I Always Will

Author pov

" Thank you for that, Shoko," his voice barely audible above the chatter and music of the crowd. With a flick of his hand, he led her away from the bustling main area towards a secluded spot shaded by tall trees. The air was cooler here, and the only sounds were the rustling of leaves and distant laughter. It felt like their own little world, just for the two of them. He spoke in a hushed tone as if sharing a secret between friends.

"For what exactly? I'm just helping a good old friend of mine." Shoko teasingly bumped into him, causing his steps to become unsteady. "Thank you for coming back to us. We missed you . . . I missed you." her voice was like a gentle breeze, carrying with it a sense of peace and warmth towards the man. Each word held a subtle, but unmistakable, tone of adoration for him.

Gabi nodded slowly, his rugged white hair rustling in the Tokyo breeze. He was quiet for a moment before speaking. "Even after I used you to give me Geto's body?"

" Yes," she shamefully answered him.

" Why?"

" Because you know why. Let us not act dumb right now, Gabi."

" I'm sorry-"

" If you really mean that apology then stay. I already have a gut feeling you might leave and never return and that look in your eyes already proves my gut intuition." Shoko stood frozen in place, her gaze locked with Gabi's. Tears welled up in her eyes, making the dark circles and bags under them even more prominent. The weight of her emotions was visible on her face, etched into every line and crease.

"Staying here would only lead to more trouble, you know that. The higher-ups will go to extreme lengths to take me down, to treat me like a savage beast. And if you and those in power interfere, things will spiral out of control." His voice was dripping with venom and his eyes flashed with anger as he spoke the words with a dangerous edge. "Endless people lost their lives cause of me. I can't risk it anymore, especially Misumi will be placed in danger."

"It wasn't your fault, Gabi. They used your innocence against you." with a determined stride, Shoko closed the distance between her and Gabi. She could feel the heat radiating from his body and see the intensity in his eyes, but she refused to let fear paralyze her. She knew deep down that he would never harm anyone without just cause. Her trust in him only grew stronger as she stood before him, unafraid and full of conviction. " If not for me, stay for Makima and Misumi. They both need you more than you know." There was a hint of pain in her voice as she understood that this was the only option for Gabimaru to remain in Japan. She was aware that she wasn't the one he truly loved, as his heart had already been taken by the red-haired woman long ago.

Gabi ignored her statement and changed the subject to something else, " Where are they buried?" despite the lack of context, Shoko understood exactly what he meant and she didn't hold back any information from him as she told him.

******

Author pov

Kenji and Aiko were laid to rest in adjacent graves. On the day she took her own life, Aiko left a note specifying her desire to be buried next to someone she loved for all eternity. Despite their deep affection for each other, Kenji and Aiko never pursued a romantic relationship because Kenji was obligated to an arranged marriage.

Gabi stood tall, a solitary figure amidst the gray gravestones. His face was etched with loneliness as he gazed upon the names and dates etched into each stone. Memories flooded his mind, replaying the events that had led him to this somber place. Aiko's words echoed in his head, her accusation of him being a monster stinging like an open wound. He wished it was just another one of Higanbana's manipulative tricks, but he knew deep down that it was all too real. The wind picked up, carrying the scent of earth and freshly cut grass. The sky was overcast, casting a dreary light over the cemetery and adding to Gabi's heavy heart. As he stood there, he couldn't help but feel like a lost soul among the silent dead.

" Did you always view me in that light? Or did you actually see me as your child?" Unanswerable questions that linger with no resolution, for the only person who has the answers now rests six feet beneath the earth.

As he gazed at Kenji's final resting place, he couldn't help but feel a sense of loss. Even though their time together was brief, Kenji was a unique individual who left a lasting impact that cannot be replicated. He was truly one of a kind, and the world will never see another person like him again.

"I'm sure Makima is filled with sorrow for taking your life. I promised to protect her while you were still here, and I hope you will continue that role from the heavens above where you now reside."

"I hope he watches over Misumi rather than me." Gabi was taken aback by a voice that spoke from behind him.

"Did Shoko tell you where I was located?"

Makima clicked her tongue in annoyance when Shoko's name was mentioned, and she stepped closer to Gabi, staring down at the two graves beneath them. " She would rather quit smoking than tell me where you at. She dislikes me, well probably hates me."

"What's the beef between the two of you?"

She couldn't help but roll her eyes, knowing that Gabimaru was probably aware of the reason for her and Shoko's animosity. It didn't take a genius to figure it out.

"I have a better question, why didn't you come straight to me when you were free? Are you trying to leave me again?"

" Again? " Gabi tore his gaze away from the graves and locked his eyes onto the vibrant orbs. "If I did anyways, I suppose you know where I will always be at."

"Because you are predictable. Where else would you be?" As she gazed at him, her eyes grew soft. The Tokyo breeze was picking up, pushing her body towards Gabi. She could have resisted and stayed rooted in place, but instead, she let the wind guide her closer to his body. " Our daughter asked about you," As her eyes remained locked onto his, she mumbled quietly, unable to tear her gaze away. It was clear from the blush spreading across her cheeks that Makima was bashful and shy. " Her birthday is next week and she will be turning the big twelve." The wind persisted in bringing her closer to him until she was practically pressed against his chest. She tilted her head and leaned into him, wanting to embrace him, but her nerves prevented her from fully committing. " Stay up to then and afterward. . . I love you, Gabi."

"Makima . . . we can't-" Gabi was ready to step back from her, but she pulled him into a tight embrace, keeping him by her side.

" We can. I'm taking the lead in my clan. Saturo with his and the Kamo's and the Zenin's is on board. There's no point in separating ways when we all faced an enemy who was able to wipe off all of us. Something in my gut tells me we will have more to come." Makima whispered as she nuzzled up to his chest.

"Me too."

"It's better if we both stay by Misumi's side rather than shelter her from this world. She's a part of this world too. She needs both of us and I need your help. So stay"

With a gentle embrace, he pulled Makima closer to his body, finally enveloping her in his arms. "I will try my best to not fail you guys . . . I love you too, I think I always will."