Missing
Part VI: Epilogue
by
Chibijem
Disclaimer: See Part I
A/N: I'm sorry to say that this is the conclusion to my story; with this part the missing year has come to an end and Saya and Hagi will soon rejoin Kai and the others. I hope you enjoyed it! I want to thank all of you who have read it and who have sent reviews and comments, they were very much appreciated.
Hagi entered the abandoned church on the outskirts of London and saw Saya progressing through a kata, her movements fluid. He set his parcels down along with his cello case and just watched her. During the train ride to London and even before that, he had watched her close herself off again. It was if she was preparing for the final stretch of her war. He knew she was trying to protect herself from further heartache but it saddened him. She only spoke when necessary even with him and he missed the openness they had shared during the past months. He observed as she stopped and made her way to him; he reached for one of the bags and handed her a bottle of water.
"Saya?" He wanted to ask her permission once again to use his contacts. She had asked him not to, not wanting to officially rejoin the battle. By using his contacts, they would be broadcasting their presence to what remained of Red Shield. He knew she was very reluctant to let others become involved again.
"Iie, I don't want anyone else hurt for me." She answered, sitting in one of the church pews.
"You would be more comfortable if you would let me..." He tried arguing.
"Iie! Hagi, onegai. I need to do this my way." She sighed and closed her eyes against the look of concern on his face and in his eyes. "There has been enough injury and death because of me."
Hagi kneeled before her, taking one of her hands in his. "Saya, they knew the risks. They all had their own reasons for joining your fight."
"I just want this to end." She replied, tightening her fingers on his. "I'm tired, Hagi."
"Tired?" He thought quickly and knew time was running out, not only for them to end this but for him as well. "Saya."
She nodded, she too realizing the ramifications. "In the past few days..."
Hagi's eyes dulled with sadness as he sat next to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, letting her rest against him.
They were sitting in an out of the way corner of Hyde Park, discussing what they had learned. Hagi handed Saya a container of boiled eggs; he had gotten them knowing they were a particular favorite of hers. She smiled in thanks and her smile widened when she saw her meal. "Arigato Hagi."
"Iie." He answered, taking satisfaction in her delight. "You need to keep your strength up and you do enjoy them." He watched as the birds flew overhead. "We should contact him soon." He became serious.
Saya's fork stopped halfway to her mouth; setting the morsel aside, she looked at him. "I know." For the past several nights, they had walked through the streets of London, evading the authorities and their curfew. On one of their excursions, they nearly ran into Kai and Lewis. Following them, they learned that Ian's reports were accurate concerning the increase in Chiropteran activity. By agreement, neither interfered in the duo's patrols but rather observed. Saya was amazed at the growth in Kai, not only in physical body but in his manner and tactics. "Tonight, but only if there's trouble."
"Hai," Hagi replied. He knew their time alone was now ending and vowed to remember each day, hour, minute and second of the past year. He studied her as she ate and hoped they would end this battle together and prayed she would change her mind about their promise. "If that is your wish."
FIN
A/N Part II: Again, thank you for reading and for all the comments and reviews. I have several other ideas for additional stories including one that will bring Hagi and Saya back together and before the 30 year sleep is over. I, along with my Imoto-san, think Hagi and Saya deserve a happy ending. I hope to have it up soon so keep an eye out. Thank you again!