Kodama’s warning

“Mr Leafeyorb, once again, I advise you to abandon. This is far too dangerous.”

     A clear voice echoes in my foggy mind, followed by a sigh.

“You know we have already discussed this subject. I have no intention of giving up.”

     As I recognize this voice as the one of Marygold, I slightly frown. Trying to emerge, I raise a hand to my eyes, rubbing it gently before lifting my eyelids.

“That is pure madness. We can’t foresee when the Jubokko will become out of control anew.”

     Slowly standing up, I sit on the couch where I have been laid. I don’t know what I am doing here… My memory is still blurry and trying to remember is like trying to catch fog. The sole things on which I manage to focus are the voices I hear.

     As I turn my head, I take sight of the director facing a smaller being. Leaning against the back of the couch, I gaze at the owner of the clear voice. It is the little creature seeming to be made of wood I have seen with Niji during our investigation.

     The little creature glances at me, but says nothing, letting Marygold continue.

“Whenever it happens, I will take my responsibilities.”

“That is exactly the problem. There are other ways to-

“Kodama.” The directors interrupts, his unwavering tone calling for the end of the discussion. “Please, I do really appreciate your consideration, but stick to your tasks.”

     Turning away from him, he notices that I am awake.

“Miss Andersen! You are awake, how do you feel?”

     Approaching me, he stands still at the other end of the couch, leaning his hands against the back of it.

“…”

     The answer seems at the same time easy and complex. If considering my physical state I am doing quite well. My mental state is another question since I can’t figure out the way I ended up in the director’s office. Especially as, judging by the shadows numbing the sky beyond the windows, it is night.

“As you fell asleep in the corridor, I brought you here.”

     His words make me widen my eyes. I did…?

“Since you don’t say anything, I guess you’re back to yourself.”

     I lower my head and notice I am wearing my pyjamas. That is at this moment a voice comes back to my mind.

“Hey, girl! Where are you goddamn going in pyjamas?!”

     What happened after I left my room flashes in my mind, all becoming definitely too clear. Are these souvenirs truly mine? For a brief moment I consider the possibility that these are fake memories implanted in my mind. Else… How could I act in such an incomprehensible way?

     As I freeze, Marygold looks intently at me.

“I suppose you’re feeling lost. Don’t worry, the way you behaved is most surely another side effect of the scent you inhaled earlier. We’ll report it later to the researchers.”

     To remind I used my voice to such an extent… The last time I felt this shocked was after I tried to cook for the first time in my life…

     An unpleasant feeling spreads through my body, and a shiver goes down my spine. More of that…

“I only said pointless things. I don’t wish to utter any other single word for the rest of my life. Marygold surely thinks I am annoying and-”

“!!!”

     A pillow hitting my face instantly silences my thoughts. As it falls on my lap, I take a look at the director.

“This is my little vengeance for that… surprise attack of yours, right?”

     I observe his mischievous smile for a few moments before lowering my eyes, hugging the cushion to me.

“Mi-” He coughs. “Aurora. Don’t make me use the age-old trick that was passed to me from my father. Not once in my life did I had to use it. You would bitterly regret it, trust me.”

     Despite his words I am too ashamed to look up again at him.

“You don’t leave me a choice.”

     With a serious expression, he takes a few steps until being behind me. The following moment I can’t help but fidget in all directions, a faint laugh escaping my lips before I notice.

     Leant forward, he has placed his hands against my waist, his fingers tickling me mercilessly.

     Unable to escape his embrace, I guess more than I see his amused expression.

“This is what my father did to me whenever I sulked. So, tell me. Will you be more conciliating now?”

     As soon as he offers me the possibility to surrender I nod without delay, my body relentlessly shaking from silent laughs.

     His fingers stopping their cruel assaults, I sigh, catching my breath. I wasn’t aware the director was capable of such wickedness…

     For a brief moment the director remains motionless, without straightening up, without saying a word. He seems more thoughtful when he finally adds a few words.

“I didn’t have the luxury of grieving when he died. I had to take matters into my own hands. Fortunately, he had well prepared me for that moment.”

     To hear him talk about his father is unexpected. I don’t make a move, listening to him attentively. The previous director…

“As for his death itself, it was not exactly from overwork. Let’s rather say that… his work killed him.”

     Faced with these curious words, I turn my head to be able to catch a glimpse of his expression.

     As expected, he wears this gentle smile of his. That said, deep in his eyes I can sense a hint of melancholy before he has the time to conceal it.

“Does this answer satisfy you?”

     Casting a glance at me, he straightens up, releasing me in the process.

     His words add so many grey areas to the question that it would definitely be difficult for me to say I am satisfied.

“How did his work kill him?” I whisper, turning to face him.

     Before answering, Marygold Leafeyorb’s smile deepens slightly.

“Professional secrecy.”

     His lack of more honest response doesn’t surprise me.

     I am aware I didn’t either say much of interest to him. It isn’t worth more, I suppose.

     For now, I will have to settle for this. He remembered what I asked him, I see he is a man of his word.

“You should return to your room don’t you think? At least if you don’t want all Amahara Corp. to know that Aurora Andersen wears cute snowflake pyjamas.”

     Slightly widening my eyes, I take a glance at the windows realizing that the darkness gradually fades away.

“…!”

***

The following day, the date of the experimental phase’s conclusion of the project Scent is officially announced.

     At the end of the week a cocktail reception will be held to celebrate it and thank all the people involved, including the researchers and the participants to the project.

     When faced to the imminence of all of this, Tenchi sheds big tears. It seems that the end of these experiments does not particularly excite him. Luckily, Aki is present to cheer him up, standing on tiptoes to pat his back.

     After staying with them for a while, I walk the corridors again when my cockatiel begins to flap his wings more ardently, gaining momentum.

     Soon after he lands on the top of a sand-blond head.

“I caught you, stubborn human!” Niji claims.

     As he feels the pressure, Marygold turns around and smiles at me as I join him.

“Good afternoon, Aurora.”

     It has become a habit for me to see him like this every day. I can’t quite believe this is bound to change soon.

     I squeeze my hands against my dress before unsealing my lips.

“Are you… attending the cocktail reception?”

“Yes, naturally. Besides, I hope you will have fun there.”

     This might be my last chance… I must make the best use of it to stay by his side.

     The determination emanating from me is perhaps a little too obvious, because Marygold gives me a questioning look.

“Aurora?”

***

Lost in thoughts concerning the forthcoming cocktail, I am about to reach my room when I notice a small silhouette in front of me. A little creature seeming to be made of wood.

“Ah! The one-leaf-remaining-thing.” Niji comments, perched on my shoulder.

     What is Kodama doing here?

     As I wonder about the reason of his presence, he wavers at me.

     Tilting my head briefly to the side, I make a few steps towards him, crouching down next to him.

“Can you make me a promise?”