When we meet again...

Chapter 3- himikos magic show

We made no progress with anything, we didn't say a word to each other as our eyes were fixated on the city. I guess, we were still surprised we actually made it.

People started walking by us, our shoulders would occasionally get bumped with someone else's shoulder, this didn't make it any better as we were in the middle of the walkway.

Then, Himiko started collecting random things she was finding on the ground, or near trash cans. Cardboard, markers, string, napkins, and just generally..trash.

"What is that garbage for?" Maki asked.

"Hold on.." Himiko replies, setting something up. She drew on the cardboard, I couldn't make out the words she was writing. She attached string to the corners of the cardboard and then-

"Ta-da!" Himiko declares! Presenting us with what she just made. Me and Maki just stared, confused.

"Does that say 'Himiko's Magic Show?"

"Obviously, Shuichi, can't you read?"

"Well-"

"Care to explain?"

"You, too, Maki?"

Himiko huffed, and started telling us what she was trying to do.

"We need money..so I thought I could do street magic- or something like that. I'll bring a crowd in and we'll be rich!" She sound so hopeful saying that.

I was expecting Maki to say something but I guess she expected me to say something, the awkward silence making Himiko grow embarrassed.

"Is it that much of a bad idea?"

"N-no! It's great, Himiko, thank you." I reassured her. I was grateful for her stepping up.

"It might not be much but.."

"No, Himiko, really, thank you."

The little witch gave a weak smile. "It's not perfect, and I'll need some time to get my material together." She went quiet after saying that.

I could tell she wanted to say more, and I urged her to say whatever she wanted to get off her chest, but she wouldn't. I didn't push it.

"Shuichi and I will be your assistants." Maki suddenly blurted it out, like, she wasn't sure if she wanted to volunteer herself- and I- but she did.

Himiko quickly looked up at Maki, a sparkle in her eyes.

To that, maki gave a nod of reassurance. Saying, 'Yes! I am absolutely 100% sure both me and shuichi will be your assistants.'

I wasn't going to argue against that, then again, I've never assisted in a magic show..so..I think that'll be a first for Maki and me.

After that, we spent some time planning on what we were going to do. Working around what we had- and what we had was garbage.

I never know how to put these kind of words into- words. But I want Himiko to know how much I appreciate this! I appreciate her efforts to take one for the team- and doing so, taking our minds off things.

Dammit, Shuichi! Use your words. I'm sure Himiko knows already..but still. I just hope she knows that she can talk to us now. And always could. Maybe we could talk later, there was something she wanted to say, after all.

Although, as we were getting ready to do the little magic show in hopes of making some money, no one walking by would bat us an eye, Himiko carried on.

Speaking as a true magician, Himiko did her show as if a full audience was in front of her, and me and Maki did our parts as well.

At some point, there were little kids coming up and watching us, but not for too long.

"Thank you all for coming to Himiko's Magic Show! See you all..next time." She closed with that, it sounded so sad, and pitifully. There was nothing I could do about that though.

"We did all we could, and still nothing." Maki was pretty disappointed, reasonably so.

"Didn't make us money..But I had fun." I tried lightening the mood, then the realization hit me. I'm so stupid for not realizing this sooner!

"That's alright, we can try again tomorrow...I guess." Himiko said, pushing all that she has built, into a narrow alley between two buildings.

Suddenly, a man walked up to us- more specifically to Himiko.

"Excuse me young lady, I couldn't help but notice that little show you and your friends put on. It was quite impressive for just street magic."

"It was real magic..."

"Oh- ah yes of course it was. I was wondering if there was any way I could tip you. You seem pretty new in this town, anyway I could help?"

"Please help us get another night at that crappy hotel! I don't want to be a hobo!" Himiko quickly said, pretty desperately too. Maki and me didn't know if we wanted to say anything- we probably should but, we had our faith in Himiko.

The man, understandably not expecting this response, looked happy to oblige. Maki looked like she didn't trust him, though. Which was fair, I wasn't sure if I trusted him, either.

"Really? You're serious?" Himiko didn't seem to believe it.

"Sir.. you don't have to do this." I pitched in- he ignored me.

"I'm happy to help."

Later, at that same 1 star hotel, as the man was paying for a room for us, the three of us stood back, not knowing what to do.

"This cant be real." The magician muttered under her breath.

"There you guys are. I'm looking forward to the next show." And with that, he left. We never got to thank him, but if he stuck to his word, I'm sure we'd be able to then.

Himiko looked like she was going to cry, but made it up to the room tear free.

And surprisingly- we were in the same room. With that same out of place desk.

"That man, I wish I knew who he was." Maki said, taking a seat on the bed, Himiko next to her.

"I was half joking, I didn't know he'd actually do that!"

I sat the laptop back down on the desk, walking over the other bed and sitting down.

"Hey, Himiko. Do you wanna talk? If you don't want to then..."

"Oh. You caught on to that?"

"On to what? Did I miss something?" Maki asked.

"I just wanted to say that.. I was terrified of doing another magic show. The last one I did, someone died." Himiko started, leaving me and Maki speechless. But she was right about that. That was what I realized earlier, I never even considered how much of a toll that had on Himiko.

"But I'm glad I pulled through! Because..because it made you guys happy. Atleast, I think it did for you, Maki."

Maki noticeably blushed a little, "y-yeah- I mean, it was fun."

"Himiko..." I couldn't help but smile like an idiot. She really helped us today.

....but, that short amount of time of happiness and joy, wouldn't last for a second longer.

A/N: wowzies, I haven't uploaded in a while. Sorry! Ran out of ideas for this story 😳but I got it all figured out from here folks 😎