Episode 31: Feeling Broken
That aura of his had finally disappeared just as the heavy rain ceased into a slow and lazy drizzle.
Did he execute them…?
These words were running rampant around in my mind as I approached the closest one, lying just a few feet away from where I was standing, guardedly. With a trembling hand, I reached out and placed my upturned palm over his nose to confirm that he was actually alive. He was breathing although he took them in small baby breaths. I sighed in relieve and stepped back from him.
He didn't kill them…
That's a relief…
Now, I've got to go find Kurapica-san…
Without another glance backward, I ran off, leaving the place and them behind me.
" HIKARI! "
I stopped in my tracks and turned at the ever familiar voice. My heart soared when I saw Senritsu.
" Senritsu, you came! " I exclaimed.
" Of course I did, my dear girl! " she declared, indignantly. " What made you think that I would not? "
" What in the world happened to you?! " she exclaimed, looking at me, up and down.
" No, it's nothing. I just tripped and fell around a lot, that's all, " I admitted, only half the truth. " Nothing serious, really. "
I did not want to burden her any longer since she was also worried for Kurapica's safety so I decided to keep the rest of it from her knowledge.
I grinned and kneeled down to hug her.
" I'm so glad that I finally found you, Hikari… " she whispered into my ear as she wrapped her arms around me. " I'm sorry for behaving the way I did earlier on. "
" You shouldn't be apologising to me, Senritsu because I got too emotional and raised my voice…I'm sorry, " I told her, looking particularly guilty.
She patted my back and the embrace was broken.
" I forgive you too, my child… "
Alternately, we tried our mobile phones to call him but like the last few hours ago, we got the same results. There was no one picking up on the other line.
Kurapica-san…
Where in the world did you go off to…?
We ventured deeper and deeper into the forest, looking this way and that, calling out for him every few seconds.
" KURAPICA-SAN! " I yelled once more. " KURAPICA-SAN! WHERE ARE YOU? "
" KURAPICA! KURAPICA! " Senritsu called out loudly. "PLEASE ANSWER US! "
As usual, I was clumsy at times and stumbled around, slowing our progress of covering the grounds before night was at its darkest. Midnight. The Gods in the Heavens above were merciful enough to allow the slivers of moonlight to pierce through the dark woods and shed us a little light to show the way.
It was then that I heard something…
I strained my ears to hear it as my mind, throbbed with the effort.
There it was…
It was faint but still audible.
I can hear him…
His voice…
The inner one that's inside of him…
Without thinking twice, I followed his voice.
" Hikari? "
Senritsu's voice came from far behind me but I could not stop now. I was afraid that the connection would be broken. I have to follow it. I knew that despite me, not answering her, Senritsu was sure to follow me…
At least…
That's what I believe…
I believe in the Power of Friendship…
With him…
With her…
And the others…
My progress earned me, another set of bloody bruises and scrapes to my already wounded arms and legs as well as my torn clothes but I have to find him. Then…
I saw him. Kurapica, the person I was looking for. He was seated underneath a giant tree, probably seeking cover from the rain from previously.
" KURAPICA-SAN! " I screamed happily, scampering over to him and hugged him tightly to me. " I'm so glad to see you again! "
" H-H-Hikari? " he stuttered, surprised.
I noticed that he did not hug me back as I had and felt a slight twinge of hurt but I pushed it away before anyone could detect it.
I pulled away and grabbed hold of his hand, forcing him to get up, onto his feet.
" Come on, Kurapica-san. Let's go home together with us, " I encouraged him, tugging at his hand.
Suddenly, Kurapica wrenched his hand out mine and backed away from me just as I turned to look at him, puzzled.
" Kurapica-san? "
Without taking his eyes off the ground, he shook his head, his golden hair swinging with the motion.
" No, Hikari… "
I still could not understand him and unflinchingly took another step forward. He noticed my movement, winced and moved back.
" Why? " I asked him. " What's wrong, Kurapica-san? Don't you want to come home with us? "
" No. "
His answer was stiff and cold which tore at my heart, viciously as his meaning sank into me.
" Does that mean that you don't want me to be your friend anymore? " I whispered, the hurt in my voice plain.
He flinched but did not answer me as the two of us just stood there. Still and silent as statues, waiting for something to happen.
" Well, do you? " I repeated.
" I-I-I could leave now…if that's what you want me to do, " I added. " I'm sorry to be a burden to you. "
A large lump had already started to form in my throat as I spoke. I knew that the tears were coming next.
At this, his head snapped up sharply as his eyes met mine. My reflection was reflected in his eyes…the same eye colour which I shared.
Quickly, I looked away as the tears spilled over.
" Do you? " I asked, still not looking at him.
Finally, he answered.
It was soft but audible, since I was close enough to hear his reply.
" Yes… "
I gasped as the tears flowed freely now. I stared at my hands. At the wounds and bruises that I had sustained just to find him. It was all for naught.
There was nothing to it…
In the end, all he ever thought about me was that I'm just a burden to him…
A burden and not a friend…
While I thought of him…
As a true friend…
I thought we shared something…
But…
Without another word, I turned and walked away from him.