Inconvenient Truths (Part I)

✧₊⁺

Considering what the pilot of her airship had said, I figured the Songbird would bombard me with questions immediately upon getting me into a shared setting. Occasionally she would steal a glance in my direction, but she primarily addressed the group as we enjoyed a truly indulgent dinner, sharing some light conversation along the way.

The only shame was that my first time having things like lobster tail, caviar, and gold-encrusted wagyu beef would all be a purely digital experience. Even so, the tastes and smells were divine. Far more than I deserved for simply getting tossed aside by Blackheart like a rag doll.

I sat on the edge of my bed with my feet on the floor. I hadn’t dressed down for sleeping or anything, but my eyes were closed in silent contemplation. The Songbird offered Yuna and I each a room for the night, but I would soon be summoned back to the real world, likely within the hour. Which led me back to the ‘why’.

“That pilot made it sound like the Songbird had something important to tell me, and yet she’s made no effort to get me talking,” I said out loud to myself. “I really don’t get her.”

“Why do you not just go find and speak to her on your own terms, Jiro?” Archie suggested. “Perhaps she is the kind of woman that appreciates initiative from her chosen champion.”

“Champion? I’m nothing so fancy.”

“You will learn nothing from sitting still, in any case. But the choice is ultimately yours.”

“It is your choice, of course, but if left unchecked, things may already be accelerating towards a bad end for Project Memoria.”

“I suppose you’re right about that,” I replied. “But…”

My legs won’t move. Am I actually afraid of what I might learn here? I don’t want to believe what Blackheart said is true, but…

If the Songbird confirms it, that would mean Yuna and Shizuka, everyone here is simply an illusion. Folks that are so full of life and energy that I couldn’t distinguish them from any regular person. And then there was the matter of Memoria’s true purpose…

“Jiro-bo, are you awake?” Interrupting my thoughts was a knock on the door, and I heard Yuna on the other side.

“Yeah, I was just spacing out. Come in, if you’d like.”

“Pardon my intrusion.” Yuna entered my room and stood around a bit awkwardly at first.

She wore silk pajamas, no doubt provided by the Songbird, and her long brown hair was down. There was a certain allure to the look, I had to admit, but I didn’t stare for too long lest I make things more awkward for her.

“Hey Archie, I’d hate to be a bother, but could you do me a quick favor?” Yuna asked.

“If it is within my power, I would be happy to assist, my lady.”

“Could you sit, err, float, in on Shizu in the next room over? I just laid her down for bed, but I wanted to chat with Jiro-bo here for a moment.” Yuna said before clarifying. “Alone.”

“Oh. Ohhh, I see.” Archie said with a sly tone of voice.

I get the feeling Archie is misunderstanding something here, but what could Yuna actually want at this hour?

“I’ll owe you one.” She winked.

“Then I will leave you two humans to your important discussion, and please—by all means—take your time.”

Yuna walked Archie to the other room and returned in a matter of seconds. Her eyes darted between me and the empty spot on the bed next to me. This went on for about seven full seconds before she made her move.

“May I sit?”

“Go right ahead.”

I scooched over to make room, and she plopped down next to me, exhaling as she did. Whatever was on her mind, I could tell it was making her anxious. I kept my usual nonchalant air about me, but I was starting to get curious.

“So, what’s on your mind?” I asked.

After fidgeting for a moment, Yuna responded.

“I never got a chance to thank you…”

“Thank me? For what?”

“For protecting us back at the wagon, and for everything else today.” Yuna smiled softly. “We wouldn’t have made it in one piece without you and Archie, that’s for sure.”

I thought about it. Ultimately, it was the Songbird’s swift response that saved them, not me. I couldn’t take credit for that, considering how close we were to complete defeat.

“I haven’t done anything worthy of—“

“—No, stop before you even try to say it.” Yuna made an ‘x’ with her hands, scolding me. “That’s a bad habit of yours, Jiro-bo. Regardless of how you feel about yourself, deflecting when someone tries to thank you just invalidates their feelings. You should have more confidence, you silly man!”

“You’re right, miss, my bad.” I rubbed the back of my neck, forcing a smile.

“I’m still just ‘miss’ to you, huh?” Yuna heaved a sigh, slumping her shoulders. “ You’re incorrigible, but at least you realize the error of your ways somewhat. That puts you at least above most men I know.”

“Now you’re starting to sound like Archie,” I smirked. “And I don’t think I’d much like to meet these other men you know if they make my manners look good.”

“No kidding. And sorry if it sounds like nagging, it’s just that… I care about you.” Yuna’s cheeks turned pinkish. “It’s natural for friends to worry about each other, wouldn't you say so? Or am I just speaking for myself?”

Friends… I guess we are, huh?

“Can’t argue there.” I nodded, smiling.

“Good! To be honest, Shizu and I hadn’t had so much fun in all the time we’ve been in the Digiscape. It was an adjustment just to get used to our new way of life, and what that woman said earlier today almost made me regret everything.” Yuna rubbed her shoulder, a flash of guilt in her eyes. “But…”

“But?”

“Seeing Shizuka’s smile today when you won that critter from the machine changed my mind.” Yuna looked out my open window at a night sky filled with countless stars. “I realize that even if this sweet dream ends soon, or if it lasts years, I’ll never regret the moments I got to spend with her. And the new people I’ve met along the way.”

Yuna continued to amaze me with her mental strength in the face of despair.

“That’s why I had to thank you, Jiro-bo…”

I felt her warm breath on my face as I turned toward her. Yuna had begun to lean in a bit, seemingly going in for a kiss. I thought about dodging, but for some reason, I didn’t want to. Maybe it was her magnetic presence in that moment, or the fact that I, too, enjoyed spending time with her and Shizuka today. But she wasn’t quite done speaking.

“…For helping us find our joy again for the first time after that car crash.”

. . .

“………..What did you just say, miss?”

She backed up a bit with a puzzled look before realization struck her.

“Oh, that’s right, I never told you what happened! Guess I made things awkward, my fault.” She chuckled a bit, but I wasn’t smiling. “It was close to Christmas last year. A motorcyclist veered onto our side of the road, and I swerved to avoid him. Next thing I knew, me and my daughter were here.”

“Was it in Chiba?”

“Yeah! That’s odd, how did you know? Don’t tell me you’re a Chiba guy too!” Yuna beamed, slapping me on the back. “I just really hope the other guy is okay, I think I clipped him a bit…”

“I…”

“Are you alright, you don’t look so good. I’m pretty bad at this kind of stuff, so sorry if I made you uncomfortable.”

“……..”

The moment from before was gone, sure, but that was the least of my concerns. My mouth was parched and my vision wavered as the dots connected in my head.

I was told a mother and child had died as a result of my actions, driving under the influence, but not who. It was a big enough story in the local news to get an angry mob of people outside LiveRite Labs once they realized I had avoided prison time purely on Barnes’ word. Some money in the hands of the right people and my sentence was commuted and punishment postponed.

And yet, how cruel fate was, and how divine punishment can come in so many forms. Because at that moment I realized that Yuna and Shizuka’s killer… was me.

My face must have been sheet white as I shot up to my feet.

“I need a bit of fresh air,” I mumbled, wobbling to the door.

“Right, okay Jiro-bo…” There was a deep confusion in Yuna’s voice, but I didn’t turn around to look at the expression on her face. “I’ll be here.”

The moment my bedroom door closed, I was in a full sprint down the hallway. I had no particular destination in mind, I just knew I had to get away from there.

“Don’t get a big head and think you’re some tragic case. I own you, Jiro-kun. And you have no one to blame but yourself.”

The Director’s words haunted me as I continued to run. He was right from the very beginning.

“You’re a good man, Jiro-bo.”

Yuna was wrong, I wasn’t, and I’m not. I was an irredeemable monster, a killer, and playing the hero in some fantasy land of make-believe couldn’t mask that fact. To add injury to insult, I tripped over my own feet and went tumbling along the ground.

“Damn it all…” I cried, punching the carpet.

In my despair, I didn’t see the blue butterfly floating up to me. It swirled around my head repeatedly, fluttering in my face for good measure. It was almost like it was trying to bug me as it continued this game.

“Hey, cut it out...”

It continued its campaign until it was far too distracting for me to ignore. I swiped at it and promptly missed it, repeating this process without much luck. Before I knew it, I was following the thing down a corridor like a cat chasing a mouse.

Eventually, it led me to a spiral staircase, and I continued my chase as we ascended the steps. We were already on the top floor, and so I wasn’t sure where it was leading me. However, I didn’t much care. As long as I got away from my bedroom and the looming feelings of guilt, I was content to walk until my legs gave out.

The stairs ended at a rather imposing-looking wooden door with intricate carvings of a bluejay carrying a sword in its beak, and flames surrounding it. The butterfly and the bird imagery left little mystery of who might be waiting on the other side. I turned the brass doorknob and stepped into the room.

“I’ve been expecting you, Jiro.”