Chapter 9: Ten of Swords

After the adrenaline wore off, Nanami felt it all. The aches, the pains, the memories from the last time he fought something that strong… The last time he fought a curse of that level…

He did not engage with the purpose of defeating that thing. In the best-case scenario, he wanted Rainy to be safe and for him to incapacitate it long enough to escape. Real sorcerers could deal with it.

By pure coincidence, he got an unexpected weak point that ended things quickly. Still, Nanami felt himself knocking at death's door.

The former sorcerer didn't like to rely on luck, which was, unfortunately, the currency of the profession.

He had plans for his life and an opportunity to see them through. One more date, and he could start the journey to building his own family. He had enough money to afford to look for another job that valued him without having to put his life on the line at every turn.

His parents could talk to him about everyday things.

Life could be predictable and stable.

He didn't need more than that.

Nanami knelt on the stone that housed the remains of his good friend. He dusted the fallen leaves and sent the thin layer of dust into the sun rays around him. His fresh bouquet sat humbly between the ornate vases decorating it.

Visiting Yu's grave felt appropriate that day.

"Sorry, I took so long to get to this point…."

If five years ago, he had stepped into that power that he managed to gather yesterday, would the gods in the Ether have honored his bravery with enough luck to change Yu's fate?

It didn't matter anymore.

Ultimately, he was still too weak for that life. The best thing he could do for his friend's memory was to live the life they both deserved. Simple and safe.

[9]

Are you ok?

I'm fine.

Nanami's sudden curt replies felt cold to Rainy. The silence that followed the rest of the day reassured her of his desire to stay at a distance.

She felt guilty.

Even after she ran away and left him to die at the hands of a terrible curse, he came to verify her safety the moment he finished his job.

She wanted to thank him. Would adding a bonus be appropriate? How much would be enough to convey her gratitude and remorse? Even with everything she had, it felt so little.

He had every right to direct any ill feelings toward her.

Maybe she would just quit her job and stay home for the next week. It was only a handful of days to go. She could do that.

As much as she didn't care about using other people to shield herself before… Maybe it was the idea of actually seeing the consequences of her actions…

The fae buried her face in her pillow. That wasn't as comfortable, but neither were the guilty thoughts stabbing her soul.

She hated it here. Fragile body, fragile emotions.

The tapping of the rain became more intense.

Hail?

She looked up. The clouds gathered angrily, but her windows were dry.

Another tap.

Rainy sat up and watched the glass.

Tap

This time it came through the glass. A small green vine crawled from the carapace. A seed.

Her heart sank.

Her hand quickly reached for the phone, and she dialed the only number she cared to save. The line rang twice before the call dropped.

She tried again with the same results.

He wasn't picking up. He wasn't even letting it ring.

That's what she got for being selfish. She left him to die, and now it was her turn.

Her bottom lip quivered. She felt the tears running.

She didn't like it, but she deserved it.

[9]

Would you like to see the present I got you over coffee? I promise it's not just an excuse to try and bribe you to come back *heart*

His body hurt, his soul ached, and now Nanami could add a headache to his growing list of pains.

He had already paid his respects to Yu today. Having to deal with Gojo wasn't a part of the nostalgia he wanted to relive. Yet that headache would bother him for a while.

He reached for the phone and turned it off.

Not today.

"Rainy needs your help."

Nanami jumped from the couch. Whatever effects the painkillers had on him immediately wore off, and he felt the pain drip down his every muscle again.

"How did you get in here?"

"I'm technically outside," Rubi pointed out. She placed her paw on the balcony door to make her point. "As a spirit, I can't come in without your permission."

He breathed out and slid the glass to one side. "I would appreciate being left alone. Rainy can't expect me to work; frankly, I don't think I'll take any other jobs."

She only had a week at best. If her Mother were going to step in, this would be the time.

"A curse is eating away at her barrier. She's done a shit job at upkeeping it since she's spent most of her time running around indulging in stupid human distractions."

Nanami felt his heart tighten. "Then why aren't you helping her?"

"Because there is no way I can kill it. I'll sacrifice myself if I must. As her familiar, that is my duty, but considering your… Friendship? Or whatever," she jumped on the railing to stand closer in height to him. "I thought maybe you could help her."

He had already made up his mind to quit. If her familiar couldn't save her and her Mother wouldn't step in to rescue her…

He could go back to his everyday life, and she wouldn't be using humans as her shield anymore.

He could stay working and live that mundane life his parents had sold him from infancy.

Happiness was asking too much.

He needed to live.

He didn't need to put his life on the line with this sorcery shit…

"This is beyond my capacity."

Rubi sucked her teeth. "Weak."

"Why won't she just use my name? If this is as dangerous as you say, she still has control of my name?"

"Even a stupid human like you understands that this is the correct course of action."

She jumped off the balcony.

Nanami felt cold. He felt weak and cold. But it had to be done. He needed to live.

Author's Note: Thank you for reading!