The Chains that Bind (Highschool DxD x Ghost Rider Reader)

Chapter 11

Word of the robbery spread quickly throughout the entire town. Police going to each door of the deceased and delivering the unfortunate, and tragic news. Many people flocked to the scene of the crime to see for themselves what had happened, some being the families of the deceased that had just received the news. It was a shock to the families, watching as paramedics pulled the bodies out, allowing families to identify the ones who were shot, and then taking them away to process them.

"It was a tragic day today, in the quaint home of Kuou Town," a news reporter spoke, looking into the camera of a man standing across from her. "Earlier today, the bike shop over here, near the suburban section of Kuou, was robbed. And with the money and parts that they stole, they also took the lives of six innocent people. After the robbery, people could hear the sound of screeching tires and the revving of a motorcycle. Leading many to assume that the Ghost Rider, named after the song performed by American Singer Johnny Cash, has struck again. There was but one survivor of this horrific tragedy, whose name we will not indulge. But perhaps this information will be enough for families, knowing that someone will help bring this person, whoever they are, to justice."

(F/N) sat at the end of an ambulance vehicle, with a blanket wrapped around his shoulders. Cops were in front of him, each talking with each other on what had happened. (F/N) just stared forward, replaying the moments over and over in his mind. The men marching in, all the shouting and gunfire, and the moment he was shot. It was mental torture on him, but what made it significantly worse for him was when the gurney, holding the body of the young girl behind the register, rolled over. A family hesitantly approached, not wanting to identify a dead body, in the concerns that it would be someone they know. But unfortunately, they would know someone. The medical officer peeled back the cover, showing the face of the young store clerk. (F/N) caught a glimpse of her; her eyes were closed and her expression monotone. It was a drastic difference from her expression before she died; she was scared, fearful, and bawling her eyes out before the guy pulled the trigger.

She presented herself as a nice and polite girl. She was probably a popular student in her school. If not that, then perhaps a lovely girl with the other residents. But now, given that she was dead, her kind and polite demeanor was taken with her to the afterlife. He looked forward, turning his gaze to the pavement.

It's all my fault, (F/N) said, mentally scolding himself. They're dead because of my inaction.

"(F/N)!" He heard called out to him. But despite this, he didn't move. He just continued to stare at the ground. He then felt arms wrap around him, and someone held him close. It took him a moment to finally register that someone was holding him close. He grabbed their shoulder and gently pushed the person away, looking them in the eyes. It was Asia, looking at him with tears in her eyes. She must've heard the news and rushed over, and in her moment of elation and relief she burst into tears.

Not only that, but upon hearing that her step-brother was, once again, in a life-or-death situation and managed to survive. Her heart ached because not only was (F/N) on the cusp of "dying", but it was after so many different events happened, and all while she was away from him. A part of her feels responsible, because if she insisted on sending (F/N) over to the next town, instead of showing him around, or trying to convince the headmaster to allow (F/N) to enroll. There was a small silence, before (F/N) wrapped his arms around her and held her close, holding onto her tightly. They didn't exchange any words, they just remained there, holding each other in an embrace.

When (F/N) returned to Issei's house, after going through medical examinations and police questioning, (F/N) immediately went to his room and sat down on the floor. Issei and Asia watched him from outside the room, looking inside and watching the boy reflect on what had happened.