Preface - Paradox

Dear reader, right here you are witnessing the blossoming of a paradox, a Greek tragedy. Even though we know that the ending will be inevitably tragic, the famous catharsis is generated precisely by seeing the tireless efforts of the characters. Ironically, just like the protagonists, you have that small hope that perhaps, at the end of the play, you'll hear "then they lived happily ever after".

 

 

 

 

Season 1

 

Arc 1

Scene 0

Hundreds of years ago, a war was raging in several countries, a war between species. Many people lost their lives and were forced out of their normality, living in despair. However, one Human was able to bring about peace between the species affected by the war, acting as their ambassador and protecting them, thus preventing further deadlocks from occurring in the future. People were slowly able to return to their daily routines. In the town where the first attacks began, few people continued to live there, but the population still banded together so that they too could return to their routine. Our story takes place in this quiet little town, but it's not yet time to see the present:

- So you're telling me that all this is going to happen 30 years in the future? - She said

- Yes - She replied.

- Look, you're going to have to fix this - She pointed to her eye. She covered it with her other hand

- Relax, you still don't have full control of your powers, but I've given you a help. Come here, use this. It'll help you control your powers better - She smiled

- Great... - She didn't look very convinced

- How about a test? 

- What do you mean?

- You see, I told you what was going to happen in a few months, didn't I?

- Yes...

- So, listen to me, when you leave here, you're going to have to suffer a lot. Don't worry, because all this is just the start of my, no, our plan - She smiled

- How can I trust you?

- You're going to have to give me that piece of your trust. You'll soon realize what I'm telling you, and when that happens... I'll give you a task for the future. You have to be patient, you hear me? 

 

 

Scene 1

She looked down on the whole city, it was kind of abandoned. Well, that was to be expected, after all, the war had only just ended. 

"Anyway, I've got to get off this hill and get my house in order. It's a shame, really, that Tori has left the house I growed up in" She let out a long sigh. "Well, maybe only I have good memories of that place..." She smiled a little bitterly. "It's not to be expected, that place was the only one that took me in..."

She was a young woman, with a slender body, a languid look, she was relatively tall, between 1.65m, her black hair flowed down her body, but what stood out most about her appearance were her vivid cyan eyes. Calmly, she descended from the hill she was on, heading towards a deserted town. She let out a long sigh:

- Oh, it's kind of lonely...

- Lonely? 

- AW! You scared me! 

- Yeah, you just complain.  

She was an older woman than the other, also taller, about 1.70m. She had white hair, one eye was red and the other had an eye patch:

- Yuki, I still haven't got used to all this... - The other woman looked a little distressed

- Me? YOU'RE RUDE, MIO~ 

- You got it, sister... - Her gaze was a little downcast

- Yeah, I know, it was hard to get out of Limbo, okay? - Yuki accompanied her as they walked down the hill.

- Stop talking like that - Mio bit her lips - I didn't have a choice back then, okay?

- I know, I know... - Yuki rolled her eyes

When they arrived in the town, Mio calmly walked past some rubble and towards a small two-storey house. It seemed to be the only really organized place in the midst of all those destroyed buildings and constructions:

- I still wonder why Tori decided to leave... - She had a sad expression again

- HAHA! Don't you know? Mio, you're smarter than that... - She had a little smile on her face

- Yuki. - She looked angrily at the other girl

- Ok, ok, my fault - She shrugged

Mio opened the front door and the first thing she saw was a small living room with a TV, sofa and coffee table. Closer to the entrance was a small table with four chairs, a tablecloth and a pot of flowers in the middle. To the right, there was a partition with the kitchen, which was in a passageway with the table. To the left was a staircase, probably leading to the bedrooms. Sitting on the sofa was a very tall man, about 1.90m, with blond hair shaved on the sides and tied into a braid. He was wearing a green sweater with a yellow stripe, as well as a gold necklace with a heart pendant:

- Phaniel! - Mio said excitedly as she entered the house

- What the hell are you guys doing out there? - He looked annoyed

- It's business as usual, right? - Yuki snorted

- I guess the usual isn't taking 2 hours just to do the groceries! - He answered rudely

- Guys, no fighting! - Mio looked at Phaniel - It's just that, you know, I like to watch the horizon... I get lost in thought.... my bad... 

- No, it's fine. - Suddenly his voice sweetened

- Simp - Yuki muttered

- WHAT DID YOU SAY? - He leapt up from the sofa, jumping towards the woman

- I didn't say any names - She smiled - if it fits you...  - She shrugged

In response, Phaniel grabbed the woman by the collar of her blouse:

- HEY HEY, CALM DOWN! NO FIGHTING, YOU TWO! OR I'LL GROUND YOU! - Mio raised her voice, stepping in between the two of them

- She started it - He let go, but frowned 

- And you took the bait, you idiot! - She retorted

- Phaniel, I don't care that she started it, be respectful. And Yuki, that's enough. If you don't, you'll regret messing with me - she looked seriously at both of them

Phaniel immediately lowered his head and walked slowly to the sofa, remaining completely silent, while Yuki just rolled her eyes and went to the kitchen:

- Yuki, put the shopping away. - Mio said

- WHAT, WHY ME?

- 'Cause I said so.

She left the shopping in the dishwasher and then sat down on the sofa:

- Yuki - She commented - no going to the bar today - She looked seriously at the other woman, glaring at her

The other seemed to be mumbling something in the kitchen as she put the shopping away:

- Do you want to see something, Mio? - Phaniel asked gently

- No... I don't think so - She sighed - there are only people talking about the war, I'm tired of hearing about it, you know?

- Of course, of course... - Phaniel seemed to regret the question he had just asked 

The two of them remained silent, just watching the news on TV:

- Uh... are you... tired? Do you want to take a shower, eat something, sleep? - Phaniel looked at her

- Ah - She looked at him. She lowered her head, thinking - Something to eat wouldn't be so bad... 

- I'll make dinner - He answered immediately and then got up and went into the kitchen

Mio just watched him, she had a slight smile on her face. When she saw that he was organizing the kitchen and getting ready to cook, she layed down on the sofa and closed her eyes. She didn't know how much time had passed, but she began to smell a faint aroma of food wafting through the room, and it wasn't long before she heard a voice calling her:

- Mio, Mio! Dinner's ready - Phaniel was leaning over, looking at her

- I'm sorry, I just fell asleep... - She said as she stretched. She looked around as she got up from the sofa. - Where's Yuki?

- Well... - He pulled out a chair for her to sit on - actually, now that you've said it, I haven't seen her since I went to cook. I was so focused that I didn't notice, sorry...

- Aw - She was about to sit down, but suddenly stopped - Phaniel, I'm sorry, I'll be right back. I have something URGENT to do, just a second!

Mio grabbed a cold coat from a rack next to the door and left the house. 

"Yuki, that again? I told you not to go there." 

She ran through the city streets, it was already dark and the air was especially cold that day. The streets were completely empty, but there was still some rubble and shards of glass scattered around the city. She ran through the cold city, completely alone:

- Mioo~ - A voice echoed in her mind.

"Damn it, this isn't the time."

- 2.0, shut up. 

- Eh? Rude. 

- I have no patience for you now. - She stopped running abruptly, stopping in front of the doors of a bar, the interior of which seemed relatively full.

She burst through the doors, marching up to the bar where the bartender was standing. Sitting on one of the stools, covered in bottles of whisky, was Yuki. No one was startled by the woman's aggressive arrival, after all, this was actually a routine situation for those who frequented the bar:

- OCEAN YUKI. - She pulled Yuki by the collar, sticking her face in the others

- MIO! I HAVEN'T HAD ANYTHING TO DRINK! NOTHING AT ALL! - Yuki laughed

- OF YEAH. YOU HAVEN'T HAD ANYTHING TO DRINK. - She was trying very hard not to punch her sister in the face at that moment

- Hehe, no, I haven't! NOTHING, NOTHING!

- AND WHAT DID I TELL YOU EARLIER TODAY? HM, MISS? 

- You said I wasn't supposed to come here! - She laughed

- AND YOU STILL CAME? 

- Yep! - She nodded

- YUKI....... - Raised her fist, ready to hit the other one

- WOW, WOW! Calm down, Mio, hehe! Let's take it easy, okay? - She grabbed Mio's arm

- Aw, Kieza... 

She was a woman about Yuki's height, her hair was tied back with some strips, and she had a dragon tattoo on her leg:

- Calm down, Mio. No aggression, 'kay? - She tried to calm her down

- Ok.. - She let out a long sigh and lowered her hand.

- Again? - Kieza had one hand on the back of her head

- Y'know how it is. - She giggled

- No wonder you're famous here. The moment I saw Yuki come in, I knew I'd see you today - She smiled a little

- Well, I'm sorry, I have to go. I left someone waiting for me at home - Mio smiled gently - And, YUKI, YOU'RE COMING WITH ME. - She pulled her by the collar

- Of course... - She waved to her, just watching her leave the bar. She let out a long sigh as she lost sight of Mio - it's him.. - Her hands were on her face

- They're not dating yet.... - The bartender said, as he cleaned up the mess Yuki had left behind

- I didn't say anything, shut up - Kieza grumbled, returning to her place.

- Then don't come crying here... - he replied

 

 

Scene 2

After Mio dragged Yuki back to the house, they were able to have dinner "in peace". Mio had went to sleep for a long time, but right now she was staring at the ceiling of her room. She had her arm on top of her face, slightly covering her eyes. She sighed.

"Oh, what a drag, that again" 

It was quite common for her to suffer from insomnia, since they lived in the city where the war began. Mio and Yuki never had the presence of their parents. In fact, as usual, when the eldest turned 18 she was sent to Earth, and it wasn't long before the other was sent to Earth too. The problem was that she was too young at the time. That's because their parents were killed, and to protect their daughter, they sent Mio to Earth, even though it was too soon. As if that wasn't enough, Yuki was mistaken for a traitor to the Humans and was imprisoned for months, leaving the other alone. By the time her sister was able to escape from prison, she was already being pursued by the Humans, and having no other choice, the little girl had to sacrifice her own sister. She then ran to this town and was taken in by a single mother: Tori. All these memories ran through Mio's mind when she went to sleep, causing her to have nightmares or suffer from insomnia. It all got even worse when Yuki came out of Limbo and was resurrected, reliving her trauma. Because of this, she could rarely sleep.

"This is so tiring"

As if that bad childhood wasn't enough, as an adult she had to take care of everything on her own. The destruction created by the war caused many people to leave the city, and she is one of the only ones trying to rebuild it every day. At home, she rarely gets any help from Yuki. The only one who helps out once in a while is Phaniel, but her sister and him always get into disagreements, and it's left to Mio to sort it out.

"I can't take all this anymore..."

- Do you regret it?

- 2.0..... - The tired look in her eyes somehow seemed to have grown wearier

- I was hoping for a warmer reaction... jeez!

2.0, Mio's alter ego, who is capable of taking on a form of its own. When it did, it was a serial killer. It's even the person who murdered her parents, further adding to her trauma:

- Your jokes aren't funny.

- You're the one who has no humor.

- I know how to have fun.

-Eh? I don't think so, if you had a happy life you wouldn't be talking to me right now...

- Shut up...

- You're very dull, I wonder what they see in you...

- . . . stop.

- Well, Mio, that's a choice you're making, then don't blame me!

- Just be quiet, I want to sleep.

 

 

Scene 3

Mio hadn't been able to sleep for a minute that night, but that was more common than imagined. The sunlight was beating down on her window, causing her to strain her eyes slightly, trying to fight the uncomfortable light. She slowly got up, stretching. She sat on the edge of the bed, looking across the room. The dim light coming through the curtains showed a bed, similar to Mio's, also against the wall, but on the opposite side of the room. The bed was empty. She let out a long sigh as she got up and left the room. A few minutes later, Mio came out of the bathroom and headed downstairs towards the kitchen:

- Yuki... let's wake up, shall we?

Yuki was lying on the sofa, mumbling things:

- YUKI! 

Mio leaned over the sofa, shouting in her sister's ear, who reacted. She reacted by kicking her, which fortunately she was able to dodge:

- Yuki, wake up. Who told you to drink a lot yesterday? I warned you.. - She said as she went into the kitchen

- no....... I don't want to wake up........ - She rolled over on the sofa

- If you don't get up on your own, I'll force you to get up. 

Yuki mumbled something as she got off the sofa, against her will. She dragged the blanket with her to the bathroom:

- AND DON'T DRAG THE BLANKET ON THE FLOOR, IT'LL GET DIRTY AND YOU'RE NOT THE ONE WHO WASHES IT!

Mio was preparing breakfast, usually she would also be organizing the kitchen and washing the dishes, but since Phaniel had come the night before, he had left everything organized. When she realized this, she smiled slightly. But it wasn't long before she also realized that she was alone in the kitchen:

- Mioo~

- No.

- I didn't even say anything, what a drag. 

- 2.0, stop bothering me. Leave me alone. I couldn't sleep last night because of you.

- Oh yeah, MY fault! You're the one who keeps dwelling on shit you've done in the past, not me.

- Shit that happened because of who? 

- Oh, fuck off.

- If I fuck up, you'll fuck up too.

- Bullshit.

- 2.0, get out. I can't stand you, shut up. 

- Do you want me to leave?

- Yes.

Just then, Yuki came out of the bathroom and went into the kitchen:

- Do you have anything for me to nibble on in there? 

- Get out - Mio slapped the other woman's hand away

- You'll see, I'll tell Phaniel and you'll see.

- Of course, of course... - She rolled her eyes 

A short while later, the two sisters were sitting at the table, drinking coffee:

- Yuki, listen to me, I don't want you going out to the bar. 

- Yeah, yeah - She had a few cookies in her mouth

- Are you listening to me?

- If I hadn't, I wouldn't have answered.

- What? - She looked seriously at Yuki and gripped the knife in her hands tighter.

- Nothing, milady. - She immediately lowered her voice

- Can you repeat what I just said to you? - She crossed her arms

- "I'm not supposed to go to the bar" 

- That's right. Besides, we don't have that much money, so either you stop spending it on drugs, literally, or you get a job. 

- What for? - She rolled her eyes - I can materialize as much money as I want, it can be 100, 50, 10 notes... It can even be yen, dollars, euros... whatever you want. 

- Yuki, that's illegal.

- Haha, illegal? As long as no one finds out, it's not.

- No. I don't want you making money.

- But it looks exactly the same! You can't even tell the difference, if you want I can even materialize it with a few dents, a few rips... a few pen marks... even with a call girl's number...

- YUKI. 

- Yeah, yeah. Got it, without materializing money.

- Anyway, changing the subject. I heard there are some new people coming to town. - She was having coffee

- Who did you hear that from?

- Kieza. 

- I wouldn't trust her...... - She shook her spoon

- And you're very reliable, aren't you? - She put her coffee cup on the table

- I am. Is she omniscient? No. I am!

- Ridiculous. 

- you're underestimating my magnanimity! - She puffed out her chest

- I don't think that word exists - She picked up her plate, cutlery and glass - Anyway, from what Kieza said, they're going to be our neighbors, and since I'm going out, I want you to welcome them, do you hear me? - She put her dishes in the sink

- WHAT? WHY ME?

- I just told you why.

- Why do you have to leave, not me? 

- Yuki, welcome the new residents, that's all. Your hand won't fall off. 

- Okay... - She crossed her arms, grumbling

 

 

Scene 4

It had been a few minutes since Mio had left the house; it was a daily routine. She always went out in the morning to help the residents rebuild the town, sometimes she took the opportunity to go to the market and buy something and most of the time she also visited acquaintances. Meanwhile, Yuki was lying on the living room floor, staring at the ceiling: 

- Aaaaaah how boring. There's nothing to do - She rolled over on her stomach - Honestly, it was better when there was a war - She drew pictures with her finger on the floor, while resting her face on one hand - Humans are so boring - She rolled back over on her stomach.

Yuki just stared at the ceiling for a while, in silence:

- Greeting neighbor? -  Mumbled - Seriously, I couldn't give a damn about these mortals. Their lives will be over in the blink of an eye... - She snorted - It's no use, Mio - Her reddish eyes, which looked innocent most of the time, suddenly had an overwhelming aura, a vile, cunning aura, the aura of a liar - How much longer do you intend to deceive yourself? All these people - She stretched her hand towards the ceiling - all of them will eventually die, in the blink of an eye - She closed her hand, and watched it - Humans are extremely fragile... - As she watched her closed hand, she smiled - they're so fragile that I feel sorry for them!

Just then, a commotion could be heard coming from outside the house:

- They've arrived - She rolled her eyes - well, it's all trivial anyway - She stood up - you're all going to die in the blink of an eye - She smiled

She went to the door and opened it, but the commotion seemed to be over. There was no moving truck, no group of people, nothing:

- That's strange - She crossed her arms - it was Kieza who said it too, I told Mio not to trust that snake, really - She grumbled - frankly, hasn't Mio noticed how that snake looks at her? If she could, I bet she'd have devoured Mio whole by now!

Yuki was about to go back into the house when something interrupted her. It was an unfamiliar voice:

- Wow, I didn't think I'd find a Chronos around here... 

Yuki, surprised by this speech, turned around, completely perplexed, and found herself facing a girl who didn't look a day over 18. She had long pink hair, watery green eyes, was about 1.60m tall and wore pastel-colored clothes. In general, she looked like an extremely troublemaking girl who loved to mess with people's lives. When she realized this, she couldn't help but smile: 

- Chronos, what did you mean by that?

- Don't play dumb, miss. I know very well what you are. - The girl bowed slightly - Nice to meet you, I'm Sora, the Goddess of Time - She lifted her face with a huge smile. - So, there's no point in lying to me. 

- HAHA! If you know that I'm a Chronos, you should know that I'm above you - Yuki crossed her arms

- And I know that very well, lady!  - She straightened her clothes - To tell you the truth, I've always wanted to meet you! Do you have any idea? You're the ONLY Chronos there is! - She was looking for something in her clothes - Damn, where is it, I thought I always carried it with me... 

- Come here, you said you were the Goddess of Time, but what the hell are you doing in a place like this?

- Running away from home! - She made a pen and paper appear out of thin air and handed them to Yuki - PLEASE GIVE ME AN AUTOGRAPH LADY CHRONOS! 

- What? - She didn't expect that

- PLEASE?????? - She looked like a puppy begging for treats

- hmmmhmm.... so... - She couldn't beat Sora, accepting the request - Here... - She handed over the paper and pen - Look, I've never done this before, so it might have looked bad......... 

Yuki looked away, but when she looked at Sora her eyes were shining, hugging the paper:

- I CAN DIE HAPPY NOW! GOD PLEASE TAKE ME! 

- WAIT! IT WOULD BE BAD IF YOU DIED, YOU'RE THE GODDESS OF TIME!

- Oh my God! You're worried about me?????? - She had one hand on her face, embarrassed

- What? - She didn't know how to react

- you're worried about me??!??!?!?!?!

- No. You can die soon, please. - She had lost all will to exist

- THEN KILL ME, PLEASE! STEP ON ME, HANG ME! 

- Huh? - She looked incredulously at the other woman

"My God, how can the Goddess of Time be so... ridiculous?!"

- Oh yeah, I forgot to ask you, lady. What's your name? 

- Yuki, Ocean Yuki! - She puffed out her chest proudly

- Huh - She looked at her dejectedly - my name is better... 

- WHAT DID YOU SAY? - She glared at her

- Yeah. My name is a thousand times better than yours... - She shrugged

- I can kill you here and now. - She looked at her coldly

- AWN, YES PLEASE~

- forget it. - She rolled her eyes in disgust

- Anyway, Yuki, I'm going to start living here. I've discovered that this town is going to be a lot of fun... - She smiled

- Of course, of course... now go, shush - She gestured with her hands

"That idiot can never find Mio. God, I know I never respected you and I cursed you a lot when I lived there on Olympus, but please, I never asked you for anything...!"

Almost as if God were mocking Yuki's request, in an instant, Mio was on her way back. It was too early, she usually arrived during lunch, or not at all: 

- Aw, I see you've come to greet the new resident, Yuki!

- Who's this cutie? - She tried to ask discreetly

- What you talking about my sister? 

- She's your sister, I see! - She came up to Mio, took her hands and said hello - YUKI'S SISTER! IT'S NICE TO MEET YOU! MY NAME IS SORA! WHAT KIND OF GODDESS ARE YOU? AH IF YOU'RE THE DAUGHTER OF CHRONOS I BET YOU'RE VERY STRONG! I'M THE GODDESS OF TIME, I'M RUNNING AWAY FROM HOME, BUT DON'T TELL ANYONE BECAUSE IF THEY FIND OUT I'M FUCKED! YOU'RE VERY BEAUTIFUL HAVE THEY TOLD YOU THAT? ARE YOU SINGLE? HOW OLD ARE YOU? 

Sora bombarded Mio with questions while shaking her hands intensely:

- EY, EY, EY! Calm down... - Yuki stepped in between the two, separating them

- Sorry, I got carried away...

- No problem - Mio smiled gently - Aw, answering your questions... - She paused for a while, thinking - I'm a Goddess of Feelings, specifically the Goddess of Loyalty, and yes, I've been told many times that I'm pretty - Her face reddened a little - I'm single at the moment... - Her gaze seemed to have become distant - And I'm currently 21, Yuki is 25! 

- WOW! - She whispered in Yuki's ear - She's much better than you... - Wow, MIO! YOU'RE SO COOL!

- what are you talking about? - She clenched her fists

- Sora, don't you want to stay for lunch? I was going to start making lunch anyway, I finished my chores early because I wanted to come and say hello... - She smiled gently

- My God, is she a goddess? - She seemed to be struck by an angelic light coming from Mio

- Yes, she is a Goddess. - She answered seriously

 

 

Scene 5

The three of them were having a quiet lunch, Yuki and Mio were sitting next to each other, while Sora was just in front of Yuki:

- So, Sora, you said you're... "running away from home"? - Mio started a conversation

- Aah... yeah... it's a long story, hehe... - She fiddled with her food as she spoke, looking uncomfortable

- If you don't want to talk, you don't have to... but - She sighed - you're only 18, right? Have you ever lived alone? It could be dangerous for you to live on your own all of a sudden. 

- Well, I'd have to come to Earth anyway - She replied.

- It's just that we also spent some time living alone, with no one, you know - Yuki added - Mio's just worried about you, she doesn't want you to go through what she went through.

- I don't know what you've been through, but I've been living alone for a long time now - Sora's tone suddenly became harsher

- I'm sorry... - Mio lowered her head

- No, relax, I have no problem talking about it. Especially since it looks like we're all in the same boat! - She leaned back and stared at the ceiling for a while 

- In your own time... - Mio replied

- Uh... I don't know if you were in Olympus at the time... but you must have at least heard about the massacre, right?

At that moment, when Sora said that, Mio froze:

- Yes...- Yuki replied, glancing discreetly at her sister

- Well, my parents were murdered during it... the murderer, who called herself 2.0, just disappeared out of nowhere. My parents knew what was going on and had me run away from home a few days before. They didn't tell me why at the time, but I found out over time. - As she spoke, her expression sulked more and more 

- Our parents were also killed in the massacre, I was on Earth when it happened, but Mio had to come here early because of it. It was fucked up. - She crossed her arms, looking at Mio, who was still static

- That's good, because it was different for me, to tell you the truth. I had... an older sister - She looked down, frowning - She wasn't born with a talent that my parents thought was "worthy" of our family, and they locked her in her room for as long as I could remember... it was hard to see her. She had to study every day, otherwise she wouldn't be allowed to do anything.

- How awful - She said

- But... she was left behind - Her eyes widened as she stared at the floor, completely lost in thought - they didn't warn Aisa, they didn't, and I ran away... I left her there... I left her.... 

Mio, meanwhile, seemed to become even more frightened with every word Sora said; she was completely static, with no reaction. Yuki, realizing this, discreetly patted her on the back and looked her firmly in the eye:

- And since then I've been wandering around aimlessly. It's been a long time, to tell you the truth. If I'm 18 now... it happened when I was about 12, I think? - Sora's tone seemed to have returned to normal, she had also raised her face

- Anyway, we're here if you need any help - She smiled

Some time had passed and Sora was saying goodbye to the two sisters. Yuki closed the door of the house as soon as Sora came out, and let out a long sigh:

- Mio, you have to try to pretend better - She looked at her, who still seemed a little lost in thought

- How would I know, how would I know? - She was still sitting in the chair, looking down

- It wasn't your fault, you can't control everyone that 2.0 killed, y'know right?

- Yuki, what's the chance?

- I don't know, doesn't matter, so what? It's not like she's going to find out that 2.0 is your alter ego. 

- But what if?

- Then you deal with it, whatever! - She left the room

Mio was alone:

- Hmmm, I never imagined I'd personally meet someone whose family I killed... how interesting!

- Shut up 2.0, I'm out of patience.

- You always run out of patience with me!

- Yes, because you're always insufferable.

- Ahhh, now I think I remember that girl's family, hehe... the Yakusa family, right?

- Shut up.

- Hm, but she said she had an older sister? I don't remember anyone like that, there was only the father and mother, what a shame...

- Get out of here.

- Say again?

- I told you to get out.

- Yes!

Yuki returned to the living room, sat down on the sofa and turned on the TV:

- I'm going to play the bass... - She said with a sigh, heading towards her room

As she entered her room, Mio sat down on her bed. She stared at the empty bed on the other side of the room. She bit her lips lightly, seemingly lost in thought, and as she did so, she reached out for something. Right next to her bed, near her headboard, there was a bass cover leaning against the wall. She placed it carefully on her lap and took out a four-string bass, especially one for left-handed players. With her eyes closed, the woman strummed slowly and carefully across the strings, and along with the light, serious melody that was forming, she also hummed a tune. It sounded more like she was humming a rhythm than lyrics, and little by little she became immersed in her own little world, even tapping her foot on the floor in time with the music. Then, after a while, she suddenly stopped and stretched out her arm to reach a piece of paper and pen that were under her desk. Writing right there where she was, she seemed to be scribbling down ideas for lyrics, but without any success, as she always ended up crossing out any stanza she wrote. In fact, it was possible to see that she had already made several other attempts, judging by the pile of crumpled papers found in her trash, as well as several other papers on her desk, all scribbled on. And what she was writing at that very moment also met the same end, crumpled up and thrown in the garbage can:

- I can't write anything else... - She scratched her head - I haven't been able to write a song for so long. 

She put his bass back in its case, carefully leaning it against the wall. She threw herself on the bed, looking up at the ceiling:

-I wanted to see Phaniel today... - As she muttered this, she closed her eyes.

 

 

Scene 6

She felt a slight discomfort, so she opened her eyes slowly, Mio had fallen asleep in her room without even realizing it: "How long has it been?" she couldn't answer. But it was already dark, she could even hear some crickets in the distance and the cold night air was coming into her room through the windows, which had been left open. The faint sound of the TV, which she had slept listening to, was no more. As if that wasn't enough, she felt immense pain in her back and joints, she had slept badly:

- What a drag... - She said as she stretched 

She left her room and headed for the living room, only to find it empty. A thought crossed her mind. At that moment, she looked in the kitchen, the bathroom, the bedrooms - nothing:

- I told her... she went to the bar again, really? - She put her hand to her face - you know what? I'll go after her later, it's not like human drinks can make her drunk.

Before she could realize she was alone, the doorbell rang. She went to the door to answer it and was met by a man:

- Phaniel? 

- Mio, I'm glad you're all right! - He seemed relieved to see her

- Did something happen?

- No, it's just that you didn't go running after Yuki, I thought something had happened...

- Ahhh, I was sleeping - She said as she signaled for him to come in.

- Really? That's good, it's rare to see you asleep - He smiled gently

- Really? - Mio closed the door - well... yeah, it's been hard to sleep these days.

- These days? - He laughed lightly - I don't think you've had a decent night's sleep in a while - He teased her slightly

- HEY! It hasn't been that long... - She replied

- Hmmm, I know - He smiled - if you want, I'll sing you to sleep...

- It's easier for me to do it for you - She smiled back, answering his teasing.

- Now that you've said it, I don't seem to be sleeping very well these days...

- Of course, of course - She headed for the kitchen - My God, I slept all afternoon! - She looked at the clock, it was already 7pm

- You were really tired... - He leaned on the dish rack

- ...yeah - She looked at the floor, stuck in thought

- Come here - He said as he sat down on the sofa

As it was winter, it was quite common for Mio and Yuki to leave a blanket on the sofa to cover themselves when they were watching something:

- Sure - She went towards the sofa, snuggling under the blanket

- Hold on, I'll make some hot chocolate... - Phaniel got up and went into the kitchen

- I just think we're switching roles, isn't it usually the host who has to do that? - She laughed a little

- Hmm, but didn't I say I was going to help you sleep? 

- No, you said you were going to sing me to sleep! You promised....

- Did I? I don't remember.

- Huh - She crossed her arms - So don't come complaining if I don't sing you to sleep! 

She spent a while looking for something decent on TV:

- Here - He offered her a mug of hot chocolate

- Thanks! - She picked it up carefully - Look, there's a newscast about some killings going on there, still because of the end of the war... 

- HAHAH! There's no movie, Mio? 

- Do you think they're releasing movies in the state the world is in now? - She sipped her chocolate

- You have a point... 

- Anyway, it's not as if the city hardest hit by the war would also get some kind of cable service... - Pause - hey, this is really good! What is this recipe?

- Hm - Phaniel had a huge smile on his face - secret... - He turned his face the other way

- No, you're going to tell me! - She approached him 

- Come on, you're good at everything you do, I have to have some qualities...

- But you have one, and a very good one!

- Which one? - He looked at Mio

- Secret... - She smiled

- hm - He couldn't refute her - damn. 

- It looks like there's a movie on at 8pm, but it's an action movie - She said bitterly

- Better than a horror movie. - He commented

- You think so? I think it's better than a romance movie. - She said 

- So you're not romantic.... got it..... - Phaniel replied

- What? - Pause - NO! THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT!!! 

- HAHAHAHAHAH! Your face was so good. - He laughed out loud

Mio wanted to shove her face into a hole right then, to disappear from the world: 

- Well, I don't mind - He said - You always say you're very loyal, don't you? That's enough for me - He looked at her. Incredibly, Phaniel had a sweet look in his eyes 

Mio could only watch that rare expression without being able to react much, she didn't know what to say:

- Oh, yes. - She turned her face away, which was completely red

Before the movie could end, Mio had already fallen asleep. It was a skill she had: she could never finish a movie, she always fell asleep in the middle. Phaniel had been mildly entertained by the film, but couldn't turn his concentration back to it after he realized that Mio had fallen asleep leaning on his shoulder. He was too focused on not moving an inch to be able to pay attention to the movie. After a while she woke up, and when she realized that she had fallen asleep on his shoulder, she quickly got up. Luckily, however, he had also fallen asleep, and when she realized this, she let out a sigh of relief:

- I just hope he didn't notice... 

Glancing at the clock, she saw that the movie had been over for a long time. It wasn't long before she also realized that she was alone. Not literally alone, but alone nonetheless. Before she could get caught up in her thoughts, something interrupted her, it was Phaniel's voice:

- Mio... are you finally awake?

- Oh, I just woke up. I'm sorry, did I wake you?

- Yes. 

To her surprise, his voice sounded strangely harsher and more rude, it sounded like he was angry:

- Sorry... 

 Immediately upon realizing this, Mio felt extremely guilty, assuming that she was the reason for his anger:

- Listen - He sighed - if you're going to fall asleep in the middle of a movie, don't even watch it in the first place.

This was certainly Phaniel's usual way of acting, but he always treated her differently, and she consequently got used to his gentle ways. In the years of their friendship, he rarely got rude with her, and when he did, it usually took a lot to wear him down, unlike when it came to Yuki, for example, where he didn't have a drop of patience. So a situation like this obviously took her by surprise:

- ... well, it's just that I... couldn't think of anything better for us to do - She lowered her head

But the rare times he got angry with Mio were always short-lived. Even she, who is usually humble, realized that Phaniel had a weak point, and a very weak one at that:

- I'd rather have to talk to Yuki than watch a movie with someone who falls asleep in the middle - He said rudely

- Sorry... 

Strangely, this time it seemed that he was genuinely angry. However, sleeping through a movie, especially when he's aware of how difficult it has been for Mio to sleep, shouldn't be something trivial?

- "I'm sorry", really? Is that all you can say?

At this point Mio held back her tears. Never, in the more than 10 years of their friendship, not even in the worst situations, had he ever been so angry. Did he really hate it that much?

- You're not going to say anything now, are you? - He snorted

That was the last straw:

- Listen, I only slept through the movie! So what? You, of all people, should know how hard it's been for me to sleep! Earlier ACTUALLY we had a conversation about it. Then you come and fight with me, getting indignant SIMPLY because I slept? 

Mio raised her voice, just as it was rare for Phaniel to get angry with her, it was also the other way around:

- And who are you to talk about what I have to be angry about? Stop being ridiculous! I didn't like you sleeping over, so what are you going to do?

- You got angry for no reason! That's the most idiotic thing I've ever heard! Go find something to do, if you're angry about any little thing like that, you should have plenty of time to get angry about things like that! - She got up from the sofa

- And YOU are the ONE that can say what I can and can't get angry about? 

- And CAN YOU TELL ME WHEN I CAN and CANNOT sleep? I guess we're even on that one, huh?

- If sleeping while watching a movie is so trivial, why are you so angry? - Phaniel also got up from the sofa

- I'm telling you the same thing!

- I'm angry because I didn't like the situation, SIMPLE!

- And I'm angry because you were a BITCH, who got pissed off for NO reason! Don't you think I have more right to be angry than you? I've barely woken up and you're criticizing me! I bet you wouldn't like it if I did the same to you.

- Well, you're doing exactly the same! I've only just woken up too and you're already coming at me!

- AND WHO STARTED IT ALL????

- YOU SHOULD KEEP QUIET AND WE WON'T FIGHT LIKE THIS!

Mio couldn't answer anymore, seriously, what an idiotic reason to argue about. Even more so when none of this had happened before, if they were going to argue, let it be about something more serious, right? All she could do was keep staring at Phaniel:

- Have you lost your arguments? - He teased

Mio lost her temper and slapped him across the face:

- You're ridiculous - She turned away and went to her room - And get out of here because I don't want to see your face anymore - She closed the door to her room.

 

 

Scene 7

It was dawn, and Phaniel woke up in his room. He had an extremely severe headache, and his cheek hurt. He hardly remembered anything from last night, it seemed as if he had drunk bottles of alcohol and blacked out. The last memory he had was when Mio had slept on his shoulder. As he remembered this, a thought crossed his mind. 

"At least she got to sleep, that's good, it's rare to see that happen" - At the thought, he smiled slightly - "Speaking of which, what harm would it do to visit her today too?" - He decided to get ready.

From Yuki's perspective, that night had also been completely confusing. It was simply impossible for her to get drunk on human alcoholic beverages, and because of this she always made sure she had an up-to-date stock of whiskeys, gins, wines and everything else, all of which came from Olympus, in short, the only drinks that could make her drunk. And yesterday had been a particularly bad day to forget the memories she'd like to erase, so she'd had to draw on her precious stash. And as soon as dawn broke, the sunlight bothered her eyes, forcing her to wake up. The headache and the hangover were strong, almost preventing her from getting up, but she had to. She found herself on the floor of the living room of her house, remembering absolutely nothing of what had happened. Well, with a little effort, she managed to recall a few messy and confused memories. To Yuki's dismay, they were all of her talking to Kieza. She never had anything against her, but the way Kieza looked at Mio was something that bothered her, she hated to admit it, but she felt jealous. Leaving the room, she decided to check her sister's room, which, even though it was close to midday, was completely silent, with no sign of life. Which was certainly something of a rarity since, not being able to sleep often, she usually got up very early:

- O sleeping beauty, let's wake up? - Yuki didn't finish her speech because the sight right in front of her surprised her.

Her sister was awake, but she was lying face down on the pillow:

- Mio? - She approached her

- What? - She muttered, turning to her sister

Mio's appearance was despicable, not only were her clothes and hair a mess, but her eyes were red and swollen. She had been crying all night:

- Fuck, are you okay? - She was perplexed

- no... - She mumbled

- Who was it? - Her expression quickly sulked - it was that Phaniel asshole, wasn't it? - She turned her back towards the door.

- CALM DOWN! - She pulled her by the arm - don't go. 

- WHY? I bet he was a son of a bitch who fought with you for the stupidest reason in the world!

Yuki's accuracy was definitely something to be admired, but it was nothing more than expected for an omniscient being like her:

- You're not wrong... - She hated to admit that

- See? So, I'll go and have a "little chat" with him - She rolled up her sleeves

- No! NO! 

Mio ran to stop Yuki, managing to stop right in front of the door: 

- Don't go, Yuki. I'm asking you. 

Before she could answer, the doorbell rang. Yuki knew very well who it was:

- Oh, great! I've saved myself a lot of time. Look, he came straight for me! - She had a scary smile

Mio pulled Yuki into a corner, looking her firmly in the eye:

- Listen here, I'm going to settle this with him, do you understand me? I don't want you coming between us, do you hear me?

- Okay, okay... I'm sorry... - She rolled her eyes

- Get out of here and go talk to Sora, I don't know! Keep the girl company, she ran away from home, she's alone!

- WHY ME?

- GO FAST! - She pushed her

When Yuki opened the door, she walked straight past without even looking Phaniel in the face, who also ignored her. Mio took advantage of the fact that the door wasn't completely open and was covering were she was to at least straighten up a bit:

- Mio?

Phaniel knocked on the door and walked a little way into the house to get a better view of the room. She approached the door, but her usual friendly smile was gone; on the contrary, she had a serious expression on her face. She couldn't say why, but she was very angry, no, perhaps disappointed, or even annoyed that Phaniel was mature enough to seek her out even after their fight, while, if it were up to her, it would take her a week to speak to him again. In any case, they were just childish emotions, which she didn't know how to channel properly:

- Are you that foolish? - She answered

- Hello? - He didn't understand what she meant

Mio sighed:

- And now you're going to play dumb? - She crossed her arms 

- Mio, I don't understand what you're talking about! I haven't even managed to say good morning to you yet. Did something happen? 

- Was the shock so great that your mind erased everything, or are you playing dumb so you don't have to apologize?

Phaniel was silent for a long time:

- I genuinely don't know what you're talking about... 

- So yesterday's argument was so stupid for you that you've forgotten about it?

- Yesterday's argument? - He thought for a moment - Of course! I even wanted to ask you that! Did you sleep well last night? You ended up sleeping on my shoulder, it didn't bother me at all, it's just that I think I fell asleep too because I don't remember anything else....  

- Calm down, a few hours ago you were swearing at me that I was an idiot for sleeping through a movie, and now you're worried about whether I slept well? Do you have a personality disorder and I didn't know it?

- I still don't understand what you're getting at. - He replied 

- Phaniel, seriously, you genuinely don't remember anything after I slept? 

- Yes... seriously, Mio, why would I lie to you? - He looked her in the eye

She put one of her hands under her forehead:

- Shit. 

- What's wrong, are you okay? - He approached her

- I'm fine, I'm fine... just, can we see each other another time? I'm busy with something right now... - She smiled gently

- Okay, fine. - He turned away, waving at her

After a while, she realized she was alone:

- 2.0 - She said seriously

- hmmmmm? - A voice replied

- No, forget it. It was an idiotic assumption. - She turned away, heading for the kitchen - And get out of here. 

- As you wish~

Before she could turn around, she heard heavy footsteps approaching, someone was running towards her:

- MIO! - Phaniel shouted, stopping right in front of her

- Did something happen? - She was taken by surprise

- Come to think of it, do you mind if I have lunch here today? - He smiled

- Aw... that's fine - She smiled back.

Meanwhile, a few minutes earlier, Yuki had just left the house, going next door to Sora. She knocked twice on the door, noticing that the doorbell wasn't working. After a while of knocking, she was able to hear the sounds of footsteps and things falling around the house, along with a few low shouts. Suddenly everything went quiet and then Sora opened the door:

- OOPS! Yuki? Do you need something? - She was clearly trying to hide something in her house, and it was noticeable that she had just woken up due to the state of her clothes and hair

- Uhm.... - She hadn't thought of a subject, since Mio had kicked her out of the house - are you going... to lunch? - She didn't know what the hell she was talking about

- Uh, probably? - She also had no idea what Yuki was getting at

- Is lunch ready yet? - And so an extremely uncomfortable and awkward situation began

- No... - She looked around, confused

- Okay. 

 Yuki stepped forward, causing Sora to step back:

- YuKI?????????? 

- Hey, I came here for lunch... aren't you going to let your precious visitor in? - She smiled slightly

- Yes! - She quickly looked around her house and sighed - Well, just, it's.... not much of a mess... 

She ducked her head, embarrassed, while also opening the door wide, indicating that Yuki could come in. She entered the house straight away and, precisely because the other girl had commented on how messy the house was, she couldn't help but notice. However, she couldn't judge the girl, after all she was living completely alone and was still young:

- How about, as a thank you for lunch, I help you tidy up your house? - Yuki smiled

- REALLY? - Immediately her eyes seemed to light up

- Sure - She laughed - I'm a person of words, and I also hate being in debt. 

- Well then, I'll do my best to make you the best lunch you've ever had! 

In saying this, Sora ended up giving Yuki and herself too much to expect. Expectations that were soon dashed when she opened the fridge door and realized there was nothing in it, and, looking in the pantry, saw that there was only... instant noodles. Sora thought that, well, it was impossible to go wrong making one of these, right? Innocent, innocent:

- it's... definitely a... different... taste! - Yuki had a hard time swallowing that... thing 

- hmmhmhnhm, yes - She was trying her best not to contort her face, how the hell did that noodle become that cursed pasta? - It's definitely... ONE of the worst noodles ever made! - As she said this, Sora had to cover her mouth to stop herself from vomiting 

- I think I've had enough... - She had taken a bite of that "noodle" 

- Yeah, I think so too! - She hadn't even touched her plate 

- I'm going to do something else. - She stood up while sighing. 

- AH! - She got up too - It's just... there's nothing...

- A.

Yuki was expressionless, what else could she expect from an 18-year-old girl living on her own? She obviously wouldn't have anything in her fridge:

- Well, how about we stop by the market, then? - She smiled

- But.... then you'll be doing everything... weren't you the one who hated being "in debt"?

- I just said that to sound cool - She replied promptly

- A - She also remained expressionless

- But letting you feel indebted to me sounds a lot better - She winked.

Sora's eyes widened, she didn't know how to react:

- Y-yeah! - Sora turned away, her face reddening slightly.

 

 

Scene 8

After a while, a decent lunch had finally been made:

- I have to tell you, I had no idea you were so good at cooking! - She said

- What do you think of me? - Yuki frowned

- ...haha - She looked away

- I'm not as incompetent as Mio makes me out to be, you know? - She pointed her fork at Sora

- It's not so much how she makes you seem, it's the general image I have of you... 

- What did you say? - She got serious

- NOTHING MISS OCEAN YUKI, THE ONLY CHRONOS IN THE UNIVERSE THAT I ADMIRE SO MUCH! 

- Well, I had to deal with it, you know - She put down her fork and stared at her plate, far away in thought. 

- "Deal with it"?

- I told you, didn't I? - She seemed to have a slightly bitter expression on her face, even if she didn't show it very much - Mio and I lost our parents very early... it's not even that, to tell you the truth. When I was sent to Earth because of my age, I arrived just as the war was starting. I was alone, just like you. 

- Ah... - She seemed to have become a little more serious

- So you have to deal with what you've got. - She shrugged

- I see, it makes sense. - She remained silent - In that case, it's good that I have you as neighbors - She smiled - And it's also good that you had Mio, right?

As she said this, Yuki stared at Sora for a while, until she smiled a bitter, pained smile. This expression didn't last long, however, as she soon returned to her usual carefree and relaxed air:

- See that eye patch here? - She pointed to her right eye 

- That's a pretty sick eye patch - She replied.

- Yeah, I got it when I was a kid from a very sick woman! 

- What do you mean? - Sora seemed interested in the story

Lunch at Mio's house had also taken a while, but as always her food was impeccable. She and Phaniel were still finishing their meal when he started talking:

- Hey, Mio. 

He had a faraway look in his eyes, and his tone was extremely similar to yesterday, when they had had a fight. Noticing this, Mio began to get nervous:

- What is it...? - She asked in a slightly shaky voice

- Don't you think you were a bit rude to me just now? - She sighed

- You're right... - She looked down

- And? - He crossed his arms

- And? - She answered, looking quickly at Phaniel, in surprise

- Is me who asks you!

- What do you mean?

Mio had a bad feeling:

- You admitted your mistake and that's it? Fine then!

- Do you want an apology? - She frowned

Phaniel replied, also frowning and shrugging:

- I won't. - Mio argued 

Phaniel just stared at her in complete silence:

- You were an asshole to me yesterday, even if you don't remember it, it doesn't cancel out what you did! 

- And the fact that I was a dick to you automatically gives you the right to do the same?

- You're doing exactly the same to me now.

- I'm not! I just want you to apologize, I didn't know what it was about and yet you were childish and took your frustration out on me! 

- It's you who's being childish now. 

So far, even though her words sounded like someone who's angry, Mio seemed very calm. However, this is quite common, even though she constantly fights with Yuki, even with Phaniel, she hardly ever raises her voice:

- Come on, I'm not asking for anything! Just say "I'm sorry", simple! - He smiled sarcastically

- BUT I'M NOT GOING TO! - She stood up, picked up her dishes and took them to the kitchen

Phaniel watched her:

- And then I'm the childish one - He snorted.

- Of course you are!

Mio gave him a sharp look and he rolled his eyes. She soon returned to the table, collecting what was left and taking it to the sink. Phaniel watched in silence as she returned to the table, having collected everything, and he looked at her. His eyes, which until now had been distant, which seemed to look through Mio, which even when they looked at her didn't really seem to be looking at her, suddenly lost their sparkle, they were dead:

- You know, Mio. - He said in a morbid tone

- What? - She was losing patience

- You're a nuisance. - He looked at her with a wry smile

- What? - She could only widen her eyes

- Yeah, ever since we were kids. A pain in the ass, a dead weight... 

Mio lowered her face, biting down hard on her lips. Of all people, he was the last one she expected, and would have wanted, to hear this from:

- I think... - He was still staring at her - maybe that's why Yuki is the way she is - Something's wrong with him, there was something wrong - it's your fault, isn't it, Mio?

She didn't know how to react:

- Doesn't it make sense? - His voice, slowly changing into something else, became distorted - what kind of sister kills another? How awful! 

No, please don't say that. I don't want to hear it from you, anything but that, please. At this point, Mio was holding back her tears. I don't want to, I don't want to, not again, not again! 

- That's right, Mio. It's all your fault! You're to blame for all this! The world is so much better if you just disappear! DIE AT ONCE! 

- NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!! - Mio fell to the ground, covering her ears and crying - no, no, no, no!

- MIO! - Suddenly, his familiar voice, that sweet, gentle voice, returned to normal - IS EVERYTHING OK, WHAT HAPPENED? - Phaniel ran towards Mio 

- GET OUT, GET OUT! GET OUT OF HERE! GET OUT OF HERE NOW! - Mio screamed

- Mio, Mio! Calm down! - Phaniel held her by the shoulder, trying to get her to look him in the eye 

- GET OUT OF HERE NOW! I NEVER WANT TO SEE YOUR FACE AGAIN - She slapped his hand away 

- MIO! LOOK AT ME, PLEASE! CALM DOWN! 

Mio dodged him as he desperately tried to get into her field of vision. He held her by both shoulders, had to use a bit of force to keep her still, and finally made her look him in the eye. Her eyes were watery, she was crying incessantly, but in the midst of her tears there was an expression of anger, hatred:

- Mio.

He looked at her with tenderness, compared to her, who stared at him with eyes trembling with hatred:

- Mio... it's okay, calm down. 

However, that warm, gentle voice only made her lose patience completely. She pushed him away and, looking into his eyes, said:

- I WANT YOU TO GET OUT OF HERE! GET OUT OF MY LIFE, OUT OF EVERYTHING! I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOUR FACE ANYWHERE, GET OUT! 

- Mio - Phaniel didn't knew how to react

- I HATE YOU! GET OUT OF HERE, NOW!

- but... 

- I. HATE. YOU. - She said coldly, her eyes dead, but in the midst of tears that wouldn't stop falling

- ok. - Phaniel bowed his head and left in complete silence

Mio just watched his image fade from her vision. When he had completely disappeared, she turned her face away, stood there for a while, then wiped away her tears and went to her room. When she got there, she picked up her bass, sat down on her bed and started strumming the strings, repeating the same routine: she would try to write some lyrics, fail completely, crumple the paper and start writing again. Every second that passed, she wrote more and more, wrote more angrily, crumpled the paper more tightly, tried desperately to play something and in the midst of it all, she cried incessantly. The snatches of melody she played on her bass also seemed to become more and more melancholic, along with her sobs. Suddenly, something in the chaos began to make sense, and so Mio matched the tone with her voice, even if it was shaky:

- "Somebody like yourself, true and kind... would never understand..." - She stopped abruptly - "and so, I write songs to pass the time..."? "And the setting sun after goodbye is said... is just... so... lovely..." 

As the lyrics formed, Mio seemed to lighten her expression, almost as if she was unraveling something new:

- "The birds cry out their song in this sunset" - She stopped singing for a while, suddenly changing the melody she was playing - "I'm suddenly taken back to that time, all the summers that would bore me out of my mind... Didn't I quit playing piano?" - In this melody, the lyrics somehow seemed much clearer - "Not about music, or truth, or the world, or this life I hold, but without love, or salvation, or kindness, or comfort, though, is it really life?" - Pausing, she seemed to ponder the very question she had just asked - "Why is it we have to fight to live our own life?", "Why I can't live off doing the one thing I like?", "I don't care if my lyrics aren't quite right", "Never giving a reply, just philosophic lines, is just an excuse, right?" - She stopped and let out a long sigh

After a while of singing, her tears stopped, she put her bass away and lay down on her bed, staring at the ceiling.

 

 

Scene 9

- Fuck, your house is a mess, Sora.

 Yuki had her hair up, was wearing rubber gloves and holding a squeegee; next to her was a bucket full of water. Meanwhile, Sora had a garbage bag in her hands, picking up things from the floor:

- I know... - She said sullenly 

- We've been cleaning up this dump all afternoon and so far we're... ARE STILL IN THE LIVING ROOM! - Yuki stretched out her arms and hit the bucket with the squeegee, which fell over.

- A - Sora seemed to have lost her soul - SEE! THAT'S WHY WE'VE BEEN STUCK IN THE LIVING ROOM ALL AFTERNOON! YOU SAID YOU'D HELP ME, BUT YOU'RE GETTING IN THE WAY! 

- Relax... I'm a Chronos, have you forgotten? - She winked

Yuki twirled her finger in the air, and as she did so, that bucket went back in time. It was a strange sight, the bucket instead of knocking over the water it's as if it was sucking it in, and then it stood up in the position it was before:

- See? - She laughed

- Why didn't you do that until now? - She was expressionless, just staring coldly at Yuki

- that.... - She looked away - I... I... - Pause - I WILL DIE IF I USE IT MORE THAN 5 TIMES A DAY! 

- Huh? - She frowned - As much as I need permission from a higher being to use time spells, unlike you, I've never heard of such restrictions. So, just saying, but I think that if anyone were to have restrictions on their powers, it would be me... but you, you're the strongest being in the entire universe... 

- NO, NO! YEAH, I DO HAVE THAT THING ABOUT DYING IF I USE IT TOO MUCH! - She laughed shamefully, it was one of the worst lies she'd ever told

- Okay! - She seemed to have accepted that "truth"

It was getting dark when they stopped cleaning the room, they had finally finished:

- Whew! - Sora said, as she wiped off her sweat

- And there's still the whole house to go - She sounded pessimistic

- HEY! Shhh, we've finished the living room, that's what matters! - Pause - Oh yeah! Look at the time, my God! 

- Relax, no problem. Mio's with a... guest - She had a little smile in her corner 

- Boyfriend? - She asked

- Yeah, no. But it's kind of obvious that the two of them are really into each other, so I DON'T DOUBT.. THAT SOMETHING... I don't want to go into the house and see things either - She had a distant, traumatized look on her face 

- Oh, yeah.

- Anyway, I should be going anyway! - She ruffled Sora's hair - Tomorrow I'll come back to help you - She winked and walked out the door

- Okay... - She waited for Yuki to come out of her house before lowering her head, her face completely red - Shit. 

When Yuki arrived at her house, it was completely dark and the door was open, which immediately made her worry. She entered quietly, and after finding no one in either the living room or the kitchen, decided to go to Mio's room. She found her lying on her bed, uncovered, and as she went to cover her and arrange her better on the bed, she noticed that her eyes were slightly swollen: she had been crying. This caused Yuki's expression to sulk:

- Tomorrow I'll deal with him - She muttered.

 

 

Scene 10

Another morning had come, Mio hadn't been able to sleep like that for a long time, she had slept almost all day. It was a rest she really needed. However, it still didn't help, after all, the fight she'd had with Phaniel was something that gave her a headache.

"It's so weird him acting like that..." 

The thought that perhaps he had been faking it all along crossed her mind. It was initially impossible, but with the sudden change in his attitude, it began to seem more reasonable. As she left the room, she bumped into Yuki, who "coincidentally" happened to be walking past her room just at that moment:

- What is it? - She said rudely, with no patience

- Jeez Mio~ not even a good morning to your dear little sister? You slept all day yesterday, I didn't even get a chance to see you much.... - She whined

- Of course, you go to the bar all the time!

- I DIDN'T GO YESTERDAY! - She complained

- Apparently you're getting on well with Sora - She said as she headed for the kitchen.

- Yeah... - She replied

Mio was preparing her coffee:

- So, tell me, Mio... 

- What?

- Did you have a fight with Phaniel?

- Why do you ask? - She stopped abruptly

- You looked like you were crying yesterday when I got home - She crossed her arms

- It was nothing - She said

She knew it was a very stupid thing to do, after all, it was simply impossible to lie to Yuki:

- I know you had a fight with him, Mio. Just cooperate with me and tell me what happened, before I go and have a "little chat" with him. 

- NO, NO! You don't have to, Yuki! - She grabbed her sister's arm

- Why? - She had a serious look on her face

- Listen, I... I can handle this alone with him. - She smiled forcefully

Yuki stared at her for a while:

- No. - She replied

- Come again? - She didn't know how to react

Yuki quickly left the house: 

- HEY, YUKI! - She shouted

No answer. Realizing this, Mio ran after Yuki:

- YUKI! WAIT FOR ME! - She ran towards her sister, pulling her by the arm - listen to me.

- That bastard has to learn his place... - She was serious

- You don't even know what happened, listen to me, please! 

- I don't care.

- Yuki- 

- Let me go. -She pulled on her arm

- But...

- Mio, I don't care what happened, let me go. 

- I WAS THE ONE WHO FOUGHT WITH HIM, OKAY? SO LEAVE HIM ALONE, PLEASE! 

- Ah. - It was a totally unwelcome voice at that moment

  The two sisters looked in the direction of the voice, only to find the subject in question standing in front of them. The three didn't know how to react to such a situation:

- Well, didn't you say you knew how to solve this yourself? I just remembered I had something to do at Sora's house, SEE YA! - She easily removed herself from the situation

- Hey, Yuki, Yuki - She mumbled, almost like a cry for help to her sister.

When she was finally out of sight, the two that stayed behind looked at each other. The extremely awkward situation was obvious. Mio was incapable of not realizing that she was alone, with him:

- Well, I... I think I'll go - She tried to escape the situation

- you're on my way - A strangely familiar voice, but one that didn't belong to Phaniel, came out of his mouth

- What? - She looked at him, perplexed

- you're on the way.

- uh... - She looked around, they were on a relatively wide street, she obviously wasn't blocking his way 

- I'm not talking about that path.

"Is this really the Phaniel I knew?" - It was a recurring thought in her head

- so which way are you talking about? 

- I guess you didn't understand anything I said to you last time, did you, Mio?

That "Mio" seemed to have triggered something in her mind, that intonation, the tone of voice. It was all strangely familiar, in an uncomfortable way:

- yes, it seems I really didn't understand what you said. Can you repeat it? - She said cynically

- Of course. - He looked lifeless - you're a nuisance.

She didn't know how to react. Again, of all people, he was the last one who she wanted, and expected, to hear this. 

"Maybe I really am just a nuisance." 

- Your whole existence is a nuisance, honestly, the world would be a thousand times better if you disappeared. 

Where had she heard that phrase before? Oh, right. Mio smiled bitterly.

 

- There's nowhere else to go, Mio - She said

- I know what to do, Yuki! It's okay, it's okay! 

- stop - Her expression suddenly sulked

- No, I can handle it myself! 

- MIO! - She had hugged her 

- it's going to be okay, Yuki - She said as she hugged her sister tightly

- you... honestly... - Her voice slowly weakened

- it's okay, it's okay... 

- the world would be better without you, Mio - Yuki's collapsed body fell to the ground, with a large bloodstain on her stomach

- I know... - Her stomach, hands and the knife she was holding were all bloody

 

Enough bitter memories for today, Phaniel has nothing to do with it. Right?

- So, can you get out of my way, quickly?

- you... honestly... - She said 

- I don't want to waste any more time with you, just get out.

- Honestly. - She looked down, holding back her tears

- Uhm, excuse me! Listen, have you seen a little girl, like this...? 

An unfamiliar voice came out, and Mio and Phaniel both looked in its direction. She was a woman of around 1.65m, her long, extremely straight hair was a very light red, almost white, her eyes were crimson with elongated eyelashes, and she wore a very formal, symmetrical dress. She also had a very upright posture and the appearance of someone responsible, probably emphasized by her red rectangular glasses:

- She has very light pink hair, blue eyes... - The woman gestured with her hands

Mio didn't know how to react; after all, meeting someone like this in a deserted town, especially when the atmosphere between the two wasn't great, was the last thing she had imagined. What's more, this person seemed too perceptive not to have noticed something like this:

- Do you happen to have the girl's name? - Anyway, she wasn't the type to reject someone asking for help - Do you know her? 

- Oh, yes, yes, I'm her older sister! My name is Aisa, and my sister is Sora. 

That blew Mio's mind, of course! Sora had said she ran away from home because her parents had been killed, but her older sister, Aisa, had stayed behind. Besides, wasn't she the one born with the "gift" that wasn't considered worthy by her family? It was a relief to know that she was alive, and even more so that she was looking for Sora:

- Today's your lucky day, then! - Mio smiled - I'm Sora's neighbor, and she even told me about you! 

- Really? - The woman's expression quickly brightened - Excuse my lack of respect, what's your name, young lady?

- Mio, it's nice to meet you! - She extended her hand to Aisa, who greeted her back

- It's my pleasure, Mio! Could you please show me where Sora's house is? 

- Aw - She looked in Phaniel's direction. He was gone. Mio's expression sulked for a moment, but then a sweet smile appeared as she turned towards Aisa - Of course!

They weren't far away, so it wasn't long before they reached the door of Sora's house. Mio approached to knock on the door, realized it was open, but couldn't even react when she heard a shout coming from inside. But it was nothing to worry about:

- SORA FOR GOD'S SAKE, DON'T YOU KNOW HOW TO CLEAN YOUR HOUSE?

- I'M TRYING, DAMN IT! I'M JUST ONLY ONE!

- Oh, well, my sister said she had "something to do at Sora's house" - Mio looked a little embarrassed in Aisa's direction, who didn't know how to react properly

- Looks like they're getting along well. - She had a somewhat distant, lonely smile

Thinking about it, it was kind of obvious. As Sora had said, if she had lived her whole life locked in a room, it was obvious that the two sisters wouldn't have had enough time to talk, let alone get to know each other. Besides, they've been separated for years, ever since their parents were killed, so all that time must have been extremely lonely for both of them:

- I'm sure Sora will be happy to see you - She smiled gently.

- Do you think so? - Her voice broke a little, she seemed to be holding back her own feelings

- Well, I have a sister too. So even though I haven't been through the same thing, I can imagine the feeling. Go on - She patted Aisa twice on the back

- Right. - She took a deep breath, plucking up the courage to open the door of the house

Aisa slowly opened the door of the house. The place was incredibly tidy, clean and even smelling good, but there was no one there. The discussion seemed to be coming from the kitchen. Aisa and Mio looked at each other for a moment, then both nodded and walked together towards the kitchen:

- I ALREADY SPENT ALL AFTERNOON YESTERDAY HELPING YOU, I'M NOT GOING TO DO IT ANYMORE!

- YOU PROMISED???? YOU DIDN'T SAY YOU WERE A "woman of your word" - Sora imitated Yuki's flirtatious manner - HAVE YOU CHANGED PERSONALITY SO QUICKLY??? 

- I didn't say it like that.

- Yes, you did.

- Sora...? - Aisa had stopped just outside the kitchen door, watching the heated discussion between the two of them

- Who? - Yuki looked confused

Sora just stared at Aisa for a few moments, without reaction, perhaps not believing her own eyes. Meanwhile, Mio signaled to Yuki, who sneaked out of the kitchen:

- Let's leave the two of them... - She left the house

- But who is that woman? - She whispered

- Sora's older sister, remember what she said?

- OH YEAH! I wanted to see the reunion, damn it! - Yuki looked back sadly

- No, let them have their privacy! - She pulled Yuki

 

 

Scene 11

The two sisters stared at each other for a while, it had been years since they had seen each other, not because of the loss of their parents, but mainly because Sora and Aisa hardly ever saw each other. Their parents didn't let them interact much, after all, the youngest was the one who had received a decent "gift", rather than the other. However, the innocence of two children didn't make them envious; on the contrary, Sora constantly tried to play and talk to her sister. But surely the last time they were able to look at each other was thousands of years ago, years that they were both inevitably trying to find each other again. It's natural that Goddess sisters, when separated, seek each other out until they are reunited. Blood relationships carry a very strong weight for the Gods, since a God can only be all-powerful if they're connected to their brother. It is therefore very important that the two build a good relationship. 

Aisa took the initiative:

- Sora. - She took a few steps forward, hesitating

The girl reacted by nodding. Aisa stopped. The younger girl slowly walked towards the other, calmly leaning her face against her chest, gradually wrapping her arms around her, until she hugged her tightly and collapsed completely. She could have simply run into her sister's embrace, but she seemed to have deliberately taken her time, perhaps to check that it wasn't a dream. The other took a while to process everything, but when she realized, she just hugged her back and let the tears flow. They tried, somehow, to communicate, in the midst of their tears:

- I'm sorry, I was terrible.

- no, I was, I was...

- I was so scared...

- I missed you so much.

- don't ever do that again, don't ever run away...

- I promise to stay by your side...

- I love you.

- I love you too.

And so, after a long time, they let go of the tight embrace, still crying. After wiping away her sister's tears, Aisa cleaned her glasses, which had ended up getting wet:

- Sora, there's a lot I still want to ask you, that I want to know... but, is it okay if I move here? - Since that day... I've been wandering the universe, but now that I've found you...

- Of course! Please, sister! - She took the other's hands in hers - Do you have... I don't know, belongings? 

Aisa laughed:

- No, no... because I didn't want to remember anything about that house... you know? - She looked into Sora's eyes

- yeah... 

The two lowered their faces for a while, both immersed in thought:

- Well, at least that makes the move easier! I'd just have to prepare your room... 

- I can help - She smiled

- Ah... you... want to start that now? Yuki, that woman from before, was helping me with that... it's still a bit difficult to get the house clean on your own... - She looked away, scratching her head

- It's okay, I'm here now - She smiled sweetly

The two of them held hands and looked at each other affectionately:

- Okay, I'm excited now! - Her expression quickly brightened

- Right... - She answered - Where do we start? 

Sora's house was very different from Mio's and Yuki's; when they entered the house, the first thing they saw was the living room, where the sofa and TV were near the door, but facing to the left, since further on there was a staircase to the second floor. Behind the sofa was the kitchen, which led to the laundry area:

- Well, the downstairs is kind of organized, you know? The problem is upstairs... - She sighed

- All right uhm, let's get down to business? - She used a vocabulary that was somewhat unexpected for her composure

- HAHAHA, what was that, Aisa? 

- I was trying to imitate you. - She seemed a bit shy

- I prefer you the normal way anyway... - She smiled

- Ah, okay! 

Aisa pinned up her long hair, helping her sister fix hers as well: 

- If we're going to tidy the house, it's better this way. Ah, although my clothes aren't that good for that - She said, looking at her long dress

- I don't think my clothes fit you either... - Pause - they don't even match - She looked at Aisa's extremely formal outfit, compared to her own full of prints and colors - I guess we'll have to do some shopping later... - She sighed

- Well, I can take a look at the style they use in this city, and then I can sew some clothes...

- Oh yeah! You can sew, can't you?

- Yes, but... now that you've said it, maybe shopping with you doesn't sound so bad. 

And so the two sisters went on, having irrelevant, everyday conversations, without much thought, just a friendly dialog. Before they knew it, they had cleaned the entire second floor, the conversation had really taken off and there was plenty to talk about. Meanwhile, the other two sisters were also having a long conversation, one that was anything but trivial, let alone disposable:

- Okay. We didn't finish talking earlier today. - Yuki entered the house, arms crossed

- I don't know what you're talking about. - She shrugged

- You know, Mio. - She stared at her, sitting slumped in a chair

- I don't want to talk about it... - She turned her face away

- But you should, I'm your older sister and I deserve to know what's going on - She crossed her legs

- I just... - She leaned on the sofa, facing Yuki - ah, I don't even know, to tell you the truth - She seemed to be holding back tears

- You can tell me, Mio - Now her tone was a little sweeter

- It's just... Phaniel's been acting really strange these last few days, he doesn't seem like himself, to tell you the truth... - She sighed 

- Like what? - Her face was frowning

- He's said some... bad things... like that I shouldn't exist and all that. Plus he gets angry with me for no reason. I know it's common for him to get angry, but it was different with me, I don't know. - She lowered her face - I really believed for a long time that I was special to him, but maybe he got tired of me? Or he never even felt anything to begin with. - With every sentence she said, her voice broke more and she seemed on the verge of tears

- Look, Mio, I haven't had a chance to talk to him since this started. But I know one thing for sure, what you thought Phaniel felt was all true. In fact, that's why he annoys me - She snorted

- What do you mean? - She raised her head

- Hey, gosh- that's embarrassing to say - She scratched her head - Like, you love each other, y'know? It's a bit too obvious, but for me it's even more so, because I've never detected a lie on either side in any of your conversations. You're just extremely honest with each other, which is why both he and you have known how the other feels for so, so long. I know that your problems and his, apart from the war, have fucked up your relationship, but even so, it makes me so angry to see how much you love each other... but just.... AGH! IT ANNOYS ME THAT HE'S SUCH A FUCKING IDIOT, OKAY? How can that guy be so into you, and know that you're into him, but not do anything about it? He makes it so obvious how much he loves you, but he won't even ask you out on a date, flirt, NOTHING, NOTHING! - As she spoke and got more worked up, she gesticulated and moved more in her chair

Mio listened to all this in complete silence, she was surprised, speechless:

- Yeah, I know all that, and I know he knows it too - She smiled like a fool, looking at the floor, far away - but... Yuki... assuming all this... why did, why did he... - Tears began to stream down her face - Why did he say all that?

- I don't know, I don't know, Mio - She got up and went to hug her sister - try, I don't know, to talk to him tomorrow? 

- but I've already tried several times, today he told me to just go away, that I was getting in the way of his life...  - She collapsed completely into the other woman's arms 

- it's going to be okay, Mio, I'm sure of it - She stroked her hair

 

Scene 12

It was already dark, Mio fell asleep after crying so much, she woke up in her room. The window was open, and looking outside you could see the moon and the stars:

- Oh, it's a bit chilly today... 

She left her room while putting on a light jacket, looking for Yuki. She looked in her room, in the living room, in the kitchen and even in the bathroom - nothing, no sign. She let out a long sigh:

- She's gone out, hasn't she? It must be the bar again. - She put her hands to her face - I give up, I'm not going after her

But that didn't take long, after all, she soon realized that she was alone. Alone:

- Mio~

- AW! - She was startled - Is it just you, 2.0? You scared me. 

- My voice isn't that bad... and what do you mean "it's just you?" 

- I thought it was someone else - She didn't finish her speech

"Someone else? No one has a voice like 2.0's, hers is too distinctive for someone else..." 

- Mioo, Mio, can you hear me? Oii~ oi oi oi! Earth to Mio, hello, hello?!

- Pha - mumbled something inaudible

- Hi? You totally freaked out for a few seconds there, is everything okay?

- Phaniel.

- What about him, bro?

- That same voice, no, that sound that echoes in my mind. It's the same one I hear when Phaniel says... those things... - She lowered her face

- Are you crazy? I have that voice because I'm your alter ego, there's no way that nobody has the same voice as me! Besides, he NEVER had that voice, you know that!

- Yeah, but when he told me to get lost, and things like that, he had a similar voice, no, the same voice as you.... - She seemed to realize something - No, no, but that's impossible...

- Hey, did you even hear what I just said?

- Whenever I was alone with Phaniel, he said those things. And whenever I'm alone, you show up... it'll be...

- Mio, that's impossible. Listen to me- 

- I have to ask Yuki!

- HEY, HEY, MIO!

She quickly put on a heavier coat and set off down the street towards the bar. When she got there, the place was packed, it was a Saturday night after all, even if "packed" for Mio wasn't really "packed", considering that the war had barely ended. Kieza was helping to serve everyone, and another waitress, who rarely appeared, was also there - she was the girlfriend of the bartender, who owned the place. At the counter, as usual, was Yuki, stretched out. She entered the place with all her might, and so began a scene that was extremely common for all bar-goers:

- OCEAN YUKI. - She marched towards the woman

- MIOOOOOOOO, I MISS YOU~! - She turned towards her sister, putting out her arms to hug her

- I NEED TO HAVE A LITTLE CHAT WITH YOU. - Refusing the hug, she punched his sister in the face

- HOLY SHIT! - She had both hands on her chin, which had been hit by Mio

- Can I get you something, miss? - The bartender asked, as she sat down at the counter

- Oh, I'm weak on alcohol... but... I think I'll need something. Go with what you think is best - She smiled

- Oops, haha, hi Mio! - Kieza appeared - I think she'll like something sweeter, with a low alcohol content - She leaned on the counter

- Yeah, I usually prefer sweeter drinks. How did you know? 

- Eh... it was just a guess, hehe - She smiled 

- You've got a good eye, then - She smiled back

- Yeah... I think I do - She looked at Mio

- KIEZA! I NEED HELP - The other waitress shouted.

- OH, SORRY, SORRY! Bye, bye then, Mio, I have to go! - She said goodbye and ran 

- Here you go. A very sweet drink, with very little alcohol. - The bartender handed over a reddish drink served in a dry glass, with a Sicilian lemon adorning the rim

- Thank you very much! - She pecked at the drink lightly - My God, I won't even realize I'm drunk. It's really good, you know! -  She smiled

- You're welcome, miss - The bartender smiled back

- OCEAN YUKI, I really need to talk to you...

- What is it, Mio? You're not going to drag me out of here again, are you? - She was lying with her head on the counter

- No, I need advice... 

- Advice on what? 

- Look... do you think there's any chance of 2.0 somehow controlling my mind so that I think Phaniel said all that, when he never said those things?

- Uhhh... no, it's impossible. She could speak into your mind to make you believe it, but from what you told me, it was too vivid to be her speaking into your head.

- So what could explain the fact that, every time he said those things, his voice was the same as 2.0's?

- uhmm.... - She thought

- Hey, this drink is really good... 

- uhmm, what could it be?

Mio got up from her seat, carrying her drink, and started walking around the bar:

- Do you always come here? Fuck, I LOVE YOUR FUCKING CLOTHING! What are you drinking there, can I take a sip? - She would talk to any stranger she met

- he has the same voice... what could... - She was thinking a lot

- LET'S TAKE A PICTURE TOGETHER?!??!?!? I'M YOUR FAN!!! - Mio quickly began to make friends with the customers

- ahhh, I feel like I'm getting close - She had her hands on her head, she seemed to be using all her brain cells

- I just wanted to make it very clear that you are very important to me, I really don't know what my life would be without you!!! - She got so into it with the customers that she started to make a speech

- wait, is that it? 

- and I said "but I love you!" and then he said "get out of my face", so I felt really sad, right?

- Yeah, that's got to be it! - She seemed to have come to a conclusion

- EU PERGUNTAVA "DO YOU WANNA DANCE?" E TE ABRAÇAVA "DO YOU WANNA DANCE?"  LEMBRAR VOCÊ, UM SONHO A MAIS NÃO FAZ MAAAL~ - Mio started singing along with the others 

- If that's what it is, it all makes sense! - She finally lifted her face

- Seriously, you guys are like my family to me, you know? - She took the last sip from her glass, which probably didn't even contain 250ml of drink. She was also crying along with the other customers.

- Mio, look - She realized she wasn't sitting next to her - Mio??? - She looked around - MIO?! - She saw her in the middle of everyone - WHAT ARE YOU DOING? 

- I was just having a chat with my bros. - She approached Yuki

- GIVE ME THAT! - She snatched the empty cup 

- what?? but I've only had this... - She looked sad

- YOU ONLY DRANK THIS AND YOU'RE ALREADY LIKE THIS, MIO?

- What do you mean? 

- Leave it, sit here. - She sighed

- What's wrong, Yuki?

- So, look. I found out what happened with 2.0, she probably controlled Phaniel's mind. She can only do that if you tell her to, did you ever say anything like "get out of here" to her? Because that would explain everything. And then, by controlling his head, she can make him say whatever she wants! Doesn't that explain it to you? - She looked at Mio, she was asleep, lying on the counter. - Really? - She sighed - I'll sort it out tomorrow. Hey, can I have another whisky, please?  - She held out her glass with melted ice to the bartender

 

 

Scene 13

It was dawn and Mio woke up with an extreme headache, almost throbbing. She got out of bed very slowly and sat on the edge, staring at the floor for a few moments:

- Ahh, what happened yesterday? - She got out of bed, scratching her head

She went to the bathroom, and as she finished washing her face, she suddenly looked in the mirror:

- God, I look awful... - She sighed.

After a few minutes, she calmly left the bathroom and went to change. Then she glanced in the mirror:

- Okay, I look better... - She said as she fixed her hair.

She left the room and went into the kitchen to make herself a cup of coffee: 

- Did you sleep well, sleeping beauty? 

- WHAT? - Mio was taken by surprise, glancing quickly in the direction of the voice

Yuki was sitting at the table, leaning on it as she watched her sister:

- You walked right past me, you didn't even say hi. 

- Sorry, I didn't see you! Good morning, Yu!

- Morning... - She smiled as she sipped her coffee

- Yu, did anything happen yesterday? I don't remember anything. 

- I found out why Phaniel said those things... - She stirred her cup of coffee

- Oh, you figured it out. - She sat down at the table

Yuki stared at Mio, smiling sideways, as if waiting for something:

- WHAT DID YOU FIND OUT? - She stood up abruptly

- I found out what all the fuss was about - She sipped her coffee calmly - Don't you remember anything from yesterday?

- Now that you're talking - She had her hands on her head - AAAAAH MY GOD I'M ASHAMED I'VE STARTED TELLING STRANGERS MY WHOLE LIFE, I WAS CONFESSING TO THEM!!! YUKIII!!!!!!! - She was in despair

- HAHAHAHAHAH! Finally you remembered~

- I'll never show up at that bar again. - Her face was red

- Relax, I think everyone there already knows how weak you are to alcohol.

- Still... 

- Well, they've done worse there, relax, relax! - She smiled

- Really? - She looked at Yuki

- Yes!

- Okay, but anyway... - She settled into her chair. She was taking a painkiller with a glass of water - I don't really remember Phaniel's part, I think I totally blacked out after the adrenaline wore off - She sighed 

- Yeah, I told you everything to no avail. 

- Tell it again, please. - She ate her breakfast

- At some point, you must have told 2.0 to "get out of your head", and then she, the trickster that she is, took advantage of the command you gave her to ruin your relationship with Phaniel. Alter egos can invade other people's minds if they have their ego's permission, and she used it.. - Her speech was cut off

- ..to manipulate what Phaniel was saying - She completed Yuki's speech.

- Yes. 

- What a bitch! 

- Yeah, I guess that explains a few things - She washed her dishes - But, Mio, for Phaniel it's much worse. He loses consciousness every time 2.0 manipulates his head, which means that, for him, out of the blue, you start to get angry with him and want to distance yourself. For him, he has memory lapses and right after these "blackouts" you're suddenly crying, screaming and fighting with him. Imagine the confusion in his little head right now! And he's already dumb... 

- You're right... - She looked down

- What's up? - She looked at her sister

- What do you mean? - She looked back

- "You're right", is that it? - She crossed her arms

- you think..

- go. - She smiled slightly

- Just like that?

- Just go.

- O-OK! I'll talk to him, Yuki! THANK YOU! - She said as she ran for the door, without even finishing her coffee properly

Meanwhile, next door, Aisa and Sora were simply exhausted, having spent the whole day cleaning and organizing their house. The two ended up sleeping on the sofa, stretched out on it. During the night, Sora fell off the sofa, also taking the blanket with her:

- Ahhh, how cold! - Aisa stood up, looking at Sora lying on the floor - oh, I see - she smiled - Honestly... - she said as she carried her sister, placing her covered on the sofa 

She left, going into the kitchen to prepare breakfast:

- Where there's sugar... milk, bread, butter... - She looked through the cupboards

To her chagrin, she only found instant noodles, cookies, snacks and energy drinks:

- Uhm, not healthy - Sighing, she looked at her sister, who was even snoring. 

She went up to the second floor, gave her hair a quick tidy, picked up her hat, straightened her clothes and grabbed a coat she had left on the table:

- That's all there is for now, I still have to buy some clothes and other things.

She left the house, locking the door:

- Well, let's see, where could there be a market? 

She walked for a long time, but it seemed like she was going in circles, as she always ended up in the same place, in front of a bar:

- What a drag! I'm the Goddess of Space, but I don't know anything about location... - She sighed

She looked at the bar, it was open, with a small number of customers, after all, it was morning:

- Maybe someone knows where there's a market... 

Reluctantly, she entered the bar quietly. Looking at the people there, she noticed that they were also selling some breakfast dishes:

"Quite clever" - She thought

She made her way calmly to the counter, where she spotted a waiter, who seemed to have finished assembling a plate. She stopped in front of the counter, waiting for him to finish serving. It took the waiter a while to realize she was there:

- Oh, sorry, I didn't see you there, miss. 

- No problem - she smiled sweetly

- Would you like anything?

- No, no, thank you. Actually, I'm new to the neighborhood and I was wondering if you knew where there is a market nearby? 

- Yes, I do! - He smiled - I work there too, that's why it's kind of rare to see me on the night shift here at the bar, since I work most of the time at the market. 

- Oh, I see. Can you show me where it is?

- Leaving here, you go for a couple of blocks, then you turn left and go straight on. 

- Okay, got it! Thank you very much - Aisa left quickly

She followed what the man had indicated, but began to realize that she had walked much further than he had said. As much as he had said "go straight on", how much further would she have to go? No, looking sideways, she was clearly walking in circles:

- Is there something wrong with this town? - She looked sideways - wait, that's the bar! - She looked at an establishment a little behind her - ah, I've barely left the place... 

- You look lost... 

- Oh, yes, I just wanted to find a market, but even after they gave me instructions... - She looked at the person who had said that, it was the waiter from before - oh, you!

- I told you I worked at the market, right, I was on my way there now, then I saw you standing here... 

- I'm sorry, I couldn't find the place even after all this time - She was shaking her head

- Hahah, no problem, you're new here... maybe the rubble left over from the war confuses you, it's a bit difficult to get around here.

- Yeah... - She sighed

- We can go together - He smiled - I'm already on my way there!

- Please! - She said

- Let's go! - He started walking - So, what's your name, miss? 

- Aisa, Yakusa Aisa! And you? 

- Fukaku Andou! But you can just be Andou! - He smiled

The man was about 1.70m tall, with unevenly parted brown hair and round green eyes. He wore a tasteless blouse with a nonsensical print and a feathered shoulder pad on his right shoulder. Still, he managed to be quite handsome:

- Nice to meet you, Andou! - She smiled

- My pleasure!

The two of them chatted about the neighborhood and other matters as they made their way to the market, Aisa was very quick with the shopping and quickly returned to her house:

- Man, that smells good! - Sora said, as she got up and stretched.

- You slept a lot, huh.. - She finished setting the table

- FUCK, THAT'S A LOT OF STUFF!

- Watch your mouth, Sora! 

- Sorry.. 

The table was all set up, with all kinds of different foods, on two seats opposite each other there were glasses, cutlery and plates:

- I realized that you didn't have anything healthy in the kitchen, so I bought some fruit, milk, eggs, meat, vegetables, rice too... basic things! I also took the opportunity to make a good breakfast, there's a scrambled egg, here's a fruit salad, I bought wholemeal bread and bread rolls, but there's also brazilian bread if you want it. There's some toast and cookies in there too, but no cookies because they're not healthy! - Aisa said all this with great excitement, while pointing to each item on the table: 

- Wow. Okay, that's a lot.

- Ah! I made coffee, there's milk there too and in case you prefer it, because I didn't know, I bought whole orange juice, ok? - She smiled

- Right... - Sora watched all this without having a word to say

- I waited for you so we could have coffee together - She looked at her sister, who seemed a little shy.

- So, what are you waiting for? - She sat down at the table

- Okay! - She smiled to herself

 

 

Scene 14

Mio had run as fast as she could to Phaniel's house, even though she had knocked on the door several times, rung the bell and called him, she had received no answer. So she ran all over the city looking for him, until she passed a park. The place was completely abandoned and poorly cared for - after all, this couldn't be done during a war. In the past, this was the place where she, Yuki and Phaniel liked to spend their time. Tori always took them there, and it was there that the two of them met. Mio, as she passed the park, stopped on instinct, after all it was nostalgic to see the entrance to that place, but she soon realized that the person she had been running all over town for was right there. She swallowed and slowly began to approach him. She was nervous, she could hear her heart beating. What should she say to him? Now that she had discovered the little game behind 2.0, how should she proceed? It was no use, she quickly realized, the two of them were alone in that place:

- 2.0, it's no use. I'm not going to fall for your little games anymore, on the contrary. I FORBID you from leaving my mind. You won't exist anymore, 2.0. 

Mio, since she fell to Earth, has sealed her power. This is something common among gods, after all, if they went in their normal form to Earth, the Humans would quickly notice, and the whole purpose of blending between them would go down the drain. And so, when they discover what their path is, in other words, what kind of God they are, they return to Olympus. However, Mio was different, she didn't have the opportunity to return there, because not only had she been sent to the planet early, but her parents had also been murdered. She had no place to return to. Because of this, she stayed longer than recommended with her powers sealed, to the point where, today, even her appearance isn't her real one. So, when Mio says that she will forbid 2.0 from leaving her mind, it's simpler to say that her mind works like a maze, the years with her power sealed have formed a "complex world" inside her head, making it almost impossible for 2.0 to be free. As long as the alter ego doesn't find the "way out" of this maze, her existence will disappear:

- I don't care, do what you want. I've destroyed enough of your relationship.

- Go away. 

- I'll be back, Mio. I'll be back sooner than you think. Just wait for me. 

- I don't care, just get out of my face.

She took a deep breath, plucking up the courage to speak to Phaniel. This time, for real:

- Hey.. Phaniel. - She said gently

- WOAH- - He was startled, but slowly turned in Mio's direction.

- Hi... - She smiled awkwardly

- Hi... - He had a sad expression on his face.

Mio tried to look at what Phaniel was doing, after all, he was crouching in the middle of the park. When she looked, she could see a small field of yellow flowers. This field once covered a large part of the park, but because of the war, it had all been destroyed. However, it seemed that some of it had survived, or someone was taking care of it. Yes, it certainly brought back memories. Buttercups are their favorite flowers, this was the field where they spent most of their childhood playing, so this place was the source of most of their memories together. Times that would never come again. She had to hold back her tears as she remembered it all, including now having to face the contrast of the place that had once been full of life and laughter, and was now destroyed and morbid:

- I feel I deserve to give you some explanations... - She took a deep breath, swallowing her tears

He remained silent, just looking at her:

- Phaniel, I've never told you, but Yuki and I aren't Human. I'm a Goddess, the Goddess of Loyalty, and she's a Chronos - She took a deep breath - we... lost our parents very early, and because of that we were forced to live on Earth, pretending to be human. When we arrived, the war had just started... - It was getting harder and harder to hold back the tears - Yuki disappeared for a while, and when she came back they thought she was a traitor. After a long time, she managed to escape from prison, but the soldiers kept chasing us... - A tear started to flow - I had to sacrifice Yuki... - And another - because of that an alter ego in me emerged - Another - and for years I was alone in this city - Yet another - until Yuki, being a Chronos, was able to be reborn - And another - but the alter ego continued. It was able to kill several other Gods - one after the other, the tears wouldn't stop. She lowered her face - and I had no control over her... but recently she's become quieter, only appearing when I'm alone. Only because of my stupidity, I released her again, and she started to control your mind... - She sobbed, barely able to speak - it took me a while to realize it, because of that... because of all that happened... I'm sorry, I'm sorry... - And she repeated her apologies, in the midst of sobs

Suddenly, she felt something enveloping her, it was comfortable and warm. Phaniel, who had been completely silent all this time, watching Mio crying for forgiveness, hugged her:

- it's okay, Mio, it's okay, I'm sorry... it wasn't your fault, it's okay - He repeated these sentences, leaning his face against hers 

- I'm sorry, please... I shouldn't have kept all this from you, I'm sorry, I'm sorry...

- Mio, it's okay, I don't blame you, it's okay, it's okay... 

She remained silent, just crying, sobbing a little:

- It's okay, it's okay. - He stroked her hair

Over time, she began to calm down, and they both let go of the embrace. While Mio wiped away her tears, she took deep breaths, trying to calm down:

- Phaniel.... 

- Yes? - He said affectionately, showing concern

- I... have something else to tell you - She looked down a little, avoiding eye contact

- What is it? 

- I need... a bit of courage... - It was hard to tell, maybe it was because she had been crying, but her face was red

- What is it, Mio? You can tell me - He tried to stay in her line of sight, but she always looked away. He took her face in both hands, gently pointing her face towards his - Mio, please tell me. 

- aw - The red on her face didn't seem to be just from crying - it's just that... I... 

- You...? - He was apprehensive

She was silent for a while, gathering her courage:

- I love you.

- a... wait... what? - He didn't react much and took his hands away from her face

- I, Mio, love you, Phaniel. - As she said this, she quickly turned her face away, embarrassed by her own words

- but... like... - He was at a loss for words

- like...?

- like... like... ??????

- aaaaaaaah - She had her hands on her face, completely embarrassed - GO OUT WITH ME, THAT'S WHAT I MEANT! - She looked into his eyes, finally

- ah... - As Phaniel processed the information, his face reddened more and more - gosh... oh... damn... - His whole face was so red that even though his skin was black, you could see it.

Mio was looking at him, waiting for an answer; her face was also red:

- I... agh, I wish I'd made a better request... - He said 

- How come? - Mio jumped

- hmmm... yeah, I was planning something these days....... - He barely had the courage to look her in the eye

- REALLY? - A smile quickly appeared on her face

- uhm... - He nodded shyly

Mio hugged him tightly:

- I love you, I love you very, very much! I can wait, yes - She looked at him - I'm waiting for a "decent" request, hehe... just make it worth the wait - She smiled

- right... - He looked at her

The two of them looked at each other passionately, smiling: 

- in that case - he pulled away, leaving the embrace - not yet - he smiled - only after I've asked you properly, okay? 

- I'm going to tell Yuki that you're making me wait - She crossed her arms

- What's she going to do to me? - He approached Mio - Hit me? - He cupped her face

- maybe... - It was possible to see that her face had turned slightly red

- wait for me, I'll definitely make the best proposal you'll ever see in your life - he kissed Mio on the cheek, then pulled away - it's late, you need to go to lunch, and also tell Yuki - he smiled

- hahah, I will. 

The two of them stared at each other for a while:

- well, I'd better go, before I get stuck here - she said goodbye

 

 

Final Scene

A week had passed, during which time Sora and Aisa had done a lot of shopping. The older woman's closet was full of new clothes and accessories, so they finally had everything they needed. During this time, they also became very close. It was morning, and Aisa was at the market, as usual. She went there almost every day. At first it was to buy healthy food for Sora, but then she began to have ulterior motives with her visits:

- Good morning Andou! - She said happily

- Good morning, Aisa! - He answered, also happy - What's up, is Sora giving you a lot of trouble? - He asked, while going through her shopping

- Oh, she was... but whenever Yuki comes home, she seems to turn into someone else. So I'm inviting her over more often, you know? - She smiled

- I see... 

- Speaking of which, Andou - She seemed a little shy - Would you like to come over for dinner sometime? - She looked down as she picked up the groceries

- If it's no trouble... - He replied.

- No, no! Not at all. - She looked at him

- Then we'll talk more, see which day is good for everyone - He smiled.

- Yes, yes! - She nodded as she said goodbye

Aisa left the market with a smile on her face, even humming to herself:

- A dinner hm... - He was talking to himself - that doesn't sound so bad - he smiled like a fool, as he looked at Aisa from a distance. 

Meanwhile, at Mio's house, just after lunch, a commotion broke out:

- That was pretty cringe. - Yuki, sitting on a chair, her face resting on her hand, looked at Mio

- heyy - She held a letter in her hands, standing a little in front of Yuki in the middle of the room - don't talk like that!

- No, that's really tacky. - She rolled her eyes

- Eh... I thought it was kind of romantic, I don't know - Sora was sitting in the chair opposite Yuki, with her legs between the back of the chair and her arms resting on it, sitting backwards

- Isn't it? Sora understands me! 

- You're the ones who don't understand.

- You're not romantic at all, Yuki! - Mio retorted - Isn't that right, Sora?

- It's... - She glared at Yuki

- Who sends a letter in the middle of 2015? 

- HIM! - She replied

- cringe.

- It's not! It's ROMANTIC! I asked him to surprise me, so he did. - She lovingly held the letter, which had gold buttons attached to the outside - I'm going to keep this with great affection, forever, I'm going to show this letter to our children... 

- Oh. my. God. - Yuki almost threw up

- You mean you wouldn't do that, Yu? - Sora asked

- NEVER! OH GOD, NEVER! 

- ah... - She seemed discouraged about something 

- Yuki doesn't know how to be romantic, Sora... - She sighed

- Go and pick Phaniel up and leave me alone before I throw up!

- Well, maybe I will... but only at 7pm! - Mio whirled around the room

- disgusting... get away from me!

- BUT YOU TOLD ME TO "GET" HIM! 

- Mio, relax, I'll drag Yuki out of the house. You can have your privacy all night... OUCH! 

- What are you insinuating, Sora? - Yuki punched Sora

- Nothing, I'm just saying that you and I had already agreed to go out, also at 7 p.m. So Mio doesn't have to worry. 

- I didn't know that-

- Shhh Yuki, shush. - Sora covered the other girl's mouth - Anyway, we're going, Mio! - She said as she pulled Yuki by the arm, leaving the house.

- HEY, SORA! It's not even time for her to leave yet! 

- My dear, she's going on a date, YOU THINK it won't take her 15 hours to get ready? 

- Yeah, I know..

- Well? - She let go of her arm - If you want to turn around, you can. I tried to help... 

- No. Where are we going? - She looked at Sora

- Ah - She was taken aback - I don't know... wherever you want... 

- Well, let me see - She started walking ahead

Sora watched Yuki silently, almost as if she admired her. But then she began to nod and looked away, sighing:

- What? - She looked at her - It's not so bad going out with me like this, is it? - She smiled

- I mean.... - She looked back

- you're so demanding sometimes - She continued walking ahead

Sora watched Yuki again, she was silent for a while, then sighed again, and smiled again:

- No, it's you who's sloppy! - Sora ran to catch up with Yuki

A few more days had passed and Phaniel had officially asked Mio to date him. The two weren't at all shy about making it clear to everyone, being lovebirds even in public, they seemed to live in their own little world. Much to Yuki's disgust, she couldn't stand the sight of this and started visiting Sora's house more often. On the other hand, Aisa and Andou were getting closer and closer. In general, in that quiet town, love and happiness were once again taking hold. However, where there is happiness, there is also sadness. Kieza was stretched out on the bar counter, a few glasses around her:

- Gosh, what the hell happened to you? - The other waitress asked

- Mio and Phaniel started dating... - She looked like she'd been crying her eyes out

- HAHAH! Too bad for you~ I told you that if you didn't smarten up, you'd lose her...

- stop... 

- well - She sat down next to Kieza - you're not the only one suffering from love... - She said as she finished a bottle that was next to the other one 

- What do you mean? - She looked at the woman

- hah.... I broke up... - She sighed

- Well, you do have bad luck. - Snorted

- Hey! - Pause - But it's true, I'm not lucky with either men or women... 

- Don't even get me started... - Kieza added - but and then? He owns the place, are you going to stop working here?

- I haven't even told you why we broke up... - She spun the bottle

- Is it gossip? - She stood up

- Kinda - She smiled sideways

- I KNOW, you cheated on him!

- HAHA! Well, technically?

- WAIT WHAT?????

- Well, because the war is over, there's been a wave of new people coming to live here, because it's the most peaceful city in the region. And they're paying a lot of money for people to come here, because the city needs manpower, right?

- Yes. 

- So, there are two girls who arrived in town a few days ago. One of them is always getting into trouble, but the other is more of a nice person. These two arrived together, they seem to know each other, but they hate each other. Then a third girl seems to have added fuel to the fire, and now the other two hate each other even more.

- Damn that's some tea.

- Yep! 

- But what does that have to do with you breaking up?

- LET ME FINISH, GIRL! 

- Okay, okay! - She kept quiet

- So, the girl who's nicer, not to say that the other girl isn't, but then, she's literally my type! The other is very beautiful too, but I like girls who are more quiet. 

- I know... - Kieza judged the other 

- And, well, no wonder I was dating that asshole!

- Don't talk about him like that... - She crossed her arms

- It's just that, seriously, we have the same taste in girls!

- DON'T TELL ME!

- Yes. I don't blame him, but he had his eye on that girl too. 

- HAHAHAHA SERIOUSLY, MAN! I really want to meet this girl, what a beauty she must be.

- I'm sure you've even seen her. But anyway, I had my eye on her and so did he, and to tell you the truth, we never liked each other, you know that.

- Yeah, I was always a bit against you two dating, like who the hell dates just for a "test"?

- Eh, it was convenient for both of us at the time. Anyway, he and I found someone we were interested in, and we broke up, that's all.

- So you're not leaving?

- No! It's a great opportunity for me to talk it out with the girl!

- Honestly... I don't know what to do with you, Zenska.

The woman was about 1.65m tall, with long ginger hair in a braid, and brown eyes:

- Well, let's see who gets the girl first! That's if she's not dating! - She smiled

- Do you know her name? - She asked

- Mia.