《The World Destroyer》 Prologue: Happy Birthday "Heterochromia." "I-I see... Will she have problems with her vision whatsoever?" The man stutters with fidgeting feet as he wonders about the safety of his newborn. "Nothing of the sort. I''m happy to tell you that she''s a healthy girl." The man smiles at me and says, "Thank God." He takes his cap off and cries from the relief of the miracle of the moment. Somehow, this dull and boring monochrome room is somehow illuminated by a single source. Not from above nor from outside, but right beside me. She had taken her first step of freedom, her separation from the womb; and sooner or later, shell start to walk and talk. Shell tell us about her dreams and hopes and bring her friends into the house. Shell eventually feel sadness and envy and will get into fights, then she would start to be independent. Then comes love, marriage, and family and the whole cycle starts again. That is what it means to be a human. A series of repetitions that ever so slightly changes. Thats why newborns cry. The thought of existing in itself is terrifying yet exciting. But, we were astounded by her silence when we expected loud, roaring wails. Even though she''s red like a tomato with bruises all over, theres this peaceful and assuring expression of hers. It felt like she was accepting wholly the gift of life, unperturbed by this truth. The serenity of the moment took all of my worries away and I was preoccupied by the feeling of love and protection for her. "My child." Slowly opening, her eyes was the vast sea beside a fiery volcano. The sound of her soft breathing is as serene as the sound of the waves. I peeked at the window beside me and it was indeed the same. "Pacific. That is your name." The tranquil December ocean whispers into my heart, chipping the rock within. I couldnt ask for a more perfect name."With my husband, Ryoichi, bawling from the happiness of the moment, I can''t help but cry too.
After we were able to leave the hospital, we finally settled here on Marina, a small village by the shore. It was a traditional house of the Orient overlooking the sea. It wasnt like the bright and vibrant aura that Im used to in the west but it wasnt very long before I was able to adapt to this kind of home. Everything is simple from the wooden walls to the sliding doors..The sunlight enters through the translucent panels ever so slightly and reaches the bonsai. Not to mention that outside is just incredibly quiet and peaceful, unlike the hustle and bustle of my old urban life. With an atmosphere like this at this time of the year, being under the kotatsu is the best. Before I turned into a sack of potato in this comfy ass blanket, voices were heard coming from the entrance. As much as Id like to stay there for eternity, I went up and went towards the noise. Ryoichi is there with several people. Apparently, news about us newcomers spread like wildfire and before we knew it, neighbors flocked to our home to greet us. With only about a thousand or so residents, I can understand their curiosity. We welcomed them all and as soon as they saw Pacific, all we can hear are myriads of praises about her contrasting eyes, yet complemented each other. "Beautiful!" "She''s so cute." "Her eyes are so shiny!!!" While Ryoichi entertains our guests, I can''t help but notice this peculiar woman around my age standing apart from the rest of the neighbors. Her long, silky straight hair blooms like wisteria. Being as pale as a ghost, it makes you wonder if a touch would shatter her porcelain skin. Wearing a crimson kimono, a mellow expression, and doll-like movements; Shes the ideal Japanese woman. She has been quiet this whole time until she adjusts her black eyeglasses and with a smirk, she mumbled: "The red eye is definitely from a demon." Her opinion was baffling and I quickly retaliated. "No! It is a ruby from the depths of the sea!" I proclaimed as I went near the woman. I unknowingly said that in a loud voice so everyone turned their heads toward us. Hmm But demons are much more... H-Huh? She opened her eyes widely and made a funny face, dumbfounded by the realization of what she just said. "Miyuki! You shouldn''t say things like that to a mother!" said another neighbor. Understanding that everyone heard her "mumble", she clarified, "Sorry! I might have said something rude, Mrs. Hanasaki!" and clasped her hands asking for forgiveness. "Something rude? It was definitely-" "Ahh! Do you know fantasy novels? I make them as a living and my imagination must have took over when I saw your daughter." added a faintly laughing Miyuki. "Demons are cool in my world so-" Oh. She''s talking about some novel or something? "Okay, okay, I get it... Miyuki was it?" I guess it was a misunderstanding in my part. Actually, it''s her fault for saying something so misleading! Mrs. Miyuki Hatano, who first seems to be a Yamato Nadeshiko, is actually a weirdo. "Hmmm... Pretty sure he''ll get along with her." uttered Miyuki. He? "My son." Huh. She''s a mother too. "Also, you should definitely give a cat similar to Pacific. It will surely bring her good luck! When she turns three..." She went on and on about what to do with Pacific, then she talks enthusiastically about her son. I can feel that shes quite a dependable mother despite being so strange in many ways. Everyones been so nice to us. It wasnt what Ive been expecting because of my appearance. Or is it precisely because of it that they treat us this way? Ryoichi and I spent the whole day entertaining our neighbors. Time passed so quickly that the night is upon us. With the neighbors gone and both of us worn out, its bedtime. "So, how are you liking it so far?" said the exhausted Ryoichi. "I''m glad we chose this place." "I glad I chose you." "Hahaha. What the hell are you saying?" As soon as he said that, he snores loudly! I thought he was faking it but after several attempts, he really seems to be asleep. After talking to that many people, he must be really tired. What I said is really true. I really am happy here in Marina. What I felt earlier it was genuine. Every single one of them was really eager to talk with us, to connect with us, and to make us a part of this small community. I stood up and went to the veranda where you can see the whole town with the sea behind it. Theres something this place has thought me. Dazzling, flickering lights that lead to infinity. I look above and below and its the same. The pale white glow of the Milky Way and the street lights of the downhill roads. The sweetness of the full moon and the brilliant lighthouse that guides the ones in need. Theyre all the same.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. Reminded of the earlier events, I ask the stars in the sky if they also enter houses of stars that just moved in their constellations. Maybe, directly above me, there is also a mother star so proud of everything right now that she cant help but smile. You know, sometimes I dont know what goes in my head. Convinced by myself that it is caused by exhaustion, I return to the futon where both of them are sleeping soundly. "Ryoichi...Pacific... let''s stay like this forever." With those thoughts in my head, I embraced Pacific and fell asleep.
"Mama, why are the other kids with two parents?" "Papa is on a ship right now at the ocean." Ryoichi finally left this village to do his job. It was sad for a while, but I know that he must be too and he''s doing all of this for Pacific. So I held my composure, worked hard every day, and here I am. Her first day in this kindergarten was suggested by none other than Miyuki, of course. The building is certainly contemporary. Surrounding it are fields of flowers from sunflowers to daisies. Atop is a huge red flag and various colored glasses allows the sunlight to enter the four classrooms. Near the entrance, I spot Miyuki. It seems that she is with a boy hiding behind her, presumably her son. He looks kind of like her with that jet-black hair and pale skin. This is actually our first time seeing him, as Miyuki justifies it with her weird reason, It would be more exciting this way!, even though her home is just a stone-skip away. Meanwhile, Pacific slowly approaches him and asks, "Hey, why are you hiding behind your mama?" "I am not hiding! I''m preparing my secret technique... He makes a strange ninja pose and exclaimed, W-what! You have the demon''s eye?!" "No! This is a ruby from the sea! Not from ugly demons!" retorted Pacific. "Ehh?! But demons are so cool." "No, they''re not!" Yes, they are! No, theyre not! "Whatever! I''m gonna call you Aku-chan! I''m Hozumi! A dark mage!" We mothers just laughed at the familiarity of the scene. I guess the apple really doesn''t fall far from the tree. "Hey Aubrey, do you want to come to my house? You might be a little lonely today, after all, Pacific wouldn''t be with you today." said the visibly concerned Miyuki. "No, it''s fine. Catsuragi needs company too." "Catsuragi?" "The cat with different colored eyes." "Aha! You did get a cat for her! Glad I helped!" saying it proudly. "Whatever." The teacher then called all the children as the clock struck nine. Some children, like Hozumi, came running toward the building. Some walked while looking back to their parents, including Pacific. I smiled and waved at her, Pacific, have a nice day at school! Make friends, okay? She does the same and replies, Bye-Bye, Mama! and enters the building. To think that its already been four years This is the first Ive been farthest from her. ...I should get her something special to eat. Maybe some cotton candy?
"Is that... cotton candy!!!" I ran to the cotton candy flowers! Okay? How about we play inside first? Yes, teacher! I never knew cotton candy grew from flowers! I really wanted to eat one but teacher said later. "Okay class! Let''s go introduce ourselves!" Ms. Teacher-sensei is a tall and beautiful girl with orange curly hair. "I''m Pacific Hanasaki. It''s nice to meet you. I hope we can all get along!" I said that loudly so why are they silent? One boy pointed at me and said "That eye is cursed!" Then many screamed, and some said bad things like "Evil eye!" "Demon!" "Monster!". Why are they so rude to me... I want to cry! Then someone said, "Demons are awesome!" A voice I heard before. It''s Hozumi''s voice. "Weirdo!" "Creep!" said the other kids to Hozumi. *clap clap* "Now, now, you shouldn''t say hurtful words to your classmates. Okay?" said teacher. "Yes!" said everyone. "How about... you introduce yourself then?" "I''m Hozumi Hatano! I''m the mage of darkness!" he says with fists in his chest with a big smile. Everyone laughed at him! But with that, their teasing went towards him instead. After everyone finished their introductions, he went near me. "Muahahah! Aku-chan!" "I''m not Aku-chan!" I said this many times but he won''t listen! Aku-chan! How many times will I tell you? Im not- "Let''s be friends!" E-Eh?! Suddenly saying that I guess he really is a "Weirdo." "I know! I''m not normal like them! I have dark magic!" Idiot! Creep! He really thinks he has powers but he did save me earlier. Then "S-Sure. Why not?" And so, Hozumi became my friend. We both went to the garden and the others were avoiding us at first. When I finally ate the cotton candy, others started to go near me and do the same! Teacher got mad at us all! Then we all played with monsters and animals and toys, everything! And right now, I am very happy! Hahahaha! . . . . . . . . Right now I feel so empty. I pointed the gun to myself. Chapter 1: I Was Wrong "Hey! Watch where you''re going!" "S-Sorry." "You know who that is, right?" "Am-am I cursed?! Hahaha!" The train finally stopped at the next town over, where my school is located. "My Twitter followers finally reached 10,000!" Whether it be fame, fortune, or getting someone you "love", it reeks of this fact. We were taught of this subconsciously since our childhood, from celebrating birthdays to resolutions at New Year''s. I enter the school grounds and head to my classroom, Class 3-A. "You should totally dye your hair blonde! You''ll look like Taylor Drift!" People aren''t satisfied unless someone special notices them or they become the special one. Of course, this is all for naught. And they know it too. When someone dies in the news, you don''t hear condolences. When people fail at their love, they say "There''s plenty of fish in the sea." Inferring from the name, 3-A, it is indeed full of the top people in this area. "Sorry, I have to go to the music club later." Nobody knows the national musician of some third-world country. No one remembers the average Joe of the 5th century. In the end, everyone is the same. Different cliques such as nerds, jocks, and the popular exist too. "Hey, what are you writing for your future career?" Everyone who tried to reach their dreams and failed. Everyone who just tried to lead happy lives. They die. But, I dont belong to any of them. This is my realization, my epiphany of humanity. And I have to thank every single worthless trash beside me whom I had to call my "peers". Adolescence must be rough for the common people. A time where they most desire this "individuality". Some burn the midnight oil and some delude themselves in their circles, hoping for the unique. But I am not like them. I was already born different. Because all of them are mediocre. "I''m home." "Welcome back, Pacific!" These eyes of mine. One red and another blue. Mom always described it as, "A fiery volcano beside the calm sea." And that''s why I can sense this aura around me. A swirling wind of envy and lust where boys confess to me with the same excuses I heard over and over again like, "I fell in love with you when I saw your eyes!", and girls around me secretly whine and envy me about how tall I am and how exotic my eyes and nose are. But it isn''t my fault. I was born this way. If I wanted something, I could probably get it. I was always called beautiful. My school performance is superb. My family is rich. Unlike them, I''m perfect. Nobody is supposed to be perfect. "That''s why I''m just the same as you, Catsuragi. We only exist because we''re mistakes. If you had normal eyes, you might have had a normal life. Instead, you''re here with me." I finally lie down beside the peaceful cat on the bed. I closed my eyes wondering when this will end. Before my consciousness faded, I found my answer.
Light knocks at my eyelids, I open them, and daybreak arrives. I fixed my bed, tooka quick shower, and wore my school uniform. I sat with my mother at the dining table, did a quick greeting, and ate. This was my daily routine so far, but today I have different plans. "Mom. Do you have hair ties?" "My, My. You''re planning to change up your style?" "Yeah. Where is it?" "It''s inside one of the drawers in my room." "Okay." So I went inside the room, searched each drawer, and got what I needed. "Found it. I''m just gonna do it at school. I''ll be going now." "Okay. Have a good day!" I walked the usual path. A long, winding road downhill facing the sea. Just walking straight along the road, you''ll reach the station I ride to school. But that''s not where I''m going today. Before reaching the station, there is an alley that leads to another road. That road passes under a tunnel. "Ah, young miss. You''re here again." said a ragged old man lying inside the tunnel. "Yeah." Before the hobo says more things, I walked quickly and following the road, I ended up at the beach. Walking along this beach, I finally reached this perfect place, the cliff. Below are calm waters, and above is a clear morning sky. It''s a very beautiful day. *ding-dong* ..is that... bells? It must be my imagination because there''s no one near here. Anyways, from here, I can see the whole town. Built on rolling hills overlooking the ebbing tide. I sat near the edge of the cliff and opened my bulky handbag. Moving aside my books and such, I get what I searched for earlier. There''s still some ammo inside. Safety''s still on. "SIG Sauer." This is my answer. Since I already have everything, doing it now wouldn''t matter at all. We''re all going to die anyways. Might as well speed it up? I held up the gun and pointed it to my left temple. Why was I born? Right now, I feel neither happiness nor sadness. I feel empty. I slowly pull the trigger. I blinked as the world fades into darkness. If only... "If only I was normal." Huh? Wait. I do have a wish. *BANG* "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH FUCK!" "There we go." I collapsed on the ground and trembled from the agonizing pain, writhing from the burning sensation in my ears with blood gushing out while high-pitched ringing and nauseating pain takes over my entire conciousness and I kept panting and panting and despair is all I could think of. Nothing is entering my mind except chaos. Everything started to fade into a blinding white. What is this? It feels... I don''t know. One moment everything hurts then suddenly there''s this pure warmth in my chest while everywhere... is this never-ending brilliance. Fragrance. People with smiles.People with wings and haloes... Beyond is a colossal gate. I see someone. Someone lying at the ground. Pale skin. Long black-haired girl. Her eyes... Red and blue. That''s right... it''s me. Me? Huh?? I opened my eyes wide open and saw a tall, slender man, wearing a plum robe and holding a long wooden rod. His mere presence is intimidating. It''s as if his entire figure is radiating the entire spectrum of light. "Good morning, Ms. Pacific Hanasaki." "W-Where was... I?" "Not ''Where am I?'' ?" "Yeah. That feeling of incredible... undiluted euphoria... what exactly was it?" "Heaven." If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement."Huh? Heaven? D-Did I die?" Reality started to kick in. I''m on the ground, holding a gun. Everything seems to be hushed and cold while fresh blood is dripping from my ears. I cover my ears first because it stings a lot. I tried to make sense of what''s happening I remembered now. I killed myself... so why am I alive? Why is there a mysterious man here? What is happening? It''s best to get everything in order first. First of all: "Who are you?" "I am Raziel! Angel of Mysteries and the Keeper of Secrets! Most of this universe, knowledge and wisdom, I possess." He opens his arms widely as if he''s embracing the entire world. Huge wings of feathery silver appear on his back. Each mere flap dazzles my eyes. Right now, I''m massively confused. He''s says he''s an angel, which is absurd. That''s right. I must be dreaming. Although everything feels real, I must be still sleeping in my bed, waiting for tomorrow to come. Nothing has happened. I still haven''t done "that". That idea of mine... is a mistake. Knowing this is just my fantasy, I decided to play along for the sake of it. Probably Miyuki-san''s eccentricity rubbing off me. "As for your second question. Look." He opened his palm and on it are remains of a bullet. "I stopped it by covering the muzzle with my own hands." I see... angels are invulnerable. Wait- "I never asked two questions." "I just told you. I have immense knowledge about this world, including your mind." "Of course. So-" "And I know you think this is all a dream. I''ll tell you right now. It isn''t." "That''s ridiculous. I would never-" "You tried to commit suicide, and you failed." "Didn''t you just say I failed because of you?" "Yes. I did." "Then, why would you save me?" "For the last human was born." The last human...? "You heard the Bell of God, right?" Bell of God... wait!
*ding-dong* ..is that... bells? It must be my imagination because there''s no one near here.
"Remember it now? It signals the Last Judgment. Now that the 100,000,000,000th human is born, God decided." Bell of God? Last Judgement?This is just ridiculous. When will I wake up already? "He decided that all the living shall enter his kingdom... except people like you, who bear the greatest sin. You, who threw away the gift of life... well, almost did." When did trying to commit suicide became the greatest sin? Am I going to fucking hell? "You''re right. You''re going to HELL. You still have hope though. There is only one way to go toHeaven." "Heaven... that absolutely magnificent place?" "You need to purge this Earth. How? You think?" He smiles widely and says, "You kill EVERY SINGLE SINNER OF THIS EARTH AND REMAIN ALIVE." Me... kill... every sinner? Every-single-sinner-on-this-planet?! What the hell is this "angel" saying? Sinners are.... people who tried to kill themselves.... right? "There are people like me?" "Indeed. There are who attempted the same as you, but not for the same reasons. You are... peculiar." I do know that. Abuse, depression, sickness, and such. Those are not my reasons. I merely arrived at the most logical conclusion. Or so I thought. I did have a wish. I almost made an error, but thankfully, I realized it in this dream. That''s right. I''ll just live my life like I always did, being Pacific Hanasaki: The paragon of calm and composure, envy of women and lust of men! The smartest and most athletic girl these people have ever known. Yeah... It''s time to wake up now. This is not like me. This is wrong. I was wrong. "You''re still going with that ridiculous theory of yours?! You must be delusional. Hey... People wake up when they experience pain, don''t they?" I won''t break from this dream of mine. Because I''m perfect... right? "Then, I''ll let you experience the greatest pain. You ungrateful child." No... I made a mistake. "Burn." Suddenly, everything started to rise above me. Everything from all directions, the sky and the ground are one and the same. Descending, I feel tinges of cold. Hotness. Black and white. Screami?n?g?. I wa hi?????s? ???????yn ֧e? ????????u?? 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S????????????????????????????????a?????????????????????????????v??????????????????????????e?????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????m????????????????????????????e??????????????????? ??????????????????H??????????????????????e?????????????????????????l????????????????????????????p?????????? ????????????????????m???????????????????????????????e???????????????????? vE??????????y?????????e??????????s???????? ????????????s?????????o???????????u????????p???????????? ?????????????f???????????e?????????e???????????t?????????? ?????????????W????????????O?????????????U???????????N????????????????D?????????I?????????????N??????????G????????????? ????????b????????????l????????????o????????????????o??????????d???????? ??????J?????????????u???????????i??????????c????????e????????????? ????????????W?????????????a????????????????t????????????e??????????????r???????????????? ????????????.???????????????????????.??????????????????????????????????.???????????????????????.?????????????????????.???????????????????.????????????????????????.???.................... no more, please. "Are you awake now? Just kidding, you already are. Hmm? Poor creature." Chapter 2: Nothing *SNAP* huh. My body feels... relaxed again. I know I felt tremendous pain earlier. I know it completely drained me. And I know I should still be feeling it. But all of that felt like a distant memory. I didn''t want to believe it, but I can safely say that I was in Hell... and that thunderous snap brought me back. Just thinking about hell sickens me. Even if I cant exactly recall the experience, I know it wasn''t just pain. It was pain itself. I became one with pain. I wont back down anymore. This really is happening. I have no choice but accept things as they are right now. God is real, there is an angel beside me, and I am mildly deaf on my left ear. Damn it. Before regret takes over me, I recollected my thoughts and asked Raziel. Do I really need to kill? Cant I just avoid them all and survive like a normal human being? Thats precisely why Im here. God sent us to every sinner on the planet to assist your kind. And to do that, you need to kill someone. Anyone. Any human whether sinner or not, to be able to access our powers. Hmph. I dont need to use you or kill anyone. I fixed the mess surrounding me and returned the gun in my bag. I finally left that forsaken cliff. My only place of refuge is now tainted with my own blood. I don''t ever want to return here again. I looked at the time in my smartphone. 7:20am its not too late to go to class. Ill just forget all about this shit and just go on with my normal everyday life. I walked on the same path as I did earlier. Raziel trails behind me and then taps me on the shoulder. Hold on, I think youre mistaken. I told you! Ill never in my life kill anyone. Fear not then, because your so calledeveryday life is over." "How can you even declare that my every-" He covers my mouth with his huge hands and gets closer behind me to the point where his mouth is an inch away from my ear. "Let me clarify something. You do not use me, I USE YOU. Im here to carry out His will, and you will help me fulfill that. Dont cooperate and Ill send you to the second layer of Hell." Everything I felt before... was just the first layer?! "3 days. In 3 days, if you make no progress, Ill do just that. I was stricken into silence. I kept on walking in the warm, rocky beach yet Im frozen in fear. I look behind and I see nothing but a tall man with wings behind his back. Light permeated the air but I saw nothing but darkness. Yeah, this blinding figure is not an angel. The only words that escaped my mouth is- Demon. You''re a fucking demon. Do not call me demon, Aku-chan. A-Aku.. I havent heardit for a long time.Out of anyone,anyone that would call me that, it''s a self-proclaimed angel. 3 days. In this short span of time, will I be able to betray myself? Again? Am I going to stray further away from the perfectly good and kind person Ive always been? I dont even know what is the perfect that Ive always been calling myself. What the fuck kind of a perfect person tried to kill herself? The worldview I always had is starting to crumble. I reach the tunnel that leads toward the town. The old rugged man earlier is still inside, sleeping in his makeshift bedwhile his hands are wrapped around in a brown paper bag with bread crumbles around it. Combined with his wizened hair, wrinkled face, and torn, musty clothes; anyone passing by him would be immediately repulsed. But I wasnt. Instead, I found myself drawn to him. His thin stature makes him looks so defenseless. His neck is so lean that my hand would fully wrap around it. The rolling thunder of the train above us shook the ground. Unfamiliar notions entered my mind. Like I could easily do something to him if I wanted to. Something that would lift the weight I carry. That''s right, I could do it right now. With each step closer, more and more thoughts enter my frame.
God decided that all the living shall enter his kingdom... except people like you, who bear the greatest sin.
Yeah. I could do it right now.
Your so called everyday life is over. And let me clarify something. You do not use me, I USE YOU.
Maybe this nightmare will end once I do it.
There is only one way to go to heaven.
ONE WAY.
KILL AND REMAIN ALIVE
"NO!" I forced myself to run away from there. Damn it! What the hell was I thinking?! I hear the fleeting voice of Raziel as I move further away from there. "It''s fine, you''ll be back again later."
The hands of the clock tick-tocks as I wait for the train to arrive. Standing beside me is Raziel.Despite his conspicuous wings, everyone just keeps passing by. "The only one one who can see me is you." While saying that, a dog is barking at him. "The only... person who can see me is you."I guess this is one of the things even the angel of secrets doesn''t know. "I''ll just leave for a moment. People might think the dog is barking at you." Razielleaves the train platform and the dog follows him. When they leave through the stairways going down, two women wearing the same uniform as I do ascend from it.They''re the girlsfromyesterday,the ones I bumped into. One of the girls, a small figured girl, rushes toward me and eagerly says, "Ahh!!! It''s you! Thank you so much for the curse! Because of it, I successfully confessed to Haruto-kun!" Sigh... what a nuisance. "Oh... Itwas nothing, really!" said I with an excruciating smile and enthuiastic voice. It was absolutely nothing. I mean, what a stupid curse. I don''t even know why they call it a "curse". Well for me, it is. I think it was some years ago that a girl bumped into me and stared directly to my eyes. The next day, she had a boyfriend. Ever since then, girls come near me when they see me and try to bump into me. I try to avoid them everytime. It made me feel like I''m a red cloth waiting to be teared up by a bull. Strangely enough, this lead to me working out every now and then. I''ve avoided every attempt so far, until yesterday.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! "No! It means so much to me! I''m forever grateful to you, even if he turns me down tomorrow!" She gleefully says with a huge grin. "uhh..... Ms... uhhh.... what''s your name again?" She says but then the other girl beside her, presumably her friend, who looks more meek and mature than her, lightly smacks her back and then whispers in her ear. "Yeah!Of course! I know who Hanasaki-san is, duh! She is.... that girl who... something..." This time, her friend uses her elbow to smack her, "Shhh! Don''t say that loudly!!!" , and continues to whisper to her. "Yes, You are the one who got... a perfect mark on your card... AHHH! HANASAKI-SAN?!?" It seems that she finally realized what I did before. That was only possible because I hadnothing else to do but study. And her scream coincided with the train''s loud arrival. Streams of passengers flood thecarriage. We hurriedly enter before we become tardy. I''d prefer to be alone right now, but these two just had to stand beside me. The train starts to move into the edge of the coastline, showing the vast blue ocean on the other end of the window. Fishermen and their boats can be seen in droves more and more as the rural landscape slowly fades out of our vision. This girl beside me pokes my arm and says, "Hanasaki-san! You can call me-" "Kana Aoyama. I''ll just call you Kana." Why am I having this conversation now? I don''t like talking to this.... retard. "You can call me Kana-chan." She does that huge grin again but slowly fades to rest, "Wait, why do you know me?!" Her friend facepalms before I can, "You have been classmates for a month now..." "Ahh... yeah that''s right! Hahaha..." "Sorry, Hanasaki-san. She may be in Class3-A, but she''s still an idiot sometimes." I''ve been aware of Kana especially because she''s quite popular for being clumsy. She does get high marks, but Inever saw them together at all. "I''m Hana Suzuki from Class 3-B. It''s nice to meet you, Hanasaki-san." "It''s nice to meet you too." Not really. The gentle and well-manneredHana is friends with the dynamic and clumsy Kana. I couldsay something about it, but I couldn''t care less about them. Especially when I know their fates. When their time runs out, they''ll end up in a place full of happiness. They can be who they are right now, and they can even be friends forever. Meanwhile, I have to work for it. I might even have to kill them... no. I won''t resort to that. "That''s because you''re an imbecile,"coming from a voice right above me. I see Raziel lying on one of theluggage racks. I ignore him and the two until we arrive at the station. The city of Raguna, unlike Marina, it''s full of skyscrapers and the sound of enginesdominatesits ambience. A river divides the city into two districts and Raguna High,the school I''m attending to, is found on the west side of that said river. It is only a few blocks away from this station so it was only a matter of time before we arrived. Thankfully both girls stopped pestering me for the moment.
The day went again as usual. In the morning, this class of 30 is still lively. Kana and her circle of friends talked about some kind of drama or something; The nerds behind the room played with their handheld consoles; and the jocks shared stories about "cute chicks". But me? As usual, I remained here seated beside the window, looking outside ocassionally and studied for the next class. Around noon, everyone is starting to be sleepy, especially because Mathematics and Literature are the subjects. Our exceedingly boring Literature teacher is the worst as he drags on about the lesson with his monotonous voice. ''Suicide is man''s way of telling God, ''You can''t fire me - I quit!'' is apparently a quote by an American writer. Weirdly enough, the lesson is about suicide. Thoughts of pain started to enter my head but I quickly brushed it off. "Aoyama! Can you give your own interpretation?" Kana''sseatmateshakes her violently to wake her up, Kana rises up from her deep slumber. She wipes the drool on her mouth and quietly asks her seatmate. "W-What''s up?" "He asked you a question." "What question?" "Your opinion about that quote." "What quote?" Her seatmate slowly looks more and more aggravated as the teacher walks towards them. "That quote that goes, ''Suicide is.... God''s... uh...''" Kanapops out of her desk loudly that some people also woke up. "Sensei! Suicide is uhhh... bad!The umm... author...." "You can''t fire me,"said with a soft voice. "You.... can''t?" "fire. me." "Flyer... Me." "Fire. Me." "fuh???" "Fire! The hot one." "AH!!! FIRE!!!"When Kana screamed fire,people werewoke up startled. "What the heck?!" "There''s fire?!" In that moment, everyone started to panic. "Kana, what the hell did you do?!" shouts her furious seatmate. "Nothing I swear!" as she slowly sinks in her table. *ring ring* Loudringings were heard all over the classroom. Everyone startedopening their bags and checked their phones. I did the same as I felt the vibration from my bag. "Hey!No phones in my class!" furiously screamed the teacher, yet everyone didn''t pay any attention. Because what they saw in their phones was terrifying. "Sensei, look at this." "Emergency alert: A missile was fired from North Korea. Please evacuate to a sturdy building or basement." Loud sirens were echoing all over the campus. Missile launched! Missile launched! Those wordsreverberated into our heads. Everyone instinctively crouched and covered their heads with their books. Outside, the thunderous boom of military jets instantlypermeates theblazing afternoon sky. Various camo-colored trucks blasted warnings from the loudspeakers attached to them, "We will evacuate to the bomb shelter in the center of the city. We will give rides to every citizen.Don''t panic, stay in order." "Everyone, remain calm and please fall in line while heading toward the vehicles."For once, I seeour literature teacheract with authority. Everyone was sweating from the summer heat. Some students remained perfectly calm and kept silent. Some were laughing and having fun, while others were shaking from fear. Soldiers guided the students to ride their trucks which can fit at least 20 people each. A tall, well-defined woman of striking elegance leads our class to one. Her thunderous tomboy-ish voice was able to give command to every single one of us. "Hey, miss. You are awesome!" said one of the boys attempting to flirt with her. "Get in the fucking truck, kid." she harshly replies. "Ehh?! I just wanted to seat in the front beside you!" "Do you want me to use your dick asthe gear stick?I''m going to drive as quick as I can because a fucking nuke is heading here, so scram!" The boy surrenders and sits on the back, remaining silent throughout the journey to the shelter. It seems that what''s happening isn''t sinking in with everyone.
"Marumasu Private High School on this corner! Please stay here until we receive updates about the crisis!" "Wait, she''s the highest ranked officer?!" The woman that drove us to here is the one talking on the megaphone, giving more orders to every city official in each district of Raguna. This is the first time any of us entered this fallout shelter. This concrete cocoon is deep underground. There are steel beams in the ceiling that have air ventilation on it. Recreation is possible within this walls as there is a billiard pool, a T.V., bathrooms, and kitchens with stocks of canned foods placed on cabinets. There are likely thousands of people in here right now in a tight space, yet most are comfortable because of the air conditioning. I see Kana and Hana not too far from here, having a conversation. I just want to relax for now. I recline on one of the columns supporting the ceiling and wait. Before I fell into sleep, some guy from another school in the city asks, "Do you mind if I sit beside you?" "Sure." Eh, why not. Half an hour has passed since we''ve been here. I felt bored so I rummaged through my bag to find things to do. I found the hair ties I used as a distraction earlier this morning. Although it''s a lie, it might not be a bad thing to really change up my style. Besides, I only had this bangs because it helps me cover my red, demonic eye. I used my phone as a mirror and made a ponytail out of my hair, exposing my red eye. The sheer coldness of this place also made me wear my jacket. The guy beside me looked at me quizzically. "Can I ask you something?" "What is it?" "Are you by any chance... Pacific?" Chapter 3: Waiting "Why am I even asking? Of course you are Pacific! You''re the only one I know who looks like that!" "Sorry, I don''t really know who you are..." I really don''t. He''s clearly from a different school, and someone who looks so bland and plain is someone that I''ll eventually forget. He seems to be from another school, wearing that distinct blue-collared uniform. "Huh? Ummm... This might help you recall..." He does some poses with his hands, like some sort of "ninja" or something. He inhales deeply, then attempts to shout, "Y-you have a demon''s eye," but fails so miserably thatit resembles the soundan inflated balloon makes. His face turns red, clearly embarrased more so that others nearby were laughing, "Ahahaha... I''ll justdo something different." "No, it''s a ruby from the sea..." I already knowing who I''m talking to. Yeah. Looking more closely, I remember that jet-black hair. What''s different now is the burning expression that was always on his face. He seems more reserved now. "You do remember, Aku-chan." That''s right. It''s him, the dark mage, the creep, and someone from my younger days, Hozumi. He used to live only a couple of blocks away with his mom, Miyuki-san. I haven''t seen him since middle school. "I moved with my Dad to this city because he said he didn''t want to commute daily for his job. I went to a private school,Marumasu, at the east side of the river." "I see. Marumasu is the top school on the east side." "Yeah." Silence ensues. Because all of our interactions was when we were kids, we''ve become unfamiliar with one another. I felt disappointed that he was the only friend I had. I don''t know what to talk about with him. I don''t even feel like talking to him. So I just continued to relax until we get out of here. I see him taking glimpses at me though. I don''t care. I''ll just keep waiting until something happens. I felt a vibration in my pocket. The message comes from the Japanese Government again. "The missile has passed over Japan. Be aware of possible future strikes. Thank you." Everyone stands up to stretch and audibly sighs. Each person says different things. "Finally! I thought we''d die." "This is actually kind of fun!" "Oh no, there''s a quiz at math class!" "I guess this is over, huh." said Hozumi. "I''ll get back to my class now, I''ll see you soon!" "Ok." He walks away as he disappears into the meadows of blue fabric. He said, "See you soon." Kana and Hana approached while I was thinking about what he meant by "soon". Kana closes her face to mine with this blantant smug and asked me, "Who''s the guy you''re talking to, Hanasaki-san?" "My childhood... friend." I haven''t used that word in a while. Friend. He''s not really my friend though. "Heeeehh. Is that all there is?" "No, I haven''t met him for years." Honestly, I don''t really have any concern for him at all. "Oh, I see. Too bad." It must be apparent with my expression as she answered with a little downcast at her tone.
"YES! She''s heading this way! " said a boy excitedly as the domineering commander slowly comes over here. "Sigh.. There''s Kaji-san again..." said Kana. "Why are we in the same truck as this pervert?" Kaji is the same guy that tried to hit on the commander earlier. "Well! I''ll help you with that, my dear!" a loud booming voice comes from behind Kana, makingus flinch. "It''s the commander!" She slaps her back hard and pets her in the head. "I''ll deal with him." "Boy!" "Y-Yes?!" Kaji responds with a blend of excitement and fear. "You''ll seat beside me!" "N-No! I''ll stop joking- huh?" "Do you want to or not?" She points toward the passeger''s seat of the truck. "Yes, Ma''am!" He salutes and goes into the passenger''s seat of the truck. "You will all be returning to your school due to a confirmation that it is safe now. Classes will resume normally acording to your adminintration." "OH COME ON!", groaned some students. She, then looks at us and gives a thumbs up before taking the wheel. We all ride on the back and Kana gives a quiet "Thank you, Miss Commander."
When we arrived back at our school campus, Kaji looked like a walking corpse, as if his soul was sucked out. What could be worse that what she said to him earlier today? I shuddered at the thought. As all the trucks leave the school grounds and we returned to our classes, the day became yet another boring one. Everyone was relieved when the bell finally rang. Kana went towards me and asks, "Could you wait for Hana-chan with me? We ride the same train home, right?" I relcutantly agreed as she sat beside me. "Hey, Hanasaki-san." She suddenly holds my hands tightly, looks down, inhales heavily, then looks up with a newfound confidence. "Can we be friends?" "Huh?" "Umm..." I''m not sure that is something that you really ask for. "Sure..." Wait why did I just say that? I immediately regreted it. "Really?! Yay! You''re always alone in class, that''s why I''m really curious about you!" I''m aware of my image of being a "popular loner" but it''s the first time I felt a sting. "I promise! I won''t disappoint you." Strangely, while saying that, I feel her slightly shaking. "Yeah, thank you. Let''s wait for Hana, okay?" And so, we waited. The room gradually empties until the two of us remain. Although we "agreed" to be friends, I''m sure that being silent for 30 minutes now isn''t what friends are. I wished that I wanted a normal, "everyday life." And I think it starts with something like this. I should have friends for a start. Yeah. Everything would be fine. Maybe... Maybe I should change. Yeah.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. "Hahaha. You are really cute. Don''t lie to yourself, accept your fate." I face the source of the voice but there''s nothing. I know who that is though, as I see a silver feather on the desk. "Hanasaki-san? What are you looking at?" "It''s nothing. I thought I heard something." "Y-you heard something? Is it a voice?" Does she know? But he did say that no one else can hear or see him. "It''s a... barking dog." "Phew... so you heard a dog, Hanasaki-san?" Why the sigh of relief? "No, it might be just my imagination." She''s also showing no signs of awareness of the feather there, so he must be telling the truth about his invisibility. "That''s correct." And there he shows himself at the front of the room, Raziel. He then points at the door, "By the way, your other friend is here." The door opens and indeed, Hana is there. "I''m sorry I''m late! Thestudent council president made me do some errands." She said, short of breath. It seems that she''s part of the student council. It fits with her already responsible flair. "Hana-chan! Hear this, Hanasaki-san and I became friends!" "Wait, that quick?! And you don''t call your friends with their last names!" "Oh, yeah."Kana then asks me, "Can I call you... Aku-chan?" W-w... "Why Aku-chan?!" She said that so nonchalantly that it really took me unguarded. For some reason that word really gives me a boost of emotions. "Sorry, I was actually listening to your conversation with that guy earlier..." She punches her head, sticks out her tongue, and says, "Teehee~" "Sigh...Do what you want." She does a triumphant pose, "YAY! Aku-chan~" If what I felt before was the first layer of hell, then I must be at the 1/2 of it right now. "Then, I''ll also call you Aku-chan too," said Hana. "Okay then." It''s established. To think that that would be my nickname once again. "But..." Kana scratches her chin, "Why Aku-chan?" "Well, that''s a story for another day." I stand up and walk outside the room, "Come on,the train''s gonna arrive in a few minutes." "You''re right! Wait for us!!!"
".....and the thing is like that thing right?!~" "Yeah yeah. And the thing goes skr..." While the two are talking to themselves on the ride way home, I stood at the windows of the door and stared at the horizon. The train''s path is beside the sea. I prefer looking at the setting sun rather than talking with them. It is only a matter of time before the train stops and we are ready to go home, coming to our separate homes with separate lives, with nothing to connect us but merely being same students on the same school that rides the same train--- which just shows how shallow our relationships are and will be. Is this friendship? "Arriving at Marina, arriving at Marina." The mechanical whirling from below comes to a halt. "Ahh! We''ve arrived!" She says running and spinning in the platform. "Yes Kana. Yes we did." Hana follows and then called out to me. "I''m really sorry for her. " "Well... it''s fine." I walk out of of the train then, "...what are you doing here?" He is there. Hozumi. I actually had... "...a hunch this would happen." seems that I said that outloud. "Is it really that obvious from my face?" "No, it''s because you said something earlier. Figured you''d actually show up." "Haha. Hey, can we talk at Windy''s? It''s not that far from here. You can bring them too." "Sure, I don''t mind." What a waste of time except for eating. "Great, let''s go." He quickly left through the staircase and we followed him. The two are behind me, understandable as they are probably shy from a person the''ve just met. "Isn''t he the guy talking to her earlier?" He led us to the fast food restaurant nearby. We sat on a table in the middle of the establishment and waited for our orders. He sits on one side while the three of us on the other. "Ummm, hello." says Kana very awkwardly. "H-Hi?" It seems that the dark mage has fallen. What''s that weak response supposed to mean? "It''s nice to meet you. I''m Hana Suzuki and thatis Kana Aoyama, we''re friends ofHanasaki-san who happens to study at the same school as us." "I see, it''s nice to meet you two. I''m Hozumi Hatano, an old friend of hers." "Hana-chan! I told you it''s not Hanasaki-san, but Aku-chan!" "Huh? How did you know about that nickname?" "Ah!" Kana covers her mouth with her hands and lowers her head. "We actually heard you earlier at the bomb shelter..." "Hahaha, I see. Doesn''t she look like a demon?" "HUH?! NO NO! She looks more of an angel rather than a demon, idiot! She''s so popular at school because she''s the smartest, fittest, and the most beautiful girl!" Kana defended with all her might that it actually disturbed the other people here. I actually might be the most popular but not for good reasons at all. Those words of complement don''t affect me, however, as I heard it countless of times from men trying to have a dick-measuring contest. "SHHH!!! Kana-chan,be quiet!" scolded Hana. "Hehe, sorry. What he just said is ridiculous." "Oh no, I didn''t mean it like that. Her eyes look like some anime characters, right?" "I don''t really watch-" said Kana, only to be interrupted by, "Ohhh! You''re right! She looks like XXXXX and XXXX!!!" Hana suddenly bursts into happiness. "Yeah! And XXXX was doing XXXX and...." Hana and Hozumi blabbered about their common enthusiasm for a good few minutes until they realized that Kana and I were left out. "Sorry Aku-chan, you really know I love these things." "That''s what your Mom thought you." He was just repressed. I was caught unguarded by Hana though, who is now looking below with a blushed face. Where did that refined image of hers go... "Speaking of Mom. Nothing much has changed back then, huh." He looks afar with longing and adds, "I do miss living here at Marina." "Is that why you insisted on eating here?" I said remembering eating here all the time with our moms. "No, I''m waiting for my mom. I said we''''ll meet up here." "You''re not going home?" "Unfortunately, I have no time for that." He smiles with sadness in his eyes. Just as he said that, our take-out orders finally arrived. I got a chicken meal and burger, pretty standard Windy''s food. Except for Kana, who ordered a strawberry parfait. She was scolded again by Hana, who ordered a measly French fries. Hozumi didn''t order anything yet, as he and his Mom would eat here later. As the time is almost for sleep, all of us said our goodbyes and left him alone. The time we spent back then... those were better times. "Hey, don''t you want to just go with me on the cliff again?" Raziel appeared again before my eyes while the dog earlier is following him. "Oh. This fellow seems to have taken a liking to me." He pets the dog and it tries to lick his face, only to fail and do it to the empty space. "Anyways, doesn''t the night breeze feel nice and comfortable enough to eat outside?" I don''t know what he''s nefarious plan he''s planning, but it seems harmless. "Maybe if there was a certain cliff that will allow you to do that..." "You know what? I''ll take your offer. I''ll go to that damned cliff." I can''t stand his goddamned insisting. "Great. I just wanted you to feel nice. That''s all." I temporarily submit to his will and diverged into the road towards the beach. Again, I pass through the narrow alley and to that other road lit by the orange flourescent lights. Then, to the dark tunnel only lit by the moonlight. There he is, the old beggar, resting in such a damp place. I feel guilt while walking through here with this savory smell of fast food in my hands. It led me to do something I haven''t planned in the first place. Really, this is only to fullfill my self-image and improve my standing in society once they learn of this. "Mister, ummm Mister?" He opens his eyes and instead of being surprised, he made a half-smile. Please remind me on why I''m doing this again... "Ahh... you''re the girl that *cough* always goes through here." He coughs as he talks, mainly due to being cold without having any proper blankets. "Here." I reach out to him my chicken meal and burger. I smell his shit odor as I do. "H-huh?" He tears up and quickly says, "You don''t need to do this." "Yeah. I don''t need to. I want to. And I''m going to do this more from now on." Sometimes I don''t know the words coming out of my mouth. "Why? I did nothing for you?" "Greeting me everytime I pass through here is enough." I don''t care at all about that. He cries from joy and I hug him despite knowing he definitely bathes in a fucking landfill or something for food. "You''re so good, Aku-chan. What a nice way to lure him. I know what you think deep inside. Don''t deny it." The angel shows up again. "Wha? If you think I''m doing this for other purposes, then-" I ''telepathically'' talk to him while hugging the man. Why am I actually doing this? I felt like I just wanted to help, yeah? "I''ll be waiting... for you to do it." Those were the final words ofRazielbefore he disappeared again. Who knew that he would be eventually right. I did it. Chapter 4: Try a Little Kindness It''s been always like this around December. The chilly wind enters through the small openings at the windows and roams around the house. Here I am wrapped in a blanket while watching the late night news. The only noise in this house are the voices of the tense reporters at the television. I can''t really sleep unless Pacific gets home. She makes me more... comfortable. That''s why I take these now. We havent got a nuclear shelter here at Marina, so this is all we can do. The government says you have a much higher survival rate if you crouch rather than stand up. All this talk about the end of the damned world is starting to make me sick. False alarm or not,I didnt even bother getting out of this house. I''m too exhausted to do that. Right now, I can''t really sleep unless Pacific gets home. I need to know shes safe. For that, Ill stay awake. I must stay awake. Ah yeah.. I forgot I took pills. I feel my eyelids getting heavier and heavier. I can''t....
So much has happened in a day... when today was supposed to be the last. Raziel... Those two girls... Then the missile thing and Hozumi... Thoughts run in my head as I slide the door open. I flicked the lights and walked towards the living room. I saw the TV still running static (Probably because it''s midnight and no shows run in this channel around this time) and my mom sleeping on the couch with Catsuragi sleeping on top of her too. She''s drooling like hell. Sleeping pills are found all over the place. I picked them up and returned all of them to her drawers. I get a blanket and cover her. She needs this, especially in this crippling cold weather. I turned off the TV and went to my room. "Took you long enough." I heard nothing and just laid on my bed. "I''ve been wondering, why do you care about your mom?" I thought he said he has immense knowledgeabout this world? No matter. It''s such a simple reason. "Pretty sure you know this already." "Whatever." Is it possible that he doesn''t know?
Weekends. I woke up in the early morning. Mom is still fast asleep. I cooked breakfast for the both of us. Eggs, hams, toasts, and some salad. I finished eating but Mom is still asleep so I covered her meal. And then... I wentback to my room and checked whether I have any assignments due. None. Upcoming tests? None. I guess I''m free today. I prepared to leave the house but then I see some sleeping pills near the couch. I swear I cleaned these up yesterday... I went out and strolled around the village. I''ve been living here my whole life and nothing really changed that much. This is quite a hilly place so most houses have a great view over the ocean. There are a few establishments here and there like that fast food restaurant but most of the places here are bland. The only places worth are those near the train station, the lifeblood of this village in my opinion. Without it, this village is just another backwater.
"Pacific-chan?" Without realizing it, I am eating at the fast food restaurant again for lunch. It seems that Aunt Miyuki has spotted me. She''s always been there for our family, especially to my mom back when she just arrived here. "Miyuki-san." She sat in the chair in front of me and just stays there silent for a while. She''s indeed very mysterious for people when first met, but I''ve gotten used to it. "About yesterday..." "Yeah. That was crazy." We continue eating for another few minutes with silence until she''s done eating. "Here. For dinner." She hands over leftover stuff since she bought one to many. Refusing doesn''t seem to be logical so I took it. "Thank you." She then proceeded to leave before I was even done. This, too, is normal behavior for her. "You are very lucky, Aku-chan. You are one step closer to your plan." Raziel has been sitting beside me this whole time. I have no idea what he''s talking about. I just ignored him and finished my meal. I finallly went out of the restaurant and it seems like the left pocket in my pants is a bit baggy... H-huh? A little bottle of sleeping pills?! I don''t remember putting one of these in my pocket... "Before you blame me, you put it there yourself." He said with an unusual sincere smile in his face. I must be going crazy.
I found myself going towards my favorite spot, passing again under the tunnel.The hobo is nowhere to be found though. Must be scavenging food or something. As I near the peak of the cliff, I see the hobo. "Mister." "Ahhh! Young Miss!" The afternoon sun burns through our skin. This makes his already disgusting smell worse. Now it smells like fucking rotten eggs. Holy shit. "Is this where you always go? This is the only part on the other side of the tunnel worth visiting by young people like you." Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings."Yeah. This place is just really, really beautiful." says I with a stupid angelic smile while doing a sideway nod. I''m beginning to wonder if I''m also disgusting. "Haruto. You can call me Haruto." Wow, even his name belongs in a trash. No offense to other Harutos there. "I have to agree. I always go here when the sun is at its peak... Ahhh it reminds me of the warmth my father when-" He drags on about his story, I never bothered listening properly and just said standard words like "Ahhh, I see." or "Yeah, I agree." I didn''t ask for this convuluted nonsense. I just wanted to enjoy the scenery alone. "Ummmm. Haruto..san. I''m Pacific." Very unnecessary. Maybe I can make him shut up with this... "I brought food for you again." Obviously not. It''s just a coincidence. But I suppose this is a good thing to do.Unexpectedly, tears flow from his eyes like last time. He weeps withbits of his voice saying "Thank you" and "Why" all mixed up. "My life is a daily struggle. I have to scavenge for food to eat and I go out on the streets to beg and..." he goes on and on and somehow bits of a different dialect pop up. "I... I''m-" then I find myself hugging him. Bloody hell was that feeling of grease spreading on my clothes and my arms and I must be drenched of that smell. It''s unbelievable. The lengths I''d go through to appear as an angel like holy shit. Raziel wouldn''t do this and he''s literally an angel. Both of us watched the sea. There are some boats that pass by from time to time. The clouds near the horizon drifts from the sky. I look at the hobo beside me and he''s... sleeping. Finally. Peace... and quiet-
God decided that all the living shall enter his kingdom... except people likeyou, who bear the greatest sin.
W-What''s going o-
There is only one way to go to heaven.
My head... it hurts....
There is only one way to go to heaven.
STOP-
There is only one way to go to heaven.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!! My body moves on its own. I grab the old man and drag him near the cliff. Even with scars and bruises from my dragging, his eyes doesn''t open. Seagulls are flying over us in circles. The wind grows stronger and the sun intensifies. More and more thoughts enter my head. His body. His smell. His voice. His everyday greetings to me. I hated it. I hated all of it. He is a disgusting waste of breath. I lift my leg and then-
KILL AND REMAIN ALIVE
He falls. Down to the rocky shores. His figure grows smaller and smaller to the point where it matches his importance in this town. In a brief moment, I heard a whisper. "Thank you." And it''s over. I... I did this. My whole body suddenly feels weak... I feel nauseous... but everything feels so light, like a burden has been lifted over me. "Poor old man. Kicked out of his wife''s house. Lost all his money to gambling. Ended up living under the tunnel of the train tracks. Just barely living up to the point where he has lost all hope... and jumped in this very cliff. And now... HE''S GOING TO BURN FOR ETERNITY FOR BEING A SINNER. A job well done, Aku-chan. You even killed a sinner." Strangely enough, I didn''t feel guilt. In fact, a sliver of pride took over me. I just killed someone. Raziel suddenly laughs. His aura becomes more intense, as if he''s empowered by what''s happening. "I am being empowered. Each time you kill makes my power from heaven return. And because you also killed a sinner..." A bright light appears beside him and there. Another angel appears. He looks similar Raziel except that his robe is more of a rosy-red and he looks much younger. "Pravuil. It seems you failed at making your human help end this world." "I did my best, Raziel. But he just wouldn''t budge. He remained his integrity even at my current power." "Aku. Pravuil is the angel who keeps all the records of heaven. His power his yours." A blinding blue light appears in front of me.
Kills: 1
Sinners left: 1,923
Powers Available: Control, Status Display
This is the start of how I destroyed the world. Chapter 5: Power A blinding blue light appears in front of me. So this is the power of the hobo''s angel. That "1" in "Kills"...is the hobo. I have more questions though. "Sinners left... what exactly does that mean, Pravuil?" "Self-explanatory. It is the quantity of sinners left in this planet." he says witha very rapid tone. One thousand nine hundred and twenty three sinners. One thousand nine hundred and twenty two will go to hell. That hobo never even attempted to kill me. Is he fine with that hell? That pain? Compared to heaven? Crazy. "It was only I that made you taste hell because I wanted to. I''m not like Pravuil who decided to help an undecisive fellow like the hobo." "..." "That is the arsenal at your disposal. Control is Raziel''s power that allows you to command anyone, anywhere." I didn''t even mutter any words yet. Do all angels have a habit of reading people''s minds? "Status Display is mine and you saw how it functions earlier. You can ask me to display other status like the controls you have left." "Okay."
Control allows you to control anyone, even animals anywhere. Your soul will leave your body and possess the one you chose. Your original body will remain in the spot soulless until you chose to return (Look at your own eyes). Requires one sinner kill to charge.
Very interesting. I have loads of ideas with this power. Like controlling someone who owns guns and go on a rampage or find a sinner and kill myself. There''s a cost though. It seems I have to kill other sinners to use this power, unlike Status Display.
Controls left: 3 humans 100 animals
Conditions to work: Must be seen with your eyes and must know a name. Must be seen with your eyes.
"One sinner, ''3 humans + 100 animals''... huh. I have to kill more..." "You can''t just simply kill another sinner. You were just very fortunate earlier." cuts Pravuil. "She''s more of a demon than actual demons I''ve met, you know?" adds Raziel. "She had this hunger against that poor person. She must''ve sensed he''s a sinner like her." Raziel is just rambling. Absolutely no truth about that... none.
Pacific Hanasaki (Sinner)
Suicide method: shot herself in the top of her left temple. Angels: Raziel, Pravuil.
Another status display was shown but it''s about myself. I know all about this by now, but I don''t see the point of showing this to me.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! "It shows your suicide method. The only way to k-" blabbers Pravuil but was shut up by Raziel. "Shhh, Pravuil. Let her figure it out for herself. I guarantee you, it will be the most entertaining." What did he mean by that? "But my entire purpose as an angel is to deliver the necessary information to successfully execute the schematics of God into this world! How can-" "Just shush, will you?" Raziel holds Pravuil and they suddenly vanish from my sight. No matter. I might as well experiment with this new power.
I remembered the stray that was following Raziel back on the train station. I went there and it was indeed there. One thing I don''t know is... "You say the power you want to use. It doesn''t matter how loud it is, as long as you mutter the words." says Raziel. Didn''t knew it was that inefficient. "It''s a fair price, I would say." he adds. I looked at the dog, a very famished looking one with white fur and some black spots, and finally whispered the words. "Control." W-What just happened? The world suddenly changed as if everything was more colorless yet- I smelled a lot of things I never had before. I can tell every tiny difference of every person''s scent that passed through this station. I weirdly even smelled my own body there at the bench. Each step is louder than what I am used to when the heels of the- "Here you go, doggie!" A child throws a piece of meat in front of me. Ahhh that... SMELL. IT''S SO GOOD. I HAVE TO EAT IT. YES. THIS IS SO GOOD. YEEEEESSSSS. HAHAHAHAHAH THIS IS SO GREAT! I LOVE THIS CHILD! HAHHAHAHA GIVE ME! GIVE ME! HE THREW ANOTHER ONE! I HAB TO CHASE! RUN RUN RUN! YES I GET FOOD! DELICIOUS! WHAT IS THAT? A CAT! SHITCAT! CHASE! GRRRR CATS! YOU CAN''T ESCAPE! WHAT! CAT JUMP! I JUMP TOO! I CAN''T REACH BUT I MUST CHASE CAT! JUMP! JUMP! THISMAKE ME TIRED! PANT PANT PANT.... I walk find cat. shit cat. i smell cat hehe. i go here. i smell human. i want food. I see blonde... M-mom...? Everything came rushing back. My body, my mind, and my life. I am Pacific. And I''m in a body of a dog. I remember using the power of Raziel to control a dog. Everything after that was a blur until now. "Well done. A typical human would succumb to the mind of the beast. Your soul is still weak, but you can make it stronger." says Raziel. The sight of my mother helped me regain my conciousness. I guess it''s time to return to my real body. The restaurant is just a few blocks away from the train station, and as my real body enters my sight, someone else is beside it. I utter the words in my mind as I see my own eyes, different colors and all because I''m a dog. "Return." "Ah! Pacific-chan! You''re awake!" Kana loudly declares with delight. "I''ve been trying to wake you up for a while now but you won''t, your heart didn''t stop or anything so I-" she rambled about taking precautions... "- just watched over you in case someone touch your... big... ass..ets.. or something!" it seems like someone did violate me. In any case... "Good work, Kana," was all I can say. I don''t want anyone messing with my real body. I can overlook if she is the one who did. She may be stupid and clumsy but I can see she''s sincere about our friendship. "You should go home now. It''s getting late." She tried to give reasons to hang out with her, but I finally found something to do. She gave up and went on her own separate way. I return to my home.
I spent honing my power last night controlling every animal that I saw, even Catsuragi, a gecko, and a fly! The further the animal is to a human being, the harder it is to retain my soul. I spent a good 3 hours being a fly. But eventually, I conquered them all. Using all of the 100 animal cost, I am prepared to start my own quest. "Everyone, let us welcome the President of the United States!" said the U.S official on the T.V. "I, Ronald K. Gump, is proud to tell you about our new relationship with China." The tall, brunette, very slobbering president of the most powerful country in the world is shown on every T.V. network around the globe. There is supposed to be a project that would improve their relationship and would benefit both nations but what they don''t now is that... I exist. This is the first time I am trying this, but I think this would work as long as I see their eyes and know their name. "Control - Ronald K. Gump." "My biggest and most tremendous announcement is-" The president pauses for a bit. "Hey?! Mr. President?!" President Gump smacked his head in the table, until suddenly, he said: "I declare war. Send all the nukes!" Chapter 6: Viva La Vida "This is an executive order. The best executive order ever." Everyone who is watching T.V. at this very moment is shaking in fear for their lives. The broadcast in all stations is instructred to announce the order to evacuate every single citizen on the planet to hide in their shelters. Everyone knew what would happen next: Nuclear war. World War 3. The start of the apocalypse. And right now, I am the most powerful man in this world. The one who caused all of this. I figured this is the best way to eliminate as much enemies as I can. But now... I have fewer controls left. "Mr. President!" calls a black man in suit. "We must go the top secret bunker, ******. We will leave in 20 minutes." I followed the men outside the oval office room and into the bulk of the presidential palace. It was quite a beautiful place, filled with all the portraits of all the past presidents. Chandeliers are found in the ceiling, we were stepping on the finest silk carpets, all while I was being assisted by the strongest men in the world. Is this what being a president feels like? Tremendous! All very important looking people are also accompanied by these men in black. But now, I have one thing in mind. I have to return to original body, bigly. "Pravuil, Status Display." It''s safe to use this now as only I can see the stats.
Kills: 1
World Population
7,693,826,343
Sinners left: 1,923
Everything is still the same. That must mean that the nukes haven''t dropped yet. I still have 18 minutes to return to my body. I call out to, what I assume to be, a secret service agent and asked to connect with all of the world leaders. Different men in suits appeared as blue lights in this secret underground room full of holographic projectors. "You absolute cunt!"The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. "Putangina mo, President Gump!" "Che, boludo Gump." "Cest des Conneries!" "ƨ" I hear most of them speak languages that I can''t understand, until I hear something familiar on the corner of the room. "Mr. President, what do you plan with your allied nations like Japan?! Do you realize the consequences of your actions? My countrymen are in danger because of you! Especially because we are near China!" speaks a very furious Prime Minister of Japan. Finally. My goal went closer. "Don''t worry Prime Minister. Everyone will be safe and happy in the end." And I meant that. Now. I have to take a risk. If I completely understood the rules of my power... "Control - Hanzo Ase." And so I am in another body. I can''t believe it worked. I understand now. As long as it is my soul, I can keep using even control! "Status Display - Control."
Control allows you to control anyone, even animals anywhere. Your soul will leave your body and possess the one you chose. Your original body will remain in the spot soulless until you chose to return (Look at your own eyes). Requires one sinner kill to charge.
Controls left: 1 human 0 Animals
Conditions to work: Must be seen with your eyes andmust know name. Must be seen with your eyes.
Of course, 1 left. I have to see my eyes to return! Anyways, I see the U.S. president confused, wondering what''s going on. It seems his original soul is back. I continue what the real Prime Minister''s rant is about, talking about humanity''s survival and shit. Then, I pretentiously walked out looking furious. I asked where are the protected military bases around this country and my elite bodyguards escorted me to this huge monitor room. All of the important Japanese personnel''s faces and their names are shown below. I see a familiar face. It''s her. The one who commanded the previous evacuation at our school. "Control - Michiko Komanda". I suddenly feel a bit nauseous. I think my soul is taking a toll from all the jumping around different bodies. It also feels really bizarre that I get to control a body larger than my own''s. And even earlier feel parts that I must not even try to touch. First thing, I have to ask, "Where are we again?" I said to the nearest person to me. "We are at Marina Mountain Base, Miss." said the officer near me, looking a little confused. "Of course, I know! What is the capacity of this base?" "Around 100,000, Miss." "We must commence temporary evacuation at the immediate vicinity, NOW!" "Yes!" I think I nailed the commander''s persona. Someday I will beat the crap out my complacent soldiers! Shit, her mind is beginning to infect me. Anyhow, the first thing that I must do to return to myself is, "We must start at Marina city." One step closer to returning.Every step is important now. No more powers left. Chapter 7: God is a Woman "This can''t be happening..." As I eat my Windy''s burger, the small monitor showed the speech of Ronald Gump declaring nuclear war with China. The whole restaurant was filled with ringtones from their friends and loved ones. I have to do the same. This can''t possibly be real. . . . . "This person cannot be reached." Goddamnit. I have to get to her. I have to tell her. We need to prepare.I ran outside to see numerous people running around too. "THE WORLD IS ENDING!" "FUCK THE U.S." "HELP US GOD!" ...and numerous other screams fill the air. But I only focused on getting home. I have to get to Pacific. Minutes later, I reached home, sweating like hell. I see her watching T.V. "P-" I catch my breath. "PACIFIC! WE NEED TO LEAVE, NOW!" She has no response. I come closer to her only to find her asleep. "HEY, WAKE UP!" Nothing. I slap her in the face, tickle her sides, and kick her leg. Nothing. Why is she like this?! I guess I have no choice. My, how heavy!
"You don''t remember anything?" one of the men in black asks the president. "No. Nothing. I wanted to be friends with China. Why is this happening... Have I become like that democrat, Hilla?" The president looks defeated. "Don''t worry Mr. President." says the man in black. "Everything will be okay." His eyes looked like a tiger''s, stalking his prey.
"Everyone split up and get as many citizens hear the about the evacuation. Some accompany them on the train stations towards Raguna, some will let others ride directly towards the base!" "Yes, Miss!" Every soldier went to different houses, helping every person on Marina. I immediately went to my house. Only to find... "Nothing. Wh-where is my body?" I look at the couch to see no one sitting there. "Fuck!" This must be Mom''s doing. Goddamnit. It''s still okay though. Assuming that she saw me... "She must''ve carried me." I immediately go to the the Hosaka household, our neighbors. "No one." This is unbelieveable. After checking most of our neighbors, nobody remains. Now I have no idea where the hell my actual body is... There are two possibilities: One is it is headed towards Raguna bunker, or it is to the Marina base... Since our household is far from the train station, it must be to Marina base. "Is everyone evacuated?!" "Yes, Miss!" Okay. Now it''s time to leave towards Marina base hidden in the middle of the mountain range in here. There is a dirt road that leads to the base there. We rode the camo-colored, military-purposed Hoyota Mega Cruiser trucks that can carry around 20 people each, and those trucks number around 300+ that are headed towards the base. I sat on the passenger seat on the frontmost truck.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. "*sigh*... I might as well lead these people to safety... which doesn''t really matter as most of them would go to heaven anyways." I look at the side-mirror and see despaired-filled faces from the people on the front of the trucks. I spot a truck on our back and see a woman with glasses and straight,silky, black hair, wearing a red kimono and is as pale as a ghost... wait... "Soldier, slow this truck for a bit." "Yes." The truck decelerates, letting some trucks pass. And then, as the truck with the pale woman passes us, I see in the back of the vehicle is... a blonde woman and a sleeping girl on her lap. It''s my mother and my body. I knew it. It was Mrs. Hatano on the front! Everything worked out in the end. I waited excruciatingly as I can''t see my own eyes. It was only at the perfect opportunity when we passed a bump on that road that I finally said the words. "Return." I finally open my real eyes. "P-Pacific! You''re finally awake!" my mom sobs up with a grin on her face. "M-mother, what is happening?" I have to act stupid, but there is something I cannot stop. "Why are you smiling? Aku-chan?" You know damn well why. "Status Display."
Kills: 1
World Population
7,693,826,343
Sinners left: 1,923
This was what was shown a while ago and then,
Kills: 1,806,548,265
World Population
Sinners left: 1,923
On the radios and livestreams on Ustube using theirLTE data: "THIS JUST IN, THE UNITED STATES LANDS NUKES TOWARDS CHINA, RUSSIA, AND NORTH KOREA! CAUSING BILLIONS OF DEATHS! IT IS EXPECTING THAT RETAILIATION WILL ARRIVE TOWARDS THE NEAREST ALLIED NATIONS! EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY!" I keep on looking at at the status displayed in front of me, my kills getting higher and higher and the world population dropping. I can''t do it. I hid my face on my mother''s lap. Most people are crying already, so mother will assume that I am crying too.but,I can''t stop smiling. I''m tearing up from too much joy.
Kills: 2,521,684,913
World Population
Sinners left: 1,923
Everything is too good. Who thought it would be this easy? I don''t mind controlling flies, stupid dogs, and disgusting, fat, corrupt politicians. It has all been worth it. Eveything will be for that pleasure. That sweet, sweet heavenly pleasure. Hahahaha. HAHAHAHAHA! "THE E.U. IS THE FIRST TO HAVE NUKES HIT. I REPEAT. MOST E.U. NATIONS HAS BEEN NUKED!"
Controls left: 2,521,684,913 252,168,491,300 animals
Conditions to work: Must be seen with your eyes andmust know name. Must be seen with your eyes.
THIS IS THE BEST. WITH ALL THIS IMMENSE POWER, MY POWER IS NOW ABSOLUTE. Raziel looks very contentwithhismagnificent aura can only be seen by Pacific.Inside the misery of the transported evacuees, only one is happy. Only one knows the truth. Only one led the world towards it''s true end. "You are the true Aku." Chapter 8: Who Can It Be Now? There was one thing that I wonder though...
Kills: 2,936,738,142
World Population
Sinners left: 1,864
For one, the kills that I got doesn''t match the world population drop. It would make sense since the only real kills that I did was when I was the U.S. president and commanded to launch the missiles. The most peculiar thing though was... ...the number of sinners didn''t drop drastically. Assuming the number of deaths that happened... there should be around 700 sinners killed or so. "If sinners were supposed to be easy to kill, God would''ve just created another big flood." said Raziel. "Did he wanted to entertain himself or something?" "God works in mysterious ways." How delightful... what did I do right then? How did I kill that hobo? As I wonder about these stats, bright flashes of light can be seen on the horizon. It seems like nukes have already arrived in Japan. Marina is a special place in Japan because of it''s seclusion to population centers, making it very unlikely to be a prime target for nukes. "Wow, it''s getting darker in here." says Mrs. Hatano. The road continues into a weirdly shaped mountain that is curved, covering a certain area from the sun.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. "We''re almost there, Miyuki. I''ve been here once to visit Ryoichi." says my mother with a tinge of regret on her face. She taps me in the back (I''m still lying down on her lap) and says "Pacific, you''re going to see your father again, though it''s not a very good time..." I''d probably just kill him soon, I don''t remember any significant memories with him anymore. "Hey Aku-chan! I just love those demonic eyes, I just don''t see it too often!" says Mrs. Hatano. "Thank you, Mrs. Hatano." "I have a present for you, actually!" There was a blanket on her lap and she uncovers it. I see... "Meow." Catsuragi, my precious cat. One of the only beings in the world that I want to protect. Enormously loyal and caring to me, she just fills what remains of my heart. I spent hours perfecting Controlusing him. She gave me her will, and she strengthened my soul to conquer others. I grabbed her and pat her. "Same eyes, same love." says Miyuki-san. Hozumi is also beside her but is not saying anything. "Miss Commander, we''rearrived at Marina base." says the driver of the truck. "Whatever." she replies "I swear I was talking to the Japanese Prime Minister a second ago. What in the world is happening?" she whispers to herself.
"You spoke with the Japanese Prime Minister after you declared war, Mr. President. You said everyone will be said and happy." says the man in black beside the President. "Fake news! I didn''t say anything like that! I swear to God you people spout crazy things... Did I really, Dandelion?" he replies while closing his eyes deeply, trying to remember the gap of his memory from giving his speech to being on the plane. "Even if China is stealing our jobs, I wouldn''t do something like declare war." "Interesting. Agent #12, get me connected to the Japanese Prime Minister." commands the man in black, Dandelion. "Yes, Director." The Director of the Secret Service traces every possible reason the war started, and he has suspicions because he has something only few have the privilege of... "I know it is... I know this is the work of a SINNER. I will find you, and I will kill you, The Sinner of Destruction. I will uphold the order of the world until the very end. I won''t fail again." he makes a fist and places it in the front of his lips. Chapter 9: See You Again To anyone not familiar with the secret military base of Marina, shock and awe will fill your mind. That also included me. I do know how some bases look like from the news, but this place is incredible. It felt like a part of the landscape was carved perfectly carved, with the sky only visible from two slits formed from the curvature of the mountain. The base of the... base forms a dome. The whole compound is lit up with bright lights installed by the military. Ignoring all the trucks, there is an odd sense of beauty within this place as some of the mountain habitant wasn''t destroyed or replaced by concrete. All the vehicles came from one of the three entrances, on the west side of the dome; the others being on east side (apparently goes towards Raguna) and one roughly 270 from the huge pole with the Japanese Flag on top. Between each entrance, there are contiguous structures that make up the newly designated quarters for civilians. In the middle of the dome in a hexagonal shape, is the main base where all the control, communications, and electricity is found. Here is a rough sketch of the base. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. After everyone got down and gathered inside the main base, the commander speaks with undeniable authority in her usual demeanor. "Citizens of Marina. I have bad news- actually, it''s REALLY-FUCKING-BAD-NEWS. " Everyone was silent. Even the commander stopped for a few seconds until she got herself together, realizing her tone is inappropriate. "All of you probably know already... every country in the world... millions of people...are dead. Destroyed. All because of some stupid decision some a fat man with power... Heh. My husband was in Tokyo for some party or something with his coworkers. And now with just an instant..." Pain can be seen in the her face. People start sobbing up, hugging what remains in their lives including my mother who hugs me very tightly. I hug her back. "I... we will all get through this. I swear as commander of this base, I will protect you all." In a rare moment, she smiles like a maiden. "But first of all, we must survive. I have plans on how-" "Pacific?" a military man approaches my family. "Ryoichi!" Mother rushes towards the man. It''s been a long time since I saw my father. He looks smaller than I remember with only a few centimeters taller than me. He looks well-built, and my nose and the shape of my eyes seems to have come from him. I walk towards him and gave him a hug. "Hey... Father." "Aubrey... Pacific... I know it''s been a while since I saw both of you. But every single day of my life, you were in my thoughts. I''m just so happy that both of you are here. Come, we assigned rooms for everyone. You have to stay here for a while." Everyone disperses from the main base and separates to one of the three quarters. Dad proceeded to explain the things we must do from now on. There seems to be around 300+ people inside, with about 100 military personnel and 200 civilians. 40% of the civilians are either elderly or too young to think for themselves, making the capable limited. The military can''t solely provide all the needs for everyone so they need extra force. It was decided that there will be search parties for survivors and food tomorrow. Chapter 10: Chasing Pavements "Ryoichi, us too, right?" says Mrs. Hatano who was beside us the whole time. "Of course, Miyuki. You are actually in the same sector as us. Go with us. You too, Hozumi." Father leads us and several other people into our quarters. A simple building with all the necessities for living but it seems like it wasn''t used for quite some time now, collecting dust in most of the surface. It has a massive curved hallway that is partitioned into several parts. In each partition, there seems to be a kitchen area an electric stove that''s connected with the central system run by solar power. Near that is a door that leads to a storage room that contains massive amounts of stocked food and water that can sustain several people for months. Some recreational stuff like television and surprisingly. consoles are also found there. There are still several boxes inside left unopened. "Cool, there''s even Fiend Hunter: Earth here!" bursts out Hozumi as he digs into the piles of video games in the storage. "Really?! Let me take a look too!" Hana, who was unknowingly behind us for a while now rushes into the room with him. "Ryoichi, we''ll check the storage room for more. We''ll be back at the hallway later." says Mrs. Hatano. "Okay." He, then, leads us towards separate bedrooms, each containing 3 bunk beds. "Our family and the Hatanos stays here." He points to the other people following us: including Kana with her brother it seems; Hana''s family; and some vaguely familiar faces, "You people on the other hand, are on this and that room." Every bedroom seems to be filled with dust, so everyone went on a cleaning spree. So now... "Raziel, Pravuil. I have finally given you virtually your full powers. I can use it whenever I want." I talk to them telephatically. Raziel just grins and Pravuil asks me a lot of questions. "How did you think of your plan?" or "How are you gonna hunt the remaining sinners?" and more but I only answered his final one.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. "What is your next move?" "Heh..." I look down on them and finally... the best thing I can do to reach that pleasure again... to reach heaven... "I will do nothing." Pravuil looks absolutely dumbfounded but Raziel seems to know why already. "Wh-wh-what do you mean nothing? Didn''t youget all of these mortals to make use of our powers?To finally enact the will of God? To-" "I shall do nothing, Pravuil. Why don''t you just read my mind and tell me why?" "...ahhh, I see. Let the chaser be chased. I''m genuinely astonished!" "Yes. I am basically a GODwith this power, but it is not worth it to waste my efforts to search billions of innocent fodder to find the sinners. They will show themselves, they will fight amongst themselves, kill themselves, and in the end... only a few will remain. I shall finish them off when that time comes. And I have to be careful too, for showing too much of my power might give off signs that I am a sinner to other sinners." "I read every mind of every sinner before I came here, and I know that only you can come up with such plans. I would''ve said this would be boresome but..." said Raziel looking smug at me, "...this will be amusing." "No matter, I''ll live as a normal person just trying to survive at this point onwards. It-." Our silent conversation was cancelled by a bump to my side. It seems to be someone else cleaning the floors of the hallway, a fairly tall short haired blonde with a huge ahogeatop of it. She immediately apologizes but then suddenly lightens up. "Red and blue eyes!I recognize you! Pacific-chan, right?! I''m your kindergarten teacher!" she seemed very jolly. "Ahhh! Teacher-sensei!" Those were simple days, where I''d keep chasing after those cotton candy-looking dandelions and she would keep pulling me away... Unknowingly, I giggled for a short while. "Those times where you ate those dandelions, hahaha. It''s nice to meet you again, Pacific-chan. My husband and I thankfully survived and so I still have an oasis in this dire situation. I hope I can have a fresh start with you and everyone here." Her words were rooted deep into her heart. She actually looks different than when she was my teacher. She''s wearing these round glasses and winter clothes too, with that rose-tinted scarf she has. First time I saw her not in "teacher" mode. "Same here. I''ll do my best." I replied. After that, we quickly separated ways and cleaned up our quarters.
"Approximately 14 hours." "Okay." I know you''re in Japan. The hope for our people, the American people, lies in me. We''ll start going to an old friend of mine in that country, and I shall make him help me yet again. "Dandelion, where are we going?" asks the president. "To a secret base in Japan." Chapter 11: Youre Welcome After the cleaning was done, everyone immediately went to their respective rooms. In my room are my mom and my dad, and Hozumi''s family. Mom scaned the room and saw Miyuki-san, staring blankly at the ground. "...Miyuki-san." Mother approached her. "Ahhh, Aubrey. I hope you don''t mind us being here with you." She, then, bows slowly and deeply. "Of course not..." She takes a few seconds to think and then continues, "...I hope you don''t mind that I ask but, where''s your husband?" "It''s okay. He was at Raguna at the time. I just hope that he is safe. I just don''t know what to do if something happened and-" Mother hugged Ms. Miyuki, who started to tear up. "He''s probably at the bomb shelter there. He''ll be okay. He''s definitely okay." Words of comfort went towards Ms. Miyuki. "I''m happy for you, Aubrey. Even your housecat is here. Your family is complete." How many people like her have I caused to suffer? How many families broken because of a simple command? But it''s all for good though. Everyone should stay strong. Everything has a purpose. Every innocent will be with me at heaven and drown in that endless pool of euphoria... "I''m glad that I''m still with my child though, despite how crazy he is." says Ms. as she smiles towards Hozumi. "Hey! I''m not THAT crazy!" "Okay, dark lord." Hozumi cringed but then looks at dad and asked. "But there''s something I was wondering... couldn''t you just contact the other base and ask for dad?" "Well, there-" "Because of the electromagnetic pulse produced by nuclear bombs, it temporarily disables communications for a short time." "Impressive, Pacific." complimented dad. "It would take another day or two to effectively communicate with them. And more so time to search for your father." He explained to the Hatano family. "I''ll be right back, there is some things that I must do. Pacific, come with me. There''s someone I want you to meet." "Who?" "Some old friend of mine."
Dad and I went to the main building. Inside, there was a lot of tall, foreign men wearing black suits with huge shades. There was one particular guy who stood out because of a simple reason. He was black. "Americans." One of those men goes towards us and removes his shades. Father''s face lights up and smiles. "Dandelion!" "Ryoichi! Nice to see you again buddy." the huge black man in the black suit hugged my father so intensely that it sounded like he breifly squealed in pain. "Is this your daughter that I keep hearing about?" "Yeah. Pacific, this is Daniel Seamore. He''s also called ''The Lion'' because he is really ferocious in the battlefield back in war times. I got stationed with him back in the day and we became friends ever since. We call him ''Dandelion'' too because-" "Pffft." I snigger for a bit because I have fond memories for dandelions. Anyways, I wonder what the Americans are doing here? "Nice to meet you, Sir. I''m Pacific Hanasaki. What brings you here?" I really... really needed to ask that question because I caught sight of someone behind the crowd of men in black. A huge white man with that signature brunette hair. It was without a doubt, President Gump. Why is he here?! "Is it okay for her to hear about these? And seeing the President?" The black man collects his thoughts and then says, "It''s fine, she''s your daughter. We thought that this is the safest place for the President." "Why so?" "This base is very unique, it''s literally covered by various mountains yet not a cave. Communications are much easier here. Simply put, it''s one of the greatest hiding spots while being convinient. We also know from our spies that the enemy knows much of our bases back in America." he explains. "Isn''t Japan much more... unsafe?" "It''s okay. But I have a special reason whyI suggested we come here." said Dandelion in a tone and expression filled with certainty. Deep inside, I felt as if I was caught. As if this lionput its claws on the neck of its prey. I can see it in his eyes. He somehow knows. "...and that reason is?" I ask. "Everything that is happening will make sense in here... somehow. Maybe one day I''ll get permission from the President to reveal it." His words sounded doubtful but his face isn''t. "Dandelion!" "Mr. President." Dandelion moved aside for the president. "Pleased to meet you again, Hanasaki." it seems the president knows my father. Just what did dad even do? "Welcome, Mr. President." "We have come here to this beautiful country, fantastic country because we need to talk to Prime Minister Ase. Great man." he says as he accompanies his words with strange hand gestures. "Big sad though with these nuclear. My uncle was an engineer, very good engineer. Good genes. Bad nuclear. Also I am one of the smartest people in the world. But this nuclear versus Chyna, evil country, is not all my plan. Dandelion says there is something in Japan that caused this. WITCHHUNT!" Dad looked at Dandelion as his face shrinks and eyes squinted, telling him with his body language basically, "What the fuck is going on?" Dandelion whispers through my dad''s ear and finally understood everything. "Ahh!"Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. "And that''s why we need to find the Prime Minister. He was the last person that the president talked to before getting a headache. And I find it... suspicious." My days are counted. That was the first time I attempted to "chain control" and I didn''t know it caused a headache when I leave. Hopefully, I have at at least a week or two before it is traced to the commander. "Ahh! You must be Hanasaki''s! Nice meeting you! Your father did tremendous work for our country and yours. He is a terrific, terrific soldier! Could talk for 3 hours nonstop on plans. For 3 hours.He talks. Keeps talking and talking. Unbelievable. He''s wonderful. Changed the world bigly. SO PROUD!" "Uhh.." Dandelion whispers to me. "Ahh!" "Thank you, Mr. President. I may not look like it but I can be of service." "Ahh, really now? Great! Let''s make America great again! Make Japan great again!" He shakes my hand and faces away as another man in black whispers something to him. He then passed the message to the director. "Dandelion!" "I''m right beside you, Mr. President." "Important briefing, right now." They promptly leave the building and into the huge airplane just beside it. "I guess that''s it, Pacific." He lightly touches my back. "I have to stay for a while to hear more about this. Go back to your mother now, she might be bored." "Well then..."
"Ahh! Pacific-chan. You''re back." Miyuki-san greeted me in the lobby, which now looks like a very comfortable living room of a standard family. "If you''re searching for your mother, she is fast asleep as everyone else is since it is indeed, nighttime already, probably tired from cleaning our section and putting everything in order as you can see with this working television and yes, I am watching anime, though you can probably see that." "Uhhh... yes." She is watching ''College of the Dead'', which seems to show these college students killing zombies. "You see that one? Yes that one with the red eyes. That''s where we got your nickname, Aku-chan." I satnext to Miyuki-san and try to entertain her for a while. "What''s the show about?" "...zombies." "Ahh... oooh what is that?" This is utterly boring. If nothing else, this is trying to have some semblance of normality once again. But will that ever happen? I already entered a point where normal people wouldn''t do... "A gun." Ms. Miyuki really baffles me sometimes. Sometime she''s as quiet as a baby or as loud as an ant. Nevertheless, I try to entertain her for a while until I realize that she is actually already asleep. It''s almost midnight. "Meow." Catsuragi! I almost forgot that he''s here. "I''m sorry for... possessing you." He snuggled into my tummy and I hugged him with all my warmth. Everything feels surreal to me. Ahhh, to think I caused so much destruction and grief into this world... it''s quite fun actually. It''s like playing a game of Sam Mayor''s Civilization,controlling the fates of entire civilizations, slaughtering millions of people for the sake of a victory screen. How ridiculous everything has become! I can''t wait for people to find out that all these suffering means nothing at all. I can tell, Miyuki-san. Inside your sleeping mind is a worthless land of worrying for your husband. But it will be alright. Both of you shall meet again. Soon. "You really amuse me, girl. It''s like there''s two people inside of you." commented Raziel who was sitting on the other side of the couch with us all this time. "You know mostthings Raziel, yet you''re still amused by me. I still find that...unclear. Are you amused by the destruction I caused? Status Display."
Kills: 2,936,738,142
World Population: 2,202,854,843
Sinners left: 1,862
"Over half of the population! I destroyedthem! Isn''t it very amusing? Status Display."
Controls left: 2,936,738,132 humans 293,673,813,200 animals
Conditions to work: Must be seen with your eyes andmust know name. Must be seen with your eyes.
"All of this power. It is mine. NOTHING can stop me." "Hoh.... you really say that?" Raziel stood up from the couch and walked over to me. He leaned towards me and stared into my eyes. His typically radiating light slowly diminished and turned into this darkness that covered everything. "I-I can''t move." I felt the my lungs shrinking as the air escaped from my mouth. His eyes began to fill up his face, his skin melting into the floor, and the feather in his wings sheds until only bones remained. My arms began to spin around against my will. I try to scream from the pain but nothing comes out. "NOTHING? NOTHING CAN STOP YOU? WHO THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?"Every part of my body is twisted out of control. I can''t take it anymore. I want to die. "THAT POWER IS NOT YOURS. YOU AMUSE ME BUT YOU DO NOT INSULT ME." All of my senses become numb except for my sight. He was not the Raziel that I know. This, this is a demon. "...w-what just happened?" Everything was back. I found myself hyperventilating beside the sleeping Miyuki-san. Raziel is still in front of me, looking down on me. "You know what happened. I am power." blantantly smirking over my pained self. "Fulfill your purpose."and justlike that, disappears from my sight.
Controls left: 5 humans 500 animals
Conditions to work: Must be seen with your eyes andmust know name. Must be seen with your eyes.
W-wait... 5 human controls? Pravuil! What the hell is going on? a million or something, why is it reduced to a mere 5?"
. . . "Good Night, Aku-chan" Wh-What the fuck is this? I feel liquid dripping from my stomach. Intense burning pain. Grasping for air. Shock running through my spine. My breathing gets slower and slower. Everything is silent. I am dead. Chapter 12: Baby, Im Back "Finally, I can now use more of my powers." The woman who stabbed Pacific uttered to herself. "I chose you for no reason at all." She gently fiddled her hair. "I''m sorry, Aku-chan." She closed the victim''s widely opened eyes and stood up. But, before she could touch the door handle, she felt a hand on her shoulders. To her surprise, it was the one she stabbed! Pacific is still alive. "....." The stabbed woman tried to say something but nothing really comes out. In fact, anything she does doesn''t create a sound. They immediately wrestle each other as Pacific tries to reach for the knife. But sadly, she gets stabbed again. "What the hell was that? I swear that stab must''ve killed her." The stabber thinks carefully and decides to observe the victim.
I see... I''m alive yet again. Although the stabs hurt like hell, I can keep closing my eyes. I know she''s near me. I don''t hear anything, but I can feel it with the little wind brushing through the hair on my arms. This bitch must die. In one... two... three. *bump* ....Phew. It''s quite amazing that she didn''t expect that. How stupid. Checking her pulse, she is definitely dead. Sadly, I can''t see her face in this darkness. Why would this shit even stab me? Whatever. Raziel, where do you think I can dispose the bod- "..." *SMACK*
"Oiiiii, Pacific-chan. Oiiiiiiiiiiiiii. Oiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii. Pacific-chan. Oiiiiiiiiiiiii."The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Pacific wakes up visibly confused as she sees her mother in front of her. "What are you doing, sleeping on the floor?" "I rolled in my sleep, probably." "Really, geez. Look at your clothes, they''re torn up." she looks at the foot of the bed and sees its sharp edges and sighs. "Be careful next time,okay?" "Okay, mom." Mom, before she left me to myself in the room, told me, "There''s an important announcement later at the base, you might want to prepare yourself. Everyone''s at the hallway awake." "Okay." Slam. Now... what the hell happened last night? I slowly touched my abdomen, only to find that it''s normal. Raziel, Pravuil, I know you know what happened! Did you do something again? "You should be grateful I keep saving yourimpudence, mortal." He says sounding strangely happy about this. "Thank you, MY angel." "So, you figured it out?" Yeah. That couldn''t be a dream. I was stabbed last night. But I have no wounds nor scars. Yeah. I think I figured it out. It''s your fault, isn''t it. The reason I''m still alive... why SHE''S STILL ALIVE... This sounds too farfetched, but I have to try it. I grabbed the knife hidden under my pillow (I have to be prepared to defend myself at a moment''s notice) and UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"I-I-stabbed it on my th-thighs. T-Then, I UMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMPF! I-I fucking knew it! Even with just t-the fucking tip of the k-knife, it hurts S-SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much more if i hit my left temple. It felt like my soul was separating as my left temple bleeds. "I- *hngg* killed myself by- *pfff* firing at my l-left temple... fuck! Hurry and *cough* heal me." "Job well done, mongrel. Sure, you amused me with your deduction." "I was lucky at the first kill." Then what the hell am I supposed to do now? Find out about the mysterious stabber last night while also finding out how she killed herself? Anyways, there''s an annoucement outside. I have to go for now. Chapter 13: Sweet Dreams Status Display: Pacific Hanasaki.
Pacific Hanasaki (Sinner)
Suicide method: shot herself in the top of her left temple. Angels: Raziel, Pravuil.
I was just confirming but I wondered before why this Status Display is necessary. Yeah. It shows how I committed suicide. That means... Status Display: Aubrey Hanasaki.
Aubrey Hanasaki
?????
What?! Why is it only showing question marks? What the fuck is the meaning of this, Pravuil?! "Well you can do that but because of the higher status of Raziel as your angel..." Ahhh. I see. That fucking demon again. Everytime. I could''ve DIED. I SHOULD have died. But he ruined it. And now when I got 2 billion bloody people on my bloody hands, he fucking NERFS me like a fucking game dev. Straight up bullshit. "You can never understand immortals, human." I''m pretty sure they he just wants amusement. He and that God. No matter. I am Pacific, always been above others. If I can step over my peers, I can step over these angels... someday. One more test before I go outside, Status Display: Raziel
RAZIIEL
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Of course. As expected for the Angels of Secrets. I stepped out to the main area of the Marina Mountain Base. Everyone there is gathered already. There was a makeshift stadium in the center of the area, with the commander standing on top with a podium and a microphone. I went towards where both of my parents are. "Everyone!" every word she said echoed throughout the whole base because of the speakers surrounding all of us, "I have instructed my soldiers for today''s search and rescue mission to have civilian escorts in the city of Marina, which is not bombed by any nukes whatsover. Wait for any soldier to approach you. Do not complain because this is a matter of survival for us! You must help everyone here!" "Pacific-chan, Dear, you two will come with me to Marina. You also, Miyuki and Hozumi! I have spoken with these other civilians too who will also come with us to Marina." He introduced us to... Kana, Hana, Teacher-sensei, and her husband. "Oooh! Aku-chan! And Hozumi too!" "It seems we are truly destined to be together." Goddamnit. This was my opportunity to be with another civilian who could possibly lead me to another sinner, and I just get these two?Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. "You are in the same quarters as us, right? Pacific, are these your friends? Why did you never bring them home?" I almost forgot, this was the first time they actually met my mother properly. "Ahhh. I was... busy studying." It was true, I studied all the time not because I needed to though. "And you are... her teacher back in kindergarten, yes? And you must be her husband." "Yes. You must be Miss Hanasaki." Platitudes are a waste of time. I so badly want to say them that they will all die soon, but maybe someone will kill them already. It seems that all of them got to know each other very well now, and we are now prepared to be sent to Marina. And so, me, my mother and my father; Kana Aoyama and Hana Suzuki; and Teacher-sensei and her husband formed a group.
"I was ordered by the commander to be specifically finding for food and recreation. She said we might stay inside for a month." "How horrible..." We were on a simple car driven by my father. Marina was not a bustling city, but it was comforting enough that you can see many people, mostly elderly, walking the streets. Now, it was littered with garbage. It looks like a ghost town. "We will head to the kindergarten first. There are lots of children in the base and we need Teacher here to be able to continue teaching the students for the future. We cannot let Japan fall behind... even during this horrible winter." Yes, white snow was falling all over the city, just like a blanket covering the sleeping city. It actually is a sleeping city, halted in activity and its source of life, we folks of Marina, are either dead in Raguna or in the base. Without the beautiful flowering fields beside the kindergarten, it was a bland wasteland. We went down and even with shoes on, the extreme cold permeates into our feet. We must hurry to the insides of the building. Yeah. I clearly remember this place. It looks so small and desolate now. To think that this is a place where normally, children are running around. "I work in this place. There are actually some canned goods and lots of books with fable and short stories just in that storage room." Teacher-sensei volunteered to guide them to this point. Father provided everyone with a military-grade knife with these unique "teeth" at one of its sides. Everyone except the husband of Teacher-sensei was enthusiastic about helping and he just told us that he will watch over the car outside. We first put all of the boxes into the lobby of the building, and because they are all covered with tape, we started to remove it to verify its contents. Suddenly, Teacher-sensei made a tiny squeak. "Teacher-sensei, what''s wrong?" Mother was concerned and approached Teacher-sensei only to see her gloves ripped and her index finger bleeding. "Oh no! What happened? Ryoichi, do you have a band-aid?" "I was just trying to remove the packaging tape, but I accidentally cut my finger because it won''t budge properly." Dad took some band-aids in his backpack and applied it to Teacher-sensei. He then took the military knife teacher is holding and assessed it. "This is strange. It seems that this knife is duller than the others. Really strange, I just took these from the storage room at our quarters." . . . Ahh. Everything suddenly became clear. The black and white world became so beautiful, the cold became so wonderful, and the scent of the boxes became so tasteful. I approached Teacher-sensei and volunteered to assist her because I am sooooo concerned for her well-being. "Thank you, Pacific-chan." "No problem, Teacher-sensei!" After placing all of the boxes in the trunk of the car, we tried to ride it but unfortunately, the hailstorm has proven to be too strong that it rendered the vehicle useless. We were forced to leave the car for now and proceed towards the next destination, Windy''s. It was while walking towards the restaurant that Kana decided to try and hug me. "Brrrrrrrr! It''s soooo colddd! Cuddle with me, Aku-chan!" The stupid cunt tried to jump towards me with open arms but because of my athletic prowess, I was able to dodge her entire body. She fell facefirst into the deep snow, prompting some of the snow to enter her mouth. Heh, I can''t help but titter at the pathetic Kana. "Aku-chan! You Aku!" She stands up pouted but and smiles, "...this does taste kind of good?" I feel this bizarre warmth in my heart. I have no idea why though. "Mysterious..." The angel of secrets even wonders. No matter, we finally see the fast food chain on our horizons. It is just beside the local bar, typically serving the most excellent strong alcohol and vodka in this town, which is rare for a Japanese countryside. I only learned that that is a bar from mother though as I am still underage. Just as fast as the howling blizzard winds, I hear a *SLAP* sound just behind me. "I am sick of your beer this, beer that! We are going to help them at Windy''s!" This was the first time I saw the normally loving Teacher-sensei angry, and it was towards her husband. Looking closer (I normally don''t because why care?), he does have this beer guy vibes with his beer belly and unkept beard. With rage on his face, he pulls the scarf from his wife, causing it to me tightned. "AAAAAAAAAA!"Tremendous pain is must what she''s feeling right now as she starts to suffocate. "YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO TALK TO ME, BITCH! I''M GOING TO THE FUCKING BAR AND GET MY FUCKING VODKA!"He screamed and screamed towards the utterly defensless Teacher-sensei as she squeals for help. It was time that someone intervened. "Hey! Are you alright, miss?" My father kicks the fatass to the ground and becomes the barrier between the fighting couple. Of course, I rush towards my old teacher. "Teacher-sensei! Let me remove that scarf for you!" I slowly unwrap the cloth on her neck and... AND.... AAAANNNNDDDD!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!Oops. I think I smirked for a bit. I turned my face into an expression of optimistic concern. "Teacher-sensei... he must have pulled hard enough to make those dark marks. Don''t worry!" I pound my right chest as if to make a promise and leaned on her ears to whisper. "You will have a good night." Chapter 14: Not Today "The world has gone mad!" "Aubrey, I''m sure it was just the American President and Teacher-sensei''s husband." Here we are at Windy''s seated beside my friend, and right in front of me is the teacher of Pacific-chan. It was such a horrible thing to happen. Never would a million years would Ryoichi would to that to me. To be hurt by your loved one... Miyuki is not like me, she is not afraid to step over boundaries. Sometimes it is good, sometimes bad. But what she asked actually matters. "So, Teacher-sensei, how long has that been happening?" pertaining to the wounds on her neck. Miyuki suddenly grabs the teacher''s arms and rolls up her long sleeves, revealing more wounds and bruises. My God! How horrible. The battered Teacher whose tears began to fall from her eyes. "It was a year after we got married. Before that, we were just a normal couple... But then he started drinking, everytime I come home tired from teaching toddlers, the house would be littered with hundreds of bottles on the floor and everytime I try to stop him he would..." I stood up from my seat and gave her the hug she needed. "There there." "Thank you *sniff* Hanasaki-san, for your *sniff* husband''s help." "No,no,no. It''s all of Ryoichi''s own decision. Even back when I was still in Russia, he was always been this guy who will protect anyone no matter what." It was true even before he left for the military. I''m pretty sure Pacific-chan loves him because of it. "Haha. No wonder you ended up here in Japan, not even wearing winter clothes." "I''m jealous of you, Aubrey-san."
Really. They are such a perfect couple. But why... what happened with her? I found myself staring at the door with the employees only sign. She''s in there.
"I wonder why Hozumi-san is not here with us." "Ahh. I told him to take care of my little brother at the base." Sacks of frozen patties and chicken can be seen in the freezer room. Here we go. Phew. It''s not that heavy, only weighs about as much as probably 20 kilos. Meanwhile, Kana and Hana are sweating bullets. "P-Pacific-chan... *hah* you''re," Hana carried a sack all the way to the main area and places it down, "strong!" *thump* An orchestra of breaking dishes and glasses come from behind. Of course, looking at the scene of the source, it was a Kana laying on her back with the sack on her face. "Help!" Thankfully (thankfully?), no shards got to her body. "Geez! Just tell me and Pacific-chan!" "Sorry!" We sweeped the floor for any remaining litter and immediately returned to doing our jobs. We let Kana handle the lighter stuff. "W-why are we doing this anyways?! Isn''t this stealing?!" Maybe ten days ago, this would be considered stealing. But because of world war stuff, no one will probably complain about some children taking some food. Especially that this is for us survivors of Marina. "Besides, the psychopath who owns this chain probably got his brains blown out or something." Oh fuck, I accidentally blurted out my own thoughts. Oh no. What will they think of the perfect Pacific now? Is the beautiful and charming-If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. "HAHAHAHA!"Unexpectedly, I see a laughing Kana rolling on the ground. "Wow. Pacific-chan. that''s quite harsh. Haha." W-Why? Why are they so kind? They didn''t get angry or started to become bitchy like most of my classmates. This feels strange. "It''s okay, Pacific. We''re friends! We can say stuff like that secretly." We''ve been friends for like a week or less! How can they just say stuff like that?! Is this... the feeling of acceptance? Is this part of being normal? Oh damnit. I thought disgusting stuff again. Surely Raziel will say something again. . . . Not today, it seems. Incredibly bizarre. How about you, Pravuil? What''s happening to Raziel? "I have precisely been baffled, sinner. The angel of secrets is just on that corner... contemplating." Surprising, even angels like you have brains. Shouldn''t God just give you all of your powers and answers to your questions? "It''s part of God''s plan. Wistfully, us angels don''t possess immense wisdom regarding humanity. Only from oral traditions and scrolls we know of you. We are structured according to His image after all, but imperfectly. We quite resemble different qualities of His." I can partly understand some of his chatter. Basically, they can''t understand humans perfectly, just as we can''t understand them. And they also have limited knowledge of these... events. "Exactly. One thing I''ve been pondering about was your utilization of Control and ignited that war, extirpating lives of some sinners. Why am I the only extra angel at your disposal?" Good question. I have been wondering about that too. That was one of my goals when I did that, because having lots of these overpowered abilities can secure my route to victory. "Aku-chan! That''s all of them! What are you doing there? Your papa is back here!" Oh yeah. It must look really weird to be staring at the void for a long time. I see father seated with mother. "-yeah. That''s why I locked him inside that car. Military cars can be locked outside." It seems that Teacher-sensei''s husband will remain in that car until further notice. "Pacific-chan, Kana-chan, and Hana-chan. Now that you''re here, I have to announce that that we are going to stay at Marina until the blizzard has passed." We have brought a lot of boxes and sacks, so it only makes sense to stay here because we can''t carry all of those to the base which is miles away. "Mr. Hanasaki-san, where are we going to stay? I don''t want to be alone at my house!" "That''s why I was talking to Miyuki-san here, you and Hana-chan will stay at their house." ...that leaves, "And you, Teacher-sensei, will stay with us. We can''t have you being alone because he might come for you and do those stuff at you again." Fuck. Fuck? Wait. Actually that makes my job easier. Why am I feeling a little nervous? "Thank you, Ryoichi-san for earlier and now. I''ll be in your care."
Mom and Dad told Teacher-sensei to tour her around the house. Goddamnit. "Teacher-sensei, this is the bathroom. There is a bathtub here, there are even bubble soap that you can put for a bubble bath! Turn this faucet here and tadaaa!" "I see." "And this is our storage room. There are ladders and toys and other stuff in here if you-" "Cut the crap. I know you know that I''m the one who stabbed you last night." "-want to play or look at the roof! Sometimes I-" "Please shut the fuck up... I had a bad day already!" She forcefully grabs me by the shoulders and pushes me up to a wall and begins to have tears in her eyes. "I''M SORRY, OKAY?! YOU THINK I WANTED TO KILL YOU? IT''S NOT LIKE ME TO STAB SOMEONE... *sniff* not like me..." "Hoh. You dare tell me it''s not like you? DO YOU EVEN KNOW HOW PAINFUL IT IS TO GET STABBED IN THE FUCKING STOMACH OVER AND OVER AGAIN AND-" "IT''S BECAUSE OF THIS BLOODY ANGEL! YOU KNOW WHAT I''M TALKING ABOUT! YOU KNOW I HAD TO DO IT FOR THE WISH!" She fell to her knees. "I need that *sniff* fucking wish..." She unhands me and broke down in more tears. What is this wish that she is talking about? I continued listening to her words. "The angel *sniff* told me t-that once I k-kill a *sniff* person, I would be granted a single *sniff* wish." A single wish? If she kills a person? What? Is that how it is? What is she talking about? Did... did Raziel lie to me? Or did her angel lied to her? I hear a distant laughter. My head hurts... It seems she regained composure. She kneels in front of me and bows with her head touching the ground. "Please. Forgive me." She reaches out her right arms, "We each just have to kill one person. We can work together." Ahhh. She doesn''t know that that is the first time I heard about the wish. I don''t even know if it is real... I hold her hand. "Okay." Chapter 15: Give Me Love We are in the dining room, obviously eating dinner in the dining room. Mother always cooks for me during the weekends. But because there are no classes even in the weekdays because it''s WORLD WAR 3, instead of the usual Russian Kotleti fried patties with a Borscht soup on the side, we just heated the pre-cooked Windy''s chicken with some charcoal. The room is lit by the candles placed on the table. "I''m sorry, Ryoichi. It''s your first time eating with me and Pacific-chan plus Teacher-sensei, but you only get to eat these junk food. And there''s no power too..." "Don''t worry about it. As long as we''re all together, I''m happy." They are surprisingly optimistic during the apocalypse. The downcast Teacher-sensei is asked whether she has a child or not. "We tried..." They stopped pressing her about the topic as she closes her eyes for a good minute. Before it turned any more solemn, Mother surprises us with something. "I-I see! P-Pacific-chan! Do you want a brother or a sister?!" Father spits the diet coke he''s been drinking and his face turns red. "What are you talking about?! Now is not the time! We can discuss this later." "H-Ha-Hahahahaha! You two are perfect. I... wish you goodluck!" Teacher-sensei finishes her meal and tells us that she will turn in early for the night. Probably felt awkward with this family bonding. "How''s school, Pacific-chan?" I bullshited my school life with my father, only telling the things I accomplished. Actually not so bullshit because I did deserve all of those awards. It left me no time to socialize. Although I sprinkled in some extreme lies. "Kana and Hana... they are good friends." Is it... a lie? Anyways, after eating, we went to our respective rooms. It was the first time I laid on this bed without Catsuragi. It actually feels lonely. What does a cat feel like? How would cats even survive this apocalypse? Are cats going to outlast humanity? Whatever. Time to go.
How stupid... she left the lock open? Oh well. I just have to kill her. I can''t believe she trusted me so easily. With my power, I have no worries about alerting that couple. They are so unfortunate. I genuinely wish happiness for them. But not before my own wish. My own wish is the most important. That''s why I''m here. Why did she even introduce me to the storage room... how stupid, Aku-chan. I just have to restrain you and find your death mark and then... *flick* W-What?! What is this? The pillow is covered in Windy''s spaghetti with a rolled pants, making it look like a head in the dark. Where is... *thump* FUCK! SHE''S IN THE CLOSET- Aggggh! A strong kick to my back made me fall. "I knew you wouldn''t keep your promise." She runs out of the room and I chase her with all of my might. She''s desperately sprinting towards her parent''s rooms, screaming, "MOM! DAD!" "Shhhh. No running in the hallways." She bashes the fuck out of the doors with her hands, causing it to bleed. But hahahaha. HAHAHAHAHAHA!Even I felt a little bit of pity for her. She''s actually just a child! I thought this would be hard... "Your parents will not wake up no matter what. You know what, I''ll tell you something."
She places her index finger on her lips. "Silence. That is my power." I see. I thought I could keep my innocence by using my father to stop this nonsense. I don''t want to get used to killing. I have no choice... do I? "I see. Then I have to show my power too." I never tried this before... But it should work. "Control: Teacher-sensei." It actually works even when it''s just a nickname. Maybe the eyes are more important when using this power. She was my favorite teacher back then. It was a much more simple time, playing with Hozumi and listening to the alphabet. Anyways... now... my job should be easie-
"Hahahaha! Okay, Teacher-sensei!" I can''t believe that we''re finally married. He even gave me that cute nickname,"Teacher-sensei." Yeah! I''m having the time of my life. I even have the perfect job so that I can take care of my future C????H????I?????L????D????? ??? properly. "HNNNNG! I can''t wait for six more months!" "Hyahyahayaa! Be patient!" This is so not my usual attire. It feels really comfortable wearing it though. *pat* Hahahaha. It''s getting bigger! I can''t wait to be a mother!
Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. "W-WHAT IS HAPP- -ENING?! DID SHE JUST- -OU WILL NEVER TAKE MY SOUL. I HAVE TO GET THAT WIS- -AAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" My entire body is shaking. Is this body fighting back? I have to get a rope and- "NEVER. YOUR SOUL IS MI- CONTROL: TEACHER-SENSEI!" Fuck! I only have 3 human controls left. I am hyperventilating. Is this what it feels to have someone fighting for your soul? W-wait?! WHAT IS THAT? IS THIS...
Time for my monthly checkup! It''s been strange, I usually feel kicks, but lately not so much. No movement on the monitor. He''s usually rolling around. The room got duller and duller. The man in the white coat looked down and delivered his message. "I''m so sorry. He... your child... is D???????????????????E?????????????????????A??????D????????????."
"Is that your... NOOOOOO! WHY AM I REMEMBERING THIS AGAIN? GET IT OUT OF MY- CONTROL: TEACHER-SENSEI!" 2 human controls left. More and more of her memories enter my mind. It''s starting to overwhelm my own.
Here he goes again. He''s definitely going to- *SLAP* "YOU USELESS FUCKING BITCH. WHY DIDN''T YOU... why is our son..." And..... there is his alcohol bottle. He lifted it over my head. *CRASH* "IT''S NOT MY FAULT. WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO-" *SMACK* *SMACK* "ARE *SMACK* YOU *SMACK* TELLING *SMACK* ME THAT IT''S MINE?" "I''M SORRY! I''M SORRY! I''M SORRY! IT''S MY FAULT!"
"AKU-CHAN! STOP THIS! THE PAIN IS UNBEARBLE. PLEASE- Control: Teacher-sensei" 1 human control left. Her grip to her own body is getting weaker. The emotions that I am feeling right now... straight into my soul... our soul... I''m feeling short of breath... I feel so tired.
I think this is enough. The rope fits perfectly. Maybe... I will meet him in heaven. Yeah. I''m sorry, husband. God... show me... even just a tiny sillouhette... ...of my son.
"*sniff* I... I just want my son back. Aku-chan. You should know by now that parents will do anything for their children. So please... Let me kill you. I just want us to be happy. I just want us to be happy. I just want us to be happy. I just- Control: Teacher-sensei" Surrender. Her soul finally surrendered to my will. Finally... this body belongs to me. Unknowingly, the first thing I did was touch my neck. It feels like touching a billion suns. But I didn''t budge. Nothing else can move me anymore but my own. I... don''t want to do this. But what else can I do? I already killed someone before... why do I hesitate now? I walked outside, using this fragile body, while in the middle of a death storm. I wanted to say that I''m cold, that I''m shaking, that I''m freezing. But my soul is so removed of any kind of vigor... of energy... of life. My entire being is stopped in search for an answer. I find the stray dog friend I had a while ago. Iwent back to the storage room with it. I grabbed the rope. . . . This isn''t murder. If anything else... This is mercy. Just before I fell, I say "Return." *snap* It is done. Maybe... just maybe... she got her wish come true. It''s not your fault. It''s not your husband''s fault. It''s not your child''s fault. It''s God''s. Chapter 16: Numb "Dear~ Are you asleep?" He''s definitely not. Being a soldier for years, coming back, then just sleeping beside your beautiful wife? Absolutely no way. I snuggled my way into his side of the bed and took a little sniff at his neck. *shiver* "Ohooooo. I felt a little tingle from you," I fully embrace the warmth of my husband''s lean yet quite built body. I teasefulluy caressed his abdomen. "Want to play, Ry-o-chan~?" *knock* *knock* We were both caught off guard by the sudden noise at the door. I think it''s around midnight. Is it Pacific-chan? Why is she awake right now? I took a matchstick and scraped the tip to the side of the match box, revealing Pacific''s unsually pale face. It seemed that words can''t escape her mouth and just points us to where she wants us to go. "What''s the matter, Pacific-chan." "..." It was the first time I saw those eyes devoid of any vividness. It''s as if she wasn''t born with heterochromia. It was the three of us, walking inside our home in the middle of the night. The terrifying howls of the blizzard wind causing every little creak of our wooden roof, complimented with the heavy stench that entered our noses made me disproportionately nervous. Ryoichi looked at me and calmly informed me, "I... recognize this scent." Click-clack. Click-clack. My senses felt heightened. Click-clack. I felt every vibration from every step that we make. Click-clack. The closet room. Click-clack. Ryoichi first entered the room while Pacific-chan slumped on the wall. Click-clack. "Ryoichi? What did yo-" "DON''T COME HERE!" His scream was petrifying. He was always a composed, serene man much like the ocean waves. But sometimes, even it can come crashing down. Why can I hear his unregular breathing? I found myself slightly trembling. "W-why are you s-screaming? Wouldn''t Teacher-sensei wake up?" He returns to us with full intensity, grabs both of us, and embraces us as if his life depended on it. "I''m so, so sorry, Pacific-chan. What you saw must have terrified you." "Hey! Tell me what''s in the storage?"This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. He took his time. I felt my own heartbeat getting faster and faster. Yes... I was so scared. He finally opened his mouth. "Teacher-sensei.. killed herself." I thought I was prepared for his words but I wasn''t. He, then, brought us a piece of paper. The words written in it are as follows:
I think this is enough. The rope fits perfectly. Maybe... I will meet him in heaven. Yeah. I''m sorry, husband. God... show me... even just a tiny sillouhette... ???????.????????.??????.???????o???????f?????? ????m???y?????? ????????s????o?????????n???????.?????
The further the message when on, more and more blood is splattered across the paper. I can''t even begin to think what has happened. "May her soul rest in peace."
We informed Miyuki-san about what happened. Her first reaction was to think of Kana-chan and Hana-chan, and told them a lie. "She... left for Raguna." Of course, they reacted lightheartedly. "Eeeh? Is there even anything left at Raguna?" "I see. The weather does look better today." With the snow melted, it finally allowed us to use the car we left at the kindergarten school. Her... husband was just there sleeping inside of the car. We knocked on its windows, awakening the slumbering man. "Oh... morning." We opened the car and that''s when he noticed. "Wait. Where''s Yuki-chan?" Yuki-chan... "Nevermind... she probably wanted to stay in Marina for a while, didn''t she. She probably doesn''t want to fucking see me for a while. I don''t know what the hell I was doing earlier... I probably don''t even deserve her. When did I become such an alcoholic... She should just leave me already or something." All of a sudden, Pacific-chan moves towards the man and strongly punches him in the face. "WHAT DID YOU FUCKING SAY? DESPITE *smack* EVERYTHING THAT YOU DID, SHE HAS ALWAYS LOVED YOU! SHE ALWAYS THOUGHT OF YOU AND YOUR SON!" It was an extreme show of emotion from her. Ryoichi and I didn''t have the courage to stop her. She fell to the ground and cried once again. Ryoichi gave the last letter of Yuki to her husband. "It''s just like the weather, huh. The yuki (snow in japanese) ... is gone." It was a painful ride back to base. Chapter 17: Forever The metallic ringing of the air vents kept creeping on my ears. Alone in this dark room, laying on my back, and staring at the underside of the top bunk bed. Is my mind forever like this? Tainted by her desparate wish that was almost by her clutches. I already murdered a poor man. I already murdered billions of people. Why? Why now? Status Display:
Kills: 2,521,684,913
World Population 1,161,345,141
Sinners left: 1,325
It fell so much from what it was. One billion people left. Why are you doing this, God? Why must billions of people suffer just for eternal paradise? Why won''t you just send us straight to heaven? Why? Why did you command us to take more of your precious creation? Status Display - God.
Error: "God" doesn''t exist.
Of course. "Ahhh, so you''re here, Pacific-san. Finally, I can have these for my spare time!" Hozumi opens the lights while carrying some books. It looks like those light novels and other stuff that Miyuki-san writes and reads. He places those on their side of the room. "Phew. You won''t believe how smart and crazy Kana-chan''s little brother is! He didn''t let me spend my own time at all!" Look at him. He''s so ignorant of what''s happening. Yeah. Such blissful innocence. "Mom is acting really weird today. I know she''s weird but not that quiet. It''s so strange." *sigh* "But not only her, even Kana-chan and Hana-chan... Hey, are you listening?" Nothing really matters. They''ll all go to heaven anyways. "Hey! You''re acting weird too. Hey, Tell me what''s wrong!" "Why won''t they just nuke us already." He pulled my arms, making me sit on my bed. "Don''t say ridiculous stuff like that!"Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. "Heh. You and most people will go to heaven anyways. While people like me..." His demeanor becomes more powerful, full of hope in his eyes. "Heaven? Hell? Who the gives a fuck about those imaginary crap? What''s most important is we live right now! And that''s what is most important!" "Why does this life even matter anymore. Let''s just hurry up the inevitable." I grabbed the knife under my bed and tried to stab my left temple but he forcefully grabbed my wrists and pulled the knife away from me. "Damn it, Aku-chan! Then fucking live forever if you''re so scared of heaven and hell!" Heaven... the ultimate pleasure. Hell.... the ultimate pain. God wanted us to get out of Earth and live forever in one of his dimensions... "That''s it!" "What?" I pushed Hozumi out of myy face and rushed outside to the bathroom. I looked at myself in the mirror and finally had the best realization. My enemy isn''t sinners or the angels. It''s Him. It''s God. Hey, Raziel. Why won''t you tell me if ther- "Shut it, human! I''m busy!" Raziel has been acting strange lately. Maybe you, Pravuil. Do you know if there is any Angel with the power togive immortality or something? "It''s not within my repository of knowledge, but I do know that there is an Angel of Knowledge. She might be able to assist you if you find her." Yeah. Yeah! If I have to play this game, I will have to play by my own rules. I have to defy HIM.I will defeat God and his games. Oh, I almost forgot about her. There''s another angel beside Pravuil, a white-haired, silver eyed angel wearing a somehwat pinkish dress. Same aura of light and same feathery wings. The notable difference are her lvery small stature, her seemingly reserved posture, and her glaring lack of a mouth. Hmm... Maybe you know something about the Angel of Knowledge? "..." Alas, no response because yeah... "She is Dumah, the Angel of Silence. You shouldn''t expect her to communicate at all times. She will lend you your powers, though." Anyways, I finally have my energy back. Yeah. I have to fight. This is the least I could do for her. For Yuki-sensei. There are some people I do know that might help me know more about these angels. I rushed back towards the room, with Hozumi reading one of his books. "You''re back. What did you d-" "Tell me everything you know about angels." "Ooooh. Interested in this novel?" He showed me the title of the book he''s reading, "The Angels of the Lord." Chapter 18: I Was Right Ryoichi and I found ourselves in a private room with the three most important people in this base. The commander of the Marina Mountain Base: Michiko Komanda; The President of the United States: Ronald K. Gump; and the FBI Director and personal friend of my husband: Daniel "The Lion Seamore or Dandelion. We were delivering the news about the suicide of Yuki-san. Michiko-san doesn''t seem to be affected. "Hanged herself... huh." That is until she showed her frustration by grabbing a pen and stabbing herself on her left palm. I was powerless to be able to move, for even I understood that that was a move of repentance. "Even after all these years, I still can''t protect someone." "Commander. If someone is to blame, it is me. She was in our home and I should''vee known what she was feeling, but I was stupid! I even let my daughter see the horrid sight. DAMN IT!" But I had the power to be there for Ryo. I held his hands to comfort him. "Dandelion. Who is that woman holding Hanasaki''s hands?" "That is his wife, Aubrey. She was the one who saved Hanasaki-san from that incident." "I see. That incident." Everyone in the room looked sorrowful. I had no idea what happened back then, but it must be something that shouldn''t be shared with a normal citizen like me. Dandelion did something that caught me off guard. "My personal recommendation is to allow these Japanese about what we know so far, they will help us." "Can we 100% trust them, Dandelion? This is top secret, you know?" "I would do whatever it takes to save the world." "Heh. You aren''t called ''The Lion'' for nothing. Do whatever you like ." I wasn''t prepared for it. It was like something out of a game that Miyuki would definitely like. And I don''t know what I did to get the honor of seeing this. It was life-changing, to say the least. Dandelion took the pistol on his side and pointed it to his left temple. "Watch this." *BANG* "DANDELION!!!" "Don''t worry, Hanasakis. Dandelion did this for a reason. Tremendous!" Ryo forcefully pushes the President down to the ground, an offense usually treated with immediate death. "Hanasaki-san. Wait for 15 minutes. You will be surprised." "IS THIS A JOKE?! MY FRIEND FUCKING SHOT HIMSELF IN THE HEAD!!! I JUST SAW SOMEONE HANGING ON MY HOUSE AND THEN DANDELIO-"Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. There was a cascading waterfall in his face. There was absolutely nothing I can do to control him now. I think this is a dream. A horrible nightmare. The commander apprehends Ryo by grappling his hands. "As your commanding officer, I demand you to stop doing that shit, Corporal Ryoichi Hanasaki!" "ARE YOU A PART OF THIS SHIT TOO, MICHIKO? YOU WERE THERE AND YOU FUCKING DO THIS? I WILL NEVER-" *SMACK* Ryo was punched unconcious. "I''m sorry, Aubrey-san. But your husband here has gone crazy." "It''s uh... okay." "Believe Dandelion. Wait for 15 minutes." "BIG SCARE! I thought I was gonna die! Very sad." It was 14 minutes of torture. The room was just embraced by the stench of blood. I feel nauseous. Why am I the only one feeling this? The President and the commander looks bored as fuck... *cough* *cough* "WHAT?!" It definitely came from the corpse of Dandelion. Oh, what in the hell? His b-blood is going back to his body??!?!?! Wait what?!?! What the fuck is that?! There''s a floating bullet?! What what ahwahtweae--- Calm down, Aubrey! Take a deep breath. Inhale. Exhale. "That was painful, although I''m getting used to it." "EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKK?! YOU''RE ALIVE?! WHAT THE FUCK?!" Ryo was woken up by my screech, and he screamed too. "AUBREY?! ARE YOU ALRIGHT?! W-what, Dandelion?!" The commander was just fascinated. "Interesting. Now, tell us what exactly happened." Dandelion brushes some of the hair that has fallen off because of the gunshot. A closer inspection and there is absolutely no traces of the wound. It''s as if nothing happened except for a weird balding pattern. I want to say that I''m either on drugs or dreaming because of that floating bullet beside him. He opened his arms widely and laughed crazily. "HAHAHAHA! You finally saw the greatest thing in the world! Yes, the reason why I became the director of the FBI! It is because I am basically immortal! But that is not all! LEO! REVEAL YOURSELF!" A humanoid figure slightly shows itself, holding the bullet. I can''t see it clearly, just like a transparent plastic with a human as its borders. It had a bright light above its head though, and wing-like silhouette behind. Yes, it''s like an ange- "THIS IS LEO! MY ANGEL!" It is an angel?! I- "I-I can''t believe it. Is everything that is happening... the end times written in the Christian Bible?" "Exactly! But, we can''t all go to heaven! God has commanded us to kill all of the sinners!" "S-sinners?" "Sinners! They are those who disobeyed God!" "How should we know that?" "The only clue I have is the angel''s power. Leo, Inspect!" A circular aura radiated from the angel, and it spoke with a deep voice like those in AI machines. "78 sinners detected." "My angel can detect where the sinners are in a radius of 50km, it doesn''t help that much other than that though." "Thats pretty fitting. Leo is the angel of The Lion." Ryo commented, as if accepting what is happening. He looked at me in the eyes and told me: "I''m pretty used to these sort of things." "But why would Dandelion even tell us about all of these? Why does he even have an... angel? Why specifically him? It doesn''t make any sense!" "I think it''s time I told you the incident. The reason I came to Russia in the first place. The reason why I even met you." Why... Ryo went to Russia. If I remember correctly, it was for a mission. He asked for the commander and Dandelion for permission to tell me about the incident and they nodded. I also remember seeing them back then. "The incident is called the Angel Experiments. It was a frightening mission that could change the world if it leaked out. Only the top presidents and those involved in the mission knew." "That was also the time I first saw Leo, Ryoichi." "I was right! I knew that had something to do with this!" I was entering a different world when I heard him tell the story. It''s as if the world started to slowly make sense. Why was there a war happening right now. Why we went to this awful base. Why I had Pacific-chan. Why I met Ryoichi. Why I was born. I listened closely at his every word, not missing a single detail. "It was 20 years ago, at Siberia."