A Munto Fanfiction: Waiting For You © RedWingedAngel002
Disclaimer: Munto; Sora Miageru Shōjo no Hitomi ni Utsuru Sekai © Kyoto Animation; Yoshiji Kigami and Tomoe Aratani
Genre: Angst, Drama, Horror, Hurt-Comfort, and Romance
Summary: It all started off with a simple question. Who would have known the answer would change the next ten months of her life into a living hell… MxY.

A/N: Oh boy, it's been almost two years… I think I've made you wait long enough. But I'm a graduate now! Yay, mixed feelings on adulthood! \(◕ヮ◕✿)/
As I struggle(d) through this writer's block, I reread the whole story and tweaked a few things; yep, all one-hundred thirty-something pages. This includes all of my other fics, in terms of format. …So maybe two-hundred-something? I still have to do the same for the DA versions.
In summary:
* I had bumped down the girls' and Takashi's age to sixteen and they are at their second year of high school. Chikara is ten, Kazuya eighteen, Munto twenty, Nozomi forty-one, and Shigeru forty-three. Two years have still passed from the original series, while the terrestrials' ages are confirmed here: tmblr. co/ZE8fix1IIdcA7
* The plot takes place in January 2007, since the first OVA was created originally in 2003, so instead of Prime Minister Naoto Kan [2010] like it was in the original postings, it is now Shinzo Abe.
* My OC, Rin, who was mentioned in Yumemi's flashback of chapter two, was omitted. I still have to rewrite her purpose in later chapters. I may even change her name all together.
* When it comes to royal speech patterns, all conjunctions are limited unless taut under emotional influence.
* Flashbacks are no longer italicized if they are individual sequences, only when in present scenes.
Hopefully that is clear enough to understand. Two days late, but Happy 5th Anniversary of Waiting For You! ^^
I'll resume towards making an effort in updating this particular story once a month.

Songs: Laughter Lines by: Bastille

Japanese Index:
Oba-san: Auntie
-sama: Honorific: The respectful equivalent of -san; -sama is primarily in addressing persons of much higher rank: Lord, Lady
-san: Honorific: Carries the meaning of "Mr.," "Mrs.," "Miss," etc., but used more extensively in Japanese than its English equivalent
Shōjo: Girl
-taishou: General

"Talking."
'Thinking.'
Memories/Flashbacks.

Chapter 17: Carry On

Experienced hands, held with years of domestic knowledge, neatly folded and placed the laundry in their customary rows. Nozomi, dazed in her afternoon routine, rummaged upon the week's events.

Despite the drama, which took place in Minato Mirai, life in Kyoto still continued on. Her husband and son went to their societal responsibilities, while she took care of her own as a housewife. She still cleaned, drove to the grocery store, and waved to her neighbors… All done so with a plastered smile, while she kept herself in tack—just on the edge from her previous breakdown, for the news to come about her daughter. No one knew the pitied weapon-girl on the news was her own missing kin; at least none of them had pinned that connection—yet.

Ten painstaking days had gone by with not a word from the Heaven's above besides given aid towards the destruction in Tokyo. Endlessly, was her mind buzzing in thought of the worst. Some part of herself was even afraid to hear the truth, but it would be better than the overwhelming terrors in her head.

She paused at the sweater in hand, for it was one of Yumemi's favorites. In hearing the events, that her returning home in the sometime distance was now possible, she had rewashed all of her daughter's attire and bedding; fresh for her care. Of course, Munto had claimed that it was in the blonde's decision whether to make that possibility into reality.

…If she were able to give that answer.

Nozomi caught herself before delving deeper and gave her head a shake. No, no, Yumemi was alive. She—

Lament thick in her throat, she eased herself, one step at a time, and blinked away her tears. The woman took a wavering moment to curl into the cloth, inhaling the scent floral detergent and winter holds, and imagined her locks—how mystic the color as it bleached with age, not a trace within her or Shigeru's blood—enveloped in her arms as she pressed kisses at her brow with maternal affection, just as she had that joyous Spring morn sixteen years ago, whimpering babe swaddled flush at her breast. It would be seventeen in just a few weeks.

Her chin began to quiver in heartfelt yearning. "Yumemi…"

There was a knock on her left, breaking her from her reverie, and Nozomi watched, perplexed, as she found the source outside her bedroom porch. At first glance, all she could find were the remaining clothes hanged out to dry and potted greenery, plentiful with her tending despite the early year chill.

There was another tap, lower still. Brown irises flickered out passed the grey skies, away from the towers of what she now understood were Gntarl's remains from two years ago, and to the wooden panels. There, a brightly pigmented bird stood, eager for entry.

Nozomi blinked and placed the woolen pullover down on the comforter. Wary, she stepped forward and, folding her skirt, crouched down to observe without opening glass the barrier between them. She had never seen such a species, blue and white painted—all, which came closets to mind was a Blue Jay, but this fellow was so different than those beyond the continent… *1

"Hello there, little one. I'm afraid there is no food for you here."

Its black beak was insistent, crown narrow and chest ruffled in annoyance. Nozomi finally gave in when seeing those eyes held too much intelligence for a mere passing beggar. She stood to click the handle open—

"Thank you."

—and quickly jumped three paces back, once slamming it shut.

Bristled, the fowl peered upward, tone male and snapping. "I come baring notice from the Magical Kingdom. Please, allow me to enter!"

Upon hearing the muffled name, she faltered when overcome with curiosity. Slowly, she opened the door enough for it to hop through.

"Please, come in," she invited the guest in a cautious manner.

He eyed her actions before nodding. "Pardon the intrusion."

Talons clicked against the wooden floor, and for a blurring second, she saw the whole room vine with blue streaks, followed by a flurry of particles. The bird turned into man, cyan cape billowing still when the transformation was complete.

Mouth agape, she watched in wonder as his needle-prick lashes open to reveal cool azure, while his sharp jaw tilt upward in rank. Like the Magical King, he was at least a half-head taller than her husband and she had to crane her neck.

"It's you…"

There was a disapproving click at his tongue. "I go by Rui-taishou; Munto's Right Hand."

"General," she gave an introductory bow, "I am Hidaka Nozomi."

"I know."

Anxious hands began to wring around her yellow apron. She had to lick her chapped lips before speaking, "Is Yumemi—"

He flicked his palm up, cutting her short. "I will keep this brief: Yumemi-san is recovering. Munto merely requested to prepare you for his arrival. He will explain in detail." Rui handed her the wax-sealed envelope from beneath his inner breast pocket.

She accepted it and opened the flap with care, once gaining approval with his catching gaze.

"Do not be startled," the officer forewarned, as she furrowed at the blank parchment. "It is magically sealed; only your bloodline can read the properties held within this document."

With his word, the page began to bleed, her thumbprints' the ink reservoir, until all was contracted. At first, the letters were a different language, ones she had seen amongst the monarch's holographic map, and soon the foreign alphabet translated into the familiar Eastern kanji and hiragana she was accustomed to. Here, it read:

Hidaka family,

Greetings from the Magical Kingdom. My apologies for the delay.
As you are aware, this past week has consisted of a community collaboration to restore what was destroyed amongst battle.
Yumemi has stabilized, however, I find it proper to explain in person of her condition. Rest assured, she is in good hands. I plan on returning the morrow at 16:00. You have my gratitude for your patience.

Sincerely,
Munto, the Lord of All Magic

Nozomi scoured the brief parting statement once, then twice more. She examined him thoughtfully with her careful word choice, "Who may I bring?"

He hummed in consideration, chin propped by a knuckle. "Keep it with her closets loved ones."

She swallowed and reread the fine script; her tightening grip crinkled the parchment.

"How is he doing?" was her hesitant inquiry.

A heartbeat later, the brunette found his eyes studying her previous chores closely, arms folded and his form poise. Concern masked his scowl.

"…He is recovering just as well."

Compassion swelled over her and she then neatly folded the letter closed, tucking it back into its encasement, and bent low in formality.

"Thank you for rescuing Yumemi. I know Munto had risked so much towards keeping his promise."

The general resisted the urge to correct her use of formality towards his King, but dismissed it by her touching gesture.

"We all care for your daughter very much, Nozomi-san. Even in her brief stay, she had changed us all."

She scoffed and caught a slipping tear. "She has the tendency to do that, huh? My world would be so different without her. My little girl…"

There was a hand at her shaking shoulder, which gave silent comfort, and she decided then that there was so much more to the exterior, when it came to these foreign people above.

Just as it came, the moment was over. Rui's profile veered outward, looking passed the tile-roofed homes surrounding their neighborhood, and bunched his fist aside.

"I must make haste. However, heed my warning: keep your words close with whom you trust; we are still uncertain of your protection."

Nozomi's face became pallid. "Excuse me?"

His brows knit together, voice grave, "There were those of our kind amongst the underground cooperation, which had kidnapped your daughter. We are still searching for the ones who escaped, so keep on your toes."

It was not over.

Shaking fingers curled at her breast, while she forced determination to cover her fear.

"Is that why you came in that form?"

"Yes. Precaution is better than none."

"Then… Munto will come like this?"

"Most likely." He smoothened a crease at his cape and tugged at the collar. "Please do not to fret too much; your family is safe."

Taken aback, the woman blushed at his implication. "You are watching us?"

Rui's nose scrunched at her accusation and shook a negative. "Mmm, more like feeling for abnormalities."

Lost astray with this tidbit, she leaned closer for answers. "What do you mean?"

"The almighty Akuto has had some peculiar fluctuations on the bedding sight of Yumemi-san's retrieval. It is nothing to lose sleep over, though, ma'am; Munto will explain."

A pregnant tension filled the room, but in her firm look, she submitted to this new batch of information with a huff, which exhaled sharply from her nostrils. "Alright. But I'm expecting the truth, whether it's him, or yourself!"

Azure irises spoke apologetically, crinkling at the edges, and with a hinted smile, his chin bobbed downward in farewell. "Thank you for understanding. I do wish to speak again in the near future."

With a tug at the silken cloth, his heel spun, billowing in a gust of magic and light, in which she had to shield herself from the sudden breeze. Wincing, the brightness calmed, accustomed to the new form, and he stood perched upon the post afoot her bed. Nozomi pattered across to open the glass door for him to ascend.

Rui glided effortlessly out, landing upon the porch rail, turned her with one last reassuring nod, and then took the skies, flying strong and true. She rushed to where he set last, gazing until he winked out of sight. Well after, she continued to search the grey skies, even for a mere glimpse of what her daughter could see. More often than not, upon those late summer nights, she would find her out here, watching the unseen island for hours on end.

Nozomi removed the envelope out from her apron pocket and lightly petted the broken seal. Giving a silent prayer to her deities, she wished for courage and peace of mind. It was then a local wind drew by, causing her brown tale to sway at the icy caress, and with a shiver, she resumed inside once more. The chill her closing coaxed the sweet scented magic, which lingered along her thundering apprehension.

"Here you are, boys," Mrs. Tobe placed a tray of sliced apples on the table.

"Thank you very much, Oba-sama," Takashi glanced upward, while rubbing his sore eyes from their concentration.

"See, look how respectful your cousin is? Maybe you should follow in example, hmm?" she flicked Jin's ear.

He gave a grunt towards his mother's playful banter, which she replied with a chuckle. When she ascended up stairs, the older boy offered the other a grin without braking contact with his screen.

"You too, Takashi. I know you're tainting your precious school record to help out."

Humbled, the brunet scratched at the back of his orange collar. "Well… it will be my first sick-day, but it's alright."

"Yeah, trying to impress your girlfriend, huh?" he nudged.

Takashi warmed. "T-that's not…!"

"Come on. Even I can get a picture."

Looking away, he was quiet and on point, "Ichiko-san likes someone else, Jin."

Brown irises widened when dawned with understanding. "Wait… Don't tell me? You mean she likes…?"

"Y-yeah." He busied himself by wiping his glasses.

There was a heavy pause.

"Man, it's like some freaking shōjo manga, love triangles and all." He muttered under his breath. "Look, cuz, I'm real sorry. I didn't mean to pry—"

"Let's review what we have from our research, shall we, Jin?"

There was a tightness in his smile, which the teen understood that it would not be wise to press forward, and gave into his distraction.

"Right."

Since his hacking into the cooperation's system, which took his cousin's friend, he was able retrieve valuable information to a certain extent—those of which he could not understand—but valuable none the less.

Craning on his left to reach the notepad amongst a growing mound of papers, Takashi skimmed over his notes, biting the pen's cap. "Well, it appears their language consists of thirty-six letters, while their grammar structure is almost Greek—"

"You know, we can just ask that Munto guy to help us out, right? It would be a breeze, it being his tongue, and all."

"That's brilliant. Do you know how to contact him?" he replied sarcastically.

A snort escaped Jin's nostrils. "Some of those guys are at that location, aren't they?"

"True, if you want to take the train in, but even so, it's not open for the public."

Head tilted back, there was a frustrated cry. "Dammit, this code has taken me days!"

Surprisingly, slamming the keyboard managed to input what was needed solve the lock, overlaying the screen with various windows.

In a panic, Jin hissed, "What did I do? Wh—"

Clusters with the same foreign titles emerged, while each kin looked at the other for assurance.

Swallowing, Takashi was the first to react. "Try that one."

The older teen did as instructed, hovering the curser over the folder, opening it, which revealed more numbered items. At random, he clicked the one, which read, '247738.'

Movie files opened, black and white, all focused upon a small, windowless room. The first, which was piled on the stack, recorded a pale girl crouched at the far right corner. She managed to lift her head solemnly, making eye contact with the film source, and both were struck with an unsettling sense of familiarity.

"Oh, shit…"

It was Yumemi.

Once out of Kyoto's residential area, Rui transformed back into his customary form. For miles he soared, overlooking the town turn into metropolis, which gradually configured the man-made isle of Minato Mirai, and observed the different, muskier air Tokyo held.

Spotting his destination in a figure with purple linen and grey pants, he flew across the sky and towards his comrade, landing gracefully and brushing his cape from the carrying dust debris.

"Polka." *2

The elder lieutenant offered a wry smile, the scars on his left cheek stretching alongside deep laughter-lines. "Welcome back."

Rolling his neck with a satisfying pop, Rui observed their audience. Workers and construction automatons took aid, both human and Heavenliod alike in rebuilding what was destroyed between Munto and Balthazar's earth-shattering conflict.

Those from his lands gave a friendly wave whence recognizing their First Hand, while scrutinizing whispers and looks were tossed his way. Cultural barriers still clashed amongst the two groups, but there appeared to be no threats set thus far.

"So…"

Rui raised a brow.

"How was the delivery?"

"Well enough; as expected, her mother worries." A hand rose to sweep his icy locks back.

Arms crossed, Polka chuckled, a bittersweet sound. "Hmm... Must be nice."

"Pardon?"

His scar-littered jaw turned above, gazing upon their homeland, which was shield by the low cloudbank. "To have a worrisome mother to fuss over."

The corner of his mouth twitched the irony. "And your end?"

"Well; better than I had assumed."

Upon the inclined rubble they stood, observed how the elite architect group surrounded the holograms they provided, for better three-dimensional viewing. Heavenly Beings noted the different building plans they held, more advanced than the structures back at home; each mixing ideals and feedback from the other: an overall collaboration.

Rui gave a grunt in approval, genuinely surprised. "This is good."

"Yes. I suppose, amongst the middle of chaos, it is in the end, where we can come together in harmony."

An Eastern gust whipped his white headband like a maroon-edged flag, and chilled the general's sturdy frame, despite his resilience against the cold.

This was the first step towards bonding together in their new future… But how long could temporary peace last?

Thank you for the faves and reviews, everyone!

BlytheHope, AnimeHannah, Willow-Pendragon, SymmetricalGirl8DeathTheKid, Anais101500, thejadegecko, Tabbie1999, may96, Blackday23, kitsune-miko-witch, null, crazy-ghost-girl, Princess who can't find love, Drizzt, ilovemanga63, Eva Maverx, StargazerRae, XxHeavensXAnglexX, xxxDreamingflowerxxx, erutan, The Queen of Water, Sekaira, Kat, moonlover86, OnePlotThickens, KaterinaKhabarova, Dragowolf, Draka Dark, Lover's Red Rose, blackstar124, Member of TOO MANY Fandoms, bookgirl111, xXSaphirexSoulXx, Ryo-Ohki fan, Koneko156, Sun's Radiance, GentleSilence, a very colorful life, rachaelz, White Tempest, ckc14, Acrobatic-Sora, AnimeForever25, Adimera, GoldenDragon326, DeniskaAngel, Tenshi321, Obiwan1527, animelover822, AnimeHannah, kuro yuki X3, Kittycat0521, Cato Yugi, Sarfeara, Rafel666, bookgirl111, ct5, snowcloud8, konan248, Princess Shahnaz, MonotoneFreak, Fanficlover16000, AnimeDAngel, Rukire, Nixie the Bloody Pixie, OceanaRose, WindSinger25, SumWhat Sketchy, and Yami1414.

A/N: I know it's a bit disappointing to see such a skimpy update—I only got in five, rather than my minimal six—but it's for built up; plus, I did enough rambling in the note section. The next few chapters will be in larger chunks. Thanks for reading, and see you in February.

—Ari [1.26.15]

*1: Rui's animal cover-up was a bit of a joke, not just in choice of color. According to Wikipedia, an old African American folklore claims that the Blue Jay was the Devil's servant. Since Munto appears so devil-like, at least according the human interpretation, I gave my own whimsical laughs at this.
Not to mention, as another quirky joke—and this is no offence intended since I'm not very religious—he could be considered as Lucifer, since he did 'fall' from Heaven.

*2: Marty, Polka, and Theo are the three fighters in the last movie: fav. me/d204bre

To the Guests:
This new feature is dedicated towards the guest comments I have gained and I cannot properly express my appreciation to [from 2013-2014].
WARNING: These answers may contain spoilers, so please skip ahead if not desired.

Stephanie: [ch. 15; 2.26.13]: In regards to Yumemi waking up—and this goes to many of you who reviewed—that will not be happening for a while; at least another five chapters or so.
SPOILERS: I have yet to write her experience within the six months of her imprisonment, as well as the next two chapters for current drama. I'm still not sure how many will be needed in order to do the flashback sequences, so… It will be a while. ^^;
Once that happens, though, things will go underway to amend each of their hearts—friends, family, and lovers alike.

BlytheHope: You always write such wonderful comments. I really just want to overwhelm you with hugs~!
[ch. 15; 3.18.13]: And yes, I'd love to RP with you. Please send me a note with some means of contact, or we can connect though the tumblr links on my profile page! [RP's: thelordofallmagic and thegirlofdestiny.]

Null: [ch. 16; 3.31.13]: The fluff moments will abound once she awakens.
SPOILERS: Sadly, there will not be any lemons within Waiting For You—at least the kind you'll like—but there will be plenty of citric-goodness within its sequel, An Eternal Bond.
That, and One Body, Heart, and Mind will contain more lemons; I am in the slow process of creating that story into a R18+ doujinshi. I wish to sell it as a four part comic series.

Drizzt: You who took many hours out of your day to read my stories… I thank you! You deserve a gold star~! Many of your comments made me laugh.
[ch. 7]: You're welcome for putting up a warning within chapter seven of Waiting For You. I knew many of the upcoming topics would be trigger sensitive, so it's always good to be on the safe side.
[ch. 10]: Yes, I could have stopped it to when Yumemi 'died' but then that wouldn't have made my chapter criteria of a minimum six pages. Plus, I may be cruel, but not that cruel!
[ch. 15]: Please read Sephanie's reply.
[ch. 11, 16; 4.21.13]: All of my updates will come when inspired. It's frustrating that I can't tell you this individually, but please read the descriptions before you ask any questions. I'm making my author's notes [A/N] shorter on purpose, since I know many don't even bother to skim.
As a whole, I am grateful that you are eager to read more of my works, but you must understand that at that time, I was a full-time university student with two jobs and applying for internships. Now, I am out in the 'real world' and searching full-time, while alongside the middle of a house renovation.
So, in the nicest way possible, chill your beans and be patient, please. It is actually quite average of me to update once a month, and will likely resume to that, since I'm still digging out of this writer's block. Remember, this is a hobby, not career. I'll do what I can, okay? Thank you.

kuro yuki X3: [ch. 16; 7.15.14]: You don't understand how happy this makes me. I try my all to paint how I see the scenes in my head, since I am more of a visual person. At times, I even draw the scene if I can't get it out right into words; they could be viewed as 'WFY: Teasers' within my DA gallery.
I wouldn't really call myself an author since this is more for a fun hobby, but I'm flattered you think so. Many thanks.

Safeara: [ch. 16; 7.23.14]: Sorry for the wait, dear! There is definitely going to be more headed your way; we're just around the halfway point, now. I'm estimating that there will be at least forty chapters for this story, along with an upcoming sequel; so don't worry on the amount of content; it's a matter of me writing it.

Kat: [ch. 1; 8.28.13]: Ah, and it was just beginning. Here, have some tissues.