A month has passed since I entered the Tokyo Bunkyo Spirit-Master High-School. That means the schoolyear is already 2 months in, as I joined in later. The final roster for our winter-cup selection will be decided in roughly 3 months. I need to reach the top 10 by then if I want to participate. This is easier said than done as I still need a lot of points.
I am making quite the name for myself as I manage to quickly rise in the ranks. However, as more people get to know of me, it keeps getting harder to find opponents. I am starting to understand why Devi bet all his points to persuade Suzaku.
Getting to know new people is also quite hard. The guys from my class do not really like me as they say that I am arrogant. I know they actually dislike me because most of the girls in our year have confessed to me. The only guys I know are Enji and Sato. Enji usually avoids me, but surprisingly enough, Sato is actually quite nice to me now. His version of being nice at least. Ever since our battle, he seems much humbler. I will never forget the day after, when he came to school with a bald head, acting as if nothing happened. I had honestly forgotten about that part of our bet. I did not admit to that as he might have felt even worse.
Most of the girls from my class are too embarrassed to talk to me as I have rejected them. I was just being honest with them, but according to Himari, I was a bit too honest. She is teaching me how to be more social. Himari is the only real friend in class that I have. She is just easy to be around. I guess Mei is nice to me as well… A bit too nice maybe. She scares me sometimes.
All and all, I am not really popular. Especially compared to my brother. Everyone in the school likes him. Even the girls who he rejects are cool with him. I can understand why though. He is a genuine guy. Maybe I should ask him for advice. After my first day at school, he seemed to be angry with me about something. Luckily, he acted normal again the next day and has been ever since. We have gotten really close lately. I walk to school with him, I lunch with him and his friends, I teach him magic, and we sleep in the same room. We are inseparable. His potential is also beginning to shine through. Someone just needed to show him the way. I think he will make a great adversary in the future. Sadly, as much as I want to see him succeed, there can only be one to stand at the top, and that will be my spot. I simply can’t neglect the promise I made to my father.
1 INT. Ayami House – Morning
I am sitting at the breakfast table with my brother while Aki is cooking in the kitchen.
Devi: I have no battle today, again! The higher you are ranked; the less people want to battle you.
Dani: I have one against this second-year student, but he was only willing to bet 2 points.
Devi: Well, that is not going to shoot you up the ranks either.
Dani: Tell me about it. Not a single first-year even considers battling me anymore and most of the second years are now only willing to wager low amounts of points.
Devi: I understand them a bit though. You have stolen a large number of points from the second-year students already. You are quite notorious in our year.
Dani: I need more.
Devi: You have a lot more points than I did last year around this time.
Dani: Yeah, but not enough to reach the top 10 before the winter-cup.
Devi: Competing in the winter-cup in your first year is almost unheard off. You will probably need around 2000 points, but you are just over 400 and nobody is willing to battle you already.
Dani: I just have to beat someone in the top 10 for all of their points.
Devi: Nobody in the top 10 is going to bet all of their points and risk throwing away their chance to participate in the big tournaments.
When Devi said the word risk, something in my head clicked. If it is a negative risk for someone in the top 10, then I could be a positive risk for someone just below the top 10.
Dani: Then what about someone in the top 20? There are some students who have over 1500 points, who are not eligible to compete. 500 points will be enough to get them in the top 10. How could they resist the chance to steal those 500 points from a first-year student?
Devi: Hold on… You might be onto something there. A lot of third-year students have their final chance of competing. It is already an all or nothing situation for them. Why did I not think of that last year…?
Dani: Thinking is simply not your forte big brother.
Devi: You really have a low opinion of me, don’t you?
Dani: Just your intellectual prowess, otherwise I think of you very highly.
Devi: Thanks, I guess.
Dani: Now we just need to choose a victim.
Aki comes walking in with our food.
Aki: Enough with the scheming. You guys need to eat your breakfast and hurry on to school.
Dani: Oh, before I forget. I have something for you.
She seems taken aback by what I said.
Aki: You… have something… for me? Why, you did not have to that honey.
Dani: Well, you allowed me to stay here so it is only fair. I will go get it in Devi’s room.
I walk upstairs.
Aki: Did you know about this?
Devi: I had no idea; he came up with this himself. I told you he loves you. He just needed some time to get used to the situation that is all.
Aki: I wonder what it is. Oh, who am I kidding. I will love it either way since my dear son got it for me.
I come walking back down the stairs. I take my seat and hand her an envelope with her name on it.
Aki: You wrote me a letter? How sweet. Next time write mom instead of Aki, okay honey?
Dani: It is not a letter, just open it.
Aki opens the envelope. As soon as she sees what is inside, the smile from her face disappears.
Devi: What is it?
She pulls out a stack of money from the envelope as her eyes are close to tearing up.
Aki: Why?
Dani: Because I have been living in your house and eating your food for the last month. What is wrong? Is it not enough?
Aki: You are not living in my house. It is our house. Why would you pay me rent? Your brother does not pay me to live here.
Dani: Well, you are his mother. I mean…
Aki throws the money on the table and walks off. She runs upstairs, hiding her face. Devi looks at me angrily.
2 EXT. Sidewalk – Morning
We are walking towards school. I am kind of confused about what just happened.
Dani: What was that all about?
Devi: I thought you were smart but turns out you are just an idiot.
Dani: What do you mean?
Devi: Have you truly not noticed? You are treating her as if she is not your mother.
Dani: I mean, I know she is my mother, but she is not really…
Devi: Don’t even finish that sentence. I guess you are not an idiot but just a jerk.
Dani: Can I not be conflicted about what she is to me? I have only known her for a month.
Devi: No-one is blaming you for that. What I am blaming you for is the fact that she does everything for you out of love and then you react by trying to re-imburse her with money as if you were a nuisance to her.
I don’t know how to respond to what Devi just said.
Devi: What does she need to do, to make clear that she loves you?
Dani: She does not need to do anything for me.
Devi: Then why can you not accept her? You seem to have accepted me as your brother.
Dani: That is different. That felt natural, this does not. You cannot just tell me to have a bond with someone when I am unsure of my feelings.
Devi: You are right. I cannot tell you to do that. However, I can advise you to make up your mind about what you want before she gives up. Then you have missed out on the chance of having the most amazing woman in the world in your life. If that happens… make sure you will not regret it.
Devi and I both remained quiet after our little word exchange. We did not speak for the entire walk to school after that. When we arrived at school, we both went our separate ways without saying goodbye.
I am sort of mad at him. Why does he think he can decide that stuff for me? I wonder if we will be eating lunch together today.
3 INT. Student council office – Morning
The student council president Sakamoto has called someone into his office before school. He is making a deal with a mysterious figure.
Sakamoto: I have a problem that needs taken care off.
???: What is in it for me?
Sakamoto: Well, you are an outstanding Spirit-Master, but we both know how small the chance of becoming a professional is. It is a good idea to have an education to fall back to.
???: Get to the point.
Sakamoto: Well, with all due respect, but your grades are not particularly… adequate. A recommendation from your student council president could help a lot with your college application. Right?
???: I guess.
Sakamoto: Well, I would be willing to help you out with that, if you could take care of an issue that I am currently experiencing. An issue by the name of Devi Ayami.
???: Ayami huh. I do have some unfinished business with him. How much points do you need him to lose?
Sakamoto: The amount 300 will be enough to have him removed from the top 10 and will leave you without a risk of losing your current rank.
???: You say that as if there is a chance of me losing?!
Sakamoto: I was merely entertaining all possible outcomes; however small their odds might be.
???: Hmm.
Sakamoto: So, do we understand each other?
???: Consider it done.
4 INT. Classroom of class 1C – Day
I am staring out the window while in thought. I know my social skills are lacking because of my past solitary life, but lately I cannot seem to say or do anything right. Was I in the wrong this morning? Maybe I should ask Himari what she thinks.
Somewhere else in the classroom, Himari is talking with Mei and 2 other girls.
Mei: Dani seems to be deep in thought over there. I wonder what is bothering him.
Girl 1: Speaking of Dani, has he asked you out yet Himari?
Himari: Huh? Why would he ask me out?
Girl 2: You two seem awfully close. In fact, you are the only person that he seems to talk to.
Girl 1: Yeah, I even heard a rumor that he rejected everyone in class because he is in love with you.
Mei (In her mind): NOOO. I knew she had the upper hand, but I did not realize that I was losing to her this hard.
Himari: Where did you hear that?
Girl 2: Everyone is talking about it. He immediately sat next to you on the first day.
Girl 1: Maybe it was love at first sight? How romantic.
Mei: Well, who believes in that, he-he-he.
Himari: I just help him out with stuff since he is new. He has not really shown any interest in me particularly.
Mei: You hear that girls, just friends. You know, spreading rumors like that is not really a good character trait.
Girl 1 & 2 (In their mind): So transparent…
Girl 1: Well, you never know. Look, he is coming this way now. Maybe he is coming to ask you out hi-hi.
Himari: That is not going to happen guys. Let it go.
I approach Himari’s table.
Dani: Hey Himari, I want to talk to you about something. Can we meet up after school?
Himari suddenly starts to blush while her friends start to scream. What did I say wrong this time?
Mei (In her mind): Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
Himari: Uh… I… What do you want to talk about?
Dani: It is kind of private, I will tell you after school okay.
Mei (In her mind): Is he going to ask her to be his girlfriend?
Himari (In her mind): Is this a date? Should I ask him if this is a date?
Dani: Well can you? We can go to this café in the city which has separate rooms. I want to be able to talk to you in private.
Himari’s face is flushed and her friends start screaming again. Maybe I should have just texted her this.
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Mei: He is so direct. I know it means I lost, but I like him even more now.
Himari: S-sure.
Dani: Great, it has been weighing on my brain all day. I need to tell you about it as soon as possible.
Himari (In her mind): He can’t wait to tell me what? Is this really happening?
Dani: Oh shoot, I forgot. I have a battle. Well, we can meet at the café. I will come straight after I win. You can wait for me there if you don’t mind. I will text you the address right away.
Himari: O-okay, see you then.
As I walk away, I hear her friends screaming again. I am so confused. What is wrong with the people here.
Girl 1 (Whispers): HE ASKED YOU OUT!
Mei (Whispers): Well, are we certain he asked her out?
Girl 2 (Whispers): Come one Mei, there was no doubt about it.
Girl 1 (Whispers): He might even ask you to be his girlfriend. What will you answer him Himari?
Himari slams her head into the table.
Girl 2: Himari?
4 INT. School cafeteria – Day
It is finally lunchtime. Devi is eating lunch with his friends in the cafeteria. I would usually join him, but he seemed a bit mad at me this morning. I guess I will sit somewhere else by myself.
As I am eating my lunch, Sato suddenly approaches me.
Sato: Hey…
Dani: Hey Sato. What’s up?
Sato (Whispers): Is this seat taken?
Dani: Huh? What did you say?
Sato (Loud): Is this seat taken?!
Dani: Oh… Uh no go ahead.
He sits down at the chair across from me. We are just quietly eating our food for a while. It is kind of uncomfortable, so I try to make conversation.
Dani: I see your hair has grown back.
He stops chewing and looks at me angrily. I guess that was a sensitive topic. It is silent again for a few moments.
Sato: Hey.
Dani: Hey?
Sato: During our battle.
I see he has trouble with the rest of the sentence he was about to say.
Dani: Yeah?
Sato: You were strong.
Did he just compliment me?
Dani: Thanks, you were strong too.
Sato: I’m not.
Dani: What do you mean? You were stron…
He interrupts me.
Sato: You don’t have to lie to make me feel better! I know I am weak. I knew it back then too. I was just being arrogant to compensate for my weakness.
Dani: Why are you putting yourself down like that?
Sato: You don’t know what it’s like! You are strong. You and your brother are both strong. I see you at school together. You are even friends with him. You can never know how I feel.
Dani: Do you have a brother too?
Sato: I do… But he hates me.
Dani: What do you mean?
Sato: He says I put the family name to shame because I am weak.
Dani: Who the hell does your brother think he is, talking to you like that?
Sato: My brother is actually the second-ranked battler at this school.
Dani: Huh? How come nobody ever mentions that.
Sato: Nobody knows. I always go only by my first name because my brother does not allow me to go by my last name. He says I don’t deserve to use it.
Dani: That must be rough.
Sato: He is not wrong though. He is better at me in everything. I constantly try to prove myself to him, but I always end up failing. That is one of the reasons why I was so hostile towards you from the start. Since we were both the younger brother of a top 10 member, I wanted to proof myself.
Dani: Sato…
Sato: But then you reminded me again how weak I was.
What should I say? I don’t have the social skills to make him feel better. What would Devi say?
Dani: You should stop comparing yourself to him… or me… or anyone. You are Sato… uhhh
Sato: Fukuhara.
Dani: Yeah, you are Sato Fukuhara. That is enough. If your brother disagrees then he does not deserve to be your brother.
Sato: Thanks Dani. You are a good guy.
Dani: You are not so bad yourself.
Meanwhile Devi is lunching with his friends at another table.
Devi’s friend: Why is your brother not lunching with us today?
Devi: We had a disagreement this morning. He is probably still bothered by it.
While they are talking, a large masculine student walks up from behind.
Devi’s friend: He will come around. That is natural between brothe… uhhhh…
His friend looks like he is staring at a monster. He signals to Devi that he must turn around.
Devi: What’s wrong?
As Devi turns around, he sees the huge masculine student standing behind him.
Devi: Fukuhara senpai… Can I help you?
Fukuhara: You, me, after school, battle.
Devi: You want to battle me?
Fukuhara: Did I stutter?
Devi: Okay, I am down. I was actually aching for a strong opponent. How many points are we betting?
Fukuhara: We both bet 300 points.
Devi’s friend: 300 points?! Devi don’t do it. You will be kicked from the top 10 if you lose.
Devi looks excited.
Devi: I accept.
Fukuhara walks away.
Devi’s friend: Why did you accept that?
Devi: This was exactly what I needed.
Devi (In his mind): If I win this, I will be ranked above Sakamoto senpai. That will proof to him that he was wrong about me a month ago. Should I tell Dani about my battle? Nah. He is probably too stubborn to come anyway.
5 EXT. Battle zone – DAY
The rest of the day passes quickly. During my last class I sat next to Himari. She did not seem like herself though. She couldn’t really make eye contact with me and kept getting red. Maybe she is feeling sick.
I am currently in the middle of my battle, but my head is not really in it. I keep thinking about Aki, Devi, and Sato. Everyone in my life is going through something it seems. I should finish this up and meet Himari in the cafe. She was also acting strange now that I think about it. What is going on with everyone.
As I am in thought. Luna finishes of my opponents’ spirit with a shadow ball.
Spectator 1: That guy is really strong.
Spectator 2: I know. In all the battles that I have seen from him, he has not taken any damage.
Spectator 1: You are right. Plus, his spirit does exactly what he wants without him giving any orders. It’s like they can read each other’s minds.
Dani: Okay, that was that. Let’s go meet Himari.
As I walk out of the battle zone, a person with glasses is standing near the exit. He is applauding me with really slow claps. He looks like a manga villain doing that.
Sakamoto: Dani Ayami, that was some great battling as usual.
Dani: Sorry, do I know you?
Sakamoto: No, forgive my rudeness. I have not had the pleasure of introducing myself to you yet. My name is Atsushi Sakamoto. I am the Student council president at this school.
Dani: Oh, my brother told me about you.
Sakamoto: I hope he has not recited our entire history together. Otherwise, your image of me would be tainted to say the least.
Dani: I guess he left some things out as my image of you is still intact.
Sakamoto: Well either way. I saw you battling on my monitor for a measly 2 points, so I figured you did not know yet…
Dani: Know about what?
Sakamoto: As I thought. I just wanted to inform you that your brother is actually engaged in battle at the arena.
Dani: My brother? He said he did not have any battles today.
Sakamoto: Well, it was a rather unexpected match. Nonetheless, I think it will bode you well to go have a look. From the looks of it, they are already nearing the end stage of the battle.
Dani: Who is he fighting?
Sakamoto: I suggest you go see for yourself. Sorry for keeping you. Farewell.
He was a weird guy to say the least. He did pique my curiosity though. I decide to run towards the arena.
6 INT. Battle arena – Day
As I enter the arena, I first notice that there are next to no spectators. I guess the battle was actually spontaneous like Sakamoto senpai said.
As I walk towards the spectator’s area, I can finally see the battle zone. When my gaze meets the fighters, my mouth drops. I see that both Devi and pyro, are in a really bad condition. They look like they are both on their last leg. What happened here?
As I look around me in disbelief. I see Sato sitting a few rows below me. I run towards him.
Dani: Sato, what happened here?
Sato: Oh Dani. I was just about to leave the school area when I heard people say that Fukuhara had a spontaneous match for 300 points. My curiosity got the better of me, so I went to check, and it turns out that your brother is fighting my brother.
Dani: 300 points?! That means Devi will be out of the top 10 if he loses.
Sato: Yeah, and it is not looking good for him. The battle has been going on for a long time. Your brother can not seem to pierce through my brother’s defenses. His spirit, Ruck, is a stone golem spirit.
Dani: Are Pyro’s attacks not connecting?
Sato: They are, but Ruck’s defense is too high. He is just constantly defending himself and my brother while my brother attacks with magic. Human magic is of course not as strong as spirit magic but as the match goes on, the damage starts to pile up.
Dani: I find it hard to believe that Pyro’s attacks are not doing any damage, but my eyes speak for themselves.
Honestly, I have not seen Devi and Pyro battle for over a month. I have no idea if they have become stronger or not.
Devi orders Pyro to attack Ruck another time. Pyro charges in with his claws but they bounce back on Ruck’s hard skin. Ruck seems to have taken a position which increases his defense even further.
As Pyro ricochet’s off Ruck, Fukuhara makes pointy rocks appear from the ground which hit Pyro.
Devi: No, Pyro!
Devi (In his mind): He can’t take much more like this. We are at the verge of losing. I have to find a way to pierce through.
Fukuhara: You know Ayami, it feels good to bring back some honor to my family name by crushing you.
Devi: What do you mean?
Fukuhara: The thing is, I actually have a kid brother just like you do. He goes to school here too.
Devi: What does that have to do with me.
Fukuhara: Well, when your brother showed up to this school, he transferred into my brother’s class. He then proceeded to battle my brother on the first day and he even defeated him.
Devi (In his mind): I remember that kid. He is Fukuhara senpai’s brother?
Fukuhara: Imagine the look on my face when I saw my brother at home shaving off all of his hair, only to hear that it was the penalty for being beaten by some kid on his first day. A first-year student took all his points, robbed him from his hair, and tarnished our family name.
Devi: If you had seen it, then you would know that your brother fought valiantly. He brought no shame to your family name.
Fukuhara: Don’t you lecture me about that good for nothing brother of mine. If I had seen it then I would witness him bragging about himself with his big mouth, only to not land A SINGLE hit on his opponent.
Sato and I can see that our brothers are talking about something, but we can not make out what they are saying as we are too high up.
Devi: How can you even talk about your brother like that. He is your family.
Fukuhara: He is absolutely nothing to me. He constantly tries to prove himself to me, but he is weak. He is an embarrassment to our family name. I will never acknowledge him.
Devi suddenly starts to laugh.
Fukuhara: What are you smiling about.
Devi: It’s just… I can relate to your brother.
Fukuhara: What are you talking about?
Devi: The thing is… I am also the weak brother. I also constantly think that I need to prove myself to him. I want him to see me as an equal. To have him acknowledge me.
Fukuhara: Then you are just as pathetic as my brother is.
Devi: That is true. I am pathetic. However, my brother accepts me as I am. He believes in me and drives me to do better. I feel sorry for your brother that he is stuck with someone like you.
Fukuhara: That is some awfully big talk for someone in your position. You do know that you are about one hit away from being beaten.
Devi: That is the thing. It does not matter if I win or lose. Either way, my brother will be there for me. However, if you win then you feel entitled to trample all over your brothers’ feelings. And that is something I cannot allow to happen.
Fukuhara: You don’t even know him.
Devi: I don’t have to. As a gift from one pathetic weak brother to the other, I will not let you win this match.
Me and Sato look at each other with a surprised face.
Dani: What are they doing? They have just been talking the entire time.
Sato: My brother always waits until his opponents attack to strike. However, if Devi does not manage to deal damage this turn then I think, he will be done for.
Has Devi forgotten about his breathing exercises? Can he still only supply this little magic to his spirit after a month of training? Maybe he has already ran out of magic.
Fukuhara: Okay, then put your money where your mouth is. Come at me. Defeat me for my little brother’s honor. I’d like to see you try.
Devi (In his mind): Okay buddy, this it. I am supplying you with all the magic I have left, just like we practiced. I am charging everything to my necklace. Receive my feelings Pyro. Receive the feelings of Fukuhara’s brother. I know you also have a brother that you consider a rival Pyro. Put all of that in our next attack.
What is happening? I feel an enormous surge of power coming from the battle zone. Is Devi doing this? Has he improved this much?
Sato: Do you feel that?
Dani: Yes, Devi and Pyro’s emotions are perfectly merging. They are completely in synch right now.
Devi: Okay Pyro, let’s show them what two weaklings can accomplish together. Hit him with all you got. Dragon Dive!
Fukuhara: This attack is going to be stronger than the previous ones Ruck. Take your ultimate defense position. We are going to take back our family honor here once and for all.
A layer of energy in the form of a dragon collects itself around Pyro. Fully charged with this mysterious power he charges towards Ruck.
The two spirits clash, but it looks as if Ruck is holding its own.
Fukuhara: Hold it Ruck! If you hold him back, then we win.
Ruck is not moving an inch. It looks like he is able to hold Pyro off with his defense.
Dani: COME ON PYRO!
Devi faintly hears me screaming and looks over. He spots me in the spectator’s area.
Devi: Pyro! This is our chance to prove ourselves! Show our rivals what we can do!
As Pyro and Ruck are clashing, the energy around Pyro’s body suddenly starts to grow. He begins to push Ruck backwards a few inches. He needs just a little more to push through, but Devi is supplying him with everything he got.
Devi: I know you’re giving everything you got buddy. I am as well. Still, squeeze out every last drip you can spare! DO IT FOR THE WEAK GUYS!
Sato hears Devi’s warcry. He gets an immediate tear in his eye upon hearing this. He sees them pushing through even though they are outmatched.
Sato: The weak guys… Does he mean me? Does he feel the same as me? Someone as powerful as him?
Sato runs towards the battle zone. He starts jumping down the rows of chairs.
Dani: Sato, where are you going?
Suddenly Ruck comes to a halt again. Pyro is not moving him backwards anymore. His power is diminishing.
Fukuhara: Ha! He is losing his power, the moment he bounces off I will strike. That’s what you get for saying cringey one-liners like that. Just give up already. The power of friendship or whatever you are trying to speak into existence is not going to help you.
Devi feels Pyro’s power diminishing. He closes his eyes while he plans to hang on until he collapses. Even though his mind thinks he lost, he cannot stop fighting.
As Devi is about to drop to his knees, he hears a sudden cry coming from his left.
Sato: DO IT FOR THE WEAK GUYS!!!!!!!
Sato has run all the way down from the spectator’s area to the side of the field. Sato is screaming his lungs out while tears are streaming from his eyes.
Fukuhara: SATO?!
Devi looks over to the side of the field and his gaze meets Sato’s eyes.
Devi: It’s that kid who fought Dani. Fukuhara’s brother.
Dani ran after Sato and now also arrives at the side of the field.
Dani: Oi Sato, what are you doing running of suddenly? Why are you crying?
Devi: You would not understand Dani. But I hear you loud and clear Sato. Our feelings reached you, and now yours have reached us.
Both Devi and Pyro start to smile.
Devi: If we can’t do it for ourselves Pyro, then let’s do it for him.
Devi charges these newfound emotions into his necklace. His own resolve was not strong enough, but his resolve after seeing Sato pushed him over the edge.
Pyro’s energy starts to surge even higher than before.
Fukuhara: That is not possible. What is this, some stupid manga or something? How are they doing this?
Devi: You also wouldn’t understand senpai, but after today you might! Go PYRO!
Pyro breaks through Ruck’s defense and charges through towards Fukuhara.
Fukuhara: NOOOOOO!
Fukuhara gets run over and is knocked out. Ruck de-materializes into his ring.
7 INT. Student Council Office – Night
Sakamoto was watching the match between Fukuhara and Devi. He turns off the monitor that displayed the match.
Sakamoto: This was an unforeseen outcome. However, something tells me that I should take this as a sign.
He turns his chair around and leans his head on his folded arms.
Sakamoto: Devi Ayami. Perhaps I judged you wrong.
8 INT. Battle arena – Day
As Fukuhara wakes up again, Sato is sitting in front of him.
Sato: Sorry, I was cheering for your opponent. I was crying even. That was pretty embarrassing.
Fukuhara: It was.
Sato looks sad.
Fukuhara: But I was even more embarrassing today.
Sato laughs at his remark.
Fukuhara: Well, I guess I have to swallow my pride and congratulate the opponent.
Dani: That is going to be difficult.
Fukuhara looks at Devi who is fast asleep.
Dani: He passed out straight after the battle.
Devi literally gave his all during that battle. It was inspiring to see. Since he was sleeping, I decided to carry him home on my back. I completely forgot about Himari who was waiting for me at the café. I hope she is not too mad at me.
9 INT. Ayami house – Night
We arrived back at the Ayami house. I still have to confront Aki after tomorrow. Luckily, I have gained a newfound understanding thanks to this idiot on my back.
I open the door.
Dani (Whispers): We’re home.
Aki: Welcome home. Why are you whispering?
As I enter the living room, she sees Devi passed out on my back. We put him to bed together and I explained what happened at school.
Aki: Wow, so he is currently the number 3 ranked Spirit-Master of the school.
Dani: Yep, you should have seen him. He was amazing.
Aki smiles as she pictures her son battling.
Dani: I actually wanted to say something to you about this morning.
Aki does not say anything but looks at me piercingly.
Dani: Honestly, at first, I did not think that I did anything wrong, but when I was walking home with Devi on my back, I realized something. I was not carrying him because I felt obligated to do so. I did not even think of it as a burden. I did it because he was family and I wanted to help him.
Aki still does not say anything but keeps looking at me.
Dani: If someone would offer me money as if I would otherwise have left him there, then I would be offended too. I finally realize why you were insulted this morning. It was because I treated you like you were obligated to care for me, while you actually wanted to care for me.
Aki remains quiet.
Dani: I therefore wanted to say the following.
She looks at me expectantly.
Dani: I… I am sorry… Mom.
Aki starts to tear up.
Aki: Apology accepted Dani.
She wipes her tears away.
Aki: The truth is, I am also in the wrong. I know I can force this mom thing on you too much which scares you off. So, I also want to apologize to you. I will try to tone it down.
I see that she wants to hug me but feels hesitant. Should I do it this one time, to make up for tomorrow?
I spread my arms out.
Aki: What are you doing?
Dani: What does it look like? I am trying to give you a hug.
Aki: Really?
Dani: Please do it quick, this is really embarrassing.
Aki hugs me back.
Aki: I am glad we had this talk honey.
Dani: Me too, now it is on to the next person I have to apologize too.
Aki: What do you mean?
Dani: I was supposed to meet up with this girl, but I completely forgot about that. I left her waiting in a café without reaching out to her.
Aki slaps me straight across the face.
Dani: Ouch, what was that for? We were having such a nice moment.
Aki: How am I ever going to have grandchildren if both you and your brother don’t know how to treat a girl right. You go upstairs to your room now and you think about how you can make it up to her! Do I make myself clear?
Dani: Alright jeez.
I walk upstairs with a sore cheek. Aki is smiling. I don’t know if it is because of the slap or because I called her mom. I do know that I should not piss her off in the future anymore.
Current School Leaderboard:
1. Sawamura: 3510 6. ???: 1955
2. Fukuhara: 2312 7. ???: 1932
3. Devi: 2114 8. ???: 1927
4. Sakamoto: 2106 9. ???: 1776
5. ???: 2032 10. Suzaku: 1742