The Red Dragons Chapter 3: Things Got Weirder, a High School DxD/ハイスクールD×D + Kamen Rider Crossover fanfic

Hello Guys!

I'm very, very sorry about this late publishing. Thing's been a little hectic on my side; plus my procrastinating habit started kicking up again and seriously messing up with my writing time.

I'd like to say Thank You to all my faithful readers who has read and/or commented on my story. Also special thanks to all the the critics and advises. Really appreciated, guys!

Now, before we started, I'd like to make something clear about this FF first, and that's about the pairing.

You see, I personally like Harem story. It's one of my biggest guilty pleasure. I guess that's the reason why I knew the anime Highschool DxD, which is one of the most famous harem anime I've ever come across.

So, I decided that this story WILL have a little bit of harem element.

BUT, the harem element WILL NOT be the main focus of this FF.

The reason is, because I also have to put the serious and mysterious element of the KR Ryuki into the story. And as you have known, my MC is from the KR Ryuki-verse. Thus, my FF will prioritize the exploring of the darker and more mysterious tone of KR Ryuki, instead of the harem ecchi tone of Highschool DxD.

Besides, the KR Ryuki-verse itself has so many mysteries to be solved. I'd rather not dwelling too much in the harem aspect if I can help it.

So... yeah, thanks for not skipping this part.

Without further ado, this is your chapter 3! I'm sorry if there's any grammar or spelling error in it. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Kamen Rider Ryuki or High school DxD.

Chapter 3: Things Got Weirder (Understatement of the Year)

Compared to what had happened for that first 3 days, the next few days of my school life felt kinda... uneventful.

If you need a recap, here it is.

Basically, for the first three days, I had to deal with a nasty rumor about me being a pervert, all because I got involved with wrong type of people. To solve that misunderstanding once and for all, I had to beg to student council to mediate our reconciliation with the kendo club, the exact same club that we got into problem with.

Long story short, the reconciliation didn't go as smooth as I'd hoped, and I was forced to partake in a little sparring match to solve the problem. Somehow, I won, and as the result the kendo club agreed to forgive us and forget about this problem.

But, that conclusion made my friends (the infamous perverted trio; the wrong type of people I got involved with) angry, and thus they hadn't talk to me anymore afterward. Luckily, I also got a new friend, that being the most popular boy in our school, Kiba Yuuto, who was also my opponent at that sparring match.

... Funny how my friend changed from the most hated group of guys in the school to the most popular guy in just one day.

Anyway, after that day fateful day, I could feel my reputation in the school got... better, even if only slightly. It's maybe because the perverted trio had ignored me completely, the rumor about me being one of them started to cease.

Now I could walk down the corridor without attracting distasteful glares from every student around me. Lately, I was even able to communicate properly with some of the girls in my class without making them scream.

Also, apparently the rumor about me winning a kendo match against Kiba spread fast like wild fire. Suddenly, I felt that all student could recognize me by face. Every student that saw me immediately stared with curiosity, and some even with slight hint of admiration.

The problem in that was, because most of the student are girls and I'm not really good at being in a limelight, those gazes bothered me very much. Unlike Kiba who can be among a flock of girls and still act cool and composed, I always rather avoid being in the center of attention, as it makes me nervous.

Oh yeah, speaking of Kiba, he turned out to be a really good friend. Though we rarely hung out together (because most of the time he was flocked by his fangirls, and no way in hell I'm gonna endanger myself by plunging into that group of piranhas just to talk to him), he sometimes finds a chance to slip away just to meet up and have a brief chat with me.

Same as mine, Yui's school life turned out to be quite enjoyable for her, too. Aside from having many friends (besides her fellow chibi girl, Toujou), she somehow also had already made quite a big name out of herself; that the news about 'the duo loli mascot of Kuoh' had immediately become one of the trending topics in the school.

Despite that fact, Yui appeared nonchalant, as usual. She kept inviting me to have lunch together every day, along with Toujou that somehow always stick together with her. I really hope it's because she genuinely like Yui, not because Yui forces her or anything. Then again, it's kinda impossible to tell with her because her expression was 99% poker face.

She's not really bad, though. Sometimes I got a chance to talk privately with her when Yui 'left to get something she forgot' (seriously, she did that so often that I ultimately decided that she did that on purpose, just to make us warm up to each other), and from my experience talking to her, I could tell that she is a good and honest girl, even though she rarely smiles; or makes any other facial expression, for that matter.

And to complete the series of good things that happened to us in these past few days, I'd like to tell you that I'd already got a part-time job, and Yui'd already joined a club.

I managed to score a job at a convenience store near our house. While I wasn't in a dire need of money or anything (as my dad still regularly send me some from his workplace overseas), I needed something to kill my boredom. As I didn't find any of the club in my school interesting, I resorted to part-time job, because that way I could spend my time effectively while earning more pocket money. Killing two birds with one stone.

As for Yui, she was practically scouted by the art club. Apparently, the art club had somehow discovered my sister's talent in drawing and had begged her to join them ever since. Yui was troubled at first, because she originally wanted to help our financial by getting part-time job as well.

When she discussed that matter with me, I just flicked her forehead playfully and said, "don't be stupid, sis. I'm pretty sure there won't be any place that accepts elementary school kid." I said jokingly while smirking. I still remember her making an adorable pout when I said that.

"Besides, I don't do this because there's a problem with our financial condition, kay? I'm just bored, and there's no club in school that gets my attention, so I choose part-time job to kill my time. If you have something more interesting you want to do, then just go and do that," I added.

After that, Yui decided to try that club, and after some time, she finally found her place in the club. As a plus, she quickly became one of the ace member in the club, and her reputation sky-rocketed even more.

Now, if you look at it, our life had certainly gotten better, right? I regained my reputation and got a friend and a job, and Yui was still pleasantly enjoying her life as always (as a plus, there's no sign of her 'brother' coming again lately), and she joined a club she could really be comfortable with.

…

...

Well, if you fancy a happily ever after or straight slice-of-life kinda ending without any twisted or mind-blowing event whatsoever, then I highly suggest you to stop reading right now.

Because after this, I will tell you how my life went DOWNHILL after I witnessed my 'former friend' getting murdered in cold blood by his psycho girlfriend with oversized black wings cladded in a bondage suit.

…

... No, even I can't make up stuff THAT crazy.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"And…*pant* that must be…*pant* the last box, right?" I panted heavily as I stacked the last box on top of the others. "*pant* Fiuuhhh… how the hell can you do this so easily, Yura-san? These boxes are not light," I stretched my back as I addressed a girl that had made me help her carry this box.

She is Yura Tsubasa, a tall, rather androgynous-looking girl, with shoulder-length blue hair, blue eyes, and gallant posture. The term 'beautiful boy' would fit her perfectly, especially when she demonstrated her unimaginable strength. Seriously, I don't lie when I said she could haul two to three boxes at once, when I struggled just to pick one up. Truly a girl you don't want to mess up with.

She was busy arranging these boxes so easily when I called her. Though it didn't seem to be a problem, since she managed to answer me without taking her eyes off them. "Well, I guess it's because I'm used to doing something like this," she said as she put the last box in its place and turned to face me. She then showed me her biceps and said energetically, "It's all about spirit, Kido! Remember that well!"

I wasn't really sure how to respond to that, so I just let out a small weak laughter. Fortunately, another cheerful voice saved me from that awkward situation. "Tsubasa-senpai! Kido-senpai! Are you two done yet? We have to go back quickly!" In front of the storage room, another girl with long twin-tailed brown hair and green eyes were waiting for us. She wore striped green stockings and green clips on her hair that match her eyes.

"Hurry up! Kaichou won't be happy if we waste too much time here," she urged us. Yura-san and I then got out of the room, and together we walked to the student council room.

...

... at this point, some recap maybe in order.

So, does anybody remember about me asking help from Sona-kaichou to mediate my reconciliation with kendo club? Well... if you remember really clearly, you'd realize I also said this particular line...

"I guess I will owe you a favor then, kaichou. If you help me now, I promised I will repay you somehow."

… Yeahhh... so long story short, kaichou demanded for that repayment exactly the day after that whole fiasco. Her demand was for me to become student council's 'assistant' for a week. According to her, student council had become very busy lately, and could use some outside help. Because I'd already promised, I accepted the role and thus, becoming the 'unofficial underling' of student council from that day on.

"Senpai, are you okay? Your face looks grim. Have you had a breakfast before?" The twin-tailed girl peered closer to my face with curious expression on her face. She is Nimura Ruruko, the only first year among the student council members. She is nice girl in overall, just sometimes has tendency to ignore my personal space unknowingly.

"Wow, too close!" I startled, and instinctively stepped back. "I'm fine, Nimura. Just thinking about...things," I admitted.

Suddenly, my back was slapped with enough force to make me cough really hard (and maybe bruise my spine along the way) I turned and found Yura-san looking at me seriously with her hands on her hip. "Stop with the gloomy expression already, Kido! Look, you make Ruruko worry here," she scolded me.

"I'm not being gloomy. I was just thinking. My face while thinking is always like this," I sighed and pointed at my deadpanned face. These two looked at my face for a few seconds, before suddenly burst out laughing. Sheeshh... was my expression really that funny?

"Hahah...so-sorry, senpai... I-it's just, ha...hahaha," Nimura tried her best to hold her laughter, but ultimately failed to do so.

"HAHAHAHA...well, for one thing, I really do think that kind of expression suit you very much, Kido," Yura-san didn't even hesitate to laugh at me out loud.

"Haha, very funny, guys," I grumbled in annoyance. "Let's just go now, shall we? Kaichou wouldn't be happy if we're late." I walked ahead, leaving them who were still chuckling, slightly behind. "Well...look at the bright side, Shinji. At least you manage to entertain somebody," I consoled myself as we started walking together again.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"We're back," I announced as we step inside the student council room.

"Ah, welcome back. Thanks for your help, guys," we were immediately greeted back by Kusaka Reya, treasurer of the student council and possibly the most soft-spoken girl around here. She has brown eyes and her long brown hair were done in two braids at the end. I personally think that her blue headband suits her very much, but of course, I never said that directly to her.

"All in the day's work, Kusaka-san," I said. "I see it's still very hectic here in the morning, huh? What should I do now, then?" I asked, ready for my next assignment.

As I said that, I looked around the room. Every member was still very busy doing their own job. Sona-kaichou was sitting behind her desk, arranging forms or some sorts. Tsubaki-fuku kaichou was still obediently standing behind kaichou, providing support and other stuff. Even Meguri-san was busy running back and forth around the room to check any assignment that was given to her. She glanced at us and briefly waved at me, before immediately focused back to her job. And in one corner of the room...

"AAHHH... MOMO-SENPAI! What are you doing?!"

... "Yep, here we go again," I sighed and muttered in my heart.

In the working desk corner, Saji, who was sitting at his desk and apparently was working on some papers as well, was being seduced by Hanakai Momo, the white-haired member of student council with blue-green eyes. She was nonchalantly pressing her breasts onto Saji's arm, and occasionally whispering something seductively to him.

Although Saji tried his best to stick to his job, it's very clear that even he was wavered by that bold move. His hand was sweating and shaking and his eyes occasionally auto-focused onto Hanakai-san's breasts. But, he didn't even try to shake her off or anything. Haaa... what a wimp.

"Oh...hello, guys! You too, Kido-kun. You all have come back, I see," Hanakai-san waved at us, still not moving back from Saji even though she clearly realized Nimura was already fuming here. It's like she was challenging her.

Soon after, Nimura snapped. "Mouu... enough, Momo-senpai! Please get away from Genshirou-senpai!" She then walked to them furiously and hugged Saji's other arm, then tried to pull them apart. I could just chuckle when I saw this cat fight over the very-troubled Saji.

"Woow~ what a lady killer you are, Saji-kun~ Already building a harem, I see~ I guess It's no surprise that kaichou never look at you that way until now, huh~?" I teased him mercilessly.

Saji could only grunt in frustration. "Ughhh... Shut Up, Kido! Why don't you help me instead of just babbling nonsense over there?!" He shouted back at me, but I just stuck my tongue out and then pretended I didn't see anything.

Everybody kept on doing whatever assignments were given to them, and I tried my best either to help them or to not get in the way. Finally, when our morning assignment ended, kaichou assembled us in the middle of the room as always, gave a few briefing & evaluation, before decided to dismiss us.

"Wait, Kido-san," kaichou called out to me before I got out of the room. "I want to talk to you in private, if you don't mind," she said, to which I just shrugged and turned back to face her.

We waited until everyone was out of the room, then senpai started. "Kido-san, it's been a week since you started working as our assistant. As per agreement, your work will cease tomorrow," kaichou said me, which reminded me that I'd been working with them for one full week. "I personally want to thank you for helping us so far," she bowed her head slightly.

"Also, if it's alright with you, I want to ask your opinion about all these student council work," she adjusted her glasses and asked me that question.

I immediately thought back about things I'd done those past seven days. Helping in arranging the archive, filling and copying some forms, moving and picking things for the members; sometimes even becoming their personal errand boy, and obviously, all my conversation and bond of friendship that I'd built with all of them.

Chatting with energetic Meguri-san and calm Kusaka-san, those times when Yura-san forced me to arm-wrestle her (she always decimates me) and witnessing Hanakai-san and Nimura fighting over Saji almost every day.

Now I remembered all that, I realized how much I enjoyed my time is so nice and close to each other, like one big family. Hell, even Saji didn't feel as much as obnoxious as he originally was.

"I enjoyed my time here, kaichou," I answered honestly. "Everything was so well-organized, and even if the situation got hectic most of the time, the atmosphere was always cozy and warm. The teamwork was very good, and everyone here could do their job properly," I complimented every good part I could recognize.

Then, I also added while smiling, "you seriously have one excellent team here, kaichou."

Kaichou's upper lip raised slightly, forming small smile I rarely got from her. "Then, have you already considered my offer from yesterday?" she asked, somewhat wistfully. I stopped myself and thought back to my private conversation with her yesterday evening.

Back then, kaichou had actually offered me a place in the student council if I want it. She told me that she had been observing my work for those past few days, and thus deemed me worthy of the position.

She also explained the privileges that I would get if I joined the student council. Everything was very tempting, except for the small detail that had held me back.

"Umm...yeah, actually about that, kaichou, may I have more time to think about it?" I scratched the back of my head and said awkwardly. "The truth is, I still haven't discussed this thing with Yui, since she's busy with her club activities and all." I then put my palms together in front of my face said, "I promise I'll give you my answer ASAP, kaichou. It's just can't be today. I'm sorry."

Kaichou sighed in defeat, as if she'd already predicted this kind of answer from me. "I will expect the answer tomorrow, Kido-san," she stated, emphasizing on the word 'tomorrow', with strict tone along with her trademark glare.

I could only raise my hand in defeat. "Yeah, kaichou. Tomorrow, I promise."

"Don't make promise that lightly, Kido-san. What I need is your answer, not your promise," kaichou said, concluding our discussion. I then excuse myself and walked back to my class for the homeroom

... I wonder how late will I be?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"HEEHHH?! You were scouted by the student council?"

On our way out of the school building, Yui was shell-shocked when I told her about kaichou's offer. She then grabbed my hands and shook them vigorously. "Waahhh...congratulations, Shinji-nii! I can't believe you actually make it!" She cheered loudly for everyone to hear.

I hastily shut her mouth by my hand before we attracted anymore unnecessary attention. "Cut it out sis, for swivel sake! No need to be so exaggerating about this," I scolded her, which proved ineffective since she's still looking at me with sparkling eyes and overflowing passion.

"Buutt~ You know that our student council was very well-known and respected by the entire student body, right? Especially for Shitori Sona-kaichou and Shinra Tsubaki-fuku kaichou. Nee...nee... Did you know, nii? Those two hold the third and fourth place for the most popular girl in the entire school! Isn't that awesome?" My sister explained while fangirling at the same time, resulting in one crazy exposition I couldn't keep up with.

"Moreover, there's rumor going around that every last member of the student council was handpicked by kaichou herself. Apparently kaichou has her own criteria in choosing her members, and those criteria were still secret until now. That's why, the members of student council were considered special, and highly respected too. If you were chosen, that proved you're one of those 'specials' too, Shinji-nii!"

Hearing Yui's ramble, I couldn't help but rehearsing what Meguri-san had told me when I first met her. She had told me that kaichou and fuku kaichou are indeed two of the most popular girls in school. And after sticking with the student council for a week, I did realize that the members were all special, in a sense that all of them have some special unique trait that stood out enough for kaichou to notice them (and trust me, it isn't easy to impress kaichou)

... but that does raise a question about why she chose me, though.

Without any mean to brag, I did feel that what I'd done after a week working with all of them was... well, ordinary, at best. Sure, I sometimes help in doing slightly more important job, but most of the time my job consisted of something lot less important like stapling some module, picking up some archive, moving boxes and other heavy equipment, and even buying drinks for all of them; basically just daily menial lackey jobs that everyone can do. I couldn't see how kaichou would asses my skill by just that.

... I could only hope she didn't just choose me to become their 'official errand boy' from here on. Or even worse, the rumor about her 'secret special criteria' was all false, and she just chose people based on her preference about someone.

Because no matter how much I like student council, I don't want to be picked based on something like favoritism. It wouldn't be fair for the other students.

"...Shinji-nii, you okay? Why the scary face?" Yui tugged my sleeve and looked at me with worried face, which made me realize just then that I was scowling so deeply. I immediately shook my head.

"Well, I guess I will just leave that matter for another day, yeah?" I said while patting her head. "How 'bout you, sis? Got anything good to share? How about your club activities today?" I tried to change the subject.

Yui scowled back at me. "Nii...you don't hesitate because of your part-time job, do you?" She asked, then muttered sadly, "...so it's true that we need the money, after all."

"What?! No, no, you got this wrong, sis!" I hastily said. "It's not because of that. I told you I just applied for the job because I had time to spare, that's all!"

"It's just... I'm afraid that I got recruited because of some favoritism. After all, it wouldn't be fair for the others who genuinely want to join the student council AND have the real skill to do that, if their opportunity is snatched by me just because I got better relationship with the members," I confessed my worry.

Yui responded with her best are-you-kidding-me stare, then sighed loudly in utter disbelief. "Nii, do you seriously think Sona-kaichou is a person who would do something like that?" Yui asked in slightly annoyed tone. "Granted, I don't really know her that much, so it's not my place to judge. But you've been working with kaichou-san for a full week now, right? You should've been able to judge her personality quite well by now."

Her words effectively made me rehearse every last time I'd interacted with kaichou. And yeah, I guess I'd known her well enough to know that she wouldn't fancy any form of favoritism inside her team. She is too noble and strict to use such underhanded way to get what she wants like that. Besides, kaichou loves this school way too much to let any incompetent person mess it up by joining student council.

"Well, of course it's back to your own decision, Shinji-nii. I just hope you wouldn't end up regretting your choice later," my train of thought was interrupted by Yui who was smiling playfully at me. "Now let's hurry up! Ehehe…it's been a long time since we got a chance to go home together. I missed this!" she hugged my arm and grinned widely.

She is right, though. Ever since she joined the art club and I became busy helping student council and working part-time, we'd almost never gone home together again. Today was one rare occasion when Yui didn't have any club activity and kaichou told me not to come and help after school. Even though I still had my work shift at the evening, at least we were able to go home together again after a long time. I wouldn't waste this rare occasion by glooming around.

We were enjoying our chit-chat until somebody got Yui's attention. She stopped and immediately pulled me over to the side, ignoring my cry of protest.

"Ow, oww, OWWW… watch the arm, sis! I got no spare for these!" I rambled in protest when Yui forcibly dragged me by the arm until we reach the nearest bushes. She forced my head down, and together we crouched behind the tallest bush, seemingly hiding from something.

… Shit, bad déjà vu incoming in 3… 2… 1

This felt incredibly similar to the situation when I met Issei for the first time; when we desperately hiding for our lives from a group of angry girls with wooden swords. (There, I said it)

"Can I at least know what we are hiding from?" I half-grumbled while picking twigs and leaves off my hair and shirt. Yui put her forefinger on her mouth and shushed me. Then she silently pointed to one direction. There, I saw lone white-haired girl licking a lollipop and walking into the woods near the dojo.

"Isn't that Toujou? Why're we spying on her?" I asked Yui, which got completely ignored. Soon after Toujou disappeared inside the woods, Yui moved along to her direction; ninja-style. She signaled me to follow her, and I deadpanned at that silly gesture. Half-heartedly, I sighed and started walking to follow her.

The direction Toujou walked into lead us deeper into the woods, until we reached an old-looking building; standing alone in the middle of the woods. However, this building is not by any means unnatural. In fact, I knew this building. This is the old school building, the one we use before the main school building we use now was built.

"What the hell's Toujou doing in there?" I wondered as I approached Yui, who was still hiding behind a tree. I tapped her shoulder and asked, "Oy sis, the hell are we doing here?"

"Waaa! Shinji-nii, sshhh…" Yui, who was still focusing at her target, startled at my sudden approach. She immediately grabbed my arm and pulled me onto her side. Together, we hid for a while, until we made sure Toujou had entered the building.

"Alright, explanation now, sis. Make it quick," I said with my hands crossed over my chest. But instead of looking at me, Yui's full attention was still focused on that rather creepy looking-building.

"Hey, Shinji-nii…" suddenly, Yui turned her face to me. "Let's check what's inside," she said with voice full of excitement and sparkling eyes.

She was just about to dash to the said building when I pulled her collar to stop her. "Ah, ah... not so fast, sis!" I said with slightly annoyed tone. "First thing first, explanation! Why're we stalking Toujou?"

"I want to see Koneko-chan's club activity!" Yui answered with undeniable vigor. "For some reason, her club activity always takes place in this old school building. Moreover, she never talked about them, and whenever I asked, she just straight up ignored me. Isn't that very mysterious? So today, I will... OWW!"

"That's breach of privacy, you idiot!" I scolded my sister after I bonked her on the head. "Just because she refused to tell what her club is doesn't mean it's right to pry into it like this. Let's just go home," I said as I offered her my hand.

"Mouu~ just for this one, nii~ Aren't you even a little bit curious what's inside this mysterious building?" Yui pouted very cutely at me.

Of course I also consider this a little bit weird. I couldn't even think why a club would choose this deserted and isolated building as their clubroom. But truthfully, I don't really care. Besides, I don't want to imagine what Toujou's reaction would be If she knows we're stalking her.

Partly because I don't want to creep out one girl I finally able to befriend; partly because I don't want to get punched by her again. Because trust me on this; for a loli-esque girl with overall slim build, Toujou punches HARD. I still got a bruise on my arm from the last time when I tried to touch her sweet stash.

(Pro Tip: NEVER touch Toujou's sweet stash)

But my biggest reason for not wanting to go in the old school building was definitely this feeling of 'wrongness' that I'd felt since... the first time I saw this place, right after my first day of the school.

... Yeah, yeah, feel free to call me ridiculous, freak, coward, or any of the sort as you like. But I didn't lie when I say I'd felt some...weird, and sometimes even borderline dangerous 'aura' whenever I passed by this place. And because my gut feeling is usually right, I ultimately decided to steer clear of this place, until now.

"No means no, Yui," I strictly scolded my sister. "Let's respect Toujou's privacy. If she didn't want you to know, then you can just wait until the time she wants to tell you," I told her while scratching the back of my head. "Now, let's go home already. I'm hu..."

...

... wait, where does she go?

"HURRYYY UP, NII~" Yui called over to me while standing in front of the old school building. A second after, I watched her disappearing behind it. Apparently, she'd taken off when I was busy daydreaming. I could only sigh and ended up following her to the place I really didn't want to get involved with.

"Haaah... so much for missing going home together." I grumbled in my mind. I was just about to walk closer and tell her once again how much of a bad idea it was when I heard urgent voices coming this way.

"Wooyyy... hurry up, guys!"

"*pant* *pant* At least... *pant* they're not following us anymore..."

I didn't have to look at the face to know whose voices were these. I could recognize these voices anywhere, and I wasn't happy about that.

My guess was soon proved right when Matsuda and Motohama frantically running out of the woods and stopped in front of the old school building, then started panting like hell.

"THE HELL, YOU GUYS! Why'd you left me behind?!"

And... soon after, the last member of perverted trio, Hyoudou Issei, ran to join them with bruises painted all over his body. Apparently, he's the only one getting beaten up today, because Matsuda and Motohama were actually without scratch.

"*pant * *pant * And I didn't even get any chance to see anything. Haahhh... this is the wo... heh?" Issei's eyes met mine and we both froze.

"Hmm...what is it, Issei? You look like you just se... heh?" Matsuda and Motohama soon followed, and they froze as well.

...

... awkward

"Sooo... let me guess..." I bravely started the conversation after the most excruciating ten seconds staring contest. "...you guys got involved in a problem again?"

""Humphh... whatever we did is not your business, traitor! Stop acting like you care about us!"" The trio lashed out at me together. Well, obviously I didn't have to be a genius to realize that they hated me with passion now.

"Why can't you all stop doing something idiotic for one goddamn day?" I sighed and muttered in annoyance loud enough for them to barely hear. "You just distanced yourself even further from popularity like this. Just in case you all haven't realized, every female population in this school has already recognized you as a bunch of perverted degenerates, and that's exactly because you gave them a good reason to think so."

Their eyes twitched after hearing my speech, meaning they DID realize that fact and felt slightly hurt when it's rubbed on their faces.

But of course, once stubborn idiots, always stubborn idiots. "SH-SHUT UP! You just said that because you're already popular now, you bastard," Issei shouted at me.

"What're you talking about? What popular?" I asked skeptically.

As I said that, all of them suddenly cried comically and pointed at me simultaneously.

"FIRST! YOU BEFRIENDED THE DAMNABLE HANDSOME PRINCE AND WAS ABLE TO GET HIM TO SHARE HIS HAREM WITH YOU!"

... huh?

"SECOND! YOU CREPT YOUR WAY INTO THE STUDENT COUNCIL AND PROCEED TO MAKE A HAREM OUT OF EVERY BEAUTIFUL FEMALE MEMBER THERE!"

... huuuh?

"THIRD! AND YOUR MOST UNFORGIVABLE SIN!" They simultaneously inhaled a lot of air before shouting, "YOU MANAGED TO GET YOUR HANDS ON THE DUO UNOFFICIAL MASCOTS OF KUOH, TOUJOU KONEKO-CHAN AND SHINOZAKI YUI-CHAN!"

...

... HUUUUUHHH?

"OBJECTION!" I pointed back at them in over exaggerated manner and retorted with a shout-out of one of my favorite lines. "The heck are you all talking about?! It's not like that at all! ARGHH... who the hell spre..."

...

"Shinji-nii~ Here you are! Come here quick! Let's check... eh?"

Suddenly, Yui appeared out of nowhere and hugged my arm tightly. She's just about to drag me with her when she finally realized I wasn't alone there.

"Umm... Shinji-nii, who are these people?" Yui asked as she held my hand. "Am I... interrupting something?"

I couldn't resist an urge to face-palm myself, as I saw the face of the perverted trio turned white, like someone had just bleached them. This must be the worst timing to introduce Yui to them.

But as now the milk had been spilled (or whatever the appropriate metaphor for this situation is) I guess I didn't have any choice aside from getting on with it.

After some quick introductions, the still-pale-faced Motohama asked me with a shaky voice. "B—b-bu-but... bo-both of you... ha-have different family names, right? S-so that means..."

"Hey, have some tact, dude," I sighed at him. "But yeah, we're not blood-related siblings," I ended my explanation.

I actually had hoped that knowing Yui is my sister would at least make them correct that last statement. After all, I'm not a lolicon nor a siscon. There's no way I would be interested in seducing a loli like Toujou, let alone my loli little sister.

... Ohh boy, was I wrong.

As soon as I told them that, their body quivered furiously, and their hands balled into a fist. I had a bad feeling about this, so I told Yui to stay back a little. Then, I addressed them all as carefully as possible. "Umm... guys, you all okay?"

"DIE!"

"YOU!"

"BASTARD!"

"Gehh..." I almost yelped as I dodged three incoming fists. Then, I grabbed Yui and took 3-steps back. I sighed and muttered to myself, "yep, here we go again."

"YOU... YOU... *hic* *hic*" Issei sobbed as he tried to speak a coherent sentence. "Not only you betrayed us, you also hid the fact that the newest school mascot, the cute and cheerful Yui-chan is actually your sister! SHAME ON YOU, SHINJI!"

"And not only that, she turns out to be your step-sister! Th-that means... YOU CAN LEGALLY MAKE HER A PART OF YOUR HAREM, YOU LUCKY BASTARD!" Matsuda threw a couple of punches at me, and Motohama lunged to grab me, but of course I could anticipate and dodge all of them.

"This is starting to get annoying," I grumbled in my heart. I was just thinking about fighting back in order to make them back off when Yui decided to interrupt us.

"Please stop this, senpai!" Yui suddenly stood between me and them with her arms spread open. "I don't know exactly what has happened between all of you, but I'm sure it's all just a misunderstanding! Shinji-nii is not a bad person!" Yui pleaded and thus made us forget about our fight for a moment.

The trio looked at each other, before decided to ask away. "Th-then...it's not true that he befriended Kiba Yuuto just to steal a couple of girls from his harem? Or that he's been building his own harem in the student council this whole time? Or that he's extended his vile hands onto even Koneko-chan as well?"

"Seriously, is there anyone really believing this crap?" I muttered in my heart.

"No, of course that's not true~," Yui said with sweet voice, maybe a little too sweet for my liking. "Isn't that right? Neee~ Shinji-nii-san?"

...

... *gulp*

I suddenly felt a wave of terror when Yui finally turned to address me. Her smiling face had become so terrifyingly sweet it honestly got me trembling in my shoes. Her eyebrows twitched furiously, and her glare was so intense it could very well pierce me through.

Also, I'd learned hard way after all those years living with her, that whenever she started to address me formally, it's a good time to IMMEDIATELY abandon my dignity, do dogeza, and start apologizing.

"Nii-san, you haven't answered me, you know?" Yui's eerily cute voice resounded in my ears again. "You didn't do anything that senpai have said just now, right? You didn't help the student council just to get intimate with its members, right? You didn't agree to have a lunch with me every day just to make a move on Koneko-chan, right?" She asked, still with the same terrifying smile and strangely intense cute voice.

Thank God, I didn't fall on my butt and started asking for mercy. (though I was VERY tempted to) Instead, I stood my ground and managed to answer with confidence.

"O...o-o-o-of... of course, sis! Ha...hahaha, pl-please don't kill... I MEAN, please don't say something stupid like that! Aha...ahaha!"

...

... yep, with confidence, folks.

"Hmm... that's what I thought!" Yui voice and expression reverted back from 'deathly cheerful' to 'normal cheerful' as she nodded. Then she addressed the trio once more. "You all hear that, right, senpai? My brother didn't do anything you accused him to."

Apparently, Issei and co. also felt the wave of terror that my sister emitted, that they couldn't help but being stunned as well. They simultaneously blinked and shook their head a few times, before decided to... oh, apparently ask THE MOST RIDICULOUS QUESTION imaginable.

"Umm... does that mean..." Issei started, "...it's also not true that the closest and most suitable girl for him is Yui-chan; to the point that you two could be seen as perfect couple together?"

...

"Wow, okay, TIME OUT..." I blinked in disbelief and almost scratched my face in frustration. "What the frigging FUCK are you exactly talking about, dude?" I snapped at them; BIG TIME. "Do you realize what you just said is incredibly stupid, huh? We're siblings; of course we're close! Being close doesn't mean we're couple, you idiots!" I barked at them. "Yui, help me correct them right now!"

"We...we're not a couple! Bu-but if Shinji-nii wants to... I-I guess I could... umm, make an exception..."

"SEE! You heard... wait, what?" I slipped a little in the middle of my anger-driven ramble after hearing that. In the corner of my eyes, I could see that Yui was blushing so intense, even her ears looked like it'd caught on fire. She's fidgeting and stammering like crazy; and blatantly refused to look me in the eyes.

...

... wait, what?

""You... you... *hic*"" The trio sobbed together and let out comical tears. They all looked like they'd just been stabbed in the chest.

"THIS IS NOT OVER YET, YOU LUCKY BASTARD~~" The next moment, they all ran away while crying river. But after a few meters, one guy stopped and turned to me.

"I... *sniff* I WON'T GIVE UP YET! Just you look, Shinji. I will soon get a hot girlfriend myself. And when I do, I will rub it in your face! REMEMBER THAT WELL!" Issei declared at me; still with tears in his eyes and snot on his nose. I didn't get any chance to say anything before he turned again and ran to follow his companions.

...

... If there's one thing I'm sure right now, it's that this matter is gonna be a pain and surely will come back and bite me in the ass later.

I let out a deep sigh. "Haaah... this is your fault, sis," I said as I lightly bonked Yui's head. With her face still kinda red, she scratched her hair and stuck her tongue out in response.

"Haaah... this is gonna be a pain" I muttered to myself. "I'm tired. Let's just go home," I sighed.

Yui pouted, "eehhh... but I haven't look what's inside yeett~"

"No more argument, sis," I cut her protest. "I've lost my mood to explore anything right now; not that I have any interest to begin with. Let's go, I'm hungry," I nonchalantly said and turned away from our objective for coming here in the first place.

*CLAPP*

Suddenly, I heard a sound of window being closed. Curious, I peered over my shoulder to the source of the sound; that being the old school building.

I could see one of the windows in the second floor clattered slightly; sign that it'd just been closed. Behind its glass, I couldn't help but vaguely recognize something that immediately enticed me.

Beautiful crimson-red hair fluttering majestically...

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

...

Today; I, Kido Shinji, 16 years old, would like to declare to the whole world that humanity is officially doomed.

If you want to know why...

...

"Heyyoo... Shinji! I'd like to introduce you to my girlfriend here, Amano Yuuma-chan."

"Nice to meet you, Shinji-san. I'm Amano Yuuma, Issei-kun's girlfriend. Please treat me well."

...

Yeahhh... Issei got a girlfriend.

I repeat: ISSEI GOT A GIRLFRIEND!

DTHFREMBFGOSVDRTASFGRFBINKPWRSQDMVLFRSGIEFZKPND

...

Ehemm... sorry, kinda lost my composure there.

Anyway, I was still trying to distinguish fantasy from reality when Issei casually hugged my shoulder. "Ckckck... what can I say, eh? Finally, my irresistible charm finds its prey," he bragged with an annoyingly smug grin that made me want to punch him in the face.

And I would've had done that; if my eyes were not constantly auto-focused to his new girlfriend. Because goddamn, is she cute as hell. Her smile is so warm and pleasant I couldn't help but staring at it. Heck, even her voice is naturally sweet and full of compassion.

She possesses warm violet eyes and long, silky black hair, which complement her slender, but buxom figure very nicely.

And I wasn't kidding when I said buxom. Because...wow, even with her clothes on I could still spot her overly nice figure beneath them (especially in the...ehemm, breasts department)

She wore a uniform I'd never seen before, so she must be from another school. But that made everything even more weirder, though. How the hell could this beautiful and overall perfect girl know Issei? And even more bizarre, how could she fall in love with someone like him? What is the universe thinking when it let this matchmaking happen?

"Whoopss... look at the time now. It seems we have to go now. I still have to introduce Yuuma-chan to Matsuda and Motohama later. Let's go, Yuuma-chan," Issei happily said, then held his new girlfriend's hand and walked away together. I could see their happy faces together as Issei introduced his girlfriend to his fellow perverted friends, which effectively left them completely devastated.

Even though I was still a little bit... no, extremely pissed at him, I also secretly hoped that having a girlfriend would tone down his perverted antics by a wide margin. That way, maybe he wouldn't be a problem for too many people anymore.

*GYUUTTT...*

"OOWWW... what the hell?!" I jumped and yelped in surprise as my side was suddenly pinched hard. Looking back, I found Yui glaring dagger at me. Apparently, I'd become to immersed in my conversation with Issei and his girlfriend; I forgot she was still standing there.

"Yui, oww... the hell would you pinch me?!" I rubbed my side furiously as I glared back at her. To my protest, Yui just pouted and turned her face away. "You were staring too much..."

"Haaa? No, I didn't! I was just trying to be polite, sis!" I defended myself.

"Yes, you did! Your eyes were glued on her boobs, too!" Yui shouted back

"No, they were not!"

"Yes, they were!"

"No, they were NOT!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"...So you stared at her boobs, right? I understand."

"NO, I DID NOT! ARGGHHH... Yui, what did you tell her?"

"Huumphh~ just the truth."

"Truth, my ass! She clearly misunderstood the situation here! Oyy Toujou, stop inching away from me!"

I barked in frustration at the school mascot duo who had completely misunderstood something about me and now was staring at me in contempt.

Seriously, Yui'd harassed me with a bunch of annoying e-mails ever since this morning, just because she thought I was staring at girl's breasts (which I totally WASN'T)

And to make things even worse, she even reported (totally-not) my action to her best friend, Toujou Koneko. Now, as we had lunch together on the rooftop, Toujou blatantly refused to get close to me; let alone to talk in proper manner.

... To sum it up; this whole situation sucks.

"Neee~ Koneko-chan, please just tell me what your club actually is already~" Yui changed the subject and pleaded to Toujou with her formidable puppy-dog eyes.

Toujou just kept munching her sweets without even bothering herself to recognize Yui's question; a very clear sign that she didn't want to talk about it at all. Seeing that, Yui sighed in disappointment and dejectedly went back to eating her bread.

That honestly got me quite curious as well. Aside from her questionable clubroom we were about to explore yesterday, Toujou never struck me as someone who would enjoy being in a club. Mostly because she's so reserved and acted cold pretty much most of the time, I could never imagine her meeting up and socializing with friends in a clubroom.

... Then again, she could be acting like that just in front of me. After all, I still couldn't tell her impression of me even after a few times we had lunch together. Her poker face is just a little too good.

"Someday..." suddenly, Toujou opened her mouth and spoke with flat tone. "...You will know about it someday. Just... not now," she added briefly then immediately went back to her sweets.

Yui and I looked at each other for a moment before Yui got overjoyed and did the most usual thing she always does whenever she's overjoyed; hugging people 'till they're blue.

In this case, 'people' means 'Toujou', so I immediately had to stop her before she did something that would make Toujou change her mind.

...

... Something about her wording intrigued me, though.

She'd said, 'you will know about it someday', not 'I will tell you about it someday'.

… Why would she said that like we would 'inevitably' come across her club sooner or later?

XXXXXX (Weekend) XXXXXX

"Waaah~ Look at that, nii! That white dress is so beautiful! Kyaaa~ this pajama is so cute too! Uuhhh nii~~ which one do you think is better; this pink sleeveless dress here, or that light blue T-shirt over there? Ehh, but now that I think again, that white cardigan will be a good choice too."

I groaned. "Just pick what you want already, sis; so we can get over this quickly. This place seriously gives me vertigo," I huffed as I helplessly looked around.

Today is Sunday, and we were now shopping in one of the boutiques at the shopping district near our house. I dressed myself in a long beige pants, plain gray shirt under my old-looking black jacket, and lastly, my brown casual shoes.

Yui'd told me that these clothes make me look like an old man, but I still went out using them because it's still by far the most comfortable set of clothes that I have.

She instead chose a sporty-looking get up today; with her light blue sweater, matching shorts, striped blue knee-socks, cool blue sneakers with white stripes, and completed with dark blue baseball cap over her head.

As we walked here, many people actually stared at us, or mostly at her, and whispered between themselves. I really hoped that they're just complementing Yui, but instead I got a feeling that they argued about how incompatible we were when we walked next to each other.

Our first (and supposedly last destination) was supposed to be an art & craft shop, where we can buy Yui's additional equipment for her club. But instead, we're stranded here in the boutique, when Yui decided to take a detour. And honestly, three minutes in here and this place had successfully gotten me dizzy.

First of all, this place was full of women; starting from the customers, even to its clerks. That made this place smelled strongly like women; and for me who had never associated closely with any girl beside my sister, this atmosphere was a little uncomfortable, honestly.

The entire store's wall is painted with blindingly bright pink with many ribbons and other embroideries decorating them; adding more to the girly aspect of the store. Every corner is stuffed with girl's clothes and accessory, which dominated the store with many other bright colors.

And one thing that had been constantly catching my attention was the lingerie section, with a lot of colorful variation of female underwear that I definitely couldn't un-see.

...

... What? Don't look at me like that! For your information, I'm a perfectly normal 16-year old boy. There's no way a sight of female underwear on full display wouldn't at least attract me.

"Eehhh... but didn't you already promise me that you will accompany me shopping today?" Yui protested.

I sighed. "Yes, I did. But you said you are shopping for your club's additional equipment! I never promised I would go along with this extra shopping trip."

"Muuu~ Shinji-nii, you're stingy," Yui pouted in displeasure. "Do you forget that you owe me one because I saved you yesterday?"

I gulped and averted my eyes. As much as I hated to admit it, if she didn't interfere yesterday, I seriously couldn't imagine what would happen.

...

... In case you're wondering what we are talking about, here's some recap.

So, anyone remember about my promise with kaichou two days ago?

["I will expect the answer tomorrow, Kido-san."]

["Yeah, kaichou. Tomorrow, I promise."]

... Yeah, that one.

So, yesterday after school, I ended up visiting student council room again. Of course, I came to give my answer regarding kaichou's offer for me to join student council.

... Well, at least that was the plan.

The truth is, I hadn't got enough time to really think about it. Because two days ago, after that whole fiasco with the perverted trio, I was busy with my part time job in the evening.

And even after I got home, Yui didn't give me any time for myself; by forcing me to listen to her constant rambling about her day, her friends, her club, and pretty much anything she could spew on a moment notice.

That seriously messed up with my resting time; which directly correlated to my thinking prowess.

Added by the great shock of Issei getting a girlfriend yesterday morning, I could safely predict that every decision I made that day would be under prepared and short-sighted.

So in the end, I braced myself and came to the student council room to ask for one additional day to consider my decision. Even though I knew doing that would risk getting me on kaichou's bad side again.

And surprise, surprise; it did.

Gosh, I could still remember how her piercing glare tore me from inside out. The way she just sat silently while occasionally tapping her finger to her desk in annoyance wasn't exactly helping my mental stability either. After all, kaichou hates people who can't be on time as much as she hates liar. (And I was BOTH of it, in this matter)

None of my comrades in the student council stood up to safe me. All of them could just helplessly looked at me in pity and apologetically prayed for my safety. (well, aside from one snarky bastard who seemed enjoying my misery with a wide grin; guess who)

Not that I could blame them, though. Even I would think hundred times over before trying to interrupt kaichou in her rage mode (and that's saying something; coming from me) It would take balls of titanium to actually try and tame the rage-mode kaichou.

... which, my sister SOMEHOW managed to do.

As I was subjected to kaichou's death ray gaze, suddenly my phone rang loudly, which dissipated the gripping silence for a while. I checked my phone and found out it was Yui. So, I immediately excused myself to answer the phone.

Surprisingly, when I did, she immediately asked to talk to kaichou. How the hell she knew I was here and the exact right moment to call, I couldn't imagine. I tried to ask, but she urged me so strongly, I couldn't help but obey. Reluctantly, I gave my phone to kaichou; saying that Yui want to talk to her.

The conversation through the phone call went on for several minutes. For that uncertain several minutes I tried to calm myself, and also to guess what business my sister had with kaichou. Naturally, I hit a dead-end with both of them.

After a while, the phone call ended. Kaichou gave back my phone with a somewhat complicated expression on her face. Then, in one breath, she said...

"I'll put this matter on hold for now, Kido-san. Just remember I will still demand your answer next Monday. Don't disappoint me."

...and let me go home just like that.

Yeahh... just imagine how surprised I was. I was so overjoyed, in fact, that I immediately forgot to ask about what she'd said to kaichou to make her let me go. I almost go full overjoyed-Yui mode at home and hugged my sister until she's blue. Of course, she scolded me severely after elbowed my jaw for that excessive action.

As the compensation for saving me, she asked me to accompany her to buy the equipment for her art club. In the spurt of moment, I automatically agreed.

… Look what I'd gotten into now.

"Heyy Nii~" Yui tugged my sleeve slightly. "Hasn't it been so long since we hung out together? Aren't you happy?"

I scratched the back of my head. "Of course I am…" I said. But even when I said that my mind couldn't focus at all.

I honestly was still thinking about the 'invitation to the student council' matter. Kaichou had given me a second deadline for answering it, and that is Monday, which is tomorrow.

I don't know why, but I felt the more I think about it, the harder it gets to determine my answer. Even though I already got a once-a-lifetime offer, I still wanted to think things thoroughly before choosing.

... Sorry if that makes me look like an incompetent person. Maybe it's because I am.

Then, I looked over to Yui. She looked like she genuinely wanted to hang out with me. Seeing her like that, I felt a little tinge of guilt forming in my gut. I really didn't want to see her being unmotivated like this, if I can help it.

I breathed to calm myself. Well, I guess enjoying our weekend together by shopping like this wasn't going to be so bad. It's not like I wanted to stay home all day just to ponder about my problem. I also didn't have any other activity today to begin with.

Finally, I slapped both my cheeks. "Well, I guess you're right sis!" I grinned to her. "There's no use sulking about what have happened. Yoshaa~ if we're already here, might as well have some fun, right?" I enthusiastically said.

Yui immediately cheered up. She smiled brighter than ever. "If that so, you will buy this dress for me right, nii?"

I blinked. "Wait, what? Oh no… no no no. I didn't promise…"

"Nee~ Please, Shinji-nii?"

… Ughhh, here it comes; Yui's sure-kill move; Puppy-dog gaze!

To counter that move, I steeled my resolution. I put my hands on my hips and stood strong. "No, sis. You have your own pocket money. If you wa…"

I stopped my rant when Yui inched even closer to me. Still with her puppy-dog gaze, she purred adorably, "Please~ Shinji-nii-san~"

I took a considerable amount of damage. "Guhhh… bu-but the answer is still…"

"Shinji-nii-san~~?"

"Guahhh, umm… yo-you…"

"Pretty please~?"

"I-I… GAAHHH! FINE, FINEE! I'll buy you one! Just stop looking at me like that! Stop that damnable puppy-dog eyes!"

I averted my eyes in defeat and shouted after I lost all my HP. I ended up accepting her demand without much trouble.

"Yaayy~ thank you Shinji-nii! You really are the best!" She hugged the still-devastated me in exaggerated manner. When she happily brought the dress that she wanted to the counter, I could only sob silently in despair as a large sum of my money got taken away along with it.

…

Shit! Damn it all! That move is seriously too OP! Hax! I call haxxx!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Waaa~ today's really fun! Aren't you enjoying it too, nii?" Yui stretched her body and looked at me happily.

In contrast, I slouched my back dejectedly and sighed in every 3 steps. "Yeah, good for you, sis," I retorted sarcastically. "After all, you're not the one who paid for everything today!"

Our trip around the shopping district today proved to be the doom for my wallet, because Yui insisted that the guy had to pay for everything in a 'date'. Starting from the boutique, we also visited restaurant, arcade, accessory shop, and lastly, a crepe vendor. By that point, my wallet was already pretty much empty.

"Seriously, we haven't even bought what we came here for in the first place and it's already this late," I looked worriedly at the sky that had started to turn orange. "We're really wasting our time here, Yui! Let's hurry to the art & craft shop before It's too late," I urged her to walk faster.

We walked together in haste for a few more minutes before Yui abruptly stopped and pointed to one direction. "Shinji-nii, isn't that your friend?"

I followed her finger and found... Issei and his girlfriend, walking together to the nearby park. Both of them looked so happy together as they're walking in silence.

"Hmm...they must be on a date," I concluded. "Well, we better don't disturb them, then. Let's go, Yui!" I called my sister to get going once again. But my steps were halted when I saw a naughty grin plastered on her face.

"Nee... Shinji-nii," she addressed me, still with that same playful grin. "Let's spy on them."

*BONK*

"OWW! What was that for?" Yui cried out as she squatted down and rubbed her head in the place that I'd hit. I apparently had used more power than what I'd intended to.

"Why don't start thinking about YOUR OWN urgent matter before you start to think about messing with other people's date, eh?" I sighed in annoyance as I rubbed my knuckle.

"Muu~ aren't you curious about it at all, nii? Isn't he your friend?" Yui asked

"No, I'm not. And I'm not sure; it's still in the status-quo," I deadpanned. "One thing I'm sure is, I'm not letting you meddle with other people's personal matter before you're done with yours. Now hurry and haul your ass up before I haul it for you."

Yui sulked a little, but ultimately decided not to argue with me any further. She got up and together we walked to the nearest art & craft club. Luckily, the nearest one was located not so far from us, so we managed to buy all her needs; starting from the drawing paper to the new brush; right before the store closed.

We got out of the shop with all our purchase in hands. "Fiuhh... we're done. Finally, we can go home," I stretched my back and my arms as I said that.

"... You don't seem care about that at all aren't you, Shinji-nii?" Yui asked skeptically.

"Oh no, we're not talking about this again, sis," I sighed and told her firmly. "There's a limit about how much can someone meddle with his friend's matter; and we're not even really friend at this point," I explained. "Heck, why do you even care so much about this, anyway?"

Surprisingly, Yui blushed and averted her eyes. "I... I just want to know how to do a proper date..." she answered with small voice.

...

"Pffftt... sorry, what?" I almost burst out laughing at that. "My sister, Yui, is interested in dating? Wow... is this a sign of zombie apocalypse happening anytime soon?" I teased her with a grin on my face.

"... Shinji-nii, you're dummy," she sulked and walked ahead of me.

Seeing that, my grin subsided a little. I guess I was too harsh on her this time. After all, despite of her overall childish demeanor, Yui is also a girl. Of course she's gonna be interested in romance and that sort of things.

I scratched my head and walked faster to follow her. "Okay, okay... I'm sorry for that nasty comment, sis. I promise I won't..."

*NGGIIIIIIINNNNGGGGGG*

"...Ugghhh, GAKKHHH..." Suddenly, a strange screeching sound blared in my ears. It was so loud I couldn't help but falling on one knee while covering my ears as hard as I could with my hands (but of course, with no avail)

After a while, the sound subsided; leaving me with my vision blurring, hands trembling, teeth clattering, and cold sweat profusely dripping down my entire body.

Now, if you're not me, you may think that sound as normally annoying. It's extremely annoying, but normal nonetheless; like when somebody decided to prank you by scratching a mirror near your face.

But not for me... because I know that what exactly that sound is. The exact same sound that'd haunted me every day back then in Tokyo.

And honestly, the thought of hearing that screeching sound ever again scared the living shit out of me. I could very much say that I was in a state of trance now because of it.

"Shin...

...

... "No..." I shuddered. "Please, no. Please don't say it's happening again."

"...nii!"

... No... No, No, NOO!

"SHINJI-NII!"

"GARRGGHHH!" I instinctively cried out and jumped back when somebody gripped my shoulder and shouted my name. I ungracefully fell on my butt, and as the result, got many weird stares from all the passerby.

I tried to focus my still-blurry vision to the one point in front of me. And there, I found Yui, trying to reach me with worried expression on her face.

"Ni-Nii?" She addressed me worriedly. "What happened? Why'd you freak out? Uwaahh... your face is very pale too." She then approached me with handkerchief in her hand. There, she patted my face with it to wipe the sweat. Only then I realized how bad my condition was.

I was still panting heavily like I just did a full marathon without a rest. My hands and feet were still trembling greatly to the point I couldn't even stand properly, and judging from Yui's word, I guess my complexion at the time wasn't so great either.

"Let's go to the clinic, nii. There's one not so far from here," she put my arm around her shoulder, then lifted me up with all her strength. But when she managed to stand me straight, I let go of her shoulder.

I then forced a smile. "I... I can go to the clinic alone, sis. I guess I was just too tired of walking around, after all. I will be better in no time," I said as I turned my body away from her.

"Wa-wait, Shinji-nii! I can..."

"NO!" I roared a little too loud at her face, causing Yui to stumble backwards. Her expression was a mix of surprise and fear. All the passerby once again looked at me strangely.

Realizing my fault, I tried to say sorry. But I could hardly do that as my heart was still beating too loudly against my ribcage. My hands were so cold I couldn't stop shaking.

As the excruciating silence continue, I calmed myself down and once again plastered the best fake smile I could muster at the moment notice. "Sorry, sis. It's just... ah, you need to quickly go home to prepare dinner, right? I don't want to bother you with this small thing. Besides, I'm starting to get hungry here."

Yui didn't look convinced, but after one long sigh, she decided to let it go. "If you say so..." she said, but quickly added, "...but please call me if something happened, nii. I will pick you up if something goes wrong."

Yui picked up all her groceries and after waving at me, walked away in sad manner. I felt really guilty for just leaving her hanging like that. But if I wasn't just imagining that sound earlier, bringing her with me would be a bigger no-no.

I steeled my resolution, and immediately ran to look for the source of that abominable sound. As usual, my instinct always does the job for me.

... And I froze when I found out where that source was from.

"Oh Shit..." I mentally cursed. "Shit, shit, SHIT! ISSEI!"

Ignoring all the danger that might lay ahead, I took off dashing to the park.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

... Three questions right off the bat.

First; What is with my luck today?

I contemplated that as I ran with all of my strength. Seriously, of all days in these almost 3 weeks we're staying in this town, they decided to appear now. And right at the time when I'm going out with Yui, too. What's the odd?

Second; What's with the sky's color?

As soon as I got into the park, the sky suddenly turned darker. And no, not the usual 'nighttime' darker. Instead, somehow the sky had decided to paint itself amethyst with glittering light spread across of it today.

...

... no, I shit you not.

Three; Why's it so dead quiet around here?

I also could immediately sense something wrong was happening here. This place is too dead quiet for a public park in the Sunday evening.

As I was afraid something crazy might had happened, I sped up. The only thing that's rushing in my mind that time was how I can save the people and my friend if they're really getting kidnapped by the monster.

I tapped my back pocket, where I put my deck, as usual. Even if I'd already made my decision to use this once again if push comes to shove, I didn't think it would come this fast. Besides, I'd figured if they really DO come, their first target would be me and Yui, not some random public park.

I just kept formulating a plan until I could see a fountain from in the middle of the park. But even from this far, I could immediately smell something wrong near that place. So, I changed my general plan from directly charging to stealthily moving behind the trees.

When I was close enough, I breathed and counted to 3, then peered at the fountain to find out what's happening.

... There, I had expected a 'monster' thrashing around. I had expected to see Issei or his girlfriend or anyone else getting harassed or even dragged into the 'other side'. I had expected a direct confrontation with one of those 'creatures' again. Hell, I even had expected a meeting with one of 'them' again.

... I certainly didn't expect THIS.

Near the fountain, stood a long and black-haired woman with cruel and outright sadistic expression; wearing the most impractical clothing I've ever seen. I have no way to describe that without mentioning how lack the cloth in that 'clothing' was.

I mean, her top is practically just A PIECE OF LEATHER CLOTH strapped across her breasts! And she also only has a piece of what seems to be an erotic panties on her hip, that's being held around her waist by thin straps.

She wears gloves that covers up to her arms. Her shoulders support a shoulder guards with three large spikes sprouting on the right shoulder guard. And lastly, she has black thigh-high heel boots on her feet. All in all, her clothing looked like a bondage suit.

But as exquis...

... ehemm, as crazy as it was, what attracted my attention the most wasn't that. It's something on her back.

Sprouting out from behind her back, is a pair of jet-black wings. Yes… I shit you not. A huge pair of wings rest on her back like it's very normal. And judging from the way it REALLY flapped, I could tell you that it's not likely to be a fake.

She was smiling sadistically as she licked her lips, with eyes so dark and full of malice I almost winced just by looking at it. She seemed like she was talking to someone, so I stealthily inched closer to see what happened clearly.

… and when I was close enough to see who's she talking to, I almost hurled my guts out.

Laying not so far from her feet, was my friend, Issei. His eyes were wide open as there's a trace of blood running down his mouth. There's a (GRUESOME ALERT!) big, bloody hole in his gut; like he's just gotten stabbed by a very big pair of sharp blade. He's drowning in his own pool of blood as I could only get stunned at the gruesome sight.

… And at the next moment, I instantly lost my cool and forgot how to be stealthy.

"ISSEEIII!" I ran out of my hiding spot and shouted loud enough for that exhibitionist woman to hear me. Her expression got even darker as she turned her face to me.

... Why the hell her face could feel somewhat familiar?

"Haaah? Who the fuck are you?" That winged girl narrowed her eyes and rudely addressed me. Her voice sounded seductively sweet, even when it's brimming with bloodlust. "How could you go past my barrier?"

At the moment, I was too busy cursing myself over this overly stupid action that I didn't catch her saying 'barrier'. The only thing I could process at the moment was an instant regret about blindly showing myself like an idiot, as I still didn't know what the HELL was happening right now.

But I guess there's some time when my emotion got better of me. Rather than regretting it, I better started improvising now if I want to grasp what exactly is going on.

"Issei..." I mustered my courage and growled. "What've you done to him?"

"Oh, him..." She then nonchalantly put her foot on Issei's head. "I killed him."

Aaand... I snapped right then and there.

"You bastard..." I growled full of rage. "GET YOUR FEET OFF HIM, YOU BITCH!" I roared and charged her head-on.

... Probably wasn't the best move.

The winged girl just snorted and looked at me with contempt, before deciding to spread her wings and take off the ground with it. As the result, I lunged at empty air and embarrassingly tumbled across the ground.

"Ohh... now I remember," she snickered at me from above. "You're one of his friend, right? The first one he introduced to me." She snorted, then added with cold voice, "not that I care, though. You all humans look the same to me; garbage."

I managed to process some of her words despite the thick cloud of anger that was looming in my brain right now. I narrowed my eyes to look at her face more clearly. And yeah... despite her completely different facial expression, body posture, and voice, I could actually recognize this girl from her violet eyes, long silky black hair, and her overall voluptuous body.

"No way..." I muttered as the truth hit me like a fully-swung wrecking ball. "You're Amano Yuuma, Issei's girlfriend." I really hoped she would deny me, but she instead smiled sweetly at me the way Amano Yuuma had done before. "Yepp~ you're right, Kido Shinji-kun. Congratulations!"

I couldn't feel more devastated. "Wh-why..." I stuttered in disbelief. "Why would you do this?" I called desperately. Amano Yuu... no, the winged lady instead just nonchalantly shrugged, before her smile returned to the sadistic smile. "I don't have to explain anything to you, human. Especially since you're about to DIE!"

She put her right hand out like she's holding something. All of sudden, bright violet light came out of nowhere and focused inside her palm. In the next moment, she's holding a violet stake-like spear made out of pure light.

...

... I wish I was joking.

"Now that you've seen all of this, I can't let you live..." she stated that so matter-of-factly, like she was about to kill a bug and thus felt nothing out of it. "Such a shame. If you didn't come and interfere with me, you'll actually be able to live longer." She said as she readied her weapon. "If you really want to blame something, just blame your fate for letting you witness this."

... and just like that, she threw the damn spear.

I would be lying if I said I wasn't in a daze. After all I'd ever gone through, I thought I'd seen all of the world's share of weirdness for my whole lifetime. But the thought of getting impaled by a blade made of light by a winged lady in bondage suit certainly never crossed my mind before.

Fear instantly got better of me, as I started to back away in utter panic. Unfortunately (or fortunately, in this case), I slipped on some pebble and immediately fell on my butt. The spear sailed past my head and stabbed the concrete behind me.

*JLEBB*

I could only slumped down in fear and disbelief, as my feet totally refused to cooperate with me. Apparently, the sound of the spear impaling the ground right behind me didn't help my trembling feet to get better. My fear consumed me and almost made me do something stupid; such as asking for mercy.

Yes, as much as I hate to admit it, I got scared so badly. I felt like I was back in time; when I received my deck for the first time and got introduced to the strange and deadly whole new world. I felt so lost I didn't know what to do. Everything suddenly became so dark and cold. I could trust no one and forced to depend on myself for survival.

"Hooo~ you actually dodge that," the winged lady descended to approach me. "It can be either blind luck, or you're not as shabby as you look. Kukuku..." She snickered at me in pity. "It's such a shame, but I have to end this right now," she said as she pointed her shining spear to my throat.

In my frightened state, I managed to steal a glance at Issei. His body laid down near the fountain. I still couldn't believe he's dead. I was really tempted to slap myself awake, just to check if I was dreaming or not. Even if he's a pervert, nobody deserved such a fate.

But of course, I knew better. This whole situation itself felt too real to be fake. The spear she held looked so sharp, and the impaled ground behind me looked too real to be ignored. Issei's dead, and nobody could change that fact.

... and that thought boiled my blood to its very core.

"What is that?" the winged lady addressed me with a totally fake cute expression, it made me downright sick. "Aww~~ Are you crying? How cute. Not that I will let you go because of that, though," her voice once again turned cruel as she pressed the spear even closer to my neck.

I honestly didn't realize that I was crying until she pointed it out. Then, I could feel warm tears traced down my cheek. "How pathetic of me," I muttered inside my heart with a weak bitter smile across my face.

But at the same time, I promised myself that this will be the last tears I shed for Issei's death and for the feeling of helplessness inside my chest today. I had to finish all of this first before I could actually mourn for him.

My chest began to swell up in pure hatred. This bitch actually dares to play with human's life like that. She's just as bad (if not even more so) as 'that guy', who hosted the most dangerous free for all death battle that inevitably led to many innocent people deaths.

... They're both treating human's life like it's nothing!

"Are you... his..." I managed a low growl despite my still-trembling hands.

"Haa? What was that?"

"Are you... one of his minion too?"

"... What are you talking about?" The winged bitch growled in anger. "I'm nobody's minion aside from Azazel-sama! He's the only one who can give me command! Watch your mouth when you're talking to me; Raynare-sama, the great fallen angel of the Grigori; you lowly insect!" She lifted her spear and smiled sadistically.

"DIE, YOU MONGGREELLL!"

*JLEEBBB...*

...

... *trickle* *trickle*

"Heh, is that so?" I managed a weak smile. "Then sorry, I can't give a SHIT about who you are."

"Wh-what?" she couldn't hide her surprise when I, using my bare hands, caught her blade of light.

...

... at this point, some of you maybe wanna ask something like, 'How does it feel to touch a spear made of pure light? Can you actually hold it? Is it awesome? Does it glow and produce an epic sound effect like a lightsaber?' Etc, etc.

...

... To answer that question: It's sharp. And pointy. And sure as HECK burns. Personally, I don't recommend you to try this at home; or anywhere else, for that matter.

"... I can't give two SHITS about what you are," I channeled all my rage into my power. I ignored the blood that's trickling down my hand and the searing pain that's burning my palm, as I drove the spear further away from my face.

"Im-impossible! How can you... ugghhh..." the bitch struggled to push the spear onto my face again. But with no avail, as somehow my power managed to overwhelm hers. Fear the power of rage!

"... I can't give three SHITS about who you're working for," I glared at her with eyes full of killing intent, that made her winced and inevitably weakening her grip. Using this momentum, I moved my foot and kicked her right in the gut.

"ARRKHH..." She cried out as the kick blew her away, leaving the spear in my hands. Ignoring the terrible cuts and burns in my palm, I sluggishly used the spear as a support to stand up.

"The only thing I need to know is..." I threw the spear aside and slowly walked to Issei's body. There, I fold his hands over his chest and tapped his shoulder, intending to give him my power. I whispered something in front of his face, before turning my attention back to the crow lady.

I wiped my teary eyes, then roared like never before. "NOBODY MESSES WITH MY FRIEND, YOU BASTARD!"

I pulled out my own weapon; my blank deck, from my back pocket. Despite my hands were still smoking and full of blood, I managed to once again roared like a pro. "YOU'RE GONNA PAY FOR THIS!"

The bitch coughed a few times, and then glared at me with an unadulterated anger and distaste. Then, she spread her wings open and flew to the top of the fountain. "Alright, now you really piss me off, you lowly humans!" She bellowed from above.

"I was just thinking to give you a quick and painless death, but now, forget that shit! I will torture you mercilessly, and you better hope you're dead before I'm done with you!"

She put both her hands into the air and projected two of those spears again. "PREPARE YOURSELF!" She screamed maniacally and threw the spears at me.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

... Just to be clear, I still got absolutely no clue what the heck was going on in here.

I mean, AS IF my life wasn't crazy enough before, one day a lady with black wings just decided to dive-bomb into it and killed my friend. Everything that's happening seems too crazy for me to keep up with (and that's rich; coming from me)

Even things that lady said just now didn't make any sense. Something about Azazel, that seems to be her boss... Grigori... and the facts she called herself 'fallen angel', which kinda make sense since she kept calling me 'lowly humans', as if she's not one herself.

... Then again, last time I check, humans don't have wings, don't go into a public place with a stripper outfit (opinion may vary), and MOST DEFINITELY don't produce a spear out of thin air.

But as much as I wanted to ask for timeout and a couple of minutes to sit down and let those crazy facts sink in, of course she's not gonna give me that privilege. The most I could do right now was finding a way to survive this onslaught; hopefully in one piece. If that's succeeded, THEN I could get into some Q&A session.

And to achieve that, I had to calm myself, formulate a plan, and look for the best chance to beat my opponent.

...

... which is a kinda impossible task to do when the said opponent just kept spamming her one impossibly OP skill at you.

"AHAHAHA~~ DANCE! DANCE FOR ME, LITTLE HUMANS!" She screamed sadistically at me as she threw a couple more sharp blades.

*JLEBB* *JLEBB* *TRAANGGG*

This stripper maniac had been going on her rampage like this for about five minutes, which kinda felt like 5 years for me. She just kept hurling those shiny blades blindly in my vicinity; impaling benches and trees, destroying street lamps and vending machines, and cutting my arms and legs. Heck, some even close enough to almost stab me completely.

Fortunately, it seemed that my dodging skill hadn't been rusty yet. So, I could barely survive this five-minutes brutal onslaught without even one serious or fatal injury.

... But that didn't exactly mean the situation was leaning to my side, though.

"SHIT, SHIT... ARGGHHH!" I tried to dodge another spear hurled my way, but unfortunately this time I dodged a few seconds slower, and the spear successfully grazed my left leg. I tumbled across the pavement and slid a few meters away. But I couldn't even stop to groan at my scraped leg, 'cause when I peered at my assailant, she's already projecting another spear in her hand.

Seeing that, I sucked up my pain and quickly limped to a tree, then ducked behind it. I groaned in pain and quickly checked my bleeding wound. Unfortunately, only three seconds after catching my breaths...

*JLEBB*

"Whoaa!" I yelped as the tree behind me got pierced through by a glowing spear, and almost hit my head. I clicked my tongue and immediately had to leap aside to avoid one more incoming spear that impaled through the same tree and almost stab me in the head as well.

"Arrgghhh... shit, everything's hurt..." I groaned as I shook my head lightly to get rid of the extreme nausea. The oxygen in my lungs was almost depleted, 'cause I couldn't even stop to catch my breath, like at all. Apparently, this overgrown crow's spear-projecting power doesn't come with a fair set of cooldown or limitation whatsoever.

... Now this... is what I'd call hax.

As a result, I'd been running, ducking, jumping, and sliding continuously without any chance to rest for this full 5 minutes. I'd been panting heavily while clutching my chest ever since. On the contrary, the crow lady didn't seem to be tired or weary at all. She's instead looked so ecstatic as she's looking down on me.

"AHAHAHA~ I wonder where'd your vigor from back then disappear to eh, you puny mortal?" She mocked me with condescending stare, while still leisurely hovering above. "Come on~ didn't you just brag about how you will make me pay? At least make this a challenge, would you?"

...

... As you've seen, the situation didn't go as smooth as I'd planned.

My plan itself was supposed to be simple. First, I'd lure her to the fountain, then after we're close enough, I'd charge at her while dodging some of her light spears. Then, I will tackle her down and thus made her fall into the fountain's water basin. Once we're both in the water, I can use the water as a gate to drag her into 'that world'.

I'd hoped when I'm in there, maybe I would get, at least, a slight 'home territory' advantage over her.

In theory: Decent Idea.

In practice: ...You've seen what happened.

Apparently, my adrenaline rush had made me forget to calculate the other small details surrounding that plan. As such, I could conclude that my failure was caused by three fatal miscalculations.

My condition. Her condition. The surroundings.

Despite the whole cool and uplifting 'I'll make you pay for killing my friend' speech I just spewed back then, it turned out just ignoring my scratches and the burn in my hand proved to be quite impossible. Plus, if you're being bombarded by shining, huge-ass spears like this, chances are you're not running towards your assailant without, at least, one of those things impaling you through the gut.

In fact, as soon as my adrenaline rush ran out, the rational part of my instinct immediately screamed at me to GTFO. My plan was instantly forgotten. Thus, I'd been running around the park without any clear purpose aside from staying alive.

... You may call me coward if you want. I just want to point out that running while dodging fast projectile coming your way at the same time is not something normal human without proper training and full safety measurement equipment should do; unless you're in Hollywood.

Even worse, my cuts and scratches were gradually increasing as the time goes on. My arms, legs, and even my face were fully painted with cuts and bruises all over. Some came from those damnable spears, and some others came from unfortunate series of tripping down, sliding across the concrete, and even the time when one tree's toppled over and almost crushed me flat. The cuts and blister on my palms from handling that spear without safety glove even looked so bad I wouldn't be surprised if my fingers started rotting off one by one soon enough.

(Pro tip: NEVER touch 1000-degrees knife with your BARE hands)

And EVEN IF my body was okay and in its peak condition, I also forgot to calculate that SHE CAN FLY! (Yes, how much stupid can you be to forget something like that, Shinji!) As long as she's still hovering 5 meters above me, forget tackling her into the water, I couldn't even reach her unless I 'transformed'.

... 'And why didn't you transform then, Shinji-kun' I heard some of you asking.

Well, aside from the fact that I need a reflective surface to transform myself (such as water), that question brings us to the last miscalculations; the surroundings. You see, I would have no problem just charging into the fountain and plunged myself into the water to transform.

Sure, I might become a beehive if I wasn't careful enough, but even if I was already weakened, as long as it's not a fatal injury, I thought I was still agile enough to dodge every single spear that was thrown my way. The fact that I could still standing until now without any hole or fatal injury anywhere on my body should've been clear enough proof for that.

The only thing that's preventing me from doing just that was in fact, Issei.

Though that winged lady (or Raynare, as she'd told me) had said that Issei's already dead, I still refused to believe it just yet. Because earlier, when I touch his hands, I could feel it's still slightly warm. Feel free to call me naive at this point. Heck, even I realized it's nearly impossible for people to actually survive an impalement THAT BIG through the gut for such a long time. But, I didn't want to lose hope just yet.

And even if he really was dead, then I at least wanted to keep his corpse in one piece and properly delivered it with a proper funeral. After all, his parents also need to at least see their son for the last time.

And thus, I'd been trying my best to avoid running around near the fountain, as I was afraid his body would get caught in Raynare's spearing frenzy. And it's not like I could just ask Raynare nicely for a timeout when I moved his body somewhere else. Hell, that would just worsen the situation, if anything!

... That's why I'm in this loop of BS right now.

"Aww~ Look at you struggling pointlessly, puny mortal," Raynare taunted from above. "It's almost cute, honestly. It's too bad I can't bring you home with me. You'll make a good slave and toy. AHAHAHA~" She laughed maniacally.

"Haha... *cough* *cough* no thanks. Not interested in that kind of play," I struggled to keep standing straight while maintaining my weak smile. At this point, I couldn't be seen in distress or panic, or else she would use that opportunity to press me down even further.

I was still panting heavily and trying to formulate a plan to beat her at the same time, when one realization hit me. Raynare stated she's not 'his' minion, but is that also mean she doesn't know about him at all? If that's true...

"Hooy, Raynare..." I called her despite my lungs were still scarce of oxygen.

"HAAA... don't use my name that easily, mongrel! You'll sully it with your filthy mouth!"

"Do you know someone named Shinozaki Shirou?"

"Cheee... why would I remember a name of a filthy human? And DON'T IGNORE ME, YOU SHITTY RAT!"

"... And by extension, she must be clueless about my power too," I thought, small smile starting to form on my face. "Great, I can use this!"

"I said..." Raynare let out a low, scary growl. "DON'T IGNORE ME, YOU ASSHOLE!"

She formed two light spears and chucked them at me. Fortunately, this time I was ready as I already got a nice plan.

Even if my feet were still slightly hurt, I managed to dodge her spears by rolling forward. I then got up hastily. Ignoring her scream, I proceeded to run to the fountain.

"YOU THINK YOU CAN RUN?" She shouted as she flew to follow me. "FOOLISH HUMAN!"

"I have to timing this right," I thought to myself as I desperately run from her. "Not too close to the fountain, but not too far either."

Raynare prepared another spear. "JUST DIE ALREADY!" and threw it at me.

"Aaannd... now!" I deliberately dodged the spear just by small margin, and at the same time, I used every last bit of my power to jump into the fountain.

"AARRGGHHH!" I faked a pained cry as I propelled myself straight into the water. I hoped by doing it this way, it would make my intention for going straight into the fountain a little less obvious. Plus, I hoped by pretending to be exhausted after being plunged into the water, Raynare'd stop her spearing frenzy for a while.

I gasped for air as I pulled my face out of the water. I peered at Issei and found that his body was still safe in the place we left him. I sighed in relief and leaned back to the fountain pedestal.

"Nice, phase one done. On with the phase two," I thought in the middle of my heavy breaths.

"Finally you're stop moving, insolent rat," Raynare hovered a few meters in front of me with a winning smirk on her face. "Unfortunately, I don't have anymore time to spend with you," she said as she hoisted her spear. "Any last word?"

...

"Pfftt... puh-PUHAHAHAHA" Suddeny, I let out an evil-maniac kinda laugh that made her narrowed her eyes. "What are you laughing about, mongrel? Have you gone insane?"

"Oh no... no, not quite," I squeezed out my best challenging smile as I stared back at her. "It's just... are you that scared of me?"

"What?" She narrowed her eyes even deeper and let out a feral growl. "Me, a great fallen angel, afraid of you, a little human?"

"Well, I mean... look at you, keep flying away and chucking things at me from a safe distance," I chuckled. "If you ask me, it looks like you're afraid of me, don't you think?"

"You dare..."

"Oh, and also... I can't stress enough how much you SUCK at chucking those spears of yours," I smiled teasingly to provoke her even further. "Seriously, you have one heck of OP hacking bullshit power, and you still can't even kill one, good old 'lowly human' fast enough. Heh, talk about incompetence," I made an air quote and snorted.

Raynare fumed and her eyes were bloodshot crazy. She snarled ferociously, and her body jerked like she's ready to pounce at me and bite my neck off anytime. It would take only one more push to finally make her snap.

"Wow, at this rate, I can't help but to pity this Azazel guy for having you... WHOOAAA!"

I threw my body aside as Raynare flew in with her spear ready. She pierced the fountain instead of my chest, making all the water spewed everywhere. With absolute bloodlust, she then grabbed me from the water and threw me back to the fountain's pedestal.

"SHUT. UP. YOU. FILTHY. HUMAN!" She screamed in frenzy as she proceeded to kick me in the chest repeatedly. I didn't do anything aside from putting my hand in front of my chest to mildly defend myself.

When she's done kicking me, she panted heavily and once again pointed her spear onto my face. Her snarl turned into one crazy smile. "Ha... haha... HAHAHAHA! I KNEW IT! I KNEW I SHOULD'VE KILLED YOU FASTER," she rambled like a madman. "YOU'RE JUST ONE PESKY BRAT. DON'T YOU DARE CALL AZAZEL-SAMA'S NAME SO LIGHTLY LIKE THAT!"

Even if I was hurt, I couldn't help but smiling meaningfully. "Hey, Raynare..."

Her scowl went even darker. "That's why, I said..."

"Thanks for cooperating."

Her scowl subsided a little. "What do you mean?"

Then, I did the crazy thing. In one swift move, I grabbed Raynare's spear despite the immediate sizzling sound of my hands burning, and yanked it down along with all my body weight. Caught off guard, I managed to drag her into the water beneath her. Then, ignoring the new excruciating pain searing in my palm, I pulled my deck out of my pocket.

"*blub* *blub* PUHAAA... YOU BASTARD!" Raynare quickly recovered as she cried out angrily.

I then proceeded to yell out the magic word.

"HENSHIN"

*crack... cracckk... PRAANNGGG*

... After that, our reality got shattered like a glass.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Those who don't fight won't survive."

... I'm tired of hearing that word.

"You will fight until there's only one left standing."

... I still can't accept your way of thinking, even until now.

"Then, for what reason do you fight?"

...

... To protect... the innocents (?)

"... Then, be stronger, Ryuki! Strong enough to protect those you want to protect!"

...

"GAHAHH... *pant* *pant*" I startled up, then immediately gasped for air. After my breath was in order, I proceeded to analyze my surrounding.

"Is this re... OUCHH! Shit, my head..." I suddenly felt a stinging pain in my head, but when I was just about to clutch it, I got a glimpse of my hands and stopped.

... Or should I say, my currently-armored hands.

Yeah, now my hands were encased in tight gray material resembling spandex. There's a piece of black armor on the back of both my hands, and the right forearm also supported a matching black arm guard. On the left arm however, my forearm was topped with a plain and rather bulky silver gauntlet.

I shook my head to get rid of the nausea, then tried to stand up. To my surprise (or not), I could stand up much easier now than I could a few minutes ago; like my body just got magically recovered. Hell, now that I think about it, my body also got lighter and my vision became clearer. I immediately felt I could bench press hundred kilograms all at once, throw a stronger punch, run faster, and jump higher than I ever could. All in all, I felt awesome! Like, 'someone-had-just-pumped-me-up-full-with-steroid-juice' kinda awesome!

I checked my reflection in the water, and I found out that whole my body was also encased in the gray tight spandex. My upper arms support some arm guard-like armor. There are shin guards on both of my feet, and my torso and back is protected by armor. The torso side of the armor is a thick and sturdy breastplate.

But the main focus of this armor was obviously the belt and the helmet. On my waist, there's a big belt that held my blank deck in place. My full-face helmet always reminds me of European knight in medieval times; mostly silver in color with its dimly glowing red eyes under the striped eye guard; and striped mouth guard protecting my lower face. There's one small red gem embedded on a silver lining on top of the helmet.

But despite the absolute coolness of my get-up, I couldn't help but I sighed in my heart, as I wasn't really sure whether to freak out or be thankful for this development. But if I could be sure of something right now, it was...

"Yep, I'm back alright," I smiled bitterly under my helmet, realizing that I just deliberately broke my lifetime promise to Yui. I hope she's not gonna find out about this anytime soon.

"Urghh..." I heard someone grunted from beneath me. I looked downward and found Raynare was kneeling and clutching her head from nausea. "... What the fuck is happening?"

I snickered as I was looking at her. I had to admit, it felt kinda refreshing to look down on her for once.

"Hey Raynare... what's wrong? Got a headache?" I said in completely mocking tone. Her eyes refocused on me, and as soon as they did, Raynare startled and flew back a few meters away.

"Wh-what the? What is that armor?" She started projecting her spear again and putting up her guard at the same time. "Is that some kind of sacred gear? No, there's no way. How can I not feel anything from you since the first time you show up?" She rambled in frustration.

"Hah, glad you're ask... Wait, sacred what?" I was about to start my exposition about this cool armor until one of her word caught my attention. "You know about this armor?"

"Chee... I have no time for this nonsense anymore. I have to quickly report this to Azazel-sama," Raynare clicked her tongue and starting to fly back even further. "You should be grateful, kid! While I want to play with that sacred gear of yours a little longer, I run out of time today! But remember, I will hunt you down and kill you by my own hand someday!"

I sighed at her declaration. Then, with one flat tone, I said "You won't leave anywhere."

"Hah, what you're gonna do about it, kid?" Raynare flashed a winning smirk. "You can't even reach me in this distance. What hope do you have to stop me?"

I face-palmed. "No, sorry... let me rephrase that. You CAN'T leave anywhere. Well, not in this 'world', anyway."

Her smirk soon turned into big question mark as she narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "What do you mean by that?"

I shrugged lightly and gestured to our surrounding. "... See for yourself."

Reluctantly, she flew higher and took a good look of our surrounding. As she observed, her expression gradually turned from wonder to shock.

"Wh-what is this..." She stuttered with eyes wide open. "Where's the barrier I set up before? Also, that brat I killed before... he's gone too." Raynare face turned pale. "And... and why's everything..."

"Turned the other way around?" I finished her question. "Well, that's what you get if you see the world from behind a mirror, after all." I nonchalantly said as if that's not a big deal.

Now, if this world still works the same way as it does the last time I entered it, Raynare should've had seen the world the way people saw their surrounding through a mirror; everything is inverted. Also, since she's the only one I dragged into the reflective surface of the water, it's obvious that Issei wouldn't be here. He's still sleeping (I hope), safe and sound back in our dimension.

Also if what she said is right, it seemed her mumbo-jumbo 'barrier' that she put in the real world didn't get projected into this side as well. Though I realized the 'barrier' she mentioned here most likely was related to the strange sky's color in the real world, because in here the sky was normal orange instead of deep purple. I wasn't sure what it means, but I'd make sure to find out about this after I'm done with her.

"Yo-youu..." Raynare turned to me and grudgingly stared at my armored face. "What are you exactly? And what is that sacred gear? What have you done?"

I spread my arm in exaggerated manner. "I'd like to call myself Kamen Rider Ryuki. I still don't know what is that sacred-something you've been talking about. I trapped you inside the Mirror World." I stopped to breath. "Any more question?"

Her face contorted in rage, as she showed even more bloodlust. "Trap me? You dare to..."

"Spare me your nag, you exhibitionist bastard," I challenged her words as I glared back at her. "I trapped you in my domain. Deal with it." I said triumphantly.

"If you want to get out so badly, why don't you tell me about 'what in the hell are you exactly' and 'what in the hell is going on' in details? Oh, that, and also about this sacred-thingy you've been linking with this armor of mine. Plus, I'll still make you pay for killing Issei, you bastard!"

"Don't get too cocky just because you managed to do something right just for once, you shitty brat!" Raynare roared at me. "Just you look, I will cut you to pieces and then sew you back together, then cut you to pieces again," she smirked sadistically. "I'd love to see your expression when I gut your innards out!"

"Ohh~ I can't wait to show Azazel-sama that I manage to bring him one more unusual sacred gear for his research. He will be so delighted~" She blushed a shade of pink and her words were so full of admiration. Unfortunately, my feeling after seeing her like that was just a pure disgust.

"Heh, let's see about that, you overgrown crow!" I pumped my fist and muttered "Yoshaa~" Then, I took my stance. "Let's do this!"

We both let out our war cry and charged.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I pulled a card with the picture of a sword out of my deck, and at the same time, Raynare lunged at me with her spear ready, screaming "DIEEE!"

Naturally, I rolled out of the way to avoid her assault. Then, I slid my gauntlet in the left arm down, and inserted the card into it.

*Psyuuu* [SWORD VENT]

"You can't win... GAHH!" Raynare yelped in surprise as a sword came down from the sky and slightly grazed her wings. The said sword landed perfectly and embedded itself into the ground in front of me.

"Heh, nice!" I couldn't hold my grin when I pulled the sword out of the ground. It's still the same sword as the last time I used it a long time ago; a straight, double-edged sword with black hilt and red gem embedded on the base of the blade.

"Chee... using strange summoning magic like that. Don't get too cocky just because you get a weapon, brat!" Raynare charged viciously again.

This time, I didn't avoid her assault. Instead, I stood my ground and block her spear head-on with my sword. I literally stopped her in mid-flight and thus grounded her as well.

*TRANGG* *TRANGG* *TRUANGG*

Her spear and my sword clashed a few more times before Raynare decided to draw back. Apparently, even though she could chuck those spears of her very well, Raynare wasn't really the best at wielding it in close combat. Hence, I could stand my ground and even overwhelm her pretty easily.

She panted heavily, but I surprisingly wasn't even tired at all. I'm honestly quite surprised my blank form could handle the battle this well.

"You bastard..." Raynare spoke in the middle of her heavy breathing. "How can you recover this much in such small amount of time? You were literally in half-dead state just a moment ago."

"I don't have to explain anything to you, shitty crow," I smirked while reciting the exact same word she'd said to me. "The only thing you have to know is you can't run or win against me anymore. Why don't you just surrender and start explaining already. You'll spare much of our time that way!" I pointed my sword to her.

"Me, surrender? HAAH... in your dream, human! Why don't YOU surrender and release me from this... this wretched place? If you do that, maybe I can consider giving you a quick and painless death!" Raynare didn't yield, and instead brandishing her weapon with wicked grin on her face.

I sighed as I pulled one more card from my deck; the one with a picture of shield in it. "Haaa... suit yourself, then. Just remember I've warned you."

*Psyuuu* [GUARD VENT]

I inserted that card into my gauntlet and held my left hand up. Soon enough, a plain, round gray shield came down from the sky and latched itself straight onto my arm. I took my stance with confidence. "Come on, then! Let's see how well you can fight!"

Raynare spread her wings and shot straight up into the sky. Then, she began assaulting me continuously with her shining spears again. But different from the last time, now I'm more than ready for her onslaught.

I easily blocked and parried every single spear that came my way to the sides. I stood my ground very well, almost untouchable amidst the load of spears that had been constantly rained onto me. I almost grinned uncontrollably under my helmet. I felt so unstoppable right now!

After minutes of constant assault, Raynare stopped and panted heavily in the midair. I smirked under my helmet after seeing that. "What's wrong, crow? Tired? Feeling ready to surrender now?" I used this opportunity to taunt her. "Hurry up! You don't get all day to think about it!"

She could only pant heavily as she glared at me full of hatred. I supposed she's almost at her 'limit' now. But as I realized she didn't have any intention to yield to me, I intended to give her one final push.

"*sigh* If you really want to play it that way, suit yourself," I scratched my head and sighed. "I guess it's my turn to attack, then."

After declaring that, I lowered my posture, then charged toward her with all my might. Raynare gasped in shock as my speed boost caught her off guard.

"HAAA!" I jumped as strong as I could and managed to reach her thanks to my armor's power boost. I swung my sword diagonally onto her body.

"Kuuhh..." Raynare didn't even have a time to project her spear. Instead, she dodged my strike by floating to the side. After my aerial strike failed, she held her hand out to project another spear.

... But this time, nothing came out.

I could identify her shell-shocked face even when I was helplessly falling in midair. Using that opportunity, I immediately aimed and hurled my round shield to her; Captain America's style.

*DRAANGGG*

"AARRGHHH!" Raynare shrieked in pain as my shield hit her right wing with deadly accuracy. She fell straight to the ground with a loud *THUD* at the same time I safely landed on my feet.

Then I approached her.

"GAAHHH! SHIT, MY WING! MY WINNGGG!" She hollered in pain, clutching her seemingly broken wing. Usually, when I see somebody in pain like this, I will immediately be sympathetic with him/her, or at least feel pity.

... But this time, I felt nothing of sort.

"You lose," I declared with my sword pointed at her. "Now tell me everything."

"Yo-you bastard..." Raynare growled menacingly. "I'll NEVER YIELD..."

...

... Again, nothing came out.

"Wh-what?" Her angry expression was washed out as she thrusted out her hand for nothing. "Why can't I use my power? What's happening here?!" She desperately trying to project her spear with no avail. Her expression gradually changed from surprised to afraid.

I narrowed my eyes. "Is it the mirror world getting her? Now that I think about it, she doesn't wear a rider armor, but her body hasn't shown any sign of being 'disintegrated' yet, even after being here for such a long time." I wondered. "Is this mean mirror world disintegrating her... power first, instead of her body?"

"... That's why I said you didn't have much time to decide," I said in a cold tone. "Mirror World is a dangerous place for hum... for non-rider like you. It's taken your power now. Soon enough, it'll get your body too," I half-bluffed with menacing voice.

Seeing Raynare's pale face, I could tell that my bluff worked. So, I proceeded. "In fact, I could just leave you rotting to die here. The only reason I haven't done that YET, is because I need you to explain WHY did you kill Issei," I threatened her. "So, start talking before..."

*RROOOAAARRRR*

*BOOM* *BOOM*

Both of us stunned when suddenly we heard a very defeaning roar coming from afar. I instinctively turned my face to the source of the voice and found out that the sound came from outside the park.

And judging from the loud stomping sound that's gradually becoming bigger and bigger, it seemed like this thing was coming to us; fast.

"Wait, is that a monster?" I gulped in the middle of my thought. "Shit, judging from the voice, it seems to be a big one. There's no way my blank form can handle something like that. We have to get out of here!"

"Oy, Raynare! Quick, we got... wait, where'd she go?"

When I found out that Raynare wasn't kneeling in front of me anymore, I automatically looked around for her. I soon found her, desperately running away from me; or maybe from that frightening sound.

"WOYY, STUPID! DON'T JUST RUN OFF ON YOUR OWN!" I called for her from my place. But as soon as I wanted to go after her...

*NGUUNNGGG… ZAP*

Suddenly, one creature dived from above and snatched Raynare with incredible speed. It's so fast, I couldn't even see it coming.

"WAAA… what are you doing?! LET ME DOWNN!" Raynare could only screamed and flailed helplessly as the creature took her away. Now her power to create endless amount of spear had gone and her wing had broken, I guess she's not that much different from other humans, after all.

I blinked confusedly before the loud stomping sound finally snapped me awake. "What the... is that Hydragoon?" I identified the monster from its oversized blue dragonfly-like body and wings. "Two monsters from different order in one place and at the same time? What the heck is that Shinozaki Shirou thinking?" I furiously scratched my helmet as I grumbled.

*BOOM* *BOOM*

"Arrghhh… shit. I got no time for this," I was about to chase the big dragonfly when the boom sound got even closer. So much closer, in fact, that I managed to catch a glimpse of the monster from behind the trees.

And I don't like what I was seeing.

Just from the oddly misshapen horn that was somehow sticking out over the thickness of the trees here, I could tell that this monster was HUGE. Its step now was strong enough to cause a small-scale earthquake. I also didn't like my chance when I heard a low growl that somehow resemble the sound of three monster trucks roaring their engine at the same time.

...

Finally, after some rather hurried consideration, I decided to just abandon the chasing and get back to my portal; that being the water fountain.

"... Don't hate me for this, Raynare." I muttered bitterly before jumping into the water.

*craackk... PRAANGGG*

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"*blub* *blub* PUHAAA... Wooh, that was intense!" I let out a refreshed shout, because I was successfully transported back into the real world. In flash, I got out of the water, then take my deck and pointed it at the water.

"SEAL!" I yelled as the water seemed to glow for a second, before the glow subsided and back to its normal color.

After that , I tiredly sat in front of the fountain, then shook my head to get rid of the nausea.

But as soon as my nausea wore off, the realization kicked me harder than any light spear to the face.

"My God... is that really just happened?" I let out an exasperated sigh as I scratched my hair furiously. I mean, who wouldn't do that; when they'd just fought a crow-human hybrid cladded in bondage suit who's killing their friend with a spear made of pure light.

... God, even that sentence sounds incredibly wrong on so many level.

"In the end, I got no explanation about her... or whatever her objective was...," I clicked my tongue bitterly as I reminisced about what had happened in the last few hours.

... Or rather, made sure whether everything that had happened; REALLY HAPPENED.

"Oww! Ow, oww, OWW!" I winced and cried out when I deliberately pinched my cheek and my arms with all my might a few times, just to make sure I wasn't having a very wild dream.

And judging from the pain, I wasn't.

I covered my eyes with my hand and sighed deeply. Now I got a time to properly sit down and let all the crazy facts sink in, I immediately regretted doing it. I felt utterly lost and devastated, unable to comprehend which is reality and which is fantasy anymore.

The exact same feeling I got when I discovered the Mirror World back then.

I mentally started to list every new and weird vocabulary I'd heard today. "Barrier, Sacred Gear, Magic, Fallen Angel, Grigori... the list goes on and on," I sighed with eyes closed. I swear if I don't get an answer about what these things are soon, my head's gonna burst.

I literally didn't move for about three minutes or so, just sat down with my hand covering my eyes, trying to make sure how to properly deal with all these jumbled feelings in my mind.

... Which directly translates to; deciding whether to cry out loud, giggle uncontrollably like a lunatic, drown myself in the fountain, hijack a bus to take me to Alaska, or go home and shut myself in my room for the rest of my life.

Which were some very reasonable actions to take in these kinds of unreasonable situation.

"Alright, stop. Stop thinking like this, Kido Shinji!" I mentally slapped myself. Then, I took a deep breath and slowly opened my eyes. The first thing I saw was the evening sky. Yeah, the normal, orange-colored evening sky. Somehow, the sight calmed me down.

"Oh yeah, in this kind of situation, it always helps to list every single normal thing that we can think of," I remembered the exact way I prevented myself from having a mental breakdown back then.

Thus, I tried to think a bunch of normal stuff in my life. My school, my house, Yui, our chats, her home-cooked dinner, our shopping trip this afternoon, also my friends in the school; everyone from the student council, Kiba, Toujou and her obsession to sweets, and last but not least, the perverted... trio...

"Oh shit," I suddenly remembered. And this time, I couldn't help my tears because of it. "ISSEI!" I shot back up and ran to see him. I was expecting him still laying down at the same place I left him.

... And as if the craziness level wasn't high enough, I immediately found two more headache inducing problem in front of me.

"Wh-what? No way..." I gasped in shock when I found the park had been completely fixed and as good as new; without broken fences, toppled over trees, crushed benches, and exploded vending machines. Heck, now when I looked back, I just realized that the fountain had also been restored to its previous good state.

I immediately felt this ominous feeling swelling in my chest, like some 'supernatural' power had worked here to bend the reality and fix all of this. And judging from the paranormal activity that I just experienced, that's really possible.

But the most surprising thing was the fact that Issei had gone from his previous place.

I almost desperately called for him, when I remembered there's no way he could hear me in his condition. Then again, it's also impossible for him to get up and walk away, so I immediately stopped to take a breath and think after cooling down first.

"Is it possible that someone'd moved his body?" I muttered to myself. "Yeah, that's the most logical answer for this. Maybe somebody finally found him and took him to the hospital." I nodded to convince myself.

... Maybe you're calling me incredibly stupid and ignorant right now for blatantly ignoring the fact that something 'out-of-the-world' has obviously worked here, or thinking about 'logical' in the midst of this crazy paranormal shits. But right now, I'm in serious need of something normal to latch onto to make sure my brain didn't get fried for over-capacity.

"Maybe I'll go to the nearest hospital around here to find him. Hopefully, he can still be saved." I resolved myself and started walking to find Issei.

When suddenly...

"Shinji-nii..." I heard one sound calling my name from behind me, and I froze completely. Cold-sweat immediately drenched my back. I only knew one person who would call me like that, and the idea of her being here terrified me to the very core.

I slowly turned to find that person. And yep... it was Yui. She's looking at me worriedly while clutching her hands in front of her chest.

Silent swallowed us for a minute, as we both seemed don't know how to comprehend with this situation. The only thing that's racing inside my mind right now was, how f*cked I would be if Yui saw all of that.

"Nii, what are you doing here, looking like that?"

... It's exactly when she said that, I lost all the hope and my vision suddenly turned dark.

XXXXXXX (Issei POV) XXXXXXX

Crimson red...

That's the only color dominating my vision right now, as my consciousness slowly fading away.

"Thanks for this date, Issei-kun~ I certainly won't forget this~"

I recognized one sweet voice resounding in my ears. So sweet in fact, I couldn't help but being enticed by it at first.

But now, hearing that voice somehow felt like having a bucket full of poison being dumped straight into my ears.

"If you want to blame somebody, just blame the God for putting that sacred gear in your body."

One unknown word came out from her mouth. One word that I'd figured I wouldn't have to care about, because even as stupid as I am, I knew I was about to die.

...

Today was supposed to be perfect. I had a date with my girlfriend, Amano Yuuma-chan, today. I had planned this since days ago, and thus I was very excited about this. As this was my first date ever, I had trained by reading a dating site or magazine about tips & trick for dating, so I could at least not embarrass myself.

I'd also secretly hoped that if we managed to get through this date safely, I could be more... intimate, maybe, in my relationship with her. Because hey! What's the point of going out if I can't tap that boobs or ass, right?

Yuuma-chan wasn't disappointing me, either. The casual clothes that she wore today were absolutely good on her. We went to shopping district, and generally enjoying ourselves. I tried my best along the way to not showing any of my perverted tendencies (even if the sight of her cleavage is really too good to be missed), and I even bought her a present to commemorate our first date.

As the climax, we visited a park near the shopping district. There, I mustered up my courage and managed to hold her hands (Hurray for me!) I was so happy when I saw her small blush when I did that, indicating that she's enjoying it too.

We walked hand-in-hand for in silence for a few minutes, before we arrived in front of the fountain.

"Nee, Issei-kun, will you listen to my one wish to celebrate our first date?"

My heart raced so fast when I heard her saying that. After all, in this kind of situation, what else would she ask beside kiss, right? I couldn't help but blushing as I stood rigidly with a small grin on my face, while faithfully waiting for her word.

"Will you die for me?"

...

... And as fast as she said that, shit went down the drain almost immediately.

While I was still trying to tell whether I heard wrongly or not, suddenly the sky turned dark. No, not 'pitch black' kinda dark; but instead deep purple kind. The situation was so weird I couldn't help but gasping.

But my surprise didn't end there.

All of sudden, Yuuma-chan clothes got torn off completely and immediately got replaced by some kind of sexy, black bondage suit. There were also wings; big black wings sprouted out from her back. Her expression changed 180 degrees, from sweet and compassionate to downright cruel and sadistic.

But I, being a healthy 16-year-old teenager that I exactly am, could only stressed out how much that process would've definitely made me nosebleed and praised the lord to no end if the situation wasn't that much scary.

I mean, she was practically NAKED when that transformation happened! Her beautiful figure was being laid bare in front of my eyes! And her new bondage suit also didn't cover much, either. So of course, as a good and healthy teenager, I couldn't help but staring at her voluptuous breast, plump ass, slim waist, and...

... ehemm, sorry, I got side-tracked.

Anyway, after that very moment, I didn't really get what the heck she was blabbering about, until to the point when she project a very real, very big violet blade out of thin air. Then, immediately proceeded to stab me in the gut with it.

...

... No, I'm not joking.

I coughed up blood before finally collapsed. I could only stare at the nothingness as I kept hearing her spewing nonsense I couldn't care about. My vision was tinted red, and the pain in my stomach had started to turn into numbness. I honestly couldn't give a damn anymore.

... Until I heard my name being shouted.

"ISSEEIII!"

"Wh-who?" I tried to speak, but my voice wouldn't come out.

I heard Yuuma-chan (or should I even call her that by now?) addressing the person who'd called my name aggressively. The next moment, I felt something roughly pressing on my head.

"GET YOUR FEET OFF HIM, YOU BITCH!"

*FLAP* *WHUUSHHH* *BRUUKKK*

I heard a familiar guy's scream, though I wasn't sure who. Following that, the pressure in my head disappeared, and I heard something hit the ground very hardly.

I still couldn't recognize the guy's voice, even though I'm pretty sure I knew this voice somewhere. I again heard both of them talked to each other before...

*JLEBB*

The wet sound of something sharp piercing another solid thing rang clearly from nearby. I heard another monologue, then another argument. Before long, I could hear a faint *duakk* sound; like someone'd just got punched; followed by a girl's shriek.

I wanted to call out for the guy to stop. I don't want someone to get hurt because of me, especially not someone I know. But the pain in my stomach and all the blood loss prevented me from doing anything. "I'm tired of this," I thought sadly, as I seriously was about to give up there and finally closed my eyes for good.

When suddenly... my hands were held by someone.

"..." I couldn't do anything as my hands were folded on my chest and my shoulder was gripped gently. I also heard a small whisper directed to me.

"Hang in there, man. I know you're tougher than you look. I'm gonna get you after I'm done with this problem."

"... This voice," I pondered. "Is this..."

"NOBODY MESSES WITH MY FRIEND, YOU BASTARD!"

"...Shinji?" I recognized that sound, though I never heard him letting out a guttural roar as scary as that one. It's someone from my school, my newest friend-turned-arch nemesis, Kido Shinji.

"YOU'RE GONNA PAY FOR THIS!"

After that, I could vaguely identify some curses, mocking words, and most importantly, a lot, lot of stabbing and breaking sound. I was honestly surprised I didn't get caught in any of them.

I still wasn't sure what was going on here. But after hearing Shinji's supportive words and his vengeful roar, a small determination started burning in my heart once again.

"Dammit, I don't want to die like this," I bitterly muttered in my heart. "I still haven't done many things. I haven't had my first kiss yet. I still haven't graduated from being virgin yet. I still haven't touch any boobs or asses yet."

"But most importantly, I haven't thanked him yet!"

*NGGUUNNGGG... WHUSSHHH...*

All of sudden, I faintly saw a bright red light emanating from beside me. But as I was still too weak to move my head, I failed to see anything.

"You're the one who called me, yeah?"

Somebody suddenly talked to me. As my vision was still blurry, and I still couldn't move, I said nothing in response.

"Hmm... it's really you, after all," I could know from the voice that it was in fact, a female. Why would someone decide to talk to the dying corpse like me instead of freaking out or calling an ambulance or something, I don't know. It's not like I could protest to her too.

"And what's happening to this place? It's a mess," That female voice talked again. "Is it... your doing?" She once again addressed me. Once again, I didn't respond.

"Hmm... interesting," I could detect amusement in her voice, like she's looking at something funny. "If you're already strong enough too cause this much ruckus now, I guess your power is really special, after all."

Her slightly chuckling sound was accompanied by wind blowing past. Only then, I could identify one specific trait of this woman.

"Alright, now that you're about to die anyway, I will pick up your life."

Crimson Red Hair... fluttering majestically.

"Starting today, your life is mine!"

... And that's the last thing I heard before I fell unconscious.

And... another chapter done!

Finally we're getting into the plot, guys! Wohoo!

I'm very excited as I'm writing this, since finally our MC shows us his Rider form, even if it's only the blank one. I'm also sorry to say this, but Shinji will not regain his real, red dragon form for some time until somewhere in the middle part of the story. Please bear with it for now.

As you can see too, I decided to customize Ryuki's blank advent deck a little bit. I will also do it to some other Riders in the future, mainly for Riders with only few advent cards. Because seriously, main Riders like Ryuki and Knight can have 5-7 cards including Advent and Final vent, meanwhile some minor Riders like Imperer and Tiger only have 3-4. It'd be very unfair for them if I left their decks as it is.

I hope you all like this warming-up chapter. As for the next chapter, the shit will get real when our MC finally meet the ORC for the first time!

Please feel free to leave a comment in the review page. I'd highly appreciate any critics or advises.

Alright, I'm GEStorm signing off for now!

Next Chapter: New Friend? New Threat?