Yuzu Katagiri was a normal girl, born and raised in Kolt Village by loving parents. She and her family were happy together. However, everything changed on her 4th birthday.
Flashback
Kolt Village 7 years ago
Yuzu ran through the village in a simple pink dress and shoes, greeted by all the villagers.
''Hey Yuzu!'' a male villager said
''Morning dear' a female villager said
''Hey, good morning!'' Yuzu replied cheerfully. She continued running excitedly to her home, as today was a special day. In her excitement, though, she collided with an elderly man.
''Ow!'' Yuzu falls backward on her butt.
'' "Whoa there, Missy, slow down," the elderly man said. He was a short, bald man with a big gray beard, using a walking cane. He wore a long-sleeved green shirt, a brown leather jacket, pants, and black boots.
Yuzu gets up and dusts herself off. ''sorry, Elder'' she bows apologetically.
The Elder smiled'' It's all hunky dory, but where are you going in such a hurry?''
''Home!'' Yuzu beamed. ''Today's a special day, so I want to get home as soon as possible.''
"Oh?" the Elder said ''Would it be nice to the elder and give him a message day?''
Yuzu giggled. ''no, silly! It's my birthday!''
''Oh is that all?'' the Elder smirked.
''Elder!'' Yuzu scolded, playfully slapping him on the knee. The elder laughed.
''I kid I kid'' the elder said ''so how old are you now?''
Yuzu held up four fingers. ''this old!''
The elder squinted'' you're four fingers years old?''
Yuzu gigged again. ''no, silly, I'm four years old now.''
''Wow, you're basically an adult now!'' The elder stated ''next; you'll start having gray hair and back problems, too."
''I'm not that old yet, Elder!" Yuzu and the elder laughed hard.
''Anyway, I have to get home. Can't be late for my birthday!''
''Good point. You better hurry along, or your birthday is going to be mad at you.''
Yuzu giggled and waved goodbye to the Elder. The Elder waved back as Yuzu ran home.
Yuzu's house
Yuzu arrived at her house and opened the door.
''SURPRISE!''
''Yuzu was greeted by the villagers amidst a shower of balloons and confetti. She gasped in awe as they wished her a happy birthday, giving her hugs and head pats. Soon, a man and a woman approached her.
Happy birthday!'' they both said.
''Mommy! Daddy! Thank you so much!'' Yuzu said, hugging her parents.
''Your welcome honey'' Yuzu's dad said
''Did we surprise you?'' Yuzu's mom asked.
''You sure did!'' Yuzu replied ''I wasn't expecting this. Is that why you sent me on that mission?"
''Yup!'' Yuzu's dad said. ''We needed you out of the house so we can set this up.''
''And to make sure you were none the wiser, we sent someone to ensure you were preoccupied. can you guess who?'' Yuzu's mom asked. Yuzu crossed her arms in a thinking manner.
''Oh!'' Yuzu gasped, ''it must have been the Elder! I thought it was weird that I kept bumping into him.''
''That's right,'' Yuzu's mom said.'' he was watching you to ensure you carry out your mission, which reminds me, did you get what we asked? ''
''Yes I did'' Yuzu replied. She reached into her dress pocket and pulled out a small plant with a large leaf-like petiole. It was a fruit that somewhat resembled a small yellow grapefruit with uneven skin,
''Here you go!'' Yuzu said handing it to her dad ''but what do you need this for?''
Her parents shared a knowing look. Her dad then smiled at her.
''For this,'' he said as he returned the plant to Yuzu.
''Huh?'' Yuzu said, utterly confused. Her parents laughed.
Yuzu's dad bent down to her eye level. ''Yuzu, do you know what this is called?''
Yuzu looked at the plant and then shook her head. Her dad smiled.
''It's called Yuzu,'' her dad said.
''Hey, that's my name!'' Yuzu gasped in surprise. Her parents laughed again.
'' That's right, honey,'' Yuzu's mom said. ''You and this plant have the same name. It's a birthday gift, A Yuzu, for our sweet Yuzu.'' her mom bent down and hugged her.
''Mommy…'' Yuzu said, tearing up
Yuzu's mom let go and stood next to her husband.
''Now make sure to take good care of it,'' Yuzu's dad said.
''I will!'' Yuzu beamed ''mommy! Daddy! I love you!''
''We love you too!'' They both said they all embraced in a family hug.
000
Later that night
The party was starting to wind down as all the guests were leaving. They wished Yuzu a happy birthday once more and then departed, leaving only the Katagiri family and one other person. This individual had short blond hair and was wearing a white shirt and black pants.
''Hey, Thanks for coming,'' Yuzu's dad said, addressing the person.
''No need to thank me'' the person said rubbing the back of their neck ''I didn't do anything really.''
''Oh, nonsense,'' Yuzu's dad said. ''We wouldn't have been able to throw this party without you, Gerard.''
''That's not true'' Gerard said.
''Yes, it is, mister!'' Yuzu's mom pouted, taking a scolding stance. ''who knows how this would have gone if you weren't here planning everything! Take the compliment!"
''Y-yes ma, am!'' Gerard said, putting his hands up defensively and blushing. Yuzu's dad laughed and put a hand on his wife's shoulder.
''Now now…'' Yuzu's dad told his wife, and he turned to Gerard. ''seriously though, Gerard, thank you for everything you do for my family; it means a lot.''
''Of course, what are friends for,'' Gerard replied, the two embraced in a manly hug.
''Are you sure you don't want to stay and have some cake?'' Yuzu's mom asked.
''Sorry, but I really have to get going. Give my regards to little Yuzu and tell her happy birthday from Uncle Gerard.''
''We will. See you tomorrow, old friend'', Yuzu's dad said. Gerard waved goodbye to the couple and left. The couple then headed to the kitchen, where a pouting Yuzu greeted them.
''There you guys are; I was waiting forever!'' Yuzu said
Her dad chuckled ''it's only been two minutes, dear.''
''Well, it felt like forever!'' Yuzu said, crossing her arms.
''Well, we're here now, so let's have some cake,'' Yuzu's dad said.
''Yay, cake!'' Yuzu ran to the kitchen counter as a big vanilla cake sat. As she tried to reach for a slice, a ladle knocked her hand away.
''Not so fast, young lady,'' her mom said ''did you wash your hands?''
''I sure did!'' Yuzu smiled.
''Really?'' Yuzu's mom glared. Yuzu flinched.
''Ok maybe I didn't''… Yuzu said, head drooping.
Yuzu's mom giggled ''go wash up and then you can have cake.''
''Ok!'' Yuzu said. She went to the sink to wash her hands as her parents began setting up the cake
Yuzu returned and sat at the table where the big vanilla cake with four lit-up candles was present. Yuzu was about to dig in when a ladle assault once again halted her.
''Uh uh, you have to blow out the candle and make a wish first, dear,'' Yuzu's mom said
''Do I have to?'' Yuzu asked, pouting
''Of course you do,'' Yuzu's dad said. ''If you blow out the candles, the cake will taste extra delicious.''
''Really?'' Yuzu said, eyes sparkling.
Yuzu's dad nodded, ''but you have to make a wish first and then blow out the candles.''
''Ok then, I wish everybody in kolt village and all of Seren have good, happy lives!'' Yuzu said. Her parents were surprised at her wish and looked at their daughter with warm smiles. They sang Happy Birthday, and Yuzu blew out the candles. Just before they cut the cake, there was a knock at the door.
''Who could that be at this hour?'' Yuzu's dad wondered.
''Maybe someone forgot something?'' Yuzu's mom suggests. The knocking persisted, getting louder with each knock.
''Geez, must they be so impatient?'' Yuzu's mom pouted. Her husband chuckled.
''You girls wait here. I'll see who it is,'' Yuzu's dad said as he left the kitchen.
''Who could that be, Mommy? Yuzu asked curiously.
''I don't know, sweetie. Probably one of the villagers. We'll let Papa handle it; for now, let's have cake,''
Yuzu's mom grabbed the kitchen knife, and before she could cut the cake, Yuzu's dad screamed.
''H-huh?!'' Yuzu squeaked out, terrified.
''H-honey?! What's wrong?!'' Yuzu's mom said, fear and concern sipping through her voice. Just then, a man stepped through the kitchen doorway. He wore a red and black uniform with a skull and crossbones symbol on his chest. He was holding a bloody butcher knife.
''Finally'' the man said ''you guys were taking forever!''
''Who are you?!'' Yuzu's mom shouted.
''Who, me?'' The man blinked, pointing to himself.
''Yes, you!'' Yuzu's mom said, not amused.
''Oh'' the man answered nonchalantly twirling his knife ''you don't need to know who I am.'' He then pointed the knife at the girls. ''what you do need to know is that I'm here to kill you. So which one of you is Yuzu Katagiri?''
Yuzu flinched at the sound of her name as her mom instinctively held her close. The man noticed this and laughed.
''So it's the brat then; this should be easy.''
''What do you want with my daughter?!'' Yuzu's mom demanded.
''To kill her, duh'' the man simply said.
''Wha…?'' Yuzu's mom said. Just then, Yuzu's dad came crawling on the floor, heavily wounded; he grabbed the man's ankle and shouted.
''HONEY! TAKE YUZU AND RUN!''
''Daddy/honey!'' Yuzu and her mom said.
''Oh, you're still alive?'' the man asked, bored; picking at his ear, he pointed the knife downward and stabbed Yuzu's dad multiple times in the back. Yuzu's dad then goes limp as he lay there lifeless.
''There, that should do it. Man, I think I'm getting rusty,'' the man said.
Yuzu stares at her dad's lifeless body and cries. Meanwhile, Yuzu's mom shakes with sadness and anger.
''YOU BASTARD!!!'' Yuzu's mom yelled as she changed at the man with tears in her eyes and a kitchen knife in her hands. She tries to stab him, but he simply grabs her arm.
''Oh please…''The man said as he punched her in the face, in her stomach, and then delivered a roundhouse kick, sending her flying across the table, knocking the cake over and collapsing onto the floor.
''MOMMY!'' Yuzu screamed and rushed to her mom.
''Y-yuzu… run,'' her mom said weakly. The man crouched down and stabbed her in the back for good measure. He then turned to Yuzu.
''Now it's your turn~'' he said in a happily sung tone. Yuzu backed away until her back hit the counter. She looked up fearfully at the man, tears streaming down her face. The man looked at Yuzu with a smirk.
''Aw, are you scared?'' the man asked evilly ''Don't worry this will only hurt alot!'' The man swung the knife down at Yuzu as Yuzu Screamed. Suddenly, the knife was knocked out of his hand mid-swing by a ladle.
'WHAT?!'' the man said, surprised. He turned to find Yuzu's mom panting heavily, holding a ladle.
''DON'T YOU TOUCH MY BABY!!'' Yuzu's mom screamed, striking with her ladle, landing a clean hit on the man's head.
"Ow! You stupid bitch!'' The man said. He grabbed the woman's wrist and wrestled her to the ground. He then punched the poor mother until she let go of the ladle. He then reclaimed his butcher knife and stood on top of the woman.
''Damn, this is pissing me off! Why do you assholes keep coming back after I stab you?! Am I really that rusty?!''
Yuzu's mom merely glared at the man, hatred in her eyes. He punched her.
''Answer me bitch!'' The man yelled. Yuzu's mom responded by spitting in his face. The man wiped the blood-soaked spit with his hands and raised his knife.
''Wrong answer…'' the man said as he plunged the knife repeatedly into the woman's chest. Meanwhile, Yuzu was terrified out of her mind.
'What should I do?' Yuzu thought, 'he's going to kill Mommy at this rate!' Yuzu looked around and found a knife on the kitchen table. The man was still stabbing Yuzu's mother. As he pulled back for a big stab, he felt a sharp pain in his chest.
''What?!'' He said, surprised; he looked down to find a knife in his heart. He turned to see Yuzu holding the knife, trembling as she pulled the blade out.
''Why you… ''the man said, throwing up a ton of blood and glared at Yuzu one last time before collapsing on the floor, lifeless.
Yuzu, still crying, dropped the knife and ran to her mother's side.
''MOMMY?! ARE YOU OK?!'' Yuzu said, shaking her.
Her mom looked up at Yuzu and smiled weakly.
''Thank goodness you're okay.'' Yuzu's mom said before coughing up blood.
''MOMMY?!'' Yuzu said, panicking.
''Sorry sweetie….It looks like I'll be joining Daddy soon.'' her mom said weakly.
''N-no, I don't want you or daddy to go! Don't leave me!!'' Yuzu said, bawling. The dying mother placed a hand on her daughter's cheek and smiled.
''It's ok, me and daddy are going to a nice place,'' Yuzu's mom said. ''This isn't goodbye; it's love you later. We'll see each other again.''
''But I don't want to love you later! I want to love you now, Mommy, please!''
''My sweet Yuzu, I'm..sorry…'' she said her last words as she lay in her daughter's hands, lifeless.
Yuzu stands there numbed and confused; three dead bodies lie on the kitchen floor. Gerard, the Elder, and a few villagers come into the kitchen.
''Hey, we heard screaming what's going on-'' Gerard said before stopping and looking at the bodies of his friends.
''Oh my god…''Gerard said with shock written all over his face. The villagers had the same expression as they surveyed the gruesome scene. The elder looked around and found one person still alive.
''Yuzu?'' The Elder spoke.
Yuzu snapped out of her depressed trance and looked at the people before her.
''Elder? Gerard -san?''
''Yuzu, did you…? ''the Elder asked, Hesitate.
''What? N-no, this wasn't me!'' Yuzu said.
''Yuzu, how could you…'' Gerard said sadly.
''No, I'm serious, it wasn't me! That evil man did it!'' she pointed to the body.
''Yuzu, there's nobody there,'' Gerard said.
''What?!'' Yuzu said, shocked. She turned to where she pointed, and nobody was there. ''But he was here, I swear!''
''Yuzu, that's enough…'' Gerard said.
''But I didn't do it!'' Yuzu still pleading her case ''you got to believe me!''
The villagers just looked at Yuzu with scorned fear and disgust. Yuzu shrinks under their glares and turns to the elder.
''Elder, you believe me, don't you?'' Yuzu grabbed onto him with pleading eyes.
''I….'' The Elder begins saying he looked towards the villagers and to the dead bodies. He looks towards Yuzu and turns away.
Yuzu lets go of the elder. Shocked and depressed, a million thoughts ran through Yuzu's mind. Do they think she killed her parents? But that is not true. It was that man's fault, right, but where did he go? Was there a man in the first place? Did she hallucinate that? Did…did she do it and don't remember?
Gerard and the villagers begin cleaning the mess and gathering the bodies as the Elder grabs Yuzu by the hand.
''Come on dear, let's get you cleaned up, and then we'll figure out what is going on, ok?''
Yuzu just stared motionless, with several emotions running through her. The elder drags her along to the bathroom.
000
The next day
The villagers of kolt village held a funeral for Yuzu's parents outside the town. Gerard gave a speech discussing the parents' many deeds and accolades they contributed to the town and how they will be missed. After the funeral ended, some of the villagers began exiting and leaving a certain little girl staring at her parents' tombstone. Some of the villagers start talking.
''I can't believe they're gone…''
''I know I'm going to miss them.''
''How could their daughter do that to them?''
''Look at her acting like she didn't do anything.''
''Ungrateful brat!''
''witch!''
Yuzu stares at the tombstone, ignoring the hurtful words. Just then, a rock was hurled at Yuzu's head. Yuzu rubbed the back of her head and turned around to find some of the villagers' kids laughing at her, calling her names like demon murderer and witch. Yuzu paid them no mind. She just headed home. The children mocked her and threw rocks on her way. The villager gave her harsh glares and disdain in their eyes.
Yuzu made it home. Covered in bruises, she looked towards the kitchen and recalled the incident that had taken place just 24 hours before. Everybody was celebrating her birthday, and her parents were alive and well. Fast forward 24 hours, and now her parents are gone, and everybody hates her.
Yuzu walked up to her room. It was a large pink room with a bed filled with stuffed animals, a dresser on the left side of the room, and a large mirror.
Yuzu walked to the mirror and looked at herself. She stares into the mirror, her emotionless face staring back at her. She then picked up the closet stuffed animal and smashed it against the mirror. The mirror cracked from the impact. Yuzu then rips the head off the stuffed animal and throws it at the mirror. She grabbed her stuffed animals and ripped all their heads off. She headed to her dresser. There was a picture of her and her parents and the plant her parents gave her. She took the image and the plant off the dresser, looked at these items, and threw them on the ground. The picture frame breaks from the impact, and the plant scatters across the ground. Yuzu got on her knees and wailed loudly. This lasted for hours until she was exhausted and collapsed on the floor.
000
One year later
Kolt village was active as usual. A male villager was watering the plants outside. He went inside to get a drink, and after finishing his drink, he returned to the garden only to find it shambles.
''What?!'' the male villager yelled.
A female villager was hanging clothes out to dry. As she got more clothes to dry, all the clothes were splattered with mud and dirt.
''Oh my goodness!'' she exclaimed before fainting.
A woman was in the kitchen of her house doing dishes when suddenly the door flew open, and a beaten and bruised kid came crying in.
''Mommy!'' The kid, sobbing, ran into his mother's arms.
''Oh my god! What happened dear?'' the mother said, concerned
*hic* It was her mommy! I was playing with my friends when she suddenly attacked me!''
000
An angry group of villagers were gathering at the elder's house; the elder was sitting outside his house in a chair, trying to calm the villagers to no avail.
'' Now, now, what seems to be the problem?'' The elder said cautiously.
''You know what the problem is!'' the male villager yelled. ''It was her! She ruined my garden!''
''She destroyed my clothes!'' the female villager fumed.
''She beat up my son!'' The mother yelled, Holding her beaten child.
''Hold on,'' the Elder said. 'Aren't you all being presumptuous? How do you know it was her?''
''Who else could it be?!"The male villager says, ''That girl has been tormenting us for a year now!''
''He's right!'' The female villager raged. ''only she would pull stunts like these!"
The Elder sighed ''ok, I shall speak with her."
''And then what?!'' The male villager said ''she's just going to do it again! We had it up to here with her! She has caused trouble this past year, and you just let it slide!''
''Yeah!" the villagers agreed.
''Listen, just go about your day; I will handle this,'' the Elder said.
''You better!'' the male villager glared ''because if you don't, we will!''
The villagers dispersed as the elder sighed heavily. Gerard came up to the elder.
''Are you alright, Elder?'' Gerard asked.
''I'm fine,'' the Elder replied, ''but they're right, she's getting out of hand; I need to do something about this.''
''What are you going to do?'' Gerard asked.
''I'll try to speak to her one last time. If she doesn't change her ways, I will have no choice but to banish her.''
Gerard gasped. ''but Elder! She's only a child! She wouldn't survive out there!''
''I know, but at the rate she is going, it might have to come to that,'' Elder said
Gerard looked down sadly as the Elder got up.
''Well, off I go,'' the Elder said, heading toward the little girl's house. Gerard jogs to the elder side. The elder raised his eyebrows.
''I'll come with you,'' Gerard said. ''it's a stretch, but she might listen if I'm there.''
''Very well, let's go,'' the elder said as they walked down the path.
000
The Elder and Gerard arrived at the house. The Elder reached into his pocket and pulled out a key. He inserted the key into the door and turned it to open it. Inside, they found a little girl in the kitchen. She had short blond hair and brown eyes, and she was wearing a small pink top that showed her midriff and blue short shorts.
''Oh I was wondering who that was'' The little girl said ''what's up old man?''
The Elder sighed. ''Yuzu, we need to talk.''
''About?'' Yuzu replied.
''Were you responsible for those incidents this morning?''
''incidents?'' Yuzu said, cocking her head, grinning ''i don't know what you're talking about.''
''Yuzu…'' the elder sighs.
''What?'' Yuzu frowned. ''Something bad happens, and I'm the first one you go to?''
''Yuzu, please answer the question,'' Gerard said.
Yuzu blinked ''Uncle Gerard? When did you get here?''
''I've been here the whole time,'' Gerard replied.
''Oh?'' Yuzu chuckled. ''Sorry, you're so plain and boring that I thought you were the wall.''
''What?!'' Gerard snapped.
''Yuzu, there is no need for those comments,'' the elder reprimanded ''Now I'll ask again, were you responsible for those incidents?"
Yuzu crossed her arms and legs. ''maybe I was, maybe I wasn't, who to say?''
''Yuzu, this is serious,'' Gerard said. ''You've been pulling these pranks for a year, and the villagers have had enough.''
Yuzu scoffed ''what's your point?''
''The point is that either you shape up, or we are going to ship you out.''
''What? You're going to ban me or something?'' Yuzu said.
''If it has to come to that-'' Gerard begins saying, but the elder cuts him off.
''I decide that Gerard, not you,'' the Elder glared. Gerard looks away. The Elder turns his attention to Yuzu.
''Yuzu, I do not wish to ban you, but you must change your ways and get along with the rest of the village.''
''And why the hell should I do that?!'' Yuzu growled ''Those assholes started it when they blamed me for my parents' murder! They treated me like dirt, but why am I not surprised you took their side? Let me guess you think I did it too?''
''I don,t think that at all…''the elder replied, softly.
''Oh, bullshit!'' Yuzu replied ''I remember how you and everyone looked at me that day like I was some sorta bloodthirsty murderer! How I'm an ungrateful brat, a witch, how I should never have been born!-''
''Yuzu please…''the elder pleaded.
''Oh, I'm not finished!'' Yuzu glared, continuing ''how I'm some monster that plagues this village! Well, if they wanted a monster, they got one! And I will stop at nothing to make them pay! So, if you're going to ban me, then do it! But before I go, I will make sure all your lives become a living hell!
The Elder and Gerard were stunned and silent. How could one little girl hold so much hatred and maliciousness in her tiny body?
Yuzu scoffed and got up. ''We're done here, get out.''
Yuzu walked past the two men, but Gerard snapped out of his trance and grabbed her by the arm.
''Now you wait just a second, young lady-'' Gerard begins to say but stops cold when he sees Yuzu's dark glare.
''Don't. Touch. Me.'' Yuzu said coldly. Gerard quickly lets go of Yuzu. Yuzu walks away as Gerard stands there shaking. The Elder pats Gerard on the shoulder.
''Let's just go,'' the Elder said, Gerard nodded. The two left the house
000
The Elder and Gerard reconvene at the Elder's house to discuss the situation with Yuzu.
''So, Elder, have you come to a decision?'' Gerard asked.
''Yes,'' the elder replied. ''I have to ban her. She's left me no choice.''
Gerard sighs sadly ''I know. I wish there were something I could do for her; this is all my fault. If I just stayed at the party like they asked me to, maybe I could have prevented their deaths.''
The Elder placed a hand on his shoulder ''now, now, it wasn't your fault. That was just an unfortunate turn of events, nothing more.''
''Do you think Yuzu really killed her parents?''
''I don't know. I would love to believe it was someone else, but nobody else entered the village that night, and we only saw her there with her parents dead. I… don't know what to believe.''
Elder takes his hand of Gerard. ''In any case, I must prepare for the banishing. Will you help me?''
Gerard nodded, smiling sadly. ''of course, it's the least I can do as her uncle.''
As Gerard and the Elder were talking, there was a knock on the door. The two looked at each other, wondering who could have been. The elder walked to the door and opened it. On the other side of the door stood two people that the Elder and Gerard had never seen before. One was an older, slender woman with brown eyes and medium-length blond hair that reached her back. She was wearing a yellow sundress and sandals. The other was a small child with short blond hair. He was wearing a simple blue T-shirt and navy blue shorts.
''Hello'' the woman said ''may I speak to the elder?''
''I am the elder'' the Elder replied. ''and who might you be, young miss?''
The woman curtsy and smiles ''nice to meet you. My name is Luna, and this is my son Takeru.'' Takeru waved shyly before hiding behind his mother.
''Likewise'' the elder said ''now how may I help you?''
''Well, you see, my son and I have recently lost our home to bandits attack, and we have no place to stay. if possible, I would like to stay and live here in this village.''
''I see'' the Elder said'' well-''
''Of course, you can stay!'' Gerard blurted out suddenly, startling the elder, ''W-we have plenty of h-houses, or you can stay with me I-if you want.''
'Hold your horses, Gerard!'' the elder chastised. He then turns his attention to Luna.
''I'm sorry, Miss Luna, but we don't have any houses left to accommodate you and your son.''
''But wouldn't we have a house ready once we ban Yuzu?" Gerard said.
''GERARD!'' the elder scolded. Gerard covered his mouth.
Luna raised her eyebrows. ''Yuzu?'' Who is Yuzu?"
''N-no one you need to worry about.'' the elder replied sheepishly. Luna was having none of it and took a scolding stance.
''Now, elder-san, you should know better than to lie to people; who is this Yuzu, and why are you going to ban them?''
''Well- the elder begins to say.
''She is a five-year-old girl who has been causing trouble for the village ever since her parents died, and the villagers have had enough and are going to ban her,'' Gerard said quickly.
''Gerard?!'' The elder said, shocked.
''Sorry!'' Gerard apologized.
Luna looked surprised for a moment. Her surprise turned into anger.
''So Let me get this straight: a young girl who lost her parents is causing mischief, and you're just going to ban her?!''
''Please, ma'am, calm down, you don't understand-'' Gerard begins to say.
''Don't understand?! What don't I understand?! You're going to send a poor child out on her own because you can't take care of her?!'' Luna shouted.
''It's not that simple!'' Gerard shouted back.
''Then what else could it be?! What possibly can make you want to exile a little girl?!''
''That is none of your business!''
''Excuse me?!''
''THAT'S ENOUGH!'' the Elder shouted. Gerard and Luna stopped their shouting match and turned towards the Elder. The Elder sighed.
''Listen, Miss Luna, I appreciate your concern, but as Gerard said, this is not your problem. This a village problem, and you are not of this village, so if you don't have any other request, I must ask you to leave.''
Luna looked down and balled her fists ''I'm sorry, Elder-san, but I can't just turn a blind eye to a child in need. Please allow me to speak with her.''
The Elder and Gerard looked surprised. ''But why?'' the elder asked.
''I also lost my parents when I was young, so I think I know what she is going through and what she needs.''
''With all due respect, ma'am,'' Gerard said, ''We've tried talking to her for a year now, and she still acts this way. She won't listen to anyone, not even the elder of the village or me, her sort of uncle. There's no way she would listen to some stranger.''
''Maybe she needs a lady touch. From what I see, you aren't exactly good at talking to girls.'' Luna teased.
Gerard blushed, embarrassed, as the elder couldn't help but chuckle.
''Gerard's clear problems with girls aside,'' the Elder said, Earning a hey from Gerard. ''Gerard makes a good point. We couldn't get her to change. It's less likely that she would for someone she doesn't know.''
''I won't know until I try,'' Luna responds.
''Miss Luna… ''the Elder said
''Please, Elder-san! Give me a chance. I have to do this! Please!''Luna pleaded. The Elder and Gerard were surprised. Why was this woman so obsessed with this?
''Very well,'' the Elder sighed, giving in.
''Thank you, Elder-''
''But you only get one chance if you can't convince Yuzu to at least apologize to the villagers, then I will go on with the banishment. Am I understood?''
''Yes, Elder-san'' Luna said ''one chance is all I need.''
''Good, you have one hour-'' the elder began saying before stopping as Luna brought up five fingers.
''Five minutes is enough'' Luna smirked. The elder and Gerard looked flabbergasted. Luna bent down to Takeru's level and patted his head.
''OK, sweetie, mommy's got to take care of something. You stay here with these kind gentlemen and be a good boy, OK?''
''Yes mommy'' Takeru replied. Luna kissed Takeru on the forehead and stood up.
''Ok, I'm ready; where is her house?''
The stunned elder said, " ''over there, here's the key.''
''Thank you'' she said grabbing the key ''makes sure to have the villagers gathered.'' Luna made her way to Yuzu's house. Gerard and the elder stare at the woman.
''She is an interesting woman.''The elder commented.
''And a beautiful one at that…'' Gerard said in a trance.
''Gerard? Gerard!'' the elder called out. There was no response from Gerard as Gerard continued to stare at the retreating woman.
''Oh boy…''The elder sighed.
000
Yuzu was in the kitchen contemplating her conversation with the Elder and Gerard.
''So they are going to ban me…'' Yuzu said, tearing up. ''Well, fine! I don't care about this village and its villagers! They are the ones who deserve to get banned, not me! I did nothing wrong! I did nothing wrong…''
Yuzu thinks back to the incident that happened on her 4th birthday. How her parents were murdered, and how the villagers blamed her and treated her. She thinks back to her parents' murderer. That evil grin on the man haunts her nightmares. She shakes in fear and sadness; then it turns to anger as she bangs on the table repeatedly.
''Yeah, it was all that bastard's fault! I didn't kill my parents, he did!'' Yuzu yelled.
''Right?'' Yuzu said, confused; her banging ceased as she began questioning herself. She was sure that there was a man. She witnessed it happen! She stabbed him, but then he just vanished into thin air. Not that the villagers believed her anyway. The fact is that her parents are dead, and everyone blames her for it.
''Hmph, why am I getting upset about this?'' Yuzu said '' I should be glad I'm getting banned; that means I can leave this stupid village and start a new life.'' Yuzu tries to psych herself up. ''Yes, I can start fresh and be rid of this village! I don't need this village or its villagers! TO HELL WITH THEM!!''
''You don't mean that.'' a voice said
Yuzu jumped and turned to find a slender blond-haired woman standing there.
"Who the hell are you?!'' Yuzu screamed at the woman.
''You're just sad, angry, and confused,'' Luna said, smiling sadly. ''I know you care about this village and its villagers.''
''Are you deaf, lady?! I said who are you?!'' Yuzu yelled again.
''My name is Luna Noche, and I've come to talk to you,'' Luna said.
''Talk to me?'' Yuzu said ''did the old man send you?''
''Yes, but I have my reason for meeting you,'' Luna said.
''hmph, well, I have no intention of talking to some blonde bimbo I've never met before. get out.''
''I refuse'' Luna said. ''Especially after seeing that display. ''
''You must really have a hearing problem. I said I didn't want to talk. GET. OUT.'' Yuzu growled.
''Not until we talk.''
Yuzu growled. She walks over, grabs a knife from the counter, and points it at Luna.
''You left me no choice. Now, for the last time, get out, or I'll stab you with this,'' Yuzu threatened.
Luna frowned ''sweetie, put that thing down before you hurt yourself.''
''YOU THINK I'M JOKING, BITCH?!''
''Language, young lady,'' Luna scolded, ''and I'm sure you're serious, but if you think I'm just going leave because you're pointing a knife at me, you're sorely mistaken.''
Yuzu growled ''I warned you!'' Yuzu charged at Luna, knife in hand and fury in her eyes. Yuzu thrusts the knife at Luna as Luna pulls out a ladle.
*clonk*
Yuzu gasped as the knife flew out of her hand and into the ceiling. Luna spins her ladle and puts it back into her dress.
"Now then, let's talk,'' Luna said.
Yuzu growled, then sighed," Fine, have it your way. But there's nothing you can say that can change my mind- hey, where are you going?!" Yuzu yells as Luna walks out of the kitchen.
"Your room, of course," Luna smiles as she heads toward Yuzu's room
"Wait, you can't just!… argh!" Yuzu said as she followed Luna.
OOO
The two enter Yuzu's room. It was in the same condition a year ago with slight changes. There were heaps of trash everywhere and an unkempt bed.
''What in the world…'' Luna said, eyes whited out.
''What? Is there a problem?'' Yuzu pouted and turned sideways.
Luna turned to Yuzu and took a scolding stance, eyes still whited out, comically screaming ''YES THERE IS A PROBLEM! THIS ROOM IS FILTHY! HOW HAVE YOU BEEN LIVING IN THIS PIGSTY FOR SO LONG?!''
Yuzu just shrugged her shoulders. Luna sighed.
''Oh well, the condition of the room is not important.'' Luna said ''what important is it? " Luna began speaking and then stopped before seeing the ruined picture framed of Yuzu's parents and the plant. Luna gaped and rushed to the dresser.
''No way…'' Luna said, looking at the mess.
''What is it?'' Yuzu said, coming up from behind Luna. Luna turns toward Yuzu with tears in her eyes.
''Yuzu did… did you break this picture and this plant?''
Yuzu raised her eyebrows and said ''yeah, what about it?" Luna's tear-stained eyes turned into fury.
''HOW COULD YOU?!'' Luna screamed. The scream took Yuzu aback.
''W-what's your problem?!''
''How could you break the plant your parents gave you like it was nothing?!''
''I don't know!''Yuzu argued back. ''I was angry. I just grabbed the first thing I saw!''Yuzu shook his head ''Wait, why do you care?! And why are you even here in the first place?! This has nothing to do with you!
Luna shook her head. ''no, this has everything to do with me.''
''What?'' Yuzu said, surprised.
Luna wipes her tears and puts a hand on Yuzu's shoulder. ''listen, Yuzu, I can't explain all the details, but I specifically came to this village for you.''
''what? what do you mean?'' Yuzu said.
''I can't tell you, but I can tell you that the villagers, the Elder and Gerard, really care for you, and your parents wouldn't want you to live this way.''
Yuzu was speechless. She then pushed Luna's hands off and glared at the woman.
''YEAH, RIGHT, LIKE I BELIEVE THAT! ALL THOSE ASSHOLES HAVE EVER DONE WAS TREAT ME LIKE SHIT BECAUSE THEY THINK I KILLED MY PARENTS!''
''Yuzu…'' Luna said.
''AND SPEAKING OF MY PARENTS! IT'S THEIR FAULT THAT I'M IN THIS SITUATION IN THE FIRST PLACE! THEY HAD TO GO AND DIE AND LEAVE ME HERE ALL ALONE! TO HELL WITH THEM TOO!
*SLAP* '
Yuzu blinked her hand on her cheek. Luna glares at Yuzu.
''You can say what you want about the village and the villagers, but never disrespect your parents like that again.''
Yuzu looked at Luna, stunned. She then glared ''YOU BITCH!" Yuzu said, getting ready to throw a punch at the woman, but before Yuzu could retaliate, Luna hugged her.
''H-hey get off of me!'' Yuzu said, trying to get out of Luna's grip. Luna places her forehead onto Yuzu's.'
''I know what you're going through,'' Luna said calmly and motherly. ''Losing your parents at such a young age and being blamed for their death, being called a witch, a murderer, a demon. Trust me, I know the feeling, but I know deep down that this is not what your parents would want from their little girl. They wouldn't want you to blame yourself for their deaths. They would want you to be happy, make friends, and enjoy life. It's not goodbye, it's love you later. You'll see them again until then. Live from them.''
Yuzu stares at Luna, at a loss for words. She then tears up and buries herself in Luna's chest. Luna smiles as she gently pets Yuzu's head. The two stay like this for a while.
000
The villagers gathered in front of the elder's house at the elder's request.
''Is that true?'' The male villager said.
''Is she really going to apologize?'' the female villager said.
''Yes,'' the Elder said. At least I hope so,' the Elder thought.
Gerard whispers to the elder ''hey, are you sure we should have left it in Luna-san's hand? She is taking a while.''
''I'm sure she doing her best'' the elder whispers back ''I just hoped she succeed ''
''Well where is she?!'' the male villager said.
''We don't have all day!'' The female villager said.
The villagers were in uproar as the Elder tried to quieten them down. Just then, Luna appeared in front of the Elder and Gerard.
''Luna-san!'' They both exclaimed.
''Sorry I'm late,'' Luna said. ''I see you got all the villagers as I requested.''
''Yes I did'' The Elder said ''did you convince Yuzu?''
Luna smiled. ''I sure did!''
''Then where is she?'' Gerard said '' I don't see her anywhere.''
Luna winks ''you'll see'' Luna then turns to the crowd.
''Hello, people of Kolt Village,''
''Who are you?'' the male villager.
''I am Luna Noche, an ordinary woman who wants to live in your village. I was recently informed that you were having problems with a little girl named Yuzu Katagiri, correct?''
The male village raised an eyebrow. ''That's right. What's it to you?''
Luna smiles ''well, I believe I may have solved the problem.'' Luna made a turnaround gesture to the villagers. The villagers turned around to find Yuzu there holding a plate of cupcakes.
''Yuzu hon, isn't there something you like to say to everyone,'' Luna said.
Yuzu's eyes shifted to the floor as she clears her throat.
''Everyone'' Yuzu said ''I would like to apologize for my behavior this past year. I was just upset and angry that my parents died. I took it out on all of you, and for that, I'm sorry. As a token of my apology, I made everyone cupcakes.'' Yuzu holds up the plate of cupcakes. ''So what do you say? Can we forget this and start over?''
Everyone was shocked at this turn of events. The villagers stand there, not sure what to do. The male villager walks up to Yuzu and takes a cupcake.
''Well, Yuzu, we accept your apology,'' the male villager said, taking a bite of his cupcake. All the villagers followed suit, carrying a cupcake. The villagers begin to leave as Yuzu looks at her empty plate downtrodden.''
''Hold on everyone,'' Luna said. The villagers stopped looking towards Luna.
''Yes?'' the male villager responded.
''Don't you all have something to say to Yuzu?'' Luna said. The villagers looked confused.
''What are you talking about?'' the male villagers said.
Luna put her hand on her hip ''you know what I'm talking about. Yuzu apologized for her actions. Now you all have to do the same.''
''Apologize for what? We didn't do anything wrong.'' the male villager said. The villagers agreed. Luna narrowed her eyes.
''Oh really? So tormenting a little girl after her parents die is okay with you? Calling her demon, a witch, a murderer is just normal behavior?''
The villagers were taken aback, and some looked down in guilt.
''But she was the one who murdered them,'' the male villager tried to explain.
''Do you have proof of that?'' Luna asked ''did any of you see Yuzu do it?
''Well, no, but-''
''But what? You all assumed Yuzu did it without asking her? Have any of you ever stopped and wondered how Yuzu felt about the murder or how Yuzu felt in general? Sure, she acted out, but can you blame her? Her parents were killed, and nobody believed her. Instead, you guys torment her and bully her. You all should be ashamed of yourselves!''
Everyone was stunned at Luna's speech. The villagers all looked towards Yuzu with tears as they rushed her.
YUZU!! WE'RE SORRY!! '' They all yelled out, hugging her.
''H-hey cut it out!'' Yuzu said in a strained tone as everyone piled on her. Gerard and the Elder are beyond surprise. They turned to Luna. Luna smiles and winks. They have been trying to rectify Yuzu's behavior for a year and failed. Not only did this woman get the demon child to apologize, but she also got the villagers to apologize. Just who is this woman? Luna walked up to Gerard and the elder.
''Well, I'll say mission accomplished, don't you think?'' Luna said to the two.
The elder blinked and then responded ''yes, I would indeed say so.''
''You were great! I believed in you 100 percent!'' Gerard said enthusiastically.
'Liar,' the Elder thought, sweat dropping.
Luna giggled. ''so this means you're not going to ban her, right?''
The elder looked towards the villagers, throwing Yuzu into the air, much to Yuzu's chagrin as she blushed. The elder chuckled at the scene.
''No, I believe everything should be fine from now on; I must thank you, Miss Luna, for solving our little issue. Please don't hesitate to ask if I can do anything for you.''
''Your very welcome'' Luna smiled ''there is one thing I would like.''
''Yes?'' the elder replied.
''Before getting sidetracked, we discussed housing accommodations for me and my son. Is that still available?'' Luna asked.
''well-'' the Elder begins to say.
''You can live with me at my house!'' Gerard said, holding Luna's hands.''Come on, it will be lots of fun, please, ow!'' The elder smacked Gerard with his cane.
''As I was saying,'' the Elder said, ''I do appreciate your help, but I don't have any available houses that can accommodate you and your son unless you would be willing to live with someone.''
Gerard coughs and eagerly points at himself as the Elder rolls his eyes. Luna smiles.
''That's fine by me'' Luna said ''and I know just the person to live with.''
''You do?'' Gerard and the Elder said. Luna didn't reply as she entered the elder house to get her son. Gerard and the Elder look at each other, shrug, and enter the house as the scene of Yuzu being tossed into the air continues.