Don't Save Me

Chapter 10

Leaning against the doorframe of her brother's room, El' watched him sleep. He looked so peaceful in his slumber. His little fists were drawn close to him, and his mouth was slightly open.

Tomorrow, she would have to beat up Panya, her best friend. Her heart tightened at the thought. They had always been together, as far back as she could remember. They had gone through kindergarten and elementary school together, always supporting each other. They had fought for each other when one was bullied again. They were like sisters.

But as she looked at Ryu, El' made up her mind. If she had to do this to save him from Kisaki's murderous hand, so be it. Panya would understand, as long as she could explain her reasons one day.

Her phone vibrated in her pocket, pulling her out of her thoughts. It was a message from Takemichi:

"I need to talk to you, please."

Perfect timing, she needed to talk to him too.

Gently, she stepped away from the doorframe and tiptoed over to her little brother's bed. She looked at him closely and brushed his hair with her hand. He slept so peacefully. She envied his ability to seem so serene.

She tenderly pressed her lips to his forehead, whispering:

"I would be ready to destroy the world for you."

•••

The next morning, El' was waiting for Takemichi in the same park, on the same bench, where he had revealed everything to her. It was far enough from her home and Valhalla's area of influence so that she wouldn't be noticed in his company.

In this October month, a cold wind began to rise. El' shivered in her torn jacket, which she hadn't managed to mend. To be fair, she had had it for a long time and it was far too small for her... But it was the only coat she had and she couldn't afford to buy a new one anyway.

"El'!"

Takemichi approached her, waving his arms as if she hadn't seen him. El' held back a snort. He looked ridiculous.

When he reached her, the young boy stood in front of her and looked at her gravely. He seemed to be examining her, unsure of himself.

"Are you going to sit down or just stand there staring at me?" said El' with an ironic tone.

"Oh, sorry, I mean... yes, I'll sit down," stammered Takemichi.

El' didn't hide the smile spreading across her lips. His awkwardness was part of his charm.

"So, you... joined Valhalla?" asked Takemichi, looking stressed.

He rubbed his sweaty palms against his jeans. Did she make him that anxious?

"Not yet, there's one more thing I need to do," she replied, looking up at the sky above her.

"What do you mean by that?"

The young man, eyebrows furrowed, turned to her.

"You'll find out later. I'll send you a message after school with the address."

Suddenly, Takemichi's eyes widened. He seemed to have had an epiphany, which intrigued the young woman.

"Don't tell me you're going to beat up Panya and that I'm supposed to be your witness for Toman?"

El' adopted the same expression, wide-eyed, but for her, it was shock.

"How do you know?"

"Actually, I... I need to talk to you about one of my visions - I don't know what else to call it."