Arthur let out a sigh and, with a frustrated expression, dropped his shoulders before picking up the glass and taking another sip.
"I'd say you're crazy! And that it's impossible" he said, with a shy smile after the statement.
"Crazy? Maybe" he replied, laughing. "But I'm a madman who's right. Look, Arthur, the world is a giant sewer, and those who enjoy living in it are rats who don't want change!" he declared with conviction.
As he spoke, he looked to the right, observing the street, where men in suits exited a hotel toward their luxury cars.
"There's so much money in the world. It's not just punishment that's unjust, but also misery, which seems to be our only wealth and applies to everyone, doesn't it?"
Next to them were the homeless, all elderly, who should be at rest, but were there… abandoned to their fate, in the end, smaller than the dust kicked up by the cars.
Faced with that, the blond nodded in agreement, respecting the reflection — imposing to those who heard it, but not seductive to his ideals.
"Unfortunately, it's true. But every great change requires a great transformation, right? Confronting those 'rats' could lead to even more losses… don't you think?"
"Leaving them there doesn't already cause problems?"
"But are you sure those deaths lead to lasting peace?" he interrupted with disbelief.
Romero sighed, leaning forward and resting his face in his hands. Suddenly, he saw in his face the same expression as Gabriel's, who had always held the same position.
"I have faith they do!" his voice was firm. "But I can understand your position — you're a pacifist, just like I once was, and like my friend still is… But the world didn't change because of pacifists, did it?"
"Not yet, but that doesn't stop it, right?"
"No, it doesn't…" as he looked into his deep eyes, he realized he would reap no fruit from that conversation. "You seem to have very strong roots, like you've found your truth… is that it?" adjusting his clothes.
"I'm already satisfied doing my part" He stood up first, and as he straightened his suit, he snapped his fingers to call the waiter. "If you'll excuse me, I'm off, Diego Romero — or rather, my lunatic friend. It was a pleasure" he said, leaving two five-yen coins on the table.
That drew a smile from the idealist, with no sense of wasted time, just a faint déjà vu.
As for the boy… While watching the street, cars rushed by, accompanied by ambulance sirens, dictating a chaotic rhythm across the capital of Saisho.
"According to the government's health department, it is recommended to implement aura in the population's daily diet, as well as the use of medications containing the substance to mitigate damage…"
The taxi radio, driven by the man taking Amai Shirasaki to her next destination, announced. Her family's car was unavailable; she had no choice.
"Only this morning and afternoon, over 44,000 victims of the Darkness Syndrome were reported… Will this crime go unpunished, as always?"
The driver interrupted the transmission, turned off the radio, and parked in front of Hiroshi Yamamoto Hospital, with the clock striking 10 p.m., just before nightfall. The sky had a twilight hue, with heavy clouds hanging overhead, suggesting a long and intense night.
The young woman got out of the vehicle, paid the driver, and headed to the reception desk, where she was expected. After retrieving the key to the exorcist's room, she proceeded down the hallway to the left, distracted by the constant movement of bodies in black bags being transported by nurses, doctors, and family members. The atmosphere was heavy, with silence broken only by murmurs of distant conversations.
Upon unlocking and opening the door to room 65 with the card she'd received, she finally reunited with Yamasaki after spending the day on the phone with him, handling matters. The room was filled with a soft evening light that spilled across the walls, casting gentle shadows.
"Good evening" she said upon seeing him sitting on the bed, shirtless, looking toward the sunset.
His back was covered in a network of purplish veins, which seemed to pulse slightly with his movements.
"Darkness Syndrome" she murmured, surprised and somewhat shocked.
"Yeah…" he sighed, exhausted.
"How come?" Finding it strange that an exorcist would develop the syndrome.
"Bad luck…"
She then approached.
"May I try?"
As she spoke, she raised her hands. A gentle glow of light emerged from her palms, conjured by inaudible whispers.
"Oh no, it's no use… I already tried!"
Then, she felt the girl's hands touch his back, and a wave of heat made him jump off the bed. With the movement, the sheet slid down, revealing he wore only black underwear.
"Skittish, huh…" she commented, letting out an awkward laugh.
Her aura glowed intensely in her fists, wrapping them in a soft light. She looked at his slim body, once again observing the purple veins that stretched across his skin.
"I'm not a cat to be skittish… You're really annoying, you know?" feeling a shiver that made him nervous.
"What can I do? I just wanted… to help…" she said, with a touch of gentleness in her voice.
"You didn't need to… I warned you!" trying to mask his irritation.
The girl lowered her hands and looked around, noticing the dark room. The TV was off, and there was a nearby chair with a bowl of soup on it, now cold.
"Did this happen because you're using negative energy?"
"Me? Maybe…" grabbing his long-sleeved shirt from the window frame and casting an embarrassed glance at her. "And you, did you get what we needed?"
"It worked… Well, we're officially a pair now. I can hardly believe it happened!" she said, sitting on the bed with her back to him.
With that, he hurried to get dressed. His movements were careful, as if trying to avoid pain.
"Yeah… I can't believe it either! But for me, this is just a game of interests…"
"A game of interests?"
He grabbed the car key and the crucifix that were on the table beside the lamp. The objects resonated in the room as they moved, breaking the silence.
"Yes, look, I may not know everything, but one thing I do know: nothing the founding clans do is without reason."
"You're right, but…"
"But what?" curious.
Or perhaps, interested in the opposition she might offer.
"Are you dressed yet?"
"Yeah, I am… By the way, why are you here?" Noticing his curiosity was fading, she walked around the bed until she was standing in front of him.
"Isn't it obvious? I came to get you, see if you were lying, and invite you out. We can't be strangers, right?" swinging her legs as she looked at him. Her determination was clear, as if ready to follow through with any idea that popped into her mind.
"Uh… lying? Go out?"
He fumbled; he could also sense that she wanted something buried deep within her emotions. The hesitation was visible in his gestures, as if he were about to reveal something he wasn't ready to share.
"They said you lie, Yamasaki…"
"Who said that?" visibly indignant.
"No one important, but… is it true?"
"No! I don't need to lie… But go out? Where to?" closing his eyes and turning his face away, showing slight displeasure.
"About that, how about a little bar or a cozy restaurant?" she suggested with a sweet look, despite her serious expression, as if a storm were about to break.
"They're the best places for a pleasant atmosphere and for us to talk…" she said, somewhat hesitant, but still with a friendly smile. "Will you accept my invitation?"
…Will he?