I was Roxanne Adele. Now, child once more, I continue to live as Yozorako Verona.

The thing about reality, is that many people have made and use anything in their resources to get away from its clutches. Be it creating new worlds and fantasies, inventing objects to separate entertainment and the torment the world will surely force upon them. Truly, the most desperate have succeed at accommodating the human's ill based selfishness, by sharing it upon themselves. However, even if said joy were the escape from the traitorous world, the stain of it remains on a human's mind- to bring conflict to fight peace- seeping into those fantasies like a foreboding shadow, always following wherever it goes.

That is the reason I am at an impasse; as this reality have surely imbedded itself in my life as if plague, creating more problems that I would like to garner- due to my arrogance and pride to be praised by a dead woman. Who would have thought such universe of Citrus have so much complications in its entire background? With families interconnected by such absurd ways and arranged marriages a symbol of a cattle to appease demons. Not to mention, the tangle of threads of the characters I've known are intertwining in detesting fashion. It's as if the world were trying to mock me, jarring me of control I wanted for the sake of myself and Yuzu.

And yet, I refused to be muzzled like the others, running away from the first sign of conflicts and defeat. I have experienced dark moments at previous lifetime, and while as tormenting and harrowing as it was portrayed, I learned to survived and grow from its parted wisdom.

Mind still doubtful, I thought of the pros and cons of continuing into this path of horror and undeniable risks; and that is, entering a journey upon my second family.

With money and reputation on the line, no one will refute to align those words for success. In any world, be it fantasy or reality- wealth defines your hierarchal position and reputation the sustenance of every industry.

While incredibly humungous of a responsibility to lead Verona, I need to take up the mantle of a willing head for the preparation of the future. Benefits that will be valuable and is a method of procuring many impossible actions in exchange of a currency is a great boon none will ignore. Of course, such task is underwhelming and no sane child could take the burden to make Verona as immaculate as they want it to be. To expose all my cards is a fool's errand in itself, but it is a setback I hated even when I awaken into my consciousness as Yozora.

They might as well think thus for a moment, to see me as a little lamb and catered after I take courage to face them once more. Accepting the council of fathers' request Uncle Frederico commandeered to be under their tutelage and see how I fair, is as great as an opportunity to learn more of this world and further increase my chances of securing my part on business venture.

I might be well versed, literate in the form of business yet I have my limitations. A pinch and a half of salt, that's what modern business is like, it is a seasoning of bigger food for sharks. If you can't follow the rules, make them. But if you are not smart enough, then you will be left stumbling into the dark as they controlled every button to push out the competitions. My strength in mind needs to grow more. I need to know how this world works, for securing Yuzu's love life is not just my goal anymore, but to bring her safety and prosperity as to help my immediate family into this world. Love made life colorful, but truly, people are hopeless without money to move the world. Love will not feed anyone, and so as logically fair I am, to secure these position will chain me into the top of command.

Devious, but who will pass these opportunities over a bag of guilt? Moreover, due to my involvement- the Verona's have agreed to take over my finances for medication without repercussions unto Ume's. Such is a debacle with my mother, but with urging she have conceded that I was right. By accepting such proposal, I will be more inclined to possibly acquire my previous health. While unconvinced that it will return now that I gathered my spleen is nonexistent and my body is always reminded of its limitations, small deceptions run favors for anyone, especially when we gain more than I could service. Not to mention, with these options I have a leeway to plot and excuse to cover my investigations and to honestly, just challenged myself to the best of my abilities.

For what is about to come is very daunting.

I must prepare myself in the adult's world.

But first, I need to be a sister more than I could be Verona's leader.

Hearing the light beeping of the alarm notifying how close our curfew is, I set my worries aside and regards my sister it is time to sleep. Ume left a few minutes ago, telling us an emergency at the office she needs to assist. And so the responsibility falls unto me to make Yuzu obey, as it is still school nights, I don't want her to be late tomorrow due to my negligence.

Closing what papers I have on my hand, I glimpse at my sister with a thoughtful look on her face, taking my lap as a pillow as she gazes into the abyss. There is simply quite marvelous at seeing her so content and focus.

Enjoying her silence but with night looming, I put a hand on her cheek to catch attention. And might as well bring my concern, quickly garnering those green orbs.

"My legs are numb, just so you know…" I piped out, taking entertainment to her building panic.

"Eh? Ah! S-sorry, nee- chan!"

"It's okay..." I consoled, caressing my tired limbs after she sat up and leave its surface. "It's my fault, I didn't realize it either."

"Still sorry, I just have a lot in my head." She apologizes once more, sitting down in front of me and massaging my foot in penance. I let her be, as it is futile to refuse her stubbornness. There are many things I cannot refuse her, honestly. But who am I to complain if I can't even feel her advances?

"I noticed," I replied, sighing when I felt a tinge below me, as little by little the nerves returns. Swiftly tucking my pain, I recline forward towards my twin. "It is time to sleep now Yuzu-nee, but I would not mind if you tell me your problems so you can rest well."

"Uh, it's not a problem really…" she uttered, focus on her task.

"It's not?"

"Un." Now this is interesting. As soon as those words leaves her mouth, Yuzu once again turns into mute, frowning as if troubled, contemplating her words.

It is a wonder per se, to find her so unable to form words. Yuzu is the epitome of lively, and such frivolous attitude made the mouth of hers run its marathon. To see the opposite is quite unnerving on my behalf, as those thoughts might be monstrous indeed to require such a time to express it into words.

Well… until she told me of the mysterious thoughts, that is.

"It's weird really, I'm just looking at Yonee- chan and realized that we maybe twin, but we are so much different to each other. You're not arrogant about it, but sometimes you have this look on your face that tells you know something everyone don't and do this cool stuffs which makes everyone listen to you. While me…. What to say, I can't seem to do it that well like Yonee-chan, make people listen to me that is. I always felt I am interrupting them when I pipe in and I lost my words so I tried to babble many things. It really… makes me uncomfortable with people, to be honest. Then there's this thing that Yonee- chan is smarter than Mama sometimes or that I can't even answers my homework right without you pointing out my mistakes. It's like… you have everything great and I'm not, but I am not jealous about it… I just... find it cool to have you as my twin?"

I blinked, frozen amicably as I await her to resume but found that she bit her tongue to stop talking. It is quite baffling to hear her observation. I admit, I fail to convey and interpret my actions to that of a child which makes me quite a mysterious being in many eyes. I see no reason to hide my maturity, but it doesn't mean I failed to play my role into the family. Be as it may, they deal with it with an understanding I have been grateful for years. And to find Yuzu seeing such behavior phenomenal indeed. But as much as it is gratifying, her words failed to cover insecurities, as off handed as it sounds.

Placing my hand on my chin, I stared at my twin as she silently tense and sweat bullets. No matter how it looks like, Yuzu is still a child. I distress her belittling, and find no pleasure to be seen in such high standards. My advantages are the result of my personality before, intelligence born of education Yuzu can learn herself if she is determined, and genes that quite seriously the bane of drama into this world. There is nothing great without hard work, it seemly is just a part of a package given to me as a gift. To be compared is like admiring an adult over a babe. It is laughable, but a truth I would always take as my burden.

It is unappealing, and a twofold insult on each other.

How will I tell a child her perspective is flawed on itself? She can see that I may be attentive, but failed to view how incredible of a person she is. While used to be a sibling, I still cannot light a candle of how to practically popped Yuzu's bubble of innocence. It is unbecoming, to hurt her with words, but to remain silent and let the ideals that I am better to fester will not help her grow.

And so I said, "Being talented doesn't mean I am great. While I am glad to hear you not thinking bad of me, I think Yuzu- nee- san is demeaning herself…" Seeing confused face, I explained, cupping my hand into my chin as I leaned sideways, looking at her orbs with silent disapproval. "While I am talented in many things, does not mean I am perfect in what I do nor you are as incompetent as you thought. In truth, I think Yuzu- nee-san is the great person between us."

"M-me?!" baffled, she squeaked, blushing at my compliment. Raising my brow at her tone, I resumed to tell the truth. Yuzu is the epitome of my day, no matter what the world throws in her way, she will always will be the better person with good intentions. Unlike me, who are selfish enough to control anything to align everything with what I desired. Every move is calculated and every sacrifice taken there's a price more than what was lost to acquire.

"I may have manners, but personality and mindset wise, you won leaps and bounds. Yuzu- nee-san is great in many things just like I do. You are independent enough to cook and take care of me even when you don't have to. Many children in our age are still dependent on their parents, but you, who have nothing to gain in supporting me, still did it because you have a good heart inside of you. Nee-san, you have a patience of a saint for staying strong on my anger, kindness and strength to accept my favors and love that cherish me like mother would. That is what makes a great person, nee-san. Not intellect and certainly not talent." I resumed, taking time to slowly build up a word she can understand while I ignore her warming cheeks, absorb in my arguments.

"My actions, nee-san, is because I know what people like and adapt into it. I am smart because I read and understand what I want to know. It doesn't make me a great person, nor you should demean yourself below me. Someday, when we grow older, you will learn and understand these things too. You might even surpass me, or build your business I can't compete because that gold heart of yours win my customers. You just have to wait and be determined to grow smarter. Do you hear me, Yuzu-nee-san?"

Yuzu gifted me that sunshine smile, eyes open and innocent shedding the unconscious slight away, rendering my thought null of any pessimistic conjunction as a nod confirms my question. She leapt on my side, and hug my other arm, completely affectionate. "Do you mean it, Yonee-chan? Do you really think I'll be that great someday?"

"Idiot," I chided, softly petting her head. "Correct that thought, you're great from the very start. I know so, just… never change."

I felt my heart leapt as she nodded into my shoulder, that blossoming smile place on my skin.

"Mhm, nee-chan. I promise."

That is all I asked.

The truth about tradition, is it could not be eliminated easily. It would take years before it reformed new.

It is a slow progress, but it is worth its time developing and recreating the tradition Verona was built for centuries. Only fools run head on.

The council my Uncle Frederico assigned has done their best in absolute determination of change, something that is yet to be debriefed to the other hostile families not flattered by sweeping their dynasty's base of mindset out of their reign. There's resistance out for blood and even an attempt on overruling was vainly dissuaded immediately, courtesy of the majority conceding into my favor.

Of course, thoughts of complete control for a short time are utter stupidity if I were to entertain my pride. There would be flaws even the system cannot cover to destroy the peace. The resistance obviously exploits those faults, pushing into the front of the cause and abusing possible reasons to convey their dispassion. Truly, Yin and Yang at its finest.

They are well versed, implying my lack of experience due to age. They spoke of blind orders from an immature, emotionally deprived and easy to manipulate child, like me. Rough accusations I do not hear from my mother- someone who knew me well- conveniently speaking of my qualities. Mayhap they grew concerned and have pushed farther than they could cope with their egoistical defiance, as my actions convey the opposite. That is, not acting like a simpleton child.

I have proven them wrong, since even geniuses have this childishness that I lacked when we met. Wonder not deprived on eyes. Naivety under worldly belief of what they have seen or told. Deep words and meaning they do not apprehend. Black and white perspective of the world- how such feeble things defines innocence of children.

Unlike myself, children are quick to cower in veracious bickering. And even multitalented beings have been subjugated into a childhood of plays and discovering knowledge. Illustrating those qualities is not my strong suit, I supposed. Quite difficult in fact, the urge to perceive my grownup tendencies when it comes to my family whereas mother has suspected me for months until now. It is tiring to hide myself, but to the others? My pent up frustration will flood and bound.

I am proud, obsessively so and have a head to prove my claim sighting myself as an adult in a mere child's body. My past life had been a huge part of my machination, and to be belittled is a fluke of fire trying to raise the ambers of my competitiveness. And so I let them see what I am made of, a part of me that died and reborn. Sitting there, all formal and small, looking at them with the eyes of Roxanne Adele.

I met them. Spoke with them. And they saw what I am capable just as I hoped.

A wolf in a sheep's wool.

Instead of proving my worth, they grew warier. Disturbed.

Good. They should be, is what my conscience is yelling with.

It means they are currently seeing me as something adept more than I meet the eye. I need the uncertainty to see me capable of shaking their foundation. Being a leader is being an entrepreneur; one cannot follow a leader without resolve of improvement, nor is cowering before her own subordinates. Of course, with Frederico as my substitute and lector to advice processes, I can safely speak of its probable fortune in the later days.

I did not say my plan is impeccable, nor would it be immaculate or grand. People have different thoughts and beliefs, morals and emotions that garner impulsive decision makings. It will not be perfect, nor it will be an instant acceptance wrecking traditions, but it is there- written by my hand, coax to change as I am forcefully guided by a dead grandmother.

Discussions about businesses, media, government, stocks and overall morality of the family are complicated. Those who know not the inkling of the detailed structure of those demanding closures are expected to be easily swayed. I might have used my moral values as a person to unify the family, but morality doesn't have the higher seat when it comes into money and ethical strategies of a business.

Business ethics is that; ethical branches pertaining business, excuses and scaling of how severe the errors were. It might not be plausibly the most genuine of works, but it is a boundary of personal vendetta to covert success in the field.

Sometimes, it is plausible to do an evil act of sacrifice in order for a greater good to be formed.

My role doesn't make me overstating and frightening, but I hold the hammer of acceptance and refusal to any changes or courses of actions when it comes to the decisions of reputations and businesses valid to my clause.

So I decided to change the rule of inheritance. In other words, there would be no heads after me who can reclaim wealth over the scale I limit on the law. I discarded the monopoly mindset for the heirloom. Instead, it will be distributed thoroughly; scattered not only into the main family, but to the branches and relatives.

The three academies subjugated as Verona's private schools for our relatives are given to the chairpersons with accountability that can support the secrecy of Verona, the advanced curriculum and additional exclusive courses in exchange for the financial support from ours. Whereas it would be quite scandalous to separate the educational ground of the family, it is also a sign of trust and act of loyalty that I like to integrate. I am aiming for long term contracts; genuine unlike the past wrapped in iron fist.

Aihara Academy was given to the current chairperson Kenshin Aihara, a branch for my female relatives that was deprive of bigger wealth, a school of commoner women in pursuit of business in the world of highborn.

Baranomiya Academy was given to the Ayame family, run by their heiress Nonome Ayame- a second cousin in control of a school of highborn women, to educate them of commoner's world and let them adapt in the assurance of co- leading with their partners and living as a humble wife.

Falcon Academy- by far the most prestigious- was given to Genevive Verona from my immediate family, concerning men of immediate relatives and famous noble born of the world, with a purpose to instigate and produced intelligent young men and exceptional women invited privately, who were next on my line- if I did not thwart their future with my law.

The multi- national companies and its branches has their voted chairperson's from the Council of Fathers. Families forming negotiations and converging into a productive relationships doubled, as if the barrier of backward solidity is scrapped off. The same with hotels and restaurants, other businesses that fluctuates into the commoner's world as big names grew into a solid mass of partnership, overruling their passivity.

There would be no wealth that would submerge into one person's thirst for power, is my sheer goal into this logic. I couldn't afford my plan gone to waste. Only a psychopath can end another psychopath's mindset.

And yet, successful it might be to achieve development, doubt have sued me to avoid the pressing matter of the black markets and bases Verona's are holding.

I have told before; ethics in business is but personal interest commandeering the flow of vision the job possesses.

Forcibly ending the black markets swiftly would eradicate conciliation to the most formidable and devious relatives that might result into treason or insubordination. Moreover, half of the foundation of Verona has secluded themselves into the darkest parts of the world. They could get me killed, just like they did to father when I was young if I am too arrogant as to demand it ends.

Completely pulling the tree to burn the root would end all of us in a sense of bloody gamble. So I was at impasse with my guardian; accepting that such power over money made some of us lost their touch of humanity; beneficial, but a money soaked in blood. A compromise once more, whereas to collaborate with the whole family, they must eliminate trafficking and inhumane entertainment of children and women.

They were not happy of my decision. As do I.

The usefulness of human did not end in death itself, they said. Yet I have to put my foot down, gave them the freedom to do what they wished out of my command if only they abide to the deal.

Rigid it is that I concede to their call, the truth that they have their own merits gave me reason to pardon their doings.

The world is a scary land to live. At least, even a tiny bargain I have made make it less chaotic the way it is. It is impossible to get what we always want. Life is unfair as it is deceiving.

Evil but fruitful. Immoral yet legal. I will take the easiest way out if I have to, but in exchange, I will be blind of the struggles and to the knowledge I could have learned.

And yet it is absurd of me to mince myself in this lot, isn't it?

Why?

Why further subject myself beneath the roots of the Verona tree? Why do I need the power to control the tides inside of it? Why do I need to see all of it?

The answer is in itself a harder pill to swallow.

Because if I do not act, the blade dangling upon myself and someone's head will imbed itself on Mei Aihara's skull.

Why do you think Sho Aihara have decided to leave and refuse to be part of his father's agenda? Why is Mei were always fixed into arranged marriages with men as if she were but a price? Why do Yuzu's father and Ume's late husband have left the family at the peak of its prime? Why is Verona so fearfully well designed to seek protection from their very enemy, neck to neck and fang by fang?

Because the root, is the bane itself. The threads of connections. The tangle of fates. The chains of the past.

It will not end even if I remain seated on the throne. I have to act and see, how mangled the other characters' fate of these universe can truly be.

Truly a Citrus itself, an enticing world to live in, but is lace with so much intensity to make anyone flinched. Two-faced tumble, yuri genre splashed with the grey area of their shadows.

I thought my previous world is the epitome of torment on earth, but with this life, especially with the solemn girl Yuzu will fall in love with? I wonder if it is a greater escape than the madness of my present reality.

Now I understood why people of power came tumbling down the stairs, away from the spotlight. The harder I reclaim the highest point, the more desperate and blurry happiness will become. To succeed, is not to lost ourselves in the journey, but to try and learn from our mistake and think if such end is worth the hardship.

And so, as I am here, sitting in the window sill of my room, watching the thunderstorm outside, I mused the written names of the document in my grasp, carefully handed to me by Frederico when the assembly have passed.

Each individual lining for her hand, as if she were but the holy grail to be conquered.

I could flee and never bother to interact with Verona for the rest of my life, opting to be in my own world of problems and self- loathing… but in exchange of that, is the vulnerability of someone that I have dearly loved when I was still… well, human in a flesh and not some OC on an anime world.

"I'm not even your sister yet, but how could I leave you be?" I whisper, knowing Mei will not hear my trouble. I did not even know where that girl is at the moment. "… How much of that sadness knows your life is arranged to be a trophy wife before Yuzu wrecked your chains?"

Shaking my head, I turned away to the lightning and crushed the paper in my hand.

It seems, as the future big sister, I need to commence in advance. Her fate should be my burden to destroy. Such, is an older sibling's love.

Do not be mistaken. I was doing this for myself; through my selfish greed like anyone else. And yet, here I am opting to still move forward, knowing the problems ahead is more sinister than I will hope it will. Just for a semblance of control. Just for that power to change the life of my future sister. This greed inside me, only fuels the purpose I set upon myself. I'm not some Naruto Ocs with backings to change the fate of the world. Nor I am powerful DxD character with training and blessings to match their enemies fist by fist. I am not in a Harry Potter series either, to magically proven my capabilities against everyone.

I am just a human, with real problem only a little child with an adult's worth of cynical mind could have. With barely a strength to defend herself and a body failing me in many circumstances. That's why it feels quite surreal, to be in this world. To be breathing this air, and knowing I have higher purpose than I have thought a human could have. I only have my experiences and wit to overwhelm decent people, and a knowledge to keep me on edge. And so, knowing that I need to start from the ground up in an honest to god simulation brings me determination to become an adult early on.

Not that it matters. I simply am quite tired of waiting for the ball to drop in the future.

How foolish, this pity inside…

Mei should be grateful, the closeted girl inside of me still lives.

Time passes very quickly and it seems the time has come for me to go. There are many things which occurs and come into fruition, and yet with everything that accumulates, the shorter my time runs thin to be with Yuzu. For months I've been engrossed into Verona and neglected to be there for my other family. They were supportive, I suppose, with Yuzu and mother's encouraging faces I remained quite determined to fixed things for everyone. Realizing that in their eyes I am reviving the memories of my father, they were willing to part ways for me to land and study abroad and continue my medication courtesy of Verona's finances.

It doesn't mean there were no tears, however. Knowing that I will leave for many years to come, Yuzu have done her very best to not leave my side from the early sunrise to wee hours of the night. From sleeping in my bed and excusing herself for a while in school, I indulge her affection with patience of my own. I admit, I am still wary to be touched without permission, as if worms were crawling on my skin. Fortunately, every discomfort is nonexistent and our moments are cherished to the very bone.

I have dedicated every waking day of my last month giving into her wiles, knowing that our separation is a difficult and frightening realization to swallow. The sense of panic deep within, knowing the other half of your soul is without your touching distance, truly terrifies her. Most nights she will whisper, of how afraid she is to forget my face the same way she cannot picture father's face anymore.

It saddens me, to hear of these concerns, but all I could do is tell her lulls of comfort- each of their own to pacify demons, with every half- lies I told laden with guilt. Yuzu is still so young to understand most of what I say, maybe confused of my reasons but ensuing she listens well. How could I tell her, that Yozorako's mind is far beyond her age. That in the world Roxanne died, I loved her dearly- and when I reborn in this body, is loving her still. I will do everything for her happiness, even it causes me sacrifices and freedom in the end.

Because to me, whether it is fictional or not, Yuzu is the center of my universe. A stupid OC lamely put without preamble unto this farce of a colorful reality. Such is my resolve, to cease those dastardly chapter to happen to my twin. Plot be damned.

Time is of the essence, and with great care, I told Yuzu of things she needed to prepare for my departure.

With those painful and solemn conversation between two beings who have shared the same womb, we recreate memories for keepsake, down to the very piggy back she would give me when I was paralyzed and to the little quirks we do when Ume is away. I need not want to forget as well, those kindness and patience she did to fed me when I am too weak to move. The almost dependency I have in her every movement and the return of these craving and affection. Mayhap, I have succumbed too much of the burden, that I have missed so much of the love she has given. And thus I indulge.

And for the last time that day, I requested a favor to have one farewell before I board the plane towards another country. This time, I pulled her hand, with my other clutching a box towards the park close to our home. Fortunate it is, that Matsuri is there as well.

That tot has grown big and loveable, and like some vermin she is, slowly worms her way into my heart.

"Yonee-chan! Yuzu-chan!" she run towards Yuzu as I sidestep and let them embrace like the children they are. Sighing as I sat on one of the swing, I await Matsuri's terrible hug from my back as Yuzu sat next to my swing.

"Well, this is it… I only have minutes left before Shay picked me up. Nonetheless, I will make sure this meeting will be productive and I wish, that you will accept my parting gift." I spoke, looking down at the bag I bought and scoop its contents. I dare not look up towards their solemn faces, as every time I gave is all the more resistance I will ultimately be tempted to stay.

Pulling out two phones on the bag, I gave them each of their devices with a grim face. "No matter how far I go, or what time of the day it is, if you have a problem or something you like to tell me, know that I will answer every little rings." I said, pointing at the devices as they bit their lips in unison, looking ready to burst. I looked at my sister and see her resolve. She knows that my invitation is not one to ignore, I need every little details of her life, down to her very friends and thoughts, to her anger and love. In return, I will do my absolute best to give the same, barring my business to Verona.

"If you are sad, call. Angry, call. Excited, call. Text is good too, but I prefer to hear you when it is able. Mom going crazy? Call. You bored? Call. Even if it's in the middle of the night, or your lunchbreak at school, call. I don't care where you are or where you will go Yuzu-nee-san, but bring your phone with you at all times. If you will not call me, I will call you and you know it is not an option."

I may be hard on my feelings but Yuzu have been my saving grace every day. This separation also involves and affects me, in a way I simply could not function well without hearing Yuzu's voice. The dependency is two-way fold, but with those devices designed to let us connect to each other, not a day will come that we will not reach towards that connection. There was such time that Yuzu, not having a school that day, have not answer our telephone when I was away in Verona's meeting. Shocked and disbelief is her only response to my action. I have send my protectors on every location I could think that may have her, call the police station and ask for a missing child complaint, call mother and demanded she go home to search for Yuzu, only to discovered the blonde-dyed girl passed out on the bathroom, shorts lowered as her bowels groan in protest.

They- Ume and Yuzu, then realized that when I worry, they must be concern. I loved deeply and strongly, and being my enemy is the greatest sin one could ever do. I hold grudge like a beast and no amount of forgiveness and promises will break that hatred in me. The media almost have a field day that night, 'Paranoid Sister, Calling Emergencies for Younger Sister's Problem on Digestive Tract'. Thankfully, Verona's influence has hushed that pandemonium with cash.

"Every day, without fail." Yuzu promised, hugging the device on her chest.

I then looked at Matsuri and frowned, seeing her so absorb in her device, as if a treasure to be kept.

"And you," I called, bringing Matsuri out of the clouds. "That device can make you learn many good and bad things with internet alone. I pray you will be careful with it and with yourself, alright? Don't fill any shady accounts with your real name and mails. Understood, Matsuri-chan?"

"Uh... yes?" Recalling that such thing is a part of Matsuri's character into the future, I have secretly asked Sam to maybe, have a backdoor open in its entirety for me to watched Matsuri's turn into the adult world. Graceless and inhumane it maybe that she received money for spreading humorless pornography towards pedophiles, rapists and customers varying with tastes, I will still make sure that she is well protected from threats and risks of endangering herself from the crowd.

Moreover, is her contacts and files to be shared with; I will take no chances that a living person be the victim of her villainous actions. Verona have many tapes and gruesome graphics of women and children confiscated on my deal, and as they said, a human's body do not end from death; who's to say their pictures will not benefit someone I cared about? Let it be the dead who will shoulder Matsuri's evilness over the living. In that way, I can still say Matsuri is the innocent while I take the blame.

Why not stop her from being deviant? Who's to say fate will not make her more or less the same? Every action might be monitored, but it doesn't mean I control Matsuri's strings. Best leave it to Matsuri to face her actions and mistakes head- on. I am not her mother, but I am willing to assist if she ever asked of it.

Leaning close and cupping her pink jacket, I put the little girl between my legs to embrace her for a short while. Her surprise stiffening is understandable, as I do not- in anyway a fun of hugs. But this time I willed it, and breath that bubblegum smell I always referred she smelled like.

"Grow strong, Matsuri-chan," I whispered on her ear, letting the weight of the child reciprocating succumbed on my chest as small arms wrap around my neck. "Protect Yuzu-nee-san for me, will you?"

"Why do you have to go?" she whimpers, burrowing all the more.

"It is for my own good." I reply shortly, as going into details will easily made Matsuri all the more determined to not let me go. "So... will you?"

"... Yea."

"Good."

And with a last peck on her forehead, I pulled away and stood. Looking at the place where it all started, and to the house I have been sheltered with behind close windows, I vowed to remember, that all of this things that I will do… will all be a bridge in the future.