Chapter 100 - The beginnings and endings

Then again, that guy is quite strange. Even though he knows about her twisted personality, he hasn't changed his behaviour. Rather, doesn't it feel like he likes her more? Setsura assumed that Akito was just like the other guys out there. Who liked the docile and meek. Setsura thought that once he saw her for who she really was, he would leave her. But not only did he leave, he accepted everything about her. He has to put up a lot dating her, her bad personality aside. He has to deal with the shadows of his past.

People constantly after her life means he's always exposed to danger too. But, Setsura was reluctant to let him go too. Because of him, being in this foreign country wasn't so bad. Even at the start when she was still adjusting to everything. 

She is so thankful that the first person she met when she came here was Akito. If it was anybody else, then surely they would not have treated her so well. Setsura already saw how they looked at her that day. So what if her clothes were different? It's not like she was an abnormal existence. Yet they looked at her with those dead looking eyes, like she was a monster of some kind. 

It was because Akito took her hand that day, that she was able to get this far. Someone who didn't fear her, somebody who always stood on her side no matter what.

When he first proposed they lived together. Setsura recalled how he was shifting around uncomfortably. It was clear no matter how confident he sounded. He was not the type of person who would pick up random women and bring them home.

Setsura kicked the pebble under her feet and gazed back up at the skies. She should tell Akito that people have almost located the mansion. Maybe because she keeps using inconspicuous paths?

"The forest at night is beautiful," she mumbled.

Though most people would think it is scary. Setsura was not the type to get scared easily.

"..which shall be shortly single, I'll revolve you. Which to you shall seem probable of every one of these accidents. Till then be cheerful and think of each thing well."

"Please understand," she whispered to nobody in particular.

No, to him.

Her most beloved person, even though she cannot remember his name or face. Whenever she thinks of him, her heart clenches up in pain. For sure she loved that person deeply. 

___

Akito had gotten used to Setsura being right beside him, so when he woke up and couldn't find her. The black haired boys usually calm face twisted into a panic, until he sees the open window. And… 

"She slipped out again."

Ever since they returned from the auction. Setsura's behaviour had turned a complete 360. The sweet phase of their relationship seemed to have already ended.

"Victor."

Through the shadows of the room, Akito could still make out his companions figure leaning against the wall and  smoking, "You've noticed it right? What she's been doing."

"Of course I have"he trails of,  "Mysterious deaths, accidents. Criminals that are suddenly dying with not a single cause found. Except all of them have one thing in common, they could not be judged by the law."

At that his gaze darkens, in the end she really will stick to that sense of justice, no matter how much time passes by. But like this would it be considered stepping out the law?

"Isn't it fine? We don't have any rules to follow. And were pretty much free individuals. There are those who can choose to follow someone - yet that doesn't mean they are constrained."

Akito sighed, " And the guy who ran away from this world is the one who is lecturing me."

Victor smiles, " It's exactly because I ran away from it, that I can say this now. …"his gaze softened, " You know I told Kusaji that the reason I rejected that person was because I knew the one she really had feelings for was another guy. That's what I told her, that ' you love someone else not me.' But now that I think about it perhaps I was running away. Running away from being in love with someone. Well were definitely getting older, might as well say cheesy stuff like this now. That girl had always been right by my side and thinking about it now, nothing seems to have changed. Yet there is a difference now."

The black haired boy doesn't say anything to that and made his way over with a cigarette in his hands, " Hey, let me borrow your lighter."

Victor lights a fresh one for himself and in the process his also. Their gazes interlocked for a single moment, " ...your still running away from it aren't you?" Akito said.

"I don't want to hear that from you King."

Akito laughed, "Refrain from calling me that in front of her."

…..

Recently Setsura's picked up a new habit to. Instead of him dropping by her office, she drops by his. Akito understands the reason why. In this place she can casually overhear information. 'That stupid Katakura must have put her up to this.' Whatever means Setsura is using to investigate, that guy is the likely culprit to it. Akito however wanted as little to do with him as possible. So he has avoided speaking with him. But it seems like he won't be able to avoid him forever.

Setsura looks a lot more worn out these days. If he doesn't intervene and something bad happens to her, then.. His gaze fell on the girl who was trying to read his reports. But her head kept falling. "Setsura, you can take a nap."

She looked at him with a frustrated look, "I need to read."

What a stubborn person. Akito lifted her of the chair, "Wait, Akito?"

He didn't say anything and took her ought of the office. Akito quickly found the room he used for relaxing and laid her down on the ouch. "Rest here."

"Akito...your being unpleasant."

"Unpleasant or whatever, you haven't been sleeping well. Get some rest now."

Setsura peeked from the blanket, "You knew?"

"Yeah."

"Not stopping me? But I suppose that isn't like you."

"I'd love to stop you. But would you listen to me?"

"Everything ---"

"...happens for a reason," Akito finished for her. "I understand that, but do you want me to watch blindly as you get yourself hurt over that stupid logic?" He didn't scold her often, because he felt that there was no need. Setsura is younger than him but she is a grown a.d.u.l.t. She should have weighed out the consequences of her actions. Simply, she knows what she is doing.

"You don't bear any responsibility for the actions I take Akito. Everything happens because of my own will, because I decided this would be for the best."

"But you…"

Setsura sighed, "In order for something new to start, something old has to end. That ending doesn't come without consequences. If there is no ending, there is no beginning either. I am simply paving a path for that new beginning."

Damn, why is she talking in riddles again? He hates it when she does this. Setsura sat up and extended her hand out. Akito made his way over and Setsura leaned her face in his chest. "But, I am the same as you."

"The same?"

"Even the matter with Chauncey Long, while I was still powerless then. I used whatever means I could to get back at him for hurting you."

"Are you saying this is all because of me?" 

"Indirectly yes, your the main reason why I decided to take action. But, you aren't the only reason. So, there is no need for you to worry so much."

Akito bit his lip. No need for him to worry? Isn't it far too late for that? This girl, she keeps on taking so many reckless actions. Doesn't she know how worried he gets? His thoughts broke off when he felt her hands on his cheeks. "Setsura…"

"It's okay Akito, I shall stay with you."

"But you have…"

Setsura shook her head, "I'm happy with you Akito, you've given me so much happiness. Even if you knew about me from the start, nothing would have changed. You'd still call me Setsura-chan and treat me the same.."

*UNEDITED*