Chapter Two: Striken

Time passed slowly for the two of us. Koromaru and I would often take walks together, and I would pet him and rub his belly just as I used to. Sometimes we'd just stay at the shrine and talk together, carefully avoiding the topic of what the future surely held. I liked to pretend that there was no danger in the future, and Koromaru and I could wait together like this forever. But no matter how hard we try, we can't escape the niggling knowledge of what will happen. No matter how much we pretend everything's the same, deep in our hearts we know it isn't.

I watched the others from a distance, but the bond that once brought us together now seemed to span before me like an uncrossable chasm. It was almost unbearable to see them go about their lives without a care in the world. All the lessons they learn, all the challenges they'd overcome were lost to them, and they were as naive as they were when we first met.

Mitsuru had grown stone-cold. She'd accepted her role as the heir to the Kirijo group with dignity, and in doing so pushed everyone save for Akihiko away. He alone seemed to be able to reach her inside the chilling outer shell she built around herself, but even so I saw the signs of strain in him every day. The two fought like jackals, but it was always obvious that they would end up together. Still, the strong-willed female was reluctant to show any weakness, even to Akihiko, and this is what causes her unexpected rages when the two are together. I can't help but know if Mitsuru remembered how her father really died, and the bond she'd had with Yukari afterward, things would be different for the two of them.

Yukari, on the other hand, is such a completely different person I don't even find her likeable anymore. I never imagined someone like her to have such little concern for her future, but I guess this is the Yukari that existed before I came to know her. She loves to pick on others and concentrates more on how other people view her than how she views herself. I believe she has even decided to stop eating in order to keep herself skinny. Sometimes I wonder if she does this only for the attention, and I know it would be the death of her if we weren't all going to die soon anyway.

If I had a heart, it would wrench in two every time I set eyes on the laughing face of Junpei. It's not just that he's reverted to his skirt-chasing and easy-going ways, but because I still know the only reason he's alive is because Chidori's spirit resides within him. Chidori gave up her own life for him, and he doesn't even remember her name. The love he used to reserve for her is gone and forgotten, and her spirit resides unknown and hidden inside him. I know Chidori must be suffering there. I hope she knows it wasn't his fault.

I do not see Fuuka much anymore. She is always alone when I do, and I wish I could help her. Her own class doesn't pay her much mind, so I feel we have such in common. Still, I can't remember powerful and focused she once was. There was a time she became so sure of herself, but all that self-confidence was wiped away with her memories. I can't talk to her knowing that.

And him…Him, with his irresistible charm and mysteriously quiet manner has managed to date nearly every girl in our grade. I've seen him eye Mitsuru more than once, but he knows no to challenge Akihiko's claim on her. Yukari he has also left alone, no doubt unwilling to deal with the drama she would bring. The overwhelming desired to be with him that I once had has completely evaporated, leaving nothing but resentment and hatred in its place. For one who is not supposed to have feelings, my loathing for him is unbelievable strong. Everything that I once admired—his casual way of carrying himself, his deep gray eyes, the charismatic smile that girls found so attractive—now seemed only to hide the cowardice buried deep in his heart.

The thing that infuriates me the most is that sometimes I swear…Though I know it's impossible…That he remembers. Sometimes when I see him checking me out, I can see the slightest spark of recognition in his eyes. The way he answers his friend's inquiries about the future are said in such a sure voice one could swear he keeps a crystal ball hidden in his room. I hope he does remember. I hope he lives his last days knowing the pain he caused us when we heard that gunshot.

So I sit, and I wait, with Koromaru at my side, for the inevitable end. Somehow I never expected it to work out this way. I'd thought if there was anyone I'd spend the last days on earth with, it would be him. But Koromaru is definitely a much better friend and listener. I wouldn't change things if I could.

Slowly the weather turns warmer again, as it always has, and March emerges with the beginnings of crocuses and cherry blossoms. Still the occasional blizzard whips the blossoming spring from the air, but it always returns stronger than ever after the frost. The world never ceases to amaze me in the ways it can renew itself. I will be sad to say goodbye.

The rhythmic clicking of Koromaru's untrimmed nails slowly lulled me into a trance-like state as we strolled slowly through the town. I was enjoying the feel of spring and the bright sun against my metal plates, though I could not feel the warm promise of summer on the breeze. It was the nicest day we'd had for a while, and soon the humans at the school would start using their summer uniforms.

Distracted as I was in my tranquil state, it took me a moment to notice when I collided with someone, knocking him to the ground with a grunt. Startled, I bent and held out a hand to him helpful, as I had been programmed. He looked up and as his dark gray eyes met my focused blue ones, I froze. Seeing my obvious discomfort, a slow smile spread across his thin lips as he took my hand and pulled himself to his feet.

"You should watch where you're going." Disgust seared through me like hot oil at the flirtatious tone of his voice. Couldn't he feel the hatred radiating from me like tidal waves? Does he really have no heart? His knowing grin only widened and he continued, "You sure know how to knock someone of their feet, though." Subtly, his body moved closer to me and he touched my hand again.

I pulled away almost against my will, repulsed by his touch as if he had struck me. Koromaru growled in warning, but he made no acknowledgement of the dog whose power he had once valued. He only approached again, the slight split between his lips showing perfect white teeth. "Don't be shy, Aigis. We've known each other a long time, haven't we? It's about time I pay you some attention." His words dripped with invitation, and I almost gave in to the look in his eyes. No, what was I doing? After all the he'd done, I could even consider becoming friends—or even more—with him?

"I do not desire any of your 'attention'." I replied, cold as a glacier. With an overly dramatic sigh, he stepped away, looking forlorn. A scowl overcame the stiff features of my face at the act, and I moved aside on the path so he could pass, hoping he'd go away and leave me alone for the next week or so that we had left.

He didn't leave right away though. He let his eyes linger on mine, then drop to my lips for a moment before returning to my face. I blushed ever-so-slightly at the suggestive look, hating myself as I did so. "Well, if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me." With that, he pushed his hands into his pockets and started to step past me, hesitating next to me just long enough to add, "Plans change." I turned my head sharply just in time to catch the faintest shadow of a sneer before he was gone.

I stood rooted to the spot for what seemed like hours. Was he mocking me? Did he remember what he had done, and not regret it at all? Did he actually enjoy watching me suffer? The thought was almost unbearable. I refused to believe that any human, save for perhaps Ikutski, could be that cold-hearted. Perhaps I still don't fully understand these people.

"He was only trying to rile you up, Aigis." Koromaru rumbled soothingly, but I could see the anger burning in his intelligent red eyes as clearly as I could feel it raging inside me. "There's no way he remembers. He's just a jerk."

"Yes…" I still wasn't so sure, but there was no way I would ever know. Perhaps it was best not to dwell on it. "You are right, of course, Koro-san. I am certain he meant nothing by it." I forced my legs to move again, and we continued on our way to the shrine in silence.

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Yeah, so I haven't updated in a while. My last updates were spring break, and after that school got much more hectic. Finals are almost over, so hopefully I'll start updating again when spring comes.

Minato's a jerk. XD Poor Aigis.

Please read and review.