Chapter 18: A Parent's Final Moments
Later after the Death of the 7th pair.
Kamada was attending the garden in her yard watering the plants. Her phone began to ring. "How did the mission go, Tarou?"
"Just fine, Marco and Ai have been eliminated." Taoru was in the city laying low. "Also, I learned a few things about Touma from his friends including about 1st's father, who seemed to have intel on 11th's identity."
Orin was looking at the location where the Sakurami Tower was, or rather where it was. "Ai...so long..." She murmured with an emotionless stare.
Selena was taking a tour of the city while wearing a hoodie. She was in deep thought. "..." She then came across the destroyed Sakurami Tower where Aiho along with a few Sakurami Police officers.
Kuruko was commanding a few FBI guards. "Come you guys, keep the crowd away!" She commanded in a bossy tone. She then looked at the destroyed tower. "Honestly, if this is how the Future Diary Holders are going to operate in this game, then I get the feeling things will get more chaotic."
Misaki was listening to some reports. "Young miss, do you have any idea of what happened here?"
"Our sources told us that some terrorists did this, is that true?"
"Is it the work of Minene Uyuru I mean I heard she's still lurking around somewhere!"
Misaki gave the reporters a calm expression. "I can't say much, but, I just heard from some reliable friends, that the terrorists that were involved in the attack on the Kosaka mansion have been eliminated. I didn't get the names, but, I can ensure they are gone."
Uiharu was sitting on a steel chair and checking things out on her laptop. "This Ray character was one of the discovered creatures. I'll have to make a report on taking this jerk in...but, I'm sure that he'll probably be hiding somewhere."
Itsuwa was guarding the area with several other agents. "Man, I heard of the tower's destruction, but, who knew it would cause this must of a mess." She looked at the pile of rumble from the tower. "Marco...Ai...those two were just lonely people that were consumed with grief and pain, their childhood wasn't something they wanted to remember, but couldn't let it go despite how much they put it behind their minds." She could see the Future Diary Holders were people that have lost their way and experienced tragedy and despair.
Kanzaki was on a small pile checking out the crowd for anything suspicious. "Touma and his friends were able to defeat the 7th pair. I get the feeling it wasn't easy, but, I did not doubt that Touma and the others would succeed." She looked at the sky having additional thoughts. "I get the feeling that 11th and 8th will make their next move soon. Although, I wonder if 9th will cause any trouble."
Selena was blending in the crowd. "Hey Selena, this is Vector, do you see Kamijou's buddies?"
"Yes, they're talking to some reports while others are securing the area." Selena's replied with her inner voice. "What is our next move now?"
Vector was seen in a nearby building. "Something that'll bring 11th out in the open for now, but, in the meantime, keep you and your goblin brats out of the sight before those Academy City brats see you." Selena left the scene and Vector took out his cell phone and dialed a number. "Hey old man, do you have a moment?"
At the Sakurami City Police Department.
In the conference room.
Nishijima brought the three Amano Family to have a private conversation and Yuno was given permission by Yukiteru to join in. Yukiteru revealed to his family about the Survival Game including the fate whenever a Diary Holder's phone is damaged or destroyed.
"That's it... Mom... Dad, I'm sorry that you have to know of this, but, I can't keep this from you guys anymore," Yukiteru said in a tone of sadness and guilt.
Kurou was silent after listening to this revelation.
"My son, is Yuno part of this game too?" Ms. Amano asked finding her voice.
Yukiteru nodded his head looking at his mother's eyes. "Yes, in fact, I suppose you can if she hadn't been by my side, I probably would be dead." Yuno glanced at the boy blushing slightly.
"Son, are your friends part of the game too?" Mr. Amano asked curiously.
"If you're asking if they're Diary holders too, then no, they just joined in this war without me asking them to," Yukiteru answered. "They were a big help to me and got me back on my feet when the other enemies had me cornered."
"Are you talking about the attackers from the Sakurami Tower?" Kurou inquired.
"Yes, but, they're dead, they were killed by their own allies," Yukiteru had his head lowered. Despite that Marco and Ai were the enemy, he had some respect for Marco, who taught him to be a real man and to keep fighting.
"Mom... Dad, I need to say one more thing..." Yukiteru took a deep breath and looked at his parents with a serious expression. "I know that you both are divorced...I know the reason for that is."
Rea's eyes twitched upon hearing that, but, she kept calm.
"I always dreamed of us becoming a family again...I wanted us to take a family vacation where we can see the stars..." Yukiteru continued lowering his head down as his hands trembled a little. "At least, that's what I wanted...but...considering the situation of your divorce I realize that was just wishful thinking." There was a sound of sadness, despair, and pain in his tone.
"Oh, Yuki..." Rea thought sadly.
"But...I would like you two to try to give your love for each other another chance..." Yukiteru lifts his head up regaining his composure and his eyes showing seriousness. "And, I would like it if you guys can accept Yuno as part of our family and my...girlfriend..."
Hearing that made Yuno's heartbeat and feeling a sense of warmth in her chest. "Oh, Yukki..."
Rea smiled sadly. "Yuki...I'd be happy to take Yuno into our family and accept her as your girlfriend...I did have her promise to take care of you."
Kurou was silent.
"However, I won't lie that the chances of your father and I getting back together are slim..." That made Yukiteru's hope shatter a little. "But, your father and I will discuss that ourselves...so, if you promise to wait for our answer, then we'll give you it and you will accept whatever our answer is."
Yukiteru felt a glimmer of hope. "S-sure...thing."
7/9
Yuno's Household.
10:32 AM
Yuno was sitting by the massive hole in her backyard seemingly lost in thought. "Yuki..." She was taken in everything that had happened so far. She was going to be part of Yuki's family as well as his girlfriend. She couldn't be happier than she was in a long time.
Before she realized it she was thinking of what Touma said to Marco. "No matter how bad things get...I won't let my past failures prevent me from helping others!" Yuno didn't know why but Level 0's words somehow made her feel a glimmer of hope build in her heart. "Touma...that boy is heroic I'll give him that and always positive of what he believes in." She always thought that Yuki was the only thing that mattered to her considering how much the dead the world was to her. That is when a certain memory flashed in her mind.
F
One Year Ago
Sakurami Secondary School Basement
She saw Yukiteru carrying his school supplies and dropped his stuff. One of them was a love letter which piqued her concern.
Later in class, the teacher announced that a cafe would be built and would need some stuff to buy for it. Yuno was almost selected when the teacher remembered Yuno's curfew. Some students began to whisper among each other about hearing rumors about Yuno's mother's mistreatment.
Much to her chagrin, a classmate named Wakaba Moe was selected to be with Yukiteru.
Yukiteru and Moe went to the department store to buy the supplies and Yuno secretly stalked them in a bunny costume. She managed to catch up to Yuki and tried to snatch the letter away but Yuki found out and fled.
Yuno chased after him while being pursued by security guards. She was pinned to the stairway elevator and saw Yukiteru reuniting with Moe. "No...I can't lose him...without Yuki...I...I won't have a future..."
"Moe...I would like it if you read this letter!" Yukiteru flushed handing over the letter.
A little later, Yuno returned home and took in what happened after Yukiteru confessed his feelings with the letter just as she entered the room with the skeleton corpses of her parents. "It's been one month since Papa and Mama died...but, I didn't mean to kill them..." She took off her costume's head and sat down keeping the rest of the outfit on. "Grades... calorie intake...the number of times I was late...I broke curfew I was locked up like an animal...I barely had enough food to eat..." She remembered one time she had a chance to escape and tricked them into the cage and locked her parents inside. "I wanted them to experience the pain of what I felt...in doing so, I thought they would come around...but..."
"You devil girl! I curse the day you were born!" Her mother's cold words echoed in her mind as a painful yet hurtful expression was shown on her face.
F
Yuno sunk her head in her legs. "Yuki...was the one person that gave me a reason to live for something..." Touma and his friend's faces came to her mind. "Despite how insane...I am...Touma never gave up on me including his friends." She never thought of having friends before.
Ring Ring Ring
"Oh, who is that?" Yuno opened her cell phone and saw who was calling. "Uiharu...what does she want?" She pressed the reply button and put the phone to her ear. "Hello..."
"Hi Yuno, it's me Uiharu, I got your number from Yuki. Remember when I asked you about eating with us, do you?"
"Yes..."
"Well, considering we have the day off, I was wondering if you want to come to our place and have a girl's cook night," Uiharu said in a cheerful tone. "I promise, you'll enjoy it, we are friends aren't we?"
Yuno's lips curled up. "Friends..." She quickly pulled herself together. "What time do you want me to come over?"
Meanwhile
Yukiteru was taking a cab back to his house. His parents went to talk privately at the Sakurami Park where he first hung out with Hinata and the others.
Once he arrived home, the time was 11:30.
"Already past 11, time sure goes fast," He thought as he gathered what transpired at the Sakurami Tower, the fight and strength he had become a little. He then looked at his hand. "Touma doesn't let his past failures prevent him from moving on and helping others in need."
Yoshino's words then echoed in his mind. "Yuno, do you think your wussy boyfriend means the words he's saying?" He remembered all those times he avoided Yuno due to her psycho behavior and the poor choices she made in the past. "7th was right, I was scared...not just because her mood swings made me uneasy, but, I didn't have the balls to do...I relied on my friends too much and used them as shields. Perhaps, if I had my power I could become more helpful to the others."
He began to think about 8th's identity. "To think that the director of Mother's House was the 8th Diary Holder. I wonder how she reacted to 7th's death." He began to think about how well Yuno could get along with his parents despite whatever she felt toward them, especially his father. Now that he thought about it, he wondered what Yuno's parents were like. He began to conclude that Yuno's distrust toward other people especially adults is the reason for Yuno's attitude.
He entered the kitchen and saw a vision of his parents there smiling at him. "Son, the donuts are here."
"Eat your dinner first before you eat your dessert."
Yukiteru smiled tenderly. "Mother...father..."
Knock Knock
"Who could that be?" Yukiteru walked toward the front door. "Who is that?"
"Relax, its Tsuchimikado." It was Tsuchimikado and he wasn't alone. "I brought Touma and Accelerator."
"I see, what's up?" Yukiteru asked.
"We're going to hang in Sakurami City and I got the perfect location for our boy's night out, what to join," Touma answered.
Yukiteru gave this some thought. "C'mon, you need to chill out in the meantime while your parents decide what they want to do." Tsuchimikado's voice interrupted the first diary user's thoughts.
To Yukiteru, he knew that there was some truth to the magician Esper's words. "Where are we going?"
"Tsuchimikado is the only one that knows that," Accelerator answered this time. "So, are you coming or what?"
Tsuchimikado had a sneaky smile but didn't say a word.
Sometime later
Yuno arrived at her friend's apartment, there was Saten, Kanzaki, Uiharu, Orsola, Itsuwa, Last Order, Misaki, Misaka, Kuroko, and Tsubaki.
"Guys..." Yuno said softly.
"Come on, let's begin our party," Uiharu motioned the pink-haired teenage girl.
They gathered in a single room that belonged to Aiho.
Saten, Kuroko, and Orsola gathered some food ingredients known as taiyaki in a few boxes and a small oven.
"Where are Aiho and Kikyou?" Yuno asked.
"They had to do something in town they're tracking down Ray who you know is one of the monsters that was discovered in the old laboratory," Uiharu answered.
"Yeah, I'm just surprised that he and Yoshino Lizardman killed the 7th pair," Saten said a little upset.
Yuno sighed like she wasn't surprised. "Not surprising, that kind of person will do anything to double-cross their own friends including 8th."
"Maybe so, but, I'm sure they don't like how they're forced to turn on their allies," Saten spoke getting the 2nd diary user's attention as well as the others. "I know this may sound cheesy, but, in my opinion, the Survival Game has caused so much pain and grief. Maybe the other users didn't want to admit it like Reisuke, he was hurting inside despite the tough act he put on."
Misaka had a sad smile on her face. "Yeah, Reisuke was a tough kid and wanted to make a world where evil doesn't exist. I could admire that kind of dream."
"Sadly, there are things that you can't do alone and Reisuke didn't realize that because he didn't...he lost..." Orsola clenched her hand. "But, he was able to see how much he missed and the pain he had carried within him he was able to let it out with the tears he shed."
"Yes, he was a lonely little boy who loved his parents and had forgotten what mattered to him," Tsubaki said smiling. "Just like 5th, I had forgotten what my cult was destined to do and that's help those in need. This time, I will atone for the people I hurt and deceived. It's all thanks, you guys..." She looked at the Academy City girls. "You helped regain hope that had been lost to me for all these years and for that, I'm grateful."
Saten rubbed her head blushing red. "Aw, you don't have to get all gushy on us."
Misaki smiled warmly remembering her old friends back in her childhood. "Yeah, we're friends here."
"Friends till the end...beams Misaka Misaka joining in this friendship talk," Last Order chanted with a big sweet innocent smile.
"So...Yuno..." Orsola spoke to the pink-haired stalker. "I don't know what made you the person you are now...but, remember this, despite whatever despair and dark times you experienced, you shouldn't give up otherwise you'll lose yourself completely."
"She's right, even if things seem hopeless or impossible, keep fighting for what you want," Itsuwa added with a smile.
Yuno was speechless upon hearing the speeches, each one was similar to what Touma said. "Did Touma's positive influence somehow reach of these girl's heart?" She thought in question. "Unlike Yuki...he was so negative yet these guys are so positive by Touma's heroic efforts and speeches. I hate to admit, but, they're clearly different from the people from this world."
Saten was putting together the stew pot. "Guys, the stew pot is ready, so, gather the food you bought."
"Oh boy, I want to eat so much!" She waved childishly.
"It's been so long since we had a stew party," Misaka said lifting the lid.
"Yeah, but that was a study group," Kuroko reminded.
"But, this time, we can have a great feast," Uiharu said showing some grocery bags. "I got vegetables, the same I used last time."
Kuroko smiled sneakily. "I got turtle...which will enhance the smooth of our skin including Sissy's..." Hearing that made Misaka's skin crawl comically. "I made Turtle blood with apple juice!"
"That's unusual," Yuno thought but a part of her was intrigued.
"Anyway, let's not waste time talking, let's start cooking!" Saten proclaimed.
A short time later.
The food was prepared and each of them gathered in a circle with their bowl of stew.
"Don't forget about the noodles," Uiharu held a grocery bag. "Mao and Hinata bought these for us,"
"Wait, where are Hinata and Mao?" She asked munching the stew.
"They went into town to get some stuff," Kanzaki answered after swallowing some fried vegetables. "As for Kosaka, he went to talk with his parents they received the news of what was going on."
"So good!" Index and Last Order beamed cutely.
"The beef isn't bad," Itsuwa said.
"The turtle meat is pretty good," Misaka commented.
"Yeah, the fried vegetables are delicious," Misaki agreed.
Tsubaki was eating a bowl of fried vegetables with a side of beef. "Such marbling was done...the fried vegetables are so good." She hadn't had a lunch like this year not since her parents perished that faithful night. "This is what it means to eat with others." She had a thought. "Uiharu, do you think you can show me how to cook something like this."
Uiharu smiled. "Sure thing."
Saten gave the girl a sly grin. "Oh, do you plan to make stew for Akise?" She asked teasingly.
Tsubaki looked away blushing faintly red. "Uhh...I guess."
"Behave yourself, Saten," Uiharu gently lectured.
Yuno thought that was impossible since Akise had eyes for Yukiteru but didn't say a word.
Orsola was thinking about Agnese, Angelene, and Lucia. "I wish Agnese and the others were here to enjoy this. Knowing Angelene, she would go nuts for the food."
Yuno was taking a few bites of fried vegetables and beef. "The food is so delicious...but, why is that...I ate when I cooked for Yuki's mother, for some reason, this food tastes more delicious than ever." Her heart felt a certain warmth that she hadn't felt in years before her mother changed into a different person. Her mother's smile including her father popped into her mind. "Why am I...thinking about this?" She felt tears starting to form in her eyes as more images of her parent's smiling faces kept flashing in her mind.
"Speaking of, what is Akise up to?" Misaka asked curiously.
"He's working on something," Tsubaki answered not looking at the railgun esper. "He's investigating any leads on the monsters that you guys encountered." She was denying the truth about investigating Yuno's secret but decided not to bring it up because it could provoke Yuno.
Yuno was gazing at the sixth diary user suspiciously as well as Misaka was.
Kanzaki decided to change the subject. "Anyway, we should keep an eye on Yuki's parents. If it's true that 11th was using Yuki's father, he's the only one who knows the identity of 11th."
"About that..." Tsubaki put her bowl down on her lap. "According to the details, he never got the chance to meet him. 11th was talking with him through a phone, so, he doesn't have the identity, but, he did have some clues."
"Which is..." Misaki began to ask.
"Kurou found out the person who hired him is a big shot...someone that attends town meetings about a town's situation," Orsola summarized. "In fact, someon from the city announced for a big city meeting on the 15th this month."
Yuno narrowed her eyes having a strong opinion of who the identity is.
"She's referring to a mayor, but, who is the mayor of Sakurami City?" Misaka wondered.
"John Barcchus..." Misaki summarized calmly. "He's the mayor of the city."
"We have to be sure though, however, how can we get the details?" Saten asked taking a bit of her stew.
Yuno put her finger to her chin. "I think Yuki and I can figure that out, for now. Let's just eat." A smile was seen on her face which surprised the girls, especially Tsubaki. "By the way, Uiharu...everyone, thank you for the meal." The other girls were surprised to hear such a praise from the stalker girl.
Uiharu smiled sweetly at the other middle school girl and spoke. "You're welcome, Yuno."
At the park
12:55 AM
Kurou and Rea Amano gazing at the playground. "Brings me back to when Yuki was played here when he was younger."
"Yeah, it's been so long since I saw him smile like he did." Rea agreed as she saw images of her son playing on the swings and slide. "He was so happy when we were..."
"You don't have to say it..." Kurou said with a frown but an understanding look. "I couldn't stop with my money-spending addiction. I probably deserved to be called a father, I mean I didn't know what Yuki had gotten himself into."
Rea couldn't deny that. "Yeah, our son has become part of a game that he couldn't walk away from now. I can't imagine how scared this is making Yuki feel." She had a determined look on her face. "We'll have to support however we can."
Kurou chuckled lightly which got his ex-wife's attention. "What's so funny?"
"I think our son will be fine...he's got friends that'll stand by his side no matter what," Kurou replied looking at the sky and smiling.
Rea saw the smile that her former husband had on his face. She felt her heart beat a little. "It's been so long since I saw him smile like that." Her cheeks flushed a little too. "Anyway, I think it's obvious that Yuki wants us to get back together...but...I need to know if you'll stop with the money-spending problems you have."
Kurou took a few steps forward not facing his ex-wife and went silent before he found the words. "Honestly, I don't know if that has changed since I began that problem." He lowered his head as if he was looking at the ground. "I can understand my son's wishes...I mean I know the chances of us getting together is slim...but...I want to try to fix this problem." He took a deep breath. "Rea, I'm not expecting you to believe I can change after what happened between us, but, for Yuki's sake. I will try to overcome my financial problems. Not just for my sake but for yours my boy."
Rea looked into her ex-husband's eyes and saw no twitching or a hint of lying. She almost like was observing him. "Kurou..."
Meanwhile
Akise was having a chat with Nishijima in the Sakurami Police conference room.
"I see, you collected some DNA samples, right?" Nishijima questioned.
Akise had his usual calm expression. "Yes, but, I'm still missing one piece. I think I can get it from the orphanage that Yuno was previously at as a child."
"I see...so Yuno is adopted, but, how did you figure that out?" Nishijima asked until it hit him. "I presume, the results from the two adult skeletons proved that."
"Correct, the samples were different from the third corpse," Akise replied with his eyes closed. "So, thanks Tsubaki for getting Uiharu to look into some old history of Yuno's background, we found out that she was adopted as a child as I mentioned."
"So, what do you have a mind to do next?" Nishijima asked.
Akise stood from his chair. "Not sure, in the meantime...I should give Yuki a warning before I leave tomorrow, which will be around noon." Nishijima nodded his head.
At the Sakurami Strip Club
1:25 PM
Tsuchimikado had a sly grin on his face while Touma and Yukiteru gawked at what they were at. "Tsuchimikado...are you serious?" Touma barked comically.
"Yuno will flip out if she finds out about this," Yukiteru thought worriedly.
"You realize, we're not old enough to be in this place, right?" Accelator reminded looking annoyed.
Tsuchimikado smirked. "Already got that planned, I was able to pay the owner to get us in with some large cash. Plus, if we want some dances done for us, we'll be able to get them for free." He also had another trick. "Besides, you guys can't leave, the bus won't be back until 2:30, so, we might as well enjoy the time here."
Touma didn't want to walk all the way home in case 9th, 11th, or 8th would strike including the monsters.
"Pray and hope Yuno doesn't find out," Yukiteru murmured while praying.
Accelerator grumbled quietly.
The four teenage boys walked inside.
Several men were chanting in the bar area.
There were two female strippers in their panties and bras as a few men were making wolf whistles.
Tsuchimikado had a sly grin. "I'd better make this time last."
Accelerator growled in annoyance. "Damn, I knew this moron was a pervert but this...how did I get myself involved in this crap."
Yukiteru was afraid that Yuno's Diary might catch him and she'll be pissed off like she was of Hinata.
Touma was sneaking away. "Man, if Index and Misaka found out about this, I'm screwed over before." Just as he turned his head his face went bump into a female chest.
Boing Boing
There was a female stripper and it was Sapphire. "Well, hello young man." Before Touma could get a word out, she quietly grabbed the boy's wrist and pulled him into a private room. "I have to admit, I didn't expect to see you back here." She said in a sultry tone.
Touma's face went beet red as his eyes gazed at her chest. "Damn it...why this is happening?"
Sapphire saw his reaction and giggled playfully. "Oh my, such an innocent face you have." She embraced him causing his face to be buried in her chest.
"Damn, rotten luck!" Touma thought his face blushed more deeply.
Selena arrived at the entrance. "Damn, looks like the place is more packed than ever." She walked through the hallway.
Tsuchimikado was sitting as two female teenage strippers were gathered at his side. "Oh my, I feel like I have my harem..."
Accelerator was drinking some soda at the bar. "Damn it, this is boring except for the soda."
Selena halted her steps as soon as she saw the two Academy City students. "Damn it, why are those two humans here?"
Yukiteru was feeling out of his element. "Crap, I should get out of here before things get any weird." Just then a black female stripper with short black hair and tattoos on her lower back and leg with purple thigh-height boots. "Hello, cutie..." She caressed the boy's cheek causing the kid to sweat as his face went beet red. "Crap, Touma...guys, where are you?"
"Aw, don't be shy young man," The stripper said in a flirty tone. "Forgive my manners, my name is Infernus..." She placed her finger under his chin "Care for a private dance?"
Before Yukiteru could get a word out, Selena stepped in. "Excuse me, I think the customers could use a little show so go on and entertain them instead." Selena slightly showed her face with a glare seemingly making the stripper girl back away.
Yukiteru was relieved that was done. "Whew...thank you, miss."
Selena was already walking away but stopped. "Let me ask you, do you think you can understand true love?"
Yukiteru tilts his head away. "What do you mean by that?"
"I mean, despite whatever is going through your head at this moment, can you truly understand love?" Selena replied not facing the diary user.
Yukiteru didn't understand why a stranger was asking him a sudden question, but, he didn't want to cause unnecessary scenes so he went along with it. "I'm not sure, but I will try...there are so many things going on between my stalker and me...plus, I'm hoping that she'll trust other friends of mine so we can pull through the mess we're in." He looked down at the floor. "Then maybe...I can find the answer to what makes me keep my stalker around despite how crazy she is...in other words, I'll find the answer to how much she means and what makes me love her."
Selena didn't say a word for a minute until she found her voice. "I see..." She was about to walk on until Yukiteru's voice called out. "Wait...why do you ask me these kind of questions?"
"Not sure...but, in a way, you remind me of my former lover," Selena replied not facing the boy. "Someone that I loved...he was the most amazing and bravest man. Reckless as well as passionate toward others, but, tragedy snatched him away."
Yukiteru felt a little sorry for the girl. "I'm sorry."
"I don't need pity...but...thanks," Selena exited the club's entrance doors and left.
Touma approached him and had kiss marks on his face. "Can we go now?"
Tsuchimikado approached them this time. "Aw, we were just having some fun."
"C'mon pervert, just be glad we went along with this," Accelerator had the urge to kill the blonde magician esper but decided to look the other way.
Yukiteru returned to his house.
4:30 PM
He walked into the living room and noticed his mother wasn't back. "Wonder where mom was..." He saw the phone's answering machine and clicked the voice message. "Hello Yuki, this is Mom. I'll be home a little later, I decided to gather some donuts. Also, as for the answer you wanted, we'll tell you tomorrow, so, be patient."
A glimmer was hope was shown on his face. "Mom...dad..."
Back at the apartment.
Touma and the boys returned to, but, the four snuck back to their rooms.
Touma was relieved. "Sigh...I'm glad that nobody noticed..."
"Touma!" Index along with Misaka were hiding behind a couch looking ticked off and suspicious. "Where have you been?"
Touma turned around hiding his face. "Nothing...we just went to eat somewhere!"
"Why are you looking away?" Misaka asked more suspiciously. She pulled his arm and caused him to turn around revealing the kiss marks on his face. "Where did get those kiss marks?!"
Kanzaki had a question of her own. "Tsuchimikado, where did you take Touma and Accelerator?"
"Yeah, where did you go, Accelerator!? Misaka Misaka demands joining in the interrogation!" Last Order chanted with puffed cheeks.
"Geez..." Accelerator grumbled.
Chomp!
"Ow, ow, this wasn't my fault!" Touma wailed trying to shake the little angry nun off his head. "You were hanging with half-naked women, weren't you!?" Index growled in a muffled tone while being on his head.
Misaka was ticked off. "You idiot...pig!" She gathered her electricity.
"Misaka, no!" Saten grabbed hold of the Railgun user. "You release your ability and you'll cause a blackout in the building!"
Kuroko had a sly grin. "How naughty to think that ape would cheat on sissy like that."
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Uiharu sweatdropped.
Tsubaki was more intrigued by the sudden atmosphere. "I've never seen a scene like this before."
Itsuwa felt so jealous that she didn't get the chance to kiss Touma.
Kanzaki was envious herself but kept it hidden inside.
Misaki giggled upon seeing Misaka's temper tantrum. "To think that Misaka would get worked up for a boy." She was not too surprised when she flirted with Touma herself.
"Speaking of where are Aiho and Kikyou?" Accelerator suddenly asked.
"She and Kikyou went shopping to get some food," Orsola answered. "Anyway, for now, we should get some rest."
"Which reminds me, how was the dinner you guys have with Yuno?" Touma asked curiously.
"I think it would nice, I can tell Yuno had something on her mind," Uiharu answered looking a bit sad. "Honestly, I think that girl must've carried so much pain as well as the other Diary Users did. No wonder, they gave into despair."
"That's good point," Tsuchimikado said. "Its obvious the other diary holders didn't much hope left inside them, the only thing that kept them going was their ambition and the people they still had."
"Either way, let's just focus on taking down 11th, 9th, and 8th including those monster freaks," Accelerator proclaimed. "No doubt, that 11th is probably going to make a move."
Touma recalled of what Vector said. "It doesn't matter whether 1st meant his words or not, his time is about to come to an end." The level 0 esper didn't know what Vector was talking about but he didn't like it. Something inside told him that something bad was going to happen.
Back at the old church.
Vivian was done completing the process on the mysterious android. "Come to life...my dear creation!" She pulled a switch on the machine and released strong electricity on the android that was underneath a blanket.
ZAP~!
The android's hands began to move and it sat up. "Where am...I?" The android had a male voice, though due to the darkness in the room, his face was too hard to make out. "How did I get here the last I remember when Yuno..."
"That's something we need to discuss with you," Vivian answered approaching the android.
7/10
At the Sakurami Shopping District
Mashita Pawn Shop
9:30 AM
Kurou was at the front desk buying something. "Is this what you want, sir?" The cashier handed over a box.
"Yes, thank you," Kurou took the box and placed it in his bag. "I think it's time..." He took out his cell phone and texted his ex-wife.
Rea Amano was in her kitchen making breakfast and heard her cell phone ring. "Wonder who could that be." She looked at her message entry and read the message. "I see... it's time." She placed the breakfast on the table and left a letter on the table.
Yukiteru woke up upon smelling the food in the kitchen. "Mom...are you there?" He entered the kitchen to no one was around but the table was set with food and drinks. "Mom was here, but, where'd she go?" He noticed the letter on the table with the side of eggs, bacon, orange juice, and donuts. He picked up the letter in his hand and read it. "Huh...the Sakurami Temple...?"
At the Sakurami Police Department
Aiho, Uiharu, Misaki, and Kikyou arrived there to find Nishijima.
"Where is the inspector?" Uiharu asked.
"Strange, I was told he was supposed to be here this morning," Aiho said looking puzzled as well.
Misaki had a pretty good idea of what was going on, but she had to be sure. "I should investigate but ask the office employees, in the meantime, Uiharu, to try to find any reports on the computers."
"Right..."
"I'll help you out after I make a call," Aiho offered.
"I'll keep an eye out for Nishijima and Akise," Kikyou said. "Why do I get the feeling that something else is going on?"
At the Library of Umisato Middle School
10:19 AM
Nishijima called Yuno for a meeting.
"I think you know the reason why I called you here, right?" He asked.
Yuno gave the inspector an emotionless stare. "This is about the three corpses we found at your residence...from what we learned the two adult skeletons are your parents while we have discovered the identity of the third one, care to enlighten me on the third one?" He gave the teenage girl a serious look. "Once the DNA samples from the third corpse have been tested, you won't be able to keep your secret hidden."
Yuno walked away without saying a word. "Damn bastards...thinking they'll keep me separated from my man."
Yuno was walking down the hallway passing Touma. "Oh Yuno, how are you today?"
She didn't answer instead she just gave a friendly wave.
Touma noticed her uneasy expression. "What's wrong with her?" He noticed that she had come out of the library so he decided to find out what was going on there. He quietly entered the room and overheard a voice. "Akise...I tried to interrogate Yuno, but she just brushed me off. But, it's clear she knows she can't keep her secret hidden forever." A voice was heard from the cell phone. "I see, no matter. Let her keep hiding, it's only a matter of time."
Touma was puzzled at this. "Akise and Nishijima...what are they up to?" He snuck away and exited the door.
Back at the Shopping District
10:59 AM
Selena was walking down the street. An image of a former lover of hers popped into her head. "Damn it, why am I thinking about this?" She then glanced from across the road seeing Yukiteru running from the opposite direction. "Where is he going?"
Yukiteru arrived at the area for the Sakurami Temple. He came across the long stone staircase. "Wow, so many stars than before." He thought. "I bet mom and dad remember that too." He arrived at the top to see his mother and father waiting for him.
"Mom...dad...I guess you remember this place, right?" He asked.
Rea giggled. "Yes, it's been so long since we came here together."
Kurou was looking around. "I admit, it has more stairs than I can remember. Perhaps because it's been so long." He then held up the bag in his hands. "Son, we have decided on the situation between your mom and me, but to give you a clear answer, look inside this bag."
Yukiteru was puzzled at first and opened the bag. To his surprise, it was a telescope. "A telescope...wait do you mean?"
Kurou looked down at the ground as his body trembled. "Son, I know I made some terrible choices which caused so much trouble for your mother. I regret that I couldn't...control my actions." Tears started to form in his eyes. "Believe me, not a day goes by that I kept thinking about you and your mother..."
Yukiteru was so touched by his father's words. "Father..."
Rea went quiet as her eyes were hidden but it was clear she was about to cry herself. "Yuki...I know what your father did can't be taken back, but, after some hard talk with Yuno and your friends, we realized that we should've talked to you first. But, instead, we took the easy way out and divorced instantly." Her body shook with shame and regret. "My boy...I know that you wanted us to be a family again...I just didn't dare to make things right with your father. I was afraid he would cause more damage and if you were to find out the reason we divorced, you have a different opinion on your father."
"Mother..." Yukiteru sobbed lightly.
"The point is...we want to try to make things right between us," Kurou sobbed tears pouring down his cheeks. "I will atone for the damage I caused you and your mother...I'll find a different way to cover my debt...once that's over...I promise to take your mother back into my arms and to be a family once again."
"Same here, your father plans to see a therapist to help with his money-spending problems. I will try to make things right with you, my son," Rea sobbed as she embraced her son in tears.
"Mother..."
Selena was watching from a nearby tree. An image of her goblin mother and human father flashed in her mind. "Mother...father..." She thought as tears formed in her eyes. She wiped her tears with her fingertips. "What is this...I'm crying..." She ran off into the street. "Damn it, why am I letting this human tears get to me?" Suddenly she saw some security officers walking by and each had a sinister smile on their faces. She kept quiet and noticed the direction they were going toward. "Crap...are they going to..." She would just run away from helping considering Yukiteru is her enemy. She took out her cell phone and began making a call to the Sakurami Police Station.
Aiho was the one to answer it. "Hello Sakurami Police Station, this is Aiho speaking."
"Yukiteru is in danger including his family, go to the Sakurami Temple by the Shopping District...so long..." With that, Selena hung up.
Aiho was troubled by this sudden answer. "Yuki...in danger...this can't be good." Moving quickly, she dialed Accelerator's number.
It suddenly got cloudy at the Sakurami Temple.
Rea Amano, Kurou, and Yukiteru had energy bars and water bottles to drink.
"Eating at the temple feels like a small picnic," Yukiteru commented.
"Yeah, like the time we went stargazing," Kurou said after taking a sip of water.
"It's cloudy, I guess it'll rain soon," Rea pointed out.
Then two security guards were casually entering the temple staircase alerting the family.
"Well, for now, I guess I'll pray and hope the day we become family again and-" Before Yukiteru could finish his sentence, two gunshots were fired from behind. The only thing, he wasn't shot and to his horror, he saw his parents shielding their son by putting themselves in harm's way.
"Kill them..." A third security guard aimed and shot the two parents in their chests as they dropped on their backs.
"No!" Yukiteru screamed as he crouched between them with great concern in his eyes.
"Son...cough..cough...run...get away from here..." Kurou hurled out blood.
"No...I..." Yukiteru sobbed tears forming in his eyes.
"Please...Yuki...go run...save yourself..." Rea pleaded almost in tears. "Save...yourself..."
Bang Bang
In a second the parent's heads were shot by two of the security guards with sinister smiles.
Yuno was holding her cell phone and looking troubled. "My love, I'm on my way!"
Aiho was driving by in a car and Yuno caught a glimpse of her and the passenger riding with her. "Aiho...Kikyou...where are they?" She concluded but resumed her running.
"Mother...father..." Yukiteru sobbed in despair at flashing images of their smiling faces and their last words. "Son, I'll find a way to cover my debt and once that's done, I'll take your mother in my arms and become a family together."
"I will make things right with you, I"ll support your father too,"
"Nothing personally, we're just following our orders." A security said in a cold tone.
Suddenly goblin-like creatures wielding crossbows shot the officer in the head causing him to drop dead.
"What the hell was that?" The second officer was cured in confusion and shock.
Just Selena in disguise jumped in the center of the temple and tossed a dagger. "Take it!" Yukiteru managed to catch it in time and without hesitating he charged at the second officer and was fatally stabbed in the abdomen. "You damn bastards...KILLED MY PARENTS!"
"You punk brat!" The last security guard pointed his gun at the teenage boy.
Before the officer could pull the gun's trigger, he felt something in his body in great pain. Blood sprayed out of his side and coughed violently as he dropped dead.
"Damn...I didn't think you had it in you..." There was Accelerator, approaching him.
Aiho and Kikyou arrived on the scene and saw a terrible sight met their eyes. "Oh no..."
"Yuki..." Kikyou ran over to the teenage boy.
Yukiteru fell to his knees after he regained his senses and practically vomited due to the odor of blood.
"Here drink some water..." Kikyou handed the water bottle.
Yuno arrived on the scene. "Yuki!" She approached her crush and placed her hands on his shoulder.
"What just happened here?" Kikyou asked.
"These security guards...they killed my parents...a goblin archer shot one of them in the head...I stabbed one in the abdomen...and the last was killed..."
"By me..." Accelerator confirmed.
"It would seem that 11th must've sent these bastards to kill any witnesses including Yukiteru's father and his mother."
"Mom...dad...are gone...damn it..." Yukiteru covered his face with his hands.
Aiho lowered her head with her eyes being covered by the lack of sun in the sky. "Damn it...we should've gotten here sooner."
"I think I should try to win this game..." Yukiteru held the dagger at Yuno's neck. "Listen, I will become God...I'll kill the other Diary holder...become a God and bring them back to life..."
Hearing that kind of idea startled Aiho and Kikyou.
"Is that so?" Accelerator's voice snapped the first diary user out of his state. "Do you honestly think you'll be able to do that, you don't if you can or not. Besides, do you think you can kill those other Diary users?"
Aiho stepped in and embraced the boy from behind. "Yuki... it's alright...I know your parents are gone and that hurts...so don't do anything hasty...you need to stay strong. Don't throw away your principles for something like this."
"She's right, if you end up killing the other diary holders trying to become God to bring your parents back, you'll just be like Kusuru and Tsubaki when they gave into despair," Kikyou added.
"I know moving forward without your parents isn't going to be easy, but, we must keep fighting and end this bloody survival game," Accelerator said. "I mean, isn't that what you truly wanted?"
Yukiteru knew they were right and despite what he might be feeling, he had no choice but to move on. "O-okay...but...Yuno, will you fight by my side...I'm not sure what will happen if we're the only ones standing, but, I'll find some way to end this Survival Game by spilling more blood. Although, if I have to spill blood on my hands, then I might not have a choice."
"Sugar bear..." Yuno said softly as she leaned and kissed him on the lips.
Akise arrived at the stairway and saw his crush being kissed by the stalker and hid behind a tree.
Yuno pulled back and smiled innocently. "Yukki...if I have to die...then I'll gladly do it for you...but in the meantime, let's give your parents a proper burial."
"Yuno..." He embraced her in his eyes surprising her but she returned as he sobbed.
Akise was gone and running in a flash. His reaction was unlike him, he never would let something bug him so much. "What...am I feeling?"
Aiho gave a call to Tsuchimikado informing him and the others of the tragedy that happened.
Uiharu, Saten, and Last Order were in tears upon hearing about the deaths of Yukiteru's parents.
Touma was enraged and wanted to make 11th pay, but, Tsuchimikado managed to keep him calm.
The bodies of Kurou and Rea Amano were taken by the authorities.
7/12
Sakurami City Church of Christ
Yukiteru and his friends minus Akise, Hinata, and Kosaka were at the funeral. Paying their respects to Mr. and Mrs. Amano.
Uiharu, Saten, and Last Order placed two sets of flower crowns on the two coffins.
In the forest, the old church.
Vivian was having a chat with her android, who was sitting in the dark and wearing a cloak.
"To think I would be revived after all this time," The android spoke. "Now, I learn that Yuno is still alive and working with some lowly version."
Vivian chuckled sinisterly. "Yes, what will you do now?"
The android was silent for a second until it raised its head looking at the evil witch. "I will have my fun...then revenge."
Yuno hangs out with the girls and gets to know them a little, however, will she truly learn to trust them? Yukiteru explains the game to his parents and talks about their divorce. His parents are willing to try to work things out only to end in tragedy by strange security guards that kill Rea and Kurou. Selena unexpectedly helps Yuki and gives him the chance to fight back with Accelerator's help. Aiho and Kikyou comfort the boy and manage to convince him not to throw away his beliefs.
In the meantime, Vivian has a chat with the android she has awakened. The main question is, who is the android and what does it want to do next? In due time.
Don't mind the incident the strip club thing, I wanted to add something a goofy especially Touma's encounters with girls. Sapphire and Infernus belong to the GTA 5. Don't judge me.
End of chapter.