Azrael: The Awakening

The world burned…

Flames spread everywhere, devouring everything in their way. Tetsuya couldn't move, trapped in the heat.

A younger girl, holding his hand tightly, trembled as she called his name.

"Tetsuya!… Don't let go!"

"Tetsuya…!"

The fire grew fiercer, and the ground cracked beneath them. The girl's voice grew faint and then disappeared, swallowed by the flames.

Tetsuya fell into complete darkness.

He woke up suddenly, gasping for air. Sweat covered his face, and his heart raced. He stared at the ceiling, trying to calm himself.

"That nightmare again…?" he muttered, running a hand through his hair.

It was morning. Light streamed through the cracks in the walls. He sat up and rubbed his face, still feeling the weight of the dream.

His hut was small, simple. A table, a stool, and a pile of hay for a bed. Everything felt bare and empty.

'I need to go…'

He got up and stepped outside. The air was cool, and the morning was silent.

The hut sat beneath a large tree, far from the village. In the distance, he could see the kingdom's walls, but no one ever came this far.

A small pouch hung by the door. He grabbed it and opened it, counting the coins inside.

"170 coppers…" he muttered to himself. "150 for a small loaf of bread. One silver for something better."

He sighed, staring at the few coins in his hand. "This isn't enough."

'My hut's so far from the village. I have to walk miles just to reach it.'

'But at least I was given permission to build it. I can't complain too much.'

His expression softened as he thought about his future. "I wonder what my power will be when I awaken. Will it make life easier?…"

"Maybe I'll build a farm nearby. That'll help."

With a sigh, he glanced toward the village and began his walk.

[His name was Tetsuya, a 15 year-old boy who only wishes a peacful and normal life, there's only seven days left until his awakening]

[In this world, people has the ability to awaken, if they feel something emerged inside, they knew they will be awaken in 7 days]

[They use it to help their families or themselves, some use it to apply as a Knight to protect kingdoms]

'There's seven days for me to Awaken. I hope my newfound power will help me…'

As Tetsuya walked through the village, everything is lively. People were talking and laughing, and the day felt perfect. Villagers greeted him as he passed by.

"How's your business going?"

"I'd say it's pretty well—"

"Huh? That's Tetsuya isn't he…?"

"Oi! Good luck with your awakening, Tetsuya!" one person called with a smile.

"Thanks," Tetsuya said, waving back. "I'll do my best."

"Make sure that the power you get would help the village…!" another person yelled.

'Atleast people do care for me…'

The village was always full of life. People showed off their powers to earn silver coins.

"Only 5 Silver coins to watch, come right in!!"

Some controlled the wind, others played with fire or water, and some even lifted things with their minds.

"So cool!"

"I wish my powers were the same as him"

"I also want to have Telekenesis— No the strongest power, dad!"

Everyone applaused on the talented awakener, and chatted, while other daydreamed about their awakening as always.

Tetsuya felt a little jealous watching them. He wished his power would awaken already.

He quickly looked away, not wanting to think about it.

He walked to the small shop at the corner. The bell above the door rang when he entered, and the shopkeeper looked up from behind the counter.

"Ah, Tetsuya!" the shopkeeper said with a friendly smile. "What can I get for you today?"

"I'll take one small loaf of bread," Tetsuya said, reaching into his pouch.

The shopkeeper nodded and placed the loaf on the counter. "150 coppers."

Tetsuya counted the coins in his hand. He had 170 coppers, so he could afford it, but there wouldn't be much left after.

"Thanks," he said quietly.

"Good luck with your awakening, Tetsuya. You'll do great!"

Tetsuya gave a small nod and walked out of the shop, holding the bread.

He still had only 20 coppers left, and it reminded him how little he had left.

As Tetsuya walked through the village, he glanced at the Kingdom Palace. It was where awakened people applied to become knights, and their earnings increased as their rank grew.

'I can't wait to apply as a knight after I awaken.'

Tetsuya thought, his excitement growing.

Tetsuya sat down on a nearby bench and unwrapped the small loaf of bread he had bought earlier. Just as he was about to take a bite, a soft voice interrupted him.

"Excuse me... Can you spare some bread?"

Tetsuya looked up. A young girl stood in front of him. Her clothes were shredded and torn, her face covered in dirt, and she looked like she had nowhere to go.

Her voice trembled as she spoke, clearly nervous that he might punish her for asking.

Tetsuya paused for a moment, then without hesitation, he gave the bread to her.

"Th-thank you!"

She quickly ran to a corner of the nearby houses, huddling in the shadows as she began to eat the bread.

Tetsuya smiled softly to himself, watching her for a brief moment before standing up and walking away.

He had a job to do.

He worked as a farmer, harvesting crops for the day. It was hard work, and it took hours to finish half of the field. When he was done, he was handed 500 coppers for his effort.

"This is tough," Tetsuya muttered to himself. "500 coppers is barely enough... I need 500 more to get a silver coin."

He sighed only harvested 50% of the half field, while looking at the field of crops that still remained untouched. If he had harvested the full half, he would have earned a 1 silver coin.

'This is pain in the back… Well, I need this for my food I had no choice but to accept it'

This was all he could do. He had failed at so many other jobs before, and this was the only work that would take him.

After finishing his work, Tetsuya returned to the shop to buy another loaf of bread. He had enough to buy three small loaves.

"Back for more?" the shopkeeper asked with a friendly smile.

Tetsuya nodded. "Yes… I have enough to buy more small loaves of bread"

The shopkeeper gave a small chuckle. "What'll it be today?"

"Three loaves," Tetsuya replied, handing over the coppers.

"Coming right up." The shopkeeper wrapped the loaves carefully, passing them to Tetsuya.

"You know, I've seen you around a lot lately. Hard worker, huh?"

Tetsuya shrugged, accepting the bread. "Just trying to get by."

"Well, you're doing your best," the shopkeeper said with a nod. "Good luck with the rest of your work."

"Thanks." Tetsuya said, giving a small smile before leaving the shop.

As he walked down the street, he spotted the young girl again. She hurried over to him, her eyes shining with gratitude.

"Thank you again... for your kindness," she said, her voice filled with warmth. She reached out and gently touched his hands, a sincere look on her face.

"You don't have to keep thanking me."

"B-But you're different, you gave me your last b-bread for me… I c-can't thank you enough."

Tetsuya sat down in front of her and handed her another loaf of bread.

"Here… Make sure to stay safe wherever you go."

The girl's face lit up with joy.

"You're too kind... Thank you, really."

Tetsuya nodded and smiled again before standing up. The sun was setting, casting long shadows over the village. He needed to get back to his hut.

Back at his small hut, Tetsuya lit a candle. It was his only source of light, the flickering flame casting shadows on the walls. He sat down and began eating the two loaves of bread he still had.

'It would be nice if someone were here... so I wouldn't be alone'

He thought, staring at the dim light. He could only wish for more than this quiet, solitary life.

The next morning…

The sun was still rising, and the sky wasn't fully bright yet.

Tetsuya, still half awake, felt something warm beside him. It felt like a body.

As his vision cleared, he gasped in shock. The young girl he had helped yesterday was lying beside him, her head resting against his arm.

"Wh-what are you doing here?" Tetsuya stammered, quickly sitting up. His heart raced.

The girl, still half asleep, stirred but didn't open her eyes. "I have nowhere else to go..." she mumbled quietly.

Tetsuya frowned, his embarrassment growing.

'Crap… I forgot I said that"

"Can't you go somewhere else? You can't stay here."

A small smile appeared on the girl's face, and she slowly opened her eyes, looking up at him.

"You said to stay safe wherever I go," she reminded him gently.

Tetsuya flushed a little, realizing what he had said the day before. He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "I... I didn't mean you should come here."

The girl sat up and smiled brightly. "But you helped me, so I'm staying with you."

Tetsuya sighed, feeling a little overwhelmed. "What's your name, anyway?"

The girl's eyes sparkled as she replied, "Aiko. Shirasaki Aiko."

Tetsuya let out a long breath, standing up. "Look, Aiko... you can't stay here."

Aiko frowned, her lower lip sticking out as she looked up at him, her eyes pleading. "Please, just for a little while."

Tetsuya shook his head, unable to give in. "No, Aiko. You can't stay here."

He turned and walked towards the village. As he took each step, he heard soft footsteps behind him. He glanced over his shoulder and saw Aiko following him.

"Just because I was kind to you yesterday doesn't mean I can let you stay with me."

Aiko didn't seem bothered at all. She just kept walking, smiling brightly.

"I don't care."

Tetsuya sighed in frustration but didn't stop walking. "You still can't stay with me, Aiko."

But Aiko just smiled wider, her eyes full of determination. "I don't care! I'm staying with you."

"Where are your parents…?" Tetsuya asked.

"I don't have a parents, I don't even get to know them" Aiko replied.

"Oh, sorry about that." Tetsuya frowned, regretting for asking it.

"It's okay, it's no big deal" Aiko smiled, forgetting about it.

'She doesn't know her parents…? That means we're even'

Tetsuya couldn't help but shake his head, but somehow, he felt a small tug at his heart as Aiko's laughter echoed in the morning air.

[Shirasaki Aiko, 12 year-old girl she lives as a homeless person and her only source of shelter is the corner of the Houses, but it changed after Tetsuya helped her]

As Tetsuya and Aiko walked into the village, the streets bustled with life. People glanced at the pair curiously, whispering among themselves. Some greeted Tetsuya with a smile.

"Good morning, Tetsuya!" one of the villagers called out. "Who's the little one with you?"

Tetsuya cleared his throat awkwardly. "This is Aiko..." he said hesitantly.

One of the older villagers chuckled mischievously. "Oh, you're raising a child now, huh?"

Tetsuya's eyes widened in embarrassment. "What?! No! She's not—"

Before he could finish, another person joined in the teasing. "A father already, Tetsuya? Didn't think you had it in you!"

The group erupted in laughter, making Tetsuya flush red as he waved his hands defensively. "I-I'm not raising her! She's just—!"

But his protests were drowned out by their laughter, and even Aiko giggled. Tetsuya glanced at her, his face burning.

"Don't laugh!" he muttered, though Aiko's bright smile made it hard for him to stay annoyed.

With a resigned sigh, Tetsuya continued walking, Aiko following close behind as they made their way to the farm.

When they arrived, the farm owner greeted them warmly. "Ah, Tetsuya! You brought help today, I see?"

Tetsuya shook his head quickly. "No, she's not—"

The owner interrupted with a sly grin. "You know, letting relatives join in will raise the earnings. Just saying."

Tetsuya blinked, then slowly turned to look at Aiko, who had already made herself comfortable on a nearby bench, glancing at the field with a curious expression. His face grew red again, but this time, a small part of him felt a little excited.

"I-I guess she could help..." he said, trying to sound casual.

As Tetsuya got to work harvesting the crops, Aiko watched him for a while before suddenly standing up and walking toward him.

"What are you doing?" Tetsuya asked, surprised as she picked up a tool.

"I'm helping," Aiko said firmly.

Tetsuya raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

Aiko smiled brightly. "Because you helped me before!"

For a moment, Tetsuya was taken aback. Then, he smiled faintly and nodded.

"Alright. Just don't overdo it."

Together, they worked through the field. Though Aiko's small hands struggled with the heavier crops, her determination helped Tetsuya finish faster than usual. The farm owner, Naoda, watched them from afar, stroking his chin with approval.

When the two finally finished, they collapsed onto the ground, breathing heavily.

"That... was hard," Tetsuya muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.

"But it was fun!" Aiko said between breaths, laughing. Her laughter was infectious, and soon Tetsuya found himself chuckling as well.

The farm owner approached them with a wide grin. "You two did a good job today. Haven't seen teamwork like that in a while."

Naoda handed Tetsuya a small pouch. When Tetsuya opened it, his eyes widened in shock.

"Ten silvers?!" he exclaimed.

Aiko's eyes sparkled as she peeked into the pouch. "Ten silvers!" she echoed excitedly.

Naoda laughed. "You've earned it. Besides, I noticed your hut could use some work. Thought I'd give you a little extra to help rebuild it."

Tetsuya stared at the farmer, speechless for a moment, before bowing deeply.

"Thank you, sir Noada. I... I don't know what to say."

Naoda waved him off with a smile. "Just keep up the hard work."

As they left the farm, Tetsuya waved goodbye to Naoda. Aiko, imitating him, raised her hand enthusiastically.

"Goodbye, Mister Naoda!" Aiko yelled.

Back in the village, the mood was lively. Everyone noticed Tetsuya's unusually cheerful expression.

"Something good happen, Tetsuya?" someone asked.

Tetsuya grinned, holding up the pouch.

"I got paid ten silvers!"

Cheers erupted around him as the villagers congratulated him. But among the crowd, a few shady figures exchanged glances, their expressions dark.

At the bakery, Tetsuya approached the counter and placed two silver coins on it. The shopkeeper's eyes widened.

"Silver coins, huh? Finally moving up in the world, Tetsuya?" he teased.

"Something like that."

The shopkeeper handed him four fresh, warm loaves of bread.

"These just came out of the oven. Enjoy."

Carrying the bread, Tetsuya and Aiko returned to the hut. As night fell, Tetsuya lit a candle, its soft glow filling the small space.

They sat together, savoring the warm bread. Each bite felt more flavorful than the last.

"It's nice... not eating alone for once." Tetsuya said quietly.

"Then I'll keep eating with you." Aiko said with a warm smile.

As they ate, Aiko tilted her head curiously and asked, "What's your name?"

Tetsuya glanced at her mid-bite. "Hm…? It's Tetsuya."

Aiko repeated his name with a small smile. "Tetsuya... Hmm. That sounds nice, but—"

"I wanna call you something else…"

Tetsuya raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"

Aiko leaned forward excitedly. "... Onii-sama!"

Tetsuya almost choked on his bread. "O-Onii-sama?! Why would you call me that?"

"Because it fits!" Aiko said, grinning.

"You've been so kind to me, like a big brother. So, Onii-sama it is!"

Tetsuya scratched the back of his head, his face slightly flushed. "It's... I'm not used to it."

"But you don't hate it, right?" Aiko teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Fine. Call me whatever you want."

'Big brother huh…? How old is she, I'm not ready to be a brother yet'

"Yay! Onii-sama!" Aiko exclaimed, her voice full of joy.

Tetsuya shook his head, trying to hide his embarrassment.

"You're way too excited about this."

The excitement lingered as they finished their meal and prepared to sleep. Tetsuya insisted Aiko take the bed while he settled into the chair.

"Are you sure?" Aiko asked, clutching the blanket.

"You're the guest," Tetsuya replied. "Just don't drool too much."

"Hey!" Aiko pouted but soon drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, the sun barely peeked over the horizon. Tetsuya stirred awake in the chair, his neck stiff. Aiko, sprawled across the bed, drooled as she mumbled in her sleep.

"Oi, wake up," Tetsuya said groggily, rubbing his eyes.

Aiko jolted upright, gasping dramatically. "Huh?! Where am—oh. Just a dream."

"What were you dreaming about?…"

"Nothing!" Aiko said quickly, then poked Tetsuya's forehead.

"And you! You were sleeping too."

"…Ow—hey!" Tetsuya grumbled, fully waking up.

The two stepped outside to start the day. Tetsuya patted his pouch, ready to make use of the silver he'd earned. But as his hand touched his side, his expression shifted.

"Wait... Where's my silver?" he muttered, panic setting in.

He turned sharply and spotted two figures in dark cloaks sprinting down the street, a small pouch in their hands.

"Thieves!" Tetsuya yelled, breaking into a run.

Aiko, confused, followed him. "Onii-sama, what's going on?!"

"My silver coins was stolen" Tetsuya shouted over his shoulder.

Realizing the situation, Aiko clenched her fists. "What!?"

The thieves had to run miles away from the hut to reach the village, but now the tables had turned.

"Give it back!" Tetsuya yelled.

'Those are the only way to change my life, I wouldn't let them take it'

"Wait for me, Onii-sama!"

The thugs exhausting from the long run, they slowed down near the edge of the village. Gasping for air, they finally stopped, turning around to confront their pursuers.

"This kid runs too fast," one of the thieves muttered, catching his breath.

"Quiet," the other snapped. "Let's deal with him quickly."

Tetsuya came to a stop several feet away, his chest heaving. "Give it back!" he demanded, his voice filled with anger.

The thief holding the pouch smirked. "What are you gonna do about it?"

Before Tetsuya could respond, a surge of wind shot toward him, knocking him back. He stumbled but managed to catch himself.

"We're tired of running," the other thief said, glaring. "So let's end this."

Aiko ran to Tetsuya's side, her expression filled with worry. "Onii-sama, are you okay?"

"I'm fine," he said, grabbing her arm as she tried to rush forward.

"Stay back!"

"But—"

"No," he said firmly. "It's dangerous."

A knight suddenly approached them, with a single wave of his hand, the ground beneath the thugs' feet shifted and engulfed their bodies, trapping them in the earth.

The pouch they had stolen dropped to the ground.

"What's… What's happening?" Tetsuya exclaimed, quickly running to grab the pouch from the ground.

Tetsuya turned around to see that it was a Knight who helped them.

'Is that… A knight?'

Aiko, still fuming, stomped over to the thugs and angrily stepped on their faces, as if to vent all her frustration.

Tetsuya and the knight just stared at her, completely frozen in place, as she stomped and vented her anger.

Tetsuya blinked and shook his head, snapping out of his daze. "A-Aiko, that's enough…"

She immediately stopped, looking at them both with a satisfied expression on her face.

"Thank you again for saving us, we really appreciate it."

The knight nodded, a small smile on his face. "No need to thank me. It's my job."

He then introduced himself. "I'm Yamaguchi Itawa, 30 years old. Been working as a knight for 12 years now."

"That's awesome."

Itawa's expression turned serious. "Just a word of advice. Keep your pouch in a safe place. Don't announce your achievements out loud in the village either. Not everyone's your friend, especially when it comes to silver coins."

Tetsuya nodded, grateful for the advice. "I'll remember that."

Suddenly, Aiko's eyes began to glow with a brilliant light, and before either of them could react, a powerful surge of energy erupted from her body, surrounding her in a blinding light.

"Aiko?!" Tetsuya shouted, alarmed.

Itawa nodded knowingly. "She's awakening," he said. "It's her time."

Tetsuya watched in awe as the light bursts before slowly fading, revealing Aiko, still standing but now glowing with a soft radiance.

"What... just happened?" Aiko asked.

"You... you awakened."

'She awakened now huh?'

Aiko blinked, trying to process it. Suddenly, she felt a surge of power coursing through her body, and a mark appeared on her chest. It resembled a symbol of ice—a mark that was unmistakably associated with Cyromancy.

Tetsuya stared at the mark in disbelief. "What is that?"

Aiko, surprisingly calm, suddenly understood. "It's Cyromancy. I—I can control ice."

Itawa, clearly impressed, raised an eyebrow. "At such a young age, to awaken to such a strong class... She's got quite a talent."

Aiko focused and felt a chill in her fingertip. Curiously, she pointed at the ground, and a thin layer of ice instantly froze beneath her finger before quickly melting away.

Tetsuya was shocked, a smile spreading across his face. "That's amazing, Aiko! You've awaken."

Aiko quickly turned to Tetsuya.

"Did you see that? Did you see the ice?!"

"Yes I did." he replied, a proud smile on his face.

Itawa observed them both for a moment before asking, "Is she your little sister?"

"Y-Yeah, perhaps she is."

Before he could finish, Aiko piped up cheerfully, "Tetsuya is my Onii-sama!"

Itawa smiled, clearly pleased for them. "That's wonderful. Take care of her."

With a nod, Itawa waved goodbye and turned to leave, disappearing into the distance.

"Thanks again, Itawa-san!" Tetsuya yelled.

Aiko beamed, and they both continued on their way to the village.

"Where are we heading now, Onii-sama!" Aiko asked.

"We're buying items to improve our hut, and never forget foods"

'My life is slowly changing…'

They reached the hut as the sun began to set, and night had already fallen by the time they got home.

Tetsuya dropped the planks on the side of the hut then walked inside, but Aiko stayed outside.

"Why aren't you coming in?" Tetsuya asked.

Aiko looked down, her voice soft. "Onii-sama, It's my fault. I couldn't protect you, and I couldn't get the pouch back."

Tetsuya smiled gently, trying to reassure her. "It's okay. That's nothing to worry about."

Aiko looked up at him, her expression softening, and then she smiled.

She walked into the hut, and the two of them sat down to eat their new lunch.

Later, as Tetsuya slept in the chair, Aiko hesitated before asking.

"Uhm, Onii-sama…" Her voice trembled, as if she had a nightmare. "Onii-sama…!?"

Tetsuya slowly woke up, "What is it?" He asked.

"Onii-sama, can you sleep in the bed too?"

Tetsuya's face turned red with surprise. "W-Why?"

Aiko looked a little embarrassed but explained, "I feel uncomfortable. I remembered something from my dream… someone always used to pat me."

Tetsuya hesitated for a moment before slowly lying down on the bed.

Aiko grabbed his arm and snuggled up to him, feeling the warmth and safety in his presence, Tetsuya patted her head and she fell asleep almost quickly, feeling peaceful.

"You're safe now, Aiko…"

Tetsuya after saying the warm words, quickly realized what he just said.

'What did I just said…'

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