Altered Worlds (WHP 2)

{Chapter 9}

Chapter 9

(Seijo Yukari)

"Now, shall we start?" Dr. Kanou said with smirk.

I took a sip of my coffee. The smell is softly touching my nose as the taste is so savory.

"Go ahead." I said while putting the cup back.

"Okay then, let me start with a Ghoul's characteristic. I have found that a Ghoul's saliva contains a poison that would slowly kill a human when a human becomes intoxicated. That poison directly spreads around the heart and the brain." He stated. "Remember the time when your heart suddenly experienced pain 2 years ago? Then, that explains the reason why it suddenly started hurting."

"So, why am I not yet dead by now?" I questioned him.

"If you were a normal human, you would've been dead ages ago since you were bitten by Ghouls too much. But since, you're the Rose Apple and you have splendid regenerative abilities, you won't die that easily but, around that time, the symptoms were starting so, I'm afraid that your time here in Earth is starting to be lessened." He explained.

"Sh*t.." I mumbled in irritation.

"Now, now. It's not like you'd be dead right away. That poison strikes the part of your brain where it controlled your emotions and also the part where it controlled your personality. So, the fact that your attitude and personality starts to change makes you know that the poison is already spreading through your heart and your brain." He stated.

"You said that I wouldn't be dead right away." I pouted in irritation.

"Hahaha.. Moving on, you have this another condition where you can control blood, right?" He asked.

"Yeah, that's right. I tried it once and it made my heart ached a bit. Also, Ayato-kun witnessed the scene too.." I explained.

Ayato-kun nodded while seriously listening to Dr. Kanou.

"Well, the reason why you can control blood is because, the substance contained in that poison is actually a small percentage of a Ghoul's DNA. Absorbing a lot of it contributed the manipulation of RC cells. It was actually not the blood but the RC cells that you are controlling. Of course, you're not a Ghoul so, only RC cell is what you can manipulate." He explained.

"Even other's RC cells?" I asked.

"Yes, as long as it's near you." He replied.

"But, why did my heart ache that time?" I questioned him.

"Naturally, it's one of the Rose Apple's distinct ability to control RC cells and is only awakened if she has enough DNA. Recently, I've found out that Rose Apples are special humans relatively very close to a Ghoul. But, it's been the nature's cycle to produce a Rose Apple once in every 8 decades. Now, regarding the heart ache, as I said, the poison strikes through your heart and brain directly. So, if you have enough DNA to activate that ability means that your heart will continue to suffer and it will lead to your death." He explained.

"So, that means that if I use my new ability then, I'll die?"

"Exactly."

"Is there a way to prolong her life, Dr. Kanou?" Ayato-kun asked, completely worried.

I let out a sigh of frustration. How am I gonna kill Arima Kishou if I'm left with such a short time?

Dr. Kanou suddenly smiled pleasantly at Ayato-kun.

"How nice worrying for your girlfriend and all." He complimented.

"This isn't the time to be joking around." Ayato-kun said with a frown.

"Are you willing to take the risk?" Dr. Kanou asked.

"What?" Ayato-kun exclaimed, bewildered.

"What I'm saying is, there's a way." He put his hands together and smirked.

"Is it risky?" I asked.

"Of course." He nodded while grinning.

"Then, I'd rather not have it." I disagreed.

"What?! Why?!" Ayato-kun asked, facing me.

"I don't want others to sacrifice something just for my sake. I'm not a baby anymore. I can live on my own." I sternly said.

"Don't be stupid, Yukari. With this, I can save you--"

"If you're willing to put your life on the line just to save me then, I'm telling you.. It's all worthless. Someone as heartless as me doesn't deserve to live any longer. I'm nothing but an empty souled puppet which only cares for nothing but revenge. If I die then, I die because I was weak and there's nothing more to it. Everything will just be in vain." I explained, cutting him.

"You're wrong.. It's not worthless. Every life has its own value, including you." He said with concern from the tone of his voice.

"And that's exactly why you need to value your own life as well. Besides, you've done too much for me and that's fine already. I can't bother you anymore. If I have just a minute time to live then, that means that I just have to hurry up and kill that trash." I explained with a grin slowly creeping to my lips.

"No, I'm still opposed to your decision. Didn't I tell you that I'll do anything for you?" He disapproved.

"Ayato-kun, stop being stubborn! Why are you going all this way just to save me?!" I angrily asked.

"It's because I love you!" He yelled back, looking at me straight to the eye.

He sincerity overpowers me and I can see his strong determination. His will makes me speechless and powerless. My heart suddenly pounded louder but then, it squeezed as I remembered something painful from the past.

It pierced my heart with needles. My throat suddenly ached while I try to hold my tears up on my eyes so, I wouldn't cry.

I hanged my head down, gritted my teeth in anger and clenched my hands tightly.

"Don't.. be so blinded by love.." I said in a low and raging tone.

I met his eyes with anger and frustration.

"If you let yourself be pushed around by this hateful emotion, that will mean your death." I said in a stern voice.

He was shocked. His eyes widened, as he gasped. Then, his eyes softened but turned melancholic. His lips slowly made a faint smile.

"It's okay.. Love's all about sacrifices." He stated with a wistful smile.

I couldn't help but be shocked and hurt by his words and expression. His expression looked so sad that I can't help but feel bad.

I couldn't speak any further. His words wiped the words I wanted to throw back and stop him from giving away his life. He practically sealed my lips..

Stop this.. I can't do it. I don't wanna see you like that..

"Ayato-kun.. If you ever gave up your life for me.. I'll never forgive you." I said as I averted my gaze.

"Yukari.."

"Sorry to interrupt such a heart warming scene but, did I ever say that someone has to throw his life away?" Dr. Kanou suddenly butted in.

"What?!" We both exclaimed in chorus.

He chuckled softly and smiled.

"No will die in this operation." He happily said.

"EHHHHH?!" We both yelled in chorus.

End of Chapter 9