Warning: Poverty, Language, and character death.
Note: Maann it's 2019...I'm about to graduate high school...that's wild.
Disclaimer: Fanfiction for a reason.
It's been a month since my pleasant encounter with Isobe. At first, I didn't recognize him at all because he was a kid and they didn't show any parts in the anime or manga when he was a child. And, it doesn't help that he blends in so well with his surroundings. It's only when he opens his loud mouth that I even notice him most of the time. Thinking back on things didn't Isobe only really get screen time when he was around Nanami. It's highly possible that he did grow up to have a crush on Nanami in high school. However, would meeting Nanami at a young age grow or hinder his affections towards her?
Anyways, after that day I started to notice him at my school. I guess before my eyes had just passed him off as another forgettable person. His features just blended in with his peers.
Basic. Isobe is a basic looking character but never let it be said that he himself is basic.
Also while Nanami had to stay home because she's a child, I was allowed to go out more often. I regularly play a game of soccer with a group of kids on Wednesdays after school for about an hour. I mostly do it to build my eye-leg coordination and reflexes.
It sucks because I still misjudge where the ball is and end up kicking thin air. Then I get frustrated with myself and lose focus.
It also doesn't help that Isobe also joins in on our game of soccer. In fact, he's the one that supplies the ball most of the time. 'Cause he's our supplier is the only reason I allow him (barely) to get away with taunting my crappy coordination skills. When the other boys tried to follow Isobe's example of picking on my skills I'd just about broke their legs. Obviously, Sensei can never found out what I used my techniques for or he'd have my head.
After three weeks of playing soccer, and pushing myself to be excellent in my coordination, I had stupidly let my advantage slip during a practice session with Sensei and Ein. Sadly, after that slip of the tongue in a moment of pure bliss, Ein decided that she wanted to join in on my games.
Stupid girl just hated the idea of me getting the leg up in our competition.
The very next Wednesday she showed up in shorts and a t-shirt with running shoes that looked new. The look in her eyes is what caught my attention though. The want and eagerness to best me caused my fire to grow. I refuse to get beaten in anything by a child.
When the three other boys in our game opened their mouth to object, I quickly stepped in. Explaining that now there is six of us we could divide into groups of three.
Isobe and I were chosen as captions and of course, I didn't choose Ein on my team. It's a competition after all.
The duration of our game consisted of Ein and I trying to make the other fumble the ball. Of course with my still kind-of-but-not-completely-crappy coordination she was able to steal the ball from me the majority of the time.
Which made my two teammates angry with me. It didn't bother me much because I was even angry with myself. Besides I knew they weren't going to try anything. The only thing that stopped me from glaring holes into Ein and Isobe is because my team won in the end.
I didn't have to gloat verbally, she understood that my glowing and twisted smile was enough.
Unfortunately, because of my gloating, she got revenge by not pulling her throws as much during sparring lessons.
That's okay because I took to tripping her during soccer more often.
When Kumimi fainted at work, I'd picked up Nanami from school and rushed to the hospital.
When I got to the room containing my caretaker I should have made a connection.
I didn't.
The doctor and Kumimi insisted that it was only due to stress and overexertion. I believed those facts because they were a high possibility of that just being the cause. I didn't factor in that Kumimi would hide something so...important from me...I'd already proved I'm smarter, more reliable, and durable...So why?
A month later
Sitting at my plastic desk trying to color a mermaid on a Saturday is nice. Nanami, currently asleep, is rolled up in our futon. Snoring real ugly; I half debated waking her up.
Just when I thought I'd had enough the apartment door opened. Expecting Kumimi, but seeing Kaito standing in the doorway temporarily stumped me. He had a nervous smile on his face. Walking forward and sitting with his legs crossed, he looked really hard at me. I stared at the apartment door with a heavy sweat on my forehead. My head snapped to stare at Kaito in amazement.
I made damn sure I'd locked that door when Kumimi left for work. So how in the hell...
I put down my crayons and turned to fully face Kaito sensing that this is a serious moment. I was still confused though.
I've never seen Kaito this serious before….and worn? He had dark circles underneath his eyes, his skin sagged, his usual glow replaced with an alarming grey tone.
My eyes traveled down to his clothing and my breath hitched.
I'm not blind, I can easily tell his clothes shouldn't be that loose on him. My eyes snapped to his wrists and my shoulders slumped in defeat. A part of me wondered if when he disappeared was he protecting us? Somebody with so much debt is bound to have people after them. I then wondered if he had any bruises underneath those loose clothes.
Kaito is literally starving himself to put more food on mine and Nanami's plate. And at that moment I hated the manga for just depicting this man as a no-good bum that left his family.
Hearing him sigh deeply my eyes slowly went back to his. He stared at me with alarming warmth and grief. My brows furrowed in thought.
Why grief?
He placed his bony hand on my head and I flinched at my assumptions confirmed. "Keiko, do you hate me?" He said those words with so much acceptance it made me pause.
The answer came quicker than I would have liked. "No." I don't hate him, how could I?
His shoulders relaxed only slightly. He looked at the plastic table in thought. "You were always so smart Keiko." His fingers started to caress my curls. "I'm not going to insult you by treating you like some ignorant kid." When he said those words my eyes sharpened.
"You're going to disappear again soon?" I asked preparing myself for the answer.
He shook his head. "Not me...not this time." I'm not stupid, I remember. I just choose to ignore it. She seems so healthy, so lively! My eyes widened.
The doctor visits after work, asking me to do more work around the house, allowing me to help her cook more often. Kumimi abruptly started to tell me things I just wrote off as random facts last month.
My breath got stuck in my throat and my heart hammered in my chest. "Kumimi." the word came out in a rushed whisper.
Kaito had wrapped me in his arms tightly and if my tears had woken up Nanami I didn't care. She joined in on the hug immediately after seeing my tears. Being pressed up against Kaito made me cry harder feeling his rib cage instead of fat cushioning me.
Kaito loves his wife and especially Nanami. He has to lose both of them.
Kamisama Kiss didn't give justice to Nanami's parents and I felt sick with myself because I didn't either.
Isobe and I had actually gotten along pretty well. When the other kids in our group steadily stopped coming to the park to play soccer I was worried.
My Wednesday practice is slowly leaving. Just like Kumimi.
Regarding her, I found myself slowly start to ignore her. The pain and anger at her just wouldn't cool.
How could she? To me.
Realizing that I was getting lost in my head, I gripped Isobe's soccer ball in my hand tighter. Looking up I saw him across the playground with Ein. They stood laughing at something before getting their water.
When Ein finished she moved over to let Isobe get some. She held the button to release the water for him. Isobe bent down expecting to get water but found none. He looked up confused and Ein started to laugh. She had released the pressure on the button.
Frowning I looked back down at the soccer ball in my hands.
Isobe may grow up to be an idiot teenager that shows his affections for somebody in the stupidest ways. Right now he's just a kid, like me, well physically speaking. And what if there is some way I could change that?
A slow smirk appeared on my face. "Isobe you are officially my future spy." And oh Isobe will be the best spy. I will make sure he is. Even in the main anime and manga, he was basically used for comical relief. Heck, I'm certain even without my help to become a spy he'd be a damn good one if he wanted. Any screen time he had, depicted him as goofy and the type of person impossible to be taken seriously. Then he fades into the far back of your mind because of his background character status.
Isobe is underestimated and flat in Kamisama Kiss. Just a person used to help along Nanami's and Tomoe's love. And I will be the one to use these underestimated people.
"Isobe! Ein! Hurry up! I just thought of a new game we can play!"
"You can't tell me what to do! I'll come when I'm good and ready!" Isobe fired back hotly. Probably annoyed at Ein picking on him.
"Just cuz I don't have a pot doesn't mean I can't improvise," I said calmly. Isobe came quickly with a laughing Ein right behind his heels.
"Isobe, you're such a wimp! Ha! Ha!"
He flushed even redder before he turned and kicked dust at Ein. Which lead to Ein and him rolling around in the dirt roughhousing.
Stupid kids.
When it became increasingly harder to see Kumimi and the signs that I had failed to notice; I took to staying away from home longer.
Ein, Isobe, and I normally got together at the park and hung out. Isobe and I talk about what we did at school. Which lead to Isobe sometimes bringing his school work with him. His grades were slipping (unsurprisingly) and since I am the best classmate ever I told him to start bringing his homework.
At first, he refused but after I mentioned that his parents could ground him from playing at the park until his grades come back up. Then he agreed quickly; a bit too quickly.
I dismissed it has thought-food for a later time.
Ein would tell us about the new subjects sensei was teaching her and the new stances she was practicing. She took to doing this secretly because Kumimi and Kaito could no longer afford to pay for my lessons. Even if Sensei had given us a huge discount in exchange for some of Kumimi's cooking; it still wasn't enough.
That only fueled my feelings regarding my current home. I know it shouldn't have but it did. I, Sarah Takahashi, used to live in a middle-class family. Now I'm stuck with a poverty-stricken one, that can barely afford a plastic table.
Wow, I'm such an asshole.
Soon our Wednesday meetings turn into an everyday thing. I wouldn't tell Kumimi, Kaito, or Nanami where I would go. Kumimi is a smart lady, I'm sure she figured it out quickly enough. Ein and Isobe wouldn't question why I wanted to be away from home so much.
Even though Ein tried to explain the lessons that Sensei-no Mr. Hayako taught; I know she had difficulty. Ein isn't good with words like her dad. I'm going to assume that it's a trait from her deceased mother then. She is a more hands-on type, she lets her actions speak more than her words.
We had initially offered to let Isobe in on our secret training. It was all my idea and Ein is still against it with every fiber in her body. When I had suggested he join us during a practice match, Ein grabbed me and threw me to the ground, hard.
Bitch.
Thankfully and sadly, Isobe refused quite strongly shouting about some junk that 'he's a lover, not a fighter!'. Which I still don't fully believe, but I let it slide. Though, I didn't miss the look in his eyes when I mentioned it.
Just what kind of life does Isobe live that Kamisama Hajimeshita never showed?
Ein and I made a habit of picking on him quite often because he's weaker and well he has some of the funniest reactions to things. Of course, when he got really mad we would stop and apologize.
I knew it was only a matter of time before Kumimi tried to put a dent in my plans to avoid her. She started small first. Kumimi would sometimes allow Nanami to tag along whenever I'd leave the house. I had banked on Nanami going to pre-school but due to insufficient funds; that wasn't happening.
After the third time bringing Nanami with me to the park, I had taken my eye off of her for just a minute. She attracted a freaking child predator! Of course, Ein and I kicked his balls into mush and got one of the few parents to call the police.
I didn't factor in Kumimi going beast she arrived at the police station from work, demanded to see the child-predator. The police had to restrain her after she tried to smash his already dead dick with her heel clad feet.
She forbid Nanami and me from going to the park for the rest of our lives. I didn't completely agree with her but I refused to argue with a dying woman. Especially around an ignorant child.
Nanami, being a naturally born trouble magnet, was instructed to stay attached at the hip with me. Because I couldn't leave the house and Kumimi was under the impression I had stopped my lessons, there was no way for me to get in contact with Ein or Isobe.
Kaito, doing the right thing for once, stayed at the house instead of leaving to gamble. Nanami and I would draw on his face with markers of different colors that Kumimi brought for Nanami's art class ahead of time. Of course, because she couldn't afford to go to school and neither could I, we couldn't just let them waste.
Kumimi decided for the next month we were to stay at home and the only exception was when we went shopping with her.
Deciding that I didn't want Nanami's mind to go to mush because of her lack of schooling; I took to teaching her the basics since I was stuck at home. Something she seemed to glow at when I offered.
At first, I had thought that her lack of intelligence in the series was because of her... circumstances. Turns out Nanami just took to learning kind-of-like boiling oil to cold water. She's an overall slow learner. Her heart just wasn't into it, she had no motivation to learning.
Something I had to fix and fast if I wanted her to be able to think before going into things so recklessly.
I knew it was a dumb idea to play in the rain two days ago. I had gotten sick and that left me at home hunched over the table in front of the TV miserable.
I wonder what it felt like when I wasn't sick…
Kumimi, the smart woman, decided that this was the perfect opportunity to harass and confront me with questions. We both knew that this would probably be her only chance to. She's getting weaker and paler more so than lately.
Probably partly because I'm being an asshole and ditching out on helping her reduce the workload on her. I think I may have reached a new level of assholary.
Nanami slept drooling over the table beside me, not caring if she'd get sick herself for being so close.
I groaned when Kumimi sat down across from me. She smiled but it was weak and forced. I flinched, dropping my eyes back down to the table. Seeing her like that pained me. Her skin held a nasty yellow tone, her cheeks hollowed, eyes sunken, skinnier than usual. The clothes that once look lovely on her, seemed out of place. Her everything seemed to slowly fade away.
My heart stopped when I thought about the pain she must be enduring, yet still going to work. The words slipped from my mouth. I couldn't stop them. She hurt me. Kumimi hurt me in a way I think nobody else from Kamisama Kiss can.
"Why?" my lips went into a tight line. "You lied to me….Covered up the truth, pretended that everything was okay. You sat across from me all that time smiling." I gripped the worn, fraying sheet covering my small frame tighter. "I would ask you and you lied and said everything was fine." I stood up abruptly not caring if it made me dizzy. The stinging in my eyes only angered me further. "You told Kaito-san before you told me!"
"Keiko Momozono stop-"
"I could have handled the truth! It should have been you to tell me! N-not the man who l-leaves us at random intervals!"
I stood with my head down, gripping my face in my hands. I didn't care if my nails digging into my skin hurt. I've never….had to watch somebody I care about die slowly and notice the signs unfold before me. It hurts, oh God it hurts so much. Knowing that it's too late...that I probably only sped up her condition by acting that way towards her. Not being able to afford treatments.
"Why?" I whispered weakly.
"Stop!"
My eyes snapped to hers and they widen upon seeing the tears flowing down her cheeks.
"You're only nine years old. You're still a child!" Kumimi said sternly and I turned away from her. I heard her release a breath. "I know you're smart Keiko...I can't explain how but you know things." My breath hitched for the seemingly thousandth time in this life. "And you're wrong. My husband found out for himself. For all his bad qualities he's still a good man at heart." I lowered my head in shame for what I said about him.
Kumimi sat down her cup onto the table. "I never meant to hurt you. I wanted to protect you. I never meant for it to come to this."
Clenching my fist I turned back to her. "Then you could have told me instead of hiding it!"
"Keiko stop that this instant!"
"No! No! You're not my mom! You're just a selfish woman!" My hands flew to my mouth but it was too late. Those words have already been spoken. I immediately wanted to shove them down my throat.
Kumimi's eyes darken considerably and she looked up at the ceiling. Her chin shook before she covered her eyes with her arm.
It was completely silent inside the living room save for my occasional hiccups and Kumimi's deep raspy breaths.
"...I guess I have been pretty selfish haven't I?" Her arm lowered and she looked at me with a sad smile. "You, my dear Nanami, and even Kaito; I love you all so much. I wanted to continue to see your smiling faces, not sadness caused by me." her hands squeezed her cup. "I wanted to watch you both grow into fine young women. Grow healthy and strong, to protect each other, and live a better life than I could provide for you both. My intentions were never to hurt you, Keiko...I only wanted to protect you and Nanami from the pain. But it seems I've managed to fail at that also." The smile that appeared on her face was borderline broken.
Kumimi Momozono, wonderful woman and mother. Hard working, kind, smart, and scary. A woman cheated in life that deserves so much better. Another person Kamisama Kiss disregarded and killed.
My legs moved quicker than my brain. Next thing I knew I was hugging Kumimi and she was hugging me back with the equal amount of passion. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" I continued to repeat those words even when she tried to soothe me.
"You are my daughter Keiko, Nanami is my daughter. You both are sisters. I always thought I'd only be blessed with one child. The gods above gave me two beautiful young ladies." I respectfully ignored that her voice broke at the end. I wasn't much better, crying myself. "I have never lied to you. When I said everything is fine, I meant it. Keiko, you're a driven, strong, and bright child. Nanami is a radiant ball of sunshine just waiting to brighten everyone's day. You two balance each other out." She hugged me tighter. I ignored how she implied that I wasn't a ball of sunshine myself. "Even when I'm gone, I know everything will be fine. Because Keiko Momozono, my eldest daughter will not let it be anything else."
Kumimi Momozono, wonderful woman and mother; bad judge of character.
"I love you."
"I love you too...Mom."
She hugged me tighter and buried her head in my wild curls. I found I didn't mind this time, even with the snot and tears.
At the end of the month, I'd taken Nanami with me to the park. Ein and Isobe weren't there; which I expected. So I brought my own ball!
Sike!
I'd just happened upon it laying around in the playground when Nanami and myself had first arrived. I couldn't just let such an opportunity go to waste! So, of course, I'd picked it up!
Nanami, bless her heart, had tried to get me to leave it. Ha! That didn't work, at the age of seven, her persuasive skills are laughable.
"Oh, c'ome on Nana! I'll put it back when we leave in the evening time!" I said grinning. "It's the perfect moment! Nobody's at the park because they're at school." I wiggled the ball teasingly.
Nanami still had her arms crossed and cheeks puffed out. "No! Mom told me using other people's stuff without their permission is wrong."
Aw, the little cream-puff got some strong morals.
Deciding that she wasn't going to budge on the subject easily, I took a different approach.
Sighing heavily. "Finnneee! It's really Isobe's ball, and I know for a fact that he wouldn't mind us using it." I said confidently.
Nanami narrowed her eyes suspiciously at me for a total of three seconds before her eyes widened into glowing stars. "Okay! What game are we playing then? Huh!? Tell me! Tell me!"
I waved my hands, sweatdropping. It still surprises how fast she falls for the crap coming out of my mouth. "Oi, calm down. I'll tell you in a sec but first..." My eyes scanned the park quickly for a stick. "Ah! Here we go." Picking up a small but sturdy stick, I beckoned Nanami over with my hand.
Squatting down I started to draw out parallel lines with my newly owned stick. I tapped the two lines with my stick gently humming. "Identify the mathematical name for the two lines," I commanded.
Nanami looked up at me in confusion. "Why?"
"'Cause its part of the game. More so because I said so." I responded.
"But this doesn't seem like the games you and Isobe play."
Sigh.
"Nanami, answer the damn question."
Nanami frowned, "Mom said not to sa- shut up and answer the question - ok...umm…" her eyebrows furrowed and her cheeks puffed out in thought. I refrained from smiling at her adorable thinking expression.
"Lines?" Nanami offered weakly.
"Obviously." I deadpanned not impressed. "Think back to what I taught you in yesterday's lesson." I offered hoping she had at least retained some of the knowledge I taught her.
After allowing her to think for more than twenty seconds I got bored. To her credit, she really was trying to remember.
"You have a time limit of fifteen seconds to answer the question correctly," I said but before she could interrupt me I held up my hand. "If you can't answer the question ask for a hint or say skip and I'll provide a different question. Okay?" I asked and she nodded.
"Hint!"
I smiled. "Alright. Are the lines corresponding, parallel, or adjacent?" I asked. They couldn't possibly be corresponding or adjacent because they aren't types of lines. Trick questions are fun.
"What kind of hints are those?!" Nanami huffed.
"The best kind you're gonna get from me."
Nanami scratched her cheek. "Ummm parallel lines?" When I smiled happily she practically glowed.
"Correct. "
"Identify the five orders of operations," I commanded. This question is harder than the last because I went over it a week ago.
Nanami clapped her hands and bounced on her feet. "I know this one! Um..it's parenthesis, exponents...multiplication, division, addition, then subtraction." She said her answer confidently. Only pausing to think briefly.
Strange how she remembers something better from last week but not yesterday.
"Are you sure?" I asked tapping the stick onto the ground again.
She faltered and her level of confidence fell. "I guess...I think it's correct..."
I drew another pair of horizontal parallel lines through the original pair I had. "Then it's correct." I made two circles represent an alternate exterior angle.
"How does that make it correct?!"
Nanami shot up to her feet. "Identify-Sis let's play already! This is boring!"
"-The angle represented in the picture provided." I finished blocking out Nanami's cry of frustration. As much as I wanted to play also, Nanami's academic life matters. Even if she barely uses it in the future.
Stupid.
"Keiko!"
On Wednesdays instead of heading to the park, I tended to the house. Kumimi's condition had worsened lately because of a certain issue at work. It seems that her boss had cut back her work hours and that put a huge dent in her weekly income. While Kumimi rested in her room, I made breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I had Nanami assist in cleaning the house, not wanting it to fall through in Kumimi's absent.
When Kumimi would try to get out of bed she'd just about faint. When one time she fainted in front of me, I'd forbid her from leaving the bed.
Not wanting her room to feel stuffy and dark, I opened her windows for fresh air. Well, as fresh as air can be in the city. I personally saw to cleaning her square; sheets, fluffing her pillows and attending to just about her every need. When I was busy I had my trusty minion, Nanami, help. Which she was all too eager to be of assistance.
My respect for Kumimi must have reached its highest because hell! Handling the duties around the house and keeping up with a seven-year-old Nanami is hard! The child had the curiosity of a country pumpkin given one-hundred-thousand dollars and told to go wild in Las Vegas at night.
I let her read one of my old fairytale books to practice her reading. She was just supposed to tell me about the book at the end of the week for a test grade, and she tried to fly!
Like hell!
There's no winning with kids! I don't know how she managed to get onto the roof but she jumped off! Luckily the apartment complex isn't very high and she landed in the patch of thick bushes or she would have broken something.
I gave her a failing grade of negative one-thousand and made sure I gave her extra mushrooms in all the dishes I prepared. When she'd complain I'd sit at the dinner table across from her and just smile innocently.
"Nanami don't be absorb darling. Mushrooms are packed with nutritional value! Low in calories, great sources of fiber and protein, and vitamin B." I said shaking my head. "I just want to ensure that you're getting all them good ol' sources of a healthy meal," I said exasperatedly. "Isn't that right Kaito-san?" I asked smiling over to Kaito who was busy stuffing his face.
I'd taken to ensure he'd have proper meals. Heck, I made him lunches that wouldn't go bad for when he chooses to disappear in the middle of the night. It's not hard to tell when he's about to go ghost mode on us. He'd start to fidget and get really on edge. Plus he's a loud walker.
He looked at me confused before catching onto my innocent smile. "Oh right! Yeah, they are my blossoming flower! What Ru failed to mention is that mushrooms also contain copper, potassium, and selenium. Since these mushrooms are locally sourced they also have some properties of vitamin D." He said nodding his head sagely and I followed suit.
"Nanami, your father is a wise man. You should really listen to him more often." I said hauntingly eating a ball of rice and Kaito nodded sagely again.
Kumimi coughed up her rice. "Keiko!" She said reprimanding. "Don't tell your sister to listen to that worthless excuse of a man." She said giving poor Kaito the side eye.
It was Kaito's turn to choke on his rice. "W-worthless excuse of a man!?" His chest puffed out. "Why I'll let you know I recently won 11016.60 yen!"
I sat down my chopsticks and clapped my hands. If I'm calculating correctly that is the equivalent to a hundred U.S dollars. "Great job Kaito-san!" I said giving the man his props. In 1998, earning a hundred dollars is really good. That alone will last us a solid four weeks if I stretch it properly.
"And just where is this money you speak of?" Kumimi asked dabbing her mouth with a handkerchief.
Kaito started to laugh nervously and scratched the back of his head. I cringed painfully when dandruff fell out.
That's disgusting, especially when I'm trying to eat.
Mad at his lack of hygiene I threw my tiny rubber ball at his head right when Kumimi threw one of her chopsticks.
Kaito exclaimed and quickly ducked. Sadly he sat in front of the door, and when he ducked the door opened and in walked Mr. Hayako with Ein behind him on his right side.
Everybody at the table sucked in sharp breathes.
"Mr. Hayako watch out!"
Because of his years of training, he was able to catch my rubber ball and the chopstick in one hand. He still looked like it gave him a mini-heart attack though.
Mr. Hayako laughed nervously. "I'm terribly sorry if I'm intruding on something." He and Ein bowed respectfully. "May we come in?"
Kumimi hurriedly sat up, well as quick as possible for a dying person. "Oh! Of course Mr. Hayako! I was not expecting you today for lunch. For what do we owe this pleasure?" Kumimi asked politely standing up to properly bow to them at the door.
I narrowed my eyes thinking back to how I haven't seen a hair of Ein for over a month.
Mr. Hayako whispered something to Kumimi and she coughed suddenly. Turning abruptly to me she smiled pleasantly. "Keiko darling, why don't you take Nanami and Ein here to the park while Mr. Hayako and I talk?" Even though she asked I could tell it wasn't something I could refuse.
"Of course." I stood up and bowed to Mr. Hayako feeling longing. Missing the lessons strongly right now. I took Nanami's hand in mine and pulled her up from her seat cushion. I bowed in again to Mr. Hayako and grabbed Ein's hand.
If I gripped it hard and tugged her harder than necessary than that isn't my fault.
When we got down the road she tugged her hand out of mine. "Let me go! I see you haven't changed much!" She yelled in my face. "Still more a man than a woman!"
I growled. "Who are you calling a man! You bear of a child." I fired back hotly. Pulling Nanami in front of me, I gestured to her as a display. "Just look at this adorable creature of light! This is what true girl beauty looks like!" I said. Nanami blushed a deep shade of red before hugging me around the neck. I then smirked evilly. "But of course you wouldn't know anything about girl beauty, you hairy bear."
Ein glared at me before grinning herself. "Hmp, if that's what true girl beauty looks like then it's clear you're a man. You look nothing like Nanami." She grinned wider knowing she had a point.
A vein mark throbbed painfully on my forehead. "You old hag!"
"I'm only a year older than you!"
"Shut up, hairy bear! I bet your armpit hair is longer than the trash on your head!"
"Agh! Stupid, ugly man! You're just jealous because you got them tired and lackluster curls." Ein retorted pushing her forehead against mine. I pushed back not wanting to lose.
Nanami waved her hands in a placating manner, looking rapidly between the two of us. "Guys please stop! Mom wanted us to go to the park! Not down the street and people are starting to watch us!" Nanami whispered the last part looking highly embarrassed.
"Oh, when did you learn to use more than six letter words?" I asked with a falsely sweet smile.
Suddenly Nanami hit Ein and me over the head with a stick. "I said people are starting to stare damn it!"
Ein and I gapped at her before I turned my head to glare at Ein. "Look what you've done, idiot girl. You corrupted poor Nanami into saying bad words." I accused scorchingly.
Ein sputtered indignantly. "Me?! You're the one always saying 'damn this' and 'damn that'!"
I crossed my arms ignoring Nanami wails for us to quiet down and move on to the park. "You got any proof?" I lifted my eyebrow knowing she had none.
Her face turned redder. "What is your problem?!" She stepped forward suddenly and grabbed the front of my t-shirt. "I haven't done anything to you, yet you blow a cap!"
I grabbed her shirt. "You and Isobe are ignoring me for more than a month! Why wouldn't I be mad?" I asked.
Ein blinked in confusion before getting mad again. "You're the way that didn't show up for a month after that creep tried to take off with your sister! When I told Dad about what happened and our secret meetings he told me to stop them immediately." She said and I let go of her shirt and stepped back.
"What?"
She smoothed back out her shirt. "Yeah, he seemed pretty upset. So the next Wednesday I had planned to tell you, but you didn't show up then or the next either. Soon Isobe stopped coming because he said something about his family moving."
I gasped and looked at Nanami. She looked just as shocked and a little sad.
Her eyes lowered some. "Isobe moved?" Ein nodded her head.
Well, this isn't good. I expected to have more time finessing my way into getting him to agree to be a spy.
I made up with Ein for snapping at her over a misunderstanding. That's all I'm stating on that matter.
We continued on our way to the park because somebody had called the police offer a few blocks away of a supposed street fight. We had to high tail it like a bat out of hell.
Strangely after we got home from staying at the park playing a fun game of catch with a tiny ball; Mr. Hayako had sat me down and told me he'd take me and Nanami has students if we'd like. He said all the lessons we would receive have been paid in full for the next eight years. Which left me stumped because how even is that possible?
When I'd looked at Kumimi in question; she'd just shook her head with a much lighter smile than she'd first had before we left for the park. I let it go after seeing her smile. It was the same smile she wore before her illness.
Of course, I'd agreed eagerly not wanting this opportunity to go to waste. Nanami, the little angel, didn't want to learn how to fight others. Though when Mr-no Sensei now, explained how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a self-defense art, she agreed wholeheartedly.
The next day, I and Nanami had gone to Sensei's house/dojo dressed in shorts and a t-shirt. I found it absolutely adorable how she copied my high bun and clothing choice. We'd be twins if it weren't for skin-deep reasons.
My own little shadow.
Sometimes I'd catch myself wondering if this was how Mila and myself had been when we were younger. I couldn't really remember, but I think I was once like Nanami. So I understood her, kind of, she's still a little shit though. Causing trouble left and right. Something that she, unfortunately, takes into her future.
Hence why she needs to learn self-defense.
Nanami had sometimes tried to join in on Ein's training but since she was so young and didn't have the same drive I had, Ein and Mr. Hayako banned her from trying any of the advanced moves until she is ready, physically and mentally. In order to help push her along, I'd help her practice since she didn't have anybody else at the dojo to practice with except for this timid boy.
I, sometimes, was occupied with learning my new stances after I'd showed sensei that I hadn't slacked off those months; but instead practiced what I already knew every day.
So I'd caught Nanami and the boy practicing together. After that, I felt a little dejected that she didn't start running to me for help everytime she wanted to practice a stance or have a question.
She went to that boy or Sensei. Which is a good thing!... I guess I'm just so used to it now that it's not right without her running to me for help.
I don't know. It just rubs me the wrong way a little, gosh!
Anyways, Nanami developed a little childish grudge against sensei for not letting her advance quickly. I noticed this because every time she sees him; at the store, across the street, or maybe even just hearing his name she would scowl and start to pout.
Kumimi and I made sure to take tons of pictures with the camera Sensei and Ein had gotten me for my kindly got Nanami some candy and a toy doll. Nanami really enjoyed the candy since Kumimi doesn't really buy much candy often. Only on healthy foods to keep us all alive.
Even though Nanami said that she's a big girl now and she has no use for dolls; she still cuddles with it to bed. She tucks the toy doll between us in our shared bed and promptly squishes it due to her tendencies to move in her sleep.
Now that I really do think about it everything just seems so peaceful right now. Kumimi still wore that same smile, Kaito stays home more, Nanami is advancing in her academics more, and I...well I'm happy.
I tucked a small piece of Nanami's hair behind her ear. It's late at night and I couldn't sleep for some reason. The entire day I'd had a bad feeling forming in my stomach. Something nagging me in the back of my mind. I just couldn't figure out what it possibly could be.
Everything is just staying in place waiting for the right moment to jump out at you. Like the calm before a huge storm.
I sighed tiredly looking up at the ceiling. What am I even supposed to be doing?
I know those three whores did this to me, but now that I'm here is there some kind of guidelines I have to follow? What if I changed something wrong and get somebody killed?
Deciding that my thinking was leading into a dark place, I thought back on yesterday's events.
Kumimi and Kaito were at the house I so had us all take at least two family photos. I plan on getting them printed out along with the pictures taken on our old camera and framed in the future after I get a job.
Some of the first ever photos were when Nanami was just a little baby and was only allowed to come to the house a few weeks after birth. The second photo shows Kumimi and Kaito sitting beside each other at our once-new-now-old table smiling widely and looking in love.
There is one photo though that takes the top as my favorite.
It shows Kumimi sitting on the bench at the park during Christmas time with Nanami is seated on her lap. I sat leaning into her and Kaito sat on the other said trying his best to make a proper face.
Poor guy just isn't the photo type.
Thinking back on things I discovered really do love this family. Kumimi, Kaito, and my dear sister Nanami. Though my old friends and family still leave an ache in my heart I believe….I'm beginning to move forward in life.
Smiling contently, I closed my eyes and hoped for sleep. Unfortunately, it came much later into the night because Nanami is a loud snorer.
Kumimi Momozono, born on March 17, 1971.
No known relatives. Never let it be not be said that she wasn't a wonderful woman and mother. She was a kind; beautiful, smart, caring, passionate, understanding and beloved mother to two children. Kumimi Momozono adopted a baby girl and birthed one healthy baby girl.
Both her children loved her beyond belief. Nobody more so than her still living husband, Kaito Momozono.
Kaito and Kumimi Momozono eloped together at a tender young age. Even though they never had a large sum of money and lived from check to check; they loved each other deeply. Like every couple, they had their arguments and disagreements. However, that never lessened their love for each other.
Kumimi Momozono-1971-1999. She died in her sleep.
The funeral was sad.
It consisted merely of Kaito, Nanami, Mr. Hayako, Ein, and some of her workmates I never bothered to get to know. We couldn't afford a headstone so a heartbreaking name tag showed where she was buried.
I'll earn enough someday to buy a proper headstone and cover for you. I think I'll make it one of those couple headstones. I'm sure you would have liked that Kumimi.
It's strange really... Kumimi is supposed to be here with me and Nanami. I knew we were waiting with bated breath for the other leg to drop, and drop it did.
Kumimi doesn't belong in the dirty ground at all, she deserves better than dying of some crappy disease and even crapper conditions. She died peaceful and happy; even though the odds weren't in her favor.
Kumimi Momozono was smiling when Kaito woke only to discover her dead in their shared futon. Kumimi must have been happy, she was smiling proudly. Maybe Kumimi was just dreaming; I couldn't really tell. I was filled with pain and my heart clenched painfully every time I looked at Nanami.
Nanami looks so much like Kumimi, she glows in the same way also. Especially their eyes...those compassionate and loving eyes passed down from mother to daughter.
After the funeral held for my second mother was over I had stopped going to Ein's house temporarily to adjust. I put my life on hold and focused my attention on the grieving child crying out for love, my baby sister.
Kumimi left this world smiling because she knew I'd be able to take care of Nanami when she couldn't anymore. Kumimi is depending on me just like I had wanted her to for so long now. Kumimi is trusting me to look after her only blood daughter. Her only daughter that she gave birth to.
Yes, I knew it took me far too long to realize it; but I'd come to think of Kumimi Momozono has my second mother. Close related death really is an eye opener, huh. Even if we're not related by blood, we're still family and I'll protect this small family.
Just like Mom did not so long ago. I won't fail you, not this time. I'll be better than ever. Just leave Nanami and Kaito to me.
I wrapped my arms around a crying Nanami who was holding onto my dress for dear life. "It's okay Nana." I mumbled rubbing circles into her back. Kaito is gone again, he left three hundred dollars on the dinner table and went full on ghost mode. I expected it though, his wife died and gambling appears to be his fix.
He didn't bother trying to sneak out. He left three weeks after the funeral, out the front door. He placed a kiss on Nanami and mine's cheek and left.
I pulled the sheets up further around us. Nanami cried harder gripping my dress tightly and wetting up the front with snot and tears. I don't mind, I'll gladly become a snot rag for her if need be. "I miss her….I miss her...sis," Nanami whispered so confused and brokenly.
I hugged her tighter shushing her. "I know...I miss Mom very much too." I lifted her head with my finger. I stopped thinking about my actions, I just let them flow.
Nanami gazed at me confused before her eyes widened into bewilderment when I started to place kisses all over her face.
"Mom said everything will be fine, Nana." I reassured her smiling. I kissed her forehead then. "Mom is still watching us. Right this moment, she's watching over us like a hawk and listening with those big elephant ears." I said jokingly. I grabbed her ear and wiggled it. "It seems you inherited those elephant ears too."
Nanami smiled and waved my hand off. She laughed and snuggled into my chest. "Ru...can we stay like this forever?" She asked hopefully.
Kissing the crown of her head I grinned. "Of course...for 6626.04 yen each time." I finished slyly.
Nanami pinched my side and I jumped. "You wouldn't charge me! I'm your sister!" She moving closer to me still.
"What I got very important people I need to feed." I defended myself weakly. Nanami looked at me confused before realization dawned on her seconds later.
She assaulted my sides again with her playful pinches. It's only fair that I retaliated with tickles and an abundance of kisses.
Omake ( - * o * )-
Thud.
A groan then exclamation.
Thud.
"How do you keep flipping me, damn it?" Keiko groaned annoyed towards Ein.
Ein scowled at Keiko with matching annoyance. "It's not like you make it easy. I feel like dying just touching you."
Keiko suddenly grew stars in her eyes and clapped her hands together. "Oh goody! The sooner the better!" Keiko then cupped her cheeks in her hands and flushed in fake shyness. "You flatter me Ein."
Before Ein could explode Mr. Hayako walked over and placed his hand on her shoulder. "Now, now ladies. This is no place for arguing." His large circular glasses glinted evilly. Keiko and Ein shuddered suddenly. "Keiko."
Keiko scrambled up to her feet hurriedly, her back ramrod straight. Mr. Hayako pushed up his glasses. "I've noticed that your coordination has improved. I'm curious has to how you've done so." He didn't have to ask Keiko to explain because she wanted to.
Mr. Hayako rarely gave out compliments and when he did it showed how impressed he was. Keiko knowing this glowed brightly.
"I've been playing soccer to help improve my eye-leg coordination," Keiko explained and Mr. Hayako hummed thoughtfully.
"Interesting."
Ein mumbled something underneath her breath before she smirked. "Dad, can I join Keiko in her games?" Ein asked smiling prettily at her dad. Keiko held up her arms in an 'x' formation and shook her head no rapidly.
Mr. Hayako frowned. "Now Ein, that's something you'd have to ask Miss Keiko."
Ein turned to Keiko and opened her mouth still smiling-
"Like hell I would." Keiko deadpanned.
"Agh! You're such a potty-mouthed man!" Ein snapped pulling on Keiko's cheek.
Keiko quickly grabbed both of Ein's and pulled twice as hard as she was. "I told you to stop calling me that! Have your ears finally given out from listening to that trash you call music?" Keiko asked grinning hauntingly.
Ein slammed her forehead into Keiko's. "You take that back!" Keiko then hung limply in her grasp and Ein took that moment to tackle her to the ground. "Kurama's music is not trash!"
Keiko shook her head dizzily before recovering. "What the hell are you trying to do damnit?! Give me brain damage!" Keiko slammed her knee into Ein's stomach. Causing Ein's breath left her in a rush and Keiko then flipped them over. "That big forehead of your's almost broke my skull!"
Ein snorted then looked to the side in disappointment. "It's a shame it didn't."
"Keiko! Ein! Hack squats now!"
-Redone and hopefully better-
Review and share with me your thoughts on where you think this story is going. I'm so interested to hear!
