Chapter 29
It's strange, I don't remember losing consciousness, and yet I wake up, feeling water slapping against me.
(Wait... water?)
I open my eyes to see... emptiness... there's no ceiling, or at least I can't see it. I stand up slowly, my body aching. Indeed, there's a few centimetres of water. I look around to see that I'm in a gigantic corridor. In front of me, also emptiness, or at least the corridor goes so far that I can't see the end, only blackness.
Listening closely, I can hear heavy breathing, and above all I feel as if I'm being stared at. I turn around to see a huge golden cage, with a seal in the center, probably to protect the lock, and between the bars, two brilliant red eyes in the pitch black, staring at me with all the hatred he can muster.
"Well, I didn't think you'd invite me into your cell, Kyûbi." I say, rising to my feet.
"Tss, back down your tone, insect, my influence is still great enough over you to send you here without either of us having decided to, do you understand now? You're my puppet, I can do whatever I want with you."
"Hmm? And why am I still conscious and you're behind bars?"
"Play it smart while you still can, but the more the days go by, the more the seal will be weakened, not to mention your sanity. You'll go down just like the rest of them."
"Well, I thought we were going to have a friendly little chat, at least I'd hope so."
"We have nothing to say to each other, insect. I hate you and all humans, you're abominations that only bring death and destruction, or sometimes you attract it too."
I raise an eyebrow, not understanding the last part of the message. But, seeing the state of our world right now, it's hard to argue with him.
"Look, I understand, but you can't generalize humanity into a destroyer, many people are trying to correct mistakes, and save our planet."
"Ahahahah! What naive words! Especially coming from you, who knows only hate and destruction, let me laugh."
"I'm trying to move on... I have to before..."
"Before wanting to save lives and destroy others? You're pathetic. Good for you for pursuing an unattainable dream, but saving everyone is utopian. Let me tell you one last thing, this world would be better off without you. So continue on your way, you're plotting a path to your own death and believe me, I'll finish you off myself when the time comes."
At these words, a huge wave bursts out of the cage and sweeps me away, forcing me to close my eyes.
Opening them becomes significantly more difficult, but I recognize this ceiling, I'm in the occult research club. Gradually regaining all my senses, my vision becomes clearer and clearer, and the noises around me, at first muffled and unintelligible, return to normal. I try to move but my body is so heavy...
"Ara? Senji, are you awake? Don't move, you still have light residue in your body, I'm almost done purifying you, so wait a little longer." I can see Akeno healing me where I was shot.
"Welcome back Senji, you gave us quite a scare, falling unconscious all of a sudden." Kiba said with a sympathetic smile.
I look around, and when our eyes meet with Koneko's, she immediately avoids me. She's moved as far away from me as possible.
(Of course, now that they know, they too will... what am I supposed to do or say?)
"My body, how bad is it?" I ask.
"Everything's fine Senji, what a surprise it was when we saw all your wounds close before our eyes so you have nothing to worry about." Rias approaches and crouches down to my level.
"No, nothing's going right..." Rias' tone turns serious when she hears me.
"That's it I'm done, you can sit down Senji, I'll get you something to drink." Akeno gets up and fetches a cup of tea.
With Rias' help, I take a sitting position on the sofa.
"Well Senji, I'm sorry but, I need an answer about this." Rias points to my belly.
I lower my gaze to see that I'm shirtless and more importantly, that the seal of the fox demon is inscribed, leaving it visible for all to see. I let out a long sigh of defeat, then place my hand on it and make it disappear.
"You should never have known..." I mutter.
"Why?" Rias asks me.
"It was the Hokage who decided it had to remain a secret."
"Ah... I understand but Senji..."
"But what's the point? My mother spilled the beans in her book. She sold me out, everyone in this town knows who I am. So what's the point of hiding it anymore, after all? Yes, I'm the host of Kyûbi, the nine-tailed fox demon."
"So it's true, you're the child of that horrible book... "
I nod feebly.
"And can I ask you if, everything in it is true?" Rias asks shyly.
"Yes, she's just exaggerating about herself to look like a victim but yes the rest is true."
"I... I don't know what to say Senji..." I can see deep confusion on Rias' face.
"You don't have to say anything President. Now, what are you going to do with me?" I avoid looking her in the eye, afraid of my own question.
"What do you mean?" Rias doesn't understand, which surprises me.
"Now that you know I can lose it at any moment, you're going to throw me out, aren't you?" I say bitterly, putting my shirt back on.
Rias remains silent, not knowing what to say. I'm already preparing myself for what she's going to say, already thinking about what I'm going to do next.
"I'm really surprised to learn that you're the host of the fox demon and a little annoyed that you didn't want to tell us. But now I understand better your reactions and why you're so distant with everyone. I've heard so many horrible things said about you that I thought you'd disappear or even worse, become a villain. But no, you're standing in front of me, trying to get stronger. So no, I'll keep my promise, I'd never dare expel you from my peerage Senji. Besides, something tells me you'd go on alone, and that I couldn't live with."
I'm speechless, I've already disappointed her several times, and lied to her about myself. And yet she wants to hang on to me. I feel so pathetic now.
"I can only imagine what you've been through all these years, but I promise you're welcome here." She said, caressing my cheek with her soft hand. " Isn't that so?"
"Fufu~ Obviously, after all he is our lovely Kouhai." Said Akeno smiling.
"You can trust us Senji-kun, after all we are comrades." Kiba approaches and rests a comforting hand on my shoulder.
Then I feel someone tugging at my shirt, I turn to see Koneko.
"Senji-senpai is a nice person, so I believe in you." She said, her face inexpressive, handing me a sweet.
"Thank you, everyone. I... I'll do my best."
"I know. Well, now that's settled, at least for now. I assume you have some questions in relation to the attack you suffered, right?" Rias asks me, sitting down on her desk.
I search my memory, somewhat vague because of a certain person, but I remember, what seemed to me the oddest.
"Oh yes, the priest talked about being deserted by god, what did he mean?" I ask, somewhat confused by these words.
"There are two types of Exorcists. The first are the Exorcists who receive the blessing from God to perform exorcism in the name of justice. This group of Exorcist borrows its power from God and Angels to eliminate Devils. And there is another one. "Stray Exorcists"."
"Stray? Are you telling me the church has the same problem we have?"
"Exorcism is a holy ceremony that is performed in the name of God. But sometimes, there are Exorcists who starts to enjoy the act of killing Devils. They are beings who have found killing Devils as joy and as their purpose of life. So they get kicked out from the Church without exception. Or they get erased for being found guilty."
"Erase huh..."
"But there are those who survive. What do you think happens to those Exorcists? It's simple. They go to the Fallen Angels."
"Hmm, that's what the priest told me too. I guess this is their last issue."
"Yes. Even though Fallen Angels are beings that were kicked out from the heaven, they still have the power of light, the power to eliminate Devils. The Fallen Angels also lost a lot of their comrades and their men in the previous war. That's why they started to collect servants, just like us."
I understood the situation as soon as she told me that much.
"So the Fallen Angels who finds the Devils a nuisance and the Exorcists who wants to kill Devils have the same objective, right?"
"Yes. That's why they are called "Stray Exorcists". So the dangerous Exorcists who became addicted to Devil-hunts started to attack Devils and the humans with connections to Devils by borrowing powers from the Fallen Angels. The boy priest from earlier is exactly that. He's a "Stray Exorcist" who belongs to an organisation with the support of the Fallen Angels. They are not proper Exorcists, but they are still dangerous like the proper ones. No, since they have no restrictions on them, they are much harder to deal with than the actual Exorcists. It's not smart to deal with them. So, the Church you went to before does not belong to God but to the Fallen Angels."
Indeed, I was able to witness the threat it represents at first hand. And the fact that he can provoke while fighting so easily proves that he's a seasoned fighter, and that he's probably killed a lot of people, that bastard. He is really evil. He only thought about fighting and has joy in killing Devils.
"Okay, I understand a little better." I let out a long sigh, feeling the weight of fatigue wash over me. "I just hope that bastard doesn't do anything to Asia." I feel the anger rising again, those images inscribed in my memory, ripping off her clothes, slamming her against the wall...
Feeling a hand gently rub my back, I turn to see Akeno, looking worried. But her gesture calms me, with a bitter taste.
"I understand your concern Senji, but I think you need to forget about this person. You're a Devil and she is the servant of Fallen Angel. These are two species that cannot coexist."
"Yeah, you're right. On the other hand, if I run into this Freed again..." I know perfectly well.
If I try to save her, I'll be putting them in danger too. But knowing she's in danger alone with this guy irritates me to no end. I return home frustrated and tired, unable to stop thinking about Asia.
Thursday, January 5, 2023.
"Haa..."
I've skipped school today, and I'm currently sitting on a bench in a children's park while making a sigh. Rias insisted that I rest, worried about the effects the fox demon would have on me. And above all the power of light, even with Akeno's care, I still feel the sensation throughout my body, like a poison.
According to President, 'The Fallen Angel who gave its power to that priest must have a dense power of light', so it seems like they will be troublesome for us Devils since light is poisonous to us.
Because of the poison, still slightly present, I can't do the Devil's job for a while.
President probably has already talked to the teachers so it should be fine. That's because she controls the school from the shadows.
My stomach rumbles. Now that I think about it, I haven't eaten since morning. I have been thinking about Asia and my career as a Devil the whole time.
(How can I save Asia? Before that, does Asia even like her current situation?)
But I have made my own assumption that she won't enjoy working in the same place as a psycho priest who will hit her.
I know that acting alone will cause problems for Rias and the others, but there's no way I'm letting my principles, my obligations, slip through my fingers. That's why I joined them, to become more and protect everyone.
(Besides, it makes me think I should ask Kiba to train together).
Next time I see that shitty priest, I'm gonna kill him for good. My vision was clouded by anger last night, but I wouldn't be fooled in the same way. On the other hand, if I run into a Fallen Angel, it's not going to be the same story.
(Well, there's no point in tegiversging here. I'm going to run a few shops and go home, I'm really starting to get hungry).
When I got up from the bench, the colour gold appears to my eyes. When I look carefully, there is a blond haired girl that I'm familiar with. She also notices me. Both of us are shocked at this meeting.
"Senji-san..?"
I turn and head off in the opposite direction. I can't face her, not after what happened last night, I don't want her to see the monster I am. But suddenly I feel her tugging at my clothes, trying to prevent me from leaving. Seeing the confused looks of the people around us, I let out a sigh and stopped. I turn around to see Asia, looking at me shyly.
"Asia? What are you doing here?" I ask.
"Ah! Um... I've got some free time..." She answers hesitantly.
(You're a bad liar, young lady. Did you run away from the church?)
But I prefer to keep this thought to myself, seeing how relieved she is to see me, even after my poor showing against the priest. Then hearing both our stomachs screaming at the same time, making Asia red with shame, I prefer to concentrate on the most important subject at the moment.
"Do you want to come and eat something with me? It's on me."
"...Auu." It's a strange sight. A Sister is getting confused in front of the register.
"W-What would you like to order...?" Even the employee doesn't know how to handle this situation.
I took Asia to a fast food restaurant at the business district. It seems like she never came to this kind of place before, so she is having a hard time choosing her meal. I offered my help, but she said proudly, "It's fine, I will manage it somehow", so I have been watching her the whole time...
(Thinking carefully, you can't speak Japanese.)
"Sorry. She will have the same order as me." Seeing the chance, I help her.
"Okay." The employee takes the order.
"Auu, I'm ashamed. I can't even buy a single hamburger by myself..." Asia on the other hand is shocked.
"W-Well, first you need to get used to Japanese."
We head towards the empty table as soon as we got our meals while I encourage Asia who is feeling down. While we are moving inside the restaurant, most of the male customers are looking at Asia. It's because she is a nun, but also because she's really cute. We sat opposite each other, but Asia is taking a really good look at the hamburger and isn't eating it.
(Rather, does she even know how to eat it?)
"Asia, you can eat this by taking the wrap off like this." I showed her how to do it..
"T-There's actually a way to eat like that!? A-Amazing!" What a new reaction. You are seriously cute, Asia.
"You also eat the fries like this."
"Oh my!" Asia is looking at me eating the fries with very keen eyes.
Then she takes the burger in both hands and takes a small bite of the burger. She starts eating it.
"D-Delicious! This burger is very delicious!" This girl is saying it while her eyes are shining.
(What does she normally eat?)
"You never ate a burger before?"
"No. I have seen it often on television, but it's my first time eating it. I'm moved! It's delicious!"
"Oh. So what do you normally eat?"
"Mainly bread and soup. I also eat vegetable and pasta food."
(Such simple food. Is Church like that? It's not very healthy.)
Then she starts up again, devouring the burger as I continue to wonder why she was at the park, starting to imagine the worst-case scenarios. I want to ask her but that might been a thoughtless question. I probably should wait till she feels like telling me. I will help her any time.
There is also the thing about Buchou and the others. But I can't tell her that. It's so irritating. Oh well, since she is enjoying eating her hamburger, I feel bad asking her something that will make her depressed. Yeah, that's it. Just for today, we shall forget about everything.
"Asia."
"Y-yes?"
"Have you had time to visit Fuyuki yet?"
"Um, no."
"Then we'll do this. You'll see, it's a pretty quiet town. With two faces, and when you don't know it, you get the impression that it's not the same town."
Fuyuki is separated into two large districts by the Mion River. The two are linked by our famous red bridge. Shinto, the new district of Fuyuki, where we are now, is still under development. This is where you'll find all the city's modern buildings, with tall, ten-storey blocks, like the building where Shuka lives and the big shopping mall.
But first I'm taking Asia to see the Miyama district, where I live and where all the old, traditional houses and buildings are. When Asia finally arrives, she's speechless, having taken in the country all at once.
"Wow! It's magnificent! I'd only seen these homes from TV or magazines, but never in person!" She says, her eyes full of stars.
"This is the quietest part of town. Come on, let's take a walk to the beach." I lead the way, followed closely by Asia, shaking her head so as not to miss anything.
Arriving at my destination, I can admire the fruits of my labor. The beach is almost cleaned up, just a few more weeks and I'll be done. But for now, much of it is already clean. Even though it's the middle of winter, families are settling in, enjoying the blue skies.
Asia takes off her shoes and walks down to the water, admiring the horizon.
"The sea is so calm here. Everything is so peaceful, you're really lucky to live here Senji-kun." She turns to me with a big smile.
I nod in agreement, but something deep inside me refuses. The pain of the past, grabbing me by the neck. I do my best to hide it and suggest that Asia continue her visit.
This time we pass through the shopping district. It's a long, red-paved road lined with stores of all kinds. Some people are shopping, others are strolling along, and Asia is casting her eyes over all the stalls, asking me to explain the items she doesn't know.
"Ah we're back on the road overlooking the bridge. Shall we go back to Shinto?" She asks me.
"Not yet, we're going to take a little detour."
The foreigners' quarter, as its name suggests, is where you'll find house architecture from other countries. If I remember correctly, this is where Sakura and Rin live.
"Oh, the houses are definitely more diverse here. I feel like I'm back in Europe."
"Indeed, that's the main inspiration."
"Have you ever traveled to Europe Senji-san?"
"I've been there a few times, yes."
"Really? That's amazing! I've never traveled before, Japan being the first one I've done."
I can't tell her that my travels have been mainly to follow Kiritsugu on his missions.
"Well, now as promised, off to the shopping mall?"
"Yes! Let's go!" She takes my hand and as knowing the way, we head for the mall.
When Asia arrives at the mall, her head is spinning from the sight of so many stores, she doesn't know which way to turn. So I guide her through the mall's maze, until I feel her slow down, her gaze drawn to something. I look back to see the arcade.
"Are you interested in the arcade?" I ask.
"Um... it's just that all these lights intrigue me. What are all these people doing?"
"They play video games."
"Video games?"
"Want to give it a try? I've got some spare cash on me."
Asia's eyes turn to me, full of curiosity,
"Let me show you how to win a race, Asia!" I put my foot on the gas pedal, and quickly change gear on the bend. I pass both cars.
"Fast! You are so fast Senji-san!"
(I can thank Fuji-nee and all those competitions we did).
Just like that, I'm playing a racing game in the arcade, even though I have no hobbies and spend my time cooking, working and training. Sometimes I play video games, which Fuji-nee introduced to me. Racing game or not, I can beat any games.
[WIN!]
The sign that shows my victory appears on my screen. Looks like I achieved a new highscore again. Then I lost sight of Asia. When I looked, she is standing in front of the crane game.
"What is it?"
"Hau! N-No... I-It's nothing." When I ask her, she tries to hide it.
"Is there something you want?"
When I look inside the crane game there is a doll of "Rache-kun" inside. It's a cute mascot based on a mouse. If I remember correctly, this character came from Japan but it's popular worldwide. So that's why Asia also knew it.
"Asia, do you like Rache-kun?"
"Eh? N-No, t-that is..." Asia's face gets red, and she nods her head shyly.
"Okay. I will get it for you."
"Eh? B-But..!"
"It's okay, I will get it."
I put the coin in immediately and started controlling the crane. I can still thank Fuji-nee for teaching me a few tricks for using the crane. But this time, I opt for something different, discreetly switching on my magic circuits, I pass them through the machine, to easily control the crane and catch Rache-kun. I then give it to Asia.
"Here you go."
"Thank you very much, Senji-san. I will take care of this doll." Asia became so happy that she held the doll to her chest.
"Hey hey, if a doll like that makes you happy, then I'll get you more next time." That's what I said to her, but she shook her head.
"No, this Rache-kun that you gave me represents the wonderful day I met you. Since today is the only day I met you, I will take good care of this doll."
(today is the only day you meet me...)
"Okay, where do you want to go next? Anything that caught your eye?"
"Um, can we go to a manga store? I'd love to see some..."
"Okay then it's decided, follow me." I took Asia's hand and went further into the mall.
"Y-Yes!"