Everyone Wants Michiaki's Help

Michaiki: “They seem to like you. They don’t like anybody. You have quite an impression on them…Dinner is ready. Come kids, sit down. We need to pray…Astro, grab my hand and the person next to yours…We thank the crops for this yield, meal, and the soil underneath that is so gracious to us. Thank you for lending your support to keep us replenished day after day. We thank the environment for its temperatures that allow us to live graciously. We thank the day for raising the sun in the sky, and the moons at night that allow that cycle to continue so that we may wake up to prosper not only with breath, but with the excitement that follows through the time we have. Alright, eat up!”

Astro hesitated to eat, but Michiaki assured him that it was okay. Seeing the happy faces around him, and the simple lifestyle was odd for him. He struggled in the slums for years trying to steal food and ate whatever he could to survive whether that was rats or ants. Michiaki dumped a bowl for him, forcing him to enjoy the good food.

Michiaki: “If you don’t eat, I’m going to think you don’t like my cooking. That wouldn’t be good, would it, kids?”

His wife laughed and his kids continued to eat so fast that their cheeks were full. They reminded Michaiki that he needed a shower because he smelled so bad. He laughed, but agreed that he shouldn’t have come around the table like this.

Astro: “How?”

Michiaki: “How what?”

Astro: “How can you live a happy life like this everyday? Do you not have enemies that come after you?”

Michiaki: “My friend. Your soul is tainted by lost ones. Mine is too. How do we move on from that? We can’t. Regret sits deep in the soul. It’s a never ending losing battle. You can only protect what you have and try not to recreate what you regret so much. I put down my sword a long time ago after the Titan war, but it does not mean that I won’t pick it up again if someone threatens my family. I moved out here for a reason, but I always let people come in to talk. If people are here to not talk and start something else, then I won’t hesitate to protect what’s mine. If those who wish to wreak havoc without trying to converse first, then they are beyond saving. The world creates a balance of good and evil unfortunately. I wish that everyone could be born with a never ending smile on their face. That is why we pray not to an entity, but to what supports our life. I am not strong enough to create a world where everyone is happy.”

Astro: “Does that not defeat the purpose of emotions?”

Michiaki: “Well, think about it like this. We are born like this. Good and evil exists and that is what we know. What if we were born with neverending happiness and that is instead what we know. No death, no suffering, no evil. Everyone helps each other and there is not a worry in the world. Why weren’t we born like that? Why is this world born with swords that only cause chaos? What if there were no swords to begin with? Would violence still exist?”

Astro: “I don’t know. I think I would like that too, but I never thought about it like that.”

Michiaki: “That’s all we can do is think. Think about what we can change and how. Is there someone out there that can create that? A world of happiness and peace? A world where death is celebrated or death doesn’t even happen? A world where Petals don't affect whether someone is poor or wealthy and can afford food.”

Astro: “I-I don’t know.”

Michiaki: “The answer is no. You can rarely change someone, so how do we fix this problem? We must fix ourselves. If everyone did, then there would be no problems, however that will never happen, but I choose to live my life the way I want and make choices that protect the ones I love. That’s all I can do in the face of powerlessness.”

A presence appeared outside the house suddenly as they conversed.

Michaiki looked out the window to see a woman and a man dressed in a jester outfit along with a woman with white hair and bright blue eyes. He knew exactly who it was and ran to open the door with a smile on his face as if the serious talk they had just faded with the newcomers.

Michiaki: “Clara Serengetti! It’s been years!”

He hugged her and she introduced the other two, although Michiaki had already met Ezra a long time ago. She had a huge smile on her face, as she liked Michiaki very much. She loved what he stood for and his attitude on life and people, although in this moment, he looked different in her eyes.

He shook Ren’s hand as well and invited them inside, rubbing the back of his head and apologizing for not making enough food for everyone. Clara had a serious look on her face that said she wasn’t here for a reunion. Michaiki matched her face and then started laughing, telling her to cheer up.

Clara: “Michiaki. I’m sorry this is not to come and catch up and how our lives have been. I wish it was and I regret not coming sooner. I apologize profusely for this, but right now, I didn’t have a choice but to come here. I’m sorry to your family as well. I did not mean to barge on your nice dinner and guest, however, this is serious. We need to talk.”

Michiaki: “Clara. I allow you into my abode and you don’t show any respect for anyone here? That’s the first thing you say? What have I told you in the past about coming here?”

Nobody talked.

The place went still and silent. Michaiki’s eyes focused on her and then he started to laugh again.

Michiaki: “Just kidding! Ha! Lighten up, Clara.”

Clara: “Michiaki. This affects your kids too.”

He looked at her with a faded smile. His face showed that he was visibly angry that she said this in front of his family.

Michiaki: Honey, can you take the kids upstairs please. You can heat up your leftovers later. I need to catch up with an old friend.”

His wife took the kids upstairs to play while the rest of them sat down with Astro. “Who is this?” she asked. “Name’s Astro,” he said.

Her eyes widened a little.

Clara: “Astro? Do you know my son, Welpen?”

Astro: “Welpen? Yeah, I know that kid. Clara? Clara, Clara, Clara. Yeah, he mentioned you. You’re his mom right?”

Clara: “Yes, kind of. Anyways, thank you for taking care of my son. He wouldn’t have made it without you. Sorry for what you went through in protecting him. It didn’t sound fun…Michiaki, do you know why we are here?”

Michiaki: “Let me guess. You want my help yada, yada, yada. Everybody always wants something. This man came to me first, so I have to respect his wishes and what he came to talk about first. I consider myself a fair man. You know how I am Clara.”

Astro: “I’ll get straight to the point. I’m sure news has reached even you up here, but the declining animal population has to do with the person I’m after.”

Michiaki: “Declining animal population? This is news to me.”

Clara: “Almost all animals have disappeared. Less than 1% remain and people are beginning to starve. Iki Ritus, the leader of The Association is supposedly helping by migrating people, but I don’t know how it's going.”

Astro: “I could care less about that, but it just so happens that the person I am trying to track down is what’s causing this animal's disappearance. His name is Dante, well…was Dante. For some reason, his soul changed with some man that took over his body and now his name is Isamu and his appearance has completely changed. I just learned of this, however the last time I saw him, he turned into a monster that was beyond strength. He fought with Kento Izuki. I’m sure you all know who that is. When I went to the Infinite Library, I asked about it and received a tracker. Apparently, some residue inside of him dispersed from the Reaper Sword, and whatever sword he picked up belonged to someone of insane strength that took over his body. That stupid being also said that he has the strength to destroy the 9 Worlds of Protrations, whatever the hell that means. You’re the only person in this world strong enough to defeat this man according to Kanji Adachi, while also saving Dante’s soul inside his body.”

Michiaki: “Hmm, are you asking if I will help?”

Astro: “Yes. I am.”

Michiaki: “Hmm, okay. Clara, let me hear what you have to say now. Astro, please if you will sit tight while I hear her out now. I do want to hear both inquiries.”

Clara: “As I have introduced Ezra already, and you know who she is, let me introduce this man sitting next to me. Ren Itou, but I’m sure if I say this, then you will know it better. He is the sole survivor of the Great Catastrophe, the ultimate war of realms. We’ve come to ask if you will help us fight against God.”

Michiaki: “Hmm, very solid points for both of you. Clara, I do feel like you are leaving some stuff out there and that is a very vague reasoning for going against a deity. You are pretty strong yourself, so whatever reason you want to challenge God, and for whatever reason you don’t believe you are strong enough, I shall look the other way…Now, what to do, what to do. Clara, are you sure you don’t want to elaborate?”

Clara: “I-I’m scared. I’m scared that we will lose, Michiaki. You don’t need to know why or what or how. You’ve always just gone in blindly and taken everybody down, but the Titan War changed me at least. I could’ve helped more. I’m a fighter, not someone who should have stood back and assisted everyone. I should’ve fought from the beginning and now Aamon took the hit for that. However, this is different. This is an entity that is far superior from what we fought against. If the 11 of us barely won that, then I need you at least for this. I won’t elaborate on anything else. You’ve never needed to know, but if you agree, then I will share the plan we have in place.”

Michiaki: “I see. Astro, do you have anything else to elaborate on?”

Astro: “I won’t ask for anything more. You have a family. You don’t need to spend more time away than needed. Whatever you choose, I won’t be mad. I will respect your choice. You are a man above all. You have my ultimate respect.”

Michiaki: “Some interesting arguments. Let me process this knowledge. So, one side says that the animal population will die out and humanity will starve from a man that can destroy the 9 worlds. Astro, do you know what the 9 worlds are?”

Astro: “No.”

Michiaki: “Would you like to know?”

Astro: “No. I don’t care. I need Dante back.”

Michiaki: “Stubborn you are. I like that. So, if I choose the other option, then I defeat a ruler of the 5 realms and for a reason I don’t know, but I don’t really need to know. I can only assume that it is righteous coming from you, Clara, as well as the Ruler of the Spirit Realm. Forgive me Ren, I would include you, but I just met you. Okay, so we got that all out of the way. Would anyone like some water, I’m parched.”

Michiaki got up, poured himself a glass and nobody else. They stared at him while he grabbed another bowl of rice, sat down and started to eat, looking down at the table. He didn’t say anything, but continued to eat his rice and even commented on how good it was.

Clara waited till he was done, thinking he would say something, but he got up, cleaned his dish, put the food away, and walked over to his couch where he began to read a book.

Clara finally confronted him about what he was doing. He simply replied with exactly what he was doing at the current moment: Reading a book. She asked him again what his choice was. He ignored her and kept reading. Astro sat there unphased, not expecting anything. She asked again, but no response.

Michiaki: “Astro, would you like anything to drink? I know I asked once, but I’ll ask again.”

Astro: “Nope. I’m good.”

They both began to whistle coincidentally, which made Clara think they were doing this on purpose to her, but it simply was an accident. Astro pulled a cigarette out of his pocket, but threw it in the trash right away. He didn’t want to disrespect Michiaki by smoking in his house, plus he was trying to quit.

Michiaki: “Astro…Forgive me. I have thought about what you said. As much as I would like to help you, I cannot. I gave up fighting years ago. I have a family now and that is more important than anything. I am sure you understand. I sat here thinking about how to respond to you that would make you understand, but I cannot think of anything that wouldn’t make you upset. It seems this man’s intention is not to destroy the 9 worlds. He would have tried to do this by now, or maybe the animals are a tell sign of this, but I do not know. If this were to happen, then I would save your friend and fight against him, but with the family I have now, I choose to run. Hate me all you want. I fought people for years. I think it’s time that I actually fight for people this time, not against. I’m sorry. There are very talented people in this world that can help. People believe that I am an all mighty weapon and some conqueror of evil, but I am just a man trying to protect those that I love and live my life in peace. Even if the world goes sideways, that is not my fault. I am not obligated to fight just because I am strong.”

Astro: “Yeah. I get it. Don’t worry, I wasn’t going to shame you. I kinda figured that would be your choice once I saw your family. I understand more than anyone else. Well, I’ll be on my way.”

Clara: “Huh? That’s it? You’re giving up like that, Astro?”

Astro: “The man made his choice. Not my problem anymore.”

Michiaki: “Astro, stay for a minute if you will. I want you to hear this too…Clara, my longtime friend. You know what my answer is going to be. I just explained it to him. I do want my name edged into this world as a killer.”

Clara: “You’re not a killer. You’re a hero! You save people.”

Michiaki: “I save people by killing other people that I don’t even know. How is that justified? Do you believe people are born evil? No, people are made evil by the events that unfold. Why does it have to be like that? Why can’t everyone try a little harder instead of succumbing to weakness? Strength does not have to come from a sword or chaplets or mana. It comes from within. Controlling your mind to love and work harder for what you love, not killing others to keep balance in play. That cycle will never end and do not argue that with me. You’re a kind person Clara, and Welpen is lucky to have you, but there are things that you can’t change in this world, and people are included.”

Clara: “You think people can’t change? That’s your reasoning to not kill? What about a person that murders an entire village just because they thought it was fun? Those people exist, and if we aren’t there to stop them, then evil will win.”

Michiaki: “That is my point, Clara. It hurts. It hurts to see people suffer. I don’t want to see that anymore. It’s never going to end. When I die, more people will be ruined by this world. Nobody cares anymore. That ended with Masaru. He tried to make the world a better place, but failed. All I can do is run and protect what is mine. That’s all anyone can ever do. If there aren’t good people to go after, then evil will destroy evil. Maybe the world can change at that point.”

Clara: “I pity you. You talk about how people can’t change, but look at you. Look at me! I’ve changed, so have you. You once killed, and now you are choosing a different path. That is change right before your very eyes. So, why can’t you change again?”

Michiaki: “No, I haven’t changed. I just made a choice. I chose to turn my back on the world as it did to me and everybody else in it. I wish you good luck in your fight against God.”

Ren: “You coward. Running from problems because you think it makes it right. Just because you ignore it doesn’t mean it doesn’t go away. You could be out there saving people, but instead you rot here and choose to save only 3 others.”

Michiaki: “Do you have kids, Ren?”

Ren: “N-No.”

Michiaki: “I see. Goodnight to you all. You can take a Yellow Egress Chaplet if you’d like. There is one on the shelf in the back.”

Clara: “Michiaki! Michiaki!”

He continued upstairs without turning back.

Clara started to cry, knowing they didn’t really have a chance now. Ren became frustrated and banged his fists on the table. Astro just laughed under his breath, walked to the door and said, “I’ll just have to find someone equally as strong. Dante, I’m not giving up. Just wait. I’ll be there soon.”

He disappeared using his shadow technique while Clara still cried at her helplessness. ‘Stubborn bastard!’ she screamed in her mind. ‘We’re not going to win. He’s completely lost it.’

Ezra: “Clara. There are other ways and other people. If we gather the Great Swordsmen, we might have a chance.”

Clara: “No, we don’t. We need Aamon and he’s not able to fight right now. I’m the strongest out of all of them and we might not be able to use our moons against him. After all, it’s in his realm.”

Ezra: “What if…What if we don’t fight him in his realm? What if we try a different approach.”

Clara: “That would defeat the whole purpose of getting your body.”

Ezra: “No, this is perfect. What if we can bring him down to this world and fight him here. Surely he wouldn’t have the strength he has in his realm in comparison. I can now fight the same in my realm and on your soil. It would be advantageous for us to bring him down here.”

Clara: “And how are we going to do that?”

Ren gasped in excitement, knowing what they could do.

Ren: “A transport ritual! Ezra, you can get us there now and we can use a Blockade Chaplet and as many Yellow Egress Chaplets that we think we need. Clara, you’re a genius!”

Ezra: “Wait, wait, wait, wait. You really believe that you can just use Yellow Egress Chaplets to transport a deity down here?”

Ren: “If we do a ritual with a Blockade Chaplet, then it’s sure to work. It enhances the amount of people that you can teleport at once. I don’t even think we need more than 5, but let’s get a lot more just in case.”

Ezra: “Wait, wait! This is a theory. How do we know for sure?”

Clara: “This world relies on chaplets. They should work regardless of who it is or where they are. We can test it on you, Ezra. Your full strength should be close if not equal to God. If we can teleport your main body here, then it will for sure work on God. Let’s try it now at the bottom of the mountain.”

As so they did.

Ezra went back to the Spirit Realm, took the chaplets, and tried using a Blockade Chaplet that Ren had from years ago and never used it. She placed it in the middle of the ground, surrounded by 4 Yellow Egress Chaplets. 1 that they had taken from Michiaki that he offered, and the rest all from Clara. She activated them all, purposely trying to transport herself back down to where they were.

A flash of light broke through and she was finally in front of both of them after a few seconds. ‘No way it worked!’ Ezra thought in her head. ‘We can win!”

Ren and Clara looked at each other in awe of finding out that it worked. It was such a simple technique that they hadn’t thought of. Now, with Ezra’s body, they would need a few more people who could fight. They didn’t know how they would manage against God’s strength, but they knew that they had a good possibility of winning.

Ren sped off to grab his books and test his final healing spells, while Ezra went back to the Spirit Realm to do some business, and Clara stood there, breathing in and breathing out, ready for what could be her last battle…