Notes:
Sorry if there are any mistakes, as I said English is NOT my original language.
Chapter 02. Kyoto
"Yuta..." that voice again called him from the darkness.
This man truly regretted that day, the last day he was with Maki. Which his dreams always made him remember with pain. Perhaps it was the guilt he carried for not going to look for her when he should have.
If he had only seen the signs that she had been leaving for several days, he would have understood that nothing was right.
It seemed that she wanted to tell him something important. But her lips only managed to say his name in a whisper that seemed to hurt every time she called his name.
"Yuta, don't be late..." again he heard that voice calling him.
"Maki" whispered Yuta as his eyes slowly opened at feel the touch of a palm on his shoulder.
"Sir, wake up, we are arriving at our destination..." Katsumoto was waking him up carefully, he was really afraid of that sorcerer.
Yuta had fallen asleep halfway through the bullet train ride, he had not finished reviewing the paperwork about the mission, due to the fatigue still caused by the jet lag.
"Where are we?" asked Yuta, rolling his eyes a little and combing his hair back. He felt a little numb, sleeping in those seats with a table in the middle of those four seats was really uncomfortable.
"Sir, we have already arrived in Kyoto and we must get off before this train advances to its next destination" commented Katsumoto, while he finished arranging the papers that were on the table, as he was also hastily taking the hand luggage, as well as the sword of this sorcerer.
Yuta sighed heavily and looked at the station through the window. "Kyoto..." he whispered when he saw where they were.
He had returned to the place where his heart had been broken.
Yuta went down with his assistant. He stopped for a moment to observe that place that was almost exactly as he remembered it.
The station had changed very little in those seven years, perhaps just a bit more modernized.
The station had changed very little in those seven years, perhaps it had only been modernized a little more.
He looked to the side, down the aisle where you get on that transport. Remembering that there were many people at the station that day. That day where Maki abandoned him.
And there, under a clock that they had on the platform, he remembered what happened that day.
Flashback
"Come on Maki! We can start a life outside of Japan! Yuta sounded very excited.
She swallowed. "I can't, Yuta... I... there's something I have to tell you," she said in a very low voice and her gaze looked restless. She seemed to be afraid as her hand trembled in the grip of Yuta's hand.
"This is our chance to see the world! If we take this train that will be leaving soon, we'll make it to Haneda airport! Please... let's do this together," he answered still holding her hand and looking at her.
Maki pursed her lips for a moment before speaking. "Okay... Let's do it together" she scratched her cheek a bit "but before getting on the train, do you think you could buy me a bottle of water, please? I feel a little dizzy"
Yuta kissed his girlfriend's forehead "If that's the case, then I'll be right back!"
A smile appeared on Maki's thin lips "Yuta don't be late..." she whispered before kissing him on the lips and releasing his hand.
That was the last kiss he would feel from her.
Yuta didn't take more than ten minutes to return with that bottle of water, but in that place, there was only her suitcase, but there was neither Maki nor her luggage.
"Maki?"
He looked for her with his eyes all over the platform, among all the people who were still waiting for the next train.
"Sir, didn't you see a you green-haired girl with glasses who was next to this suitcase?" He asked the train security officer.
"I'm sorry, I haven't seen anyone with those characteristics"
"Excuse me, haven't you seen where the girl who was here next to this suitcase went?" He asked another boy who was very close to them since they arrived at the station.
"I'm sorry, I was busy on my cell phone and the truth is, I didn't see where she went" that boy apologized before getting on that train.
"Excuse me, haven't you seen the girl who was here next to this suitcase? She is tall, with green hair and glasses" Yuta asked a couple that was sitting near where the two of them had been standing.
"Sorry, I didn't see it" the man answered.
"I saw that girl go by with her suitcase, but I didn't see if she went into the bathroom or left here" the woman answered.
"Thank you" Yuta answered worriedly.
The sorcerer felt a strange premonition, he didn't see Maki anywhere and worst of the case, being someone without cursed energy, he couldn't detect where she might be.
The train would be leaving the station soon. So he took out his cell phone, maybe she would be in the bathroom like that woman said, so she thought of calling her.
Once he took out his cell phone, he looked at a notification that came from Maki's phone.
Yuta felt an indescribable pain from the bottom of his soul as he read what that last message said.
—I'm sorry... I can't accompany you anymore on this trip... nor in this life...
They were the words that would end it all. She had abandoned him at that train station.
He try to reach her, but her phone was ringing offline. As if she had turned it off.
The train was about to leave the station. Yuta had to choose at that moment, between leaving for the airport or leaving it to look for her and ask her for an explanation.
And when he was about to decide what to do... a hand grabbed him by the shoulder, dragging him to his destination outside of Japan.
End of flashback
Yuta remembered that moment with such precision that he felt again with too much pain, that sensation of a thorn digging into his chest, that's how he felt that Maki took his heart with her.
He couldn't believe that after seven years, he was returning to that sad place.
"Sir, are you alright?" Katsumoto asked fearfully seeing Yuta very distracted without taking his eyes off the platform.
"Yes, i am well. Now let's go, they're waiting for us at the crime scene" Yuta answered dryly as he settled on his shoulder, his sheath where he carried his sword.
And so he began to walk along with the other assistants and sorcerers who were waiting for him at that station.
Those sorcerers and assistants had arrived at an old house very close to the modern part of the city of Kyoto, which marked the division between the modern and the old part of the city.
That place was located very close to a sanctuary and incidentally, it was a tourist place that some sorcerers of lower grades managed.
That scene was a total massacre.
The tatami was covered in blood, the thin sliding doors were also stained but they weren't forced at all. Apparently they had been slid normally.
That middle-aged man was lifeless on the tea table and to one side, there was also an older man.
Both sorcerers were second grade, and were recognized for some of their exorcism work in that city. Just as they were known for being the monks who took care of the sanctuary that was below that old house.
An assistant began to explain the situation "Apparently these two sorcerers were father and son, both served the still jujutsu school of this city, as well as served the Zenin clan for several years as external servants of the residence. Apparently both were stabbed with some special grade cursed item that momentarily inhibits or extinguishes cursed energy" he finish reading that first report.
"Is there seriously no cursed energy detected in the area? How do you know it was a person and not a curse?" Katsumoto questioned, surprised by the whole scene, which also other sorcerers specializing in forensic sciences were gathering evidence.
"Negative, no trace of foreign cursed energy was detected in these two individuals and we assume that it was a person because of the direct way that it attacked these two. Said person must also have used some cursed tool in the form of a sword or dagger, due to the type of cut that the corpses have and, above all, he has done it so that these two are not reborn as curses... although we have the hypothesis that who executed This crime was someone who held a grudge against them or knew them" answered a coroner, who took some photos of the bodies and reviewed those wounds a little more.
"Were there witnesses?" Yuta asked, observing the place carefully.
"We have just interviewed the other servants and assistants on duty, but they say that there was nothing out of the ordinary and more than at the time this crime occurred, it was at the time when more tourists are attending the temple"— the previous assistant began to explain —"apparently the last person who saw them alive was a miko who brought them tea, but she quickly withdrew from this room because it seemed that these two were talking about something important and she says that's why she they ran she from the place, so that she would not hear anything"
"How strange..." Katsumoto sighed at all that had happened.
Yuta analyzed the place, he really didn't feel traces of cursed energy.
"You say they were part of the Zenin clan?" He asked curiously.
"That's right sir, apparently they served as messengers, but they didn't have a very recognized role within the clan. For this reason they were allowed to be outside said residence" answered the assistant.
Yuta sighed when he heard how they named that clan.
Perhaps they would be called to account for what happened, and if so, he could perhaps negotiate an exchange of information about Maki in exchange for finding the murderer of his servants. If that clan was interested in knowing who massacred his messengers.
Something caught Yuta's attention too much at that moment and that was a black bird feather, which was combined with the blood of those subjects.
That seemed very unusual for an almost perfect scene.
At that moment, something scared those present and that was the sound of a crow, which seemed to have entered through the large window of that room full of blood.
"A crow?" Katsumoto asked somewhat scared.
"How strange..." Yuta said in a low voice and watching that animal squawk before flying out of there.
For Yuta, that animal did not fit into the scene.
"Well, I suppose we'll have all the results and reports ready in a while. What do you think, Mr. Okkotsu?" asked one of the assistants as he escorted Yuta and Katsumoto out of that old house.
"Definitely, this was done by a person without cursed energy, it must have been someone who knew what time these two would meet in that room" Yuta answered coldly. "And if this wasn't 'some reckoning', it definitely could have been a sorcerers hunt."
"Why are you sure of that, my lord?" Katsumoto asked, surprised by that answer.
"Because in the first place, this was planned, starting with the time they were attacked. His murderer must have known very well his schedules and movements within this place" —he raised two fingers as he continued speaking. —"And secondly, there are no remains or signs of cursed energy in there, and as we know, there is only one way to kill sorcerers and they were both killed with a slashing pulse weapon that definitely must have suppressed their energy in order to cut their throats... in short, this murderer did it so they would never speak again... besides, a curse would not leave the a place that intact, much less would a curse would not leave the teacups intact" Yuta replied.
Katsumoto was surprised by his boss's deduction.
"In short, the results of the autopsies, as well as all the other reports from the experts as well as the interviews with all the personnel who worked with them, we will have them ready by nightfall, perhaps so you can draw more deductions and we can begin to investigate who is behind all this" commented the other attendee.
"Okay, I'll take a look at all that paperwork later, for now I want to go for a walk around the city" Yuta commented looking up.
Again something caught his attention and that was seeing several crows on the cables above them.
That really seemed very strange to him, that animal reminded him of someone specific. But Yuta decided not to take any notice of this clue for the time being.
"Would you like me to accompany you?" Katsumoto asked.
"No, this time I want to go by myself to see how much this damn city has changed. Besides, Katsumoto, you have work to do. I have given you a special mission and I want you to take advantage of the fact that we are here to fulfill it" Yuta commented, patting him on the shoulder before starting to walk away from there.
"Okay sir, don't hesitate to call me if you need anything" replied the assistant as he watched Yuta walk away from there.
That special grade sorcerer really felt the need to take a walk around. He had a strange feeling that perhaps the killer was close.
A notification had reached that cell phone that was on a luxurious table in an outdoor restaurant.
"How I love when notifications about bank deposits arrive and more when they happen after a job well done" Mei Mei said, taking her cell phone elegantly once she put down her cup of tea.
Not only had she received a juicy bank deposit, her companion had also received a notification about a juicy amount of money for her latest mission.
"I guess this payment will make up for all the work I've had to do this day, it'll also make up for the clothes I've had to throw away because of the blood, right?" Maki answered, before taking her cup of coffee.
"It could be said that yes, it can even be enough to give you some luxuries and tastes, those you eliminated left us with a lot of money" Mei said rubbing her middle and index fingers as a sign of money.
"Well, the only luxury I want to give myself right now is to be able to spend time with my children and give them the vacation they've been asking for so much" Maki answered, crossing her arms, leaning back in her chair, while she looked at Mei.
The woman with short silver hair gave a slight laugh "That is still under negotiation, although if missions don't come out soon, maybe you can take a vacation this weekend with your children"
"I hope so, because I'm really tired..."
"Mommy! Mommy!" Yurika and Yuudai yelled and ran to hug their mother.
"My babies!" Maki said as she wrapped her arms around both of them and covered their faces with kisses.
The sound of their laughter filled her with life.
"How was school today? Did they behave well?" Maki asked hugging her children.
"It went well!" Yurika commented happily.
"We didn't get into trouble this time" Yuudai replied with a smile.
"Besides, I had a high grade in math and sports too!" Yurika commented with great joy.
"And I passed the Japanese exam with flying colors!" Yuudai said smiling.
"Glad to hear it my loves, you both deserve a gift for your high marks." Maki smiled, still filling her twins' cheeks with kisses.
That is until Mei cleared her throat to get that family's attention.
"Have they already forgotten about me?" Mei asked looking at that tender scene.
"Grandma Mei!"
"Grandma Mei!"
Yurika and Yuudai said in chorus, thei ran around that table to get closer to that woman.
"Look, how handsome you two look in those beautiful uniforms" Mei said with a big smile and pinching both children's cheeks.
"Thank you Grandma Mei!" they responded in chorus.
Both were wearing their school uniforms. While behind them and with their backpacks on each shoulder, came an adult Ui Ui. Who from time to time, babysitted those two at the request of her sister.
"Hey! More respect, my beautiful sister is not yet the age of an old woman to be called grandmother!" Ui called those two's attention.
"Don't worry, it doesn't bother me that they call me that. On the contrary, they have the permission to call me grandmother even though we are not related by blood. Thank you for your work Ui Ui, you also deserve an award" Mei answered with a smile that made her brother's heart almost jump out of his chest.
"Whatever you say, beautiful sister" he replied with red cheeks.
Both children just stuck their tongue out at that adult. Who just grimaced at having all the attention of his sister.
"Ha ha ha!" Mei laughed at that gesture of those two "I'm really glad to see you, my two small gold bars!" she said with a big smile, while she caressed the cheeks of those two children.
"You know I don't like it when you call my children that way" Maki answered with a grimace and a bit annoyed by those words.
"Don't worry dear, for me, these two are like my beautiful grandchildren and I appreciate them as much as if they were my little gold bars, because that's what they are, pure gold" she smiled superbly at the mother of those children, while she caressed them hair.
Maki could feel Mei's bad intentions saying that.
At that moment, Mei's phone vibrated as she received another notification.
She looked at those little ones and smiled tenderly at them.
"Children!, how about you go with Uncle Ui to buy some ice cream or some gift that you both want? The beautiful grandmother Mei invites with Ui's money, plus I have important things to talk about with her mother about work because I would like to talk about it in private, okay?" She commented with a smile.
Both children were excited by the idea of getting presents.
"I want a hat!" Yurika answered, jumping up.
"I do want an ice cream!" Yuudai shouted very happily, also jumping around.
"I want ice cream too!" replied his sister.
"I want strawberry ice cream! Come on!" Yudai replied.
Maki sighed tiredly. She already knew what that talk was about when she saw Mei. But she, at the same time, wanted her children not to stray too far from her.
"Carefully! And don't get separated and above all, don't get into trouble! Always go hand in hand and stay close to Grandpa Ui! Okay?" Their mother said, giving each of them a kiss on the forehead.
"Okay!" they chorused before running out of there.
"We'll be very careful!" Yurika answered, hopping on one foot, stepping on the squares on the floor as if she were playing hopscotch.
"And we'll try not to get into trouble!" Yuudai replied with a smile and running after his sister copying her movements.
"Have fun and don't talk to strangers or follow curses" her mother commented as she watched them leave.
"We'll be back soon, mommy!" those children commented.
"Ui Ui, take them to buy what they want and please take good care of my little gold pieces" she said with a smile that melted her brother's heart.
"Yes, sister!" commented that adult, as he followed those two children who were excited about the idea of buying some gifts.
Maki felt a strange premonition when she saw her children walk away. Her heart was a little restless. She felt as if she was about to happen something.
But at that moment she decided to ignore that feeling, while she talked with Mei about her next mission.
But she could not stop thinking about the name of someone in particular in the face of such concern.
Yuta Okkotsu was the name of the one that came to mind.
Notes:
I hope you liked this chapter because reunions are coming.
We keep reading.
The update will be a bit slow at the moment because I'm still putting together this story without trying to neglect all the others. No wonder I'm a disaster of a writer haha.
Finally, thanks for all your support