Welcome back everyone! Previously, Es was able to speak with Touya about Wendy with Akira mentioning the presence of the Delinquents, specifically Kōji, to Touya.
Mei on the other hand had a serious conversation with Yuki over the Elder Himezuru's rash choice to confront Haruki at the Hospital. Despite the tension, this served to reinforce the trust between Mei and Yuki further.
Elsewhere, Wendy read the letter Kuon sent to her through Es. Upon reading it and feeling touched by her friends words, the Wind Mage resolved to speak with Kuon and hopefully repair their broken bond while continuing to understand the truth.
Will this ultimately lead to a better outcome in the end? Hopefully so, but for now, let's contine to see what happens now.
Himezuru Residence [Entrance]
Upon leaving the Azure Maiden's room, Mei walked back out to where everyone is at. After seeing how silent everyone is, she could tell they definitely have overheard her yelling at Yuki.
"I... bet you overheard that, didn't you?" Mei said with a slight blush on her face. While she prepared herself to speak with them and had a feeling they heard her, this doesn't make it any less embarrassing.
"Well, you were pretty hard not to overhear..." Akira mentioned while scratching the back of his head while a tad nervous. He wasn't sure what Mei was yelling at Yuki about, but it must be serious if the Shrine Maiden yelled at the Elder Himezuru for a change. Mei then took a deep breath to get her thoughts into order before speaking again.
"Yuki already talked with Kagari about it earlier, but she wanted me to convey this to everyone here, so you might want to sit down and listen." Mei said as everyone gave the Shrine Maiden her full undivided attention as the Shrine Maiden went over her conversation with Yuki.
Mitsurugi Agency HQ [Laboratory, 40 Minutes Ago]
After being out for nearly the whole day, Nu woke up around 6:00 PM and climbed out of her capsule. Resting and recharging inside it healed and repaired any damage she took from the fight against Unomaru yesterday while restoring her energy reserves. Looking around, the Mechanical Maiden took in the silence of the laboratory, with nothing but the beeps found on the equipment, which are apparently scaing something.
"So, you are able to leave the capsule on your own?" Said a familiar voice as Nu turned to see the Bounty Hunter, Avenge standing in the laboratory by himself.
"Where is everyone else? Are they safe?" Nu asked, ignoring Avenge's earlier question as she was asking about the others well being as she recalled what happened last night regarding Es and Touya. The Bounty Hunter was still confounded by a machine developing free will and self awareness. But considering Es, a fromer homunculous, and Kiri, the once dead body of an sociopathic monster, could develop their own emotions and ideas, why question a robot at this point?
"Touya and Es are injured, but they are safe and recovering. As for Mei and the Ishana mage, they are both unharmed other than some minor injuries." Avenge explained to the Mechanical Maiden in response to her question. Nu looked downward and appeared to have... a small smile on her face?
"That is fortunate. And what of you?" Nu said softly before turning her concern to Avenge. The Bounty Hunter was taken aback at her growing humanity even though he didn't show it.
"I am unharmed myself other than a few injuries. Now, why have you come out of your own accord? You've taken damage yourself as well." Avenge asked Nu once again, wondering how she's even able to do so to begin with. Nu just cocked her head in confusion, as if she never even thought about that.
"I came out because I wanted too. That aside, all of my injuries have been repaired. " Nu simply replied honestly. Than again, she didn't know how to lie to begin with.
"Hmmm... what are you planning to do now?" Avenge asked as Nu floated toward the entrance.
"To explore the Restricted Ward." Nu once again said with a simple reply as she left. Avenge could have stopped her, but he didn't. He's still trying to figure out a machine's wish to be human. Is it possible to turn her human or can she achieve it figuratively? Not even he knew as Avenge himself was always a realist. As soon as Nu left, Ringo entered the room.
"Hey Avenge. Still around here?" Ringo asked the Bounty Hunter. Ever since he found the broken robot head of Unomaru's previous body, Avenge stuck around the Mitsurugi Agency HQ building and spent most of his time there, waiting for results to confirm his suspension on the metal of Unomaru's robot body.
"Yes. I must confirm is this is indeed the same metal I've seen somewhere before. If his spare body is made from the same materials, we can use this to our advantage. In fact, the Shrine Maiden may be the key to his destruction." Avenge replied to the Former Ten Sage as he turned his attention back to the screen, hoping it's what he thought it was. As far as their relationship stood, they don't have much connection. During the Embryo Incident, after Avenge killed Zewi's rogue apprentice, Drei, she saved the Bounty Hunter's life by healing his wounds before asking him to clear out some of Unomaru's soldiers, allowing Touya and the others to reach Unomaru without too much difficulty. Other than meeting each other for group gatherings, the two don't interact much...
"I could ask the same of you Zwei. You've been in and out all day." Avenge followed up, noting that every two hours, Ringo came back in to look at Nu while contiplating something.
"Something regarding Nu. I think I may have found a solution to her energy reserve problem, but... where is she?" Ringo asked, wondering where the Mechanical Maiden could have possibly gone too.
"She left after she left her capsule. She's likely exploring the Restricted Ward right now that the danger passed for the moment." Avange answered in reply to the Former Ten Sage's query. Ringo could only pinch the bridge of her nose in annoyance.
"Right... welp. Better go meet with her. Good luck with your research. Although, I suggest NOT relying on technology. That hunk of junk not only takes the fun out of finding out things for yourself, but it's capable of blowing up in you face. Literally!" Ringo said before advising Avenge not to use technology like the old fashioned person she is. As soon as she left, the Bounty Hunter was left to his own thoughts as he saw the scans was still searching through the metals with the end results almost complete. It took nearly a while day due to the damage to the head part, but soon, Avenge would get the results he wanted and than...
SCAN COMPLETE
RESULTS COMPILED
METAL METARIAL FOUNDED
METALLIC COMPOUND: Tungsten mixed with Chromium
As soon as Avenge heard that, his suspicions were confirmed. The body was indeed made with Tungsten, the strongest natural metal. However, despite it's strength, it is also brittle, prome to shattering on impact alone. That is where this other metal, Chromium came in. Another hard, yet brittle metal, Unomaru was somehow able to fuse the two metals into an armored body capable of taking more damage than intended.
"Just as I thought... tungsten. But for it to be mixed with chromium? I'll need to inform the others as soon as I can." Avenge said with a smirk as he copied the information on his phone before taking his leave to tell the other soldiers.
Restricted Ward
It didn't take too long for Ringo to venture outside. It was now 6:05 PM as the Former Ten Sage took a look around the site of where the Wadatsumi Incident happened. As she searched, a luminescent bug flew by Ringo.
"A firefly?" Ringo said out quietly in curiosity, wondering where this little guy came from. It was then she saw more of them, all around Nu as the Mechanical Maiden observed them, taking in the sights and the brisk air touching her body. Ringo heard Nu shudder at the night air's touch, but also saw that she didn't mind. The fact she was feeling the touch of cold air was proof to Nu that she's alive in spite of her machine like origin. To Ringo, this at least impressed her that a robot would develop human desires and sensations to this degree.
"Hey Nu." Ringo asked Nu as the Mechanical Maiden turned around to face the Former Ten Sage. Along with Avenge, Nu met Ringo at Maha Raja to meet her new friends. When Ringo interacted with her, she showed Nu recipes for curry to her as Nu is unable to consume food compared to Es.
"You are Ringo Akagi A.K.A. Lady Zwei of the Ten Sages. How are you performing tonight?" Nu replied with the most robot like sentence. Ringo's eye twitched a little as the Lady Zwei bit must have been from Kuon or Elise telling her.
"I'm "performing" very well, thank you. So, you like these little light bugs?" Ringo replied before questioning Nu about the insects Nu is watching.
"Yes. Their luminous shine is as vibrant as the moon. The cool air is pleasent as well despite it's brisk touch." Nu simply replied as Ringo felt the slight chill as well. She didn't want it too cold, partly because it's natural and whenever she made curry, it annoyed her for cold weather to ruin the curry's warm temperature.
"I see. By the way, I was wondering if you can come with me somewhere for a moment. First, we need to get your cloak. Then, we're going to head over to the Shin Yokosaki Hospital." Ringo said, grabbing Nu's hand and winking at her, prompting the Mechanical Maiden to cock her head in confusion again.
"Why?" Nu asked Ringo in confusion, wondering when they're going to a Hospital. For one thing, Nu didn't know what a Hospital even is.
"Mei knows someone who can help you get that visor off your face." Ringo said with a confident smile as she recalled asking Mei at the Mitsurugi Agency HQ before the Shrine Maiden left for home to get ready for school about what Mei intends to do with Nu. One of them involving asking Yuki for help. Ringo at least thought to ask her in Mei's sted as she figured the Shrine Maiden is currently dealing with other matters and hoped the Shrine Maiden would understand.
"She does? Will... will she be able to get it off?" Nu asked in slight elation as she touched the visor and once again tugged slightly to no avail. Will she finally be able to see the world with her own eyes?
"We won't know for sure, but it's worth a try. Come on." Ringo said as she and Nu went back inside the Base to get Nu's disguise before heading out to see Yuki. Nu, for the first time in her life, felt excited. She couldn't wait to get the device off her face!
Himezuru Residence [Entrance, Present]
It was around 6:50 PM when Mei finished telling everyone what Yuki told her and why Mei yelled the way she did a moment ago. Needless to say, hearing that Yuki got hurt trying to stop Haruki worried everyone present, but like Touya and Mei, they were all relieved the Elder Himezuru is alive and well.
"Yuki... I'm just glad she's okay..." Hinata soflty said, closing her eyes and clasping her hands close to her chest. While she's worried, she couldn't help but admire Yuki doing the right thing. It was no different from what Touya, Es and Mei usually do.
"So, she'll call me and Hinata later?" Akira simply replied to Mei. While concerned that Yuki put herself in harm's way, he had to admit that he or Touya might have done the same thing if they were in Yuki's shoes.
"Yes, I imagine when she's on her break, she'll reach out to you both. Also, um... sorry for flipping out like that..." Mei replied before apologizing for her outburst, blushing all the while. Needless to say, this took everyone (minus Hinata, bless her innocence) of them aback as when Mei does apologize, she usually masks it in some way.
"Hey Mei, it's alright. You were just worried about Yuki, we all were. You just have your own way of showing it." Kuon replied with a soft and understanding smile and yet... she was proud of Mei for owning up to her attitude.
"Thanks Witch..." Mei replied with a thankful smile, using the affectionate nickname to adress Kuon. While Kuon hated being called that when Mei insulted her back then, she had to admit that it felt nicer that Mei used it as a term of endearment now.
'Hard to believe we used to be at each other's throats. Now, we're the best of friends. Funny how things turn out.' Kuon thought as she recalled the night when she finally earned Mei's respect during their duel that one night and while their duel ultimately ended in a draw, but Kuon managed to prove to Mei her skills as a Mage and not only earned her respect, but also the Shrine Maiden's apology and friendship.
No one else ever knew about that fight, not even Elise. Kuon thought it was best to keep it a secret, with Mei also keeping it a secret as well. The two agreed that they would never hear the end of it from Touya if he found out. Hopefully, they won't ever need to tell them unless it was dire or he somehow found out.
"You're welcome." Kuon simply replied after that brief trip down memory lane. With that, Kuon wanted to get back on topic before Mei's worry of anger earlier.
"So Es... how... how did it go with Wendy?" Kuon asked the Azure Maiden in regards to her old friend. Elise and Mei payed close attention as well along with Hinata, Akira, Touya and Kiri listening.
"It went... well... I managed to... explain what... happened a year... ago to her... from my... point of view..." Es replied, letting them know that she managed to explain part of the Embryo Incident to the Wind Mage.
"And... what did she think?" Elise asked nervously. Like Kuon, she didn't want to fight Wendy, nor did she wish to see Kuon or Wendy killing each other with Mei caught up in it.
"I can say... she no longer... trusts Unomaru... completely... and before I... left... I handed her Kuon's... letter... and told her... to speak with... everyone else..." Es continued upon Elise's question, revealing that she wanted Wendy to speak to the others about what transpired a year ago. Kuon remained silent as she wrote in her letter that she at least wanted to talk with Wendy, so she was thankful Es tried to set that up. Elise and Hinata smiled while Mei was uncertain.
"Mei, what's wrong? It sounds like you have a chance to clear things up." Touya asked Mei in regards to her uncertainty, which was rather uncharacteristic of the Shrine Maiden.
"It's just... I hurt her... I can't fault her for resenting me..." Mei said as their was no pride to swallow as she can't change the fact that she and Kuon killed Acht, deapite the fact they needed to stop her.
"Then, allow me and Elise to speak with her. We'll help build Wendy's trust toward you. Besides, I hurt her as well and I need to make it right." Kuon replied with renewed confidence. She was determined to make things right with Wendy and even if Wendy doesn't wish to be her friend anymore, so be it. But as long as Wendy understands the truth and that Mei will no longer be hated by the Wind Mage, the Fire Empress will be satisfied.
"O-okay..." Mei simply replied. Mei honestly can't blame Wendy for hating her. The Shrine Maiden at least hoped that even if the Wind Mage still hates her, she hoped she won't blame or hate Kuon anymore. After seeing this, Touya decided to ask Es about the Wind Mage. Even though she tried to kill Kuon and Mei, Touya understood that Wendy was hurting and knew that she deserved a second chance.
"Hey Es, when I'm feeling well enough to go back to school... would it be okay if I can speak with Wendy as well?" Touya asked his beloved as he wished to tell the Wind Mage his perspective on the Embryo Incident. While Es was taken aback slightly, she then smiled in acknowledgement that Touya wanted to try and speak with Wendy.
"Sure... it will... help... but... aren't you... worried about... the Delinquents...?" Es agrees to Touya's wish to speak with Wendy, but expressed concern about Touya dealing with Kōji, Hanzo and Yuto.
"I won't pick a fight with them, but at the same time, I won't run from them. If there's something I learned, even if I'm scared, I will stand up. That's what you, Mei and Kuon taught me." Touya replied with sincere honesty and determination. Es smiled and nodded, however Kuon and Mei were a little surprised to hear this.
"R-Really? I don't remember teaching you how to be brave..." Mei said with a slight blush and small smile, surprised that Touya even acknowledged her despite spending more time with Es. Yet, it made her feel good. Touya didn't have to put up with her harsh behavior and yet he did. Touya's kindness along with being forgiving and trusting her allowed Mei's heart to slowly open. Now, Touya is like the brother she never had and that made her happy.
"Hey, people can learn things even if we don't teach them. But, it makes me happy that you're willing to stand up to jerks like those guys." Kuon followed up with an air of confidence. She and Touya got along quite well, especially in regards to what family means and offered her support, even when the Fire Empress insisted on doing things alone. Even though Touya was responsible for ending her brother's life, she never resented Touya despite the feelings of sorrow of losing her brother, in spite of the monster he became. Kuon knew she can trust Touya with her life and valued him as a good friend and ally.
Ultimately, Touya had a positive effect on not just the Azure Maiden, but on both the Shrine Maiden and the Fire Empress, just as the three girls had a profound effect on him.
"Hey Touya, no need to go the harem route, you know?" Akira said with a light hearted joke. While he would get mad over that in the past, he's grown a bit better about it. Key world being BIT.
"S-Shut up Kamewari!" Mei replied with an embarrassed glare and flushed face. Guess old habits die hard, but it's clear that the Shrine Maiden's making an effort to reign herself in.
"Way to kill the moment Akira..." Kuon said with a facepalm and a low grin. The Fire Empress knew what that meant, but didn't feel like snapping at Akira for it as she understood he was joking.
The Azure Maiden let out a small giggle while Hinata, Elise and Kiri began laughing. However, if proved to be infectious as Touya, Akira, Kuon and even Mei started laughing as well. It didn't matter what challenges may come for them.
Unomaru, Diablo, Haruki or the Delinquents. All they know is that they'll overcome these trials together as friends and more importantly... as a family.
Shin Yokosaki Hospital
After getting Nu's cloak on and making a trip through the city, Ringo and Nu arrived around 7:10 PM and specifically asked the front clerk for Yuki and a private room. Despite the suspicion, the clerk called for Yuki and the two were able to get inside a private room.
"So Ringo? What did you need me for?" Yuki asked in curiosity as Ringo usually never needed to visit her. The Elder Himezuru figured it had something to do with the hooded figure with her, but as soon as the figure turned around, Yuki saw Nu's visored face.
"Wait... isn't that...?" Yuki let out as Nu dropped her cloak and hovered over to Yuki.
"I am called Nu." Nu simply introduced herself to the Elder Himezuru as she held an arm out to her. Yuki understood that she wanted to shake her hand, but instead...
"It's nice to meet you as well Nu. My name is Yuki." Yuki replied with a warm smile and a loving hug. Nu didn't expect this however as she looked on in bewilderment.
"What are you doing?" Nu asked in confusion. No one has done this with her yet, nor have they been this overtly affectionate with her before.
"I'm giving you a hug Nu. It's a gesture you give to a friend or a member of your family." Yuki said, knowing that the Mechanical Maiden may not know about things like a hug, like Es before her. Thankfully, teaching Es has allowed Yuki to not get as caught off guard like she was with the Azure Maiden previously.
"A hug...? It feels... warm..." Nu softly said as a small smile formed on her face, unbeknownst to both the Elder Himezuru and the Fromer Ten Sage. Nu's face returned to it's unemotive expression as soon as Yuki broke the hug.
"Glad to know you feel that way. Now Ringo, why have you brought her here? Not that I don't appreciate it, but I thought Mei would bring her here." Yuki replied to Nu before turning to Ringo, inquiring the Former Ten Sage's risk in bringing Nu here. Unlike her and their group, people would panic if they saw Nu around the city because they're afraid of then unknown.
"Mei would have eventually brought her here to see you, but she might be preoccupied with other matters at the moment. I do know she wanted to ask you something about Nu after you've got a chance to meet her. It's about the visor on Nu's face..." Ringo replied, telling Yuki about what Mei intended to ask the Elder Himezuru. Afterward, Yuki looked back at Nu as once more, the Mechanical Maiden attempted to take off her visor, but as usual, it remained glued to her face. Yuki's face paled slighty at what this meant...
"It's stuck to her face..." Yuki let out slighty in sadness. Recalling that Es told her about once being an artificial life form created by Unomaru, Yuki correctly guessed Nu was created by him as well. When Es revealed the truth about herself, it came as a shock to her, Hinata and Akira. In spite of the revelation, they still saw Es as a regular girl, no different from them and they all accepted the Azure Maiden for who she is, much to Es' happiness, proving that in spite of Unomaru's callous belief that people like Es aren't real, Yuki and everyone proved otherwise, loving and accepting of Es as she is indeed real to them.
"I unfortunately don't know much about Nu other than she's more machine like. I know Mei will tell you everything in due time, but I'm certain she'd ask you if there is a way to get this visor off of her face without hurting her." Ringo explained to Yuki in response. Yuki didn't know what to think about Ringo doing this without Mei's knowledge, but she knew it wasn't to spite the Shrine Maiden as Mei is very likely busy.
"Well, I will need to look into this. If there's an adhesive substance around the visor, I might be able to do so. However, I will also need to run an x-ray on her as well to make sure there is something underneath it. The last thing I want to do is accidentally kill her." Yuki explained, understanding full well that Nu might be structured differently from Es as the Mechanical Maiden is constantly hovering slightly above the ground, her hands are a metallic gray color with black nails, is unnaturally thin and has this device stuck to her face. Yuki wanted to be safe before attempting any form of operation on her.
"So, can you do so once you get results?" Ringo asked Yuki if she is able to help Nu remove the device from face after Nu gets an x-ray done. Ringo clearly hoped so, if only to grant Nu's wish a bit further.
"Please Yuki. I want to see this world with my own eyes. I... I want to see..." Nu begged Yuki and upon looking at her, saw something surprising to her. Tears started to leak out the bottom of the visor, turning into solid pieces upon hitting the ground. This meant Nu is crying, something that didn't escape Ringo's attention either.
"I'll set things up in advance. After school tomorrow, have Mei bring Nu in. We'll treat her in the wing used for Unions." Yuki responded in kind to Ringo's question and Nu's pleas. After seeing Nu cry, it gave her faith that there are eyes underneath the mechanical lenses. That...
"Besides, I can't turn down anyone who's crying in front of me... so, don't cry, okay?" Yuki said as she wiped away Nu's tears. They were cold instead of warm, but they were indeed very real, a sign that a warm heart beats inside Nu's mechanical chest.
"Okay..." Nu said as the tears began to lessen. Nu didn't understand why water came out from her as her body is primarily made of inorganic materials. Did someone break and malfunction within her? She didn't know, but it felt good to do so, weirdly enough. Eventually, Ringo helped Nu place her cloak back on and proceeded to escort her back as she still ran on a limited power source, a fact that the Former Ten Sage hopes to rectify.
'Don't worry Nu... soon, you'll see the world from a new point of view. I can promise you that.' Yuki thought with a bright smile and strong determination to help Nu break free of the metallic cage Unomaru placed upon her as she continued to help her patients through another night shift.
While Yuki suffered a setback due to Haruki, her talk with Mei and seeing what the Shrine Maiden wants for Nu renewed her resolve once more.
Himezuru Residence [Touya's Room]
It was 8:00 PM right now. Touya was brought back to his bed around 30 minutes ago and he worked on the homework Hinata brought from school for him. He made sure not to strain himself and made sure to go slowly as he worked on it. By now, Mei and Akira returned to their respective homes while Kuon and Elise headed back to the hotel they were staying at. Hinata and Es turned themselves into their rooms while Kiri went to Yuki's room. Eventually, Touya took care of his homework and put it on his nightstand before taking his medicine and drank the water right behind it. As soon as he placed the glass back on the nightstand, he was about to turn off the lights until...
*Knock* *Knock*
The sound of light knocking is heard from his door.
"Touya... it's Es. Would it... be okay if... I can come in?" Es softly asked the young man if she can see him. Touya wondered what made his beloved want to see him at this time. Perhaps she wanted to spend some personal alone time with him, possibly tell him something she couldn't say with the others present or maybe both? Either way, he couldn't refuse her at this moment.
"S-sure. Come on in." Touya softly replied as he knew that speaking loudly will alert Kiri and Hinata since he figured Es wanted to talk with him in private. While Kiri knew about their relationship, he didn't want ANYONE else knowing yet until Unomaru, Haruki and Diablo have been delt with.
With his response, Es quietly opened the door in a specific way before closing it in the exact specific way. All done without making a SINGLE sound or making the door creek. Needless to say, this surprised Touya to see that Es was aware of that issue.
"How did you...?" Touya whispered as Es walked softly over to him. Fortunately, she didn't have her shoes on, so she didn't need to sneak or tiptoe her way to his bedside. She was about to kneel next to him until Touya moved his legs a bit.
"Here, you can sit on the bed." Touya followed up, with Es slightly hesitant before complying with his suggestion. As soon as she sat down, she turned to face him.
"Thank you. And to answer... your question, I... noticed your door... has a creek... lately. I just leverage... and handle the door... in a certain way... to prevent noise." Es expressed her gratitude before answering his surprise about his door.
"You're welcome Es... I couldn't just let you sit on the floor. Also, that's a handy skill you have there and I'm well aware that I need to lubricate the door anyway. I just haven't the time or money for that." Touya replied to Es before explaining to her about why he hasn't fixed it yet. Although Touya doesn't fret over paying rent anymore since Yuki never charged him to begin with, Touya had to admit that having a part-time job at Maha Raja gave him a decent paycheck. He, Mei and Es do recieve some compensation from the Mitsurugi Agency for their effort, but it was obvious they were saving part of their earnings for their new organization to begin with. Despite that, Es giggled slightly as the soreness in her throat is starting to ease up, much to Touya's relief.
"So, um... was there anything you needed Es?" Touya said as he scratched the back of his head with a slight blush. He was still nervous to being affectionate with his newfound girlfriend. As soon as he lloked at her, Es had a look of concern.
"It's about... Kōji Hashimoto... I don't know why... but I fear... that when you... come back to... school... I'm afraid that... he may attack... you to get... to me..." Es said as she clutched the rim of her school uniform's skirt in concern and frustration. Considering how he wasn't going to let her walk away and how he insulted Touya, Es assumed he would do ANYTHING to have his way with her, including the possibility of attacking Touya as the Azure Maiden knew full well that Touya HATES violence with a passion with the young man only resorting to it to fight Unions or any other dangerous threat. Kōji however, is just a regular human, so Es is afraid that Touya wouldn't do anything to defend himself against the Delinquent Leader, who would hurt him to keep him away from Es.
Sensing his beloved's distress, Touya placed a loving and supportive hand over Es' hand, cuasimg the Azure Maiden to losen her grip and calm down.
"Es... it's true that I don't like hurting people, but that doesn't mean I'll let him take advantage of me or frighten me. That's something I would have done back then, but I'll stand my ground, even if it means getting hurt..." Touya replied with strength and resolve in his voice and yet, he doesn't intend to fight back against him to defend himself?
"But Touya... no one would... blame you if you... defended yourself. I... I nearly lost it when... I thought Unomaru killed you... I'm worried that... Kōji will... will..." Es replied as she couldn't finish that sentence. Granted, she might be overthinking things, but she can't shake this bad feeling that this third year student would murder Touya if he could.
"Es, are you... do you think this Kōji person would try to kill me...?" Touya asked his beloved in bewilderment. Why would she think that way?
"Because of how... he spoke of you... and everyone else... plus when Mei... talked back to... him and his friends... I saw rage... build up fast... in him... I believed he would... have attacked her... right there if... Wendy hadn't helped... us escape..." Es explained herself as she recalled Mei calling the three Delinquents out and brought them down a peg. The rage in Kōji's eyes... they were unnatural. They were similar... no, worse than Unomaru's eyes of anger. Es can't help but feel that she herself unleashed a dangerous beast in human clothing... and it worried her.
"When you arrive at school tomorrow, speak with a teacher about it and I'm sure they have someone keep an eye out on them. I'm certain Mei might even do that. Besides, if Kōji does try to take too far, that will only end badly for him. So, don't be afraid Es..." Touya responded to the Azure Maiden, while keeping his own fury for Kōji down in regards of how he approached Es and bad mouthed everyone. Es must have been afraid that he would do something awful to him and Mei. Never mind the fact they could easily scare him off with their respective powers, but they know they can't do so in public.
"I'm not afraid of... Kōji himself... if he ever... tried to do anything... to any one of us... I would not hesitate... to incapacitate him. I'm just afraid that... you won't defend... yourself against him. Letting him hurt you... just to make... him defeat himself... that's no sense... of victory in that..." Es replied, clearly expressing her concerns for Touya.
"Es, it's true I can fight back. I now have the strengh to knock him down if he put his hands on any of us... but if I do that, I'd be no better than him. I know that's unreasonable... but I'd rather be the better man in the situation. However, in the event he does take it too far, only then I will fight back against him. Bullying is one thing, but murder is a completely different story." Touya clerified, knowing full well that Es needed to understand why he wouldn't raise a hand against the Delinquent Leader unless he does prove Es' fears otherwise. Hearing this, some of Es' doubts are cleared up and she calmed down.
"O-okay. I trust you. Just know... we will all be... there for you... should he approach you..." Es replied, her trust in Touya bruning brightly then ever before. It is true that if Touya fights him without any justification, he would be as bad as Kōji. Es only hoped that these fears were unfounded.
"I know you' and everyone will have my back. I'd do the same for everyone else." Touya replied as he smiled at Es, with the Azure Maiden returning the gesture with her own smile. The two sat in silence for a few more minutes before Es returned to her room, with both Es and Touya turning in for the night.
To Be Continued...
Es and Touya's relationship grows and the bond between their family continues to strengthen as they continue forward.
Avenge has found out important details and Ringo has set the stage for Nu's quest to become human.
However, are Es' concerns about Kōji unfounded or... is there a dangerous beast waiting for a moment to strike.
I'll see you next time!