The atmosphere between them became heavy. Setsura understood the reason why. While she can stand up to him like this, Akito never reacts. Right now, it's almost as though he doesn't have a soul. Seconds quickly turned into minutes. Setsura had to keep looking at him despite the close proximity. If she turned her gaze away, he would win, and she doesn't want Akito to think he is right.
Akito suddenly let's go and stepped away from her. A complicated look appeared on his face as he walked over to the couch and picked up a newspaper. Setsura felt that her heart was still beating quite fast. That was very scary for her. For a split moment, she saw a different side of him that she hadn't seen before. Up till now, Akito hasn't seriously gotten mad at her. Is Chauncey Long really that dangerous? Of course, Setsura already knew the answer to that question. Of course, he is, he's the leader of the mafia.
Even if he is Akito's old friend, Akito understands the dangers full well. He understands what kind of people are out there to harm him. It's his fault too for acting so overbearing just now. But his concerns are justified. She wonders when was the last time somebody got angry for her like this? It felt like it was a very long time ago already.
Setsura approached the couch slowly and hugged him from behind. "I'm sorry Akito, I won't be so careless next time. But look at things from my point of view, okay?"
"Yeah, I know.." his gaze and his tone seemed to soften. "This is a bit unexpected. I didn't think you'd do this."
"I'm just comforting you," Setsura gently brought her lips to his cheeks. "Be good, and don't cause trouble."
"Okay, okay, Miss Setsura."
....
Church - 11 PM
Setsura looked around, as expected, nobody was around. Everybody living here is most likely in the sleeping quarters already. It felt scary entering the church at night. The peaceful vibes from the day seem to have vanished, leaving nothing but an eerie presence. She shook her head and took a seat, as she recalled the events from earlier.
After what happened in the morning, Setsura was reluctant to return to the church. That's why she went to the local library instead. At least she would refer to it as a library; it wasn't a formal one though. According to her knowledge, while they opened up public libraries in 1872, there was more of a focus on reforming the education system. Well, any place with loads of books that allow you to read is more or less a library, anyway.
Setsura spent hours there - and yet as one would expect. This era is still in the process of change. The books there are ancient and outdated. There's no new knowledge. Maybe she should ask Victor about the west. He lived there for many years, how modern is it over there?
Maybe she ought to go there. It's not like she has
As she said this, she hears the doors to the church open. Setsura looked over and spotted blonde. "What's with that cloak?"
Katakura laughed, "To keep me hidden. It would be if I got caught this time."
"Then, what will my excuse be."
"The little fellah in your shoulder will hide you."
Setsura looked over at the butterfly on her shoulder. When did it appear? She really needs to ask about this. She can't have this appearing when she is at work. It would cause problems. Chauncey spoke about witnesses, and it seems like the police reports are eventually released to the public. Everybody knows that the butterfly is connected with the cases. She would be caught in a bad situation if people found out. She won't mysteriously be saved.
"Can this uh...be hidden?" Setsura pointed to the butterfly. "I mean, as you can see, it will cause me problems if it keeps appearing the way it does."
Katakura nodded. "It can be. You just have to wish for it to be concealed strongly. I'm afraid that it always has to stay with you."
"How come?"
"Because if not, then you'll start disappearing. That would be bad."
"Dis— dis?" Setsura looked at him, dumbfounded.
"The butterfly acts as your medium to stay in another era. Do you really think a simple body transfer would work in this day and age? Even mystical beings have their limits. Unless you wake up reincarnated or something. We transferred your modern-day soul to another vessel. There is obviously a catch to keep you here. To conceal that you're an unknown entity, you need the butterfly."
"But, then, how come I didn't disappear till now?"
"That's because there is a certain time you can go without the butterfly. You almost reached the end of it; luckily, Master Oslo came when he did."
Lucky…
"How many days…"
"In a day or two, you'd probably have become transparent."
Gahh, that's way too close. That's lucky, indeed.
"But the problem is without the butterfly; you can't blend into these times even if you change your clothes. From the moment you landed, people found you suspicious because they sensed you were different," Katakura sighed. "While you can blend in now, you've already attracted the attention of certain people."
Certain people, Setsura mumbled something quietly, and Katakura nodded. "Those two are dangerous, stay far away from them if you can."
"That man, the one named Touma… His voice seems familiar to me. Do you know why that is?"
"It's hard to say. Setsura-chan, you don't have your memories back, right?"
"Not all, I remember certain things better after I met Oslo. But, the majority is still vague."
"For now, that's for the best."
Setsura glanced over at the man, "Say, do I know you?"
"Hmmm?"
"Somehow, I get the feeling that I've met you before. Forgive me if I'm wrong," Set sura trailed off. "It's just, I really do think.."
Katakura smiled, "That's something we can discuss another time. Let's start with more pressing issues; you want to know your mission?"
Setsura nodded, "Yes, please."
"It's simple to get back to your time safely. You must solve the current case Akito is working on."
"The murders?"
Can she do that? She isn't a detective or has any skills at all.
"Setsura-chan, it isn't a stretch to say you're the only one who can solve the case either."