*Ohari's POV*
The moonlight and stars guide my footsteps to the grand lily flower. Standing atop the hill, I take a breath in, the sweet, passive fragrance of the lily calming my mind. Laying next to the lily... was Asura's mask.
Cracked and old, time and nature taking a hold of its essence. Almost expecting the same molten, kind cores that looked at me back then... only the hollow, lonesome darkness of the mask greeted me. Is Asura truly gone?
How long has it been? I bend down, kneeling on the soft, matted grass… my fingers skim across its rough, cracked surface until I reach its edges. It's heavy! Was the first thing that came to my mind as I picked it up. Outstretched in front of me, the mask's black steel never reflected light… taking all the darkness into itself.
A symbol of fear, wrath, and absolute power to those who knew it and those who dare uttered its name. But I never saw it that way… and never will. It was a symbol of hope and warmth… if you just looked a little closer into its eyes… you will see a broken being who has seen too much suffering that it couldn't stop in time. And it resented itself for that.
Holding onto the mask, I approached the lily flower. Placing it gently onto the lily, its stark contrast against the silver, iridescent petals of the lily was in its own way, beautiful.
"Thank you."
Many don't know, but this place isn't just a memorial. It's a grave. It is where the being took its last breath and passed… its wrath finally gone and its will finally fulfilled. I was there to see it… right on this hill. It was said to be its favorite place to be, among the flowers, among the fields of grass, among those who it loved. Ironic isn't it?
I give one last look at the mask and bring my head back to see the brilliant dots of twinkles, planets, the wondrous cosmos… all at peace. My gaze sweeps from the night sky to the garden to Sura, laying there by the pond, curled up sleeping. A little chuckle spreads through the garden as it leaves my mouth. It seems the jackalopes came back, now resting up against Sura. Clearly stealing her warmth… where do you think you're cuddling with my munchkin?
The jackalopes quickly hopped away as they woke up to me baring my teeth… I hadn't had meat in a while. Hehehe! I rest Sura's head on to my lap again and I feel her head nudge against my stomach, as if trying to find warmth as she nuzzles closer. The peaceful rustle of flowers and grass were like lullabies in the night.
"I think it's time to head home."
I pick my little munchkin up, and something warm tries to wrap around me, her petals caressing me as if still trying to comfort me. Looking down at her slumbering, cute face, I carefully brush her silver hair from her small face. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw her transform… that rage… the surge of Saffron red… I recognized immediately what it was. After all, how could I ever forget?
"mmm…"
Thinking I almost woke her, I see her long eyelashes flutter a little and she cuddles a little closer into my chest and arms. Eventually, she falls silent again.
I didn't want to believe that it was possible that she could be it… and I'm still not sure. But I will never forget that wrath… the Prometheus clan and other Gods may come looking for her no doubt in the future. I take the path back to the village, deciding to carry Sura on my back and the black case in my arms.
"Mom you're back. Sandwich was amazing… how's the visit?"
Kyui was home already, untying the ropes around her gi. I quietly closed the door behind me and gave her a "shhhh" with my finger. She rolls her eyes at the sight of Sura sleeping soundly on my back. Whispering to Kyui, I say:
"She's sound asleep…"
My case shakes a little as Sura moves in her sleep. Kyuu-san takes notice of the case I'm holding.
"Mom… isn't that? Are you ok?"
I've told little of my past to my daughter, not my time in the Prometheus clan… I didn't want her to ever get the idea of following my footsteps… if only that worked.
"I'm fine Kyui… just some old memories bound to come back at some point. It was fun playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to her... you know how you used to love it as a kid too."
Kyui smiles sadly and opens the door to her room for me. Placing the munchkin on Kyui's bed, I brushed aside the hair on her face again. Hands over her belly and lazily sprawled on the bed, Sura seems a far cry from what she might be. I lean down and kiss her forehead.
As I began to leave, her petals tug on my hand… begging me to not go as it tried to hold my hand. My little daughter's eyebrows twitch… so I stayed… until she was deep in her slumber.
I pull up the bedsheets over her and leave to my room.
"Good night Kyui."
Kyui was outside sitting on the couch watching CS (Crythoscreen).
"Night mom."
For that night... I turned the photo of me and Xeona upright... for once in a long time. My eyelids felt heavy, slowly closing as I watched Xeona's face fade as I too fell asleep after an emotional night... one last tear trickling down my face.
When I woke up all I hear was the muffled, angry sound of Kyui yelling… what happened? Don't tell me Kyui is yelling at Sura!
I pull my bedsheets off and put on my slippers. Looking at the clock, I realized I slept a later than usual. Looking beside me, Xeona and I's photo stood upright, illuminated by the morning light... morning to you too...
Walking out, I was prepared to defend my munchkin. As I open the door I hear Kyuu-san's woeful rage.
"Did you just eat the last chocolate pudding you damn brat!! I was saving it!"
Kyui had Sura's head in a headlock and was giving one mean knuckle rub on her head. She was struggling to free herself from her grasp.
"Aaahh!! You didn't write your name on it! And stop calling me brat I have a name now!"
"Brat!"
I couldn't help but smile… what am I going to do with them? It's been about two weeks since that incident. I'm glad everything is returning to somewhat of a normalcy.
"Ahem!"
I call to their attention, both stopping immediately and turn their head in unison, staring at me in stupor. Kyui quickly lets go of Sura and she rushes to me in a hug. Giving her a hug back as I lean down... patting her head.
"Morning mom! Kyuu-san was being mean to me!"
Kyui scoffs.
"Oh please!"
Children am I right?
"Kyui… all she did was eat your pudding. We can always buy more."
Kyui crosses her arms defiantly… being 6.5ft (198.12cm) and crossing her arms. I tend to forget she's barely a true adult yet.
"Doesn't excuse her for taking my pudding without regard!"
This side of her I couldn't find but cute and amusing.
"Well I'll be going out later for some fruits. I'll buy you some again… and some for you too."
I lightly pinch Sura's cheeks as she smiles in glee. Kyui begrudgingly nods and ties the rope around her gi.
"Well, I'm off to the dojo. Don't worry, I ate for breakfast."
Sura breaks away from my hug and seems to have a longing look on her face as she hesitantly steps towards Kyui. She notices and waves her off with an unquestionable look.
"No brat. You can't come and you are not fighting. I want to sort out a few things with Mokuren and then there's still Goddess Myriam."
Sura rubs her arm a little bit... wanting to go.
"But…"
"No buts brat… it's too dangerous for you to train... for now at least."
And with the clasp of the door and Kyui's departure, my munchkin's enthusiasm was shot down. But Kyui's right, it's too dangerous for her to train… not until we find a solution.
"Oh right Sura-chan, I'll make you breakfast ok?"
I hate to admit it… but she will need to hone her powers if she's anything I think she is. I fear one day her emotions might get out of control and her powers too. With a plate of scrambled, pepper eggs, chocolate chip cookies, bread with jelly on top, and bowl of vegetable soup... I hoped it would get her mood up even though it may have not been the healthiest breakfast... gotta live a little right?
When she finished, I was cleaning the bowl when I hear a platter beside me... my little munchkin is tiptoeing to put her plates onto the table... awww... she gave me a determined grin.
"Thank you munchkin. Get ready for later on... we're going to the grocery store."
"Ok!"
After cleaning the dishes, I take a deep breath and stretch my back. I go into my room and put on my coat... looking at the window sill, the flowers are healthy as ever and full of life. Xeona... I haven't given up... a voice finally snaps me out of my thoughts.
"Mom I'm ready!"
Looking at her, Sura... was using her petals to cover her bare chest and wearing shorts.
"Munchkin you can't wear that and go out!"
I quickly cover her her upper torso with a cotton jacket... the only things she'll wear willingly at least.
"At least keep this on."
That reminds me, I've gotta find some clothes she could wear. Free-spirited as she is I got a feeling she'll start running around butt naked again in town at some point.
She thankfully obliges and we leave the house. Making our way through town towards the street market, I always enter the one main road down the 5th intersection from my house. Carts of vegetables, fruits, and various food items lined the street as people passed by. The lively atmosphere of the market and smell of fresh, seasonal fruits reach me first.
"Get your fresh apples here! Apples in season!"
"Ovum! Ovum berries for sale!"
I walk with Sura, holding her hand.
"Don't get lost okay?"
With a basket in the other hand... I start picking out fruits from the stands... checking them for any signs of rotting. 4 apples, some bananas, star fruits? No... Kyui hates those... definitely some berries though. Next to me, Sura stares on with wide open eyes, looking at the different fruits that are before her and hanging from the card in bags.
"What's that weird looking, yellow spiky fruit?"
"That's a spike fruit, or the spicor... it tastes sour and sweet with a tinge of spiciness."
I watch her poke at the fruit... trying to find out its secrets. Her questions continue on as I try to answer them...
As Ria hands me a bag of Ovum berries, she teases.
"Enjoy your berries Ohari! Try baking them into a pie if you can, heard it's delicious especially in that form."
"Thanks Ria, see you again!"
I've been waiting to buy these berries... only ripe from the 9th to 11th Unum. As I turn around I notice Sura was gone, vanished into the sea of sellers, buyers, and merchants. I thought I was holding her hand!? Where is she? Before I started to call out for her I feel a little tug on my cloak.
"Mom? I've got these."
She holds up a small basket of puddings and chocolate puddings... and they're the brand Kyuu-san likes!
"Oh munchkin where did you get these? Did you pay?"
She innocently looks at me and points somewhere at one of the carts.
"A nice goat guy gave them to me... when I found his pudding sales. I wanted to find some for me... and to make up for Kyuu-san.
Oh! My little daughter is such a sweetheart.
"Oh! He said to tell you they were left overs from yesterday and still good. And for me to take it cause he knows how much Kyuu-san likes them."
Jacob... of course. I was just going to go there and as I look to where his cart always is... I see him giving me a OK sign as he laughs. I'll have to thank him the next time I buy pudding.
It was close to noon now, better go back to make some lunch. I take Sura's hand again.
"Come on munchkin."