Future

Everyone was capable of the magic born from the energy of the barrier between realms. Naoya learned that fact in the days of his recuperation. Ghosts could naturally access it, and thereby remain in the Deadrealm. Agents also had a connection to it, but it wasn’t quite as strong. Humans had to use energy that was made available to them, but then they had the same abilities as everyone else.

Aki showed Naoya how to utilise the energy stored in their medicine to regenerate his body effectively while he slept. He also showed him how to fly. Well, float, for starters. During the following four days, they stayed together in the hotel prison room, licking their wounds.

And then it was time for the grand event. The announcement had spread like wildfire. There were 20 events scheduled at the same time, at critical points all throughout Japan. The members of QTE48 would perform in groups of two or three people in whichever location was closest to their hometown.

It had been an effort of gigantic proportions, but the organisation seemed to have weight stronger than any political or otherwise important group. They wanted it done and the permits magically flew into their hands. Considering the age of the group, it shouldn’t have been surprising, but Naoya was still impressed.

They had chosen the site of the largest rift in Tokyo, right next to the Skytree, as their place of observation. A stage had been built on the plaza in front of the Skytree’s entrance, and it was bursting with people. Only a few minutes to the performance. Colourful lights lit up the stage as the photos people were actively submitting were already shown on the big screen. Some were singing along to the playback.

“It’s already working, with just karaoke,” Aki said. “Word from the other locations says the same.”

“Once this is over, what will happen?” Naoya asked.

“Business as usual, I suppose.”

“That means I’ll go back to being a civilian?”

Aki put an arm around Naoya’s shoulders. “That depends on your wishes. A job at the organisation can set you up for life. But it might not be what you want.”

“And you?”

“It's to continue serving, or releasing my soul back into the cycle. It’s always been like this for me. For all of us.”

Naoya looked at the crowd in front of the stage. In their uniforms they could easily blend in as security detail.

“So I don’t have a choice. It’s either staying with the organisation or never seeing you again.”

“It comes down to that, yes.”

Naoya fell silent just as the music on stage started blasting. Three members of QTE48 ran out on stage, dressed in blue and white costumes to represent the Skytree. The crowd cheered loudly.

“I’ll check up on the progress on the other side,” Aki said.

Naoya nodded mutely. Aki’s gloves lit up and he shifted away. Naoya stared at the empty air. That’s what it would be like, he thought. Me, all alone again. Do I want to be?

The concert had ramped up to full force. Naoya diligently mouthed along to the lyrics to contribute his share. The vision in his right eye was still blurry, but at least he had grown a new one.

Within all of the cheer and happiness, Naoya felt profoundly alone.

…

All of a sudden, Aki materialised from thin air next to him. “It’s working! It’s working so well, the rift is already closing, but every bit more can only reinforce the barrier. It’s… Naoya?”

Naoya realised he was crying.

Why?

Aki put a hand on his face and gently wiped away his tears. “You don’t have to decide today. Rest first. Sit on your laurels. Then hear out the options.”

“Alright,” Naoya sobbed.

“Aww, come here.”

——

The whole stunt with the performances had not only been supremely effective, it was also widely popular. They sold out three more nationwide events over the next few days, boosting the fabric of the barrier to a degree not seen for decades. After the stress and personal sacrifices of all agents, it felt like a welcome holiday—though not for all. A large number of ghosts had escaped through the extended period and tracking them down was their work too.

Naoya returned to finish his studies after an extended break for health reasons. He was surprised to find his classmates concerned about him after they couldn’t reach him during his absence. Aki attended his graduation as his partner in his female form, since he had started changing between them whenever he felt like it.

——

“Are you sure?” Naoya asked.

He was standing at the railing of a pedestrian bridge, watching a middle-aged woman walk past them. Aki nodded. She pointed at the woman’s hair.

“How old do you think she is?”

“Uh, around 50, I suppose? Some people get grey hair earlier than others.”

“She’s 21.”

“Oh.”

“Come on, we need to take her in before her life’s energy is gone.”

Aki walked forward and put a hand on the woman’s shoulder. In the blink of an eye, they had shifted into the Deadrealm together. Naoya followed them over after making sure no one was watching. He arrived to see the woman screeching like a banshee as Aki wrapped a red rope around her body.

“I spent decades getting out of here! You’re not taking me back!”

“I’m taking you with me one way or another. Either you relinquish your hold on this woman right now and get a reduced sentence, or we’ll separate you by force. The second option won’t be as nice.”

The woman ground her teeth so hard it sounded painful. She looked at Naoya, who shrugged to say he couldn’t help her. A moment later, the body of the woman slipped out of the ropes and fell to the floor. She still looked middle-age, features slack in unconsciousness. Naoya knew she would regain some youth after recuperating, but some damage would be irreversible. The ghost still bound in the red rope was young—maybe 16 or 17.

“Good choice. Naoya, you stay here with her until I can send the retrieval team, alright? I’m taking this one in.”

“As usual, then,” Naoya said.

“Yeah,” Aki replied. “See you later.”

“Love you.”

Aki turned back, smiling.

“Love you too.”