Chapter 6 The Search for Family

That place you called a "park" was the first instance of my being feeling unrest. ]

'Oh no! I need to go get to my parents right now!'

[I wouldn't suggest that, partner. As it is now, I do not know the location of your home, as I have never experienced being "aware" in that specific location, nor do I recognize the "presence" of your family.

Therefore, I cannot find them myself. You would be wandering aimlessly if you went looking for them now.

]

'But. .

! Aren't you a "spirit" or something, like my grandpa? You can't find people?'

[While it is true that I am a spirit, I am not the sort that you're referring to. I am an entirely different existence.

However, I do believe it is people to locate "people" as I am now, just not specific presences. At least, not specific enough to tell "non-threatening" existences apart.

]

'I-I don't know if I understand all of that, but. .

. If you really can "find" people, t-then all you have to do is just find two people who are alone together! Like my parents!'

[Nicely thought for a mere child. Not a bad suggestion.

Very well. I will try it.

]

Issei waited anxiously while Ddraig initiated a search.

[. .

I feel multiple groups of people. ]

'Really?! Where?!'

[There are three benign presences directly west of you. Then, there are another two, directly east of you.

West is behind you, East is in front of you. ]

'. .

So, east? That's. .

. this way! In front of me!'

Issei looked ahead of himself. Indeed, that did seem like the general direction of the house.

He can only assume his parents haven't moved yet. Even though he lost his way initially, he should know his way back if he reaches a certain street he's familiar.

[Ah, it seems one of the groups disappeared. ]

Ddraig's statement gave Issei pause.

[Within the group of three, directly west of you. One member of that group that I had detected seems to have vanished.

They must have perished. ]

Issei's body experienced another wave of chills and his stomach felt nauseous.

—Death.

That's right. People were dying.

Just like this random girl's family, people were being killed by monsters. People were dying and there was nothing anyone could do…

Nothing Issei could do. .

?

'. .

Hey, D-Ddraig-san? You said this "thing". .

. This, um, "gear.

" You said it does things right? It's my "power," right? . .

Do you think. .

. I can use it to k-kill those monsters?'

[No, that's entirely impossible. As you currently are, you will die in an instant if you go up against any of these.

]

(—?!)

…. Nothing.

This wasn't like Issei's favorite super-hero shows that he always watched with Rin. No.

In this situation, Issei could do absolutely nothing. .

.

'. .

. Why?.

. .

Why is this happening to us, Ddraig?. .

. Why?'

[I'm afraid I don't have the answer to that, partner. I've never witnessed such a peculiar event either.

It's odd for such an ensemble of powerful creatures to be in such close proximity to each other naturally. Their auras differ in magnitude and compatibility.

Most of them feel as if they belong in entirely different parts of the world, and some even remind me of the netherworld. Something like this could not be a spontaneous event.

]

'Spont. .

. ? W-What do you mean by that, Ddraig?'

[It means: This was intentional. Someone did this to you.

]

'. .

?! Intentional…? That word means "on purpose?". .

. '

[Yes. There is no other likely possibility.

You are in the human world, with the wrong beasts in the wrong areas, all packed closely together. This situation does not, and cannot, occur naturally.

]

'No way. .

. Who could've done something like.

. ?'

—The image of the random girl's decapitated mother flashed through Issei's mind once again. It was quickly replaced -- by his own mother's head.

'I have to go! I have to find Mum and Dad!'

[Partner, I cannot guarantee that when you locate your family, they'll be safe. I can't focus all of my attention on keeping them in view either.

My first priority is to make sure that you survive this. The greatest advice I can provide you with is to tell you to hide yourself.

If you can't do that, then I will prioritize masking your presence, at the very least to the point where no beast will stumble upon you in close ranges. And doing that will require practically all of my attention.

I might not even be able to warn you when any threats do indeed get close, maybe not until it's too late. ]

'I don't care about that! I have to find Mum and Dad!

[. .

Very well. If you do this, I won't be able to communicate with you as frequently or easily as I am now.

You will need to be the one who initiates contact with me. Be sure to keep aware of your surroundings.

I don't think I'll be the one to warn you of any incoming threats. Listen well to your surroundings and look everywhere you plan to step.

Move from shadow to shadow. Avoid open and well lit areas.

Everything seems fairly dark around you save for the moonlight so that should be an easy task. And most of all, try not to speak aloud or scream.

You mustn't make any unnecessary sounds, especially if you encounter any beasts along the way. Hold your breath and don't make any sudden movements.

]

'T-That's a lot for me to do. .

. But, if it means getting Mum and Dad then okay! Here we go!'

Issei stood up and was ready to dash towards the direction of his house with the unconscious girl still in his arms.

[A fundamental issue still remains, partner. ]

'Issue? What is it?'

[The girl in your arms. I cannot mask her presence in any way possible.