Raijin, the Rank 0 of Asterisk
Chapter 7
Despair
You are Narukami Hikaru, the Raijin, the Rank#0 of Seidoukan Academy.
I leave my dream to you.
Please apologise to Setsura for leaving her like this.
“*GASP*!” He woke up with a start, startling the girl who was beside him.
He tried to stand up, but in vain. A hand on his shoulder made him stop as he looked at the owner of
said hand.
said hand.
“Don’t move, alright? You will hurt yourself again.”
He listened to her words, simply sitting as she stood up, sliding the door open and closing it behind her
as she left the room. She returned a few moments later, a glass of water in her hands, which she
handed to him.
as she left the room. She returned a few moments later, a glass of water in her hands, which she
handed to him.
“Where am I, Setsura-nee?”
“I’m not onee-chan anymore, otouto?” She asked with a sad smile before answering, “The shrine. You
are at our home. You are safe right now.”
are at our home. You are safe right now.”
Home?
“Why?” He whispered, a voice only he could hear.
“Hmm?”
“WHY?!” He shouted, but she didn’t flinch. “Why did you bring me here? Why didn’t you hand me over
to the authorities? Or better yet, why didn’t you just leave me to die?! You must hate me, right?! I am a
murderer, after all! I killed Arashi as well! You should have just left me to die!”
to the authorities? Or better yet, why didn’t you just leave me to die?! You must hate me, right?! I am a
murderer, after all! I killed Arashi as well! You should have just left me to die!”
SLAP!
He was left reeling by her slap, shocked at her actions.
“Don’t you ever say that ever again!”
She stood up. “I will let you rest for some time. Then we will have a long talk, otouto.”
She left the room, fuming at his words. How dare they! Twisting him so much that he himself is starting
to believe that he is a murderer… I will give them a piece of my mind once I go back! Those idiots!
to believe that he is a murderer… I will give them a piece of my mind once I go back! Those idiots!
Hikaru sat staring at his hand, half-expecting to be covered with blood.
I killed him. I killed Arashi. Setsura-nee… Sylvie… I killed Sylvie’s brother… He let out a hollow laugh
as he lay down, covering his eyes with his arm in an effort to hide his tears. She must be hating me
now, the killer of her loving brother, the cold-blooded murderer who cut down everyone before him
without remorse.
as he lay down, covering his eyes with his arm in an effort to hide his tears. She must be hating me
now, the killer of her loving brother, the cold-blooded murderer who cut down everyone before him
without remorse.
The very thought of her hating him hurt more than his wounds did.
“Damn it! Why did you have to die, Arashi? Why did this have to happen?”
He cried silently as he let out his frustration and sadness, trying to deal with the deaths he had caused.
XXXXXXXXXX
“Do you want to talk to me about it, otouto?”
He remained silent.
“I went there, you know. Arashi’s funeral. He was buried at that sakura tree in your yard.”
He always liked that spot, didn’t he? He thought absently.
“She was crying. That purple-haired girl you told me about, she was crying.” He grit his teeth,
tightening his fists. I killed her brother, after all. It’s obvious that she would be crying.
tightening his fists. I killed her brother, after all. It’s obvious that she would be crying.
“Nestor… I’ve never seen Nestor that angry and sad.”
Why are you telling me this?
“I cried too, you know. That idiot… going off and dying like that.”
You loved him, didn’t you?
“Honestly, why did he have to die? He could have just waited for that stupid barrier to drop. Him and
that stupid streak of his… if he had just waited for some time…”
that stupid streak of his… if he had just waited for some time…”
She was sobbing by this point.
If he had never come…
“Did he say anything? Nestor said that you might have been there when he died. Did he say anything?”
/-
“Arashi, what are you saying?”
“I’m choosing this. I’m going to become a sacrifice instead of you. You were planning to kill yourself,
right? I should have known it. When they died, your voice was different. You… you were planning to
die fighting, right? Kill that bastard and then kill yourself. I *cough* should have stopped you. But I
didn’t. Once this is over, I hope you can forgive me for my stupidity.”
right? I should have known it. When they died, your voice was different. You… you were planning to
die fighting, right? Kill that bastard and then kill yourself. I *cough* should have stopped you. But I
didn’t. Once this is over, I hope you can forgive me for my stupidity.”
“What are you saying, Arashi?! What about Sylvie?! What about Setsura-nee?! Nestor, Feardorcha,
everyone?! What about them?!”
everyone?! What about them?!”
“I… I should apologise to you. I am burdening you again. I have a few last selfish requests. First,
please protect Sylvie in my place. Find Ursula-san and bring her back to Sylvie. Second, win the
Phoenix and prove your innocence, prove everyone wrong. Third, could you tell Setsura that I love her?
And also tell her that I’m sorry for going off and dying like this. Fourth, I want to entrust my dream to
you. A world where Genestellar and humans are equal, a world where Genestella are accepted, a
world where no one has to suffer because of how they were born, I wanted to see that world. Can you
make that world happen? Fifth, Seidoukan, please protect my Seidoukan. I don’t want to see this place
which has many memories be destroyed. And finally, be happy. Don’t blame yourself for my death, this
is my choice.”
please protect Sylvie in my place. Find Ursula-san and bring her back to Sylvie. Second, win the
Phoenix and prove your innocence, prove everyone wrong. Third, could you tell Setsura that I love her?
And also tell her that I’m sorry for going off and dying like this. Fourth, I want to entrust my dream to
you. A world where Genestellar and humans are equal, a world where Genestella are accepted, a
world where no one has to suffer because of how they were born, I wanted to see that world. Can you
make that world happen? Fifth, Seidoukan, please protect my Seidoukan. I don’t want to see this place
which has many memories be destroyed. And finally, be happy. Don’t blame yourself for my death, this
is my choice.”
“No. What are you talking about?! Create that world yourself! Confess to her yourself, dammit! And
protect your sister yourself! She’s your sister, not mine! You are supposed to protect her!”
protect your sister yourself! She’s your sister, not mine! You are supposed to protect her!”
“Hah, I really messed up. Now you are supposed to protect her. And you are supposed to be strong.
You are the Rank 1. No, that isn’t right. You are the one who will surpass everyone, Hikaru. Being
anything less than that is forbidden.”
You are the Rank 1. No, that isn’t right. You are the one who will surpass everyone, Hikaru. Being
anything less than that is forbidden.”
“I’m too weak, dammit! I can’t protect anyone!”
“Being anything less than that is forbidden. I am placing a burden on you. But I know that you will bear
this. You will surpass all your limits and become stronger. Because you are Narukami Hikaru, the
Raijin, the Rank#0 of Seidoukan Academy. And you are the strongest person I know.”
this. You will surpass all your limits and become stronger. Because you are Narukami Hikaru, the
Raijin, the Rank#0 of Seidoukan Academy. And you are the strongest person I know.”
Arashi then looked weakly at Hikaru. “I’m sorry…” He trailed off, his eyes losing the light.
-/
He still remained silent.
Why?
They stayed in silence for a long time before Setsura let out a small sigh, standing up and making her
way out of the room.
way out of the room.
Meanwhile, he kept repeating that same question in his mind.
Why?
XXXXXXXXXX
Setsura sat down, leaning against a tree, thinking back to when Arashi had confessed to her.
She smiled sadly at that memory.
“Why did you have to die, Arashi?” Why did you have to leave me? Why was my happiness stolen
from me?
from me?
She cried silently as the memories of the boy she loved flashed in her mind.
/-
“Detention while we are in a break… just how I wanted my break to go.” Hikaru grumbled as he
looked outside the window absentmindedly, staring at a strangely shaped cloud.
looked outside the window absentmindedly, staring at a strangely shaped cloud.
“Why am I in detention as well? I’m the Student Council President, damn it!”
“Kaito, if you don’t shut up and do your work, detention is going to be the least of your worries.”
Kyouko said with a menacing voice, swinging her nail bat threateningly.
Kyouko said with a menacing voice, swinging her nail bat threateningly.
Arashi gulped while Hikaru sniggered beside him, before getting hit on the head by Kyouko. “And stop
sniggering, Narukami. You threw the first punch.”
sniggering, Narukami. You threw the first punch.”
“Ow!” He exclaimed in pain. “Technically, they threw the first punch. We only used long-range attacks
till they got to close range and even then, I only used a chop to break an arm and a kick to knock out
one of them so I didn’t throw any punch.” He answered cheekily, getting a laugh out of Setsura, while
earning another hit on the head by Kyouko.
till they got to close range and even then, I only used a chop to break an arm and a kick to knock out
one of them so I didn’t throw any punch.” He answered cheekily, getting a laugh out of Setsura, while
earning another hit on the head by Kyouko.
“Why did you even go and pick a fight with delinquents from Rewolf anyway, in the Redevelopment
Area to boot?”
Area to boot?”
“Uh…”
“Those idiots were trying to harass me. Otouto got pissed off and sent a lightning bolt at them, which
started the fight.” Setsura said calmly, completing her assigned work calmly.
started the fight.” Setsura said calmly, completing her assigned work calmly.
“Hey!” Hikaru exclaimed in indignation. “Why are you just revealing that secret to her?”
“And then Kaichou joined in. Because we were in the Redevelopment Area and we happened to be in
the area which was Rewolf’s unofficial ‘hunting grounds’, so to say, they had their buddies join in.
Kaichou joined, him and otouto teamed up and started beating them up.”
the area which was Rewolf’s unofficial ‘hunting grounds’, so to say, they had their buddies join in.
Kaichou joined, him and otouto teamed up and started beating them up.”
“You make us sound like the bad guys, Onee-chan.”
“Honestly, if the Stjarnagarm hadn’t intervened, we wou-” Setsura was interrupted by Arashi. “We
would have kicked their asses, threatened them to keep quiet, called the Stjarnagarm and left, come
back, and watch some TV in Hikaru’s big-ass mansion.”
would have kicked their asses, threatened them to keep quiet, called the Stjarnagarm and left, come
back, and watch some TV in Hikaru’s big-ass mansion.”
“Right, because we totally weren’t outnumbered, Arashi.” Hikaru said as he got back to his work.
“Look, we didn’t even use our Orga Luxs. Hell, you only used hand-to-hand along with your Kanmuru
technique.”
technique.”
“It was a waste of time. You need to control yourself, otouto. And kaichou, you need to learn when you
need to stop a fight and when you need to get into the fight.” Setsura scolded them.
need to stop a fight and when you need to get into the fight.” Setsura scolded them.
And you are the one who went overboard, onee-chan. Hikaru thought, a deadpanned look on his face.
You created a freaking tower of ice.
You created a freaking tower of ice.
“Alright, enough talking. Get back to work.”
“Hai.” All three of them replied in a bored voice, making her brow twitch in frustration.
The ringing of a terminal made Kyouko sigh as she answered the call. “Yes, this is Yatsuzaki.”
A muffled voice came from the other side and she raised a brow. “What? *Sigh* Fine, I’m coming
immediately.”
immediately.”
She walked out of the room. Arashi almost jumped out of his chair before Kyouko stuck her head back
in.
in.
“And you three, complete your work. If I find any of you outside before your work is complete, you
won’t like the consequences.” She narrowed her eyes at Arashi before leaving.
won’t like the consequences.” She narrowed her eyes at Arashi before leaving.
“Y-yes.” Arashi gulped while Hikaru sniggered.
30 minutes later
Hikaru stretched his arms before laying his head on the desk, looking at Arashi and Setsura.
“How long will it take?”
“Don’t know.”
1 hour later
“Geez, you guys are slow.”
Hikaru was spinning a lightning dagger before he ducked under an icicle and a feather of darkness.
“Shut up for some time, otouto.”
“Screw you, Hikaru.”
30 minutes later
“Well, I need to meet a friend of mine, so I’ll be leaving. Onee-chan, I’ll prepare dinner today. Any
requests?”
requests?”
“Nothing special.”
“Fine.” He stood in the doorway and activated his Kanmuru, sending Prana to his legs.
“Oh, and one more thing. Get your work done quick, you idiotic slowpokes!”
He then dashed out of the room, just in time as a slew of icicles and dark feathers hit where he was
standing.
standing.
“That little… I’ll get him next time.”
“It’s bad to attack your juniors, Kaichou.”
“Oh, I won’t hurt him that much.”
“But it’s not bad for elder sisters to teach their younger brothers a lesson.” She said with a
not-so-innocent smile, the temperature of the room slowly decreasing.
not-so-innocent smile, the temperature of the room slowly decreasing.
“Oh, good.”
1 hour later
Arashi glanced at Setsura while she stretched her arms. “Finally… now I can rest.”
“Hah… kick Hikaru’s ass for me.”
“Afterwards. Too tired to move right now.”
She lay her head down on the desk and closed her eyes. In a few moments, she was asleep, an
occasional cool breeze through the open window ruffling her hair.
occasional cool breeze through the open window ruffling her hair.
Arashi completed his work in a few more minutes and stood up, walking over to Setsura’s desk and
moved to wake her up, before stopping.
moved to wake her up, before stopping.
She looks so peaceful and beautiful.
He smiled slightly at that thought. That’s one of the reasons I fell for her, I guess.
He shook his head. I’ll let her sleep for some more time. She doesn’t get much rest with all of the
Council work anyway. He then went back to his desk and took a novel that he had borrowed from Hikaru.
Council work anyway. He then went back to his desk and took a novel that he had borrowed from Hikaru.
After a few pages, he yawned.
“Damn, how does he read such boring books? I feel sleepy just looking at it.”
Still, he tried to persevere, reading a few more pages. However, sleep overtook him before long and
he was peacefully asleep, the book lying on the floor.
he was peacefully asleep, the book lying on the floor.
2 hours later
A pale finger poked his cheek, checking to see if he was still awake.
“He’s asleep, huh?” Setsura muttered to herself as she sat at the desk before him, looking at his face.
Suddenly, he woke up, making Setsura take a quick step back, lest she be caught staring at him, quite
closely.
closely.
“Setsura?”
“You finally woke up. It’s late. Don’t tell me you are going to sleep in the classroom.”
“S-Setsura!”
“Hmm?” She turned around, surprise evident on her face at the sudden call. She spotted a flustered
looking Arashi. “What is it, Kaichou?” Strange. Why is he so flustered?
looking Arashi. “What is it, Kaichou?” Strange. Why is he so flustered?
“Uh, w-wo-would you like to go on a d-date this Sunday?”
It took her a few moments to process what he said before she blushed bright red.
“W-what?!”
Fortunately for the both of them, no one was in earshot of their conversation.
What the hell is he saying right now?!
“Would you like to go on a date this Sunday?” He repeated, clearly and loudly.
What?! What should I do?!
She began to panic internally while Arashi waited anxiously for her answer.
Alright, calm down, Setsura. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. It’s just a date. It’s just a
date… with the boy I like! This is too sudden for me!
date… with the boy I like! This is too sudden for me!
After a few moments, she finally spoke. “What brought this on, Kaichou?”
“Um… I’ve li-liked you for quite some time. And well…”
And of course he has to like me. Setsura thought. Wait… he said he liked me.
A happy smile graced her face as she turned around.
“I want to go to the park in the evening. Don’t be late.” She said simply, before turning around and
walking out of the room quickly, the smile staying on her face the whole time.
walking out of the room quickly, the smile staying on her face the whole time.
It took a few moments for her words to sink in before Arashi let out a shout of joy.
As Setsura walked outside the room, hearing Arashi’s shout of joy, she sighed, a blush forming on
her face. “How did I fall for such a guy?”
her face. “How did I fall for such a guy?”
4 hours later
“You know, onee-chan…” Hikaru started, getting her attention. “You have been smiling a lot lately, for
the past few hours. What happened, did Arashi ask you out on a date or something?” He asked with a
teasing smirk, while washing a plate by the sink.
the past few hours. What happened, did Arashi ask you out on a date or something?” He asked with a
teasing smirk, while washing a plate by the sink.
Setsura almost dropped the plate she was wiping in shock, but regained her composure. “W-what are
you talking about?! There’s no way that…” She mumbled, trying to hide the blush on her face by
turning away.
you talking about?! There’s no way that…” She mumbled, trying to hide the blush on her face by
turning away.
Hikaru, who didn’t notice her blush, continued his previous work.
That night, Setsura went to sleep, a happy smile on her face.
-/
“Now, Arashi is gone and kaa-chan as well…”
She sat by the tree, tears flowing down her cheeks.
/-
Arashi watched as Setsura gazed lazily out the window, staring at the passing clouds. He had seen
her do this many times, simply staring at the empty sky from the window, lost in her own world.
her do this many times, simply staring at the empty sky from the window, lost in her own world.
He forced his gaze away from her, not wanting to be caught staring, and looked around the class.
“Huh? Where’s Nestor?” His muttering was not caught by anyone and then a stray thought struck him.
That’s right, I told Nestor and Hikaru to sort out the paperwork for the festival. But knowing them, they
will have already completed the whole thing and are now walking around the campus(Nestor) or
sleeping on the rooftop(Hikaru). I really should make a few rules stopping that, just to get a few laughs.
The door slammed open suddenly, and he turned towards it, immediately on guard, hand slipping
towards his Orga Lux. He relaxed, seeing Hikaru at the doorway, who seemed to be slightly panting.
Odd. What was so important that he had to run all the way here, and in enough of a panic that he
didn’t use any of his techniques and just ran?
“Huh? Where’s Nestor?” His muttering was not caught by anyone and then a stray thought struck him.
That’s right, I told Nestor and Hikaru to sort out the paperwork for the festival. But knowing them, they
will have already completed the whole thing and are now walking around the campus(Nestor) or
sleeping on the rooftop(Hikaru). I really should make a few rules stopping that, just to get a few laughs.
The door slammed open suddenly, and he turned towards it, immediately on guard, hand slipping
towards his Orga Lux. He relaxed, seeing Hikaru at the doorway, who seemed to be slightly panting.
Odd. What was so important that he had to run all the way here, and in enough of a panic that he
didn’t use any of his techniques and just ran?
“O-onee-chan! Oba-san is-” Whatever he was about to say was interrupted as Setsura grabbed him
by the shoulders, the force with which she moved enough to make him take a few steps back.
“What happened to kaa-chan?!” She almost shouted.
by the shoulders, the force with which she moved enough to make him take a few steps back.
“What happened to kaa-chan?!” She almost shouted.
“Ryu called. He found her unconscious when he went to check on her. She’s in the hospital now.” He
said everything in a low voice, but Arashi heard it. “He’s sending the jet now, we can go. Pack and
we’ll leave. The car is already here.”
said everything in a low voice, but Arashi heard it. “He’s sending the jet now, we can go. Pack and
we’ll leave. The car is already here.”
Arashi moved immediately, following them with swift steps. He fell in step beside Hikaru, running while
asking, “What happened?”
asking, “What happened?”
“Onee-chan’s mother is ill. Ryu called me earlier saying that when he went to check on her, I asked
him to check up on her regularly, he said that he found her unconscious. He rushed her to the hospital
and sent someone here to pick us up. We’re going and don’t know when we’ll be back.”
him to check up on her regularly, he said that he found her unconscious. He rushed her to the hospital
and sent someone here to pick us up. We’re going and don’t know when we’ll be back.”
He then jumped out the window, falling down 10 floors and creating a crater on landing, then broke
out into a sprint towards the forest, more specifically towards his home.
out into a sprint towards the forest, more specifically towards his home.
Arashi and Setsura followed him. Arashi could only watch as a tear rolled down her cheek as she ran.
1 week later
“Arashi, everything alright?” Hikaru had seen better days.
I should be asking you that, dumbass. Arashi only replied with a simple “Yeah. How about you guys?
Is Setsura’s mother okay? And what about you? You look like you haven’t slept in days.”
Is Setsura’s mother okay? And what about you? You look like you haven’t slept in days.”
Hikaru let out a sigh and ran his hand through his hair. He’s stressed, that’s for sure.
“I’m fine. Good news is… Setsuna-san is out of danger and nothing happened. Bad news…
she is in a coma and we don’t know when she will wake up.” If she will wake up… Setsura can’t
ignore that possibility. “What about Setsura?”
she is in a coma and we don’t know when she will wake up.” If she will wake up… Setsura can’t
ignore that possibility. “What about Setsura?”
“Onee-chan’s asleep. She was up late, and I had to force her to sleep… I don’t know what to do,
Arashi. Everything seemed fine just a little while ago and now…”
Arashi. Everything seemed fine just a little while ago and now…”
“You’ll be fine. You are the Rank #1 of Seidoukan Academy, you know. You can’t just say stuff like that.
What will people think of us, when our strongest student looks like this, huh?” He tried to joke around.
What will people think of us, when our strongest student looks like this, huh?” He tried to joke around.
“Thanks, Arashi. I… we’ll try to return in a few weeks. Can you take care of things until then?”
“No problem. I got things covered here. Looks like Nestor is going to attack me a bit more though. The
Kageboshi are giving him quite the problem.”
Kageboshi are giving him quite the problem.”
“Hahaha… I’d like to see that… thanks, Arashi. Keep me updated on everything. And what
about her?”
about her?”
“She’s fine as well.”
“That’s good. I’ll talk to you later, Arashi.”
“Yeah. Take care.” He hung up, dismissing the screen floating before him.
2 weeks later
Setsura sat at the edge of her bed, staring at the floating screen before her. Arashi’s face soon
appeared on the screen, still yawning as he answered her call, “Hello?”
appeared on the screen, still yawning as he answered her call, “Hello?”
“Kaichou…”
“Setsura?” He seemed to wake up, focusing his eyes on her. “Are you all right? Geez, you look
like you haven’t slept in days.”
like you haven’t slept in days.”
“I talked with otouto. I managed to convince him to return to Seidoukan. He’s returning by next week.
He still has some things to look after here.”
He still has some things to look after here.”
“So Hikaru’s coming back. And you? When are you returning?”
“I… I don’t know, Kaichou. I’m staying behind to look after kaa-chan.”
“I see. *Sigh* You are going to lose that Rank #2 of yours. The matches will be next week.”
“I don’t care about that.” She replied gloomily, looking down.
“Geez, don’t look so gloomy. I’ll warm the seat for you till you return. I think this academy could
do with a few more random ice towers popping up.” He tried to joke, making her smile slightly.
do with a few more random ice towers popping up.” He tried to joke, making her smile slightly.
“We never went on that date, did we?”
“Well, lucky that I never actually made any plans for that, huh?”
“What were you planning on doing, then?”
“Eh, I was planning on winging it.”
“That never goes well, especially with sensitive topics like this.” She stifled a small laugh.
“Well, we can go on that date when you return and take your spot from me.”
“Kaichou, I-”
“Don’t worry, everything will be alright. You can take your time, sort out everything, and when
your mother wakes up, how about bringing her here? I would like to take her permission if I am
taking out her daughter on a date.”
your mother wakes up, how about bringing her here? I would like to take her permission if I am
taking out her daughter on a date.”
She paused at his words, then took a deep breath and released it. “Thank you, Kaichou.”
“Well, I need to sleep, then. Nestor called a meeting and he wants to talk to me before the
meeting starts. Can you tell Hikaru about this and ask him to contact me?”
meeting starts. Can you tell Hikaru about this and ask him to contact me?”
“Okay. Good night, Kaichou.” With a small pause, she added, “Thank you, Kaichou, for everything.”
“Yeah, good night, Setsura.”
The screen disappeared as he hung up, and Setsura sighed as she stared at the ceiling, falling asleep,
plagued by nightmares.
plagued by nightmares.
-/
XXXXXXXXXX
“I’m too weak. Too weak to protect anyone. All I can do is kill… destroy…” He muttered over and over
again as he stared at the Orga Lux in his hand. “It should have been me. I should have died.”
again as he stared at the Orga Lux in his hand. “It should have been me. I should have died.”
Setsura sat outside the room, hearing his words with her senses enhanced by Prana.
“Otouto…”
She heard soft footsteps and stood up, heading towards the living room.
“Ryu-san.” She greeted the silver-haired assistant, sitting at the table.
“Setsura-sama.” He returned the greeting, sitting opposite her.
“How is kaa-chan?”
“Her condition remains the same, Setsura-sama.”
He then looked at her and asked in a low voice, “How is he, Setsura-sama? Is he…” He trailed off near
the end.
the end.
“He’s still the same. He keeps repeating the same words over and over again, staring at that cursed
Orga Lux of his.”
Orga Lux of his.”
“Is there anything that I can do for him? Should I call in Rei to-”
“No! Don’t… don’t tell anyone about him. I’ll deal with him somehow.”
“Understood. I will contact you if anything arises.”
“Yeah. And try to distract the IEF and their spies.”
“Yes. I’ve kept groceries on the counter.”
“Good. That could work as a cover as well.”
“I have checked up on the wards as well. They weren’t triggered in the past week.”
“Good.”
She was soon left alone, Hikaru’s words repeating in her ears.
XXXXXXXXXX
Something gripped her heart. It gripped her soul, urging her. It filled dark thoughts in her mind,
influencing her.
influencing her.
Even as she tried to stop, her body moved on its own, an icicle forming in her hand.
Even as the logical part of her protested, her soul urged her.
Before she could stop herself, the icicle was plunged straight into her body, digging deep.
Fresh blood trickled from her, as she fell to the floor with a thud. Her blood began to pool around her,
staining her white clothes red.
staining her white clothes red.
A startled Hikaru suddenly appeared in the doorway, eyes wide in shock. She managed to turn her
head, eyes glistening with tears.
head, eyes glistening with tears.
“I’m sorry, otouto.” I wasn’t strong enough. Setsura closed her eyes, breathing her last.
His strength left him, falling to his knees, a hollow feeling in his heart. As a dark haze spread around
him, an ominous laugh echoing in the back of his mind, he blacked out.
him, an ominous laugh echoing in the back of his mind, he blacked out.
XXXXXXXXXX
Seidoukan Academy, Asterisk
He stood alone in the rain, staring at the crude gravestone he made. His eyes were hollow and lifeless,
having no purpose.
having no purpose.
He didn’t move, even as his senses picked up the sound of footsteps.
“Hikaru?!” It was a voice he could faintly recognise. “What are you doing here?! You shouldn’t be here!”
Nestor Fandorin hurried over to him, wet from the rain. He shook him out of his stupor.
“What are you doing, Hikaru? You shouldn’t be here! Hell, this is the last place you want to be! Leave
before someone sees you!”
before someone sees you!”
“She’s dead.”
“What?”
“She’s dead.”
“Who is…” He trailed off as he turned to look at the stone. His eyes widened as he took in the name.
“Yuki… how did she die?”
“Yuki… how did she die?”
He didn’t respond, continuing to stare emptily at the grave.
“That’s not important now. You need to hide. Many of the students left but the Kageboshi are still here,
so are the Page One. I don’t know who we can trust. I can only trust Feardorcha and Ibara.”
so are the Page One. I don’t know who we can trust. I can only trust Feardorcha and Ibara.”
He then continued to drag Hikaru, who didn’t provide any resistance, towards the cargo port. “You can
hide at the cargo port while we figure out a way for you to leave.”
hide at the cargo port while we figure out a way for you to leave.”
He then operated his terminal, opening a screen, calling Ibara.
“Ibara, it’s me. No time, Hikaru is here. I’m getting him to the cargo containment area, probably the 4th
would be better. Call Feardorcha. Make sure nobody finds out.”
would be better. Call Feardorcha. Make sure nobody finds out.”
He then dismissed the screen, not waiting for an answer from Ibara, and sped up.
Meanwhile, far away, a young man wearing the standard Seidoukan uniform, with a green hoodie under
it, spoke into an audio-only screen.
it, spoke into an audio-only screen.
“Raijin has been spotted. Heading towards Cargo Containment 4.”
“Noted. Any noticeable changes?”
“None. Rank #4 Nestor Fandorin is leading him towards the area. Once Fandorin is out of the way,
execute the plan. Or else he will create unnecessary complications.”
execute the plan. Or else he will create unnecessary complications.”
“Follow them. Place traps along the way once Fandorin leaves. And place wards around the
area.”
area.”
“Understood.”
The screen disappeared, and Yabuki Eishirou disappeared into the shadows.
“I’m sorry, Leader.”
XXXXXXXXXX
“Hikaru is here? In Asterisk? Are you being serious right now?”
“Yeah. Look, Yuki’s dead.” He ignored the pair of gasps as he continued. “He buried her. I took him to
Cargo Containment 4, the one where the fight took place. Feardorcha, I need you to find if any cargo
ships are there in the port, preferably from or to Japan. Ibara, I need you to call in the Kageboshi and
direct their movements away from the port. Towards the Redevelopment Area would be better.”
Cargo Containment 4, the one where the fight took place. Feardorcha, I need you to find if any cargo
ships are there in the port, preferably from or to Japan. Ibara, I need you to call in the Kageboshi and
direct their movements away from the port. Towards the Redevelopment Area would be better.”
“What about you?”
“I’m going back. I’m having a bad feeling and some support would be better for him.”
“Understood.”
The black-haired Dante stood up and left the room, heading back towards the port.
XXXXXXXXXX
The rain battered against the empty container that he was in, filling his mind with a constant sound. A
cold wind hit his wet form. He felt nothing. His heart was hollow, his eyes empty.
cold wind hit his wet form. He felt nothing. His heart was hollow, his eyes empty.
The sound of the rain was the only thing he heard.
The rain muffled their footsteps, muffled their whispers and it dulled his senses. He had not noticed the
man next to him till it was too late. Yet, his body reacted.
man next to him till it was too late. Yet, his body reacted.
As the rings of light and Prana headed towards his neck, a burst of Prana and lightning destroyed the
wall of the container behind him, another burst pushed him out of the container. He didn’t want to dodge.
He had no purpose left anyway, nothing left to live for.
wall of the container behind him, another burst pushed him out of the container. He didn’t want to dodge.
He had no purpose left anyway, nothing left to live for.
Another set of footsteps behind him made him turn around while summoning the Narukami to his hand.
As he started to block and parry the blows raining down on him, his mind went blank. His body moved on its own, the sword moving to stop every attack from reaching his body. Another attack came from his side. A spear of lightning appeared in his left hand, which blocked the tanto. A sudden burst of lightning threw off his attackers, and he proceeded to kick the one on the front, before jumping up, creating platforms to jump onto another container, which promptly exploded.
As he started to block and parry the blows raining down on him, his mind went blank. His body moved on its own, the sword moving to stop every attack from reaching his body. Another attack came from his side. A spear of lightning appeared in his left hand, which blocked the tanto. A sudden burst of lightning threw off his attackers, and he proceeded to kick the one on the front, before jumping up, creating platforms to jump onto another container, which promptly exploded.
XXXXXXXXXX
“Stop right there, Fandorin.”
Nestor turned around immediately, creating a sword of ice in his right hand, his left in position to create
another.
another.
“Captain Lindwall, pleasure to meet you. Can I know why you are here? I mean, aren’t you supposed to
be looking for someone?” He was clearly nervous. Why the hell is she here? Did she come to know of
Hikaru’s whereabouts somehow?
be looking for someone?” He was clearly nervous. Why the hell is she here? Did she come to know of
Hikaru’s whereabouts somehow?
“That’s what I’m doing. The Stjarnagarm received information that Narukami Hikaru is here, hiding out in
the cargo containment area. We already have a few people trying to capture him, and I’d appreciate it if
you don’t go towards that area.”
the cargo containment area. We already have a few people trying to capture him, and I’d appreciate it if
you don’t go towards that area.”
“Hikaru’s here? I-I didn’t know that. Alright, I won’t interfe-”
“This is a warning to all three of you. Don’t do anything you will regret. The stakes are higher than you
can imagine.” The world around him stilled for just an instant but he understood the implications.
can imagine.” The world around him stilled for just an instant but he understood the implications.
The sword in his hand fell, disappearing before it hit the ground.
As she walked past him, he shook slightly, but then steadied himself, quickly bringing up a few screens.
“Feardorcha, Ibara, stop everything. Return to the meeting room.”
“Feardorcha, Ibara, stop everything. Return to the meeting room.”
“What?!”
“Why?”
“Helga Lindwall is here. They know, the IEF know about Hikaru. He’s already under attack. We were
ordered not to interfere.”
ordered not to interfere.”
“Are you going to just giv-”
“The stakes are higher than we can imagine. That’s what she said, Ibara.”
“She knows about what we are doing. Anything more and then she throws us in prison as well.
Is that what you are saying, Nestor?”
Is that what you are saying, Nestor?”
“Feardorcha’s right. That’s what she meant. This is out of our hands now. Return to the meeting room.”
He then dismissed the screens and walked towards the main building of Seidoukan.
Is this all I can do?
XXXXXXXXXX
The bladed khakkara was aimed at his neck again, trying to behead him. Another shield of prana
managed to barely stop it. He then shot a few spears at the man attacking him, who simply spun the
bladed weapon and blocked them all, while he jumped back, immediately falling under attack from
another person. This continued for a few more exchanges as his body continued to react and attack,
not bound to his will. Another explosion to his left disturbed the pattern and threw him off, exposing his
back to an attack. An attack to the back of his head was again stopped by a burst of lightning, but it
could do nothing to stop the attack to his neck. A deep cut appeared on his neck, gushing out blood.
managed to barely stop it. He then shot a few spears at the man attacking him, who simply spun the
bladed weapon and blocked them all, while he jumped back, immediately falling under attack from
another person. This continued for a few more exchanges as his body continued to react and attack,
not bound to his will. Another explosion to his left disturbed the pattern and threw him off, exposing his
back to an attack. An attack to the back of his head was again stopped by a burst of lightning, but it
could do nothing to stop the attack to his neck. A deep cut appeared on his neck, gushing out blood.
His figure disappeared, reappearing atop another container, before coming under another onslaught of
attacks.
attacks.
These fools… this body will not hold out for long. And all of them together are too skilled for
this body’s current capabilities to combat.
this body’s current capabilities to combat.
As the onslaught of attacks continued, he started to accumulate more wounds.
He started to run, moving to different containers and hiding behind them while he tried to heal his
wounds.
wounds.
Consecutive explosions forced him out, making him trigger more traps.
This can’t continue. I need to do something or this body will be destroyed.
XXXXXXXXXX
“Are you the one sent to escort me to the operation area?”
Yabuki Eishirou turned around, nodding.
“The target is currently in Cargo Containment 4, or what’s left of it, anyways. The other members of
Night Emit have been trying to incapacitate him but that’s not working out that well. They already had
to resort to more lethal techniques.”
Night Emit have been trying to incapacitate him but that’s not working out that well. They already had
to resort to more lethal techniques.”
“I want him alive.” She said sternly, before walking towards the barrier. As Eishirou made a few hand
signs, the barrier momentarily dissipated, allowing them entry.
signs, the barrier momentarily dissipated, allowing them entry.
XXXXXXXXXX
He fell down, unable to bear the strain. The wounds accumulated on his body, leaving gashes and
blood in their wake.
blood in their wake.
No! This can’t be… this wasn’t supposed to happen. When this boy had finally broken and I
was going to take him…
was going to take him…
The khakkara was heading towards his neck, aiming to behead him.
It was stopped in its place by a hand, followed by a stern, “That’s enough.”
Helga Lindwall stared Yabuki Bujinzai in the eye, daring him to make a move. “The objective was to
capture him, not kill him.”
capture him, not kill him.”
“He was proving quite difficult to capture.”
“I can see that.”
The whole area was badly destroyed. A few members of the Night Emit were nursing their wounds,
one of them healing every cut, bruise and burn.
one of them healing every cut, bruise and burn.
“The Stjarnagarm will be taking custody of Narukami Hikaru. Leave, Yabuki.”
“Understood.”
Bujinzai turned around, the khakkara Lux disappearing. With a few hand signals, all of Night Emit
disappeared, as though they were never there, the only traces of the battle being the destruction and
the body at her feet.
disappeared, as though they were never there, the only traces of the battle being the destruction and
the body at her feet.
A screen opened as she contacted the Captain of the 1st Division.
“Hiiragi, get a team to Seidoukan Cargo Containment 4. Narukami Hikaru has been captured.
Prepare a vehicle for transportation.” She then glanced at the body at her feet, and the blood slowly
pooling around it. “And get a medic.”
Prepare a vehicle for transportation.” She then glanced at the body at her feet, and the blood slowly
pooling around it. “And get a medic.”
She then placed his body on stasis, stopping him from moving.
XXXXXXXXXX
“The wanted criminal Narukami Hikaru was captured yesterday at Seidoukan academy by the
Stjarnagarm and is being held on trial today.”
Stjarnagarm and is being held on trial today.”
Ernest dismissed the screen.
“Raijin was captured a week ago, and how does that affect this meeting, Pendragon?” Dirk Eberwein
asked directly. “He has been captured, and he will be executed. End of story.”
asked directly. “He has been captured, and he will be executed. End of story.”
Sylvia flinched at his words, while Nestor clenched his fist. “Tyrant, keep your mouth shut for
some
time.”
“And what will you do if I don’t, Hrimphurs?”
“Please don’t fight, both of you.” Ernest said calmly. “This is a place for words, not fights.”
“Why are you here anyway, Hrimphurs? There are quite a few additions here.”
True to his words, there were quite a few people standing behind almost everyone.
Nestor leaned against the pillar behind Claudia, Laetitia Blanchard stood behind Ernest, a blond girl
with features similar to Ernest stood behind Sylvia, and an orange-haired boy stood behind Xinglou.
with features similar to Ernest stood behind Sylvia, and an orange-haired boy stood behind Xinglou.
“Why do you care anyway, asshole?” Nestor replied heatedly, glaring at the Rewolf President.
“Normally, the President and sometimes the Vice-President would attend. So what is the Secretary
doing here?”
doing here?”
“That’s not the purpose of this meeting. If we can continue the meeting, we wouldn’t have to waste
time on useless matter.” Ernest interfered.
time on useless matter.” Ernest interfered.
Suddenly, blade of darkness hit Xinglou from the side. Similar blades then hit everyone else, then a
voice said, “Don’t resist. If even a single one of you resists, we will kill every single one of you, no
exceptions.”
voice said, “Don’t resist. If even a single one of you resists, we will kill every single one of you, no
exceptions.”
All of them fell unconscious as something overtook their minds, robbing them of the energy to stay
awake. Only Xinglou was able to resist the sensation. A screen appeared before her.
awake. Only Xinglou was able to resist the sensation. A screen appeared before her.
“Banyuu Tenra, don’t interfere. Don’t move. This is just a conflict between me and another
party. Once it is complete, we will release all of you. If you do interfere, your student dies
before you can save him.”
party. Once it is complete, we will release all of you. If you do interfere, your student dies
before you can save him.”
“You… soul-stealer… you will regret this.”
“Not today.”
XXXXXXXXXX
He was chained to the walls, unable to move. Even if he could, he wouldn’t. He had no will to move.
His mind recalled the trial a week before.
/-
His hands were cuffed, a pair of manacles on his ankles. The manadytes embedded in them were all
emitting a soft glow, absorbing and releasing his Prana to the atmosphere, sealing his abilities.
emitting a soft glow, absorbing and releasing his Prana to the atmosphere, sealing his abilities.
The judge’s voice was intimidating and cold. “The court will now pass judgement on Narukami Hikaru,
guilty of multiple charges of murder, destruction of public property, and resisting arrest.”
guilty of multiple charges of murder, destruction of public property, and resisting arrest.”
Helga Lindwall, standing behind Hikaru, in the position to incapacitate him if required, watched the
proceedings. He didn’t say anything at all. And unfortunately for him, the courts of the IEF take
silence as the same as pleading guilty. The best he can ask for all he did is a life sentence. “The
culprit will be executed on March 1, 2063.”
proceedings. He didn’t say anything at all. And unfortunately for him, the courts of the IEF take
silence as the same as pleading guilty. The best he can ask for all he did is a life sentence. “The
culprit will be executed on March 1, 2063.”
XXXXXXXXXX
“Captain Lindwall, we have received reports of an unauthorised aircraft over Hotel Elnath. The Student
Council Presidents of the six institutes, along with 2 of the Secretaries, and 2 Vice-Presidents, have
been abducted. We have as of yet not received any particular demand for a ransom.”
Council Presidents of the six institutes, along with 2 of the Secretaries, and 2 Vice-Presidents, have
been abducted. We have as of yet not received any particular demand for a ransom.”
“When did this happen?”
“The afternoon. The hotel staff were delaying in informing us, and the aircraft seemed to be using the
same technology used in the prototype stealth jets developed by Fraulenob recently. We have been
trying to track the aircraft, and have managed to narrow it down to the Twin Towers Mall, which is
currently closed and will be opened the next week. A few teams have been already placed around the
towers, and are now waiting for your order.”
same technology used in the prototype stealth jets developed by Fraulenob recently. We have been
trying to track the aircraft, and have managed to narrow it down to the Twin Towers Mall, which is
currently closed and will be opened the next week. A few teams have been already placed around the
towers, and are now waiting for your order.”
“Good. Keep a lookout on the news for any ransom demands.”
“Roger.”
XXXXXXXXXX
Something was going on. Ladislav Bartosik could observe the actions of the Stjarnagarm for what it
was, chaos. “I wonder what’s going on.” He muttered to himself. Is it related to that boy? Narukami
something… the wielder of my Orga Lux.
was, chaos. “I wonder what’s going on.” He muttered to himself. Is it related to that boy? Narukami
something… the wielder of my Orga Lux.
Hikaru meanwhile was in his cell. Suddenly, his ears picked up something, yet it didn’t matter. Not until
he heard the name of someone, someone who had never stopped trusting him, never doubted him,
never hated him.
he heard the name of someone, someone who had never stopped trusting him, never doubted him,
never hated him.
Sylvie! His body moved slightly, as he strained his ears to listen to what was being broadcasted.
“If Narukami Hikaru is not handed over to us in 1 hour, then Claudia Enfield will be thrown off
the building and Sylvia Lyyneheym will be raped on live TV!”
the building and Sylvia Lyyneheym will be raped on live TV!”
The voice which said it had a sadistic undertone, and these words shook him to his core.
Sylvie!
He started to struggle against the chains, trying to use his Prana to augment his strength.
I need to save her! I need to protect her!
He struggled harder.
I took everything away from her!
These thoughts repeated itself inside his head, spurring him on.
I need to protect her!
He struggled against the chains, trying to break free.
I… Arashi requested me to protect her… I can’t let her pay for my sins!
He continued to struggle, starting to bleed.
In his struggles, he noticed neither the void which appeared before him, nor the man stepping out of
the void.
the void.
The sound of footsteps made him stop for a moment, seeing a man walking towards him.
His white hair was left free, partially covering his red eye, while the other, a mix of purple and blue,
stared at him. He wore dark blue pants, with a high-collared black shirt, and a black knee-length haori.
What grabbed his attention, and gave birth to fear somewhere in his heart, was the presence this man
was releasing.
stared at him. He wore dark blue pants, with a high-collared black shirt, and a black knee-length haori.
What grabbed his attention, and gave birth to fear somewhere in his heart, was the presence this man
was releasing.
The mana in the air seemed to flee from him, moving further away as he walked. There was the
distinct smell of ozone around him, along with a sense of death. There was also something in his eyes.
Something which pushed him forward.
distinct smell of ozone around him, along with a sense of death. There was also something in his eyes.
Something which pushed him forward.
“Wh-who are you?”
The man didn’t say anything as he walked towards the door. The mana composing the field dissipated
instantly as he walked towards it.
instantly as he walked towards it.
He felt the chains keeping him bound break, and his wounds start to heal. By the time the man stood
before him, he was completely healed.
before him, he was completely healed.
“I’m… your ally.”
After a long time, a fire rekindled itself in him.
Hope.
A tear of happiness rolled down his face.
