"Yo," **** raised his hand in greeting at Aion.
"Hm? Oh, you're here early," Aion replied.
"Yeah, hm?" **** looked around and then asked, "I'm surprised **** isn't here."
"Why are you bringing them up?"
"Oh, well, the two of you have gotten so close, you know?"
"Close? Pft!" Aion started laughing. "I highly doubt she sees me that way. **** lives in a different world than me; she's probably just satiating boredom since I'm such an entertaining guy."
"What arrogance…" **** mumbled. "But I do think it's more than that."
**** took a seat next to Aion.
"You think so, huh?"
"You don't? Well, I guess you basically confirmed that, but why don't you think so? I mean, she's going out of her way to play chess and messaging you on that site just for you, you know?"
"...Satiating boredom…" Aion repeated, averting his gaze.
**** sighed and said, "Look, I get you aren't friends with a lot of girls. Hell, I don't think you talk to many girls in general, but this is what we like to call friends!"
**** emphasized the last word in a mocking tone.
"Friends, huh?"
"Huh? What are you two talking about?" A voice rang out, the voice Aion kept dreaming about.
Oh right, he must be dreaming again. For some reason it hadn't quite clicked yet.
"...Nothing…"
"He didn't think you saw him as a friend."
"Hey!" Aion glared at him, and **** looked surprised and then offended.
"Seriously!? All this time you thought I was just talking with you to do what, pass time or something!?"
"...Yes…"
She shook her head, an exhausted expression on her face. "All this time for what…?"
"I don't think it was for naught. I mean, I think he saw you as a friend but was too prideful to say so out of fear of you rejecting the idea."
"No! Absolutely not!" Aion grabbed ****'s shoulders and shook him. "You're full of nonsense, a bunch of bullshit!"
"You say that, but you're blushing pretty hard~"
"Ah…!" Aion glanced at ****, who tilted her head, and then he averted his gaze.
"Hahaha!"
"Don't laugh at me! I'll kick your ass!"
"Like hell you could do that."
"Yeah, you could just squash me with your weight, fatass."
"I'm not even fat!" **** complained.
It was true; he definitely wasn't fat. He wasn't average or skinny, technically speaking he was more in between average and chubby, maybe bordering a little on chubby. It was more of a running joke in Aion's friend group. All of the members had their own personalized insults toward them.
But even so, **** laughed and said, "Man, you really never change. Look, ****, see what I mean?"
She looked at **** and smiled, saying, "Yeah, ******* is really something, hehehe…"
She giggled a little and had a bright smile on her face.
"What are you so happy about?"
"Oh, nothing, nothing at all~"
Aion tried to think of some sort of explanation but shook it off and looked at his screen to see he had lost on time.
"Shit! You distracted me from my game!"
"Is it really that big of a deal? Don't you lose online pretty frequently?"
"Hey, I have a win rate of about 53% across my chess career here, so it's not that frequent."
"I would say the high 40s for percentage of losses are pretty frequent."
He wasn't wrong. Plus if one were to look at a more recent window, the percentages would be even closer.
"Woah~" **** leaned in behind Aion and stared at the screen. "This is a rare sight. I need to take it in."
"Seriously?"
"Hahaha! I know you have a rather high impression of him, but he bleeds like any of us, you know? I mean, it's not like he's Valedictorian, so he's not perfect at everything he's good at."
"He's not? Oh, I guess ***** would probably be the current Valedictorian…"
"Yeah, it's her or *****, but he's still 4th among the entire class."
"4th? *******, that's really impressive!"
"No, it's not," Aion said. "The fact that I don't study and I'm above everyone else is pathetic."
"That's not very nice…"
"I'm not a very nice guy."
"Hm… I don't know about that… I mean, you're teaching me chess with a lot of patience, you know? I mean, if I win, you have to fulfill whatever I ask of you, you know?"
"Huh? Oh yeah, that."
"Eh…? You forgot already?" She looked disappointed.
"I guess. But I won't go back on it since you seem rather interested in the prospect."
She smiled happily and said, "Thank you~"
"What are you going to request of him anyway?" **** asked.
"Ah!" She looked surprised by the sudden question and then said, "It's a secret! So I won't say."
"Boo!" **** said, clearly disappointed. "Can't you just tell me over text or something?"
"No! You might tell him."
"I won't, I promise! It's not like I'm *****."
"No means no! Even if you aren't his bestie like *****, you're still a close friend of his!"
"Damn…" **** looked disappointed.
"***** is my best friend?" Aion asked.
Both of Aion's friends groaned and looked disappointed in him.
"Who else would be? I mean, you two overlap in a lot of your interests, and you talk all the time, you know?"
"...But he might not think it that way…"
"It's crazy how you are so stupid sometimes," **** said, shaking his head.
"Hehe, I think it's rather endearing."
"Oh fuck off," Aion said, starting another chess match.
* * *
Awaking, Aion's eyes still felt awful. He had cried a lot yesterday, and it appears he still hadn't fully recovered physically.
And of course, emotionally he was still a wreck.
After Aira had run out yesterday, Aion had stayed up late, awaiting her return. Eventually, once the time past midnight, he was finally convinced she wasn't returning. She'd probably not return, leaving Aion alone, or perhaps another servant would replace her.
Despite his efforts, Aira hadn't taken his hand.
She rejected it, choosing to stay trapped within her own reality.
Much like Victor rejecting the hand of the creature, she would surely fall deeper into her own insanity, losing the person she once was. And Aion had to watch. Sitting idly by as she plummeted to her own doom.
No, perhaps he wouldn't see it. There was certainly a chance she wouldn't return here. A high one at that. But he'd still know.
She'd probably make some sort of excuse, and then, after that, never return here again. It was the most likely course of action. People who have falling outs with one another do not want to deal with them for a period of time. That time could range from a short instant to the rest of one's life—regardless of the time, Aira was going to make that distance.
Aion had once had a conversation with someone about such a phenomenon. While the reaction varies from person to person, the underlying principle is the same. The person he'd talked to had said that such behavior fell under the Bowen Family Systems Theory. In order to cope with the overwhelming emotions associated with a person, they cut off contact to reduce the reminders of that individual, hoping that they could escape the unbearable suffocation of having to talk, get reminded of, or even see that person. While the theory itself is more in line with familial affairs, the principle was the same in this situation.
Perhaps Aira, in a way, had some sort of familial bond considering their similarities, but that was aside from the point. This person he'd been talking with had said that such an act was in the sort of state where it could help or it could hurt. Much like most psychological and behavioral therapy, it's something that can only be determined by testing and experimenting. Perhaps Aira wouldn't recover; perhaps she would. It was impossible for Aion to say with his limited knowledge on psychology and his own lack of understanding when it came to Aira. He only understood her to a point. Even if they were quite similar, it didn't help considering he didn't understand himself. So maybe, even without him, someone else would save her.
But even so… if someone like that existed, she was going to die before then. Leaving this world before she ever got the opportunity at living a life she had been given a right to.
Aion rose from his bed and headed downstairs to find no one much like he expected. He didn't feel like eating. Instead, he only wanted to leave this place.
Today Luna wouldn't show up, and now Aira was gone. So that left finding something to do. Perhaps he should go and try to find Sam. He hadn't really bonded much with him, but maybe Sam could offer some sort of solace.
Even so, that likely wouldn't happen.
Sam had met up with Aion on the Festival's Eve, meaning he was likely busy the rest of the days leading up to that point.
Esme was possibly someone else, but he didn't know of her whereabouts throughout the week. Searching for her desperately would probably be off-putting.
So what was he to do? A person that had no one, faced with the prospect of isolation, but still wishes to connect—what is someone like that supposed to do?
It was a feeling Aion wasn't particularly fond of—for being lonely was quite unpleasant.
However, something occurred that he hadn't quite expected. A knock echoed from the door, catching Aion completely off guard.
Who could possibly have business here? Aion thought.
It was a rather isolated part of Magna, being secluded away in a place quite far from the public eye.
Furthermore, actively engaging with the—
Knock, knock, knock!
The sounds echoed and reverberated through the building once more, stopping Aion's superfluous analysis of the situation.
He sighed and made his way over to the door, gently grabbing the knob and slowly opening it.
For some reason his heartbeat had quickened; perhaps he was nervous—no, he probably was.
Soon, the door opened and before him stood a man near Aion's age.
"Noah…" Aion said quietly.
"Huh?" Noah's eyes widened. "You know me already?"
"A bit," Aion said, averting his gaze.
"Did Aira tell you about me or something? Or, wait! Was it Aria? I think I heard that you two had a small conversation. Although, she seemed to think you were a little… odd…"
"..."
"Oh, I didn't mean any offense by it. So, like, how did you hear of me? I'm a little curious, you know?"
He looked at Aion with eager eyes, but Aion was sure that whatever he said would only disappoint him.
"What are you doing here?"
"Ah, well… Aira, she came back in quite the state, saying how she couldn't deal with it anymore. It was quite the sight. What did you even do to her?" Noah asked, his playful tone gone, replaced with the sharp edge of suspicion.
"Nothing, we're simply incompatible."
"Incompatible? I'm not sure I follow…"
"Is that so?"
"..." Noah stared at Aion intently.
"So, you're going to be Aira's replacement. It's kind of strange that they sent a female servant to begin with, don't you think?"
"Oh… that? I'm not really familiar with all the details myself. It was all above someone like me. And wait, are you seriously going to gloss over such an important topic? I need to know what I'm getting into here…"
Noah, despite trying to put up a tough front, had a glint of fear in his eyes.
"You needn't worry about anything," Aion said. "I'm sure that you'll be just fine."
Noah continued to stare at him, not accepting Aion's words.
"Anyway, if that's all, I think I'll be taking my leave. I'm sure you have to help at the Magnatium Manor, right?"
"Ah… well, actually…" Noah seemed hesitant to go on. But breathing in, he calmed himself and continued, "I'm actually, uh, supposed to follow you around…"
Aion didn't say anything, choosing only to look at him for several seconds, which made Noah almost shrink under the gaze.
He let out a sigh and said, "Fine, do whatever you were ordered to. You won't be getting much from it, though."
Aion pushed past Noah and exited into the cold, snowy Magna.
He wasn't thrilled that Noah was going to follow him around, but he figured making a fuss would be a waste of time and only make Noah even more unpleasant to deal with.
He could try and get to know Noah better, but he wasn't too interested in the idea. Logically speaking, it was probably a good idea. Profiling an individual that's at the Magnatium Manor Massacre was the smart thing to do, but he really didn't want to think about that mess.
"Huh? Where are you going?" Noah asked, quickly catching up to the walking Aion.
"Don't know," Aion replied.
"Eh?" Noah looked confused. "That's pretty, uh, unique?"
"Spare me your random commentary."
"But talking could help us get to know each other."
"I have zero interest in you, Noah."
"Well, I'm interested in you. I don't think I've ever seen Aira like that before. She's usually quite gloomy, but she was always quite calm under pressure. So seeing that was…" Noah trailed off.
"If you're so curious, ask Aira."
"That seems rather insensitive."
"Wow, you have some tact."
"What did you take me for!?"
"A bumbling idiot."
Noah looked at Aion in disbelief. "You know insulting people like that is a sin, right?"
"Yeah, yeah. Spare me your religious sophistry."
"Religious sophistry?" Noah repeated, unsure of what that meant.
Aion hoped that would occupy him for a bit. He really didn't want to talk to this guy, he much preferred the silence they had at this—
"Well, whatever," Noah said, breaking that brief silence. "So have you figured out where you're going?"
"No."
"Eh? Then what are we doing out in the cold like this?"
Aion shot Noah a side glare, which caused him to flinch. But even that didn't deter him.
"Why don't we go do something together? I'm sure we can find a way to help the Festival preparations somehow."
"No thank you. I'm not a resident of this town, and frankly, I have very little interest in this whole thing."
"You know, you seem like you'd be quite disliked."
"That's rather bold of you to say."
"Am I wrong?"
"Hm…" Aion hummed in thought, continuing to walk through the town.
At this point, the signs of the Festival preparations were in full action. The noise was loud, bright, and joyous—reflective of the excitement permeating the air. Aion couldn't quite get why. Ultimately, it was just a community event that celebrated a holiday.
But Aion shook the thought off and finally answered Noah, "I have people who like me back home."
"I don't believe you."
"...Wow…"
"I mean, you seem so cold and rude. I mean, how could you ever do that to Aira?"
"Do you care for her?" Aion asked, a little curious.
"Huh? Ah, I do. But don't get it wrong, I only have feelings for Aria. Wait…" Noah realized what he just dropped and started blushing a deep crimson.
"Aria, huh?" Aion repeated.
"Hm? That's it?"
"What did you think I was going to do?"
"Insult me."
"If anything, that's an insult to me. I mean, that's quite the negative opinion of me you have if you think I'd stoop so low."
"Have you shown anything to prove the opposite?"
"Perhaps not, but I'm only trying to get you to shut up."
"Isn't it boring to just walk in silence, though?"
"Isn't it boring to carry on a conversation that you're uninterested in? Should I force myself to engage in such drivel all to entertain you, a stranger?"
"Uh…" Noah stopped and thought, unsure of what to say.
"And more than that, I'm really not in the mood."
"You're not in the mood?"
"..."
"Well, I think forcing yourself into such commonalities can help distract you from whatever is going on in that head of yours. At least, in my experience I've found myself always returning with a sharper mindset after talking with others. Like I'm rejuvenated."
"That's nice."
"Seriously!? After all that, that's all you have to say!?"
"What more is there to say? People are all fundamentally different; not everyone can be brought back to life simply by having trivial conversations. For some that rejuvenation is silence." Aion emphasized the last word in an almost mocking tone.
"You really are rude…"
"Yeah, I've heard that before." Aion stopped for a moment, the noise around him seemingly vanishing. "But, thank you, I guess."
And Aion continued walking forward to whatever would jump out at him.
Noah, on the other hand, stared at Aion for several seconds, dumbfounded. It was unexpected. Aion recognized that fact, so he wasn't surprised that Noah lagged behind for a period of time before snapping out of it and chasing back after him.
A part of Aion was curious about what Noah was thinking. What was it that swam through his heart in that moment? His mind? Or even just his very soul?
Even if Noah was a character, clearly Aion couldn't truly touch the heart of such an individual. His failure with Luna in the previous two loops, and now his failure with Aira had more than proven that fact. In the end, he could only see them so much and understand them so much.
Perhaps they were more similar to humans than he initially gave them credit for.
* * *
Entering Alexander's, Aion breathed in the smell of books. It was oddly calming, and Aion felt some of the tensions in his muscles leaving.
"Do we really have to come here?" Noah whined. "Mr. Dolion is so scary…"
"Scary?" Aion asked.
"Yeah, he just has this air about him that has always scared me since I was a kid. I know he isn't a bad person. It's just… how do I put it?"
Aion shifted his gaze toward the chess board, holding the same game position as when he first arrived here in the first loop.
It was a peculiar game to him still. When he talked briefly about it with Alexander, he hadn't said which side was to move. Therefore, it was almost trapped in an untouchable realm, a place separate from the chess he knew so well. A game suspended in limbo, where the winner could be either side, fully dependent on who is to move. It was truly intriguing thinking about who could be the player to move, but as he had once thought, it wasn't like he had enough skill to get a general idea of how the board reached that position. Meaning that the maybe impossible task of deducing the player who moves was completely out of his reach.
Of course, even if he were a grandmaster at chess, would he really be able to figure out who is to move solely based on a position? It seemed improbable. And yet, Alexander seemed to wonder the exact same question.
If given a board, without any other knowledge like player skill level, would one be able to determine who is to move?
"Hm? What's that?" Noah snapped out of whatever he was wondering about and peered over at what Aion was staring at.
"Chess."
"Never heard of it."
"I know."
"You do? I… see…" Noah said rather vaguely.
"It appears Alexander is out," Aion said.
"Huh? Why do you say so?"
"He would've probably shown up after hearing your loud self."
"Wow, I see how it is."
Aion sighed. It wasn't all that surprising. Even if things had changed across the two loops along with this current third one, it didn't guarantee that every event would be different.
More than likely, there were some events set in stone. It made sense that was the case. Aion was only present for a week, so anything that sets up events within this week that happened before his arrival could never be altered.
Like entering a world already set up, Aion was unaware of the setup and how everything had led to this point.
And that only caused an unpleasant feeling in his heart.