Takagi: Start Again

The Finale: Part One

'I had just arrived at the shrine and sat down. Looking around it seemed empty, and I was glad. I don't want anyone to hear our conversation, especially if it is serious and private.'
'Wild thoughts ran through my mind. What could have happened to him? When I read the letter, I could tell them after his father was lying that day. The day he vanished. It only made sense. Why else would he write a letter and refuse to tell me what happened? The point is, today is the day I find out! I hope I'm not disappointed.'
'Then I thought of something, if she knows about him, then maybe she knows where he is now! If I find out, then I can find him, and probably ask him in person. Then it came to me. If he really did care about me, and he's out there somewhere, why didn't he come back? I mean if he could come back, I wonder what he would be like now. Twenty years is a long time. And I'm guessing he's changed dramatically.'
'I was so deep in thought that I didn't realise the lady was here.'
"Good evening Takagi. You ready to make the deal?" 'Ha! She thinks it's that easy. I was going to show her why they used to call me master teaser!' "Hang on! Before we even begin, I need to know your name first." 'I had hoped I got her, she thinks I'll just give her Chi when I don't even know her name!' "Why is it so important that you know my name, after all when this deal is over, I will never see you again." 'I began to feel nervous. Not because I felt like losing Chi, I think I have that plan in action. But more nervous because I was worried about what she might tell me about Nishikata.' "So do we have a deal!" 'I jumped, startled by her sudden shouting.' "W-well listen. Before we make this deal, I feel I should understand you better. After all, I'm handing my adopted daughter to someone who claims there the real mother. I mean if you loved her so much, then why did you give Chi away!" 'I thought I had won. It was like the perfect victory! However, her face said differently. It was angry and obviously not very surprised.' "Very well then. Honestly I thought you would remember me after even this long. But I guess you had a rough couple of years." 'She sat down next to me. And got ready to speak.' "I'm Yui. Yui-Chan. Back in Kindergarten you used to call me annoying all the time. We would tease and fight with each other all the time, but even under all that, we were still friends. I guess that how you teased Nishikata so easily. All that experience dealing with me!" 'I gulped. How did she know I used to tease Nishikata?' "Well judging by your face I can tell you are confused, but that is another part of the deal. You know everything about me that you need to. And I know you remember me now, so let's get this over with and let me get my daughter back." 'What should I do? I thought about what Mono said in the Coffee shop. I have to play with her in order to keep Chi and get my answers. But how do I do that? I had no idea what to do now. I could tell that she was getting impatient. I spoke without thinking.' "Hang on! I will make you a promise. Tell me everything you know about Nishikata. I want everything, every detail about the day he vanished to now! If you do this...I will give you Chi."