"Pain Is a Signal"

Meanwhile at the academy

In the day's end, more than half of the school grounds are empty. Masamune came with a report and stood in front of the doors of headquarter inside the school campus. He knocked on the door. No response from the inside. He knocked for the twice. Yet nothing happened. Impatiently he concentrated for a bit and heard someone is angry and yelling inside. He has a hunch of who it could be. Masamune pressed his ears against the door to hear better. He couldn't hear much except for a rough argument and suddenly someone opened the door. Masamune kept his balance and didn't fall down on the floor. Jonathan was standing in front of him holding down the door's knob. Jonathan motioned Masamune to get inside. He walked in and Jonathan closed the door. Masamune noticed Aya is shouting on men who are in commando outfits.

"So even after all, you'll blame the situation for the failure?" Aya is furious.

"We are but only five men, sir. On top of that we can't be everywhere all the time." One of them showed excuse.

Aya kept silent. Not because she didn't have any word to say but because she's fed up.

"If I remember correctly I think we went through this once." (Aya)

"We lack a good vantage point to observe. The compound isn't as we predicted." The commando went on.

Aya stood silent for a few moment with her teeth gritting one another, "You know what? I don't care. Get your arse together and do whatever it takes to avoid a second failure."

"Yes sir."

"I don't want your confirmation just leave and become useful for once! Get out of my sight!" Aya shouted.

They didn't say a word and started to leave.

Aya sat on her chair and gripped her head.

"Who was the one to plan out the commando strategy again?" Aya asked to Jonathan.

"It was official from the military." Jon responded.

"Do I have to go through every single detail myself?"

Jonathan stayed silent.

"All I see is buffoons." Then she noticed Masamune, "Enlighten me."

"Found him." Masamune started to walk to her.

Aya clenched her one hand with the other.

Masamune sat in front of her, "According to this, the last read of the tracker was on this construction site." He pointed at the map that he brought with him.

"What's he doing there?" Jonathan asked pointing his fingers down,

"God knows why." (Masamune)

Aya observed the map for a minute. Who knows what she's thinking. She marked the map with her pen. No one knows why she did that.

"Dispatch right away. Bring him in." Aya ordered Jonathan who is now standing beside her. She dragged the map aside across the table. Jonathan took it in his hand and rolled it up.

Jonathan and Masamune left the place together.

"And Masamune--" Aya stopped him.

"Yes GrandHel?" He turned back. Jonathan already left. Masamune saw the concern on Aya's face.

"Contact the Führer. I think it's time we prepare for the upcoming operation." Aya ordered him.

Masamune nodded and left.

Back at the construction site

*Click*

I kept my eyes shut. I didn't feel anything on my face. Just a second later I heard another clicking noise but no pain. I opened my eyes. The barrel's still pointed at me. What's happening here? Why isn't the gun working? I caught a glimpse of his face. Even he seems to be confused. Did it malfunction or did he mess up loading it?

I think I get it! After all, he just loaded one barrel. Before Agnvik could realize and pull the trigger again, I performed a sweep that hit his leg and he fell on the ground like splat. He lost grip of the gun and let go of it. I clenched my stomach with a hand to crumble up and started to dash away. He quickly recovered and grabbed the gun. Pointing the gun at my back he made the shot. Though I was away it hit me on the back but I didn't stop. The wide force of the shotgun caused less damage than it would've on point blank. I carried the pain and started to run.

Just a moment ago, I was paralyzed to move. I wonder how I still have the strength to run, or even walk. As I kept running, I saw a ladder leading down to the floor below. It must be the back side of the house and the ladder must be here for construction purpose.

I climbed no, I tried to run down the ladder but fell on the ground halfway. I stood up and moved it away to buy some time. I started to gaze around. It's pitch black here but I can see clear enough to make things out. I walked silently. I saw a table in front. Nails, wood pieces and waste stuff. Nothing I can use as offensive.

I placed my one hand on the table to keep my body up and rummaged through and found a torch light. I took my hand off and clenched my stomach again. I turned it on. The whole table got coloured in my blood. I am already having dizzy spells. I can't even keep straight. It hurts like hell.

I moved the torchlight away and took a better look around the room. It's big and the windows are sealed with planks. I am too engaged to observe the environment so I searched for a way out or anything useful. Unfortunately, there's no way out except a barricaded door but I found two pulleys with hooks and different counterweight mechanism for both of them.

I kept walking around but didn't discover anything much for a help. I kept making rounds and stumbled on something wet. I pointed my torch down and noticed it is my blood.

I quickly flashed the light around and realized the whole floor is painted red. It is because I was walking round and round. I turned off the lights. I think I can do something with those pulleys. I think I have a plan. I started to drag my body through the hall to cover it up with my blood.

"You know you were doomed right when I drew the first blood." I heard Agnvik's voice. I stopped moving and pointed all my concentration towards him. I narrowed my eyes. I think I heard another sound. Is he dragging something with him? I quickly realized he is dragging the leg I swept because I figured he is stomping his other foot to walk.

As he got closer to the ledge I covered myself behind the pillar. He jumped down and started to walk with one leg but he soon stopped on track. Game over, Agnvik. It looks like you fell for it.

I can say he is confused. Just as I have expected. My blood was all over the place. His senses spiked because of it. He can't point out where I actually am. He started to look around frantically. I wonder what kind of expressions he is making but it is fun to hear him panting. He started to take steps backwards.

"You were saying?" I came up in front of him and flashed the torchlight in front of his eyes.

He covered his eyes and started to move backwards. I took the chance and rammed him down the ground and knelt down on his chest. I flashed the light again to blind his eyes. He took the hatchet and started to swing with weak hand because he didn't have much grip on it due to the odd position he is in. I don't think I sustained any cuts from it. But that's just a prediction due to current circumstances. Before he could get a better grip I switched off the light and jumped off of him to fall behind on my back spontaneously. My body just rebounded. It is literally failing on me. I've already lost too much blood.

He got up as soon as possible. He started to look around him like a blind man. I can say he can't make out what's happening here at the moment. I mustered my strength and got up, running on the opposite direction. He hesitantly started to run towards me with the cue of my footsteps. I fell down and picked up a pulley rope which has a hook on the end. He bent down his body to catch me with his hand but I turned around and impaled him right away with the hook in his throat; right in the Adam's apple. Blood from his flesh shot on my face like an explosion. He gripped my hands and tried to take it off of the hook and I struggled to keep up. He tried to stand up and get off of the hook but I also put the floor under my feet. He swayed backwards and I stood on my toes to keep balance. Whatever he tried I countered it. He finally kicked me and I fell behind like tumbleweed.

I slowly crawled and took the hatchet that was lying on the ground and cut the rope which prevented the counterweight mechanism of the pulley. Agnvik almost had the hook detached but instead he got shot off the ground and started to hang from the hook. The hook latched deeper in his flesh from the shock and he started to kick with his legs.

I can see him trying to detach the thing but it's only getting worse. I moved to his right where a chain was lying which also has a hook on the end. I grabbed it, clenched my waist and impaled him on this side under the ribs. He kicked me and I got thrown back but the chain was already hooked to his abdomen. Keeping my head down I dragged my legs and crawled away then gripped the lever and pushed my hands down on the lever to get up. With every bit of strength left I hauled the lever of the chain. I kept rolling it and the chain started to tear out his guts.

Agnvik is already too much in a mess for a rescue. One last pull of the lever with all the strength, the hook got detached and tore him apart. I fell off behind because of it. I got up on my knees and moved to rest my back on the pillar beside me. I draw a look at him.

Agnvik has left his hands down off the hook. His intestines dangling like a chime. I breathed heavy. I quickly gripped my head which is aching inside. The explosions due to migraine numbed out my senses. I tried to shove my own saliva down the dry throat. The hardest thing I've tried out to be frank. It's literally burning.

Then I brought my arm forward that's shaking a lot. I wonder who's blood it is. I wiped my forehead with the shaking wrist of my hand. So cold it feels. My legs are too numb for the will to move. I unwillingly tried to get up but no use. I have overexerted myself.

I'm sitting still. 'Still'... oh yes... the word that I hate so much. Even in the end time, he had to order me to stay put. What was my fault? What is my significance?

587UY, Brandenburg, Germany, Pendragon

Akdteruß Mansion

"What is it?" Father finally took off his attention from the book in his hand.

"I don't like how mother always tries to cuddle up to me when I'm taking a nap." I wiped my off my wet eyes.

Father gently took up his palm and pressed hard against his face. Tears again started to form in my eyes. He started to giggle with his palm on the face. I pouted hearing to the sound of laughter.

"Oh Rayemond, you always complain about subject with the least of headache." I started to feel embarrassed at his expression.

"Come here--" Father grabbed me and made me sit on his lap.

I spread my legs on his and looked around. It is my father's office. The most wonderful place I have in my memory. The whole room was lit in sunlight that pierced through from the enormous window behind. It was made with only one floor so the ceiling was way high up. It almost looked like a dome with a concave hollow; clever piece of art. My heart was all content because of this room's beauty. I just can't stop but like how full this chamber is.

"She loves you. That's why she always keeps you close to her." He said.

I brought my eyes down, "But I don't like snuggling to someone like that."

"Right then, what would you do if the same thing was done by your wife?" Father made the question.

"Er..." I gripped my hands down, "I'd make her sleep on the couch and I'll sleep on the bed myself." I said looking away.

Father let out another laugh. I looked down with embarrassment as two drops of tear fell on the floor.

He slowly stopped laughing, "Life doesn't always give you what want. It has ups and downs."

"Not that again... I'm done listening to your... your... so called... er, knowledge!" I complained.

"Philosophy?" Father asked for correction.

"Yeah... that, thing... Whatever!" I felt more embarrassed as tears rolled down off my cheeks.

He yet again let out another laugh again but soon stopped, "Even I don't like a lot of stuff. Yet I have to deal with them anyway. Problems unasked for, inconveniences that is unanticipated."

"So what do you do to deal with them?" I asked gently.

"Huh? Well I just ignore them and take it as if it's for the good." He replied.

"What do you mean?" I turned my neck to face him.

"Well... I simply convince myself that this is how things are. I derive their purpose to make it power. Not my dislike or my inconvenience." He explained.

I looked down again and kept quiet.

Present

My father liked to explain stuff to me the hard way. It was philosophy he said. He boasted his knowledge to me. I was just a dimwit who couldn't decipher even an ounce of the statement he blabbered. But now I grew what it takes to understand his speeches. He told me to change the meaning of the thing I don't like but I wonder what I can make out of standing still.

My stomach started to burn all of a sudden. I think my senses have come to normal. I'm starting to get how messed up I am at the moment. I clenched my waist. I couldn't but it was worth the try. I feel like I'm floating. What is it though, I wonder. I can't see what's in front of me. My sight was adapted to the black environment not a moment ago but all went off now. I don't care really. I wonder what I should even do. It's like one of those moment when you think you have the grip on your mind but later you'll realize you're not in your right senses. Like waking up from a dream; the worst part, trying to remember the whole scenario for the sake of confirmation.

The backdoor of the house suddenly bombarded open. Blinding lights started to flash. Men started to swarm in. I can't handle the bright lights nor do I have the strength to cover my eyes from it. I guess I'm still standing still. I stood still when I was dragged into military. I kept still when I was being killed in Stuttgart. I kept still when Agnvik held the gun on me. I guess my father was right... standing still helps. I am not budging from my spot... I have nothing to lose... and you have nothing on me.

"Is he dead?" Jon asked a soldier.

"Negative." The soldier replied while checking pulse of my unconscious body.

"He doesn't look good, there's a clear hole on his stomach." Another soldier pointed out flashing the light on his M4 rifle.

Jonathan knelt down to check Raye's wound.

"It has to be gunshot at close point, sir." A soldier claimed.

"Get him evac and be quick about it." Jonathan ordered.

"Sir, there's a body here." Another one of the soldiers pointed out Agnvik's dead body.

"Is it suicide?" A soldier asked with the hanging part as context.

"No--" Jonathan took a closer look, "He's hanging on a hook also he's dripping blood. His abdomen is also torn off."

He walked away and started to look around with the light in his hand. Jonathan noticed the floor was covered up with fresh blood.

"Sir, there's another hook here." Someone pointed out.

Jonathan flashed his torch light on it. He picked it up, "Blood... did Rayemond do this? It explains how he managed to tear off that guy's stomach but I'm pretty sure that's a hard task considering his wounds. And it's highly unlikely of Rayemond to pull this off even at full health. Did he sustain the wounds after? Is this blood of this guy or Raye? See if there's any mechanism connected to this chain." Jonathan ordered.

The soldiers followed the chain's path. It was connected to a lever beside where I was resting. Jonathan walked up to it and checked the lever. It is stained with fresh blood.

A light from above shone on Jonathan's eye. He covered his eyes and looked up. It was coming from an unfinished ledge. It was the soldiers that entered the house from the front side.

"We found a gun here sir. A sawed off shotgun." One of the soldiers brought the gun.

"There was a pool of blood in the room behind but we didn't discover any bodies." Another one of them informed.

"So that's what happened... That explains how Rayemond got the wound on his stomach and lost the tracker. He came down here and used these pulleys to kill the man. But, why is blood all around the floor? It'd made sense if it was to an extent of area but the whole damn room is red." Jonathan presented his analysis. He is one of the greatest tactician in the history of Pendragon military and also Aya's pawn who strategies the rest of the pawns.

Jonathan came out with questions in his head. The soldiers were still looking for clues inside. He pulled out his cellphone and made a call.

*RING*

"I want good news. I hope the day won't end on negative remark with me and the world." Aya said from the other end.

"Says the bitch who uses it as an excuse." (Jonathan)

"Opportunity you mean." (Aya)

"Your sarcasm and light tone on justifying yourself never fails to amuse me." Jonathan smirked.

"I don't expect mongrels to understand the voice of god." (Aya)

"We found him; barely alive. Don't put too much hope on it. I think he'd die before even reaching there." He changed the topic.

"Yes, I was heading towards there anyway to catch up with the doctor. We have some issues to discuss."

"You are still on about it?" Jonathan asked.

"I trust him but that doesn't mean I expect him to understand or Lirik to comply with this." (Aya)

"Lirik's here?" (Jonathan)

"Who knows..." (Aya)

"And yet you want that kid on your side..." Jonathan hung up the phone after that sentence.

The ambulance with my unconscious body arrived. I was taken quickly to the ECU. The bed where I was kept didn't have much bloodstain. What do you expect? I lost most lf it. My wounds were already darkened. Most of the staff members marked me dead on the first sight but that was in their head and not spoken out loud. Everyone was harrowed on the sight of my ridiculous situation. They thought what could possibly be that I have gone through.

Chini informed Yuki and Alridge about it. But no one saw me that day except the doctors and nurse. Dr. Frankefurt attended to my surgery. A few hours in and I was finally in a breathing condition but still present with the horror of sudden death. The doctor really didn't put much hope on my survival.

It was hours past midnight, hours till the sun. Aya didn't leave the hospital. She stayed behind to have a few words with the good doctor. The doctor finally confronted Aya. He noticed the look on her face and he realized he was under her intuition. The doctor let out a sigh and prepared himself for the worst. One wrong move and he has to start for a long journey ahead.

"I can't say for sure if he'll wake up. I still blanked him out so expect him to wake up after a good sleep." The doctor stated.

Aya didn't say anything. She kept looking at her. The doctor tried his best to keep a straight face and he succeeded.

"Have you checked the other body?" Aya asked after a long silence.

"There's still time until the reports." Dr. Frankefurt replied.

Aya brought her cell phone up and typed something then put it back inside.

"I'll leave for now. I'll come to check back in evening." Aya turned and left without even a confirmation from the doctor.

29th May, 595 UY, Tokyo, Japan, Mirainr

Evening

*BEEP*

"Where is that harebrain. I haven't seen her all day." Aya took the phone away from her ear.

She looked out from the window of the car which is en route to the hospital. Dark and gloomy weather with wet roads; lights on the road are shining white. A different vibe the world is getting from the lighting in a purple sky.

"So what happened you say?" Aya asked Jon who is driving the car.

"I think Raye entered from the front of the house. He headed for the upper floors. We found a bit of blood trail along the path. The tests say it's Rayemond's blood. There was a pool of blood there which is the place I think he was shot at. A floor down from there we found blood too. A bit of it was the other person's who is assumed to be the attacker. But the funny part is the whole and yes, the whole room itself was covered with Rayemond's blood. It's a bit unsettling the fact that such a big hall was coloured as if he ran through it." Jonathan gave his theory.

"Why did he even go to that place?" Masamune questioned. He is sitting in the fron sit beside Jonathan.

"One way to find out." Jonathan spoke out.

"That one way might have already been barricaded by now." Masamune showed concern.

Everyone kept silent.

"So you found the chip?" Aya asked.

"Yes, blasted into oblivion." Masamune joked in his royal-like voice.

"That could've answered a lot about how Raye ended up there." (Jonathan)

"Nothing can be done now." (Masamune)

The car arrived at the hospital. Jonathan dropped Aya in front of the entrance and left with Masamune.

She entered the building then the elevator. She arrived at the third floor and found the doctor in front.

"I was expecting your arrival." The doctor smiled.

Aya start to walk and the doctor accompanied her.

"So who's the other one?" Aya asked.

"Nothing on him but the fact he is a demon." (Dr. Frankefurt)

"A demon?" Aya was surprised.

"Yes. That clarifies that this wasn't Chefarre's doing. Raye is still undiscovered by them."

Aya kept silent.

"But the concerning fact is that the demon is one of those who don't die from age." He stated.

"So, how old was this one?" Aya asked.

The doctor let out a sigh, "At least three thousand."

Aya stopped on her track, "Well, that explains I guess." She started to walk again, "So Raye just killed someone as ancient as him?"

"Seems like it. No evidence if he is the actual one to murder. But yes, the kid really excels. True the fact that we lose the ability to use Color as we age but still... to take a guy out like him is not an easy feat. But that is of course if he is responsible in the first place."

"And we have no records of who this ancient guy could be?" (Aya)

"Unfortunately, no... We have nothing." The doctor started again, "Oh I forgot to tell, he has been shifted out off the ECU."

"It hasn't even been a day." Aya stated.

"Yes I know but he's recovering at a tremendous speed. No human can do that. His wounds are bound to kill anyone on the spot. This is too much of a miracle." (Dr. Frankefurt)

"How'd he survive and recovering at such well pace?" (Aya)

"Don't know. There is no usage of Color in it and I don't think there's anything to do with his parental heritage after all... he-" (Dr.Frankefurt)

"No, that has nothing to do with this." (Aya)

”But it's most reasonable explanation." (Dr.Frankefurt)

They entered the room where I am resting, unconscious. A hard sting in the ear is the response Aya got for intrusion. Chini blew the blow horn she has with her. Lars was arranging the table in front of the couch. Yuki was shivering on the couch with a birthday cap on top of her.

"Happy birthday!" Chini jumped up and clutched Aya as hard as she could.

"Why couldn't I figure you'd be doing something stupid as always?" Aya let out a sigh while being squeezed.

"H-happy birthday..." Yuki presented her gift with groggy hands.

"Keep them aside for the moment." Aya told her.

"Yes!" Yuki took off and left the room with the gift. She was too scared to be around here at the moment.

"Here, have some cake." Chini took a slice and offered it to her.

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

"Please, now is not the time for this nonsense." Aya ignored her and turned around to the doctor.

The doctor is near my body; checking it.

"So, when will he wake up?" Aya asked.

"At this rate expect it to be two days from now." He predicted.

"This soon?!" She got astonished.

"Don't show me that expression. I went through it this morning." (Dr. Frankefurt.)

Aya's phone rang. It is a text message.

"I'll come back tomorrow then." Aya started to leave.

"You're leaving?" The doctor asked.

"Business beckons." She opened the door.

"What about the party?" Chini wanted her to stay.

Aya didn't reply and left already.

Chini groaned, "That good for nothing kid, can't even show appreciation. Fine, I'll eat all by myself!"

"She's better than you, you good for nothing NEET." Lars commented.

"Watch it, you might start to grow grass from your head." Chini gave her iconic snigger.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Lars asked.

Chini stayed silent then smirked, "Dimwit."

"Stop making jokes without proper context." Lars resisted.

"Are you sure that my statement is inappropriate?" (Chini)

"Well that's..." Lars swayed his eye away.

Chini sniggered again and started to eat the cake.

30th May 595 UY, Tokyo, Japan, Mirainr

Just as I regained consciousness the only thing that is floating before me is white. White plain stretched beyond my sights; nothing but plain endless white. I started to roll my eyes around.

Where am I? What is this place? What happened next after they broke in? Did I faint or is this the afterlife?

I started to walk around. I can't tell if I'm walking. I'm not sure if there's any ground beneath me. It's so clear here that I can't make out any motion.

"---" I heard some incomprehensible noises while walking.

I turned around where the noise is coming from.

I saw someone standing straight. My vision is still blurred therefore I can't make out who it is. I started to walk closer to the person. As I got closer my eye sight improved. I recognized the person. It was Agnvik but, he's colourless. His clothes are ash and his skin is gray. Does it mean I am like him too? I checked myself, I still retained my skin colour, wounds were on my body and fresh red scars.

I looked at him again. He was motioning his mouth. He's saying something but I can't hear properly.

Yup... this is the afterlife...

"... but the eyes... those beautiful eyes... what happened to those glowing beautiful eyes?" That was the first thing I heard when my ears got corrected.

"Eyes?" I asked.

"You look like a monster in those eyes." He commented.

"What are you talking about?" Does dying make people talk about Irrelative subjects?

"Oh, I see." He replied after a second of astonishment while moving his face away as if he is disappointed.

"So this is where I'll be staying for a while." He commented looking around.

"But you have a lot more to do." He added.

"A-are we dead?" His last line concerned me.

"I've passed away but you're still living." He replied.

"Then how are we talking with each other?"

"It's because of this place."

"What is this place?" I asked again.

"You should know better." He said with a narrowed eye.

"Wh-what? How come?" I am confused.

"So this is how things are. They recruited you for nothing. I wasted my life trying to kill you... for nothing." He blabbered.

"What are you talking about?" I asked.

"Ever wondered why that arrogant ass military hired you? Or shall I say, forced you to join?" He asked me.

I opened my mouth for the flies to come in.

"You, a pint squeak weaker than a darn ant and room with no possible improvements hired by the military. What could be the cause? They're running out of men now that they're recruiting humans; and a weak one on top of that? Well, I see much better options than a bean pole like you. Listen kid, you're here for a much greater purpose. So much so, it concerns both worlds." He burst that out fast and angrily.

"I did notice that something's off. But I have no clue." I said with a bit of guilt.

His expressions turned into more anger, "Your 'knowledge' on this subject bothers me even further.

The military waited for your response. I don't have patience like them nor wanted to take any chances. I came straight out and decided to kill you before you could form a proper alignment." He said.

"Ok, I'm lost, what are you talking about? What is the truth? What is with me? Align myself with what?" I got a bit angry now.

"Why should I say? I'm a resting soul now. I have nothing to do with you or your matters." He gave me the most assholish smirk in the history of assholes.

His expression turned serious again. He said, "But I will say this... no gods, no kings; only humans... not even demons."

What's that supposed to mean?

I tried to open my mouth but everything started to fade into black. The next time I opened my eyes I saw a ceiling light. My eyes wide open though they are not supposed to be this much tolerant to the blinding lights. I can hear beeping noises. I looked to my right. It came from various medical instruments. I tried to get up. But my whole body is sort of numb. I managed to drag and sat on the bed, resting against the pillows. I realized this is the hospital.

What was it that I just saw? A dream?

"Hmm... guess the drugs won’t keep a hardcore guy like you to keep sleeping for days." Chini commented who is sitting on the couch to my left.

I looked at her and didn't say anything. I was breathing heavy for some reason.

"Good morning or shall I say afternoon, you're awake a day early than your drugs should've kept you." (Chini)

"Good-" I checked the clock to make sure the time and cleared my throat, "-... afternoon..." I said slowly while turning my head left to Chini.

"Chini?" I called out.

"Hmm?" (Chini)

"Is it possible to interact with persons without physical contact?" I asked.

"Cellphone texting." She replied.

"That's not it." I made an unpleasant sound.

"What do you mean then?" (Chini)

"Say, can anyone meet someone else without going to that person physically but rather by telepathy or anything?" I explained.

"Telepathy can be used to communicate but to a certain extent. Two people can't converse simultaneously even if both persons are telepath. They can send their message to other person's mind but one at a time at a short range." She said.

"Why do you ask?" She asked me.

"It's tha-" Wait, should I even say this to her? They're keeping secrets from me; Secrets that concern over me; something dangerous. If I tell her something about this, they might take it the wrong way, "Nothing. I just had the weirdest dream in my entire life." I said.

Before Chini could say anything else Lars and Yuki entered the room; both wearing school clothes.

"You're awake!" Yuki got excited.

They walked and stood beside my right.

"We were worried if you'd gone to coma." Lars showed concern.

"We were worried you might end up dead. Actually we thought you'd die." Chini said with a sniggering voice.

"Oh, Chini-chan, don't scare him like that." (Yuki)

"C'mon, can you believe he survived a point blank gunshot with excessive bleeding. And to add more insult to his injuries, he's recovering like nothing happened. He even opened his eyes a day before the drugs effect should've ended." (Chini)

"We should feel lucky rather than disappointed." Yuki said to Chini.

I sniffed through the air, something sweet caught my nose. I looked at the table on my left, cake?

"Oh, that piece is saved for you. It's two days old though." Chini said.

"Thanks..." So generous of you, Chini-sour-chan.

"What's the occasion?" I asked.

"We celebrated Ai's birthday yesterday right here, in this room." Chini said.

"It was your idea, right?" I asked her.

"Yup." Chini replied.

Yup, that's Chini for you.

What kind of hospital authorities allow people to celebrate birthday parties in patient's rooms? Military hospitals of course.

"Ma'am's birthday huh? How old is she now?" I asked.

"It's rude to ask-" Yuki started but,

"19." Chini the rule breaker.

"Woah, appearance can be deceiving!" I said.

"C'mon she doesn't look that old." Chini stated.

"No, no. It's just that I got the wrong impression because of her rank." I said.

"Huh, that's true." (Lars)

The door swung open breaking up the conversation. I turned my head to see the intruder. It was ma'am.

"Good afternoon, ma'am." I greeted her.

She stood there for a second.

"And happy birthday, I just heard your birt-" I couldn't finish my line. She walked fast up to me and smacked me right across the face. The slap felt more cold and painful than the gunshot I just experienced. Yuki shrieked at the sound of the smack. Everybody stood still. Lars was a bit shock at Aya's actions.

"Who do you think you are to do as you please? On what basis did you leave the compound?" She was angry than your average mother.

I brought my head up and glared at Lars. He looked away with a guilty expression. And ma'am once again slapped me on the face; the right cheek this time.

"Don't try to blame him for your actions." (Aya)

Judging her reactions, I decided not to reply and kept my head down.

Aya started to walk out.

Just as she turned around I started, "I had something to ask."

Aya stood on her track.

"This war between us and the demons is way beyond the tolerance of human beings. For their sake they were kept away from this matter and the mages literally torn them apart to keep them under control. Though they can be used as an advantage we still keep them away. And in this hell, I, a weak and impotent person was forced to join the ranks. Even though it's obvious that my survival rate is low; even if the first priority of mages is to keep the humans safe, I was shoved into this menace. So I ask, why was I forced to join after all the efforts? Why did you guys break the rule which was the most important?" And waited for her response.

I kept my head down... waiting. Everyone is quiet with only the beeping noise present. Ma'am started to walk out of the room.

She opened the door, "I hold no obligation to answer your questions." She left us with those words.

"I can't believe you're asking a question like that after such a long time! I thought you knew the reason why you were taken into the military." I never saw Chini so astonished before.

"Then tell me the reason." I demanded with a rough tone.

I think this is it; the moment of truth; the answer that is needed.

"We lack cute men in the military." She winked.

I let out a long sigh.

I lied down again to rest but someone intruded. It is two men, Jonathan and Masamune.

"How's it going, Akdteruß?" Masamune asked in his ever pristine demeanor.

"I hope you're ready to open up everything you went through that day." Jonathan dragged a chair and sat beside me. Masamune sat beside Chini in the couch.

I sat up again and kept silent for a moment. "I wasn't feeling myself so, I decided to skip classes and head out--" I started to unravel the incident.

"It wasn't Chefarre after all." Aya talked into the phone.

"And his condition?" Tyler is the one speaking to her from the other end.

"Don't ask if you don't want to have a stomachache."

"And to summarize it?"

"Do you want to see gravity in space?" She looked out of the window beside her where she is standing; at the end of the hallway.

"Alright, I had enough of that."

"We went through a big failure. I'm not letting this happen a second time. And if it does, it's time we give up on Rayemond." (Aya)

Tyler let out a long sigh, "First you drag it this far and now you're giving up?"

"I never said I'm going to get it done no matter what. Situation changes so does my decision."

"He is not a toy." Tyler protested.

"Unlike fools, I change and so does my actions according to circumstances. My ego is not set on one path." Aya finished her statement.

"You know people will bring your downfall for that two faced attitude." (Tyler)

"Deep inside you know well how two faced I am."

"I just said thinking about how others will respond. I'm sure you realize how ignorant men are."

"Yes. Yes I know."

Tyler didn't respond for first few seconds, "I will check on you again sometime."

Aya disconnected the phone.

31st May 595 UY, Tokyo, Japan, Mirainr

Hospital

"So..." Chini stretched, "How was the sponge bath?"

"Sensational." I said with an annoyed voice.

"What was the reason for those moans? Your sensitive body or..." She narrowed her eyes, "The nurse?" What an evil tone.

"No, it's not!" (Raye)

"I was right to send her to give you the sponge bath." She grinned wide.

The door swung open and three people entered the room. It is the von Schleeves and Yuki.

"Hey there you all!" Chini greeted them.

"Thanks for letting us see him today." Michelle thanked Chini.

"Pfft... no sweat." (Chini)

Michelle turned to me and pace walked towards me, "You're not hurt much, right? Are you feeling well? Did they take care of you properly?" She started to run her hands over me and checking my wounds.

"Clam down, I'll be fine." I assured her.

She made an unsettling noise.

Then I noticed Alridge. He has his eyes locked on Chini. Chini noticed he is staring at her and she gave a wide grin.

"Hey Raye?" Alridge turned his head towards me.

"Yes?" I responded.

He pointed his finger at Chini and asked, "Is she legal?"

"What kind of question is that?!" I scolded him.

"Huh? Legal for...?" Chini asked.

"You don't have to know!" I scolded her too.

We all talked for a while, killing time. A bit later, everyone went silent.

Yuki walked up to my left and started to fill the glass with water resting on the table. Michelle was sitting right next to me on a chair. Alridge and Chini was on the couch.

It is awkward silence.

Everyone seemed to be frozen. Then out of nowhere Chini took a sharp turn and started to glare at Alridge. Alridge got spooked at first. Chini started to make motions with her eyes. She is looking like a clown. Alridge realized she was trying to give him a message but he couldn't understand. He was all confused while Chini started to glare at him harder.

"Oh right, I have to go to the washroom. Excuse me." Alridge stood up like a rocket and walked out in a jiffy.

With another sharp move Chini turned her head to Yuki. Yuki almost dropped the glass in her hand.

"The jug is e-empty. I'll b... bring some water." Then she left too.

Chini gave a wink at Michelle and started, "I think they are selling ice cream out there. I'm going to go and take a bite. Excuse me." Chini hopped off and left.

Who sells ice cream in the rain?

We are the only two present in the room. We both were silent for a while.

"Hey, Raye?" Michelle called me.

"Hmm?" I responded.

"Why did it go like this?" (Michelle)

"I... I don't know."

"You know, I tried to meet you before but they wouldn't let me. But thanks to Ms. Graham I was able to meet you today." (Michelle)

"Oh." (Raye)

Silent mode engaged for a second time. I look away to the opposite direction of Michelle.

"I was thinking..." She started out of the blue and held onto my arms, "Why do you have to go through this? Aren't you a human? Aren't humans supposed to be kept away from this because they're powerless; Then why? Why are you getting dragged?" (Michelle)

I kept quiet.

"So I was thinking... that... you should come with me... to Sweden."

My eyes elevated a floor above. Is she nuts?

"If I talk with my aunt she will surely make the necessary arrangements." She started

I tried to open my mouth to talk.

"We can present laws to the court and ask to keep you out of the war since you're a human. My aunt will take your custody. She is a lawyer. I... I am sure things can be sorted out. Then the three of us can live together." She gripped my hand tighter, "You can live with me leaving behind this meaningless struggle."

I kept silent over a minute keeping my other arm to cover the eyes.

I let go of her hand, "I'm really happy that it's possible Michelle"

She started to smile; her eyes glimmering with joy.

"Honestly speaking... I don't want to be a part of this war Michelle. I can't take up the cruelty anymore."

Michelle tried to start but I continued my statement, "But... I just can't leave this behind. I have this force within me that's screaming to go forth. Though I had the chance to protest against the decision... I did not. For some reason... something... I just can't."

"Raye..." Her eyes softened up.

"It's really a paradise while living but... I..." I couldn't finish.

She kept silent. A mere moment later her phone beeped. She checked her phone and stood up, "I'm sorry Raye but I have to leave for today."

I moved my hand from my eyes.

"See you later then." I said soft and silently.

"Yes, good night Raye." She left.

My heart sank. I don't know if I hurt her feelings. It's not like I can go even if I wanted to. But yes, in the end, the reality is I don't want to.

The rain is creating a weird sensation in me. I'm yearning to see what's outside. I'm going through the same feeling that a person spawns when they've been kept out of the nature for long.

I sat on the edge of the bed. Electrodes and other pipes are still hooked onto me. I took them off slowly; one by one.

I gripped my knee tight and stood up on one shot. Bad idea, my stomach felt as if it got torn. I covered my hands around and tried to shake off the feeling.

I tiptoed towards the door and swung it open slow and steadily. No one's around at the moment.

I walked out of the room barefooted. There's a door on the right coloured red. I looked up, 'Fire Exit'. I turned around. Great, no one's watching. Guess I'll take a trip.

Michelle walked along the corridor and arrived in front of the elevator. She stood aside and tapped her toes as the elevator approached.

"I'm asking the same question to myself." Michelle overheard Dr. Frankefurt. Aya is also with him. She is carrying an umbrella with her.

"With the wounds he have he should be screaming in agony at the moment. But he is like it doesn't matter. A clean hole in the stomach is enough to take over a month to recover. Not only he is healing at a tremendous speed but he is awake and active. If it was any other patient, he or she would be lying unable to move and probably in coma." The doctor elaborated Raye's situation.

"So his wounds are still damage on his body but his state isn't in the way it's supposed to be; recovering yet not a scratch." (Aya)

"Simply put, yes" The doctor replied.

"How long till he can go to school again?" Aya asked.

"Judging his condition, I suggest he stays here at least over a month"

"Good, I want him in action within two weeks."

"Two weeks are not enough."

"I don't care." Not even the slightest budge in her tone.

Maybe Michelle wanted to say something to her but the elevator door opened and Jonathan along with Masamune arrived. Aya turned around to greet both of them and her eyes got locked onto Michelle's. She felt a bit intimidated and headed into the elevator room. Aya took off her attention and onto the duo again.

"I have a bit work now dear." The doctor left the three.

"It seems Rayemond has something hiding in him." Aya stated.

"Yes, he shouldn't be even awake this early not to mention he is acting completely normal. But yes, the wounds are wounds and they are still a burden on his body." (Masamune)

"And what about the doctor?" Jonathan asked her.

"The doctor is off the hook. This isn't Chefarre's doing nor the doctor has any involvement. And now that we know the demon who attacked Rayemond is ancient it's pretty obvious that the enemy were behind this all along." She replied.

"So it seems he knew why we forced Rayemond into military." (Jonathan)

Masamune started to walk towards my room. Aya and Jonathan started to follow him; a few steps behind him.

"We can't say it's all thanks to luck but Akdteruß held up good all by himself." Masamune complimented him.

"Yes, his actions might not be the smoothest but it's most effective on the point despite the thorns along the way. The blood trick was enough to checkmate Agnvik." (Jonathan)

"He might just take up on your spot as the tactician."

"Yes, that kid has more balls in that head of his than his body. I want to prepare him for the Duke's test."

"You got the dough for that?"

"Tyler said he'll take care of all the expanses."

"I will be also giving that after my wedding but only once."

The atmosphere is getting worse with every second passed. Three lightning struck consecutively creating a havoc of crackling sound.

Masamune opened the door and froze on spot. His one leg in the air and his hand held onto the knob. Jonathan came up behind him and looked inside. I was not in the room at the moment. Masamune entered and looked around for something.

Aya is still outside. Another lightning struck and the flash caught her attention. It came from the window inside the staircase room just beside. The door is swung open.

"I'm reporting to the authority and preparing a search team." Jonathan swiftly started to walk along the corridor.

"That's not necessary." Aya stopped her.

Jonathan turned around.

"You two get inside the car and wait for me. I'll be joining in five minutes." She prepared her umbrella and took the staircase, heading up.

I am sitting on the pipeline facing towards the sky. I can't see though. The rain drenched my hair and it's blocking my view. I feel depressed after all that's happened.

"What are you doing here?" (Aya)

I recognized it's Aya's voice. I didn't show even the slightest motion of surprise. I don't even care actually.

"I was bored back in my room." I talked to her coldly.

"So getting drenched seemed a better option?" (Aya)

"I just wanted change of scenery but I basically don't like the rain."

"The rain?" She looked up, "I think I like it." (Aya)

I hear her footsteps. I think she's walking up to me. My head is down and vision is blocked so audio is the only cue I have at the moment. I figured she is standing right in front me. I pulled my neck up; can't see anything though.

She squatted down and balanced the umbrella on her shoulders. Then she brushed the hair off of my sight with her hands.

And this is the point from where my perspective on her changed forever. Though in this dark weather everything should look dead and invisible but she... it is as if the dark atmosphere was blooming out her beauty.

Her Prussian blue hair is shining in the dark. Though it was tied up to her neck length anyone can say that it can roll off longer than average women have; maybe more.

Her dark navy blue eyes were dazzling a light in the night. Her eyes have the clearest shade before absolute black. That's just how much brightly dark her eyes are.

I noticed my jaw was hanging in mid air.

She stood up and bent down. Then she stretched her hand out to me, "Let's go, Rayemond."

I noticed her arm. Even in this environment her hand is glowing. Her skin complexion is beautifully bright. It was getting drenched in the rain.

I took her hand and she pulled me up. The hand felt comfortably warm. I kinda feel groggy

She started to walk back inside escaping the rain. I was still standing there astonished.

Was she always this beautiful...?

To Be Continued

Name(s), Character(s) & other element(s) are subject to change without notice. Many element(s) of this franchise might be taken over to another resulting a ban to this franchise.

5th February 2018