Goodbye
Late at night, in the park outside her apartment, Yuki Judai did the unthinkable. Cryptically, he called her into its depths. Ill at ease at his request, she stepped into the clearing to meet him. Briefly, he grinned at her approach and without hesitation attacked her. Admittedly, with friendly fire, lips invaded her personal space, displaying vigor she had not seen since their school days. A trifling thought made itself know to her, past worry or fear of this abnormal phenomenon, this is my first kiss.
She spaced, completely at a loss for what to think. No warning at all. If the initial shock of his gesture wasn't enough to rupture her foundation, he leaned in and deepened it. Originally unresponsive to his advance, she met him shyly while he blindly fumbled into unfamiliar territory, searching.
Why now? There must be a reason. No one simply decides to start this sort of interaction in the middle of the night. Well, he doesn't anyway. Idly, her thoughts strayed, reflecting on the last few days. Despite coming to visit her, he buzzed in and out. When he returned, he would sit by her window, stiller than she'd ever seen him. His mood shifted constantly from an eyrie calm to a calculated fevered tact which caused him to ask question upon question. At the time, his actions annoyed her. Now she wished she'd paid attention to what he had asked exactly.
Face flushed and her body gently swaying from the encounter, she thought maybe the time to keep quiet was over. Four years, yes, now, she could tell him. He made his feelings clear on the matter.
"Judai I-," She began, unable to suppress her emerging smile, even at this odd hour. Whatever passion struck him prior, left instantly, he cut her off placing his finger tips on her lips. She stared at him, surprised and confused. Removing his fingers, he gave her an apologetic glance. Stepping away from her, he cleared his throat, avoiding her unbelieving stare. Attempting to keep a stoic demeanor, he cast his hand on her shoulder lightly. The tingle of his finger tips felt fragile as if the wind would cast them away and leave her numb.
"Judai we just-" She tried again, wanting some clue as to why he would rob her of sleep and reject her. Shaking his head, he interrupted her feeble attempt to comprehend his motives and hardened his gaze.
"You misunderstand. This is goodbye." Already, the familiar smoke invaded her senses. She shook her head, caught completely off guard. No, he never mentioned this to anyone. She blundered about in denial at what would happen now.
"Judai, you can't..." She trailed off, realizing she no longer had his attention. Following him, she extended her hand, seeking to grab the cuff of his collar as she had numerous times before and prevent him from leaving everyone. She sensed, wherever he went, not one of them would be able to reach him ever again.
The dark amethyst engulfed his figure and he completely withdrew from her, avoiding her last attempt to restrain him. Everything muted, nothing registered for a minute. Then, the empty echo of his footsteps invaded her ear drums. Somehow, she knew her stupid cat door would be uninstalled when she got home. The smell of the dusty earth disappeared. Yuki Judai was gone.
Trembling, she regretted that she never saw the end coming. In the back of her mind, she always recognized the possibility his mission may eventually cause him to drift away from them. She never wanted to be told in such a finite manner. Gradually, she became aware of the cold and the faint drizzle that started to fall.
Despite the shock and the lost familiarity, she stomped back inside. Now a distant memory of their past conversation revealed itself. She swore, tearing up as it replayed itself over and over.
"Do you believe everyone's settled?" Judai asked, an uncharacteristically pensive look on his face. She took note that all the boxes were neatly stacked before picking them up. Turning around, she glanced back at what had been her home for the last four years and replied nonchalantly.
"Everyone's lives are certainly taking shape." Her group of friends were taking the world by storm, and she planned to do the same in her own subtle way. Judai steadied the pile of boxes which began to wobble under her inattentive care. He considered her response for a moment before getting to the heart of the matter.
"Does anyone still need my help at all?" Her mind processed uncertainty in his tone as if what she said next will sway him. Distracted by Fubuki's enthused honks, she ran out, relinquishing control of her things.
"Yes, Judai, no one really needs you anymore." She meant to tease, but she failed to realize a dark shadow cross his face briefly. Casually, he changed the topic and relaxed, and ambled downstairs where she waited below.
Everything in her world would collapse momentarily. Not because it revolved around Judai, but like everyone else, she depended on his subtle guidance and pull to keep her grounded. She single handedly destroyed the balance. Slowly, the others would trickle in and band together briefly at the loss. Unfortunately, a fear gnawed at her that soon after they'd lose contact. The reason they tried so hard to keep in touch literally disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Of course, the worst part for her would be accepting today. The day she convinced herself that Judai did not make her feel cheap and used when he kissed her. Certainly, what they experienced wasn't a true goodbye, almost a way to keep her quiet. The memory scathed her. She trusted him, and her first intimate moment would forever be associated with the pain of loss.
She slammed the door of her apartment upon entry. Animosity bubbled within her as she consider the exchange. Everyone else definitely received a gracious parting. The days he would disappear for hours on end attested to that. She wondered why they did not warn her that he wished to leave. Maybe again, she stood as the last to know when it came to Yuki Judai.
Thoughtfully, the red clad wanderer left her a glass of water to wash away her disappointment. Yes, I'll sleep away my sorrow, and tomorrow will be better. She decided, gulping down the water. She stumbled slightly and her visions began to haze.
A strange feeling washed over her as a sharp prick intruded her system, leaving her in a daze. She sank to the ground while her surroundings slowed noticeably. She clutched the counter top in an attempt to pull herself forward and succeeded only in slamming her forehead on the counter. A chuckle shifted her focus and her fingers slipped from their tenuous grip.
"Who's here? Judai?" She ended softly. The laughter deepened and boomed. She clutched her head wearily. The voice sounded so close. Crawling slowly forward, she fought to find the intruder, but the voice clucked in disapproval. Don't bother. You won't see me.
"What are you?" The creature did not answer but expressed relief. Good, you're still conscious. It's hard to put the right dose when your possessing a live body. Their hands get shaky.
"Poison?" She drawled, forcing rage into her failing breath. She tensed as her heart thundered, and she imagined it began to sag.
Tendrils of cool liquid tested the waters of her mind, alarming her. She lashed savagely and the being respectfully withdrew. Stronger than I expected, you'll be an excellent companion should I managed to sway you before your end. The unknown creature remarked, slightly impressed.
Ignoring the encroaching invisible force, she panicked, processing her options. Someone could help her, and on short notice, she knew only one person who could perform a miracle. Judai, please still be here. She pleaded. Her attempt to move to the phone ended without any progress. She slumped to the side, and the mocking echo persisted as she pathetically tried to save herself. The numbness set in her fingers which now barely shook. She laid down flat on the floor, forcing herself to breathe.
Her gaze shifted to the nearby park, a foreign rage filling her. Trembling, bile forced itself out, the sickening color of rotten tomatoes. She pushed herself back from the unnerving site. Moisture crawled out of her eye sockets. She realized instantly, the site of her blood on her hands when she wiped what she believed to be her tears. Everything was failing: her heart, her mind, and . . . Judai why won't you help me? Judai! Asuka screamed inside her mind, for her throat closed tightly, sealing any opportunity from receiving help from her neighbors. What sort of poison is this? She prompted the beast to answer. Somehow, she gathered her mysterious guest smiled, almost in approval.
Ancient. But this isn't what you want to talk about, Judai was it? The beast inquired, amused at how similar her motives would be to his previous vessel. Defiant, she seethed and hissed at the vile creation who tortured her. Shut up. I don't want to talk to you, murderer. Silence, she sighed and clutched at her heart which protested at the tiny movement.
I can give him to you. He offered, bluntly; withholding motivation last time had only resulted in sniveling. She flinched and her eyes drooped desperately conspiring to drift into eternal sleep. She wouldn't last much longer. Her body was shutting down, and it made no sense for her mind to still be so clear. She hated that she considered the offer momentarily before reminding herself of her current predicament. I'm dying.
I can fix that. I will need something from you in return of course. The entity proposed, hinting at an alliance. She cringed inwardly, and she felt the pressure in her mind getting worse, never stopping. Always, some damn thing wanted to posses her. Why her? Her first class as a teacher was tomorrow. Now, she would never meet them.
Ah, I see. You want something else as well. Don't think, say exactly what you want, nothing is too high for me to grant, even life and death. The being realized, surprisingly eager to beseech her.
Her heart beat simply stopped and her eyes glazed. With clarity, she spoke of her true ambition. I want brilliant kids to teach. I want to help them grow just like . . . everyone I know did. She admitted, completely under his influence for a spell.
If your willing to wait, I have the perfect choices. The creature insisted, pleasured by the tantalizing idea. Relapsing into her past argument, she whispered weakly.
I'm dying. She sensed the being move and press further. She felt relief as her cognitive functions stabilized.
We could help each other. Be my host. Her new life line asked soothingly as if he knew her answer already. What other answer could there be?
Completely surrounded by its presence, the creature comforted her with some unknown power. Part of her retreated, afraid that she craved it like a plant craves the sun. Unperturbed by her rejection, he allowed her to know his identity through the delicate connection they had formed ever since the last drop of poison left her lips. After shortly considering the information, she acknowledged him, Aslla Piscu.
Pleased, the humming bird fluttered at the affirmation and encouraged her wordlessly. She regained her composure enough to sit up, her previous suffering forgotten if not her sudden fragility. Heavily aware that she was clinically dead, she weighed her options. You're keeping me alive. She declared, seeking affirmation. Patient, he responded curtly. Yes.
If I accept, what would you want in return for your generosity? Asuka implored, suspicious of the dark manipulative creature. Purposely, she kept her tone polite although the word generosity was etched with sarcasm. She wanted to live, and the desire grew with each passing second. However, she also refused to be suckered by another egotistical entity. She would deny him if anything he said rubbed her the wrong way.
I need a vessel to help me cast the world into a fiery hell with my other brethren. The monster replied honestly. Asuka found herself contemplating how to slip into unconsciousness and eventual death. The god would not allow her to currently. She'd have to reason with him.
No, I will not join you. You're wasting your time, find some other pitiful sap who will do whatever you want. She said vehemently. The being once again prevented her from moving her physical body. She slumped back and felt noxious, perhaps reasoning with an ancient entity was a stupid idea.
I've already tried that. I need someone with a strong resolve. I need an equal. He reasoned, and she sensed his oddly tender remorse at his previous failure. For once, she didn't feel an abject horror for the creature, but a sliver of curiosity. Did this monstrous bird have feelings that didn't revolve around murder?
For a moment, the bird's consciousness gave her room to think, hiding away in her subconscious. Flattered in spite of herself, she dismissed further thought of joining another attempt to change the world, especially when it was not for the better. The god did not even have the decency to let her go after her refusal. She regretted her life would end so impossibly. She wavered and considered what would happen if she couldn't escape. I wanted to do so much more Now, I'll never-
She stopped herself. The creature invested a lot of time and effort to acquire her. He wanted a better opening to influence her. Judai, why did you pick today, of all days, to leave earth altogether? She huffed sourly. Her friends were likely being bullied by his brethren, and Judai would never return. She began to rant. Right, Judai, no one here needs anymore mystical help. Then, why am I being held hostage by a death god?
The humming bird stirred and his words echoed in her mind. If Judai had not left you all, would you be here at my mercy? Do not think you honor anyone by refusing. Tell me what is the one thing that gets his attention? He insisted, knowing that he was striking a chord. Again, he coddled her, easing out the answer she had deeply buried and suppressed. Closing her eyes, she answered, scared at the venom dripping from every word.
People who cause havoc. What do I get for being his friend? He couldn't take two minutes to say goodbye. Instead, he manipulated me so he could leave. Now, Judai won't ever come back. She blinked in surprise as her body regained its function. Radiating smugness, he goaded her.
Do you want him to return? He demanded. An almost painful grip encircled her mind as she finally choked out a response.
"Yes," She raised herself from the ground, dark thoughts overwhelming her. The cool liquid began to spread and strengthened her body. She grabbed a rag from the kitchen and dabbed it with water.
Do you want to make him suffer? He pressed. Allsa Piscu offered, genuinely excited at her progress. She slammed into the wall, causing it to severely crack. Dumbfounded by her increased speed, she slowly proceeded forward to wash the blood off in the bathroom.
"No," She let out raspily. She dropped the rag when she saw her image in the mirror. The whites of her eyes transformed to resemble an empty black void consuming any chance for normalcy, only her sand dune colored irises as large as ever, distracted from the black exterior. Two vertical thin lines had been etched on her cheeks, marking her supposed alignment with the winged demon.
Do you want a future? The creature interrogated her, nailing her deepest concern. Before she could argue with the parasite, she paused. She couldn't betray everything that she believed in for some sketchy promise. The god interrupted her train of thought and began to coax her once more. She did not understand why as he had obviously won entrance into her already.
You don't know the power of what I offer. True, I will be inside you, but our partnership will be symbiotic. He assured the failing mortal. She bristled, annoyed that he thought she would reciprocate any favors. If this new existence was going to work for her, she needed proof he could deliver.
How could you possibly get me kids? She retorted tartly. The bird chortled unpleasantly and replied in earnest. Ever consider adoption? The suggestion hit her hard, adoption. Not letting herself ponder long, she tested her new senses and performed a back flip into the living room. Okay, but that was only half of what drove her now.
"Judai?" She marveled at how forward she was. The bird groaned tiredly. You said it yourself. He'll come running if he believes this world is in trouble. He said, obviously thinking little of the matter. Her motivations felt skewed. She used to be concerned by something else besides her needs. However, when she tried to think of it, her memory blanched. This was not the limit of her doubts. Despite his reassurance, she couldn't help but feel suspicious if he would really fulfill his end. She asked the most pertinent question left. When do I get what I want?
You must be patient. The children I have in mind have yet to be born, and what I ask is years away, and only then will I allow you to contact him. He explained, expecting her absolute obedience. She could feel rapid strokes of cool electricity mold a place for Aslla Piscu. In a similar fashion, he aided in easing her troubled mind. Death, Asuka decided made her slightly more complacent as she saw no reason to fight her benefactor. Rocking her hips back and forth, she hummed a foreign tune. Her priorities shifted. The idea slipped into her consciousness that the god's plans barred little consequence for her own agenda. The state of the world mattered little as long as she received her payment. Besides, he kept insisting on procuring a certain set of children. The winged beast wanted her partnership, fine, but she would insist on no secrets.
Why these children? She wondered, unsure what a god would want with children. Waves of approval washed over her, and she smiled in response. Shrewd, have you ever heard the tale of one pissy fickle crimson dragon? Allsa Piscu asked, reveling in the opportunity to tell the tale again. She eased herself into a comfortable position on the couch. Grinning, she humored the god.
"I don't believe I have." Then, this will take sometime. He cautioned placing himself in his newly formed shelter in her mind. She hummed some more and countered. From what I understand, I have all the time in the world.
"Judai, what you did was stupid."
He nodded, waiting for the portal to open to the dimension which had haunted him in his dreams for weeks now.
"I know."
Yubel crossed her arms defensively, uncomfortable. She hated having to voice concerns about his friends. It made her feel like a hypocrite. Only her motivation to keep him from any regret before they left, indefinitely, kept her going. A sour depressed Judai did not sit well with her. Sure, she could destroy a beefy demonic entity single handedly for him, but sometimes he needed protection from himself.
"You couldn't pull off one more teary goodbye? You could still go back." A fairly large grin appeared on his face, he rubbed his head, not looking her in the eye.
"I want her to remember me." Yubel dropped the subject. Judai tended to get testy if she pushed too much on that particular subject. Instead, she chose to repeat their past conversation about his departure. She would be taking careful note if he changed his mind in anyway.
"Judai, are you sure about leaving? I'm sure there's plenty of good you could still do here." Judai rolled his eyes and began a nearly perfected speech.
"They're ready Yubel, for whatever lies ahead for them."
Johan ducked, avoiding the dart headed his direction. A limp figure continued his way, trudging along, sporting an artificial smile. He dashed away but faltered, unused to the heat bearing down on him. He crashed into quicksand as unseeing eyes loomed over him. He stared up defiantly, cursing his luck at losing Jim, his guide. Johan could only hope that he did not run into a similar struggle.
"They'll find strengths that they didn't know they had."
Gifting her with knowledge, she hesitated before following Allsa Piscu's instructions. She concentrated and masked the appearance of her eyes, momentarily human, before again returning to their regular dark shade. Practice, it's a skill that will prove useful. You wouldn't want to scare the children.
From his zealous response, he didn't particularly care if she did. She reassured him that she would practice, not sparing the time to form coherent thought. She needed to pack everything she needed for the rest of eternity, a pressure Asuka wasn't used to.
Pack practically. I'll leave you to your task. We leave to meet the others in an hour. He divulged the details of their first conquest. She asked solemnly. I'll know who shares my fate then? Allsa Piscu simply granted her reprieve and began the process of completing her transformation. The more energy filled her the less she cared to pack anything sentimental. In the end, she took one look around her and only took her deck.
"A whole new world of possibilities will open up for them."
Edo wished he hadn't been cocky and taken the shortcut across the back alley. He instictively clutched his stomach as blood soaked his favorite suit and dripped to the floor. The color only reminded him of the buffoons idiotic departure.
Life gets boring if it's predictable doesn't it? The creature asked piteously, noticing he got lucky that his target had fallen into a bad situation.
The corner of his vision fogged, and he nodded. The crazed knife wielding man lay unconscious on the ground. He scowled, vexed that he was taken by surprise by a drunken amateur. He cursed at the amount of blood he was losing. There was no way he'd make it to the hospital now.
His crazy visits are the pinnacle of any adventure. Edo admitted, and it bothered him to no end that he missed the stupid simpleton. The egoistical loud mouth added some variation to his schedule when he dropped by. Before his absence, Edo had not comprehended how mundane his daily life could be.
Edo found Judai's excuse that they were ready to face life on their own, annoying and a waste of an afternoon. If Judai bothered to think for once, they could have spent an action packed afternoon in the Himalayas instead of staying in so the buffon could ease his own guilt for leaving.
He dropped this line of thought. As far as he was concerned, his departing moments should be family time. All he could think of though was that he hoped Mizuchi and Saiou wouldn't cry too hard when the police informed them that they found his lifeless body in an alleyway.
Let me bring you some excitement. The creature insisted and a surge of energy propelled him forward into the city. Edo laughed unsure what made him giddy all of a sudden. He attributed the cold invading his insides to the rain coming down on him and the screams to his bloody wound.
"I know they'll make the right choices. They don't need my guidance."
Hours had passed since the earthquake hit their hotel. Ryo laid there helpless, completely fixated on his brother's limp arm. After everything his brother did for him, Ryo couldn't bloody reach anyone to help him before he died. Alone, crumpled in a massive heap of rubble and minutes from passing out, the voice in his head started making a lot of sense.
Ryo was not one to ignore power. His body betrayed him, and he could really use something to keep him going. He did not bother to ask the creature what it wanted. He did not particularly care anymore what happened to him.
"Take me," He pleaded before slipping into unconsciousness.
"I know they'll do great things on their own."
"Above glory, you wished to protect those you love. I approach you face to face so we can establish early my expectations." Manjoume debated a moment before facing the possessed man.
"What do you want?" The man smiled with an air of arrogance.
"To make a deal, Asuka has died and been reborn as a dark signer. Do you wish to help her?" The dark clad duelist prompted him. Manjoume eyed him as if he were speaking in tongues.
"A Dark Signer?" Manjoume demanded the gaps in his knowledge be filled first. The ring of his cell phone went unanswered.
"Merely a title, the girl has been deemed worthy of embodying a god." He looked down at the thrown away announcement of his recent match. His nervousness this morning about the international match seemed trite.
"How can I help?" The man's smile increased to an abnormal level.
"Join her, become my host and partner." Closing his eyes, he nodded but declared quickly.
"Prove what you say is true, and we can make arrangements. Let's start by you guaranteeing you'll leave me self aware." Patronizing the proud man, the stranger bowed.
"But of course." Manjoume followed the stranger, trusting himself to handle any consequences his cooperation would provoke.
"'I'll miss them, but the world won't end because I'm not there."
Proudly, Asuka took her place before them all. She noted all the familiar faces as well as those who escaped the earthbound immortal's persecution. A few of the others appeared unsure of their existence and purpose yet. Uru's and Ccarayhua hosts proved supportive and politely nodded affirmation for her to start the meeting.
"Today, we begin planning the end of the world as we know it. If anyone still wants salsa and chips, please grab some now."
"Come on, the portals opened. I'd like to go somewhere where I'm truly needed."