Chapter 79 - (1895: Case 02) Part 6

Akito rolled his eyes at that comment. His gaze drifted towards the staircase, and he walked over. Victor laughed, "No hesitation whatsoever."

Why would he hesitate? When this concerns her of all people?

"Shut it, let's get going."

Victor nodded and made his way over. The tunnel was awfully dark; thankfully, Victor brought a small light source. The light wasn't too bright, but it was enough for them to see where they are going. It's a good thing. If Victor brought a large light source, then it would be bad for them. A larger light source would make them an easy target in the dark.

He was in a rush because he knew that Setsura disliked blood and being left alone. That girl is very strong on the outside, but on the inside, she's very fragile. There are many things about her, like her fear of the dark that makes her very vulnerable. Akito frowned; he doesn't want any other man to know that about her. While he can't compete with the guy from the future. Akito wanted to at least make sure that no other guy from his time would get to her.

A deep sigh escaped his lips, calm down Akito. Is this the time to think about his jealousy issues? It isn't the time. They are in the middle of a code 101, a red alert case. What is he doing bringing up his personal problems? Shouldn't he be grateful that Chauncey is most likely with her? If she were by herself, he isn't sure she could survive. Setsura is unlike other girls; she is stronger than most. He tested her knowledge on cases too on plenty of occasions.

Her safety is the most important. However, he can't help but think about it. Has Chauncey already seen it? If so, what does he think? Setsura and him.. overnight...did something happen? Hah, he sounds so petty and pathetic right now.

But can anybody blame him? After what happened with his wife before. Akito wanted to ensure that nothing similar happened. Call it paranoia or whatever. However, after what happened with his wife. It felt like every man who approached the person he liked had hidden intentions. He can never forgive Chauncey either, not even their long term friendship...

"Why do you want to save her so much?" Victor suddenly asked. "You mentioned in your letter that you felt bad for using her."

"Yeah."

"Is this about pity?"

Akito shook his head, "Something has changed."

He didn't know when it started, but something had changed between them. "At first, your right. I was using her. I pitied her. I didn't intend to take full responsibility. Once Lyra was finished with all her work, I intended to pass her along and continue the way things were. But it changed. It didn't take long before I was always watching her."

To Akito's meeting, Setsura was like a dream. No, his meeting with her ended his first dream. Meeting her was the start of his second chapter.

When he first saved her, it was out of obligation. It was because of his job. If he weren't a military police officer and the former squad one chief, he would have left her all alone - as cruel as that sounds. No regular civilian would get themselves involved in that situation.

But because he is in a position of power, he didn't hesitate. No, that's not it. There was something about the look in her eyes back then that made him approach her. But even then, the feeling was very fleeting. He brought her to his home since he couldn't come up with any other ideas to ensure she was safe. Checking on her was only normal since she didn't know anybody.

Defending her was reasonable too, the girl lost her memories. She seemed to be very confused and in a daze about everything. Whenever the servants spoke about anything, she would have that spaced-out expression on her face. Then whenever she read books, she would look even more puzzled.

With those obvious signs, Akito already knew that Setsura wasn't from this time. But that gave him even more of a reason to be protective. He continued denying his feelings for her because he felt like not only would it betray his wife. He would also betray the him who vowed not to fall in love again.

He loved his wife so much, but those feelings of love were not enough to make her stay with him. That's why Akito was afraid, afraid to love somebody again. Afraid to devote his heart to another person. But she changed that.

"If there is something you want to tell her, you should go ahead and do it."

"Victor?"

"I always felt bad. I didn't meet your wife, but I heard everything from the others. It was painful for me, too, as your friend. I didn't meet the woman who changed you. I wanted to rush to your side immediately, but you wouldn't even let me do that."

"I wanted to be alone," Akito mumbled. "I thought it would be better for me to by myself." He didn't want to see anybody; he didn't want to talk to them.

"I know," Victor nodded. "That's why I want to hear it from you this time. Miss Setsura may resemble your late wife. But, she's different. The feelings you have for your wife and Miss Setsura, aren't they different? You feel more strongly towards Miss Setsura, is that not right?"

He feels more strongly towards Setsura? Akito's eyes widened when he heard those words. That's.. Is that the case?

'Akito!'

'Akito, you know I towards you...'

"..."

Victor patted his shoulders, "As long as you come to terms with it. This time around, you won't have any regrets."

That's right; it was like that before, wasn't it? With his wife. It's because he couldn't tell her those words, the words 'I love you.' They were happy with each other, but Akito never told her that he loved her.

Setsura's existence is crucial...

Later, when he first found out her connection to the shard case, he decided he could use her.

However, the night her nightmares started - and the times she came to him in tears. The times where she trembled in his arms, Akito changed his mind. She's just like a normal girl; he can't treat her like nothing. She cries, laughs, and gets afraid just like any other average person. When did each of her actions stir his heart?

"Akito, look."

Akito's thoughts broke off, and he saw a peculiar looking door at the end of the corridor, as well as a ladder. "So, which do you think we should take?"

Akito laughed at Victor's question, "Isn't it obvious? The ladder will lead us back to where we were at the start. This door, however, will surely lead us to them." He isn't superstitious, but he has learned a lot from Lyra.

"Well then, time to decide our fate."

Setsura, he's coming for you. When they see each other, this time around, he will surely tell her those words. The words he couldn't tell his first love. He does not want to have regrets a second time.