Part 158: A sacrifice is remembered

There are lingering heroes checking their spoils of war who have yet to make the odyssey home, but Ariake after ComiMa's opening day is silently still. Almost as if the crowd Rukako and I saw at daytime was a lie.

ComiMa is open for three straight days starting today, but it already feels like the end of a festival. Of course, this silence is just for the night. Tomorrow, people will once again fill this spacious promenade. This spacious, dimly lit promenade.

I stand there, firmly grasping at my own heart. I'm unprepared, even at the appointed time.



I want to be near her in her final moments. I won't let her leave this world by herself. That's why I came here right after parting ways with Rukako.

Mayuri should still be in Ariake somewhere. I contacted both Mayuri and Daru by mail. So, if they're still in Ariake, they would come here.







"Rukako..."

What could that mail be talking about? Even though it's not written, I know immediately. That's why I have to reply like this:



Rukako might not stop blaming herself, even though I sent her that mail. I can't help but send it either way.

Because I also sent that mail to convince myself.

Suddenly, I remember this morning. Early morning, Mayuri dropped by the lab before going to ComiMa. My field of vision was stained pure white after being in the dark. I squinted my eyes through the fluorescent lamp's radiance and raised my head.





Mayuri walked into the lab, tugging a carrying case.

"No, I wasn't actually sleeping."

At this point, I was up all night trying to solve the problem of how to handle my last date with Rukako.

"You're pretty early, Mayuri."

"Actually, Mayushii's here to pick up her costumes. And breakfast, while we're at it."

Having said that, she took out a sandwich and potato salad from the convenience store bag she's holding.

"Are you heading out... to ComiMa from here?

"Yeah♪ Actually, it looks like Daru already left on the first bus."

"I see..."

"Hey hey, Okarin. Where'd you go with Ruka yesterday?"

"..."

"Did you have a fun date? You know, Ruka hasn't replied to my mails since yesterday."

"You mailed Rukako?"

"Yeah. Mayushii's a little worried, you know."



That's why I couldn't give her an answer.

"By any chance, did you make Ruka cry again? That would make Mayushii a sad panda..."

"...sad panda?"

"Sad panda. I mean, Ruka is Mayushii's friend, you know."



This day is also my last with Rukako.

Those thoughts floated through my mind. Is it okay to end this while both Mayuri and Rukako are sad? End, huh... Just thinking about it made me want to vomit. And then, I felt like relying on someone, and tried to have a strategy talk with Mayuri.

"Are you going to be at ComiMa all day today?"

"Eh? Yeah, but why?"

"Is it okay if I take Rukako there?"

"Really? Of course it's okay!"

Mayuri smiled happily, took some milk out of the refrigerator to wash down the sandwich, and enjoyed her breakfast.

"How did it go when you asked Rukako to cosplay?"

"Wellll... I couldn't convince her in the end. It wouldn't be good if we forced her to do it against her will and traumatized her."

So basically, you gave up...

"But you know, it might be a good idea to bring Ruka to ComiMa! Maybe after experiencing the atmosphere there, Ruka might think 'I wanna try that too,' you think? And then maybe we could get her to cosplay at the next winter ComiMa."

"Maybe, maybe not."

"That would be nice, though! Hey hey, will you really bring Ruka over today?"

"Yeah."

"Will you come too and look at the costumes Mayuri made, Okarin?"

"That's how it's gonna be."

"I see♪ I'll be really happy if you two really do come!"

Mayuri packed the costumes into the carrying case.

"Well, gotta get going. Be sure to come, okay? 'Cause I'll be waiting. I'll do my best to guide you, not just today, but tomorrow, too."

I clenched my teeth hard. Whether or not Mayuri gets to go tomorrow all depended on my actions. That's what I thought back then.



Ruka would've returned to manhood. Mayuri would uneventfully go to ComiMa tomorrow, too. Mayuri would be able to welcome tomorrow.

"Okarin? Something wrong?"

Mayuri tilted her head to look at me. Like always, she could sense my minute nuances. That's why I strained hard to plaster on a smile, and answer as Hououin Kyouma.

"...Nothing's wrong. Just thinking a little on how to confront The Organization that controls the world. Let's meet in Ariake at noon."

"Okay. I'll be waiting."

Giving that answer, Mayuri didn't immediately leave. She stood still in front of the door for a while.



"Mayuri..."

"Ehehe. Then, I'm off!"

Carrying case in hand, Mayuri cheerfully flew out like a white rabbit in wonderland. The sound of her leaving footsteps eventually faded away. I took a deep breath, left all alone.



In those 13 hours, I was to change Rukako back into a guy. I thought I had to change her back.

But now...