The Fate we Choose (Inazuma Eleven GO/CS)

Chapter 82 She Who Wasn't Forgotten

3rd POV

A long silence fell. Kirara glanced between the two worriedly.

Kirara: "We just want to go home. But don't know how."

Mihoko: "... I know. I can tell you're being truthful. I sense your desperation."

Mihoko sighed.

Mihoko: "But it's not going to be easy. I doubt anyone knows how to go back." 

Kirara's face fell.

Shirabe: "... But we're not going to give up. People are waiting for us. And there's something we have to do."

Kirara nodded.

Mihoko: "... I'll research all I know about it. But no promises. Rest for now. Hopefully, there's more success tomorrow."

Mihoko got up and left for her room. Shirabe and Kirara watched her go.

Shirabe: We will go home. No matter how long it takes. But while we do that, I'm going to find out who you are too.

The next few days, it was a mix of researching a way back home and getting used to the new environment.

When they were feeling down, Shirabe and Kirara would go to Raimon and watch the team play soccer. It was bittersweet. Watching the friends they had shared so much with play and not remember them...

Kirara: Is this what Ten-ten felt like when we didn't remember him? I know Shirabe is here but... it feels lonely.

Kirara sighed before getting up to leave. When she arrived at the gates, she raised a brow seeing Shirabe hiding in the corner.

Kirara: "Shirabe? What are you doing?"

Shirabe: "Shh..."

Shirabe pointed to the other side and Kirara hid with her to see.

Kirara: Mihoko-san? And... Coach Endou?

Endou: "I see. I'll contact Kidou and Gouenji, but it's unlikely we'll find anything."

Mihoko: "That's fine. It's better than nothing."

Endou nodded.

Endou: "But, it's unusual you ask for something so specific, Saegusa-san. Normally, you would have found a solution on your own."

Mihoko: "Well, the circumstances are out of my hands."

Kirara: "Is she researching information about time travel?"

Kirara whispered.

Shirabe: "Yes. As ridiculous as it sounds. But Coach Endou doesn't judge."

Kirara nodded in agreement.

Endou: "Hey... are you sure, you don't want me to leave a message to Gouenji?"

Mihoko: ...

Kirara: Eh? Suddenly the mood turned somber.

Mihoko: "I'm sure."

Endou: "But..."

Mihoko: "Thank you for your concern, Endou-san. But it's a problem that can't be solved just by talking. Please don't worry about it."

Endou: "Saegusa-san..."

Mihoko walked away while Endou watched her with a sad expression. Once he was gone, Kirara and Shirabe stepped out.

Kirara: "What was that? Does Mihoko-san not get along with Gouenji-san?"

Shirabe: "I guess so. And it's not just that."