A lot has happened and I'm finally moving on to my adult years, not much to say but the result of the polls. It's killing me to say this but there are only two voters and I won't tell you the results. I'm just gonna go and contemplate with their wishes and start it out somehow. I've skipped Chapter 75 since it doesn't have any relevance in the main story, that and it's insanely funny to read it than have me write it. Now originally I planned to make Sean capture Nanaka Haibara but I've made a change of plans just for a few funny moments.
Ending with a Checkmate
Today just isn't my day and I literally mean it because I keep getting these huge headaches! Since this morning, I've been dragging this pain on my way to school. The others felt it too save for Hate who has gotten used to headaches and a somewhat immunity towards it.
"Lucky bastard…" I muttered under my breath as we headed to school. I didn't go with the Katsuragi siblings today since I had to pick up Kusunoki.
"Is something wrong, Master?" She ask as she walked by me.
"Can you please not call me Master along the way and in school?" I pleaded as she complied and nodded.
"But in return you have to come and help me train the others." I cringed at the thought since I opposed to teach anyone else about the Kasuga style of martial arts other than the inheritor Kusunoki who can be a master after choosing the path of the living fist. *reference from History's Strongest Disciple*
"They wouldn't keep up with you even if they tried. It's better if you just do it on your own Kusunoki. Besides, I won't be held responsible if they're maimed." I can see her shiver which made give a slight sadistic smile in response
"Sean-kun, what happened between you and Takai-kun?" She asked as I stopped on my tracks and looked back at her. She got flustered as I look her straight in the eye.
"You don't have to worry about him; I've taken care of it." I told her grimly, this might cause- scratch that it will be a misunderstanding. Why do I have to be such a jerk?
"Another thing to keep in mind Kusunoki-san, do not ever let this boy be alone." I heard Hate's voice as it felt real, almost to real in fact that it made me turn around and find a shocked Kusunoki.
"K-Kusunoki...?" I called to her as I noticed something different... my entire vision is distorting. I'm not having a headache! I have a cold!
"S-Sean-kun?" Kusunoki-san called out to me as I snap back a bit. I saw that she was hugging me and holding my hand tightly that it almost hurt. I then shifted my to Kusunoki-san;s face as I saw tears coming out of it.
"T-Thank god, I-I thought you were going to die!" She exclaimed as she caught me in a tight situation. I then noticed two shadows coming to us, I looked up and found Nabeshima-san and Mana; both looking quite mad as they sent death glares at me.
"Ohayou Sean-kun, Kusunoki-sempai." Kusunoki-san immediately let go of me as sh helps me to stand up.
"Arigato, Kusunoki-sempai." I told her as I winked. My usual signal on telling Kusunoki-san to act along with me.
"...It's nothing." She said as she went ahead to get to school as she passed the two girls in front of her. I think she left me at the mercy of these two. *sweatdrop*
*At Class 2-B*
"It seems as if the two of you get along so well, Sean-kun. Tell me, what have you been doing all summer!" Nabeshima-san was interrogating me in the old western passion. The room was dark and only on light was on, and it was aiming at me.
"Before that, here are some souvenir I got from Hawaii." I gave her some some nuts that are native to that country. She swipes it away from my hands as the room was back to normal.
"Don't think that giving me these will remove all suspicions on you." She said as she was still eating the nuts. I waved my hand in the gesture of not using bribery... which I would have done if only she wasn't my girlfriend...
"Well... anyways, about Kusunoki-sempai... about the two of us... it's completely normal I guess..." I answered her question bluntly which she took with quite a shock... however, Mana took the news quite fine... it makes me wonder if Takai said anything about my relationship with the Kasuga dojo.
"WHAT!" Nabeshima-san yelled on the top of her lungs which surprised some of the few students who have come here early.
"I've been visiting sempai's dojo this summer... so it was completely normal. We've been doing some training so that the two of us can get in shape. Nothing more and nothing less per se." I told her which made her silent and squint her eyes a bit.
"Man... aren't you the jealous-type? Do you think I would allow other women in my life that easily?" I asked mockingly but the two stood up straight and gave off a serious air around them.
"Yes you do." If this was a manga right now, you can see the big arrow piercing right through my heart the moment they said that. However, the force of their combined answer wasn't enough to bring me down-
"At times, when it doesn't concern you... you help girls out, which in turn, fall in love with you!" Guh! *Strike one*
"On other times, you give off a mysterious air which makes girls swoon over you... but when you notice someone doesn't like you. You talk to them and with only that conversation, they already got close to you as if you've been friends all along!" Owaaahh! *Strike two*
"Also, you always drag anyone around with your ideas... most the time it was a real drag but once the task is done you give off that big goofy smile of yours and it somehow ends up being a really good event!" N-Now you too Keima-san! *Strike Three Hyper Combo KO* [Marvel vs. Capcom reference]
After receiving the beating of words that struck me deep in my heart. I got up but I still had this very painful heartache which remained... on the other hand my headache is gone.
"I guess you guys are right, you too Keima-san." I told them as Keima-san returned to his seat.
"So... Nabesima-san... wanna break up?" I asked bluntly which caught the attention of the four, the forth being Imouto-san.
"Sean-kun... you..." I heard the four of them said but Nabeshima-san's reaction was the most shocking... it made my eyes wide and my heart racing.
"W-What's this? W-Why does it make my heart race when i see that expression on her face?" I thought as the others heard me. Each one of them giving their own opinions... but none the more rises above the rest by none other than Beast opinion.
"That's the face she gave when she was surprised to be shot back then during Junior High, it left a lasting impression on me and because of it... I've been holding back my powers for as long as I can see that face. I never thought that I would see that pained expression on her again." Beast said which finally hits my reaction button at the back of my head... but I was too late...
*Slap*
That echoing sound which vibrated inside the classroom was heard by all of our classmates... save for some who aren't here yet. I didn't even noticed it ... the look in Nabeshima-san's eyes gave it away... it gave everything away... but why don't I feel anything!
"I hate you..." I heard her say quietly as she slowly put her hand down.
"...Nabeshima-san." I-I don't know what I was supposed to say... normally... things wouldn't get out of hand like this.
"I HATE YOU SEAN!" She yelled this time and ran away. She bump, however, to our homeroom teacher who was surprised and bewildered by the girl's sudden behavior for they know too well of her natural attitude.
"Did something happen?" She asked as she looked at the other students, they unconsciously pointed their eyes on me, however most were hesitant and looked the other way. These people include my friends and some who truly know me... but one of them just closed their eyes... I didn't know why I can tell this but someone wasn't sure of what had happened... when it was painfully obvious!
"..." I hid my eyes using my bangs, Nikaidou-sensei moved forward to confront me... however, I didn't expect for her to touch my cheek.
"There's blood on your cheeks." She said as it caught me by surprise and touched my cheek. However, I didn't feel any pain... or a cut... or is my body just blocking the pain from reach?
"Do you want to go to the infirmary?" She asked as I look at her, I have given it some thought for a mere moment... eventually I will have to go to the infirmary anyways so I nodded.
"Okay then, Elsea-san! Take Sean-san to the infirmary fronto! Be sure to come back quickly once you escort him okay?" She ordered as Imouto-san flinched for a bit but then nodded. As I walked outside, I noticed the evasive eye contact the others were giving me. Then it hit me like a speeding locomotive.
"Is this the art of 'shunning?'" I thought as I heard the grunts of the others in my head.
"I really wonder if this kid really understands the situation his in?" They all thought as I was lost in thought. I was brought back to reality by Imouto-san's touch.
"Is something the matter, Sean?" She asked giving off a worried face. My heart felt warmth when I looked at that face and shook my head.
"No, it's nothing to be worried about." I told her as we went outside our class and went to the infirmary.
"Speaking of which, I haven't told anyone that we are living together... the three of us." I thought out loud as Imouto-san seemed surprised.
"Eh? But haven't they already known that we are living together by now?" She asked with an innocent face. I couldn't help but give an innocent smile in response.
"No, I have never disclosed information about my whereabouts... not even to Kusunoki-sempai." I told her as she was deep in thought.
"Are you sure? I'm pretty certain that they have all known by now." I can determine by the sound of her voice that they already did... but it's strange... I have no recollection of ever telling anyone where I live... save for those who already knew... unless they think it's another of my part-time jobs.
"Still, I don't want others pestering us about why I live under the roof of the Katsuragi house. So if they still haven't found out yet... I don't want you to tell them, okay?" I told her as she gave a simple smile and a nod... sometimes I really wish the best for Imouto-san. [I left the underlined word there. It gives off confusion. Also it brings us to think why Sean doesn't want to let anyone know.]
I couldn't help but get this nagging feeling in my head that I should apologize to Nabeshima-san. I will go to her later and do so but I've got this other nagging feeling in my head. Something very important...?
"Heya~! Sean-kun~!" I looked around and found the school nurse giving me the eye again.
"Did you come to me so that Onee-chan can teach you about a lot of things~?" She teased as I crossed my lips.
"Sean... let me take her up on her offer and-"
"NO way am I going to let you out Liam! Who knows what you might do to the school nurse!"I exclaimed as I cut him off.
"I don't know Sean, it pretty much seems like she is inviting you in... maybe you take this chance and-" I slapped myself.
"The hell Lucy! Not you too!" I told him as he scoffs.
"Look, now the nurse is looking at you weirdly." He pointed out as I look back at the nurse who was flushed red.
"My... I never knew you were into BDSM Sean-kun~ The flowing blood in your cheek makes you so more the reason to glomp on you~!" She squealed as she made a gesture to jump on me at any moment as I stood there shock and taken aback. [If you play Ace Attorney Games, then you can imagine his shock expression by looking at Edgeworth's. Here's a link http:/ .com /image /edgeworth%20shocked / cooldude613/ ?o=2]
"I've got to take you home~!" She actually did it, she made a dive towards me! I stood there frozen and unable to move, I closed my eyes as that exact very moment... I thought I was done for... but that moment never came.
"You know, if you are going to take one of my students. Then you better do it after classes!" I heard someone exclaimed as I opened my eyes. And I saw Nikaidou-sensei stopping the school nurse by only using a really thick textbook.
"That's one really thick textbook... no sexual innuendo intended." I sweatdrop as the nurse lay there on the floor.
"I never did get a chance to do anything to your cute students... Nikaidou-sensei~" She teased as she sat up, I heard sensei let out a sigh but I was more focused on helping the nurse up.
"Ah, sorry about that earlier Sean-kun~ You're blood really excites my inner me~" I'd rather not meet the inner you in a dark alley or even in public!
"Ah... no harm done I guess." I said as I turned to thank Nikaidou-sensei but was stopped as she gave me papers.
"While your here, you better make use of this time and answer all of these test questions. I expect for you to finish this in under 30 minutes." She ordered as I take a look at the questions. They aren't very hard to answer and would actually be done in less than the time required.
"By looking through these just once... I'll be done in 20 minutes or less." I told her as Nikaidou-sensei gave a knowing nod and glared at the nurse.
"You better not do anything weird beyond your duty as a nurse to my student you hear! There will be consequences if you do!" She remarked harshly as I sweatdrop again. The school nurse seemed to be more excited than frightened however...
"I've do it now and get the punishment... but since it is so rare for you to come here then I won't~ But you have to treat me to lunch later~" She hummed as Nikaidou-sensei again, gave another sigh. I got close to sensei to convey a message to her.
"Don't worry I will prepare something after I finish the test. I will be using the home economics room then." I whispered to her as she gave a nod.
"Deal." And with that, she went to leave and probably daydream of the lunch I will make.
"Hyahaha! I wonder what kind of lunch she will treat me with? I've go by as long as it taste good." I heard the nurse say as I use the spare table next to her and put the papers down. I also took a mental note to make good tasting food... japanese-style of course.
"These questions are too easy... maybe I should strike a conversation while I am at it?" I turned to the nurse as she got close to me and cleaned my wound.
"It's rare for the most badass-looking student I've met to get wounded like this. I'm guessing you let your guard down or did something stupid again." Guh! This nurse is something else!
"All done~! Anyways, Sean-kun~ I noticed you also have muscle aches and had a mild headache earlier. Is it fine to actually take the exam with so much stress~?" She asked smiling as I checked myself, she was right on the dot. My body did have a bit of problems but I guess it might be due to the ramen I kept eating during summer. *sweatdrop*
"Nah, I will do fine for now Sensei. Don't worry about me, I will be fine." I told her as I finished answering one test sheet.
"Okay, Sean-kun~ Just ask if you want anything from little old me~" I blushed a bit as I kept answering my test, she giggled a bit as she clearly saw me flustered. After about 20 minutes...
"I'm done!" I exclaimed as I raise my exam sheet up high.
"Congratulations~! Now you can go ahead and give the papers to Nikaidou-sensei~!" She cheered as I look at her questionably.
"Why me? I can just give these to you since I can cheat for answers right?" I argued as the nurse gave me a look and nodded her head in agreement.
"Good point Sean-kun~! I can't trust you with going to the hall and giving the papers if there is a slight chance of cheating along the way... very well, I will be handling this~ You can go now Sean-kun~" She insisted as she pushed me out and grabbed the papers. It was weird to have the school nurse do this to me but I left it at that since I had to go anyways.
*Enforcer's Office*
"Excuse me, is Nabeshima-san present here?" I asked as I entered, I was the president and only the president in this room. He looked up and was surprised by my presence.
"Been a while since I last saw you here, Sean-kun. So what do you want from Nabeshima-san? She's not been here since early this morning but I've received a not of excuse because the main house summoned her." He said as he waved a letter with the seal of Nabeshima-san.
"So it is. I will find another time to talk to her then. Tell her that I'm sorry about this morning... and that I was stupid will you?" I asked as the president nodded his head.
"Sure, leave it to me. I'm going to go and think that you did something stupid and broke her heart. So please go now, we will be conducting and urgent meeting later about the major festival. I'm hoping that you and Nabeshima-san can resolve this issue amongst yourselves as we will be extremely busy." He told me as I went for the door... but I stopped for a moment and looked back.
"If you need extra hands, give me a call and I'll lend you some. I've got people who will work if you made a good enough condition for them." I told him as he nodded and gave a knowing smile. I returned the smile with my own and left to the 2-B Pencil's club.
*2-B Pencil's Clubroom - Elsea's POV*
"Oh, well. After a test, you really feel like it's begun huh~ The second term! The dance festival in November! The live debut of us, the 2B Pencils, is closing in!" Chihiro-chan exclaimed happily as we were practicing.
"Wah, just two months away!" Ayumi-chan was clearly worried and so was Sean who was sweating bullets.
"I don't want to crossplay during that time..." Are probably his thoughts.
"I wonder if we'll be really ready?" Miyako-chan wondered as she was getting nervous as well.
"It's all good!" Chihiro-chan said trying to ease our nervousness. She then went on to explain her foresight in the future.
"And btw, we still don't have a drummer... and Sean-kun is sweating bullets because of this." Miyako-chan pointed out as he flinched and wiped his sweat away using his hanky.
"What should we do? I've tried to look for potential drummers but... all of them are either at the orchestra club or just don't want to join. I also want to take note that this is my drum set that I brought from home." He said as he pointed out that the drum set is his. Chihiro-chan then went on about not needing a drummer and that Sean-kun will do just fine... much to his shock.
"Igiari!" I heard Sean exclaimed.
"All of your examples are all male drummers! Not a single one of them are even female drummers!" Sean raised a good point as he tries to save himself from being the permanent drummer but...
"Good point but your different and we trust you! So good luck crossdressing!" He instantly dropped down due to the overwhelming shock... and for comedic effect.
"The things I do for love." I heard him say as I took note that it was in English. (Anyone get the quote? It's quite old but hopefully you do.)
"Hmm?" The two looked at Sean confusingly as Miyako-chan blushed a bit... it seems she was the only one who understands.
"Well let's continue." Chihiro-chan leaded us as we continued to practice.
*Somewhere around the school grounds. Keima's POV*
"Laughter brings great fortune! And what the hell man! This is the first that I've finally got my own point of view!" I thought as I was breaking the forth wall but continued anyway.
"Huhuhuhu. I never realized... that school could be such a heavenly place!" I exclaimed aloud as I continued playing.
"I have to admit that Sean mostly helped me with some captures during the summer but it was still an epic fail, one harsh interruption after another!" I said as I got back to the time I had to do certain captures for myself. It also is good to note that Hate was brought out during the summer... strange. Beast was introduced during the spring of my last year of Junior High, after 2 years at summer break... Hate appears with burning malice surrounding him... what next? Will something happen during fall or the winter season?
"Nii-sama/Keima-san! Will you join/help Chihirio's band?" The two ask as I made a sprint away from them. Elsea, however, stops me from my tracks using her Harogomo.
"We're in trouble, because we need a drummer~~" Elsea started but I quickly countered.
"You two heard me just now right! At least leave me alone in school!" I yelled at the both of them.
"But, you helped before the test~~" Elsea tried to reason but I was too mad.
"Now, is there no other 'character' in your world besides me! I can understand Sean-kun's situation but this is down right ridiculous!" I exclaimed as I got free from her clutches.
"I've finally understood... when you lend a penny, people steal your wallet!" I can clearly see Sean-kun's 'You've only just realized that now face?'
"This is a new term! From now on, I'll only get involved with the real to capture runaway spirits!" I exclaimed with a serious face. I then turned to leave... until the sound of Elsea's censor.
"N, Nii-sama, a runaway spirit!" I didn't need to be told that.
"Was this on purpose?" I once again broke the forth wall.
"Huh... where is it? No one's here..." Elsea said as the two looked around. I then saw Sean pause and I quickly gaze at what he was looking at.
"You found her... in a rather awkward state." I muttered as the girl was repeating my name as he was looking for something.
"Jeez, all them guys, are just trouble..." I heard her say as she got up.
"Ah... you guys... Y'all seen Keima?" She asks as I noticed her loose hair... it reminded me a lot about a certain girl's hair.
*Said Girl*
"Achoo!"
"Do you have a cold Ikoma-san?"
"No... it was just a slight sneeze."
*Back to the MCs*
"D'ya have a few screws loose in that noggin of yours! I'ma looking for..." As Elsea and the new girl argue... Sean-kun and I noticed a Shogi board.
"Ah, she's there. That damn woman's there!" We turned to find a few geeks.
"Are you a blockhead who decided to pick a fight with our club?" One of them asked.
"You, who are you and where you from?" Another demanded as the girl scratched her head.
"Maijima Municipal Misato East High school, Shogi Club, 2nd year. Haibara, Nanaka." She introduced herself.
"Shogi!" I heard Elsea say as I look back at the others.
"I ain't here to start a fight. I'mah lookin' to play shogi n' word is this here club's the strongest." She said as I can see the malicious intent of the three.
"Coming to defeat the Maikou Shogi club, you've got guts, don't you know who the strongest is!" I turned to look at Sean-kun who gave me a confused look and quickly shook his head.
"I haven't played since middle school." He said.
"He was in the prefectural tournament twice, our chief, Takaza Sankichi!" They said as they made a big deal on their leader.
"I'm Takaza. You're quite the daredevil, ne." He introduced himself as he was looking all high and mighty... and stealing one of my ways of adjusting my glasses while being arrogant.
"I came all the way from another school, I'd be troubled if you were total crap." She said with a change of accent. They then led her to their clubroom's ultimate defeat.
"Ahah, my time got wasted. Facing off with them ordinarily opponents'll just drop my level... so after all, my only opponent... is none other than that person!" She exclaimed as she left. After a while it was already time to go, Sean-kun was reading The Rules of Shogi that he probably got from the school library.
"Her name... was Nanaka-san? Somehow she seemed to have a harsh personality, ne." She asked as we walked home.
"I've been guessing that it's just a bonus stage, this time. From all my exp., she has a harsh personality and options are limited. Furthermore, the key factor is Shogi this time." I explained as I shared a little of my wisdom to Elsea.
"Even you can capture it."
"Wow... I'm glad."
"So you do it."
"No, thanks."
"The problem is... that Nanaka... goes to another school." I said as I showed the Keima(Knight) Nanaka was looking for.
"Misato East is nearby but..." But then I went back to wondering... Nanaka's School Uniform... I think there was someone else who has the same uniform.
"!" Speak of the devil... and I don't Sean-kun.
"I wonder if that girl is coming to chase me down again... it's really troublesome..." I heard her say as she was sweating.
"Ah, so there was a fellow classmate." I asked as she was jumped and toppled over our sigh.
"Ah... k, Keima-kun?" She asked as Sean-kun picked her up, fixed the sign and returned to reading his book.
"Sean-kun seems to be focused today." Tenri noticed his weird behavior... in fact I was expecting a comeback from him right about now.
"Tenri...? What'cha doing in front of my house?" I asked.
"I'm... being chased... by someone..." She said meekly as it was enough for me to understand.
"Chased? Again?" I asked as I was having my doubts with her parameters.
"Is being chased a hobby of yours?" I asked but she tried to explain but I changed the subject. "Who's chasing you?"
"Found you!" And as if right on cue, the culprit came... as well as my next conquest target.
"Ayukawa! You'll play a round of shogi with me today, for sure!" Eh? You know her?
"Don't play dumb, Keima-san." I turned as Sean-kun finally made a comeback... only that he read my mind.
"Ah! Kami-sama, this person..." Elsea started as I nodded.
"Now then, let's duel!" You're seriously going to play in the middle of the road?
"Eh... umm... on the street?" Tenri asked.
"Doesn't matter where. I can't be patient anymore! A big gap has opened in my heart... because I lost against you!" She exclaimed as Elsea and I listened in.
"It shouldn't be possible to lose in shogi yet- I lost against someone like you, who's just spacing out all the time!" As she was complaining, the rest of us huddled up to get the gist of the situation.
"Shogi? You won against her?" I asked Tenri.
"Well... about that..." She started.
"I, was the one who chastised her." I heard Diana said as I lift my PFP.
"That girl is Tenri's classmate... and she always acts like Tenri's an idiot, so, I took over Tenri to put her in her place, and won at Shogi." I can kinda grasp the situation now... but it seems this person is bigger trouble than before.
"You're good at Shogi?" I asked.
"Because I'm a God, I won't lose against Humans. It was such a small thing... yet it became such a big deal..." Me and Elsea then began to plot as Sean-kun took over and talked with Diana.
"You shouldn't do that now, we humans have pride, and her pride is what let her to challenge Tenri since that day on. You should have known that if you planned to make friends... Diana." Sean-kun's words stings even Diana. I think it wasn't on purpose but he is still focused on reading that book... I guess it was a slipped of the tongue.
"Stop bickering! Come here and sit down!" Nanaka ordered as Tenri was about to make an action.
"We're already past that stage! Leave this to me!" I said as I stepped in.
"Your a 100 years too early for you to challenge Master Tenri!" I exclaimed dramatically.
"First you must duel her student, me!" I challenged her.
"Student! How about that!" She complained as I pushed Elsea to Tenri as my signal for them to go.
"Let's go you two, we are not needed in this battlefield." Sean-kun said as the two walk along and went to Tenri's house.
"I've got no beef with a student! I want Ayukawa!" She demanded as I revealed her missing Keima.
"Hu... if you keep insisting... it doesn't matter! What might become of this knight(Keima), right!" Behold my hostage!
"Ahh! My knight!"
"Hihihi, I'll return it if you duel me." I told her.
"...okay, can't be helped- And! Are you strong!" She asked to make sure. I fixed my glasses to make my point clear.
"Shogi is also a game. I can't lose because it's a game!"
"Hoh, how interesting. Sit down! Let's duel!" She demanded as I sat down.
"Before we begin, how do I place the pieces?"
"How dun can you even know that!"
"Well the game starts after they're in place."
"Baka!" She said as we began playing.
*Nanaka VS. Keima*
"It was just one loss... It shouldn't be that much of a shock, right?" I asked as I ended my move.
"Are ya joking? It's not 'just one lost' when I lose!" She said as she continued.
"Till' now, I ain't lost once! High caliber geniuses are congratin' in the higher 'world' of Shogi, so, I gotta show an overwhelming display of power!" She told me as I understood.
"I'll... enter the newcomer tournament this year... and shoot to be a pro! And yet, I can't go on while I've lost... to someone like Ayukawa!" She said as I began to get teary.
"You're a good person."
"Eh!"
"If everyone would talk that much with me, every capture would be a breeze!" I told her as I clapped my hands together.
"What'cha saying! I, I heard that I talk like a dumb kid, sorry about my chatter..." She apologized but i insisted.
"No, no, talk more! I'm starting to like the Kansai Dialect!" [Sadly I only found the translated chapter of which doesn't show her accent.]
"Stop it!" She demanded as we continued... after the 82nd round... I won.
"Wh... why? I... I lost again..." I got up as I am about to make a strategic retreat. (Running away.) I then made it to Tenri's house and explained my plan.
"And so Tenri, beat me in front of Nanaka!" I told her.
"I should win against Keima-kun?"
"Ahh... can you play shogi?"
"Ano... let me do this... It's my responsibility... also... with the Weiss(Runaway Spirits)... I wish to verify something..." She said as I noticed something within her words.
"She's here." I said as I heard the doorbell.
"I'll be fine, if we act as planned, ne." Diana said.
"It'll be fine. Nii-sama is perfect. After that, Nanaka will win... and Nii-sama and Nanaka will kiss to finish it." Elsea said as she landed a pipe bomb in the middle of something so important!
"..." Sean-kun snaps his book close and looked around. He seems to be wondering what is going on.
"Excuse me, I couldn't hear to well... wanna explain that last part in detail?" Diana asked threateningly.
"Ano... Nii-sama will remove the runaway spirit... by making the girl fall in love with him..." She tried to make it sound harmless but it was no use.
*Sean's POV*
"Women are scary..." I thought as Keima-san was sent flying outside. His body burnt to a crisp.
"I finally understand what Nora meant... back then." Diana said as she slowly and menacingly walked outside.
"In short, your... chasing after other girls when your partner, Tenri, isn't here." She said threateningly
"Baka... Elsea." I heard Keima-san muttered but I'm not quite sure.
"Aren't you embarrassed of yourself!" Diana exclaimed angrily as Keima-san quickly got up to make a point.
"It can't be helped, right! I do it to capture runaway spirits! I'll lose my head if I don't do it!" He said as he pointed at his collar.
"What's going on? Friends breaking up?" Nanaka-san asked as I tapped her shoulder and shook my head.
"Apparently, that's what you call a lover's quarrel." I told her as she blush a bit.
"I told you before! Let's play!" Keima-san demanded.
"I don't want to! Who would help you kiss someone!" Diana said rejecting Keima-san.
"Tenri, you dummy... why'd you kiss this guy... because... it was my first..." Now that I can hear.
"Understood. It should be okay to beat you in shogi, Katsuragi-san. However..." She picks up the shogi board first then continues.
"Katsuragi-san, you as well, should face me with all you've got." She said as Keima-san got serious and glared at Diana which caused me to back down a little.
"...What?"
"You humans, can't match a God like me." She taunted him and then continued.
"I'll deliver divine punishment to you... playboy!" The image of a rabbit came to mind. (If you read the magazine then you can get this joke.)
"Hu... God's Wrath? I can return the favor." Keima-san said as he stood up and gave his almighty smirk. (For the love of all things holy, I think we're gonna see a clash of the titans!)
"What, what! A duel!" Nanaka-san said confused.
"Sorry, Nanaka... I can't take the shortest route... because, you see, I'm winning this game." He told Nanaka-san who was still confused.
"The hell're ya sayin'?"
"It is time for you to come and understand that... there are those far beyond your skill." Diana said as I translated for her.
"In other words, she will assert her dominance to Keima-san."
"Even if you say God, Gods exist in the real, too. Challenging a real God..." I then proceeded to translate for him.
"In other words, you have no chance in beating me in this game."
"Um... could you line them up for me?" Keima-san asked Nanaka-san as I went and fixed the board as quickly as I could.
"There you go." I told them.
*Keima VS Diana*
"Keima-san is shining with the light of a Buddah... or rather of a god... this battle will be awesome!" I exclaimed as I relaxed myself and focused my sight on this battle.
"You might believe it'll be easy, but... challenging me, how foolish... almost like how Sean-kun challenges me every weekend only to get pawned!"
"Hey!" I complained when Keima-san used me as an example.
"In shogi, you must plan and read ahead... a heavenly figure like me... can't possibly lose to a human at that! The dragon has arrived!" She exclaimed as I can see Shen-long behind her.
"Are those two good?" Imouto-san asked as I am not going to answer it because my full attention is turned the battle. Nanaka-san, however, answers it for me.
"They don't play by the book at all. But, they're quite strong."
"Thinking on a level where you read your opponent's moves... is naive!" Keima-san exclaimed as he made a counter move.
"Also a strong counter!" Nanaka-san exclaimed.
"Hu, the gaming world isn't that sweet..." I can see the other side of the Capturing God when he said that. This game must be taking a toll on him-
"This is said to be first serious shogi galge, but it freezes up when you strike the king! I even played this shitty game!"
"As if I'd known!" Actually I take it back, it's still the same old Keima-san. *sweatdrop*
"Falling in love with someone like that... Tenri... it's like getting bitten by a mad dog!" She exclaimed as she made a strong move hitting Keima-san off guard.
"Furthermore, Tenri might be fine with it, I... " She then made another move as Keima-san was once again caught off guard.
"I, who shares this body... do you know how I feel!" She said threateningly as Keima-san did not make eye contact.
"Guuh!" Tenri once again made a powerful move which penetrated Keima-san's defenses! The shock in Keima-san's face says it all!
"Mocking a heavenly person is a sin... know your fate! Heaven's Strike(Checkmate and Punishment)!" This last move finished Keima-san off as I can clearly see a silhouette of her heavenly arrows striking down Keima-san and sent him flying!
"N-Nii-sama!"
"I won, as requested... I'll leave the rest to you, Katsuragi-san." Diana turned as I felt something deep inside me wanted to say something... wanted to say something out loud.
"Mattah!" I yelled out as Diana stopped and looked back at me.
"Ano... Tenri-chan! L-Let's battle!" I demanded.
"No. I have no obligation to battle you."
"Then how about we make it exciting then? Let's make a bet, I know you want to know he location of your other companions." I persuaded her as she flinches.
"Your bluffing!" She interjected as I shook my head.
"Am I?" I asked mockingly as I know full well I know at least one person who is the same as her.
"Guh! Fine let's battle it out!" She said as she sat down.
"Hold it!" I exclaimed.
"What now?"
"What do I get if I win?" I asked as Diana thinks about it.
"How about information? It is a good amount for your information as well." She offered but I shook my head.
"Sorry but I know you don't have useful information I don't know about. Also I've been investigating so I would fine out sooner or later." I mocked her as she glared daggers at me.
"Then what do you propose then?" She asked as I smirked.
"You wouldn't!" The demons and the others inside my head can clearly see what I have thought.
"How about a kiss? It's enough to satisfy me." I said as the others were shocked.
"What's the matter? Too scared to lose your first time to me?" Those pick me up lessons from Keima-san are finally paying off!
"Your so dead for that! Fine! I accept your challenge!" And so I sat down and assembled the field.
*Sean VS Diana*
"For your information, I'm not doing this for my late friend who passed away to the other side."
"I'm still alive!"
"But I'm doing this just to mock you!" I told her as she was offended. I then moved my Ryou at the left corner of my turn.
"Clearly you have lost your mind! Challenging a divine host like this-! You're clearly insane!" Diana said as she took my pawn.
"AM I! In real life, there is no such thing as God to us!" I exclaimed as I moved my Ryuma to my right corner.
"It's people like you that go to hell! Know your place!" She yelled as she took my Golden General.
"Hmm... it's been a while... but I can finally see it... the ending!" I exclaimed as I activated Devil Mode!
"In just five turns, I will rip off your heavenly wings and drag you down!" I exclaimed all high and mighty.
"Ha! A human like you can actually beat me? I want to see you try!" She taunted as I made my move and checked his King.
"What the-"
"1" I said as Tenri move and covered the king.
"Check!"
"How in the-"
"2" I taunted as Tenri moved her king again.
"Check!"
"N-No way!"
"3" I continued as we were ever getting closer to the ending.
"Check!" I said as I took her Rook.
"This can't be-!"
"4." I said as I've finally got her where I wanted her to be.
"N-No way... it's impossible!" Diana exclaimed as she clearly saw what I have done.
"Right now, my hands have ripped off your feathers, but now I've had your wings ripped where I want you to be!"
"N-No!"
"That's right! This is my power... the power to oppose the gods! My sword and body move as one as I strike my foe and end her! Take that! Ragnarok!" I yelled as I ended the battle and made a sword slash gesture. Diana was blasted away by my powerful blow.
"This victory will be forever engraved in my heart." I said as I stood up and look away from my befallen opponent.
"A-Amazing! H-He defeated her so easily! And in just five turns like he predicted!" Nanaka-san exclaimed as I picked up Diana.
"I-I lost... h-how did this happen...?" She asked in a dazed as I gave her the answer.
"That's easy, I won because I saw my first check and when I saw it I proceeded to send my Dragon and Dragon Rider to the corner for a sure kill. When preparations are done I've made my move in just five turns... like I predicted." I told her as she was still in a daze.
"N-No!"
"Hey, I won. Though I have to admit you put up a fight... it clearly wasn't enough to stop me from drilling a victory." I told her as I was proud.
"F-Fine then... y-yo-you... c-ca-can... k-ki-kiss... me." She stuttered as I looked into her eyes.
"Oh yeah, my prize. Can I get it now?" I asked as she flinched and her face was red.
"P-Please be gentle." She begged as she closed her eyes.
"..." I smiled and got close to her face, I can imagine the shock and embarrassment of the others. I then pecked Diana's cheeks which surprised all of them.
"What? I did say kiss but I didn't say I would do it mouth-to-mouth~" I teased as the others fumed red.
"Besides, Diana, you shouldn't let earthly things control you... rather, I'm your ally. To me you are the best candidate for Keima-san, so, I want you to trust me okay?" I asked as I put out my right hand for her to shake.
"Eh... uh... okay..." She said as she shakes my hand as I smiled and put my left hand at the back of my head.
"Your quite a strange human, Sean, your the first to ever fool me... or ever ace on equal ground to a heavenly host." She said as I put out my tongue in a friendly mocking gesture.
"Are you stupid? Whether it be Gods, Demons, Humans, or Monsters. I don't fear them, I befriend them. It's how I was born to be, your a God and you should know that." I told her as she was a bit embarrassed about that.
"Clearly you are no human to be looked down upon. You gained my trust, Sean. You've earned it." She said as I jumped in joy and pump my fist in the air.
"All right!" I cheered.
"Sean-kun..." I turned around to find a very mad Keima-san whose fuming.
"I've meant this for Tenri to win but now you won against her! How the hell should I go about this now!" He demanded aloud as I covered my ears.
"Before I answer, I wanted to say one thing, in Shogi... nobody can beat me. I've been the best there is in the world of Shogi. I've never been defeated in my reign and even until now I never have. She can never beat a legend like me." I told him as Nanaka-san nodded her head and understood, I can see that she respects my career as a fellow shogi player... though I've played illegally underground. (Won for 5 straight years at Underground Shogi Tournaments)
"So, you mean to say Tenri is the last objective we have?" He asked as I shook my head.
"She's not the last Keima-san, she's your only objective. Sorry about this Diana." I told her as she shook her head.
"No it's fine. The loser don't complain." She said as I laughed a bit and walked ahead.
"That's good, Nanaka-san you have to build up your career as a Shogi player from scratch if you want to earn my respect. You have to start somewhere and if you finally gained some fame... why don't you come by and challenge me?" I told her as she nodded her head and understood.
"That's a good girl, you can't be the best if you can't beat the rest. See you later." I told her as I went to Keima-san's house and the days went on.
*4 days later at the Katsuragi Residence*
"What! They haven't slept for the past 4 days! Is this a good idea? I've been holding back our homeroom teacher because I claimed he was sick." I told Imouto-san as I still haven't had any luck with Nabeshima-san since then. But I felt like I got a lot more closer with Diana.
"No big deal, we only stayed up and played for 4 days." Keima-san said as I can clearly see he was deprived of sleep.
"Yes, yes! It's special training to win against Ayukawa, hu hu!" Nanaka-san said as she was also deprived of sleep,
"That's what you say, but you sleep in school, right?"
"Baka! I can't sleep when you won't!" She exclaimed as she makes her move.
"If I can't beat you... I won't be beating Ayukawa, right!" She then made her move and passed out.
"But... it's scary how stubbornly she's aiming for victory..." He said as he got up and covered her with a blanket so that she doesn't catch a cold.
"However, I'm used to all-nighters, you're no opponent for me..." He soon then went to dreamland after saying those words, I gave a sigh and brought Keima-san at a sofa and covered him with a blanket. With that, a whole 2 weeks have passed, during that time, I still had no luck tracking down Nabeshima-san and apologizing.
"Heya~! Tenri-chan!" I waved as I caught up to Tenri-chan.
"Oh, hello Sean-kun..." She was still as meek as last time.
"You know you can just call me Sean, you deserve to be informal to me at least this match." I told her as she shook her head.
"I don't want to be rude to you Sean-kun..." She said shyly which was really cute.
"You know, I find it strange that I can talk to you so casually. This is the first time I've let my guard down to a girl." I told her which caught her attention.
"Really?"
"Yeah, it feels so weird and right at the same time. Like we have been friends since childhood even though we've only met just recently." I told her as she giggled and I laugh a bit.
"Yeah, it does kinda feel that way. It's so easy to talk to you openly like this." She said as we happily reached Keima-san's house.
"Tenri..." The both of us looked down only to find the corpse of Keima-san.
"Holy-"
"Kyaa!"
"K-Keima-san/kun!" We were quite shock as I quickly helped Keima-san up.
"Tommorow evening, 1700, a duel, here!" He said with the minimum amount of words as possible.
"Between Diana and Nanaka, of course." He said as he can stand on his own now.
"Tomorrow?" We asked as I finally understood it was time.
"There's one more thing, for Diana..." Keima-san continued as he takes a breath.
"No need to hold back. Tell her to play a full strength. The preparations are done. We had 5 all-nighters of special training, you see." He said as I sweatdrop.
"5... 5 days... so... she can win against Diana?" She asked as Keima-san stopped answering.
"It will be fine, even if she loses." He finally answered.
"Eh!" Of course, the both of us were shock.
"I wanted her to think of victory and defeat. For this, we had this reckless special training. Nanaka's wish for a duel is denied too often. She had lost just once and created a gap. It would be troublesome if she created another gap when losing. Something had to be done..." He said as a moment of silence takes in our time. Tenri-chan was flustered as we both wait for another subject, I find it cute that she loves Keima-san.
"Say."
"Eh!" But she jolted the moment he spoke.
"Humans are troublesome... how can they create gaps so easily? There are good and bad things in life. But, everyone only counts the bad things... I wonder why... intentionally wish to be unhappy..." Now that he brought that up, I did wonder why. Japan is notorious for their suicides... I just wonder if the blood in me are the same as them... to commit something to that extent?
"That's not it... everyone... is chasing... happiness... they want to become happier, more than they are now... and they get disappointed when it doesn't happen... they don't want to become unhappy... they want to become happier and feel distressed about it..." She answered as I stood there in astonishment.
"Somehow... I'm not pleased with my current self...?" Eh? (Yes, I was dumbfounded there for a moment.)
"I'm a bit envious... of Haibara-san... because I never... thought what might await me in the future..." She said as I nodded my head.
"Keima-san, I will be helping Diana prepare. So, about tonight-" I was stopped mid-sentence as he nodded his head.
"No need for more, Sean-kun. If you plan to put her into her place, then do your worst!" He said as he went back inside, the two of us then went to Tenri-chan's house.
"So, what do you want to talk about? I know you didn't just came here to help me though." Diana came out as soon as I entered Tenri-chan's room which was quite clean and neat.
"No need to be like that, though I do plan for you to listen to what I have to say. It's very important to the point I have to have Tenri-chan involved." I told her as she was taken aback. She then nodded her head and switched with Tenri-chan, I bought a mirror adjacent to her reflection. I then focused and used the eyes of which I used on fighting.
"You're eyes pierces even the toughest of liars. I can see that your no ordinary human to be the host of 7 demons." She said as I nodded.
"Yes, that's what Apollo said to me when I wanted to gain her trust." I can clearly see Diana flinch as she heard her name.
"Sorry, I promised not to tell anyone yet. Until the time is right, I am going to tell you what I know." I told her as she looked down. I then faced Tenri-chan who jolted in surprise.
"Are my eyes really that scary?" I asked as they already gave me the answer by averting eye contact.
"I see." I said as I tapped my finger on the floor.
"I guess... I can spoil what I do know for now." I said as I caught the attention of Diana.
"R-Really!"
"All of you have a lot of questions... I've only just started recently to collection information and clues... trust me doing all of this is a strain to my head. I barely had enough time to get some sleep since I mostly investigate at night." I told her as she listens.
"Please tell me more."
"Very well." I told her as I cleared my throat.
"The incident happened only just recently... but it took years before i realized the nature and situation of my contract with the seven demons... they did however, absorb my negative aspects, so much so that I feel energetic. But it all started when Keima-san made a contract with Elsea... that's when my investigation went north." I told her as she flinched.
"Yes, it showed much of what I needed asked. Elsea, is a cleaning demon, which also means that she just recently got accepted in the Runaway Spirit Squad which she keeps telling me. Do you get the picture so far?" I asked as Diana nodded.
"Yes, since the release of the runaway spirits caused a major problem to hell... it became a desperation for them to hire people without experience." I nodded, it explains part of hell's intentions.
"I keep note the have the seven hidden from the presence of demons, only two demons know of them, they are Elsea and Haqua. I can trust the two enough for them to know." I told her as she was in deep thought.
"Then what would happen if you're cover is blown?" She asked as I shook my head.
"It won't be blown, I have taken preemptive measures to make sure it never does. Chances are, I might be found by a higher-class demon." I told her as she nodded.
"Then at summer, I've unlocked Hate but before him it was Beast... the seven said that there are some emotions that manifest on their own... I believe that Beast must've represented my time during a war in the past. Coincidentally, I have forgotten most of my war missions and underground missions because of Beast." I told her but she was still in doubt.
"Are you sure that those two came from your negative influence?" She asked as I nodded.
"Beast has sharper instincts which are a crucial part of me, it must've grown stronger because of stress and trauma. Hate on the other hand just manifested on it's own. I guess that image, that's forever burned in my head, caused him to be born. Coincidentally, I've gotten a lot better in dealing with my anger management issues." I told her as she nodded.
"Then it dawned upon me that Goddesses might exist upon our school... however... chances are really slim... especially since the point of origin is Narusawa City." I told her as she once again nodded.
"Narusawa Seaside Shore is the exit of the cave... but I've also made a tunnel near Maijima High School." She explained as I shook my head.
"That tunnel is irrevalent... chances are that only the runaway spirits used that tunnel and not the Goddesses." I told her as she nodded.
"By the way, are there any chances that there might be more tunnels other than the one you made?" I asked as she shook her head.
"The only tunnel I know of is the tunnel I made, if there are others... it would only lead them to hell. Plus, the only exit is at Narusawa Seaside Shore." She said as I nodded.
"What are the chances the host they are living in are on another country?" I asked as Diana thought about it.
"That would be impossible, none of us will runaway from our responsibilities. We will be as close to the epicenter as possible." She answered as I nodded.
"So far, I've only encountered one and so far she is doing fine. But that's all I'm gonna say about the subject." I told her as she once again looked down.
"I'm not gonna asked information about the Goddesses... after all. This is beyond what my contract with the seven holds. I will have to leave this mater... to a God." This caught the attention of both Tenri-chan and Diana. But I waved it off... I can't tell them more.
"You already know of this... but he can help... he just needs a little push... that's all to get him motivated." I told her as I gripped my right hand. I then stopped doing it after Diana notices.
"So for short, you are doing an investigation of your own?" Diana asked as I nodded.
"I have to say, you've got some guts to go do it alone." She said as I nodded again.
"I'd tell you more but I can't... unless this has become an affair that might stir the wrath of heaven and hell... and trust me... the more I'm finding something out... the more I am likely in danger." I told her as she flinch... I, myself, am not feeling well with it too.
"Tell me... what are you investigating on?" Diana asked as I shook my head.
"Classified information, Diana. I am not aloud to tell... but I'm quite sure you might know this already... the seven never did betray their contract... but they were forced to retreat. Right now, it is better if our investigations don't cross paths... but if it does... then I will have to disappear." I told her as I looked away.
"This is much of what I can tell... sorry if I hadn't found out much." I half-lied and I can tell she can tell.
"I know your half-lying but it seems too important for you to tell the truth. But let me ask, if our paths do cross... will you tell us everything?" She asked as I took a brief pause to think about it.
"Yes... I am obliged to tell you everything by then... and why I was chosen to do this." I told her as I became serious. That was a sign, I know she picked it up... it's just that I cannot tell her just yet.
"Okay..." I then let go of my focus and my seriousness faded.
"Anyways, there's something else I wanted to talk about." I said as the others inside my head began wondering what was going on.
"? What is it?"
"In light of what you talked with Keima-san earlier... I am afraid that there would come a time where I will be in deep darkness... if that were to ever happen... I wanted you two to know that I will not change..." I told them as Tenri-chan picked up.
"Eh? You mean there might be something that will make you unhappy?" She asked.
"Yes... think about it... Hate came when I was in deep darkness... but only for a moment and the thing that was born was Hate... I don't know who else will come out... it might be worse. But I wanted you to know that, I am prepared to surpass that darkness in order to secure your future with Keima-san." I told her as she began turning red.
"E-Eh!"
"I just know that the two of you are meant for each other! I will always be by your side until the day comes... or when you find no use of me anymore..." I told her as she was fidgeting, unsure of what to say.
"Tenri seems troubled, but I will answer for her. Yes, we will accept your offer... but I get this feeling it's not for free." She said as I laughed.
"Of course it isn't. But I just want a promise from the two of you." I told them as they leaned in.
"What is it?" They asked as I told them what it was. As I finished the two looked at me bewildered.
"T-That's... you can't possibly-" I stopped Diana half-sentence.
"Yes, the risk are big... and I don't know when will it be. However, I can feel it... a storm headed our way." I told her ominously.
"Just say yes for my sake." I told them as they both looked at each other... though both are hesitant at first, they finally agreed on it.
"Thank you... good luck in the duel." I told them as the day went and go. The duel also ended that day, little did I know that today was a day I would forever remember...
To be continued...
I've got 4 words to say... Son of a B*%^#! I've been working on this chapter on my Doc Manager and it is freaking annoying! I had to save every time and sometimes my account mysteriously log-out when i pressed save! It took me about 5 times to repeat this work for weeks! Also to mention is that I am also deprived of sleep! Sorry for the delay but next chapter... you will know of the fate of Sean's sister! So stay tuned... I will have to go work on my other stories after this... If I had time. See ya~!