We Will Meet Again

From where he was sitting, Touma had the perfect view of not only the whole auction house. But those two. Unlike most people who would turn their heads or shift their postures when watching somebody. Touma was not like that. He had the skill to watch people without them even realizing it.

"Sir, Akito is sat over there. Should we..."

Touma shook his head, "There is no need for that, an interesting show is about to start."

He hadn't approached her properly since she came here was because, he believed that there was no need. Eventually, that girl would come to him. He had fun watching her tremble like a newborn fawn. However, much to his dismay, she slowly regained her confidence. He didn't think that she would. Especially considering her situation — no memories and trapped in an era like this without her beloved person.

The more Touma thought about it, the more puzzled he became. She shouldn't have been able to bounce back so quickly. So? How come? His gaze darted towards the two. The girl rested her head on Akito's shoulder. The two were low key, displaying their affection for each other.

He clenched his fist, 'Even now, nothing has changed.' Whether it is past or future, honestly, when he first saw her again, he was completely astounded. While he did predict that eventually, she would return here, that's why he set up that organization. Touma didn't think it would happen so soon. Something must have happened in the future.

It seems like he would have to contact him soon.

____

Setsura was enjoying this low key flirting with Akito. The two of them were still new to their relationship, so that's why they are currently in this sweet phase. But this phase won't last much longer, at least with him. The two of them have such heavy responsibilities and duties. It's just a matter of time before those duties cause a rift between them. This was one of the main reasons why Setsura hesitated to accept his feelings.

Her thoughts broke off when they announced the next item. The sudden appearance of the bracelet startled her. For a moment, Setsura didn't know what to think. Her mind had turned blank, and she felt her vision blur.

Why? Why is that here? Why?

Wasn't it with her? Akito said he checked her belongings. Could it be that she left the bracelet inside?

"..."

No, calm down, Setsura. Akito himself said that while he watched over the procedure, there were other people involved too.

Those people must have thought that the bracelet looked valuable and decided to sell rather than return it. Because of her vague memories at the time, it was hard to remember what she brought with her.

"50000," Chauncey suddenly said from beside her.

Her eyes widened. Ah? What is he doing? Is he going to buy it for Natasha? But that's her...precious..bracelet. It came from him. Amongst the memories she does recall, that bracelet is always there. While she doesn't remember the memory of when she first got it. Setsura instinctively knew it came from her most beloved person.

Chauncey stood up to get it, and Setsura slumped on her seat. It's over. It would be awkward to ask for it from Natasha. She should have spoken up. But right at that moment, the words couldn't leave her mouth. To her surprise, though, Chauncey dangled the bracelet in front of her face, "Here."

Setsura looked at him, puzzled. "?"

"Akito is too focused on work right now. He didn't notice, but your emotions change when you saw this. Is this yours?"

Setsura slowly nodded her head.

"Keep it in a safer place next time. It's not uncommon for lost items to end up here."

She wanted to thank him, but Setsura felt very overwhelmed.

....

For a moment, Setsura remained still - and listened to the sounds of the night. Birds flew past the window and rattled against the ledge. Setsura frowned as she tried to recall what happened. 'Oh right,' she thought. She passed out right as Chauncey gave her the bracelet... The bracelet?

Setsura sat up suddenly, making her slight headache shift. The large cloak wrapped around her shoulders slipped off, and Setsura brought it back up. Wearing a dress like this in the middle of winter was not ideal. But she has not had the chance to shop for proper winter clothing, at least not for fancy events. She supposes she ought to add that to the agenda. She scanned the room she was in; it was a moderately clean room.

Noticing a note attached to the chair, a deep sigh escaped her lips.

- You stay here and rest. Once the auction ends, I'll fetch you. My guard is outside the door. Call him if you need anything.

From the sounds of things, she is still in the auction house. Setsura could still hear the sounds of feverish bets made.

Across from the bed, a few inches away from the door was a fireplace.

Her thoughts broke off when she feels a sudden hollow feeling in her chest.

Huh?

That's strange; it feels like there's something empty. Something wrong. A sense of emptiness like there's has been something that has been ripped apart from her. Yet she wonders why, despite the hollow feeling in her chest.

There was a sense of warmth — a feeling telling her that it's alright, that right now, this is fine.

The bracelet... Setsura turned around to look for it when she hears a clattering sound. Huh? What's that noise? Setsura looked around the room. There was nobody else inside with her. But the sound came from inside. Frowning, Setsura examined her surroundings again.

"Is it a ghost?" she mumbled quietly to herself. For a ghost to exist in the Meiji Era wouldn't be unusual. After all, like Victor said, this was a time of change. The demons from the past still have lingering attachments to this place. The existence of onyomji's like Lady Lyra, while they are rare - they are still around.

The reason she passed out ... Setsura didn't understand it herself. Was it because she was feeling too overwhelmed? Does a person collapse from that? Her thoughts broke off when the door creaked open. There stood a man with blue hair. Ah, "Sir Long."

"You're awake," Chauncey said from the doorway, startling her. In one hand was a saw, in the other a clay jug.

Setsura yelped and gathered the blankets to her chest. He chuckled and shook his head as he set the jug of water on the small table near the window. As he made his way over, Setsura backed away, " Hmm? What are you afraid of me now?"

When a normally serious person like Chauncey Long jokes with you, it truly feels like the end of the world. His usually cold and stoic face looking at her with smiles made her shudder.

"I'm not afraid."