Persona BLEACHED 5: Chapter 10

Persona BLEACHED 5
Chapter 10: Stillness and Quiet
August 24, 2036
"Actions and inactions have consequences." Rin dictated to her class--currently consisting of five students, all of whom looked sullen. "I don't think I need to elaborate what I'm alluding to. Saturday's near-incident was completely unacceptable."
"We did tell you all on Day One that if there was a problem with the dampeners, to let us know immediately, yes? We weren't speaking gibberish, right?" Kat questioned.
"Yes, Ms. Kit." the students affirmed.
"I did want to take the moment to commend you all for following that procedure and alerting Mr. Musa and Ms. Jadefang of the danger. That very likely prevented a bigger disaster. But as you can see, one of your classmates dismissed all of that and nearly caused a public spectacle, and so is not present at the moment, and won't be for the entire week." Rin stated.
"(So she'll be coming back, then. Tight.)" Devon thought.
"When this week is over, Commander Genbu will let us know if he thinks she should be able to return. Him and his wife are probably chewing her out as we speak. But as for you all, this incident did bring up one major concern. Namely, that we won't always be around in case something like this happens. You were lucky that my friends were there, but they might not be the next time. So..." Kat pointed to two phone numbers written on the board. "Here's my number and Professor Kubo's. Let me make this clear: this isn't an invitation to call us at 3 in the morning about a homework issue. You're only to call us if there's a dampener malfunction or if there's a problem that needs our special brand of fixing. We clear?"
"Yes, Ms. Kit." they all answered.
The ringtone from Rin's phone began playing. She checked the number. "Excuse me, I need to take this."
She stepped out into the hall, answering her cell. "This is Rin Kubo speaking. Oh, hello, Principal Fujiwara, how are you? Is everything alright with Shizuka?" There was a pause, as her expression turned to one of concern. "...what? What do you mean--Is she hurt? Oh, dear...okay, I'll be there shortly. Thank you." She hung up. "Oh, Shizuka..." 
She opened the door. "Ms. Kit, could you come out for a moment?"
"Yes, ma'am. You all sit tight." Kat exited the room. "Everything alright?"
"It's Shizuka. She...got into an altercation at school."
"What...? Did...did she hit someone? Is she okay?"
"I don't know. I'm heading over there now. This is long before I would've liked to do this, but I need you to hold down the class on your own. For at least a little while. I don't know how long I'll be gone for."
"Don't worry. I've got the lesson plan. Just make sure she's okay and not in any trouble. I can hold down the fort until you get back. It's what assistants are for."
"Thank you so much. I'll let you know what's going on when I know. Oh, wait, I have to grab my things..."
Rin went into the classroom and took her bag. "Everyone, I know this is abrupt, but I've got a family emergency to take care of. Ms. Kit will be handling things in my absence. Remember to be on your best behavior. I should be back in tomorrow, hopefully."
"Good fortune to you and yours, Profe--" Taylor began, before Rin rushed out the door. "--ssor."
Kat re-entered. "Oh, are you all in for it now." she said with a mischievous smirk.
Devon gulped.
Rin exited the building, making her way towards the parking lot. She took out her phone and called one of her contacts.
In her office, Rose's phone began to ring. She picked it up. "Hello? Is something wrong, Rin?"
"Rose, I just got a call from Principal Fujiwara. Shizuka was involved in a fight at school."
Rose rubbed her eyes. "Mercy. How bad is it?"
"I don't know. I'm on my way there right this second. I have no idea if she started it or was caught up in it or what."
"So we'll either be comforting her later or grounding her for a month. And I'd hoped everything would be going smoothly. Please let me know what's happening as soon as possible."
"You'll know when I know. Cross your fingers that it's not that serious. Alright, I'm at the car now. Talk to you soon."
Rin ended the call, and got into her car. "(I'd been hoping things were going well, too. But she hardly tells us anything, and whatever she does say is always so brief and vague. Maybe she's been getting bullied this whole time, and won't say it. She's never been one for talking, but these days it feels like she's blocked us out completely. Maybe now is when I get the truth.)"
She started the car up, and drove down to the Junior Stars Academy. Unlike the high school, this Academy was a single school building. She walked in, and made her way up to the third floor, where the principal's office was located--thinking of every bad possibility that could be waiting for her.
As she rounded the corner, there was an older, mustached man with dark, slicked back hair and a dark suit speaking with a woman in a nurse's uniform. "Right, well, as long as she's calmed down and wrapped up properly..."
"Principal Fujiwara." Rin approached.
"Ah, Professor Kubo. You weren't lying about getting here quickly."
"Please, where's Shizuka? Is she okay?"
"She's right over here. The nurse just finished tending to her."
Shizuka was seated next to the door to the office, her bag right next to her. She had a white bandage on her left cheek, with more wrapped around her left arm and right knee. Her glasses were missing. As soon as she saw Rin, she looked away.
"Shizuka, oh no!" Rin ran over to her. "Are you alright? What happened to you?"
"....." The girl continued to avert her gaze.
"Shizuka, please, this isn't the time to clam up on me. Just tell me what happened."
"This is the quietest she's been all day." the principal interjected. "She was giving the nurse a fight not that long ago. It took two teachers holding her down just to get her bandaged up. She was not happy at all to be in the clinic."
"Yes, she...has a deep-seated fear of doctors. Can you please tell me what caused all this?"
"Right this way." He directed them into his office.
The principal sat down at his desk, on top of which was a picture of him with the main Academy's Dr. Yuki. Principal Fujiwara, as it so happened, was her husband. Rin and Shizuka sat down in front of him. "Now, first of all, let me make it clear: Shizuka isn't in any trouble."
Rin exhaled.
"From what we've gathered, she was trying to stop a bullying incident and was pushed down the stairs as a result."
"Oh, no..."
"It wasn't a long flight, so the damage was limited to some scrapes and bruises. Her glasses weren't salvageable, however."
"Shizuka...did you see something you didn't like and tried to stop it?"
"...yeah." Shizuka uttered. "This girl I've been talking to...these other girls were making fun of her, so I went over to say something, and one of them pushed me. Kitty Kat always tells me to stand up to bullies, so...I did."
Rin sighed. "What am I to do with you...Principal Fujiwara, what about the other girls?"
"Rest assured, they'll be facing suspension for this. We have a zero tolerance policy in regards to bullying, especially when it involves physical assault. You don't have to worry about that. Now as for Shizuka, while she won't be suspended, we are recommending that she take a day or two off for her injuries to heal. I understand that with your own duties, that it might cause some inconvenience..." the principal dictated.
"Nothing is an inconvenience where my daughter is concerned. I'll gladly take as much time off as needed to tend to her injuries. My assistant can oversee my classes in the meantime."
In her mind, Shizuka pictured Kat standing amongst a sea of flames, laughing.
"Well, if that's all settled, then you ladies are free to leave. Ah, but just one other thing, Professor..." the principal said.
"Yes?" Rin asked.
"Shirone was wondering if you and Dr. Wolfe would be free for dinner this Saturday. She wanted to show you our new, ah...observatory."
"Oh, she was talking about finally finishing it. I'll talk to Rose about it later, but Saturday we should be free. Shizuka hopefully should be healed up by then."
"By all means, bring the whole family. Shirone's been dying to show people the telescope. 'I can pick out individual rocks on the moon!', she tells me."
"Now that, I need to see to believe. I'll ask Rose when I get a chance. But for now, I need to get this one some rest."
"Of course. Heal up well, Ms. Kubo. Come back when you're ready."
"Okay." Shizuka uttered.
Rin and Shizuka exited the office. "Okay, we'll have to stop by the pharmacy on the way home. You don't have to get down if you don't want, especially without your glasses..."
"....."
"Shizuka...?" a quiet voice spoke up.
Close by, a girl was poking her head out from behind the lockers. She had chin-length black hair, along with two hairclips on either side of her head that looked like bats.
"Oh, uh...can I have a minute, Mama?" Shizuka asked.
"Sure. I can wait." Rin replied. "(This must be the friend she was looking out for. Definitely looks to be on the shy side.)"
Shizuka approached the girl. "Hi, Naoko."
"Are you okay? Did you get in trouble?" the girl asked.
"I'm okay. Just some scratches and bruises. I'll be fine. I'm not in trouble. But I need to go home for a few days, anyway."
"I'm sorry...you got hurt because of me."
"It's not your fault. Those girls are all jerks. Your bat clips are really cool. They're just jealous they can't make anything like them. Now you get a few days of them not being around."
"Yeah, but...they'll probably be really angry when they come back. Now they'll be coming after you."
"I don't care. They can say whatever they want. That's why I have these." Shizuka grabbed her headphones.
"You're so cool, Shizuka...hey, is that your mom over there?"
"Yeah, one of them. She teaches at the high school."
"Oh, yeah, I forgot you have two moms. She's really pretty. I guess she really likes red."
"Yeah..."
"So, um, I was wondering...can I come by your house later?"
Shizuka was jolted. "You...wanna come by my house?"
"Yeah. Just to see how you're doing, and maybe..." Naoko put her index fingers together. "...just, you know, hang out."
"Um..."
"It's okay if you don't want to..."
"No, no, I just...don't have friends over a lot. The only other friends I have live all the way in Tokyo. And my room's kinda messy. I've got all my drawings, and my guitar..."
"My room's messy, too. And I'd really like to hear your guitar. If...you don't mind."
"...okay. I have to ask my mom first, real quick."
Shizuka went back up to Rin. "Hey, Mama?"
"Yes, lovebug?" Rin asked.
"N-Not in front of my friend, please. Um...Naoko wants to know if...if it's okay if she could come over after school."
"Oh, of course it is! I'd love for you to have her over. That's absolutely okay with me."
"Okay, cool. Thanks." Shizuka went back to Naoko.
"(Yes! This is exactly what we've been wanting! Oh, at least some good came out of today.)" Rin thought.
"Hey, so, my mom says it's alright."
"Oh, great! I'll ask my dad to bring me over. He's coming in a little while to talk with the principal. Can I have your address?"
"Sure. I'll text it to you in a bit. I'll see ya later."
"Okay. See you, Shizuka."
Shizuka went back to Rin. "...what are you smiling about?"
"Oh, nothing." Rin patted her on the head. "I'm proud of you, lovebug." She started walking.
"S-Seriously, not around people..." Shizuka followed after.
---
"Ow."
"Oh, come on. I haven't even touched you yet."
At the Kubo household, Shizuka was laying on the couch, with Rin standing over her with a bottle of aloe. "This is going to hurt a little, but I need to put this on your cuts. It'll help them heal quicker."
"What if I don't want them to heal...then I won't have to go to school ever again."
"Well if that happened, I'd just have to stay here all day and homeschool you. Wouldn't that be fun?"
"Yeah, no thanks."
Rin began the process of removing the bandages, placing aloe onto the cuts, before covering them back up with new wrappings. "All done. Let me get some tea brewing. Oh, before I forget..." Rin went into Shizuka's room, and came out with a pair of glasses. "Sorry if things were blurry for a while."
Shizuka put them on.
"Better?"
"Uh-huh."
"Good. Now for that tea..."
Rin went into the kitchen and began prepping the tea.
"...hey, Mama?" Shizuka asked.
"Yes, lovebug?"
"How come you don't wear glasses anymore?"
It was a question Rin had been waiting to hear. In years past, she had worn a pair of red-framed glasses--a pair that had once belonged to her dear, departed friend Sumiko, Shizuka's older sister. Only recently had she stopped wearing them, going back to contacts for the first time since her friend's passing.
"Well...because they were never really mine to start with. I was borrowing them." Rin sighed. "Listen, lovebug. Your sister was someone very important to me. I loved her dearly. Losing her...hurt, for a long time. But on the other side, I know it makes you uncomfortable whenever I mention her. You made it clear how you thought I only took you in because of her. Mama Rose thinks that my wearing her glasses was my way of keeping her alive."
Rin walked back over to Shizuka, and fluffed her pillow. "That's why I don't wear them anymore. She's been gone for as long as you've been alive. It's time to live my own life." She began counting off. "That means being a great teacher to all my students, a great friend to all my friends, a great sister to your Uncle Tan, a great daughter to Grandma Hana, a great auntie to your cousins Uri and Marin, a great wife to your Mama Rose..."
She put a blanket over Shizuka. "...and most importantly of all, being the best mom I can be for you, my little lovebug. That'll never change, no matter how old you get."
Shizuka tried turning away to hide her emotions. "...don't make me gag."
"Sorry if I embarrassed you in front of nobody." Rin smirked, before returning to the kitchen. "So, your little friend Naoko seems nice. How did you two meet?"
"She's in my class. She's really quiet, like me. You wanted me to talk to more people, so I said hi. We sat together at lunch, and started talking more. She likes spooky things, like ghosts and bats."
"I saw the little clips in her hair."
"Yeah, she made those. Those dumb girls were making fun of them and calling her creepy. You and Kitty Kat are always making your friends feel special for being different, so I didn't like hearing any of that."
"And I'm so very proud of you for standing up for your friend."
"They were saying mean things about her family, too. Their moms are all rich, gossipy types that know everyone else's business. They probably know about you and Mama Rose, too."
"(If that's the case, then they probably know that Principal Fujiwara's wife is our boss. Might be what's kept them from harassing Shizuka. Although today's events might've changed that.)" "So why would they make fun of her family? Do you know anything about them?"
"All I know is that it's just her and her dad. Hasn't said anything about her mom. I've seen her dad pick her up a couple times. He's kinda spooky, too. He dresses in all black, and drives a black car, too. She says he has a scary job, but I didn't really understand it."
"(Dresses in all black with a 'scary' job. Now what could that possibly entail, I wonder.)"
Shizuka's phone got a notification, and she picked it up to look. "Hey, so, Naoko's gonna be here with her dad at around 5. He wants to meet you and Mama Rose."
"The more the merrier. I'll just have to make a bigger dinner." "(Maybe I can ask what this 'scary' job is.)"
---
A couple of hours later, Shizuka was fast asleep on the couch. Rin, meanwhile, was in her office, talking on the phone while looking at her notes. "...now as for tomorrow, have them read pages 57 to 87 tonight, then summarize what they believe the author's intentions were when writing it. Have them discuss it in-class tomorrow. Tuesday night's reading will be pages 88 to 109. We'll play it by ear from there. Thanks again for this, Kat. You're a life-saver. I'll see you--oh, shoot, I forgot I took the car! I'll pick you all up later. Ugh, sorry. It's been that kind of day. I'll let you get back to lunch. Bye."
She hung up. "Was not expecting so much 'Me' time today. Laundry and cleaning are all done. Thank goodness for Emily's book recommendations..."
Her phone rang again. "Can't be Kat again so quickly..."
The caller's ID left her confused, and concerned. "'Kuroda Funeral Parlor'? What...?" She picked up. "Hello?"
The voice on the other end was a man's, baritone. "Hello, Professor Ringo Kubo, I presume?"
"Yes, this is she. Why am I being called by a funeral parlor?"
"...ah. I beg your pardon. I did not mean to alarm you. Rest assured, this is not a grim matter. Principal Fujiwara gave me your number after our meeting today."
"Principal...? Ah! Would I be right to assume that you're Naoko's father, then?"
"Yes, you would be correct. Sōzen Kuroda, at your service. I am a funeral director, hence the caller ID. It had slipped my mind that I was using my work phone."
Rin let out a sigh. "My heart skipped a few beats for a moment there. I've had too many surprises today as-is." "(A funeral director, huh? I guess that constitutes a 'scary' job.)"
"Apologies for the added stress."
"No, no, it's fine. So what can I help you with?"
"I was wondering how your daughter was faring. I'd heard she'd taken a nasty fall."
"She'll be alright. She's resting right now. Some scrapes and bruising but nothing some TLC can't fix. She's in the moody teenager phase of 'nothing really hurts me', but she's just acting tough so her mom doesn't worry."
"I see. Reassuring that she's alright. I apologize profusely for what transpired. The girls involved know Naoko from their previous school. She's very kind, but very quiet, and that's always made her a target for that sort of harassment. I am grateful to your daughter for intervening, but also guilty that she came to harm."
"It's alright. She was protecting a friend, and I'm proud of her for that. I know more than one person who would've done the same. I'm glad that your daughter is okay, too."
"Principal Fujiwara did say that you were an optimist. Now then, I must attend to my appointments. Do excuse me. See you at 5 o'clock sharp for dinner."
"Thank you for the call, Mr. Kuroda. Have a pleasant rest of your day."
The call ended. "Quite the brief and blunt fellow, that one. I was not expecting a call from a funeral parlor today. I wonder what that must be like for a child Naoko's age, to grow up around that sort of environment. How much of work do you really bring home with you? Well, whatever the case, I've suddenly got plenty of time to kill. Think it's a nice enough day for some backyard reading..."
---
A short while later, Rin sat at the table in her backyard, a green parasol overhead, a glass of water in arm's reach and a book in her hands. With the sun shining and being surrounded by flowers, this was her idea of paradise.
The screen door opened, and Shizuka stepped out with a yawn. "Hey, Mama..."
"Hey, sleepyhead. How are you feeling?"
"Okay...still a little sore."
"That'll probably last for a little while. We'll need to replace your bandages after you take a shower later. Hopefully it doesn't hurt as much then."
"Yeah...I'm gonna go watch some TV..."
"Why the rush? There's not much on this time of the day. Stay out here with me for a bit. The weather's perfect."
"...okay."
Shizuka sat down, putting her head on her hand. She looked out towards the flowers. Her eyes zeroed in on one spot in particular that was surrounded by pink blossoms. In the center was a stone marker, a paw print embedded into it, along with 'Momo' written in kanji. "....."
Rin could see where she was looking. "She's sleeping. Everything around her is pretty and pink like her."
"...she was a good kitty. I miss her so much."
"I do, too. She was here for half of my life, but you had her for your whole life with us. I miss her sitting on my lap while I'm reading."
"She'd sleep next to me whenever I was sad or sick. Now I reach out to pet her and...nothing's there. She was my only friend here..."
"I'm so sorry, lovebug. But now you have another friend. It's not going to hurt forever. There's always something for you to be happy about."
"Even right now with me bruised up?"
"It's not as bad as it could've been. You have a new friend, and we get to spend more time together. I think that's pretty good."
"Yeah, spending more time around my mom is *so* good..."
"Right, how could I forget?" Rin chuckled. She got up. "I'm going to get some more water." She put her hands on Shizuka's shoulders. "And for the record, lovebug...every second I spend with you is a gift." She went inside.
"Heh...and you think I'm the one with friend problems."
---
A few hours later, Rin was grabbing her bag. "Okay, lovebug, I'm going to pick up Mama Rose. You'll be alright by yourself for a bit?"
"Don't worry, I won't run away or anything." Shizuka replied.
"I should hope not. Remember to lock the door. I won't be gone for long."
"So I don't get to throw a big party? Lame."
"Just remember to clean up if you do."
Rin walked out, got in her car and drove over to the school. As some students left to go to stores or a hangout spot around town, she waited by the front entrance.
"Hmm? Playing hooky, are we?" Rose approached.
"You caught me. My permanent record is forever tarnished. Punish me as you see fit." Rin winked.
"I'll have a list of punishments waiting for you back home. In all seriousness, how is Shizuka?"
"She's her usual sassy self. I've done all I can for her injuries, and she's still a bit sore. I've got her resting right now."
"What an utter mess. At least those girls will be held accountable. To think, our quiet child, getting in someone's face and defending her friend..."
"Sounds a lot like someone we know, doesn't it? Speaking of, where's my assistant?"
"Ah, Professor..." a familiar voice spoke up.
Carrie arrived with Kat, who had a vacant look on her face, with shadows around her eyes. "Pain." she uttered.
"Oh...no. Things didn't go well, I take it?" Rin asked.
"They were all staring at me. All day. Every second it took me to respond felt like a stab to my gut."
"It's all self-inflicted, my love. You'll be alright. It's nothing a bit of tea and a foot massage can't fix." Carrie comforted her.
Rose looked over at Rin, expectantly. "....."
"Not tonight. We're having company over, remember?" Rin responded.
"Drat."
They group soon got into the car, and returned to the neighborhood. After dropping Carrie and the clearly exhausted Kat off at their home, Rin and Rose pulled into their driveway. They got out, and went into the house. "Any craziness going on in here?" Rin asked.
"You missed it." Shizuka plainly replied, not having budged from her spot on the couch.
"Oh, you impulsive child, you..." Rose walked over to her, looking over her bandages. "Do you have any idea how frightened I was when I'd heard you were injured? It could've been so much worse..."
"I'm sorry, Mama. They were picking on my friend. She's too shy and doesn't say anything back to them, so I had to do something. It doesn't hurt so bad now."
Rose sighed. "This protective streak is so very prevalent in this family tree, I swear. Or perhaps I should blame your old babysitter for this. Regardless...I'm happy that you've made a friend, and that you tried to help her out. Now then, our guests will be here in about an hour or so. Go ahead and get yourself ready."
"Okay."
"You want the shower first?" Rose asked Rin.
"You go ahead, I need to help her with her bandages." Rin replied.
"I'll set your clothes out for you, then." Rose walked out of the room.
"It's not gonna be some fancy dinner, is it?" Shizuka questioned.
"No, but we want to make a good impression, don't we? It's always important to look your best. Let's go get ourselves ready." Rin urged. "(It might not be a formal well-to-do, but her father sounded *very* official over the phone. Better to dress to impress. I want their friendship to last.)"
---
5 o'clock arrived. Rose tended to the kitchen, and was garbed in an azure blouse and long skirt. Shizuka, sitting on the couch, wore a black shirt with the name 'Kessoku Band' written in gray lettering and surrounded by a shape meant to resemble a closed zip tie, along with blue jeans. She lacked her usual knit cap, and her nails were totally black, whereas before they had been chipped.
The doorbell rang. Shizuka got up, though showing signs of continued discomfort. "Don't strain yourself, Shizuka, I can get it." Rose insisted. She opened the door. "Hello, you must be Naoko."
"Hello. You're Shizuka's other mom, right?" Naoko, in a little black dress and a necklace with a bat-shaped pendant, greeted.
"Yes, that would be me. My name is Rose. You met my wife Rin earlier today."
"You're really pretty, too. I love your eyes."
"R-Really? That's...very kind of you to say. Most people find them eerie at first..." Rose had a sparkle to her eyes.
"Oh, great, now you've done it." Shizuka poked her head out from behind her. "Hey, Naoko."
"Hi, Shizuka. How are you feeling?" Naoko asked.
"Like it was me against the whole class in dodgeball. Way better than before, though."
"I'm so sorry..."
"Don't apologize, Ms. Kuroda, you did nothing wrong. Clearly those girls' parents never taught them proper manners." Rose replied. "Ah, but speaking of parents, where is your father?"
"Oh, he's still in the car taking a work call. He should be done in a few minutes. May I come in?"
"Yes, of course you may. Dinner will be ready soon. Make yourself at-home." 
"Thank you." Naoko bowed, and entered. "You have a really pretty house, Shizuka. I love all the flowers."
"Flowers are my family's thing. Wait til you see the backyard. It's like the garden in Sakyō, but smaller." Shizuka replied.
"Oh, I love that garden! It's so pretty and peaceful."
"(My, what a well-mannered girl. I would have guessed from her affection towards 'spooky' things that she would be more morose, but I know enough about not judging based on appearance. And Shizuka...I've never seen her this loose and sociable. My word, is it really possible...)" Rose thought.
The doorbell rang once more. "Your father must have finished his call, Ms. Kuroda. Allow me to..." Rose opened the door. "Hello, you must...be..." She looked up, speechless.
"Good day. Would you be Professor Kubo, or am I instead speaking with Dr. Wolfe?" The man standing before her took a bow. He was tall, well-built and wore a dark suit and pants, a pocket watch sticking out from it, along with white gloves. He had black hair and a goatee, a monocle over his left eye, and spoke with a deep, imposing voice.
"(...meow.)" Rose uttered in her mind. "Ah, b-beg pardon, sir. I am Dr. Rosemary Woof--WOLFE. You must be Mr. Kuroda, yes?"
"Indeed. Sōzen Kuroda, funeral director. May I?"
"Yes, you may." "(Good heavens! I was expecting someone far more grim to be a mortician. That man could easily be an actor with such an air of refinement!)" Rose shook her head. "(Purge those thoughts, Rosemary, you are a happily married woman! You must maintain your dignity! Do not embarrass yourself or your house like this!)" She composed herself. "Please, have a seat. Would you care for some tea?"
"I am more of a coffee drinker, but I could not refuse such an offer. Tea sounds lovely. Is Professor Kubo around?"
"She should be down soon. She started prepping dinner and helping Shizuka with her bandages before taking her turn in the shower. She is the kind to take on several tasks at once."
"Compassionate and attentive. I know the type. You are quite the fortunate one, Dr. Wolfe."
"I consider myself the fortunate one." Rin's voice sounded. She came down the stairs, wearing a light red sweater and red pants, with her hair tied back. "Mr. Kuroda, I presume."
"Professor Kubo, I presume. Unless there is another woman wandering abouts that I am unaware of." Sōzen got up, and took Rin's hand. "Charmed."
"Aha-ha, ah, my, how polite..." Rin uttered, blushing slightly.
"Yes, how...polite." Rose looked on, eyebrow raised.
"....." Shizuka observed this.
"Is something wrong, Shizuka?" Naoko asked her.
"Nope. Just old people being weird." 
---
A while later, with dinner concluded, the girls took to the backyard, and looked over the flowers. "These are all so pretty! Your moms really do know their way around a garden." Naoko said.
"I like to think I'm pretty good, too. I picked most of these out myself." Shizuka replied, exaggerating.
Naoko set her eyes on the pawprint marker surrounded by pink blossoms. "What's this for?"
"Oh. That's for Momo. She was my cat. She's, um...sleeping there."
"Oh...I'm so sorry." Naoko got down on her knees, putting her hands together and closing her eyes.
"Um...what are you doing?"
"Praying that your kitty can rest. Nobody should have to suffer after they pass on. I pray every night that they can find some peace."
"Well, um..." Shizuka got on her knees next to her. "I'm not the praying type. But if you're gonna, then...could you say one for my big sister?"
"Oh, you had a big sister?"
"Yeah. She was already gone before I was born. My moms were her friends."
"I can say a prayer for her. She's just like my mama, then. I never got to meet her, either. My dad says I'm a lot like her."
"My moms say that I'm a little like my sister. She liked bugs, like, a lot. She used to keep them around the house, and they'd always go after Momo. Mama Rose really didn't like them." Shizuka got a little sheepish. "Sorry, I know it's weird to like bugs. A lot of people think they're gross or creepy."
"I like creepy things."
"Yeah but a lot of people don't."
"I'm not a lot of people. And you aren't, either. And that's cool. I like being around you." Naoko got up. "Can we go see your room? I wanted to hear your guitar."
"O-Okay. Yeah. That's cool." Shizuka stood up, and the girls went inside.
The adults, meanwhile, were seated at the dinner table. "Done flowergazing, girls?" Rin asked.
"You have a really pretty flower garden. I said a prayer for your kitty." Naoko replied.
"Oh, that is so sweet. Thank you, that means a lot."
"I'm gonna show Naoko my guitar. Is that okay?" Shizuka asked.
"By all means, go and have some fun. We'll be here talking."
"Remember your volume levels. No need to express your grandmother's teachings to the fullest extent." Rose advised.
"Okay. C'mon, Naoko." Shizuka directed.
"Enjoy your tea, Dad." Naoko bowed, and followed after Shizuka.
"My goodness, she's so polite." Rin said.
"It's a reflection of good parenting, Mr. Kuroda." Rose added.
"Flattery. I taught her manners, but her kindness comes from within. Her mother was much the same way." Sōzen downplayed.
"'Was'? So, then..." Rin responded.
The mortician took a sip of his tea. "Yes. During childbirth. It was a miasma of the most extreme emotions. The joy of gaining a daughter...at the cost of losing my wife. The day passes through my mind constantly."
"I'm...so sorry. I can relate to that feeling. I've suffered a great deal of loss in my life. And not a day goes by where I don't wonder where the people I've lost would be if they were still here."
"It's a sentiment that I hear regularly. Many times when one has been taken prematurely. Especially when their loved one was young." Sōzen went silent.
"Mr. Kuroda?" Rose questioned.
"...apologies. But my line of work requires me to witness things that no other person should see. When I see a woman laying in a casket, it reminds me of my wife. And when it is a child...all I can see is Naoko. I try not to bring work home for that reason. She has always been spiritually sensitive. I needn't have her thinking about such morbid ideas."
"I can understand why. But if I may ask...if these thoughts are so profound, why continue with it? What drove you to become a mortician?" 
"That is because...the dead deserve proper respect. It is as simple as that."
Rose looked at his eyes. "(I'm experienced enough to know that it's never that simple.)"
Inside Shizuka's room, meanwhile, the girls sat on the bed, Naoko listening in as Shizuka strummed her purple guitar. When she was finished, Naoko clapped. "That was wonderful, Shizuka!"
"Aw, it was nothing. You should hear it when the volume's turned up. Or when I'm not going 'ow' every three seconds." Shizuka replied.
"I'm still really sorry about that..."
"Don't be. You're not the one that pushed me."
"I still want to make it up to you. Would you...want to come by my house sometime? Like maybe this weekend? It's not as colorful as yours is, but..."
"Yeah...yeah, totally!" Shizuka composed herself. "Uh, I mean...yeah, that's cool. Totally."
"Oh, really? Thank you!" Naoko hugged Shizuka.
"Owowowowowowowowowow! Still bruised, remember?!"
"Oh...sorry." Naoko released her grip.
"Ugh...at least you don't hug as hard as Kanae does..."
---
A while later, father and daughter prepared to leave. "I must thank you for the lovely evening. I'd almost forgotten what it was like to eat in a house so...brightly lit." Sōzen said.
"(Just how dark is their home...?)" Rin pondered.
Naoko bowed. "Thank you, Shizuka's moms. I really enjoyed your home."
"You are most welcome, Ms. Kuroda. You're welcome here anytime." Rose replied.
Naoko looked to the couch, where Shizuka was laying down. "Thanks for the fun time, Shizuka. Feel better soon. See you in a few days?"
"You got it." Shizuka replied.
"I will try to be as accommodating for your visit this weekend. That starts with locking away my most dreadful experiments." Sōzen said.
"Your...what now?" Rin asked.
"...apologies. Morbid humor comes with the profession. Let us be off, Naoko. Have a good night, ladies."
Naoko bowed once more, and the two left.
Rin exhaled. "Well. That went swimmingly, I think."
"Agreed. Don't you think so, Shizuka?" Rose asked.
"Yeah, I guess..." Shizuka uttered.
"That was a bit uncertain. You got something on your mind?" Rin asked.
"...nothing."
"Shizuka." Rose sternly said.
"It's just us here, lovebug. You don't need to worry about sounding 'uncool'. What's wrong?" Rin asked again.
"...you know I love you both, right?" Shizuka spoke up.
"Of course we know that. And we love you. That's always been the truth." Rose replied.
"I just...wanted to say it. Naoko told me she never got to meet her mom. And I just...thought about how lucky I am to have you. Because the mom and dad I got were evil. And if it wasn't for you, I'd be..."
Rin knelt down next to Shizuka, wrapping her in as gentle a hug as she could. "We're the lucky ones, lovebug. You're safe here with us. And we couldn't be more proud of who you're growing into."
"Thanks, Mama." Shizuka got up. "I'm gonna go get ready for bed."
"Of course. You've had an eventful day today." Rose said.
Before exiting, Shizuka paused. "Oh yeah...was I seeing things, or were you two making loopy eyes at her dad at dinner?"
Rin and Rose were both jarred. "Ah, erm...that was just your imagination, lovebug." Rin uttered.
"Y-Yes, all eyes were on our delectable meal." Rose agreed.
"Heh, yeah, I bet." Shizuka smirked, walking away.
The two wives looked at each other. "...is it too late to take you up on the foot massage request?" Rin asked.
"You've read my mind once again, beloved." Rose replied.
---
"And now, for another episode of..."
"Sensations of Serenity, with your host, Grandmaster Sidd."
The scene faded in, and the helmeted 'grandmaster' stood amongst the candlelight. "Hello again, everyone, to Sensations of Serenity. I'm Grandmaster Sidd. Tonight, I wanted to talk to you all about the first tenet of my teachings: 'Anicca', or impermanence. When I say to you..."
"PeACe iS tEmPOraRy"
"...what I mean is, to put it simply, that nothing last forever. Things are constantly changing. I had prestige, for instance. Respect. Love. And it all just...disappeared in an instant."
The aura around him seemed to shift, as he went silent. 
"But that is simply because everything is fated to change. I became who I was meant to. Let me give you a demonstration."
A wooden shelf rolled into view. The 'grandmaster' walked offscreen. "What you see is a standard wooden shelf. At one point, it was a tree. And with just a little bit of adjustment..."
He walked back into view with a jarring flamethrower, activating it and hitting the shelf with a stream of fire.
"...it becomes nothing but soot, and ashes." The flames stopped. "All things change. All things fall apart, only to rise again."
Distortions began once more. Shadowy figures briefly appeared behind him, before fizzing out. "They become what they were meant to. They gain meaning where once, there was none. They..."
He started to sound giddy. "They are so ready to introduce themselves to you all. But patience, my students, is a virtue. All things change...and begin again."
The distortions suddenly stopped, and he returned to his calm demeanor. "Well, that's all the time I have. Now remember, my students. Mine is the path towards peace. All you have to do...is come with me."
"See you next time!"