|Obstacles

As the frightening sight in front of him disappeared, he was blinded by

darkness. He screamed out hoping someone will hear him but it was useless.

His void like state seemed like an eternity. An actual eternity in a situation like that will have surely made anyone question his sanity. Was he an exception?

---Where am I???

He wandered around the four blocks of his mind. The one real thing he acknowledged were his thoughts. He was stuck in a nightmare.A nightmare was an understatement. Shurikens flying, dead bodies everywhere.The sight of blood drowned out the imagery of every other thing and this distinct smell. It was so strong, it made his eyes watery. His alarm rang out.Still in shock, he rubbed his face and glanced at the alarm that usually woke him up but this time it was still silent.

---What am I doing this early in the morning?? I’m so sweaty..With the dream I just had, I can’t blame myself..I’ve been seeing the same dream lately.I remember an unfamiliar face…Telling me to “get out of the way”….I wonder what it all means..

At the Brent residence, the deafening sound of her alarm clock sent an annoying stimulus through her body as she struggled to get up from bed.

“I’m up already, jeez. How many times do I have to hit you before you shut up?”

--I need a new alarm clock. This one might be broken. Anyway, I have to get ready for school.

She bounced from her bed and performed some minor stretches before walking into the bathroom.

--Time for breakfast, I’m quite early so I’ll try making some.

“I know you’re there.”

“Want some help?”

Her workaholic mother, Emi brent, popped her head from the handrail. The strong smell of her perfume was enough to inform Wendy of her presence.

“Nope.”

“but you’re getting late.”

“I appreciate your kind gesture. And about being late, that’s only if I choose to wait for the bus to arrive but I have other plans so stop worrying about that. You being home earlier than usual should be more worrying.”

“We’re doing this again?”

--You shouldn’t have talked to me in the first place.

“Oh no, I wouldn’t want to spoil my mood. After all, the day has just begun.”

“………Wendy”

“I’ll be off now. Enjoy the meal. Hope it tastes better than the regular at work.I’m riding my bicycle today.”

Before shutting the door, she paused to see what expression her mother had on. She got to school and found about a dozen love letters in her locker. This was a normal day in the life of Wendy Brent, the most beautiful girl in Akate high school.She was also called Akate high’s very own angel. This nickname sort of stuck overtime. She has had a number of letters from both boys and girls and has politely rejected all. She had so many confessions that her rejection speeches had basically the same lines though occasionally she forgot them and used something completely different. This was just a normal day but she was drained.

--Opening love letters first thing in the morning isn’t exactly…

“What I was expecting.”

“Huh? You were expecting a love letter?”

--I said that out loud?

“Oh, Rinta…”

“Surprised to see me?”

“Not really.”

--She’s quite punctual while I’m the opposite.

“You were quite early today.”

“Weird, right??”

Right in the middle of their conversation, he walked right past them. The one she had been trying to ignore...Yato Shirou.At that moment, the letters were the least of her worries.

--It shouldn’t be that difficult. I do it with my Mum all the time.

“Weird indeed.Anyway, this is the first time I’m seeing you happy when receiving letters.”

“Oh, I didn’t mean that.”

“Hmmm?? Well, I think you should read all of those letters, you might be surprised.”

“Surprised, huh?I don’t think so..”

“Yo Shirou….How are you doing?”

“Hey.”

She stared at him from a distance as he was stopped by Lucas, forgetting the task she gave herself few seconds prior.

--He’s already friends with Lucas and Harry. He didn’t seem like the type that enjoyed the company of others.I might be wrong..Maybe the problem was me.Maybe he’s only that way with me.

“Wendy, let’s go.”

“Alright, I’m coming.”

Shirou sighed heavily as she walked away with Rinta beside her.

“A bit tired….”

“What’s wrong, Shirou??You look like you were up all night watching porn or something.”

“Lucas..Filter.”

---I’m glad that I’m not the only person that finds a few things wrong with what he said

“I just wanted to see his reaction.”

“I wonder what you gain from that??”

“It’s fun, that’s all.”

---I woke up early so I’m too tired to even make any facial expressions. I just want to get class over with so I can go to bed.

“So..made up your mind yet?”

---I can see the hopeful expression on his face but then I’m not sure he’s going to like my answer.

“Yeah.Well, I think I’ll go for the Kendo club.”

“Are you crazy? Eric is there. You know how much he hates you.Out of all the clubs, it’s his club?”

---I’m well aware of that fact. The odds of that happening in all the other clubs are just as high so I’ll be hated no matter which club I choose. I’m currently club less and still I’m hated so what am I really going to lose?

“Is that so?”

“It’s not hard to tell.”

“I’ll try my luck. I’m not there for him. I’m just there to learn. That’s all.”

“But…”

“Lucas, shut it.It’s his choice. But be warned,although Eric can’t forcefully make you choose another club, he can mess with you and indirectly make you quit. He doesn’t stop until he gets what he wants.”

---I know that much already.

“I hope it’s not because you got all touchy-feely with Misaka?”

“Of course not…..And please lower your voice..”

And with a fist bump……..

“Good luck.”

---I think I’m starting to get used to his fist bumps.

Just for a second, he recalled his conversation with Yuuki the previous day

[

“So that’s it for binomials…”

“Thanks.”

Her words lacked any energy, it was obvious that she was on rest mode.

---Seeing her tired gives me a form of relief. I guess it just reminds me that my sister is not a machine or a secret android. She’s human.Just like me.

She stopped him on his way to the door, using her hands to cover her mouth as she yawned.

“By the way, you’ve joined a club?”

“No, not yet.”

“Same here. Wanna talk about it??”

“Maybe some other time, go to bed. You must be tired.”

“I’m not tired!!!!You must be imagining things.”

---I have no choice but to give in. Although, lying doesn’t really suit her.

“If you say so.”

“I can’t pick between the literature club and the Archery club..Also swimming..Oh basketball too and then the Drama club.”

---That’s what you get for being multi-talented. The people that only have a few good things going for them pick those things without any hesitation, kind of like a no brainer. The dilemma of the multi-talented. A blessing and a curse.

“You narrowed them down and you still have so many options. Well you are curious about a bunch of stuff so it isn’t surprising.”

---I’m more surprised that the literature teacher is in the chess club.

“You’ve got that right, what about you?”

“I’ll say two. The Kendo club and the Archery club.”

“That’s great.”

“But…….”

“but?????”

She raised an eyebrow as he paused.

“Both captains hate me.”

“Huh???”

“I’m not kidding.”

“Well there can be two logical reasons for that.”

She pointed at him then sharply inhaled then exhaled before continuing her explanation.

“1… They don’t know the real Shirou

2.. They don’t understand the real Shirou”

---Who is this “real Shirou” you are talking about??? I wonder how mad she would get if I actually said that out loud?

“Aren’t 1 and 2 the same?”

“No. They need to pass through the first stage which is being able to have a certain way they view you. This is the most difficult part.Nearly everyone has heard of Yato Shirou, the psychotic murderer from wide spread rumours so that alone has created a bridge. Now when some people cross that stage, there’s a problem of misunderstanding, mostly depending on the amount of time you’ve spent with the person. It takes a while to understand someone so don’t stress over it.”

“You’re amazing, you know that?”

“Yeah.If I wasn’t then most of the girls in my class won’t hate me.That’s just how it is. Jealousy, I presume..”

---You can’t hate someone lower than you. That’s how life works.

She smiled and raised a thumbs up, he smirked in response.

---I can’t believe I’m receiving a lecture from my little sister. Well she has her moments..Moments like this…

“You’re right.I shouldn’t worry about any of that. I’ll join the Kendo club. What about you?”

“I think I’ll join the literary club.All the other clubs sound fun but if I wanna be a writer, I’ll need to be more serious about it.Angie-senpai is going to help me with my writing.”

He glared at her. She understood the reason behind his stone cold expression.

“Hehe, I forced her.”

---Knew it.

“I want to know how being in that club with her would feel, you know.. Would I be able to compete??? All these are things……I would definitely love to find out.”

“Starting tomorrow then.”

“Sure.”

“Well I’m getting tired so….Goodnight.”

“You’ve not read me a bedtime story yet.”

---How old are you??

“Grow up.”

“I wish I didn’t have to.”

Upon turning back, he realized that the person he was talking to had already shut her eyes.He smiled and turned to the light switch right beside him to turn off the lights before shutting the door.

“What are you doing??”

“Oops, my bad.”

---She doesn’t like the lights off.

]

“I’m going to do this, whether he likes it or not.”

He walked through the hallway, feeling a new boost of motivation and a breath of new life flowing through him.He walked to the classroom and met two siblings at the front door having a conversation.

“Is this really the best place to talk??”

“Well right now, it is..”

“I don’t understand you most of the time..”

“Shhh he is coming..”

Rinta stood by the door and resumed the conversation with her younger brother, Tenkawa Nire in anticipation of Shirou’s closeness.

“C’mon, I’m trynna help out here plus do you know how long it would have taken you to confess your true feelings. We might have graduated already..”

“I hope you know that you could ruin an already quivery relationship.”

“There’s always a risk to every important decision we make. Be brave.”

---Do they realise that literally anybody walking by can hear them??? It doesn’t look like they care much. It’s Brent’s friend and….someone I don’t know. I don’t think I’ve seen him before.

“I’m so screwed.”

“Man up for once. You’ve got this, okay?? Wendy would be shocked at first but personally I think you’ve got a chance.”

She patted his shoulder while he slapped his face in embarrassment..

---Wendy?? He has a thing for her???Oh well, that is none of my business.My only problem is…Why are they ignoring me and why is she standing by the door in the first place??

“You’re lucky she can’t hear you.”

“Let’s get seated, little bro.”

---What’s with that mischievous look on her face and why hasn’t she moved yet??I’ve been standing here for a while.

She glared at him and entered the classroom.. He was a little disappointed for giving her the ‘airhead’ label when she was nothing of the sort…

---Did I do something that got her angry???I barely even know her and I’ve not spoken to her before.Not even a greeting.Perhaps it was something that indirectly pissed her off.

As he entered the classroom, a familiar face popped up in front of him.

“Shirou.”

“Hey.”

---I don’t know how to feel about this.

“I heard from Lucas that you’re joining. Don’t be scared of my brother.”

“I don’t care about him”

“So cool.Well I’m sure this’ll be the perfect fit for you”

“Hope so.”

She casually went back to her seat. She is quite obscure but this much is clear, she was feared by a lot of people. She slowly deviated from the image he initially had of her.He started doubting his labels and decided to wipe them clean from his head and restart the process.

---Shouldn’t be difficult….So she’s that type of goddess,huh?

“You’re so mean, Wendy.”

“You’re too loud. I only told him how I felt…I didn’t say anything mean...Well that’s about all of them.”

“Check again.”

---It’s her again. Her manly voice is one of the most distracting sounds I’ve ever come across. Even a game of tennis would be more pleasant for my ears.

She read through the last letter and turned to Rinta with a rather unimpressed look.

“Is this your doing???”

“Of course not. Oh,don’t turn around.”

---After everything I told myself, this feeling of guilt never left. I don’t want her to hate me…… but I don’t think I would get a chance to apologize for what I said.

Classes were over so he headed to the kendo club.As he opened the door to the Kendo dojo, all the momentum he gathered slowly faded away. It shredded through his thin wall of confidence.

”Misaka??”

“If you’re about to ask where my brother is, I don’t have a clue. He seems to be late.”

“I see.”

---Is he with her again?

“Forget about him. We have introductions to make.Go get changed.”

---The clothes suck.What was I expecting though? Even that of the Archery club looks just as bad.

”He’s here.”

“Where are you taking me??”

“My name is Utakawa Sota.Glad to have you in our special club. Everyone. We have a new member among us.”

”My name is Yato Shirou.”

“He would be joining us in our journey”

“Our journey??”

“Of course.”

She releases his arm as they all say “The true way of the Sword” in unison with the same pose.

---I think we have one hell of a nut job as our teacher. Is this a cult?

“What??”

“He’s a really passionate teacher. One of the best around.”

“Is that so?”

“He doesn’t look it but he has won countless tournaments. Well enough talk. Why don’t I show you the basics?”

“All right.”

As they began practice,Eric suddenly stormed into the dojo with his hands clenched. He picked up a wooden sword and threw it directly at Shirou but luckily he dodged it.

“I knew I’ll find you here.What is this runt doing here? I thought I told you we don’t need extra members?”

“What the hell are you doing?”

He ran towards him with a high kick but it was blocked by Misaka.

”Misaka,move back.”

”Have you gone mad?”

Misaka scowled at him.At this very moment, there was no difference between him and a dog without a leash.

“This club isn’t for low life like him.”

“Calm down. Let’s try and…”

“Who asked you to speak, low life?”

---What was I thinking..Trying to sort things out with a brainless lump of muscle. I must be losing it.

He tried hitting Shirou once more but this time he was stopped in his tracks by Utakawa sensei.

“Enough.What has gotten into you. As the Captain, you are setting such a bad example for everyone.”

“My problem is him.Look. I basically own this club. This is my club. Even if you get Utakawa-Sensei’s approval, you can’t get the approval of any other member. You wanna know why? It’s because you’re nothing but a worthless little piece of shit. Good luck, I’ll make life hell for you.”

“Well you should know by now that I don’t care what you or anyone thinks of me.”

---That’s right. Outrightly hate me if you wish. I would do what I want without any consideration of your feelings.

Eric flounced away and pushed anything and everything in his way.

“Talk about a pain in the ass.”

“Seems like he has a few screws loose.”

“More like missing.Anyway,there’s not much he can do but if he does, I’ll be here for you so you don’t have to worry about anything, okay?”

---“I’ll be here for you”. Sounds awfully familiar. My hellish life began with those words. Same words, different people.

”Okay.”

“Let’s continue from where we stopped.”

Soon after, there was a brief announcement from Utakawa

“Listen up, everyone.There is going to be a major change in the tournament prep system.”
“What?”

---She’s the one responsible for whatever this is. The wink she just gave me is more than enough proof.

“The captain and vice-captain would be in charge of their own special sub groups.That will speed things up. So if you want to join them, simply ask.”

Eric realizing he had been played from the start, voiced out his disapproval.

“Isn’t the inter-school Kendo tournament taking place in a few months??”

“But the two of you have proven more than capable of teaching them.”

“That’s right.”

She replied with a grin. He went mute and after some seconds uttered “Got it” under his breath.

”So this is was what you meant.”

“Yup..I spoke to Sensei ahead of time. Eric has a very obvious behavioural pattern. He shouldn’t blame anyone but himself.”

---She already anticipated the whole thing..Impressive.

“Are you sure you can handle it?If you’re doing it for me then you don’t have to.”

“I had a feeling you would say something like that.”

“You sound like you know me quite well.”

“Would I be wrong if I say I do??”

“I think so..Even for you, I’m probably too enigmatic to understand from just a few conversations.”

“Is that so..Well you might be wrong but if that’s the case then let’s talk more,okay?”

“Right.”

“Anyway I can handle it. Yeah.I’m sure I’m experienced enough.I’ll make sure it works out perfectly for the both of us.”

---I wanted to utter the words “Why are you so fixated on me??” but despite contemplating I just couldn’t. A goddess protecting a demon is already good enough. I can’t think of anything that she could want from me in return for all this.I have nothing and she has everything. This is an act of kindness and yet I’m doubting her. What’s wrong with me? Isn’t that just arrogance? Without a single shred of doubt, she’s not using me..So now..

“Hey Misaka…”

“Yeah???”

---She’ll be my first genuine friend.

“Let’s be friends..”

“I’ll love that.”

Those words erupted a sparkling smile from her. The start of the bond between the demon and the goddess.

---So even a dark goddess can make such a smile.

“So how was your first kendo lesson??”

“It was not what I expected.”

“In a good way or a bad way?”

“It was way better than I imagined.”

---There was no room for all the glares and condescending looks because she was right beside me the whole time.

“That makes me wonder what exactly you were expecting..I’m glad you enjoyed it though. Looking forward to our next training session.”

They both walked out of the school gate together. He didn’t spot Yuuki anywhere close by so he pulled out his phone but stopped midway.

---I’m pretty sure she also found a club.

“Are you sure it’s your first time??”

---A typical yes/no response wouldn’t cut it..

“What do you mean?”

“You’re way better than any beginner I’ve come across.”

“I’m flattered.”

“You’re just that good,Shirou.”

{brrrr}

He checked his pockets and looked behind, seeing Yuuki along with two other girls walking out together.

“Hey Shirou…Why don’t you ever reply your texts?? Wait a minute..”

She ran over to Misaka.

“Shirou, what are you doing with the most popular girl in School??If it’s blackmail we are very sorry, you see he is a loner so please try and understand things from his perspective but he would refrain from such actions..”

“Yuuki, that’s rude.”

“My name is Akate Misaka.I’m a friend of Shirou.I’m guessing you’re his sister?? I’ve seen you before.”

“Yes.I’m glad you remember me. Forgive me for that. I was just really curious.You are like a highschool goddess.”

“You certainly have good eyes..By the way….Shirou,you never told me you had a little sister.”

”Hi, my name is Kashiwagi.”

”Mine is Hayaka. So you’re Yuuki’s older brother.It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“Anyway, I’ll be leaving now so have fun.”

“Where’re you going??”

“It’s Kashiwagi’s birthday so we are going out for a treat.Guess I’ll see you at home.”

---I know she is going to pester me for info till I tell her all what she wants to know.

A black car stopped right at the gate and the chaffeur stepped out and opened the door.

“Looks like my ride is here.See you tomorrow.”

“Yeah.”

---I wonder how it feels to be high class.. Would it make me happier than I already am or……… Well what’s the point in thinking about that.

“I was planning on going to a manga cafe before so it’s a win win situation for both Yuuki and me. I hope I find it.”

From behind him, Eric smiled and dragged his two friends, Kojo and Itsuda, closer to him.

“Hey, Eric, you’re acting kinda weird.”

“So you said we were gonna go to the arcade, right?”

“Guys, calm down. I did say that but I have something more important to deal with.”

“Kojo, what do you think it is?”

“Well..”

“No use. You probably don’t know, do you?”

“Hey, you didn’t have to be such a jerk about it, Itsuda. I tried my best.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“Besides.. I’m still a hit with the ladies, you know.”

“I wonder what those juniors see in you.”

“He has started leaving. Let’s go.”

He walked in front of them and lowered his hand.

“Hey, Eric.”

“You two should shut it. I don’t want him to notice us.”

“What are you trying to do?”

“Oh. Isn’t that the Yato dude that your sister has been talking to recently?They seem kind of close.”

“You’re right about that, Kojo. It pisses me off. He thinks he’s worth something because my sister sees him as an equal.”

“So what do we do?”

“We leave marks all over his pathetic body. He probably won’t be able to go to school the next day.”

“That’s a little too much. I mean he hasn’t messed with us or anything and Misaka will definitely suspect you first.”

“You don’t have to be such a scaredy-cat all the time, Itsuda.”

“I’m just trying to be cautious.”

“Screw that. Eric is clearly angry at him so there must be a reason.”

“Kojo,You’re always excited when it comes to fights.”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“Guys, let’s follow him and mess him up when there’s no light so he won’t be able to see us. Of course, I already have counter measures incase it doesn’t work out that way and how many people already hate him? I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one so Misaka would have other people to suspect. We just have to give him a reason to avoid her and what is more fun than a direct message?”

“I guess we have no choice then. Let’s do this.”

( “---” represents the thoughts of the main character. “--” represents the thoughts of any other character. “[]” represents an important event, most likely past events. “{}” represents various sounds made.)