Sabitsuita kyoukai no Maria ni inori sasage
Hikari mo ubawarete furueru koto mo yurusarenai mama
Hitomi o tojiro koto sae wasureteshimatta shounen wa
Tekubi no tsumi no ato o kakushitsuketeiru
Kuchiteyuku hahaoya no nakigara ni tsubuyakitsuzuke
Te ni shita hanataba mo kako no sugata o nakushiteshimatte
Tanashii sono menazashi wa kegare no nai shoujo no mama
Kawaranai jikan dake o mitsumeteiru
"Itami nado nai kara. mou nakanaide."
"Yasuragi ga hoshii nara. nozomi toori ni kanaeteageru kara."
"Kowaku wa nai kara. soba ni oide"
"Kegare nado nai mama. kimi no subete o ubatteageru kara."
Ima wa dare ni no kimi dake wa sukuenai kara
Saa me o tojite
"Itami nada nai kara. mou nakanaide."
"Yasuragi ga hoshii nara. nozomi toori ni kanaeteageru kara."
"Kowaku wa nai kara. soba ni oide."
"Kegare nado nai mama. yasashiku nemuri ni tsukeba ii"
"Yarushiku wa nai kara. mou nakanaide."
"Nigerare wa shinai kara. kimi no subete o yurushiteageru kara."
"Owari nai kara. soba ni oide."
"Kegare nado nai mama. kimi no subete o ubatteageru kara."
Boku ga itsumademo kimi no koto wasurenai kara
Saa me o tojite
The Looking-Glass
Chapter Two
Maria
They said it was hypothermia. She had gotten too cold, was without a jacket, and froze to death. It was April, and the sun was particularly bright on that day. Somehow Chihiro didn't think the story fit together quite right.
Chihiro stared at the grave in front of her with eyes full of tears. She had her arm linked through Rei's and he was openly sobbing. She didn't know what to do. How could she help Rei when she couldn't help herself?
She had driven to the small cemetery herself, in her brand new Toyota Echo, a birthday present from her parents. When she got out of the car she saw Rei kneeling at the top of the hill, crying. Slowly she climbed through the wrought-iron gates and walked up the steep incline. A small shelf was carved into the hill, and that was where the grave was.
Chihiro looked at Rei. His tears were beginning to dry, and he smiled weakly at Chihiro. She grabbed him into a hug. He nodded his head, as if he had come to a decision. He gathered himself, gave the gravestone one last look, and left. Chihiro was alone now, and she felt that way. It was a horrible feeling to lose someone, especially when that person was your very best friend.
"Hey, Mika. How're you doing?" Chihiro started, knowing full well that her friend couldn't answer, "Rei's been really torn up about this. But, I guess you already knew that, didn't you? If only you could see him, now Mika. He's a wreck. But don't worry; I'll keep him on track with him studies. He's going to high school next year. He's in class A, at the top of his year. His parents are really proud of him. They miss you too, you know." Chihiro closed her eyes and blinked some of the tears away. She remembered how happy Mika had been when Rei finally asked her out.
* * * * * * * *
"Chi! Guess what! Rei asked me to the school dance next Saturday! Can you believe it? I'm so excited!" Mika exclaimed happily. Chihiro smiled at her friend. It was good to see Mika and Rei together. They had known one another since childhood and they had always been friends. Mika was so happy that Chihiro couldn't help but be happy too.
But she had this nagging feeling in her heart. Her best friend, her very best friend was in love. Chihiro tried not to feel too upset. She herself had never felt what love was. Whenever someone asked her to a dance, or out on a date, Chihiro always declined. It just didn't seem right for her to be dating right now. She was waiting for the right man to come along. That, however, could take a really long time for all she knew.
* * * * * * *
"I had never seen you so happy. I had to admit, Mika, that I was jealous. I knew that Rei loved you with all of his heart. I wanted that so much. I should have been happier for you. I'm so sorry." Chihiro dropped to her knees and clutched her face in her hands, "I know I was only fourteen, but I could see it, Mika. I knew it was going to last." Chihiro looked near Mika's headstone. The earth was still brown and loose from the burial service that had taken place only days before. A small velvety box was there, sitting placidly atop the mounds of dirt, "He really did want to marry you." She said. She gathered up the box and placed it in her pocket. Nobody could steal this from them. She would have to take it to Rei later and talk some sense into him.
"You know, Hikari misses you. She thought of you as a third mother. I always wondered why. She's already got two, what did she need you for? I guess I was jealous, that's all. Now that you're gone, I've got nobody left save Hikari and Rei. But I guess that's the way it is then." Chihiro looked from side to side. Then she looked slowly to the ground and hung her head.
"Look, Mika. I guess you know what I'm really here for. I miss you. I miss you so much that it hurts to look out the window toward your house. I miss you so much that I can't look 'Kari or Rei in the face anymore. I can't feel anything. Right now there's rain everywhere, and I can't feel it. I'm so sorry that we fought before it happened. I can't help but take fault in it. Why did you have to go? You taught me so much. You taught me that it was okay to not like my parents. You taught me that it was okay to not always be protective of Hikari. I love you Mika. I don't want to lose you."
Chihiro looked up to the sky and cried. Tears fell down her face, and mingled with the rain. Even the heavens were crying for Mika, and that in itself satisfied her. She couldn't help but be comforted by the rain.
She stood there a while, taking in the pain, the sadness and trying to replace it with good feelings. But nothing could help her. The spirits had taken Mika away, and she found no solace in happiness.
The wind whipped about her face. The rain clashed onto her hair. Suddenly the storm wasn't as comforting as before. She pulled something out of her pocket and clenched it in her fist.
She had one more stop to make. She trudged down the hill, entered her car, and drove to the entrance to the Mahou no Sekai. She stopped right in front of the frog statue. She got out of her car and took a deep breath.
"What did you do to her? I know you did it, Nigihayami! You took her away from me! Are you happy now? You've got her! But you're not getting Rei, and me too. I won't let you." She screamed at the top of her lungs. She dropped to her knees and braced herself on her arms. She panted and panted, willing the tears not to come.
Someone touched her slightly on the shoulder. She looked behind her. Mika was smiling slightly. She winked before disappearing. Chihiro couldn't hold the tears back any longer. She ran to the entrance of the tunnel and threw two of the three dragon scales into it. She cried openly, crouching on the rain-soaked ground. She looked up slightly and whispered, "Mika was a good person. You took her from this world. I can never forgive that. She was a good person. She was a good person. She should be living in the meadow through that tunnel now. At least give her that, please god." Chihiro clasped her hands together and faced her head skyward. She prayed for peace. She prayed that Mika's soul was safe, and that she was happy.
She slowly got up and stepped back into her car.
This would be the last time that she would come into this forest.
* * * * * * * * *
Hikari sat with her arms folded across her stomach. She felt sick. Chihiro had come home and locked herself in her room. It had been two full days, and Chihiro hadn't made a sound. Hikari walked down the steps to the ground level floor of the house and leaned her face on the wooden railing. Her parents were deep in conversation.
"I can get Dr. Johnson, that American woman to see her. I could talk to her about the circumstances when I go into the office today." Yuuko Ogino said to her husband in a concerned voice.
"She'll never agree to it. Chihiro's too strong-minded. And when she hears about the Momomoya boy. I can only imagine how she'll take it."
Hikari strained to hear what her parents had said. They were talking about Rei. What had happened to him? She dashed up the stairs and began pounding on Chihiro's door. She kept at it, mercilessly hammering until it was answered. Chihiro cracked the door, one bloodshot brown eye glistening with tears. Hikari slowly stepped in.
"Chi, something's happened to Rei." Hikari said, getting straight to the point. Chihiro ignored her. She pulled an elastic band out of her hair and grabbed Hikari's hand. She pulled her younger sister to the bed and began to brush her hair. Hikari shifted uneasily. Chihiro pulled Hikari's hair into a high ponytail and tied it with the band.
"Kari, I want you to have this. It'll protect you when I am not around. You want to hear the story?" Chihiro said kindly. Hikari nodded apprehensively, "When we were moving to this town. Back when mom was just pregnant with you, we went into a deep, red tunnel. There were meadows and fields, and butterflies everywhere. It was gorgeous. I still dream about it sometimes. Anyway, when we came out and moved into our new house, mom and dad were fighting, so I went upstairs alone. That's when they met the Yatsuda's. The next day I met Mika," Chihiro's voice cracked a bit, "We were best friends from that day forward. She told me that we had been gone a whole month. Something happened, Kari. When I went into that tunnel I didn't have that hair tie. I must have found it in there. I don't want to lose you; you're all I've got left. I know, somehow, that this will protect you. Please, wear it. For me."
Hikari nodded solemnly. Chihiro stood up and grabbed a jacket. It was raining again, and she had to make a trip to Rei's house.
She drove as fast as she could to the Momomoya residence, knowing that she'd be too late. In front of the house was a moving truck. Chihiro's heart sank. Where was Rei? She had to tell him to stop. She ran through the giant house and finally found his father.
"Mr. Momomoya, where is Rei? I have to talk to him." Chihiro said. The man's face dropped.
"I'm sorry, Miss Ogino. Rei was found dead outside the tunnel in the forest two days ago. They said it was suicide. He and Mika were dating, do you know anything that might have happened to make him do it?" Chihiro's hands clenched against the small velvety box.
"No sir. Rei would not have done it. He valued his family, his friends, too much."
"His wrists were slit, Chihiro. He left you something up in his room. You can go up there and check it out. I made sure that nobody was to touch it until you came to see it." His father said. His face was sunken in. He, one of the richest men in all of Japan, was looking so fragile and weak, that a gentle breeze could have destroyed him.
Chihiro climbed the dark cherry wood steps to the second floor of the house and walked into Rei's immaculate room. She stared at it for a moment and crossed her arms over her stomach. This was all happening too fast. Rei couldn't just do this to her. He wasn't the type. She fell to the floor, her body racked with sobs. She crawled to the bed and rested her face on his comforter. She touched something crisp. It was an envelope. She was almost afraid of what it said.
Dearest Chi,
By the time you get this I will already be gone. Don't worry, I haven't hurt myself, but I can't live without her. You know that I can't. I have gone into the tunnel to try and meet her. She was a good person. Surely she became a guardian spirit. If she did not, then there is not much hope for the rest of us, is there?
I want you to promise me something, Chihiro. Promise that you will get that contract signed and that you'll sing for us. We'll be able to hear you, wherever we are. Secondly, take my stone necklace. Don't get rid of it like you did the others. Treasure this one. It is a gift from me to you. My parting gift.
I know that you will find your place among the spirits. They'll love you.
I miss you already. Please stay safe.
Give Hikari my best regards, and tell her to keep on top of her studies. She's quite the little genius. We might have a little me running around someday.
Goodbye, Chihiro.
Rei.
Chihiro smiled in spite of herself. He didn't kill himself. She knew it. He went into that tunnel. Maybe he was cursed, just like they said he would be in all of the stories. Chihiro grasped the stone pendant in her hand, and silently agreed to promise Rei that she'd use it. She herself had just made a deal with Hikari.
She climbed down the stairs and gave Mr. Momomoya a brief hug. She looked at him and said quietly, "Please, bury him next to Mika. They belonged together. They loved each other so much, at least let them be together in death." The man smiled and agreed. Chihiro turned to leave, but not before handing him the letter that Rei had written her.
His father had a right to know that his son hadn't killed himself. After all, Mika didn't die of hypothermia, did she? Chihiro knew that. Nobody knew what had happened, so they made an excuse. It was normal everyday human behavior. Chihiro didn't want to understand that, but she knew that there was more involved. There was some kind of involvement that was stronger than even she could imagine.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Chihiro drove from the Momomoya Manor in an overly depressed state of mind. She had Hikari now, and nobody else. The sky was reddening and the sun was sinking behind the mountains. Chihiro held back a sob.
She couldn't go to high school now. Not without either Rei or Mika there. It would feel too lonely, too empty. She would stay at home, and rot away, wallowing in her own depression, until death took her as well. Maybe that was the answer. Maybe she should just follow Mika and Rei into the tunnel. Maybe she could find them in the meadow and they could lounge in the sun and remember the good times.
She pulled into her driveway, and her house was dark, excepting the dim glow that came from the kitchen area. Chihiro figured that it was just her parents, leaving a light on after they had gone to bed. She was surprised to find them sitting at the table, waiting for her to walk through the door.
"Chihiro, honey, we need to talk to you." Her father said. His face was solemn, and Chihiro quickly dried her tears so they could not see evidence of her turmoil. She walked meekly to the table and sat across her mother, who was next to her father.
"Darling, your father and I have discussed it, and we believe that your behavior within the last few days has been more than a little abnormal." Yuuko, her mother, started, "Now, we know you've been a little upset, but the new term starts soon, and you have to be thinking about your grades. You have to be thinking about your future."
"Of course my behavior's been a little more than abnormal! I've buried my two best friends in a matter of a week! I loved them, they were my family, and now you're telling me just to get over it? Just to move on and forget that it ever happened? I'm sorry I can't do that." Chihiro got up, "and I am not going to that damned high school either. I'll stay home. I can't face that place." She turned to climb up the staircase.
"Chihiro, you can't just quit. Now, your mother and I have asked Dr. Johnson, the woman doctor at your mom's practice to take a few sessions with you. She'll see you every Tuesday and Thursday after school." Akio said sternly daring his daughter to cross him. She was more than happy to oblige him.
"No. I can quit. And I am going to. And as soon as I have enough money I am moving out of this godforsaken heap of garbage." She said and climbed halfway up the stairs. She was about to add in a burst of extra speed when she came up with a brilliant plan. She stopped and walked backward to the ground floor. She walked across the living room to where her parents were sitting, looking at her with their mouths wide open, "You want me to see that doctor of yours? I will go and be psychoanalyzed, probed, or filled with any kind of your mental health babble if you do one thing for me."
"What's that?" They asked in unison.
"Sign my contract, and let me sing. I want to sing for Mika and Rei. If I can become a great artist, maybe they'll hear my voice. They're not too far from here after all."
Her parents reluctantly agreed, and Chihiro was on cloud nine.
She was going to fulfill her dream, and she didn't have to go to school to do it.
A/N: Ahh! Another chapter done. I didn't know when to stop it, so I kinda just did it there. I don't think I stole any names this time. It was tempting, though. Really tempting. I almost took the name for the agent last time. but I stopped myself!
I'm sorry it took so long. In Arizona right now (for that is where I live) there are a lot of storms. Our electricity keeps going out. I haven't been able to get on the computer for about a week. This has actually been done, but I couldn't get online. I'm working on the next chapter now, so I hope it will be out soon! Sorry for the inconvenience. Also, I apologize if some of you don't like all of the death. But, I beg you, just keep reading. It won't be so bad for long. I love y'all for reading! Please Review and tell me what you think and if you have any suggestions, I would be glad to take them into consideration.
Lyrics for the song Maria (written and performed, of course, by the lovely Gackt-san) are not mine, and I promise I'm not stealing them.
I would read the lyrics so you can get an insight. They mostly apply to Rei this time. The words of the song really convey what he would be feeling at a time like this. Of course, I look at them from a completely dismal point of view. When I think "There now, close your eyes," I think 'Oh goodness! They've just killed him!" But, yeah, that's just the way it works I guess! ^-^ Next chapter coming soon! I'd like to thank all of those who review! I love you all! Keep it up! I love to hear from each and every one of you!
Maria
At a church's rusted Maria, offer up a prayer
The trembling that even seals away the light will not be forgiven
Even if you close your eyes, the completely forgotten boy
Will continue concealing traces of his sin on his wrists
Keep whispering to your mother's rotting corpse
And lose the bouquet that you're holding and your past form
That gentle look is like that of an innocent girl
Only looking at the unchanging time
"There is no pain.. Don't cry anymore.."
"If you want peace.. I'll grant it as you wished.."
"There is no fear.. Come close.."
"So that you can be untainted.. I'll take it all away from you.."
Now there is no one else that can save you
There now, close your eyes
"There is no pain.. Don't cry anymore.."
"If you want peace.. I'll grant it as you wished.."
"There is no fear.. Come close.."
"So that you can be untainted.. Gently go to sleep here.."
"There is no anguish.. Don't cry anymore.."
"Don't run away.. I'll forgive you for everything.."
"So that you can be untainted.. I'll take it all away from you.."
I'll never forget about you
There now, close your eyes
Hikari mo ubawarete furueru koto mo yurusarenai mama
Hitomi o tojiro koto sae wasureteshimatta shounen wa
Tekubi no tsumi no ato o kakushitsuketeiru
Kuchiteyuku hahaoya no nakigara ni tsubuyakitsuzuke
Te ni shita hanataba mo kako no sugata o nakushiteshimatte
Tanashii sono menazashi wa kegare no nai shoujo no mama
Kawaranai jikan dake o mitsumeteiru
"Itami nado nai kara. mou nakanaide."
"Yasuragi ga hoshii nara. nozomi toori ni kanaeteageru kara."
"Kowaku wa nai kara. soba ni oide"
"Kegare nado nai mama. kimi no subete o ubatteageru kara."
Ima wa dare ni no kimi dake wa sukuenai kara
Saa me o tojite
"Itami nada nai kara. mou nakanaide."
"Yasuragi ga hoshii nara. nozomi toori ni kanaeteageru kara."
"Kowaku wa nai kara. soba ni oide."
"Kegare nado nai mama. yasashiku nemuri ni tsukeba ii"
"Yarushiku wa nai kara. mou nakanaide."
"Nigerare wa shinai kara. kimi no subete o yurushiteageru kara."
"Owari nai kara. soba ni oide."
"Kegare nado nai mama. kimi no subete o ubatteageru kara."
Boku ga itsumademo kimi no koto wasurenai kara
Saa me o tojite
The Looking-Glass
Chapter Two
Maria
They said it was hypothermia. She had gotten too cold, was without a jacket, and froze to death. It was April, and the sun was particularly bright on that day. Somehow Chihiro didn't think the story fit together quite right.
Chihiro stared at the grave in front of her with eyes full of tears. She had her arm linked through Rei's and he was openly sobbing. She didn't know what to do. How could she help Rei when she couldn't help herself?
She had driven to the small cemetery herself, in her brand new Toyota Echo, a birthday present from her parents. When she got out of the car she saw Rei kneeling at the top of the hill, crying. Slowly she climbed through the wrought-iron gates and walked up the steep incline. A small shelf was carved into the hill, and that was where the grave was.
Chihiro looked at Rei. His tears were beginning to dry, and he smiled weakly at Chihiro. She grabbed him into a hug. He nodded his head, as if he had come to a decision. He gathered himself, gave the gravestone one last look, and left. Chihiro was alone now, and she felt that way. It was a horrible feeling to lose someone, especially when that person was your very best friend.
"Hey, Mika. How're you doing?" Chihiro started, knowing full well that her friend couldn't answer, "Rei's been really torn up about this. But, I guess you already knew that, didn't you? If only you could see him, now Mika. He's a wreck. But don't worry; I'll keep him on track with him studies. He's going to high school next year. He's in class A, at the top of his year. His parents are really proud of him. They miss you too, you know." Chihiro closed her eyes and blinked some of the tears away. She remembered how happy Mika had been when Rei finally asked her out.
* * * * * * * *
"Chi! Guess what! Rei asked me to the school dance next Saturday! Can you believe it? I'm so excited!" Mika exclaimed happily. Chihiro smiled at her friend. It was good to see Mika and Rei together. They had known one another since childhood and they had always been friends. Mika was so happy that Chihiro couldn't help but be happy too.
But she had this nagging feeling in her heart. Her best friend, her very best friend was in love. Chihiro tried not to feel too upset. She herself had never felt what love was. Whenever someone asked her to a dance, or out on a date, Chihiro always declined. It just didn't seem right for her to be dating right now. She was waiting for the right man to come along. That, however, could take a really long time for all she knew.
* * * * * * *
"I had never seen you so happy. I had to admit, Mika, that I was jealous. I knew that Rei loved you with all of his heart. I wanted that so much. I should have been happier for you. I'm so sorry." Chihiro dropped to her knees and clutched her face in her hands, "I know I was only fourteen, but I could see it, Mika. I knew it was going to last." Chihiro looked near Mika's headstone. The earth was still brown and loose from the burial service that had taken place only days before. A small velvety box was there, sitting placidly atop the mounds of dirt, "He really did want to marry you." She said. She gathered up the box and placed it in her pocket. Nobody could steal this from them. She would have to take it to Rei later and talk some sense into him.
"You know, Hikari misses you. She thought of you as a third mother. I always wondered why. She's already got two, what did she need you for? I guess I was jealous, that's all. Now that you're gone, I've got nobody left save Hikari and Rei. But I guess that's the way it is then." Chihiro looked from side to side. Then she looked slowly to the ground and hung her head.
"Look, Mika. I guess you know what I'm really here for. I miss you. I miss you so much that it hurts to look out the window toward your house. I miss you so much that I can't look 'Kari or Rei in the face anymore. I can't feel anything. Right now there's rain everywhere, and I can't feel it. I'm so sorry that we fought before it happened. I can't help but take fault in it. Why did you have to go? You taught me so much. You taught me that it was okay to not like my parents. You taught me that it was okay to not always be protective of Hikari. I love you Mika. I don't want to lose you."
Chihiro looked up to the sky and cried. Tears fell down her face, and mingled with the rain. Even the heavens were crying for Mika, and that in itself satisfied her. She couldn't help but be comforted by the rain.
She stood there a while, taking in the pain, the sadness and trying to replace it with good feelings. But nothing could help her. The spirits had taken Mika away, and she found no solace in happiness.
The wind whipped about her face. The rain clashed onto her hair. Suddenly the storm wasn't as comforting as before. She pulled something out of her pocket and clenched it in her fist.
She had one more stop to make. She trudged down the hill, entered her car, and drove to the entrance to the Mahou no Sekai. She stopped right in front of the frog statue. She got out of her car and took a deep breath.
"What did you do to her? I know you did it, Nigihayami! You took her away from me! Are you happy now? You've got her! But you're not getting Rei, and me too. I won't let you." She screamed at the top of her lungs. She dropped to her knees and braced herself on her arms. She panted and panted, willing the tears not to come.
Someone touched her slightly on the shoulder. She looked behind her. Mika was smiling slightly. She winked before disappearing. Chihiro couldn't hold the tears back any longer. She ran to the entrance of the tunnel and threw two of the three dragon scales into it. She cried openly, crouching on the rain-soaked ground. She looked up slightly and whispered, "Mika was a good person. You took her from this world. I can never forgive that. She was a good person. She was a good person. She should be living in the meadow through that tunnel now. At least give her that, please god." Chihiro clasped her hands together and faced her head skyward. She prayed for peace. She prayed that Mika's soul was safe, and that she was happy.
She slowly got up and stepped back into her car.
This would be the last time that she would come into this forest.
* * * * * * * * *
Hikari sat with her arms folded across her stomach. She felt sick. Chihiro had come home and locked herself in her room. It had been two full days, and Chihiro hadn't made a sound. Hikari walked down the steps to the ground level floor of the house and leaned her face on the wooden railing. Her parents were deep in conversation.
"I can get Dr. Johnson, that American woman to see her. I could talk to her about the circumstances when I go into the office today." Yuuko Ogino said to her husband in a concerned voice.
"She'll never agree to it. Chihiro's too strong-minded. And when she hears about the Momomoya boy. I can only imagine how she'll take it."
Hikari strained to hear what her parents had said. They were talking about Rei. What had happened to him? She dashed up the stairs and began pounding on Chihiro's door. She kept at it, mercilessly hammering until it was answered. Chihiro cracked the door, one bloodshot brown eye glistening with tears. Hikari slowly stepped in.
"Chi, something's happened to Rei." Hikari said, getting straight to the point. Chihiro ignored her. She pulled an elastic band out of her hair and grabbed Hikari's hand. She pulled her younger sister to the bed and began to brush her hair. Hikari shifted uneasily. Chihiro pulled Hikari's hair into a high ponytail and tied it with the band.
"Kari, I want you to have this. It'll protect you when I am not around. You want to hear the story?" Chihiro said kindly. Hikari nodded apprehensively, "When we were moving to this town. Back when mom was just pregnant with you, we went into a deep, red tunnel. There were meadows and fields, and butterflies everywhere. It was gorgeous. I still dream about it sometimes. Anyway, when we came out and moved into our new house, mom and dad were fighting, so I went upstairs alone. That's when they met the Yatsuda's. The next day I met Mika," Chihiro's voice cracked a bit, "We were best friends from that day forward. She told me that we had been gone a whole month. Something happened, Kari. When I went into that tunnel I didn't have that hair tie. I must have found it in there. I don't want to lose you; you're all I've got left. I know, somehow, that this will protect you. Please, wear it. For me."
Hikari nodded solemnly. Chihiro stood up and grabbed a jacket. It was raining again, and she had to make a trip to Rei's house.
She drove as fast as she could to the Momomoya residence, knowing that she'd be too late. In front of the house was a moving truck. Chihiro's heart sank. Where was Rei? She had to tell him to stop. She ran through the giant house and finally found his father.
"Mr. Momomoya, where is Rei? I have to talk to him." Chihiro said. The man's face dropped.
"I'm sorry, Miss Ogino. Rei was found dead outside the tunnel in the forest two days ago. They said it was suicide. He and Mika were dating, do you know anything that might have happened to make him do it?" Chihiro's hands clenched against the small velvety box.
"No sir. Rei would not have done it. He valued his family, his friends, too much."
"His wrists were slit, Chihiro. He left you something up in his room. You can go up there and check it out. I made sure that nobody was to touch it until you came to see it." His father said. His face was sunken in. He, one of the richest men in all of Japan, was looking so fragile and weak, that a gentle breeze could have destroyed him.
Chihiro climbed the dark cherry wood steps to the second floor of the house and walked into Rei's immaculate room. She stared at it for a moment and crossed her arms over her stomach. This was all happening too fast. Rei couldn't just do this to her. He wasn't the type. She fell to the floor, her body racked with sobs. She crawled to the bed and rested her face on his comforter. She touched something crisp. It was an envelope. She was almost afraid of what it said.
Dearest Chi,
By the time you get this I will already be gone. Don't worry, I haven't hurt myself, but I can't live without her. You know that I can't. I have gone into the tunnel to try and meet her. She was a good person. Surely she became a guardian spirit. If she did not, then there is not much hope for the rest of us, is there?
I want you to promise me something, Chihiro. Promise that you will get that contract signed and that you'll sing for us. We'll be able to hear you, wherever we are. Secondly, take my stone necklace. Don't get rid of it like you did the others. Treasure this one. It is a gift from me to you. My parting gift.
I know that you will find your place among the spirits. They'll love you.
I miss you already. Please stay safe.
Give Hikari my best regards, and tell her to keep on top of her studies. She's quite the little genius. We might have a little me running around someday.
Goodbye, Chihiro.
Rei.
Chihiro smiled in spite of herself. He didn't kill himself. She knew it. He went into that tunnel. Maybe he was cursed, just like they said he would be in all of the stories. Chihiro grasped the stone pendant in her hand, and silently agreed to promise Rei that she'd use it. She herself had just made a deal with Hikari.
She climbed down the stairs and gave Mr. Momomoya a brief hug. She looked at him and said quietly, "Please, bury him next to Mika. They belonged together. They loved each other so much, at least let them be together in death." The man smiled and agreed. Chihiro turned to leave, but not before handing him the letter that Rei had written her.
His father had a right to know that his son hadn't killed himself. After all, Mika didn't die of hypothermia, did she? Chihiro knew that. Nobody knew what had happened, so they made an excuse. It was normal everyday human behavior. Chihiro didn't want to understand that, but she knew that there was more involved. There was some kind of involvement that was stronger than even she could imagine.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Chihiro drove from the Momomoya Manor in an overly depressed state of mind. She had Hikari now, and nobody else. The sky was reddening and the sun was sinking behind the mountains. Chihiro held back a sob.
She couldn't go to high school now. Not without either Rei or Mika there. It would feel too lonely, too empty. She would stay at home, and rot away, wallowing in her own depression, until death took her as well. Maybe that was the answer. Maybe she should just follow Mika and Rei into the tunnel. Maybe she could find them in the meadow and they could lounge in the sun and remember the good times.
She pulled into her driveway, and her house was dark, excepting the dim glow that came from the kitchen area. Chihiro figured that it was just her parents, leaving a light on after they had gone to bed. She was surprised to find them sitting at the table, waiting for her to walk through the door.
"Chihiro, honey, we need to talk to you." Her father said. His face was solemn, and Chihiro quickly dried her tears so they could not see evidence of her turmoil. She walked meekly to the table and sat across her mother, who was next to her father.
"Darling, your father and I have discussed it, and we believe that your behavior within the last few days has been more than a little abnormal." Yuuko, her mother, started, "Now, we know you've been a little upset, but the new term starts soon, and you have to be thinking about your grades. You have to be thinking about your future."
"Of course my behavior's been a little more than abnormal! I've buried my two best friends in a matter of a week! I loved them, they were my family, and now you're telling me just to get over it? Just to move on and forget that it ever happened? I'm sorry I can't do that." Chihiro got up, "and I am not going to that damned high school either. I'll stay home. I can't face that place." She turned to climb up the staircase.
"Chihiro, you can't just quit. Now, your mother and I have asked Dr. Johnson, the woman doctor at your mom's practice to take a few sessions with you. She'll see you every Tuesday and Thursday after school." Akio said sternly daring his daughter to cross him. She was more than happy to oblige him.
"No. I can quit. And I am going to. And as soon as I have enough money I am moving out of this godforsaken heap of garbage." She said and climbed halfway up the stairs. She was about to add in a burst of extra speed when she came up with a brilliant plan. She stopped and walked backward to the ground floor. She walked across the living room to where her parents were sitting, looking at her with their mouths wide open, "You want me to see that doctor of yours? I will go and be psychoanalyzed, probed, or filled with any kind of your mental health babble if you do one thing for me."
"What's that?" They asked in unison.
"Sign my contract, and let me sing. I want to sing for Mika and Rei. If I can become a great artist, maybe they'll hear my voice. They're not too far from here after all."
Her parents reluctantly agreed, and Chihiro was on cloud nine.
She was going to fulfill her dream, and she didn't have to go to school to do it.
A/N: Ahh! Another chapter done. I didn't know when to stop it, so I kinda just did it there. I don't think I stole any names this time. It was tempting, though. Really tempting. I almost took the name for the agent last time. but I stopped myself!
I'm sorry it took so long. In Arizona right now (for that is where I live) there are a lot of storms. Our electricity keeps going out. I haven't been able to get on the computer for about a week. This has actually been done, but I couldn't get online. I'm working on the next chapter now, so I hope it will be out soon! Sorry for the inconvenience. Also, I apologize if some of you don't like all of the death. But, I beg you, just keep reading. It won't be so bad for long. I love y'all for reading! Please Review and tell me what you think and if you have any suggestions, I would be glad to take them into consideration.
Lyrics for the song Maria (written and performed, of course, by the lovely Gackt-san) are not mine, and I promise I'm not stealing them.
I would read the lyrics so you can get an insight. They mostly apply to Rei this time. The words of the song really convey what he would be feeling at a time like this. Of course, I look at them from a completely dismal point of view. When I think "There now, close your eyes," I think 'Oh goodness! They've just killed him!" But, yeah, that's just the way it works I guess! ^-^ Next chapter coming soon! I'd like to thank all of those who review! I love you all! Keep it up! I love to hear from each and every one of you!
Maria
At a church's rusted Maria, offer up a prayer
The trembling that even seals away the light will not be forgiven
Even if you close your eyes, the completely forgotten boy
Will continue concealing traces of his sin on his wrists
Keep whispering to your mother's rotting corpse
And lose the bouquet that you're holding and your past form
That gentle look is like that of an innocent girl
Only looking at the unchanging time
"There is no pain.. Don't cry anymore.."
"If you want peace.. I'll grant it as you wished.."
"There is no fear.. Come close.."
"So that you can be untainted.. I'll take it all away from you.."
Now there is no one else that can save you
There now, close your eyes
"There is no pain.. Don't cry anymore.."
"If you want peace.. I'll grant it as you wished.."
"There is no fear.. Come close.."
"So that you can be untainted.. Gently go to sleep here.."
"There is no anguish.. Don't cry anymore.."
"Don't run away.. I'll forgive you for everything.."
"So that you can be untainted.. I'll take it all away from you.."
I'll never forget about you
There now, close your eyes