to be human [honkai inpact 3rd fanfic]

Chapter 16

"Voidy, don't kill that one." The boy with brown hair and red eyes points toward me. The voidy in question—the one who created the spikes—glances at him, clearly annoyed, before sighing and nodding in reluctant agreement.

"Really? That makes my life so much easier. Thanks." The boy's lips curl into a small smile, satisfaction creeping onto his face.

He descends toward me, his dark red eyes gleaming under a mess of brown hair, his six angelic wings spread behind him like a banner.

"I know, I'm amazing," he says, placing a hand dramatically on his chest, exaggerating the gesture with almost theatrical flair.

I stand my ground, facing the young angel. I'm not in a fighting stance, but every muscle is tense, ready to react if he tries anything. He steps closer, and my eyes narrow. His smile deepens, curiosity flickering behind those crimson eyes. It's like he's just figured something out.

"You can see me?" His voice breaks the silence. But I say nothing. Remaining still. Caution is natural.

"Oh, come on, don't be like that." He places his hand on his hip, leaning to the side in mock impatience. My hand finds a pebble on the ground. Without warning, I hurl it at him.

It sails straight through his body.

My gaze sharpens. He glances down at his chest, startled, then back at me, amusement spreading across his face.

"Didn't expect that, huh? Not from someone who looks just like me," he says with a knowing smirk.

What the—

"Yes, I'm reading your thoughts." He interrupts before I can process it. "Took you long enough to notice."

...What?

He leans closer, his smirk never fading. "Name's Angie. Nice to meet you, physical me." His voice is... strange. I hear it, I understand it, but I can't quite grasp it. It's like listening to something while half asleep, already forgetting the sound the moment it reaches my ears. His face, his body—it's the same. I can't remember any of it, no matter how hard I try.

"Really? That's new..." Angie turns his attention to Voidy. "Hey, Voidy! What do I look like? I mean, I know I'm handsome, but I need details!" His voice takes on a playful edge.

Voidy looks at him, her expression flat with mild irritation. "I can't see you. But if anything, you probably look like an idiot," she says, clearly annoyed.

Angie frowns, still piecing it together. "Damn. That must be so lonely... not being able to see me." His tone dips momentarily, but just as quickly, he shifts back. "Anyway, back to the topic. I won't be here for much longer. What's your name? I think I already know it."

...I don't have a name.

"Really? Damn, that's kinda sad..." Angie's eyes remain playful despite the words. There's no sympathy there, just interest. I try to recall anything people used to call me. Victor called me "kid.", "test subject.", and Otto called me Devil.

"Devil, huh? What a coincidence." He chuckles lightly. "They call me Angel—or Angie."

He pauses, a grin spreading wider. "You know what? I'll call you Devi. How's that?"

...Devi?

Yeah. I'll call myself Devi.

A small, appreciative smile tugs at my lips.

Thank you... for giving me a name.

"No problemo. Just doing my job as the guardian angel." Angie grins back, then his face darkens with a sigh. "Alright, down to business. Devi, I need to connect with you."