Hello fanfiction. I have not disappeared off the face of the Earth. Instead, college applications and Senior Year work has possessed my life, and I have had hardly any time for anything else. For the last couple of months, I have had little spurts of writing bursts, resulting in the completion of this! The fact that I'm publishing this does not mean that I am back from my hiatus. I still have five applications to submit, and then I am freeeeee. But I still have to edit so many college supplemental essays ;_;. And I'm also in five super time-consuming AP classes. High school sucks. Senior year sucks. Don't recommend.
But once I finish my college application process, I will focus much more on fanfiction. Yes, I'll be very busy with school work, but as a senior, I don't need to go as crazy as I had in prior years. Therefore, I can actually devote free time to doing things I love- this and video games. I know it's been forever since I've been an active writer, but I will do it again. I will finish this story. That's an absolute promise. I cannot guarantee anything for Conceal Don't Feel or Alluring Nightmare (which I will 100% be updating ASAP I haven't given up!), but this story and Call Me Crazy will have definitive endings. That's a promise. Thank you all immensely for reviewing and following my stories for all these years 3.
Enough of my rant; this is an actual update, not an author's note. Please enjoy this exciting chapter! New character and new perspective for you all! Woohoo!
Amu stared at the eggs in front of her hesitantly. The scrambled eggs laid motionlessly upon her plate, prompting the pink-haired teenager's mouth to water. As a child, she distinctly could recall the delicious eggs her mother made her. She always used to melt cheese, complementing the eggs extremely well. Upon taking some eggs and putting them into her mouth, Amu closed her eyes. These eggs tasted just as well as her mother's; it was as if her mother had been there, cooking as she did when Amu was a little girl.
"Do you like them, Amu-Chan?" She glanced up at the girl sitting directly across from her, and suddenly, her past no longer mattered.
"These are the best eggs I have ever had!" Amu exclaimed. Her cheeks immediately reddened, quite flustered by her outburst. "You're such a good chef for a little girl, Arisa!" The little girl grinned.
"Papa taught me how to make eggs," Arisa explained. "So really, I was just following his recipe."
"Well, he must be a genius with food." Arisa giggled.
"He sure is! I'll have to show you—" A sudden clap of thunder made Arisa shriek.
"Arisa, what's wrong?!" Amu exclaimed, immediately rising to her feet. Arisa clenched her fists tightly, shaking her head slowly.
"N-Nothing!" She denied, furiously shaking her head. Amu walked beside the little girl. As a flash of lightning appeared, Arisa whimpered. Amu placed her hand over Arisa's.
"You're afraid of thunder and lightning," Amu realized. Arisa furiously shook her head, before squealing as the thunder sounded. "It's okay to be scared. Everyone has fears."
"B-But…"
"You know, my little sister, Ami is scared of lightning too," Amu reassured Arisa. Arisa opened her eyes and stared at Amu, taken aback. "Every time there is a thunderstorm, she always comes into my bedroom. You know, I think you and her would—"
"Don't speak of her again." Amu's eyes widened. Arisa's fearful eyes darkened, a solemn glint present. The thunder cackled again, but Arisa did not react in the slightest. She grabbed Amu by the collar of her shirt, prompting her to gasp. "You promised me that I was all that mattered forever."
"I-I-I'm sorry, Arisa. I-I just thought…"
"She doesn't exist, Amu. None of them exist. I am all that matters. I am the center of your life, the focal point at which your life revolves around. Promise me that forever." Her eyes glistened darkly.
"Forever…" Amu cooed. Arisa's smile returned.
Amu sat up suddenly, sweat pouring down her body. She clutched her blanket tightly to her chest as she panted heavily. She glanced over at her clock, frowning as she read the time.
"6:33…" She mumbled, rubbing her eyes. As she turned the other direction, she could see raindrops hitting against the window, pounding repeatedly. The leaves rustled outside, and some trees swayed back and forth. She leaned back against her pillow, letting out a melancholic sigh.
"What am I doing?" Amu wondered aloud, staring at the ceiling. She could imagine Arisa's menacing stare, so fervent for a little girl. Just one simple word—forever—and suddenly, Amu could trust Arisa wholly. Upon sniffling, Amu suddenly realized that tears were dancing down her cheeks.
"Amu-Chan…" Amu glanced over to her side table, seeing her yellow chara pop out of her egg.
"It's early Dia; you should get some rest," Amu mumbled.
"Please tell me what is wrong," Dia whispered, floating toward her owner.
"You're my chara; shouldn't you know?" Amu leaned up again, letting out a quiet yawn.
"You're feeling lost," Dia told her. "You're losing sight of who you are, Amu-Chan." Amu's eyes darkened. "But please try and remember what makes you happy. Think of your friends and family. Think about Ami and your parents. Think about Tadase and Nagihiko and Ikuto and everybody; remember—"
"No," Amu hissed. "None of them matter. Arisa's all that matters." She clenched her fists tightly, resting them on her lap. Dia watched Amu, her yellow eyes filled with concern. "She is all that I need."
"Amu-Chan, who is Arisa?" Dia wondered.
"My forever," Amu replied hastily, rough tears falling down her face. Her face felt heavy; why did it hurt so much to cry? Why did everything feel so wrong?
The glistening emerald eyes of Arisa reflected in Amu's mind. How could Arisa have been so angry? Seeing her furious like that shattered the teenager's heart. Why would she bring up Ami? Ami was nothing, nothing in comparison to Arisa.
Letting out a sigh, Amu glanced over absentmindedly at her remaining chara eggs. All three of them appeared to be motionless in their eggs. Out of the corner of her eye, Amu could see Dia floating aimlessly, gazing pensively at the ground. She turned back to her bedside table, something bright catching her eye. Lying beside her basket with her chara eggs was a silver necklace with a golden charm. As she picked up the necklace, she stared at the charm. Its colors were bright yet dark simultaneously, like the ocean under a sunset.
"What is that, Amu-Chan?" Dia wondered, glancing over at her bearer.
"I…I'm not sure," Amu admitted, sniffling slightly. "I just found it beside the girls' eggs. I don't know how it got there…"
"Maybe it was Ikuto?" Dia offered.
"No… I don't think so…" Cautiously, Amu opened the necklace and put it on.
"It's beautiful," Dia admired, floating in front of her.
"Thanks…" Amu glanced over into her mirror, admiring her look. Aside from her bedhead and pajamas, she could not help but to notice how beautiful it complimented her eyes.
I wonder what Arisa will think of it. Amu thought.
The rain poured down rapidly, but the petite blonde paid no mind to it. She glanced into the glass doors, watching remorsefully as Amu gazed at her reflection in the mirror.
"The medallion looks so pretty on her!" Kusu-Kusu exclaimed, landing on Rima's head. Rima put her finger to her lips, prompting Kusu-Kusu's giggles to die down.
"It just needs to do the job," Rima mumbled, her hazel eyes watching Amu's every move. The wind tousled the blonde's damp hair, blowing her curls in multiple directions. Sighing, Rima turned around, mumbling words under her breath. Kusu-Kusu entered her egg and went inside Rima in a familiar fashion. Releasing a rope, Rima began to climb down the balcony. Hesitantly, she faced Amu once more, watching the redness in her eyes.
"I'll see you soon, Amu," Rima whispered, watching her friend morosely. "You better learn to lock your doors; you may have some more unwanted visitors."
"I'm really worried about Amu-Chan." Tadase mumbled, resting his arms on the Royal Garden table. The words echoed his thoughts for the past few weeks. "Everything she's doing is so…un-Amu like. What are they doing to her? Why are they doing this to her?"
"We'll figure it out," Nagihiko lamely tried to reassure. Tadase glanced over at his best friend for a moment, sighing slightly.
"Seto Sanjou… Why would he possibly want to harm her?" Tadase frowned. "Utau said he was a business man; why is he suddenly involved with Easter?"
"Suddenly?" Nagihiko mumbled. "How 'sudden' is this really? Yukari and Kairi had been affiliated with Easter—Kairi still is; perhaps he was only trying to gain control." Nagihiko hesitated for a moment, before glancing back at Tadase. "Tadase, what are Yukari's involvements to Easter?" Tadase perked his head up.
"I…I'm not sure," Tadase confessed. "Ever since Kairi betrayed, I haven't really had much of a connection with her."
"Utau's back," Nagihiko pointed out. "Yukari is her manager; if anyone would know about her connection, it would be Utau."
"But why does it matter?" Tadase wondered. "We know that Seto controls Easter and Kairi works for him; what more can Yukari give us?"
"Perhaps she has an inside source," Nagihiko pointed out. "If she is connected to Easter, perhaps she knows what they're doing to Amu-Chan." Tadase thought for a moment, his eyes widening.
"And if she can't tell us, Nikaidou-Sensei would," Tadase pointed out. "No matter what, I know he would never turn back to Easter. And he respects Amu-Chan immensely, so he would give us any information necessary to protect her."
"Protect whom?" The teenagers glanced up as the doors to the Royal Garden opened. Kukai and Utau strolled in, with Yaya and Ikuto following right behind.
"Who do you think?" Nagihiko mumbled. Ikuto's eyes darkened.
"Utau, Nagihiko and I were wondering, do you know if Yukari is involved with Easter?" Tadase wondered, turning to the blonde.
"I don't know," Utau admitted. "I have only spoken with her briefly in the past few months. Ikuto and I learned about Seto Sanjou's ownership of Easter, but we both just assumed that his children would have stayed out of Easter. But with Kairi's betrayal, anything is possible." Kukai placed a comforting hand on Yaya's shoulder. The auburn-haired girl stared at the ground, biting her lip.
"I doubt Yuu is," Ikuto mumbled, his arms crossed. "He detests Easter almost as much as Utau and I do."
"As much as we all do," Kukai amended, letting out a sigh. The doors of the Royal Garden opened suddenly, revealing a wet pinkette. Amu was shivering lightly, but she paid no mind to that. Her hand quivered, clutching something around her neck. Tadase stood up suddenly, making his way toward her.
"Amu-Chan, you're soaking wet!" Tadase exclaimed. He began to unzipper his jacket, but Ikuto had already taken his rain jacket off and handed it to Amu. Tadase sighed, taking his seat slightly. Upon seeing the oversized jacket on her, he frowned slightly.
"I…I forgot about the rain," Amu replied. Yaya burst out laughing.
"Some things don't change!" Yaya grinned, glancing upward. "Amu-Chi will always be careless, though Yaya isn't one to judge." Amu glanced at the walls of the Royal Garden, Ikuto's jacket sprawled across her. Tadase rested his head on his elbow, absentmindedly watching Amu. Her eyes were distant, as if she was in another world. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Nagihiko exchange a look with Dia.
"It sure is coming down heavy," Utau mumbled, breaking the silence. "Though when Ikuto and I were in London, it was always rainy."
"You guys were in London?!" Yaya exclaimed. "Yaya's always wanted to go to London! Apparently they have a really good candy shop!"
"We didn't check that out," Ikuto mumbled.
"Well that's super lame!" Yaya whined. "Yaya has heard there are soooo many candies! Chocolates, lollipops, ring-pops, pocky…"
"Amu-Chan," Nagihiko called suddenly, interrupting Yaya's candy rant. Tadase noticed his friend grimace slightly. Amu turned to face Nagihiko, her eyes gaining life in them.
"What is it?" Amu wondered, her golden eyes fixating on Nagihiko.
"What is that necklace you're wearing?" Nagihiko wondered curiously. Tadase glanced over at Ikuto with a slight scowl. Ikuto shook his head slowly.
"I…I found it this morning," Amu explained.
"Wait, you mean that you just…found it?" Kukai wondered, dumbfounded.
"That is what she said," Utau mumbled. Kukai pouted at his girlfriend.
"It was next to my charas," Amu proceeded to explain. "I don't know how it got there or why, but I just…I liked it."
"It is very cute Amu-Chi!" Yaya pointed out. "It makes you look like a princess!" Amu flushed a deep crimson.
"Y-Yaya!" Amu exclaimed, embarrassed. "I'm not a princess!" Tadase studied her, his eyes widening. He remembered the first time she character changed with Ran at that assembly and how flustered she was once it ended. Even back then, Tadase inwardly found her adorable.
"You're not a princess; you're a model," Ikuto teased. Amu's face turned redder.
"I-Ikuto!" Amu whined. Her cheeks were as bright as her hair—something that was quite iconic for her. Tadase did not even mind that Ikuto complimented her; he was blown away by her. He glanced over at Nagihiko, smiling brightly. Nagihiko gave him a slight nod, a semblance of a smile forming.
"I think you're more suited as a queen," Tadase told her sweetly, turning to face her. Nagihiko's eyes lowered. Amu looked at Tadase, blushing profusely.
"T-That's sweet Tadase-Kun," Amu faltered. Tadase beamed, his stomach feeling light. "Regardless, I just found the necklace very…fitting."
"It does suit you nicely, Amu!" Kukai agreed, grinning. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, prompting her to glance up at him curiously. "I've never seen anything fit you more." Amu laughed at Kukai.
"Amu…" Utau began, staring at her friend. "Are you…" Amu turned to Utau, cocking her head to the side. Her four charas exchanged glances.
"What is it Utau?" Amu wondered.
"Amu-Chan, you're finally acting like you—" A loud crash prompted the guardians to turn rapidly. Tadase glanced up concernedly, exchanging a quick glance with Kiseki.
"What the hell was that?" Kukai wondered.
"It wasn't thunder," Utau pointed out. "Perhaps a tree fell from this wind?"
"No… I sense X-Eggs," Temari whispered, turning to face Nagihiko. "Their power… it's nothing like I've ever felt before."
"She's right," Su agreed. "Not even Death Rebel exerted this much X-Energy." Ikuto grimaced.
"Let's check it out," Tadase suggested, rising to his feet. He could feel something uncanny. The others nodded, following him outside of the Royal Garden.
Upon exiting, aside from the heavy rain, the guardians were immediately greeted by an immensity of X-Eggs. They floated around in a spiral, circling a central object. They continuously glided around and around, like a tornado. Tadase's eyes widened; he had not seen that many X-Eggs since last month.
"My own heart, unlock," Tadase mumbled under his breath. Upon transforming, Tadase clutched his scepter tightly.
"The X-Eggs are glowing blue!" Yaya exclaimed. "They must have barriers!"
"Very good, Yaya. Your deduction skills are truly remarkable." The voice startled Tadase. Only one person Tadase knew had such a high-pitched, delicate voice, and that was the last person Tadase wanted to see. His ruby eyes immediately drifted toward his left. Nagihiko looked absolutely horrified. His face was paled and his eyes were watering. In all of the years Tadase had known Nagihiko, he had never seen him look so fractured and devastated. His eyes were fixed on the X-Eggs in front of him.
Upon turning to the X-Egg complex as well, Tadase watched as the X-Eggs started to shift, moving to the back of the central figure, who was fully transformed. Her adorable image juxtaposed to the enormity of X-Eggs behind her.
"Mashiro Rima," Tadase hissed venomously. In the back of his mind, he recalled speaking in a similar manner to Ikuto all those years ago once his grandmother first got sick. But this time, it wasn't about his grandmother; it was about his best friend. Rima studied Amu for a moment, before turning to face the king.
"I'm quite pleased you seem to recall my name, though your tone is awfully rude," Rima replied, her voice emotionless. Tadase gripped his scepter roughly.
"I don't forget the people that hurt me and the people I care about," Tadase growled.
"I haven't hurt anyone yet," Rima pointed out. "You're spoiling the outcome of this fight."
"Like you stand a chance against seven of us," Kukai spat. "Golden Victory Shot!" Rima immediately reflected his ball with her ropes, and shot them at Yaya.
"Yaya, watch out!" Ikuto called. Yaya turned rapidly, but Kukai had jumped in front of her.
"No, Kukai!" Yaya cried, her eyes widening. She looked up at Rima, her eyes trembling.
"Predictable," Rima mumbled.
"Nightmare Lorelei!" Utau stepped forward, shooting a purple beam toward Rima.
"Juggling Party!" Rima shot juggling pins in the direction of her attack. "About time you've returned." Tadase could tell that she had known they were back.
"It seems quite a lot has changed since we left," Utau pointed out. Rima grimaced.
"I'm sure Easter would love to have you come back," Rima retorted.
"Unlike some people, we don't betray our friends," Ikuto mumbled.
"Touche." Rima continued shooting juggling pins at Utau, who countered back with her attacks.
"Duckies!" Yaya called, attacking Rima from the side. Rima revealed more juggling pins and shot them at the duckies, while holding her ground against Utau.
"Crushing Claws!" From behind her, Ikuto lunged forward and aimed to attack her. Rima rapidly turned around and shot ropes at him, tying him up tightly. He grimaced as he struggled to escape unsuccessfully. He had no mobility of his arms, so he could not cut through the ropes.
"Ikuto-NiiSan!" Tadase cried, his eyes widening. Never once had he seen Ikuto fall so quickly.
"Don't you dare hurt my brother and my boyfriend," Utau growled, clutching her trident tighter. With a stoic expression, Rima shot more ropes through her attack, tying her up beside Ikuto. Utau growled in annoyance, struggling to escape as well.
"You all are so predictable," Rima mumbled. "Deidre was right about you. You're all blinded by your emotions."
"But emotions make us human!" Yaya cried. "And Yaya knows you have them too; you have to!" Rima looked at the pigtailed girl with boredom. Tadase exchanged a look with Amu and Nagihiko quickly. Nagihiko gave a curt nod, his eyes drifting unconsciously toward Rima once again. He clenched his fists, forcing himself to look away. Amu stood beside Tadase.
"Emotions are futile," Rima replied bluntly. Yaya shook her head rapidly.
"No, they're not!" Tears rolled down her cheeks. "Don't you remember Rima-Tan? Don't you remember being trapped under the school with Yaya? You were so scared; you—"
"Shut up," Rima growled, shooting a juggling pin in her direction. Yaya rapidly sent a ducky to take the attack.
"You were a human that day, Rima-Tan!" Yaya shouted, tears rolling down her cheeks. "When did you suddenly become a monster?!" Rima stared at Yaya, her mouth widening slightly.
"Now!"
"Blaze Shot!" Rima turned rapidly, watching as Nagihiko shot a fiery basketball toward the X-Eggs, shattering the barrier.
"Juggling Party!" Rima shot a juggling pin in the direction, completely missing. Tadase watched the pin fall to the ground, frowning inwardly.
"You've caused him enough pain," Tadase muttered darkly. Nagihiko landed on the ground squarely, his eyes lowered.
"Tadase, now," He muttered, his voice weary. Tadase turned to Amu, who nodded rapidly. Amu clutched her heart rod tightly, placing it next to Tadase's scepter.
"Platinum Heart!" They shouted in unison. Rima watched blankly, her fists clenched. A bright light formed, and suddenly, the X-Eggs were completely whitened.
"The X-Powers were useless," Rima mumbled monotonously. "Seto won't be pleased."
"X-Power?" Ikuto questioned.
"The device we discovered in the Royal Garden," Nagihiko realized, glancing at Tadase. "This 'X-Power' must somehow augment the power of the X-Eggs." His eyes widened. "The barriers! These X-Powers must strengthen the barrier."
"Always the intelligent one, Fujisaki," Rima muttered. Nagihiko clenched his fist and bit his lip. His eyes darted away and futilely attempted to maintain a stoic expression despite the emerging tears.
"We won!" Kukai suddenly awoke. "Told you that you had no shot." Kukai rose to his feet. He walked over to Utau, and untied her. Rima watched coldly, her eyes unwavering. He helped her up and proceeded to untie Ikuto.
"What do you even want from us?" Tadase wondered, angrily. "What does Easter want from us?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Rima wondered, dejectedly. "I'm fairly confident you know that answer, Hotori." Tadase glanced at Amu, his eyes softening. He reached for her fingers suddenly, startling her. Ikuto glanced at them, before looking up at Rima.
"We're going to put an end to your company," Ikuto declared, his arms crossed.
"Oh really?"
"We did it once; we can do it again, no problem," Kukai interjected. "And just because you were a former ally, that won't hinder us. If you stand in our way, we will not hesitate to crush you."
"I'd like to see you try, Souma." Kukai clenched his fists.
"Golden Victory Shot!"
"Kukai, what are you—"
"Scorching Ropes." Rima immediately countered Kukai's ball with enflamed ropes. Kukai's eyes widened, as the ropes continued to attack him.
"Enough." The ropes suddenly disintegrated. Rima turned around, her eyes widening. Tadase watched, puzzled. A teenage girl walked over, a light blue dress reaching the tops of her knees. She had light greenish-blonde hair and wore purple sunglasses despite the fact it was pouring rain. Juxtaposed to the soaking bodies of the guardians, Rima, and the Tsukiyomi siblings, she held a pink umbrella.
"Saira, what are you doing here?" Rima wondered. "I told Deidre I could handle this."
"Well, considering the X-Eggs purified, it seems you have not done quite a great job," Saira mused.
"I still have them cornered," Rima insisted. "Saira, please, I can handle this." Tadase could discern desperation in her voice.
"Seto's orders." Rima watched, seemingly terrified, as Saira stepped forward. She faced the guardians, a small smile on her face. Tadase could feel Amu's hand tighten on his. He looked over toward her, seeing her paled face.
"Who the hell are you?" Ikuto wondered, frowning.
"My name is Saira." The girl smiled. "I work with Mashiro-San in Easter. It's a pleasure to finally meet the so-called guardians."
"We aren't afraid of another Easter worker," Utau mumbled. "Night—"
"I have no interest in fighting," Saira mumbled, lifting her hand up, prompting Utau to be sent flying backward. Immediately, Kukai caught her in his arms, and he held her tightly. Utau turned her head to look at him, a trace of a smile forming. Saira walked over to Amu and Tadase, a small smile present.
"Hinamori Amu, you are the one that intrigued me the most," Saira pointed out.
"Don't you dare hurt her," Tadase growled, stepping in front of her.
"Boys." Saira rolled her eyes, lifting her hand up again. Immediately, Tadase moved to the side, his eyes widening.
"Who are you?" Amu whispered, her body trembling.
"I told you already: I'm Saira." She winked slightly. "You have a very pretty medallion." Amu watched Saira, her eyes widening. Saira put her hands together, as if she was doing a prayer.
"What is she doing?!" Ikuto demanded, turning to face Rima. Rima lifted her eyes from the ground and looked at him emotionlessly.
"Who knows," Rima bluntly replied.
"Is she hurting her?!"
"I expected more than that from you, Tsukiyomi," Rima mumbled. "You seem like the type that would separate himself from his emotions." She glanced to the side quickly, and turned back to him. Her eyes softened quickly and she mouthed something to him. Ikuto's eyes widened. Rima shook her head quickly, prompting Ikuto to nod swiftly.
"Believe in what is to come, Amu," Saira whispered. Amu watched her.
"Amu-Chan!" Tadase cried. He glanced at Nagihiko nervously, whose eyes were fixated on the ground.
"Amu… believe in forever." Nagihiko immediately glanced at Tadase.
"Forever…" Amu whispered, her eyes glowing for a moment.
"Amu-Chi!" Yaya cried, a sound of thunder following her. Saira flinched slightly, before taking Amu's hands in her own. Amu's eyes suddenly changed back to normal, and her eyes widened.
"No, you can't! Ar—" Amu suddenly screamed, clutching her medallion. She collapsed to the ground, falling unconscious.
"Amu!" Ikuto cried, rushing to her side.
"Come on Rima; our business is complete here," Saira told her. Rima nodded slowly, her hazel eyes watching Amu carefully before following Saira. Ikuto picked up Amu gingerly, and carried her inside the Royal Garden. The others followed, watching as Ikuto laid Amu on the table.
"What did Saira do to her?!" Yaya wondered, shivering.
"I don't know…" Tadase let out a sigh. "It must have been a set up. They wanted to do something to hurt her…"
"Ugh!" Kukai cried in aggravation. "This seriously sucks! Rima and Amu were best friends! God, she used to be so freaking protective of her. When Nagi came back from Europe back in sixth grade and tried to be Amu's best friend, she…" Kukai immediately silenced himself, his eyes drifting toward the purple-haired teenager in the corner. He leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, but it was very clear that he was on the verge of tears. "Nagi, man, are you alright?" Kukai wondered, walking toward his friend. Nagihiko bit his lip, glancing up at Kukai.
"I'm doing just great," Nagihiko mumbled. "Everything is just wonderful." Kukai watched his friend morosely. Tears rolled down Nagihiko's face. He tried to wipe them away, but they started tumbling down faster and faster. Kukai wrapped his arms around his friend, prompting him to sob harder on Kukai's shoulder.
"Kukai, I'm such an idiot," Nagihiko sobbed.
"No you're not, man. You couldn't have seen it coming," Kukai tried to reassure. "None of us did. I know you're good at seeing lies, but—"
"Not that… I…" Nagihiko picked up his head, his eyes still watery. "After all the pain she caused us, how can I possibly still love her?" Kukai's eyes widened.
"You…what?!" Tadase glanced over at Kukai, shooting him a glare. He turned to Nagihiko and smiled reassuringly.
"You can't just forget all of the feelings you had for her immediately," Tadase pointed out. "You were with her for two years; obviously, you aren't just going to pretend none of it happened."
"Clearly, she can do just that though," Nagihiko mumbled. "The way she spoke to me… It was as if we never—"
"Amu-Chi's waking!" Yaya called, prompting everyone to turn to her. Amu's eyes opened slowly. She blinked a few times, before sitting up.
"Amu…" Ikuto began.
"I feel alright now…" Amu let out a sigh. "Just a bit lightheaded…" She placed her hand on the medallion.
"What if that medallion is hurting her?" Tadase wondered. "She was clutching it tightly as she passed out." Amu glanced down at the medallion.
"No." Everyone turned to Ikuto. "I don't think the medallion is the issue. If anything, it could be protecting her."
"Me." Amu let out a sigh. "I'm right here. Stop talking about me as if I'm not here."
"I'm sorry, Amu-Chan," Tadase apologized. Ikuto gave her an apologetic look as well.
"Amu-Chan, you should head home," Dia told her. "You should rest."
"No, I'm fine."
"Amu-Chan, don't be stubborn!" Ran tried to reason. "It's been a hectic day; I'm sure everyone needs to take it easy!"
"I…" Amu lowered her eyes. "You're right. I'm sorry; I'm just tired."
"That's understandable." Kukai smiled gently. "Do you need a ride home?" Amu nodded slowly. Yaya stood up as well, following as they exited the Royal Garden.
"Try to take it easy guys, alright?" Kukai called before he left the Royal Garden. His eyes were focused on Nagihiko. He turned around quickly, before leading Yaya and Amu outside.
"I'm going to head home too," Nagihiko announced
"Nagi, wait." Nagihiko paused.
"It doesn't matter, Tadase. I don't want to talk about it."
"But—"
"Not now." Before he left the Royal Garden, he turned around briefly, his watery eyes fixed on the former king. "But thank you for everything." On that note, he exited the Royal Garden.
"Rima has gotten powerful," Utau mumbled. "I never realized how strong she was."
"She was always important to the guardians, especially with her ropes, but you're right," Tadase agreed. "She definitely is a threat, especially with whatever she's doing to Amu." He let out a sigh.
"Rima wasn't wrong, you know," Utau mumbled. "About emotions." Tadase glanced at Utau.
"I know, but I don't think it's just our weakness… I think it's our strength too." He turned to face Ikuto. "Ikuto-NiiSan and I both love Amu-Chan; that's what motivates us to keep fighting, don't you think?"
"Sure, but you both also have a tendency to ruthlessly protect her," Utau pointed out. "I lost control today when she tied you up. Kukai jumped in front of Yaya. Fujisaki…forget it." She crossed her arms. "I wouldn't be entirely surprised to see Rima in many more fights in the future. Easter knows that we all care about each other immensely. Rima knows this too and she will use this to her advantage." Ikuto frowned at the ground.
"We just have to be more careful." Tadase mumbled, sighing.
"Great work today, girls," Deidre began, as Rima and Saira entered her office. Deidre handed Rima a towel, prompting the petite blonde to immediately wrap it around her body. She shivered, clutching the towel tightly.
"Thank you, Ichigami-San," Saira whispered, bowing slightly. Rima watched her, a slight scowl present on her face.
"Is something bothering you, Rima-San?" Deidre asked. Rima glanced up, regaining her stoic expression. She shook her head slowly.
"Is that all?" Rima wondered.
"I was just going to say that the plans are running smoothly with Hinamori-San. Saira's techniques seem to be working well. Soon, Hinamori-San will be solely under our control." Rima bit her lip.
"Ichigami-San, I noticed that Amu was wearing a strange necklace today," Saira pointed out. "She seemed somewhat focused as well. She performed a purification with Hotori Tadase today."
"A purification? But that's impossible! Damn it!" Deidre ran her fingers through her silky blonde hair. "The X-Power must have been powerless."
"I planted it in the Royal Garden," Rima pointed out. "The barrier should have been impenetrable, but Nagihiko was able to break it easily." Considering I let him, Rima thought, clenching her fist.
"I thought Kairi had that down… I'll have a word with him." Deidre sighed. "Saira, keep trying to refine your powers. Perhaps you can work independently from the X-Power." The girl nodded. "Rima, we will be putting you on the field more often. Reflect on what went wrong today, but be prepared to go back out soon." Rima nodded slowly. "You two are dismissed." Rima followed Saira out of the room, sighing.
"What was that necklace Amu wore?" Saira wondered, turning to Rima.
"I don't know," Rima lied, her eyes remaining fixed on the ground. She could feel tears begin to form. She clenched her fist tightly. She couldn't cry, not here.
"Rima-San? Is everything alright?" Saira asked, stopping short. Rima glanced up at the taller teenager, forcing a stoic expression.
"Just tired. And wet," Rima replied bluntly. "I need to train more, so I'll see you later." Rima walked rapidly away from Saira and headed for the training room. She locked the door behind her and closed the blinds.
"Rima, what's wrong?" Rima fell to her knees and began to sob.
"What's wrong?" Rima repeated, sniffling. She curled into her normal ball position and hugged her knees into her chest. "Oh, I don't know Kusu-Kusu. How about everything?" Kusu-Kusu floated over to Rima, landing on her head.
"It's going to be okay," Kusu-Kusu whispered. "See? The medallion is already working! Amu-Chan didn't fall under Saira's spell so easily!"
"But Saira was able to penetrate it," Rima mumbled. "God, I was so stupid! I could have let on that the X-Power would have worked. The barrier shattered so easily…"
"Nagi is powerful, you know that Rima," Kusu-Kusu pointed out.
"But I could have stopped him; I should have stopped him. Saira wouldn't have needed to come if I could have just—"
"Don't be so hard on yourself, Rima," Kusu-Kusu tried to reassure. "Our juggling pin missed."
"Missed? Kusu-Kusu, I didn't miss. I intentionally sent it the wrong way." Kusu-Kusu looked at her, surprised. "I…I didn't want to hurt him…"
"So this is about…"
"It's about the stupidity of love." Rima began to cry harder, burying her head onto her knees. "And looking at him… he… he hasn't…"
"Of course not, Rima-Tan. He loved you deeply."
"I loved…I love him deeply too. But it would have been so much easier if he had just moved on. Seeing that pain in his eyes and knowing that I was the cause of it… I've never hated myself more."
"He'll understand soon, you know that," Kusu-Kusu promised. "They all will."
"No… they won't. I'm a monster; Yaya said so." Rima let out a sob. "Yaya of all people called me a monster. She…She sees the kindness in people and yet..." Kusu-Kusu watched Rima concernedly.
"When will this pain end? With Saira here, I won't be able to do anything," Rima sobbed. "They hate me. They think that I want to hurt Amu when I'm really just trying to…" Rima sighed, rising to her feet shakily. "This is stupid."
"Rima?"
"I…I can't just keep drowning in self-pity. I'm not this weak; I have to be strong for Amu's sake." Rima sniffled and rubbed her puffy red eyes. "I'm supposed to use emotions as my strength; I can't let them weaken me." Rima wiped her eyes and exited the training room.
"Rima, where are you going?" Kusu-Kusu wondered.
"You know where," Rima bluntly replied, exiting the Easter Building. "I need to talk to him. If Saira's powers are working at a faster rate than the medallion, I need to warn him that my options are limited now."
As the door swung opened widely, the forest green-haired teenager let out a crestfallen sigh. Without turning around, he immediately knew who was standing behind him.
"The X-Power did not accurately perform its task," The man pointed out, disappointment present in his voice.
"I will run a diagnostic and analyze what went wrong," Kairi mumbled, reaching for the keyboard. "My deepest apologies, Father."
"I thought you said that you were confident this would work." Kairi finally turned around to face his father. Seto's eyes contained dissatisfaction—something Kairi was quite acquainted with.
"Perhaps the guardians have gotten stronger," Kairi pointed out, adjusting his glasses. "I likely underestimated the potential of their power."
"Of course you did." Seto shook his head. "Work harder, Kairi. Saira's strength is unparalleled; you have a simple task of merely escalating her abilities. Get on it." Kairi nodded slowly, watching as his father exited the room.
"You're losing focus Kairi," Musashi whispered. Kairi's eyes darkened as he stared at the computer screen. "You cannot allow your father's words to undermine you."
"Perhaps he is correct. Everything I seem to accomplish is merely a failure."
"Kairi, that is nonsensical—"
"I must abide by what he says. He is my elder; I must fulfill his expectations." Kairi stared blankly at the computer screen.
"You're never going to meet his level of satisfaction. He's looking for you to be him and—thankfully—you're not." Kairi recalled his sister say to him just two months prior.
"I do not have a choice, Yukari." Kairi glanced at his sister. She stared at the ground, tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Kairi… you're setting yourself up for trouble by aiding Father. You can't keep doing this to yourself. All you're getting in return is pain."
"Both Father and Mother expect me to take part in Easter. I must fulfill their expectations." Yukari placed a hand on Kairi's shoulder.
"You can't just keep following them, Kairi; you can't just feed into what Father says. He may be your father, but he's a bastard. He never treated you right. You can't just keep following his lead; you aren't him."
"Then who am I?"
"Kairi Sanjou." Kairi rolled his eyes. "I'm serious, Kairi. You're one of the most mature men I have ever met. You are kind and loyal to those you love. If you do this… you're disregarding all of that."
"I don't have a choice."
"Yes you do! You can't just keep following Father. You need to find yourself. With the guardians, I see how happy you are. And what about Yaya?" Kairi flinched.
"Don't." Kairi lowered his eyes and bit his lip.
"When you came home after taking Yaya to that park, you…you were literally radiating. I've never seen you look so happy. Even if you haven't told her or admitted it out loud, I know you love her." Kairi's eyes darkened. "Let your future be with the girl you love, not with a man whom you'll never please."
"Yaya deserves someone better than me." Yukari's eyes dilated.
"Kairi, what are you saying?!"
"You're right. All I do is follow Father because I am too weak to find my own path. I thought I could find myself with Yaya, but… I am unworthy of her. She deserves someone who is strong enough to create his own path rather than abide by another."
"Kairi, that's absurd! You-"
"I'm sorry, Yukari…" Just like that, Kairi exited his front door and aligned with an organization he promised he never would again.
Kairi could feel tears roll down his cheeks. Musashi studied him, a frown present. Kairi clenched his fists.
"Yukari was right…" He whispered. "But it is too late for me; I cannot find my own path anymore. I will keep following Father and futilely attempting to abide by his wishes."
"Kairi, it's not too late!" Musashi tried to call. "You can still break free from Easter; you can still obtain your happiness with Yaya."
"Yaya," Kairi repeated, sighing. He reached into his pockets and took out his phone. Upon unlocking his phone, he stared at the background screen. The girl in question was grinning cheerfully, her arm wrapped around Kairi's shoulders. A shy smile was present on Kairi's face as his face was pressed against the much more enthusiastic girl's beside him. Kairi let out a remorseful sigh, pressing his finger on his cell phone screen upon Yaya's cheek. "Yaya will find someone who is strong enough to confront his feelings," Kairi mumbled, watching her smile. "She will find someone better suited for her, someone who is worthy of her love."
"You must break the mold, Kairi." Kairi glanced up at his chara, his eyes widening. To his dismay, Musashi appeared faded.
"Musashi! You cannot—"
"You are losing sight of the path you desire. As that path dissipates… I, too, shall dissipate, until you rediscover yourself." Kairi's eyes widened, watching as an egg formed around his samurai chara, landing on his desk. He picked up the closed egg, feeling its coldness. Tears rolled down the high schooler's cheeks.
"Musashi…I'm so sorry."
Ahh, writing in Kairi's perspective is so refreshing. I've been in such a Yairi craze recently, oh man.
I know you all are probably wondering where this story is going. Stuff is happening, but for a story with super duper lengthy chapters, nothing seems to be moving forward. I promise you though, the plot is going to be seriously picking up soon. Chapter 6 will be a chapter that I've been super excited about even prior to the existence of this story. Be excited. Be scared. Have some emotions.
Anyhow, please review! I'll try to respond to your reviews ASAP. Reviews are what keep me motivated and may urge me to procrastinate work and update sooner. I promise, I will be working regularly soon once I clear out the chaos of senior year. Press that little button below and make a stressed author smile :).