Kuoh Academy - Infirmary
The twilight shrouded Kuoh Academy as students dispersed across the campus, heading home or to their clubs. In the infirmary, a heavy silence prevailed, broken only by the faint sound of a young man's breathing as he lay unconscious on one of the beds. He looked about sixteen years old, with clothes stained with blood and fresh wounds. His black hair, tinged with an almost ethereal purple at the ends, fell messily over his face, obscuring his eyes. Only the lower half of his face was visible, revealing refined features and an expression that lingered between peace and vulnerability.
Beside him, two young women observed the unconscious figure with contrasting expressions. Souna, a girl with a firm posture and short dark hair, adjusted her round glasses with a calculating gaze. Next to her stood Tsubaki, with long black hair and blue-framed glasses, casting her a doubtful look.
— Souna, this isn't like you. Summoning someone back from the edge of life and death... why take that risk? — Tsubaki questioned, trying to understand her master's unusual decision.
— Tsubaki, you know how careful I am, — Souna replied, her violet eyes glinting with determination. — But when I touched him, I sensed something different, a rare and subtle presence, almost imperceptible. It's not something I can ignore.
Souna extended a steady hand, revealing a blue chess piece that emitted a faint glow, almost as if it were alive. She placed the piece on the young man's chest. When the piece touched his skin, a magical circle with complex symbols formed around him, radiating a mystical light that filled the infirmary.
When the glow subsided, the young man's wounds had healed, and his breathing became more stable. Satisfied, Souna took a step back, observing the outcome.
Suddenly, the sound of shattering glass echoed through the room.
— Crack! Snap! Shatter! — The noise startled both young women, who exchanged tense glances.
— Someone broke through my barrier... — Tsubaki murmured, visibly uneasy.
— It must be Yukina. She's one of the few with enough power to break through without much effort. Besides, Rias is out of the human world, completing a task for her brother, — Souna concluded, frowning.
She shared a quick look with Tsubaki before turning to leave.
— Watch over the boy while I deal with Yukina. She can't know we brought someone onto the campus. — With calculated steps, Souna headed to the hallway, where a familiar presence was already evident.
In the Infirmary Hallway
As she exited, Souna saw a female figure standing at the end of the hallway, surrounded by an aura of dark elegance. She was a young woman with pink hair cascading down to her waist and emerald green eyes that shone with a mixture of curiosity and challenge. She wore the school uniform with a slight modification, allowing an opening at her bust, enhancing her intimidating presence.
— Souna, what's going on here? — Yukina inquired, her words laced with subtle suspicion. — One of my familiars picked up the scent of blood in this area. Do you know anything about that?
Souna took a deep breath, maintaining a firm expression. — Tsubaki suffered a minor injury during a recent hunt. We had to deal with a rogue demon, and the confrontation was more complicated than expected.
Yukina watched her for a moment, her gaze sharp as blades. After a brief pause, she smiled slightly.
— I see. If you've taken care of everything, I'll return to my duties, — she said, gracefully turning on her heels and disappearing down the corridor.
Once she was gone, Souna exhaled, her eyes still vigilant. She knew Yukina was not someone easily fooled. There were definitely more questions lingering in her mind.
Returning to the Infirmary
Upon returning, Souna found Tsubaki still at the young man's side, who was starting to stir, showing signs of waking. The boy's eyes opened slowly, revealing a dazed and bewildered look, like someone who had just emerged from a deep dream.
— Where... where am I? — he murmured, his voice trembling and full of uncertainty.
Souna stepped forward, looking at him intently. — You're safe. Rest for now. Soon, you'll understand everything.
The boy tried to sit up, but Tsubaki gently stopped him, guiding him back to the bed.
In a Luxurious and Dark Room
Yukina, now relaxed in a leather armchair, seemed lost in thought. Beside her rested a beastly figure, part lion, part dog, with a long scorpion-like tail swaying back and forth. The creature, named Inu, had a mane of purple flames and eyes that glowed with a primal intelligence.
— Inu, are you sure you sensed someone's presence? — she asked, not taking her gaze from the crackling fireplace.
— Yes, mistress. I saw a spirit being drawn into the infirmary, something unusual for a place like that. It emanated a unique energy, something I've never felt in all my 200 years, — the creature replied in a deep, serious tone.
She smiled, a mysterious and seductive smile. — It seems Souna has found something special... or someone special. This promises to make the year more... interesting.
Her mind wandered, intrigued by the possibilities this new "toy" could bring.