Gazing out at the endless blue expanse of the ocean, I am enveloped by the cool embrace of the wind, feeling an overwhelming sense of serenity wash over me. I am not sure how I came to be here, but I cannot bring myself to leave this place, this feeling of utter peace.

"Don't be afraid," a voice, one that is familiar yet whose owner I cannot place, speaks up beside me.

Turning to see the man with the blurred face that I have encountered before, I am filled with a sense of unease as he takes my hand in his. "Rory, you know that no matter what happens, I will always be by your side, right?" he adds, trying to reassure me.

Confused and unsure, I ask, "Who are you really?"

"But you know my situation, don't you?" I find myself saying, my lips moving of their own accord. My hand moves away from his and rests on my chest as I continue, "And you're not a part of this."

Though I cannot see his face, the tension in his hands betrays his reaction to my words. He laughs, a laugh that is familiar yet rare, and replies, "Rory, even if I turned my chest inside out, it would still be you." As he speaks, tears fall from his eyes, echoing the crashing of the waves against the shore.

I do not understand.

Why do these images flit through my mind?

Why do I want to comfort this man, to tell him the words he wants to hear, even though I do not know him?

But why can I not do so?

As I slowly opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was the dark skies exhibited by the windows. I lay there for a moment, trying to orient myself and get a sense of where I was. I could feel the soft sheets beneath me and the familiar contours of my pillow, but for a moment, everything felt hazy and unfamiliar. I noticed that my forehead was damp with a wet towel, and my whole body was shivering with cold. It wasn't until I sat up and stretched that I remembered the dream I had been having - a vivid and surreal experience that left me bewildered and confused.

With a sigh, I rubbed my eyes and tried to shake off the last vestiges of sleep, and there I saw Raphael sitting beside me. He leaned and tried to hold me down on my bed, placing the damp towel back on my forehead. "Rory, lie down for a while. You might get dizzy."

Frowning, I protested. "Dizzy? Why are you talking like I am ill? That's impossible."

Brushing aside the cloth he placed on my forehead, I felt dizzy and gasped in surprise. "I used to be invincible to any kind of disease," I grumbled, resting my arm on my thigh and burying my head in my hands.

"I'm not sure, Rory," said Raphael, his voice laced with concern. "I don't want to think that your mortal vessel might be faltering."

I ran my tongue over my dry lips and leaned my head back against the pillow, trying to clear the cobwebs from my mind. "It's not that simple," I said, turning my gaze towards him. "Any leads?"

He shook his head, a look of frustration crossing his face. "Not yet."

I couldn't help the feeling of despair that washed over me. "Why do I get the feeling that it's impossible for us to find the one who summoned me hehre?"

We've been in the mortal world for years now, but I still haven't been able to find the one who called me from below. I can't even remember their name or face, or why they called me; I don't even remember how we were separated.

"Aside from eating Coreen's pain..." Raphael changed the subject, a hint of sadness in his voice. "...has anything else happened?"

I was about to respond when something he had said to me yesterday came back to me.

"One-sided love is like a ferris wheel without a man controlling its lever."

"It's unpredictable and lacks control. It can be scary, exciting, or even difficult to navigate feelings but at its core, it deeply yearns for someone to love it back, to guide it. And I will always choose that to be you, Aurora."

"Raphael," I called him, stopping my voice to sound suspicious of him.. He didn't look at me right away, busy cleaning up the supplies he had used to heal me. When I caught his attention, I asked the question that had been weighing on my mind. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

I saw him pause for a moment, not even looking at me. I noticed the movement of his Adam's apple before he forced a laugh. "Why would you ask that?"

I raised an eyebrow at him and waited for him to speak. I stayed like that for a minute, but I still didn't get anything from him. I took a deep breath. "I think Cupid stopped time and told me to stop what I was doing."

Raphael's eyes widened in shock and he dropped the glass he was holding. It shattered on the floor, the sound echoing at the entire room. I sat up, trying to make sense of the situation, but I was frozen by the look of horror on Raphael's face. "What did he say to you?"

"N-nothing," I stammered, avoiding his gaze. What was I feeling? Why was I nervous under Raphael's gaze?

I looked away. "He just stopped time and told me to stop what I was doing."

"Don't listen to him," he said, his tone sounding like a threat.. "And be more careful from now on."

"I don't need you to tell me that," I snapped, feeling a sudden surge of defiance. "I can protect myself."

"Y-yes," Raphael stuttered. "I just worry about you."

"You don't have to," I insisted and averted my gaze. I brought the quilt closer to my body until it covered my chest , trying to ward off the chills that were running through me. "Do yourself a favor and focus on finding the summoner who can help us return home."

***

Art is a tapestry of connections - between vibrant hues and sweeping brushstrokes, between the artist and their muse, and between the finished piece and its audience. In the same way, the success of a school project depends on the connections and cooperation between the students involved.

Each student brings their own unique skills and experiences to the project, much like how different brushstrokes or colors contribute to the overall composition of a painting. When students collaborate and draw on their many perspectives and backgrounds, they can produce creative solutions and fresh ideas, similar to how an artist pulls inspiration from various sources to create something genuinely unique.

Unfortunately, no matter how this idea may sound noble and beautiful in theory, in practice, we seem to be doing the opposite, for reality does not always align with one's ideals

"I can't believe you didn't prepare your part for the roleplay!" James exclaimed, throwing his hands up in frustration. "We've been working on this for weeks and you still haven't learned your lines!"

"I'm sorry, I've just been really busy with other classes," replied Karen, her voice laced with guilt. "I'll make sure to have everything memorized by the presentation."

"That's not good enough," James said sternly. "We all agreed to put equal effort into this project. Your lack of preparation is holding us back."

"I know, I know," said Karen, bowing her head in shame. "I'll do better, I promise."

"Aurora?" My fellow group member approached me amidst the heated argument, a hint of concern in her voice. "Would you mind accompanying Jiana to purchase the props for our roleplay?" she inquired, her eyes pleading for my assistance. Without hesitation, I nodded my agreement. She gestured to the woman with long, flowing black hair and icy eyes, silently beckoning her to stand. Rising from her seat, Jiana followed me out of the room, her footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

As we made our way to the school supplies store, the silence between us stretched on, yet I had no desire to fill the emptiness with idle conversation. Instead, I focused on the task at hand, carefully selecting the materials we would need for our props. When our shopping was complete, we stood in line to pay, lost in our own worlds.

Emerging from the store, I couldn't help but notice Jolly Bee, the fast food restaurant across the street. A sudden pang of hunger hit me, and I turned to Jiana with the intention of inviting her to join me for a bite to eat. However, the expression on her face stopped me in my tracks. She seemed lost in thought, her gaze fixed on the restaurant as if deep in contemplation.

Furrowing my brow, I wondered if she wanted to eat there.

"Are you hungry?" I asked. She didn't acknowledge me, instead turning on her heel and walking away. I called out to her, my voice taking on a pleading tone. "Please, let's grab a bite at that Jolly Bee?"

Pausing mid-step, she glanced at me out of the corner of her eye, studying me for a moment before slowly nodding her agreement. As we approached the entrance, I paused and handed her the bags containing our props.

"Jiana, I'm just going to the bathroom. I'll just be in the bathroom. Why don't you order for us and find us a seat?" asked, my feet already moving towards the bathroom. Instead of heading to the bathroom like I had said, I lingered by the side, watching her unnoticed.

If I had to describe her right now, she looks like a lost child. Directionless. Adrift in her own thoughts. I don't know what she's going through, but I need to claim the heavy feelings she's carrying and make them mine.

I waited for her to order and sit down before pulling out my cell phone. It was a good thing Raphael gave me the phone we use when we have clients. I've named it "Lovely."

My gaze never left Jiana as I dialed her number, using the magical connection I had imbued in the device to reach her no matter the distance.

"H-hello?" she answered timidly.

I leaned in closer, the urgency in my voice palpable. "Do you not enjoy Jolly Bee?" I asked, my eyes fixed on her face as she paused at my question. A small smile touched her lips, and she chuckled, even though she knew I was just a voice on the other end of the line.

"No," she replied, her gaze drifting towards a joyous family seated nearby. I nodded to myself, understanding dawning on me. Family troubles weighed heavily on her shoulders.

"Doesn't the line 'Jolly Bee brings joy' resonate with you?" I joked, although my tone was anything but humorous.

Jiana let out a sigh on the other end of the line. "It used to," she said, her voice heavy with sadness.

Taking advantage of the relative solitude in the dimly-lit restaurant, I gestured with my hand, conjuring an ash-colored flower. Running my fingers over its delicate petals, I asked, "Have you ever thought that one day you'll enter the food chain and all you'll think about is eating and having fun?"

Jiana stared off into the distance, lost in her past again. She bit her lower lip, clearly struggling to hold back tears. In that moment, she could have been the star of a Jolly Bee commercial, her pain and sadness so palpable. I wanted to laugh, but I knew I had to stay focused on my goal: getting what I want and reaping her pain.

"Yes, but I think it will take a long time," she finally replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

I smiled and prepared my hand. "Well, let's speed things up," I said. "I'm the Pain Reaper. I can grant your wish."

Jiana let out a sigh and a small laugh. "Is this a joke?" she asked, a note of hope in her voice.

"No," I replied seriously. "I can remove all the pain in your heart, Jiana. But in exchange, you have to give me some of your important memories."

Jiana looked down at her lower lip, which she had been biting nervously. "But I don't know if you'll get anything worthwhile from me. I buried them into my consciousness a long time ago.".

"It doesn't matter," I told her. "What matters is whether you'll accept my deal or not."

Jiana looked around, checking to see if anyone was close by. After taking a deep breath, she gazed out the window and gave me her answer. "Fulfill my wish, Pain Reaper."

I wasted no time and gently caressed my arm. My grimoire automatically emerged and I was enveloped in ash-colored light. The ground beneath me began to soften and time came to a halt. I closed my eyes and allowed the grimoire to flip through its pages until the verse I needed to recite appeared in my mind. The words and letters flowed into my consciousness slowly.

"Roses are red," I softly opened my eyes and gazed upon the flower in my hand.

"Violets are blue," I held the flower to my chest.

"Memories are dead," I spoke as I plucked a petal.

"The soul is anew," I pronounced the final words, and the petal was consumed by the ground. The ash-colored light vanished and Jiana was now fast asleep at her table. The props remained with her, but I had faith that they would not be disturbed while I stood guard. I surmised that Jiana would only sleep for a little while to process what needed to be removed from her.

I saw a joyful family eating at Jolly Bee in Jiana's memory. Their laughter played on repeat in my ears, as if there was no end in sight. They were so full of cheer, as if nothing had been stolen from them in this time. However, when the man's cellphone rang, they paused slightly. He quickly ended the call and resumed their happy bonding.

Though I did not hear Jiana's full story, I knew of her life's narrative. She was a product of a broken family and, I suspected, even bore witness to her father's infidelity and abandonment.

Jiana was asleep when I left, so I wrote her a note, informing her that I had left ahead of her. My dorm was not far, so I could still walk there. A lot of things happened today, but thanks to Jiana's pain, my energy is at the top again.

I turned to take the shortcut for me to go home as soon as possible, but I quickly stopped on my track when I saw a butterfly. It flew right in front of my eyes, and it was glowing in a purple-blue hue, so I could not miss it.

That wasn't an ordinary butterfly. My muscles tensed up, warning every fiber of my being to anticipate any potential threats. Butterflies are known to represent life and death in some cultures in this world. I had enough with the person who could stop the flow of time and warn me, and I would not want an additional enemy on my list, who owns these enchanted butterflies and may want to harm me as well.

"I'm Dabria, and let me tell you what I know about you." I quickly looked up when I heard a voice from above and my eyes widened from what I saw. It was a figure of a woman, sitting atop a building, with her black wings spread out like a dominating shadow amidst the rowdy city.

Dabria? That's her name? I'm not sure but it sounds familiar to me.

"First, you find a way to get close to your victim. Your sensitive with emotions and you use that to your advantage." She jumped from her perch to stand in front of me, her movements as swift as the wind. "Second, when you finally know their weakness, you use it for your own gain, regardless of its effect on your poor victim."

She lifted her head and retracted her wings, fixing her sharp gaze at me. This allowed me to get a clear view of her appearance. Her short, purple hair was disheveled and her bangs covered her forehead. Her eyes were a deep shade of yellow and it felt like it was penetrating the depths of my soul.

She smirked and continued. " And third, using your enchanted flowers, you'll turn your victims into a feeding ground, eat their pain, and acquire their precious memories. Do I get it all right?"

Raphael!

In my desperate search for help, Raphael's name was the first to come to mind. But try as I might, I couldn't move a muscle. All angels have this effect on me whenever they grace me with their presence. It's not exactly new to me, but it was too late for me to recognize the creature in front of me. She's dangerous.

Dabria grabbed my chin and brought her face close to mine. "What kind of being are you, Aurora?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity. I tried to speak, to get her to retreat, but my lips were trembling and my throat was as dry as a dessert. My knees were starting to give out beneath me, and I felt that her grip on my chin was the only thing holding me up.

This ethereal being is stronger than me. Her mere presence weakens me and I needed to get away from her as soon as possible, or else, I'll disintegrate in front of her eyes.

"Oops. Wait," she said as her phone rang. She answered it immediately, still staring at me and holding my chin with one hand.

"Oh? Jiana Aliana Hiroshima, right? Of course. I offer excellent service, don't I? Your wish is my command!" She grinned as she spoke, her laughter quickly disappeared as she uttered the next words. "As long as I can eat your soul after your life comes to an end."

I froze at her words.

T-this can't be...

She ended the call and instantly pulverized a butterfly on her shoulder without blinking. I don't want to think about it, but I strongly suspect that the butterfly she just turned into dust is no other than the soul of Jiana, my classmate and my recent victim, whose soul is now in hell.

"Dabria..." I muttered her name through gritted teeth, my eyes narrowing in recognition. "How could I have forgotten one of the angels who fell with our King, who also betrayed him in the end?

She's Dabria, the angel of death.

Her smile grew even wider. "Nice meeting you too, Aurora."

"Likewise," I said, trying to match her tone. I couldn't let her presence intimidate me now. Angels and demons have been clashing since the beginning of time, so it's only natural for us to be each other's nemesis and wrap our hands in each other's necks.

"Pain Reaper..." she said, scrutinizing my face. "How long can you keep this up, hmm?" she added, running her finger across my face. She even sniffed my hair, causing me to shiver at the gesture.

"Now that you know what I do with my victims, are you going to kill me?" I asked with emphasis.

Her gaze darkened. "Are you challenging me?" she asked, her voice dripping with amusement.

I just smiled in response. If she wanted to play games, I would give her a good run for her time. Let's see who backs down first.

She closed her eyes and smirked, finally retreating her hands. She brushed her hair out of her face and looked at me again. "Don't worry," she said. "I won't do anything for now. But..."

She leaned in closer to me, pulling me towards her by my waist. "The safest path you can take is with me."

I pushed her away in an instant, resorting to a defensive stunt because of what she said, and that made her grin.

"See you around, Aurora," she playfully said, winking before walking away and releasing a butterfly from her shoulder.

I inhaled sharply as I was finally able to move my body again when she left. My knees lost their strength and I collapsed onto the ground, looking helpless and vulnerable. I held my chest and felt my heart pounding.

Dabria almost had me if I wasn't careful. Her presence was so strong that she was able to shake me, even though we are both different beings. I don't know how I managed to face her earlier, but I'm glad she didn't push me further.

I leaned against the wall and thought about Dabria's last words to me.

"The safest path you can take is with me."