First off, I wanna say I'm so so so So Sorry about being late with this update... what with being 4 months late but I really couldn't juggle school,exams,friends along with writing that well. Anyways if you can find it in your hearts to forgive me . I present to you (what I hope will be received well) chapter 14~
Self-beta so if anyone finds an error, please do tell me about it.
Disclaimer: I do not own Guilty Crown or any of it's characters and story plot/arcs. What i do own is my ideas if any, that are incorporated into the fic and the few changes that I've made.
Enjoy~ R&R
Guilty Crown - Sins of an Emperor
Phase 14: Academy… Isolation…
Previously on Guilty Crown – Sins of an Emperor
I was in a protective bubble probably created by Mana onee-chan… Inori was with me and Gai's black coat floated up and entered the bubble as well as we were brought away from the collapsing tower….
Gai…
The bubble disappeared as soon as we touched the ground and I gazed at the collapsing tower as tears fell from my eyes… I was carrying Inori so my tears splashed onto her cheeks.
She used her hand to wipe them as I turned to look at her… she then said, "I'm sure Gai is satisfied, I could hear him saying thank you."
Hearing Inori repeat his last words caused tears to fall once again as I gritted my teeth mourning Gai and Mana onee-chan's death…
Inori from her position in my arms, moved to hug me awkwardly as we both cried for our lost ones…
Scene: On the roof of a school building.
P.O.V: Shu
"This is GHQ's Public Information Division. In accordance with Infection Control Law Article 9, section 3, an emergency quarantine is now in effect."
Heh, so even in this kind of scenario, GHQ has a plan to deal with it…
"Citizens are strictly prohibited from venturing outside loop 7"
Like we can, considering the Endlaves placed there…
I gave out a sigh as I thought about what had happened so far… from the time of when Gai had died…
After Inori and I had finished mourning for Gai and Mana onee-chan… I took out my phone and called up Tsugumi who answered after just a few rings.
"Hey, Tsugumi how's everyone? Are you and Ayase okay?"
She replied, "I've lost contact with everyone else, Aya-nee and I are fine… Are you all alright? Is Gai there? Aya-nee has this bad feeling for some reason…"
I closed my eyes as I thought of our comrades who were god knows where right now… God dammit Gai why did you have to die and leave me here to be the one to be the bringer of bad news…
I gave out a mournful sigh as I told Tsugumi and Ayase who was surely listening as well.
"First off, Inori and I are okay."
I could easily see their raised brows as Tsugumi began, "What abo-"
I interrupted her knowing that if I didn't continue, I probably wouldn't have the drive to do so later on,
"Gai… he died, along with Mana…"
Gasps were heard from the other line and I swore under my breath hating that I had to be the one to tell them that particular news…
"Aya-nee!"
Tsugumi's voice shouted from the other line and I worriedly asked, "Tsugumi! What's wrong with Ayase?"
Tsugumi replied worriedly, "Shu, Ayase had just gone out in tears… I'll go out and comfort her… Is there any place we can meet afterwards?"
I quickly thought of several locations that we could meet up with but eventually decided…
"Tennouzu High School… We should meet there… Tell Ayase that I'm sorry I couldn't protect Gai… Thanks again Tsugumi, see ya later."
"Aye! Location received, I'll be sure to pass on the message and no problem…"
With that the line closed and I pocketed my phone…
Inori and I easily made our way to school, and there we saw pretty much every student had also come to school… at least those who didn't get turned into crystals like those that we had seen on our way to save Inori…
It was around dinner time when Ayase and Tsugumi had entered the school, I was by the gate waiting for them while Inori had gotten to get both of us some snacks…
I saw that Ayase had her head down and was worried, I was about to ask if she was okay when Tsugumi shook her head and with that I knew that it wasn't time to confront Ayase…
I gave out a depressed sigh knowing that I couldn't help Ayase at the moment… I brought them to Alisa and she provided them with uniforms when she heard they were apart of the Undertakers… It was then as we were leaving that I informed Alisa with the same bad news I had to tell Ayase and Tsugumi… As we left, I heard sobbing behind the door of the student council room.
After informing Tsugumi and Ayase that they had to act as students for time being, I along with Inori went around the school to see what was going on while Ayase and Tsugumi were resting at a room at the female dorm for boarding students.
The net was down and surprisingly… even phone services were down. I guess due to the wide spread infection of the virus… almost all service stations were abandoned in the chaos…
And so with that, we continued to go through our days as we along with the students here await news from the outside…
It has been two weeks since then… Tokyo has completely changed. The Incident that occurred that day… It was announced to be called, 'the second coming of Lost Christmas' which was led to the blockage of the entire city center.
Up till now… the lines are all down and the TV along with the radio stations were dead… Most people were living at local evacuation sights… We were receiving supplies from the Kuhouin Group through secret means… apparently they were unable to bring us out as GHQ had ordered lock down on this area… just as that announcement earlier mentioned… Apparently until they were 'certain' that the virus was gone… we were to stay here for the time being…
Students who have gathered in this school… Tennouzu High School all had nowhere else to go… they couldn't contact their families while also not being able to return to their homes which were mostly outside the blockaded area…
I sighed as yet another satellite connection failed… I was trying to see if there was any possibility that we could connect to the network… but apparently it was to no avail.
Leaning on the railing, I looked up in the sky seeing choppers flying around… one would think that those were rescue choppers but instead those were simply GHQ choppers that were analyzing the area in the case of another breakout….
I murmured to myself…"They announced that the blockade would be lifted at any moment… People are hopeful… but from our experiences with GHQ, Yahiro and I really doubt that was true…Gai… What would you do…?"
I shook my head knowing that Gai wasn't here to lead the way anymore… Despite having to come to terms with that… It seems that Ayase was still has some regrets and refused to speak to us aside for a few words… I don't know what to do anymore...
I heard the soft patter of footsteps behind me and as a voice called out, "Shu…"
I turned to see Inori wearing her school uniform… I had thought of wearing Gai's cloak as a way to remember him by but I knew that would just hurt Ayase even more so I simply left it in my room…
"You're here again? Nii-san…"
I gave a soft smiled as I said, "Yeah… I like it here."
Ever since that day… Inori had taken to calling me nii-san occasionally which caused Souta to finally see that I simply treated her as my surrogate little sister but apparently his advances were still ending up as failures. Much to my amusement.
I then asked, "So… Is the council having a meeting again?"
Receiving a nod, I gestured to the door and we began walking down the roof's staircase…
Inori and I had joined the Student Council as a means to help out and frequently went to meetings concerning the current situation.
As we exited the building… I wondered… Is it really over?
Inori and I were about to head for the School's main building when I heard the sound of something being thrown to the ground and turned my head to see Ayase…
She was wearing the normal Tennouzu girl's uniform with a wristband on her left arm… She was on the ground and there was a sneaker in front of her… I guessed that she had probably fallen down and was about to run over to ask if she was okay when I noticed two students were in front of her… one was wearing specs while the other had a pony tail with two bangs on both sides.
Both were male and the one with specs commented,
"A little rowdy, aren't you?" they began approaching Ayase who tensed up, specs then continued, "Are you okay? Can you stand?"
He along with friend began checking Ayase out which led to me clenching my fists wanting to punch the living daylights out of them… Ayase then replied.
"Get lost." with an annoyed tone.
Spec's friend then began, "Don't be like that, we were just offering to help."
Ayase snapped, "I didn't ask for your help."
Specs then began to say, "Ahh, you're one of those 'I can do it myself' types, huh?"
His friend kneeled to get a closer look as he commented, "What, you're one of those tsundere types?"
Specs then had an annoyed face as he said, "its okay to be stoic but it pisses me off when people don't appreciate my kindness."
His friend then had a lecherous grin as he reached towards Ayase, saying.
"So let's be friendly with one another."
At that point I snapped and seeing as I was approaching them throughout their conversation, I easily managed to push away the guys hand while placing mine over Ayase.
I gave him a glare as I said, "I don't believe you understood what you were about to do earlier… Do you…"
He backed off a bit as I felt my eyes change a bit and before I knew it, I had entered 'New King Mode' once again… I could see their voids… the guy in front of me had some sort of set of fists…; I glanced to my left where Ayase was and saw that her Void was surprisingly in the shape of some sort of greaves that seem to be at the length of a person's legs… so maybe some kind of leg prosthetics?
It seemed that none had noticed my change as the guy with the specs said, "We were simply demonstrating a spirit of cooperation in this time of trouble, is that so wrong?"
His friend had a smug smile as he began approaching saying, "And that's that, you got a problem with it?"
Oh I had I problem with it alright… now what should I do… pull out Ayase Void? No… that'd be rude and too sudden… she'd probably hate me for doing that… I could pull his one out but doing that would lead to some troublesome events… I guess I'll just have to sock him good…
But as I was about to get up and do that, I heard someone running and ducked out of instinct as a cry was heard.
"Missile Kick!" and the guy approaching us would've collided with me had I not ducked just in time… Apparently Tsugumi, who was wearing a black sailor's uniform with her usual nekomimi device on her head, was the culprit of the kick and was standing there ticked off as specs shouted.
"You! What the hell was that for?" Tsugumi angrily replied, "That's my line! What are you doing to Aya-nee? Perverts!" I simply clapped for the performance as the teen who got kicked rubbed his back as he shouted.
"Piss off, you shrimp-"
She interrupted shouting, "Nay! I'm just getting started!"
I got ready in the case that these two would actually begin to fight when suddenly specs gestured to an area and his friend turned to see a whole bunch of students looking at them…
He tsk'ed before leaving with a parting comment, "you better remember this!"
Tsugumi simply replied, getting the final shot in, "Yeah right! Like I'd waste a single kilobyte storing this memory!" finishing off with putting her tongue out.
I simply chuckled at her antics as Inori approached us… I turned to Ayase who I was still holding and asked, "Are you okay? They didn't do anything did they?"
She simply shook her head answering, "Nah, they were just hassling me a little."
I had a concerned expression on my face as she then looked at my hand on her shoulder and pushed it away before saying, "Sorry, but would you mind leaving?"
I disagreed right away wanting to simply be there for her…
"But-"
She however snapped, "I told you before, didn't I? I refuse to accept help from anyone."
"I don't look elegant crawling into it…"
I could care less at this moment… but Ayase didn't want any help nor anyone watching her, so despite me wanting to simply shrug off her statements… I knew that I'd probably make it worse than it was…
Tsugumi seemed to agree as she told me, "Let's go, Shu." I stood up as Inori followed Tsugumi… I gave Ayase one more comment…
"You don't have to deal with this alone you know… be careful… "
I swore I could hear the words… 'Baka' as I left…
Parting ways at the hallway where Tsugumi decided to head for the cafeteria, Inori and I waved at her before heading over the Student Council room.
"The Kuhouin Group is airlifting supplies in, so we're still in pretty good shape there…"
It seems that Kanon was giving a report while the rest of the members listened; the members of the Student Council consisted of the people that had gone with me to save Inori that day…
Alisa and Hare had noticed our arrival and both gave their greetings as we sat down.
Kanon muttered, "I'm a little worried about the vaccine stock though…"
Yahiro then spoke up, "The effects of the virus are a concern too. I'd like to secure a good supply of vaccine. Can we ask for your help?"
Alisa nodded her head as she replied, "All right, I'll try to negotiate something with my grandfather."
Souta then commented, "Aren't you worrying too much? The quarantine won't last that long…"
I shook my head as I said, "No one knows that for sure despite what GHQ might have announced… for all we know we might be staying here for quite a long time… I agree with Yahiro's decision, it'd be better to have some stock just in case.'
Yahiro gave a nod, thanking me for my support I guess as he continued, "We can't afford to be too optimistic, it's been two weeks, which is about when people start losing it…"
As the rest of them began conversing about the riots that have been occurring elsewhere, my mind was elsewhere… I was wondering, what exactly was Ayase's Void… I wondered if it was simply a Void that would allow her to walk… or was it even more impressive considering what most of the Voids could do… Well aside from the vase and refrigerator one…
I was broken from my thoughts when Souta exclaimed, "come to think of it!"
He approached our and picked up a calendar as I asked, "What's wrong, Souta?"
He looked at me smiling as he suggested, "Say, how about we do a Culture Festival?"
I blinked before processing that suggestion… it wasn't actually a bad idea… after all it would be good for us to unwind a bit from the tense atmosphere surrounding the school….
Souta continued to explain his idea, "Normally we'd be having the Culture Festival this month, right? Come on, let's do it!"
Yahiro immediately disagreed saying, "Are you kidding? We're in the middle of a crisis."
Souta was unhindered as he retorted, "That's exactly why we should! Let's liven things up with something big and clear out the bad atmosphere here!"
I smiled as I asked Alisa, "Do we have enough supplies for it? I agree with Souta's idea, it'd be great for the students as well."
Alisa nodded while smiling, "that might be a good idea, we do have enough food to last us a while. I think we can pull off something if we keep it small."
"You hear the president!" Souta was happy that Alisa had agreed with his suggestion, he wrapped his arm around Yahiro's shoulder as he teased, " Read the atmosphere, Chief Cabinet Secretary Samukawa."
I chuckled at the grimace on Yahiro's face as Hare asked, "So we're really allowed to do this?" Receiving a nod, we quickly made plans for the festival.
It was near noon when everyone in the school had begun preparations for the festival; everyone was excited about it and quickly pinched in to help prepare for it.
I smiled as I informed someone where to place the stage; I hoped that this would go without any problems… I just wished that Ayase would talk to me… but until she does, I'm going just have to keep trying….
Scene Change: In an unknown room.
"Ah, it's finally time?"
"Yes, sir. They said we'd have approval in a few days."
It seems that Segai and Officer Rowan was in a control room of sorts as Segai looked over some data before commenting, "Life will be boring until then… Shall we do a little preview?"
Rowan frowned as he said, "Please sir! No more joking around! You aren't in the same position as you were before… Chief Segai."
Segai gave out a sigh as he commented, "We're both landed in difficult positions, haven't we?"
"I couldn't agree more."
Scene Change: Behind the school building.
P.O.V: Shu
"I didn't expect you to agree too."
I had called Yahiro as he wanted to know the new ability I had informed them I had… I pulled out his Void and allowed him to hold his Void as I replied.
"I think we all deserved a break… the air here was getting a little too stuffy."
He continued looking at his Void as he asked, "So this was inside of me? Why are you able to hand it to me now?"
I shrugged and said, "Something happened that day and I guess my powers changed because of it…" That day…at the cost of the life of my best friend… I had gained this new upgrade to my power…
Yahiro lifted up his Void before asking me, "How do I put it back?"
I gestured towards the Void and told him, "Just let it go."
He did so and just as it almost hit the ground, it floated up while glowing and streams were coming out of it before it entered Yahiro once more.
He let out a sigh as the Void finished entering and turned to me as he said, "These 'Voids' are just one mystery after another, aren't they?"
I smiled as I thought of Ayase's Void and its possible abilities before saying, "Yeah… "Then I stared at him with a serious gaze as I asked, "But… Why are you so interested about Voids all of a sudden?"
"Curiosity…"
What a simple reply…
I held up my right hand as I muttered, "I wonder… will this power of mine be used again…"
"I believe it will…"
I turned to him, raising a brow as I asked, "Oh? Why so."
"These conditions won't last long… and by that, I mean the opposite of what Kuhouin does, Shu."
I let out a sigh as I said, "I guess I can see that happening… though that does beg the question on who would take up the role if Alisa were to be usurped..."
Yahiro smirked as he said, "I believe the best candidate would be you… With your powers and Voids…"
I let out a scoff, "I might have the ability to use Voids or give them to other people but as a leader? I'm not so sure, thanks for the vote of confidence though."
"I guess for now, I can't change your mind but when the day comes, I'm sure that the decision will be made for you instead."
I shrugged before saying, "Well, I guess we'll have to wait until then, now shall we go? Our break time ended already."
We then headed back inside school and walked through the corridors checking out the progress of various classes, we eventually reached our own class and saw Tsugumi and who looked to be Kanon making a scene in front of the classroom, I turned to Yahiro and raised a brow, asking silently if he knew what was going on… He simply shrugged signaling that he didn't as we continued to approach the two.
"I don't need those!"
"Oh, don't say that. Here you go!"
Tsugumi placed a nekomimi head band on Kanon's head, I turned to asked what she was doing when I finally noticed that her attire had changed, she was wearing a maid's outfit coupled with her own set of nekomimi and a tail.
Fyu-Neru was also by Tsugumi's feet wearing bunny ears apparently, as Yahiro and I approached them, Tsugumi noticed us as she turned and greeted.
"Hey, Shu! Ta-da!" she then showed her maid's outfit.
I simply smiled at her cheeriness and asked amused, "What's the outfit for?"
She replied, "They told me that this was an animal café, hence the outfit."
I chuckled, "You're really apart of the school now aren't you, Tsugumi."
Tsugumi smiled proudly as she commented, "Well, moping around won't help anyone."
She then returned her attention to Kanon and grabbed her before making her face us as Tsugumi exclaimed, "So we have to make use of this opportunity to have fun!"
Kanon was blushing in embarrassment as she retorted with dog ears on her head, "But I don't have anything to do with it."
Yahiro chuckled and Kanon gave him a glare for his antics as she said, "Don't laugh."
Yahiro apologized with a smile on his face before approaching Kanon and patted her head as he said, "They look good on you."
Kanon seemed happy yet frustrated as she pouted.
I then looked around inside class and asked them, "Say, has anyone seen Ayase or Inori?"
Before any of them could answer though, someone shouted from below us.
"Hey, Shu! Over here!"
I looked down and saw that it was Souta… I wondered what he was up to and excused myself before heading over to where he was standing.
I was then brought out to where the stage was being built and surprisingly saw Inori there… Souta then told me what he wanted.
"I suggested that Inori should perform a live for the school and she agreed!"
Eh?... I looked towards Inori and saw her smiling… I guess she really wants this; I turned to Souta as I commented.
"So a live egoist concert?"
He simply gave a grin as he answered, "It's going to be the festival's main event! Leave the management all to me… Tamadate, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology will show you what I'm made of."
I snorted at the made up titles but let Souta have his fun as I turned to Inori and asked,
"Are you okay with this, Inori?"
She gave me a nod as she replied, "I want to try it." She then tilted her head as she continued, "Is that okay, nii-san?"
I gave her an encouraging smile as I replied, "Of course it's okay, and I'll be looking forward to it."
Scene Change: on an overhead crossing overlooking Tennouzu High…
Daryl was seen walking in casual clothes while having glasses on which had a mini camera that he was using to take pictures with as he muttered to himself.
"Come on, a festival now? There's something wrong with these people."
He continued snapping pictures which caused him to not pay attention to in front where Tsugumi was carrying a pile of boxes filled with costumes.
They collided and Tsugumi's load nearly fell off. Daryl was annoyed as he snapped, "That hurt! What if I was injured!? Be more careful!"
Tsugumi began, "Sorry sorry. But hey, perfect timing!" She smiled before bringing the boxes over to Daryl and passing them to him as she said, "Here, you take this."
Daryl struggled with the sudden weight that was given to him as he sputtered, "Hey! Why should I have to-"
He was interrupted however when Tsugumi added more load as she said, "This too please. And this!"
The addition weight nearly caused Daryl to topple, only his military training allowed him to pull through. Eventually they reached their destination and by then, Daryl was tired as he sat down muttering, "Why do I have to do work like this?"
Tsugumi leaned on a box as she said, "Man, you're a weakling."
Daryl gave her a glare as he retorted, "No, you just gave me too much work to do!"
Tsugumi simply smiled as she said, "It's okay, take this and cheer up."
She then gave Daryl a candy apple which he examined before asking, "What is this?"
Tsugumi continued smiling as she replied, "Your reward."
"I don't want that yucky food."
Annoyed with his attitude, Tsugumi walked over to Daryl and muttered…
"When someone does something nice for you…" and pounced as she exclaimed, "Shut up and accept it!"
Daryl screamed for Tsugumi to stop while she continued to laugh… and to think these two were on different sides…
Scene Change: A classroom…
Ayase and Hare were making decorations for the café… Ayase had done a pink paper flower and Hare commented.
"Whoa, Shinomiya-san, you're good at this."
Ayase smiled as she said, "You can call me Ayase… Your name is Menjou, right?"
Hare replied cheerfully, "Please, call me Hare. I'm sorry for asking you to do this out of the blue."
Ayase seemed a bit sad, "Why me, though?"
She looked down as she continued, "I suppose that I looked lonely by myself…?"
Hare however shook her head as she said, "That isn't it… umm, and I just wanted to thank you. It seems that through meeting you all… Shu's changed in a good way." She then bowed as she continued, "Thank you very much."
However Hare wasn't done… she then gave a questioning look, "It confuses me though, why haven't you and Shu been talking? It's almost if you are avoiding him… Did something happen?"
Ayase let out a sigh before deciding that maybe telling someone would allow her to ease her mind just a tiny bit… thus she began telling Hare of what had happened…
By the end of the story, Hare was solemn and apologized for their lost. As they were about to leave due to being done, Hare pointed out something to Ayase…
"I know it's not really my business but shouldn't you talk to Shu? I know it's hard but isn't it better to share those feelings with someone who loves you?"
Ayase blushed as she retorted, "Shu doesn't like me that much… neither do I!"
Hare simply gave Ayase a sly grin as she said, "Oh don't deny it, when we were going to go save Inori and you all, Shu even proclaimed that you were the one he cared for the most." As Ayase's blush became more pronounced Hare gave her a more serious look as she continued, "Don't lose this chance with Shu, or I'll come and fight back for his love, he deserves that much at the very least… good night, Ayase."
Throughout that entire night, Ayase was plagued with thoughts… Did Shu really like her that much? It was sweet for him to say those things about her… 'I guess I may have been lying about my own feelings but…' she stared out a window as she continued to ponder about her feelings…
And so the night went on…
Scene change: behind a bus
"Huh? Yeah, that's right."
Daryl was speaking to someone over the phone, he continued.
"Yuzuriha Inori, Ouma Shu – everyone's here." He scowled as he commented, "This is way too complicated… You could just destroy this place right now!"
"No, that won't do. We're in the middle of deliberations right now."
It seemed the other person on the line was Segai…
"We can't make any direct moves."
He muttered his previous words once before narrowing his eyes as he informed Daryl…
"At any rate, don't interfere. You understand?
"Understood."
With that Daryl pocketed his phone before looking at the candy apple he had received.
He grumbled, "What is this thing? It looks so cheap."
He then gave it an experimental lick before muttering, "The next time I see that runt… I swear I'm going to torment her."
Scene Change: The next day.
Ayase along with Tsugumi wear strolling through the festival as an announcement was made.
"The Tenno Festival is now officially open. Have fun everyone!"
Ayase spent quite some time thinking last night and as they passed stalls selling various stuff, she asked Tsugumi…
"Hey, Tsugumi… how is Shu doing?"
Tsugumi paused in her sightseeing as she gave Ayase a grin, answering.
"Oh? Has Aya-nee finally realized her true feelings for Shu?"
Ayase blushed as she retorted, "W-what? No! I was just asking how he was doing… it's not like I like him or anything…."
If anything Tsugumi's grin grew larger but eventually she answered, "He's been doing fine if a bit lonely, he misses your company, Aya-nee…"
Ayase looked down as she heard the answer and began thinking with a blush on her face… 'Shu was lonely? He misses me…'
As Ayase was busy dealing with what she just heard, Tsugumi commented, "I wonder if we'd be doing this too, if we went to school like normal kids."
Ayase was busy in her thoughts that she didn't hear the question and was about to ask Tsugumi to repeat when she exclaimed.
"Hey, Aya-nee, look! It's mini-hotcakes."
She then ran off to go and get some while Ayase simply smiled at her antics…
P.O.V Change: Shu
Everyone looked to be having fun which cemented my opinion that this was indeed a great idea… I had just gotten a meal at our class's animal café and found it to be alright… I just wished that Ayase was one of the waitresses there… Throughout the festival, I've been entering 'New King Mode' multiple times when people didn't notice and as I continuously used it, I found that I actually had some partial understanding on what a Void of different people could do…
I was walking through the field looking for any stall that caught my attention when I noticed Tsugumi bounding off the one of the stalls leaving Ayase who was watching her… I entered 'New King Mode' briefly and was happy to find that the knowledge of what Ayase's Void could do… and what I found was interesting…
I deactivated 'NKM' before I smiled as I saw Ayase smile, it has been a long time I've last seen that smile in person… the pictures in my locket was a poor substitution for the real thing… I approached her and she noticed when I got closer, I gave her a smile as I greeted.
"Having fun?"
She replied, "I guess…"
I scratched my head for a moment before I asked, "Hey, Ayase… wanna go somewhere? I have something I wanna talk to you about."
Ayase seemed surprised at my suggestion and thought about it for only a moment before she said, "But I promised Tsugumi that I-"
Before she could give her excuse, Tsugumi seemingly teleported to where we were and said, "It's okay, Aya-nee! Go have fun with Shu, I'll go hang out at the animal café after I finish these hotcakes."
I gave Ayase a wry smile as she sighed while watching Tsugumi heading off to god knows where she would go in the meantime.
I asked once more, "Well? How about it? Shall we go somewhere less noisy?"
Ayase gave a nod after thinking about it for a moment; I went over to behind her and as per usual, pushed her as we headed to a more quiet area of the school.
It was by the benches near a building, there was no one there, as most were at the festival having fun.
We sat down and got comfortable, I decided to start the conversation since we both didn't really know what to talk about out.
"So… Ayase, how have you been?"
She replied as she looked down, "Honestly… I still have regrets about not saving Gai… As it is, right now I simply feel that my life is meaningless…"
I snapped towards her as I was about to retort when I saw how hard it was for her to talk about this… Despite how I felt, I wanted to let Ayase let out what else she had to say…
Unhindered, she did just that. "I wonder… If Tsugumi had not bailed me out… Maybe… just maybe, Gai wouldn't have to die…"
This time I did not stop my retort, "Maybe, that would've happened… But you could've died! Your Endlave had already been pierced by three spikes… Who knows what else could've happened to you!"
She simply shook her head as she snapped, "I wished I had gotten killed instead! My life feels so half-assed right now that I have no idea what to do!"
I bonked her on the head while giving her a stern gaze… She looked at me in surprise as I said, "Don't talk like that… Don't treat your life as meaningless… "I gave her a sad look as I continued, "If you had died… despite Gai being saved… It would be my turn to feel as if my life had lost all of its meaning… Your life and your entire being are precious to me… I love you… now and forever… I can now honestly say these words… So please… Please don't say that you'd wished you had died…Please…"
Ayase looked shocked at my words… I gave her a wry smile not at all regretting what I said earlier, she began to stutter as she blushed.
"W-what… What did you say?..." Her eyes began to look teary as I gave her an amused smile before repeating.
"I love you…Please don't say you wished you had died..."
Her eyes widened as she clearly heard it that time… she leaned on to me as she began crying causing me to panic as I began saying.
"Ah! Ayase, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make you cry!"
I was waving my hands as I tried to think of a way to cheer her up when she suddenly began to laugh, giving her a confused look; she simply smiled before she said with tears still falling from her eyes…
"Baka… I'm not crying because I'm sad… I'm happy… to hear you say those words… I love you as well, Shu… And I'm sorry for how I was acting this past week…"
I froze when I heard her say those words; I then embraced her as I smiled knowing that with this, I knew how Ayase felt about me…
We eventually separated albeit reluctantly and gave each other a smile before leaning closer… and we kissed… this time with more emotion than the accidental one we had on that day… her lips were soft, only now I could actually tell since our previous kiss was too sudden and too short.
We separated with light blushes on our face… In the end, we sat there, content with each other's company before I remembered something as I said…
"Hey, Ayase? Do you remember what I told you guys about Hare's Void?"
Receiving a nod, I began…" Well, this might not be 100% but I think her Void might just be able to cure your legs!"
Her eyes widened in shock before she asked, "Really?"
Giving her a nod, I then told her that we should meet up with Hare later on and see if it was possible. With that Ayase's smile grew even more cheerful and I sincerely prayed that her hopes would not be in vain…
We then decided to go around the festival a bit more seeing that there was still a lot to be seen, we passed through various stalls situated around the school, some were selling pastries and treats while others were hosting small games that had prizes for those who won.
Ayase and I tried a couple of games before grabbing a tray of Takoyaki and checking out the rest of the festival… it eventually turned to evening and along with Ayase, we went over to the field, where the stage was.
As we stood there, I could see Inori receiving instructions from Souta, I then heard Ayase mumble, "Even she has her songs… what do I have…"
I place my arm over her shoulders as I said, "Well… you have me don't you?"
That caused her to giggle as she said, "That was so cheesy but it was also sweet… Thanks…"
I gave her a smile once more when suddenly an explosion occurred. I turned around and my eyes widened in shock when I saw an Endlave along with a military hummer… they were causing havoc on the students and the school as the people on the vehicle randomly fired off shots at people around them.
I went over to behind Ayase as I was about to push her to safety when she placed her hands on the wheels preventing me from moving her. I asked, "Ayase?"
She shook her head as she said, "I don't want to run away anymore… don't make me into a slacker once again…"
I gave a smile as I closed my eyes focusing my will, and went over to face Ayase and looked her in the eye as I bent down as a runic circle appeared below our feet… She seemed surprised as she commented, "Shu… your eyes, they're red…"
I gave her a smile as I said, "Hey, Ayase… Remember that promise I made? That I would one day give you wings… Right now, I will fulfill that promise…" I plunged my hand and pulled out her Void…
As it was materializing, I placed my right hand onto her legs and redirected the materializing there… As the Void materialized, Ayase now had armor on her legs and I stood before saying, "now then, try standing, Ayase."
She looked at me unsurely but her trust convinced her to do so and when she did, she was surprised that she could move her legs… and when she tried jumping, we found that her Void had allowed her to fly; the smile on her face was worth all the things in this world…
"Menjou-san!" Alisa's voice shouted through the chaos and I snapped my head at her direction to see the hummer heading for Hare and was about to ram into her. Before I could move, Ayase flew ahead and scooped her in her arms. Sighing in relief, I looked around and noticed Inori on the stage, I ran over and as I reached my destination I asked, "Inori, are you okay?"
She gave me a nod before asking, "nii-san, are you going to be fighting again?"
I gave her a nod just as Ayase caused the hummer to crash by pulling a sheet over the windscreen.
"If that is what I have to do to protect those I care about, then once more, I'll use this power once again… Heh to think what Yahiro said was true after all…"
Inori gave me a nod before closing her eyes as I pulled out her Void, she then opened her eyes as I shifted her Void preparing to head for the Endlave… I turned towards her and told her, "Go somewhere safe…"
She gave me a nod before running over to where Tsugumi was, I looked at Ayase who just stomped on the Endlave's face and smirked as she called out my name while floating in mid-air.
"Shu!"
I shifted my stance once more and jumped causing a runic circle to appear in front of me, propelling me towards the Endlave as I slashed at its torso while Ayase kicked its head with a heel drop before jumping away as the Endlave exploded.
We landed on the ground and were back to back as we looked around for anything we could've missed, thankfully it seems that it was safe for now as we let out sighs of relief before giving each other a smile as we leaned on each other. I asked, "So do you like your wings?" with a teasing smile on my face.
She however simply pecked me as she said, " Thank you… for everything." before giving me an entrancing smile causing me to blush only to snap out of it as everyone in the school began cheering, showering us with praise.
Eventually they all calmed down and despite the damage to the stage, Inori still wanted to perform at the very least one song.
As the song began while everyone gathered around, I put my arms around Ayase as we listened to my little sister's song…
The blooming wild flower
Ah, please tell me
Why do people fight and hurt each other
I turned to Ayase as I gave her a smile before saying, "Hey… Ayase? Don't ever change, I'll always be here for you and I will always love you."
She blushed before smiling as she said, "Shu… Thanks for everything, thanks to you… I feel a little bit better, though I still have a bit of regret… With time I'm sure even that will go away and I will move on…"
As the two overlap
I will sing
The proof that you have lived
For those without even a name
Ayase and I were about to lean for a kiss once more when suddenly Souta announced, "Hey everybody, the TV's back on!"
We reluctantly separated as we looked over to the screen behind Inori were Souta was asking Tsugumi to link the TV's connection to.
It was all static for a moment but then a voice was heard…
"In our investigation, we have been unable to find any survivors within loop 7 area who aren't highly cancerous…"
My eyes widened as I muttered, "Keido…" unable to find any survivors that weren't infected? Bullshit!
I was about to make my frustration known when Keido announced something that caused me to shiver slightly…
"The provisional government and GHQ have thus agreed to cease rescue operations."
Eh? But… apparently that wasn't the worst of it as Keido continued, "And we have decided to seal off the area for the next ten years."
"Loop 7?"
"But we're inside Loop 7!"
I was clenching my fist in anger and a hint of worry as I thought what we could do now, while the rest of the student body was panicking and in disbelief.
Keido continued to speak, "We will devote our utmost efforts to eradicating the Apocalypse Virus and thereby dispel the concerns of the international community… As the newly inaugurated President of Japan's provisional government, I believe it is my duty to bring about rebirth via purification."
"Well, things have just gone to hell… What're you up to… Keido…"
And so begins the last leg of this story, The rest of the chapters will be posted daily from today onward and while I know that some of the chapters may not be to your liking, I had to finish it before I lost my interest and gave up on it all together so forgive me .
For those that would find the following chapters acceptable/fine/great or if there are anythings that I could change to make my writing better as well as any errors, please do give me a review/pm and tell me about it but no flames ~ all flames will be used to boil water for meh instant noodles ~