Two Years Later

Dear Mr. Noriyasu,

We here at Tokyo University are pleased to hear news of your recent archeological discoveries and theories. Truly, you are one of Japan's foremost archeologists.

However, we are primarily writing to you in regards to one Mr. Keitarou Urashima, a young man that we understand is your current pupil. Word is that you hold him to be one of the foremost experts on the Polynesian histography you and your team are currently researching.

We here at Tokyo University understand the imperitve nature of your work, therefore, we are simply requesting a one semester loan of your student, for the purpose of providing him a chance to teach a class on Polynesian History at our humble institute. We hope that we can come to an agreement in this matter regarding transportation, boarding, etc. Please write to us soon with your response.

Sincerely,

Konnoko Ajiwara

Dean of Tokyo University

Seta Noriyasu folded the letter calmly and placed it on the desk in front of him, thinking. It had to have been the sixth time he read the simple note, and yet, it perplexed him. It was obvious the reasons for the letter, Keitarou was indeed the best man for such a job. However, what confused him is how exactly he planned to convince Keitarou to return once again to Japan, much less Tokyo.

In the years since Keitarou's arrival, the young man had quickly developed a knack for archeological work. He had thrown himself whole-heartedly into the work, trying to drown his past in the annals of Polynesian history. Also, the archeological work and hot sun had done a number on his physical form, upgrading him from the pale and weak ronin he had been. He was an asset to Seta, and Seta could hardly think of accomplishing what he had done without Keitarou. Also, interestingly enough, the three of them had grown much closer together in the midst of perilous archeological digs. While Namo spoke very seldom around most people, she was quick enough to add to their cumulative conversations. She had also seemed to grow much closer to Keitarou, and, especially recently, the two were spending a great amount of time alone together.

Still, It seemed as if time had almost finally healed Keitarou's wounded heart. Would bringing up this new invitation merely reopen these old scars? Or could it possibly be that it was time for Keitarou to achieve closure. To move on, by once again revisiting his old home. Seta weighed these two scenario's in his mind as Keitarou entered into the office.

Seta's office was an interesting affair. A wide window at the back let sunlight pour into the room, and onto the messily stacked shelves stacked high with broken artifacts and sheaves of well-worn paper. His desk was in similar shape, sagging from the piles of paperwork and reports from various dig sites.

"I've finished up on those pots from site 3-B," said Keitarou, wiping his hands with a dirty rag, "You said you had something you wanted to talk to me about?"

Seta sighed, uncomfortable with what he was about to say, "Tell me Keit, which is better, to face and conquer a fear, or to move on from it, or, are they the same?"

Keitarou slinked into a old office chair and swiveled it so that he sat on it backwards, "This is about Tokyo, then?"

Seta nodded, "I received this form Tokyo University earlier this week," he said calmly as he slid the letter towards Keitarou.

Keitarou's eyes scanned its surface quickly, "This has got to be some sort of joke!"

"No joke, Keitarou, the University of Tokyo wants you to teach for them."

"Well, you can write my reply today if you want, there's no way I'm going back."

Seta lighted a cigarette and puffed on it contemplatively, "Why not?"

"Well, first off, I'm not an expert on Polynesian History, you're the one they want-"

"Don't even try to BS me like that, Keit, I know you are an expert. I couldn't teach this class if my life depended on it. This is Your Job Keitarou."

"Well, than I certainly can't leave, my work here is too important. You and Namo need me here, don't you?"

"It's only for semester Keitarou, your work can wait. As for me and Namo, we do need you, but I guess we'll just have to take it easier when you're gone."

Keitarou rose angrily from his seat, "this conversation is ridiculous, you know why I can't go!"

"Eventually, you're going to have to stop running from your past Keitarou."

"I've forgotten it, I'm not running, because I've already gotten away." Keitarou turned and opened the door, ready to leave.

Seta got up as well, "Don't you want to ever see your aunt again?" For some reason, this struck a chord with Keitarou, he froze in the doorway, but didn't turn around.

"I guess I do, eventually..." He trailed off, knowing that he was losing now. He turned around slowly to face Seta.

Seta crossed his arms, "Well, then, the way I see it, this is your big chance."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that if you don't take this offer, and you go back 'eventually,' won't it be harder to face them on a purely social basis? With this, you have an excuse to be there, an excuse to see your aunt again."

"I... I cant do it Seta."

Seta stepped forward, so that his face was now three inches from Keitarou's, "This is your big chance, this is your one shot to really become part of the archeological world. Don't throw it away over an old heartache."

Silently, Keitarou moved to walk out the door once again, "I'll... I'll think about it..."