*Ring! Ring!*
Sora stirred, her phone vibrating loudly against the quiet of her dimly lit apartment. She groaned, blinking at the clock on the wall. Midnight had come and gone.
"Crap. It's so late" she muttered, rubbing her eyes.
The apartment was small but efficient. Old MMA posters covered the worn walls, a reminder of her past life. The single window in the room barely let in the neon lights from the city outside, casting a faint glow across her scattered belongings. The place smelled of metal and oil, remnants of the evening's training session.
Sora reached for her phone on the cluttered coffee table. She swiped the screen to answer.
"Hello?"
"Is this Mizuhara-san?" a stern voice asked.
"Yeah," Sora replied groggily, "You're that Tachibana guy, right?
"Umm… Yeah." the person on the phone chuckled in response. "Remember me? Two years ago? I'm the one you spared me with during the tournament before the loss of your arm."
"How could I forget?" Sora chuckled at the memory of Tachibana chasing her around and begging for a fight. "You were so pathetic."
"Ha, yeah. I know." Tachibana sighed, "Listen, I'm calling for personal reasons."
"Oh, really?" Sora raised an eyebrow, suddenly interested. "How strange. Usually, people only call me for a fight."
"Yeah, about that," Tachibana paused, sounding hesitant. "A little bird told me you're training a kid in The Pit."
"Tachibana..." Sora frowned, staring at the wall of her apartment. "Who told you that?"
"Look, I don't know how reliable the source is, but-"
"Do not lie to me." Sora slammed her fist on the counter, feeling her heart race.
"I have my ways... But don't worry. The kid didn't rat on you."
"Don't mess with me."
"Relax, Sensei," Tachibana insisted, his voice taking a dark turn. "I would never. Just thought it would be interesting if he debuted against my Protege. Something to prove he's ready for the real thing."
Sora laughed mockingly. "You mean, if he's ready to die. No thanks."
"Come on, Mizuhara-san," Tachibana urged, "How else can we end this feud? We've been playing this game for too long. Do you think you're done because you retired after you lost your arm? How else would I defeat the great Iron Maiden?"
"And you're doing great," Sora said sarcastically.
"Nice try, but the answer is no."
She wanted to end the call, but before she could, she heard Tachibana sigh. He spoke very seriously, not a single hint of mockery in his tone.
"Alright," he said, "That's disappointing. You can keep protecting that kid, but in the end, the world will consume him, and you. It's just a matter of time. Take it from someone who's been there."
"Whatever," Sora said and quickly hung up, throwing her phone away.
They were empty threats. This wasn't the first time someone had tried to use her connections to further their own plans, but it was the first time someone tried to pit her students against each other.
She sighed and stared out the window. The sun was setting, casting shadows all across the city.
Somewhere out there, Takumi was getting on with his life, unaware of how close he was to the line of fire. She had known him only a short time, but there was something about him, something that gave her hope.
Sora knew he was determined to survive, but would it be enough? The Pit was a brutal place, and even the strongest fighters fell before they reached their full potential.
"Kid, keep your head down," Sora said quietly, "Or you'll get burned."
Everything has limits, including Takumi.
***
Takumi leaned back on the booth table while Ayame studied the menu across from him.
"So," he asked, raising a brow, "Hajime, huh?"
Her cheeks turned slightly red.
"Yep," she mumbled as she bit her lower lip, looking somewhat embarrassed.
He was happy for her, but he couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy as she talked about him and all the excitement about entering Azora Academy, the school that only admitted students of power.
"Wait a minute, how did you get together with him?" he asked curiously.
Ayame frowned a little before answering, her eyes shifting away from his, her voice low.
"Let's just say that during the exams, he was interested in me as he came over and sat next to me and was fascinated by my capabilities as an Aetherian."
"Did he at least fight, or did he go straight for the charm?"
She smiled, her eyes sparkling with excitement as the corner of her mouth lifted into a smirk.
"Oh, he certainly gave a show."
Her voice held hints of pride, and he was a little shocked. Takumi knew that there was a chance Ayame's powers were stronger than his, but he never realised how powerful they could be. It wasn't a surprise if he won Ayame's heart.
Even now as she twirled a strand of her long hair absentmindedly, she was an image of beauty, confidence, and control.
It made sense. A person like that would be a perfect match for a hero. No doubt Ayame had been accepted to attend Azora Academy due to her strength. However, for someone like him, who had little experience with those beyond simple childhood games and friendly spats between siblings, the whole matter remained a foreign concept.
"I can't believe you are dating already," he spoke out loud as he waved off his envy. Takumi had tried to date before, but no girl had interested him enough. There was one girl who was interested in him but as soon as she found out he was not an Aetherian she instantly lost all interest. As much as he denied it, the hurt from that is still there.
"And what about you? Did you see anyone special? Girls, I mean," she asked, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Her gold eyes were attentive and inquisitive, but Takumi wasn't paying any attention to those cute details of hers.
"Haven't you gone out with girls or guys or anyone else yet?" Ayame teased, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, clearly having noticed the lack of reply from him.
"I haven't had any luck so far," he said, glancing to the side.
Ayame reached across the table, placing a hand over his, her touch surprisingly soft, cool, and soothing.
"Well, don't worry. The right person is out there somewhere. You just have to be patient." She grinned at him reassuringly. "And when they do, I'll be the first one to know."
Takumi nodded in response, smiling softly. "Thanks."
"Anytime," Ayame replied, gently squeezing his hand before leaning back.
"So... what do you have in mind when you finish Azora Academy? You can get into any job you want with their credentials, so… what's the plan?" He asked, changing the subject.
"Honestly? I want to work with the rest of the Elite academies."
Takumi let out a huff at that, half laugh half sigh. "A teacher, huh? I can't imagine you sitting on a desk pushing papers."
"Of course not," Ayame protested, placing her hands on her hips. "I'd be a trainer."
"Ah, even better," Takumi admitted with a nod. "You've always had a talent for inspiring others, even if some find your methods a bit…strange," he teased with a smirk.
"Hey!" she protested, reaching out and punching him in the arm, but he merely laughed.
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding!"
Ayame glared at him playfully for a moment before relenting. "So how do you plan to live your new normal life without me around?"
Takumi gave short but careful thought on how to proceed. He didn't want to mention the Pit or any other things relating to it. Ayame wasn't aware that he was participating, and he was keen to keep it that way. He knew she'd freak out and probably stop him.
"I'll be fine," he lied.
"Are you sure?" Ayame's smile faltered.
Takumi gave an awkward shrug. "Yeah, you know, just busy with all the usual stuff. You don't need to worry."
"Alright," she sounded unconvinced but otherwise relaxed into a smile. "Just let me know if you need anything, okay?"
"I will," he lied again, taking a sip from his drink. "You know, I'll miss you a lot."
"I'll miss you too," she said, shoving him playfully.
Takumi smiles, leaning in.
"Do me a favour?" he whispered.
"Yeah," she replied.
Takumi looked her right in the eyes. "Take care of yourself."
Ayame looked down, seeing Takumi's hands on hers. She had seen that look before, though it seemed different.
A faint smile crossed her face.
"You look good in those clothes. Thanks for inviting me today," Takumi admitted suddenly. He wasn't sure why he said it, but the words felt natural.
"Oh and try not to give your boyfriend too much trouble. And stay safe," he finished lamely.
She paused, taken aback by the sudden change in tone.
"Thanks, Jiraiya-san. You're the best."
He smiled back at her. "Anytime."
The two finished their meal in silence, enjoying each other's company for what they both knew would be the last time in a long while.
Takumi's thoughts drifted to Azora Academy, and what it would be like to attend such a prestigious school.
He couldn't deny the small bit of jealousy that bubbled up inside him. Not that he resented her for being chosen; quite the opposite.
He was proud of her and her accomplishments. But he couldn't help but feel left behind, even though he knew it wasn't her fault.
He sighed. It was selfish to feel this way, especially when she was leaving him to pursue her own dreams.
But there was nothing he could do about it now. All he could do was hope that someday, they'd meet again.
They stood up and walked out of the restaurant together, heading towards the train station. The sun had set hours ago, and the streetlights cast a warm glow across the pavement.
They stopped at a red light, waiting for the signal to change. A few cars sped past, their engines humming quietly in the night air.
"Hey, Miskito-san," Takumi started as he stared up at the sky, looking at the stars above. "What would you do if you were me?"
Ayame hummed, placing her finger on her chin in thought. "I'd probably do whatever I wanted. Especially with those machines you make. I'm sure they're pretty useful."
Takumi chuckled at that, looking down at his hands. They had begun to shake slightly, and he clenched them into fists in an attempt to stop the trembling. "Yeah, I guess so."
Ayame flicks Takumi's forehead, causing him to stumble back and rub the spot. "Stop worrying. You'll do fine."
He laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "I guess so."
She smiles at him. "Besides, what do you want to prove anyway? Everyone knows you are talented and strong but... I mean no offence but why do you want to participate in the Eclipse Festival? You can build miracle-like machines without breaking a sweat. Don't you think you need to prove anything?"
"I just want to prove... To prove that someone like me can also do it," Takumi smiled, "and win it..."
She looked at him for a moment before a smile slowly formed on her face. "Well, you're not alone. I'll always be rooting for you."
Takumi nodded, his confidence returning. "Thanks, Ayame."
The two stood in silence, enjoying the night air.
Takumi watched the cars pass by, feeling emotions swirling inside him.
"Hey, Miskito-san," he whispered, turning to look at her.
"Hmm?" she asked, tilting her head.
"If we ever meet again, promise me one thing."
"What is it?"
Takumi smiled. "Let's hang out together again."
She chuckled softly. "Of course."
Takumi watched Ayame disappear into the crowd, her red scarf swaying gently in the breeze.
He stayed behind, rooted to the spot for a moment longer, staring at the spot where she had vanished.
"Goodbye."
He whispered to himself, as if speaking the words out loud would make them more real.
But he knew better than that. He knew that this was only the beginning.
She had always been there for him, even when things got tough. Growing up, Ayame had been like his older sister.
When they were kids, she would stand up for him whenever anyone teased him about not having Aether powers.
Even back then, she was fierce, strong, and always in control. It was her strength that made him feel safe.
Now, she was heading to Azora Academy, leaving him behind. While she had the opportunity to chase her dreams, Takumi felt stuck.
He couldn't help but wonder if she would forget about him eventually. He shook his head at the thought, knowing it wasn't fair.
Ayame would never forget him, but still, the emptiness in his chest would soon hit him.
He sighed heavily and shoved his hands into his pockets as he began walking toward the train station. He was determined to not let Ayame's departure get him down. Instead, he would focus on making himself stronger so that one day, he could stand by her side again.
The world felt different without Ayame by his side. She was chasing her future, and he was... stuck here. The evening breeze was cool, but it did little to clear the heaviness in his heart.
*Buzz! Buzz*
His phone buzzed in his pocket.
For a second, he thought it might be his aunt. She was always calling to check up on him, worried about how he was coping now that things were changing. He pulled out his phone, expecting to see her name.
But it wasn't her.
Instead, an unknown number flashed across the screen. He hesitated for a moment before answering.
"Hello?"
A deep, unfamiliar voice came through the line. "Is this Jiraiya Takumi-san?"
Takumi felt a chill run down his spine.
"Who are you?"
There was a pause, followed by a dark chuckle.
"Name's Tachibana. I hear you've been busy lately. Thought we should talk."