Chapter 42: Mary

I found myself outside my Master's house. It was early in the evening. The forest was dark, but the sun hadn't set yet. I noticed a light on in the kitchen. I walked over to the window, and peered inside.

I found myself staring at my past self. Since I was still living in my Master's house, I assumed that I hadn't turned eighteen and inherited my father's house just yet. That's when I glanced over to my left, and noticed the calendar on the wall. I strained my eyes to see the date. Judging by the last day that was crossed off, it was March 24th, 2004, one day before my birthday.

Something didn't feel right. 'March 24th…why does that date stand out in my mind?' I thought. I shook my head, and turned my gaze back to my past self. He was just sitting there. From the look on his face, I could tell he was thinking about something. I often did that when I was alone.

Suddenly, the phone rang. I turned my gaze towards the phone that hung on the wall to my right. My past self stood up, walked to the phone, and picked it up. "Hello" I could barely hear him through the glass. "This is he…" That was when I saw a look of concern cross his face. "What? Well what-WHAT?" His eyes flew open. He seemed panicked. "I'll be right there!" I saw him slam the phone on the receiver.

"Michael, what is it!" I turned, and saw my Master enter the room.

I turned my gaze towards my past self. "Master, give me the keys to your car."

My Master seemed confused. "Michael, what's goin-" my past self interrupted him.

"Now, Master, please!"

My Master narrowed his gaze, reached into his pocket, and pulled out his keys. "Fine, here." He threw my past self the keys. He caught them, nodded his thanks, and ran out of the kitchen.

I ran from the window, and approached the front of the house. I saw the garage door open, and I saw my Master's car come blazing out of the garage. It tore down the driveway and disappeared into the forest.

Suddenly, I remembered why this day stood out for me. I shook my head "no…not this again." I felt tendrils of pain wrap around me. I started to feel a tear run down my face. "You'll never make it…you couldn't…I couldn't…"

Suddenly, I was warped to a town. I looked around, and saw a car speed towards the intersection I was standing near. I realized that it was my Master's car, and I knew who was driving. I shook my head. "No…don't be foolish." It was useless to think like that. This event was already set and done. I saw the car turn sharply, too sharply.

In that instant, I saw the car go up the curb, and crashed into a lamp post. Glass and debris went everywhere. I collapsed to my knees "NOOOOOOO!" Suddenly all went black.

I woke up with a start, and sat up in my bed immediately. I was breathing hard, I was sweating, and my heart was racing. I rested my head in my hand. It was a dream…it was all a dream, but I knew the events were real.

"Michael, are you okay?" I looked up, and saw Vivi at the door.

I nodded my head. "Yeah, I'm alright. How's my Master?"

Vivi spoke. "He's fine. He should be waking up soon, its morning."

I nodded. "Good…that's good to hear."

Vivi walked into the room. "Michael, are you sure you're okay? You're sweating, and you seem to be out of breath." Vivi walked over to me, and looked at my face. He seemed surprised. "Have you been crying?"

I looked down at him. "What?"

He motioned to my face. "Your face."

I brought a hand up and felt my face. That's when I felt something wet on the right side of my face. I pulled my hand away, and saw that it was a single tear.

I wiped it away, and looked at Vivi. "I'm alright, Vivi. I just had a nightmare, that's all."

He looked worried and curious. "About what?"

I looked at him. "It's nothing…just something I didn't want to remember."

Vivi grabbed my hand. He looked up at me. "Michael, it's alright. It was only a dream. You're safe."

I nodded. "I know, Vivi, thanks."

I could see the smile in his eyes. "You're welcome."

"Guys, breakfast!" It was Eiko.

I smiled at the prospect of breakfast, and tried to forget my dream. Vivi and I left the room and went down to the kitchen.

When we arrived, I saw that Eiko already had breakfast laid out for everyone. I also saw that Dagger and Zidane were up. Zidane turned to us. "Morning, guys."

I smiled. "Good morning." I sat down at the table, and Vivi sat next to me. Eiko emerged from the pantry, and sat down next to Vivi. All of us ate our breakfast in silence.

When we were half way through breakfast, my Master walked into the room. I looked at him. "Master, are you alright?"

He nodded. "Yes, I'm feeling better…though, I am surprised that I don't have any markings from your sword."

I pointed to Eiko. "You can thank Eiko for that. She's the one who healed you."

He nodded towards her. "Thanks."

She smiled. "You're welcome." My Master sat down next to Dagger, and began eating.

My Master looked at us all. "So…are you guys leaving today?"

Zidane looked at him. "I don't see why not." He turned to me. "Unless, you have anything you have to do while you're here?"

I thought about this for a moment. Then, I thought about my dream. I nodded. "Yes, there are a few things I have to do."

My Master looked surprised. "So, what things do you need to do?"

I turned to him. "I need you to drive me to the game store and the florist."

My Master looked confused. "Why do I need to do this?"

I smiled. "I need you to drive me, because I no longer have a license, and I don't want to try my luck twice."

He nodded. "Very well, is there anything else you need to do?"

I nodded. "Yes…I need you to take me to see…her."

My Master looked surprised. "Are you sure?"

I nodded. "I think I'm ready, now."

Zidane looked confused. "Who's 'she'? Who are you talking about?"

I shook my head. "I don't wanna talk about it. Let's just say I'll be happy to put this to rest."

Zidane spoke. "We're going, too."

I looked at him, surprised. "No, I me-" he cut me off.

"I want to see more of your world, Michael. We all do." Everyone else nodded in agreement.

I sighed in defeat. "Very well." They all cheered and continued to eat their breakfast. When we were through, we boarded the car, a blue Durango, and left for town.

Once we got to the town, we stopped by a game shop. Everyone, but my Master, wanted to go in. They all knew the drill, and this time, we had a hat for Eiko. Once inside, everyone went off to different areas. I walked over to the board game area, and found what I wanted. I took the object over to the counter, and paid for it. After that, I gathered everyone together, and we left the store. Once we got in the car, my Master drove us to the florist.

When we got to the florist's, we all decided to go in. again, everyone went everywhere. While they did that, I bought a lavender colored corsage. After I paid for the corsage, we left the store. We entered the car, and my Master drove us to the next destination.

He drove up the drive way, and stopped the car. He turned to me. "Are you sure about this?"

I nodded. "Yes. I feel as though I have to."

He nodded and I got out of the car. The others decided to follow as well. I walked along the grass, my head down, and stopped when I reached my objective. I looked up at the object. It was a white tombstone. I read the words

Mary

February 28th, 1987-March 24th, 2004

Beloved Daughter

I knelt down near the grave, and traced her name with my finger. "Hey Mary…I'm here." I could feel that the others were behind me.

Vivi spoke. "Michael…what is this?"

I didn't turn to him, but spoke anyway. "It's a tombstone, Vivi. Someone I cared about is buried here."

Zidane spoke. "Who's Mary?"

I just stared at the tombstone. "She…she was my…first student."

Vivi looked at me. "You trained her?"

I nodded. "Yes I did, but I didn't train her in combat. I helped her in school. I taught her, and helped her; mostly with her math. She was a talented artist. I knew that she would be famous some day, but now…" I could feel the tears in my eyes, but I held them back. I had to maintain my composure.

I turned to look at Vivi. "You know, Vivi. You remind me of her."

He looked up at me. "I-I do?"

I nodded. "Yes, when you wanted me to train you; I could see your willingness to learn. It was so much like hers. You are kind, pure, willing to learn…yes, you are like her."

Vivi looked surprised. "Wow, I never…why didn't you tell me this?"

I looked back at her grave. "There was no reason, and besides, mentioning her was always painful for me."

Zidane spoke. "How did she die?" This was the question I hated the most.

"It was her heart. Her…her family…has a history of heart irregularities."

The tears were welling up now, and it was becoming harder to breath, but I continued. "She never…she never…knew. She had…she had so much talent. She was…going to be…an artist…and now…"

Vivi grabbed my hand. "Michael, its okay. You don't have to say anymore."

I spoke anyway. "Her…her mother called me. When she told me…I…I rushed out to see her. I drove too fast…and took a turn to sharply…I crashed into a lamppost and fell unconscious. Some time later, I…woke up in a hospital bed. I…I had no idea how long I was out for. I turned my head…and saw my Master sitting by the bed…looking at me. He…told me what happened. I asked him what day it was…it was March 25th, my birthday." My voice started to waver, but I pressed on.

"My Master…told me that…he received a call from…Mary's mother before he received the call from the police…about my accident. He told me…he told me Mary was…dead. She died twenty minutes before my birthday. Some birthday, huh?" Tears started to stream down my face.

"When my Master told me…I didn't want to believe it. I refused to believe it. Because of my injuries, I couldn't go to her funeral. I never even wanted…to go. I didn't…I didn't want to let her go. She…she understood me…few people ever truly…understood me, and now she's…" I paused.

My Master approached me. "Michael…this is from her. She wrote it before she died. Her mother gave it to me hoping that I'd give it to you." I turned my head, and he handed me a letter. I looked at the cover. The front of it read 'Thank You!' I opened it and began to read the letter.

Mike,

I want to thank you for all the help you have given me. I really needed it. You're a great friend, and very smart. I don't know how you do it, but you know how to teach. You have lots of talent. Take advantage of it. You deserve the world.

I thank ya, and don't know how I'll ever repay ya. Your kindness has inspired me not to give up on life. I feel like someone, and not invisible. Keep on smiling, and don't forget that everyone needs a friend like ya. You're very fun to be with, and a very sophisticated guy. With all my heart I want to thank you.

Thank you,

Mary

P.S. Don't give up! And thank you a million X's again.

After reading the note, I couldn't hold it anymore. I placed my face in my right hand, and started to cry. I just had to let it out. I felt someone wrap their arms around me, but I couldn't tell who. I was too focused on crying.

I lost track of time after that, but when I stopped crying, it was now Midday. I got up and looked at the others. I wiped my tears away.

I tried to smile. "I'm sorry you guys…I didn't want you to see that. I'm sorry."

Zidane shook his head. "No, its okay, Michael. You cared about her. You can cry as much as you need to." They all nodded.

I smiled. "Thanks you guys. I'm glad you came. I don't know if I could have handled this alone."

Zidane smiled. "Hey, what are friends for?"

I nodded, turned around, and placed the lavender corsage on Mary's grave. 'It's the same corsage I gave you that night, Mary. It was the happiest night of my life…Goodbye, Mary' I thought. Before I left, I began to sing.

"When it aaaaaaall begaaaaaaaaan, we knew there'd beeeeeeeee a priiiiiiiiice… Once upooooooooooon a dreeeeeeeeam, we were loooost in looove's embraaaaaaaace. There we fooooound a perfect plaaaaaace. Once upoooooooon a dreeeeeeeeeam."

"Once there waaaaaaaas a tiiiiiiiiiiiiime. Like no other tiiiiiime befooooooooore. Hope was stiiiiiiiill an open doooor. Once upooooooooon a dreeeeeeeeeam."

"And I was unafraaaaaid. The dream was so excitiiiiing. But now I see it faaade. And, I am here alooooooooooooooone."

"Once upoooooooooooon a dreeeeeeeeeeeeeam, you were heeeeaven sent tooooo meeeeeeeeeee. Was it neeeeeeeeever meeeant to beeeee. Was it juuuuuuuust a dreeeeeeeeeeam? Could weeee begiiiiiiiiiiin agaaaaaaaaaaaaaaain? Once upooooooooon aaaaaaaa dreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeam."

I stopped singing, sighed, and turned to the others. "Let's get out of here." They all nodded, and we all got into the car.

While in the car, my Master turned to me. "Michael, wasn't there something else you need to do?"

I turned to him. "What do you mean?"

He looked surprised. "You know what I-" I suddenly realized what he meant, and I stopped him.

"No, I think this will be enough for today. Don't you?"

My Master looked disappointed, but nodded. "Alright, but you're gonna have to do it some time."

I nodded. "I know." We drove out of the graveyard.

When we got back to the house, I took out the board game I bought, and set it up. Vivi came up behind me, and watched what I was doing. I spoke before he could. "Curious, Vivi?" Vivi didn't seem too surprised that I knew he was there. He was getting used to it.

He turned to me, and nodded. "Yeah, what is this?"

I smiled. "This, Vivi, is part of your training."

He looked surprised. "It is?"

I nodded. "Yes, I've tested your body. Now it's time to test your mind."

Vivi pointed at the board. "With this?"

I nodded. "Yep, this, Vivi, is an old strategy game called chess."

I took the time to explain the rules to Vivi. After that, we decided to try a game. It took about fifteen minutes before I checkmated him. We decided to play again, and this time, Zidane, Dagger, and Eiko decided to watch. I explained the rules to them, and decided to play each one of them. I won each time, and I decided to have them play each other.

My Master walked in, and saw what we were doing. He smirked. "Chess, how weak. Why don't you teach them how to play 'go'?"

Vivi looked at him. "What's 'go'?"

I told him. "It's an ancient Chinese game. It's similar to chess, but it's much more complicated. You could play the game thousands of times, and each time you would use a new strategy."

Vivi nodded. "Oh, so it's harder than this?" he said, pointing to the chess set.

I nodded. "Yeah, my Master likes playing it; probably because he beats me most of the time, but I prefer chess. It's much less complicated, and it still teaches you how you should plan your moves." My Master smirked again, and left the room.

Dagger decided to play Zidane. Zidane won against her, but it was a narrow victory. Eiko decided to play Vivi. Eiko won, but I knew that Vivi let her win. There was quite an opening in her defense that he could have exploited, but he chose not to. I think he just wanted her to feel good. Vivi played Zidane next, and this time, Vivi won. The next match was Eiko and Dagger. Dagger beat Eiko, but, again, it was a narrow victory.

We were having so much fun, we lost track of time. It was dinner time before I even knew it. We sat down at the table, and ate. The others were talking about the game, and I decided to talk with them. My Master decided to stay out of the conversation. During the conversation, Zidane decided that we would leave first thing tomorrow. We all agreed. After we were finished eating, I decided to go to bed.

It was 10:03 P.M. and I couldn't sleep. I couldn't stop thinking about Mary. The chess games had distracted my thoughts, but now, there was nothing to occupy my thoughts besides Mary. That's when I heard my door open.

I looked up, and barely made out the figure who was in the doorframe; it was Vivi. "Vivi, what is it? Can't sleep?"

He nodded. "Yeah, can I stay with you?"

I nodded. "Sure, climb on up." He walked over to my bed, and got up onto the bed. I moved over to give him more room.

He got under the covers and looked at me. "Thanks, Michael."

I smiled. "No problem."

I turned my head from him, and looked up at the ceiling. I could sense that he was still looking at me. I turned to him. "What is it, Vivi?"

He looked worried. "Well, I was wondering…about that girl…Mary?"

I let out a sigh. He stopped talking. I shook my head, and looked at him. "Don't mind me. What about Mary?"

He looked uneasy, but spoke. "Well…I was wondering…did you…love her?"

My eyes widened at that question. I could feel a pain in my heart. I turned my face from Vivi, and tried to regain my composure. His question had caught me off guard. After a few seconds, I looked back at him. "Yes…yes I loved her…and I never had the chance to tell her." I could feel a tear run down my face.

To my surprise, Vivi embraced me. His embrace was warm and comforting. He pulled his head back to look at me. "Michael, don't worry. You comforted me when I needed it, and now it's my turn to comfort you."

I couldn't help but feel touched. I wonder if this is how he felt when I comforted him. I returned his embrace, and pulled him closer to me. "Thank you, my brother…thank you." It wasn't long before we fell asleep. We were both still in each others arms.