Eternal Melody

YUHI

They spend the next few days getting familiar with the Ibuki family manor. It seems like Rayne changed every other room that wasn't Sumire's or the one's Sumire used. Yuhi almost assumed Rayne was in love with her, after all they aren't blood related siblings. But during their last day, Rayne cornered him.

"It seems you found her properly this time Yi."

Yuhi blinked when hearing that name. For the first time in a few days, Yuhi finally understands why the clothes looked nostalgic. That's clothing from the spirit realm. Moreover, those soldiers who stopped them, he sensed something unusual from them.

"Your-"

"Her eldest brother from the first life."

"Rai."

Rayne chuckled. "Correct."

"But you, you didn't step into the wheel of reincarnation did you?"

Rayne shakes his head. "After Norah left, someone had to resume her duties. I made an awful god of life. I'm not as kind and considerate as she is after all. So, I was thankful when her daughter Syvlia started to live in the spirit realm."

"Is her daughter still-"

"That's what I wanted to tell you, right now Slvia's body is in a suspended sleep while her soul has transferred to another body temporary." Rayne trailed off. "That girl wanted to see her parents so much, she missed them. Even though her last encounter with Lucifer was bad."

"Her last encounter?"

"After Alex killed Norah and Lennon in the fifth life, he took her body to the spirit realm. He wanted to step into the wheel of reincarnation with her. The gesture would have been grand and noble but he was covered in her blood. Lennon and Norah's daughter Lina was actually in the spirit realm to visit her grandparents. When Alex saw her, he tried to kill her and said he didn't know there was one more left."

Yuhi blinked. "Is that-"

"Alex slaughtered Lennon and Norah's children, five out of the six."

Six children and only one left? That's horrible.

"Slyvia stepped in and confronted her father. In the end it was because of Slyvia that everyone survived, otherwise Alex would have killed everyone. Slyvia brought both her parents to the wheel of reincarnation, and cursed her father not to have a physical form."

A knowing ah escaped his lips. Now that makes sense. He thought it was odd that Alex didn't have a physical body. Even if he was cursed, he should still have a physical form. But being cursed twice? The second one being from his daughter of all people?

"Slyvia desperately tried to reverse Norah's memory loss, but it wasn't enough. I went to recover Lennon's body, but the thread between the two had been cut most-likely by that sword. So, all she could do was send that message to you, hoping that you'd follow her mother and protect her."

So it was Slyvia who sent that message.

"At first I was reluctant. I would retain my powers but if I stepped into the wheel of reincarnation, I would be a new person." Yuhi trailed off. "But the note sounded so desperate, and I quickly confirmed what happened to Norah. After five lifetimes, I was still madly in love with her even though I hadn't seen her in four centuries."

Rayne nodded. "I'm relieved you followed her."

Yuhi shakes his head. "In the end, she still had to die two more times."

"Perhaps it's fate, this eighth life is completely different from the rest. In this life, I believe she can start all over." Rayne mumbled and placed a pouch in his hand. "This will let you travel to the spirit realm. You still haven't recovered all your powers after all."

Yuhi sighs. "I appreciate it. I'll go with Sumire when we have time."

After all, if what Rayne is saying is correct. Then Sumire's daughter, the one she had with Lennon is still alive. He knew that Sumire would want to see the girl.

Seeing one of the guards approach Rayne, Yuhi stepped back. Even if he is Sumire's husband to be, they aren't married. He has no right to listen.

To his surprise Rayne chuckled. "It's fine, speak."

"The lady took one of the boats."

"Ah, I wondered when she would cave in. Of course she does it on her last day." Rayne shakes his head. "It seems like she wants to go on a date with you before leaving."

Yuhi blinked. "A date?"

"Go."

__________________

Yuhi followed Rayne's instructions and found Sumire by the lake, sure enough she was sailing on a small boat by her own. She was still hovering close to the edge, almost like she was waiting for someone. Yuhi takes a deep breath before he walks over.

"Can I keep you company, beautiful lady?"

Sumire giggled. "You may."

Yuhi stepped into the boat, it wasn't very large and he didn't have much leg room. His legs bumped against hers and Sumire's cheeks coloured. "I'm nervous, being in a place like this reminds me of what happened the last time we were in a small space."

He knew exactly what she was talking about. Images of their bodies intertwined, her flushed cheeks and unsteady breathing flashed through his mind.

"I doubt we can do it out here, I'm afraid even I won't be able to do much out here."

Sumire batted her eyelashes innocently. "Not even if I sat on your lap?" She challenged.

Yuhi chuckled. "If you did that, we would knock the boat over."

Sumire sighs. "This isn't a very good date."

"Really? I would say this is one of your better plans."

Sumire pouted. "Are you saying my other date plans were bad? At the very least, I came up with better ideas than you."

"Hey, last I checked. You didn't mind lounging around at home since we could cuddle."

Sumire sighs. "True, it's hard to be affectionate in public."

If it were the past he would agree to those words, but ever since he returned from the US. This girl hasn't hesitated with public displays of affection. Of course the media are loving the new change. Now they have pictures to accompany their slander of her seducing him.

Yuhi exhales deeply. How many times has he bought those photos? 'Dear wife, I have been spending a lot of money to get rid of the really proactive pictures.' Sumire is still an idol after all. Acts of affection are fine, but the pictures the media got were too alluring. It would have destroyed her reputation.