Stitched Together

:Re Chapter 6: Memories of the Past

I skid to a halt once I reach the location.  Several ghouls were streaming out of the building already, but it didn't look like a mass exodus, so they must have some other plan.  Due to my swift reaction and disregard for traffic laws, I've got roughly ten minutes before others start arriving. Well then, time to get to work.  I open my case and swiftly merge my swords to free up a hand to carry Jason.  Several ghouls start noticing me and shriek.  Without hesitation, I swing my sword and fire at them.  That's the thing about rich ghouls, most of them are pathetic weaklings.  There are the few that are challenging, but they either have lots of skill or none at all.  There's no in between for the likes of them.  One tries to slash at me, but I hold up Juuzou's case and block it. I lunge forward and plunge the weapon right through them.  Another tries coming up behind me, but I spin back and decapitate them with one clean movement.  Soon bodies litter the parking lot, but some have gotten away.  Damn, well, I couldn't have got them all on my own.  Still, there weren't very many.  I wonder where the rest are hiding.  I run into the building that seems fairly quiet at this point.  It's amazing how it can go from this to a loud battlefield in a few minutes.  I glance at my watch.  Five more minutes.  I turn the corner and run right into someone.  Without a second though I jump back, but freeze in shock.  She gets into a defensive stance but tilts her head before laughing. 

"Reina! Oh my is that really you?!" She gasps excitedly. 

"R-Roma?" I stammer, unable to do anything but stare.  No, this can't be real. 

"Geez I almost didn't recognize you.  Your hair's so long now, and your outfit so formal.  You're in the CCG now huh, that's hilarious. You of all people.  I was wondering what you were doing over the years.  You still smell the same though, only a bit sweeter.  Kinda like that little party crasher-" she rambles on but I can't help but interrupt. 

"Where is he?" I ask quickly.  She looks at me and raises an eyebrow.  I flinch under her gaze.  It's not so much that I am afraid of her, I'm more afraid of the memories with her in them. 

"You can't be serious.  Are you telling me you're not in the CCG as a joke?  Man, here I was thinking you were gonna over throw it or something, but you actually care about someone? That doesn't sound like you.  What's with that serious look too? You were always laughing and smiling back then.  You were the most ruthless out of all of us, and that's saying something," she giggles.

"Shut up, just shut up! I'm not like that anymore!" I shout, not wanting to remember.  Roma just frowns. 

"You really have changed.  At least the gangs all here now though.  Yeah, that's right, Uta and everyone left are here too.  We were in change of this auction.  I'm sure they'd be excited to see you, but then again, maybe not. You meant something to me a while ago, so I sorta can't believe you've changed this much.  I'll do you a favor okay, because of our history.  Uta's waiting on a path down and to your left.  We're posted around here and there.  Last I saw your new little toy was still in the arena fighting Ayato.  Just go straight and you'll find him, if he's still alive," she explains and gestures down the hall.  I pause for a moment before dashing forward.  "Oh, and Reina.  You know how to contact us if you need to.  Don't forget where you came from.  We'll be waiting for you to come back to your senses.  I'll be waiting for you," she calls after me before laughing.  My heart is pounding but I don't stop pushing forward.  A feeling of dread hangs over me.  I never expected to run into them again.  Not like this.  After all these years, the gangs all back together.  It just registers in my mind that they could end this new life of mine at any moment.  They know every identity of mine and could have me ruined.  I never want to go back to them, but I'm not safe as it is.  Leave it to them to make things infinitely worse.  My steps echo as I run into the large, empty arena.  With a quick glance at my watch I am slightly comforted knowing back up could arrive any moment now.  Unfortunately, I'm focused on a more nerve wracking issue currently.  My eyes desperately scan the abandoned area.  Where is he?