Asagao is a Japanese name of Morning Glory and its scientific name is Ipomoea Nil. It is a flower of dry but sweet color of blue that unveils its petals at morning and together with blue morning glory exist a purple morning glory with color that entices people with its radiant color.

In flower language or more commonly known as Hanakotoba, morning glory may mean unrequited love, life and death, and useless love. The loveliest meaning that I want to accept is affection and unity.

Yes…affection and unity…

Next is Higanbana or more commonly known as Red Spider Lily. There much more to mention of its name but that is the most famous. Higanbana is a beautiful blood colored flower that blooms near cemeteries and is always associated with death.

In Chinese legend, they said that Higanbana grows along the Sanzu River, a flower of the afterlife.

However, despite its perceived branding, Higanbana in flower language symbolizes the loss of someone who fades to the afterlife, longing for someone, abandonment, and lastly, sad memories.

Tragic and full of pain…something that I really don’t want Higan to experience, however, only she herself can overcome such emotion.

Next is Casablanca, a pure white hybrid of the flower Lily. It is a famous flower used in many celebrations and symbol of purity because of its untainted color, a flower that people gathers to because of its appearance.

Noble and dignified is what defines Casablanca as it gives an image of royalty. Not only that, its fragrance can be easily distinguished and identified.

This is what Casablanca aims to be, this is what she wants to achieve and she wanted to break from the stereotyping of other people.

Next is Hibiscus, a flower usually seen in tropical places and a famous hair decoration of girls. This flower is also known for its red beauty cause by its sticking stalk with bright yellow pollen. Ironically, red hibiscus attracts birds, particularly, hummingbirds.

This flower is a representation of delicate and feminine beauty. In flower language, Hibiscus is gorgeous and eternal beauty, just much like how Hibiscus is.

It is a name fit for Hibiscus. She may not know it but I find her really attractive and always full of fresh vigor.

Lastly, Alstroemeria…

It is a tropical flower that could invite a smile to people who looks at it. It comes in many colors like any other flowers but, the most commonly seen is the white Alstroemeria or so I may say the loveliest color I have ever seen of its species.

So many can be said about this flower, like devotion and unspoken support among family and friends, a long-lasting friendship, pushing through every day woes, enriching your life by finding friends and potential love interest, following your dreams and aspiration in both material and spiritual senses.

However, Alstroemeria in flower language can be solidly defined as longing for the future, a definition that if it is broadened, can also mean positivity in life. Alstroe always sees the future as blooming and beautiful. That’s the reason she can always smile yesterday, today, and even for tomorrow.

It is how she always been, optimistic. On the other hand, I am a very pessimistic person. She is a person opposite of me but at the same time, the person closest to me.

And now, that girl is standing in front of me with the most refreshing smile out there.

“I’m here, Asagao.”

She said with a sweet voice. Her alluring tone made me approach her with light steps. She outstretches her arms towards me and her smile grew ever more tantalizing. Everyone watches us as their sight fixates on Alstroe.

As I got closer to her, my lips also curve in a smile and then…

THWACK!

I balled my fist and clench my teeth and hit her in the cranium with my knuckles! The act itself created a strong shock wave in the surrounding because of my Dual Possession. The attack itself got Alstroe kneeling on the ground with her face planted on the ground. I am not surprised but I am glad her face is still intact.

Hydrangea turns away from us because of the spectacle that I showed but correct me if I am wrong but…did she just laughs from that and just tried to painfully hide it?

Everyone’s jaw drops from what I did. No one probably expected it but no one understands my feelings the most right now.

“”

“”

Ichirou and Hasu exclaim but I really don’t care about anyone’s comment right now. I stand firm on my feet and look down on Alstroe. Alstroe removes her face from the gouged ground and stares at me with bewilderment. Her eye seeks an answer from me so I speak my thought.

“W-Why?”

“Why you ask? What I want to say is where have you been?! Don’t you know how worried I am?! I don’t care how strong you are, I want to know how you are doing!”

“But…I…Cecille…!”

“I know but! Don’t you think you should have mentioned anything rather than disappearing or leaving without saying anything?”

“Eeehh…?! What’s with you Asagao!? It can’t be helped! Why are you getting mad at me?! That’s a little unreasonable even coming from you!”

“Idiot!”

“Me?! I know I am one but…! Arrghh! What’s wrong with you?!”

Alstroe and I stare at each other with pouts in our cheeks. I knit my brows as I stare at her with a frown on my lips and in return, she stares at me madly with a little confusion in her eyes. However, as we stared back at each other, her cheeks inflate and…

“Pfft! Hahahaha! Asagao, you are always like that! You’re so silly!”

“Eh? I am being serious you know!”

“I know…I know that. You are just worried about me. I realized that a little slow because other than Big Sis Cecille, you are the second person who gets worried for me…”

“Geez…if you already get it…then you know what to say!”

“Ehehehe. I’m sorry for making you worry. I am sorry for not being by your side.”

“Yeah…you have reasons and I understand that. You are forgiven.”

“Ehehehe!~ That’s why I love you.”

Wha--?!

How can she boldly say something like that?!

“”

Hasu commented and the other watchers look at us with glimmering eyes. I don’t know why but aren’t we in the middle of a disaster?! The red moon, Erestivatria is about to crash on this planet and how can they be this calm?!

“Wait, everyone! You’re getting it all wrong! She is saying that she really loves me as a friend! Nothing more!”

I frantically explained, however, most stares just scoff what I said. I really don’t know how to deal with this kind of situation. Alstroe just smiles at me and doesn’t mind what the others think of what she just said.

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Geez!

Look! A huge red moon is about to crash to our planet and you guys are expecting something romantic out of a friendship!

Though to be honest, I really like Alstroe too…

“Okay, enough of this. We’ve got a problem to face. I know that all of you are confident of Asagao and Alstroemeria but, nothing will happen if we freeze here. Also, a very romantic atmosphere feels uncomfortable for me.”

Hydrangea said as she floats down beside me and Alstroe. Her descent was so graceful that I just have to watch her. However, why is she even fixated that Alstroe’s declaration is romantic too?!

“Hydrangea…where’s Cecille now? I have completed your training! Is she safe?”

“She is. Don’t worry. More importantly, are you sure you have learned the first Tenet of Brahma Way of Enlightenment?”

“Svayambhu, the seer and the seen, the body and the mind, I and them. The path of Preservation and Creation.”

“Knowledge and piety of Brahmasutra from the text of Sanskrit and the essentials for accepting the world, not only understanding it. Life, death, concepts, movement of the moon, sun, and stars.”

“The Severance of Svarupa-Adhyasa and Samsarga-Adhyasa! Breaking the illusion and unveiling the truth for knowledge!”

“Alstroemeria, you are alike of Skanda which can also be called as Subrahmanya. I am like Durga who is alike of Shakti. Our forms differ and our path separates. However, in the world of Trichiliocosm, where both Buddhism and Hinduism do not differ, and all are rewritten in Veda.”

“Yes, it is as you said. The path of Brahma and Shiva could be weaved together but their concept and forms cannot interlope. However, the path of Nirvana coexists since the creation of everything.”

Alstroe and Hydrangea talks to each other and I cannot understand a single thing about what they are saying. However, I can feel that something deep happened between them which makes me a little jealous.

Alstroe and Hydrangea start a chant, a prayer that only them understands. If I can tell what it is, it might be Hindi or more accurate…sanskirt?

“That’s sutra.”

It is said by Dylan who stands beside me. I didn’t know it until he came close but…isn’t he really tall and big of an old man?

“Sutra? Isn’t that from Buddhism?”

“Quite yes but, it is also Hinduism. The difference between the two is the practice but both essentially revere the same gods or whatever. Apparently, Hydrangea and Alstroemeria are both called Bodhisattva, a person who delays their ascension to Nirvana for the cause of others.”

“I see. You’re pretty knowledgeable about this…”

“It’s also knowledge. Learning couldn’t hurt you and besides, Alstroemeria needs to learn that too.”

“W-Why is that? That reminds me, you are the one who abducts Miss Cecille, right?!”

“I am and that’s for this, for Alstroemeria to be out of Eresti’s sight and learn the way of Brahma from Hydrangea.”

“What are you talking about?”

“What? Lord Nil didn’t tell you anything? That twat…”

“Answer me!”

“Yeah. In order to strengthen Alstroemeria, learning the way of Brahma is needed because Hydrangea will be doing an overloading.”

“What do you mean?”

“What I mean is…just watch.”

Dylan beckons me to watch Hydrangea and Alstroe.

In an instant, a new wave of power was born.

Thus, have I heard.

There is cause, there is requisite condition, for the defilement of beings. Beings are defiled with cause, with requisite condition. There is cause, there is requisite condition, for the purification of beings. Beings are purified with cause, with requisite condition.

If feeling were exclusively stressful...

If perception were exclusively stressful...

If fabrications were exclusively stressful...

And what, lord, is the cause, what the requisite condition, for the purification of beings? How are beings purified with cause, with requisite condition?

If feeling were exclusively pleasurable...

If perception were exclusively pleasurable...

If fabrications were exclusively pleasurable...

Through disenchantment, they grow dispassionate. Through dispassion, they are purified. This is the cause, this the requisite condition, for the purification of beings. And this is how beings are purified with cause, with requisite condition.

Their prayers started giving me chills. Not only me but to those who are also listening to their chant or meditation.

“What in the world…”

“Hydrangea is transferring her Ki to Alstroemeria so she can reach a new plane of Nirvana. It is only doable if Alstroemeria knows the path of Brahma and opens her sense to it. That’s why Hydrangea trained her in rush.”

“And…”

“That’s where you come…”

Me?

What do I do?

As I was about to contemplate, from how everything goes, it immediately pops in my mind…

That’s what they are aiming at then…

“”Nirvana!””

As the chant finishes, a new wave of power emerges and Alstroemeria now receives power from Hydrangea.

All of a sudden, in the sky, meteors started falling again but this time…the meteors…are pitch black.

“This is not fair!”

Is yelled by Merissa that was heard from her ship.

“This is something not new to us. If enemy keeps sending those, then there’s nothing we can do but keep fighting. Are you ready Izuna?”

“Yes, Hinoki. My power is to your command now!”

“The Beast king never rest! Show those damn fools that the beast kin is not to be made little of!”

“WE OF THE BEASTS NEVER FEAR!”

“Senya, are you okay?”

“I have already reached my limit. I don’t think I can fight anymore.”

“Isn’t that fine? We still have the fairy king and his cahoots.”

“If you can call his army that, then it is fine. However, won’t you do some work too if necessary, Mimosa?”

“Aiiee…”

“Mito, we are going to support the ancient dragons too!”

“What? Those lots? I, as the king of the sky, is enough!”

“Idiot! This is no time for that!”

“I am just messing with you, hag!”

“And you chose to marry this hag.”

“Ughh…That’s a death flag!”

“Sorry.”

“Listen to me you critters, our Ether Point Core is almost exhausted and our ammunition is at its edge, however, are you guys ready for your death?”

“Merissa is basically saying that we will fight to the end.”

“Shut up Ferd!”

“But as you can see, none of them are cowards.”

“Heh, I guess if we survive, we can have a feast full of mead!”

“””YEAAAH!”””

“The undead and demons are not backing up either.”

“That’s given my idiot father! We prided ourselves as the leading magical research nation and we will turn away from this?”

“Diyu…”

“I will have you answer tons questions for me and for Cattleya after this!”

Everyone is fired up. None are going to back down.

And so are we!

“This will let me destroy that, right?”

“Don’t be hasty…!”

In an unexpected situation, Alstroemeria in Nirvana leaps off from the ground. It seems she plans to destroy Erestivatria with her new found power. I cannot exactly tell how powerful her Ki is and I think no one else other than Hydrangea and Senya can tell me.

Soundlessly, with no noise or anything, Alstroe immediately reaches the stratosphere.

However…that sensation brood over again to me…

That sensation when I faced…that devil…

Alstroe herself is confident of her power but…

“The young lass rushed it…”

“What do you mean?”

“You have seen him right, the Devil Joker?”

“What do you---?”

Ah…no way…

As I glance over to Alstroe who is about to exit this planet’s surface, someone came out of nowhere.

Destruction, grievance, and despair, all of those emotions are my joy! Whether it comes from Eresti or from Nil, it doesn’t matter. As long as someone gets dismayed, I don’t care about what happens to this world!

Revision or not, Nil, Eresti or even Nivalis, I don’t care who, I just want to spread despair!

Alstroe doesn’t have any reception for magic, less, for Arcana.

Devil Joker is purely made out of Arcana magic. In hindsight, there’s no chance that Alstroe, even with her boosted Ki, can feel Devil Joker’s approach.

From out of nowhere, a maddening sword made out of human skull…pierces Alstroe...

She had no chance of blocking it and had no chance of knowing when it will come…

Thus, fall to despair! Fall to your doom! Fall to a world of darkness!

The Devil Joker said so.

No matter…

It is nothing for me.

I know. I know it…

I am confident of Alstroe and I believe in her and she also believes in me. I offered her my life and she did the same.

Even if she gets stab now, I know that the only thing I should do…is to be beside her.

“”

“”

Hasu and Ichirou immediately dispel the Dual Possession.

No matter…

“Asagao, stop! Do you plan to follow her?”

“Master, that devil…is out of this world!”

Hasu and Ichirou tried to convince me but, I know better. Alstroe needs me right now.

“Asagao you are stayi--!”

“Shut your trap.”

Before Ichirou could grab me…Higan appears in front of him and aimed her claws at him. As same as Hasu, Casablanca, and Hibiscus blocked him.

“I believe that Asagao desires to go to Alstroe. I won’t let you stop her.”

Higan defended me. However, I need Ichirou for a reason too so I turn to him.

“Asagao…”

“Ichirou, throw me.”

“Huh?”

“Throw me…towards Alstroe.”

“You…you are crazy…”

“So?”

I don’t care what he feels right now. I don’t care what they feel right now. The only thing I care for now is about her. I look at Ichirou with a serious face.

He sighs in defeat immediately.

“Don’t blame me for any broken bones or ruptured muscle, okay?”

“Yeah.”

Ichirou grabs my body towards his embrace. I accepted it and dispose of any unnecessary emotions I have. I have to trail my mind for her.

Only for her, the person who understands me the most beside Nil.

“I’m going to jump now. Prepare your body.”

I nodded.

Ichirou then squats down are little and then…

BOOM!

He sprang from the ground at high speed. I can feel the wind resistance but the strength of Ichirou’s jump ignores all, however, it was not enough to reach Alstroe who is falling right now. It seems she lost her consciousness.

“Throw me now.”

“You are really reckless!”

As we reached the point where Ichirou’s launch slows down and halted, I said those words to him. It was quite a high altitude that even passes Merissa’s flying ship’s vertical flight height. The air is a little thinner but I can still manage.

Ichirou grabs me by my collar and swings my body downward, then with all of his strength, he flings me higher.

WHOOSH!

I can feel the speed of his throw…

I flew higher and higher where I even pass the clouds.

No matter, my sight is only directed to her.

I can see Alstroe slowly coming towards me as she falls. I can see myself slowly coming up to her as I was thrown.

And…

“Ooof!”

I catch Alstroe with my body, however, it is understandable that such clashing would be painful but I endure it. I firmly grasp Alstroe’s body in my arms so we won’t get separated. I can feel something warm…and it is blood.

That’s understandable. She was stabbed.

However, I am now here. I am now here with you. This is what Nil wanted to happen. This is what Nil predicted.

This is the secret that only you, me, master, and Higan knows. This is the power that I told myself to never bestow to you, however, you need it the most right now…

No, we need it the most right now.

The circumstances demand it and I am certain that we are going to be able to control it this time for you and I have already understood each other. You and I, the two of us, are mutually connected.

“I am here…I am here with you. You are not alone, Alstroemeria.”

Who is Alstroe for me?

Nonsense. The only answer I can give is…

“You are someone really precious to me.”

I said as I pull her face closer to mine. As we fall, I observe her clear and beautiful face.

“Asagao…you came…”

“Yes…I am here. You suddenly rushed it, idiot.”

“I am. I am so happy that…I am someone…precious to you…”

“Yes…”

Her consciousness grasping to a thin thread blinks in and out.

At the heat of the moment, I pull closer towards her face.

.

.

.

At that moment, the warmth of her lips was transmitted to mine…

This moment, this situation, I can feel that our bond becomes deeper…

“[Divine Ascension.]”

“No…that’s not it Asagao…”

As Alstroe’s body glows she mutters those words.

“I want to protect this world that everyone loves so much. I also know that you love this world. I know how dangerous this power could be but, for you, I will come to terms with it.”

“Alstroemeria…”

“I just don’t understand this world, I also understand you and everyone. That’s why…”

“[Nirvana Ascension!]”