The past timeline - Three years before Ryoto and team rescues Aem and friends. ❤️ - represented by this symbol

The present timeline - Ryoto and team rescues Aem and friends. 🟥 - represented by this symbol

The future timeline - one year after Ryoto and team had rescued Aem and friends. ♦️ - represented by this symbol

***

❤️....

Ishoya stood at the threshold of her home, her eyes narrowed in contemplation as she faced Misa-Chan, the girl waiting expectantly outside. "Ah, Misa-Chan," she began with a soft sigh, "I'm actually busy today. My brother has his exams tomorrow, so I need to go check on him."

Misa-Chan's face brightened with a gentle smile. "Of course, Ishoya-san. I understand," she replied before turning away gracefully.

Ishoya watched her retreating figure for a moment before stepping back inside. She meticulously checked all the sliding doors once more, ensuring they were securely closed. Satisfied, she locked the gates to her house and stepped out onto the bustling main street, the lively hum of city life surrounding her.

As she strolled down the street, she couldn't help but notice the various carriage men announcing their prices.

"Twenty-three jewels per ride."

"Twenty-eight jewels for a ride."

"Twenty-one jewels for a ride."

"Thirty jewels per ride."

A sigh escaped her lips as she glanced at the small red pouch hanging from her skirt's belt. "Oh my... These rides are so expensive," she muttered under her breath. Determined to find a reasonable fare, she approached one of the carriage men and, without any hesitation, sat down in his cart.

"Eighteen jewels. No more," she declared firmly.

The man, taken aback, tried to negotiate. "But ma'am, rides are expensive these days. I'm going with twenty-one at least. You see, the others—"

"Seventeen," Ishoya interrupted, her voice unwavering.

With a resigned sigh, the man conceded. "Alright, alright." He pulled the strings of the cart and mounted the cycle-like structure at the front. Ishoya settled into the carriage as they began their journey through the bustling streets.

After a while, the cart came to a halt in front of Fujima's house. Ishoya handed the man sixteen jewels.

"But we agreed on eighteen—" he began to protest.

"That was a rough ride. Be happy I'm paying you at all," Ishoya replied dismissively.

The man's shoulders slumped in defeat, and he drove away with a tear forming in his eye. Ishoya, unfazed, walked through the gates of the house and knocked on the door.

The door opened gently to reveal Amash, whose face lit up with joy at the sight of Ishoya. "Nee-Chan! Come in," she said, bowing respectfully.

Ishoya smiled and ruffled Amash's black hair affectionately before stepping inside. She walked across the corridor and into the hall room, calling out playfully, "Konosa!"

Konosa looked up from his books, a broad smile spreading across his face when he saw her. "Sister! What a surprise," he exclaimed, jumping up to hug her. Ishoya patted his back gently, her smile mirroring his.

After a moment, Konosa introduced Satsujin, Suki, and Misuke to Ishoya and began to explain the current situation. "We've been preparing for the exams, but Remeshi isn't with us at the moment."

Ishoya's eyes widened slightly. "Wow. So much has happened."

"Yeah, and that idiot isn't back yet," Konosa said, his frustration evident.

"Calm down, brother. He should be on his way," Ishoya reassured him.

"The exam is tomorrow. I don't know what he's going to do," Konosa replied, worry creasing his brow.

"Why didn't he take Remeni with him?" Ishoya asked, her curiosity piqued.

Konosa shrugged. "He only told me to inform the others, that's it."

The conversation eventually drifted to other topics as the team resumed their revision. Ishoya and Amash watched them closely, moment by moment, as they diligently worked to memorize every little detail, preparing their best for the upcoming exams.

The room buzzed with quiet concentration, the air thick with the scent of ink and paper. Ishoya felt a swell of pride as she observed the earnest efforts of her brother and his friends. They were determined, focused, and unwavering in their pursuit of success, and she was there to support them every step of the way.

As the study session progressed, the front door creaked open, and Fujima walked in, his arms laden with bags of food. The smell of freshly prepared dishes filled the air, causing everyone's stomachs to rumble in anticipation. With a warm smile, he handed the bags to Amash, who accepted them eagerly.

"Thank you, Fujima-Sensei," Amash said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She jogged towards the kitchen, her footsteps light and quick.

In the kitchen, she carefully unpacked the bags, revealing a sumptuous feast. There was steaming rice, crispy and savory Takoyaki, tangy pickled radish, comforting Miso soup, tender boiled sweet potato, rich and flavorful curry, and a refreshing meat salad. The colors and aromas of the dishes filled the small kitchen with a sense of warmth and home.

Once everything was laid out, Amash called everyone to the hall room, where they gathered around the Kotatsu, a low wooden table draped with a heavy blanket. As they settled in, the warmth of the Kotatsu spread through their legs, adding to the cozy atmosphere.

They bowed their heads in unison for the after prayer, expressing gratitude for the meal before them. The moment of silence was filled with a shared sense of peace and togetherness. When the prayer ended, they lifted their heads and began to eat, passing dishes around and filling their bowls with generous portions.

Laughter and conversation flowed freely as they enjoyed the delicious meal. Ishoya and Konosa exchanged stories and memories, their faces illuminated with joy. Satsujin, Suki, and Misuke joined in, their voices blending into a harmonious chorus of camaraderie.

As the meal drew to a close, Amash began clearing the table, stacking empty bowls and plates with practiced efficiency. Her movements were quick and precise, a testament to her familiarity with the routine. The others continued their animated discussions, their voices a comforting backdrop to the clinking of dishes.

When Amash was finally done, the room grew quiet, the earlier chatter tapering off. Ishoya and the team seemed lost in their thoughts, the weight of the upcoming exams hanging in the air.

Breaking the silence, Remeni spoke up, her voice tinged with weariness. "I am tired of waiting for Re-nii. I'm going to sleep," she said, punctuating her statement with a wide yawn.

The next morning dawned bright and early, with a palpable sense of anticipation hanging in the air. Amash, ever the diligent wake-up call, clanged loudly on plates with large spoons, her impromptu symphony echoing through the halls and stirring everyone from their slumber.

Groggy and bleary-eyed, the household members stumbled out of their rooms and into the main hall, exchanging groggy greetings before retreating back to begin their morning routines. The house buzzed with the sounds of brushing, washing, and dressing, each person preparing for the day ahead.

"This is it! This is the day!" Konosa declared to his reflection, lightly slapping his cheeks consecutively to shake off the remnants of sleep. The reflection stared back at him, determined and focused. He nodded to himself, bolstering his resolve.

As the hour approached, they headed for their respective schools, a lingering worry gnawing at them over Remeshi’s absence. With the exam looming in just two hours, there was no sign of him returning. The unease was palpable, yet they pressed on, hoping for the best.

Konosa took his seat in the exam hall, his nerves a taut string ready to snap. His eyes drifted to the first seat in the second row, which remained conspicuously empty. It belonged to Ayeta, as per the seating arrangement, and his absence was another layer of unease.

Determined to focus, Konosa lightly slapped his cheeks twice, bringing his attention back to the sheet before him. This was it—the long-awaited question paper. His heart pounded as he began to write, diligently answering the questions he knew.

Time slipped away as he worked, but then, halfway through, his mind went blank at a particularly tough question. Panic gripped him as the minutes ticked by. When he finally regained his composure, he realized precious time had slipped away. Shaking off the anxiety, he moved on to the next questions, leaving the challenging one unanswered for now.

A loud ringing filled the classrooms, signaling the end of the exam. Faculty members rose from their chairs, and the examinees obediently placed their feather pens down. Papers were collected, and the room erupted into chatter.

Konosa quietly packed his ink bottle and feather pen into his bag, tuning out the excited conversations around him. Suddenly, Hideo from Team Three approached him, his demeanor hesitant.

"H-hey," Hideo stammered, "Konosa-san. How was the exam?"

Konosa, momentarily puzzled, glanced around to ensure he was the one being addressed. "Hm? You talking to me?"

"Y-yeah...how was it?"

"..Not bad? Let bygones be bygones, I guess."

"Right..." Hideo trailed off, shifting nervously.

"What about you?" Konosa asked, trying to break the awkward silence.

"Yeah...could have been better..."

"Yeah, let's not go there. We did our best, so meh," Konosa said, shrugging visibly.

"Uh...er...so...uhm...do you maybe want to study together for the next paper?" Hideo blurted out, stuttering through the invitation.

Konosa raised an eyebrow. "..Seriously. What's up with you, Hideo-kun?"

"I...well...it's fine if you don't want to...I and the others just wanted to invite you..."

"Others? Your team? Fumiko and Oda?"

"Uh, yeah...will you join us?"

Konosa sighed, considering the offer. "Something far worse than the Miyakawa Kazuya incident has occurred, and so we are not forced to stay in the student dorms anymore."

"Yeah...I know—"

"So. Can you all accompany me to HA instead?"

"HA? The school?"

"Mm-hm. Exactly the school," Konosa replied, lifting his olive mud bag and hanging it around his shoulders.

Hideo’s face lit up with understanding. He rushed over to Oda and Fumiko, who were standing near the classroom door, and quickly filled them in on Konosa's offer. They nodded eagerly, looking Konosa’s way.

Konosa gave them a thumbs up, signaling his approval. He stood up, approached the three, and, with a proud swing of his bag, led the way towards the gate.

The four of them settled themselves in a student carriage that Konosa had abruptly flagged down. The carriage man didn't stand a chance in arguing over the fare with Konosa, who firmly insisted on paying seven jewels instead of the usual thirteen. Resigned to his defeat, the man sighed and began driving the group towards HA.

Upon arriving at HA, Konosa spotted a familiar face in the crowd. "Ah! Hey! Chiasa!" he called out, waving enthusiastically. Chiasa hesitated for a moment before ducking her head and scurrying away, trying to lose herself among the throng of students.

Not willing to let her escape, Hideo sprinted through the crowd, weaving between students until he caught up with her. He grabbed her wrist firmly and pulled her back, standing her in front of Konosa. "Hey! What the hell!!! I'll sue you for harassment," Chiasa yelled, her eyes blazing with indignation.

Fumiko stepped forward, his gaze cold and unyielding. "And what charges should we give you?" he asked, his tone icy. Though it was a bluff, Fumiko's words and piercing gaze silenced Chiasa. She hadn't committed any grievous acts, but Fumiko's intimidation worked.

Konosa, trying to remain calm, asked, "Is Remeshi here?" Chiasa remained silent, her eyes fixed on the ground. The tension was palpable until Konosa felt a light pat on his shoulder. He turned to see Remeshi standing behind him, a playful smile on his face.

"You," Konosa said, gripping Remeshi's shoulders tightly. "Where were you?!"

"Senpai, senpai...my shoulders might dislocate," Remeshi teased, his smile not fading.

"Tell me. Answer," Konosa demanded, not loosening his grip.

Remeshi sighed and began to explain, "When I reached the almost barren land, it was already too late. I had only so much time to get back for the exams. I had to leave my search. Then I took a carriage directly to HA. I found Master Vanessa, and she paid the jewels needed. I rushed in, borrowed materials from a junior, took my exam, and now here we are."

Konosa's grip loosened, and he exhaled deeply. "Oh...oh my god. Did you do well?"

"I don't know...I guess... I was a complete mess, so let's not talk about this," Remeshi replied, shaking his head. "Anyway, why did you ask Chiasa about me?"

"Aren't you both in the same class?" Konosa asked, confused.

"Yeah, but she has nothing to do with me," Remeshi said flatly.

Konosa tilted his head slightly, puzzled by Remeshi's mixed demeanor. Chiasa stood there, clenching her skirt helplessly, looking up at Remeshi in hopes of a response. She received none. Remeshi walked away with Konosa and his new friends, while Hideo, still fuming, didn't bother to apologize to Chiasa before leaving. His pride and anger prevented him from seeing her in a sympathetic light.

Konosa waved goodbye to Hideo, Fumiko, and Oda, then entered the gates of the Fujima house with Remeshi. "Oh! Forgot. I am going to study together with them later today," Konosa said, looking at Remeshi.

"They are your friends now?" Remeshi asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Kind of, yeah," Konosa replied.

"I thought people were unhappy with us," Remeshi remarked.

"I have not the slightest clue what the Leo Riders want from us, but I've stopped being skeptical of things I can't control. I'll pretty much let them tag along," Konosa said, shrugging.

"Maybe they are trying to redeem themselves? You know, since they realized it wasn't your fault—the Great War, I mean," Remeshi suggested.

"Guess so," Konosa replied thoughtfully.

As they walked through the gate, Ishoya rushed out to greet them. "Welcome back, scholar—Remeshi?" She paused mid-sentence, her gaze falling on Remeshi standing slightly behind Konosa. Remeshi smiled at her, and the tension melted away.

He filled her in on his small misadventure as they walked through the corridor and seated themselves in the hall room. The familiar surroundings and the presence of family brought a sense of peace, even amidst the chaos of exams and unresolved tensions.

The next fifteen days slipped by in a blur of routine and rigor. Each morning began before the first light of dawn, with Ishoya waking her brother and the others in the house. Sleepy eyes and groggy minds quickly adjusted to the demands of the day. The early hours were dedicated to studying, the quiet stillness of the house making it an ideal time for concentration and absorption.

As the sun rose higher in the sky, they would prepare for the daily exams, gathering their materials and steeling their nerves. The journey to school was often made in a mix of silence and murmured discussions, each of them mentally reviewing their notes and trying to recall every detail they had painstakingly studied.

The exams were intense, each paper a new challenge that required focus and resilience. Konosa and his friends—Hideo, Fumiko, and Oda—would meet up and offer each other encouragement before stepping into the exam hall. The pressure was palpable, but they pushed through, answering questions with as much clarity and accuracy as they could muster.

Afternoons were a different kind of challenge. After returning from the exams, they would gather for sword training with Fujima. The clashing of blades and the sharp commands from Fujima filled the air, a stark contrast to the quiet intensity of their morning studies. The physical exertion was a welcome break from the mental strain, their muscles burning with effort as they honed their skills under Fujima's watchful eye. The rhythmic practice of forms and sparring matches not only improved their swordsmanship but also provided a much-needed outlet for the stress of exams.

Evenings brought them back to the books, with study sessions that extended late into the night. They would huddle together around the kotatsu, reviewing the day's exam questions, discussing potential answers, and preparing for the next day's challenges. The camaraderie built during these sessions was as vital as the knowledge they were acquiring, each of them drawing strength from the shared experience.

As the days passed, the routine became almost second nature. The rhythm of study, exam, training, and more study was exhausting but fulfilling.

[The last day of exam
Time: morning 10:45 am
IEA]-❤️

The school canteen buzzed with the typical end-of-term energy, students chatting animatedly about their plans now that exams were finally over. In the right corner of the canteen, Konosa sat with Hideo, Fumiko, and Oda—the Leo Riders—enjoying the newfound sense of freedom.

"Oh, finally it's over!" Konosa announced almost too loudly, drawing a few amused glances from nearby tables. He stretched his arms above his head, a broad grin spreading across his face.

Oda nodded, chuckling. "Haha. Wow, Senpai. That was quite the declaration."

"Damn, you remind me of that idiot friend of mine, Oda-kun," Konosa said, twirling his chopsticks between his fingers with a playful smile.

Oda raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Hm? Who?"

"Remeshi," Konosa replied, the name rolling off his tongue with a mix of fondness and exasperation.

"Oh, haha. Wait, I remind you of your 'idiot' friend?" Oda asked, feigning offense but unable to keep a smile from tugging at his lips.

Konosa laughed, realizing the unintended slight. "Uhm, there's a dessert section over there. Let's go," he said quickly, evading the question and pointing towards the array of sweets laid out on a nearby table.

The group stood up, amused by Konosa's quick diversion. As they walked towards the dessert section, the conversation flowed easily, the weight of exams no longer hanging over them. The canteen was filled with the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods, and the sight of colorful desserts lifted their spirits even more.

"Look at those pastries," Fumiko said, eyes widening at the sight of beautifully decorated cakes and tarts.

"Forget pastries, I'm heading straight for the ice cream," Hideo declared, his excitement palpable.

Konosa led the way, a mischievous glint in his eye as he scanned the dessert table. "Alright, let's see who can pile the most on their plate without it toppling over," he challenged, his competitive spirit resurfacing now that the academic pressure had eased.

Oda laughed, accepting the challenge. "You're on, Senpai. Just don't cry when I win."

The next few minutes were filled with lighthearted banter and laughter as they loaded their plates with a variety of desserts. Konosa couldn't help but think back to the intense study sessions and the grueling exams. It felt surreal to be standing there, free from the academic demands that had dominated their lives for the past fifteen days.

As they returned to their table, plates overflowing with sweets, Konosa glanced around at his friends.

Sitting down, Konosa took a bite of a delicate strawberry tart, savoring the sweet taste. "You know," he began, "these past weeks have been tough, but I'm glad we went through it together."

"Agreed," Hideo said, raising his spoon in a mock toast. "Here's to surviving the exams and to many more victories together."

They clinked their spoons and laughed, enjoying the moment. The future was uncertain, but for now, they reveled in their hard-earned freedom, bonded by the shared experiences that had turned them from mere classmates into true friends.

***

[Location: Unknown
Time: calendar followed unknown
Date: calendar followed unknown
Landmark: none calculated]-❤️

Harsh winds traveled together in the ocean-dark sky, swaying the trees and plants with their force. In the midst of this tempest stood a woman, her presence a stark contrast against the wild elements. Her name was Gina, and she wore a beautiful, long, shining blue gown that shimmered in the dim light. From afar, she looked like a minuscule figure amidst the vast expanse of nature’s fury. Her long, blonde hair and the white, translucent robe behind her gown fluttered wildly in the wind. She swirled around, her cold gaze fixed on a distant figure—someone standing far off, almost obscured by the snow.

As if on cue, the sky began to release a harsh, relentless snow. The snowfall made Gina's face blurry, her features hazy and indistinct, but her presence was undeniable. Her gown was strapless, a beautiful blue adorned with white shining stones embedded in the netted waist area, adding an ethereal glow to her form.

The snow poured down harder, and her diamond-blue eyes glittered fiercely behind the swirling flakes. Gracefully, she set her right leg forward. The slit in her gown, which reached her thigh, revealed her fair, bare skin. Her long, crystal-white heels embedded themselves in the snowy ground below. She glared at the figure in front of her now, a man named Sirus, who stood still against the backdrop of the storm.

Sirus had large and wide pearl wings attached to his back, his white robe flowing around him. His fierce snowy eyes matched the storm, and his hair, the shade of pure white, fluttered in the wind. He looked at Gina with no verifiable expression on his visage, a mask of calm in the midst of chaos.

He shifted slightly, standing directly in front of her. His glossy lips moved to speak, "Mistress Gina."

Gina pressed her lips together tightly, raising her hand above her head. Clouds of unwavering winds formed above them. She pointed her finger in the air, and the clouds of wind swiftly traveled towards Sirus. He deftly capered out of the attack range, avoiding the ferocious gusts.

Huge snow pellets rushed toward Gina. She swirled around, her back facing Sirus, and her robe created a powerful force of wind, sending the snow back toward its caster. Sirus absorbed the snow in his hands and retaliated, throwing back double the amount towards Gina. She immediately snapped her fingers and leapt into the air, flying away with the wind to escape the onslaught of snowballs.

The man too began flying, following her through the sky. He shot tinier but quicker snowballs toward Gina. She twirled her robe around, deflecting them away. The fight between wind and snow raged on, a spectacular dance of elements against the dark sky.

Eventually, Gina’s relentless assault overpowered Sirus. His body fell to the snowy ground, and her heel pressed against his neck. He looked up at her with a grim expression, showing no fear. She lifted her heel slightly and then swiftly embedded it in his neck, but there was no blood, no scream, no sign of death. Sirus wasn't dead. He didn’t look like he was in pain either. Casually, he tossed her heel away, stumbling her momentarily, and stood up, dusting the snow off his robes.

"So you are one too," Gina said, her voice a mix of curiosity and disdain.

"So are you. How long are you going to go around like that?" Sirus asked her.

"I'll decide what to do with myself. So back away."

"Gina. That girl doesn't need you anymore—"

"No one needs you either! And... this isn't even you. Just your form. Disintegrate."

As she spoke, Sirus disintegrated into dust instantly. Tiny specks of snow pellets fell to the earth. The sky cleared, and the stars shone brightly again. Gina stood alone once more, the fury of the storm replaced by the calm, starlit night.

[Location: Fujima's house
Time: 4:00 pm]-❤️

The evening settled softly over the Fujima house, casting long shadows through the paper-screened windows. Ishoya sat quietly in the hall, her thoughts drifting like leaves in the autumn breeze. The tranquil silence was abruptly broken by Konosa’s voice, sharp with concern.

“Sister? Sister! You’ve been spacing out a lot,” Konosa said, snapping his fingers in front of her dazed eyes.

Startled, Ishoya blinked and then smiled warmly at her brother. “Just curious how my brother did in the exams.”

“Oh,” Konosa replied, his tone lightening. “Well, guess what? I have a commitment with some friends.”

“You? Friends?” Ishoya teased, raising an eyebrow playfully.

“Hey now, that’s just rude,” Konosa pouted, crossing his arms in mock offense.

“Hehe, I mean, from IEA? Who?” Ishoya asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Oh... Oda, Hideo, and Fumiko,” Konosa replied casually, a hint of pride in his voice.

“Okay? What commitment?” she inquired, her interest growing.

“They want to take me out to the park fair,” Konosa explained, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

“They do now, huh?” Ishoya pondered over his words, her expression thoughtful as she leaned back slightly.

“Mm-hm. Why? Why do you have that look on your face?” Konosa asked, narrowing his eyes at her.

“Hm? What look?” She feigned ignorance, trying to maintain her composure.

“You know, the look that reads: this is sketchy and suspicious, I need to investigate. That kind of look,” he clarified, crossing his arms.

“Oh. Haha. Don’t worry. It’s nice that you’re making friends,” Ishoya reassured him, though a shadow of doubt lingered in her mind.

“If I tell you they came to me first, will you follow me?” Konosa asked, his tone half-joking, half-serious.

“What? No way. I won’t do that. Go now. Have fun,” Ishoya said, waving her hand dismissively.

“Why would I go now? It’s tomorrow. And... it’s the middle of the night?” Konosa replied, glancing at the darkened windows.

“Uh. I meant go now. To sleep,” she corrected herself, trying to cover her slip.

“And have fun? For what? With who?” Konosa muttered, confusion evident in his voice.

“Oh my god, mister. You are seriously slipping away. Go now,” Ishoya insisted, her voice tinged with exasperation.

“Okay, but you were the one who said have fun,” Konosa grumbled as he made his way out of the hallroom, his footsteps echoing softly on the wooden floor.

Ishoya watched him go, a fond smile playing on her lips. The house fell silent once more, the only sound the faint rustle of the trees outside as the wind whispered through their branches. She sighed, leaning back and closing her eyes, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. The night was calm.

As Konosa settled into his bed, he reflected on the day’s events. His sister’s concern was touching, even if it was a bit overbearing at times. He pulled the covers over himself, his mind already drifting to the fun he would have at the park fair. The prospect of spending time with his new friends filled him with a sense of excitement and anticipation.

The house settled into a deep, restful quiet, each occupant finding solace in the night’s embrace. The stars twinkled brightly above, casting their gentle light over the world below. Tomorrow would bring new adventures, but for now, sleep claimed them all, a much-needed reprieve from the challenges they had faced.

The first light of dawn filtered gently through the paper-screened windows of the Fujima house, casting a soft, golden glow over the rooms. The household was still quiet, the tranquility of early morning holding everyone in its serene embrace. Suddenly, a loud, persistent voice shattered the calm.

“Wake up, Senpai. Oda-kun is waiting for you outside,” Remeshi called out, his voice carrying a note of urgency.

Konosa, deeply ensconced in the warmth of his bed, was jolted awake. Groggy and disoriented, he sat up quickly, only to misjudge his movements. With a startled yelp, he tumbled off the bed, landing on his front with a thud. He rolled towards the door, colliding with it back-first, a sharp, dull pain spreading through his spine.

“Ack... okay, yeah. Give me some time,” he groaned, rubbing his back and wincing slightly.

Konosa pushed himself up, adrenaline now coursing through him, dispelling the remnants of sleep. The urgency in Remeshi's voice had ignited a sense of haste within him. He moved swiftly, his mind already racing through his morning routine. He darted to the washroom, splashing cold water on his face to fully wake up. The shock of the icy water sharpened his senses, and he quickly brushed his teeth and washed up.

His movements were almost a blur as he dressed himself with remarkable speed. He chose a simple yet neat outfit—a crisp white shirt and dark trousers—wanting to look presentable for his day out with his friends. He glanced at himself in the mirror, running a hand through his hair to tame it into some semblance of order.

Konosa couldn’t help but be shocked at his own efficiency. He was usually slower in the mornings, preferring to take his time waking up and getting ready. But today was different.

Fully dressed and feeling more awake, Konosa rushed out of his room, almost colliding with Remeshi in the hallway.

"Wow, Senpai, you actually did it quickly this time," Remeshi said, his tone a mix of amusement and admiration.

"Yeah, yeah, don't make a big deal out of it," Konosa replied, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Where's Oda?"

"He's outside, waiting for you. You don't want to keep him waiting any longer," Remeshi said, giving him a gentle push towards the door.

Konosa nodded and made his way to the entrance of the house. He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady himself. He pushed open the door and stepped outside.

The morning air was crisp and refreshing, a perfect start to what promised to be a fun day. Oda was waiting near the gate, his face lighting up when he saw Konosa emerge.

“Hey, Konosa! Ready to go?” Oda called out, his voice cheerful.

“Yeah!” Konosa replied enthusiastically, walking briskly towards him.

[The park fair
Location: central Tokyo
Time: 9:00 am]-❤️

The bustling heart of Central Tokyo had transformed into a vibrant fairground, alive with a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. Brightly lit stalls lined the streets, offering a variety of foods, games, and trinkets. The scent of sweet and savory delights filled the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter of the crowd. The sky was clear, allowing the sun to cast a warm glow over the festivities, while the towering skyscrapers framed the scene, a testament to the city's blend of tradition and modernity.

In the midst of this lively scene, Konosa navigated his way through the throngs of people, his eyes scanning the crowd for a familiar face. Suddenly, a loud voice cut through the noise.

"Senpai! Here!" Hideo's voice rang out, one hand cupped around his mouth and the other waving energetically.

Konosa turned towards the sound, spotting Hideo standing near a brightly decorated stall. He jogged over, a smile spreading across his face. "Wow, Hideo. I have never seen you out of your uniform."

Hideo laughed, his usual seriousness replaced with a more relaxed demeanor. "Even in the dorm, right?" he replied, smiling oddly.

"Mm-hm. We have dorm uniforms after all. Although I have a petition against it." Konosa chuckled. "Anyway, where are the other two? Oda got me here, but he isn't here?"

"Oh, he must have gone to pick up Fumiko. Those two are always late anyway."

A while later, Konosa and Hideo spotted Oda and Fumiko skipping towards them, their faces alight with excitement. However, before they could even greet them, Hideo's expression turned stern. "You two are late, as always," he scolded, though there was a hint of a smile on his lips.

"Sorry, Hideo," Oda replied sheepishly. "We got caught up in the crowd."

"Let's just enjoy the fair now," Fumiko added, trying to diffuse the tension.

The group began to walk around the park, scanning all the attractions and activities available. There were colorful booths offering everything from traditional Japanese crafts to the latest gadgets. Children ran around with balloons, and groups of friends posed for photos in front of the many photo spots set up around the fairground.

"Konosa Senpai, let's ride that one," Hideo said, pointing at a massive Ferris wheel that seemed to float in the air, suspended by a complex network of poles and ropes.

Konosa squinted at the ride, feeling a knot of anxiety tighten in his stomach. "Ah, that looks dangerous..." he murmured, watching as the Ferris wheel dipped into a pool of water before soaring back into the air, its carriages swinging precariously.

"Come on, Senpai. If we don't ride the rides, there's no point," Hideo insisted, tugging on Konosa's long, blue scarf.

Konosa sighed, shaking his head in defeat. "Okay, alright. Let's go," he said, waving his hand in a gesture of reluctant acceptance.

The line to board the ride snaked back and forth, filled with eager thrill-seekers undeterred by the height and daring maneuvers of the wheel.

Meanwhile, three people behind them in the queue stood Ishoya, incognito in her black attire—hat, shades, mask, and robe—that concealed her identity amidst the crowd. She scanned the surroundings with a watchful eye, occasionally glancing towards Konosa and his friends with a mix of concern and curiosity.

Finally, it was their turn to board. Konosa and Hideo settled into their seats, with Fumiko and Oda behind them, and Ishoya reluctantly paired with a stranger who eyed her suspiciously due to her mysterious appearance. As the Ferris wheel ascended into the sky, Konosa felt a surge of anxiety grip him. The ride dipped into a pool of water below before ascending again, swirling through the air in exhilarating loops that left their stomachs fluttering.

Konosa gripped the seat handles tightly, his other hand clutching onto Hideo's for reassurance. The sensation of weightlessness combined with the dizzying heights made his heart race. When the ride finally came to a stop, Konosa crawled out of his seat, feeling disoriented and dizzy. Oda and Fumiko hurried off the ride, collapsing onto a nearby bench, while Hideo remained remarkably energetic despite the adrenaline rush.

"Let's grab something to eat," Hideo suggested enthusiastically, trying to rally the group.

Konosa and the others were still recovering from the ride's effects, struggling to regain their balance. Ignoring their lack of response, Hideo persisted, his excitement undiminished. Konosa, realizing Hideo's penchant for spicy food, recalled how he would always seek out the hottest dishes available, sometimes even asking for extra chili to be added.

"Wait, I'll come with you!" Konosa exclaimed suddenly, standing up with renewed determination. Hideo grinned, pleased that he had finally won them over, and they set off together, leaving Oda and Fumiko to relax on the bench.

As they wandered through the fairgrounds, Hideo's eyes lit up at the sight of a stall selling snake tails doused in a fiery red sauce. "Let's try that! It looks good!" he suggested eagerly.

Konosa shook his head vehemently. "No, Hideo. Let's find something else. There must be other good options," he replied, gently guiding Hideo away from the spicy temptation.

Eventually, Konosa found a stall that offered food to his liking, along with something milder for Fumiko and Oda. Meanwhile, Hideo gleefully ordered the spiciest dish on the menu, a decision that left Konosa shaking his head in amusement and concern.

Returning to the bench where Oda and Fumiko were seated, Konosa joined them while Hideo stood before them, eagerly digging into his meal. They ate in contented silence, enjoying the flavors and the camaraderie that came with sharing a meal after an exhilarating ride.

Across the fairground, Ishoya watched discreetly from behind a candy-wrapped pole, her eyes fixed fondly on Konosa. "Aw, my sweet brother. He's putting up with that boy's antics so well. My baby has grown so much," she murmured to herself, her heart swelling with pride.

Suddenly, she felt a tap on her shoulder, and she turned to find a concerned man standing behind her. "Excuse me, ma'am, is there something you need help with?" he asked politely.

Startled, Ishoya waved her hands frantically. "No, no," she stammered, her nerves betraying her. She quickly bowed and hurried away, relieved to escape the man's scrutiny. Her attempt at covert observation had clearly not gone unnoticed.

As she walked away, Ishoya let out a long sigh, her disguise now feeling more cumbersome than ever.

Ishoya wandered through the fairgrounds, her mind consumed with thoughts of her brother Konosa and an inexplicable sense of urgency. Lost in her contemplation, she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her head, causing her to collapse to her knees. Clutching her head in both hands, she struggled against the intense discomfort. Her palms grew clammy with sweat, and her vision blurred, threatening to plunge her into darkness.

"What's happening to me?" she muttered, the world spinning around her. Then, an unexpected chill swept through her body, starting from her head and spreading like tendrils of ice. Within moments, her entire form was encased in a thick layer of white ice, her clothes freezing over and her hair lengthening and turning ice-white. The icy transformation was swift and startling, leaving bystanders staring in astonishment and fear at the spectacle unfolding before them.

As Ishoya rose to her feet, her head still bowed, the cold breeze continued to swirl around her, creating an eerie aura. Her ordinary clothes had transformed into a flowing, ethereal white gown that billowed around her in the frigid wind.

Hideo, who was engrossed in devouring his food, suddenly noticed the commotion. "What's all that noise about?" he exclaimed, his mouth still half-full. Konosa, beside him, sighed in resignation. "Can't we just have a peaceful outing?"

Hideo grabbed Konosa's arm, pulling him along as he hurried toward the source of the disturbance. Fumiko and Oda followed reluctantly, struggling to keep pace with Hideo's determined stride.

They pushed through the crowd until they reached the epicenter of the strange phenomenon. There, amidst the swirling cold breeze, stood Ishoya in her transformed state, her eyes barely visible through the storm. The chill was intense, contrasting sharply with the warmth just inches away.

"It's freezing here," Fumiko remarked, rubbing his palms together vigorously to generate heat.

"Why is it so cold in this spot, but not elsewhere?" Oda wondered aloud, equally puzzled. Konosa nodded in agreement, his brow furrowed as he tried to make sense of the bizarre situation unfolding before them.

Suddenly, the air around Konosa, Hideo, and the others crackled with tension as sharp wind currents materialized into long, icy swords suspended in mid-air. Ishoya, her gaze fixed on Konosa, gestured with her right hand, sending the swords hurtling toward them with alarming speed.

Reacting quickly, Konosa rolled out of harm's way, pulling Hideo and the others along with him. Panic erupted among the crowd as people screamed and scrambled to escape the danger. The fairgrounds descended into chaos, with frantic pushing and shoving as terrified visitors trampled over each other in their haste to flee.

Amidst the pandemonium, Oda drew his sword, a reflex action drilled into him as a trainee swordmaster by their master. With a sharp tap of his blade against the ground, he commanded attention, causing the panicked crowd to momentarily halt in their tracks and turn towards him.

"Fumiko, help me clear the area!" Oda shouted over the din, his voice cutting through the chaos.

Fumiko nodded, assisting Oda in safely evacuating the terrified fairgoers, guiding them away from the danger zone. Within minutes, the fairgrounds were cleared, leaving only Konosa, Hideo, and Ishoya in the tense aftermath.

"What is she? Who is she after?" Hideo demanded through gritted teeth, his frustration palpable. Konosa shrugged helplessly, his gaze fixed on Ishoya as she remained focused on them through the dissipating storm of cold air.

As the icy breeze gradually subsided, Ishoya's features became clearer. Her strapless gown shimmered in the light, her icy skin glistening beneath the thin layer of frost, with only her piercing blue gem-like eyes remaining uncovered and visible.

"Sister?" Konosa uttered in disbelief, his voice barely audible over the lingering tension in the air.

The fairgrounds in central Tokyo, once vibrant with laughter and the chatter of visitors enjoying the various attractions, now stood eerily quiet under the cold gaze of Gina, the former wind princess. Her presence had transformed Ishoya’s form into a vessel she now inhabited, twisting the familiar features of Konosa’s sister into something unsettlingly different.

Oda, rushing back to Hideo and Konosa with Fumiko close behind, couldn’t hide his shock. "Sister? What do you mean? That's Miss Ishoya?" he exclaimed, his voice betraying both concern and confusion. Konosa nodded solemnly, his fists clenched at his sides as he struggled to comprehend the situation unfolding before him.

"Yes, she is Ishoya," Gina confirmed, her voice echoing with a hint of pride and malice. She stroked Ishoya's face gently, a chilling contrast to the affectionate gesture one would expect from a known person. "But her soul slumbers within this vessel. It is I who now inhabit her body. Gina. Former wind princess."

"What's wrong with you? Why are you doing this?" Konosa demanded, his tone sharp with worry.

"This body belongs to her, indeed," Gina continued, her eyes narrowing as she spoke. "But I have been awake within her for a long time. Your sister's consciousness is dormant because mine is in control."

Konosa, struggling to process Gina's words, asked with a mixture of disbelief and anger, "Who are you? Gina, former wind princess? What does that mean?"

"Gina," Hideo murmured quietly to Konosa, his voice barely audible above the howling of the wind around them. "She has been residing within Miss Ishoya for a long time. Her aura…it's different. It's not Ishoya's."

"What do you mean, different aura?" Konosa pressed, his heart sinking as he realized the implications of Hideo's words.

"Like how wind has its own unique aura," Hideo explained carefully, "I can sense flames within a person. This Gina...she has been within Ishoya for many years."

Konosa’s mind raced with the implications of Hideo's revelation. "Years? How long has this been going on?"

"More than a dozen years, perhaps," Hideo replied solemnly.

Konosa turned back to Gina, his eyes narrowing with a mixture of fury and concern. "You've been controlling my sister all this time?"

"Indeed," Gina replied calmly, her gaze steady and unapologetic. "That boy is smart," Gina mentioned directing her words to Hideo after which she continued. "Ishoya and I shared our lives since childhood. We ruled the wind kingdom together, until they cast me out."

Konosa shook his head in disbelief, trying to make sense of the fantastical claims. "Stop spouting nonsense. Ishoya is not you. She is my sister."

"But today," Gina continued, ignoring Konosa's protests, "is the day of the wind princess selection. Once Ishoya is chosen, the power of the wind princess will awaken within me, and I will exact my revenge on all who wronged me."

"No," Konosa retorted fiercely. "I won't let you harm anyone. You're talking about using powers that Ishoya's body can't handle."

"Ishoya has always been willing to sacrifice herself for me," Gina countered, her voice laced with bitter determination. "She understands my pain, my desire for revenge."

Konosa's mind raced, grappling with the weight of Gina's words. "No, she doesn't. Ishoya would never condone this. She didn't know your intentions, even if she knew you were sharing her body."

Gina squinted, catching the sarcasm in his statements. She raised her ice-covered hands, conjuring powerful wind currents that surged towards Konosa. But Hideo swiftly interceded, meeting the gusts with his sword, their clash sending the currents rebounding towards Gina.

"Troublesome," Gina muttered, snapping her fingers.

In response, three magnificent ice-white, winged horses materialized before them. They galloped towards Hideo, prompting Oda and Fumiko to leap into action, diverting their attention.

"You don't have your sword, do you?" Hideo asked Konosa, his grip tightening around his own blade. Konosa nodded grimly. Hideo moved to protect him, slashing through the wings of one horse that broke free from the melee. Though the wings disintegrated, they regrew intact. While Oda and Fumiko engaged the ice horses, Hideo kept a vigilant eye on Konosa.

"How do we free Ishoya ma'am from that woman?" Hideo questioned Konosa, never letting his gaze stray from the ice creatures.

"I think Ishoya needs to fight her off," Konosa replied, sensing the danger. The female antagonist smirked at their conversation.

"You're right. But for that, I need to be defeated," she declared sharply. Another massive creature, an ice bird larger than the horses, materialized and hurtled towards Konosa. It narrowly missed him, eliciting a wry comment from Gina.

"It seems Ishoya-chan isn't asleep just yet," Gina remarked coolly as the bird swooped in for another attack.

"I'll handle this with a large-scale spell," Gina announced, summoning a swarm of smaller ice birds that scoured the sky for targets.

"I need a sword," Konosa said nervously, scanning the area. His eyes settled on a wooden stall. Ignoring everything else, he sprinted towards it and grabbed two long wooden sticks, one in each hand, before charging at Gina. "Hideo, cover me!" he commanded, and Hideo obeyed, using his sword to fend off the creatures that tried to impede Konosa.

Konosa approached Gina with determination etched in his eyes. His wooden swords clashed against Gina's ice sword, the confrontation between wood and solid ice seeming futile. However, Gina's ice sword morphed into a gel-like water form, resilient to Konosa's strikes, bouncing harmlessly off it. The sword then coiled around Konosa, entangling him tightly.

"What a waste of time," Gina taunted, yawning.

Undeterred, Konosa tore free from the watery trap with sheer strength. As he flung the jellied water sword away, Gina stared in surprise. But the sword returned, prompting Konosa to clash it with one wooden sword while pointing the other at Gina's throat.

"This body belongs to your sister," Gina reminded him, eyeing the wooden sword at her throat.

"I don't care," Konosa replied evenly, devoid of anger or emotion.

Before Gina could retort, Konosa swiftly slid past her, shifting the sword from her throat to her stomach, then throwing her forcefully to the ground.

"Ugh," Gina grunted, spitting out small wood fragments.

Konosa retrieved the water sword and swung it through the air, splashing Gina with water. He then gasped heavily, his breath forming hot wind currents that began melting the ice encasing Ishoya's body. Gina struggled to stand.

"Ishoya, please stop resisting—" Gina began, only to abruptly halt. The hot wind currents were transforming the landscape around them. The once icy terrain began to thaw, revealing patches of lush greenery under the melting frost. Konosa seized Gina by the shoulders, effortlessly lifting her off her feet despite her struggles. With a forceful toss, he flung her away like a sack of stones.

"Why are you doing this? This body belongs to your sister! Don't you understand?!" Gina protested, her voice tinged with desperation.

"Well then, my body belongs to Sirus," Konosa replied coldly, his gaze unwavering.

"Sirus?" Gina echoed, her eyes widening in realization.

Sirus, the wielder of combined wind and water powers had taken over Konosa's form, his shadow only, to fend off Gina who was using Ishoya's body as a vessel to wreak havoc upon those who confronted her. His presence was a chilling reminder of the power he held.

"Yes, Sirus. Surprised?" Konosa's voice, now infused with Sirus' spirit, echoed across the fairgrounds. "Every Descendant has a guardian. Mine happens to be someone you hate. Now. Where is my sister?"

"I am the sister—" Gina started to reply, but Konosa's patience snapped. He gestured angrily, and massive snowballs hurtled towards Gina with unrelenting force. Caught off guard, she failed to evade them, and the sizzling snow engulfed her completely.

"Where is my sister?" Konosa demanded again, his voice edged with desperation and determination.

Another voice joined in, echoing Konosa's plea. Gina scanned the tumultuous scene, seeking the source of the question. Her gaze lifted to the sky, where a figure with white hair and impassive eyes floated above them all— Sirus, the enigmatic wandering spirit.

"You. What are you doing here?" Gina challenged, her voice trembling with a mixture of fear and defiance. "You're just a wandering spirit."

"You are too," Sirus countered calmly, his voice carrying an unsettling authority.

"I am not! I am alive still, Sirus!" Gina retorted vehemently, her fear giving way to anger.

Meanwhile, Konosa advanced towards Gina with determined strides. He unleashed water currents towards her, but she deftly dodged them, countering with powerful wind gusts that threatened to overwhelm him. The air crackled with the clash of their opposing elemental forces as they engaged in a furious battle above the fairgrounds.

As the battle raged, the remnants of Gina's summoned ice creatures converged into a monstrous form—a grotesque fusion with six wide wings on its back, numerous smaller wings on its icy arms, and a bizarre amalgamation of horse and bird features. The creature stomped the ground with thunderous force before soaring into the sky, its sights set on Konosa.

"Senpai! Your sword!" An urgent cry cut through the chaos.

A sword hurtled through the air towards Konosa, who caught it deftly and slashed it through the air with practiced skill. He glanced towards the one who had delivered it—Remeshi, accompanied by Hideo, who had raced back to Fujima's house to retrieve Konosa's sword. The brief exchange was filled with unspoken determination and resolve.

Konosa's gaze hardened as he locked eyes with Gina, now possessed by Sirus' dark shadow. She quivered under his intense glare, a shudder running through her icy form.

"You are ...a Sakado..right?" Gina asked him through shivering teeth only to recieve no reply. In frustration, she manifested her power to it's maximum rage but the creature formed from Gina's ice birds and horses from those powers had been sliced into countless pieces by Konosa's decisive strike, showering the ground with shards of ice.

In retaliation, Gina hurled larger ice cubes at Konosa with furious intensity. Each one was swiftly sliced through by Konosa's blade as he advanced towards her through the chaotic flurry of falling ice. Hideo, ever vigilant, followed close below, slicing through the ice cubes that threatened to land and cause harm on the ground below for even though he and Fumiko had evacuated the fair, the crowd still entered in to witness the scene, giving in to their curiosity.

Gina's frustration grew palpable as she realized she was losing the upper hand in the battle. With a sudden surge of power, she raised both hands, gathering her remaining strength for a desperate maneuver. Sirus, observing from above, moved to intervene, but Konosa halted him with a firm gesture.

"No," Konosa insisted firmly, his voice carrying a resolute determination. "I have to handle this myself. Your magic is vast; it could inadvertently harm my sister."

"But your power—" Sirus began to argue, concerned for Konosa's well-being.

"I managed to strike her without hurting Ishoya. Don't ask how. Trust that I can handle this," Konosa replied, his resolve unwavering despite the danger.

As he focused his thoughts, Konosa felt a strange sensation—a surge of mana gathering within him. His wavy blue hair transformed into a vibrant seaweed green, and his eyes turned snow white with dark markings around them. A blend of wind and water currents coalesced around him, swirling in a synchronized dance of power.

With a determined thrust of his hands, Konosa unleashed the fused mana power towards Gina. Caught off guard by the unexpected attack, Gina lost her balance on the swirling cloud of wind she had been riding and began descending rapidly towards the ground.

Seeing the opportunity, Remeshi sprang into action. Swiftly positioning himself beneath Gina's falling form, he caught her with precise timing and skill, cushioning her descent with a swirl. Oda and Hideo rushed towards Remeshi.

Konosa descended gracefully beside them, his mana power subsiding as quickly as it had surged. He approached Remeshi cautiously, his expression softening as he gazed down at his sister's unconscious form as Remeshi lay her down on his lap.

Gently stroking Ishoya's hair, Konosa's own features reverted to their normal colors, his eyes filled with relief and concern. Sirus, meanwhile, had retrieved Gina from the ground who had been seperated from Ishoya's body owing to Konosa's power and hovered nearby.

"I think this is the end of our trip, huh," Oda murmured softly, breaking the tense silence that had settled over the group.

Fumiko nodded in agreement as he approached them, his expression weary yet relieved. "Senpai, are you alright?" Hideo asked, his concern evident as he approached Konosa.

Konosa nodded slowly, exhaustion etched into every line of his face. "Yes, thanks to all of you—and especially you and Remeshi. If you hadn't brought me my sword..."

"Senpai," Remeshi began tentatively, curiosity and concern evident in his voice. "What was that mana power you just displayed?"

Konosa looked at Remeshi with a mixture of astonishment and uncertainty. "I... I'm not sure. It keeps playing in my head but I don't understand how I did that..."

Ishoya stirred, her voice faint as she regained consciousness. "Konosa...?" Her words were slurred, her senses slowly returning. "Aw man. Was I caught?" She chuckled playfully as she sat up.

"You're awake," Konosa said softly, relief flooding his voice. "Do you remember what happened?"

Ishoya nodded with a smile. "Mm-hm... I do remember..."

"Sister, why didn't you tell us?" Konosa asked gently, his concern deepening as he looked at his sister.

"Tell you what, Konosa? That I have a spirit residing within me?" Ishoya's voice trembled, her eyes searching his face for understanding.

"Don't call me a spirit!" Gina's voice erupted suddenly, floating towards them. Sirus, injured but resolute, attempted to restrain her.

"Why are you back? How are you back?" Konosa demanded, his sword gripped tightly in readiness to defend Ishoya.

"I am alive," Gina asserted defiantly. "That's why I'm back—"

"Senpai, I think you've exerted yourself enough," Remeshi interjected quietly, placing a reassuring hand on Konosa's shoulder.

Konosa hesitated, torn between his protective instincts and his own weariness. Before he could respond to him, dizziness overcame Remeshi suddenly, and he collapsed onto the street, unconscious.

***

[In what seems to be like a dark void.
Remeshi is still unconscious]-❤️

Remeshi slowly regained consciousness, his senses returning to him in a haze. He could hear faint voices calling his name. Blinking his eyes open, he tried to orient himself, unsure of what had transpired to render him unconscious.

"Ah... I can hear Senpai and the others calling out my name... Did I fall unconscious...? Why? What happened to me?" Remeshi muttered to himself, trying to piece together the fragments of his memory.

"You want to know what happened?"

Startled, Remeshi looked around, searching for the source of the voice. "Who?" he asked cautiously, uncertain of who—or what—was speaking to him.

"Me."

In front of Remeshi materialized a sword, its form eerily similar to his own, yet distinctly different with dark red sparkles swirling around its body.

"My sword? Where am I?" Remeshi asked, bewildered by the surreal experience unfolding before him.

"Yeah. I'm your sword," the sword replied, its voice resonating in Remeshi's mind.

"You talk? Okay, this is insane—" Remeshi began, his disbelief evident in his voice.

"You have spoken to a talking cat before," the sword remarked casually, as if to normalize the extraordinary circumstances.

"That's... A human was within her," Remeshi replied, his mind racing with questions.

"As vague as intriguing that is."

"Yeah, well... Where are we? What is this place?" Remeshi asked, trying to make sense of his surroundings.

"In your head. Or maybe a space meant for you and your questions," the sword answered cryptically.

"Questions? I have nothing to ask..." Remeshi hesitated, unsure if he truly believed that.

"I don't think so. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here," the sword countered, its words nudging Remeshi to confront the uncertainties lurking in his thoughts.

Remeshi paused, realizing that deep down, there were indeed unanswered questions gnawing at him. He had always sensed there was more to his encounters with spirits, particularly those like Aroshi's, whose presence continued to influence his life.

"That spirit... Aroshi's spirit. The spirits of the children from the accident. And now, the spirit of Gina and Sirus?" The sword mused aloud, voicing Remeshi's thoughts as if they were his own.

Remeshi remained silent for a moment, allowing him to process his own thoughts.

"Are you perhaps...?" The sword trailed off, it's smile reaching eerie ends.

A sensation of being pulled back to consciousness swept over Remeshi. He felt a gentle tug, as if the world within his mind was receding, and the tangible world around him began to come into sharper focus.

Remeshi stirred as Ishoya's urgent shaking finally roused him from unconsciousness. Confusion clouded his mind as he tried to make sense of the situation unfolding around him.

"Remeshi!!!! Wake up!!" Ishoya's voice rang out, filled with both relief and worry as she vigorously shook him. Her eyes were teary, her hands trembling slightly as she tried to bring him back to awareness.

"What? Are you going to keep standing there?" Konosa's voice cut through the haze of Remeshi's thoughts, addressing Gina with barely contained rage.

"Well, no. But what's wrong with your friend? His sword is shining..." Gina replied, her voice tinged with unease as she edged away from Konosa and Ishoya.

"Sword..." Konosa muttered to himself, his attention snapping to Remeshi's sword still sheathed but emitting an unusual shine.

"What? Is it that light..?" Konosa wondered aloud, his concern growing as he watched Ishoya continue to shake Remeshi with increasing urgency.

"Stop... rocking me..." Remeshi mumbled, his voice slowly returning as he began to regain consciousness. Confusion flickered in his eyes as he tried to piece together what had happened.

Ishoya's worried expression softened into a relieved smile tinged with tears. "Why are you crying?" Remeshi asked groggily, noticing Ishoya's emotional state.

"Nothing... it's nothing," Ishoya replied, shaking her head slightly. She couldn't bring herself to explain the depth of her fears—her own encounter with her guardian spirit, the risks she had faced. She feared Remeshi might be drawn into something similar, but now wasn't the time to burden him with that revelation.

Slowly, Remeshi pushed himself up, the events of moments ago still hazy in his mind. Instinctively, he reached for his sword, unsheathing it as he walked purposefully towards Sirus, who stood nearby.

"Do you... want to help me?" Remeshi asked, his voice steady but carrying an undertone of urgency.

"Help you?" Sirus echoed, taken aback by the sudden request.

"Yes. Do you want to be a friend and help me?" Remeshi persisted, his gaze unwavering.

Sirus hesitated, unsure of how to respond to Remeshi's unexpected proposal. "Uh..."

"I am asking if you want to accompany me on my journey," Remeshi clarified, his tone gentle yet insistent.

"Uh... why?" Sirus managed, his confusion evident.

"Because... you are strong. And it seems like you aren't ready to fade away just yet," Remeshi explained, sensing Sirus' reluctance but also his lingering attachment to the physical world.

"....how? How will I accompany you?" Sirus asked, his curiosity piqued despite his uncertainty.

"Just... agree," Remeshi urged softly.

"Yes... I'll help," Sirus finally agreed, his voice filled with resignation and a hint of curiosity.

Remeshi nodded solemnly, raising his sword. A brilliant golden light radiated from the blade, enveloping Sirus in its glow. The brightness was blinding, forcing Gina, Konosa, Ishoya, Oda, Hideo, and Fumiko to shield their eyes momentarily.

In a heartbeat, Sirus disappeared, leaving behind only the faint echoes of his presence. The sword's glow dimmed, returning to its usual state.

"Where did he go?" Gina asked, her voice filled with confusion and apprehension.

"In my sword," Remeshi replied calmly, meeting Gina's gaze with unwavering determination.

"And so will you," Remeshi added quietly, his tone carrying an almost otherworldly certainty.

"What?" Gina exclaimed, her voice tinged with fear and disbelief.

Before she could react, Remeshi uttered incomprehensible words, words that seemed to resonate with ancient power. Gina felt herself begin to disintegrate, her form breaking apart into shimmering particles. Desperate, she tried to focus her mana to keep herself intact, but the force was overwhelming.

She screamed, a raw, desperate sound filled with anguish and fury. Ice creatures and powerful attacks surged forth from her, aimed at Remeshi with all her remaining strength. Yet, to her horror, her assaults didn't even touch him—they disintegrated into nothingness before they could reach their target.

Gina's struggle intensified, but ultimately, she was pulled inexorably into Remeshi's sword. As she vanished, the sword ceased its radiant glow once more, returning to its silent, inert state.

"What... was that..?" Oda asked, his voice trembling with fear as he stared at Remeshi with wide eyes.

***

❤️....

Remeshi stood in the crimson void, a place that felt both eerily familiar and disconcertingly alien. The voice of his sword echoed in his mind, reverberating through the space around him.

"That spirit is messing with you? Aroshi's spirit. The spirits of the children from the accident. And now the spirit of Gina and Sirus," the sword's voice resonated, each word dripping with a knowing confidence that made Remeshi uneasy.

Remeshi remained silent, grappling with the overwhelming information and the bizarre situation he found himself in.

"Are you perhaps thinking if you can do anything with me?" the sword continued, its tone almost teasing.

"Huh?" Remeshi responded, the confusion evident in his voice.

"I mean me. Your sword," the voice clarified, the words echoing in the void.

Remeshi's silence was telling, a mix of curiosity and wariness.

"You want to trap those spirits. Isn't that what you are thinking in your head?" the sword pressed, its voice now more insistent.

"Can I even do it? No matter what anyone says... I just know nothing about me... I'm not that strong yet..." Remeshi's voice trailed off, the uncertainty palpable.

"I guess you aren't. The you I knew was a bloodthirsty demon," the sword replied, almost casually.

"Demon?" Remeshi echoed, a shiver running down his spine at the word.

"Speech. Just in speech. Even demons saw you as the most evil devil," the sword explained, its tone dark and foreboding.

"Wh- what..?" Remeshi stammered, the weight of the revelation pressing down on him.

"Surprised? Everyone has a dark past," the sword continued, the words heavy with implication.

"I... no-" Remeshi began, but the sword cut him off.

"But. You can catch those spirits if you want."

"What?" Remeshi asked, his voice tinged with both curiosity and desperation.

"Actually a deal for you," the sword offered, its tone now almost conspiratorial.

"What deal?" Remeshi inquired, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Whenever you capture a spirit, I'll tell you stuff about you," the sword proposed, the offer hanging in the air like a tantalizing promise.

Remeshi's silence spoke volumes as he weighed the offer, the desire to know about his past warring with his uncertainty.

"But it will depend on me," the sword added, its tone turning ominous.

"What?" Remeshi asked, the confusion deepening.

"Whoever you catch and trap in me. If it satisfies my hunger, I'll tell you a little about you. If it doesn't, then you have to wait till my hunger is satisfied," the sword explained, its voice almost predatory.

"So after I catch those two outside-" Remeshi began, trying to wrap his mind around the deal.

"Oh, I have already told you their share," the sword interrupted, an evil laugh echoing through the blood-red space.

"...how do I capture them?" Remeshi asked, desperation creeping into his voice.

"You know how to," the sword replied cryptically.

"No, I don't. Just tell me!" Remeshi demanded, frustration bubbling to the surface.

"Oh geez. Someone has a temper. Oh well. I'll help you this one time. There are three special words to say and make the sword brighten with that light. You know how to get the light, yeah?" the sword finally revealed, its tone dripping with condescension.

Remeshi stood there, processing the information, his mind racing.

[Location: Fujima's house
Time: 7:30 pm
Hall room]-❤️

Konosa stared at Remeshi, eyes wide with disbelief. "So that was it?" he asked, his voice tinged with a mix of astonishment and concern.

Remeshi nodded slowly. "Yeah."

Oya leaned forward, eyes narrowing as she processed Remeshi’s revelation. "Then the secret he told you was that you... were a heartless, bloodthirsty person?"

Again, Remeshi nodded. "Yeah."

"And that voice was your own sword? Your sword told you all that?" Miyazono asked, her tone incredulous.

"Yeah," Remeshi repeated, his voice barely above a whisper.

Remeni, always the pragmatist, pressed further. "And... you can not only capture kyogo spirits but any spirit with that light? That light was to capture spirits?"

"Yeah," Remeshi confirmed, his gaze distant as if reliving the surreal conversation with his sword.

Amash, the voice of reason among them, nodded thoughtfully. "Then the sword is telling the truth."

Remeshi nodded again, his expression grave. The weight of his past, or what he was beginning to understand of it, hung heavily over him.

"But then that would mean that he is actually a... that can't be right?" Hideo whispered urgently to Konosa. Since it was late in the evening, Fujima had taken them into his house, offering them refuge and a momentary respite from the chaos.

Oda shook his head vehemently, unable to reconcile the image of his friend with the revelations. "It can't be. How can he be a bloodthirsty, evil person when he is such a kind boy?"

Fumiko, always the first to defend his friends, added, "Uh... Remeshi. It isn't true, right?" He reached out to him, his eyes pleading for reassurance.

Konosa placed a firm hand on Remeshi's shoulder. "Hey? Remeshi. Say something. Remeshi. It isn't true, right? Hey? Remeshi-"

The room fell silent as Remeshi's composure snapped. "I don't know, okay?! I. Don't. Know." His voice echoed through the room, raw and filled with frustration. He shoved Konosa away, causing him to stumble and plop onto his hands, looking up at the furious Remeshi with a mix of shock and concern.

Remeshi stormed out of the room, the shoji sliding shut with a harsh, finality. The silence that followed was suffocating.

Hideo quickly moved to help Konosa sit up, gripping his shoulder with steady hands. "What is wrong with him?" he asked, glancing at the others with worried eyes.

"Everything that sword said came true. Then the rest of it must be true..." Oya explained, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

Konosa, now seated and rubbing his sore shoulder, hung his head low, lost in thought. "Ah..." was all he could manage, the weight of the situation pressing down on him.

The atmosphere in Fujima's house was tense, the team leo riders grappling with the shocking revelations about their friend. The night was supposed to offer them peace, but now it was filled with unanswered questions and a looming sense of dread.

In the stillness that followed, they could hear the muffled sounds of the night outside, a stark contrast to the turmoil within. Each of them was lost in their own thoughts, trying to process what they had learned and what it meant for their friend, for their mission, and for the bonds they had forged.

[Location: Remeshi's room
Time: 9:30 pm]-❤️

Remeshi sat at the small wooden desk in his room, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows on the walls. The air was thick with the scent of ink and parchment, a comforting yet nostalgic reminder of the letters he used to write. His heart felt heavy, laden with the weight of recent events and the uncertainty of his past. Taking a deep breath, he dipped his quill into the ink and began to write.

---

Hello Ayeta-san,

Sorry I couldn't write to you for so long. I heard from Grace-san that you didn't return back home. There must be a reason you are in hiding, right? I trust that reason. Be safe, Ayeta-san.

Remeshi paused, the quill hovering over the parchment. He imagined Ayeta's warm smile and the way his eyes would light up whenever they talked. It pained him to think of him in hiding, far away and possibly in danger.

The last few days have been hectic. We had our mid-terms, which were as grueling as always. And then there was Oya-chan's incredible battle with a dragon alongside her Ortan friend. She managed to gain control of almost all the dragons in a single day by defeating that formidable boy, Satsujin, I think.

A small smile tugged at his lips as he recalled Oya's triumph. Her bravery and strength never ceased to amaze him. He continued writing, his thoughts flowing onto the paper.

Then we got permission from the council to investigate mana in exchange for not adding our names to the dangerous species list. It's a relief, but it also adds more pressure on us to find something significant.

Today, after all the chaos, Ishoya-neechan was possessed by a woman's spirit. It was terrifying to see her like that, and it reminded me of how unpredictable and dangerous our world can be.

Remeshi's hand trembled slightly as he wrote the next part. This was the hardest truth to confront.

And I found out that I was a bloodthirsty devil when I still had my memories. Ayeta-san, I don't know what to do. I don't want people to be afraid of me, but if who I was, was a bad person, they are definitely going to hate me. This is what I was afraid of. I knew it in the back of my head that anything could be possible to come out as the truth, and that's why I never tried to figure out my memories very intently.

He swallowed hard, feeling the sting of his own words. The uncertainty of his past loomed over him like a dark cloud, and the fear of losing the trust and friendship of those he cared about gnawed at his heart.

But in the end, we can't run away. Like how you are now in the demon land trying to figure out what to do, I too will figure this out. Definitely.

Be safe and take care, Ayeta-san. My well wishes to you. And wait for me. Wait for me till I come back for you and take you with me as the team member that I am of you.

Good luck, Ayeta-san. I miss you a lot. Every day. We all miss you. Stay strong.

---

Remeshi read over the letter, making sure every word conveyed his emotions and thoughts. Satisfied, he folded the parchment carefully and sealed it. He looked out the window, the night sky filled with twinkling stars, and silently hoped that Ayeta was looking at the same sky, feeling his support and determination.

As he placed the letter in his bag to be sent the next day, a sense of resolve washed over him. Despite the turmoil within and the shadows of his past, he would not let fear control him. He would face his history, protect his friends, and find Ayeta, no matter what it took. With a final glance at the stars, he whispered to himself, "Stay strong, Ayeta-san. We'll find our way back together."