Chris didn't sleep.
He lay in bed staring at the ceiling, replaying the attack over and over. The Fallen Angel's eyes. The spears of light. The way his body moved on its own. The barrier that burst from his chest.
None of it made sense.
He wasn't supposed to have powers.
He wasn't a Sacred Gear user.
He wasn't anything special.
So why did he survive?
Why did something inside him awaken?
And why did the warmth in his chest feel like someone crying?
He pressed a hand over his heart.
"Alisa… what did you do to me?"
The room stayed silent.
But the ache in his chest deepened.
---
Morning Chaos at Kuoh
By the time he reached school the next morning, he felt like a zombie. Students were already buzzing with rumors.
"Did you hear something exploded near the park?"
"I swear I saw a flash of red light!"
"Maybe it was a delinquent fight!"
"No way, it was totally supernatural—"
"Shut up, idiot, that stuff isn't real."
Chris kept his head down.
He didn't want attention.
He didn't want questions.
He just wanted a normal day.
He didn't get one.
"CHRIS!"
Akeno's voice rang out like a bell.
He flinched as she practically glided toward him, smiling like she'd been waiting all morning.
"You look tired," she said, leaning in close. Too close. "Did you dream about me?"
He nearly choked. "N‑No!"
She giggled. "Shame."
Koneko appeared behind him like a ghost. "You smell tired."
Chris sighed. "Good morning to you too."
Koneko handed him a chocolate milk. "Drink."
He blinked. "Why?"
"You look like you'll pass out."
He accepted it. "Thanks."
Kiba approached next, offering a polite nod. "Rias wants to see you after classes."
Chris stiffened. "Am I in trouble?"
Akeno giggled. "Not unless you want to be~"
Koneko smacked Akeno's arm. "Stop teasing him."
Akeno pouted. "But he's fun."
Chris groaned.
This was his life now.
---
Classes and Confusion
Classes dragged on. Chris tried to focus, but his mind kept drifting back to the attack. Every time he blinked, he saw the spear of light flying toward him.
Every time he touched his chest, he felt that faint warmth.
At lunch, he sat under a tree alone, trying to breathe.
"Chris?"
He looked up.
Rias stood there, holding two bento boxes.
"I thought you might want company," she said softly.
He blinked. "You… brought lunch?"
She sat beside him, close enough that their shoulders brushed.
"I made it," she said, cheeks slightly pink. "I wasn't sure what you liked, so I tried a little of everything."
He stared at the box.
"You cooked for me?"
Rias looked away. "Is that strange?"
"No," he said quickly. "It's just… no one's ever done that before."
Her expression softened. "Then I'm glad I could be the first."
He felt his face heat.
They ate quietly for a moment. The food was good — really good — and he told her so. Rias smiled like he'd given her a gift.
But eventually, her smile faded.
"Chris," she said gently, "about yesterday…"
His stomach tightened.
"I'm sorry," he said. "I didn't mean to cause trouble."
"You didn't," she said firmly. "The Fallen Angels acted recklessly. You were the victim."
He looked down. "I still don't understand why they attacked me."
Rias hesitated.
"That's what we need to talk about after school."
---
The ORC Meeting
After classes, Chris followed Rias to the ORC building. The others were already there, waiting.
Akeno smiled warmly.
Kiba looked serious.
Koneko munched a cookie but watched him closely.
Rias gestured for him to sit.
"Chris," she began, "what happened yesterday wasn't random."
He swallowed. "What do you mean?"
Akeno folded her hands. "Fallen Angels don't attack humans without reason."
Kiba nodded. "They sensed something in you."
Koneko stared at him. "Something strong."
Chris felt cold. "But I'm not special. I'm not a Sacred Gear user."
Rias shook her head. "Maybe not. But something awakened inside you yesterday."
He looked at his hands.
The barrier.
The pulse of energy.
The warmth.
"What… what does that mean?"
Rias took a breath.
"It means you're not just a normal human."
The room fell silent.
Chris's heart pounded.
"I don't understand," he whispered. "I didn't ask for this. I didn't want this."
Rias's expression softened. "I know. But you're not alone. We'll help you understand what's happening."
Akeno nodded. "We'll protect you."
Kiba smiled gently. "You're one of us now."
Koneko placed a cookie in his hand. "Don't cry."
He wasn't crying.
But he wanted to.
---
The Goddess's Whisper
As the ORC discussed training schedules and protection plans, Chris felt the warmth in his chest again.
Stronger.
Clearer.
Closer.
His vision blurred.
A voice — soft, trembling — brushed against his mind.
"Chris… I'm sorry…"
His breath caught.
Alisa.
He felt her sadness like a knife.
"I didn't want this for you…"
His hands shook.
Rias noticed instantly. "Chris? What's wrong?"
He swallowed hard. "I… I heard her."
The room froze.
Akeno leaned forward. "Heard who?"
Chris pressed a hand over his heart.
"Alisa."
Rias's eyes widened.
Koneko stopped chewing.
Kiba's expression sharpened.
Akeno whispered, "The goddess…?"
Chris nodded, tears stinging his eyes.
"She sounded… sad."
---