Fragments

Ch. 15 - Together Again

With a change in the cheerful ambience, smaller speakers placed beside the innumerable stalls and booths stopped broadcasting music, and instead, Mana's voice echoed through them. "You may be aware of the tragedy that occured 18 years ago," she said loudly through the microphone, turning the attention to herself." The city of Ecclesia was overrun by Reapers, and alongside hundreds of thousands of lives, we lost the Codex."

Still surrounded by carnival games, Reuel watched Mana with crossed arms and an unamused look on his face. "Of all things, this is what you talk about?"

"The source of the Zenshin's faith was sealed away in that city, and with it arrived great despair. However, we remain steadfast in our beliefs! Humans were chosen by God to rule this planet, and our powers are weapons against the Reapers! Until our last breath, we'll do everything in our power to turn this situation around, and the funds gathered in this festival greatly assist us. I've come to thank everyone present, thanks to your merit we can save more lives. Our Codex lists a world before Reapers, where children were happy, relationships weren't considered dangerous and humanity was thriving, not withering… Changing the world back is our goal, and I'm eternally grateful to everyone who's helping us achieve it, from Guardians to soldiers and volunteers… I hope we can all unite on this day and enjoy ourselves under God's protection. Thank you." Mana respectfully bowed before her audience, receiving cheerful applause and occasional whistling, as if she was an idol. The red curtain shut and Lilly's mom went offstage, immediately continuing her busy life in the form of a trip back to London. "Forgive me for leaving you, Lilly… I wish we could've been together longer," she thought as she tightly embraced her husband. "I'll work hard so we can one day live like a family."

The speakers silenced as Mana left, her microphone disconnecting, and music slowly faded back in, filling the festival with pleasant chimes and songs. The day slowly passed on, and even those who participated as a duty learned to relax themselves. A warming feeling of protection embraced the city like a shield, and the very concept of a threat was forgotten.

Late in the evening, once everybody down to the last drunk went home, Station 2's Guardians were gathering around the same spot they started from. They were tired from walking around and irresponsibly eating snacks all day, but none could complain about the experience. "How 'bout we come here next year as well?" Reuel asked.

"Don't think we'll have a choice," Ku responded. "Could Yin hurry it up a little, though?" Just as he began complaining, as if she heard him, Yin walked out from behind a hotdog booth while hugging a giant, brown teddy bear.

"Sorry, I was calling someone," she apologized quietly while looking away, her mouth buried in its short fur.

"Pfft–." Min nearly laughed at the sight, but covered his mouth to hide it.

"W-why are you laughing? I won this!" Yin raised her head and blushed, defending the striking difference between her militaristic clothing and a massive, childish plushie.

"No, no, it's nothing, I'm sorry– I just didn't expect this."

"You better not mind it," she mumbled, lowering her head.

The group returned to the nearby Station shortly, and on their way back, Yin couldn't rid herself of one thought. She carefully tailed behind everyone as the massive bear obstructed her view, and occasionally, her eyes raised to quietly observe her teammates. They were having fun, chatting with one another about different things…

"I might… Just be able to trust them."

Once they arrived home, the group announced their return and split up, intent on sleeping as soon as possible. In spite of being tired, however, Ku went the opposite way and entered the infirmary. The room was dead-quiet, only occasional beeping of a heart rate monitor gave it any life. He loudly sighed and pulled away the blue curtain surrounding Rosea's bed, before rummaging through his pocket and pulling out a necklace. The thin chain glistened in the nearby monitor's green light, and on its end was a miniature metal book. "Where would I put this so she notices it..?"