Duality (DxD) (Part 1)

Ch 24 - Somethings Wrong

Jin was now 12 years old now. Time had been going by fast considering everything that had happened. Jin had grown yet again and was steadily growing and building the perfect body for martial arts. Now standing at 5 foot 3 inches which was tall for his age. He was getting close to Ban's height, though he was an old man and slightly hunched most of the time. Back problems of old age.

Jin was still tone but getting much stronger. If he used his martial arts correctly, he was definitely stronger than many adults and that was all thanks to Ban. With his help training Jin was making more progress. Now understanding how he could combine his different martial arts fluidly. All without sacrificing his mastery and proficiency of the martial arts he was already familiar with. With this knowledge and ability, his understanding of martial arts increased exponentially.

Jin continued his diligent training, practicing with Ban. But when Ban couldn't practice with him for some reason. He wasn't alone. Aika had been coming around more often and practising her gymnastics. She was impressively flexible like Jin, able to bend in ways you wouldn't see a normal human do without years of practice. She would only get better as she was young and her body would only grow and get more flexible.

She often likes to show off to Jin as he would compliment her dedication to gymnastics. Yet Aika had noticed a change in Jin. After Hex died he didn't smile anymore. So she took it upon herself to make him smile or smile for him. Getting a lot closer to him, though, there wasn't much closer to get already hugging him and holding his hand when they walked together.

Now it was the start of a new week and a Monday. As usual, Jin and Ban woke up, getting changes as they left the dojo for their morning cardio. Kuoh town wasn't a challenge for them to run around. Jin didn't break a sweat anymore. Running past the shopping mall, past Kuoh Academy, abandoned factories, an extremely old church. Their cardio was extreme but it wasn't a problem for them.

Jin: Ban, do you think its possible to use Awakening Breath and Exploding Heart Release Fist at the same time? They both strengthen the body to its limit and past it, would using it at the same time overload the body or is it possible to further push it?

Jin asked as they would normally discuss things while running. Maybe it was about martial arts, maybe it was what they were going to have for dinner or lunch. But as Jin looked to his right, as Ban always ran closer to the road. He couldn't see Ban next to him. Looking back behind him as he saw Ban stopped bent over taking deep breaths and coughing.

Jin: Oh? Have I finally gotten stronger than you old man? {Maybe then I can finally carry your burdens.}

Jin said looking at Ban. But Ban wouldn't stop coughing and as Jin looked, Ban was sweating. Something he never did. But Jin's eyes widened as Ban dropped to his knees. Jin's heart dropped as he ran to Ban.

Jin: OLD MAN!

Jin quickly ran to Ban's side but Ban put his hand out to stop him.

Ban: I'm... *COUGH* *COUGH* I'm okay. {Please. Not now. Just... adapt to it.}

Jin looked at Ban as he was coughing hard. Despite Bans tan, he looked pale. Sickly compared to how Jin always saw him.

Jin: Let me help you up.

Ban: N...

Ban went to put out his hand to stop Jin, but quickly Jin parried and weaved under Ban, helping him up as Ban smirked.

Ban: *Sigh* Im... *COUGH* *COUGH*...

Jin: Just start walking old man. {Please... Please don't leave me. I... I don't want to lose you too.}

Jin carried Ban up as he coughed into his arm. Having Jin help him back home was they walked down the streets of Kuoh Town.

Ban: {I... I guess I tried to adapt too late.} Thank you, kid.

Ban gently smiled as Jin helped him back home. But Ban was old, he may have not been a normal human, but at the end of the day, he was still human. Ban's condition only got worse. High fever and sweats, extreme fatigue and headaches. It was quick, as if something had been holding back an illness he had this entire time. A dam slowly cracking unable to hold back the larger problem anymore.

A few months later, Ban couldn't even leave bed and Jin was caring for him. Jin had always wanted to carry Ban's burdens, but he didn't mean this.

Yet again, Jin wasn't strong enough to carry his own burdens or the burdens of others.