The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya fanfiction

Somnus

Beta: The Hidden Lostar

Chapter III

88888

"Open fire!"

A shout from Mori-san was followed closely by deafening gunshots. The ESPers must be really well connected to have these kinds of firearms without issues with the law, but that's not the problem right now. The boy jumped in front of his sister when he heard Mori-san's order, and from under his feet, a black substance quickly surrounded them both and shielded them from the hail of bullets. I tried to see more closely and realized that the darkness is his own shadow. Mori-san gasps, something that surprise me because it tops the sound of the ongoing battle.

"Shadow manipulation? That's impossible…"

Koizumi seems to share her surprise, while Tachibana-san grits her teeth, nervous with the situation. I ask what in the world is going on. Koizumi drones to his usual exposition self; albeit with a more subdue explanation.

"Shadow manipulation is one of the ESP offshoot powers, and a very rare one at that. That ability will make the user manipulate their shadow into any shape they want. The skill is very costly, however, because it seems that the power uses most negative emotions that human beings have. The ESPers that are capable of safely using shadow manipulation usually have some kind of mental disorder; anyone else will go insane or develop the said mental disorder."

So it's a kind of dangerous technique. At least we now know that ESPers can do something other than throwing fireballs. But the thing is that he uses it outside the Closed Space, which Koizumi suggested was impossible. How can he do that?

"Because in our world, ESPers can use their power as much as they wish."

The voice whispers near my right ear, along with a thick muscle that felt like a tongue licking my earlobe. A small gasp from Asahina-san clearly warns me the identity of the owner. Chaos has her remaining arm circled my shoulder, and her face less than five centimeters from my own. If someone thinks I'm mortified, then they're absolutely right. I can feel her right stump's brushing slightly against my waist; the black ooze's dripping to my pants. Being this close to the smelly source akin to rotten wet garbage is starting to take toll on me...

Mori-san goes to my side and shoots several times at her head, aiming for at least a mortal wound. But the bullets are blocked by her shadow tendrils almost without effort. Her expression is clearly more of an annoyance than anger. Now some of the ESPers are aiming at her, waiting for her first move. Her sunken eyes stare back, unflinching and strong. Between the flickers, I felt a strong sense of nostalgia.

"You want to know why we can use our power, don't you? Why your ESPers can't do the same, and for what reason we want you alive and try to capture you? So many questions, yet no one want to answer it. Frustrating is only one small word to describe it. But when everything is clear to you, you can't help but to regret the day you questioned it. It's but a small reflection of humanity. I will answer your question… if the lot of you can defeat us both."

"Why the sudden change of heart?" Damn my voice, shuddering at times like this!

"Why do you always question everything? Enough talk! Order, mow them down!"

The ESPers around the boy were sent flying by a large arm coming out from his shadow. More tendrils come out from his main shadow, twisting and shaping a great figure that snarls and roars at us. A very large wolf stands behind the boy, dubbed Order, and gives him a protective arm as a shield. He silently stroked the beast with a smile, a very child-like smile that almost makes me forget that he still the one who give Kuyou a physical damage, no matter how small.

Speaking of her, she already runs to my position along with Nagato, both with their arm blades ready. She just changes her position slightly, makes me as her meat shield. They immediately cease their swing before they accidentally sever my head. Oh, how I love you guys. But the problem still isn't averted yet, since me as a meat shield isn't really good. The fact that she has no remorse for killing me made it clear we have to make our move carefully. I hate it when I look like a damsel in distress.

"But is that your role in this story?" One of her shadow surrounds her index finger and turns it into one sharp, long talon that poking at a vein on my neck. "What makes this time different?"

Several light spears pierce her side and sends her to one of pillars that support the whole warehouse. I turn to Nagato, who is already preparing the next wave of spears. Chaos makes her shadow shield as Nagato launches her attack, but in my right eye corner I see Kuyou also prepares her own spears. The shield caught every single of Nagato's but when I saw Kuyou sends hers; I realize what they aimed at. Nagato's spears pierce the shield as the next wave of spears pushes them through. It's not over yet. Chaos only makes a sweeping gesture using her remaining arm and deflects the attack. I can feel my inner self groaning for the failed attempt, but quickly silenced as Kuyou catches one of her spears mid air after they finish their mission of assisting Nagato's attack and throw it directly. Chaos not fast enough, her deflecting of Nagato's attack makes her open wide as I see the spear pin her arm to the pillar. As in cue, the ESPers force fire to her general direction, all she takes head on without protection. It makes my jaw drops in horror seeing her body state, which is not unlike a Swiss cheese.

Her body is still pinned by the spear, but her feet support her body straight like that one attack has no meaning. What's going on? She's still alive after that hail of bullet like Terminator. But the thing is that her wounds ooze that nasty black liquid like the one from her stump. I can't describe how wrong it is. I thought that liquid was from Kuyou's deadly touch. She coughs, vomits out more of that ooze in process, and raises her head. Not even her face saves from that attack, with bullet holes make their nest in her neck, right eye, and forehead. The last two are the most disturbing; I don't have to describe it.

"Are you finished yet? It's my turn, then…"

She tore herself free from the spear by pulling her hand along the length; she gives a toothy grin before her shadow spreads into a wide area. Nagato tries to intercept her when a large fist slammed down her back. Order goes back to his position in front of his sister as the shadow starts to shallow her whole. The wolf is still there, snarling and roaring. But a bit flesh between its jaw makes it clear that it isn't only one who enjoyed the feast, seeing that its master also has fresh blood on his clothing and face.

"Order, watch… and learn."

The shadow makes some kind of cocoon, before tightening around her figure and shaping a kind of demonic creature with six arms (one still in stump), four large horns, and torn bats wings, something that may actually appear in Cthulhu mythos. Damn you Lovecraft, for creating the horror that may or may not have inspired this monstrosity!

"I've seen enough."

A voice that almost like a whisper, but I can hear Sasaki says words that maybe become a turning point of this bloody meaningless slaughter. Even inside a dimly lit warehouse, I can feel the shiver down my spine as my sight changes to familiar a grey landscape of the Closed Space. The ESPers start to brim with their dormant power; many already lit their hands on fire and ready for the climax. But the demon only grins as her brother defiantly keeps his position along with his familiar. The ESPers charge while Order braces himself. And then Chaos just pushes Order out of the way, and head straight to her enemies with reckless abandon. She falls to her knees and opens her arms like she's accepting the attack. But again my jaw drops from the bloodbath that takes in this place.

He only stare in morbid horror as hundreds of black spikes stab the incoming ESPers around her and sends the bodies flying with a blast of energy. Now standing, the demon focuses only to him; uncaring with blood and gore that stained her from head to toe. Desparate moaning from the ESPers resound inside the warehouse like the damned from hell itself. No longer in control of himself, Kyon quickly turns and runs out from the warehouse. Seeing her target get away, Chaos gives a chase; wings slapping madly in a frightening speed. Haruhi curses loudly.

"Yuki! Koizumi-kun! Follow me!"

The interface stares at the back of the running girl; who isn't waiting for the other to follow her. She turns to the ESPers and shrugs, before running after her Brigade leader. Koizumi turns back and forth between the interface and the on-going battle. But when one of his colleagues, a female with long black hair, got shredded by the shadow wolf while her torso is in Order's lap, sitting cross-legged on the blood stained floor and taking one large bite on her chest. Gnawing the heart with a content expression like he savoring a very exquisite gourmet, he lets his wolf do all the work, off-handedly staring at the SOS deputy as if he were just an insignificant pest. His vision blurs as the area around Kuyou distorted when she readies her data manipulation. Far away, a scream from Asahina getting dragged by the begrudging Fujiwara keeps him in touch with the situation. Even alone, this boy still a dangerous opponent, he thought to himself. Shaking his head, he goes back on concentrating his power to a next barrage, unaware that some of the shadow tendril snuck out behind him.

My feet start to hurt badly. I don't know how long I have run, but when I realized that I'm running like some kind of madman, it's so dark to the point I can't see my front. Now, maybe if it's the grey landscape of the Closed Space, I might not panic. But this is different, I know it somehow. There's no roads, no buildings, no people. Nothing. It's like I have been sent to a different place other than Japan in my mad run. I scream for help, but nothing comes out from my mouth…

Unconsciously, he curls up into a ball, feeling as something horrible slowly crushing around him. Something more painful than the stab wound from 'you-know-who'. Sound of steps, like they are made on top of wood floor but not one like a man will make, forcing him to turns as he prepares for whatever it is. A small white dog with squinted eyes sniffs at the ground in front of him, wagging his tail as it circles him in a very low and cautious stance. Dropping his guard when seeing it, he allows his hand to be sniffed and smiling softly when the dog deems him not dangerous.

"Hey, little guy… what are you doing here? Let's just find a way out, 'kay?"

Then a very smooth, very male voice came from the dog, which almost makes him go running again if not for a request from the dog.

"Please stay. I'll have a word or two with you."

Kyon hesitates for a few second, before he sit cross-legged in front of the dog. He says the first thing that came to his mind immediately.

"You're one of them, right? And this place is also your work, isn't it?"

"Yes… I did so, so I can speak with you without… distraction."

"She still chases after me?"

"And she will not stop. It's her ruthlessness and determination that practically made her place in our rank. But that's not the point. What I want to talk about is your place in this conflict."

"What is my place? A spectator? A scapegoat when everything goes to hell? A slave to an emotionally-unstable teenage girl who coincidentally has an ability to alter reality and being targeted by many supernatural organizations that so dogged out, no offense, to use said ability for their own good? I'm sure you aren't so much different in that department."

"None taken... So, that's how you think of us? Hahaha… Chaos might have some screws loose, but everything she says is true. Tell me, young man, what did you hear from her?"

"Something about balance, just like The Key. And killing me makes your work easier, but her boss makes her do it anyway."

"Exactly."

"Then, why don't you kill me now? This is your world; you're practically a god here. Or are you in the group who wants to use me?"

"Neither. All I did is to make sure you will see your happy ending. And let me tell you, if you give up and let the other Templar catch you, it's a game over for your friend, and maybe family. The circumstance is very dangerous and costly, but I can't elaborate further as it will make the original purpose of this conflict moot."

"Then why is it happening in the first place? Why can't you let us live in peace?"

"Because the said circumstance makes the problem in the first place; it can't be solved as long as the root is still there. Your role in this conflict is to find the said role yourself. Along the time, you will see it with your own eyes, and you have to make an important decision. Either save us all, or doom your people."

"Why me? Why is it always me to make a choice? In the end, I'm just a bystander…"

"You are more than that. You just don't realize it yet. Think, Kyon."

"… One more question. What is the 'balance' that you all are talking about?"

"It's our job to maintain the balance. As the Templar, it's the reason why we'd been chosen, so the worlds won't collapse and crushing each other in their attempt to dominate one another. Explosion of energy, a diabolical person descent to godhood, an apocalyptic event that makes the world in the first place, many can become the trigger. And it's in their nature that the worlds will try to devour everything make themselves stronger. Worlds are alive, and just like human, are always looking for more. We are the leash; all of our actions are driven by that fact alone."

"So, some kind of event in this world will knock the balance off rail, with you either eating those ESPers or capturing me as the solution. I'm surprised that Haruhi isn't being mentioned yet."

"Haruhi Suzumiya? Do you really think she's the source?"

"She isn't?"

"Technically, you're right. But if looking far and back, her contribution is just a half, or maybe a third, of this whole conflict. She's being ignorant to her place is something that prevent further destruction, as the possible scenario that will happen if she does isn't very beautiful. Knowing that Sasaki already know her power, and with a hor-"

"Wait, what! Haruhi knowing this is a bad thing!"

"You know one of the scenarios…"

"She will go mad… but that's ridiculous. It looks like she took it very well."

"What makes you sure?"

I was cut off by the whole dimension shuddering, while the dog growled in frustration.

"She found us…"

"What will we do now?"

"Nothing. I can't do anything if she breaks through this dimension."

"Then what must I do! You said that if they catch me, it a game over."

"Doesn't mean that I can help you in that matter." The dog raised its head, looks like it tries to contemplating the situation outside before it bows its head with a grin, "Looks like the problem solved itself."

"What d-"

His words got cut off as the dog pushes him out of a portal that suddenly materialized behind him. But before the portal completely closed, the dog's silhouette twisted into a young man shape. The face was hidden by the closing portal, but Kyon still can see his lips mouthing one last sentence from him.

"When it's over, you can meet The Key mano-e-mano. But whether it's a good or bad ending, it's all depends on your action. Good luck, from your friend, The Sage…"

The similar twisting likes my time travel experience sweeping over me. As I open my eyes, I come face to face with two of Chaos' giant talon, just inches from my nose. But her movement was stopped by several glyphs that chained her in place. Nagato is sweating profusely, very unusual and wrong for my taste, from the strain of keeping the glyphs. Her mouth continuously chanting her spell in one breath like a broken record of Bohemian Rhapsody, changing intonation so suddenly; but in rhythm for anyone who knows the patterns like it was a season, before suddenly one glyph shatters and the sealing broke in a thousand of glass pieces. One of the talons takes a swipe at me. A cutting sound of something sharp that sails on the air, followed shortly by a burst of black liquid that literally bath me. That horrid roar nearly burst my eardrum.

That hair… again I've been saved by someone that almost killed me. Yes, yes, Asakura-san… with her combats knife and all. I steel my nerve to see what happen. There she lie, gap-mouthed, with some slash wound that disfigure her even more. Another one of her right arm got cuts off, courtesy of Asakura's sneak attack. Still breathing, but slightly gurgled because the open wound on her throat. Again she looks at me with that far-away eyes, I know it even when her eyes are only consist of light green light in empty sockets. She takes a deep breath and chuckles softly as her shadow armor melts.

"Looks like Order already fell before me… oh well, promise is a promise." She coughs and vomits out more of that black blood, "So, what do you want to ask? When that dog was talking to you, he must be have makes you even more curious, right?"

"Yes… he is."

"Then, be quick. I don't think I can hold on for long."

"… What's your intention in this world? Why do you hunting the ESPers? The Sage said that your objective is to protect the balance between worlds. Why what you are doing have anything to do with it?"

"… I knew you would ask about that. Where should I start…? I tell you a secret, then. All worlds have different laws and different creation… no matter how similar one world to another, there must be something… that make them different to each other…" She's like trying to find a right word to explain it. Her breathing slows down really quickly; pumping her chest like I often see in TV, I try to do anything so that she keeps breathing.

"… ESPers in your world… are duds… dangerous… and ticking…"

My vision fills with light, and when I uncover my eyes we back already to the warehouse. Did she send us to this place? I remember about her, bleeding and broken in the middle of road. I then realized that my hand still on top of her chest, which is no longer raising and falling. I never paying attention before because of the pressure of the situation, but it seem like her body already very cold, like she's been dead for days. Asakura chuckles softly and murmurs to herself, something about 'an interesting development'.

Surrounded by some of the mortally wounded and dead ESPers lie Order, face down on floor with what it looks like a dozen of steel pipe stabbed into his torso. Kyon's eyes widen as his attention draws to a fallen figure that leans on the wall, but Haruhi is faster.

"Koizumi-kun!"

88888

A week after that bloody battle, the scar of war truly left its mark on everyone, not just Koizumi. Sure he got a very large, new make-over after Order slashed open his face, but it's Haruhi that has been shaken the worst. I don't know, she become very quiet and melancholic; always staring outside the window with half-lidded eyes. Every time we have our routine meeting, it's always an awkward silence that, in my opinion, makes us very longing for the end the day. When Koizumi went back to his post three days ago, that awkward feeling went up several degrees.

About the aftermath of that accident, the ESPers quickly went high and low just to erase the trace of the deaths and property damages. Destroying the evidence of the dead ESPers' existence ranging from documents removal to brainwashing of neighbors and friends, and super fast construction of that warehouse with a cover-up excuse of accident involving explosive inside that place. I really don't like their way in that matter. It feels like they have no respect for the dead with that inhuman method, with no way to remember their sacrifice. Would Koizumi get the similar treatment if he did not surviving the encounter? Who knows? It's good enough they don't do that brainwash to me, it give me chance to think about the cryptic hint those two gave me without being forgotten.

ESPers are dangerous? Duds? And what the hell did she meant by ticking? It's even more confusing than Nagato's and Koizumi's hints. Maybe because it's shorter. Are the ESPers some kind of failed experiment? But that isn't making any sense, they said themselves that they received their power from Haruhi… or is it what they meant, the process of they receiving their power is the failed experiment. But how? She didn't even know it until recently, or are they assuming that the ESPers are duds no matter what. It' so confusing. My eyes go back to the game board, still in my fourth move and unmoving for over two minutes. It's not like Koizumi cares, either. Our benevolent Brigade leader is busy with her computer, likely become his target of attention, while the other doing the usual. I don't feel very good staying here for long for some reason.

"Hey, Haruhi. Can I go home early?" I kick myself for that casual, but ridiculous request. What makes me think she will let me? It's so i- "Yes, yes. You are allowed by your chief."

… Is it just me, or nowadays my assumptions are always wrong.

She says that with a wave of her hand like an egoistic primadonna, I let a relieved sigh because she is still the Haruhi I know. Taking my bag, I thank Asahina-san for her heavenly tea before walk out the door.

My head full with possibility of everything that befallen us like a kind of anvil someone needs to be dropping. It feels like we become a plaything of someone, or something, we cannot comprehend while he laughs at our naivety and attempts to survive. Seeing those people, the Templar, seem to know something that we don't and serves someone even in higher rank, it's not entirely impossible knowing that they seem like following order. They must be have some kind of figure head; someone that can make them work together and put them in their places... Not to mention take them from each of their worlds. A dimensional lord or whatever they call him... Chaos called 'them' royal asses, after all.

Maybe it's only matter of time before more of them come to this world. With Chaos' and Order's death, the only Templar still alive in this world are the Sage and the unknown one that we have yet to encounter. Nagato said that that plant was put in my brain by one of its cohorts; he is most likely the unknown. Speaking about the Sage, how is he doing? I still have much to ask him to. If only…

"Going somewhere, ghost hunter?"

I can't believe my ears. I think when I turned my head so fast; I heard my neck bone almost snapped. There he is, wearing the same clothing from the first time I met him (though to be fair it's been a quite some time passed). That's the guy from the train, grinning and waving like a madman in the middle of people. Is his shame vein already snapped? It's kinda embarrassing when I walk to his side.

"You don't look so hot."

"Yeah, what's about it?"

"Hey, don't be such a grump. How about a cup of coffee while you tell me about your adventure?"

"… Are you always treating strangers? We don't even know each other name, for God sakes."

"Might as well we introduce and talk about ourselves. After all, I have a feeling this won't be the last time we meet."

I give up…

88888

Here we are, sitting inside a very cozy café a bit far from my way home and sipping a hot milk coffee. He's very generous, that's for sure. Treating me in this kind of cafe, even when he knows that we never have a relationship more than strangers that met in a train. But also very suspicious, I can't help but to thing he's some kind of stalker especially with his words before I caved in with his insisted invitation. He gulps his share of chocolate with gusto, almost makes me think that this guy is a different person from that guy with calm and collected aura. But I push my hostile thought.

"So, what's your name?"

"Oh, how rude of me." he's taking one more sip from his cup before setting it down, and giving me his hand to shake, "Shiroki Mikazuki, at your service."

I shook his hand, "My name is… well, just call me Kyon. Everyone's using that name, after all."

"Huh? Kyon? … strange, but fitting."

"Huh?"

"Nothing, it's just strange your nickname is so suits you. You look like a type of guy who is very talkative in their mind."

…

"Actually, I'm starting to get lonely. I don't know anyone around here."

"… You didn't move with your family?"

"No. I moved here because of a job. - a high paying one, at that. Maybe it's because I have such a large family and most of my colleagues often mind their own business, I'm not used to being alone. It's a good thing I meet you here."

"So you want me to become your guide? Sorry, but I don't think I'm in mood for a walk."

"That's okay. I just want someone to talk to. After all… we can now speak to you without distraction."

My eyes widen along with my jaw. His purple eyes squinted like a fox with a mischievous grin spreading on his lips.

"You are… the Sage?"

"Yes, but like I said, we do not lie. You can call me that name I just told you. It's also my name, just like many others. Oh, and the story about my family is also true."

Now he's sitting in front of me, I don't where to start. Flooding my mind like a tidal wave in Indian Ocean, but nothing gets inside the small bottle that is my head. He's waiting; I have to spit out something.

"I know you already helped me through some of this madness, but can I ask you for more?"

"Why do you have to ask?"

"I don't know… maybe because it not my right to make you churn out information?"

"Haha… still with that cynical tone you're so proud of… has the recent development left no impact on you what-so-ever?"

I'm not in control of my own hand as I let instinct guide it to grasp at his shirt and pull him across the table. Eyes to eyes, he just looks at me lazily, as the cups clutter on table, but not fall. But when his eyes start to narrow, I have to release him as that crushing feeling inside me comes slamming at me like a sledgehammer. He's no human, that for sure. Some of the costumers are staring us, but neither of us cares. He lets out a throaty chuckle.

"Are you scared? Is it the reason why you ran that day? You… are scared."

"Shut up…"

"You can't avoid it, Kyon. Even when you are out of this world, it will chase after you. No matter how you deny it, it is your responsibility."

"How! How is it my responsibility when I have nothing to do with it?"

"Nothing to do with it, you say? Far from it, actually. You just don't realize it yet."

"Why you always say that? I'm no one, nothing important, only a spectator!"

"… Suit yourself."

He starts to leave. No. I can't let him. I still so many to ask him.

"Wait!"

He stops on his track. I can see his face, but I know he's smiling. Damn him, for making me sign the undeniable contract. He knows I need him, and surely will use it to his advantage.

"Chaos… she told me that ESPers are dangerous. What did she mean? Is that why you hunt them down?"

"…yes."

"But it can be prevented, right?"

"…Yes… don't continue. I know what you will say. The other alternative is to surrender yourself to us. It's either you, the ESPers, or the world. A very difficult decision, I know, and it's my choice to help you."

"Why?"

"Maybe because I can sympathize with your way, I don't know. Or maybe because I feel like it. Don't question my decision, Kyon. It's difficult just to find a way to help you and keep going with the mission. Actually it's difficult enough, with you disabled the Evil twins; I really don't know those interfaces have it in them. With just me and Him… yap, difficult indeed."

"It seems like you don't really care about those two."

"Why should I? It's not like they're dead or something."

"What the…? But I saw it with my own eyes... They stopped breathing!"

"Well, they can't be die because-"

"What do you mean 'they already dead to begin with'?"

I can't believe my ears. Just after Kyon went out the earshot, Yuki called for our attention. Unusual for her is an understatement, but when she talked about those twins that attacked the warehouse, I listen as much as I can to know what's going on that did know already. But more I listen, more I become confused. The whole problem just to make sure I'm not screwing up…? But when I heard about them not being dead… that's another story. I know it sounds very evil and apathetic of me, but when the girl that almost killed Kyon isn't dead…

"Their vitals show, like heart and lungs, no sign of functioning for more than 40 years. Any other symptom, such as breathing, was fake. Body was preserved with an unknown method, further researches are needed, but a clear data manipulation was-"

"Just tell me what you want me to hear."

"Those damages done to their body only release their master's hold on them temporarily. They are just in sleep mode for now."

I release her sailor. Still isn't moving from her place, even when I almost lifted her from ground. She's really an alien, huh? Or should I say Humanoid Interface like she said? Maybe I should just say good bye to the normal school lifestyle. This is very much everything I wanted, but why I'm not pleased with the situation?

I can feel it; the storm that will come from the horizon.

Eh! A phone call? …That damn vibration, make me lose my cool in my own monologue… I don't recognize the number, but I decide that I just answer it…

"Suzumiya-san, I need your help?"

"Hey, hey, what are you talking about? Why would you ask for my help, when you have a whole squadron that you can summon at you beck and call? And why should it become my problem, huh?"

"Actually… you are the last one I call, the others didn't answer. I fear something has happened to them, just like her…"

"Okay. So they are zombies that your boss resurrected from their grave to become his assassins. No wonder you said that her ruthlessness and determination that made her place in your rank!" My hand meets my face as usually it is when my head start to throb, "What about you? Are you the same?"

"My world has a different meaning in death and afterlife. You can say that the death is so pointless, that anyone with strong enough willpower can come and go from the afterlife like it was a toilet. So… yeah."

Hearing him laughing at the prospect of death, scares me. Maybe he really experienced it before. I've never seen something like this before, even with every messed up thing that happens around me. 'You learn something new every day,' so they say. But, wait… if he's one of them, and I met him before I start to hear the Key because of that plant, maybe he's the one who put it in the first place. I want to make sure of that, but I don't think I have to. It's pretty obvious at that, and don't want to waste my question for that kind of triviality. Again, he already turns his back to me and prepares to leave. But before he really disappears from my vision, Mikazuki-san calls out with a very soft voice.

"By the way, you should keep an eye on that Sasaki girl. This isn't the end, after all."

88888

Dark and cold, just like the way I'm familiar with. For someone who looks at the world as an impure place and full of alternate interpretations, it's very surprising that I can say it is the way I want it the most. So peaceful and calm. But when I open my eyes, I know it is, but a fleeting dream in a short sleep. My most wanted desire in this stupid fighting for power between the superpowers. It becomes apparent that my position in this… problem… has changed, and that dream can no longer be achieved.

"In the end, good and evil are only human's shallow understating of this world. These whole universes have been sustained by timeless conflict. For every drop of blood that had been dripped to the land, for every soul that had been torn from its flesh, for every tears that had been shed by the fallen, all for this very reason. There's no good and evil. Even the most accursed atrocities that men had ever done… are justices to its doer."

His voice is slightly gurgled. He must be using that form to travel to this place using sewer passageway.

"It doesn't correct your crime. Those people… they died like cattle in slaughterhouses. They done no wrong, it's not their faults. How can you… how can you…?"

"You are in denial… you refuse to see it, that's the only reason you still don't accept it. If it's truth that you seek, it's already in front of your eyes. Truth… truth… what is the truth…? What did you seek…? Or… is it just an excuse to escape the ultimate truth…? That all of these… are just a playground of Gods…? Or that you are no more that a p-"

"Please… stop talking to me… I don't want to hear anymore…"

"Those people… trusted their hide to you without thinking the consequences. They are fools… ignorant fools…"

"They don't know, and must not know…"

"They… are fools…"

The crisp, cold air starts to change as he walks into this space. I don't have to turn my head to make sure of that, his shadow towers over me even in this dark world. As he circles me so I can talk to him face to face, his shadow twisted and turned, like he tries to find a suitable form to not frighten me. He's done before I can see his small form that always leave a trail of slime on his wake, the form that he use to enter this place. A young man with messy dirty blond hair, clad in reddish brown traveling robe; the one that people in past liked to use. His eyes still as black as the endless sky, empty and hollow. I can see nothing from him as always. Just like what old people said; eyes are the windows of the soul.

The red staff in his hand, supporting his whole weight as he leans to me.

"There's no escape… for you… or for them. And you can do nothing to change it… only him." He straightens up quickly and twirls the staff so it clasps on his back, before continuing, "But from the look of it, the salvation is impossible. Longer the time he needs to realize it, deeper he will fall into the eternal suffering…"

I don't know what to say. I don't know what to think. Everything feels so meaningless, I can't… I don't…

"All shall open up to you… are you accept, or deny it…? The ultimate truth that you so longing for…"

Do I really have a choice?