Chereads / Black Exodia / Chapter 16 - Exodia 16: You owe me

Chapter 16 - Exodia 16: You owe me

Anastasia took her hand off the wall. Argent slowly prepared himself, in case of another attack.

"Electricity. Is that your Singularity?"

Argent asked, on edge.

The mistress chuckled slightly.

"Do you think electricity would be able to affect something spiritual?"

The boy shivered.

"How did you-?!"

"It was obvious."

Anastasia concluded.

Emika was helplessly listening to the conversation, unable to move her body.

"What's obvious?! Don't leave me out of the loop!"

Emika shouted, confused.

"Alright, alright. I'll explain it. Sit tight, Kaneko-san."

Anastasia sighed.

"Firstly, we weren't taught the different types of magic yet, were we?"

"No... At least, I don't think so."

"There're three types of magic. Spells, inscribed and spiritual."

Argent kissed his tongue.

"So, you figured it out."

"Didn't I say practically say earlier?"

They glared at each other.

"What this child is using is what we call Spiritual Magic."

The boy flinched upon hearing the word 'child.'

"Spiritual Magic usually involves spirits. Spirit animals and the like. He's using a spirit to steal your soul momentarily."

"My soul? But I'm right here!"

Emika said.

"Your soul is similar to your physical body. The only thing keeping you talking is your brain."

"Are you done now?"

Argent said.

"You could've attacked us during that time, why didn't you?"

Anastasia asked.

"It is better if she learns, that is all."

The mistress laughed earnestly. She started crying from laughter.

"I've never seen a shouta-tsundere before! Coming to Japan was worth it!"

She calmed herself.

"Okay, I'll make a deal with you."

"Why so suddenly?"

Argent was suspicious of the sudden proposal. He wondered whether the deal would have any credibility.

"If you give Emika Kaneko back her soul, then I'll tell you my Singularity."

"How do I know you'll keep your word?"

"I seriously don't think you could beat me when you're weakened. Do you think so?"

Argent silently thought to himself. He raised his arm and flicked it downwards.

"Done. Now, tell me about your Singularity."

Emika started to shake a little before she stood up and stretched herself. Anastasia looked at her and then turned to Argent.

"Magnetism. That is my Singularity."

"Magnetism?! Cut the bullshit! Do you think Magnetism could deflect a spirit?!"

Argent bellowed.

"I'm not done yet. Living things are north poles, while anything else is a south pole. As you know, opposites attract and the opposite of that is also true. When I deflected your spirit, I used the wall, which has a south pole, to counter your spirit, which is also a south pole."

"You kept your word... So, now..."

He charged forward.

"I shall give you a quick and painless death and retrieve the girl!"

Anastasia was annoyed. She sighed.

"Man... Were you even listening?"

"This is all the will of Father!"

Her eyes narrowed.

"You know what..."

As Argent attacked Anastasia, she used her Magnetism to attract her to the wall; she did a roundhouse kick on Argent's head.

A clean knock-out.

"I think I'll keep you alive for questioning."

The world slowly started to regain colour. They were back in their original dimension. From around the corner came Shoya Sasaki.

"A-are you two okay?!"

He asked.

"What're you doing here?"

Anastasia asked. Shoya diverted his eyes.

"Well... I heard something so I came running. I was coming up to Emika's room anyways."

Suddenly, an idea popped into Anastasia's mind. A smile became a mask on her face.

"Well, you were kind of late... And I protected Kaneko-san. So..."

She got closer to him and put her finger on his chest.

"You owe me. And I'd like that to be paid."

Shoya stayed silent for a few seconds. He didn't like the smirk on her face.

"Okay, then... What is it you want?"

"From Friday, after school, you'll become my servant until Sunday night."

"What?!"

Both Emika and Shoya shouted. Anastasia turned to the girl.

"I can understand why he's shouting, but why you?"

"Uhhh... I don't want a friend to become a servant..."

Emika muttered, blushing.

"Too bad. This will happen. Nothing can stop it."

Shoya still didn't understand.

"So, why do I have to be your servant again?"

He asked.

"Look, you were coming up here since you heard something, right?"

Shoya nodded.

"You were coming up anyway, right?"

He nodded once more.

"If I weren't here, your dear friend would've been taken away."

He reacted.

"Wait, taken away? Who wants Emika?!"

Shoya walked closer to Anastasia.

She crossed her arms and diverted her eyes.

"Don't know. Some guy called 'Father.' When he attacked me, he said something about it's 'the will of Father.' That guy could've killed Kaneko-san at any time if she wasn't needed, meaning that it gave me a chance against him. Which also means..."

Anastasia started leaning toward Shoya; he bent backwards in accordance. Their faces were barely 3 cm apart. His cheeks were flushed red.

"You. Have. To. Become. My. Servant."

Shoya could feel the warmth of every word spoken. He couldn't handle it anymore.

Pushing her away, he concedes.

"Fine! I'll do it. But only as thanks for protecting Emika. Something that I can't do."

Shoya breathed the latter under his breath.

"What was that?"

"Nothing."

Though they weren't arguing, there seemed to be fire between them. Emika wanted to stop it.

She got between the two.

"Emika?"

"Kaneko-san?"

The girl broke into a cold sweat.

"How about we all go inside to spend time together?"

She said.

"I don't mind."

Anastasia said.

"Me neither."

Shoya followed.

"But, first..."

The mistress walked over to the boy's body on the floor. She picked him up and lobbed him onto her shoulder.

"I have to take this kid to the Principal. I'll be back."

Anastasia walked off, down the stairs.

Now, it was only Shoya and Emika.

Alone. Together.

Once she realised this, Emika mentally panicked.

(Gosh, it's the two of us! W-what do I do?!)

She thought.

"How about we go into your room, Emika?"

"Uh, right!"

She shouted, running to the end of the corridor.

"What's up with her?"

Shoya muttered to himself.

"Oh well..."

He followed her.