2 months later...
Chirping of birds sounded around the whole mansion as the sun begins to peek over the horizon. The cool air caressed everything it touches and it gives off that calming and cold touch to the skin. Other house cleaners in the mansion had already been awake and are beginning to do their daily tasks as always.
And inside Umi's room. Umi is found sleeping peacefully on her bed, she seems to be tired from her work since it is unusual for her to sleep late like this—well, for her, 7 am is already late for her. Her breathing is shallow and her princess-like face is irresistible that Eli will be completely drawn to her if ever she is in her room right now.
It took only a moment for that kind of peace until sudden shouts could be heard outside of Umi's window, they were muffled shouts since the window is closed but that was more than enough for Umi to hear that. She stirred a bit and gently opened her eyes. Halfway of it, her vision is still blurry so she had to blink a few more times before her vision became clear. She then completely opened her eyes and slowly sat up on her bed, "What's with the shouting?"
Umi then looked at the digital clock on her bedside table and it read 7:00 AM. It made Umi groan in disbelief as she rubbed the back of her neck, "I can't believe I overslept. It's already this late." She then got off from her bed and then went out of the room. Closing the door behind her, she noticed that everyone seems to have gone somewhere and that made her eyebrow raised. The shouting from earlier is already weird enough.
She then went at to the lobby of the mansion and boy, was she surprised to find that her maids were running back and forth in panic, getting the pails, shovels and small shovels. Umi blinked in surprise and eventually found Seth in the kitchen, getting pails. The blue-haired then went into the kitchen to approach the black-haired female, "Seth?"
Seth rose her head up from the lower cabinets and faced her owner, "Ahh! Ms. Umi! You woke up late!"
Umi rolled her eyes playfully, "I know right, you don't have to remind me. What's with all the commotion?"
"W-Well..." Seth stammered, pondering for words to use. It looked big trouble based on the stammering and Umi could feel that. The blue-haired focused her gaze at her, "Well?"
"Y-You have to see for yourself, Ms. Umi. Even I find it shocking."
'That is really weird.' Umi's mind told her as she just nodded.
Seth then grabbed two pails and stood up, "Come on, Ms. Umi!" She then rushed past by her and went out of the mansion.
Umi then watched Seth for a moment before she followed.
Upon reaching outside, Umi's eyes widened when she finally get to see what Seth was talking about. Her front garden is in a total mess. There are broken pots and scattered flowers, soil and leaves, even the arches are ruined that some of its rows are completely broken.
It felt like she was struck by lightning or was being trampled by heaven and earth. She watched as other workers were in panic as they cleaned up the mess.
"What... happened?" Umi's voice trembled and its tone is low but it is more than enough to stop everyone in the vicinity from what they are doing and turned to face her. The blue-haired stood still in shock, her eyes still widened in horror like she has seen a ghost.
Deep within, she could feel her heart breaking into tiny fragments. Who could have done this? Why? These two questions kept swirling in her mind as she struggled to find an answer.
"What happened?! Who did this?!" Umi's voice rose and it made everyone bow their heads in fear. The blue-haired felt so much tremble that it made her knees weak. Because of it, she knelt down on the floor with her both knees.
Eli then immediately came out of the mansion and her eyes widened, "What the—the front garden is ruined?" She gritted her teeth and looked at Seth, "Who did this?" Her voice is as cold as ice and one could worsen its fear judging by the look and intensity of her blue orbs.
Seth saw and felt that great anger in those eyes but she had to stay still and answer, she then focused her gaze at the blonde and said, "We don't know either, we just woke up and everything had already been like this when we went out of the mansion."
"Can you check the security cameras?" Eli asked and Seth nodded, "I'll go check them right away." The black-haired answered as she rushed back inside.
The blonde then rushed beside the blue-haired and placed her hands on both of the other woman's shoulders, "Umi."
Umi gasped and looked at Eli, her expression hasn't changed and there are additional tears forming from the corners of her eyes, "E-Eli..."
Eli softened her eyes, she could feel her chest tightening and her heart wrenching in pain. Seeing the woman she loves with all of her life and heart cry in front of her is one of the most painful thing she could ever feel, and she will never forgive anyone who made her cry. Never.
"It's going to be alright, come on, let's go back inside." Eli said in her gentlest and most soothing voice as she encircled both of her hands around Umi's armpits; supporting her to stand up.
The blue-haired did stand successfully. Seeing a part of her home ruined already made her day worse. She could still feel her knees and hands trembling that she could fall any minute once again if it weren't for Eli's strong support. Umi clung on Eli's polo shirt and gripped on the clothing tightly. She is angry, hurt and melancholic; and nothing could ever make her feel better except Eli by her side. At the very least, the feelings that were whirling inside her whole being had calmed down even for a bit.
And because of the calmness, her mind began to be clear. She began to think who could have done this and only one person entered her mind.
The blonde looked and stared down at Umi, she could tell that Umi cannot hold herself for a while due to the immense shock she just saw. She understands that. She then turned her head to look at the workers, "Oi, raise your heads up! I know no one did this."
They did raise their heads up, their eyes were gave off a glimpse of relief. Relief that nothing bad further happened. They know that this is one of the worst things that could happen to their owner and they feared of being fired. But, since they also knew that Eli is a close friend of Umi, they know that Eli is Umi's voice at times like these.
Eli then gave a reassuring smile, "Don't worry. I'll take care of her. Now go clean these up and make sure to tell me once you are done. We are going to buy new pots, flowers and everything that is required to fix everything here. Got it?"
"Yes, Eli!" The workers responded and they began to work on cleaning again while the blonde firmly drags Umi back inside. They headed to the living room and Eli let the other sit down on a sofa bed nearby. The blonde immediately sat beside her and wrapped her arm around Umi's shoulder, while leaning her face a little closer to her, "Umi..." She called out, "Do you want water? I can immediately get one for you."
"I'm okay..." Umi then looked at Eli with a sad smile, "Just that..." She then sniffed and looked away before continuing, "I just couldn't believe it."
"Me, too. Who could have done it?" Eli then looked at their table with her narrowed her eyes, she began to think of possible people responsible for this. But it should be obvious, right?
"It's probably my dad." Umi answered and Eli looked at her again with her softened eyes, "Your dad? That bastard... Why would he do such a thing?"
"It is because of the ranch we rebuilt." Umi answered again and Eli just stared at her. Umi then looked back at her.
"Remember how he used to hate it? You were there." Umi added and the blonde just nodded.
Eli understands her father's hatred towards the ranch and Umi, herself. But of what she couldn't understand is why he had to do this kind of thing? Over such a matter, it is just a ranch that her daughter wants to rebuild and that should not be hard to accept. His anger may be related to what had happened in the past but it was all over and there's no point in digging it up again.
The ranch was rebuilt in order to gain new memories. She knows that Umi won't do such a thing as making someone suffer.
The blonde just let out a sigh before she encircled her arms around Umi's torso and pulled her tightly into a warm embrace.
Umi wrapped her arms around Eli's torso and buried her face on her chest while she shivers.
The shivering signaled Eli to hug tighter and so she did while rubbing Umi's back in the process. Nothing is more important than this as of now. For the blonde, calming the love of her life down is her utmost priority.
"You know, Umi... You don't have to worry." Eli spoke and that is more than enough for the two of them to break the hug. They looked into each other's eyes, filled with passion and longing for protection.
"Why do you say so?" Umi stared up at the other and the blonde just revealed a gentle smile. The smile that Umi always wanted to see.
And the smile that always calms her nerves.
"Because I will protect you." Eli answered.
Umi's heart palpitated and hearing those from Eli, herself is already enough to put a smile on her face. A sweet smile to be exact.
"Really?"
Eli just gave a nod.
Umi's smile brightened and pulled the blonde close into an embrace once again, "Thank you."
Eli's smile then dropped as she held Umi close to her, her eyes then narrowed as she could only think of one thought for now:
'I vow to protect you, Umi. I won't let him harm you. He needs to get me through first.'
Umi sooner closed her eyes and she could immediately feel that relaxing energy slowly roaming inside her whole being.
Few days later...
Eli and Umi are in the living room, doing their usual work. They gained another wedding arrangement request and they immediately worked on it as soon as they accepted it just to distract themselves.
Eli was explaining her ideas while Umi just stayed silent, which is unusual for the blonde.
The blonde blinked and stopped talking before she stared at the blue-haired, who seemed to not notice about it and just looked down at the paper.
Eli lets out a soft hum as she continued to gaze at her, Umi is not like this.
"Hey..." Eli called out, earning a flinch from the blue-haired.
Umi then looked at he blonde, "A-Ahh, what is it?"
"You okay? You're not yourself."
"Sorry..." Umi apologized and took a deep breath before she looked down at the paper once again, "I just..."
"Just?" Eli raised an eyebrow.
"Well... You already know." Umi answered.
"I want to hear it from you."
Umi rolled her eyes, she knows that Eli is being stubborn but she does not know whether it is to cheer her up or it is serious.
"It's nothing." Umi responded.
"Hooh. I see." The blonde then leaned back against the head of the sofa, thinking of a way to cheer her up. It took her a few more moments before she finally gained an idea.
"Want to ride horses with me?" Eli suggested and Umi rose her head up to focus her gaze at the blonde with an eyebrow raised.
"Ride horses?"
"Yeah."
"Well." Umi sighed, "Sure thing."
Both of them then stopped what they were doing and the blonde gently took Umi's hand, holding it firmly as they stood up and went to the ranch. They went to the stables and Eli went to a black stallion, which was drinking water on its pail.
Umi looked at the horse and then back at the blonde, "What's its name?"
"McCoalister. He is one of my best companions in racing aside of Platinum." Eli answered with a smile and Umi just nodded before staring up at McCoalister who then looked back at her.
The horse let out a soft neigh and bumped its muzzle on Umi's head.
"He seems to like you." Eli chuckled and Umi smiled before she caressed its muzzle with her hand.
"I guess I am born to be a rancher huh?" Umi giggled and Eli grinned.
"Of course. The rancher of my life." Eli whispered the last sentence.
Umi blinked and tilted her head, "What did you say?"
Eli realized what she just muttered and she blushed furiously, "A-Ahh! It's nothing! No worries!"
"Alright then."
"Y-You go have Platinum.."
"Sure thing."
Umi then walked towards Platinum's stall, which is just beside Silver Heart's and released the mare out.
Eli did the same to McCoalister and the two of them went out of the stables, guiding their respective horses along.
As they have settled outside, Eli faced Umi, "I will go to the tack to get the equipment."
"Alright, I'll wait here." The blue-haired smiled and the blonde nodded before she rushed towards the tack room.
Umi then looked at McCoalister and then to Platinum, "Your owner sure took good care of you huh?" She smiled as she caressed both of their muzzles with both of her hands, "Your owner has also been taking care of me. Somewhat like a girlfriend while she fills her responsibility as my assistant in wedding arrangement projects."
The horse flickered their ears, as if listening to her.
Umi scoffed with a gentle smile, "Your owner is stubborn and protective. I still remember that day clearly... She protected me from that man. She stared at him like a fierce lion, ready to take down its prey just to protect its territory. And I'm that territory."
The blue-haired then looked down, "I assume much, don't I?"
Platinum then bumped its muzzle against Umi's arm and the blue-haired looked at the mare, "What is it, Platinum?"
Platinum just released a soft neigh, as if telling her that it's going to be okay.
The blue-haired just giggled, "Thank you, Platinum."
Eli then came back to them while carrying saddles, reigns, etc. "Here I am!"
Umi then faced the blonde and stepped aside as the other went near to the horse, settling down the equipment. After doing so, the blonde then looked down at the blue-haired who then stared up at her.
Eli's smile then dropped when she get to stare at Umi's eyes again. Vague scenes in her head started to swirl around but she sure as hell knows that it revolves around her dreams from back then...
Dreams, which she thought was resolved.
Umi just smiled, "Shall we go?"
Eli blinked a few more times to wake herself up and just nodded, "Sure."
Eli then went to support Umi in hopping on Platinum's back before she went to hop on McCoalister's.
"Just move your reigns up and down gently to make Platinum walk. Like this." Eli held the reigns firmly and move it up and down in fast-paced motion, letting McCoalister flinch a bit before it started to walk forward.
Umi nodded and did what Eli said, it let Platinum walk alongside McCoalister.
The two of them then planned to go to the other side of the ranch, where there's a small hill and below it are small flowers surrounding it. It looked like it is some sort of a magical place.
It was a lovely sight. Eli and Umi were chatting while wearing smiles on their faces. At this point on, Eli knew she was successful of making the blue-haired smile once again. And knowing that, brought pure joy within the blonde's heart.
They then went further, until they have finally reached the other side of the ranch and finally saw the hill. They then stopped their horses and hopped down.
"So this is the other side of the ranch huh? Didn't know that there's a hill with flowers around here." Umi raised an eyebrow and Eli just chuckled, "Memory is still unclear huh? We've been here before when we were kids."
"Really now?"
"Yeah. Come on." Eli then started to move closer to the hill, climbing up to the top.
Umi then followed her.
They sooner reached the top and the both of them turned around to look at the barn, which looked like an ant from where they are. The sun behind them began to lower down, displaying its beautiful sunset from the horizon.
"I never knew it was this far." Umi said in surprise as she looked up at the blonde who chuckled.
"Adventurer's instincts." Eli winked at Umi who also chuckled.
"Silly."
They then stood there in silence for a few more moments before Umi spoke.
"You know..."
Eli then looked at her with a smile, "Hmm?"
"I may be the owner of this ranch but I had forgotten what the view looks like from here."
Eli rolled her eyes, "Like I said, I already took you here when we were kids."
Umi just chuckles, "Fine, fine. Sorry about that, Ms. Rancher." She playfully apologizes.
Eli then looked down at the blue-haired once again and her eyes softened. Just standing beside her gave her a big load of nostalgia. A lot of memories from the past were buried and they resurfaced once again. In all honesty, Eli does not mind to stay here with Umi until night time. All that matters to her right now is this moment.
She could hear her heart palpitating with joy as she focused her gaze at Umi, who was busy looking at the scenery in front of her. No one could ever outmatch the beauty that Eli was seeing right now. Before she could even notice, there was already a faint blush on her cheeks.
Right at this moment, all Eli knows is that the woman with her right now, is the woman that she fell in love with. She knows it was wrong because of her relationship with Honoka but she couldn't stop her heart from beating for Umi. It was crazy.
And just seeing Umi's lips makes Eli want to just lean in and kiss her. She wanted to kiss her so bad. But she has to stop the urge.
"You know, you had grown beautiful... Far too beautiful." Eli complimented and it earned a blush from the blue-haired before looking away in embarrassment.
"W-What's with that, all of the sudden?" Umi asked and the blonde just gave off a laugh.
"Nothing, I was just telling the truth!" Eli replied.
"I-I'm not beautiful! I still lost the bet!"
"Ohhh riiight, I must witness before sealing off the deal alright?"
"Hmp! Fine!" Umi pouted a bit.
"Hey, come on, Umi. Are you mad?"
"No, why so?"
"Well, because I told you that you are beautiful?"
Umi groaned, "It's because you suddenly said that I was beautiful."
"But you are."
"I'm not."
"Then look at me."
Umi stopped. She then slowly turned her head to look at Eli and faced her body towards her. Both of them started to stare at each other the moment their eyes met.
There goes the atmosphere again. That soothing and romantic atmosphere. The calm wind occurred and it gently blew their hair and clothes, along with the manes and tails of the horses, which were facing them, as if watching them. The light coming from the sunset then went pass through the gap between their faces. Their eyes are glimmering with sheer joy and longing. How they have missed each other, and best of all; their hearts are beating as one.
The two of them then began to lean towards each other, their eyes closing slowly in the process.
Umi, on the other hand, is being warned by her own mind, 'What is this? I can't pull back! Stop! This is wrong! Stop this, Umi!; But her body says otherwise. It felt really right and the immense longing for Eli intensified.
'I have to stop, for Honoka! But... Why does it feel right? I can't even turn away...' Eli's mind said.
Umi slowly wrapped her arms around Eli's neck and the blonde wrapped her arms around the blue-haired's waist.
It didn't take long before their lips united. It brought them both the sudden jolt, it felt like they were being electrified. The voltages coming from their kiss ran down through their whole bodies along with the immense warmth coming from their embraces. The light coming from the sunset went passed through the small gaps between them. It was too romantic, it's like this is the moment that they have always been waiting for.
Nothing wanted to interrupt them and nothing will come in between them. This proof showed itself right in front of them. Proof that they are really meant to be.
After a few moments, they pulled back to grasp for air as they opened their eyes and stared into each other, it was intense that it made their hearts palpitate further that they are about to pop out of their chests.
The two of them then smiled at each other, gentle and loving smiles.
Umi, being unable to hold herself much longer, nuzzled the blonde's cheek affectionately, closing her eyes in the process. She wants this moment to last even for just a little while. It's not bad to follow her heart, right? It's that, she couldn't help it. She's just a human being, a human being who is madly in love with her childhood friend.
'Fate took you away from me once. I'm not going to let that happen again.' Umi thought.
Eli let the blue-haired nuzzle her cheek. It is too soothing to stop it. And the feeling of home is there. Right in front of her.
Wait... Home?
The blonde realized something that it made her eyes widen slowly. She is remembering something.
Something extremely important.
In the back of her brain, she finally remembered that dream.
In that dream, in the Mirage Fields...
Young Eli was playing with the young Umi.
The blonde remembered all of it now. And that just made her freeze still.
"Do you remember now?" Umi asked and the blonde looked down at her. The blue-haired was smiling up at her as if she knew right from the start.
"Umi... You're..." Eli halted. She couldn't believe it!
The blue-haired nodded, "Allow me to explain. It's one of the effects of SoulDream. It happens when the soulmate couple met during childhood. Females will remember everything and will not have dreams while shemales and males will continue to have dreams and will forget the real soulmate, replacing it with another. The only way to solve it is to perhaps try to remember the real soulmate through love."
Eli is in total shock as she gazes down at the blue-haired, she didn't know...
And here, she was still together with Honoka. It's no wonder why being with Umi feels so different. It felt really special and direct.
Umi then released a giggle and let out her happiest smile. The light coming from the sunset hit her gently and some of the light passed by her, creating that kind of soft atmosphere, "Eli, I'm your real soulmate. I pretended to not know all about it during the first few months."
Eli's eyes widened in realization, "So you are that girl..."
"There are so many things that I want to talk about with you. So many of them that I had forgotten how many of them. But one thing's for sure, I missed you." Umi added while her arms are still wrapped around Eli's neck.
"I missed you too, Umi. I missed you so much that it hurts." Eli smiled. Tears are starting to form on the corners of her eyes. She's happy... Very happy.
"There's also one thing that you have done though." Umi pointed out.
"What could that be?"
Umi then went back into staring deeply into the blonde's blue eyes, they are mesmerizing and hypnotizing that it made her heart palpitate with joy, she then moved her face closer to Eli's. Their eyes are closing halfway as their lips were about to touch. With a smile, Umi answered:
"You found me."
A/N: Heeeyy guys! Hope you liked this chapter! How's it going? Good? Good! Bad? Relax for a while and listen to some good music! High five!