The Trail of Memories

We were talking, laughing, and spending time the past few months, and now we’re parting. What’s with parting? She searched high and low for ten years. For that person who gave me a second chance at being a savior. To be one that could save a lot of people’s lives.

Even if it meant nobody would know their name.

The Radio Tower that became a symbol of peace, has it really become an actual symbol of peace? Is looking at a broken thing a symbol of peace? The DA sure did twisted the story into nothingness, that an incident became

an accident that turned into a symbol of peace.

Was the past ten years worth it?

“…Hmm. Not quite sure about that.” Chisato stood outside the cafe alone as she stared at the ground thinking about things. “It sure has gotten cold, maybe I should go inside.”

The cafe door’s chime rang as she entered then she was suddenly embraced by the darkness of the empty cafe. Mizuki, Mika, and Kurumi were outside for an errand, and Takina went back to the DA.

“Takina…” Even saying her name felt nostalgic, like it was some old memory. She stood still in front of the door as she recalled the first day they met in Spring.

“You’ll be my partner!? I’m Chisato~”

“Inoue Takina.”

“Hehe…” Chisato laughed at the memory. She was still rough around the edges, barely showed her emotions, and only did what she was told. “I wonder how she can change her mood so quickly…” Remembering how they often fight, but if you asked her to do something, you’d know she’s still angry at you, but would still do the thing you asked her.

Looking back to that day they thought they weren’t able to protect their client ‘Walnut’.

“Ah… I really thought I failed there…” Chisato scoffed. She tried to remember Takina’s face then, they both felt their responsibilities and how they failed there. “I wonder if Takina would be sad if I…”

Of course she would be. Chisato quickly lost her silly smile as she felt her chest go up in pain as she tried to think of Takina’s expression once she’s used up her last day.

Takina going back to the DA… Takes her back to that time they did a mock battle with Fuki and Sakura.

“There are plenty of people in the city who needs you.”

“I’m glad that I met you! I’m happy~!”

“I wonder if she was glad she met me too?” Chisato smiled to herself. She never had the courage to ask the question back. She knew from the start she didn’t have long, after all. “She sure has grown so much…”

From the rough and emotionless Takina, to the current Takina who smiled often. The Takina who took up the cafe’s accounting because she didn’t want it to go out of business. The Takina who rushed to the clinic when Chisato didn’t answer in three rings. Her anger and panic upon hearing Chisato only had two more months left.

“Takina… I’m sorry.” Chisato heaved a sigh as she closed her eyes and let the darkness engulf her. “Gwah!” Then suddenly the familiar ringtone of what seemed like an old cooking show rang in her phone as she quickly took it out.

The screen of her phone turning into her only light in the darkness.

“Hello-hello. Takina?” Chisato answered in her most upbeat tone.

“Are you okay? Did you catch a cold?”

“Don’t think I did. Did you arrive already?” Chisato wiped her eyes and nose as she tried not to sniff.

“Yes. I’ve arrived here safely.” Takina’s clear voice came into her ears. Chisato felt relieved.

“I’m glad. Are things fine over there?”

“Everyone’s preparing to storm Majima’s base soon. It’s a bit busy.”

“Ah, then shouldn’t you be–“

“I have a few minutes. Chisato.”

“Yeah?” Chisato stared into the darkness as she still stood in front of the cafe’s door.

“I’m glad I met you, Chisato.” Takina’s voice rang in her ears.

“Are you serious? Is this a dream?” Chisato closed her eyes as the tears she’s been holding back suddenly fell down her cheeks. “Thanks.”

“That’s why, I’m going to do my best here. So that I can return all that you gave to me, to you.” Takina spoke with conviction.

“What are you saying?”

“When I lost my place in the DA, you gave me a new home, and made me experience a lot of things I’ve never experienced before. I’ve never felt saved by anyone else before. I…”

“Takina?”

“I don’t want things to end this way. There has to be a way, and I’m going to find it. I’m going to prioritize to do what I want. So Chisato…”

Chisato clutched her phone tightly.

“Please wait for me.”

Chisato smiled through her tears. “I’ll do my best.”

“Please wait for me, because this time, it’s going to be my turn to be a savior.”

Chisato’s eyes widened as she heard. “Takina…”

“So please. Wait for me.”

Chisato wiped her tears with her arms. “You sure drive a hard bargain.”

“I try.” Takina laughed. “I don’t know if being a lycoris for ten years was enough for you, but knowing you only for a few months, isn’t enough for me. We saw the snow for the first time… Is it too greedy of me to wish that there would be another one for us next year?”

“…I don’t think so, but God’s a bit whimsical after all.” Chisato clutched her chest. “…We won’t know what’s in line for us, so it’s pointless to worry about things outside of our hands.”

“So I’ll do my best at something that I could do. I’ll do that now. I’ll be back soon.”

“Okay.”

“I’ll come running to you.”

“I’ll meet you halfway.” Chisato said with pride.

“Then, let’s meet halfway.” Takina responded with equal confidence. “Chisato, I need to go now.”

“Okay, take care. Good–“

“This isn’t goodbye. I’ll see you soon.”

“Yeah… Yeah, you’re right. See you soon, Takina.”

Chisato stared at the screen of her phone waiting for the call to the end because she didn’t want to press the button from her side. Soon enough, the call ended and she clutched her phone tightly as the screen went dark, engulfing her surroundings in darkness again.

“You make me want to live longer now… You idiot.” She let her tears fall as she stared at the ground. Chisato was already contented with how much time she had left, because it was a fact that she didn’t have much in the beginning.

A heart that could likely last until she was twenty. A partner who would fight time to save her. She truly was blessed, wasn’t she? Chisato lifted her head and wiped her tears. She turned around and opened the door, letting it close slowly behind her.

Because she, too, could still do something. Who knows? Something good could be waiting for them. She opened her phone again as she ran down the road and dialed a number.

“Kusunoki-san? I’m–“

(The Trail of Memories/END)