Sorry for updating this randomly. I just realized I'm one update behind. This was probably the part where I started getting excited about reaching the end of my story. So please enjoy and tell me what you think!

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My mother stared at me with tears in her eyes. Her raven black hair reaching her forearms was a mess and she looked so shocked to see me in my state.

Meanwhile, my Master simply stared with a solemn and thoughtful look on his face. Instead of a robe, like I usually saw him wear, he had a brown coat over a grey shirt.

My father, on the other hand, looked strict and serious as always. I could see a sad and angered look in his deep grey eyes as he came in with clenched fists. This intimidated me to shrink back.

“Um, I'll leave you in privacy. Just alert me if there are any issues.” The nurse left. She glanced at my father once more before leaving.

I stuttered as I stepped closer, “F-f-Father. M-mother. Hello Master…” I looked at them with all the courage I could muster. My father walked up to me in a stiff manner. This made me step back and gulp tightly.

That's when he raised his hand to me, as if to slap me. I flinched, closing my eyes tightly and turning my head.

I had been slapped before. I recall 2 times when he slapped me. The first time, I did not look where I was going and almost got hit by a truck and the second when I made a stupid mistake in lying to my parents to protect myself. I remember the second time I got slapped, he told me he didn't want me to mess up like that. “I know you are better than that, Ritsuko.” He said to me that day.

I knew I deserved this, but it didn't mean it hurt any less. I grit my teeth and clenched my fists, just waiting for the sting on my cheek. It never came.

I opened my eyes slowly to see my father's arm shaking as he lowered it. He had a frown on his face and he breathed out. He shook his head. “I'm so sorry, Ritsuko.” He whispered as he embraced me.

My breathing stopped, I tensed up and whimpered. “I'm sorry, Father.” Tears were streaming down my cheeks and I choked up. “I failed you.”

“No. I should have been wiser with what I put you to do.” He responded. “I thought you could take care of it.” He whispered. “I was wrong. Forgive me, Ritsuko. I would never want to hurt you.”

And with that, I closed my eyes and let it all out. I had missed my parents so much. I wanted their guidance, their comfort, their love. I felt like I didn't deserve it after how much I messed up. I was sure they would hate me, but no. The truth was that they still loved me and missed me just as much.

I was overjoyed to be able to see my mom and dad again. I was even happy to talk with my Master too! I did receive a lecture from him, however, but it wasn't as bad as I first imagined.

After our sort of reunion, I remembered one thing that I wanted to talk about. I was always nervous when I thought about it since this was probably the first time I had ever done this.

“Father, Mama?” I cleared my throat as they both glanced at me. “Yes, Ritsuko?” My mom smiled.

I fidgeted a little and mumbled, “I have someone I want you to meet.” His eyes widened in some type of fear while her expression changed into a surprised one. “W-what?” She asked.

I gave them the smile that I usually used to tell them ‘Yeah, it's that.’

“Follow me.”

My Master looked at my father's expression and chuckled. “I knew it would happen sooner or later.” He told him. I chuckled nervously, “Master, you're making it worse!”

The three followed me downstairs to another room. I knocked twice and stepped back in expectation. All the while, I heard Father murmuring things to himself. Mom seemed glad and just folded her hands together, waiting.

“Come in.” Akito answered through the door. “Oh, he sounds handsome!” Mom chirped and stepped forward. “Mom!” I snapped in embarrassment. I held out my hands. “You guys wait here for a second.” I told them while I opened the door behind.

I chuckled a little, “I'll be right back.” I slipped through the door without them seeing anything. I shut the door quickly and turned around. “Um, hi!” I waved.

Akito waved back. “Hey. Who’s with you?” I cleared my throat. “Well,” I walked up to him. “They're my parents.”

His face paled, “Parents?” I nodded, “Yeah, along with my Master. B-but if you don't wanna meet them yet, that's okay!” He looked back at the door. “Can they read minds like you?” I giggled a little. “Only my Master, but I don't think he'll do that.”

“Oh no.” He looked down. “What should I say? How do I talk to them?”

“Just be yourself.” I told him with a grin. “Just bear with me. My mom gets a little excitable and my dad...well,” I whispered in his ear, “He's a little hard to read.”

Akito chuckled at this, nodding. “Alright then. I'll try.” I kissed his lips softly, “Good.”

I went to the door and took a deep breath, turning the doorknob slowly and looking at them. “You can come in.” I let them walk through. Mom walked in, gasping at the sight of Akito. Father just looked at me and back to Akito.

My Master simply looked with a nod of approval.

I stepped back and gestured. “Mama, Father, Master, this is Akito Tanaka. He helped me so much with my job here and I couldn't have done it without him.” I proudly said the last statement.

Akito waved, “Hello.” He seemed a little nervous. Mom immediately went to him and smiled. “We're so glad to meet you, Akito!” He smiled back, “The pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Akiyama.”

I looked back at my father to see him examining Akito. I sighed and looked at him, “Please don't intimidate him. He's really sweet and polite.” I murmured.

Father closed his eyes and chuckled, “I never looked forward to this part of parenting.” I looked at Akito and my mom, who were both getting well acquainted with each other.

He already seemed to be getting used to her, but he looked to Father and instantly got quiet again. “Um, hello, Sir.” He lowered his head, already nervous.

“So,” my father began, “You know about Ritsuko's identity and what she was really came here for?”

Akito nodded, “Yes, Sir. I helped her when she needed help, because I didn't care if she was a Despair Healer or not. I just wanted to see her do what's important to her and encourage her. She had the right intentions in mind, always. I admire and respect her for that.”

I couldn't fight the blush creeping on my cheeks as he looked at me and smiled. I looked back at Father, who looked at me with his grey eyes. He slowly nodded in approval. “I'm glad. Well then, Akito, you seem like a nice young man.”

Akito looked at Father. “It seems my daughter has made a few good choices here after all.” He grinned.

I giggled uncontrollably and hugged Akito suddenly. He paused then hugged me back with a chuckle.

Mom was smiling proudly. She looked back, “I did tell you two he was handsome, didn't I?”

“Mom!” I cut her off with a nervous chortle.

After that, my Master and my parents got to know Akito a little better. They did seem to like him, fortunately. Later on, they met Mr. Tanaka and enjoyed talking with him.

The days went by, and I was finally released 2 weeks later. Akito had already been out of the hospital, but he spent most of his time at the hospital with me. Meanwhile, the village was being investigated entirely.

I had been taken for questioning. I didn't say a word about the cursed ones that I healed. Father had advised me not to if I was going to do something with them. They didn't suspect me at all, since there were many corresponding testimonies.

One day, I did happen to see Kaito and Kyoko. It wasn't such a happy meeting, though.

The tall, sandy haired male stared at a gravestone. On it was written, “Asher Nakamura.” Along with it stated his date of birth and death then the words “A victim of a brutal murderer.”

Kyoko stood beside him with a frown. I looked at him in sympathy and and sighed. He looked at me with pained eyes. “Were you there when he died?”

My heart sank as I mustered the courage to answer. “Yes. I'm sorry for what I happened. If I had known, I would've-”

“Stopped it? I know.” he sniffled and lowered his head. “I just don't understand why he would do all that, though. And then he….he killed himself...out of regret.”

I walked up closer to him. “I really wish it hadn't led to all of this, Kaito. I know how much Asher meant to you as a friend.”

Kyoko looked at me. “Thank you for protecting us, Ritsuko. We didn't know what was going on, so we probably would've gotten hurt or something.” She put her hand on my shoulder and I gazed up at her.

She sniffled and tried to continue, “I heard about what happened to Maiko. Were you there when they killed her? D-did she suffer a lot?” Droplets of water started falling onto the ground. She did her best to wipe the tears away before I answered. “Maiko shouldn't have died like that. She did it so that Akito and I could escape. She shouldn't have suffered at all.” She looked down.

“I see…” the brunette forced. I sighed and confessed once more, “I'm truly sorry for what happened.”

Kaito put his arm around Kyoko. “It's okay, Ritsuko. We know it isn't your fault.”

The whole way back, I kept going back to those words. I couldn't face that fact yet. I still felt guilty, and I knew the guilt would stay there.

At my apartment, I found a letter by the counter. “Mama?” I turned to her as she was cooking dinner.

“Yes, Ritsuko?” She looked up. I held up the letter. “Who gave this to you?”

“Well, it was Michael. He said he wanted to let you know about something.” I sputtered. “No, no, no, Mom, when did he leave this?” I pointed to the paper.

She frowned, trying to remember. “I believe he left about 15 minutes ago. Why?”

I looked back to see Father, concerned. “I've got to go stop them!” He examined my expression before stepping aside. “Then go, and stop them from what they're doing.”

I smiled, “Thank you, Father.” I clutched the letter and left the apartment, going downstairs.

At the desk was Mr. Tanaka and carrying a box up was Akito. “Whoa, Ritsuko, where are you going in a rush?” He let me pass and furrowed his eyebrows.

I looked back for a second to look directly at him. “I'm going to finish my job!” I pushed the door open and called back, “I'll be okay!”

“Wait, what?” He mumbled as I dashed away. I smirked to myself a bit while I kept running. I had worried they would've tried to do that. I was glad I got the letter just in time. I was glad I was able to get a chance to finally tell them.

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Oh man, this was kind of a cliffhanger. What did the note say? Where is Ritsuko going? What do you think Michael's doing now?
I'd also like to say I have a very exciting announcement I will make in a later update. The fun isn't over yet.
Thank you for reading and please vote and comment and all that stuff. Bye!