As dusk began to creep over the city, Todotori's vitality was utterly drained. At first, he was numb to his own feelings, going about his walk home as if nothing had happened. He had almost convinced himself that none of it was real; however, the emotions caught him like a snare, choking him suddenly and all at once. Trekking along, he tried to silence the voices begging for attention from within his mind.
The area surrounding Todotori's apartment was one of the dirtiest in the city. Garbage was sprawled out in the street, and rotting food and torn furniture were tossed out without a care. Wild cats chased rodents down the alleys, causing ruckus all throughout the night. The neighbors frequently argued through the paper-thin walls, and their pet dogs always had something to say about passersby.
He often wondered what he'd done to deserve a life like this, living among the city's criminals, which were referred to by everyone as scum. Todotori grew up in a loving family, with his mother and father caring for his every need. The three of them were happy even though they didn't have very much. When his parents moved out of Renu, he never imagined life alone would be so grueling.
In a city full of crime, getting caught in sticky situations wasn't challenging. No matter how much he tried to keep peace, there was always some thug trying to push his buttons. Todotori didn't know how many scum he'd fought or how many items he'd recovered for those who were robbed by them. He didn't know why he did it either; nothing valuable came from doing the right thing. In fact, in this city, acting honorably often got you pulverized.
Kicking the metal door to his apartment shut, Todotori sloppily threw his keys onto the slim hallway table. He then slipped out of his filthy boots, left them wherever they happened to fall, and stumbled through the dark living room. He similarly stripped his clothes, creating a trail of items from the front door to the bathroom.
There was no point in waiting for the water to warm; it never did. He stared at the shower wall and counted the missing tiles to keep his mind from wandering, the frigid stream running down his chest. It didn't take long until the questions swirling around in his head became unavoidable.
Todotori stared at his hand, unable to pry his gaze from the deadly fingers. The image of the man's arm was seared into his brain. The swelling, pealing, open wound in the shape of his palm was unlike anything he'd ever seen before. He'd never witnessed flesh burn and decay right before his eyes. Could he have really caused such a disgusting injury with his bare hand?
He dried his hair with a towel before haphazardly throwing it to the tiled floor. Moping into his room, Todotori stretched his arms with a yawn.
He had never been so grateful to lay in that hard, squeaking bed. Sprawling on the old mattress with limbs expanded, he let out a deep groan. He commanded his thoughts to wait until morning, the moon spying through his window as he finally shut his eyes.
"How was your day, my pet?"
The slithery voice sent Todotori flying awake. Heartbeats filled his ears as his body shot upright in panic. This presence, this horrible, unshakable aura of torment, there was no mistaking it.
She was back.
"Sorry to startle you. I wasn't sure if you were asleep yet," Halo said.
Her words were just as chilling as he remembered. She waltzed around his room, tinkering with the junk above his dresser and observing the pictures on the wall. She mended into the dark, her movements like a ghastly shadow swaying in the ivory abyss.
Todotori had tried to forget about her.
"It's you," he mumbled in disbelief.
"You'll find out quickly that I am hard to get rid of," Halo answered with a malicious smile.
Swinging his feet off the bed, Todotori gripped the edge of the mattress and stared at the floor. It was like waking from a nightmare; only the nightmare followed him into reality.
"You seem to have healed up nicely," Halo continued. She inched towards the bed, cocking her head to see Todotori's face. "I was beginning to wonder-"
"Who are you?" Todotori interrupted. He'd spent too much time in curiosity. It was time to get some answers.
Halo took a step back, surprised by his unanticipated effusion. "I've told you already. My name is-"
"I don't care about your name," Todotori cut, his exhaustion quickly becoming irritation. "Who are you really? What are you? When I woke up last night, my injuries were completely healed. No human can do that."
The ghostly woman blinked. Her expression soon twisted into a taunting sneer. "Well, aren't you a sharp one?" Halo said. "You're right, my pet, I am not a human. I am a Shadow."
She curtsied teasingly, her gossamer dress flowing like murky waves from her waist. She certainly looked like a shadow, her body dark yet oddly transpicuous.
"Explain," Todotori demanded.
"Of course," Halo agreed with a grin. "A Shadow is a powerful being that is not from this earth. Essentially, we are ghosts, unable to be seen by normal human beings. Of course, this does not apply to people like you."
"Like me?" Todotori repeated. He sat back on his palms, mind racing.
Halo lifted a finger, pointing below his chest. "Because of that mark, you can see into the Shadow Realm, where Shadows are from," she explained. "There is also a place called the Spirit Realm that is home to the Spirits. Eventually, you might encounter one of those disgusting creatures as well. This is an ability given to you by your mark, the mark of an Angel."
He followed her gaze and peered down at the bold, black mark on his body. All of it was too difficult to follow. Shadows, Spirits, and Realms? It sounded like the supernatural nonsense Ms. Cohan was always rampaging about. Not to mention, Halo had just said he was an Angel, an ancient speculation from old religions.
Todotori tilted his head. "I'm sorry, but you lost me," he admitted. "Did you just call me an Angel?"
"Yes, I did. There are twelve Angels on earth, each possessing a mark with their corresponding number." Halo was now leisurely pacing his room. "You inherited the mark when you shot and killed that man last night. The man was once an Angel, possessing your very same mark. Because you killed him, it now belongs to you. That's how this fabulously twisted game goes."
Is that what she was rambling about in the alley? A valiant act of murder leading to the inheritance of great power? He wasn't thinking about anything at the time; his thoughts were only detained by one thing. Everything else from that night was clouded.
"Angels also gain unique abilities, similar to what humans call superpowers. In fact, I believe you have already discovered your Angel ability."
Immediately, Todotori knew what she was alluding to.
"My hand," he mumbled, looking down at his fingers as if they were alien to him.
"Your hand?" Halo repeated, confusion painting her face. "I don't know about your hand, but your body is emitting an extreme amount of radiation. If any human were to stand too close, they would fry in a matter of minutes and suffer an excruciating death. It's marvelous!"
Now, his brain was definitely scrambled. Todotori leaned forward, surveying his body. "What are you talking about? Radiation? How do you know that?"
He recalled the wound he'd left on the man's arm. It was spotted red with boils, skin peeling and seeping like an extreme burn. Based on the man's reaction, it wasn't only revolting but excruciating.
"I told you, my pet, we Shadows are very powerful. I can see many things that even you, an Angel, cannot. Regardless, your ability is extremely rare. I cannot wait to put you to the test." Halo clapped her hands together as if calling a dog to follow. "Get ready quickly, I have just the task."
"Woah, hang on a minute." Todotori waved his hands in rejection. "Nobody is being put to the test. I'm not sure I can believe anything you've said so far, and, no offense, you're not exactly the type of person I would take orders from. If I have magic radiation superpowers, I'd prefer to explore it in the morning." He rolled over in bed, throwing the sheets over himself once more. "Now, excuse me, I was doing something important before you showed up."
Halo's smile faded, and her face twisted with a new, fear-filling expression of pure wrath. Her hostile aura transitioned, and the tension within the room completely shifted with her mood. The air felt like angst and agony.
"Get up."
The words punctured his skin, shocking every muscle until his entire body clenched. Todotori's eyes went black, and everything around him was suddenly covered by a dimming haze. Unable to control his own movements, he sat up rapidly. He could do nothing but watch through clouded vision as his body stood at the side of the bed, feet planted and hands by his side. What was this feeling? It was as if his body betrayed him, refusing to follow his commands. He felt trapped behind his own eyes with no way to escape.
Halo was watching him in amusement. "Very good!" she exclaimed. "Now, don't move."
He was stuck. He couldn't so much as twitch a finger. No matter how hard he tried, no part of his body would give in.
"You didn't think you could go on without fulfilling your side of our deal, did you?" Halo asked, strutting closer. "Do you not remember saying that you trust me with your life? What did you think that meant exactly?"
She was now leaning in, only an inch from Todotori's face. He wished he could back away. He wished he could run.
"I'll tell you what it means, Todotori," Halo purred. "It means you are mine."
If his body were his own, it would have been shaking in terror. He couldn't process what was happening, and pure panic was beginning to set in. Unable to speak or move, he could barely see anything around him. However, he could perceive her words with ease.
"Listen closely. You are now my tool with which I will do whatever I want. Anything I say, you will do, and as long as you entertain me, I will not kill you. After all, this is the arrangement you agreed to," Halo explained with a frightening tone of joy.
The severity of the situation finally set in. Todotori was now a slave to this woman, this Shadow. It was a mistake, one he'd made while he was nearly dead. He never imagined those words he'd uttered in the alley could carry such a burden.
Halo took no notice of Todotori's internal hysteria, continuing her monologue. "Now, with that being said, I have a task that will prove your usefulness to me," she said casually. "The Angel you killed last night was also a pet of mine, though he was plotting something against me that I could not discern. He was the leader of a ring of criminals within the city. The two men that you left alive in the alley will likely be spreading the word of his death and planning to enact revenge. I need you to go to their little hideout and slaughter them all. It should be easy."
Standing against any ring within the city was a suicide mission. Even law enforcement generally turned a blind eye to gang activity for the sake of their own safety. Though Todotori had gotten into fights with members of different rings in the past, he preferred stealth and networking over brute force. Slaughtering an entire group was unheard of and damn near impossible.
"Alright, enough chat," Halo clapped her hands together promptly and turned for the door. "Get dressed, and let's be on our way."
Todotori didn't have a choice. He was a hostage within his own skin.
----
"You seriously don't have a car that could get us back and forth?" Lazzir moaned, sweat dripping from her brow.
"I don't want to hear any complaining," Tilluan snapped, breathing heavily. "I carried your unconscious body all the way here yesterday."
"And whose fault is that?"
The two of them had trekked through field and wood for miles, and only now was the church visible. The building was ancient, with moss and mold buried within the cracks of the deteriorating stone exterior. The roof reached a point, stretching until it could barely be seen among the treetops. Rows of gigantic columns lined the front, rotten vines climbing their heights in search of sunlight that wasn't there. A mist surrounded them, masking the distant forest. How such a massive structure had become lost in the abandoned boscage was a wonder.
Although Lazzir still didn't understand why they had to be so secretive, she could see how it was the perfect place for the four of them to exercise their Angel abilities. They didn't have to worry about being discovered so far from the city, and it was almost impossible to find. However, that made it exceedingly difficult to get to by foot.
"Man, I wish I had my bike," Lazzir complained as they stepped beneath the church's shadow.
"Too bad you had to run that guy over, huh?"
"It's not my fault. What kind of moron doesn't look both ways before crossing the street?" She had to find humor in the topic, or it would cause her to spiral.
"That's right, blame it on the dead guy," Tilluan chuckled.
The inside of the church was just as unsettling as Lazzir remembered. She nearly shuttered as they walked down the pews, looming statue angels watching their every step. Spoons was sitting in the last row with arms crossed and eyes closed, seemingly taking a nap.
"Spoons! How was your day, buddy?" Spoons did not react when Tilluan climbed into the row and threw an arm over his shoulder. "Come on, don't play dead," Tilluan pouted.
"I'm not playing dead. I'm trying to sleep," Spoons finally spoke, his voice rough.
Tilluan was now rubbing the top of his friend's head irritatingly. "Where's Mai?"
"She should be here any minute now."
Soft footsteps approached from behind, barely creating an echo across the open space. Before Lazzir could turn, she was already there. Mai stood at the end of the row as if summoned by the mere mention of her name.
"Sorry I'm late," she stated, a seemingly permanent expression of disinterest on her face. She wasn't wearing scrubs like before but donned a casual, black long-sleeve tucked into tight jeans. Her silver, chained belt hung loosely across the hips, and she wore low, black heels that made her appear taller than before. She checked her watch with a sigh. "Are you two clowns ready to get started?"
"Yes!" Tilluan chirped with a smile.
"Please don't group me in with him," Spoons groaned.
Mai spun, finally acknowledging Lazzir's existence with an evaluative glance. "I suspect Tilluan kept you in check today," she said dryly.
The woman's voice never failed to make Lazzir's blood boil. She clenched her fists until the knuckles turned white, desperately withholding an attitude.
"I guess you could say that," Lazzir replied, attempting to keep her expression indifferent. "I'm here, aren't I?"
"So you are. I'm impressed that you survived your first day as an Angel. Most don't make it that far," Mai said, placing a hand on her hip. "If you continue to behave, you might actually see the end of the week."
"Behave? Am I a puppy?" There she went again, saying things that pissed her off.
"You might as well be," Mai raised a brow. "A new Angel with no idea what's happening is a liability. That's why you're here now. Consider this your basic obedience training."
Lazzir's cheeks were growing hot, but she couldn't let Mai know how much she got under her skin. The self-important bitch was doing it on purpose. "Go on," she urged through her teeth.
"First, we have something to discuss. What is your angel ability?" Mai asked.
Hesitating, Lazzir stuttered. "Huh?"
"Your Angel ability should have surfaced by now. You know, the unique power given to you by your mark."
She had almost forgotten. Lazzir reached up and touched her neck. She'd deliberately changed into a high-collard shirt to cover her mark as they walked through the city. Did she truly have powers? She didn't feel any different.
"I- I don't know. I didn't really think about that," Lazzir admitted, staring at her hand as if the answer was somehow hidden in her palm.
"Well, she did sleep most of the day," Tilluan spoke up, still harassing Spoons.
He was right. She climbed into bed as soon as she was done teaching the boys and didn't wake until Tilluan reappeared, hovering over her half-asleep body. There was a chance she simply hadn't discovered her ability yet.
"If that's the case, then it gives us a starting point," Mai stated, no enthusiasm in her voice. She turned and began walking to the back of the church. "We will just have to beat it out of you."
The four of them found themselves standing within the giant rotunda at the rear of the church. The moon was the only thing brightening the space, stained windows guiding its beams through the dust and onto the floor.
"Often, an Angel's ability will trigger for the first time during a moment of stress or heightened emotions. For that reason, the best way to determine your ability is to engage in combat," Mai explained. "I hope that doesn't bother you."
It didn't bother Lazzir one bit. She'd been so tense that she was practically begging for an opportunity to punch somebody. Eagerly stretching her arms, she was already preparing herself.
"Let's do it," she said keenly.
"Okay, let's decide who you'll-"
"Me!" Tilluan jumped up and down, waving his arm like a boy in a classroom. "I'll fight her!"
Mai didn't seem surprised. "Fine, Tilluan will be your opponent," she agreed, stepping away. "To make it fair, he won't use his Angel ability during the fight. You two can start when you're ready."
Tilluan almost appeared too excited. He bounced back and forth on the balls of his feet, a massive grin on his lips. "I've been waiting to get back at you for biting my finger off," he said, shaking his arms loose. "Promise you won't be mad when I beat you?"
Lazzir couldn't help but smile. The poor bastard had no idea what he'd gotten himself into. "Let's see you try, ghost-boy."
He didn't hesitate. Tilluan rushed towards her with a burst of speed, moving much faster than Lazzir expected. Even still, she was able to avoid his first blow with ease. She observed his movements, calculating each step and muscle movement to predict the next. His lean build allowed him to maneuver with exceptional agility, and it was likely his stamina matched hers. However, he was untrained. She could tell by his shoddy, rushed technique.
He jabbed, and she rolled, entertaining his fight style. She knew the cross-hook was coming and swooped under accordingly. The moves were rudimentary, and he had enough speed behind them to do damage to an average opponent, but he lacked experience. Unknowingly leaving his chin up, he was open.
Lazzir took advantage of the opportunity, jabbing Tilluan's jaw with massive force. He spun back, raising his shoulder in defense after the blow. She was shocked he was still upright but didn't let her mind invade her actions. Immediately after the first attack, she threw a left hook and a hard elbow jab. His defensive footwork was lazy, so she punished him with a shin kick.
Tilluan had no time to react as his knee buckled. Lazzir jumped up and spun violently, her foot meeting his nose squarely. Finally, he was on the ground.
Holding his nose, Tilluan held his free hand up in surrender. "Okay, okay!" he appealed, his voice quacking through closed nostrils. A small amount of blood dripped down onto his shirt. "First my finger, now my nose. Do you hate me or something?"
"Oh, sorry," Lazzir cupped her hand over her mouth, remorseful. "I'm not really used to holding back."
A deep laugh boomed from behind her. She turned and found Spoons leaning against a nearby column, clutching his stomach in an uncontrollable chuckle. The astonishment on her face couldn't be concealed.
"Oh my god!" Spoons breathed, clutching his knee for stability. "She kicked your butt while tied to a chair last time. What did you expect?" He took a moment to collect himself, wiping an amused tear from his eye.
"Shut up," Tilluan said, climbing back to his feet. "You get out here and fight her. I swear I couldn't see her until her foot was already in my face."
"Only you would volunteer for something so stupid," Spoons teased, grabbing Tilluan by a sulking shoulder as he joined by the pillar.
"Well, did it work? Do you feel any different?" Tilluan asked, still nursing his nose.
Lazzir looked down at her feet, then to her hands. "Uh... no."
"It was all for nothing, ghost-boy," Spoons chuckled.
As much as she was entertained by the fighting, Lazzir was still left curious. Had she not gotten worked up enough to trigger anything? She huffed, regretting finishing the brawl so quickly. If she had shown a bit more restraint, something could have happened.
"What now?" Lazzir shrugged, her arms flopping hopelessly against her side.
"Now, you'll fight your next opponent, me." Mai stepped forward, a grim look in her eye.
Lazzir raised a brow, suspiciously sizing her up. Mai was of average height and had a thin build with prominent legs. Though she was fit, it was hard to imagine she had any kind of formal combat training. Fighters could often be identified by their posture and mannerisms, and Mai presented herself with more etiquette than athleticism.
"That wasn't enough to scare you off?" Lazzir questioned with a smirk.
"There is nothing impressive about beating someone with no experience. I thought you'd realize that, as advanced as you are," Mai stated, slipping off her heels and stepping onto the marble floor.
Lazzir scoffed. She was over all the talking. She'd wanted to fight Mai since they met, and it was finally her chance.
"Whatever, let's just get it over with," she said, raising her arms to ready.
Mai took a low stance just a few feet away, and Lazzir did not hesitate to approach. She came in strong, executing a quick combo to test her opponent's speed. To her surprise, Mai was able to deflect her punches without challenge.
Lazzir adjusted herself, slipping back and providing more space between her opponent. No amateur would have been able to redirect her attacks like Mai so effortlessly had. She'd judged too soon.
This time, Mai advanced, immediately going for a low kick to Lazzir's leg. Anticipating the blow, Lazzir moved to the side, using the leverage to jab again. Nearly meeting Mai's face with her fist, Lazzir was suddenly thrown off balance. She could barely comprehend what happened, but her arm had been swiped off course, and a propelling force rammed into her opposite shoulder. The movement was so sudden that she began to fall backward.
Saving herself, Lazzir rolled back on the floor, sliding to her feet. She tried to catch her breath and grasp Mai's attack. Was it a grappling attack? That would explain how her strike was thrown off and aimed lower than intended. As for how she lost balance, she could only assume her leg had unknowingly been swept as she was struck in the shoulder.
"So, that's how this will be, huh?" Lazzir grunted as she readied herself again.
Lazzir's fighting style primarily focused on striking, using mobility and footwork to dodge attacks, while Mai was clearly versed in deflection and grappling. In other words, it was a match made in hell.
The two continued to fight for what seemed like forever. Lazzir's strikes failed to land, and she was losing energy trying to avoid being thrown by Mai's counters. It was the hardest she'd had to fight in years, sweat rolling down her flushed cheeks as she sucked in air. They went back and forth, dodging, deflecting, striking. Their movements were too quick for the average person to follow, their expertise even.
Panting, Lazzir had to end this fight, and fast. Focusing on her movements, she attempted a combo once more, fully aware of the deflection that was coming after. Mai brushed one of her arms away, then the next. Adjusting, she launched a strike from her previous arm.
Only, the hit didn't land. There was a sharp ping in her elbow as she launched her fist forward. Suddenly, her arm bent in all different directions. She couldn't help it; she lurched forward in pain.
Next, Mai's knee was in her ribcage. Then, there was a strike to the back of her head. Lazzir's body had all but gone limp in a matter of seconds, and there was nothing she could do. She fell flat to the ground, momentarily paralyzed from the impact to her head. All she could do was watch as Mai kicked her limp body with immense power, sending her flying across the room.
Her body tumbled across the hard ground, kicking up rust and tiny pieces of stone debris. When she finally lost momentum, Lazzir was left lying there, blood dripping from her brow. Her vision was blurred, but she could see two feet slowly approaching.
"What's the matter? You don't feel like fighting back?" Mai strutted closer, her voice calm. She wasn't even fatigued.
Gritting her teeth, Lazzir forced her aching hands against the floor, pushing herself up with every ounce of strength she had left. Just before she was able to rise, however, she was fiercely struck in the face. Her body rolled once more, only stopping after hitting the stone wall.
Watching as Mai inched near, she pushed against the floor again. Lazzir had no idea where the woman learned to fight, but it didn't matter. She refused to go down like this. She refused to lose.
"Don't get up," Mai demanded. "If you do, I might not be able to stop myself from killing you." She was now standing before Lazzir, peering down at her as if she were meager prey. "It seems even that wasn't enough to trigger your Angel ability. You must be a dud."
Mai kicked again, striking Lazzir directly in the stomach. Then again, and again.
"It's too bad. I thought you'd be tougher than this," she continued to antagonize. "I guess we will have to try again tomorrow."
Lazzir's eyes only remained open long enough to watch Mai walk away. She couldn't have been human.
No human had ever beaten her like this.