[I really look forward to what these two can accomplish.]
She laid down and licked her paw. If it were those two boys, then she wasn't too worried about the future, for she trusted in their nature. The future was uncertain, but at least her people had a lifeline if anything happened to her. Because the moment she died, she held no illusions that the nekomata would be left alone.
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|DxD|- Chapter 124- Dispute
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23/Nov/1998- May 23, 2003, Friday, Kuoh Town, Japan
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The natural energy of the world was the breath that gave life to all things. It was the source energy, the fundamental power, and the ultimate reason life could persist. Without it, the world would be barren with no hope of nurturing any living being.
Igor leaned against the tree in front of Kuoh Elementary. The echoes of spring had given way to the first rains of summer. A light drizzle fell from the bright skies. Many parents and guardians had retreated to their cars, leaving Igor alone with a few others.
Nature energy was tainted by many, many, many years of war. Naturally, it was colourless like the wind. But years of despair, rage, and blood had corrupted the energy into a thick black miasma that carried the resentment of many across the millennia.
For five years, Igor had practised how to filter it. From black and grey, through blue and gold, he could filter it enough that it turned yellow. It was a far cry from a sage like Magari, but he'd get there...eventually.
Igor opened his eyes, the bright golden glow fading to cool blue. He let out a deep breath, and the swelling feeling in his chest receded.
"Thirty minutes. Not good, but not bad. It's something at least..."
He muttered encouragingly, proud of his efforts. Learning senjutsu was very important to him. It was not just a strength multiplier, but a qualitative enhancer that could work alongside his vitality.
He raised his head and looked at the third-storey window. Issei and Irina were in the same class. It was their final year of elementary school, and both children had grown considerably in power.
[Hard to believe so much time has passed.]
The little energy signatures grew lively as the bell rang. Igor couldn't help but smile a few times. He'd spent three months away to advance his senjutsu proficiency. He missed the children and was a bit eager to see them.
[Okay. Maybe a bit more than eager.]
He chuckled to himself and continued waiting. In minutes, a stream of students approached from the side building. The skittering of their shoes and the joyous shouts were beautiful to look at. Many even cupped their hands and drank the rainwater that collected in their palms.
Doors opened as mothers and fathers walked over to the gate. Sons and daughters ran excitedly, plopping themselves into their parents' loving embrace.
Igor felt envious. A large part of him wanted to have children. He was thirty-seven and wasn't getting any younger.
[At least reach Ultimate-Class if you are that desperate, Igor.]
He smiled at one of the families and continued waiting. Soon, Issei and Irina walked over together while Akeno was chatting with her group of friends.
The three of them had grown into the throes of adolescence, particularly Akeno, who looked two years older in her uniform.
Some of the older boys were already looking at his precious little sister. They were at that age, but part of him wanted to bash their skulls in.
He sighed wistfully as he looked at the little chick. In a few years, she'd grow wings, yet the little boys wouldn't want to wait until then. Maybe he should have that talk with her.
"Time really flies."
His words were muttered, completely drowned out by the surrounding sounds. Yet, Akeno glanced up and looked right at him. Her brows cutely furrowed, then widened in recognition. Her eyes sparkled like gems, and a bright smile graced her face.
"APU~!!!"
Her schoolbag almost dropped as she ran over. Igor straightened up from the tree and stretched out his arms. For a moment, the growing young woman was replaced with the little girl from seven years ago.
Time really, really flew.
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|DxD|
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"Damnit, Akeno! Get down from big bro's shoulders. And stop looking so haughty!"
"Teehee. I'm surprised you know that word, Issei."
The long walk to the park was joyous...depending on who was asked. Igor was a happy bystander walking on the side path. A line of trees provided comfortable shade and some protection from the light rain.
"Don't you see how fat you've gotten?? You're heavy, Akeno!"
Akeno flushed red with rage. Her cheeks puffed, and her fists clenched.
"It's called growing up, Issei! You wouldn't understand because you're still a child!"
"Alright, you two. Don't insult each other. Be sensible like Irina. I'll buy her ice cream since she's so disciplined."
"?!"
Irina was startled by being in the spotlight like this. She glanced between Issei and Akeno, and her cheeks reddened.
"I-I'm fine, big bro. I don't want to eat alone."
Igor smiled and patted her head.
"So cute. If only I had a little sister like you."
"Huh??"
Akeno leaned over so fast her hair whipped around into a curtain on his face.
"Fat chance, Apu. You're not replacing me!"
Igor flicked her on the head.
"Who said I was replacing you? Don't be stupid, little chick."
"Mou!"
Akeno felt aggrieved. Everything was fine up until a few moments ago.
"It's all stinky Issei's fault!"
"Huh??? The hell did I do, Akeno?!"
"Hmph!"
"???"
Issei fumed. Ever since Akeno grew fat, she started having these random annoying moments.
"Just because you're in junior high doesn't change anything."
Issei mumbled through gritted teeth, and Akeno heard him.
"Stinky Issei!"
"Fat Akeno!"
"It's not fat! It's growth!"
"And I'm not stinky!"
Irina was troubled, and Igor also realised there might be an actual grudge between these two rather than normal teasing. Their words were sharper than usual, and Issei was visibly angrier than the banter suggested.
The street was fairly quiet with only a few cars passing by. No people were nearby to listen in. Igor set Akeno down from his shoulders and addressed the situation.
"Issei. Akeno. What's going on? You weren't like this before I left."
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AN: I have very little words to say. A mix of poor planning and poorer time management made me shelve this work, but I've set myself straight and picked up the pen. I'm currently juggling this work and UAC's Muscle God, so I'm doing 5 chapters a week for both. I will do my best to ensure quality is never compromised. But as it stands, this fanfic is officially continued. It's a month later than intended, but it's continued nonetheless.
Chapter 124
END