Recap
"Let them be happy now. If they never came to this world then they would never be close, Rima would never dance, never have a little sister, Nagi would still be worried about his grandmother's opinion-"
"Are you saying all that will vanish as if it will never happen?" she asked.
"I'm saying that the embryo is a very unpredictable object. There is no telling what will happen. I'm just preparing you for what might happen," he said.
"My son is so happy and so is Rima. Why can't they just keep their memories from here? Why can't it just be simple?" she asked.
"Life would be boring if it was easy," he said.
Chapter 26 Reunion
*Rima's POV*
"Left, right, left, right, spin, toss and land," Nagi said as he twirled me and I landed gracefully on my feet in the first position of ballet which is where the balls of my feet are turned out completely and my heels touch each other and the feet face out. Since I didn't have to use my crutches anymore and my ankle didn't hurt anymore, Nagi and I can practice better.
"How about you twirl me close to you and we end it like that," I said.
"Great," he said as he grabbed my hand and twirled me towards him. I leaned back on him and he had both his arms wrapped around me. All the charas clapped and cheered.
"That was beautiful," Temari cheered with stars in her eyes.
"It looked like so much fun! I wanna dance," Kusukusu said. She grabbed Rhythm's hands and twirled around in circles with him. Temari and Kazumi giggled since Rhythm was practically dragging him.
"I think we have a good system. We can clean it up a bit tomorrow. It's already...5:30?!" Nagi said shocked. Him and I worked all day today. I can't believe we danced through lunch. Today was Saturday so we had another full day of dance tomorrow but at least tomorrow night I get to go home. I'm having fun but, for the first time in years, I miss home. Nagi told me about what his mom told him that this world will get worse and that the embryo was found many years ago.
"Is Nagi and Rima-tan in here?"
"Ace you need to be quiet."
"IT YAYA NOT ACE!"
"Guys shut up or they'll hear us. I want to see them dance," we heard voices in the hall.
"Is that...Yaya?" I asked a bit shocked. I haven't seen her since the water park, Kairi too. The door burst open to reveal everyone's favorite candy-loving sophomore, Yaya. Kairi was behind her.
"Yaya-chan, we always knock before entering," Nagi scolded her.
"Rima-tan! Nagi!" Yaya yelled as she ran to up and began chocking us with a hug.
"Nice to see you too Yaya-chan," Nagi said. I would've said something except that I couldn't breathe.
"Yaya! Her face is turning purple!" Amu said. Luckily, Kairi managed to get her off. I gasped loudly for air.
"Sorry Rima-tan but Yaya found out today that Rimahiko is alive," Yaya cheered.
"We were informed today that you two were an item. We called earlier for all of us to come see you but your mother said you two were busy dancing but invited us over for dinner," Kairi informed us.
"Great, if you all follow me then we can eat soon," Nagi said. He held my hand as he led. Our friends followed. I noticed Tadase still wasn't here which means he must still be sick with mono. I noticed that Kukai wrapped his arm around Utau, Yaya was clinging to Kairi's arm, and AMU WAS HOLDING IKUTO'S HAND IN THE VERY BACK! I need to talk to her later. Nagi knocked on the door that I knew was the dining room.
"Come in," we heard. It was Mrs. Fujisaki. Nagi opened the door and all of us came in.
"Were you surprised by your guests," Mrs. Fujisaki asked.
"Yes I was mother," Nagi said.
"I have some guests of my own," Mrs. Fujisaki said. The other door leading to the dining room opened to reveal four adults we weren't expecting.
"Mom?!" Amu and I said surprised. The very first guardians were all here.
"Dad?!" Utau yelled while Ikuto barely whispered. I forgot Ikuto never found his father in Europe so he and Utau haven't seen him in a long time.
"Ikuto, Utau," Aruto said. He walked over to his kids and opened his arms. Utau was nearly crying but she hugged her father. Ikuto took a few seconds to register if this was real or not. He then hugged his father. The first time in years, Aruto got to see his children and they got to see him.
"I'm so sorry for leaving you guys," he whispered in his ear. I heard sobs from Utau as she cried into her father's shirt. I've only seen Utau cry once besides today and that was the day we had the big battle with her and Amu beat her. I even saw tears come to Ikuto's eyes but he blinked them away.
"Baya, will you please get Hoshina-san a few tissues," Mrs. Fujisaki said breaking the silence.
"Mother, not to be rude but what are they doing here?" Nagi asked. Baya came back with tissues and handed them to Utau.
"You and Rima-chan know about our little secret. It's about time the rest of you knew. Why don't we all sit and us adults will explain," Mrs. Fujisaki said. All of us sat around a short Japanese table sitting on our knees. Utau and Ikuto were sitting on both sides of their dad. Utau sat next to Kukai who sat next to Yaya, then Kairi, my mom, me, Nagi, Mrs. Fujisaki, Tsukasa, Amu's mother, then Amu who was also sitting next to Ikuto. Nagi's grandmother must not be eating with us.
"Children, you all know that I was the very first king of the guardians," Tsukasa said.
"Of course," Kukai said to represent all of us. He was technically the oldest guardian since the Tsukiyomi siblings weren't guardians. If Tadase was here then he'd probably represent us.
"I wasn't alone. Every parent here was a guardian here also," Tsukasa said. All my friends except Nagi looked at all the parents shocked about the news.
"That means you could see charas the whole time," Utau said.
"Yes, we could," my mother said.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Amu asked.
"We needed to keep it a secret so you would act normal. We had Tsukasa represent us since he always saw all of you," Amu's mom explained. I already heard this speech once.
"So every time Yaya came over you could see Pepe-tan?" Yaya asked.
"Correct Yaya," Nagi said.
"You and Rima knew?" Amu asked Nagi.
"Yeah, my mom kind of replied to Temari then told Rima," Nagi explained.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Utau asked.
"It wasn't our secret to tell," I said.
"Why don't we let it sink in and eat," Mrs. Fujisaki said. All of began to eat in silence.
"Nagihiko, would you like to tell your friends your news?" Mrs. Fujisaki asked her son.
"Yes, starting Monday, Nadeshiko will be going back to Europe and I will stay in Japan," Nagi said.
"That's awesome!" Kukai said.
"Wait a minute? Where's Nadeshiko?" Amu asked noticing Nagi's "twin" was not in the room.
"She is doing some errands for me and won't be back till late," Mrs. Fujisaki said.
"That's great you're moving back Nagi," Amu said.
"By the way Rima, you never told me you and Nagi were dating," mom added into the conversation. My cheeks turned red. I never told my parents.
"Aww Rima!" mom said as she snuggled me.
"Mom!" I said embarrassed. Everyone was chuckling and the tension in the room eased. I just wished my embarrassment was the thing that caused it. Even Nagi chuckled.
"I guess Nagi should be the one holding you," mom said.
"You're right Mrs. Mashiro," Nagi said.
"Don't encourage her," I said. He ignored me and wrapped his arms around me and set me on his lap.
"How has your dance been going?" Amu's mom asked.
"Pretty good. We have a routine. Now it's just fixing the bugs and cleaning the movements," Nagi explained.
"Yaya wants to see it!" Yaya whined.
"You are all invited," Mrs. Fujisaki said. She pulled something out of her kimono. She passed, what looked like, a ticket to everyone except Nagi and me.
"You two don't need a V.I.P. ticket since you two are the performers," said. All of us ate talking once in awhile as if the tension was never there. I was still sitting on Nagi lap since our moms didn't seem to mind.
"Natsumi, may you please excuse me, Nagihiko, and Rima-chan?" Tsukasa asked.
"Yes," Mrs. Fujisaki said. Tsukasa got up, bowed, then suggested us to follow him. Nagi and I looked at each other wondering if it was time to go home or not. Maybe he found out that we were making out in the girl's bathroom. Nagi and I both got up, bowed, then the three of us left and went into a separate room.
"Do you know the real reason I brought the original guardians here?" Tsukasa asked.
"No," Nagi and I answered honestly.
"I can't send you back alone. I need all of them to help and maybe even the current guardians and the Tsukiyomi sibling, even Yaya-chan and Kairi-kun would be helpful," Tsukasa said.
"So we're going home tonight?" I asked. I didn't know how to feel about that. I don't know if I want to go home.
"Not tonight," he said. I felt relieved. If we left this world then we probably couldn't go back, right?
"When will we have the choice to go back home or not?" Nagi asked. Tsukasa raised one of his eyebrows.
"You mean you haven't decided. You know the longer you stay in Rima-chan's "perfect" world the worse it will get. In the real world Yoshito and Kurami never existed," Tsukasa informed.
"They didn't?!" I asked shocked.
"There are plenty other people you made up in your head. It's your story Rima-chan. If something makes you mad then you can change it. Since you don't have any control this place will get unstable pretty quick. Nagihiko don't break up with her," Tsukasa said. Nagi jumped in shock.
"I wasn't planning on it," he defended himself.
"That makes sense though," I said.
"It does?" Nagi asked.
"My parents don't fight and are supportive; I have Azumi, I always wanted a sister; Kazumi was born; you and I began to date-"
"Wait a minute! You wanted to date me before we even came into this world?" Nagi asked. My whole face turned red. I never thought about it before but I guess I did like him. I always pushed him away since he tried to get closer.
"She's blushing!" Kazumi pointed out.
"Shut up!" I yelled at her. Nagi hugged instead of kissed me since our principal was right there.
"By the way Rima-chan, hello," Tsukasa said.
"What?" I said confused.
"Hey, in this world, I just met you," he said.
"This is crazy. I'll give you my number so you can call me," I said.
"Maybe," Tsukasa said with a smile. I was so confused. What game was he playing at?
"I'll contact you two but not by phone. You'll know when the time is right. Now I'm going to walk out and pretend I scolded you about kissing in the girl's bathroom," Tsukasa said then walked out. Nagi and I exchanged glances, both of our faces were red now.
"How did he...?" Nagi asked confused.
"Utau!" I yelled.
"Did you really like me in the real world?" Nagi asked.
"It makes sense but I never really thought about it. Honestly at first I didn't like you but around the time you cheered me up after my parents first talked about divorce right before graduating sixth grade, something changed. I may have acted cold but I started to like you. I told everyone, including myself that I only liked Nadeshiko but it was really you the whole time," I said. Nagi smiled at me.
"What about you?" I asked.
"Of course I liked you. I tried my best to get close to you but I kind of gave up after a year or two. In this world my mom knew I still had feelings for you so she told me to think about acting on it. I'm glad I made the choice to kiss you after my grandmother "scolded" you," he said. It was now my turn to smile. I can't believe I never noticed his feelings or mine before.
"Come here," I said. He came closer to me. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. He pulled me closer to him to deepen the kiss.
"We better head back," Nagi said as we pulled apart.
"I guess, " I said before I gave him a quick peck. We returned to dinner where we ate.
"Nagihiko, why don't you take your friends to your room. The five of us need to catch up," Mrs Fujisaki said.
"Alright, if you guys will follow me," Nagi said. I grabbed his hand as we left with our friends behind us. Ikuto and Utau were a little hesitant to leave but followed us anyway.
"We should play cards again. I am going to win since Nadeshiko isn't playing," Utau said.
"Let's play a different game besides blackjack," Amu said.
"A game you know how to play?" I teased.
"I knew how to play!" Amu yelled.
"Not to burst your bubble Utau-chan but I taught Nadeshiko everything she knows," Nagi said reminding Utau that he was Nadeshiko.
"Damn, I'm going to lose," Utau said. We ended up playing blackjack again anyway. They decided that Ikuto was now dealer.
"Fold," I said pissed that I haven't won a single hand.
"I'm done. Where's my manga?" I asked.
"Baya must've cleaned up and thought it was mine. Check the bookshelf," Nagi said as he looked at his cards. I looked but of course my manga was on the highest shelf. I tried jumping to get it but I failed miserably.
"Can someone tall get it for me?" I asked. My friends stopped their game to laugh at me.
"I'll get it," Amu said. She got up and grabbed it for me.
"Thanks," I said as she handed it to me. Amu sat back down which was next to Ikuto. He was doing little things like tickling her and teasing her. Where they a thing? I needed to know.
"So how long have you and Ikuto been together?" I asked casually.
"WHAT?!" Amu yelled. I fell like if she was drinking something she would've spit it out all over Ikuto.
"Yesterday," Ikuto said.
"IKUTO?!" Amu yelled. All of us were shocked but not at the same time if that makes sense.
"Congrats but did you really think you could hide it from me?" I asked.
"It was worth a shot," Amu said. Ikuto kissed her cheek. Of course tomato Amu appeared.
"Awwww so cute!" Yaya cheered.
"It seems all of us have someone," Utau said.
"Not Tadase," Kukai said.
"He'll find someone," I said.
"How do you know?" Amu asked a bit worried about Tadase.
"Have you seen his fan club?" I asked. Everyone agreed with me.
"What about Yaya?" Yaya asked.
"I thought you were with Kairi," I said.
"Yaya is with Kairi-kun? YAY!" she cheered as she clung to Kairi's arm. Kairi was blushing but tried his best to hide it.
"I guess that's fine," Kairi said. I began to read my manga as my friends continued to lose to Nagi at cards.
*Third Person's View*
"Aruto, if I would've know that Ikuto was your son then I would have never kicked him out when Amu was hiding him," Mrs. Hinamori said.
"It's alright. I don't blame you, but you and I may be in-laws in the future. Did you see our kids together?" Aruto said.
"Yes, Natsumi, you and I are the same way," Mrs. Mashiro said.
"Nagihiko and Rima might not be together when they go back," Mrs. Fujisaki said. Her smile and calm attitude deflated.
"What?" Mrs. Mashiro asked confused.
"I can explain. If Nagihiko and Rima go back to their time then they may forget this place. The embryo is very unpredictable and we have to prepare for the worst," Tsukasa explained.
"Can't you just give all our children the same necklace we have?" Mrs. Hinamori asked.
"It took a long time to make them. We might not be able to make any in time. Random people are popping up already. This could get worse before it gets better," Tsukasa said.
"This is my fault," Mrs. Mashiro said.
"What do you mean?" Mrs. Fujisaki asked.
"She wished up this world because her father and I were fighting. I ignored and neglected her for years. I let her think that love doesn't last. If I didn't fight with her father then she would never be here," Mrs. Mashiro said as tears filled her eyes. Mrs. Fujisaki hugged her friend.
"I still love him but we can't reach an agreement," Mrs. Mashiro sobbed.
"If they go back then I will become your consoler. I'll talk to you and your husband. Maybe even little Azumi will be real," Tsukasa teased. Mrs. Mashiro couldn't help but laugh. It brought back memories of their childhood. Tsukasa knew she loved jokes and always tried to cheer her up. She knew Rima got a love for comedy from her.
"Now that she's stable, what exactly do we do?" Aruto asked.
"I'll need your help to one, help make more of those necklaces and two, control the embryo long enough to send them back," Tsukasa said.
"Will you help Rima and my son by becoming a guardian once again?" Mrs. Fujisaki asked. Tsukasa put his hand in the middle of them.
"King," he said.
"Queen," Mrs. Mashiro said as she put her hand in too.
"Jack," Aruto said joining the circle.
"Ace," Mrs. Fujisaki said also joining in.
"Joker," Mrs. Hinamori said being the last to join the guardians.
*Rima's POV*
"Bye everyone," Nagi said as he had one arm wrapped around my waist and his free hand was waving to our friends as they all left. I was also waving.
"Rima, I'll pick you up tomorrow after dinner. Nagihiko, take care of her," mom said.
"I will Mrs. Mashiro," Nagi said. I walked up to my mom and hugged her. She crouched down to level with me.
"I am so sorry I made home life so terrible for you all these years, but if you go back then I promise to get me and daddy some help," mom whispered in my ear. Tears filled my eyes.
"You know," I said trying my best not to sob.
"Yes, and I will never be able to forgive myself but I promise I'll make it up to you anyway I can," she said as she held me at arms length to look at my face.
"The first thing I want to do when we get home is sign up for dance lessons," I said.
"Then consider it done. I'm pretty sure Natsumi will allow it," mom said. I hugged her again.
"But you have to make a promise to me," she said. I looked at her confused.
"You have to promise to follow your dream. I didn't and I ended up hurting my own daughter. Promise me you'll become a comedian and be open with everyone like Kusukusu and Kazumi would want," she said.
"I promise," I said.
"Good girl. I'll see you tomorrow," she said. I walked back over to Nagi. Tears still filled my eyes but they were now tears of joy.
"Let's go to your room," I said. Him and I walked back. I got changed into another nightgown Mrs. Fujisaki let me borrow in the bathroom. Nagi was laying on his bed when I came back.
"Ready for bed?" he asked.
"No, I haven't finished my manga yet," I said.
"Rima! I'm tired! Come to bed," Nagi whined.
"I'll come to bed but I'm not going to sleep. I'm finishing this," I said determined. I sat next to him and began to read. I felt movement on the bed and arms wrapped around me. A kiss was placed on my neck.
"Nagi stop! I'm trying to read," I said trying hard to focus on my manga. I was almost done. He kissed my up my neck and across my jaw.
"Nagi, I will not kiss you for the rest of the time I'm here if you don't stop," I threatened. No one messes with me when I read my gag manga.
"Alright," Nagi said giving up. After a minute of two I had finally finished my wonderful manga my awesome boyfriend got me. I got up, put the manga on his desk, turned the lights off, and crawled into bed. Instantly, Nagi's arms wrapped around me and pulled me closer to him.
"I thought you would try to sleep," I said.
"Without a goodnight kiss? Never," he said. I smiled and kissed his cheek to tease him.
"Goodnight," I said as I snuggled up to him.
"Rima," he whined.
"I'm just messing with you," I said as I giggled. I kissed him. He pulled me as close as he possibly could. After awhile we broke apart.
"Goodnight," he said.
"Goodnight," I replied as I snuggled up to him. My head was on his chest. The only sound we could hear were the quiet snores of our charas until finally we both fell asleep.
Hey everyone! Just to let you know I will not be updating as fast as I would like. My schedule is busy until Christmas. I know most of you say that I update pretty quickly but I feel bad for making you all wait longer. So until Christmas I will update slower.
Anyway, Rima finished her manga. Some reviewed hoping she would. What did you think about Aruto or any of the other parents showing up? Yaya and Kairi showing up? Did you expect Amuto to be official? Also why does Utau keep trying to play cards with Nagi when she knows she's going to lose?
Comments/concerns/flames/questions/suggestions/reviews/ideas are all welcomed guests