Learning new things and seeing yourself progress is truly rewarding. It's not that I didn't know this; ever since elementary school, I understood the enormous effort, dedication, and above all, courage required to become better at what you set out to do. Why am I saying this? I speak as if I've done it before? Well, yes, since I was little, of course I had goals I wanted to achieve, and I can tell you with pride that I managed to achieve them, gradually becoming the better person I always wanted to be. But the joy didn't last long. I remember it very well, because falling is much easier and faster than effort and hard work. It's incredible how a certain little thing, an action, or something else can destroy all your progress in an instant. It even seems like magic or some divine power. And if you think about it, we all have that ability. What ability? To ruin someone else's life so quickly. I hadn't understood it that way, but just by speaking you can do a lot of damage, a lot of damage. Now add hatred on top of that, because you never knew the reason for the sudden change, I mean, going from seeing it as a great friendship to being treated as if you caused all the problems, and since there's no way to fix it, they take it out on you every chance they get? I mean... what have I done to deserve this treatment? I never spoke badly to you, I never hit you, I never insulted you, I never rejected you on most occasions. In fact, you were the one who made me understand that I shouldn't be afraid of progress! So why? I still don't understand what I did, saw, or experienced that makes you consider me the worst thing in the world...
It's something I don't think I can understand, even when you tell me sincerely about all those last few years. I'd rather not think about it, but it's hard not to feel hatred and helplessness when I see that ruining your life seems to have taken physical form. Maybe I'm exaggerating. You might think I'm making too much of it, that a classmate bothering you for a couple of years is normal! So don't cry and get on with your life. It's up to you to decide whether to distance yourself or get closer. And of course, I already know what my decision will be. Is this what they call being resentful?
------------------------------------------------------
I was in Lala's room, where she was continuing to write her story about a world submerged in the apocalypse. I can even imagine the gloomy place Lala has in mind for her story, especially when she runs out of ideas to write about. Instead of racking her brains trying to force some ideas out, Lala does what she does best: she simply leaves it for a while and takes a break. She either enjoys her novels and manga, or she takes time off, spends time with her other friends, and tries to have everyday conversations. That's how she wants to clear her mind, trying to eliminate all the mental weight she carries, but as if she never stops imagining, ideas come to her that she quickly discards or saves as curious and interesting facts. And when she sets out to clear her mind, she really clears her mind. Lately, she likes to walk around any area, and she can be seen walking around the city, crossing parks, shopping malls, districts, and so on. She can also be seen walking through the nearby woods, commenting on one occasion that she even went to the Distant Duo of the North without realizing it. She stood there looking at the landscape of trees and the lake that... As it is spring, the atmosphere is too calm and relaxing.
『Spring...?』
Looking around, she realized that there were couples of all kinds having a good time at the Distant Duo of the North, and she also realized something: is love everywhere in the world? It's not like it's a powerful force... or is it? What if love is one of the main natural powers, original to the world? Since everything must have its opposite to maintain balance, if there is destruction then there is creation, if there is life then there is death, if there is hatred... no...
『If there is indifference... then there is love...』
As she continued to watch the couples, especially humans with humans and humans with other species, what caught her attention most was that there were two species that had no similarities, but seemed to get along very well. Wait, why would that be strange? Lala didn't think about it because everyone else was starting to see it as normal, but when she saw the couple of one species with another different species, it seemed wrong to her. There's nothing wrong with it, because as many say, love breaks down barriers...
『Love breaks down barriers... from love a new feeling is born... a new life... and if there is life then there is hope... and if there is hope!!!! Then there will always be a tomorrow!!! And one day all that love will accumulate, it will be so great that it will repeat itself over and over again until!!!! It changes the whole world!!!! I've got it!!!!!』
With that in mind, Lala came up with a new idea for her story about the God of Death in an Apocalyptic World, and as soon as she had time the next day, first thing in the morning, she started writing and continuing her story. She was so excited that she couldn't stop smiling. Since yesterday, at Yazuo's place, we could tell she was excited about something. She seemed happier, and of course that made both of us who work with her happy. And when she finally shared the idea with me.
『If there is a Shinigami in the story who wanders the world and sees with his own eyes what the world is now because of humans, he judges them and, depending on the final verdict, makes a decision. It is not always death, even if he is the God of Death, but rather punishment and the correct lesson for everyone in the world! But if there is someone who decides for others, then there must also be his counterpart! An angel! Who comes to bring color to this world! Unlike the Shinigami, he doesn't even have the power to save himself. He would be someone completely weak who doesn't even understand why he is still alive or what he is doing here, but as time goes by, he will realize that... His main task is to give hope and love to all people based on themselves! It's a much more difficult task! No! It's the same, he who takes also gives! It's the perfect duality for my story, and since I know this story lacks action, then at some point I can make these two characters fight and... I've got it, M, I know what the next goal in the story is!!!!』-『Both Shinigami and Angel are going to die, but in the process they are going to create a completely balanced and stable being who will finally bring salvation to humanity step by step!!!!』
『That's a huge spoiler you shouldn't have said!!!!!!』
Lala was so happy that she couldn't stop writing. Seeing her sitting there, her hand moving nonstop, made me happy. It's also gratifying to see her, and even though she always has her poker face on, when she shows her joy, she has a very beautiful smile. I also had a little surprise for Lala, as I have the first sketch for the Shinigami in my hands!!!!!
『Really? Let me see it.』
『Although they are just sketches giving me a possible idea of what the Shinigami would look like, since you are also not sure what the main character would look like, and since he will never show his face and it will show a dark void, well... But I'm thinking of using Abaddon as inspiration to give me an idea, I mean, I have a rough idea of how I want it to be, it's just that with my skills, I can't capture it the way I want to yet.』
Lala then looked at the first sketch, which, as M said, was just a few strokes trying to give the first main idea, and Lala remained silent for a few seconds. M also remained silent, as his friend's silence spoke volumes. Perhaps she wanted the first visual of her protagonist to be almost finished and polished!
『Ahh... I think I got too excited. I've been working on this sketch for several days, and when it got close to the idea I had in mind, I couldn't help but want to show it to you... But next time I'll give you a much better one! Even if it takes me longer!!!! (I need to practice more...)』
At this point, I was about to leave and wanted my first sketch back. I tried to take it from the sheet, but I could quickly feel Lala holding it tightly and she said...
『This is staying...』
『Eh...?』
『This is staying... I want to keep it with me. After all, it's the first visual I have of the world I'm creating *smiles* and seeing it take shape... makes me very happy. Thank you so much, M, for going to all this trouble for me *happy*.』
When I see Lala's expression, I know I said she has a beautiful smile, but seriously, I think if I hadn't fallen in love with Papi, I would be in love with Lala, but...eh? No!!! I mustn't fall into the trap of being unfaithful!!!! My heart will only belong to one person, and even after I die, I will continue to love her!!!! Oh, it's better to have them all. I have so much love to give that I'm going to make them all happy. NONSENSE!!!!!! What good is your damn love if anyone who catches your eye can have it!!! It's worthless!!!! Love has enormous value because we think and believe that it is unique!!!!!
『Love is something that is purer than a freshly baked cake!!!! What good is all the effort you put into making the cake if anyone can take it and eat it!!! It makes no sense!!! Your chiffon cake is everything and only for one special person!!! Right, Lala!!!!』
『!!!....Yes...if love weren't pure, then everything he did and would do for humanity would be meaningless...love is unique, and because it is unique to that person, its value grows even more...』-『Salvation comes from oneself *determined* 』
『*smiles* Exactly!!!! So cheer up, my friend, we will be the defenders of pure and unique love for everyone!!! We will set an example that no matter how much love there is in the world, ours will stand out for being truly unique, and everything is done for the love of one person!!!!』
『Love breaks down barriers, love is a very strong and unique power. If everyone has love, not only can they save themselves, but they can also save those they love. And the stronger the love, the stronger the salvation, hope, and tomorrow that comes. Love!!!!』
『Love!!!!』
『It's unique!!!!』
M managed to encourage her friend Lala to join in this conversation and share her thoughts on love. They imagined a whole scenario where they were on a podium giving a speech to everyone in the world. The result of this was... When we realized what was happening, Papi was standing in the wide-open doorway. With all the noise we were making, he was curious about why there was so much commotion, and when he saw us talking about love, the harpy said.
『But if love is unique, how can it save everyone? Isn't it unique?』
To which Papi said, somehow ending our scene. I know what Papi means by that, but at the same time, we don't mean it exactly like that. What I mean is that with the love one gives and one receives, that love is unique, and now that should be repeated over and over again...
『Eh?... That's true... So how would that be?』
『I love everyone!! Miia, Centorea, Mero, Rachnera, Suu, Lala, M-nii-chan!!!! and Kimihito!!! I can't say that my love is unique, I want to make everyone happy!!! But according to you, it would be wrong to have many people to love, so my love isn't pure?』
『!!!! No!!! That's not it, Papi!!! Your love is pure and genuine!!! Anyone can see that!!! What I mean is!!! Ahh...*embarrassed* Who do you love most in this world!!!』
『Everyone!!!*smiles*』
『Who do you love most in this world, that special person who is above the affection and love you have for everyone else!!!!! *shy*』 - 『It can only be one person!!! That person is the one who receives and gives you in the same way, that essence of pure and genuine love that only exists between you in the world and is not repeated!!!! *fear*』- 『For you... who is that person, Papi...』
『Someone above all else?』 - 『It can only be one person...?』
I already knew long before that Papi has enormous feelings for Aniki. Of course, he says it all the time and shows it, or rather, he does it with everyone, but with Aniki it's much more special. I'm taking advantage of this moment to get a clear answer and know that... Papi was thinking hard about this, while Lala was also waiting for an answer. Papi's effort was reflected on his face, and when he was finally about to get an answer...
『Ah!!! What did you ask me, M-nii-chan? Sorry, I think I got lost trying to understand your question very well.』
I think I was too confusing for Papi to understand, but it was like the fear in my chest was lifted, and I told him we could continue with the same question another time. Papi was upset and sad that he couldn't give me an answer, so he replied with a.
『Next time, I'll give you my best answer, M-nii-chan *smiles*.』
To be honest, I felt very relieved. I must face the truth with my chest bare! Aniki commented from the first floor, raising his voice to ask if Papi was ready. Papi remembered something, since today...
『Today, we're going to enroll me in school! *smiles*』
Papi said goodbye to us and met Aniki on the first floor. I still can't believe we've really reached this point. Thanks to our visit to the school a while back, Papi was filled with joy and really wanted to enroll in that school. She wants to learn more things, she wants to know more about the world, she wants to have friends, and above all, she wants to have fun with kids her age... How old is Papi? Because for her to enter high school, then...
『There's no age limit for studying, M, just remember that.』
『Yes... well, he looks young and acts like it, he'll fit in very well, plus he already knows Mari, Arami, Pina, Kyto, Muwi, and the whole volleyball team. I would say Dhapi, but she's not a student at that school.』
If Papi wants to go to school, why deny her? It wasn't even a surprise to Smith, since she's the only one we can think of who could fulfill that wish for our Harpy, so she prepared everything possible for Papi to attend school. Today she has to go in person to confirm that she will finally be able to go to school starting next week. She will start in 10th grade, so she has three years to enjoy her youth as a student, and who knows if she will want to go to college later on.
Of course, we welcome the idea of Papi going to school, especially Aniki, who didn't expect Papi to be the first of all her friends to do so. She was very happy for him, congratulating him by patting him on the head and saying that if he behaves well at school, she has rewards in store for him in the future. Those words only encouraged Papi to make sure everything went well, because of the attention he received from Kimihito. Many considered joining the school too, but...
『It's a special case. Education is a right, and as such, it is only allowed for those who have already completed the species exchange program. Those who have done so are considered human citizens and are protected and benefited by the same laws. This also applies to those born to parents who have fulfilled this role, which is why you see young species going to school from elementary school onwards, because their parents have already settled in the country.』
『It's literally like when a migrant obtains citizenship in a country...』
『Exactly, Kurusu-chan. It's the same idea, only more tailored to species so they can enter human life. That's why you are limited by many laws until you complete that program period.』
『But if that's the case, why can Papi go to school?』
『Thanks for asking, Rachnera-chan. Normally, it's common for a caregiver to be in charge of only one species, and that single species has several privileges to join human society, including education. Otherwise, how do you think they're going to learn everything? From home? Virtual learning doesn't work. The good thing is face-to-face learning! Kurusu-chan, you should know that. I told you the same day, remember?』
『Yes, I remember now, but I was so surprised that you brought Miia that I overlooked it.』
『Miia-chan always had the right and opportunity to receive an education and better treatment in order to join human society. Of course, it's one thing to obtain it and another to apply it and take advantage of it. With the time that has passed, it seems that they never used those benefits, or at least they didn't use the benefit of education.』
Everyone turned to look at Miia, who always seemed to be the one who, because she was the first, had better opportunities than others. It was clear that this was only true for one person, as Smith said, because that's what he was thinking. Since Kurusu took many species into his care, not all of them had the same privilege as Miia, so Miia said in her defense,
『It was my first time in the human world, so diving right in wasn't something that came to mind at first... Besides, as time went by, I preferred not to stray far from my love and to always be with him *blush*.』
Everyone thought the same thing, that Miia is the type who would leave everything behind in order to be with the person she loves, which Centorea, for some reason, also agreed with. Because of her gesture and comment saying "I understand you," I turned to look at her as she was blushing, and when she noticed that I was looking at her, she quickly pretended to...
『*cough* That's wrong! You did very wrong, Miia! *blush*』
『But thanks to Miia-chan not taking advantage of the study benefit, there was still one spot left, so it was given to Papi-chan, and that's how she became the only one of you who can go study *smiles*』
When Papi told Aniki that she wanted to go to study, that's when Kurusu remembered about the scholarship, so they went to talk to Miia about it, and she gladly offered her the scholarship. So, with everything agreed upon and ready to begin the process, Smith said.
『Leave it to me, I'll take care of everything, so from now on, you're going to learn a lot of things, Papi-chan, and besides, it's good that it's you, because among all of us here, you were the one who needed it the most, really.』
『(He just called her stupid)』 『(He just called her stupid)』 『(He just called her stupid)』 『(He just called her stupid)』 『(He just called her stupid)』『Hey!!! Don't say that to Papi!!!!!』 『Suu!!!』
It was clear that Suu and I were upset by what he said to our friend. Smith just laughed and said that she would keep them informed of everything, then left as Miia approached her friend Papi to put her arm around her head and say,
『Make the most of it, you have to be first in everything and get good grades, that's how I would have done it at school *proud*.』
Papi quickly went to hug Miia with all her love, emphasizing again that.
『Thank you so much, Miia!!! *happy*』
Like a little girl, she rubbed herself against Miia's body, which she ended up liking for some reason. At that moment, she saw her as her little daughter who was about to start school, and she couldn't help but hug her...
『Miia!!! Ahh!! Miia!!! You're suffocating me!!!!』
『Try harder, Papi *smiles*』
『Yes!! But... ahh!!! Help!!! Husband!! Suu!! M-nii-chan!!!』
For some reason, I feel like I'm watching a species documentary. And that's how we return to the present. Aniki and Papi were already ready and leaving for school to make this happen legitimately. Where I was still in Lala's room, I imagined what school would be like with Papi as my classmate, surely...
『!!!!!! I hope he doesn't run into any weirdos, especially that guy who wanted to put ice on Suu....*worried* 』
Don't think I've forgotten about you and your weird thoughts!!! Although...No!!!! I'm not going to continue with this guy's weird fetish!!!!! Then Lala asked me why I didn't agree to go to school either.
They offered me too. I'm registered as human on paper, so I can also go to school, and I'm the right age to start 10th grade. I could have gone with Papi, but...
『There are more important things to do right now.』
Smith also suggested it to me, taking the opportunity to integrate me too, but I refused for that very reason. Besides, I would also be lying if I said that I fit in better with this world. If I end up making progress that I know I'm going to cling to, it's better to avoid it.
It's still early, Lala and I will start work in the afternoon, almost at dusk. In the afternoon, I'll have training with Cea, so we still have a good couple of hours until lunchtime. Okay, then!
I was in the middle of the forest that I have adopted as my personal training ground. Almost no one comes here, and I understand why. It is well known that a being who is considered the protector of the forest lives here and always chases away anyone who he thinks could bring chaos to the forest, although in reality he only chases away people he doesn't like.
Since that protector is known to Papi, Suu, and Aniki, and since I am his friend, that means I am also close to that protector, so if he likes me, he will let me into his forest! It makes sense to me, besides, training here is perfect, being surrounded by nature relaxes me a lot, there's no one here but the two of us. Although I've never seen that species, a druid, right? I guess he doesn't trust me yet, but I know he's always watching me when I enter his territory.
『I don't bite, Kii. Can you tell your friend that I want to meet her? How can I get along with someone if I can't even see them?』
Suu was with me, which also helped it detect that I was a good person because I was accompanied by her friend. Suu quickly raised her voice and shouted its name loudly, but there seemed to be no reaction, not even a movement of a stem or branch. Only the sounds of the forest and the animals could be heard. Suu turned to look at me without any response, which I already knew well.
『Let's continue with what we were doing that day, Ya-kun.』
Rino was in front of me, and we both looked at Suu. Remembering what happened before, when it seemed like Suu was disappearing and melting away, I was surprised when I came back all wet. Suu had taken on the form of Papi. I was surprised by this. Even with the raincoat on, you could see that the "wings" were sticking out, overflowing from the sleeves themselves, the hair shaped like Papi's, and the face as well. It was imperfect, of course, but it was also clear that she was imitating Papi's appearance.
『Wait! You can do that? Imitate? That's amazing, Suu! Then...!!!!!』
Then something came to mind. Is it limited to taking on the appearance of those it knows? No... I also knew from the beginning that it is capable of taking on any form. I correct myself, it is capable of molding its body into any shape, and from that moment on, it seemed to join me and appear as if we were united. Of course, I remember that day because it raised a lot of suspicions, but... I think it's time to get over that too.
『Okay, Suu in the shape of Papi!!! Let's fuse!!!!』
At this, as if it were a symbiote, which even scared me, Suu threw himself at me when he saw that I was all wet. That day we made the Slime armor again, although more than armor... we looked like a shapeless mass, without eyes or limbs, we looked like a green tar monster. This seemed very strange to me, since the first time we did that fusion, we had a form more like Papi's. Yes, we were literally her, but at this very moment, I want to take control, and this is the result.
I wanted to get used to this little by little. That first day, I somehow got Suu to stretch her body the way I wanted. We are connected thanks to her pseudopod that literally covers my head. In a way, there is communication, but... Unlike that first day when it worked the first time...
When I tried to repeat it, not spontaneously but consciously and compulsively, as I expected, it didn't work. Suu didn't respond to what I was doing, so how did it work the first time? I think I understand. Suu doesn't do what I think, even the communication and connection is just an assumption, but what makes it seem like we're united is that Suu only replicates my movements and does what I expect her to do. That's how, before nightfall, we achieved our "connection" again, but it was nothing more than...
『Stretch the part of my left hand!!!! Now the right one!! Stretch your legs!!!!! Shoot slime from my wrist!!!!!』
Yes... I gave her orders with my words, and since she didn't have a defined shape yet, we looked like a mass of gum stretching in all directions. It was clear that it wasn't what I expected. Her reaction time is slow, and although it's fun in a way, it's not the result I was hoping for. Smith seems to be very interested in this. If he saw me doing the same thing again, I can imagine the hypotheses that would come to his mind.
『Using slime as armor, do you think anyone has done that before or is doing it now? Because I see the potential, but whether I can pull it off is another matter. Besides... wasn't I supposed to train him on how to return to my God Form?』
It's not wasted time, it's progress. Besides, I also want to help Suu mold compact things that are no longer imperfections. If he achieves that progress, I'm sure it will be a huge plus for Suu. A plus for what?
『Well, for fighting, right? ... Fighting? ... Seriously, why do I want to achieve this?』
I went to see Suu. We were already separated, and I could see how quickly we undid the fusion. From the shapeless mass she had been all this time, she quickly returned to her classic human form. She was happy, trying to mold her arm back into a wing. It seems that she is very excited about being able to take on various forms. I guess it's her instinct for evolution as a species. So I'm going to keep helping you in any way I can, Suu.
『The only bad thing I see about this is that I'm all drooling when I finish training. I have to get home soon, take a shower, and hurry to Yazuo's restaurant... Oh! I forgot to go to Cea's training...』
I think it's the only training where you end up all drooling. Is this the next level of getting all wet? Rino looked at all the progress and has also been helping me improve in this area, but even after cutting the "connection" with me, Suu's gaze remained fixed on...
Rino looked behind her. What is Suu looking at right now? Him? Wouldn't that be impossible? Suu returned her arm to human form, and even though she wasn't seeing anything, she knew something might be there. Ever since she joined M, she could feel and see that there was someone who...
Suu smiled and waved her hand as if saying goodbye to someone. Rino was confused, so he turned around again and said,
『She must be saying goodbye to her friend Kii.』
Rino walked towards M but kept his eyes on Suu, and there he could see that yes, Suu was still looking at the same spot, waving her hand as if saying goodbye. Rino smiled and said,
『Yes, I knew it.』
We had to hurry because it was getting late. Suu put on her raincoat again, and we headed home to continue our day, which was not yet over. Meanwhile, deep in the forest, Kii was also aware of little M's progress.
That same night, both M and Lala were motivated for some reason. Yazuo noticed this and commented that M had also joined in Lala's overflowing joy, and I replied,
『It feels good to make progress *smiles*.』
『Yes, it's a unique feeling in the world.』
We continued to serve as we should, and we could see familiar faces tonight as well. Our last customer, aka the Gossip, aka the One Who Dies for His Daughter, aka Tatsuo Nilo, although that is his real name.
And as seems typical of him, they always talk to us about what happens in their daily lives.
『A few days ago, I didn't have anything to tell you, but today I heard some good news!!! Or at least it's news that makes me happy. This afternoon, we went back to that restaurant where we were treated badly, the one where that Oki guy served us. You know what? I could tell he was annoyed!!!! HHA!!!!! He wasn't even hiding it anymore! His whole face said he was angry, and you know who at! Because of young Kyto!!!! When I realized this, I quickly smiled from ear to ear, which made my daughter smile too!!!!』 -『Kiyomiya Kyto was honest with us and apologized for lying to us all this time. My wife was confused, my daughter too, but me... but me... I was so happy that I couldn't stop smiling! Now I understand even more why Oki was so miserable! It's because someone is always above him!!!! For Oki, to show himself as he really is to people, like this young man Kyto does? Not in a thousand years, not even if he came back to life, will he change the horrible person he really is.』 -『I had a good time at that lunch, and everything was more genuine. Kyto really is a good guy! I was afraid it would end up being ruined by that Oki's stench, but I'm so glad!!!!』 - 『Yes!! That's right... Let the horrible people who despise others and hide behind a pretty face be filled with malice. As far as I'm concerned, those people!!!!! They should die!!!!!!!!!』
Tatsuo Nilo was already drunk, and as usual, it seems that this time he told us what happened to him that day. He was asking for more beer, but what they gave him this time were glasses of water, which he didn't like at first, but...
『Right... I'm already feeling dizzy, thank you very much for the water.』
He drank his glasses of water and seemed to recover. At this point, we were paying close attention to his conversation, and from what I could see, it seemed that Kyto really wanted to change in many ways. True to form, he was once again our last customer. We said our goodbyes and wished him well, and he was happy, smiling. And I realized that Nilo isn't a bad person, he just likes to be treated according to the level of effort he puts in, meaning he wants to be the top priority. On the way home, I commented that...
『I hope my daughter isn't waiting for me asleep on the couch *smiles* And my wife, I'm really not that great, and yet...* happy* I don't have the best life, but I feel very lucky!!!!』 - 『I also want to send my best wishes to Yazuo, Lala, M, and that guy Kyto, that Oki guy... I hope his hatred doesn't do too much damage...』
He looked up at the night sky and knew very well that hatred is fleeting, and it is dangerous when hatred is so fleeting that it becomes permanent. He hopes that... whatever happens in the future, it won't be so bad.
-------------------------------------------→ To be continued