Before entrusting her to Rhodes Island and departing, Suzuran's father solemnly handed an 'omamori' charm to his daughter, whose eyes were puffy and red as could be. 'Once this omamori no longer tick-tocks, we'll be back with you.' To any bystander, it would seem the kind of promise meant to pull the wool over a small child's eyes. But between her jerking sobs, Suzuran nodded. 'My mom and dad never break promises,' Suzuran said to her friends, following that. And so she kept the heavy little pouch on her from then on. At bedtime each evening, she took a listen to the tick-tock inside her omamori, and told it everything she wanted to say to her parents, before soundly falling asleep. Night after night. Someone did pester Suzuran to take the omamori apart and shut off whatever was inside, but Suzuran sternly refused on principle. 'You can't take an omamori apart! It won't work anymore if you do.' She knew what its internals were, really. It was a simple thing. Figured out with just a touch and some general knowledge. But she chose to believe, and wait. Day, after day. Finally, one noon, the tremoring inside her personal pouch stopped. Her mom suddenly showed up behind her, and her dad was carrying a massive bag, his face filled with the gentle smile she so missed. Promises are something this couple never neglects. The family briefly reunited on Rhodes Island, and spent several days and nights worth remembering. But very quickly, they once again bid farewell. This time, her father solemnly read out a prayer and opened the sealed omamori, while her mother carefully examined the watch face, and wound the pocket watch's spring. They finished their parts, and soon asked Suzuran to tie the omamori's rope tight. This simple, unadorned ceremony did not go on for long, but it was a concentrative, serious matter for all. A kannushi, an assassin, an operator. A father, a mother, a daughter. Through this tiny omamori, the three's souls were bound together tight as could be. It is respect, through which promises are kept. It is trust, through which endurance is willing. The land throws them far apart. But love transcends space and time, granting them the power to meet again. 'Once this omamori no longer tick-tocks, we'll be back with you.' 'Until then, remember to go to bed on time~' 'Mm-hm!' 'Have a safe journey, mom, dad!'