| ARC IV | Chapter 3: Childhood Memories

*Beep beep beep*

 Early in the morning in the Karlson household, everyone was woken up by the sound of the alarm. It was Noel's. He'd forgotten to turn it off before summer break as he'd just graduated 2nd grade. Still, he couldn't wait to meet his friends again when moving up a grade!

 And… apparently, he'll get a new neighbour! They had a kid, and Noel had heard they were from a place called Japan, and his father had been there once for work. So… he was very excited to meet a new friend of his.

 Noel didn't have many chances to play with kids his age all that much because he lived pretty much remotely. He had to take a taxi and a bus to school… so… he basically lived in the middle of nowhere.

 He sprinted down the stairs as his tired mother soon followed. She yawned. Saying, "Ahhh, geez, this energetic little rascal!" as she lovingly expressed her motherly love by ruffling his hair.

 "Mamma! The neighbours will move in today, right!?" Noel asked with plenty of enthusiasm.

 "Oh~ they are! I'd already greeted them when they came to look at the house. They have a cute kid girl your age~! So, I said that my little boy would come flying right over! But before we head over to greet them, let's eat breakfast!"

 Noel energetically nodded.

 "Mamma is going to wake Mathias and Freja. Will you start the preparations?"

 "Okay!" Noel responded as he headed into the kitchen.

 The breakfast was simple, really. Freja and Matias usually had some bread with jam, but… Matias likes to have ham on top, too… it was something Noel and Freja didn't understand since they found it to be a strange combination.

 Freja and Matias are his twin siblings. They're three years younger and are still in kindergarten. Which is also the same way his mother drove to work. In turn, Noel is the only one headed in the opposite direction….

 As for Noel's father, he's currently in America for work. He missed Noel's graduation ceremony, so he's been kind of grumpy, seeing as other children had both of their parents with them, taking them home and eating ice cream.

 His siblings were still young and cried when Noel's father didn't come back when he promised to. In turn, he called over the phone and told them that he promised to be back the following year.

 Finishing their breakfast, the Karlson family began to stroll toward their new neighbour's house. Although they were neighbours, they lived some distance apart, and it was about a 3-minute walk. Noel's mother would help them to move some stuff while they planned for their kids to play together.

 Feeling all energetic and jittery, Noel walked ahead and said he'd greet them first, leaving his mother to sigh as she happily giggled over his eagerness.

 Arriving before his siblings and mother, he walked up to the foreign-looking lady with black hair.

 "Hello, Miss!" Noel excitedly called out.

Turning around, the lady had a surprised look as she hovered her hand over the mouth, letting out a surprised, "Ara~ arara! What an adorable little boy!"

 Noel childishly grinned. And gasped, realising something, "My name is Noel Karlson! I'm here to play!"

 "My, my! Nice to meet you, little Noel! My name is Shizuna Nanami~," Shizuna said. She then called her daughter's name, "Miu-chan! We have guests, come and say hello!"

 (…?) Noel didn't understand what she said, but… (Cool! Is that Japanese?) as he then heard a timid but loud voice saying, "Haai~! kaachan!" Which surprised Noel, (Kaachan?) he thought? He was visibly confused since the lady introduced herself as Shizuna.

 Shizuna, seeing Noel all bewildered and puzzled, started to giggle, "It means 'mommy' in Japanese," she said with a soft smile.

 "Oooh! I should call Mamma that, too!" Noel cheerfully replied.

 "Ara~, it's a different culture. Don't shock your poor kaachan, okay?

 Miu ran down the stairs, and as she opened the door, she saw an unfamiliar boy, which led her to run back in as she hid by the door, peeking from behind. "Da-dare?" Miu flusteredly asked.

 "This is Noel-kun! Say hello~," Shizuna replied.

 Miu hesitantly looked at the boy and shyly asked, "Noel-kun?" taking a closer look at the boy who stood beside her mother. He had platinum blond hair and light silver eyes.

 His soft hair was strikingly similar to hers due to its light colour, but it wasn't pure white… and his eyes weren't crimson red as hers….

 Noel didn't understand their conversation, but he could tell that the girl, Miu-chan, was curiously looking at him, hesitantly and shyly.

 Finally coming out and fully exposing her white hair and red eyes, Noel has never seen someone like her before. She was so cute and angelic that he stood dumbfounded for a moment without saying a word.

 "She's a little shy," Shizuna said, patting him on the back and urging him to say something.

 "A…um… my name is Noel! Nice to meet you, Miu-chan!"

 "Ara~"

 Shizuna made a gesture, thinking she'd messed up a little. After all, Noel, someone her daughter wasn't so familiar with, acted too close by using her first name and adding a chan to it. She worried Miu would run away because of the suddenness of it….

 But… to her surprise, Miu walked out slowly.

 "He-hej…" she replied. Pretty much one of the few words she knew.

 Miu was in an unfamiliar land, but her grandfather from her mother's side was from here, so… she understood a little since both her mother was fluent and her father could hold a conversation… But… Miu herself had a little difficulty speaking even if she understood some of it….

 Feeling excited, Noel started to run toward her excitedly, but… Miu took a few steps back, showing her discomfort by his approach. Noel noticed, too and realised, so he stopped and awkwardly grinned while scratching his head.

 "I'm sorry… so, um… I didn't mean to scare you."

 Miu shook her head. She pieced some of the words together and concluded that he didn't mean what he just did.

 "N-no…" Miu replied. "I too shy… um… not good Swedish…."

 "Oh… I see, then… want to play? You don't need to speak so much when we play!"

 Healing Noel's proposal, Miu looked at her mother, saying, "Kaachan?"

 Miu didn't fully understand what Noel had said, so she had her mother translate some of it for her.

 "Noel-kun says he wants to play. Do you want to play with him?"

 "...As-asobu?" Miu replied. But… for some reason, she had a terrified look on her face as she fell down on her knees and held her hair, looking like she was about to cry.

 Shizuna started to panic. She didn't understand why her daughter had acted like this, but… knowing her daughter was bullied, she never assumed the word 'play' would be used….

 But before she could act, Noel had walked up to her, saying, "Asobu?" as he tilted his head. "No, not asobu, but play!"

 Shizuna understood that Noel didn't quite understand the conversation she had with Miu, but… the words meant the same, and… the trigger for her trauma…

 Despite that, Miu stopped shaking. She looked at Noel, tilting her head, as she iterated his words, "Leka?"

 Noel grinned and reached out his hand. "Japp! Let's play!"

 Seeing his wide and bright smile, Miu could tell that he meant her no harm, and… so she cautiously reached out her hand, taking his warm grasping the slightly larger hand than hers.

 She, too, put a smile on her face, "Okay!" she timidly but energetically replied.

 …

  …..

 …

 In a storage house somewhere unknown near the coast, a boy sat and waited in a dimly lit room. He was waiting for someone, and….

 "Release me! I tell you, you've got the wrong guy!" someone yelled.

 And as he was forced through the door, he was met with a boy. He looked to be around the age of 11, but his eyes were empty and soullessly cold.

 "Welcome, mister," the boy then softly spoke, his voice flat, eerie, even.

 The man was visibly confused, "Wh-waht's this? Why is there a kid here?" he asked the men who forced him here. He was already tied, but this time, he got tied tightly onto the chair across from the boy.

 (What the hell is this kid? What kind of ties does he have to the mafia?) 

 Another man then walked through, saying, "Supp, kid! Look, we found someone they may be related to 'that guy'. Better pay us a decent amount!" he said. He had a face filled with greed. Well… that's why the boy is using lowlifes in the first place.

 "Mister, don't talk. You only need to do what I ask of you," the boy coldly dismissed him.

 Then, yet another man walked into the room.

 "My boy Al! Don't you think it's a little cold to just dismiss John like that?" he said with a grin, "Rather than money… I'm more interested in you, c'mon? How about it? I'll do anything you ask for free!"

 "Uninterested," Al replied, sending him a side glance, "This is but a transaction. I don't intend to get involved with you more than necessary."

 "Maaan, cold as always," the man replied dismissively and turned around and headed for the door, "Oh, that reminds me, why are you so fixed on getting that guy into jail? We wouldn't need law enforcement to get involved, doing this double investigation and all, you know? Feeding those cops leads and all can cause us to get into trouble as well…."

 "...You won't, I guarantee," Al replied. "And I pay you a hefty amount, don't I? Don't pry into my intents."

 "Damn creepy kid… whatever, I was just slightly curious," the man said, heading out of the room.

 And the man that was being tied listened to their absurd conversation. The boy, nicknamed Al, turned to the man who had been yelling for quite some time ago. He was dead silent. He knew what was about to happen, and… he also realised what all this was about… after all, he's one of the colleagues who helped to jam all the electronics in the Miller family's house and killed their guards.

 His colleague had told him, "That kid got some real nasty look in his eyes! I can't wait for him to hunt me down!"

 Of course, he had assumed at the time that his colleague was crazy or something. But… here he is, being interrogated by that very same boy a few years later.

 (Oh… god… he was right…) 

 "Well then, mister, I've got some questions for you." the boy said, holding a gun in his hand, loading it and… "Don't worry, I'll go for the toes first. But… this gun is my last resort. I was referring to the nails and hammer over there."

 'Gulp,' he could tell by the boy's empty eyes. It wasn't a threat. He really would resort to torture. But… he could tell that physical torture wasn't the main intent since the boy wasn't even looking directly at him. It was like he didn't even see the person he was interrogating.

 "I-I'll confess, so… pl-please, just don't bring my family into this!"

 "...My? Did you reason that the gun was for that?"

 (…what?)

 "No need to look terrified. I know they're innocent. It was a joke."

 "...I can't really accept your words as a simple joke, especially with that look of yours." the man replied. He didn't treat Al like some kid anymore but as some psychotic and twisted individual.

 …

  …..

 …

 In a cafe, a detective was meeting with a particular boy named Alum Miller. His family went through some tragedy in the past.

 It was strange…

 To put it bluntly, the boy was free from his abusive family, yet he sought revenge in the form of justice. He really had no idea what went inside the boy's head….

 "So… the other day, an individual related to the suspect was arrested, rather… he turned himself in. They said he was deeply psychologically unstable. Heck… they aren't even sure they can consider his words—boy… what did you do?"

 The man Alum was having a drink with was David Karlson, a travelling detective who decided to take on his case, but… in his words, it wasn't because he pitied him. It was because Alum had money.

 However… Alum could tell that it was pure nonsense, as no other detective or law enforces would pick up the case despite him having money. So… in the end, he used this kind man's pity on him, knowing he might as well end up dead at one point.

 "...Nothing in particular, but I admit, I had something to do with it," Alum replied, drinking the juice provided by David. "He turned himself in for his own and family's sake, so… isn't that a good thing?"

 "...What do you mean?" David further inquired.

 "His family is now under protection. You don't suppose an organisation of skilled assassins would take the fact lightly considering their leaked info, would you?"

 "...I don't, but… damn, what did you even need 'me' for?"

 "Mmm? Well, you picked up the case and got authorities involved. That's plenty."

 "...Say… I might be wrong, but if you could find the guy on your own, why bother involving the authorities?"

 "...Things are settling, and I did involve you… I suppose you have the right to know." Alum said, looking emptily at his glass. "That guy… I could tell he hated the law. He scorns it, that's why."

 "....."

 (This kid is nuts…. To go through all the trouble for that?)

 "...What will you do now? Now that it all is over?"

 "....."

 "I assume you haven't thought of anything? Well, you're a prodigy… I think you'll do well in anything."

 "....."

 Alum was silent. What will he do? He didn't know. He never thought about it, not even once. Realising he'd just lost his life's purpose, his mind went blank.

 …

  …..

 …

 In the summer of 8th grade, Noel's father, David, returned, and he told Noel many stories about the prodigy he met. Noel became curious; he was regarded as a genius, and his father brought up this prodigy he met years ago… so naturally, Noel looked it up and…

 'Alum Miller?' he uttered.

 Noel proceeded to read some of the articles written about him, how depressing his childhood was and so on. From the inmate who killed his abusive parents and had been arrested until the latest story about them taking their own life to the conspiracy that he was the one behind it and so on….

 '—knock' 

 Suddenly, Noel heard a knock on the door. And it was none other than Miu.

 "Are you free?" she asked.

 "Oh? I am." Noel replied, closing all the tabs, turning his chair and facing her. "What's up?"

 "...." Miu hesitated, but she quietly walked to sit down on his bed, "I… I think we should break up," she said.

 Noel tilted his head, "Oh? This is sudden. Did the girls threaten you or something? I'll—"

 "No… they didn't. I've been thinking for the past few years… but I can't always rely on you. I'm shy, as you know… and I want to break out of my shell. Being with you is too comfortable… and… I want to be able to make it on my own…."

 Noel grinned.

 "So you're finally ready to take the first steps?" He asked. He wanted to make sure she really wanted it. Although he didn't know the reason, he was still glad she was trying.

 "I am," Miu replied.

 "I won't help you."

 "I know."

 "But… if it—"

 "No… I'm fine. Noel, watch me, I'll be sparkly, and you won't believe I'm the same person." Miu stated that with a soft smile on her face. Although her declaration was a little awkward.

 Noel couldn't help but smile. "I see, then… about the girls?"

 "I've made some female friends," Miu replied.

 "And the guys that persistently ask you out?"

 "I'll reject them on my own."

 "".....""

 "I see… are you perhaps worried about what the girls said?"

 "...About?"

 Noel could tell this wasn't out of nowhere. Miu probably felt like she was shackling Noel, and if he fell in love with another girl, she would be all alone, and since she was reliant on him… she'd be the same outcast she once was.

 "I dunno, maybe something about me being too good for you or that… they found out we're faking it."

 "...."

 Noel was right… that was why the guys started to persistently ask her out, and some girls weren't happy with that.

 "I see…. But… whatever reason you have, I'll support you." Noel said, grinning from ear to ear.

 "Thanks, Noel, you're the best!" Miu with a grin as well. She didn't know what kind of love she had for him, but… if it was romantic, she knew he didn't feel the same way.

 …

  …..

 …

 When the two of them started high school, they moved out to another city and became neighbours, and Miu successfully became a popular, cheerful and smart girl.

 Both Noel and Miu were the centres of their class, and everyone would joke about them secretly dating. Well… they didn't deny it, so they became a fake item again, this time, not because Miu was dependent on him, but it was because people paired them, and it was bothering the both of them that people constantly asked them out….

 And with experience, Miu could tell that she did, in fact, love Noel, but as a family, she learned that through meeting a certain someone during her last year of high school when she and Noel visited a university close to their apartment.

 She was lost, and some university students tried to 'show' her around. Miu had, of course, gotten a lot better at dealing with situations like these, but they were so persistent that she felt troubled.

 But… she met eyes with a certain individual with a lifeless look on his face, he was very handsome but… his air screams 'do not approach'.

 "What are you bunch doing?" the passerby asked.

 The men turned around, looking sternly at him.

 "Man, this doesn't concern you!"

 But… the boy ignored them, taking a step forward and somewhat forcefully grabbing Miu's wrist.

 "W-wait!" The university students yelled and tried to stop him from dragging Miu away, but… when they were met with his gaze, they immediately stopped and started to curse at them instead.

 After silently dragging Miu for a while, they reached a place where the view of the ocean was spectacular, and… there was a giant board that showed their location on the campus.

 The boy sat down on the nearby bench and took out a pocketbook, preceding to read without care for her. Miu just stood there in a daze. He didn't even bother to look at her. Then… she snapped out of it when she heard a phone ringtone. The boy picked up his phone.

 "Yes? I'm currently reading. Okay…? I'll be there, I suppose…." He said and hung up.

 He started just to walk away, and Miu was unable to utter any words. (What was going on?) she thought. She wasn't even able to thank him….

 Later, when she and Noel got into the university, she learned that the boy who saved her was taking the same classes, and… to her surprise, nasty rumours were already spreading about him. All her new friends told her to stay away and that she'd be dealing with a murderer.

 But… all that was cleared afterwards by the school since the accusations were baseless, but… students still feared him, except for one.

 That was Noel, and it was like he was obsessed. He tried to befriend Alum almost daily, and… when he succeeded. Alum became pretty popular as his personality turned more mellow.

 …

  …..

 …

 On the Ilifelen beach, Miu's favourite place to come and spend her time alone, someone was already there. It was the strange man she'd met a few days ago and… she was sitting beside him on the sand.

 "Good evening, Sir Alester," she gently greeted the man.

 She'd remembered his name, after all… he was so strange, being able to use magic inside the city… not only that. He felt familiar despite their first time meeting.

 Alester turned to her, "Greetings, Miu." he said, turning his attention to the sunset again.

 …..

 …

 "Do you come here often?" Miu asked, lying down. She didn't care that sand got into her hair, and she just felt kind of depressed. She was at her breaking point as well….

 "Every once a hundred years, maybe?" Alester replied.

 This fact shocked Miu; she wasn't sure if he was joking or not, but he looked about her age, yet… he had a mature feel to him.

 "Well, the last time was the day before, right?" Miu asked and giggled, "Njyhihi~ doesn't that make you age 50 years each day?"

 Alester chuckled, "Maybe so."

 "....."

 "....."

 The two of them quietly watched the sun, and… Miu started to cry. Tears flooded her face, and everything that had been piling up just came right out.

 She had been bullied in the past, and her crush suddenly was taken away by some random girl he'd just met. She was in another world and seemed to be the only one without sight of the future. And… she just said something terrible to her childhood friend.

 She was crying in front of a stranger, but… it didn't feel all that awkward, and he lent her his chest as he even removed the debris from her hair…

 "Why are you being nice to me?" Miu asked.

 "...Is this being nice?" Alester responded he felt like he hadn't done anything special.

 Miu didn't respond, but she did suddenly ask, "...Have we met?"

 …..

 Alester felt like he'd gotten more involved than necessary. He thought that if she were unable to use her [Eyes of Truth], he'd be able to get away with seeing her again. But as expected… he was being too obvious.

 "No."

 "...Liar," Miu said, puffing her cheeks. "I assume the ones you know aren't the same person. Or are we? Juuust kidding, that makes no sense, does it?"

 Miu cutely giggled. Dismissing her own idea.

 "...Once upon a time, a man came to a new world. He found happiness in that said world and… lost everything in a war. His wife and his unborn child. But there was always a girl who cheered for him no matter what. And… you remind me of the girl in that story."

 (Story? Is he talking about himself…?) 

 "What was she like? The girl whom he married?"

 "She was an incredibly sweet girl."

 "Mm~hmm? Then… what happened to the girl that always cheered for… him?"

 "...He loved his wife dearly… but he came to love that girl as well. They eventually married, but… she was unable to bear children and blamed herself for her weak constitution. She ultimately died prematurely from an unknown cause."

 "..."

 "The man subsequently blamed himself for being too weak. He sought power at all costs and ended up becoming a tool for war; hell broke loose, and the world ended. He was the only one to live in that cold dead world, and so… the story ends with him ageing and withering away."

 "!?" Miu was overwhelmed by emotions and had unconsciously latched onto Alester, hugging him tightly.

 "...What are you doing?" Alester asked.

 Miu became flustered and let go, "So-sorry, I don't know what's gotten into me…."

 "...It's just a fairy tale," Alester said, "Well… I'll be heading out then. It's late. You should head back as well."

 "Y-yes…." Miu said, and in the next moment, Alester had disappeared.

 (Alester… it's hard to believe it's just a fairy tale… seeing how omniscient you are…) 

 …

  …..

 …

 Later, when Miu got back to the base, Noel suddenly hugged her and apologised. She felt warm and happy now that she, too, had calmed down, as she too apologised for saying those things. Miu noticed the gaze from Chely and Luna and hugged them as well, with Noel sandwiched in all of it. Making everyone who saw them laugh, teasing how Noel had formed a harem.

 And when Alum and Amethely came across them in a big hug, Miu pulled them into it as well. She was happy with the way things were, and… maybe, just maybe, she, too, could find a place in this new world. After all, Alester found his. Despite having lost so much….