Chapter 8: Failed Attempt

Month 3, Day 12. 12:30

Umio stood in the middle of the Basilicom dressed in a blue parka and blue jeans. He stood next to Uzume, trying to console her.

"Umio." Histoire said, pulling him aside, "Please be careful. The citizens are quite… violent as of late and I've heard that some organisation is planning another assassination."

Umio nodded, "I understand. I'll do my best to protect Uzume, Lady Histoire."

"Thank you, Umio." Histoire smiled, "For everything you've done."

Umio walked back to Uzume, who was sitting on one of the Basilicom's seats. Looking up at the Basilicom's glass roof. Her eyes sad and unfocused.

"Uzume." Umio placed his hand on her shoulder, smiling, "Let's go, shall we?"

Uzume was wearing an orange parka with a swirl on her left side. She now had black tights and had pulled her leg warmers up. Her face was hidden behind an orange knit cap.

Uzume stared at Umio's face, before nodding slowly and standing up.

Umio supported Uzume as she leaned on him, her eyes red and puffy from crying earlier. They walked through the streets of Planeptune, avoiding the angry groups of people that had started to form near NepTower. Grey clouds had started swirling overhead, casting a dark shadow over Planeptune.

"It seems it's going to rain." Umio muttered.

Umio felt Uzume's head nod in agreement.

"Cheer up, Uzume." Umio said, "It wasn't your fault. Don't blame yourself for what happened during that month. You weren't yourself."

Uzume shook her head, "... It was my fault… I… I cause that destruction..."

"Uzume..."

"... I can still hear the screams ..." Uzume started to tear up, "Pleading for help… asking me to save them..."

"Uzume." Umio knelt down, looking up at Uzume, "I can't understand what you went through, but I can help you. I'll be by your side until you wake up from your horrible nightmare. I promise you, I will be with you until the end of the world."

"Umio..." Uzume sobbed, "I… I can't..."

"No tears, Uzume." Umio stood up and hugged her, "I would never leave you behind. Histoire is currently working on a way to help you right now." Umio revealed to Uzume, "I believe in her, Uzume. Histoire will find a way to save you. So, please, believe in her as well. Hang on just a little bit longer."

Uzume started shaking in Umio's embrace, before hugging him back and burying her face in his chest, "I'm scared… Umio. I… can't bear the guilt..."

"Then let us bear the guilt together." Umio replied, "I did say I would help you, after all."

"I'm… grateful." Uzume said, "I'm grateful to have met you, Umio."

"So am I, Uzume."

They stood there, hugging each other. The cold wind blowing below them.

"I'll treat you to crêpes today." Umio said as they started walking again, "Will that make you feel better?"

Uzume nodded slowly.

As they approached the crêpe stand, Uzume pulled her cap down, trying to cover her face. Umio approached the stand.

"Two crêpes, please." Umio said.

"Are they for you and your girlfriend there?" The woman gestured to Uzume.

Umio nodded, feeling a mild blush on his face, "They are for us."

"What will yours have, mister?"

"I'll have chocolate and whipped cream."

"What about you, miss?"

Uzume remained quiet.

"Sorry, she's a bit shy." Umio apologised, "She'll have chocolate, strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream."

The woman handed them their crêpes and told them the price. Umio handed her the money.

"Thank you for your business."

As they walked away from the stand, Umio turned to Uzume, "You know, you could've replied."

Uzume remained silent.

Umio sighed, "Guess it can't be helped, then."

Yes, Uzume just passed through here. She's heading to the edge of town with a man. She's wearing an orange parka.
What? Yes. I understand.
I hope you can save us.

Umio lead Uzume through some deserted streets of town. Uzume looked around slowly, unable to recognise the area she was in.

"Mister Umio is here!" Yelled a boy.

"Mister Umio!" Replied a girl's voice.

Uzume looked forwards, staring at the smiling faces of El and At.

"Hello, you two." Umio greeted, "I've brought company with me today."

"Company?" At wondered, looking at Uzume, "Ah, it's Miss CPU."

"Miss CPU? Ya serious?" El looked at Uzume, "Yeah, it's Miss CPU. Finally come to visit us?"

Uzume looked at the siblings, managing a weak smile.

"Miss CPU...?" At approached them, "Are you okay?"

Uzume shook her head, staring at At with regret.

"Uzume has had a very… stressful month." Umio replied, "I thought it would be nice for her to come visit you."

"Great thinking, Mister Umio!" El said, "C'mon Miss CPU, cheer up."

Uzume closed her eyes, "I'm sorry." she whispered.

"El. At. What are you doing running off?" A woman's voice said.

"Mister Umio came to visit, mama." El replied cheerfully.

"Mister Umio?" Their mother replied, appearing from behind the turn, "Is it time for you to teach these two already?"

"I'm afraid no, Mrs June." Umio smiled, "I've come with a friend of mine."

"A friend of yours, you say?" The mother asked.

"It's Miss CPU, mama." At said, "She's the one that helped us."

"Oh. Lady Uzume?" The woman replied, "She's come to visit us?"

Uzume opened her eyes and looked at the woman dressed in a white dress. A kind smile on her face. Flowing black hair tied in a ponytail. Her face showed signs of tiredness, yet sparkled with kindness.

Uzume waved back.

"It is her." The woman smiled, "I've heard you took our children in and gave them a job at the Basilicom."

Uzume nodded.

"That was sweet of you." She continued, "That night, El and At surprised my husband and I with the news. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. We're very grateful to you, Lady Uzume."

"See, Uzume?" Umio whispered, "Even now, there are still some people that believe in you. Don't let the other voices silence those who still love you."

Uzume nodded, "I … see..."

"Harold! Come here. We have a special visitor."

"I'm coming, dear." The man stood besides her wife. He wore a white shirt and tattered brown trousers.

"Ah, it's the Umio lad." He said, before noticing Uzume, "Who's the girl with him? His girlfriend?"

"I'm… Uzume." She said weakly, "I'm your children's friend."

"Uzume you say?" He thought for a moment, "Wait. You mean to tell me you're Lady Uzume?"

Uzume nodded, "Yep. That's me." She said slowly.

"I've never expected that the CPU would visit my family." Harold said, "I've heard you helped my kids as well. I thank you for that."

"Miss CPU is very kind." El said.

"Miss Histoire is as well." At added.

"Yes. you've told us." He said, picking up At, "We're thankful for what you did to our kids. You've helped us more than we could've imagined."

"Miss CPU is the best." At agreed.

Uzume couldn't help but smile, "It was nothing. Uzume was just doing her job."

"Nonsense!" The man exclaimed, "No one would've done that 'cause it was their job. You did it from the bottom of your heart. I can tell. I'm great at judging people."

"You've helped us more than you can imagine, Lady Uzume." His wife replied, "We've managed to have a meal every day since you gave our children a job. And Umio there has been teaching our kids for free."

"It's nothing, really." Umio said, "I just wanted to help Uzume's friends."

"We'll come to the Basilicom tomorrow to play, Uzume." El said.

"We missed you." At added.

Uzume smiled, "I'll be waiting for you both."

"You better behave while in the Basilicom." June said, "I don't want to hear you troubled Lady Uzume too much."

Uzume giggled slightly, "They're no trouble. I'll be... happy to have them."

"It's time we head back. Histoire will be waiting for us." Umio said, "I'll come to the Basilicom tomorrow as well."

"Yay. Mister Umio will be there as well." El said.

"Goodbye, Miss CPU. Goodbye Mister Umio" At waved.

"It was nice meeting you, Lady Uzume." June said.

"Thank you for everything." Harold said, "Come again and we'll treat you to some supper."

"I'll try." Uzume waved, "I'll see you soon."

Umio lead Uzume back through the streets, opening up on a plaza. Taking a seat on a bench.

"I knew those two could cheer you up." Umio smiled at Uzume.

Uzume smiled back, "Thank you. Umio. I feel a bit better now."

Umio nodded, "You look better as well."

Uzume looked up at the grey clouds, "You managed to pull me from the whirlpool I was in Umio. I can't thank you enough."

"I didn't pull you, Uzume. You did it yourself." Umio said, "I just lent a helping hand, that's all."

Uzume smiled warmly at Umio, "Umio. I have something to ask."

Umio looked at her, "Yes? What is it?"

"Your dream, Umio. You've never told me your dream."

Umio laughed, "I guess I haven't. My dream, Uzume is-"

"There she is, it's Uzume!" Yelled a shrill male voice, interrupting Umio.

"Quick, get her!"

Uzume and Umio's attention turned in the direction of the voice. Two black clothed individuals were approaching Uzume from behind, the one closest to them was holding a knife. Approaching too fast for any of them to get away.

"Uzume, watch out!" Umio jumped in front of Uzume and pushing her aside, taking the knife for her. The knife cutting deep into his stomach, "Ugh…!"

Umio collapsed on the stone floor. Blood oozing from his injury.