chapter 17:Kiyome

Sounds about fair." Takeshi said with a nod.

"If that's the case..." Kiyome said, before she looked at him with a questioning look. "Now, tell me what is going on."

"I'm sorry?" Takeshi said, perplexed by her sudden demand. She narrowed her eyes at him.

"Sitri has told me what happened that night. About a Fallen Angel trying to kill you." Kiyome told him, making Takeshi realize what she meant.

"Oh right, that event." Takeshi said as he adjusted his glasses. "Well, there nothing more to it. She tried to kill me and I defended myself. I managed to escape without a scratch with pure luck and time on my side." Takeshi answered.

"That may be so, but there is something going on." Kiyome told him, making Takeshi look at her with a confused look.

"What do you mean?" Takeshi asked.

"Do not play dumb here Takeshi-kun, I know you pretty well. Whenever something serious comes to mind or your conflicted about something, you're always in this pondering state. I saw you do it in class, during lunch time, and even when you're walking on your own. You always look like you're in deep thought about something." Kiyome told him with a knowing tone.

'D-Do I really do that?' Takeshi thought to himself while surprised by his friend's keen sight on his behavior. "W-Well, I wouldn't make it such a big deal..." Takeshi said nervously, forcing himself to smile like its nothing.

All Kiyome did was give him a deadpanned look.

Seeing that she didn't buy his weak excuse, he could only laugh weakly and nervously, before he caved into her stern state. So he hesitantly told her what happened to him over the past few days, and eventually reached the point where he struck a deal with the Governor of the Grigori himself.

When he told her that particular part of his story, the results were rather expected.

"What?! You made a deal with Governor of the Grigori himself!?" Kiyome shouted in shock.

"Sh! Sh! Sh! Not so loud Kiyome-chan!" Takeshi said while trying to shush her. He then held up his hands in a placating manner. "Look, let us calm down and-"

"You've made a deal with the leader of the Grigori! I'm not going to be calm about this at all!" Kiyome protested. "Fallen Angels are known to be aggressive and manipulative towards humanity, yet you choose to strike a deal with them anyways! What on earth are you thinking!?" Kiyome told him angrily.

"W-Well, Azazel was the one who taught humanity how to make weapons and jewelry rather than harming them. And Azazel did fall out of heaven due to lust. So I don't exactly think he is the type to lie..." Takeshi answered with his smile faltering.

"But you made a deal with him to stop the four Fallen Angels doing who knows what in this town. Stopping four Fallen Angels and then bringing them back alive. And seeing your skills, I'm sorry Takeshi-kun, but you stand no chance against them! I even had my Yuki-onna hold back when it fought against you!" Kiyome told him with a stern glare and tone.

"Well, if it makes you feel any better, Azazel sent me assistance, so I'm not doing it alone." Takeshi brought up a good part that he has, hoping that it would lessen the anger she has on him.

Unfortunately, her disapproving look said otherwise.

"Honestly Takeshi-kun...That kindness of yours will get you the best of you." Kiyome said while shacking her head, and soon gave him a concerned look.

"Look, Takeshi-kun, why did you even accept this in the first place? This kind of situation is way over your head. Why not just leave to those Devils?" Kiyome asked. Hearing that question, he grew a resolute look on his face.

"It's because I can't sleep well, knowing that the Fallen Angels will hurt innocents in the area. Just like what they did to Issei." Takeshi said with a focused tone.

"If Fallen Angels continue to harm everyone, then it won't make them happy. Family and friends might lose their loved ones because of them. I know it might be childish to say that, but I remember what my dad taught me." Takeshi said, getting a surprised look on his face.

"You exist for two things. To make others happy, and make yourself happy with the life you have. My dad fulfilled his role of taking me in as his son and taught me the art of magic, and he was happy to fulfill such a parental role. Now it's my turn to take on that role. When I manage to fulfill in seeing others happy, I'm happy in return." Takeshi told his childhood friend.

Kiyome just gave an incredulous stare at his response, before he sighed and shook her head.

"I would honestly say that this ideal of yours sounds so childish..." Kiyome commented.

"I know." Takeshi admitted with a smile.

"But...it's honestly noble and admirable." Kiyome admitted. "Takeshi-kun, I understand your want to keep others happy, but you shouldn't push yourself to this extreme. At this rate, you're going to get yourself killed." Kiyome warned him.

"I know." Takeshi admitted. "Don't worry Kiyome-chan. I'm well aware of my ideals. I won't do anything too reckless that won't end up hurting me. I prefer it that way. But I can't stand aside and let this happen" Takeshi told her with a a reassuring tone.

Upon hearing his answer, Kiyome lets out a soft defeated sigh, as if she knew that type of answer that is going to beat her.

"I knew you were going to say that. If it's one thing I know about you Takeshi-kun, is that once you set your mind onto something, you'll never stop." Kiyome said with a knowing tone. It was then she gave him a concerned look.

But...it's honestly noble and admirable." Kiyome admitted. "Takeshi-kun, I understand your want to keep others happy, but you shouldn't push yourself to this extreme. At this rate, you're going to get yourself killed." Kiyome warned him.