Chapter 1: Before the incident...
Chapter Text
Thirty minutes before the incident
“Hurry up !” groaned Alice as she pulled Kagura inside. “Get a move on, or there will be too many people !”
“Alice, it's already crowded..” noticed Kagura as the red-haired gets pulled once more.
“Hurry up then ¨!”
Everyone was excited to see the new frightening art made by the genius Enfer. In DisCity it was the attraction that got popular in a single year. All fans of art, and those who just liked the adrenaline, came to see it. Kagura was one of those art lovers, while Alice, her classmate, was her. They saved for months to get two tickets for the event and good lord, it was a jungle to get it. Between rich people trying to pass in front of everyone, thieves, and other disturbances, they finally got two a week before the event. Kagura was always in love with the paintings and sculptures of the fear genius herself. Though people only went to the thrill of fear and the paranormal moments her paintings sometimes give, the red-haired girl was there just for the love of her talent.
Details speak for the artist; it shows their talents, once said by her mother on her sick bed. She was an artist, and her voice made many people in DisCity happy. She would sometimes walk around town and hear her mother’s music still be heard left and right, how people mourn her passing due to illness 11 years ago. Kagura is now 26, a Kendo champion, an honorable student at DisCity Grand University, and living her life as any young adult could. Yet she misses her sometimes when the lonely nights hit, when the pain comes back…
“Kagura !” she feels a slight hit from her friend on her head, pulling her away from her thoughts before being handed a device. It looked like a mobile phone but had a strange logo on it. “This is our audio guide. If we ever get separated because of this sea of people, we get together in the center, where the
Doors of Hell
are.”
“Alright. Do you think we will get the chance to meet Enfer ?” asked Kagura, a slight blush on her cheek, a smirk appearing on her classmate’s face.
“What a simp~.”
“Shut up !”
Fifteen minutes before the incident
Kagura and Alice walked through the oil painting explosions in awe. They listened to the audio graph they carried, listening to how Enfer inspired every piece. For Kagura, it impressed her how her idol found her creativity in colors and the story or the image she wished to make the public see.
A simple blue moth stood on a stone platform in a moonless night sky. Something in her chest started burning, and she couldn’t explain the feeling, not fear, but not serein.
This painting was a forgotten piece of Ender's collection. However, she found it intriguing and decided to expose it, saying that whoever was captivated by it would know its meaning. So she named it Lost Moth.
“Lost moth…” mumbled Kagura as she observed the painting intensely. She couldn’t explain the burning feeling in her chest, yet it was there, slowly spreading over her whole body. “..’ Whoever will be captivated by this painting will know the meaning’...”
Five minutes before the incident.
“ Do you have an answer for it ? ” says the audio graph, as if speaking to Kagura directly.
“...I don’t find it, yet I feel like the answer is on my tongue.” It frustrated the young red-haired swordswoman to be so close to an answer and not have it. “...Lost..perhaps Loneliness..? Could it be that Enfer felt..alone ?”
Liar…
“Huh ?” She turned her head, looking around, as the people passed around her, but she lost her friend from view. “Ah, dammit, Alice wandered off again..”
As soon as she took a step out, she heard something, voices of many whispers going throughout her head, as She gently removed the headset, thinking it was coming from the audio graph, yet it didn’t. She soon looked back to the painting, the whispers originating from it.
One minute before the incident…
Liar…You are a liar…
“..What the hell..?” mumbled the girl as the whispers intensified, the girl groaning slightly as the pain subsided. Was the painting talking to her? How was this possible?
You. Are.A liar !!
3
2
1
Suddenly silence. Kagura looked up and then around her. How long she was inside? It was still day, around 3 pm. So then, where did everyone go? A slight panic took her before she remembered that if they ever got separated, they should go to the center of the Museum, where the Doors of Hell are situated. So she pulled her audio graph, opened the map to find the location of the art piece, and started to follow the path.
While walking, Kagura couldn’t help but feel observed as she walked throughout the hall away from the now-empty museum. Where did everyone go? She looked left and right, looking for traces of human life. She was so confused. Was there somewhere the people should have gone to, and she didn’t hear it due to whatever happened to her earlier? A sound came from behind her, it was enough worrying about making her look, yet nothing came into her vision; only a statue was there, one of the sculptures from the sea of marble exposition. What was it doing here? Something was telling her there was danger in the air. She grabbed her bokken bag tightly, keeping an eye on the hallway. Something was coming from it, and it was dangerous. Her grandfather always told her to trust her instincts when her body felt danger.
She wanted to back away, but when she did one step backward, Apprecence was behind her, a large shadow hovering above her. Looking over her shoulder, she sees a statue hand ready to land on her, making Kagura roll to the side quickly enough to dodge it.
“What the hell ?!” Kagura instinctively took out her wooden sword in her hand as she saw the other statue at the end of the corridor, moving towards her distorted away. “What is going on..?”
Another attack and Kagura had to roll away once more and quickly get up and run in a panic, the two stone monsters after her. What was going on ?! Suddenly the statue is getting alive ?! As she turned to the left to dodge them, more appeared on her way, but they were still after her. She hid behind a wall, hearing the statue running to the end of the hallway, waiting for the loud stumps to disappear before she peeked and looked for any of those monsters to find herself alone. A loud and panicked breath came out of her mouth, still wondering what was happening. What the hell happened? Why did this happen? Kagura was sure the statues were stone a few moments ago, yet now they were roving this place like hunters looking for rare prey.
She pulled her phone out, and it showed no service, which made her tongue slap. Kagura said she was calm, without fear, despite her chase. She had to find Alice fast, so she kept her wooden sword fast.
Never go out without your bokken. Never! A samurai never goes out without a weapon. In this city, you need all the tools to protect yourself.
She still can hear the voice of her grandfather the time he gifted her the wooden sword. She sighs silently, knowing well that he told her not to go, that it would be dangerous; perhaps he was right. But, though he was a grumpy strict older man, he saved her when she needed it the most, and never will she be able to thank him enough for that. Shaking her head from those thoughts, Kagura focused on her objective, for now, to reach the center of the Museum and find Alice.
The walk through the Museum felt like one of those horror movies that Alice longs for. Dead silence, unless the few large stumps of the statue were looking for survivors, even the painting seemed alive and ready to capture her if she would stare too long into them, a truly horrific experience. But the young swordswoman doubts that the owner of the Witching Hour was responsible for it; Enfer wouldn’t do such a thing. Or could she? What would be her motive for such an act? Everyone in DisCity was in love with her talent, her art. Something felt wrong in here, and Kagura knew it.
Arriving at another intersection, she looked down at her map before she heard a scream. Was someone else in danger? It didn’t give much time to think as Kagura followed the scream's source with her wooden sword. Taking a few turns and finding the basis of the riot, someone is getting attacked by one of those marble statues. The young swordswoman looked around for a way to distract the statue. She needs to distract it, or at least to make sure that statue doesn’t have its attention on that civilian.
Some loud noises came from behind her, another marble monster. That was her chance! She ran towards the statue in front of her, whistling to it, attracting its attention before she slid under it; one good strike on the legs that seemed less solid than the rest of the body, and both statues collided against one another shattering a few pieces of one another.
“Hurry !”
Kagura didn’t even pay attention to who the person was; she took her hand, and both ran for it while the stone monsters tried to reform each other. Finally, they arrived at a small room, both hiding inside, closing it silently. It took a few seconds before the loud footsteps came closer and closer until they stopped. Kagura could hear the breathing sounds the monster was making as if it was checking the area before moving away, the steps distancing slowly. Both survivors let go a breath of relief before the red-haired girl gently let go of the other’s hand and turned her head.
“Are you alright–?” Kagura’s heart nearly jumped out of her chest when she faced who she just saved. She had dreamed of meeting the woman behind the Witching Hour but never expected to have seen Enfer this close, especially with her face in her hands. “M-Miss Enfer–”
The hands of the woman were gentle and silky, her thumber running softly on her cheek, intensely gazing into her eyes as if she was asking a question directly into her soul. Enfer was close to her, enough for her to smell the slight scent of stone and oil painting but also a sweet floral perfume flower; it felt like it was all around her. Kagura lost herself in the blue eyes of the artist, having soft purple reflects. Her idol was gorgeous up close, which was hard to hold back the blush on her face to get larger.
“You...did not get captured. How ?” Kagura looked confused about the artist's words. Then, the woman gently let go of her face before putting herself in a thinking pose. “Would she be unaffected by fear? No. No, no, no impossible…”
“H-Hum..”
“You ! “ Kagura did a small jump when the sculptor looked at her again intensely, taking her face into her hands again, their distance too close for comfort. “In which section of the exposition were you ?”
“E–Eh? O-Oh ! Hum, Oil painting, the Lost Moth.” That seemed to surprise Enfer, who let go once more, thinking to herself, mumbling under her breath. “...M-Miss Enfer, what is going on? The exposition was going so well, and suddenly–”
“Well, it’s very complicated to explain, dear, but one of my creations suddenly took conscience and is now controlling my other’s pieces.” Though it looked like a very far-stretched explanation, Kagura believed her. “I believe you heard about Sosia ?”
“I did one of your recent sculptures that should have been the masterpiece of the Witching Hour.” The woman lifted a brown light, slightly impressed by how such a young girl knew about her event. “I-I am a huge fan. I know a few things.”
Enfer looked to her surprise, her eyes going up and down on her body. Despite the small dust she got from escaping earlier, Her clothing style wasn’t that bad, a mix between an urban style with the last hits of EastSide fashion, unless it was because she was pretty young yet admired her art style. Unfortunately, it was hard to read the woman’s expression thoroughly. Kagura cleaned her throat, which seemed to take the woman's attention.
“We should move on. If we stay here, we will be too vulnerable.” said the young swordswoman before pulling the audio graph and opening the map looking. “There are..exist on the end of corridor B and F that give directly to the garage–”
“Then you follow that. I have to get somewhere. “ Kagura looked as Enfer opened the door and left. It left her speechless, and followed the woman blocking her away to move forward. “Miss.. hmm, I do not think I got your name. I know where the origin of all this happened, and I have to stop it. This is my mess, not yours, so please find an exit and leave.”
“I can’t just leave you behind. This place is dangerous. Alone you will get yourself killed.” Enfer stared at her before the woman took her face into her hands again, looking into her eyes. Though it was still slightly embarrassing, Kagura rarely reacted. “M-Miss Enfer–”
“You aren’t scared. How it comes ?”
Kagura looked confused. Despite being very different from what is happening now, she knew to fear like an old friend growing up. Yet it is true that she didn’t feel scared, more in a state of survival. Her grandfather taught her that fear wasn’t something to reject or ignore; it was two choices: kill or accept it. Once you acknowledge that you are scared, it will be under your control to not distract you or your spirit. Softly, Kagura caught one of the hands, smiling gently at her.
“Your art never scared me, never did you.”
“..I didn’t catch your name.”
“Kagura.”
Enfer kept her blue deep into the light gray ones from the red-haired, seeking something in those pure eyes. There was some sort of trance that started between them, a connection, a link, like an invisible thread connecting between them, which the artist seemed eager to explore; her hand grip slightly tightened, but the sound of the fighting took their attention, a semi explosion or something similar to a large object hitting ground brutally. Was someone else around? Enfer and Kagura exchange a look before moving closer to the noise.
Upon exploring, they found many of the marble statues destroyed recently, turning into dust. Kagura nearly thought that a storm had come by, seeing how the state of the place. A monster appeared as Kagura took her bokken out, ready to fight, but the moment the statue was about to dash forward, red like a thorn wrapped around it before squeezing it to pieces, smoke rose slightly. Once the smoke cleared, an injured woman appeared, the red thorns coming from her hand. She wore formal clothes as if she was an official of the law enforcers, like the one at the many galas her grandfather to her to.
“You..are a policewoman ?” asked the young woman looking at her hand, then to her as the woman smiled, sighing in pain. She was injured, and Kagura could see it; she seemed to have been fighting these things for a while now. “You alright ?”
“Yeah...I have been...looking for you, Miss Enfer.” The artist seemed to chuckle a bit, smiling as she approached. Did they know each other? “Let me introduce myself, Laisa Lothaire. I am the MBCC’s Chief.”
“MBCC...Wait, the Bureau? Is this about Mania ?!” asked Kagura, slightly alarmed and worrying.
“Why don’t we ask Enfer ?” So asked the Chief as she approached the woman, yet she looked slightly confused once she was close enough to the artist, yet her stern expression changed very little.. “..It wasn’t you.”
“No, I am not strong enough for sure extended, as just noticed. It was Sosia, to whom we must get to it fast, or those people will all be in danger.” Kagura looked confused at the artist as she pointed to the painting beside her. “If I destroy Sosia, I can stop the Witching hour from worsening.”
“It..can get worse ?” asked the young girl as Laisa and Enfer looked at her.
“Yes, this whole place is made out of mania-mental contamination. I am surprised you aren’t even affected by it..” said the official before groaning, holding her side, Kagura helping her stand. “I took quite the hit..”
“I know a place where we can rest and heal you. This way.” simply explained Enfer, walking ahead already. Kagura took Laisa’s arm under her neck and helped her walk behind the artist. She still had many questions about this situation.
Laisa's walk to the temporary safety zone was painfully slow, and Kagura felt the woman was having trouble. But even if the pain was unbearable, she pushed forwards. Physically weak yet mentally strong, that’s what she admires since that’s how her grandfather educated her whole life. You may be weak physically, but your mind is your biggest weapon, he told her when she had trouble blocking his attack during training. It frustrated her, yet she pushed through to get where she is today.
Their walk got them to a superficial lunch zone. A small vending machine had its glass broken, which it lucky, in the young Asian’s opinion. While Enfer went behind the counter and grabbed a first aid kit, she grabbed some water and gave it to Laisa before receiving the medical equipment from the artist, doing what she could clean the MBCC’s director's injuries and bandage the heaviest ones. While working, she quickly noticed that she seemed to be the two women’s point of interest, feeling their intense glare upon her. Did she do something wrong?
“..hum..yes ?”
“..You don’t feel strange? No pain, not a weird feeling in your body ?” asked the officer as Kagura felt weirded out by her questions but shook her head. “..Someone resisting mental contamination is rare. What’s your name ?”
“Kagura, Sakamoto Kagura.” said the girl before she finished attaching the bandage on the woman’s arm while Enfer cleaned the face of the Chief. “This should be good for now, Though, for your pain in your rib..”
“I will be fine. I was about to forget something.”
Suddenly Laisa grabbed Enfer’s wrist, a red light spreading on both the artist's and the chief’s hands. Hearing the slight sound of pain from Enfer, Kagura pulled the woman away, putting her behind her, which surprised the MBCC director slightly. Seeing an East Sider taking the defense of Sinner was something not everyone could see every day.
“What the hell do you think you are doing ?!” nearly screamed the girl glaring, an arm protectively holding Enfer behind her.
“Calm down. It was a simple precaution. My power is like a protection and a restraint to Sinner. It’s just in case things get ugly.” At the word ‘Sinner,’ Kagura looked to the Enfer, who seemed not fazed by what happened as the young girl relaxed slowly. Chief smiled, slowly getting up. “Not every day I see an East sider this protective of Sinner.”
Kagura looked to Enfer again, many thoughts traveling through her mind. She knew that many on East Side blamed the Sinners for being the cause of Mania and mental contamination. That Enfer is a Sinner, and such a situation would make sense if people around you brainwashed you into hating the artist. However, the young Sakamoto wasn’t like this. She always saw Sinners as any other human, someone rejected and pushed to the point of using the abilities they got to show that they could fight dirty as well. Human fears make them scared of the unknown and what is more potent than them, both physically and emotionally.
“..I am only another human. That’s all.” Laisa only smiled as she lifted her hand to relax her. “You will be alright ?”
“Yeah, I can still walk. But you should leave–”
“I am not leaving. I want to help.”Chief looked a bit more tense, shaking her head.
“Can’t do. If you go deeper, there is a high chance you will get affected by the mental contamination. If it gets worst–”
“Please! My friend is stuck somewhere, okay? And Enfer–”
“Will be in security with me. My power doesn’t extend to normal people. So I can’t risk you getting infected or, worst, turning into a corruptor.”
“And I want to help. Mania be damn, but I won’t let you two fight alone when you barely can stand.”
That shut Chief up. Her determination was impressive, and the fact that she survived the mental contamination for such a long period was also incredible. It was a risk, but the fact that she is taking this extent to help her friend and Enfer was admirable and reckless.
“It will be alright. I will keep an eye on her. It is my mess, after all.” Suddenly spoke Enfer behind Kagura as she smiled at Chief. “Then we will talk about my detainment. Does that sounds okay ?”
“...Alright. But as soon things get bad, try to find the nearest exit and flee. No, but.”
Kagura nodded before exchanging a look with Enfer, who gave a wink, a slight blush appearing on her cheek before she whispered a small thank you and started to follow her. The way to the center was still full of enemies, though with Enfer's and Laisa’s power, followed by Kagura's sword skills was easy enough to fight her way through it. The young swordswoman was very focused. The more time they took to reach the door, the more she thought about her friend Alice, stuck somewhere, hoping she didn’t get caught by one of those statues. Only the thought got her even more, fired up, able to push a statue backward to crash into another and crash down, leaving time for the Sinner and Chief to end it.
Once clearing the way, they finally got to the center, where the Doors of Hell were; a slight feeling of relief that everything was about to be resolved filled Kagura slowly. But when she and Laisa were about to enter, Enfer pulled both women back.
“Before we go !” said the artist as she cleaned her throat. “The Doors of Hell are special. If you look right at it, it will manifest your deepest fear. In all sense of the term, of course. So please avoid any looks at it.”
Laisa and Kagura looked at one another and nodded. Then, they put their hands to protect their eyes, approaching the door close enough. For Laisa, she could feel that the source of the mental contamination was close, while for Kagura, it felt like the air was heavy, as if oxygen was hard to catch the closer she got to the door. Once they were close enough, Enfer made her harmer and her craving pike appear.
“Alright, let me open the door–” As soon she was about to hit the hammer on it, a giant statue was able to catch her and lift her. “Ah !!”
“Enfer !” Chief lifted her hand and used her shackles that held the giant of stone down while Kagura hit an excellent spot to free the woman but got thrown against the wall the next moment. “Kagura, you good ?”
The young girl coughed blood, getting up weakly as she looked up at the door coming directly into her vision. Oh no. She closed her eyes, now lowering her head fast. Shit, did she look at it long enough? Despite the pain, she didn’t have time to think it was safe to look up as she had to dodge another attack from the giant above her. Laisa was fighting as she could with her thorns while Enfer was gathering her tools, she had to do something, yet her body was screaming at her due to her excruciating pain. Yet she pushed through and covered Enfer to get closer to the door, yet another form appeared, rushing towards Kagura, pinning her against the wall, hands around her neck.
What shocked her was the form of a monster, a distorted version of her father’s wife, Julia.
“Pest...Brat..If you didn’t exist…he would be MINE.” Kagura gasped, trying to fight back against the monstrous strength around her neck. Why was she here ? She gasped for air again, the confusion and the panic making her frightened of the situation. “Die..DIE !”
She felt her ears ring, and her vision loses focus. Was this the end? Was she going to die?
Remember Kagura. Fear is the basic human instinct. To win a lousy situation, you must accept it and turn it into strength. Fear isn’t an enemy nor an ally. You must reach peace with mind, heart, and spirit.
Her grandfather's words resonate like a last call for her to fight back. However, a second wind washed over her. She was scared of this monster that she won’t deny. But this wasn’t the real deal as she had faced once. No, this was a simple image of what she indeed was. Roughly, she grabbed the wrist of the copy tightly, feeling the grip losing slowly, as she finally freed her throat from the grip, which seemed to confuse the monster, who did groan like whispers before kicking the beast away, grabbing her wooden sword on the ground. As soon she did a slash, a surge of energy came from her as the wood cut through the phantom's body and disappeared in a scream, the wave created by her attack hitting a statue behind Enfer before Laisa’s thorns tore it apart.
She didn’t have time to take her breath or process what happened before a pair of arms wrapped around her in a hug. Kagura's face heated up when Enfer was in her arms, grabbing her face into her hands once more.
“Are you alright?” asked the woman as Kagura nodded, gasping for air. When the artist saw that she was nearly lying on top of her, she blushed slightly, got herself up, and gave a hand to Kagura, smiling. “I am glad ! I would hate to see you hurt.”
“Are you alright, at least? So that monster didn’t hurt you ?” Enfer took a small tissue from her dress pocket, whipping the blood from her mouth.
“Worry about yourself, dear. I can handle myself.”
Kagura slightly blushed, smiling at how caring Enfer was with her. Both saw Laisa take out the last statue as they approached the other woman. As soon she got closer, Kagura heard the whispers louder. One of the paintings seemed to open behind the MBCC Director, a hand shooting to grab her.
“Watch it !!”
Kagura pulled the woman away from the grasp, but instead, it held into her, Enfer having the excellent timing to grab her hand. The difference in strength was so big that the artist slid forwards due to the pull until Laisa arrived and grabbed into Kagura.
“Let go !” yelled Kagura, feeling her body be more pulled to the painting, looking at Laisa and Enfer. “If not, we all gonna get pulled in!”
“What about the help ?! I ain’t giving up on you–”
“You told me that if you destroy Sosia, everything will go to what it was before, right ?!” Enfer felt something in her chest, a burning feeling eating from the inside while she struggled to pull the girl away. “I believe in you. Laisa helps her. I beg you. She is innocent! “
“..You got it, kiddo !”
“No! Kagura !”
Kagura got out of the artist's grip, hearing the woman calling her name again. Time felt suspended for the moment, pulled off from the hold of Enfer, yet she smiled at her before closing her eyes, darkness and silence welcoming her.
The silence was so heavy that she felt like her ear would burst from the pressure, but she was peaceful. She believes in Enfer and Laisa. They will stop whatever is happening. But something strange happened; the air was different, yet she felt still in control of her body; she moved her finger first, then opened her eyes. It was dark. She took a tentative step forward, trying to test the waters before she walked on. She tried to find a wall or something but only was darkness and the void around her until she saw the light in the distance. She kept walking towards it, becoming brighter and brighter until she reached it, the light fully blinding her.
As the light dimmed, her eyes couldn’t believe where she was. Right before her eyes was the Shrine Temple of the Sakamoto family, where her grandfather brought her to pay respect to her mother or to pray for their ancestors every year. But she wasn’t alone. Sitting on the temple steps, she thought her eyes were tricking her, but a samurai was, glowing in blue like a ghost was there. The armor looked up, noticing her, and got up, Kagura feeling a burning feeling in her chest.
…Have you…accepted it yet ?...
“Kagura !!”
Her eyes shut, open, she was looking face to face with her best friend, Alice. What..just happened? Her ears picked up the noises, voices, and people running around. FAC soldiers came into her vision, seemingly helping people to get up and walk out. Enfer did it.
“Thank god..I thought you died !” sighs the girl before rubbing her eyes, helping the red-haired. “One split second we were together, then another, we weren’t! Then Something happens..don’t remember all. Seriously, who could think that Enfer would have done that–”
“Enfer wouldn’t never– Enfer !”
Her eyes fell on the artist's body, unconscious on a bed, being taken by soldiers, under the eyes mixed in between frightened and disgusted of the other museum visitors. Kagura didn’t lose time running to the body, only to be stopped by a soldier who tried to hold her back.
“Kagura! Hey !” The voice of Laisa pulled her out of her panic state as Chief nodded to the guards to take Enfer away.
“You told me you would protect her !”
“Calm down ! I will explain, but please calm yourself..”
The young swordswoman looked to the bed leaving as Laisa explained what happened. Defeating Sosia wasn’t easy, but Enfer made one big move that helped turn everything back to normal and allowed the visitor or those they could. In the middle of their fight, they discovered how Sosia came to be; the marble Enfer had ordered for the confection of Sosia had mania. Once Enfer used her powers to create it, it took conscious utilizing the fear of the people who came in contact with the woman’s art.
“Someone was trying to sabotage Enfer..?” asked Kagura, Laisa could only nod about this simple explanation as she sighed before Alice joined her.
“Listen, Enfer will be in good hands, I promise. I will even tell her that you got out in one piece,” reassured Chief smiling at the girl and putting a hand on her shoulder. “I promise to you.”
Kagura looked down, feeling the hand of her friend comforting her. To think that Enfer was tricked, people will blame her for this. Everyone that uses mania is evil in the eyes of eastside. The young Swordswoman was so much sick of it.
“Will you allow me to write her a letter ?”
“..Of course. Let’s get you out first.”
The two girls followed Laisa, who guided them outside. Kagura watched the caretaking Enfer’s unconscious body inside with a sad expression. Chief stared at the girl for a second before giving her the paper and pen to write the letter, leaving her some time with her friend, a woman wearing a fedora joining her.
“Even on your day off, you can fight through danger. I am impressed, Rookie.” Laisa sighs, smiling at the compliment.
“Yeah, well, this day off sucked, Commander Langley..” The woman laughed as she looked at the two young girls beside the car. “Could you do me a service ?”
“I am all ears.”
“You see the red-haired?” asked Laisa, pointing to Kagura, who was with Alice on writing their letter. “..She resisted the mental contamination, even while being exposed closer to the source. “
Langley left her fedora slightly, looking at the girl, frowning slightly.
“I will send some men to keep a close eye on her. And you, another day will be good.”
Laisa only sighs, smiling, another crisis averted, yet she has some fear for that young girl. Now only time will tell.
Chapter 2: The truth
Summary:
The Anti Mania system detected a small source of mania at the house of Kagura. Laisa send Langley and Lilian to investigate.
Notes:
Hi, welcome to the second chapter of OC lore and love interest. On this Chapter there will be explanation about who Kagura is, and the apparition of my good friend Eggy's OC Lilian. Eggy is an amazing artist/lore writer (@ItlogNiIgnis this is her twitter give some supports guys !) and I love her creations especially Lilian who has a special place in my heart. Eggy if read this you are that gal and I love you <3! Also I decided to add a third part because the juicy part is still to come MUHAHAHHAHA
Enjoy the reading !!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Are you sure about its location ?” Asked Laisa looking at the map on display on the tablet in her hand. The eyes of the Chief were distraught.
“Yes, Though, per your orders, FAC didn’t breach the mansion nor attack the place. You said that you might know its origins ?” asked Nightingale, slightly concerned. “Chief, what you aren’t telling me ?”
“...I may have let someone leave the Belphegor’s museum, which had an intense exposure to mental mania contamination.” The surprise on her adjustment face was enough to tell the tale of her error. “Was there mania overflow ?”
“Surprising, no. It seems to be centered only on the mansion and no extension. Mister Sakamoto answered some questions to officers we sent to investigate at least the surrounding. “ The director leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms as the woman gave her the report. “But he kept it short and simple, trying to end it fast.”
Laisa looked at the file of the investigation. Sakamoto Yatoshi was an old war veteran, and he must have seen and fought more than she did in a year. Chief knew that Kagura got exposed to the mental contamination, but that her M-Value stayed normal would be a miracle that Langley’s subordinates got this intel, and a few pictures of the surrounding of the mansion was already a good start, despite the terrible start. The only reason she let Kagura leave the museum was because of how traumatic the event was. Now they might be on the edge of another mania Crisis. The Director bit her lip out of frustration at her mistake, trying to think of something to work with going forward, but the knocks on the door got her out as Langley entered the room accompanied by Lilian.
“That’s an unusual duo.” Joked Laisa as she put the document on the table, having a small brown archer from the Langley. “You are here for Kagura ?”
“Yet, my team just confirmed. The mania signal that was detected was only for a split second. Not enough time for mania to take over. Nearly as if..”
“Someone awaken its abilities..” Laisa sighed as she rubbed her eyes before thinking and leaning forward. “If you are here with Lilian means you have a plan.”
I know Yatoshi. He was my instructor back in the service if someone could speak to him without him—grumpy. Lilian will come to see how far the girl’s powers are.
“I don’t,” said Chief nodding to the woman who turned around. “Ah! A moment please !”
Langley turned around as Laisa pulled out an envelope and handed it to Langley. After the incident, Kagura wrote a letter to Enfer. Though its containment was strictly between the artist and the young swordswoman, the Sinner had begged a lot of Chief to get this letter into the girl's right hands. However, the recent events made it slightly more challenging for it to happen.
“A letter ?”
Enferriess to Kagura. Long story.” Langley put it inside her coat and gave a slight tip to Chief, leaving along with the therapist. Laisa sighs, leaning back against her chair.
“You are worried ?”
“More confused..why did he mania only start to react now. It’s been six months since the Witching Hour yet..” Nightingale also found this strange. Indeed, those exposed to mental contamination would often lose their mind and get more agitated to the point of either turning into a corruptor or a Sinner on the spot. But Kagura seemed different. “She is still in the early stage.”
“A delay..? It is possible but infrequent.”
Laisa only gave a slight nod. All she can do is wait for Langley’s return with a report, hoping for the best and expecting the worst.
In one of the cells of the Bureau, the metal clashing resonates through her cell, marble falling to the floor. The Witching Hour got resolved, but her mind was still on that moment, asking herself how that young woman didn’t get pulled into her painting. Sosia’s power was more substantial than hers before she got absorbed into her, yet Kagura roomed the museum as if she didn’t feel a slight fear. Like pure silver, she remembers those grey eyes gazing toward her with innocence, determination, and courage. A part of her wanted to break her, to see her most frightening expressions and features, while her gentleness seduced the other, how she supported her art.
She stilled her hammer, looking to her desk, where the letter, which Kagura had written to her just after the event, ended with her absorbing the totality of the mental contamination into her turning her from a low-rank Sinner to an S-class Sinner. One sacrifice she felt necessary. She owned it to Kagura, and she felt guilty to see her being trapped in her painting right before they passed through the Door of Hell. Feeling her artistic vibes fading, she approached her desk, discarding aside her tool and taking the piece of paper once more into her hands, her eyes running through the words left to her by Kagura.
Dear Miss Enfer,
You did it. You saved everyone from the Witching Hour and me on the same occasion. I know that as soon it becomes public that you are a Sinner, many will turn their back on you due to your unique abilities, but I won’t. Like I said in the museum, I am a fan. Your art, that is, Oil paintings or statues of marble, never scared me. It couldn’t be farther from the truth. It drew me in. Sometimes I would analyze the critics and compare them to my notes to see what I had not seen on my first try. I don't know if you will ever read this or if we’ll ever meet again, but I want to thank you even for our little time together. Chief told me it wasn’t your fault that the exposition went sideways and that a third party was responsible. I am sure they will find it and put them behind bars. And pray for me? My grandfather is an old war veteran with a lot of irritability. After I get home, I will indeed have my ears pulled and some sort of punishment. I will try to find a way to send you letters, if ever the MBCC will accept them, hopefully so.
Until then, I hope you will care for yourself, Miss Enfer.
Your fan and friend,
Kagura.
“Kagura…” mumbled Enfer, her eyes turning to the marble stone barely touched or shaped. “..What kind of woman are you, I wonder..? What secret are you hiding behind those courageous eyes..?”
The woman took a more thinking position, her eyes not showing much emotion other the curiosity, as her eyes started to glim dangerously before the door opened, making Enfer lose all her thought trails, turning her head to see Chief.
“Chief! What an unexpected visit !” smiled the Sinner putting away the letter, Laisa having a gentle smile on her lips. “Came to get news ?”
“And bring news. Not all good.”
“Oh, dear..” She proposed to sit on her bed while she sat on her office chair. “So, What is that news that isn’t so cheerful ?”
“..It’s about Kagura.”
Enfer’s smile dropped as her eyes looked as if she had seen a ghost, a creeping yet familiar feeling coming crawling on her back. She had to bite into her tongue not to let her emotions take over, holding tightly onto her dress.
“I am listening, Chief.”
Langley had been in spy for several years. Before that, she was the rookie of one of the most strict commanders in the force, Sakamoto Yatoshi. It was said many rumors about him when she got into his unit. That he killed more men alone than he could do with a crew, that his team would quit due to how intense and severe the training was. But for Langley, it was a breeze, though he never stopped calling her a rookie despite climbing up; she earned his respect, and he was the one who showed her talent as a spy and infiltration. Then came her creation of the 9th agency.
The memories made her smile slightly, earning a slight throat cleaning from the woman beside her.
“Anything you can tell me about your former boss ?” asked Lilian as she looked at her.
“Expect yourself to meet a very grumpy man.”
Both exit the car, approaching the large mansion with a very Asiatic touch, a large garden, and a long walk before reaching the house. Having two floors, a large balcony on the top, while the bottom had a pool and a large backyard. Langley knew that the man changed his profession for his family after the death of his wife to take care of his daughter due to an injury on his leg. From what she heard, he kept Quinn in check while still doing business with the Chessmaster.
“Impressive house for an ex-military. “ noted the therapist as she looked at the gardens, her observation skills on work. “Many flowers..”
“Tulips, Sakura blossom, Roses, his daughter's favorite.” Answered Langley without looking before they reached the door, giving a few knocks. The door opened as a maid appeared behind it. “Good day, ma’am. Is Master Sakamoto free ?”
“Who is it, Nanami? If it’s those men from the FAC–” The man in question appeared as he looked somehow surprised at seeing the blond woman standing by the door. “..Well, well, you don’t die, do you, rookie ?”
“Should say the same to you, Commander.” chuckled the woman, the older man waving his hand to dismiss his maid. “Sorry to arrive like this. I don’t have to tell you why we are here.”
“It’s for Kagura, isn’t it ?`”
“I am afraid so.”
There was a glare exchange between the old soldier and Langley for a short moment. A sigh escaped his lips before he did a hand movement inviting the two women inside. The house is very luxurious but keeps a comfy vibe. They walked through the hallway, giving in to the living room before entering a door leading to the backyard. Sounds of wood clashing together came to their ears as soon they got out, a young red-haired girl training against a dummy, hitting a vital point on the body.
“Kagura.” Hearing her name, the young woman stops her movement before looking at the group of adults looking at her. She lowers her sword, joining them, bowing to the two strangers. “This is Langley, my rookie from my time in the force.”
“This is my partner, Doctor Lilian Theseus. She will be here to ask you a few questions. And on top of that.” the sharpshooter pulled an envelope from her jacket, giving t to the young lady. “From Enfer.”
Kagura's eyes brightened as she gently took the envelope, bowing silently to the spy. Lilian could already see this seemed to ease the slight tension she had when she saw her and Langley approaching, but now her attention was on the grandfather because she could see that the man wasn’t happy to see the two of them here. He is hiding something.
“Master Sakamoto, if I may, would you mind if the discussion between me and Kagura stays private ?” The man shoots, as though, a glare. Lilian could see the tension getting higher as she smiled gently. “I understand you wish to know, and I promise I can give you a small report. However, if you want to know details, this will be Kagura’s choice to speak so.”
Silence again before Kagura shot a glance embarrassed to her grandfather, who looked at her strictly but gently before nodding. She bows to him before inviting Lilian to follow her inside the house. Once the two other women are away from sight, Yatoshi sighs, going to sit at the table nearby, Langley following him.
“..There is something you aren’t telling her.” started the 9th Agency’s boss as she took off her fedora, crossing her legs. “I read the files.”
“Then I don’t have anything to explain to you.”
“But to her? You do. Kagura isn’t whole without the truth.”
“I do know that...But the truth would destroy her, Rookie. If she ever knew..”
“...Then answer me. Has Kagura awakened her Sinner’s abilities?”
The man only shot a look at Langley without answering. The spy could say he wasn’t sure how to answer her, as if the answer was a yes but also a no. It seems he won’t speak more about it. She can only hope that the therapist receives better responses than her.
On Lilian’s side, she was learning about Kagura. Upon entering her room, her shelves had many trophies and pictures of her wins as a Kenjutsu swordswoman. She had read about it once or twice in the newspaper. Even if sports weren’t her best topic, she would read when boredom threatened her day. Along with her achievements were many posters, mostly art from Enfer, for which she seems to have a deep affection. She could see how eagerly she was reading the letter the latter had written her with eyes showing love for the mistress of Fear.
“May I interrupt you? The fastest we do this, the more time you will have to write her a reply.” Proposed the therapist as the girl nodded, her cheeks taking a slight pinkish color.
Young love
giggled the woman mentally, observing the girl offering her bed as a seat while she sat on her desk chair. “Now, I am here to check on the severity of your M-Value. I will be asking you a series of questions that range from mundane to sensitive, and I require you to answer those questions truthfully. Though I will lead this interaction, you can tell me what you can and can’t answer. Anything wrong with this arrangement ?”
“Seems fair to me.”
“Let’s start from the beginning. Tell me a bit about yourself.”
“My name is Sakamoto Kagura. I am 26, a university student, graduating in a few weeks.” started the young woman as Lilian was listening while looking at her body language. “My passions are Kenjutsu, music, and arts. Though I am not the best artist, I am a good pianist. I like going out at night, though I am not a party person. I sometimes get dragged by my friend Alice.”
“The girl that was with you at the museum, correct ?” questioned Lilian seeing the girl nodded. “I have a daughter as old as you. She is already a professional Therapist.”
“You must be proud.” A sad smile appeared as Lilian frowned narrowly at the sudden change in her smile. A sibling lost? No, perhaps–
“Your mother isn’t in the picture ?”
“No, she died a few years ago due to illness. Cancer.”
“My condolences, my dear..”
Kagura smiled at the therapist, who could see the change in her fade. From sad to neutral this fast, no wonder she has minimal reaction to mania. Her mental resistance is quite impressive. Perhaps because she is at peace with her mother not being here, but she will wait before being sure of that.
“What will you do after University ?” That seemed to catch the young girl’s attention, and she started to think slightly.
“I..am not sure, to be honest. Right now, I only have a few ideas. A cook, musician, or going to one of my grandfather’s businesses.” the girl sighs as if she is under pressure. “ Grandfather said I could be anything as long as I was safe. He has been..quite both closed and open-minded since the incident. And even before..”
“What do you mean ?”
There it was, the hesitation in the girl’s features. Speaking about personal affairs to a stranger was always hard for everyone. Lilian gently put a hand on hers, a sign to remind her that she could take her time to answer the question. It looked like it eased her since the red-haired young woman gave a small sigh, rubbing the back of her neck.
“Something I have noticed since Grandfather took my full custody. He has been…protective, if not strict, on certain things. A bodyguard is sent to watch me from a distance whenever I get out. Sometimes, we would fight, and he would compare me to mother. I...look a lot like her so that I can understand.” When she finished her sentence, she sought something in her drawer and showed a picture to the older woman. And Kagura was right. She and her mother looked nearly like twins. “He..once called me Natsumi instead of Kagura.”
“Your mother’s name..” the woman can deduce that he is worried to death for his granddaughter to the point of confusing her with his lost daughter. Family is important, and she could only understand his behavior. However, there is a detail that interests her. “You said full custody..where is your father ?”
“Long story short, he..neglected me after my mother’s death. He..got intoxicated and lashed out at me many times..” Another hesitation. Lilian could tell this was a sensitive topic, seeing how she held her knee tightly. She would push to know more, but she wasn’t sure how much she could go to the point of making her have a mental breakdown, which would worsen her condition. “Though he remarried and is living his life now, his new wife's name is Julia.”
“I see.”
Lilian was already taking notes on what was already said. The kid has gone through many changes, from losing her mother, then having her father abuse her, to her strict grandfather raising her until now. But it seemed not to have changed her a lot. Perhaps she became sharper and wiser. Yet she couldn’t help but feel she was on the edge of finding something.
“Very good. It seems like I somehow have the big picture about your background. Now comes the..tougher questions.” Lilian stated, giving her a comforting smile not to feel threatened or stressed by the second part of their meeting. “Remember, if you cannot answer nor do not want due to how hurtful it is, do not be shy to tell me.”
“I am ready.”
“Then let us start. When did your Sinner abilities awaken?”
That question hit directly on a stressful spot. Lilian could see how the girl's composure started to break. She held on as she sighed before looking up at the woman as if she was going to give a revelation to her.
“I wouldn’t say that it has awakened yet. But I…saw something. In some sort of dream ?”
“Elaborate.”
“When I got pulled into a painting during the crisis at the Belphegor’s museum. I saw a Ronin. It watched me, then asked if I was ready to accept it. I was about to approach but woke up when I wanted to ask more .”
Lilian thought a bit. She wasn’t very known in the name of Eastern mention, but from the books she had read, ronin was a warrior without a master, a samurai without a purpose, that traveled and sold its services whenever he could. It could be that the recent events in Kagura’s life made it manifest as a ronin, or perhaps it had another meaning. Mania would use the host’s trauma and feelings against it, but what would it be hers? She has to keep digging.
“You didn’t feel anything? No pulsation, pain, or burning sensation? “
“Well, there is one thing that happens sometimes.”
That pique Lilian’s until she sees Kagura lift her hand before showing her hand glows in a phantom-like light. Her eyes were surprised, but it didn’t stay long, as it vanished as fast as it appeared. So her power was either restrained by her mental resistance or perhaps didn’t develop totally. Which could be very bad if she gets a mental breakdown in a public space this could be dangerous. But Lilian wants to test her further to see how far her resistance can go if she gets her to have a slight moment of panic now. But before that–
“Tell me more about that ‘Phantom Ronin’. Did it ever appeared again? In a dream, perhaps in a nightmare ?” asked the therapist looking to the young swordswoman, who shook her head.
“No. However, I have been feeling…different during training. With more fluid moves, my speed increased, and my strength grew. My sword felt lighter than usual earlier.”
It has increased her physical abilities .
Lilian has to choose her next question correctly because it could be decisive in knowing how mentally strong Kagura is. Her body will start reacting to the stress if it goes as she plans. However, her only worry right now is this will make her have a mental breakdown.
“I would like to ask about your father and mother’s relationship before her sick period. Was he distant, not loving enough ?” questioned the woman crossing her arms as Kagura seemed to be trying to remember her oldest memories.
“No, never. Grandfather always thanked him for coming to visit her at that time. He was a loving husband, hopeful that my mother would survive. Losing her just broke him..” explained the red-haired young woman, who thought for a while before she raised her head to hold her head as if she started to feel pain. “Though…”
There it is.
“..I remember something…a fight. Not between my parents. But…my mother and other people…then a red blade..”
Her voice was increasingly incoherent as she held her head, blue phantom-like light spreading around her body. Lilian had to act. She came to the girl kneeling before seeing the sudden change in her appearance. Horns started appearing on her head, while her grey metallic eyes turned gold. Were her powers awakened?
“Kagura, stay with me. Focus on my voice, breathe.” It was enough to bring the girl to conscience as the mania reaction quieted it. It was impressive seeing someone who recently had a high M-Value control her mutation this quickly, not letting any emotion be too much. “Are you okay ?”
“..I...I remember–”
The door opened brutally as Kagura and Lilian saw Yatoshi entering, looking at Lilian, shooting her a glare that meant she overstepped the boundaries that should have been closed. Langley was behind the older man, silently telling her to give her more time.
“Sir, Lilian needs more time–”
“Half an hour already passed, Langley.” his glacial tone made Kagura tense up a bit, which Lilian didn’t like. “You said that she will only ask her a few questions. But look at my granddaughter! Pale like a ghost !”
“Sir, I am doing my work to how far her mutation–”
“Her mutation didn’t change!! Her M-Value is under control! She is an honorary University student! She–”
“Enough !!!!”
Kagura's scream silenced the adults as she looked at her grandfather with a new gaze.
Anger
, but her eyes weren’t only showing that, but confusion or sorrow. Not even Lilian could tell what it was, but for sure, it was a lost glare she was shooting at him before she closed her eyes, trying to formulate her words.
“You…You told me mom died of cancer. Yet, Our family is healthy and never had an issue with Cancer before. Anyone could get it tomorrow. I-I know that, but..Something before, didn’t it ?” The question seemed to put the man unease as she looked away. “Tell me the truth! “
“Master Sakamoto…Whatever you are hiding may be the key for her to understand her powers and more.” encouraged Lilian as the Old veteran sighed in defeat before looking at the picture in the bed. “..Something happened to Kagura’s mother, didn’t it? She didn’t die because of cancer.”
“..No. Because of Mania.” That shocked Kagura, who looked at her grandfather with big eyes, her face palling even more. “Your mother was a gorgeous woman. Many men from all sides of DisCity wanted her. Despite being a singer, your mother was still a talented swordswoman. So much that it attracted the Yagiyu’s attention, or better say, one of the heads of the Yagiyu. Itsuji Hiroto. Despite appearing as the most distinguished man in East Side, he was a madman.”
“A mask..” mumbled Langley as the man took a picture of his daughter on the bed.
“...He wanted her and tried to get her many times. Even when she was pregnant with you, she could fight back. But when you were five..that’s when things turn bad.” he closed his eyes. Kagura sat back in her chair, seemingly remembering a distant memory locked in her mind long ago. “He challenged your mother to a duel. If he had won, you and she would be his, and your father would die. Your mother imposed that if she won, he would leave her family alone forever. He gave his word...Hmph !”
“He lied, but she won, didn’t she ?`” Yatoshi nodded to Lilian, sensing that what happened next came is what triggered Kagura’s reaction earlier.
“...He screamed, wanting a rematch, but Natsumi refused, saying he gave his word. Angry, he pulled a mania blade. She could dodge the hit's full impact but got slightly cut..”Yatoshi's tears fell from his eyes on the picture of his daughter and grandchild as he looked at Kagura. “At the hospital, she was battling her M-Values...Until she couldn’t anymore and was on the verge of turning…We took her from the hospital and brought her somewhere else with the FAC’s help. And
I
gave her the killing blow.”
Kagura felt the world opening under her chair, swallowing her to the point of simultaneously making her feel light and heavy. Her ears started to ring when she saw the adult speaking around her, but she did not hear a single word. Her mother died..because of the Yakuza..? Because the greed of men was so big that he couldn’t give up? Her heart was arching in pain, yet a new feeling bloomed inside her, one she swore not to let take over.
Rage.
The blue phantom light came back. This time the spread was fast, taking the form of samurai armor. Langley grabbed her device, but Lilian was faster as she put a hand on her eyes.
“
You did well, Kagura,
” her voice resonated through the ringing of the red-haired swordswoman. Despite seeing darkness, she felt a comforting warmth in her chest. “
Now rest, child.
”
BA-DUM
Lilian felt a pull, and before she could understand, she wasn’t in Kagura’s room or house anymore. She was outside of a temple. And then, she sees the same thing Kagura described during their session. The ronin is sitting on the temple's steps like a phantom. Getting up, it took a few steps closer before stopping a few meters away from her. The therapist was impressed that the girl could pull her into her mental world, or perhaps it wasn’t her.
…She…must…accept…
Then she was brought back, Kagura falling into her arms, asleep, her body stable. Langley joined her, checking on the young girl and her. But the hypnotic Sinner only carried the young girl to her bed, letting her rest.
“Let us talk outside.”
The sun was already lightly setting while Langley Lilian and Yatoshi spoke outside. The older man knew it would be only a question of time before the MBCC would come for Kagura, yet her graduation was so close, and he refused her immediate detainment. He argued back and forth with Langley until Lilian held the spy, who was slightly losing her patience with her stubborn ex-commander.
“Let your granddaughter wake up and explain all to her. As a therapist, I will delay her detainment until she graduates. Afterward, I am afraid there isn’t much we can do. She is stable for now because she is strong mentally. However, how long do you think Kagura can handle it ?” questioned the woman as the man sighed, holding his face with one hand, the therapist sharing his pain as she leaned slightly forward. “Sir, as her only family, it’s for her best interest and yours. I understand you wanted to give what your daughter couldn’t have, but she isn’t her. Please..”
“...Very well.”
Langley and Lilian sigh of relief, knowing they had resolved this problem without too much trouble. The therapist could only understand what Yatoshi was going through mentally, so she left her card with him to call if anything scared him or if he still had questions. The man thanked both of them before the two Sinners took their leave. Langley called Chief and explained the situation while Lilian had to hold into the spy’s arm for a good second, which surprised the silver spider not answering the call directly.
‘
Langley ?’
the voice of her rookie to her attention before the woman closed her eyes.
“I will give a former report once back at the base. I have one last stop before getting back.” Langley hung up the call quickly, holding Lilian’s hand. “..You alright ?”
“Just…This whole meeting took a lot of me. That she pulled me into her spiritual world was a bit unexpected.”
“I can imagine. Though I am worried about when she will wake up.”
Lilian agreed. Even if it was for a second, she could tell Kagura was very angry, only to know now the truth about her mother’s death. She felt pain in her heart, but knowing that the only family she could trust kept that from her for years was even more painful. However, it was to protect her from having thoughts of revenge. Perhaps Yatoshi will succeed where she had failed.
Night had fallen in DisCity, and Kagura was watching the night sky from her room, thoughts floating in her head. To think that her mother died because of mania and not Cancer still seemed to stab her mind. And that the Yakuza was responsible for it `? It angered her so much, but it saddened her as well. Her mother always protected her and told her how to be in life. Even with their short time together, Kagura learned more in a few years than she would in a more extended period. She just wished her father would be like that, yet that woman had poisoned his mind and soul, and now she faces the world with her grandfather. But despite his presence, she felt alone. Then she remembered Enfer had answered her letter. She got up from her bed and went to her desk as she took the note.
Dear Kagura,
I thank you for your kind words. But whether the marble, which consisted Sosia, had Mania or not, she was still my responsibility. I will never forgive myself for putting one of my fans in danger like I did. But I will be honest with you. I never expected someone like you would be so appreciative of my art. Many were only people with money wanting a piece of my talent to show to their circle of friends or thrill seekers coming for a small shot of adrenaline. Yet, you are different. Your eyes show such affection that I both crave and fear. It is hard to explain the feeling your gaze showed me the first time we met. This burning flame, locked in a box, isolated, sealed for no one to see as if you are a prisoner of yourself. One thing Chief told me is the following: Walk the path that your heart guides you to. I don’t know what it means. Emotions other than fear are a bit foreign. That’s what makes you so unique in my eyes. You have awakened something in me—a lost feeling. You are a fascinating young woman, Kagura. I shall wait for our next meeting.
Your friend and idol.
Enfer.
Kagura’s cheeks were red by the words of the artist. She never expected those compliments from Enfer herself. If Alice ever knew about this– The simple thought of her best friend made her sad. She didn’t know about her current situation or her M-Value. The swordswoman felt too ashamed to tell her friend that she was turning into a Sinner, knowing she could probably get shone by the whole university in the last few days. That would mean their friendship would also be tainted. Kagura takes her phone to call Alice, but she hesitates. Will she pick it up? Will she accept her after explaining everything to her?
“Hesitating ?” the sound of her door opening slightly and seeing her grandfather entering. She avoids his gaze, looking down the blank page, fighting back her tears. “..You have the right to hate me, child–”
“I don’t hate you. It’s just….” Kagura swallows her voice, cracking slightly, exhaling shakingly. “I..just understand you wanted to protect me…And now knowing this…I feel it’s all my fault. If I had stayed home that day, I wouldn’t have failed you today..”
“No.” His firm voice was gentle as he approached her, gently caressing her face and drying the tears that started to fall with his thumb. “Never say that you failed me because you didn’t. I couldn’t be more proud of the woman you became today—sinner or not. Your mother would have been proud as well. The one who failed here is me. I…failed your mother, failed to protect and save her. And in the end, I had to do something any parent would prefer that happened to them instead of their child..”
It was the first time that she and her grandfather shared feelings this deeply. Usually, he speaks to her in riddles to cheer her up, or would both drink tea and share stories of the past, her mother, and his days in the militias. But tonight, it felt more familial and gentle as both suffered from the same pain. The young girl embraces her grandfather tight as he returns the hug, kissing the side of her head. This warmth that she had once in the company of her mother was so comforting. The older man dried the tears, smiling at her, before looking at the blank paper.
“If you want to invite your friend Alice to perhaps explain to her what happened, do. I won’t stop you from doing anything for the following days.” explains the man as he sighs slightly sad before he looks at her. “I spoke to my rookie about your case.”
“Is it..about my detainment ?”
“Yes. I made a deal. After your graduation, the MBCC will take you in. For your protection.”
The deal didn’t surprise her, nor scare her. Kagura knew it had to be done, especially after whatever happened before she passed out. The last thing she remembered was hearing Lilian’s voice ring in her mind before she blackout. But at least she has her previous few days in university before going to the bureau. Her attention then turns to the blank page in front of her. She still owes an answer to Enfer, and keeping her waiting would be rude. But what to say?
“Not going to write? It is rude to make someone wait, child.” the girl sighs as the man pushes her phone closer. “Perhaps a bit of company will help you through it.”
Kagura took her phone and finally called her best friend to come to her house. They have a lot to say. And she is probably going to get yelled at.
“WHAT ?!”
Kagura dodges a pillow trembling slightly from the murderous aura of her friend. After explaining everything to Alice, the young woman was shocked, angry, and frustrated with the red-haired woman. The young swordswoman had lied to Alice about her M-Values level not to worry her or cause more drama at her universityManyof people had been asking her what was inside the museum then. Of course, she lied about seeing anything, pretending that the last thing she remembered was seeing Alice, then total blackout.
“You stupid–” the girl sighs before hitting Kagura on the head, who held her head. “You are an idiot. Sinner or not, you are my friend! Never lie to me again !”
“S-Sorry..” Kagura looked to the side before smiling. “It’s just–”
“I know, I know—Eastside bullshit. I thought you had a bit more faith in me, girl! I am your BFF. Nothing will stop me from being your friend !” said Alice Kagura smiling as both embraced each tight. It felt a bit reliving that she took it well about her being a Sinner and that their friendship won’t change from what it was. “..So..after graduation, you are leaving, huh ?”
“For my safety and yours, yeah.”
“...Geez, you always get the big adventures, huh ?”
Both girls laughed a bit. Alice and Kagura’s friendship has gone on since they were in kindergarten. When her mother died, Alice was her support, the shoulder she would cry on, and the hand who helped her get up. But it wasn’t without Kagura helping her as well. The young girl’s parents divorced around the same time, so the red-haired swordswoman took her in some nights to have fun and clear her mind. They were like sisters, despite not sharing the same blood.
After reading god knows how many times, Alice took the letter and thought a bit.
“If you want to answer Enfer, go with your heart. I mean, come on. Wasn’t you who said that ‘words that come from the heart are the most feelings?’ “ asked The young woman using her semi-perfect imitation of Kagura’s voice
“I hate you sometimes..” Kagura blushed at the sound of her own words by her friend's horrible yet funny mimic. “But..I think I have an idea..”
“Let’s go then !!”
Kagura sits on her desk, pen in hand, before taking a good breath as her hands start writing down her words.
—----
She spent the whole day looking at the marble. It took shape, though she still needed the details. It was a human-like form holding something. An orb, or a treasure, she isn’t sure yet. She spent the whole day thinking about what Chief told her. Kagura may be a Sinner. How can she look the girl in the eye, knowing it was partially her fault that she turned? Then there was this strange conflictual feeling in her chest.
Enfer was a woman who only cared for one thing: Fear and agony, two feelings that she had lived with all her life. And after meeting Kagura, two new emotions emerged when their gaze met for the first time. One was receiving that affection she had in her eyes when she spoke to one another. She took her defense when Laisa shackled her, and how she protectively held her hand after saving her from her creations made her only crave it more and more. The other was the desire to see what she would look like, scared, frightened to the core, see her tearing and holding onto for protection. The woman sighs, slightly frustrated and lost in her trail of mind. Usually, the night helped her relaunch her inspiration, yet tonight was hard to get any. It wasn’t even late, but Enfer felt tiredness winning her, mentally more than physically.
Despite having Kagura in her mind, there was something else in her thoughts. The fact that she had a feeling the young woman would turn into a Sinner. She remembers when she was fighting her deepest fear, and she could swear to have seen a presence, like a ghost, behind her, helping her get free from the monster's grip. The form of the transparent apparition was slightly familiar to her. She did her research asking questions to the Easterns Sinners around, and thanks to Sumire, she found what it was in a book.
“ Oni …A demon..” A smile appeared on the Sinner's lips, her nails running down the picture of the folkloristic monster. “...Is this what you are hiding, Kagura ?”
Notes:
THINGS ARE GETTING INTERESTING AREN'T THEY ?
Xuan (Guest) on Chapter 1 Sun 04 Jun 2023 11:18AM UTC
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AgentLightning on Chapter 1 Mon 05 Jun 2023 08:35AM UTC
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Mura (Guest) on Chapter 1 Wed 07 Jun 2023 07:53AM UTC
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AgentLightning on Chapter 1 Wed 07 Jun 2023 09:21AM UTC
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AgentLightning on Chapter 2 Sat 30 Dec 2023 12:29PM UTC
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