Chapter 367 - The Missing Shard Part 1

*UNEDITED*

Cynthia always noticed things about him that other people didn't, that's why he was afraid of her. At first he thought it was because she was a Guardian. However, the more time that passed by he realized that wasn't the case.

Thankfully the girl quickly changed the topic.

"Anyhow I came here because we have a problem. The shard didn't appear yesterday did it?"

Yang shook his head, "I looked for it, but..."

"Something has gone wrong. Whenever a incident of this grand scale occurs the shard should appear. It's true Setsura-chan wasn't in the building for a long time, however the fight afterwards should be enough."

"I don't understand what the trigger for the shares is, can you tell me?"

Cynthia paused before she said, "The death of an important person."

'Brutal,' Yang thought. Then again why is he surprised? "Tell me more."

The girl hesitated, but she nodded. "Alright."

_______

8:00PM - Taiga's apartment gardens

It never occurred to her how much attention she brought until recently. Setsura kept scrolling the web due to boredom. Chauncey still hasn't woken up, so there is nothing for her to do. Chauncey huh? Setsura occasionally checked on him but it was far too painful to see his current condition. He got hurt so badly and for her sake too.

For her sake so many people keep getting hurt. She already lost count of how many times a situation like this has occurred. Is it truly impossible for her to find happiness? Setsura understood that it would be difficult for someone like her. But even then, this is a bit too much.

A deep sigh crossed her lips as she felt a strong gust of wind blow. She wrapped her arms around her shoulders, 'She ought to have worn something thicker.' But Setsura wanted some fresh air.

"Setsura? What are you doing out here so late at night? " a familiar voice suddenly said, abruptly breaking her trail of thought.

Her gaze darted towards the voice to spot Akito. "Oh Akito. I couldn't fall asleep, so I thought I'd get a taste of the night thought."

Lately she's been having trouble falling asleep, the cause is probably that unless she's in his arms. She can't relax. But, there's no need to tell him that much.

It's better if he doesn't know.

"I wonder what will happen," Akito suddenly mumbled.

"Huh?"

"With me coming here... Katakura mentioned it would be dangerous, he was very against it. But now that I'm here, I want to see the type of world you live in," Akito laughed. "If I stay here for too long maybe we'll fall like these cherry blossoms and it'll be all over."

"Maybe it's like that," Setsura nodded. His words always sound so poetic. Fall like cherry blossoms huh? It wouldn't be a stretch to say that with the current situation. "But you know, so much has happened. I'm feeling overwhelmed with everything."

She just needs some time to calm down and relax.

"Is that why you couldn't fall asleep?" Setsura assumed that he couldn't sleep either.

"Yeah, I mean isn't that why you are out here?"

"Not quite. What about you?" Setsura asked.

Akito laughs, "Haha, same with me actually."

"Why don't we go for a little walk? Since were and all?" Setsura suggested.

There is a park nearby.. It shouldn't take that long for them to reach it.

"Sure sounds good," Akito said.

Setsura noted how nothing seemed wrong with his tone. Doesn't he find it strange?

It's somewhat mysterious walking side by side like him though. Maybe because it's been awhile.

But she feels a bit nervous. Akito like the idiot he is doesn't notice.

Still she doesn't understand it well, why does he remind her of her fiancee so much?

She can't help but remember back then; in middle school. It's not like they were a couple but they somehow ended up naturally going home together. She was a class rep who attended the meetings; while her fiancée was the president who lead them. Being the president, he obviously had to stay and check everything through and she being a normal rep meant she could go at home. But unconsciously, she found herself waiting. They'd act awkward about it for a few minutes but once they stepped outside, it's like all nerves would disappear and their hands would naturally join together.

Naturally join together, it was exactly like Akito and her. They didn't say much as they exited the compound of Taiga's apartment, and walked down the quiet streets. It was only eight, but Setsura barely saw anyone. It's odd, usually there would be more people walking here.

Then again, this is a odd part of town. Setsura shuddered when another gust of wind blew. Maybe she ought to have headed back inside first. Just as she thought that, Akito wrapped his cloak around her.

"You'll catch a cold."

Setsura only nodded, and noticed what cloak was around her. 'Ah, this is his police cloak...' So does that mean he was doing work before came to see her? She wanted to ask him so badly what possessed him to come here. Her thoughts broke off when she saw the familiar entrance of the park, and eagerly walked over.

The large cherry tree in the center caught her attention.

"Whoa the cherry trees are blooming here already. How mysterious, even though it's still winter. They're so pretty," she trails of to catch one of the falling petals. "I'm just sad that the trip is almost over. It's been so much fun, like going on vacation with everyone."

Despite all the complications that occurred. It was truly nice to come here with everyone. She knew she only had a few more days left in this place. But Setsura felt sad already, she wants to stay a bit longer.

"Setsura," Akito called out with a concerned look on his face

"Of course I'm worried about what both our bosses will do if we don't return. But thinking about it deeply won't help, or rather I already did that and ended up having a brain malfunction."

"Ha, is that even possible?"

"It is. I've had plenty of other experiences."

This line lead to Akito laughing more. Thank goodness, he's able to smile. Although it's natural why it was quiet for the first few minutes of the walk. It really is better if he's able to talk to her naturally.

Still, for awhile now there is something bothering her greatly. It must be her imagination...

"What is it Setsura?"

"I just want to question the scent of women's perfume on you. Pondering about whether or not it belongs to a rich woman," Setsura admitted. She could never hide things from him, besides this was a serious question.

"And if it did, dare I ask?"

"They say shaved ice in winter makes it tastier," Setsura replied calmly. So it belonged to a rich woman? She assumed he was working before he rushed of to find her, but it turns out that isn't the case here. To think the scent remained for such a long time.

Beads of sweat dropped on Arashi's face, "It was a rich woman." At that the brunette rummaged through her pocket, before he quickly adds, "But it was for a friend. Since I was there, I attended the meeting for him," Akito explained.