—So... where are we flying to, Kohaku?
—I have an important mission, and Hero does too. Neither of us can look after you. —Kohaku rose from his seat.
—So, when are we landing...?
Before Takumi could continue speaking, Kohaku grabbed him by the scruff of his shirt and walked towards the airplane door.
—Excuse me, sir. You cannot be standing, — ordered one of the flight attendants.
—Don't worry, only he is getting off.
—What?
Kohaku opened the door with one hand and threw Takumi into the abyss with the other.
—See you later, little Takumi! —Kohaku mentioned, waving his hand dismissively.
—AHHH!
—Good luck, Takumi, — said Hero from the window.
—You damn psychopaths!
The wind slammed against Takumi's entire body, tears flooding his face.
---
—What time is it? — Yumiko said between yawns, stretching as her pink hair fluttered in the breeze.
—Eleven forty. On the dot, — replied Takumi, scanning for any sign of a body with his binoculars.
—Is the package descending yet?
A black dot became visible in the vastness of the sky, followed by a thin trail of distant screams.
—Oh, yes. Right on time, ha, ha, ha.
—Good. Your turn. You're the one who knows him.
—Okay, okay. Can't say I'm not a good host.
Alexander slid down. With a subtle gesture of his hand, the earth at his feet split into gigantic, serpentine branches that rose towards the sky.
Takumi screamed, his body getting closer to the ground. Then he saw him rise—a boy with black hair and olive-green eyes.
—You're Takumi, right? — His smile was friendly. Alexander slid down the branches like a slide.
—AGH?
—Let me introduce myself. I'm Alexander Vera, and the pink-haired boy you'll see is Yumiko Suiki. — Alexander continued descending, paying no mind to Takumi's screams. — If you're worried about our treatment, don't be. We were Kohaku's students, so we'll treat you very well. Understood, Takumi...?
When he opened his eyes, Alexander saw Takumi's body against the ground. His body was shattered. The smell of blood filled his nostrils, and panic seized him.
—... Ahh! DOCTOR, DOCTOR, WE NEED A DOCTOR!
The grey-eyed boy approached Alexander.
—Yumiko, call a responsible adult! We just killed an innocent boy... We'll go to prison if we don't find a doctor...
Alexander's screams were silenced by a punch from Yumiko, who grabbed his face.
—Alexander, calm down. We're Helis; we can give life. A Heli does not kill.
—... Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, you're right. I got scared for nothing. My mother would have been left alone if I went to jail.
—Don't be dramatic. Besides, you have three other siblings.
Alexander smiled, having calmed down again, placing his hands over Takumi's body.
—Let's just heal this kid right away.
—Yes, before someone sees us.
Their gazes turned to the youngest one. Before they could begin their healing, Takumi's arms moved, and he carefully got up.
—Mmm... Who's screaming so much?
—... AHHHHH!! — After grabbing each other's hands, Yumiko jumped into Alexander's arms. — HE'S ALIVE?
—Yes, is something wrong?
—He's a specter, and he's come to kill us, Yumiko!
—We better get out of here, Alexander!
---
POV LIVIA
While Hotaru and Ryouma were training in the snowy mountains of Russia, Kohaku had taken me on a mission with him.
—What's with the blushing? — His voice was as soft and sweet as always.
—I'm not blushing, — I said, but my face only turned redder.
His characteristic smile widened, which only made me tremble more, as I placed my hand more firmly on his shoulder.
—Besides, since when is dancing considered a mission? — I let him spin me.
—I wanted to relax a little. After this, I'll start your special training.
—Really? Just... you and me? — My voice rose a bit, betraying my enthusiasm.
—Yes, although it will be lighter than Takumi's training... — I stepped on his foot to stop him. — Don't you like the idea, Livia?
—I like the idea, but I want the same training as that fool. Don't underestimate me.
—Ha, ha, alright. You're the boss.
I smiled. His words were like honey, and his eyes seemed to shine. The dance continued, slow and tender, without rush.
It was like being in paradise—his spicy scent, his large hands against mine... it was perfect until he received a call. The entire atmosphere changed instantly.
—Yumiko? What's going on? — Kohaku responded with total normality.
—Why didn't you tell us the kid knows the Reverse Healing ability? — a voice was heard from the other end.
—Don't be angry. It was just a detail I forgot to mention.
—That's not a simple detail! If he knows that ability, what could Alexander and I even teach him?
—Yes... Regarding that, the boy is Class Empat.
—Only Class E and S exorcists master the Reverse Healing ability! No Class Empat is capable of that! Confess what you did right now.
—I'll send you a text later. For now, carry on with your business. — Without further questions, Kohaku hung up.
—Is everything okay?
—Yes, don't worry. Just a complaint from the second-year students. Shall we continue? — I nodded, taking his arm when he offered it.
---
POV TAKUMI
After Kohaku hung up, Yumiko turned his attention back to Alexander and me.
—What did he say?
—"I'll send you a message in a bit." — Yumiko imitated Kohaku's voice mockingly, which also made me laugh.
—How mean. If it were your mother calling, he'd go to your house immediately.
—Shut up, Alexander. Don't bring my mother into this.
—His mother? — I asked, letting Alexander lean close to my ear, whispering loudly.
—His mother is a "Milf." — A smile appeared on my face.
—ALEXANDER! — Yumiko lunged at him, trying to make him take back his words. I laughed at their interaction; it reminded me of my moments with Ren. — I'll kill you now, you idiot!
—Ha, ha, ha, ha, you're angry because you know it's true.
—Is she really that pretty? — I asked, leaning towards him.
—What's it to you!
Before I realized it, Yumiko had us both in a headlock. Alexander was laughing, and I was trying to break free.
Minutes later, we decided to calm down.
—Alright, newbie. Who taught you the Reverse Healing ability?
—Huh? I didn't learn it. Kohaku put Ghost organs in me, and that's how I got the ability.
—Kohaku did what...?
Seeing their expressions, mine changed too. I started doodling on the ground, making lines with my finger.
—He made me a freak...
—... Kohaku... This is the first time I've heard of something like this, — Alexander nodded, agreeing with Yumiko.
—Have you had any side effects? — Alexander questioned.
—I don't know... but a voice has started sounding in my head.
Their silence was deeper and heavier than any words, and that made me feel worse.
—Don't be discouraged. Surely Kohaku did it for some justifiable reason.
—Alexander is right.
—... — I nodded, remembering my death and that this was the only way to save me.
—And let's drop the formalities. I'm only two years older than you, — Alexander clarified.
—Yes, you can call me Yumiko, but don't think I've accepted you as an exorcist.
—Don't pay him any mind. You can call me Alexander or Ale.
I nodded. This was the third welcome. The sweet smell of warm peach tea in my hands—everything felt so different from my first arrivals.
—Right, what am I going to learn with you two?
—We'll see. We're not teachers like Prof. Hero, Kohaku, or Doc Koko, — Alexander mentioned, eating a marshmallow.
—Maybe we could teach you to use the Reverse Healing ability without relying on that Ghost.
—Okay, because it hurts when I heal.
—Alright, healing shouldn't hurt, so it's better you don't rely too much on that ability, Takumi.
I nodded again, accepting the marshmallows from Alexander. Then, two small golden orbs with swirling patterns emerged from their bags, enveloping their bodies.
—AGH! What are those? — I asked, watching as one of the creatures ate the entire bag of candy.
—They're Heidi and Dorys. They're what are known as Bagles.
—Wow... — The large eyes of these creatures shone as they saw me, spinning around me and eating my pastries. — Hey...!
—They're very cute and soft, — said Alexander, rubbing his cheek against the Bagle's.
—So this is positive energy... — I gently poked Yumiko's Bagle. — So soft. So your lives must have been perfect, right?
When I mentioned that, their expressions changed quickly. The atmosphere became tense, cut by Alexander's laughter.
—Actually, no. My parents divorced when I was little, but I knew how to deal with it. Plus, my parents supported me no matter what, so my Bagle is one of pure gratitude, — Alexander said softly.
—Negative emotions are indispensable; it depends on how you face them. My father abandoned me when I was little, and my mother has taken care of me all by herself for these 14 years. My Bagle is one of pure forgiveness.
I looked at them in surprise. It wasn't what I expected for beings created from intense positive emotions.
—It depends on the person? How many Helis are there in the world?
—Currently, just Alexander and me.
—Yep, and in history, there have only been five Helis.
—SO FEW?
—Unlike Bogers, a Bagle is much harder to create, — Alexander continued.
—It's normal. After all, human beings let ourselves be guided by our negative emotions.
—I see...
—You... you could be a great Heli. — I lifted my head upon hearing Alexander's comment.
—Me? I don't think so. I'm easily swayed by negative emotions; I'm not cut out for that.
—Don't be shy. The fact that you're smiling despite being a hybrid shows you have the potential to be a Heli.
—Maybe a little.
Those comments made me smile and think. A Heli? I just want these three years to stay like this, so I can continue with my dream of having my own restaurant.
---
POV HOTARU
It had been three days since Kohaku took Rosse, and Takumi wasn't here. I was alone with this grump.
—Do you know where Kohaku went with Rosse?
—No. And go to sleep already, — Ryouma replied without further ado.
—Grump, I just want to talk. My best friend left with that womanizer. — I rolled over, still inside my sleeping bag, and kicked Ryouma.
—Why are you hitting me?
—Answer my question. — I kicked him again.
—I already told you I don't know. — I felt him return the kick, and I did too.
—You're a grump; that's why you don't have a girlfriend.
—It's because I don't like rude girls like you.
I kicked him again upon hearing that comment. He returned the kick. After a few minutes, I started laughing, rolling towards him and crushing his body.
—Get off me, you crazy woman! — he shouted, but I could see a slight smile on his face as he returned the shove.
—You know? We should be sleeping.
—That's what I wanted to do, but someone came to bother me. — Seeing his gaze fixed on mine, I just laughed.
—Grump, let's just sleep.
—Yes, I need to train more... or else Takumi will surpass me.
—You're right. We need to train more so we don't fall behind those two.
At dawn, the two of us went out to run in the snow, training body and spirit.
—What are Kohaku's students doing, Miss Lilith?
—I don't know. They said they were going to get stronger, though running barefoot in the snow is excessive. It seems more like torture than training.
Neither of us paid her words any mind and continued with our training.
—Ryouma, your ability depends on your imagination, right?
—Yes. Why?
—I recommend you stop reading those boring books and read this instead. — I extended my hand and placed a manga in his hands.
—I don't like these stories.
—It doesn't matter. They'll help you develop your creativity. Come on, try.
Though I saw he was reluctant to accept, after a few seconds, he opened the manga. His gaze scanned every page.
—Thanks.
---
POV NARRATOR
While Kohaku's two students continued their own training, Takumi was managing to get along better with his new comrades.
—So? What can you teach me?
—It's your turn, Yumiko.
—It's your turn. I'm too tired to teach anything.
So lazy, Takumi thought, lying down on the ground.
—Are you two really the only Helis?
—For now, yes, — Alexander replied, playing with Dorys as if it were a cat.
—Alexander and I are the only living Helis.
—Five? In all of history?
Both nodded. Yumiko jumped up from the ground.
—The first Heli died over 70 years ago.
—The second, sadly, died over two years ago. They say it was from illness, but that's impossible.
—And the third is a mystery. They also say he's dead, but no one knows the whereabouts of the body.
—Really?
—Yes, according to the reports. Kohaku was the one who issued them, so no one contested it, not even his family.
—Hmm... that's weird.
Both shrugged, staring intently at the wavy-haired youth.
—Oh, and couldn't you find more Helis through their Jaki?
The other two youths' eyes lit up as if they had forgotten something very basic. They all stood up.
—You're smarter than you look.
—Yes, you're very smart, Takumi.
—Then your first lesson with us will be learning to track Jaki.
—Alright!
Everyone formed a circle. Takumi listened carefully to every word from his comrades.
—Think of Jaki as an extension of yourself.
—When you feel the Jaki flowing through your entire body, identify similar sources. Understood?
—Yes. — Takumi closed his eyes, concentrating. Everything around him was dark except for that warm sensation in his chest.
Then two other flames ignited beside him. They were large, fluttering flames.
—Got it?
—Yes, I think so.
—Okay, now look for more flames like ours.
Takumi slowly began to identify each energy. Various colors rose up. Before he could progress further, Alexander let out a piercing scream.
—ALEXANDER?
—AGH! — Alexander fell to the ground, his body writhing in pain.
—What's happening? Did I do something wrong? — Takumi's voice went from calm to desperate.
—No... — Yumiko opened Alexander's jacket, finding a series of purple patterns covering his skin. — Someone cursed him.
—But... — Takumi looked around. It was just the three of them. — Just now?
—Yes. Some Class E exorcist detected us when we were searching for Jaki, but I don't understand why. Grab my phone and call Kohaku right now! — Takumi obeyed and quickly dialed Kohaku's number while Yumiko held Alexander. — Hang in there, friend.
The weather darkened. The sound of footsteps from a crowd filled everyone's ears. Among them, a group of six people walked calmly.
One of them turned his head slightly, unsure what to say.
—Is something wrong, Makisig? — Abaddon asked.
—Someone... tried to track my Jaki.
—Really? What did you do? — Libby asked, approaching the two men.
—Ha, I just taught them a little lesson. Let's keep going. Cyrus wants to go to the sauna.
—YAY! YIPPEE! — the small boy shouted with excitement.
As the footsteps continued and those six people disappeared into the gloom and the crowds, the three youths struggled to find a solution.
—Hang on, Alexander, — said Yumiko, watching as more marks appeared on his friend's skin. — Has he answered yet?
—... — Takumi didn't respond until Kohaku's voice was heard from the other end.
—Little Takumi, I'm a bit busy...
Without letting him finish, Alexander let out another shriek and began spitting up blood.
—I'm on my way, — was all that was heard from the other end.
Yumiko tried to delay the curse with his healing abilities.
—Why isn't it working? — Takumi demanded.
—I don't know... Only a Class E exorcist could do something like this. — Yumiko's eyes shone with unshed tears. — Damn it! It's not working.
After what felt like hours but was only minutes, Kohaku arrived.
—Professor, I don't know what happened. We wanted to teach the newbie how to track Jaki, and...
—Don't worry, Yumiko. If you tracked Jaki, you likely found an enemy who didn't want to be seen.
—Kohaku, do you know how to reverse this?
—No, but Koko does. Give me Alexander, and you two hold on to me.
Yumiko and Takumi grabbed onto Kohaku's poncho, and Alexander was in the man's arms.
—Good, time to go. Juten.
Everything around them distorted, creating shockwaves as they shot off towards Japan.
The air felt heavy, every movement imperceptible. Upon arrival, Kohaku broke through the roof of Koko's clinic.
—Huh? Kohaku and... company?
—Koko, one of your kids has been cursed.
—WHAT?
—Doc Koko is Class Satu. Can she cure what a Class S couldn't? — Takumi questioned Kohaku, being pushed aside by Koko.
—They're my students. Everything they know comes from me, — Koko replied.
Takumi nodded, watching as Heidi and Dorys circled Alexander with worried expressions.
Koko began analyzing Alexander's condition; the mark already covered the lower half of his body.
—It burns, it burns so much. Help me, Prof Koko, — Alexander pleaded between choked groans of pain.
—We're going to have to cut off his legs.
—WHAT? — Takumi and Yumiko refused.
—It's not a request; it's an order.
Kohaku appeared out of nowhere with a chainsaw. Takumi stepped in front to block the path of the albino man with his cunning smile.
Alexander trembled upon seeing the chainsaw.
—NO! I was joking! It doesn't hurt anymore! Don't cut off my legs! — Alexander begged, trying to break free from Koko's grip.
Takumi was easily pushed aside by Kohaku. The last thing the three youths saw before fainting was their friend's blood staining the wall and their own faces.
—Such drama queens, — Koko commented, placing the mutilated legs to the side and healing Alexander.
---
Upon waking, Takumi slowly opened his eyes. In front of him was Alexander, enjoying some hamburgers with total calm. Yumiko was still asleep on one of the cots.
—Finally awake, — said Koko, eating a hamburger.
—It's easy for you to say that; you always see corpses, — Takumi retorted.
—Doc Koko is the best, — Alexander commented, smiling from ear to ear as he enjoyed his burger.
—Exorcists are really weird. — Takumi grabbed a hamburger and saw Alexander's legs; they were as good as new.
After a few more minutes, Yumiko woke up. His first reaction was to punch Alexander.
—Why are you hitting me?
—For being a dramatic idiot.
—Don't be like that with Alexander, Yumiko. We were lucky the curse was mild.
—That was mild? They cut off his legs and half his torso! — Takumi said, slamming his hands on the table. — Do you know who did it?
—Kohaku is on it. Don't worry.
Yumiko and Takumi didn't accept that answer from Koko, but they decided to keep eating anyway. The encounter hadn't gone as they thought.
Kohaku arrived in the afternoon and took the three kids with him.
—I'm sorry about all this, little Takumi. It should have been a fun training session.
—It's fine. You're still just as crazy.
—And why did we come to my house? — Yumiko asked, crossing his arms, waiting for an answer from Kohaku.
—To see your mom, — Alexander murmured, receiving a punch in the gut from Yumiko.
At that moment, the door opened, revealing a woman with tied-up pink hair, blue-grey eyes, and an exuberant figure.
—Yumiko! — shouted the mother of the pink-haired boy, hugging him tightly.
—Hi, Mom, — Yumiko returned the hug happily.
Kohaku bowed, greeting politely with a soft smile on his face.
—My dear Sakura. With you, one doesn't know whether to be your friend or become Yumiko's stepfather, — Kohaku mentioned, kissing the back of Sakura's hand.
—You're as much of a charmer as always.
—No way. Anyone but you as my father, — Yumiko grumbled, pulling his mother away from Kohaku.
—Hello, Alexander.
—Good afternoon, Yumiko's mom.
—And hello to you, little one. Thank you for being friends with my son. — Takumi blushed upon seeing Sakura's sweet smile.
Sakura let everyone in. Yumiko took Takumi and Alexander to his room, letting Kohaku talk with his mother.
—Alright, what do you need from me, Kohaku?
—I adore women like you; you're so intelligent, — said Kohaku, stroking Sakura's jaw. — I just need lodging for that new student, nothing more.
—... Alright. Just don't forget this: if my son dies on one