I stretch my arms and wake up from my bed, the events of the past few days replaying in my mind like a broken record. I hadn't slept well, my thoughts constantly drifting back to Mei and the mysterious monsters. But today is Friday, and with the weekend ahead, I just have to survive today to enjoy two days of rest.
I get up and start getting ready for school. As I head downstairs, the familiar sounds of morning greet me. My sister, Yuki, is already at the table, munching on breakfast.
"Morning, onii-chan," she says with a bright smile, her mouth full of toast.
"Morning, Yuki," I reply, ruffling her hair as I pass by.
My mother is bustling around the kitchen, making sure everyone is fed. She turns to me with a warm smile. "Good morning, Izumi. Did you sleep well?"
"Not really, Mom," I admit, grabbing a piece of toast. "But I'll manage. Thanks for breakfast."
With a quick breakfast and some light-hearted banter, I grab my bag and head out the door, ready to face another day at school.
As I walk to school, the weight of yesterday's events still lingers in my mind. The encounter with Mei, the strange pact, and the fierce battle—it all feels surreal. I can't shake the feeling that my life has taken a drastic turn, and today, I might start to understand how deep this rabbit hole goes.
As I walked halfway to school, the morning air crisp and cool, I spotted Mei approaching from the opposite direction. Her new blue hair stood out against the backdrop of the bustling street, and as she neared, her smile brightened.
"Good morning, Izumi," she greeted warmly.
"Morning, Mei," I replied with a nod, feeling a slight flutter in my chest at the sight of her. "Your hair is set a little different,right?"
"Yeah," she chuckled softly, tucking a strand behind her ear. "Thought I'd try something different."
"It looks good," I said, trying to sound nonchalant but aware that my cheeks were warming up.
"Thank you," Mei replied, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
We continued walking side by side, the bustling sounds of the city filling the silence between us. My mind raced with questions, eager to delve deeper into Mei's world and the mysteries she seemed to hold.
"So, Mei," I began tentatively, breaking the silence. "If you don't mind, can I ask you a few questions I've had in mind?"
She glanced at me with a curious smile. "Sure, ask ahead."
"Who were those monsters?"
"Those monsters are called Kaiju," Mei explained calmly, her voice tinged with a hint of seriousness. "From my analysis, they are found all over the world."
"Oh, I see. Kaiju," I nodded slowly, processing the new information. "So, now a few questions about you."
"Uh-huh."
"Who are you? I mean, I don't think you are human, right?"
Mei nodded. "Yes, you're right. I am not human. Wow, doesn't that surprise you? Normally, one would be either creeped out or scared."
I shook my head. "I don't think of it that way. I've seen things already, so..."
"And by the way, what's up with your hair?" I asked, genuinely curious.
"Well, it's a little hard to explain," Mei began, her tone thoughtful. "But it's basically a manifestation of my powers."
I listened intently, my surprise evident on my face.
"Do you remember the smoke that came out of your fist yesterday?" Mei continued, a small smile playing on her lips.
"Yeah, I did notice it," I admitted, recalling the strange sensation. "That almost slipped my mind."
"Well, that was one of the power techniques," Mei explained patiently. "It's the first technique of Demonic Arts."
"Demonic Arts?" I questioned, raising an eyebrow. "What is that?"
"Oh, my bad. I should give you a proper explanation first, right? Those smokes from your fist yesterday were actually mist, and mist is the first power of a series called 'Demonic Arts.'"
"Oh, I see," I said, trying to absorb everything she was telling me.
"And the mist is the Level One technique of the Demonic Arts series," Mei added, her expression serious yet still gentle. "I can give you a practical lesson right after school. What do you think?"
"That's a great idea," I replied enthusiastically. "I would love to learn more about it."
"That's the spirit," Mei said with a nod. "But let's keep our powers and our pact anonymous, alright?"
"Yeah, sure," I agreed, feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity about what lay ahead.
We continued our walk to school, my mind buzzing with newfound knowledge and anticipation. The world suddenly seemed much larger and more mysterious than I ever imagined.
As the school day progressed, I couldn't help but keep glancing at the clock, eagerly awaiting the final bell. Today felt longer than usual, perhaps because I was so eager to delve deeper into the secrets Mei had shared with me. The prospect of understanding my newfound abilities and learning about the Demonic Arts filled me with a childlike anticipation, akin to waiting for a coveted treat at the end of the day.
Finally, when the school day ended, the evening sun painted the sky with hues of orange and pink as if it were melting into the horizon. Following Mei's instructions, I made my way to the rooftop where we were supposed to meet. Mei arrived shortly after, her presence calming yet filled with purpose.
"There you are. You've been waiting patiently," Mei greeted me with a warm smile.
"Yeah," I replied, unable to hide my excitement. "I've been looking forward to this."
"I can tell," Mei chuckled softly. "Well, since the sun is still up, let's spend some time over there," she pointed to a bench overlooking the beach where we had our first meaningful conversation.
Sitting on the bench, the gentle breeze from the sea ruffled our hair as Mei and I continued our conversation. I couldn't help but wonder about the depths of her powers and the mysteries of the Demonic Arts she promised to reveal. The eagerness to learn mingled with a tinge of apprehension, knowing that stepping into this new world would change everything.
We waited until the sun was down, the sky ablaze with hues of orange and pink, before I finally asked Mei, "By the way, why are we waiting for the sunset?"
Mei turned to me with a serene expression. "Don't sunsets look beautiful?"
"Yes," I nodded in agreement.
"Well, that's one reason," she continued, her gaze drifting towards the horizon. "The other reason is that I can't use my powers properly under direct sunlight. Even if I force it, it's very harmful for me."
"Oh, I see," I murmured, realizing the gravity of her condition. "That's also why you couldn't fight yesterday?"
"Yeah," Mei confirmed with a hint of regret. "I had too much exposure to sunlight."
"Don't worry about me, though. It's just a curse," she added softly.
"A curse?" I echoed, my curiosity piqued. "How did you get cursed?"
"Well, it's something I was born with," Mei explained, her voice tinged with a mix of acceptance and resignation.
"I see," I replied quietly, trying to imagine what it must be like for her.
"Did you notice the petal-like symbols on my cheek?" Mei asked suddenly, drawing my attention to the delicate markings.
"Yeah, I was about to ask if they were related," I admitted.
"Well, they are indeed related," Mei confirmed, her tone serious now. "Back then, I had two out of five petals on my cheeks. If they were to fill up, it would have caused my death."
Her words hung in the air, and I felt a lump form in my throat. "You mean... it's a life-threatening condition?"
Mei nodded gently. "But you saved me. Thanks," she said, her voice softening as she offered me a gentle smile.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange glow across the sky, I couldn't help but be curious about Mei's request to wait until sunset. "By the way, why are we waiting for the sunset?" I asked, glancing at her.
"Don't sunsets look beautiful?" Mei replied with a soft smile.
"Yeah," I nodded, "they do."
"Well, that's one reason," she continued, her gaze drifting toward the setting sun. "The other reason is that I can't use my powers properly under direct sunlight. It's not just ineffective; it's also harmful for me."
Understanding dawned on me. "Oh, I see. That's why you couldn't fight yesterday."
"Yes, too much exposure to sunlight weakens me," Mei confirmed with a nod. "It's a curse I have to manage."
"A curse?" I echoed, intrigued. "How did you get cursed?"
"It's something I was born with," Mei explained calmly. "Did you notice the petal-like symbols on my cheek?"
"Yeah, I was about to ask if they were related," I admitted, studying her carefully.
Mei nodded solemnly. "They are. That symbol represent a part of the curse. I was born with it and it resembles a flower with five petals . Back then,only two out of the five petals bloomed on my right cheek. If they were to fill up, it would have led to my death."
"That sounds serious," I murmured, feeling a mix of sympathy and concern.
"It is,one petal appears per 3minutes of sunlight exposure." Mei admitted quietly, her tone serious yet gentle. "But you saved me yesterday. Thank you." She smiled warmly, a hint of gratitude in her eyes.
"Of course," I replied softly, feeling a surge of emotions at her words.
"Well, let's continue the conversation later," Mei suggested, breaking the moment as she glanced at the darkened sky. "It seems the sun has set."
She then extended her hand towards me. "Here, hold my hand."
I hesitated briefly, uncertain, but Mei's reassuring smile eased my nerves. "Is it okay to touch you?" I asked, wanting to respect her boundaries.
"Yes, and you should always obey your master," Mei teased lightly, her voice taking on a playful tone.
I chuckled nervously at her remark, feeling more at ease. I took her hand firmly in mine as she instructed. Her hand was surprisingly soft and warm, comforting against my own.
"Hold it tight, alright?"
With a nod, Mei closed her eyes briefly. Suddenly, to my amazement and a touch of trepidation, she began to levitate off the ground. I watched in awe as she floated gracefully above the rooftop, her hair softly moving in the evening breeze.
Despite my initial fear of her falling, I put on a brave face, determined not to show any sign of worry. This was Mei's moment to showcase her abilities, and I wanted to be there, supporting her, no matter how surreal it seemed.
The moment was both exhilarating and surreal, leaving me with a mix of wonder and curiosity about the world of powers Mei belonged to.
As Mei swiftly carried us through the evening sky, her hands warm and soft in mine, I was filled with awe and excitement. It was my first time experiencing flight, and the sensation was both thrilling and surreal. Below us, the city sprawled out like a vibrant tapestry, its lights twinkling in the fading daylight.
We glided gracefully, sometimes soaring higher to catch a clearer view, and then dipping lower to feel the rush of wind against our faces. Mei's expertise in controlling our flight was evident; she maneuvered effortlessly through the air currents.
After a while, I began to notice a gentle breeze emanating from Mei. It was as if she could manipulate the air around us. Before I could voice my curiosity, Mei preemptively addressed my unspoken question.
"Well, this is the Level 13 power of Demonic Arts, Wind," Mei explained, her voice carrying over the wind. Her nonchalant tone contrasted with the astonishment I felt.
"Level 13?" I repeated, amazed. "That's incredible. It's both useful and... fun."
Mei chuckled softly at my reaction, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Glad you think so. Demonic Arts have a wide range of abilities, and Wind is just one of them."
As we continued our flight, I marveled at the possibilities that Mei's powers presented. Flying through the sky with her felt like a glimpse into a world of endless wonders, where the ordinary rules no longer applied.
As we soared through the skies, Mei suddenly turned to me and asked, "Do you want to see a fight?"
"With whom, a Kaiju?" I replied, trying to contain my excitement.
"Yes," Mei nodded, barely noticeable due to our swift flight. Without hesitation, she angled downwards as if diving. The rush of air against my face intensified as we descended towards an isolated rooftop in a desolate area. Gravity reasserted its hold on me, grounding my elation from the flight and Mei's hand in mine. Despite my attempt to maintain composure, a smirk escaped my lips involuntarily.
Mei noticed my expression and remarked playfully, "Oh, it seems I've pleased you in multiple ways." Her teasing words caused a blush to rise to my cheeks. Recovering quickly, she continued, "Well, now let's begin the hunt, shall we?" with a mischievous smile.
"Spirit Art - Time Pause!" Mei declared suddenly. A crimson barrier expanded rapidly, covering a vast area with a radius of about 1000 meters.
"Wait, Time Pause? You mean time stopped?" I asked incredulously.
"Yes, the time around us has indeed stopped," Mei explained calmly. "I modified it so that only you, me, and the Kaiju I sensed around this area can move."
"That's such a handy ability. But you said Spirit Arts? Is that..." I trailed off, trying to process the magnitude of her powers.
"Yes, it's a different series of arts, the Spirit Arts," Mei confirmed, her voice tinged with pride.
I was once again taken aback by Mei's extraordinary abilities. "Go across the area and find out if anyone or anything is moving. Kaijus normally disguise themselves as normal people," she instructed.
"Alright, I'll do my best," I replied, gathering my resolve to search the vicinity under the suspended time.
The city was eerily still under the effects of Time Pause. The once-bustling streets were frozen in a snapshot of time. Cars were halted mid-motion, people suspended in mid-step, and even the wind seemed to have stopped. The only sound was the faint hum of the barrier, a constant reminder of the surreal situation.
I began my search, moving through the streets and alleys. The silence was unnerving, but the novelty of exploring a frozen world was also thrilling. I could see every detail—tiny droplets of water suspended in mid-air, leaves frozen in their descent, and even the expressions on people's faces, caught in whatever moment they were experiencing before time halted.
As I walked, I tried to sense any movement, anything out of place. I passed by a market where fruits and vegetables were in mid-fall from a toppled cart, a perfect still life. The air was crisp, and the light from the setting sun cast long shadows that didn't move.
The city was unnaturally still under the effect of Time Pause. Every detail, from the droplets of water in mid-air to the leaves frozen in their descent, was eerily beautiful and unsettling. As I scouted the area, the silence was overwhelming, but I was captivated by the frozen world around me. It was like walking through a snapshot of time.
Suddenly, I spotted a flicker of movement. A figure, moving erratically in the distance, stood out against the backdrop of stillness. As I got closer, my heart pounded with a mix of fear and excitement. The figure's disguise flickered, revealing its monstrous form. It was a Kaiju.
"Mei," I shouted. "I found one."
That wasn't probably the best way to call her but it was alright mei came to the scene at an instant
"Good job, Izumi. Stay put. I'll be there in a moment," her voice came from the top of a house.
. Her presence was reassuring, her expression calm and focused. "Ready for this?" she asked.
"Yeah," I replied, trying to steady my nerves.
"Remember, stay back and observe. I'll handle this one," she instructed.
Mei stepped forward, her aura shifting as she prepared to confront the Kaiju. The creature sensed her and turned, its disguise fading away. It let out a guttural growl, preparing to attack.
Mei closed her eyes briefly, and when she opened them, her transformation began. Her hair changed from blue to a fiery red, growing longer and more vibrant. "Level 76: Red Aistia," she announced, her voice echoing with power.
The Kaiju lunged forward with a focused punch, aiming straight for Mei. But she moved with incredible speed, dodging the attack effortlessly. "Izumi, watch closely," she called out, her voice calm yet commanding. "Dodging is all about reading your opponent's movements and staying one step ahead."
The Kaiju, frustrated, tried a different tactic. It dashed towards her with a flurry of multi-hit strikes. Each punch and kick came with immense force, enough to shatter concrete. I recognized the pattern from a manga I'd read before, a rapid series of attacks meant to overwhelm the opponent.
But Mei was unfazed. She danced around the Kaiju's strikes with ease, her movements fluid and precise. "Never let your opponent dictate the flow of the battle," she said, glancing at me. "Control the pace."
The environment around us started to feel the impact of their battle. The rooftop cracked under the weight of the Kaiju's missed punches. Dust and debris flew around, creating a chaotic scene amidst the stillness of the paused time.
"Scarlet," Mei called out, her voice strong and clear. Her arms became engulfed in a red aura, the power focused and intense. With a swift motion, she landed a powerful punch on the Kaiju, sending it staggering back. The force of her punch created a shockwave, causing the surrounding windows to shatter.
The Kaiju roared in pain and fury, recovering quickly to launch another attack. It aimed a powerful kick at Mei, but she intercepted it with her own. The clash of their kicks created a burst of energy, further damaging the rooftop.
"Stay agile, Izumi," Mei advised, her voice steady despite the chaos. "Always be ready to adapt to your opponent's moves."
She then unleashed another "Scarlet" attack, this time a kick that sent the Kaiju crashing into a nearby building. The impact was immense, causing parts of the structure to crumble.
"Adaptation is key," Mei continued, her gaze never leaving the Kaiju. "Use your environment to your advantage."
The Kaiju, battered and bruised, struggled to stand. It let out one last desperate roar before Mei finished it off with a final, powerful punch. The creature collapsed, defeated.
Mei turned to me, her expression softening. "Well, that's one less Kaiju to worry about," she said, her voice filled with relief.
I nodded, feeling a sense of awe and admiration. "Thanks for letting me watch," I said, my voice trembling slightly.
"You're welcome. Now, let's head back. We still have a lot to discuss," she replied.
The walk back was filled with silence, but it was a comfortable one. The fight had given me a lot to think about. Mei's strength and skill were beyond anything I had imagined, and I was eager to learn more from her.
We returned to the rooftop where it all began. The sun had set completely, and the city was bathed in the soft glow of streetlights. Mei's hair had returned to its normal blue color, but the memory of her fiery transformation was still fresh in my mind.
"Ready for your first lesson?" Mei asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Absolutely," I replied, feeling a surge of determination.
"Good. Let's start with the basics," she said, stepping forward. "The Demonic Arts are all about harnessing your inner power. It's a mix of mental focus and physical strength."
She demonstrated a simple stance, her movements fluid and precise. "First, you need to find your center. Balance is key."
I mimicked her stance, trying to focus on my breathing and balance. It felt awkward at first, but Mei's guidance was patient and encouraging.
"That's it, Izumi. Keep your mind clear and focus on your center," she said, her voice gentle but firm.
As the night went on, we practiced various stances and movements. Mei's teaching was thorough, and I found myself slowly getting the hang of it. The frozen city around us felt like a perfect training ground, quiet and undisturbed.
"Now, let's work on your strength," Mei instructed. She held out her hands. "I want you to punch my hands with all your strength."
I hesitated, looking at her hands. "Are you sure? I don't want to hurt you."
Mei chuckled. "Don't worry about me. Just focus on your punch. Give it everything you've got."
I nodded and took a deep breath, focusing all my energy into my fist. I threw a punch, connecting with Mei's hands. She didn't even flinch.
"Good. But you can do better," she said. "Again."
I repeated the punch, each time trying to put more strength and focus into it. Mei offered advice and corrections, helping me improve my technique.
"Remember, power comes from your whole body, not just your arm. Use your legs, your core, and keep your balance," she instructed.
After several attempts, my punches started to feel more powerful and controlled. Mei nodded approvingly. "You're getting there. Keep it up."
As I continued punching, I noticed a familiar smoke starting to emanate from my fist. Mei smiled. "That's the mist. You're tapping into your Demonic Arts."
The mist swirled around my fist, giving me a sense of both excitement and determination. I focused harder, trying to harness the mist's power.
After about forty-five minutes of intense training, we decided to wrap up. Mei looked around at the damage caused by the earlier battle with the Kaiju. She raised her hand and said, "Spirit Arts: Restore."
A gentle, glowing aura spread from her hand, covering the broken structures and damaged area. Slowly, everything began to repair itself, returning to its original state. It was as if the fight had never happened.
"That's incredible," I said, watching in awe.
Mei smiled. "It's important to leave no trace. Now, let's disassemble the barrier."
She closed her eyes briefly, and the red barrier around us dissolved, returning the world to its normal flow of time. The sounds of the city resumed, and everything felt surreal.
"You did well tonight, Izumi. But remember, this is just the beginning. There's a lot more to learn," Mei said, her eyes twinkling with anticipation.
"I can't wait," I replied, feeling more determined than ever.
As we stood on the rooftop, looking out over the city, I knew that my life had changed forever. With Mei by my side, I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
The following days were filled with intense training and learning. Mei continued to teach me the intricacies of the Demonic Arts, and I found myself growing stronger and more confident with each passing day. Our bond grew deeper, and I knew that together, we could face anything.
The world was larger and more mysterious than I had ever imagined, but with Mei's guidance, I felt ready to embrace it all. My journey was just beginning, and I was excited for what the future held.
With each step forward, I felt a sense of purpose and determination. The road ahead was filled with challenges, but I was ready to face them head-on, with Mei by my side.
Our adventure had only just begun, and I couldn't
wait to see where it would take us next.
To be continued...