Hello!  I wanted to let the readers know, on the official RahXephon movie website, there's a wallpaper featuring a screenshot of a scene exclusive to the movie. The image is of Haruka and Ayato when they were in junior high school, very cool!  I highly recommend taking a look!

Disclaimer: RahXephon and its characters are the property of their respectful owners, this piece is not for profitable purposes.

Chapter 14: The End of the Spring Semester

I stare out the window at the end of the last day of classes, smiling as I notice the flower garden.  It's been a nice semester, I like junior high better than grammar school.  I've also enjoyed being able to spend time with Mamoru and Asahina.  Even more so, I'm glad that I've gotten to know Mishima better, I really do like her…

"Ayato!  Ayato!  Hello?" 

I suddenly realize that Mamoru is talking to me.

"What were you staring at out there?"  He looks out the window and scans the area.

"There's nothing there, just some flowers."

"Nothing, Mamoru, I wasn't looking at anything."

"Hmm, well, whatever. C'mon, the four of us are going to celebrate the end of classes together."

"Oh, ok."

"Show a little more enthusiasm, Ayato!"

"I get it, I get it.  Mishima, Asahina?"

They turn around from their conversation.

Mishima remains silent, but Asahina says, "Yes, Kamina-kun?"

"Mamoru has suggested that we do something to celebrate, since it's the last day."

I watch as Asahina moves away from Mishima and stands next to Mamoru.

"What are you suggesting, Torigai?"

"I was thinking we could go drinking."

"Torigai, you idiot, we're only 13!" Asahina says as she hits him on the arm.  He grabs her hand in the process and smiles at her.

"Ah, you're too serious, Hiroko, I was just kidding!"

Mishima walks over to the three of us and asks, "What were you really thinking of doing, Torigai-kun?"

Still holding onto Asahina's arm, Mamoru responds, "Video games!"

"Video games?" Mishima, Asahina, and I say in unison.

"Yep, I challenge you, Ayato!"  Mamoru says as he points at me with a smirk.

I sigh and shake my head as I say, "Sure, sure, Mamoru."

"Well then, it's settled, let's go."

"Wait, Torigai, what about Reika and me?"

"You'll be the cheering section of course!" Mamoru responds with a wink to Asahina.

"Why do I even bother," Asahina says with a smile.

With that, Mamoru clutches Asahina's hand and they walk together out of the room after they get their briefcases.  Noticing that we're being left behind, I say to Mishima, "Mishima, I guess we should be going, too."

"Yep, let's go, Kamina-kun," she says with a bright smile.

When we exit the room, we see Mamoru and Asahina waiting there.  The four of us gather together again, but break off with Mamoru and me in the lead and Mishima and Asahina behind us.

Mamoru is surprisingly quiet, and I don't feel like talking, so I listen to Mishima and Asahina's conversation.

"Reika, what are your plans for the summer?"

"Well, I'll be going back to the island to stay with my uncle. They're collecting artifices about an ancient civilization, I think he called them the Mu. I went and visited him before the school year started, and I'm going back to help."

"That sounds interesting, Reika.  Torigai and I are going to go to tennis camp for part of the summer break."

"That sounds nice, Hiroko."

Louder, I hear Mishima say,  "What about you, Kamina-kun?"

I turn around quickly upon hearing the question, and answer, "Oh, I'll actually be staying here for the summer.  The art teacher is offering a special class this summer I'd like to take."

I notice that Mishima looks sad as she answers, "I see."

"Will you be back at all during the summer, Mishima? You know that the Art and Music Club is having a short trip to Kyoto towards the end of break?"

Asahina says, "Too bad, doesn't seem like Reika will be able to go."

"Well, actually, I did know about the trip and I was planning on going."

"Well, Hiroko, seems you were wrong about that." Asahina glares at Mamoru, who smirks at her in response.

"That's great, Mishima!" I am so excited to hear this wonderful news.  I'll be going on a trip with Mishima! We could go to the art museum together, and I'm sure that we'll see some nice gardens, I could do another sketch, and maybe, maybe…

I suddenly feel hand grabbing my arm.

"Ayato?  What are you doing, you're walking right past the place!"

I look behind me and see Mishima and Asahina, both with confused looks, and I see the arcade. How stupid of me, everyone else has stopped, and I'm so lost in my excitement that I missed the building.

I blush and put my hand on my head, "Oh, sorry about that, guess I didn't notice it." 

Mamoru gives me a suspicious look, but then shrugs his shoulder and smiles.

"Well, whatever, now come on, remember I challenged you!"

"Yes, yes, I remember."
Mamoru and Asahina step inside, and I hold the door open for Mishima, who smiles at me as she walks inside.

"Ayato!"

"I'm coming!"

"That was great!"  I frown, I know what Mamoru is going to say next.

"I destroyed you, Ayato!"

"Yeah, Mamoru, we've been over this."

Mishima walks up beside me and asks, "What time is it, Kamina-kun?"

I look at my watch and respond, "About 5, Mishima."

"It's that late already?"

"Do you have to get home soon, Mishima?"

"I put off packing, so I have to do it tonight."

"You're leaving already?"

"Yes, tomorrow was the best day."

"I see."

She shakes her finger at me and says,  "Ah, but Kamina-kun, don't forget we'll be going to Kyoto in August with the club!"

I smile and say, "That's right."

"I think we should all be heading home now," I say.

"Ok," Mamoru and Asahina say.

At Mishima's stop, she says, "See you in August, Kamina-kun, and see you at the start of the new semester, Hiroko and Torigai-kun."

"Good bye, Mishima!"

"Until then, Reika!"

"Bye, Mishima."

As the train leaves her station, I think how I'll be lonely without her, but smile, knowing that being with her during the trip in August will more than make up for it.

Next Chapter

A Trip to Kyoto: Part I