Eternal Melody



AKANE

At Mashima Toh's apartment.

Going back and forth from F region to Tokyo wasn't easy. It's a three and a half hour journey. By the time she is finished with her duties as Ibuki's maid, it is usually late. Akane stared at the key she removed from underneath the mat with a complicated expression on her face. She didn't expect Mashima to give her a spare key. She didn't feel right about keeping it with her so she simply left it under the mat.

Being in the same company, Akane has heard all sorts of rumors regarding Mashima. She can't deny that she also finds him attractive but not on the same level as the other females in the company. If they knew about this situation, whatever respect she has gained will definitely vanish. Even though she isn't doing anything wrong.

'Female jealousy is the worse.' She has seen with her own eyes what it has done to Ibuki, and vowed never to be under the same situation. Akane sighed deeply. She just has to be extra careful. She unlocked the front door and hurriedly entered and put the hatch on. 

Akane walked into her brother and Mashima looking over some papers and a pile of books.

Sano grumbled frustrated. "This hanyou stuff is complicated."

"You already promised Terashima that you'd study. If you ever want to drink Sumire's blood again, you should listen."

"More like he threatened me." Sano sighed. "I understand I have to know this. But it's not easy."

"Nobody said it was, but you need to do this. Mamoru's been helping you with your powers hasn't he?"

"He has. He can be oddly strict."

"And I'm helping with the knowledge department since Nakura is busy. If you do your best, Sumire won't suffer anymore."

At those words her brother turned his attention back onto the books and papers. Akane blinked. So that's why brother has been taking on fewer shifts in the hospital. 

Mashima is the first one to spot her. "Welcome back, long day?"

"Not so much. I told you before, the other one that got chosen is very good at the job. She does the tasks so quickly. But because of this I have been able to spend more time with Ibuki."

At those words, her brother looked up. "You've been speaking to her? How is she?"

Akane bit her lip seeing his expression but she briefly steals a glance at Mashima who nodded. 

Almost after she finished explaining what happened, her brother threw a vase across the room. A vase that just barely missed her. 

"Calm the fuck down." Toh said with a warning glare. "It's not your sister's fault. You should be thankful that she managed to get close."

"How can I be calm after hearing that? He's touched her! More than once, and she is completely oblivious." Sano growled.

"Not completely oblivious. When we were passing by the training grounds, she seemed interested in weapons. So I do think the brainwashing isn't complete."

"You hear that? She's still there and we can get her back."

"Have you two thought of contacting Terashima Yuhi?" Akane wondered.

Rather she finds it odd that Terashima hasn't come. When Ibuki-san got stabbed by that fan, Terashima came right away. With Ibuki-san's disappearance, it should be even more drastic than last time. 

"Terashima got into an accident a few days after Sumire was captured. Right now he is in and out of a coma. Maon told us, to handle the situation ourselves and to make sure Sumire returns in one piece." Toh explained.

'An accident? A few days later. There is no way that is a coincidence. I should look into it when I get the chance.'

Sano rolled his eyes. "They claim to care for her, but look? When she needs them the most, where the hell are they?"

Toh sighed. "Like you are one to talk. When she was going through a lot in her life, you tossed her away like garbage, remember?"

At those words her brother turned quiet. Akane glanced at the two of them back and forth. Their relationship is very unusual. Last she heard Mashima didn't want anything to do with her brother. But, she has noticed that they have been working closely together for a while now. They must have come to some kind of agreement. 

"I'll try to get in." With those words said, her brother quickly exited.

Akane shook her head. "Lucifer won't let him."

"He isn't that dumb, but he will try anyway."

Akane glances around the apartment. "It looks tidier than last time I was here."

"I took your wonders into account." Toh trailed off. "Mamoru is already struggling with the issue of routing out the traitors in the Holy knights. But, he has confirmed that the leak came from the holy knights branch in Tokyo."

"I was under the impression that everybody respected Ibuki in the underworld."

Then again, since she confirmed to be Ibuki's ally. Akane has gradually learned that the hatred others have towards the girl ran deeper than she thought.

"Respect comes in many different forms." Toh poured himself a cup of red wine and poured another one for her. "Join me on the balcony?"

Akane nodded and followed him to the balcony. "I have to say, it's surprising that you're working with my brother."

Toh chuckled. "So, you're aware of my resentment."

"You don't exactly make it a secret. Everybody in the company knows you two are at odds."

"Yes, and truthfully I still resent him for hurting her. How much do you know about your brothers relationship with Sumire?"

"Hmmm, from how their relationship went, to their interactions, and the extent of their feelings? I have everything pretty much figured out."

'Evans is right, this girl is definitely unique. It makes sense. Amongst the artists in the company, she is the only one who keeps getting work.'

Akane raised her eyebrows at that. It seems brother hasn't told Mashima about her ability. The ability to read thoughts. It's a minor skill however since she can only read thoughts, and not speak into people's minds like Mashima can or erase memories like Narasaki Hino.

It seems Mashima has been speaking a lot to her other brother. It makes sense. Evans has made it quite clear that he is on Sumire's side, much to their parents dismay. Since brother Evans has already left the household however, there is little their parents can do.

It must be nice to be free.

*Unedited*