Chapter 127: Nurtured Love

"God. . . What was I thinking. . .?" Robin groaned.

"Yeah, what were you thinking?"

That voice.

Robin froze and turned her back in a fast motion. Her eyes widened in shocked seeing. . .

"You. . .!" She grew mad at his face, but not enough to rage out.

"Want some gelato?" Ike smirked, holding two cones of gelato.

"You're late!" Robin ran up to Ike, wrapping her arms tightly into a hug, forcing him to release the gelato as it dropped to the ground.

Her approach took Ike back as he stared at the gelato on the ground.

"That cost me money, ya know."

"Shut up and let me hug you."

". . ." Ike stayed silent for a while, slowly wrapping her arms around Robin's back. After some time staring at the night sky, he glanced back at Robin. "Hey. . . there's something I need to tell you regarding me being here."

"I think I know the reason. . ." Robin muttered, squeezing her embrace.

He sighed through his nose and nodded. "I'd rather do it the right way. . . and tell you in person. I'm sorry, I can't go out with you."

"You. . . you idiot." Robin let out a forced chuckle. Part of her voice cracked in the process but Ike ignored it. "I already told you I know your reasons. . . No man would buy gelato without something to say. . ."

"Yeah. . . it wasn't even my money to begin with."

"What?"

"Ignore that."

They quietly embraced each other until Robin was the first to break away. She gazed at Ike and sighed softly, rubbing her eyes. "So that means you're still in love with Makato?"

". . ." Ike glanced away silently. "It's. . . complicated."

Robin stared at Ike's eyes for a while before scoffing away. "Complicated? You men are all the same. . ."

". . ."

"I look stupid now, thinking I had a chance. . ."

"There's other guys that are willing to be with you."

"Name one guy that is attracted to a third-wave feminist?"

"Your brother."

"Huh?"

"I mean you and him are borderline Yosuga no Sora-"

"That's disgusting!"

"Yeah, tell me about it."

The night continued as Ike and Robin hung out in the Delfino Plaza as good friends. Friends. Yes. That was enough for Robin, but her heart only ached that he wasn't the only girl in his mind.

(oOoOoOo)

Smash Mansion

Later in the evening, Ike and Robin arrived back in the Mansion and went their separate ways. As Ike walked back to his room, two bluenettes stood by his door. The man who looked like a woman from behind and the woman who looked like a man.

Ike tried ignoring them, but doing so would only hype them up.

The man who looked like a woman from behind crossed his arms and grinned. "So, Ike, how did it go? You two made out?"

"Shut up. . ." Ike glared at Marth, grabbing the doorknob.

"Marth-sama has been telling me you two went on a date!" Lucina smiled. "So. . .? How did it go?! Did you guys passionately seal your love with a kiss?"

"Are you trying to piss me off?" Ike shot a less tense glare at Lucina.

"Of course not!"

Ike let out a heavy sigh, ruffling his hair. "I'm sick of love. . . I don't need it anymore." Before Marth or Lucina could speak, Ike entered his room and slammed the door.

Marth kept his arms crossed, tilting his head from his sudden declaration. "What in the emo?"

"Aw. . . what a shame. . ."

"Ah, he'll get over it. Like he did a year ago."

Samus watched from a different part of the hallways with Zelda witnessing the whole conversation. "Robin had guts I'd say. . ."

Zelda nodded at Samus' words. "She is quite bold of what she wants. . . But I don't think we'll see the end of it. . ."

(oOoOoOo)

Makato's Room

"So. . . how did it go? Did you and Ike make the most romantic love all of the night?" C. Makato grinned, sitting beside the feminist on her bed.

F. Robin sighed and glanced at Makato. She didn't understand, but from a physical standpoint, she had a cute charm: pink, long hair, ocean eyes. Even the two buns on her hair were the icing on the cake. And. . . she wore such a short pink kimono, flexible to walk around so men could gawk at her long, white stockings.

Robin let out another sigh, except this sigh was more bitter than the last. Her jealousy grew more and she couldn't understand why when she barely knew Makato. The audacity of a clone to be her hypeman! And yes, Robin knew she was a clone after Ike explained the situation to her. . .

"It failed. Ike still loves you!" Robin snapped. "What's so good about you anyway?! All you ever do is cause Ike trouble and drama!"

"Tell me about it! This is why I don't understand my Master's taste in men. . ." C. Makato nodded vigorously which made Robin pause her breath for a short moment. She. . . she was agreeing?! What the hell?!

Of course.

It was a clone's opinion. Her mind. Not Makato's mind.

"If you want, perhaps I could help you find a new love candidate. Chrom with a whopping 72%. He always had an eye for you, Robin, the second best in line after Ike. Quite dorky but shows a gentle charisma. . ." C. Makato said.

"No. . . I don't care for Chrom. The only man in my heart is Ike. I won't give up as long as she isn't here!"

"I see. . . as long as she isn't here, you're willing to keep pushing? Quite amazing, Robin. Perhaps I slightly underestimated you. . . as you are a feminist of the third degree." C. Makato giggles. "Then allow me to help you, Robin. What can I do to ensure-"

Before C. Makato could finish her sentence, Robin doused a large cup of ice-cold water on the clone, vaporizing it immediately. Smoke lingered in the air for a while as Robin set the cup down.

Another sigh escaped through her nose. Robin then stood up slowly and left her room. Relieved but guilty, she peeked her head out in case anyone witnessed her entering Makato's room. Nobody. Good.

She walked out, closing the door behind her. "You're better off not being a constant reminder of an ex. . ."

(oOoOoOo)

September 9th

9:00 A.M.

"Makato. . .?" Miru opened the door, expecting the clone to be mixing her concoctions as usual during the morning as he walked in.

"Tweet!" Miru-3000 flapped his wings and flew to the mysterious stain on Makato's sheets. And next to that was large up, with leftover droplets of. . .

"Water. . ." Miru muttered under his breath and placed his hand on the bed. It dried off completely but the stain remained barely visible. The clone was most terrified of hot and cold water so it could only mean someone yeeted her existence.

"Damnit. . . I best explain the situation to Mario. . . I also hope Makato can forgive me. . ." He certainly wasn't complaining. He would have done the same thing too. Now her absence from the mansion was permanent until December, which Makato promised. . . right?

(oOoOoOo)

Castle of Niho

Unknown

September 12th

? A.M/P.M

A few days had gone by for Makato being imprisoned inside a new room. Oddly comforting at the most. It had everything that a master bedroom would provide but more. A king-sized bed, furniture, a fridge with food and water, a bookshelf, and various games. Her types of dresses and shoes. . . As if she was meant to live here.

The only thing it didn't have was windows so she couldn't tell the time by sight alone. And there was only one exit, locked from the outside.

Makato woke up in bed, marking her third day imprisoned in her room. A few days ago she was awakened without chains but a transparent ribbon of a golden flower bracelet strapped to her wrist. She touched the flower bracelet. The Golden Flower. It was one of the rare plants that could keep a Tachibana's magic from activating. Therefore, Makato couldn't hear herself anymore. Her dark side. . .

They managed to temporarily seal off her potion magic without her realizing it.

September 14th

Assuming it was breakfast, Makato sat down at her small round table and ate pancakes. Pre-maid meals because they knew she couldn't cook a proper meal.

Makato drank her tea and listened to the silence around her. It was slowly driving her mad. Compared to the Parallel World, at least someone was giving her attention. . .

"How long must I wait, Mother. . .?" Anger slowly built up once more as she gripped her teacup. "When will you. . . show yourself?!"

September 16th

After refreshing herself in the bathroom for a few hours, Makato stared at the mirror. She still had white hair and purple eyes and it made her smile, as if she was born again. Now Makato had awakened her power. Only 50%. She needed the rest from Father. . .

". . ." Makato cocked her head nonchalantly and left the bathroom.

September 18th

Last night, she managed to calm down. Makato swept away the broken glass and dishware into a corner. It didn't matter, she knew she would receive new dishware as she slept. After cleaning, Makato fell asleep throughout the timeless day. It had been at least a week since she had any visitors whatsoever. . . except for whoever replaced any broken items during her sleep. If so, they were very stealthy at their work.

September 20th

Makato practiced her waltzing during her free time which was all the time, humming to her tune. She twirled around as if she was the only person in the ball.

September 21st

"GET ME OUT!"

September 22nd

"Ike, do you miss me. . .? Because I do. . ." Makato muttered, rocking herself in her bed.

September 23rd

Makato went on a reading binge and studied more on plants. After completing ten books, she sobbed her eyes out.

September 24th

"Hehe. . . ehehe. . .Hehehehe!"

September 26th

Her eyes grew tired as she lay in bed. She had to keep herself awake to get an opportunity to leave.

September 27th

Makato woke up drowsy, trying to recall the dream she had. Upon looking at the white hair and purple eyes of herself, she remembered. And then screamed.

"I . . . I don't have pink hair and ocean eyes. No . . . this couldn't be."

September 28th

"JUST WHO AM I?!"

September 29th

Just as Makato was about to slit her wrist with a butter knife, the door to her room opened. Her head turned towards the door as she set the knife down. Her eyes widened instantly upon seeing not only her mother but the rest of her family. Her father, Haruhi, and Flora.

Upon seeing them, she felt like an odd duck. Regardless of Haruhi's black hair, the four of them had ocean eyes, but her. They all had a trait relating to them, but her. Her. Her. It was always her that stood out.

They entered her room along with a few other Faithful Knights. Why? Was she a threat? No. That couldn't be. But what was up with the distance? Makato's four family members kept their distance as if she caught an infectious disease. A few seconds later, one of the Faithful Knights, closed the door and remained on guard.

Makato's throat dried off, keeping her eyes on her mother with a glare. Should she scream at her? Curse her very existence? Perhaps grab the same butter knife and aim it as a weapon. She wanted answers. Immediate answers. Her mother never visited since day one! And it took until now?!

"It took you long enough!" Makato widened her smile followed by a chuckle. "I want answers. Answers! Why did you lock me up here?! Am I not your ch-"

Makato paused her words, instantly remembering the dream she had.

Rosalinda frowned at her "daughter" and took a cautious step towards her.

"Mother-!" Flora was caught off by Haruhi's arm, blocking her sister's path, shaking his head.

Rosalinda swallowed. The glare on Makato with her purple eyes made it more intimidating to gaze. "Makato Dear. . . I had to send an urgent letter to your father before I could have a chance to speak with you. I wanted all of us to be present on this matter."

"Urgent. . .? For who? Me? Or you?" Makato glared at her.

"For you," Rosalinda spoke sternly. "I explained everything to your father. Your desires. Your new power. . ." She turned her head to Utora for him to continue.

Utora sweatdropped. "Oh my. . . well. . ."

Makato turned her head to Utora as her angry expression relaxed a bit. "Father, I've finally obtained the ultimate power of potion-making! I just need 50% of my powers back from you. Surely, you understand I mean no harm to come upon you. . ."

Utora sighed, adjusting his long orange robe. "And as do I, Makato. . . But please, listen carefully to what I'm about to say-"

"I want to leave this Godforsaken place. Then I'll listen." Makato furrowed her eyebrows.

". . .Alright, let's go then."

"Honey!" Rosalinda gasped. "This room has the Golden Flower seal. If she leaves, she'll create her potions!"

Utora snapped himself awake, realizing the danger, and coughed awkwardly. "Don't worry, we'll leave as soon as I give you. . . this! Perhaps you will listen to me, hmm?"

"Why should I?" Makato snapped.

Utora then pulled out a letter from his long orange robe. A letter with a Smash symbol on it. "A letter. . . for you. Don't worry, we haven't opened it. But I'm sure someone important must have written it for you. . ."

"A. . . letter?" Makato widened her eyes. Was it Miru? It had to be. . . But he knew her situation. So what?

She scoffed. "I don't care about the letter-"

Utora turned over the letter and showed the name that was written on it.

Makato read the name and teared up immediately. "Ike. . .? Ike wrote me a letter?"

"Yes. . . that . . . ugh, boy you so liked. Honestly, what do you see in him?"

"Give me the letter. . . Please. . ." As much as she tried to keep calm, being left out of the social life made her more desperate to get the letter.

"Do you promise to listen to what I have to say?" Utora asked, keeping her attention as he swayed the letter.

Makato nodded, eyeing the letter. "Yes, I will. Give me the letter."

Without question, Utora walked up to Makato and handed her the letter. Makato swiped the letter from his hand and stared at her father.

"Let's all take a seat. . . Make ourselves comfortable. . " Utora ordered the rest of his family. Being the first, he sat on the couch while others sat along with him. Makato stared at her family before sitting across from them.

She glanced at her siblings. Haruhi wasn't as giddy after seeing her. Flora kept her serious expression but had a cautious look, trying to avoid her gaze. They knew something. Her mother knew something. Her father knew something. And she was out of the loop.

After a while of silence, Utora let out a deep sigh before folding his hands. The talk of not knowing what may happen to Makato and her relationship with her family was on the line. But she had to know the truth somehow.

"Years ago I sealed away your darkness. Truly, it was your dark magic of potion-making. There was a reason that I did that. I'm assuming the first time you made a potion from thin air, you were answered to headaches, right? Migraines? Heavy fatigue?"

"Yes. . ." Makato nodded.

"Call it forbidden. Taboo. A warning upon your type of magic. If you had 100% of your magic, you would have lost years per potion you cast," Utora said. "I've done my research before marrying your mother. Tachibanas with the power of the mind tend to live shorter lives once awakening 100% of their power. As such, your mother wanted you to live a fulfilling life, which is why I took the 50% for myself. Elemental Tachibanas like your siblings don't have that risk involved."

Makato stared at her father upon hearing his explanation. "What do you mean I'll be losing years? Are you saying I'll be dead at rather a young age if I awakened 100% of my power?"

"Yes, just like. . ." Utora swallowed before opening his lips. "Your mother. . . She died at a young age after awakening 100% of her power-"

"N-no, she didn't. What are you talking about? Mother has healing magic." Makato half-smiled. "Mother is still alive, isn't she? Right in front of my eyes. Are you saying she's a ghost this whole time?"

An awkward silence filled the room as the siblings and parents exchanged glances with one another.

Haruhi clenched his fist on his lap and choked out into tears which surprised Makato, never seeing him cry. Flora rubbed her brother's back to comfort him.

What the hell?

"What's . . . going on?" Makato stared at their reaction with a dumbfounded expression. "What do you mean. . my mother? She's our mother. Right, Mother?"

Makato made eye contact with her mother who sat beside her father. Rosalinda frowned a bit trying not to tear up like Haruhi. The silence was killing her slowly as she grew more irritated.

"What's going on? Why. . . why isn't anybody saying anything?!" Makato shot up from her seat. "Big Brother, Big Sister, our mother is right here! Right?! So why are you so sad-?! She's not dead!"

Her outburst caused Flora to stare down her lap trying to calm herself from immense sadness. The only person who kept their composure was Utora, gazing at Makato before letting out a shaky breath.

"No, Makato. Not Rosalinda. Your birth mother."

.

.

.

.

.

.

". . .What?"

As if time had stopped for a brief moment.

That word confirmed the dream she had a few days ago. A woman with long white hair and an unknown face held her gently, being rocked to sleep. Standing by the woman was a boy with the same features.

"Let's go back to . . . Centuries. . . yeah. One of your ancestors was the Queen of Potions. Her hair was white as snow and her eyes were also purple. According to the books. . . she lived only 35 years after using her powers 50 times. As time went by, your birth mother, Lydia, inherited potion magic including the white hair and purple eyes. Also lived shortly after you were born."

Makato stared at her father with widened eyes.

Utora sighed a bit, remembering the past. "Also, you had one sibling. Carly, your older brother. Prince of Gravity."

Her lips trembled. "I. . . I don't understand. . ."

Utora sighed softly, squeezing his folded hands. "It all started shortly after your birth. . ."

(oOoOoOo)

Flashback

17 years ago

Castle of Niho

"You demon! Come back here!" Lydia slapped the back of Carly's head.

"O-owie!" Carly cried but soon giggled afterward. He carried her 2-month baby sister in his arms, rocking her drastically, running around.

"Do you want to be put in a bottle?!" Lydia pulled the lobe of Carly's ear, causing him to cry and stop running. Rosalinda watched silently with Utora in the throne room of the castle.

"How embarrassing. . . I'm sorry for my ill-mannered son, Rosa." Lydia sighed. "Oh, perhaps I should call you Your Majesty? I'm not used to all that formality going on here. . ."

Rosalinda smiled. "Rosa is fine. Though, I prefer if you address me formally whenever we are in a public setting, Lydia."

After some preparations, Utora started with the baby as Lydia held her. He gently placed his hand on her head, casting a spell that made her white, soft hair turn pink. Utora waited for the baby to open her eyes. It seemed the seal caused her eyes to open. Ocean blue instead of lavender. . .

"Alright. Next is you, Big Boy." Utora grinned at the young boy, Carly.

Carly stared at the man as Utora sealed away his white hair and purple eyes into pink and ocean blue. Lydia and Rosalinda watched silently, along with the witness of a few Faithful Knights and the Elders of the castle.

The Seal of Identity was completed.

Later, Carly was sent to the living room to play with the royal siblings. Haruhi and Flora.

Lydia teared up at her baby daughter's new hair color and eyes, as she let out a heavy cough. "Please, Rosa, hold onto Makato for me." She passed her baby over to Rosalinda's hands.

Rosalinda carefully carried the baby, as the baby cried instantly from unfamiliar hands.

"Potion of Reanimation." Lydia stretched her hand out, a potion brewed itself from the thin air. Within seconds, the potion and bottle were formed as she grabbed it firmly. "I shall put the rest of my life span into Makato. Even from my choices of being a potion-maker, I don't regret anything. First death won't matter to me. I'll be alive if she awakens 100% of her dark side."

Utora showed a concerned look as he stared at the birth mother. "Don't you want your child to live a long fulfilling life? Potion magic at the fullest would only shorten this girl's life."

"I do want her to live long, but at the same time. . ." Lydia laughed. "I can't help being the Queen of Potions. This is Makato's fate."

The conditions of the reanimation potion were completed. Lydia opened the cork of the bottle as Rosalinda held Makato. She then carefully fed her daughter the Potion of Reanimation.

"This potion cost me 30 years of my life. . ." Lydia coughed suddenly on her arm as blood spewed out. "Please make it so that you raise her well. . . By promising me you would seal her dark side, keep me dead. I don't want to be alive. . ."

Rosalinda frowned. "Lydia, I promise to raise her well…"

"Because if I do awake from death, that means you failed me. And I would have no choice but to take my child back."

The King and Queen glanced at each other. She wasn't fit for a mother role. Carly, barely ate and was constantly abused because of his gender and inheriting gravity magic. Now saying she would take Makato back after revival? Makato was at high risk of following her mother's footsteps which would lead her to a short life.

Utora curled his lips. "And. . . what about your son? Isn't he joining our family? You barely have life. . . only a month at most. . ."

"God, no." Lydia grew disgusted, scoffing. "Don't worry, I plan to kill my son because he's hurting my poor baby."

"Y-you mustn't Lydia!" Rosalinda frowned. "He's only a boy!"

Lydia gritted her teeth. "He's my son, Rosa! Gravity magic is dangerous as it is, as keeping him alive to have him witch hunt my daughter! He will only kill her in the mere future while she can't use her powers at a young age!"

"Why does he want to harm his own sister. . .?"

Lydia glanced away. "Does it matter? Just take my word that you raise her like your daughter."

Rosalinda sighed. "Always stubborn to tell me the truth, huh. . .?"

(oOoOoOo)

A few hours later, Lydia left the Castle of Niho with Carly, leaving Baby Makato behind.

Utora rubbed the bridge of his nose, stressed out from the situation at hand. "That woman is insane. . . But still a part of the Tachibana Clan. . . Potion Magic is rare as it is. We must raise her well and never allow her to awaken 100% of her powers. I'll do everything in my power to keep her life preserved."

Rosalinda nodded as she rocked Baby Makato gently. She finally calmed down, sleeping deeply in her arms. Rosalinda watched her husband going through book after book on sealing spells, dark magic, etc. . .

After months of researching ways to seal Makato's future dark side, Utora concluded. He hurried to the living room where his wife was, feeding the baby with a bottle of milk.

"I found a way to seal her dark side. . ." Utora let out a heavy breath. "However. . . it's going to take time."

Rosalinda stood up with Baby Makato. "How long?"

"Ten years."

"What?" Rosalinda teared up.

"The Loki Village has what I needed. I was able to get a hold of some Tachibanas over there who are willing to help me master the spell, for a price of course. I mean, who doesn't love money?"

"I understand. If you must, take Haruhi and Flora with you. I wouldn't want you to get bored."

"Ahh, thank you, Honey~" Utora grinned. "For Makato's future, I must do this. We must do this as her new guardians."

End of Flashback

(oOoOoOo)

"A few months after we took you in, according to the files, your brother, Carly, murdered your mother after he pushed her off a high cliff during the camping trip. As of now, he is serving time in a high-guarded prison outside of Niho." Utora explained. "We never seen him since then. . ."

Rosalinda frowned. "Makato Dear, I'm sorry for keeping this sensitive information away from you, but please understand that it was for your sake. We wanted you to have a future and not let your magic determine your fate."

It took time for Makato to digest the information given to her. Tears formed in her eyes. She was more mad than sad. . . Suddenly told she was adopted and that somehow connected to her wanting more power. It was all linked to her dead mother and the criminal of a brother she never knew. It wasn't their existence that made her frustrated, it was her whole family keeping her in the dark.

Makato tightened her fist. "Why now. . .? Why tell me until I'm older? Besides us sharing the same blood, you're not my family! No wonder I felt fine with having white hair and purple eyes. . . These are. . . my natural features. This whole time. . . you kept the truth away from me!"

Haruhi and Flora looked at each other before looking back at Makato. They finally calmed down a bit once their father told Makato the truth.

"Father told us when we were training in Loki Village, as he wanted us to accept you as a new family member," Haruhi said.

Flora nodded. "It doesn't mean we treated you any differently. You're still our little sister to us."

"How so? You two always knew I wasn't part of your family. . .! Your bond is much stronger even when you guys argue!" Makato tightened her fist. "Be honest. . . were you pretending to gain my affection? Just to. . . to make me feel loved and accepted?!"

"No, Makato! Don't say that!" Haruhi snapped. "You were a baby back then! We've always loved you! Even when we barely saw each other growing up, we always thought about you!"

"Liar!" Makato teared up.

"I am not lying!" Haruhi shot up from his seat, storming to Makato, shaking her shoulders. "Can't you see-?!"

"Don't touch me!" Makato pushed him away, causing him to stumble back a bit.

Flora watched in distress, growing frustrated at Makato's rant. "Makato, you were only a baby! You wouldn't remember your real mother or brother anyway!"

"So that makes it okay to keep the truth from me?!" Makato glared at Flora. "Why now?! Because I wanted power?!"

"It was to protect you. Your brother killed your mom. And your brother is in jail. What would you do on your own as a baby? Where would you go?"

"Shut. . . shut up! To anyone who told me the truth immediately!"

"Don't you dare tell me to shut up, Makato!" Flora furrowed her eyebrows.

"That's enough!" Utora clasped his hands together, causing the back and forth to stop. The sounds of panting filled the room from Flora and Makato. Haruhi slowly sat down next to his sister with a hurt look on his face. The tension died down by a few grains, but it was still simmering.

Makato stared at her lap, breathing heavily from anger. "This is. . . quite too much for me. I don't know what to think anymore. . ."

"Take your time, Makato. We'll give you some space before we get to the important stuff." Utora nodded at Rosalinda and two of his children, gesturing it was time for them to leave Makato in her thoughts alone.

(oOoOoOo)

Time went by since the truth of her existence and power. Makato ended up staring at the mirror more often than ever, seeing how different she looked with her white hair and purple eyes. Now that she looked closer, her skin was also a tad pale. Her whole look was inherited by a dead woman she never met: her mother.

Makato rubbed her eyes and left the bathroom, sitting on the couch. She remembered the letter that Ike sent her and quickly opened it, hoping to find some sort of comfort from her ex.

Once she opened the letter, she first saw an old photo: a woman holding a baby and a little boy. The familiar face she was in snapped right inside of her.

This photo. . . it was her family.

"H-how. . . did Ike get a hold of this. . .?" Makato muttered in shock. She set the photo down and read the written letter attached.

Hey, Makato, it's Ike. A bunch of stuff happened while you're away so just brace yourself. Gone you say? Yeah, the clone you made died and all of us know that you're not here once Miru told us the situation with you.

A month ago, I met your brother while I was in prison. Carly. Quite immature with the whole 'Mama' thing and he still has a grudge against you and hopes that you die. Reasons why? He was a jealous little bitch. Envious that your mom gave you more attention than him. But strangely enough, he gave me this photo after we broke out of prison. It's a long story so I'd rather not get into the details. I thought you should know at least. . . yeah. I know it isn't my place to tell you otherwise, but having power is like a double-edged sword. While it could be used for good, it could also be used for evil. My father was taken away and I asked that you don't take away his life. The things my older self told me in the other world made me, I'll admit, afraid. Makato from the other world went through the same thing that you'll soon be going through and I hope you stay strong and remember the family that loved and took care of you. Not all family members share the same blood, right? If you ever need comfort, I'll be there for you. As a friend. . . and as your former lover.

See you in December.

Ike

Makato stared at the letter after reading it as tears and drops hit the ink of the letter. She folded it back and set it beside her before sobbing.

"What. . . was I thinking. . .?!" She cried out.

She understood why Ike broke up with her. And why Ike said she didn't want Makato to kill her father. The other Ike in the Parallel World experienced the same thing with her Makato and told Ike. She went through the same shock and anger being told she was adopted. She must have thought, "Why tell me this when it only gives me more of a reason to kill you?"

As sad and frightening as it was, Makato couldn't help but be grateful to Ike because she thought of the same outcome. The same rage. The same conclusion. She almost wanted to say it when Utora told her the truth: "This gives me more reason to end your existence. You're not my father! I shall take what belongs to me!"

Since having the time to herself, she concluded her family, distant relatives, were more important than 100% of her power. . . And it was better than hearing her dark side constantly reminding her of her potential. Her true self. It made her wonder. . . what if that dark side was a spitting image of her mother when she was young?

No, now she was overthinking it.

(oOoOoOo)

Later her adopted family entered the room and comforted her even more, embracing her tightly with hugs and kisses. Makato shortly apologized for her outburst which only made the embrace from her siblings even stronger to the point she gasped for air. After that, Utora and his family sat back down on the couches.

"I want to propose something for you, Makato. It'll keep Lydia dead, as well as preventing a short-lived life." Utora said.

Rosalinda, Haruhi, and Flora eyed him. Makato stared at him, blinking a few times. It left a mere moment of awkward silence until Flora opened her lips with a bitter tone.

"Why would you say it like that, Father?"

"Ah. . . hahaha! Oopies! What I meant to say is. During my ten years of studying, I've figured out a way to safely awaken your powers so you may live a longer and happier life.

"Golden Flowers not only have a nullifying spell to stop a Tachibana's magic, I learned that it's a great cure for Tachibanas who possess the power of the mind. All we have to do is nurture your power with the flowers. . . and with some other sealing spells, bada bing bada boom!"

Makato blinked a bit. "So. . . are you saying. . . I can still make potions from the thin air? Using my mind?"

Utora nodded. "That's correct. We'll only stick with what you have awakened, which was 50% because I don't wanna die. However, there's a catch to this. . ."

Rosalinda sweatdropped, staring at Makato. "Makato Dear, if you truly wish to have your powers nurtured, then you'll have to stay in this room and go through a constant state of meditation and sleep for 3 years."

"Please do it." Makato didn't hesitate. "I have no desire to shorten my life, nor to take away Father's. . . I just want to break away from my limitations as a potion maker. Please do it."

"That means we won't see each other for 3 years!" Haruhi frowned. "You don't have to!"

"No, what choice do I have?" Makato shook her head. "If I leave this room, I'd only be in a state of possession. . . my dark side speaks to me and I'll be drawn to making more potions from the thin air and go through headaches from hell. I honestly think I don't have a choice in this matter. . ."

Utora sighed. "Unfortunately, you're right Makato. If you refused my offer, I'm afraid we'd have to keep you from making potions ever again. But I'm glad you agreed."

"I love making potions. . ." Makato sighed, glancing at the letter. "And. . . I want to live a long life."

"Then sooner the better." Utora nodded, sitting up from the couch. "Years ago, I created this room for you. Notice the lights in this room? And the bracelet you wear? All made of Golden Flower extract."

Makato glanced at the bracelet strapped to her body and looked up. Although the constant solitude drove her mad, she always felt at peace.

"This room is a sealing room designed for this very day. . . All I have yet to do is to activate it. You'll still get to do whatever you want. Eat, sleep, read. . . etc, but every other month, you'll be in deep sleep. By the time 3 years go away, you should have a mark of the golden flower on your body that'll keep any negative effects every time you make potions from thin air."

"There's a lot at stake, Makato. Are you sure you want to go through this?" Rosalinda frowned.

"Yes. . . I still do. I'm not leaving until so." Makato nodded her head firmly.

"Makato. . ." Flora muttered her name.

After some silence, Utora clasped his hands. "Alright then, we'll add some other things into this room like a source of music. I couldn't imagine how you felt being suddenly put into this room. How about you write a letter to your friends before we start this?"

"Of course. . ." Makato nodded. There were a few letters Makato needed to write, in case she may never see them again.

(oOoOoOo)

October 10th

Smash Mansion

4:00 P.M.

Living Room

There were three letters Makato wrote. One of them was for her absence, announcing she'd be away for the next three years. The letter explained what she would be doing, including the sealing room and having her powers nurtured. Almost like going through "magic training". Makato wanted them to know because. . . three years was a long time and it was better than to sugarcoat her situation. Even contacting her would deem it impossible.

There was a general reaction of shock about Makato being gone for the next three years. Some reacted heavily then others to those that were close with Makato. Those who weren't close with Makato brushed it off simply. Every villain and new Smasher. And those who were only acquainted with the presence of her potions.

During that time, Smashers who were closely acquainted, worked on creating a small farewell party for Makato.

"Damnit! Makatooo!" Roy sobbed in the corner of the living room along with Pit.

A few Smashers observed them quietly before speaking to each other.

"Is she going to miss out on Halloween?" M. Robin sighed.

"That's not the issue here. . ." Link said.

"I agree, Mate." Shulk nodded.

"This has to be perfect, so we can give her a proper send-off!" F. Robin said, decorating the curtains with pink ribbons.

"Don't say that as if she's dead!" Roy sobbed harder, hearing that from afar.

"I'm not. . .!"

"Wamee!" Inkling clung onto Daisy's legs, crying.

Daisy kept her giddy smile, rubbing Inkling's hair. "Come on, it's alright! She'll be back in the blink of an eye! In the meantime, we gotta make sure Richter doesn't eat all the fucking food!"

Richter laughed. "As someone who knows Makato personally, I'm doing her a favor by eating!"

"A mere stretch from the truth. . ." Simon silently judged Richter, shaking his head.

In the kitchen, a bunch of Smashers were cooking for the farewell party, cooking whatever dish seemed best in remembrance of Makato.

"I make Makato's favorite food, yes?" Min-Min smiled. "Custard Buns!"

"She likes cinnamon rolls. . ." Miru sighed, rolling out dough. "It took everything in me not to cry. . ." The letter he had personally, remained opened and stuffed into his pocket.

"Aww. . . we got a little crybaby in our midst." Kirby puffed his cheeks, laughing.

"Speak for yourself." Meta Knight glanced at Kirby.

"Shut it, Tin Can."

"Ah, don't worry, I created the perfect tear-jerking slideshow that'll have us bawling for three years! Hahaha." M. Robin grinned, appearing behind Miru. "In memories of our lovely Makato-"

"She's not dead," Lucina said, watching the water boil.

"Only for three years dead."

(oOoOoOo)

"Who the hell's Makato?" Solo sat on the couch, TV surfing.

"It's the girl that makes potions." Eleven frowned.

"Her training would soon make her powerful. So we all must be strong too." Arusu nodded.

"Ah, she was cute, ya!" Eight pouted.

"Get out of the living room if y'all not doing anything!" Daisy tipped the couch as four of the Heroes fell off.

"You bitch-!" Solo growled. He paused immediately when a buster sword grazed part of his neck.

Cloud glared at Solo with the intent to finish the job if needed.

Solo glared back, drawing out his sword.

"Hey, Solo. Behave yourself." Arusu called out.

"I thought she was here this whole time?" Ryu was forced to join in, lifting tables and chairs with Ken and Terry.

"Something about her being cloned. I thought you heard that from Miru." Ken shrugged.

". . ." Ryu sighed and continued organizing chairs.

So far things were going well in terms of schedule for when the farewell party to begin. Marth looked around the living room, noticing Ike walking to the backyard. Curious, the prince followed Ike from a safe distance without being yelled out.

But Ike wasn't stupid.

"What?" Ike snapped, looking back at Marth.

"O-oh, nothing. . . You seem quiet, Ike since Makato's letter."

"Yeah, so what?" Ike continued walking, passing by the large pool. Marth stared at his back for a while before catching a glimpse of a letter in his hand.

"Ooooh. . . I see. Makato wrote Ike a personal letter. . . Cute. Though I wished she wrote me one as well. . ."

Ike walked far away from the chatter and noises inside the mansion and sat on a lounge chair in the backyard. Not once having a chance to collect his thoughts from Makato's first letter, he wanted to prepare himself to read another letter from Makato. It had to be the one that responded with his previous letter a month ago.

He ripped the small golden seal from the letter and opened it slowly. A scent of honey was left traces in the letter which caused his heart to race. It almost felt nostalgic.

Ike's eyes skimmed through the letter, already spoiling himself before going to the beginning.

Dear Ike,

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I finally realized why you broke up with me. You didn't want that happening to me what the other Makato did in her world. My family told me the truth that I was indeed a child of a different mother. . . and the photo you sent to me proved otherwise. You have changed my future. I'm still going to obtain my true self safely without my father's death. I ask that you don't forget me when I come back. . . and perhaps open back our relationship of being friends. But it's quite a pipe dream to think so, so I wish you the best, Ike. Many things can happen during three years. . . new friends, new relationships. . . Please take care of yourself. Until we meet again. My friend. My hero. . . and former lover. May you find happiness and peace.

Sincerely, Makato

P.S. If you ever see Carly again, tell him I say hello. . . Though, I trust your judgment whether you make that decision or not. . . I rather not run after someone who wants me dead.

"I'm. . . glad." Ike snorted softly as he stared at the letter for a while. "Dammit. . . All you could have said was 'thank you'. . . You'll be gone for three years for fuck's sake. . ."