Chapter 48

The two agents questioned and talked with Hikari for a few more hours, getting as much information from her as possible. Hikari never showed any signs of hesitation or resilience; she was always willing to answer to the best of her ability and never argued against the more provocative insinuations. She truly wanted to help us as much as possible. In the end, the two agents decided to bring the two Secular mages to another safe house, keeping them off grid as much as possible. Hikari also eventually told us where the main compound was and how to get inside. She had an entire plan already formulated for this day and explained it all to us and even gave us maps of the compound, where to infiltrate and where to avoid. She must have been planning this ever since she first got abused by Kirin.

Kirin.

Just the name sent a shiver down my spine. He was the true blood-son of my parents, the one that they thought they were bringing into their life. Instead, they got me a copy of him that was supposed to die. I guess even the Secular miscalculated how strong he was as they wouldn’t have let a replica to chance, knowing Tsuki’s history. What made the name ‘Kirin’ even more hideous to me was the mythological history behind the Kirin and dragons. Kirins in some stories are considered the enemies of dragons due to what they each symbolize. However, comparing Kirin and I, we seem to be named incorrectly. Kirins are of peace, order and benevolence, while dragons are of fearsome power and imperial rule. I don’t claim to be benevolent or orderly, but Kirin is ruling the Japan Secular with a tyrannical fist of power. In any case, it almost felt like we were meant to face each other in life, as if destined by our given names.

***

“I can’t believe that Hikari girl really just told us everything. If only she just came to us earlier, we would never had have fought half those battles.” Tsuki said, flopping onto the bed.

The four of us were all in Tsuki’s room, talking about the day and about Hikari as well as just hanging out. Marie and I were sitting on the small couch against the wall. Marie was reading the newest volume of her favourite manga. Ichiro was sitting cross-legged in a desk chair, looking through various spell sheets.

“I don’t think it was easy for her to do what she did. This whole thing seemed like a perfect scenario for her.” I said, defending the Apostle.

“She may have also orchestrated the whole thing, making it so this situation ended up happening precisely to her needs.” Marie said as she flipped a page in her manga.

“I don’t think she’s that cunning. She may have pushed a few things, but I don’t think getting a scar like that makes you act without certainty.” I said putting my arm around Marie’s shoulders.

“It doesn’t matter if she’s a mastermind or not; what matters is that we finally have the chance to kill those bastards that locked me up and torch the whole place down!” Tsuki said, throwing a fist up while she laid flat on the bed.

“Very true. I would never have guessed that the main compound would be hiding in such an obvious place.” Ichiro said, accidentally dropping several sheets.

“Tallest tower in the world, hiding the most sinister organization.” Marie sighed.

“I guess when using the same cloaking magic as the compound we attacked, placing it in the Skytree makes for the perfect hiding place.” I said, placing my head on Marie’s shoulder, reading the manga with her.

“Okay, so we really need to talk about the plan X-girl made up though. We should make sure she isn’t trying to screw us.” Tsuki said, her voice breaking into a yawn.

“Getting tired there, human blender?” Ichiro quipped.

“Don’t call me a human blender! Getting all that blood off took forever. I had such a long shower. I didn’t even get to... never mind. But yes, I’m tired.” Tsuki said, shuffling in her bed.

“You know, Ichiro probably has a spell for cleaning off blood. Don't you, Ichiro?” I asked, trying to tease Tsuki.

“I think I do. Or maybe it’s one to remove the blood from a person.” Ichiro said, placing a finger on his chin. “No, no it was definitely a cleaning spell.”

Tsuki rolled over on her bed and stared at me and Ichiro. She just glared at us before speaking, in perfect English. “Fuck you.” Ichiro and I let out small chuckles and even Marie giggled lightly.

“Anyway, it is pretty late. We should get some sleep. The next few days are going to be us preparing for the attack. We should plan to launch our assault by next week at the latest.” I said as I started to get up.

“Yes, I agree. We should give Tsuki some alone time or she’ll get antsy.” Marie teased.

“I’ll show you antsy.” Tsuki muttered as she rolled over. “Goodnight, you loveable idiots.”

“Don’t stay up too late, Tsuki.” Ichiro said as he exited the room.

Marie and I followed behind him as we closed the door.

***

It was late at night, Marie and I were laying together in bed, chatting about everything and nothing. For how chaotic the day was and everything that happened, the mood and atmosphere in our home was peaceful. Marie was resting her head on my chest, and I had my arm wrapped around her. The entire time we lived in this house, this was a normal sleeping arrangement for us, but I never stopped loving it. Just her being close to me put my entire body at ease, making drifting off to sleep easy.

“Ryu.” Marie spoke in a soft tone.

“Yeah?”

“Hi.”

I chuckled. “Hey.”

She said nothing and just circled her finger on my chest, then tapped it up to my collar, then slid it down to my stomach, then rested her hand flat.

“Are you anxious about something?” I asked.

“Not exactly. Well, I am. But...” She trailed off, not finishing her thoughts.

“What’s up?”

“We could be reaching the end of the road soon.”

“Yeah, taking out the Japan Secular could be a big movement for us.”

“I don’t just mean that.”

“...?”

“I mean... us.”

“Marie, is something wrong?”

After a short silence, Marie spoke in a quiet voice.

“If we succeed in our plan, the agency will move us to new locations. There’s no guarantee it will be together.”

“I’ll make sure it’s together. Or I’ll leave the agency and take you with me. I’ll take you even if I have to drag you.”

“You won’t have to drag me.” She said, pressing herself closer to me. “But... what if we fail?”

“Then we fail and try again.”

“What if we can’t? What if...”

I lightly grabbed Marie’s chin and made her look up at me. “I promise, no matter what, I will always come back to you. Even if I lose a fight, I’ll make sure I come to you.”

Marie shuffled around, getting up and putting her arms on either side of my head, staring down at me. “I don’t want to miss out on this chance. On us.” She said, then kissed me passionately.

I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close to me. “I don’t want to miss any chances with you. We missed enough.”

She pressed her lips to mine again, passion overtaking the night.