Raising The Stakes

~Sixteen~

"Shit!" Hinata curses eloquently, glaring out the window.

Komaeda sighs. "As I said, we've got to go. Listen, Yumeno-san told me about Enoshima's powers. She says that whoever actually kills her will get her power, so keep that in mind for after you kill her."

The brunet frowns. "Then shouldn't you be the one to deliver the killing blow so you can get the power and live how you want?"

The demon shakes his head. "It's not my destiny to kill Enoshima. It's most likely yours. And I will still help."

Hinata frowns. "It's got to be hard to fight on an empty stomach." He points out.

"What? I had a piece of your soul. What are you talking about?"

"Don't think I don't notice you slowly but surely starting to slow down again."

Komaeda rolls his eyes. "Hajime, it's fine. Besides, after you kill Enoshima in an hour or so, I'm going to have the best meal of my life. I can make it." He assures him.

"I can't believe you still intend to eat me after all of this." Hinata huffs.

Komaeda smiles. "I wouldn't give up a scent and a taste like that for anything in the world."

There is a knock at the door.

The two exchange shocked looks before Hinata slowly draws his dagger. Komaeda opens the door.

Kamukura Izuru is standing there with a displeased look. "I have arrived as promised to assist you in your battle," They announce, "We better hurry. However, it is not well outside. The air reeks of death and destruction but mostly despair."

"Nanami. Did you see Chiaki out there?" Hinata demands.

Kamukura bows their head. "No. I am sorry you have not found her yet."

"No, I did!" Hinata insists, "She came home after Enoshima tried to feed her to Komaeda. But we all got in a fight, and Komaeda left. Nanami left to find him and apologize, and neither of us has seen her since."

"If I had to guess, I would say Enoshima captured her again. I can go search for her, but then I am not sure I will be able to help you fight.

"No!" An entirely new voice interrupts.

They all turn towards the still-open doorway where a blonde-haired demon stands.

Komaeda's eyes widen. "Nevermind-san! What are you doing here? How did you find this place?!" He demands.

"Komaeda-kun, good to see you! Although I wish it could be under nicer circumstances. There is not much time to explain, but oh my goodness, you are the Kamukura Izuru! And Nanami's best friend, Hinata Hajime! Wow, you and Kamukura-san look a lot alike!"

"Please get to the point." Kamukura sighs.

"Right! I came to fight on the side of Hope against the foretold despair. But finally, finding Nanami-chan is more important! Kamukura-san, fight! I will find Nanami, so do not worry!"

Kamukura looks back at Hinata and Komaeda. "Can she still be trusted?"

Hinata shrugs.

"Yes, absolutely," Komaeda affirms. Nevermind smiles at him.

"Then I will commence my search immediately. I will find her, Hinata-san, so trust in me!"

And with that, Nevermind vanishes without a trance.

Hinata nods curtly. "Right. Then, should we get going?"

-

The wind is blowing so harshly that Hinata feels like he's going to be swept away into the candy sky any minute, causing him to hold tightly to Komaeda's hand. The demon squeezes his partner's hand reassuringly.