Remnants of a Thousand-Year Flame
—Chapter 4: Acceptance—
DISCLAIMER: I do not take credit for Danmachi and Bleach and from its characters.
[ Year XXXX ]
Soul Society,
1st Division Office
Within a worn down office, two silhouettes could be seen facing each other not so far away with a table separating them. They are kneeling on the floor with a mat placed beneath. On the table was two cups seemingly filled with hot tea. The office was wide as stated, furthermore, it is directly connected to a open veranda that shows a good view about what's from the outside.
However, the 'good' view wasn't exactly 'good' in the first place. Considering the fact that the outside view shows a hellish landscape of a ruined city with dark clouds on top of it? Well, it's more like a warzone or the aftermath of it would look like to be precise.
That's why Ren Ashbell couldn't help but be uncomfortable in this arrangement. The old man before him, the one who clearly took his life several times, was now leisurely holding a teapot and poured it on their respective cups laid on the table calmly.
The atmosphere could not be defined as perfect at all. It was far from that. But to be fair, it was Ren who was only feeling uncomfortable in this situation. Yamamoto on the other hand seemed not to bother.
And so, a minute passed...
Sipping his tea, Yamamoto then stared at him as if waiting for him to speak up. It has been quite long already. Talk about wasting time.
"..."
In the end, Ren still didn't speak up nor did he even move an inch of his body. He didn't even bother considering drinking the tea served to him.
Seeing this, Yamamoto sighed internally.
"If you are not going to talk, why not drink your tea? It might get cold. It would be such a waste then." The old man reminded as he took another sip on his cup.
Those words of his immediately snapped Ren from his trance. He knew what the old man before him was implying. Speak up.
'...Right, not speaking up would do nothing good in the first place.' Ren thought to himself. Better make some progress in this conversation already than remain stagnant...
"...Well, for starters, what should I address you with?" Ren finally spoke up, slightly nervous and awkward for the first group of words that came out from his mouth after a while.
You can't really blame him. Rather, some should even praise him for keeping his composure while speaking with the person who literally killed him in lots of ways.
Yes, he deserves a praise...for still being same enough to think about it. Trauma was a thing after all.
Yamamoto hummed and replied. "You know my name, yes? However, if that isn't comfortable to you as far as I could see, then you may call me as you seem fit."
Ren then gulped, a bead of sweat forming on his forehead. Quickly wiping it off with a swipe his hand, he then said, "Then, old man would do? Are there any complications with that?"
"Very well. That should suffice." Yamamoto nodded, not particularly bothered by the name Ren would address him with. "Now, I think we should get to the main topic. There's no use in wasting time just with this kind of talks, isn't it?"
A message.
Now get straight to the point.
Understanding this, Ren got his mind on work.
"Ah. Right..." Ren turned weary. Frowning, he then sighed. "Well? Where should I start with?"
"Tell me about the place that you once belonged to."
Now that was a big question but obvious nonetheless.
Ren remembered Yamamoto telling him that he was a trespasser which only brings the question more obvious than ever. Where did he come from? It was easy to say, but at the same time, it wasn't. Contradictory isn't it?
If he would answer then it would be like this...
Ren Ashbell came from a small nameless village in the northernmost borders of the country of Rakia. The village could be even called as a hidden one if not for the fact that it had made some routes for trade in the surrounding areas. It was even dubious in the first place as for how the village could even establish a trading route considering the geography of the place.
...and Ren thought for sure that this answer wouldn't satisfy the old man before him. It was too vague...or more likely, foreign. Ren doubts that the old man would know where he came from was. In the first place, that village wasn't really known nor have anything outstanding amongst the thousands of villages existing in Rakia.
Besides, there's one more thing bothering Ren on giving this answer to Yamamoto. So he decided to take a more direct..or simpler approach on his words just to confirm something to prove his doubts were either correct or incorrect.
"So uh, old man, do you believe that there are other worlds beside that of Gekai?" Ren answered with a question instead.
"Gekai?"
"The lower world. The world of the living, where mortals walk and live?" Ren slightly tilted his head wondering if Yamamoto knew of this fact.
Well, if anything, Ren missed the point of Yamamoto being a... foreigner as well to the term. Ren hadn't realized this immediately even though the direction as for where this conversation would head to was none other similar than that. Either it was due to the exhaustion of dying multiple times that affected his straight way of thinking...or something else.
As if understanding what Ren said, Yamamoto nodded. Still, the fact that the world of the living was called Gekai? That was something to take note off for Yamamoto.
"I see. So the world of the living. Of course, I know that. Though the way you call it as Gekai was something that I haven't heard about." Yamamoto responded. "Why do you ask?"
"Would you believe me if there exists another world besides the world of the living...or the place that you we are currently in right now?" Ren blurted out, his voice slightly cracking at some parts.
"Of course."
An immediate reply came.
"I know this may sound unbelievable— huh? Wait, what?"
Ren blinked this eyes in surprise hearing the old man's quick reply. Startled, Ren couldn't help but show a dumbfounded expression.
"It seems that being killed several times made your hearing awry. However, I can't blame you for being in such state." Yamamoto then took a sip on his cup of tea again. A second later, the cup was empty. Yamamoto then poured tea on it again as he spoke. "Yes, I know there are other worlds—or dimensional plains besides that of Soul Society."
This took a few seconds for Ren's mind to process.
"Ah... right. That's... my bad. Still, let me continue. I want to sort things out to make sure that we are in the same page in this conversation." Ren stated and Yamamoto just looked at him as he waited for Ren to continue. "Right, so tell me... old man. These 'other worlds' that you are saying, does the term Gekai and Tenkai seem familiar to you?"
"No." Yamamoto answered, now curious about whatever Ren would say next. "I believe that was the answer you aren't expecting?"
"Well, yes and no..." Ren confirmed, slightly frowning for some reason. "To start with, if those weren't familiar to you, then can you give the names of this other 'dimensional plains' that you are speaking off?"
"Hm? Now that's certainly an interesting question, but not surprising at all considering that many before you had asked similar questions before." Yamamoto said and continued. The memories of him teaching students quickly resurfaced on his mind. The curiosity of the young ones is entertaining most of the time. "There's Hueco Mundo, Soul Society, and the Human World. These three are the 'worlds' that exists between the dead and the living." He informed as his gaze wandered outside for a brief moment. "Besides these three worlds exist other plains such as Hell for example."
"..."
Ren just remained still and frozen on spot.
Now this is a... unwanted surprise. The mention of Gekai and Tenkai was left behind—no it wasn't left behind, it wasn't intended to be mentioned by Yamamoto in the first place. Besides that. Hueco Mundo? Hell? These places unbeknownst to him exists as well with Gekai and Tenkai...
...or not.
No, him being transported to another world entirely was something a crazy person would think off, but doesn't that case somewhat applies to him right now? Precisely, he believes that he has a high chance that was now in a different world now.
Of course, he did consider other conclusions besides this one, Ren wasn't stupid enough to just believe that he was transported in another world. Factor after factor, as far as his mind could speculate, him being transported in another world ended up to be his final conclusion. To further solidify this claim, the SYSTEM itself confirmed that there are other worlds besides the one he was residing now. Some of his items and skills given by the SYSTEM as a reward were stated to be so as well. No matter how much of a fool he was back then when he first received his otherworldly reward, Ren obviously doubted it was truly from another world, but as time passed and through the experience that he obtained by utilizing such otherworldly privileges, Ren had unconsciously started believing that it was true.
But this and that are different with him being transported here was a mystery...or not. For some reason, he could place a finger on it. Ren has an idea as for how he was transported here... however, at the same time, his mind was also saying that he doesn't know. It was as if the information that he truly needed by now was being filtered out by his head for some reason.
He was in denial.
'Is I missing something? No, am I purposely missing something?'
Ren's mind was in a swirl of thoughts. Why did he think like that? Purposely missing something out? Talk about nonsense really... but still, he couldn't help but ponder. What is he missing out?
It brought him headaches just by thinking about it right now. That's right. Another problem, as small as it was compared to now, was still a problem. That's why he decided not to mull over it for now. He has enough on his plate to even add more.
"...Where are we right now?" Ren decided to ask.
"Soul Society."
Suddenly, Ren tried to remember. Soul Society. The place that often appears in those short dreams probably because of Ryūjin Jakka. Those dreams, as incomplete and short as they may be, showed several beautiful things such as the splendor of Soul Society which is the main location where his dreams take place. It was a tranquil city as far as he had known.
That is why Ren Ashbell couldn't help but raise a brow.
"...Old man, are you sure this is Soul Society? Based from everything that my eyes saw in this place..." Recent recollections of memories quickly played in his mind. The ruined city. The numerous dead bodies lying on the ground. The carnage and blood spread all over the place. "...are you sure this isn't hell?"
"Rude brat." Yamamoto sighed and Ren shuddered at the sudden change of tone of Yamamoto who gave him a short glare right now. "But I can't fault you too much for thinking like that. Soul Society right now is not in its best state. And to be more precise, it is in its worst state right now." Yamamoto added, his voice sounding kind of melancholic as he took another sip from his cup.
"I see..."
"Hmph. Believe me however brat, Hell is much a worse place than the current Soul Society now. Remember that." Yamamoto then looked at him dead in the eye.
"Crystal."
"Now that you get it, let's proceed. I will be the one questioning next. We'll take turns. I believe we don't have any problems with that arrangement for this conversation?"
"Yes." Ren answered. He doesn't really have a achouce about it anyways.
And so, they proceeded. Starting of from who Yamamoto truly is and for how Ren knew him up to more personal and intriguing questions. Questions are given and answers are given back. Ren admits that this conversation couldn't be anything else but fruitful. The gaps of information plaguing his mind was slowly being filled with each answer and questions he gets. Right now, he didn't know how much time had passed since the start of this conversation, furthermore, Ren jokingly concluded that time seemed stagnant here for some reason.
To give a rundown of their conversation, then it would start with Yamamoto introducing himself again, but this time in a more in depth version. Yamamoto Shigekuni Genryūsai was the captain of the 1st Division in the Gotei 13 and also the Captain-Commander of the whole Gotei 13. The Gotei 13, or could be also called as the "13 Division Imperial Guards" is the primary military branch of Soul Society and the main military organization most Shinigami join after graduating from the Shin'ō Academy. Afterwards, more information came and Ren digested this information as much as he could. A commander, a captain, a leader, a warrior. These are titles that describes who the man before him, and those might not be even enough.
And to add, this Old Man certainly fits the title of being an 'Old Man' in every way. After all, this person has been it's Captain for over 2 millenniums already.
Unbelievable.
Normally, Ren would doubt this fact being that Yamamoto has been living more than 2000 years already. However, as much as he doesn't want to believe it, he doesn't also have the clear proof that this Old Man wasn't lying. In the end, it all came down for Ren's intuition to decide whether to accept these facts or not. After a while, his intuition gave its answer. It was a yes. So he believed it.
'Why would Yamamoto even lie about this anyways?' Ren thought dryly to himself.
To add something, he just remembered this place due to how the memories on his short dreams given by Ryūjin Jakka. It had stated that it took around 2000 year, or it might be even lower, for its Bankai to be honed in its peak by the Old Man in those dreams — Yamamoto. Ren utilizing even at least a fraction of it just within a decade could be considered as a great achievement already.
With the SYSTEM assisting him that is.
After that followed a brief description of Soul Society and the purpose of the Gotei 13 as a mix. Yamamoto himself said that this information might not be really much of help for Ren as for what he is trying to find. At least, for now. And Ren agreed with the statement.
'Sure, learning something knew such as these was valuable. Yes, only if I was still... still... what? What is it? Still what exactly...?' Ren at that time thought as his mind began to hurt once more... seriously, what is it?
Then, Ren himself soon gave a brief rundown of his history next. A short story in his childhood where the turning point of his life came, his teenage years in the (Bandit) Tribe, the time another milestone (The SYSTEM encounter) that changed his life occured. The time he decided to be a mercenary. He decided to keep the existence of the SYSTEM as a secret. Instead, he just described it as some sort of unknown power that he got by chance. It wasn't the whole truth but it wasn't also a lie.
'After all, I am bound by concealing the existence by the SYSTEM itself. Carelessly revealing its existence unless the SYSTEM wills to do so would result to...well, death.' The young man thought grimly in his mind. In the first place, he couldn't confirm the fact because he never tried to disobey it, and he doesn't want to try either now or whenever be.
As Ren was about to talk about the last bit of his story... his ending...? Or the last memory he had...before arriving here, he decided to take a breather and tried to revert the topic for some reason.
Odd.
Ren then frowned slightly as he then spoke. "Then Old Man...no, should I call you Head Captain now?"
"Hmph. You aren't even part of any squad nor are you a Shinigami yourself," Yamamoto snorted. "However, do as you wish. There's something I have been meaning to ask you since the beginning. I decided to put it in due before because I thought you would bring the topic up yourself, but unfortunately, you didn't. Now tell me, Ren Ashbell, what is the last memory that you have before you arrived here?"
Ren then became silent. His expression now that devoid of any emotion. His dull eyes remained sharp however. He then sighed. The heavy feeling that was building up for a while now seemed to make sense.
"Flames. That is the last memory I had. I fought the monster... the Dragon... The strongest monster out there... and I managed to...deal a serious wound on it."
"And what happened to you after that?"
"...I was soon engulfed in its roar that produced pitch black fire. After that I... my mind blanked." Ren told as if he was forcing it out of his mouth. Why does it feel so unpleasant to say this? Nonetheless, he continued. It only took a single glance at Yamamoto who was waiting for what he was about to say next to continue. "And then, I woke up in this ruined city littered with corpses and fire."
"Now doesn't that answer one of the things you've been always wondering about. The reason why you are here?" Yamamoto then spoke in a more serious tone.
"..."
Ren then was silenced.
"Ren Ashbell. You are dead." Yamamoto spoke as if it was a matter of fact. "Why do you think this place is called Soul Society? Though there might be some exceptions of...living people entering here, that is most unlikely considering the state this place is in at the moment. So that leads to one answer as for why are you here. You get it, right?"
Yes.
Ren could only smile bitterly at the harsh fact. So that's why he was in denial all the way back. It all made sense. He was dead. Ren knew the outcome of that battle which is that of his loss. He was unconsciously denying this fact in his mind as soon as he woke up in the middle of the ruined city. He decided to play ignorant, convinced himself that he was just transported to some odd place by sheer luck.
How ironic. Those who wield fire shall die by fire. Thou shall return to ash.
For all his achievements and strength, deep inside, Ren knew that he didn't want to die there. He had still so much to do. To atone for the sins he acquired. To fulfill the promises he made.
And he failed in all aspects when he died.
That's why it was infuriating. This bitter feelings of denial was gnawing both in his mind and soul. Reject it. Reject the fact that you are dead — or so it was supposed to be until Yamamoto directly pointed it out.
"...I know that damnit..." Ren admitted, his voice hoarse. He held back his tears—no, if there was in the first place. For all he knew, it had all dried up back then when his brother died in his arms. "I knew it... all along... I am unconsciously denying that... however..."
With that...
"With somebody other than yourself presenting that cruel truth in front of you, you finally decided to accept it." Yamamoto concluded. "A sweet lie or a bitter truth. You prefer the latter, brat. What is it for? Self comfort? Or something entirely different?"
...he finally reached an acceptance.
"..."
All Yamamoto received from the young man was silence, that is why he decided to continue his words.
"So? What are you going to do now?"
That took Ren off guard for a moment.
"What do you mean?" The young man couldn't help but ask.
"You are dead. Your purpose of defeating that Dragon became useless the moment you died. In simple words, you failed. Now that begs the question as for what you are going to do next." Yamamoto asked, the intensity of his voice deepened even further. "Ren Ashbell, clear up you mind and give me your answer. If you couldn't do it right now, I recommend taking a walk and explore the city. As much as it is ruined all over, there should still be places where you can calm and clear up your mind."
Ren looked down. Yamamoto was practically giving him advice. How ridiculous. To think that he would wholeheartedly listen to the old man who practically killed him more than a dozen times.
"Find your purpose."
Yamamoto hummed to himself as he rested his chin on his arm.
"Now, go. Come back here if you have your answers. I'll be waiting."
Soul Society,
Sōkyoku Hill
At the edge of the cliff, the young man sat with his legs crossed. His eyes wandered to below. The not ever changing war torn landscape was getting weary to his eyes.
Yet, why?
Why was he here observing such scenery all over for quite some time. It was then Ren looked up in the sky. His eyes lacking the bright luster that it usually have compared from before.
"What should I do next huh?" Ren muttered to himself as he looked at the grim horizon above him.
Just as Yamamoto said, he decided to take a walk, find a place to clear his mind, and as soon as he finds the answer, he should go back and relay it to Yamamoto.
Progress?
Quite nonexistent, or rather, it wasn't really going smooth so far. The answer Yamamoto was asking him for still didn't kick in his mind. His purpose. Now that he was dead, and to add, in another world as well, Ren couldn't help but don't bother anymore.
After all, he was dead. Coming back to life via resurrection was something that even Spirits of Ancient times weren't able to do.
If you are dead, you stay as one. Obvious, right?
Many attempts were made only to result the resurrected individual to turn out as an undead, a monster. Given the fact that even if you revert the body to its previous living state, the soul won't return.
All that would be left was a soulless husk of a body. It might even turn a monster called undead at some point.
If anything, the SYSTEM could possibly make such miracle come true. Bringing the dead back to the life should surely be within the risk of that mysterious element.
But that is just wishful thinking in the end.
Ren wasn't even sure if the SYSTEM was still here in the first place. In those last moments that he had in his life, he could swear that he saw a flicker, a familiar one to boot, before his entire being was engulfed in those pitch black flames.
"System."
Ren called. The only thing that happened next was...well, nothing. A short breeze just passed through him. Nothing special.
'What did I expect anyways?' Ren thought silently as he let out a weary sigh.
He then stood up as he removed the dust on his back. Time to go somewhere else. The Old Man said that he should only come back to him if he finally has his answer prepared. Maybe roaming around a little bit more
Ren then clicked his tongue. "As if it was that easy," he said next as he sighed again. How many times is it today? That was what he is wondering right now.
"Hah... Might as well roam around a little bit more. I still haven't seen everything Soul Society has to offer up," Ren said to no one particularly but to himself. "I hope everything isn't the same with all that I've seen. Who wouldn't get tired and weary of seeing torn and dreadful sightings all the time anyways?"
It was then it happened.
A short light before him appeared on his and flickered. It then sparked. A very familiar sound. Just as he thought, it was still there. The SYSTEM even in his death accompanied him. How funny—wait? The SYSTEM was here?!
"Huh...?!"
It was then the expression of shock dawned upon Ren's face. He quickly turned his head to its direction. His eyes widened, it was there. It really was there.
[ S——TEM —OTI—E! ]
Ren's jaw just hanged open. The SYSTEM just answered. Coincidence? Luck? No matter what it is, Ren would appreciate it. The fact that this blasted SYSTEM was here gave him hope, no matter how sliver it is.
It was strange however. Why does the SYSTEM sound like its broken? The message, he could recognize, but it wonders him as for why it was stated with missing letters.
However, the next thing that happened wasn't something he had expected to be.
[ REB—OTING—! ]
The incomplete word sounded none other more like metal screeching.
Suddenly, pain filled his entire body. He fell down from the ground as he lost control of his body due to the sudden wave of pain he was feeling. He didn't scream. He only grit his teeth and groaned in suffering.
What is this? Torture? Nay, punishment?
'Was dying several times wasn't enough of it?!'
Such thoughts filled Ren's head at that moment. He knew this SYSTEM had no personality whatsoever, but if it has one, then Ren would proudly say that it would be that the SYSTEM was sadistic piece of shit. The streak of pain didn't stop. This wasn't the first time Ren had experienced being in pain caused by the SYSTEM due to him being unable to complete a quest it has issued.
But this? THIS? THIS?!
This was on an entirely different scale. It made him feel like dying over and over again would be more preferable compared to this! Exaggeration? Not really. This pain is nothing like anything than pain only.
It was as if it was twisting up the very core of his being. A meddling factor. Ren could feel that it was changing him down to his very origin.
The pain was indescribable. It took Ren most of his willpower to stay awake from such torture. He could feel his blood boil. His body was instantaneously heating up. What is this phenomenon? This is none other like the ones he had experienced before.
Kill.
Kill yourself if you want to end this suffering.
Die.
Die so you won't experience pain anymore.
Those two words resounded in his mind, urging him to do so. But alas, he didn't. Ren could not...or would not. The temptations were logical, but abiding with the SYSTEM does not have the word logical in its dictionary most of the time.
And so, he suffered. It wasn't like he desires to be in pain. He's no a masochist or anything as shameful like that. In the first place, isn't life full of pain and suffering? Wouldn't that make all living beings masochists in a sense?
[ Commencing Backup Protocols—!
...
...
...
—SUCCESS! ]
The translucent screen then sparked. It was glitching. Ren could feel it in his body. Something just happened. The SYSTEM surely works in mysterious ways. For each important decision he would make, the SYSTEM somehow pops up and does something. Be it something good or bad, it always shows up at that time.
With his trembling body, he forced power in his eyes to keep it open. He waited. With every ounce of his very being, he tried to stay conscious.
And after a few more seconds, his efforts paid off.
[ SYSTEM NOTICE! ]
[ Would the host open '???' ]
[ Yes/No ]
"What...?"
Ren could only blink in astonishment. The SYSTEM was back to normal, or so he believes it be, then sent its notice.
The thing...the offer, that the SYSTEM had shown him. He instinctively gulped. The young man had already experienced this kind of setting with the SYSTEM, and most of the time, this kind of '???' would always be centered on a life changing option. He can count with only one hand of the times when this happened. Well, it was life changing events after all.
That's why he obviously chose yes. There was no other option. Rejecting it was like denying the thing a once in a lifetime event to take place... well, not once in a lifetime really for he was already dead anyway. But it is what it is.
Only a mumble was given.
It was then the translucent screen again flickered, but in a more smoother degree compared to the glitchy act it did before. His words were heard by the SYSTEM and it responded.
And so it happened. The SYSTEM presented the contents of its offer right before his very eyes. And at that time, as if a man dying with thirst found an oasis in the middle of a desert, Ren's very being was immediately filled with something called joy.
"Haha... ha.. ha..! What in the world...?" He let out a twisted laugh.
There is nothing more that could describe the offer other than a miracle. It was like the heavens were siding with him this time. It was a ridiculous thought.
A second chance.
Interpret it as what you wish it to be.
In accepting this offer, he would gain a second chance in exchange for many things that the SYSTEM had granted him. At most, he could only do now is check his status and see the final quests that the SYSTEM gave him. The Shop was deemed unusable forever. His inventory was almost depleted due to the sudden storage amount decrease. The Reward-Quest Privilege was removed meaning that accomplishing quests won't give him any more rewards no matter how small or big the Quest is. And alongside these main functions, there are many other more.
And Ren was alright with that.
Basically, the SYSTEM crippled itself in order for him to have that second chance.
And obviously, he accepted the offer. There was a time limit placed on him as for when this second chance would take effect. He could wait. As long as it is possible. Even if everybody and everything he knew would vanish in the flow of time.
As long as he fulfills that promise while discarding any other else for the sake of it.
He swore that he will take the Dragon down this time.
Now, he found his purpose.
He will be given another second chance as well this time. The SYSTEM gave its guarantee. To think that it will almost destroy itself in order to defend his soul from being completely obliterated into nothingness by the Dragon.
Clenching his fists. Ren gathered his resolve. His eyes that were once looking like dull orbs now glowed brightly.
Now, it's time to go back...
'Ah...'
...or so he thought until darkness consumed his vision as his body fell to the ground.
(X-x-X-x-X)
[ Year XXXX ]
Undisclosed Location
A lone girl stood on top of the edge of a mountain. Her golden hair swayed gently as the wind brushed through it. Her eyes akin of those as golden orbs looked dull and dead. Her complexion was pale. She was holding a sheathed sword in her hands.
The girl could be nothing more than a child. However, her expression was something that her age should normally show. The look of despair, exhaustion, grief and a mix of many negative expressions bore onto the girls face. Surprisingly though, that didn't diminish the beauty she posseses.
"..."
She stared blankly at the rising sun. This was a special place. A place where she and her beloved...brother used to be with almost each morning to observe the start of a new day.
However, her brother was gone.
He left her in accordance of avenging those who have fallen against it.
It being the Dragon.
The Legendary Dragon of the Skies. The King of Monsters. The Harbinger of the End. The Last Hurdle.
Titles were given to the living calamity. Ranging all to that of simple to complex ones. However, one thing is for sure is the fact that the Dragon was a being that would bring nothing but destruction and loss.
The girl looked down.
Her Father, the Hero of this Age, died while driving out the Dragon.
Her Mother, the High Spirit of the Wind, was captured by the Dragon witnessed by the girl's own eyes.
Her...Brother...or so he wants her to call him for some reason, her last pillar, the one who was supposed to be her hero left her to fight the Dragon.
'He chose the Dragon over me,' the girl thought to herself.
The Dragon. That beast. Ever since that damned creature entered their lives, everything slowly felt crumbling. Her Father began to leave and take more missions outside. Her mother always had the look of worry on her beautiful features. Her...brother looked agitated...and most of all, in anguish when the news of the Dragon occured.
And things happened. She saw it all up until its climax. All those that she knew, loved and cherished left her one by one. To family, to friends, and to...her hero.
And so, she was left alone in the end.
That's why the girl, Aiz Waldstein, was here in this special place waiting for his return. Her brother...Ren Ashbell, never broke his promises. He always fulfilled them. She knew Ren Ashbell as somebody who would rather be hurt or struggle than not fulfilling his own promise.
It was his oath.
Yet, why?
Why isn't he still here?
When is he coming back?
What is taking him so long?
...why? why? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY?!
'Why did it have to end like this...?'
That was the silent, sorrowful plea of the young girl to the heavens. Did she deserve this? She doesn't know. All she could blame was the Dragon...and maybe the Gods up above. Her brother had this story that he told her about the Gods and Goddesses above only observing the happenings in the lower as entertainment for themselves. As for it is true or not, she chose to believe on her...brother.
(X-x-X-x-X)
"Hey, Aiz. If the gods were to come down in this world, do you think they would help us mortals in the lower world in our quest to vanquish these hordes of monsters plaguing this world?"
"...I don't know. Why would they even go down here?"
"You see, entertainment. If these Gods and Goddesses are... well, live in a perfect world in their own standards, don't you think they would get bored up there?"
"Eh?"
"Being in a perfect world means a stagnant one. Everything is set as it is. Nothing changes for everything is perfect already... hm, I might be wrong in using some words, but you get the gist of it right?"
"I don't get it..."
"Ah, right. What am I talking about to a child not even in her teens." He chuckled in amusement. "Of course, you won't understand. A child is still a chil— Ouch! Oi, what's that about!"
"I'll grow up someday! Don't call me a child all the time!" She pouted as she smacked his head using her magic. "Besides! I am reaching 12 this year! I won't be a child anymore and grow up like an adult like Mama!"
Aiz puffed up her chest as if she was proving up something while Ren on the other hand just blankly stared at her.
Aiz who saw the blank look on his stammered at her next words. "W-what? You have a problem with that?"
Ren wanted to answer there was such as like being arrest by something called... uh, Ef Bi Ay? Or something. The SYSTEM has its knack for foreign terms, and Ren knew that term he just thought brings bad news.
"I don't... not at all, so yeah... Don't get mad over such a little thing..." He answered as he rubbed the back of his head. "That doesn't change the fact that you are nowhere near being an adult though like Aria..." He teased as he patted her head.
"Y-you—!"
(X-x-X-x-X)
Aiz remembered. That talk that happened just a few nights ago. Under the starry sky. Those precious moments that will be forever etched in her mind.
"Ren..."
Her words were carried by the passing winds. She kept waiting. When would she stop? It was over. He was gone already.
It was that moment she heard a spark. The pendant she was wearing suddenly glowed. The gift, the very first one she received from her beloved...brother shined in a golden hue resembling those of her hair and eyes.
[SYSTEM NOTICE!]
[ Emergency Backup Protocol activated! ]
[ Connecting to main terminal—ERROR...
Reconnecting to main terminal—ERROR! ERROR! ]
Then she heard it. An unfamiliar set of sentences coming from nowhere.
Furthermore, the pendant only glows if there was any threats nearby. It is a magic item given by Ren himself. The glow varies depending on the threat. The lighter the glow is, the weaker the threat, and the darker the glow is, the stronger the threat.
The voice she heard right now was certainly not a hallucination of some sort. The pendant glowing confirms that there is somebody—no, something else that is nearby her right now. And to add, the pendant deemed it as a threat.
That's why the golden girl — Aiz Waldstein, stumbled back on her feet. What now? Is a monster here? A type of monster that she can't see? The girl was terrified. She may have some knack for combat but she isn't trained enough nor old enough to handle monsters in that category.
She quickly drew her sword that was held in her hands. As young as her body was, it was honed to some degree to fight some monsters to defend herself.
"Show yourself! Monster!" She yelled, trying to garner the attention of the enigma that spoke. All of this was in order to divulge where her opponent was now so that she could reposition herself.
That was the plan.
However...
[ ERROR! Connection to Main Terminal is currently terminated...
Commencing Backup Protocol 001—ERROR!
...
Commencing Backup Protocol 072—ERROR!
...
Commencing Backup Protocol 256—ERROR!
...
Commencing Backup Protocol 456—ERROR!
...
Commencing Backup Protocol 714——...
...
...
SUCCESS!]
"A-ahhhhhh!" The young girl then screamed in pain as she clutched her head. The sudden pain as of someone was drilling holes in her head. The pain was insufferable. For a young girl like her, it wasn't something that she should have gone through.
"Grk—!? ARGHHHHHHH—!"
But alas, here she was, experiencing this unknown torture of some kind.
Tears fell from her eyes. Her body suddenly lost strength. What is it now? Is she going to die? She kept screaming. Asking for help. Yet, no help is coming. She knew it. And still, she hoped. And those hopes were shattered coldly.
'I'll be with you soon... Mama, Papa... Ren...'
Those were supposed to be her last thoughts before passing away to death while in pain, but fate had other plans for this young girl.
[NOTICE!]
[ Do you want to meet 'him' again? ]
It asked. What is it now? The monster is talking? How dreadful. To think that this would be her last memory...
Aiz Waldstein closed her eyes, and if she could, she would want to deafen her ears. She doesn't need its voices bothering her in her last moments. At least let her have peace.
But...
[ Do you want to meet 'him' again? ]
[ Do you want to meet 'him' again? ]
[ Do you want to meet 'him' again? ]
[ Do you want to meet 'him' again? ]
[ Do you want to meet 'him' again? ]
[ Do you want to meet 'him' again? ]
[ Do you want to meet 'him' again? ]
[ Do you want to meet 'him' again? ]
It asked again and again and again. Not ever stopping until she gives an answer. Who is him exactly? What does this monster want? Most importantly, why isn't she dead yet? What's taking so long? To make her suffer?
And for the umpteenth time, she didn't respond to it. As if getting tired of this repetitions as well, it then chose another set of words to persuade the young girl to answer.
[ Contract Setup Complete ]
[ Sequencing Timeline Axis—Success! ]
[Time: YEAR 1XXX, Era of the Gods Descent
Location: Dungeon, Floor ?
Condition: Cryogenic Sleep ]
[ Do you want to meet Ren Ashbell in the future. Conditions had been presented. Do you accept the Contract?
Yes/No ]
Aiz couldn't understand some of the terms that appeared before her in a form of a translucent screen of light. But, if there was one thing that she understood...or rather, focused on. It was the fact that him was none other than Ren.
Trembling, her lips moved. Her body jerked and tried to reposition itself even in pain just in order to take a better look at what she was seeing.
And so she did.
"...w-what?" Aiz gasped. It was too good to be true. "C-can I really meet him again? Ren...?"
[ YES ]
It answered.
"Ah... Ha... hahaha..." She then began to laugh... She was listening to a unknown monster. Most of all she even responded to it. Ha! Stupid. Pathetic. Pitiful. Aiz thought in scrutiny to herself. "Let's...get over with this..."
Her mind wasn't exactly in a normal state right now. Most of all, she was still too young. She was still a child. No normal child should experience this!
But it — the unknown monster didn't really care.
It then asked again. The pain wasn't subsiding at all. End her already.
[ Do you want to meet Ren Ashbell in the future. Conditions had been presented. Do you accept the Contract?
Yes/No ]
So the answer she gave was obvious, she chose that.
If everything that happened here was just like an hallucination anyway, she would rather remember and see Ren over and over again instead of hearing this unknown monster over and over again.
And after that, Aiz Waldstein's consciousness was filled black.
(X-x-X-x-X)
Soul Society,
First Division Office
Yamamoto turned his head facing the young man who walked right in the office. He noticed the state of Ren. It was...well, unstable if he would describe it. But nonetheless, what caught most of his attention was the look on Ren's eyes.
It looked completely different from before.
"You finally have it? Your answer—no, your purpose?"
It took some time for Ren to regain his consciousness. When he woke up from his slumber, his body felt sluggish, but it was in good condition for him to go back here.
And so he dragged himself here.
The answer.
He now has it.
"Yes." Ren then bowed down and did a dogeza. Yamamoto only showed a short expression of surprise over this act.
However, the one that would put more change on his expression were the words that will come out next from the young man's mouth.
"Please take me as your disciple."
AN: Belated Happy New Year guys. Here's the chapter.
Things are developing in a confusing way as usual ain't it?
...sorry for that.
Anyways, I'll update this fic irregularly, so don't get your hopes up another chapter fast. I'll write and post when I want to.. Now, thanks for the recent reviews and for the guy who kept asking when the chap would release, hello man, here it is!
Anyways, this would be like the second to the last chapter for the Prologue Arc. I'll get working on the next chapter when my schedule is free. And for those who are confused as for what this SYSTEM is brewing, well, for the greater good or something right?
Felt rushed? Probably... I am rushing this one a little bit. Not gonna lie about that.
Okay, let's add some bits of info here about the canon plot that would be significant to the story:
1) It hasn't been stated as for how Aiz really got transported to the future beyond 1000 years from where she was supposed to be from, the era which is said to be the end of the Age of Heroes and the start of the Gods' descent from Tenkai.
However, it was revealed that Aiz was found by the Loki Familia executives in the dungeon. The floor specifically, I don't know, or maybe I just forgot.
2) Regarding the matters as for why the Soul Society is in such state... well? What do you think? Of course, its confusing as hell why the Soul Society here is portrayed in such a ruined state. It will be explained however bit by bit with each passing chapter. I'll try to do how the Author of Go Away I'm Watching Porn (GAIWP for short) as for how he portrays Issei's past bit by bit.
3) As you can see, Aiz is older here than the canon. So this is a AU obviously. Aiz would still start at Loki Familia...but older and more capable compared to her younger self in the canon who is obsessed with revenge. Well, this Aiz is also obsessed with that Revenge against the Dragon, but with some kind of...twist you see. As for what is that, well, time will tell.
I'll admit it. My skills might not be really on the same level as his considering the experience gap in writing but I'll still try to do so.
Also, criticisms and reviews are welcome. I'll try to check them up to improve my writing with your suggestions and such if you have that is.
And with that said, see you guys in the next chapter! Ciao~