Chapter 37: Arc 2, - 15: In It for the Long Run
"We'll keep in touch," he said to Fumeko whilst Hotaru ushered Asobi down the street, the dusk welcoming the night.
Fumeko joined the three while Kor grabbed Jotou's shoulder, "What is it?" Jotou still couldn't look at him.
"I don't know what happened; I doubt Ana knows either and I hope you will figure it out someday. However, you're the Thundering Blade now.
That title is given to you because you, like it or not, are a protector of Kria. The ability to kill velatos makes you a powerful ally and in a way, I'll always see Ana in you," he told.
Jotou finally turned, looking up to his light blue eyes, "I'm sorry I'm not her. But I promise, I'll live up to your expectations."
Kor shook his head, "You don't need to. I have a family; a wife and a daughter just born. Kria has a lot of those; I just hope you can be a saviour because that would honour Ana in a way. Promise me, you'll do your best."
"I, promise," she blinked, a forced half-smile. They looked at each other; leaving after a nod between the two. Just as Kor was about to close the door, "What was I- she, to you?" Jotou turned.
Kor gave a smirk and hummed, "Like a sister I never had."
_
The Sun had long set by the time the cart had reached their remote destination. The flowers around that were once yellow were now various shades of black.
Spots of white at the corners and some were already the flowers she recognized from when she first awoke in this world; the smell of their decay, freshening to the senses.