Sorry for the lapse of updates, the holidays have been kinda rough on me.
So, anyway here's the next part, and please review it, I get extraordinary
lonely when no one does.
The Present
The blue man noticed Tsukasa and said, "Oh there you are, took you long enough."
"Bear," said Tsukasa.
"For the last time boy," said the man, "we're ghost not your God damn friends."
"So you must be the Ghost of Christmas Present," said Tsukasa. "You're not nearly as nice as the Past."
"Wait till you see the next guy," said the spirit. "Now common, we haven't got all night."
"But wait, where are we..." but Tsukasa was cut off as the Ghost of Christmas Present took his hand and went through the window.
"Where the hell are we?" asked Tsukasa. The two were now inside a large office building. Cubicles and pillars were wrapped in lights and paper snowflakes. Employs danced and drank to their hearts content, while music blared from the office intercoms.
"Hey you tell me," said the spirit, "you were invited."
"What," and just as he said this, Tsukasa heard a rather odd but familiar name.
"Hey Crim," said an office worker, "sweet party."
"Hey don't thank me," said the tall man, "it's cause of you guys, that this party's paid for."
The two shared a laugh as Tsukasa stared at Crim in shock. "What's wrong with you," asked the spirit. "No pun intended but you look like you've just seen a ghost."
"That's Crim," said Tsukasa with his jaw hanging and his fingers pointing at the tall guy.
While the Tsukasa kept staring, a blonde hared woman, greeted Crim with a kiss. "Hey honey," said the woman.
"Hey Betty," said Crim.
"Don't call me that, you know I hate it," said the woman with an embarrassed smile.
"All right," said Crim with eyes rolling, "BT."
"You got to be kidding me," said Tsukasa to himself.
"I think the baby likes the music," said BT, placing Crim's hands on her stomach, which was quite round.
"Ha, I just felt a kick," said Crim.
"Told' ya our little Tsukasa liked it," said BT.
"Little Tsukasa," said Tsukasa perplexed.
"What, didn't you hear," said the spirit. "They're gonna name the baby in honor of you, being that it's cause of you they met and all."
"Unfucking real," said Tsukasa.
"I'm surprised you didn't know all this by now," said the spirit. "I mean, you were only invited to the engagement party, the wedding, and other numerous dinner parties." The spirit stopped to take a swig of what looked like a flask from his pocket. "Oh and of course their annual Christmas office party, held for all their employees and friends."
"Whatever you drunk," said Tsukasa walking through the crowd. He walked pasted circles of friends sharing jokes and couples toasting to themselves. He finally stopped in his tracks when he saw a familiar face drinking by herself. Her hair was amber, her skin a rich but light tan, and her eyes were of the most amazing green.
A disheveled and tipsy office worker stumbled over to her and said, "Hey cutie, want to dance?"
"Oh I'm sorry," said the girl, "but I can't."
"Why not?" asked the man slurring his words.
"Cause see that tall guy over there," said the girl pointing at Crim.
"Who, the boss?" asked the worker.
"Yeah," said the girl with a twinkle in her eye. "Well see, him and me are close, you could say, and he gets pretty protective."
"Bull shit..." said the worker.
"Oh look he's coming over right now," said the girl with a smile.
"What," said the man turning, and upon seeing in fact that Crim was coming quickly made his exit. "Well, umm, I was just asking cause you looked lonely was all. I'm, umm, real sorry." And the man quickly ran off.
The girl began to giggle to herself as Crim, and shortly after him BT, reached her.
"What's so funny?" asked Crim.
"Yeah, that guy try to pull something on you, Mimiru?" asked BT.
"Oh no," said Mimiru blushing now, "it was nothing like that."
"Hey did Tsukasa make it," asked Crim looking around the office for his friend.
"Oh, umm..." said Mimiru, her smile gone now. "He couldn't come, he had, umm..... he had to study for midterms."
"Man, what is with him," said Crim, disappointed. "All it is, is work, work, work, with him."
"Hey," said BT with a giggle. "I remember a certain someone who was just like that. He was all work and no play."
"Oh really," said Mimiru, sharing the smile now, "and what happened to that guy."
"I married him," said BT, lovingly bumping her thighs into Crim's side.
"And I remember," said Crim, "A skinny little girl with a big mouth."
"And what happened to her?" asked Mimiru.
"I knocked her up so she'd have some meat on her bones," said Crim cheekily.
"Crim," said BT, playfully slapping his shoulder.
"What, what," said Crim still smiling.
"Nothing, I just hope the baby inherits my manners is all," said BT.
"You two are too much sometimes," said Mimiru giggling.
Tsukasa could say nothing and could only look upon Crim and BT. This was the first time he had seen them since he got out of the game three years ago. Crim was tall, lean and a little younger than he expected, looking as if he was only in his late twenties. BT looked rather like her character, with the exception of her round stomach. But it was Mimiru who he could not tear his gaze from. Her skin was far richer in the illuminating light of the office than in comparison to the dank and cold light of the library. And a certain joy and levity appeared to flow through her, much different was she from earlier. Her eyes seemed so alive, as if they were ablaze with fire, too bright to behold.
"Amazing isn't it," said the spirit. "The great joy this party gives to Crim and his family and friends and workers. And what does he get, just a small bill and a lot of laughs."
The three continued to talk, all while Tsukasa listened and watched. Then abruptly Mimiru jumped, as if poked with a hot cider. "Oh God," said Mimiru impressing upon BT, "what time is it?"
"About," said BT looking her watch, "nine thirty."
"On no," said Mimiru, "I have to leave or I'll be late!"
"But you just got here," protested Crim.
"I know, but there's something really important I got to do," said Mimiru.
"It's ok we understand," said BT.
"I'm real sorry," said Mimiru, "I really wish I could stay, but...."
"Hey," said Crim reassuringly, "it's ok. If you really got to be somewhere, then just go."
"Thanks guys, bye," said Mimiru turning and walking out but then stopping suddenly. She turned and ran back to her friends fishing through her backpack, finally emerging with a small box. "I almost forgot," she said handing the box to BT.
"I thought we said no gifts," said Crim.
"I know," Mimiru said, "but it's for the baby, not you."
"What," said BT as she opened the box. Within it were two small hand knitted sox and a little hat. "Oh Mimiru this is too much."
"Oh it's nothing for you guys," said Mimiru. "And anyway I thought I 'd do something special since you're gonna name him after Tsukasa and all."
"Ahh, this is so sweet," said Crim.
"Yeah, I knew you'd like it," said Mimiru, as she walked away waving goodbye.
"Bye," called Crim and BT.
"Bye," waved Mimiru.
Tsukasa followed Mimiru as she ran down the steps and into the night. It was snowing now and few people where out. Mimiru ran up the sidewalks, shielding her face from the snow and wind. "Where's she going?" asked Tsukasa.
"To see someone who needs a friend," said the spirit.
"Why do you ghost talk so cryptic?" asked Tsukasa.
"Just shut up and hold on," said the spirit as he grabbed Tsukasa and went flying through the night.
The two now stood surrounded by dozens of children. The room was dark, only a light by the Christmas tree in the corner and a few lights that hung about the room. Beds aligned the walls, and the children were milling about, and appeared to be dressed in pajamas. A door opened and entered Mimiru, who was greeted by the children most joyously. The children circled about Mimiru, exchanging hugs with her and such.
"What the hell is?" asked Tsukasa. "Mimiru illegitimate kids convention?"
The spirit knocked Tsukasa's head for the last comment, leaving him with a lump. "You know," said the spirit, "the mere fact that any one cares about you astonishes me."
"Asshole," said Tsukasa clutching his head.
"Sticks stones," said the spirit. "And to answer your question, we're at the hospital's orphanage wing."
"Orphanage?" asked Tsukasa as he turned to Mimiru who was still playing with the kids.
"Hey Mimi," asked one the little ones. "Did you brings me any presents?"
"Why of course," said Mimiru with a smile. She dug into her pocket and came out with a small chocolate. The boy quickly accepted the offer.
"Thanks Mimi!" the boy said with glee, and kissed Mimiru upon the cheek in gratitude.
"We want one, we want one!" cried the other children at Mimiru feet.
"All right, you little monsters," said Mimiru digging into her pockets again. "There's enough for everyone," and began to hand them out. Each child got one of the rather small chocolates and consumed it in barely a bit.
"Thank you Mimi," came the chorus from the children.
"Your welcome," said Mimiru as she made her way to the hallway. "Now go to sleep, or else Santa ain't gonna come."
The children rushed to their beds and said good night. Tsukasa and the spirit remained, looking over the scene.
"I can't believe that these kids made such a fuss over such a small bit of candy," said Tsukasa.
"Really," said the spirit, "why would kids with nothing make such a big deal over getting something?"
"What do you mean kids with nothing?" asked Tsukasa.
"Look under this tree," said the spirit pointing to the tree in the corner. Tsukasa looked at it and understood, for underneath it were no presents at all.
"The Red Cross didn't get enough donations this year so the kids couldn't get any gifts," the spirit said this while glaring at Tsukasa. "And what does she do, why she comes here and gives up so much so these kids can have a tiny bit of Christmas," said the spirit. "And what does she get back, nothing, nothing at all."
"Poor kids," said Tsukasa quietly as he and the spirit floated away.
"What was that?" asked the spirit.
"What," said Tsukasa startled, "nothing just a cough."
The two floated past several rooms and stopped at the third one where a young girl sat in bed. No more than a few moments elapsed then did Mimiru enter.
"Hey Mimiru," said the girl hugging Mimiru.
"It's good to see you Subaru," said Mimiru pulling up a chair. "So how's everything?"
"As good as it can be," said Subaru, "seeing how I'm in an hospital."
"So what did the doctors have to say," asked Mimiru.
"They're not exactly sure what I got," said Subaru. "But I'm not worried, it's probably just the flu."
"Yeah I hope you'll be all right too," said Mimiru. "Oh here's your present," said Mimiru handing a piece of paper to Subaru. "Now money's been kinda tight, so I couldn't wrap it or frame it."
Subaru looked down at the paper and it was a portrait of her, but with wings, like those of her character. "Mimiru," said Subaru, "this is great."
Subaru turned to her friend with a smile, only to see her looking gloom. "Hey," asked Subaru, "what's wrong."
"Oh," said Mimiru being pulled from her train of thought. "It's... nothing."
"Come on," said Subaru. "What's wrong, you can tell me."
"I was just thinking about Tsukasa," said Mimiru.
"Oh," said Subaru. A silence came over the two upon the name Tsukasa. Finally Subaru spoke up. "Mimiru," she said.
"Yeah," said Mimiru.
"You're gonna hate me for saying this but," Subaru paused trying to find the words. "I think you should forget about Tsukasa."
"What?!" said Mimiru, "Are you listening to yourself this is Tsukasa we're talking about."
"I know how you feel about him," said Subaru. "But, I also know how he feels about you."
"No you don't," said Mimiru.
"Mimiru," said Subaru quietly, "he hates you, he hates all of us."
"He doesn't hate us, he's just confused. And what about the World, what about then?" asked Mimiru.
"I remember the World," said Subaru. "I remember how he use to be Mimiru, but that was a long time ago."
"I know he's changed," said Mimiru, "but he's still Tsukasa. He's still our friend."
Silence caste it self over the two once again. Subaru spoke once more. "You're still in love with him aren't you," she said.
"Yes," said Mimiru with a sigh.
"Mimiru," started Subaru. "Tsukasa wants nothing from you, or anything else from his past. I don't think he even wants anyone at all, be it you or someone else." She paused to let her words sink in, "He wants to be alone, Mimiru."
"But that's it," said Mimiru. "He already is all alone and miserable, and I want to change that. I mean he's got no one to go home to. His mom's dead, he's dad in prison, he's got no family, he really is alone in this world." She paused to find the right words for what was to come next. "And I always thought, maybe I could be that someone he comes home to, that someone he confines in and is happy with. Like it was when we were together in the World."
"Mimiru," said Subaru, "you're hoping for something that can never be. Just let him go, maybe then the both of you can finally go on with your lives."
"But I can't," said Mimiru, "I can't move on, unless it's with him."
"Then, there's nothing more I can say," said Subaru.
As the two sat, quiet tears rolled down the face of Tsukasa. "Why," said Tsukasa, "why does she have to love me."
"Because that's all her heart can do," said the spirit. "You use to like that too, in the World that is."
"The World," said Tsukasa, "that prison, that land of misery, why would anyone want to remember it."
"It wasn't all bad," said the spirit. "I mean you did make some friends, even though you don't like them now, you did back then."
"Don't try to single me out as the only guilty one," said Tsukasa. "Not everyone remained friends after the World. What about Bear and Sora, I didn't see them at the party."
"Oh," said the spirit, "but they're next on the list."
With a wave of his hand the two left Mimiru and Subaru, and now appeared to be in a bookstore.
"What now?" asked Tsukasa.
"Just follow that little fellow over there," said the spirit pointing to a boy.
The boy was young, only about eleven or twelve. His hair was unkempt, and his clothes were a mesh of rags, either too small or too large for his body. He eyed his surroundings and quickly stalked through the isles of books. Tsukasa had to rush just to keep up with the child. The boy finally stopped in the fiction section and looked around. He quickly grabbed the last book on the end and hid it over his decrepit coat. He coolly started his march to the door. Suddenly a security guard cried out to the boy and gave cash. The boy, with amazing speed, dodged the guard at the door and speedily ran outside, losing the other one in seconds. He ran two blocks straight finally resting in an alleyway. For several minutes he huffed and puffed, finally standing up and walking to another alley two blocks away.
With him all this time was Tsukasa and the spirit. "Why are we following this guy?" asked Tsukasa.
"Just watch," said the spirit.
The boy looked into the alleyway and said, "Lin, you still here?"
"Yeah," said a small voice from behind a trash can. The voice was followed by a little girl, no more than eight years old, popping her head out to see her friend.
"You made it!" said Lin. "I was worried you were gonna forget about me."
"How could I forget about one and only sister," said the boy, the book behind his hands.
"Did you get it!" cried Lin.
"Now," said the boy, revealing his prize, "what kind of silly question is that?"
Lin quickly grabbed the book and gazed at it. "When I Dream," said Lin reading the title, "By John Bearmen."
"Yeah," said the boy, "That's his new one. I thought you'd like it."
"Thanks Sora," said Lin hugging her brother.
"Hey don't mention it," said Sora.
"I just wish mom and dad were here," said Lin.
"Yeah, me too," said Sora as the two began to walk out of the dark alley and into the streetlights.
"Hey, you wanna go see uncle Bear," asked Sora.
"Can we!" said Lin.
"Sure, let's go," he said taking her hand and leading her up the street.
"You ever hear of that book," asked the spirit as Tsukasa watched the two little children walk up the street.
"John Bearmen," said Tsukasa, "that's Bear's real name."
"So you do know about it then," said the spirit. "Well I guess you know the story then. About the lonely boy who gets stuck in the dream world, and doesn't remember who he is. Then he meets a girl warrior, a big bear, a sly fox, a magic owl, a wandering knight, an angle princess, a mysterious witch and host of other things on the way to finding the key so he can wake up. And you know what happens in the end?"
"He wakes up," said Tsukasa flatly.
"You left the best part out," said the spirit merrily. "He wakes up, and becomes friends with all the other dreamers and lives happily ever after."
Some time lasted till Tsukasa spoke again, too lost in his own thoughts before he say anything. "What happened to their parents?" he asked.
"They died," said the spirit. "And Sora and Lin were scared that if the want into child welfare, they would spilt them up. So they chose a life on the streets together, that was about a year ago."
"What did Sora mean when he said uncle Bear?" asked Tsukasa.
"Why Bear himself of course," said the spirit, and again the two transcended time and appeared in a large soup kitchen.
The soup kitchen was alive with people; all huddled around devouring there soup and beard before it became too cold. A long line curled around the room, all waiting for their meal. At the end of the line was a big man with a thick beard. In his hand was a spoon, and before him a pot filled to the brim with soup. He was gingerly serving the soup, when two little figures came running up to him.
"Uncle Bear," cried little Lin as she hugged Bear.
"Why hello little Lin," said Bear happily. "Why you're getting not so little any more, if I do say so myself."
"Yeah she's growing like a weed," said Sora coming next to Bear.
"Hello Sora," said Bear giving Sora's hair a rub. "How are you?"
"Good, all things considered," said Sora.
"Uncle Bear," said Lin, "Sora just got me your book."
"Really," said Bear.
"Yeah," said Lin, "I was reading it on the way here. Guess who my favorite character is!"
"Hmmm....." said Bear, "Is it.... The Fox?!"
"How'd you know?!" shirked Lin.
"Cause he's my favorite too," said Bear looking over at Sora who was grinning. "Even though I am partial to the warrior girl."
"She's my second favorite!" cried Lin. "But why is the boy so mean to her?"
"Cause he just doesn't know how to be a friend is all," said Bear.
"I think that's sad," said Lin. "I think the boy's lonely and sad, and that the girl just wants to help him."
"Why, what a bright girl you are," said Bear with a smile. "But don't worry, it all ends well."
"Really," said Lin.
"Really," said Bear, he poured the two, two cups of soup. "Now run off and have some of this, and I'll read to you once I finish up here."
"Ok," said Lin running off with her soup.
"Thanks Bear," said Sora.
"No problem Fox," said Bear with a grin.
Sora walked off and sat with his sister and the two ate their supper. A few minutes later Bear served the last of his soup and went off to join the two. They joked and played, while everyone else ate and left. Bear began to read the story of the boy and dream, and even acted a few of the scenes out with the help of Sora. By the time they were finished, everyone else had left. The three gathered their things and made for the exit, Tsukasa and the spirit followed.
Standing in the snowing streets, Bear said, "Are you sure you two don't want to come home with me? I get awfully lonely when I open my presents by myself."
"Where fine," said Sora. "You've been too kind already."
"Well, if you change your mind," said Bear. "Just let me know."
"We will," said Sora as he took his sister's hand and began to walk off.
"Bye uncle Bear," waved little Lin.
"Bye Lin, take care of your brother for me," said Bear as he turned and walked in the opposite directions as the other two.
Tsukasa as the three went their separate ways.
"Why did you abandon him?" asked the spirit.
"I had to," said Tsukasa. "It was the only way I could've gotten over my past."
"Or was it, that you were afraid he would be like your old dad," said the spirit. "Cold and cruel, and abandon you in the end. You know Tsukasa, not all adults are like your father."
Tsukasa stood and was quiet. He was lost in a world of emotion and thought, too entwined to even notice that the spirit was floating away without him.
"Well, I can't say this has been fun," said the spirit, checking his watch as he ascended. "But I got to fly."
"Wait," said Tsukasa, being pulled from his thoughts. "What am I suppose to do now," he yelled to the spirit.
"I don't know," said the spirit. "My shift's up, talk to that guy," he pointed behind Tsukasa.
Tsukasa turned and was greeted by his future.
On the next installment, Tsukasa (and the rest of the .Hack cast) future. Also, I'm really sorry if this sucks, but don't worry the next one will be way better. Hope you like the little story book by Bear, guess which each character is.
The Present
The blue man noticed Tsukasa and said, "Oh there you are, took you long enough."
"Bear," said Tsukasa.
"For the last time boy," said the man, "we're ghost not your God damn friends."
"So you must be the Ghost of Christmas Present," said Tsukasa. "You're not nearly as nice as the Past."
"Wait till you see the next guy," said the spirit. "Now common, we haven't got all night."
"But wait, where are we..." but Tsukasa was cut off as the Ghost of Christmas Present took his hand and went through the window.
"Where the hell are we?" asked Tsukasa. The two were now inside a large office building. Cubicles and pillars were wrapped in lights and paper snowflakes. Employs danced and drank to their hearts content, while music blared from the office intercoms.
"Hey you tell me," said the spirit, "you were invited."
"What," and just as he said this, Tsukasa heard a rather odd but familiar name.
"Hey Crim," said an office worker, "sweet party."
"Hey don't thank me," said the tall man, "it's cause of you guys, that this party's paid for."
The two shared a laugh as Tsukasa stared at Crim in shock. "What's wrong with you," asked the spirit. "No pun intended but you look like you've just seen a ghost."
"That's Crim," said Tsukasa with his jaw hanging and his fingers pointing at the tall guy.
While the Tsukasa kept staring, a blonde hared woman, greeted Crim with a kiss. "Hey honey," said the woman.
"Hey Betty," said Crim.
"Don't call me that, you know I hate it," said the woman with an embarrassed smile.
"All right," said Crim with eyes rolling, "BT."
"You got to be kidding me," said Tsukasa to himself.
"I think the baby likes the music," said BT, placing Crim's hands on her stomach, which was quite round.
"Ha, I just felt a kick," said Crim.
"Told' ya our little Tsukasa liked it," said BT.
"Little Tsukasa," said Tsukasa perplexed.
"What, didn't you hear," said the spirit. "They're gonna name the baby in honor of you, being that it's cause of you they met and all."
"Unfucking real," said Tsukasa.
"I'm surprised you didn't know all this by now," said the spirit. "I mean, you were only invited to the engagement party, the wedding, and other numerous dinner parties." The spirit stopped to take a swig of what looked like a flask from his pocket. "Oh and of course their annual Christmas office party, held for all their employees and friends."
"Whatever you drunk," said Tsukasa walking through the crowd. He walked pasted circles of friends sharing jokes and couples toasting to themselves. He finally stopped in his tracks when he saw a familiar face drinking by herself. Her hair was amber, her skin a rich but light tan, and her eyes were of the most amazing green.
A disheveled and tipsy office worker stumbled over to her and said, "Hey cutie, want to dance?"
"Oh I'm sorry," said the girl, "but I can't."
"Why not?" asked the man slurring his words.
"Cause see that tall guy over there," said the girl pointing at Crim.
"Who, the boss?" asked the worker.
"Yeah," said the girl with a twinkle in her eye. "Well see, him and me are close, you could say, and he gets pretty protective."
"Bull shit..." said the worker.
"Oh look he's coming over right now," said the girl with a smile.
"What," said the man turning, and upon seeing in fact that Crim was coming quickly made his exit. "Well, umm, I was just asking cause you looked lonely was all. I'm, umm, real sorry." And the man quickly ran off.
The girl began to giggle to herself as Crim, and shortly after him BT, reached her.
"What's so funny?" asked Crim.
"Yeah, that guy try to pull something on you, Mimiru?" asked BT.
"Oh no," said Mimiru blushing now, "it was nothing like that."
"Hey did Tsukasa make it," asked Crim looking around the office for his friend.
"Oh, umm..." said Mimiru, her smile gone now. "He couldn't come, he had, umm..... he had to study for midterms."
"Man, what is with him," said Crim, disappointed. "All it is, is work, work, work, with him."
"Hey," said BT with a giggle. "I remember a certain someone who was just like that. He was all work and no play."
"Oh really," said Mimiru, sharing the smile now, "and what happened to that guy."
"I married him," said BT, lovingly bumping her thighs into Crim's side.
"And I remember," said Crim, "A skinny little girl with a big mouth."
"And what happened to her?" asked Mimiru.
"I knocked her up so she'd have some meat on her bones," said Crim cheekily.
"Crim," said BT, playfully slapping his shoulder.
"What, what," said Crim still smiling.
"Nothing, I just hope the baby inherits my manners is all," said BT.
"You two are too much sometimes," said Mimiru giggling.
Tsukasa could say nothing and could only look upon Crim and BT. This was the first time he had seen them since he got out of the game three years ago. Crim was tall, lean and a little younger than he expected, looking as if he was only in his late twenties. BT looked rather like her character, with the exception of her round stomach. But it was Mimiru who he could not tear his gaze from. Her skin was far richer in the illuminating light of the office than in comparison to the dank and cold light of the library. And a certain joy and levity appeared to flow through her, much different was she from earlier. Her eyes seemed so alive, as if they were ablaze with fire, too bright to behold.
"Amazing isn't it," said the spirit. "The great joy this party gives to Crim and his family and friends and workers. And what does he get, just a small bill and a lot of laughs."
The three continued to talk, all while Tsukasa listened and watched. Then abruptly Mimiru jumped, as if poked with a hot cider. "Oh God," said Mimiru impressing upon BT, "what time is it?"
"About," said BT looking her watch, "nine thirty."
"On no," said Mimiru, "I have to leave or I'll be late!"
"But you just got here," protested Crim.
"I know, but there's something really important I got to do," said Mimiru.
"It's ok we understand," said BT.
"I'm real sorry," said Mimiru, "I really wish I could stay, but...."
"Hey," said Crim reassuringly, "it's ok. If you really got to be somewhere, then just go."
"Thanks guys, bye," said Mimiru turning and walking out but then stopping suddenly. She turned and ran back to her friends fishing through her backpack, finally emerging with a small box. "I almost forgot," she said handing the box to BT.
"I thought we said no gifts," said Crim.
"I know," Mimiru said, "but it's for the baby, not you."
"What," said BT as she opened the box. Within it were two small hand knitted sox and a little hat. "Oh Mimiru this is too much."
"Oh it's nothing for you guys," said Mimiru. "And anyway I thought I 'd do something special since you're gonna name him after Tsukasa and all."
"Ahh, this is so sweet," said Crim.
"Yeah, I knew you'd like it," said Mimiru, as she walked away waving goodbye.
"Bye," called Crim and BT.
"Bye," waved Mimiru.
Tsukasa followed Mimiru as she ran down the steps and into the night. It was snowing now and few people where out. Mimiru ran up the sidewalks, shielding her face from the snow and wind. "Where's she going?" asked Tsukasa.
"To see someone who needs a friend," said the spirit.
"Why do you ghost talk so cryptic?" asked Tsukasa.
"Just shut up and hold on," said the spirit as he grabbed Tsukasa and went flying through the night.
The two now stood surrounded by dozens of children. The room was dark, only a light by the Christmas tree in the corner and a few lights that hung about the room. Beds aligned the walls, and the children were milling about, and appeared to be dressed in pajamas. A door opened and entered Mimiru, who was greeted by the children most joyously. The children circled about Mimiru, exchanging hugs with her and such.
"What the hell is?" asked Tsukasa. "Mimiru illegitimate kids convention?"
The spirit knocked Tsukasa's head for the last comment, leaving him with a lump. "You know," said the spirit, "the mere fact that any one cares about you astonishes me."
"Asshole," said Tsukasa clutching his head.
"Sticks stones," said the spirit. "And to answer your question, we're at the hospital's orphanage wing."
"Orphanage?" asked Tsukasa as he turned to Mimiru who was still playing with the kids.
"Hey Mimi," asked one the little ones. "Did you brings me any presents?"
"Why of course," said Mimiru with a smile. She dug into her pocket and came out with a small chocolate. The boy quickly accepted the offer.
"Thanks Mimi!" the boy said with glee, and kissed Mimiru upon the cheek in gratitude.
"We want one, we want one!" cried the other children at Mimiru feet.
"All right, you little monsters," said Mimiru digging into her pockets again. "There's enough for everyone," and began to hand them out. Each child got one of the rather small chocolates and consumed it in barely a bit.
"Thank you Mimi," came the chorus from the children.
"Your welcome," said Mimiru as she made her way to the hallway. "Now go to sleep, or else Santa ain't gonna come."
The children rushed to their beds and said good night. Tsukasa and the spirit remained, looking over the scene.
"I can't believe that these kids made such a fuss over such a small bit of candy," said Tsukasa.
"Really," said the spirit, "why would kids with nothing make such a big deal over getting something?"
"What do you mean kids with nothing?" asked Tsukasa.
"Look under this tree," said the spirit pointing to the tree in the corner. Tsukasa looked at it and understood, for underneath it were no presents at all.
"The Red Cross didn't get enough donations this year so the kids couldn't get any gifts," the spirit said this while glaring at Tsukasa. "And what does she do, why she comes here and gives up so much so these kids can have a tiny bit of Christmas," said the spirit. "And what does she get back, nothing, nothing at all."
"Poor kids," said Tsukasa quietly as he and the spirit floated away.
"What was that?" asked the spirit.
"What," said Tsukasa startled, "nothing just a cough."
The two floated past several rooms and stopped at the third one where a young girl sat in bed. No more than a few moments elapsed then did Mimiru enter.
"Hey Mimiru," said the girl hugging Mimiru.
"It's good to see you Subaru," said Mimiru pulling up a chair. "So how's everything?"
"As good as it can be," said Subaru, "seeing how I'm in an hospital."
"So what did the doctors have to say," asked Mimiru.
"They're not exactly sure what I got," said Subaru. "But I'm not worried, it's probably just the flu."
"Yeah I hope you'll be all right too," said Mimiru. "Oh here's your present," said Mimiru handing a piece of paper to Subaru. "Now money's been kinda tight, so I couldn't wrap it or frame it."
Subaru looked down at the paper and it was a portrait of her, but with wings, like those of her character. "Mimiru," said Subaru, "this is great."
Subaru turned to her friend with a smile, only to see her looking gloom. "Hey," asked Subaru, "what's wrong."
"Oh," said Mimiru being pulled from her train of thought. "It's... nothing."
"Come on," said Subaru. "What's wrong, you can tell me."
"I was just thinking about Tsukasa," said Mimiru.
"Oh," said Subaru. A silence came over the two upon the name Tsukasa. Finally Subaru spoke up. "Mimiru," she said.
"Yeah," said Mimiru.
"You're gonna hate me for saying this but," Subaru paused trying to find the words. "I think you should forget about Tsukasa."
"What?!" said Mimiru, "Are you listening to yourself this is Tsukasa we're talking about."
"I know how you feel about him," said Subaru. "But, I also know how he feels about you."
"No you don't," said Mimiru.
"Mimiru," said Subaru quietly, "he hates you, he hates all of us."
"He doesn't hate us, he's just confused. And what about the World, what about then?" asked Mimiru.
"I remember the World," said Subaru. "I remember how he use to be Mimiru, but that was a long time ago."
"I know he's changed," said Mimiru, "but he's still Tsukasa. He's still our friend."
Silence caste it self over the two once again. Subaru spoke once more. "You're still in love with him aren't you," she said.
"Yes," said Mimiru with a sigh.
"Mimiru," started Subaru. "Tsukasa wants nothing from you, or anything else from his past. I don't think he even wants anyone at all, be it you or someone else." She paused to let her words sink in, "He wants to be alone, Mimiru."
"But that's it," said Mimiru. "He already is all alone and miserable, and I want to change that. I mean he's got no one to go home to. His mom's dead, he's dad in prison, he's got no family, he really is alone in this world." She paused to find the right words for what was to come next. "And I always thought, maybe I could be that someone he comes home to, that someone he confines in and is happy with. Like it was when we were together in the World."
"Mimiru," said Subaru, "you're hoping for something that can never be. Just let him go, maybe then the both of you can finally go on with your lives."
"But I can't," said Mimiru, "I can't move on, unless it's with him."
"Then, there's nothing more I can say," said Subaru.
As the two sat, quiet tears rolled down the face of Tsukasa. "Why," said Tsukasa, "why does she have to love me."
"Because that's all her heart can do," said the spirit. "You use to like that too, in the World that is."
"The World," said Tsukasa, "that prison, that land of misery, why would anyone want to remember it."
"It wasn't all bad," said the spirit. "I mean you did make some friends, even though you don't like them now, you did back then."
"Don't try to single me out as the only guilty one," said Tsukasa. "Not everyone remained friends after the World. What about Bear and Sora, I didn't see them at the party."
"Oh," said the spirit, "but they're next on the list."
With a wave of his hand the two left Mimiru and Subaru, and now appeared to be in a bookstore.
"What now?" asked Tsukasa.
"Just follow that little fellow over there," said the spirit pointing to a boy.
The boy was young, only about eleven or twelve. His hair was unkempt, and his clothes were a mesh of rags, either too small or too large for his body. He eyed his surroundings and quickly stalked through the isles of books. Tsukasa had to rush just to keep up with the child. The boy finally stopped in the fiction section and looked around. He quickly grabbed the last book on the end and hid it over his decrepit coat. He coolly started his march to the door. Suddenly a security guard cried out to the boy and gave cash. The boy, with amazing speed, dodged the guard at the door and speedily ran outside, losing the other one in seconds. He ran two blocks straight finally resting in an alleyway. For several minutes he huffed and puffed, finally standing up and walking to another alley two blocks away.
With him all this time was Tsukasa and the spirit. "Why are we following this guy?" asked Tsukasa.
"Just watch," said the spirit.
The boy looked into the alleyway and said, "Lin, you still here?"
"Yeah," said a small voice from behind a trash can. The voice was followed by a little girl, no more than eight years old, popping her head out to see her friend.
"You made it!" said Lin. "I was worried you were gonna forget about me."
"How could I forget about one and only sister," said the boy, the book behind his hands.
"Did you get it!" cried Lin.
"Now," said the boy, revealing his prize, "what kind of silly question is that?"
Lin quickly grabbed the book and gazed at it. "When I Dream," said Lin reading the title, "By John Bearmen."
"Yeah," said the boy, "That's his new one. I thought you'd like it."
"Thanks Sora," said Lin hugging her brother.
"Hey don't mention it," said Sora.
"I just wish mom and dad were here," said Lin.
"Yeah, me too," said Sora as the two began to walk out of the dark alley and into the streetlights.
"Hey, you wanna go see uncle Bear," asked Sora.
"Can we!" said Lin.
"Sure, let's go," he said taking her hand and leading her up the street.
"You ever hear of that book," asked the spirit as Tsukasa watched the two little children walk up the street.
"John Bearmen," said Tsukasa, "that's Bear's real name."
"So you do know about it then," said the spirit. "Well I guess you know the story then. About the lonely boy who gets stuck in the dream world, and doesn't remember who he is. Then he meets a girl warrior, a big bear, a sly fox, a magic owl, a wandering knight, an angle princess, a mysterious witch and host of other things on the way to finding the key so he can wake up. And you know what happens in the end?"
"He wakes up," said Tsukasa flatly.
"You left the best part out," said the spirit merrily. "He wakes up, and becomes friends with all the other dreamers and lives happily ever after."
Some time lasted till Tsukasa spoke again, too lost in his own thoughts before he say anything. "What happened to their parents?" he asked.
"They died," said the spirit. "And Sora and Lin were scared that if the want into child welfare, they would spilt them up. So they chose a life on the streets together, that was about a year ago."
"What did Sora mean when he said uncle Bear?" asked Tsukasa.
"Why Bear himself of course," said the spirit, and again the two transcended time and appeared in a large soup kitchen.
The soup kitchen was alive with people; all huddled around devouring there soup and beard before it became too cold. A long line curled around the room, all waiting for their meal. At the end of the line was a big man with a thick beard. In his hand was a spoon, and before him a pot filled to the brim with soup. He was gingerly serving the soup, when two little figures came running up to him.
"Uncle Bear," cried little Lin as she hugged Bear.
"Why hello little Lin," said Bear happily. "Why you're getting not so little any more, if I do say so myself."
"Yeah she's growing like a weed," said Sora coming next to Bear.
"Hello Sora," said Bear giving Sora's hair a rub. "How are you?"
"Good, all things considered," said Sora.
"Uncle Bear," said Lin, "Sora just got me your book."
"Really," said Bear.
"Yeah," said Lin, "I was reading it on the way here. Guess who my favorite character is!"
"Hmmm....." said Bear, "Is it.... The Fox?!"
"How'd you know?!" shirked Lin.
"Cause he's my favorite too," said Bear looking over at Sora who was grinning. "Even though I am partial to the warrior girl."
"She's my second favorite!" cried Lin. "But why is the boy so mean to her?"
"Cause he just doesn't know how to be a friend is all," said Bear.
"I think that's sad," said Lin. "I think the boy's lonely and sad, and that the girl just wants to help him."
"Why, what a bright girl you are," said Bear with a smile. "But don't worry, it all ends well."
"Really," said Lin.
"Really," said Bear, he poured the two, two cups of soup. "Now run off and have some of this, and I'll read to you once I finish up here."
"Ok," said Lin running off with her soup.
"Thanks Bear," said Sora.
"No problem Fox," said Bear with a grin.
Sora walked off and sat with his sister and the two ate their supper. A few minutes later Bear served the last of his soup and went off to join the two. They joked and played, while everyone else ate and left. Bear began to read the story of the boy and dream, and even acted a few of the scenes out with the help of Sora. By the time they were finished, everyone else had left. The three gathered their things and made for the exit, Tsukasa and the spirit followed.
Standing in the snowing streets, Bear said, "Are you sure you two don't want to come home with me? I get awfully lonely when I open my presents by myself."
"Where fine," said Sora. "You've been too kind already."
"Well, if you change your mind," said Bear. "Just let me know."
"We will," said Sora as he took his sister's hand and began to walk off.
"Bye uncle Bear," waved little Lin.
"Bye Lin, take care of your brother for me," said Bear as he turned and walked in the opposite directions as the other two.
Tsukasa as the three went their separate ways.
"Why did you abandon him?" asked the spirit.
"I had to," said Tsukasa. "It was the only way I could've gotten over my past."
"Or was it, that you were afraid he would be like your old dad," said the spirit. "Cold and cruel, and abandon you in the end. You know Tsukasa, not all adults are like your father."
Tsukasa stood and was quiet. He was lost in a world of emotion and thought, too entwined to even notice that the spirit was floating away without him.
"Well, I can't say this has been fun," said the spirit, checking his watch as he ascended. "But I got to fly."
"Wait," said Tsukasa, being pulled from his thoughts. "What am I suppose to do now," he yelled to the spirit.
"I don't know," said the spirit. "My shift's up, talk to that guy," he pointed behind Tsukasa.
Tsukasa turned and was greeted by his future.
On the next installment, Tsukasa (and the rest of the .Hack cast) future. Also, I'm really sorry if this sucks, but don't worry the next one will be way better. Hope you like the little story book by Bear, guess which each character is.