Persona BLEACHED 4: Chapter 2

Chapter 2: London Calling
August 17, 2031
"'...along with a host of prominent alumni, including, but not limited to, Mahatma Gandhi and Alexander Graham Bell. Over 30 former staff and students have been awarded the Nobel Prize, and--'"
"You've pored over that pamphlet dozens of times, Kitten. What other information could you garner from it?"
"Sorry. I just...this is where we're gonna go to school. Some of the people who went there ended up founding whole *countries*. It's a who's who of people that changed the world. It's a hefty thing to live up to."
Central London, late in the morning. One of the world's premier cities, home to iconic architecture, museums, sports clubs and myriad other institutions. One such institution was UCL, short for University College London, one of the largest centers for higher learning on the continent, serving over forty thousand students.
Three incoming students from outside the UK had just finished moving into their new quarters, a comfortable two-story lodge only a few miles from the campus. All three hailed from different countries, yet all had one thing in common: they were all former students of Rin Kubo.
The girl skimming through the pamphlet was 18-year old Kit So-yin, from Seoul. Better known as Kat, she was Rin's personal protégé. Though more easygoing and sarcastic than her former professor, she shared her mentor's caring heart and ability to easily connect with people--skills that allowed her to serve as the Ashen Artisans' leader. She possessed shoulder-length black hair with pink streaks, and had a black piercing on the left side of her nose. Her eyes were a piercing pink. A black shirt with a pink cat emblem, torn black jeans and black boots with pink laces illustrated her color combination of choice. Her nails were painted black, and she wore a ring on her right index finger with a purple gemstone in it.
An avid believer of the power of a sisterly bond, she was able to connect well with others her age as well as with children. Emulating Rin and her own mother, Kat was studying to become a teacher.
Across from her was Caroline Blackthorne, nicknamed Carrie, a French girl residing in Monaco. She possessed a regal air befitting her wealth, yet was also kind, attentive and generous to everyone around her. Purple was her primary color: her hair and eyes were both a light shade, while her nails were a darker violet. She wore a black lace shirt and skirt as well as ankle boots, along with clear earrings. On her index finger was a ring resembling the face of a black cat.
The coordination between her and Kat's rings was no coincidence. The two were deeply in love.
"The more you overanalyze that pamphlet, the more intimidated you're going to become. You're here because you earned it through merit. Finishing third in the class rankings was no accident." Carrie said.
"I still don't know how I only finished behind you and Keebie. You guys are the real eggheads. I'm just--" Kat began.
"'Just a kpop heiress.' You've said as much before, and that has nothing to do with your academics. You earned those grades. And I don't see myself as being more intelligent than you. It all comes down to the work you put in."
"Says the girl with the scientist parents."
Carrie felt something touching her leg. "I feel a ball of fluff." She looked down to see a fluffy yellow cat brushing up to her.
"Meeeew?" it happily purred.
"Hello, CiCi. Is it time for your daily cuddles already?" Carrie picked the cat up.
"Guess she's getting antsy with her Mama not home yet." Kat said.
"Filling in isn't the worst idea in the world."
The front door could be heard opening. "Hellooooo~? Is everyone decent?" chimed a girl with a Dutch accent.
The cat immediately went on alert and leapt off of Carrie's lap, trotting over to the entrance. "Oh well. I know who the favorite is around here." Carrie sighed.
CiCi walked over and started cuddling up to a petite girl with messy blonde hair and red highlights, with striking emerald eyes. She wore a simple red shirt with a stylized "VD" emblem on one corner, along with white pants and red sneakers. A necklace shaped like a crimson heart dangled from her neck, and her nails were painted a light pink. A hairclip resembling a cartoonish skull-and-crossbones adorned the side of her head. She carried a large bag of groceries.
"Hiya, CiCi! Awww, did you miss me that much? I can't cuddle right now, my hands are full. Gimme two minutes, okay?"
"I don't think she's gonna wanna wait that long." Kat responded.
The girl was Natalia Van Damme, from Belgium, a best friend to both Carrie and Kat. A skilled seamstress as well as the Artisans' resident cook, Natalia was responsible for much of the team's wardrobe; much of her own fashion was her own design. She typically goes with a hooded jacket, but the warmer weather made that a less than comfortable prospect. She possessed a bright, happy-go-lucky disposition, a far cry from when she first met the rest of the group, when she was beset by anxiety and depression. Thanks to her friends' efforts, however, she'd largely moved past her self-esteem issues.
"Looks like you've brought home a bounty." Carrie said.
Natalia put the bag down in the kitchen. "I never need to shop anywhere else! I've got lunch and dinner covered for the next two weeks at least! My meals are probably gonna be a bit different from when we were in Tokyo, but that's the fun of learning new recipes."
"Long as it's a Natty meal, it's a good one. Same logic with hugs." Kat replied.
"Speaking of, I think someone's happy to see you." Carrie added.
"Yeah, I feel her. C'mere, poofy..." Natalia picked CiCi up. "You missed Mama that bad, hmm? You want my cuddles that bad?"
The cat cheerily purred in response.
"I dunno which one's the bigger cinnamon roll." Kat commented.
The girls all had their pursuits. Alongside Kat's vision of becoming a teacher, Carrie planned on studying computer and environmental science. Her parents were both scientists devoted to preserving the natural world, and to honor their memory wished to follow in their footsteps. Natalia, meanwhile, desired to learn all she could about business administration. Her ultimate goal was to manage the clothing store owned by her parents in Bruges, then expand it into a global brand, based around clothes of her own design.
Despite their differing paths and personalities, the girls were extremely tight-knit, and when it came time to find where life would take them next, the need to stay together was high on the list of priorities.
"So, when's Kenny getting here?" Kat asked.
"His train left an hour ago, so it's looking like another hour til then." Natalia replied.
"And he'll be staying the night, yes?" Carrie asked.
"Mmhmm. He doesn't start until Tuesday, and I've only got the one class tomorrow, so it works out perfectly. Wow, it's still so weird not having a full day of classes anymore."
"Welcome to adulthood. It's gonna be a lot to navigate, especially with the rest of the Krew off on their own. I'd be seriously lost without you beautiful lasses with me." Kat replied.
"That's what families are for, love. But they also find ways to come together again. For now, we can enjoy a new experience in a new setting." Carrie said.
"Totally, it was so much fun getting to tour Tokyo and see how different it was from home. Now we get a whole new place to explore, and I get to do it with my two best friends in the whole world!" Natalia added.
"You're just happy you could bring the cat along this time." Kat said.
"Look at this face and tell me how that's a bad thing." Natalia held up CiCi.
"Meeeew?" she uttered in confusion.
After helping to put the groceries away, Kat made for her room on the second floor. It contained an assortment of collectables and posters, such as one featuring the cover of her favorite game, 'Metal Gear Solid'. Also on the wall was a poster for a since-disbanded kpop band, 'The Golden Wei'. Kat herself was not much of a fan of the genre, but still featured it prominently for one reason: the band's lead singer, Wei-yin, was her father.
On the vanity was a set of framed pictures. One was a family picture of Kat sitting with her father, her mother Joon-yi, and older sister Lin-mae. Next to that was a group photo of herself with the rest of the Artisans as well as with Rin's family, taken shortly after their graduation from the Academy. Others included one of Kat and Carrie in formal attire, taken during their recent trip to the United States; one where she was with her best friend Barbara, Max's sister; and one with a glamor shot of Carrie, contained in a heart-shaped frame.
Propped next to the Artisan group photo was an envelope. "To Kat" was written on the back. She'd been waiting for almost two months to open it. Rin had given it to her after graduation, with the promise to not open it until the night before she was to begin college.
"Almost time, huh, Prof?" Kat picked up the letter. "She's not the type to make me wait two months for a dumb meme or whatever. It's probably gonna be a tear-jerker. What last bit of wisdom do ya have for me?"
She lied down on her bed. When she opened up her phone, she noticed a notification on Twitter. A personal message from a user named "@Snakqweenlin". She opened it to find a video sent a few minutes ago.
In the video, a woman older than Kat sat on a couch. This was Lin, her older sister, a reformed thief. She had dark hair parted to one side, with green streaks, along with green painted nails. She wore a black tank top with a green design meant to evoke the image of a snake's underbelly. Her eyes were yellow and snake-like, the aftereffects of her Persona's healing abilities.
"Heya, kitten. No, it's not some rando asking for boob pics, it's just your big sis. I waited for Ma and Pops to head out before doing this. Don't need 'em seeing me being all sappy. Got a reputation to keep, y'know?"
"So...looks like this is it, huh? A 'first day of the rest of your life' kinda deal. Going to a big, fancy college halfway across the world with your best lady in hand. I always knew you'd be in for bigger things, but man...you've really made it. I wanted to get some things off my chest before you dive into bookworm life. I am so, so crazy proud of you, So. I know that I wasn't the best influence growing up, and I was afraid that you'd wind up like me. But here you are with everything going your way, being the best version of you that you can be."
Lin began to tear up. "Oh, man...I'm really not used to the serious stuff. There's a lot in my life that I'm not proud of. And it would've been something awful if your life got messed up cuz of me. If there's one thing in this life that I can look back on one day when I'm old and gray, and smile, it's the fact that I got to be your big sis. You're gonna do some big things some day. And I can't wait to see it for myself."
Kat by this point was visibly crying, too. "Needless to say I'm gonna miss having you around, kitten. At least this time around Ma won't be on my case about getting a job. But if you ever take a cue from me and pass it on to the kiddies you're gonna be teaching, take this: keep on smiling. A smile and a laugh can make someone's day. And that smile of yours can charm the horns off a bull. So keep on keeping on as your charming, adorable self. Not even those uppity brainiacs at that school will be able to turn you away." Lin made a heart symbol with her hands. "Love you lots. Good luck. See ya when I see ya." The video ended.
Kat cleared her eyes and immediately typed out her response. "I LOVE YOU!!!"
There was a knock at the door. "Kitten? Is everything alright in here?" Carrie asked. "Are you crying? What's the matter?"
"Nothing, they're good tears. I just got something...really meaningful from Lin."
"Oh, that sounds wonderful. What did she have to say?"
"Just that she was proud of me and that she was so happy to be my sister. Ugh...I miss them so much already. They can be such a major pain in the ass, but they're *my* major pain in the ass, dammit. I can still smell Pops' cologne."
"In fairness, it's the kind of pungent odor that could track across continents. But I understand the sentiment. As much as it hurts, venturing out to make your own path is a part of life. Just remember that you have people back home who love you. And here, as well."
"I know. Thanks, Care Bear. So what was it you were needing?"
"We were just about to head to the station to pick up Kenneth. Did you want to come with us?"
"Abso-lutely. I want my face to be the first one he sees. I can already see the scowl forming. Leggo."
The girls began to leave. Before exiting her room, Kat glanced back at the mantle. To the letter.
"(Not gonna be the last meaningful thing I get today.)" she thought.
---
"Ya sure this is the right station?" Kat asked.
"Kenny said 'London St Pancras', so I'm pretty sure we're in the right spot." Natalia replied.
"Just saying, we must've passed by ten different stations on the way here. Londoners really love their railways, don't they?"
"Yeah, but he specifically said, and I quote, 'I will be at the station with the stunning Victorian architecture. I'd sooner step foot in that than that gray slab of lifeless concrete they have in Euston.' His words." Natalia replied, mimicking a Liverpool accent.
"Choosing a rail station based purely on aesthetics is such a Kenneth thing to do." Carrie said.
"It's so on-brand that it's scary. And I've read online reviews--for a train station!--saying pretty much the same things." Kat looked at her phone. "Ooh, this one might be my favorite. 'It gives the impression of having been scribbled on the back of a soiled paper bag by a thuggish android with a grudge against humanity and a vampiric loathing of sunlight.' Gotta love that British way with words."
"Are you sure that wasn't Kenny writing that?" Natalia asked.
"Unless he traveled back six years before he was born just to write it, I doubt it."
An alert popped up on Natalia's phone. "Oh, he's here! 'I'll be waiting by The Meeting Place on the upper level'."
"'The Meeting Place'? Could you be a little less vague, Kenny?"
"I believe he's referring to the statue of that name." Carrie replied.
"Right. A statue. More Kenny being Kenny. Let's not keep him waiting, then."
The girls moved to the station's upper level, and walked to the south end where the statue was located. It was a tall piece of art, nine meters in height, showing a man and a woman in a loving embrace.
In front of the statue, waiting, was a young man with slicked back black hair. He wore a black jacket and pants, and was looking at his watch. This was Kenneth Southgate, Natalia's boyfriend, an artist specializing in sculpting and architecture. He possessed an artistic eye in seeing the beauty in most things, while also possessing a dry wit--leading to much mutual banter with Kat. He had made the two hour trek from his native Liverpool, where he would be attending art school.
"Kennyyyyy!" Natalia called out.
Kenneth perked up. "Ah, there's the welcoming committee."
Natalia ran over and tightly hugged him. "You really picked a good meeting place, Kenny~. Heehee." she giggled.
"I appreciate any good symbolism. It's an iconic part of the station. Even if most art professionals called it sentimental tripe."
"They just don't know the power of a good hug."
"Right. I'm sure that's it."
"Kenny, my man!" Kat arrived and patted him on the shoulder. "It's only been, like, a week, but it feels like an eternity since I saw that scowl."
Kenneth grumbled. "And it hasn't been nearly long enough since I've heard that casual tongue, Katherine."
"Oh, there it is! There's the look!" Kat pointed. Kenneth let out another growl.
"Was it a pleasant ride, Kenneth?" Carrie asked.
"The ride itself was, certainly. Not so enjoyable was the vending machine taking my money and the chips getting stuck just before falling." Kenneth gestured towards a nearby machine.
"That the one? I got you, fam." Kat walked over to it.
"Please don't do anything ridiculous..."
"You should know her methods by now." Natalia replied.
Kat went up to the machine, and put her hand to the spot next to where the potato chip bag was hanging. "There ya are, you little rascal." She knocked on the side three times.
Moments later, she reappeared before the others, with four bags of chips in-hand. "Ta-da."
"One day you'll use those powers for good." Kenneth uttered.
"Whaddya mean? You paid for it. The other three just sorta came with it." Kat said with a cheeky grin.
"Yes, just enough for the rest of us. I'm sure it was an accident."
The four started the walk back to the girls' home, all with a bag of chips. "I can see where your love of architecture comes from, Kenneth. You can see the attention to detail with every building you pass." Carrie said.
"The station has a clock tower! London really reminds me a lot of home. It's been easy to get used to life here." Natalia added.
"I had assumed it would be an easy shift for the two of you. But, tell me...how has she been doing?" Kenneth looked behind him. Kat was a few paces behind them, eating from her bag and seeming to be taking in her surroundings.
"I can tell that she's a little homesick. It's a lot more subdued here than it is in Seoul or Tokyo. Not nearly as bright or loud." Natalia replied.
"I walked in on her watching a video sent by her sister. You can see it in her eyes that she misses...well, a lot of people. The others, her family, Professor Kubo. She won't admit to it, but it's been harder for her than for us." Carrie added.
"It's not at all surprising. Tokyo was a world of difference for us. She's more used to a fast-paced, bright and lively environment. Not to mention how the three years we spent together were the first time where she didn't feel lonely. Now she's halfway around the world, and hundreds of miles from most of the people she'd come to see as family. And as dearly as she loves the two of you, that's still a good amount of people she won't be seeing regularly anymore." Kenneth dictated.
"Well we just have to make things as comfy for her as possible! Right, Care?" Natalia asked.
"Exactly right. Of course, as the relative local, we'll need your help as well, Kenneth." Carrie affirmed.
"I'll be sure to give her as much of my usual...enthusiasm as possible." Kenneth replied.
The group arrived home. Natalia opened the door, and sure enough, CiCi was waiting at the entrance for her. "Hi, little puffball! You miss me, hmmm?" She picked the cat up. "Look who I brought back with me! You remember Kenny, right?"
"Um...hello, cat." Kenneth gave an uncertain wave.
"Meeeeow." the cat took a playful swipe at him.
"No, no, there won't be any of that."
"Lookit big strong Kenny, scared of a little cat." Kat teased.
"I'm not scared. I'm being cautious in case the claws come out."
"D'oh, don't worry about that. She's de-clawed. And besides, she's a sweetie. Not a mean bone in her body. Probably just wants a cuddle." Natalia reassured.
"Well, they do say that pets come to resemble their owners." Carrie said.
"If you want, Kenny..." Kat's eyes glowed a bright pink, and she shrank down into the form of a black cat, with pink eyes. "You can practice with meeeee."
"It'll be a cold day in Hell before I cuddle with you, cat form or otherwise." Kenneth rejected.
"Dude, we've *been* to Hell, and it was pretty darn cold at the bottom. So there goes your one excuse." Kat sighed. "Your loss. My fur is pristine." She returned to human form.
"I can confirm that." Carrie said.
"Hrmph. So I suppose that answers that. London is like Tokyo and New Orleans. Our powers work outside the Metaverse here." Kenneth said.
"I'd love to know why that is. Spiritual density? Some other reason? Curiosity abounds."
"As long as we don't have to use them here. It was one crazy fight after another in Tokyo. I'd love not having to deal with anymore demons or ancient space gods or death cults or..." Natalia sighed. "Friends lying to us and trying to change people's hearts for the wrong reasons."
"Natty..." Kat uttered.
"I know, I know. I already said I forgave him, but...still. That really hurt when his secret came out."
"I think that was the one time where we all became combative with each other. Do you really think he's going to stay on the right path?" Kenneth asked.
"He'd better. He's got no other choice. Sparky knows if he screws up again, we'll be coming down on him hard. I believe him when he says he's changed. And I think Bookie's the one to settle him down. As crazy as it sounds." Kat assured.
"I hope for Barbara's sake that he keeps his life in order. Watching her unravel after his scheme was revealed was heartbreaking." Carrie added.
"I know. Watching someone so sparkly and bubbly fall apart like that was..." Natalia shuddered. "I'm happy she's her old self again, but those aren't fun times to think back on. It was like...watching how I used to be."
"Those definitely weren't the best of times. But we got through it together. And now we've got more big hurdles to jump over...not-together." Kat replied.
"Kitten...?" Carrie questioned.
Kat averted her gaze. "I, uh...I'm gonna hop in the shower real quick. I smell like trains." She walked away.
"There's...no definitive scent for trains." Kenneth said.
"Care..." Natalia uttered.
"Let me handle this." Carrie followed Kat.
Moments later, Kat had hopped in the shower. She sighed, as the water hit against the back of her head. "Get a grip on yourself, So-yin. It's just another foreign school trip. You've gone through this before. Tch...no. Last time I didn't have any--"
She could hear the door open. She froze. "Wh-who's there?! Boy, you've got a lot of--"
"Kitten? It's me. No need to go into combat mode." Carrie could be heard behind the sliding glass shower door.
"O-oh, sorry, Care. What's up?"
"You ran off so suddenly. I wanted to see what was the matter."
"N-nothing's wrong, really. Just wanted to get the stink off..."
"The pungent odor of public transportation?" Carrie sighed. "Okay, then."
"Okay...then? That's it?"
"A wise man once told me to never be afraid to adapt to the situation and change tactics. Give me a moment."
"O...kay." Kat paused to think. "Listen, Care, I...I know I've been acting weird, and I'm sorry I kinda ran off, but..."
Her gaze away from the door, her speech was interrupted by the sound of sliding glass opening, then closing.
"Go on. Don't hold anything back." Carrie spoke from behind her.
The realization of what was happening dawned on Kat. Unless Carrie had just stepped into the shower wearing her designer clothing, then more likely than not she was...
Kat's eyes widened. Her cheeks turned rosy red.
"A conversation would be much easier if we were facing each other, rather than talking through glass. Don't you think?" Carrie asked.
"W-w-w-w-w-what are you doing...?!"
"Showering. Just like you."
"B-b-but you're...you're..."
Carrie put her hands on Kat's shoulders. "It's okay. *This* is okay. I love you. I have nothing to hide from you. October 27, 2029. Do you remember?"
"How could I forget? That was the night we danced on the lake. The day we decided we wanted to be together."
"That's the day I decided to never keep secrets from you. Everything that's mine is yours. Please tell me what's bothering you."
With another moment to think, Kat turned around. "...wow."
Carrie giggled. "The feeling is mutual, my darling."
"Your scars are looking better."
Carrie massaged her left shoulder, where some scarring could be seen, though it was largely relegated to her back. Two-and-a-half years prior, she'd suffered grievous, life-threatening injuries protecting Natalia from an explosive device sent to them by an enemy of the Artisans. Though she survived, the reminder of that horrific time remained.
"They don't hurt so much anymore. It's just the reminder that hurts now. I'm sure Professor Kubo would agree." she replied.
"You've handled all the pain that's come your way. Strength as diamonds, right?"
"Exactly." Carrie returned a concerned smile. "Tell me what's wrong."
Kat finally relented. "It's a world away from back home. I know, you guys had to adapt, too, but...it's different for me. I grew up on noise. I mean, you've met my dad. I was always surrounded by people, flashing lights, in-your-face everything. Tokyo was like home away from home. Here, it's...it's just different. And the other thing is..." Kat looked away again.
Carrie put her hands on Kat's face. "It's not about the place, is it? It's the people."
Kat gave an affirming nod. "I love you. And Natty, and Kenny. This isn't anything against you. Please don't think that it is. But when I came to Tokyo, I didn't have anyone but my parents and Lin. No friends waiting or to go back to. Now you guys are like my family. And that family's scattered everywhere. I'm just...scared of being alone again."
"Hm. The lioness isn't like other cats. She needs her pack. You're not wrong to feel that way. I miss them, too. You aren't the only one who found a cure for perpetual loneliness. But this is an opportunity to expand our horizons. The day will arrive where we're collectively groaning at Sahir's attempts at being charming, and Sakuya has to yank on his ear in response. You'll get to sing a duet with Barbara again. And you can still be a big sister to Shizuka. The others won't forget about you. That would be impossible. Families find a way, no matter the distance. Okay?"
Kat put up a smile. "Okay. You're right. It's just something I have to get used to."
"Keep that smile up. Tomorrow's a new beginning." The two kissed. "Now turn around."
"W-w-what, why do you want me to--"
"I'm going to wash your back."
"Whoa whoa whoa whoa, hold on a second--"
"We've been in this shower long enough, my love." Carrie held up a brush. "Can't leave it half-finished."
Kat grew redder. "Care please don't do this to me I'm gonna melt--"
"Don't look so nervous, I'll let you wash mine in return!"
"OH GOD I'M GONNA DIIIIIIIE--"
Outside the bathroom, Natalia had her ear pressed against the door, and was blushing. Hearing where the conversation was going, she slowly backed away.
In the living room, Kenneth sat with CiCi on his lap. The two were staring at each other inquisitively. "...are you expecting a hug?"
"Meeeeow."
"I'm not what you would call the hugging type."
"Mraaawr." The feline brushed her head against his chest.
Kenneth sighed. "'Resembling their owners' indeed."
Natalia walked in. "Heeeey, hehe. You guys getting along?"
"Well, we're getting there. I think." Kenneth looked to Natalia. "Why are you blushing?"
"What? Pfft, it's nothing. I'm just...really happy that you two are getting on. Of course I'd be brushing--BLUSHING!" Natalia began to laugh nervously.
"Okay, then..."
"I'm, uh...gonna start working on dinner."
Minutes later, Carrie and Kat walked in, fully dressed. Kat was still beet-red.
"I'm going to assume you aren't red because you're glad I'm touching the cat." Kenneth said.
"You weren't the only one touching a cat..." Natalia muttered under her breath.
"...I really just need food right now." Kat groaned. Carrie chuckled.
---
"Do you have your outfit picked out for tomorrow?" Carrie asked.
"Done and approved by Natty. Can't be showing up to class in pajama bottoms and slippers, can I?" Kat replied.
"Notebooks and textbooks?"
"Sorted and packed away."
"Tissues in case of allergies?"
"You're starting to sound like my mom. I've got it all under control. I'm not gonna go out looking like I don't belong there. Especially not when Fashion Queens 1 and 2 live under the same roof."
"I just wanted to make absolutely sure. How are the nerves?"
"Still a little nerve-y, but you did a good job...scrubbing most of them away."
"Are you sure? If there's still work to be done, we could go for another session."
"THAT won't be necessary. Another shower now would be overkill."
"Yes, I'm sure that's why you're hesitant." Carrie teased.
"I'll try to be quiet in the morning. Don't wanna wake up His Surliness on his day off. Then again, with the furball on top of him, he might not be getting up, anyway."
"Unlikely. Let me know when you're done and we can meet up for lunch. I'll have plenty of time before my afternoon class. I want to hear all about your day."
"Hope I don't disappoint. Gonna be weird having my day finished by noon while you won't be home til later. That alone is gonna take some adjusting."
"It's all part of the experience." The girls embraced. "I hope you come to love it here. I want this to be the start of a beautiful life together. I promise I'll do everything to make this a home for you."
"It already is, gorgeous. You're here. We could be in a run-down shack in the middle of nowhere, and I'd still call it home. I know I'll find my way here. Starting tomorrow."
The two kissed. "Good luck tomorrow, my dear, sweet Kitten. Pleasant dreams. I love you." Carrie said.
"I love you too, Care. So damn much. See you tomorrow. Nighties."
Carrie left the room, closing the door behind her. Now alone, Kat sat down on her bed. She looked over to the mantle. To the still-unopened letter.
"Guess it's that time." She got up and grabbed the envelope, before lying back down. She carefully opened it.
The first thing to come out of the envelope was a colored pencil doodle of a black cat with purple butterfly wings. "I'll miss you, Kitty Kat!!!" was written on the bottom.
"Miss you too, princess." Kat said.
Accompanying the picture was a letter, neatly folded up and written on formal stationary. "From the desk of Ringo Kubo, Professor of Literature" was printed in the upper right-hand corner.
"So fancy, Prof."
She began to read it.
"*Dear Kat,
I hope you're doing well now, whenever you've decided to open this letter. If you've opened it before the time I advised you to, tsk tsk. You know what they say about cats and curiosity.
Either way, where should I begin? Even I'm not too sure. This is my 12th attempt at writing this. I couldn't get the words to fit then, so I've decided to just speak from the heart. No structure. Just pure honesty.
When I was younger, my ultimate goal was to become a writer. It was how I expressed myself then. Even now I'm more comfortable with the written word. Hence the pen and paper approach. But as you know, what led me down the path to becoming a teacher was my dear friend Miko. Shizuka's sister. In her twenty years of life, she was only able to fully express who she was for four of them. And she was so beautifully unique. It tore me up so badly that she wasn't allowed to be who she was for so long.
I met her when she was 15. So I decided that I would help kids that age to realize and appreciate their gifts and differences. Everything that I do is to honor her memory. If I could just help one person come into their own to where they would want to do the same thing, then I would consider my career a success.
I believe wholeheartedly that you are that person, Kat.
I see all of the potential in the world in you. How you are with your friends, your family. 'My' family. The bond that you have with Shizuka is so special, and so wonderful to watch. I know that wherever Miko is, she's watching you and Shizuka with a smile, knowing that she gets to have a big sister, after all. Me and Rose will be forever grateful to you for that.
And so here you are. About to embark on another journey, far from home. It's going to be a challenge, but I know that you have the determination and attitude to do it, and do it masterfully. To impart your knowledge and experience onto children is a blessing and a huge responsibility. I've seen Shizuka come out of her shell thanks to your relationship, and I know that any kid that you teach will be so lucky to have you. It might seem intimidating now, but I know what you can do.
You've saved the world twice, Kit So-yin. There's nothing you can't do.
I'm saying this now not just as your teacher. But as a friend. One I hope you can keep leaning on for many years to come. About your wish to be my assistant one day...I'd love nothing more. There's so much more I know we can learn from each other. My doors will never be closed to you. Anything you ever need help with, I'll be there.
There's one more thing inside this envelope. A sakura flower from this past season I preserved. From the tree I was born under. My family of proud florists believes in the language of plants. The sakura is the flower of life and destiny. Keep it with you as you pursue your own future.
Consider yourself an honorary Kubo.
It's been my absolute pleasure and honor to be your teacher. Tell Carrie to keep up her indomitable strength. Tell Natalia to keep her head held high. Tell Kenneth to broaden his horizons and treasure those around him. I trust that you will continue to look out for them. I look forward to the day that you tell me about your experiences in person.
Keep taking care of yourself. I couldn't have chosen a better heir to my goals.
From your teacher. Your friend. Your big sister. And perhaps, your future colleague.
With sincerest love, your professor, Rin.*"
If there was a visual representation of a heart melting, Kat was the closest thing to it. Tears streamed down either side of a smile. She removed her glasses and tried drying her face. 
She reopened the envelope. Sure enough, there was a single pink flower sitting inside of it, wrapped in a small plastic bag.
At that moment, every lingering doubt in Kit So-yin's mind seemed to crumble away. Everything was going to be okay. There was nothing to fear.
She would never be alone again.
---
August 18, 2031
The dawn of a new day was upon central London.
Inside the Kit-Blackthorne-Van Damme lodge, one of the residents was wide awake. Taking care not to awaken her housemates, Kat ate her breakfast and got dressed. In her room, she stood in front of the mirror. She wore a black uniform and skirt combination, along with black boots. She made one last addition to her attire, attaching the sakura flower to the left-hand pocket on her uniform. There was no formal dress code, but Kat had heeded her peers' advice and was seeking to make a good first impression.
"It's showtime." 
She grabbed her bag, on which was a button with a picture of 'Metal Gear Solid' protagonist Solid Snake's face, a heart sticker hollowed out and placed over it. Stealthily, she exited the lodge, locking the door behind her, then beginning the commute to the campus in Bloomsbury.
She soon arrived at the historic campus, where many a famed alumni once passed through. She gazed up at the main building, also known as the Octagon, surrounded by grass and structures once used for astronomy. "You're really here, Kitty Kat." she had to remind herself. She had downloaded a map onto her phone. After a few more minutes of walking, she'd located her classroom.
Several students were already seated inside. "(Sheesh. Looks more like a theater than a classroom. Okay, time for the awkward 'pick a seat' part of the day.)" Kat thought.
She took a seat closer to the top of the room. She let out a deep breath. "(Nobody on either side. Dunno if that's a good sign or bad.)"
"Ah, excuse me..." a girl's voice spoke with an accent.
Kat snapped out of her thoughts. Next to her was a young woman with brown hair in a single braid, a light blue shirt and long skirt. "Sorry if I'm intruding. Is this seat taken?"
"Oh, no, not at all. I've only been on campus for five minutes, so...not a lot of time to reserve a seat." Kat replied.
"Appreciated. Finding a seat on the first day is always so awkward when you don't know anyone. But soon as I walked in and saw you, I thought to myself, 'she looks fascinating'. Sorry, I hope that isn't too forward."
"Nah, it's no problem. I don't usually go this formal, but my housemates are both fashion forward, and they're not gonna let me leave the house looking like I just rolled out of bed."
"You did a lovely job of it, I'd say. Ah, pardon my manners. I'm Tabby."
"Hiya. I'm So-yin. But everyone calls me Kat. Are you from around here?"
"Oh, no. I'm from the West Midlands in Wolverhampton. I'm still trying to find my way around."
"You and me both. I'm from South Korea, but I spent my high school years in Tokyo. It's a lot quieter here. A little too quiet for me."
"I can imagine. So you spent a bit of time in Japan, did you? I've always wanted to visit. I'm a bit of a...oh, dear, this is a little embarrassing." Tabby showed her bag, which bore the image of the main cast of 'Sailor Moon'. "I'm something of an anime aficionado."
"Ohhhh, wow! Destiny brought you to the right lass. I'm super into anime, too. And games. Mainly ones starring this charming fella." Kat brought up her own bag.
"Oh, wow! That's actually hilarious. I knew you'd be a fascinating sort. That flower in your pocket...it's quite lovely."
"Thanks. It's a gift from my high school professor. She's...she's a very special lady. She helped me to believe in myself, so I'm following her lead and studying to be a teacher."
"What a coincidence, that's exactly what I'm here for! I'm looking to teach science some day. Have you looked into the Institute of Education here? It's second to none when it comes to postgraduate work."
"Oh, I have. That's the plan for after I graduate. I'm gonna teach kids to be the best versions of themselves. Someday I'm gonna go back to Japan and show my Professor just how much I've grown. If I can teach someone to love every part of themselves, that'd be the best way to thank her for everything she's done for me."
"Wow. This Professor of yours sounds like a special woman."
"She's the best. Equal parts brains and heart. I hope I can live up to that."
"You know, I like you. It feels like we've known each other forever. I could learn a lot from you, I think."
"Ditto. Fair warning, though, Tabs--can I call you Tabs?"
"I don't mind."
"Sorry, I've got a thing for nicknames. Just a heads-up. You stick around me long enough, you might see something you've never seen before. But I don't feel like spooking ya. Got any lunch plans?"
"Not at the moment, no."
"How about we meet up later, I can introduce ya to the love of my life. Oh, uh, before that...she's a she. That's not a problem for you, is it?"
"Absolutely not. Love is love."
"Phew, good. I think we're gonna get along just fine, Tabs."
Soon after, the instructor walked in, and the room quieted. "'Something I've never seen before'. How very exciting." Tabby mused.
As the lecture began, Kat's thoughts began turning. "(It's all gonna be fine. Just watch, Prof. I'll do ya proud.)"