“To this day, I’m still not quite sure why I spent as much time as I did, just lazing around. Maybe it was the beauty of the world, maybe the only three people around me that I gave a damn about. Most likely, though, it was simply because I understood. Probably better than anyone could’ve known…”        

            A young-looking woman leaned on the edge of the guard-rail wrapping around the second-floor balcony, playing with her blonde hair. She sighed, gazing at the two males sparring in the yard, impressed with the fluidity of their movements. He’s coming along nicely… She thought. A gust of wind ran past her, chilling her bones, reminding her that autumn had come. That’s what she told herself, though. The truth was; she was tired.

            “I knew I’d find you up here!” A feminine voice rang cheerfully. The woman turned around to face a raven-haired girl of the same age, carrying two mugs of what appeared to be tea.

            “You know me too well.” The blonde commented, accepting the offered drink before turning, beginning to watch once more.

            “How is he?” The newcomer asked, leaning against the railing as well. The first girl sighed longingly.

            “He’s picking up the art impressively quick…” She replied, her voice, while still proud, carried a sense of longing. The second girl knew exactly what the problem was, but let silence consume them. What place did she have, opening wounds that would never heal?

            “Take a break.” The older man commanded, acknowledging the bow and ragged breath from his teenage sparring opponent.

            “Thank God…” The teen complained, falling onto his back. The older male smirked humorously, walking inside. The teen smirked as well. He’s finally coming around… He thought, brushing the hazel hair from his emerald eyes, before toying with his short ponytail. I guess I should change, or my clothes will reek for weeks... He mused, flipping onto his feet and dragging himself inside.

            The older man headed straight for the staircase leading to the second floor, keeping his pace general, yet personal. It took effort, but it was working so far. Quickly, he paced into the bedroom that led to a balcony, forgoing knocking.

            “I take it you’ll be leaving?” A blonde girl asked, entering from the balcony, her sight resting on a mirror in the corner, as per habit. The man nodded, his gaze softening as he saw what the girl was looking at.

            “Indeed. I’ll be back later for evening practice, as per usual.” He informed, letting a grin play upon his features. “He’s doing quite well, don’t you think?” The girl smiled, despite herself.

            “Yep; it’s in the genes, I think.”

            “You’re leaving again!?” Another, ebony-haired, girl broke in from outside the room, disappointed.

            “Yeah...” The man affirmed.

            “Why can’t you just stay here like me?” She asked, frustration starting to seep into her words. The man sighed, and looked at the two girls.

            “You know I can’t…after what I’ve done…training the boy is the least I could do…” He replied, glancing at the mirror, then the two women, and left. The discussion was over, the blonde sighed, attracting the attention of the second girl.

            “You sure do sigh a lot.” She mentioned offhand.

            “He’s just so difficult!” The first cried, lying through her teeth. Deciding that now was as good a time as any, the second girl spoke again.

            “Say, you never did say where you got that mirror.”

            “…I-it was a gift…” The older woman said, tears starting to show.

            “From him?”The girl pressed, starting to play with her raven locks, looking to the ground shamefully.

            “Yeah, Jemm…it was from...Subaru...” Jemm perked up at hearing the deceased’s name. She immediately craned her neck to look at the object. The shattered glass had been put back together, transparent tape used to hold the sizable pieces together. It was obvious that the mirror no longer held any practical use. Jemm noticed that the blonde was becoming depressed, and went to console her. What place did she have, trying to understand an unimaginable burden? Proof that the pieces of her heart, while never mending, had been repaired… Jemm thought, staring into the fissures in the glass.

            “Ahh…that’s much better.” The hazel-haired teen sighed, content with his clean clothes and soothingly cold water. He walked down the main entrance, deciding to tend to his garden. He stopped, hearing a frustrated-sounding girl shouting at someone, most likely his teacher. That’s the last time I let this slide… He thought to himself, leaning against a wall just under the overhang of the second floor. His teacher motioned to open the front door, cuing the teen to speak, while brushing hair from his eyes.

            “It’s so amazing, how easily you brush them away.” The older of the two men withdrew his hand, turning to face the teen.

            “I can’t stay…not after what I’ve—“The man replied, his voice saddening.

            “I don’t understand what Jemm loves about you!” The teen shot back, slamming his foot into the floor.

            “That’s enough…” The man’s response met a shaking head. “…The blood I have on my hands causes both Jemm and Misora so much distress. There’s no way I can stay, while causing them to feel that burden.” The teen looked down, understanding how his teacher could be feeling.

            Yelling broke the somber silence between the two girls. Jemm looked up.

            “Was that…” She trailed off, standing from her seat. The blonde girl looked up. “Let’s go see, Misora!” She spouted, suddenly, pulling her and the other girl out of the room.

            “Shh…” The blonde hissed, mischievously.

            “Sorry, Misora…” Jemm whispered, turning her attention to the scene below her.

            Just as the older male was walking out of the newly opened door, the teen looked up.

            “All three of us forgive you for what you did in Ragnarok…” He mumbled, making his teacher look back.

            “How do you know?” He asked suspiciously.

            “Unlike all you Grim Angels…Riine, I was born awakened to my existence as Survivor, and naturally, I have the memories of the previous generation…” Riine smiled, closing the door, and walking back inside.

            “I suppose I can stay then.” Jemm and Misora walked down the stairs, grinning, much to the two males’ surprise.

            “Thanks Saya!” Jemm yelled, quickly hugging the teen before running to Riine. Saya looked up to his mom, curious to her reaction.

            “Thank you, son.”

            “We all wanted him to stay.” He replied, nonchalantly. “Besides, I’ll need more training if I’m to eliminate Katsu.” Instantly, Misora’s face contorted darkly, at the mention of the god. Saya looked up, concerned. “Is something wrong, mom?”

            “Katsu…caused us all a lot of pain.” She replied, gripping the railing. “Subaru, especially…” The teen cocked his head in confusion.

            “He’s…” He mumbled quietly, looking at the ceiling, trying to remember. After a moment, Saya fixed his eyes back on Misora’s. “…The Child of Light…” Misora, Riine, and Jemm all stared at him. “…Right?” He asked, skeptical. Jemm drew a hand to her chin in thought, and Misora didn’t know what to say. It was Riine who answered.

            “That he is.” The Child of Dark confirmed, nodding. “However, he was also your father.” Saya looked at him, incredulous.

            “…That would certainly explain why I only have the memories and experiences of the Grim Angels before mom.” He said to himself. It would also explain why the fact I have no dad wasn’t apparent to me until now…and why I can’t care…

            “I suppose you would like to train, right now, then?” Saya nodded, grinning.

            “You know me well, Riine!” He said, dragging the teal-haired man with him to the backyard.

            “It would seem so.” Riine remarked, sighing.

            “That reminds me; you really need to work on having emotion when talking.” Saya continued, patting the older man on the back. Jemm laughed, as did Misora. Laughter takes away my pain and lets me do my job... The blonde reminded herself grimly.

            “Time went on, and so did our lives. However, as much as things changed, they remained the same. Mom was still mom. Jemm was still like an aunt and Riine was like the father I will never know. As for me…still the same rambunctious teen with energy-issues as I always was.”

            “What the hell do you mean!?” Saya roared, furious. “It’s been three months of non-stop training since I found out that dad was he Child of Light, and I still can’t go after Katsu!?”

            “I realize that you have a number of ambitions, now, Saya, but trust me when I say you aren’t ready.” Riine countered, using his katana for support after the sparring match that had occurred not two minutes ago. “You can’t even defeat me, and Katsu could easily win against me.” Saya clenched his hand around the staff he was using, trying to slow his heart rate. He took a deep breath, his weapon instantly jabbing at Riine. The attack was knocked away easily, with Riine’s own staff, but not without surprise.

            “Maybe I’ve been holding back.” Saya shot, withdrawing the rod. The older, stoic man weighed his options. On one hand, I could refuse, have Saya be angry for a week, hold a grudge, and sneak off to the Ark; while, on the other, I could fight him, and possibly lose, proving him right, and he goes to the Ark. He wondered twirling his staff expertly. It was no katana, and thus he didn’t possess the same mastery, but the staff was quite a marvelous weapon nonetheless. …Lose-lose situation… Riine concluded, replacing the very slight frown on his face, placing his traditional, expressionless face in its stead. Saya knew that look.

            “Let’s dance!” Saya announced, radiating enthusiasm. No matter the issue, a nice, challenging, spar always did the trick.

            Saya charged forward, swiping at Riine’s legs. The man hopped over the weapon easily, landing with a hard foot to the middle of the staff, snapping it in two. Saya frowned, Riine aiming his own weapon for the side of the teen’s head. Saya raised his forearm in-between his head, and the stick, blocking it with great pain. With a grunt, the hazel-haired boy used the same arm to grab the end of the rod, keeping it firm, waves of pain washing through his arm. Riine twisted his foot around Saya’s, attempting to kick it out from under Saya, using the Achilles’ heel as the target. The only downside, was that for however short a time, the user was on one foot, having to whip the feet upwards in order to perform it correctly.

            “Damn your sole sweeps!” Saya complained, hopping over the technique, much like Riine had, cracking an elbow into the man’s skull. Stumbling sideways, Riine pulled his end of the staff over his head, so that it was diagonally cutting off the two males. Thinking quickly, Riine used both hands to shove the staff further away, crossing Saya’s arm across his body, exposing his torso. Skillfully, Riine smashed a punch into the teen’s ribs, managed to complete a sole sweep, and collapsed Saya’s remaining leg by kicking the back of his knee.

            “Finished proving my point?” Riine asked, indifferent. Saya let out a long, frustrated sigh. In a flash, he propped himself on an arm, allowing him to flip his legs up, and collapse Riine’s legs. Saya flipped up, grinning.

            “I could say the same for you.” He sniped, readying as Riine got up. They stared, sizing each other up, for a few moments. Saya threw a quick punch, easily blocked. Gritting his teeth, he used his forward momentum to spin on the balls of his feet, allowing him to use a spinning back-kick. Riine blocked that too.

            “Damnit!” Saya shouted, planting his kicking foot down, and using his other leg to jam a sidekick into Riine’s gut. As the man flew back from the force of the kick, Saya rushed, springing into the air and crashing a fist into Riine’s shoulder, severing it.

            “Saya…” Riine gasped, choking on the pain. “…That’s enough, you win…” Saya shook his head.

            “You aren’t going all-out!” He objected, rather loudly. “Use your katana, and I’ll show you my Gift!” Riine kept a hand on his injured shoulder, thinking about the offer.

            “Fine.” He agreed, glancing at his injury warily. “But remember: you’ve already won. I say it’s enough, and this spar is over.”

            “Right, right.” The teen said, watching as Riine slid his katana from its place forever on his person. “Let’s rock!” Saya declared, springing into the air. From there, he whipped an arm across his body, causing the air to move, much like a wave would in the ocean. Riine ducked under the attack, barely able to put his sword in front of the second blast Saya created as he landed. Saya smirked, and Riine’s eyes widened a touch. The attack went through the chokuto, striking Riine in the chest.

            “It’s what I like to call ‘Shining’.” Saya explained snapping the staff he dropped during their fist-fight. “I condense the spirit energy in the air, and throw it at my target. Naturally, as I’m sure you know, too much spirit energy can be deadly to the normal human.” Riine sprung forward, thrusting his katana, only for it to be batted to the side with part of Saya’s broken staff. “For Grim Angels, I can use Shining to attack the inside of their body, without affecting the outside, as the amount of spirit energy needed to use Shining would kill a normal person.”

            “Useful.” Riine admitted, slashing diagonally. Saya barely glanced at the offending weapon before blocking. “That doesn’t explain your sudden speed.” Proving Riine’s point, Saya blocked the next two attacks with ease, before slipping behind his opponent, unleashing a volley of waves at the man’s back.

            “That?” He asked. “I’m just good. The excess spirit energy from Shining that seeps into my muscles helps too.” Despite the aching in his back, Riine smirked. Same old Saya…you’re just like your dad.

            “I’ve always thought that Riine was the only obstacle in my path to killing Katsu. He’s not. Sure, I tried to think he was, tried to prove to myself that my thoughts were the truth. Fact is, Riine’s my enabler. Mom couldn’t help me this way –and I couldn’t ask her too—neither could Jemm. Riine was the only person in the entirety of Mu who could teach me properly how to survive. Ironic enough, seeing as I’ve been the Survivor since birth. Oddly enough, though, is that the things Riine taught me never seemed like things he’d teach. Dude’s just not like that. When I asked him, the hesitation told me everything; Riine was teaching me the things Subaru would’ve taught, himself. Just what kind of guy was Subaru?”

            “I assume you saw?” Riine asked, striding into the kitchen with a slight limp. Misora set her tea down on the table, and looked at the Child of Dark.

            “Indeed, I did; quite surprising, hmm?” Riine looked at her blankly, deepening his limp for show.

            “I take that as a ‘yes’” She continued, chuckling.

            “Never mind that…” Riine admonished, taking a seat next to the blonde. “What do you think?”

            “Think about what, Riine?” Misora asked, venomous innocence dripping from her words.

            “…Saya’s situation.”

            “What about his situation?” Misora asked, getting up and placing her mug in the sink, and turning on the faucet to do the dishes.

            “Stop dancing around the subject!” Riine snapped, uncharacteristically, slamming a fist on the table. “He won’t get any stronger or more prepared here, than he already is! You saw the fight I just had with him; he… is ready.” The man looked at Misora, gritting his teeth. The woman was staring vacantly into the running water, a lone tear running down her cheek.

            “…He is…” Misora agreed after several moments. “But…I can’t let him go.”

            “You have to.” Riine pressed, calming down, seeing the girl’s state. She held back more tears, and nodded slowly.

            “…Could you tell him for me?” Misora asked, still transfixed on the water. Riine smiled a weak, knowing smile.

            “It wouldn’t be right of me. You have to.”

            “That’s alright, Mom.” Saya interjected, sympathetic, hanging by his feet from the ceiling-mounted chandelier in the next room. Riine rolled his eyes. Predictable, considering him… Misora grinned, some of her enthusiasm from years past returning for a fleeting moment. “So…” The teen started, dropping to the floor with grace. “When do I leave?”

            “Tomorrow’s as good as ever.” Misora answered, tossing the boy an apple.

            “Awesome!” He shouted, catching the apple without acknowledging its presence, bouncing like a four-year old with a new toy.

            “The news that I was leaving to do what I must, was just the first of my surprises—some, more awesome than others. I wanted to be as happy as I was presenting myself as to Riine and Mom that day. No matter my nature, who my parents are, who Katsu is, what he did, or even what any of the other Grim Angels did, I just can’t bring myself to hate, or be happy about anything. Other emotions—fear, sadness, joy, acceptance, content—I have no problems feeling. It scared me a lot, especially during that day. I, however, believe the one inhibition keeping me from being happy, was the prospect of blood on my hands—to kill... the one inhibition keeping me from hating…no clue.

            Misora stood in the attic, staring into a dark corner of the room. Black shrouded the images within the concealment, but Misora’s heart told her mind what belonged there; the things inside the darkness triggered long suppressed memories. Subaru… The name pierced her mind’s eye, bringing with it a wave of loneliness. Taking a deep breath to center herself, Misora paced towards the corner with great hesitation. As much as she loved him, a part of her didn’t want to remember the rose-haired Grim Angel. Maybe I’m just a horrible person… She thought, fleetingly, reaching for a large, unintelligible object. Withdrawing her hand, Misora looked over the blue cloak she remembered adorning Subaru at nearly all times.

            “You’ll probably need this too.” A voice advised, Misora turning to face it. The voice’s owner handed Misora a wakizashi, revealing their raven hair.

            “Yeah…” Misora commented, staring into the gleaming metal. “I probably will, Jemm…”

            “Come on.” Jemm prodded, grabbing the other girl’s hand. “We need a break.” Misora rolled her eyes, amused.

            “Your breaks aren’t relaxing, most of the time.”

            “Well…” Jemm started, embarrassed. “There was that one time we tarred and feathered Riine.” The girl’s eyes shined in remembrance. “That was pretty relaxing.” Misora chuckled in response.

            “Until he tied us both up by our feet, and kept us hanging from my ceiling all night.”

            “Buzz-kill.” Jemm shot, climbing down the ladder, onto the second floor.

“I never once stopped to wonder about what I was doing. It all became clear on the day I left. It was like someone finally gave me the answer to a really hard math question; all the pieces fell in place. I thought that it would remain in my mind forever. However, the second I arrived, it all became a blur…”

            “This is it.” Saya said to himself, glancing behind him, at Riine, Misora, and Jemm. They smiled encouragingly, noting that there wasn’t much else they could do. Sighing, the teen turned his focus on the gigantic doors in front of him. This is not going to a good place… He mused, reaching into the crevice between the two doors. With extreme effort, Saya tore the door open just enough for him to slide through, the process leaving him breathless. Taking a few deep breaths, he turned around to face the adult role models in his life.

            “Well, I gotta go…” Jemm smiled, ran, and gripped him in a crushing hug.

            “Don’t let Riine’s training go to waste, or worry your mom, got it?” She warned, Saya understanding that it was her way of expressing concern.

            “N-Naturally…” He choked, visibly wincing. “You’re hurting me, though.” Jemm blushed, removing her arms. Then, she stepped back and let Riine come forward. The two stood in silence for a few seconds, staring into each other’s hard eyes. Finally they grinned at each other, Saya holding his arms out. At first, the older man looked confused, but quickly grasped the concept and held Saya. As they stood, Jemm crossed her arms.

            “Hey, kid! Hands off my man!” She shouted playfully. Saya instantly jumped, landing a few feet away.

            “Whoa, hold up!” He cried, flustered. Riine stopped, eying Jemm with a degree of surprise, pretending to chuckle. Does she… Putting aside his suspicions, Riine reached behind his back.

            “Here, Saya.” He said drawing his katana, still inside its sheath, and holding the end out for the teen to take.

            “Riine…I…” Saya started, eyes showing surprise, excitement, and confusion. “I can’t take this. It’s yours.” The corner of Riine’s mouth curled upwards in a slight smile.

            “Correct me if I’m wrong.” The teal-haired man replied, reaching for his spine. “But I relinquished ownership to that, a few seconds ago.” While explaining, Riine pulled Subaru’s wakizashi into view. “…As well as for this.” Memories washed through Saya’s head. Memories, but not his memories. Subaru… Saya thought, staring into the blade idly. This was yours, wasn’t it? I remember now…

            “Saya?” Riine asked, putting a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Snap out of it.” Instantly, Saya’s head snapped up, completely alert, Riine withdrawing his hand.

            “Right…right…” He wrapped a hand around the wakizashi, using his other to secure Riine’s chokuto diagonally across his back.

            “Your destiny is to save those to come from the cruel fate that falls into the hands of Grim Angels, by killing Katsu. Destinies come from those who know the future, Saya.” Riine started, walking back to his place beside Jemm and Misora. “However…that does not mean you should allow yourself to become arrogant. The future is just as fragile as the lives of the ones in it.” The teen nodded.

            “I’ll be fine.” He supplied, realizing the futility of nodding to a person’s back. Misora walked up next, eschewing words in favor of embracing her son.

            “I’ll be fine.” He repeated, feeling comfortable. The blonde released Saya, reaching for a parcel on her waist.

            “Here.” She offered, sticking the box in Saya’s hands. “Open it.” Complying, he pulled the top off, revealing a blue cloth. He picked it up; finding out it was actually a cloak.

            “Awesome!” He cried, flinging it on. Misora smiled.

            “I knew you’d like it; you and Subaru always had really similar taste.” Saya looked over his new cloak, surprised. This was Dad’s?

            “Now go do what you have too.” She said, stepping back. Saya smiled somberly, nodding slowly. He turned and stepped through the picture-perfect scenery that made up the entry to the inside of the Ark.

            “See you in a little bit…” He said, taking one final look back.

            Saya sat in the bight white light of the Ark, staring at the landscape that was so far away, but so close only moments ago. What was the name of the place… He wondered. After a few short seconds, the answer came to him.

            “Mana!” He shouted at the top of his lungs. Waiting expectantly, Saya quickly grew suspicious. Something’s wrong here… He thought, coming to the obvious conclusion. Suddenly, everything seemed to shift, much like an earthquake.

            “Hello…” A voice echoed within Saya’s head.

            “Who’s there?” He asked in response. A snapping sound resounded, and an image of a person came into view, flickering like static. The image was of a teenage-looking boy, ruffled black hair and onyx eyes, catching Saya’s eyes. Under the boy’s eyes were red, backwards sevens, and formal, bleached-white robes adorned his body.

            “I am Susoono, and I am the Ark.” He said in a gentle, calming tone. Saya eyed him cautiously. “…And you, Saya Ryou, are required payment.” The hazel-haired teen ran a hand through his hair, before folding his arms across his chest.

            “What for, my liege?” Saya mocked, defiantly.

            “Everything has a price, Survivor.” The Ark explained, using an equally mocking tone. “You obtained your Gift, with no repercussions. I’ve simply decided that now would be best to collect. Not being a God, you would have to pay for your travel, anyways.”

            “Fine, what must I give?” The teen relinquished, recognizing that the being in front of him held all the cards.

            “That is your choice.” Susoono elaborated, sitting. He gestured for Saya to do the same, a firm shake of the head indicating a negative. Being as he was, Saya had to wrestle some control over the situation, no matter how small. “Depending on what you decide, one item may be enough for both prices.” Saya closed his eyes in deep thought. What could I give up? I need to remain ‘me’, or I won’t be able to kill Katsu…hmm… Impatient, the Ark, sighed.

            “Might I suggest the only candidates you are likely to choose?” He asked. Eyes still closed, Saya nodded. The black-haired man smiled, snapping his fingers. Instantly, three glowing sigils appeared, floating in mid-air. Saya opened his eyes, mind already set on a payment, but deciding to humor the being in front of him.

            “The first…” Susoono started, pointing to the sigil on Saya’s left. “…Is your memories. The second is your Gift.” He continued, pointing to the center sigil. “Finally, the last of the three, is your persona, and the recollection of you by anyone who knows you.” The Ark finished, gesturing to the symbol on Saya’s right. The teen stood, eyes transfixed on a particular sigil. Susoono’s charcoal eyes shone with a hint of playfulness.

            “You’ve decided, I assume?” He asked, to which Saya could only nod, expression not present.

            “Yeah, I suppose I have.” Forgive me…everyone…

            “Which will it be?” The Ark asked. Finally, after several moments, emotion played across Saya’s face, in the form of a smirk.

            “I actually had a different proposal in mind.” The raven-haired man’s quizzical stare lasted only as long as the explanation had taken.

            “That’s quite an interesting proposal.” Susoono took only a brief pause. “…Granted…” Saya contained all the feeling welling up within him, as he walked past the figure.

            “One last thing…” The Ark said, tone completely even. “…When I meet you again, we won’t be talking.” Saya stopped, just short of the exit.

            “No matter the cost or circumstances…Katsu…I’ll kill you.” Just as he walked through the portal, Katsu’s face lit up with a smirk. We’ll see, Saya…I can only hope you’re alive to find out…

“It’s amazing, the things I get away with. People fear me, hate me, love me, like me…but none of them remember me. I practically bathe in the blood I’ve amassed at my hands, and there’s nothing—no one to recall who is responsible…but, I suppose, that’s the price I pay, for not paying my dues, and for omitting the law of the world. This is the way it was meant to be…and I hate it.”

            In a brilliant flash of light, Saya landed with grace into a cavern much like the one in Mu. He looked around, noticing something strange.

            “No shadows.” He concluded, looking down. “Except for mine.” He unsheathed Subaru’s wakizashi, running it across his hands with a wince. …And the clock begins to count down… He thought, staring at his uninjured hand, ever-so-slightly transparent as it was. As the blood dripped to the floor, Saya pressed the same hand onto a nearby, stone wall. There was no sensation at all. Outside of contact with himself, and things he used against himself, there was no feeling. Noticing a small pool of water, the teen looked into it, anticipating his reflection. As expected, his right eye was altered, inverted. His pupil was colored, and his iris was black. Hooking around the top of his eye was a black marking. He closed his eye and noticed that the marking was striking through his eye, the end in a point, just under his eye. Knowing that it was only a matter of time until the black marking reached down his right arm and spread to his hand, indicating both failure and infection, Saya had but one thought. Dead man walking…

Mana is a world devoid of shadows. Saya made a deal to keep him intact, as a person, unknowing that it would soon poison the only world he could live within. He also knowingly sabotaged his chances of success; at least, in the way everyone had thought it would happen.