Chiaki and Chisa waited anxiously in their seats across from Vulpine. Vulpine looked over a file in her hands, with sharp eyes. Once Vulpine raised her head, the two held their breathe.
"Well" Vulpine said before smiling," looks like you're good to go"
With those words, both let out a sigh of relief. This caused Vulpine to smile even more at the two.
"Now you'll still have to come here in the afternoon for your treatment and you can't go to school just yet" Vulpine explained," but other then that you should be fine"
"Thank you so much, Vulpine" Chiaki smiled.
"Of course" Vulpine said," I always do my best to keep promises"
"Are you sure there's nothing else we can do to better thank you?" Chisa asked.
"Your smiles are payment enough" Vulpine said.
"I could make you a dish or clean your house or-" Chisa began to rapidly offer until Chiaki spoke up.
"Mom, I think she's okay" Chiaki said.
"Okay" Chisa sighed," sorry, Vulpine"
"It's fine" Vulpine said," I admire your energy"
"Thank you" Chisa said," we should call Kyousuke and tell him the good news"
"He'll be so relieved" Chiaki said.
"You better prepare to get a big hug when he picks us up" Chisa said.
"Already ahead of you" Chiaki said,"I can't wait to sleep in my own bed again"
"Me too" Chisa said.
...
Chiaki and Chisa waited outside the hospital.
"That's odd" Chisa noted," he should be here by now"
"Maybe he got caught in traffic" Chiaki said.
"Maybe" Chisa said.
The two waited for a bit longer until Munakata arrived.
"Sorry I'm late" Munakata said as he got out of the car.
"At least you're here now" Chisa smiled and a gave him a hug.
"At least I'm here with my two favorite girls in the world" Munakata said before pulling Chisa and Chiaki in for a group hug.
...
Once they arrived at the house, Chiaki hopped out of the car to smell the familiar scent up to the door. Chisa turned to notice Munakata wasn't leading the way as usual. Excited, Chiaki opened the door without a second thought as to if it were locked.
Upon entering, Chiaki was met with a flash of light, bursts of streamers, and a wave of "welcome back". Chiaki blinked to see all her friends smiling at her in a room decorated for a celebration.
"Everyone" Chiaki smiled.
"Sorry if the decorations are a bit rushed" Junko said," your dad literally planned all this in like an hour".
Chiaki turned to her father behind her before giving him a hug.
"Thank you, dad" Chiaki said.
"Anything for you" Munakata smiled.
"Such sweetness is giving Ibuki diabetes" Ibuki said.
"Don't get all mushy already" hiyoko said," it's gross"
Chiaki laughed a bit before she noticed Nagito standing on the sidelines.
"If you all don't mind" Chiaki spoke up," could we have a game tournament"
"That sounds splendid" Sonia said, followed by the others agreement.
With everyone in agreement, Chiaki walked up to Nagito.
"Do you want to play?" Chiaki asked him.
"I.." Nagito was about to decline, but couldn't after seeing the kindness in Chiaki's eyes," I accept"
"Great" Chiaki smiled," give it everything you got"
"You can't game on an empty stomach" Chisa said," so I'll make some treats"
"I'll help" Munakata offered.
"This will be fun" Chisa said.
...
After a few hours of celebrating, Junko was the only guest left.
"Whelp, this has been fun, but I gotta go" Junko said.
"I'll walk you out" Chiaki offered.
"Thanks" Junko smiled.
The two walked together to the door and onto the patio. Junko looked at the lovely night scenery before turning to Chiaki with a racing heart.
"There's something..." the two said at the same time.
"I'm sorry, you go first" Junko said.
"Are you sure?" Chiaki asked.
"Yeah" Junko said.
"Well...I wanted to know how Mukuro is doing" Chiaki asked.
"Oh" Junko said," she's doing better. Still in a body cast, but she's recovering"
"That's good" Chiaki said weakly.
"When I saw her, she wanted me to tell you she's sorry" Junko said.
"Really?" Chiaki asked.
"I couldn't believe it either" Junko said," as if sorry is a magic word that can fix anything"
"I guess if she's truly sorry, then that means she can make up for her actions" Chiaki said," then I can forgive her"
"You'd seriously forgive her?" Junko asked.
"Maybe forgive isn't the right word" Chiaki said," it's more like reaccepting her and knowing the actions that defined her are in the past"
"But what if she seriously hurt you?!" Junko asked," could you forgive her then?"
"I don't know" Chiaki said," but I hope I never have to know"
There was a moment of cold silence between the two.
"What were you going to say?" Chiaki asked.
"It's nothing" Junko said," I gotta get home, bye"
Before Chiaki could ask, Junko walked away without a word. As Junko walked, she felt a sharp pain in her heart.
...
When Chiaki walked back into the house, Chisa was already working in the kitchen. Instinctively, Chiaki went into the kitchen and put on an apron with her name on it. Together the two worked in sync to prepare a lovely dinner. As the two worked, Munakata watched from the living room and couldn't help smiling as he was reminded of a faint yet precious memory.
...
It was snowing that day in winter. Normally, Munakata didn't mind the cold, yet today he did. For once, he felt the cold frost biting at his skin, likely because he was missing someone to keep him warm.
Just as he thought of her, he saw Chisa walking out from the school. By her side, the young girl, she spoke so highly, of walked. Even though he had never formally met the girl, he could see how attached she was to Chisa. Seeing as the two were happily chatting, Munakata decided not to approach them. Instead, before he could walk away, Chisa approached him.
"Hi, how's your day?" Chisa asked Munakata.
"Productive as usual" Munakata said," I trust your day was well"
"Yep, all thanks to the best class rep ever" Chisa said with a warm smile," oh, now that I think about it, you two haven't met"
"That is correct" Munakata said," I'm Kyousuke Munakata, the former ultimate student council leader, it's nice to meet you"
"I'm Chiaki Nanami, the ultimate gamer" Chiaki said," it's nice to meet you too"
"Say, why don't you come over for dinner at our place?" Chisa asked," then you two can get more acquainted"
"I would be honored" Munakata said.
"Okay" Chiaki said.
"Great" Chisa clapped and the three would grow more connected from just that one encounter on a random winter day.
...
After dinner, Chisa and Chiaki prepared to wash the dishes. That is, until Munakata stepped in.
"You've had a long day, so I'll take over washing the dishes today" Munakata said to Chiaki.
"Okay" Chiaki said before giving him a hug," thanks, dad"
"Its the least I can do for you" Munakata smiled as he patted her head," now why don't you go to bed early tonight"
"Fine" Chiaki groaned a bit before heading to her room," night, Mom"
"Night sweetie" Chisa said.
Once Chiaki left for her room, Munakata rolled up his sleeves and walked over to Chisa's side by the sink.
"In all the time we spent in the past, I never would have guessed that you would throw a surprise party" Chisa said.
"She deserved it after overcoming so much" Munakata said.
"That's nice" Chisa said.
"Is something troubling you?" Munakata asked.
"I just find it interesting that this is my life" Chisa said," I'm married to you, i'm a full time teacher, and I have Chiaki as my wonderful daughter. It's like all my dreams were granted."
"You made those dreams a reality on your own" Munakata said.
"True, but some things seem so miraculous" Chisa said," like when you gave up on trying to be the headmaster just so you could be in my family"
"I realized when I saw both of you together, the joy it created for both of you" Munakata said," I thought I could make hopes peak my home, but all I really needed was you and Chiaki to be my home".
"Hehe, even now, you know just what to say" Chisa smiled as she curled up to Munakata.
"You always know just what to do" Munakata smiled and wrapped his arms around her.
Once they were close enough, the two kissed.
...
While Chiaki curled up under the covers of her bed to fall peacefully into slumber, she couldn't help tossing and turning a bit.
'Am I really a witch that enchants people to love her?' Chiaki thought,' is the world distorted around me?'
Chiaki continued to toss and turn as if she could smother her thoughts with her pillow.
'What if it's true?' Chiaki thought as she touched the wound on her arm,' what if I was meant to die and everyone is taking on my punishment?'
Chiaki continued to ask herself those questions only to grow drowsy from trying to think of the answers. Thus she fell into a dreamless sleep.
...
The next day, Chiaki decided to sit outside in the small home garden. She sat on a bench in the shade of a tree only for specks of sunlight to leak through the leaves and glow onto her. Just as she felt drowsy, she heard a voice.
"Afternoon, class rep" Nagito said as he walked up to her.
"Oh, afternoon Nagito" Chiaki said.
"Enjoying the outdoors?" Nagito asked.
"Yeah, it's been a while since I've sat outside" Chiaki said," it feels weird doing it by myself"
"Maybe you could invite someone to sit with you" Nagito said.
"Will you sit with me then?" Chiaki asked.
"If you don't mind" Nagito said,' I walked right into that one.
"I'm glad you came to the party, yesterday" Chiaki said.
"You can thank Junko for that" Nagito said.
"Really?" Chiaki asked," that's great"
"Are you okay?" Nagito asked as he saw Chiaki shaking a bit," You're shaking"
"It's probably just the cold weather" Chiaki said.
"Are you sure?" Nagito asked.
"No..." Chiaki said," I think I'm still shaken from what happened"
"She can't hurt you in her condition" Nagito said.
"I know, but I'm terrified of what she would have done if you didn't show up" Chiaki said," thank you for saving me"
"It's better not to think about what could have been" Nagito said," I'm grateful my luck could be of use to you"
"Nagito?" Chiaki asked," can I ask you something?"
"Sure" Nagito said.
"If I was dying like before, what would you do?" Chiaki asked.
A cold gust of silent wind blew by for a moment.
"I'd do anything I could to help you" Nagito said.
"Even if it cost you something dear?" Chiaki asked.
"Yes" Nagito said.
"Why?" Chiaki asked.
"Your life is way more valuable than mine" Nagito said.
"No, your life has more value than that" Chiaki said.
"I guess you're right, class rep" Nagito said," but even so, you are a special light in many people's lives"
"Why though?" Chiaki asked.
"I don't really know myself, but I believe it's your infectious determination that makes you special" Nagito said," when so many would lose hope, your hope only shines brighter and guides them like the moon in the dark night"
"I never thought of it like that" Chiaki said," but I can't be that special"
"Believe me, you are" Nagito said before Chiaki closed her eyes.
"You're such a dog" Chiaki said as she revealed her green eyes," Survival Tactic!"
As expected, Nagito was transported into that bizarre realm where Chiaki wore her fox themed dress. He stood unfazed as she stood above him.
"Dear me, it's been a while" Chiaki said in her proud voice," any luck on finding the Vixendrum?"
"No" Nagito said.
"Of course" Chiaki said," I should have expected as much" if only I could search for it myself"
"Why can't you?" Nagito asked.
"Despite what your surroundings would have you believe, I'm limited in what I can do" Chiaki said.
"I see" Nagito said," I've been meaning to ask you since the incident, do you know why Chiaki is sick?"
In an instant, everything stopped.
"Do you really need to know?" Chiaki asked.
"Yes" Nagito said.
"Why?" Chiaki asked," so you can find a supposed mastermind?"
"Is that a problem for you?" Nagito asked.
"Not exactly" Chiaki said," but I should warn you that doing so will get you in serious trouble"
"Does that mean there is a mastermind?" Nagito asked.
"Yes" Chiaki said.
"You know you could lie, right?" Nagito asked.
"I'm well aware, but I refuse to tell any lies to others or myself" Chiaki said," everyone has there own unique rules for themselves and this is mine"
"What will happen if I find the mastermind?" Nagito asked.
"You'll be on thin ice" Chiaki said with a deadly grim look.
Before Nagito could press for more details, the pendant glowed and returned him and Chiaki back to where they were.
"That's weird" Chiaki said as she held her head," it felt like I was daydreaming again"
"It happens to the best of us" Nagito said.
Just before Chiaki could reply, Munakata walked out of the house.
"Sorry, but it's time for Chiaki's appointment" Munakata said.
"It's no trouble" Nagito smiled before turning to Chiaki," good luck, Chiaki"
"Thanks Nagito" Chiaki smiled before following Munakata to the car," see you later"
"Later" Nagito waved,' hopefully'
...
"So tell me" Vulpine began as she sat across from Chiaki in the dark room," what is on your mind?"
"My mind?" Chiaki asked.
"Yes" Vulpine said," depending on what you're thinking, your body is affected differently"
"I guess I'm just happy that I'm home with everyone and I'm looking forward to going back to school" Chiaki said.
"Is that all?" Vulpine asked.
"No" Chiaki said," I've been worried lately about my fate"
"I see, many people worry about that" Vulpine nodded her head," but do you know how fate works?"
"Not really" Chiaki said," I just kind of know that fate is what's meant to be"
"Not exactly" Vulpine said," allow me to demonstrate"
Vulpine stood up to gather a water bowl and small watering can. She placed the barely full water bowl before Chiaki.
"Now imagine if the bowl in the water was our world" Vulpine said before dabbing her finger in the water of the watering can," a single drop represents a variable an individual action performed by either a human, plant, animal, or inanimate thing"
"Okay" Chiaki followed.
"When a single drop interacts with the water, it creates a ripple affect that echoes throughout the water" Vulpine said while letting a drop of water fall from her fingers and into the water," the after effects caused by the drop are examples of fate"
"So fate is just an after effect of other things?" Chiaki asked.
"Exactly" Vulpine said," but there's a reason we can not know our fate"
Following those words, Vulpine sprinkled water from the watering can into the bowl.
"There are a vast variety of water drops falling in close succession with each other" Vulpine explained," this makes it impossible to keep track of the water drops as well as understand how they effect the water"
"I see" Chiaki.
"Then you know now that it is absurd to think you can know your fate" vulpine said.
"Yeah" Chiaki said.
"Good, I'm glad we could resolve that" Vulpine smiled," that should be all you need"
"Okay" Chiaki said as she got up," thank you"
"You're welcome" Vulpine said," but could you tell your father to come in here, please?"
"Sure thing" Chiaki said.
...
Outside, Vulpine's office, Munakata waited.
"Doctor Vulpine wants to talk to you" Chiaki said.
"Alright" Munakata said as he patted Chiaki's head," I shouldn't take that long"
"Okay" Chiaki said.
Upon Munakata closing the door, a though occurred to Chiaki.
'Mukuro is here' Chiaki thought,' I could ask her, but I don't know if that's a good idea, let alone how i would find her'
"Hey miss" a young voice said.
Chiaki turned to see the boy with black hair.
"If you're looking for Mukuro Enoshima, she's in room 442" the black haired boy said.
"How did you know?" Chiaki asked.
"Vulpine isn't the only mind reader" the black haired boy said," now, you better hurry".
"Okay" Chiaki nodded before running off to Mukuro's room.
As fast as she could, Chiaki ran to Mukuro's room and tried to think of what she would say. Could she ask? Would Mukuro even want to talk to her? Chiaki continued to think before she was standing in front of Mukuro's door. Her heart began beating rapidly until she took a deep breathe and knocked.
"Who is it?" Mukuro answered from the other side, prompting Chiaki to enter.
Chiaki walked in to see Mukuro in her full body cast. Upon seeing Mukuro, Chiaki inhaled sharply.
"Oh, it's you" Mukuro smiled," what a nice surprise"
"But..." Chiaki stammered," don't you...hate me?"
"For a while I did, but I've accepted that it was an absurd delusion" Mukuro said," as if someone so innocent as you could hurt others just by existing"
" I don't understand" Chiaki said," was the mastermind a delusion too?"
"Most likely" Mukuro said," I guess that just shows how jealousy makes you crazy"
"I'm sorry that I did this to you and made you jealous" Chiaki lowered her head.
"Relax" Mukuro said," I'm going to be fine, because I've accepted my fate"
Chiaki stood silent before she noticed the time.
"I hope you feel better" Chiaki said.
"I already am" Mukuro said before Chiaki left," thanks to you"
...
"What?!" Munakata asked, pale faced.
"The medicine is beginning to lose its affect, I estimate in a-" Vulpine said before Munakata pulled her up by the collar of her coat.
"You said the medicine was working" Munakata said with sharp eyes," you released her from the hospital"
"All that is true, however medicine can lose its effects the longer it is applied" Vulpine said calmly, while still being in the hands of Munakata," if she were to die in a month, it would be best if she spent that remaining time with her loved ones and not isolated here"
"You bastard!" Munakata growled as his grip became tighter.
"Please calm yourself and think what's best for your family" Vulpine said," I empathize with you, but think of her and what she would want"
"Why didn't you tell her then?" Munakata asked.
"These kinds of matters are better placed in the hands of an experienced adult rather than a mere child" Vulpine said.
Munakata gritted his teeth before letting Vulpine slip out from his grip.
"I trust in your survival tactic" Vulpine said.
Without a word, Munakata left the room much weaker than when he entered. He stepped out to see Chiaki waiting patiently for him.
"Is something wrong?" Chiaki asked.
"No" Munakata lied as he forced a smile and patted her head," just the discussion of payment as usual"
"Okay" Chiaki said.
...
After Munakata and Chiaki left, Vulpine looked at the kittens staring at her from the shadows.
"Is it time?" The white haired girl asked.
"The story" the black haired boy said.
"Very well" vulpine sighed as she opened her monotone notebook and read;
Once upon a time, there was a black cat born in an isolated world. Although it was healthy and alive, it was sick and dead as well. Its brain functioned beyond flawless, but its heart was frozen silent. The black cat survived in empty days, but would never live in meaningful days. Days dragged and stretched like shadows for the black cat until one fateful day.
On that rainy day, the black cat encountered a white cat that was beaten with in an inch of its life. The white cat panted heavily as blood soaked its fur, yet, despite its wounds and broken bones, the white cat smiled.
"Why are you smiling? The black cat asked.
"Because I know pain, I remember joy" the white cat said.
"Why would you hold such a meaning?" The black cat asked.
"It's my truth" the white cat said.
"Are you not afraid of dying?" The black cat asked.
"I am terrified" the white cat said," yet this fear confirms how much I have loved my life"
"Why would you love life when it has destined you to feel this fear" the black cat asked.
"Because it has also destined me to feel joy" the white cat said before coughing up blood," countless joys that have filled my heart and made it vulnerable to fear"
"Will you die with no regrets?" The black cat asked.
"No" the white cat said softly as the fog in its eyes grew," I wouldn't truly love life if I did"
"What are your regrets?" The black cat asked.
"That we didn't..." the white cat tried to say," meet...sooner..."
With those final words, the white cat passed on. It was upon the white cat's departure that the black cat realized its small attachment. Through the bleeding wound in the black cat's heart, it became truly alive.
Vulpine closed the note book upon reading the last words. She looked at the two kittens that smiled like Cheshire cats.
"Now it's time" Vulpine said.
...
That night, the family ate dinner just like the night before. Munakata ate in more silence than usual, but did is best to appear normal. Chiaki ate with less care as she and Chisa chatted. It was relatively normal until dinner ended and Chiaki went to bed. Once Munakata was sure, Chiaki was asleep, he approached Chisa.
"Chisa, can we talk outside?" Munakata asked.
"Of course, Kyousuke" Chisa smiled.
Outside, the night scenery was silent and cold. Munakata turned to Chisa and saw her eyes so bright, before spoke. What followed was what felt like an execution of hope. The moment he told her the truth, the light waned from her eyes as her body went pale. She asked questions in desperation, just like he did, only to be met with cruel answers. Eventually the weight of despair was too much for her as she had to sit on the bench.
"I'm sorry, Chisa" Munakata said.
"Why does this world have to be so cruel?" Chisa asked," why does it have to take Chiaki from us?"
"I don't know..." Munakata said.
"I need some time alone" Chisa said," so please go"
As asked, Munakata respected her wish and left. Once she was sure he was gone, Chisa let loose the tears she was holding back. The tears fell with such fury that they made her tremble. As she cried, time slipped away until her last tear. Upon her final tear, Chisa looked up at the crescent moon shining above. She looked until she couldn't bare to see it anymore and she looked down at the ground. There she was met with a surprise. Resting before her feet, was a red envelope with her name printed on it. Curious, she picked up the envelope and opened it to find a letter. The letter read;
Dear Miss Chisa Yukizome
I regret to inform you that Chiaki Nanami does not have much longer to live, however you may be able to save her. Come to the hospital as soon as possible and I will offer you the chance to make the ultimate sacrifice. If you accept, Chiaki Nanami will be saved.
After reading the letter, Chisa blinked as she took the information in, but ultimately held the letter to her chest and looked at the moon.
"If I can..." Chisa said," I won't let this world take her"
...
Later that night, Mukuro awoke to a nurse.
"Miss enoshima" the nurse said holding a phone," your sister is calling you"
" Junko?" Mukuro answered the phone while the nurse left.
"Mukuro I have to tell you something" Junko said on the other line," though I doubt you'll like it"
"What is it?" Mukuro asked.
"I'm going to save Chiaki by making the ultimate sacrifice" Junko said as she held a similar letter to the one Chisa received.
"No, you can't!" Mukuro shouted after her eyes widened.
"I'm sorry, but I can't live in a world without Chiaki" Junko said," I know it hurts you for me to say that, but it's the truth"
"No, please, if you go then I'll..." Mukuro started to cry.
"You're stronger than you think Mukuro" Junko said," you don't need a selfish sister like me to survive"
"I do" Mukuro cried," all I have and need is you. Please don't go!"
"I've already made my decision" Junko said," good bye, sister. I love you"
Before Mukuro could scream to her, Junko hung up. Tears flowed like waterfalls from Mukuro's eyes as her face flushed. All at once, she felt her stolen despair return to her with the impact of a tidal wave.
"I have too... break free!" Mukuro said as she struggled to move her imprisoned body.
She struggled so much that her heart rate increased and alerted the nurses. The nurses ran in to see her struggling like a wild wolf caught in a trap.
'I have to stop Junko!' Mukuro screamed in her mind,' I have to stop the mastermind!'
"Please calm down miss enoshima" the nurse asked while two other nurses tried to hold her down.
'I won't!' Mukuro screamed in her mind while her body was seared with pain throughout,' I refuse to let this be my sister's fate!'
"She's not calming down" the nurse said," inject her with the diazepam"
Despite Mukuro's furious refusal, the nurse still injected her with the calming drug.
"Relax" the nurse said softy.
'No! No...matter what' Mukuro tried to scream internally only to be suppressed by the fast acting drug,' I have to...save...my sister...'
Before Mukuro passed out completely, she remember her sister smiling at her.
"I love you so much sister" the memory of Junko said.
"Jun..ko" Mukuro cried softly and lost control of everything.
"Patient stable" the nurse said.
...
From atop of the hospital, Vulpine looked out at the city in the dusk. As she did, she began to sing;
Petals falling without a sound
Dying as they hit the ground
Such is their pitiful destiny
Still time keeps circling
Not stopping for anything
So as to keep balance in the world
So why do I have to die
Is such a fate written in slate
Can I change my fate or is it too late
Must I give to destiny?
Or become its enemy?
Can I change the future?
Or must I give into nature?
Why can't I…
enjoy this pleasure?
Even if I runaway
Fate will catch me one day
So..there's nothing I can do
Petals falling without a sound
Dying as they hit the ground
Such is their pitiful destiny.
