Part XXXIX

A few days later at this residence, Michelle gets a letter from her brother and speaks to him over the phone after she reads it. As it turns out, her brother is none other than Rihito Amagi, the maestro. On this same day, an interview with him on TV is viewed by Lucia, Hanon and Rina. Hanon, the girly girl that she is, falls head-over-heels for him and upon Lucia mentioning that this man was whom she bumped into days previous at the airport, she remembered the tickets that she was given by him and gets them out, remarking at them. At this, Hanon half-asks and half-insists that Lucia take her along, which she does. Taiki is absolutely nowhere to be found in the vicinity of the performance hall, even though this concert of healing might well have done him some good. Hanon wanted to go because she needed healing with Tarou away in Germany. Rina was out walking along the river and thinks about Masahiro again upon sight of the clovers in the grass, but then wonders why she thought about him. While the concert is underway at the performance hall, Masahiro arrives on his motorcycle and comes to a stop, getting Rina's attention.

Masahiro: Hey, we meet again.

He looks intently at her, leaning closer.

Rina: What's the matter?

Masahiro: Nothing. You just look much happier today.

Rina can only lower her head a little and blush at this. They walk a bit of a distance as the orchestral performance comes to an end and once all bystanders were out of earshot, Rina tries to remark that she's not at all whom Masahiro thinks she is, that she's neither weak nor a crybaby.

Masahiro: Of course, we haven't known each other for very long. A lot more time is needed for us to fully understand one another.

His words get the better of Rina again.

Back at the performance hall, Hanon's waiting outside the maestro's dressing room door with a bouquet in-hand, insisting to Lucia that they need to thank the man for inviting them. A group of fangirls think they've seen Rihito, prompting Hanon to follow and after Lucia shakes her head at this…

Lucia: I guess I'll just go on home…

Rihito: (from behind) What, you're finally here and yet you want to go home already?

Lucia: (turning) Aah! R-Rihito-san!

Obviously, she was caught off guard by him.

He asks her to follow him, where they head out onto the empty stage.

Rihito: I'm really happy that you came today.

Lucia: Umm, Rihito-san… why did you give me those tickets back then?

Rihito: It's because you looked really sad… (slight wink) …you know? Today's performance was for your sake.

Lucia: Eh?! (blushes a bit, surprised)

Rihito: You don't believe me, do you?

Lucia: But, why this all of a sudden?

Rihito: (chuckles a bit) Really, it's nothing. *turns to the empty seats* Do you like to either sing or play an instrument?

Lucia: Huh? Oh, yes, I like to sing.

Rihito: So, when you sing, you only think of one person and as a result, the melody is full of that one person. You sing a song of healing to someone who is tired. You sing a song of encouragement to someone who is depressed.

Lucia: 'I've heard this before… the song of a Mermaid Princess is supposed to heal people's hearts.'

Rihito: (turns back to her) I hope that I can hear you sing someday.

Lucia: Eh-heh-heh, thanks. 'He's someone that I don't quite understand. But he's kind and isn't a bad person at all.'

All this time, sunset has been drawing nearer. As Lucia leaves the performance hall ahead of Hanon, Masahiro drops Rina off at Pearl Piari and heads off for home, but not before she tells him in a confession-like manner that her feminine side really comes out when she's with him. Once night has fallen and everyone is in their rooms, Lucia is still stuck wide awake in her bed, staring at the moon through her ceiling window. She then looks at the ring on her outstretched hand and thinks of Kaito again, wanting to see him again. It is still nighttime over in Hawaii and Kaito is in a painful nightmare. In these foreboding, darkened seas, the Black Beauty Sisters being forth a possessed lanternfish and send him to the land to entice the Mermaid Princesses and prevent them from singing. During the springtime day, the lanternfish manifests as a bearded old man playing a melancholy song on an accordion. Nicole heard him on the way to the store, but became so downtrodden that she came right back to the Hotel, at which she remarked that she no longer felt like going shopping in such a mood. Lucia, Hanon and Rina went to investigate and soon enough, when they happened upon the old man and he sensed their presence, he stopped playing, got up and walked off from the crowd. The Princesses follow him, eventually into the sea, where they finally discover his true form. The powerful light from his eyes hurts the Princesses and then his eyes glow red as the same melancholy tune plays once again, further impeding them and making them feel downtrodden and sad so that they can't sing.

From out of nowhere, Hippo shows up and rams the lanternfish, breaking the hold the Black Beauty Sisters had on it and returning it to its normal size, whereupon it swims back to the depths of the seas. Right when the girls were thanking Hippo, however, the Black Beauty Sisters showed up and used their Heavy Ice Blast on him to knock him down and away, all while their song was starting to play. Taiki feels this happen and runs across the ocean's surface at a breakneck pace to get to the spot.

Mimi: It's a pity the lanternfish failed.

Sheshe: But that's fine. Today, we will defeat you.

Lucia: *clenching her head* 'S-Somebody save us!'

As Taiki suddenly broke into a song of his own to stop the Black Beauty Sisters, or at least to match power against them, Seira shows up to Lucia in her mind.

Seira: Hey! Aren't you the Mermaid Princess that's supposed to protect me? It will be very troublesome for me if you're defeated now!

Then Lucia remembers what Sara's spirit asked of her… "Lucia, please teach Seira that loving someone is a wonderful thing."

With this, KODOU breaks through and stops everything else.

Lucia: 'That's right. We won't be defeated like this!'

Her pendant shines brightly, stealing the attention of the Black Beauty Sisters and then the Princesses transform and sing KODOU to punish the sisters. Taiki backs off and heads back home instead of staying to sing along with them, which is very odd of him to do such a thing. Sheshe and Mimi disappear after their defeat.

Hanon: That's what you get!

Rina: Go and wash up before you come back here.

Lucia: Thank you, Sara. *holding her pendant* You saved us. 'Taiki also did something to help, at least. I hope he's going to be alright…'

Taiki is already back up on land, but feels intensely beat and drops down to all fours. Haruka is not far away and comes to his side, helping him back up onto his feet. Her very touch helps invigorate him somehow and the two of them walk back to his estate and inside his house, after which the young girl is invited by Sylvia to stay for some tea before she leaves. Haruka accepts and speaks about herself to the mother and son, mentioning how as long as she's been alive, she's been able to hear spirits and voices as she developed an innate sense of clairvoyance. She said that she's gone out of her way to help others communicate with loved ones that were lost so that they may find peace. Sylvia asks her if she's got eyes on a boy yet and she's hesitant to answer, but eventually does.

Haruka: Y-Yes, somewhat. He's a year below me, but I think he's good. He just needs to find his way without the perverse nature of other people getting to him first…

Taiki: Ah, if only that was truly possible to accomplish… do you know his name?

Haruka: His name… i-it's Nagisa. Nagisa Shirai.

Taiki: Alright. Well, when I see him, maybe I can put in a good word to him about you.

Haruka: Wh-What, no! *gets a little red* You don't need to do that!

Taiki: Why not?

Haruka: I-I'll let him know myself how I feel.

As the stars start to appear in the darkening sky, Haruka gets on her way back home. Across town, maestro Rihito hears from his sister Michelle in Hawaii, whom wants to come there to Japan.

Rihito: You really want to come here?

Michelle: Yeah, Onii-sama. After I read your letter, I wanted to come and see you. I've already spoken to the doctor and he gave me permission. I'm setting off tomorrow morning and I'm looking forward to seeing you.

Kaito is half out of it, overhearing this conversation. He leaves along with her and the following morning, they depart for Japan, arriving later that day. In the morning twilight, a Bayrich slit shell that wished to aid the Black Beauty Sisters is sent off by them to cause trouble for the Mermaid Princesses. At school, Hanon and Taiki are together providing cleaning out the cage for the school's rabbits and giving them some food. One of the rabbits nips Taiki's finger for what seems like no reason.

Taiki: Dang. Maybe I shouldn't try to pet them…

He tends to the bite as Hanon looks at the two rabbits.

Hanon: You two must really get along with each other…

At this, she thinks back to the last time she saw Tarou and of the kiss he gave to her on her forehead.

Taiki: (looking over from the nearby faucet) Hanon, I'm really sorry we couldn't find the sheet music. I'll put up signs later asking for people to be on the lookout for it since we're not having any luck. It's the least I can do for you for not taking ahold of it sooner.

Hanon: Oh, don't be silly. You yourself told me it wasn't your fault; I was the one that didn't hold onto it tightly enough.

Taiki: 'Finally, she's accepting responsibility. Maybe now I can start to patch things up with her…'

Hanon: Tarou-chan… (a tear drops and she wipes it away from her face) Oh no, why am I acting like I was close to him?

?: Why are you talking to yourself? You're weird.

That younger voice makes both Hanon and Taiki turn in that direction. An indigo-haired boy is staring intently at her with his bag in-hand.

Hanon: (gets up, looking at him) W-What did you say? It's none of your business!

Taiki: (still tending to his cut) Yeah, I'M here, so she's not by herself, kid.

The kid just keeps staring at her, making Hanon shirk back just a bit.

Hanon: W-What? Is there something on my face?

As a matter of fact, there is a dirt smudge below her left eye. A moment's worth of staring and the kid comes closer to her, at about the time Taiki gets up and is bandaging his finger. This kid takes a handkerchief out of his pocket and hand sit to her, saying her face was a bit dirty. After Hanon takes it from his hand and says thanks to him, he keeps staring at her for a couple of seconds.

Taiki: What now, underclassman?

At this, the young boy turns and jogs off from the spot.

Taiki: (calling after) W-Wait, kid, I gotta ask you something about your class…

He sighs.

Taiki: Oh, forget about it.

Hanon: What do you need with the underclassmen?

Taiki: There's somebody I'm looking for in the ranks and I don't have a face to put to the name yet. Haruka from our class seems to admire the guy and wants to befriend him… perhaps be even more than that.

He puts his hand on her shoulder.

Taiki: I've been really off my norm lately, so I want to make it up to you. I'll get started by getting that "missing" poster set up for you once I have a break in between classes.

At that, the two of them head off to homeroom, whereupon they get a big surprise… Kaito's returned. Lucia got there first and saw Kaito pointed out to her by a fellow girl in her class and then, with tears in her eyes, drops her bag…

Lucia: Kaito!

…runs over to him and embraces him.

Lucia: I'm so glad, Kaito! I'm so glad that you're okay!

However, Kaito firmly takes ahold of her shoulders and breaks the hug, much to Lucia's confusion.

Neither of them say anything for a few seconds, but then…

Kaito: Who… are you?

…those words cut into Lucia and everyone around him, including Taiki, whom was just at the closer sliding door towards the front of the room and having opened it just to see this.

"Kaito, what are you talking about?"

"Don't kid around like that."

His guy friends are trying to get through to him, while Lucia just stands there in shock.

Kaito: Do you guys know her?

Then some of the other girls in the class starting talking to Kaito along with the guys as Rina sees him over Taiki's shoulder and heads in that same doorway, with Hanon right behind her.

"How could we not know? She's Lucia!"

"You don't remember, Kaito?"

Rina: Kaito, you're okay!

Hanon: We were worried about you! When did you get back, Kaito-kun?

Taiki: (stepping forward) Kaito, you had all of us scared more than halfway to death, including me!

Lucia: (in tears, hurt) Rina!

She walks into and embraces Rina.

Rina: What's wrong, Lucia?

Lucia: (tears running) What should I do? Kaito has completely forgotten about me! He doesn't remember!

Rina: What'd you say? (turns) What's going on, Kaito?

Kaito: How should I know?

Rina: Do you remember who I am?

Kaito: …No.

Hanon: Then what about me?

Kaito: Honestly, no.

Taiki: (upset) Kaito Doumoto, YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! It's us, your best friends! It's me, Taiki Yamada! My mother and I helped you in your childhood!

Kaito: *shakes his head* I've never seen you before in my life, or your mother.

That is like a deep knife wound to Taiki and his heart.

Lucia: (turns) You've forgotten Rina, Hanon, Taiki and his mother Sylvia, too?

Kaito: (looking down, unable to face them) Yeah…

A bit later that day, right after school is out, Lucia is out across town overlooking a stream from a bridge.

Lucia: 'I got to see Kaito… and see that he's okay. I was so happy. But…'

She lowers her head, lost in the sight and sensation of Kaito have pushed her away from him and then him asking her who she was.

Lucia: 'How did it turn out like this? Will Kaito ever be able to remember us? What if he never remembers us? I…'

She breaks and puts her hands to her face as she cries again. Rihito happens upon this, is worried and quietly approaches her, his footsteps making Lucia come back up and wipe her face dry before she turns and sees him.

Lucia: Rihito-san…

Rihito: Miss, what's wrong? You look really sad.

Lucia: No… it's nothing.

Rihito: You're a terrible liar. Did something happen? Did you get into a fight with someone important?

Lucia just looks up at him with slightly abated breath and somewhat widened eyes that are starting to go to tears again. He was very close to reading her exactly. She just turns around and breaks out crying again.

Rihito: Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to say something inappropriate. I was just joking; please don't take it seriously!

Lucia: (through her crying) It's fine! It's not your fault, Rihito-san!

After a few seconds, the maestro speaks to her again.

Rihito: Lucia-chan, do you like black tea?

That makes Lucia stop and turn to him.

Rihito: If you don't mind, I'd like to invite you over to my place for some black tea. Consider it my apology to you. In fact, would you like to come over to my house now? I feel so guilty at making such a lovely girl like you cry. So why don't you come on over for a little bit, okay?

Lucia puts on what amount of a smile she can and acknowledges him, saying she'll do it.

Across town, Hanon and Rina are walking along with Taiki.

Hanon: I wonder if Lucia will be okay. I'm worried about her.

Rina: The fact that Kaito's completely forgotten about their relationship was a huge shock to her.

Hanon: Don't you think it's strange, though?

Rina: What are you talking about exactly?

Hanon: I'm talking about Kaito-kun. He's forgotten us entirely, but he remembers everyone else in the class.

Rina: I think this might be due to the trauma from the accident, but it's still really strange.

Taiki: Yeah, I don't like it one bit.

A motorcycle's humming ends the conversation and Masahiro rides on into the scene, stopping in front of them when he notices Rina and then taking off his helmet.

Masahiro: Hey, Rina-chan!

Rina: Masahiro…

Hanon: Ehhhhh? It's the hunk from last time!

She remembers when she saw him along with Rina and Lucia that one day a couple of weeks ago on the way to school.

Masahiro: Are you Rina-chan's friend?

Rina: Ah, yeah. This is Hanon and behind us is Taiki Yamada the idol.

Masahiro: Ah, I'm Masahiro Hamasaki. Nice to meet both of you. (to Taiki) So do you have any CDs of yours on you at the moment?

Taiki: Unfortunately, no, I don't. But I'll get one autographed and sent to you, if that's what you want.

Masahiro: (to Taiki) That'll be fine.

Rina: So where are you going?

Masahiro: Oh, me, I'm doing a bit of shopping right now. Are you coming home from school now?

Rina: Well, yeah, that's right.

Taiki: Ever astute.

Hanon: (quietly, to Rina) Hold it, Rina. When did this relationship happen?

Rina: (quietly) What are you talking about?

Hanon: I want to know how you became so friendly with a hottie like him! (Rina's facial expression changes and she gets a little bit of blush) You need to start teaching me next time! Hehehehe…

Rina: Friendly? It's not like that!

Masahiro: So, Rina-chan, I'll see you later.

Rina: (as Masahiro puts on his helmet) Ah, yeah, I'll see you around as well.

Taiki: Good meeting you, sir.

Taiki gives him a thumbs up, which Masahiro returns before he heads off towards the city and the shopping district.

Taiki: So, hook, line and sinker, eh?

Hanon: Did we interrupt you two by any chance?

Rina: (fumbles with herself for a second) D-Don't be ridiculous! Masahiro and I aren't…

Hanon feels a tapping on her shoulder, which makes her turn to the person that did it and it turns out to be that younger kid from earlier, staring intently at her again.

Hanon: Ah, you're the one who stopped by the rabbit cage this morning.

The boy is holding up Hanon's fallen keychain charm.

?: This is yours, isn't it?

Hanon: My charm… I didn't even notice that it fell off my bag!

?: I thought it was yours.

He puts it back into her hand, saying "I guess it can't be helped" to her.

Hanon: Thanks… for this and for what you did this morning. I'll clean your handkerchief before I give it back, alright?

?: Oh, please, don't worry about it.

Taiki: It's a formality, kid. Just let her do it, alright?

?: Oh? Who are you supposed to be?

Taiki: I'm a very close friend to her; what's it to you?

Hanon: Yeah, so I'll give it back to you; what year and class are you in and what's your name?

Taiki: He's a first-year, I can tell. By the way, kid, mind if I ask you something about your classmates—

He stops and realizes at the exact same time as Hanon a split second before she speaks…

Hanon: Eh? That envelope…

Taiki: I think that's the sheet music!

?: Y-Yeah, exactly, this IS sheet music; I found it just outside the airport. I was going to hold on to it until I found its owner. (opening the envelope, to take a little look at the tops of the pages) But whoever lost it might find it faster if I turn it in to the police, too.

Taiki + Hanon: You won't need to do that.

?: You know this sheet music?

Taiki: Yes, it's hers and I was witness to it being handed to her.

Hanon: The person I love gave it to me!

Taiki is irked by that statement of hers, because she wasn't listening to what Tarou told her right before he left. At the same time, the boy's facial expression changes as well.

?: The person you love gave it to you?

Hanon: I didn't think I'd ever find it. Thank you…

She makes to take ahold of it, when the kid pulls it back out of her reach and he now has a devious face.

?: Hold it. If you want it back, then you'll have to go out with me.

Hanon: Ehhhhhh?

Taiki EXPLODES inside at this statement.

Taiki: 'THE FUCKING NERVE OF THIS SNOT-NOSED BRAT…!'

At the same time this is playing out, Lucia arrived at Rihito's mansion and has a seat in the living room where a grand piano is situated. She awaits Rihito to return with the black tea. A few minutes pass before he returns with it on a silver platter.

Rihito: Sorry to keep you waiting. Were you bored?

Lucia: O-Oh, no. I'm good.

The tea is poured and a little sugar is added.

Rihito: The fragrance of this black tea is wonderful. Enjoy it, Lucia-chan.

Lucia: Thanks. *lifts her cup, sniffs* You're right, it smells wonderful!

Rihito: I only blended a few herbs with the tea leaves.

Lucia: (having just sipped it) Delicious!

Rihito: This tea possesses a wonderful scent that has the power to heal people's hearts. It has the same properties as music.

Lucia: Ahhh, I see. 'My aching heart seems to feel a lot better.'

The laughing of two people from outside can be heard, getting the attention of both.

Lucia: Is someone outside?

Rihito: Yeah. My little sister returned recently.

Lucia: Your little sister?

Rihito: She's very weak and tends to get sick often. She was recovering in Hawaii for a while.

Hearing Hawaii set off a nerve in Lucia, reawakening a fear.

Lucia: In Hawaii?

Rihito: It's great that she's feeling better, but she also brought back a boy she saved there. She's head over heels in love with him. I have to say, as her older brother, I'm a bit concerned.

Lucia: 'A boy… that she saved in Hawaii…'

Rihito: Oh, that reminds me. There's a type of rice cracker that goes very well with this tea. (gets up) Excuse me for a moment. I'll be right back.

When he's out of the room, Lucia sets down her tea cup on the saucer, stands up and goes to the window. What she sees confirms her fears… the boy Rihito mentioned is Kaito! But even worse, the litter sister's words seem to get Kaito to put his pendant, the one that once held Lucia's pearl, around her neck. Lucia is left flat-out heartbroken at this and she leaves the residence in a hurry, feeling defeated. As Rihito wonders where she could have gone, Lucia is running along the coastal sidewalk in sheer despair, tears falling the entire time.

Lucia: (in tears) 'Kaito, you're so… YOU'RE SO CRUEL! That pendant… How could he give it to another girl?! He's completely forgotten about me and the pendant!'

She turns down to the breakwater and leaps into the sea.

Lucia: 'Kaito doesn't remember what happened between us. Is it as if none of it ever happened? Kaito, you'll always be in my heart.'

With her not looking where she was swimming or to her surroundings, the Bayrich slit shell finds her and ensnares her tail.

While all of THIS has been playing out…

Hanon: Go out with you? What are you talking about?

?: Well, this morning, your face was dirty. Then you lost your charm. And now you misplaced this sheet music. It seems to be very important to you, too. What, is it a souvenir from your unanswered love?

Hanon: This has nothing to do with you at all!

?: You seem to be a girl who needs to be taken care of, I think. You need a reliable guy like me by your side, right?

Hanon: (upset) Don't you lecture me! Give me back that sheet music!

She goes to make a grab for it and almost trips as the kid moves aside and holds the sheet music up, turning to face her, only for Taiki to snatch it, then immediately hand it over to Rina before grabbing the kid and shoving him against the wall hard.

?: Ouch! (looks over to Rina) Hey, give it back!

Rina: Give it back? Wasn't this originally Hanon's?

Hanon: That's right!

Taiki: (pissed off) WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, KID?!

He pulls out a tanto knife on his person, making Hanon and Rina gasp.

Taiki: You have a lot of nerve, kid! No girl would ever like a guy who's trying to blackmail her into doing something she doesn't want to do just to get back what's rightfully hers!

As he goes to hold the knife up close, both Hanon and Rina see a dark presence come out of Taiki and jump into the underclassman.

Taiki: Not to mention that she's taken already! Now then, I'm looking for a Nagisa Shirai. Do you know him?

?: That's my name! What do you want from me?!

Taiki: Well. Then you listen to me, you underhanded and evil child… don't ever let me catch you doing this again! There's a girl in one of your classes who is looking out for you because she likes you. Put two and two together and figure out who it is, because I'm not allowed to tell you.

Taiki lets go and backs away from Nagisa, then turns away and sheathes his knife.

Taiki: While you're at it, leave the big girls to me!

Hanon: Thanks, both of you.

Nagisa: (turned red) You're right. What I did was wrong. But I'm not going to give up on you, Hanon!

He runs off, but that last line just irked Taiki again and he whips around to scream after him.

Taiki: HEY! WHAT DID I JUST GET DONE TELLING YOU, KID?!

Nagisa: LIKE I CARE WHAT YOU SAID, YOU BIG JERK!

Once Nagisa has disappeared from sight, Taiki clenches his fist.

Taiki: I tell him somebody has eyes for him first and he blows me off entirely!

Rina: Taiki, that's enough…

Taiki: I meant it when I said I don't want to catch him doing this again with the girl that I LOVE!

Hanon: TAIKI!

Taiki: (turns) What?!

Hanon: You didn't need to be all forceful like that!

Taiki: Nonsense! How else am I supposed to send a message to that punk kid that his behavior is not tolerated?!

He breathes hard and lets out a final big exhale as he relents…

Taiki: He was just in the right place at the right time on that day. There's nothing more to it and we should not make anything more of it than this.

Rina: Well, I don't think he's a bad person.

Hanon: You sure?

Taiki: Rina, don't be ridiculous!

Both of the girls look at him.

Taiki: A little brat like him doesn't know what he wants and he is far too immature to be a love partner to anyone! Besides, anyone knows you need to be friends before you try to do ANYTHING pertaining to love!

He starts to walk.

Taiki: Really, too, no person attempting anything dirty or underhanded to get with a girl is ever to be given the light of day! Never forget that horrible first impression of his and don't EVER let him think he has a chance! Now let's go, please. We have homework to do.

Immediately as he finishes saying that, their pearls all start to glow, indicating Lucia's in trouble.

Taiki: Oh, dammit all! Come on, let's go!

He leads them down the nearest enclosed entry spot to the ocean where they can also hide their school bags. After putting the bags out of sight, they leapt into the sea and make quickly to close the distance, which they do in near-record time.

Taiki: LUCIA!

Hanon + Rina: We're here!

All three of them transform and Hanon and Rina sing Ever Blue to make the snail let go of Lucia, assisting Taiki's pulling at the tendrils. When Lucia is freed, she transforms and KODOU starts, followed by everyone assuming their High Idol forms, Taiki included. However, Lucia is so distraught with grief that she can't even sing.

Taiki: OH NO… girls, we'll have to do this without Lucia.

Lucia flashes through her memories of Kaito as well as what she just witnessed today, crying the entire time as Hanon, Rina and Taiki sang. The magic behind it shattered the impurities behind the snail and made it go away from sight.

Taiki: *embraces and lifts Lucia* Hey, Lucia, we're here for you. Take it easy.

He takes the lead and swims her back to the waters behind the hotel and then helps her inside, whereupon she tells the three of them what she's found out today.

Hanon: Ehhhhh? Kaito-kun is at Rihito-san's house?

Rina: And he's living with Rihito's younger sister?

Lucia: That's right. Also, the precious pendant that held my pearl for those seven years… He gave the pendant to her. Kaito will never remember me again.

Taiki: *fist pounds the table* Don't you EVER say "never", Lucia!

Hanon: Yeah, really, Lucia, it's going to be okay. Give him time. He'll remember you! That's because Kaito-kun loves you so much, Lucia!

Lucia: I guess so…

Hanon: That's right. You can be like you were before, warmly protecting Kaito from a distance.

Taiki: Appear to him as a mermaid and I'm sure that'll start to jog his memories.

Lucia: …Thank you, everyone.

Before Taiki leaves, he gives them all a big group hug.

Taiki: I love you girls with all my heart and soul. It's my honor and privilege to serve you and be there for you. All I ask for is some reciprocation of these feelings… is that so much to ask?

He ends the hug and looks at Hanon.

Taiki: Especially from you, Hanon. I've been there for you where no other man could be, not even Tarou. I LOVE YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU ARE. Please… remember what he told you right before he left for Germany! He wants you to be with me because you can't be with him for who and what he is and you shouldn't be made to wait years for your love! I'm here for you right now!

He lowers his head, weeping a bit.

Taiki: Listen, I was dealing with the pain of you having fallen for him first… if I've ever hurt hurt you, then I never meant it!

He breaks and takes ahold of her by the shoulders, but not firmly.

Taiki: (through his tears) YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE ME!

Himself now distraught, Taiki doesn't even wait for a response… he back-steps, turns around and runs out of the hotel, now crying.

Lucia: I've never seen Taiki in such an emotional mess… Hanon, we can't lose our ally! You have to talk to him at least!

—