HM & DF Chapter 6 Exercising (Patreon)

The next day came quietly.

The soft morning light slipped through the gaps in the wooden shutters, painting faint golden lines across the small cabin’s interior. Dust motes floated lazily in the beams, drifting above a simple bed, a rough wooden table, and a chair that would creak if you sat on it.

On the bed, buried under a slightly too-large blanket, Asia slept soundly for the first time in what felt like forever.

The night before, she had healed until her hands shook and her legs no longer supported her. Burned flesh restored, bones mended, illnesses that had clung like chains for years simply… gone. Twilight Healing had poured out of her again and again until her vision blurred and then nothing.

The three cherubs had panicked. When her body finally slumped, they darted around her in frantic circles. A chorus of distressed piii! and kii! filled the makeshift infirmary.

The Sasquatch had moved first as without a word, he’d scooped her up with surprising gentleness, cradling her against his chest like she weighed nothing at all. The vampire in red followed closely behind, arms crossed, with her crimson eyes narrowing, not with hostility anymore, but with something like wary concern.

“She completely drained herself,” One of the witch doctors had muttered. “That kind of healing must have taken it toll on her stamina and spirit.”

“Then she needs rest,” The vampire had said sharply. “Proper rest.”

When they informed the town of what just happened and what she did they were so grateful that they gave her a cabin. A small one near the edge of the settlement, where the town’s noise dulled to a muted hum. It was simple but clean, with a narrow bed, a washbasin, and a small shelf someone had quietly stocked with folded clothes.

When the Sasquatch laid Asia down on the bed, the mattress creaked in protest. The cherubs finally settled, hovering anxiously over her face. After a while, even they succumbed to exhaustion, flopping onto her chest and pillow like tiny chicks guarding their mother.

By the time dawn crept in, the settlement’s suspicion had shifted. She hadn’t just healed the wounded from last night’s battle. She had healed those who had been limping for years. A werewolf whose leg had never mended right after a silver bullet. A Native elder who had been slowly losing his sight. A beastman child whose lungs had always been weak.

She had touched them all with the same gentle hands, the same earnest smile. No demands. No price.

Whispers quickly had spread.

“Maybe she really isn’t with the government.” 

“If she was, why heal us? And this much?”

“Did you see Hawthorn’s arm grow back? Spirits, I thought that was impossible…”

By morning, the “outsider” had become something else.

—--------------------------------

Sunday, Morning, Small Cabin

Sunlight found Asia’s face eventually.

A strong beam squeezed through the cracks in the shutter at just the right angle to blast straight across Asia’s face causing her to scrunch her nose, frowning in her sleep, then let out a tiny, muffled groan. “…Mmm…”

The sound caused the cherubs to stir first.

Ikaros, curled up like a tiny pink puff on Asia’s shoulder, fluttered her wings sleepily. Tia, draped across Asia’s stomach like a sunbathing cat, rolled over, her golden glow flickering. Luke was sprawled on the blanket near her feet, little wings spread wide and halo tilted like a crooked crown.

As Asia shifted, the bed dipped just enough to jostle all three.

“Pii…?”

“Ki…?”

Ikaros, Tia, and Luke bobbed upward, blinking their tiny eyes open. For half a second, they looked offended that the world had dared to move their bed.

Then they saw their mother’s eyes flutter open.

Asia blinked slowly, the blur of sleep clearing from her vision. Her lashes brushed the sunlight and she winced slightly, raising a hand to shield her face. “Ah… the sun…” Her voice was hoarse, but her body felt… light. Not entirely recovered, but no longer drowning in the crushing fatigue of the night before. She stretched gently, the sheets rustling around her legs.

She then paused as she looked around. “Where…?” Her eyes adjusted, taking in the small cabin. The wooden ceiling, the simple walls, the faint smell of smoke and trees. A small washbasin stood by the wall, a folded towel beside it. Someone had placed a clay cup of water on the bedside table. Asia sat up slowly, confusion and awe mingling in her chest. “…This isn’t the plane,” She murmured. “Ah… that’s right… the town. The battle…”

Before the worry could settle in, three streaks of light launched at her.

“Piii!!” Ikaros crashed into her cheek, hugging it with all her tiny might.

“Kii~!” Tia bounced against her forehead, chirping in rapid, scolding bursts.

“Pii! Pii! Pii!” Luke zipped around her head like an angry blue comet, wings flapping so fast they buzzed.

“Ah—!” Asia giggled as three glowing bodies swarmed her face and shoulders, their tiny wings and feathers tickling her skin. “I–Ikaros, Tia, Luke—! P-please, that tickles!” She said, voice warm. “I’m here. I’m okay. I promise.”

Their glowing bodies tickled against her skin. Ikaros buried her face against Asia’s neck, Tia tugged at a strand of her hair, and Luke puffed himself up as if he was scolding her for scaring them.

“I’m sorry I worried you.” Asia said gently, cupping all three against her chest in a loose embrace. “I must have passed out… I used too much power last night.” She looked down at them with a fond, tender smile. “Thank you for staying with me. I slept very well… thanks to you.”

Their light pulsed happily in response. As the initial reunion calmed, Asia finally took a better look around. “So… where are we, little ones?” She wondered aloud.

The cherubs exchanged looks mid-air. Tia spun once, then pointed dramatically at the door. Luke mimed a big, hulking shape with his tiny body, puffing up as wide as he could and produced a low, rumbling impression of the Sasquatch’s growl. “Grr-kii…”

Asia’s eyes widened slightly. “The big hairy gentleman… brought me here?”

Ikaros bobbed rapidly in agreement, her pink light flashing. She flapped her wings, mimicking being carried and then pointed at the bed.

Tia added her own performance, making a little circle in the air, then a “poof!” gesture toward the roof, clearly very proud of her storytelling.

Luke folded his tiny arms and nodded solemnly, as if to say, ‘Yes, the large hairy guardian handled everything.’

Despite everything, Asia giggled softly. “I see… he carried me to this cabin? And they… gave this place to me to rest?” Her heart swelled, a familiar emotion rising—gratitude so intense it stung behind her eyes. “They didn’t have to… but they were so kind…”

Her smile softened into something almost glowing. “I need to thank them properly.”

She swung her legs over the edge of the bed, the wooden floor cool against her feet. For a moment, she wobbled, her body still remembering the exhaustion, even if her body had already rested.

The cherubs hovered close, ready to catch her if she fell, even though they were each the size of her palm.

Asia chuckled. “It’s alright,” she reassured them. “I won’t fall. I promise.” Before she did anything else, however, she glanced back at the bed.

The blanket was rumpled, the pillow slightly askew, a few stray golden hairs still clinging to the fabric. For a heartbeat, she considered rushing out—she was eager to ensure the wounded were okay, eager to thank everyone, especially the Sasquatch and the vampire in red.

Then her upbringing tapped her shoulder like a stern nun. “…I should tidy this up first,” she murmured.

It felt wrong to leave a space someone lent her in disarray. She had slept here for free, been sheltered here without asking. The very least she could do was make the bed look presentable.

She smoothed the sheets carefully, lifting the blanket and shaking it out. The sunlight caught the floating dust, turning it into tiny motes of light. The cherubs helped in the only ways they knew how, Tia tugging at the edges, Ikaros patting the pillow, Luke pretending to “inspect” the corners like a stern supervisor.

“There we go,” Asia said with a satisfied little nod once the bed was neatly made and the blanket folded at the foot. “That’s much better. We must not be rude to our hosts.”

Finished, she moved to the small washbasin. The water inside was cool, fresh. She cupped her hands and splashed her face, the chill chasing away the last remnants of sleep. Her reflection in the faint, rippling surface looked tired, but brighter than yesterday, eyes clearer, cheeks less pale.

She touched her cross, breathing in deeply. “Alright,” she whispered. “Let’s go.”

She walked to the door, her three cherubs circling her like a glowing halo of their own. With one last glance at the neatly made bed and the small, quiet cabin that had cradled her exhaustion, Asia smiled.

Then she opened the door.

Warm sunlight spilled in, carrying with it the distant sounds of the hidden town., voices, laughter, tools clinking, and somewhere, the low rumble of a familiar Sasquatch.

Asia stepped out, ready to face the strange new day.

—------------------------------

Sunday, Kuoh, Morning

The sun had barely cleared the rooftops of Kuoh when the sound of pounding footsteps echoed down the quiet residential streets.

Issei Hyoudou ran with his breath steady and his mind buzzing, dressed in a simple grey sweatsuit. The cool morning air brushed against his cheeks, carrying the faint scents of dew, bakery bread, and car exhaust as the town slowly woke up. His sneakers tapped rhythmically against the pavement. He wasn’t even winded as he continued his run.

‘Man… this feels weird,’ He thought, glancing at the sidewalk ahead. ‘I’m going this fast and I’m not even tired yet. Before, I would’ve been half-dead after one lap…’

Behind him, another set of footsteps thundered, heavier and more strained. 

“Hyoudou—! Slow—down—you bastard—!” Matsuda’s voice came between gasps, raw and disbelieving. He was drenched in sweat, his shaved head gleaming, his own tracksuit clinging to him like a dying animal. He was pushing hard, but no matter how much he tried, he couldn’t close the gap.

Issei looked back over his shoulder and almost winced at the sight.

Matsuda looked like a man whose entire worldview had just been shattered.

‘He’s seriously giving it his all… and I’m still ahead without even trying,’ Issei realized, a strange mix of pride and guilt churning in his chest.

Further behind, way behind was Motohama, who was barely visible at the far end of the street, glasses crooked, arms flailing as he jogged like someone fleeing a natural disaster. His legs wobbled, his breath ragged, sweat soaking through his shirt.

“Hyoooodouuuu…! I hate… both of you…!” Motohama wheezed, voice cracking.

Issei slowed his pace at last and came to a stop near a small intersection, stepping off to the side so as not to block the sidewalk. He stretched his arms above his head, rolling his shoulders.

‘Okay, that’s enough for now,’ He decided. ‘If I go any farther, Matsuda’s gonna think I made a deal with the devil.’

He turned back just in time to see Matsuda stumble up to him, hands on his knees, chest heaving.

“Hah…! Hah…! What… the… hell… Issei?” Matsuda hissed between breaths, sweat dripping down his jaw. He wiped at his brow with the back of his sleeve. “Since when… are you this fast!? I used to leave you in the dust, man! I was a track star! A track star!”

Issei scratched his cheek with a sheepish grin. “I mean, ‘track star’ might be pushing it. You still tripped over the hurdles a lot.”

“Shut up…!” Matsuda wheezed. “You’re usually dying after one lap around the school field. This—this isn’t normal!”

Issei shrugged, trying to play it off. “Guess I just got serious.”

Which… wasn’t technically a lie. He just didn’t mention that his strength and stamina had shot up to levels that would’ve terrified the old him. That door’s handle would crumpled in his grip if he wasn’t careful, that running at this pace felt more like a light jog now.

Or that every time he remembered Melusine’s eyes in the glow of the aquarium—golden, knowing, quietly proud—his chest burned and his legs moved faster.

‘You must become stronger first… only then will the truth reveal itself.’ Her words echoed in his mind.

Behind them, Motohama finally staggered into view, stumbling like a survivor of a marathon he hadn’t trained for.

“Oi, Motohama!” Issei cupped his hands around his mouth. “Hurry up! You look like you’re dying!”

Motohama, drenched and pale, pushed his fogged-up glasses up his nose with a shaky hand. “I… am… dying,” he croaked. “Why… did I agree… to this…? I’m supposed to be the brains of the trio, not the legs…”

He stumbled the last few steps, then collapsed onto the curb, leaning back and sucking in air like a vacuum. “Hyoudou… remind me… what possessed you to drag us out here… at this ungodly hour…?”

Matsuda nodded, still breathing heavily. “Yeah… that’s what I wanna know. Since when are you Mr. Fitness? You weren’t usually so athletic, and suddenly you’re calling us for morning training?” He squinted suspiciously. “You didn’t hit your head or something, did you?”

Issei glanced away, lips twitching. He couldn’t tell them that it was because his new girlfriend had basically told him, “You’re not ready yet,” and that his pride wouldn’t let him stay weak.

He also couldn’t tell them about how strong he felt lately. How his body moved like it had been upgraded. How, deep inside, something pulsed in time with his heartbeat.

So he went with the simplest version. The human one.

“Well,” Issei said, scratching the back of his head, “now that I, you know… have a girlfriend, I figured I should get in shape. Ladies love a strong guy, right?”

There. Easy enough and believable.

Matsuda stared at him and Motohama stopped mid-gasp and looked up. The silence lasted just a bit too long.

“…You…” Matsuda said slowly, voice dangerously flat. “You’re telling me… you called us… at six in the morning… to run around town… because you want to look good for your girlfriend?”

Issei hesitated. “I mean… yeah? That and… you know, health. Gains. Future abs.”

Motohama pushed himself up with a dry laugh. “You have to be kidding me. This pervert… Us… the legendary Trio of Vir—” He coughed. “—of Purely Unfulfilled Youth… and you’re the first one to get a girlfriend.”

“Yeah, what the hell!?” Matsuda exploded, jabbing a finger into Issei’s chest. “I was in the track team! I’m fit! I’ve got a great… okay, a decent body! If girls loved strong guys so much, they’d be lining up for me!”

Issei gave him a sympathetic look. “Maybe they just can’t see past the nosebleeds and creepy laughter.”

“THAT’S PART OF MY CHARM!” Matsuda protested.

Motohama adjusted his glasses, the lenses catching the morning light. “Statistically,” he said dryly, “the chances of one of us landing a girlfriend this early in high school are—”

“Don’t you dare start quoting statistics right now,” Matsuda snapped. “I refuse to be mathematically humiliated!”

Issei laughed, a light, easy sound that floated over the quiet street. Despite the teasing, despite the envy in their eyes, a warmth filled his chest. These idiots were still his idiots.

“Well, look,” he said, grinning. “You guys complained when I spent all day lying around and watching TV. Now I’m out here running laps and you’re still complaining. At least this way we can all get something out of it, right?”

Matsuda grumbled, but the fight was already draining out of him. “Tch… I hate that you’re making sense.”

Motohama sighed. “If this ends with us actually getting fit and still single… I’m suing you.”

“On what grounds?” Issei asked.

“Emotional damage.”

Issei snorted. “Alright, alright. Tell you what—if we stick with this, I’ll buy you guys some yakisoba bread after school. My treat.”

Matsuda’s eyes narrowed. “Daily?”

Issei thought about his wallet. Winced. “…Weekly.”

“Twice a week,” Motohama bargained immediately, brain kicking into gear.

“Once a week and one bonus if we hit a goal,” Issei countered. “Like, uh… no walking in PE for a whole week.”

Matsuda squinted. “…Fine. But if I don’t end up with a girlfriend by the end of the year, I’m blaming your training program.”

“Deal,” Issei said, laughing. “But you gotta actually run when we do this, you know. Not just complain.”

Matsuda rolled his shoulders and straightened up, some of his competitive spark returning. “Hah! Don’t underestimate me, Hyoudou. I’ll get back in form. I’m not letting my lesser outrun me forever.”

Motohama groaned as he pushed himself up onto shaky legs. “I am deeply regretting my life choices.”

Issei looked at both of them, and beneath the humor, his gaze steadied. ‘This is good,’ He thought. ‘If I train with them, it’ll look normal. Just three guys trying to get in shape… not one weirdo suddenly turning superhuman overnight.’

He clenched his fist lightly, feeling that strange, humming strength coiled inside his muscles.

‘You must become stronger first…’

‘Yeah, I'll get stronger. For myself. For her. For whatever this new thing is… I’ll figure it out.’ He thought, feeling his resolve harden. 

He clapped his hands once, breaking the moment. “Alright! One more lap around the block, then we cool down and hit the showers. Let’s go!”

Matsuda stared at him, aghast. “One more—!? We just got here!”

Motohama’s soul visibly left his body for a second.

Issei jogged backward a few steps, grinning. “C’mon, c’mon! Future ladies are watching your effort in spirit!”

Matsuda snarled, adrenaline kicking back in. “IF ANYONE’S WATCHING, IT BETTER BE LITTLE-BOOBED ONES! I’M NOT LETTING YOU GET ALL THE GLORY, HYODOU!”

Motohama adjusted his glasses, resigned. “…If I die, tell my parents I died chasing romance.”

“Dude, I’m not telling them that,” Issei laughed. “Let’s go!”

And with that, he turned and took off again, this time at a pace slow enough for his friends to follow, but fast enough to push them.

Behind him Matsuda and Motohama cursed, complained, and wheezed… But they still ran.

And somewhere in the back of his mind, Issei imagined golden eyes watching him from afar, a quiet, proud smile on her lips.

‘I’ll get stronger, Melu,’ He promised silently. ‘Just watch me.’

—--------------------------------

The moment Asia stepped outside, a wave of new scents and sounds washed over her from the fresh soil, smoke from cooking fires, fur, pine and the damp earth.The settlement spread out before her like a hidden village pulled from a painting.

The big wild western town had wooden homes and cabins like hers, thick log longhouses, and tents stitched from leather and patterned cloth. Smoke rose in lazy trails from stone firepits. Lines of herbs and charms hung from ropes strung between posts, swaying gently in the morning breeze. Children ran between the houses, some human, some not entirely. A child with tufted wolf ears and a fluffy tail, another with unusual eyes that reflected the light like a cat’s.

On the far side, she spotted hulking shapes, Sasquatches, moving with surprising grace as they carried logs, repaired palisade walls, or fetched buckets of water from a stream.

Closer to the center, she saw werewolves in human form, though their eyes, their gait and their sharp teeth betrayed them. A few Wendigos in cloaks, thin and skeletal but calmer than the ravenous monsters she’d imagined from stories. A group of vampires in modern but tattered clothes, pale faces and crimson eyes catching the light as they watched the camp with predator stillness.

Native shamans and mages, men and women with braids, beadwork, tattoos and painted sigils. Some of them looked at her with open curiosity, others with wary suspicion.

The moment she stepped out, conversations dipped. Eyes turned and stared.

Asia froze for a heartbeat, feeling dozens of gazes prickling against her back. Her fingers tightened on her satchel strap.

Luke drifted closer to her cheek, his blue glow brightening protectively. He was ready to scare everyone off with his fiercest battle cry if he had to.

Before panic could root her in place, a familiar voice cut through the tension. “So the little miracle wakes up.”

Asia turned and leaning against the side of her cabin with arms crossed was the vampire woman from last night, the one who had threatened to kill her if she tried anything, then stood guard over her healing.

Up close, she looked impossibly composed with her pale skin, sharp red eyes, long dark hair tied back in a messy low ponytail. She wore the same red dress as yesterday, but there was something undeniably regal in the way she carried herself.

Asia blinked, then quickly bowed her head. “Ah—! G-good morning!”

The vampire raised an eyebrow. “…You’re very polite for someone who snuck into a war zone.”

Asia flushed faintly. “I-I didn’t know… it was a war zone… I just… saw people who were hurt, and…” She pressed a hand over her heart. “I had to help.”

The vampire studied her for a long moment, eyes flicking to the three cherubs circling protectively above Asia’s shoulders. “You’re a strange one,” the vampire murmured. “No scent of malice. Just stubbornness.” She clicked her tongue. “And annoyingly sincere.”

Asia blinked. “Um… thank you?”

“That wasn’t a compliment,” The vampire replied dryly.

Luke chirped indignantly at her tone, puffing himself up.

The vampire’s gaze shifted to him, and for a moment, her expression softened almost imperceptibly. “Tch. Your little fairies have more courage than most humans.”

Asia smiled faintly. “They’re very brave…”

A sigh slipped past the vampire’s lips. She pushed herself off the wall and stood straight. “Name’s Selene,” she said finally. “Since you healed half the town, you might as well know the one who threatened to kill you.”

Asia’s eyes widened. “S-Selene! I-It’s nice to meet you. My name is Asia Argento.” She dipped her head again. “Thank you… for watching over me yesterday.”

Selene’s red eyes flickered, something unreadable passing through them. “Don’t thank me. I was making sure you didn’t blow up or summon a group of exorcists on our heads.”

“I would never!” Asia protested quickly, then shrank back down, cheeks pink. “I’m… not on very good terms with the Church right now…”

That made Selene snort. “Right? You mentioned that before,” Her gaze sharpened but before she could pry further, the ground trembled lightly with the approach of heavy footsteps. A shadow fell over them.

Asia turned slowly, and her breath caught.

The Sasquatch who had carried her last night stood just a few steps away, towering over them both. Up close in the daylight, he was enormous—nearly three meters tall, thick brown fur. Yet his eyes, deep amber and faintly glowing, were gentle in a way that reminded her of the older farmers that visited her.

He stared down at Asia, head tilted slightly.

Asia stared back, hands pressed nervously to her chest. “…G-good morning,” She managed timidly.

The Bigfoot huffed, a low, rumbling sound that shook his chest. He raised one massive hand, and for a second she flinched—but he only pointed at his own chest, then at her, then mimed sleeping with his hands under his head.

Asia blinked. “…Ah! The little ones told me you carried me to the cabin?”

He nodded once.

Her eyes softened. “Th-thank you very much… for helping me. And for being gentle.”

The Sasquatch scratched his cheek awkwardly, looking away as if embarrassed.

Selene smirked faintly at the sight. “You’ve gotten popular fast,” She said under her breath.

Asia fidgeted. “Um… I wanted to… thank everyone properly. And, um, ask if there’s anything else I can do to help… since you all gave me a place to rest.”

Selene’s expression shifted, some of her dryness fading into something more neutral. “You’ll get your chance,” she said. “The council wants to speak with you.”

“The… council?”

“The ones in charge of this place,” Selene explained. “The elders, clan heads, and whoever else thinks they get a say want to have a meeting. You met some of them last night but now that you healed our wounded, you also brought attention we don’t normally get.” Her eyes narrowed a fraction. “They want to decide what to do with you.”

Asia swallowed. “Oh…” The idea of having “what to do with her” being discussed in a meeting made her stomach twist. But at the same time… it was fair. She was the stranger here.

Selene studied her reaction, then gave a tiny nod as if satisfied she didn’t try to run. “Come on,” the vampire said, nodding toward the center of the town. “The sooner it’s done, the better.” But soon she stopped and turned to the ex-nun. “Before I forget, welcome to Moonshadow Gulche.”

Asia took a steadying breath. “Th-thank you, the town looks lovely.”

Selene nodded and continued walking with Asia walking between them with the Sasquatch lumbering quietly at her side like a giant bodyguard, Selene pacing with relaxed predator grace on the other. The cherubs hovered close, wary but curious, their soft glow bright in the morning light.

As they passed through the camp, Asia saw the fruits of last night’s desperate work.

A man she remembered with shattered ribs was laughing now, seated by a fire with his family, lifting a child onto his shoulders. A young werewolf woman who had been coughing blood leaned against a cabin doorway, breathing steady, eyes full of life. An older shaman who had nearly lost his leg in the blast walked with only a slight limp, using his staff more out of habit than necessity.

They noticed her.

Conversations quieted. Some of them bowed their heads in respect. Others placed hands over their chests. A child tugged at his mother’s sleeve, whispering something, and the woman guided him forward until he stood before Asia, cheeks flushed.

“Um…” The boy said in accented English, holding out a small woven charm on a string. “For you. Thank you for… helping Grandpa.”

Asia’s breath hitched. She knelt down so her eyes were level with his and accepted the charm with both hands. “Thank you… very much,” she said, voice soft but steady. “I only did what I could.”

The boy’s face lit up. Tia dove down and spun around his head once, making him squeak with laughter before she zipped back to Asia’s shoulder.

Selene watched all this from the side, arms crossed, eyes unreadable. “…Hmph,” she muttered under her breath. “Very annoying.” But her lips had softened.

—------------------------------------

Asia, Selene and the Bigfoot had reached the central large two story house shortly after.

It was larger than the other structures, built in the same wild west style, with a large bell tower in the center of the building with feathered charms, bones, and carved symbols hanging from its eaves. Smoke curled from the chimney on the roof. Two werewolves in human form guarded the entrance wearing cowboy attires, tattoos glowing faintly under their skin. They eyed Asia warily but stepped aside when they saw who escorted her.

Inside, the air was dim and warm, lit by the lit chimney. The smell of sage and cedar hung heavy, smoke curling around carved totems and painted shields mounted on the walls.

At the far end, a semi-circle of elders and leaders sat or stood many familiar faces from last night.

A broad-shouldered werewolf elder with silver threaded through his dark hair, Chief Grayclaw watched her with amber eyes that missed nothing.

Beside him sat an older Sasquatch with fur almost completely silver, beads and bones braided into it, Elder Thorne, whose calm gaze carried the weight of forests.

On his other side rested a woman with dark braids swathed in layered shawls, her dark eyes sharp, face lined with age and power, Matriarch Nona, witch and seer.

A few others stood nearby, a Native shaman with storm-gray eyes decorated in tribunal clothes, another vampire, male, blonde with a noble posture, a Wendigo cloaked and still.

Asia bowed her head instinctively. “G-good morning…”

Selene moved to the side, leaning against a carved pillar as if she were only a spectator along with the Sasquatch.

Elder Thorne’s deep voice rolled through the hall, calm but resonant. “Your name is Asia Argento, correct?” He said slowly, tasting the foreign name. “You have done much to a place that owes you nothing.”

This surprised Asia as she didn’t expect someone like her friend to know how to speak normally considering her protector and the rest she met usually spoke with grunts and gurgles.

Chief Grayclaw’s arms were folded over his chest. “But knowing that you were found in the area where a battle with the government was taking place is suspicious even without your connection to the church.”

Asia stiffened. “I… didn’t mean to intrude and didn’t plan on interfering." she said softly. “Before my friend took me here, I was simply lost and searching for a place to rest after arriving here from Italy.”

“You used a Sacred Gear,” The storm-eyed shaman remarked, his voice neutral. “Twilight Healing. A rare, powerful artifact of the God you Europeans worship.”

Matriarch Nona leaned forward slightly, bracelets clinking. “Not just that,” She murmured. “She carries more than an artifact. Those three little critters she has following her are holy and powerful. Makes me believe that they are simple familiars-”

Asia blinked, confused. “You mean Ikaros, Tia and Luke.” The three Cherubs chirped in response.

The old witch’s gaze sharpened. “When you slept, child and after seeing them critters, I got curious and wanted to see what the future held in our small town by allowing you to stay but my sight was blocked by a blinding light.”

Whispers passed through the room as they wondered what this could mean.

Chief Grayclaw grunted. “So. You’re not just a stray nun. You’re tied to many mysteries. Tell me will those dogs come here in search of you.”

Asia straightened, hands trembling slightly but held at her sides. “I was… excommunicated,” she said quietly. “The Church used me. Then they cast me out for healing a devil.” Her voice shook, but she forced herself to continue. “I’m not here on their orders. I don’t serve them anymore.” She looked each of the elders in the eye, one by one, as much as her nerves would allow. “I only want to use this gift to help people,” she said. “And… someday… I want to find someone important to me. A boy in Japan.” Her fingers tightened over her cross. “But if my presence here endangers you, I will leave. I don’t want anyone to suffer because of me.”

Silence settled over the hall.

Her words were simple, but they carried a raw sincerity that even the most jaded among them felt.

Selene’s gaze softened slightly. Chief Grayclaw’s nose twitched, as if he were testing the scent of her truth. He found no lie.

Elder Thorne exhaled slowly. “You have already changed things by being here.” He said. “The humans you fled… they are not blind. They will notice their prey slipped away.” His eyes glowed faintly. “And they will look for you. Not to mention those Government savages that search for our destruction”

Matriarch Nona’s fingers traced patterns in the air, threads of faint light forming shapes only she saw. “The wind is already turning,” She said, voice distant. “Who knows what may happen and  if we cast her out, she may die and if we keep her here and the storm still comes, we may be able to guide it where it breaks.”

Chief Grayclaw grunted. “You’re saying we’re boned either way.”

The old witch smiled thinly. “We rarely get to choose whether the storm arrives. Only what we do when it does.”

The elders fell into murmured discussion. Asia stood in place, trembling but resolute, her cherubs hovering close, watching every shift in tone and movement.

Finally, Elder Thorne lifted his hand. “We are not the Church,” he said. “We do not throw away those who heal our young and our wounded. The Blessed Healer will remain under our protection—for now.”

Asia’s eyes widened. “I… can continue to stay?”

Matriarch Nona nodded once. “You will continue to work in our infirmary. You will obey our wards and restrictions. You will not approach the barrier without an escort. And you will tell us if you sense any movement from your old hunters.”

Chief Grayclaw’s amber gaze pinned her. “If we learn you lied, or lead them straight to us… there will be no second chances.”

Asia swallowed, then bowed deeply, hands pressed together. “I understand. I promise… I won’t betray your trust. I’ll do everything I can to help.”

The tension in the room loosened by a fraction.

Selene pushed off the pillar and stepped forward. “I’ll keep an eye on her,” she said casually. “Orders from last night still stand, right? If she goes crazy, explodes, or summons a squad of exorcists, I get to kill her first.”

“That will not happen,” Asia protested, flustered.

Elder Thorne’s lips curved into what, on anyone else, would have been a smile. “Then it is decided,” he rumbled. “Selene, you will be her watcher. And…” His gaze dropped briefly to the cherubs. “…her translator, if those little stars start misbehaving.”

Luke puffed proudly at being acknowledged. Tia spun in a happy loop. Ikaros hid behind Asia’s hair, peeking out shyly.

“Welcome, Asia Argento,” Matriarch Nona said quietly. “To the place the world pretends does not exist.”

Asia straightened, heart thudding. “Thank you… truly.”

—--------------------------------

Kuoh, Late Morning

By the time the trio looped back toward Kuoh Academy, the sun had climbed higher, burning off the last of the morning chill. The town had woken up fully with shops opening, bikes rolling past, the faint sound of a distant lawnmower humming somewhere.

Issei, Matsuda, and Motohama jogged toward the familiar silhouette of the school buildings, their breath puffing in uneven rhythms. Issei was still going strong, sweat on his brow but his breathing controlled. Matsuda looked like he’d been through a war. Motohama looked like he’d lost one.

“Okay…” Matsuda wheezed, hands on his hips. “We’re… we're seriously ending after this, right? No more ‘one more lap’ bullshit. I’m done.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Issei laughed lightly. “We’ll call it for today once we hit the gate.”

Motohama let out something between a groan and a prayer. “Finally… mercy…”

They slowed to a light jog as the school came into view. Kuoh Academy stood quiet under the Sunday sun, the main gate open, the courtyard mostly empty.

“Eh?” Issei blinked.

There were people there.

Not just a couple of teachers or club members, an entire group of teenagers, about a dozen of them, gathered just inside the gate. They were around the same age as Issei and his friends, wearing casual outfits that stood out against the quiet campus.

“What the…?” Matsuda slowed to a stop and stared. “Why are there so many people here? It’s Sunday.”

Motohama pushed his glasses up his nose, squinting as he tried to catch his breath and analyze the scene at the same time. “Is it… some kind of event? Did we miss a memo?”

Issei wiped his forehead with his sleeve, curiosity stirring in his chest. “No clue… wait—look.”

Standing among the unfamiliar faces, guiding them with her usual composed air, was the new student council president, Souna Shitori.

Even in a simple blazer and skirt, she radiated authority. Her dark hair was perfectly arranged, glasses glinting as she gestured toward the school building, speaking to the group in her cool, precise tone. She didn’t look annoyed or put out, in fact, she looked almost… accommodating and comfortable.

“Is that… Souna Shitori?” Matsuda muttered. “On a Sunday?”

“President’s doing overtime,” Motohama said dryly. “Impressive… and concerning.”

Issei tilted his head. Something was off. Shitori-senpai wasn’t just giving them directions; she was walking alongside them, pointing out buildings, explaining things like she was giving a tour. Her expression, normally strict, softened once or twice when she glanced at one of the students walking near her, a tall, striking blonde-haired young girl.

“Wait, wait…” Matsuda frowned. “Are those… transfer students?”

Motohama shook his head. “Impossible. We just started the term. The semester literally just began. Schools don’t randomly drop a dozen transfer students right away… at least, not normally.”

“Maybe they missed the first week?” Matsuda suggested. “Like, foreign exchange students or something who only just arrived?”

“Hm…” Motohama’s glasses flashed. “I suppose that’s plausible. International paperwork can be delayed. But even so, that many at once… something’s weird.”

Issei didn’t answer at first. His gaze drifted over the group, studying them one by one.

Most of them were boys. That alone was disappointing enough for the self-proclaimed Harem King-in-training.

“Man…” Matsuda groaned. “Why is it mostly guys? That’s just cruel…”

“Statistically disappointing,” Motohama agreed.

Two of the boys looked Japanese, both with black hair and with ordinary faces. Next to them walked a short boy with white hair, hands in his pockets, eyes looking gentle and wide as everything looked interesting to him. But it was the tall man at the center who drew the most attention.

He had long, dark red hair that flowed down his back in a smooth curtain, framing a face that looked like some artist had spent extra time rendering it. Sharp features, calm eyes, a posture so naturally elegant it made Issei want to slouch out of sheer inferiority. Even in a school uniform, he looked like he belonged on a magazine cover.

Matsuda deflated. “Fuck, another pretty boy.”

“Haven’t even heard him talk yet,” Motohama muttered, “but I also hate him.”

Issei grimaced. “Yeah, that guy’s dangerous. He’s like the natural predator of high school girls…”

Still, at least there were a couple of good distractions.

Like two girls in the group stood out immediately.

One was tall and elegant, with long platinum blonde hair that fell in sleek waves down her back. She wore glasses and carried herself with a calm, intellectual air, posture perfect and expression composed. There was a sharpness to her gaze, but also patience. Her beauty was refined and cool—on the same level as Rias-senpai and Akeno-senpai.

“Holy…” Matsuda whispered. “She’s at Rias-senpai level… and she’s a blonde… with glasses…”

“We’ve discovered a new category,” Motohama said, voice trembling. “Cool, intellectual blonde type… a powerful archetype…”

The other girl was smaller, with short brown hair that framed her face in soft layers. She wasn’t as visually overwhelming as the platinum blonde, but she had a cuteness that pulled the eye with soft features, warm brown eyes, and a modest, gentle way of standing that made her seem approachable.

“A-and she’s cute too…” Matsuda muttered. “Not fair… why are they in that guy’s group…?”

“Because the universe is cruel,” Motohama replied.

Issei’s gaze lingered on the brown-haired girl a bit longer. Something felt… strange.

As he watched, she glanced around the courtyard with a hesitant look, her eyes sweeping the gates, the walls, the trees—as if trying to anchor herself in unfamiliar surroundings. Then, for a brief moment, her gaze met his.

Brown eyes, quiet while deep and underneath them carried a weight.

Issei’s breath hitched for just a second. For everyone else looking, she probably just seemed shy or nervous.

But to him… ‘Why does she look… so sad?’

It wasn’t visible in her posture. She stood straight, hands folded politely in front of her. But her eyes, when they met his, just for that heartbeat, they looked like someone carrying something heavy, something that didn’t belong on shoulders that small.

He frowned slightly, almost reaching out before he caught himself. He didn’t even know her name. What was he supposed to do, wave and shout.

Before he could think too much about it, Souna Shitori turned and gestured toward the main building. The group followed her inside, their voices fading as the doors closed behind them.

The courtyard fell quiet again.

Matsuda scratched his cheek. “Well… that’s gonna cause chaos tomorrow. You saw that guy’s face, right? Half the girls are gonna forget we exist.”

“They already forget we exist,” Motohama pointed out. “Now we just have more competition we’re not ready for.”

Issei exhaled slowly, eyes still on the doors. ‘New students, huh…? Wonder what their deal is… and that girl…’

He was pulled out of his thoughts by the vibration of his phone in his pocket. “Hm?” He dug it out and checked the screen.

Melusine: Good morning, Issei. Are you free now? I would like to meet your parents today, if possible.

His heart did a little jump. “Ah. Crap. Right,” he muttered.

Matsuda leaned over immediately, shameless. “Oi, oi, is that your girlfriend?”

Motohama adjusted his glasses, peeking as well. “Statistically, the probability of that blush being from a male friend is low.”

Issei clicked his tongue and turned the phone away. “Hey, no peeking! It’s private!”

“So it is her!” Matsuda groaned, clutching his head. “Unforgivable…”

“Well?” Motohama asked. “What’s the message?”

Issei sighed, but there was a noticeable smile tugging at his lips. “She wants to meet my parents today.”

Both of his friends stared at him.

Motohama spoke first. “You… do realize what that means, right?”

Matsuda jabbed a finger at Issei’s chest. “You’re already at the ‘meet the parents’ flag!? We haven’t even cleared the ‘talk casually with a girl who isn’t a relative’ flag!”

Issei laughed nervously. “Hey, I didn’t plan it like a game route, okay? It just… kinda happened.”

He glanced back toward the school one last time, then pocketed his phone. “Anyway, I’m calling it here. You guys can head home and recover. I gotta run back, shower, and get my parents ready before Melusine gets there.”

Motohama slumped dramatically. “Unbelievable… I’m out of stamina, single, and about to watch a friend ascend into a higher social stratum…”

Matsuda scowled. “Tch… go already, you traitor to the Brotherhood. I hope your parents embarrass the hell out of you.”

“Yeah,” Motohama added with a sigh. “May your father pull out baby photos and your mother ask her when the wedding is.”

Issei winced. “You guys are evil, you know that?”

Matsuda crossed his arms. “If we have to suffer, it is only fair that you suffer in a different way.”

Issei just chuckled, shaking his head. “I’ll survive. Probably.” He gave them a casual wave as he turned to leave. “See you guys tomorrow. Don’t die on the way home.”

“No promises,” Motohama muttered.

“Tomorrow, we’re grilling you for every detail!” Matsuda shouted after him. 

“Yeah, yeah!” Issei called back, laughing as he broke into an easy jog again.

Done. Tell me what you think and if I made any mistakes. Tell me what do you think should happen next? This new story was commissioned by Dayfox, so do remember to thank him.