Life in Borderland

Breaking Away

Once they had left the district of San'ya, Kagami allowed herself to breathe. Part of her felt as though neither of her brothers were real and they were simply figments of her imagination just like Masato was back at the Beach. However, the million questions that Kuina and Arisu both had about Daiki in particular assured her that they were real. Arisu's questions were at least much easier to answer than Kuina's were. Most of his questions were about what type of person Daiki was and if Kagami had any idea on what type of game he would plan. She was pretty sure that Arisu was going to try his best to play the King of Hearts game along side her. After all, Arisu was after information and he seemed convinced that Daiki could give him the answers he wanted. Kuina's questions were more about his love life and whether or not he meant it when he called her beautiful. Daiki of course meant it, but he also wasn't an innocent man that was just waiting for the love of his life to show up. He weirdly enough, like Chishiya in the real world, was more of the casual type. Daiki had never had a relationship last longer than six months.

Once they had made it back to Usagi's tent, the impossible questions died down as the night grew darker and colder. Usagi was quick to light a fire that they all sat around as Kuina rubbed antiseptic cream into the small cut on her forehead from Niragi. So much for his promise to never hurt her again.

"Thank you, Kuina." Kagami smiled as Kuina placed the cap back on the tube and put it away.

"You know..."Arisu began, his gaze fixated on the flames as the three women gave him their attention. "When Kyuma and I were talking at the end of the game, I figured something out." He told them.

"Oh yeah? What would that be?" Kagami asked. She was genuinely intrigued by Arisu and his mind. He saw things that most other people did not and while he was admittedly off his game during the Clubs game, he was the one that saved them. He and Tatta. No matter what happened here on, Kagami had a level of respect for Arisu that only Chishiya had ever reached.

"They were all players to begin with and then eventually they started making the games themselves. I mean that...we might not be able to ever get home even if we beat every single game. Because, our world might not even exist anymore. Which means that Tatta sacrificed himself... for nothing." As Arisu spoke, his words became shaky as he tried his best to hold back his tears. He carried a lot on his shoulders and Kagami wished there was a way for her to take that responsibility from him.

"You know, you carry a lot of weight on those shoulders of yours, Arisu." Kagami mused as the man began to cry silently. "Let me take some of it from you, okay? I can handle it. You don't have to figure this all out on your own. We will find a way back. I'll find Chishiya and then between all of us and An if we can find her. We will figure this out." She told him seriously.

"Kagami's right. I'll keep trying." Kuina said from where she sat beside Kagami. "I'll keep playing the games and will keep Tatta's memory alive."

Arisu said nothing, his eyes still locked onto the flames, but he at least wasn't crying. Kagami simply smiled lightly before getting to her feet and making her way to the sleeping bag that was given to her by Usagi. She understood the war that was going on in Arisu's head and she knew that nothing would stop it except for maybe Usagi or sleep. He just needed to ride the wave.

_______

Morning came and Kagami's eyes fluttered open as the sunlight began to come over the city. It was early morning and she expected to be the first one awake, but, much to her surprise, Kuina was awake. Kagami sat up and looked to the woman who was busy packing a small backpack.

"You leaving too, huh?" Kagami mused, causing Kuina to jump slightly and turn to look at her.

"Yes. I want to find An. You're going off to find Chishiya, right?" She questioned, causing Kagami to nod once at her. "I was thinking we could travel together for a little bit and then split up just before Teio prison. That's where Chishiya is right? Assuming he's still playing the Jack of Hearts Game. I doubt that he'd still be playing it though. Do you think he's waiting for you?" Kuina asked.