Third Person

~

The sound of the bell for the break period pierced through Hamada high, causing all students to let out a collective breath of relief. Just a couple more weeks until they had to take their exams. Kira couldn't wait for the summer break to arrive.

She also couldn't wait for the inter-high qualifiers to be over. More practice matches had been scheduled and even without the matches, Kaito and Coach were working the team to the bone.

She sighed, making her way out of her seat and in the direction of a vending machine to get herself a snack of sorts.

After getting her drink, Kira found herself a quiet spot behind the school to let her thoughts settle. There were faint noises from other groups of students that occasionally passed but they didn't bother her and she was out of sight.

With her math test and volleyball practice at the forefront of her mind for the day, she'd barely let herself mull over the events of the night before. Kuro's near-death experience had shaken her more than she cared to show. She remembered the cold steel of the staff in her hand as she had the sharp edge resting on Akio's neck.

Even if she knew she would have given him what he wanted if he and Kuro had died together, she still wished she had been the one to end him. She should have been the one but she wasn't able to bring herself to do it.

She recalled Akio's words and her own sorry excuse of a reply.

'Tell me, Kira, how do you fight someone who has the backing of almost every demon and spiritual entity on two planes of existence?'

She really didn't want to go into deep thought about that but it wouldn't stop nagging at her. The best thing would be to ask Troy and Kuro but she had a feeling they had no idea either.

They were just three kids stumbling blindly, latching on to any string of opportunity that presented itself. Her grip on the soda can tightened, and tears of frustration were stinging in her eyes.

"There has to be something more we can do," she hissed through gritted teeth chucking the can at an open trash can a few feet away. It soared through the air, missing its destination to land on the ground, "Other than waiting for him to make a move."

She sighed, about to stand to dispose of the can properly when her phone buzzed, she pulled it out of the pocket of her blazer to check the name.

Kuro.

She picked it up and placed the device to her ear, "Hey Ku-"

"Ryu's awake! His parents just called to tell me," came the younger boy's excited voice.

"That's nice," she said with relief. She didn't doubt Troy's new abilities after witnessing how they'd saved Kuro but after what he'd said about Ryu's legs the other night, she'd learned not to expect too much.

"When are you going to visit?" She asked doing her best to push aside negative thoughts for now. She'd think more of them at the appropriate time but at the very moment, she had to be happy for her friends.

The pause at the other end stretched on too long for comfort.

"Kuro?"

"I was thinking...this all happened because of me, right? Maybe it's best that I stop hangin-"

"Shut up!" She cut him off before he could finish, "Don't you dare do that to Ryu, and don't you dare do it to yourself."

"Kira, I don't think I can stand seeing him until I find some way to heal him, it'll hurt too much," Kuro's voice was small, wracked with guilt and sadness, "I wasn't able to protect him, what if something like this happens again."

She dropped the can into the trash, wondering what she could say to make him feel better. She decided she would give him the same advice she gave herself when she met Ares. He'd given her a reason to smile at life again, just like Ryu had given Kuro something to hang onto.

"Akio's gone Kuro, don't let what he did stop you from living life for what you want. That woman can't hurt you anymore either so forget everyone in your past, let go of everything else that has happened, and let's focus on the people here now, on the future."

"It's not so easy to forget Kira, and I hate all these emotions inside me that make me feel helpless, I want to do something-"

"Then do something, take the first step and accept there's nothing we could to change the past. Life's too short to live in regret Kuro," she wished they were talking face to face instead of on the phone, she had no clue to know if her words were hitting home or not. If she could save their friendship, she'd do her damned best, "We're putting our lives on the line every day Kuro, it's sad that we can't be sure which battle is our last. Isn't it better to enjoy the little moments with people we care about?"

"I guess," came his reply after a while, "I can't stop hating myself though."

"Trust me, it'll fade over time, now get over to that hospital-"

"I want to go with you guys after school... please." He wasn't sure he could face Ryu alone.

Kira wouldn't push it, at least he was going to go, "Good," she couldn't help but smile, "I'll go tell the others."

***

Kuro stood in front of the Hamada high gates, watching as students trudged past him in groups and pairs. Their excited chatter reaching him from all angles, reminiscent of times past and a life that he wasn't meant for.

One he should back away from before it was too late.

He was buzzing with nervous energy, fighting the urge to run and hide. He'd ignore all the calls and maybe quit the team altogether.

Kira's words had only managed to ease a small part of his conscience but something didn't sit right with him. He wasn't sure what it was but before he could dwell more on it, Troy and the others arrived.

Kira was nowhere in sight.

"Vermillion forgot she hadn't taken permission to come late to her volleyball practice," Troy explained when asked.

"She also forgot she's on clean-up duty with Ayaka," Momo added.

"She said she'd meet us at the hospital once she's able to get everything sorted out," Haru informed.

Kuro nodded, a bit amused, leave it to Kira to forget multiple things at once.

"There's a store around the corner, let's get some cards and flowers before we start going."

All the way to the hospital, Kuro's negative feelings didn't leave and if the others noticed his unusual quietness, they said nothing, casting emphatic glances his way when he broke off from a conversation he'd usually pick up.

Momo reached out a hand but Jade stopped her with a subtle head-shake. Kuro pretended he hadn't noticed the gesture, he wanted to tell them he was fine but that would be a very obvious lie.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

The quiet lasted almost the whole trip until they arrived at the hospital. They were held in the waiting area for a few minutes before a nurse showed up to escort them to Ryu's room. Kuro couldn't help but wonder why Kira was taking so long.

On getting to the room, the first to break the silence was Momo who broke into a dramatic sob and threw herself at a shocked Ryu.

"Oh, thank goodness you're okay!" She bawled hugging him so tightly she was almost lifting him off the hospital bed. The nurse that escorted them paled, trying to pull the blonde girl off and explain Ryu was in no condition to be rough handled.

Ryu flashed an awkward smile towards everyone when he was released, tilting his head down a bit since he couldn't bow, "I wasn't expecting everyone to come," he said, surprise coloring his tone as he watched everyone drop their gift at the small table at the side of his bed.

They'd all gotten different packs of sweets and snacks along with their cards. Momo had been the only one to add a ridiculously large bouquet, ("because why not" she'd said).

Kuro gave a small strained smile to his friend as he walked up to drop his gift, it was then he caught sight of a small black feather in Ryu's grip. He was still staring when the other reached out to grab his hand tightly.

"You okay, Kuro?"

"I'm not the one in a hospital bed," he shot back with a mildly chastising tone.

Ryu let out a laugh, "I guess."

"Where'd you get that from?" Struggling to keep the apprehension from his voice, had Ryu been awake the entire time? Did he figure it out? Were they seen?

"Oh, this? You won't believe me but..."

Everyone leaned in to listen, Troy especially was giving Kuro a very disappointed look which indicated he had noticed the feather as well.

"There was this thing with wings flying out the window last night. With all the weird things about Demona and demons in the city, I got really freaked. The doctors said I must have been hallucinating because of the medication." Ryu explained a bit apprehensively, "But I get where they're coming from, I wouldn't be alive if a demon of sorts had actually gotten in here but it had to be real," He hadn't taken his eyes off the feather.

"Interesting, what did the doctors say about your progress?" Troy asked, subtly trying to change the topic.

Ryu's expression brightened a bit, "They said I healed much quicker than they expected, and I might not need to stay in bed for a month as they'd anticipated," he paused voice starting to waver a bit, "but...I might not be able to walk for a while...or ever."

A tense heavy silence hung in the air, Kuro hated how he could almost hear his own teeth grinding in frustration, "I'm sorry, Ryu."

The brown-haired boy waved it off, sitting up straighter and managing to look like he hadn't just delivered some terrible news about himself, "It's not like it's you're fault Kuro, I'll just have to get used to it," he shrugged, "Besides, when Mr. Vermillion and my parents were here earlier, the doctors said there was a chance. I'll hold onto that, and even if it doesn't work, I'll be the first astronaut with a wheelchair."

Kuro's lip twitched up in amusement, "You're... unbelievable."

"That's a great attitude to keep, Takahashi-kun," Haru spoke up softly, "Don't be afraid to reach out if you need anything."

"He's right, it won't be easy, but you've got friends to lean on," Momo added.

"We've barely known the kid a week," Troy stated matter of fact.

"Anyone who plays ball with me even once is automatically a pal, Zhao, don't sweat the details," Jade said shoving past him to Ryu's side, and addressed him in a more serious tone, "No need to hold 'em back kid, you can cry if you have to."

Ryu bowed his head unable to meet her eyes, quiet sniffs filled the room and the next time he spoke up his voice was a hoarse rasp, "Thank you, c-can I have a minute alone?"

They turned to leave, Kuro was about to stand from where he was seated on the bed but Ryu held on to his jacket.

"Can you stay?"

Kuro nodded, looking anywhere but at the other. Ryu pointed to one of the packs of sweets on the table and Kuro picked it up to hand it to him.

"Do you still want to be friends?"

Kuro's eyes widened, "Where'd that come from?"

"I mean it Kuro, do you still want to be friends with me, even if...I can't walk?"

"There's still a chance right, let's focus on that." The shorter male bit out.

"What if there wasn't? What if... I'm stuck like this forever?" Ryu asked in a shaky voice, "If you don't want to then it's fine, just be honest with me because things will be more frustrating if we fight about this later."

Kuro opened his mouth to say something back but then realized this was an opportunity, the best time to end things was now. He could leave so his presence wouldn't bring Ryu any more harm. That was the best option.

Then again, he didn't want to. It was the most logical thing to do but something, a force squeezing at his heart in his chest wouldn't let him say the word to end things. Was this the feeling Kira felt when she'd been told to leave her family to become Demona? She'd told him and Troy about the event but he never truly agreed with her decision.

Then, he'd thought to himself he'd leave his family if it was best. Now, facing almost the same decision, he couldn't bring himself to pull away. He wanted to stay by the other's side. The hurt in Ryu's eyes said the other didn't want him to go too.

"You're being over dramatic, you moron," he huffed out finally.

"That isn't an answer, lazy freeloader," Ryu said but a look of satisfaction washed over his features, his shoulders seemed more relaxed as he watched Kuro take one of the cookies from the pack in his hand.

"How's that for an answer?"

The moment was interrupted by the thud of hurried footsteps approaching the hospital room. The door was thrown open to reveal a very exhausted looking Kira.

Both her arms were loaded with shopping bags and she was panting as if she'd just run a marathon.

"I'm late, I know but trust me it's for a good reason," She said between harsh breaths, holding out the shopping bags, and walking in, "I couldn't decide on a present."

"You could have just gotten a card instead of going overboard, dumbass." Troy hissed, following her into the room.

"Cards are so last year," she waved dismissively, "Plus, Ryu-kun is a teen boy and we all know what teen boys like."

"Please don't say magazines." Jade sighed.

"I wouldn't mind magazines," Kuro muttered.

"Too bad, I got video games, mangas, and two pairs of AirPods," Kira grinned smugly as she put the bags on the floor.

"Why two?" Momo asked.

"I couldn't pick between red and black."

"How many video games exactly?" Haru asked studying the bags.

Kira shrugged, "I just grabbed the ones that looked interesting, he's going to be here a while so he'll need entertainment."

"That's way too much Kira-san, I can't possibly accept everything," Ryu said nervously.

"Huh? Why?! I spent so much money getting these!-"

"Exactly why," Troy cut in but she ignored him.

"You will accept them or face my wrath." She glared pushing one bag into Ryu's hand, he accepted it tentatively, casting a fearful glance Kuro's way.

"Just take it so she'll leave you alone." The other boy said sending a thankful smile Kira's way.

Ryu looked down at the bag then back up at Kira before flashing a smile of his own, "Thank you so much, Kira-san."

"What are Senpais for if not getting the best gift out of everyone?" She smirked.

"So that's what this is about?" Troy asked dryly.

Kira seemed to have realized she'd spoken out loud and let out a nervous chuckle, "I put a lot of thought and heart into them as well," she took Ryu's hand, "It's what friends do and you're one of ours."

Kuro stared, there was something about Kira, despite many of her shortcomings, that made her simply a comforting presence. One that made you feel everything would be fine if you just believed in her.

He couldn't have wished for a better person to work with.

***

Troy stood from his landing, letting his wings vanish as he neared their training area. With the amount of noise coming from there he was surprised the silencing barrier hadn't given way already.

He walked in to see Kira and Kuro in their costumes, putting together some sort of contraption that looked like a bench press but instead of weights, there were old cars stacked upon each other and tied with ropes that looked like they'd give way any minute.

Kuro was using some spell to weld pieces of the contraption together while Kira ran over with armfuls of spare parts.

"What the hell are you two morons doing?" Troy asked unimpressed.

"Kira said she wants to work on her arm strength," Kuro informed.

Kira stretched out her arms, "I think some of the fighting increased my regular strength, and if I have to work on how much I can lift with it, I'd have to lift heavier stuff."

"I'm sure there are reasonably designed weights in a gym, this thing could crash down on you."

"I'm pretty sure I can out bench all the guys in the gym and draw way too much attention." She returned flatly.

He had nothing to say to that so he gave his most nonchalant stare, "I hope it crushes you."

"Done!" Kuro exclaimed stepping back from the contraption.

"Alright! Wait, since I won't be sparing with Troy a while who-"

"I will," Kuro grinned, red eyes sparking, "If I learned anything from my encounter with Akio, it was that I'd gotten more relaxed over the years, and I need to improve a bit more. Can't let you two surpass me."

"You two already fought once wasn't that enough?" Kira said laying on her bench press contraption with a groan.

"That wasn't a fight," Troy said simply, sparks flying from his form as he began to glow, "I was going easy on you, brat."

Kira sat up.

"Same here. You'll need those healing powers when I'm done with you, Angel boy."

'They're really into this,' Kira heard Lucifer say in her head

She couldn't hold back a sigh, 'Guys.'