…
*looking ahead*
I didn't expect the night to unfold this way, much less how it would all pause so I could better reflect on what happened. The idea of humans here on Earth with magic surprised me quite a bit, and the fact that Jack and Ellyn did something to rescue me and save my family also calmed me down regarding this surprise, which was what mattered to me… But what left me speechless was discovering that somehow… Naomi, the person I'm in love with, one of the people I feel safe and free from all my worries with… also uses magic in some strange way that I didn't understand. The way Jack implied it, she's also a Gacha, but that hadn't sunk in for me, at least not until now that things have taken a turn for the better.
*Looking at Naomi*
With the guy with the strange eyes having escaped, there wasn't much left for us to do in that place, so Naomi, using her strange paper powers, caught all those guys who presented themselves as henchmen of the guy with the strange eyes and imprisoned them there. Jack used some kind of talisman that could erase their memories so they wouldn't remember what had happened or our faces. I was going to talk to Naomi at that moment, but she suggested we go straight to my house to make sure my family was okay, and the fact that she spoke in a slightly uncomfortable tone only reinforced the thought that we should go quickly. Jack, who is no fool, said he would go ahead to meet Ellyn, while Naomi accompanied me so I wouldn't collapse from exhaustion or anything like that from giving Ellyn so much energy in such a short time.
And here we are, walking side by side, in a deafening silence. I really want to ask her about all of this. If she's actually a Gacha, how she found me, how long it's been like this, and... I wish I could talk to her without anyone around to make sure her discomfort isn't because of me.
- (Me and Naomi) H-Hey… Ah…
We both share an awkward laugh after that. I forget we do that when things get strange between people.
- (Naomi holding me back so we stop walking and lean against a wall) I think you can start.
- (Leaning against the wall next to her) Okay… Where do I start?
- (Naomi) From the beginning.
- Ah, well, that's a lot. Do you want a resume or…
- (Naomi looking at me seriously) From the very beginniiiiiiing, Sebastian. No beating around the bush, okay?
- Okay.
In the span of a few minutes — trying to focus on what mattered most — I explained everything to her: the day I saw the lights in the sky that turned out to be Ellyn and Jack; their mission here; the fact that they were living on Earth alongside another helper, Raphaella; my contract with Ellyn, which explained why I was channeling energy to her at that moment; the situation with Claire and Robert — the people I was supposed to get close to in order to see if they were what Ellyn and Jack were looking for; smaller details, like them being in Madison and Ellyn occasionally coming over to check on things; and finally, the moment I was kidnapped and my family ended up in the hands of those super-powered individuals.
Naomi had always been a good listener, so she remained silent whenever she felt the need to pay close attention. Her reactions shifted only at specific points: when I mentioned agreeing to help them so directly; when I spoke about Claire and Robert—the people I'd recommended to Ellyn—where her reaction made me feel I hadn't made the best choice; when I mentioned the contract with Ellyn; and when I talked about being kidnapped—something that was, in a way, my own fault for getting involved in something I shouldn't have from the start. The moment she almost interrupted me was definitely regarding Ellyn; they had met once before, and I had lied to Naomi about it, which gave her a serious look for a few seconds. After I'd said it all, she just let out a deep sigh.
- (Naomi, with her hand on her face) … You really are an idiot, Sebastian.
- (chuckling softly) I agree with that.
- (Naomi) Look… if it were up to me, I'd punch you right in the face. You got mixed up with the wrong people, people who were none of your business, even if it was a hell of a coincidence. You gave them the names of two people without having any solid confirmation, and certainly without warning or preparing them for whatever might come next. Did you give any thought to all of this
- (looking down) Not enough...
- (Naomi looking at me) And you know what's worse? I can understand why you lied to me because you didn't know who I was, but keeping it a secret was worse. Look at the mess it caused. Your family was in danger, and so were you. Just imagine if Jack or I hadn't shown up to do something about it. Did you think about that?
I just stay quiet, listening to Naomi's lecture.
- (Naomi sighing) You were a total idiot back there...
- I know...
- (Naomi looking at me) ... Did you tell them everything? Without holding anything back?
- Yeah, I did.
- (Naomi) Good...
*awkward silence
- I know you're angry with me for not telling you these things. There was no way for me to know that you were... well, a Gacha, I suppose. But I don't want you to think I wouldn't have told you if I'd had the chance. You just wouldn't have believed it if things hadn't played out the way they did
- (Naomi sighing) Sebastian, I... I feel guilty for not telling you what happened to me sooner; that's something I'm partly to blame for, too. But understand, I'm only saying this because things could have gone horribly wrong if the situation had been different...
- Do you really need to give me a second, calm lecture just to make me feel a little less shitty than I already do now?
- (Naomi) Yes. You need to get it through your head what could happen before you dream up something stupid or act without thinking it through.
- (looking at Naomi) ... You sound just like my mom.
- (Naomi) And it's a good thing she's not the one saying that.
I feel like this was just the beginning of the treatment Naomi is going to give me from now on. The last time this happened was when I accidentally knocked a bucket of water onto one of the school teachers while helping out with infirmary cleaning duty; Naomi kept a close eye on everything I did, penalizing me for the slightest mistake as if I never paid attention to what I was doing. It was almost like a mother watching over a mischievous child—even if her intention was merely to discipline or guide me.
*awkward silence*
- (trying to sound casual) Thanks for showing up.
- (Naomi looking at me) … Just like that, Sebastian?
- Do you want me to kiss your hand and say, "I owe my life to you, Your Holiness"?
- (Naomi) N-No need to exaggerate. Anyway, you're welcome.
- So… how did you find us?
- (Naomi looking ahead) Eh… I was coming back from the hospital when I saw fireworks in the sky forming the shape of a fox. I thought someone was celebrating, but I sensed a magical effect, so I went to check it out, especially since I'd felt an energy similar to my own.
- (curious) Why were you at the hospital?
- (Naomi sighing) Nozomi, my sister. I don't know if you saw the news about the recent pyromaniacs attacks in Madison, but it looks like she was a victim yesterday. She's getting better, though; she's on bed rest.
- Oh, I didn't know. I'm glad nothing bad happened… you know, nothing more serious than what was being reported.Yeah…
*awkward silence*
- (Naomi trying to sound casual) … So… How long exactly have you known about the Gachas?
As much as I wanted to answer and get my questions answered, I felt I shouldn't rush things beyond what my mind could process. It's still strange that Naomi is a Gacha, since I never saw her display anything the way Jack or Ellyn do or maybe she just hid it well, given that it's not easy to spot if you don't know what to look for. But if my answers were acceptable, maybe she'll be willing to answer a few things herself.
- (trying to sound casual) Oh, it's been about… three weeks, I think.
- (Naomi glancing at me) Oh…
- What about you? Are you like them... you know, a heroine or a mage or something like that
- (Naomi trying to keep it casual) … Well, it's complicated, but for all practical purposes, I am a Gacha, regardless of how I'm classified. I know it sounds strange, but that's just how things work...
- And how long have you been a Gacha?
When I ask that, I notice Naomi was trying to speak normally with me, but the question must have struck a nerve; she sighs and clearly shifts into an uncomfortable posture, resting her left hand on her right shoulder.
- (Naomi, uncomfortable) Well… it's been about three months now.
- Seriously?
- (Naomi) … Yeah.
*awkward silence
- Do you… you know, feel any different about it, or… I don't really know how to put it, but you still seem like the same person. Nothing as weird as a furry dressed like a circus magician. Sorry if that sounded offensive.
- (Naomi, giving a sarcastic laugh) Relax. But what were you expecting? Me in a school uniform, beating people up?
- Maybe. That would be your "style," you know?
- (Naomi, chuckling slightly) … I get it, but that's not really my style.
Naomi seems to relax a bit at my comment, though I still sense a certain reluctance on her part to say more.
- Look, you don't have to force yourself to answer if you aren't comfortable, okay? Even though you asked about everything, even how much water I drank while I was aware of Elyn and Jack, I don't think you should tell me things just because it seems fair. Everyone has their own pace.
- (Naomi, looking at me differently) Thanks for that. Although, well… you said it all, so…
- Relax, okay?
- (Naomi) But can I ask you for one thing?
- Sure…
WHACK!
Out of nowhere, I feel a light smack from a paper fan against my head. As I look up at her, I notice the traditional paper fan Naomi uses to hit unruly students has appeared in her hand—and then vanishes like dust in the air.
- (Naomi) I'd like you not to change the way you act around me. I know things won't be the same now that you know this about me, but I don't want you to see me differently just because I'm a Gacha. It took me a while to get used to this life, and I don't want to lose the way I live just because someone important to me found out the truth. So... be the person who keeps my secret... or rather... our secret.
She has the exact same look in her eyes as she did when she stayed isolated at home for nearly a week after ripping the earrings off some students a while back. That same lost look I never wanted to see again. Back then, it was a simple issue that time and the desire to make amends could fix, and she felt alone in that moment. Now, she looks like someone who's just been found out and wants me to be the only accomplice in the situation. I don't know how she feels about it all. Becoming a Gacha and keeping it a secret from everyone—even her family, who likely doesn't know—must be horrible and stressful, especially considering how much she's changed over the last three months. Deep down, I could just accept it with a simple "you can count on me," but... I want her to feel good and safe with me, just as I do with her...
- Naomi, I... Well, you know my answer very well. I won't change what I told you that day. No matter how many times you get upset, feel sad, or feel lonely...
I shyly take her hand, and she lets me without resisting, looking only slightly surprised that I did it.
- I'll always be here for you. So, don't feel like you're weathering the storm alone, okay, Naomi Yuhkana?
*an oddly comfortable silence*
- (blushing slightly and letting go of her hand) ...That was pretty sappy, wasn't it? Look, I swear I didn't mean to be cheesy...
- (Naomi holding my hand) Could you say that again?
- (surprised but holding her hand) … Well, I'll always be here for you, Naomi Yuhkana.
- (Naomi blushing) Y-You didn't have to say my last name~~
- (holding her hand and tracing patterns on it with my fingers) Why not? It's so cute seeing you like this. You know, getting flustered over something simple.
- (Naomi still blushing, trying to maintain her composure) B-But it's not fair to me. Especially...
- Especially what?
- (Naomi looking at me shyly) Especially when... it comes from someone who matters to me... Sebastian Rodrigues~~
- (blushing) That's a low blow.
- (Naomi returning to her casual self) Your fault~~ That's what you get for teasing me earlier today. I still haven't quite recovered from that flirting of yours.
- (placing my free hand on my head) Haha. Well, if I'd known you'd get like this, maybe I should do it more often, don't you think?
- (Naomi blushing slightly) I wouldn't want to say no to that~~ But the very way you do it... that's your biggest weakness.
- And why is that?
She looks at me differently and steps closer. I'm momentarily distracted by the headlights of a passing car briefly dazzling my vision, and then I just feel Naomi's hand on my chest and…
Smooch...
- (Naomi pulling back slightly) You get so nervous and shy whenever I do something bolder than just words~~
I stand there looking at Naomi. Her gaze seems to soften after our brief talk about keeping our involvement in this whole Gacha mess a secret, giving way to a slightly mischievous smile over having kissed my cheek. After a long time of teasing each other—an intimate game of ours—she finally managed to leave me speechless… and wanting to do the same to show her just how much she means to me. Not just a friend, a confidante, or someone who was there when I needed it… but the person I've fallen in love with.
- (Naomi striking a playful, teasing pose) No answer this time?
I just laugh, admitting "defeat" in our little game.
- (Naomi looking at me with a smile) Sebastian… no need to act like that just because a girl gave you an innocent kiss~~
- (sighing and smiling) Well… I admit… I don't react very well to that sort of thing. But… if things keep going like this, don't be surprised if I do the same thing once I work up the courage.
- (Naomi stepping closer) … I'll be looking forward to that~~
…
*opening the front door*
After that moment, Naomi and I headed toward my house. Even though we kept playfully shoving each other, cracking jokes, and chatting about random things, it feels like—somehow—our relationship might have just taken a significant step forward. Not in a romantic sense, but in terms of growing closer—since we're now in the same boat regarding Gachas, powers, and all the crazy stuff popping up for both of us; things that, in a way, don't even bother or surprise her.
A few minutes later, Naomi and I arrive at the house, and as I open the door...
- (Jack, leaning against the sofa and looking at us) Hahaha. If you'd taken any longer, I would've come to get you, but I don't like interrupting couples, if you catch my drift.
- (Blushing slightly) Jack, now isn't the time. Where are they?
- (Ellyn, stepping out of Cassandra's room) They're fine. They're in their rooms, resting; I used my magic to make them forget what happened tonight. It'll be like a crazy dream.
- Thank you so much, Ellyn. I don't even know how to thank you for what you did.
- (Ellyn striking a proud pose) You're welcome, Sebastian.
As I close the door, Ellyn moves closer to the area connecting the living room to the bedroom hallway. She's wearing the outfit she had on when we first met, and she looks injured—there are cuts on her arm, one of her eyes is bruised purple as if she'd been punched, and she's wearing one of Jack's talismans around her neck like a bandage. Upon seeing Naomi, she maintains a relaxed yet alert posture, while Naomi simply looks back at her calmly.
- (Naomi narrows her eyes and looks at me) Well, look who it is—your friend from another city, right, Sebastian?
- (scratching the back of his head) Oh, I... I didn't have a better excuse at the time.
- (Jack) Tell me about it. You manage to get yourself into trouble without even trying, Sebastian
- (Ellyn looking at Naomi) Hello, Naomi. Jack told me about you. I've never seen you in any of the worlds I've visited where Gachas are present.
- (Naomi looking at Ellyn) That's because I'm a new Gacha, so to speak. And I'm from Earth, so naturally, you wouldn't have seen me in other worlds.
- (Jack) From Earth? I thought that was impossible; the Creator never mentioned Gachas coming from here.
- (Naomi leans against the edge of the kitchen counter, standing close to me) In my defense, it's not like I wanted to become a Gacha. It was an accident.
- (Ellyn grabs a kitchen chair and sits down in the hallway) Accident? Are you talking about...
- (Naomi) Yes. When the Creator was corrupted, she ended up randomly summoning people from various worlds—including Earth—to assist her while she was out of her mind. Unfortunately, I was caught up in it, so to mitigate the effects of the Corruption on me, she turned me into a Gacha.
- (Jack) Considering we were barred from traveling between worlds, it makes sense that we wouldn't know about some of the changes the Creator made.
While they chat about things I know nothing about—and as I try to follow their train of thought—I slip away to check on my sister and parents. I confirm they're all fine, sleeping soundly as if completely unaware of what had happened. Then, I head back to the living room to hear the rest of their conversation.
- (Ellyn, looking surprised) So that means... the guy who kidnapped Sebastian knew about the Gachas and was waiting for us?
- (Jack, crossing his arms) It seems so.
- (Naomi, pointing at me) But... that doesn't make sense. As far as I know, only he and that Raphaella person Jack mentioned know about the Gachas.
- (Ellyn) Maybe there's something going on that we don't know about. You know those people I mentioned were here?
- (Jack, looking at Ellyn) Yeah, what about them?
- (Ellyn) Apparently, most of them didn't know about us, but one of them knew exactly what she was up against. She had these purple lines all over her body and seemed a bit... "crazy," let's put it that way.
- (Naomi) Just like the ones at the warehouse. Only one person knew anything, and the rest were just there for defense.
- (Looking at Ellyn's injuries) Was she the one who did this to you?
- (Ellyn, touching her arm) ...Yeah, that b****.
- (Naomi, making a throat-slitting gesture) Do you... know?
- (Ellyn) No, they're all out cold behind the house, knocked out by my sleep dust. Only the woman who knew the truth managed to escape.
- Did a hole appear behind her and suck her in?
- (Ellyn) Yeah, how did you know?
- (Jack) That's exactly how the guy who kidnapped Sebastian disappeared. He somehow burst the eye that had your Rastrum in it and vanished.
- (Naomi, heading toward the back of the house) It looks like they're prepared to handle situations like this.
- (Ellyn) That woman... those purple lines seemed to boost her physical abilities; she was a tough opponent because she really knew how to handle a knife. But it wasn't enough to beat me—because, obviously, I was way better.
- (speaking ironically) You were the one who asked for energy in the middle of the fight, right?
- (Ellyn waving her hands) Details...
- (Jack looking at Ellyn) Did she say anything about some lord or something like that?
- (Ellyn frowning) Yeah, she mentioned something about it. Said her lord would give her a big help if she defeated me.
- Alright. That's pretty weird. Huh... so what now? Because it looks like there's someone with them who knows about you guys—and probably has powers too, if they're anything like these people.
- (Naomi returning from the back of the house) So... why exactly are the two of you here? Did the Creator ask you to just hang around and watch the chaos unfold with these people?
- Technically, you did find at least two people with an affinity for magic. Sure, it's a bad kind of affinity, but in theory, you found them.
- (Jack) Yeah, but...
- (Ellyn crossing her arms) That's too vague, even for us...
- (Naomi) Look... I know this might sound stupid... but have you tried talking to the Creator about it?
An awkward silence fell between Ellyn and Jack, leaving Naomi and me confused.
- I might be totally out of the loop here, but if this "Creator" sent you to do something on Earth and you don't know the whole story... wouldn't it be better to find a way to talk to her and ask for... you know, some help or guidance?
- (Jack looking at me) Uh... well...
- (Ellyn trying to play it off) Sort of... uh, how do I put this?
- (Naomi looking at them in disbelief) Tell me you have a way to talk to her.
- (Jack glancing around) ... She's watching everything we do.
- (Naomi and I) What?
As Naomi and I turn our gaze toward Ellyn and Jack—who look like two kids caught red-handed doing something wrong—a sort of purple aura begins to appear behind them, near the living room sofa, and within seconds, a female figure materializes. Seated on the sofa is a woman with short white hair, fair skin, and pink eyes featuring a distinctive symbol in the irises. She wears an outfit resembling a swimsuit—extending from her waist up to her collarbone, where a cutout sits above her bust—paired with black denim shorts that barely cover her thighs. Thin purple fabric bands, secured by rings, wrap around her arms and legs. What catches my eye most, however, are her small, wavy horns, a pair of purple wings, and a black tail that reaches down to her feet, ending in a purple, heart-shaped tip.
- (? stretching and pointing at Naomi and me) Who would have thought they'd have more common sense than the two of you—right, you two goofballs?
When the woman looks at us, Naomi instantly bows her head, as if performing a samurai's salute to a shogun.
- (Naomi, bowing to the woman) Lady Lilith!
- (Lilith, rising from the sofa) Well, look who it is—little Naomi. I love it when the younger ones respect their elders like that... unlike some people.
- (Ellyn, snorting) That's asking a bit much, isn't it, Lilith?
With just a cold glare directed at Ellyn and Jack, both of them bow to her as if she were a powerful deity; when she turns her gaze to me, she simply narrows her eyes.
- (Lilith) Hmmm. You look familiar. Have I seduced you at some point?
No matter how hard I try to keep my composure in front of her, I feel my body going limp from the intoxicating scent that seems to be wafting off her. It smells like an exotic perfume that's making me feel slightly nauseous and... seduced? Wait, what?
- (Ellyn looks up) No, Lilith. He's... a human from here who's helping us out.
- (I look up, narrowing my eyes) Nice to meet you. Sebastian.
She looks me over from head to toe, and within seconds, she floats right up to me, stopping directly in front of me and locking eyes with mine.
- (Lilith watches me with a mischievous smile) The pleasure is all mine, darling~~
- (Jack looks up) Lilith, why didn't Luni come to see us?
- (Lilith floats back into everyone's view) She's been pretty busy lately. She asked me to keep an eye on you all in case you needed help, but since you didn't ask for anything in three weeks, I decided to just watch. Even when a certain someone decided to get into a fight with a coworker—right, Ellyn?
- Coworker? What do you mean, Ellyn?
- (Ellyn gets a bit nervous) I was going to tell you that when Raphaella was here... but since that wasn't going to happen, I thought it was best to hold off until you were with us.
- (Naomi) Coworker... Are you talking about other Gachas here on Earth?
- (Lilith) That's why I like new Gachas. They're much sharper and notice the tiniest details.
- (Jack frowns) You're only saying that because she's your type, aren't you?
- (Lilith) How disrespectful, Jack~~ You ought to kneel before me for every insult you hurl my way.
Why do I get the feeling that this "Creator"—which I'm pretty sure she actually is—is one of those totally unhinged women?
- (Naomi looks up at Lilith) I suppose you overheard our conversation, Madame Lilith. And I... we need to have a few questions answered. If it's not too much trouble, of course.
- (Lilith) No problem, Naomi. I can't say no when you ask like that. But...
She looks directly at me.
- (Lilith looking at me) ...are you interested in going beyond what your understanding allows you to accept, Sebastian? You know that if I explain things to you all, there's no turning back.
I look at Naomi and Ellyn. Ellyn simply gives a slight nod, while Naomi just tells me...
- (Naomi) You don't have to force yourself to accept this if you want to stay away from my reality.
Clearly, there is a stark contrast in how they view me joining them to learn more about the Gachas and all of this. Jack seems the most laid-back, and I have no doubt the same question will come up for Raphaella if she agrees.
- (looking at Lilith) If I agree, can you do me a favor?]
- (Lilith) Name it~~
- Can you guarantee that my family won't be targeted by something like what happened today—since you saw it all?
A heavy silence hangs in the air until...
- (Lilith) Deal~~ Naomi, hold his hand.
- (Naomi holds my hand and looks at me) We're in this together, okay?
- (looking at Naomi's green eyes) Yeah, our secret.
With a soft smile in her eyes, Naomi and I hold hands. Ellyn and Jack stand beside us, and Lilith simply extends her hand, making a gesture as if she's about to snap her fingers. Noticing we're ready...
- (Lilith) Well, let's talk somewhere more private~~
And she snaps her fingers...