02 - Ai no Kami

"Master."
"Hmm?"
"I have something important that I have to discuss with you."

I paused on my way back to my room.
As I turn around, I could see Umi already standing behind me.

"Well, do you have the time to discuss it with me?"

I arched an eyebrow.
Before eventually giving a sigh.
As I spoke, "What's with you? I told you that there's no need to be formal like that, isn't it?"

Umi gazed at me.
And for a split second, I could see her puffing her cheeks.
Before her expression turning back to normal.
As if nothing actually happened.

"Putting that aside, do you have the time to discuss with me?"

I gave another sigh, "What is it, Umi?"

"It's actually a pretty serious situation and I suppose it requires quick actions."
". . . . . . . fine, I'll listen. Tell me what you have in mind, Umi."

Unlike what I expected, Umi actually remained silent.
As if she's actually hesitating.
She seemed so eager calling for me to discuss before.
But right now, when she got the chance, it's like she's having a hard time just to say it.

"Umi…?" I called for her again.

Umi gave a sigh.
Before looking up at me with a rather serious look upon her face.
As she spoke, "I want you to take me to the shopping centre nearby."

I remained silent upon hearing that.
Before arching an eyebrow.
While at the same time, hoping that I misheard her.
"Pardon me?" I said.

"I want you to take me to the shopping centre nearby, Master."

Ai no Kami

"It's really unlike you…" I said.
"What is unlike me?" Umi asked in return.
"This is the first time you actually asked me to take you somewhere."
"Am I not supposed to ask you for this troubling matter then, Master?"
"I never said that."
"Then it's fine, isn't it?"

I didn't answer as I simply gave a sigh.
It's true, that this is the first time Umi actually asked me to take her somewhere.
She might be starting to open herself up a little, I thought.
At least, knowing what she wanted would be better than having her staying silent all the time.

"If we don't leave immediately, we might very well miss all the fun out there, Master."
"Fine, fine. I'll take you there later, once I finished cleaning the Shrine."
"No, take me there right now, Master."

I arched an eyebrow.
Before eventually giving a sigh.
As I asked, "What do you want to buy there anyway?"

"There are various things that I might found there," Umi replied with crossed arms, "And if I happen to want something, I want to be able to choose it for myself."

I gazed to the side as I arched an eyebrow.
Well, it's a surprise to see that today seemed to be a busy day.

"It seems pretty busy out there and it's quite rare to see so many people out in this hour like that," I said to Umi as I shrugged before looking at her again, "Do you think you'll be okay, Umi?"

"Well, don't you think it would be good if I get used to the environment around here?"
"Now that you put it like that…"
"Besides, if you're afraid that I'll get lost on my own, then I just have to cling to you, right?"

I remained silent.
Before giving a sigh.
As I placed a hand on top of her head.
And ruffled her hair, "Fine, I'll take you to the shopping centre nearby."

Umi didn't say anything.
As she simply nodded.
I then told her to wait at the front gate of the Shrine.
Since I'd need to change my clothes into a better one first.
I can't possibly visit the nearby shopping centre still wearing the Onmyouji uniform, right?

It doesn't take really long for me to change into more casual clothes, really.
And I made my way to the front gate of the Shrine.
To find Umi already standing there.
Dressed in her usual clothes.

There's no need to worry, really.
I already cleaned it from the blood that's been staining it.
And no, if you're thinking that I let her stay naked when I clean her clothes, then you're wrong.
I have several unused clothes that she could use while waiting for her clothes to dry up.

Well, putting that aside, I approached Umi.
She caught me upon her sight, but she doesn't say anything.
I don't really know what to say either, to be honest.
So I just gestured her to follow me.
And she does, silently.

But really there are surprisingly a lot of people at this time of the day, I thought.
It's usually quiet around here, even at this time of the day.
And the amount of people kept increasing as we approached the shopping centre.
I could see various couples here and there, walking and laughing together at the same time.

"It kind of reminds me of during Valentine," I muttered, mostly to myself.
"Are you regretting the fact that you don't have a girlfriend, Master?" Umi said.
"Well, it's nothing like that, really."
"Then what is it, Master?"
"I was just wondering why-"

I stopped my words.
As it took just an instant for me to realize what's actually happening.
One of the signs attached to one of the shops caught my attention.
It spoke "CHOCOLATES FOR WHITE DAY".

"I thought something's happening, but it's just White Day, huh?"
"You seemed to be disappointed, Master. Were you expecting something entirely different?"
"No, it's not like that."
"Are you regretting the fact that you don't have a girlfriend?"
"I really need to tell you to stop bringing that kind of topic up."
"If you keep being like that, no girls would fall for you, Master."
"Mind your own business, Umi."
"But don't worry, Master. Even you have your own knacks as well, right?"

I sighed.
"But still, if no one ends up coming for you, Onee-chan here would comfort you, you poor being."
"Like I said, mind your own business."

Umi giggled.
And I remained silent as I gazed to the shop with the sign "CHOCOLATES FOR WHITE DAY".
Well, certainly the atmosphere of the White Day actually changing everything.

I arched an eyebrow then.
As I could feel someone tugging upon my left arm.
I gazed to the side.
It was Umi.

"While we're at it, why don't we visit the Chocolate Store as well, Master?"

At that, I remained silent for a moment.
Before giving a somewhat relieved sigh.
And responded with a nod.

After entering the Chocolate Store, Umi doesn't take any longer to look at all the chocolates.

"Golden chocolate? Black chocolate? White chocolate?" I could hear her voice as she gazed at the chocolates one after another, "What is this? Incredible! And they smell really good as well! Just looking at it reveal how delicious these might be!"

I gave a small chuckle.
But then Umi turned at me and asked, "Master, can I eat them all?"

"There's a limit of how much you can eat, you know."
"Well, you don't need to worry about me then. I'm not a-"
"At least think about my financial as well, alright?"

"Don't be foolish, Master," I could hear Umi's sigh, "Don't you think that giving me what I want might be a good investment for the future? You'll get on my good side, that is."

"What'd happen if I get on your good side, anyway?"

Umi didn't answer.
But I could feel her sight upon me.
I gazed at her back, not saying anything as well.

I was about to say something.
But then I realized that the storekeeper has been looking at Umi and I for quite some time.
So I gave a sigh as I placed a hand on top of her head, "Ah, fine."

Umi didn't reply.
"Let's each choose three of the chocolates. After that, we can share."
"Well, it can't be helped then. I have no other option than accepting, anyway."

After paying for the chocolates, Umi and I made our way out of the store.
And I decided that we might very well make our way back to the Shrine.
But on our way back, something caught my attention.
And it's making me uncomfortable.
I don't really know what it is, but all I could tell that it's making me uncomfortable.

It doesn't take really long for Umi to realize what's bugging me.
As she stopped on her way and turned around towards me.
Arching an eyebrow as she spoke, "It seems that you're getting sharper, Master."

"What do you mean, Umi?"
"You actually realize that there's someone following us."
". . . . . . . . . . . ."
"But you see, the one following us isn't a human."
". . . . . . . . . . . ."
"She's a supernatural creature."

Ever so slowly, I turned around.
Expecting for the worst to happen the moment I place my eyes upon the one who's following.
I widened my eyes in pure surprise.

As the one standing behind me is a girl that seemed to be no older than eight years old or so.
With straight jet-black hair that reaches her waist.
Dressed in a pink shirt and a black skirt.
Along with knee-high socks and shoes.

Her eyes as black as her hair, but it's gentle and innocent at the same time.
And I could see her joining her hands together as she gazed up at me.
Seemed to be hoping for me to say something.

In all honesty, I'm not really good with kids.
But I have to keep the fact that this girl might be older than how she looks.
After all, I never know Umi's exact age but she appears like she's twelve years old or so.
I suppose that same thing would apply to this girl as well.
Especially after Umi pointed out that she's a supernatural creature.

"He-Hey," I started.
The smaller girl didn't answer, as she kept looking at me in silence.

"If you want something then say it," I could hear Umi's voice suddenly and when I gazed to the side, I noticed that she's already standing beside me, "None of us would snatch you up as long as you're not trying to make any trouble with the two of us."

"Ai," the smaller girl said.
"Eh?" I arched an eyebrow in turn.
"It's my name," the smaller girl replied, "My name is Ai."

"My name is Shinki," I replied to her, "And this one here is Umi."

Ai didn't reply.
As she kept placing her sight upon me.
In all honesty, it's making me uncomfortable.
But I didn't tell her that.
Instead, I spoke, "How can I help you, Ai?"

"If it's alright, can I come to your Shrine?"

I arched an eyebrow.
As I scratched the back of my head, "Well, I don't see any problem with that rea-"

"What are you planning to do by visiting the Shrine?" Umi suddenly spoke.
"I'm absolutely up to nothing," Ai replied.

Umi didn't answer.
But I could see that her eyebrows are furrowed.
So I didn't say anything.
From what I heard, women could be quite scary when they're fighting.
The best thing to do for now is distracting them with something else.

"Well, I just bought some chocolates from the nearby store, Ai," I said to her, in hope that it would distract both her and Umi enough, "We all could share the chocolates once we're back to the Shrine."

Ai switched her sight from Umi to me.
And I gazed at her back, hoping for an answer.
Ai didn't say anything, as she simply nodded.

She doesn't talk much, just like the first time I met Umi, I noted.
But it's not like I'm really bothered about that.
It's not like I'm trying to shake all of the things that's been filling my head as well.
But since everything that has happened, I really need time to think clearly.

I turned around, gesturing both Umi and Ai to follow me.
Before making my way back to the Shrine with the two following behind me.

Once we reached the Shrine, we sat upon the terrace placed at the front of the back yard.
Taking our time to enjoy all the chocolates that we brought along.
Accompanied with milk as well.
They say chocolates taste good with milk, you know.

It doesn't take even half an hour to finish all that.
And that moment I noticed that it's already evening.
Time sure went fast when you don't realize it.

I find myself sitting upon the terrace of the Shrine.
With Umi sitting upon my lap.
While Ai's sitting upon my right side, enjoying the hot milk I prepared before.

We don't really say anything, even while eating the chocolates.
While I've gotten used to Ai, the same couldn't be said to Umi.
It seemed that Ai's presence really bothering her.
But to be honest, I don't really know the reason.
It might be better to ask Umi about it later.

I could feel Umi sitting upon my lap.
Leaning her back to my chest.
As her hands hold the glass filled with the hot milk I prepared as well.

I blinked once.
Before hearing the sound of slight movements.
I gazed to the side.
And I find Ai already upon her feet.

"Ai?" I called for her.

"As a sign of gratitude for allowing me to come and sharing the chocolate and the milk," Ai started as she turned towards me, "Please allow me to sing a song for the both of you."

I arched an eyebrow.
In all honesty, it doesn't make even the slightest sense for me.
Because of that, I gazed at Umi questioningly.
But Umi doesn't say anything.
Her sight's placed at the glass of hot milk upon her hands.
It's indeed strange for Umi to act like that, I noted.

I then switched my gaze towards Ai.
Only to find her already standing at the center of the backyard as well.
Surrounded by the light provided by the moon and the starry sky above her.

"Well, if you don't mind," I said to her, "I suppose it's fine."

Ai didn't say anything.
As she simply responded with a nod.
She took a moment to take her breath.
Before eventually singing.

_{(Author's Note : click this link for the background music.)}

In the depths of my mind, I could picture the end of a long-forgotten world.
And along one of the dark paths, I could hear a voice calling out to me.
Enough time has passed for our mournful journey to begin anew.

Keep fighting.
For you know that there's only one thing that you can rely on.
There are times where you might be waiting for miracles to appear.
While it's actually already been waiting by your side all this time.

All people know there's only so much they can do.
Yet our dreams have no such limits.
What gentle creature we humans are.

I widened my eyes a bit.
I was honestly touched by what Ai sung.
I could feel the emotion.
Though I'm still not sure of what she's trying to convey to both myself and Umi.

And I could feel Umi's hand upon mine at that time.
But still, the two of us remained silent.
As Ai continued to sing.

Tears are but the words of sadness that has no voice.
And I'm sure that countless such glimmers have dampened your cheeks.
But it's through experiencing despair that we're capable of embracing hope.
And just like an eternal spring, never will your hope dry out.

Listen only to one voice.
And let it be the guide.
For you shall wander ever on to light its fire.

Courage is but a flame within one's heart.
Even if you should walk a thorny path.
Keep walking until the flame goes out and your pride dies with it.

There was a slight silence after that girl sung the last sentence.
But still, the sound of her voice lingering around the Shrine.
Wrapping both myself and Umi gently.
As the two of us watched Ai standing and singing.
Right in the center of the yard at the back of the Shrine.

Act as your heart demands.
Keep walking until the flame goes out and your pride dies with it.

Both Umi and I remained silent.
As Ai's voice becoming fainter and even fainter.
Before eventually inaudible.

None of us made any comment.
I honestly thought that Umi would actually say something.
Since from the very start, she seemed to be really annoyed by Ai.

But no, it's not like what I expected.
Umi remained silent.
Umi remained silent as she sat upon my lap.
Umi remained silent as she sat upon my lap and holding my hand.
Umi remained silent as she sat upon my lap and holding my hand above hers.

"Umi…?" I called for her.

Umi didn't answer.
Instead, she gazed down.
Before closing her eyes and giving a sigh.
And leaning her back towards my chest.

"Umi…?" I called for her again as I arched an eyebrow.

But Umi remained silent.
As she gave another sigh.

I blinked several times.
Before letting a small smile decorates my lips.
If there's something bugging her right now, maybe I should just ask her about it later.
At least, when she's a bit better than now.

Just then, I shifted my sight forward once again.
Expecting to see Ai still standing at the center of the yard.
But Ai's not there anymore, much to my surprise.
In fact, she's nowhere to be seen.

"What are you looking for, Master?"
"That girl from before, Ai… she's-"
"It's no use looking for her right now."
"She's heading back to her own place since she already done her job here."

"What do you mean, Umi?"
"What day is today, Master?"
"It's the 14th of March, isn't it?"
"What does that mean?"
"What are you saying?"
"What does the 14th of March mean, Master?"

I remained silent for a moment.
Before a thought strike my mind.
It might very well be the reason of why Umi wanted to go to the shopping centre.
And it might be the reason why she got annoyed by Ai as well.

"Do you understand it now, Master?"
"Pretty much."
"Is that everything that you have to say?"

I smiled.
Before pulling back my hand.
And wrapping it around Umi's waist.
As I placed my cheek upon the back of her head.
Before giving a sigh, "I'm sorry."

Umi didn't answer.
But I could tell that she's feeling calmer compared to before.
And at that, I kept the smile upon my lips.

And embraced her a little tighter.
As I spoke, "Happy White Day, Umi."