Moonlight Flower

Chapter 11 - The Search. Once More.

Sorry if I left without saying a word. It's been a week, hasn't it?

I just want to say that I'm fine, so  no need to worry about me. As of now, I'm fixing the things I left behind before I met you.

Please don't look for me. I'll see you again. I promise. Just wait.

Sender: Claire

Date Sent: January 7

"Reading that message again?" Musica said, who was sitting on the other sofa.

Clarence turned his phone's screen off. "I feel so sad..." he said, leaning his back. He took a deep breathe. "Many people left me."

Musica threw an apple at him. He caught it but didn't take a bite. He was just playing it on his hand.

He started, "First was Claire. Second was Abie, just last January, and Sora, last month."

"He went on a journey for soul-searching," Musica said. "I wonder where he is now..."

"Though Claire said she would see me again, still it's been so long. It's March now and she hasn't come back yet."

He then stood up. "Let's go to the casino, Clarence!" he suggested, showing him a big fat grin.

Clarence took a bite then stood up. He finally smiled. "Okay, let's have fun!" he said cheerfully.

Musica was reaching the metal handle of the door but he was surprised when it had just opened when he hadn't pulled it. It opened widely from outside.

"HEY! Is that really you?!" he exclaimed as he saw the person by the doorstep.

Clarence peeked from behind Musica to see the person. "Sora?" he asked.

That person was really Sora, but his hair grew long, extending up to his shoulder, untied.

Clarence smiled. "Welcome back, Sora," he said with a grin. "How's your soul-searching?"

"Oh... Before that..." he said seriously. "I have a very important thing to say."

"What's that?" they both asked.

"Let me cut my hair first," he answered.

>>>>>>> <<<<<<<

4:00 PM. The three men were in the dining area. Sora's hair was cut short again. He looked better than an hour ago. He looked serious at them. "I have a bad news..." He paused. "...About Claire."

"Eh?!" both exclaimed. "What?"

He took a deep breathe before continuing. "She finally took the offer of being the Leader of Hades."

"No way!"

"Are you sure?" Clarence asked.

He nodded. "I heard it from a Hades assassin. He said that the whole organization is very grateful that their two-year of persuading her finally came to fruition."

"So, is that it...?" Clarence asked, in ragged tone and wide-eyed. He didn't want to believe it.

"Hm. Probably."

"I don't believe you," Musica said eagerly.

Sora asserted. "At first, I didn't want to believe too 'cause I didn't see her personally. But Claire is the only one whom they needed, right?"

The discussion continued, except for Musica who was very quiet and in deep thought.

"What can you say, Musica?" Clarence asked.