“Give you back your body? I-I don’t understand. What do you mean?”

“Oh course you don’t. You don’t understand anything, what an easy excuse. How wonderful it is, that you were allowed such blissful ignorance.” The other me spoke quietly, as I watch streams of tears floating from her eyes like bubbles as they flew away with the water. “Why? Why are you able to do so? Why was it so easy for you?”

“Huh? I...” I did not know how to answer as I watched nervously at the crying girl. “Who...who are you?”

I asked carefully, but it was obvious to know what was going on and who she was. This entire place, was no doubt a figment of my mind. A strange place deep within my consciousness, with the me that is floating in this sea of red nothing more than a projection and the one in front of me; the girl covered in black, like a swarm of teeming darkness; must be an inner part of myself.

The girl did not reply, as if she also knew that I already had the answer. Instead she only stared at me, the white slits that were her eyes narrowing to a look of sorrow.

“Will you explain to me all of this? If you are me, then I’m sure we can talk this out and-“

“No...you are not me.” She growled, as her voice turning low, as if annoyed by my words.

“Huh?!”

“I am...I am the real Takatora Ryuuko. And you...you took over my body...you imprisoned me within myself...and stole everything from me.” She explained as her body slowly rippled in the water.

“That...that can’t be! I’m Takatora Ryuuko!! You’re lying! It can’t be!” I protested.

But the girl only stared at me with a look of pity even as I yelled at her.

“Please...give me back my body. I’m so...tired. Tired of all this. Tired of being trapped in here...helplessly watching as you slowly destroy everything that was me.”

“NO! Why are you saying such things! It’s not possible...not possible at all!” I screamed. Yet even as I strongly tried to protest, there was an aching pain inside me. As if deep down, what she was saying, I knew were not a lie. “If...if you’re the real Takatora Ryuuko then...then who...what am I?”

“...That “place”...when it first trapped all of us, it also created along an image that stole away my body. Every day, since time unknown, I could only cry and scream...as I watch you steal away in a blissful paradise...helplessly...endlessly...why?”

“Huh?”

“I ask you again; why were you able to be so? To be so happy, even if everything was just an illusion...how? How was it so easy for you? To be able to live without shame or guilt, despite everything that had happened? Despite everything that you...we...I have done?” She suddenly asked me.

“I don’t know...I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I wonder...is it because you do not remember? No...even if the memories had been kept from you, some should still remain. They should have returned, especially after what had happened. If you were made from me, those...feelings should’ve still stayed with you regardless. There is no way they could have disappeared. It can’t be...it just can’t be so unfair, that you do not feel nor remember the loneliness...the despair...the hopelessness that imprisoned us...that imprison me...it’s just not fair.” Her voice getting louder and angrier.

“I really don’t understand! I really don’t. What are you trying to say?! Please speak in a way that I could understand, I beg of you.” I cried.

“You were able to surround yourself with friends...to be able to trust others to such an extent...you were even willing to risk yourself for others, especially...for her.”

The moment I heard those words, I flinched. While I did not know how to respond to her, as I did not understand any of this, there was a strange aching feeling as I knew where this was going.

“Who...who is her?” I asked hesitantly, despite a feeling that I already knew the answer. “What are you-“

“That girl...everything...everything was her fault. It was all because of her...yet you kept calling for her, as if she meant the world to you. You wanted to even protect her...despite the fact that in our time of need...she was the one who betrayed us. That bit-“

“STOP! That’s enough! No more of this! It’s not true! Not true at all! You’re a liar! A LIAR!” I screamed, covering my ears. “It’s...it’s not possible! She...Asumi is my best friend...”

Gritting my teeth, I reluctantly peeked back to the girl.

“Just who are you really?! I refuse to believe that you...that I’m nothing more than a fake! I’m Takatora Ryuuko! I am! I have to be! Otherwise...” I desperately shouted. But even as I fought to say those words, the aching pain only grew bigger, eating away at me like a festering wound.

“Otherwise then...everything...everything about me will be lie...it can’t be...” With every word I forced out, it got more difficult to breath, as if the water around me that before was no different from air, suddenly turned back into liquid and flooded my lungs.

The other me only stared at me, once again a look of pity on their face, even as I yelled and screamed. She did not say anything, but instead only reached out her right arm, a familiar human arm that was different from the blackness of the rest of her body.

I tried to back away, but as if out of my control, my left hand stretched out to hers. There was no doubt what was going to happen. I could feel it in my guts. I did not want to do this, yet there did not seem as if there was any other way. The one who called herself the “real” Takatora Ryuuko...the outstretched hand of hers that beckoned me...

“Will...will I remember everything?” I asked, my voice shaking as I felt the familiar touch of my own right hand wrapped around my left.

“...Yes...it will be okay...” She whispered in my ears, as she pulled me closer and tightly embraced me.

=

“Hideyoshi...please...please get up.” Kenjirou begged as he cradled the lifeless body of friend in his giant arms.

“D...dammit! Why?! Everything was going fine yet...dammit! Dammit! GOD FREAKIN’ DAMMIT!” Juntaro screamed as tears flowed uncontrollably from his eyes. “Takuya...”

“My, my, what a touching display of affection. But what a pity, for him to meet such a terrible turn of events.” Came a mocking voice from above. Descending from the air, Alma was grinning ear to ear as they looked down towards the boys.

“YOU-!!” Kenjirou immediately threw himself at the smiling figure in anger. However, without batting an eye, Alma easily evaded him as the president wildly swung his fist.

“IT’S ALL YOUR FAULT!! AAAARGHHH!”

“Heh heh...,how amusing.” Alma giggled as they reached out a finger to Kenjirou and with a single flick, he was effortlessly knocked back to the ground. “But do you really have time for such nonsense, child trapped in stillness?”

“You bastard! If it’s the last thing I do, I’ll tear you apart!!” Kenjirou roared as he got back up, his eyes burning with rage.

“Kenjirou, WAIT!” Juntaro called out to him. “Let’s calm down for a bit...okay?”

Breathing heavily, the president reluctantly back down at the request of his friend. He fought to calm himself even as he looked at the infuriating smirk of the silver-haired being that floated slightly off the ground.

“You...! Alma...was it? We need to talk.” Juntaro said to him, gritting his teeth as he spoke.

Like Kenjirou, he was also filled with anger at the sight of this person but he too struggled to keep himself together, as he hoped to speak to them of something he had recalled.

“And how may I be of service to you, child trapped in noncorporeal?” Alma replied cheerfully as they twirled their braid.

“I heard you before, that you said to Ryuuko you could easily control our bodies. That we contain your “essence”. You were speaking of the virus in our bodies, weren’t you?”

“Why yes. So you remembered what I said. My, that’s impressive. Heh heh, would you like me to demonstrate?” Alma laughed as they moved their finger.

“UGH!!” Kenjirou grunted as he fell to his knees.

“That’s a good look. Yes, worms such as yourself should indeed grovel in the dirt.”

“You-!!”

“That’s enough! You’ve proved your point!” Juntaro cried out.

“Heh heh.” Alma chuckled as they released him. “So what is it, child trapped in noncorporeal? Surely you have something more than just the hope to witness my splendor.”

“You...can you bring him back to life?”

“Oh? What was that?”

“I SAID...” Juntaro calmed himself as he took a deep breath, before asking in the nicest tone of voice he could muster. “Please...could you bring him, bring Takuya back to life.”

Alma was silent before a creepy curve slowly moved across their face as they burst out laughing. Both boys bit their lips as they could only watch with fury the person laughing manically, every sound of mockery that hit their ears slowly drove them madder yet they were unable to do anything.

“Oh, you are a funny one, child trapped in noncorporeal. Tell me, what do you view me as? You stated it before, that when you scanned me, I am just a human being, did you not? How do you expect me, just another human, to do something that would be considered within the realm of a god?”

“BULLCRAP! We know you’re the one who caused all of this, with what has happened to our bodies and with Artificial! Don’t screw with me you sonova-“ Juntaro finally lost control of himself but immediately caught himself. “C-crap...”

“Tsk, tsk, tsk, such temper. Is that the tone you would use to request a favor from another? I’m disappointed in you and your lack of manners, children of sin. Not to mention, this entire time, both of you have been directing nothing but hostility towards me despite my benevolence to stand before you.” Alma sighed, shaking their head as they looked over at the terrible scowl on Kenjirou’s face.

“M apologies...” Kenjirou spat as he adjusted his glasses. “But this is my normal face.”

“Hmm...hmm...unfortunately, I have no power over the dead. I am no god, nor am I some sort of miracle worker. Yes...very unfortunate.” Alma looked down at their hands, a cold smile on their face. “However, those who still cling to life is a different story.”

“Huh?!”

“What?!”

“Heh, what a resilient soul your friend is. I wonder, is it because of his more...artificial conception? It is fascinating what man would strive for, even going as far as trying the desire to play god. Hmmhmm...” Alma mused but the smile on their face disappeared as they laid eyes on the still body of Takuya. “What an interest one he is...”

“You’re saying...that Hideyoshi is still alive?!”

“But...but his life signal disappeared when his cells went inactive again! If he was alive, how is it possible that I’m not detecting it?!” Juntaro exclaimed as he feverishly re-ran another scan of Takuya’s body.

“Such weak equipment. Even if you are one with the electronics, I could see that you are not truly the engineer that you so boldly claim to be, child trapped in noncorporeal. I wonder, could it be from someone else that you gain such extensive technological knowledge?”

“Urk!”

“Oh, do not worry. It’ll be a secret between you and me. Teeheehee.” Alma laugh mischievously, placing a finger on their lips as they floated towards Takuya.

“Now then, your actions have impressed me quite a bit, child trapped in silence. To save my dear Eve so selflessly, I believe a reward should be in order. Arise from your slumber, child of sin; for today is not the day your sins shall be sent back to the garden of Eden.” Alma declared as they snapped their fingers.

SNAP

“*cough*...*cough*...uuhhh...” Takuya coughed violently as his body suddenly shot back to life.

“TAKUYA!”

“HIDEYOSHI!” Kenjirou exclaimed as he ran over to him, watching as his friend slowly opened his eyes. “Hideyoshi...!”

“Wha...where...where am I?” He asked weakly as he moved his eyes around in a daze.

“Hideyoshi! You’re alive!” Kenjirou cried as he immediately hugged his friend.

“ARRGH! IT...HURTS! IT HURTS DAMMIT!!” Takuya screamed from the crushing bear hug of the president before pushing him away. “What the hell Prez!?”

“Hahaha, sorry, sorry. But I’m so glad. So glad you’re alive.” He replied with tears in his eyes.

“Yeah sure, but you keep squeezing me like that and I really will die. My entire body hurts like hell and...what the heck!?” His eyes widen as he looked down to see the grotesque patch of discolored skin that was burnt into his abdomen. “What the hell is this?! Gross...ow...oww!”

“Take it easy Takuya! That wound is going to take some time to heal, you know.” Juntaro eased as he appeared on a live screen in front of him.

“Senpai! You-you did this didn’t you?! What the hell did you do to me?!”

“We had to perform emergency cauterization because you went and got ripped in the stomach, dumbass! And no, it wasn’t my idea to use his own freakin’ skin to replace that giant gaping hole you had. I was, in fact, very against it.” Juntaro said as he threw a dirty look at Kenjirou.

“Huh?” Takuya quickly looked over and saw the torn skin on Kenjirou’s arm. “Prez...you.”

“Ahem...yes. I’m just glad you’re okay.” He said as he adjusted his glasses, hiding away the wound.

“Tch...you really are a god damn idiotic block of concrete. Come on.” Takuya sighed as he tore off the sleeve of his uniform and helped wrapped the wound on the president’s arm.

“You don’t have to do this. It’s not like I can feel anything.”

“Just shut up. My entire body hurts like crazy right now, I don’t need to hear you brag about how lucky you are to not have to feel any pain at all.”

“Hmph, sorry about that.” He grunted as he adjusted his glasses again, giving a little smile.

“How cute you all are. Is this the friendship that you all share so deeply? I’m quite jealous.” Alma giggled.

“You-UUUGH!!” Takuya grunted as he tried to get up but recoiled from the pain.

“Whoa! Take it easy man! Any rougher movements and you’ll really tear yourself another new hole!” Juntaro warned.

“But-that...that bastard!”

“Haa...I tired of the manners you boys use to refer to me. If not in surprise, it is vulgarity. It displeases me very much.” Alma said as they floated down before the three boys.

“Hideyoshi, calm down for now. I hate to admit it, but they were the one that saved you.” Kenjirou told him as he held him back.

“Yeah, like how they “saved” us before?! Are you starting to trust this asshole now?”

“Hell no! But we’re not in any position to be fighting against them at this moment. So best to just shut up and stay cool, bud.” Juntaro scoffed.

“Tch...”

“I can hear you. Don’t you know it is also bad manners to whisper about someone standing right before you? Maybe, it is time I give you all a lesson in proper etiquettes.” Alma said threateningly as a powerful pressure emitted from the air around them.

“Ugh...wait! We’re not trying to offend you in any way. T-thank you for your help in saving our friend.” Kenjirou spoke uncomfortably, forcing the words out of his mouth.

“Heh heh...I will accept your gratitude this once. You are worms, but you have potential and I do like that. Now then...what shall I do with you.” The pressure dissipated as a familiar look of a mischievous smile returned to their face.

“What do you mean; “what shall you do” with us?” Takuya asked nervously as he continued to clutch his stomach in pain.

“Yes. Unfortunately, I am in a bit of a predicament and I require some...assistance. Of course, you three are not obliged to help.” Alma answered as they playfully twirled their braid.

“Then why the hell would we?” Juntaro scoffed.

“Because it concern a certain friend of mine, as well as one who you have deemed your “clubmate”, Takatora Ryuuko over there.” Alma replied as they pointed away.

The three turned to the direction of their finger and watched the still ongoing battle between the colossal being and the ravenous figure of someone familiar to them.

Armadat was finally starting to fight back, now easily repelling the attacks of the young girl that was darting around them. Just as she was about to pounce, its shield flew out and sent her flying backwards with great force.

Roaring like a wild animal, Ryuuko struggled to get back to her feet. Her movement were starting to get sluggish as she quickly dodge away another attack from Armadat’s spear, only to be knocked down again by another quick movement of its giant shield.

“Wait a minute! Is that...Takatora?! What the heck happened?!” Takuya asked as he notice who it was.

“We don’t know. It was after you got stabbed, she just up and went crazy and started fighting that thing. But from the looks of it, it doesn’t seem like she’s doing so well right now.” Juntaro replied.

“Very observant, child trapped in noncorporeal. 「Sinful outbreak」or more specifically in her case; Berserking Wrath. She’s fully lost control to the original sin, both physically and soon mentally.”

“What?! What are you talking about?!” Kenjirou demanded.

“Takatora Ryuuko, Eve; she’s not like the rest of you. The sins that are within her are pure and innocent, thus they granted her one of the original Sin born from the fruit of knowledge itself. Ah...how beautiful...but unfortunately, not being able to control it, it will consume her entirely. Like a raging fire, out of control, that will eat at itself until it finally lose its fuel and...poof...” Alma blew a puff of air, before giggling to themselves. “Soon even I will be helpless to assist her, and both of us will be in trouble. Tsk, tsk, tsk...my dear troublesome Eve.”

“So what you’re saying that right now, Takatora is in danger! Ugh...dammit, this just won’t end, will it? Prez, come on let’s go!” Takuya grunted in pain as he got up and started to make his way towards the direction of the battle.

“Hold it! Hideyoshi, what are you doing?!” Kenjirou demanded as he immediately stood in front of him.

“Did you not hear them? Takatora’s life is going to be in danger! We can’t let that happen!”

“Hey idiot, are you serious right now?! You just got back from the brink of death and can barely even stand, yet you’re going to jump right back into the fray?! Are you really that stupid?!” Juntaro yelled at him from his phone.

“Well what the hell are we supposed to do, senpai!? Just let her die?!”

“Are WE supposed to all die then?! How about we worry about ourselves first before trying to do something absolutely idiotic and suicidal, YET AGAIN!”

“I expected nothing less from a sniveling coward like you, senpai. You care only about your own damn self; despite the fact you being in the least amount of risk out of all of us.” Takuya spat.

“You ungrateful, death-seeking, dumbass piece of SHI-!“

“ENOUGH! Both of you stop this at once! Hideyoshi, you are in no condition to help anyone right now! And Mitsuhide, you just keep your mouth shut!”

“Tch...” Juntaro bit his lips.

“But then what are going to do Prez? We have to help her!!” Takuya protested.

“I know that! But right now, just rushing in won’t solve anything. Look at that madness before us! Do you think we could stand up to something like that.” Kenjirou exclaimed as they turned back to the scene of the battle.

Ryuuko was on the ground, but not instead of getting back up and attacking she was instead writhing and rolling around as if in terrible pain. An ear-piercing screech could be heard from her as her body was shifting into a gruesome shape, the red tentacles that had wrapped around her like armor were now cruelly constricting her, all the while bits and pieces of flesh and blood were expelling from her, shooting out like a leaking faucet. It was a hard to watch stomach-rending scene of horror.

Armadat, who stood away, did not engage her but instead almost looked as if standing to avoid this in its entirety. It slowly moved its arm across its body, as if once again giving a small prayer before extending its spear. A glint of light appeared at its tip as it slowly began to gather power.

“Dammit! She’s really going to be killed! Fine, if we’re not to rush in then what plan of action are we going to take?! What are we supposed to do right now?!” Takuya demanded from the president.

“Ugh...” Kenjirou gritted his teeth. Takuya who had just miraculously came back from dead, it was easy to see he was still in terrible pain and there was no way he could let him run again. Yet as he looked into his determine eyes, he too understand that there was no way that they could just leave Ryuuko to die.

“Dammit.” He cursed underneath his breath. He struggled to think of what to do but no matter how hard he tried; nothing came to mind. What solution is there in such a mess that was beyond anything any of them have even expected.

“My, my. Such genuine care and concern, that it has brought you to such anguish? Heh heh heh. Well then, does this mean I will be able to count on your needed assistance?” Alma suddenly spoke up as they floated in front of them. Everyone turned to them, silent as they did not respond, not because they had nothing to say, but instead from wariness as they gazed into their empty eyes.

“Will we be able to save Takatora?” Kenjirou finally asked, reluctantly.

“Perhaps.” Alma answered with a mischievous smile.

“Perhaps?! Are you seriously telling me you have no clear answer?” Takuya furiously demanded.

“Nothing is certain. Even I have my limitations and situations that go beyond my calculations. Of course, that is what makes it so much more fun.”

“This guy...freakin’ hell, are you two seriously going to do this, AGAIN?! Was the first time really not enough that you want to get yourselves killed this badly?! Guys!? Seriously?!” Juntaro screamed at them.

“Senpai, will you just shut up.”

“NO, SCREW YOU ASSHOLE! I’m sick of this crap! Why is it that I’m always the one to be dragged into all of this?! Why is it that I have to be the one who can only stand back and watch helplessly as you two goddamn morons risk yourselves and not be able to do a damn thing?! This is bullcrap! BULLCRAP I TELL YOU!!”

“Mitsuhide...”

“God dammit...this is just so messed up. Hey, you silver-haired jackass! Why is it that I’m the only one who has to be trapped in this stupid electronic prison?! Tell me! Why did you do this to me?!”

“I don’t know and I don’t care. Your temper tantrum means nothing to me, child trapped in noncorporeal, and only serve to waste our precious time.” Alma replied coldly, not even giving a glance at screen of the distressed boy.

“Grrr...”

“Mitsuhide, please.” Kenjirou urged him, as he gave him a look of plea to calm down.

“I’m setting my system to self-destruct. You two assholes, you want to kill yourselves so bad, I’ll show you that I can do the same! If you’re to die, then I’m just as much of a goner and instead of just waiting to die a slow, agonizing death, I’d rather go out with a bang. Remember, you two bastards did this to me.” Juntaro declared as suddenly a countdown timer appeared his the screen.

“Oh for god’s sake senpai. Could you be any more of a drama queen? Good grief, I guess we really don’t have any choice now.” Takuya sighed.

“Shut the hell up Takuya!”

“Hmph...so what must we do? How do we save Takatora?”

“So you have all unanimously decided. How strange you all are, that you give almost little to no hesitation to help others. You camaraderie is truly bizarre to the point of insanity. I wonder...had something terrible happened that cause you all to be such selfless yet reckless idiots? I wonder what, or who, could have been the cause?” Alma laughed. “Might it be that deep down, all of you just want to di-“

“Hey jackass, how about you stop screwing around and get to the damn point! Didn’t you say we don’t have much time to waste?!” Juntaro interjected. The rest of the boys let out a sigh, as if they were also about to say something as well and was relieved Alma got interrupted.

“Very well. To save Takatora Ryuuko, it is very simple. You are all worms, but even worms can have a use if allowed a little bit...more.” A terrifying grin appeared on Alma’s face as in their hands suddenly appeared three balls of dazzling light in shapes eerily similar to that of an apple.

“I shall grant to you three, pieces of knowledge from this broken, forsaken world that they dared to deem a paradise. From this moment on, you three as well, shall become my weapons.”