A/N: Sorry for the delay, but I've been busy in the real world.
The procedure lasted for 30 minutes at most to examine every corner of my heart. What I learned is that I'm not one with the Life Fibers like Ryuko which is okay. It's not like the world is in danger, right? Besides, I have the gem to assist me if the need arises.
Most of our time was silent, waiting for the results of my blood test to come and then we can leave. It's 11:47 AM so I'm hoping we'll be out before or after 12. Funny thing is, I feel less self-destructive after that hug. Maybe that's all I needed?
My train of thought was interrupted by Mako saying, "Ryuko, I'm bored!" She assured her little friend the we'll be outta here soon and get some food. We're all hungry at this point. We'll most likely go to a McDonald's since there is one close by. I've avoided that restaurant like the plague because the food there is kinda bland nowadays. Having it on occasion like this is fine though. I'm on a diet to lose weight so junk food like chips and snacks are off the menu for me.
With Mako still bored, I try to entertain her with a few jokes.
"Did you ever hear about the teacher who had an eye-patch?" I asked. "I heard they had to let him go, turns out he only had one pupil!"
Mako thought it was funny, but Ryuko just shrugged it off. I had to think of something better, but what? "Hey, uh, how do cells greet each other?" The two had no clue. "Celutations!" Ryuko smiled at that one while Mako was losing her crap. She's an easy one.
"Thank you! So how did the cat get across the river? With a cat-apult!" At this point I was laughing at myself. Laughter is good medicine, it makes you feel good. Ryuko seemed happy knowing Mako was entertained by my dumb jokes. One of which was from a RWBY Chibi episode and the latter two I made up.
The nurse came in at last with the results of my blood test. "Other than having low vitamin D your blood checks out fine." she reported.
"Heh, heh. Well I do hardly get out of the house so that'd explain something." I said sheepishly.
"I do advise you get out more or take vitamin D pills. Otherwise, you are free to go."
"But wait! I can't afford a doctor's bill!" I gasped.
"Don't worry! My father's insurance will cover it all!" Mako assured.
"Thanks Mako."
Finally! We're out of the hospital and on our way to get lunch. Mako hopped in the middle seat and I got in the seat next to her. Then Ryuko go on the driver's side which is actually on the right side. For us American's it's on the left. Forgot to mention that!
As Ryuko started the truck, she felt a sudden chill go down her spine almost as though something bad is gonna happen. She shrugged it off and drove us to McDonald's.
"I have to ask, how can you afford us food when you don't work?" I wondered.
"I inherited some from my sister." Ryuko answered. "She gave me some for when me and Mako went on our 'date' and I still have plenty left."
"Does this mean we'll do more shopping?" Mako asked.
"I'll think about it."
"Hooray!"
We park in the McDonald's parking lot and make our way to the register. I get a medium fry, some nuggets, and a large coke. Mako gets a large fry, two hamburgers, an ice cream cone, and a large coke. Dang she's going all out! Thankfully McDonald's is cheap. Ryuko orders a small fry, hamburger, and a large water. She's not a glutton like me and Mako here.
When our food was ready, we set up at a booth near a window. It was a nice sunny day, perfect for those needing that vitamin D. Ryuko and Mako sit across from me while I take a whole seat. I'm no stranger to this since my friends Greg and Allison sit in a booth together while I sit in a seat across from them at Steak n' Shake. I love those guys!
Ryuko and I finish our food first since we had the least. Yet Mako was eating rather fast just like me. It's a habit of mine I picked up while watching cartoons and anime. When we finished, we threw our trash away and made our way to the truck. Ryuko had an answer for Mako and it was…
"Let's see what we can do around here."
Mako and I lit up and cheered happily. "YAY!" Ryuko drove us around Kanagawa to see what catches our eye. We stop by a 100 yen shop to see what they have. It's basically a Japanese Dollar Tree, but better. They had some interesting nick nacks here and there along with some candy and toys. It was rather crowded so I naturally knocked some things over, but I am a bit fat on both ends.
Our next stop was a women's clothing store. I'm not a clothing person, but I've found some respect for it after watching Kill La Kill. Seriously, I did. Mako gathered a ton of outfits to try on for all of us. Poor little girl got buried in them, but it turned out to be more comedic than anything. The three of us tried on all the outfits Mako picked out and left with only a handful. The price rounded to 75,000 yen which isn't bad since they were having a sale.
Making our way downtown, we come across a park with cherry blossoms in bloom. It was such a beautiful sight! The pink petals floating wherever the wind blows them, then the smell of spring to add to it was heavenly. Just enjoying each other's company under a sakura tree felt relaxing. Much better than being in a sterile smelling hospital.
Mako fell asleep on Ryuko's shoulder while we stayed awake, watching the sakura petals fall. This is a good opportunity to actually talk to Ryuko with Mako asleep. Though her snoring is kinda loud. I thought I slept a lot, but it seems she beats me.
"What made you stay with Mako?" I asked.
"Hm? Well, I had nowhere else to go." Ryuko began. "Mako kept on following me and she was kind enough along with her parents to let me stay with them."
"I see. Do you like being there?"
"Of course. It may not be the prettiest looking home, but it sure feels like home."
"I got it. I feel the same way with my home, only when he's not around."
Ryuko was confused. Who am I referring to?
"Huh?" she said, of course confused.
"My dad." I said in a dreadful tone. "He doesn't mean to act the way he does, work will do that to you. Especially if you're in your sixties working at a restaurant."
"Act in what way?"
"His anger gets the better of him. When I was younger, my dad verbally abused me for crying. Since then, I hid my tears from everyone."
"So that's why you acted strange."
"Yeah, sorry for being a burden."
I hug my knees and bury my face in them. I try not to cry or make a scene because no one needs that. Ryuko looks slightly saddened, unsure of what to do at this moment. Mako is still asleep after all this by the way. It'd be cold to leave a human in misery, but sometimes they'd rather be alone. Do I in this moment? I don't care either way, but a part of me wants Ryuko to come closer.
I'm in front of them on the grass near a sakura tree that's still releasing petals to the wind. I shouldn't be such a crybaby! I'm a loser with no job or talent other than doing nothing or ruining other people's lives. They hate it when I find actual enjoyment in a franchise, tell me to stop with whatever it is I'm doing. It's heartbreaking! Can't I be happy for once in my miserable life?!
Mako wakes up, seeing me curled up in an absolute sorry state. She crawls over and nudges me a little. I take a peek and see her smiling face meeting my mess of a face. I try to keep composure and not lose myself to sorrow. But any word or action can break me at this point.
"What is it?" I asked rather annoyed.
"Did Ryuko make you cry again?" she asked.
"No I didn't." she answered. "She made herself cry."
At this point I'm fed up with being a dead weight so I get up and leave.
"Where are you going?" Mako asked.
"Home, away from you." I said trying not to cry.
"But why?"
"Because you don't need me. I already caused ya enough trouble so it's only fair if I take my leave. Now get me outta here you stupid rock!"
"Not with that attitude I won't!" the gem retorted.
"Ah, stop treating me like a child! These two don't need me pestering them till I fulfill what it is you want me to do. But if you won't do that, then end my life and erase everyone's memory of me."
"I can't do that!"
"AND WHY NOT?!"
"It is not God's will. He wants you to live."
"I don't give a crap! This is justice, this is righteous!"
"Ryuko?"
You'd think everyone was looking at us, but they aren't. Well, not all of them anyway. Ryuko was standing there, trying to fetch for the right words to say to me. She's never dealt with a person in this state before. The only thing she knew to do was get in front of me and say something.
"You're not stopping me, Ryuko!" I said rather angry. "Just go along with your friend!"
"No!" she firmly said. "I refuse to hear anymore of this self-defeating bullcrap come from your mouth! It's not justice or whatever! If you think this helps you or us in any way, it doesn't. This only hurts the people who care for you."
Her tone of voice was enough to shatter me to pieces regardless of what her words meant. "I'm sorry." was all I could say. Mako came from behind and hugged me. "It's okay, we still love you!" she said cheerfully. I attempt to smile at Mako's gesture, hoping it'd help the tears stop. Ryuko puts her hand on my left shoulder and smiles. "Come on, let's go while there's still daylight."
We continue to look around for anything interesting. On our way back to the truck, we spot an ice cream stand serving sakura flavored ice cream for the occasion. Mako drags us over there without hesitation and Ryuko pays for the three of us. It had an interesting and delicious flavor. I managed to finish mine as we made it back to the truck.
Driving through town, we spot an odd location that almost looks haunted. It's known as the Anata no Warehouse or Kawasaki Warehouse. The theme is post apocalyptic like most big time series such as The Walking Dead in the states and Attack on Titan in Japan. Walking in, we thought we encountered some hidden base. However, the crowd of people here gave it away that it's some kind of attraction. Still, Ryuko felt satisfied like she's finally getting that adventure she wants. Ever since she defeated Ragyo and ridded the world of Life Fibers she's had no way of dispensing her excessive amounts of aggressive energy.
"Ryuko, what is this place?" Mako asked.
"I remember seeing YouTube videos of this." I commented. "It's some kind of...attraction?"
"Whatever it is, I love it!" Ryuko said rather excited.
The dark, gritty scenery made me feel slightly uneasy. But I still admired the time and work the construction workers put into this building. When it comes to any form of art, I do my best to admire it unless it's meant to harm someone. Nowadays people are overly critical and spoiled. When and how did we lose our sense of admiration?
Going up the stairs, we find what appears to be like underground Coruscant from Star Wars. Ah that takes me back! There's lines of UFO capture machines, a bar, and a food court. Mako and I naturally examined the machines for anything fun to win. One carried Rilakkuma plushies which Mako took interest in.
"Can I try Ryuko, please?" she begged.
"It's only 100 yen a try." I added.
"Fine, you can have 1,000 yen but no more than that." Ryuko said taking out some yen coins.
"Yay!"
Mako puts in 500 yen giving her an extra try. Her first attempt only moved the bear slightly. It seems it's not payout yet. What's "payout" you may ask? Payout is when people put in enough money for the claw to firmly hold onto the item the person desires. It's programmed into most machines. I learned this from Kawaii Arcade Masters on YouTube, check them out! I learn a thing or two from them.
After Mako's six tries, she still hasn't won the Rilakkuma plush. With the last five coins, she gives it her all. The plush is near the prize hole, but it'll take some careful consideration to win it. With that, I attempt to help Mako out.
"Try lifting it with the right claw since it's near the hole." I suggested. She tries just that, but it doesn't work. With no other option, she tries again and wins it.
"Hooray! I won, I won!" Mako cheered.
"Great job, Mako!" Ryuko praised.
Even though she won, Mako still had four tries left. With them she tries to win a second one. To her surprise, on the last try she won another Rilakkuma on payout. Knowing she has two, she gives one to Ryuko.
"This one's for you, buddy!" Mako said handing the second one to Ryuko.
"Oh? Thanks." she said accepting the gift.
I didn't think Ryuko would, but how can you not accept a gift from someone like Mako? She's really grown on me over the time I've been with her. Some people are like that in real life; it took time for some of my friends to become my best friends and I couldn't be happier.
With it being close to dinner, we all decide to return home for some of Mrs. Mankanshoku's mystery croquettes.
"Tell me, is life good?" the gem suddenly asked.
"I guess." I said, thinking of all the hell that exists inside me.
Life can be good, but at times it can be bad. It's good when I get to be with my loved ones and have fun. It's bad when you need money to survive or find work to get money. A lot of people are hurting from mental trauma, stressed from the demands of modern day society, and scared of how others will see them. Many have tried to make a name for themselves to only become a fool. Dare I name some? Well, I can name one; me! I thought I could somehow do something awesome, but no, all I do is whine and complain.
Yet, I'm somehow loved by these people who do not exist and even by some who DO exist. Why? Do I really have something to offer, other than my petty existence?
After dinner, we all decide to go to bed. It's been a long day for me, Ryuko, and Mako. Each of us take turns on getting a shower, of course I make sure the guys don't peep on Ryuko otherwise they'll get a serious beating from me.
Once all of us finished preparing for bedtime, we make ourselves comfortable in our futons. I turn my attention to Ryuko who's facing the other way, talking to Mako about something. I waited, but then decided to fall asleep. I shouldn't bother her anymore than I have. Tomorrow is their first day at Rinne High school after all!