Golden Era (Book 2)

79. Mentor

Shiraishi had no choice but to step forward. His hands were shaking uncontrollably as he approached Fuji, who stared back with wide eyes. Shiraishi met his blue gaze for one last time as if silently telling him that this was the end—for himself, and Fuji Shuusuke.

In a whisper, he said, "I tried. I really, really did."

Then, he reached out and touched Fuji's forehead.

The second Shiraishi tapped the space between his eyebrows, Fuji lost his sight.

Like plunging head-first into dark waters, the world blacked out and swirled around him. This absolute darkness only lasted for a minute. When he came up for air again, he gasped, taking in a lungful of air he'd never breathed before.

Everything flooded back, bursting before his eyes like starlit fireworks.

"Tell me everything you remember," rose the Creator's austere voice. When Fuji's vision refocused, he saw that the Creator had seized Ayuna with one hand. In the other was a mid-length sword, its tip pointed to her throat, "Know that if you try to skimp over anything, she dies immediately."

Fuji's knees gave in. He sensed Shiraishi kneel down next to him, pleading. He heard Noa cry out for mercy. Deep in his heart, Fuji knew despite their efforts, his answer was the only deciding factor. The past clawed at him as he stood on the line of truth and lie. His memories were sacred, ones he believed would never see the light of the day. But they'd caught up to him—his next words would dictate life or death.

Taking his second breath of rebirth, he told the Creator that he'd divulge everything. Then, he dove into the old world—his past life.

***

Once upon a time, Fuji's name was Felix. He was the Creator's one and only archangel.

Since opening his eyes, Fuji was granted every privilege imaginable: he was a revered icon, channeled unconditional power over the immortals, and was the Creator's confidante. In a providence of pale-colored eyes, faces and hair, he was the only one gifted with brown hair and ocean blue eyes. The Creator made it clear from the beginning that he was the special one. To have been raised on an altar above all, he felt nothing short of pride and bliss.

Over a hundred years ago, he was given a curious assignment—one that would later overturn every ideal.

"Felix, from today on, I want you to take care of her."

The Creator led him towards a stone-walled cottage on the boundary of the Garden of the Sun. At the front porch sat a young girl deeply engrossed in a book. It was the first time Felix saw someone so unusual: she had dark umber hair and hazel eyes that were unlike immortals or mortals.

"I want you to educate her, guide her—be her mentor, if you will," the Creator explained. "I want you to keep a close watch of Saga Ayuna."

Fuji stopped short. This was the first time he laid eyes on Masa Kaguya's infamous "bastard daughter". For the longest time, he thought her child was a myth. It was hard to believe that the Creator would spare the illegitimate offspring after such a horrendous crime. Now it occurred to him that she was likely kept in isolation until now. 

Before he could respond, the Creator turned to face him, "You're probably wondering, of all the immortals I could choose from, why I'm requesting you to tend to a menial task like this."

"There's no such thing as a menial task if it came from You," said Fuji. 

"Well. I wouldn't blame you if you found this assignment bizarre." Seeing His angel nod obligingly, the Creator's lips upturned. In a hushed voice, He said, "Consider this our special little project: I'm hoping to train her into a scribe to document the mortal experience."