We Will Meet Again

Isn't there a Guardian called Katakura who was formerly a human but became a guardian? Izu briefly told her about his story. He came from Setsuras' time frame, a genius piano player who ended up with a chronical heart disease that led to him being bedridden. He could no longer play the piano and spent his days in the hospital. One time he snuck out when it was snowing and almost died. At the end of his life, he met Oslo - and asked him to save him. "Please mister, show me the world," Natasha recalled tearing up when she heard the story.

If, if by chance, there is something strange about her too. Is it worth

Akito is Kain.

Setsura is Hikari.

Natasha figured it out right away.

….

Reckless behavior, huh? Indeed, in the eyes of others, it would seem foolish. Even if Touma has been weakened, attacking his stronghold like that was not a wise move. But at the time, she could sympathize with the other feelings. She probably thought that this was the only way. When Natasha was informed, they were together, and her companion almost passed out due to the shock.

When she heard, she too felt faint. That man, no matter what happens with those two, she will make sure that man doesn't make it out alive. Are you satisfied? He already hurt so many people, is this what you wanted, when he broke the forbidden seal back then? Did he really want to use that power of yours to hurt others?

When she left the mansion grounds, she's met with somebody familiar. Akito did say that somebody is meant to come with her. However, why on earth is it this man? Natasha did not say a word to him at first. She felt the irritation grow, though, and so eventually spoke up.

"Gah. . You seriously followed me all the way out here?" she lectured. Mori reached over and hit her forehead with a flick, "Ite. What are you doing to my precious face?" Natasha exclaimed.

"Teaching you a lesson!" Mori exclaimed. "I can't believe it. When the guards I assigned, you told me that you actually followed Akito. Geez, didn't I tell you to wait until I finished with work?"

"Why do I have to--" Natasha pauses in mid-sentence.' wait for you. 'If, if their relationship were still the same, then she would have said those words easily. However, things are no longer the same between the two of them.

Natasja knows that better than anyone, that she can no longer conceal, or put up an act in front of this person. But in the first place, didn't she stop doing that a long time ago, at least in front of him?

"Sorry," Natasha looked down at her feet. What is with this feeling? It's so annoying. These days she finds herself growing more irritated with herself and with the people surrounding her.

"As long as your sorry," Mori mumbled. "Is that the map?"

"Yeah."

"It looks like it's a long-distance away; we better get started now."

Natasha eyed the person beside her; she can't believe this. Why on earth did Akito ask this person of all people to come along? Still, lately, there is a different vibe from him. Gahh, is this because of her fight with Chauncey? Natasha get a grip already. Don't start thinking that every single guy looks good. It seems like she has a weak point for good looking guys.

How shallow and superficial. But then again, wasn't Mother the same way too? Mother, huh? Natasha has not heard from her in so long. When Oslo was last here, though, he informed her that her mother was in good health. That's good, she supposes. Does she miss her? It would be a lie to say she doesn't. However, because so much is happening in her everyday life. The moments where she thinks of her mother are fleeting.

"So, for Akito to call me. Is it because he can't boss around Chauncey Long?"

Natasha sighed, "You think I know?"

"Indeed."

"Besides, we just spent the first few hours searching through many boxes," Natasha trailed off when she caught a glimpse of dust on her shoulders. She reached over and wiped it away.

He scratches his hair, "Sounds like a lot of work has to be done. Man, if that were me, I'd never be able to do it."

Yeah, she knows that. She knows that very well.

She remained silent the entire walk; Natasha thought that this would bother him more. But instead, he kept talking, although she wasn't responding to him. Mori, he really is desperately trying to make an effort for her. You don't have to be a genius to tell.

But in the first place him being a hard worker isn't a surprise. Natasha always knew how much of a diligent person he is. How much extra practice he takes upon himself after finishing each job. It was the same when they were learning too.

Although he slept a lot in lessons, due to the nature of his job, which gave him no time to sleep at night, Natasha would see him in the library with several books, a marker pen, and several studying guides he bought online. Back then, his house - which was still small then.' was not famous enough to have a decent salary.

Being beginners, it was only natural that their wage was low. The Mori, who worked hard for the sake of the village he was forced out. For the young her, he shined so very brightly.

Natasha won't deny that she thought of him as a fool at first. She won't deny having treated him coldly either, and yet Mori never gave up on her. Ah, thinking of him in such a positive light is strange. But it really is because of him that she could come this far, if he didn't continue holding her hand and pulled her along, then she would have long shattered.

It was because of Mori that she could be honest with herself. That she could meet the others and treat them with kindness and not coldness. So strange, even though he is cold and rude to others. Mori is the one who taught her a valuable lesson.

Her thoughts broke off when Mori stopped at a stone tablet that was on the right-hand side of the path. Although it was covered in grass slightly, the message was clear.

[ Do not let go of my hand.

Even if you are who is light as a cloud.

Rise up to the sun and melt away.

I will not cry.

Do not let go of my hand.

Even if you who scatters

like a droplet of water.

Fly to the other side

of the Rainbow.

I will not look for you.

Do not forget me.

Even if you lose me, and

cry tears of regret.

I will not rub them off for you.

Look after me.

And grab my hands.

And look me in the eyes. ]

Such cold words for the person you loved deeply.

Such cold words were left behind.

And yet, if you look at the message closely. Anybody can see it — the words of longing.

Natasha examined the stone tablet very clearly. It really is strange. No matter how she looks at this situation, Akito's wife wasn't an average person. If it is really like that, then…

"Hey Mori, did you ever cross paths with Akito's wife before?"

"Cross paths," he trailed off. A deep sigh escaped his lips. "I have, that crazy woman."

"Crazy?"

Mori wore a troubled expression on his face, causing her to blink. "Sorry, but whenever anybody mentions that woman. It reminds me of the time she gave me a roundhouse kick."

Wait; what?

"Did you try to flirt with her?" Natasha guessed. This was the only thing she could come up with.

At that comment, Morris shifted about uncomfortably. Natasha rolled her eyes, so she was right? He actually tried to flirt with her?

What a pathetic person. Then again, the timing fits. Back when they were first engaged, Natasha heard about him flirting with numerous women. Many people warned her about it. However, as long as she didn't see it with her own eyes.

Wait a minute, "Perhaps, a few years ago. You were walking alongside a woman wearing a gorgeous yellow dress?"

"Huh?" Mori nodded. "Yeah, my patrol happened to be near where she liked going shopping. So I often .."

The woman in the yellow dress was Akito's wife? Natasha couldn't believe it, or rather she feels ridiculous right now. Whatever happens in the past should remain in the past. Besides, it won't make a difference now.

This person has changed a great deal. He's no longer like before. Though he doesn't even seem remotely guilty for what he did. Yet, even though Mori is more sincere to her now. She still thinks something is wrong. Occasionally he would get this spaced-out look on his face whenever that happens...