We Will Meet Again

Personalities are something that can be cultivated and shaped over time. People who are living in similar situations may develop similar traits. So, naturally, that is something that can't be avoided.

However, two people who look exactly the same? That is impossible. Some people would argue that in the world, there will always be one look alike. But, if Chauncey compared Setsura and her, the match is too much of a coincidence.

It slowly came back to him now, that woman's appearance. Chauncey doesn't know why he forgot for so long. But now that he does remember it, he can say so for sure that these two are mirror images of each other. What was it Touma told him before?

'That woman is a time traveler.'

Before that woman disappeared, she said something like that to him.

'Chauncey, thank you for everything. I shall return to my time now.'

Time traveling, at first, he didn't think it was possible. Why would he believe in something so absurd? But, with all these facts before him, it's hard to deny it. Of course, Chauncey wasn't going to believe this theory completely. Why would a logical person like him believe such a thing?

That man, the 'guardian' Katakura, spoke nonsense things to him too. He could tell that the man was having a hard time explaining things without giving too much away. Those guardian people, Chauncey, never paid much attention to them. However Touma? Touma is different. Anything considered peculiar; he would express interest.

However, as for him? Chauncey wouldn't dismiss it altogether. But let's face it, he isn't the type of person who would encourage something like this no matter what happens. He's always been a logical person. That's why seeing something unnatural like that; naturally, he would turn a blind eye to it. Or, if he can't dismiss it altogether. He would try to work out a reasonable explanation. He would search for a logical answer.

"Can you tell me what happened? The girl that got killed…"

"I didn't do it."

Chauncey immediately noticed how her tone changed, "I know it wasn't you, don't be afraid. I won't blame you."

"I--I see…"

She's acting so sensitive about it. Usually, that would be suspicious. It did look like Setsura was the one who killed the girl. However, when he rushed into the mansion. Chauncey made a note of the rooms he entered, on the way there, he passed the dining room. "Your belongings, I found them in the dining room," Chauncey said. "It seemed like whoever moved you completely forgot about your bag."

At that comment, a relieved sigh passed Setsura's lips, "So…"

"Your not the culprit of this case," Chauncey nodded. "But there is something peculiar about all of this. You said you saw somebody?"

"It looked like a black shadow of some kind."

Black shadow? Chauncey raised his eyebrows. Now that he thought about it, something like that was written in the report; then, there was what the eye witness said. So many cases have occurred in the past year. But how come the case today feels more significant? The men in white organization, the ones who kidnapped women - are they connected to the shard case? Normally the mafia wouldn't work together with the police, but they actually made an exception to that rule? What was going on here?

No matter how he looked at it, it was strange. For the past year, the police have been hunting down mafia members and bringing them down.

Bit by bit, their numbers are diminishing because of this so-called law. So, how come? And why would anybody from their side accept this with all that's happening? Was Touma the one who made this request? But if this case required so much attention, then it makes little sense that he isn't here.

Honestly, Chauncey was reluctant to accept. Working together with the police now of all times seems odd. Like his fellow companions, he holds a bit of a grudge. His thoughts broke off when he felt her hand brushed against his forehead. "Your sweating," Setsura mumbled concerned. "Do you also need to rest, sir, Long?"

"No, I shall guard of you. So please get some rest," he awkwardly shook her hand away... "You might as well sleep until we figure out what to do. I've secured the area around this room. But just in case, I shall remain awake."

He did set up some traps, but there is a limit to what he can do. The enemy has the advantage since they know the terrain well while it isn't completely unfamiliar to him since he did come here in the past.

"I shall, but give me a few minutes…" Setsura trailed off. "Thank you for the flowers," she mumbled. "Even though my behavior towards you has been very rude."

She's apologizing? Chauncey thought she would continue to taunt and mock him for much longer. "No," Chauncey shook his head. "You had every right. You made that decision after hearing the story from Victor."

When people hear the story of what happened between Akito, they are naturally forced to make a choice. Akito may think that nobody sided with him. That everybody blamed him. But it's the complete opposite, the one they are blaming is him and not Akito. However, because Akito closed his heart and wouldn't speak to anyone anymore, to the general public, it would look like everybody took his side and that Akito is in the wrong.

But, he is sure that even now those people who chose to believe Akito still believe in him now. Did anybody take his side? The answer is yes, but those people only did so because of the Long family name. A part of him has always envied Akito. The natural ability to draw people to his side and make friends, that is something he can never hope to have.

"But, even then, I apologize."

"Don't worry about it…"

Setsura laughed softly, "It does seem like it's better to get along than fight."

Is she only forgiving him because of the current situation? Chauncey shook his head, quit it with the negative thoughts. "Tell me something; you know how to wield a gun?"

"Ah, yes," Setsura nodded. "I do."

Her reflexes aren't bad either. Chauncey has been carefully observing her so he can tell. She's sharp, too sharp even. She notices things that people would often overlook.

"But, I've not used it in a long time."

So she's used it before? Perhaps she's had military training? There are female officers, while they are small in number.