San-chan angst is always welcome, Nonny-Mouse.
“Look, Aura-san, I’m you!” Mayazumi leaps up from the chair. Several Oggai girls have been cutting his hair for what seems like hours – into a style that looks precisely like Aura’s.
Mayazumi adopts a brooding face. “Does this look right?”
Aura feels miserable. Does he really always look so sad? So pathetic? Aunt Kiyoko is probably ashamed of him.
Mayazumi’s face falls at Aura’s lack of response. He scuttles away quietly.
“Aura!” Sakura, another Oggai, stomps her foot. “You can at least be nice to Mayazumi.”
“Huh?” Aura is confused. How was he not nice?
“He’s imitating you,” says Sakura, as if it’s obvious. “He likes you.”
She stalks away, leaving Aura more confused than ever.
When he finds the child, he says stiffly, “Want to come for a walk with me?”
Mayazumi brightens. “Okay!”
Aura leads him to the hospital. “I’m visiting my aunt. I thought she might like to see one of the Oggai.”
“I’ll tell her you’re the best squad leader ever.” Mayazumi smiles at Aura. “You remind me of my dad, you know. He was quiet and sad a lot. I loved him very much.”
“Oh.” Aura is confused. He’s admired? The Oggai like him?
Kiyoko showers Mayazumi with praise, and even Aura for once feels cheerful in her hospital room. She’s happy. He’s happy. Everything is good.
“I’ll find justice for you,” Aura promises her as they leave, just as he always does.
Mayazumi clutches Aura’s arm. “Aura-san, I want to be just like you.”
Mercy and Magic 