Chapter Text
The sound of my footsteps resonated on the tunnel as I continue my run on the trails.
All the places was entirely abandoned, being the loud echo, and some debris about to collapse the major current residents, which as expected were left alone for a lot of years.
Others used to be around all the time, but for some reason they didn't bothered to show up since I arrived.
"Naomi! Naomi where are you?!" I desperately shout through my front, how many times I repeated such act already? I didn't care, I wanted her to respond now, there wouldn't be another chance! Not matter how long it should take me, I won't fail this time!
Panting for breath, I continued forward non-stop, my feet almost hurting for how long I forces myself to keep going. My lungs desperate for take a breath, and my mouth totally dry for the lack of water.
I gritted my teeth in anger at myself, it wasn't the time to complain, I needed to run... I didn't wanted to be late, if I...
"NAOMI!!" I shouted again, too aloud that my throat started to hurt. Still not response. I screamed losing my patience, feeling my power starting to pick up debris, rocks, and metals in my rage, throwing everything everywhere with not reason but anxiety in particular. Tears started coming down my cheeks, my eyebrows narrowed to their limit.
All the tiredness accumulated after hours running in circles we're not going to slow me down, a least not until I save her...
I told her I would protect her, I promised to her we were going to hang up after the mission, I put faith in her that she would take care of herself...
Then why..?
Why..?
..?
I finally reached my destination, that big Battlefield where some Others surrounded us, and the place where all started for me...
My smile returned to my lips, feeling the bottled anxiety going away, "Naomi..."
I found her...
She was sitting on the floor, hiding her face on her knees. For some reason she was just wearing a simple torn one piece red dress, and her matching hair clip. Without shoes, her feet looked dirtier, as well part of her legs and arms, and her hair was a mess, like it wasn't taken care for a long time.
"I finally found you..." I fell on my knees, without stopping my aproach, with my legs hurting I started to crawl, "Naomi..!" I called again, panting through my smile.
She didn't answered back.
Instead she looked at me, making my face go pale at her expression, one I never seem ever on her at me
Anger.
"Why didn't you save me..?" she extended an arm toward me shaking at its bruises, "why you abandoned me?"
"N-Naomi?" I stopped my movements, unsure on how to react.
"You left me behind... despite everything I did for you, why?" She smiled, despite the tears coming from her distressed eyes, "Kasane never loved me, didn't you..?
Feeling a squeeze on my chest, I couldn't let her talk anymore, "That's not..!"
"You didn't, you really didn't!" Everything around us shaked as her figure broke like a glass, transforming into her Other form, "after all... I'm a monster now..."
"Naomi, what's happening? you know that's not true!" I kept shouting back, trying to make her mind snap of this non senses, but it was still hurting my heart, why Naomi..?
"I'm sorry Kasane... bu--t y--re too -ate..."
Shocked by her words, I didn't dodge her enormous hand, grabbing me in an instant, finding myself directly going to her maw.
...
"Naomi..!"
I found myself awake, stretching my arm to the ceiling. My head was hurting a bit, and my heartbeat was faster.
Another nightmare... about Naomi, how many times has been already? I thought to myself, getting my torso up from my bed, crossing my legs under the sheets. I caressed my head still with a headache, then my neck, where I felt Naomi's bite like if actually happened.
That though send a shiver towards my spine, making me bit my lip, and hug my body in disbelief.
I know really well Naomi would never say that, much less devour my brain, then why I had this bad dreams In the first place? I couldn't get an answer this past weeks.
It's been a few months since we erased the extinction belt, and the kunad gate, alongside Karen's sacrifice to save this timeline. As it will take a few years before the project of going to the moon will happen, I'm been working in the OSF as always, though I wasn't in a platoon this time, just fighting Others as I always did...
Naomi's death hasn't been that long ago, and almost a year since she become an other...
So much happened between all of this, I accepted all of it, I already decided to open myself to my friends, then why I'm having this nightmares? It's bothering me.
"This sucks..." shaking my head, I pull my sheets away and went out of the bed with a slight jump.
Feeling my feet on the floor I quickly went to the bathroom and checked my disorganized hair, and half awake expression, which I took care of as quick I could before leaving the bedroom, still in my nightgown.
"It's been awhile..." this was the house Naomi and I reserved for ourselves before our first day at the OSF, I'm surprised I still could kept it despite being a traitor awhile ago. With many missions, and limited free time, I spend most of it on the hideout, but now that each of us got a free week there was not need to use it for a while.
Leaving me for myself in this apartment, which just reminds me of my sister.
Grimacing to put these thoughts aside, I moved on to make my breakfast and prepare myself for the morning. There's nothing to gain just dwelling in these thoughts.
___
After got all the housework done, and change to my indoor clothes, a topless simple black shirt, and dark blue jersey, as well I tide my hair for the moment. Naomi used to say my choose of clothes was too simple, but this was the first pair I decided for myself regardless of that, so I was fond of it.
I still have too much time to spare, which I decided to start crafting the first figure that popped in my mind. This was originally just meant to practice my precision moving my knife with Psychokinesis, yet at the end crafting this figures just become a hobby of mine without thinking.
Each of my teammates have one I specifically made for them, which they still cherish to this day, just thinking about it made me happy.
"That's amazing sis, you're getting better at crafting!" Naomi said cheerfully, holding the OSF action figure I crafted.
"This? That's good, it means I'm getting better at controlling my power, it's difficult." I felt a little blush at her words, smiling at the compliment.
"Yeah, I'm amazed you can control four knifes at once. But I meant your figure, is almost profesional!"
"Y-you think so?" My eyes opened wide, I didn't even realized they started looking like they real thing, or out of a museum, I never payed attention to that aspect.
"Of course, could you make me a baki when we get time? I'm sure it would look cute!"
...
A shy giggled escaped my lips, I actually just did that Baki. She was right, it looks good...
But why? I really just unconsciously did it, despite trying so hard to shift my thoughts on the matter.
It was so easy before, with the conflict of Suoh and Seiran, then the Kunad gate going on. Now without worries of Others appearing as often as before, just leaving the millions that are still around, I should be able to keep calm doing nothing.... but.
Sister, Not matter what, I'm still just thinking about her. Everyone said I was so strong for maintain my composture, and fine despite her death, when in reality I just wanted to get done with our duties out of respect for her. Now with that over, what's left to me?
My chest started to hurt, as I look the handmade baki in my hands, "Naomi..." I placed my feet on the sofa, taping my toes with each other in my nervousness, "I guess I'm just not as strong... you're far more composed," she was my ideal of a great person, after everything she did to take care of me and support me.
After the Randalls ditch me of their family, and got blocked of their contacts as well, I didn't hear about them since. They probably already did a burial for Naomi a long time before her real death, in fact I was invited by one of the servant, but I declined out of respect to her parents, "and with hope that she would turn back to normal," I closed my eyes, feeling my eyes heavy.
No, I shouldn't cry, but what I should do?
As it was obvious, I got something in mind instantly, just looking at the Baki I just made. It was probably reckless, and I didn't cared, she wanted it, so as her little sister , I wanted to make her happy one last time.
Determined, I went out of the sofa, to prepare myself for the day.
___
Being off duties mean I wasn't technically allowed to wear my OSF outfit, or any of it's variations, though I won't lie to say I was still tempted. So I put one of the outfits Hanabi and Tsugumi picked for me.
A dark red shirt with long sleeves, and black around the neck with a yellow pattern, blue pants that fits exact on my legs, and low heels sandals. Wasn't exactly a style I saw myself using a time ago, but I would admit that I like it.
The Suoh streets were a bit crowded, with the Other forecast low in its density the probability of they appearing as before was almost zero. Giving to this people an opportunity to be at more peace.
I felt relieved at the thought, all the hard work we put on our duties was showing it's well earned efforts. Aside, it's been awhile since I walked this streets that leads to my destination, never really finding a reason for it.
The OSF usually has an space reserved for fallen members, but it w.asn't the case for Naomi, being buried in the family private area instead, which wasn't occupied at the moment, perfect for me.
As I approached I felt a squeeze on my heart, knowing I actually never visited my sister's grave. I know she's really not there, even after die as an Other, it was still her public memorial.
I crouched in front of the tomb, a little smile on my lips, she really loved to see me happy. With care, I leave the Baki I sculpted on the side, I'm sure she would love it.
"It's been awhile Naomi... how have you been? Are you at peace?" I giggled a bit at my silly question, "so much has happened that I really don't know where to start. To think I used to just care about you, but look at me now, I helped to save the world," after muttered the last bit, my lips frowned, eyebrows slightly upward, "You told me to live Naomi, I want to... I found a reason to live and fight, then why..." bitting my lip, my words were stuck on my throat.
I'm still not over what happened to you... Naomi probably already knows.
She took care of me when I was alone, she loved me as her sister, she saved me from the bullet that turned her into an Other, we were together until that day... then she protected me from Togetsu until her last breath...
Her reason to live under that despair was to protect me. I clenched my fist, she had not choice that day, but as always she prioritized others before herself
What right I have to tell her, that I can't move on... that's what she wanted me to accomplish.
"Sorry... I know you suffered a lot, I just feel weak... because I can't stop thinking about what happened..." crouching to one knee, I caressed the tomb.
"Here lies Naomi Randall, beloved daughter and OSF member,"
So no sister..."How harsh... but I still have our memories together..." Shrugging out that bother, I proceeded, "Don't worry about me, there's still a lot I want to do in this world. My life is far from over, and I know you're already watching over me, it gives me strength," This world will change for the better, I'm sure Yuito will take care of that by when I come back.
Along my other friends who will remain here, we all worked so hard to save this world, our lifes, and this timeline, so this was our cooperate resolve as one.
Back to Naomi, I really would like to had talked with her about me being a design children, or what really was the red string, but...
"It should wait until we meet again, I love you Naomi. Thank you for everything," I sobbed after give the grave another caresses, I was tempted to hug it too, but It wouldn't probably be acceptable.
At the end I solved nothing about this feeling, still, my heart felt more at ease...
"K-Kasane..?"
Feeling a chill right through my spine, I go up on my feet again. My eyes were trembling as I put my red gaze on who I feared to meet.
"Mo-- Ms.Randall..."
"I see you aleast grew your manners, what are you doing here?" She scolded me in her question, I didn't flinched this time, but what I'm supposed to say?
Briefly I took a glance on the tomb.
"Visit my daughter's grave I suppose? Right, you loved her as well," her tone was nonchalant, which didn't surprised me, though it didn't helped how I was feeling.
"I wanted to talk with her one more time..."
"Like if you really have the right for that, don't be ridiculous..."
I didn't answered, she was half right, yet I already knew what my sister felt and suffered.
"Look, I'm grateful you saved the world, but I still won't forget that you didn't protected Naomi..." she approached me, but I lowered my face, "I let it pass this time, but I will not tolerate you to come again. Please, leave."
I frowned, bitting my lower lip, how could she said that, after morphed her into an Other with Randall's industries ampule? And Naomi, "She protected me..."
She didn't answered, but I knew she was listening to me.
"Naomi saved me from that modify bullet... she sacrificed her life to push me away, perhaps she foresaw my dead..." Clenching my fist, I lifted my gaze to the sky, "she didn't die for nothing, not after saving me two times... don't talk like she lost her life for nothing."
"She lost her life thanks to you, even if it was on purpose, or you miscalculation, that's still a fact!" Her harsh tone could made me flinch awhile ago, being hurt by her indifference at firts, then force myself to ignore it, but she was not my mother anymore.
"I know you rather wanted that I was the one who turned into an Other..." it was useless to keep it hidden, specially from her who should already know, her angered expression said it all, "even so, Naomi choose this, she wants me to keep going living, meet new people, enjoy my life, find happiness... and that's what I'm planning to do, so don't ever believe she's dead for nothing..." not giving her a chance to reply back, I turned around and walked away, ignoring her accusations.
Why was she here now? Why? Why!?
I gritted my teeth with my eyes closed. I didn't wanted to see he my adopted mother again, wanting to left behind who I used to be. Even Mom, my real mom counts in me, that I would be able to move on and be happy.
Desiring to leave all this place behind, I ran, as fast as I could, using my powers if necessary with caution, but never looking back. I wouldn't be able to visit my sister family tomb again, it hurts my chest have the thought, a least it relieved me a bit I could leave that Baki at her side.
My feelings were troubled, as my surroundings suddenly felt static, bringing hurtful memories to my mind, oh no... I need to calm down.
Minutes later, were I just ran around Suoh without a destination in mind, I found myself close to the outside gate, guarded as ever. Not many people really come around here being imposible for civilians to leave on their own.
What I'm even doing? Huh...
I sat on the closest bench, with that encounter with Naomi's mom in mind. The resentment towards me was so clear on her face. As how her dead still sting on my heart, I can't really imagine how would be for her...
"Having nothing to do sucks..." is not like I don't like taking my time, but being alone like this just brings my overthinking to float, and is not like my life is at it's saddest point, these burdens in my heart still remain.
Oh... one of my sandals strings broke... I completely forgot I wasn't in my uniform, used to wearing it diverse pairs of them all the time. Tsugumi was the one who chooses it, thinking it would be a confortable change, she was right but, "I didn't took its resistance in mind..." I complained with a sigh, I should fix it later.
Guess I just go home, It crossed my mind visit one of my friends but being a free day, I didn't wanted to be a burden, so that just left me by myself... hmp...
Just as I was going to get up, my brain message notification showed up, taken by surprise who the sender was: Hanabi Ichijo.
"Huh, that's surprising," a smile appeared on my lips as I started reading it, she wanted us to take a walk around Suoh, the two of us. Taking in mind the day, I really didn't have a reason to refuse, also, I wanted to spend more time with her.
Perfect timing, as Naomi tends to describe this sort of situations.
----
"Kasane, you're here! You were fast," Waving her little hand, smiling bright as a sunshine, Hanabi greeted me.
I giggled at her insinuation, "Of course I will, you seemed excited on your message," it was part of it, though.
"Yeah, we don't know when will be get this much freetime once again, so I wanted us to be together for the day if that's fine with you," she explained again, it's what she said in her message.
"Well you know I don't mind being with you, I like it, I'm surprised you didn't went with Yuito instead, did he was busy?" considering she loves him, and a lot...
Her shocked face blushed, "Ka-Ksane! Don't bring him up, I know what you mean but this time I wanted to spend time with you," she shrugged one arm and placed both on her hips, her smile didn't fade.
"Ah true, sorry to assume..." I caressed one trait of my hair, out of nervousness.
"That aside, your new clothes looks gorgeous! It suits you really well!" She praised taking a look through me from head to toe, "you definitely suit red, black, and white really well!"
"Thanks, you look pretty as well," I meant it, she was using a set of casual clothes I never seem her before, a long sleeve jacket red with fire motif, a gray sleeveless shirt inside, dark blue shorts, with her barelegs at simple glance, and sport tennis with short socks, "you really a sporty girl, that fits you."
She smiled proudly, "I'm glad to hear it, I just happened to select this clothes for special occasions like this one!"
"Wait special, it is a holiday?"
"No, you silly, it's our hangout together!" Hanabi laughed at my assumption, leaving me more confused.
"Ah," that makes it ever more nonsensical, either way is not like I'm used to it, I ever just went shopping with her and Tsugumi awhile ago, and with Naomi often..
Naomi loved visiting stands with cute clothes or Baki merchandise, looking back, I regret not enjoying those days enough...
"Are you ok Kasane? You look a bit down..." her smile changed to a worried expression, approaching more to me, which startled me, "did you get a fever or perhaps I forced you to come?"
"That's not it, Hanabi..." almost true, should I her? the least I wanted was ruin this happy day for her, I want Hanabi to enjoy herself, she looks better smiling, "I'm fine..." A weak smile formed on my lips, which I felt trembling a little.
Not convinced, she made a little pout and took my my hand with the both of her's squeezing it a little, "There you go hiding you pain again, Shiden wasn't exaggerating after all," my eyelids opened wide, surprised, "but if you don't want to tell me yet, I can wait, just you know... I'm here, whenever you feel down," she smiled once again, showing her teeth with eyes closed this time.
It made my heart lost a beat, enchanted by her charm. Hanabi was more than just a precious friend to me, we mutually helped each other to broad our mindset to some extent, and she always wants to hear what I can say regardless if I'm still troubled expressing myself.
Not only today, since we started talking each other she makes me feel this way... although I'm trying to figure out why.
"Kasane?" She tilted her head at my silence.
"Excuse me, I just have a lot in my mind..." my smile softened, as I felt my eyes subtly heavier, "we can talk after we finish... I, umm..." I took the back of one of her hands that were grabbing mine with the other, she got surprised by it, "I want to be at your side today..!" I said with confidence.
"Kasa-- uh!" Her face became red as her fire, before burts laughing, "what a way to say it, hahaha."
"Did I say something weird?"
"No, you just surprised me, you're fine," relieved, Hanabi sighed, "then let's just have fun walking around, there's some restaurants and shops I wanted to visit, my threat!" She smirked at the suggestion, like if somehow she already prepared a route for us. Wouldn't really be the first time.
"Then lead the way, Hanabi." I smiled to her, giving her more motivation in the process, she absolutely loved us to be together. I'm sure part of her wants to deal with my struggles right now, yet she understood that I wanted to just live the moment now.
Make more memories.
We have plenty of time to talk later, as I let my thoughts focus on that sweet smile of my friend.
~To be continued