Hello, and welcome to the remake of The Small Exorcist. I wasn't happy with the direction the story was going, but I didn't want to give up on the idea as I like an Angel protagonist, which he will be becoming in the future. So, please enjoy this chapter!
Prologue
Third Person P.O.V
"Why is this happening to me and our village?"
A child thought this to himself as he looked at the situation. He saw the carnage and destruction in the village. But he remembered the words of his mother, and then those words gave him strength. The strength...to run away from this situation.
"I'm sorry, Kaa-chan...Tou-chan..."
A solemn near silent cry came from a young boy as he began running, running for his life.
The young boy who had a frightened face, his eyes glazing over with fear. Fear, if he didn't escape the people he was being chased by, he would surely become dead, just like the village that he once belonged too.
The boy was running for his life, running, trying to escape his would be executioners. He was crying, his small face red from the amount of tears that he shed. His eyes were died with the colour of fear, the same colour that the creatures he is running from thrive off.
The place he was running from was enveloped in flames. Left, right, behind him where all covered in the flames of death. Nearly all of the houses he knew, all of the places where he used to play, where all engulfed in the brilliant embers created from powers, that he didn't quite understand himself. To him, they were merely demonically charged powers that came from Hell itself. That was the only plausible explanation that his young mind could conjure up in the limited time that he actually had to think.
His would be executioners in question where twisted creatures, and the boy wasn't sure if they were Vampire's, Devils, Fallen Angels, an entirely different being or even a combination of all his worst nightmares. There were even beasts there, snarling and devouring the corpses that the 'humanoid' monsters had murdered for their own enjoyment, their own pleasure.
"Haha, these villagers aren't putting up a fight."
One of them complained, a male looking humanoid, looked around with a disinterested gaze.
Another creature, almost bat-like nodded her head in agreement.
"I thought the same. Bahh, and we wasted killing these weaklings? I could've been with my boyfriend right now. This village sucks."
She shot off some power towards a house, incinerating it as if it shouldn't exist anymore. She burned it away with a mysterious power.
As the boy saw it, taking a quick glance back, he couldn't decide if it was Magic, or some other force that he wasn't familiar with. Either way, he was just thankful that the attack wasn't directed at him.
A third creature, this one with wings as black as night slowly raised a bemused finger to her face.
"Well, what to do you expect from a place like this? It isn't exactly screaming at me right now. All of these things are worthless wastes of time. Aah well, at least we get to kill things, that's a good thing, isn't it?"
She asked her 'friends' as she impaled a lonely villager on the ground with a pole...no, a spear of light that dissolved the body away into nothing. Not one trace of the person remained by the time her light had worked its way through the entire body. As it was done, the spear of pure light disappeared. Even though it looked beautiful, there wasn't anything beautiful about the person who used it.
"Quit your complaining." A mysterious voice rang out, stroking its chin in the darkness. "I brought you along to have fun. If you're unsatisfied, you can leave."
All of them tensed, looking at the being that held a superiority over the first three. Even the other creatures around froze in place. This person was clearly not an ordinary creature. This one held power in dimensions above the others. If this monster wanted, a flick of his fingers could annihilate an entire town.
[Thank you for the opportunity Boss-sama.]
They all spoke with the highest of respect towards their 'Boss-sama' who nodded once, a confident smirk appearing on his blackened out features. The monster raised a finger to his lips, and glanced to the side, where the boy had been running before.
The boy, still there, was running for his life. The monster boss saw the boy running away, and simply sat down in a chair that appeared as if by Magic. He stared down the boy, bemusement filling his face. It was almost as if he was studying the small child, a face of wanting filling his features.
Clearly, he had an interest in this child, but why? Isn't he an ordinary child? There's nothing special about him, right? To the subordinates, that's what they might be thinking. But this boss knew something they didn't, and something the boy didn't know either.
"Interesting, truly interesting. So he's the one that I felt power coming from. Maybe it would be better if I take him out now...there's no telling what that child could be capable of if it is allowed to grow up. I would contemplating offering the child a position in my organization...no, it isn't worth the time and effort. He'll be too troublesome to have. Better kill him now...maybe I could have a little fun with this child first."
The man thought to himself as a wild grin plastered itself all over his face. The monster was obviously happy about what it was going to do to the small child. The monster would even be satisfied with striking fear deep within the boy. Even thoughts of torture was running around the evil beings mind.
For a joke, in his twisted mind at least, the man made some kind of mystical power dance around his palm, shooting it towards the boy. When it collided, it knocked him to the ground, and made a hole in his clothes at the back, exposing said back, and leaving a burn mark.
To the boys credit, he didn't let out a peep when he was hit, something that impressed the man. He was so taken back by it that he let a praising smile grace his lips.
Deciding to be more daring, the evil being fired another bullet of a mystical variety. However, this time, the boy got wise to his game and somehow dodged the attack by jumping into the sky, wrapping his fingers around a convenient pole attached to a house that wasn't on fire, surprisingly, and by doing a swinging motion, he landed back on the ground all without making a noise, impressing the man even more, and also exciting him as well.
"Hmm, so he can dodge that little bullet, can he? Kuku, this boy is a little impressive after all. Maybe I should play a little longer? It would be interesting to say the least. Lets see if he can dodge these."
The sadistic person...if it can be called a person, waved his fingers in the sky, countless balls of energy being created. Motionlessly, the bullets shot off at the boy. Said boy let a gasp escape his lips and attempted to dodge them, while trying to make sure that he didnt alert the others to his location.
At first, he did quite well. He was surprisingly able to move his small body around without making a sound, as if he had done things like this before. The bullets also surprisingly didn't make a sound, either when flying through the air, or hitting something. The boy figured that the person firing the bullets at him wanted to play a game with him, so he also made the bullets quieter.
It was okay though, the boy wanted this type of game. It means he might be able to make a getaway, if he can only dodge the attacks, or take as much as he could without slowing down his running speed.
But then it went downhill. One of the bullets collided with the back of his left knee, causing a small yelp to come from his tiny mouth. He covered his mouth in time, stopping too much sound from escaping. Fortunately, no one noticed the little sound that came from his lips.
A second bullet hit him squarely in the chest, having bent around him somehow. It knocked him back, but being good at controlling his voice, no sound escaped those lips of his.
Even so, the boy was feeling pain. He could feel the agonizing pain that each bullet did. To him, it felt like a real bullet was penetrating his body, but of course these bullets merely dissipated when they hit something, leaving no trace of their existence besides the wounds that they inflict.
"Tch, this brat is getting annoying. He isn't even crying out in pain. Doesn't he realize that it is apart of the game to cry out? What a fool this child is. He is the worst, after all. What a disobedient child."
To make matters worse, the man was getting impatient with the boy who wasn't letting out pain sounds, something that monster thrived on, something that he wanted desperately.
So the monster made the bullets denser, stronger so they would inflict the pain that he wanted to cause on the child. A strong bullet went for the boy, who realized that this one was different to the other ones.
So he attempted to run as fast as he could, zigzagging around the area, hoping that he could avoid the attack. He did well, doing a timed dodge from the bullet. The sadist though changed the trajectory of the bullet, almost making it hone in on the little child.
A disgusting smile spread itself across the monsters face, as the bullet finally nailed itself on the poor boys stomach.
"Argh..."
It was a small sound that escaped his lips as the hole in his clothes near his stomach, releasing smoke from said area. Even though it was a small sound, it was more than enough for someone else to notice it.
"Aah well. All good things come to an end, I suppose. Can't deny my subordinates the chance of ripping this child to shreds now."
That thought went through the mans head as an unsatisfied face splashed over his features.
That's when a minion of the sadist noticed the boy running away, and decided to open his mouth wide, almost shouting to deafen people.
"Hey! Ones escaping Boss-sama!"
One creature yelled as he butchered a civilian, the fresh blood dousing the air with its unnatural smell. When he had killed this poor soul, he fed the 'remains' as those people would call their victims to his 'pet' who feasted on the fresh corpse as if having a lovely snack.
"Don't let him go!"
Another demonic creature shouted, glaring at the fleeing child, a strange power circulating around his body, coating it in a dark glow.
"Just leave me alone!"
The boy made a wild cry, the pain of running rushing around his body. His feet were bare, the stones and various other objects on the ground sticking into his feet, some cutting deeply into those feet of his. But this child didn't care about the cuts and scraps on his feet. All he cared about was to escape now, and with the lingering feelings of his family being fresh within his mind, he was determined to escape.
The boy in question was around eight years old. He had striking blonde hair, that looked golden in the sunlight bathing him. His almost golden locks grew down to reach his shoulders, longer than what average boys would usually have. His eyes were a cerulean colour, looking like the ocean at certain angles. His face was reminiscent of a Foreigner, despite living in Japan.
He was an average built eight year old child, rather he looked more younger than the average eight year old and wore clothes that weren't fashionable, just ordinary clothes consisting of jeans and a shirt with two top buttons undone.
But the clothes and the boy in question where covered in a red substance and cuts covered most of his clothes.
Yes, the substance appeared to be blood. But it wasn't just his own blood. It was blood from the people nearest and dearest to him.
He didn't care about that though, and wished the nightmare he was in was just that, a nightmare. But deep within his heart, he knew that this wasn't a nightmare, and his mother and father weren't around to protect him anymore.
The creature that was called 'Boss-sama' gave a smirk towards the boy, regarding him to be nothing.
"Get him everyone, kill him...no, play with him for awhile."
Giving the henchmen an order, the others responded by waving their hands and weapons up in the air.
"Die child! Lets have a taste of your soul!"
The first creature that yelled to respond to the Boss's call, chased the boy. Due to the superior speed of the creature in question, it would only be a matter of time before the child was caught up to. And other creatures were also chasing this child, attempting to snuff out his life.
"Please stop it! I-I haven't done anything! W-We're a p-peaceful people! G-God wont forgive you for doing this!"
Even then, the boy ran as fast as he can, not wanting what happened to the others in his village to happen to him as well. After all, he suspected that he was one, if not the only, people left alive in the village, and if he was, that means he was on the hit list of the creatures that want him.
Now, he had no idea why these beings where chasing him, he didn't have a clue why anyone would want to harm him or attack his village. After all, he's merely a eight year old child, right? There's nothing special about a eight year old. And the village was a normal Japanese Village. What was so special about this village? Or was it just a convenience for the monsters to attack and murder?
These questions where left unanswered.
The boy didn't know what was going on through the minds of the monsters around him, and he didn't care. He wanted them all to go, to leave him alone so he could mourn the deaths of the people closest to him.
"Got ya!"
The evil creature caught up to the boy, appearing in front of him.
"Kyaaa!"
The child jumped back in fear, holding his fists up in a meager attempt to defend him. But he knew his reality. He knew that against a fully sized adult, and a monster no less, he didn't have a chance.
But even then, that didn't stop him from swinging his tiny fist at the creature in front of him. His little fist sailed through the air at a unimpressive speed, which the monster was able to catch easily, twisting it until he heard a snapping sound.
"Iyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"
The boy cried out, his now broken wrist sending searing pain through his body, not just the broken bone area. Tears flowed from his eyes and washed down his cheeks like a waterfall. He never had felt such pain before in his entire life, only did he realize that this was only the beginning.
"Tch, what a boring kill. And we thought that a strong being was in this village?"
The boy didn't understand that sentence from the creatures.
"From what he said, was there something in the village that was strong? Who was that then? Could've it have been Kaa-chan? Tou-chan maybe? Why would they go for them...they were good, strong people...but who else would've had the power to make these people come here?"
The boy thought those words to himself as he felt fear fill his being. The reason fear was slowly but surely filling him was because the mans fist was dangerously close to his face.
"P-Please don't! I'll do anything! Just please spare me! Please! I beg you! You've already taken my family, please don't take me as well!"
He pleaded with the man in question, hoping that he wouldn't be hit anymore. He was already feeling the pain from his wrist, anymore pain and he was afraid that he would pass out.
"Haha, are you now ordering me around boy? Begging me now? Are you out of your mind? What person begs for life? You should defend yourself from me child. Use your power to defend, and you might be able to live."
"Power...what power do I have...?"
The boy thought to himself, the situation weighing heavily on his young mind.
"Live..." He sobbed, thinking about the events that have transpired. "Y-You all killed my family and friends! H-How could you do something like that!? W-What did we ever do to you, big meanies!? We were happy without you! But now you've k-killed innocent people! You're bad people who are going to be judged by God!"
Because he let out a scream, he received a slap across the face by the man also called a Demon. The horrible pain ran across his cheek, leaving a red mark there. The boy tried to hold back tears, trying to not let see this person see him crying, but it was futile. The Demon could see the boy sobbing, and he was thriving off the fear he was instilling.
"Happy, where you boy? God is going to judge us, is he?"
A female Demon walked over to him, stroking his cheek 'affectionately', causing the boy to wince.
"I-I was happy...t-then y-you big b-baddies c-came and h-hurt me f-for no r-reason...m-meanies...G-God will p-punish you..."
The boy grimaced, thinking about what was happening, and what he knew was going to happen to him as well. He knew that his eventual outcome wasn't going to be pleasant.
"No reason?" The leader grinned. "We always have reasons boy. You're an existence that can't be allowed to continue onwards. Even if you cry, and cry. It isn't going to change your outcome. Don't you want that to happen?"
"Should I answer that question?"
The boy was confused and thought that to himself. He didn't understand the question that was being presented to him. So rather than saying the wrong thing, he kept his mouth silent, hoping that was the answer they were looking for.
But of course, the leader didn't like the boy not answering. So the leader raised his hand, and struck the child across the cheek with a furious face.
"Don't you have a tongue child? Why don't you fucking answer your elders!?"
The boy didn't understand why he was so furious at not answering. And what answer would be satisfactory for the foul creature? What did he want from the boy? These questions swam around the child's mind, but no matter how much he thought about it, he couldn't come up with an answer. So he only spoke the words that he thought he could say at a time like this.
"Please, let me go..."
Upon hearing that, the leader of the menacing gang smashed his hand across the boys face, causing him to release a yelp. This hit had been stronger than the last one that he received and therefore, the cries he made where all the more louder, to the satisfaction of the one that made the pain happen on the child.
The boy recoiled from the hand, trying to escape the nightmare around him. But two of the allies of the boss was holding him in place, both arms being held out as if he was getting crucified. He had no chance to escape. They were simply too strong for him to fight against.
"Let you go?" Boss man sneered, eyeing up the bruise slowly creeping onto the child's face. "Why would I do that? I'm not going to let you live, child. It doesn't matter if you beg, I already said that your life doesn't need to exist anymore. That's what it means to die, you know? Death will come as a reward to you."
"Death as a reward..."
The child echoed, fight leaving his being.
He had already been through more than any eight year old should have to go through. He had already watched the destruction of his village, the death of his people, and the butchering of his family. That was more than a child...no, more than anyone had to go through. Yet, his nightmare has only just begun.
The boss patted the boys swollen face.
"That's it child. Death, is a reward for you. Don't you want it? Or do you want to be freed from this?"
"Free...?"
The boy asked, nearly no emotion in his voice. He just wanted it to be over, he wanted the pain and suffering to go away. He would even welcome death it if meant it was quicker than dying.
"Yes, free. Free from this miserable life. I can help you do that. Don't you want me to help you child?"
The boy stayed silent, trying to remove himself from these people, even if he can't do it physically, within his mind, he can be anywhere that he wants to be and he can be whoever he wants to be.
When the child didn't answer, an extremely angry face filled the bosses face as an equally ferocious hand once more slapping the boys face. The boy cried out in pain yet again, trying desperate to get away.
"Did that help you answer the question boy? Go on, I'm waiting for the answer."
The boss put a hand to that grotesque ear that was a deformed shape, and made a faux interested face, clearly trying to mess with the child's mind for some sick game that he seemed to want to play. Whatever game this was, the boy wasn't going to be playing.
The boy didn't answer the question the boss laid out for him, instead he merely gazed upon the creature from Hell. His eyes rebellious, his demeanour frightened. It was a strange cross to find in the same being, but surely enough, they both rested within the boy. And he wasn't sure whether the rebellious side, or the frightened side would give way.
"You fucking brat. Staying silent isn't going to be your friend. Tch, whatever, have a little punch on me you fucking shit."
He didn't have time to find out though, as the next second proved to be a painful one.
Because he felt it on his cheek.
He felt the fist of the creature embedding itself into his cheek, the minions letting go of his arms, the fist sending the child to the ground, an indescribable feeling overcoming the boy.
Because of the impact from the creature, the boy bellowed out in pain, blood pouring out of his mouth. The boy even suspected that his jaw was fractured, even broken from the single hit the foul creature gave him.
But he didn't care, and stood tall, as tall as he could anyway, and held the tears. He didn't want to show these beings his fear, his sadness, all of the negative emotions that he held within himself.
"I-I wont back down so e-easily! E-Even if y-you take m-my life, I will f-fight against you all!"
He tried to get into a fighting style, but due to his broken wrist, he was only able to hold up one hand that he balled into a fist. His cheek throbbed with pain, his vision getting blurry with the pain that was slowly overtaking him.
Seeing his efforts, one of the creatures laughed. Not only did one of the creatures laugh, but all of the enclosing creatures laughed at him.
"Hahaha! What a wimpy child!"
"Such a loser! Lets finish him already!"
"What a stupid child, trying to fight against us!"
"You'd think a stupid child would be able to at least learn to not involve themselves with us!"
"Well obviously! They are just heathens after all! Such a joke that it isn't even funny!"
They mocked and chortled at the boy, laughing and seeing his pain. They even threw rocks at him, smacking parts of his body with the stones. The boy flinched each time they hit, crying to himself.
He tried looking for away out, but everywhere he could see was blocked. All of the surrounding areas had the monsters. There wasn't away out for this child, and he was accepting that. He accepted the inevitability that he was going to die, and all of them would laugh at him...
Or so he thought.
One person wasn't laughing throughout the torture. And that person was...
The leader.
He didn't laugh in the slightest, regarding the boy with curiosity. Again, the leader felt a single pulse of power come from him. He wasn't really sure if the boy was doing it consciously or subconsciously. Whatever the boy was doing, was making the leader panic. The first time in the bosses life that the boss actually felt alarmed was when staring at a child.
"But why a child? Why does this being fill me with fear, with hate? He's got to be the one that I was searching for, this damn power. With such a hated power, it is better to get rid of him now, rather than later."
The boss thought, unsure of what the reason was this boy could make him feel a feeble emotion like fear. Why would this child make him have such an emotion? It didn't make sense to his mind.
Shaking his head of the thoughts, he turned his attention to the child.
"You all, stop playing everyone. Just kick the shit out of him. Lets make this one suffer, I am willing to bet that he's a screamer."
All of his minions grinned wildly at the bosses words, turning their sights towards the small child.
Said child froze under the gaze of the wicked villains. He subconsciously took a step back, fearing his life would be taken at any moment now. His body shook involuntarily, his eyes leaked tears that he didn't want them to leak, and his very soul was shaken to the core.
"Now." The boss raised his hand, and grinned manically. "Get him."
[Yes boss!]
With the reply of the minions, they set out to work, to break this child, and that's exactly what they did.
They broke this child, not only physically, but emotionally as well. They all reminded him of what happened in the village as they broke his bones, made him bleed from so many places that it was impossible to count on both hands. They used all sorts of weapons and techniques on this boy that no one would be able to count.
During the assault, a vision appeared within the child's mind. It was a vision of a being of pure light. He couldn't make out if it was a male or female shape, but the radiance that surrounded this being made him feel calm, despite the situation he was currently in.
[Don't worry, you will be saved.]
Said the voice within the child's head. He couldn't believe that he heard such a thing. Was he going insane after being tortured like this? Or was someone really coming to save him?
He hoped that it was the latter of the two. Even then, he didn't hold out much hope, however, the voice offered him a little comfort, making him hold out even a tiny glimmer of hope that someone would come and save him, anyone would hear his tiny call from deep within himself.
After they had finished the beating, the child couldn't be recognized. His eyes were emotionless...no, they were...broken. Nothing was within his gaze now. Most of the bones in his tiny body were broken, blood was pouring out of him from most of his body, a pool of it gathering around his small frail body.
One touch, looked like it would kill this small child now. And by this point, the child didn't even care. He was so...dead to the world now. It was lucky that he was actually alive at this point, with all of the heavy beatings that this child suffered. He was alive, but he was barely alive. One more little push and they knew that he would die, and they all liked it, seeing such a display. No one knew why this child had survived such a vicious beating. Only willpower was keeping him alive, and that was slowly fading as well.
"Good job, good job everyone." The boss praised to the delight of the people that followed this monster. He walked forward towards the child, and grinned as a strange light encased the hands. "You've done quite well child, living until now. You aren't an ordinary child, are you? Now boy, any last words?"
The boy couldn't answer. His jaw was broken, unable to move. His throat was sore, the voice he once had now gone. It was a miracle that he had any movement left in his body. A tiny finger was able to move, and with a pleading stare, he wrote "Angel protection." in Japanese in the dirt.
A desperate plea from a boy that had lost everything...hoping that someone would reply...hoping someone would have mercy and let this child go, whether that be death or living, he wasn't sure what he wanted anymore.
"Why can't an Angel come for me...I just want to be in Heaven now...the voice said someone would come...where are they now...?"
The boys eyes leaked fresh tears, which stung his eyes and cheeks. Because of the damage inflicted by those monsters, even crying caused pain to the child. He just wanted to be set free, he wanted to finally stop all of the pain and the hurt.
The boss and his gang had done what they had set out to do...they completely broke this child...
"Get away from that boy!"
...Or so they thought.
As the boss was about to deal the final blow, a beautiful wave of white sprang forth from an unknown location, cutting off contact with the boy and the Demons, and other creatures.
"W-What was that!?"
"W-What was that?"
The leader cried out and the boy thought at the same time. The monster looked to the source as the boy merely laid in a pool of his own blood.
A single man stepped forward. This man was in the later ages of life. He was tall, even for a male, standing at 2-metres tall. He had white, thinning hair and his face was wrinkly, but it was also kind. He was wearing what could be called a priests vestment. He's muscular, a body that has been built up by years and years of training and dedication. It wouldn't be strange to say that from seeing this form, most would run away at blinding speeds.
The man was holding a sword in his hand, a peculiar looking sword at that. There was something abnormal about this blade, and the evil creatures knew who this man was, once seeing the blade.
"Eminence Strada, there's a boy there. What are your orders?"
A male called out to the man now named Strada.
Strada regarded the boy, and faced one of his comrades.
"Griselda, secure the boy. We'll handle the Devils, Fallen Angels, and the other beings."
The one he called to was called Griselda who gave an affirmative nod.
Griselda was a girl around the teenage age, perhaps around the age of 16-18 years old, it was hard to tell her true age, but she couldn't be older than 20. She was considered very beautiful by peers and enemies alike. It was a beauty that you wouldn't be able to compete with. She was wearing a female version of what the man known as Eminence Strada was wearing, with a cross hanging from her neck.
With sparkling blue eyes, the young girl looked at the boy, and instantly felt pity for him.
"Yes Eminence Strada. I shall rescue the boy."
As Griselda ran for the boy on the ground, the man known as Strada and the other members of the 'team' behind him went forward with weapons made to vanquish evil. Of course, Strada made the first charge, swinging the heavy blade down upon one of the creatures heads, instantly destroying that creature, and the surrounding creatures with the wave of white being released from the blade.
When Griselda made it to the child, she was horrified by what she saw. But she held herself, making sure that she doesn't scare the child. She bent over, and held the child in her arms, a comforting embrace to reassure the child that everything was okay.
"Hello there little boy, are you okay?"
She knew he wasn't, but she tried to be as calm as possible, given the situation, and not wanting to escalate it.
The boy looked up at her, his eyes half closed due to them being swollen. He was looking at her with a strange gaze. He didn't know what language she used. It was a foreign language to him.
Griselda stroked his blood stained hair, shocked that someone could do this to a child...no, do this to a village like this one.
"Don't worry, you're going to be okay now, I assure you."
Even though he didn't understand her words, he could hear it deep within his heart. It was as if it was translated from heart to heart. And the thought of someone saving him brought a smile to his bloody face. Despite the pain and the jaw being broken, he moved his lips, a little sound coming out.
"Thank...you...Onee-sama."
With teary eyes, the boy thanked the girl.
The girl, hearing the small voice was nearly brought to tears. She didn't understand consciously what he said, but deep down, she knew that he said "Thank you." to her. And that made her well up with feelings, thinking about the girl she calls Imouto, and also thinking about this boy.
Griselda merely cradled the boy tightly, watching his reactions. He was staring at her, fear and apprehension filling the boys eyes. Even with this saviour here, he was still frightened of what was happening.
The conflict was still happening as Griselda conversed with the boy, offering any aid that she could.
"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"
"Guwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"
"Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!"
Screams from the evil menaces filled the burnt village. Strada, the strong Exorcist was cleaving through Devils and other creatures around left and right. The other Exorcists followed their leaders movements, slaying the bad monsters left and right. Since Strada was there, all of the Exorcists were able to band together to keep one another safe.
The boss of the mini army looked on with astonished eyes, glaring at the boy within the grasp of Griselda.
"Tch, looks like the Exorcists have come. Suppose I can't take on that monster Strada, and the others together. Best that I retreat for today. But soon, I will come for you, little boy."
The boss of the mini army spread wings and was about to take to the sky, but that plan was halted when Strada himself rushed forward at monstrous speeds, over to the boss, and held out his sword, pointing the tip of it at the enemies neck.
"Tell me, why did you attack this village?"
Strada demanded from the leader, resting a hand on his hip, but in full alert. If this thing in front of him even made a single attempt, Strada was ready to vanquish it in the name of the Lord.
Said person merely regarded Strada with a bemused smirk.
"I felt power here, and it seems that child over there is the reason. I thought that it would be better to get rid of the monster before it acts up. Killing these little pests was just the appetizer for the main course."
The bosses eyes glanced at the boy, and then went back to Strada.
Strada's eyes went towards the youth near Griselda. In the instant he looked, a feeling took over the aging warrior. It was something that he never felt before, despite being as old as he was and it was something that intrigued him.
In the second that he looked at the boy, he made a vow to himself.
"And this child is the main course, is he? Sorry, but this child is under my protection now."
"Oh? Is that the case? That was a quick decision. Felt the same thing that I did, did you?"
Strada didn't answer. Instead, he rested his hand on his blade.
"Are you really going to fight against me, knowing who I am? Don't you realize how foolish that is?"
"It is foolish, that's why I've decided to pull out for today. Try and follow me if you like, but the child is going to die sooner rather than later. If you want to make something of him, then it's best if you get him some medical attention."
As soon as the boss of the mini army said that, a ball of light was produced and it shined very brightly. It was so brightly that it blinded even a warrior like Strada. Griselda covered the little boy, protecting him from a possible threat.
As the light died down, the person Strada was talking with, had disappeared, but his little army remained. Strada, focused on taking out the army with the other Exorcists, preferring to leave Griselda with the task of taking care of the child.
Speaking of, Griselda was having a hard time dealing with the wounds. She wasn't a medic, and she didn't know what she could do for the child. She merely wrapped bandages around his wounds, attempting to stop the bleeding.
"There, it seems that it will stop the bleeding, for the time being."
Griselda sighed to herself, proud that she was able to help this child. But she also frowned, when she saw that despite managing to stop the bleeding, he was still drifting in and out of consciousness.
Griselda, wanting to show friendship and to keep the boy awake, pointed to herself.
"Griselda. I'm Griselda." Griselda offered her name, in her native tongue. She didn't know Japanese, but she hoped that the boy knew what she wanted from him. So, she pointed at him, and wore a smile. "You? Who are you?"
The language barrier was obvious from the instant that she spoke. The boy just looked at her, trying to work out what she wanted from him.
"Griselda...nee-sama...is that her name? Does she want to know who I am...?"
He thought that to himself, as pieces clicked within his mind. If this girl was offering her name, then surely he would do the same.
So, with a tiny, broken voice, he spoke to the girl known as Griselda-nee-sama to him now.
"My name...my name...is...my name...is...Nao...Naoki...Naoki..."
That's the last thing the young child said before his eyes closed on their own.
"N-Naoki, wake up! Don't go to sleep yet!"
Griselda shook the child, now known as Naoki, but he was unresponsive. She tried again, shaking him harder, but his eyes did not open, no matter what she did. It was as if he was...dead.
[Months later]
Naoki P.O.V
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...
Pain...
Village...pain...Kaa-chan...Tou-chan...
What happened to them? What's going on? Where am I? The last thing I remember is...t-the village was...and those bad people...and then I was...beaten...then I saw a girl...a girl...erm...I don't remember now...a name...some name that sounded nice...
When I opened my eyes, I saw a white roof...the brightness was heavenly...am I in Heaven now? I was attacked, and killed...that girl was an Angel. Delivering me to Heaven...that's what the girl was. She's brought me to Heaven now...hehehe, I hope that's the case...but where's Tou-chan and Kaa-chan? They...They died...and now...I'm with them, aren't I? I have to be...I was attacked and now I have died and went to Heaven...shouldn't I be rewarded as well...?
Wait, if this is Heaven, why am I in pain right now? My arms hurt, and my legs as well...I thought that in Heaven, I would have no pain, and would be reunited with my loved ones...and now I'm in some place with a white ceiling.
Deciding to take a look around, I saw white walls, and a curtain, a window behind it with light trickling inside. It was a slither of light, and it looked wonderful. I understand, God is asking me to wait here so he can take a look at me and assess if I should be in Heaven or not...I think that I belong in Heaven...
But I'm on a bed...I can feel the mattress under me, the pillow my head is resting on. There feels like something is in my arm, like a needle...I could in fact see I was attached to a drip...I see, I think that's to make sure that I don't dehydrate or something...that's what Kaa-chan was on once when the accident happened...
So...if I'm not in Heaven...just where am I? That drip...God wouldn't need such things, since he has magical powers. I don't understand where I am right now, and how did I get here exactly?
"...Umm..."
I heard the sound of...humming maybe? It came from my feet area. I know that I'm laying down on the bed, and I can't really move, my ears work just fine.
So, I decided to have a little look, to see what's going on there.
What I saw was...
Nothing.
The door was open, but no one was there.
Hmmm, strange, did someone run off when I was thinking to myself? Did someone not want to stay? Or did I just hear things? Yeah, maybe due to my injuries, I heard things and now I am going a little out of my mind. Hehehehe, must be because I was hit around the head a couple of times. It must've done some damage to my head...although I think I remember everything...I don't think that I have brain damage...I don't think I do anyway...I wouldn't know if I did or not until I get assessed or something...
I kept my eyes on the door for a minute or so, before returning my gaze to the roof, contemplating on what's happening right now. My life...am I even alive? I am constantly wondering that right now...I don't understand, why am I here right now? I should be dead, by all accounts yet I'm not dead...or am I dead...did I die during the raid on our village?
I don't understand...I need to know if I am dead or not. I wish that someone would come and tell me if I was or not. God...you're here someplace, aren't you? Can you tell me if I am alive or dead.
And who was that girl? Was she really an Angel? A figment of my imagination? Or a combination of the two? Whoever it was, was really beautiful...Nee-sama...I remember Nee-sama...who was Nee-sama exactly...? That voice told me someone was going to help me...aah, maybe it was God sending me one of his Angels for me. But the name of my Angel...w-what was it again...?
Gris...warld-nee-sama? Was that it? Erm...Geassleda-nee-sama? That was it...
...No, it couldn't be that. But if it wasn't that, what was the voice that I heard before then? It asked me my name, and it cradled me...in her warmth...she saved me from the bad people...and she's not here now...
"...Ugh...do I..."
I laid there for awhile, before I heard a noise again at the door. I didn't recognize the voice, and I'm not sure if it was a girls or a boys. It was high pitched like a girls, but so is my own voice, since I'm still a child.
I decided to look at the door again, and for a second I saw a flash of blue, a dark blue at that going towards the left, disappearing behind the wall that blocked this room off from the outside world.
From that, I knew someone was there, and I was a little worried on who was there, and what they wanted from me...what if it is the people that tried to kill me...? Am I safe here...am I going to die here instead?
"W-Who's there? I know someone is there, so you might as well come out before I have to become mean."
I asked, upping my guard so I was fully prepared for anything that might come through that door. Although I couldn't move my arms...I was prepared for anything that might come through the door...anything that might come to hurt me...Tou-chan...Kaa-chan...where are you? Why aren't you with me now...?
For a few seconds, nothing happened until a small girl came around the corner, holding a jug of water and a cup with her. The girl in question had blue hair, just past her shoulders. She has striking yellow eyes, that reminded me of the sun when it is darker than usual.
I looked at her, regarding her with a fear that was instilled in me. And due to not being able to move, the fear I felt for this person was building and building. Capturing my heart in a place that I didn't want it to be captured.
But then the girl opened her mouth, and spoke.
"Aah, I see. God seems to have delivered you from the clutches of death, and has brought you back to the world of the living. I am relieved by this. Sister Griselda will surely be pleased as well."
...What did she say? She spoke in a language that I'm not familiar with. It wasn't Japanese and I don't think that it was Chinese either. I wonder, what language did that girl use then? And what did she say to me?
I showed a confused face towards the blue haired girl but she merely walked closer to me, and looked...not afraid or look like she wanted to hurt me. It was a weird thing that the girl wouldn't be afraid or want to hurt me. That's been the general thing for me for the past...how long was I unconscious for?
"Hmmmm, so you don't talk at first? I understand, you've been through something traumatic. Do not worry, there is nothing here to be afraid of."
Again, I don't know what she was talking about, so silence was my companion. I just didn't know what to say, and I don't know if she would understand me, since she was speaking a different language.
When I didn't answer her, the girl furrowed her eyebrows.
"Water, do you want to drink this?"
I stared at her, unsure of what to say right now. She's being really...weird right now. I don't understand what she is saying. How can I reply when I don't understand what she's saying?
When I didn't answer her yet again, she showed the jug of water, and the cup.
"Drinking, you do that, don't you? I drink as well. You must be thirsty since you've been unconscious for along time now. Here, have a drink of this water. It is from a spring. It is supposed to have healing properties, drink it."
She shoved the drink of water towards me, and put it in my hand without me saying anything. I tried to lift my arm, but it wouldn't respond to me in the slightest. A surge of pain rushed around my body, starting from my arm.
She looked at my hand, shaking with the water in it. She looked at the pain that was filling my face and it was as if she understood something. Before any water spilled, she took the water from me and held it in her hand.
"I should've known that you wouldn't be able to use your arms straight away. It seems God hasn't sent me this information yet. Regardless, I have learned my lesson now, and God seems to want me to give you a drink."
She put the water to my lips. Seeing that she wasn't showing an ulterior motive, I lightly took a sip of the water. The wetness of the water filled my mouth, quenching the thirst that I didn't know I had until she gave me the water. I should thank her...but I can't speak what she's speaking...uu, this is going to be difficult.
As the clear liquid slid down my throat, the girl moved her hand away, and sat on the bed...h-hey, I didn't say that you could sit on the bed all of a sudden.
"Do you not speak? Is your jaw still hurting? Sister Griselda said that your jaw was broken, but the doctors fixed it. Are you going to speak now? Hmmmm, it seems that you don't speak. Perhaps this is the perfect time to see what you're like. Although that's going to be difficult, if you do not speak. Hmmmm, perhaps if I pray, God will send me information about you. That is the only logical assistance that I can come up with."
"I don't understand you! Please speak Japanese!"
I yelled at her, and she developed a confused face.
I thought that I was going to be in pain when I shouted. I remember my jaw being broken...but that didn't hurt. Hehe, it seems that my jaw is fine now...it's just the rest of me that hurts.
"A-Ah, so you can speak. But I don't recognize the speech. Was it another language? Wait, Griselda found you in Japan...would that be Japanese? Hmmmmm, I don't know any Japanese...this is going to be most troublesome."
I have no idea what she said, but she does look a little confused. Hey, she's not the only one. Can't she get someone who speaks Japanese and I can talk with them? It would be better if that happened.
"This is really troublesome, if I can't understand you. Girl, at least say that you know where I am!"
I waved my tongue around, since my arms wont move, pointing at the various things around the room, hoping she would know where we are. It must've looked weird when I was waving my tongue around like I am doing right now.
I pointed at me using a finger, although that was painful and the room again, and then looked at her.
"Tell me, where are we? Even if you can't understand me, you understand what I was doing, right? I want to know where I am! Can you please tell me where I am or get someone...and you don't understand me anyway so...this is pointless..."
I sighed at the situation I was in right now. The only person around, and she doesn't speak my language. You'd think she would call a doctor or whatever since I've just woken up, unless I've been held here against my will...in that case, I wish to leave here right now!
"Hmmmmm, could it be possible that you want to know something?"
She looked at me with focused eyes, and looked around the room. She did this numerous times, and each time she looked at me, I would look towards the bed and her and the room, so she would at least somewhat understand what I was trying to...show her. If she couldn't see that, then I truly am in a heap of trouble.
Then, as if a light bulb went off in her head, she clicked her fingers.
"I understand. You want to know where we are. That's understandable. I would be the same if I was you. Actually, right now, we're in a hospital for wounded warriors of the Church in the Vatican. You was wounded, in some distant place. Griselda, and...wait, you can't understand me...hmmmmm, maybe I should go and get Griselda..."
I wonder what she said then? I think I caught something about a Vatican...I'm sure that's in Rome, but I'm not that sure. I've never been good with locations...Vatican...isn't that connected with the Church? If this is a Church...does that mean some Priests and Nuns are here? Or is there something else here...is someone going to hurt me here...? I want to go home now...
The girl stood up, and pointed to herself.
"Even if you can't understand me, I am called Xenovia. I heard from Griselda that your name is Naoki? It is a nice sounding name. Naoki."
She said my name then and I think she said her own name as well...Xenobia was it? ...I pointed to myself, and repeated.
"Naoki." I then pointed at her with a painful finger. "You...Xenobia?"
She let a down face wash over her features, clearly not happy that I said her name...maybe I got it wrong? Whatever it was, she didn't look happy with me right now.
"No, not Xenobia...Xenovia. Xenovia is my name. And you're Naoki. Hah, and Griselda said that I would fail in speaking with you. We're already on a first name, presumably with you, basis."
"Xen...Xenovia...?"
She nodded, and a small smile graced her lips.
"That's exactly it, Xenovia. Naoki, I'm going to go and get Griselda...she's someone that will look after you as well. Griselda...I am sure that she has away to communicate with you. Perhaps God has sent her the information? Regardless if she hasn't a clue on how to speak to you, I am sure that she would...wait, why am I explaining it to you again? You don't understand me...ooh, I should go and get Sister Griselda."
That name...I remember now. That's the name of the girl that picked me up and tried to help me...yes, Griselda-nee-sama...she's the Angel that came for me in my time of need. So...Angels exist after all...and she's apart of the Vatican...I think from what Xenovia...san says.
"Griselda-nee-sama..."
I mumbled out, and Xenovia-san nodded, although I don't think she understood the Nee-sama part...aah well, she heard me say Griselda, and that's enough. Yes, that's the girl that protected me...she came for me, she really did. I wished for an Angel, and I got one...yes, that was the best...an Angel just for me...thank you God...now Xenovia-san can go and get Griselda-nee-sama.
"Aah, so you remember Griselda? That's good. She hoped that you would..."
"Xenovia? What did I hope for?"
A new voice came into the room, followed by...
I-It was her...t-that's the girl that saved me from the bad people. I remember her face, and everything about her features. I could even remember the smell that she had...I had a broken nose back then, but the aroma hit my nostrils in fine waves. Yes, I remember her well. She protected me from the bad people with the others behind her.
Xenovia-san, the blue haired girl noticed the girl come into the room, and stiffened.
"S-Sister Griselda...Nao...Naoki has awakened..."
Xenovia-sans eyes went towards me, and towards Griselda-nee-sama. Said girl glanced over at me, and a small smile enveloped her features. She then looked at Xenovia-san and patted the girl on the head.
"Please leave us in peace, Xenovia."
The girl nodded once, and glanced over at me.
"Thank you for the assistance."
I'm not sure if she got anything I said then. But I felt like that I should say my thanks, even if the help wasn't exactly conventional.
"I'm sure you said thank you then...so, as others would say, it isn't a problem. I didn't do anything really. I am glad that you're better."
Xenovia-san though smiled, said something I didn't understand and left the room. I wonder if she truly heard what I said then, or she just guessed what I said. Whatever the case was, she looked happy with what I said, and now she's left me with Griselda-nee-sama.
Speaking of, said girl has now turned her attention towards me, a bright smile spreading all over her face. From that smile, I knew that I was safe. I knew that I was able to be safe again here.
Walking over to me, I heard her speak.
"Naoki-san, you've woken up. I am relieved. I thought that you might never wake up, and that thought scared me. But you've woken up now, I am extremely relieved."
...S-She spoke Japanese then! F-Finally! Someone knows how to speak Japanese! No offence to Xenovia-san, but to speak to someone that I know can understand me is the best feeling in the entire world right now! Yay for Griselda-nee-sama!
"Y-Yes! You understand me, Griselda-nee-sama?"
"Fufu, I do yes. Since last we spoke, I learned Japanese in order to communicate with you. I thought that you might be frightened once waking up, so I learned to help ease the transition. I hope that I am saying these words right for you to understand. I'm still in the process of learning."
I nodded as I struggled to smile.
"You're speaking perfectly well, Griselda-nee-sama...but w-where are we exactly...Xenovia-san said something about the Vatican...? Are we there...?"
Griselda-nee-sama seemed proud for a moment, before she nodded her head in confirmation.
"Aah, so you got that much from Xenovia? Yes, this is the Vatican, and we're currently in Rome. After you was injured, you was moved here, after your injuries were stabilized. It was a little of a touch and go for awhile, but you proved to be a fighter. I've never seen such a resilience after such a beating before, especially within a child such as yourself. You truly are a special child after all. Just like His Eminence Strada said."
"H-His Eminence Strada? Who is that person?"
I think I heard someone saying that name when I was being attacked, but I can't remember much about it...I don't want to remember much about it...
"He's a top Exorcist within the Church. He actually led the mission to...how to say this...I believe, take care of the naughty beings would be most appropriate towards a child. Yes..."
"T-Those evil beings...w-why did they attack my village...d-did anyone make it out alive...?"
I hope that someone did. Anyone other than me. Please say that someone else made it out as well...
Griselda-nee-sama held her head down, and shook it.
"I'm sorry, you're the only survivor. We searched and searched, but by the time we had arrived, only you remained. It could be called a miracle from God...but I am sure that is something you wouldn't want to hear. Naoki...I'm trying to say, you are the only one left alive from your village. There wasn't a trace of anyone else alive...it was truly an horrific event."
Only one left...Tou-chan...Kaa-chan...all of them are gone...everyone died...my friends...my family...everyone has been murdered...w-why would anyone want to harm an innocent village like us...?
"B-But w-we didn't do anything wrong..."
I sobbed, trying to control my tears. They're really all gone...and why? Because that bad person decided to pick on us with his friends? We did nothing...we were peaceful people, and now we're nothing...no one is left but me...
Griselda-nee-sama patted my head in a comforting manner.
"It is our regret that we didn't reach your village sooner. It seems that the vile creature that did this to your village placed a barrier around your village, and it took even Eminence Strada time to cut through it. It isn't an excuse, we should've been there sooner. The Devils, Fallen Angels, and other evil fiends executed that village without a just cause, it was wrong of them to do that. Did...was your family present in the village?"
"I-I watched them b-being e-executed as I-I hid l-like a c-coward...a-and then t-tried to r-run away o-on Kaa-chan's d-dying br-breath...b-but they c-caught me...a-and h-hurt me..."
I was a coward. I should've fought, even if there wasn't a chance. If I didn't, Tou-chan and Kaa-chan would be alive right now. It is unfair...it is cruel...monsters, all of them were evil to the highest degree...I was taught that Devils and Fallen Angels weren't all bad either...I didn't think that they existed though...I thought they were all myths...I didn't know that existed...until that night...
"Now, it isn't cowardice to hide." Griselda-nee-sama brought me into a comforting hug. "You're only a child. Those people...they were even beyond my skills as an Exorcist. It would've been nigh impossible for you to deal with them. I'm sorry that you had to watch and live through such horrific events. It shouldn't of happened."
"W-Who killed my p-parents...w-who attacked the village...?"
Griselda-nee-sama shrugged her shoulders.
"I honestly don't know. We don't have much intel at this time. Eminence Strada has been tracking this being for along time now, and I was recruited to help him bring justice to this monster. We don't even know who that person was, but it...he, rather caused very much trouble to not only your village, but also entire cities and countries. But it is very elusive. Lets not talk about sad times...Naoki-san...do you have a last name?"
"Last name...aah, my surname. It is Suzuki. My name is Suzuki Naoki. Erm, Onee-sama, can you tell me how long it has been since I was...I was knocked out...for."
When saying my name, Nee-sama had a cheerful face.
"Suzuki Naoki-san, that's a nice name. I'm sure Japanese use their last names first when introducing themselves. I'm glad that I finally know your last name. But...you wanted to know how long you was knocked out for?" I nodded, and she replied. "Yes...the time period has been...just a little over five months now..."
F-Five months...I've been knocked out for that length of time...? I can't believe it...five months have passed since then...and I'm still injured from then...and the village is...my friends have all...what has happened to them now? Have their souls gone to Heaven now...?
"T-That can't be...five months now...my parents have been dead for five months now...has anyone even given them a funeral...?"
I need to do that as well...I need to make sure that they made it to Heaven alright...I need to make sure that they know that I am...I can't even say that I am okay now. I'm not okay, and I never will be okay.
Griselda-nee-sama put a hand to my forehead, and a beaming smile graced her lips.
"It seems along time, and you will have time to give them a funeral, I will make sure that it happens. But according to the doctors, you shouldn't even be awake yet. That's why I said you're resilient. You had excessive injuries and you could've died. You was even put into a coma to stop the progression of your...head injuries...but the doctors said you'll make a full recovery. You should count yourself lucky."
"Lucky...? How am I lucky Onee-sama? Everyone I know is gone...they're all dead, and I don't have anyone in the world now. How am I lucky? Please tell me because I don't see any luck within me...I'm not lucky, I am...I don't even know what I am...Onee-sama, why was it I that survived? It should've been someone else Onee-sama...not me...I should be dead now..."
"Don't say that." Griselda-nee-sama hugged me tighter. "God has a plan for you, I know that he does. God works in mysterious ways. It was a tragedy what happened to you, Naoki-san. But do not worry, I have already said to the Church that I am willing to look after you."
S-She's going to look after me...? Why would she do something like that?
"Onee-sama...why would you..."
"Because she sees the same potential that I see within you, child."
...A new voice came from the door way, and it was in Japanese like what Griselda-nee-sama was speaking to me. So I understood that the person said something about potential as well...potential...me?
When I looked, surely enough, an Ojii-sama was stood there. He had on...what appears to be Priests would wear from what I've seen before in books. Although this one looks like it has been modified for combat. And he is very built up, like a wrestler. He's really huge.
Griselda-nee-sama looked at the man, and bowed to him.
"Eminence Strada."
That person is Strada-sama...he's the one that fought off the bad people from my village, and helped save my life...he looks really strong, and really kind as well. His face tells me that he's a kind man...
"Do not bow, Warrior Griselda." Griselda-nee-sama stopped bowing, and hugging me at the same time as the Ojii-sama walked forward. He moved close to my bed, and regarded me with an interesting stare. "Little Naoki, is that your name?"
"Y-Yes Ojii-sama."
Griselda-nee-sama looked a little mad that I said that...should I have given him proper respect instead? Maybe I should've...oops, I might have messed up my chances at...staying here I guess.
However, Strada-jii-sama merely chortled at my words.
"Haha, Ojii-sama. Hearing that from a youth sure fills me with happiness. So young one, it appears that you have come out of that harsh night...nearly unsheathed. To be able to walk away after such a thing is nearly unheard of. Actually, you're one of the first cases I've ever heard of to be able to walk out of something like that."
"A-Ah...I erm, I lost everything Strada-sama..."
I looked downwards with a sorrow that I didn't want to ever feel.
However, Ojii-sama patted my head softly.
"Yes, it seems that you did. And that is a sad tale to say the least...I am sorry that your life has turned into this. However, I believe that it was God that lead us to that location that night, in order to find you."
God wanted me to be found? He sent these people to me so they could save me? Griselda-nee-sama said that they came to beat the monster that lead that army...but they didn't...and they're out there somewhere...
"T-To find me? What do you mean Ojii-sama?"
"What I mean is...Naoki, you're quite powerful, did you know?"
"Powerful...me?"
I was a little shocked that he said that. I never considered myself powerful. I feel weak right now actually.
"Yes, you've got talent. The way you survived attests to that. No ordinary 8 year old would be able to survive such a beating, much less be on the road to recovery. You're a special child, and I am interested in this special power within you."
"Interested...t-that thing said the same thing..."
He kept saying things that I didn't understand, and he said that he was looking for power, right? W-Why would he come for me? If he had just asked me, I would've gone with him...I would've died for my village, so they wouldn't of had to die...I would've sacrificed my life for my parents...and now I can't do anything like that.
"I am sure that he did. Do not concern yourself with that person. He is...one of the purest evils of this world. You're...You're nothing like that being. Naoki, I am going to come out and say this now, and it might take your breath away, and you might not understand straight away, but I wish to train you in the ways of being an Exorcist."
W-What did he say? Become an Exorcist? He wants me to become one like he is, and Griselda-nee-sama? I-Is that even a possible thing? I don't know...I'm not sure if I can become one...
"A-An Exorcist Your Eminence? Are you sure that he is ready for such a thing?"
Griselda-nee-sama was taken back by it, and she asked in her native language I presume. The tone sounded like a question and it also sounded concern filled as well, so she must've asked him something. But I don't know what it was that she asked exactly.
Ojii-sama nodded once at Griselda-nee-sama.
"That's exactly it and I have every confidence that he is." He answered so I could understand. "He's one of the strongest candidates I've felt in along time. He might not seem like anything right now, but behind his childish face, hides a strong warrior, waiting to come out. And another Exorcist for the Church isn't such a bad deal." Strada-sama faced me, and patted my head. "However, it is completely your choice. If you prefer, I will find other arrangements for you, so you wont have to deal with anything, and live a quiet life. I will make sure that the being that targeted you wont be able to find you again. Or, you can become strong."
"B-Become strong...me?"
Strada-sama gave a smile on his wrinkly face. It was the face that you'd be able to trust instantly. I don't know what it is, but his face just reminds me of something from my past...
"That's right, Naoki. You've got the potential to become one of the strongest Exorcists alive...you, with time, could surpass me as well. I believe in you that strongly. Naoki, what do you say? If you prefer to think it over..."
Thinking it over...think what over? I don't have another choice...sitting on the sidelines for the rest of my life? What good would that do? Living a peaceful life...how can I ever be peaceful again? I've lost everything...I can't allow someone else to go through the pain.
"No, I don't want to think about it Strada-sama." I looked up at him, and then said it with conviction. "I want to become strong enough so others don't have to feel the same pain I feel right now. It isn't right that people...children suffer because bad people decide to do something like what they did to me. Please, teach me how to become strong Strada-sama."
I want to become strong...I could make the hurt of the world go away...becoming an Exorcist, that means I would have to...fight for God...that's okay. From Heaven, my parents can watch me save the righteous and punish the evil doers...I would like that to happen.
Strada-sama, hearing my answer, smiled happily.
"I'm glad that you said that, Naoki. But by becoming an Exorcist, that means-"
"I already believed in God since I was young. My parents were also religious, so it isn't a problem. I've always wanted to...meet God one day. Fighting for God...I'm sure my parents would want me to fight for God, to make sure the evils in this world don't hurt the good in this world. And I want it as well. I want to protect the innocent, and defeat the evil."
Griselda-nee-sama also let a smile grace her face when she heard my words. Griselda-nee-sama...I also want to become strong...so I can repay the kindness that she has shown me, and continues to show me...
"That's a good attitude to have, Naoki. I am sure your parents would be proud, regardless of what you choose to do with your life. You've already survived impossible odds, that is noteworthy in its own right."
"Thank you...Ojii-sama...I've already made up my mind. If you're willing to teach me, then I am willing to learn from you, and I am willing to fight for the good, and slay the evil. Ojii-sama...please teach me how to use this power you say I have. I want to...protect the good in this world...already too much evil has...stained this world..."
"That is true, evil has stained this world. But there are good beings in this world as well. Do not worry about it, Naoki. You can become strong, I believe in you."
I looked at Griselda-nee-sama who patted my head. I looked back at Strada-sama, and nodded my head.
"Strada-sama, please teach me."
"I understand. Yes, I will teach you, Naoki."
Upon hearing that, I regained some strength I thought I lost.
"Thank you...erm...is it okay if I'm left alone now? I'm a little tired..."
"Of course. Warrior Griselda, let us take our leave now."
Griselda-nee-sama turned to me, and smiled at me.
"If you need anything, just call for me and I will come straight away."
She's really nice. She's really looking after me, when she doesn't have to do anything like that. I'm glad that Nee-sama is really nice. It reminds me of...better times. I wish...those people never came for me...our village...
"Y-Yes, thank you Griselda-nee-sama..."
Griselda-nee-sama stood up, and left with Strada-sama.
After they left, allowed me to think about what happened...all of them are gone now. All of them are dead...I'll never see my parents again...and now I'm going to become an Exorcist...why did it have to happen? My parents are...and now I am...
A stray tear fell from my eye, and then another came, and another. Soon, both of my eyes leaked tears, that flowed straight to the bed sheets, staining them. I don't really care if they stain the bed right now...I've lost everything that I ever held dear...
Kaa-chan, Tou-chan...you're gone now, but I was spared somehow...I can't allow your feelings to go to waste...I will make the evil being that took you away pay...I will make sure that the evils of this world will be vanquished...
End chapter!
Wow, what a dark chapter huh...at least at the beginning. One of the darker things I've written as well as it being in the third person which wont appear again for sometime, if ever. And that person who destroyed the village that Naoki grew up in may, or may not be a canon character...and he might or might not show up. But don't worry, it will get lighter as the story goes on...then darker, then lighter, kind of like a roller coaster!
Anyway, I hope that you all enjoyed it, and Strada is going to be teaching him how to fight! One of the Strongest Exorcists teaching him to fight! He's surely going to become strong with such a teacher!
And in his harem...are the Church Trio! Yes, I know, they all three are going to be with the Oc (plus some others), meaning that Ise wont have them...but, aah well.
Naoki already has met Xenovia, even if only briefly and will be training with her in the future, and will meet Asia at some point as well, plus Irina will come into the picture as well and will train together with Naoki and develop feelings after sometime.
I haven't decided if Griselda should either be in his harem, or be an elder sister figure for him, either I can work with, so I would like suggestions (for other members of the harem, but it isn't going to be huge so don't worry), and thank you for reading!
Naoki; Asia, Xenovia, Irina.