Truth, Perjury, and Sacrifice

Life Changes

After the funeral, Karen sent Hina and Hiro back to the Future Foundation headquarters, while she, Byakuya, Nagisa, and Kotoko were driven to Karen's old house. Surprisingly, the main structure managed to remain, but the roof and wall damage was evident. As the car approached, Karen got out of the car and manually opened the wrought iron gates. The hinges were rusted, which made the gates more difficult to open, but at least they remained on the hinges. Rocks and debris from the surrounding brick walls blocked the main entrance, "Looks like we're walking from here. You can stay in the car if you want," she said, peering into the car window.

"No, I want to see your old house!" Kotoko immediately climbed over Nagisa and out of the door. "Are you going to come, Nagisa?"

"Oh, uh, I guess." He didn't intend on it at first. What was the point of walking around a decaying building and listening to this woman silently cry? But when he looked up, Karen wasn't crying. She looked calm. There was a softness in her eyes that was unfamiliar to him.

The group followed Karen, carefully avoiding the scattered debris. As they approached the house, it was clear that the windows were mostly all busted, the front door was gone and the roof had already begun to cave in. One of the balconies was tilted, partially fallen toward the ground. Most of the damage resembled that of a nearby bombing.

As they carefully stepped through what was the front door, Karen let out a shaky sigh. The doors to their left were blocked out with large pieces of wall and roof. One of the grand entrance staircases was left standing, with the other completely collapsed. With no choice but to go right, Karen entered what was once her parents' living room. The ornate furniture was demolished, most of broken into multiple pieces. She stopped walking when she noticed that their family portrait was still hanging above the fireplace. Immediately, she pulled out her cell phone, dialed a number, and put the call on speakerphone. "Bonjour Claude, it's Karen. Can I ask you for a small favor?"

"Oui, what would that be, madame?" Claude's voice echoed throughout the remains of the house. "Where are you, if I might ask? You sent madame Asahina and monseuir Hagakure here alone."

"My parents' home. But I am seeing a few things I would like to bring back with me. Could you arrange some help for me?" She sent Claude the address in a text message and ended the phone call, still standing in front of the portrait. "I wonder if they saved the one of us?"

"I'm sure they did, but the damage this place has taken," Byakuya glanced around.

"I know. The chances aren't high."

"Why exactly are we here, love?" He whispered to her. He could feel how tense she was through her shoulders.

"I want one last look at what this place was so that I don't miss it as much when we go home. After today, I think I'm done with Future Foundation."

Makoto and the others sat around the airport, waiting with great anticipation. Nagito couldn't help but glance at the final text Karen sent him just as they were taking off. That text message was sent eleven hours ago. It was now almost two in the morning, but most of the group couldn't sleep knowing their own was out, flying home. Of course, Masaru and Jatoro were fast asleep on a stretch of chairs. Monaca was dragged along, barely holding onto consciousness as she slowly clicked away at her handheld console. Komaru had fallen asleep with Toko silently reading next to her. Most of the others were watching the doors and windows, waiting to see the plane lights land.

"Do you think they'll be mad because they're the last to know?" Makoto asked.

Kyoko shook her head, "I doubt that. Just tell them that your sister doesn't know how to keep a secret."