Truth, Perjury, and Sacrifice

Let's Try This Again

"You were quite civil with Monica," Byakuya said, backing out of Naegi's driveway.

"There's no reason to be upset at her. She was manipulated by Junko, just like the rest of us were." Karen stared absently out of the window. They passed the Future Foundation building on the way home, the bodies nowhere to be seen once again. "I've arranged for the late directors to be buried at the same burial ground as everyone else."

"Would you like your parents to be buried in Japan?" he asked.

Karen sighed, "No. I'll take their remains to France. Mom really like the domaine we lived in there. Is there even a room ready for Kotoko and Nagisa?"

Byakuya nodded, "When the renovations were being completed, I had two bedrooms prepared."

"But there were only four bedrooms in the house. You gave up your office?"

Again, Byakuya nodded. "You need the studio space for your work."

Karen stared at Byakuya, "How long did you know about the kids?"

"Before the shooting incident. Makoto approached me about the possibility almost right after Komaru said she was going to bring them here." Byakuya paused. "I wanted to discuss it with you beforehand."

"I believe you. It's not like you to be that impulsive, and I probably didn't make matters easier. I'm truly sorry, for the way I've acted these past few years. I think having Kotoko and Nagisa stay with us might actually be a good thing."

"They are most likely going to ask you questions, you know that right?"

"About Junko, yes, I'm already preparing myself for that." Their house came into view, as the car pulled into the driveway. Karen exited the vehicle first, locking the automatic gate with a pin lock for the night. She reached for Byakuya's hand, intertwining their fingers as they approached the front door. "We're home!" she called out; a sudden strange twinge of giddiness shot through her heart knowing that she was actually calling out to others living in the house.

Nagisa poked his head out from the living room doorway, as Kotoko rushed down the stairs. They didn't say anything, as the four of them stood in the entranceway, unsure of what to do next. "So, what happened?"

"Were there other dead bodies? What did you two go?" Kotoko asked.

Byakuya and Karen glanced at each other. "Let's sit in the living room. I'm going to put some tea on."

"So, those bodies on the front porch were your parents," Nagisa said, staring down at the cup between his hands. "And that upsets you, right?"

"It can upset anyone, in different ways," Karen said. "It upsets me greatly. I love my parents."

"I had more of a mutual acquaintance relationship with my parents. My sister, however...," Byakuya took a small inhale of breath, "I cared for my sister more than anyone else in my family".

"I see," Nagisa said. Both him and Kotoko nodded to themselves. "So, what will you both do now?"

"I will be taking my parents' remains back to France. You could come with me if you wish."

"Really!?" Kotoko launched up from her seat, almost spilling the remains of her tea. "Oh my gosh! That would be so cool!"

Byakuya leaned in close to Karen. "Are you sure you can handle that?"