#(AKARI INTENSELY STARING AT HIM)

[ghostypetrainer]

okay, I’m the paldea AU, I’m imagining that Emmet tries to look up “Clive’s” grades to make sure that this student isn’t ruining his education with operation starfall. But he searches the roster of every single class and he can’t find Clive! Emmet has to go to the top, and inform Director Clavell of this oversight!

because of this, Clavell has to create an entire fake student profile, and make Clive’s entire story more believable. Perhaps getting some of the other professors in on it? I think that would be funny.

WHEEZES. Clavell never thought he'd have to go this deep for his cover story, but he'll do it if it means he won't be discovered. I don't think he'd get any of the other professors in on it, because honestly I think it's funnier if he's working to hide it from them too. Professor Tyme absolutely cannot find out, that's for sure. She'd see through him 100%, no question.

Meanwhile, Akari and Ingo watching 'Clive' and just exchanging a look. That's Director Clavell, right? Right????

[nanpecan]

₊✩‧₊˚once more to see you˚₊✩‧₊ pt 3

{nanami x f!reader}

pt 1.  pt 2. pt 4. pt 5.

˚₊✩‧₊summary: You’re a manager at Jujutsu Kaisen and you've now had two extremely intimate encounters with grade 1 sorcerer Nanami Kento. You're doing your best to go back to work like nothing happened. You're attending meetings, running a few errands, and having a very very close call with a curse and an ancient relic.

˚₊✩‧₊tags: nanami x fem!reader, slight angst, gore kinda (you're fighting a curse and it gets intense fast)

˚₊✩‧₊word count: 6.8k (do i even have to apologize at this point)

˚₊✩‧₊author’s note: this chapter is a little more centered around Y/N as a character. Nanami IS in it but i feel like he isn't the focus so i apologize. but ! i've attached pt. 4 as well because that does have nanami and a fun little hook up hehe. I won't be offended if a lot of y'all skip this to get to the next part. I know i would

˚₊✩‧₊this is the mitski song i had in mind for this chapter idk

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You shut the car door and put your seat belt on wordlessly. “You okay? I’ve never seen you so quiet after drinking.” Akari said, breaking you out of your daze. 

You looked at her and considered telling her everything. “Akari…” she looked at you with a questioning look. She smiled. 

“You know, Nanami was asking questions about you while you were up singing with Ijichi.” 

“What?” 

“It was little things. Like he kept asking for clarity on things whenever we brought you up. I don’t know if you even noticed.” 

“What kind of things?” 

“Well he was asking how long you’ve been here. He seemed to know that you’d joined the school when you were 16, during Ijichi’s third year. But he wanted to know how you did.” 

“What did you tell him?” you asked. 

“Eh, I said something about how your classmates were assholes. But that doesn’t matter. He also asked about your relationship status.” She glanced at you with a cheeky smile. You gave her a blank stare. “Well, not directly, but Shoko asked about my dating life and I told them how we were both hopeless, and I may have mentioned that date you went on where the American called you exotic and tried to grab your ass.” She laughed as she remembered. “He smiled when I mentioned you kicked his ass.” 

You smiled and she seemed happy that you were more relaxed. “I could just tell he was interested in you, and you know I’m good at reading people.” 

“You’re too flattering.” You said. “I don’t think he’s interested in me like that.” 

“You’d be surprised, maybe he feels connected with you after he saw your IBS crisis.” She laughed. “Too soon? I’m sorry.” 

You smiled and shook your head. You felt a burning in your chest. “You don’t think he was talking so much because he was into you? He didn’t talk to me at all.” 

Akari scoffed. “If he was into me I’d turn him down immediately.” She frowned. “If I didn’t know his age I would have thought he was in his late thirties, and I’m not into dudes that much older. You know I like them hot and stupid.” 

“That hasn’t worked out so well for you in the past, maybe it’s time to change it up.” 

Akari furrowed her brows. “Why are you pushing him on me, fight for your man, girl.” 

You slumped back into your seat. “I’m telling you he doesn’t like me like that.” 

She rolled her eyes. “And why are you so sure?” 

“Because he told me so.” You muttered. 

“What?” She suddenly got serious. 

“...Can you keep a secret?” 

“What happened? Y/N??” She looked over at you. “Hang on, we're almost at my place. I need to be all ears.” 

“You can’t tell anyone, and you can’t judge me.” 

“Wait! Don’t tell me anymore!” 

Akari quickly parked the car and ran out. She practically pushed you all the way into her apartment and onto her couch. She quickly poured you another drink before pouring one for herself. 

“Okay,” she handed you the cup. “I had a feeling something happened, you’ve been acting so weird.” 

“You wanna take a guess?” You said before taking a drink. 

She hesitated. “My gut was telling me that something happened with the curse he exorcised yesterday. And I thought that maybe it had gotten to you and you were overly flirty and confessed or something.” 

“We had sex.” 

She choked on her drink. “What!” 

You buried your head in your hands and groaned. “The curse injured him and infected him with lust. I was just standing outside the barrier. I was checking my phone when he came stumbling out into the car, and well…things escalated and…yeah.” 

Akari looked at you in shock. She put her drink down. “He didn’t report an injury. Was he in his right mind?” 

You understood what she was implying. “He wasn’t violent. The opposite actually. I was surprised too, he wouldn’t let me tend to his wound.” You took another drink. “It was great.” 

She still looked concerned. “But he told you he wasn’t into you.” 

You frowned. “We didn’t really talk much afterwards. I think he was more embarrassed or maybe he regretted it… Anyway I ran into him at the bakery that I like and we talked for a bit there.” You sighed as you remembered. “I confessed that I liked him and he said he wasn’t interested in a relationship with me, so I said we should forget everything that happened.” 

“I’m sorry.” Akari said. “What an asshole, I bet he said it just like that too. He’s so blunt. You didn’t deserve that.” She looked at you. “I’m sorry he showed up tonight. I can’t imagine how awkward that must have been for you. But I’m serious. He was asking little things about you. So maybe there’s hope?” She turned her head and scowled, “If it was me I wouldn’t want to see the bastard.” 

You took a deep breath, you didn’t want to tell her about the bathroom. Not that it was wrong, you just wanted time to process everything. You frowned. You had just ruined his chances with her, you were painting him out to be a villain. “He was very sweet though. I understand where he’s coming from. I mean, I don’t think he really had any control over his mood and I should have turned him down. I have regrets too. I think it’ll be easier to just forget. If he does want something he should be the one to approach me.” You laid back on the couch. “The shittier thing to do would have been not to acknowledge it at all. He’s a good guy, it’s just like you said. He’s blunt.” You smiled at Akari. “This is our secret, okay?” 

Akari nodded looking at you sympathetically. “Of course.” She came closer to you and hugged you. “Other than the mess, I’m glad he was nice to you. You pulled your long-time crush, that’s powerful girl.” 

You smiled and hugged her back silently. 

You both went to bed shortly after and you were left alone with your thoughts. 

The bathroom. He had said he didn’t want to talk, fucked you, and even wanted to take you home. This sort of contradicted your theory of him liking Akari, right? No, he just thinks you’re easy. You frowned. You should have let him speak before you cut him off…twice. You’d just been afraid that what he’d say would hurt your feelings. 

You tossed and turned thinking about him, remembering his touch, his lips. Despite it all he had been so gentle, so desperate to have you again. It hurt your feelings thinking about it. He had done all that but he didn’t really want you. You sighed, if he asked to have you again, would you do it?, you wondered. Yes, you decided, feeling hopeless. You felt very strongly about him and despite him not reciprocating your feelings, yours hadn’t diminished. You might have liked him more, or at least the idea of him more. You slowly dozed off. 

You were pretty quiet the next morning and Akari let you just exist. She drove you to work, talking about things here and there but not bringing him up. You were grateful for her. “You know I do love you.” 

Akari smiled as she turned off the ignition to the car. “I’ve always got your back.” 

You both rushed into the meeting room afraid of being late but when you got there, there were only two other managers including Ijichi, and Principle Yaga sitting silently with a frown on his face. 

You checked your watch. There were two minutes until the meeting was supposed to start. No other sorcerers were here. You sat down next to Akari and Ijichi. You looked at the empty chair beside you and for a moment thought about switching sides with Akari but you decided it was too much. You were thinking too much about it. He was not going to sit next to you, that would have been bold and stupid. 

Suddenly the door opened and Shoko walked in giving you and Akari a smile. Two more sorcerers came in with a minute to spare. You watched the clock strike 7 and the door opened again. You didn’t have to look up to know who it was, his aura gave him away. You heard him head in your direction and you whipped your head in surprise as you heard the chair next to you slide out and Nanami sit down. 

You clenched your jaw and felt Akari poke you from the other side. You looked at her.

 You okay? She asked with her eyes. You nodded and rolled your eyes with a smile. She smiled back. You didn’t turn to look at him. 

This wasn’t the first time he had sat next to you in a meeting. The first time you had been way more nervous. It was about a year and a half ago; after he had just rejoined Jujutsu society. You had already started crushing on him and he had asked you for a pen to jot down some small detail about a schedule change. The rest was history.

Your thoughts were interrupted when the doors burst open and you heard a familiar chuckle. “Okay, okay, we can start now. I’m here!” Gojo. He walked in cockily and sat down in the front row of seats. Yaga gave him a scrutinizing look before standing up, ready to start. 

“You’re just the man I wanted to see, I have a mission for you.” Yaga grumbled. Gojo yawned in response. “Good morning everyone, I’ll make this short.” He shuffled some papers. “An update on the Okkotsu case, the boy’s violence has escalated resulting in the death of three high school students on Thursday evening. Yesterday Kisagari and Harutomi were sent to investigate and were instructed to bring the boy back.” He clenched his jaw. “They did not check in last night and upon further investigation Harutomi was found dead this morning a little outside the school grounds.” 

The room went silent. You frowned, this was more serious than anticipated. Both of the sorcerers were grade two, it came as a shock that one of them was dead.

“Satoru, can I rely on you to pick up where they left off?” 

Gojo stretched his arms and leaned back on his chair. “Of course,” he responded. 

Yaga went over some other brief reminders before dismissing the meeting. You’d volunteered to deliver some items the school was exchanging with the Kanagawa Prefecture Cultural Museum. You stayed in your chair a little longer reading over the file Akari handed you. Nanami slowly got up from his chair and you could sense him staring at you. He probably wanted to talk. You owed him that much. You turned to look at him but before you could say anything Ijichi appeared next to him. 

“I’m ready to head out whenever you are.” He said to Nanami. 

Nanami turned to him and nodded. “Let’s go.” 

You looked at Nanami but he turned away and started heading towards the door. You frowned and turned back to the papers in front of you. 

“You okay?” Akari said. 

You looked at her and smiled. “Yeah, I think I’m over it. It was a one night stand situation, I’m overthinking it.” She didn’t look convinced but you shook your head. “Believe me I’m not angry or hurt. Life’s too short for that.” 

    -

You headed out to your school assigned car and sat down. You glanced at the back seat in the rear view mirror. You felt your cheeks get hot as you remembered what had happened, and smacked your hands to the sides of your face. You could try to talk to him later…maybe.

As you drove towards Naka you thought about what you might eat for lunch. Along with bringing the items to the museum and picking up the ones they were trading, you were to go around and check the shrines in the area. You’d had a mission around here a while ago and remembered a soba restaurant close to the museum. Since you had spent the night at Akari’s you didn’t have the sandwich you had planned to eat today. Oh well, you thought, at least I wasn't the one that paid for it. 

You noticed you were getting close and called ahead to the museum. “Good morning, this is Y/N with Jujutsu Tech. I'm about 30 minutes away.” 

“Oh perfect,” A woman answered. “Head towards the employee parking, we’ve told the guard to let you in. By the way, we came across a new artifact donated by the estate of one of our late patrons. It looks very old and was kept in a special box, would you be able to take it to get it assessed?” 

“Yes of course!” You were a little hesitant to pick up unregistered cursed objects but usually it was no big deal. Especially if it was kept in a special box. It would be fine. 

As you walked into the back of the museum, a shiver went up your spine and you got a terrible feeling in your gut. You took a deep breath and went in, a little on edge. You went to the room you’d been instructed to and waited. Some of the items you were expecting to pick up were already laid out. An old cursed katana in need of restoration and a few Edo period items. You put down the box you were carrying. You were exchanging these items for an ancient tea set from the Nara period that was in prime condition and a painting scroll from around the same time. 

“Sorry for running a little late.” You jumped as a voice came from behind you. You tensed as you turned, you hadn’t even felt the person’s presence. 

“Oh, no problem, I’m Y/N.” 

“Yes, yes, this is the item I spoke to you on the phone about.” 

The lady put down an intricately decorated green box about 6 inches long and 4 wide. “We just got it in this morning. Our staff decided to open it to see what was inside, but only found one small object wrapped in a sort of paper wrap with writing on it. We couldn’t decipher the language, but right after we opened it the lights in the museum went out so we closed it.” She laughed nervously. “None of us are very superstitious, but we did get spooked.” 

She picked up the box to hand it to you. You grabbed it but felt that she had a tight grip on it. You pulled a little harder to take it from her but she just stared at the box. “Ma’am?” You pulled again but her grip hadn’t faltered. 

“I just…would like to see it one more time.” 

“I don’t think that’s a good-“ she yanked the box back and quickly lifted the locking notch to open the box. She stared inside. 

You went around her to look inside as well and gasped. You knew what this was. You had only seen one brought to the school when you were a student. It was one of Ryomen Sukuna’s fingers. You quickly shut the box and yanked it out of her hands. 

“I’ll take it from here.” She seemed to snap out of her daze and nodded. 

“Yes- uh. Let me find a box to put these loose items in so you can carry them easier. Excuse me.” The lady left the room and you stared at the box in shock. You needed to get this out of here.  

You quickly pulled your phone out and called the school. 

“Hello, this is Y/N. I’m picking up items from the Kanagawa Cultural Museum and they have given me one of Ryomen Sukuna’s fingers.” 

The person on the other end let out a small noise. “Is it bound?” 

“It’s wrapped in a talisman and contained in an emerald box.” 

“Okay... We can send the closest available sorcerers to assist you in ensuring it gets returned to the school without interruptions. Do not worry about your other tasks, the finger is the new priority.” You looked back at the box nervously. “Do you know if they unraveled the talisman?” 

“They opened the box and examined the finger but quickly closed it back up. The finger appears to still be partially wrapped in the box.” 

“We should assume they unwrapped the finger, even if it was only for a little bit, so there might be curses coming that way, and the talisman is probably weakened if not all together useless.” The guy sighed on the phone. “You said this was Y/N correct.” 

“Yes.” 

He was silent. “Take the finger and run, you won’t be able to handle whatever curses are coming your way.” 

You were hurt by his comments but knew it was true. You thanked him and hung up. You looked at the door. The lady was taking a while. You quickly began to unload your box and started loading the other contents into it. The sword was going to stick out too much so you quickly stuck it to your hip using your belt. You placed the finger in last and picked up the box. You went back into the hallway and once again felt the energy sour. 

You headed towards the exit when you noticed a shoe in the hallway. You clenched your teeth. It was a woman’s high heel, the same kind the lady had been wearing earlier. Your instincts told you to run to the car but then a smell hit your nose. Blood. Blood and the sickeningly bitter scent of a curse. 

Run. Your body was telling you to run. You were close to the exit, the car was parked right outside the door. You started to move your legs and turned towards the exit. You had been told the nearest sorcerers were heading your way. Someone else would be here to help. You would just get in the way and end up dying. You couldn’t fight, not well anyway. You didn’t have any weapons, you needed to leave, you needed to - you stopped in your tracks as you heard a small noise. You listened intently. 

“Help!” It was a whisper. “Please.” An agonizing voice coming from behind you. You turned trying to find the voice. “Help.” It was coming from the hallway to your left. You hesitated. You blinked and took a deep breath. You clutched the boxed items closer to yourself and your hand went to the katana on your hip. It was old and rusted but it was something, you weren’t completely unarmed. You quickly went toward the noise and peeked around the corner. 

You stood there shocked. The lady was sitting on the floor, her back to the wall, her face twisted in pain. She had a deep purple bruise on her right ankle and her left foot was gone. It looked like it had been hastily bit off. Where she was bleeding there was a small yellow curse lapping up the blood. 

“Help! Help me! Help.” She started yelling as she saw you approach. You ran over to her and shushed her. The little yellow curse didn’t even notice you, it was too busy drinking the blood, but it was growing in size. You put the box down next to her and looked at her wound. It was big, an injury like this required immediate attention. Your mind raced as you thought about what to do. You could try to heal it, try to use your RCT. However you had no medical knowledge whatsoever so the chances of you messing it up were greater than you fixing it. But you had to do something. Even if you didn’t understand, stopping the bleeding or scabbing it over would help tremendously. 

I don’t have enough CE for this, you thought bitterly. It would take a lot. You looked at the little creature in front of you and something clicked in your brain. You couldn’t explain it but you just knew what to do. You grabbed the creature by the base of its neck. It didn’t even flinch, it was too preoccupied consuming the trickling blood. That was until it started shrinking, its fingers curling, the tips of its ears wilting and then it started thrashing in your hands. 

You were absorbing its cursed energy. Your hand burned as you felt the rotten energy enter you. Your veins ached and you winced, feeling like you were going to be sick. The input was foul, you felt like you needed to expel it, quickly. You placed your other hand on the bloody stump and tried to focus on your reverse cursed technique. You laughed when you noticed something was happening only to flinch as the creature started to kick and scratch at you. You slammed it onto the floor trying to subdue it. It became more and more withered as you became accustomed to the feeling of absorbing its energy. The wound was looking much better. Almost. 

The yellow creature let out one final shriek before it completely deflated. The lady’s ankle was now a hardened scab. You knew it hadn’t healed completely but it wasn’t going to get any worse. You looked up and saw that she was staring horrified at your hand wrapped around the stump. In your other hand, the curse was now a grey lump of flesh. You clenched your fist and it disintegrated into ash. 

You looked up at the lady and let go of her leg. “We need to get outside.” Once outside you could make a veil and prevent whatever was inside from getting out. You had quickly deduced that the small yellow curse was not the one that had done the damage. There was something bigger and stronger and it was looking for the finger. 

You grabbed the green box with the finger, tucking it under your arm as you helped the lady up, letting her lean on you as you started for the door. You quickly hobbled there together. You were going to make it. You were two feet from the door. One foot. Your hand reached out to push when you suddenly felt the wind get knocked out of you. Your mouth flew open and released a stream of blood. The world went black for a second and you felt yourself falling. You came to, right before you hit the ground and regained your balance. You turned around quickly but your body was overcome with pain. Your hand went to your abdomen, you had broken some ribs. But what had hit you? You looked over at the lady and saw she was unconscious. “Shit.” You slid her off your shoulder and looked around for a curse. Nothing. You quickly checked her pulse. She was breathing. You sighed and stood up looking around. 

The box! You looked around the floor for it. You had dropped it when you had been hit. It was nowhere to be found. “Fuck, fuck, fuck.” You realized now the curse had probably slammed into you while trying to get the box. You had to get it back and fast. You stopped. No this isn’t right. I need to get this lady to safety and set a veil. I need to wait for the closest sorcerer to arrive, I can’t fight. You heard screaming from the hallway again. You clenched your jaw. You were terrified. 

You looked down at the lady and quickly picked her up. You were right by the door. You pushed open the door wheezing a little and trying your best to ignore the pain as she leaned into your broken ribs. You set her down on the steps outside and turned to the building. The curtain! you needed to put one up. You lifted a hand and muttered your phrase. 

You opened your phone and dialed the school. The same person picked up. “The situation has escalated. I was attacked and the curse got a hold of the finger. So far there's only been one confirmed injury, but I think many others are in danger. I’ve placed a veil for now,” you said.

“Stay put, help is almost there.” You looked back at the building and frowned. You hung up. You heard another yell and your stomach dropped. You felt yourself tearing up. There had to be something you could do. You needed to do something, anything, you couldn’t just stand there while everyone inside was in danger. It wasn’t fair. 

You felt your body move and before you realized, you found yourself stepping into the veil. You quickly went to the door and stepped back into the building. You saw more of the little yellow creatures climbing up and down the walls. You counted seven. They were all moving towards the same place. Looking along the wall, you spotted what you were looking for and quickly hobbled over to push the fire alarm. 

The alarm rang in your ears. You coughed and winced as more blood came out of your mouth. Your chest ached with every step, every breath, but you kept going. Someone was yelling for help. Without thinking you snatched one of the little yellow curses and started absorbing it. You were careful not to heal your own wounds. You’d been able to help the lady, but with little understanding of internal anatomy, something told you you’d do more damage than good. 

You turned the corner and found a man in shock staring at where his hand once was. You rushed over and grabbed it with your free hand exerting the cursed energy into it. The little fiend shriveled in your hand again as the wound scabbed over.

As the alarm cycled you hoped people in the museum were evacuating. Since you were in the employee backrooms you couldn’t tell. The man stared at his hand traumatized and you left him there to try to find the creature. The closer you felt you got, the more of the little yellow demons swarmed the walls, like vultures waiting for prey. You pushed past twenty trying to get through a door frame and you were surprised to see that there were at least a hundred in the next room. The curse you were looking for was there too. 

It was a large pudgy creature, around 6 feet tall with frog-like features. It had grubby hands and ornate green stripes along its back. It was muttering something, you couldn’t make out the phrase. It had a disembodied human hand in its mouth and it was sucking on the exposed wrist draining it of blood. Every time it slurped, the fingers of the hand would contract open and closed. It made your stomach uneasy. 

The curse didn’t notice you coming in, it was too preoccupied trying to open the emerald box. You noted the curse had it backwards and was trying to pry it open on the side with the hinges. You didn’t know how much longer you had. You debated what to do. In this room the curse was isolated, it couldn’t access any more victims and hopefully a majority, if not all, of the people in the museum had evacuated. There was a sorcerer on the way, you could leave it here or wait outside of the door to direct them towards the curse. 

But the finger….You could get it while it was distracted, or at least try to. You had the katana and even though it was old, it was still a weapon. As you pondered what to do you noticed the room had gone silent. The creature was still mumbling and trying to get the box open but the other small yellow creatures had gone quiet. You put your hand on the hilt of the katana once again uneasy. You made your decision. Even if you were useless you could buy some time. You slowly crept closer and closer to the curse. You took a quiet breath before pulling out the sword and swinging it at the monster's neck. 

The sword hit the curse’s flesh with a loud thunk. It was blunt. Practically useless. The creature stopped struggling with the box and its head quickly turned to look at you. It had two sets of eyes, although they all seemed to be looking in different directions. Suddenly the curse made a dive at you, mouth open ready to bite. 

You attempted to dodge to the right but you were too slow to completely move out of the way. You felt a cool sensation on your arm and you turned to see your left arm in a sorry state. The skin on your forearm and elbow was gone. Blood poured out and you could only stare in horror. The pain hit you all at once and you barely managed to turn away from your arm, trying to locate where the curse was now. It was staring at you seemingly confused as to how it had missed you, the sliver of your flesh hanging down out of its mouth like a tongue. 

It looked like it was going to charge at you again and as you started backing away you realized your back was to the wall. It realized this too and moved forward at a ridiculous speed. All you managed to do was bring up the old katana. You shut your eyes embracing yourself for the fatal blow but you only felt the curses’ plump body falling into you, wriggling around. The sword was in your hand but your wrists were twisted awkwardly around the handle and you realized it had become stuck in the creature's mouth. You let go and pushed against the creature with your leg. 

In its shocked state, it stumbled backwards and you were able to see what had happened. It had opened its mouth wide and lodged the katana between the top of his mouth and his jaw. He couldn’t shut it. It reached desperately to try to pry it out but its stubby arms couldn’t reach inside its own mouth. 

You quickly took advantage of its distraction to try to locate the green box. You spotted it on the ground in the middle of the room.You looked back at the creature making sure it was still distracted and started sneaking away. 

It suddenly let out a loud screech and its body started contorting. Its head grew bigger and smaller, arms longer and shorter. It seemed to be trying to molt out of its body to get rid of the sword. But no matter how much it twisted and yelled the sword wouldn’t come out. You wondered for a second, what kind of curse was imbued on the sword. 

You took another step away and suddenly the creature’s attention snapped back to you. You tried to make a run for it but it hurtled its way in front of you and slammed you back into the wall. 

You yelled out weakly, more blood spilling from your mouth and your left arm sending a shooting pain throughout your body as your exposed muscle stained the wall with your blood. The curse moved its hands to your neck and lifted you up, choking you against the wall. You desperately tried to inhale and tried not to panic, but the combination of the pain and lack of oxygen wasn’t letting you think clearly. You kicked desperately at the curse but it wasn’t budging. You put your hands up to its wrists and tried to budge them to no avail.   

As you started to see dots, your kicks got weaker. You felt its grip tighten and your hands fell weakly onto its arms. You began trying to take the energy out. Your body felt almost as if it was on autopilot. No air and feeling defeated, you started to allow the cursed energy you were absorbing into you entirely. You felt a burning sensation on your arm and coming from inside your chest. Your entire body felt hot as you felt things fixing themselves. You also noticed the grip around your neck had faltered some as you took a desperate and choppy gulp of air. That little flow of oxygen allowed you to think a little more clearly as you kept absorbing the CE. 

You didn’t want to finish healing yourself but you needed to put the energy somewhere. You looked at the curse in front of you. Its face was right in front of your chest. You reached down with your right hand and grabbed the blade of the katana. You began transferring the energy into it. You felt the sword get hot and push back, almost as if it was refusing the new input of CE, but after gripping the steel tighter you felt the sword lose its dullness. 

The rust started to fall away and the metallic sheen of the blade began to glow. The edge of the sword was becoming very sharp. You wanted to let go but found that your hand was bound to it, the transfer requiring more and more CE and blood and pain. You felt the blade cut into your palm and you ground your teeth. You needed to stop. You ripped your hand away from the blade and removed your hand from the curse’s arm. You quickly put your hands into the curse’s mouth and grabbed its teeth and lip. You pulled its upper jaw down hard for it to close its mouth and watched as the newly sharpened sword point pierce through the creature’s palate and skewered out through the top of its head. As the tip of the blade suddenly appeared through its skull, the grip around your neck loosened and the curse dropped flat on the ground, twitching. 

You could only stare in shock at what had just happened. 

Suddenly a rush of the small yellow curses began moving forward to consume the liquids oozing out of the curse. You felt your stomach churn as you watched them lap everything up. You turned away from the sight and looked for the box. You took a staggering step towards the item, still laying in the middle of the room, and let out a yelp. Your entire body felt heavy and tired. You felt sick. You still had an excess of CE and your body couldn’t handle it. You collapsed to your knees as you neared the box. You placed your palms on the floor and tried to expel the energy from your body. The floor beneath you turned black and cracked. You poured it all out and felt slight relief, but still felt sore and achy. You looked back up at the box and reached for it. You took it in your hands and sat back. You took a shaky breath and laughed. That could have been bad. 

You jumped as you heard the door open and quickly turned towards it. You felt a slight pang of relief as you realized it was a pair of sorcerers. That relief turned to anger as you realized it was two students. 

Inumaki and Maki. They stared at you curiously and looked around trying to make sense of what had happened. You looked around too. The place was crawling with little yellow curses, a horde of them concentrated on the still twitching body of the large curse with a katana stuck through his skull. There was a human hand just laying limp to your right and you were sitting in the middle of the room. You bet you were a sight to see. Your suit was torn in various places, soaked in blood from wounds that had healed. 

“Are you okay?” Maki asked. 

“The curse-“ you stopped and put a hand up to your throat. It was burning and speaking felt difficult. Your voice had a heavy rasp to it due to your windpipe almost being crushed. You tried to clear your throat but it sent a sharp pain down it. “The curse has been defeated, I secured the finger.” You finally said fighting against the fire in your throat. You held up the box. “Are you two the only ones here?” 

“Daisuke is outside, he drove us here.” Another manager. 

“Tuna.” 

“We’ll take care of these creatures, Daisuke is waiting with another secure container to put the finger in.” 

You sighed and nodded. “Any casualties?” 

“None, almost everyone was evacuated. Police and firemen have arrived on scene. The veil you placed is very good.” Maki said. 

You slowly got to your feet and tucked the box under your right arm. You had healed your previously flayed left arm but it still felt sore. You put your hand on your left elbow to try to comfort it. “Be careful. He’s down but he’s got razor sharp teeth. Also we need that sword. If you could get it for me that would be great,” you said with a smile. You could tell from their faces that it wasn’t very convincing.

You limped out of the room and collapsed against the wall once you were out. They sent students? If the curse had gotten a hold of the finger the students would have been in serious danger. You would have surely been killed, and they wouldn’t have known what they were walking into. You were going to say something when you got back. You got back to your feet and started heading towards the exit. 

You spotted Daisuke talking with some policemen as you emerged from the veil. He looked at you shocked to see the state you were in and quickly pulled out a wooden box to put the cursed item in. You dropped the box into it and he quickly shut it, muttering some kind of extra enchantment on it. 

You leaned against the car exhausted and still feeling off. “Are you okay?” 

You looked at him and nodded. “Yes,” you hesitated. “But I think I’m going to need you to give me a ride back to the school.” 

The students finished up quickly and you sat in the passenger seat sleeping the whole way back. You felt uneasy still. Your bones creaking and your entire body sore. 

Once inside the school you insisted on taking the box and delivering it to the main office. You wanted to talk to the staff member you had talked with over the phone. 

You swung open the door to his office and stormed up to his desk. You dropped the box onto the infront of him and stared the worker down. “Here it is. One of the legendary Ryomei Sukuna fingers, one of the most powerful relics in the world, previously unwrapped and unbound less than an hour ago.” 

The guy looked at the box and then up at you giving you a criticizing glare. “You seem upset.”

“Why the fuck would you send two students instead of a high ranked sorcerer?”

The guy looked away from you and smirked. “They were the closest available and besides, if you were able to handle it why would I waste someone’s time?” He gave you a snarky smile. 

Your blood boiled. He had a point but you had gotten so lucky. “They could have gotten hurt if the curse had been able to get the finger, you didn’t know the whole situation of what was going on.” 

He shrugged. “It looks like I made the right decision. If you, out of anyone, was able to defeat the curse, there was no real danger. The curse even cauterized the wounds. None of the victims were in grave danger.” 

“What?” 

“Two of the victims were found with missing limbs but not even bleeding out or anything.” He started to act annoyed. “Look I have things to do, I expect your report by tomorrow, let us know your thoughts in the appropriate feedback section. Have a nice day. Get out.” 

You stared at him frustrated before storming out of the room and almost running into someone. “Sorry,” you muttered before looking up. It was Nanami. 

He looked down at you concerned by the state you were in, bloodied and sweaty. “Y/N are you okay?” 

For some reason that was your last straw. His question made your eyes start watering. You rolled your eyes blinking hard to try to stop the tears. “I’m fine.” You said not meeting his gaze. He didn’t move. 

“You should go see Shoko.” He said, his voice now softer. He moved his hand to your face, carefully placing it under your chin to make you look at him. His thumb grazed your cheek. You looked up at him and frowned, tears leaking from your eyes. It wasn’t fair. None of this was fair. Nothing had been going your way and you were exhausted. You took a step forward towards Nanami and wrapped your arms around him. 

It was stupid, but you desperately needed some kind of comfort. He didn’t move at first but he eventually put his arms around you. You buried your face into his shirt and felt yourself relax for the first time in hours. You felt your eyes close right as your legs gave out beneath you.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

˚₊✩‧₊nana here: okay okay i got a little (a lot) carried away with the fight scene. I just love making Y/N a badass and I promise it makes sense later. Again theres a lot added in thats part of a longer story but idk...if anything i'll cross post here and ao3. Thank yall for reading and as always if you saw a typo, no you didn't.

please click on through to pt. 4 and if you did read this all, I love you.

super duper shout out to @zoldsick for reading and editing my crazy ideas, thank you cath<3

pt. 1 pt. 2. pt. 4 pt 5.

˚₊✩‧₊ taglist: @wrldtups @rjreins @phattyboo90 @tnyblacklesbo @silkija @justwantedachange @inthedarkshadows000 @nniiyyaa @starkmila09 @sikuthealien @wifenanami @bloombb @kentos-glasses @inciteterr0r

[jujumin-translates]

Misumi Ikaruga | [SSR] MANKAI Feature | Today’s Star: Akari Shinonome - Part 1

*Phone notification*

Misumi: !

Misumi: Waah, I got a LIME from Madoka!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

*LIME Start*

Madoka: I’m at Grandpa’s villa right now.

Madoka: I found some paper airplanes.

△△△: I probably forgot them there when I last visited!

Madoka: Makes sense.

Madoka: It seems like the cleaning person found them and saved them.

Madoka: If you want them, I can bring them whenever I see you next.

*LIME end*

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Misumi: Hmm…

Tenma: Hey, what are you staring at so intensely? Walking while on your phone isn’t safe, you know.

Misumi: Ehehe, sorry~.

Misumi: Umm, I was just replying to Madoka…

Misumi: …Alright! Sent!

Tenma: Okay, let’s go then.

Misumi: Yeah! Practice time, practice time~.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

*Door opens*

Kumon: Ah, they’re here, they’re here!

Tenma: Hm? What are you reading?

Kazunari: This month’s online survey results!

Misumi: Waah, I wanna look too~!

Muku: “Shiro from Sardine Search is so cute! I love him so much!” Fufu, I think so too.

Yuki: “Thanks to the streams of the performances, I’m able to see all the subtle changes in the performances that I otherwise would’ve missed out on.” …That’s a good point actually.

Kumon: It’s so great to get all this feedback~. I get super hyped just reading them!

Kazunari: Totally! Tenten and Sumi got a lotta feedback too.

Yuki: Here’s one that says, “I really liked all of the paintings Shinonome-kun from Sky Gallery did and I’d love to see more of them.”

Misumi: Ehehe, I’m glad~.

Kumon: This one here says, “After watching the stream again, Rio became my favorite Tenma-kun role!”

Tenma: Huh, Rio.

Muku: There’s a lot of feedback we got about roles other than the leads and co-leads.

Kazunari: All the characters are just that interesting thanks to Tsuzurun’s scripts.

Tenma: That’s true. Nice to see that fans seem to understand that too.

*Door opens*

Kumon: Ah, it’s like we summoned them here with our talking! It’s Director and Tsuzuru-san!

Tsuzuru: Hey, good work, you guys.

Izumi: Since you’re all here, can we quickly borrow you before you start practicing?

Izumi: You guys were just looking at the online survey results, right?

Yuki: Yeah.

Izumi: Perfect timing.

Izumi: As you can probably tell from the survey responses, we’ve started putting out streams of past performances…

Izumi: Since we’ve been getting more and more feedback on past performances, it seems like it’s become a topic of conversation among the company.

Kazunari: Definitely.

Tsuzuru: When I was reading through the feedback, I got the sense that a lot of it was related to the supporting characters too.

Muku: That is true.

Yuki: That’s what we were just talking about too.

Izumi: So we were thinking of something interesting for what we could do with that information.

Tsuzuru: And we thought it’d be interesting if we did spin-offs that focused on the supporting characters as the main characters instead…

Izumi: Exactly what Tsuzuru-kun said.

Misumi: That sounds like a lotta fun!

Kumon: Yeah, and super interesting too!

Izumi: I’m glad you think so. I already went ahead and discussed it with Sakyo-san and we came up with a plan.

Izumi: And we wanted to ask you guys to be the ones to kick the whole thing off.

Tenma: Us?

Izumi: Here’s the proposal--.

[ Next Part ⇢ ]

[sexysilverstrider]

Irresolute Feelings (Chapter 1) | Volokari

   If someone had told Akari that she would find her soulmate 500 years in the past, she would have either dismissed it or laughed it off.

   It’s stupid, unbelievable, and downright impossible. She would have a better chance to find a shiny Feebas than the possibility of her love interest being someone who existed way before her own grandparents.

   And what if her love interest was a man who was hell bent on killing her and wiping the entire world from its existence? What if they had a horrible fallout that would surely confirm the very idea of them never seeing each other again? What if they had to reunite a year later after being forced to face another unspeakable danger that threatened the past, present, and future?

   What if they put their differences aside and worked together which ensured not only the world’s safety, but also their intense feelings for each other?

   It was hilarious. Unbelievable and hilarious. Akari might have to smack some senses if someone told her that.

   And yet...

   “Akari?”

   His voice snapped her back to reality. A jump and a short peep, then a blush on the cheeks when the other’s reaction was a laugh. “Don’t startle me like that.” She spoke as a glare was given to the tall man.

   Not a guilt was hinted when Volo replied, “Sorry, my dear.” Seeing the puff of her cheeks was a delight. Baring a sense of confidence, he leaned towards her and gave a quick kiss on the top of her head.

   Ah, those cheeks got cuter every time he saw her.

   “You were staring off in the distance.” One hand teasingly pinched her cheek. “Get distracted any further and I would have loved to bite this red mochi.” His smile curled swirls when he saw her pout and push his hand away.

   Truly, ever since they were in a relationship—as shocking as it was to both of them—Volo found absolute delight in teasing her. What was once a tool of manipulation, now became a natural habit. He never knew the young woman could be so expressive and responsive. In the few years they knew each other, Volo had observed the many faces of The Chosen One.

   He had seen how she pined for him as he blinded her with lies. He had seen unbearable heartbreak when they fought their final battle in The Temple of Sinnoh. He had witnessed her rage when fate forced them together. He had witnessed her indifference when he stood by her side against a common, treacherous enemy.

   He felt the horrifying fear of seeing her almost lifeless for the second time in their battle against her past—to get a glimpse of never, ever feeling her warmth ever again.

   He felt the agony, the breathless pain when she was blinded with a choice to go home—knowing very well that he may never, ever see her again.

   It was something he wanted. Something he should have wanted.

   And yet, the memory of losing his family, his tribe, his light—everything—Volo soon found out that Arceus was both cruel and merciful.

   As the new year soon rolled by in the corner, Volo now saw pure love emanating from Akari. And how selfish, how powerful he felt to know that that genuine love poured endlessly for him—and only him.

   “I’m not food, you know.”

   Her voice brought him back. It always did.

   “Ah,” Quickly he recollected his sense, “but you do taste delicious.” His smile stayed, sly as a Zoroark that could almost everyone thinking he was one. “I, for one, definitely remembered how delicious you tasted last night—”

   “Okay!” A shout echoed inside the house, tone slightly pitched to match the burning red in her cheeks. “You need to get to work before I sic Belial on you.” Without waiting for his response, Akari—still with cheeks ablaze—swatted his hands away and spun him around.

   As much as their feelings were mutual, Volo still found utter disgust in that Hisuian Typhlosion of hers.

   Granted, he tried to kill the starter’s wielder in the past, but the Pokémon needed to know that people change.

   “Yes, yes.” Shaking in mock defeat, Volo easily spun his heel and held her hands. “I’m off to work now. I’m sad to see my beloved Akari shooing me when all I did was giving her affection.” A sorrowful tone bounced with every word. His smile still stayed in place, Volo bit back a smirk to see her jutted lower lip.

   Truly, she tempted him so.

   “I’m not shooing you,” she grumbled, knowing very well he was just toying with her. “We’re both going to be late and I can’t afford to have Commander Kamado giving me a lecture again.”

   He knew she was somewhat joking, but a part of him twitched at the mention of another man’s name.

   “Hmm...” Lips pursed, Volo bobbed his head and casually reached for the Ginkgo hat near the entrance. His eyes on her broke for a moment, and Volo immediately wore the hat to hide such a flickering glare in his iris.

   Unaware of his actions, Akari took a deep breath and held her head high. “Well, if that ever happens again, I’ll have Nobunaga to fight him in my stead. In the meantime, I’ve been practicing some fighting moves with Rei so the Commander will never know what’s coming!” She flexed one arm, actually showing a bicep that had become proof of her survival skills in Hisui.

   As proud as she was—and she deserved to be—Volo couldn’t fight the crack in his heart at the mention of another man’s name.

   He despised it. He truly despised it.

   “Well—” he clipped, tone light yet sharp, “in that case, I should have no worries in the world.” A smile curled his lips, perfect and still. Her gaze on him only fell for only a few seconds, for Volo knew, if she looked at him any longer, she would see the true emotion that gritted behind tight lips.

   In the guise of looking at the sky through the opened door, Volo gently patted her head. “Be careful out there, Akari.” Volo looked at her again, assured that this time, his smile was masked to perfection. “I’ll see you later tonight.” A kiss was bestowed on her forehead; pride beamed in his chest to hear the soft squeak of his beloved.

   His beloved.

   His. No one else.

   One hand cupped the place that he kissed, Akari gave a little pout. “Mm…” Sound meek as the red in her cheeks, Akari cupped his cheek with her other hand. “I’ll see you tonight, Volo.” Her mouth remained parted, hesitant at the next words that lingered at the tip of her tongue. Her heart yearned for the words to be released, yet her mind held back with a fear that choked her throat.

   “I love you.”

   Finally, she said it. Again and again.

   Her heart triumphed at the success.

   “I…do too.”

   That success however was short-lived and extinguished.

   A glimmer of disappointment dimmed the colour of such mesmerizing black irises. But just as it came, it quickly then disappeared. With a quick breath, Akari quickly regained her pride—this was not the first time after all.

   With silence and a smile, Volo excused himself and left their home.

   Leaving Akari standing by the entrance, once again mending a withered heart that ached for the one word it so desperately needed.

--------------------

   The Chosen One was a human girl who fell from the sky and became the voice of those who ruled them all.

   She was the strongest in her time, and now the strongest in theirs. Her capability to handle Pokémon as if they weren’t beasts that could easily kill both placed such awe and horror in people. Everyone praised her. Everyone derided her. At first, humans formed distances among themselves in fear that she was a curse that would rob them of their living. As time went by, such baseless rumours faded as she proved herself to be helpful and heroic.

   The rumours started again—growing intensely even—when the sky turned red, and all the attention fell upon the human girl who had done nothing but sacrifice herself for the greater good.

   Humans were stupid. Idiotic.

   And she was far stupider.

   “I love you.”

   A sharp breath hitched as her words lingered. Volo shook his head lightly, walking forward and trying his damnedest to ignore the burning pain in his chest.

   He should have said it back. He should have confessed as well. He should have bared himself open to the woman who saved him from an abyss that swallowed him whole.

   And yet…

   “I love you.”

   Another breath. Sharper. More strained.

   “How foolish…” A low hiss spat through gritted teeth. Knowing that he couldn’t keep his mask on in front of customers, Volo quietly walked towards an alley. Once assured that he was alone, he placed his bag and lazily leaned against a wooden hut. One arm draped across closed eyes, though regret them loomed once he realized it only made him see the smile that brought back hope into him.

   Suddenly, a bright red light zipped past his bag. Volo didn’t need to look to see who it was.

   ‘Volo?’ Togekiss chirped lightly, concern etched on her face. Her wielder didn’t respond immediately, but she knew he heard her perfectly. ‘Do you need to talk about it?’ She knew he couldn’t understand her, but Togekiss hoped that the low tone in her voice was enough to convey the message.

   In a way, it did.

   “I’m just…” A grunt. “A lot of things in my mind, dear.” Slowly, his arm dropped to his side. A woeful smile was given to the Jubilee Pokémon. One hand gently petted her, fingers ruffled through the soft white feathers.

   She squeaked at the affection, but kept her worries on him still. ‘Akari?’

   Volo shouldn’t understand her, yet the intonation that she gave was so familiar.

   His smile quivered. “I—” His hand stopped on her head. “She…” Akari’s fate. Her presence. Her feelings. Her. Volo had grown through so much the moment she invaded his life. At first, all he ever wanted was to get rid of her. She was an obstacle. A plague that needed to be exterminated in order for him to reach his goal. As time rolled by, he soon realized that she was the key to his new world. He just needed to use to her. To guide her to the plates that would ensure Arceus’ presence.

   Volo then realized her feelings for him.

   He was disgusted. Revolted. Excited.

   He could use this. He could use her. Love is a disease that could weaken even the strongest. A man who had seen colours and light could go blind so easily if love asked them to burst their eyeballs. If Volo played his cards right, he could convince her to give him all his plates.

   If not, he could always kill her like he planned.

   Alas, Arceus had other plans for him—for better or for worse.

   “I’m…” His heart hurt. “…afraid.”

   Togekiss remained quiet, patient and waiting, never surprised as Volo bared his feelings.

   “She’s mine now and I…” His mouth gaped. A bitter chuckle escaped through. “I often think that I will wake up soon.”

   Surprise finally widened the Pokémon’s eyes.

   He looked at her. Sorrow clouded his vision. Despondence lined the corners of his smile. “We should have been in our new world right now. We would be happier. Free from the suffering and pain that we’re forced to face. Free from Arceus’ judgement since I would now hold his powers.” The hand by his side curled to fists. “And yet, none of that ever happened. Here we are—here I am—still in this damn world I hate. In this damn universe that condemns my every waking day.”

   Togekiss merely listened, her frown deepened by his confession.

   “And yet…I don’t mind it now.”

   Surely, she was surprised at the fact that he was still able to surprise her every now and then. ‘Meaning?’ Casting a quick glance at his bag, Togekiss perched on it before giving her full attention back at him.

   “I don’t mind living in this damn world. I don’t mind breathing in this cursed universe.” Grey eyes looked at the sky, blue and clear with hope.

   He despised it.

   “I don’t mind all of that now because…because now I have her.”

   The pain in his chest tightened at the memory of Akari. 

   The Chosen One who saved the world from falling into ruin. The Chosen One who saw the good in everyone even from those who exiled her. The Chosen One who sacrificed her own happiness if it means others were able to feel joy.

   The Chosen One who finds the chances of this timeline after losing her own in an aftermath of a demonic destruction.

   She should be broken. She should have lost hope. The moment her world was destroyed right before her very eyes, she should have numbed all senses and used the blasted deity to recreate her world.

   And yet, she didn’t.

   To make matters worse, neither did Arceus.

   It may have saved her from the brink of death. But to deny her the wish of ever returning home was something any human would have a reason to lose their sanity.

   Volo could never know the conversation they had between the two, but once the Alpha Pokémon finally granted his wish of its presence, all he remembered was the sound of its haunting voice: ‘This is meant to be.’

   The last thing Volo remembered was seeing Akari. Lifeless and unmoving as she lay on an open meadow.

   His emotions were bare as a newborn baby as he cradled her into his arms. His laughter and tears mingled as he saw her grumble awake.

   Their old worlds may be gone, but Arceus had given them a chance to start a new world together.

   A smile he didn’t realize he had trembled. “That’s why I’m afraid.” His head dropped. “What if this was all another dream? Another cruel play by Arceus? I’ve done so many things to blaspheme it, it’s not a surprise that I’m being punished now.” Both fists were raised, shaken and tight. “To feel this happiness. To get a second chance. To receive her forgiveness. To taste her love. All of these are things that I should never deserve…”

   His voice lowered, quivered.

   “I love you.”

   “Her words ring so true and I…I want to believe her. I do…” Slowly, his back slid down. “I do…” Curled hands resting on the top of his knees, Volo weakly bent until his forehead landed on his fists. “But if do believe her, if I do say it in return, what if this little world shatters? What if she fades away and I can’t do anything to reach her…?” His voice cracked. Blonde bangs shielded the side of his face.

   “I love you.”

   “I can’t lose her too…”

   Silence was the answer to all his sorrows.

   A lone man knelt in the alleyway, hidden and quiet amidst the lively sound of the village. He remained still, lost in his despair. Togekiss only watched him, sad and even more concerned as she listened to his fears.

   ‘Volo…’ she peeped. Carefully, she hopped off the bag and towards him. ‘You won’t lose her.’ The Jubilee Pokémon softly bopped his head with her own. ‘It’s been almost a year and you’re still together. If this really was a cruel game by Arceus, she would have left or died by now.’ Togekiss tried her best to cheer him up—tried being the keyword. ‘But she didn’t. She’s here and she loves you. Even if she’s terribly sad that her world is gone, she didn’t lose hope because you are there for her.’

   Her comfort was given in sounds of chirps and cheeps. Even if Volo couldn’t understand, Togekiss would try her best to make sure that his friend was happy again.

   ‘Akari truly loves you.’

   The familiar tune of her name brought his head up. Volo looked at his childhood friend, mouth frowned and eyes gloomy. However, a part of him fizzled a numbing warmth at the sight of her confident smile.

   Maybe he did understand her a little bit.

   “Thank you, Togekiss.” Back straightened against the wooden wall, Volo gave her another pat. “Thank you…”

   A triumphant coo actually tickled a laugh out of him.

   ‘You should tell Akari how you feel too.’ She tried again. Knowing that this message was very important, Togekiss took flight and started flying in front of him. She zipped to the left then upwards, then turned upside-down for a mere second before flying right-side-up, then downwards and to the right, right at the starting point.

   It took Volo a few seconds to realize what she was trying to convey.

   “Ah.” was all the man said.

   He wanted to laugh to see such exuberance on the Jubilee Pokémon’s face.

   “I—” The hesitance was back. “That…requires time.”

   Togekiss frowned. ‘A year is considered time enough.’

   He knew damn well that she was chastising him.

   “I do love her!” Finally, the words Akari yearned for echoed in the alley. Alas, only a Pokémon was able to hear it. “I… She knows that.” Back was his smug, cocky attitude. “She knows damn well I love her since I clearly show it. Many times with the help I do ever since we live together and many, many, many times with my body.”

   Togekiss looked utterly unimpressed.

   It was a stab to his pride.

   “Togekiss, I—” He stopped, then huffed. “I will—tell her.” Admitting defeat, Volo waved his hands. “I will. Soon.”

   The muscles above her right eye was raised.

   “As soon as possible.”

   A single tilt of her head was given.

   Another sigh. “Tonight.”

   Finally, Togekiss chirped in glee.

   Truly, he couldn’t win with her.

   Relishing on her jubilance, Volo casually stood up and wiped the dirt off his butt. “Well then, since my persistent friend is encouraging me, who am I to deny—?”

   “I’m so glad you’re here, Akari.”

   The sound of a familiar voice saying a dear name stopped Volo in his tracks.

   He didn’t know when he started moving. He didn’t know when his head started turning. He didn’t even realize Togekiss chirping in surprise as he walked past her.

   Once grey eyes spotted them, he felt his breathing hitch uncontrollably.

   There she was. His Akari. His beloved. Having her arm around Rei. Standing so close as the young man leaned against her.

   His muscles tensed. His thoughts numbed. One hand that was pressed on a wooden wall curled slowly, roughly until nails scraped against the thick material of wood. His heart raced. Screamed. Howled. Banged madly inside his chest, bellowing for freedom. His breathing grew ragged, flaring through nostrils before seething through gritted teeth. A shadow loomed on his face, hiding what’s left that blonde bangs had covered.

   Eyes were wide as saucers. Pupils shrunk madly, shaking as he watched her hold his hand.

   Togekiss quickly hopped next to him. Surprise widened her eyes to see the topic of their conversation. ‘Oh, there she is!’ she chirped, giving a little bounce. ‘Do you want to go and say hell…’ She looked up at him, voice then dulled to a murmur as she saw his manic expression. ‘…o…’

   Neither a response nor reply was given.

   In a blink of an eye, Volo turned around, snatched his backpack, and marched away on the other side of the alley.

   Horror immediately dawned upon her.

   ‘Oh no…’ Sensing pure malice that emanated from her dear friend, Togekiss quickly took flight towards him. ‘Oh no no…’

   Deep in her heart, the Jubilee Pokémon prayed for the impossible.

[new-dawn-au]

I'm finally picking back up on the Alito side-plot thing! Some of the stuff with the Apis centered tho because brain rot + writing ability = a lot of content about said brain rot

It takes a long while for Apis to properly handle intense emotions especially after having to hide them for so long, so he tends to get a bit too aggressive when he's angry so Alito decided to pick up on the signs that Apis is getting too frustrated/angry and starts fighting him to relive his anger. Alito always holds back during those moments and just lets Apis tire himself out to the point of fainting so he can carry him to wherever they need to be.

During about the first few weeks of Alito living with them, both Apis and he were jealous of each other to some extent. Apis was jealous of Alito because he still kept contact with some of his friends in Heartland City and Alito was jealous of Apis because he thought that his life was care free but they soon came to the understanding that both of them were suffering in their own ways.

Alito finds out that Apis is scared of cats and takes the 'protective big brother' role to heart and stares down any stray cat that even gets a bit close to them, it gets to the point where Alito messages Cathy to get the cats to stay away from Apis and it just leaves her confused because 1) she didn't even know who Apis was, and 2) she didn't even know where he was.

Although he is very protective of Apis, Alito also likes teasing him a bit by hiding his bunny plushies and then acting clueless when he asks where they went.

Adonis was very surprised but grateful that they got along so quickly and is never not surprised by how much time they spend together, he has so many pictures of those two being stupid together it's unreal

Apis likes buying Alito jewelry like rings and earrings as much as he can and Alito always tears up when he does because "I have the best brother ever!" And each time he hugs Apis.

They both have very common nightmares about what happened in the past so whenever it happens, one of them will always crawl into the others bed and hugs them to sleep.

Whenever Apis goes mute, Alito will talk for him and will start arguments when someone is disrespectful towards him when he goes mute

When Alito finds out that Apis used to be Astral, he immediately runs home just to apologize to him for what he did back then and that it was nothing against him

The realization also makes him even more protective over him because, if he were to die if he so much as lost a duel back then, then probably is even more fragile as a human, right?

Yeah, let's just say that once Akari/Kari got too close to Apis once and Alito instantly starting fighting her to protect him.

[franstastic-ideas]

oh! 💗🗣️ and 🔎 for the wip ask?

💗 Is there a scene you can’t wait to write for a WIP?

So many in WOWW, but perhaps the one to rise above all others is the confession scene.

If this scene was written in Japanese, Volo uses the word 'aishiteru', which is an extremely intense way of saying 'I love you'.

And I've pondered endlessly how I can properly convey that intensity. With the soft tone of his voice? His actions? Him gently clasping her hand between his?? I want it to be to the point that Volo's confession hits the reader just as hard as does Akari.

🗣️ Talk about your favorite WIP

I believe I've said enough about WOWW for now, but I can tell you about what is perhaps my second favorite.

It's the one about Green (or Blue) falling out with Leaf and losing contact with her for three years; it's entirely his fault it happened.

Daisy warned him about this, that someday he would regret being so mean to Leaf, maybe not today or tomorrow, but someday he would. He didn't believe her.

It takes him a year and a half and a trip to Kalos to finally admit aloud that he was wrong. He tries to forget all about Leaf, he goes on dates with some Kalosian girls, but when the date arrives, he just sighs and stares off into space the entire time.

And then there's the scene where Green ends up giving Silver the exact same speech that Daisy gave him three years ago when he sees him being a jerk to Kotone, all while trying his best not to start sobbing right then and there.

Silver: (after a long pause) Who... are you??

🔍 Give a clue (a picture, emoji, a word, etc.) and let your followers guess what a WIP is about

Tsundere On Tsundere Violence

[avengersassemble123]

||CHAPTER 19||

NOTE: DARK CONTENT, CONTAINS VIOLENCE, GORE, BLOOD, LOTS OF BLOOD AND GORE, CURSING, TARGETING, INSULTS, MAJOR CHARACTER DEATH(S), ANGST, LOTS OF ANGST, IMPLYING OF SELF SACRIFICE, SUICIDAL THOUGHT, SUICIDE, BASED ON THE SERIES: ALL OF US ARE DEAD, READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

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"Inosuke is a man of loyalty." 

"You too?" Tanjiro questioned to the blue haired boy who strided towards the window sill. 

"I'm going too."

"Stop it. Come down." Zenitsu exclaimed, holding the former back, "Why?" Inosuke questioned.

"You can't go out there with that body, fatso." 

Genya snorted, making the blue haired boy glare towards him, "What's wrong with my body?" 

"What do you think?" Muichiro retorted, making the hotheaded boy hurl insults at them, while Tanjiro tried diffusing the situation, slightly scolding Zenitsu and Muichiro and calming Inosuke down.

---

"Why do you keep following me?" The flame haired male asked, as the duo made their way through the narrow edge.

"Cuz I'm bored." Uzui shrugged, making the former let out a snicker, "Stay close." Kyojuro instructed, before they made their way towards a window. the former bent to have a peek but jolted away, "Can we go in?" The white haired male questioned before receiving a disapproved nod from the other, "Alright come back."

Both the males made their way out of the window's sight, before finally catching a breath. Uzui looked at his friend, who was staring intensely towards the window. "Soo.." He started. Kyojuro turned his head, attentive towards the male, "You like her huh? When's the proposal?" Uzui never knew a Rengoku to go even redder than their usual appearance.

 "Is that really important?" Kyojuro lightly kicked his friend's leg, making the other yelp.

"I mean, I never knew you could like someone that way, since you're always busy filling your stomach with the abnormal amount of food."

"At least I have a liking towards 'one' girl."

" Touche asshole."

The buddies chuckled before letting out a sigh. They both at looked at each other, "So what are we gonna do?" Tengen questioned.

"I suggest we hang by our hands and go."

"Good idea."

A few seconds of silence passed.

"You go."

"You go first."

"You're more into these kind of stuff."

"You suggested the idea."

"You didn't had to agree to it."

An intense stare down took place before the orange haired male sighed and moved forward, bending down and hanging on the ceiling below the window by his hands, who was followed by the white haired male. "Guess participating in the Gymnastics club really had its pros." The white haired male grunted as the duo made their way downwards. Kyojuro grimaced at the sight below on the ground, where his crush's ex best friend growled and squirmed inhumanly, chasing and running aimlessly.

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Akari ran through the hallways of the ground floor, dodging the incoming infected. The girl slammed against the door, trying to open it when she was shoved down by an infected. The others hounded and pounced at her, as the girl tried getting away.

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The two boys climbed down the pipeline, reaching near the teacher's staff room. Uzui gave Kyojuro a nod, as the flame haired boy peaked inside the staff room.

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All the infected nearby pounced, forming a huge hump of bodies biting the girl almost everywhere. Akari clawed at the floor trying to get away, "WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME??!!!!!"

The girl screamed in agony as she was continued to be devoured upon.

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Uzui helped Kyojuro to stand still, "What is it?" he questioned before being ushered to stay quiet by the latter, sounds of screams dawning upon their ears.

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The nearby room sign read 'Teacher's staff room' as Akari did not give up to move forward, tears building up in her eyes but look of desperation and determination covering her face, as she grunted and moaned in pain.

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Kyojuro once again peeked inside, this time kneeling down as he uncovered more clearer view of  the room swarmed with the infected teachers everywhere, roaming aimlessly.

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Akari continued to crawl forward, crying more audibly.

She suddenly felt the pain decrease.

All the infected which had been feasting on her stopped and got up, moving in separate directions. The girl quickly sat up, leaning against a wall.

 One of the infected students leaned in front of her, towering, before moving away as if she didn't exist.

Akari let out repeated exhales of relief, closing her eyes, completely supporting herself against the wall.

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Uzui let out anxious breaths as Kyojuro slowly slid open the window, trying not to grab attention.

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Akari slowly stood up, and walked at a deliberate pace, as the infected around her starred but continued in their own ways, ignoring her. She quickly brisked towards the staff room door, opening it and making her way inside.

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As Kyojuro slowly slid the window open, a thud was heard, making Uzui close his eyes, waiting for the misfortune, but quickly opened his eyes as Kyojuro gestured to him that the sound came from the other side, acting as a distraction for them, as the infected rushed towards that area, clearing the path for them.

Both the boys gave each other nods, before climbing inside the room as quietly as possible. The duo crawled behind the tables stealthily as to not get detected, moving as swift as possible before Kyojuro halted in his tracks, confused, making the other stop in his tracks too. The orange haired male turned towards the other male in confusion,

"What is it?" Uzui questioned, "Kyojuro gestured towards a series of thuds taking place, "I don't know. Lets go see."

Both the boys moved slightly forward, peaking through the open leg space of a table, leaning down as to not get detected.

The duo spotted a bloodied and disheveled girl seated on the floor on her knees, breaking phones with an metal object.

"I'll destroy them all...All of them..." The girl kept on muttering, as she broke phones one by one, no infected trying to reach her.

The boys looked at each other in utter confusion and surprise, "What the hell?" Tengen muttered.

Akari continued breaking the phones, before she felt her neck crack, catching her off guard, cracking of joints being heard. She looked over at the other phones laying on the table. Getting up, she continued to break the phones on the table, despite the painful and sharp cracks from her. She accidentally hit her left hand fingers, making tow of them break, but she did not styop as she continued hitting the phones with force, ignoring the obvious broken and now twisted fingers of hers.

A notification caught her attention, which came from a phone in front her, which read 'Toshinori: Upload."

Akari stared at the phone for a few seconds before clasping the object with both her hands and hitting it repeatedly on Toshinori's phone. "That bastard." She murmured, continuing to break the phone with much more force than before.

As she continued to break the phones, her sudden forces caused some phones to fall down, one of them coincidentally sliding towards the boys who watched the scene. The sliding phone caught their attention, as Kyojuro ushered Tengen to stay back, as gestured with his head to take the risk.

Akari's eyes turned towards a phone near her, before proceeding to break the device, unbeknownst of the other individuals present in the room. As Kyojuro almost reached the phone trying to pull it by his fingers, Akari heard a tap beside her causing her to cease her, slowly turning her sight towards two males, one with an outstretched hand towards a rectangular device.

Kyojuro and Akari locked eyes with each other, deep breaths and huffs exhaled from their mouths. It was silent for a few seconds before the girl saw red in her eyes, "I'LL KILL YOU!!!!" The girl pounced at the flame haired boy, trying to take the phone, while the boy tried getting her off of him, "Give it to me fucker!!! I'll kill you!!!" Tengen pulled the girl by her shoulders before slamming her into a cupboard, making the girl lose consciousness for the time being.

Tengen helped Kyojuro out before cursing out as they the infected gather, more running steps being heard towards the room. They rushed towards the window when Kyojuro realised the phone is broken, "Damn it" He slammed the phone down in frustration before looking around and running towards another one. Tengen kicked an infected student trying to defend himself. Kyojuro blocked a bunch by a chair while Uzui did with a bench. The former unable to decipher  a clear path towards the other instructed, "Go first. I'll catch up." The flame hair made his way towards the exit door dodging and jumping over the benches while the other made his way towards the window. They both looked at each other, before the former made a run in the hallway, while the latter cursed, climbing up the window, nearly escaping.

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Toshinori dozed on one of the sofas in the principal creeped up towards him, "Hey wake up" Botan whisper-shouted, which startled the student and look towards the former.

"You're Toshinori Hasegawa aren't you?"

"What? Why?"

"How is it outside? The same?"

The latter took a deep breath, before relaxing and leaning his head against the sofa headrest, closing his eyes, "I don't know."

Botan stood up, "You know how to drive right?"

"..No"

"Yeah. Right. You guys drove your father's car and crashed it last year. Do you know what a headache it was for me?"

The student clicked his tongue in annoyance, "But why do you ask?"

The principal searched his pockets before removing his car keys from one, "My car is in the parking lot. The plate number is 6584." He placed the keys in the boy's hand, before removing a pair of socks from his drawer and seating on the seat across, putting it on,"Bring it here".

Toshinori leaned forward, his hands resting on his knees, "Why me?"

"Go through the window of the night duty room to the lot."

Toshinori threw the keys on the desk, before continuing to lean back on the sofa, "I don't want to." as he splayed his legs on the table, making the other raise his eyebrows, "You punk. Listen to your Principal!"

"But i don't want to.." The boy said, now glaring holes at the former's head.

Botan's gaze then went to the knife placed beside, as he reached for it hastily before the boy could reach for it.

The principal stood up, facing the sharp point of the knife towards the boy, to which the boy tried removing the object from the former's hands, "Give it to me." "Let go. You punk."

"Fuck I said let go." Toshinori forcefully pushed the Principle on the table.

"Damn it." Toshinori groaned in frustration as he casually swung his knife in the air. "Botan, who by now had stood up, gestured towards the door, sweat now dropping off his forehead, "Fine. Just go."

"Come with me."

'Why should I? Just go."

"Come with me to the car. I wanted a shield anyway."

Botan felt his spine run cold, trembling, "What's wrong with you? Stay away." He picked up a nearby vase, signalling the other to not come any closer.

"God. Look, Mr.Principal. If this were a game, I'd be....taking down the final boss, sir."

Botan's hands trembled as Toshinori took few steps towards him.

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Akari gained her consciousness back, as she slowly sat up, her eyes adjusting to her surroundings, her hands instinctively reaching towards her head, feeling something wet against her fingers, only to see red liquid on them.

Her gaze landed on the phones on the table in front of her. She slowly stood up from her place.

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Hisashi tightened the straps on Kanae, "Is that okay?" "Yes sir." Everyone readied themselves with whatever materials they could find to use as gear and shields.

"We'll go to the rooftop now." Hisashi addressed, "Please work together as we practiced."

---------

Everyone asides from few, were using the cupboards and shelves to block the infected, one of them trying to grab Ubayashiki's leg, "How much longer?" Hantengu yelled. "A little more." Gyomei answered back, as he rolled out the length of the water hose from the emergency kit on the wall, "Hold on!!" Hisashi instructed Kanae to cover for him, before running towards Gyomei, "I'll do it!! Block them with the shelves!!" "Yes sir!" Gyomei answered back as he instructed a colleague to help him get the desk out of the office. Hisashi removed the whole length before instructing, "Okay, come one by one." "Sir go first!" "You go first" "You first!"

"Anybody! come!" Gyomei yelled out. to which Hantengu ushered Ubayashiki to go ahead. One by one everyone ran, "Go hurry!" Hisashi yelled, as he turned on the knob for the water to flow.

"Okay. Run here together on my signal." Hisashi instructed Hantengu and Kanae, who were still guarding the barrier, "Three! Two! One! Now!" Both of them ran as instructed, as Gyomei and the colleague pushed the table towards the barrier, to prevent the shelves from collapsing. "Get back!" Hisashi yelled, as he readied himself. The two ran behind the former, as Hisashi sprayed the forceful gush of water from the hose on the infected to buy time. Kanae helped Hisahi on grabbing the hose, while Gyomei led the others towards the stairs leading to the top. "Charge!!" Hisashi yelled, as he moved closer slightly towards the barrier. Gyomei told the ministers to hurry up.

Hisashi noticed the barrier falling apart gradually, "Back up!!" "Yes sir!" Kanae answered back, as they both backed towards the door, not stopping from spraying.

Ubayashiki and the others reached at the rooftop door, but he froze when he saw the door being bound shut. "What now..." Hantengu questioned, "Move." Gyomei rushed towards the door, setting his pack down and removing his tools.

"Close the door!!" Kisashi yelled, as they both tried closing the door, fortunately being successful. They both panted leaning against the door, sweat formed on their faces, before the butterfly-clipped girl's eyes widened, "Captain, downstairs" Due to the commotion, the infected could be seen coming up the stairs, currently heading to the duo's floor. Hisashi, who had managed to extend the hose long enough, started spraying water on the incoming infected, as the girl tied ropes around the room's doors in order for the infected inside to not get out. They both them started their way upstairs, the man still showering the infected with water.

Gyomei veins could be seen pop out, as he tried breaking the lock with the metallic pliers, "Help him." Ubayashiki said, as he moved to help Gyomei, who was then followed by the other male colleagues. All of them strained as they pushed harder on either side of the pliers for the lock to break.

The door which was tied by the ropes, flayed violently as Hisashi and Kanae made their way.

"Okay one more time. One. Two. Three." Hantengu called out before all of them tried again by applying pressure to break the lock.

The door broke down violently, as the infected rushed out. The water intensity lowered down and came to a stop, whoch made Hisahi realise that the water limit if over. He hit the infected with the end of the hose, trying to buy some time, before he felt the hose being taken from his hand, and him being pushed backward, "You need to go now sir!!" Kanae yelled, as she started swinging the hose on the sick heads. "Kanae! Come on!" 

"Sir I always dreamed of serving and helping the ones in need. That's why i joined you sir!" 

"Kanae stop i know where you're headed with this-"

"I've always loved whenever my sisters idolized me. And I still would like for them to continue that. And besides," Kanae blocked one of the infected coming towards her, with the cloth rope of the hose, wrapping it around its mouth and slamming it against the railing forcefully, "I stick to what I believe is right." Kanae continued hitting the infected, buying time, "They need you sir the most. It was an honour to be under your guidance sir." Kanae glanced towards Hisahi for a moment, "Please trust me Hisashi san. Let me prove myself." 

Hisashi took a deep breath, conflicts and thoughts racing his mind, "I'm glad to have you as my student Kanae. Your sisters are very proud of you. You are a brave comrade."

Kanae's eyes widened, a smile appearing on her face before nodding and distracting the infected. Hisashi cursed, before rushing up the stairs.

Gyomei, with the help of others, kept on pushing force until they heard a loud clunk, indicating to a broken lock.

As Kanae swung on the infected, she was tackled by one of them, as many started pouncing on top of one another. She felt searing pain in her neck and all over her body, realising what was happening. But the smile never faltered on her face, as she clawed and held onto the other infected, as to not let any of the other pass by.

Tears streamed down her face, but her smile remained as she felt dark liquid oozing out of her nose. She blocked the path with her body, bearing the pain of being bit everywhere, "I hope that you keep on smiling Shinobu and Kanao. You two look beautiful when you smile genuinely. I hope I made you proud...Shinobu, Kanao, Mom, Dad..."

Kanao blocked the path, until she felt her vision blur and turn into a deep red, before slipping out of her consciousness.

Gyomei made sure everyone was at the rooftop, before picking up his bag. He looked down towards the stairs, as heard pants. He set his bag down, slowly walking towards the source, as Hisashi came into his view, groaning in pain and out of breath. Gyomei tightened his hold on the pliers, on high alert, as he raised the pliers in a defensive stance. Hisashi looked up to see his student staring down at him with raised pliers. After Gyomei realised that Hisashi was fine, he  prayed to God, before running down the stairs, 'Hurry up!!" but slowed down when he didn't see his friend, "Kanae? Where's Kanae?" Gyomei questioned before he looked to see a grief stricken and conflicted expression on his boss. "We need to move. Come on." Hisashi gestured and took the boy by the arm and ran up the stairs. Gyomei realised the meaning, devastation passing through his body, as he prayed to God, to rest her soul. They both ran out the door. Hisashi helped Gyomei to pick his tools and move out to the rooftop, before the latter shut and locked the door behind him.

Gyomei and Hisashi walked up to the rooftop, panting and out of breath, as they saw the other people waiting for them.

Ubayashiki noticed the lack of one's presence, his expression turning solemn, "Im sorry. I hope she gets the peace she deserves."

Hisashi slightly nodded looking down, before looking up at them, "You all did great. Is anyone hurt?" He questioned as the others answered a 'no', before hearing the metallic flapping sounds in a distance. They turned to see a chopper flying by. Hisashi removed a flare from his coat, as he threw it nearby, signalling their presence to the chopper.

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Kyojuro ran through the corridors, dodging the infected. He spotted an open window as he jumped through it. He ran out, before facing towards a wall out in the open. He saw the infected rushing towards him, as he continued to dodge and slam the sick. He snuck in through another open window through a corridor, as he was still chased by the infected, before entering a room and slamming the door shut behind him.

As he shut the door, he looked behind to see Toshinori tying up the Principal by some ropes. He made sure the door was shut properly, before slowly inching towards the scene, "Sir?" He questioned. "What are you doing? Grab this psycho!" Botan exclaimed, to which Toshinori pulled him by his collar, glaring at him. "Hey Toshinori." Kyojuro called out. "Kyojuro," Toshinor called out, "Come and tie his arms. He wont stay still."

"Hey. What are you doing?" Kyojuro questioned once more. The other boy now looked at him, "Come and tie him up."

"You're finished!! You're expelled! Untie me!" The Principal exclaimed, to which Toshinori picked up the knife beside him and pointed it at the senior's throat. "Toshinori!" Kyojuro called out, "Don't do that." as he walked forward.

Toshinori now stood up properly, looking at the flame haired boy, "Don't do what? This principal bastard tried to kill me." He pointed outside, "He told me to go out and get his car." Toshinori then aggressively pulled Botan's collar  and pointed his knife at his throat again,

Kyojuro removed the cell phone he grabbed from earlier, from his pocket, before unlocking it and holding it up facing its camera towards the two, as if he was filming it. Toshinori after realising, staggered back, hiding the knife behind his back.

"That's it. Good job." Botan said.

"I'm filming everything." The red haired boy spoke, "Let him go or I'll send it to the police."

"I'm going to kill you." Toshinori growled.

"Stop acting like a human trash. No one respects you just because you act tough"

"I'm the head boss of this school now." Toshinori said, pointing towards his surroundings, "Don't you get it?"

"My ass, you are.." Kyojuro growled, "You're just a loser scumbag who'll spend his entire life serving bullies."

Toshinori tilted his head slightly, no longer hiding the knife, as he slowly walked towards Kyojuro, "Say that again."

Botan got up on his feet, trying to get away, but was spotted by Toshinori, who jumped on the table and sliced the principal's neck. Botan fell on the couch, blood squirting out from the would, as he quivered and shook violently, his white shirt changing into red. Toshinor stared down at him, before turning towards the other boy, who gasped, eyes widened, as his hands slowly retracted down in shock.

"You fucking..." Toshinori spoke, walking towards the other, as he cleaned the knife on his already stained shirt, "Am i still a loser? Am I?"

Kyojuro looked at Toshinori in shock. The former continued, "Everyone who doesn't listen to me dies. Give me the phone." He raised his hand, asking for it.

You just killed-"

"Give me the phone!" Toshinori yelled before swinging his knife at Kyojuro, who rushed towards the door, and bent down, dodging the attack. Toshinori kicked him back making him fall down.

Kyojuro groaned in pain, as the phone slid away at a distance. Toshinoro went to pick it up, but was body slammed by the flame haired boy to the other side. Kyojuro grabbed the phone, breaking into a run out of the office into the corridor, as Toshinori cursed and chased after him.

The two boys ran in the corridor. Toshinori while chasing, got slammed by an infected towards a wall, which made him curse and aggressively stab in the neck, before continuing to chase after the boy. He threw the knife at the running boy, which struck Kyojuro's back, making him yelp out.

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YASS FELLAS IM ALIVEEE!! IM SORRY SINCE I HAD A HECK TON OF WORK TO DO (AND STILL DO).

BUT AS A COMPENSATION FOR ME NOT POSTING FOR A WHILE, HERE'S A LONG ASS CHAPTER FOR YA FELLAS!!

HOPE YALL LIKE IT!!!

DONT FORGET TO VOTE AND COMMENT!

CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM APPRECIATED!!

[moonchild-things]

Chapter Fifteen: Crisis in Three-Month Relationship

Summary: Being a psychic is not an ideal life, at least for Saiki Kusuo. Didn’t you read/watch The Disastrous Life of Saiki K to know that? Still, this isn’t about him, not really. Instead, let’s focus on his one and only friend, Akari Watanabe, who is also quite abnormal. You might not believe that Saiki would actually have a friend, but that’s what fanfictions are about, right?  

Word Count: 3384

Blog Masterlist | Series Masterlist | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

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DURING A BREAK IN BETWEEN CLASSES, THE students were gossiping with each other. The boys grouped up with each other and talked about their interactions with girls or their exes while the girls gossiped about their past relationships. One boy asked his friend, “Did you break up with Minako?”

The boy shushed him, “You are too loud.”

“You’re single again.” A different boy laughed slightly.

His other friend jested, “Welcome back.”

A girl across the class scoffed as she talked with her own friends, “My ex-boyfriend was too jealous.”

Kusuo grunted as he and Akari listened to the chatter of their classmates. The pair were trying to ignore their conversations about such trivial things as relationships. “Good grief. It is the season of breakups.” It’s true, it seemed like exactly after three months, some relationships start to deteriorate and end. And it was now that time of year. 

Akari glanced around the room in a bit of annoyance and uninterest, ‘I know relationships don’t always last, but why is it always three months?’ She has no idea what it’s like to be in a relationship, and the ones that she’s seen of her parents and the Saikis is a bit extreme in some cases. Really they’re examples of true love. Something that teenagers might not find on the first try. Though who knows. Akari and Kusuo sure have stuck around each other long enough, right? Though what does that have anything to do with true love? Ha ha ha…. ha.

“I don’t understand the excitement.” He commented as he could feel the intense stare bruning on the side of his face, “I don’t understand Yumehara. Chiyo Yumehara.” Said girl was staring at the psychic in the same love-sick manner that she had done about three months prior. Her rosy cheeks and half-lidded eyes were pinpointing Kusuo in his spot as she sighed dreamily, no doubt daydreaming about him. She obviously couldn’t see Akari, despite the shadow-manipulator sitting right besides him on his desk. “I don’t know what’s gotten into her, but she grew feelings for me.” Now a quick flashback to a few chapters ago when Yumehara was trying to talk with him. Along with how each attempt was foiled by either Kusuo or Akari. “She has tried to approach me. We have managed to block each attempt. I thought she gave up and dated another boy.” Apparently she then thought about what Kusuo was like, which was completely wrong. Kusuo scowled as he heard her thoughts, “Get your eyes checked.”

‘It’s quite strange to me how she can like you even though the image that she has of you is completely wrong.’ Akari thought. She’s never had a crush, so perhaps she doesn’t understand it completely. However, she does know that whatever fantasy Yumehara has of Kusuo is completely distorted. He told her what he’s seen in Yumehara’s thoughts, and honestly, she laughed a bit at it. Yumehara has never really even spoken to Kusuo, so how could she say that she has a crush on him when she doesn’t actually know what he’s like? Sure, she knows people can grow feelings towards someone just based on looks, so perhaps that’s what Yumehara has done. Akari can’t say for sure, she’s not the mind reader. Though Akari couldn’t really blame her if that's the case. 

Oh~ Akari~, where did that come from? Huh, huh?

“I see, the season of breakups is coming for her.” Kusuo commented with a roll of his eyes, breaking Akari out of that train of thought.  He sighed heavily, hearing all of the grievances that she has with her boyfriend. “Good grief. I don’t care about the romance of others. But if they break up, she will start bothering me again. It can’t be helped. I will become the shelter protecting their love umbrella.”

Akari lazily turned to her friend, ‘You probably should have just told her you weren’t interested before.’ She shrugged her shoulders and acted uninterested, since she had told him to do that beforehand. A small snicker slipped past her lips due to her friend's misfortune, ‘Maybe then you wouldn’t have this issue.’

Kusuo scowled at her, not really willing to admit that she may have been right, “Tsk.”

So the duo decided to head out of their classroom to get a look at Yumehara’s boyfriend. Afterall, it’s his fault for not being a good boyfriend for Yumehara to have a crush on Kusuo yet again. They walked down the corridor to find her boyfriend, Takeru Shinoda. The last time they saw him, he was being romantically poetic with Yumehara which instantly caused the girl to fall for him. So what could he be doing that could cause her to be infatuated with Kusuo once again?

The two peered through the door into the other classroom where Takeru was laughing with his friends. “Are you serious?”

“That must be Takeru,” Kusuo commented.

“That’s so funny!” The boy laughed only for his mouth to suddenly click as his jaw seemingly dislocated. Akari cringed at the sound and shivered slightly, it was a bit of a disturbing sight. “My jaw…” Geeze, it really is disturbing, even as an animation.

His friends were also in shock as they watched him “Are you okay?”

“Yes. I’m fine.” He waved them off as he put his jaw back into place, “That hurts. Sorry.”

His friends around him just stared at him in uncertainty as one said hesitantly, “Sorry for making you laugh.”

“The mood is ruined,” Good job stating the obvious Kusuo.

After fixing his mouth, the spikey-haired boy's friend asked him, “Takeru, how are things with your girlfriend?”

The teen flashed them a thumbs up, “Perfect.”

“Not at all,” Kusuo deadpanned.

Akari shook her head, ‘how is it that he can’t see how his relationship is deteriorating with Yumehara?’ She tapped her chin, ‘perhaps she’s doing a good job of hiding it?’

After school, Akari and Kusuo kept to the shadows and followed Yumehara. It’s not that they necessarily cared, but they wanted to see just how bad the relationship between Yumehara and Takeru was. If anything, as long as Yumehara turned her attention away from Kusuo then it was fine. If Takeru had to be that person, then they were going to make sure that the couple stayed together.

Using her shadows, Akari made sure to keep herself and Kusuo out of sight as they waited for Takeru to show up. Yumehara was also waiting for him at the front of the doors. The expression on her face didn’t give any sort of hope for her relationship with Takeru. 

Takeru joivally waltzed up to his girlfriend, “Sorry to make you wait. I can now protect your heart from rain…” Ah, there he goes with that same poetic saying.

“It’s okay.” Yumehara said with a dead expression, “I just got here.”

Akari shook her head slowly, really she shouldn't have expected anything else. ‘She’s definitely not hiding it.’

So the couple started to head towards the gates. Takeru asked Yumehara, “Do you want to go somewhere?”

The girl shrugged her shoulders, certainly not invested in her boyfriend as she should be, “I don’t care.”

Not hearing her uncaring tone or her expression devoid of emotion, Takeru smiled widely, “Let’s take a little detour.”

“I can’t go too far.” They two trotted off, Yumehara not that enthusiastic about being with her boyfriend, and Takeru being more than excited about their date. These two really are night and day at the moment.

Kusuo and Akari watched them go from behind a pillar. The pink-hair psychic raised an eyebrow just a little bit, “It is far from perfect.”

So sticking to the shadow, thanks to Akari, the superpowered duo followed after the couple and kept an eye on them. No, it’s not weird or creepy. They just want to make sure that Yumehara’s relationship is sufficient enough to stop her from having a crush on Kusuo. Okay, maybe it’s a little bit weird. 

“How about a game center?” Takeru suggested to Yumehara as they walked down the street in town.

The girl shrugged her shoulders, “I’ll pass.”

“Where do you want to go?”

“Nowhere in particular.”

‘How blind is this guy?’ Akari wondered in a bit of disbelief. Sure, she didn’t have the greatest understanding of social interactions,(since she rarely talks to anyone outside of her family, the Saikis, and only like two other people) but she could definitely see how blatantly Yumehara didn’t want to be there. Really if she were not enjoying her day, shouldn’t she just tell him that? Saves them all the trouble of having to deal with this love issue.

“This is worse than I thought.” Kusuo commented as he stared at Yumehara’s likability meter for her boyfriend, “Yumehara’s rating of Takeru is now at 57 points. It keeps dropping.” You see, the likability meter is a telepathic ability that Kusuo has. He’s able to read everyone's mind and calculate a likability based out of 100. MJ would have explained that during the short episode titled ‘Hot-Blooded! Dodgeball!’ but Akari was obviously not a part of it, so she just skipped over it. Back to the problem at hand, Kusuo read Yumehara’s thoughts who was currently lamenting the fact that Takeru didn’t remember his anniversary with Yumehara. “I see. Women care about special dates. I know because my mother is like that every month. Does Takeru remember?” Nope, the boy wasn’t even thinking about that. “Too bad. I’ll have to tell him.” He then used his telepathy to remind Takeru, “Three months.”

The thought then struck Takeru, “Three months?”

“What?” Yumehara gasped, her cheeks starting to flush as her boyfriend “remembered”. “Did you remember our three month anniversary? I’m so glad.” Her likability meter spiked up to 68.

Kusuo grunted at the promising sign, “Good.”

“Of course,” Takeru said confidently, “I have a present, too.”

“Really?” Yumehara exclaimed as her likability once again jumped higher to 71. It really doesn’t take a lot for people’s likability meters to change, does it?

“His rating improved, but does he really have a present?” Kusuo asked.

Akari watched the interaction, not being able to see the likability meter, and crossed her arms over her chest. ‘Seeing as he didn’t remember their anniversary, I’d say he doesn’t.’

Just as Akari thought to Kusuo, Takeru was internally panicking. Kusuo didn’t even blink since he was expecting that, “It was a bluff.” Though it turns out that he thought some half-eaten squid jerky was a suitable enough present. Which it isn’t. “She isn’t an old man.”

Yumehara had her eyes closed as Takeru held the food in front of her proudly as if he had done a more than acceptable thing. “Can I open them?”

“Sure.” 

Kusuo then jumped into action throwing a punk stuffed bunny towards them, “Of course not!”

The bunny slid right into Takeru’s hand. So instead of presenting Yumehara with a horrid gift like squid jerky, he instead was giving her a cute present. Yumehara gasped, “It’s so cute! What a lovely bunny!”

Akari turned to her friend in surprise, ‘Where did you get that?’

“She did look closely at that before.” He explained, “Good thing I bought it just in case. I am taking ¥3,900 from your wallet later.”

“What a lovely present!” Yumehara giggled, “I smelled squid before. I knew that couldn’t be my present.”

Takeru sweatdropped, “Of course not.”

So for the rest of the afternoon, Akari and Kusuo trailed after Yumehara and Takeru. They kept an eye on them and made sure that Takeru didn’t do anything to ruin his image in front of Yumehara. So they followed them through the arcade to help Takeru impress Yumehara by winning her a few prizes. At one point, even Kusuo helped get Akari a stuffed black cat. The little stuffed animal had caught her eye at one point as they were leaving the game center. Barely catching how her eyes trailed at it, Kusuo used his powers to get it. It has wide yellow eyes that reminded him of her own yellow eyes while it was soft to the touch.

To say that Akari was surprised by the stuffed animal being presented to her was an understatement. It was even more of a surprise to see that it was from Kusuo. Sure, over the years the two have gotten each other gifts. They wouldn’t be friends if they didn’t give each other christmas gifts or birthday presents from time to time. However, they always had a reason to do it, such as holidays and such. This time though was spontaneous. She took the cute little stuffed cat from him in bewilderment as they continued out of the arcade. While Kusuo worked to help make the date between Takeru and Yumehara was perfect, Akari was thinking over the fact that people could think that she and Kusuo were also on a date.

Not only that, but Akari noticed how Kusuo seemed to know what to do for Yumehara to make her happy with Takeru. It’s true, he has an advantage of being able to read her mind to know what she wants from her boyfriend. Still it didn’t stop Akari from feeling both a little uneasy and intrigued. She was intrigued at seeing how Kusuo may think about being on a date. This obviously isn’t his date. However, she couldn’t help but wonder what he would be like on a date of his own. With how? Well she hoped it would be- 

Akari shook her head at the sudden thought. Her long hair flying around like a black curtain as she squeezed her eyes tightly and held her new stuffed animal to her chest. Where had her thoughts been going there? Who had she been hoping for!? It still didn’t help explain the uneasy feeling of how she didn’t like to think that it was anyone else besides… Well, she can’t think about that right now.

It’s not that she thought that this was a date or wanted it to be. It was just from an outside perspective, someone might think that she and Kusuo were on a date, right? They were going to places together, not with the sole purpose to spend time together, but they were still there with each other. Not only that but they always are together at any moment they can be, so she took that into consideration. Kusuo even got her a gift from the arcade. She looked down at the cat in her arms who stared up at her with matching yellow eyes. Question was; did either her or Kusuo want this to be a date?

Though Kusuo didn’t even notice her thoughts, too distracted by trying to help Takeru on his own date. Despite those little instances between Kusuo and Akari, they were still able to continue their task at hand. Thanks to Kusuo, Takeru’s rating continued to rise until it had finally reached 90 points.

Yumehara smiled widely, seemingly forgetting any sort of grievance that she might have had with her boyfriend beforehand, “Today was so much fun!”

“Right?” Takeru agreed happily, “Let’s get food.”

His girlfriend nodded her head, “Okay.”

He caught sight of a burger joint and started to point at it, “There’s a hamburger…”

“Okonomiyaki,” Kusuo then put the thought into his head, steering his attention away from the burger place.

“Okonomiyaki.”

Yumehara gasped for like the hundredth time that day, “All right! I was just thinking that I wanted to eat okonomiyaki!”

The likability meter rose even higher now reaching 95 points out of 100. There’s not way that this could go wrong any further, right? Kusuo nodded his head at the accomplishment he made today, a successful mission, it seemed. “His rating is so high that he could propose to her right now. They won’t break up now.”

“Welcome.” The host of the restaurant greeted the couple, “A party of two?”

Takeru seemingly exploded at the man with a scowl, “Isn’t that obvious? Show us our seats!” And so began the downfall of the likability meter. It started to free fall quite quickly. First from 95 to 67 after Takeru’s rudeness to the host. The two then got to their table and took their shoes off, “I am hungry.” It once again fell from 67 to 49 at the terrible stench of Takeru’s feet. Once they got their food, Takeru started eating with his chopsticks in a strange way and talking with his mouth full, “Let’s eat!” That was the last straw. Now Yumehara’s likability meter for her boyfriend was at 0, how sad.

“I can’t take it anymore!” Yumehara cried dramatically and ran out of the restaurant, “Goodbye!”

“Hey!” Takeru yelled through his stuffed mouth, “What happened?”

Akari facepalmed, ‘Teenagers are so oblivious.’

“Right,” Kusuo deadpanned, “Humans can ruin their image in a second.”

The Shadow-manipulator groaned, “Seems like that was for nothing.” She voiced out loud, the first time talking with her voice now that she was certain her and Kusuo were alone.

“Possibly,” Kusuo grunted along with her.

The two then started to turn around to head home. “I don’t understand how Yumehara could be so… fickle with her relationship.”

Kusuo glanced at her from the corner of his eyes. His violet irises glinting inquisitively from behind his green glasses. “What do you mean?”

Akari sighed through her nose and tried to come up with the right words. “There are quirks that are a part of everyone. Little things that make people who they are, and sure some of them aren’t the best, but if you love someone you should be able to look past them.” As they walked, Akari brushed her fingers through the soft fur of her new plushy. Something that Kusuo noticed her doing. “Yumehara had a problem with them, that’s obvious. And if it’s been like that for a while, then she should have told him that instead of keeping it bottled up.” She sighed, “She’s not good with communication it seems.”

Kusuo stared at her with a small dip in the corner of his lips. “You know quite a bit about being in a relationship.” Did that mean that Akari has had experience with relationships? He knows everything about her, but could there be a small bit that he doesn’t know? Like her having a significant other?

“It’s not anything like that…” Akari coughed out, surprised that he would say that. She didn’t even notice that Kusuo was now a bit sullen at his own thoughts. “It’s just… we talk, well, not necessarily talk but if we have a problem with each other we tell each other that we’re annoyed or something.” She paused her steps to turn to him fully and motioned between them, “We don’t gloss over something we don’t like. You tell me, and I tell you clearly. Even if there are things that we don’t like about each other we don’t continue to hate it or anything. We accept it.” As friends, the two of them are quite clear and open with how they feel. Well, relatively. They can read each other pretty well, as stated before in previous chapters. So if one of them is annoyed with the other they fix it or at least state what’s wrong. They don’t just ignore it or anything.

Kusuo looked at her with a small tilt of his head, “Are you saying that we’re in a relationship?”

“Of course not!” Akari jumped at the accusation and waved her hands frantically. “I’m just saying, if we can do it as friends, then Yumehara could have been able to do it with her boyfriend.”

In her mind, she definitely thinks that it’s a logical assumption to make. If they could have this strong of communication(outloud or telepathic) between them, then Yumehara could do the same between herself and her boyfriend. Akari has no experience when it comes to having a boyfriend or anything, but she does know at least how to have a relationship with an extremely good and close friend. It couldn’t be that different, right? 

Who’s gonna tell her that she and Kusuo really do act like a couple already? You? Me? Nah, we’ll let them figure it out on their own.

---

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[shiningwonderland]

Ren Jinguji (Repeat)

Translator: Akari (Twitter: akari)

Proofreader: Raz (Twitter: agnadance)

Editors: Snail (Twitter: herbert_snail), Lacey (Twitter: fairyharp), Mae (Twitter: itoshikimaegirl)

QA: Rei (Twitter: wolfe_raine)

June — Looking Up at the Sky Rhapsody

It’s June. The days are often rainy and some are cooler than in May. And yet…

Jinguji-san is as passionate as ever.

Ren Jinguji: Hi, little lambs. Looking as cute as ever, I see.

Female Student B: Kyaaa!! Jinguji-san!!

He says charming words to the girls and blows heart-melting kisses all over the place.

Syo Kurusu: He has no standards, as always. Haruka, I don’t know how you can partner up with a guy like him.

Haruka Nanami: Jinguji-san is a very inviting and very attractive man. I think that’s why the other girls can’t leave him alone.

Haruka Nanami: Rather, I’m sorry I'm not worthy of him.

Jinguji-san’s song was wonderful!

I only listened to one chorus, but I could feel the difference between our abilities. His musical sensibilities are way above mine.

I think he doesn’t come to practice because I’m not good enough.

Haruka Nanami: I have to work hard.

Jinguji-san’s color... the mood around him, his natural sense of style, that natural charisma…

His presence that entraps everything around him and doesn’t let go is something I’ve come to understand over the last two months, but...

I just can’t find the right “sound”.

At first, when I just heard his voice, I had an image of it, and the sound started to come together.

However, the more I get to know him… the more I see his many faces and the more confused I am by his depth.

The song to be sung by Jinguji-san.

There must be a song that only Jinguji-san can sing, but…

I just can’t grasp the melody.

I think we need to talk about it, even if I have to force him, and give it shape note by note.

Haruka Nanami: …

I was staring at Jinguji-san. And then…

Ren Jinguji: Huh. I think I’m feeling an intense gaze…

Jinguji-san sighs and comes to my seat.

Huh, oh. My heart’s not prepared for this…

Ren Jinguji: What do you want? If you stare at me like that, you’re going to burn a hole through me.

Select the Phrase!

れ、練習を… T-to practice… (+ 25 Love +5 Music)

Haruka Nanami: I sure would love for you to come to practice.

Ah! I couldn’t help but to be honest…

Ren Jinguji: Oh, is that all you want? Why don’t we go somewhere else for once?

Somewhere else...?

Ren Jinguji: Nothing comes to mind?

It would be really, really fun to go somewhere with Jinguji-san, but if you ask me where exactly…

Truthfully, I just want him to come practice… I’d like to hear him sing.

Haruka Nanami: I’m sorry. Going out is nice and all, but I really want to hear you sing.

Ren Jinguji: Don’t be sorry. I was just asking. However… you really like music, don’t you?

Haruka Nanami: Yes!

All my life, I’ve always had the most fun playing the piano.

I never went anywhere with friends and was always alone. Music was my only friend.

So… I have no idea where to go.

Instead, I’d like Jinguji-san to know more about the joy of music and I’d also like to try to create music together with someone.

Ryuya Hyuga: Hey, homeroom’s already started. How long are you gonna keep making noise? I could hear you all the way down the hallway.

When Hyuga-sensei arrives, the girls who had just surrounded Jinguji-san go back to their seats obediently.

Ryuya Hyuga: Now, do you guys know about Ohayaho~ News?

Male Student A: Yeees! I know it!

Most of the students nod. Of course, I also know about it.

Ryuya Hyuga: It’s sudden, but that program... is coming to our school tomorrow.

Ohayaho~ News.

It’s a morning news program with the idol I admire, HAYATO-sama, as the reporter.

For each broadcast, HAYATO-sama visits a popular location and then does his best to tell the viewers about it in a cheerful and energetic way.

And Ohayaho~ News is coming to our school…

That means…

I might be able to meet HAYATO-sama!!!

Ah! I have to keep it together.

I’m aiming to be a professional, so I can’t act like a fangirl...

But… I’m really… happy!!

I shouldn’t bother him when the day comes. I’ll watch him from the shadows of the school building.

Ryuya Hyuga: I’ve been told he wanted a student reporter as support… Jinguji, the president has designated you.

Ren Jinguji: The boss?

Ryuya Hyuga: Yeah, he has a plan. Will you do it?

Ren Jinguji: I can't disobey an order from the boss.

Ryuya Hyuga: OK, well, we’re counting on you.

Today is the day. For some reason, Hijirikawa-sama is at the meeting place.

Masato Hijirikawa: Jinguji… you’re late. It is almost time for the show to start.

Ren Jinguji: ...Masato Hijirikawa...? ...Why are you here?

Oh, this feeling again…

When Jinguji-san and Hijirikawa-sama come face to face, the atmosphere changes drastically.

There’s a tense mood in the air, just as hostile as they’ve been before between them.

Masato Hijirikawa: What? Didn’t you hear from the principal?

Masato Hijirikawa: Today's report is "An in-depth expose on school life of the two major conglomerates!” Apparently, he is going to present our school lives.

Masato Hijirikawa: I do not want to disclose too much about my household, but… there is no way around these circumstances.

Ren Jinguji: Household…? Given the rival relationship between two major conglomerates, it’s inevitable that they’ll be compared to each other.

Ren Jinguji: For a long time, there have been comparisons about everything between our families. To think this would continue even after I’ve come to this school, and have this exposed to the world…

Ren Jinguji: It seems that you and I are doomed to fight no matter how far we go.

Listening to the conversation between them, it seems that this is not a relationship that began yesterday or today.

It’s a conflict involving not only the people in question, but also their households. Looking at their expressions, it seems like there’s a deeper connection between the two of them than most people would imagine.

I’m Jinguji-san’s partner, but I guess I still don’t know much about him.

Masato Hijirikawa: There is no need to fight.

Ren Jinguji: How naive. Even with no points involved, we’re going to be on the same screen. The viewers will judge us based on things like popularity and our conglomerates’ powers.

Ren Jinguji: This is a noteworthy battle, whether we like it or not. It means you and I will go on fighting.

At that moment,

The ground where the two of them are standing shakes violently.

Ren Jinguji: Ah! An earthquake?

Bump! Boom!

It’s the principal who breaks through the ground.

Shining Saotome: Mr. Jinguji is right! This IS a noteworthy battle! AND I’ll add a point system as well!

Haruka Nanami: Points? But… how will you do that?

Shining Saotome: Hehehe. That is…

Haruka Nanami: What is it?

Shining Saotome: What would it be? YOU right there, answer please!

Haruka Nanami: Eh? M-me?!!!

Suddenly, the principal points a finger at me. I don’t understand… but I have no choice but to answer.

Select the Phrase!

アイドル力？Idol Power? (+0 Love +10 Music)

Shining Saotome: Hahahaaa! That’s right!!!

Shining Saotome: This is an idol training school, so it’s all about idol power!!

Haruka Nanami: Idol power… but how…?

Shining Saotome: Mmm, like this moment. Let’s explain it on TV instead.

Soon afterwards, HAYATO-sama and his staff arrive.

HAYATO: Ohayaho~! Ten million HAYATO fans all over Japan, how are nya?

HAYATO: Today, we’re here at Saotome Academy to bring cheer to you all!

HAYATO: And today, these two people will give you a tour around the school instead of me!

Masato Hijirikawa: My name is Masato Hijirikawa. I look forward to working with you.

Ren Jinguji: I’m Ren Jinguji. Today, I’ll show all you viewers out there just how charming this school is.

HAYATO: Come to think of it, today, instead of just presenting the school, the two of you are going to have a reporting competition, right?

Shining Saotome: That’s right! The two of you will have to compete with all the power you have and all the power of each conglomerate!

HAYATO: AH, this is the school principal, SHINING SAOTOME!

HAYATO: He’s a legend, so I don’t need to introduce him to you because everyone knows about him.

Shining Saotome: Hahahaaa~ I’m the national beautiful boy idol!

Ren Jinguji: Beautiful boy…?

Masato Hijirikawa: Yes, and he even called himself “national”. Should we interfere here?

Ren Jinguji: No, let’s leave it to HAYATO for now.

Jinguji-san and Hijirikawa-san seem to be talking in a whisper, but I can’t hear them clearly from where I am.

Shining Saotome: Anyway, you two are going to have to report on how gorgeous and haaandsome you guys are!

Shining Saotome: This is also publicity for Saotome Academy, so give it your all! It will also affect your future grades!

Shining Saotome: And you, yes, YOU in front of the TV will decide who wins and who loses!

Shining Saotome: We’re going to have the audience vote to decide which of the two is better! In the end, the one with more votes wins!

Shining Saotome: Now, now, to vote, use number one for Mr. Hijirikawa and number two for Mr. Jinguji at the end of the following number on the screen!

Shining Saotome: And if you vote for Shining Saotome, add a number three respectively, beep boop bop! Give us a call!

Masato Hijirikawa: I understand the rules, but why is the principal the third option?

Ren Jinguji: Who knows. But, well, he’s just trying to show off anyway, right?

Shining Saotome: Hahaha~ Correct answer! Then, then, the report game starts now! But first, a commercial!

The school principal points his index finger at the camera.

Then the staff members start to move in a hurry.

Ren Jinguji: Points, huh...? It might be a good opportunity. We’ve always been compared to something, even between our households.

Ren Jinguji: Being in different grades made it difficult to see clearly which one of us is better, but with this…

Ren Jinguji: This time, it’ll be crystal clear who is the winner and the loser.

Masato Hijirikawa: There you go again. I do not understand why you are so concerned with winning and losing. You weren’t when we were children.

Ren Jinguji: I’ve forgotten about those days. I just… I just want to show that I’m better than you.

Masato Hijirikawa: Show? To whom? To the world?

Ren Jinguji: I’m not obliged to tell you that. Besides… I haven’t got anyone to prove myself to… not anymore.

Jinguji-san mutters something in a whisper.

Ren Jinguji: Anyway, as long as it's a match, I'll just do my best. Will you support me too?

I am standing in the corner where I wouldn’t get in the way of the broadcast’s filming when Jinguji-san approaches me.

Select the Phrase!

はい。喜んで！！Yes, I’d be happy to! (+25 Love +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami: Of course, I’ll support you. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help!

Ren Jinguji: Heh. Good girl. I like honest girls.

Haruka Nanami: L-LIKE?!!!!!

Ren Jinguji: Hmm? Something wrong?

Haruka Nanami: I-i-it’s nothing!

It’s not like he means something deep, but even though I know he doesn’t…

I was surprised when he said “like”.

It’s the first time somebody has said that to me.

Soon after, the power match between the Hijirikawa conglomerate and Jinguji conglomerate begins.

First, it’s Jinguji-san’s turn. He’s bold enough to wear a swimsuit… as he presents the pool.

Ren Jinguji: Heh. I’m confident in my reporting skills. I won’t lose to Hijirikawa.

Jinguji-san stands in front of the TV camera with a daring smile on his face.

Ren Jinguji: This here is the pride of Saotome Academy, the indoor pool. The pool is completely enclosed by glass walls, and it’s even soundproofed. The ceiling is retractable, perfect for sunbathing on a sunny day.

Ren Jinguji: Would you like to swim with me, all you little lambs watching out there?

Ren Jinguji: I’ll show you not only how to swim, but also every step of falling in love.

He winks as he says that.

H-he… looks so cool! I’m sure there’ll be a lot of squealing voices on the other side of the TV!

It was silly of me to think the swimsuit would be too much. As we watch, the audience vote counter displayed in the corner of the TV screen fills with votes for Jinguji-san.

Incidentally, the results of the audience vote are shown as bars, with Jinguji-san’s displayed in red and Hijirikawa-sama’s displayed in blue.

Haruka Nanami: Amazing…

George: ... It’s only natural.

Suddenly, I hear a voice from behind me. Startled, I turn around to find George, Jinguji-san’s butler, standing there!

I didn’t notice him at all… When did he…?

Jii: Mhmm! No, this isn’t good, we must not allow this! We must go on the offensive!!

Masato Hijirikawa: But I do not behave like that…

Jii: No! Young Master, there is no way you can lose to someone like him! Come on, this way...

Perhaps Hijirikawa-sama is not good at improvisation, because Jii-san is holding out a cue card on the other side of the camera.

Masato Hijirikawa: ...T-this is… the… rooftop. It is open to students… Many of them use it during their lunch break…

Masato Hijirikawa: A-at night... the stars are beautiful. And…!!!

Hijirikawa-sama’s face freezes at the sight of the cue card, then instantly turns bright red.

Masato Hijirikawa: I-I’m sure that the stars reflected in your eyes would be so beautiful that I would be drawn into your gaze.

After saying that much, Hijirikawa-sama takes a single deep breath. Then, he looks straight into the camera.

Masato Hijirikawa: One day, I wish to view this night sky with just the two of us…. Is it sinful of me to feel that way? … No, no matter the weight of the sin…

Masato Hijirikawa: … I long for you… For the moment I can hold you in my arms…

The rooftop is silent. It’s like watching a scene from a drama.

We’re all drawn in by the performance. It must be the same for the audience because Hijirikawa-sama’s vote count has gone up a lot.

After that, every time Jinguji-san reports, his votes go up dramatically…

And each time Hijirikawa-sama conveys a scene, his votes also increase rapidly.

Moreover, perhaps as a demonstration of the power of the conglomerates, there is an explanation of the amazing musical instruments donated by both parties and the equipment developed by the companies.

It’s turning into a bit of a conglomerate promotion situation.

There’s a state-of-the-art computer and a sophisticated electronic piano in the computer room.

There’s a tremendously accurate mixer in the recording room.

Not only that, but they also lined up luxury cars owned by their households in the schoolyard.

It’s a mess with private helicopters flying in and out. And so on.

I’m also doing my best to help Jinguji-san change his clothes and carry the luggage he asked me to carry, but…

It’s kind of dizzying because there are so many things happening that are beyond anything I could have imagined.

I don’t usually think that much about it, but now I’m realizing that both of them really live in a different dimension.

While the people around them make a fuss, the two of them don’t flaunt what they have, so they must think this is all normal.

Ryuya Hyuga: I see, so this is why Jinguji and I weren’t told about today’s plans until the last minute. If I had known in advance, I’d have stopped it.

Haruka Nanami: Ah, Hyuga-sensei.

Ryuya Hyuga: They’re ridiculous, aren’t they...? ... Well, for me, as long as the school facilities stay intact, I have no complaints…

Haruka Nanami: Um… this is on such a grand scale, I don’t know what to think anymore.

Ryuya Hyuga: Well, it’s dealin’ with two of the biggest companies in Japan. There’s also the fate they share.

Ryuya Hyuga: Even if they don’t personally agree with this rivalry, they have no choice but to participate to keep up their households’ images.

Ryuya Hyuga: Anyway, looks like the servants are getting more heated than those guys are.

Haruka Nanami: Fate…?

Ryuya Hyuga: Hm? What, you don’t know?

Haruka Nanami: Yes. I know that the two major conglomerates are rivals, but…

Ryuya Hyuga: To put it simply, they’re competitors. Apparently, the Jinguji conglomerate was originally bigger.

Ryuya Hyuga: Once, when the Hijirikawa conglomerate management was declining, a considerable number of subsidiaries were absorbed by the Jinguji conglomerate.

Ryuya Hyuga: But ten years later, the Hijirikawa conglomerate took them back by fairly forceful means.

Ryuya Hyuga: In fact, it seems that they tried to cut down the company affiliated with the Jinguji household.

Haruka Nanami: They were… competing for affiliates? Somehow, it looks like the game Hana Ichi Monme, where two groups compete for members by playing rock-paper-scissors.

Ryuya Hyuga: It’s not that trivial, but… that’s what it’s all about. After a fierce takeover battle, internal affairs were disrupted and even the Japanese economy was affected.

A-amazing! It was on such a huge scale that even all of Japan became involved.

Ryuya Hyuga: Somehow, they agreed that they wouldn’t buy out each other’s conglomerate, but… their resentment from back then probably remains.

Such a thing could be… I wonder if that’s why Jinguji-san considers Hijirikawa-sama a rival more than seems necessary.

George: At this rate, this fight’s not ending...

Jii: Hm, looks like this isn’t settling... In that case…

George-san and Jii-san turn away from each other and leave in opposite directions, their brows wrinkled.

... What should I do? I’m kind of getting anxious.

Select the Phrase!

放っておく. Let them be. (+10 Love +0 Music)

Ren Jinguji: Hm? What’s going on? You have quite the expression… What’s the problem?

While I’m standing in the corridor, not knowing what to do and unable to move, Jinguji-san calls out to me.

Haruka Nanami: U-um, George-san and Jii-san are…

Ren Jinguji: Hm? Oh. Is it sabotage? That’s something George would think of.

Ren Jinguji: He put a thumbtack in Hijirikawa’s shoe earlier. Not that he’s the kind of guy who would fall for such a thing… and… neither am I.

Suddenly, Jinguji-san pulls me to his shoulder.

Haruka Nanami: U-um…

And then…

BANG CLANG!

From the ceiling, a large metal sink… No, a wash basin crashes down.

Haruka Nanami: U-um, this is…

Ren Jinguji: Sabotage… right? It’s probably the work of Jii-san on Hijirikawa’s side. Truly a classic trick.

Sabotage… This is…

A direct hit to the head like this would have been very painful.

I wonder if there are going to be dangerous traps everywhere if we just let things go on like this...

I can’t let that happen. Absolutely not. I-I have to do something.

After that, I found George-san and Jii-san trying to sabotage things and I did something about it.

Because… I don’t want the two of them to get hurt…

George: Hm. This will be enough.

George-san smirks, mutters, and walks away.

But right nearby…

Masato Hijirikawa: ... Here’s the athletic field… In addition to being used for physical education classes, it is also used by the athletic department after school.

Hijirikawa-sama is explaining about the athletic field…

Was George-san setting some kind of trap again? Anyway, I have to do something.

With that in mind, I approach the spot, watching where I step… but…

Haruka Nanami: Ah. AAAHHH!!!!!

Haruka Nanami: Ouch, ouch, ouch. U-um… This is… a pitfall… isn’t it? I fell… in it, right?

Fortunately, I didn’t sprain anything. Maybe it’s because the soil is very soft.

I just…

Haruka Nanami: Erm… the sky is far away…

I look up and see that the entrance to the hole is very far away, revealing how deep the hole is.

Haruka Nanami: ... I wonder… if I can climb this…

The ground is damp and as I move I hear the sound of splashing water. The sides of the hole are also moist with water.

It looks like water is seeping in from all sides, gradually filling the hole.

At that moment, I imagine a newspaper article with the title, “High school girl drowns in a pitfall.”

This is terrible!!

Haruka Nanami: And if a scandal like that happens at the school, it’ll cause a great deal of trouble. Hmmm…

... I have to try to climb somehow, after all.

Haruka Nanami: O... kay… One… Ah!

The soil here is soft and crumbles after a short climb.

No matter how hard I try, I slowly slip down. I don’t think I can reach the top.

Haruka Nanami: Is it… impossible… to climb? What if I stay like this forever…?

I’m sure Tomo-chan will be sad if I’m gone…

And everyone in the class… How would it be for Jinguji-san in particular?

I wonder if I’m being of some help to him.

I’m still working on the song, but I think Jinguji-san can make his debut on his own.

He’s a person who wants to live a free life, so he probably wouldn’t want me to persistently ask him to practice.

... I guess he may not be in trouble even if I’m gone. I’m sure he’ll find a new partner in no time…

Another partner, not me? Jinguji-san will team up with someone other than me…

Haruka Nanami: E-eh…?

It’s funny. I’m kind of crying.

When I wipe the tears off with the back of my hand, the mud gets into my eyes and more tears come out.

I don’t… like that idea. I want to write a song for Jinguji-san, a song made for his voice.

... If that’s not even possible, at least I want to hear his voice one last time.

Haruka Nanami: Jinguji-san…!!

And, at that moment.

Ren Jinguji: Geez. Just when I thought you were out of sight, I happen to find you in a place like this!

Haruka Nanami: Eh…?

I can hear Jinguji-san’s voice from above the hole.

Am I mishearing? Maybe because I wanted to hear his voice for the last time?

But, apparently, I’m wrong.

Immediately, a rope ladder is thrown into the hole and Jinguji-san climbs down.

Ren Jinguji: You’re so covered in mud… and your tears… Your pretty face is a mess.

Jinguji-san sighs and wipes my face with a handkerchief.

Haruka Nanami: T-thank you very much. But… why?

I mumble to myself, stunned. After all, it wouldn’t be a problem for Jinguji-san if I was gone.

Besides, he’s in the middle of a game and doesn’t have time to deal with me.

He wouldn’t even notice I’m not there… is what I thought. Because I’m not necessary to him.

Ren Jinguji: I was looking at the monitor and I just happened to see the moment you disappeared.

Haruka Nanami: But… you’re in the middle of an important battle now…

Ren Jinguji: Yeah, it’s an important moment, so I’d like to get this over with as soon as possible. Come…

While saying that, Jinguji-san extends his hand.

Haruka Nanami: U-um… I’m muddy right now… so… erm… you’ll get dirty.

If he stands in front of the camera with muddy clothes even though the match is still going on…

Ren Jinguji: So? I have plenty of spare clothes.

Haruka Nanami: B-but… the audience votes… will decrease during the match…

Ren Jinguji: Do you want to be saved or not?

Eh? Is Jinguji-san angry?

Haruka Nanami: I want you to help me… but… since it’s a match… I want you to win…

Ren Jinguji: If that’s what you think, don’t go getting into trouble so easily, princess. The prince can’t always come to help you.

Haruka Nanami: I’m sorry.

Jinguji-san sighs again as I start feeling discouraged.

Ren Jinguji: Come on… You don’t want to be in this place forever. You’d end up being depressed. Let’s go.

Jinguji-san picks me up forcibly and carries me out of the hole.

While he’s not as gentle as he normally is while escorting, right now he feels powerful and reliable.

It’s different from usual. However, I’m sure this is one real side of him.

Haruka Nanami: U-um… thank you.

Ren Jinguji: Don’t thank me. That was George’s mismanagement. I’m glad you’re okay.

With a very kind expression, he gently strokes my head.

Haruka Nanami: Jinguji-san… thank you very, very much!

Haruka Nanami: It was dark and I felt helpless, and I wondered if I was going to die like that, but I thought it’d be okay because no one would be troubled… I was so sad.

Ren Jinguji: Hey, hey. That’s what you were thinking about? Geez, this kid...

Haruka Nanami: Yes, because I haven’t been of any help. I’ve been causing you so much trouble…

Ren Jinguji: If you feel that way, you should try harder. Are you going to lose the bet before you’ve even composed the song?

Ren Jinguji: Besides, I have a certain amount of trust in you as a partner. I don’t want you to leave without telling me.

Haruka Nanami: ... Jinguji-san, do you accept me as your partner?

I thought that maybe I was being annoying.

Ren Jinguji: Isn’t it obvious? Or what? Are you questioning my decision to choose you? I’m still a good judge of character.

Ren Jinguji: I don’t want you to underestimate me. What’s more, I wouldn’t be talking to you if I wasn’t really interested at all.

Haruka Nanami: ... So, why don’t you join me at practice?

Ren Jinguji: Lady, are you going to make a song that is far different from my personality and that I can’t sing without practicing hard?

Haruka Nanami: ... No, as much as possible, I want to create something that is easy for you to express…

Ren Jinguji: Right? And you’re talented enough to do it… or that’s what I think, at least. That’s why I chose you.

Ren Jinguji: I’m busy. I can’t spend a lot of time on just one person, but I’m sure you can make it work on your own.

Ren Jinguji: I may come practice if you make me feel like doing it.. If I think it’s worth it, then it is.

Haruka Nanami: R-really?! Yes!! I’ll do my best!

So, he trusts me… Moreover, he might even come to practice.

That way I can make songs that suit him better.

Ah, I’m so happy! I have to work hard!

Ren Jinguji: And well… At the very least, I’d be in trouble if you were gone.

Ren Jinguji: So don’t think that no one would be bothered by your disappearance.

Ren Jinguji: There isn't a single person who isn't needed somehow—it's no good to think you'd be any different.

At that moment…

Rumble rumble rumble. Boom!

Out of the blue, the principal descends upon us.

Shining Saotome: Beautiful love duo! My tears are f-f-flowing like two beautiful waterfalls! I'm absolutely EXPLODING with EMOTIONS!

Suddenly, the principal appears and sheds a waterfall of tears.

Shining Saotome: Thanks to YOUR passionate friendship, Saotome School’s image is soaring UP, UP, UP!

Shining Saotome: So, this time I’m going to show you a special tour of my secret home!

Shining Saotome: Usually, this trade secret is not disclosed, but in honor of Mr. Jinguji’s passionate friendship…

Shining Saotome: This time only, I’ll show you a sneak peak! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Right now, I have no idea what is happening or why.

After that, Ohayaho~ News runs overtime to showcase the principal’s house.

His home is absolutely gorgeous, with a western castle-like house and then a Japanese-style castle kept as a second home.

Also, there are many facilities at Saotome Academy built using private funds from the principal.

On campus, there are entertainment facilities such as amusement parks, movie theaters, hot spring inns, and, to my surprise, he even has a vacation home on the moon…

Shining Saotome: Ha ha haaa~ This is just a part of it!

Both Jinguji-san and Hijirikawa-sama are stunned by this extraordinary financial power.

And the results of the vote say…

It turns out that the principal, who joined the match unannounced and boasted about his lavish lifestyle, has come out on top!

Shining Saotome: So deservedly! Always aim for the top if you can! That’s what a legendary idol does!

Shining Saotome: ME is number one!

With that, the principal proudly puffs out his chest.

Syo Kurusu: Wow, that’s super immature. He just did everybody in at the end... What was that match all about?

Tokiya Ichinose: It’s useless to ask. That's just the kind of entity he is.

Although Syo-kun and Tokiya-san say that, I still think the principal is wonderful.

And even more than that, now Jinguji-san looks even more radiant than before.

He was willing to get himself dirty, even to the point of throwing away his own important match, to help me.

I’m so happy that I was told that I can help.

I know I have to work hard.

And the show has come to an end.

HAYATO: Your hosts were HAYATO and…

Ren Jinguji: ... Ren Jinguji and…

Masato Hijirikawa: ... Masato Hijirikawa.

Director: Cut! Okay!

HAYATO: Hehe. That was great, both of you! Good job!

Ren Jinguji: Good job.

Masato Hijirikawa: Good job.

Shortly thereafter, HAYATO-sama and his staff leave the school.

Ren Jinguji: In the end, we didn’t find out who would win between us.

Masato Hijirikawa: That is fine, then. We shouldn’t fight if we don’t have to.

Ren Jinguji: You have the option. You’re the eldest son, so you’re naturally ahead of me. That’s why you can afford to be like that.

Masato Hijirikawa: That is not the case. Is your position, free of restraints from your family, not more advantageous?

Ren Jinguji: You can only say that because you’re the one who can go beyond the door. How miserable it is to be someone who isn’t allowed to even open the door…

Ren Jinguji: I just don’t like the fact that you have unconditional happiness. That’s why I have to surpass you to be recognized.

Masato Hijirikawa: What are you saying? Happiness…? I... never…

Ren Jinguji: At least you’re cherished by your family, as the eldest son.

Masato Hijirikawa: Mm, maybe so. Just... as a successor to the household.

Ren Jinguji: That’s enough of a reason. Anyway, we’ll settle this again sooner or later.

Masato Hijirikawa: Do what you want… You have no idea how I feel or how hard things are for me.

And so, both of them walked off in different directions.

Haruka Nanami: Um, Jinguji-san! Good job!

I offer a towel to Jinguji-san.

Ren Jinguji: Oh, good job… but I don’t need a towel. Why don’t you wipe your face before giving it to me? Your face is still muddy.

Select the Phrase!

神宮寺さんの服にも. So are your clothes. (+20 Love +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami: First, we need to get the mud off your clothes.

Ren Jinguji: I told you that I have plenty of spare clothes. It’s as simple as taking these things off. George, get me a different uniform…

As soon as Jinguji-san orders that, George quickly takes out a clean uniform…

Amazing! Is it possible that he carries it with him at all times?

Ren Jinguji: In the end, there was no winner or loser.

Haruka Nanami: Do you want to beat Hijirikawa-sama…?

Ren Jinguji: Yeah, of course. To the extent that the world recognizes that he is no match for me.

Ren Jinguji: It doesn’t matter what your birth order is. That doesn’t make you superior. I’m going to prove it here at this school.

Which one is better…? The graduation audition will reveal it most clearly.

But in a graduation audition, the quality of the song will also be evaluated.

I don’t know what kind of music Hijirikawa-sama’s partner will create, but I can’t lose!

Jinguji-san saved my life. Also… I definitely want to see him succeed as a top idol.

And... he also accepted me as his partner.

That’s why I’m not lost anymore! I’m the one who can make Jinguji-san shine brighter than anyone else…

Just through my feelings and music. I’ll work harder and harder and definitely debut with him!

I swear it firmly in my heart.

Mini Game

Ryuya Hyuga: Today I’m gonna test your lyric-writing sensibilities. Almost all songs are made before lyrics, but sometimes it’s the other way around. Lyric interpretation is very important.

Ryuya Hyuga: Moreover, even if you’re a composer, you’ll still be writing lyrics. It’s good to polish your taste. Listen up! Lyrics aren't poems.

Ryuya Hyuga: Think carefully about composing your melody, making it catchy, and treasuring the image of the song in your mind.

Ryuya Hyuga: You’ll be asked to write your own lyrics for the assigned song. Choose one of several words in a fill-in-the-blank format. Use your sensibility to choose the lyrics that best suit the song.

Ryuya Hyuga: I’ll grade it for you later. Now go ahead and give it a try!

S Rank

The next day, I show the lyrics I wrote for the test to Jinguji-san.

Ren Jinguji: Yes, you have good taste. You not only have great taste in music, but with lyrics as well. You must’ve been born with the talent for music.

Haruka Nanami: Eh… ah… I’m not that impressive…

“Born with the talent for music”... I would be so happy if that were true.

However, that doesn’t sound possible, so I’ll continue to try my best.

Chapter End

[nightrae13]

A random screenshot from Chapter 1 of the (translated) MochiAka novel 2 bc Mocchi is so precious, he's taking his screenwriting talent to the exteremes:

Here's him being embarassed becaused his poetic thoughts were captured in Akari's perfect drawing through his intense stare at her that time lol. He's so precious!!

[cosmama]

       ❛ cake?! ’ akari's eyes sparkle with delight, hands clasping together greedily while her nose inhales the delicious aromas radiating from the oven with a dramatic, heavenly sigh. no matter how many cycles of reincarnation the woman went through, some things just never quite changed. an intense craving for sweets just so happened to be one of those things. ❛ what kind is it? actually wait...no! do not tell me, i wish for it to be surprise! ’ she is like a dying woman about to be served a buffet, giddiness practically bouncing off of her before the moment is broken by a rather innocuous question.

     ❛ oh. i am...alright. ’ akari's voice grows a little quieter when she responds, her answer followed up with a simple shrug of her shoulders. she stares down at her drink with a frown before shaking herself from the momentary melancholy that always seems to follow her. ❛ forgive me, thank you for caring enough to ask sanae. ’ she wants to give him an honest answer - she felt like he was one of the rare people that deserves that. ❛ being amongst people again is...admittedly difficult. i tire easily. i am not as...talkative as people wish me to be but... ’ akari pauses, a fist moving to cover her heart in determination before her eyes meet his again.

❛ i am trying. and to try makes me happy. ’

cosmama​.​

      it’s in moments like these that she’s able to remember that despite everything, she’s still human. the cafe serves as a temporary sanctuary from her problems, a place where the burdens and expectations she constantly carries slowly slip away. in this place she is not a solider at war but simply herself. akari’s attention is currently focused on her gracious host, watching in awe as he works his way throughout the kitchen effortlessly. although she’s never been much of a cook herself, there has been one constant across her many reincarnations relating to it: a very deep appreciation for food. she’s trying to be…subtle about it as she leans a bit too forward across the counter in excitement, asking a slew of questions regarding what they were having for lunch all while doing so.

     ❛ you’re making chicken and dumplings sanae? really? ❜ akari begins, a playful pout growing across her face as she points a finger towards her hair. she was well aware that they weren’t the same type of dumplings her hairstyle was so frequently compared to but the woman didn’t mind poking fun at her herself just this once. ❛ isn’t that a little on the nose?’

                               ❛      you  say  that  like  s’a  bad  thing,  missy.       ❜        it  was  a  touch  on  the  nose,  sure  but  the  man  was  one  for  irony.  Subtle  wasn’t  something  the  angel  was  capable  of  doing  between  the  name  of  his  cafe;  alias  name  and  alter  ego  as  an  artist.  It  was  just  one  of  the  charms  that  came  with  the  territory.  While  he  is  stirring  the  pot;  he  glances  over  at  her;  to  really  get  a  good  look  at  her.  It  was  nice  seeing  akari  being  more  of  herself.  The  brief  moments  they  had  these  simple  humanity  between  them  was  nice.  They  could  just  be  ‘them’  and  not  serve  their  higher  purpose.  

❛      don’  worry;  i  made  cake  for  you  for  desert.  I  didn’  forget.        ❜      he  motions  towards  the  oven  where  he  would  be  going  to  remove  the  cake  shortly  so  he  could  let  it  cool  on  a  wire  shortly.  He  has  a  few  specialties  up  his  sleeve  and  he  was  particularly  proud  of  his  short  cake  in  recent  times.  He  was  excited  to  finish  it  up  so  the  other  could  try  it.      ❛        how’er    you  holdin’  up  recently.  S’been  awhile  since  we  had  our  heart  t’  heart.        ❜

[imfluentinfangirlandgay]

Ingo JoJo's His Own Funeral

Got this one from this post by @large-black-coffee

Word count: 1910

As soon as Ingo felt hard ground beneath his feet, he started moving. He had a mission, a terminus. He could not fail. The blank space around him shattered, showing the dimly-lit interior of a home. He glanced around, that feeling of nostalgia welling up inside his gut again. It was sparsely decorated, except for some posters and some model train set on the shelves. There was a bookshelf in the corner, filled to the brim with old books. A TV and a couch sat opposite each other, a small coffee table between them.

It was his home.

Ingo basked in the glow of remembering something for once, though that had been part of the deal. Ingo had requested that he be sent back to his own time with not only his Hisui memories intact, but also the memories from his life prior. Akari had set up the meeting between him and Arceus, and Ingo had brought along the best rice cakes he could possibly make, in accordance with what the god of creation enjoyed the most. And it had worked!

“Emmet?” No response. Ingo’s frown deepened as he thought about this development. He quickly checked over every room in the apartment, not finding hide nor hair of his brother. So, he decided to go to the next best place and try the Subway. He locked the door from the inside on his way out, not entirely sure where his house keys were. He briskly walked out the door of the building and down the street, emerging into the bright sunshine of Nimbasa City.

All the old shops he remembered were there, though some seemed a bit dingier than he remembered. He passed by a newspaper shop on his way and noted the date. It’s been four years since he fell into the wormhole. He walked faster.

Ingo certainly noticed the odd glances thrown at him by passersby, but he paid them no mind. He and Emmet had been some of the most well-known names in Nimbasa. He wondered where that stood nowadays.

It was only a ten-minute walk to the Subway on a bad day, but it felt like years to Ingo. He had allowed his long braid to flow down his back, but now he questioned it. The stares he got only got more intense as he approached the Subway. He felt like a bug being scrutinized under a magnifying glass, but he simply kept his eyes forward and strutted as fast as he could without breaking into a sprint.

Finally, it came into view. The Subway. It looked exactly like Ingo remembered. Except for one little thing, and that was the swarm of people outside the gates, waiting like a herd of angry Combee. Ingo got closer to the group, but no one seemed to notice him. It wasn’t until he got within earshot that he recognized what was happening. In the middle of the group, right by the doors, stood a tall man wearing a white cap. Ingo’s heart soared.

“Mr. Emmet, since the declaration this morning, do you have any idea about when the proceedings will be held?”

“Mr. Emmet, is there a location picked for the funeral?”

“Emmet-”

“Mr. Emmet-”

Ingo crept around the side of the crowd. It was almost painfully obvious that Emmet was barely holding it together. His smile seemed false, even to people who didn’t know him. His eyes shone with unshed tears, his entire body taut as a bowstring. His eyes were bloodshot and had bags under them. He must have been crying. Ingo took this like a kick to the gut. He had a guess as to what these reporters were getting at.

“Mr. Emmet, will the Battle Subway be closed for the duration of his funeral?” Ingo had darted into the crowd, passing along the walls and grabbing Emmet’s hand. Emmet jerked in his grasp, his head whipping around to meet Ingo. He didn’t seem able to process anything at the moment. Ingo had an idea.

“Whose funeral?” he asked, his voice booming and calm. Then he pushed open the Subway doors and shoved his brother and himself inside, locking it behind them. The reporters stood there in a stunned silence, but Ingo knew it wouldn’t last long. He bolted, Emmet in tow, zig-zagging his way down into the main levels of the subway, past the office, and down further still. He passed the main platforms, descending down a seemingly random maintenance tunnel, moving six paces to the left, sticking his fingers into a crack in the dark and pushed open a door that read “Authorized Personnel Only”.

Only he and Emmet had been allowed into this room since they acquired the Subway years ago. They had told nobody about it and no one had found this room, to his knowledge. It was something that the brothers used as a panic room whenever either of them got overwhelmed or needed a quiet break. Ingo shut the door and turned on the single lightbulb, casting a thin yellow shade on everything in the room. There was a couch, a small table, a fridge, two pairs of headphones, and a cabinet. Ingo sat Emmet down on one of the chairs, immediately going to the cabinet and grabbing a blanket, then grabbing a dusty water bottle from the fridge. How long has it been since anyone has been down here?

Emmet was still out of it. He simply stared at Ingo as he flew around the room, his braid swishing behind him as he grabbed the necessities. He pulled a little rubber ball out of the cabinet and handed it to Emmet, wrapping him in the blanket and placing the water bottle on the table. Then he sat beside Emmet on the couch, carefully turning his brother to face him. He said nothing for awhile, and just allowed Emmet to come out of it on his own. Five minutes passed. Ten. Emmet’s Xtransceiver beeped and vibrated. Ingo removed it and set it aside.

The whole time, Ingo held Emmet’s hands in his own, squeezing them occasionally. He rubbed his thumb along the back of his brother’s pale knuckles. Emmet seemed inclined not to say anything, but that had Ingo a little concerned. Usually he said something by now, at least a hum. He typically reached for physical affection by this point. So, Ingo decided to try the next tactic.

“Emmet? Can you hear me? Squeeze my hands if you can.” A moment passed. Then, a small squeeze. “Perfect. It’s just you and me down here, Emmet. It’s just us. The others left. I made it home. I came back for you, Emmet.” As he spoke in a low tone, Emmet seemed to regain a little bit of life. His hands twitched slightly, his eyes blinking again. He seemed to breathe again. “It’s me. It’s your brother, Ingo.”

As soon as his own name left his lips, Emmet jolted. He jerked his hands away as if they’d been burned. “It’s fake. It’s a dream again,” his voice cracked, his eyes filled with terror. “I’m going to wake up alone again.” He put his hands over his ears and squeezed his eyes shut. “I can’t do this again. I keep seeing you. But you aren’t there. And you aren’t going to be there. You’re dead. They said you’re dead.” Emmet was becoming hysterical, his voice rising to a shrill scream. “This is a trick. Please. Just leave me alone. It hurts.”

Ingo pulled his brother against his chest, rubbing his back. Emmet gasped, but did not remove his hands. Ingo hummed, deep in his chest. It was a tune that their mother used to hum to them when they were small. He sat and hummed, holding a shaking Emmet as he slowly calmed down. He began rocking his body. He was nervous. It took a long time for Emmet to finally calm down enough that he could breathe again. Ingo reached to his brother’s eyes and wiped away the moisture that had built up there. Emmet grabbed his hand and studied it.

“I… didn’t wake up,” Emmet breathed quietly in disbelief. “Am I still asleep? Am I dead?” He looked up at Ingo’s face.

Ingo looked back down at his little brother. “Can’t you hear my heartbeat? You’re alive. I’m alive too.” He grinned, ever so softly, down at Emmet. “Somehow. I missed you, Emmet. I didn’t even realize it but I missed you so much.” Now it was his turn for his eyes to get watery. He looked away, flicking his own tears away. “My apologies, it seems I may have over-oiled my tracks earlier-”

Emmet’s arms flew around him in a tight, soul-crushing hug. Ingo’s did the same. They sat there together, on the grimey couch below the subway, hugging each other like they were about to be ripped apart again for what felt like hours and yet only seconds. Ingo hiccupped into Emmet’s shoulder. Emmet loudly sobbed, not caring what he sounded like anymore. Ingo held onto Emmet like this was the last time he would get to.

He hadn’t even noticed he was speaking until Emmet pointed it out. “Ingo, what are you apologizing for?” Emmet pulled away enough that he could see his face again. His eyes were redder now, his face absolutely smeared with moisture.

Ingo almost couldn’t speak for a moment. “I- I fell through a wormhole. All those years ago. I fell through into a strange land in the past. I had such a rough departure that I was left with no memories, aside from my own name. I forgot about you, the Subway, I couldn’t even remember what a train was. All I had was my cap and coat. I would see my own reflection and grow so sad but I never knew why.” He lowered his eyes, his frown more prominent. “I forgot about you.” Emmet paused.

“But you remember me now.” It wasn’t a question, but a statement. Ingo nodded, his eyebrows furrowing. He still refused to see the disappointment sure to be in Emmet’s gaze. “Then that’s all that matters,” he said simply. Ingo had forgotten his brother’s mannerism of speech, how most things could be explained with a singular statement. He rather liked it. Emmet hugged him again, much less forcefully this time. “You’re home. That’s all I need.”

“No more of this talk of my funeral. That would be quite an awkward affair.” Emmet laughed, a wonderful sound to behold. Ingo gently retracted his hold on Emmet. “We should go see the state we left things in. If you’re ready for that.” Emmet took an assessment of his engines and then nodded, his eyes set with determination. His smile looked less like a fabrication and more real, more genuine.

“As long as you do the talking. You know that’s not my forte.” Ingo chuckled, handing him the water bottle and folding up the blanket, stowing it back into the cabinet. “I didn’t know you’d grown out your hair so much.”

Ingo flipped his braid to his back from where it had taken up residence on his shoulder. “I am prepared to have it shorn at a moment’s notice. It’s more of a nuisance than anything.” Ingo looked at the door for a moment before he opened it. “We’ll do it together.” He took Emmet by the hand again and together, they walked upstairs and into the warm sunlight.

[sexysilverstrider]

Irresolute Feelings (Chapter 3) | Volokari

   Silence was heavy. Unbearable.

   One lone woman pressed her back against the wall. Her head tilted upwards, wide eyes staring at the tall man whom she loved but now feared. Colour almost drained from her face. The expression he wore was void of joy. A deep frown stretched his mouth. Though blonde bangs covered half of his face, shivers ran down her spine to see such a cold, sharp glare pierced directly at her.

   Her heart raced—she didn’t want this to be the cause.

   “Um…” Her mouth was agape, shivered. “Are…you okay?” She sniffed not a whiff of alcohol on him. He didn’t look dirty either; not a speck of dirt nor blood that implied that he was doing business outside of town. Both palms pressed against the wall, one hand however twitched in hesitance on whether or not she should reach out for him.

   Silence continued to slice her into two.

   He looked at her. Dotted pupils focused from head to toe. She was home. She was home. That was all that came to mind when he saw her sandals near the entrance. She’s here. She’s here. That was all that bubbled in his head when he stepped into her—their house.

   She’s mine. She’s mine. That was all that boiled inside his mind when he saw her in the room. Akari. Akari.

   He saw her with someone else. Akari. He saw her with that bastard of a man. Akari. Akari. She was so close with that fucker. So close. Their bodies were touching. Akari. Their hands were holding. Akari.

   Anger fumed through flared nostrils. Akari. Grey eyes landed on her, witnessing such fear that once bared its presence for the first time in the Temple of Sinnoh. Akari. The hand on the wall slowly curled into fists, dull nails digging into the flesh of his callous palm.

   Akari. He saw her. He saw her so close with someone else! Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari Akari AKARI—!

   “Volo…”

   Her voice grounded him back to earth.

   Once again, he looked at her.

   He hated that expression on her face.

   A frown quivered such pink lips. Taking a deep breath, Akari met his gaze. “What’s wro—?”

   “How was your day, dear?”

   The question—so off-putting; so eerily calm—caught her off guard. “It was good.” A simple short reply. She wasn’t ready to reveal the actions of hours ago, but judging by his actions now, Akari didn’t know if she’s ever ready. “I and Rei—”

   His fist by the side of her head curled tighter.

   “—subdued an Alpha Luxray today. It was terrifying, but we managed to escape.” Her words were careful. Calculated. Jet black eyes never once broke from his intense gaze. Fear may have taken root, but courage steadily crept up as this was not the first time that she had ever seen him like this.

   At least, this was a first since they started being together.

   “Rei—”

   A sharp breath hissed through gritted teeth.

    “—got wounded pretty bad on the ankle so I had to bring him back to the village for better treatment. He’s okay now.” Her mind tried to calculate the situation they were in. Volo clearly wasn’t in a good mood. This wasn’t the first time. Ever since they lived together, they both knew how to keep a proper amount of distance when they needed to. Just because their feelings were mutual didn’t mean that it was always sunshine and roses. Akari soon realized Volo still had to adapt to the world he swore to destroy—just as he had to understand the sheer grief she had to face when she lost her own world.

   Usually, they did their own matters after a fight—though often petty ones—and made up, at worst, the day after. Sometimes their apologies were verbal. Sometimes their apologies were physical.

   In the end, it would all end well.

   But now, as she remained stuck between a wall and him, Akari couldn’t tell if this would too.

   A single gulp slid down a dry throat. “So…yeah.” She was dumbfounded. “I ah…came home early because I was…” The words a breathy murmur, Akari forced herself to look at him. “…tired…”

   He squinted. His frown never left.

   “Hmm…” was all he said next. Finally, he moved his other hand. “And this?” Fingers lightly brushed the scar on her right cheek. Volo watched as she flinched. Be it from his touch or the pain, he didn’t know.

   If it was the former, then he didn’t know how to convince himself otherwise when he remembered her touch with the other Galaxy member.

   Fury was a dangerous master as it could easily take over a person’s body.

   One minute, he was caressing her cheek, fingers brushing the fresh wound that seemed so easy to tear open if he pierced his nail through.

   The next, his left hand roughly grasped her lower jaw, fingers pressing against a vein in her neck.

   The action and shock caused her to cough. “V-Vo…lo—ck…” Strong hands pressed against her jaw, forcing her mouth to open. Dark eyes widened, tears near forming the sides at the sudden pain. Quickly her hands whipped to his left hand, yet his strength and the bafflement of the situation disabled her to pry him away.

   “Did you have fun with Rei today?” His fingers pressed against her neck.

   “Wha—ugh…!” Her words became wheezes.

   “Did you?” He leaned closer, hand still firm on her face. A smile finally broke apart, yet honesty was nowhere to be seen. “Did you feel safe with him around?” His forehead bonked against her, pushing her head hard against the wall.

   Her vision was getting blurry.

   “Aaaah…and here I was, worry to my wit’s end.” He cocked her head upwards. “And yet, what did I see?” Blind anger seethed as it scraped her pale face.

   Akari tried and tried again. But all she could do, all she could see, was the man she loved turning into a living nightmare. “V-Vo…”

   “You.”

   His word was laced with venom. It punctured her heart. Tore her chest apart.

   His body pressed against hers. Coat be damned as Volo harshly pressed his hips against hers. “You being so close to another man. You talking about another man.” His grip loosened—just for a few seconds—before he shocked her again by jolting her face closer. “You being so vulnerable to everyone when you clearly belong to me.”

   A single tear trickled down her cheek.

   “You told me you love me.” He rubbed against her. A low groan exhaled as he felt his cock brushing her thigh. It felt good. He hated it. He hated it! “You told me you love me.”

   Another and another tear soaked her cheeks and his hand.

   It hurt.

   It hurt. It hurt. It hurt.

   He saw. He saw.

   However, jealousy was a disease.

   “How dare you…” he whispered, weak and seething still. “How…dare you…”

   “Vol-lo…” A whimper of a name escaped. “S-Sto—”

   “How dare you…” He couldn’t hear her anymore.

   “Sto—”

   Body flushed hard against her. Hand clutched madly onto her jaw. “How…” His body moved on instinct. Fingers still digging into her throat, Volo watched as those beautiful dark eyes grew red. “…dare—”

   Pupils dilated slightly at the sight of her. The image formed thorns of guilt, stabbing his heart mercilessly until he himself had lost breath.

   He didn’t want this. He should stop. He needed to stop. He didn’t want to hurt her. “—YOU!”

   “STOOOP!”

   Taking advantage of the brief moment of weakness, Akari roughly wiggled her face away from his hand and screamed.

   SLAM!

   Everything happened too fast.

   The first moment, they were pressed onto the wall. Akari could barely breathe. A horrible hurricane of panic, fear, and sorrow overcame her to a total stupor.

   The second moment, once her shout rang through, Akari felt breathless.

   A gasp and many coughs escaped her tight lungs once she was released. Thud. Weakly, she fell to the floor. One hand clutched her chest. The other shakily caressed her neck. Tears still trickled down her cheeks. Her head rapidly spun, but Akari knew fainting wouldn’t help the situation right now.

   Kneeling on the tatami mat, she looked forward.

   Pupils shrunk to dots to see the back of her Hisuian Typhlosion. Raging flames of purple and red lit up the area. If not for the wide space of the room, it wouldn’t be a surprise that the place could be burned down.

   Akari needed to stop this.

   Meanwhile, while horror stunned the woman, her starter was fueled with nothing but manic rage.

   ‘You…’ Bloodred eyes shot to tiny dots as he glared at the groaning man. ‘Youuuu….” He stood tall, head cocked upwards as he glared at the pathetic human below. Fangs were borne ferociously. Claws were out and gleaming at every tip. The fur on his body prickled from head top to bottom. If Belial were to take one step forward, one would swear that a fire could be formed right where he stood,

   Taken aback by the violent push, Volo carefully pushed himself upright. Confusion was immediately replaced with terror once he saw him.

   Belial didn’t move. He stood in front of Akari. He stood between his beloved human and the bastard of a creature. His glare—nearly demonic and hollow—bore holes into Volo’s skull.

   He should have never let him live with her. He should have never let this sleazy man slither back into her life. From the day he met him as a Cyndaquil, Belial had a bad feeling about it. And the feeling only grew stronger and stronger each time they met.

   But he kept quiet. He kept his silence and watched.

   Akari may love the vile man honest and true. She may have accepted him despite what he had done to her. And Belial respected that. He respected her choices as long as it made her happy.

   But now.

   Now.

   As she kneeled on the floor, shivering and crying, Belial knew Volo would always be the one who would never be able to make her happy.

   With that resolution in mind, he slowly tilted his head.

   Without a word, without a sound, wisps of purple coated around his mane. The fire from the hearth disappeared immediately. Silence intensified furthermore, almost breathless. Even though night time was filled with stars and the moon, all was an abyss inside the quaint house.

   Nothing except fumes of purple and two dots of red.

   Panic seeped in the poor blonde. As he scrambled backwards, all he saw was a smoke of skulls above the bloodthirsty Hisuian Typhlosion.

   Realizing what Belial was about to do, Akari had another set of alarms setting her off. “Belial sto—!”

   Unfortunately, before another scream could be finished, he unleashed Infernal Parade.

[cherryblossom-nightscape]

A little drabble about ingo and emmet reuniting

Emmet had decided to go to work today he was doing better than before about Ingo; his twin going missing whereas before he had a anxiety attack at the mere mention of his brothers disappearance now he would only cry at the news, it wasn’t a massive improvement but hey it was still an improvement. That was why he decided to go to work other than searching for a well sought after distraction from his empty home Emmet stepped into the station and prepared himself for what the day would bring, oh maybe this time he wouldn’t have someone show up on the doubles line blaming him for his brother going missing, or him killing his brother and hiding the body….. Well one can dream right? He saw the first train of the day pull into the station, ah what a good sign of things to come! Emmet watched as everyone filed out of the train, heading for jobs and whatnot while he was doing so two figures stood out to him, they seemed disoriented, hell they looked like they had never seen a train before! He could not glean their facial features but the tall one’s clothes were ripped, torn and looked worn out, on them looked to be a purple sneasel but that was absurd right? Sneasels are dark blue not purple…. Anywho the second figure was shorter than the first and their clothes looked old fashioned, not old mind you but old fashioned they also looked quite young, younger than the first for sure They after a while, finally managed to step out of the train After seeing the Tall figures face Emmet wished he had not come to work today he looked almost identical to ingo, ingo didn’t have a goatee and tired, lost eyes but this stranger did and Emmet started to freeze as still as a statue while looking at them, his smile wavering as he stared at the figure. Well this is bad he thought but at least I haven’t been noticed ye- The two figures stared directly at him, Emmet felt like he wanted to perish They looked at each other, sharing a glance and then some words Emmet couldn’t hear until the younger one, who by looking at her face Emmet assumed she was a female walked up to him looking …excited? Maybe, he was never good at reading peoples emotions, He wanted to flee but he was stuck there at least until his anxiety attack wore off.... as he was contemplating this the girl plopped herself in front of his face “Are you the man in white?” it was a simple question but also a baffling one… the man in what now? I mean he WAS wearing white but why would she ask that question instead of are you Emmet? That made so much more sense in his head than the man in white. As he was contemplating this he didn’t realise the taller, ingo looking figure had come up to them and had started apologising for… Akari’s? Sudden boldness. He guesses the name of that girl is Akari then. As he tuned himself in he realised the stranger even SOUNDED like Ingo oh boy he was overcome with intense emotion right now. Then he heard something that sent him over the edge “Come on uncle Ingo I just wanted to know!! He looks like you and dresses in white he’s got to be the man in white!” the next thing Emmet knew he was tackling the stranger named Ingo in a big, tight hug The stranger named Ingo stiffened at the hug and Emmet could feel dread and anxiety rising when he asked the simple yet very chilling question “What is your name?” Emmet stiffened and felt like he was going to cry as he replied “Emmet” the stranger named Ingo stopped for a moment, like he was concentrating on something, Emmet could see him mouthing the word Emmet over and over again to himself until something seemed to click as those lost eyes of his were now filled with the shine of recognition and tears as he gave Emmet a squeeze “Emmet?” Ingo’s voice was wavering and he sounded concerned “Yes Ingo?” Emmet asked “Sorry for forgetting you” That was it, that’s what broke the dam as Emmet sobbed and wept into the person he now knew to be his brother’s arms

[itamiiscribble]

Tobirama Senju X Uchiha Reader [M/F]

Title: | Lover's Death |

Chapter 7: "Development"

"SUMMARY":

The trembling in your body worsens when the realization of your situation fully hits you.

It's over. No one is coming to your aid in a place as neglected as this. You don't have the strength to fight anymore. You didn't have the strength to begin with, but at least you tried. You close your eyes, not wanting to see the ugly creature in front of you anymore.

You thought the moment death is on your door you would see your whole life playing in front of your eyes. The good times that made it worth living in a cursed world like this.

But the only thing you see is 𝘩𝘪𝘮.

Tobirama.

_______________________________________

Chapter 7:

"Akari!"

Calling out to your friend you keep on running. She turns around to regard you with so much relief it almost makes you break in tears.

You are a horrible friend.

Throughout the whole day not 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 did you think about her well being. Selfishly you thought about yourself, about a boy in the woods you barely know.... and Tobirama...

Akari was the one in the battlefield, the one who was in danger. Truth to be told, she is an amazing Shinobi, stronger than most of the men in your clan. But regardless, she was in danger and not once did you think about her.

You truly are a horrible friend.

She is standing in the middle of the village, people are standing or walking around you, most of them are giving you side glances but it doesn't matter, the only person that matters right now is your friend.

Finally catching up to your best friend you jump into her opening arms.

"Akari... I'm so sorry... ", you whisper near her ear, tightening your hug.

"You should be! I was so worried!", she exclaims out loud, slowly withdrawing from your hug to look you into the face. Her brows are furrowed.

Holding onto her hands you squeeze them slightly.

"We have been searching for you! Where have you been?" She presses your hands back and watches you intensely, waiting for an answer.

You let out a relieved sigh and give her a slight smile. You are so relieved to see her doing fine. She has not a single wound. Akari is truly a strong Shinobi.

You are about to answer her question when you realize what she had said.

𝘞𝘦...?

Who-

"(Y/N)!"

You jolt slightly at the loud voice calling out your name. Looking to your right you see Izuna running towards you. His expression is the same as your friend; relief is marking his features.

"Izuna was helping me. We searched together."

Looking back at your friend, you see a faint smile on her face. Before you can say anything, she takes your face into her hands and gives you an intense stare.

"We will talk about this later.", she says sternly.

You nod slightly with a little smile appearing on your features. You are grateful that she immediately understands that you don't want to talk about your recent whereabouts in front of the clan leaders youngest son.

The moment her hands slowly slide down to your own, Izuna comes to a halt a few feets away from you. He seems out of breathe, his chest is rising and falling rapidly.

You don't know how to react to the fact that he took his free time after an exhausting battle to search for you. Still feeling a little distant towards him you don't say anything. You wouldn't even know what to say.

And for a short while no one says a single word, you are looking at Izuna, Izuna is glancing between you and Akari.

Rolling her eyes at the current tension, Akari is the first one to speak up.

"Alright, i better let you guys talk." Not waiting for an answer from any of you she grabs your face again and gives you instructions to meet up with her later. You smile fondly at her, assuring her that you will do so.

Watching her leave you let out a quiet sigh in relief. You are just immensely facilitated that your friend is healthy and doesn't seem to have a single wound on her body.

Your eyes flicker back to Izuna, he seems to be waiting to get your full attention.

"I know you probably don't want to talk to me right now... " he starts, rubbing his neck awkwardly.

It's not that you don't want to, you are just worn-out from everything that occurred today. You doubt you have enough energy left to have another emotionally exhausting conversation.

"But i need to show you something."

The awkwardness in his voice disappears and urgency takes it's place.

You look up at him with a frown, seeing his ebony orbs having shifted from nervous to determined.

You couldn't decline even if you wanted to, knowing that he took his time helping in searching for you. It's obvious that he was worried about you.

Izuna did nothing wrong on the battlefield, you know that. The dark haired boy is one of the few people who ever showed you sincere kindness. In avoiding him you would just punish yourself with letting go of someone who genuinely cares about you.

And maybe that's what you wanted, punishing yourself for the fact that you couldn't save Yui...

Blinking a few times you push these thoughts to the back of your mind, concentrating on the person in front of you.

Izuna is searching your eyes, waiting for an answer. You give him a nod, signaling that you will go with him.

The way his eyes shine at your answer and the relieved smile appearing on his face is like a punch right into your gut. You need to stop treating him wrongly for your own selfish reasons.

He lifts his hand slightly but immediately let's it sink again. Not understanding what his intention was you just tilt your head slightly, waiting for him to show you whatever he so desperately wants you to see.

"Follow me." he says in a quiet tone and turns around, walking towards a place unknown to you.

You do as he says, avoiding to look at the still present people around you.

___________________________________________

When Izuna comes to a halt on the top of a small hill near his home you expectantly look at him a few meters away, waiting. But when he turns around to glance at you, he signals you to come closer. Obeying, you walk up the last few steps and upon arriving your eyes widen in surprise.

Down the hill in between the grassland, there a countless stones laying in perfect symmetry. Various flowers decorate the moss covered stones all around. The scenery looks even more mesmerizing thanks to the torches lit around the whole place. You are about to comment on the beautiful picture in front of you when something catches your eyes.

A fee stones without any flowers around them, looking like they've just been placed there. Upon further inspection you realize something is carved onto them.

Without thinking you walk towards the stones.

The moment you read the freshly carved words into one of them you fall onto your knees. Placing your hands onto your mouth you try to stifle your cry.

Yui Uchiha.

Your vision gets blurry and it's hard to hold back your tears. Blinking a few times to clear your sight you see Izuna crouching in front of you, giving you an understanding look. Reading the questions in your eyes he starts talking.

"I couldn't retrieve her body for you... " he gives you an apologetic look, obviously still feeling miserable of the fact.

"But at least I wanted to give you a grave of hers."

And you can't hold back the tears anymore.

Touching the freshly carved words on the stone you let out a chocked cry. And everything comes back to your mind; the picture of her crying over her lost loved one, her laying on the ground, deathly injured.

Her, losing the light in her eyes the moment her soul departed from this world.

Weeping in silence you don't see the way Izuna struggles with the current sight of you. Brows furrowed his mouth is pressed into a thin line.

And the moment he pushes the hair fallen onto your face behind your ears you look up at him.

"Is this all your doing?" you ask him when you trust your voice again.

"Yeah... ", he answers slowly and turns around to look at the field full of gravestones.

"It just doesn't feel right when the people left behind don't get a decent memorial." His eyes wander on the various looking stones and you do the same.

You are aware of the fact that only the bodies which were able to be retrieved from the battlefield get an official grave. The ones left behind are either forgotten or the left family members build a memorial inside of their home.

It is a cruel procedure. As if the people who's bodies were left behind didn't protect the clan. As if their efforts were nothing.

As if they didn't matter.

The world of Shinobi is cruel and this is only a small part of it.

But even in the cruelest world there is a glimpse of hope when there are people like Izuna in it.

You look back at him again, a cold breeze is brushing away the hair from his face.

A sudden feeling of gratitude fills your body and you take his right hand into both of your own. The gesture makes the dark haired boy look down and immediately back up to your eyes again.

The torches lights are reflecting on those deep ebony orbs of his and you can't hold back the smile appearing on your face when you see his surprised expression.

"Thank you, Izuna." The tears stopped flowing down your face for a while now.

"For everything."

Not realizing the effect your smile has on him, he glances to the side, a little flustered.

"There is nothing to thank for." he then starts explaining himself. "I wish i could've done more."

"You've done more than enough. I really appreciate it." you add, squeezing his hand again lightly.

And suddenly a thought appears on your mind.

Why

𝘞𝘩𝘺 is the clan leaders youngest son so nice and kind to you. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 of all people. The daughter of a miserable father who's Shinobi skills weren't good enough to keep him alive long enough on the battlefield. The sister of the so called traitor. The daughter of a mother who apparently never truly cared for her.

Why care and do so much for you.

"Why, what?"

You didn't realize you asked the question out loud when Izuna is watching you with slightly raised brows. Immediately your eyes wander down and upon doing so, you realize you are still holding onto his hand.

Feeling your cheeks burn at the realization, you slowly let go of his hand.

Looking back up again you know you have to be honest. Pondering about this question on your own would lead you no where. You want to know the answer.

"Why are you so nice to me?" you start warily.

"Why show kindness towards the sister of a traitor?"

At that the dark haired boy looks a little taken aback, not expecting this kind of a question. His expression changes quickly though, a seriousness marks his face.

"You did nothing wrong."

A simple answer. A wise answer, if it could be concluded that he thinks your brother was never a true traitor.

But you don't want to ask more into the subject regarding that. What happened to your brother is a scar still too fresh in your heart. You hardly ever talk about it with your best friend.

And as if to ease the tension in the air Izuna gives you a crooked grin.

"Besides, I like your spirit." 

And you can't hold back the little chuckle leaving your lips at that.

The rest of the evening Izuna helps you gather different flowers to decorate the new gravestones on the field. The two of you don't converse in the meantime, but it is rather a pleasant silence, for the both of you.

On your way back home he intends on accompanying you, but you assure him that you will be fine. He doesn't press any further and departs with a slight bow and a genuine smile on his face, which you mirror.

On your way back home, you realize something changed between the two of you. The feeling isn't akin to the feeling of a friendship yet but nevertheless, the two of you created a bond. And you are grateful for that. The more you have people around you, the less you feel lonely. Not that loneliness ever bothered you, but it is still good to know that there are people you can rely on.

Even if it is the son of the man who ordered your brothers execution.

______________________________________________

Early in the morning before the sun comes up the first assignment on your list is to visit the medical center and assist Hiroshi sensei in various tasks.

You help the wounded, changing bandages, changing and cleaning the blood soaked linens, mixing medical herbs for the wounded, feeding those who are not able to do so alone and various other tasks. Luckily, if you could call it that, there aren't much seriously injured Shinobi's.

When the sun shines at it's highest point Hiroshi sensei tells you to take a rest for a while. At first you decline it, but the stern eyes behind those big glasses urge you to listen to him and you sigh in defeat.

Passing the wounded on your way out of the medical center an idea forms in your mind. It is a rather foolish one, at least that's what 𝘩𝘦 would call you when he knew your plan on visiting the forbidden place yet again.

That thought makes you chuckle and you increase the speed of your steps. 

_______________________________________________

And here you are, deep in the forbidden woods, yet again. But the thought that you are here because of a good reason reassures the thought that keeps on yelling at you for being so foolish.

Quietly you stride between bushes, searching for the subject that has led you here. After a while you get frustrated and start cursing your own mind for never memorizing the spot where the desired entity grows.

But you refuse to give up on searching, you won't allow your time to go to waste.

And that's when you hear it.

A stirring of leaves, right behind you.

Eyes widening a sudden panic floods your whole body.

It seems your ability at sensing chakra and keeping your own to a minimum wasn't as good as you thought. Because you absolutely sensed nothing at all. You know it's not a good idea to turn around but you do it regardless, your fear strucken mind not allowing you to think straight.

The moment your wide eyes land on the source of the sound, you wish you would've just fled.

Two massive build men are standing not three meters away from you. One of them has a long white beard on his wrinkled face, giving you a bored expression. The other one seems a little younger, hair as black as a ravens he looks you up and down and suddenly a sickening yellow teethed smile appears on his face.

"And 𝘺𝘰𝘶 said we wouldn't find anything." the dark haired man adresses the other. The bearded man let's out a grunt in response, seemingly bored with the found in front of him. And the hopes that maybe they weren't your enemies, that they were just wandering in the forest just like you do sometimes shatter in your mind.

You don't dare to move, you hardly dare to blink in front of these unknown men not knowing what they would do to you. Not even your basic skills at fighting could save you if they decided to attack you together. Not even the single Kunai in your bag would be enough to defend yourself.

So you think, think as hard as you can. What could you possibly do to save yourself from a situation like this?

The answer is floating already in your mind but you refuse to listen to it.

The answer that you have not a single chance to win against two massive build men.

Licking your lips nervously you make quick glances to your surroundings, searching for anything that could be of help; a path to flee, something you could use as a second weapon, anything.

"I can see that pretty mind of yours working..." sing-songs the black haired man in a taunting tone.

"Stop fooling around, Botan." ,the older one snaps angrily. "We don't have time for this shit. Search her for valuables and let's leave this fucking place."

The man called Botan gives you a fake pity smile and gestures with his hands as if saying; 𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴.

"I-i have nothing that's valuable on me!" you yell hurriedly, hating yourself for the miserable tone in your voice.

Botan doesn't even seem like he listened, he takes a step towards you and instantly you take one back. At that he clicks his tongue, obviously disappointed in your reaction but the playfulness doesn't leave his features.

Not allowing the man to take another step you swiftly take out the Kunai from the bag attached to your waistband. Pointing it towards the man you fake confidence despite the fact that the weapon is shaking in your trembling hand.

"Look, Look! What's with her eyes?!"

Botan shrieks hysterically and points a finger at you, signaling his friend behind him to take a look.

Watching his reaction you immediately conclude that your Sharingan has come out, unconsciously. Never being trained to control the power of your eyes, you can't control the awakening of the Sharingan. Only in emotionally and physically draining situations it comes out to light, in your case at least.

And suddenly there is hope building up your body, maybe your Sharingan will scare them off, maybe they heard of the terrifying power in your clan and won't attack blindly.

That hope also starts crumbling when the older man takes a good look at you and immediately draws his sword.

"She must be a member of one of the clans with the alien powers!" he hisses and narrows his eyes, ready to attack the moment you make a move.

"So you 𝘥𝘰 have something of value on you?" The younger one points out, the yellow teethed smile reappearing on his features.

The Sharingan, one of the most powerful weapons that could easily give you the upper hand against both of these men has turned into your ruin that aggravated your situation tenfold.

The irony.

Now that both of the man are alarmed, you see no others choice than fleeing as fast as you can.

Swallowing hard you force your body to move and without giving the men the chance to take another step towards you you swiftly turn around and run like you never did before.

Ignoring the leaves hitting you all over your body you solely concentrate on your feet to keep on running.

They are chasing you, as expected but you force your mind not to give in to the fear the man are causing you.

But you should've known better than hoping to out run these massive build men.

Everything happens so fast you don't see the moment a Kunai attached to a rope is wrapping around your right feet, making you stumble down hard to the forest ground. Pain shoots up your shoulder from the hard impact and you open your mouth in a silent scream. But you can't allow the pain to distract you, so you quickly stand up. You take the Kunai you have been holding on to tightly and move to cut the rope that's wrapped around your feet.

But you don't get to do so, in an instant someone kicks at your hand, making the Kunai fly. Hissing in pain you try to get up but the person standing above you takes both of your hands and pins them down to the ground above your head. Sitting on top of you now the person clenches his knees on each side of your waist, making you unable to move the upper part of your body.

"Let go!" You shriek in panic, kicking around with your feets as much as you can, trying to free yourself in a desperate attempt.

"Now, now. Don't be like 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 pretty little thing." The man named Botan breathes against your face, that disgusting smile ever lasting on his features.

"I 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦 I'll make it quick." he purrs, licking his lips in anticipation. "It's a shame that i have to ruin such a pretty face... "

The trembling in your body worsens when the realization of your situation fully hits you.

It's over. No one is coming to your aid in a place as neglected as this. You don't have the strength to fight anymore. You didn't have the strength to begin with, but at least you tried. You close your eyes, not wanting to see the ugly creature in front of you anymore.

You thought the moment death is on your door you would see your whole life playing in front of your eyes. The good times that made it worth living in a cursed world like this.

But the only thing you see is 𝘩𝘪𝘮.

Tobirama.

Those beautiful garnet orbs are filling your vision and you are thankful that your mind is able to show you these beautiful pictures in your last moments. You loosen the tension in your body, freeing yourself from the fear of what's about to come.

And the moment the pressure you had on your body disappears you expect the end to come, the last hit.

But instead of the last pain you would ever be feeling there is a loud 𝘵𝘩𝘶𝘥 beside you.

And then hands, cupping your cheeks. Someone is breathing against your face, but it isn't the disgusting odor you smelled before... It smells...

"(Y/N)?"

You open your eyes in an instant.

And there they are, the beautiful garnet red eyes, looking into your own.

His face is only inches away from yours, his gaze wandering your facial features.

"... Tobirama?" you ask quietly, not sure if you are imagining things too realistically in your last moments on this earth.

"It's me." he answers, eyebrows furrowed he looks you concerned into the eyes.

"Am I dead?"

You don't know if you have something on your face or just told him the most funny joke in this world because suddenly he starts laughing. Your eyes flicker down to his parted lips, watching him you realize this is the first time you see him like this; the corners of his eyes wrinkled, dimples appearing on his cheeks.

And you just know you must have died.

"No, I saved you. 'Again." ,he informs you after his laughter has died down and slowly let's go of your cheeks.

Then that loud 𝘵𝘩𝘶𝘥 you heard earlier....

You glance to the side and see the man named Baton lying unconscious on the ground.

Your eyes immediately turn back to Tobirama. The feelings of relief, happiness and gratitude build in your body and you realize you are near tears.

Without thinking, you put your arms around his neck, hugging him tightly.

Tobirama seems perplexed at first, his body goes tense. But it doesn't take long and he puts his right arm around your back, helping you to get to a sitting position. He doesn't let go until you slowly withdraw yourself from him.

And the moment you do so you hiss in pain. The impact your shoulder had with the ground coming to your mind.

"You are hurt." he states, a grimm look on his face.

You're about to reassure him that it's fine but instantly your eyes get bigger and you remember that there were two of your assaulters and there is no sign of the other.

As if being able to read your mind, the grey haired boy speaks up again.

"I took care of both of them."

You nod absentmindly and glance to the unconscious body beside you again, wondering if he is dead. Apparently you asked that out loud because Tobirama gives you a serious look.

The answer is obvious.

You don't know what to think of the fact that he killed these men without a second thought. But you conclude that it was probably a wise decision...

Who knows what they would've done to others in the future if it wasn't for Tobirama giving them the final blow.

A shudder floods through your body when you think about what they were planning on doing to you.

Quickly you change the subject to avoid thinking about it any further.

"How did you find me?"

"I sensed your Chakra." He deadpans, as if it is the most normal thing that one's capable of doing.

So he has sensory abilities...

Every Shinobi is able to sense the Chakra of others. But being able point out to whom it belongs to is an ability that only the most skilled Shinobi's can do. And those are called a genius among the Shinobi.

It doesn't really surprise you that Tobirama adapted these skills. The moment you first met him you knew he was strong.

In a way you envy him. With skills like these there is most likely never doubt in him whenever he enters the battlefield.

Not like you.

Even though you were born into one of the most powerful clans, you are weak. It's not like you are good at nothing. Medical Ninjutsu has become one of your greatest strengths thanks to your genius of a sensei. You are proud of those skills.

But regardless, Medical Ninjutsu was of no help to you the moment you were in danger...

And you never want to feel so helpless ever again...

Tobirama is watching the expressions shifting on your face. You seem to be in deep thoughts and he can't blame you after what you've just been through.

Sighing in exhaustion your gaze lands at the grey haired boy again to find him watching you with a concerned look. You give him a weak smile.

"Thank you, Tobirama. For saving my life." These words don't seem enough but you say them regardless. It's the least you can do.

His eyes flicker between your own and before he can say anything you suddenly touch his left cheek, your brows furrowed. Flinching slightly at the unexpected touch he tries to withdraw himself but your next words make him halt.

"You're hurt. It's a cut." Without waiting for him to speak you grab behind your back and are relieved when you feel your little bag still present on the waistband of your clothes. Grabbing inside of it you search for the desired item.

And the next thing Tobirama feels is something cold touching his cheeks.

"It's an ointment." You let him know while gently rubbing the content on his cheek.

He wants to withdraw himself from you but for some unknown reason, a reason he can't quiet decipher, he is not able to. In his mind he concludes that he probably doesn't want to scare you off after everything you went through.

Indeed, that must be the reason.

You don't register the inner tumult Tobirama is going through, instead concentrate on the task at hand. By doing so, you see the red marking on the left side of his face got smeared.

You sowly withdraw your fingers from his face after you're done.

"It should heal in a short while." You inform him and put the ointment back into your bag.

"You should heal your shoulder before standing up." He says, perfectly concealing the worry in his tone and stands up.

Almost forgetting the fact that you are injured as well, you listen to him and start concentrating Chakra into your left hand and infusing it into your shoulder. It doesn't take long and and you're able to move your arm without any pain again.

Tobirama gives you a slight nod after you're done and suddenly holds out his hand towards you. Immediately understanding the meaning of the gesture, you give him your hand and let him help you up.

The moment you are standing you can see the body of the man with the beard lying unconscious on the ground a few meters away from you.

Garnet coloured orbs follow your gaze.

"I don't feel anyone's Chakra in this forest besides ours.", he let's you know, his eyes landing back on you again. "You will be save on your way home."

No wonder he was able to sense your Chakra. His sensing abilities are better than you actually thought.

Even though you know you can trust his skills, there is still a fear inside of you. A fear you can't seem to shake off so easily.

And again, you feel horribly weak. Forming your hands into fists you curse yourself for it.

Tobirama catches onto the movement, wondering what kind of thoughts are currently crossing your mind.

"You know, I thought I started getting stronger."

You don't know why you're speaking out your mind. Probably because you've had enough of concealing them.

"But today I learned that I was wrong." You continue in a sad tone, looking to the ground.

You don't expect him to say anything, but he does anyway.

"You are." he says simply and you chuckle pitiful at that. You are about to argue against that statement, but you close your mouth the moment your eyes land on his face.

He regards you with so much sincerity it feels like your heart stops beating for a few seconds.

"How can you know?" you ask him instantly in a whisper.

"I've seen what you are capable of."

His sincere expression doesn't waver, he looks you deep into the eyes.

There seems to be doubt in your face because Tobirama continues on talking, trying to make you understand.

"Your mind is strong." , he folds his arms on his chest.

"Your body may be weak, but training the body is easier than training the mind." 

You raise your brows at that, not expecting him to be so honest with you. If you recall correctly, this is the first time he doesn't leave right away but instead stands here, trying to make you see your own strength. He is here for you.

And strangely you believe every word he says.

Maybe that isn't a wise thing to do, but you can't help but feel like Tobirama wouldn't lie about that. You feel like you can trust him.

You chuckle lightly at that thought. Trusting someone so fully without even truly knowing them...

But he is right, you are strong. You can't allow the recent incident to cloud your mind. You've trained hard to gain your medical abilities.

And after all what happened, you decide that you don't want your body to stay weak. You never want to feel such horrible weakness ever again...

You never truly wanted strength, never had the intention on training your body, your Sharingan. Your deceased brother used to train you, but it was never a hard training, thinking you would never enter the battlefield. And after years of neglecting the basic skills you've learned, you automatically let lose of those abilities.

But now, after everything that happened, you want to be able to defend yourself.

You don't want to gain strength for hurting others blindly, you want to gain strength in order to protect.

Tobirama watches the way the sadness disappears from your face. He feels like a strange weight has lifted from his body. And before he can ponder about the reason behind of that feeling you give him a smile.

It's a smile that radiates determination.

_______________________________________

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[leggerefiore]

Have you ever thought about one of those Diamond clan warden Emmet? If so what're your thoughts about it? I mean I saw some people kind of make it so that either twin doesn't remember each other so they're on mutual rivalry friendship kind of thing with this random guy that looks like them lol

Well... If Emmet, too, fell in the highlands, would he not just replace Melli? Maybe? Meaning, there's these two identical dudes as Wardens in the highlands who are both amnesiacs and from rival clans. In appearance and almost in clothing, they are virtually identical. Unless one of them managed to not land on top of the other (therefore cushioning the fall), they both likely hit their heads pretty hard. Emmet was seen by someone from the Diamond Clan, just as Ingo was seen by someone from the Pearl Clan. During their recovery, they are blissfully unaware of the other. Time goes on and as they both get better, each clan leader sees how well both of them handle pokemon. They are offered positions as their respective Wardens, Ingo with Lady Sneasler and Emmet with Lord Electrode.

The two basically see each other as they explore the new area. Both freeze and point at their twin. Ingo tries to have Gliscor attack Emmet, believing him to be a Zoroark's illusion. He is not, and he does not hesitate to launch an attack with his Ariados. A stalemate is reached, and the two just stare at one another for a solid few minutes. Ingo spies a bleeding cut on the opposing Warden, watching as the red blooms brilliantly across Emmet's white jacket. Something instinctual screams at him, and he rushes over to demand a better look at it. There is a strange compliance that overtakes Emmet. He lets the Pearl Clan member help him. His wound was quickly cleaned and patched up by the other Warden. Emmet proceeds to thwack his nose and walks off with a simple 'thanks'.

It was much later when both realised they were not speaking the language of Hisui to one another. The clans are confused by the identical Wardens, often mistaking one for the other despite the minor clothing differences. It makes the rivalry between them all the stronger. They are often seen having overly intense battles in the highlands and training to beat one another. Adaman and Irida are concerned that the Wardens dislike one another, but when pressed, Ingo claims that he genuinely cares about Emmet. He's like an estranged, distant brother. Emmet agrees, Ingo is an odd, unwanted, nagging older brother. They also hang out casually, talking about how similar their circumstances are.

Ingo sees a pair of identical girls in the Pearl Settlement and asks about them. He learns that they are called twins by their mother. Twins. He closes his eyes. Yeah, that is what him and Emmet are. His brain feels that it's the correct term to describe them. He tells him that after their next battle. Emmet nods. Yeah, they are twins. Ingo is his twin. They keep saying that word, but neither are really considering the other that. It wasn't like they grew up together or anything. They are just two identical strangers. Ingo just finds it natural to share a home with the other man. It's safer, because they live in an area filled with wild pokemon. Emmet agrees. The consuming loneliness that plagues his mind in this strange place goes away whenever Ingo is near.

It takes Akari, another person who fell from the sky, to ask if they are brothers for them to finally consider it properly. "My memory is hazy, but... I remember this article about twin Subway Bosses who were supposedly super tough..." she tried her hardest to recall what they looked like. It was just one small picture in a magazine she skimmed through. Emmet nods while Ingo closes his eyes. That tracks. Both look at each other; it feels right. "I am Emmet. I am Subway Boss," the younger twin recalls a phrase. Ingo hums. "I am a Subway Boss, Ingo," he remembers saying somewhere, and then gestures to his counterpart, "The fellow over to the side is also a Subway Boss, Emmet."

The younger twin gasps at his brother's words. Yes, his brother. Ingo was his older twin brother. He was annoying and overworked himself; he still is, for that matter. "Follow the rules. Safe driving! Follow the schedule. Everybody smile!" Emmet shouts, striking a familiar pose, "Check safety. Everything's ready! Aim for victory!" Ingo joins him in the dramatics. In sync, they shout, "All aboard!" Akari giggles at their antics. However, she is blissfully unaware of how many memories she just drew out of the twins. Ingo turns to Emmet. Both stare at each other with the younger's face overcome with terror while the older's eyes show his fear. "Oh, no... If you're here alongside me..." Ingo started, taking off his hat to run his hand through his hair. "Who is running the Gear Station?" Emmet finished, pulling at his fringe slightly.