Wish you were here
Chapter 4. I made a link with others routes in Resona Forma.
"Kakeru-kun! That's so beautiful!"
Yuka and Kakeru stared up at the Holy Office of Index building, amazed. Shiori stayed a bit behind them, pensive. Unfortunately, everyone, despite their sadness to know Shiori leaving soon, had others plans during the holidays. Misuzu decided to come back to Kusakabe Clan bring the Kusakabe Five Swords back and reconciling with her father. Kukuri preferred to stay at school, around the orphanage in order to be here for the birthday of her younger brother's death. Yukiko and Takahisa wanted to come too, but they promised to Takahisa's sister, Ema, to help her for Festival of the School. Finally, just Kakeru and Yuka left. Shiori wasn't really happy that Yuka came too and that she became the one who plays gooseberry. But as Kakeru came, Shiori didn't complain and accepted it easily. Yuka caught Kakeru's hand, pointing the tower.
"Thanks for having brought me there!" she said, kissing him on the cheek.
"I did nothing. Thanks, Shiori." He said turning back toward Shiori and smiled warmly to her.
Shiori looked away but nodded.
"Let's go." She said. "Before, I would like to explain some things: be careful. Index is a lot more dangerous than you think. The Index's Head is the Pope herself, Great Mother Johanna. She is everything but human."
"Is she magus?"
"No, she isn't. I don't really know. There are a lot of mysteries about her. Even Chiara, who is a close friend and works with her, doesn't know who she is really. Everyone is loyal to her, but very little of people know her true nature. She seems calm, but according to Sophia Measley, the one who created my body, she isn't what she seems to be. I think while we talk, she already knows I'm back, not alone."
"Johanna…"Kakeru repeated, aghast. Yuka seems scared.
"Will we meet her?" she asked.
"No. I will prevent you." Shiori said. "If she knows your nature as Fragments, she will do anything for erasing you, and she is very powerful here. Then I think I will be punished by Church for having brought here. If she did it, nobody will save you. We would have very little of allies here."
"I understand." Kakeru nodded. "Me too" Yuka nodded. "She scared me."
"My Gosh! Ursula!"
The three turned back to a voice, which ran toward them. Shiori recognized her: Chiara.
"Chiara" They hugged. "I missed you very much."
"You too." Chiara said, very happy to see her again.
"I didn't know you came back today. I would have asked to Sophia to welcome you here with me. But tell me…You aren't alone." Chiara noticed Kakeru and Yuka who stayed quiet. "Hello, my name is Chiara."
"She is Pope's secretary." Shiori explained.
"Hello." Kakeru smiled to her. "My name is Kakeru."
"Mine is Yuka." Yuka introduced herself too. Chiara smiled to them friendly. "Happy to meet you two."
"They will stay here for a while, Chiara." Shiori said. "They are two precious to me."
"In Index? I'm not against it, but are you sure you can?" Chiara muttered, as if she didn't want to be heard.
"…yes" Shiori paused. "I think."
"…Okay, Ursula." She came closer to her. "Johanna would like to see you. She knew you are already here. I will bring you."
"…I guessed." Shiori said. "Chiara, can you show my house to them? I will come to Johanna by myself."
"…Very well." Chiara nodded, taking her keys.
"Shiori…" Kakeru said, apparently worried about Shiori. She reassured him, smiling a bit.
"Don't worry. I will protect you."
"…"
"As you said, for friends and for tomorrow." Shiori declared before to leave toward the Tower. His friends looked at her leaving, with the same hint of worry in their eyes as Chiara's.
"…Come with me." She said, showing the way.
Yuka caught Kakeru's arm again and they followed her.