Ao no Exorcist: Volume 1 Chapter 1

Credits and Translator's Notice:

This english translation is brought to you with permission by Ling. Their translations can be found on their wordpress site.

---

Disclaimer: I do not own Ao no Exorcist. Katou Kazue does and this novel is by Yajima Aya. Please support them by buying the novel if possible. I also do not intend to infringe any copyright laws by sharing my translation of this novel. It is to fill up the language gap of those unable to read the original or official translated versions. If this novel does get translated by Viz someday, I will gladly take my translation down.

Also, this is a double-translation. Therefore, the translation process is Japanese -> Chinese (by the professional Chinese translator)-> English (by me). I try to make it as accurate as possible, but please bear this in mind. Also, I love making translation notes, so if you dislike them, just bear with them.

Finally, this is not proofread at all. If you see any typos or grammar mistakes, please inform me. --Ling

Chapter 1: Weekend Hero

A certain older lady once said that I chose the gun as my weapon because of my cowardice.

Wanting to keep a distance from demons is the proof that you are afraid.

Father said.

You keep a distance not because of fear.

It is the proof of wanting to protect even more people.

Just like when I was still young, he smiled and patted my head.

—I want to become an exorcist like Father.

This is a story that happened when the twins of South Cross Male Monastery were still in junior high.

The gun which was designed to shock, gave a blue glow inside the school bag.

Okumura Yukio did not want to let his surrounding classmates notice him secretly reading messages. After reading it nonchalantly, he left his seat quietly.

It is now the break during dismissal, the class was full of the joy of students.

The teacher was chatting with an unnamed student. It seemed to be consultation for the upcoming text.

[—Nakao-sensei, are you free now?]

[Oh, Okumura. What do you need?]

The teacher turned around and looked at Yukio. His requesting to leave early due to feeling unwell was the usual, so the teacher answered him immediately.

[You better take care of your health, the end of term is coming soon.]

[Yes.]

[Maintain the first position in the level, I have high expectations for you.]

Yukio bowed respectfully to the smiling teacher to show his regards. Once he reached his seat, the surrounding girls immediately came to show concern for him.

[Okumura-kun, you’re leaving early?]

[Eh—leaving early again? Are you alright?]

[Don’t force yourself if you don’t feel well?]

[Do you want us to send you to the school gate?]

[I’m alright.]

I’m appreciative of everyone’s concern, but please don’t create an uproar. Anyway, you all don’t look happy, more like onlookers. Yukio showed an irritated forced smile to the noisy girls, while rapidly packing his bag and leaving the class.

A few boys were chatting at the corner of the corridor.

They looked at the back of Yukio holding his bag, seemingly implying a message that [This guy came again]. However, they did not have any evil intentions, and Yukio kept ensuring his distance from everyone. Being too close or too detached from others, would only hinder his smooth-sailing school life.

He wants to be an acquaintance, it would be best when after everyone graduated, they would only remember him when flipping the yearbook. There’s no need to be too outstanding or too antisocial.

While passing them, part of the conversation flowed into Yukio’s ear with the wind. One of the boys mentioned Yukio’s name as said: [Okumura, he……]

[His body is so weak, how different from his older brother.]

[I heard that his older brother was fighting with people from other schools again]

[Really?]

[Yeah, and it was with people from Shougyou high]

[How fierce, fighting with high school students…]

[Moreover it was win with one versus ten.]

[Totally a demon.]

Their conversation topic switched from Yukio to his older brother, his older twin—Okumura Rin is someone who was often talked about, although the rumours were all negative—

Ignoring the classmates who were having a heated discussion over his older brother, Yukio left the corridor quickly.

What he did not want most is to meet the older brother whom those people mentioned in their conversation, because he would need to find a non-existent reason for leaving early. Yet Yukio’s worries were groundless.

He could have skived off again. In the morning, his older brother who set off together with him had left halfway, but this kind of thing did not start that day as well.

Yukio who usually worried about his older brother’s behavior, could only feel relief in his heart at this moment.

The students were celebrating their short break while Yukio pushed through the crowd to push the back door. Walking in the afternoon calm of the residential area, just now’s ruckus seemed like a dream.

Yukio took out his phone from his bag, placed it at his ear while walking briskly.

[—Yes. I am Okumura, now rushing to the scene in around ten minutes.]

At that moment, Yukio’s expression was not of the delicate top student of the past.

It was a warrior-like solemn expression.

Yukio changed into the uniform of the True Cross Order and reached the scene. Yellow warning tape with [True Cross Order-KEEP OUT] surrounded the first level of the True Cross Academy. Many passers-by looked over.

[It’s very dangerous now, civilians, please retreat!]

A man was redirecting the public in front of the warning tape. Yukio showed him his license and said:

[I am Okumura, Middle Second Class.]

The man was surprised at Yukio’s age and said:

[Thanks for the effort.]

But immediately let him go after formalities.

[— Okumura, thank goodness, you’re fast.]

An old exorcist appeared, he was one of the middle first class exorcists that Yukio recognized as a veteran Aria. With his old age, he should have retired……

[Because my school is nearby. Is Motegi-san the leader?]

[Yes, he is. This morning many cases occurred and because there are not enough exorcist manpower, even an old geezer like me had to be deployed to help.]

Motegi smiled warmly while answering before turning serious the next moment to explain the situation as more people from the main building came to them.

The man who was possessed by a demon took over the building, and the hostage is……

Yukio held his gun and walked in front of Motegi to the deep staircase.

The structure of the building has been committed to memory.

[Okumura?]

Motegi who could not guess Yukio’s intentions asked softly:

[There’s no need to start finding from the rooms of the first floor?]

[Yes. I think he should be at the rooftop.]

Yukio answered without even turning around.

This building was separated from the other, just like an isolated island, so it was easy to surround it with the enemy not able to escape easily. This demon held on by holding a hostage. It was surely not a bright one.

This kind of demon has a tendency to escape upwards.

Because the building was out of electricity, of course the lift could not be used. After running up nine stories of stairs in one go, young Yukio was alright but the old Motegi beside him was panting heavily.

Yukio planned to show himself to the demon first and asked Motegi to hide in the stairway for now to wait for further orders.

[When I immobilize the demon, please use your Aria artes to exorcise immediately.]

[But you alone…]

[I can do this.]

Smiling to the unsure Motegi, Yukio heaved and forced the door leading to the rooftop.

As expected, the demon was there, surrounded by many other smaller ones. The possessed man turned around, showing both eyes with bloodshot mud yellow sclerae.

[I thought that the damn exorcist has finally come, and it’s just a guy like this brat. Ha ha ha… exorcists are so lacking in people.]

The demon with a hoarse and piercing voice showed a mocking sneer.

Although the body was that of a human male, but both ears were thin and pointed with monster-like horns on the head. Showing a curly long tongue in a big bloody mouth, it grabbed the hostage, as if it could break the youth’s thin neck in an instant.

Yukio complete ignored the demon, showed a warm smile to the pale youth who was trying his best to hold back tears and said:

[Are you Teru-chan? Listen to me, be careful—understand?

[Mmm, mmm…]

[It’s alright, you can definitely do it.]

Looking at Yukio’s gentle smile, the pale youth in the demon’s hand nodded slightly.

[Bastard, don’t treat me like air… Damnit!]

The ignored demon was fuming and he grabbed the youth’s neck even more tightly. Snarling explosively, the demons gathered around it also dispersed instantly.

[What {be careful}? Do you even get the situation?!]

With his neck being grabbed even tighter, the youth’s expression contorted in pain.

Yukio still did not budge and calmly kept his distance from the demon.

[Stop talking big… if you dare to shoot, I will go with the brat, ha ha ha… I’ll see how do you save him? Do you kill me with the brat? This doesn’t seem too bad either.]

The demon sneered at Yukio.

Then it looked at Yukio’s legs and said:

[Anyway both of your legs are trembling so much, from just now it’s so noisy… have you wet your pants yet? A brat is just a brat, ha ha ha ha……!]

The demon laughed even more.

[What a naïve one.] Yukio coldly replied. [You really think that I won’t dare to shoot you?]

[Ah……? What did you say…… bastard.]

Yukio aimed the gun in his right hand to the demon’s forehead. The demon held back its sneer when he saw it and twisted his face while snarling:

[Go ahead and try! When you shoot, he can’t run!! You will blast a bloody hole on the brat’s head with his brains flying. Damn exorcist, do you dare to shoot!!]

The demon once again tightened its grip on the youth to its limit, wanting to challenge Yukio.

Yukio pointed the barrel from the demon’s forehead to the sky instead. The demon thought that this was the only thing Yukio could do to struggle, thus mocking him again.

[Ha ha ha ha… Where is your barrel pointing to? Moron……]

[Alright, so who is the moron now?]

[What did you say?!]

Receiving Yukio’s challenge, the demon threw a tantrum. One arm grabbing the youth’s neck, it approached. Yukio took the opportunity to shoot towards the sky.

With the deafening gunshots, the bullets were sucked into the air—with a blinding light shining the surroundings.

[What……!]

Both of the demon’s eyes faced the glaring light and suddenly let go so the youth took the chance to escape by squatting. The demon who had lost its hostage brandished his hands in the air.

[Damn it, go to hell you brat!]

Yukio did not let this opportunity go to waste. He faced the barrel of the left gun to the demon’s right shoulder which had an opening and shot twice continuously.

The demon screamed in agony and collapsed to the ground.

Yukio held the youth who was clutching his head and turned back to shout:

[Motegi-san!]

Motegi who heard his name appeared from the staircase and started to perform his aria.

[«I ask you, is the golden scale of your heart out of equilibrium?»]

[D-damn exorcist…]

[«Whether inclining to idleness, whether inclining to either wrath, lust, greed, envy, gluttony or pride.»]

The demon tried to resist a few times, but after being shot with two holy silver bullets, he did not even have the leave its vessel.

[«In the name of diligence, chastity, kindness, patience, charity, temperance, humility as virtues, gather the light of faith, cleanse the darkness of thou.»]

After the aria, Motegi drew a holy cross in the air.

The demon was destroyed while it was moaning, the man also lost consciousness and collapsed on the ground. Motegi checked his temple pulse and his mouth to ensure that he was still breathing. Affirming his findings, he nodded forcefully to Yukio.

Slightly nodding to acknowledge, Yukio turned to the youth. The boy was still on the ground, entirely stiff and clutching his head.

[Teru-chan, you did well, it’s over.]

[Oh……oh……]

Large tears started appearing. The youth burst out crying, he had been holding back so much tears until now.

Yukio loosened the youth’s rigid arms and gently stroked his thick hair.

Although he was far from being as good as his adoptive father, but being able to save this strong youth who loved his younger brother so much, Yukio felt relieved inside.

[How interesting, Okumura. It’s hard to believe that you’re a junior high student who became a exorcist for more than a year.]

After cleansing the youth’s temptaint, sending him back to his mother and younger brother, Motegi praised Yukio greatly.

The man who became a vessel was sent to the True Cross General Hospital after the Doctors administered emergency treatment on him.

Now the other two exorcists who were late are now cleaning the scene.

[No, it’s all thanks to Motegi-san who prepared the aria.]

Yukio respectfully answered. Motegi grimaced, shaking his head and said:

[You don’t need to be so humble. You really are Fujimoto’s treasured apprentice, no wonder everyone call you a genius—But in this kind of situation, you can even tell Teru-chan the general plan. What kind of magic did you use?]

[I used a series of sounds.]

[A series of sounds? Ah…… so you used Morse code huh.]

The experienced Motegi immediately understood and he applauded by clapping.

Yukio used the sole of his shoe to produce two types of sounds to transmit Morse code to the youth.

—The meaning is: When the sky flows, squat immediately.

He looked at the youth’s eyes while using his gaze to ask him to notice what was beneath his feet.

[Because boy scouts know Morse code, so I was inspired…… luckily Teru-chan had noticed my intention.]

[I see, but it’s thanks to how you could think of it in such a short time.]

Motegi exclaimed admirably.

Yukio waved his hands and said: [This isn’t much.] and pushed his glasses up slightly.

[I used to do that with my older brother, so I know of it……]

He remembered how Father tried his best to bring up Nii-san to be an upright person.

Because Nii-san caused trouble, the brothers both never continued to join. But the both of them were fascinated by Morse code. Afterwards they used it for a while.

—What are we eating today?

—It seems to be curry.

It was this sort of message that could be spoken but they used cutlery to knock on the table. He still remembered that Father scolded them by saying [How noisy.] a few times.

[Older brother? You have an older brother, is he an exorcist too?]

Facing Motegi’s question, Yukio secretly regretted saying more than what was needed. He immediately denied by saying: [No—!] and at the same time ensured that his tone was not too harash.

[Aniki is just an ordinary person.]

His voice seemed to be reverberating in the skies.

✞

9.12 PM

After dealing with the incident and the report to the higher-ups to the Order which unknowingly took much some time. By the time Yukio went back to the South Cross Male Monastery where he lived in, it was beyond the time that a junior student should be home.

His Order uniform has been changed back to school uniform. When he walked into the room, he checked for traces of the smelly sulphur smell again.

Yukio then realized for the first time that his right hand was trembling non-stop.

(The uneasiness in my heart appears only now…)

The fear of not being able to save the youth, the terror of failure.

The feelings which were suppressed during the battle surface occasionally like an aftershock.

As if going back to the time when he was still afraid of the darkness.

[……]

Yukio peered under his glasses to see his slightly trembling hand. He used his other hand to grab it tightly and walked into the monastery.

The monastery which closed early had lights out early so everyone should have finished their dinner.

[Oh! You’re really late tonight, Yukio.]

[—I’m home.]

Yukio replied with a smile, at the same time……

Is my face maintaining the usual smile?

Has my hand stopped trembling?

Yukio forcefully suppressed the questions and uneasiness in his heart.

He passed by his older brother’s bed and placed his school bag on his own study desk. The heavy metal sound startled him a little.

But his older brother seemed to have not noticed.

The guns were just hidden in a nook at the bottom of the school bag.

[I say—the strap will break someday if you stuff it]

[Eh……?]

Nii-san’s words alarmed him again.

[Anyway, is it packed full with textbooks that it’s going to explode? Exchange bag with me? My bag doesn’t have any textbooks, it’s really durable.]

[Ha ha ha……Nii-san’s bag is so dirty scrap paper and biscuit crumbs. I appreciate your thought though.]

Yukio gave a sigh of relief.

He lifted the school bad containing the guns, stuffed it into a gap between the desk and the wall while trying to avoid his older brother’s line of sight.

Nii-san thought that Yukio was studying until so late at the True Cross Academy’s library.

The younger brother wanted to go to an elite and famous private school; but the family had no extra cash for extra tuition classes. This probably made the older brother feel quite concerned.

However, if he knew that the younger brother was not battling in the library and it was actually a battlefield resounding with gunshots, what kind of expression will the older brother show?

While thinking, Yukio’s line of vision suddenly stopped at his table.

[—?]

Behind the reference books, there was a huge plate.

Lifting the cloth on the plate, there were three hearty onigiri.

[…Did Nii-san make these?]

[Oh—please feel free to enjoy it.]

[You sound like Father.]

[Who did you say is like the old geezer… don’t talk nonsense.]

Rin who was still stuck in his rebellious phase was so angry that his face as read. Yukio who slightly grimaced picked up an onigiri, feeling its warmth.

[What old geezer, is it Father? Nii-san used to clearly call [Tou-san] properly, and why did you make three of them?]

Although he was at that age where he had a huge appetite, three onigiri is really too many.

Hearing Yukio’s question, Rin proudly chuckled which gave him a bad feeling.

[This is Rossian rulette onigiri, wise old younger brother.]

[Rossian rulette….. Are you referring to Russian roulette? Who is the wise old youngerbrother now?]

[Let’s not mind about such small matters. You’ll become bald at a young age, four eyes.]

[No, I will not become bald. Anyway, there’s a bomb in one of them?]

His bad feeling seemingly confirmed, Yukio stared at the onigiri suspiciously.

The probability is one out of three……

[Oh right, what’s in there?]

[Chili sauce, chocolate and strawberry mochi.]

[Oh no, if this is the case, all of them are bombs……]

So this is a Russian roulette with a magazine filled full with live ammunition. It’s best to have that idiot proudly try it out.

Cooking is this older brother’s only skill for living, but he liked to overdo things.

Yukio put back the bullet—no, the onigiri back on the plate and sighed.

[By the way……] Yukio changed the topic.

[How is tomorrow’s charity concert going?]

[Ah, the charity concert, it seems that I need to help out.]

Tomorrow which is Saturday had a charity concert organised by the church. This is one of the mission contributions. The money raised will all go to underprivileged children.

The performers are newcomer idols who have not started their careers, unknown folk singers, a jazz band that was slightly more famous etcetera because of their low fees. The location of the concert is also not a concert hall, but it was upstairs of the department store in the compound of the True Cross Academy.

Because the budget was limited, the monastery also had to send the hymn choir to perform. The brothers also had to give external assistance.

The assistance given is not performing in the choir. Instead, it is taking the roles of workers and doing errands.

[It’s finally Saturday, how troublesome—]

Rin complained while rolling on the bed.

[It’s alright. It’s alright.]

Yukio consoled his older brother.

At this timing, using food to bribe him would be the best solution.

[Maruda-san says that if you do your tasks properly, there will be meat for dinner?]

[Is that for real? Sukiyaki?]

Rin sat up abruptly with his eyes giving out an ecstatic glow. The effect was so shocking that Yukio had to move back half a step.

[I’m not sure if it’s sukiyaki though……]

[This is wonderful! I’ve won!! Meat!! Yay~~ Yukio, you have to do a good job too! If you slack you’re done for.]

Now Nii-san suddenly became very energetic, screaming just like a dog in the night. Looking at his older brother, Yukio sighed softly again.

(Hopefully I don’t have to be summoned by the Order……)

He worried about it in his heart.

This is a 14 year old teenager who was troubled every day.

✞

[Ah, this is the roof of the department store……]

Under the cloudless sunny sky, Yukio gazed at the venue of the event and said softly.

He was not wearing a uniform and wore a white wool shirt and a western jacket. It is now late February but the weather was unusually warm so one would not feel cold even without a blazer.

Beside him, Rin who was carrying boxes only wore a hooded T-shirt and jacket, casually attired.

With the sun shining warmly, the good weather would invite more crowds. It looks like losses could be prevented. Yukio knew that the monastery needed funds and gave a sigh of relief for a moment.

[Nii-do you remember when Father brought us here before?]

Oh……Yukio who was setting up the reception counter asked casually. Rin who was unpacking boxes answered:

[……is it to watch the Blue Fighter show? How nostalgic.]

Blue Fighter was a children’s superhero show that aired every weekday night since around ten years ago.

Ao, an ordinary high school student, is actually a hero of justice of unknown origin who carries the burden of the world and valiantly fights against evil organisations—Although the content is cliché, but the various special moves and the young hero fighting against the villains were still idolized by the young brothers.

Using newspaper and cardboard to make swords, tying blue cloth on their necks, the two brothers played Blue Fighter games. As both of them wanted to be the hero, so their adoptive father Shirou always had to act as the villain. His strange laugh was so realistic that one would have thought that he was really a freak.

However…

[[Oh……I, I’m dying……]] After he said that while falling painfully, he would suddenly rise and say: [[Hahaha, you idiots! How can I be defeated by such lousy attacks!]] Because he would pretend to be dead and counterattack, so they could not lower their guard. Afterwards, the brothers would get tickle attacks from Shirou and roll on the ground laughing. They still remembered that because there was a Blue Fighter show that day, so they begged their busy adoptive father to bring them to the roof. Due to some mishaps before setting out, the show had just started when they reached. The many families who also came to watch the show made the venue extremely packed so the small sized brothers completely could not see the stage at all. A sad Yukio burst into tears. [So I said we had to go off earlier! It’s Dad’s fault for dragging the timing!] Rin, almost crying, followed by protesting loudly. [[I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Don’t be so angry.]]

Shirou smiled and easily lifted both druthers to his shoulders.

[How’s this? Can you see it?]

Although he was young, their adoptive father could lift up two children like it was no big deal.

Once their view became much higher, the hero on the stage could be seen clearly immediately. How wonderful~~ Rin cheered loudly and Yukio also stopped crying while grabbing Shirou’s neck tightly.

The memory of the hero show had already faded with time, but at the part where Father carried himself, his arm felt warm, refreshing his memory.

[It’s still here now.]

[The hero shows?]

[I don’t know about the hero shows, but it’s still airing on television.]

It was an old ten year old show anyway. Yukio tilted his head puzzledly while Rin took out decorations from the box and placed it carelessly on Yukio’s assembled table and answered:

[It’s the ingraved version that is popular now.]

[You mean the engraved version?]

Yukio disliked his older brother’s tasteless decorations so he took the box and said [I’ll put it up.] and took action. The colourful Tanabata decorations made of origami paper and shiny thread were made by the children who went to the church often. It was not just the messy appearance; there was also some extra glue that was not dried yet.

However, the effort can be felt from every one of them, which would touch one’s heart.

[Four eyes, you’ll get bald if you’re so fussy.]

[I won’t get bald. Anyway, I thought that the engraved version would be out much later.]

Maybe it was due to how there were no more new projects…… Yukio thought.

[Because Blue Fighter is so cool.]

In contrast, Rin said something like this.

[Wielding a sword, killing the monsters? It makes people so happy……]

Rin rolled up the handmade programme on his hand, pretended that it was a sword and waved it: [It will become crumpled like this.] Yukio said while snatching the programme from his older brother.

Yukio flattened the programme on the table. Standing next to him, Rin whispered:

[……Blue Fighter should have lots of comrades by his side and be popular with the girls.]

[? What’s up? Saying something like this.]

Yukio raised his head from the programme and asked. He felt that this lonely tone with a tinge of helplessness was completely unlike his older brother’s bright and optimistic personality.

[Nii-san?]

Yukio tried to read his older brother’s expression, but Rin reverted back to his usual smile and said:

[Never mind, pretend that I never said anything—]

[Hey! Rin, help to move this speaker, it’s super heavy.]

At that moment, a familiar monastic who was moving the equipment to the stage shouted.

[Oh—I’m coming now.]

Rin quickly went there without even looking back.

A lone Yukio stayed at his position, gazing at his older brother’s back for quite a while before arranging the programmes at the side of the counter.

—He should have lots of comrades by his side and be popular with the girls.

Nii-san’s casual remark kept reverberating in his ears.

Is this really the case?

The clichéd masked superhero plot, which is the protagonist, Ao being not able to let others know his true identity. If his family and his lover Oume Takeuma found out, he can no longer transform into a superhero. He struggled with this all the time, finally fighting alone. His usual self is just an ordinary high school student, not the Blue Fighter who fought monsters to protect the peace of the world.

These two personalities deviated from each other. I am both; neither is me.

The lonely soul always drifted like duckweed.

Looking at his heart again, he then realized that it was completely empty.

Maybe, the so-called heroes are all alone.

—Yukio grimaced, he was really thinking too much. He could not help but feel that he was thinking like an old man.

Despite being already in junior high, he was still childish in idolizing a hero like a child. But pondering about the heart of a non-existent hero, it was too laughable to relate it with his own situation.

Yukio took some spare change from the box to serve as change and sorted it into a box.

Rin was beside the stage humming: [Sukiyaki, sukiyaki ♪] while easily moving audio equipment that is as tall as him.

✞

[Everyone , please enjoy South Cross Department Store’s Charity Concert.]

After the host finished speaking, a lively applause sounded.

Driven by the early spring-like and warm atmosphere, the venue was filled with lots of tourists

Yukio was in charge of selling tickets and distributing program guides at the counter. Rin was dressed up as a white rabbit mascot with a donation box in front of him and gave out balloons to the children who came.

Usually, his older brother would never wear the mascot outfit even over his dead body. But the magic words of [If you work hard, there will be meat for dinner.] were effective. Even when cheeky children challenged him by asking something like [You’re a rabbit right? Let me see you jump.], he could only mentally beat up the brat and not go mad. This tolerance is unbelievable to Yukio.

Afterwards, the tourists kept coming. As the South Cross Monastery’s hymm choir sang, Yukio casually looked at the audience. (There are not enough chairs…)

Just in case, twenty more chairs were brought at first.

[Nii-san, come here.]

Yukio called softly to his older brother who was wearing a white rabbit mascot costume and resisting the urge to yawn.

[Could you go to the back and bring ten chairs to the audience?]

Yukio quietly requested.

[Eh—while dressed like this?]

[It’s hard to move my arms, actually movement is hard for me all over.] Rin could not resist but to complain.

[I need to mind the counter.]

Yukio crossed his fingers and pleaded Rin.

[I mind the counter, you go.

[With your hands like this, can you handle money? Also, Nii-san, can you give change?]

[Don’t look down on your older brother. This is nothing to me.]

[Then what is 1250-750?]

[—Uh, 300?]

[It’s 500.]

In the end, it was still the allure of [There will (…probably) be sukiyaki tonight.] that made Rin arrange the foldable chairs in the white rabbit costume.

The hymm choir sang on the stage before the unknown folk singer went on stage. The melodious voice sang about the innocence and sadness of youth.

It could be due to the roof of the department store, other than mostly small families, there were also high school sweethearts, cliques of female customers, university buddies, unsupervised elementary school students and loving old couples.

Although they just wanted to kill time, the audience all happily paid attention to the stage.

(How peaceful……)

Thank goodness, the handphone in the pocket did not ring. Hopefully it would remain this way, no emergency signals before the end of the concert.

Yukio sat on the chair of the counter and gave a small sigh.

Gradually, the accumulated lack of sleep started acting on him as the sleep monster crept up and attacked. He knew clearly that he would not be able to face his older brother and the others like this, but he gave in and fell asleep.

—At that moment……

[?!]

Suddenly there was a foreboding wind that sent chills down the spine from an unknown place as well as the stink of sulphur everywhere.

Yukio immediately surveyed his surroundings.

The audience were happily listening to the folk songs. The setting was completely peaceful. However, in the eyes of Yukio who was an exorcist, he saw a lot of Coal Tars within the audience and the stage, like a huge black fog.

[How can this be so sudden… and there are so many?]

Countless Coal Tars dyed the roof black.

Yukio stretched out a single arm, pretending to naturally shoo a Coal Tar from his face and at the same time finding the source of the foreboding wind.

His line of vision reached the stage where there was a strange band waiting.

There were three men with heavy makeup, completely dressed in black, carrying guitars and basses. Their appearance seems to be what was so called Visual Kei.

But—

Yukio quickly checked his program notes.

It did not state anything about a Visual Kei band.

[Is there any Visual Kei bands performing for today’s concert? For example, if someone dropped out last minute so they came to replace……]

He asked the nearby volunteer. This plump middle aged man went to the church every morning to pray, so he knew Yukio.

[Visual Kei……?]

The volunteer shook his head on his thick neck.

[No, this time there are no popular bands. This is purely a charity concert with family-oriented bands.]

Exactly.

[Also, this department store does not welcome this kind of band. Tomorrow there’s a hero show for the family, which is [[Blue Fighter]] which has been shown last time. Just now I saw the outfit during break, how nostalgic.]

The chatty volunteer started blabbing about inconsequential things. Yukio shushed him twice before focusing on the stage again.

Most probably, they are the source that attracted the large number of Coal Tar.

He observed those three people carefully. The bassist and guitarists did not look abnormal. Although their lips were painted black and had dark eyeshadow, but that was just makeup. But the lead singer obviously did not look human.

He had a pair of pointed big ears, bloodshot eyes emanating a dark glow. A thin long snake-like tongue with crimson tips that seemed blood stained stretched out from a wide ferocious mouth.

(He’s definitely possessed by a demon)

[This is bad.] Yukio was speechless.

On the roof, including audience and staff, there were almost a hundred people.

Although he could not guess the demon’s reason of blending into the concert, but from what the demon wanted to do, it could potentially causes chaos.

The most critical question is: what if the demon’s target was his older brother?

As Satan’s son, Rin has not awakened. Once he awakens, there would be people with different motives rushing to him from everywhere.

Yukio hid his anxiety in his heart while nonchalantly leaving his seat to leave.

[I’m sorry, I need to go to the washroom. Please mind the counter for a while.]

[Oh, no problem. There shouldn’t be any more people coming, you can go.

After thanking the smiling volunteer, Yukio left the counter and walked towards the exit of the roof.

Firstly he had to avoid difficult routes.

Then, when Yukio touched the automatic glass doors, a sharp pain coursed through his fingers. On further inspection, it was not just his fingernails that split open, there were also what seemed like warts on his skin, just like the spasms of pain that came with the temptaint.

[Ah, a barrier—]

It was a barrier that could not be easily destroyed. The enemy intends to trap everybody.

He took out his handphone from his jacket to contact the True Cross Knights, but he could not get through as the signal seem to be cut off.

The place has been completely isolated.

[How troublesome……]

Yukio showed an anxious expression which he rarely did. Unable to contact the exorcists or Shirou, can he alone be able to protect his older brother and everyone else?

Just then, the uproar of the audience sounded from behind.

[?!]

Yukio looked back anxiously, seeing that the band had already went on stage—

[Enjoy the idle tranquillity, ugly and dumb humans.]

The low hoarse voice and the noise from the microphone was very piercing and became a magic music nobody could stand. [What happened?]

[Hey…… isn’t the microphone too loud?]

[Hate this……. My ears are aching—]

The audience cannot help but cup their ears and some people stood up to leave.

The demon happily looked at the audience’s actions and spoke deeply and hoarsely again:

[From now on, I will bring you to our paradise.]

The man’s face had his veins bulging and his eyes seemed to be popping out of his eye cavity.

[Towards Gehenna—]

The man showed a cold and chilling smirk.

The other members accompanied his laughter by starting their performance. It was as if balloons burst and skulls were drilled into. The terrified audience and staff screamed continuously.

A second later, the stage lighting shattered, making broken glass fly everywhere. An unexpectedly beautiful glass rain showed on the stage.

The curtain to the nightmare’s prelude has begun.

✞

[You bastard. Such an eyesore, get out of my way.]

[Ah…? Moron, I haven’t even said anything.]

[Shut up, go and die.]

[You go die instead, trash.]

[What are you saying—]

The frolicking university students suddenly started fighting. The surrounding audience frantically left their seats. The men who tried to stop the fight ended up joining in… just like a chain reaction.

Fighting was not enough; some people even started destroying property.

Audio visual equipment was toppled, seating suffered damage and the stage decorations were smashed to smithereens.

The location descended into absolute chaos in a short time.

Unknowingly, even the guitarists and bassists of the band chucked their instruments away and joined the mob.

Even after losing his musicians, the man still continued singing. In the completely foggy and dark venue, the sinister notes kept reverberating, as if it was a cacophony of screaming singing.

(There are so many people here, how could they all get possessed at the same time… it’s impossible.)

Something must be behind him, but he had no idea then.

Suddenly, there was a huge figure in front of Yukio who was completely flustered.

[……] It was the volunteer from just now.

His eyes looked strange… when thinking of that, the opponent already started to pummel chairs and was bellowing at the same time.

[Ugh……!]

Yukio dodged by a hair’s breadth and started shooting. It was a fatal weakness; the volunteer’s huge body collapsed and never rose again.

[Too easy.] Yukio thought to himself.

If it was demonic possession, this kind of attack would not induce unconsciousness.

Looking at the rowdy audience, instead of being possessed by demons, they looked more like drug addicts on heavy dosages. They did not enjoy the thrill of destroying and looked like they were controlled by some unknown force.

What happened… Yukio immediately noticed that the voice was still reverberating around the venue.

[A demon that sings to hypnotise people huh……]

The piercing voice is what made the audience lose control and started the violence.

Demons that use music to hypnotise people appeared many times in history. One of the famous ones were the sea sylphs who sunk ships with their melodious voices that tempted the hearts of people.

(People with pure hearts or strong will should not be that easily affected……)

From calmly surveying the surroundings, although there were only a few, there were people who tried to protect themselves. They were either children or the elderly who could not escape and can only be frightened by the hell-like place.

[I’m scared…… Grandpa, I’m scared……]

[It’s alright, it’s alright—]

As the elderly tried their best to console the children crying into their shoulders, a thug attacked them.

A burly middle aged man grabbed a light tube tightly in his hands.

[Oh no.] Yukio took a step forward.

But in the next moment, he stopped moving.

Because Yukio saw a person wearing a white rabbit mascot costume fiercely beating up the thug to protect the old man and his grandchild.

[Don’t attack defenseless old people and children.]

This person is Rin.

[Although I have no clue on what’s happening, but if you want to fight, I’m up for it.]

Like this, Rin went into the murderous and violent audience, beating up everyone in his path.

The cute white rabbit mascot now looked strangely barbaric and evil.

Because the koumaken

(It seems that their aim is not Nii-san.)

Despite sighing in relief, the situation did not become better.

Yukio’s view left his berserk older brother and went to the stage.

He was very certain that a melody that did not need to pass through the ear drums to reach his brain was carelessly trying to disturb the negative emotions within him.

He forcefully shook his head to get rid of this feeling.

As long as the demon possessing the lead singer was exorcised, stopping the song would let everyone return to normal.

Yukio sped to the counter, taking out his sports bag from under the table. For emergencies, it contained guns, bullets and other tools. But—

Exorcists never went into battles alone, usually acting in pairs so that their strengths and weaknesses complement each other according to their abilities. This is just like Yukio and Motegi the previous day.

But now there is only one exorcist who was Yukio. Since there was a barrier, backup would not come.

The most critical thing is his older brother’s presence. He could not act as an exorcist since his shocked older brother would definitely require a reasonable explanation. If he knew about the existence of demons, it could lead to awakening.

If this happened, he could no longer live as a human.

Not just that, he could even be executed by the Order.

He had to deceive his older brother and stop this quickly.

But how—?

Not being able to reveal his identity as an exorcist was a huge problem that baffled Yukio. At the same time, the venue was in chaos.

Cries of children came from the surroundings.

(Argh…… what should I do?)

Yukio hated how he was hesitating. At this moment, if it was his adopted father—Shirou, what would he do?

At that moment, he suddenly recalled the past moment of sitting on his adopted father’s shoulder to watch the hero show.

The solitary and mighty hero whose true self is unknown.

—Tomorrow there will be a family hero show of [Blue Fighter]. Just now I was at the dressing room……

The volunteer’s words just now flashed through his head, giving Yukio a bright idea.

(Oh yeah!)

Yukio clutched his bag and stealthily avoided the chaos until he reached the dressing room next to the stage.

Luckily his older brother who was fighting a few people completely did not notice anything.

Going through the thick backdrop to the dressing room, two department store workers were at the corner hugging each other and shaking non-stop. They were young ladies who had tears in their eyes and broke down once they saw Yukio’s cool expression.

[D-, don’t come here…… please……]

[Please keep calm. This violent incident is caused by demons. I am here to stop it.]

In order not to traumatise them further, Yukio tried his best to show a warm smile and then raised his arms.

[I am a Middle Second Class exorcist from the True Cross Order.]

[Ex…cor…cist?]

[Yes.]

Yukio’s warm and friendly words reached the hearts of the young ladies.

He reached from his license from his western jacket to assure them. Afterwards, Yukio asked:

[I heard that the costume used for tomorrow’s Blue Fighter show is here. Where is it?]

[Eh…… costume…… isn’t it on the clothes rack……?]

One of the ladies raised a trembling finger, pointing to somewhere next to the door Yukio had walked into. In a portable clothes rack, the Blue Fighter costume was there as she had said.

Because it was meant for a high school student to wear, there was no problem fitting into the costume. Especially when Yukio is considered tall among junior high students, so he did not have to worry about the costume being too big.

There was a voice changer next to the mouth, so no matter who spoke in it, it would emit the voice of the Blue Fighter (?) himself. This kind of situation is the best he could hope for since he would not have to fear his older brother finding out about him through is voice.

However—

(Having to wear this outfit huh……)

This is a bodysuit made of nylon.

It would be fine in his childhood, but wearing it in this age is too embarrassing.

He would not wear it if he could. Usually he would not wear it no matter what.

But he had no choice this time, it was an emergency.

Taking the costume off from the clothes rack, he said to the workers:

[Excuse me, I have borrow this costume.]

[Ah……?]

[Due to some reasons, I need to hide my identity.]

With such a sudden request from Yukio, the two workers forgot their fear and showed surprise instead.

This reaction was expected.

[Please don’t worry, I will definitely return it.]

Yukio made a bright smile, attempting to get this done with and said:

[Also, is there any pyrotechnics for tomorrow’s show?]

[Ah…… if it’s for special effects, there are preparations here.]

There should be such equipment under the stage, he saw them during preparation but they were now blocked by the audience.

[Can it be used now?]

[Eh…… I don’t know? Can you use it?]

[I can—but I don’t know whether it can be used immediately.] Another younger female worker said with little certainty.

[If the machine is spoiled, it cannot be used…… Anyway let my try.]

Even if there was only a sliver of hope, but it was better than nothing.

[Please do it.] Yukio nodded to her.

[If it can produce smoke, please shoot.]

[Ah, okay.]

The female worker nodded slightly and answered to Yukio’s command.

Finally, all the preparations were completed.

Afterwards, it was up to him whether he could go into the role of the Blue Fighter.

No, it should be on how well he can do in an impromptu act……

Yukio’s expression looked like he was facing a troublesome task while he held on to the Blue Fighter costume tightly.

✞

Jumping on the stage, he saw that the chaos in the audience had worsened.

Glass shards of the lighting equipment were scattered on the stage. The man possessed by the demon gazed at the frightened audience, showing a deranged smile.

Yukio stood behind the demon, trying to get rid of the voice surrounding him.

[—This is as far as you go.]

He warned loudly through a loudspeaker in the same voice as the Blue Fighter.

[What are you……]

[You do not need to know who I am. Return the audience to normal now.]

[Suddenly thwarting my plans, how annoying.]

Although the demon was speaking to Yukio, the singing voice did not stop. Countless mouths started appearing on his body, each one singing sinister melodies. No wonder it did not sound like a single voice.

The demon squinted, examining Yukio.

His gaze paused on the black gun that Yukio was grabbing tightly with his right hand. Seeing the insignia on the gun, the demon fumed with its expression becoming more feral.

[I see…… You are an exorcist…… damn Vatican watchdog.]

The demon spit at his feet and then snarled at Yukio.

[!!!]

In a swift movement, the formless sound transformed into sharp blades and flew towards Yukio.

Yukio dodged to the side and crouched on the stage, pointing his gun at the demon.

[Stop the singing now.]

[You want to give me orders?] The drooling demon twisted its mouth and laughed. [However, I think you will not shoot.]

[Do you want to try?]

The face beneath the mask grinned slightly. Yukio placed his finger on the trigger, yet the demon placed his hand on his chest proudly.

[This person’s heart is diseased…… so he could not truly enjoy music. He who could not fulfill his dreams had his heart give into despair after he failed….. This is the darkness that attracted me.]

[……What?]

[If you shoot, he will end his life on the spot.]

Looking at Yukio’s slightly suspicious expression, the demon chuckled. Its deep red tongue stretched out from pale lips.

[You hypocrites will never understand this lamb.]

Yukio raised his gun but did not dare to press the trigger, the demon howled again.

[Damn it……!]

When hiding from the storm-like barrage of blades, Yukio tried his best to think of a strategy.

(Think fast…… think quickly.)

Of course this could be a lie by the demon. Since olden times, demons always used flowery words to trick humans.

Also, even if the probability of it happening could be zero, it did not mean that the body being possessed could be harmed due to recklessness.

For now he could only follow the original plan which was exorcising the demon out of the possessed body. When the demon loses its vessel from Assiah, shoot holy silver bullets at the body and the job would be done.

This method would avoid harming the possessed body.

However, Yukio was not an Aria and there were no other exorcists at the venue. To exorcise the demon—he had no idea on how to get about it.

Furthermore, the demon in front of him seemed smarter than yesterday’s demon so it would not be deceived if Yukio shot blanks at it.

(Damn it. What to do… oh yes—!!)

While dodging the sound blades, Yukio also took out the replacement bullets from his utility belt.

Seemingly fumbling, he reloaded his weapon and shot forward with a smokescreen covering him. Yukio almost fell down…… but he still kept his balance forcefully.

[This is an easy catch.]

The demon made a pose and looked down on Yukio.

Unconsciously, Yukio was already at the corner of the stage, his right wrist cut by a sound blade with blood slowly dripping.

[What’s up? Done with your acts?]

The demon stepped closer and closer.

(Just like this….. come even closer.)

Yukio pretended to show an expression of despair, actually looking forward to the demon approaching. At the same time, there was an empty can flying from the audience, hitting the back of the demon’s head squarely.

[G-go Blue Fighter……!!!]

The child who was trembling uncontrollably with his grandfather while surrounded by thugs was crying out in front of the stage with a flushed face.

That was the child that his older brother just rescued.

Rin who was pummeling a guitarist in the middle of the audience heard the voice and turned around to see.

[Eh…… Blue Fighter……?]

For a moment, there was eye contact with his older brother.

What was the cause of this? One of them was wearing a white rabbit mascot costume, the other was wearing a whole bodysuit.

Luckily his older brother did not notice that the person in front of him was his younger brother. But the hero that has appeared at the venue shocked him to the extent that he could not close his month.

[This abominable maggot……]

The demon looked at the empty can that was rolling on the stage, stepped on it forcefully with his foot and threw sound blades at the audience.

[At least before you die, moan in pain and scream in sweet fear.]

[[Stop right now!!]] Yukio pressed the trigger facing the demon’s back. The gunfire made a loud sound. Like it was prepared beforehand, a gust of smoke spread through the audience. Bullets penetrated the man who was possessed by the demon. [No, it can’t be…… how is it possible……] The demon opened both eyes and became stiff due to the pain. After the singing stopped, the mouths all over its body gave a last shrill whine before its death. So the demon left the body of the possessed man. The unconscious man’s body fell on the stage like a marionette with its strings cut. Yukio barely managed to grab his body, looking at the demon who was nearby and holding another gun from his back gun compartment with his left hand. [B-bastard…… You still call yourself an exorcist……] The demon let out a wail of agony. Yukio gazed at him silently and shot twice. The demon was shot with holy silver bullets all over and shattered in the air. Yukio let the possessed man recline on the stage while expressionlessly staring at the demon’s demise. [[It’s best if you go to Gehenna alone.]]

[You…… damn hypocrite……]

The demon said its last words like a curse:

[Exorcist…… you even dare to kill……]

Hearing this, Yukio chuckled softly under the mask.

[What’s so funny?] The demon moaned.

From the magazine at his waist, he took out a similar bullet and said:

[[This isn’t holy silver, it’s just CCC concentrated holy water.]] [!!] Holy water does not harm humans but is extremely effective against demons. If merely drenched, the effects are limited as it can only stop the enemy’s movement. However if the concentration was high enough, there would be bouts of pain. Pretending to shoot, the enemy would think that it was really shot. This holy water bullet was newly designed for unexpected incidents. A few days ago, at the exorcist shop he frequented, the lady boss highly recommended this so he just bought it. He never thought that it would be utilized now. [As a holy person…… you dare…… to deceive demons……] [[Sorry, I’m a hypocrite.]]

Yukio smiled slightly.

[Go to…… hell……]

Aiming at the flash of the angrily moaning demon, he loaded a holy silver bullet in his left handed gun. The demon turned into black powdery dust, disappearing into the air.

After the demon was destroyed, the violent audience became quiet.

[Eh—? Just now, why did I……]

[Why were we fighting……?]

[Argh…… my head is spinning……]

[I suddenly felt my blood boil…… and then I can’t remember anything.]

[Why was there smoke?]

[How did the venue become a mess?]

From the audience that regained their senses……

[The Blue Fighter saved us!]

The teenager shouted.

[Come to think of it……! How about the Blue Fighter?! What happened to him?!]

His older brother’s voice also reached his ears.

The smoke surrounding the stage and audience gradually diffused.

— Yukio already hid at the side of the stage way before his older brother noticed anything.

✞

Afterwards, Yukio quickly changed back to his original clothes and took out his finally usable phone to contact the order.

Half an hour later, the order members who reached the location began the cleansing process on the place and the people. The injured victims were brought to hospital for checkups. Most people had superficial wounds and the possessed man’s life was not in danger. Because he received a severe mashou infection, he would be able to see demons for his whole life. What kind of life he would have, nobody knows.

The concert was of course halted.

Because it was a charity concert, almost nobody demanded for a refund.

Maybe it was an effect of demonic control; the audience blamed each other, so nobody blamed the church who was the organizer. It was one of the better things that happened.

Also, just the aftermath and clearing the venue was a pain. When everything was settled, the brothers were on their way home while the setting sun already dyed the True Cross School Centre red.

[Ah~~ Today was sure a disaster……]

The older brother who was strolling at the South Cross Store complained constantly, showing exhaustion on his face. His stomach grumbled nonstop in ravenous hunger.

[Anyway, the forceps effect was really scary?]

[It’s not forceps, it’s subconscious. Forceps are tools.]

[It’s a performance with a powerful effect on the subconscious, making the violence and desire for destruction in people’s hearts increase rapidly, causing the disaster.] Yukio explained to his older brother this way. But after the explanation, his older brother’s face showed that he did not understand anything at all.

[[Nii-san, sometimes you listen to intense rock music and get excited over it. This is like a more hardcore version.]] Yukio gave a kindergarten level explanation before his older brother finally understood. Rin clapped his hands, exclaiming: [[The forceps effect is so incredible.]] He was full of admiration. Yukio gave a recap to the Order members. Since he was worried about his older brother hearing the part about demons, he asked him to meet at the carpark of the department store to pack the luggage on the van. Although stopping the thugs exhausted him, but the statement of [[If you work hard, there will be sukiyaki tonight]] took effect, so his older brother was now very agreeable.

(If there’s no sukiyaki for dinner, it’s going to be bad……)

Thinking of this, Yukio’s hairs stood up. If it was stir fry vegetables without meat, the consequence will be beyond imagination.

[Whether it is potato meat stew or hotpot, please let there be some meat.]

When Yukio was praying for this week’s cook, Rin’s nose sniffed.

[How fragrant-]

The shopping district was packed with the dinner crowd with warm smells spreading all over. The aroma of roast pork ribs and stew was a torture to anyone with an empty stomach.

With the aroma assaulting the nose, a subconsciously drooling Rin suddenly went back to reality and asked:

[When everyone were fighting, what were you doing? The venue was a mess.]

[!!]

Here it is, he knew the it would be asked.

While anxious about hiding the truth, Yukio answered according to his script.

[Nothing…… Actually I just came back from the toilet, and then it happened……. I was so scared when I reached the glass doors at the roof.]

Although the reason seemed a bit forced, but the older brother who always had the impression that [Yukio = coward & weak] completely did not suspect anything.

[I can’t do anything about you……]

Rin smiled slightly while Yukio unknowingly scratched his cheek.

[I’m really useless.]

[Never mind, even if you were there you won’t be able to do anything, at least—]

[He wants to say at least learn from me, right?] Yukio thought to himself.

[Learn something from the Blue Fighter.]

[Eh?]

Yukio gasped.

Seeing Yukio’s unusual surprised expression, Rin snickered.

[I saw it.] He said.

[What did you see?]

[Today, the real Blue Fighter came!!]

[!!…… Hahaha.]

Yukio saw his older brother’s eyes sparkle like a child and started laughing.

Seeing Yukio laughing nonstop, Rin stared at him, upset.

[What are you laughing for?]

[Please, that’s a TV show. How can it be real?]

[You’re wrong, it’s true! When you were trembling like a coward, he was on the stage! Your aniki saw it with his own eyes.]

[Yeah yeah yeah, if you want to talk in your dreams, do so when you’re sleeping.]

[That was no dream! Blue Fighter was really there!! How super cool and awesome!! He seemed to be holding a black gun and moved very fast. Super awesome—]

Rin started to get excited when narrating the situation.

Looking at his older brother busy waving his hands in the air, Yukio grinned beneath his glasses.

(There’s no need for you to say it, I know, Nii-san.)

Because Blue Fighter was right in front of his eyes—

[He’s super awesome right? He had lots of equipment in his belt. Anyway, he’s awesome.]

[You don’t say. From the beginning I only heard you say that he was awesome.]

Yukio barely contained his laughter and tried his best to show a [Having an older brother like this is so troublesome] expression.

[It’s real.] Feeling that Yukio would never believe it, Rin mumbled.

Suddenly, he said seriously:

[Anyway…… didn’t Blue Fighter used to fight with swords?]

[!!]

[When did he switch to guns?]

His casual question made Yukio slightly smile.

At the same time, a familiar monastery uniform could be seen from the crowd. This week’s food in-charge—Maruda was carrying large plastic bags with both hands, looking like he just bought groceries from the supermarker.

Rin stared at the meat boxes peeking out from the plastic bags, his eyes sparkling.

He also saw the green spring onions and roast tofu.

[Sukiyaki?!]

Before he could finish saying it, his older brother jumped nimbly to the side like a cat. Yukio gazed at his back, placing a hand on his chest and sighed, noticing his hand unconsciously.

(Come to think about it……)

Today, fear did not come like an aftershock.

From a fearful battleground, his left hand did not tremble like before. Yukio raised his left hand to the sky, with the scarlet setting sun shining on it.

— How super cool and awesome!! He seemed to be holding a black gun and moved very fast. Super awesome……

He seemed to hear his older brother’s excited voice.

Yukio suddenly smiled. On the street dyed red by the sunset, he chased his older brother’s running silhouette.

Translator notes and references

Back to Illustrations

Return to Main Page

Forward to Chapter 2