The moon shined through the window of Ryo's room , illuminating the dark space like light from an alien space craft .
Ryo lay on his bed trying to sleep but failing badly .
Why ?
Maybe because he was stressed about Milo refusing to sign the letter .
Maybe it was because he had almost thought he would be going to hell a few hours ago .
Or ... Maybe it was because of the girl humming and singing in his room .
Ryo's room was smaller than Milo's , with a single bed and cement floor . A nightstand stood next to a broken old wardrobe by the door . There were shoes lined next to the night stand and ontop of the wardrobe, the girl sat swinging her legs like she didn't have a care in the world .
She had long black hair , a olive shaped head with high cheek bones . Her outfit was a simple white gown and slippers hung on her feet . She would have been a normal girl if it wasn't for the fact that she wasn't .
For one thing , no one but Ryo could see her .
.....
Ryo had pounced on Milo after he crumpled up the paper , ready to beat him up before going to the underworld .
But just as he raised a fist to punch his face , the watch had hit 00:00:00 and a bright light had shined in his eyes . He'd covered them and moved away to the end of the bed .
When he had opened them , the girl had been infront of him with a bright smile .
" Who ... Who are you ? " He had asked and the girl snapped her fingers .
Ryo turned to see Milo frozen in place . Like a statue .
" When there's trouble, you know who to call !
It's Mina ! " The girl sang sweetly , " From the heavens , she can see it all ! Yes I can !
When the hearts and soul are cleaved , call me and be relieved .
Because this girl knows how to solve , all problems will dissolve .
So call Mina ! "
She jumped up and down and waited for Ryo to clap . But the boy didn't clap .
" Did you not like it ? It needs some work , I know . " She said , folding her arms , " How about a proper introduction ? "
She came and sat next to Ryo who moved a fraction away from her . The girl smiled regardless .
" I'm Mina . Your spirit guide to forgiveness and ascension . " She said and stood up , " How about this one . "
She twirled around and began to sing , " How do you do , my darling soul ?
I am at your present service ,
Welcome to your friend , Mina ."
Ryo frowned harder at this . Mina looked crestfallen , wasn't that a good piece ? It wasn't original but it was nice . Right ?
" Are you ... here to take me to hell ? " Ryo asked her .
" What ? No , I'm here to help you from going into the place with many names . " Mina said , " You're preliminary time has finished and so I have come . "
" Preliminary hours ? " Ryo asked her ,
" Yes , the three hours given to you . They finished up and now I'm here to help you with your terminal period . "
" Terminal period ? I don't understand . " Ryo asked and Mina sat down . She pointed to his wrist and he looked at the watch , it now had 72:58:43 on it .
" That is your terminal period , approximately three days . During this time you have to get him , " Mina pointed at frozen Milo , " To sign the letter of reconciliation and then you ascend to the Heavenly Express . "
" Three days ? I thought I had three hours ? " Ryo said feeling overwhelmed with relief .
" The three hours are testing times , to see if you are capable of fixing the problem yourselves . " Mina said , " When you fail , that's when I come in . "
" So you're here to help me get him to sign the letter ? " Ryo asked and Mina nodded her head . She raised her hand and showed the letter , uncrumpeled and whole .
" Within three days , I have to help you but make no mistake . " She said giving him the letter , " I can not interfere in the process , only offer you guidance . "
" So you can't make him sign it ? " Ryo asked annoyed .
" No , and you are not supposed to make him sign it . You are supposed to make him forgive you . " Mina said and she snapped her fingers .
" Also , no one can see me but you , bye ! " Mina said and disappeared .
" What ? Mina ? " Ryo said but she didn't come back . Instead a hard kick landed on his back and he fell to his knees on the floor .
He turned around and saw Milo glaring at him . Three days , he thought angrily , I could do alot of damage in three minutes but Milo's next words cut him short .
" I hate you , " Milo said furiously , " I hate you Ryo and hope you go to hell . Get out of my house . Now ! "
Ryo stayed frozen , unbelieving what he'd heard . It wasn't that what Milo said hurt , but they reminded him of something that hurt alot .
' I hate you , I hate both of you . I hope you go to hell and fry there . '
Ryo got up and opened the door without glancing back . If he had looked back he would have seen a bit of moisture form on the edge of Milo's eye but he never did .
Then he left .
.....
" Mina , I'm trying to sleep . " Ryo said plunging his head into the pillow .
" I don't sleep . " Mina said hopping onto the floor ," Besides , you should be thinking of what you are going to do to get Milo to forgive you . "
" He hates me , he won't forgive me . " Ryo said looking out of the window . It was the first time he'd seen that look in Milo's eyes . It wasn't cowardice or submissivity ... it was hatred .
" If he hated you , he wouldn't have cared about you being bored and givien you that book . " Mina said , " Listen ;
Forgiveness takes time ,
Love takes care ,
And friendship takes all you have .
You made him angry , you made him mad .
But nows the time to change his mind .
If you show you care , if you take your time and show some love .
Then he'll turn around ... "
Ryo had a thought then , it was crazy but so simple he couldn't believe he hadn't thought of it.
" You're right . I have to change his mind ." He said and Mina smiled . A smart boy .
" Yes . " She said ,
" I have to be patient and show some care ." He said and Mina nodded her head .
" Yes ."
" I have to make him like me , no , make him love me and then he'll sign the letter and I can leave . " He said triumphantly but Mina's jaw had dropped to the floor .
" What ? " She asked him.
" If he loves me , he'll sign that letter in a snap . " Ryo said with a smile and Mina felt herself deflate .
I thought he was smart , she said shaking her head and looked at him .
This boy is very dumb , she thought .