It was early morning, and I was walking to school in high spirits.
Yesterday during practice, I finally managed to land a clean hit on Kiba.
It might've just been a glancing blow, but damn if it didn't feel like a personal victory.
The guy moved like a graceful wind spirit most of the time—fast, elegant, untouchable. So yeah, I was feeling pretty proud.
*Still no sign of Ddraig, though…* I frowned slightly. *I've got plenty of magic now. So why hasn't he awakened yet?*
Was it not enough? Did I need something more… emotional? Some intense trigger?
Before I could delve deeper into that line of thought—
"Hawaau!"
The sudden yelp startled me. It came from behind, followed immediately by a soft thump.
Turning on my heel, I saw a girl sprawled out on the sidewalk, arms flung wide like a cartoon character who had slipped on a banana peel. Her white and black nun's habit looked out of place in this suburban Japanese street, and her entire posture screamed 'helpless.'
"Oof… That looked like it hurt," I muttered, stepping toward her. "Are you okay?"
She groaned softly and slowly pushed herself up. "Auu… Why do I keep on tripping over nothing…?"
Then she noticed me and quickly straightened up. "Oh, I'm sorry! Thank you very much!"
Judging from her voice, she sounded close to my age.
I extended a hand to help her, and she took it hesitantly.
Just then, a sudden gust of wind blew through the street.
Her veil fluttered off her head and drifted away, revealing long, silky blonde hair that shimmered in the morning sunlight. The strands danced around her delicate face like golden threads in a painting.
I blinked, stunned.
Green eyes—pure, innocent, and impossibly vivid—looked up at me. The moment our eyes met, something inside me froze.
It was like the world slowed down. Time didn't stop, but it certainly hesitated.
She was… beautiful. But more than that—*pure*. Untouched by this world's darkness. Her expression carried a kind of softness that was rare, like the first snow before it's been stepped on.
She tilted her head, her cheeks faintly pink. "U-Um… is something wrong…?"
Her voice pulled me out of my trance. I quickly shook my head and smiled, a little awkwardly.
"Ah, no. Sorry. I guess I spaced out. Are you… new around here? Traveling?"
She dusted off her robes. "No, that's not it. I was just transferred to the church here in town. I got a bit lost while heading there…"
She gave a polite bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
That accent—definitely foreign. Her Japanese was surprisingly fluent, but I could hear the hints of something European underneath.
"Well," I said, rubbing the back of my head, "since you're headed to the church, want me to walk you there? It's not far."
Her eyes brightened. "Really? That would be wonderful! Thank you very much!"
We started walking together, side by side.
The morning was peaceful. Birds chirped from the trees, and sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating soft patterns on the ground. A light breeze followed us along the path.
"So… you're a Sister?" I asked, sneaking a glance at her again.
"Yes," she nodded, hands clasped politely in front of her. "I'm Sister Asia Argento."
*Asia… Argento.*
Even knowing who she was from the canon, hearing her say her name in person felt surreal. That gentle voice. That sweet presence. She radiated warmth like a small sun.
"I came from the Vatican to support the local church here," she continued. "This is actually my first time in Japan."
"Well, welcome. I'm Hyoudou Issei," I replied. "Nice to meet you too, Sister Asia."
"Hyoudou-san…" she repeated softly, then gave a bright smile. "That's a very nice name."
I chuckled. "I'm not sure about that, but thanks."
We walked in comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying the calm.
Then Asia looked around curiously. "This town is so peaceful… I was told there are some problems here, but everything feels… serene."
"Yeah," I said, hesitating for just a beat. "It *looks* peaceful on the surface. But… there's a lot going on underneath."
She gave me a slightly puzzled look, but didn't press further.
Eventually, we reached the familiar stone path leading up to the church building. The structure stood at the edge of town, old but well-kept, its bell tower rising into the blue sky.
Asia let out a small gasp. "Ah, thank goodness! I was really worried I wouldn't make it."
She turned to me and bowed deeply. "Thank you so much, Hyoudou-san. I'm really grateful."
I waved my hand. "It's nothing, really. Anyone would've helped."
"No, I mean it," she said earnestly. "I've had… trouble in the past. People didn't always treat me kindly. But today, you helped me with such a kind smile. It makes me feel like everything will be okay here."
That hit me harder than it should have.
I smiled at her again—genuinely, this time. "If you ever get lost again, I'll be around."
She giggled. "Then I'll be sure to get lost often."
I blinked. Did… did she just make a joke?
Her eyes twinkled mischievously for a second before she bowed once more and walked toward the church door.
I stood there for a while, watching her go.
Asia Argento.
Innocent. Pure-hearted. Kind.
But I knew what kind of world she'd stumbled into. And I knew what was coming.
As much as I didn't want to get too involved, part of me whispered—
*Protect her.*
Even if the canon was already off track, even if this world was different, that much hadn't changed.
I didn't know what fate had in store, but I knew one thing for sure:
I wasn't going to let anyone hurt her.
~~~
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