Chapter 116: IF THE WORLD ENDS

(Ken's POV)

The quiet scenery still makes me feel unerved,

A feeling in me, tells me it's not quite deserved,

I was so used to seeing monsters,

every now and then,

It just feels so unnatural, feeling this safe once again.

The laughter of children, and the chirping of birds,

Echoed throughout, what was my little world.

The cave made the noises bounce into my ears,

I won't complain though, it was music, in a world filled with fear.

This place, though beautiful and safe,

Was still temporary, to the danger that awaits.

I keep wondering just when the time would come,

When the people would once again walk free and run.

I felt a slight tap on my shoulder,

It was Jacq, the familiar reaper.

He was the one I had given aid to, from that specific encounter,

The one that once told me, to go on, and run faster.

He was well now, and he looks quite happy,

"You're finally chill, huh? Well, if only-

If only you'd smile more, since you always seemed too pale,"

"How could I not? When I don't know what is written in our fates,"

"You're...too serious for your age,

Enjoy this moment, feeling joy isn't strange,

I just don't want you to feel burdened by all of this,

Just think a bit positive, will ya? Please?"

His black hair covered his black eyes momentarily,

As the wind passed by, brushing swiftly,

He laughed along, telling he got some strands on him stuck,

But after a while, his expression became tough.

"Ken, if you can peer into the future,

like what you did before,

Can you choose what to see,

If this is the end of the world?"

I shook my head, as I looked far above,

And honestly told him,

"I'm not sure about that,"

He crumpled his fists, and then looked at his hands,

"I can't let the world end, I have a dream you won't understand."

That small sentence, spoke a thousand volumes,

His eyes turned gloomy, "I've had many failures,"

His voice sounded shaky and nervous.

"Ken, you better be in the right mental state when you fight them again,

I don't...I really don't want this world to end."

I nodded my head, and was confused for a second,

I mean...no one would love the world to end, whatever their reason,

But his look and eyes, they were telling me something,

Although I couldn't piece them out, as some details were still missing.

When the silence felt too awkward,

He suddenly asked me, "Do you like Mar?"

To which I suddenly shook my head, feeling bashful all of a sudden,

"I...not the way that you're thinking!"

"It's affirmative, you like her for sure!

My only tip for you, is tell her now, and

don't trust the future.

You may never know, just when you lose each other,

Say it all now, or regret it all later.

I nodded my head as he walks away,

His eyes lost sparked, as his hands kept its sway,

He sat down, as if thinking of something deep,

Just what more stories, does these reapers keep?

Just as then, I realized Sir Humility's story,

That all reapers, are humans who died heroically.

If Jacq was a red type reaper,

Then he definitely died of murder!

Maybe he had regrets?

That he was still desperate to never meet the end.

I clenched my fists as I punched the air,

Earning some looks and weird judging stares,

Ah, right, I'm not in my room to do this specific rituals,

I'm here, and now they think I'm unusual.

Rather than emerge myself further into embarrassment,

I went to Michael, to continue the assessment,

It was quite hard, to practice inside,

Limiting my hits, making sure my attacks aren't wide.

How unusual that I'm not the person I used to be,

I'm not the powerless, always ignored me,

All eyes were focused, boring into my soul,

But now that I got recognition, is this what I wanted at all?

I kept making those white ray of light from my hands,

Sucking every barrier, Michael has to stand,

But every time I did, my hand would feel like being torn,

It was no easy task, and soon after I feel worn.

Lack of practice, spending time with the witch,

Had ruined my body, and made my footing a bit stiff,

But with Sir Michael's patience and ever lasting guidance,

I managed to somehow advance.

"Can you do more blows?"

Michael asked, but by the look of my face, I hope he knows,

My legs are already trembling,

and are about to go.

"Ah, alright, we take a rest from now on,

Use your visions more, but again, you're too slow.

You may have fought those normal troop demons,

But it will be all different, once you face one of their leaders,"

I nodded as I feel my sweat pouring continously,

I walked over to the corner, collapsing immediately,

Some kids gave me water and some bread,

As I feel a smile on my face, "Make sure, you two, are fed,"

And right when I took a rest after eating,

Mar came up to me, with some pair of new clothes,

And a new mask for my face.

"Whoah, that looks different,"

I said, quite amazed,

"It really is, I'm sure it looks good on you,

Try it right away!"

She stylized my hair and put it on,

It was a white mask, I'm not sure whose from.

"Who made this?" I asked curiously, still looking at the mask,

"I made it myself, though it was quite a task,

You see, I kept collecting some materials I think were good to use,

And the angels kind of helped me too!

They were kind, and they agreed to keep it a secret,

Here it is now, and although it's not perfect-"

I cut her shortly, as I whispered, "Oh, I love it."

Her cheeks turned suddenly scarlet,

As she forces a smile, "Well, guess my hardwork is worth it,

You should use this in your fight,

And you shouldn't wear that eye patch every night.

It's bad for the skin, to be honest, it looks too tight,"

I felt myself heat up this time,

How can she always make me smile?

And forget that we're literally living on a hellish era,

How can she make me forget...all my worries and trauma?

I smiled, and recalled what Jacq had told me,

That I should tell them right away, than regret it quickly.

I cleared my throat, as I try to speak the words,

But no matter how hard I try, it just won't come out the way I rehearsed,

Despite my gibberish, she replied, "Yes, I've heard,"

As I was confused, when our lips finally merged.

Although I cannot see my face, I know I'm all red,

As she held me tightly, it was the warmest I've ever felt,

I felt happy, sad, excited and worried at the same time,

I wonder if she would be safe, or endangered, the day she be mine.

I pulled away, as I quickly embrace her,

I wanted nothing, but to hear her heart whisper.

I wanted nothing, but to be sure she's alive and safe,

I can't give up now, and I could barely even wait.

I held her hand tightly, as I mutter softly,

"If the world doesn't end, can we marry, eventually?"

I feel childish, I feel so small,

Asking that out of the blue,

And regretted it all.

I felt embarrassed, as it took her some time to respond,

I couldn't anticipate any longer, so I perked up and asked, "Mar?"

She was holding her laughter all along,

"Remember when you threw me that bottle? It wasn't so long...

You haven't even told me those three special words,

And now you're suddenly all blushy, then suddenly proposed?"

I buried my face into her shoulder,

"But you kissed me, I thought you knew better,"

"I was just kidding, but...yeah, let's get married,

Just...make sure despite it all, you won't get killed,"

"Same to you, but I...can't stop my chest from pounding,"

"You haven't had a girl before, huh? Look at you, all red and blushing,"

"I had one, but she used me, okay?"

"Ah, poor guy, glad for long she didn't stay."

"Hmmm...so like...it's a promise then?"

"Yeah, sure, whatever. I'd marry you, Ken."

"I...okay, I'm counting on that promise,

And...can I..get another kiss?"

I felt so light headed after she pressed her lips,

It was on my forehead, but it still was a bliss,

I no longer feel the need to be validated by no one else,

This was the happiest moment, I have ever felt.

"But if the world ends, what would you do?"

Martha asked me, and I hope she already knew,

That the last thing on my mind, would be her face,

"If I had a chance, I would stay in my place."

"And where is that place?"

.

.

.

.

.

"In your embrace."

.

.

.

.

.

I would have gave anything, just so we can be stuck like that forever,

But the harsh truth struck me, when the next scene came after.

...

We both turned our heads, as we hear the angels panic,

An unexpected news has arrived, and most of them felt manic.

It even brought the concern of the archangels.

"Callista is pregnant,"

Michael's jaw fell.