"We're going to lure the demon here?"
Celestia stared at the scene ahead of her before turning to Han with a raised brow.
"Yup."
Han seemed confident while Celestia was unsure. The two were currently on the ground floor of a huge shopping mall and as much as Celestia wanted to look around, she couldn't help but worry over the damage the demons would cause when they showed up.
"The top floor is closed off for now since its being reconstructed for new shops. That is where we are gonna lure them but for now, let's have some fun!" Han explained and before Celestia had the chance to speak up, she was being dragged away by the male.
The first place Han took Celestia was a classic-looking arcade nestled in a corner of the mall. The neon lights flickered invitingly, casting a vibrant glow that beckoned passersby to enter. Celestia couldn't hide her awe as she inched towards the gaming area, her eyes widening with excitement at the array of flashing screens and colorful buttons. Han chuckled at her enthusiasm, following after her with a knowing grin.
"Do you know how to play?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.
Celestia shook her head, her expression a mix of curiosity and anticipation. "No, I've never been to an arcade before."
"Alright, let me show you," Han said, leading her to a retro-style arcade cabinet. "See that character? You need to move it around to collect the items while also avoiding the enemies. Do you understand?"
As Han demonstrated the game, Celestia watched intently, absorbing his instructions with eager enthusiasm. When it was her turn to play, she hesitated for a moment before tentatively grasping the joystick and pressing the buttons. To Han's astonishment, Celestia played unexpectedly well, her movements fluid and precise as she navigated through the virtual maze, dodging enemies with finesse.
As the game reached its conclusion, Celestia's score soared to the top of the leaderboard, surpassing even Han's highest achievements. He stared at her in disbelief, his jaw dropping in awe.
"W-wow, you're a natural at this," Han stammered, his admiration evident in his voice.
Flushed with excitement, Celestia grinned triumphantly, reveling in her newfound skill. "That was fun! What's next?"
Encouraged by her enthusiasm, Han ushered her towards another game, a shooting gallery with realistic-looking replicas of firearms.
Han stood on one side of the system, his confident demeanor evident as he grabbed a gun, his fingers deftly wrapping around the familiar plastic grip. On the opposite side, Celestia took her own gun, her eyes wide with wonder as she surveyed the intricate details of the weapon before her.
"You'll learn the game as you play," Han mentioned, his voice laced with reassurance, before pressing the red start button with a decisive push.
With a low hum, the large screen before them flickered to life, the darkness giving way to a vibrant scene of a lush forest bathed in ethereal light. Celestia's breath caught in her throat as she took in the mesmerizing landscape, her senses tingling with anticipation.
"I'm going ahead, so try to catch up!" Han declared, his voice filled with determination as he prepared to embark on their virtual adventure. With a swift motion, he pressed his feet against the floor panels, propelling his character forward into the unknown.
The objective of the game became clear as Celestia's gaze flitted to the corner of the screen, where a counter tallied the number of aliens to be defeated. Without hesitation, Han dove into battle, his movements fluid and precise as he dispatched wave after wave of extraterrestrial foes. His brow furrowed in concentration as he unleashed a barrage of gunfire, his fingers dancing across the trigger with practiced skill.
Meanwhile, Celestia's fingers hovered uncertainly over the buttons of her own gun as she watched Han's impressive display of prowess. With a deep breath, she steeled herself for the challenge ahead, her determination overriding any lingering doubts.
As the last alien fell under Han's relentless assault, a triumphant smile graced his lips, his victory seemingly assured. But his expression faltered as he glanced at Celestia's screen, his eyes widening in disbelief.
"What... how... huh?" he sputtered, his voice tinged with incredulity as he struggled to comprehend what he was seeing.
To his astonishment, Celestia's score surpassed his own by a significant margin, her total reaching an impressive nine hundred thousand points compared to his six hundred thousand. She regarded him with an innocent look, her expression a mixture of surprise and amusement as she basked in her unexpected triumph.
Han released a resigned sigh, shaking his head in bemusement.
"Do you want to get something to eat?" Han suggested, deciding to move on from the games and transition to food.
"I don't know what's nice here," Celestia admitted, her uncertainty evident in her tone.
"We could just eat at the fast food restaurant on the second floor," Han suggested, offering a simple solution to their hunger.
"Fast food? What's that?" Celestia questioned, her brow furrowing in confusion as she awaited his explanation.
Han gazed at her in disbelief, momentarily taken aback by her lack of familiarity with such a commonplace concept.
"I only arrived on Earth two months ago, but I seem to know more about the planet than you do. What have you been doing all your life?" he joked, a playful glint in his eyes.
However, the dark gleam that appeared in Celestia's eyes caught Han off guard, her response carrying an unexpected weight.
"My mother only took me to five-star restaurants, and since she's an actress, I couldn't be out in public as much, otherwise it would ruin her image somehow," Celestia explained, her words laced with a hint of bitterness as she closed the topic with finality.
Han bit back a wince, realizing his just had touched a nerve. He hadn't considered the implications of Celestia's upbringing, the privilege and constraints that came with being the child of a public figure.
Regret washed over him as he recognized the depth of her experiences, her world vastly different from his own.
"Sorry," Han mumbled, his apology laden with sincerity as Celestia looked away, her expression unreadable, before walking out of the arcade, leaving him momentarily behind until he caught up with her.
The two ascended the stairs to reach the second floor, Han leading the way to the fast food restaurant. As they entered, Celestia was taken aback by the bustling atmosphere, the air filled with the tantalizing aroma of sizzling burgers and fried delights. The place was teeming with people, each eagerly awaiting their turn to place an order.
Was the food here really that tasty? Celestia wondered, her curiosity piqued as she observed the frenzied activity around her.
Her question was swiftly answered as she took the first bite of her cheeseburger. Her eyes widened in astonishment, her taste buds tingling with delight as she savored the explosion of flavors dancing across her palate. It was as if she had stumbled upon a culinary revelation, a newfound appreciation for the simple pleasures of fast food.
"What's wrong?" Han asked, his voice filled with concern as he took notice of Celestia's expression.
"This... This is delicious," Celestia exclaimed, her voice tinged with wonder as she stared at her burger in awe, as if beholding a miraculous creation.
Han chuckled, finding her reaction endearing as he continued to enjoy his own meal, casually picking up a fry and nibbling on it with relish. Once Celestia had emerged from her moment of culinary bliss, she noticed something that caught her attention.
As Celestia and Han sat in the bustling fast food restaurant, enjoying their meal amidst the lively ambiance, Celestia couldn't help but reflect on their time together at the shopping mall. It reminded her of a movie Han had recommended to her, one that had left a lasting impression on him. He had mentioned that it was one of the first movies he had seen and that it had moved him to tears.
Curious to understand what had stirred such strong emotions in her friend, Celestia decided to watch the movie on her own. However, when she discovered that it was a romantic film with a tragic ending, she couldn't help but feel disappointed. The trials and tribulations depicted on screen seemed trivial compared to the hardships she had endured over the past ten years. So, when she pointed this out to Han, he could only stare at her in wonder, his expression a mixture of surprise and amusement as he took a sip of his drink.
"It's like we're on a date," Celestia remarked casually, her words hanging in the air between them.
Han coughed as his drink went down the wrong pipe, his eyes widening in startlement as he struggled to regain his composure. Once he had calmed down, he fixed his friend with an incredulous stare.
"Don't just say that out of the blue!" he scolded, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment at the implication of her words.
Celestia simply stared back at him with a blank expression, her gaze unwavering. "Why?" she retorted, her tone teasing yet sincere.
Han grew flustered, his cheeks now tinged with a light shade of pink as he stumbled over his words in response. "B-Because... because it sounds like you're interested in me!" he exclaimed, his voice slightly too loud for their surroundings, earning them a few curious looks from nearby diners.
Undeterred, Celestia leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand as a small smirk played on her lips, a glint of mischief dancing in her eyes.
"And what if I am interested in you?" she challenged, her words hanging in the air like a dare, leaving Han momentarily speechless as he grappled with the sudden shift in their conversation.
Han's jaw almost dropped in disbelief at Celestia's teasing remark. He hadn't expected her to play along so boldly, and for a moment, he found himself at a loss for words. Quickly regaining his composure, he cleared his throat and straightened his posture, determined to maintain his cool demeanor despite the unexpected turn of events.
Intent on changing the subject and steering the conversation away from their newfound flirtation, Han opened his mouth to speak. But before he could utter a word, the unmistakable aura of demons filled the air, sending a chill down their spines. Their eyes met with a knowing expression, their unspoken agreement echoing in the silent exchange.
Without a moment's hesitation, they abandoned their half-eaten meals and sprang into action, swiftly making their way outside of the restaurant. Ignoring the curious glances of onlookers, they moved with purpose, their footsteps echoing against the polished floors as they raced towards their destination on the top floor of the mall.
As they ascended the stairs, anticipation and adrenaline coursing through their veins, Han and Celestia shared a silent understanding. Their bond forged through countless trials and adventures, they knew that together, they were unstoppable. With grim determination etched on their faces, they prepared to face whatever darkness awaited them at the summit, united in their resolve to protect each other and vanquish the looming threat of the demons once and for all.
The last set of stairs loomed before them, and as Han and Celestia raced towards it, their hearts pounding with anticipation, they were met with the sight of three weak demons lurking at the top. Han grimaced at the sight of the viscous saliva dripping from their gaping mouths, a testament to their insatiable hunger. However, Celestia remained unfazed, her determination shining bright as she summoned her sword with a flick of her wrist.
Sensing the urgency of the situation, Celestia reached out and grasped Han's hand, allowing him to share his power with her. In that brief moment of connection, Han's energy flowed into Celestia, fueling her strength and resolve. With a surge of power, a shimmering shield materialized in front of her, serving as a formidable barrier against the impending threat.
With a graceful flourish, Celestia sprang into action, her movements fluid and precise as she engaged the demons with unparalleled skill. With each strike of her sword, she dispatched her foes with ease, the clang of metal against flesh echoing through the air.
As the last demon fell to Celestia's relentless assault, she stood triumphant at the top of the stairs, her gaze fixed on the scene unfolding ahead. Han couldn't help but notice the tension in her posture, the furrow of her brow betraying her inner turmoil.
"Celestia, what's—" Han began, his words catching in his throat as he approached her side, his eyes widening in shock as he beheld the sight before them.
Before them, a formidable figure loomed, a powerful demon radiating with dark energy. Its towering form seemed to pulse with malevolence as it faced off against a smaller, weaker demon, its intentions clear. Dread coiled in the pit of Han's stomach as he realized the magnitude of the threat they were about to face.
As Han and Celestia surveyed the aftermath of the battle, their eyes widened in shock at the gruesome scene before them. Blood stained the ground, mingling with the lifeless bodies of the fallen demons scattered across the floor like discarded puppets. The air was heavy with the metallic tang of death, a grim reminder of the violence that had transpired.
Their attention was soon drawn to the cloaked figure standing before them, his upper features hidden in the shadows of his hood. Despite the concealment, his sinister smile sent a chill down Celestia's spine, her instincts screaming at her to flee from the malevolent presence.
Han sensed her unease and gently took her hand in his, offering her silent reassurance.
"We can take him down if we have each other," he assured, his voice steady despite the uncertainty swirling within him.
But their resolve was met with mocking amusement from the cloaked demon.
"Are you sure about that? Celestia doesn't seem to agree with your decision," he taunted, his voice dripping with malice as he addressed them.
Han's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Celestia's name, his mind reeling with disbelief. Did that demon just address her as if he knew her? It couldn't be possible. It must have been a trick of the mind, a cruel twist of fate playing tricks on his senses.
But deep down, a nagging suspicion gnawed at him, planting seeds of doubt in his mind that he couldn't shake.
As Han turned to Celestia, he felt a surge of reassurance wash over him at the sight of her determined expression, her resolve unwavering despite the shame etched on her features. Whatever doubts had clouded his mind evaporated in an instant as he witnessed her unwavering loyalty and courage.
The demon's attention shifted to Celestia, his voice dripping with contempt as he addressed her.
"I told you to tell the angel to back off," he sneered, his words carrying a menacing edge.
Celestia stepped forward, positioning herself protectively in front of Han, her sword raised in defiance.
"Oh? You've chosen his side?" the demon remarked, his tone laced with indifference. But the subtle downturn of his lips betrayed the fury simmering beneath the surface, a warning of the storm to come.
"I won't let you kill him, Zerro!" Celestia declared, her voice ringing with determination as she braced herself for the impending clash.
With a ferocious growl, Zerro lunged forward, his movements swift and calculated as he aimed a deadly strike at Celestia. She tensed her arms, her muscles coiled like springs as she met the attack head-on, the clang of metal resonating through the air as his pointed nails pressed against the flat side of her sword.
Despite the overwhelming force of the demon's assault, Celestia stood her ground, her gaze unwavering as she held the line against the darkness threatening to consume them. With Han by her side, she knew that together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, united in their determination to protect each other and stand against the encroaching tide of evil.
As Celestia attempted to push Zerro back, he effortlessly teleported away, causing her to stumble forward. Before she could regain her balance, he reappeared at her side, launching a swift and brutal kick against her hip. With a sickening thud, Celestia fell to the unforgiving concrete floor, her head striking against it with alarming force.
"You," Zerro hissed, his gaze fixated on Han as he approached the fallen angel with predatory intent.
"You're in the way of my plans."
With lightning speed, Zerro intended to impale Han with his sharp nail, his movements a blur of malevolence and malice. Han barely had time to react as the demon closed in on him, his sword raised in a futile attempt at defense.
But before Zerro's lethal strike could find its mark, Han felt an unseen force propel him backwards with astonishing speed. His eyes widened in shock as he watched helplessly, his heart lurching in his chest as he realized the horrifying truth.
Celestia had sacrificed herself to save him.
Han's hand reached out instinctively towards her, his desperate plea drowned out by the chaos unfolding around them. But his efforts were in vain as Celestia crumpled to the ground, her form limp and lifeless against the cold, unforgiving pavement.
"CELESTIA!" Han's anguished cry echoed through the air, a heartbreaking lament for the friend he had failed to protect.