We're back, folks! Hold on to your butt's! This one may or may not end in a cliffhanger, we'll see.
Life 3. My friend..?
The same morning that I had assisted the foreign priestess, Asia Argento, in finding the "abandoned" church, I went back to school right after. I'd ended up arriving later than expected, but I didn't care. I didn't have the mental capacity to give it any thought. Instead, the only thing in my mind during class was just how much it felt like my world had been suddenly flipped upside down..
("Like I mentioned before, there's a whole lot more out there in the world than just Fallen-Angels. In fact, you can assume that pretty much every major mythology has a great deal of truth to it.")
The Fallen-Angel, Raynare, who I once thought to be my potential human stalker, turned out not to be human at all… She revealed herself as something more, leaving me with the information that there was even much more this world had to offer than simple humanity..
Everything was real…? All the fairy tales and legends from myth? No, well, she didn't specify which were true and which weren't. She never mentioned legends or folklore either. But she still said that most major mythologies had truth to them… Which means, stuff like demons and angels, yokai and Buddha, god and the devil, spirits and ghosts… Most of that stuff is real, huh?
…I didn't even know what to think of it. I mean, growing up in a traditional Japanese Buddhist upbringing, a part of me was always superstitious. But we live in a secular society. There was always a limit to it. I thought of all that supernatural stuff as heavily ambiguous. There wasn't any proof one way or the other. It was just up to you to believe… But you know what they say, "seeing is believing." And right now, I don't have any excuse for not believing in that stuff. Not anymore…
Now, I've seen it with my own eyes. Those wings that Raynare had were real. I didn't just hallucinate them. She even used them to fly. Not to mention, that terrible feeling that struck my being. That sudden sense of danger, it wasn't like anything I've ever felt before… It was like something screamed at me from within, warning me. But it was beyond words, and it didn't feel like a physical or a mental manifestation of fear either. It felt entirely…spiritual. A feeling that arose from somewhere I can't pinpoint, in a place I didn't know existed.
Yeah… That "message" I received.…was sent down to my "soul," and the existential fear that came down from it was my soul's "response." That only leaves me with one question.
Who the hell sent me that "warning?"
Was it from someone up above? Oji-chan? Ero-sensei? My parents? Ancestors?
No, it was something else. I don't know why, but I can tell that it came from somewhere else. Somewhere inside of me. So then, was it myself? A different part of my soul? The other side of my consciousness?
I don't know. Goddammit, I don't fucking know. My head is spinning, my heart is still pumping. I can't think straight. My whole world has been turned upside down. I feel like I don't know or understand anything anymore. Like I've been reborn in a new world without any rules or history to guide me.
I've got nothing. Nothing, but this quiet, whispering voice in my head that sounds like it's a million miles away.
"...What's the answer, Hyoudou?..."
What should I do? What do I think?
"..Hyoudou? Are you listening?.."
I don't know. I don't know! I don't fucking know!
"Hyoudou!"
[—!]
"I SAID I DON'T FUCKING KNOW, GODDAMMIT!"
….
Only a moment after shouting at the top of my lungs, I realised that I was still in the middle of class. And the person I had yelled at was my teacher herself, who looked startled.
…In a few seconds, my brain reset itself and I could see the confused or surprised gazes of my classmates.
"W-Well, that's…alright. We don't always know the answer, but it's nothing to be u-upset about. We'll figure it out together, as a class.."
My teacher smiled nervously, clearly worried after my sudden outburst. Shit…
"Um… I'm sorry, Kawakami-sensei. I think I need to go to the nurse's office… Please excuse me."
I abruptly left the classroom after that, no doubt leaving an insane impression on the rest of my classmates. Great… I've spent so long just being a guy in the background, now I'm gonna become some sort of psychotic pariah around the academy.
Whatever. I can't even find it within myself to care right now. My mental fortitude feels like it's crumbled entirely. The only thing I have bouncing around in my head is what I was told.
("That being said, one of those things that you should definitely be worried about is Devils.")
("Devils..?")
("Demons, from the Underworld. They're our mortal enemies. While they might take human shape and form, they are anything but. They are greedy, selfish beings who will lie and manipulate anyone to get their own way. Whatever you do, you can't trust a word they say, alright? Especially not the ones who attend your Academy.")
("Do you mean… there are Devils who go to my school..?")
("Of course. Why do you think I didn't approach you directly by attending your academy?")
Heh..
"Hehe… Hahaha."
For some reason, I chuckled while on my trek to the nurse's office. If anyone who witnessed my outburst in class didn't think I was crazy at first, they might if they saw me now.
"Fuck me…"
I wonder if I could go back to just living normally now? Raynare said that was impossible. She said that I definitely have a special power, like that girl, Asia. If that's the case, then I can't really live normally. And I'll be putting anything I care about at risk..? I wonder if any of that is true.
To be honest, I don't think it matters. Even if that wasn't true, what kind of human being can just go back to living normally after being told about the myth reflecting reality? Is it really that easy? I wonder…
Ding!
I looked down at my phone after receiving a notification. Expectedly, the message was from my confidant.
A: [Hey, you okay?]
[What happened? Why did you freak out like that?]
[Want me to go to the nurse's office too?]
I stopped in the hallway before turning into the nurse's office. I was surprised by the messages, to be honest.
"Huh… Ya know, this girl is actually unexpectedly decent sometimes.."
PART 2
After my strange outburst, I ended up going home early. I didn't feel that I was in the correct headspace to attend any of my lectures or classes. My sister seemed confused by my unexpected arrival.
"Hmm? Hey, you're home early."
"Hey, Nee-chan… What about you? No work today?"
"Huh? Oh, no. I mean, yeah, there was. But unlike the rookies there, I can finish up in a few hours. I didn't need overtime for this week so I just decided to come back and prep stuff for dinner before you got back. But you're back way too early. I didn't even buy ingredients yet. Did you even make it to the lunch period?"
In my current mental state, that was too many questions to answer, so I left my bag on the sofa and started making my way up the stairs.
"Hey! I was talking, you brat! Listen when your older sister is talking to you! Issei!"
After I made it to my room, I shut the door and fell flat on my face on my bed.
"Why me? What did I do…? Why is it always me…? I don't understand…"
I heard a soft knocking on the door a few seconds later.
"Issei? Is everything alright?"
It was Kyoko-neechan. She spoke softly behind the door, in a much more compassionate tone than before. She must've realised something was off about me.
"Yeah… I'm fine, Nee-chan… Just tired…"
"Are you sure? You know, you can always talk to your onee-chan about anything."
"Yeah, I know. I'm okay. Thanks, Nee-chan."
"Alright. Well, I'll take your word for it… In that case, I'm gonna head to the convenience store and get some ingredients for dinner. Unless, you don't want to be alone..?"
"No, I'm fine being alone. Thanks for asking though.."
"Sure. I'll be back, Hyo-kun. Just take a nap for now. I'll wake you up for lunch."
With that, she was off and I was left alone to wallow in my thoughts. At least, that was what happened for a very short amount of time. Eventually, I did exactly what my sister suggested and fell asleep.
….
Somewhere, deep within the depths of my consciousness, something spoke to me.
[…...]
Still, without a proper voice, I couldn't decipher what it was trying to tell me.
[...B….oy…..]
I felt it calling out to me. Somehow, despite never encountering it, it seemed so familiar..
[...We are…]
Eventually though, I was able to make out a single word within the muffled, garbled mess of sound.
Like a voice trapped beneath the ocean, it was being silenced. But that single word, somehow, still reached me.
And accompanying it was some kind of light. Like a beacon in the darkness, I could finally see something off in the distance, closing in towards me.
[...Dragon…]
And just like that, I was blinded by that light.
"...Oy. You still in there?"
"Ugh! What the..?"
Just like in the dream world, I was actually being blinded when I woke up. This time, the light came from a smartphone flashlight being shoved in my face.
"Ow, ow! Turn it off! Get that outta my face!"
"Sorry, just making sure you're still with us."
The person who turned off the light was Aika. Of course, I shouldn't be surprised..
"What the hell does that have to do with shining a light in my eyes?"
"What, you never heard of pupil dilation? Do you even pay attention in science and health lectures?"
"What, you thought I was dead or something?"
"I mean, I couldn't rule anything out after how you looked today. You had the kinda face someone wears when they think their life is at an end. Terminal disease style. Or maybe more like that one movie? What's that crazy movie series from overseas where people die in unrealistic ways? Ending Destination?"
I sat up on my bed while rubbing my eyes. Aika made herself at home as usual and sat at my desk chair, crossing her legs like she owned the place.
"Ugh, who cares… Although, if anyone thought their life might end soon, it was definitely me today.."
"Whoa. That doesn't sound like a joke. Care to elaborate? I'm here if you need someone to talk to, ya know?"
"Nah, it's nothing, I'm just…"
For a moment, I sat there and thought about it. What would happen if I did talk about it…? Should I even be keeping something like this a secret? Moreover, even if I explain it, it's not like anyone would believe what I'm going through, right? I'm sure I'd just sound like a crazy person, so I might as well keep my mouth shut.
Well, that's what I thought, but… Truth be told, I really wanna get all of this off my chest. Otherwise, I get the feeling that it's gonna drive me nuts.
Besides, if no one's gonna believe me, then I might as well vent about it. There's no risk in spinning fairy tales, right? If it's just to make me feel better…
"...Alright. I'll tell you. But you can't laugh or make fun of me, yeah?"
"No problem."
"I'm serious."
"I am too. Promise."
Surprisingly, I felt like she was telling the truth. Well, in that case, I see no point in holding back. I might as well tell it to her from the beginning.
"Okay, where do I start…. Well, I guess I'll start from this morning…"
—With that, I began to explain everything that happened today, starting with my encounter with the nun, Asia.
After I was finished explaining, things were quiet for a minute. Aika sat there in deep contemplation, as I worried that she might immediately consider me a basket case. Eventually though, she hummed.
"Hmm. So let me get this straight. You helped a lost, foreign church girl find the place she was looking for, which instead of being totally abandoned like it should've been, ended up being filled with a group of inhuman creatures with wings known as "Fallen-Angels." And one of those Fallen-Angels also happened to be your secret admirer aka stalker. On top of that, she revealed to you that you have special abilities like the church girl and that there's a whole bunch of mythological fiction that happens to be real? Did I get that all right?"
"Y-Yeah, basically…"
Despite how doubtful her tone sounded, her expression was serious.
"So, do you think I'm insane..?"
"Insane? No, why would I think that?"
"Because I just ran my mouth off about a bunch of shit that you probably never thought was real?"
"I guess, but is it really that far-fetched to think that some supernatural stuff might exist?"
"Wait, so, you do believe me?"
"Mm… Well, I can't exactly say that either. Some of the stuff you said does sound kinda out there. I'm still having some trouble wrapping my head around it."
"Tell me about it…"
"Still, that doesn't really matter. All that matters is that whatever you're talking about, you definitely believe it. I can tell that this isn't some kind of lie or prank from you. Which means, whatever's distressing you is real, even if only to you. So it's a problem. And as your friend in this scenario, my only objective is to help you out however I can. Whether that's lending an ear or looking after you, or something like that."
I was taken aback by her response. She must've noticed my surprise in my expression or lack of response. She tilted her head.
"Hmm? What's with that look?"
"No, it's nothing, just…. You're actually a really good friend."
I think for the very first time, I saw Aika's embarrassed expression, since she averted her eyes and rubbed her neck. There was even a hint of rosiness on her cheeks.
"Geez, what kind of person do you take me for? I'm not just some careless pervert, you know? I have a heart too. I read traditional romance and slice of life every once in a while."
Haha, that's not really the most solid indication of a conscience. Still, it made me feel better that she was being so considerate. I never expected to see this side of her. It makes me more comfortable calling her my friend.
"...Thanks, Aika. I'm glad I have somebody like you around."
"H-Hey, don't get all fuzzy on me. You think this comes for free? You're still gonna owe me one later on for covering your ass at school. Took a lot of interrogation from other classmates to convince them you weren't having some kind of mental breakdown. I mean, hell, you cursed at a teacher! If I had left things the way they were, you might've been put on a list of delinquents, and imagine how badly that'd affect your chances at EVER getting a student council position or anything official. You're lucky to have me."
"Haha, yeah, I guess I am. Thanks."
"Ugh, whatever. I'm going on ahead. You're no fun to talk to when you're serious. Anyway, feel better or something."
Just like that, Aika was out of the door, leaving me alone in my room again.
"Haaah… Man, what a day."
I checked the time on my phone while lying back on my bed.
"Huh? I was only asleep for an hour? That means lunch period barely ended just now? Did that girl leave early just to check up on me? Did she even eat?"
I felt bad at the thought of Aika going through so much trouble just to look after me. I already have my sister worrying about me all of the time, I don't need to be burdening anyone else.
"Hmm? She forgot her bag?"
I noticed Aika's school bag still sitting on my chair and got up to grab it.
"I should catch up with her before she gets to school without this."
I made my way downstairs, only to stop at the kitchen due to a surprise.
"Ah, there you are, Issei. Sit down. Lunch is ready."
Kyoko-neechan gestured towards the table, which happened to be seating another person.
"Wha… Aika, you're still here?"
Aika was sitting at the table with an empty plate, presumably ready to be served food.
"Uh, yeah, no shit. I missed lunch period just to walk over here and check on you. I'll be damned if I don't get something to eat."
I deadpanned. Internally though, I did find it somewhat amusing.
"Of course… Naturally."
PART 3
I decided to take the next day off from school so I could clear my head. To no surprise, I could barely think straight about anything. Ultimately, all of those crazy things that happened to me remained at the forefront of my mind. And here I thought that discussing it with Aika would've made me feel better…
Well, to be fair, I guess I am a little less afraid than I was. The concern and unease have yet to disappear, but I'm not anywhere near as panicked as I was yesterday before talking to Aika. At least now I feel like I can come to terms with the odd realities of the situation. I mean, is it really that weird if Angels and Devils and stuff exists? Something was bound to be true out of the hundreds of mythologies and religions that exist out there. The only real problem is how much it involves itself in my life… If it wasn't for the fact that "Raynare" told me that my peaceful, human life was at risk just by supposedly possessing this "special power" she keeps talking about, I'd be pretty relaxed right now.
That being said though, it's not like I have any powers for sure, right? I mean, I've never noticed anything supernatural about me, and I've yet to make people's wounds suddenly disappear! Who knows, maybe that lady is mistaken! That'd be great to hear at this point…
"Hmm?"
As I was about to order some food in the fast food spot I was at, I looked outside of the lobby windows only to notice someone.
"Is that… Asia?"
"Ooooo~"
The girl sitting across from me in the same booth looked down at her burger with great fascination. It was like she was staring at an ancient relic or something.
"Asia? Excuse me, hime-sama? You have to unwrap it and eat it like this."
I instructed Asia on how to partake in the delight of fast food, to which she was astonished by.
"Oh! So there was even this method of eating?"
Her Japanese was still rocky, but she seemed to understand what I said. Before she touched her burger though, she brought something out of her bag.
"Ah! But first, I must cleanse my hands!"
"Cleanse?"
I thought she'd misspoken, but then she brought a glass bottle full of liquid out from her bag.
"Um, Asia-chan? What is that?"
"It is holy water! My most prized possession!"
"Uh-huh… And what are you going to use that for?"
"To clean my hands, of course!"
This girl… She's really devoted, huh? Are all Christians like this? Maybe it's just the European ones…
"Um, you don't really need that in a place like this, actually. See, we have these wet wipes that come in a package like this?"
I showed Asia the cleaning wipes we were provided with our meal, and again she made a face of amazement.
"Ooooo! My, how convenient! Japan has truly excelled in the advancement of human civilization!"
No, I don't think it's that much to write home about… These are just non-alcoholic wet wipes, ya know. I'm pretty sure every country has these around...
"Ah, in that case, you may have this, Issei-san! Please, take it as a token of my appreciation!"
Asia held her bottle of holy water out to me, which I tried to refuse, but…
"No, well, that's…. Uh…"
Her face was so bright and enthusiastic that I couldn't say no.
"Uh, yeah, thanks…"
"Now, let us pray before the meal."
Asia bowed her head prayer as I sat there staring at the peculiar item in my hand. I asked after she was done praying.
"Amen!"
"...Uh, hey, Asia. This might sound ignorant of me to ask, but what's the difference between holy water and regular water? I mean, what even makes it holy?"
"Oh, well, holy water is simply water that has been blessed by a holy artifact or a priest. It's a liquid that has undergone a spiritual transmutation of sorts. It's used for all sorts of cleansing rituals, baptism, blessings and other practices!"
"Wow… okay."
I was surprised that she could explain even half of that in Japanese. As I thought, her Japanese really sharpens up whenever it involves her faith. I wonder if that's an aspect of her devotion.
"So, does that mean that you could bless water into holy water?"
Asia answered bashfully.
"Yes, but… I-I have only done it a handful of times so it's a bit embarrassing for me to do it. I'd prefer if a priest did it on my behalf instead.."
"I see."
"B-By the way, Issei-san?"
"Yeah?"
"What is that place?"
Asia pointed outside of the lobby windows towards a place across the street.
"Oh, that's an Arcade."
"Ooooh.."
Asia made an expression of deep fascination. I thought about it for a moment.
Well, it's not like I had anything better planned for today, so….
"Alright, I've decided. Asia!"
"Yes?!"
"Let's go there after we're finished eating!"
"...Yes?"
—From that point forward, I began to spend most of the day with Asia.
First, we visited the Arcade, as promised. Asia and I had lots of fun playing the various games scattered around the arcade together. Obviously, most of the experience consisted of me teaching her how to play every game she encountered since she had zero familiarity.
One of these games happened to be skeeball, in which Asia managed to miss nearly every single shot she tossed during play. Eventually though, she did make one dead in the center, which was originally the place I told her was best to aim for. She turned around and faced me with a big, proud smile.
"I did it! Did you see that, Issei-san? I made it!"
'Asia-san, you're supposed to try and get a high score by making multiple of those shots in a row, not just one' is what I was supposed to say, but couldn't. She was so cute and happy about her achievement that I couldn't bring myself to say it. Next, we moved on to the crane games. One of them in particular happened to catch Asia's full attention.
"Uwah! Issei-san, look! It's Ratchu-kun! There are so many of them!"
She was mesmerized by the sight of the abundant plushies from the Pocket-monster series.
"Do you want one?"
"Hua!? N-No!"
"Do you like Ratchu-kun, Asia?"
"Eh, yes! B-But, no… Er…"
It looks like Asia was embarrassed about admitting it. Or maybe she's trying to be modest and avoid expressing her desires. Hmm…
"Alright! Just leave it to me! I'll score you one of those in no time!"
"Eh?! N-No, Issei-san! T-That's not necessary…"
"Don't worry. Aika and I used to splurge on stuff like this in middle school! We're practically veterans! And I'm pretty lucky myself, I must say."
Well, I said that, but truth being told, Aika was always way better than me at these games. Who knows what kind of special ability those perverted four-eyes hold, but she always managed to score stuff that gave me trouble on her first try. There must be something about her spatial awareness that exceeds mine. Or maybe her experience in registering the contours and forms of the "male instrument" have given her godlike visual capabilities?
Ha! Yeah, right! As if anyone could become powerful thanks to their own lecherous nature!
…..Um, anyway. It took me a few tries, but I finally managed to score a Ratchu-kun for Asia.
"Boom! That's what I'm talking about!"
"Issei-san, you did it!"
"Here you go, Asia."
I handed the plushie over to Asia, which she gratefully accepted.
"T-Thank you very much! I'll treasure it forever!"
"Ehehe, it's no biggie. If it's something you want like this, I can just grab you more of them."
"There's no need! This Ratchu-kun is the best present created due to our encounter today! I want to treasure it and our encounter for the rest of my life!"
Kyuuuuuuuuuun~
Uoooooooohh! My heart! I felt like it was shot by a cupid! This girl..! She's way too adorable! She's too perfect! There's no way this girl is human, right? Are we sure she isn't an angel after all?! But unlike those other angels that fell from heaven that she's hanging out with, she's definitely a pure angel straight from the heavenly gates, right?! Or maybe she's some kind of love goddess in disguise?! Maybe that's why she's got the power to heal people's wounds! Aaaaaaah~, to me, it feels like she's even healing my heart! All of my stress and worries have disappeared!
—More time passed, and eventually sunset came. Asia and I had spent the whole day playing and having fun together. Unfortunately for my wallet, it basically meant that I'd be low on funds for the rest of the month… But, hey, at least Asia had fun.
"Ah, we played for too long. It's already sundown."
"Yeah, I should be getting home soon. My sister will be worried if I'm not back for dinner. What about you, Asia? Don't you need to be getting back to the church too?"
I asked her that as we walked, but Asia stopped in her tracks. Her expression appeared to be one of worry.
"Asia, what's wrong?"
"...Issei-san. Actually, if it's alright with you, could I…"
"Hmm?"
It seemed like she wanted to ask a favor of me, but held herself back with a smile. Still, I felt the anxiety behind that smile.
"No, it's nothing. Do not worry…"
I softly placed my hands on Asia's shoulders so as to not frighten or startle her, and told her earnestly.
"Hey, if there's something bothering you, you can talk to me about it."
"No, but… It's nothing that Issei-san should be concerning himself with…"
"Don't worry about what should or shouldn't concern me. If my friend is having troubles, then I want to hear them out and help however I can."
Asia's eyes perked up at my declaration.
"F-Friend..? Issei-san… Are we really friends..?"
"Huh? Of course we are! I mean, we spent the whole day together, didn't we? We played, talked, ate, hung out, that's practically everything that friends do together on a regular basis. I enjoyed myself plenty and I like being with you, Asia. If you feel the same, then that makes us friends. Right?"
The moment I finished saying that, Asia's eyes filled up with tears and she lowered her head to cry.
"E-Eh?! Did I say something wrong?! S-Sorry, you don't have to be my friend if you don't want to! I was just saying!"
"T-That's not it! I want to be Issei-san's friend! It's just… This is the first time in my life that I've ever made a friend… I'm so happy…"
Unlike the first time I felt a pang in my heart for this girl, this time, it was one of pain. I'm her very first friend…? Even though she's this age..? What kind of life did she live before this that she didn't have any friends?
"So I'm your first friend, huh..? I see…. It's not really my place to ask how that could be, but if you'd be willing to talk about it with me… I'd like to hear more about you, Asia."
Surprisingly, Asia nodded her head.
We sat down on a nearby bench and Asia began to tell me the story of her life. Her time as a saint, her powers and the treatment that came with them, as well as her seclusion from the rest of the world due to her status. All of it sounded so foreign to me, someone who had no religious or supernatural background whatsoever. I didn't understand the fanaticism of it all. She was just a regular girl born with a special power that changed her life. And yet, she was treated like some otherworldly relic of great importance, to the point that she was deprived of any of the experiences of a regular life. Her demeanor while explaining all of this exudes loneliness. I couldn't help feeling heartbroken for her…
Eventually though, she got to the worst part.
"One day, I encountered a mortally wounded Devil who was being hunted by an exorcist… I used my powers to save that Devil. And that Devil that I had saved…killed the exorcist who was hunting after him and fled."
(—!)
Her words shocked me. The words that Raynare left me with played back in my head.
("While they might take human shape and form, they are anything but. They are greedy, selfish beings who will lie and manipulate anyone to get their own way. Whatever you do, you can't trust a word they say, alright")
Does that mean that what she said about Devils was true..?
Asia continued.
"I committed a grave sin… The people who had called me a saint and worshipped me, now in turn called me a demonic witch… Then, I was expelled from the church…. From there, a Fallen-Angel found me and took me in…."
Then, Asia began to cry.
"All this…. Issei-san… I always had a dream. T-To be able to go out together with people I called "friends," shopping, chatting, playing… Living that kind of happy life.. To be with friends..! To be able to…"
As Asia broke down and cried, I found within myself a new determination.
"I'm your friend, Asia!"
I declared it proudly and with all of my heart.
"You and I…! We're already friends! It's just like I said, isn't it?! We've done everything that friends do! That makes us friends! If you want to go shopping, eating, playing, or chatting, I'll do it with you! Whatever it is you want to do, wherever you want to go, I'll go with you! We'll do all of it together! And we'll make you even more friends along the way! Under my care, I'll make sure that you find one hundred friends! No, one thousand! I'll help you befriend every person living in this town if I have to! Whatever it takes for you to feel satisfied! Understand?"
Asia appeared taken aback by my outburst, but after some time, she began to cry tears of happiness again.
"Oh, Issei-san… I…"
—However, a new voice interjected, interrupting the moment between the two of us.
"I'm afraid that's not possible."
[—?!]
I felt a familiar chill run up my spine. I whipped my body around to recognise the familiar face attached to the mature voice. It's her…
"R-Raynare-sama…"
The Fallen-Angel landed in front of us with a displeased expression.
"So this is where you were. This whole time I was worried sick and it turns out you were with Ise-kun. What's up? Were you two having a date?"
Neither of us answered her, but Asia did step behind me a bit, as if to hide herself away. D-Did something happen between these two?
"Oh, come on, Asia. What are you doing? Running away from home? Hiding? What's the point in that? You know we'd just find you. Plus, it scares us. I mean, with a power like yours, do you have any idea what could happen to you? What do you think would've happened if you ran into Devils? Come along now. Let's return to base."
Raynare beckoned Asia over, but she retreated further behind me.
"N-No, I don't want to… After what happened with Freed-san, I can't… I can't help with those things.."
Asia sounded terrified... What the hell happened? This is making my anxiety shoot through the roof.
"Are you talking about that little incident with the Devil worshipper? Oh, come on, Asia. You know the drill. Devils are evil creatures, and Freed is an exorcist. It's his job to exterminate evil creatures. Sometimes, that can extend to those lost souls who've sworn their loyalty or contracted with a devil as well. I mean, they're hardly even human anymore. With how much damage they've done, it was only natural that Freed would think it's better to get rid of them for the sake of everyone else's safety. Sure, he might've gone a little far with his "display," but you know how Freed is. At the very least, he limits that sort of thing to only evil people and Devils."
That was the vague explanation that Raynare gave Asia regarding an incident that I had no context to. Still, Asia refused.
"No… I can't… I can't go back.."
"Asia. To us, your existence is a must. You do understand, right? In our care, your power will do more good than you could ever imagine. We'll practically save the world."
I didn't know what to make of any of it. I didn't understand any of it. There is one thing I understand though. Asia is afraid, and she doesn't want to go back. No matter what reason that's for, valid or not, I'm not letting her be taken anywhere she doesn't want to go.
"Raynare…? I'm sorry, but Asia doesn't want to go with you… You should head back on your own for now.."
That's the best response I could muster. Despite how much I wanted to assert myself, there was still some part of myself that kept telling me not to get on this person's bad side. Was it my instincts? I don't know, but it was telling me that if I didn't tread carefully, things could be bad for me…
Raynare appeared surprised by my declaration.
"Oh? Is that right? And tell me, where will she go? Last time I checked, she can't exactly go back to her country on her own. We were the ones who brought her here. And even if she could return, it's not like there would be a place for her. She can't return to the church. They've banished her. So where will she go? What will she do, all on her own?"
Tossing aside my cowardice for once, I declared it bravely.
"She can come with me! I'll take her in! If she has nowhere to go, then as her friend, it's obvious that I'll help her find a place to stay!"
There was a pause. Then, the Fallen-Angel, Raynare, laughed.
"Ahahahaha! Seriously? That's your grand idea? Wow, how impressive. I'm sure a high schooler like you could support another person that easily, let alone convincing the rest of your family too. Not to mention the fact that the both of you possess Sacred Gears, making you not one, but two flashing targets to everything around you. Uh-huh, great plan."
Her dismissive attitude frustrated me to no end. In my life, there's nothing I hate more than people who look down on others. Those who belittle or demean others despite their best, most earnest efforts… I despise it. I loathe it. I hate it, more than anything in the world. And what I hate second most, is those who abuse their status and authority to force others into doing their bidding…
"...So what?"
I grinded my teeth and felt my fists clench.
"So what if it's a stupid plan? So what if I didn't think it through? I'm best under pressure anyway, so it's better if I just think of a plan on the fly and work around it using what little brain power I have… I don't care if it seems stupid or reckless. If I fail anyway, at least I tried! I'd rather fail at trying to do something good for someone than succeed at doing something terrible or cowardly! That's just who I am!"
Raynare went quiet after I said that. Subtly, her expression changed, causing my hairs to stand on end. The difference was…it was in her eyes.
"Oh, that so…? Huh. Well, ain't that something."
As the fear began to rise within me, I felt Asia brush past me.
"I understand, Raynare-sama…"
For some reason, Asia was walking away from me? I caught her by the wrist.
"A-Asia? What're you doing? Where are you.."
"Issei-san. Please let me go.."
"Eh?"
Asia asked that of me without even turning around to face me… Hesitantly, I complied.
"Issei-san… Thank you. I…truly had fun today. To someone like me, you were willing to be my friend. Thank you very much…"
She said that with a smile and walked away from me. I
Her words stung a piece of my heart that I felt was buried for a long time.
"Good girl, Asia. Come. Don't worry. After tomorrow's ceremony, when this is all over, you'll thank me, Ise-kun. After you've unlocked your power, you'll want nothing more than to repay me and be by my side. This— is what we all want. Isn't that right, Asia?"
I didn't understand what Raynare was talking about. But I couldn't ignore the ominous pit forming in my stomach.
"Issei-san… This is goodbye. Thank you, for everything."
"ASIA!"
That was the last thing Asia said to me. I watched as my own hand reached out for her helplessly, only for the two to gradually disappear into the dimly light sky.
"Asia…"
PART 4
…The next day, I was at school again. I kept my head down the entire day. Rumors must've spread around about my outburst, since none of my teachers bothered me the whole day. As the day quietly passed me by, there was nothing I could do but think. Stuck in my own head, feeling a newfound sense of uselessness…
("Issei-san… Thank you. I…truly had fun today. To someone like me, you were willing to be my friend. Thank you very much…")
I kept hearing Asia's words play back in my head, and her smile filled with sorrow popped into my view each time. What she said at that time… Those words… That damn phrase… It was like a dam broke, and the flow of memories rushed back into my head.
The times when I went to visit Oji-chan on my own, without my own parents to accompany me.
("Ah, Ise, my boy! You're here to visit me again? You really are such a kind boy! For a young boy such as yourself to visit someone like me, this forgotten old man. Come on, my boy! Let's play a game.")
Whenever I spent time with Ero-sensei in the park, the people around would try to lure me away from him.
("Hey! Boy! Come here! Stay away from that man! He's not safe! You mustn't get near someone like him! Can't you see he lives out on the streets for a reason? He's sick! Hurry, come over here and wash your hands!")
When I met my childhood friend, Rin, who was playing alone on the playground.
("Hey, how come you're alone?")
("M-Me..? None of the other kids want to play with me because I look like a foreigner. I told them my father was Japanese, but they wouldn't listen… They said their parents told them not to play with someone like me..")
And finally, when my mother shouted at Kyoko-neechan during her teenage years, due to her delinquency.
("Ugh! Look at you! I can't believe you're dressed like that! Not to mention, your behavior! Do you have any idea how many complaints I've received about you from school?! Plus, you're always ditching! Honestly, to think that you would turn out like this… I should've never adopted someone like you…")
All those buried memories, rising to the surface again. Rekindled anger, frustration, and sorrow. I hate that phrase… 'Someone like you/someone like me/someone like them.'
That phrase is an indicator. It displays just how much worth someone has in one's eyes. For Asia to say that… It shows just how little she thinks of herself. She thinks she's undeserving of friends, undeserving of a happy life…. She's convinced that she doesn't have worth….
….I'm so angry. So frustrated. It almost makes me want to cry.
This feeling… This damn feeling of helplessness. Ever since I was a kid, I couldn't escape it. The feeling that I can't change anything around me. The feeling that I have no power to do anything in my own situation… The feeling that life just goes one way and there's nothing I can do about it. As if it's all pre-written for me in a certain direction. I hate it so much. I hate every bit of it.
But what does it matter? What can I even do? What can I change? The answer has stayed the same. It hasn't changed, not once in my life. Now I'm just stuck here, replaying memories and sulking, just like always…
("I believe that you hold a special power within you, and I believe that you can use that power to do great things and help others. That's why I made it my objective to convince you to join us.")
What that Fallen-Angel said played back in my head again. Although I kept my head down on my desk, I clenched my fists.
…Hey, god? You're out there, right? I've never been much of a religious guy, let alone a Christian. But now that I know that you're real, and that you might've "bestowed me with a special power," how's about giving me a hand? Huh? If I really do have some special power, then show it to me. If it's something that can help me protect Asia, why don't you do something about it? I mean, she's your devoted follower, right? Wouldn't you want me to help her..?
….or are you really that petty? Just because she was excommunicated, you'd rather not deal with it…?
If that's the case, whatever…. But you'll still help me, won't you? I don't need much. I don't need your power or a miracle. I just need you to show me. Show me this stupid power that I keep hearing about. If it can help Asia, then that's all that matters! I'll even become a damn Christian if I have to! So come on! Do something! Show me!
Show me my "Sacred Gear!"
…..
Somewhere, in the darkness of my own vision, I saw a light flickering in the distance.
Then, finally, a voice that I've never heard before bellowed out to me. And yet, I felt as if I'd recognised it my whole life, somehow…
[Boy.]
(—!?)
My head shot up from my desk. Standing in front of me was my one and only confidant, who was looking at me with a concerned expression.
"W-Whoa… You okay? You look like you've seen a ghost."
"..."
After registering where I was, the panic faded and my melancholy resettled itself.
"Haah… Yeah, I'm fine.."
"Maybe you should go home early."
"Nah, I'm fine…"
I laid my head back down and went on with the day, despite my condition. Whether I went home or not, it didn't make a difference. Either way, I was stuck in my own head all day…
—Eventually, the time for classes came to an end. I left the classroom immediately and without looking back. Around the point that I made it near the exit to the new school building, I stopped. For some reason, I felt the urge to ask myself.
"...Am I completely surrounded by these supernatural freaks..?"
Just then, I felt something on the back of my neck. It was like… I felt like I was being watched?
When I looked around, every student seemed to pass me without paying me any mind. Everything looked normal…
That is, until I looked up.
"Hmm?"
On the balcony of the third floor, where the third year students attended classes, there was a pair of women standing there. And…both of them were staring down at me. I recognised them. They're two of the most popular girls in school. Rias Gremory-senpai, and the student council president, Sona Shitori-senpai. Are they looking down at me? But why would they…?
—Once again, my paranoid mind played a foul trick on me. It resurfaced the memory of Raynare's warning to me.
("Do you mean… there are Devils who go to my school..?")
("Of course. Why do you think I didn't approach you directly by attending your academy?")
(—?!)
"Hey!"
"HAA!"
I jumped and gasped for air when I felt something push my shoulder. When I turned around, I saw Aika standing there with her hands up.
"What's wrong with you? Don't you hear me calling you? I skipped literature club today and this is what I get, the silent treatment?"
I didn't even answer her question. I looked up at the balcony again, only to realise in horror that the two girls disappeared.
"Hey, are you okay? You're looking pretty bad again… We should get you home—"
Before Aika could even finish her sentence, I grabbed her by the hand and led her out of the new school building. Under normal circumstances, I'd never do this, since it's bound to give other students around us the wrong idea. But right now, I couldn't care less. As long as I quickly took us out of sight, it was worth it.
"H-Hey, what are you doing? Where are we going right now? I'll have you know, I don't like pushy guys unless they're super hot! You need to step it down from brave to bold, Doutei-kun!"
I dragged Aika to another side of the new school building where there was shade, somewhere we could go without being seen. After looking around and making sure that the coast was clear, I sighed in relief.
"Ahem… Do you mind letting go of my hand?"
"Huh? O-Oh, sorry."
She rubbed her hand while looking away from me.
"Geez.. The first time I hold hands with a guy that isn't my dad and it ends up being you. Plus, it hurt like hell. Didn't your sister ever teach you to be gentle when you hold a girl's hand? It feels like I've gotta tell you everything, Doutei-kun."
"My bad… I didn't mean to hurt you."
"You meant to freak me out though, right? Geez. Let's just agree that this time doesn't count, yeah? For both our sakes."
"Yeah, that's fine. I'm sure you'd rather not hold hands with somebody like me anyway."
Flick!
Suddenly, I felt a brief, stinging pain in my right cheek, as if I'd been flicked. Actually, seeing Aika's hand there, that's exactly what happened.
"Ow! What the..?"
"That's not what I said, moron."
"Huh?"
I was confused, but Aika just sighed and shook her head.
"Whatever. Nevermind that. Is there something you wanted to talk about? There's a reason you brought us to the empty side of the building, right? I hope you don't actually plan on pushing me down over here. Like I said before, that kind of play is only sexy when it's a mega-hot dude."
With some hesitance, I answered her question.
"Aika… Do you remember what I talked to you about the other day?"
"Hmm? You mean about your freaky "supernatural" encounter of the third kind? Yeah, I remember. Why?"
"...The truth is, I didn't tell you everything about what I learned that day."
"What do you mean?"
"Well… Remember how I said that most of the things from the Christian Bible are true, according to what Raynare told me? That includes Angels…and Devils."
"Yeah, so what?"
"...The truth is, Raynare also told me something else…. According to her, right here in our Academy, there are Devils who lurk among us…"
Aika made an expression of disbelief.
"Devils in our school? What, you mean like, attending the academy? Do Devils even go to school?"
"I have no idea, but I get this feeling that she's right… And the worst part is, I'm pretty sure they're watching me."
"What makes you say that?"
"Well, just earlier, right before I was dragging you out here, I felt like somebody was watching me. And lo and behold, when I looked at the place I felt I was being watched from, I saw two people staring at me..."
"Seriously? Who was it?"
"..You might not believe me, but it was Gremory-senpai and Shitori-senpai from the Third Year class."
"The Queen of Kuoh and the Student Council Beauty? You're right, I don't believe you. Why would a "Devil" choose to stick out that much?"
"But just think about it! If you were a selfish, greedy demonic being who was known for stealing the souls of humans, wouldn't you want to be the super pretty and popular kid in school?"
Aika rubbed her chin.
"...Hmm, actually, you do have a point there. And the fan clubs of those popular girls can be quite fanatical… Still, that doesn't prove anything. Also, why would they be watching you?"
"Because I might have a special power, remember! Like the one that Asia has!"
"You talking about that church girl you met? How do you even know she had a special power? I mean, you said it yourself, you felt like you were seeing things."
"I wasn't. I know what I saw now. What I saw was definitely real. She has a special power called a Sacred Gear, and it's real. Fallen-Angels are real, and Devils are real too. There's no doubt in my mind anymore."
"Wow, you seem pretty sure of yourself now. Quite the difference from the other day."
"Yeah. I no longer have a reason to deny it. It's true, everything Raynare told me. There's gods, angels, and Fallen-Angels out there. And there's Devils in our school too. Those Devils…are probably Gremory-senpai and Shitori-senpai."
Aika stood there and thought for a moment.
"You're really serious about this, huh..?"
"Yes."
After a few seconds, she sighed.
"Haa… Okay, well, if that's true, what do we do about it?"
"That…. I don't know…"
Aika shook her head.
"See? What good does it do you to worry about stuff you can't change or control? Even if it's true, if there's nothing you can do about it, why worry about it?"
"I…don't know. But if something bad were to happen as a result…"
"What would it matter to you if it did?"
"Because if I really do have a special power, and I failed to do anything to prevent it…"
"Oh, come on! You're not some sentai superhero. You're just a regular person. That doesn't involve you."
"What if something happened to you?"
Aika folded her arms.
"Well, it's not like I'd blame you for that.."
"But I would. If something bad happened to you and I did nothing to stop it, I'd blame myself for the rest of my life."
She averted her gaze from mine.
"...Well, yeah, same for me, probably…"
We stood there silently for a while. Eventually, Aika tapped my shoulder.
"Come on. We should head home. There's nothing we can do about any of that now, right? So let's just not worry about it for today. We can discuss it more later if more stuff comes up. I think you should just take it easy for now."
Again, my sense of helplessness overpowered me, returning me to a more melancholic state than paranoid one again.
"Yeah, I guess you're right.."
"Alright. Come on then. I'm sure by now Kyo-san is about to finish making dinner."
"That's what you're really after, isn't it?"
"Shh, shh~ Don't worry about it. Onee-san here will protect you on the way home."
With that, we departed from the academy and went to my house.
FALLEN
"Raynare? Do you have a moment?"
"What is it, Donasheek? I'm preparing the altar for the ceremony."
"I wanted to ask about that brat from before. Do you really think he has a Sacred Gear?"
"I'm sure of it. Every time I show up in front of him in my true form, there's some kind of spike in his spiritual presence. As if he just suddenly becomes more "noticeable." I can feel it. He's definitely got a Sacred Gear of some kind. I just don't know if it's good or not."
"Is it worth taking this much risk for a boy who might not even have a Sacred Gear worth looking at?"
"The higher-ups sent us out here for a reason, Donasheek. With how many humans there are out there, they wouldn't have given me a reconnaissance mission for something insignificant."
"What if they made a miscalculation?"
"Well, then we'll just kill him, I guess."
"In that case, why not get it over with sooner than later?"
"What exactly are you suggesting?"
"I suggest that we draw out that boy's power. It is said that a human often unlocks their Sacred Gear in a moment of dire circumstance, correct? If that's the case, all he requires is a little push."
"Oh? Did you have an idea in mind?"
"Yes. I have a plan. All I need is the assistance of the human girl who always accompanies him…"
End
Ruh-roh, raggy… Something malicious is brewing. To be continued.
The final chapter for this arc (aka next chapter) is basically already finished BTW, so expect that soon too. Remember, the quicker the reviews come in, the sooner I'll upload it. Since that's usually a good indicator of anticipation, that's usually my metric for uploading intervals.
That being said, you guys are in for a twist next chapter. Not a "blow your mind" kind of twist, but definitely a "oh, that's neat!" sort of twist.
Anyway, let me know what you thought!
Read, rate, review, go crazy.
Stay frosty.