84 Where Do You Go From Here?
[Word Count: 4562]
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Exiting the antique shop, Ai and Ichigo wore expressions of deep contemplation.
Their meeting with Leo's former teacher, Kishibe, hadn't yielded the straightforward answers they had hoped for. Instead of clarity regarding the possibility of granting Leo's body a proper burial, they were met with perplexity.
Kishibe's words had only muddled the situation further. "Even if Public Safety were willing to entertain your request, they'd likely decline due to the War Devil's capabilities," he had explained, pausing momentarily to retrieve his flask. "That's assuming they had any influence over the War Devil's actions."
Ichigo leaned forward, his brows furrowing with growing confusion. "What do you mean by that?"
Kishibe calmly removed the cap from his flask and took a deliberate sip before continuing. "The War Devil doesn't work for Public Safety," he stated plainly.
This unexpected revelation sent shockwaves through their understanding, contradicting the narrative they had encountered in the media over the past few weeks.
Kishibe swirled the contents of his flask, his gaze distant as he further unraveled the enigma. "Despite the image Public Safety has tried to project, the War Devil happened to be in the right place at the right time to claim Leo's corpse."
The weight of this revelation bore down on Ai and Ichigo like a ton of bricks. They had been living under the assumption that the War Devil was a tool of Public Safety, but now, everything seemed uncertain, and a slew of unanswered questions lingered in the air.
Ichigo's confusion was palpable as he voiced his question, his tone a mix of frustration and bewilderment. "Then why?" he asked, raising his voice slightly, "Why is the War Devil out there killing devils under Public Safety's name?"
Kishibe, seemingly unperturbed, took another measured sip from his flask before answering. His face remained stoic as he observed Ichigo and Ai. Then, his expression shifted into one of deep contemplation as he recapped his flask and stored it away.
"Contract terms," he said, his words hanging in the air like a mystery yet to be unraveled.
This cryptic response left Ai and Ichigo hanging on his words, their curiosity piqued.
"Contract... terms...?" Ai repeated, her curiosity piqued.
Kishibe continued to unravel the mystery. "As unlikely as it may sound, it's possible that Leo made some sort of contract with the War Devil. Even if he was already dead when the War Devil took over."
The revelation sent shockwaves through their understanding of the situation. Ai and Ichigo exchanged wide-eyed glances as they struggled to digest this unexpected information.
"But," Kishibe added, tempering their expectations, "everything I've shared is pure speculation on my part. The only individuals who might hold the answers are the War Devil itself... and the manager of this place."
"Shouzou?" Ichigo murmured, looking towards the desk.
"Shouzou?" Ai echoed, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"Leo's cousin," Ichigo clarified, directing her attention to the photographs adorning the office wall. In those images, Shouzou's presence could be discerned, albeit partially, as he appeared at the edge of the frame.
Ai's gaze followed Ichigo's gesture, landing on the collection of photographs adorning the wall. Her initial intention to avoid stirring any potential conflicts was overshadowed by her fascination with the images of Leo. She seemed to lose herself in those moments, the office decor and ongoing dialogue fading into the background.
Ai made her way to the photographs, her eyes initially cast down at the floor. Her determination to secure Leo's remains overrode any inclination to probe into sensitive topics.
However, as she stood before a collection of older photographs, Ai's attention was captivated. Her fingers delicately traced the framed photograph before her. At this moment, she found herself lost in her thoughts, reminiscent of her memories of Leo.
"He looks just as I remember," Ai quietly contemplated as her fingertips gently caressed the image of a younger Leo.
Amidst her reverie, she momentarily tuned out the ongoing conversation between Kishibe and Ichigo. However, Kishibe's words managed to break through her thoughts, bringing her back to the present.
"A meeting might be possible," Kishibe declared, refocusing Ai's attention. "You'll have a better chance of convincing Public Safety to release Leo's body. However, since the War Devil operates on its own terms, you'll need to negotiate with it directly."
Ai's brows furrowed, her mind swirling with images of Leo's transformation into the War Devil, his eyes changing from their natural black to the menacing red. Ichigo observed Ai with a concerned look, while Kishibe's gaze shifted towards the business cards on the table.
As Kishibe neatly stashed a business card into his pocket, Ai mentally buried the image of the War Devil and turned her attention to Ichigo and Kishibe. With a determined look, she raised her hand and gave them a resolute thumbs-up. "I'll do it," she declared, her voice laced with confidence and a bright smile formed on her face.
Ichigo couldn't help but be worried despite Ai's unwavering determination. Kishibe, on the other hand, maintained his stoic demeanor, glancing back at Ai with his inscrutable expression.
Rising from his seat, the leather of the couch creaked as Kishibe stood up. He moved with purpose, navigating around the furniture to approach Ai. For a brief moment, he allowed his gaze to wander over the photographs on the wall, a silent acknowledgment of Leo's past. Then, he locked his eyes onto Ai's purple irises.
Kishibe stopped in front of Ai, casting a shadow that loomed over her. He peered down at her with an intensity that seemed to dissect her very soul. She continued to maintain her confident facade, but her bravado couldn't shield her from the unexpected question that followed.
"What did you feel when you heard Leo was dead?" Kishibe's inquiry hung in the air, catching Ai and Ichigo off guard.
Ai's confident expression faltered, and her thumbs-up retreated slowly, her arm now resting at her side. Memories of Leo's final moments and his haunting words replayed in her mind, making her vulnerability undeniable.
The room fell into a heavy silence as Ai grappled with Kishibe's question. Her lips parted slightly, but the words seemed caught in her throat. A mixture of emotions swirled within her - grief, anger, guilt, and a profound sense of loss. Leo had been her friend and now he was gone, replaced by a terrifying force.
Kishibe's gaze remained steady, unwavering as he waited for Ai's response.
Ichigo watched Ai closely, concern etched into his features. He knew that the pain of losing Leo ran deep, and confronting those emotions was never easy.
Finally, Ai's voice trembled as she spoke. "I felt like the world had shattered," she admitted, her words raw and vulnerable. "It was like someone had torn a piece of my heart away. Leo was everything to us, to our family. The thought of never seeing him again, of the twins growing up without their father... it was overwhelming grief."
Kishibe's piercing gaze remained fixed on Ai, his questions cutting through the air like a surgeon's scalpel.
"Do you want revenge?" Kishibe inquired, his tone remaining steady and unyielding.
Ai's reaction was heartfelt, her head slowly swaying in a melancholic response. The faint, bittersweet curve of her lips carried the weight of her words. "No," she spoke with earnest sincerity, her voice soft but resolute. "Revenge won't bring him back. Besides, I have my children to look after. I'm a mother first, then an idol, not a devil hunter."
Kishibe acknowledged her answer with a simple nod, an inscrutable expression masking his thoughts.
"If a devil offered to bring Leo back, which side would you choose; Humans or devils?" he posed the question, his face maintaining its characteristic lack of expression.
Ai didn't rush to reply. She weighed each word carefully, contemplating the intricate moral web spun by the question.
"Neither," she finally replied, her voice firm but contemplative. "I'd rather honor his memory by protecting our children."
Kishibe's response was unexpected as he leaned in slightly, scrutinizing Ai with an appraising eye. "70 points," he murmured.
Ai took a slight step back, momentarily caught off guard by the proximity and Kishibe's alcohol breath. Her expression reflected a mixture of confusion and curiosity. His evaluation seemed rather arbitrary.
"Thank you...?" she replied cautiously, her uncertainty palpable.
Kishibe straightened himself, the air around him returning to its usual enigmatic calm. "With that mindset, you might make a decent devil hunter," he commented before walking back towards the leather couch. "You two can leave. I'll arrange a meeting with the War Devil later today. I plan to stay here for a while, waiting for Shouzou, I've got some questions for him."
Ai and Ichigo exchanged puzzled glances, but ultimately, they followed Kishibe's instructions with Ichigo getting up from his seat and following Ai on her way out of Shouzou's office, leaving the enigmatic man to his thoughts.
.
As Ai and Ichigo left Kishibe's antique shop, the weight of their encounter with him lingered in the air. The cryptic exchange had left them with more questions than answers, but there was a sense of clarity in Ai's resolve.
"That was... unusual," Ichigo remarked, his brow furrowing in thought.
Ai nodded in agreement. "Definitely. I expected him to be more secretive, but he was surprisingly straightforward with his questions."
Silence enveloped the two as they contemplated their next steps. For Ai, meeting the War Devil in person to retrieve Leo's body was her goal, while Ichigo grappled with the idea of taking such a significant leap, having only met Leo's old teacher. The transition to confronting the most formidable fiend was a daunting one, and he was uncertain about taking the plunge.
Quietly, Ai and Ichigo strolled through the streets surrounding the antique shop, taking a moment to catch their breath before Kishibe's inevitable call. Ai's gaze drifted to the cloudy sky, casting shadows and offering a welcome respite from the scorching sun.
A sudden gust of wind threatened to snatch Ai's hat away, distracting her momentarily as they turned a corner. She managed to save her hat from the breeze but ended up colliding with a curvaceous figure, causing her to stumble back into Ichigo.
"Ah, sorry about that," the stranger said.
"It's alright," Ai replied, pulling her hat down to shield her face.
The stranger, however, seemed to recognize Ai. "Wait a moment," she said, crouching down for a closer look. "Have we met before?"
Taken aback, Ai looked up from beneath her hat, meeting the inquisitive gaze of the person who had bumped into her—a woman with striking black hair and a curious expression.
Ai took a moment to scrutinize the woman's features, attempting to recall any previous encounters. It was plausible, given her time in the public eye as an idol.
"I'm sorry, but I don't believe we've met," Ai replied politely, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
The stranger persisted, "No, no, I'm pretty sure we went to school together." She inched closer, invading Ai's personal space.
Ichigo was on the verge of intervening when the stranger snapped her fingers. "Ai!"
Ai resisted the urge to sigh; she wasn't in the mood to deal with a fan right now. However, the stranger quickly captured her attention.
"It's me, remember?" the stranger inquired, pointing at themselves.
With few options left, Ai reluctantly focused on the stranger before her. They sported a cheerful smile and pointed at their own face.
Ai examined the stranger's face, carefully studying each feature before moving on to the next. Overall, she couldn't deny that the woman before her was exceptionally attractive—a young woman with sleek, neck-length black hair and captivating turquoise eyes. Judging by her attire, Ai would have guessed that she was a devil hunter, given the standard suit and black tie.
They seemed familiar enough, but Ai could quite put her finger on who this person might be. They had that familiar air about them, if the two of them had met before it must've been a long time for Ai to not remember them.
The stranger's persistent demeanor and confident assertion started to stir a faint memory in Ai's mind. She furrowed her brow, delving into the recesses of her school days to ascertain whether this woman had indeed been a part of her past.
"We were classmates in middle school," the stranger exclaimed with growing enthusiasm, sensing Ai's struggle to connect the dots.
As Ai scrutinized the stranger's face, her gaze narrowing, the pieces of the puzzle slowly fell into place. She began to vaguely recognize the person standing before her, and then, in a moment of clarity...
"Helmeppo!" Ai exclaimed confidently, snapping her fingers in recognition.
'Helmeppo' couldn't help but let out a comedic expression of disappointment, shaking her head. "Himeno," she corrected.
"Oh!" Ai snapped her fingers once more, realization washing over her. "Himeno!"
Ai warmly embraced Himeno. It was thanks to Himeno's introduction that Ai had met Leo, and their relationship might not have blossomed as it did without her.
Himeno reciprocated the hug eagerly, relieved to encounter an old familiar face amid the complexity of the past few weeks.
Their embrace carried a blend of surprise, nostalgia, and genuine warmth. As Ai and Himeno released each other from the hug, their smiles conveyed the depth of the unexpected reunion.
"I can't believe it's you, Himeno," Ai remarked, her amazement still evident. "It's been such a long time."
Himeno chuckled, her voice tinged with relief. "You're telling me, Ai. I never thought I'd run into you like this."
Ichigo, who had been observing this reunion with curiosity, couldn't help but chime in. "So, you two really knew each other from middle school?"
Ai nodded, casting a fond look at Himeno. "Yeah, we were classmates. Himeno here introduced me to someone very important," she added, her gaze briefly flickering with gratitude.
Himeno's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Someone important, you say? I'd love to catch up and hear all about it."
Ai and Ichigo exchanged glances, and Ichigo discreetly pointed at his wrist, signaling that time was of the essence.
"I'm up for it," Ai responded eagerly, much to Ichigo's internal chagrin.
"There's a charming little café not far from here," Himeno suggested, motioning behind her.
Ichigo sighed. "I'll wait in the car. I'll come pick you up when we get the call," he declared as he turned to leave.
As Ichigo walked away, Ai and Himeno observed his retreating figure.
"Who's that?" Himeno inquired, lowering her voice.
"My manager," Ai replied in hushed tones.
"Oh."
.
Ai and Himeno settled into a cozy corner of the cafe, choosing an outdoor table that allowed them to soak in the pleasant ambiance. A gentle breeze rustled the nearby leaves, and the faint hum of city life in the distance created the perfect backdrop for their long-awaited reunion.
Ai savored a sip of her tea and reclined in her chair, her features adorned with a wistful smile. "So much has unfolded since our middle school days. I followed my dream of becoming an idol and managed to find some success in that world."
Leaning in with a mischievous glint in her eye, Himeno remarked, "I've noticed," and playfully closed the gap between them. "Think I could snag an autograph?"
Ai giggled, her laughter ringing out melodiously. "You're a fan?"
Himeno scratched the back of her head sheepishly. "Well, I wouldn't say I'm a die-hard idol enthusiast, but my sister can't stop talking about you whenever she gets the chance," she admitted, sharing a good-natured laugh with Ai.
Ai's laughter continued to grace the air as she leaned in a bit closer to Himeno. "Well, if your sister's a fan, then I'd be more than happy to sign something for her. It's always a pleasure to meet new people, especially old friends."
Himeno's eyes sparkled with amusement. "She'll be over the moon when she hears about this. Thanks, Ai."
Ai couldn't help but giggle as she surveyed Himeno's attire. "So, you're a devil hunter?"
Himeno chuckled sheepishly, a hint of modesty in her demeanor. "Well, yeah. I'm taking some time off the official duty roster to do some private work at the moment, but I do plan on rejoining the bureau soon."
"Oh? What prompted the break?" Ai inquired, her curiosity piqued as she delicately sipped her tea.
Himeno's sigh held a tinge of weariness. "What didn't happen, honestly. These past few weeks have been a relentless whirlwind. It feels like there's been a new life-threatening crisis every day."
Concern filled Ai's eyes as she leaned slightly forward. "Are you okay?"
Himeno managed a somewhat forced smile. "I'm still in one piece, so there's that," she replied, appreciating Ai's concern.
Ai noticed the strained smile but decided not to press further. "I'm glad to hear that," she offered with a warm, reassuring smile.
Curious to divert the conversation from the intense subject, Himeno steered it in another direction. "And what about you, Ai? Anything new in your life apart from your successful career as an idol?"
Ai took another sip of her tea, her expression thoughtful. "Actually, yes. I've done a bit of acting on the side."
Himeno's interest was piqued, and for a moment, her gaze darted to something shimmering on Ai's ring finger. However, she decided not to bring it up just yet. "Acting? That sounds exciting. How's it been for you?"
Ai's eyes brightened with enthusiasm as she delved into her newfound passion. "It's been an incredible journey, Himeno. Acting allows me to explore different roles and emotions in ways that singing and dancing couldn't quite capture. I've been fortunate to work on some exciting projects, and it's been an enriching experience."
Himeno nodded, genuinely captivated by Ai's description. "That sounds like quite an adventure. Do you have any upcoming projects or roles you're particularly excited about?"
Ai's smile wavered slightly as she playfully scratched her cheek. "Well, about that, hehe, I'm also on a break at the moment," she chuckled.
Himeno joined in with an understanding laugh. "It's been a crazy few weeks for all of us, hasn't it?"
Ai appreciated Himeno's support, and her gaze briefly flitted to the shiny object adorning her ring finger. It served as a tangible reminder of the profound changes in her life since their last meeting.
"You know," Ai began, her voice softer, "there's something else significant that's happened since we were in school."
Himeno's attention was drawn to Ai's demeanor, sensing that this conversation might take a more serious turn. "What is it, Ai?"
Taking a deep breath, Ai's fingers grazed the small pendant necklace she wore. "I've become a mother, Himeno. I have twins now."
Himeno's eyes widened with a mix of surprise and joy as she absorbed this revelation. "Twins? That's incredible, Ai! Congratulations! When did this happen?"
Ai's smile radiated warmth as she shared this deeply personal news with her old friend. "Thank you. It actually happened about a year after I stopped attending school."
"Eh? Seriously?" Himeno exclaimed in disbelief, her astonishment evident. Ai nodded with a sheepish grin. "Who's the father?"
Ai's demeanor shifted noticeably, her smile taking on a hint of melancholy as her gaze turned somber.
Himeno immediately regretted her question, realizing it might have touched on a sensitive topic. She assumed the presence of a wedding band on Ai's finger meant she was engaged or married, but perhaps there was more to the story.
"I'm sorry if I brought up something delicate," Himeno apologized, berating herself for the unintended intrusion.
Ai gently set down her teacup and looked at Himeno with a composed expression. "It's alright," she replied, her fingers tracing the ring on her finger.
Ai took a moment to compose herself before continuing, her voice steady. "Leo... Leo was the father."
Himeno's eyes widened like saucers. The father of Ai's twins was Leo? The same Leo she herself had considered somewhat unstable after her encounter with the War Devil during Katana Man's attack? This Leo was not only a father but was also in a relationship? Himeno mentally slapped herself, of course he was, he even told her when they were trapped in the Eternity Devil's stomach.
But Himeno quickly quelled her racing thoughts, realizing that now wasn't the time to speculate or judge. Her friend was clearly going through unimaginable grief, and she needed to be there to offer solace and support.
Setting aside her thoughts, Himeno's expression shifted from surprise to a mix of sympathy and sadness. "Oh, Ai, I'm so sorry to hear that. That must have been incredibly tough for you."
Himeno still had her reservations about Leo's sanity, but she acknowledged that if Ai had been in a relationship with him and had twins together, there must have been facets to him she hadn't seen.
Ai nodded, her eyes reflecting a complex blend of emotions. "It was, Himeno. Leo and I shared so much, and losing him was... it was devastating."
Himeno reached out and gently placed her hand on Ai's, offering a comforting squeeze. "I can't even begin to imagine how hard that must have been for you. If there's anything I can do, just let me know."
Ai managed a grateful smile, appreciating Himeno's understanding. "Thank you, Himeno. Your support means a lot to me."
.
Given the heavy burden weighing on Ai's shoulders, she composed herself, and she and Himeno continued their conversation at the outdoor cafe.
"So, that's my plan now," Ai said somberly, stirring her tea with a small spoon. "I'm going to negotiate with the War Devil in the hope of retrieving Leo's body for a proper burial."
Himeno found herself at a loss for words. A part of her admired Ai's courage for embarking on such a daunting task, but another part questioned the sheer audacity of dealing with the War Devil, the very embodiment of the fear of war and conflict.
Nonetheless, Himeno recognized the tremor in Ai's voice and the uncertainty in her demeanor. The War Devil, even without Leo's body involved, was a formidable adversary beyond imagination.
Before Himeno could voice her thoughts or offer her support, Ai's phone began to ring.
Ai glanced at the caller ID before answering. "Hello, Mr. Manager?"
"It's time," Ichigo's voice came through on the other end of the line, his tone dead serious. "Kishibe just called and provided me with an address."
"I understand," Ai replied, taking a deep breath as Ichigo ended the call.
Placing her phone gently on the table, Ai's expression remained resolute, despite the anxiety that churned within her. She refocused her attention on Himeno, offering a faint but determined smile.
"It seems the time has come to confront the War Devil," Ai said, her voice steady, though a trace of apprehension lingered as she rose from her seat.
Himeno, despite her reservations about the perilous task ahead, couldn't help but be inspired by Ai's courage. She scratched her cheek sheepishly and spoke, "Do you... Do you want me to come with you? I don't know if I can contribute much, but having some moral support might help."
Ai gave Himeno an appreciative smile.
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Walking through the interior of an abandoned underground bomb shelter felt utterly surreal. The narrow walls were covered with graffiti tags and an assortment of art pieces, leaving little of the original paint visible.
Leading the trio of Ichigo, Ai, and Himeno through this peculiar setting was Kishibe.
"Sensei," Himeno inquired, catching up to Kishibe, "why did you choose to set up the meeting here? Wouldn't a more open location be safer?"
Kishibe kept his gaze fixed ahead as he replied, "The War Devil insists on this place. It refused to meet anywhere else."
Himeno let out a resigned sigh. "Always something with these devils," she remarked, eliciting a giggle from Ai.
Ai, her curiosity piqued, ventured, "Is it common for devils to gather in places like this?"
Himeno nodded, her expression knowing. "They tend to favor seclusion. It deters most devil hunters and provides them a convenient spot to deal with anyone who strays too far from the beaten path."
"Ew, that's rather nasty," Ai commented with a playful grimace, sticking her tongue out.
Himeno chuckled at Ai's reaction, but their attention was abruptly drawn to the sounds of clashing further down the narrow hallway.
"Is there someone else down here?" Himeno asked, adopting a more defensive posture as she positioned herself behind Kishibe.
Kishibe's response was delivered with stoic composure. "It's just the War Devil and its captive."
"Captive?" Ai interjected with intrigue.
"Katana Man," Kishibe clarified.
Himeno's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "But I thought Public Safety had taken custody of Katana Man."
"They did take what remained of him after the War Devil was through, but less than a day later, those parts vanished, and Katana Man ended up back in the War Devil's clutches," Kishibe explained, his voice rising slightly as the clashing of metal grew louder, echoing ominously in the underground shelter.
Abruptly, the clash of metal ceased, replaced by a thunderous bang that reverberated through the ground beneath their feet.
The group collectively flinched in response to the unexpected noise, their expressions tense with anticipation. However, Kishibe remained unfazed, his determined steps resounding through the dimly lit corridor as he continued to lead the way.
After what felt like an eternity, Kishibe came to a halt in front of a door marked "Observation." The label was barely legible, with the black lettering scratched and faded, barely visible against the worn surface.
Opening the door, the group was met with a disheveled observation room. The window separating the viewing room from the space it was meant to observe lay shattered, with jagged fragments clinging to the frame.
Stepping inside and peering through the hole where the window should have been, they were presented with a sprawling chamber. From their vantage point, it appeared that the underground shelter was divided into multiple floors, with the group currently occupying the top level looking down below.
Beneath them, inside the room, the War Devil sat casually on a couch positioned at the center. His head was tilted back as he gazed up at the ceiling.
"Where's Katana Man?" Kishibe inquired, his voice reverberating through the expansive room.
"Dead," Leo replied casually, his gaze still affixed to the ceiling.
From the darker corners of the room, groans could be heard, and Leo swiftly added, "Never mind."
Ai carefully navigated the debris-strewn observation room, her every step producing sharp cracks underfoot. Her unwavering gaze remained locked onto the silhouette of the War Devil. The ground surrounding him seemed to emit an eerie red glow under the dim lighting, as though it were bathed in blood.
Briefly, her eyes broke away from the War Devil as she turned to Kishibe, silently conveying a question without words.
Kishibe appeared to comprehend the unspoken message, responding by gesturing wordlessly toward a door located on the far left.
Nervously, Ai swallowed and moved in the direction of the indicated door. Her footsteps created a symphony of cracks as she carefully stepped over the rubble littering the ground. The door, when she opened it, emitted a loud creak, but Ai paid it no mind as she pushed it fully ajar. Beyond the door lay a set of stairs leading downward, and they appeared surprisingly untouched compared to the room they led from.
Descending the stairs, Ai's footsteps echoed through the confined stairwell until she reached the bottom. The door meant to block access to the room bore the unmistakable signs of having been ripped from its hinges, with part of the frame missing.
Entering the grand room below, Ai's eyes widened like dinner plates as they locked onto the War Devil's figure seated on the couch. Her footsteps now created soft echoes, resembling little splashes as she wordlessly moved closer.
Surprisingly, her anxiety seemed somewhat subdued, perhaps because seeing Leo's familiar face provided an unexpected comfort, even if it bore differences from the visage she had seen prior to the Karma Devil incident.
Eventually, Ai found herself standing next to the couch, a mix of nerves and emotions coursing through her. Her familiar smile graced her face as she looked down at Leo.
Leo's gaze shifted from the ceiling, his red irises meeting Ai's gradient-colored ones, shifting from purple to pink. Neither of them spoke, their silent exchange speaking volumes.
