Shadows & Chaos - Epilogue

    Yorukai stared out of the window at the softly falling snow. He was quite certain that someone out there was doing everything in his or her power to keep him from finding the truth behind what happened a week ago. He was forced to escape before he could examine the area when other Sailor Senshi had begun to arrive to investigate the source of the explosions. Of course they found nothing but charred cement and the occasional hole in nearby buildings. He had made sure of that. It would not make his job any easier if anyone found out that Shinigami and Yorukai were one and the same.
 
    He quickly shook off his dark mood and to answer the student’s question with his usual cheer. Fortunately, everyone’s attention was focused upon the upcoming vacation and the holiday atmosphere that filled the city. It wasn’t common to see snow so far south but it didn’t matter to anybody. It was the last day of classes. 

    "Excuse me, Chikawa-sensei?" 

    A soft voice interrupted his thoughts. It was Shinzui, the boy that appeared to be Amefuri’s only friend. He tucked a stray lock of pale blue hair behind his ear while he watched Yorukai. His calm forest-green eyes were filled with concern. 

    "Are you still worried about Amefuri-san?" 

    "Me? No! Of course not." Yorukai answered far too quickly. 

    "Chikawa-sensei, I know that Amefuri-san’s safety means a lot to you. You don’t have to pretend."

    “Pretending keeps me from worrying.” 

    Shinzui watched Yorukai sink deeper and deeper into an uncharacteristic depression as he worried endlessly about Amefuri’s safely. If there were something that he could do to cheer up his teacher, he would have. It was painful to watch someone so carefree be so sad. 

    "Don’t worry, Chikawa-sensei." Shinzui reassured him. "I know that Amefuri is safe. She will be home before you know it." 

    "You’re probably right." Yorukai turned to return the smile.  "She’ll be back and causing trouble before we know it!"
 

Prev | Back | Next