Fall of the World: A Revue Starlight Fanfiction

Chapter 30: Trouble Arising

"We're back~"

"Aruru. Quiet. You don't want anyone to hear us."

"Sorry, Tsukasa..."

"Anyway, that's all of us then. Time to talk."

...

Night was starting to fall over the kingdom. It had certainly been an eventful day. With Rui finally showing herself, the mood improved more. Everyone seemed happy to have her around once more. Well, besides Tamao. Her distrust was still causing problems between everyone.

"Rui?"

"Hmm?"

Rui was standing out in the garden, staring up as the stars started to appear in the sky. Mei Fan approached her.

"Why did you hide from us?" She asked.

"I've told you-"

"I want to hear it more than that. We wanted to see you. Why wouldn't you do it? So what if it hurt more? At least we could actually have said goodbye if you left." Mei Fan challenged her.

Rui hesitated, before giving up even trying to lie, "I was afraid, okay? I didn't know what to do. Even after Koharu showed herself, I couldn't find the strength to do it as well."

"Why were you afraid? We all have welcomed you back warmly... well, except for Tamao it seems..."

"I don't know. I don't know why I was so afraid. I knew you'd all be okay seeing me. I don't understand why I couldn't do it."

"It's okay. I just don't want you to hide from us, Rui. You can open up about why you stayed away. You don't need to lie to appease us, okay?" Mei Fan offered her a warm smile, "We're just glad you're back."

Rui nodded, "I'll try to... not hide."

"Are you planning to join Yachiyo for the night?" Mei Fan changed topics, "She certainly has improved in mood since you've come back even if it's only been a few hours."

"I don't really know." Rui shrugged, "Has any sleeping arrangements changed since I've been gone?"

"Not really."

"I guess I should ask her if she wants that."

"You going to do that then?"

"Yeah."

"Good luck. See you tomorrow." Mei Fan smiled at her.

Rui nervously returned the smile, "Goodnight, Mei Fan. Thank you. It does feel better opening up a bit."

"Glad I could help you."

Rui left the garden and went to search for Yachiyo. Where might she be at this time of day? They hadn't had time to figure out a routine before the war. Rui had no idea what she did for fun here.

There was no one else around as she wandered down the halls. No one to ask for help. She was on her own searching for Yachiyo it seemed.

Yachiyo was a night owl. There was no way she was in her room, was there? Unless she was working on something in it but what could that be? No. It was more likely she was doing something around the castle. Maybe in the library? It didn't hurt to check after all.

Rui decided where to go with that. The library was at least somewhere she knew. There had been new rooms added since she died so it was a bit confusing navigating the castle.

It was not a long walk to the library. Rui nervously entered. She scanned the room quickly. Yachiyo wasn't in sight but the room also wasn't empty.

"Good evening, Rui. Looking for something?"