"I have no doubt in my mind about this. To Shuri, you are Igor. Just…Igor."
He gave him a soft pat on the head.
"Never forget that."
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|DxD|- Chapter 21- Survivor
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The next two days passed by in a blur. Baraquiel was especially harsh because of the amount of content he had to compress into him. The most core aspect was combat. Igor was forced to understand what Baraquiel meant when he said the world wouldn't fight fair.
On Tuesday, he was completely helpless when Baraquiel would fly around and attack him from afar. That entire day, he spent more time dodging than attacking. He would reply with his own long-range attack, but his energy spheres were malformed, too slow, and lacked distance. Beyond a couple of metres, they'd fizzle out. Once sunset came, it really solidified that he needed to gain better control of his energy.
On Wednesday, it was the same exercise. But this time, Baraquiel was sniping him from afar. Often times, he'd be high up in the skies, so high he'd be hidden by the clouds. The next thing he'd feel is a dull pain from one of Baraquiel's lightning balls. The senses he was so proud of were reduced to decoration. It was another thing he had to improve along with his reactions. Then Thursday came. It was to be his final day and…he felt conflicted.
It was still very early in the morning. Igor was in bed with his arm draped securely around Akeno. Her innocence, the softness of her breaths—it stirred a reaction in him. A fire burned every time he thought of this family.
Baraquiel was right. When he was first educated about the supernatural world, he did indeed question if he was being used or seen as a tool. Even before that, he'd questioned Shuri's motives. But action would always override words and thoughts.
In that forest when he was trapped in a bog of his own making, Shuri waded in and pulled him out. She not only gave him support, but also the greatest gift of all—memories of his parents. No dictionary had the words to describe how thankful he was.
From that moment onwards, he had silently sworn to repay Shuri and this family through any means. When Baraquiel taught him of their world, his thoughts were indeed centered around his worth. But the core was—how could he best serve this family. Even as a servant or a tool, he was content. Because while a devil may have saved him, Shuri gave him purpose in a life he was willing to forfeit.
His hand moved to caress Akeno's cheek. He knew why she smelled so odd. She was a hybrid who could never be truly accepted. She was just like him—a reject the supernatural world would rid itself of if given the chance.
His eyes darkened when he thought of anyone who'd dare hurt her. The notion was so overwhelming it led to him questioning his morality.
Could he end them? Would he end anyone who harmed Akeno…this family? He frowned in hesitation. Did that monster count as a life? Perhaps it did. And if anyone even remotely like that beast approached this family, then he wouldn't think twice. This family was worth more than the world that ended his clan.
"Mmmm…"
Akeno yawned in her sleep. Her tiny arms stretched out towards the ceiling. After a brief yawn, she fell silent and her breaths steadied.
Igor adjusted the blanket so she wouldn't get cold. Tomorrow, he would be leaving for the time chamber. In it, he would learn the truth and his heritage. Under better circumstances, he wouldn't want to return to that grey world ever again. But that world was his path to power.
Power was the hard currency of the supernatural world. It was what he would need to protect this family and make sure Akeno grows up safe and sound. His chance at a normal life was gone. Perhaps it never existed in the first place. But with Akeno, maybe…just maybe, she could have one. So as long as he breathed, he would use any means to ensure her safety.
Golden eyes glowed in the darkness. Baraquiel intended for him to be a weapon. That was fine. For this family, he was more than willing to forsake everything and be one. Whatever he had to do, he would make it his life's purpose to protect them because from now on…
'Shuri loves you.'
…he lived for them.
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|DxD|
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"Husband."
"Hm?"
"How long has he been awake."
"Almost two hours."
Baraquiel and Shuri lay together in bed. Her back was towards him, her head against his chest. A muscled arm encircled her in a soft cuddle.
This whole week, it had become harder and harder for her to sleep. Igor would soon leave and a large part of her felt it was too soon. Couldn't they wait a few months? Maybe years?
"Does it have to be this soon?"
Her voice was low with a sense of helplessness. She understood Baraquiel's concerns, but Igor was just a child.
"It is, Shuri."
Baraquiel tightened his hold on her. His palm lay on her stomach, rubbing it gently in circles.
"Igor is barely functioning. He has yet to understand how and why the time chamber was sealed into him. There is history neither you nor I can explain to him. Unless he receives the answers he needs, he will not be whole."
He lowered his head and gently kissed the top of her head.
"I know you care for him, but you have to believe in him. He's wise beyond his years and has strong determination. As long as you give him a home, he will always come back."
"..."
Shuri closed her eyes. After everything he's been through, she wished nothing but the best for him.
"I…alright."
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|DxD|
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Thursday was normal—no. It was homely. The four of them spent the whole day together. He ate so much during breakfast he almost fell asleep right after. For the first time, Shuri didn't put hot spices in his food.
The worst part of his day was the shopping. Shuri had already found his size. Why did he still need to keep wearing different clothes? He'd almost launched an energy blast at the store clerk because she wouldn't stop recommending clothes.
They returned hours later with all the things he might need and everything was packed. He was then dragged into the bathroom and given the biggest bath of his life since apparently, boys don't bathe unless they're told to.
That was over an hour ago. Now, he stood tall. It was late afternoon and he was on the paved walkway in the front yard. Baraquiel and Shuri stood on the porch with Akeno in her arms.
His hair was no longer the wild mess it had been. It was tied together in a short ponytail. He wore a vest, a tracksuit, and a simple pair of rugged hiking sandals. He didn't like closed shoes and Shuri wouldn't let him train barefoot, so this was a compromise.
Looking at the three of them, Igor felt a mix of elation and reluctance. His heart was so heavy he found himself feeling a bit teary-eyed.
"I…"
His words faded into the breeze. Igor could feel it. If he tried to speak, he wouldn't be able to stop himself from crying. It was stupid.
"Iga~!"
Akeno reached out with her arms. Her call was a command to be held. Igor shook his head and walked closer. He reached out and Akeno quickly scurried into his hold.
"Iga~, Iga~."
Akeno placed her hands on his cheeks, pulled closer, and plopped her mouth right over his eye like it was ice-cream.
"Hehehe."
Igor pulled away with a laugh. Her action was so unexpected it dismantled the heavy mood. Shuri walked over and peeled her daughter away from the blonde. The sides of her cheek were wet, but there was now a small smile.
"Don't eat big brother like that, Akeno."
Akeno futilely tried to pinch his nose, but it was just out of the reach of her fingers.
"Mama Iga~!"
She tried to plea, but Baraquiel held her finger at bay.
"Don't go blinding my student. I still haven't gotten my investment back yet."
"No, husband."
Shuri lightly slapped him on the arm.
"Little Igor is not your investment. He is a member of this family. You hear?"
"Yes, yes."
Baraquiel replied perfunctorily, but his eyes turned serious when he laid his hand on Igor's shoulder.
"You heard your aunty, boy. You are part of this family. I do not know what you will encounter once you step into that time chamber. It might break you, maybe even shatter you. But you're strong, Igor. You've shown me that. You've shown all of us that. Grit your teeth and endure. And remember this: no matter what, you have a home now. This, right here, all of us—we're your home. So come back to us, you hear?"
"I-I…I will."
The tears streamed down Igor's face. Shuri lowered herself and pulled him into a hug. Their cheeks touched and she spoke into his ear.
"It's just a year, alright? It's just a year. You can do it, Igor. I know you can. And once you're done, we'll be here waiting for you. This is not goodbye. It's a small parting. That's all it is, okay?"
"Mn."
His response was forced. He was holding back sobs. He felt joy at having a place to return to, and sadness at having to part.
He pulled away from Shuri, ready to give his sincerest gratitude when he felt his hair being pulled. Akeno was shovelling strand after strand into her mouth.
"Akenoooo…"
Shuri lightheartedly reprimanded. Akeno bemoaned the interruption and tried to reach out for Igor.
"Igaaaa~!"
"..."
Igor was lost in those purple eyes until Baraquiel flicked him on the forehead.
"Best depart, boy. The sooner you leave, the sooner you return."
"...yes…"
A well of hesitation rose, but he squashed it deep down. This was not forever. Only temporary. He's done five years. He can do a measly one year.
He reached out within him. He could feel the artifact buzzing for his attention. He responded to the feeling and activated it with the intuitive ease of stretching a limb.
Rings of white light surrounded him from top to bottom like the rings of Saturn. Strange unreadable lines flashed and disappeared. A white wave of mist slowly blurred his figure behind it.
"I…thank you for everything. I'll never ever forget this and…and…I promise I'll come back! I promise!"
*Shuu…*
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Igor was gone. His words echoed where he once stood. The light took him and in his place, a small hourglass stood on the concrete. Shuri bent down and picked it up. The sand inside had begun flowing.
"We'll wait for you, Igor. We will."
She worried for him, but this was a step he had to take. She marked the date in her head. Next year, she…all of them would be here waiting for him.
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AN: A heartfelt goodbye, but it is not the end. Igor has survived against all odds. Now it is time to confront the truth.
Shameless reminder. I have a p@treon. Look for HolyGambler and take a dip into chapter 22.
Chapter 21
Volume 1- Survivor
END