Liar, Liar, the Mage's Desire Vol. 1 (A New Oumeno)

Magic School (5)

    The days until Himiko was supposed to leave passed by quickly. Himiko spent most of her time getting prepared for her new school, like ordering any books or school supplies, etc., and making sure everything was taken care of at Hope's Peak before leaving. She was no longer a student at Hope's Peak, and therefore, no longer the Ultimate Magician (or, "mage" as she preferred to be called). She spent the last few days before her departure spending time with her friends; they even threw her a Going-Away party. On the day of Himiko's leaving, everyone was silent as a tomb as they all went to the airport to say their goodbyes to her.

    "Well...this is it," Himiko said quietly as she took a deep breath. Most of the others had tears forming in their eyes already. 

    "We're going to miss you, Himiko," Shuichi said as he gave her a tight hug. "You were like a little sister to me, and I hope to see you again someday. Hopefully you'll become the strong and confident young woman you deserve to be." Himiko's eyes welled up with tears.

   "Thanks, Shuichi,' she said, hugging him back. "I hope nothing but the best for you!" Gonta was the next one to hug Himiko. He burst into tears.

   "Gonta no want Himiko to go, but if it will make Himiko stronger, better person, then Gonta understands," he said. He reached into his pocket and took out a small, red flower. "Here, Himiko. Gonta give you this poppy because it small and beautiful and reminds Gonta of you." Tears streaming from her eyes, Himiko took the poppy. 

   "Thank you, Gonta," she whispered and hugged him tightly. 

   "Gonta will miss you," he said, his face wet with tears.

   "I'll miss you, too, Gonta," Himiko replied, giving him a small peck on the cheek. "You'll always be the a gentleman to me." Gonta smiled gratefully at her. Next were Tenko, Angie, and Tsumugi. 

   "Oh, Himiko!!! I'm gonna miss you so much!" Tenko cried, throwing her arms around Himiko. Himiko shut her eyes tightly and hugged Tenko back.

   "I'm gonna miss you, too," she said. "Thanks for always looking out for me." 

   "D-Don't make t-too many new friends," Tsumugi sniffled, hugging both Tenko and Himiko. After a moment, they releases Himiko and she smiled at them through her tears.

   "No amount of friends I make will replace you guys," she said. Then, she turned to Angie to hug her. "I'll miss you, too, Angie."

   "And I, you, Himiko," Angie replied, squeezing Himiko tight. "Atua says that our paths will cross again, and I believe Him with all my heart!" Himiko smiled at that comforting thought. 

   "I hope Atua is right," Himiko sniffled. She then gave Kaede, Rantaro, Kiyo, Ryoma, Kiibo (who wanted so badly to cry, but he can't), Kirumi, and Maki all hugs. She stood in front of Miu, not knowing how to say goodbye to her.

   "Ummm...well, it was nice knowin' ya, Donkey Lips," Miu said, awkwardly rubbing the back of her neck.