Chapter 13: Turning Point...? [2]

As if to obstruct Rei's process of thought, Tohka's body swayed, and while swaying she let out her voice. He wondered why—with her only just calling his name, caused shivers to run down in his spine.

"...So, what does this mean?"

"..."

Silence engulfed in the area. Rei, whose line of thought was supposedly going to answer Tohka, somewhat didn't answer immediately.

The reason for that is none other than her appearance and attire right at this very moment.

'That Astral Dress... but how...?' was what Rei thought. Her Astral Dress was vivid on Rei's mind, that wasn't Tohka's—or fundamentally, it was her Inverse Astral Dress.

And for Tohka, she obviously wasn't pleased with that silent response, while making an expression like a grumbling kid, she squeezed out her shaking voice from deep down her throat.

"Nn, Rei. Let me rephrase my question," Tohka spoke as she hummed while letting out a muffled laugh—as if she was feeling desperate. "Are you tired of me?"

At that question she touched her lips without thinking—what she was saying now choked her from within. She doesn't want to say those words at all, just the thought of Rei getting tired of their relationship already makes her insides churn.

On the other hand, Rei widened his eyes in surprise hearing those words. Even a stupid dense protagonist would understand what Tohka was saying about here.

"No, why did you think of that?" Rei replied with a slight frown as he questioned while tilting his head to the side.

He really honestly wondered why did she reach that kind of conclusion within herself. True, he has been spending less time on her as of late. But never did he thought of getting tired of her.

...

Okay, that might seem the case as of late for Tohka as he always cuts his time spent with her due to various... miscellaneous things and also priorities popping up one after another.

Cliched reason as some may presume, but it is what it is.

Rei was just making excuses here. He wouldn't deny that no matter how petty it may look. After all, why would you try to deny the truth?

The only thing you could probably do is embrace the fact, or twist it by roundabout means or make more excuses one after another deluding from seeing it as a 'fact'.

Still, that doesn't change the position Rei was in. At the same time, he put off a veil—or a barrier around the area. It was explicitly wide in size covering the park completely alongside some establishments.

'Things may probably get sour if everything goes south,' Rei wryly thought while quickly breaking down some ideas down in his head.

Fortunately, the people have already evacuated within the given amount of time. Things might probably get sour at any given second right at this moment. Dealing with such matters such as 'casualties' would only make his situation somewhat complicated in the long run.

And also, there is another reason for that.

As far as Rei knows, the existence of Spirits are completely hidden from the public. That's why the public specify that Spacequakes are 'natural calamities'.

What if the public knew of the fact that there is someone causing this devastating disasters? Be it intentionally or unintentionally? Surely, that would cause chaos all over the place and would probably even end up making a occurrence for a headhunt for Spirits.

To add, there are also people who would be interested on the things called Spirits. Some would even experiment with them which could be somehow worst than the fate of death to others, and try everything get the source of their powers for their own greed.

It was then, breaking him out from his thoughts, Tohka then spoke.

"...The why..."

"...?"

"Are you saying that flirting around with another girl is more important than spending time with me as of late...? I'm clearly hurt, Rei~" Tohka gestured with her hands placed on her lips.

Though her words seems as if she was just talking to him as if everything was okay, her tone visibly carries the hostile intent beneath it.

Scary...

"...What do you mean, haha..." Rei turned his head away seemingly feeling some kind of slight guilt all of a sudden.

"Don't avert the topic, Rei! Important you say? Does flirting around with a girl considered important?! And moreover, it's two?! TWO!"

Tohka shouted, and the moment her foot struck the ground, in the middle of the ground where she stood and it collapsed forming a small crater; cracks were spreading outwards from the epicenter.

Incredulously looking back, Rei gave out a defeated smile. At any second, things may go sour as he expected. He would at least take one slap at most...yes. At least he would.

...

...

As long as that slap doesn't kill him in the process that is.

At the same time, some thoughts twirled in his head. Looking at the scenery of the peaceful and tranquil park, he couldn't help but feel somewhat sorry for it since based on one of the conclusions he had calculated.

It was then, he felt a slight jolt on his body. To explain, this jolt signified a message that he placed upon himself. Somebody 'penetrated' or entered the barrier he made in the area.

The fundamentals of this barrier is simple. With the help of his Space Manipulation, it is 'simply' made to prevent others from seeing what was inside and isolating anybody who gets to close to it. Another one of the special aspects of this barrier of the barrier is that it cuts almost any connection from the outside world.

The main exceptions for example is the temperature, oxygen, the scenery from the outside, and other more. That's why it only 'almost' cut any connection from the outside world, not entirely.

And at the next second, Rei and Tohka felt two presences heading towards them. Soon, the sounds of footsteps became clearer and clearer. In short, they have arrived.

'From those running all over the place, these two didn't seem to even drop a sweat. As expected of the two. Nothing surprising really... however...'

Yes, however. Them appearing here in Tohka's sights was none other than a trigger in a sense.

'This park would definitely...be ruined. It would be a shame... really,' Rei thought as he stared at Gudako and Mashu who arrived with the former pointing her hands towards Tohka with a rather surprised and excited expression.

'Setting up a barrier would likely reduce the damage spreading from the outside...wait? How did she enter the barrier again? Hm... not that it matters anymore though, things like this should be expected from these pair anyways'

"Oh! Rei, you didn't tell me you have a... girlfriend?! Ah!" Gudako exclaimed before quickly realizing before a projectile made of energy was shot towards her.

"Senpai!" Mashu immediately donned her armor as particles of light surrounded her as she pulled Gudako away.

Tohka then observed the two who recently arrived at the scene with a frown. Not that they dared to only interrupt her time with Rei, they also had the gal to come here despite Rei making this...barrier that he calls to prevent others from entering inside it.

Turning to the orange haired woman, she can't help but feel somewhat intimidated by a hidden force. That's why she subconsciously shot her with that blast in order to neutralize the root from where she is felt it belonged. And as she could see, that didn't end up the way she expected it to.

Other than that, she could only conclude that the orange head was a rather pretty and interesting woman in first glance...enough to acknowledge her in a sense. She also guessed that she had a cheerful and energetic personality...which she somewhat felt that she would've ended up with similar personality if circumstances had been different.

Well, Tohka likes the way she is. Never did she have the thought of changing unless she deemed it as necessary.

Shifting her sights to the armored girl who stood forward with a rather humongous cross shaped shield on her hands. Her attire was definitely those of a Knight's, at that same moment, she certainly recognize the presence of the armored girl exuded.

'That armor... I see. It was no doubt that she is one...'

Widening her eyes albeit slightly, a dark gloom seemingly emanated on Tohka as she mumbled, "Another...Spirit, huh"

And then she alternated her piercing gaze between the both of them as she murmured in a rather dark tone.

Then, she glared, sending a look towards Gudako, followed by a glare at Mashu she extended a pointed finger at her as well. After that, she turned to Rei.

"Again…Rei. The important task you said you had to do while always leaving me in <Ratatoskr>, was it to meet and mingle with these girls here?"

"Ah, no no, about that…"

No well, although according to those words, it was certainly true but should he reply with a 'Yes' now, he was in doubt whether to tell Tohka his true intentions or not.

...

...

And, that time, he made up his mind.

"...Yes," Rei answered.

'Seriously, is this the feeling when someone's wife or girlfriend caught him cheating? Well, it was no doubt that this sucks ugh...it's not like I am cheating though...'

"Ah..." Tohka uttered with a weak voice... "...Mumumu," and pouted which was rather unexpected.

'I don't...get it? My my,' Rei thought as he tilted his head.

Tohka only pouted at him despite her looming anger ready to erupt at any second. If Rei had lied to her at that time, then she would have doubts if Rei really only has that much of trust placed on her.

Alas, he didn't. He answered honestly. Sure he told the truth, and that truth hurt her nonetheless.

'Punishments should be in order...right?' Tohka thought as she licked her lips.

"...Um! Girlfriend-san over there, we should probably be civil about here and talk this out"

Mashu who had been staring warily at Tohka since she first made her appearance, heightened up her guard as Gudako called Tohka out.

'Girlfriend-san... huh. I like the sound of it, however...' Tohka's thoughts trailed off for a second before shaking off her head in denial within her mind. 'That doesn't change anything I guess'

"Girlfriend-san...? Or rather, uh? Onee-san? Erm?"

"...It's Tohka... I'll give you a few seconds to explain everything before my blade slices you apart"

When Tohka said that, Gudako replied in a relaxed tone.

"Tohka-san then, I can explain the misunderstandings you both are having right now, if you let me that is"

"..."

Tohka nodded silently signifying her approval.

"Wait a sec, Tohka. Gudako, you..."

Before Rei could finish, Mashu interrupted him as she tapped his shoulder.

"Rei-senpai, I think it is better to let Senpai handle this matter temporarily. If anything, trusting her in situations like these never failed to meet anybody's expectations," Mashu said as she offered a reassuring smile.

Looking still somewhat amazed, Rei shook his head at them in denial. Letting someone handle this kind of personal troubles was something a irresponsible person would do—unless there's no other choice left that is.

"Now now, what are you—"...only to be interrupted again at the next second.

As if reassuring him, Gudako spoke in a rather confident and gentle expression.

"Rei, trust me," Gudako said while scratching her cheek before continuing. "I've been in situations like this more than enough to know where this is going"

Hearing her response, Rei shut his mouth. That look as if she was used or tired to this kind of situations, Rei couldn't help but look upon her with respect for some reason.

'I guess trusting her...this much should be fine,' Rei thought before asking.

"Really?"

"Your approval is all I need now, isn't it?"

"Your truly a busybody, you know that?"

"I know~"

"...Then go on. Either way, I will handle things in the end. Still, don't always stick your nose in situations like this," Rei said while Gudako smiled. "...is what I'd like to say. But that part of you is what makes you the Humanity's Best Master, right?"

"..."

"Just like a lone distinct star that will shine brightly in the horizons, your radiance is truly truly mesmerizing indeed," Rei said as he offered a genuine smile in respect.

"Uwah... Rei, do you talk this way to anybody—no, to every lady you talk to?"

"Of course not. Should I?"

"Hm. Yup, you definitely shouldn't. Unless you want to get stabbed by some random girl somewhere"

"Right, haha"

"Rei...what is that?" Tohka asked as pondered upon how Rei talked with that woman. They seemingly forgot that she—and the other girl was also here for that short while.

It really irked her. Ignored? Rei did? Why? How? In the first place, why did she not interrupt them? It was painful.

'His tone was different all together... Though not as loving and caring when we are back at home...to her, it just seemed filled with admiration,' Tohka pondered.

"Nothing, just a well deserved praise that I gave her"

"Then Tohka-san. Although I feel bad for you but it would seem that Rei doesn't feel quite great or satisfied with you as of late... right?"

"You dare presume...?!"

"Gudako...?"

Tohka and Rei both gasped at the same time, and then faced towards the Master. Rei, clearly tilting his head in confusion after he muttered her name. Shifting his focus to Tohka, who visibly flinched as she glared at the Master.

Okay, in one way or another, he felt the urgency to stop either of the two before anything drastic happens.

"Wait for a damn sec! I take it back, Gudako. What are trying to— huh?"

"Rei-senpai. L-Let Senpai finish first...erm, this is just a misunderstanding right? Senpai?"

"Right, it's just a misunderstanding of course, Rei. But it ain't far from the truth, right? Gudako said apologetically as she looked at Rei who blankly stared at her. "So um, you see, how do I put it? Hearing your conversation...no, I am just guessing, it looks like Rei broke Tohka-san's promise or something and then came to get him back right? Isn't this crux of the story?"

"..."

Tohka twitched her shoulders, and made a face like she could cry at any moment. Those words affected her more than she thought.

When Rei tried to raise his voice towards the Master's remark—Tohka, who is clearly unstable right now might causing her to rampage at any given moment.

As he thought, though his instincts tells him to let Gudako continue with what she was doing now, glancing back at Tohka, he couldn't help but feel hurt specially knowing what kind of pain Tohka might be going through right now.

Confusion?

Sadness?

Anguish?

Or maybe betrayal?

"That's enough—huh? Tohka?"

"...Will you keep quiet for a while Rei?"

While releasing a force that would not allow him to consent or refuse, she then hugged him outright which definitely halted his words.

Her body, he felt that it was slightly trembling.

Gudako who saw this held her chin with a grin before sending him a thumbs up with Mashu following up with one as well showing a rather embarrassed smile seeing the bold act of affection Tohka has for him.

Though it lasted for a while, it felt like a long time had passed between the two.

Releasing from the hug, the two of them stared eye to eye with each other. Tohka, as if pleading at him, within those...eyes reflected her intentions and feelings.

And Rei frowned from within. He completely understood her right at that moment. Just seeing those eyes which seemed had lost its luster gave the answer.

'That eyes....damn...' Rei pondered in his mind.

When Rei saw those dull colored eyes, he knew on the spot. In less than a minute or so, everything would've gone to one of those...not amusing conclusions that he came up with.

Well, he was prepared in some way or another actually. The only thing that he needed to worry about is the variables that may occur.

'The associates of Chaldea is already accounted for... so that leaves the AST who would probably show up after a few minutes despite their losses... and DEM... which would be most unlikely to show up as well....'

"Ehem," Snapping them out of their stupor, Gudako continued. "Now now, Tohka-san, let me explain from the beginning"

"...Continue"

"Don't mind what I said earlier by the way. I am just trying to see what 'Flag' Rei decided to topple himself on, haha"

"...Flag?"

"As I said, don't mind it too much," Gudako replied as she waved her hands in the air as she shrugged. "Then...about the time spent I think... It is correct that we might be the reason as for why you two are somewhat... quarrelling? Right?"

"Yes..." Tohka nodded as she crossed her arms under her chest.

"And the reason for that is that we are in need of Rei's help. He is surprisingly cooperative and helpful with our request despite being only mere acquaintances"

"Yes, mere acquaintances. Though I think I have been learning about him bits by bits due to us meeting almost everyday. And—" Gudako said that as a matter of fact, that information however, Tohka said quickly.

"Woman, wait"

"Hm?"

"You said that you and Rei frequently meets everyday back then?"

"Yes? Is there some kind of problem?"

"Say, did you meet him more than a month ago?"

"Yes...hm. It's about at the start of April, then yes. More than a month ago, why ask?"

"Then, another question"

"Yes?"

Gudako then saw the change of the conversation of the topic. Not that she disliked it though, Tohka seemed more reasonable right now.

Right...?

"April 10th. Did you meet Rei before that?" Tohka asked seriously.

Meanwhile Rei couldn't help but open his might slightly, "Ah..."

"April 10th? Yes, I did meet Rei before that mentioned date," Gudako answered as she reminisced while showing a faint smile.

"..."

She met Rei sooner than her.

Rei basically spent more time with that woman compared to her if every second was added.

Rei already has her, why does he seek other women such as this one? Is she not enough? Why?

Is Tohka jealous? Yes, she definitely is. Envious? Of course. Hurt? Obviously.

She needed to think this through, yet, the pang in her heart and the clouding up on her judgement in her head slowly began dominated her ever since a while ago.

'It was unfair,' That is the only single line of thought that began to swirl in her mind.

"Hm, hm? Is this jealousy I see?" Gudako asked in a teasing tone. "Take it as an advice from a random person, but not all men prefer their woman not to be always explain them every move they make~"

While shaking her head in amusement, Gudako continued, "Similarly in some cases, overly clingy and jealous women tend to make problems to the man they have there eyes on. Surely, you don't want Rei to abandon the relationship between the two of you just like that right"

"..."

Tohka silently took a glance at Rei whose expression right now could be called non other than blank with a wry smile on his face as he stared at the orange head talking.

"But!" Gudako made her tone higher than before. "That's only my advice. An opinion of someone who saw many things in life if you may! In the end, everything depends on you how you will act with it"

"..."

"Once again, it's just an advice okay? No, treat is as a joke, not worthy! Hahaha..haha..? Tohka-san?"

Tohka then sighed as she put one of her hands on her temple before facing Gudako with a expression that delivered a message as clear as day.

As expected, the whole ordeal would somehow end up like this.

"....I think I've heard enough, woman. Now Die"

——

[A/N: And here's the chap guyz.

...

...

This week, the realization hit me that I probably just used all my luck for FGO this year getting four 5star SSR Servants in two 30sq rolls in a row and two tickets... Also... no funds for Castoria this upcoming .

Ugh. Fcking salt works!

Should this be counted lucky or not? Getting 2 copies of MILF Raikou in one roll, Scathach, Okita Alter, and Nobu.

Is it worth it? Well, just comment down your thoughts and point out some errors if you may.

It's getting salty here... if you know what that means ಠωಠ

- Wryyy]