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Transparency

Chapter Ten

Moon Kitty 2005

June 24th, 2006

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Everyone sat in the dusty living room in a circle, Sonoko and Ran holding hands, the older woman still crying. "Ran, when I heard about how you had died, I died myself. Nothing cheered me up. You perished in such a horrible way."

Ran's eyes misted over and she stared at the other boy. "This must be your son. Did you get married? And to who?"

Sonoko nodded, looking apprehensive. "Yes, I married... I married Katsuyoshi."

There was silence for a few moments before Ran's eyes lit up and she clasped the woman's hand firmly. "I hope that you were happy with him."

Sonoko laughed warmly. "Yes, I was. But he passed away a few years ago, God bless him."

The spirit looked around for a moment before turning back to the older woman. "Sonoko... I'm so glad you came to see me. I thought and hoped that you were still alive, and I owe it to Shinichi that I finally got to see you." She smiled at the boy affectionately, causing him to blush. "It's good that everyone's here and you were finally able to see me, Sonoko... because I have an announcement to make."

Shinichi's eyes narrowed, Yoshi was still in a state of shock, but looked interested, and Sonoko leaned forward. "What is it, Ran?"

She heaved a big sigh. "I'm sorry, but... recently I've been able to talk to my parents and I wanted to let you all know that I'm going to be leaving soon... probably at the end of this week or maybe in a couple days."

"Leaving?" Shinichi asked densely, staring at Sonoko, who had started to get tears in her eyes.

"To the other side..." Ran explained. "Remember when I told you a while ago that I couldn't leave because I hadn't found what I was looking for? That's because... Well, I'm leaving because I found it."

Shinichi felt his heart skip beats, a thunderous roar echoing in his ears. Ran is leaving? W-why? Why can't she stay here? Why so soon? I barely even got to talk to her about things... She can't leave.

"You can't leave."

The words echoed throughout the room, and Ran, Sonoko, and Yoshi all looked at Shinichi with surprise on their faces. "What?"

"You can't leave, Ran," Shinichi muttered.

The girl furrowed her brow and crossed her arms. "And why can't I?"

He looked up at her, making eye contact, and Ran felt shivers work their way down her back. Shinichi looked so serious, more serious than she had ever seen him look before. "Because I won't let you, simple as that."

She sighed sadly and looked down at her hands in her lap. "It's not that easy, Shinichi. You won't have a say. One day you'll come here... and I'll be gone. For good."

He rose to his feet and scowled. "We'll see about that." And with that, he stalked from the room.

Ran blinked in confusion. "What's wrong with him, Sonoko?"

The old woman merely shook her head, a secretive smile on her aged lips. The poor boy is in love with her and she doesn't even notice. Then again, she always was dense. She looked at Ran and simply said, "It was nice to see you again, Ran... and when you leave, know that I'll see you when I get there."

The girl smiled sadly and squeezed Sonoko's hand.

"I'll be waiting for you."

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Authoress Notes

Hmm, I dunno about this chapter. Poor Shinichi doesn't want Ran to leave, duh! She's so dense. But in the series, I think they both are equally. It's clear as crystal that they love each other. I had to keep the story... we could say, realistic? (lmao) Well, not that the show is realistic, but I mean... uhh... Do you get what I mean or am I just spouting a bunch of crap? Wait! I got it! I had to keep them in character somewhat. There. Like that. That's what I meant. (rofl) On to the next chapter!