“Tourist island?” Noarin tilted her head, her brow furrowing slightly in confusion. The book in her hands momentarily forgotten as she looked up at me.
“Yes, Kai’s plan,” I replied, watching her reaction carefully. “Rishia hasn’t told you yet?”
A beat of silence passed between us as I reflected on the past three days since our encounter with Iron Tempest. The peaceful lull that had settled over us felt almost surreal after the intensity of that battle. We’d fallen into a routine of training, vigilantly checking the news, and experimenting with our powers. But so far, there had been no follow-up attack, no sign of new Holders. The calm was both welcome and unnerving.
Noarin’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. “No, first time I’ve heard that,” she said, her eyes drifting back to her book. “I was invited too?”
“Yeah… I think,” I said, uncertainty creeping into my voice. I quickly pulled out my phone, fingers flying over the screen as I opened my group chat with Kai and Rishia. To my dismay, there were no updates on the plan since Kai had rescheduled it.
Suddenly, my phone burst into life, Rishia’s name flashing on the screen. I answered, bringing the device to my ear.
“He-“ I began, but Rishia’s excited voice cut me off.
“I forgot to ask for Noarin’s number, is she with you now?” she asked, her words tumbling out in a rush.
“Yeah, she’s here,” I replied, extending the phone towards Noarin. She looked at it for a moment, confusion evident in her eyes, before taking it and bringing it to her ear.
I watched as Noarin listened, her expression shifting subtly as Rishia spoke. After a brief conversation, she handed the phone back to me and stood up.
“Rishia just told me about the tour plan,” Noarin said, a hint of excitement barely detectable in her usually stoic voice. “She invited me.”
She paused for a moment before continuing, “She also said ‘we should go shopping for our needs on the trip, so meet us near the station at 11:00.’”
I glanced at the clock – 10:00 AM. A rueful smile tugged at my lips. They sure liked to make plans on a dime.
“We should get going then,” I said, pushing myself to my feet. Noarin nodded, and I couldn’t help but notice a glimmer of anticipation in her eyes. It was a rare sight, and It made me wonder what other sides of Noarin I might discover on this impromptu shopping trip.
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As we stepped out into the sunlight, the warmth on my skin was a stark contrast to the cool interior of the apartment. The streets were surprisingly empty for such a beautiful day, the usual hustle and bustle of the city muted.
We spotted Kai and Rishia near the station, their faces lighting up as we approached. Before they could greet us, I voiced the question that had been nagging at me since Rishia's call.
"Could you not make a really sudden plan?" I asked, trying to keep the exasperation out of my voice.
Rishia's laugh was light and carefree. "Oh, it's fine. You guys aren't busy anyway," she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief. Then, with a sly grin, she added, "Or did I interrupt something important?"
"No, you didn't!" Noarin and I spoke in unison, our voices a touch too loud, too defensive. Rishia's laughter grew, and I felt heat creeping up my neck.
"Let's get going," Rishia said, still grinning as she turned and began walking. Kai fell into step beside her, throwing an amused glance over his shoulder at us.
I sighed, resigned to the teasing, and started to follow. But I paused when I realized Noarin wasn't beside me. Turning, I saw her standing still, her gaze distant, unfocused.
"What's up?" I asked, concern coloring my voice.
Noarin blinked, coming back to the present. "Ah, nothing," she said, shaking her head slightly before falling into step beside me. But as we walked, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was bothering her.
image [https://i.imgur.com/4nTbimt.jpeg]
The mall was a labyrinth of sights, sounds, and smells. We wandered from store to store, picking up supplies for our upcoming BBQ party. The normalcy of it all – shopping bags in hand, debating the merits of different marinades – felt almost surreal given the events of the past few days.
As we round a corner, my gaze locks onto something that makes my heart skip a beat. There, like a beacon of hope for my wallet and taste buds alike, stands a towering display of cup noodles marked with a garish “70% OFF” sign. My feet move of their own accord, drawn by the siren song of cheap, convenient sustenance. I’m mere inches from grabbing a box when I feel a vice-like grip on my arm.
“And just what do you think you’re doing?” Noarin’s saccharine voice drips with menace as her lips curl into a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes.
I swallowed hard, suddenly very aware of how strong Noarin was. “I’m… taking one of these,” I answered, my voice embarrassingly shaky.
“And why would you do that?” Her voice rose slightly, the threat clear in her tone.
“Because it’s a good deal…” I mumbled, unable to meet her gaze. Noarin-san was too scary to look at right now.
“I’m fairly certain we had an agreement about fixing your atrocious eating habits, didn’t we?” Noarin’s grip tightens, and I swear I can hear my bones creaking under the pressure.
“Ow ow ow ow, yes ma’am! Sorry ma’am!” I squealed, relief washing over me as she finally released my arm.
Noarin sighed, and when she spoke again, there was a hint of vulnerability in her voice that caught me off guard. “Is my cooking not good enough?” she asked, a slight pout on her lips.
“No, no! Your cooking is phenomenal! It’s a culinary masterpiece! I’d be honored to savor it every day until I draw my last breath!” The words tumble out in a frantic rush. It’s only after I see Noarin’s cheeks flush crimson that I realize the full implication of what I’ve said. Behind us, Rishia and Kai struggle to contain their mirth.
“Wow, what a bold mo- Ack!” Kai’s teasing was cut short as I hurled a nearby box at him, desperate to stop whatever he was about to say.
“No, I didn’t mean- but yes, it’s delicious- but,” I stammered, tripping over my own words as I tried to backpedal. Noarin had her face covered, but I could see the red tinge spreading to her ears.
“A-anyway, let’s continue!” I said, my voice an octave higher than usual as I hurried ahead. The embarrassment was almost palpable, hanging in the air between us as we continued our shopping trip.
----------------------------------------
“Haaaaaah.” An exhausted sigh escapes my lips as I lean against the cool tile of the restroom wall. The girls have embarked on a mission to procure new swimwear, leaving us boys to scour the mall for any remaining items on our list.
Kai’s voice echoes off the bathroom’s sterile surfaces, his tone thick with amusement. “So, tell me, oh lovestruck one—did you truly mean it when you said you’d eat her cooking until your dying day?”
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
“Shut it,” I grumble, vigorously drying my hands with a fistful of paper towels.
As we exit the restroom, Kai persists. “What’s wrong with that? A little honesty won’t kill you. In fact, you’re doing a good job!” His encouragement, while well-intentioned, only serves to deepen my embarrassment.
Suddenly, a crackling energy fills the air, raising the hair on the back of my neck. Before we can react, a woman’s panicked cry pierces through the ambient mall noise.
“My purse is gone!” Her voice is shrill with fear and confusion as she spins in place, eyes darting wildly.
“Aruta!” Kai’s urgent voice snaps me to attention as he points toward a blur of motion. A bolt of lightning zigzags through the crowded mall, leaving bewildered shoppers in its wake. In an instant, I understand what we’re dealing with.
I plant my feet, centering myself. Since my unfortunate leg-breaking incident, I’ve been rigorously training to better channel my magical energy. In the blink of an eye, I teleport, materializing directly in the lightning’s path. It’s a man—another Holder! He manages to sidestep me at the last second. I grit my teeth and teleport again, anticipating his movements. Once more, he evades me by a hair’s breadth.
Our high-speed chase continues, a dizzying dance of teleportation and lightning-fast reflexes. I herd him towards the mall exit, where Kai lies in wait. As soon as we burst into the open air, Kai unleashes his gravity manipulation, forcing our quarry to the ground. I seize the opportunity, teleporting one final time to tackle and pin the man.
“What the – let me go!” he snarls, thrashing beneath me. I maintain my hold, reaching for his backpack and tossing it to Kai.
“Aruta! Kai!” Noarin’s voice cuts through the chaos. I glance up to see the girls running towards us, their shopping forgotten.
Rishia, slightly out of breath, speaks first. “Hey, we just saw lightning zooming around the mall. Who’s this guy?”
“He is the lightning,” I reply tersely, still struggling to keep our captive subdued.
The man continues to struggle, his voice rising in panic. “Hey! Let go! Who the hell are you people?”
“You have the right to remain silent,” she hisses, her eyes reflecting the fire’s glow, “unless you’d prefer to be barbecued alive.” The man’s protests die in his throat.
Noarin’s gaze hardens. “I sensed something off this morning. It was you, wasn’t it?” So that explains her distracted behavior earlier.
“Now, answer me truthfully. When did you first manifest your power?” Her tone brooks no argument.
“I… I don’t know what you’re talking abou—”
“Lie to me again,” Noarin interrupts, the flame in her hand flaring ominously, “and I’ll reduce you to ashes.”
“Alright! I’m sorry!” he blurts out, panic evident in his voice. “It was three days ago!”
Noarin’s eyes narrow. “Did you happen to pick up an accessory in the days before?”
The man’s surprise is evident. “How did you know…?”
“Give it to me,” Noarin demands, her tone brooking no argument.
“Yes! It’s in my left pocket!” he shouts, his body going limp beneath me. I reach into his pocket, my fingers closing around something cool and metallic. I pull out a dagger-shaped necklace and hand it to Noarin.
She examines it for a moment before addressing our captive once more. “Alright, now I’ll make a deal with you. If you promise me not to commit any more crimes, I’ll let you go with your power. But if you can’t promise, I’ll take your power away from you.” She dangles the accessory in front of his face, its metallic surface glinting in the sunlight.
“Fine, I promi-“ he begins, but Noarin cuts him off.
“But remember,” she says, her voice dropping to a menacing whisper, “once you break this promise, I’ll come looking for you and show no mercy. And believe me, I WILL find you wherever you are.”
The man’s face pales, and he presses his forehead to the ground in a desperate show of submission. “Hiiiii! Yes, ma’am! I promise!”
“Good,” Noarin says, tossing the accessory back to him. I release my hold, allowing him to scramble to his feet.
As if on cue, Saria appears, her timing as impeccable as always. “Are you done interrogating?” she asks, her tone casual as if this were an everyday occurrence. Noarin nods in response.
“Now,” Noarin addresses the chastened thief, “you will listen carefully to what we have to say.”
“Y-yes?” he responds, confusion evident in his voice.
Saria and I launch into our explanation of the ornaments, their powers, and the greater conflict at play. Meanwhile, Kai and Rishia return to the mall to ensure the stolen items find their way back to their rightful owners.
“I see…” the man nods slowly, processing the information. “And here I thought I was some kind of chosen one.”
I clap him on the shoulder, offering a wry smile. “Face it, man. Special gifts often come with a hefty price tag attached.”
“So, what happens now?” he asks, uncertainty creeping into his voice.
Noarin crosses her arms, considering. “You have two options. One, you can join our cause and help us combat the malevolent force threatening our worlds. Or two, you can maintain a low profile and use your powers discreetly.”
The man shifts uncomfortably. “Eh, to be honest, I’m not really cut out for battling cosmic evil. I think I’ll go with option two, if that’s alright.”
“We won’t force you,” Noarin assures him. “But remember, no more criminal activities. Are we clear?”
He nods emphatically. “Crystal clear, ma’am.”
I studied the man’s face, noting the lines of worry etched around his eyes. “Why did you start stealing in the first place? You don’t strike me as a career criminal.”
His shoulders slump, and when he speaks, his voice is thick with emotion. “Yeah, I got desperate. My sister got sick at home, and I can’t afford the hospital. She’s been coughing blood all day and complaining that her throat hurts since morning.”
Noarin and I exchange a glance, a silent conversation passing between us.
“Uh, maybe I could help?” I offer, raising my hand tentatively.
The man’s head snaps up, hope blooming in his eyes. “Eh?”
Noarin steps in to explain. “He can heal wounds, but not diseases. From your description, your sister could have accidentally hurt her throat while eating.”
I turn to her, surprised. “How did you know that?”
She shrugs, a hint of a smile on her lips. “Happened to me once.” Turning back to the man, Noarin continues, “We don’t know yet if it’s a disease or a wound, but we’d better see your sister now.”
“Eh, you’ll help?” The man asks. Noarin and I nod.
Just then, Kai’s voice cuts through the tension. “Hey guys, how’s ‘the flash’?” He saunters towards us, a grin plastered on his face. Did he really just give this guy a nickname?
“We’re going to his house,” I explain. “Are you coming?”
“Pardon?”
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The journey to the man’s house is swift and silent, each of us lost in our own thoughts. As we arrive, I’m struck by the stark contrast between this humble dwelling and the opulent mall we just left. The structure before us is more hut than house, its weathered walls a testament to years of struggle.
Without a word, the man leads us inside. The interior is sparse but clean, every surface bearing the marks of meticulous care despite limited means. On a threadbare couch lies a young woman, her face pale and drawn, a streak of dried blood on her chin.
I move quickly, kneeling beside her. Closing my eyes, I extend my senses, searching for the source of her distress. It doesn't take long to find – a substantial wound, angry and raw.
"It's a wound," I announce, relief evident in my voice. "I can heal it." I begin to heal. The man sighs in relief.
“Thank you!” the man bows. I nod.
As the healing energy flows through me, I watch the color return to the young woman’s cheeks. Slowly, her eyes flutter open, focusing on my face with a mix of confusion and wonder.
“Jesus, is that you?” The girl starts to speak… nonsense.
“Pfft…” Noarin and Rishia’s poorly suppressing their laughter. Kai, never one to miss an opportunity for mischief, steps forward.
“You’re right,” he says solemnly, though I can hear the laughter in his voice. “You were saved by his blessing. You should thank him.”
“Oi” I kick his leg lightly. Kai giggles.
“My name is Aruta, I’m not Jesus. Nice to meet you,” I smiled at the girl. She smiled back.
Turning back to the young woman, I offer a warm smile. “My name is Aruta, I’m not Jesus. Nice to meet you.”
She returns the smile, weak but genuine. Her brother steps forward, his face a mix of gratitude and embarrassment.
“Ah, sorry for the late introduction,” he says. “My name is Kaden, and this is my sister, Ayako.”
“Thank you again for saving my sister,” Kaden continues, his voice thick with emotion.
I stand, brushing off my knees. “You’re welcome. Now that she’s okay, we’ll say goodbye.” I extend my hand, which Kaden grasps firmly.
“Even though I can’t work with you, if you need any help, just call me!” Kaden insists, bowing again. “I’ll do everything I can to support you.”
Kai suddenly speaks up. “Hey, Kaden, was it? My name is Kai Yosuga. I’m looking for a new guard for my family resident. I can hire you if it’s okay with you.” As he speaks, his eyes roam the modest dwelling, taking in every detail.
Kaden’s jaw drops, his eyes wide with disbelief. “You mean… I can work? In the company of the Yosuga family?”
Kai nods, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. I'm reminded once again of the influence the Yosuga name carries. Their technology company is a titan in the industry, and Kai's casual offer of employment is nothing short of life-changing for Kaden and Ayako.
"Thank you!" Kaden exclaims, grasping Kai's hand with both of his own. "I'll gladly accept!"
As we make our way out of the house, I can’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Not only have we potentially saved a life, but we’ve also secured a better future for Kaden and his sister. Moreover, under Kai’s employ, Kaden will be safer from threats like Iron Tempest, the mysterious entity known for killing Holders and taking their ornaments.
“Well, everything turned out well, huh?” Noarin’s voice breaks through my reverie as we walk. I nod, a small smile playing on my lips.
After a moment, she speaks again. “Anyway, how did you know that Kaden never committed a crime before this?”
I pause, considering my answer. “Ahhh,” I begin, gathering my thoughts. “The look on his face when you first confronted him. There was guilt there, not defiance. Plus, his technique was sloppy—clearly unpracticed.”
Noarin nods slowly, absorbing my words. “I see,” she murmurs. Then, so quietly I almost miss it, she adds, “Aruta is a really good person, huh?”
“Eh?” I turn to her, but she’s already picked up her pace, a small smile playing on her lips.
image [https://i.imgur.com/p991CUO.jpeg]
As I quicken my steps to catch up, I reflect on the day’s events. I’ve seen so many sides of Noarin today – her bashful moments, her firm resolve, her caring nature, even her sulky moods. With each passing day, I feel like I’m getting to know her better, peeling back the layers to reveal the complex, fascinating person beneath.