Chapter 7: Golden Hour.

[Kaori: Hiro! Hiro wake up!]

Hiro's eyes fluttered as he felt the pain and the exhaustion begin to overtake his senses once again.

Kaori was right in front of him in the golden alleyway, shaking his shoulders.

[Hiro: Kaori...]

Tears poured down Kaori's eyes.

[Kaori: Hiro...!]

Kaori hugged him tightly, wrapping her arms around him.

[Kaori: Hiro, I'm sorry... I'm so sorry...]

Kaori sniffled, her tears dripping onto Hiro's shoulder. Her hair smelled like strawberries.

[Hiro: Sorry...? What are you sorry about?]

Memories of the bullies hitting Kaori over and over again, and Hiro unable to do anything flashed through his mind.

[Hiro: If anything... I should be the one...]

Hiro clenched his bloody fists and grit his teeth.

He was pathetic, wasn't he?

Kaori lifted her head and wiped her tears, face to face with Hiro.

[Kaori: I'm sorry that I was so... useless. You had to go in and save me. I was the reason you got hurt... I'm sorry.]

Kaori's lip quivered as she tried to not release more of the tears welling up in her eyes.

Kaori thought that way? If anything, Hiro thought she would be mad or frustrated. It was true that Hiro got hurt in saving Kaori, but it was also true that none of this would have happened if not for Hiro.

But all in all, it was Kaori he was considering here; Kaori was too kind to be angry.

Still, at times it's good to be angry. Hiro wanted something else out of her, not an apology.

Even if she was mad at Hiro and yelled at him, it would have eased Hiro's heart more than her crying and apologizing. Hiro didn't want her to feel worse. It wasn't her fault. It was his. If anything, Kaori was the one who saved Hiro.

Hiro had flashbacks to earlier in the day, with him being all downcast until Kaori brought him back in that small square of stores. Talking in the cafe, petting the animals, stuffing their faces with food-- that was more than Hiro could do for Kaori.

Seeing Kaori cry like this was hard to handle. Jeez, tears were welling up in his eyes too.

Thinking, Hiro figured Kaori felt exactly the same way as he did. If he said sorry, it would only make her feel worse. He couldn't be sad! At times like this, he had to bring back his old self, and show her how amazing he was!

It was Kaori who awakened his old self from that two month period after all.

[Hiro: You know, It's true I was pretty amazing in beating all of those delinquents and I did get a few tiny scrapes and bruises, but I really have to owe it all to you. You gave me the strength to fight. Without you, I never would have won. Like, seriously. You might not understand why, but I assure you, you saved me before I ever had the chance to save you. So consider it even.]

Hiro held up his index finger.

[Hiro: That being said, it's better to hear a "thank you" than a "sorry." And I don't think I said it quite enough. So...]

Hiro gave Kaori a shining smile.

[Hiro: Thanks Kaori. Thanks, so much.]

Kaori stared blankly at Hiro for a few seconds, unsure of what to say.

[Kaori: Jeez~]

She then broke into a smile and laughed, the tears that welled up pouring out.

[Kaori: You dork, making me worry like that... Thanks. Thank you too.]

Kaori laughed a little bit, before sniffling and wiping her tears again.

[Kaori: I guess that little speech of yours was also payback for when I gave you mine.]

[Hiro: Yeah, haha. We can both look back at this in a few years and make fun of each other.]

[Kaori: What was it? "Consider it even?" "It's better to hear a 'thank you' than a 'sorry'?" Those lines sound like they were pulled straight from an anime.]

[Hiro: Hey, I said we can start making fun of each other in a few years, not now, okay?]

Hiro and Kaori laughed.

Hiro's laugh turned into a violent cough, then he spat out blood.

[Kaori: Hiro! Are you okay?]

{Hiro: Dammit... my injuries had to ruin the moment like that...}

Hiro wiped the blood from his mouth.

[Hiro: Yeah, yeah I'm okay. It's just a little blood, that's all.]

[Kaori: A little blood? I think you need to get to a hospital.]

Hiro held his hands up in defense.

[Hiro: No, seriously, I-I'm fine.]

Hiro tried to get up in an attempt to prove to Kaori he was okay.

[Hiro: See? I'm okay--]

About half of the way of pushing himself up using the wall, his legs gave in and he fell back on his bottom. He looked at Kaori with an embarrassed look on his face.

Kaori sighed, and stood up.

[Kaori: Jeez, what am I ever going to do with you.]

Kaori held out her hand.

[Kaori: Here.]

Hiro took it, and blushed. Her hand was soft.

Kaori hoisted Hiro up and helped him walk, their arms around each other. She still smelled like strawberries.

Crap, he couldn't feel this way now. It wasn't appropriate for their situation.

[Hiro: Thanks.]

[Kaori: Let's get you home.]

Hiro leaned on Kaori as he limped forward, making his way out of the alleyway.

Hiro stepped past Shiro, whose face was all bloody and whose clothes were burnt to a crisp at the edges.

Hiro stepped past Kazuto, who lay on the cement, face gaunt from mana exhaustion.

That's right, what were they going to do about the bullies? They couldn't just leave them there. They could report them to the authorities-- but should they?

Hiro stepped past Atsuhi, who looked like he had just been mauled by a bear. Or run over then backed up on by a school bus. Hiro really overdid this one, bashing him with a pipe.

Yeah, they couldn't report them to the authorities. Sure, the bullies might get punished, but it could easily turn the other way. The bullies had more injuries than Hiro, and they had strength in numbers, telling their side of the story. More evidence and more backup-- not something Hiro should challenge.

So, what should he do?

[Kaori: Hiro?]

Hiro realized he had stopped walking, and had been staring at the broken-boned Atsuhi.

Hiro looked at Kaori and looked away, then back at her.

[Hiro: Kaori, what do you think we should do about the bullies? We can't just leave them here, right?]

Kaori stopped and took a moment to think.

[Kaori: I suppose you're right, it's dangerous to be in that state in public for who knows how long. They could get robbed, or kidnapped, and without medical help they'll certainly be in pain for a while--]

Hiro stared at Kaori in surprise.

Even after everything the bullies had done to them, she was worrying about them. She really was a kind-hearted soul. Hiro didn't think twice about that. He was disappointed in himself... he was being selfish.

But he couldn't get over the fact that they deserved it. So he shouldn't feel bad.

[Hiro: Oh, well, that stuff is important too, but I was thinking more along the lines of what should our cover story be? If we leave it as is, nine out of ten we're going to be blamed for their injuries, and we're going to get punished in some way, even though we don't deserve it. So, with your magic, I was going to ask you a favor...]

[Kaori: Hiro...]

[Hiro: It's going to help both of us, and that way we won't get in trouble when we clearly weren't in the wrong. It's bad enough that we got attacked by these guys right? To be punished for something that it out of our control would be even worse--]

[Kaori: Hiro...]

[Hiro: Kaori, I know you don't like using your magic, but I think this is a really appropriate time to do so--]

[Kaori: Hiro... you know I can't use my magic like that recklessly. Tampering with the minds of others... it's very powerful and delicate, not to mention inhumane. Memories and experiences are what makes a person who they are, and if you change that you are in turn changing who that person is. That's not something I have the right to do.]

Hiro was baffled. Kaori was defending the bullies, even at the sake of herself.

[Hiro: You'll accept the blame for them? Even for what they did to you? Even for what they did to me?]

Hiro gestured to his wounds.

[Kaori: I didn't say that... I'm just saying, changing the memories of someone is something no one should ever do. I don't know why I was stuck with this ability, but I don't want to use it when it's not necessary.]

[Hiro: And you don't think this is necessary?]

Kaori averted her eyes.

[Kaori: Well...]

[Hiro: C'mon Kaori, if you don't do this, we'll get detention for weeks, or suspension, or worse! Not to mention the bills and possible suing we'll have to defend against. It'll be a nightmare! Please do it, it just saves so much trouble if you use your magic. If this isn't necessary enough to use your magic, what is?]

[Kaori: But...]

[Hiro: Kaori, I just saved you from those bullies. Do you really want to repay the person who saved you this way?]

Hiro really didn't want to use that card on Kaori, but it seems he had to resort to it to sway her. It was terrible to convince her this way, but it was for the sake of both of them. That's what Hiro was telling himself anyway.

Kaori, her eyes averted, went through a visible internal struggle. She debated long and hard on what she should do.

Hiro gave her as much time as she needed.

After a few minutes, Kaori looked back at Hiro with a stern expression on her face.

[Kaori: Jeez, that's not fair at all. I can't argue with that.]

[Hiro: So... is that a yes?]

[Kaori: It's a "fine, but only because you told me to".]

[Hiro: What's this, you're turning into a tsundere?!]

[Kaori: Idiot! It's hard enough that I'm using my ability, don't make fun of me now!]

[Hiro: Okay okay, just kidding.]

[Kaori: This might be the first time I've used my ability properly in years, so don't expect me to be all that great in using it.]

[Hiro: That's okay. So, can you make them forget everything that just happened?]

[Kaori: Well, no. My ability, Mosyne, doesn't work like that. It's more complicated. First of all, there are a few things we need to sort out before I can apply my magic. One, I have to have a clear image of what I'm inserting into their memories. Two, I have to be able to remove the memories that fit into the time frame of the memories I'm inserting myself. Three, I have to have enough mana and time to actually perform this. I guess I could compare it to surgery, to where if I'm not careful, I could accidently snip off something or add stuff I don't want if I'm not focused enough.]

[Hiro: Scary.]

[Kaori: For two, that's all on me, so I just have to be skilled enough to perform that. For three, I shouldn't have to worry about mana because my family has pretty large mana pools. I never really tested my limits, but I assume I have a lot like them. Also, time shouldn't be too much of a problem either, as long as I can focus. One is the hardest thing to figure out.]

[Kaori: For one, we have a near infinite amount of choices. We could fabricate the whole situation from scratch, but that is extremely difficult to do. What dark magic users that can alter memories like this do to conserve mana, time, and brain power is to make subtle changes, as in keeping the memory, but switching out a few things, such as people, or objects, or topic of discussion.]

[Hiro: Ohh, interesting.]

[Kaori: This is where you'll have to decide what we should do.]

[Hiro: Wait, me?]

[Kaori: Yeah, it was your idea, right? So you tell me what you want me to change in their minds. It'll ease my conscience more if you make the decision.]

[Hiro: Oh, great.]

[Kaori: I can make it so that they forget our names, or they forget our faces, or maybe swap out faces out for someone-- the more concrete and real these fabrications are, the higher chance they are to be successful and last. Swapping details for others will be the most efficient way, so we should probably go with that. It conserves time and mana.]

[Hiro: Swap faces... huh.]

The instant Kaori suggested that idea, a thought came to his head. He wasn't proud of it, but the more and more he thought about it, the more he considered asking Kaori to do it for him.

[Hiro: So, you said you were able to swap the faces of people?]

[Kaori: Yeah, I can. Swapping faces is a good choice, but it has to be someone I've seen and remember. I need to at least have a good image of their face, and it has to be plausible, so recommend me someone we both know. Of course, as much as I don't like it, our best bet is probably using the faces of random passersby we encountered today, so that it doesn't affect our daily lives too much.]

People Kaori have seen and can remember. The people Hiro had in mind checked off both of those categories.

But did he really want to do it? Was he that much of a jerk to do this to them? Did they deserve it?

Hiro clasped his fists.

Hell yeah they deserved it. He couldn't forget everything that happened.

Hiro didn't need to think about it too much.

His heart beckoned, and he answered.

[Hiro: No, I think I have people in mind.]

[Kaori: Oh?]

[Hiro: You know the guy with white hair in our magic studies and math class? Shuuki?]

[Kaori: Him? Yeah. Isn't he your brother?]

Hiro wasn't going to answer that.

[Hiro: Do you think you could swap my face with his?]

It was both plausible, and simple. It would make more sense if Shuuki, the prodigy with portal magic, beat three bullies in an alleyway than if Hiro, a good for nothing magicless half-pint did.

If the rules Kaori stated above were the only restrictions, she should be able to do it. She had a clear image of her classmates' face.

[Kaori: Shuuki? You don't mean...]

The white-haired boy with blue eyes and a handsome face. Shuuki. The person that's made Hiro's stomach turn for years.

[Hiro: I meant what I said.]

[Kaori: But Hiro, you know how bad this could end up? I never really spoke with him before, but if he got suspended or even expelled for something that he didn't do, I don't think I could live with myself, you know?]

{Hiro: C'mon Kaori, I thought we already went over this...}

Hiro averted his eyes and scowled. It was stupid that he was doing this, but he needed to.

He absolutely had to.

Realizing that Kaori might have seen him make a scary expression, he fixed it immediately.

[Kaori: You're really serious about this...? What... what about the second person then? Who do you intend to swap with me?]

Hiro felt a sharp pain in his heart.

[Hiro: Jun. Jun Hazegawa.]

[Kaori: Jun? Really? Hiro...]

Kaori shook her head.

[Kaori: Hiro, I don't know what you've been going through, and I know you're on somewhat bad terms with them, but don't you think doing this is overdoing it?]

Hiro grit his teeth.

{Hiro: No, not at all.}

She had no idea how much Hiro had missed out on because of Shuuki. She had no idea how betrayed he felt because of Jun.

Hiro's entire life, he struggled just so that he could end up behind Shuuki. And to realize the vast space between them.

[Hiro: Kaori, please. I know how much this might go against your morals, but please... let me have this. Let me have something... just this once.]

Hiro began tearing up. Hiro grabbed his chest.

{Hiro: I want it... I want it so bad...}

Maybe Hiro was doing this to shorten the vast space between his brother, even though Shuuki was already beyond the stars. Maybe Hiro was doing this just so that he could feel better. He wasn't sure.

Hiro wanted something, but he wasn't sure about that either. It hurt his heart, so much. Right now more than ever before.

Kaori looked at Hiro, and saw something within him. An untamed desire, a spirit that harbored jealousy.

But despite that, despite her going against her morals, she felt sorry for him.

Even if it might hurt others, she couldn't turn down the person in front of her.

A tear rolled down Kaori's cheek.

She was the type to cry if she saw others crying. Especially if it was a friend.

She wiped her tears away.

[Kaori: Jeez Hiro, making me do this.]

Kaori sighed.

[Kaori: Here, sit back down. This might take a while.]

Hiro, trying to hold back his tears, leaned up against the alley wall and sat down carefully, trying to not hurt more than he already was.

Kaori immediately got to work, getting on her knees by Kazuto, then placing her hands on his forehead.

Her hands glowed with black light, and she closed her eyes in concentration.

She stayed absolutely still for a minute, then two, then five.

The alleyway was completely silent, with the exception of the crickets beginning to chirp and the frogs beginning to croak. The setting sun was about halfway under the horizon, a beautiful red and purple sky.

After a few more minutes, Kaori stood up, and walked over to Atsuhi and repeated her actions.

Then to Shiro.

Even though Hiro didn't want to break Kaori's focus, he let the words slip out of his mouth.

[Hiro: Thank you... Kaori. I'm sorry you have to help me again... I'm a terrible friend, aren't I? Making you do all this.]

Kaori with her eyes closed, didn't say a word. Hiro didn't know if she could hear him, but if she could, he understood why she wouldn't respond.

It was okay.

Hiro got his chance, and he seized it. Maybe, just maybe, this would do something for him. Maybe things with Shuuki would change. Maybe he could get ever so closer to his brother. Maybe he could get what he wanted.

zzt--

A text message.

Hiro pulled out his phone. A text from his mother.

Mom: Hiro? Where are you? Come home soon, dinner will be at 7 today (dad's making barbeque and setting up the campfire)

Hiro: Oh, awesome! I'll be there soon. Is it a special occasion or something?

Mom: No, I think he wants to just relax and have a bit of fun for a night

Hiro: Oh, awesome. I'll be home soon

Mom: Okay, be safe! Love you

Hiro: Love you too

Soon enough, Kaori stood up. Sweat dribbled down her forehead, and she moved her hair out of the way as she wiped it off.

Hiro put his phone away.

[Kaori: It was hard, but I finished.]

Kaori noticed Hiro's expression on his face. He seemed to want to leave and get some rest.

[Kaori: I'm guessing you're ready to go home now?]

[Hiro: Huh? Oh. Yeah, I guess.]

Kaori extended her hand to help Hiro up.

Hiro took it.

[Hiro: Thanks.]

[Kaori: Do you need help getting home?]

[Hiro: No, I think I'm fine.]

[Kaori: You sure? You look terrible.]

[Hiro: Yeah, I'm okay. The pain is subsiding and I can walk on my own.]

Hiro stopped leaning on Kaori and took a few stable steps in front of him, but then tripped, stumbling to regain balance.

[Hiro: More or less.]

Hiro and Kaori walked out of the alleyway into the intersection.

Kaori looked at Hiro in worry, and he did his best to hide his pain.

All of the strikes he took earlier were still coming at him in waves of pain, pulsating and jarring-- but he could take it.

After everything Kaori has done for him he couldn't afford to let her worry about him more.

[Hiro: Thanks Kaori... seriously. Everything we did today... it was really fun.]

Hiro shot Kaori with one of his bright, shining smiles, but under it he harbored so much pain.

He wondered if Kaori could see through it.

[Hiro: See you tomorrow.]

Hiro turned around and began walking down the sidewalk. The setting sun cast magnificent shadows around Hiro and Kaori, the trees and lamp posts stretching to form a work of art.

The weather was perfect. The time was perfect. It looked beautiful.

It was golden hour.

A gentle breeze blew, brushing the tears off of Kaori's face.

The sight of Hiro limping his way back home, all alone with so much pain under his smile-- it was too sad.

It hurt her so much to see Hiro try to take everything upon himself, but knew he was too stubborn to let himself be helped. All Kaori could do was stand beside him, try to guide him, and hope.

If Hiro refused to cry his sorrows away, someone had to do it for him. And Kaori would gladly take that role if that meant lifting some of his burden, even if she didn't know what that burden was.

Kaori just wished for him to be happy.

Kaori clasped her fists, and with a sudden burst of will, she shouted.

[Kaori: Hiro!]

Hiro turned around slowly, the breeze blowing leaves and petals in the gold light.

[Kaori: Don't push yourself too much, okay?]

Hiro gave Kaori a smile again, a weak smile, then resumed walking down the path to his house.

Kaori watched Hiro limp, each step of his adding a heaviness to her heart.