A Girl Serene

月を見る少女 A Girl Serene
Information
Name	A Girl Serene 月を見る少女
Belongs to	Strix
Number	16
Chapters	3
Participants	Strix Ogre Zohar Hilda Byakuya
Story
Previous	Chained Soul
Next	A False Identity, A True Self

A Girl Serene is the seventeenth Chronicle Mode Scenario.

Chapter 1

Strix: No one's around, as expected…

A wide open space with no one in sight.

Despite being a short time, it almost feels like I haven't been here in ages.

To think that there were others here before…

Everyone then was laughing over the most nonsensical topics.

But now… no one's around.

Strix: It feels only like yesterday that "it" happened.

A gathering with no meaning or purpose. Everyone was being swayed by Ogre and Zohar.

Strix: Even they're not here any more…

Waiting won't bring anything to me. The Bankikai was crushed. To assume that it was all a dream is sad and unbearable.

There has been no updates on LINNE by any of the members since our battle against Amnesia. (※LINNE --- Communication tool used throughout the world)

No one seems to know where Ogre and Zohar went, too. They seem to have simply vanished…

Some left in silence, while others bid a brief farewell. The group chat dwindles day by day.

Ogre disappeared since our defeat against Amnesia. Similar to here, our other hideouts are now empty.

Many came to join Bankikai in search of strength and power. Our "strength" is, in essence, the "momentum" pushing us onward.

Those who joined sought this momentum. But now that we lost, they must have all left to join the victor… Amnesia.

The allure of EXS led to an argument and the eventual departure of Zohar. I suppose that situation is similar in reasoning to why everyone left.

Her words… "Hmph… You're his right hand… I'm jealous of your precious and dear position…"

Strix: (She wouldn't understand why I was in that position. I tried to explain my reasoning to her.)

We always had minor arguments. Most of the time, Zohar would come and apologize first.

With how EXS can affect a person's emotion, I assumed it would be the same… No. I wished it was going to be the same.

I kept waiting and waiting.

But neither Zohar or Ogre ever appeared in front of me again…

Strix: It's been three months since that Night…

Three months ago… There was a major battle between groups under the Night to determine which group was the greatest of them all.

Back then there were multiple smaller groups which were formed by various In-births who gathered under the Night.

Groups fought, and those who lost were dismantled and absorbed by the victor. Soon, there were only 2 major groups left.

The Bankikai led by Ogre…

…And a group called "Amnesia" led by Paradox.

We both despised each other, and wanted to prove who was greater. Ogre then led us into battle against them.

But the battle was held only between the leader of each group. Neither desired to have a large-scale, neverending battle. Both sides agreed to keep it simple. One-on-one.

A simple battle between powers. Or, at least it was supposed to be simple. Variable factors caused both to sustain severe damage.

The result? Ogre lost to Paradox. Victory went to Amnesia.

But their victory wasn't all that sweet. One of them went missing after turning into a Void. In other words, one of them died.

We also lost 2 people and another person's Vessel was broken…

Strix: (We lost our key members in the battle. A complete loss…)

(A very sad and hurtful result befitting the battle. It's definitely something I can't look back to as fond memories.)

The results spread quickly in the form of a rumor. It was such a hot topic that I could hear it murmured along the streets.

Rumors of lost people and of a person who became a Void…

I doubt the details of what happened will never come to light. But hearing the rumors twist the truth, saying that the leader of the Bankikai lost and turned into a beast of the night is quite irritating.

Strix: (Not that I could do anything as I lost all rights when we were defeated.)

No one around will ever know the truth, and the people who are entertained by the rumor would care even less for the truth.

Despite sustaining a loss, the victor, Amnesia, became known as the greatest group there is. With that, more joined them, making them even stronger.

On the other hand, with the loss of our leader, our group disbanded. The stark difference in results from the battle was staggering.

Oddly enough, betraying people's expectations, Amnesia remains quite much the same as before with little expansion shown.

They seemed sluggish and kept to themselves.

Strix: (That group was originally formed under the mantra of "freedom," so I suppose they don't really need to change, but…)

Amnesia's presence definitely intensified from the battle, and many Wielders took notice…

Took notice of them as being the front for In-births…

Amnesia itself hasn't changed, but it looks like they did create a new rule to be abided by all… The rule…

…Bars all from seeking EXS beyond what can be handled, and of seeking to become a Re-birth.

If what I heard is true, the rule was made to prevent anyone, besides Paradox, from becoming a Re-birth. It prevents others from gaining power… But, there's another side to this rule.

There's a fine line that can't be crossed by Wielders, even if they are part of a group or organization.

One is to not show their powers in front of non-Wielders, and another is to not kill an opposing Wielder. Nothing surprising here.

Yet another is to not deal in criminal activities or to get needlessly involved with society. In particular, death could trigger a great movement within society.

Seeking to gain EXS and turning into a Void is something that shouldn't happen, but if people learn about the person who went missing, there's no telling how society would react to it.

That's why the rule helps to bar those seeking powers beyond what can be controlled.

The rule helps us Wielders from perils that can and should be avoided.

That is probably the truth behind the rule…

Strix: Reality and fantasy…

Maybe all that occurred was a mere fabrication of what happened between reality and fantasy.

The Bankikai was a group that would not have formed in the real world. We were a literal manifestation that hovered between reality and fantasy.

The Bankikai was originally formed by Ogre and Zohar simply because they thought is would be fun. In that sense, I have no real regrets towards the Bankikai.

Strix: (Still, it is sad to see an entity disappear like so.)

(I thought I had no regrets, but from the outside, the very feelings I hold could be considered a regret.)

We crushed other groups just like how we were crushed. It's uncouth holding regrets now that I'm on the receiving end.

The gathering people brought her to me, and took her away from me.

It almost feels like my memories of her disappeared along with the group, as if nothing happened. That's something that I can't and won't bear.

Strix: Where did you go, Zohar?

That Night… The Night we lost to Amnesia…

She was severely injured both body and soul, and partially consumed by the manifestation. She spoke her mind, then left from me.

She's not very open, so I should have taken notice earlier.

I wish I could speak with her again. I want to apologize to her.

The more I dwell, the more the regret swells.

The more I dwell, the more the pain itches and burns in my heart.

Even if she said it on a whim, I could have kept her with me…

Strix: I want to speak with you again…

It all…

…happened…

…on that fateful day.

-----

We're in a manor thought to be where the Abyss is. As challengers, we await for the champion to arrive.

The Night tonight is called the "Glimmer of Sorrow." It's a bit unstable since the Night appeared out of schedule.

I heard that this particular Night can be stabilized by placing an "altar" near the Abyss where manifestations flow from.

Being that the information was unreliable, and we didn't want to get involved, so we decided not to dwell on that subject.

Strix: (The Abyss… Manifestation flowing from the door leading to the Hollow Night… The air here felt dank, eerie, and hellish.)

It was the perfect place to hold our decisive battle.

Amnesia was to come shortly.

Our only goal is to fight and determine the winner.

Paradox was known as being the greatest of the In-births here. Equal in power to Paradox was Ogre.

Paradox must despise the fact that Bankikai was gaining strength and momentum on par to her organization. What made matters worse was Ogre riled Paradox in jest.

This quickly led to the showdown between the two strongest In-births within the area.

Strix: (Are we making the right decision? From my perspective, Ogre doesn't stand much of a chance against Paradox. Even with my help, that perspective won't change.)

On the other hand, I also felt like Ogre would win. This simply meant that I didn't know what to expect from this.

As for Ogre, he's having a casual chat with Zohar. Not a single showing of stress.

Strix: (He's not the type to be stressed over a situation like this.)

Representing the Bankikai was me, Ogre, and Zohar.

Far outside were members of the Bankikai enjoying themselves as if this was some festival. It seems they're picking fights with Amnesia members, but the decisive battle is to be determined by us three.

It didn't make sense to have our members converge in one area. Too many Wielders would simply muddle our powers.

Strix: (All we need is to have Ogre beat Paradox. None in our group probably would stand a chance against Paradox anyway.)

Which is why Ogre decided that us three would face her. This apparently is a common tactic employed by experienced Wielders.

Strix: (Not that I fully understand that…)

We still have some time. I keep thinking of what to do once the enemy arrives. It was then that I felt a powerful EXS penetrating our area.

Strix: (The only person who could hold this much power, and would come all the way out here would be…)

There appeared a figure showcasing her power.

The Night is flowing with EXS, but by focusing on the emanating power, one could easily tell that whoever it was holds power unlike any around.

Ogre: Looks like our champ is here… Guess we better prepare to greet her.

As if preparing for a physical exam, he begins to stretch himself calmly and casually.

Zohar: Don't worry. Even if he loses, it's not like she's going to kill him. This is no different from any sport out there. We're just having fun, that's all. There's no need to worry.

Zohar looks at my expression and tries to ease me with her words.

Strix: Yes… You're right. Thank you, Zohar.

Zohar: You take things too seriously, Strix. You look like we're all going to be executed if we lose.

I'm not thinking that gravely over the confrontation…

Strix: (Having fun… I hope that's what it ends up being.)

Losing here won't spell our doom. I'm probably thinking too much…

Soon enough, I hear footsteps and talking. The presence of EXS getting ever more stronger.

It's behind the door.

A powerful manifestation.

A Wielder.

A form appears…

Entering was a flamboyantly dressed female. I have no doubt… She's Paradox.

Next, two males enter.

One has the pose of a warrior and is wearing native clothing. It must be Enkidu. The other… Who is he? He doesn't look like he should be here.

Ogre is mumbling quietly with a stern look on his face. It must be from seeing the three enter.

Ogre: (Zohar, I've got a question… I don't see "Greed," but what do you think?)

Zohar: (Not like I can answer that. Maybe he caught a cold, or simply didn't want to fight. Could be any number of reasons.)

Ogre: (But it's weird not to have a big-shot like that not appear. They got to be planning something. You mind searching for and eliminating him from the race?)

Zohar: (Eliminating "Greed?" Easy for you to say. It's not like turning off a TV you know?)

(I could probably stall "Greed," but that's about it. I can't leave you here, too.)

Strix: (True, but it doesn't mean you being here will solve anything. If "Greed" is hiding somewhere it would be better for us to find and stop whatever he's planning.)

Zohar: (W-Well yeah, but then why don't you… Well, not that you could… Fine! This is such a drag… I'll go and scope the area out.)

Ogre: (Thanks.)

Zohar: (It would make this all worthwhile if I can actually meet "Greed," but if not, this is all going to go to waste…)

With that, Zohar vanishes in an instant. She's quite fast moving to action.

Amnesia notices Zohar gone and begins to speak quietly among themselves. Probably whether to chase her or not.

It looks like they're going to stay put. Smart choice, since it doesn't make sense to chase someone who vanished.

Strix: (An opponent didn't appear… Maybe an ambush, or to cause a rumble outside? But those aren't viable options now in the Night.)

(All we need to do is to defeat the ones we see in front of us.)

With both sides settled, the curtain to the battle opens…

Paradox steps forward and speaks.

Hilda: So, you're the infamous Ogre. So nice to meet you.

Her appearance is very descriptive of her attitude. She's speaking like she doesn't care who we are.

Ogre: That's so kind of you to greet us. Nice to meet you too, Paradox. I am the leader of Bankikai, Ogre.

He responds in a similar manner. Come to think of it, it's not like he's pressured at all.

Ogre: Did you like our special invitation to battle?

Hilda: You mean trying to drag me here? If this is what you call an invitation, it's so drab. I love it. I'll repay you good for this.

They both let out the brightest of smiles. They can't show signs of pressure, especially as leaders.

Strix: (That's something I can never do.)

Ogre: It's good to know you love it. I was a bit worried this all lacked a bit of flair, but I really wanted to test my power. You do understand, don't you?

Seeing how strong you are, and to test your limit… You went through that too I suspect.

It just turned out that Amnesia was perfect to test my mettle against. Just the right amount of enemies I could pick at one-by-one. Thanks to you, I had a blast gaining invaluable experience.

I'm so sorry though. It's unfortunate to have misunderstandings. The invitation I sent to you folks is just to show that I finally have a better grasp of my power, and with allies to boot.

He speaks scathingly and waves his hand trying to rile Paradox. To hear him even use the word "misunderstandings" is amazing.

Ogre: To be honest, it was a bit out of plan to meet you here tonight. It felt that it was too early to meet, but… I figured time wouldn't change the results much.

Taking a closer look, I could tell that Ogre and Paradox have similar personalities.

Ogre seemed smarter, but Paradox looked more powerful. That's quite disturbing…

Hilda: Oh, are you done? Thank you for the explanation. I was wondering why you were hunting my little kids out there. You're so cute gaining experience points to face me.

But, that doesn't give you a pass for irritating me. So here I am to give you a nice reward. A way to at least show you respect for becoming somewhat stronger.

Let me… shred you to pieces with all I've got!

The EXS around Paradox expands. It felt like I was being impaled, crushed, and consumed by it.

Is she… trying to end this quick? I suppose that matches her personality.

Ogre: Whoa! The battle against the last boss commences! Scary. Strix! Are you ready?! We're going to have some fun!

I'm ready. My job is to alter your life force into power.

My power… "Sefirot." The power to strengthen a Wielder. Those tangled by my roots gains a never ending pool of stamina.

That sounds amazing and powerful, but in reality, all it does is slightly increase the Wielder's prowess and power of EXS. Some people call me the "Amplifier," but it isn't that grandiose.

Strix: (My power also doesn't impart powerful side-effects. That's really all there is to my power.)

It's unfair to intervene a one-on-one battle with my power, but the rules didn't specify non-physical intervention, so it should be fine.

In the first place, Paradox must know about my powers already, and yet she was fine with me being here. I shouldn't worry about what I do now.

And so, the battle between Ogre and Paradox. No… The battle between Bankikai and Amnesia begins.

Both were going all out from the beginning.

Both weren't planning on holding back or scoping the opponent.

Full force. It was as if they both wanted to end this quick.

Paradox's power was so great that not even Ogre's fists were able to reach her.

Ogre is impaled by the spears Paradox manifested. He lets out a frown.

Ogre: You have to be kidding… I can't even get close to her.

He eventually does, and then Ogre strikes back. Paradox also lets out a frown and moves back.

Hilda: How dare you, and… how interesting.

Closing in, move out. Closing in, move out. The situation kept repeating itself, but soon, the number of repetitions dwindles.

Strix: (Is Ogre already at his limit? Is Paradox that powerful?)

Something is wrong… Ogre still looks like he can fight. In fact, it even looks like he's… playing.

He strikes lightly, and in turn, takes a heavy hit. What is he doing? Is he… playing around against Paradox?

Ogre keeps taking heavy hits, one at a time.

Strix: (At this rate he's going to lose. What are you thinking, Ogre?)

I can see his EXS pushing against her EXS. It's much like him to fight on the opponent's terms.

Strix: (Even if he has his ace move, he's not going to be able to use it if this keeps up…)

Unlike me, the other two on Amnesia's side looked quite at ease. I can even tell the smirk on Enkidu's face.

The other… seemed a bit more flustered, but I could tell he wasn't particularly worried about Paradox. I can hear him say "finish this already" even from where I was.

Those two must already have a premonition of who is going to win. The air around me starts to go tense.

The flustered person stands up as if he's tired of watching already. He then walks towards the room in the back in a hurry.

He's headed… towards the Abyss?

Strix: (He's going to the Abyss now? It doesn't seem like it's because he thinks Paradox will win.)

Two Wielders fighting, and two watching the fight. The tides of battle became much clearer.

It was obvious that Ogre was losing.

Unbeknownst to the two fighting, things began to change around them.

The room at the far end… From that room where the other person walked into came a wave of EXS gushing into our area.

Power so malicious that even I could sense it clearly.

Strix: (The center of the Night… The activation of the Abyss… Is it reacting to their EXS?)

The person who went there must have went to confirm this. If not, then he must have triggered this to happen.

I can't tell from where I'm at, and worrying about it won't do anything. It seems like the other person notices the change, but he doesn't move and continues to watch the two fight.

The fighters are both breathing heavily. Ogre is heavily bruised, and Paradox begins to smile.

Strix: (She's putting on that smile to pressure Ogre. Ogre doesn't even have the strength to put on a smile.)

The end was coming soon. Not much time was left.

Both make their final move, when…

…something happens in that room.

A scream… A wail as if being burned coming from the manifestation.

Strix: (An explosion!? What's happening!?)

Ogre and Paradox are still glaring at each other.

Ogre: You mind telling me what you did there, Paradox?

Hilda: Oh my, I thought that was done by you so that you could run.

Destroying the place of battle to escape… They laugh saying that it's so cliche.

A powerful blast and rumble… Despite the clamor, the Abyss seems to be emitting more EXS than ever before.

Strix: (Is that person doing something back there? Maybe that person isn't coming out because of what's happening.)

What is happening back there, really?

As I ponder, a shadow appears from the entrance…

Strix: ("Greed"…?)

From there appeared the Harvester… The one called "Greed." Gordeau… If he's here, then either Zohar lost or they didn't meet in the first place.

The battle between Ogre and Paradox goes on. Ogre is being pushed to the brink of defeat.

Even when the tides of battle is completely against him, Ogre moves to strike back. He must notice what's happening, so he's trying to end the battle quickly.

Something is terribly wrong with what you can sense from the Abyss. This is no time to be fighting. It's unfortunate, we should place a halt on this battle now.

Strix: Ogre! Paradox! Listen to me!

I yell to try and stop the two, and hope the other person in the other room can hear me, but none seem to hear me.

As I yell, a deafening blast resonates throughout the area.

Ogre: Urgh!

An abrupt wail from Ogre. He falls to the ground. Their battle is about to end.

Strix: (The effects of my power should have ended a while back.)

Hilda: I guess this is the end. Looks like your cute Amplifier is at her limit. It's checkmate for you.

Ogre: I have to hand it to you, Paradox… I should have faced you on my own instead of using her power to boost my EXS.

He grins and tries to hold a front.

The battle ended. The victor… Paradox.

Ogre also wanted it to end because of the unusual permeation of manifestation around the area.

That doesn't really make an excuse for losing, though…

Hilda: No matter what style you used, I still would have won. If you'd like, I could fight you again using that full-on attack you mentioned, or whatever it is you call it…

Ogre: I see. Maybe we could do this again when I'm at my best… Heh. Yeah right, you witch. There's no way I'd fight a monster like you ever again.

They seem to be enjoying the moment. Either they're trying to keep a front, or are really enjoying this.

The curtains to the battle falls. But the unusual flow of EXS from the Abyss doesn't end. In fact, it filled the area with an unusual level of hot, dense EXS.

I go near Ogre and Paradox.

The one called Enkidu takes a step forward and stops. Greed is looking towards the Abyss from afar with a frown on his face. The other person who went there… hasn't returned.

As Ogre continues to speak, Hilda looks towards me.

Hilda: You there… You're Sefirot, right? More than this one, you're the problem. I can't afford to give your power to anyone else. You'll decide now whether you'll join us or die here. Make up your mind, would you?

My power must be quite unusual. It's no wonder that she would try to draw me into her group, or try to destroy my Vessel so that I lose my powers.

I don't really care about my power. I can lose it for all I care. The only reason why I'm in Bankikai is because of Zohar. If Zohar went to Amnesia, I would have went there, too.

As for Ogre… Well, he's not of much of my concern.

In any case, I don't really have much of a choice. Ogre's loss doesn't mean I can simply change sides.

Paradox must have noticed the look on my face…

Hilda: My, I suppose you don't want to join me. I can tell. Your expression says it all…

She's right. I only have one choice.

Strix: If you know already… then go ahead and finish me.

Ogre: Hey, now… Don't mess with the girl. You're gonna make me look bad…

Strix: It's fine, Ogre. This is between the two of us. Go on ahead Paradox, get it over with.

I can't believe how incompetent I am. What else can I do but laugh?

I then wipe the smile from my face, and bow my head, eyes closed.

Even if she doesn't kill me, my Vessel will be destroyed. That means I'll lose my powers as an In-birth.

I suppose this is a befitting end…

Hilda: I like your resolve. Then I'll make it quick for you.

Strix: (Ogre… Zohar… Especially you, Zohar… It was fun being with you in Bankikai… Hopefully we can have fun again…)

Silence.

I feel Paradox's vicious power bellowing from her.

Power inspiring needles, spears, something sharp to impale with. A power that would piece my very will. She's going to use it on me.

I keep my eyes closed and wait for that moment to come.

Strix: (I hope she at least ends this swift, so that it won't hurt much.)

I hear the wind break, and something flying towards me.

A shockwave emits in front of me. I feel no pain as her power strikes the ground, not me.

I slowly open my eyes and in front of me is Paradox with a grin on her face. A black spear slowly disappears from the ground in front of me.

Strix: Wh-Why… did you miss…?

There's no way she could have missed. She did this on purpose. But why…?

Hilda: Oh my, let's just say I'll let you go for that show you put on there. It's a waste to get rid of a power like yours, but no second chances, you hear?

Strix: Paradox. Do you think you've put a leash on me with this…?

Hilda: I'm so glad you noticed, my cute little puppy! You're so smart! I'm doing this as a favor, so you'd better pay me back next time.

It didn't make sense for her to destroy my Vessel. It would only increase hatred and create more enemies.

Her decision to let me go is based on the concept that she wants me to do her bidding the next time.

Of course, she won't make me join Amnesia, but now she bound me with a favor that I can't dismiss even if she forced the favor onto me in shame…

Ogre: Strix, it's fine… Step away for now. Something's not right. The EXS around here. It's in the back, right everyone?

Hilda: You're right… There is that, so we'll need to hurry.

Ogre: I'm going to talk with these folks for a bit to settle things, so I need to stay behind. Paradox… you don't mind letting her go, do you?

Hilda: Why, yes. I defeated you and your key member owes me one. I think that's enough to prove that Amnesia won.

Ogre: You're just as they say. Always up to no good.

Ogre shrugs then speaks to me…

Ogre: Strix. You go look for Zohar and get out of here, immediately.

Zohar… That's right. With "Greed" here, the odds are likely that they didn't meet. She is strong, so I'm sure she's fine, but I can't leave her here.

I look towards where Greed was, but he's missing. I have no time to waste. I need to act now.

Before I leave, Ogre tells me to leave and not return here, even if I don't find Zohar.

Strix: *Grunt*… I don't agree with all this, but now doesn't seem to be the time. All right. We'll meet again and talk details then…

Ogre: Yeah. That's if Paradox over there doesn't take my life.

Ogre waves his hand in farewell to me. I doubt another fight will happen against Amnesia now, but it does bother me that I'm leaving Ogre injured here.

I don't know where Zohar is, and the eerie amount of EXS here isn't helping me a bit. I better find and get her out of here quickly.

Chapter 2

I run through the darkness of the Night.

I leave the manor where we fought Paradox in search of the missing Zohar.

She was searching for traps and for "Greed," so I think she's somewhere around here.

Strix: (What is going on with the level of EXS in the area? I hope nothing bad happens…)

I'm a bit worried Zohar is alone. I hope she's safe… I better find her and get her out of here.

I look around, but Zohar is nowhere to be found.

Strix: (If only she was right there outside waiting for me to come…)

I can trace the flow of EXS. If I focus, I can get a general idea of the direction and distance of where someone is, but I can't tell who the EXS belongs to.

I can tell how strong the EXS is and their gender, but most of the time it's just guesswork.

Of course, if the Wielder has power on par to what Paradox displayed earlier, then that's a different story.

On the other hand, if the search target is purposely holding back their EXS, then it makes matters worse.

Strix: (If she already escaped that's fine, but… I doubt she would simply leave without a trace.)

I checked my cellphone, but nothing. Electronic devices like these don't work well during the Hollow Night, so I should have expected much.

It looks like some here are using their cellphones just fine, so it must be affected by the amount of EXS each person holds.

I follow the faint traces of EXS I could find. This leads me to a small area away from the manor.

I take a look around. If she was making her way through the area, this would be a prime location to go through.

I search closely into the dark.

Strix: (A shadow…? Wait…!)

I finally find her.

A figure I'm accustomed to limps out of the dark. It looks like she had a severe battle. She's injured all over.

Her clothes are tattered and she has scars all over, but in particular I take notice of bandage wrappings around her… What happened?

Strix: Zohar…!

Zohar: Strix…

Zohar shows a surprised look on her face after seeing me. She then frowns and looks away from me.

Strix: Zohar… Thank goodness. I was worried about you. Are you hurt? Is everything okay?

Zohar: This is nothing… I'm fine…

Zohar is in a daze and wrinkles her face in pain.

You can tell she's hurt, but she's conscious and can still move. From what I can tell, I see no major injuries or bleeding.

Her bandages do bother me, but I think it's just a temporary fix to her wounds. That should be fine.

But something… Just something isn't right… It's like she's not the same Zohar I know… Who… is she?

Zohar: Say, Strix? What happened to Ogre? Who won?

She gazes at the manor.

Strix: …

Zohar: He lost, didn't he? I should have assumed so seeing you here.

Ogre challenged someone stronger than him - Paradox. I relay what ensued and the end results of the battle.

Zohar: He's so stupid… All he needed to worry about was results. He didn't have to think of "how" he should have won…

Zohar laughs, but you can tell she wasn't feeling well. Her shoulders moved each time she breathed.

She then begins to speak about what happened to her after she left.

She said she looked for "Greed," but couldn't find him.

She then got worried about Ogre, so she headed back to where we were.

She then followed that person who went into the room to the Abyss.

Zohar: Next thing I know, I was covered with EXS from the Abyss. I tried to head back to where you were, but I couldn't get myself to move very well… Pathetic…

Strix: You went through all that? You should be careful.

Zohar: That person who went to the Abyss… I couldn't save him.

Strix: Save him?

Zohar: I tried, but I felt like I was going to be swallowed by the Abyss.

The person who went into the other room during the battle… He headed to the Abyss, and was swallowed. So, he… became a Void?

Strix: The unusually powerful EXS that was flowing from the Abyss swallowed him and turned him into a non-human existence?

Zohar: That's about the only result that I can think of…

A person turning into a Void… Death…

The thought brings fear into my mind of how dangerous the Hollow Night and Abyss really are.

Only those who have the power and the right Vessel can go near that place. To others, the place must spell doom.

Zohar: I was tainted by the EXS. My eyes, arms, and legs… Everything. It just doesn't feel right… It's like I'm poisoned… I feel something writhing inside me…

Strix: Are you… okay, Zohar?

I can see charring along her skin peeking from the bandages.

Marks that showed signs of EXS encroaching the skin. The bandages were meant, not to heal, but to hide.

Zohar: The power… Tainted power… Bubbling… Flowing… Can't stop… Inside me… Someone is speaking… Someone different…

I don't know what happened to her. Did she get too close to the Abyss? Encroachment of EXS… Is she… about to become a Void?

Strix: Zohar… You can tell how this area is filled with EXS, right? So let's hurry and get you out of here, quick.

Zohar: Leave Ogre behind…?

Strix: He'll be fine. I know it's odd to say this, but he's safe with Amnesia for now. It's not like he had a choice.

We'll just add load to him if we go to him now. Leaving here will do a favor for Ogre. Let's go, Zohar…

All of a sudden, Zohar's expression changed.

An expression of suffering and anger.

She glares at me as if I was her nemesis.

Strix: Zohar…?

She lowers her head and looks at her right hand.

Her fingers are spread widely apart and shaking.

With her left hand she grabs her shaking right arm and cradles it into her body.

Zohar: Hmph… You're his right hand… I'm jealous of your precious and dear position…

Her words sharply pierce my heart.

Strix: Zohar…!

Hatred emanates from her like never before, and her EXS gushes out. Her eyes are dark and red. What in the world is Zohar saying?

Something snaps inside her, and soon she's not the Zohar I knew before. She screams at me like a breaking dam.

Zohar: You! You changed the Bankikai! It's all because you had to awaken to your power! Everyone wanted that power! I lost my place! I have nothing now! Nothing!

Ogre was strong from the start, but he became too strong. Too strong to need my help.

People gathered, and soon I lost my time being with Ogre. If… If this was to happen… I-I didn't want all these changes to happen!

You ended up being next to Ogre! Ogre needed you! You, you, you, you! You…! It's… It's all your fault! You! Strix!

Look at what happened before the fight! You were next to him! You're always next to him! If you didn't tell me to go, then this all wouldn't have…

Y-You and your stupid words! Always talking like you knew everything! Looking down on us like we're stupid or something!

Strix: …!

The dark in her eyes deepens, and the red is burning like fire. The Vessel called Zohar shows a face of that of a demon.

Strix: (This… This is what she thought all along? I… knew it, but…)

I had a feeling she had special feelings for Ogre.

But I couldn't tell how serious she was, or how strong her emotions was.

Strix: Z-Zohar… Please, calm down…

Zohar is consumed by EXS and another vicious Zohar appeared.

EXS fills the openings within the Vessel. In other words, it encroaches the person's personality and soul.

Imagine a person being a barrel filled with wine. Being bitten by a Void is like someone taking a sip of that wine. When EXS, which is like mud, fills that space, it turns the person into an In-birth.

This is what happens when EXS enters a person's Vessel. The more the person is tainted from Voids, the higher the odds of the person becoming…

…A vicious beast that moves simply from hunger.

Zohar: Shut up! Stop talking already! Shut UP!

Before I had a chance to say everything…

Her power… Her powerful, tainted power…

She uses her power to create a giant pike that impales my chest. She pierced my Vessel…

Strix: Zo…har…

What happens when the Vessel is destroyed? You lose all your strength and your consciousness starts to fade.

The dark pike coldly pierced my Vessel.

A pike tainted with EXS from the Abyss. Dense EXS begins to seep into me from the pike, and taints my chest.

Strange… I feel a burning sensation, but… it doesn't hurt much.

Zohar: Ahahaha! I did it! I really did it! Ogre's going to need a new right hand, and it'll be me! Me!

I always wanted to do this! I was holding back all this time! I wanted to do this to you! I hated you! I wanted to stomp on you while you groveled at my feet!

She looks happy and sad at the same time. Her expression is mixed with opposing emotions. She keeps yelling at the top of her voice.

Soon her yelling becomes roaring, and then sobbing. After a while, she starts to pant heavily from her yelling. She turns her back on me and starts to walk away.

Strix: Wait… Where… are you going?

I could barely keep my senses with my Vessel destroyed.

I mustered all the strength I had to try and keep my senses. I felt this was my final chance to speak before never seeing her again.

Zohar: Where? I'm not sure… I guess I could pay a visit to Amnesia, and kill them all… Then I'll look for Ogre, and… kill him, too.

Her eyes weren't focused and tears rolled down her red cheeks.

She spews anger with every word she speaks, but she probably doesn't even know what she's saying herself…

After turning to speak to me, she turns around again. She slowly starts to walk again.

Strix: Wait… Zohar… Wait…

I want to stop her, but I can't move a single muscle… I can't even stand up now…

I can feel the EXS spilling from my pierced Vessel. It was going empty like a deflating balloon.

If… If I didn't urge her to go looking for Greed, then… Then this wouldn't have happened…

If… If I didn't use my power to become Ogre's right hand, then… Then this wouldn't have happened…

If… If I spoke and listened earnestly to her words, then… Then this… wouldn't… have…

She's moving farther away.

Her back slowly melds and fades away into the darkness.

She's gone.

She's completely gone.

I can't chase her like this, but…

I need to find her… I need to meet her…

Strix: I'll find her, and… apologize…

My memory stops here. This scene was burned into my mind.

The battle against Amnesia…

The very existence of Bankikai…

They both ended here…

-----

And so, my dear friend destroyed my Vessel, leaving me in a daze for a few days.

My condition headed towards recovery since then.

Strix: (It looks like I can at least walk now…)

The scar on my chest is still stained in black. Normal people can't see it, but Wielders can see the scar.

Strix: (This is my sin branded onto me for me to carry.)

I need to find Zohar. I try moving where I can in search of her, but since that Night, I lost all contact with Zohar and Ogre.

The communication port we had for the Bankikai is no longer functional. With nowhere to rely on, I ponder what to do.

I need to find and speak to my friend…

Yet, what can I do without power residing within me? Regardless, I still need to find her.

Zohar… After I regained myself, I began thinking…

Thinking about Zohar, and how she was tainted by EXS, and how she became a different person, no different from a Void.

If her state hasn't changed, then maybe I can destroy her Vessel, just like how she did to mine. Maybe she will lose her power and be her old self again.

But the more time passes, the less likely that is possible.

I really don't have any time to waste.

Strix: (I don't have anything to support that, but I have to try. But first, I need to find her…)

Find, and save her. My apology is of no meaning until she can listen to my words.

To be honest, aside from apologizing, I have other words to say to her, too.

I want to speak back at her. I want to convey my feelings to her.

Convey my feelings in a form of a nice and firm slap to her face.

Strix: (I need to… destroy her Vessel…)

That is probably the only way I can save her.

Mind you, she did destroy my Vessel, and I had to go through all that suffering.

I want to pay her back with my fist.

I know that's tough love, but if it can help her, so be it.

That's so uncouth of me… It must be because of my other "me" inside me. I suppose that works as an excuse…

Strix: (Now then… I guess I have an idea on what to do. Destroy her Vessel… That is my way of showing my apology.)

(The question is how… With how weak I am, how can I destroy her Vessel?)

(It would be a lot easier if I had someone helping me. I suppose I should consider that an option…)

(Again, the question is how… How can I find someone insane enough to help me?)

I need to find her and apologize by destroying her Vessel…

It's not going to be easy finding someone who will help.

If so, I need to head to the Night alone.

With that, I bring myself to a resolve.

Strix: (I will head to the Night, and look for a way to find Zohar…)

I've been thinking about that since that day everything happened. Yes… I need to head to the Night, not matter the risks involved.

-----

A few days later, I step out to head to the Night.

Going to the Night, though, isn't easy for me now.

I can't go to where there are too many In-births. The risk is too high to meet someone in my current state.

The conundrum is that I would need to have someone help me in order to find her…

Strix: (The biggest problem is whether I can enter the Night with my Vessel destroyed. I can barely sense where the Night is, and the presence of EXS…)

It felt like trying to smell something with a stuffy nose. The EXS inside me is close to dry.

But if I can sense EXS, and I have even a bit of EXS in me, then I should be able to enter. I have to enter the Night…

Strix: (There's no use in worrying now. I don't have any other choice…)

I will pay her back for the scar, and awaken her from her state.

Strix: (Oh…)

I remember one other troublesome issue.

I need to find Ogre, but…
…his existence makes finding Zohar a bit of a nuisance.

Strix: (Well, I do owe him one for all he did. *sigh* I suppose I can spare some time looking for him.)

If it is even possible, asking someone at Amnesia would make finding them easy. It's sad I have to rely on my enemy, but at this point, I don't care.

Strix: (No matter what happened, I know he won't die easily. If he's alive, I'm sure he'll show up one day…)

Chapter 3

With a resolve at heart, I start looking for the Night.

I don't know exactly where it is, and the best I can do is to get a general feel of the direction it's at.

With that as my only lead, I quietly continue my way.

I enter a location believed to be where the Night is, but nothing.

It should have happened by now…

Strix: (Is this really going to work?)

Usually there would be a slight impact like that of an electrical shock when crossing into the Night, but nothing…

Strix: (Nothing is happening… I guess I can't enter then Night with a broken Vessel…)

I stop, and look around.

I sense a reddish, dank air around me.

Strix: (No… This is…)

Taking a careful look, the area around me was already the Night.

I see a reddish black mist around the dimly lit city. I stepped into a realm that no normal mortal can cross into.

I didn't feel the shock crossing the rift, but maybe it was because my Vessel was broken and my EXS was weak, preventing resistance when entering.

Strix: (Whew… Thank goodness I was able to get in…)

I had no proof I could enter. It was really just a hunch.

With my broken Vessel, I arrived back under the Night.

The Night greeted me no different from before.

I heard a rumor of a large battle happening while I was gone. That would explain the lack of In-births here.

Strix: (I can't see or sense any Wielders…)

…and it isn't because my power wasn't working.

The rumor also said that Amnesia was monitoring all activities, and of someone becoming a Void. Those rumors seem to have brought temporary peace to the Night.

Strix: (A silent Night gained through our loss in battle… It feels so awkward knowing we triggered this situation.)

I can feel a sharp pain in my broken Vessel and tainted black scar on my chest just standing here.

It doesn't hurt much, but it is amazingly uncomfortable. Probably because it reminds me of what happened that Night.

Bearing the pain, I walk in silence amid the quiet air.

Strix: Whew…

(It's surprisingly tiring walking amid all this silence…)

The silence makes me wary of my surroundings. Is someone watching? Is something going to jump at me?

I walk for a bit, but as expected, I couldn't find any leads.

Of course, I didn't expect to find a lead the moment I came here.

What can I find walking aimlessly like this? Who knows?

But, this is all I can do now. I can't deny the fact that I'm doing this out of self-satisfaction.

Strix: (Maybe I should have asked how to contact them besides their phone number and email address…)

A way to communicate besides email… Maybe their home address? No… Too intimate…

Connections with others during the Night stay in the Night. Many don't want to bring back things of the Night to reality.

It makes sense with the power the Wielders hold. Many use codenames, and prefer to contact through the Internet. On rare occasions, some Wielders flock to the Night.

I don't know much about the real Ogre, Zohar, and of our members. Our only true connection was made through LINNE.

Strix: (There's no way I would give him my home address, too.)

Though I doubt he's stupid enough to barge into someone's house. Thinking about how odd that would be brings a smile to my face.

Strix: (If I walk in the Night, I may meet someone who knows something about Zohar… Not that I've met anyone yet.)

It takes some time for rumors to spread.

Even if she went on a rampage that Night, it's highly unlikely her doings would become a rumor so quickly.

So far as I know, there are no rumors that point towards Zohar.

If anything, I did hear an odd rumor about an aggressive student with the power of EXS.

Something about causing a commotion, almost as if to make whoever that is feel better.

The person is looking for their loved one, and takes down any opposition, saying that they have "no clue." At least that's what the rumor said.

Thinking about the timing, I think this rumor may be referring to Zohar. Truth is, I'm simply hoping this rumor is about her.

Strix: Zohar's mind and soul must still be tainted…

Walking under the Night in such a state is suicide.

Strix: (I need to find her as soon as possible…)

There's a chance she may encounter something life threatening, never to see her again. The very thought brought fear to me.

Strix: (I need to find and save her…)

Through all the thinking, the Night has been very quiet.

What I could have heard while my power was still active is no longer heard any more.

It seems as if the destruction of the Vessel numbs the Wielder's senses that were heightened by EXS.

I can't remember exactly what I heard before, but I'm sure things were a lot more fervent than the utter silence around me.

The lack of sounds from the wind, trees, and footsteps wasn't the reason for the silence.

Strix: (The biggest reason the area is so quiet is because Zohar and Ogre aren't here…)

Zohar always had the knack of making the place lively. Ogre always tried to keep Zohar's interest with various subjects.

Strix: (It sure was lively then…)

I want that back in my life. I need to find them…

Well, the only one I need to find it Zohar, though…

I confirm my resolve and begin to walk again when…

Strix: (This is quite unexpected…)

A calm, quiet pond in the park.

A path with nothing around to obstruct the area's view. A large, cross-shaped open area.

Trees tall enough to block people's sights. A beautifully arranged stone wall lining the open area.

From right beyond the stone wall… Around the corner…

…The presence of an In-birth. I can hear footsteps from beyond the wall.

Instead of stopping, I kept walking. I needed to since I couldn't sense the person's EXS with my broken Vessel.

Strix: (I'm sure whoever it is already knows I'm here…)

(This isn't good, especially if the person is looking to battle. It's too dangerous to encounter the person now. Especially without visual confirmation of who it is.)

Should I run? That's only going to expose my precarious position. Should I hide? Where? There isn't any place to hide here. Should I fight? There's no way I can fight now.

From around the corner of the open area I see the person's head slightly peeking from the top of the stone wall.

The person's shadow extends into sight, then the body.

I couldn't do anything. All I could do was stand my ground and wait.

The shadowy figure turns, and…

Strix: (I only have luck to help me now… A toss of a die, so to speak. No… More like Russian roulette… I hope my luck helps me dodge the bullet…)

???: How unusual… Who's there?

It was… just some boy.

He wore a school uniform, and at least he seemed harmless. His pale skin gave an impression of someone frail.

His eyes were tired and muddled. He had an expression of someone waking from a bad dream.

???: Huh? Wait… You… You can't be…?

Strix: …?

He looks at me surprised. His eye opens wide. He then regains his composure and his expression.

"You"… He must have mistaken me with someone he knows.

He goes silent and doesn't speak a word. What to do… He could ask me something that I can't answer. Then again, I don't want to speak without knowing who he is.

Maybe I should just act friendly, and somehow move away. I need to be careful.

Strix: Hello there. It's unusually to see someone tonight. What are you doing here?

I decide to greet the person in a friendly manner.

???: It's you! Sis'! Sis'! Sis'! It's really you!

He responds with intense fervor.

Strix: S-Sis'?

His fists are shaking as he begins to talk about how he finally found me, and that he was looking all over for me.

What's going on? He's referring to me as his sister?

He must be mistaking me for his sister. I'm intrigued there would be someone who looks just like me.

???: Sis'! Huh…? Who are you?

Strix: I'd like to ask you that, too. Who are you? All I know is that I'm not your sister.

???: You don't understand. I already know that. In that sense, you're absolutely right.

What…? What he's saying isn't making any sense. I'm a bit taken aback at his odd response.

Strix: You don't seem like a bad person, but who are you again? Though, I have a feeling it's not going to be a simple answer.

???: True, and it's a pain to explain, so let's just leave it at that. Ahaha!

Strix: Okay… If you're not here to harm me that's fine. I don't see a need for me to explain myself, too.

All I can say is that I came here looking for someone. I doubt you have any useful information for me…

I was hesitant at first to even say why I came here, but he didn't seem like a threat, so I figured there's no harm in sharing that.

???: Yup. I only came here recently, and it's not like I have friends. I probably can't answer anything really complex now.

Strix: Well then, that's about it from me. Good bye. If you want to force something from me, be my guest…

I try to move past him.

He's not a bad person. I doubt he'll resort to force.

I don't know him well, and he is… a bit weird. I didn't want to talk for too long with him as it could prove dangerous. If he doesn't have what I need, then I need to move on.

???: Oh, wait a sec. Please?

His voice fawned and is laced with a touch of desperation. He doesn't want me to leave?

Not that it matters to me.

Strix: I'll have to ask you to please move aside. I need to hurry. I don't have the time to spare speaking with you.

???: Maybe you should hear me out before dismissing that speaking with me is a waste of time. That's right! What's your name? My name is Byakuya.

Strix: Well now, you're speaking like you're hitting on me now. I thought I told you already that I need to hurry. If you want me to stay, you need to tell me what I want.

Byakuya… Written as "white night" in Japanese, I suppose. The irony how his name matches how weird and eerie he is.

Byakuya: Hahaha! Hitting on you? Nope, not at all. I have no intention on courting you.

Strix: Then what is it?

Byakuya: Mmm… I… don't know.

He pauses for a bit. He's thinking, but it seems like he can't answer my question.

Strix: You don't know? You're confusing me here. What do you mean, you don't know?

Byakuya: I know, right? I don't know. Ahahaha!

Strix: You should be able to at least explain why you don't want me to leave here.

Byakuya: Mmm… It's hard to explain your feelings. You're probably going to laugh, but hear me out.

Strix: I hope it's at least laughable.

Byakuya: I saw my sister in you. That's it. That's all. Nothing else. So there isn't really an explanation. That's why I said "I don't know."

Strix: I see…

He keeps bringing up his sister in his conversation. From the sound of it, she's probably no longer alive.

Byakuya: A while ago. In an accident. We said we'd be together forever. She's gone now. This Night. I met her in a dream. So I walked.

Strix: …

Byakuya: Strange, right? Funny, right? But this is important to me. Very important. Speaking with you. To have you stay here.

Strix: I won't laugh. That's why you called me your sister then? Unfortunately, I'm not your sister or her incarnation. I'm just me.

Byakuya: Yup. I know. Your looks. Your action. All similar. Not that you're her, but you're… just like my sister.

Oh, but she doesn't speak to me as strongly as you do. Her personality, looks, and smarts are much better. She's the perfect sister. Hahaha!

Strix: Why, you…

There's no meaning in getting angry over being compared to his sister, especially when that person has already passed away.

Byakuya: I knew it. I can't believe I'd ever meet you here. Fate must have looked on me favorably.

Strix: Mind you, I feel like the grim reaper is looking at me now.

Byakuya: Ahahaha! You're right! I'm not good for you.

Hey, Sis'… Oh, um… What name should I call you by?

Strix: Just call me "Sis'"…

I have no intention of giving him my name. It's only for the time being, so he can call me his sister if he likes.

Byakuya: Great! So, why are you here, Sis'? If you're here that means you're an In-birth, right?

But you don't look very strong, and it looks like you don't want to fight. Even if you came here for a reason, you're not going to make it. Weird. So, why'd you come here?

Strix: It doesn't matter to…

He's looking at me with a childish smile on his face. He's making it hard to not answer him as his "sister"…

Strix: It's not like explaining to you will solve anything, but since we've already met, I may as well let you in already.

Byakuya: Great! You're so nice, Sis'.

Strix: I came here to gather information to find a certain someone. There's a chance I can find that person here, which is why I'm here now. In that sense, my reason is the same as yours.

Byakuya: I see. Got it.

Strix: As for why I don't look strong… I'm not strong in the first place. I'm an In-birth, but I'm just not geared toward fighting. Let's just say I'm an In-birth simply to get in here.

I decide not to talk about my broken Vessel. It is a bit difficult and confusing to explain, too. There's no way I want to say it was destroyed by my friend.

I shift my clothes so that it hides the scar on my chest. I don't think he saw it.

Byakuya: Hm… Sounds like you're in a bit of trouble there. I'm a gentleman, so I won't pursue the subject.

Strix: Very good. It's not nice to dig into someone's life, especially a lady's.

Byakuya: Yup. My sister said that, too. Oh, I mean my lost sister and not Sis'.

Strix: I know.

Byakuya: That means you're too weak to fight, right Sis'? But here? That's dangerous. Too risky.

Strix: Yes, I'm not strong enough to fight here. Well, I was able to hold my ground before, but things happened… I just can't fight in my current state now.

Byakuya: I get it! I don't know what you're saying.

My days as "Strix" ended. I'm just a hollow. So there's no name for me to call myself by now.

Byakuya: You can't use your power. But, you need to stay here? I see. What a predicament. Harsh.

Strix: Yes, it is a predicament. But it's just something I have to bear. Even if I lose my powers, I still need to search the Night. I'll keep coming here until I achieve my goal.

Byakuya: You do know, right? The danger of coming here. Everyone's an enemy. Beasts. No chance if they attack.

He crosses his arms, tilts his head, and frowns. He's posing like he's telling me silently of the risks I'm taking.

Strix: Why yes, I'd stand no chance against them, but so be it. That's also none of your concern, too.

I brought this all on myself. I need to bear it, overcome it, and show my apology.

Strix: Now then, I don't think there's more to talk about. Now that you know why I'm here, I need to move on. Unless, of course, you plan on doing something to me, knowing that I'm powerless now.

I speak to him in jest.

He closes his eyes and begins to mumble as if pondering over something.

After a while, he suddenly opens his eyes.

Byakuya: Okay. I'll protect you.

Strix: Huh?

Wait.

What?

Why?

What in the world is he saying?

Strix: Um… What did you just say again?

His response was so unexpected that I can't get my mind straight. What he said isn't making any sense in the slightest.

Byakuya: You heard me. I'll protect you. I can't leave you helpless out here. So! I'll protect you. Great idea.

I'm looking for my sister. Sis' is looking for someone. Therefore I can look for that someone, too. See? A win-win scenario.

It sounds reasonable, and yet it's not.

He's really confusing things with me as "Sis'" and his "sister." I suppose to him I'm an equivalent to his sister.

Strix: Are you thinking that protecting me will somehow absolve you of what happened to your sister? If so, don't. You're doing it just for self-satisfaction and nothing else.

Byakuya: You're right. I'm doing it for self-satisfaction. Even so… You can use me. That's convenient, right?

I don't have a motive now. A motive to live. So you can use me how you want.

We both are trying to absolve ourselves. We both lost someone. We're just like each other. Right? So how about it?

How about it? What a question to ask… If there was a mirror, I bet I could have a laugh at what my expression is like now.

Strix: I'm getting used to your abrupt responses, but… I still don't know who you are. I don't know how strong you are, too. Which is why I can't answer you.

Byakuya: That's funny. Weak weapons are better than no weapons. Get a strong weapon later. Then you can discard the weak one.

Strix: You're telling me it's better being with you than not? I suppose you're right, but if that's your proposal to me you should explain yourself a bit better.

Byakuya: Ah, okay. Right. How about this then… I already got rid of most of the In-births around here. Cool?

His eyes narrow, and he lets out a smirk.

Byakuya: If that's not enough, then let's go somewhere else. I'll reap the heads off of anyone you want. As many as you want.

His smirk widens into an eerie grin.

Strix: …

(So he's the reason why I didn't sense anyone around?)

So it wasn't because of the battle we had against Amnesia, or because of Zohar attacking Wielders under the Night…

Byakuya: Every Night. I just cleaved them with my claws. It was so easy that it got boring.

Every day was boring to me. I thought this was my last Night. Then I met you. I met you, Sis'. There's no reason for me not to be with you.

Strix: Unbelievable… I didn't think you were sane, but I didn't think you would be this insane…

Byakuya: Glad you like me. I'm honored.

Byakuya's offer is very good, of course, it would have been better if he wasn't this broken.

I needed someone to guard me while I traverse the Night, especially when I don't have the power to protect myself.

I needed someone skilled and strong. Someone who would protect me without reason. He fits the bill, and I have no reason to refuse his offer, but…

Strix: (I can't really be all that happy. His personality is… quite something. What to do…)

Looking at his uncouth smile makes me feel like I'm the one being controlled. Not that it really mattered.

I also feel like I'm going to be in more trouble with him around. Ironic considering I need someone to avoid trouble.

Unbelievable indeed…

It makes me want to curse my horrible fate.

Strix: *Sigh*

I come to a conclusion.

Strix: Fine.

I need to hold back my words to him.

I need to change, and move with him.

Strix: Do you mind telling me your sister's name?

I only have a single strand of hope in this hell-like place. I need to grab it like my life depended on it.

The strand I needed to grab… him…

Byakuya: So… Is that your answer? Answer to my offer?

Strix: Do you really have to ask that? I bet others tell you that you don't know how others feel.

Byakuya: Wow. Amazing. Well done. "Tsukuyomi"… That's my sister's name.

Strix: "Tsukuyomi"… A quiet, and gentle name befitting of the Night. Wonderful. You can call me "Tsukuyomi" from now on.

Byakuya: Huh? Ahahaha! Ah… Sister… Tsu…kuyomi… Tsuku…yomi… Tsukuyomi. You returned.

Tsukuyomi: Don't be mistaken. It's just a codename while I'm with you.

It's easy to conform to things acting like we're siblings. I can hide my identity, too.

A relationship that would end the moment he becomes useless to me.

A relationship that would end the moment I accomplish my goals.

A brittle relationship that would end the moment one of us dies.

This type of relationship shouldn't last very long.

Byakuya: Aah… I don't care what you're thinking. I'm happy so long as you call yourself by that name for me, Sis'.

Tsukuyomi: Suit yourself. I'm not doing this for you.

Byakuya: That's good. Nice. I'm with my sister now. I'm fine as long as you're by me, Sis'.

I can do anything. I have power. Anything for you.

Tsukuyomi: Hmph… More like "anything for yourself," right? That's fine. Just do your best for me, got it?

Byakuya: Ahaha… Ahahaha! Of course! I'll do my best. I'll live for you.

So? What's next? Where to? I'll go wherever you go. That's me now.

Tsukuyomi: You really are a nuisance…

-----

Tsukuyomi: (I'm suddenly a sister to this boy.)

(It doesn't feel bad being called a sister. It also works well in that I can fit right in to what he lost.)

(I need to find Zohar, and if acting like his sister is going to make me find her, I'll do my best at it.)

You will be my sword and shield. Serve me with all you have, and then perish, my dear younger brother Byakuya…