PREVIOUS CHAPTER: Please, Forget About Me…
N/A: The Sixth chapter and the final arc story of their reunion between Tokio and Saika, I wonder how it will end, let’s see about that…
Tokio POV – A year ago…
“Right now, I feel like, I finally understand, the reason I was born.”
Inside the Akashic Records, within the luminous orange-hued digital realm, we found ourselves on the brink of defeat against the formidable Queen of Demise, Aura.
Every Twilight Knight is banished due to her power, me and Saika were left powerless and unable to find a way to stop her at the cost. With the vaccine failing to restore Aura, the situation got worse as we got it, and without an ally on our side, it would be impossible to stand a chance against Aura.
But in a sudden turn, AIKA came out from hiding, deactivating the stealth hologram ability, she walked as she looked at Aura.
“To fix the distortion in The World… that is my purpose.”
“I was born to make Aura remember who she was. Surely for that very purpose.”
I was gasped and shocked to hear her purpose of being born, the same as Saika was, it was rather unexpected to come from AIKA and it was too sudden for that.
I was worried about her and had bad feelings about this. I took a step forward, trying to reason with her, “Wh-what are you saying?! You’re wrong!”, he continued, “AIKA-chan, that isn’t the reason you were born!”
She turned around and began to look at Me and Saika who was stunned as we were unable to process our brain if we were correct.
“Tokio, do you remember what you said before when we entered Akashic Records?”
“I probably won’t be able to stay here much longer,”
But how… how come she said that she can’t stay much longer… Thus something strange happened to her as we entered the Akashic Records… I didn’t even notice anything strange from her, nor even Saika could analyze if there was something wrong…
If there is, did she hide all this from us… does she know that her time might come for her to at her end… No… this is wrong, I’m sure of it… if it’s true, how come we did not even realize it sooner…
I closed my eyes and pounced my teeth, feeling disbelief that this had to happen and her purpose makes it feel unfair, “But, I…?”
But AIKA smiled at me, generously, “It’s alright Tokio, I’ll be fine from now on,”
She then continued, “Even though I’m not here with you anymore, I hope you live a good life, Tokio.”
“So… don’t forget about me,”
My eyes widened as I soon realized that AIKA might try to sacrifice herself to stop Aura. I reached out my hands and exclaimed, “No… AIKA-chan,”
The last words that AIKA said to me, “Farewell… my hero…” with a pure and generous smile, but yet sad at the same time, began to imprint in my memories, the expression of her that he wouldn’t ever forget.
Slowly and slowly, she walked straight ahead to Aura. I and Saika were shocked to see that happened. We tried to shout at her to stop, but she wouldn’t listen, and with just one more step, she went floating and started heading straight to save her…
“No… please don’t go…”
“Please… don’t go!”
I tried so hard to scream and shout AIKA, but it was no use, and I tried to run as fast as I could and try floating myself so I could catch AIKA…
“AIKA-chan!”
“AIKAAAAA-CHAAAN!!!”
but it all failed, and two of us were forced to watch Aura get destroyed by Aura’s power… it left me in such despair, pain, disbelief, and sadness.
Now that I remember those words, ‘Farewell… my hero…’
Yes, that’s right. The Akashic Line.
AIKA was an NPC I met in a quest for Akashic Line.
Rescuing a princess who is trapped by a demon king. A run-of-the-mill story with an uninspired ending.
But that princess’s smile and her words of thanks were real.
After she waved goodbye to me, I wanted to see that smile of hers one more time.
So I decided to become a hero!!
A hero who will always come to save the world, and that meeting with Saika and The World was a chance that led me to see her again.
That smile… has always brought me the strength to move forward and to overcome adversaries wherever I go, and the adventure we share… because we continue to smile together.
But, that’s the last smile AIKA could give…
Now that AIKA’s gone, I might not be able to see that smile again…
But… I know that… her smile… as long as I remember her, she would not disappear completely…
She is always in my mind and keeping straight no matter when I’m down, but that’s because I continue to remember her.
So that’s why… I won’t forget her… same goes for everyone.
And you too Saika, I won’t make the same mistake again.
I won’t let the memories we had together be all for nothing… I won’t let you say that your life is meaningless…
That’s the reason why I started my journey in The World… that’s why I was able to meet everyone there, that’s why I was able to meet AIKA, that’s why I was able to meet you Saika-chan.
So please, Saika-chan.
Tokio POV – End
In the Present Day…
“W-Why… Why… Why… Tokio?”
As she observed Tokio’s expression, she noticed a resolute determination reflected in his eyes. There was no trace of self-regret or doubt in his decision, only unwavering courage. His refusal to grant Saika’s sincere wish to disappear from the world, to be forgotten by him, left her in disbelief, gasping in shock at his unexpected defiance.
Tokio answered, “Isn’t obvious, there’s no way that I could accept that the precious time we and AIKA had together is just for nothing, I refused to believe that all these precious memories are better to be left forgotten just like that, I refused that, therefore I refused to forget about you.”
Overwhelmed by disbelief and disappointment toward him, her eyes narrowed into a glare. She gritted her teeth and clenched her fists, her voice rising in intensity as she confronted Tokio.
“You idiot, I told you, didn’t I? If you continue doing this, I might be doing nothing but a burden and suffering to you. Don’t you even understand how I treated you so harshly, don’t you even have a single anger left inside of you to me, how can you be so naive for all of that to happen?”
“How can you still selfishly choose to stay remember me? don’t you have enough all nightmares that you witnessed the day AIKA died, after all, I did to you? wasn’t that even enough solution for you to stay away from me?”
Tokio’s gaze bore into Saika, his frustration evident, yet his resolve remained unshaken. Despite his anger at her words, he refused to waver in his determination. Though a part of him regretted his decision, he pressed on, unwilling to back down.
“Stay away from you? don’t be stupid. I might not be able to escape the nightmare I endured after losing her, but that doesn’t mean that I can stand by and do nothing, while continuously watching you in pain, grief, suffered and continuously blaming myself over what happened, isn’t this the same as selfish that you continue repeated all over again,”
“Are you a moron?”
“YES! I’m a moron, I know that, but I rather become a moron or asshole, or being such an idiot in front of you, rather than listen to your stupid request.,”
He pointed out his finger at her,
“And just so you know, I didn’t come here to find you, just so that you could just ask me to forget about you or even let you die, that won’t happen like that.”
Saika trembled, shocked by Tokio’s unexpected refusal and the unspoken words that hung heavy in the air. It was the first time she had seen Tokio rebel with such defiance, his attitude a stark departure from his usual demeanor towards her.
“And then are you alright for all this, continue to remember all the pain, sorrow, and sadness that continues to engulf inside your mind forever, as long I’m still around?”
Tokio answered, “YES, I DO,”
Her eyes widened, over such confidence and choices of words, it was very unexpected and so very shocking that Tokio’s decision was the same that he had to go through all the pain and sadness of losing her, especially the time of their adventure in The World that she deemed to be responsible for what happened to him.
“Tokio, have you not listened to what I SAID?!” Saika said, trying to persuade him,
But Tokio interrupted her with a fierce glare, pointing his finger directly at her as he shouted, “NO! Maybe you should be the one to have listened to me, BAKA-SAIKA!!!”
“Eh-Eeeh!” Saika was taken aback, a flush of embarrassment tinting her cheeks even as traces of sadness lingered in her eyes. She felt a surge of confusion and surprise at the intensity of Tokio’s gaze, which seemed to blend anger and frustration directed at her. It was also the first time she heard Tokio address her as ‘Baka-Saika,’ a term she typically used to call him ‘Baka-Tokio’ during their time in The World.
Now, the dynamics of their relationship seemed to have reversed, contrasting sharply with how they used to be addressed before.
Tokio’s anger dissipated gradually, replaced by a series of heavy sighs. He felt a sense of relief as he finally released the pent-up frustration and the lingering sense of rejection that had burdened him. All of this, he realized, was for Saika. As his expression settled back into its usual demeanor, his determination remained steadfast. However, a flicker of indignation flashed across his face as he couldn’t tear his eyes away from Saika.
“I promise to AIKA that I will never forget her, the same goes for you Saika-chan. Even though all of my memories of my experience in The World with you are filled with pain, suffering, and sadness, I’ll remember it deep inside of my heart no matter what happens.”
“That’s why, I will never forget,”
Saika was left speechless, “Tokio,”
“I will never forget that day…”
“When my adventure in The World, began on the rooftop,”
“Nor Twilight Knights, Nor Schicksal,”
“Nor AIKA-chan,”
“And of course, I won’t forget Saika-chan too,”
“It wasn’t always happy”
“There were lots of painful and sad moments we felt.”
“But since I experience all of those,”
“I feel that I can overcome any obstacle I face in the future”
“You might be able to do that too, Saika-chan,”
“One gear, even though it always goes move forward, it can’t move on its own,”
“No matter what the day we experience now, what painful moments that we felt, we never always stop, because we keep continuing to move forward no matter what happens.”
“That’s because we still remember them, that’s because we never forget them,”
“That’s why we always keep moving no matter what future ahead of us because we remember those who are in the past”
“That’s why… I won’t forget, nor AIKA, you or everyone…”
“So…”
“Stop trying to grieve by yourself, stop trying to be by yourself, stop saying you deserve to disappear”
“You’re not forgotten, you’re always remembered, to me and AIKA, even them.”
“So please,”
“Don’t make me forget about you, Saika!!!!”
“And please… Don’t forget about me,”
“Saika!!”
For the first time, Tokio’s words pierced through the layers guarding Saika’s heart. They resonated with warmth, courage, hope, and optimism, leaving her utterly stunned. Tears welled up in her eyes once again, spilling down her cheeks like a torrential rain, each drop a testament to the emotions stirred within her by his heartfelt words.
And for the first time in what felt like an eternity, no one had ever uttered those words to her, words that resonated deep within her, words she had long forgotten in the passing years. She yearned for someone to acknowledge her in that way.
It was an incredibly touching moment, one that stirred something deep within her. For the first time, she started to realize that there was still someone who cared deeply about her, someone who refused to let her fade into oblivion. And hearing those reassuring words, that it was okay for her to keep living in this world, brought a warmth to her heart that she hadn’t felt in a long time.
At times, she felt the urge to scream with joy and shed tears of happiness. Yet, she chose to contain her emotions until she was alone, wanting to savor the moment privately. The overwhelming happiness in her heart made it impossible to conceal her feelings any longer.
She wiped away her tears and turned around, gazing out at the scenery. Her eyes drifted up to the sky, taking in its vast expanse. A gentle breeze swept through, caressing their skin with its soft, calming touch. Together, she and Tokio stood, enveloped in the tranquil embrace of the wind.
As she started to run her fingers through her hair, a gentle breeze swept by, “You know, everything turned out as AIKA said…” she began to clench her hands behind her back straight.
“Huh?” Tokio looks confused about what she said.
“Because you are…” She turned her head with a warm, generous smile, her eyes meeting Tokio’s with sincerity and kindness.
And the words cut as the flashback came from a year ago, she remembered what AIKA used to say to her when it came to Tokio.
“AIKA, why do you have so many high expectations about him anyway?” Saika asked despondently.
“You mean?” AIKA confused,
“I mean, he’s an idiot, there’s no way he could even get the job done, so why are you still even expecting him to do something good anyway?” Saika asked as she crossed her arms.
“Well… I wonder…” AIKA said, trying to figure out the answer, much to Saika’s annoyance.
“Please, just don’t make me confused about this, AIKA,” Saika said,
AIKA giggled at Saika’s cute annoyance face, as she continued, “Does it matter, it’s always the same word I’ve been telling you,”
“Because he’s…”
As the flashback concluded, her words at the end started to resonate with Saika in the present, marking the beginning of her realization and admiration for Tokio, just as he was.
“My Hero…”
Saika’s words echoed a familiarity that stirred memories of their first adventure together in The World, where it all began on the rooftop.
This time, however, her words weren’t part of manipulation or deceit; they rang true, pure, sincere, and heartfelt. Saika acknowledged Tokio not just as AIKA’s hero, but her own—a savior from the depths of her loneliness, despair, sorrows, and pain.
As the gentle breeze brushed against them, Tokio couldn’t help but be captivated by Saika’s beauty, her charms, and the depth of emotion in her expression, reminiscent of AIKA.
Yet, amidst the similarities, Tokio realized a crucial distinction. Though Saika shared AIKA’s appearance, AIKA is AIKA and Saika is Saika. Both AIKA and Saika resided within his heart, each playing a unique role in propelling him forward toward the future.
Saika turned her body and walked confidently toward Tokio, a gentle smile gracing her lips. Her eyes sparkled with a newfound joy and happiness, a warmth that filled her heart. She saw Tokio as a beacon of light, much like AIKA had been to her before.
Raising her hand, she extended it towards Tokio, a gesture of unity and determination to overcome their shared loss. Tokio returned her smile, his grin reflecting the resolve in his heart. He reached out, clasping her hand firmly in his own.
Together, they stood, united in their memories of AIKA and determined to honor her legacy. They would never forget the one who had touched their lives so profoundly. And together, they would always keep her memory alive, bound by their friendship and shared experiences.
Always...
TO BE CONTINUED
N/A: Finally, what a way to wrap this reunion arc that was truly what I intended. Gladly I was able to make a few adjustments and a few changes to be made from the first to the sixth chapter, including making the prologue story.
First of all, I’m truly sorry for not able to deliver the final chapter you guys wanted, but with the final chapters is in the making along with the epilogue and secret chapters, I’ve finally paid something for what I couldn’t and it’s truly satisfying that if I could finally finish this fanfic once for all. But that doesn’t mean this is over, there’s one surprise I will make after I finish the secret chapter.
For now, let’s talk about the sixth chapter…
In the first half is truly satisfying that Tokio can finally talk back at Saika. Well, of course, it’s not the first time, but the difference between he was a year ago and now is truly fascinating different, regarding his acceptance that he’s an idiot, but right away, along with my greatest achievement is how I able to make him say “BAKA-SAIKA” to her which also very satisfying, since Saika always call Tokio, “BAKA-TOKIO” the table has been turned at last.
The rest is the same as how the ending of .hack//Link goes, but what interests me is… well, if you see the italic words means it’s a flashback, and of course a flashback between Saika and AIKA, and how there are words from the past, connected to now, how AIKA’s word connected to Saika which also very satisfying.
In conclusion, everything is so satisfying, especially how I’ve portrayed Saika’s smile, to be pure, sincere, and calm, which is also super satisfying 😀
I’m truly sorry for saying the words “Satisfying” more than twice, I just can’t hold it any longer how much I enjoying this when it comes to writing Saika and her characters, my heart can’t take much of it, of how much I’m happy to be alive and reach to this point where I could able to expand her character.
With this, the Final Chapter, Epilogue Chapter, and Secret Chapter are finally in development, however, I can’t promise to do it fast, so please wait until I can further share with you all…
To all my readers, thank you for reading and waiting for the climax of this story to be told…
P.S. I want to write more fanfic about Saika, but I got so busy and stressed with my RL Work that I don’t have time to do it. So I hope whenever I have time or at least a little, I will write something more about Saika.
Until next time… you fools…
UPDATE: This chapter will be moved as the Final Chapter, while “The Coming Wave” Chapter will be moved to the Epilogue Chapter with an additional story part. I apologize for the sudden announcement.
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