The Being Named Kira

Fidelity to the End

Chapter 7 : Fidelity to the End

Kira and Leone stared at Matilda in disbelief.

"What's wrong, kids? Cat got your tongues?" Matilda asked snidely with a mischievous chuckle.

"Matilda, are you sure you saw Mr. Gregg just last night?" Kira asked worriedly.

Leone nodded then added, "Maybe you were really sleepy and you thought you saw him."

Matilda's expression became cold and distant. "I know what I saw. It's really disrespectful to question an elder's statement."

Silence enveloped the living room. Matilda kept on drinking her tea with grace while the two kids awkwardly continued to eat the treats in front of them.

Moments passed then Matilda looked up to her wall clock. "Oh, it's already that time. Well, you kids behave yourselves." She clapped her hands together and got up.

"Where are you going, Matilda?" Leone looked up from his mango tart.

"I am going to feed Constance," the old lady said a-matter-of-factly.

"Constance," Kira asked while chewing her cookie. "Who is she?"

"He. He's the town's dog," Matilda corrected sternly. Before Kira could ask if she could go with her, Leone shook his head. "I better get going now. I'll be back by sundown."

Once they realized that Matilda slammed her front door shut, Kira spoke up, "Leone, did Matilda really see Mr. Gregg last night?"

"It's highly doubtful. We just saw him dead, didn't we?"

 "Yes and you also gave him the microchip," she muttered silently to herself.

"I am not sure why but I have a hunch that the reason is very typical and a cliche for humans."

"What do you mean?" Kira gave her full attention to Leone who looked very serious.

"Humans have a hard time letting go of something that's really important to them. Remember what Gregg's obsession for his childhood caused him to do?" Kira nodded vigorously. "Well, it's somewhat like with Matilda but the effect is obviously a bit light. She will never ever believe the fact that Gregg has died no matter how much proof there was. Probably she'll live her life to wait on him forever. She just loved Gregg too much."

The two of them were silent for a while then Kira sighed sympathetically. "That's really sad."

Leone looked at Kira very intently. "Oh, really. Let's stop it with this sob fest." Leone declared excitedly, slapped his lap then sat beside Kira and spread her cheeks into a smile. "C'mon, brighten up, Kira. Oh yeah, do you know what a dog is?"

Kira's eyes widened. "No, does it look like you?"

Leone chuckled as he saw Kira's curious expression. "Not even close. It can be big or small, nude or ultra furry."

"Furry?" Kira cocked her head even more which made Leone smile goofily. He then proceeded to explain the appearances of dogs to Kira.

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It's already the afternoon of their second day of staying in Matilda's home. Fortunately, nothing unexpected happened during their stay. The two quite enjoyed the warm grandmother-like feeling they felt with Matilda. Though there were times she acted a tad unusual, they soon got used to her.

Matilda's refrigerator had tons of sweet treats, much to the two's pleasure. While Leone hung in his room for a while, Kira took the opportunity to eat some candies off the bowl. She then stopped abruptly as she saw Matilda sitting in front of her porch, staring longingly at nowhere.

"Matilda, what are you doing?" she asked as she neared the old lady.

"I am waiting for someone really dear," Matilda replied airily, not really looking at Kira.

Kira sat on the floor beside her then looked up. "Is it your husband?"

It took Matilda a few seconds to answer with a sigh, "Oh yes, my beloved Gregg's been missing for dinner for two days already. I hope nothing bad happened to him."

"Matilda, you really do love Mr. Gregg, don't you?"

"Yes. Though he might be more passionate about his search for his childhood I still love him no matter what." The old lady paused with sweet nostalgia dancing in her eyes. "I'll do anything for him."

Kira gazed at her for a long time then touched her hand. "Don't worry, Matilda, I am sure Mr. Gregg will come back to you very soon."

Matilda smiled peacefully at her. "Thank you dear, I know so too."

While the two females were outside, Leone was listening intently  nearby. "You're really like your parents, Kira."

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The next day met hugs, kisses, goodbyes and even a teardrop from Matilda as the two parted ways with her.

The pair were walking to their next temporary home. Kira looked back at Matilda's house, once she saw that the old lady was still there, she waved her arms up high and flashed Matilda a bright smile.

 "So, where are we going to go now, Leone?"

"To Chief O'Malley's," Leone answered calmly.

Kira was bouncing up and down in sheer excitement. "Really? Oh goodie! Now he'll finish teaching me about flutterbies!"

With this, Leone laughed hysterically then gazed at her between wheezes. "You really do believe him, don't you?"

Kira just grinned, oblivious to what Leone really meant.

They were now in the chief's front steps and Leone took the gigantic door knocker then banged it. "Oh yeah, Leone! We will be able to meet his wonderful daughter, Deniss!" Leone smiled kindly, wondering what Deniss might be like.

The two heard distant grumbles and yells by a female from inside the house. "Yes, yes, yes! I am freaking on my way now! No need to pound our door to the ground! Oh God, when can a girl finally get some good night's sleep," The door finally opened and there appeared a short yet beautiful tanned girl with black hair and brown eyes."in here-?" The girl suddenly stopped complaining as she saw their guests.

Kira smiled very broadly at her then introduced herself and Leone. "Hello, Deniss. I am Kira and this is Leo-"

"Prince!" Deniss suddenly shouted elatedly to their ears.

"Huh?" Kira was dumbstruck and Leone was apparently going to the conclusion of Deniss' persona.

"My prayers have been answered at last!" Deniss continued shouting happily and her ears gazed lovingly at Leone. "There is a God after all! My prince is here at last!"