Chapter 69 - My mission is..

What did he just say? Her head can't comprehend the meaning behind those words at all. While Setsura recalls how, when they first met, Oslo just told her a bunch of information. She didn't think that all the other guardians would do the same. Then again, it seems like Oslo is their leader; of course, they would take after him.

"I'm the only one?" Setsura repeated, and Katakura nodded. "But isn't that strange? I've never solved a murder case before."

"But, you have an interest in the supernatural, right?"

"That wasn't me, that was…"

It was mainly her partner, the person she loves liked that stuff a lot. But Setsura supposed with how obsessed she was about the butterfly. People could easily misunderstand. This person knows about the life she forgot about. Then again, Oslo knows about it too. But he wouldn't tell her anything. It seems like she would have to work on regaining her memories herself. This is one matter they won't help her one.

It's quite frustrating, but she understands. It seems like they have their own set of rules to follow; she ought to be more careful. While they appeared to be on her side, she still doesn't know them very well. They were the reason why she was sent here. That is something she shouldn't forget.

Katakura laughs, "Your as amusing as ever."

"This isn't funny," Setsura exclaimed. "You can't just throw information out like that. Give me a reasonable explanation; don't leave it trailing off like that."

"Well, as for explanation. Look over there."

Setsura glanced over at what Katakura was pointing at and saw a similar stand that she saw from the clock tower. Instead of a book on the platform, it was a small crystal sphere.

"What is this?" The sphere looked beautifully; even from where she sat, it was beautiful. Setsura stood up and made her way over. Initially, she only intended to stare from her seat. But, for some reason, she felt drawn to it. When she got closer, the sphere was shaped like a star-shaped globe.

"As you can tell, this is where you'll collect the shards."

Shards... Setsura recalled the beautiful piece of crystal she received from Oslo when they first met and took it from her pouch. Ah, this? Katakura blinked, "Master gave you a head start."

"Oh..uh.."

He smiled, "Put it over there."

Setsura does so, and the sphere glowed brightly. The moment it did, a serious of images appeared like a hologram. "These," Setsura mumbled. "...are related to the case?"

"Yes. This will give you a clue to the murders. Did you bring a pen and paper? You can only see it for a few minutes."

Thankfully she always carried one around. Setsura made it a habit to do so just in case she remembered anything. Even though the important things, like her memories regarding her loved one, would be censored. It was enough that she recalled the feeling of writing it. The emotions she had when she is writing. That is one thing people can't take away from her, her emotions.

She quickly pulled it out of her punch and started to copy down what she saw.

"Is Akito treating you well?" After awhile Katakura broke the silence.

"Akito is a very kind person, a very, very, very gentle person," Setsura murmured. "Though he can be unreasonable at times. I know he is only like that because he cares."

"That's true, is he still painting?"

This person knows a lot about Akito.

"I was surprised when I saw him painting. It seems like he has a bit of difficulty bringing himself to like people. So I'm surprised that you know about it. Unlike that person, Akito's pictures give off a calm and peaceful atmosphere. There is a tranquil feeling my heart whenever I watch him. At least that's what I thought so initially."

Setsura noted how intently Katakura had been watching her. He is making that same face that Chauncey did.

She continued, "But then, I found them. Paintings that reflected his real emotions. They resembled a raging storm. A beast, it was terrifying. However, for me, it was a good thing; this way, I could tell what he was thinking." Because she saw those paintings, Setsura finally understood his heart.

When Akito found out that she liked them, he gave it all to her. 'I'll give them to you; it's better they stay with you than rot in the corner.'

At the couldn't understand what he meant by it. But now she gets it. All those paintings show the many emotions he feels towards her.

"People often use different forms to express their emotions. I'm no different from you and Akito; what I can't say out loud, I'll find a way to convey it using other means. But I don't think that we can dismiss talking about what we feel when you feel like crying, it's okay to cry. When you feel like being mad, it's okay to be mad. Whatever feeling it may be, every last one of them are like a treasure."

Setsura looked up at him, for a guardian - there certainly is something different about him.

"Heed my advice, this only once. I think what you need to do right now is to grasp tightly on to his hand despite everything going on in your surroundings. What other people are to you. Those things can wait. You should focus on that one hand right in front of you, and not let him go. Because surely for you, those feelings are the most important."

The most important? But what about the mission? What about the person she left behind in the future? Can she really discard him just like that?

The doors to the church creaked open, surprising her. For a split moment, Setsura panicked; she was worried that somebody noticed them. Katakura, however, quickly put his hood back on. Hey! Don't save yourself, as Setsura panicked. She recognized the person. Despite the darkness, Setsura knew who it was. In the darkness of the moonlight of the church- she could see him. Chauncey Long, the man, feared by so many people.

What is he doing here? At first, Setsura couldn't tell, but as he walked closer, she realized something was wrong. Setsura rushed over and immediately caught the staggering Chauncey in her arms. "Sir Long? You're terribly injured."

"I....let go of me... I..I'm..."

Setsura looked around; there should be some supplies there. "I will save you, Sir. Long; just wait for a minute, will you."

She somehow managed to carry him over to the seating area. Setsura noted that Katakura was no longer to be found and sighed deeply. How frustrating. Why did that guy just disappear like that? Then again, this isn't the time to complain about it.