few restaurants, cinemas, a theatre and so on.
Nui and Ryuko hold the car near the street that leads to the lake. Nui is aware of Mako's position - she's at the lake at the moment, taking shots with her camera. The others don't know who they will meet soon. The only certain thing is that they'll be pleasantly surprised.
"We've arrived, darling."
"And you are sure you don't want to stay here for a while? Maybe you'll like it."
"No." she answers and looks away from Ryuko.
"I can't handle this. All this kindness."
Ryuko nods and hesitates for a moment.
"I... guess you really can't. That's okay." she answers and opens the door with Nui.
"I'll be here again in five days around this time. Then we'll visit Satsuki." Nui explains.
"Sounds good." she answers and looks at Nui, relatively apathic, just waiting for Ryuko to say something or take a move. Well, Ryuko closes the door and puts a bag onto her back, then makes her way down, but as she is about to approach the street, she turns around.
"I know why you feel the way you do. Nothing can change what we all lost. All three of us didn't had a childhood. I just guess... some of us had it worse than the others. You're maybe the biggest asshole I've ever met in my entire life, but it's good to have you anyway.
You can be angry at me if you want to. But the thing with your arms... that Ragyo shit... and all the plans I've destroyed... that is over now. And... I know how it's like to be you now. I was in your memories, after all.
You were right about one thing: we both really aren't as different as I once thought. We both f'd each other up really hard. Maybe we should leave it at that. But that's just me. Whenever something is up, I'll be there for you. I know you'd be there for me too, after all.
I'm glad you're here." she says thankful. Nui nods and sighs. Inside, she is glad to hear this though.
"See you in five days then, lil sis." Ryuko says and turns back to the road, walking down the street to Mako.
"Alright, big sis." she mumbles to herself and watches Ryuko as she walks to Mako. Two minutes later, in the distance, she can see Mako turning around. A shocked face expression appears in her face, and moments after, happiness conquers her. Mako runs towards Ryuko, jumps at her and hugs Ryuko, and both start laughing.
This area looks a little bit like the one Ryuko saw in her dream, when this journey took it's start. Do you remember?
Birds are chirping. And the sun shines...
...
...
...
The next days, Satsuki and Nui decide on which stations their journey should take - and it remembers heavily of the one they took years ago already. From Tokyo to Ôsaka. And after that? Who knows. It's across Japan once more, liberated from evil, and with calm hearts - knowing everyone's past is accepted as such. Nui notices how well Satsuki seems to feel with the thought of doing this sightseeing tour.
The route, ultimately, does not matter though. All that matters is being together.
And days later, Nui picks up Ryuko again from the Mankanshoku family, who try to defend her. They wouldn't want her to leave. Their gazes when they found out that Ryuko has to go again spoke more words than a text could ever summarize. Ryuko does hesitate to step into the car, but in the end, she gives up and enters it. She can always go back. But for now, Satsuki is more important.
During this, Ryuko did found out though that this jackass like attitude cannot be performed as much as usual. The wounds she had created this scar on her body, a scar that makes it harder for her to perform challenging physical actions. And she is reminded of that everytime she sees it on her body, starting from the hips up to her shoulder.
Still, this will not destroy Ryuko's mood. She looks at Nui who's cold and calm as usual.
"Hey. You good, Nui?"
"Mhm."
"Mako and the others didn't want me to leave anymore, haha."
"How did they react?"
"They were all surprised of course. All of them wanted to know how you did it, and then they asked me how it was to be not here anymore..."
"Hm. And did you respond to that?"
"... I didn't. I only said I'm glad I'm here."
Nui nods.
"I see. Other than that?"
"Other than that they told me everything there is to know. Life fiber sickness is gone, you killed the Doppelgänger, the others are doing fine, Europe is liberated... so yeah. Now to shine up Satsuki's day, huh?"
"Yup. She doesn't know a thing."
"Alright then. You think she'll be angry at me?"
"At first, yeah, most likely. Then on second thought, she's going to be angry at me, and then she will be happy."
"Then let's do this..."
...
...
...
Snow falls. Nui and Ryuko arrive at Satsuki's house. The lights are on, and Satsuki doesn't know Nui would come back. Both sisters leave the car and walk up the path to the front door.
"... I hope she can take it." Ryuko mumbles worried.
"She will."
Ryuko nods, breathes in and out and walks up the stairs to the entrance door. Nui stays in the dark and watches for a moment. Ryuko forms her hand to a strong fist.
And then she knocks at the door.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Steps can be heard. Ryuko looks back at Nui one more time, who looks at her, giving a trustful gaze. She can do this. The door opens and Satsuki appears.
Then she sees Ryuko.
"... hey... sis." Ryuko says dejected.
Satsuki looks at Ryuko, musters her... it must be a dream is what she thinks - but it's not.
"... is... it you?"
"... I'm sorry, Satsuki. I couldn't... let it happen to you."
Satsuki touches the scarf on Ryuko's neck and notices the scar on her shoulder. This really is Ryuko. Eventually, Satsuki falls into Ryuko's arms and starts crying. Ryuko pats Satsuki's hair carefully and comforts her, while Nui continues to stay in the dark, watching the snow fall.
"... don't you ever do this again, you hear me?!" she cries.
"O-okay..."
Satsuki tries to take a deep breath, and after a moment, she invites both sisters into her house, where it's comfortable and warm. Nui stands at a wall while Ryuko and Satsuki sit down onto chairs. The big sister sighs.
"... I... I don't understand, how... is this possible, I..." she mumbles.
"It's all on Nui. She couldn't bear the thought of me being dead either. So she tried to bring me back. I'm here for a few months now. But we never told you because we thought you should learn to live for yourself, and not for me. I know... not the most honest action... and you have every right to be angry at me... but she was right somewhere."
"I... yes, but..."
"There's no but. Let's... calm down for a moment. I'm okay though."
"... alright..."
"... say, you wanted to travel again, hm?"
"... mhm."
"You're cool with me joining?"
"... o-of course."
"Ehehe. Good.
*Silence.*
Uhm, that strip club, is that... is that still a thing?"
Satsuki looks up at Ryuko with big eyes.
"Are you serious?"
"... sorry, I just... tried to cheer you up."
"Yes of course it's still a thing and as a punishment for your behaviour I'll make sure you're going to suffer there! You'll sit there every hour until all men and all women have disappeared, and only then I allow you to eat and sleep, is that clear enough!?" she yells jokingly.
"Haha, alright, alright, I guess that's a deal then. Though, on a serious note now: if you wanna talk with me, we can do that later. And Satsuki?"
"Yes?"
"Please do yourself that favor... and don't look for me every time you can. It's not meant with bad intent. I am grateful to have you, and even more that you take care of me... but we all are free.
"... yeah. I know."
Ryuko's tummy grumbles.
"... man, I'm hungry, you got some food here?"
"I do. I will..."
"We."
"... we'll make something good together. I got fish for you, Nui."
"Perfect." Nui answers.
"Well, I'll take a look at your fridge then!" Ryuko says and stands up.
"I'll bring matresses then." Satsuki continues and Nui helps her out...
Later this evening, Ryuko, Satsuki and Nui have made themselves ready for bed, though Nui stands at the window wall, watching the ocean herself now, while Ryuko and Satsuki are a few meters away from her on a matress in the living room, talking with each other a bit. The lights are dimmed and outside, the wind can be heard. Snow still falls.
"Ryuko?"
"Yes?"
"I rather not ask, but I need to know... was mother and father there?"
Ryuko first only looks at Satsuki and wonders whether she should answer or not. Satsuki thinks she may has gone too far.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ask. I was just..."
"Nah, it's okay, Sats. I don't know if it's something you really should know though, you know?"
"What do you mean?"
"I've seen both sides now. And honestly... I'm glad I still have a chance left to be here."
"I'm glad too."
"Mhm... but... yeah. Mom and dad were there too. And me."
Satsuki nods slowly.
"What was it like?"
"... they were there for each other. They couldn't do much. But when I arrived, moments later, mom and dad just sat there on the ground. Both looked into a room full of darkness. But it didn't matter to them. Neither did it matter to me. All we did was sat there and watch. It was nice. It... was nice to see them as what they once used to be, you know? And what they should have been to us.
At least I know now that there were times where mom wasn't a monster, and dad a caring father."
Satsuki smiles.
"Good... that's good."
Ryuko looks at Nui then.
"How's she doing?"
"Therapists said her trauma has burned into her head so much that it marked her till the end of life. Nui told me this condition, where her perception is altered into days of rain cannot be healed. It's too unusual. Too strange. See all the snow outside?
That's both rain and snow for her. From a natural perspective, impossible. But in her head, it works. I asked her to seek up therapists for this, and she did it. She doesn't see any mistakes in her personality, but she knows this condition is not normal. I suppose we'll have to take care of her and make sure she doesn't do anything stupid.
People like her are still dangerous. Don't forget... maybe, as you said, she is just a little girl in the body of an adult. But a psycho nonetheless. And if she wants something, she will try everything to get it."
"Right... yeah... I understand."
"I believe though it might be good to be here for her. She'll be grateful. Maybe I'll see her smile sometime then. It's so rare she does it. Strange, isn't it? I used to hate that smile, it always told me that Ragyo won. Now I'd wish I could see it again. Her heart's broken. All the solace she can find is in her head now - contradicting, as it's the head that inhabits all the problems. Still though - we'll be good sisters, right?"
"Yeah."
"... I'm glad to see you here. I promise you, I've learned."
"I believe you."
...
...
...
Two days later.
...
...
...
Two cars arrive at the Matoi mansion. One of them belongs to Nui. The other one?
Doors open, and Nui leaves it. She unlocks the door to the mansion and turns her back to the other car.
It's her friend Iori, who leaves his car. He's carrying a suitcase.
"You really want to try this out, yes?"
"We'll do it. It will work."
"Okay. I'll believe you." he answers and watches Nui open the door. Nui enters the hallway and walks down the stairs to the basement.
"There aren't many life fibers left but I think enough to make something good out of it."
"How did you produce them all anyway? I thought they can only generate when there is a primordial life fiber with nexus fibers, threads and more?"
"My dear, you talk with someone who technically still is life fiber. I know best what we are made of."
"True." he answers and walks down the stairs with Nui and enters the basement.
"So this is the basement where Dr. Matoi worked on his experiments and the scissor blades?"
"Mhm."
"Pretty huge. Wish I would have had such a big laboratory back then."
"You alone wouldn't know how to fill it. After this, I'll bury it for good. Unless Ryuko insists otherwise - but I'm the owner now, not her. I got the contracts and all."
"I see. Well I suppose it's an honour for me to work here, and hopefully for the last time on life fibers. I'd rather stick to suits and all. Satsuki told me you were planning on opening a store?"
"Yup."
"She asked if I would be interested too."
"And you said yes of course."
"I'm still considering it."
Nui turns her head to Iori.
"You'd rather work on everyday fashion no one cares for? Or do you want to produce clothes that have a meaning? Don't you want to do something better? Something higher?"
"... well..."
"I guess I cannot force you. But you should do it. You'll learn something from me."
"Ahaha."
"Hehe."
Iori puts the suitcase onto the desk and opens it.
"What do you think?"
"Cut into thousands of pieces... and I thought I'd be a sadist..." she smiles. Then she grabs some of the content and holds it up.
Black stripes. Red stripes. An eye made out of cloths.
"He said he'd sometimes wish he would have a body as well. He'll be perfect. Better than anything I ever created."
...
Another day passes. Tomorrow, Ryuko, Satsuki and Nui will go on another journey. And this time, they'll be the ones to set the rules.
All of them lost something through this journey that now reaches it's end, but at the same time, they've gained something out of it.
Ryuko only realized in the moment where her revenge was fulfilled, that all the insanity and mayhem she brought with harmed her more than helped - it didn't felt right anymore. She wanted to kill. But if she would have managed it, would have she been better than Nui then? Sister or not - she would have had to kill a living being that was human, more or less. What if she would have behaved different from the very start? Would have the Entity Ragyo existed then? Or the Doppelgänger?
A lot of sorrow could have been avoided... by simply not responding to violence with violence. Though, on the other hand, violence would have been a justified answer. Right or wrong is in that case not to determine.
Taking a life however is not an easy decision. Ryuko knows this now. And is all the more glad that, despite all the harm she received and caused, she is here now, having her two sisters.
Satsuki spent her life fighting life fibers. And even though she never wanted to be like her mother, she became like her. In her behaviour as ruthless dictator of an academy that answered with violence whenever someone resisted in the slightest... and also on a subtle layer - she submitted to life fibers to defeat life fibers.
In the end, Ragyo has been defeated. There's no doubt that Ragyo deserved everything. If not, this world would not exist anymore. She must have been stopped. And what she did to Satsuki, both physical and psychological, cannot be excused.
Satsuki may have forgiven her mother's evil deeds, but she will never forget what she did to her and her sisters. All of this led to Satsuki becoming a cold, heartless person - just like Ragyo. Her club presidents, her students, her allies and even the elite four were nothing but tools for her cause. And when Ryuko appeared as the sister she was, her life changed - devoted to protecting her sister, because Ragyo took her away from her.
Whether Satsuki has learned to live her own life or not will be revealed in the next decades, but after the two years where she lived without her, free from battle and war, she learned at the very least that she can't be there for everyone. And that she has to live for herself now.
At least it's a start to leave Ragyo behind. But if she can leave Ragyo behind, then she'll be able to leave the reliance on Ryuko behind too.
Satsuki always was a strong woman.
And then there is the youngest of the trio, Nui. Once seen as Ragyo's #1 tool and most disdainful monster known to those who met her sadistic tongue, she became a valuable ally. Cold and harsh, but reliably - and if one thing was proven to her, then that giving up rewarded her with achieving the family she always longed for.
It's not easy to say if her story ends in a tragedy, and if so, how sad it does - but sure is only that there is not much left of Nui. What's left is the shell of a person that could never develop. The little bit of personality she does have is holding back, but conflicted. It seeks love and attention, it wants to care for it's family, but on the other hand, there is this dark desire to destroy. Nowadays, all you can see is a quiet observant. A bit like Hoomaru. Hoomaru always was a better mother to her than Ragyo could have been.
Despite all the terror she experienced from her family and everyone around her, she would still however protect them, and maybe their friends. It's remarkable to see - to see how a person as evil and disdainful as Nui changed into someone who you may not have to like or see as a good person. But as a person who lives, and as a person with a heart. A heart that was broken long ago.
She stopped talking as excessive as she used to, stopped hurting people to compensate or to enjoy. The entire world is trash. And Nui still believes humanity can die out.
But if it would happen, she'd die out with it. In the end, her theory may was right after all - those who hurt you the most are the ones you have to love the most.
Let this be her conclusion. What's left is a little girl in the body of an adult, who's mind has been broken by it's careless, evil mother - and yet, she still lives, hoping there is something good out there that will love her. She knows there is - her family loves her. And she loves it.
That is certain.
That... and the rain that paints the world dark. The rain that will never stop crying. Though - dark is not entirely true.
Sometimes, colors can be seen - and they can be seen whenever Ryuko and Satsuki are there. It's worth to continue.
...
...
...
The dawn of the journey begins. Nui and Iori are still in the Matoi mansion. Cuts from scissors can be heard, and the concentration of two experienced tailors can be felt in the air.
This concentration is enough to bring something into this world full of life. Nui and Iori both work on the remains of this man, locked beyond clothing.
He'll be the last puppet. And the best.
Cut.
And done.
Iori takes a few steps back with Nui. There is a puppet on the desk where Ryuko was on. A naked puppet, as big as their head and therefore bigger than those Nui used to work on.
Nui observes all parts of the puppet exactly, analyzes where she can improve on - but there is nothing to improve on anymore. It's perfect. Free of flaws. Unlike the clones, who lacked physical strength.
Iori is curious.
"So what now?"
"Wait." she says satisfied and walks to the door with Iori. Both watch the puppet, and after a while, red lights leave it. And then: poof.
Iori is impressed, and Nui? Satisfied.
Satisfied with the result.
...
...
...
A radio can be heard.
"What a beautiful day this is, isn't it? Weather people say today's gonna be sunny, though snow will annoy us anyway, but that shouldn't destroy our mood today, right? You know, I myself been thinking a lot about my life, wondered if I could have changed anything - I've wished things that will never happen. And that hurt me. But it's okay. The world is as it is. We humans are a pretty strange group of people, huh? Pining for something we'll never be able to achieve. At one point, it would eat us up. So instead, we decide to let go. We take all that pain upon us just to say in the end "It's okay." Next song's gonna be one of my favourites, and I do hope you listen well, you'll like it! Dear ladies and gentlemen, Alt J - Hunger Of The Pine!"
(AN: I really, really really really advice you listen to the 5 minute version of "Alt J - Hunger Of The Pine." on YouTube, either while reading or once this is over. This is the final scene - imagine this as credits music once this is over. Thanks for reading.)
Afternoon.
Both sisters drive to the Matoi mansion.
"I'm really excited for this, Satsuki. But uh..."
"Yes?"
"Does your friend Houka still offer help when it comes to applications? Doubt my old company will take me." she chuckles.
"You'd go back there?!"
"The people were decent."
"You don't look like a callcenter worker, really. But if you insist on work - have I told you about that store I'd like to open?"
"What kind of store?"
"Well..."
"... Satsuki. I swear."
"It ain't gonna be THAT bad."
"Shut it!"
"You call a clothing store better than a callcenter!?"
"You can be the cashier and take the phone calls."
"Better work for me than for others, right?"
"You better pay me well then!"
"We'll see, Miss Matoi, I need your application first. Please write it yourself, Mr. Inumuta will not be of assistance this time."
"You're a dickhead, you know?"
"I know." Satsuki grins and arrives with Ryuko at the Matoi mansion. Here, the journey to Ôsaka should begin. When both leave the car and walk towards the mansion, Nui leaves the building with a bag. Iori can be seen in the window, and his car is visible.
"So Nui, you ready to visit your favorite strip club?!" Ryuko chuckles. Nui stops in the middle of the path.
"But we'll take all the time in the world this time! Ohhh, Satsuki and me had so many good ideas on our minds, hotels are paid, even the weather is just a shitty as it used to be."
"Good." Nui answers.
But why does she stand still? Ryuko and Satsuki notice Iori in the window - he's saying something to someone in the room.
"Iori's here too?" Satsuki asks curious. She wears a white coat - Ryuko a red one.
"You've been talking of doing a journey like we used to... but someone is missing." Nui mentions.
"... and who?"
Nui looks to Iori.
"Iori?" Satsuki asks curious.
Nui shakes her head.
"We were four. Not three."
Ryuko is confused, Satsuki distrusting.
"Senketsu is dead though, Nui. Why bring this up now?"
Nui nods.
"Yes."
Suddenly, the door to the mansion opens.
"But I think you know best even memories return." Nui answers.
Both Ryuko and Satsuki look at the door and watch a young man leave the building - the colors of his jacket, trousers and shirt are the same as the ones he consisted of. Red and dark blue. His hair is neither too long nor too short, a little spiky. It reminds a bit of Ryuko's. In any case, it looks right. There are red streaks on his hair similar to Ryuko, his body light, not too musculous, but tall, he is, with 1,86 meters. His long jacket moves with the wind, and snow falls on him.
And his face looks so familiar, despite never having seen him. Despite Ryuko never seeing it. No one could have known. He has a slight smile in his face, self conscient.
Satsuki is at a loss of words. And the longer she and Ryuko stare at this man, the bigger and happier, and sinister Nui's smile becomes, first subtle, then just like in the old days.
"Been a while, Ryuko..." her old friend Senketsu says.
...
That's how this story seems to end. A story of desperation, battle, of traumas and anxiety, but also one of hope for a better future - for the individual, and for everyone else. That giving up on life cannot be an option. That even those who are evil were once normal, and that their deeds could have been avoided. In the end, this was a long journey - just as life itself is. And still, it is worth it walking on this path until this journey ends. No one knows what will expect you at the end of it.
All three sisters are together now, with their own strengths and weaknesses, plagued by evil memories and shadows of their past, drawn with scars, their picture of the world confusing, broken, more or less. And surely, some have gone through it better than others.
But what counts is the now - what counts is that the path they travelled led to this very moment. Where all three stand together, unbroken in the end, hurt, but not defeated.
And Ryuko?
Well. She is doing what some of you are most likely doing too.
Losing tears.
But she smiled.
...
fin
Shadows Of Our Past
A KILL LA KILL STORY