A/N: Welcome back everyone to another installment of Ice Chronicles. I'm glad that many of you enjoyed the last chapter; things are really heating up for the gang, but I know they'll get through it. I want to thank all the reviewers, followers, and favorites I've received from the last chapter. Hello to those who are now joining the family; I hope you enjoy the story.
I'm going to change perspectives in this chapter and focus solely on Jason. I'm sure all of you want me to, seeing as I introduced Jason's mother last chapter. Now let's see how Jason handles this situation. Enjoy the chapter.
Ice Chronicles
Chapter 58: Remembrance
I sat outside of the inn, sitting on the veranda. I couldn't sleep at all; my heart was pumping so fast. I could feel my anger boiling rapidly all because of an important phone call I received the other day. That was the reason I couldn't sleep, otherwise I would just see her in my dreams. That was the last thing I wanted to do so I just refused to go to sleep. Even though I can barely keep my eyes open now as it is, I fought the will to sleep. I saw an image of her face and covered mine with my hand. I gritted my teeth in anger and tried holding back the urge to hit something. I never thought I would hear her voice again, let alone her contacting me.
"I can't believe this; how did she contact me? How did she even get my number?"
"Still thinking about her?" A familiar voice asked. I narrowed my eyes and let out an aggravated sigh.
"I still can't believe she found me."
Her footsteps approached closer and her arms wrapped around my neck as her lips pressed against my cheek. Ikki appeared beside me and hugged me tightly.
"It's going to be all right."
"No it won't; she knows what happened to the family, yet she decided to contact me anyway. She knows what she did," I responded. I could feel my anger rising. Ikki titled my head to make our eyes meet and smashed her lips into mine. She moved her head and deepened our kiss. She pulled back and kept our faces close.
"Jason, try to calm down. She doesn't know where you are so she can't find you. She can talk to you, but she can't find you."
"You didn't hear what we talked about," I pointed out.
Yesterday
I held the phone against my ear in surprise. I felt my body shaking as my free hand closed itself tight. An intense anger started to boil inside me, the voice on the other end replayed in my head. My anger increased more as she repeated herself.
"Jason, are you there?" My mom asked; her voice melancholic and cold. I tightened my fist.
"Yeah, I'm here; but why are you? How did you even get my number?"
My tone was also cold but completely venomous. Unintentionally, I summoned my pal, the Grim Reaper, and breathed heavily through my gritted teeth. I could see my sekirei backing up away from me. I heard my mom sigh.
"Jason; I"
"Better have a good reason for contacting me. You had better have a perfectly good reason as to why you think you can call me after so long. Now how did you get my number?" I interrupted, my reaper raging stronger. Ikki shook me, and I snapped to her so fast that she flinched and moved back. She hesitantly placed a hand on my shoulder and hugged me comfortably. The others gathered around and hugged me as well, but my anger still remained.
"I asked your grandparents. They were hesitant about it, but came around in the end. I first decided to contact you when I saw you on TV," my mom spoke up. I forgot that those battles were broadcasted worldwide and mentally cursed that fact.
"So why have you decided to call me now of all times? Have you forgotten what you did?" I interrogated. The end got quiet.
"No, I haven't forgotten," she answered. "That's one of the reasons why I decided to call you. I want to talk to you."
"No," I immediately responded. "We have nothing to talk about. The damages have been done and you made your choices. You made your choices and will suffer consequences; we have nothing to discuss."
"Jason," she sighed. "I understand that what I've done is unforgivable and that nothing will ever make you forgive me, but I ask that you please give me one more chance. I know I haven't been in contact with you in years, but that was because I was trying to recover myself. I've lost all of you, your father, you, and even her."
"Then you know why I don't want to talk to you," I stated.
"Yes, I know; it's something burned deep into your memory. I get that you despise me and I really don't blame you; I even despise myself right now, but after seeing you fight on TV, I've noticed how much you've grown. It made me depressed inside because I saw the pain you still carried and I know I was the cause. I could see it in your eyes, especially the angry atmosphere you gave off, which I can feel right now by the way. I can tell you've been through a lot and have grown stronger because of it; however, I can still see that the anger you possess has not been lifted," my mom said. "But Jason please; I beg you to give me one more chance to make things right. I know I have enormously amounts of things to make up for, but I really want to start with you. So please Jason please, come see me so we can straighten this out; I promise you right here and now that I really regret doing what I did. I know it's unjustifiable and I don't expect you to agree so easily, but please; I beg you Jason. I want you to come see me; I want us to settle this finally. I miss you; I've been all alone ever since you've left. Please Jason, just one more chance; I promise to make things right. I swear."
I didn't respond at first. My sekirei looked at me with worried looks on their faces. I could still feel my anger skyrocketing.
"The terrible thing you did will never be forgotten. I will always live with this anger because of you; I will never be able to forget the way she begged you to stop, only to keep being wailed on as she cried her eyes out. She was already in weak conditions; you just drove her limits closer because you couldn't accept the harsh reality. You couldn't hear her screams and begging, but I know you'll hear this; you are a murder, a monster; you knew about her weak conditions, but continuously made her pain worse. I don't know who the heck you think you are, but don't even think for a second that things will ever be the same between us. You killed her, the only daughter you'll ever have, yet instead of loving her, you only caused her more pain by taking your anger out on her. There's nothing you can say or do that will get me to listen to you; you're better alone, because I don't ever want to see you again; and If you dare call me again, there will be some major problem."
I didn't even bother giving her chances to response and hung up the phone. Everyone stared at me with surprised eyes. I walked away with my reaper vanishing and headed inside.
Now
"My mom wants me to come see her; I'm not going. I don't care what she says or does; I will not waste my time," I stated. Ikki sighed from her nose.
"Jason, what happened with your family is way in the past. You have a new life, a better life; you have so many new friends and family. You have the landlords, Ren, his sekirei, your sekirei," she showed me her ring. "And you have me; we're all your friends and family, but if you really want to enjoy this life, you must conquer your old one."
"Ikki; I am not going to see her. I don't ever want to see her again, not after what she did. I refuse to believe she can actually make thing ri,"
Ikki cut me off by smashing her lips against mine. It was a quick kiss.
"If you're going to complain, then just shut up and come to bed; but if you want this to truly end, then still shut up, but kiss me."
She cupped my cheek and pulled me in for another firm kiss, her beautiful grassy green wings manifesting behind her. She straddled my waist and planted kisses on my lips. She looked me in the eye.
"How about this then; I'll come with you and talk to her together. You won't have to face it alone if I'm coming with you."
"No Ikki; I told you that I don't want to go," I refused.
"Why not? I understand that you're beyond infuriated with her, but as I said before, that was way in the past."
"This isn't something that can just be forgiven with mere words Ikki. She killed her own daughter, my little sister, all because she couldn't face reality. Why should I give her a chance to apologize when she never gave Sabrina the chance? Why should she find happiness again when Sabrina will never experience it? Huh? Why should I give her the benefit of the doubt when her own daughter couldn't even live her life properly?"
Ikki simply stared at me with no hint of emotion.
"Is that really what you think?"
"Yes, I'm not going, even if you're joining me, I will not see her," I repeated. Ikki let out a sigh and shook her head.
"You can shake your head all you want; there's no convincing me."
"Oh really?" She asked. I nodded, and she showed me her ring once more. "Jason, what did we agree on after the whole operation?"
"That we would finally marry each other," I responded. She nodded.
"Then how are we supposed to do that if you refuse to listen to reasons?"
"What are you talking about? What reason could possibly be so great that it relates to this?" I questioned back.
"Jason, you know you will have to fight right? You won't just be on the sidelines, you will be out on the battlefield lending us your strength; however, you should know that nothing should distract you when fighting. There should be nothing on your mind that will distract you from the fight at hand. Now I'll ask you again; how are we, your sekirei, supposed to fight if our ashikabi is so distracted by his family that he doesn't focus on the fight before him?" Ikki inquired expertly and factually. I didn't have an answer to her question and looked down. Suddenly, she hugged me again, placing my face in her breasts. I felt myself heating up from the affection and tried pulling back, but she wouldn't let me. She pushed my face deeper in her breasts.
"You're going to see your mother; we're going to see your mother. I don't want to hear anymore backtalk; we're going and that's final."
She lifted my head up forcefully and crashed her lips against mine. She pulled back and then firmly kissed me again. She planted multiple kisses on my lips, moving her lips on and off mine. She caressed my cheek and moved back to breathe for air.
"I don't care how you feel; you will go and talk to your mother. I don't care what she did; she is still your mother, the one who brought you into this world. If it wasn't for her, you wouldn't have been born; and now you don't want to see her again? I'm sorry Jason, but no, you are not going to do that. As your future wife, I have to go see my mother-in-law; I will not see her without my husband. I know you don't want to go and will never forgive her for what she did, but what would your sister think? Would your sister want to see her brother, the one she looked up to, live like this; hanging on to something that happened way long ago and never letting go? Would Sabrina allow that, or would she rather see her big brother smile truthfully again?"
I didn't say a word and looked down again. I narrowed my eyes again as I imagined Sabrina smiling at me.
"Ikki, you just don't,"
"Jason; I do know it's hard for you, but just trust me. I understand what you're feeling because I'm feeling it too. Remember, your emotions transfer to us as well; we all feel your pain. Jason don't be this way; you need to clear things up with your parents. It's time for you to face them. Your mother is trying to make amends so why can't you? Why can't you see that your mother is also suffering inside, just like you? She called you hoping her son would forgive her for her terrible crime; and what did you do? You made her remember the pain she's caused, the pain she went through, and even threatened her. What son would do that to their mother?"
I opened my mouth to speak, but she placed a finger over my lips.
"Think about what you're about to say and then think about how the person in front of you will feel about your answer. You need to trust me. You not trusting me is basically saying you don't love me, because that's a main virtue in a relationship. Jason, do you trust me? Do you love me?"
I thought about her questions and responses. I didn't have it in me to argue and considered her words, which couldn't be retorted. I couldn't think of anything that could counter her argument, but I couldn't forgive my mom either. I know deep down I would never be able to forgive her, but the other part of me for some reason wanted to. I had mixed feelings on the matter and couldn't decide. I lifted my head and looked her in the eye.
"I don't know what to do Ikki. Yes, I do trust you and I do love you, but I still don't know what to do. A part of me wants to forgive her, but the other part is screaming at me to never see her again. I don't know what to do Ikki."
She embraced me tightly, shoving my face back in her large breasts. Her hand rubbed the back of my head.
"Just relax for a bit; I'm going to help you through this, but I need you to focus."
She raised my head and soft kiss on my lips. "Listen; I'm going to come with you to see her. I'm not leaving you alone to do this. I'll come with you and help solve this matter, just trust me okay?"
"But,"
"Shh, shh, shh; don't worry about it anymore. The conversation is over; we're going to see your mother tomorrow. Call her in the morning and let her know; we'll head on over, talk with her, and settle this matter," she interrupted. I let out another quiet sigh.
"Okay, but don't expect me to break so easily."
"That's fine; however, I need to lay down some ground rules," she lifted my head and brought her face closer. "Understand no circumstances are you to yell. If you even think about raising your voice, I will smack you. I will not ruin your chance of making amends because you can't keep yourself civilized. Secondly, you will not interrupt any stories or explanations and will listen with the upmost respect. Thirdly, you will answer any and all questions with respect, no yelling, no smartass remarks, or anything in between. You will respect your mom and give her a chance, am I clear?"
"Yeah," I said softly. She planted a gentle kiss on my lips.
"Listen; I just want you to be free of this shackle. You need to forget about the past and focus on the present. We have this major plan coming up, but you're so focused on something that happened in the present that you aren't focusing on the now. I know it's hard on you, but please, do this for me. Once you do this, you don't have to worry about her anymore; you can live freely."
She kissed me again and then pulled me to my feet. "Now, come to bed; we have a lot to do tomorrow."
She pulled me all the way upstairs and sat on the futon with my other sleeping beauties. Even Homura decided to rest with everyone. I saw Ku trying to feel for my presence with a panicked look on her face. She started whimpering, and I placed my hand on top of hers. As a result, she gripped my hand tightly. I sat down and placed her in my lap, making her more comfortable. She sighed in bliss and slept peacefully again. Ikki kissed my cheek and nuzzled against me.
"We look like parents don't we?" She whispered. I nodded my head, but couldn't find a smile. Even with my little blonde sekirei sleeping peacefully in my arms, I couldn't find the smile I wanted.
"If anything, you're more sisterly than a mother."
She hit my shoulder. "Oh shut up."
She wrapped her arms around my neck and kneeled behind me. She whispered in my ear, "You know, I wouldn't mind having a baby with you."
Even though I couldn't smile, I still found my face heating up. She kissed my cheek again.
"I think we should have a boy; there are too many females here."
"Why? So you can all take advantage of him?" I questioned. She pouted at me.
"Now look; I know you're highly against going to see your mom, but we have too much coming up for you to be distracted on something in the past."
I set my little one beside me and pulled the futon over her chest.
"I told you. I do not want to see her, especially after what she did. You just don't understand how I feel about this; it's not going to be so simple as to just say I forgive you for killing my sister. Oh I forgive you for killing my sister let's make up and be a family again."
"Jason that's not what I'm saying. I know it's going to be difficult, but she's your mother."
"Who abused her daughter because of a condition she had no control over and ended up killing her in the end," I interrupted. Ikki groaned.
"Jason; I understand how you feel," someone else said. Beside us, Homura began to rise from her slumber. She scratched her head and yawned. "Ikki, you need to understand that matters like this aren't easily forgiven. Jason knows what you're trying to tell him, but you need to know what he's telling you. Have you noticed how he acts most mornings? It's because he's always having nightmares about his past."
"I know that, but that's why he needs to overcome this," Ikki told her. Homura sighed.
"Look, I'm not trying to invade on your personal problems, but Jason, have you ever stopped to think about how your mother felt afterwards. Knowing you, you mostly likely screamed at her and called her a monster or something like that. However, did you stop to think how she must have felt afterwards?"
I looked down at the ground and shook my head. "No, I did not. Why would I?"
"It's understandable," Homura kissed me on the cheek. "Think about it Jason. You know what you have to do."
She went back to sleep, as Ikki gave me one last kiss on the cheek as well.
"Please Jason; don't let the past get to you. We'll clear this up and spend the rest of our lives together. Ren managed to forgive his family."
"Ren didn't have to go through the same circumstances. I had to live with something deeper; he at least had parents that didn't split up and siblings with such weak conditions. If anything, he's luckier than he realizes," I stated. I let out sigh and rested my head on the pillow. Ikki lay down in front of me and placed a hand on my cheek, caressing it gently.
"Everything is going to be alright, just trust me. You know I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't believe you could make amends. I know you're hurting, because I can feel that pain as well remember?"
She scooted closer and wrapped me in warm hug. She rested her head on my arm.
"You're not going to do this alone; I'm coming with you."
She nuzzled my arm and sighed blissfully. Soon, she drifted off to sleep. I slid a piece of her hair behind her ear and kissed her forehead. I let out one more sigh before letting drowsiness drown me and take me to dreamland. Thankfully, I had no dream, which I hoped would happen. In the morning, my sekirei greeted me with a giant hug and kisses on the cheek.
After eating breakfast with everyone, I helped with some chores around the inn. I couldn't get the thought of my chat with mom out of my head. That ninety-five percent of me is still screaming at me not to go, but the remaining five percent fought a vigorous battle in changing my mind. I sat on the veranda in the backyard and finished thinking about my choices. I couldn't focus properly with so much on the brain. I thought about what Ikki and Homura said, but I couldn't find my answer. I just couldn't decide whether or not I should go.
Suddenly, my thoughts broke at the hands clamping on my shoulder. I turned my head to see my naginata and blade wielder standing behind me. Kaho and Shi sat beside me.
"Jason, what's the matter? You're really stressed out; I can feel it," Kaho said. Shi nodded with her, and I looked ahead of me.
"It's the call I had with my mom. I can't stop thinking about it and it just makes me feel worse. Ikki wants me to go see her so we can talk, but it's not so simple. I don't want to go, because I can't forgive her for what she did to my sister. She took out all her anger out on her when she couldn't even do anything. She was weak, but she couldn't help that. How can I just forgive someone for doing that?"
"Jason," Kaho placed her hand on top of mine, as did Shi. Kaho continued. "No one said anything about forgiving her. All you have to do is talk to her and settle things. Talking and forgiving are two entirely different things though; you can talk to her and learn her reasoning, or you can have a heart to heart chat and make things right between you two. Talking will only get you so far, but taking action is how you'll get the problem solved."
"You're saying the same thing Ikki is telling me," I responded. "Look, no matter what you all say, I just can't forgive her. All I will do is talk to her, but I will never forgive her."
"Call her; we want to hear you say you'll meet up with her," Kaho demanded in a stern tone. Shi crossed her arms under her chest and nodded. They stared at me with fire in their eyes, letting me know I can't escape. I sighed and took out my phone. I showed it to both of them so they'll know I'm doing this and dialed my mom's number; however, my fingers trembled with each dial. I felt a strong force stopping my fingers from pressing the buttons, but I managed to fight it and finished dialing my mom's number. I held the phone to my ear and let out deep breathes.
"Hello?" My mom answered the call. I felt my heart sink and become heavier at the sound of her voice. I sucked in the pain and let out another deep breath.
"Mom, it's me."
She gasped loudly. "Jason? Is that really you?"
"Yes," I replied. "I've thought about what you said."
"What really? You did? So, what's your answer?" She asked back. My heart was pounding, as though it could scream and leap out of my chest at any moment.
"I'll come see you."
"Really? Yes, thank you Jason," she cheered.
"Wait a minute hold on; I never finished. I'll come see you; however, I will only come and talk; that's all. You tell me your story, and I'll leave it at that, understand?"
"I see," she said. She sighed. "That's fine; I'll take what I can get. Are you coming today?"
"Yes, and I'm bringing someone with me," I told her.
"Is it that girl I saw fighting for you?"
"No, this is someone else."
"What? You have another one? What's going on?" She questioned in a raised voice.
"That is none of your business," I snapped back. "I'll come by around noon give or take. Where are you staying at?"
"I'll text you the address. I'll see you when you come by," she said.
"Okay, I'll see you later."
"Thanks Jason; you have no idea how much this means to me."
"Don't get any bright idea; this doesn't mean I've forgiven you. I'm only going to talk and that's it," I hung up the phone and let out an irritated grunt.
"Are you happy now?"
Kaho and Shi hugged me tight.
"We are; you're on your way. Now you just have to get through the talking part," the former stated. "How about I come too? You could use the extra help."
"That's fine; I doubt it would make a difference though," I said.
"You never know," she kissed my cheek. "I'm going to tell Ikki."
She hopped up and headed inside, leaving me alone with Shi, who grasped my arm and rubbed her head against my shoulder.
"You think I should forgive her too don't you?" I asked. She nodded, and I let out another sigh. "Care to tell me why?"
She cocked her head to the side. "Jason, if you disregard all the hatred you feel towards your mother, can you still say you love her?"
"Hmm, I suppose I still do. I mean I understand that's she's my mom and I'll always love her. However, what can that do? Okay yes, I still love my mom, even though she did something this horrible, but it's because of what she did that's keeping me from forgiving her. She had no right abusing my sister, her daughter, for something she had control over."
"We understand that; we know it's entirely unfair to your sister and that your mother should've never abused her. Do you know why she did it though?" Shi asked. I nodded.
"Yes, after dad left, she started to become more isolated. She loved dad with everything she had; they were the happiest couples in the world, but when they had Sabrina, my dad knew what would eventually happen to her. So, he decided to leave in order to avoid the inevitable."
"Then Jason, you should be able to connect these points then. It was your father who decided to leave; you were all one big happy family until he left. Because of that, it caused your mom to be more abusive. So in all honesty, it was your father's fault for making the entire thing happen, is it not?"
I factored in the facts, and it did make sense. Shi was right in a way, but I still felt my anger being focused more on my mom. I nodded to her.
"However Shi, your argument is well executed; it doesn't cover the fact that my mom is the one who ended Sabrina's life. She could've gotten over it and found someone new; she could've kept my and Sabrina's best interests at heart, but instead she decided to let that leaving get to her. She let the anger take over and took it out on a sweet, defenseless, innocent, and weak bodied girl! Instead of getting angry about it, she should've questioned my dad for leaving, not using that anger to beat on a little girl. I tried everything I could to get help, but no one would believe me. They thought I was crazy, but when I finally succeeded, I still failed! I failed Sabrina as a brother; I couldn't save her. I couldn't make the pain go away; all I could do is try to get help and hoped she would survive. You tell me if I should forgive my mom when she's the one who couldn't take a simple parting."
Shi nuzzled against me again. "I'm sorry."
I let out a muffled sigh. "No Shi; I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you. It's just agitating."
Shi pulled my head on her shoulders and dragged her fingers through my hair. I relaxed under her touch and set her on my lap, hugging her tight. She returned my hug and nuzzled the nook of my neck.
"I don't like you being upset. I know you don't like being angry either, but you have to face facts. It's time to let things go; don't let it control your life anymore."
Shi firmly pressed her lips to mine and gripped my shirt, pulling me closer. After a bit, she pulled away and breathed for air.
"You can do this Jason, just give her a chance. You know things can't be like this forever. You haven't seen her in years so you know she must've done a lot of thinking since then. You don't know for sure, but if you go, you can find out for yourself. Just take a chance; you know things can be amended, just let it go."
"You say that, but it's still hard to accept," I told her. She planted a soft kiss on my lips.
"Just try Jason; please?"
Out of all my sekirei, she was one of the few that had a very powerful puppy stare. Her twinkling eyes began piercing through my core; I tried to resist, but her stare was too powerful. She tilted her head, adding to her cuteness.
"Please Jason? Please? I don't like it when you're upset," she begged. I felt a drop of sweat roll down my face. She wrapped her arms around my neck and brought her face closer for another soft kiss. When she pulled back, she began planting kisses on my cheeks. I had to sigh again.
"Okay Shi; I'll go talk to her, but I won't promise anything."
She smiled and hugged me tight. "Thank you."
After another while, Ikki and Kaho started dragging me, literally, to the address my mom gave me. I didn't even try pulling back, as my two sekirei stayed in front of me while dragging me by my arms.
"Girls, you don't need to drag me; I'm not going anywhere."
"It's to reassure that you're keeping your word. So until we get there, shut up, and just deal with it," Ikki stated in a stern voice.
"Are you mad at me?" I asked back.
"No, we're not mad, but we really want you to do this," Kaho answered. "Just trust us okay; we wouldn't be doing this if we didn't believe you could make things right, just give it a chance."
"No promises, but I mostly want to talk; that's all. A large part of me refuses to forgive her," I told them. Ikki stopped, making the rest of us stop as well. She held up a shaking fist and turned her head to glare angrily at me. I could feel the angry gaze pelting me, but she dropped the fist and looked ahead.
"If I hit you, it will only make things worse. I got you to come so I'll take it, but just know that you had better tread lightly my fiancé. You're stepping into a landmine with me and for your sake, hope I don't explode."
She released my wrist and continued on ahead. Kaho and I caught up, but she purposely stayed ahead. She allowed Kaho to level with her, but she picked up the pace when I tried. I just sighed and continued to follow my angry fiancé and more calm sekirei. When we arrived at the address, Ikki looked away from me still angry. Kaho noticed the tension and pushed me to her.
"Talk to her," she whispered. "Start with making things up to her."
She pushed me again and stepped back, giving us privacy. I looked at Ikki, seeing her shoulders tensed. Gently, I placed my hands on them, making her jump in surprise. She slapped my arms away, but I began massaging her shoulders.
"What the matter Ikki? You mad at me?"
"I have nothing to say to you," she stated. I continued rubbing her shoulders.
"Oh come on; don't be like that. Look, we're here now and we can put this whole thing behind us. If you're so sure mom and I can make amends, then you'll have to see."
She began to relax more and turned to face me, where I kissed her on the lips.
"I just want you and your mom to be happy again, is that so wrong? Is that too much to ask? I want my future mother-in-law to have her heart mended, not shattered into even more pieces. Why can't you understand that?" She asked quietly. I kissed her forehead, cupped her cheeks, and kissed her lips.
"I'll try okay? I won't promise anything but to try, okay?"
She nodded. "That's all I ask; and remember the rules I told you."
I patted her shoulders. "Got it."
I headed to the door and felt my heart racing like crazy. I could feel myself sweating already as a powerful force tugged at me to stop. I shook the force away and managed to knock on the door. The sound of footsteps immediately rushed to the door, which swiftly opened to reveal my still as beautiful as ever mother. She looked at me with a look of depression, for tears already started feeling up her eyes. Before I could even say anything, my mom rushed from the door and enveloped me in a tight embrace. I came out taller, as she buried her head on my shoulder and held me tight.
"Jason. Jason; I'm so glad to see you. It's been so long since I've laid eyes on you."
She cried on my shoulders and tightened her hold. My heart was pounding and my arms trembled. To think I freely let my mom hug me after all these years, especially after what she did. A part of me wanted to hug her back, but that greater part yelled at me not to.
"Mom, do you remember what we talked about?"
She sniffed. "Yeah, I know, but how do you expect me to act to my son who I haven't seen in years? At least let me hug you."
I sighed and let her continue. I turned to see my girls and saw them gesturing me to hug mom back. Ikki crossed her arms under her chest and nodded. Her eyes screamed at me to return my mom's hug or there will be consequences. I sighed once more and hesitantly wrapped my arms around my mom's waist, completing the hug, and making her gasp.
"Jason," she whispered in surprised. She looked at me with tears still falling down her cheeks.
"Mom, if we're going to talk, we need to get something straight. You will tell me everything you wish to say, and I will tell you everything I want to. We'll see how it goes from there."
She gripped my shoulder tight.
"You'll listen?"
I only nodded and received a bone crushing hug.
"Oh thank you; thanks for giving me another chance."
She let me go and smiled again. She then saw Ikki and Kaho standing behind me and tilted her head.
"Jason, who are they?"
I motioned the girls forward and watched them bow.
"Mom, this is Ikki, my new fiancé. The other girl is Kaho; I guess she would be my mistress."
My mom's eyes bulged out of their sockets and her mouth hit the floor. Astonishment struck her with tremendous force as she stared bewildered.
"Y-Your fiancé and m-mistress?"
"Yes, these are my fiancé and mistress. I said I would bring my fiancé, but my mistress wanted to come along as well," I explained. She continued to stare in astonishment.
"Hello there, my name is Ikki," my fiancé bowed. "I'm going to be your new daughter-in-law."
"My name is Kaho; I hope we get along," my mistress greeted.
"H-Hey there. I'm Jason's mother; you can call me Serena," my mom introduced. She held out her arm to motion them inside.
"Please come in; we can talk inside."
The girls nodded and headed in; however, when I tried, my mom grabbed my collar and pulled me back. I chocked a little, as she closed the door. She faced me and crossed her arms, glaring at me. I regained proper breathing.
"Explain, now," she demanded. I cleared my throat.
"What exactly do I need to explain?"
"You know what; don't act dumb. Who are they, how many mistresses do you have, and why do you have so many? I know for a fact neither looked like the one I saw on TV; and you obviously cared a lot for her and those two so I want you to explain yourself, right now," my mom demanded more sternly. I frowned.
"Do we really have to do this? I came all this way to talk to you and here you go questioning me as if I'm the antagonist."
"You know full well I never tolerated polygamy. I don't care how long we haven't seen each other; you should know how I would've felt," she stated. I tightened my fists.
"I thought I would never see you again. I knew how you would act, but I was under the impression that you and I wouldn't meet again so I didn't care. Even now, I still don't care; you will have a new daughter-in-law and I will have a new wife. Kaho and the one you saw, Shi, will also stay; and if you can't accept that, then we can cut this meeting short, because I won't stay and listen to you talk about my life that you ruined with your acts."
She narrowed her eyes and looked down at the ground, turning her head. She let out a sigh.
"I'm sorry. It's not that I don't accept your relationship; I just don't like the fact that you have so many."
"Well that's the way it is; I have eight total."
"Eight!?" She he cried. "You have eight!? Why? Why do you have so many women? I never raised you to be such a playboy!"
"You didn't; and I'm not a playboy. I'm not a wealthy man who goes out and woo women just to have sex with them," I retorted. "Also, the only one I found was Ikki; the rest came to me, but I still love them anyway. I don't care how many I have, I will love them with all my heart; you need to respect that."
She looked at me flabbergasted. The angry expression she had before was replaced with astonishment. She looked down at her feet again.
"You really have changed since then," she said. Mom opened the door and gestured me inside. "Let's go; we have a lot to discuss."
I followed my mother inside and looked around for my sekirei. I found them sitting in the living room, waiting patiently for our arrival. I sat on the couch in between them while my mom sat on the chair across from her and crossed her legs.
"Okay, I know my contacting you is all so sudden, but I really wanted to see you again. As I said over the phone, I knew you've changed a lot since then. However, I also knew that something was holding you back. I could tell by the anger you released that you had a ton on your mind; she was one of them wasn't she?"
I stared at my feet with narrowed eyes.
"Yeah, she was on my mind. She's always been on my mind."
"I can see that," she looked towards Ikki. "Your name is Ikki correct?"
"Yes ma'am," my fiancé responded.
"How much do you know of the situation? Did Jason tell you the whole thing?" Mom asked back. Ikki nodded.
"Yes, he told us all everything. That's one of the reasons why we came. I wanted to help Jason get over his pain and also to meet my soon to be mother-in-law."
"I see. What about you? You said your name is Kaho, is that right?" Mom turned to my naginata user.
"Yes, I too wanted to make Jason feel better; he's been feeling unlike himself very recently and I want to make him feel better," Kaho responded. My mom nodded her head.
"So he's been feeling a lot worse," she let out a sigh and intertwined her fingers. "Okay Jason, where do you want me to start?"
I kept my head lowered until I thought of an icebreaker. I raised my head.
"What happened to the mom I know and love? What happened to the mother that loved her family with all her heart? What happened to the mother I grew up partially with?"
She sighed softly and looked down for a brief moment. When she looked at me, I could see the sadness radiating from her eyes.
"She left when your father left as well. I couldn't take your father leaving. I loved him; I really loved him, but when he left, I felt an entire half of my being leave me as well. You see, he made up one half of me while you and Sabrina made up the other half. When he left, that half went away too. Apparently, that half controlled my emotions; I just couldn't handle him leaving. You know how much we loved each other; we never got into an argument. We respected each other's opinions, pulled our own weights, so how can he just get up, and leave because of the possibility of what might happen? Jason, you know I would never do something like this; you know I loved you and Sabrina deeply. It's not my fault I swear. I only became this way because your father left. I know it sounds like I'm shifting the blame, but honestly, what do you think would happen if your father was still here with us?"
I thought about her questions, piecing the facts together. Shi's previous speech played through my mind, even the cute puppy stare she gave me. My forehead landed in the palm of my hand as I figured out her questions.
"Sabrina would still be alive," I responded. My mom nodded.
"Yes, she would. I know she would still be alive today because you were always there to make sure she never worked too hard. You always made sure she stayed safe and never exerted herself to much. I know we would all still be one big happy family if your father didn't leave."
"However mom, even if dad is the cause of this, you yourself should've kept your emotions in check. I understand that you couldn't take the departure; I understand completely. I was devastated when he left too, but I still kept it together. I was all right as long as I still had you, but had I known you would've snapped, I would've tried pleading dad to come back. I know you had a reason for being angry, but you had no right to take it out on Sabrina. Mom, do you know what Sabrina told me one night?"
She shook her head. "One night, before we went to sleep, Sabrina was crying her eyes out. She never slept in her bed after you snapped and wouldn't sleep if I weren't beside her. She cried to me, saying why mom hates me so much. Why does she hate me? Is it my fault dad left? She just kept crying until she fell asleep; and when I tried talking to you, we either argue, or you go out and take it out on Sabrina again."
Mom looked down with a melancholic expression. Kaho and Ikki slapped my shoulder, making him grunt softly in pain. They glared at me with crossed arms while I rubbed my shoulders.
"What did I do?" I whispered. "I didn't yell or anything."
"You didn't have to remind her of the pain when she's already in so much," Ikki retorted.
"What about me?" I asked back. They slapped my shoulders again, making me grunt in pain again.
"We're more concerned about your mother; you'll be fine," Ikki stated. "Now apologize."
I groaned and looked at my still melancholic mom.
"Mom, I'm sorry if I hurt you more. I didn't mean to make you remember the pain again."
She shook her head. "No, you don't need to apologize; you've done nothing wrong. If anything, I need to be yelled at by someone. Nothing I do will atone for my mistakes."
She sat an elbow on her knee and covered her face with her hand.
"I've done despicable things, and nothing I do will be enough to atone for my crimes."
"Mom,"
"Jason; I know the only reason why you're here is because of your fiancé and mistress. You never would've come if not for them so I understand why you don't want to be here."
She motioned us to the door as tears fell down her cheeks and stained her skirt.
"You don't have to stay anymore. You can leave if you want; I know nothing will make you forgive me so I won't waste your time anymore."
She hung her head over her crossed arms and trembled. I closed my mouth; however, SMACK! Ikki smacked me in the back of the head. I shot towards her and saw her point at my mom.
"Go to her damn it," she whispered. "You managed to get over this family matter while your mother has not. Damn it, go to her; you can see she's truly sorry for what she did. Let her know you still love her that you forgive her."
"But," SMACK! Kaho slapped me in the back of the head. "Ah, why?"
"Because you're being too hardheaded," Ikki answered sternly. "Stop being so stubborn and go talk to her. You're the only one she has left so stop being hardheaded and go to your mother. Kaho."
SMACK! Kaho slapped me again. My head was pounding at the assaults.
"What was that for?"
"Because I felt like it. Now go," Ikki pointed back to my mom and then kissed my cheek. Kaho kissed my cheek as well and pushed me off the couch. I glared at them as they shooed me away. I groaned and approached my mom, who still hid her face. I kneeled in front of her.
"Mom, look at me."
She sniffled. "Why are you still here? You don't have to stay anymore; you can leave me now."
I lifted her head and saw the red in her eyes as a never ending flow of tears streamed down her cheeks.
"You didn't finish answering my questions. We will not leave until everything is settled, got it?"
She hesitantly nodded her head, but kept crying.
"Are you sorry for what you did?"
She quickly nodded her head.
"Yes, I'm really sorry about everything. I feel horrible about Sabrina and I know she too won't forgive me, but I've learned from my crimes. I know you're still very angry with me and I don't blame you; I don't blame you one bit. I know things are heavy between us and that's the way it might stay, but please; please forgive me Jason. I'm truly sorry for how I treated Sabrina, the pain I've caused you and her, and for the suffering you had to endure. Jason; I'm sorry for everything. Please forgive me."
She gripped my arms tightly and squeezed them. Her tears flowed more rapidly as she buried her head in my chest, staining my shirt with water. I lifted her head again.
"Mom, what do you want to ask me?"
"What?" she sniffled.
"I asked you my questions. Now ask me yours; I know you have some."
She wiped her tears and nodded.
"Are you doing alright?"
"I'm fine," I nodded. "I live here in the north as well. It's a little hectic where I live, but it's fun. I have a lot of friends and female friends as you can see."
"How in the world can you tend to eight girls at once? I just don't see how," she said. I shrugged.
"I got used to it after a while. The hard part is dealing with all their affections."
She frowned at me. "Do they take advantage of you?"
I shook my head no. "Nope, I got everything under control."
I whispered in her ear, "Though Ikki can be a little sex crazy."
My mom blushed fiercely and moved her head back.
"WHAT! YOU'VE HAD SEX?!"
Her shout caused me to jump in surprise and fall on the floor. She looked at me with her face still red and mouth wide open.
"Yeah, I've had sex with Ikki and two other of my mistresses," I stood up. Mom suddenly grasped my arms, making me jump again.
"Please tell me you're using protection, or that they're on birth control. Please tell me you're being safe."
I just blinked at her. "Okay, I'm using protection."
She stared at me until she dropped her head. "How many times total?"
I titled my head to think about it, but couldn't figure out an approximate number. I looked towards Ikki, who tried counting the times on her fingers; however, she too couldn't figure out a number. She shrugged her shoulders while shaking her head.
"Um, I don't know. I never bothered keeping track."
"Oh no," she whispered. She lifted her head and tilted it on her hand. "I wasn't expecting to be a grandmother so soon. I figured you had a lover, but didn't expect you to go overboard. So, which one is pregnant?"
It was my turn to flush red. Mom blinked at me.
"No one is pregnant?"
"No, at least I don't so anyway," I said.
"Oh, well have you checked?"
"I think they would've told me if they were pregnant, right Ikki?"
"Nope, I would've kept it to myself until the symptoms kicked in," she answered with a giggle.
"Gee thanks," I responded sarcastically. Kaho and Ikki giggled, causing my mom to giggle as well. The three conversed with one another as I stood outside, thinking about the conversation we just had. Tons of memories rushed through my head, but they were quickly broken by the tap on my shoulder. I turned my head and saw my mom standing behind me.
"Hey mom, what's up?"
Suddenly, she hugged me tightly.
"Mom?"
"You have no idea how grateful I am. When I first thought about calling you, I knew it wouldn't go well; but I tried anyway. Let me tell you, never in my life did I imagine you would threaten me like that."
I let out a heavy breath. "Mom, I."
"I know; you were too angry and didn't believe I would contact you again."
"You did call unexpectedly; I thought you were my friend Ren."
I just realized that mom never stopped hugging me and tightened her hold.
"Listen Jason; I need to know. Are you still mad at me? Do you still hate me?"
I could see Kaho and Ikki glaring at me through the crack in the door.
"Mom, close your eyes for a second."
"Huh? Uh, okay," she buried her head in my chest, and I summoned my Grim Reaper, making her shake all of a sudden. Ikki and Kaho quickly closed the door and left us alone. I touched knuckles with my friend and sent him away. My mom stopped shaking and stared at me.
"What was that just now? I didn't like that feeling at all."
"As I said before, the inn I stay at can be hectic. I'm not the only one with a demon like this; my friend Ren and the landlords I stay with also summon scary monsters. Honestly, I say Ren has the scarier monster, but the landlady's husband has the most powerful aura. Anyway, I learned this trick a week ago before you saw me on TV. I wasn't feeling myself either that week; I just felt so angry about something that I released the aura. I honestly wasn't expecting a Grim Reaper, but I like it."
"Then why did you summon it just then?"
"Ikki and Kaho were spying on us."
"Oh, then what do you feel about me now? Can you forgive your mother now, please?"
I thought about it long and hard. I could still feel part of screaming at me to say no, but now a larger percent told me to say yes. I was still conflicted on the matter, but seeing my mom smile again warmed my heart greatly. Instinctively, I brought my mom into a tight hug, making her gasp loudly. I hugged her tight and felt her rest her head on my chest again.
"Does this mean you forgive me?"
"Never. Do things alone again. If there's anything troubling you, let me know immediately; don't try to solve things on your own. If you promise to let help you from now on, I'll forgive you; however, that doesn't automatically means we go back to being a family. We'll have to start over, okay?"
She nodded. "Yes, I understand. I promise not to keep it contained and will let you know when something's wrong. I promise; thank you Jason. I swear that you won't regret giving me another chance."
She kissed my cheek, making me flush deeply. She continued hugging me until it was time for us to part ways, but even so, she continued to hug me.
"Mom, I know you're a hugger, but it's time for me to go. I'll see you some time tomorrow and you can hug me all you want," I told her. She finally released her hug, and I worked on catching my breath.
"Thanks for looking out for my Jason and I apologize for the trouble," mom told my girls.
"No it's all right; we're happy to be with him. He's a great guy, kind, and funny. There hasn't been a day where I regret being with him and there never will be," Ikki hugged her mother-in-law, who hugged her back.
"I hope we get to know each other a lot more I could use another female friend; and I need to get along with my new daughter-in-law. Have you decided on the wedding?"
"Yes we have," Ikki replied. "We don't know about the set up though."
"Ah, say no more; I can handle it," my mom stated.
"Really? I don't want it to be an inconvenience," Ikki politely refused. Mom shook her head.
"It's no inconvenience; I was the one helped set up mine and my husband's wedding. It's the least I can do for you and Jason. What do you say?"
"Well, if you're really willing, then why not?"
Mom smiled and nodded her head. "Great, I'll start planning right away."
After the whole conversation was over, mom waved us off. I felt a great big weight being lifted from my shoulders as I walked hand in hand with my sekirei.
"Well that went better than expected," I said.
"Yes, you see? I told you everything would work out fine. Now you and your mom are on good terms again and my future mother likes me; this is a great day."
"Says the one who wasn't abused today," I retorted. Kaho and Ikki giggled.
"You deserved to be hit," Kaho stated.
"No I didn't," I said. "You two just took the conversation the wrong way."
"It was necessary," Ikki responded.
"Yeah, for your amusement. Let's just head back to the inn," I suggested.
"Nope," Ikki dragged me off the main course. "Inn tomorrow, hotel now; Kaho, you're coming with."
"Really? Yeah!" She cheered.
"I don't get a say in this?" I asked.
"Nope," they responded. I sighed while Ikki continued to drag me. It was a long day indeed after we arrived at the hotel. The rest of the day and entire night was filled with screams of pleasure and climaxes. Kaho lost her virginity and I soon found out that she's much like Ikki, who stated we would keep going until the sun back up. So basically, the three of us just had ten hours of sex. To say I was exhausted is an understatement. Kaho and Ikki passed out long ago completely naked and resting on either side of me. I didn't even bother trying to stay awake and just let my eyes fall to their slumber.
That night, I had a dream where I was with my family. Mom and dad were with me; and even an older version of Sabrina was with us. I couldn't stop smiling as the four of us really enjoyed ourselves, nor could I stop the endless flow of my tears streaming down my face.
A/N: That does it for this chapter. I know it's been a while; I just haven't been in a writing mood lately. Hopefully, you all will enjoy the chapter; I also apologize for the serious lack of drama, because I know it's pretty bland. Well, tell me what you think of the chapter in a review or pm please and I will see you all in the next update. Take care.