Sorry for the slight delay, everyone! I came down with a sudden illness that took me out for a few days, but now I'm all better!

Now here is the latest chapter!

"Thank you," Miraya gives a friendly smile before grabbing the plastic bag containing ingredients for a breakfast dish she plans to make. Exiting the convenient store, the Culdos peers up at the bright and clear morning sky. She slightly winces at the blinding sun. With the sudden appearance of heavy rain at yesterday's evening, the temperature today has risen to a notable degree.

Dressed in a simple white summer dress, Miraya is able to withstand the heat as she moderately makes her way back to the Gray Lotus Motel. "Miraya?" a familiar cool voice calls from behind that has the Culdos blinks then turns around to come face to face with Akame.

"Akame," Miraya mutters out, surprised by the red-eyed girl's appearance. Akame spare a glance at the bag for a second "Ingredients for breakfast?" "Yes. I see you are simply picking up a dish." Miraya cracks an amusing smile when seeing the salmon teriyaki box set shown through the bag carried by the Knight. "Didn't feel like cooking," Akame state with a faint smile.

"Though," Akame lift an eyebrow in curiosity by the size of the Culdos's bag "There's plenty in there. Are you stocking up for the next few days?" "Not exactly. Actually, Nawin is currently staying with me." Those words instantly have the Knight's full attention. Her pupils narrow before her mouth opens, "Why is that?" Miraya pause for a moment and wonder if she should reveal yesterday's event. In the end, she decides it would be best to tell as she knows that Nawin holds much trust in Akame. Her knowing is something he won't be against. And after that conversation they shared during the birthday party, Miraya acknowledges that Akame's heart is in the right place when it comes to her darling. "Let's take a seat on the bench over there, Akame. I'll tell you what happened yesterday after we separated."

As Miraya explained the entire event that transpired yesterday between herself, Akeno, and Nawin. She additionally kept attention to Akame's face and sees it remained stoic through the end. But there was no denying the fury building behind those bright red-orbs. Miraya sees it clearly and can't blame the Knight. It was evident to her since they first met that Akame holds a certain protectiveness towards Nawin. And with the negative feeling she holds toward Akame, it just fuels that anger.

"Since he arrived at the motel... Nawin's been quite down. I've been getting short replies from him, and he barely ate dinner last night. Seeing him like this is a rare sight for me and one I hate. He is taking it hard, Akame" "I see." "... Thank you for sharing this with me, Miraya." Akame stands up while the Culdos simply stare at the girl's hands, which are both clenched to such a tight degree that the knuckles are becoming white. "I know you are one of Nawin's closest friends. It only seems right." With a simple nod for a response, Akame turns right and begin walking away. "Please take care of Nawin-kun, Miraya. You are the only one here that can truly help him."

"Akame, wait!" Miraya swiftly stands up, and the Knight stops to turns around. "Yes?" "I-I didn't want to bring this up with Nawin because of his current state of mind... And being honest it sounds a bit ridiculous. But, when Akeno tried to strike me... I could have sworn I saw some kind of yellow electricity emanating from her hand. I-I mean," Miraya gives a tense smile "That's my imagination, right? Simply created by an emotional rush."

Akame hated doing this, but she had no choice. She has to lie. "You were simply seeing things, Miraya. Akeno did try to attack you, so it was a shocking moment... People perceive things when they are in a state of shock." "Yeah," Miraya's expression softens as she nods, "I thought so." Akame gives a faint smile to further ease the girl. In truth, she was glad Miraya asked her this question instead of Nawin. Her King couldn't lie to Miraya, so it is left to her to do the dirty job.

With her usual smile back, Miraya tilts her head and ask, "Will you come and visit?" Akame turns around, and her expression instantly morph to stoic when out of the Culdos's vision. "I will later. There's something I have to do first," she replies in a cold tone before striding off.

Time Skip

The only sound made in the dimly lit room is the sound of the wall clock ticking. Seated on the edge of the bed, Nawin stares emotionlessly at the brown carpet with tired eyes. He has remained in this position for the past five minutes now after woken up. With a sigh, Nawin sits straight and without looking over, he reaches his right arm out to grab his phone that's laid on the stand beside the bed.

Bringing it to his sight, Nawin taps the screen to turn it on. Twenty messages and Thirty missed calls are shown on display, and all of them were sent by Akeno. "... I'm sorry, Akeno. I can't help you anymore." With those words whispered, Nawin presses his thump down on the screen to delete all the notification before setting the phone back on the stand.

The sound of the front door opening has Nawin peers over and see Miraya entering the room with the grocery bag in hand. She gently closes the door and quickly set sight on him. "Ah, you're awake" Miraya gives a gentle smile, which is able to spark a slight joy in Nawn's heart as he replies with a faint smile of his own.

Setting the bag down on the bed, Miraya stop in front of Nawin and takes hold of his head with both hands before resting it to her chest. "I know you are hurt, darling. But, please know that being like this won't solve anything," Miraya reach behind and gently stroke the Makasha's soft locks "Give her some time. Perhaps what has transpired yesterday will open her eyes," "I can only hope, Mariya."

The pair stayed like this for a moment. Miraya can feel Nawin easing onto her as all the muscle in his body loses its tenseness. She lets out a fond giggle before pulling him back, which earn a slight groan in protest. "Can't have you passing out, darling," Miraya assert with a playful wink before she turns around to grab the grocery bag. "Are you cooking?" Nawin asks, "Yep," "And it is?" "Ehehe, a surprised, darling. Now go take a shower while I begin cooking."

Nawin stands up and rubs his neck, sighing. "I don't have any clothes" "Don't worry," Miraya points at the closet "They offer some simple spare clothes here. If you want, later today you can go fetch some clothes from your home. I'm imagining you would want to be away from there for a while" "Yeah..."

With nothing much planned for today and still tired from the sleepless night, Nawin took his time in the bathroom. Instead of a shower, he decided for a hot bath for full relaxation. Half an hour past, Nawin finished his bath and dressed in a plain white short-sleeve button shirt and a long black pants.

Suddenly, a delicious scent hit Nawin's nose and cause him to turn to the right. Seated there at the small dining table is Miraya with two plates of a classic British breakfast. Two sunny-side-up eggs, baked beans, two sausages, hash brown, and some back bacon. "Took you a while there, darling" Miraya gives a coy smirk, "Thought you passed out in the bathtub just like all those numerous times in the past." Nawin gets slightly embarrassed by the comment as he takes a seat down. "I just wanted a long bath. You could have knocked" "Ehehe, I know, but I didn't want to rush you. Anyway, I was just done, so there was no rush."

"Well, dig up!" Miraya claps her hands together while wearing a bright grin "I know how much you love the classic breakfast." Nawin carries a soft smile as he picks up the fork and knife "Thanks, Miraya. This looks absolutely amazing" "I'm glad to hear. Oh, I just realized I forgot the orange juice! Wait a second" "I can go ge-" "No, no," Miraya stands up and gives a playful poke to the Makasha's forehead "You eat up, darling. You must be famished considering you barely ate dinner last night."

As Nawin looks at Miraya disappearing into the kitchen. He can't help but reminisce at all of their past again. How she was always there for him. That be an ear to listen, a friend to play, a lover to share affection. She was always there for him and was always open. Even after all the time they've been together. They still kept that one promised they made with each other. A promise that they would never lie to one another. They were always an open book to each other, and it still hasn't changed after all these years of separation. And that very thing was something lacking in his relationship with Akeno.

Miraya returns with two glass filled with orange juice. "There we go," she sets them down and returns to her seat. "Good?" she asks when seeing Nawin digging in "Lovely as always, Miraya," he replies with a fond smile "Your cooking can give Mom's a run for her money" "Ahahah, now that's a praise!"

Time Skip: Makasha Household

Stood in front of the mirror. Fresh out of the shower and dressed in casual clothes. Akeno stares at herself with a downcast expression. With the red ribbon in the right hand, she brings it up and begins to tie her hair into the signature ponytail. "Uh," Akeno's eyes start watering when halfway through the process, she finally looks at the ribbon and memories of when Nawin bought it for her come flooding in.

Sniffing through the tears, Akeno grits her teeth and continues until the ribbon is nicely wrapped around her delicate, raven-colored locks. In truth, Akeno simply wanted to stay in bed all day after a sleepless night. She was not even able to get an hour of sleep last night. Her mind was merely full of thought that terrified her. But, after receiving a text from Rias on a chance of having a bit of a girl's get out, Akeno accepted the offer simply to take her mind off things.

Akeno wanted nothing more than to jump out of that window and speed to the air to find her beloved and apologies to him. But she knew that was the wrong approached that will lead to another fight. A fight she is scared of the outcome.

Wiping her tears away, Akeno takes a deep breath and exhales. She looks at the beautiful and glowing neckless of the Lightning Gemstone and grasps it with her right hand. "Nawin-kun..."

"Morning, Lucy" Rias gives a bright and beautiful smile when seeing the young Makasha exiting the front door of the house with trash bags in both hands. "Rias?" Lucy stops by the fence and drops the bags in the bin before shutting the lid. She turns to the Gremory with curious eyes "What are you doing here?" "Waiting for Akeno. Going to have a bit of our girl's get out," "Ah, I see. Might do some good. She's been down today." Rias blinks and takes a step forward "What do you mean?" "She didn't eat breakfast with us today. So, I took a plate to her room," Lucy state then lets out a frustrating sigh "Also, Big Bro isn't home today. He's really not been here lately... Asia and I came home late last night since we decided to eat out after the theater so I can't be sure since I was tired, but I don't think I caught him home at all last night."

Rias's expression sharpens as the memory of Nawin leaving with Akeno and Miraya comes to mind. 'Could... Could something happened?' Before Rias can give a reply, the front door opens, and both girls look to see Akeno stepping out of the house. Instantly, Rias notice just how rough and tired her best friend looked. Faint black bags underneath the eyes, those violet orbs just gleaming as their usual self.

"Morning, Rias" Akeno muster a pleasant smile as she stops beside Lucy, who also throws a worry glance over. "Morning, Akeno... You ok?" Rias asks, "Just didn't get much sleep last night," "I see." The Gremory did not push on as she rathered to that when it is only the two of them and in a private space.

"By the way, Akeno" Lucy calls out as the Himejima exits the gate and stop beside Rias. "Yes, Lucy?" "Where's my brother? You were with him and Miraya yesterday after we separated." Rias and Lucy immediately notice Akeno's mood fallen after those words. Seeing this have both girls to believe that the couple had a fight.

A familiar magic signature suddenly appears behind the Gremory and the Himejima. The three turn around to see Akame stood there looking absolutely livid. Red aura can be seen emoting around her body. "Akame?!" Rias calls out in surprise and watch the Knight advancing toward them. The next thing that happened stun both Lucy and Rias still in place, Akame delivered a stiff left hook right across Akeno's face.

Falling to the ground, Akeno coughs out blood and shakily opens her eyes only to get jolt up by the collar of her shirt. "Akame!" Rias snatch the Knight by the shoulder only to receive a vicious thrust to the stomach that sends her flying back and crash onto the pavement. Lucy remains in composed unless Akame throws another punch to the Himejima. She can only imagine one thing that can make the usually composed Knight be this livid.

Akame glares down at Akeno. "I knew you would hurt him someday! You have given Nawin-kun nothing but trouble, Akeno Himejima!" Those words cause Rias to stop in her track out of shock, while Lucy's eyes narrow. Anger can be seen slowly bubbling in those sky-blue orbs.

Lifting her left hand, Akame is ready to deliver another punch until an image of her dear King's soft smile appears in mind. 'I believe you aren't the kind of person to make the same mistake. That's why I hold so much faith in you, Akame.' Those words resurface. Akame openly grits her teeth then looks at Akeno, who merely stares back with a blank expression. Even with blood dripping down her busted lip, she did not bother to counterattack. "You aren't worth me damaging Nawin-kun's trust... And you're not deserving of his affection, Akeno Himejima."

The Knight's last words set fury in Akeno, and she lifts the right hand up to strike, but Akame cocks her head to the side and avoids the attack before releasing the collar to drop the Himejima to the ground. "What did she do?" Lucy demands, though Akame simply turns around and walks off, passing by Rias without a given glance. "Ask her yourself." That is all the Knight tells before disappearing in pure speed.

Akeno slowly raises up her feet and dust the jeans. "... Akeno," she shifts up to see Rias stood in front of her. She then looks over to meet with Lucy's heating gaze. "What did you do?" Not getting a reply, the Makasha march through the gate to stop right face to face with Akeno. "I said, what did you do?!" "L-Lucy," Rias stutters, shocked by the raw anger exuding from the young girl.

Akeno's violet orbs shake ever slightly as guilt sets in. Guilt at how things had to turn out yesterday, which leads to this. Her angering and hurting Lucy, something she never wants to cause. "I-I made a mistake," Akeno speaks up "No shit," Lucy spat "Now tell me everything!" Seeing there's no way to calm the Blond down, Akeno glance at Rias who can only stare at her with conflicted eyes, also wanting the answer. She gazes back at Lucy and nods, "Ok."

Elsewhere

"Ehehehe!" Nawin brightly smiles as he watches Miraya skips ahead then stops to twirl, dancing with the beautiful pink petals coming from the Sakura Trees. The pair were on their way to Shinko Park for a healthy breath of fresh air. However, Miraya wanted to stop at the famous Sakura Passage on the way to see the beautiful pink trees.

The famous Sakura Trees are planted in straight rows on both sides of the small road. Some workers can be seen either picking up litters or care for the trees. "It's been so long!" Miraya pauses and looks up at the petals being carried away by the breeze, her arms rest behind her back. Nawin stops by the side and nod. "Yeah... A lot of great memories here."

Nawin looks onward, and a soft smile dance on his lip as a vivid memory of himself running around here with Miraya begins playing in front of him. Both are laughing as they were racing to the Shinko Park while also playing a game of tag. The memory plays clear, and Nawin just finds himself enjoying it. In the past, if a memory involving Miraya ever resurfaced, he would try his hardest to suppressed them to hide the pain. It is such a relief now that he can recollect all these fond memories with joy and smiles.

"Reminiscing?" Nawin blinks and glances over to see Miraya looking at him with a knowing smile. "Yeah," "Feels like a lifetime, no?" Miraya steps closer and leans her head on the Makasha's shoulder. "Remember all the time we would skip through here to get to school?" "Even though it was the longer way to school, I never complained when you wanted to take this route" Nawin's smile turns to one of warmth "This was sort of our special path" "I think so too," Miraya whispers and raise her hand up to catch one of the Sakura petals "A beautiful path for the two of us..."

When arriving in Shinko Park, Miraya decided to go fetch both drinks as the weather started heating up. Currently, Nawin finds himself strolling aimlessly around the park. He looks around and sees a number of kids running around, playing hide and seek. Seeing this reminds the Makasha of the fond memories on all the times he, Miraya, and Lucy would play around this square. Even after all the years have passed, Shinko Park is still lively as ever and continues to help create fun memories for other kids.

Stopping near the end of the park, Nawin's mouth opens slightly while his eyes widen. Set a few feet away is a medium-sized sandbox. "It's still here..." Nawin stops near it and chuckles as he kneels to drag his right hand around the sand. "Can't imagine how many hours I spent in here." An image of young Nawin comes to life, showing him building a sandcastle with much focus. Numerous plastic toys laid on his side to help him in his task of building. 'Nawin,' a beautiful voice calls out with much love that has the young boy stop what he is doing and beams with a grin before turning around. 'Sayomi!'

Nawin's eyes snap wide when he sees the Pureblood come into sight. He observes his young-self rushing toward the Vampire, who is holding two cold cans of lemonade and hugs her legs. 'Ahahaha, I wasn't gone that long, my dear' Sayomi jest with a warm smile. Nawin finds himself reaching over, but with a single step taken, the entire vision fades from existence.

"S-Sayomi..." Nawin mutters in shock at what he just witnessed. A shard of memory he had no recollection of. It simply appeared out of nowhere. With an idea in mind, Nawin closes his eyes and tries to remember, attempting to get that memory back only to release a grunt in frustration after a minute of getting nothing but blankness.

"Sayomi Dracul..." Nawin opens his eyes and solemnly stare up at the sky, "Just what were you to me?" Hearing footsteps from behind, Nawin turns around and is greeted with a smiling Miraya holding two cool water bottle. Just seeing that beaming attitude from his childhood friend is able to lift Nawin's mood. "Let's take a seat by the bench there, darling" "Alright."

Nawin takes the offered bottle and twists the cap open to drink down the cold liquid immediately. He doesn't know why, but he suddenly felt thirsty. "You good?" Miraya raises an eyebrow as she watches her friend release a cool sigh while placing the cap back on the bottle. Nawin simply nods "Yeah, I'm fine. Just many stuffs on my mind right now that it has me thirsty" "Oh, that's good. Thought I was the cause." Nawin cracks a chuckle before sending an amusing look over, "Flattering yourself, aye?" "Ehehehe, at least it got a lovely chuckle out of you."

Having a moment of silence, the childhood friends watch the gentle morning breeze passing by the forest to create a soothing rustling sound from the vibrant trees. Considering they are at the edge of the park; they were able to be away from the crowd. Nawin finds himself pushing back to get comfortable on the bench, which catches Miraya's attention.

"Want to rest your head on my lap?" Nawin blinks at the offer before sending a blank look "I'm not a child anymore." "Now, now," Miraya gives a cheerful smile and pets her lap "We are alone, darling. Don't need to feel embarrassed. Clearly, you are uncomfortable." Those words aren't false as Nawin feels a slight pain in his lower back, which was caused by him moving around so much last night thanks to the lack of sleep he got. With a shrug, Nawin sets the bottle on the ground then rotate around to have his legs rest on the edge of the bench while his head falls on Miraya's ever soft and supple thighs.

Stroking the locks away from Nawin's face, Miraya looks down while wearing a loving smile, "Comfy?" "Yeah... Just like always," Nawin murmurs with a faint smile as his eyes slowly close by the warmth emitting from the Coldus's lap. For once today, Nawin feels his entire body is able to be at ease. All his muscles no longer tense and now simply loosen. In fact, he finds laying here on Miraya's lap more comfortable than the king-size bed back at the motel. And with her gently stroking his hair, it graciously helps more in this tranquil moment.

"Remember all the time you would pass out when resting on my lap, darling?" Miraya brings up with a giggle. Nawin hums in response before opening his mouth "I would always whine when you wouldn't allow me to do this" "Now, now," Miraya clicks her tongue like a mother "I only declined because sometimes you'd ask at inappropriate occasions. Such just finishing cooking which would leave me smelling like raw meat or something worse. Or I was simply dirty and sweaty because I had not taken a shower yet" "Oh?" Nawin chuckles "Trying to imply that you have done everything for me?" "Have I not?" "Ahaha, I can't disagree. I have never gotten a 'No' from you" "Mhm-hmm," Miraya tilts her head and continues to stroke the Makasha's soft locks lovingly "I spoiled you more than your own parents."

With a soft smile, Nawin's eyes slowly open, and he is greeted with an unexpected sight that momentarily freezes his heart. A clear image of Sayomi's face looms over Miraya's. That breathtaking smile the two are wearing gives him warmth but also shock. Miraya blinks in surprise at Nawin abruptly sitting up and begin breathing heavily. "A-are you ok?" she quickly goes by his side and pets his back to give some comfort. The Makasha blinks rapidly before glancing over to see Miraya's concerned face. No signs of a ghostly image of the Pureblood Vampire.

"Y-yeah," Nawin shakily replies before gazing forward with tired eyes. Even as he tries to push the problematic situation with Akeno away for the moment. Another one simply sprouts. That being his unclear past and just how much Sayomi Dracul is involved in it. Nawin grunts in frustration and glares at the trees with a newfound determination. 'I'm done being silent. When returning there to fetch some clothes... I'm going to confront Mom and Dad about this. I will not walk out of there without an answer.'

Makasha Household

Seated on one of the couches in the living room, Akeno stares monotonously at the necklace laid on the glass table. The Lightning Gemstone occasionally shimmers superbly. The necklace's clasp can be seen unhooked. Looking at that, Akeno recalls what happened after she revealed everything to Lucy and Rias.

Flashback

"Lucy!" Rias screams in shock. Akeno collapse knees first onto the pavement, heaving and eyes widen from pain as she clenched her stomach with both arms after receiving a stiff punch by the Makasha. The sudden and rapid motion that caused the necklace around Akeno's neck to snap and drop on the ground. Lucy entirely ignores Rias and glares down at the shaking Himejima with pure rage bubbling in her sky-blue orbs.

Akeno simply glances up to meet the glare, and she can only give an apologetic look. "You tried to assault Miraya?!" Lucy points and snarl, "You, a person that holds the capacity to wipe out half a city if she wished too! You, a bloody supernatural being tried to use your powers to attack a human! No less Miraya! For what?! Sheer jealousy?! I am fucking shocked that my brother let you off so easily! HE JUST GOT HER BACK, AND YOU ARE TRYING TO TAKE HER AWAY FROM HIM?! FROM US?!"

Akeno can only hang her head down in shame while regretting the action she took in mind. Rias wanted to say something, but she can't find the right words. The reality is clear. Akeno tried to attack Miraya Coldus, a person that's dearly cherished by the Makasha's family. Rias simply can't logically defend her friend's action. Akeno's possessiveness towards Nawin is known to everyone, and now it has caused her to make a fatal mistake.

Lucy clenches her hands and opens her mouth to speak more until another voice interferes. "Enough, Lucy." Everyone shifts and sees Yao standing near the front gate, looking at them with cold, serious eyes. Lucy did not give in and points at Akeno "But she tr-" "I heard everything from your outburst. And I said," Yao's eyes sharpen like a sword "Enough. Control yourself before you set the whole neighborhood on fire."

Lucy stares at her Mother for a few seconds before openly gritting her teeth in frustration. Throwing one more distasteful glance at Akeno's way, Lucy turns around and blast off to the sky with the blue flaming wings. "Rias," Yao shifts to the crimson-haired girl, her gaze softens "Please leave Akeno to me... This is our family business now."

Rias knew better than to go against Yao Makasha's wishes. She gives the nod, "Of course." Rias steps forward and grabs Akeno's arms to help her to her feet before snatching the necklace off the ground. With a weak smile, she takes Akeno's right hand and gently set the jewelry in the palm. "Stay strong, Akeno." That was all the Gremory could say before a teleportation circle appear on the ground and takes her away in crimson sparkles.

With some hesitation, Akeno finally turns around to meet eyes with the Mother. "The stunt you pulled toward Miraya was beyond stupid, Akeno" Yao state, not holding back "There's no excuse for it. But, the important thing right now for you is to make things right with my son." Yao turns around and heads back to the house "Asia, Jonathan, and I will be out of the house in an hour to visit Misako's parent for lunch... I suggest you stay here and just recollect your thoughts, Akeno. Right now, your mind is plagued with too many negative thoughts... Continue, and you'll do something worse."

Present

Now Akeno finds herself alone once again in the empty house. She hated it. She hated being alone. Being by her lonesome just brings back memories of what she had lost that night on her tenth birthday. A day that was supposed to be filled with joy shattered by her Mother's passing and her family separating. In that horrid night, Akeno lost everything and was alone for months, trying to survive all by herself until Rias saved her from starvation.

"Kuh!" Akeno begins to shake as she holds her head with both hands, clenching tightly. "W-why am I so messed up?!" she cries out "I have a place here! A family! Nawin-kun! And I risk it all for being so damn jealous and insecure!" In a fit of raw emotion, Akeno's electric aura comes to light and shoot a lightning blast that hits the gemstone to create a discharge that sends the necklace blasting off. It collides at the table under the television before falling on the carpet.

Akeno immediately releases her head and looks over to the necklace. Needing to calm down, she takes a deep breath and exhales as the electric aura slowly fades from existence. Standing up, Akeno slowly walks toward the television and kneels down to pick up the gemstone. "Uh?" she blinks when noticing the drawer's door is slightly opened by the impact. A noticeable dent can be seen on the dark wood. Seeing something rest inside by the ray of light shining in, Akeno reaches for the knob and pulls it to open the door fully.

What greets the Himejima is a bunch of photo albums. All of them neatly dated for the specific years the photos were taken. Akeno finds herself sitting down while swiftly clipping the necklace back on her neck as she scans through all the albums' date. One album though catches her attention. On the sticker paper that's stuck on it has Nawin's name written on and nothing else. No dates or title. Just the name.

Unable to suppress her curiosity, Akeno reaches her right arm in and take the album out. One obvious thing this album has over the others is that it looks more unique. Metal edges painted in gold, beautiful spiral designs on the front and back. Compared to the others plainer design, this one simply is on a higher class. And it carries photos dedicated only to Nawin.

Setting the album on her lap, Akeno grasps the front cover and gently flip it open to reveal two photos. The top one shows a baby photo of Nawin in a crib. He must be no older than a month and is absolutely adorable while peacefully sleeping. The other picture shows Nawin awaked and being held by Yao's arms as she feeds him some with a baby bottle. Nawin was happily drinking the milk while his Mother stared down at him with nothing but love shining on her dark-brown eyes.

The photos bring the first genuine smile upon Akeno's face for the day. Seeing her dear lover so adorable and cared for just brings warmth to her heart. It only has her wished she had met him earlier in their life. Imagining just how different things would be if that were a reality.

When ready to turn to the next page, Akeno tilts the book a bit and instantly notice a photo slips out a bit. She blinks and set the album flat. "Someone must have no placed it back properly." Deciding to fix it, Akeno grabs the picture and slides it out while flipping to the end of the album as it was where it slipped out from. When the Himejima's eyes focus on the picture, it widens entirely out of sheer shock.

In her right hand, she holds a picture of her Mother, Shuri Himejima seated on a bench in a vibrant park. On the right is Yao grinning with enjoyment while hugging the beaming Young Nawin that's sat on her lap. The other person that's seated left to her Mother had Akeno look twice. An extremely beautiful, pale woman with long curly, silver hair, and pink-colored eyes that is filled with warmth while her soft smile exuded nothing but kindness. Akeno simply stares at the unknown woman and can't help but notice a striking resembles she shares with Sayomi Dracul.

"H-how?" Akeno's shift back to her Mother in the photo. She's right there, smiling brightly at the camera while her right palm was set on Nawin's thin shoulder. That small action makes Akeno believe that her Mother held a level of care for the young boy. But something doesn't make sense. Akeno is a year older than Nawin. She was already born when this photo was taken, and she can't recollect a time when her Mother brought Nawin's existence up. If Shuri was this close to Yao and the Makasha family, how come they never introduced their children to one another?

Another thing that's bothering her is the unknown woman seated beside Shuri, Akeno's eyes return to the person. "Who are you?" Before the Himejima could do anything further, she sits straight when sensing a familiar magic signature heading to the house. 'They are back from lunch.' Akeno's gaze return to the photo, contemplating for a moment and decides to keep it for now. She returns the album into the drawer then close the door before marching up the stairs with the photo in hand.

Time Skip

Walking down the familiar path to the house, Nawin lets out a deep sigh before gazing up to survey the beautiful starry night. Even though his expression remains calm, his heart beats faster to show a difference. He is nervous about confronting his parents. Not because of fear but simply because he hates the idea of ever clashing with his Mother and Father. Both of them were always there for him. Looked after him and Lucy without expressing a complaint once. Even with their complex past making things complicated and no doubt has caused both of them to be worried over his and Lucy's life constantly, they still were able to push on and protect their children from harm.

Even the thought of fighting with his parents have Nawin feel a sick twist in his stomach. He didn't want to do it, but they left him with no choice. There are just too many unanswered questions in his mind. He can't simply turn a blind eye from it any longer. He needs to know everything. These blank spaces of his past. The static visions that have plagued him. And the biggest one being Sayomi Dracul. He wants to know just what she was to him. Recently, the Pureblood has been the only thing clouding his mind. And it just motivates Nawin more for the answers.

Finding himself coming to a stop, Nawin blinks and glance to the side to realize he has reached the house. Concentrating for a moment, Nawin can sense everyone's presence in the house except for a certain someone that's currently not present. Lucy's signature is nowhere to be felt. Reopening his eyes, Nawin takes a step forward and push open the front gate before making way to the door.

Exhaling another deep breath, Nawin twists the knob and push open to enter the house. Shutting the door, Nawin can hear the sound of the television from the living room. There's a faint trace of food scent in the hallway to signal they recently finished having dinner. Shifting his eyes to the stairs, Nawin sense both Akeno and Asia are in their room which makes things easier for him. He doesn't exactly want to see the Himejima now and rather not have his dear little sister present in case shouting ensues from both parties.

Stepping into the living room, Nawin immediately makes his presence known by stepping on the floor without a hint of subtle. Sharing the couch together while watching a movie, Yao and Jonathan shift their head over and is surprised to see their son stood there. "N-Nawin?" Yao instantly stands up and goes to her son to give him an embrace. "Oh my dear boy," she whispers in care and relief before pulling out to gently cup his cheeks, looking at him in the eyes, "Are you ok?"

Yao's affectionate action and words set a slight hesitance in Nawin's heart. Seeing her looking at him with those eyes and knowing where he will be taking this. It hurts him, but he promised himself that he will not remain in the dark any longer. He needs to know.

"Mom." Yao is surprised when Nawin grabs her by the arms then push her back to create space between them. "We need to talk... This isn't about Akeno." Nawin's calm but sharp eyes meet with the woman's "I need to know... I need to know about my past. I need to know just who Sayomi Dracul was to me."

Yao takes a step back and simply stare at her son with wide-eyes, not expecting those words. Jonathan is already stood up and no longer were his usual kind and gentle expression. Now it is replaced with seriousness. The room's air instantly shifts tense after Nawin's words.

"N-Nawin," Yao gives an almost pleading look, "I thought we talked about this. Please do-" "I can't be that blind anymore," Nawin cuts in with a sharp tone "I need to know. I refuse to stay in the dark now. Your sad words won't change my mind, Mom." "Nawin," Jonathan stops beside his wife and meets his son's gaze "Like Akeno your mind isn't in the best place right now. Trying to dig up your past isn't going to fix or help you," "Who are you to foretell that?!" For the rare moments, Nawin raised his voice to his Father. Nawin glares and sets a hand to his chest "You truly believe that me not knowing my past will be better for me?! I just continue to live my life with blank spaces and static visions in my head! Don't give me that crap, Dad!"

Nawin remains firm and looks at both his parents. "Now, tell me! I want to know. Why is it that the many shards of memories that have surfaced in my mind show Sayomi Dracul? Who was she to me? Why is it every time I see her, I feel there's a deep bond shared between the two of us. A bond that runs deep within me like the one I share with M-" "Miraya..." Yao whispers which shock Nawin but he composes and slowly nod "Yes... Like Miraya. She's someone dear to me, isn't she, Mom? Sayomi has been there since I was merely a child. She's always been there protecting me, right?!" "..." Nawin grits his teeth at the silence response and takes a step forward "W-why... Why is she not here?! Why is she out there somewhere?! Why isn't she with us! Answer me! What happened to her!"

"Stop it!" Unable to handle anymore, Yao shouts as her expression morph to seriousness then looks at up her son's startled face. "Just stop it, Nawin. Now isn't the time, especially when sh-" Yao stops herself from saying anymore and simply looks away from her son. Nawin takes a step back and can only give a cold look which hurts the parents' heart. "Even my own parents continue to keep secrets from me..." Nawin turns around and heads to the hallway, "Forget it. I can't stay under this roof anymore. I'm grabbing my clothes and getting out of here."

Not bothering to hear another word from his parents, Nawin marches up the stairs and stops in front of his room's door. Grabbing the knob, he twists it and enters. Shutting the door behind, Nawin survey and notice Akeno is not in here. He can hear the shower running from the bathroom. Wanting to get out of here as soon as possible, Nawin heads over to the closet and pulls out a duffel bag then begins stuffing an equal amount shirts, pants, boxers, and a couple of jeans in until the bag is entirely full.

Zipping the bag shut, Nawin slings it over to the right shoulder and is ready to leave until something on his desk catches his attention. Moving closer, Nawin notices it is a photo placed facefirst on the wooden surface. Picking it up, the Makasha turns it around to see the picture and a soft gasp escape his lip. A photo he has never seen before of himself seated on his Mother's lap. There are two other women in the picture. One that shares a striking resembles Akeno, who Nawin is convinced is her Mother. But the other is where most of his attention is focused on. He stares at the beautiful silver-haired woman that looks almost identical to Sayomi Dracul.

"W-what is this? When was this?" Nawin mutter under his breath while trying to dig up deep in his memory of the time this photo was taken, but nothing came. Like in the past, all he got is blankness. The bathroom door suddenly open and Nawin turns around to see Akeno walking out, fresh out of the shower and dressed in her purple nightgown.

The towel that the Himejima used to dry her hair drop when she sees her lover stood there. "N-Nawin-kun," Akeno mutters with a growing smile, but that is instantly dashed when her eyes fixed on the photo in his hand. "What is this?" A blunt response comes from Nawin's sharp tone "I-I don't know," "Is this woman in the picture your mother?" "... Yes." Nawin lets out a hollow chuckle and shakes his head "So, I finally learn something about your past from you, and it is thanks to this photo I have never seen before, huh?" Akeno holds her hands together and can only look down to her feet in regret.

Nawin stopped in front of the Himejima and thrust the photo forward. "Where did you find this?" "..." "You are going to continue to do this? Just keep me in the dark like my parents?" "No!" Akeno looks up with panic "I-I found it in the drawer underneath the television," "... Were you going to show me this?" "W-what?" "I said that if I hadn't discovered this photo, would you have willingly shown me this?" Nawin voice was low but sharp like a katana blade.

Akeno looks stuck as she grips both hands together tightly. "I-I would have shown it to you later, Nawin-kun!" "Why later?" "Because I don't want any more damage to our relationship!" "You don't see it, do you?" Nawin takes a step back and gives a hollow smile, "You've already fully damaged our relationship." Those words struck Akeno's core as she begins to panic, her heart goes rapid. "W-what do you mean?" "You aren't going to change at this rate... You'll still continue to keep secrets from me, and now you've reached the point where your emotions are pushing you to harm others" "I'm sorry, Nawin-kun!" Akeno steps forward and gives a pleading look "I'm sorry for what I tried to do to Miraya. Please believe me when I say I honestly didn't want to hurt her" "How can I believe your words when you continue to keep secrets from me?" Nawin simply retorts.

Akeno's glossy eyes start flooding with tears as she watches Nawin slide off the gold ring she has gifted him in his birthday. "Akeno Himejima," Nawin speaks with a cold tone, his sharp eyes stare right ta her as he drops the ring to the ground "We are through. What you have become... What you are now is not the same girl that I have fallen in love with. To tell you the truth, I don't even know who you are anymore."

Placing the photo into the duffel bag, Nawin turns around and pushes the door open to exit the room. "N-no," Akeno collapses to her knees and stare at the glistering ring on the carpet. More tears flow down her cheeks as her cries become louder. "P-please don't, N-Nawin-kun. I'm s-sorry" she whispers in hysteric as her eyes shake, her breather increases. Hunching forward until her head reaches near the carpet, Akeno hugs herself before letting out a loud scream that booms throughout the house.

"Kyaaaaaahaaaa!" Nawin stops by the front door and grabs the knob. He pauses when hearing Akeno's cry. "Akeno-nee-chan!" Asia's voice comes from the upstairs as she rushes to her friend's side. "N-Nawin." Turning around, Nawin sees his Mother looking at him with a shocked look while his Father rushes up the stairs, as Akeno's cries continue to get louder. "What did you say to her?" Opening the door, Nawin faces forward to look at the night sky "I broke up with her. With the way she is now, I can't be with her or love her" "Can't love her? That's not true." Nawin looks at his Mother in the eyes "Talking about truth? I wished you'd have told me some truth, Mom."

With nothing left to say, Nawin steps out of the house and slams the door shuts. As he wanders off into the night, Nawin can still hear Akeno's heartbreaking cry in his mind even though the barrier surrounding the house blocks any noise made from within. Getting further away from the place he calls home, Nawin slowly fades into the shadows. A single teardrop falls onto the pavement before he completely vanishes.

Next Chapter: Past Unearth