Chapter Six: Cursed Of Doll Part Two
Next Morning,
In The Room Where Are Athrun and Cagalli Currently Stayed In.
Cagalli wake up from the ray of sun that cover her face, she slowly opens her eye. When she tries to move, she feels that her waist be locked by very muscular arms. Her smile at the sight in front of her. Sleeping blue hair boy in peace, Cagalli softly blow to his face, which resulting his face twitching from her action. Cagalli giggled by his reaction. She blows it again, again the result were same. Then Cagalli pinch his cheek, which make Athrun slowly open his jade eyes.
"Good morning, sleepy head." Said Cagalli in her cheerful voice of hers.
Athrun just smiles at her and reply, "Good morning to you too my princess. Have good sleep?"
Cagalli just stare into his jade, she just nod slowly. Athrun who saw her reply went closer to her and kiss her forehead, then his smile to Cagalli, "Don't worry about yesterday dear. I am here to protect you. Don't be scared because I will never allow the same thing happened to my beautiful princess twice."
"What a speak Zala."Said Cagalli while softly giggled. Cagalli try sitting up, but Athrun doesn't allow her to do so.
"Well, my majestic I need get out of this bed, and try to figure out what the hell happened yesterday. Can you release your muscle arms from my waist?" Asking Cagalli show his a puppy dog eye, which make Athrun chuckle at her reaction.
"Well, I will, but first you will promise me that anything you wanted to do today, don't ever leave me behind, hanging or clueless. Can you promise that my dear princess?" Asking Athrun who is staring dearly into her hazel.
Cagalli thinking for a while, "What I will get is I obey you?"
"Nothing much, maybe after all this over I will treat you to that newly open ice-cream store that you dying to try it out."
"That ice-cream café? My dear Athrun that impossible you can't treat me there, because my dear pretty boy you need first make some reservation, which, if you did you have to wait like three weeks top."
"Well, my stubborn pretty lady, in case you have forgotten I am future leader of Zaft Corp., and also I am a pretty boy that you even knew of. So it kinda easy for them to let me in. So how, it is a deal or not?" Said Athrun while give her his genius smile.
"Sure. I love too." Promise Cagalli, but again when Cagalli try to get up, he still did not release his strong grip.
Cagalli let short sigh, "What now?"
"You forgot to give me a good morning kiss." Tell Athrun while pouting to her.
She just giggles, then she pecks his cheek, "Better?"
"Much better. Off you go my princess." Reply Athrun while loosening his grip to let that blonde girl get up from the bed that she and Athrun share last night. Since Cagalli still shaking from what happened yesterday night, Athrun makes his mind to sleep with Cagalli and calm her down. After all, even Cagalli love reads about ghosts, but when she sees it with her own hazel eyes it really needs time to clear her head off.
"Well, I am going to take bath first." Said Cagalli then she turns her head to Athrun for any objection.
Athrun look at her then he says, "Well, we both can take a bath together, if you want?" Smirk Athrun at the blonde girl.
Cagalli just stuck her tongue out at Athrun,"that will only happen in your dream."
"But we did that when we were small. When different now?" He raised an eyebrow.
"Well for starter when we were small we used to take our time way too long, which I don't want to, as you can see I here to help a little innocent life even I will be scared in the process, but I have you. So, it's better we take both separately, okay? My majestic." Reply Cagalli while winked to him, then made her way into the bathroom.
Athrun just stood there, he stares at the spot that Cagalli stood a few minutes ago. Athrun thinks why it's so hard to express his feeling to that blonde girl. It is because he is scared of rejection? He scares that their friendship will ruin? He scares that she will avoid or worst run away from him forever? They're so many that he scare of if he tell her about his undying feelings. Athrun let long sigh, before he flop open his phone to see whether his parents sent any messages to him.
Dining Room.
Cagalli and Athrun went inside the dining room to have a quick breakfast. At their arrival, there still people sitting on the dining table, discussion over something. Which Athrun figure out they must talk about what happened yesterday in their room. He just let short sigh. He really wants these people to stop talking what does happen yesterday. He just don't want Cagalli to upset over something that terrified her, even her love read about the spirit or history of ghost. But yesterday is just too terrified her greatly, for her to handle all over again. Cagalli look on Athrun face, for her it really hard to read what does Athrun think about, his face blank. Cagalli tap on his left shoulder, which made Athrun startle. He looks at Cagalli, he gives her wry smile.
Nicol, who the one getting up from his comfortable seat and went to both of his newly friend that he just made less than 48 hours, "Athrun, Cagalli mind to have breakfast with us?"
Athrun look at the people in the dining room, then he whispers something to Nicol, "they all want to ask Cagalli what does happen yesterday was I right?"
Nicol just bit her lower lip, then he just shook her head meekly, "they will ask her later after the breakfast, if you don't mind? To tell the truth, we all never thought something as yesterday will be happening to anyone, especially to both of you guys. Please, let's eat first, then you can scream, yell or whatever you want to them."
Athrun just wants Cagalli to be safe. Cagalli hold his clenched fist, which made Athrun look at her, "it all will be alright my majestic. Trust me, if you trust me that mean you trust yourself. You the one who told me that you will always will be by my side. So please have some faith in yourself, I sure that I will be safe as long you by my side." Her eyes were glazed slightly, and they sparkled and shined as she said those words to Athrun. Because Cagalli have faith on Athrun.
Athrun just smiles at her sincerely, then hold her hand to bring her to dinning to have a quick breakfast.
People at the table are Lacus with her lovely brown hair husband Kira, "DeRay" with his understanding fiancée Lunamaria. Cagalli just flash lovely smile at all of them. Athrun took his seat beside Cagalli.
"Well, after you both done with the breakfast, we all need to talk about yesterday. Whether you guys like it or not it is not an option." Said DeRay to break the awkward silence at the table while looking at the couple.
Athrun just glares at him, Cagalli just keep on eating. She knows that she can't run away from the topic what happened yesterday, her priority is to save that young girl's life, is not the time she needs to be scared of, she needs to stand still. If that little girl dies, she will never forgive herself. Ever! Speaking about that little girl, she looks around the table, she did not see any sight of her or her mother at all. Then she looks at Nicol, "Well, Nicol where is Ayaka and your aunt?"
"They both went out, buy some groceries. Why you ask?" Replied Nicol short.
"Nothing, by any chance Ayaka brings the doll with her?" Cagalli asked in a concerned voice in her.
Nicol took a moment to think before he answered, "Yea, she bring her along. She told my aunt that she wants to buy new clothes for the doll."
"She can't put any new clothes on that doll."Murmur Cagalli which Nicol can't catch it.
"Did you say something Cagalli?" Asked Nicol when he heard Cagalli said something in which he can't hear well.
"Nope, I am just talking to myself." Shook her head meekly.
Everyone in the dining room just continues to eat their meals.
Inside The Survalience Room.
Cagalli now sit facing DeRay,'' can you bring us to what you experienced before you screamed at the sight that you saw?" Asked Ray right after Cagalli took her seat.
Cagalli look at Athrun who is standing beside her like a very protecting bodyguard, Athrun catches her glance, then smile at her to ensure her nothing will be happen as long he is with her.
Cagalli take a deep breath before she answers a million dollar question, she closes her eye to bring back at that night, "It all happened when I felt something on my face then my shoulder. It's like water drips from the ceiling. I try to wake up from that water drip, then I open my eye slowly, which my vision still blur, but one thing for sure is that I saw a white light figure, that figure pointed at something at the wall, then…" Before Cagalli can finish her story, Ray cut in.
"Wait! White light figure? But at that time you haven't yet screamed am I right? Why?"
"Well, I don't feel like screaming at that figure at all. I felt that figure just wants to protect me or something."
"And you sure that you don't have any ability over these spiritual things?" Wondering "DeRay" with what the blonde said.
"Yes, I pretty sure. I can't talk, see or ever touch them. My only interest on them, because they are here must be something that bordering them, which we must figure it by understand their history. That's what I am best at." Explained with his stupid question.
Ray thinking for a while before he asks Cagalli to continue her story.
"Where I stop at… uh, after I have clear vision I saw blood all over the wall, which that scared me, and I screamed." Finished Cagalli at her story which she gulps something on her treat. She still scares and terrified at what happened yesterday, but she needs to be strong, and after all Athrun is here to protect her.
Ray stands up from where he seating, "Little girl comes here on the monitor, there something I want to show to you." Asking Ray to Cagalli.
Cagalli get up from her seat, she went to Ray direction follow by Athrun by her side.
"As you know, I put a surveillance camera at each every room in this bungalow. Here I want show you something. Please brace yourself before you watch it."
Caggali nod her head weakly, she did not understand why Ray asks her to brace herself.
"Here goes nothing." Said Ray while pushing the play button on the keyboard.
Cagalli watch the screen so do Athrun.
To their surprised, Cagalli eyes does not lie when she said that she saw a white light figure who is pointed at the wall, but something capture they both are that, they're not only white light figure in the room, but also the red something figure, that red figure tries to attack Cagalli, thank God Cagalli screamed right before that red figure has any chance to make it move. Right after Cagalli screamed that red figure vanished.
Cagalli hazel eye now wide open, she can't believe what just she had seen on the monitor,"w—what is that? Is that red thingy trying to kill me or possess me?" Asking Cagalli, with her hands trembling.
Athrun took her trembling hands in his, "Answer the lady question, Ray!" Yelled Athrun to that yellowish hair guy who tied his hair medium ponytail.
"Well, that I can't figure it out. Lacus can't sense anything yet. She just can sense that they're only one spirit in attaching not two. So after that incident, she can't sense anything. So that is why I am asking you little girl, do you have any special power, if not why that red thing tries to attack. That no make any sense at all. Before we all came here, Mrs Kizuki told me that nothing yet happened to her house, it just her daughter Ayaka behavior have changed, but after we all came, they start riots, but more importantly to you, little girl to precisely. Not to us, Lacus who know better knowledge about these spirits did not receive any kind of attack, me they should be mad at me because I disturb their peace. Why are only you? What's so special about you? What do you know about the doll better than us?" Bewildered Ray to Cagalli.
Cagalli just staring at him, she clenched her teeth. She can't answer all the question that he asked her, she did not know why does she the only one that figure attack. She also did not which part of her knowledge that made her first victim to this figure to attack her.
"Hey Ray, cut it out will you! What you try to apply here? To say that Cagalli one of them? That's so ridiculous. She just arrived here less than 24 hours, how come she was one of them! You Ray did know her better than I am, so stop all your nonsense. We here just to observe and she loves to understand these sprit things, she doesn't have high tech like you or she can't even talk, sense or better see the spirit. She just loves to read about spiritual stuff since she was small." Said Athrun, staring deeply into his eye.
Then he shifts to Cagalli who still trembling, he drag Cagalli out from the room.
"You know Ray you really rude at her. She did not know anything. I believe every single word that Athrun told. So stop your suspicious over people, try to solve this thing and then we all can go home. Get it?" Said Lunamaria to her fiancée in a firm tone.
Ray just ignores her like she is invisible and went out from the room. Lunamaria just watch his retreat, and let a short sigh. She sometime can't understand Ray even they are together as a couple more than five years.
In The Garden.
Athrun and Cagalli sat on the bench in the beautiful garden. Cagalli hands still trembling from what she just saw a few minutes ago. Why does that red thing want attack her? What does she know that she can't remember what? It is something that she saw? But what does she see? She can't remember anything at. A lot of question play in her mind, which Athrun sees it. He gets hold on Cagalli trembling hands, which made Cagalli look up facing Athrun.
"Please don't worry. I bet you there is nothing you need to worry about. You know why? Because I am here, you the one who told me believe in yourself, why now you have your doubt on your own advice?" Ask Athrun hold tight on her hand to insure her there nothing to afraid off as long he there for her.
Cagalli look at her hands, which now be held by Athrun. Her feel her hand no longer trembling much as she did earlier. She notices that Athrun hands firm, even he also saw that terrified thing, and he still can keep it together. He really keeps his promise to make her feel safe Cagalli just put her head to Athrun left shoulder.
"Thank you Athrun. I feel much better." Whisper Cagalli, to Athrun it is loud enough to be hear.
"Anything for my princess." Replied Athrun while kiss on her forehead.
Cagalli love those words coming out from his mouth, it reminds her of her Dad, Uzumi. He always said to her that he will do anything for his only princess. God, she really miss her Dad so much, but as long Athrun with her, she will always be safe because Athrun never once breaks his promise to her late Dad. Cagalli close her eye, enjoy the spring breeze. She loves the smell of flowers in the garden. It is specular feeling. Athrun look at her peaceful face, she already calms herself down. They're nothing to worry about as long he with her.
Nicol came to the garden to check his newly friends, "Are you both feeling alright?" Asked Nicol, his face clearly shows that he really worry.
Cagalli sit up straight when she heard Nicol voice, she turns to face that green hair baby face, she just smiles at him, "I feel much better, all thanks to this pretty boy." Replied Cagalli in between laughs when she calls Athrun pretty boy.
Athrun pouting at her, "Well, who you call pretty boy ha? You stubborn princess?"
Cagalli just pinch his left cheek and giggle at him.
Nicol took his seat beside Athrun and staring at the sky, "I really am sorry for everything. I guess I never take thing so seriously. I just thought this all just a prank by my aunt, since I never believe in ghost stuff."
Cagalli frowned at his statement, "What does it mean, by your aunt wants to put a prank at your cousin?"
"Well for starters, my aunty and her husband did not get along very well, now they both separated. So I just assume that my aunt wants to win her husband's heart back for Ayaka sake that is why she just told this nonsense to her husband to gain his sympathy. Now I am really confused at what I should believe in. Seeing those writing blood on the wall in your room last night really make me clueless about everything. It really shows how coward I am, even all those signed in front of me, I still don't want believe it. Why is that?" Said Nicol looking at his newly friends at soft gaze, but his try to hold the tears that's waiting to come out.
"Well, Nicol you just afraid that once you believe in it you will lose something that precious in your life. Take my advice, you don't need to believe it, just know that your cousin and aunt really need you the most. She is not crazy or desperate, she just thought her first love will be eternal, not half way on their journey. Marriage is not something that you can play about. You need be committed to your love one, give it all. Your love and soul to them. Protect them with all your heart, not leave them hanging there all by themselves, they need their partner to guide them to the correct path, even along the way they might find difficulties they need go through together not alone. That's what marriage all about. My late dad told me every night before I went to bed. He told me that someday when I be someone's wife, don't take marriage some sort play ground that you can stand there to play and when you bored you left them. You need commitment to your spouse. In that way your love will be increased until you close your eyes forever." Said Cagalli while looking down on her lap, while playing with her fingers, then her face up to look at Nicol and Athrun.
Athrun stunned at what she just said to Nicol. He never expects from her to say such thing about marriage, is like that blonde girl way more mature than he is. She understands more about the life than he is.
Nicol just puts a smile on his face, "Well, I guess you were right. I don't need to believe what I saw, I just need to be near to my aunt and my cousin, because they need me the most. They after all are my family, and most importantly, what I believe the most is what count in my life. I don't need to hear what they all said about my aunt, I don't need care is they believe her or not. It's me who will make a different. Thank you so much Cagalli."
Then they heard a car in blue sedan stop in front of the bungalow.
"There they are, coming back from the groceries. I need to excuse myself to give them hand to that groceries that they bought." Said Nicol while standing up from his seat.
"Well, we also can help with those groceries if you don't mind?" Asked Cagalli prepare to make herself up, and walk to the car, then she looks back at Athrun.
"Are you coming my majestic? Don't tell me that you never lift anything heavier than yourself in your life?"
Athrun just chuckles at her statement, "Nope my dear. I just wait for your offer." With that Athrun sat up from his seat and went by Cagalli side.
Cagalli just give him her soft gaze while smile at him.
When Cagalli went inside the bungalow with groceries on her both hands, which to happen that Ayaka run pass her to the wooden stairs which lead her to the second floor to her room.
Something interesting that capture her attention, she put the groceries down on her both sides. Then she knelt down to the marble tiles and touch it. She can see herself roughly on that marble tiles. Athrun who just went inside looking at her, "What are doing Cagalli? Are you loss something?" Asking Athrun who is now by her side and look down at her.
"I can see you roughly on this tile. Why is that?" Asked Cagalli still looking at the tiles while touching it.
"Well, in 18 centuries, people made the tiles from the glass and mirror, to make the tiles look shinning and in crystal form, so that they can sell it to the highest level of society which as result it will increase the price. It also believes that by using these ingredients on the tiles people who walk on it will be delighted or something. I not so sure on that part, though."
"So in short we can see it on our face, without using a mirror, is that what you try to imply here Athrun?"
"Yeah, since it's made from mirrors and glasses, but only roughly. You still need a mirror to comb your hair in the morning, if not you will look totally… what's the polite word to describe you, awful. Yes, that's the word." Said Athrun in playful in his voice.
Cagalli did not hear any of his jokes, she keeps on staring at the tiles, which made Athrun worry.
"I am sorry if I offended you Cagalli?"
Cagalli stand up, grab the grocery bags and went straightly to the kitchen, but before she does she turn back and stuck her tongue out at Athrun and then smile at him, "Thank you for that info." Yelled Cagalli.
"That girl really something." Said Athrun to himself.
In Athrun and Cagalli Room, Afternoon.
"Athrun can I use your iPad for a while?" Asked Cagalli when she steps out from the bathroom.
Athrun who reading magazine on his bed, stared at Cagalli requested, he sat up,"what you need it? Don't you dare you will act it alone! You did promise me Cagalli my dear."
"I know. That is why I asked the permission. If I forget about that promised that I made I will never ask you, I just went to your bag, take it. But I did not do that right. So will you lent it to me?"
Athrun walks to his bag and take out his blue iPad that Cagalli gave to him as chirtmas present. His smile at the memory of last Christmas. Cagalli has to work as a maid at Maid Café which really far away from their school. The reason was simple she just don't want people from school recognize her and took a photo of her in that maid outfit. She worked really hard so that she can give him that blue iPad, even she know he can simply have it if he ask his dad to buy one, but to Cagalli that sweat money that she earn is more worthy to see his smile of her present. The irony is that even how hard she keeps the secret from him, he always knows what Cagalli did behind his back. To unexpected twist, Athrun seniors asked him to the Maid Café where Cagalli worked. Athrun without any protest just follows his seniors. He seniors once told him that the reason they went to the Maid Café that located far away from the school is because, he heard from his friend's brother that there has one cute blonde. Athrun at first ignore at the statement, he don't really care about girls, and he only cares about one blonde princess that he have known for many years back. Athrun at first did not notice the maid that entertains their table was Cagalli. He only knows when Cagalli hiccup. He knows whenever Cagalli hiccup she will make that cute voice, that when he realize it. He smiles at her, and whisper at her "Cagalli". Even since then, he will always stop at that Maid Café to have dinner and watch Cagalli work. He even asked why she bought the iPad in blue, she just simply answers it because his hair is blue which her favorite color after yellow. He just smiles at the old memory that he shared with that blonde girl.
"Earth to Athrun. Will you give that iPad already!" Yelled the blonde to the daydreaming Athrun.
Athrun snap from his own, though, then smile sheepishly at the blonde and hand over his iPad.
Athrun stands beside the study table when Cagalli seated on, "So what you trying to looking for?"
"I myself not so sure. By the way, that Ayaka doll, Mimi. In what year that you think it's manufacturing?"
"What should I know. I did not play with dolls. In case you have forgotten I am a guy."
"Which to be happened have seven years old little cutie sister, and you always play house with her. In case you have forgotten, I have pictures of you and Ami happily play the house." Smirked Cagalli.
"Fine. Don't show that photo to anyone. Well, in my observation yesterday, since the doll made with hair as string, her hair in blonde with long fluffy and her clothes in those Lolita like which happened to be famous around Victory era. But in an Orb that kind of Fahion only be introduced in the early 60s and late 70s. Around that time I guess." Replied Athrun while looking at Cagalli who is busy typing the words on the iPad.
Cagalli cheer in excited mode, "Here I get it." Said Cagalli to Athrun and hand the iPad to him to allow him to read it aloud.
"What you get?" Asked Athrun confused.
"Just read it, will you. Aloud, please." Smile Cagalli.
Athrun saw her lovely smile, let a long sigh, "Sure. Minami Takashi, six years old found dead at the Street Yunifa at 10am by local restaurant owner who just open his restaurant. It is terrified to describe, how that poor innocent girl dies. It also stated that Minami had been missing for two weeks, from the date she be murdered. The girl was missing at the Mall Kuradi, at 10.20am when her mother Takashi Hiromi, twenty-six went to check out the items that she want to purchase. Her mother told the police officer, Haruki Jurna twenty-two years old who's freshly graduated from the Minyji Police Academies, that she just took two minutes off from her daughter. The mother is devastated with her daughter loss, in addition, her husband left her because it is so painful to bear with his wife who is loss her way since their only child death." Finished Athrun while looking at Cagalli.
"So what are you try to say here?"
"Well from starter, we don't have much time. Since Minami found dead in two weeks, and that doll that in Ayaka possession is about like one week and four days. We don't have much time."
"What are you saying Minami in that doll? It is impossible."
"Sure is not her, it's her mother."
"Why her mother do such thing." Asked Athrun with that confused look.
Cagalli snatch the iPad from his hand, and she scrolls the article down for Athrun read some more.
"Here, continue to read it, my majesty." Said Cagalli while giving the iPad back to Athrun.
Athrun took the iPad back from Cagalli, and continue reading it, aloud," three months after Takashi Minami found dead, the mother Takashi Hiromi suicide herself by mixes pills and drinking the alcohol to swallow the pills. The most shocking statement that we received from Second Senior Detective Mr Kujadi, said that Takashi Hiromi complete bald when they found her suicide in her own house on Juyti Street. But to answer the unanswered question, why does Takashi Hiromi bald, still be a mystery to all of us."
Athrun still looking at the article, he stands still without saying a single word.
"Look at the date when her daughter found missing." Instructed Cagalli to quiet Athrun.
Athrun look at the date, it written 24 March 1967 when. It's like four days from now, Athrun eyes wide open when he looks at the date, then his face Cagalli with that shocking expression.
"Wait Cagalli, it still did not explain why does her mother why Ayaka to be death. As far I read it, that doll exchange many hands before it fall on Ayaka."
Cagalli went closer to Athrun again, she snatch the iPad from Athrun. After a while she shows the picture of Minami Takashi.
Athrun eye wide open, he really surprises at what he saw, "T-T-hey have a familiar face. The face, hair color, the eye, everything that Takashi Minami had resembled Ayaka. Don't tell me, that her mother wants to reunite Ayaka so that Ayaka can be her daughter for the second time!" Yelled Athrun when he saw that.
Cagalli nodded her head.
"But, wait how did you know that is her mother in that doll? It did not explain anything, Cagalli. You can be totally wrong about it." Asked Athrun in confuse.
"Remember when I ask you why I can see your and my face on that marble tile floor? When she has Athrun nodded, she continues her explanation, "Well, I kind of saw her reflection on that tile, when Ayaka run passed me. That is why I positive sure that possession Ayaka and the doll is Minami Hiromi." Reply Cagalli in firm, she wants to stop this immediately and let Ayaka have a cheerful life like any kids.
"You what? Forgot about it, do you have plan how to stop all these?" Asked Athrun in the concern he really don't want Cagalli to enable this kind of thing, but he guesses it is already too late to back off.
"Yes, I do, but I need those people if I want her in peace."
"Explain it to me."
"Well for starter I am not a medium, nor an exorcist, and I am pretty sure that "DeRay guy want to be present so that he can learn something from it. So I really need them to help me." Explained Cagalli while looking at Athrun in such determination, but her hands still trembling. She actually scares to face these all, after all this is her first experience to see real spirit.
Athrun who saw her trembling hands, walk closer to Cagalli and took her hands, rub her palm, "Don't be scare I know you are, even you want denial it. Don't worry, I believe in you, I guess so are they right?"
Cagalli just staring at his eye, then she nods happily.
"Let's go, tell them what we are going to do." Said Cagalli while drag Athrun arm into the surveillance room, to tell them what she have in mind.
In Survaliance Room, Evening.
Cagalli bang open the door, which cause every single one startled by her action.
Before Ray can say anything, why in the hell she did that, Cagalli speech up first, "I have planned and I know how to rid that cursed out from Ayaka and the doll. To do so I need all of you to help me."
Ray just stared at her, "What are talking about the little girl? The case still ongoing, we just can't jump on conclusion without seeing a bigger picture, furthermore you not a professional in this kind of stuff. Let us handle it while you both can go continue study something useful for your future's sake."
"I know we new in this kind of thing, but I know I am right. Just give me a chance." Said Cagalli while staring contest with Ray.
Ray gives up, "If anything come wrong in the process, you going to pay the price!" Said Ray while look away from Cagalli, he can't believe that all his high tech can't solve the simple case, and more embarrassing that he going to lose to the little girl who inexperience about this spirit thing. Which make him frustrate, but if anything goes wrong she need to paid the prince, so it's still not over yet to him to lose to that little girl.
Cagalli went to Nicol and ask him to do something for her before her face the greatest fear that she were about to experience.
In The Living, Evening.
''Why we need that full length mirror, which is lie down? This doesn't make any sense!" Asked Ray in an angry tone, he still can't believe that he is going to lose to immatured kid.
"You will know soon." Replied Cagalli, she herself still have a second thought. There a lot of 'what if'. What if her plan backfires her? What if the young innocent kid will die cause of her mistakes? What if she totally wrong about what she think were right? She is new in this kind of thing, she really don't want mess up.
Athrun who saw her space out to not particularly, while her hand clutch into fist tight.
"You know what, Cagalli? You always told me when I was seven, that I can win any competition if I have faith in myself. You even made that wristband for me as a lucky charm. You told me that the "Greater Athrun Zala" will win it even all my competitors more experiences than I am. You even went to the temple to pray for me to win that swimming competition. Why now you don't have faith in yourself? Why you have second thought about yourself? What you are scared of? You not the same Cagalli that I met way back ago. Let me be your lucky charm now, since you did a lot things back then for me, every time I have swimming competition, let me be your strength like you used to be mine. You want to know one secret that I have been kept from you? You the reason why I always win the competition, your present in all competitions that enter made me feel confident about myself. You are my lucky charm that I need the most, without you cheer me from the sidelines, I never win any competitors that I enter, and without you I will never be "The Greater Athrun Zala". You the one complete my world." Said Athrun while squeezes her hand.
Cagalli just stare at him with that little blush, every single word that he told her with that sincere, she really needs it the most now, "Thanks. If I made any mistake, don't you dare run away from me, Zala! Get it?!" Said Cagalli in frowned slightly.
Athrun just chuckled at her behavior, because of his reacted Cagalli punch slightly at his left shoulder, which Athrun winch on it.
"Don't you dare do that! It is not funny." With that Cagalli made her way to Nicol.
Cagalli flash her smile at the Ayaka who is holding Nicol hand, she don't want that young innocent to be scared even Cagalli herself scare, but if she shows that to that little girl her life will be in danger.
"Hey Ayaka, do you want play a game with one-chan?" Asked Cagalli while extending her hand at Ayaka.
Ayaka at first hesitated to answer it, but she like every five year old kid can't resist any game that be offered to, she just nodded and accept Cagalli hand.
"Well, my dear, the game started with you and Mimi standing on top of that mirror." Said Cagalli while pointing at the lie down full length mirror at Ayaka.
Ayaka see at Cagalli pointed direction, then she look up at Cagalli to meet her face, "Is this game going to be fun?"
"Well, if you aren't standing on it, then you will not know if this game fun or not. You will be judged later about it. Let me make a promise, if the game was not fun, I will give you Chocolate that Athrun-nii-chan have. Trust me that chocolate very nice and soooo yummy. But if you lose, what about you give Mimi as an exchange. What about it? Deal?" Asked Cagalli who her smile still on her face.
"That's good, I love it. Deal nee-chan." Replied Ayaka in excitement with that she let go of Cagalli hand and run to that lie down full length mirror, then her face Cagalli, "Like this nee-chan?" Asked Ayaka in that lovely smile on her face, even her flash that smile, but Cagalli can see into her completely black eyes show that she in pain.
"Yes, dear, like that." With that Cagalli went to her and she looks down on the mirror, she smirks, "Well Takashi Hiromi you can't hide behind that doll forever. You had been caught. Just surrender and give Ayaka to herself!" Said Cagalli to the person under the mirror that Ayaka had been stepped on. To that spirit surprise, she looks up to Cagalli with the grin on her face. She slowly makes herself out from that doll to have extravaganza entrance to the people in the living room. After Takashi Hiromi came out from that doll in spirit form, Ayaka pass out, with quickly Nicol caught her in time, before her body slammed hard on the marble tiles.
Everyone in the living surprised by sudden apparent of Takashi Hiromi. She still that grin on her face.
"Lacus, I can't talk or hear a word that she going to say, I want you to be my translator if you don't mind?" Asked Cagalli while facing Lacus. Lacus needed, and look at the Takashi Hiromi direction.
Takashi Hiromi said something which everyone in the living room can't hear, but Lacus as a medium she can interact with spirit start to translate what she said," Well, my dear, during this time I never thought one that you the one will discover my precious secret. The moment I saw you I know that you will be troublesome to my master piece plan, that is why I want to kill you on that night. Unfortunately, if that white light figure was not there you will never figure it out and me with my precious daughter with being forever together. But you! How to destroy everything that I worked for!" With that the coaches starting to fly around and crash in front Cagalli. Even the couches crash in front Cagalli, she stands still.
"Well, you the red figure that wanted me to die so badly. Sorry to disappointed you. I not easy to die yet. But you already dead, just go to the light. Here is no longer where you should be." Said Cagalli to Takashi Hiromi, which make her very angry, her spirit turn to very strong light of red, it's because of range that she will keep on.
"NO! I will never leave without her!" Said Hiromi while pointing to Ayaka, "She will follow me to where I will be, I will NEVER leave her AGAIN!" Everyone in the living room can feel the room is shacking.
Kira ready to exorcism Hiromi, but Cagalli stops him to do so, "DON'T! It's not yet to do the exorcism to her." Said Cagalli who is trying to stand still.
"Why? If I did not act now, she will bring Ayaka with her, which as result Ayaka will die!"
"Kira, if you exorcize her now, she will never be peace, her spirit now in pain. She need to be pure and at the same time closure. She deserves to have it. Please trust me, even I know you and I just know barely, but I really need you to believe in me, for Hiromi not because of me."
Kira just nodded, "If anything goes wrong, I will do it. You get it Cagalli?"
Cagalli nodded, and went closer to Hiromi, "Death is something you can't avoid, soon or later you need faced it whether you like it or not. I know how you feel…" Before Cagalli can finish her words, Hiromi cut in
"NO! YOU NEVER UNDERSTAND MY FEELING! You don't have a child on your own. My husband left me because he can't bear to live with me who always in depressed. He is not the one carried her in your stomach for nine months, he not the one gives Minami breast milk, he not the one who saw her first step. It's ALL ME WHO DOES THAT! How could he leave me without understanding my feeling and try to understand me. After Minami dead, I lose everything on myself. EVERYTHINGS!" Said Hiromi in full of rage in her voice, but Cagalli saw the tears that roll down her cheeks.
"I understand! I completely understand, because I myself never have a chance to feel a motherly love, protection or what so ever, because she have to scarify her life for me. She dies cause of me. She dies right after she gave me birth, then my dad dies cause of the plane crash, on my 10 birthday. Can't you understand that I understand what you felt right after Minami dead, the irresponsible person who steal her life from you, but at least she have experienced a mother's love which you devoted to. She feels safe every time she is around you, she don't need be scared of anything as long you there with her, even during the time she held hostage, rape and brutally murdered. But you know what every times that irresponsible person did badly to her, I bet she never once scared because she knows that you trying your best to find her with all your love and soul. She knows that, but God love her more. God doesn't want her to suffer anymore that is why He took Minami from you. Did you know that her spirit change into a bright star, that looking after you up at the sky? She sees you devastate, sadness, that she never understands why you be someone that she never know of as her mother. She is always waiting for you up there. She really don't want you to become a person whose took her life away for you, she really don't want you to become that irresponsible person. She doesn't want you to be murdered by taking Ayaka life from her mother." Said Cagalli with tears rolled on her cheeks, she really don't want bring up about herself to anyone, but she needs that range spirit to know that she really understand her with her whole heart.
Hiromi just watch Cagalli in her sad face, "Really? She waits me up there? But I such bad mother, how come I can face her?"
"Everyone deserves a second chance, let Kira purity your soul, so that you can reunite with your daughter and let your sins be away so that God will forgive it."
Hiromi nodded, "That white light figure that saves you, she will always be your side. Remember that. She will always protect you without you knowing." Said Hiromi before she is purity by Kira.
Cagalli want to know more what she means by that, but Kira already prepares to purity Hiromi.
Kira chatter words that no one can understand of. Within five minutes, Hiromi turn to white spirit, pure and innocent. She simile and went to the light. In the living it back to normal, no shacking. Everyone in the living lets a relive sigh.
Nicol went to Ayaka, Ayaka slowly open her eye, "Wh-What happened here." Asked her in a low voice.
"You did not remember anything, Ayaka. What's the last time you remember off?" Asked Nicol in worried.
"When dad gives me Mimi. Why happened to me, Nicol-nii-chan?"
Nicol smile at her, rather answer her, he hugs her tightly while cry at her.
Cagalli walks to the lie down mirror, she bent down and pick up Mimi, then she walk to Kira, "Can you do me a favor? Can you burn it? We don't want any strong spirit to enter this doll." Asked Cagalli while giving the doll to Kira.
Kira nodded and went outside to burn the doll. Lacus follow behind him, but before she does, Cagalli say, "Thank you for the translated, Lacus-San!"
Lacus turn her head slightly and flash her lovely smile to Cagalli.
Athrun walk to her side, he taps on her shoulder, "Well all go well. Are you feeling alright?"
"I guess so." Replied Cagalli in low.
"You know you did great. You should give yourself a credit about your successes."
"Well, I can't do it without you by my side. After all I really need you to make me feel better about myself, my majesty." Joked Cagalli while giving Athrun slightly bow.
Athrun just chuckled at her reaction.
Ray went to her, "You did great little girl, but I still the best. You just deal with spirit one, don't overwhelming by your achievement. You still far ahead to learn about this kind of thing." Said Ray in an irritated tone of him as always, with that he exists the living room, follow by Lunamaria, but before she exits the room she bow to Cagalli.
"I hate his attitudes. He needs to learn to respect human being." Scaratism Athrun.
"Yea, I guess he does."
Next Morning
Ray and Lunamaria pack their things. It's time to go back, since the spirit already gone, but it's all thanks to that little girl, which to Ray it unacceptable, he hates to be defeated by some immature people especially to girls. To him girls such troublesome with their hormone and other thing which he can't understand and handle. That is why his parents force him to be engaged with Lunamaria. He can't understand why his parents want him to be engaged with her, since they be a childhood friend since small, but that also his parents arrange it. He really hates it. Ray battle with his own thought that look at Lunamaria who is checking all the equipment's. He let a short sigh.
Nicol went closer to Ray, "Well, thank you for your service, here is your payment. Again, I really appreciation it." Said Nicol while hand a check to Ray and bow.
"Yea, I also thanks for all the things that you and your aunt did while we be here." Reply Ray and snatch the check form Nicol.
"Lunamaria, is all the equipment's there inside the van?" Asked Ray in a rough tone of him.
"Yea, all set." Reply Lunamaria while smile at him, which Ray ignored it and went to the driver seat.
Lunamaria just watch his behavior, then she went to Nicol, "Thanks for everything Nicol. Send my gratitude to her as well." Said Lunamaria while the bow, then she heard hock.
"Lunamaria! Let's go!" Yelled Ray from the driver seat.
"I really need to go now, thanks again. Hopefully we can see again, later." Said Lunamaria while running to black van when Ray waiting for her impatience.
Cagalli and Athrun just watch the scene.
"Well Cagalli, Athrun. We both take our leave then. Hope we can see again. It really pleasure to work with both of you." Said Lacus with Kira by her side.
"It's also our pleasure, and Kira thanks for burning the doll." Said Cagalli while flash her adorable smile.
"The pleasure all mine. But I can't do it with you. We take our leave then. Bye both of you." Replied Kira while holds his wife hand to lead her to blue Mecedas, which Cagalli can't identify what kinds of Merced as that he drove.
"So I guess I will see you guys in three days from now." Said Nicol whose is standing beside Athrun.
"You are going to stay here until school open?" Asked Cagalli while facing him.
"Yes, my aunt and Ayaka need me. So I guess why not stay here until spring break over." Said Nicol while looking at the garden where his aunty and Ayaka at.
"If you don't mind me Athrun, can you give me a little bit time to spare with Nicol aunt?" Asked Cagalli to Athrun.
Athrun smile at her and nodded as a response.
Cagalli went to the garden where Nicol aunt at.
"Hello, Mrs Kizuki. May I sit beside you?" Asked Cagalli in a polite tone of hers.
Mrs Kizuki look up to meet her face, then she nodded.
"Thank you. Well, now all over I guess your life will be back to it suppost to be right?" Said Cagalli while looking at Ayaka who cheerful playing with the flowers.
"I not so sure now. I guess it suppose." Said Mrs Kizuki in soft, but it have a little bitterness in her voice.
"Nicol told me that you and your husband currently taking a break from each other. It's not my place to give any advice, but I guess you have to give your husband space and time. I know you want your first love to be the one and only, and I know that love can't be changed overnight, they should grow as much you with the one you love the most. But it is not only for you the love you have with your husband, now his and your love have to be shared with that little one. Sometimes guys can be clueless, trust me they will soon or later realize that they lose something precious in their life that is love of the beloved wife and the child that came from their love juice that shared with. Don't worry about it, have faith in him and yourself, never give up. You need to be strong for Ayaka. She need you the most now." Said Cagalli while looking at the clear sky.
"Thanks for everything, I will be strong for Ayaka and have faith in myself, but I don't know how." Replied Mrs Kizuki with sadness.
"For once you still have family that still love, like Nicol. He still loves you and he will never let you hanging all by yourself, he will try to give a hand to you, after all he told me that you are his favorite aunt in all worlds. Don't tell him that I told you about his biggest secret." Said Cagalli while facing her with her index finger on her nose while wick to Mrs Kizuki.
Mrs Kizuki chuckled at her behavior, then Ayaka runs to her mother, and give her any kinds of flowers that she can find in the garden, "Look mother, they so beautiful like your smile. I really love to see you smile like you used to. It makes me happy, but when you don't smile it makes me sad. I don't like to be sad."
Mrs Kizuki took the flowers from Ayaka, and she knelt down and hug her daughter tightly, "Thank you baby girl. I will smile like I used to. I promise, please don't be sad."
Cagalli just watch the scene.
At The Bus Stop, Afternoon.
"I really love the happy ending don't you Athrun?" Said Cagalli who is sitting on the rods while swinging her legs front and back.
Athrun whose stand by the side of the Bus Stop schedule, "I guess." While looking at his wristwatch.
Cagalli got irritated by his replied, "well Athrun you need to keep your promise, since I never left you from any situation. So I guess that I will have that ice-cream from that impossible café from you right?" Asked Cagalli who has raised an eyebrow at Athrun.
Athrun just looks at her, and grin at her, "Maybe."
Cagalli stand up from the rods that she sited at,"WHAT! You Zala, never keep your own promise. I hate you." Said Cagalli whose is back at him while both of her arms cross in front her chest.
Athrun went to her, hug from behind her waist, "I said maybe in terms that I tease you princess. Of course I will treat any kinds of ice-cream that your cravings." Said Athrun while resting his chin on Cagalli shoulder. He loves smells Cagalli scent, it is Lemon.
Cagalli smile on his replied, "Good, then I want to try every flavor that they have. I hope I don't go broke you this month with my appetite."
"No, you never dried out all my money, because as long as you are happy, I am happy. Money second matter to me. You my princess is my top priority." Said Athrun whose is still smelling her scent.
After a while they both heard hock.
"Bus is here! Let's get going. I can't wait to have my ice-cream from you." Said Cagalli while pushing Athrun aside, and running to get her thing.
Athrun just watches her, "Yes, yes. We need to move fast."
They both step into the bus to head to their next destination, Cagalli who did not sleep well yesterday, drifted off to sleep on his shoulder. Athrun careful stroke her hair and kiss her forehead. He really wishes that he has guts to say "I love you" to her first before any pervert guys tell that three words before him.
His smile at the thought, he went to her ear and whisper, "I love you, princess."
TBC…
Personal message, I want to express my appreciation to the reviewers that spare their time just to review their thought. I really am appreciating your effort to read and left such warming review. THANK YOU guys:
October Lynx
Ran Guen
falconrukichi
Lenora Jime
Alyazala
I will do much better in the future, again THANK YOU.