Ｃｈａｐｔｅｒ ２３-𝓔𝓷𝓭(?)

Flora woke up in a cold sweat, checking her body for any wounds, only to see none. She then notices Mochi sleeping beside her and sighs in relief. She remembers dreaming a realistic dream of her mom, but wonders what it means.

She then heard a knock on the door before Autumn opened it with a smile.

Autumn: “Morning, Flora! Time for massages from Shana and Tanya today!”

Flora looks at her confused.

‘Did last night not happen?’

“Morning, sleepyhead.” Kazuyuki sticks his head in the door with a smirk

Flora: “WHAT IS HE DOING HERE?!”

Autumn: “Are you feeling okay? You invited your friend, remember?

Flora: “I DID WHAT?!”

Kazuyuki: “Yeah, friend. I am so hurt. You don't remember. “His tone sounded almost mocking.

Flora frowns at him.

Flora: “What happened last night?”

Autumn thinks.

Autumn: “Well… we try the pool and hot springs”

Flora; “That's it? Is there anything else we did? What about the room without the numbers?”

Autumn: “It's just a closet room. Madam let us in for a tour last night.”

Flora: “What! What about Indigo's father? Where's the body? And Sherry?”

Autumn frowns.

Autumn: “Sherry is cooking right now, and why are you mentioning his dad? His dad has been missing for years.”

“ ….”

Flora got closer to Kazuyuki, frowning.

“Autumn, I will be there soon. I need to talk to my friend.“

Autumn nods. And head towards the door.

“Don't be too late.”

The moment Autumn was gone, Flora confronted the moderator.

Flora: “What did you do?” She lowered her voice, seeing that Mochi was sleepy and yawning.

Kazuyuki shrugs.

Kazuyuki: “What you wanted. Isn't it obvious? I only got rid of the people needed.

Flora gave a thoughtful look.

Flora: “But you did kill Sherry…”

Kazuyuki: “For that, I had convinced my master. That if I worked on altering their memories and burning the research of the father, they would not have pursued the knowledge in the first place to bring him back. As for the father, my master decided he should stay gone because it is his nature to seek knowledge. Maybe I could alter him too, but… would he be himself anymore?”

Flora: “Oh… I see. Um… Thank you.”

Kazuyuki: “What for?”

Flora: “For accepting my request.”

Kazuyuki: “Don't expect more like this. I don't like doing favors, and… as punishment for my carelessness last night… my master is making me keep a close eye on you.”

Flora: “What, what!”

Kazuyuki: “Shut up! Don't shout at me!”

Bark Bark!

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mochi was more awake now that he heard the two bickering. Last night was a long one, and he barely got any sleep and kept waking up hoping Flora was still present. He remembers last night, he sensed someone was in Flora's body. Someone who is threatening. He remembers when he last bit her and sank into the pool. He felt the being leaving her body, and he felt some black, shadowy tendrils grab them and pull them out of the waters.

By that time everything was frozen except Flora's unconscious body, Mochi, the familiar man in a red cloak, and the cat man. What caught his attention was that the cat man was slapped by the red cloak man. They seem to be in a heated argument. There were some mentions of erasing memories and keeping memories. And once in a while, the two glance in Mochi's direction. He could barely hear them because they were talking in a more hushed voice. Mochi couldn't care less and went to Flora's side whimpering.

-Wake up… Flora. You won't leave me too, right?-

Despite seeing, she is breathing, he would help but worry about being abandoned again. He was finally getting attached to her. It wouldn't be fair if she was taken away too. First Aya was gone, but he was able to live by Flora's side with new happy memories. Sad memories even…and terrible memories like the night. All was bearable for him because she was by his side. He wishes he could have done better to protect her.

Admin: “All right, fine… I won't erase Flora's or Mochi's memories this time. You might be right, Kazuyuki. Flora is the type to rather pursue her own happiness than the truth…so I trust she would end up like her Mother. So I will let this go as a lesson. However, you will have to be the one following her in person as a punishment.“

Kazuyuki: “OH, COME ON! YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS. I ONLY MESS UP THIS ONE TIME.”

Admin: “Will you be quiet? Flora is still asleep.”

Kazuyuki: “Sorry…master.”

Which is how they made it to today.

Flora went to the sleepy Mochi, who is now lying on his back, exposing his tummy.

Flora: “Aww, poor Mochi. Did we disturb your sleep? I'm so sorry. Let me make it up to you.”

Her fingers made it to his tummy, giving belly rubs. Mochi felt his face smiling and stuck his tongue out.

-This is the best day of my life. I'm in heaven-

He realized something.

-I think I'm happy. By her side. I am happy and am ready to move on. Even if every day isn't perfect, I think I found my home with Flora-

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

In the midst of the dark room, Umina smiles proudly as a young girl looks up at her confused.

Umina: “Finally! I summoned my first human. Er… I mean, um…​ I am the Goddess, Umina. Rank 99th to the Celestial Center. Please state your name!”

The girl was hesitant but then spoke.

“My name…is Aya. Where exactly...am I?”