𝑂' 𝑚𝑦 𝑝𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑡

Eleven

"...that is his decision." You said as you curl your fist on your lap. You and Ei are now sitting at the usual tea table in the Plane of Euthymia.

Ei only hold on her tea cup as she blow her tea to cool it off. Just now, you explained to Ei about the matter of freeing Kuni.

"..." Ei didn't say anything. She only sips on her tea, almost like she's waiting for you to continue your sentence.

"B-but..! I've promised to protect him! I will protect him with all my life!-"

"Aka, dear.. Don't be too selfless.." Ei uttered. She put down her cup and face you. "Though, it seems like you already made your choice."

A wave of silence said greetings to you two, leaving you feeling kinda awkward.

"On Friday."

"Huh?"

"3rd of January."

"What are you talking about-"

"We will hold the parting ceremony privately."

It took you a few minutes to understand. Parting ceremony? You thought. Does it mean that she will let Kuni be free? You look at her, feeling grateful.

You prostrate to Ei, feeling so grateful. "Thank you so much Ei! I will protect him as much as I can!" You said as you immediately stand up and close your eyes to get out of the place.

As you dissipated away, Ei's eyes droop slightly.

"Seems like this is it.. my dearest daughter.."

3rd January XXX

I'm scared

Kuni thought as he is following the guard named Yuki Okkotsu. Kuni was only minding his own business in his room when he was surprised with the guard. The guard said to follow him as it is the Shogun's order.

So, here he is. Slightly tremble at some of his negative thoughts. Where is he leading me to..? Though he wants to ask, he kept quiet.

As they arrived to their destination, Yuki opened the door for Kuni. Yuki stay behind, holding the door open for Kuni while bowing his head. Kuni freezes at the sight of the inside of the door. The familiar sight of the newly changed shackles in the room.

This.. room..

Kuni trembles as he remembers some bitter memories of when he was last there.

Memories started to flash into his head on how the gnosis was first placed in him. The process is really painful.. That he almost broke the shackles back then—Of course they had change the shackles. He thought he would never come there again.

And here he is now.

"Kunikuzushi."

Kuni could hear his heart beating fast like a bullet train.

"Come here." The Shogun said—more like command.

Kuni didn't have any other choice than to follow The Shogun's command. He slowly walk towards The Shogun with his head always at the floor.

"Kuni.." Kuni shot his head up at the voice. He look up and saw you—you look nervous.

You walk towards Kuni and rub his shoulder in the most affectionate way—platonically of course. "I'm sorry for not telling you earlier but— don't be so tense yeah? After this, you can finally be free. And we can travel together." You smiled softly to Kuni, making him confused.

"What..?"

Before you could answer him, The Shogun has already ordered the guards to put Kuni in the shackles. Kuni tried to fight back.

"Let's not fight, okay Kuni? It's only gonna hurt for a little while." You said, trying to calm him down.

"Haya-nee! ARE YOU TRYING TO LEAVE ME TOO?!" Kuni yelled, tears started to threaten to flow out. He felt so betrayed at the thought.

"No! I would never!-"

"Then why are you hurting me?!"

"I promise that this will be a brief, Otouto."

"N-no! Don't leave me—AAAAAAAAAAAAAA" Kuni screamed at the top of his lung as he could feel The Shogun herself get her hand into his chest. She pulls back forcefully as she look at the gnosis in her hand. Leaving Kuni breathing heavily with his head down.

The Shogun stare at the gnosis for a while before handing it to her personal maid.

"Get them out of Tenshukaku." The shogun ordered.

_________________

"Damn that puppet! She didn't have to kick us out like that!" You said with Kuni holding your hand.

You guys are walking by the shore near Tenshukaku. You huffed angrily, remembering  how harsh the guards kick you two out.

Kuni was following— more like being dragged by you. He was walking slowly behind you. He looks.. very hollow, making you concern.

"Kuni..? Are you feeling alright?" You ruffled his hair gently. He didn't look at you but he hummed as a reply.

You sighed and rub his side. "It's alright. You still got me. Your older sister is here!" You said as you give him a cheeky smile.

You heard a soft sobs coming from him. You stop walking and hug him while rubbing his back gently. You could feel your shirt getting wetter.

"Your older sister is always with you.." You said as you smile softly.