Published at 31st of August 2019 4:06 am

Volume 1, Chapter 05: The promise from seven years ago

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

Since birth, she’d been bullied by everyone in the village, since she was the daughter of a prostitute.

But no matter how much she was bullied, she never called for help. She never cried for help.

Daughter of a whore, daughter of a slut, an impure girl…No matter how badly she’d been insulted, she’d force herself to smile and forgave them.

But in reality she wanted someone to help her. She wanted to be held. She wanted to be loved.

Crying all alone, the girl prayed to God. She asked for love. She naively served God and dedicated herself to only do good. She believed that some day, someone would accept her.

—But one day, there came a change for the girl.

The pest spread into the village of the girl during a certain year.

The villagers despaired. Those around them kept on dying one after another. That despair made the villagers become insane. Vampires, Witches, Devils—- Those were the scapegoats.

To appease the despair in the their hearts, the villagers had searched for a human sacrifice.

The very first human sacrifice was the girl.

The villagers fell into a group hysteria and lit the church, where the girl lived, on fire. While shouting angrily, while shouting insults, while laughing, they insanely declared.

If they come from God, they will not burn. If they come the Devil, they will burn to ashes.

The girl was scared. Because of her, the church was burned and the Sisters, who didn’t have a chance to escape, were also enveloped by the flames. In desperation, the girl vehemently wished that the Sisters would be saved. That the fire would stop.

—Then a miracle happened. Light gleamed from the girl’s left hand. The girl felt a burning pain and brought her left hand towards her eyes. Her skin was torn in a cross-shape and blood was flowing out.

It was a stigma. The wounds Christ suffered at the crucifixion appearing on her body was a sacred phenomena.

The girl was chosen by God.

Now she could save everyone.

The girl rejoiced and stopped the spreading fire on the church with the guidance of that power. The girl simply wanted to protect her home and the Sisters.

But the villagers, who’d witnessed this miracle, shouted together.

She’s a devil. They told the girl that she was a real devil.

A witch trial was started for the girl. That was the thanks she got for her good deed.

So the girl, with her new powers, escaped and left her birthplace behind her.

The girl still hadn’t given up. She believed that as long as she continued with her good deeds, someone would need her, someone would repay her with kindness.

From then on, the long journey of the girl started. The girl visited all kinds of place around the world and continued to spread kindness.

But due to her powers and her unaging body, people called her that word again.

—Devil.

The girl just wanted to be needed by someone. She wanted to be smiled at.

That was all. For just that, she kept on helping people and was hated as a devil.

Not giving up, the girl kept on wishing.

Yet that small wish, the girl’s little dream was never fulfilled.

God didn’t turn to the girl. The girl was only granted that power. The people didn’t turn to the girl either. They only feared her as a devil….. The only one who turned to the girl was a weird devil.

The devil advised the girl and took her from the human world into the demonic realm. And sure enough, there wasn’t anyone who scorned the girl in the demonic realm.

But I couldn’t help but shout.

You idiot, I shouted until my throat was hoarse.

—That was the story of a single girl. The story of a girl, who was abandoned by her mother on a night with a full moon.

The story of a girl, who had no choice but to become a devil, since no one needed her.

* * *

“…Mh?”

I suddenly regained consciousness.

“…Oh? You’re up?”

When I opened my eyes, I saw Elni’s face. As I came to, I felt a warm and soft sensation on the back of my head. I noticed that I was resting on Elni’s lap.

“Are you okay?”

When I faced the owner of the voice, I found Gogyou-san looking at me.

She had a worried expression. Her long eyelashes and finely chiselled features filled my vision.

I wordlessly stood up and looked around.

I was at a riverbank. The river was flowing peacefully in front of me.

Why was I here?

“—!”

As I stood up I realised it.

I remembered Luna’s crying face.

“What’s the matter, Nanjou-kun?”

Gogyou-san asked me, a bit worried as I had gotten up so suddenly.

“…Just what happened? On my way home, I was talking with Elni, when we saw you collapsed by the road. That was a real surprise. Could it be that devil did something to you?”

“Not so hasty, Hijiri. I fear Shinobu did something to make her angry. Maybe he couldn’t hold back anymore and fondled her boobies?”

“H- Hey, Elni, why are you trying to touch my breasts?”

Elni was playing around by hugging Gogyou-san from behind.

It seemed like in the time that they were alone, their relationship had deepened to the point of calling each other by their first name.

But meanwhile I was….

“…took her away.”

I clenched my fist.

“A devil. A devil took Luna away.”

Listening to my words, Gogyou-san and Elni made bewildered expressions.

“Is that true, Shinobu?”

When I nodded, both Elni and Gogyou-san tilted their heads.

“That’s strange.”

“What is?”

“Well, if you think about it rationally, it’s rather strange for a devil to come to the human world to bring back a fellow devil. I don’t see any reason in that.”

Gogyou-san nodded in agreement with Elni’s words.

“I would understand giving a hand in taking the soul, but….You were left behind, Nanjou-kun. So the goal really was to get her back…? But I don’t get why they would break through a powerful barrier just for that.”

According to Elni and Gogyou-san, there were great risks involved for devils who come here by breaking through the barrier of the human world. If they forced their way through, they would lose a major part of their powers and couldn’t use their original powers in the human world. And if they were found by an exorcist like Gogyou-san, they were in real trouble.

Therefore, devils had to rely on being summoned by a human.

That devil— Bram shouldered that huge risk to bring back Luna. There had to be a reason for it.

“….Reminds me, Luna called him “Father”.”

“Mh? The father of the Blondie came by?”

“….At least Luna called him that.”

Luna surely had called that red-haired devil, Bram, her father.

While Bram had taken Luna away by force, his words towards her were filled with affection, while towards me he only bore a strong hostility.

—The kid from seven years ago.

His eyes were filled with hatred for me.

“But didn’t it turn out alright?”

Gogyou-san said calmly when I’d raised my head.

“Now you’re freed from that devil, right?”

“Oh, right. Good for you, Shinobu.”

Gogyou-san and Elni kept saying “Good for you”.

….Good for me, you say?

“It was strange to begin with. The ring I gave you links a guardian spirit to the wearer based on their relationship with it, so usually it would give you an ancestor or animal as a guardian spirit…. But I wonder why you got a devil?”

Tilting her head, Elni continued.

“When I first saw you, it didn’t seem like you had any form of relationship with a devil. I was happy that you treated me to food, so I really wanted to grant you a guardian spirit….. But, I’m sorry. I ended up giving you a devil. I’m really sorry.”

Elni said while deeply lowering her head.

“I’ll give you a proper guardian spirit next. I’ll give you the perfect guardian spirit that’s beautiful, refined and will make you happy just by being by your side.”

“Don’t need it.”

Elni offered merrily, but I declined outright.

“I don’t want something like that. I only want Luna.”

It was no lie that I wanted her by my side.

So no one could replace her.

“…Hey, Elni. You said the ring links the wearer with the spiritual guardian based on their relationship, but what if Luna and I have some kind of relationship—-”

“Did you ever make a contract with a devil? It sure doesn’t feel like you have.”

Elni interrupted me.

Certainly, I didn’t remember making a contract with Luna. But that didn’t change my opinion.

I had the feeling that I had met Luna before already.

“Reminds me…”

Gogyou-san had stayed quiet so far, when she suddenly asked.

“Nanjou-kun, you said you summoned a devil in the past. Do you think that’s related?”

—The kid from seven years ago.

Immediately a pain ran through my head.

In the past, yes, seven years ago something happened.

Whenever I tried to remember, a strong headache hindered my ability to think clearly.

“Guh.”

A pain that felt like my head was splitting brought me to my knees. But enduring it, I climbed up the bank. Then I headed for the closest big tree trunk—- and hit my head against it with all my might.

“Nanjou-kun!”

I heard Gogyou-san’s shocked voice, but I continued to hit my head against the trunk regardless. After a few more times, the skin on my forehead split and blood gushed out, but the turmoil in my mind, that had been brought about by the agonising headache, was gone.

My mind was surprisingly clear.

Along with the headache, came a flood of memories.

The screeching of brakes. A small silhouette blown away. Red blood. Empty words. Sobbing tears. My own wet cheeks. The warmth of a hand on my head. A gentle warmth. A gentle smile. Gentle words. A sad smile. Sad eyes. Two small hands that were so sadly powerless.

Seeing a girl crying by herself—- I wanted to protect her, so I undoubtedly extended my hand.

“Nanjou-kun!”

“Shinobu!”

When I came to, Gogyou-san and Elni were supporting my body.

“What are you doing out of the blue!? Are you okay? Aww, you’re bleeding!”

“Shinobu, does it hurt? Are you okay? Why would you do that?”

Looking at the panicked Gogyou-san and Elni, I put my back against the tree trunk and slid down, as I let out a big sigh.

Ahh, I see.

…I remembered everything. I wondered why I had forgotten it.

Yeah, I had met Luna in my childhood.

“….Hey, I have a little sister, you know…”

When I suddenly started talking, Elni and Gogyou-san looked at each other, but didn’t stop me. They both closed their mouths and to urge me to go on, they stared at me.

Thanks. I’ll tell you everything.

I wanted to put them into words. Give them shape. All of them, my precious memories….I didn’t want to forget them again.

“She’s a weird sister. Ever since I gave her a cat plush-toy as a birthday present when she was small, she came to really love cats. Wherever she went, whatever she did, she was always happily hugging onto the cat plush-toy, since it’s from me.”

It was a cheap plush-toy, but she treasured it immensely.

“But she’s an idiot. One day she lost it somewhere. She wouldn’t stop crying and apologising. So our father and I desperately searched for it, until we found it…. and gave it back to her.”

The cat plush-toy was a bit dirty and the right arm was torn. But still,

“She was overjoyed. She tightly hugged onto it and wouldn’t let it go…..That’s when it started. That she became practically glued to my back.”

She always followed me with a smile and saying “Brother, brother”.

“But one day I was teased for it by my friends and got embarrassed. So I told my sister not to follow me anymore. But she didn’t listen to me.”

She followed behind me with a teary face.

“I was so stupid….I wanted to play a prank on her. Knowing that she wouldn’t be able to keep up with me, I started running. I heard a ‘Brother’ behind me, but ignored it and ran…. I was just so stupid.”

I should have just walked with her hand-in-hand.

“….It happened when I’d crossed the crosswalk. I heard the loud sound of a brake from behind me.”

The foreboding sound of brakes screeching.

“I had a bad feeling, so I turned around immediately. And there….a small silhouette flew through the air and fell limp on the ground.”

My mind went blank and I couldn’t breathe anymore.

“I rushed over in a panic. My sister was bleeding from the head and lying limply on the ground. I was scared. I knew I had to do something, but couldn’t. The fear had paralysed my legs, so all I could do was shout ‘Nazuna’, the name of my sister.”

Red blood. Her small body that wouldn’t move at all. The cat plush-toy she still held in her arms.

“When I called her name, she said with cloudy eyes. Maybe her mind was too hazy or she didn’t understand the situation she was in…but with a small voice she said.”

—Mr. Cat, I didn’t drop you this time.

“That was all. She only said that, then lost consciousness and kept on sleeping. The doctor at the hospital, which she was sent to, ambiguously called it a vegetative state.”

I couldn’t stop my tears.

“After that, my sister stayed asleep. After one month, after two months; she still wouldn’t wake up.”

No one blamed me. Only I kept blaming myself.

“I could only turn to God. But no matter how much I prayed, God didn’t answer me.”

So I….

“I didn’t care who it was, as long as they would grant my wish. So even a devil was fine. I just wanted to save my sister. That’s why I decided to summon a devil.”

I’d been ready to give my soul in exchange for Nazuna’s recovery.

“In my desperate attempt, I used a black magic book to summon a devil, but the devil I summoned was far from what I’d imagined. I told the devil about my sister and without saying anything the devil healed Nazuna. Then the devil patted my head and said.”

—It’s okay. It’s all okay now.

“The devil didn’t ask for my soul. It just smiled at me and left.”

I was happy. Nazuna smiled again. Hugging the plush-toy, she smiled again.

“The demon, who helped me… helped my sister, was Luna.”

To that Gogyou-san and Elni opened their eyes widely.

“I made a promise with Luna.”

Yes, a promise. On the day Luna saved Nazuna, I wanted to thank her in some way. I wanted to see her again.

But when that wish was granted and I met her again—–

I strongly clenched my fists as I remembered about it.

I remembered my vow.

—-I’ll stay with you. I’ll protect you.

Those were my feelings back then and even now. Therefore

“I want to save Luna. Please help me.”

I lowered my head to Gogyou-san.

It was frustrating, but my strength alone wasn’t enough to save Luna.

“You’re an exorcist, aren’t you? Can’t you find out Luna’s whereabouts?”

“….I certainly have a spell for that.”

“Then please. Please get me Luna’s whereabouts with that.”

I grabbed Gogyou-san’s shoulders with both hands and begged her vehemently.

“Under one condition.”

“Condition?”

I repeated back, like a parrot, when Gogyou-san said with her usual frigid expression.

“I’ll come with you. That’s the only condition.”

When I stared at her wide-eyed unintentionally, Gogyou-san gave me a faint smile.

“I can’t let you go alone after all.”

….Why was she just so damn cool?

While I was fascinated by her smile, Gogyou-san pulled something out of her pocket. It was a black sphere, which was the size of a golf ball.

Gogyou-san chanted something like a spell and the sphere started to glow. Then it opened in the middle and turned into something that looked like a compass.

“It’s a compass. I can discover a devil’s location with this.”

Resting the compass on her palm, she continued with a “But”.

“It doesn’t pinpoint the location, but only points towards the general direction and gives an estimate of the distance. So it might take some time to actually find her.”

When Gogyou-san said that, Elni stepped forward with her chest puffed out.

“It seems my type is in demand here.”

“…We’ve had enough gags already.”

I said wearily, when Elni pouted.

“Shinobu, even I want to act cool! If you keep being mean, I’ll cry!”

Already half in tears, Elni put her right hand over the compass and shouted.

“Gununuh, God Poweeeeeer! In Swahili it’s—-BRAAAH!”

While adding some completely fake Swahili, Elni roared, when something surprising happened.

The compass in Gogyou-san’s hand suddenly started moving on its own. While spinning around, it floated up into the air.

“How’s that! I infused the compass with my God Power! Now it can pinpoint a devil’s location! Great, isn’t it, Shinobu? Praise me!”

Perhaps reacting to Elni’s words, the compass started moving slowly.

So, if we chased after the compass, we’d find Luna?

“…Amazing.”

Gogyou-san said, astonished, and Elni answered “I’m a Goddess after all!” with her chest puffed out.

“Goddesses sure are amazing. Elni, try to spit some fire from your mouth.”

Hearing my words, Elni shouted an “Okay!” and approached Gogyou-san.

“Elni Fire~”

She mumbled erotically and puffed into Gogyou-san’s ear with a “Fuh~”.

“Hyan”

Gogyou-san let out a cute voice in surprise.

“Hijirin’s weak spot is her ears.”

“E- Elni, don’t do anything weird. C- C’mon, let’s go.”

The bright-red Gogyou-san started following the compass. Elni also followed while saying “I want to touch Hijirin’s earlobe.”

—Wait for me, Luna.

I mumbled in my mind and followed after them both.

* * *

“There, huh.”

The place we followed the compass to, was the ruins of a building outside the town, which was known as a spiritual place. I heard that in the past it had been a hospital, but now it had a gloomy aura. Nothing less from a spiritual place.

“So gloomy…”

Gogyou-san murmured and Elni nodded.

“Right the place that ghosts and devils prefer. It’s full of blood, sadness and hatred. Devils might like this place, but I’m a Goddess, so I don’t really like it.”

As if scared by the gloomy atmosphere, Elni clung to Gogyou-san. Then she touched her ear. Gogyou-san didn’t like that. I pulled Elni away from Gogyou-san and looked back at the ruins….

Then I noticed it.

“Seems that Luna is here without a doubt.”

Seeing silhouettes by the entrance, I was certain.

A man and woman in full black.

Most likely they were Bram’s companions.

They were guarding the entrance.

“These two are devils.”

“The woman’s got big boobies.”

After Gogyou-san, Elni made a nonsensical interjection with a straight face.

“….Luna’s inside, huh.”

I ignored Elni and was going to head for the devils, when

“Nanjou-kun, wait. What’s your plan?”

“Plan? These two are devils. No other choice but to kick their asses.”

I turned around and answered like that to Gogyou-san, who tried to stop me by holding my arm.

“…Shinobu, they’ve already beaten you before, right?”

Elni made a wry expression.

“No, they didn’t beat me. I merely tripped and fell down.”

“Shinobu, making excuses is lame, you know?”

“Shut up. I’m going. That’s what I’m here for.”

I tried to shake off Gogyou-san’s arm, but

“No.”

Gogyou-san didn’t let me.

While still holding onto my arm, Gogyou-san said with a straight look.

“I’ll go.”

Ignoring my surprise, Gogyou-san pulled her bamboo sword pouch from her back and continued.

“I’ll take care of these two. You get in from the back, Nanjou-kun. With this you’ll find her in no time.”

Gogyou-san said and handed me the compass.

I was perplexed by her unusual behaviour, as she suddenly lowered her head.

“….Gogyou-san?”

“It might not be right to apologise to you, but let me do it anyway. I was mistaken. After hearing your story, I realised that. That person—-Luna-san is certainly a devil, but…not the kind that I thought she was. I said some cruel things. I want to apologise for it.”

To Gogyou-san, who had lowered her head, I said—

“If you truly feel sorry, then lick my glorious butt.”

“Yeah, my glorious butt—-wait, what the?”

Who was mimicking me and saying weird stuff?

…No, there wasn’t really a need to ask who it was. I glared at Elni sinisterly.

“J- Just a joke. You know, since Hijiri was so serious, I wanted to brighten up the atmosphere with a gag, so that she wouldn’t be that worried about it anymore.”

I see, a joke. The serious Gogyou-san became all red and troubled by saying “B- Butt?”. What to do about that?

“Gogyou-san.”

“Y- Yes!”

Maybe she took Elni’s imitation seriously, as she spoke nervously.

I let out a small sigh, then faced Gogyou-san once again.

“I told you before that Luna saved my sister. I’ll ask you again. Please help me.”

This time, I lowered my head.

“Leave it to me.”

Gogyou-san nodded firmly.

“Okay, Shinobu, I’ll help Hijiri, so you go on ahead. If it gets dangerous, just call my name, okay? I’ll come flying immediately.”

Elni said, relaxed and smiling.

“Will you be fine?”

From her looks, she looked totally unsuited for battle.

“Don’t worry, Shinobu. I’m a Goddess, you know? No problem. You better worry about yourself. Don’t collapse until we get there.”

Elni said frivolously, then walked away beside Gogyou-san.

Then she raised her right arm vertically and gave me a thumbs up.

For some reason that was strangely cool.

“Thanks.”

I muttered quietly and headed for the back entrance.

Shortly after, I was startled by a cracking sound behind me, but without turning back, I continued to follow the compass.

I had to advance. Just believe in Gogyou-san and Elni, and advance.

* * *

I heard a voice.

The compass stopped moving in the middle of the third floor of the ruins. I felt a presence beyond the door. I slowly opened the door and took a peek inside. It had probably been a lounge before. In the vast room— I saw them. Luna and Bram.

The two were talking about something.

What was it? I listened intently and focused on their voices.

“….Father. I will not go back. I want to stay here.”

“Is it that boy? Did that boy summon you again? Do you still believe in him?”

“Yes. Shinobu-san told me to stay by his side. So I—”

“Stop it.”

Bram interrupted her and strongly expressed his words.

“Luna, stop getting involved with that boy. He’s only after your powers anyway. Just like seven years ago. That boy took away your powers. On the first summoning, we lend them our powers, but it’s different for the second. If I hadn’t manipulated his memories, you would have become his slave, you know? You were about to…. be betrayed again.”

I heard Bram’s voice filled with anger.

Manipulated memories. Bram’s words echoed in my head.

I see. So these headaches were from Bram’s spell.

…Well, understandable. Now that I remembered everything, I understood.

I looked at Luna, who faced Bram with her fists still clenched.

It’s okay now. I’m coming for you.

I took a big breath, clenched my fists—-and kicked open the door in front of me.

The door was blown away by my kick and made a loud noise as it fell into the room. Luna and Bram looked at me, who stood before the collapsed door.

“…Shinobu-san?”

Luna made a surprised expression.

“Yeah, it’s me, Shinobu-san. I came to get you, Luna.”

I answered, lightly raising my hand.

“What are you here for, human?”

When I faced towards the voice, Bram was glaring at me with eyes filled with anger. I winced at that overwhelming pressure. My instincts warned me of danger, but I ignored it and took a step forward.

“I came to get Luna back. Get in my way and I’ll punch you.”

“…I see. Then disappear.”

Bram muttered quietly and swung his right hand.

In that moment, “something” came flying at me with the sharp sound of it cutting through the air.

Yes, I could tell by the sound and distortion in the air.

I couldn’t see it, but I could feel it.

I sharpened my five senses.

“Rwaar!”

I stepped forwards with my left leg, twisted my waist and struck the shockwave from below at an angle with the bottom of my left palm, knocking it away. The shockwave passed behind me and hit something, with a loud noise.

“…Wha.”

He probably hadn’t expected me to redirect it. Bram’s expression changed.

“The same trick won’t work on me twice.”

While I gave him a fearless smile at the front, a cold sweat ran down my back.

The shockwave had been stronger than I had expected. If I hadn’t properly hit its centre, I wouldn’t have been able to redirect it.

What’s more, if he’d shot them at me repeatedly, I would’ve been done for. But—

“Shinobu-san!”

Luna was going to rush over to me, but I stopped her with my right hand.

“Luna, you stay there and watch.”

I’ll prove it to you.

I’ll prove that I’m strong enough to protect you.

“I’ll protect you.”

I said with a smile.

“I promised, right?”

For a moment, tears welled up in Luna’s eyes.

Sorry. Sorry for forgetting until now. But I remembered now and wouldn’t forget it again.

I shifted my gaze back to Bram, who had changed his stance. His right hand was extended like he was going to pierce something.

It looked like he was planning to go all out.

“Ooohhhh!”

I roared, then strongly kicked off the ground and rushed at Bram.

He immediately sent a shockwave towards my face, but I tilted my head and avoided the attack. Next he aimed for my chest, which I avoided by bending my body. Without pause, he then aimed at my legs.

I couldn’t dodge it completely.

Protecting the centre of my body with the vital organs—- the median plane, I took a half-crouched stance and continuously avoided any attacks at my vital organs. Using my fists, arms, knees, elbows and shoulders I pulverised the shockwaves and drew closer and closer to Bram.

“Guah!”

I was nearly blown backwards by a shockwave, but I stood strong and advanced further.

Luna was watching. Without even blinking, she was looking at me full of worry.

I couldn’t afford to stop. I couldn’t afford to fall. I couldn’t afford to lose.

“…Why would you go so far, human?”

Bram suddenly asked me. He looked at me with a strange expression that was beyond his control.

“Isn’t it obvious?”

While spitting out blood, I shouted.

“Because I promised!”

Yes, I promised.

Seven years ago, when Luna saved Nazuna, I’d wanted to do something for her as thanks.

….No, actually I’d just wanted to see Luna again.

I liked her. I wanted to meet the gentle devil that saved my sister again.

So I summoned Luna once again.

But the summoning failed. I made a mistake.

I used a possessive summoning, a spell to make a devil’s power one’s own and to exorcise them.

Through that I got a glimpse into Luna’s memories.

A girl abandoned by her mother. A girl cursed as a devil. A girl that had no other choice but to become a devil, since nobody had extended a hand towards her.

….The person, who helped me, had cried. She’d always been crying by herself.

But all I could do was watch. I couldn’t call out to her. It was just too sad.

So I’d thought that I’ll protect her from now on.

So I extended my hand towards Luna. I had told her not to cry anymore, since I would protect her now. And that she should stay by my side and not cry alone anymore. I extended my hand towards her.

But my hand was powerless. I had ended up letting go of the hand I’d grasped onto.

But even though I’d let go of her, Luna had told me.

I will come to see you again. I will definitely come. And at that time…

—Please let me stay at your side forever.

Yeah, right.

She’d been hurt more than anyone and had always been crying alone, but she showed me a gentle smile. And she saved Nazuna…. So I wanted to get stronger.

I had always trained, so that next time I could protect her, so that next time I wouldn’t let go of her hand, so that next time I wouldn’t lose to the opponent in front of me.

The reason I’d started martial arts, even though I had no talent for it—–was so that I could protect her.

“UWRAAR!”

The closer I drew to Bram, the more shockwaves that were sent at me.

It was like a heavy gale. If I was careless for even a second, I would surely be blown away.

Still, I advanced. I couldn’t afford to stop until I smacked him at least once.

“…Give up, human. Or you’ll die.”

Bram looked at me with an expression that said that he still had strength to spare.

I hated him. It was the same seven years ago. Easily blowing me away, tampering with my memories and taking away Luna. I’m sure he thinks it’s all for Luna’s sake. But

“You idiot!”

I couldn’t help but shout!

“You’re mistaken, old man. You might think you’re protecting Luna, but you’re only hurting her. It was you, who brought her to the demonic realm, right?”

You couldn’t stand seeing Luna get betrayed. Still

“Do you know how much that hurt Luna? That idiot was always waiting for someone to need her. She was always waiting. Yet, you took her away to the demonic realm—–So she was always crying!”

“Then….”

Bram muttered and the gale became stronger.

“Then, what should have I done!? She was always being betrayed! Always betrayed by those she believed in! Could you leave her alone like that? In the demonic realm no one will betray Luna! She won’t get hurt any further!”

“Shut up. I don’t care about your beliefs. Your way only makes her cry. Who decided that you’ll be happy when you don’t get hurt?”

“Then you’re saying you can protect her? You can make her happy? You think a human like you can protect her, a devil?”

“…Don’t ask something so stupid.”

Repelling a close shockwave, I shouted.

“Obviously I can! Who do you think I am!? I said I’ll protect her! I promised it. Yeah, I vowed it! So I’ll make Luna happy at all costs! It doesn’t matter that she’s a devil! I’ll smack everyone, who gets in the way. Even her father!”

“…You think you can be happy staying together with a devil?”

“Anything wrong in thinking that? I’m happy to have her by my side. That’s all. Don’t make me repeat myself! It doesn’t matter that she’s a devil!”

I shouted vehemently, when the attacks suddenly stopped.

Bram looked dumbfounded at me, with wide open eyes.

We were only separated by about five metres.

I used that chance to accelerate and approached Bram.

“Kuh!”

Bram moved his right hand quickly.

“Too slooow!”

I stepped forward swiftly with my left leg, when a shockwave grazed my right cheek.

Bram wanted to move back, but I didn’t let him. At the same time that I raised my lowered knee, I spun my waist and thrust my left arm out—-and drove the bottom of my left palm into Bram’s right side.

The force from the first blow surged through his body.

“WRAAR!”

The force from the second blow, surged through him and crushed his insides.

I struck with the bottom of my palm, rotating it in a corkscrew movement, into Bram’s left side, —Bram instantly coughed up blood from his mouth.

A technique for crushing the organs by utilising the powerful effect of two surges colliding—-a kind of KI attack and the special move of the Nanjou School of the mental moon-state water. The only technique I’d learnt from my gramps.

Most likely his innards had been crushed. While coughing up blood, Bram got on his knees.

“—I win.”

I declared while looking down upon Bram.

“…won’t accept.”

As he coughed up more blood, Bram said while groaning.

“Human, you certainly might be happy by being with Luna. But, Luna won’t. What do you think will happen to her… when she loses you?”

Bram stood up slowly.

“…It was the same with my wife. She was a human. When I was still a weak devil, she helped me when I was wounded. She told me it doesn’t matter that I was a devil. She stayed at my side.”

With shaking fists, Bram continued with a “But”.

“My wife was killed by humans. The guys who killed her said that by staying with a devil you become a devil yourself.”

Bram looked at me. His eyes, shaken by sadness, looked straight at me.

“My wife said—-that it doesn’t matter that I was a devil. She loved me. But she wasn’t loved by humans. My wife lost everything because of me. Her family, her friends, her parents. Everything. All she had left was…. me. Only a dirty devil remained with her.”

Bram pointed out his right hand while faltering.

“My wife was happy at my side before she lost everything. But after that she became sad. Her sadness ended with being cursed as a devil and getting killed…..Do you call that happiness? Can you say that my wife was happy?”

Bram let loose a shockwave from his right hand, but it didn’t reach me and just hit the ground.

“Luna will be the same. She’ll suffer the same as I did. I won’t allow that. Such sadness… Luna wouldn’t be able to bear it.”

Bram desperately extended his hand.

Ahh, he really treasured Luna.

A puddle of blood had already formed at Bram’s feet. Bram was bleeding from all over his body. It wasn’t just from the damage I dealt.

That probably was the compensation.

Powerful devils shouldered a high risk by coming to the human world. Their original powers are taken away temporarily and they aren’t able to use them. That’s what Gogyou-san and Elni said.

The compensation for forcefully using his powers. My attacks. His fatigue.

At last, Bram collapsed onto the ground.

“Father!”

Luna rushed over to Bram and gently lifted his body.

“…Father, thank you. I was really happy that you were so concerned about me….But, I am sorry. I still want to stay with Shinobu-san.”

“You’ll suffer sadness, you know? Our lifespans are different compared to humans. He can’t be by your side forever. Do you understand that?”

“I do. Nevertheless I want to stay with him.”

Luna said with a firm nod.

“Shinobu-san knew that I am a devil… yet he extended his hand towards me. He told me to stay by his side and that he would beat up anyone that made me cry. He promised me that he would protect me from now on and make me happy, so I shall go with him.”

That was the promise from seven years ago. The promise I had forgotten. The precious promise.

“So I was always waiting for Shinobu-san to call me…”

Ahh, right.

Elni’s ring links the wearer and a guardian spirit based on their relationship.

The reason Luna showed up, was that at the bottom of my heart I had wished for Luna.

“…But he had forgotten about me. We had finally reunited, but he acted all cold….”

With a gentle smile, Luna continued with a “But”.

“Although he had forgotten about me, he still ‘welcomed me back’. Even when he found out that I am a devil, he told me to stay by his side and held my hand. He even patted my head. And he protected me… He kept his promise.”

Luna gave me a smile.

“—-So, I will always stay by Shinobu-san’s side.”

Those were the words that I’d always longed for.

“….Yeah, stay with me forever.”

My chest warmed up. I couldn’t stop myself from hugging Luna.

So warm. Yeah, it was Luna.

I tightly hugged Luna as to confirm her existence.

“Shinobu-san.”

The arms around my back were lightly shaking.

Luna was crying. She was crying happily. So I—-

“…Hey.”

“Ahn?”

Who was interrupting this touching moment?

I frowned and faced the voice—-down at my feet.

“Bastard, are you screwing with me? Not only did you step on me, you even tried to do something to Luna!”

Somehow, the old man Bram was making a fuss at my feet.

“Fuhn!”

I shut him up with a kick of my heel and looked at Luna again.

Her wet eyes. Her flushed cheeks. Her soft pink lips. Lips. Aww, her lips.

“Hey, bastard! I won’t let you! Stop it!”

Old man Bram clung to my waist and desperately tried to pull me away.

When I looked closer, his left arm was missing. It was gone from the elbow down.

“Mh? Oh, this? I left my left arm in the demonic realm to control my powers.”

Maybe he noticed my look, but the old man explained it kindly. Nobody asked, you know. I once again kicked him away.

“Ugg! H- How violent! I can’t hand Luna over to someone like you!”

The old man crawled back.

So annoying, seriously.

“Go away. This is a great moment right now.”

“Shut up! I won’t acknowledge you!”

“Ah, ouch! Y- You hit me! Please stop it, Dad!”

“WHO ARE YOU CALLING DAAAAD!”

…Damn, he really hit me. I only hustled him away.

As he got up, he wobbled,

“…What are you guys doing?”

When I turned towards the voice, Elni stood there. Beside her was Gogyou-san.

“While we were fighting to the death, you guys were playing around?”

Elni shouted angrily.

“No fair! Let me in too!”

For now, I ignored Elni and looked Gogyou-san in the eyes.

“…Gogyou-san, are you okay?”

Her clothes were torn at parts and her arms and legs had scratches.

But Gogyou-san answered with a small smile.

“I’m fine. Rather, are you okay, Nanjou-kun?”

To be honest, I wasn’t okay at all. If I were to relax, I would fall down flat.

But Shinomun was a man. A proud Japanese hero. A brave gentlemen.

“Never felt better. My body hurts a bit here and there, but I’m totally fine. It’s on the level of mosquito bites.”

I acted strong, with shaking legs.

“Hmm. Then I’m okay too. Your attacks felt like the touch of a baby.”

When I turned around, old man Bram was acting strong with shaking legs also.

“…He’s Luna’s father? He seems like an idiot.”

Elni said openly and a blue vein popped up on the old man’s forehead.

“But he sure is a strange devil. He’s a devil, yet he’s got a guardian spirit.”

“…Guardian spirit?”

The old man make a perplexed expression and Elni nodded with a “Yeah”.

“I’m a Goddess, so I can tell. But it sure is weird. A devil is the complete opposite of a guardian spirit…”

Elni stared at the old man with narrow eyes.

“It’s a woman. Blonde hair and blue eyes. Quite the beauty.”

“…Can’t be.”

The old man took a step forward, approaching Elni.

“Does that woman have a scar under her eye? A small scar. No, it’s supposed to be covered by her blonde hair. Does her hair cover her left eye?”

The old man asked Elni with shaking shoulders. Elni made a surprised expression and answered.

“Wh- What? You hadn’t noticed it yourself? It’s like you said, her bangs are covering her left eye. See—–”

With a small gesture, Elni extended her hand towards the old man’s left shoulder.

“Ahh….”

A joyful voice escape the old man’s mouth.

For just a moment, the transparent silhouette of a beautiful woman appeared before us. Then she smiled at the old man, opened her mouth a bit and muttered something…. Then she quietly disappeared.

“…She was always by my side.”

The old man mumbled and shaked lightly.

“Hey…”

I called out to the old man.

“As a fellow human, I’ll tell you this: Your wife…. was happy. Even if she was rejected by everyone…. I’m sure she would tell you that she was happy.”

“…I know that.”

The old man said as his voice shaked.

“I knew that all along. I just….was so lonely.”

He’d always been sad, having lost his beloved so early.

“But she’s always watched over me….”

When the old man raised his head, he smiled.

“Old man…”

“Don’t say anything else.”

The old man interrupted me and headed for Luna.

“…You’re free to come back whenever you’re lonely.”

After saying just that, the old man walked away.

But Luna chased after him and hugged him from behind.

“Thank you, Father. I… do not know my real father, so you are the only father I have.”

“…Thanks.”

The old man nodded with a tearful expression.

“Hey, perverted old gentleman.”

“Who are you calling a perverted old gentleman!? You damn born-pervert!”

“I… I’m a born-pervert? Hey, try saying that to my face! Are these the eyes of a pervert!?”

I opened my eyes widely.

“….Mhm. That’s a rocking pair you have there.”

He praised me.

“W- Well, whatever. Ehm, I have something to tell you. Well, ehm, it’s…”

I said while I scratched my head and the old man made a perplexed expression.

Aww, I didn’t really want to say it. I didn’t want to, but I had to take responsibility.

I lowered my head to the old man.

“Thank you!”

I was so embarrassed that I couldn’t raise my head for a while.

“…Don’t make Luna cry.”

When I raised my head, the old man threw me something with a look of uncertaintity.

“I’ll leave that with you for now.”

I caught it with my right hand and looked at it….it was a blue ring.

“…Luna is a devil. If you plan to stay by her side, then soon enough you’ll have to form a contract with her.”

After he gave Luna a gentle look, he continued.

“Nanjou Shinobu, if you put on that ring, you won’t be affected by devils. From now on, you’ll protect Luna.”

Geez. Now I’d have to lower my head once more.

I’d kept my head lowered until the old man disappeared.

“…Shinobu-san.”

I turned towards the voice and Luna smiled as she stood beside me.

Ahh, I could protect her properly this time. When I thought that, all the strength left my body and I wobbled.

“Sh- Shinobu-san!”

“Nanjou-kun!”

Luna and Gogyou-san quickly extended their arms, but

“There”

Elni was faster. She grabbed my arm and pulled me close to her.

“Got a Shinomun!”

Elni shouted a “Yay”, took my hand and tried to pull me somewhere. I was dragged away.

“W- Wawah. A kidnapping! Shinobu-san is being kidnapped!”

“Nah, this is one of Elni’s jokes….probably.”

Gogyou-san tried to calm down the panicking Luna.

“Good for you, Shinobu.”

When I looked up, Elni was wearing a bright smile.

Yeah, really good.

I smiled as I was dragged away. I couldn’t suppress my teary smile.

“Haha!”

I laughed loudly.

At home, Nazuna and Mom had been waiting. Waiting for Luna and me.

They would surely tell us:

—-Welcome back.

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