Shizuka's mind was stuck on the isolated alley incident that had taken place. She walked behind Granny Takiko, Hakken and Ayashiro, who was limping and needed support to walk, moving slowly towards their home. Granny Takiko and Hakken held Ayashiro's arms by their shoulders, trying to ease his pain and discomfort. Shizuka's gaze was fixed on the ground, and she followed the three "Wizards" at the same pace, lost in her thoughts and memories of the incident. The atmosphere was tense and somber, with only the sound of their footsteps echoing in the silence.
During the battle, Ayashiro suffered severe injuries to his right arm and ankle, rendering him unable to defend himself. Just when it seemed that Kyoshiro would deliver the final blow, their principal intervened and saved Ayashiro's life in the nick of time. It was a fortunate turn of events that prevented a tragic outcome.
"Uhm . . ."
The sound of their footsteps echoed through the deserted alleyway, as they walked in silence. Suddenly, Shizuka spoke up, breaking the deafening silence. The other three individuals, who had been lost in their own thoughts, turned to face her, anticipating her question. With a subtle shrug, they shifted their gazes towards her, waiting for her to ask what was on her mind.
"Sakaki Kyoshiro. Who is he?"
The trio walked in silence, keeping up with Ayashiro's limping gait. The only sounds were the shuffling of their feet on the ground. Despite the quiet surroundings, a sense of unease lingered in the air.
"We said what we said. Your boyfriend is not who you think he is. He's a criminal whose name is on the wanted list of all nations in our world."
Hakken patiently attempted to convey the intricacies of the situation to Shizuka, who appeared to be struggling with accepting the truth of the matter.
Shizuka's cheeks flushed red as she vehemently denied the suggestion that her male friend was her boyfriend. "No, no, he's not my boyfriend!" she exclaimed, her voice betraying a hint of embarrassment. "We're just good friends. And, um, I'm sure he had his reasons . . ."
"Stop defending that murderer!"
Ayashiro couldn't help but let out a frustrated outburst, even though he was in excruciating pain.
"What?!"
Shizuka's teeth were clenched so tightly that it felt like they might break. She couldn't explain why, but she had an overwhelming urge to defend Kyoshiro, even though she knew he was in the wrong. For a decade, she had only known him as "Shiro," the kind and gentle man she admired, and not the one with the true identity of Sakaki Kyoshiro. The mere thought of Shiro being capable of committing such heinous crimes made it impossible for her to reconcile the two identities in her mind.
"Did you not notice that he was attempting to take your life?!" Ayashiro emphasized, making a strong effort to persuade her.
Shizuka's frustration was palpable as she tightly clenched her fist. Despite her best efforts, she found herself at a loss for words in trying to rebut Ayashiro's argument. Each passing second only added to her exasperation, as she struggled to find the right words to express her point of view.
"He kissed her though,"
Hakken, in an attempt to lighten the mood during a tense argument, interjects with a sarcastic comment.
"Shizuka, I'll tell you the truth about us at home. We'll need to treat Ayashiro's injuries first" said Takiko in an attempt to soothe Shizuka.
Shizuka's throat convulsed, as she struggled to contain her boiling anger. Despite feeling her blood rush through her veins, she managed to gulp hard, holding her temper back.
"No. I want to know everything right now, old hag" said Shizuka.
"Hey! Watch your language, you lowlife! She's your grandmother!" Ayashuro exclaimed, his face turning red with anger.
Shizuka vented her frustration, "I don't even have a clue if the woman who claims to be my grandmother is actually related to me. She's a powerful wizard from another world who's always engrossed in her work, and doesn't seem to have time for her own grandchild."
Is she worth saving at all? What does the council even want from her?
The two "wizards" coldly stared at the rebellious teen.
"Tell me, old hag, why are they here? Why do they want me to come with them?" Shizuka's eyes narrowed, her gaze icy as she blurted out her words. She stared coldly at the two boys in front of her, her body tense with anger or frustration.
Granny Takiko let out a long, heavy sigh, her face contorted with the effort of holding back her emotions. Her shoulders slumped slightly, and her hands trembled ever so slightly as she struggled to maintain her composure in the face of the fact that Shizuka already knew her identity.
"Seems like you wanted to know the truth so badly." Granny Takiko grumbled in a low, almost inaudible tone, her dissatisfaction barely concealed.
As they walk outside, a sudden gust of chilly December breeze swept past their place, sending shivers down their spines. They looked up just in time to see countless snowflakes cascading down from the grey sky, each one unique in its intricate pattern. The soft snowflakes gently landed on their heads, filling the moment with a peaceful silence. It was the first snowfall of the year, and the freezing wind chills penetrated their warm bodies, causing their breath to mist in the air.
As Granny Takiko walks with her student, she suddenly comes to a halt together with her limping student. The three students turn their heads towards the old lady who has caught their attention. They gaze at her with curious expressions, waiting for her to respond.
With a swift movement, Granny Takiko turned her head and directed her piercing stare toward Shizuka, the intensity in her eyes making it evident that she was about to state some undeniable truths.
"Shizuka. You're not an ordinary human. Just like us, you belong to the Eden Land as well."
Shizuka remained composed and unfazed. She let out a tranquil and collected exhale as if she had been expecting nothing less.
"What a surprise . . ."
Her eyes rolled upwards as Shizuka let out a disapproving sigh, muttering under her breath with a hint of sarcasm in her voice. She shifted her gaze away from the elderly woman and slumped her head down in disappointment.
Granny Takiko's heart was filled with relief as she saw Shizuka slowly calming down. With a gentle touch, Granny Takiko helped her student to take each careful step, making their way towards their humble abode. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, they reached their destination - the cozy place where Granny Takiko and Shizuka resided.
"We're here. I'm going to let you stay here as long as you want. But try not to make a mess in this place."
Granny Takiko graciously offered Ayashiro a comfortable spot on the couch, understanding the exhaustion that the teenager must have been feeling. She then made her way to the kitchen to prepare a nourishing dinner for the tired young adults, thinking of nothing but their well-being.
Shizuka sat quietly, her mind racing as she struggled to come to terms with the recent events that had unfolded. Each passing moment felt heavy and dense, as though time were moving in slow motion. The weight of what had transpired hung over her like a dark cloud, enveloping her in a shroud of confusion and unease. Despite the chaos that raged within her, she remained stoic and composed, determined to make sense of it all.
As he rested his feet on the center table, Ayashiro turned to Shizuka and blurted out, "Hey kiddo, we can't afford to stay here any longer. If you come with us, we can all leave together."
"Just because you can use magic doesn't mean you can disrespect me like that, you dimwit."
Shizuka's face contorted with annoyance as she fixed her gaze upon Ayashiro, her eyes narrowing into a piercing glare that seemed to communicate her disapproval without the need for words.
"What did you say, brat?!"
Ayashiro was taken aback by the suddenness of Shizuka's words, causing him to stare intently at Shizuka in return.
Woah. This lady got some nerves intimidating non-humans like us. This is going to be interesting. With a finger resting on his chin, Hakken eagerly observed the intense confrontation between the two.
Shizuka was aware of the risks of confronting a Divine Knight, but she was undeterred. Her past experience as a Mixed Martial Arts fighter had taught her to take on bigger and stronger opponents, and that's what made her the courageous girl she is today. Despite the daunting odds, she refused to back down and stood her ground.
"I'll make you come with us anyway, even if I have to break your bones," Ayashiro's voice was filled with menace as he directed his words toward the young girl, his tone laced with a threat that hung heavy in the air.
"I'd like to see you try" Shizuka spoke with a clear and confident tone, fearlessly issuing a challenge to Ayashiro.
Ayashiro directed his sharp eyes towards Shizuka and after a tense moment, he let out an inexplicable burst of laughter.
"I like your courage, brat,"
Ayashiro bursts out laughing, completely taken aback by the sheer audacity of Shizuka's daring feat.
Ayashiro and Shizuka faced each other, their eyes locked in a cold and unwavering stare. Neither of them uttered a word, but the tension in the air was palpable.
"Stop it being childish, both of you." said Granny Takiko in a carefree voice.
Granny Takiko's voice was calm and composed as she addressed Shizuka, "I'm afraid you're not quite ready to face Ayashiro in your current state. He has always been one of our most accomplished students, and it would be unwise to underestimate him."
Ayashiro exuded an air of confidence and superiority as if he had already emerged victorious from the impending fight. His cocky scoff further emphasized his belief in his own abilities.
"tch!"
"Not your grades though. Ms. Takiko was talking about your fighting skills alone." Hakken interrupts abruptly, causing Ayashiro to feel annoyed and irritated.
"Shut up, girly-face!"
Shizuka stood her ground and spoke her mind. "I don't appreciate being called kiddo or brat, especially since we're the same age," she said firmly. Her words were confident and unwavering, leaving no room for doubt.
Ayashiro flashed a sly grin, towering over Shizuka. "Hmph," Ayashiro scoffed, "you think you're so important, but you're nothing but a brat we have to drag along to the other side. You better watch your step and do exactly as we say if you know what's good for you."
"Who says I'm coming with you, dimwit?!"
"Stop calling me dimwit, you brat! As I said, I'll break your bones if I have to!"
"Hell yeah! Then I guess I have no choice but to come to that world and learn magic to kick your ass!"
"I would love to see you try!" In an instant, the previously abyss-like gaze of Ayashiro transformed into a deep shade of navy blue, indicating the initiation of his ki.
"Oh, here comes the magic! Should I be afraid?! Should I run?!"
As Shizuka came closer to the student, her eyes narrowed into a fierce glare, exuding an aura of confidence and fearlessness. With a sarcastic tone, she let out a yell, as if daring Ayashiro to challenge her. Despite the tension in the air, Shizuka appeared completely in control of the situation, unafraid of any potential consequences that might arise from her actions.
"It's not magic, Dumbass!" Ayashiro's frustration was palpable as he locked his gaze with Shizuka's emerald eyes as if challenging her to a staring contest. The intensity of his stare conveyed his annoyance.
"I said stop it, or else you won't have dinner tonight." In an attempt to put an end to their juvenile behavior, Takiko has intervened once more, but this time she's experimenting with a new approach.
As soon as the word "dinner" was uttered, Ayashiro and Shizuka immediately halted their argument. The weariness of the day had left them famished, and their stomachs growled in anticipation. Meanwhile, Hakken seemed to find amusement in their face-off as he let out a chuckle.
As the tension in the room rose, their eyes met, each holding a cold and unwavering stare. After a few unbearable moments of silence, they both shifted their glares away from each other, trying their best to keep their composure and avoid any further conflict.
"Well, there's a place for fighting, and it's not here."
Granny Takiko, with a serene expression on her face, reached out for the wooden ladle and gently stirred the pot that was simmering on the stove. The aroma of something delicious wafted through the kitchen, and her movements were slow and deliberate as if she was fully engrossed in the act of cooking.
"Is that. . . . Is that Curry?!"
As soon as the familiar scent reached her nose, Shizuka's face lit up with excitement. At that moment, all thoughts of the heated argument she had just had with Ayashiro vanished from her mind. The fragrance of her favorite food was so captivating that it managed to completely distract her from the recent conflict.
"I can't believe she's not even scared of me. What a fool."
After an intense moment, Ayashiro took a deep breath and consciously deactivated his ki, the spiritual energy that flowed within him. He focused on quieting his mind and regaining his composure. As he did so, his navy blue eyes, which had been glowing with power, gradually returned to their natural state.
"I was preparing it earlier before I went to the alley. So it's almost done now."
With a gentle yet steady hand, Granny Takiko carefully placed the steaming hot pot on the wooden dining table, its aroma filling the air and causing Shizuka's stomach to growl in anticipation. Without wasting a moment, Shizuka hurried to her designated dining chair, feeling her mouth water and heart race with excitement.
Hakken and Ayashiro, who was limping, made their way to the dining chairs at a leisurely pace.
"I didn't know you like curry that much, huh?" Granny Takiko chuckled.
"You don't know me at all, old hag. Anyway, I didn't know you could cook curry. Since when did you learn it?" Asked Shizuka curiously, impatiently waiting for Granny to open the pot.
"I've been making curry even before you were born, kid. It's just that I was swamped these days. That's why I always choose something easier to cook." Granny explained with a hint of pride in her voice.
As Grandma Takiko lifted the lid off the pot, the aroma of the chicken curry wafted through the room. The sweet and spicy fragrance filled the air, tickling their nose and making their mouth water in anticipation. It was an intoxicating blend of savory spices and tender chicken, all simmered to perfection. The chill in the air seemed to disappear as the warmth of the curry spread through the room, inviting them to come closer and indulge in its flavorful goodness.
"Woah! Smells good!" The three students exclaimed.
"Itadakimasu!" A word Japanese people say before eating.
After a tiring and exhausting day, the three students hungrily devoured the flavorful dish with great enthusiasm and energy, savoring each and every bite with utmost pleasure and satisfaction.
"Slow down. You'll have indigestion if you eat that fast," Takiko's lips curved upwards in a contented smile as she gazed with satisfaction at the trio of students seated before her. Their ravenous appetite was evident as they enthusiastically devoured their meals, much like a famished bear after a long hibernation.
These three might hate each other today, but hopefully, they'll someday surpass their predecessors and get along like a real team.
Takiko smiled gently.
"Shizuka. I'll tell you the whole truth. So listen carefully." Takiko's voice cut through the chatter of the students as she spoke, causing them to abruptly stop eating and look up.