After Anna's command, the whole clan went on a search within their territory and the blue clan's territory. While Anna went to the white clan's territory, that is now part of blue clan's territory.
"I can't locate her…she's not using the red at all"
Anna told Rikio disappointingly. Haku once again surprise Anna with her abilities, despite what she heard, Haku is nowhere near the weakest. Just then, a girl with a very western features blocks their way.
"Are you Kushina Anna?"
The girl asked in a very thick accent that neither Anna or Rikio could identify. But the girl kept her gaze towards Anna.
"Anna, do you know her?"
Rikio asked, ready to protect her at all cost.
"You're trespassing into 'Kitsunebi's' territory"
She warned them, at the same time Anna felt Haku's presence getting closer.
"Sasha, it's alright…"
The girl flinched when they heard Haku's voice, who came from a narrow alley. Anna sensed something was strange from Haku, her red was suddenly engulfing like wild fire, like how Mikoto did.
"Anna, I have something to show you"
Haku said with eyes full of seriousness. Anna knew what exactly she wanted to show her, it was the same thing that Seri told them,The Homra's files. Anna nodded and Haku led them through where she came, while Sasha stared at them intently making Rikio uncomfortable. By the end of the alley, there was a door to the building on their right. They followed Haku in and went down stairs which Rikio figured it was the basement of a shop. For an all female clan, it wasn't really that far from how their headquarters from the rowdy Homra's. It was a bar theme and of course in red and white, in the middle of the spacious place, there was their emblem painted with spray paint on the floor. They sat on the divan facing Haku, just then, another person came in. It was another girl, fair skin and tall with her wavy black hair falls above her hips. Just then behind her was a familiar silhouette, it took a moment for Anna to realize it was Izumo.
"Kusanagi-san?! How did you?"
Rikio was surprised by his sudden appearance, but Izumo just smiled and sat next to Anna. Haku went to the back door behind the bar only to come a few seconds later with files in her hand. She approached Izumo who gave her a disapproving look but Haku kept her sight to the files with such sadness, even Anna could see her red dimmed. Seeing her expression, Izumo sighs.
"Did you read it?"
Haku shook her head. Izumo knew why she called to him even though what she did was wrong. But she was too scared to even find out the truth, scared to know the truth that she either believed or wishing she would. Anna took the files from her and gathered her courage to flip the page even though she was hurting as much as Haku did, but she had to be tough for the sake of her clans,her 'family'. On the first page Anna flipped was a full information and records of Haku's late brother,Totsuka Tatara. At the bottom of the page was attached a small bag with his earring inside, Haku looked away at the sight of his brother's picture and the matching earring they had, even Mikoto had one. Haku swallowed her sobs and look down to cover her face with her bangs.
"Totsuka-san…."
Rikio uttered his fallen comrade sadly. Izumo sat there focusing on the papers in front of him as if unfazed.
"Haku…here"
Anna called out to her with her hand holding something, it was Mikoto's necklace. The memories went rushing in, it was her last time seeing Mikoto and it was a gift from her.
"So I heard you're going to study overseas?"
Mikoto asked as he lit up his cigarettes. It was a coldest day in the December, Christmas was in a week and Haku was coming home from Christmas shopping. Haku managed a meek smile as she blew her hands for warmth and nodded.
"Just don't forget to visit often"
Haku was surprised by his warm gesture as he patted her head before placing his jacket over her shoulders and then headed back inside the bar. She stood outside in surprised, with her heart thumping loudly as her cheeks flushed red. Haku patted her cheeks to wake herself and took a deep breath before entering the bar. The usual alcohol and cigarettes scented bar was warm enough to calm whatever Haku was feeling, except the uneasiness when she's around Mikoto. That time, Haku didn't know her feelings towards the kings, she was only a child. But Her brother and Izumo had seen through her and knew she loves Mikoto more than anything.
On Christmas eve's night, the bar was empty as the regular customers would be with their family. Homra had themselves as family, the totsuka's parents died a year before. Although they had each other, there was still only a few of them and the king is asleep upstairs. Haku sighed as she stared outside the window, it was still snowing.
"You should go and wake the king…it's dinner time"
Izumo said looking at his watch. Tatara was out to buy a Christmas cake and hasn't come for awhile. Haku stood up from the divan and headed upstairs, where the king always take his naps. Haku knocked twice but no response, remembering that he was a deep sleeper, she carefully opened the door. She was right, there he was on the bed, sleeping soundly.
"Mikoto…wake up"
It has been awhile since they decided to drop the honorifics, but calling Mikoto casually was a lot to get use to and every time she does, her heart beats faster. Haku frowned at Mikoto's sleeping face, he was peaceful and yet it annoys her.
"Wake up you big lion"
Saying that was a dangerous gamble, but she was too annoyed. Haku shook him lightly, he only grunted. Haku sighed and kneel to look at his face closer, her heart was beating faster as her cheeks gets hotter.
"Wake up you big log"
Suddenly, his eyes shot open. Haku was shocked, thinking she'll get in trouble for calling him a log. But he stared at her unfazed, then he sat up. Haku stood up, nervous.
"Who you calling a log?"
He muttered, but he didn't sound angry, just unsatisfied.
"T-that's because…you won't wake up…"
Her sentences trailed off in fear. Mikoto grunted again and then held a familiar wrapped gift box in front of her.
"Then why are you giving a 'log' a gift?"
To her surprise, Haku struggled to get the it back.
"You're not supposed to open yet! "
She said, but it was too late. The gift was already ripped open roughly by the impatient king. Haku spun around and covered her face with her hands in embarrassment. Hearing the ruffles of the box and chains clang, made her nervous. After a few seconds of silence, Mikoto smirk and let out a chuckle.
"Thank you, Haku"
Haku turned around in surprise and saw the star like necklace swayed around his neck. Haku gave him a teary smile. It was the first and last time he called her by her name, he always called or referred to her as 'kid' or 'little girl' even though she was only four years younger. But it made her happy, regardless how he calls her. If she can see him and hear his voice was enough. But she decided that was the last time she will ever see him or hear him for a few years, but she never thought it was really the last time she will ever see or hear him.
