Recap session here; nothing much. I killed that talkative crow like a total baddie.
Well, the problem is; I am the middle of the city covered in blood and it's not like I can pretend I have a serious injury when I am running with my face covered, right? I mean, I almost look like a criminal right now.
...
Okay, I totally look like a criminal right now. But that body disintegrated... so no evidence, right?
But yet another surprise was to come.
I found myself once again in the empty city I had just left.
Eh?
Crap! Her friends are here already?!
I scanned the skies for winged creatures and found a levitating child looking down on me from several feet above.
Its a cute young girl with long black hair down to her hips. I am not a pro in fashion but I think that her attire comprises of black Gothic Lolita fashion... But
Who dressed her up like this... why dress a child in this manner- MY GOD! Someone actually taped her nippl-
I slapped myself. Better stop that line of thought...
She doesn't look Japanese; hell, I am sure she isn't even a human being. Why? Cuz, she is floating!
I backed slowly away from her. But I already knew...
This being can kill me instantly. The only thing I can do...
I got into position.
...is to have a last stand.
"You are interesting."
...
Eh?
She was on the ground.
Just a few feet in front of me.
But... how...?
I lowered my guard and looked at her with mixed feelings.
I totally didn't sense her move. This déjà vu... This is undoubtedly... INSTANT TRANSMISSION?!
I kneeled on one knee like a faithful soldier.
She tilted her head, puzzled.
"What are you-" she started.
"Please, take me in as your disciple." I said, cutting her off.
"Huh?"
Apparently, this is called disciple-surrender tactic. To save yourself from an absurdly strong foe, you surrender yourselves and join them, most likely as their disciple. Of course, I didn't think of any tactics of this situation. I just followed my passion to learn instant transmission, the speed move from my favourite series, Draco Ballz. Well I know what you people might be thinking, 'she might be your enemy or a villain character, what are you even doing?!'
Well, let me ask you this; have you ever seen someone do instant transmission in real life? No? Then mate let's just say we had different life experiences and hence different viewpoints (which is like the common argument point these days).
"Disciple?" she said slowly, "I have never had one..."
*GLEAM*
"I can be your first disciple. Please teach me how to become like Gok- like you!"
She looks a bit interested. At least, I think so. Her face is as blank as... well as blank as my daily poker face. Now that I look closely, her ears are pointed. Well, totally better than having wings and shooting light spears from above.
"First tell me, how you are able to show emotions suddenly?"
My face froze.
...
I don't know what to say because it just registered in my mind that I am showing emotions and well the thing I always hate happened again.
"... you are even capable of portraying such weird expression," said the girl.
My face is awkward again alright.
Upon realization, all emotions shall turn to awkwardness, that is thy destiny...
I remained silent. My mind raced to find the answer to her question. Is it because I killed Raynare? Am I a psychopath? Or is it because I was so close to death that my emotions were forced out?
Or...
Is it because I managed to kill an opponent several times stronger than me?...
That felt like the truth. But I didn't want to say it.
"So, that's why..." she said, "but that's impossible for me to try."
She looked at the sky; seemingly disappointed.
...
Did she just read my mind?
She looked me in the eyes.
"I have been watching you for some time," she said in her slow pace, "your lack of expressions caught my attention. Your battle with the fallen was interesting. I never thought you would win..."
She trailed off in the end. Probably lost in her own thoughts.
"A human with a sleeping sacred gear..." she muttered, "sleeping sacred gear..."
An all powerful being saying things like this is quite creepy. Well, it doesn't seem like she wants to harm me.
She focused her dreamy eyes on me.
Her pupils are black. Actually... the pupils are... slits?
I felt drawn in by an unexplainable force. Darkness suddenly filled my vision.
...
There was 6-year-old me and Izo walking back home from school sharing our stories.
Am I seeing flashbacks?
...
Me and my family were laughing and having dinner. We just look like any other happy family
I think this was around 10 years ago...
...
Little me was eavesdropping on my parents conversation from the hallway. There seems to be someone else in the room besides them.
...
There is me walking alone to school now. Hold on... Where is Izo?
...
I met Rin. We quickly became friends.
...
Two years passed by. Rin left town and I am alone once again.
...
I am alone in my room.
...
I am still alone in my room.
...
... ...
Years have passed by and I am almost fifteen now.
Izo is finally back but he is not Izo anymore?
...
... ...
I felt my head spinning.
I was on all my fours, vomiting.
"Just like I thought," the child said, "Some parts of your memory have been sealed. I cannot access it without killing you."
I was panting.
*PUFF* *PUFF*
I could barely hear anything from shock.
What?... What was that?
"I am the ouroborous dragon, Ophis also known as the dragon of infinity," she said, "if I were to give you a chance... will you cure my boredom?"
Eh?...
Cure boredom? How? And what is this stuff about her being dragon? My brother is a dragon and she is one too? Is it a title? Like the ones from well almost every manhua? 'Sleeping dragon of Shaanxi', 'Venom Dragon'?
"A human with a sacred gear often ends up getting killed," she continued, "or gets recruited by a supernatural faction. That is the fate of humans with sacred gear. Also, the fate the probably awaits you."
I barely raised my head and managed to look at her face.
"The fate that awaits me?..."
"The devils and the fallen angels are all going to come after you; the youngest human being to have ever killed a supernatural being without having an active sacred gear."
That sounded like the world record of some video game but...
"Am I going to be arrested...? Into something like supernatural jail?"
She shook her head.
"The devils are going to come after you because you are already a precious possession to have in their collection due to your achievement. The fallen will come after you for revenge."
"...What do you mean by giving me a chance?"
"I will give you a chance. One single chance to rebel against this fate."
"But, why?"
"I am bored of watching the same story again and again."
"..."
Ah, she's that type... I should have guessed from the fact that she made me vomit like this. The reason why I am alive is probably because I am interesting to her.
"What is your answer?"
Looks like she doesn't care what I think.
"How are you going to make me rebel?" I asked.
"Simple," she raised her finger towards me, "I will give you a power you ask for; rebel against your fate with it and show me a new story."
"Any power...?"
Does that include Kamehameha?
I mean, the ability to give power to others itself sounds super op too.
"Yes. Whether it be a power equivalent to your kinds strongest nuclear weapon, or even a power rivalling a god from your fantasies."
"I..."
I had many, many ideas as to which power I should pick but...
Why?
"I want..."
Why did I...?
"I want the power of stealth."
"...?"
"Looks like even she didn't expect it."
"I want the power to remain in the shadows with the full view of my enemies."(shit that sounded creepy)
"Stealth... It doesn't have much power."
"I know, but no matter what I am not worthy to gain such powers you mentioned overnight. Power beyond what you are worthy of brings you ruin. Besides..."
My heart was racing again.
What fun is there in growing so strong so quickly?
This time I smiled consciously.
Her mouth went slightly ajar.
...
What do you mean th-they will come after me?!
...
Make my sacred gear invincible please!
...
Let me think about it a little...
...
What do you mean I have to entertain you?!
...
This was the first time Ophis ever heard such an answer to her proposal.
"...you want to spy on those who are after you?"
"Yes. My current position is very exposed. I believe anonymity is going to be the greatest asset in this situation."
She stared at me curiously.
"Amusing..."
She raised her hand and I waited.
Suddenly my school bag appeared out of thin air. I caught it reflexively.
"Woah... It's restored!"
As soon as she lowered her hand, I felt my body heat up.
"My god..."
All those bloodstains have disappeared and my clothes look brand new! My expression was that like of a child at a magic show.
"Here."
She held out her small hand.
Black smoke erupted from her hands.
Before I could back away in surprise it spiralled out of her hands and engulfed me.
I didn't scream because it wasn't uncomfortable at all. On closer look I realised that it was swirling shadows.
I stood up bracing myself for a second vomiting session.
But it was relaxing. I know it's weird for me to say this but it was like I was back at home after being away for years. Such a familiar feeling...
You can open your eyes now.
When I opened my eyes, I realised that my arms were spread in a dramatic way; as if I was the main character of a TV who just climbed the highest hurdle in his life.
...
I coughed to hide my awkwardness.
"I have given you my stealth ability. It will hide your powers and make you feel completely normal to anyone."
"You mean your personal one? Wow, thanks."
I lightly turned left and right.
"What is its name?"
"It doesn't have a name," she said slowly.
"Oh yeah? How about 'Untitled'?" I said readying myself to laugh along with her at my own joke.
"..."
...
"...just kidding, just kidding... Uh... How about Abyssal Veil?"
This name is inspired from the abyss I saw in her eyes and well the veil for stealth. Damn, my naming sense is legendary.
"It is a bit too long. I will forget it," she said and my heart sank.
Unbelievable...
"Er, Abyssal Shield?"
"It's not much different," she said bluntly.
**A few minutes of naming later**
"... It's okay you can name it however you want."
No!
It is a matter of pride now!
"How about Kuro?!"
This time I felt a soft tinge near my heart.
Ophis held her hand over her chest. Did she feel it too?
"That name sounds okay," she said.
It was a simple name meaning black or dark. But I guess it works too.
"Kuro..." she muttered.
I felt that sweet tinge once again.
Wait, is that thing alive inside me?
She looked at me carefully and raised her hand towards me.
"I will give you an additional gift."
Eh? OMG! Hidden achievement!
"I will give you some snakes."
Snakes?...
Her fingertips glowed and five mini-snake like things entered my body.
But I felt nothing different.
She looked a little puzzled.
Her fingertips glowed again. Five more entered.
"Uh?"
I felt nothing again.
She inched closer to me and placed her hand on my chest.
*WHOOOOSHHHH*
It's like a black hole has opened right on top of my chest. I felt like I was consuming water from my chest.
Wait, wait too much wat- I mean snakes!
Just when I thought I would die from suffocation, it stopped.
"Is it over?"
I opened my eyes.
Ophis was nowhere to be found.
Eh?... Don't tell me...
I looked at me chest.
I consumed her?!
The entire dimension shattered like glass and I was back on the sidewalk.
Nobody noticed how I came out of nowhere.
I inhaled heavily.
Calm. Calm...
Let's get out of here first.
...
This all feels like a dream.
I was in front of my house. I saw no one suspicious near me. Man, the way I am looking around makes me look totally sus.
"Somebody killed a fallen and disappeared?"
I froze.
"No, he is not home yet. Come to think of it, he is late."
It was my father, Gororu Hyodou. He seems to be on phone.
But, what is going on?! Why is he talking about supernatural?
And more importantly, how can I hear him from the road?!
Not only that, I can sense him messing looking around my room on the first floor. There is also someone in the living room. I can sense, no almost picture them. The one in the living room is mom.
This is undoubtedly Draco Ballz level sensing! Does that mean...
My heart raced.
I can also use instant transmission?!
I raised two fingers against my forehead and imagined myself doing instant transmission to the doorstep.
Nothing happened...
...
Well, not a big deal. Sensing itself is a pretty solid stuff.
I suddenly felt something swirling around my feet.
It was those swirls of darkness or 'Kuro' as I named it. It surrounded my feet.
Crap! If somebody sees this...
I quickly tried to call it into my body.
Most of the swirls disappeared into my body but some of them condensed around my right foot. I felt my leg tense up.
Uh...
I tried moving forward.
...
*BA-DUMP* *BA-DUMP*
Unbelievable...
I was right in front of the door...
My heart was beating wildly.
I had done instant transmission!
I could sense that my parents had stopped moving. Perhaps they have noticed me.
I pushed the thought that I did instant transmission away and with a newfound excitement (which I was careful to not show on my face), I opened the door.
...
Sona Sitiri and Rias Gremory were looking down at the busy junction near the footbridge from top of a building.
"Has anyone found any clues from your sides?" Sona asked. Her arms were crossed.
"Nothing. It's like the killer just vanished from the face of Earth," Rias said. Her one hand was resting on her hip.
"I think there is nothing more to see from here," Sona said.
"I agree," Rias said, "How about we go join them?"
"Sure. But before that..."
"Hm?'
"Tell me about your new boyfriend."
Sona said in a light teasing tone. Rias giggled.
"Now is not the right time," she said.
"Sure. Make sure to leave not a single detail out."
Sona said nearing the edge of the roof.
"Why so interested?" Rias asked with a smile.
"It is hard not to be interested when it comes to my 'undefeated' pawn's brother," Sona said with a slight proud smile.
"Aww, you worried I might take that title away?" Rias said nearing the rooftop edge too.
"Very."
They both jumped off the roof and a pair of bat wings sprouted from their back as they dived.
The dimension changed into the one where Issei and Raynare fought.
A few students were down below near the ruined footbridge.
Sona and Rias flew over to them.
"Buchou."
Kiba greeted Rias as soon she landed. He politely greeted Sona.
"BUCHOU!"
Two figures dashed towards Rias and hugged her tightly.
"Katase, Murayama! Sorry to make you guys work when you just got back!"
Rias hugged both of them with affection.
"It's okay, Buchou!" Murayama said.
"Buchou, we won the district level kendo tournament!" Katase said.
"Oh! Congrats both of you! We will celebrate later!"
Rias rubbed their heads in celebration.
""Yay!""
Kiba sighed. The three of them were always like this.
"Kaichou," a voice cut through their celebration.
He came flying down and landed softly next to Kiba. He folded his draconic-devilish wings and glanced briefly at Rias but quickly looked away without even greeting.
"Kaichou," he said, "my brother, seems to have just got back home."
"Ask your parents to keep an eye on him, just in case," Sona said.
"Issei is a suspect?" Rias asked intrigued.
Katase and Murayama looked at Rias in shock hearing her call Issei by first name. Izo narrowed his eyes lightly upon hearing it.
"While Hyoudou Issei only has a sleeping sacred gear, he cannot be completely ruled out. Though," Sona's eyes narrowed, "it is highly unlikely that Hyoudou Issei is behind this."
She looked at the destruction caused by the fight.
"It is highly possible that someone is trying to spark friction between our faction and fallen. But people like Hyoudou Issei who are even indirectly connected with the supernatural world are also under severe suspicion."
"I see," said Rias considering the possible candidates.
"Buchou..." Katase called in a small voice.
"Hm? Yes?"
"Are you really going out with Hyoudou Issei?"
"Oh? Yes," Rias said with a smile while Katase and Murayama almost fainted from shock.
"My fault," Kiba apologized, "I should have informed them beforehand."
"Our Buchou..." Katase said in a daze.
"With that pervert?..." Murayama finished.
Both of them started wailing.
"Issei isn't a pervert though," Rias said trying to console the two girls.
"I will leave you to investigate this area, Rias," Sona said with a small smirk, "follow me Izo."
She flew off.
Izo spread his draconic wings. But before he took off he turned to Rias and said:
"I don't know exactly your reason for trying to get close to my brother; but let me warn me you Rias Gremory, it is best if you do not involve him in our feud."
"Oh? Seems like you treasure your Onii-chan quite a bit~" Rias said in a playful voice.
"I have already warned you, considering that you are my master's friend and treasured rival. The rest is up to you."
Izo took off.
"... don't you think they are being unexpectedly too fixated on Issei?" Rias asked Kiba.
Koneko appeared from the shadows suddenly and answered.
"I sense frustration from him," Koneko said looking at Izo, flying in the sky.
"I thought he hated Issei; welp another sign not to believe in rumours."
...
As soon as I entered the house, I met my mother.
She was a woman approaching her late forties, but age hardly seems to affect her. She looks in her early thirties at best. I have never thought much deeply about how my parents looked younger than their actual age but now I am forced to.
Why?
She was surrounded by swirls of darkness which was forming a bizarre shape of a figure with horns and bat wings made of shadows.
I didn't panic seeing this view. I quietly removed my shoes as usual ignoring her gaze.
"Why are you this late?"
I paused to meet her gaze.
"I felt like taking a walk."
I walked past her.
"Quite a long walk," this time it was my father who was descending the steps.
He was a man in his late forties who, just like my mother looked young compared to his age. Of course he had the same aura.
"Better than staying at house, right?"
This was our usual banter.
They get weirdly too suspicious of where I went if I am a bit late (which I rarely do because I hate this questioning) and if you think it is a common parents problem then you are wrong. Sometimes their eyes feel they are always watching me like I am some sort of animal in a zoo. Guess they are all part of the supernatural world. Then again, why am I the only one left out? Cuz, I have sleeping sacred gear?
So many questions...
I climbed up the stairs, went into my room and shut the door.
...
"Whew! What a day," I said to myself; throwing myself onto the bed.
Who would have thought my whole family would be involved in the supernatural world.
The figure with horns and wings came to my mind.
I wonder what that means.
[It means they are devils.]
Devils? Hmm yeah that could be possible.
...
Did someone just talk?
[I did. Looks like you somehow managed to absorb me as whole.]
It's her voice, alright.
Ho-holy I don't know what to say..
[Me too. I never thought something like this would happen.]
She was directly speaking in my head! Ophis is now inside me?!
I felt my body to check if it was still me.
'Uh, can you come out?' I spoke in my head.
[No. Though I can if I want to by destroying your body from within.]
...
"...Why were you silent till now?"
[I fell unconscious. Who would've thought...]
She started mumbling to herself while I started panicking about being watched 24/7 by a supernatural being who looks like a 10-year-old girl- OMG, does that include while I am using restroom, bathing...
...
At that time, I could confidently say that things are never going to be the same as before.
...
.
.
...
The sky was red. The weirdly shaped moon was overlooking a castle. Through the broken roof of the royal chamber the moonlight flooded into the dimly lit chamber. Basking in this moonlight, on the highest level of the chamber was a humanoid figure.
He was seated in a huge throne and his face was in shadows.
Beneath him were three additional levels with much smaller thrones. Each of them had a similar sized humanoid figure in it.
On the ground level, a much smaller figure was grovelling on the ground. Far behind him other similar sized figures were trembling in fear.
"$ # $# $ #$$%$# ^#! $#$."
("I a-apologize my lord! I n-never thought he would manage to kill her!")
Two glowing spots appeared on the kings face where eyes are supposed to be and-
*!-"
(*LORD! PL-")
The grovelling figure disintegrated into dust. The other small figures whimpered and panicked.
"*$# ."
("Useless.")
The king said. He then fixed his eyes on the other small figures.
"* # !# #!"
("Useless. Every single one of you.")
He continued.
" #^$ #$!"
("You all failed to eliminate the target even in such a weakened state!")
The king raised his palm towards his small underlings who started to back away in panic.
"%!$ #%%#"
(I have no use of WEAKLINGS like you.)
Just when his palm started glowing, the humanoid on the smaller throne just below him got up.
" #"
("Please, wait my lord.")
The king didn't say anything but simply stared at the figure in silence, waiting for it to continue.
" #$^* #"
("While, what they did really shows their incompetence. I believe this is an opportunity.")
The king didn't lower his hand.
" #$*"
("Allow me.")
The head of the underling glowed for a second and so did the king's head. A message was passed.
The king finally lowered his hand.
The place where the mouth of the figure was supposed to be split into a glowing, creepy smile.
All the dragon ball series mentions in this chapter are in the memory of Akira Toriyama; the one who set the example for anime industry.