Chapter 31 —

Chapter 31 — 

It’s been too long after Lemon’s start walking, but he keeps on walking on the scorched land. He’s covered with ashes and dusts — burns and scars, yet his body remains whole. He keeps on wandering on the lost land — his bare feet burnt with the inferno below him, but he keeps ongoing on his journey.

“Damn her…” He recalled the third impact. Lime’s given up on her defence — engulfing Lemon with her green aura. Bit by bit, Lemon has to witness chunk of her flesh getting torn every time a warhead slips through her defence system. 

From her spine being exposed, her hands disintegrating, her torso split open. Yet, throughout the horror — Lime’s smile never fade. Her smile — so tranquil — knowing she tried her best to protect her brother. Even when there’s nothing left to see of Lime, as if Lime gets the final laugh — her power persists on Lemon’s body for the entirety of the bombardment. Only and only when all is settled, when dawn finally breaks — Lime’s green aura finally left Lemon. Lemon remembered — all he saw of what remains is nothing but ashes and a single burnt sakura petal. He fell to the ground, and wailed for the death of his sister.

But he has to persist on. Something at the back of his mind —  something he has to tell the world. Hours, he has endured the lone walk. Countless nosebleeds, he has to wipe. But he remains forward — onward to a speck of civilisation.

He reaches the edge of the crater. There’s already people encircling the massive crater in yellow hazmat suit. Lemon lets out a sigh of relief. For too long, he remains standing though all of his cells has been gnawing his entire self. The final push, as he climbs to the asphalt of what’s left of Shizuoka.

He can hears a ruckus, before he attracting a company to his already wobbly physique. Through his darken, blurry eyesight, he can see the hazmat people rushing to him with complex equipment. They are rambling, but Lemon couldn’t tell a words they’ve been saying. His ears have been long closed. His shoulder’s grabbed by the one guy, but Lemon pushes him aside without hesitation.

“C…Camera,” Lemon said, “…get me camera,”

The people watches each other. Seeing the state of the young man, they understand. In no time, they set a simple setup to him. Lemon can hear the people rambling again— probably telling him that he’s good to go, or probably commenting on his appearance. Either way, Lemon looks straight to the phone on the tripod, beginning his message to the world.

“…You might not know me, so let me introduce myself,” He began his speech, “My name is Lemon. I’m the brother…of the fourth Ordained One. The fourth OO name is Lime.”

He can hear a commotion starting in front of him. The people have their utmost attention on the brother — awaiting on what he has to say.

“…Lime, me and Bitter are what you called…a family of scum. We lived our life…taking what people have, because they have taken ours first… That’s how we lived…that’s how we understand life…It is unfair, so we should be unfair as well…”

Lemon starts to choke on himself. The precious air surrounding him is getting more and more harder to grasp. One guy approaches him again, putting him on an oxygen mask. Lemon nods in appreciation, continuing —

“But… I’ve come to learn…that in this unfair life…In this …cruel world…There are still…people. People who don’t… bow their head to the way of the world…people who believes that …unfairness can be repaid with good thing…Lime…before she died…set a barrier to mitigate... the damage to outside the world…Lime…who feared by the people…who spitted by the people…who is killed by the people…In the end…when she has every chance to burn this world down…she didn’t…”

Lemon coughs. This time, a massive amount of blood pooled on his hands. He can feel his consciousness failing him. The people around the camera mumbling among themselves — approaching the camera. Lemon raises his hand, stopping his approach. He nods to them, affirming them it won’t be long.

“I seem... to have approach …the end of the line…along with my sister… To the world who judge us…we have one... message for you…Don’t let fear… blind you... out of your kindness. Don’t let fear…darken your... future… Show love… Show kindness…God, I sound so cheesy, but…”

“Get out of my way!” 

Despite his fading hearing sense, for some reason — he can make up those words. With what’s left from his eyesight, he can see a figure running toward him. His vision darken, his breath gets shorter — surely it won't be long until he’s out. But, despite all the weaknesses in his body, he let out a gesture. A gesture her sister has left. A smile — so tranquil.

“Let’s put kindness back, in a world full of unfairness.”

Streams of blood exits from Lemon’s nose and mouth all at once, as he’s gargling on the red liquid. Lemon slipped out of his consciousness, his head ready to tumble down to the ground. As he was about to fall, the last thing he saw was a pair of hands, full of scars —

. . .

It’s been a while, but I can feel the sunlight heat on my cheek. From my closed eyes, a calming vibration seep through my numb body. I feel like my chest is nothing but air — as if a heavy burden just released from my body. Or maybe, more than that. I try to open my eyes, but shucks, I might be too tired for it. 

I don’t need to see to know where I am, though. I mean, how many times have I ridden the old sedan? Though the numbness is weird…Oh, this must be a dream then! Now I remember! It was such an exhausting day. I remember Lime’s fast asleep at the back of the car — snoring without a single care to the world. And I remember Bitter —

“Shit —! His radiation level is too high! He's losing too much blood!”

“Just keep driving, Todachi! I’m here, Lemon! You’re good now! We’re almost there!”

Todachi? I don’t remember Todachi being in any of the car drive, except for the short one. Oh well. Seems like reality can be whatever it wants in a dream. I remember Bitter though. His always upset face. The cigarette hanging from his mouth…oh yeah. Since when did he stop smoking? —

“Go faster —! Todachi, you bastard!”

“I am pushing the pedal !”

Yeah, they always arguing, aren’t they? But that’s not the important bit. There are still some regrets gnawing my heart. And now, I got the second chance to say it. I sure get a lot of second chances…Well, good for me, I guess. I try to move my mouth’s muscle — harder than it seems, to speak in a dream —. But finally, even with all the numbness in my mouth, I was able to utter a few word out —

“…dad…”

“Keep fighting, Lemon! Please!” 

Oh, I can hear Bitter’s responding. But I think he hasn't put his attention to me, let’s try one more time—

“…dad…”

“Yes, you can see your father! Very soon! Just keep on fighting!”

“Bitter…”, Todachi sounds less …aggressive

“Just focus on the road, Todachi!”

“Bitter!”

“What!?”

Silences. God, silences are so awkward, isn’t it? Well, Bitter isn’t responding to my call, so might give it another go.

“…d-dad…”

“…I’m here, Lemon.”

Ah, I can feel Bitter’s rough hand over my hands now. Now that I think about it, he should bought more skincare for him, instead of Lime,

“I’m here…do you want to say something?” He sounds so meek. He must have gotten through something wild. Well, doubt I get another chance. And no more wishy-washy decision! I’ll tell him…what I haven’t been able to tell him last time —

“…thank you…”

Lemon’s paler face ended up with another tranquil smile painted on his face. Todachi slams his face onto the steering wheel — and Bitter, still drenched in his own blood takes the cold hand of Lemon to his face, as he wails to the morning sun. The sedan stopped in the middle of the highway — marks the end of a long journey.