LOL, another short story fanfic inspired by "Supernatural Partners" written by kevinwkl-san! It made me want to try write a supernatural fanfic as well so I'm giving it a shot...However the format of this story will be a little different than usual.
The main characters are Jurina, Yuki, Mayu, and Rena.
Each "book" will revolves around each character's perspective. Each book will relate with each other and it will compromise into one whole story. The pairings would be a little weird, so bear it with me... :bow:
Pairings:
- JuriYuki
- Wmatsui
- MaYuki
(http://25.media.tumblr.com/c16428f0cf412141d26320e2ca88a1e9/tumblr_myipdtJEmZ1r9ba5jo2_r1_1280.jpg)
POSTER CREDITS: To Sherin-san! :bow:
~TABLE OF CONTENT~
Book I: [The Pure Blood of Solitude] ~ Jurina (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=35930.msg1204320#msg1204320)
Book II: [The Unwavering Soul of Hope] ~ Yuki (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=35930.msg1208800#msg1208800)
Book III: [The Shadow of Despair and Jealousy] ~ Mayu (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=35930.msg1230101#new)
Book IV: [The Inheritor of Resolution] ~ Rena (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=35930.msg1248335#msg1248335)
Book V: [The Ephemeral Spring] ~ (...) (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=35930.msg1250167#msg1250167)
FYI:
"Quercus" means "Oak Tree" which also means "Kashiwagi"
(http://31.media.tumblr.com/5fe2e69e7ff473a6cd2c4638add94b73/tumblr_mrs8a8R2It1r9ba5jo2_1280.jpg)
POSTER CREDITS: To Sherin-san! :bow:
Book I: [The Pure Blood of Solitude]
Being born into a royal bloodline is never as happy as anyone kept saying. Other witches and non-human races always talked and were jealous of me that I’m a pure blood witch…. since witch race was the most superior race among all. Especially I’m the eldest daughter of my royal family, everyone had expectations on me that I would become the next in line Witch Empress, the ruler of all non-human community.
But I just wanted a peaceful life. Never I enjoyed a life that is being fixed by others and my mother, the current Witch Empress. Sometimes I would sneak out from the castle and gazed at the moon in the middle of the night on the roof. Since I’m the candidate to take the throne…obviously I’m targeted for all kinds of assassination. One could say that the Witch Empress was the ruler of our non-human community, but it’s because no one could dare go up against her, sort of dictatorship ruling style. If there were no next in line Empress, then the ruling system would collapse. So many non-human species would try to kill me.
“…Hime-sama, please return to your room.”
I turned as I saw my personal maid behind me. She would always know where I would be if I’m not in my room.
“Hey Akane…just call my name like usual. It’s funny you start to call me hime-sama like that.”
“You’re our next Empress, you’re the hope of the non-human race.”
Akane argued back to me but she knew that I didn’t like that either…I never had interest to become the next Empress to begin with.
“I’ll escort you back to your room.”
“I will if you call me by my name, and please don’t argue that you have to call me hime-sama…just only you, please call my name like you usually do.”
I see her sighed and I knew my plead works. “Alright…Jurina-sama, shall we go?”
“…Okay, thank you Akane.”
Returning back to my dark room. It was the only safest place for me in this castle. I looked out from the window, gazing at the bright full moon quietly.
Things were quite disastrous since there was a huge outbreak war between non-human and human race. Of course, our Empress, my mother, she’s the leader of the non-human race. While the humans…they had same govern system as us. The kingdom of Quercus, they are the ruler of human race. Our Empress and the King of Quercus had opened war 5 years ago due to massive holocaust on non-human race…many thousands of my kinds and other races died, because of those human soldiers.
The next day…Empress, my mother, summoned me and my younger sister to join the conference with her since I’m the next to be Empress, she wanted me and my sister to understand how this war will affect the lives of non-humans, and the witch clan. Tomorrow evening, the pack of non-humans would strike the East Wall of Quercus. Even I’m not participating in this outbreak war. As the conference is over, my younger sister walked up to me and held my hand gently.
“Onee-sama…Are you okay with this?”
“Mayu, there’s no choice to begin with…even it’s me, I can’t stop the war.”
“But…I don’t want us to fight with humans. I don’t want to hurt Yuki’s race.”
Mayu looked away from me and I could feel the tremble from her hand. I understood the pain she’s having. I felt the same as well. I didn’t want us non-humans to fight against them. Haha, I guess we’re the weirdest pure blood witches ever that didn’t want to kill humans. Maybe there were others that felt the same like us siblings, but of course we had no right to say something like that when they killed so many of us already. I’m angry with humans as well, but I couldn’t kill them when I thought about Yuki.
Ah right, I didn’t introduce Yuki yet didn’t I? As it was obvious, she’s a human but that’s not the main issue…Her name was Quercus Albus Yuki, the royal princess from the kingdom of Quercus…the princess of the enemy kingdom. Furthermore…Yuki and I are secret lovers.
I reminded myself of the past that I used to be a naughty child. I always dragged Mayu along with me to go outside to the border of the land of humans. Since we’re pure bloods, we had the ability to hide our aura and disguise into the human crowd without getting caught --- that’s how naughty I am. But that was also how we met with Yuki as well…
-
FLASHBACK:
“Mayu~ Hurry! You’re so slow!”
“Onee-sama…you’re just too hyper.” Mayu panted as she’s running after me.
We just entered the border of the human land. It’s this little town that we often come when we sneaked out from the castle. Back when we’re young, the only non-human race that do trading and marketing with humans are gnomes. That’s the only partnership we have with the humans in order to maintain peace.
“Oh? What’s going on over there?”
I pointed to the crowd and then we both went in to see what’s happening. That’s where we saw this poor woman being beaten by another human, she stole the items from the store so she’s being punished, but no one actually went in to help her.
“Oi--!”
Mayu stopped me and hissed back at me. “Onee-sama! You can’t, or else we’ll bring too much attention…”
“Damn it…”
I wanted to go in to help, but since we’re the witches…if anyone knows, we’re completely screwed. But I wondered how long I could hold my temper. I’m a very short-temper princess back then.
“Stop it!!”
A loud yell made everyone flinched. Then suddenly, this young girl in a ragged cloak came out to protect this injured woman. She seemed to be around 15 years old, a middle-aged teenager.
“Please don’t hurt her. I’ll pay for what she steal, do forgive her.”
“But if I don’t teach this bitch she will steal---”
“I’ll take the responsibility.”
She spoke gallantly as she handed a bag of gold to him. It probably cost more than what the woman stole from him. That instance, he paused and just backed down immediately.
“Alright…I’ll let this go for once!”
“Thank you sir.”
She had this angelic smile as she walked back to the woman to help her. She didn’t care whether the woman was dirty or filthy. The crowd slowly broke off and then I approached her immediately with Mayu.
“Wow, you’re really elegant.”
I complimented her and it caught her attention. Her eyes, they are really beautiful, it’s glittering with courage and honor. It completely had my attention.
“Your eyes showed no fear for that man even he had a club, I admire your strength.”
“Hehe~ you’re complimenting me too much!”
She giggled and then she gave the injured woman more gold and helped clean her wounds with the first aid kit she had in her pocket. Out of all selfish humans I observed, she’s the first one that I met that was so kind like this. After the woman left, it’s only the three of us now.
“I’m interested in you! What’s your name?” I smiled widely with a giggle.
“O-Oneesama…you’re too blunt.” Mayu pulled my shirt softly.
Then I saw her giggled at my straight question. “My name is Yuki, and you?”
“I’m Jurina, and this is my younger sister, Mayu.” I introduced both of us to her and that’s when our story begun.
We know she’s human…at first we didn’t tell her we’re witches. Mayu and I sneaked out every week to meet with Yuki at this town. Through time, we become closer and we become best friends, all the three of us…. until one incident happen when low-class wolves attacked this small town. Mayu and I had no choice but to fight to protect Yuki…and revealed our true identity. Our lavender color eyes…it signifies the blood of the witch within us. Indicates how we’re not humans like Yuki. We thought she would scare and she would tell the town about us, but she didn’t at all. She’s not afraid of Mayu and I, even though we told her we’re pure blood witches. Yuki said that we’re still the closest friends she ever had.
…Well, same goes to Mayu and I. Aside from Akane who’s not family related to me, the closest friend we ever have is Yuki. Then she also told her secret to us that she’s a princess of Quercus, from the kingdom of humans. We’re quite shocked as well…since she’s the princess of our enemy’s kingdom…but screw that!
Yuki is still Yuki…but I didn’t think that my bond with Yuki would develop into an actual romantic relationship. Despite witch’s lifespan is twice as much as humans. Obviously Mayu and I are older than Yuki, but in terms of our appearance…we’re pretty much the same as her.
We spent time together for so long that I eventually fell in love with Yuki, the princess of my enemy’s kingdom. However…Yuki shared the same feeling as I do. We confessed our love for each other and promised under the moon and the stars that our love would be everlasting.
That night in the isolated forest…we had become just any normal couples…I will always remember that night we disregarded our status and race…the day we just only think about one another. That night was the proof of our eternal devotion for one another…
But there’s no such thing as happy ending. That was the last time we met each other…the next day after that, the war between non-human and human race had been declared. The next time we meet…likely, we’ll be enemies.
-
The war began. The non-humans decided to make this once and for all. They planned to completely annihilate the entire human race. I know I’m not supposed to do this at all…but I sneaked into the castle of Quercus all alone, because I wanted to meet with Yuki again, I have to.
“T-Those witches are here!!”
The guards saw me and started to run towards me with that sharp long sword in their hands. I dodged and destroyed their weapon so they become harmless. I didn’t have any intention to kill any human.
“…Leave.”
~ROAR~
I heard a cry of a wolf, they seemed to break through and enter into the grounds of the castle already. As soon as they saw humans in front of me, the only thing they probably would think was to kill them that instance.
“Oh no, wolves are here!”
It was going to be too late for the guards to inform their comrades about the presence of the wolves. That moment, I grabbed the wolf’s tail and threw it away from the human. It made both humans and wolves surprised with my action.
“W-What the…”
“Why are you stopping us hime-sama!?”
Another wolf roared at me but I ignored him. I stood in between the guard and the pack of wolves that entered. Right…Somehow I forgot how I’m hime-sama to every single non-human community, since the current Empress publicly declares me that I would be the next Witch Empress.
“Are you going to betray us.”
“No…but I plan to stop this ridiculous war. Nothing is gain from killing them!”
“Nonsense! They killed so many of us already! They deserved to be annihilated!”
“Still…”
I wanted to argue back, but I know what the wolves meant. I knew that pain, those humans were the ones that killed my kind as well.
~THUD~THUD~THUD~
Sounds of arrows being shot. It struck the wolves that are in front of it and me makes my eye grew wide with shock. I turned around and see those humans being armed by arrows. They’re merciless…they killed the wolves right in front of my eyes. It made the wolves went rampage and started killing all humans. Biting their heads off one by one. I couldn’t tolerate this…this is just nonsense.
This war…killed so many lives…because of it…so many pressure is put onto Yuki…also…it separated both of us together.
“Stop this CRAP ALREADY!!”
I screamed to the top of my lungs and unleash my witch ability. Every witch has their own unique special ability, and this is my ability that everyone feared so much, even among high-ranked witches…my specialty is able to absorb life energy from every living beings and turned it as my own power.
I summoned chains from underground. It bound both humans and wolves. Those instant contacts with my silver chain, their energy were drained into me. Every single living being collapsed onto the ground weakly before me…I’ll never lose with this insane ability I have…I’ll stop the war with this power of mine. The more energy I absorbed, the stronger I become.
“I…I can’t feel anything…” The guards muttered weakly.
As for the wolves, they turned back into their human form, their most stable form since I absorbed all their energy that instance.
“H-Hime…sama…”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t let anyone of you die…including humans as well.” My chains remained on their body, still immobilizing them. Those chains would never break if I were still alive.
“I will stop this war.”
“You demons…!” The man cursed at me but I’m not affected by it at all.
“I rather kill myself and die with pride and honor…”
“We killed many of you…and you killed many of us. How much do we have to kill each other to satisfy?”
I asked back and glared back at those guards on the floor. That instance, my dark aura was unleashed. My deadly witch aura was finally become active after I sealed it away for so long.
“If you want to die that much, go ahead, but dying with pride? That crap never exist…if you want pride so much, F*CKING LIVE WITH PRIDE GODDAMMIT IMBECILES!”
I roared back and made every single living being halted. No one argued a single word. I could see the castle right before my eyes. I could sense Yuki’s presence in there. I have to go to her…I want to see her. Each footstep of mine, the dark pond of aura was left as a trace, silver chains rose out from it. Those chains were a part of me; it would attack and drain energy of anything that moves. I even activated my powers within the area of the castle, any living beings that came inside the walls of the castle shall surrender to me…none shall hurt others, if I have to.
But if I took too much energy, I would go insane and lose my sanity, but I didn’t care. I wanted to protect humans as much as non-humans…because they’re humans that Yuki love so much.
-
All enemies I encountered each floor, I drained all their energy and nothing could stop me. My chains were a part of me; it lurks to every corner of the castle to make sure no one would escape from me. I spared none, and hurt none…but I started to know that I’m reaching my limit for my body as well. I’m still a growing witch…my body is not at its maximum strength, I’m still an immature witch after all.
“Yuki…please wait for me.”
I could sense Yuki’s presence but as soon as I arrived on 5th floor. But…no that’s impossible…Yuki’s presence just disappeared…?
~THUD~
A huge earthquake!? The entire castle is trembling. Something’s not right at all. This surge of demonic aura that even made my body halted. No one ever made me felt like this before aside from my mother. It made me even scared of what happen to Yuki and I hurried up to the throne room. I turned at the corner and then I saw this big door wide open.
“Yuki!!”
I screamed out her name and turn at the corner. I saw corpse all over the place, humans and non-human bodies scattered with blood everywhere. Everyone’s dead, no signs of the actual killer. The glass wall behind the throne shattered, and there’s this huge hole above as well. But I didn’t care about that at all…what caught my attention was this one body I know very well…she had long silky hair with white smooth skin. I didn’t want to believe what I’m seeing. I quickly run to that body to see and prove that my thoughts are wrong…but they are not at all. My instinct is right.
“No…please, Yuki, please wake up…it’s me, Jurina.”
I shook Yuki’s body but she’s not responding. There was no pulse. Her body is still warm. She just died…no, she just got killed. There was a wound on her stomach; just one blow finished her life. I guess that’s one thing I also hate about humans…they’re too fragile…why does this have to happen? If I’m a little faster…she won’t have to die like this.
“No…Yuki I love you, please wake up.”
I held her hand and saw this ring in her ring finger. I remembered that ring; it’s the ring I give to her, it's a ring I received from my grandmother, it’s her memento. After all these years they’re separated…Yuki still kept that ring I gave her on the night they vowed to be together forever. I always had that ring around my neck as a necklace underneath my clothes instead so no one would be able to see it. After I feel Yuki’s dead body in my arms, I feel like the world inside me collapsed, tears flowed down my cheeks…I just feel like wanting to die…
~RAWR~
I heard a loud roar from outside. This demonic aura…it’s the same one that I felt right after Yuki’s presence disappeared. Then I saw this huge flying demon in the sky through the broken glass walls behind the king’s throne. It’s so huge and it’s completely black…it’s like a dragon…a beast? Or a chimera…It has wings and tail…Wait, this doesn’t look right.
~BOOOOOOOOM~
The mysterious flying beast released a huge flamethrower from its mouth and burned everything on the battlefield…both humans and non-humans were burned into crisp. W-What is that demon!? It’s not siding with any…it’s killing every living beings in its way…without any mercy.
“W-What is going on…?”
The ring from Yuki’s finger glowed lightly. It resonated with my ring. Then suddenly I could hear words echoing in my head. I recognize this voice; it’s my beloved Yuki’s voice…
“…Jurina…”
“Yuki…?”
I could feel Yuki’s presence. I could feel the tinge of soul left from the ring. Further than that, it felt like her feelings have pass through the ring to me. Her final memories and feelings…I inherited it from her. Tears rolled down my face. Yuki’s final wish had been passed on to me. Somehow, it gave me hope to live on. Right, if I die here, Yuki would be so angry that I didn’t fulfill her final wish.
“…I’ll always be with you forever, I will protect human race that you love, so please rest in peace.”
I bend down and kissed my sleeping beauty for one last time before I wiped my tears away. The taste of blood from Yuki’s lips…the memory of the taste carved down into my very heart. I placed that cold body gently onto the floor and covered her with my black coat. That’s the most I could do for her. Yuki’s ring was now in my hand, and I put it together with mine. The proof of our love shall be together for eternity and never be separated again. I stood up and stared out towards the flying demon in the sky that was attempting to kill every single living being on this land…I have one final thing I have to do, I have to fulfill Yuki’s final wish. Only thing I could rely on was this unique ability of mine…even it’s going to cost my very life, I have to fulfill her wish no matter what.
“…Please wait for me, I’ll bring the end to this.”
XXX
[…500 YEARS…]
XXX
~POURING SNOW~
The city filled with buildings and crowded with humans. Loud sounds of traffic were everywhere in the streets. So much pollution in this world…So many things had changed ever since the outbreak war 500 years ago…
Yes, I’m still alive until now. I ended the war for the sake of non-human and human race…after I killed the one that's important to my life. I lost the two that were closed to my heart...I had none left. I lived too long that Akane had passed away already...even my mother.It's all because I absorbed all majority of its energy, I ended up making myself becoming immortal. I was offered to become the next Witch Empress but refused. I didn’t give a crap of it anymore after Yuki’s death. Then I was granted this new title and became sort of like a hero to both races. After I entered negotiation with humans and then we created a peaceful partnership with one another.
We non-humans lived in our own land, while humans lived in their own land. There would be some non-humans living within the human community as well, just like me right now. The rule that prohibited non-humans to harm humans played a huge significant role to control imbecile non-humans from doing stupid things. Hundreds of years passed by…majority of humans had forgotten the existence of us non-humans. It’s quite a beneficial thing since there wouldn’t be any war ever again…that’s what I hope for.
I travelled for many hundreds of years…I’ve been to so many places, and lived in different periods…and right now, I’m living in Japan, as Jurina, my same old name. As long as I remain suppressing my witch powers, my eyes would always remain brown and no one will ever be able to identify I’m a non-human. I didn’t plan to return back to my non-human land, I wanted to observe and learn what made Yuki wanted to protect human race so much…I guess being with humans made me feel rather close to my beloved princess.
I extended my palm out and felt the coldness of the snow on my hand. Right, it’s winter season right now. I remember that in Japanese language, snow is called…
“…Yuki.”
I touched our rings that I was wearing around my neck. I’ve been living all alone for 500 years. In this lonely world. But at least I fulfilled Yuki’s wish. I saved human race…right now, there would always be peace. I would continue to protect and maintain the borders of human and non-human race until the last of my breath. That’s the only thing I could do for my beloved princess. I did changed through out these 500 years…I’m now a full-grown adult. I’m no longer a candidate to become Witch Empress anymore, but I’m now an Eternal Lord of non-human race. Even the Witch Empress herself was even inferior to me…weird isn’t?
I keep walking aimlessly and then I saw this mysterious teenage girl walking on top of the frozen river. I believed that the ice wouldn’t be that strong to withstand her weight. Then I saw this little dog trembling in the middle of the river.
“I see…saving the poor dog huh?”
The girl kept walking and then she finally reached the dog and carried it in her arms. “Don’t worry, I’ve come to save you.” I observed her, right about she’s going to walk back, what I thought really did happen. The ice below her shattered.
~BREAK~
“Oh no!”
She was caught off guard and suddenly she threw the dog away from her and it did reached the land. It made me surprised that she’s risking so much to just save this little god. She drowned in the frozen river and suddenly she disappeared.
“Geez…what a troublesome child.”
I took off my coat and then leaped to the hole she disappeared. I saw this drowning girl at the bottom of the river and went to save her. That instance I caught a picture of her face clearly. It made me stunned. Her long black hair, and smooth skin…it just looked like…
~WHOOSH~
I shattered the ice surface and got out from the freezing water. I didn’t feel that cold, but I don’t think it’s good for this poor girl. I placed her body gently on the ground underneath the bridge so no one would spot us. Then I activated my powers as my eyes laminated in lavender color. The chains gently wrapped around the girl’s frozen body. The energy from me flowed into her to warm her body. For few seconds later, she coughed the water she swallowed into her lungs and slowly regained her conscious. Why? She just looked too much like her…she looked so similar and gave the same aura as Yuki, that princess-like aura.
“…I guess this should work.”
“Nngh…”
The girl twitched as she slowly opened her eyes. She looked up to me and made eye contact with my pure lavender eyes.
“Ah…what about the puppy!?”
The girl immediately sprung up as soon as she regained her conscious. She’s really concerned of that puppy more than herself? What a selfless human…it’s been a long while since I met one; she’s just so similar to my beloved Yuki.
“The puppy is good as new. You saved it.” The puppy was right beside my body and then he jumped onto the teenage girl’s arm.
“He seemed to like you.”
I stood up and then released the chain from her body. She could feel those chains and stared at it as it slowly disappeared into the floor.
“You may go, be more careful next time if you don’t want to die so young…little girl.”
“Ah…thank you.”
She thanked me with that weak voice from her throat. I was a little surprised as she slowly stood up and didn’t actually run away like how other people I helped did. Normally my chains that seemed to just disappear into the ground and my lavender eyes would terrify them. But she wasn’t at the slightest at all. I didn’t see any hesitation in her light brown eyes at all.
“Are you not afraid of me?”
“Eh…but you saved me…AH! You’re drenched! Are you okay?”
“I’m good, care about yourself more.”
“No, you’re freezing aren’t you--”
The moment she touched my body, I’m certain she could tell that my body was very cold like ice. Yet I still looked fine. I’m not human after all.
“Y-You’re body is so cold…”
“Sorry to disappoint you, I’m not human.”
“Oh…I guess you’re right. No one will have lavender eyes if it’s not contact lens…and even those weird chains…Oh, I’m sorry for talking to myself like that.”
She suddenly apologized to me; she did catch my attention a little. It was the first time in 500 years that a human wasn’t afraid of me.
“Ah…I’m so drenched yet I feel so warm.”
She could feel that the puppy was actually colder than her when it’s supposed to be opposite. She could feel the heat emitted her body. It’s obvious. She had received a portion of my energy after all. But then she seemed to catch something and looked at me with those curious eyes.
“Miss…why do you look sad?”
“…Do I?”
She nodded. “Yes…eh, did something happen?”
She came close to me and then we both made a deep eye contact. That instance I felt a strong surge of bond with this mysterious teenage girl. I caught me off guard and wondered what’s wrong with me.
“You looked really pretty though…Ah! Sorry for going out of topic, what’s your name by the way?”
“…Jurina.”
“Oh, thank you so much for saving me Jurina.”
She giggled brightly and instantly Yuki’s smile overlapped with hers. This comforting aura from this girl was just the same as the princess…I’m not hallucinating am I? Is she really…
“Oh, and my name is Matsui Rena, nice to meet you Jurina!”
“…”
I gasped with shock. So the ideas of reincarnation was actually true isn’t? This girl, Matsui Rena, she was indeed Yuki’s reincarnation. Heh, things like this do happen don’t they? Since it’s been 500 years already…since Yuki died. Now I wondered will I meet with Mayu’s reincarnation or not…I hope I do.
“Nice to meet you…Rena.”
“Hehe! Why not you come over to my place to dry yourself first? I live alone so don’t worry about you being non-human.”
She replied so simple as if the fact that I’m a non-human was like a joke. This girl, Rena, was just ridiculously insane…I guess that’s what to expect from Yuki’s reincarnation after all. She gave me this pleading cute eyes, I could tell she wanted me to accept her offer.
“…Will you?”
“Alright…if you insist.”
“Yay!”
She yelped with utmost content. I could see it from her face. She’s really happy. What a genuine expression. I gave her my coat since I didn’t need it. I insisted for her to wear it to keep her and the little dog warm from this horrendous winter.
“Wow…the coat is so warm…you’re so kind to me. Just like what I thought, you’re a good person after all!”
That smile…it’s been a while someone gave me that smile after I had no one left. For 500 years alone, this was the first time I felt comforted by another living being once again. To meet a human like Rena, I guess it’s my luck this time. She brought the dog back and Rena walked side by side with me, talking so casually like I’m a human.
But I still do hate humans…they’re fragile and have short lifespan. However…I started to feel like my life has a purpose now. Even just for a short while, it’s the very first time I felt like I wanted to do something…and its that I wanted to protect Rena.
For the least I could do. I failed to protect Yuki and even Mayu… I’m just making myself felt comforted from that despair…this time without fail, I’ll look after this young girl for the rest of her life. I guess that’s the least I could do as long as I’m still living. It shouldn’t be a problem…since I’m immortal.
My life continues…my life clock had stop moving, with the unknown future ahead of me. Only I could just keep live on…hoping to not lose my mind yet.
Book I: [The Pure Blood of Solitude]
~BOOK CLOSED~
jell_o_jello: Oh wow, XD, glad you enjoy it! MaYuki would be much stronger in Mayu's arc since she would high likely to talk about Yuki most of the time.
Wmatsui22: Glad you enjoy it! XD Finally got to update~ Took me quite a while to write Yuki's Book.
TTLuver497: Yesh ma'am~ here it is! Hope it's good as Jurina's book~
Zita: Oh wow, twice? >< I'm so flattered you enjoyed it! Never thought my fic could become something addictive, XD now you made my day~
Here it is! Yukirin's story book! We shall know more secrets from Yukirin's side... :fap Hope it's good as Book I, and please do enjoy!
(http://31.media.tumblr.com/55d8e83b3985ab146e9577955df144e7/tumblr_mrs8a8R2It1r9ba5jo3_1280.jpg)
POSTER CREDITS: To Sherin-san! :bow:
Book II: [The Unwavering Soul of Hope]
I couldn’t choose to be born as a princess of Quercus, but I don’t regret that. Because I’m the princess…I was granted the power to make the change. I’ve grown into a full pledge adult and I will use this authority to lead the revolution of the world. I will make peace and unity with non-humans, as I’ll become the first Queen ruling over the kingdom of Quercus.
“Your highness…” My handsome butler came to see me and she brought snacks with her into my room. “I brought snacks for you.”
“Thank you Sae.” I got up and walked towards her. “How’s father right now?”
“His majesty is resting ma’am…his condition isn’t getting better yet at all.”
“I see…” I sighed as my father, the King of Quercus, he had fallen ill a week ago. There were rumors that he was poisoned by me, which never I would do something so low like that…we’re suspecting that there’s someone trying to kill his majesty because they wanted to take the throne. “When will the next meeting starts?”
“In 2 hours ma’am. I shall prepare your dress before the meeting.”
“Thank you Sae.”
My butler girl, she always looked after my back. Probably she’s the only one in the castle that I could trust that wouldn’t stab my back. I prepared myself for the meeting and obviously it was about this outbreak war with the non-human race. Every time I thought about non-humans…I thought about them, how long had it been since I met them…I miss them so much, I miss both Mayu and Jurina.
The meeting did take so much of my time and its already late evening. I decided to go talk a walk outside the castle without letting any guards know. I looked up at the full moon, hoping that Jurina was doing the same. She always said that she loved gazing at the full moon. The moonlight reflected on the ring on my left hand, yes…it's the ring I vowed together with Jurina. After many things had happened, my feelings for her didn’t change. Just like this ring that never changed…
I remembered those moments spending time together with Jurina and Mayu back when we’re still young teenagers. They always cared for me, they were my first two friends I ever made despite they were non-humans, I don’t care. Jurina loved me…and I do love her back too.
“Jurina…Mayu…” I uttered their name softly as I only hoped but to meet them before I wouldn’t have a chance anymore.
Yes, since I’m a princess and the war was coming near…it wouldn’t be normal that a non-human would try to assassinate me. I don’t fear death, but I feared that I wouldn’t have a chance to meet those two, whom were very important to me… Then suddenly, I felt a cold presence coming closer and a small mouse turned into a human. That moment, my eyes grew wide and had this huge smile across my face. I knew who it was immediately and I ran straight up to her, it was Mayu.
“Hey…Yukirin, I didn’t expect--”
I threw my arms around her immediately. I couldn’t believe she hadn’t change much at all. Mayu looked so much the same, I guess that’s the lifespan of the witches…they lived longer than humans, so they would grow slower than us. I couldn’t hold back my tears and I cried on her shoulder, I’m being such a crybaby around her and Jurina, literally all the time. I guess I could only be myself when I’m around them.
“Mou…Yukirin, are you okay?”
“Mayuyu…It’s been so long since I saw you.”
“Yeah…you changed a lot, you’ve become so elegant.”
“Hehe, that’s so sweet of you…” I giggled and it really did reminded of our old moments together before this outbreak war. Everything was perfectly fine, like a miracle, but now, the reality struck that we’re complete enemies. “Why did you come here…? I don’t want you to get caught by the guards.”
“Don’t worry, I can transform into a mouse whenever I want…I just wanted to meet you.” Mayu smiled to me and I couldn’t help but to be happy that she came this far just to see me. But I couldn’t shake the suspicion that there might be a reason why she actually came here.
“…I miss you too, and Jurina as well.” I replied while I held her hand. “How’s she been doing? It must be hard…since she’s the next Witch Empress.”
“Yes… Onee-sama was suffering with these consequences…so do I. We don’t want to open the war against your people.” Mayu gripped my hand tighter and I could tell from her eyes, she’s not lying to me at the slightest. “Please…believe us.”
“Of course silly, I believe you two…I want us to be together again like it used to be back then…”
“…Yeah, I miss those times.”
“But Mayu…there must be a reason you came here, tell me.” I asked and it made Mayu flinched. I knew something wasn’t right. She could’ve come to visit me if she wanted during the past years we never met, but none of those siblings came. I knew very well what was the reason, but why now out of a sudden?
“Tell me, please.”
“…In few days, we’re having a conference, onee-sama will attend as well. Likely, we non-humans were about to strike soon.”
“I see…the war is inevitable to the very end…isn’t?”
I questioned and I could see that uneasy expression across her face. Mayu must also felt uneasy as well. I grew and changed quite much, but Mayu didn’t at all. I wondered whether it’s the same for Jurina as well. At insane moments like this, I want to meet her for one last time. Who knows? I might die in few days…
Suddenly, Mayu grabbed on my shoulder’s tightly and made me flinched with confusion. Her determined eyes that pierced into my soul made me relaxed at ease. “I’ll protect you Yuki…on the day of war, I’ll come here, and I’ll protect you.”
“H-Huh?”
“I’m the 2nd child, the one that lives in onee-sama’s shadow, even I’m participating in this war, no one will recognize me…I’ll use that chance to come to you, and protect you.”
“But that’s--”
“I won’t let you die.”
Mayu interrupted me with a strong tone and slowly backed away. “Your eyes clouded with death just now is makes me pissed. Don’t make that kind of eye again…it doesn't suit you at all.”
“…Thank you, Mayuyu.”
I let out a sigh to calm myself down. Mayu was right. I shouldn’t be prepared for death. I must confront it and keep living. The future I’ll create will be the future that Mayu, Jurina and I could be together once again.
“Don’t worry about me, I won’t die.”
“…I’m glad to hear that. Also, I have to leave now…” Mayu looked up into the sky as she decided she should leave before she would get caught. I agreed with her and it’s about time that she needed to go before the guards might find us.
“Good bye Yukirin…”
“Mayu, please tell Jurina something for me…”
“…Yes?” Mayu asked with a warm smile that comforted me.
“Please tell her that I…always love her until now, and I still remember our promise we made.”
“…Will do.” She nodded before she transformed into a mouse and disappeared into the darkness.
I stared up at the moon and sighed once again. When I thought about my feelings again, I didn’t want to die after all. I wanted to live; I wanted to be with Jurina and Mayu once again like in the past. It was the best moments of my life, it’s a paradise…and I wanted to make that real. Jurina and I made a promise with each other, that we would create a world that humans and non-humans could live together. I needed that to happen, I must. Therefore…I couldn’t afford to die now.
-
According to Mayu’s warning, I knew that the war would start within few days. The king was well aware with the movements of the non-humans and started to gather soldiers to protect Quercus Kingdom from invasion. This would be the war that decided the fate of both humans and non-humans. We also received a letter from the non-human side about their invasion, as they planned to make this war fair and annihilated human race fair and square. There’s no way we could prevent this war at all…Jurina, what can we do…what can I do to help you? I don’t have the power to do anything; unlike Mayu and Jurina, they have the power to change the world, I know they can do it…but I don’t have that kind of gift like them.
“Your highness.” Sae came into my room in the middle of the night. “It is tomorrow now…”
“Yes, I know.” I replied to her, as she seemed to have this dreadful expression on her face. It must be fear; it would be normal for everyone to fear death and destruction when one knew that it’s right up ahead of them. I am too; I fear annihilation of human race. “Don’t worry…let’s believe in the future.”
“…You really have a strong heart, Yuki-chan.” Sae smiled as she called my name. The last time she did was when we’re still little kids, but after I’ve became full-pledge princess, she served me as a butler and started calling me ‘your highness’ instead. It did catch me off guard, but I didn’t dislike it at all. “I’m sorry for being rude but…I really wanted to call you by your name again, in case I don’t have a chance anymore.”
“Don't worry, please just call me Yuki. Don’t be my butler, just be my friend like in the past…just for tonight.” I asked and she nodded silently with that smile across her face.
Sae was like an older sister to me as she always looked after me all the time until now. I couldn’t thank her more than enough. She stayed by my side for the night as I enjoyed my last slumber before the outbreak war tomorrow night…
-
I was running in the hallway and then and then I barged into the throne hall. What I saw was blood everywhere. There was this demon there as well, in a beast form and it was covered with blood. However, I saw a human standing there too, with a relaxing expression…
I recognize the person who was confronting the demon right now…that’s…Mayu? That person behind her was me…!?
“How dare you betray us…!? Betray the non-human race!?”
“I don't care…never I give a damn who will win …you’re just a mere substitute, don’t think so highly of yourself.” The demon responded to Mayu and it made her flinched back. “Die…and withered into the shadows of your sister.”
~STAB~
It’s hand extended and then it was aiming…at me? Then suddenly, Mayu took the blow and was stabbed through her chest. “A-Ah…”
“Mayu!! No…Mayu! You can’t die!” I ran towards he rand caught Mayu’s body before she’s going to collapse on to the ground. My eyes started to go teary as she kept bleeding nonstop.
“Yu…ki…” She replied weakly and caressed my cheek. “I…”
NO! I can’t watch this…No…I couldn’t believe this. “Mayu don’t die on me! You can’t die yet…!”
“I’m…sor…ry…” Mayu’s hand dropped to her side as she lost her breath. My watery eyes grew wide with shock of the warm dead body right before my eyes.
“If you die…then what’s the damn hell purpose of my objective this far!?” I broke down into tears and brushed off the hair from her face. “MAYU!!!”
-
~THUD!~
I suddenly woke up from my bed in the middle of the dawn. Did I have a nightmare? No…it didn't felt like it. It was like; I’m having a premonition again. I broke into sweat and got up from my bed. I saw Sae lying down on the floor beside my bed, oh right she slept here with me. Since today was the day of the war…but what was with that dream? I saw Mayu…got killed in the throne room of Quercus castle…how is that possible for her to be here?
“I’ll protect you Yuki…on the day of war, I’ll come here, and I’ll protect you.”
“D-Don’t tell me…” I froze with shock as it all matched up with my dream, with my premonition. Mayu did come, but she got killed here. “No…I can’t let that happen!”
But wait, I just remembered another thing. There was a human there as well…I recognize that clothing very well, it was one of the strategists in our castle. He was with that demon…wait, how was that possible!?
“Don’t tell me…someone’s planning for betrayal in Quercus?” I got up and changed my outfit immediately. I’m not even bother to wear my princess attire anymore. I wore my casual clothes that I always used to go outside the castle, since it might be the last day of my life. I woke Sae up for her to get ready and we headed to the throne hall immediately, I have to confront and discuss about this matter with the king, my father.
“Yuki, what’s a matter?”
“Father…I have something to discuss with you.” I asked all the guards and everyone to leave the throne hall in order to have this private discussion with the king. As I told him about my premonition that there was a traitor within the royal strategist team of Quercus, my father couldn’t hold back his shocking expression. “We have to do something father…”
“I couldn’t believe this…is this true?”
“I believe it’s my another premonition sir.” I replied firmly and my father knew very well that my premonition was always accurate, because he believed in me, that am why the kingdom of Quercus managed to became this prosperous. I started to have this weird ability ever since the war declaration started…I still wondered why it just came to me.
“Father…we can’t let this happen!”
“I understand your feelings Yuki. Allow me to manage with this problem.” The king gave his words to me, and there’s nothing I could do. “Go back and have a rest…”
“Father…Please take care too.” I replied him, as I believe that was my last words that I would like to give to him in case something had happened.
I left the throne hall with a soft sigh. There was Sae waiting for me at the front of the room. We decided to have a walk around the castle, and visited some places nostalgic places that I used to be when I was still a little kid. Such as places behind the castle, I always sneaked out there with Sae and played with other maid’s kids. It brought me back nostalgic feelings of being a normal child. But there are so many places I wanted to go…such as a place where I first met with Jurina and Mayu. But I knew that very well that currently, that town didn’t exist anymore…it was destroyed as a result of human and non-human fights.
“Yuki, I believe we should return soon now.” Sae looked at the watch and then I realized the sun was about to set soon. The war was about to start soon, and father was likely to be busy with dealing with the troops and the premonition I gave him.
“I guess I should return back to my room and get change.”
“Change? Why so?” Sae got confused.
“…I will fight as well. That’s the least I could do.” As I spoke up, Sae completely showed sign of disagreement with me immediately. She shook her head argued back at me.
“You can’t do that! You’re the princess…!”
“But I can’t just sit down and watch everyone fight!”
“That’s our job, not yours.”
Sae still stood firm to her stance and didn’t approve me joining the fight by her side with others. “Yuki…you have something you could do, and that is to live! You can’t afford to put yourself at risk…”
“Sae…”
“Believe me, trust me, and your soldiers that we’ll win.” Her smile gave me hope and I wanted to trust it. I wanted to trust Sae’s smile. Eventually I gave up on arguing with her and it made her let out a huge smile of relief. “Thank you, Yukirin.”
“Oh wow…it’s been so long since you called my name like that.”
“Well~ At least I want to call you by that name again.” She giggled and then held my hand. “Shall we go in now?”
“Yeah.” I held Sae’s hand back and then we walked back into the castle.
She escorted me back to my room. I decided to take a shower after I’ve been walking around outside for the whole entire day with Sae. I picked my favorite attire that allowed me to move around easily. While I was enjoying my (probably) last shower, Sae had prepared snacks and drinks for me.
“It’s your favorite cake today.” She smiled to me as she was sitting on the chair waiting for me to come out from the bathroom.
“Thank you Sae, let’s eat it together?”
“Sure~” She giggled as after I wore my clothes, I went to join her at the table to eat my favorite strawberry shortcake and a warm milk tea. The tea smelled really good but then I didn’t felt that well. As if I’m suspecting something was inside this tea. “Hm…”
“What is it?”
“I felt like there’s something in this tea.” My premonition could be a huge problem sometimes since I would always doubt things out of blue, but majority of the time it turned out to be accurate. So I decided to trust my instinct. “Did you put something in it?”
“Hehe, as expected from Yukirin.” She smiled at me. “It’s nothing serious, I put some caramel scent to make it smell better.”
I tried sniffled it and I really did smell caramel from the milk tea, oh, no wonder it taste a little better than usual. “Ah~ no wonder, thank you Sae.”
“No worries! Yukirin’s instinct is always accurate. I bet you would pick it up.” She giggled at me as she had her cake but she didn’t touch her tea at all. I’m a good observer so I realized that oddness. Usually Sae would drink tea while eating cake, but not this time.
“Sae--”
I was about to ask her but then I felt so dizzy and felt so weak, that was when I realized that Sae didn’t just put only caramel in my tea, I was drugged by her. “S-Sae…why…!?”
“I’m sorry Yukirin. I have to.”
I could see the slight painful expression over her fake smile. “Its his majesty’s order…in order to protect your life.”
Why father wanted to protect my life now? I tried to move but then I accidently brushed the cup off the table. I could hear the sound of the cup broke into pieces but I could barely move and lift my eyelids up now…I’m losing my conscious…
No…I…Ju…rina…
-
Ugh…Where am I…
I slowly opened my eyes again and I was lying on the bed. I could hear noises from outside. I wandered my glance around and saw that the sky was dark outside…Wait! The war--!
I jumped out from bed and opened the curtains. I couldn’t see anything as the windows were covered well covered with metal. “Are you serious…!?”
I rushed to the door and then tried to open but it didn’t barge an inch. I banged my hands on the door but it was futile. I couldn’t believe father ordered Sae to drugged me in order to save my life. What did Sae meant by father trying to protect me…W-Wait!
“Don’t tell me…it’s because I told father about my premonition…so he confined me!? Then---”
I froze, I couldn’t believe what my thoughts were leading to, but what appeared in my head was the premonition dream I had regarding Mayu’s death…I came too late to the throne hall and…I saw Mayu got killed. “No… I-It’s impossible! NO!”
I tried to look around for weapons to break the door, but then I didn’t find anything. I started to lose hope…but I keep telling myself not to. If I lost hope now, Mayu would die. I can’t afford her to die. I made a promise with Jurina…!
“Please…if there’s miracle…let me out from here. I have to save Mayu!”
I wondered why at a situation like this, I recalled the past with Jurina, it was back then that we made a promise with each other…
-
FLASHBACK:
I was sitting with Jurina in the isolated forest, just only the two of us…it’s a night we decided to vow our love for each other. We sat by this mystic pond that laminated softly only when it was a full moon…and it was a full moon on that day.
“Yuki, I’ve decided!”
“Hm? What is it?” I replied as I was leaning on Jurina’s shoulder while we’re gazing at the moonlight at this small beautiful pond that glowing softly.
“After I’ve become Empress… I wanted to create peace with humans.” She replied firmly before she put her arm around me to pull me in closer to her. “Let’s do it together…will you?”
“Of course silly…I wanted to live peacefully with you.” I smiled with content, as it was my dream to live in a world with Jurina without having to hide from everyone. I wanted to announce to the whole world, that my lover is a witch.
“A world with peace between humans and non-humans…it sounds like a fairytale doesn't?”
“Yeah it does, but I’ll make it happen.” She raised her hands up towards the moon. “I wanted to give Mayu a better world to live in…”
That was when I realized that Jurina’s goal to reunited the human and non-human race was for Mayu’s sake. Since Mayu was the 2nd child, she would always lived under Jurina’s shadow, and acted as a substitute for her. Jurina wanted to save her sister from that despair… the determination in her eyes told me how serious Jurina was. I was so moved by her determination; I guess that’s why I had fallen in love with this lovely witch.
“I see…so that was your reason.”
“B-But of course! I did this for our sake too…I wanted to announce to the whole world that you’re my lover, without having to hide anymore.” She suddenly got frustrated and I couldn’t hold back my laugh at her cute-side at all. Especially…she said exactly the same thing that I thought. We really do share alike minds.
“Oh silly, I’m not angry at you! I’m just moved by how your eyes were filled with determination…you’re the best sister that anyone could’ve ask.”
“No I’m not…my existence made Mayu suffered so many things. Because I…” Jurina paused and didn’t continue.
I asked her but she shook her head, denying telling me the truth. I insisted her and finally she spilled the beans on me. It made her sighed softly and decided to continue. “I took away her lover…”
“Eh? Who?” I asked with confusion and it made Jurina pouted at me.
“…She loves you. Mayu is also in love with you.” Jurina looked away with those childish puffed cheeks. Was she jealous? I think I understand why she didn’t want to tell me since it’s quite awkward to tell your lover that your younger sister was in love with you. But I actually knew for quite a while already.
“I knew it already…”
“R-Really? When?”
“Not telling~”
“Mou…Yuki! Tell me.”
“You’re too cute Jurina.” I cupped her face before I pecked her lips softly. “It doesn’t really matter, isn’t? Right now, I love you…with all my heart.”
I could see Jurina blushed badly and made that cute childish face. “Mou…you’re teasing me again.”
“Because you’re too cute!” I giggled before I think I should get a little more serious.
I turned to Jurina, made an eye contact with her, and it had her attention towards me. She could tell me from my eyes that I’m getting a little more serious right now. “Mayu is also like a little sister to me, she’s also really important to me. I promise I’ll help you. We’ll create a world that humans and non-humans can live together…for Mayu’s sake as well.”
“Yuki…thank you, that is our promise.” Jurina rested her forehead on mine gently.
“Yes, that’s our eternal promise.” I replied her and then we slowly closed the gap between our lips.
I remembered that night very well. Many things happened like it was just a dream. Even until now, I still kept that promise, and I believe Jurina did the same. We will create the world of peace, for our sake…and especially, for Mayu’s sake.
-
“I can’t let Mayu die! Please Jurina, give me strength…!” I slammed my hand on the door and suddenly the light from my ring glowed. It was the ring I got from Jurina, and suddenly, the exploded the door into pieces. I couldn’t believe my eyes, it was like a miracle, the power from the ring Jurina gave me responded to my plead.
I was deeply involved with supernatural things already after since I had a witch lover, nothing was that surprising to me anymore. I ran out from the room and rushed up the throne hall immediately. Before I reached my destination, I felt the pain rushed into my head and voices echoed loudly.
[No matter how much you change…death…will always be there.]
“U-Ugh…!” I stumbled softly, but I ignored those words. I had more things to concern as I’m about to reach the throne hall right now.
~THUD!~
I pushed the door widely and miraculously; everyone was still alive in the room. Mayu wasn’t there either. The king and Sae were completely stunned to see successfully got out from the closed room. “Father!”
“Y-Yuki…!?” Sae was shocked as much as my father was. I ran to his side immediately with slight anger he left me out from this war.
“We can still escape now! Father you have to believe me!”
“…No we can’t.” He replied back to me and made me stumbled.
For some reason, I started throwing my glances everywhere and I saw the royal tacticians all-present there. I remembered that I told my father that one of the betrayers was a royal tactician yet he…he still brought them all here. Everything was somehow going according to my premonition. “Why…?” I looked back at him and I could see sadness in his face. “Father…?”
“It’s impossible to do as you say Yuki…it’s inevitable.”
“No…!”
“What are you referring to? Your highness.” One of the royal tacticians called me, as I turned to make an eye contact with him, I froze instantly as I recognize that face…it was the face of that man who was standing beside the demon…he was the one…the betrayer of Quercus. “Your highness, is something a matter?”
“You…it’s you!!” I ran in and grabbed the man’s collar shirt up. I caused a commotion in the throne hall and then Sae came in to stop me. “You’re the betrayer! You joined forces with a demon to betray Quercus!”
“I believe your highness had went through a lot of fear from this war…” He lied and then it made me much more angrier, I shook myself away from Sae and then glared at him with all the hatred I had. It was because of him…everyone died, including Sae, my father, and Mayu. “You don’t have to glare at me like that…your highness.”
“I know all your scheme…you planned to overthrow the kingdom by cooperating with river spirits…” I started to remember the image of my premonition clearly; I remembered that non-human type from one of the books Jurina gave to me. That demon…she was a river spirit, Ecantado.
“My premonition is always right! I won’t mistake the betrayer for certain…it’s definitely you.” I pointed at him and this time father sided with me, he believed in my premonition and started to doubt in this man.
“Is that true?” He glared at the man and then before any words could be uttered.
Everyone could definitely hear a sound of battle coming closer to the throne hall. As I turned to the door, I saw two creatures appeared, and I definitely recognize that person very well. Her black hair flushed in the wind and with those violet eyes glowing radiantly. She struck her fist down on another creature and caused it to crash onto the ground mercilessly.
“Mayu!!” I yelped out her name as she actually came, and she’s still alive! As I turned to look at that creature she punched, it was actually that water spirit that was an ally with the betrayer.
“You’re too suspicious…I’ll kill you here once and for all.” Mayu tightened her fist as the water demon dissolved away and appeared right beside the man I confirmed who was a traitor. Everything was going according to my premonition, and I changed the future.
Right now, we’re having the upper hand! Mayu rushed to my side and I could see that cheeky smile across her face. “I’ve come as I promise…I’ll protect you.”
“Mayu…!”
“Hmph…I hadn’t expected you to see this future…your highness.” The man giggled maliciously before he looked back up at me. “I was deeply aware of your premonition. I guess everything went according to my prediction.”
“Why are you doing this!?” Sae yelled but it made him giggled even more.
“Obviously…I want to overthrow the kingdom of Quercus. It took me so long in order to infiltrate into the royal position. Over countless of years…” One of his eyes changed color into blue. It was the same eye color as the water demon. That meant that he was also…a demon?
“Y-You’re a demon!?” One of the guards uttered with fear and pointed his weapon towards them.
“I’m not a demon, yet not a human…” He giggled as more water demons appeared around him. “Let’s say…I’m a half demon.”
“A half-demon…”
Mayu muttered softly as she couldn’t believe what she was hearing as much as other humans in the throne hall were. She knew that to be a half-demon, that wasn’t accepted by humans or non-humans, only a terrible life awaited for them only. It seemed, he was one of them as well.
“What is your real objective out of this!” Mayu glared back and he started to chuckle softly to himself.
“I don't give a damn with humans…and non-humans…if I drenched myself in human blood, I’ll turned into a full-pledged demon.” He smiled as ordered the river spirits to tackle and kill the guards immediately. Blood spattered on the ground and all over the river spirit. That was when they started to giggle insanely.
“Kill them all! I need more blood to taint myself!”
“Like I will allow you!!” Mayu coated her hands with her demonic aura and then it increased her speed and the power of her strikes. She struck one down before it could kill another guard down.
“Maybe I might not be able to kill the royal blood witch…but how long could you stay protecting them?”
He giggled and then I realized that he was trying to kill father and me. I could see him pointing at me. Then those river spirits leaped towards my direction. Mayu couldn’t make it on time but then I got pushed away by Sae. Before I realized it again, she got stabbed through her chest and started to suffocate by her own blood. I froze with shock as Mayu rushed in immediately and drove that spirit away to set Sae free.
“S-Sae!!”
I caught her before she fell onto the ground, but then blood was everywhere, even all over my arms. She was still breathing softly, and I could hear her trying to speak to me. “Sae…”
“Yu…ki…rin…”
“Yes I’m here…!”
“Thank god…you’re…safe…” She coughed more blood and it made me even worried about her. But it was so fast, she lost her breath, her hands dropped down to her side and that’s when I realized that her body was completely listless. That was when I realized…life is so fragile…
“Sae…!”
“Yukirin! You have to run! There’s no time to grieve now!”
Mayu snapped me back to reality. I bid my lips, as I had no choice but to leave Sae’s body on the floor and worried about myself. My father ran towards me and we’re about to escape from this throne hall, with the survived guards and Mayu protecting us. If we managed to escape…then we’ll change the future I saw…! Everyone will live, I can’t afford for anyone to die here.
“I won’t let you go ANYWHERE!!!” The man shrieked loudly and turned the water spirits into countless water lances in the sky. He threw it all towards us but then Mayu came to take it all.
There was an invisible barrier protected Mayu and us at the same time. But then suddenly…those spears exploded and caused Mayu’s barrier to shatter. That allowed the left over attacks to come towards us.
“Your highness!!”
The guards pushed father and me down onto the ground and took the blow instead. They sacrificed themselves for us and that’s why I started to realize the taste of how dreadful the war was…pain brings more pain…it was an endless vicious cycle. So this is the taste of war…!
“Yukirin! H-Hurry!!!” I could hear Mayu yelled and then as I had my eyes on her again, I could see her terribly wounded from the explosion. She took majority of the explosions to save us, but unfortunately she couldn’t take all of it. If it kept going on like this, Mayu will… “Stop thinking and just run!!”
“Mayu!”
“I guess royal blood could die too…I never though you will be this weak, as expected from a piece of shadow from Princess Jurina.” He mocked Mayu’s existence and it even pained me so much. I got angry and stood up against him, I couldn’t forgive anyone for mocking Mayu like that.
“Mayu is strong! Everyone keeps suppressing her talents, that’s why no one ever see how much she could shine!!”
“Y-Yukirin…”
“Hehe, then how about you join me? Since you’re being discriminated by your own people yourself…how is that different from a half-demon like me?”
He asked Mayu and it made everyone flinched. He giggled maliciously and gave Mayu a deal with him. “How about you decided to join me, and I’ll spare your life…”
“Forget about that.” Mayu spat back at him. “I don’t plan to make myself go down that low…I’m the royal descendant of the witch clan, even I’m just a mere shadow, but I’ll never tainted the name of the clan.”
I was so proud of Mayu that she said like that, and it made the man truly unsatisfied. He glared back at us and used another water spirit to form a pole arm in his hand.
“I guess I’ll have to kill you useless tool!!” He threw towards Mayu, and she successfully blocked it, but then again, it exploded, and it was much far worse than the last time and it caused her to flinch back. “Die…and withered into the shadows of your sister.”
“Die…and withered into the shadows of your sister.”
The words from my dream echoed into my head as my body reacted to itself. I jumped towards Mayu and then I didn’t realize there was another water pole arm flying towards us…
~STAB~
I could feel something pierced through my stomach. It was terribly painful…I coughed blood out from my mouth and then my vision started to get blurry…
“YUKI!!!!”
I heard Mayu’s voice screamed my name loudly as the lance inside my body dissolved away. I could feel warm arms caught me before I would fell onto the ground. I slowly looked up and I could see Mayu broke into tears badly. Her tears fell onto my face as I realized again that I jumped in to take the blow instead of Mayu…
[No matter how much you change…death…will always be there.]
The words that echoed in my head seemed to repeat in my mind again. When I thought about it…it made sense…no matter how much I wanted to change…death would always be there at that place…so…it’s either Mayu die…or I die…isn’t?
“W-Why do you have to do something STUPID like that! IDIOT!”
Mayu yelled at me and cried even harder. I’m satisfied now…I managed to save her life…even a helpless mortal like me could do something. “Please…you can’t die…! How am I suppose to face Jurina now!?”
“Mayu…it’s…okay…”
“No it’s not! I haven’t told you my feelings…!” Her voice was wobbly and trembling. I reached out to her and caressed her cheek softly.
“Yuki…you can't die like this…I love you!”
“I know…for so long…”
I smiled back to her as I tried to brush those tears from her watery eyes softly. “Thank you…Mayu.”
The man giggled as he really enjoyed watching the current scene right now. “How pitiful…it’s so sad to be a mortal, isn’t it your highness?” He mocked me but I barely had any mood to reply back to him. But then I could see anger in Mayu’s eyes, it was burning…burning with hatred…
“Ma…yu…” I tried to call her, but then she hugged me tightly to her chest. Suddenly, there was something different from Mayu. Her eyes were glowing brightly in red, and a huge surge of demonic aura came out from her. “No…”
Her tears, it was blood. She was crying with blood tears. I don’t feel good about this at all, everything happened in that blink of second. I heard the sound of something being sliced…sound of flesh being cut…even more dark aura came out from Mayu’s body as she shed more blood tears, and screamed to the top of her lungs…
“Ahh…AAAAHHHH!!!!!”
A huge black wing appeared from her back, and then she suddenly disappeared from the front of me.
~MUNCH~MUNCH~MUNCH~
My body felt paralyzed…I tried to look at the corner of my eye and I saw Mayu from a distance away, she was…eating the half-demon man…mercilessly…his blood spattered all over Mayu’s body and her wings. All those water spirits feared Mayu…everyone feared her…
“AAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!”
She screamed to the top of her lungs and the dark aura engulfed her entire body…. Then she pierced out from the roof of the throne hall.
~THUD~
The throne hall quivered from that impact. Mayu disappeared from my sight and everything in my vision started to get darker and darker…
[Will you regret, the future you change?]
I heard a voice again…it’s talking to me.
[No matter how much you change…death…will always be there.]
I…don’t know…whether I will regret my decision or not…but for all I’ve know…Mayu didn’t die…I…
[That young child will bring more deaths…your death, is the cause…]
But still…I can’t let Mayu die when I know it she would…so it’s better to let me stand there and let her die?
[Maybe that is one of the best alternate choices.]
I can’t do that…I can’t just stand there…and let Mayu die right in front of me…
[Can you hear? Her crying in despair…]
I heard a voice…a scream of pain as an image of this huge beast appeared right before my eyes. It’s shredding blood tears and roared hysterically in pain. I could feel the pain and despair from its roar…I recognized that presence really well…I couldn’t believe it…that humongous beast…was Mayu…
[No one can stop her…only death will.]
I saw this weird person appeared before me…she looked exactly just like Jurina, but she’s not Jurina…she had the same black hair and violet eyes as her. I think I saw her face before…right, she just looked exactly like the picture in Jurina’s pendant, and it was Jurina’s grandmother, the preceding Witch Empress.
Then I remembered that the ring I got from Jurina was a memento ring from her grandmother…
[Young mortal…you have used the power of the rings to see the future…
Do you have any regrets?]
So the reason why I have premonitions was because of you…but I don’t have any regrets…even though the choice I made will bring many pain and deaths…I did what I’m suppose to do…as a human being.
I don’t want to lose anymore hope I have right now…my hope in everything now lies…within Jurina. I don’t have any regrets.
[…I see, I shall end your pain…young mortal…]
Jurina’s grandmother slowly moved closer to me and put her hands on my forehead before I started…to…fall asleep…
[What are your last words for my granddaughter, Jurina?]
…J-Jurina…Mayu…
-
Eventually, darkness started to take over my vision and I couldn’t feel anything, and my mind was about to go into eternal sleep…I want to meet her again, if there’s reincarnation…
I only hope…destiny will guide me to you again…I want to live together with Jurina…and Mayu…just like…back then.
…Jurina…
…Please…help Mayu…
I’m sorry…I couldn’t keep our promise…
… And…I love you…
Book II: [The Unwavering Soul of Hope]
~BOOK CLOSED~
Finally I get to update this fanfic~ Here it is the 3rd book!! When I re-read it again, I just realized how angst it is...so Mayuyu fans! Don't kill me~! >.< The 4th and the 5th book should bring up some happy ending (SHOULD!) So~ please enjoy reading it! I'm not that confident with this, so I hope this book doesn't disappoint you guys! :bow:
(http://25.media.tumblr.com/f9dfc9c58c485af9e50e1218eedb4c9b/tumblr_mu72pqNOut1r9ba5jo1_1280.jpg)
POSTER CREDITS: To Sherin-san! :bow:
Book III:
[The Shadow of Despair and Jealousy]
“Did you see that child beside the princess Jurina?”
One of the royal witches in the banquet muttered to the person beside her. Obviously…I could hear them so clearly. I had good ears ever since I’m little and I heard everything that everyone said…including the voice of that people’s heart too. One might think it's a gift, but personally for me it’s a curse.
“Mayu.”
Jurina-oneesama grabbed my hand and held it tightly. I could see her sweet smile comforting me and it made my heart rest at ease…I guess it’s because we’re royal blood witches, I couldn’t hear voice from the empress and Jurina-oneesama at all. It’s because we’re blood related? I wonder… But I don’t care…to me, as long as I have Jurina-oneesama, I can go through this cursed life with a smile. She’s the only person that looked at me as another being…not as her substitute like how others see me…
~XXX~
“Mayuyu~”
I snapped as I turned to this raven girl beside me. She was staring at me with those beautiful dark orbs of hers. She’s a human. Yes, and yet she’s not afraid of Jurina-oneesama or me at all…despite we’re royal blood witches.
“Mayuyu, what are you thinking?”
She asked me and I just gave her a shrug. I didn’t bother to tell her that I was thinking about my own cursed life in the royal family. I’m merely nothing, but a substitute of Jurina-oneesama…my existence as Mayu meant nothing to this world.
“You’re lying. I can tell that!”
She giggled and pinched my cheek… O-Ow that HURTS! I pushed her hand away and it made her laugh. She sat down beside me and leaned against my shoulder. She’s the only human being that treated me like a friend…she’s indeed the first friend I ever made in my life…it’s this human, who would only call me Mayuyu…it would only be Yukirin. She would always see through my lies, she knew what I was thinking or felt. The voice of her heart…was the most beautiful voice I ever heard in my entire life. It’s just so pure and lovely. The voice of her heart totally captured my very soul.
“You got me Yukirin…I was thinking about my own cursed life as oneesama’s substitute.”
“Mou…”
She looked upset and then suddenly threw her arms around me. She pulled my head in to rest on her chest and I could hear her heart clearly. “Please don’t say something so sad like that…you’re no substitute! You’ll always be Mayuyu, my best friend!”
“Thank you Yukirin…you’re my first best friend too.”
“Hehe~” Her smile was just so angelic. It was a blessing smile that would always bring happiness to everyone around her. To both oneesama and me…we were saved by that lovely smile of Yukirin’s. She grabbed my hand and pulled me up on my feet. “So~ what should we do today?”
“Jurina-oneesama will come catch up with us at the usual spot. So we can do anything while we’re waiting…”
“How about we go walk around together! We rarely have times it’s just the only two of us hm?” Yukirin questioned and she was right.
Usually it would be the three of us, always together wherever we go. However there would only be few times that Jurina couldn’t make it out due to her status as the royal princess. Some days…it would only just be Yukirin and me. We walked into the forest and we would always come to hangout at the grassy hill that has very beautiful scenery. You could see the human village from that place. Yukirin and I would always go there together when Jurina-oneesama is late…and here we are.
“Neh Mayuyu! I learned how to do massages from one aunt at the village! Let me try test on you.”
“Hm? Okay sure.”
I accepted it and Yuki forced her to sit down on the grass. She kneeled down from behind and begun giving massages to me. Obviously it felt really good and it was the first time I received a massage. She couldn’t explain this pleasure sensation and but then suddenly, I felt a weigh against her back and it was Yukirin leaning on her back. She seemed to enjoy what she was doing and then she hugged me tightly in her arms.
“Y-Yukirin?”
“I love being with you so much~ I just felt so relaxed every time I’m with you…it’s because Mayuyu is special neh!”
~BADUMP~
I swore that I felt my face was heated up slightly. This uneasiness in my chest…what is this feeling? My mind felt like screaming out with happiness as my senses became so sensitive with Yukirin’s touch… no one ever gave me this much importance as her already. Without realizing it…tears streamed down my cheeks silently and Yukirin could definitely see that. She didn’t speak a word and just have her arms wrapped around me.
“You’re special Mayu…believe me, you are.”
“N-Nn…” I nodded in reply and that whole day… I was lying in Yukirin’s arms.
She told me that she don’t mind the day we wouldn’t be talking, since she always enjoyed being around Jurina-oneesama and me. Our presence comforted each other…As time passed by I eventually realized what’s this disturbing feeling in my chest. It’s love…I’ve fallen in love with Yuki.
But…it’s impossible for me to embrace her because…
“Sorry I’m late~!”
I looked as Jurina had finally come to catch up with us at the grassy hill and obviously I heard the change in Yuki’s heart. Her heart was pounding faster as her eyes stared at oneesama. This sound echoing from her heart…despite being human or non-human, every single being will compose this sound whenever…they’re in love. I knew from the very beginning that Yuki was secretly in love with my sister…even I couldn’t hear oneesama’s voice, I lived with her long enough to tell apart that she treated Yuki different from any being so far. Yuki is special to her…they do share mutual feelings for another.
I guess that’s why sometimes I really hate oneesama…if I’ve been born a little earlier, I wouldn’t need to have a life being called a substitute. Even for Yuki…I couldn’t match up with oneesama at all. I’m only a mere shadow of the princess. My life meant nothing if no one gave importance to it.
~XXX~
Some days…I would walk in the castle alone in the middle of the night. No one would really care of me even though I’m walking. I somehow started to have this weird pain in chest nowadays, as I mean actual pain, like, an injury. I wondered what’s wrong with me…so I often take night walks these days to relief the pain from my chest. However, I came across this one room that the lights were on. It was from one of the servant’s room but…I heard the Empress’s voice inside there.
“How is she doing now?”
The empress asked and I could hear it as clearly as if it was right beside me since I have really good hearing. “Is the seal alright?”
“Yes…so far. I believe it’s because of Haruna-sama’s seal on her. However…she started to take more night walks.”
The female servant replied and I didn’t expected to heard that name again…Haruna-sama was the name of oneesama and my aunt. She actually passed away few years after I’m born so I don’t know much about her…but I often saw a her pictures in the hallway. She’s the younger sister of our mother, who was the current Witch Empress.
“I see…please do look after Mayu. I leave her in your care, Akane.”
“Yes…your majesty.”
What are they talking about? Its about me…? Then suddenly, I felt a strong surge of pain fluctuated up from my stomach. I couldn’t hold back the cry and obviously they would catch me red-handed. I was squirming on the floor and whimpered with suffocation. I couldn’t even breathe properly, tears rolled down my eyes and then I could see Akane and empress dragged me into the room and put me on the bed. Then unbuttoned my clothes and then Akane put this black crystal on top of my chest and I could feel all the pain relieved away instantly.
“Mayu-sama…you’re not wearing the obsidian necklace today.” Akane spoke up as she put a blanket on top of me. She went to get a cold towel for me as I’m breaking into sweat.
I saw the empress standing there looking at me with that sympathy in her eyes. I looked back at her, at my mother and gathered enough strength to utter a word out. “Empress…what’s…wrong with…me?”
“…I’m sorry Mayu. If I have a choice, I didn’t want you carry this burden just like Haruna.” The empress apologized to her daughter and sat down beside her.
“Do you still want to learn the truth?”
“…Yes.”
“Your majesty…is it alright to tell Mayu-sama now?”
Akane questioned with worries as she personally thought that it’s not the time to tell the younger witch about her cursed life. “I believe it’s too early.”
“Sooner or later, Mayu will learn the truth about herself…the tragic truth.”
That was the longest night of my life. In that room, only mother and Akane were there beside me while she told me the whole tragic secret of the Royal Witches…through each generation, it’s a rule that the empress must bore at least two children, for two purposes. Usually the eldest child would be the succeeding empress. Another child, which was the most suitable one to carry huge magic capacity would be chosen to become a vessel of Leviathan…the demon that serves the Royal Witches for centuries. From the last generation, Haruna was the vessel of Leviathan, while mother, Mariko, had become the current empress. Since Jurina-oneesama is the next empress then that means…!
“As you could tell, Mayu…you bear the Leviathan within you. You do feel pain occasionally at night times don’t you?”
“…” I didn’t reply but the empress knew what I was thinking.
“But it seemed, the seal had became unstable.” She put her hand on top of my chest where I felt the pain from…then she looked back up at me. “What did you do that I didn’t know yet?”
“…!?”
“I see, so there is.”
Mother read me thoroughly like she was reading a book. “I’m familiar you're your ability very well. Haruna have the same power as you…the ability to hear voice of the heart, it’s all because of the Leviathan inside you.”
“…” So my cursed life was actually from the Leviathan inside me? Since when? I couldn’t recall any of it at all. How did this happen to me when I don’t remember anything?
“Do you know the reason why vessels of Leviathan weren’t given love aside from their sibling who’s the succeeding empress?”
She asked me and it directly went straight to the point for me. I cursed my whole life for being born as Jurina-oneesama’s substitute. But hearing like this from the empress…everything was all planned to begin with, both oneesama and my life. It’s all planned out. Vessels of leviathan would only be taught to have only one dedicated feeling for succeeding empress, which would be their own sibling. Other feelings than eternal loyalty to empress would make the Leviathan seal unstable, especially a feeling of love that I had for Yukirin. Now that the empress had discovered I had done something that was out of her knowledge, I was ready to embrace the punishment from her but then…I only felt the warm hug from her.
“E-Empress…?”
“I couldn’t give you a normal life, I’m sorry…Mayu.”
She apologized to her daughter and that was the first time that her mother ever hugged her. Bound by the rule that the empress wasn’t able to express her love for her child that became a vessel of Leviathan, I started to understand how mother felt so far…I had not need for any of my ability to hear voices of one’s heart. I could feel the empress’s love via her touch; it reached me, and comforted my wounded soul…
I finally had told her that I met with this one human by accident when I sneaked out from the castle with Jurina. I met with this human girl, Yuki, and I eventually realized…that I’m in love with her. Even though the empress learned how I was in love with a human…she was utterly calm enough that it crept me out. The empress…I mean, mother just simply smiled softly while listening to me talking. She did not show any anger towards me despite me disobeying her by sneaking out from the castle.
“I’m…sorry.” I apologized but then she just simply stroked my head softly.
“Things happen, I won’t stop you from loving someone Mayu…I understand.”
The empress comforted me and continued where she left off. She told me the story about aunt Haruna, whom was the preceding Leviathan vessel like me. She was in love with another young wolf boy name Yuko, however when grandmother discovered that…aunt Haruna’s lover was brutally assassinated. Obviously aunt Haruna didn’t know about this merciless scheme…only mother knew about it. It was just for the sake of strengthened the bond between aunt Haruna and mother even more by using Yuko-san’s death. I couldn’t believe how serious were the witch clan about this matter…deep down, I thanked how mother wasn’t as extreme and…brutal as grandmother.
“I won’t repeat the same tragedy like what the preceding empress did…even this would lead to chaos.”
“H-Huh?”
“Listen carefully Mayu…according to the law, it’s essential for me to kill Yuki in order to protect the seal of Leviathan on you.”
I swore my face went pale that instant I heard the word ‘kill’ together with ‘Yuki’. I immediately grabbed onto mother. I couldn’t let that happen. I begged for her to not kill Yuki. She’s everything to me. If she disappeared… Jurina-oneesama will… I’ll worth nothing to this world anymore.
“N-No…! Please! Don’t kill Yukirin!”
“…As I told you, I would not repeat the same tragedy again but there’s something you have to trade for it.”
“I’ll do anything! Please!! Spare Yuki…she’s…everything to me!”
I pleaded with tears. I begged her with everything I’ve got and I could feel the warm pat on the head from my mother. She had whispered into my ears and then I couldn’t hold back my shocking expression. But after I knew what I had to trade in order to spare Yuki’s life…I’m willingly to do it. Even with my own life on the line, I’ll give it to Yukirin…I’ll give it to her. Even though she wouldn’t love me the way I had for her and she would only look at Jurina…I’ll give it to her. All my love, my life…and everything I’ve got, just to let Yuki be safe…
~XXX~
“Mayu…? Why do you look sad?”
She asked me, as I’m extremely ill, but I can’t tell Yukirin about it. I just lied to her and told her I’m fine. But as usual…she could see through my lies and kept nagging me.
“Tell me! Mayu…please.”
I hate it when she begged me, because I couldn’t refuse those lovely eyes of hers. I could feel my heart pounding every second I made an eye contact with her…but it also came with the pain inside my chest…deep down, into the core of my body…! U-Ugh!!
“M-Mayu!!”
Yukirin embraced me as I collapsed onto the ground. Thank god that Jurina-oneesama isn’t here…because she’s the one that I didn’t want to see me like this. Glad that she had this princess work to do with mother today so it’s only Yukirin and I again… Now I felt slightly guilty as I could see sadness in Yuki’s face. She wrapped her arm under my armpit and leaded me to this small cottage in the forest. This is the place we would usually meet so none of the humans and non-humans would find us here… she left me rested on the cold grassy floor while she went to bring water up to me.
“Please drink it…it will make you feel better.”
“Thank you…I’m sorry…”
“Baka, why are you apologizing?” She asked me with a soft chuckle. “Mayu…can you tell me what’s wrong with you?”
“…”
Part of me, wanted to tell her what I’m going through… but at the same time, it’s not something that I could share it with Yukirin. But from her eyes and the voice of her heart…I could feel she’s sincerely worried about me. “Yukirin…”
“Yes?” She replied quickly with eager to hear a word from me.
“Can I rest in your arms for a little while?”
“…Sure, do you even have to ask?”
That angelic smile of hers brought warmth to my soul. I rested my head on her chest and felt the radiant embrace from her. Her heart’s voice…it was just so melodious that it’s calming the chaos in my body. Even though empress told me that ‘love’ would make the Leviathan seal unstable, but it’s because of Yukirin, I understood the meaning of my life even more. I realized how much her voice always protected and comforted me ever since I met her. She’s my angel…my life…and everything to me.
“Give me time…and I’ll tell you about it.” I replied and then it seemed to make her hyped up somehow.
“Really? Promise? It’s a promise okay?”
I couldn’t help but to laugh at her enthusiastic and nodded silently, even though it was a big fat lie. “I promise…”
“Okay~ Then I’ll wait for you to tell me patiently.”
I just smiled silently. I’m really sorry Yukirin. I wouldn’t be able to tell you and that day probably wouldn’t come…
~XXX~
After my day with Yukirin in the forest, I made sure she returned to the human village safely. Back in my own dark cold room, I coughed so badly that blood came out together with this black rock…it’s the obsidian stone the had special powers to enhance the seal on Leviathan inside me. But it’s dreadfully painful…the seal of Leviathan slowly got weaker and weaker as my heart started to open even more to Yukirin. I forced myself to swallow the obsidian stone into my body once again and obviously…it’s painful as if I’m going to die. I made a promise with mother…that was the last time I would see Yuki in exchanged of her safety from all witches from my clan.
A week later, an unfortunate happen and excessive number of witches and other non-humans died by the human soldiers. It was that bloodshed holocaust and thus the empress had declared war against the human race. I don’t blame mother for that at all…we suffered so much…but what made me felt sad even more is that Yukirin is the princess of the human clan… that meant that we’d become sworn enemies.
I secretly meet up with Akane and empress to check the status of my seal. As it’s obvious…it’s gradually getting weaker and weaker. They had a believe that that my love for Yukirin will gradually dim away after I’m separated from her but it didn’t…it made things worse as my love for her seemed to grow even more.
“Your highness…” Akane turned to my mother and she nodded softly.
“I know, would you leave us for a minute?”
“Yes.” Akane left and it’s only empress and I in the room.
She sat down beside me and then seemed to have a heavy expression on her face. She seemed to be making up her mind with something before she’s going to tell me something…that didn’t seem to be pleasant at all.
“Mayu, do you remember the only choice you can pick if you want me to spare Yuki’s life?”
“…Yes.”
“Are you still certain with that choice you make? You still can change your mind.”
“No. I won’t.”
“…I see. Your time is running out.” She sounded even more serious and I nodded back silently as my reply.
“Yes…how long do I have?”
“Two years at max, and your very last day shall be the day that the witches open war against humans.” She muttered softly and I wondered why she picked that day. I asked her about her reason and then she just patted my head softly.
“…I believe it’s a proper place to die honorably, do anything you wish to do…but know it well Mayu…you’ll…have to die, together with Leviathan.”
“…Yes, thank you.”
I smiled back to her, knowing my own faith. I could see from her eyes that mother wasn’t happy with my decision, yet she decided to respect my choice. My decision would bring so much change to the witch clan, as Leviathan served under the witch clan for centuries…this time, it would die together with me. However, I have faith that Jurina-oneesama will definitely bring prosperity to the clan. This would put the end to countless tragedies of Leviathan vessels like me…and like aunt Haruna. Obviously mother knew that this would be a huge change for the witch clan but she’s prepared to embrace that as well…
Each day, I went through with pain from the obsidian stone trying to seal Leviathan inside me. Each day, I count down to the day that death awaited for me… I had no regrets with my own decision. I chose to die… instead of having Yukirin die… this is the path I chose.
~XXX~
Few days before the war, I got to meet with Yukirin once again at the castle and she had grown up so much…comparing to me, I hadn’t change as much as her. She became an elegant princess with such strong a strong aura. I warned her about the upcoming war in few days…
“I’ll protect you Yuki…on the day of war, I’ll come here, and I’ll protect you.”
“H-Huh?”
“I’m the 2nd child, the one that lives in onee-sama’s shadow, even I’m participating in this war, no one will recognize me…I’ll use that chance to come to you, and protect you.”
“But that’s--”
“I won’t let you die.”
I interrupted her with a strong tone and it made her back away slightly. “Your eyes clouded with death just now is makes me pissed. Don’t make that kind of eye again…it doesn't suit you at all.”
“…Thank you, Mayuyu.”
She let out a sigh to calm herself down. The voice of her heart changed from giving up hope to fill with hope instantly. I’m glad that she didn’t lose her voice yet. I love it when she called that nickname she gave me…
“Don’t worry about me, I won’t die.”
“…I’m glad to hear that. Also, I have to leave now…” I looked up into the sky as I decided I should leave before I would get caught. She agreed with me and it’s about time that I needed to go before the guards might find us.
“Good bye Yukirin…”
“Mayu, please tell Jurina something for me…”
“…Yes?” I asked with a warm smile that comforted her.
“Please tell her that I…always love her until now, and I still remember our promise we made.”
“…Will do.”
I nodded before I transformed into a mouse and disappeared into the darkness. Those words pained me much but it’s alright. I already knew that well that Yukirin would never see me more than just a friend… I had chosen my death and I’m proud of it. I will protect Yukirin’s life with my own life. Even though all my limbs were cut off…until my heart is stabbed through, I will guarantee that Yukirin will be safe no matter what…that will be my death.
~XXX~
This is the day of the war…I sneaked into the castle without getting caught as I made use of this good hearing I had. I managed to avoid all unnecessary fighting. As I reached the stairs, I met with this suspicious water spirit that had a very unusual voice comparing to other non-humans…it looked very suspicious.
“You’re not getting away!!”
I finally caught up with the water spirit within the human castle as it seemed to be trying to reach the highest floor, that’s where the throne hall is. The leviathan seal was getting weak now and its powers were leaking through my blood. I bid my hand to bleed myself and make use of Leviathan’s power inside me. The dark aura gushed through my wound and then I struck my fist onto the demon as we entered the throne hall.
~THUD!~
“Mayu!!”
I heard that beautiful voice calling my name. That’s Yuki. I could smell the scent of non-human in here strongly. I knew it…this smell is from the water spirits, they’re trying to kill Yuki…they’re my enemy.
“You’re too suspicious…I’ll kill you here once and for all.”
I tightened her fist as the water demon dissolved away and appeared right beside the man who seemed to be the boss. I rushed to Yuki’s side and I gave her a cheeky smile so that she would feel safe.
“I’ve come as I promise…I’ll protect you.”
“Mayu…!”
“Hmph…I hadn’t expected you to see this future…your highness.” The man giggled maliciously before he looked back up at Yuki. “I was deeply aware of your premonition. I guess everything went according to my prediction.”
I don’t really understand what he meant by the premonition but I won’t spare his life. Anyone who tried to threaten Yukirin’s life shall die by my hands.
-
~THUD~THUD~THUD~THUD~
The battle continued and I’m starting to lose my mind. The leviathan’s powers were too strong for me to just use it recklessly. My mind felt like shattering every second right now. I tried to catch my breath but then I totally underestimated the powers of that half-demon…Then suddenly, I felt a painful stroke in my chest and caused me to stumble.
[Release me…RELEASE ME!]
(Mayu: U-Ugh…! Not now!!)
“I guess I’ll have to kill you useless tool!!”
He threw a water pole towards me, and I successfully blocked it, but then again, it exploded, and it was much far worse than the last time and it caused me to flinch back.
[Let me go…LET ME GO!]
(Mayu: Shut up…SHUT UP!!!)
“Die…and withered into the shadows of your sister.”
My body lost its control and it could see that pole arm heading towards me. I guess…this is my death? I told Yukirin to run…and Akane is heading here as I ordered her to protect Yuki…This will be a proper death for me, to die together with Leviathan, once and for all…for Yukirin’s sake.
~STAB~
I did close my eyes ready to embrace the pain, but I felt nothing. I slowly looked up and I could see Yuki’s body in front of me, being pierced by that bloody water pole arm…I couldn’t believe what I was witnessing. For all these years I’ve waited for my death…she took it away from me…and she…Yuki…!
“YUKI!!!!!!”
I caught her in my arms before she would collapse onto the floor. I held onto her body and the voice from her heart slowly dimmed away…I couldn’t hold back my tears and cried heavily…For all these years, everything I’ve waited was all in vain. What’s even the point of me waiting this long if I couldn’t even protect Yukirin at all?
“W-Why do you have to do something STUPID like that! IDIOT!”
I yelled at her and cried even harder. “Please…you can’t die…! How am I suppose to face Jurina now!?”
“Mayu…it’s…okay…”
“No it’s not! I haven’t told you my feelings…!” My voice was wobbly and trembling. She reached out to me and caressed my cheek softly.
“Yuki…you can't die like this…I love you!”
“I know…for so long…”
She smiled back to her as she tried to brush those tears from her watery eyes softly. “Thank you…Mayu.”
[Kill…]
The man giggled as he really enjoyed watching the current scene right now. “How pitiful…it’s so sad to be a mortal, isn’t it your highness?” He mocked Yuki and that just hit on the bull’s eye for me. My heart…it’s now burning with hatred. It’s now synchronizing with the powers of Leviathan inside me.
[Release me…and let us KILL…]
“Ma…yu…” She tried to call me, and I just hugged her closely to my chest.
[Kill…Kill…Let us KILL everyone that took Yuki away from you…]
My vision started to be painted in blood red. I could feel the dark demonic aura of Leviathan surged through out from my skin…
[Let us kill…my vessel, release me, and I shall granted your wish]
My tears wouldn’t stop and it had turned into blood tears…every beings around me…humans and non-humans…they were all slashed down instantly by the black aura of Leviathan from my body.
[Release your anger…and KILL…revenge for your lover]
[Kill anyone that took Yuki away from you!]
“Ahh…AAAAHHHH!!!!!”
A huge wing appeared from my back, I released all my anger and then I realized again…I was in front of that beast that killed Yukirin before my eyes and I grabbed onto his limb, pulled it apart and buried my fangs onto his very neck…
~MUNCH~MUNCH~MUNCH~
I lost control of my body. I knew what I’m doing…but I don’t have any control anymore. I was eating that man like a beast, like a demon. It’s just so painful…it hurts so much…I…Its my fault that Yukirin got killed. I killed her…I’m the one that killed her…!
“AAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!”
I screamed to the top of her lungs and the dark aura engulfed my entire body…. that’s when I couldn’t remember anything anymore... I’m now enveloped into eternal darkness…
-
~XXX~
-
I slowly opened my eyes…I seemed to have a very long dream…
About Yukirin…Jurina-oneesama…Leviathan…and everything…
It seemed like a dream…is it a dream? I couldn't remember anything at all… where am I? What am I doing right now?
[Sleep for eternity… It’s all a dream.]
A dream? I see…it’s all a dream… I’m so tired…
[Go back to sleep…]
I guess I should…go to sleep again…
“---yu…”
I heard a voice…what’s that voice?
“Mayu…Mayu…Mayu…Mayu…!!”
It’s so familiar…who’s voice is that? It’s…calling for me.
“MAYU!”
That instant, I grasped my senses back and I could see Jurina-oneesama in front of me…she was wounded all over. She kept calling for my name but then I don’t have control of my body. Both of us were fighting in midair…It wasn’t that surprising to see her flying in the sky without wings…we’re witches after all but…I don’t know what’s going on right now but I could see that…the whole wasteland was annihilated.
[It is for your sake… to be gone into eternal slumber]
“H-Huh?”
I turned around and then I saw this dark floating aura in front of me. This presence was truly familiar to me…its Leviathan.
[Your hatred, anger, and pain…released me from the seal; I shall put the end of this world for you…]
“That’s not my wish! I never ask to put the end of this world!”
[You did…didn’t you remember? Isn’t that your innermost wish to destroy this world that killed your lover?]
I froze as for some reason; I couldn't deny what Leviathan said to me. Maybe I really did desire to destroy this whole world that took Yukirin away from me. For all these past years I’ve done…it went in vain.
[I’m merely…granting your wish; didn’t you deeply despise your sister?]
“N-No…I don’t hate my sister!”
[You may lie to yourself, but you cannot lie to me]
[She stole your beloved away from you]
It struck right at the bull’s eye. What could I possibly do now? I couldn’t deny that I despise Jurina-oneesama…for my whole life I lived under her shadow and only Yuki would look at her…why couldn’t it be me? Why does it have to be like this? Why? Why…!?
[Yes…let that anger drive you, let it go…and KILL…]
“Mayu!!! I know you can hear me! It’s me Jurina!”
I jerked back up again and I could see Jurina-oneesama, she’s not losing hope even though she’s fighting against Leviathan…but seeing her like that just made my guts felt uneasy…the hatred I hidden for so long had started to seep out from the deepest part of my heart.
[That’s it…the only way to satisfy your anger is to kill her…]
I couldn’t deny any further…it seemed Leviathan knew all my feelings better than I do. I hate Jurina-oneesama…I hate her for taking everything away from me, I hate her for taking Yuki away from me…
~THUDDD!!!~
My body that turned into a huge beast had responded to my darkest feelings and attacked Jurina-oneesama without any mercy. I could see her jerked away and managed to dodge it right on time.
“M-Mayu! Can you hear me!?”
[Even until now she still played her role as your beloved older sister very well…what will you do? Princess Mayu]
“Shut up…!”
I yelled back as my eyes were glowing brightly in bloody red color. However it seemed Leviathan was satisfied to see me engulfed by my own anger. All the hatred and pain I had towards Jurina-oneesama for my whole life had started to release out…it’s consuming my conscious…
“Mayu!!”
“SHUT UP!!!!”
I yelled back against oneesama and delivered another blow towards her. With me consumed by anger…it seemed I grasped the control of my body once again. My hatred, sadness, pain, and anger were the fuel to control Leviathan. The only thing I could think is to kill oneesama…because I hate her…I hate her to the deepest guts of mine.
“Shut up…Shut up!!”
“Calm down Mayu! I’ll save you! Just please wait…!”
“…I hate you. I hate you…oneesama.”
I glared back at her through Leviathan’s eyes and released my black aura out. I didn’t hold back at the slightest. Every second I made a move was intending to kill oneesama no matter what. I saw she dodging my attacks but at the same time, the black flames from Leviathan’s black aura wounded her gradually as the battle kept extending.
“Mayu don’t let anger take over you!”
“If you don't exist to begin with…my life wouldn’t be cursed like this!”
I breathed black flames out and it poured down onto the bloodshed wasteland. I could hear screams and cries of those being burned alive by Leviathan’s flame. However, those voices didn’t disturbed me anymore…
[Kill… Yes, destroy this world that kill your beloved]
“Stop this! You know Yuki didn’t want this either!!”
“What do you know about me!? No one understands me aside from Yuki! The world without her…is meaningless to me!!”
I managed to reach Jurina with my claws and slammed her down like a bug. However, her chains protected her but it wasn’t enough to completely prevent the black flames from reaching her.
“I’ll destroy everything…this world…and you…”
“Do you think Yuki would want this!? Didn't you love her!?”
“Shut up Jurina!”
I dropped off the honorifics and then I summoned countless flame spheres into the sky. I could feel all the powers of Leviathan flowing through my veins and my nerves. It’s becoming one with me…I’ve finally had full control on it’s powers…I can control it freely with my own will.
“I told you…the world without Yuki meant nothing to me! I love her, she’s everything to me yet you took her away from me!”
“…!”
All the flame spheres rampaged towards Jurina mercilessly. However she managed to repel it away and absorbed my energy through her chains. Her powers were truly annoying…just like how her presence is tormenting me every single second I’m alive.
“Yes…I admit it I took her away from you!” Jurina yelled back at me and rushed in towards with her fist covered with black flames. She was using Leviathan’s powers back against me.
~THUD~
She struck her fist right across my face and caused me to flinch back slightly. But before I could counterattack her, she dodged my attack by flying up above my head.
“It’s all because I love her! I take the risk…because she’s the one that I wanted to be with! What about you? What did you do for all this time!?”
She dove down and used her right heel to strike onto my head. It was powerful enough to cause my humongous body to move…but it’s just making me angrier, and made my body synchronizing with Leviathan’s powers even more.
“SHUT UP!!!! You’ll never understand my position! Never!”
“Why wouldn’t I not understand you?!”
Jurina decided to catch my flame this time and dispersed it with brute force. That’s the typical Jurina…the reckless princess. But before I realized again, she leaped in towards me and gave another blow on my body using the powers she absorbed from my black flames…
“You’re angry right!? That I took Yuki from you…if it’s me I would be as well!!”
“What do you know about me…! If you’re not alive Yuki will…!”
“Just frigging snap out of it already Mayu!!!”
Her eyes glowed brightly and then I could feel immense energy was gathering around her fist. I don’t feel secure at all and then I felt this huge pain running through my nerves as her fist made a contact with my chest. Obviously she was over exhausting herself by doing that…I could see her coughing blood after she landed that powerful blow on me. However…Leviathan’s body, my body, was now covered with impenetrable skin. Even she managed to wound me by that strike…but it was far from killing me.
[Insolent mortal…what will you gain from fighting me, the mighty Leviathan?]
“After I kill you…I’ll destroy this whole world…so there will be no pain anymore…DIE…”
I summoned a huge black flame ball in front of me…this would be my final strike, once and for all; this will kill Jurina for certain. I no longer hesitate anymore, I lost all my sympathy for any living creatures and I will destroy this whole world with Leviathan’s power…
“…Arrrrghhhh!!!!!!!”
Jurina roared with anger…I could tell from her face. She was truly angry. She forcefully summoned more chains through her hands while charging in towards me, towards me attack.
“Have you lost your mind already? I’ll make sure you die as you wanted!”
“You’re the one that has to shut up!”
I released my final move and a black flamethrower roamed towards her. There’s no way she could withstand Leviathan’s deadly black flames. The moment her whole body was engulfed by the flames…I believed that she’s dead already. It’s truly impossible for a mortal to survive through that…
[Impossible…]
I couldn’t believe me eyes as I saw Jurina dashed through my power with brute force. She was alive but she had countless burned injuries all over her body. Before I could’ve respond to her…she was utterly close to me already. She a powerful kick right into chest and caused me to groan in pain…I don’t understand it, why is she fighting this hard? Why isn’t she giving up now knowing that it’s futile?
“Why are you fighting this hard despite it’s useless?”
“Because I’m angry and you’re my only younger sister!!!”
She bashed me with another punch and I could hear her bone fractured against my skin. But it didn’t stop her, she used the energy she absorbed from me and coated around her fist to give me another clean strike in the same spot she kicked me. It sent more painful shocks through my nervous system…
“We love the same woman and I hate to admit it…that my love for Yuki can’t matched up with yours at all.”
Another strike hit on the same spot and this time it made me cried in pain. I had to jerk back but Jurina didn’t open any chance for me to escape at all.
“The person who love Yuki the most…is you!”
“Onee…sama…”
“That’s why I’m really angry right now! My love for Yuki will not lose to you…I won’t lose to you, Mayu.”
An image of Yuki ran through my head, her smile, her embrace, and her voice…everything about her. That happiness I had decided to discard had been revived once again and it’s slowly comforting my heart once again…I slowly remembered my feelings and my love towards Yuki.
“I made a promise with her…even with you being my love rival… I will definitely save you no matter what!”
I could see from Jurina’s eyes, she wasn’t lying to me at all. At that moment, my whole heart believed what she was saying to me. She poured down her energy into this strike and it seemed its purpose was to damage me but…I could feel…Jurina’s feelings through that fist. I felt her anger and jealousy she had towards me…she saw me as her love rival, she hate to admit that her love for Yuki couldn’t rivaled against my feelings for Yuki…I never knew that oneesama felt that way towards me at all…I never knew that I could become a worthy rival for her at all…we both love the same woman, we both fall in love with Yuki…
“No…Yuki…A-Agh…!”
[How pitiful…I shall take over the control…]
“A-Aaahhhhh….!”
“Mayu!?”
My body was taken over by Leviathan once again and then it started rampaging on Jurina. Like a hunger beast…it mercilessly slashed Jurina down with it’s sharp claws. I couldn’t do anything but watching Jurina dying.
“No…please stop…!”
[Didn’t you hate her?]
“Yes I do!”
I admitted it but then, even I hated her so much…a part of me didn’t want this to happen. In the end, I couldn’t manage to get rid of this feeling. I hate her, but at the same time, I love her too. She’s the only person aside from Yuki that cared for me and protected me for all this time.
“I hate her, I really do…but she’s my sister! I love her as much as I hate her!”
[How pitiful…mortal witch…]
“Just wait…I’ll save you, Mayu.”
She used her chains and it pierced through all my limbs to completely immobilize me. Oneesama touched the center of my chest and then I suddenly felt something strange happening inside my head. I didn’t know what she was doing but I could feel that I’m channeling with her…the heavy pain inside my chest started to dim away as…Leviathan’s powers slowly diminished from my body.
“O-Oneesama…!?”
“I told you…I will save you no matter what.” She declared once again and used all her leftover powers to channel with Leviathan inside me, I could feel her draining my power and I started to grasp the control over my demonic body once again. But I know that Leviathan’s power was just too fatal for oneesama to take it all alone…
[Very wise princess…you knew that if you take me in, your body wouldn’t be able to handle it and I’ll die together with you…]
“It’s too late now, you’ll die together with me instead…Leviathan.”
“Stop it! You can’t do like this!”
“Shut up Mayu! You have to live you got that!? You have to live…for Yuki and my sake okay?”
“No… please don’t say like that!”
[I would not allow you to do that…]
Leviathan fought back and Jurina was struggling as her mind was fighting against the demon’s soul. She coughed another blob of blood; her body was about to break apart from Leviathan’s power as she was already weakened badly from the prolonged battle with me. Obviously she’s not a chosen vessel like me…Leviathan will kill her before she could even manage to separate this demon out from my body…
[I acknowledge you as my honorable opponent…now, die.]
“A-Aaaaaghhh…!!” She screamed with pain as her white eyes started to become tainted with blood. Crimson tears streamed down her cheek and she’s suffocating from the blood inside her lungs. “Guaah…gaah…aagh…”
“N-No…! You have to stop this oneesama!!”
“Shut up…and…listen to your sister for once Mayu…”
Jurina argued back as she could hear my voice from inside my body. The only thing I could see and felt was her warm smile that she had for me despite she’s at the verge of death. “You’ll live…trust me, I’ll save you okay?”
I have to do something…or else she will die! What can I do…what can I do to save Jurina…Then suddenly... One idea flashed into my mind and I knew that this is the only bet I could make. If I’m right, oneesama and this world will be saved. Leviathan is a part of me, and I’m a part of Leviathan…if I die, he will die with me.
“…Jurina.”
I called her name for one last time and gave her my last smile.
“Be the empress, you can create a world where no war will happen…you brought back my sanity, you saved me already…so please, LIVE.”
“M-Mayu…?”
[Don’t tell me you…You…!!]
“…It’s time to die, Leviathan.”
I smirked and I stabbed myself with own hand, pierced through my heart without any second of hesitation. Obviously it’s painful but I didn’t know death could be peaceful like this… there’s no fear or sadness waiting for me…just only eternal slumber. It wasn't as scary as I thought it would be at all. I felt rather...relieved and it felt quicker than falling asleep... As my soul slowly died off… I could hear Leviathan screeching in pain as it's slowly dying together with me. It’s just as mother told me, if I die…Leviathan will die as well.
“Mayu…! MAYU!!!!!”
I could hear Jurina screamed for me. At the very last moment of my life…the demonic form of mine deteriorate back into my original form. How that Leviathan’s soul had died off, it’s powers did flowed into Jurina’s body healed her instantly. There’s nothing to stop oneesama from taking that immense blob of energy that belonged to no one… I'm glad to see her saved...Again, I could feel oneesama’s arms around my body, I couldn’t respond to any words of hers…I couldn’t hear nor speak. My vision slowly faded into darkness and the only thing I could feel from her was those warm tears dropped onto my face. I never had seen oneesama cried before…now that I know she’s alive, I can at least sleep peacefully…
I guess if next life do exist…I want to be together with Yuki and oneesama again…the three of us…. together…. again…
Book III: [The Shadow of Despair and Jealousy]
~BOOK CLOSED~
Sorry guys for a very late update! I've been busy with final exams during the time I put the vote (I completely forgot about that). Therefore it leads to huge delays like this... :bow: Also! I had to revise the whole thing again and with MANY things to Sherin-san for help editing this chapter! I hope it turns out to be good enough as everyone waited!! Book 5 wouldn't take that long! :deco: I promise! Well then...I hope you all have fun reading this chapter and thank you for your patience!! :jphip:
(https://31.media.tumblr.com/2ca68337bec217f2f79d1d226b650bf1/tumblr_inline_my5sezshSH1r5nbae.jpg)
POSTER CREDITS: To Sherin-san! :bow:
Book IV: [The Inheritor of Resolution]
On one of my simple ordinary days…I met with this person. She’s such a beautiful woman with a very black silky hair and…glimmering violet eyes. Her appearance totally captivated my mind, how weird that I felt nostalgic seeing her. However, her eyes are so lonely…eventhough she’s smiling I could still feel the loneliness from those eyes. I’m so attracted to her; I wonder why…why am I so fond of Jurina?
~XXX~
“Rena, what’s the matter?”
Jurina called my name and I snapped out from my daydream. I turned to her and she was looking at me with eyes clouded with curiosity. Her brown eyes were staring at me, and I didn’t know why every time she was looking at me… my mind just wanted to go crazy.
“N-Nothing!”
“Okay…if you insist? You seemed to be tired these days, take care of yourself.”
“I will! Don’t worry, I’m tough!”
“Hai hai, if you say so.”
Jurina shrugged her shoulders with a vague smile across her face. It had been 3 months ever since I met her at the river. The first time I invited her to my apartment was the time I realized that she actually didn’t had a place to stay. Jurina told me she had been wandering aimlessly each day, and whenever she’s sleepy, she would just sleep on the trees or in some dark alley of the city. That’s when I insisted her to live with me instead… eventhough she said she’s fine as she had been doing it for over 100 years…despite she’s a non-human, I couldn’t help but to care and worry about her. In the end, she couldn’t beat my persistence and she’s been living in the same apartment as me ever since. Jurina learned a lot of things about me, just as much as I learned a lot of things about her too… I learned that she was a royal blood witch and became immortal after defeating a monster. I also knew that Jurina had lost her lover and her sister during the war between humans and non-humans in the past. It sounded like a fiction, but unfortunately it’s not.
“Are you hungry? I’m planning to cook something.”
I got up to the kitchen to start cooking. Jurina just simply nodded and followed me. As usual, she was here to help me with cooking.
“What are you making today?”
“How about…ramen? I feel like eating it today. Are you okay with it?”
“All the food you cooked always taste good. Please me as usual, Rena.”
Jurina smiled to me and patted my head. That instance, I felt my face flushed badly. My heart started to pound faster whenever she touched me. But even after the contact is no longer there, her presence close by still caused my heart to race. Her gestures and voice…it made my heart feel warm. Sigh, why am I having these feelings? Why am I having this butterfly feeling whenever Jurina smiles to me…this is bad. This is bad.
-
I went to work at an orphanage I grew up on days I had no class at my university. People often misunderstood that I’m a high school student, but I’m actually studying in Tokyo University! How did I manage to support my finance despite being an orphan? I applied for the scholarship and got it! However, I still need to work to find enough money for my daily usage. I don’t have parents that would be financially supporting me. I was surprised at how Jurina managed to get a lot of money in her pocket despite she’s not working at all… she told me that she has a human friend supporting her, but I didn’t know anything more than that. Sometimes I felt so bad that she would buy me expensive textbooks for my courses as well as paying for the electricity and water bills. Even though she told me not to hold back with her…I still feel bad…at the same time, I kinda know why she’s doing this.
“Huh…”
“Rena-chan, what’s with that sigh?”
It was Churi that snapped me back to reality. I turned to her with slight hint of embarrassment. She knew about Jurina as well, but I don’t want her to know that I’ve been thinking about her for almost half of the day.
“E-Eh, it’s nothing?”
“Ho ho ho…is it about Jurina-san again?”
“A-Ah—Uh-N-Noo!”
“Oh I see, you’re so easy to read, Rena-chan~”
Churi chuckled as she stared at me with a sly smile. I have a bad feeling about this. After we had our break from babysitting the kids, she approached me with such curiosity burning in her eyes.
“So~ Is Jurina-san coming to pick you up today?”
“A-Ah…yes?”
“Aw~ So sweet! Why don’t you two marry already??”
“M-Marry!? Churi!!”
I blushed instantly and jumped out from my seat. I could see my colleague laughing crazily at me. This is just so embarrassing that she could see through me so easily. After she had her laugh, she turned to me with a little calmer expression.
“Rena-chan, do you like Jurina-san?”
“A-Ah…”
“Hm?”
I looked away and my cheeks were flushing. I couldn’t deny what Churi was asking me. Maybe I have been denying this feeling for so long despite me knowing that I’ve fallen for the bewitching witch. I simply nodded softly as my reply to her.
“N-Nnn…”
“Ah, that’s more like it. It would’ve been rather annoying if you’re denying it.”
“Mou…Churi.”
“Hehe, sorry~ But don’t worry about it. I believe Jurina-san have feelings for you too. I can tell it!”
“N-No way Jurina-san has---”
I froze before I could finish my words. It was too late. My words caught Churi’s attention and I felt so guilty that I almost spill Jurina’s personal story out. Yes, I knew about Yuki-san. I heard a lot of stories from Jurina during the past 3 months that we’ve been living together. As I said, I knew about her as much as she knew about me. I knew deeply well that Yuki-san was the only person that Jurina loved, and it seemed that I’m Yuki-san’s reincarnation. That is why Jurina continues to stay by my side and is being nice to me. I knew I’m receiving such kindness just because I’m her past lover reincarnation.
“S-She had a lover.”
“Had?”
“…She’s no longer alive.”
“Damn, that’s really something! It sounds like a drama…”
“That’s why, there’s no way Jurina will even has feeling for me. She might even see me as a mere substitute for her long lost lover.”
I argued back at her. I hated it when I got so irritated like this. It’s not Churi’s fault that she didn’t know about this, and I’m not supposed to throw my anger and dissatisfaction like this onto her. To think that I’m just Yuki-san’s substitute just pained me. I wondered what’s Jurina’s feeling for me…what am I to her? I don’t want to be Yuki-san’s substitute. I don’t want that! I hate it!
“Rena? Rena, are you here?”
A familiar voice called from outside. I recognize this voice immediately, including Churi. She turned to me as we both realized the voice was really close to the window of the staff room. Churi was the one that went to open the window to see who it was, and as we expected…it was Jurina.
“Oh, good afternoon Jurina-san! Aren’t you early today?”
“Ah, yeah, I wanted to see Rena.”
“She’s in here.”
Churi turned to me and I nodded weakly. I walked towards the window and I made an eye contact with those beautiful brunette orbs. Even though they weren’t the bewitching violet eyes, they were still the same eyes that I fell in love with.
“Jurina, what are you doing here? It’s not even the time for my shift to end yet…”
“I know, but aren’t you lonely?”
“…!”
I froze immediately as I remembered what I’ve just forgotten. Jurina once told me she could sense my feelings, and wherever I would be she would always come to see me when I feel lonely… sometimes, it’s scary that she could do such supernatural things like that. I wondered if she could feel the uneasiness I had in my chest when she’s close by to me. Could she sense that I’m in love with her?
“I’m okay now… I’ll meet you in few hours.”
“Alright, I’ll stick around here. Tell me whenever you’re ready to leave.”
Jurina walked away with that gentle smile across her face. I wished that Jurina wasn’t such a bully like this at times. She could be so dense and yet so sharp.
“Rena-chan! We need your help…it’s about THAT kid.”
“Ah…again?” Churi sighed softly and I realized that I had to go do my job now.
I walked after other colleagues of mine and then I spotted this child in the middle of the playground sitting and playing alone. No kids dared go near her, just as the other staff here. Anyone that approached her would be cursed. She had no name when she was abandoned at this orphanage, and there was no single clue of where she came from. She was called ‘YOU’ and ‘THAT’ all the time. I wondered why no one bother to give her a name. Despite many staff don’t want her to be here but this is an orphanage and they’re not supposed to abandon an orphan. I don’t even think something like curse exist in this world. If it did, then I would be affected when I’m around her already. I wanted to show everyone that she’s just a normal kid like everyone else, but she just has a very unfortunate luck with her. I know Witches exist, but I personally don’t believe in curses. It’s just an excuse for people to use to escape reality.
I’m an orphan just like this poor girl in front of me. I don’t want her to give up and I want to give her hope…she’s still a 4 years old child and she does not deserve any of this. I approached her and tapped her shoulder.
“Rena-san…?”
“Yup, it’s me. Aren’t you sleepy?”
“I am…but if I go in, everyone will be cursed.”
“No you’re not. If you are, then I would be affected already!”
“Rena-san…”
“Well then! Let’s play~ shall we go to play at the swings again?”
I smiled back at her and it made that sadness on her face disappeared slightly. I held her hand and took her towards the swing. This girl… I want to do everything I can in order to proof that she’s no different from anyone. I will make sure I would be by her side and help her until the very end.
-
I stayed with her until my shift was over. I headed out towards the exit gate and met with Jurina who was waiting for me. She was standing with her back leaning against the wall and it made me remember that she had been waiting for me since a few hours ago. She could’ve return home first and come pick me up later… she had been standing there for more than 2 hours! I don’t understand why she had to do this much for someone like me… does Jurina love Yuki-san this much?
“I’m sorry to make you wait…”
“Don’t worry, let’s go home?”
Jurina gave out her hand towards me and I flinched slightly. She’s so kind to me and I couldn’t resist it… I took her hand and she clutched mine gently. That generous smile of her again…it’s like a curse to me. That would be the only curse that could stir my heart so wildly like this. It’s the only curse that could affect me. However, despite my heart feel like screaming out of contentment I couldn’t forget the fact that I’m simply her deceased lover’s reincarnation.
“Rena.”
“Y-Yes?”
“…Nothing.”
It made me curious what Jurina was trying to say, but she stopped before she could’ve said anything. I wanted to ask her what she wanted to say but… Jurina’s silence scared me sometimes. I didn’t ask her in the end until we reached back to our apartment.
-
As soon as we arrived back, Jurina told me to go take a shower first while she would cook something for me tonight. I just did what she said silently and took a long warm shower. I felt so peaceful and calm. After I’m done washing my hair, I went out to the dining table and saw a huge bowl of fried rice in the middle of the table.
“That’s the only thing I know how to make. I hope it tastes good.”
She spoke to me as she took out a bottle of cold milk in the fridge. I took a seat at the table and I remembered that fried rice was the only dish I taught Jurina to cook so far since I’ve known her. She passed me the cold bottle and I took it with a smile.
“Thank you Jurina.”
“Not at all. Eat it while it’s still hot.”
“Okay!”
We both enjoyed the dinner together and it tasted so good! I can’t believe that Jurina remembered how to cook after I taught her only once. She must be very talented in cooking. I kept eating non-stop until I was completely filled up. I sighed in content and laid back against the chair.
“Neh…Rena.”
“…You have something to ask me, do you?”
I asked her back this time and it made her froze. She nodded silently and I was glad the conversation was going in a direction I was hoping for.
“I sensed the stench of… misfortune on your clothes more than usual. What did you do today?”
I was confused by her question. Normally Jurina wouldn’t ask me something like this and I’m not sure if this is what I’m thinking that she’s asking. I shook my head but she didn’t believe me. The witch kept her eye contact with me and I could feel the tension in this room increasing. My instinct was telling me to answer Jurina honestly, if not… an unpleasant consequence will await for me.
“I was with this kid…”
“This kid?”
“She’s one of the orphanage kid that’s under my care since I’m the only one that’s willing to be with her…”
“…”
“J-Jurina?”
“You should stay away from her. You’ll die.”
“H-Huh!?”
“Rena, I told you all the time curses do exist in this world.” Jurina continued as she explained to me about the consequences if I’m still persisted to take care of this orphan girl. She told me that I’m just lucky for not being affected by the curse. If it was an ordinary person, they would be long dead by now. However, sooner or later…it would affect and those around me.
“You have to stay away from her! Do you understand?”
“I don’t believe curse exists! I don’t! You know I don’t!”
“But you have to! Or else you’ll die!!”
“Then I’ll challenge my destiny then---”
~SLAP~
I froze instantly. It was the first time I was slapped, and also by Jurina nonetheless. She’s always so calm and collected and yet…
When I turned to look into her eyes, it was the first time I saw regret and hint of distress. She retracted her hands away quickly and avoided eye contact with me. That was the first time she actually lost control of her actions…I never could’ve expect this to happen at the slightest. She bit her lips silently before she turned to give me a stern look once again. That serious aura from her engulfed the whole room and the chill ran down my spine.
“…I forbid you to meet with that child.”
“J-Juri--”
“Do not let me repeat what I said again, Rena.”
Jurina grabbed my wrist to pull me closer towards her even though the table was in between us. She stared right into my eyes and I was completely mesmerized by it. I could see her eyes changed color into violet…and I felt as if my mind was gradually being hypnotized. That’s when I realized that Jurina was using her powers on me in order to make me obey her docilely. I pulled my hand back and closed my eyes instantly.
“Stop it!! You know I hate it when you try to force magic on me like this!”
“…Then do as I say, or else you would not leave me a choice.”
“I can’t always do as you asked me!”
“But this is for your and your friends’ sake. Are you alright with them being cursed instead?”
“Curses don’t exist!”
“If curses don’t exist then witches and other non-humans like me should only just be a mere fantasy as well!”
It was the first time I saw so much anger in Jurina’s eyes. It was the first time I saw her raised up her voice so harsh like this. I couldn’t read anything through those violet eyes. But for some reason, I sensed anxious and pain from those eyes. So far since I’ve known her, I never saw that kind of emotion from her before. It pained me to see her doing so much for me just because I’m ‘Kashiwagi Yuki’ to her and not as ‘Matsui Rena’.
“…Let’s stop talking about this.”
I got up from my seat and wanted to run away from the scene as possible. However, before I could move away, she grabbed my arm harshly and pinned me up against the wall. Despite being in such an awkward situation, my heart was beating so wildly. Her face was so close and I could smell the sweet rose scent from her hair. It’s driving my mind crazy.
“Rena, don’t run away in the middle of our conversation. I’m serious…”
“I-I’m serious too!! You don’t have the right to control me!”
“When it comes to a decision that will threaten your life, I will not tolerate it.”
Her face was now just a few inches in front of me and I could feel my cheeks burning up despite my anger as well. I bit my lips and continued to argue against her. I’m not going to back down even though she’s a witch, even though I love her.
“Then tell me, why do you care so much about my life!?”
“…”
She couldn’t answer my question. I knew it. She only cared for me because I’m Yuki-san’s reincarnation. I’m Jurina’s lover’s reincarnation. That’s why she cared so much about my safety. The more I thought about the more pain accumulated inside my chest. I shoved her away from me.
“I knew it.”
“Rena--!”
“This is my life! I’m not Yuki-san…! I’m NOT her!! Just leave me alone!!”
“R-Rena…you…”
That’s when I realized the tears streaming down my cheeks. All the sadness and pain inside of me burst out. At that moment, I ran out from the apartment without a second thought. I couldn’t hear what Jurina was trying to tell me. I don’t care, I just want to get away from her as far as possible. I don’t want to hear anything because I know the answer. Jurina only loves Yuki-san, I’m nothing but a substitute for her deceased lover. I want her to see me as Rena…as me. But no matter what, Jurina wouldn’t see ‘me’ and feel the same way I have towards her. I finally came to stop at the park close by. I cried so much. I felt guilty that I ran away from Jurina. But the truth…it’s just too painful…
-
By the time I returned back, Jurina was no longer there. There was no trace of her. I did tell her to leave me alone, and she did… that might be the best for both of us. Sometimes I can’t understand why she’s being such a stubborn person like this. I sighed and threw myself onto the couch. Why can’t Jurina understand my feelings? I knew that Yuki meant a lot to her…but Jurina meant a lot to me too. I wanted to tell her that Yuki-san’s no longer alive. I wanted her to see me, I’m still alive here and now…
~XXX~
My life returned back to how it used to be before I met Jurina. A simple cliché life each day, and all I did was hoping for each day to pass by quickly. I still have to take care of the orphan girl due to my job. However… few days later Churi had to take a day off for a week due to her having a terrible fever. Jurina’s words began to resound in my head about the consequences regarding my wish to still remain by the poor girl’s side.
“Rena-san…”
“What is it?”
“…That’s enough. You gave me more than what I needed already.”
“E-Eh?”
“I know, that I’m the cause for Akane-san’s sickness. It’s all because of me…”
I don’t know how she managed to know that. A part of me believed that it was due to the curse, but another kept denying that supernatural fact.
“No it’s not your fault!! Things like curses don't exi--”
“It’s my fault! The voice told me it’s my fault Akane-san is sick! N-No…S-Stop it!”
It sounded as if she was not talking to me. She was clutching her head tightly and suddenly I felt the chill running down my spine. She suddenly sprinted out from the orphanage ground and into the streets. I ran after her immediately and hoped that no accidents would happen to her.
“W-Wait!!”
-
I kept running after her and then she stopped in the middle the road. She turned around to face me and I could see pain and tears in her eyes. They was just so sad, yet I could see innocence and purity in those orbs as well. And for some reason I felt so familiar with it. I don’t understand why I felt like I saw those eyes somewhere before. Somehow, she reminded me of Jurina in a way…
“I…I don’t want to live anymore…!”
“What are you saying?! You have to live! You can’t just give up like this!?”
“W-Why? What’s even the purpose for me to live!?”
“Because you’re still alive! That’s why…you shouldn’t give up because of hardships in your life!”
“The curse is a totally different story…I’m a ‘nameless’ child after all…”
She muttered silently but before any of our conversation can carry on, I saw a car rushing towards her direction from behind. I launched and threw my arms around her tightly. I shut my eyes and was ready to embrace the pain from the impact. But nothing came, instead I felt a warm embrace holding me tightly. I remembered this rose scent very well…and when I looked up I saw those beautiful violet eyes. She was holding onto the orphan and me tightly as she used her body as our shield---
~CRASH!~
That was when the car hit us and sent us flying across the road. Jurina collapsed onto the floor and grumbling in pain… if she were to be a human she would be instantly dead already due to spine fracture. However, she slowly sat up while her body was healing itself from the damage. She might be an immortal, but she could still feel pain like we humans do.
“Why are you such a selfless person…!?”
She was glaring right into my eyes. I could see worries and anger mixed together. Jurina was truly mad with my act and for not listening to her warning in the first place. People around us were starting to approach us to help Jurina but then I saw her eyes glowed luminously. The sound of our surroundings disappeared. The people stopped moving. It’s only Jurina, the girl and me that were moving right now. The time of the world came to a stop. I immediately went to the little girl’s side.
“Rena! Let go of that kid!!”
She moved in an instant speed and separated us in a blink of an eye. It was even before I could respond and I fell on my back onto the ground. Before I could say a word I saw the immortal witch collapsed onto the ground and coughed blood out. I was shocked…I didn’t understand what was going on but all I know was that Jurina was injured. She was also bleeding at the side of her hip that was facing towards the orphan.
“I told you…c-curses exist…!”
She hissed while she turned towards the orphan girl that was lying on the ground as well. The child slowly stood up but her eyes were glowing red. My body froze instantly and I could feel fear engulfing my subconscious. It was telling me to run away as far as I could…but I was so scared to even move.
“Leviathan…how pitiful are you.”
Those red eyes stared at Jurina and then I could see black mist leaking out via her skin. It turned into blades and stabbed through Jurina’s shoulder. It made me gasp with shock and fear, but then the witch used brute force to shatter the mist with her grip.
“You can’t kill me…I’m immortal. It’s your powers after all that I absorbed.”
[How dare you harm me the mighty demon…I will bring pain that is far worse than death to you…for eternity!]
“T-That voice…!” I was so scared, that low scary voice was actually echoing in my head. It seemed Jurina heard it as well as she bit her lips to fight against the pain. I could see nothing but lifeless in the child’s eyes; I knew that wasn’t her who was talking. It’s as if she was not even…alive anymore.
“…I knew it. Even after you’re dead, you’re still following Mayu, huh?”
[No one shall interfere with my rage… NO ONE!]
“Too bad, I’ve been looking for you…for so long. I’ve been waiting for this day in order to destroy you.” The witch took out a luminous silver dagger. For some reason it made the red eye child glared at Jurina even more. It showed fear and fury when it saw the dagger. The only thing I could do was staring with awe…I didn’t know what was going on. I could only watch…
“It took me 500 years to create a blade that will slay you for good…It’s time for you to disappear forever, Leviathan.”
[Anyone who interfere…SHALL DIE!]
“…I’ll save you, Mayu, for sure this time.”
Jurina dashed in and slashed the incoming black mists. It all vanished into thin air and caused the possessed child to retract back. However, the wounds she was inflicted by Leviathan’s hatred couldn’t be healed by her immortality. She grumbled in pain as the demon intentionally struck at the same exact spot on her wounded side. Her speed and reflex dropped in a slight second and that was when the black mist gushed into Jurina’s mouth and into her body. I could see her struggling, and suddenly she stabbed herself with the dagger…right into her stomach.
“Jurina!!!”
I cried her name out without realizing it. The fear of seeing Jurina in pain and losing her was just too overwhelming for me. I could see her coughed the black fluid out from her lips and that’s when she pulled the dagger out. There was no wound on the stomach caused by the dagger…it was no ordinary dagger. I could feel the holiness from it.
[You…insolent witch!]
“…Now, do you remember me? The one that stole all your power.”
The possessed child enraged even more and then leaped towards the witch. However she had to dodge the incoming blade and it had scratched her. The black mist protected the host’s body and caused Jurina to retract away quickly. The demon within the child tried to heal itself from the burning cut it received.
“I’m not weak like before…don’t forget, I lived with your powers for over 500 years already.”
[How dare you underestimate me…you mere witch…you and your sister…I shall grant the endless torment to you all…!]
The host body leaped forward as the witch fought back. Jurina stabbed forward aiming at the child’s chest but then the child grabbed it before it would reach her with her bare hands. I could see blood flowing down from the girl’s hands and down onto the dagger. It was pure crimson color…it made Jurina pulled her weapon away. The enemy followed up with her and strangled her throat immediately.
“U-Ugh…!”
[You can kill me…but you have to kill this child as well.]
“…!”
[Kill me, and wait for another 500 years…when your sister’s soul will go through endless torment once again.]
“Shut up!!”
Jurina shoved the child away but she failed. She was pinned onto the floor and suffocated badly. I wanted to move and go in to save Jurina, but I couldn’t. I was too afraid of the demon that she was fighting with… the black mist surrounded Jurina’s body and it was seeping through her skin.
“U-Uaaaaahhhhh----!!!”
“Jurina…!!”
I tried to move my body but I failed. I was too scared. But I would be scared even more if she died on me like this. I tightened my fist until I could feel sting pain on both my palms. I wished that I could inflicted more pain to myself in order to make me stop trembling like a coward like this. I hate it when I’m being such a coward like this.
(…You’re not a coward…)
I flinched as I could hear the voice echoed in my head. It’s a voice of a woman… I never heard this voice before. I felt a soft nudge on my back. It’s pushing me forward and it calmed me down. My body stopped shaking and I finally regained my control back.
(You can do it. I believe in you…)
I felt so utterly familiar with it. Finally I remembered it… it was the voice I constantly hear when I was a child. It’s the voice that always encouraged me to not lose hope and taught me living is a bless. But as I grew older, the voice disappeared… I always thought that it happened because I just felt very lonely. However, I was wrong… it was actually Yuki-san!
(I am me…you are you. We’re different…but we love the same person.)
(Only you can reach Jurina.)
(You can do it…Rena.)
I took a deep breath and launched forward towards Leviathan’s host. I bumped her away in order to save my beloved person. I supported her in my arms while she was coughing blood out. She wasn’t only suffocating from the strangling but as well as internally damaged.
“R-Run…you have to go away.”
“No, I won’t.”
“Why…don’t you hate me?”
“…No I don’t. I never could bring myself to hate you.”
I took the dagger from her hand and faced the poor girl who was being possessed by Leviathan. I held the weapon tightly in my palm. I need to be strong if I want to protect the person I love. I won’t lose to Yuki-san.
[You…ah…I see…the princess of Quercus…who would expect to meet you again?]
“I’m not Yuki-san! My name is Rena…and I will protect Jurina!”
[Courageous…or foolish are you?]
I wondered why I felt so calmed. I wasn’t afraid or trembling in fear anymore. All I could think was to protect my loved one. I tightened my clutch and pointed the dagger towards the orphan child.
[You will kill this child if you dare wound me…if you dare.]
“I won’t lose hope…I will save the child, and destroy you.”
Leviathan giggled at me and took her battle stance before it would come after me. I might die in this blink of second yet I’m not afraid at all…I took a deep breath. I could see the child leaping towards me and transformed the black mist into a long black lance.
“STOP IT!!!”
I heard Jurina’s cry and silver chains pierced up from the ground. It protected me from Leviathan’s attack and I could feel the cold touch on my shoulder. I turned over and saw her left eye glowing brightly in blood color. It was the same eye color as Leviathan. She gently took the dagger from my hand.
“Let me take care of this…trust me…I will save her.”
“Jurina…”
“Thanks for giving me hope again…”
It was the happiest smile I ever seen from her. It was utterly beautiful and filled with utmost happiness. She gently pushed me back in order to ensure my safety. She held the dagger once again and I couldn’t feel any slight hesitation from her at all.
[It’s futile…are you going to kill this child?]
“No, I will save her…and kill you.”
Jurina leaped in without hesitation and before Leviathan could even react…the dagger went through the child’s chest and caused her to stumble. I stared with shock as I could see blood oozing from the spot where the dagger pierced through her. Jurina pinned her down onto the floor and made sure the dagger would immobilized her completely. The host itself was suffering from the same wound as Leviathan, but it was a matter of time whether the child or the demon would perish first. The crimson color of the child’s eyes was flickering as it showed how Leviathan was losing its control over its host.
“It’s over…It’s finally over.”
[This child will die…and it will forever be my host.]
“I told you, I would…kill you.”
Jurina took out another knife and cut through the middle of her arm to her palm. She did the same thing to her other arm and it made me froze in shock. Even more, she swiftly slashed the child’s chest and caused both the demon and her to scream out in pain. I tried to run towards Jurina but then her chains tied me down immediately.
“Let me go Jurina! I told you I hate it when you use your magic on me!”
“…Heh, I thought you hate me ever since you told me to leave you alone.”
I flinched. She still remembered my words back on the day we had fight. I remembered that I told her to leave me alone. There was a hint of sadness in her voice. Did Jurina really take my words seriously? Why could she be so dense and stubborn like this?!
“No! I could’ve never hate you! I’ve always---!”
I couldn’t finish my sentence. I couldn’t. I wanted to convey my feelings to Jurina, but I don’t want it to become a burden to her. This feeling that I have for her. I bit my lips and continued on anyway.
“…You meant so much to me. During our times together, my feelings started to change and I---!”
“I must’ve hurt you…I’m sorry.”
Jurina replied back to me before I could finish my sentence. She coughed blood out again before she continued to speak. She turned to me once last time. Those beautiful violet eyes of hers…what is this feeling?. I felt like she was about to go somewhere…somewhere impossible for me to reach.
“But please do know this…I’ve never see you as Yuki, not even once…you’ve always been Rena to me.”
I couldn’t believe my own ears. It wasn’t as I believed at all. This whole time we’ve been together, she’s always see me as ‘Rena’. I felt even guiltier that I didn’t believe in Jurina. During our times together, it was real, she was with ‘me’. Tears streamed down my cheeks and I’m lost for words.
“This child, I’ll save her… so please stop crying, I hate it when you cry.”
“Jurina--!”
“…Even if it’s costing my own life, this child must live!”
She chanted some ancient spell and placed both her hands onto the X-wound of the child’s chest. Their blood mixed with each other and I could hear the child screamed even more. I didn’t know what was going on but…I hate this feeling I’m having right now. I knew something bad is happening to Jurina.
“Jurina!!”
[Sacrificing your life energy to save the child…!?]
“Yes…as well as to kill you.”
The black dust surrounded both of them and I couldn’t see what was happening inside. It was different from Leviathan’s black mist… The last thing I knew was that the heavy air had vanished. The dust dispersed and I watched as Jurina’s body slowly collapsed onto the floor lifelessly. The invisible wall that caged me disappeared and all of my surroundings moved once again as I realized that Jurina’s time magic has disappeared.
“Jurina!!!”
I ran towards her and shook her in my arms. The dagger on top of the child’s chest also disappeared as well as her wounds…but not Jurina’s. She remained lifeless as my body trembled with fear for losing her. I couldn’t feel her heart beating. Did she lie to me? She said she’s immortal and now she’s dead? Other people finally moved and called the ambulance for the two of them. I stayed closed to their side, especially to Jurina’s.
~XXX~
Both of them were hospitalized and I stayed by Jurina’s side since then. The doctor who is Jurina’s friend took care of her and the orphan child with special treatments. She convinced me that something similar to this happened before. Her heart stopped and her body was extremely cold…her body was still functioning properly but in a hibernation mode. She’s still alive, yet dead at the same time. However, no one knew when will she wake up again…her body remained cold…it made me so scared that she would never wake up again, that I would never hear her call my name again.
“Matsui-san…is there any change so far?”
The doctor came into the room and I nodded. He came in to tell me about the orphan girl’s condition and she’s recovering very well ever since she woke up a few days ago. However, what amazed me even more was that the staff around her were able to approach her. As if the curse around her had disappeared…or had it?
“She should be able to be dismissed from the hospital by tomorrow.”
“I see…thank you so much.”
“So…nothing had changed for two weeks…”
“It must be something unusual, am I right?”
“A little…there is still a few things I have to confirm, but it’s pointless if she doesn’t wake up.” The doctor sighed softly and went out from the room to give me the privacy I needed with Jurina.
I held her hand tightly and prayed for the day that Jurina would wake up. It was as if I was talking to myself…I constantly talked to her; every single day…telling her the feelings I never had the courage to tell her.
“I love you, Jurina, I love you. Please…Wake up…”
I broke into tears while holding her cold hand tightly. I prayed each and every day that Jurina would wake up with that gentle smile of her. I looked at her sleeping face once again and gently stroked her cheek. She looked like a sleeping beauty that wouldn’t wake up forever.
“I always thought you looked at me as Yuki-san…but I was wrong, you see me…as Rena. I’m so sorry that I didn’t trust you at all.”
Again, I was talking to myself while I wiped tears away from my eyes. I slowly bent in closer to Jurina’s face but I hesitated. I could feel my heart racing. I’m a coward. I never could bring myself to kiss her…even though she’s sleeping right in front of me.
“Jurina…I need you…I miss you…I love you…please call my name again…!”
“…Re…na.”
Was I dreaming? I heard a voice calling my name. As I looked up to the sleeping beauty once again, I could see her brunette eyes looking towards me with half-opened eyelids. She held my hand back and I could feel the warmth returning. Her body wasn’t cold anymore…it was really warm and I couldn’t hold back tears anymore.
“Ju…rina?”
“…Re…na...”
She smiled to me, I immediately launched into her arms and let out all my cry and tears. I could feel Jurina gently stroke my head and hugged me closely to her. However, I made sure I didn’t hug her too tight to hurt her since she was still recovering after all.
“T-This is real…right?”
“I’m certain that…I’m real. I’m surprised…I’m even alive.”
I could hear the door opened from behind and it was the doctor. He was surprised to see Jurina awake as well. He had the heart rate detector on Jurina in order know when would her heart beat returned…it was like Jurina was resurrected back to life once again. He even stated that it was like a miracle that she woke up because she was like a dead body for one whole week. Also, the doctor felt that this was the best time to tell the biggest fact he discovered regarding the eternal witch.
“Your body is no longer immortal, and not a non-human either.”
“W-What do you mean…?”
Jurina wasn’t sure she heard it properly and the doctor friend of hers had to explain it clearly once again. He told them that Jurina’s body was no longer the same as before since she used up all her power and life energy to save the child from Leviathan. It was a forbidden spell that would cost the caster’s life. One could call it a resurrection spell. Jurina was immortal when she used the forbidden spell. Maybe that’s why she was able to survive through that ordeal but as a result…she was no longer a non-human, no longer immortal. Her body’s function and lifespan…it was the mortality of humans.
“You’re…a human now.”
I couldn’t believe what I’ve just heard. I turned to look at Jurina and she was dumbfounded as well. She stared at her hand and tried to use magic but failed. It was true as the doctor said…she couldn’t use any magic anymore, right now, she’s a mere human.
“I’m…human…a mortal human?”
“You can say like that.” The doctor replied but still I couldn’t believe my ears at all.
“H-How’s the child?”
“…Leviathan was gone for good. She’s alive and good as new. You truly gave her a new life, Jurina-sama.”
“I see…thank goodness.”
I turned back to her and I could see tears running down Jurina’s eyes. At first, I thought she was so sad about being a human but then I saw a smile across her face. The doctor seemed to understand the feelings behind those tears and left the room. It was the first time I saw Jurina’s tears like this. It was the first time I saw her raw emotions like this. But as I saw her crying silently… I couldn’t hold back mine as well.
“Rena…why are you crying?”
“That’s what I wanted to ask. Why are you crying?”
“Well…I guess I’m really happy that I could finally die, as a mortal.”
I just listened to her words and I finally understood her loneliness. She had been living as an immortal for so long that she wished to die. I never realized that at all. Slowly, I got up from my chair and embraced her gently. Usually her body would be cold, but today…it was just so warm, like a human body.
“Let’s live together…I’ll be by your side until the very end of your life.”
“Rena?”
“You can’t rely on others for money all the time! If you want to have a good life then you have to work hard for it. We’ll do it together.”
“T-Together…you mean…”
“You don’t deserve to be alone anymore. It’s my turn to make a promise with you… ”
Jurina remained in silence after she listened to my proposal. She held my hands and stared into my eyes silently. I could feel her warm fingers that wiped the tears from my eye. It was a short silence between the both of us as I was dominated by Jurina’s calmness.
“I always hear your voice…calling me in the darkness.”
“Eh?”
“Your voice guided me out from the endless darkness… I always hear your voice that kept calling out for me. Your voice…gave me the hope to live on.”
“Jurina…”
“I want to live…that’s what I felt. I want to live with you until the very end.”
She stroked my cheek and let out her real smile. I could feel her sincerity through those eyes and words. She held my hand tighter and continued where she left off.
“I’m really scared to show any emotions to you…because I’m immortal, and if I’ve grown to be attached to you I… I don’t want to experience the feeling of losing someone I love again.”
W-What did she say again? The word ‘love’ repeated in my head countless times and I stared back at her with confusion. She looked into my eyes and she brought my hand to the top of her chest. I could feel her heart pounding fast against her ribs. It was beating so strongly and clearly.
“But I shouldn’t be afraid of that… I shouldn’t lose hope. That’s what you taught me by the courage you showed me.”
What I’ve done gave Jurina the hope to believe in herself. After she had been living for over 500 years she had lost so many things in life that it hit the point she didn’t want to be attached to anything. Only a painful future would wait for her because nothing could last forever. I used to see only calmness and tinge of sadness through her eyes, but there’s none anymore. It was utterly lively and filled with warmth. Even I never saw this side of hers, I could tell that this was Jurina’s true self.
“Jurina…”
“Things are precious…because they don’t last forever, just like Yuki, Mayu…and you. I love Yuki, but if she knows that I’m still obsessed with the past she would never forgive me.” She chuckled and I simply listened to her silently. I wasn’t sure where this conversation was heading at right now, but I got a feeling Jurina wanted to tell me something.
“…I hope she doesn’t mind that I love someone more than her.”
“E-Eh?”
“Heh, it’s going to take forever to say…how much I love Matsui Rena in the past 3 months that I’m with her.”
When I heard the word ‘love’ and my name, I couldn’t help but blush like a tomato. Before I could even process or react to her indirect confession, she pulled my face in and my lips collided with hers. That was my first kiss in my entire life. It was so gentle and soft. It made me had a mind blown instantly… I held her hand back tightly and clutched onto her shirt. I kissed her back as my respond…and I could feel her moved in closer towards me to deepen up our kiss. I could feel my whole body trembling with this unusual sensation inside me. She slowly broke off from the kiss and we stared into each other’s eyes…passionately. She whispered those miracle words against my lips.
“I wanted to live with you until the last breath of mine. I felt like I’m alive again by being with you and I want this to be my last love…Will you allow me to love you, Rena?”
“B-Baka…this is not something that you should ask!”
“Haha I’m sorry…I’m still learning a lot about being a human.”
“I’ll teach you.”
I whispered back while my face was burning up even more. I could see that she was slightly surprised with my response. “I’ll teach you everything that you need to know… and you’re taking responsible for stealing my first kiss too.”
Jurina seemed surprise about the latter fact as well and she let out a laugh. As her life was given back to her, the heavy burden call immortality vanished into thin air. Her expression was lightened up so much that it even made me happy. It was like a dream that I would be living with Jurina as a mortal until the end. I love her…and she loves me too. I never thought that such a day like this would even happen in my lifetime.
“I will.”
She replied and stroked my head again. We stared into each other’s eyes again and I moved in to kiss her lips this time. I could feel the warmth on those lips. It’s like a drug. I became so addicted with those lips and I couldn’t stop myself from desiring for more. I think it’s the only curse that affected me… the curse that made me fallen in love with Jurina.
“I hope Yuki-san won’t be jealous…”
“I think she will, since…”
Jurina teased me and pecked my lips quickly. She’s being so playful and childish that it’s making me blushing even more. Her calm mature side made her look so cool, but at the same time her playful childish side made her look so adorable…it made me love her even more. Whatever she did would make me fell for her even more…I couldn’t believe that I’m like this. I really do love her so badly.
“…I love you more than her, and more than anything else in this world.”
“J-Jurina…jeez, you’re making me felt so embarrassed.”
“Haha, but it seemed the kiss is saying the opposite.”
“Jurina!”
“I’m sorry~”
She’s teasing me so badly that I felt like I could die by a heart attack. She didn’t feel sorry at the slightest at all! However, I never knew that she felt that way towards me at all. I felt so happy and flattered that she cared and loved me this much. It’s making my heart racing so badly. She moved in to put her forehead against mine and our nose touched each other. She kept repeating those miracle words from her lips, endlessly…and I loved it. I could tell from her eyes and touch that she wanted to convey her genuine feelings to me. Her touch made me feel that she would never let me go… forever.
“I love you, Rena.”
“I love you too.”
Without waiting any further, she moved in to steal my lips again. I tightened my clutch and kissed her back without holding back anymore. I could feel she desired more as much as I do but it wasn’t something wild or anything. It’s just a very gentle sweet kiss. Both of us didn’t want to take thing too fast. We still have a lot of time together…until our very last breath. Even though it might not be for eternity, I will make sure every second I’m with Jurina will never make me regret that I’m alive in this cruel world...
Life with an ending is beautiful… That’s what Jurina taught me.
Book IV: [The Inheritor of Resolution]
~BOOK CLOSED~
(http://24.media.tumblr.com/aeb4e8fffdfa443cec2efa56915f51e7/tumblr_myipdtJEmZ1r9ba5jo1_500.png)
POSTER CREDITS: To Sherin-san! :bow:
Book V: [The Ephemeral Spring]
-
“I’m back!”
I entered my house after the school bus dropped me off at the front gate. There was only one pair of shoes at the entrance so I knew that my mom was at home. I went into the kitchen to grab a cold can of coke in the fridge. It was sure refreshing and it wasn’t that long until I heard someone walking down the stairs from the 2nd floor. A figure appeared from the corner of my eyes and she was still wearing her working glasses. She’s tall and had a shoulder length black hair. She looked quite tired as well…maybe she was being an all-nighter again. This’s my mom, Jurina-mama.
I actually have two moms. Even though Jurina-mama usually acted as my dad figure, she would always take care of me while Rena-mama’s working outside at a school since she’s a kindergarten teacher. As for Jurina-mama, she’s a writer. She only went out to give lectures at times when she was called, if not, usually she would just stay at home writing her novels. She’s really famous too! However no one knew that I’m her daughter at school. It’s one big secret~ Also, no one knew that Rena-mama and Jurina-mama are actually married too. It’s almost 9 years that I was adopted by them.
“Welcome home. How’s your day?”
“It’s good as usual, but also quite boring… I did well on the history test today. Thanks to you, mama.”
“Not at all~”
She approached me and gave a soft pat on my head. Her way of showing affections are different from Rena-mama since Jurina-mama’s more playful and flexible. As for my other mama, she’s really strict on me in many things especially studies! I guess that’s expected from having a mom as a schoolteacher.
“Want to grab some snacks outside? The big boss isn’t here so we can go buy as much snacks we want~”
I couldn’t help but to laugh at Jurina-mama! She would always call Rena-mama the ‘big boss’ of the house when she’s not around. Rena-mama caught her saying it several times and oh dear… the whole scene was just downright funny. Even though these two have been together for so long already…they were still acting like newlywed couples. It’s either there’s a live show comedian or romantic fluff in the house. That’s why, there’s always something funny and new each day!
“Awesome! Can I hide my snacks in your room again?”
“Obviously, just don’t let Rena-mama caught us.”
I nodded firmly and we went out to the convenience store close by to get all the snacks I wanted. Rena-mama’s really strict with everyone’s eating habit in the house and it’s awesome that Jurina-mama would sneak me out to buy snacks when Rena-mama wasn’t around. I’m curious about many things regarding Jurina-mama. In school today we talked about ‘fantasy’ and ‘reality’… we talked about vampires, demons, and witches. They were fantasies in novels and it reminded me of the famous fiction that she wrote. It’s a story that was consisted of 4 books so far and each book were based on each character’s life story. It’s a legend and it’s well known worldwide. Matsui Jurina, mama’s name is a name that everyone would recognize… she even received plenty of awards from her story that had yet to be completed. To be honest, I haven’t read any of the book yet. I personally don’t believe in those fantasies. I preferred real-life bibliographies than fictions.
“Jurina-mama, can I ask you something?”
“What is it?”
“Why do you write supernatural fictions?”
She remained in silence while she tried to figure an answer to reply to me. Jurina-mama simply shrugged her shoulders and chuckled softly to herself.
“Who knows?”
“Do you believe…in those things?”
“Hmm, I wonder. What about you?”
“I don't…you know that I don’t believe in witches or vampires…”
“Oh~? Said by a child who used to believe in it so much.”
“W-Whatever!”
I got teased back by my own childhood past. I used to believe in those fantasies so much since both my moms would read me stories about it. I could even remember it until now…it was a story about the two royal witches that became friends with a human princess. It was a very happy and heartwarming story. I was always happy to listen to it every day for my bedtime story. However, that was in the past. I’ve grown up and I prefer being in reality.
“But isn’t being in reality much better? Fictions could only be fictions in the end, right?”
“What do you think define ‘fiction’ in the beginning?”
She asked me back and I couldn’t answer it. I wasn’t sure I even understood her question or not but I felt there was more meaning behind her words. She didn’t even explain anything further. Sometimes I felt that Jurina-mama was hiding something that I didn’t know, but there’s no point of asking her because she wouldn’t say a word about it.
After we were done with buying our snacks we came back home and hide it from Rena-mama. I went to do my homework in the living room and Jurina-mama brought down her computer to continue on her work. She must be working on the final book right now from what I remembered. She finished the 4th book a year ago and everyone was waiting patiently for the final one. It would be the end to the legendary story… but since I didn’t read the story, it wouldn’t matter to me.
Always, every single day, Jurina-mama would always come to work downstairs when I’m doing my homework in the living room. That’s why I never felt lonely when I’m at home. Very rarely there would be some days that she couldn’t come sit with me.
“I’m back.”
We both heard the familiar voice and the entrance door opened. I knew immediately that it was Rena-mama and I rushed over to the entrance to greet her. She was in her usual teacher outfit and she was taking off her shoes.
“Welcome home Rena-mama!”
“I'm back~ Are you hungry yet? I brought some ingredients from the supermarket, so how about fried rice for dinner tonight?”
“Sounds like a great idea~”
Jurina-mama came from behind and placed her hands on my head. She was getting hungry already and so Rena-mama decided to cook dinner immediately. Both of them told me to do my work instead while they did the cooking. I could hear Jurina-mama kept teasing Rena-mama all the time and it’s just so funny to listen to it. Every time when this happened, Rena-mama looked really childish and cute.
“You looked tired, do you want a massage tonight?”
“No way.” She rejected her immediately and it made Jurina-mama sulked.
“Ouch…you hurt my feelings.”
“You almost killed me! I told you all the time I’m ticklish and yet you still didn’t stop for the whole night!!”
Ah I remembered that night very well. I heard Rena-mama laughing and screaming so badly from their room. She kept telling Jurina-mama to stop, but obviously she didn’t. Unexpected things between my parents always happened and no one could tell when one would be coming. However, even though they seem to be fighting and arguing every single day…I could tell they love each other so much.
“Ah~ but it’s irresistible to not tease you…”
“Please just give me a normal massage…I’ll kick you out of the room if you do that again.”
“Okay I’ll try…you’re just too irresistible though Re-na-chan…” Jurina-mama whispered against Rena-mama’s neck and it made her flinched immediately. I could tell from her reaction that she was blushing badly.
“J-Jurina!!!” Rena-mama roared back and it seemed she was holding a knife in her hand too…
“Wait! N-Not with that knife in your hand please!!”
There we go again… the usual lover’s quarrel of the Matsui family. It made the whole house so lively. They always tease each other on many various stories and I loved to listen to it. They were different from most of the parents I heard from my friends. They would always be strict to them and told them what to do… which was completely opposite from Rena-mama and Jurina-mama. I can literally talk about anything to them and my friends even said that they were jealous of me.
We sat at the dining table together to enjoy our meal. Rena-mama’s fried rice is the best! It’s always my favorite food of all time. When we’re eating together both moms would always talk to me with many various things. So today, it seemed our conversation was about Jurina-mama’s ongoing story she was working on right now.
“Hm…I wonder how long I can give an excuse to my editor.”
“What did you do this time?” Rena-mama asked with curiosity, but then she mused for a second before she replied back.
“I didn’t start the last book yet. Actually…I didn’t even think about the plot yet.”
“E-Eh?? Really?”
I was shocked. It’s been a year already since Jurina-mama released her 4th book and she didn’t even have a plan for the final one yet. Everyone in the whole world was waiting for this final one! However, it seemed Rena-mama wasn’t even that surprised, as if she was expecting this from Jurina-mama.
“It’s quite complicated so…could you help me out?”
She turned to me and asked for a favor. That’s rare especially on topics regarding her work. I wouldn’t expect her to ask me anything at all and it made me wonder what she wanted me to do for her. I told her I will do my best and I could see a smile across her face.
“Will you read all the books and tell me your opinion about it?”
It made me paused for a second. She knew that I didn’t like reading supernatural or fairytale stories but yet she asked me to do so. It’s not that I hate them but… I just don’t like believing on things that aren’t real. Maybe for this once, for Jurina-mama, I’ll do what she asked me to do.
“Okay…I’ll do it.”
“Good girl~ I’ll take you to the chocolate café if you succeed~”
“Wow! Really!?”
“Oi Jurina…”
She stared at her but then Jurina-mama ignored her death glare. Since it’s my promise with her, I would make sure I do it! I loved chocolate so badly that I’m more than willing to do whatever it takes to get it.
“Fine…I give up, just once okay?”
That was like a miracle! Rena-mama approved for me to go to the chocolate café! After we finished the dinner, I went back to work in my room before I go back to sleep. I wouldn’t want to sleep so late that I would wake up late for my school. Tomorrow would be the last day before my winter exams. I can’t wait for it to be done so I could spend my time reading Jurina-mama’s book in order to go to the chocolate café with her! I’ll make sure to eat as much as I could!
-///-
I slowly opened my eyes…and I was on the bed. Yes…that’s when my memories begun. I can’t remember anything that happened and the first person I saw was her… She was pretty like a princess. She smiled and held my hand gently.
“Don’t worry…I’m your friend. My name is Rena.”
“Rena…san…?”
“Yup. That’s me.”
She was the person that always took care of me when I’m still recovering from an accident. The doctor told me that I had amnesia and I might not be able to remember anything about my past. My origin was that I’m an orphan anyway so it didn’t matter if I remember anything about it or not. Rena-san was one of the big sisters that took care of orphans like me. She told me that we played together all the time until I got into an accident with her friend, whose name was Jurina. She has yet to wake up… Every morning Rena-san would come to talk to me with such an angelic smile. Until one day… there was another woman that came with her. She was in a patient’s outfit like me. I looked into her eyes and she stared at me with so much tears. I didn’t understand what was behind those tears but before I had time to think about it, she rushed to my side and hugged me tightly. I didn’t know who is she…but I could feel her kind heart and feelings through her touch.
“This is Jurina…the person I told you about.”
“Jurina-san…?”
“Finally…thank goodness that you’re safe…”
She mumbled when she was embracing me gently in her warm arms. I could feel her sincerity through that hug and her words. It made me felt utterly comforted and… felt loved. It was the first time I met her, yet I felt so sentimental about it. It’s like as if I received this kind of hug before…long time ago…
-///-
Time flew by so fast and after I’m done with this hell on earth exams…I’m completely free to do anything I want during this long winter break! Finally I don’t have to wake up by the alarm! I slept in and woke up at 9am before going downstairs to grab some morning cereal. Mama went off to work already so it’s only Jurina-mama and me at home. After I enjoyed my breakfast, I went to her room and knocked on her door. She should be awake already…I hope.
“Mama! I came get the books to read.”
“Come in~”
Glad that she’s awake already. I opened the door into her room and she was sitting at her working table as usual. She diverted her attention to the 4 books beside her computer and handed them over to me.
“Take your time, you have a long winter break to read.”
“Okay! You better promise me to take me to the most expensive chocolate café!”
“Yes ma’am. I’ll take you there if you manage to help me with the final book okay?”
“Promise!”
I took the books down to the living room to read it. To be honest I was actually curious with her work. I’m a quick reader so it didn’t take me that long to read through the book… the first book was about the princess of the witch clan that was the successor to the throne. As I read through each page, I didn’t pay much attention at the beginning until I felt kind of nostalgic with this story. I heard it somewhere before… Oh right, it was Jurina-mama that told me this story back when I was a kid. Soon I actually started to pay more attention to the story. It felt as if this story was actually real. The feelings of the character… I felt deeply connected to them. I never came across a book that could give me such a vibe like this before.
For some reason as I finished the first book…at this point I was addicted to this story and I wanted to know what happened with the human princess…and the 1st protagonist’s younger sister.
~XXX~
That late night, I took a break from reading the book series… I was currently done with the 2nd one. It was so complicated with the love triangle between the human princess and the other two royal witches. In the end…she died by her own selfless act, yet her soul didn’t waver at the slightest. Do humans like that exist? The title of this book fits her perfectly…the 2nd protagonist really did have an unwavering soul. However, this was a fiction after all. These characters couldn’t be real….
“Are you sure you should be letting her reading those books? Since they’re…”
I heard Rena-mama’s voice as she was talking to Jurina-mama in the living room. I stopped with whatever I was planning to do and walked slowly closer to their conversation. I knew it’s bad to eavesdrop, but I couldn’t help it. They were talking about me after all…
“I don’t see a problem with it? Also, isn’t she’s just like you…doesn’t believe in supernatural and curses.”
“Mou…stop teasing me, will you?”
“Hehe, I’m sorry Rena…”
Jurin-mama smiled and pecked on Rena-mama’s lips softly. The only moments I would see Jurina-mama being all sweet and romantic are when she’s alone with Rena-mama. Usually she wouldn’t show that side of hers in front of others.
“But you know what I mean…right?” Jurina-mama responded back to her.
“…Yes.”
“Trust me okay? As well as trust her.”
“I know…”
I stopped looking at them being super fluff and walked away without getting caught. I don’t understand why Rena-mama is worrying about me when it’s just fictional books? Is there something more about the books? I don’t know what they were referring to, but I guess I might as well finish the whole thing to learn about it myself. I started reading the 3rd book, but then it was much longer than the other two books. I was only ¼ through the whole thing and I was already exhausted. I think I deserve some sleep and will resume my reading tomorrow instead…
~XXX~
I slept without my alarm, however for some reason I woke up quite early today. Maybe I was used to waking up early to go to school. Since I was getting hungry I went downstairs and saw Jurina-mama cooking fried rice. She glanced over and told me that she had prepared a plate for me already. Aside from Rena-mama’s cooking, Jurina-mama’s are just as great! I sat down and gobbled down my food while it was still hot. I could see she was laughing at me while I munched loudly with contentment. She seemed to enjoy watching me eating my food happily.
“So…how far have you read it? I hope it’s not too boring for you.”
“It was actually very addictive than I thought. I’ve finished two books already. I hope to finish them all by tomorrow.”
“Sounds great to me. You’re sure eager to eat at the chocolate café~”
“Of course!”
I didn’t technically lie in that answer. That was my initial motivation to read the books, but right now I wanted to learn the secret of this story that Jurina-mama wrote in there. There must be something behind the conversation between both of my moms. I couldn’t just ask them directly because they didn’t know that I eavesdropped them. After I was done with the meal I brought the book down to the living room to read it quietly for the whole day until Rena-mama arrived back from work.
The drama and the complex of this character were just so…extreme beyond reality. If something like that were to happen to me I would be long dead already. Love was the only thing that was needed in order to go through all ordeals in life… It sounded too much like a fiction than to be based on someone’s real life experience… but Jurina-mama stated that it’s based on reality…I can’t believe it. In this book, I couldn’t imagine someone would be going through that kind of pain. The younger witch loved the human princess unconditionally that she was willing to do whatever it takes to protect her, but all her effort was in vain. She turned into a heartless demon…and in the end she killed herself to protect her older sister. It’s just too painful to accept that this story was actually based on reality. I actually cried while I was reading this book. I don’t know why but I could feel a strong connection with this character much more than the other two. But I still don’t understand how it’s relating to what they talked about last night. The answer might be in the last book…
-
That evening, we sat at the dining table again and we had our usual fun family talk. This time it was Rena-mama that asked me what I thought of the books that Jurina-mama wrote. I replied back honestly and told her that I actually loved the story. I was deeply touched and didn’t know that it was this amazing. I was no longer surprised that this story became a legend at all. They were even planning to make a movie out of this soon next year. It made me feel guilty that I didn’t give much attention to what she wrote when I’m living with her 24/7 like this. I told her I was on the last book and Rena-mama seemed to be… fidgeting a little bit? She looked a little uneasy somehow.
“Is something wrong Rena-mama?”
“Well…not exactly…”
“Rena-mama’s favorite book is the 4th one, and the same goes to me too~”
Jurina-mama spoke up and it made Rena-mama glared at her. Rena-mama was blushing slightly by Jurina-mama’s response and it seemed there was something between those two that I was yet to know. I felt like the key to the answer I wanted was in the 4th one… as it was already hinted from the 1st book the 4th protagonist would be the human princess’s reincarnation in the present era.
After the dinner, I went back to my room but I decided to sleep instead. I had enough of being emotional today by the 3rd book. I guess I would be sleeping early today so that I would be prepared to read the last one. The answer I was looking for would be in the last one.
~XXX~
I glanced at my alarm clock and it seemed I slept in quite a bit. I actually had a very weird dream last night. I dreamt that I met this person in my dream. She had such cold…yet beautiful violet eyes. When I stared at her I felt like my time stopped. Shots of scenes flashed into my head. There were so many things happening… I heard the sound of a girl screaming hysterically to the top of her lungs. Then I saw the image of that same girl squirming on the floor with tears of pain… I felt so many emotions through those scenes. It was as if I was that person. Then suddenly, the scene cut off to the huge green hill…it’s filled with happiness. The sky was so blue as if this was a fairytale world. I wouldn’t think a place like this would exist in the world. It’s just so beautiful…and peaceful.
I wondered why I had such a dream…maybe the 3rd book I read yesterday was heavily impacted me. Oh well, it's about time I should get out from my bed. However, I didn’t feel like going down to eat breakfast yet so I ate some snack bars that I kept in my drawer and picked the 4th book to read on my bed. I just felt so eager to read this final book. It’s the last one and I might find my answer in here.
I flipped through the pages and read it. Yes, as I kept read through this final book…I started to feel that I finally found my answers…within this book. This was a story about a young girl that met the immortal witch. She was the 2nd protagonist’s reincarnation. Both main characters’ lives were revolving around this child that was cursed by the demon that was killed at the end of the 3rd book. It kept haunting this child who was the younger witch’s reincarnation. However, something caught my attention about this 4th main character… she received a full scholarship for her studies and was working in an orphanage for her part-time job? That sounded so much like…Rena-mama. Things started to get more realistic to me and I couldn’t stop reading it. I wonder why I felt as if I was reading a real-life bibliography rather than a fictional novel…
“Why…?”
I kept flipping through the page and eventually I arrived at the climax part. It was the scene where the immortal witch was trying to kill the demon within the orphan child. As I read through the dialogue of the characters, I didn’t understand why I felt like I heard it somewhere before… I felt as if it happened long time ago, but I couldn’t remember when.
As I almost reached the ending, I could feel tears streaming down my cheeks when I reached the scene that the immortal witch woke up. I felt so much sadness and happiness from the mortal girl. I could tell that she really loved the witch... so many emotions conveyed through these words. As if the whole scene was displayed right in front of me. There was this paragraph that struck me immediately... it’s when the immortal witch used all her magical powers and life energy to cast a resurrection spell on the child in order to save her from the demon’s curse. However, it was a miracle she was still alive…but as a result of her recklessness, she lost all her power and became a mortal human. The romance between those two made me shed tears even more. I understood the witch’s position more when she confessed her fear, thoughts, and feelings to her human lover. They promised to stay by each other’s side until the end… that’s expected from a romance story, however if it were to happen in real life…it must be a good feeling to meet and stay with the one you truly love. That’s when the story ends----Huh…
“Wait a minute…there’s epilogue?”
The story didn’t end yet. It continued on…it was the epilogue of the fourth book. I read through it quickly. There were butterflies in my stomach and my heart was racing madly. The story was cut over to the scene that those two main protagonists went to meet with the nameless orphan story at the hospital…they visited her many times but this visit was special than usual…
~XXX~
Jurina and Rena visited the nameless after the ex-witch had finished her physical therapy. She was still not used to her mortal body yet so she needed to learn about her limitations. Jurina was still a patient in the hospital until her doctor friend approved that she’s able to live as a mortal without harming or killing herself as a result. They came to talk and spend time with the nameless orphan, but it seemed something was disturbing Jurina.
“Hm, you still don’t have a name?”
“Ah…yes. Even though the adults told me that I can come up with one myself…but I don’t know what name I should give to myself.” The child replied.
“We should help come up with a name for her, what do you think, Rena?”
Jurina turned to her lover and she agreed with it. The nameless orphan was surprised and excited at the same time. She was wondering what kind of name Rena would come out with. To the child, Rena was the one that was beside her when she woke up from her long sleep. She was the first person that the child saw… and Rena became someone that’s special to the child.
The raven-haired lady mused for a long while as she was trying to figure out a good name that would fit the orphan girl. She wanted to give her a name with a pleasant meaning as well.
“Hmmm…”
The chilled breeze blew through the opened window grabbed Rena’s attention. The cold air entered, as the winter was approaching soon. Out of the blue, it seemed she figured out a name that would suit the child. She was given a new life; a new beginning… what was awaited after winter is a beautiful spring.
“Ah, how about…”
~XXX~
I broke into tears as I finally finished the last page of the book.
I let it all out and couldn’t help but to felt so touched by it. I finally remembered it all… the epilogue of this book overlapped with my memories. I actually got into an accident and was saved by Jurina-mama many years ago…back then I was still 4-5 years old. As a result from the accident, I lost all my memories permanently. I did not remember anything regarding myself at all, and this scene was one of the early memories I had in the hospital. I remembered that day very well… it felt like yesterday. That was the day that my beloved gave me that name… to a nameless orphan like me.
The ending of the book didn’t reveal the child’s name, it was a cliffhanging ending, but I know full-heartedly what name they would give to the child. Reading through this book made me remembered and thought more about the two protagonists. Did the whole story based on Jurina-mama and Rena-mama’s real lives experiences? If so… everything seemed to be connected together.
-
I simply closed the book and placed it on my bed before I rushed to Jurina-mama’s room immediately. I banged on her door and turned the doorknob even before I received her permission. As usual, she was sitting at her table working and slowly turned her attention to me. She had that calm smile on her face as if she was expecting me to arrive sooner or later.
“Mama…”
“Good morning, I assumed you had finished the books… so, what do you think about them?”
“I…was deeply touched by the story. I loved it.”
“So, which is your favorite book?” She asked me another question.
“…The 4th one.”
I didn’t hesitate to answer and I could see a smile across her face. She closed the screen of her computer and diverted her full attention to me. I could tell she was about to throw another question at me.
“So…what do you think should be the title of the 5th book?”
“Y-You wanted me to come up with a name?”
“Yup~ also…what name should I give to the nameless child? Since she’s the 5th protagonist after all.”
I was shocked by the question, but at the same time while I was looking into her eyes. Did she know that I knew that the 4th book based on mom and her experience? Jurina-mama allowed me to decide the title of the final book and told me that I should take my time to think through it properly. I felt like she was bullying me indirectly. If that nameless child would be the final protagonist of the 5th book…then that’s me. Was that the reason that she didn’t write the final book out yet? Was that the reason she wanted me to decide the name of the book and the nameless orphan?
“You can take your time, I’m not in a hurry. So, why don’t you go cook some fried rice for our lunch? I’m getting a little hungry now.”
“Basically you’re asking me to cook for you…”
“Yup~ you got it!”
“Hehe~ roger that.”
-
I left the room to go cook for mama and myself. While I had my time to think about the 5th story, I was not certain what name I should tell her. I don’t want to give a bad name for her final book. I sighed and thought about the true meaning that she was trying to convey through the ending of the story. I thought about both the immortal witch and the mortal human’s feelings… an immortal life huh? I never thought about that before. However, when I thought about it, I probably wouldn’t want to have that. The immortal witch had to watch people she cared and closed to her died off one by one. It must be really sad for her, but isn’t death also scary too? I wondered which one is better? Immortality or death? An endless or ephemeral story?
“Mama! Food is ready!”
I called for her after I was done cooking our lunch. So far that was the only thing I learned how to cook from Jurina-mama. This was Rena-mama’s fried rice recipe and it’s the best! She came down and sat in the dining table with me. As usual we had our random talks as we discussed where to go on our free time today. As I stared at Jurina-san, there were things I had yet to clarify. I took a deep breath before I started asking her a question that would give an answer to my doubts.
“The 4th one…it’s based from both your and Rena-mama’s lives?”
“Indeed it is.”
“…I see.”
I was wondering whether I should ask further or not. It did clarify that my guess was right about the 4th book. However, it looked as if Jurina-mama was waiting for me to say something. I felt as if she knew that I wanted to ask something more than that. I didn’t want to back down either. I arranged my thoughts properly before I finally asked my final question.
“Do you believe in the existence of supernatural beings?”
She remained in silence and looked back at me with such calm eyes. It was actually the same question I asked her quite a while back before my exams. She only smiled at me and took her time before she replied back to my question.
“Everything can be ‘reality’ as long as you believe and have faith in it. It doesn’t depend on what others said, but it is your mind that shapes up the whole world.”
“My mind huh…I see.”
I felt like I found my answer through Jurina-mama’s wise words. Those words had made me understood more about the story and the characters even more. That’s when I finally managed to figure out the name that fits well with the 5th book. I looked back into those calm brunette eyes and I think she could tell that I found an answer as well.
“The Ephemeral Spring…That’s the name of the final book.”
I took another deep breath before mama could speak up. When I looked at her again, she was waiting for me to continue where I left off. She was waiting for the last answer to her request. I was told to give a name to the 5th protagonist of the final book. I’ve been trying to figure out other better names, but there was this one name that kept repeating in my mind. It seemed I didn’t have a choice but to use this name that I felt was right.
“The final protagonist’s name, it is Haruka.”
She smiled at me silently without a word. There were no comments regarding the name of the 5th book and the character’s name. Sometimes her silence could be utterly comfortable or scary, because I didn’t know what Jurina-mama was thinking at the slightest. However, the look on her face told me she seemed satisfied with the answer.
“I see… the Spring Flower hmm? Why did you pick that name?”
The definition of Haruka is Spring Flower. I told her that I believed that’s the best name for the nameless child. The child would receive so much care and love. An ending of one story leads to a new beginning. However…no matter what, there would be an ending waiting for everything. The whole story taught me how nothing lasts forever… As the winter comes to an end, the spring begins…
“Nothing is permanent and things become more beautiful and precious when there’s an ending to it, isn’t that what you’re trying to convey?”
“Heh…that’s right.”
That story changed my whole perspective in a way. I never thought about things that deeply and in another perspective until I read these books written by Jurina-mama. As I read through it, I didn’t feel like it’s just a fictional story. It felt so real that as if I was inside the story and witnessing the tragic of life before my eyes. There would be so many things I’ve yet to learn, but there’s one certain thing I understood fully… I’m really lucky and blessed to be receiving love from my moms.
-
We stayed home and waited for Rena-mama to come back. She would be leaving work early today since it was her last day before her winter holiday. It was sad that she might have to work at the school despite the school was closed for students. At least she would be free tomorrow! However, she’s supposed to arrive home earlier, but she got into some problems and came back late. I wonder what the problem was, but never mind that! We’re going to spend time together tomorrow at the plaza close by since Jurina-mama had to take me to the chocolate café she promised! I can’t wait for it~ I’m so excited!
~XXX~
I set the alarm last night so that I wouldn’t wake up late for the family hangout today. After I took a shower and went downstairs, both Rena-mama and Jurina-mama were already waiting for me in the living room. I got curious at how they exchanged glances with each other before they turned to me.
“Y-Yes? Is something a matter?”
“Hehe~ I wonder~”
Jurina-mama seemed to enjoy making things mysterious and suspicious to me. It was Rena-mama that walked up to me and put something in my hand. I look at the small object and it's a pocket watch with a sakura design carved on the cover. I have a big obsession with pocket watches and so I could tell from this that… it’s custom-made. I was so surprised that they got one for me…it must be really expensive!
“I was really scared that they wouldn’t make it in time! Glad they finished it yesterday.”
Rena-mama smiled with relief and the actual problem she mentioned yesterday was about this watch. She had to wait at the shop for it.
“This…”
“Don’t tell me you forget your own birthday already?”
Jurina-mama asked me again and I froze in shock. I completely forgot that today was actually my birthday. Not technically the day I was born, but this was the day that Rena-mama gave me a name. It was the day that I was given an existence to world… and it had become my birthday ever since.
“You must be so obsessed with your quest to eat at the chocolate café for free.”
“Mou, Jurina-mama! I was just completely sucked into your books!! It’s not my fault!”
She teased me again and then Rena-mama stroked my head gently before she hugged me tightly in her arms. Her warmth always comforted my heart and soul. This birthday was very special more than any other birthdays I had in the past. I realized the value of time and my family even more than before. I started to appreciate every second I was with both of my mamas… they meant the world to me.
“I love you, Haruka-chan…and happy 15th birthday.”
She kissed my forehead and I couldn’t hold back my smile. I was just too happy to even hide any of my feelings from them. I hugged Rena-mama back and buried my face onto her shoulder.
“I love you too, mama… thank you for everything.”
-
We were getting ready to leave the house to spend our precious family moments together. Both mamas were waiting for me in front of the house while I made sure the lights were off and windows and doors were locked properly.
“Haruka! Are you done yet?”
“Yes! I’m coming!”
I could hear Jurina-mama called my name and just about time I was done. I made sure the entrance door was locked first before I ran up to catch up with them. I held Rena-mama’s hand and walked by her side while Jurina-mama was on my other side. The weather outside was getting colder as each passing day. It’s almost the end of the year after all… and I couldn’t wait for the spring to arrive. I used to feel normal with spring, but now I loved it more than any other seasons. I can’t wait for it to arrive since it’s my name after all!
That is my name… Matsui Haruka, the name given by Rena-mama… and it’s the name of the final protagonist of the “Book of Transcendence”. I can’t wait to read the last book in order to see the ending of it… This was the first time I was actually looking forward to read Jurina-mama’s book.
…I wonder what await after the spring ends.
Book V: [The Ephemeral Spring]
~BOOK CLOSED~
Thank you for sticking along this long with this story! I hope you all enjoy and have fun reading through this! Finally I finished one of my on-going series~ :cow: :cow: :cow: I shall go back to continue on my other on-going series + oneshots~ :deco: :deco: :deco: Thanks for all your lovely comments and supports for this~ ^^