77. Act

Finally back in base, Russo and I let out a synchronized sigh at the momentary relief. Everyone was taking the moment to calm down-- 

Everyone excused themselves to get changed, us included.

Tearing off out stuffy suits, I honestly had no other clothes than the shirt I first came in, and my Varia coat. So that's what I changed into.

"That coat's huge on you." Russo told me, as if I didn't know.

"Well," I looked over it-- it was honestly about two sizes or so bigger-- but not much of a big deal. The sleeves pulled over my fingers but that was the most of the problems. "It's like a huge winter jacket, so it's pretty okay."

Russo had a coat too. A dark coat that looked very anime worthy-- and when I spoke my thoughts, he laughed.

The both of us fell silent.

"Hey," we started at the same time. Realizing the jinx, we paused-- and didn't speak up again as we waited for each other to begin their lines.

Biting my bottom lip, I clenched my fist-- and decided to be the one to voice out first.

"Ab- About..." I stuttered, "The thing I was gonna tell you..."

A loud, thundering shatter shook and quaked the earth-- jumping in surprise, I lost my balance and fell forward.

The shaking quickly paused-- and Russo grabbed hold of me in time.

Standing up without another faze, I picked up my bottle of pills and stuck them into my coat pocket. Russo reached for something in the drawer-- it seemed like a necklace or just a pendant.

Turning to face away from Russo, I gave the birthmark on my wrist a little peck-- and offered a soft prayer. "I'll be off," I whispered to nothing, "Please watch over me."

What I didn't know was that Russo had done the same thing right behind me, offering a soft word to the red pendant in his hand. 

The both of us vacated the room in unison.

-

If everyone's forgotten, I'm officially unable to run.

However, it didn't seem a good time to bring it up, so I kept silent while we ran off to what Haru knew as Kawahira Realtors, where a kind old lady used to live.

While Haru was banging on the door calling for anyone, I found myself looking around the empty road. It was void of people-- and the state of the world probably had something to do with that. It was strange to see a road so empty.

"Sorry, that old lady kicked the bucket five years ago," came a lazy voice from the entrance, "Ah, but she went off with a smile, so no need for sympathy."

Slurping on a bowl of ramen for some reason, Uncle Kawahira didn't faze for another moment.

"So, what are you waiting for? Come on in."

-

"Hide behind any of the furniture inside," he told the pack, "If you would just keep quiet, I'll take care of the rest."

Everyone gratefully complied, including Yuni who gave a word of thanks-- but right before Russo and I wanted to step in, Kawahira stopped us in our tracks.

"Utmost apologies," he told us. 

This made a few heads turn curiously. Why weren't we allowed to come in.

"The both of you..." he seemed to need a moment of thought, "Unfortunately, any of my abilities won't work on the both of you."

"Huh?" I couldn't resist. Wait a minute, what? This didn't happen in the actual thing but- oh wait a minute why- his abilities, but aren't they just really strong Mist Flames-

"Just the two of us," Russo sighed, with a low mumble. Slinging an arm over my shoulder, he managed a low volume that couldn't be heard by the few inside the house. "So it's got something to do with the Void again?" he asked.

"Sir Void and I don't match up well," Kawahira pointed with his chopsticks, "I can't hide you two, but-- ah, would you two happen to be great actors?"

"Huh?"

-

"Hey, what the hell's with you?" Zakuro came up to me in an instant, grabbing the collar of my clown suit, "What's with this getup?"

"E-Eh??" I whimpered, holding back fake tears, shivering as I tried to claw out his grasp on me, "Wai- I'm sorry--?? Wait no, let me go, please!"

He raised an eyebrow, "Hah?" He was confused, "Quit joking around, where's the rest of you?"

"I-I think you have the wrong person??" I freaked out, tears prickling at the corners of my eyes, "I-I'm just a simple roadside clown, I haven't done anything wrong in my life! Please forgive me!"

Dropping me with some bewildered expression, his attention instantly shifted to the Kawahira Realtor. In that fraction of a moment, I retreated into the alley.

When Zakuro turned back around and found me gone-- he let out an irritated tut before marching toward Kawahira Realtor.

Unlike me, Russo had hid his presence so well, I couldn't make out where he'd gone in the crowd of illusions. My immaturity in acting skills really hadn't changed from when I was still Drew Cite. I'm really feeling the consequences when it counts.

If I stayed here, I'd get caught really soon. I need to get somewhere else while he's distracted by Kawahira. There's also the probability I'd get caught by the other funeral Wreaths.

Where should I go? A place where I'll be able to meet up with the rest soon enough...

"Yuni," I whispered into the communications device, "You know where I'll be."

I didn't wait for the feedback.

-

I took a rest in a secluded alley. 

Sitting on a box, I tried to catch my breath slowly. Taking deep breaths, calming myself-- easing the stress on my lungs--

Reaching into the pocket of my Varia Coat, I dug out an object I'd dismissed for a very long time. A deep purple Box Weapon, and a silver, purple-gem adorned ring.

"My future self is probably..." I mumbled to myself, "A Cloud flame user."

That much was obvious.

"Why did he leave me his weapons? He'd probably know I can't light a flame, or use a box weapon for the life of me." I felt like I was scolding myself, "I don't even think I can muster up the amount of willpower for something like that."

Tucking it back into my pocket, I sighed. A Varia Cloud Guardian, of all things. That's a cheat, isn't it? I thought I had no cheats, but woop there it is. Future me is a freaking Varia Cloud Guardian. Special Snowflake. Dammit.

Slapping myself on both cheeks, I forced myself back into reality. 

I need to get to the forest. Defenseless as I am, how?

I stood up and stretched my muscles. Hearing a few satisfying cracks, I grinned at myself.

I'm weak, I know. I'm powerless, I know. I'm not fit, nor do I have the physical stature to maintain my flexibility and reflexes for much longer. 

Even so, I'm Ninomiya Rei.

"And Rei-chan's immortal, after all!" 

I took off dashing.