"Hey, Nyota, off to see your friends?" Zabari asked, his delight evident over the light, upbeat music playing from behind the service counter, Emiyo was in the kitchen preparing, "I'm glad. Anansi is crafting your story well. Send my good fortune," he said, smiling warmly.
His question echoed in your thoughts as you walked through the quiet morning streets. It was barely seven-thirty, and not many people were up and about. This solitary journey was a familiar one; you had often walked the island alone, occasionally accompanied by Roselyn before Ziad's arrival. The subtle sound of waves and the gentle coastal breeze had become your companions, leaving your hair in a slight tangle. It never bothered you; you had grown accustomed to it.
The solace and silence surrounding you were like an old guest, coming and going. You had adjusted to it; most times, you didn't mind. But today was different. A knot of nerves tightened in the pit of your stomach, growing since you sent your request to Masamichi and received his reply. It took every ounce of your strength not to shake like a leaf. You couldn't shake the feeling that you shouldn't have left the island.
Your hand rested on your shell locket, and a quiet apology whispered to the memories it held. Thank goodness your shades covered your eyes; otherwise, too many heads would turn, wondering why your eyes held such crushing anguish.
Your shoulders, though appearing strong, felt fragile, like styrofoam. They could break at any moment. Releasing a lengthy sigh, you tried to ease the tension, if only for a moment.
It elevated some of it.
Daiki, you thought, your heart heavy, stopping for a moment before a closed toy store.
Your eyes swept across the toys within your view and some on the shelf. There were toys for his age that you were certain he'd enjoy, although you preferred books and plushies for him. Suguru, however, insisted on toys.
Your gaze fixated on a scooter in the far distance, picturing Daiki riding it throughout the house or in the courtyard of one of the Time Vessel Association temples. Nanako would send you videos or pictures of him. Of course, it would have to be cleaned thoroughly to rid it of any monkey germs.
"How unkind to say, Nyota," Zabari's voice echoed, tinged with sadness.
His remained within you until you shelved them. You had every right to feel that way….after all…after what they did. What they stole from you. What they forced you to endure. You hated your family. The brand(tag) was faintly marked on your back between your shoulder blades and the few faint cigarette burns on your back and the one on your collarbone began burning as if fresh. The intense heat and rancid odor of your burning skin permeated your sense of smell.
Your excruciating sobs rang in your ears, drowning out everything around you, and fueling the rage in your blood.
Those walking by and some engrossed in their own activities suddenly jumped, startled by the loud, sharp crash. Heads whipped around, and gasps dropped at the broken store glass.
"That was close," you thought, catching your breath. Thank goodness you managed to unfurl your feathered gold, luminescent large wings and fly away before anyone heard. Softly landing atop a building, you dispersed your wings.
Goodness, it had been a while since you had used them. You were glad it still came naturally.
With silence completely around you, you took a moment to gaze over the cityscape before you. The sun was now higher than before, indicating that everyone was waking up. Taking a seat, you kept your eyes straight ahead.
Despite your feelings, the view was serene and calming.
The sunbathing rays and warmth on the city seemed to wash everything away, almost.
How many times had you wished to stay up here when the world below was just messy?
Quite a gift, your mother had told you.
Indeed, quite a gift. Just as she had hers.
You had stopped thinking of what you had as a gift, after the pain it caused. You hated it then, but eventually, you grew to see your mother's words.
"You've got a cool technique, May!" Haibara exclaimed.
Daiki, you thought of him; he was gifted, a natural considering his lineage, you and Suguru. Was it aligned with Ennead? Yes, you would have acknowledged bitterly—the same lineage Daiki, you thought of him; he was gifted, a natural considering his lineage, you and Suguru. Was it aligned with Ennead? Yes, you would have acknowledged bitterly—the same lineage of you, your mother, and Zabari, your family would have taken him.
Suguru ended that.
Thank goodness.
Daiki, you thought tearfully. Was he okay? He seemed well.
"Remember the agreement. Any means necessary. Oh, and mum's the word," Geto's words repeated in your mind.
You knew the agreement.
Gojo.
Saturo Gojo.
The view dulled as you got up, and just as you unfurled your wings, your phone rang.
You answered it quickly.
"Hello, May? It's Ijichi."
You instantly put a smile on and mirth into your voice.
"Ijichi! Good morning!"
You heard him smile. "Morning. Are you ready? Masamichi has an assignment for you."
"So soon. Goodness, I was wondering when it would be. Alright, where is the location."
"I can text it to you or I can come get you."
"How kind of you, but that's alright. Besides, I'm out spreading my wings. Text it to me, please."
"Okay. See you soon."
"You too. Bye, Ijichi."
You hung up, and your smile dropped. Within seconds, you received the information. You glossed over it and knew the area. Still, you input the destination info into your GPS, and once it was ready, you unfurled your wings and flew off.
How many assignments would you have to do to reach Gojo? You'd do them all, for Daiki and your family, so you could all go back home.
Hundreds of miles away, on an isolated island beach, Gojo sneezed suddenly as he walked up the path.
"Guess someone's thinking about me," he mused, a smirk playing on his lips.
Pausing for a moment, he glanced around, and nonchalantly shrugged, continuing up the path.
It didn't take him long to reach the top, where he found a white coastal villa, partially destroyed.