I pondered something as I walked through the charmingly unwelcoming school hallways. It was a question that the answer to eluded me before I even asked myself. Why haven't I met a single guy since the beginning of this shit? Don't misunderstand, there's nothing wrong with choosing your friends among women. It was just that I'd experienced my fair share of unfavorable situations, most of which being my fault but still, I just thought it would be nice to at least have a discussion with a guy. The observation that I'm now seeking social interaction with pretty much anybody who will talk to me is a separate matter entirely and I will ignore it as such.
Growing up, I didn't talk too much with other boys or anybody at all for that matter. I only started being social not too long ago. This is the... what is it? Three, no, four hundredth time I've mentioned this, so I'm sure everyone has got it by now.
The present was still the present. Reasons aside, I found myself wanting to talk with another guy. As if he read my mind, "Playing god, are we?" he said.
My wish was fulfilled! Not only that, the guy who cut me off in the halls and confronted me in a very aggressive manner for our first proper introduction was none other than Mr. Poker Face himself.
I understood I'd done something to upset him. I also understood that it's hard to have a casual conversation with someone who's pissed off at you from square one. "Eavesdropping?" I asked.
"I wouldn't call it that. Near or far, I'd have no trouble picking up a concentration of magic so intense that it barely reads as magic anymore."
"You know of the divine tongue and words of power, so I'll ditch my first plan and just admit that yes, I did speak a word of power. Plan A was to play it off as just the wind, by the way."
"The windows lay in shards as far as the eye can see."
"I was told not to worry about it. So, uh, evidently I've upset you. What particular actions of mine have you so troubled?"
"Through your careless use of the divine tongue, you have tread where you ought not to."
"I already decided on my own that I won't do that again, don't worry."
"One time is enough to warrant immediate rectification. I hear you lived once before. I don't care. You must be dealt with."
The civil discussion wasn't off to a good start. My hopes of making a good impression had gone down the toilet. Oh well. Fuck it, I tried.
"I suppose you believe mortals are not suitable beings for divine power. I agree, but I am proof that we are capable."
"Capable indeed, it does seem that way. Capable, not suitable. But does that even apply to you? The life you live now is not your first, yet you claim to be mortal?"
"Suppose I do come back after I die, one way or another. I can still die nonetheless. That's the defining trait of mortality, isn't it? Not important, anyway. I'll paralyze your entire body if you want to try and prove my mortality, but I'd rather not. I said I wouldn't speak words of power again, and I mean that, so let's just put this behind us."
That's all I wanted. I apologized and I truly was hoping we could move on from it, but he didn't let it go. He said, "There is no room for mercy when crossing the most forbidden boundary".
"If you're sure you want to fight, I might break my promise. I don't exactly know what that thing is capable of, so it's in your best interest to find a way to counter divinity if it comes to that."
Without missing a beat, like he was waiting for this moment to show off, he spoke the word of power Justice and brought forth a radiantly blue oversized scythe. Floorboards flew up in each direction and traveled down the halls in a chain, like an endless tidal wave of wood and nails. I spoke the word of power Virtue, and brought forth my bow- Hold on!
"You're mortal, aren't you? How can you use the divine tongue to punish me, another mortal, for doing what you're doing right now? The hypocrisy of it all! If you kill me, you'd better turn my corpse toward you so I can get a good view of you killing yourself right after, because we're both guilty!" I exasperatedly exclaimed. The main thing to take note of was that he could be a seriously tough opponent, but I was more focused on how big of a load of bullshit this was. Unintentionally, though, I called his bluff. For a moment he appeared angry because he couldn't think of something to justify his hypocrisy. "I have been granted divine authority."
"I don't know how you broke your seal, but you're not the only one holding a divine weapon. Don't I also have divine authority?"
"Th... It doesn't work like that!" It was clear I got under his skin. He was angry and... flustered, but in a way that a girl gets flustered, not how a guy gets flustered. At that moment I had to ask myself why I thought it was kinda cute.
"Listen. I don't want to hurt you. There was a woman who I tortured for interrogation. I only realized the idiocy of my behavior and healed her after she forfeited the life she had left to the one who could have planned to take it for all she knew. Still, I will defend myself. I have no right to say this after saying what I just said, but virtue and justice sound like two that should function as one, do they not? I want to squash this beef. I can just put this bow away and never use it again. That simple. You just need to trust. It's hard, even for me, but you'll need to learn to do it eventually if not now. We can oppose each other if that is what you wish, but I will regret it."
"How can a mortal so insolent as to wield a holy power without approval be capable of harming others and regretting it?"
"Trust. I'm guessing that you've been hurt by others, whether they meant to or not, one too many times. I can empathize somewhat. We can work on rebuilding your trust, but for now, I ask you to believe that I don't want to hurt you. Whether you do or you don't, it doesn't change the fact that I need a guy to talk to. And a job. And a place to stay, heaven knows I can't live in a hotel room with that woman for my whole trip. And a phone. I'd appreciate your help finding any of those, and I'll repay you how I can."
"I have encountered enough vile, evil, morally bankrupt people to become discontent with our species, yet you're the only one I instinctually feel compelled to drop my guard down around. We will both banish our weapons. Consider this heaven's blessing. I'll help you get situated here."
"Haha. Is this the part where you say 'I-it's not like I'm helping you because I care about you or anything, idiot'?"
"W-what are you talking about?"
Total sour patch kid.
"I'm Kisaragi Reon, though I'm sure you somehow found that out. You are?"
"You were Kisaragi Reon. Who are you now?"
"Inotani Takuya. I'd prefer you call me by my previous identity for now though. You are?"
"Emi Riho."
Peculiar name for a guy, I thought.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. So, Riho, do you know where I can find shelter, work, and a phone?"