Reviews:
Akira: Yeah, sorry for the delay. I got busy with school. Yeah, Cagliostro and Prelati have their eyes on the siblings, and Maria is not happy at all. I wonder how Elfnein will react when she finds out. Also, don't take this the wrong way, but try not to spam too much on the reviews asking for updates. It's not going to speed them up. They'll come out when they come out. You're taking up half the reviews at this point.
lordri25may2001: I responded to the first part of your review in DMS. I'm not sure if you got it. Let me know. As for the second half, you're right. Fighting the opposite sex is dangerous. At least for some. Kirika and Shirabe fought Raphael and he didn't harm them in any way because he refused to raise his hand against girls. So maybe they can take advantage of this. I liked the idea of Prelati being into Raiden since they kind of look alike. Prelati looks like a female version of him except she has dark hair. We saw how Maria reacted to Cagliostro trying to take Jades from her. But how would Elfnein react? I can't imagine her getting angry, she's a sweet cinnamon bun. But I wasn't going with the trio of Alchemists falling in love with the main trio, since St. Germain won't be romantically interested in Hajime. She's interested in him, but not in that way. And we'll find out why soon. As for our new character...she'll show up soon enough too. And yeah she doesn't exactly like Tiki. But then again, who does? We're in a very complicated spot when it comes to Hajime and Hibiki at the moment. I'll be honest, there is a happy ending. I'm not making this a sad fanfic where everyone dies. You'll see what I mean when the time comes. Feel free to write your own story. I'll read it.
Blitzdigital: Un capitulo algo triste, pero por lo menos ya dejamos lo peor atras. Por el momento. Pobrecita Elfnein. Maria es una cosa, pero como va a reaccionar nuestra adorable homunculo al saber que Prelati quiere robarle a Raiden? La verdad si, tampoco me gusto en no matar a nadie en la segunda temporada, pero estaba preparando el escenario para futuras peleas. Ahora que llegamos a AXZ es cuando empecamos a avanzar de verdad. Ya tenemos una lista extendida de Riders caidos la cual solo ira aumentanddo hasta que solo quede uno en pie. Y si, SONG tenia mucha ventaja al tener como 6 Riders y 6 Symphogear. Bragard tenia a su Alternative y a Abyss y Verde pero esos ya calleron. Entonces solo quedan los 4 Desastres de Valhalla. Lo cuales ahora tienen mas ventaja al tener el poder de Loki mas el poder de sus amigos caidos. Ahora es su turno de tomar la ventaja. xD sinceramente no me hubiera gustado para nada que solo los pusieran en una carcel. Como que le quita todo lo epico y el significado. Ademas que estos cabrones ya han matado mucha gente inocente. Hazuki estubo a punto de cambiar de opinion, la verdad. Loki se estaba impacientando con el, pero Bragard fue el detonante de su cambio. Al igual como fue con Hajime. Pero decidi seguir adelante gracias a la recomendacion de muchos lectores que decian que tenia que pasar. Ya que Takeru iba a morir en algun punto, y en Val Verde me parecio perfecto para su desenlace. Asi le doy mas razones de odias a Allister a los heroes. Pero a la vez, tengo cosas planeadas con Allister y su relacion con Elsa cuando ella aparesca en XV. Me alagan tus palabras. Me alegra que la gente le guste mi historia y los ponga a pensar. Siento que estoy cumpliendo ccomo escritor y a si los mantengo entretenidos con cada capitulo. Muchas gracias por tu apoyo.
FlameFireZero X: Which weapon is that? And what would it do?
Tenzalucard123: Prelati and Cagliostro have their eyes on the brothers. But Maria is not going to let her keep Jades. Elfnein is going to get upset. Chris is in a dark place right now, but she knows Takeru would not want her to be like that. And she has friends around her that will help her. Always. She has his ring, so she will never be alone.
Chapter 86
A New Life
"I can't...I can't move..." Hajime could only see as if he was a prisoner in his own body as he chased around Bragard through the mirrored Tokyo, unable to move a muscle or stop his body.
"You're still not getting it, are you?" Bragard asked, taking off into the sky as he lifted multiple rocks with his gravity powers."You can't hope to beat me. You let everyone down. And you will continue to let the others down. You're a failure that will never amount to anything. So why don't I...put you out of your misery?! CATASTROPHIC WORLD BREAKER!"
All the rocks began flying toward Hajime's body as if he were attracting them in some way.
"Wai-!" Hajime jolted awake, covered in sweat."What...what just...?"
"Oh, hey. Now we can get up."
Hajime blinked, finally realizing where he was. He was in Kuroiwa's room, especially, on his bed.'Right...He gave me his bed to sleep on...
"Another bad dream?" Hamaguchi asked, putting on a blue t-shirt and sweatpants.
"Another...?"
"You woke up like 3 times over the night. First, you screamed, then you cried, then you just shifted around on your bed. I had to come over and give you head pats to let you know I was here."
"Oh, God...I'm...I'm sorry..." Hajime grabbed his head."I'm sorry, I didn't mean-"
"Dude, don't sweat it. For the past 2 days, it's been getting less and less. Maybe that's a good sign." He winked at him."I don't sleep that much. I like to nap a lot so this is fine with me. So, let's go get some breakfast."
Hajime nodded, proceeding to put on a pair of black shorts and a red shirt, following Hamaguchi through the house until they reached the restaurant area. There, Seiko was turning on the stove, with Setsuna already enjoying a cup of freshly made ramen."Haji!"
The girl jumped from her chair, rushing toward her brother and tackling him into a hug."I missed you so much!"
"But we saw each other before bedtime..." Hajime couldn't help but hug her tightly, burying his face on her hair, as if something was going to pull her away from his grasp.
"Haji...this bear hug is too tight..." She wheezed, patting him on the back.
"Ah! Sorry!" Hajime backpedaled, earning a giggle from the brunette.
"It's okay, Haji. I really missed you." She hugged him again, nuzzling against his chest.
"Nothing wrong with missing your sibling." Seiko smiled at the two."So, how did you sleep?"
"I...Well..."
"You look better than yesterday, at least." Seiko said, focusing on preparing the pot."I suppose that's a start. You don't have to worry about fighting. So just take it easy and rest."
"Right..." Hajime trailed off.
"So, what's for breakfast?" Hamaguchi asked, slumping on one of the chairs.
"Well, I have to go out shopping later today, so for now, just whatever I have left. Some good old ramen. But don't worry, after today, we'll have more groceries and you can choose what you want to eat."
"Dang it, so there's nothing else to eat?!" Kuroiwa groaned in dismay."I was going to make some pizza so we could go fishing!"
"You could just go without the pizza...Take some ramen!"
"Hell no. This is supposed to be special. And nothing is more special than fishing while eating a hot, spicy slice of BBQ pizza, made by yours truly."
"You can make pizza, Hamaguchi-san?!" Setsuna beamed, excited at the thought of enjoying some delicious homemade pizza.
"Sure can. I'm a good chef, after all." He rubbed his nose.
"Okay, then, smartass." Seiko huffed."Since you're not going to do anything today, why don't you show them around while...taking out some deliveries around town."
"Huh?! Kuroiwa whined."Ah, come on! That's such a pain!"
"No buts, young man! Besides, this way, you can show them around town and meet new people. Get your mind off of things, you know?"
"That sounds like fun! We want to help, right, Haji?!"
"Sure..." Hajime nodded, patting her head.
"Cool. Why don't you two go help me by bringing in some bowls I have in the closet upstairs?"
The siblings nodded, Setsuna grabbing Hajime's head and guiding him upstairs."It's okay, Haji. I know my way around the house now!"
"Is that so?" He followed after her.
Once they were out of range, the other pair of siblings began talking.
"Poor thing..." Seiko sighed."She kept calling out for her brother. She was so scared, I had to sleep with her and sing her a few songs. But after that, she was fine. You said Hajime-kun keeps having nightmares?"
"Yeah. Like something is chasing him. Or maybe, he's thinking back on what happened."
"He saw most of his family die in front of him. So did Setsuna. The poor girl is staying strong for her brother, but I'm afraid she'll hit her limit soon." Seiko rubbed the bridge of her nose."It's going to be tough. There's a good chance we're not enough to help them."
"What?! But we can't just abandon them!"
"I never said that, dummy!" Seiko hissed."I'm not about to do that. Ever. We're the last people they have. And I refuse to abandon them in their time of need. However, we can only do so much. I hope that being away from Tokyo will help in their healing process, but if it doesn't, we might have to contact his friends and let them know that he needs professional help."
"We can't force him to go, sis. We've been over this. Therapy works the best when the patient actually wants to get better." He reasoned with the older woman."First. I have to get Hajime into the right mindset to want to seek help. Make him realize this world isn't as bad as he thinks. And that he has people that love him. Setsuna, though..."
"She's trying so hard. So hard to keep it together." Seiko frowned."She's so brave. Keeping a smile on her face and refusing to let her depression bring her down for Hajime's sake."
"They went through hell. But that's over." Hamaguchi nodded."We'll protect them. Especially now, that I have this power."
"You better not have transformed and made that contract!"
The youngest Kuroiwa said nothing, just whistling as he played with his hair.
"No...You didn't make a contract. Right?" Seiko put down what she was doing and fully addressed him."Hamaguchi...Did you transform into a Kamen Rider...?"
"I...I might..."
"What the hell were you thinking?!" Seiko marched over to his side, grabbing him by the shoulders and shaking him wild."Do you know what that means?! You made a contract with one of those monsters! Now you're a Kamen Rider!"
"I had to! I want to get accustomed to being a Kamen Rider in case something bad happens, I'm ready to fight." He excused himself, grabbing her arms."Besides, it's no big deal. Now I'm officially part of the team."
"Hamaguchi, you just put a target on your back!" Seiko said in distress."You...you-"
"I'm fine. Relax. Like I said, I have to be ready in case I have to fight."
"And what if you DON'T have to fight?! How are you going to return the Deck?!"
Before Hamaguchi could think of a retort, Setsuna rushed through the door, heading for Hamaguchi."Hamaguchi-san! Something is wrong with Haji!"
"What? What do you mean? Where is he?" Hamaguchi grabbed her hand in an attempt to calm her down.
"He's in the bathroom..."
Hamaguchi nodded toward his sister and proceeded to go inside the house. Seiko grabbed Setsuna's hands and engulfed her in a hug, muttering words of comfort.
The bluenette headed upstairs, hearing the sound of the bathroom sink. He slowly opened the door, and noticed Hajime washing his hands furiously."Hajime?"
"Hamaguchi, do you have bleach or something?" Hajime asked in a monotone tone."This isn't coming off."
"What's not coming off, buddy?" Hamaguchi moved closer to him, and that's when he saw the tearful expression on his face full of despair."Hajime?"
"The blood! Don't you see it?!" Hajime continued to furiously brush his hands with water."It's not coming off! No matter how much I scrub! The blood is not coming off, Hamaguchi! The blood-"
"Look at me." Hamaguchi grabbed him by the chin, forcing him to look in his direction."Look at my hands."
Hajime did just that and stared at his friend's hands.
"Are they covered in blood?"
"N-no..."
"Now look at yours. Because to me, they seem just fine." Hamaguchi commanded with a calm and serene tone.
The raven-haired teen slowly looked down at his hands. In effect, they were perfectly fine."I'm...I'm...I'm broken...aren't I? There's something wrong with me that I can't fix...I killed someone. I killed Bragard."
"No, no. That's not true, man. And yet, you killed him, but if you didn't, he would have killed Tachibana-chan. It was in self-defense" Hamaguchi grabbed his shoulders."Don't panic. Like I said, this isn't a one-day thing. You won't get better miraculously. Probably not for a while. But that's perfectly fine. One step at a time. In fact, you don't even have to take big steps. You can take baby steps."
"Baby...steps?"
"Before they walk, baby crawl." Hamaguchi smiled."Listen, I know it's rough. But we're here for you. Always. You're like my brother. I got your back. So never think you're alone. And I'll tell you this as many times as I need."
"Thanks...Hamaguchi...Really..." Hajime muttered, wiping the tears from his eyes.
"You still up to explore town and do some deliveries?"
"I am. How are you so good at this?" Hajime asked.
"Trust me, it took some time." Hamaguchi chuckled, hands on hips hips."Endou-chan went through something similar. And I had to get good at this to console her. Honestly, it's not that hard. You just need to know what to say at the right time. Go slow and let the other person know there's nothing wrong with taking some time. We all move at our own pace."
The siblings plus Hamaguchi walked around town, pushing a small wagon filled with deliveries to be made across Okinawa. The streets were rather simple in comparison to Tokyo. However, they noticed some people hanging up banners and decorating their houses with various decorations and ornaments.
"What's going in, Hamaguchi-san?" Setsuna tilted her head in curiosity.
"Oh, we're getting ready for the annual festival that's going to happen at the end of the week. " Hamaguchi waved at the people."Hey! Good morning!"
"Morning, Kuroiwa-kun!" An older lady waved.
"Out for deliveries, my boy?"
"Yup. You guys need help setting those lights up?"
"Don't worry about it. We got it!"
"You're very popular," Setsuna remarked.
"I am. And with the girls too. But I only think of Kiri-chan." He said, closing his eyes and trying to grab something in front of him.
"Uh...what are you doing?" The young girl asked, raising a brow.
"You don't want to know..." Hajime sweatdropped, already knowing what his innocent sister couldn't figure out on her own.
"I'm trying to imagine what Kirika-chan's boobs feel like." He said with a serious expression."I grazed her breasts the other day and got a good feel. But I can't imagine how they could feel in my hands. The doughy sensation, the springiness, and how my fingers would sink into them...No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't replicate that feeling. They're the perfect size for any man. And I can't stop thinking about her."
"You're the worst." Setsuna glared daggers at him, clearly disgusted.
"I told you you wouldn't like it..."
"Hey, Setsuna-chan~!?" Hamaguchi sang as he eyed the glaring girl."You're close friends with Kirika-chan, aren't ya?"
"I'm not doing this." She looked away.
"Please?! Pretty please? Would you talk to her in my stead and tell her good things about me?" He pleaded, clapping his hands together."Come on, Setsuna-chan. I'll do anything. What do you want? I got money."
"Mmmmm...I do happen to be in the mood for a big, strawberry cake." She said, her tone carrying a hint of coyness."If you could please get that for me...MAYBE I can tell Kirika-chan you're an...okay guy."
"Really?! You mean it?! Alright, then! I'll get you that cake, no problem!"
"You really like Kirika, huh?" Hajime couldn't help but ask.
"Of course I do, man. We're meant for each other. I can tell." He nodded sagely."A man can feel it in his heart when he meets the right girl. She just has to see that I'm not a bad guy and she'll fall head over heels for me."
"You're not a bad guy. You're just a pervert." Setsuna deadpanned, still disgusted by his behavior."But, as long as you get me that cake, maybeee I can speak good of you."
"You're an angel."
They reached their first destination. The local police department. Probably one of the biggest buildings, and for good reason.
"Ah, there he is!"
They all looked ahead to see a man in his fifties with disheveled brown hair, black eyes, and a well-kept beard wearing a pristine uniform.
"Kabeyama-san." Hamaguchi waved at the man, browsing through the wagon until he picked up a tray of food sealed tight.
"I was looking forward to this. Your catering business is the best in town." The man gratefully accepted the delivery."And these are your friends? I don't think I've seen them before."
"Right. Introductions are in order." Hamaguchi stepped aside, his hand splayed out."These are my friends. Hajime Adachi and Setsuna Adachi. Guys, this is the Chief of the Okinawa Police Department, Mashita Kabeyama."
"Pleasured to meet you, sir." Setsuna bowed, and Hajime followed suit.
"Adachi...Aha!" A light bulb turned on in his head."Adachi! I remember that name! You mentioned it when you were talking about your best friend. I take it the young man is that friend?"
"Sure is."
"Then allow me to welcome you to Okinawa. Are you here on vacation? Though if I'm not mistaken, school is starting soon, isn't it?"
"We're...technically on vacation," Hajime said, choosing his words carefully.
"I see. Well, as you may have noticed, Okinawa isn't the most glamorous place to live. Just to vacation. City folk tend to get bored after a week of being here, after all. Not a lot to do, at least compared to the big city."
"It's okay. It's peaceful." Setsuna glanced around."And it looks like something fun is going to happen."
"Right, you are, young miss. In a few days, we'll be holding our annual festival. You came at the perfect time to enjoy it." Kabeyama smiled."We take pride in it. And since not a lot of crime goes on here, we get to relax and enjoy the festivities. I'm planning to take my family out to the shrine this year."
"Sounds fun! We're looking forward to it!"
"Just a little advice. Between you and me." The man leaned closer to them with a playful smile."Be careful with your money. Once you start spending, there is no stopping."
"That's not an issue! Haji is loaded!"
"W-what?!" Hajime gasped, making the man laugh.
"I hear that, young miss! I used to be the same way with my older sister. In fact, sometimes I get her to pay for our launch!" Kabeyama laughed in good nature."Well, I should probably get this to the guys inside. They must be starving. Here you go, Kuroiwa-kun."
"Thank you." Hamaguchi accepted the money, stuffing the bills inside his pockets."Next stop, the Maid Cafe."
"Wait, isn't that..."
"Yup. Today is Endou-chan's first day. But the owner is the one who requested this order. She loves our ramen and buys it almost daily. So we'll take advantage of this and say hi to Endou-chan. Don't you want to see her wearing a maid outfit?"
"Hamaguchi..."
"Hey! My brother is very loyal! He wouldn't be unfaithful to Hibiki-san!" Setsuna pouted."Right, Haji?"
Hajime said nothing, averting his gaze."It's complicated, Setsuna. I...I think we might have to break up."
"What?! But why?! Hibiki-san has been nothing but supportive and kind to you!" Setsuna cried, hands on her hips as she tapped her foot on the ground.
"It's for the best." He said, sighing."It's complicated. You wouldn't get it."
"And why not?! Because my boyfriend is dead?!" She screamed, catching the attention of a few passersby.
"Guys, calm down." Hamaguchi got in between them, separating them."Look, Setsuna-chan. I get how you feel. But you can't force him to date Tachibana-chan if he doesn't want to."
"And do you not want to? Really? Can you really say you don't love her anymore?" She pressed on, scowling.
"I..." Hajime opened his mouth, but no sound came out of it.
"Sorry. I...shouldn't have gotten so upset." Setsuna apologized, shifting her gaze back to the road as they resumed their walk."It's just...I really want you to be happy..."
'Guess Seiko was right. She's trying her utmost to make sure Hajime can smile. Even if she herself is in great pain as well.'
The group walked in silence, even with Hamaguchi being unable to break the ice. He wasn't good at family affairs. Sure, he and his sister would argue, but she would always win and he would have no choice but to listen. It was as if she was his mother, in a way. He supposed the best example would be Kagura since he never really understood how to deal with her.
"Kuroiwa-san! Would you mind lending us a hand?!"
The group shifted their gaze over to the carpentry where a man and his colleague were lifting wood planks and setting them onto their truck.
"Sure! What about you, Hajime? Wanna lend a hand?"
"Okay...I'd love to." Hajime nodded, following the bluenette over to the carpentry.
"Man, you guys bought a lot of wood, huh?" Hamaguchi whistled, noticing the many planks of wood lying on the ground.
"We sure did. We're helping set the stage for the concert. And we also need to get some wood over to the church." The man said."And this is your friend?"
"It's Adachi." Hajime said in a low tone, but they seemed to hear him just fine."Hajime Adachi."
"He's from the city, like me. But he's staying over at our house."
"Deligted to me you, Adachi-kun. My name is Kazuo Yashiki. And this is my right hand man, Kubo Ishigami."
"Pleasured to make your acquaintance. So, a city boy this time of year? I'm not surprised, really. We get a few tourists around this time of year. But they tend to come a day before since they don't find the setting up part too interesting."
"Well, I can see why. But I think for you guys, it's the most fun part, right?" Hajime grabbed a few planks, setting them over his shoulder as he carried them to the truck outside.
"It is. You see, it's all about the journey for us residents of Okinawa. Sure, we love the end result, but the work behind it is what ultimately leads to that. So we work harder every year to make sure everyone enjoys the festivities."
"Is that so?" Hajime hummed in thought.
"I want to help!" Setsuna jumped up and down."Can I help?"
"That's Setsuna Adachi." Hamaguchi introduced the young girl, setting some wood on the trunk of the car."Setsuna-chan, these are Kubo Ishigami and Kazuo Yashiki. They're handymen that work around the city."
"Nice to meet you!"
"Likewise, Adachi-chan. Say, if you really want to help, why don't you help us with the tools that we rented? Just bring them out and we'll put them in the backseat later. They shouldn't be too heavy for a girl like you."
"Got it!" Setsuna ran inside the carpentry, browsing for said tools.
"She's an energetic one." Yashiki chuckled."Just like my daughter. She never wants to sit around and always wants to do something."
"Since Okinawa is small in comparison to a city, people tend to become very familiar with each other." Hamaguchi explained to his friend."And with time, you eventually meet everyone. That's why everyone here is willing to lend each other a hand."
"So that's how it is. I guess the smaller the place, the closer the people are." Hajime surmised."It's different in Tokyo. You might not see the person you saw yesterday for a long time. If ever. And people are really only friendly to their neighbors."
"I suppose that's because people don't have the time to get to know each other." Yashiki shrugged as they continued loading the wood on the truck."I imagine the city is more fast-paced the the countryside, so not everyone has time to get to know each other. But over here, we're all one big family. And you're welcome to be part of it too."
"Me?" Hajime stopped in his tracks.
"Yeah. Any friend of Kuroiwa-kun is a friend of ours. You two will fit right in in no time."
"Thank you..." Hajime muttered at a loss for words.
"Yes! Thank you!" Setsuna bowed, as she placed the last power toll on the ground."That was the last one."
"Yup. And we're done with the wood too. You guys are lifesavers. This would have taken a while for just the two of us. Sorry if we got in the way of your deliveries."
"No sweat. We have our deliveries stored in special packages to prevent the food from going cold. So no sweat. We're just happy to help, right guys?"
"Yes!" Setsuna beamed.
"That's right. Happy to help." Hajime said with less enthusiasm.
"Here you go." Yashiki reached into his pocket, grabbing a few yen."For your trouble."
"Oh, no! It's okay!" Hamaguchi and Setsuna shook their heads.
"I insist. Treat yourselves to something sweet." Yashiki smiled."I'd feel bad for letting hard-working kids like you go unrewarded. You may have done this selflessly, so allow me to be selfish and compensate you. Here."
Hajime was handed a few bills, which he stuffed in his pocket unceremoniously."Thank you. We appreciate that."
"Say hi to my Aunt for me." Hamaguchi waved them goodbye, as the trio continued on their journey.
"Wait, your Aunt? She's at the church?" Hajime inquired.
"Yeah, she usually helps out there to get everything ready." Hamaguchi shrugged."She's gotten very involved with the church and likes to help out when not at the restaurant. She likes to keep busy, apparently."
"You guys are religious?"
"Kind of. Well, she is. Seiko and I not really. Sure, we believe in God and whatnot, but we don't really go to church. Although..." He rubbed his nape."I guess now that I know about Odin, Loki, Thor, and all this crazy stuff, I guess there are Gods after all, huh?"
"Do you think demons exist too?" Setsuna pondered aloud.
"Demons? Shit, maybe. I mean, it depends I guess." He shrugged, not really having expected that question."I guess they do. I mean, after all the crazy shit that's happened in the world, I wouldn't be surprised. Hell, maybe ghosts exist."
"Kirika-chan is afraid of ghosts."
"Really now?" Hamaguchi's eyebrows shot up, a smug smile printed on his face."I'll keep that in mind."
The group eventually reached the maid cafe, immediately greeted by a maid with blonde, cascading hair and blue eyes.
"Wow, she looks so cute." Setsuna pointed out.
"A-ah, thank you, Setsuna-chan..."
"That voice..." Setsuna scrunched up her face, puzzled before reality dawned on her."Amber-san?!"
"No way! It really is you!" Hamaguchi exclaimed, guffawing.
"D-d-don't laugh..." The girl hid behind her hands."I was asked to wear this wig and eye contacts..."
"That's right! I told her to wear that, nya!"
They saw a rather short woman with short pink hair tied up in a ponytail, brown eyes, and red lipstick wearing a similar maid outfit, except she had cat ears on top of her hair.."I tell my girls to wear some kind of cosplay, per se. Something that the public will be attracted to, nya. My name is Moe Kanamura. Nice to meet you, nya!"
"Wait, you're the owner here?" Hamaguchi asked, folded his arms.
"Well, really, I'm the manager. My Mom is the owner but she left me to run the business while she goes on vacation. So, Endou-chan..." She nudged her on the sides, her eyebrows wagging suggestively."Which one of these fine gentlemen is your boyfriend?"
"T-they're not...It's not..." She blushed, avoiding their gaze. However, she caught a glimpse of Hajime, who was dumbfounded by the whole thing and blushed even harder.
"We don't have the pleasure of dating her, unfortunately. We're her friends. I'm Hamaguchi Kuroiwa."
"I'm Hajime Adachi."
"And I'm Setsuna Adachi!"
"Huh. Hajime you said?" Moe rubbed her chin."Isn't that the name of the person you're dedicating that song to-"
"ANYWAY! WHY ARE YOU GUYS HERE?!" Amber shouted at the top of her lungs, inadvertently causing the patrons inside to become startled.
"W-w-we had a delivery for your boss..." Hamaguchi sweatdropped, not ever having heard her scream like that."Hot, steamy ramen with a side of fried rice and meat buns..."
"Oh, yes! That's for me!" She salivated as she was handed a package with the food, handing a handful of bills."Come inside, come inside. Endou-chan you can take a break a break. You've earned it."
"Thank you kindly."
With that, they entered the maid cafe, immediately surrounded by the various maids working and tending to the mostly male customers. The place was covered in idol decorations, and Hajime could swear he saw a few Maria and Tsubasa posters on the walls.
'Maria and Tsubasa...' He shook his head. He wasn't here to think about that now.
"This is a good seat." Hamaguchi spotted a four-chair table."If Endou-chan is joining us, this is a good table as any."
"So...how are you guys doing today?" Amber asked meekly.
"Just fine. Got a few more deliveries and we should be good to go." Hamaguchi said, taking a look at the menu."What about you? How's your first day here?"
"It's quite nice. The people here are very friendly and the work is just fine." Amber stated."And they said they could work around my schedule once school starts up again. Though, some people are... bizarre."
"It's a maid cafe. What do you expect?"
"You're one to talk, Hamaguchi-san. You're a bonafit pervert." Setsuna grinned, pointing at a particular item on the menu."You know what to do."
"Fine...I'll get you that strawberry cake." He sighed, shoulders deflating.
"Did something happen?" Amber asked, not understanding the whole thing.
"Setsuna agreed to talk to Kirika, the girl Hamaguchi is in love with, on his behalf so he can have a chance." Hajime elaborated, earning a silent 'Ah.' from the girl.
"I'm happy you found someone for you, Kuroiwa-kun." Amber smiled at her friend.
"Except that if he keeps behaving like a pervert, he won't get anywhere near her." Hajime sighed, earning a giggle from the older girl.
"I suppose he does tend to get a little overexcited when it comes to girls." She said, much to his chagrin."I remember he came to me once wanting to learn Spanish so he could impress the tourists. Not that I know Spanish, but we watched some tutorials together. And it worked. I think?"
"Well, not immediately. But it's a weapon I now have saved up in my holster in case I ever need it."
"Kirika doesn't speak Spanish."
"Well, maybe I'll take her to some nice Spanish restaurant or something." Hamaguchi countered."I don't know. But all I know is, I will treat her like the goddess she is. And maybe cope a feel."
"Okay...I can say Adachi-san wasn't wrong..." Amber narrowed her eyes at the bluenette."I'm sorry, but I don't think you'll impress her by just focusing on her physique."
"I'm more into her personality. She's energetic, bubbly, determined, brave, and overall, very loyal. But..." His cheeks turned crimson."Ah...I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to see her in a swimsuit again..."
"Yeah, you're hopeless." Setsuna shook her head in disapproval.
"What about you, Adachi-san...?" Amber asked carefully, shrinking in her chair in anticipation."Do you...have a girlfriend?"
"Oh...Well...Not at the moment, I guess." Hajime stiffly answered. He didn't know whether he and Hibiki were still a thing after what happened. And after leaving S.O.N.G, he figured they wouldn't have time to meet anymore. No one said anything, but he just assumed they were over.
"Why are you lying?!" Setsuna bared her teeth."You are dating Hibiki-san!"
"Hibiki-san?" Amber blinked.
"I told you, it's complicated." Hajime sighed, rubbing his temples.
"No, it's not!"
"Why do you even care? It's none of your business.
"Because I want you to be happy, Haji."
"And what if I don't deserve to be happy?!" Hajime raised his voice, but not loud enough to alert the other customers."Not after everything...I don't deserve that. I...don't deserve anything. I failed. I failed to protect them. So why would someone as pathetic and hopeless as me deserve to be happy? No. Hibiki deserves someone better. Someone who can make her happy. Not make her distressed."
And that's when Hamaguchi finally figured it out.'So that's why you left.'
Now it made sense. Hajime must have thought he was a burden to Hibiki so he decided to leave. To free her from that. Or so he hoped. He had heard that he had attempted to kill himself when protecting Chris, but he wasn't so sure. The Hajime he knew wouldn't do that.
"Rough times, huh?" Amber chuckled dryly."I can relate to that. Still, this girl must really care about you if Setsuna-chan is persisting so much."
"Yes! That's right!" Setsuna nodded."Hibiki-san is worried about you."
"Setsuna. Enough. That...it's over. We came here to start fresh. Start a new life."
"So...are we supposed to forget about our friends...?" Setsuna's gaze fell to the table.
"If that's what it takes, then yes. Your safety is my main priority."
"But Adachi-san, forgive me if I'm overstepping, but wouldn't you forgetting your friends cause you more pain?" The short-haired girl asked, causing Hajime to look up from the menu."It's true that we don't know each other...But I can tell you're going through a lot right now. Because I have as well. I think...people that have experienced pain can tell when others are hurting."
"When others are hurting..." Hajime gaped, his mind immediately going to Hibiki.'Is that why she's always so hellbent on trying to help others...? And also why she tried too hard to help me...?'
"You said you failed to protect people...I assume you mean comrades, right? Seeing as how you're a soldier and all." Amber continued."But I don't think you should call yourself a failure. Because...you're alive. Your sister is alive. Your friends are alive. So you must have done something right along the way. I mean...that's the way I see it, at least."
"But I couldn't protect...those who were precious to me. I was unable to do anything as I watched them die..." Hajime clenched his fists, his mind trailing off to that memory as he began to hyperventilate."I can't escape it. I'm broken. I know I am. And I don't think I'll ever be able to be okay again."
"I thought the same thing myself. I'm sure you heard by now, but I used to be in a very unhealthy relationship with an unkind man. While I understand that both concepts are completely far apart, I also felt like I was the one to blame. Like I was getting what I deserved. Like there was something wrong with me. Even after I finally broke away, I still felt worthless. But those around me helped me back on my feet. And I'm sure everyone is doing the same for you. It's...important to look at things from a different angle. It might look dark and scary right now, but you have to reach out for the light. The light that your friends and family give you."
"Well said, Endou-chan." Hamaguchi nodded, satisfied."She's right, Hajime. Believe it or not, everyone was worried when we left Val Verde. They kept telling me about what to do and what not to do. To call them if anything happened, no matter the hour. Hell, Kirika-chan promised me a date as long as I took care of you. What we're saying is you're not alone."
"We're not alone." Setsuna reiterated."So please Haji...stop torturing yourself. You don't deserve that. I don't want to see you in pain. So please..."
"Okay. Okay. I'm sorry." Hajime sighed, hugging himself."I just...it's hard, okay? I just can't help it...Every time I close my eyes I...I had to get away from there. I had to."
"And that's completely fine. A nice change of scenario can help you get back on your feet." Amber supplied."So don't worry. We'll help both of you. Take as much time as you need."
"And speaking of time...Do you guys mind if we order? I'm starving here." Hamaguchi rubbed his belly, earning a giggle from both girls. But Hajime couldn't smile. He tried, but he couldn't. He didn't have that light in him anymore.
"Thank you...all of you..." He muttered.
The two Okinawa residents smiled at each other, hoping this was a start to go in the right direction.
"Man, that was so good, wasn't it? Ready to enjoy your cake, Setsuna-chan?"
"I am! Thank you! I'll talk with Kirika-chan when I get the chance. Just for you."
The trio left the restaurant, waving Amber goodbye before she headed for the time clock. After punching it, she put on her apron and went to the floor.
"Excuse me! I'm ready to order if you don't mind!"
Amber yelped upon hearing the loud voice of a girl around her age. She had short lilac hair and yellow eyes. She was wearing denim shorts that go down to just past her upper thigh and a black leather cropped keyhole shirt with no sleeves. Perhaps the most odd thing about her appearance was the black cloak with the symbol of a snake and the tattoo of the same snake in her left hand. But Amber deduced it had some type of hidden meaning or something.
"Gladly." Amber jogged over to her table, taking out her notepad."Oh? I'm sorry. I don't recall ever seeing you around here."
"That's right! I'm a tourist from Tokyo! And I couldn't help but want to visit Okinawa's maid cafe as my first stop!"
"Is that so? That's interesting. So you're from the city. I have a friend who is also from the city as well."
"Really?! Now that caught my attention!" The girl beamed."What's your name?"
"Amber. Amber Endou."
"Well, well! Endou-chan!" The girl adopted a big grin on her face, taking out a pendant from under her shirt."My name...is Chika. Chika...Tanaka. Just Chiaki is fine, no need for formalities. How about you and I become friends? I'd love to get to...know you."
It was dawn by the time the group had finished their deliveries. Setsuna had gotten sleepy, so the boys suggested for her to take a nap inside their wagon as they pushed it back to the restaurant.
"How was it today?"
"It was nice." Hajime confessed."You weren't kidding. Everyone is nice and welcoming."
"Right?" He grinned at his best friend."But you might get bored sooner rather than later. So maybe we need to get you something more to do. You could always enlist in school and get a part-time job. I'm sure Seiko can work something out for you at the restaurant. Or at the convenience store. Ever since Akira-san left for Tokyo, there's been a spot open."
"Right. He moved to Tokyo to be closer to his family." Hajime mumbled, his gaze glued to the ground.
"How is he doing? You don't have to answer."
"He's fine, I guess. Last time I checked, anyway. I never really got around to speaking to him. I disliked him. But now..." Hajime stared at the sunset on the horizon."I'm no better than him. I ran away when things got difficult. I used to hate my father for that. Until I found out the truth."
"I wouldn't say you ran away." Hamaguchi rubbed his chin."Think of it as a...tactical retreat. You're getting your bearings together. And even if you decide not to go back, that's okay too. You need to think of yourself too. And Setsuna-chan. I know she's the main reason why you got away, right? You don't want to leave her alone."
"Yeah..." Hajime slowly nodded."We're the only family we have left. I know I couldn't stand it if something happened to her. I can only imagine how she would feel. So I didn't want to risk it anymore."
"Still..." Hamaguchi chuckled, giving him an incredulous look."Taking artillery head-on? There had to be a better way."
"I..."
"I know. Yukine-chan was in trouble. And you also needed an excuse in case they rejected your resignation letter. I got you."
"Thanks, Hamaguchi..."
"No. No need to thank me. I'm supposed to be your best friend, after all." Hamaguchi's smile dropped."And instead, I wasn't there when you needed me the most. So I promised myself I would help you. No matter what. I'll be there when you need me. That's why I gladly took the Abyss Deck. Which reminds me...how do you exactly use your powers?"
"Oh. Well, that depends. What's your visor?"
"Visor?"
"It's supposed to be part of your suit. It's where you activate your abilities, your cards." Hajime briefly explained."If I'm not mistaken, when I fought Damian before, his visor was in his arm. It was a gauntlet, similar to mine."
"I see." Hamaguchi nodded in realization."Must be that shark gauntlet. So I just...open it up and slide a card in?"
"That's right. It then activates whatever ability you're trying to use." Hajime continued his explanation."I'm not exactly familiar with the Abyss cards. I only fought Damian once, after all."
"I'll figure it out. Don't worry. I've been studying them."
"Hopefully you won't need to use them..."
"It's fine. If Okinawa is ever in danger or if you can't fight, I'll be there. Just leave it to your boy Hamaguchi." He pointed at himself with a grin."Like I said, you're not alone. I got your back."
The rest of the walk was in silence. Not because it was awkward, but both boys understood each other and there was no need for words. Hajime was mentally exhausted, so Hamaguchi decided not to push his luck. If he wanted to talk, he would. And he wasn't about to rush him. They eventually reached the restaurant and were surprised to see the sign flipped to close.
Furrowing his brow, Hamaguchi parked the wagon outside and they helped a drowsy Setsuna out of it, heading for the door.
"Hey, guys. We're done with the deliveries." Hamaguchi announced as he entered. And that's when his jaw dropped to the ground."No way..."
"What's going on?" Hajime asked, carrying Setsuna on his back. When he entered, he noticed the scene before him.
Seiko was giving them a sideglance, visibly irritated and annoyed. Chisa gave them a lopsided smile, offering no words. And then, the imposing figure of a woman wearing a business suit, her black hair tied up neatly and her hazel eyes hidden behind glasses.
"You're back." The woman remarked, staring at Hamaguchi, who took a step back instinctively.
"No way...Kagura-nee-sama..."
Next chapter we're going back to the main story. I think I'll do that. Two chapters of the main story and one of the Okinawa plotline, until we get to the main event. This is because Okinawa is only going to have like 4 or 5 chapters so I don't want to do all of them at the same time.