Whooo! Managed to create this chapter under three days! As such, I'm bringing this chapter today/tonight here! Please enjoy!

Just a warning before you read: there will be SPOILERS for the third work I said previously in the last chapter I would add to the fanfic starting this chapter. In fact, the mystery of her name is a major plot point that isn't revealed until near the end of her game, which I will start showing it to you all.

If you acknowledge that, then please proceed.

He sat there, holding the ropes carrying the swing he was sitting on as his legs dangled beneath him, lightly swaying back and forth in an easy rhythm to the swing to make it move even a little. With his hanging legs kicking alternately and the slight motion rocking the swing, it seems like he wants to swing by himself, letting him enjoy the exhilarating feeling of rising in the air before falling down then repeating the process. But he didn't have the energy nor intent to do so. He chose to just … idly sit on the swing with his head lowered.

Despite his intentions, the sounds of children shouting and hollering happily among themselves some meters away from him had lured his face to the sight of them playing tag or chatting random topics that came to their little heads. Even if one may not watch them, their cheerful voices will not go unheard by some passerby as they walk pass the playground. They were too infectious to be ignored.

It was the first sight he saw when he visit the playground all by himself, which he brushed them aside in favor of zooming straight to the swings. He is sure few of them noticed him passing by but he didn't pay them any heed. He didn't came here to ask them if he wants to play in whatever game they are playing, and also, he doesn't want to ruin the easygoing mood the group of children have created under the belief he's not into outdoor games.

After all, he knew from the bottom of his heart that he will never be able to make friends with kids his age… because everyone, including his parents and relatives, cannot see 「Hierophant Green」 .

He had gone pass convincing them of its existence. And even if he could try, he fears they would dismiss his claim of his "imaginary friend" existing as that, just his imagination. At worst, they might call him mad and perceive any attempts to establish evidence using Hierophant Green that he was possessed by an evil spirit. He had ran those worried thoughts ever since he was born with it and made aware of its existence when he was just two, all of which doesn't have a good outcome that can pull him out of a plight he didn't ask for.

He felt alienated by everyone, including his family. He might be unable to establish meaningful connection to this world, nor would they pay heed to his "imaginary friend"… And because of that, he has no choice but to submit to a crushing loneliness he has brought to himself inadvertently.

He hated it. He hated being the only person who has a spirit-like being hovering by his side, unseen by everyone. Again, he didn't ask for something like this to happen to him. He wondered how and why did it came into being, and the reason of its presence trailing behind him wherever he goes. He sorely wanted to answer it, or have someone answer it. But alas, no matter what he may do, and how much he want to act like a normal kid…

「Hierophant Green」 will always be by his side, its presence acting as a reminder to Noriaki Kakyoin that he is, and will be, always alone.

His need for companionship is so strong that the being itself manifests in front of him. Kakyoin noticed it appearing unconsciously and, as much he likes to keep hanging his head lower, he raised his face to glance at what he assumed to be his…other self staring back at him with its yellow, mechanical eyes. The being always sports a neutral look, helped by a little mask covering its mouth but he doesn't need to study its face to know what its thinking or feeling. As mentioned above, Hierophant Green is his other self manifesting as a companion to curb his loneliness.

However, it's because Hierophant Green is like his other self that Kakyoin didn't want it accompanying him. It can't be seen by anyone except himself, so why bother summoning it with his mind? He didn't want it to appear to him and remind him of the loneliness he was subjected to ever since he was born.

Kakyoin believes he has had enough staying in the playground filled with many kids enjoying the air of youth they are lucky to have. He's thinking of taking his leave with Hierophant Green in tow and going back to his parents who rented a room in the hotel they are staying during their month-long summer vacation to visit their relatives living in Saga and explore the landmarks unique to the prefecture. Just when he's about to get off the swing though…

"Excuse me, little boy…"

…a voice stops him, jolting in surprise due to how sudden it is, like it seemingly came out of nowhere.

"H-Huh?"

Straining his small neck to look up, Kakyoin sees a woman standing before him, wearing a strange, exotic and elaborate clothing that complements her pale skin and long black hair too well. She is looking at him with a blank expression, so blank that if he hadn't looked to her eyes, which he noticed she has white pupils within her purple irises, he wouldn't gauge her hidden expression and know what she's thinking or feeling.

Curious as to why she spoke to him and noticing Hierophant Green was in the way floating between him and the woman, Kakyoin moves it so its floating aside them before he addresses the woman with a nervous face. "Um, are you… talking to me?"

He is puzzled that she seemingly chose to speak to him when there are many children playing in the background. She could have chosen any of them to talk with because they are very noticeable from a distance. It could be though Kakyoin was also noticeable under the fact he's the only one not having fun with them, choosing to sit on a swing set by his lonesome. He also have this happened before, so he's not unfamiliar to this kind of situation.

The woman bobs her head up and down. Taking that as a yes, Kakyoin averts his eyes off her, feeling a little self-conscious and put-off over her strange appearance. "…What do you want, miss? I'm… I'm not that special compared to kids my age."

"Not special, you say?" She repeated in a curious tone. She crouches down to his level, bending her legs and putting her hands neatly on her knees, looking at his face before she turns to her right. "Would you claim that to yourself when this 「Stand」 is hovering by yourside?"

"S-Stand…?" Confused at first, Kakyoin feels his eyes widening in understanding upon noticing the woman is looking to his side with her eyes. He slowly moves his head to his left to see Hierophant Green floating by his side as always. After checking if it's still there, he turns to the woman again and sees she's actuallystaringat Hierophant Green, not looking anywhere else other than Hierophant Green itself.

Seeing his little eyes are not deceiving him at any slightest in spite of what his mind tells him otherwise, Kakyoin gets off the swing in swelling elation and 「hope」, putting his foot on the ground with a straight posture before he exclaims, "O-Oneesan!"

"Hm? Yes?" She turned back to him with a curious look.

"Can you… Can you really see… Hierophant Green floating there!?" He eagerly pointed his finger to it, his mouth beginning to curl up in anticipating and hopefulness.

Tilting her head, she asks, "Is that the name of your Stand, little one?"

"Yes, yes!" He nodded without comprehending what term she called it.

"…Then you are correct." Straightening her head, the woman returns to looking at Hierophant Green with a passive look that belies the curiosity behind it. "I can 「see」your Stand. Your 「Hierophant Green」…"

Kakyoin couldn't believe it. Someone else actually saw Hierophant Green! How… How is this possible, he thought? Not once in his early years have this happen before no matter how much he talked about the "spirit" that manifested as soon as he was born. He was starting to accept no one except himself can see Hierophant Green and he would be spending many years very lonely and estranged from other people, including his loving family, unable to establish meaningful connections. He considered himself a freak, a one-of-a-kind, just from having Hierophant Green in his mind. He truly believed he's the 「only」 one who have a 「spirit」 following him.

And then this strange woman appeared before him to ask him about Hierophant Green, leading him to realize she can actually see him.

For the first time, Kakyoin didn't feel alone. At last, he finally has someone he can make friends with! He knows this is a chance he shouldn't forsake, believing he won't get a second chance like this again once his vacation is up and he returns home.

Gathering courage in his throat, Kakyoin takes a deep breath before he asks the woman one simple question he hopes she will accept. "U-Um, oneesan! Can I… ask you something? Something… important?"

"Hm?" Curious of what he's going to ask, she faced him again, who seems to be showing a hint of interest to him in her blank face. "What is it, little one?"

Knowing it's now or never, Noriaki Kakyoin proceeds to ask her a question. A question, and the experience thereafter, he had actually forgotten and buried deep within the recesses of his mind after his summer vacation is over…

"Can I… be your「friend」?"

"Mmm… Mmmpphhh…"

Involuntarily groaning as his rotten brain stirred him awake, Kakyoin opens his eyes steadily, his vision partially blurred and darkened. He tried focusing his vision after blinking twice, determined to wipe off the blurriness off his eyes.

Once his vision gradually clears, Kakyoin first sees the wooden ceiling hanging above him, and obviously, feels his head laying comfortably on a soft pillow while currently lying on a futon with covers draped over his body. In his groggy mind, he assumed he's sleeping with everyone after they got back home, which he has no knowledge of for some reason.

As much his body wants to keep sleeping to satisfy the urge of a good sleep, Kakyoin is aware of the little sunlight pouring from cracks or small holes on the walls, spelling it to him it is daytime. Believing his friends must have awoken already and is waiting for him, he doesn't intend to fall back to sleep. He and his group has an important job to do, and they are determined not to fail Franchouchou and Kotaro.

Sitting upright, Kakyoin lets out a big yawn as he stretches his arms above him to untie the knots he got during his group's working time. In the midst of it, his waist feels…off somehow, like it wanted to complain of the movement Kakyoin is making. It felt stiff to him.

Well, a body stretch can fix the stiff muscles on my waist, Kakyoin thought, lowering his arms. I hope I didn't kept Tatsumi-san, Sakura, Bucciarati-san and others waiting if they wake… up… first…?

As his eyesight returns to normal, Kakyoin widen his orbs when he realized not only was he the only one in this rather small room, but also most importantly, he'snotin the living room counting as Franchouchou and Rianima's bedroom when it's nighttime.

By this logic, he's not in the mansion.

"Huh? I'm… not back home?" He muttered to himself in surprise and puzzlement, moving his head around to study the room he, in his view, suddenly found himself in. Said room is a traditional-styled bedroom with all the elements and furniture typically used in this traditional setup, like tatami mats covering the floor, fusuma installed two meters away from his and the futon's position, wooden transoms placed above the fusuma, a hanging scroll displaying the kanji for long life called "kotobuki" and deep red rose sitting in a vase sitting in alcoves to his right called tokonoma, built-in shelves beside the alcove and lastly, shoji doors he only realized were standing behind him the whole time.

Overall, as mentioned above, the bedroom Kakyoin is in is modeled after the time-honored design of old Japanese homes with all the minimalist details and pervading mood that accompanies such traditional homes. In that sense, it is safe to assume the rest of this house Kakyoin has no knowledge nor didn't voluntarily entered in has all the features of traditional homes. He has to admit though. After living in a western-styled mansion for many months, he has forgotten what it's like living in a traditional home. If weren't for the fact he's in Japan, he wouldn't likely remember.

Once he's done examining the bedroom, Kakyoin removes the covers off of him and stands up, quickly noticing he's wearing his socks and his green-skinned hands are on full display, indicating he's not on disguise. Noticing it causes a worrying thought to come to his head: since he's in an unfamiliar home, is it possible someone has… seen him with his dead skin exposed? Did they… realize he's a zombie?

Kakyoin bites his lower lip in worry. Not good! I better get out of here and return back to others! Tatsumi-san is not going to be happy with me and I'm not sure if he has sent some of my teammates to find me. Urgh, this is not the time for thinking on the possible outcomes and waiting for them to find me! I need to get moving!

Fueled by that thought, Kakyoin moves up to the fusuma doors and raises his hand to grab the steel embedded handles and open it, hoping the owner of this house is not in. If he wants to make sure this house is empty other than him, he could have Hierophant Green search the premises for any signs of the owner's presence and help him evade their sights.

With that thought, the Stand comes out of Kakyoin, floating behind him obediently as it awaits its master's command. With a deep breath as a single drop of sweat trails along his cheek and then falling to the tatami mat, Kakyoin opens the sliding door…

…just as the woman standing in the opposite side was about to open it after she raised her hands to hold the two sliding doors' handle on the opposite side.

"Huh?" The woman look at Kakyoin in surprise.

"Ah!" Kakyoin recoiled in great shock over having been found out sooner than he hoped.

The two occupants stare at each other for three seconds, both of them not responding to their sudden presence as if they didn't expect this to happen after the fusuma doors open wide. They stayed rooted and frozen in their position in that time frame as Kakyoin, his Stand hovering by his side gawking to the woman as if done in response to her sudden appearance, calms his racing mind that he was found out so soon after waking up.

Wanting to salvage this situation in a way the woman, who he noted to be standing a little shorter than his height though making her as tall as him, didn't suspect that he's a walking corpse, Kakyoin opens his mouth to speak, only to find his words clamping up in his throat. "U-Um… This… This isn't-"

"You have awoken at last."

"H-Huh?"

Closing his mouth shut upon hearing what the woman said to him in a relieved tone, Kakyoin stared back at her in a daze, quickly noticing she's not freaking out over his rotting face and that he must be coated in the smell of decay from head to toe. At least, he hopednot.

If he is, he reminds himself to ask Kotaro to let him take a bath. Through persuasion if he won't budge.

Anyway, back to the matter in hand, Kakyoin allows himself to fully relax, somewhat relieved that she didn't freaked out upon seeing him what he really is beneath the human disguise but still worried if he was actually found out. But whatever response he wants to make, he didn't get to say it out loud when he felt his left wrist being grabbed before he was pulled back. "H-huh? Hey, what are you…!" He started complaining in surprise again.

"Do not fret, Kakyoin," The woman assured him, surprising him more that she also knows his last name. "I need to examine your「soul」and see if you are well enough to have you returned to your friends, so please lay back on the futon."

"H-H-Hey hold on!" Kakyoin protested, plucking his wrist off her hand and stepping away from her with an indignant look, eyeing the woman warily while rubbing his left wrist as if it hurt him. "How… How did you know my name? And also, did you mention my friends in the same sentence? Who… Who are you!?"

The woman tilts her head after hearing his response, seemingly puzzled over what he said. "…What are you saying? I know your name and who your friends are because we met in Mt. Tenzan two days ago."

"H-Huh? Two days… ago…?"

It didn't take long when his increasingly confounded face changed to a dawning look with his eyes widening, giving out a gasp upon recognizing the woman standing before him with her head tilted to her right. How could he have forgotten who she is? Leave it to his confounded mind for making him neglect her name.

"…Emi-san? Is that… you?" Kakyoin asked, lowering his hands down as he moves close to her with an astounded face.

Seeing he recognizes her, Emi straightens her head up and responds with a nod. "Yes. It is me, Kakyoin. You must have been at a loss when you found yourself not in your own home after waking up. I apologize for not being with you when you woke up."

Kakyoin raised an eyebrow over her apology, wondering why she is apologizing over something she doesn't have control over. "Oh, uhhh… It's fine. You… don't need to say sorry. It was I who should apologize when I nearly went hostile on you."

Emi stares at him with a blank look, making it hard for him to recognize what kind of expression she's feeling, like when he or the others talk to Mamezuku and dealing with unflappable demeanor. "I understand why you almost felt that way. Your skin was exposed to my eyes, therefore letting me have a gander to your zombie body. How can you react like you did earlier under the belief you and I are strangers?"

"Well, I…" He rubs the back of his neck, conceding she has a point.

"Never mind about that for now," Emi noticed the blanket sprawled aside the futon, so she crouched down and picks it up, smoothing the wrinkles and folding it carefully until the blanket is fully curled which she then sets it aside the futon again on the other side. Standing up again, she faces the curious zombie and tells him again this, "Kakyoin, I need to examine your「soul」and see if you are fit to go back to your companions. For that matter, you must lie back down on this futon."

"Examine my…「soul」?" Kakyoin repeated in a questioning tone.

"You are wondering over what I said to you," she guessed. "Do not worry. I shall explain what happened two days ago and what happened after you…" She looks down for a second before she faced him again and finishes, "…protected Sakura from Shino's attack."

Upon hearing that, Kakyoin silently gasped as he remembered what he did to protect Sakura, the first zombie he met many months ago back when they were just starting to acclimate themselves to their undead lives, when he barely noticed Xero hovering over her threateningly with Linkin Park poised to kill her. He remembered his shock and fear that Sakura is about to be killed, leading him to summon Hierophant Green and have it go between the two in desperation. He next felt afamiliarpain coursing from his belly but he didn't paid attention to it until he's sure Sakura was safe, and when he saw she was, he let his vision go dark and fall over. He doesn't remember what happened after that.

Fortunately, at least one person can shed light to the aftermath. To that end, Kakyoin decides to obey her, discreetly lying back on the futon in the same position he was in few minutes ago except he wasn't draped with a blanket.

Nodding to his compliance, Emi follows suit, getting on her knees before putting her legs underneath her so she's at Kakyoin's level. Taking a breath first, Emi moves her right hand over his forehead, which Kakyoin didn't protest since she isn't doing anything bad. He takes note of her hand being warm to the touch compared to his body's unsettling coolness putting a contrast between their own body temperatures.

After a minute passed with Kakyoin staring back at the wooden ceiling while ignoring the hand entering his vision from above him a little, Emi removes her hand off his forehead, who is humming or mumbling something under her breath during the "examination" process, of which Kakyoin is unsure on how is she "examining" his soul. Taking this as an indicator she's likely done, Kakyoin strains his head to his left so he's facing her and asks, "What's the result, Emi-san?"

"Actually, I am not done yet," she admitted. "Next, I have to look straight into your eyes so I can directly examine your「soul」.That way, I can verily determine the state of your soul and see if you are fit to return to your companions."

"I… I don't think I will like that," responded Kakyoin uneasily.

"It will only take ten seconds. And also, you only have to look into my eyes without prompting movement from your body," she reassures him. "I know it will be awkward for you, but I want the best outcome to happen to you so you can return to your companions safely."

"Well… okay. I entrust my safety to you."

"A good response."

And so, for the next ten seconds, Emi's purple eyes and white pupils look straight to Kakyoin's red ones, the woman herself maintaining an impassive look on her face ever since Cherry Boy first saw her. True to his words, the whole experience is definitely awkward on Kakyoin's end. In spite of that though, he didn't complain again and endured the examining process because this is for his own well-being. His friends must be worried sick for him for two days straight, so the thought of him being absent to recuperate from his near-death experience perturbed him. The last thing he wanted is to die again, perhaps for real without a chance of getting revived by Kotaro, and his friends grieving for the loss of their friend.

After what felt like an hour, Emi breaks eye contact from Kakyoin. "Alright. The examination is done."

"Ah thank goodness…" Kakyoin let out a sigh of relief, obviously not liking getting stared on for even more than five seconds. It's like his privacy is being breached. "So… What's the prognosis, Emi-san?" He asks her next, sitting upright since he believes he didn't felt the need to lie down once the examination is done.

Straightening her posture, Emi turns to Kakyoin, being mindful not to look directly at his eyes to let him recover from getting awkward, and answers his question with the same, unfeeling look. "Your「soul」is, like I expected, recovering well, having most of its parts restored enough that you yourself woke up from your coma."

"I'm glad to hear that," Kakyoin smiled, noting she is right because he's feeling energized this… morning? Or is it noon? He has to make sure he asks Emi what time is it currently later. "Does this mean I'm free to go back home?"

At that question, Emi musters a small frown, and Kakyoin feels his smile curling down upon realizing he's about to hear bad news from her mouth. "Unfortunately, no. As I said, your soul is mending itself well, but that does not mean it is fully healed. Your body may have healed thanks to「Bring Me to Life」,but your soul requires more rest to ensure total recovery. The damage done to your soul through your「Hierophant Green」getting injured by「Linkin Park」's full might is so great it almost ended your second life," she lets out a sigh on that part. "As such, you need to stay here for one more day. I am sorry for saying this, Kakyoin."

While no doubt disappointed he cannot return soon like he hoped, Kakyoin accepts the outcome with grace. He's grateful at least he's alright now. "You don't have to apologize again Emi-san. I have you to thank for preventing my second death," he smiled at her, his left hand hovering over his chest before bowing. "Nothing hurts me more than my friends, you, and even Tatsumi-san witnessing my death and hearing their distressed cries as they cradle my body… It would be a mercy for my soul that I didn't get to hear or saw them crying over my body."

Listening to him placing his friends' worry over his own, Emi is touched that he values his friends enough that he willingly and nearly gave his life for Sakura's own. It seems beneath Kakyoin's levelheaded exterior houses a shining heart who wants to be by his companions' side at all times and ensures justice is done right to evildoers through an appropriate punishment.

Your words and that look in your eyes when you talked about your friends…Feeling a bit regretful, Emi looks to the floor with a frown.I… I almost snuffed it out of you… all because I 「befriended」 you 「forty-oneyears」 ago, thus putting you on my 「sworn enemy」's sight. And it appears, based on how you were looking at me with a wary but inquisitive eyes, you do not 「remember」 me, your first friend as you said back then…

Her downward look didn't go unnoticed by Kakyoin and, worried by this slight change in her behavior that was imperturbable the whole time he interacted with her, he asks her, "Emi-san? Is something the matter? Why are you looking down?"

"…" At first, Emi didn't respond to his worried question, keeping her face downward without any change in her demeanor. Unbeknownst to Kakyoin, she was thinking on how she should proceed. After five months of waiting, she is now talking with the zombie she was wishing to see the most with her very own eyes. Based from her sorrowful thoughts and its contents, it appears she knows who Kakyoin is, yet he doesn't have the faintest idea of who she is and is regarding her in a manner similar to one meeting and talking with a stranger for the first time.

Ah. Am I… wallowing in my regret again?Becoming aware of how she's presented to Kakyoin, she looks up and shakes her head to drive away the negative thoughts.Why am I mesmerizing myself in it, ignorant of a chance that has been presented before me? I have waited for this 「reunion」 for five months, so I must not eschew myself out of the opportunity to 「reconnect」 with the first human I have ever made friends with! Kakyoin may have forgotten me, especially since he was a kid back then and what happened to him nearly costing his life, but hereupon I seize this moment for I will not have another chance!

Unaware of what she's thinking, Kakyoin grows more confused over Emi's another change of behavior that hadn't put a dent to her expressionless face, if only a little, so he opens his mouth to ask her again. "Emi-san? Are you… really okay…?"

This time, Emi responds to his question with a shake of her head. "I am fine. Please do not worry."

After reassuring him, Emi raises his head up and directs her eyes to match Kakyoin's own, who blink twice in slight surprise upon noticing the amount of resoluteness brimming within her purple eyes. Also, the way she's looking at him… He cannot help but find it… familiar.

Before he can say more, Emi speaks out these words with a small smile that will surprise and confound the zombie teenager over the content and implications.

"…It is good to see you again, Noriaki Kakyoin."

"E-Excuse me?"

If he's still feeling drowsy from his two-day coma nap, hearing Emi greeting him as if he was someone very familiar to her would pull him out of it as his mounting confusion and surprise add up for the third time.

W-W-Wait, why did I act so surprised over what Emi-san said to me? Kakyoin thought, comprehending the woman's words. I should be only… confused.

Intending to let Emi explain herself, Kakyoin steels himself and responds to her. "Why did you say that Emi? This is the first… no wait, the second or… third time we see each other. The first one was, I think… when you're searching for your cat, the second time was two days ago, and the third one is… what we're currently doing. Additionally, I barely knew you back then. I have to ask… why did you greet me like we're already friends?"

He notice Emi's eyes wavering, at least he thought so, though whether he saw it or not, her eyes returned back to its former state when he looked at her again.

"What you said has a grain of truth in them…" Emi conceded his logic is sound. "However, contrary to what you believe Kakyoin… Those are not the first time you met me. You should know this as you befriended me about「forty-one years ago」."

"F-Forty-one years…?" Kakyoin believes he might need a calculator as he continues being more confused. Fortunately, he doesn't need one once he subtracted the current year to the difference of the number of years Emi said. "That's… in the year「1977」.

Wait, 1977…? He perked up, having a feeling he should be somewhat aware of it.

"Correct," nodded Emi. "If you are wondering what significance that year has for the both of us…" Briefly pausing for dramatic effect, Emi maintains her stare to Kakyoin's puzzled eyes. Perceiving he's close to remembering it, she continues with zeal. "It was in the summer of August when we first met. When I was passing by a playground one day, I caught a glimpse of your Stand, Hierophant Green, floating before you while sitting on a playground device humans call… a swing set…"

"H-Huh…?" Kakyoin has his mouth agape. What she said sounds like she's describing a dream he vaguely remembers.

"…Curious that a Stand was in Saga, and thusly, a Stand User was in my midst, I walked up to you to confirm if you do have a Stand. Like I suspected, you said yes to my question…"

"That, I-I…" Slowly, an understanding look dawned on his face as she continued. He wanted to refute her claim that she knew him far back because he doesn't remember meeting her when he was a kid. Yet in spite of that, he didn't dare stop her. "…I think I… asked something along those lines."

"You did. After you answered my question, you ask me if I could be your friend. I was surprised, and ready to decline your question because I did not came to the playground you were in to be your friend. I only want to confirm if I was seeing your Stand. But upon taking a look to your forlorn eyes, I soon understand that you were lonely because you have Hierophant Green. No one can see your Stand except Stand Users themselves, and it was the first we both see another Stand User in our midst…

Kakyoin didn't say anything, only staring at her with wide eyes and mouth agape. He stayed frozen in his spot as he anticipated her finishing her recounting of the events that supposedly- no. Definitely happened between them.

"…Now understanding why you want to be friends with me and unable to deny your need for companionship you were denied for who knows how long due to being a Stand User…" She closed her eyes for a moment with a frown, before she faced Kakyoin with soft eyes and small smile and at last finishes her account of an event. "…I became your first friend during your whole month-long vacation in Saga."

"First friend… Month-long vacation… here? In… Saga…?"

ガンガン

"A-Agghhh!"

Not soon after he repeated those words, a pounding headache afflicts him, causing him to clutch his head with his hands as he cried out in pain.

"K-Kakyoin?"

Alarmed that he's undergoing a major headache, Emi moves by his side with the intention of pushing him to the futon and resting his head on the pillow. She plans to use her Stand to inhibit the headache. However, she didn't get to do it, though much to her relief, because Kakyoin quickly removes his hands off his head as soon as the headache disappeared, letting him look up with a gasp and wide eyes.

Sensing his headache is gone, Emi looked at Kakyoin with upturned brows, so worried over his display of anguish. "Kakyoin…?" She called out his name again in concern.

"Haaah… Haaah… Haaah…"

Panting heavily as he rubs his temple with his right hand, Kakyoin is still feeling light-headed after his headache is gone. During the six seconds worth of headache, flashes of memory came rushing in to his head, making him watch as the memories flash before his astounded eyes. Due to how fast they appeared, he didn't get to properly understand them. One thing he does understand however, is that in all the memories that appeared, he recognized the familiar red and white clothing of a certain woman and her near-expressionless face hanging out and playing with him as much as he could. All those happy memories happened for the first time in his early life thanks to her…

His first ever friend as a Stand User.

And the one who made him see that he's not the only one with a psychic projection of their souls that can't be seen by non-users.

Feeling the lingering pain in his head has been allayed, Kakyoin refocused his attention to Emi, who waited with bated breath to see if he was okay again. Unlike the look of confusion he gave her the whole time, he's now looking at her with eyes full of recognition. His surprise remained on his face, albeit becoming benign and amiable.

Kakyoin didn't say anything to Emi as he continues staring at her. The woman would have remarked on the way he's looking at her face, but she only needs to take one look to his red eyes for her to understand he's staring at her not with the look of disbelief, but those of recognition.

"…How?" Kakyoin started in a quiet tone, snapping out of his stupor. "How could I forget the… 「first friend」 I've ever made… decades ago…?"

Emi widens her eyes when she heard those words out of his mouth, immediately realizing the implication behind them. She waited with bated breath as Kakyoin continues. "I thought it was all a dream… Just an imaginary friend I made up to make it seem like the vacation my family took here in Saga was great… or maybe it was 「Hierophant Green」 who accompanied me in response to my need to have someone,anyone,to be my companion…"

"…But all of that was false," corrected Emi, choosing to continue where Kakyoin paused. "The proof that you have indeed made a friend during your summer vacation in Saga Prefecture is kneeling before you."

Now seeing Kakyoin has actually remembered the events back in summer 1977, Emi deems it fitting to repeat the greeting she said to him when he hadn't remembered yet.

With the addition of a wave and an elegant smile.

"It is good to see you again… Noriaki Kakyoin."

Having remembered his childhood friend his mind is doing its best to make him not remember it, Kakyoin feels comforted upon hearing her soft voice greeting him again like he remembers forty-one years ago. This is the voice he had forgotten after his family left Saga, when something… bad happened to him leading him to repress his memories… hishappymemories… during his month-long vacation in Saga.

With his suppressed memories coming back in full force, his head is filled with uncertainty and fear he hasn't reconciled himself with for now. But the feelings of elation and merriment he got when he remembered them? It's not a lie to him, and it's all thanks to the eerie but otherwise friendly woman before him who tended to his wounds.

And chose to look after him as he recovered because she knew him.

"Long time no see… Emi-san."

It feels weird having to address Emi as his superior in spite of their subtle height difference, but as a polite-minded man, Kakyoin sees it right he treats his superiors with respect, even if they annoy him greatly.

Nevertheless, he greeted back to her with a smile, relishing in the bliss of reuniting with his childhood friend. "…You haven't changed much at all Emi-san. I think I distinctly remember the same appearance as I saw you back in 1977."

Emi doesn't have a retort for that, smiling in response. "I could not say the same to you. You are now and permanently… 17-years-old, I presume?"

"Yeah. And will remain 17 as long as I'm a zombie as you said," he replied with a laugh. "It's funny… Even though I treated you as a stranger and have only reunited after I remembered my forgotten memories, this feels… nice."

"It truly is," nodded Emi. "We had reunited at long last after we last saw each other in the summer of 1977. There is no word that perfectly describes the ambience around us as you said."

Kakyoin smiles widely, agreeing with her instantly. "No arguments about that."

Before they can continue the conversation between two forgotten friends, they heard the fusuma doors opening and distinct footfalls entering in the bedroom. The two turned to their direction, with Emi knowing the three inhabitants of this home walking in.

"Mother, are you done? You're taking a long time in- Oh!"

Stopping in her tracks when she saw her adoptive mother and the awoken zombie man, the girl with cherry red eyes looked on them in mild surprise under the belief she and her two pets may have interrupted them.

As if sensing that's what her daughter is thinking, Emi quickly dispels her notion. "Ah, Goldia, Hartzler, Lynn! Full glad to see you three have arrived!" She exclaimed with a smile. "I was already done inspecting Kakyoin's soul. He is fine now, in case you were wondering."

"Meeeeoooow," Hartzler scampered across the room to rest on Emi's lap, nestling his furry body and paws over her lap once she made it and making himself comfortable. She smiled at his desire for her affection, complying with her unspoken demand by stroking his body starting from his head and ending near his tail. The cat purred in response, his eyes closed as he reveled in his owner's loving fondling.

"Hooo, hoohooooo! Hooooo! Hoooohooo!" Not wanting to let Hartzler get all the treatment from Emi, Lynn sprinted its deceptively short legs toward her, her talons tapping or scratching against the tatami flooring, until she arrived to her post. The owl stares expectantly at Emi, who returns the stare with a giggle before she gives her permission to let her stand on her shoulder.

"No need to wait. Here," she brushed aside her hair off her left shoulder, patting it to let her know she's free to stand beside her face.

Hooting happily, Lynn jumps up to her height, fluttering her wings to assist and adjust herself as she lands on her shoulder. For Emi's part, she moves her body about until her pet owl is properly balancing on her shoulder.

"There you go," she muttered affirmatively, unbothered of Lynn's talon pricking her linen blouse and shoulder as she uses her right hand to stroke her feathers before moving one finger near her beak, which she proceeds to preen it while chirping. "Please be careful you do not take a bite off my finger. I have told you to control the strength of your beak Lynn, so I hope you can restrain yourself."

"Hooo Hooohooohooohoooooo. Hoooooo! Hooohoooooo!" Lynn hooted again while she's still preening her finger, which causes her hoots to sound funny and a little different.

"Meeeoooowwww."

"I know, I know Hartzler," she pulls her hand away from Lynn to resume stroking her tabby cat. "I only have two hands. Please bear with me for I cannot give you both equal affection from me at the same time."

In spite of the implied rowdy behavior judging from her words and how the two animals act, Emi, Hartzler and Lynn shares a bond between each other as they take solace in their own presence rubbing off against them. The woman's giggles, cat's meows and the owl's hooting does nothing except bring a smile to Kakyoin's faces, feeling his non-beating heart melting from such a sight.

Speaking about the two animals, Kakyoin has just only realized he has seen Lynn and Hartzler before. He vaguely remembers encountering the great horned owl back in July while he come across the tabby cat when Rianima searched around Saga to find the kidnapped Junko until they found her on a clearing guarded by the cat. Actually, wait. Maybe he had seen Hartzler before that. When was that? Kakyoin hopes he didn't forget what day he saw him.

"Hehehehe! You two couldn't wait to let mother finish talking with him before you ask her for more affection, could you?"

The cheery tone of the other occupant whose footsteps approach his ears as she moves close snaps Kakyoin's attention off Emi and her two pets to look at the girl whom he believes Emi called her daughter. While he reconnected with Emi and is uncertain if he might have seen the cat and the owl before, the long-haired girl is the only occupant who he didn't recognize. Not to mention, this is the first time these two meet each other.

She's within their proximity when she noticed Kakyoin looking at her curiously. Fortunately for him, she hasn't ignored him at all when she entered her bedroom. Believing he's expecting her to introduce herself, she complied with his unspoken request.

"Hello, it's nice to meet you!" She waved her hand to him with a smile before lowering herself to his height. "My name is Goldia die Heilige. I'm sure you already know those three." She pointed to the trio still preoccupied with giving each other affection.

Smiling back, Kakyoin deems his new acquaintance as a nice girl, noting she must be foreign due to her name and the puffy and cute foreign dress and pretty accessories on her outfit, hair, and hands. One of these accessories is a small object the size of her hand she's appropriately holding in her left hand, encased in gold. For some reason, he senses that object to be important to her.

"It's my pleasure to meet you too, Goldia-chan. I'm Noriaki Kakyoin." he introduced back.

"Oh, you don't need to state your name, mister Kakyoin," she stated. "I already know who you are thanks to mother here."

"Ah, I see," he acknowledged. "Well, I hope you remember my name after I repeat it."

After giving him a nod, Goldia turns to Emi, Hartzler and Lynn, who has finished getting their usual dose of affection from the elegant woman. Currently, they have changed their attention so they're looking at them.

"It appears you have met my adoptive daughter, Kakyoin," said Emi, still kneeling with her legs tucked underneath her. Hartzler and Lynn stand by her side, staring at him. "I was planning to have her and these two be introduced to you after I am done tending to you, but it was already done before I can manually do it."

"Well… I'm aware that you own two pets Emi-san but I didn't expect you to have a daughter," he admitted, glancing at Goldia. "So are there any more relatives I should know of?"

Emi shakes her head. "No. These are everyone who are living in this humble home. As for you, you are our 「guest」 whom I must take care of until you are ready to leave."

Upon reminded of his current status, Kakyoin sighs. Guess he shall stay with this household until Emi has her final say. He would make her friends wait for his safe return, so for now, he hopes his remaining recovery isn't marred by an obstacle. Until then, he lives with these four occupants of this home.

"I understand," he nodded to her. "I hope my last day of my stay here is pleasing and enjoyable."

"You do not need to worry. I shall make sure you have a pleasant stay under our care," assured Emi. "What kind of a friend I am if I neglect to accommodate a long-forgotten friend whom I meet with again after four decades have passed?"

Kakyoin likes the sound of that, chuckling at her gentle words. "Knowing what you did to me when I was a kid, I'm sure you wouldn't think of not doing that." Again, Emi smiles in response.

Watching them having a friendly conversation after they reunited as friends warms Goldia's heart. She and her "sisters" had heard their mother mention about a friend forty-one years ago after she found out he was revived as a zombie and recruited into a group comprised of Stand Users to protect an idol group employed by the enigmatic manager when she and her pets are out to scour the prefecture for any signs of threat. Ever since she learned Kakyoin was in this prefecture she sworn to protect as long her soul burns bright, she's been planning to meet him again, placing hope he didn't forget his very first friend when he was a child. In the interim, she reminisces of the times she was friends with little Kakyoin to her and their pets, deeming him a good kid who has been lonely due to being a Stand User and how she's glad to had brightened his summer vacation days. This was also the time when Emi was considering making a friend with a human after spending her entire existence living by herself, with only someone who has existed long before she was created to give him company. Before she realize it, it was the only time when she wasn't so focused on killing her arch-enemy who has threatened Saga many times.

"You know… Now that I remembered you Emi-san," began Kakyoin. "I've been thinking… How come I 「forget」 everything about you?"

Emi stops smiling when she heard his question, her body stiffening and refocusing her attention. Hartzler and Lynn copied her body language, as if they understood Kakyoin's words. She goes silent, expecting him to say more.

"Even if I might forgot some memories I made as a kid, I cannot help but feel forgetting the eventful encounter with you is… not all what it seems…" Kakyoin continued, rubbing his chin and his eyes aimed to the floor. "When those memories came back, I experienced a… a fear… greater than I ever felt, not to mention how odd it is I suppressed those memories despite them being my most important and happiest memories as a lonely kid," he averted his sight off the floor to look at the silent Emi. "I believe you have the answers I might be looking for after learning that you're… different from ordinary humans, even if I'm a zombie. If it's not too much to ask, can you… explain it, Emi-san?"

After she listened to his whole assumption, Emi closes her eyes, apparently to consider what she will say to him. Hartzler and Lynn remained in their position while Goldia decides to join them, putting her legs under her skirt after setting herself down.

"…"

"…"

"…"

"Before I can explain, tell me Kakyoin…" Opening her eyes many seconds later, Emi eyed the curious zombie and asks him a question. "Did your manager, Kotaro Tatsumi that is, told you more about why your group and the idol group you sworn to protect with your undead lives is important in spite of its absurdity to「save」Saga?"

Surprised at first to hear she appears to be aware of Kotaro's plan, Kakyoin crosses his arms over his chest before answering with an unsure look. "No, Tatsumi-san hadn't explained more regarding more details of the 「Zombie Land Saga project」. No matter how much we ask as to why using zombies to become idols and bodyguards to save Saga is so important when he could've recruited living humans, he just shout to our faces and told us to wing with it. In short, he gets annoying enough we would quit asking him." He shakes his head with a sigh, no doubt still hadn't gotten used to his vexatious behavior.

Emi didn't take long to respond next after she heard his answer. "I see. I believe mister Kotaro chose to 「conceal」 the real reason behind the project's existence for now. While I disapprove of his attitude to you and your companions and I wish he improve himself if he does not want to be justifiably attacked by them, I do understand why he did not want to go into detail regarding the purpose of his ambitious project. He must have known Saga Prefecture's vile 「secret」 if he went for the "reviving dead people as zombies" route, which I am aware of."

"W-What? Saga's… secret?" Kakyoin parroted in disbelief, straightening his posture in mild shock. "That you're… aware of?"

"Correct," Emi grimly nodded. "In fact, it is because of Saga's secret that it is tied not only to you losing your memories of our time likely out of shock, but also why the seven girls you are friends with died before they can leave a mark on Saga Prefecture. Of course I did not forgot you and the six Stand Users which you were ordered to fight against the enemy Stands released by Shino, who is also tied to Saga's secret."

"H-Huh?「Xero」… too?" Kakyoin starts getting skeptical upon hearing Emi mention his main target's alias, whom Emi knows him and his real name. At this point, he's getting impatient and tired of the suspense so he tells them to get on with the explanation. "Can you please tell me what is actually going on here in Saga, Emi-san?"

"…Very well," Emi replied affirmatively. "You will be the first zombie revived from the grave by mister Kotaro to learn the 「curse」 that haunted Saga Prefecture for over a century…"

Going pass half an hour in her exposition, Emi Lea Essence reveals the secret behind Saga Prefecture where two forces of opposing purposes have been active ever since they began existing to respectively ensure Saga's continued existence or attempt to destroy it off the face of Japan. One such force is likely the reason why the seven girls of Franchouchou died before they can attain fame, whether good or infamous, across Saga and the possible justification over Kotaro reviving them, and later the boys, to create an idol group and their strong bodyguards to, in his on bodacious words, 「save」Saga. Along with that, Emi also explains what happened near the end of Kakyoin's summer vacation that caused him to suppress his happy memories of him being friends with her, and lastly, she didn't left Goldia out too because she's also an indirect victim thanks to the machinations of the woman's 「aunt」,who she tells him to be a dangerous necromancer possessing powerful black magic and has a Stand she's somewhat privy of.

After absorbing every info Emi told him, keeping himself silent and never interrupting her explanation unless he's confused of something, Kakyoin requests to be left alone in the bedroom for the rest of the day to let him digest what she revealed to him. Sensing he was overwhelmed, Emi motions Hartzler, Lynn and Goldia out of the room, but not before she tells him she will bring him food and drink, preferably green tea, so he won't get tired from getting hungry. Kakyoin didn't decline even though he knows he won't ever get hungry due to being a zombie.

Right now, he needs to take it easy, laying his body down on the futon as he stares up to the ceiling with a blank face, coalescing every word and info Emi fed him in his mind.

Later that night…

"You two understand the task I have imparted to you, Hartzler? Lynn?"

Emi questions her two loyal animals standing in attention outside their house located somewhere in Niji-no-Matsubara pine grove. She's crouching on one knee, eyeing the tabby cat and horned owl sternly after she told them what they must do for this night.

"Meow."

"Hooo hooohoohoooo. Hoooooo, hooooo."

Somehow understanding them, Emi's blank face relaxes, giving way to a small smile and soft eyes staring pleasantly to her two loyal pets that's been with her through thick and thin after resurrecting both of them as zombie. "Very good," she nodded. "I apologize for the inconvenience I am bringing upon you two. You were supposed to rest with Goldia and Kakyoin for the night while I go out and forage Saga in search for Shino, but I cannot leave Kakyoin alone without monitoring the state of his healing soul. Can you forgive your owner for the sudden request?"

Hartzler and Lynn's next meows and hoots sounds like it's filled with a questioning tone, as if they're asking her why is she asking them for forgiveness. Emi perceives their untranslatable question with a relieved smile, thankful they do understand her plight. "I had realized that is a foolish question. Still, thank you, my faithful animals. Now, off you go you two! You have a long night ahead."

Speaking their last meow and hoot, Hartzler and Lynn respectively sprinted off into the woods and take flight into the dark sky. Standing up on her feet, Emi stays in her position as she watches them disappear into the night until she can see them no more. Now that she's finished telling them what they must do for this night, Emi turns around to walk back to her house.

Stepping up the wooden partition called engawa, Emi opens the entrance door, walking in the house's genkan. Removing her boots, she places them next to Goldia's pink shoes sitting aside, facing towards the door before she closes the door shut and walks in the house, her socked feet stepping on the tatami flooring. If she wasn't wearing socks or her Stand didn't provide her body enough warmth, she would feel the cold coating the floors. It is one of the advantages her Stand has which is also transferred to her pets and daughter(s) and she wouldn't like it any other way.

Regarding the house she's living in, as mentioned before, it's an old-fashioned Japanese home called minka that have persisted through the harshness of time after being built back in the Meiji era. Structured in a way it retains a minimalistic outlook and interior designed to make the inhabitants comfortable under every situation, it has only one floor comprising every room including genkan, living room, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen, divided by fusumas that one can change the interior layout and any room they want. Though everything about the house is appropriately old-fashioned, there are some additional features installed, mostly requested by Emi's benefactor, like a modern-day kitchen and bathroom, electronic furniture like refrigerator, television, and washing machine, fluorescent lighting and even a lightning rod. Basically, her home has most of the important furnishings or appliances equipped one can expect to see for a contemporary house while retaining its geriatric roots and appearances.

In short, Emi's abode is a fusion between traditional and modern Japanese home.

Taking in the pervading mood of her time-tested home, the only home she has left after she first stopped her aunt's attempts to make her slave and engulf Saga and by extension, the entire Japan in her odious scheme, Emi snaps out of her little stupor before she makes her way to the bedroom where Kakyoin and Goldia are in, the latter who she is sure is preparing their futons to sleep on together so they can tuck in for the night.

I hope I did not keep you two waiting… Emi hoped, walking close to the two fusuma doors where her bedroom lies inside. Without delay in her steps, she grabs the handles and spreads it open to see her daughter has finished putting the cover sheets last after the pillows and futons were laid out and her reconciled friend currently remained in his position he's in ever since noon.

The two turn their heads to Emi when they heard the doors open. Goldia beams upon seeing her arrive, having finished setting up their sleeping futon while Kakyoin lightly smiles at her.

Observing the room has become tidy, Emi moves close to Goldia, who stands up and walks up to her as she starts speaking. "I see you have finished organizing the futons we will be sleeping on. Good job, my daughter," she complimented her, patting her head affectionately with a proud smile.

Goldia smiled at her compliment, being glad to hear it from her adoptive mother whom she has dearly loved after she rescued her from a horrible fate and continuing doing so for her sake. "Thank you, mother. I will always do my best to make you happy and better myself!"

Emi gives her an affectionate pat over her head in response to her earnest desire to be better. "Always happy to hear it from you."

After she stops rubbing her head when she told her she has enough, the young girl notice the absence of Hartzler and Lynn in their vicinity. "Oh? Where are Hartzler and Lynn?" She asked. "Are they going to sleep with us and mister Kakyoin? They have taken a liking to him after he reconciled after so many years."

"I sent them off into the night to search for Shino's whereabouts, which may take them a whole night in order to search the entire prefecture," answered Emi. "I cannot sense his presence anywhere within Saga, possibly hiding away using 「Linkin Park」's rift ability, so I cannot guarantee the chances Hartzler and Lynn might find him. But if there is a possibility he is actually out wandering in a city or outskirts…"

Emi trailed off in the end but Goldia didn't need to hear her finish it to understand what might happen next once Shino is found. She hasn't seen Emi's lover, only hearing bits and pieces of him when asked about him. She isn't sure yet what to make of him when she only has her mother's description and history to go by, but she's anxious on getting to properly meet him and how he'll react upon reuniting with her mother and seeing she has a daughter. Will he accept her as his daughter? Will he be surprised to learn he's now a father? According to Emi's opinion, having known him six years ago and is able to construct a possible scenario related to him, she believes he would be definitely happy to be his daughter in spite of the unexpected development.

Having learned where her two cute pets go, Goldia adopts a worried expression. "I hope they don't get in trouble with mister Shino nor he attacks them. I cannot bear the thought of those two being at his mercy."

"Shino will not hurt them, I can attest on that!" Emi quickly dispelled her worry, catching herself after realizing her words came out forcefully, leading her to calm down before she continues in a gentle tone. "I have known him six years ago and if there is one thing I am sure he would not dare do, it is to hurt other living beings. Even if he had a troubled upbringing partially brought on by his Stand, he is a 「good man」 in the end."

Hearing how sincere she sounded, Emi, though still unsure and anxious of how she sees him yet, choose to trust her on what she claimed about him. "Okay. I hope you're right mother."

Ending their conversation with an understanding nod and smile, Emi next turns to Kakyoin, who is idly listening them with a pensive face, probably indicating he has a lot of thoughts stirring in his head, possibly related to Shino. Remembering when he told them he wants to be left alone for a while and suspecting he has relaxed a little, Emi decides to strike up a conversation with him next, having guessed the reason why he wanted to be left alone after she dumped everything she knows about her, Goldia and the two forces shaping Saga for good or bad.

All of which are tied to him forgetting his friendship with Emi when his memories were suppressed due to trauma.

Moving a little closer to his side and on his futon, Emi crouched on her knees so she's not looking at him a little far away while she's about to talk with him. "…How are you feeling Kakyoin?" She asked with a concerned expression. "Have you calmed yourself down after you listened to me this afternoon and grasped everything I had told you? I am… very sorry that you were overwhelmed so much that you have requested to be left alone for the rest of the day."

At her words, Kakyoin lets out a deep sigh. "Actually, I'm still… a little overwhelmed over what I learned this day, so soon after I woke up from my coma."

"Oh, I see…" Emi sounded disappointed and ashamed, hanging her head low.

"But I'm feeling alright for this night!" He quickly added to stop putting more needless blame on Emi's shoulders. "Since I was left alone in this room as I requested, I ruminated my thoughts over everything you said and gradually, I can feel my body relaxing once I acknowledged and accepted what you've told me. Sure I can't stop thinking on some of the most peculiar and eye-catching info but overall, I am mostly relaxed now!"

In spite of his claim he's currently fine, Kakyoin is still feeling distressed, if only slightly, over the ghost woman's words concerning Saga's secret and how she and Goldia factored themselves into it that has the former protecting it from behind the scenes to ensure the prefecture's safety. Basically, it's because of Emi's lifelong mission that Kakyoin was nearly made into a minion by her enemy, the details of which was traumatizing enough for his younger self that he forgot he actually made a friend during his summer vacation in Saga.

Whether he wants to convince Emi he's feeling alright now or not, Kakyoin puts up a brave front as he stares at her with a calm expression. However, he did not notice he was looking to her eyes, thus allowing the woman to look straight into his soul which he only realized when Emi says this. "Your agitated soul tells me you have not calmed down entirely."

"H-Huh? How did you- Oh. You were… looking into my eyes," Realizing he was caught in the act, Kakyoin sighed rubbing the back of his neck. "I forgot you can do that."

"If you believe you are in trouble over lying to me, please do not worry," assured Emi, waving both her hands as a gesture to calm him down. "I only want to be sure you are really okay so you do not think of sleeping by your lonesome Kakyoin."

"Uh, I'm not gonna tell you two to leave me alone again," clarified Kakyoin, feeling offended she expected him to ask him something along those lines again. "It would be quite rude on my part to say that to a caretaker."

"…Oh, then… Forget what I said."

"Hmm…" Kakyoin glanced back to Emi again, this time being mindful he isn't looking through her eyes again.

Noticing his scrutinizing eyes, Emi says, "Is there more for you to say?"

"Well… yeah," He admitted. "It's about the fact that you're actually… 「not a human」." He sits up straight so he's not straining his neck as he continues staring at her in his position. "When I heard you say that you're a 「zombie」 who deceptively looks like an anemic human, no offense by the way, I was very surprised, and still is for this night."

What Kakyoin said is indeed true. When Emi said that she has been guarding Saga and fighting against her arch-enemy ever since near the twilight years of Meiji era, he realized that would mean she was living for over a century, yet somehow, this woman hasn't aged at all. In fact, now that he thought about it, Emi has the same appearance and attire when she showed up in his life back in 1977, which remained unchanged now, leading him to question her why she hasn't aged in appearance.

To say Kakyoin wasverysurprised upon learning not only Emi is a zombie all along, but that goes also for Hartzler, Lynn and Goldia whom she raised them back from the dead using, appropriately enough for the name itself, 「Bring Me to Life」 is an understatement.

Given he's a zombie, him being so surprised to learn they are zombies seems like an overreaction at first. But when you consider how they normally look like when they are in their own safe places, you will notice a stark difference. Emi, Goldia, Hartzler and Lynn appear alive at a glance due to them retaining their human or animal characteristics, especially for the latter three back when they were alive, compared to the shambling, decaying corpse Kakyoin and his friends are when they're not wearing makeup done by Kotaro, which most of them have already freaked a living human out a few times. Additionally, Goldia's skin seems to have a faint hue coloring her pale skin a little and has a small blush adorning her cheeks whereas Emi permanently has pale skin and doesn't blush.

In fact, Emi claims she cannot blush at all.

For her part, Emi takes his words in a stride, acknowledging how she can appear so human when she's actually not. "And yet you have accepted what I actually am hours ago, right Kakyoin?"

Calming himself down again, Kakyoin nods earnestly. "Yes, I did. I didn't mean to imply I have a problem with your real form. I'm just surprised to learn not only you're an undead, but you were… 「created」 by your… mother? Who is… an expert necromancer with magic comparable to your aunt?" He sounded confused at the end due to how utterly bizarre how Emi came into being.

"…Implausible as it may sound, it is how I was… 'born', so to speak," responded Emi without a hint of irony in her voice. "My body was constructed from different pieces or body parts from multiple corpses my mother and her sister have collected during their time in England. With her necromancy powers, I was given life and existence on this body so my own mother, named 「Eva Essence」, has a daughter she can raise, even if I would be born in a female's twenty-year-old body. Unfortunately, she never got the chance when she was… killed by my aunt after she slaughtered their clan they were born and raised in before she escaped with my still-unconscious body all the way to Japan where I was raised with tough care until I learned her plans and what happened to my mother, killing her because of it. I could only wonder what life has in store for me if that tragic event did not come to pass…"

Emi maintained an impassive face the whole time she narrated her past, but the melancholic tone she has and her eyes moving down to look on the floor in sorrow indicated she was affected of what happened to her even before she existed.

Feeling a hand touching her shoulder, Emi turns around to see Goldia, who also has a downcast expression, looking at her sympathetically. She didn't say anything, only letting her teary eyes tell Emi what she's thinking.

"It is alright, dear daughter," soothed Emi, touching her hand and removing it off her shoulder. "I am only contemplating the possible scenario that would take my life in a different way. Please, do not worry about me."

"I can't, not when you're feeling sad," Goldia shook her head with a frown. "I may have a rough life growing up before I ended up dying, but I shouldn't forget that you have an equally harsh upbringing leading you in this role to protect your home."

Touched by her daughter's concerns nevertheless, Emi smiles at her. "Mmm… Thank you for your kind words," she appreciated gratefully.

Feeling bad he had dampened their moods, Kakyoin coughs or clears his throat into his clenched hands, getting the two's attention back as they turn to him. "Um, forgive me for making you two become melancholic over Emi-san's past. I was only stating my opinion."

"It's fine, mister Kakyoin," Goldia reassured him with a soft smile. "I know you didn't mean to."

"Well, yeah… But still…" Kakyoin was about to say more, only to see Emi raising her hand, telling him to stop speaking.

"At any rate, let us call it a day," started Emi. "You need plenty of rest so your soul is restored completely Kakyoin. I do not want to keep you here forever and your friends waiting for your comeback."

"Right, you have a point," agreed Kakyoin before he stretched his arms above him as he yawned. "I'll stop speaking now."

Shutting his mouth close, Kakyoin lies back on the futon, feeling his head sinking in the soft, fluffy pillow, or at least he thought until he noticed it's not fluffing up. He raises his head to check it first before grabs it to put the puff back up. At the same time, Emi marches over to the light switch while Goldia stretches her arms wide to prepare herself for a comfortable sleep. Once she's done stretching, she inattentively look at her lying guest puffing the pillow back by squeezing it five times. Once it bloated again, he carefully lays his head down again and restrained himself from letting out a satisfied sigh as his head sunk deep on the pillow.

She giggled quietly at his attempt to make his temporary bedding cozy and being successful much to his delight, making him look like a child who accomplished a simple task his parents have given him. Her first impression of him based on what Emi told her and eventually meeting him is that he's an even-tempered, nice and polite gentleman, being so mature for his age. She was interested in getting to meet him once she learned from Emi Kakyoin was back here in Saga and after interacting with him once, she has a taken a liking to him due to the qualities listed above. It's a shame that this night and tomorrow morning will be the last time she can hang around with Kakyoin together with Emi, Hartzler and Lynn before he returns home. As much she likes to spend more time with him, she knows better not to let her selfish want take over her head. Also, just because he will return home doesn't mean she can't visit him afterward, which would mean she gets to meet not only his friends, but also, the idols that are taking Saga by storm.

Goldia and her "sisters" are one of Franchouchou's big fans.

…Oh! That's right! I should invite Kakyoin too when the three of us are asleep!

"Mom! Kakyoin!" Goldia called out enthusiastically, making Emi to stop mid-movement and look at her inquisitively along with Kakyoin.

"What is it Goldia?" Emi asked.

Looking straight to her, Goldia eagerly asks, "We're going to my 「dreamscape」 while we sleep to visit my sisters, right?"

"…Yes Goldia," she answered like it's obvious. "Why are you asking me about our nightly routine?"

She flicks her head to Kakyoin without saying anything specific. Emi doesn't understand what her daughter is getting at as she turns again to the confused Kakyoin… until her eyes widen. "Ah! I see now! You are hoping if Kakyoin can 「join」 us to visit your「dreamscape」as we sleep. Is that right, Goldia?"

Goldia nods fervently, happy she grasped her intentions. "Yup!"

Rubbing her chin in thought, Emi utters only one minor concern to Goldia regarding her idea. "While it is a good idea, are your 「sisters」 fine on you letting Kakyoin visit your 「dreamscape」 as our honored guest?Do they want to meet him face-to-face, also?"

Again, Goldia nods. "Uh huh! They have seen me talk to Kakyoin for a short while but they've been wanting to get to know him better. They asked me if I can invite him before we sleep, mother. Will you permit him?"

Emi takes an instant liking to her idea. "…Very well," she agreed with a smile. "Let us ask Kakyoin first before we proceed, yes?"

Moving up to theveryconfused man once he overheard their conversation apparently centered on him, Kakyoin decides to speak first so he's free from more confusion. "I heard the conversation between you two regarding if I was… invited so I can meet with… Goldia's sisters?" Scratching his hair, he asks, "So uhhh, what exactly are you two talking about?"

With a friendly smile, Emi reveals what she and Goldia discussed briefly about. "Every night, Goldia and I visit the「dreamscape」inside her mind that houses her four「alters」, and by extension my 「other」 daughters, each of whom has distinct personalities and souls separate from Goldia."

"While we're asleep," continued Goldia. "…we spend the next hours bonding with them, either through talking about a lot of topics some of us may have an interest in, play games with each other, tell stories, explore the places they're living in, listen to music both old and new, and many more. Because of my unique circumstance I was subjected in leading them to 「exist」 in my mind, it's a fantastic way to make our sleeps more comforting and enjoyable, to the point we often look forward to sleeping through the night!"

Blinking his eyes thrice while still feeling confused as hell, Kakyoin furrowed his brows, resisting the urge to scratch his head again. "Four personalities? Dreamscape? I… I'm not sure I follow."

"You will for sure when you joined me and mother in my 「dreamscape」," she tries reassuring him, bringing out her pocket mirror and giving it to Kakyoin, who looked at it in curiosity. "Here, grab my 「pocket mirror」. As long as you hold it and sleep with us, you can visit our shared dreams with the three of us together."

"Dreams…"

At that word, Kakyoin's eyes widen in shock, involuntarily gulping his throat when he realizes he's about to wake up in a dream and become aware of it while asleep.Wait a second, are we… going inside a… dream!?

Hoping he's not gonna enter a nightmare again like it did when he and the Crusaders sans Avdol came under attack from Death Thirteen, he quickly asks them, "B-Before I accept the invitation, is your 「dreamscape」 safe to be around in, Goldia-chan?"

"Huh? Why… Yes," she sincerely responded. Sensing a lot of dread emanating from the now nervous teenager, she can't help but ask him about it, "Um, why do you ask mister Kakyoin?"

"W-Well…" Taking a deep breath to ease his anxiety, he answers, "The last time I was aware I'm dreaming, I was under attack by an enemy Stand back when I was with the Crusaders. The worst part about it is I cannot convince my friends we're under an enemy Stand attack because we forget what happened in our dreams when we wake up. I have to make sure if I can be safe while moving in a dream, you two. I don't… want to experience something similar to a nightmare again…"

Emi and Goldia are caught speechless hearing from an anxious Kakyoin of how he was almost killed while he was having a dream, whose face is slightly drenched from accumulating sweat after recounting a terrifying memory he wished to stay it hidden. They turn to each other, feeling concerned and regretful they didn't consider Kakyoin's feelings first before they tell him. Sure there's no way to know he experienced that kind of scenario, but still.

"If you want to, Kakyoin," Emi spoke up, "You can decline our invitation. We apologize for inadvertently making you remember the time you nearly died in your sleep. We should have asked you first before I discuss it with Goldia."

"Huh? No, no, no, no! It's okay! You didn't need to apologize because you two didn't know!" Kakyoin exclaimed suddenly, catching Emi and Goldia off-guard due to how he sounds so persuasive. "Besides, unlike Death Thirteen's user, I'm sure I can trust Goldia's words that her 「dreamscape」 sounds safe, so after thinking about it, I decide to accept!" He smiles at them to reassure them of his decision, not letting the scary memories plague his mind.

Though still feeling skeptical and worried of him, especially after taking another look through his eyes and sensing he's a little scared, Emi chooses not to complain. He appears to have become interested on being invited to join the two in exploring someone's mind through dreaming. It wouldn't sit right with her if she insists on declining him after he got afraid.

"Alright Kakyoin," Emi nodded at him with a soft grin. "Goldia and I hope you will not regret the time we shall spent together in our shared dream. Please make the best out of it as you can."

"I will," he agreed. "And not gonna lie… while I'm still confused, I'm also a little excited to meet Goldia's 「alters」 you two said are waiting to meet me."

Goldia smiles at his little enthusiasm as she lies down on the left futon placed beside the one Kakyoin is lying on. "They are! Two of them are starting to get impatient because we're still awake and are pestering me to hurry up. I'm afraid I might not stop them as long we're still up."

Pointing to the pocket mirror Kakyoin is holding, Goldia reminds him. "Remember the pocket mirror I gave you? Please hold on to it before you close your eyes so you won't be left out when we entered my dreamscape. Oh, and please don't break it. It's an important keepsake to me."

"Don't worry. I won't hold it too tight," he confirmed from the right side, feeling the cold metal covering the mirror.

"I see you two are ready to sleep then. I am turning the lights off now, okay?" Emi declared, her fingers brushing the light switch waiting to push it. "Good night you two. I hope you two have a good rest."

"Good night to you too, mother!"

"Good night as well, Emi-san and Goldia-chan."

Returning her greeting gently, Emi turned the lights off and walked to her own futon placed in the center next to her daughter, lying her body to the right at last. Many minutes later, Goldia, Emi and Kakyoin feel their eyelids getting heavy and drooping slowly as drowsiness start taking over their heads. Eventually, they close their eyes, drifting off in their sleep to enter the dreamscape of the ghostly woman's zombie girl…

…The girl that has been given epithets like,「Maiden of Glimpses」 or 「Miss Goody Two Shoes」.

To be continued

Finished!

After two days of coma, Kakyoin awoke in someone's house, which is soon revealed to be Emi's home, whom she carried his unconscious body to her home to attend to his recovering soul. Not so soon after waking up (from experiencing a nostalgic dream, I may add), Emi greeted him as if he was an old friend to her, baffling him since he believes this is the third time they met each other until she recounts their supposed first meeting when he was a kid, causing his suppressed memories to resurface.

Turns out, Jotaro (or arguably DIO though Kakyoin didn't know he has a Stand when he encountered him) is not the first Stand User Kakyoin has ever met, but rather it's Emi. And he didn't met her as a teenager, but as a kid when his family went to Saga during his summer vacation. By proxy, this means him being revived as a zombie here in Saga is the second time he's in the prefecture. This is one of the important plot point I mentioned last chapter, having been planned ever since I created Emi as an OC for this fanfic. It's like in Part 4 when Rohan Kishibe encounters Reimi Sugimoto and her dog Arnold in the Ghost Girl Alley, not realizing until he was visiting her grave that she was his babysitter back when he was four. He didn't remember her because he suppressed that memory out of trauma when Reimi saved him from Yoshikage Kira, dying in the process.

Why did I made Emi as Kakyoin's forgotten childhood friend? Well, I wanted to reduce Kakyoin's unhappy childhood a little by having him experience one bright spot in his seventeen years of life to let him know early on that he's not the only one who has a Stand, and… Well let's face it. Wedorelate with his backstory in a way, whether fantastic or not.

SinceJoJo,Zombie Land Sagaand nowPocket Mirrortakes place in the same universe in this crossover fanfic, I see to it these three works feel interconnected with each other, sharing or combining their own lores or elements to create a unified world containing them.

As a consequence of this choice and the fact the two OCs are involved, I wanted also to make them associated with those three works' lores, elements and tones matching them to make feel part of the same world. I've tried my best to make this possible, borrowing traits to accomplish that, and while I'm not sure yet if I achieved it at this point in the story, I can say I'm proud to have created two OCs that's been in the back of my mind ever since I started getting serious on writing a riveting and entertaining crossover fanfic.

Now regarding the third work I added late in this story,Pocket Mirror,this is the game I was talking about that's been introduced in this chapter at last, with her name being revealed after concealing it in one chapter she was a cameo in. Ladies and gentlemen, starting this chapter, Goldia die Heilige (her last two names are pronounced "Dee HAIleege") is now part of the story who will potentially interact withJoJoandZombie Land Sagacharacters and the fanfic's events! With her addition to the fanfic, you're probably wondering, "why did you include a character from a game?" Well, as I mentioned in chapter 29, I likePocket Mirror,which I'm playing its remaster titledGoldernertraumand haven't finished it yet. Even before playing it, I already know how the game's story starts and ends along with its backstory, which is nothing short of tragic, especially for poor Goldia. In fact, this is specifically the reason why I ultimate went to include her in the story, adopted by Emi to give her a good life after suffering under the inevitability of having her soul taken by a demon and living under a difficult life under her doomed family and mental asylum.

In addition, while the events ofPocket Mirror ~ Goldenertraummore or less happened, there are some things that have changed due to it taking place in the same world asJoJo's Bizarre AdventureandZombie Land Saga, backstories and all. Most of these were caused by Emi and her past, which is tied to Saga Prefecture's secret that her benefactor and Kotaro Tatsumi was involved in. If you have watched the second season and read the gaiden manga, you would know what I'm talking about.

To give a rundown on just how tragic and horrible Goldia's life was until she was adopted by Emi, from the moment she was born: her mother made a deal with a malicious entity to achieve wealth in exchange of Goldia's soul as payment, which they will come to her once she's of mature age, she found out, causing her sanity to deteriorate as the years go by, becoming unstable enough that her personality was split into three (or is it four?), her family was in shambles throughout her whole life, leading her mother to die in despair over what she have done and for her father to follow suit, her twin brother makes a deal with the same entity once he cannot take with the dysfunctional family life anymore, Goldia was admitted to a mental asylum where she stayed ever since, and lastly, endured a nightmarish journey as an amnesiac where everything and everyone around her are out to torment or kill her.

If my words could not do it justice, then I recommend playing the game or watching the playthrough. In the end, youwillfeel bad for her.

The next chapter will focus on Kakyoin, Emi and Goldia entering the latter's dreamscape and meeting her "sisters". I hope you are looking forward to it after I told you the premise ofPocket Mirror! Adieu for now, my readers! Please stay safe and have a good day/night! I'll see you again in the next chapter!