The black hand that governed death. That's what they were. She and Kirika: Noir. At least, that's what they had been groomed to be. Her parents may have wanted her to escape the dark life the Soldats had wanted for her, but in reality that could never have happened. She knew this now. It was her destiny. One that Altena's twisted sense of morality had tried to control. Just as Chloe and Kirika had been educated, she too had spent her life in training for the 'Grande Retuer'. But that was merely a means to an end. No matter what paths their lives had journeyed over, the conclusion was inevitable.
Now, at the end, as she held Kirika against her side, guiding the other girl in as much as she was being guided herself, Mirielle began to understand what it meant to be 'The True' Noir. It was more than a name or a title, but a state of being and consciousness. They'd been alone their whole lives, searching for something they weren't quite aware they even needed. But their search had now come to a close. They were finally home. Would always be home. As long as they had each other.
Kirika had called Chloe 'her other self', which Mirielle now knew was the very reason the two of them could never be 'The True' Noir. Death was not solely comprised of darkness. One shade that knew no light. Death was a dichotomy. Light and dark. Black and white. Good and evil. 'That' was the true nature of Man. One could not exist without the other. Just as she and Kirika would not truly be alive until they were together.
Where they went from here, what they did with their lives now that they had realised the truth, was something she would need to discuss with her partner. There was a lot to discuss in fact, but it could wait. They had the rest of their lives for that. Right now, they needed to get to a safe haven. Somewhere to tend to their wounds.
Exhausted, Mirielle opened the door of the motel room, helping Kirika inside. They'd been travelling for hours before spotting the charming little getaway. The motel was not like the modern ones you'd find in the city, but consisted of a series of quaint little cottages. This was not important however. All that really mattered was that they'd found a place to heal. One that didn't put them in any immediate danger.
Placing the bag with their medical supplies on the bed, the girls tended to and re-dressed one another's wounds in silence. Words were too hard to express at this stage and would exert too much effort. They needed to save their strength for getting better.
Once satisfied with their work, Mirielle and Kirika crawled under the covers of the small yet adequate double bed, instinctively turning their backs as they always did. Forever on guard. Always careful to maintain the wall which kept the other at a distance. Despite their ordeal and their new closeness, old habits were definitely hard to break.
It was Kirika who made the first attempt. As she lay there next to the woman she loved, the woman who had brought her back from the depths of hell, whom she would gladly die for, Kirika began to feel very cold and afraid. What if she could never break the cycle of her past? What if she were too far gone to ever find happiness? Was her heart so cold and black that the warmth and light of love would never be able to break through its barrier?
She had always been alone. Had never allowed herself to feel anything. She could kill without remorse. Without regret. Nothing mattered to her. Not her own survival. Not the survival of others. Not even the Kill itself. The only thing that moved her was instinct. She was a tool. A harbinger of death. Even when she had no memory of the past (not that she had a great deal more now), it was the only thing she knew.
So, where did she go from here? She could remain a coward. Sink back into the past and let the darkness engulf her. Or she could fight. Struggle to break free of the bonds forced onto her by the Soldats and seek the light. Could she do it?
All of Kirika's instincts were telling her 'No!' They continued to do so with ever-increasing momentum, but for the first time in her life Kirika ignored them. It was time to step out of the shadows. No more running. She was finally home.
Mirielle remained still as she felt Kirika shift behind her. She didn't make a single move or acknowledgement of the girl's presence. Not even when Kirika's hand tentatively snaked itself over her waist and came to rest against her exposed midriff. She could feel the girl's soft breath against the skin of her neck. Could feel her own heart beating in response to her partner's. Yet she was frozen. Frozen in fear.
Mirielle recognised the significance of Kirika's actions. It was a step. The sentiments expressed by the girl's letter washed over her with surprising clarity. Kirika had come to care for her.
Mirielle could only vaguely remember what it felt like to love and be loved; truly loved that is. She'd forced away the memory of her parents love after they'd been taken from her. She'd made a subconscious vow never to let anyone in again. Now, at this moment, she was finding it very difficult to keep that promise. It was the second promise Kirika had a hand in breaking. Ironically, the destruction of the first was responsible for shattering the other.
Looking down at the small hand pressed shyly against her skin, Mirielle held back a tear. Kirika was her world. Her small partner had taken a bullet for her and would do it again if need be. Of that she was certain. What had she done to deserve such loyalty?
She'd always pushed the younger girl away. Had made it very clear that there could never be a bond between them. Kirika was merely a means to an end. And yet, Kirika had somehow broken through those walls. Had never demanded anything she couldn't give and had ultimately put her own life aside to protect hers. For as long as she lived, Mirielle would never forget that act of selflessness.
More questions remained now. Was she ready? Was she brave enough to take the next step as Kirika had done? Or was she too much of a coward to seek the light? The darkness was familiar and comforting. It was all she had known for so long. How could she break away?
Opening her eyes, Mirielle once again glanced down at the gentle hand resting against her bare skin. Its heat burned deep within her as if begging her to acknowledge it. Asking her silently to take a chance. She wouldn't be alone. She would never be alone again. In fact, in reality, if she were truly honest with herself, she hadn't really been alone for a long timeā¦
Slowly and with a slight tremble, Mirielle shifted her left hand and moved it tentatively until it came to rest atop Kirika's.
Both girls felt an instant spark of electricity, one that started where their hands met and travelled all the way into their very souls.
"Goodnight Miryieu," Kirika found the courage to whisper, her whole body on fire with the aftershock of the spark. "I'll make us some tea in the morning."
Mirielle couldn't help but smile at the girl's words. They were simple and yet they spoke volumes. In acknowledgement, she gently squeezed Kirika's hand, pressing her closer against her heated skin.
"Goodnight," Mirielle whispered back, content. A new journey lurked on the horizon, one she wouldn't face alone. Never again.
