It was a quiet Sunday in the Maple Inn residence, around noon. The summer sun was shining as bright as a light bulb, illuminating and revealing. Sounds of cars driving by and people walking by are heard on occasion in the distance. A lone bird is chirping merrily on a tree branch.
Wanta's lying beside his doghouse, looking out for anyone that would visit or trespass the Inn.
Inside, the residents are having their meal at the living room table: somen noodles.
"Itadakimasu!" they all collectively said as they began to chow down.
"So delicious!" said Nana, with a face full of delight.
"Oh? Is this your first time eating somen?" said Yuka.
"Yeah! I missed the first time we were having it."
The others looked at her quizzically, then understood why as Nana began tearing up while smiling.
"Even with all these wonderful things," she whispered. "Still, there are many who..."
Nana couldn't finish her sentence as she hiccuped.
"Nana-san?" Mayu spoke up in concern. Nana brushed off her eye leaks.
"S-Sorry. It's just something on my mind..." she said as she quickly recovered, happily using her chopsticks to grab some food off the table.
"Whatever it is, you can talk to us about it," Yuka said comfortingly to the purple-haired girl. "Right, Kouta?"
Kouta was staring off somewhere out in the garden.
Unmoving.
'Lost in thought' was one appropriate phrase the others could think of him.
"Kouta?" she questioned him, but he didn't budge.
Nana pondered on something while looking at him, while also figuring out why.
"You're thinking about Lucy-san," she stated. Kouta finally blinked, looking at her in mild surprise. Mayu had a slight speck of worry on her face. "She hasn't come back at all since that night...did she get captured again?"
"I wonder about that, too," spoke Mayu, worried as well. "I understand you do not want to talk about it, but still...I want to know where she is. And if she's okay..."
"What really happened, Kouta? You and Nana-chan haven't said anything much besides her running away, and it's been a week since then. I know that Nyu-chan...or Lucy...can take care of herself...but, me and Mayu-chan really want to know. What happened back then?" Yuka pressed him for information.
Kouta took a deep breath and exhaled. "She came to see me, before she went away..."
"She talked to me, as well," Nana joined in. "What she said and how she looked at the time made me think some stuff about her I never thought I would," she rubbed her arm. Nana still didn't know what exactly to think of her.
"Hmm..." Yuka looked at Nana for a bit, before turning back to her cousin. "And what else, Kouta?" Yuka said, expectantly.
"We were talking and she confessed about some of the things she's done. Then, she said she had something to do and just...left," Kouta's face was downcast, while avoiding certain moments that he knew would tick off Yuka, which he really wasn't in the mood to deal with right now. "It felt like a goodbye," he shakily inhaled. "I don't know where she is, now."
Yuka was getting slightly furious at the confession part, thinking there was more to it than just that. Thankfully, she calmed down after seeing him in that state. She put her hand on his shoulder.
"Kouta, listen. From what Nana-chan told us about her, that woman is dangerous when she's Lucy. She could kill us at any time she wants to. Why do you still want her here? And also, why didn't she already kill us when she could have by now?"
"...I have some things that I didn't say to her. And I haven't seen her in a long time. I remembered a lot about her that day," Kouta said, then looked at Yuka in slight ire. "And Yuka...she's only like that because she's not what you truly think she is. She is just angry and in pain," he took a deep, shaky breath. "So much pain."
Yuka let go of Kouta. She knew now that he cared for her a lot more than just platonic reasons. This made her feel a little confused, sick, angry and wanted to cry, but she stood strong. Kouta remembering her and his past troubles also made her want to look into it further, but now wasn't the time.
"I recently started to understand why she is like that..." Nana nodded to Kouta in agreement. "I've been through something similar, but not as bad as her."
"I know that she's strong. She'll be back. Whether it'd be Lucy-san or Nyu-san. We'll wait for her, Kouta-san," Mayu said with a smile, along with Nana who nodded.
"Yeah. We will," Kouta smiled back.
Wanting to move on from this conversation, Yuka angrily pointed to Mayu and Nana. "All right, you two, finish your food and start cleaning! I don't wanna see you missing a spot!"
"Ah! Y-Yeah! Right away, Yuka-san!" Nana and Mayu bolted up as they hastily ate their shares of the table food and ran from the table towards the supply closet, not wanting to incur Yuka's wrath.
Yuka whispered to Kouta, "If you want to talk, I'll be here."
Kouta nodded as she went to the kitchen.
As Kouta was walking in the main hall, he came across the grandfather clock. He sighed, being reminded of someone with an affinity to the old device.
"She really enjoyed fixing this clock."
Just then, he heard Wanta barking.
"A visitor?"
Before he started moving towards the entrance, the grandfather clock went off.
"Huh? It works?"
Staring at it for a short bit, he shrugged and continued on to the entrance gate.
He could see a female silhouette in front of the gate. The body structure, stance and hairstyle were very familiar.
"It can't be," he muttered.
Kouta sprinted toward the gate and opened it. What he saw made his eyes bulge.
"It's really you..."
The lady slowly shambled up to him and began to fall. He quickly caught her as her tears dropped down her cheeks. "Nyu worked hard on that clock..." she whispered as she closed her tired eyes.
A leashed Wanta stopped barking, now panting and wagging his tail as he moved closer to the duo, albeit with a slight limp to his steps.
The grandfather clock's pendulum kept tick-tocking so loudly that it was heard from outside.
She's home.
"-and that's all you need to know about what you're going to do here. I don't want any of this information leaked to anyone in the outside world. Or you will suffer the consequences. Is that understood?"
"Yes, sir. You have my word."
"Good man. Remember, this is for the sake of humanity's survival. All this research is for a good cause!" he exclaims in happiness.
"I'm well aware, sir. And seeing these horned killer freaks in suffering already brings me to a good mood," he chuckles, evilly.
"I don't care. I just want you to get your work done on time and to report to me on a regular basis. Is that clear?"
"Yes, sir," he nods.
"Excellent. Your work sector is C-8. It's on the third floor of the underground areas. You're dismissed."
The new recruit nodded as he left the room.
"Any news on Lucy and Number 7's whereabouts?" Kakuzawa asked one of his employees on the intercom.
"Not yet, sir, but there's evidence to suggest that they might both be dead."
"Hmph. It would be a bit of a shame, but expected for that to happen. Just keep searching," The Director tapped a finger on his desk.
"There's something else, sir. Um, we're getting some attention drawn to us. A few government agents have begun questioning the SAT operatives. Are you sure continuing the search is wise at this point?"
"I wouldn't worry about it. We've always managed to secure ourselves with the right moves. This isn't any different."
"As you say so, sir."
"I do say so. Now, what's the status of the anti-Diclonius weaponry project? How is that coming along?"
Meanwhile, the recruit walked on through a metal hall and into an elevator. "Man, this Kakuzawa fellow is quite the bastard," he chuckled to himself. "Oh, well. May as well get to work."
He enters an elevator and goes down to his new workplace.
In the Maple Inn, Mayu and Nana were busy cleaning the halls. Nana had an easier time with it, using her vectors. Mayu watched as towels and other cleaning supplies floated around them.
"Oh, I wish I could do stuff like that..." Mayu pouted.
"Oh, come on, Mayu," Nana smugly responded, before having her smirk slowly fade. "You wouldn't really want these."
Mayu cringed a bit at herself for saying something she shouldn't have. She knew Nana was suffering because of what she is. Her supposed "Papa" passed away not too long ago. He loved his real daughter Mariko, likely as much as he loved Nana.
From what Nana told her and the others some time ago, there exists a race of creatures named the "Diclonii". They resemble humans very closely, except they have horns, unusual hair and eye colors and apparition-like appendages called "vectors". Nana said that she's a "Silpelit", a half-Diclonius. Mariko was the same.
She could already guess that they're being discriminated against by humans and were getting hunted down and captured for God knows what. Nana refused to talk more about it, having bad memories about her life in the research facility. The others agreed to not pry any further than necessary. She now knew that Nyu/Lucy was in a lot of pain as well, taking Kouta's comment to heart.
She found it understandable how Nyu/Lucy had serious trust issues with humans, including herself and Yuka. Kouta seems to be the one exception.
As Mayu was thinking, she and Nana heard Kouta's call from outside.
"Girls! Come over here!"
"Not now, Kouta!" called back Yuka, as she was busy washing the dishes.
Both girls looked at each other in curiosity. Judging by Kouta's voice, it must have been important. They decided cleaning would have to wait.
"We're coming!" they both yelled as they stood up and began to climb down the stairs.
What they saw shocked them. Kouta had a girl on his shoulder, her arm wrapped around his head in support.
It was Lucy.
"Nyu-san!" Mayu exclaimed.
"Lucy-san came back!" Nana yelled.
"What?!" yelled Yuka from the kitchen. She bolted over to them. She saw Lucy's state, hand on her mouth.
She looked tired and exhausted, close to being asleep. The clothes she wore before she left had pieces of them damaged and partially stained with dried blood. She had small cuts here and there that were nearly healed, likely going to be scarred later. Her horns were broken, as well.
"She needs rest. Badly," stated Kouta.
"Let's take her to my room," Mayu responded as she put Lucy's arm around her head as well. She and Kouta climbed up the stairs into Mayu's room.
"I can't believe it. She actually came back," Yuka muttered in awe. "That means that she and..." she was clenching her fists while Nana stared at her.
"Yuka-san? You okay?"
"Wha-? Oh, yeah, Nana-chan. I'm fine," Yuka had to fake a smile. Nana tilted her head a little.
"Do you have a cold?"
"Wha-oh, no! Not at all! I don't catch summer colds that easily! Who do you think I am?" Yuka boasted.
Nana could only nod.
"We'd better go see her," Yuka muttered reluctantly.
Upstairs, Kouta and Mayu gently laid down Lucy on Mayu's comfy, warm futon.
"I'm so glad she's all right," Mayu said, sighing in relief.
"Yeah. Me too," Kouta responded while glancing sideways with a sad look on his face.
Mayu noticed his expression. Speculating a curious idea she had for a while, Mayu began to question him. "Kouta-san?"
"Yes?"
"Do you really like Nyu-san?"
Kouta's eyes widened and blinked for a second, then opened and closed his mouth in that same timespan.
"...Maybe. I don't know. I hate her, yet I don't. I just don't know how to explain it."
"Why do you hate her?" she raised an eyebrow.
"I...Mayu-chan...it's not something that neither me or her can talk about. At least, not now," Kouta sighed. "It's a long story. You might not even take it well."
"I know that she's hurting, Kouta-san. And you want to help her. I want to help her, too! I bet Nana-san and even Yuka-san do as well!"
Kouta looked at her with a somber expression. "I know, Mayu-chan. But...I'm still so confused as to what exactly I should do."
"You'll figure it out. I know you will," Mayu smiled as she put a hand on Kouta's shoulder.
"Sure hope so, Mayu-chan."
Mayu noticed she was touching him. She almost immediately let go, not saying a word.
"You know, Kouta-san...Yuka-san cares for you, too."
"Huh?"
Mayu only smiled at him. "I know. She-"
Suddenly, they heard someone else in the room give out a cough and then a groggy groan.
"Nyu-san? You're okay!" Mayu went beside her. Kouta sighed in relief at having avoided another awkward moment. Though Lucy having heard them made him sweat.
Just then, Yuka and Nana entered the room.
"Is she all right?" Yuka questioned as she closed the door and went over to Kouta. Nana sat beside Mayu.
"Yeah, mostly. She has no major injuries, besides her horns. Looks like she just needs some sleep and something to eat," Kouta said.
Lucy slowly opened her eyes, looking at the group's faces that were full of concern. She couldn't help but give out a sad smile and look at the ceiling.
"...I don't deserve this."
The group's expressions softened at her low, depressing tone.
"I don't deserve any of this. I'm just not like you. I've done too many atrocities to get treated like this."
"Nyu-san..." Mayu said in a caring tone. "Despite what you've done, we've decided that we should let you stay here upon further understanding of your circumstances. But, of course, you can leave again, if you wish."
The "Queen" was silent, looking at Mayu in thought. Letting her stay back in the Inn was like a godsend, but also prone to future problems that will arise with her presence. Trouble always found her, one way or another.
She looked at the other residents:
Nana was looking at her with a degree of suspicion, which she found understandable. They were enemies who nearly killed each other several times in their encounters. Yet, she seemed to have some hope in her that they would stop being such.
"I came back here, like you told me to," Nana said. "I just never thought you'd come back, too."
Meanwhile, Yuka was looking at her with a mix of worry, fear and jealousy. Lucy always saw her as her rival for Kouta's affections and the reason she's gone mad since the day she saw her cousin comforting her in the festival. However, upon recent reflection, she realized she shouldn't have reacted like that and thought better about what Kouta was trying to do with lying to her, even if it hurt. They were children at the time, of course. Children are prone to making mistakes, she learned. She was no different.
"I was really worried for you, Nyu-sa-Lucy," Yuka corrected herself. "I'm assuming that's who you are now, right?"
Lucy nodded. Nana noticed that she couldn't sense her, which confused the purple-haired Silpelit.
Lastly, Kouta had that mix of confusion, anger, relief and overwhelming love in his look. Oh, how she loved him so much, yet she was so deathly scared of his hatred towards her.
"I thought you were gone for good. I still have so many things to say to you," Kouta whispered.
Lucy forlornly smiled at him. "Me, too."
The other three in the room looked at them, obviously knowing how their relationship is. Nana and Mayu could only smile, while Yuka looked to the side. Mayu looked back towards Yuka, her smile fading once she saw her new mother's expression of discontent.
Lucy noticed it, too. But rather than elaborate on the matter, she simply decided to try and rest.
"Can you...leave me be?" Lucy sighed. "I don't want to talk right now. I want to sleep. Please."
The group looked at each other. They then nodded in agreement as they got up and silently left the room.
All Lucy could do was look in their direction as they left. They shared one last glance at her before they exited the room.
Then, before the door closed, Kouta opened it slightly.
"We'll be downstairs," he whispered as he closed it fully.
Lucy smiled for a bit, then rolled to one side of the futon.
"I hope I don't regret this," she whispered to herself as she began to fall asleep.
"...yes, sir...yes...no, no, bad idea. If we piss them all off, then God help us all...at what time?...All right, then...no, no, that's a reasonable schedule...yes, I understand. I'll send more info if you need-Hm?...Are you sure?...Hmm...very well. Anything you say, Mr. President. Have a good day."
The "End Call" button is pressed with a beep following it. The man sighs, "Hope to God this works."
Author's Notes:
Greetings to those who are reading this!
This is my first foray into making a story for one of my top favorite anime/manga series - Elfen Lied. Reading and watching it half a decade ago made me rather attached to the characters, especially the main cast. (Yes, even freaking Yuka, to a degree. xD)
Believe it or not, this story has been in the works for over 2 years now. And overall progress on it has been somewhat slow, mainly due to my self-confidence waning over the thought of "Will people really want to read this?" and my brain wanting to focus on other things, but I also have college studies to take care of now.
It was a big coincidence that I decided to release the first chapter today, on the manga's 20th anniversary. I didn't really plan on it, but it just clicked with me. To think that it's this old now...it kinda makes me appreciate it more. I just really like old stuff a lot more than modern stuff, even though both have their pros and cons.
I should also warn you - I don't exactly have a strict release schedule, so don't expect upcoming chapters to be either releasing soon or much later - it's based on how I feel if the chapter is good enough for a release. Apologies, but it's how it is with me.
Until then, I hope to see ya around for what's next! *thumbs up*
P.S. I realize that this sort of "post-anime" idea for a story is kind of abundant in other EL fanfics, but I still want to do it - and also make it a little different.
