-Thanks Akira-chan, I really needed to have you beside me - at that moment the image of Momiji s siblings came to my mind, making the first unstoppable tears appear on my face.
-O Oh! D Dear don t mention it - replied Akira while blushing, without noticing I was already crying I knew you needed it I just came here to be able to heal my dear that was when she looked at my face and noticed me crying Dear! What happened? Does it hurt somewhere?
-Y Yes Akira-chan my heart my soul - I began standing without much difficulty, to Akira s despair little one can we do something there was just one person I trusted into to do this Nina can I do this with you?
-O Of course! We can! she then looked at me with visible worry b but are you well dear? Can you stand up?
-Yes Akira-chan - I replied without holding my tears l let s for to the living room, please? I then stretched my hand to her, and she took it into her delicate paw.
We then headed towards my residence s living room, when we arrived there I asked Akira to sit down on the right end of the sofa, so I sat on the other side and slowly laid my head on her lap, almost instinctively she placed her paw on my hair and began fondling it, the very same way Nina was used to do; then I asked her:
-Now Akira-chan I shall vent everything that is adding up inside of me I then pointed to my chest don t worry, I did that to Nina as a way to be able to speak and be vocal about everything that is hurting and making me sad it has been almost an year that I cannot do it and this is beginning to be harmful to me I then looked up, inside her pretty brown small eyes I have only you to do this, because it is only in you that I trust could you do me this favor?
-Of course dear! Akira replied in an energetic and sure way, smiling to me in sequence everything I can do for you dear I shall.
I then began crying out all the things that were hurting my heart, I cried for Nina s, Kikuri s, Yumi s and for Momiji s siblings; there were points that I still managed to talk in-between sobbing Nina why did you leave me alone! ; Kikuri you were so gentle, caring and good you deserved to love someone much better than me , Yumi forgive me my beloved sister I never imagined you were part of my family I loved you so much sis I never wanted to have done what I did with you and lastly How could someone be so evil to the point of doing what they did with Momiji s poor siblings? What did they do to deserve something like this? Things like that just prove there is not a God or Saint Meow or anything of that sort ; I believe that I spent around one hours crying like that, which Akira didn t stop fondling my head for even an instant, when the torrent of feelings finally died down I opened my eyes, the first person I saw was Enmie that was sitting in the sofa in front of us, as soon as she noticed I was observing her, she said:
-I really have no idea how you managed to come here in the state you were into when I examined at the infirmary Richard she then pointed to me and Akira but the fact you managed to put everything out so naturally with her made me speechless and happy as well.
-Thanks Enmie-chan, but for some reason I knew I could open myself with the little one here I then rose my hand and fondled her pretty little face regarding my body, I feel better, as if nothing had happened to me at all -Are you serious Richard? Would you mind if I did a checkup? said Enmie standing up next just to be safe?
-Mind? I would be happy if you did I replied again standing and sitting on the sofa.
-Alright then Enmie then proceeded using her paws and energy to check how I was, suddenly she frowned and murmured it is not possible she checked again the knee and my forehead, then she did a shocked face and looked at Akira, moments later she shook her head and said it can t be that you are as healthy as I am -W What do you mean? I asked together with Akira and what about my knee and nose? that was when I moved my knee and felt nothing, I touched my nose and it seemed fine.
-Well, I believe that when I saw you in that state - replied Enmie while she sat again on the other sofa I must have been so worried that I exaggerated on the diagnosis or my power could have failed I don t know thanks Saint Meow your state isn t even as near as bad as that nekomimi Saori.
-Is her case so bad like you are saying Enmie-chan? I asked, really regretting having gone to their house.
-Well, according what Momiji reported me, he had lost control like that once before, when he was mugged while carrying the orphanage s money Enmie then pointed towards their bedroom Saori had gotten in that same state at that time too, snapping out of it just when the guards came to arrest him; however this time she reached the deepest level of catatonia which is no different than someone in a state of induced coma induced by sedatives, and unless we have a miracle, she will hardly leave that state -I comprehend Enmie I replied while punching my own hand, feeling some revolt grow inside of me damn they! How can they be so heartless to the point of doing something of this level? At times like this I believe even less in a superior being or something like that -And what has believing in a superior being asked Enmie, making air quotes with her paw s fingers anything to do with doing or not such acts?
-What do you mean? I replied somewhat offended wouldn t this superior power be some kind of peace watcher and whose will is what makes things happen? If he existed, do you believe he would allow such barbarity happen?
-I reply that question with another question replied Enmie, with a completely different voice, making me shiver your king makes laws that aim to keep order and peace, why do we still have those that yet commit crimes?
-Hey Enmie, stop there I objected, making a no hand sign but the king has not power to be able to watch over all his people, whereas this God I air quoted with my fingers has.
-Countering your argumentation Richard, I am not here defending his existence or not Enmie smiled in sequence I am just trying to explain why are there beings capable of doing what they did with Momiji's poor family.
-Well analyzing through this angle I pondered for some moments maybe because they aren t afraid of the consequences, they think they can go unpunished or are simple evil.
-Well, there is the answer! concluded Enmie without trying to defend life after death Richard, however they think that can go unpunished, almost all believe there is nothing after one die; why being goody in life when you can take advantage of it, if there is nothing to be afraid of after .
-I consider that way too simply, putting the blame onto a belief of something after I pondered unsatisfied with Enmie s answer it is way too simple to be truth.
-But, as a matter of fact, it is indeed simple Richard, now thing and answer me, why are you the way you are? she asked looking deep into my eyes why did you decide to follow the justice path in the best way possible?
-Because it is what I consider to be correct and right, even if there wasn t a law to tell me it I replied sure of my convictions.
-Great! commented Enmie smiling in sequence and I am sure you don t do that because of a God or his laws, correct?
-Yes, that is most certain I replied, nodding I never even wondered about if he existed or if I should have followed one of his specific codes of honor.
-Perfect, let s suppose this then Enmie then pointed to me and if suddenly someone made you think that maybe what you believe might be wrong and that on the other side you might be judged? Or never you thought that something on your own, especially when you wished someone ill even when they certainly deserved it?
-Y Yes, I admit there wasn t few times in which I had thoughts like that I replied, thinking I had falling right into Enmie s argument s trap and stopped exactly on the point I thought and if this have any sort of consequence -Done! What is lacking on these people is exactly be conscious about that replied Enmie, crossing her arms over her chest if they at least had that doubt, things like that would be much more unlikely to happen.
-How would we make then have this conscience then? I asked, curious that is impossible -Impossible? It might as well be, but it takes us to another conclusion Enmie finalized with a satisfied face that we spend so much time worrying about life after death that we forget that there is life before death! We have to act in life as we would like to be treated on the other side, because unless we died we shall not ever have absolute and irrevocable sure there is something there, while there a chance of existing, will you risk the possibility of compromising something? In case it doesn t, you can leave this existence assured that at least thanks to your doings, you were loved in this life before departing for the great nothing.
-You know Enmie, you are completely right I commented, feeling satisfied however what about the cases in which people were always like this? Won t they ever learn? Will us have to always watch out for their kind? People like Enma for instance, how would they stand?
-W Well Enma s case is a t tad different replied Enmie, blushing instantly normally I would never get near people of the same profession of hers, because to be as cold as they are the cant have any kind of feelings but in her case I felt like she didn t have much of a choice it was regret more than any hatred or wickedness that might exist inside her I felt if there was someone very scared inside her and that makes me very sad -Enmie, I always wanted to ask you that but I never had the opportunity to I pointed to her then why are you like that? Why do you care so much with others to the point of forgetting yourself? To the point of caring about someone as Enma?
-Oh, that is because I love everyone rick Enmie replied smiling.
-But isn t that bad? That way you never will be at peace! I commented, really impressed.
-No, because being useful and seeing a smile on everyone s face is the biggest realization I could ever wish in this life! that was when Enma entered the room, laughing lightly.
-I see you still keep being the same silly little rabbit that you always have been Enma then neared Enmie, staring her from up close I thank you for worrying about me, however you shall notice as time passes that no one shall return to you that devotion and you will end up alone!
-H How dare you say so selfish and senseless things like that? Enmie replied scandalized, staring at Enmie with rage on her eyes, however blushing as well how can you say that nothing will be returned from my devotion?
-They aren t egoistic things rabbit, it is just reality, and that is how the world works the kitsunemimi then smiled mockingly you shall have that confirmation when you notice, for instance, when this worry for me brings you nothing useful.
-W What? the usagimimi s face changed completely, as if she was really hurt from Enma s remark h how d dare you! You want to know the truth? I THANK Saint Meow you are so egoistic, because it means that you shall not have a son or daughter and they shall not have the horrible example of a mother Enmie then pointed to the kitsunemimi s face imagine your parents then? They must be the unhappiest parents in the whole world, having a daughter that is so useless that just brought shame upon their names! Imagine - Enmie was spitting her poison that not even me knew where was coming from when she was hit by a so strong punch coming from the kitsunemimi, that she was thrown behind the sofa.
-Imbecile! Don t ever DARE again - Enma then jumped over the sofa, grabbed the usagimimi by the shirt and rose her, pinning her against the wall talk about my parents with that filthy mouth of yours she then spat on Enmie s face I always put up with people talking about them, but you managed to make my blood boil as you consider yourself a righteous little saint ! No wonder less people believe in love and the afterlife day after day, because idiots like you think you are so superior, that are unable to look anything aside your own nose!
-Enma! Calm down! I never seen you so angry! I exclaimed putting my hand on her shoulder you will hurt Enmie this way! I know she deserved it but please?
-Hunf - the kitsunemimi then let go of Enmie, who slowly began slipping through the wall until she sat down if I get a grudge against someone, that person is bound to die and I shall not rest in hunting them until I eliminate them Enma then pointed to the quiet usagimimi however you are a special case, when you notice the mistakes on your ways and want to have a decent talk, I shall be waiting for you, but do not look for me until you are up to that Enma then left the premises with visible angry steps.
-Enmie, are you alright? Do you feel you have been hurt in someplace? I asked, examining her together with Akira.
-I a am alright Rick however - Enmie began crying then I ended up instead of helping I hurt Enma - she then hugged her knees and placed her head between them could you leave me alone for a while if it isn t asking too much?
-Y Yes Enmie, I shall be home in case you need me I looked at Akira and grabbed her little paw let s go Akira-chan?
-Yes! replied Akira, nodding.
That night we spent together, Akira and I, since I didn t want to waste any chance I could take on having her beside me, after what happened with Momiji s siblings was proved to me that, to die, you just need to be alive; on the following day, after all needed care were given to the corpses of his siblings, it was asked to me to allow them to be buried together with Kikuri, what was promptly accepted on my behalf, in the end he dug and buried each member of his family that was murdered in this tragedy, placing stones over the graves, meaning they returned to what they once were.
I tried to stay strong, seeing witnessing what happened with Momiji and his family made me completely unstable, as not to worry Akira further, since she was already doing her best to hide the visible tiredness she was feeling, she ate very little and was always sleepy, however every time I asked about it, she would change subjects and insisted it was something that was only inside my head, she insisted into that so much that I ended up believing her; we were so sad that we didn t even noticed the four days that passed since they were buried; at that day I was woken up at five am with my intercom ringing, at first I thought it was the king calling me for some kind of emergency, however it was the Max, the merchant, worried I answered as soon as I was aware it was him:
-Montecchio Richard speaking, to whom I talk to? I asked still a little sleepy.
-Richard? Sorry for waking you so early, I really wouldn t ask for help to anyone if I could solve this alone, I called the king whom also couldn t help me Max then paused and cleaned his throat however he assured me that you are even more trustworthy than himself, that is why I beg you to help me.
-Of course I shall help you, especially after the king placed so much trust into me I replied, already worried with what was bothering him.
-Normally I would deal with something like this myself, however I am on the other side of Verona right now, northwest of Verona North, collecting special material to make the king s order, that considering the last actions from the extremists, thought it was prudent to begin gearing up in case of a war.
-That really makes sense I replied after pondering for some seconds so to help you, how should I proceed?
-You know that Talia wouldn t come with me in something like this, correct? to what I just replied with a quick yes hence why she is at home right now, you also know that thanks to her extremely rare mutation, the fact she has no paws, make her an icon or sign regarding the nekomimi revolution, right? again I replied with a yes apparently the nekomimis are tired of waiting the so called direct descendant of Mewsus and want to talk to her directly about it.
-What? I asked completely astonished are you sure Max?
-Yes, that is why I need your help; Talia accepted their invitation under the condition we have one representative of the humans with us; my plea Richard is that you go to my house to this meeting today in two hours, as the current nekomimi leader of the nekomimi extremists will attend this meeting.