đź“š part 1: A Normal School Day
Awakening
Clin… (Alarm Clock Rings)
"Huh… Is it already 7:00?"
Takuto reluctantly got out of bed and went to the bathroom. After washing his face, he took a shower.
My name is Himura Takuto. I'm an orphan, a lone wolf with no family left. My parents passed away when I was about seven. Since then, it's just been me. When I go out, I have no friends to say goodbye to, and when I return home, there's no one to say, "Welcome home." You could say life is a bit lonely, but I manage.
After showering and putting on my school uniform, and before leaving for school…
Takuto looked at an old photograph and quietly said, "I'm going to school, Dad, Mom," and headed out.
When I arrived at school and opened the classroom door, I heard a group of girls talking.
Classmate: "Ayano-San, thank you for explaining the lesson the other day. I understood it much better thanks to you."
Ayano: "It's fine, we're classmates after all."
Ayano turned toward me and greeted me with a cheerful smile. "Ohh… Takuto-Kun, good morning."
Takuto felt slightly embarrassed and replied, "Y-yes… Ayano-San, good morning," quickly sitting down at his desk.
She is Ayano Daichi. She's popular in class and well-liked by everyone. She is kind, smart, and excels at sports. A genuinely good-hearted girl.
I respect her. And… I secretly like her too.
I don't have any friends, and I'm somewhat of an outcast, but Ayano-San treats me normally. She talks to me, is friendly, is kind to me, and cares for me. That's why I think I've fallen in love with her.
Takuto: "I've decided… When school ends this evening, I'm going to ask Ayano-San to go on a date with me!"
The Invitation
(Time: 4:00 PM. School dismissal time)
Ding Dong!
Moto: "Ayano-San, I'm leaving now. Bye-bye."
Ayano: "Okay, Moto-Chan. Take care on your way home."
Takuto nervously walked up to Ayano and…
"Ayano-San!"
"Yes, Takuto-Kun. Is there something you need? Do you need help with anything?"
"H-no, it's not that!" Takuto, with a slightly shy expression, said… "Um… Would you… would you go on a date with me, Ayano-San?"
I said it! Will she accept? Or will she turn me down?
After a moment of silence, Ayano smiled and said, "Well… Yes, of course. How about Saturday at 4 PM?"
Takuto: "Huh… Sh-she accepted? Am I dreaming?"
Ayano: "What's wrong, Takuto-Kun? Is that day not suitable?"
Takuto's eyes lit up with joy. "Yes, that day works! So, let's meet in front of Katowa Marketplace in the city center."
Ayano, just as she was about to leave the room, turned back and said with a sweet smile, "Takuto-Kun, I'll be looking forward to it… the date."
Takuto smiled back and replied enthusiastically, "Yes!"
The Mystery
(Location: The rooftop of a building. Time: 11:00 PM)
Two women were talking.
"Hey, Kaori."
Sora handed her a photograph. "Keep an eye on the boy in this photo."
Kaori glanced at the photo. "He is…?"
Sora: "Yes, he's the one we've been looking for. He is extremely important. You must protect him. Before they get their hands on him."
Kaori: "Understood, Sora-sama."
Sora looked up at the moon in the sky. "The time we've been waiting for will arrive soon…"
Sora's eyes, as she gazed at the moon, glowed a dazzling red-orange.
🎠Part 2: The Mask
A Lovely Date
(Time: 3:55 PM. Location: Katowa Marketplace)
Takuto's heart was pounding with excitement. "Whew… I wonder what Ayano-san will look like when she arrives. I'm so excited. This is my first date with a girl. And that girl is the one I like!"
Just then…
Ayano: "Hi… Takuto-kun. Have you been here long?" Ayano arrived.
(She was wearing a black T-shirt, a skirt, and a white long-sleeved shirt, carrying a small blue purse.)
Takuto: "I just arrived myself… (Wow… Ayano-san is so beautiful)" Takuto spoke firmly, hiding his thoughts.
Ayano smiled and said, "Takuto-kun, let's start. Our date."
Takuto: "Yes, Ayano-san!"
Takuto and Ayano strolled around the marketplace. At a clothing store, Takuto was looking at a bracelet, thinking, "This would suit Ayano-san." He looked at a blue woven bracelet.
Takuto: "Ayano-san, this…" Takuto handed her the bracelet.
Ayano: "It's beautiful… Is it for me?"
Takuto nodded shyly. Ayano immediately put on the bracelet and said, "This is the first gift I've received from Takuto-kun… I will cherish it carefully. Thank you, Takuto-kun."
Takuto was delighted and replied, "I'm glad you like the bracelet, Ayano-san."
A Sweet Moment
(Location: Cafe)
Ayano took the menu and said, "Excuse me… Could I please have this Chocolate Ice-cream?"
The Waiter said, "Yes, ma'am. And what would you like to order, sir?"
Takuto said, "Yes, a glass of blue berry juice, please."
About five minutes later, the Waiter delivered their orders. Takuto started drinking his juice while staring at Ayano.
Ayano: "Mmm… this ice cream is delicious."
(Sigh… Ayano-san looks adorable even when she's eating) Takuto sighed in his heart.
Ayano smiled and said, "Takuto-kun… Come on. I'll feed you some ice cream. Say… Aww…"
Takuto's face turned completely red. "Huh?… Ayano-san…"
Ayano said, "Come on, say it. Aww…"
Takuto, feeling shy, quietly said, "Y-yes… Aww…"
Ayano fed him and smiled, "You look so cute when you're shy, Takuto-kun…"
Takuto was too embarrassed to reply and looked down. After that, the two of them walked around and enjoyed themselves in many places.
The Hidden Mask
(Time: 6:00 PM. Location: A secluded park)
As they walked, Takuto thought, (I want to hold Ayano-san's hand. Right, I'll try.)
Takuto's hand was trembling, but finally, he gently took Ayano's hand.
Ayano smiled, stopped walking, and let go of Takuto's hand. She walked a little way forward, then turned back, wearing a terrifying smile… her eyes devoid of color.
Ayano: "Takuto-kun… You really are an idiot."
Takuto was stunned. "Huh… Ayano-san?"
Ayano: "You know, I show you a little kindness, a little care, and you follow me around like a puppy."
Takuto, confused, asked, "What are you talking about… Ayano-san?"
Ayano walked up to Takuto, grabbed his face, and her voice became terrifyingly deep.
Ayano: "Takuto-kun… You truly are adorable. But what I want isn't you… It's your…"
"It's your… eyes…"
Takuto: "Ayano-san… What are you saying? I don't understand anymore."
Ayano's demeanor became frightening. She held Takuto's face and said, "Now… Takuto-kun. I'll be taking your beautiful eyes…"
Takuto tried to push Ayano away, but thought, "How… she's so strong."
Ayano stared into Takuto's eyes and noticed something. "Hmm… Your eyes haven't awakened yet?"
Takuto: "Huh… Haven't awakened?"
Ayano smiled and said, "It doesn't matter. We'll just have to take you with us now."
Takuto: "Huh… Us?"
Just then, strange people arrived and restrained Takuto. "Let me go!"
Kaori's Salvation
At that moment, someone threw an object.
"Takuto! Close your eyes!"
"Huh… Whatever," Takuto closed his eyes, and a moment later, the object exploded. A blinding light erupted.
"Aaaah…"
While everyone was disoriented, someone grabbed Takuto's hand and they ran. They stopped after reaching a certain spot. "Alright… They won't be able to follow us here."
Takuto, slightly out of breath, asked, "Thank you for saving me… By the way, who are you?"
The girl with black hair and black eyes said, "I am… Kaori Ichinose. There's no time to explain now. Let's get to a safe place first."
Kaori sensed something. "Takuto-san!!! Look out!" Kaori pushed Takuto away.
"(BOOM!!!)"
Kaori: "Takuto-san, are you alright?"
Takuto: "Y-yes, I'm fine."
Then, a man walked up and said, "Found you."
Kaori shielded Takuto with her hands. "Who are you!… Takuto-san, stay back. It's dangerous."
Toki: "I am Toki Takamatsu. I'm taking that boy with me."
Kaori pulled a dagger from behind her waist. "I can't allow that! If you want him, you'll have to get past me first."
Toki scratched his head. "Hmph… How annoying. Let's finish this quickly."
Toki got ready to fight. A light breeze blew past. What will happen next in this dark, silent night…
đź’Ą Part 3: Past Events and Awakening
Temporary Retreat
Ayano was furious. "Can't you people even capture one weak boy?"
"We apologize, Ayano-sama."
"Ayano-sama, we just received a report. Toki has found the Eye User."
Ayano: "That's good then. Let's go."
Clin!!! Ayano pulled out her phone. "Hmph… Father?"
After a brief phone call, Ayano said, "Hmph… Can't be helped. We have to go back. You guys, it's an order from Father. Retreat."
"Yes! Ayano-sama."
Ayano's eyes turned Purple, and she held out her hand, opening a Portal. She stepped into the Portal, and it closed behind her.
The All-Out Battle
On the other side, the fight between Toki and Kaori.
(Location: A secluded area in the city)
Toki delivered a Punch glowing with a Black Aura. Kaori dodged, and the punch hit the concrete road, causing damage.
Kaori, breathing heavily, thought, "If that hits me, I'm in trouble."
Toki laughed. "Oh, you dodged it? You won't get away with it next time."
Toki rushed in and threw continuous Black Aura Punches. Kaori dodged, inflicting a wound on his arm with her dagger. She then retreated, thinking, "This fight can't drag on. I have to end it quickly."
Blue lightning appeared around Kaori's feet. She rushed towards Toki and slashed with her dagger. Toki barely dodged, receiving a cut on his face that started to bleed. "So fast!"
Kaori turned back, swinging her dagger with full force. "This ends now!"
Just as she was about to cut Toki's neck, one of Toki's Punches struck Kaori in the abdomen, severely injuring her and sending her flying.
Toki: "Whew… A little more and my head would have been cut off."
The Awakening
Takuto panicked and ran toward Kaori. "Kaori-san! Are you alright!!! You're bleeding so much."
Kaori's breathing was heavy. "Takuto-san… Run."
Takuto: "No!!! I can't abandon a girl who saved me and run away!!!"
Toki laughed. "Hahahaha… What a touching little love story."
Takuto grew angry. "You!!! You bastard!!!" He ran toward Toki, preparing to punch him. Toki easily kicked Takuto in the chest. Takuto was sent flying far away.
Toki: "What can a weakling like you do? Watch this. I'll kill this girl right in front of you."
Takuto: "Don't!!!! Stop!!!"
Takuto tried to get up but couldn't. Toki walked over to the fallen Kaori and put his foot on her head.
"Don't!! Don't hurt her!!"
(If only I wasn't weak… If only I wasn't so pathetic)
Takuto: "Damn it… Just die already"
A memory from the past flashed through Takuto's eyes. Fire was blazing everywhere. In his field of vision, a woman was lying down…
"…M-Mom…"
The woman said, "Takuto, run!"
A person arrived and prepared to stab Takuto's mother with a knife. "Mom!!!"
The woman smiled one last time and said, "Takuto, please, keep living. I beg you."
The person stabbed Takuto's mother with the knife. "Mom!!!"
The scene in front of him now was identical to that past event. Takuto's emotional state turned to extreme rage, and…
"I won't… let you kill… her!!!"
Takuto got up from where he had fallen.
"Harrhh!!!"
A Red Aura slowly began to glow in Takuto's eyes.
"Haahh!!!"
Toki was shocked and amazed. "Impossible!!! He awakened?"
Takuto's eyes had turned blood-red and were glowing with the red aura.
"I… will not forgive you. I will definitely kill you!!!"
[END OF CHAPTER 1]
[Arc 1 START AWAKENING: THE BETRAYAL'S SCAR]