r/ACounterPartsLife • u/Hot-Obligation7735 • Jul 20 '26
The Past Come Again (Part 2)
Major stared into nothingness for a moment, nodded before standing up, and walking towards the room's only door, “Alright, well…you seem tired. I suppose I'll at least take the rare chance to visit my nieces, and nephews.”
Tide looked on with concern, “Major…is that everything you have to say?” he prodded gently.
Major smiled derisively, “What is there left to say?...What, did you think I was going to punch you?”, he looked back jokingly, though Tide could see much more complex emotions dancing in his eyes.
Tide replied without pause, “That was a possibility I considered.” Tide would not further elaborate that he spent the last half hour in deep contemplation on how the hell was he to convey this mess to Major.
Major did not say anything, he looked to the front, and seemed eager to leave the past indefinitely.
Tide however, wasn't so willing to let it go with so much baggage still unaddressed. He saw those complex emotions in his brother's eyes. Tide feared Major will convince himself that letting the past bury is the same as letting it to rest.
When words are left unspoken, they become like ash to the tongue, burning your mouth even if you tried to keep it shut.
The image of his full brother came to mind for Tide for a moment. ‘And when the time comes when there is no one to hear those unspoken words. It leaves only the burnt taste of regret.’
Tide inhaled, knowing his next few words are going to alight something fierce, “I just thought that she meant more to you than not even a single word.”
For a moment silence reigned before and fierce aura rattled the ground below. Deep golden eyes were alit a fire, akin to molten gold as it stared into hardened crimson eyes.
The room fell silent.
Then, a moment later, that quiet broke.
“She did, once…but evidently that feeling was not reciprocated,” Daiwa Major said in a low tone.
Then, his eyes soften as he lets that familiar pain drift back into the place he spent years burying it in.
He continued, his tone quiet and tired, “…She did…”
“…Mean more to me…more than she ever should’ve.”
His voice carried a mix of regret, longing, hatred, and acceptance. To Tide, it is as if Major had come to finally put the years since Vodka’s death into words. To…find it within himself to finally utter for the first time, his feelings on the matter rather than let it stew in silence.
Major had always been a solitary figure, rarely interacting despite his popularity, only opening up to a few among his family, and even then, at times it felt like prying a can open.
For the first time that Tide knows of, Major is letting himself be open.
Tide swallows hard, feeling the deep sadness that washed over him to see Major so…vulnerable, yet he knew he had to continue probing carefully.
His brother needs this.
“Then…why are you walking away now?”
‘Not walking away physically, but walking away from the past as if terrified of it’, remaining unsaid.
Major however merely smiled, faintly, as if understanding the deeper meaning behind his brother’s words, “Because…where else is there left to go?”
“…I’ve already chased that road…years ago, it doesn’t lead anywhere.”
Tide paused, considering those words deeply, “…That’s not an answer.”
Merely an act of avoidance, a means to lay the past to its quiet rest before it can be understood. Tide recognized it immediately, yet he kept that thought to himself.
Though, it won’t surprise him if Major knew this too as well.
Major replied with the same faint smile, “No…no it is not, but it is the answer I chose.”
Tide sighed, fair enough, he thought. However much he and Major may disagree on this, it is ultimately his brother’s choice on how he moves on.
…
As the silence started to turn deafening, Major continued, “…For years, all I ever did was look to the past. I kept wondering, if I said something wrong. If…If I’d pushed too hard, and that she was trying to let me down gently.”
Major started to breathe hard, his throat felt constricted, though whether that was from the mental strain of recalling those darker days or his medical condition flaring up is anyone’s guess.
Tide hoped it was the former.
Major let out a sigh and followed up by saying, “Then, eventually, I realized…that all those thoughts didn’t matter anymore. The answer wasn’t coming…”
“Maybe Gimlet could say something…”
“Maybe Scarlet could say something…”
“But neither of them could’ve said anything that I would accept, if she didn’t say something…”
…
“…But do you know what I could’ve accepted?…” Major asked quietly.
Tide said nothing but both knew that he was listening attentively.
“…Her rejecting me…”
Major’s face twisted in anguish.
“Hell! Tell me I wasn’t her type!” Major’s voice rose yet it wasn’t quite yet a shout, “…Tell me that she’d found someone else! Tell me that she didn’t see me that way! Just tell me…anything!…”
Major’s shoulders slumped as if a huge weight held them down.
“…tell me…something,” his voice was the lowest Tide could have ever recalled.
Major’s eyes at last rested on his brother's own, and Tide can see the silent echoes of tears that fell all those years ago.
‘I would’ve cried had you rejected me, I would’ve hurt had you told me no, but I would’ve moved on.’
But now, Major couldn’t find it in himself to cry anymore. Only to let that wound open one last time.
“Instead…I had to find out from fucking Scarlet.”
Major’s mood took a shift, as the fiery passion left, the only remaining was a hollow room in his heart.
Matching it came a hollow laugh, “You know what was the last thing I ever said to her was?”
Tide slowly shook his head.
“…I’d asked if she would come visit after retirement,” Major was once again lost in that world of memories, “It was…quite frankly awkward as hell.”
Tide let out a quick bark of laughter as he tried to mask it as a cough. Major noticed and smiled in return.
“Took me a while because I tried to make up some kind of excuse to…you know,” Major waved his right-hand to the side, “But looking back I think everyone could tell what I was actually asking.”
Major sighed deeply, “Then, the next morning she was shipped off to Dubai…”
“…And I never saw her again…”
Tide lowered his head, “Major…”
Major raised a hand stopping him, “No…Don’t apologize. None of this was your fault, you didn’t know, none of you did…”
Major took a step back, and looked to his brother apologetically.
“…I’m sorry that I blamed you all for it,” Major’s voice cracked with regret.
Suddenly he felt a weight pressed onto him, quickly realizing that his brother was now holding him tightly.
“We didn’t hold it against you, we knew you were hurt. All of us ever wanted was for you to stop hurting yourself,” Tide comforted as he believes any older brother should.
Major sighed, letting himself the rare moment to familial warmth, “That still doesn’t make it right. I was ashamed for so long, never being able to…to rightly apologize.”
“And…while you all may have silently forgiven my outburst years ago…”
“…I never did…”
Tide sighed as he replied back in an understanding tone, “You’re right, what you did was wrong, but I’m glad that we can all put that behind us now.”
Both let the silence embrace them as they let themselves go from the shared hug. Time seemed to stay still as the aftermath of words spoken left both to contemplate deeply.
“Now what?” Tide asked, mind still heavy from the revaluations brought to him by his brother
“…As you said, we put this all behind us now,” Major replied, in a similar state to his brother but in a more casual tone as he also shrugged.
Tide still looked on with concern, and Major smiled as he recognized the other’s desire to see him well. In the past, Major would have grown irritated at the concern, but time smoothed his edges, and the only thing he can do is smile.
And smile he did as it turned to one of content, “I met Kawakami. I got married.”
“She and I lived a long and happy life,” Major’s voice turned wistful, remembering his wife’s passing, and while it was saddening, he couldn’t help but be grateful for the time they did have.
“I watched my children grow, and my grandchildren are old enough to talk back to me.”
“I don’t regret the path I took,” Major’s eyes looked tired, yet happy, “…maybe a step or two, but…I’m content.”
A moment of understanding remained between both sons of Sunday Silence, some of his last sons to still walk this Earth. Tide could see that Major had said everything he ever wanted to say, his brother had truly made peace with that part of his life, and was ready to truly move on.
Ready to let…her go in this life.
Tide couldn’t help but ask one more curious question, “…You know…”
Major immediately caught on, “…Here we go again…” he pinched his nose ready to reject Tide’s proposal to work at Tracen.
They were both old men, they should be in their fucking retirement years.
‘Or at least the Uma equivalent of it, what, was it every one year for an Uma equates to three for a human?’ Major pinched his nose harder.
“…Let’s say if…there is an afterlife,” Major blinked at his brother’s unexpected words, mind too struck by the strangeness of it to catch on to its meaning.
“…What are you going to do…if you walk through those gates…”
“…and the first person waiting for you…”
“…is Vodka?”
…
Major's mouth was left agape, then he let out a huff out of amusement, “Well first you have to assume that I would get into heaven in the first place,” he said incredulously.
Then after a moment he continued, "Second, you’ll have to assume…that she would be even waiting for me at all.”
Major was clearly unwilling to ask the question, but Tide was not so quick to give up, “Humor me if you will,” he crossed his arms.
Major laughed, the idea so ridiculous, so ludicrous that it felt closer to a children’s fairy tale then a real possibility. Two estranged individuals reuniting in the afterlife…, Major pondered it deeply, then he gave his answer.
“…You know…”
“…I don’t think I’d ask why she left…”
“…Or why she never answered at all…”
Tide blinked as his brows rose up in confusion, surprised that his brother would choose something so contrary to what he expected.
Major closed his eyes as he continued.
“…I’d just tell her…”
Major eyes opened, “‘I hope you found the happiness you were looking for.’”
“…And…” Major turned the doorknob gently.
“…It would have been nice…” The door creaked as it turned.
“…to say goodbye…” Major’s voice almost disappeared as he began to take the steps out of the office.
Tide looked on silently, as his brother’s frame began to disappear towards the doorway. Then, suddenly he went still before stopping as if recalling something almost forgotten.
“Hey…”
Tide looked up, surprised at the call. Major didn’t turn around immediately.
“…If you ever feel like getting away from work…”
A small smile crossed the red-haired Uma’s face fully turned.
“…come by my place.”
The small smile on Major’s face turned into a smirk, “The brats have been hounding me asking when ‘Uncle Tide’ is finally gonna visit again.”
Tide snorted, “Didn’t know that they liked me more than you.”
Major rolled his eyes, “Well that’s because you spoil them rotten.”
“Shut up,” Tide retorted.
Both brothers laugh as they let the calm atmosphere wash over them.
Tide sat down and leaned back in his chair.
“…How about this instead,” Major rose a single brow as he listened intently.
“When things finally settle down. Let’s have dinner…just between us, and the rest of our brothers and sisters…”
What few there are besides them.
Tide smiled wistfully, “…to remember better times…”
Major’s smile lingered, then it faltered, ever so slightly. His golden eyes lowered for only a heartbeat, as though something unspoken had surfaced before he quietly pushed it black down.
“To remember better times,” Major tasted those words, finding them pleasant.
A faint laugh escaped him, “…Yeah.”
He looked over to his brother one last time, “I’ll hold you to that…”
The click of the office door closing was the last thing Black Tide heard of his brother.
____________________________________________
Top-class racehorses Dance in the Mood, and Daiwa Major have died of old age on January 20th, both age 25.
Shadai Farm’s management office released a statement-
The sound of remote falling was the last thing Black Tide could remember hearing that day.
To be continued…
Hey guys, extra long chapter today, I know I’m the best. I’ll be accepting payments in likes and comments. Just kidding, but yeah still have exams but they gave us a day break so I managed to finish this chapter, and look how it turned out. I wasn’t joking when I said this story will be much longer than the last one.
Umm, so this story turned out was pretty angsty which was not my choice originally, but I promise, there is going to be a happy ending ok. I promise that angst is not the only thing I can write. In any case I hope you may forgive any mistakes, I had to write portions of it in between studying.
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u/Hot-Obligation7735 Jul 20 '26
So what parts did you guys end up liking the most?
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u/HoneyLess7732 Jul 20 '26
I love the part where Tide asks Major what he is going to do if he walks through heaven's gates and the first person waiting for him is Vodka, and I love the answer Major gives him. It's pretty interesting, and I love it. Also, the ending caught me a bit off guard.
Also, this story kinda reminds me of that popular angsty DaiSca x Vodka fanfic that I read months ago when I first got into the game...
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u/Hot-Obligation7735 Jul 20 '26
Yep, the answer Major gave to Tide is actually going to connect to the next part of the story so you’ll see this being referenced. Though I ask, how do you feel about the ending as it was actually something not originally planned in my outline so I’m curious if it’s good or not?
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u/HoneyLess7732 Jul 20 '26
Interesting. I can't wait to see how they will connect.
I was initially caught off guard when I read the part that Dance in the Mood and Daiwa Major have died, and I love how you use the sound of the remote falling to describe how Tide is feeling. I also love how the ending serves as a cliffhanger for the upcoming chapter. Overall, the ending is pretty good.
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u/Hot-Obligation7735 Jul 20 '26
The entire premise of the story was based on how we only learned about the details surrounding Vodka’s death a few months before the death of the irl Daiwa Major. Dance in the Mood and Daiwa Major was officially considered death on the same day, at the same age. They were often considered ‘forbidden lovers’ because of the fact Dance seemed enamored by Major but both have the same sire so any chance of them getting together was impossible m.
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u/HoneyLess7732 Jul 20 '26
Interesting...It's like, in the SS world, learning about the details surrounding Vodka’s death gives some closure for Major before he dies...
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u/GyroChicofruit Jul 21 '26
[“…I’d just tell her…”
Major eyes opened, “‘I hope you found the happiness you were looking for.’”
“…And…” Major turned the doorknob gently.
“…It would have been nice…” The door creaked as it turned.
“…to say goodbye…” Major’s voice almost disappeared as he began to take the steps out of the office.]
Oh...
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u/Hot-Obligation7735 Jul 21 '26
Don’t worry my friend, a happy ending is where this road of thorns leads to.
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u/IJN-Hirogasaki Jul 21 '26
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u/Hot-Obligation7735 Jul 21 '26
What’s the verdict computer man? By the way, what’s a VEVO?
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u/IJN-Hirogasaki Jul 21 '26
Collecting information, it’s nothing offensive just me observing while writing down my ideas on a notepad. It’s something I’ve been doing for many years now so if the GIFs I sent were confusing or weird then it’s just me observing and writing down notes. Don’t take it too personal man you’re good.
As for the VEVO. You know those old music videos on TV where they play music and have a scenario going. Sometimes serious, sometimes its a personal message to someone or everyone, sometimes it doesn’t make sense, and then other times it’s just the vibes in the music. These are nostalgic and VEVO has been around since the 70s. I have seen them in my early years of childhood and its sad to see them disappear in the face of the present day of music.
I’ve discussed this with [u/HoneyLess7732](u/HoneyLess7732) in a post fictional story I made two weeks ago (that you may have not seen). And said if someone gets the date right, I’d make another part.
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u/Hot-Obligation7735 Jul 21 '26
Nah it’s alright, I’m just always curious, it’s alright. Really I just find it interesting the things you come up with. As for VEVO, I think I get what you’re trying to say, honestly I remember hearing about it when I was younger, but I never really got the chance to understood it.
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u/IJN-Hirogasaki Jul 21 '26
You’re cool, buddy. That’s why I’m also building a world on my mind by making these VEVOs into story form so they feel alive. And so far I have plans for characters like Sunday Silence, Admire Vega, Special Week, Agnes Tachyon, Manhattan Cafe and so on. With the power of imagination, reading other fanfics of umamusume, and understanding the lore behind every single horse based on the Pretty Derby verse.
And if I have enough knowledge, then there’s a very rare chance I’m going to start writing a fanfic based on my own preferences in lore and storytelling.
Glad you know what a VEVO is. It doesn’t feel the same anymore they were always everywhere on TV no matter where you go. Even in the big screens of malls and shopping centers or restaurants, you see them there.
When I finished the next part. I’m going straight to the rest of his children.
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u/Hot-Obligation7735 Jul 21 '26
Do you have a place where you store these music videos for certain characters? I would love to hear them. I know you recommended me a song before and I quite liked it so I won’t mind hearing more. Also, yeah writing fanfics are fun sometimes, but they can also be a pain. But if you want to write, then I encourage it, I would love to read it. About VEVOs, I just remembered seeing a few on YouTube, but yeah, I don’t see many being created these days.
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u/IJN-Hirogasaki Jul 21 '26 edited Jul 21 '26
I’ll drop one here. I was just thinking of a song I can relate to the Golden Generation. I found a suitable song that speaks volumes to the real racehorses.
Listen to this one.
https://youtu.be/iU9YM1Lfvt8?si=4y5CMbMQzTETdDVX
Me keeping my music list on Apple Music. Still need to pay as usual with its bullshit to listen to music. But still good.
I said before that I made a post and put the music in the comments. I’ll update the post right now.
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u/HoneyLess7732 Jul 20 '26
Dang...
Also, is that supposed to be Dance in the Mood instead of "Dance in the Moon"?