Chapter 17: Then, Now, Forever
Shig's dreams were a mixed bag that night. He kept having nightmares about Heavenly Host and Mayu getting killed. He would go back and forth between happiness
and night terrors, which kept waking him up. He couldn't sleep. There was absolutely no way he could. Every time he got up he would open and close his window to
feel the air. He splashed cold water on himself and felt up his house. He wasn't sure he was actually alive or if he was dying. He groggily ventured through the house
and crashed onto the kitchen floor. He was so tired; his muscles in his legs shutting off and curling up to his chest. He was stuck. Shig wanted to scream. The walls of
Heavenly Host were closing in. Naotaro and Kito looked over at him and felt worry for Shig. "Get away. Go." Shig cried weakly. He reached his hand out but he stopped
dead in his tracks. His brain forced him into sleep.
Mayu also had night terrors, but unlike Shig she would be able to sleep much more peacefully. However, the dreams weren't any less horrifying. Ken'ichi had heard his
daughter screaming in his dreams, and woke up to find out that Mayu was screaming her brains out in the real world. He instinctively rushed to his daughter's aid,
faster than Yukie could've responded, and tried to wake her up several times. On the 5th attempt, he managed to get Mayu out of her slumberous prison. "Daddy! I'm
so glad to see you!" She got up to hug her father so fast, she almost knocked Ken'ichi over. "What's wrong, Mayu? I heard you screaming and crying for help." "I had a
few nightmares. Shig and I had to run from all these evil people. They tried to kill us. They tortured Shig and they killed him. They tortured me too. There were little kids
who looked so sweet but they tricked my friends and killed them too. They even killed Kumi. It was awful. I didn't know what to do." Mayu was so afraid of falling back
to sleep, and Ken'ichi's heart broke into pieces at his little girl being this frightened. Yukie came in to see if her husband and daughter were okay. "Mayu had a bad
dream." he told his distraught wife. Yukie came quickly to sit next to her daughter and give her extra comfort. "I don't want to fall asleep. I'm scared." Mayu whined.
"Hey, how about we go watch that turtle documentary? Turtles always make you feel happy." Yukie suggested. "Ok. Maybe that will help me fall asleep." Mayu
watched the movie with intense focus. It could keep her mind off the horrors she had witnessed a few hours ago and in turn help her fall asleep. She was snuggled in
between her mom and dad and felt safe. She watched as the turtles swam through the ocean and past the bright pink coral. Now it was easy to go to bed. Ken'ichi
saw his daughter sleeping peacefully and smiled at her. He picked her up and brought her to bed while Yukie followed him.
Kumiko got up the next morning, feeling tense but relieved that her son was home. She went into the kitchen to make a bagel. She saw Sakutaro lying on the floor and
screamed in a bloody panic. "Wake up! Wake up! Please wake up...my baby boy." Shig lifted his arm out at a blurry image that screamed and cried for him to wake up.
"Mom? Is that you in front of me?" he cried out in weakness. "Oh Sakutaro! You're alright! What happened to my little baby?" "I couldn't really fall asleep and I just fell
down and slept here." "Honey, next time you're having a tough time sleeping, please wake me up. Your wellness is more important than mine. I don't want my baby to
feel scared." "Mom, I told you I'm not a baby. I'm a 16 year old boy." Sakutaro pushed his hands against the floor and pushed himself up but then almost immediately
fell before his mom caught him. "Sakutaro Morishige! You are and will always be my baby. I love you now and always and I don't want anything bad to happen to you."
Kumiko hugged her son tight. She didn't want to let him go. While she hugged him, Kumiko saw images of Shig as a baby in her arms. Kumiko couldn't resist smiling
and then crying some more. Shoichirio skidded into the kitchen on his feet to see what his wife was so frightened about. "Is Sakutaro alright? Do we need to take him
to the hospital? Are you alright honey? Do you need to see a doctor?" he wondered. "Sakutaro's fine. He was walking around the house last night and he fell asleep in
the kitchen." Kumiko told her husband. "That's what you get for staying up late last night, mister." Shoichirio teased his boy. Shig weakly grinned at his father and fell
back asleep.
While Morishige was starting to fall back asleep, Mayu was waking up and feeling refreshed and recharged. While she will never forget the things she saw last night,
Mayu knew she would be a stronger woman. She hoped Shig would be a stronger man. "What am I thinking? Shig will be stronger! He might need some more time
than me, but I know he'll come out on top." Mayu felt so ashamed for doubting him. She almost forgot… "Seiko made it back too! I can't believe I forgot she's still alive.
How could I be so forgetful today? Maybe the stress of that place is causing my brain to freak out." She wanted to call Shig and see if he was doing alright but she had
to see what Seiko was up to.
Seiko was exhausted. The stress from Heavenly Host caused her mind and body to shut down. Her usual cheery and mischievous personality was replaced by a cranky
one. Her father and brother were concerned for her. "Sis, are you alright? What happened last night?" "Nothing you little twerp! Why don't you fuck off and go away?"
"Seiko! You know we don't use that language at the table!" "Shut it, dad! Why don't you butt out and stop telling me what to do?" "Don't you dare use that tone with
me! What's wrong with you? Why are you so mean today?" Seiko didn't realise she was being so harsh to everyone at breakfast. Seiko burst out crying and ran into
the living room. "Sis, are you okay?" "No, I'm not alright!" "What happened? Tell us what's going on." Her father wanted to know what was causing this change in his
daughter's behavior. "That place! I don't want to go back! I don't want to die!" Seiko rocked back and forth on the floor. "Seiko? What are you talking about? Did you
have a nightmare?" her brother asked. "Yeah. That's it. A nightmare. It was so scary. It kept me up last night and is why I'm so crabby today." She looked up at her
father and brother and asked for forgiveness. "I didn't mean anything I said. I don't want you guys to be mad at me or feel bad yourselves." Her little brother gave her
a big hug full of warmth and forgiveness. "Thank you. Both of you. You're so good to me." Seiko dried her eyes and her dad smiled when she had her real self back in
her. Shinohara went back upstairs and saw that Suzume had tried to call her. "Mayu…You...Thank you."
"So Seiko, would you like to hang out today? Just us two? Talk about whatever?" Mayu hadn't been out with just Seiko in ages so it would be nice to have her talk
about all sorts of things that were on her mind and on Mayu's mind. Seiko needed to stay happy and Mayu always managed to cheer her up so it was the perfect idea.
"Yeah! That'd be great! I've got so much I want to talk about and I bet you do too. Who knows, we might even find you something for yourself and Morishige." Mayu
had wanted to get something for her man for a little while now. It's been almost 11 years to the day since she first met him. She remembered it oh so well. The sunny
sky. The sandcastle they made together. The cherry tree that was just starting to blossom...That's it! She had to bring him to the park where they met one another for
the first time. It was so perfect! She just had to make sure the tree was still there.
Morishige was still exhausted, even after he had woken up. When he was planning out his day, Naotaro and Kito watched Shig. "What do you two want? Am I in
trouble?" "Nah, man. We saw what happened to you last night. I don't think I've ever felt this shitty for you before." "I don't think I can believe you." Yeah, trusting his
former bully? Shig wasn't stupid. "Sakutaro, he's telling the truth. You believe your grandfather don't you?" Naotaro tried gaining the boy's trust and confidence back.
"Of course I trust my grandfather. But...you're not my grandfather...You're a hallucination, both of you, a product of my guilt and shame." "Sakutaro…" his grandfather
was sad. "While I'll always have these hallucinations, I don't have to feel sad all the time about what happened then. I'll always miss you grandfather. And Kito…"
Sakutaro cried, even though he tried to be stoic and calm. "I'll never forget what I did to you. The horror. The pain you caused me and Mayu. The abuse you dished out
to me for years. I'll always remember your face of fear and regret when I killed you." Kito wasn't crying but he felt more moved than he ever did when he was alive.
When he was alive he was selfish, brutish, and unmovable. "I'm not mad at you anymore, Morishige. I might still mess around with you, but I'm not going to be
torturing you anymore." "I forgive you for what you did to me. I don't have to hold onto the pain anymore." Morishige smiled at the two and brought out his shoebox
that housed their skulls. "I'm keeping these, but my guilt won't cause me to hear you all the time now. I hope you two don't mind." Kito and Naotaro didn't seem to
mind one bit. They smiled at him, a manifestation of Shig moving forward with his life, but still not forgetting what happened. He felt free. All the self hatred and guilty
burdens were gone. Dealing with depression would still be a challenge but now it would be much more easy to carry on and survive. "Mayu! I got to get her
something! It's been a decade since we met. I bet she'll love to get something. But what should I get her? It'll have to be something really special for it to really stick
out. I'll have to think super hard for this. Hopefully it won't take too long."
"So Seiko...Are you doing alright?" Mayu was curious about how her friend was holding up while they were both shopping at the Pikachu Cafe. "Ughhh...Alright
wouldn't be the term to use. I'd say I'm more meh than alright. This morning was awful. I yelled at my dad and brother." "Oh no. What happened?" Suzume was acting
very much like Seiko's mom would before she disappeared. "I woke up and yelled at my brother when he was just trying to be nice. Then my dad yelled at me and I
screamed at him. I've never done that before. I mean sure I've talked back and raised my voice, but never would I say for him to butt out and basically say shut the
fuck up." "Oh my. Then what happened?" "I started crying and asked them both to forgive me. They did rather quickly, but I still feel terrible about what I did." Mayu
gave Seiko a warm and nurturing hug. She didn't want to offer advice, since Seiko didn't ask for it, but at the same time she still wanted to offer a helping hand. "That
sounds like it was an awful way to start the day. Maybe a Pikachu club sandwich will help you out. Those always make me feel better." Mayu was so selfless, so caring
and Seiko felt bad for sharing her pain because she felt she was being selfish while not even asking how Mayu felt. "My morning was great. I had trouble staying
asleep last night though, but mommy and daddy watched a movie with me and I fell right back to bed. I don't know how Shig's doing. I haven't called him all day."
"What? Has he called you?" Seiko was really shocked. She was sure that Mayu and Shig would be on the phone with one another all day to make sure each other was
alright and keep saying, "I love you." over and over again. "No. I want to give him his space and let him relax after what happened yesterday, but I really should know
how he's doing." Mayu was starting to cry for fear about what her boyfriend was doing. Shinohara had to make Mayu feel calm and confident. "Hey...I bet you anything
he's still asleep or he's just chilling out. How about we have a bit more fun and then we can go home and you can call Morishige? Sound like a good idea?" "Ok. I would
love to go to the Bushido Park. They still have the kid's park section where Shig and I first met but I need to know if the cherry tree is still there." "They cover the
whole place, Mayu. How will you know which one is which?" "I remember exactly where it was. I couldn't possibly forget, not even if my life depended on it." Mayu
rapidly finished her meal and dragged Seiko along with her. Bushido Park was several blocks down and Mayu wanted to take the bus because it would've taken
forever to get there on foot. Once the bus dropped the girls off, Seiko and Suzume excitedly ran through the park to look for that one special cherry tree. The kid's park
was a lot bigger than she remembered, but still she looked diligently for the tree. Then she saw it. The tree that was most sacred to Mayu. The tree where they first
met.
"Mayu...What would be fitting for you? What would show you how I feel?" "Hey, honey. What are you thinking about?" Kumiko saw Shig sitting on the living room floor,
rocking and groaning in displeasure. "I gotta get Mayu a gift. I gotta get Mayu a gift. I gotta get Mayu a gift. Present. Gift. Decade. Love." he spoke, his words sending
a slight echo. "Oh...Of course. You want to show Mayu your love for her? And it's been eleven years, almost. I think I have something she'll love. I'll be right back,
honey." Shig still sat and rocked back and forth, waiting as patiently as he could. Kumiko had no trouble finding her son what she was talking about. She gently carried
out her tiny gift, and Shig cocked his head directly at her. "What is this?" "It's my family heirloom. A very rare and precious platinum and silver infused ring. It's been
passed down for over 11 generations. Hasn't lost its luster in the slightest." "But...but...but...how...how...did it last so long?" Shig was completely awestruck and had
trouble with stammering. "One of our ancestors was a blacksmith in a very small village and he wanted to marry his boss's youngest daughter but couldn't afford to
buy her anything. Then one day he found a few small pieces of silver and platinum in the river and knew what he would do. He melted them together and made her a
ring and they got married." "Wow...I oughta give this to her then. I would've never figured that out without your help. Thanks mom." He danced in place and hugged
onto his mother. Kumiko was was almost ready to cry, but she just managed to stop herself. Shoichirio was out depositing money at the bank and upon returning to
the house, saw his wife and son staring at a small ring. "Hey, I'm back. How could you two not notice me coming in the house?" "Sorry, dad. Mom just gave me her
family heirloom and I'm going to give it to Mayu tomorrow after I meet her under the tree we first met each other under." "She'll never leave you. That's for sure."
Shoichirio added. "That's what I want." Morishige pointed out. Morishige knew what he was going to do with that ring but he didn't want to let anyone else know. He
went up to his room and called Mayu right away. "C'mon, Mayu. Pick up your phone already!" he said in his mind. He paced back and forth in excitement and in
anticipation. "Shig?" "Mayu?" "Hi, Shig! What are you up to? Are you feeling great today?" "Not at first. I had a really bad night. There was some good dreams but the
nightmares outweighed them." She worried for him. Even though he was feeling better now, Mayu still worried for him. She heard about how people who are going to
kill themselves have more energy since they feel a bit better or at least seem to. "Shig, bro…" Morishige was confused why her tone changed so drastically, so
suddenly. "What's wrong, Mayu?" "Shig...I know this is gonna sound weird but…" She had to have courage in this moment. She has to know. "You're not thinking
about killing yourself are you?" Sakutaro was baffled that Mayu would even say that. "Of course not. What gave you that idea?" "It's just that I heard about the
people who kill themselves and how people say they felt better...and…" Mayu couldn't bare the thought of Morishige killing himself. If he did, she might too. She cried
and cried. Shig didn't say a word but instead let Mayu cry. He was extremely tempted to tell her to stop crying and that he's fine. Yet he knew Mayu needed to cry a
little bit before regaining her composure. Mayu coughed and hiccuped from sobbing so much and she didn't realise that she had been doing it for a while. "Shig, bro are
you still there?" she cried out. "Yes, Mayu. I'm still here. Safe and sound." Shig knew he had to be gentle in his reassurance. "I'm sorry. It's just that if you killed
yourself…I don't know how I'd go on living without you. You really are everything to me. It's no exaggeration when I say that my life would be hollow and dark without
you in it. It sounds over the top, but when you've been with someone for years on end and love them that much, the emotions you feel are very powerful." Words so
true, moving, and beautiful had never been said to Morishige before. He knew Mayu loved him very much, but he didn't really think she'd love him to the point where
her emotions were that strong. He had felt that way about Suzume for ages, even before he fell in love with her. She was like the sister he never had, but she was
also the only person who really understood him and loved him romantically. Some people worry about their relationship not turning out well or being with one person
for the rest of their days. He was tempted to reveal his intentions to her over the phone, but he had to play it cool. "Mayu...Thank you for loving me that much. I feel
the exact same way towards you." C'mon, Shig. Ask her already. "Mayu...It'll be eleven years tomorrow since we first met. Would you like to go to that park? What's it
called?" "Bushido Park. And yes I would love to. I know where the tree is, not that you don't." "Of course I remember. How could I forget?" Mayu's plans were working!
Shig wanted to be with her under that most enchanting tree. Shig's plans were rolling into high gear! But...would she accept the gift? What would she say? What
will she think? "Great! I'll see you tomorrow, Shig. I love you." "Same here. See you in the morning, Mayu."
This is it. Eleven years ago Mayu saw Morishige under a tree, crying. Eleven years ago they met and talked with one another. It's a friendship eleven years in the
making. "C'mon, Sakutaro. You can handle this. It's now or never." He stopped by Mayu's house to make sure she was ready to go out. "We still going to the park
today, Mayu?" "Of course. There's no other place I'd rather be on a day like this." Mayu smiled. It was so beautiful out today. It really couldn't get much better than
this. When they both got to the park, they looked over at each other in silence, not moving. The air was cold and gave them a push to move forward and do what they
came here to do. They were quiet all the walk to the cherry tree but both kept eye contact with each other. When they finally reached their destination, they both sat
down calmly and silently. Mayu leaned against Shig's shoulder and admired the scenery. She couldn't describe how beautiful this was. Even if they didn't talk the entire
time, this moment would be perfect. Shig's body kept her warm and she snuggled up next to him. Sakutaro couldn't describe with himself how he was feeling. Was it
excitement? Was it joy? Was it nervousness? Was it shyness? No...it was something entirely new altogether. "I'm sorry I didn't get you a present, Shig. This was all I
could think about. I had to be here. I have no idea what my life would be like without you in it. Do you remember the sand castle we built that day? How big and
beautiful it was?" "It was beautiful. We had so much fun that day, even though we didn't spend that much time together." He looked in his hand at the ring, shining in
the brilliant sun, and finally forced himself to ask her. "Mayu...I got something really special for you. Do you want to see it?" "Of course I do! Just tell me what it is!"
Suzume begged him. "It's a ring my mother gave me. It's her family's heirloom and she gave it to me to give it to you. It's made of platinum and silver." "Oh wow! That
sounds really pretty! Where is it?" Mayu had to see this, it sounded too good to be true. Sakutaro opened his hand and revealed it to her, lying in his palm. "Shig it's
so beautiful! I...I don't know what to say…" Mayu squealed with excitement before she saw Morishige holding her hand. "Shig? What are you doing?" Now she was
really confused. What on earth was he planning? "Mayu...Mayu...Mayu…" His throat was so dry and his voice trembled but some force within his mind and soul gave him
the boost he needed. "Mayu Suzumoto...Will you be...Will you marry me?" All the reality came crashing down on them. Shig couldn't believe he finally asked her and
Mayu couldn't believe he even asked. She couldn't respond. "We don't have to get married right now. We can wait when we have money to throw the biggest, best
wedding ever. I know we're young but there's no doubt in my heart that this is what I want. I just want to know if this is what you want too." Mayu hit herself hard to
wake herself up...but she couldn't. This was all too real. "I...I…" she stammered before she jumped him and kissed him. "Of course! Of course I will! I've been wanting
this for so long! Shig, bro…I'll happily be your wife!" He returned her kiss but with more power. "Mayu...I'm so glad we've made it this far. I'll let you call me whatever
you want. My love…" Mayu's tears of the most unfathomable joy glistened in the morning sun. "Shig...This is what's right. This is what I've been waiting for." The future
didn't feel so dark anymore. The life they'll spend together is one of a kind. For Morishige and Mayu, their love is something that cannot be broken by anyone or
anything. They can conquer anything as long as they are together.
All these years I've spent with you
And our love's lasted through and through.
You are my best friend.
You are my love.
Nothing will separate us
Not even Death himself.
You are the light at the end of the tunnel.
You give me the strength to love
And to feel
And to care
And to be alive.
Holy shit! You guys have no idea how long I've been working on this chapter. It's been so long since a chapter has been posted. I thank you all for your kindness,
support and patience. You're all the best! I mean it. This is not the end. This is the penultimate chapter for realsies this time. I hope you liked the little poem I wrote at
the end. Get ready for the final chapter. Have a wonderful day!