Kiss X Reaper
Chapter 3: An ancient history
"Hunters…"
Makoto's voice echoed softly as he snapped his fingers. A dark blue hitodama flame ignited within his open palm, flickering silently against the void.
"…have existed for over a thousand years."
He closed his hand. The flame collapsed inward and dispersed into the darkness.
"At the same time, one thousand years ago, Deviants ruled the world. They rendered humanity helpless, preying upon both soul and flesh. Their existence alone was enough to drown the world in fear." Makoto continued. His tone remained calm, almost distant.
As he spoke, fragmented visuals surfaced, bloody villages, collapsing forests, silhouettes swallowed by shadow.
"Their influence was absolute. Dark Energy spread across the world, overwhelming it entirely. It is the counterpart to Natural Energy."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"Natural Energy exists everywhere at once- tranquil, ever-present. The one we're all most familiar with. Dark Energy, however, is born from malice. From intent. From desire."
The shifting images twisted, the contrast between light and darkness made unmistakably clear.
"Dark Energy became the ruling force- so dominant that it even consumed Natural Energy itself," Makoto continued.
"However, one day, a human, the first of their kind- felt their spiritual essence cry out to the world. In desperation, they called for help."
His voice lowered slightly.
"That call reached the last remaining traces of Natural Energy."
The scene shifted.
"By fusing their spiritual essence with Natural Energy and pouring it into a cherished blade, the very first Armament Art was born, a system of evolving weapons and techniques created to combat the Deviants and gradually annihilate Dark Energy. Wielders of these Armament Arts were known as Hunters."
An image of a blade surged into view, its form bathed in ever-changing hues as Natural Energy glowed within the darkness.
"At the same time, neutral Spirits began to coexist with humans. They unified not out of loyalty, but necessity, to defend their home from Deviants who slaughtered both humanity and spirit alike."
The visuals layered together, human and spirit standing side by side being represented by two circle of diffrent colors. Humans represented white, and spirits represented ever changing colors.
"Thus, a second form of Armament Art emerged"
"Weapon based Arts became known as Retribution Arts.
Spirit coexistence became known as Vitality Arts."
"Both represent the two diffrent classes of the Armament Arts."
Makoto paused briefly.
"As generations passed, these Arts were inherited by families across the world, passed from warrior to warrior, from common bloodlines to royalty itself. So that anyone, regardless of status, could be armed to stand against the darkness."
"Well… that is the legend as I know it. Deviants are, at their core, inhumane entities, beings that continue to roam the world with unresolved obsessions. If allowed to feed unchecked, their growth knows no limit… until a Hunter powerful enough finally brings them down."
Makoto concluded calmly.
A brief silence followed.
"Fascinating... Your choices of words for such beings..." Yukie murmured.
The two sat across from one another within a formal chamber of the Grand Opera House, its interior adorned in pristine white, palace-like ornamentation that reflected status and restraint.
"I did not expect humanity to unravel such power… nor to achieve unification through it. Especially with spirits themselves." Yukie continued, her voice measured and dignified.
"Even so, Deviants remain unpredictable threats." Her eyes lowered slightly.
"I have never held fondness for such creatures."
The words were spoken quietly, almost beneath her breath yet- her composure remained perfectly calculated.
A quiet silence settled between them. Yukie slowly surveyed the room, her gaze drifting across the refined furnishings, while Makoto calmly wiped down his cane, his movements unhurried.
"This room is… remarkably refined," Yukie observed at last, closing her eyes for a brief moment as though assessing more than just appearances.
"Human craftsmanship has advanced far beyond what I once understood."
Makoto glanced up slightly before responding, his tone casual yet assured.
"The Grand Opera House was designed by Monsoon Design, the legendary firm behind its construction. They are regarded as the most prestigious architectural company in the world, with nearly a century of history behind them."
He gave a faint shrug.
"It has since become something of a global icon."
Yukie opened her eyes again, her expression composed, yet thoughtful, as if quietly reevaluating humanity through the lens of stone, structure, and time.
On the other hand, Makoto continued wiping his cane from handle to tip in slow, deliberate motions. The subtle repetition drew Yukie's attention. She closed her eyes briefly before speaking.
"You are… of the Shirogane House of samurai, are you not?" Yukie asked, her tone calm and measured, as though stating an observation rather than posing a question.
At her words, Makoto's hand came to a halt. His grip remained firm as silence settled over the room.
"How did she know…"
"Well-my lineage stretches far back.
Ever since I encountered Lady Vera… since the moment I accepted that contract… everything was overturned.
Not just within this world.
But far beyond it."
He lowered his gaze, letting the thought sink in.
"...Affirmative," he replied at last. "I exist as a bearer of my lineage's will. At least, to the extent I believe I still serve it."
"Hm." Yukie acknowledged softly.
She then opened her eyes, her gaze settling upon the cane itself.
"Your cane," she continued. "It emits the flow of natural energy. To wield such a presence so casually suggests you are far more capable than I initially presumed."
Her voice remained formal, controlled, yet unmistakably intrigued.
"All things are natural," Makoto replied, eyes closed, a faint smile touching his lips.
"Mastery included."
"However…" he continued. The warmth drained from his expression, replaced by his usual unreadable composure, one that carried quiet scrutiny.
"Let us dispense with pleasantries, Snow Lady. What is your objective here?"
"Understood. I apologize for the interruption," Yukie said, inclining her head slightly.
"To speak plainly, my power has been restricted from me."
"I am bound by an unbreakable seal, imposed by a formidable force, one that claims to serve an even greater existence."
Her gaze sharpened, calm yet undeniably grave.
"That greater entity is said to be in the process of awakening, sustained by the natural energy of an entire landmass."
At this, Makoto narrowed his eyes and glanced to the side.
"My apologies as well for the interruption," he said evenly, "but there is something lurking within the Opera House. It is emitting… Dark Energy."
'Tch. I cannot sense anything at all… This accursed seal!"
Yukie thought, a trace of irritation flickering across her otherwise composed expression.
Makoto then rose to his feet, slipping on his trench coat over the white suit beneath, his cane settling naturally into his grasp.
"We shall address our arrangement later," he continued, meeting Yukie's gaze directly. "For now, it seems we have an unwelcome matter to attend to."
A faint smile curved his lips subtle, deliberate, and tinged with interest.
Yukie returned the gesture in kind. The two stood facing one another, the silence between them carrying a quiet, mutual acknowledgment.