TOH
'From the moment I got to know her, I understood exactly what she needed. She needs love. She needs someone to genuinely show her that they care, that they would put her first.'
Sumire nodded and turned her attention back to her sword. "I hope you don't mind. I get the desire to use this whenever I take it out."
"I don't mind, you called that blade a spirit sword." Toh started.
Sumire nodded. "Aki-san gave it to me. Well, more like we found it amongst the ruins in the back of the holy knights headquarters. There were reports of strange sounds coming from the forest there. So, we both went to check it out. Aki-san tried to picking up the blade but he couldn't. When I tried however I picked it up so easily." She placed it on the ground. "Try it yourself."
Toh walked over to the sword and tried to pick it up, but he couldn't. It felt like the strength from his arms was being drained away. No, it felt like something was draining his strength. Is the sword alive? There must be something inside for it to determine who is worthy to wield it.
"From the books I read, spirit blades are individuals who have learned to take on the shape of powerful weapons, they grant their skills to the wielder."
"Has that happened to you?"
Sumire nodded. "I feel my own abilities get stronger every time I wield the blade. Sometimes I can hear voices too."
Toh frowned at those words. He doesn't like the idea of her hearing some odd voices in her head. 'I also know a bit about spirit blades, and while it was common in the past to hear the voices of the ones who possessed the sword. It's unusual to hear it now.'
The only way to gain more information is to make a trip to headquarters. But, that would mean leaving her for at least a day or two and he doesn't want to do that now. Especially after Lucifer's recent meeting with Sumire.
Lucifer personally went to see her. He definitely set up that situation in the hospital. Lucifer knew Sumire would rescue Nagawa at all costs.
Lucifer knows who she is.
It would be stranger if he didn't, considering how well known Sumire is in the underworld. However, he isn't stupid. Lucifer is paying attention to Sumire on a personal level.
Sumire's strength, that irregular heartbeat that matches the Lord, Lucifer's interest towards her. Everything adds up, he doesn't even need to gather more evidence than this. Both Koichi and Arata believe that it's Sumire too, and 'I am also starting to think the same. I have been for a while now but that incident in Nagawa general hospital confirms it.'
This is why Lucifer has been turning a blind eye to him taking so long to do his mission on finding the girl. It's because he already found her.
'I suspect he gave this mission to me, because he knew I had already met her.'
It was a set up.
'I'm screwed, not because I have to betray her, because I know I can't do it. I can't hand her over to the Lord. I don't know what the Lord wants with her, but I know it can't be for anything good.'
As his right hand, Toh has seen Lucifer break women countless times.
His thoughts break off realizing Sumire was nestled in his embrace, there was no sign of the sword anymore. Toh chuckles hearing a content sigh escape her lips.
"Say something." Sumire mumbled.
"You seem to be very comfortable there."
"Mm, it is comfortable being like this with you."
She really has become more honest with herself. It's a good thing, but, sometimes he worries. 'I'm worried that she only looks like she is healing because she is with me. But if I left her-' Toh shakes his head.
'I have already decided I can't betray her, which means, I have to betray Lucifer.'
Although Lucifer has mentioned numerous times he is free to leave, and his ties to the organisation will be cut. That was before Sumire came into the picture. Lucifer will definitely not allow the same freedom as he did before.
Toh picks her up and places her on the bed.
"I'm not sleepy." Sumire protested.
Toh smirked. "Who said we were sleeping?"
....
Following day, at an alleyway. A hooded figure approached him, despite the cloak covering his entire body. Toh recognized his friend immediately.
"So, you confirmed it?" Arata said.
"I suspected, even before you gave me those hints." Toh exhales deeply. "I'm planning on betraying Lucifer."
Arata smirks. "It's about time."
"You know this won't be easy right?" Toh said. "I may be strong, but I am no match for him."
Arata pats his shoulder. "But you won't be by yourself."
Toh frowns. "I thought you made a deal with him. Don't you want to fight Sumire anymore?"
"Ha, that woman. She doesn't have to be my enemy for me to fight her. In fact she seems more than willing to have some friendly matches when she is bored."
Toh raised his eyebrow. This is the first time he is hearing this.
"Relax, even though we have been sparing. I have no intention to fight to the death with her. To be honest, that was never my intention."
"It wasn't? Even though you made a threat like that?"
"I only did that to get her attention." Arata trails off. "What I wanted to find was someone to occasionally let loose with, and it seems she is the same. Holding that much blood lust at bay isn't healthy for anyone."
'I always assumed that Arata loved fighting, and he didn't care about anything else. But, that's not it. Just like Sumire, he is battling with strength he didn't ask for.'
"As long as you don't hurt her." Toh mumbled.
Arata raised his eyebrow. "I don't think you have to worry about that. I haven't won a single of our fights."
None at all?
Arata exhales deeply. "I'll help you, just let me make some preparations first."
Toh nodded. "I'll be counting on you."