The orb broke, and a surge of energy shot through the sanctum. The lights felt brighter than before, Seigan raised his hand to shield his eyes. A hand extended out to him.
Sakiko: Hey Seigan! Welcome back.
Seigan: Thanks.
Seigan took her hand. She helped him up with a surprising amount of strength.
Sakiko: WHOA! Your eyes!
Seigan: Yeah, it's my proof of contract.
Sakiko: That's so cool! I should've done that. I got this instead.
She turned to the left pointing towards her hair. Her once completely golden blonde hair now had a few streaks of white throughout the left side.
Seigan: Those few strands were enough to meet the requirement?
Sakiko: Yes and no, there's a bit more to it than this. I think I lucked out with my Deity though, she was super nice.
Siana stood and approached them.
Siana: So you formed a contract?
Seigan: You know it.
Before Siana could respond, another pulse rippled through the sanctum. Inezo's orb shattered, Sakiko ran over to help him up.
Sakiko: WHOA! Seigan look!
He made his way over to an overly excited Sakiko. Seigan took a step back as he was met with a face he'd never seen before.
Seigan: …Who the hell are you?
Inezo: Inezo Kyurao.
Seigan and Sakiko frantically analyzed him.
Seigan: What happened to your eyebags?!
Inezo: They went away.
Seigan: Eyebags like that don't just go away, you've had them since I've known you.
Inezo let out a sigh as if he was already bored of the conversation.
Inezo: So what kind of "Blessing" did you guys get?
Sakiko: Lemme show you!
Sakiko took a step back and started to stretch her legs.
Siana stepped in, holding a hand up to Sakiko.
Siana: No abilities. Can't risk damaging the sanctum.
The excitement on Sakiko's face faded into a stubborn pout.
Sakiko: Fine.
Another orb broke and revealed Tamiko. She stretched her arms as she let out a groan and she got up off the ground.
Tamiko: That was interesting…to say the least.
Tamiko flipped her hair to the side. The right half was now completely black.
Sakiko: Tamiko! You changed your hair too! It's like we have the same face AND the same brain.
Tamiko: That's certainly quite the coincidence.
Akida joined them next, unusually calm. She didn't say anything as she scanned the room.
Tamiko: Everything ok, Akida?
Akida: Well I'm not dead and I've got a contract so I'd say so.
Akida looked at Seigan's face.
Akida: You blind now?
Seigan: As much as I wish I was right now, no I'm not.
Sakiko narrowed her eyes as she inspected her friend.
Sakiko: Where's your proof of contract?
Akida: It's on my back, maybe I'll show you later.
Sakiko: No fair! You saw ours already.
Akida: That's not my fault, you should've chosen something more hidden.
The final orb faded. Takuro slowly sat up. He adjusted his uniform as he walked towards the group.
Inezo: You sure took your time.
Takuro: I couldn't exactly tell a Deity to –
Takuro stopped dead in his tracks while looking at his friend's face.
Takuro: The hell happened to your eye bags?!
Inezo: They went away.
Takuro: And got replaced by those lines under your eyes?
Inezo: Yup.
Seigan: Shouldn't there be more? One line under each eye doesn't compare to them.
Inezo: Yeah yeah, whatever. Where's your proof of contract Takuro?
Takuro patted his chest adamantly.
Takuro: Right under here.
Sakiko: Yours is hidden too? What's the deal?
Siana: C'mon back towards the door now, we've got lots to do.
The group moved back to the entrance. Vera, Elijah, and Haruta paused their conversation as they approached.
Haruta: I'm glad to see all of you succeeded.
Takuro: So what now?
Haruta: Now, you've put your foot into the door of the Divine world. But do not misunderstand, your abilities are new, raw, and untamed. That can be dangerous. Starting tomorrow, your training will begin.
She turned, already heading towards the elevator.
Haruta: Rest up, you're going to need it.
They followed Haruta out of the sanctum. Each of them changed in ways they never would've imagined.
The elevator doors slid shut and the soft hum of the lift filled the space. The brief silence was only broken by the faint dingof the elevator arriving on the 1st floor.
They stepped back into the familiar lobby. The desk was still there, and behind it sat the same friendly woman from earlier.
Secretary: Welcome back. Based on the changes to some of your appearances, let me offer my congratulations on becoming Blessed.
Sakiko: Thanks a bunch!
Siana: They need their IDs, if you don't mind. *Wink*
The secretary nodded and reached under her desk, pulling out a sleek, handheld scanner.
Secretary: Please stand still while I scan each of you.
Takuro was the first to step forward. The device made a faint beeping sound, then within moments, a card printed out from a small terminal on her desk. She plucked it and handed it to him.
Secretary: Here you are…Takuro Rimensberger.
Takuro froze.
Takuro: Wait…Rimensberger?
The others perked up at that, each of them looking at their own IDs as they received them.
Akida: Hold up, why do we all have the same family name?
Siana: That's my family name. Madam Haruta and I discussed it while you all slept on the way here from Japan, you're all under my jurisdiction, so you're all registered under my name.
Seigan raised an eyebrow.
Seigan: So, what? You adopted us?
Siana: I guess you could say that, but it's more like I made sure you all had official standing on the island. This way you can shop for groceries and the like without anyone questioning your origins. Besides, using your real names would be a bit risky.
Tamiko glanced down at her newly printed card, turning it over in her hand.
Tamiko: Huh…Tamiko Rimensberger.
Sakiko beamed.
Sakiko: Well, I like it! It's like we're a family.
Inezo chuckled dryly.
Inezo: Yeah, a dysfunctional one.
Sakiko: You're such a buzzkill!
Secretary: Once again, congratulations on becoming Blessed. I hope to see all of you again soon.
Siana motioned towards the door.
Siana: Come on, we've got another stop to make. Let's get going.
Siana once again guided them through the restless streets of the island, with all the activity and lights, the setting sun was hardly noticeable.
Sakiko: Where are we heading now?
Siana: You'll see.
Akida: Do you have to be so cryptic all the time?
Siana came to a slow stop, let out a deep sigh, and turned to the group.
Siana: Well you see…the truth is…I think it's funny.
Akida: I hate you.
Siana: Ahahaha.
They continued their walk. Siana occasionally shared information about the buildings they passed. Finally, they arrived at the doors of a supermarket.
The automatic doors hissed as they slid open. The group stepped inside greeted by the fluorescent lights and the many customers moving from aisle to aisle.
Siana: Alright, listen up. There's no food at the house…unless you consider expired condiments and a bag of rice food. So we're gonna stock up. You can get whatever just don't go overboard, and we specifically need something for dinner tonight.
Akida: How'd you let your house get that empty…
Siana: I've been away for a while, cut me some slack.
Sakiko: This place is huge! I didn't expect Xodur's Hold to have normal supermarkets.
Tamiko: People still have to eat…
Seigan: Yeah but do they have instant ramen? That's the most important question.
Inezo: If not, then I'll meet you guys at the house.
Siana: Nobody's going anywhere. Now go grab what we need.
They split up wandering through the aisles.
Takuro reached for a box of protein bars on the top shelf. He stretched, fingers just barely grazing the box. Then, without thinking, he bent his knees and leapt snatching the box off the shelf. He landed lightly, as if it were nothing.
Seigan: Wow, it looked like you were flying for a second.
Takuro turned to him with a bright smile.
Takuro: Right?! That jump felt great! It's got to be because of the contract.
Seigan jumped and grabbed another box from the top shelf. He and Takuro exchanged laughs as they took turns jumping up and down.
Meanwhile, as Akida reached for a can of coffee, a voice startled her.
Tamiko: Make sure not to drink that at night.
Akida nearly dropped the can, she spun and found Tamiko standing close.
Akida: Tamiko…Where did you come from?!
Tamiko: Aisle five.
Tamiko is holding numerous ink vials, as well as easels in a variety of sizes.
Akida: You picking up painting or something?
Tamiko: I am, yes.
Over in the spice aisle, Sakiko was chattering away at Inezo, who seemed very uninterested.
Sakiko: So what kinda food do you like?
Inezo: Edible food.
Sakiko: Oh come on, you know what I meant.
Sakiko turned around to look at the other side of the aisle only to be met with the back of Inezo's head.
Sakiko: Wait…Weren't you just right there?
She pointed behind her.
Inezo looked at her, with the same tired expression he normally carried.
Inezo: No.
Sakiko frowned, frantically looking back and forth at the two spots.
Sakiko: Weird.
Inezo just grabbed a random spice off the shelf and walked off with it.
Inezo: I think you're imagining things.
Sakiko: Right…must be.
The cart was almost overflowing when they arrived at the checkout. The group's faces got more worried as the total continued to rack up.
Siana pulled out her ID and scanned it at the terminal. A green light flashed, and the total immediately cleared.
Seigan: So how much money do you actually have?
Siana: A good bit. Don't get any funny ideas.
They placed the items back in the cart. Siana wheeled it over to a station by the entrance.
Siana: We can leave this here and they'll deliver the stuff to the house for us, let's go.
The night air was crisp as they left the store, Akida stretched her arms and let out a yawn.
Akida: Alright, so what's for dinner?
Siana: I told you guys to think of something…
Takuro: We should have all the ingredients for curry.
Sakiko: Ooh, curry! That'd be easy.
Tamiko: That's fine with me.
Siana: Great, now who's cooking?
A brief silence followed. Then, unexpectedly—
Seigan: I'll do it.
The group collectively turned to stare at him.
Akida: Lemme get this straight, you can cook?
Siana: Oh ho, plot twist.
Inezo cracked a small smirk.
Inezo: He's a good one too.
Seigan: I know my way around a kitchen.
Akida narrowed her eyes.
Akida: This better be good.
Seigan: Relax Mizuza, you'll be begging me to cook again.
Akida: Big talk.
Seigan: Big skills.
The kitchen was a restless space as all seven people were hanging out watching Seigan throw ingredients into the pot. The smell of spices filled the space as he stood over the stove, casually stirring, while a rice cooker hummed in the background.
Takuro: Seriously Seigan I've got to know, who taught you to cook?
Seigan answered absentmindedly, still focused on the pot.
Seigan: I used to cook all the time with my—
There was a pause before he continued, his voice more collected.
Seigan: —With my grandmother.
Akida leaned against the counter with her arms crossed, she raised an eyebrow but genuinely didn't care enough to pry.
Akida: Huh, I really didn't expect this.
Siana: How did you think he ate…?
Akida: Instant noodles and eggs.
Inezo: Sounds like a balanced meal to me.
Siana: Wow…
Seigan rolled his eyes as he reached for the salt.
Behind him, Sakiko curiously peered over his shoulder, her eyes shining with curiosity.
Sakiko: Oooh, it smells really good! Can I taste it?
Seigan: No.
Sakiko was already reaching for a spoon when he answered.
Sakiko: Just a little bit…
Before she could commit the deed, Tamiko yanked her back by her collar.
Tamiko: Leave him alone and let him cook.
Sakiko: I have to make sure it's not poisoned.
Tamiko: Don't be stupid.
Inezo: I say let her, if she drops dead then we know not to eat it.
Akida: Yeah but then we'd have to get rid of the body.
Siana: That's not as hard as you think.
Sakiko: I've changed my mind…
Seigan gave the curry one last stir before turning the heat off.
Seigan: Alright it's done.
Siana set the table, plates were filled, and seats were claimed.
Takuro practically inhaled his first serving and was already working on his second.
Takuro: Dude, this is actually amazing.
Seigan: You sound surprised.
Takuro: I am!
Sakiko fanned her mouth on the other side of the table.
Sakiko: It's spicy.
Tamiko, sitting next to her, rolled her eyes.
Tamiko: No it's not, it's mild.
Sakiko continued fanning her mouth while talking.
Sakiko: My thath duds are delicate. (My taste buds are delicate)
Akida ate with a quiet focus. Eventually, she glanced at Seigan.
Akida: …It's good.
A cocky smirk curled across Seigan's face.
Seigan: What was that? I couldn't really hear you over Sakiko.
Akida scowled at him, immediately picking up on what he was doing.
Akida: I said it's good. I won't repeat myself a third time.
Seigan: [I win!]
Siana had been watching the group bicker with an amused expression. She leaned back in her chair as the meal started winding down.
Siana: Alright, that's enough excitement for the night. Go clean and get some sleep.
Sakiko groaned.
Sakiko: We just got here and we have a bedtime?!
Siana: You've got it confused. Blessed don't get normal sleep like regular people do, every time you sleep you'll be able to talk to your Deity in your dreams. Your body may be asleep but your mind never is.
Inezo: You mean I have to talk to him again?!
Siana: YUP! Tonight I need you guys to not only learn about using your new abilities, but also just get to know your Deities. You're sharing a body after all.
Takuro: Fine, but what if I can't sleep?
Siana: Don't worry, my sniper has rubber bullets that'll knock you right out.
Takuro raised his hands in surrender.
Siana: Set your alarms for nine O'clock and meet me downstairs in the morning. Oh, and one more thing.
Siana got up and swiftly returned with six pieces of paper and six pens.
Siana: Elijah asked to tell him if you all wanted any personal items. Mainly stuff that'll help with your Blessing but feel free to throw anything else on there.
Akida: Clothes included?
Siana: Nope, you don't have to write that. Your training gear will be here tomorrow before you wake up, you can write any modifications you want to your gear though, you'll be wearing them quite often so make sure they're to your liking.
The group slowly started getting up, clearing their dishes, and retreating to their rooms. Each of them set their alarms to nine O'clock.
The weight of the day pulled Seigan's mind under, slowly drifting along the edges of consciousness.
Jazz music filled the silence, The studio walls shimmered into view, faint outlines of instruments floating around him.
Her voice echoed, playful and cocky.
Sonia: Welcome back Seigan.
There she was. Sitting in the chair on the outside of the booth just like before. She flashed him a grin as she messed with the controls on the console.
Suddenly, the small booth where Seigan stood stretched far and wide, as if it went on forever.
Sonia: Gonna need some space if you're gonna practice. Just remember, don't overthink, just feel the beat.
Sonia stepped into the expanded booth. She spaced herself out from him, although he could still hear her perfectly fine.
Sonia: Alright, tonight we're going to cover the basics. Sound amplification, vibration sense, and something I like to call "Vibration breaking". We'll worry about your advanced hearing when you're actually awake.
Seigan: Alright, I'm ready. Tell me what to do.
Sonia: Ohh wow, look at you. I'd thought you'd be more stubborn.
The sarcastic tone in Sonia's voice was something Seigan recognized all too well.
Seigan: Yeah well, I figured you wouldn't exactly be the best teacher, so we'd need as much time as possible.
Sonia: Why would you say that…I'm not a bad teacher.
Sonia's face dropped as tears started to swell up in her eyes. The sound of sniffling echoed through the studio booth.
Seigan: Hey hold up… I- I was just joking. You're probably a great teacher.
Sonia: Thanks, but apparently I'm an even better actor.
Seigan: Huh?
Sonia let out a mischievous laugh that shook the entire studio.
Sonia: You should've seen your face! "You're probably a great teacher Sonia, you're the best deity anyone could ask for."
Seigan: I didn't even say that last part! JUST TEACH ME HOW TO FIGHT!
Sonia: Okay, okay, now lay on the floor.
Seigan: Okay…
Seigan dropped down, the floor of the studio was cold beneath his back.
Seigan: Why exactly am I doing this?
Sonia: "Vibration Awareness". It's the ability to sense vibrations around you over a wide range, it's a good recon ability as you can feel people walking, or running. Once you're good enough with it, you'll even be able to tell how heavy someone is just by the vibrations they make.
Seigan: Sounds good. Super useful skill. But what does that have to do with me being on the floor?
Sonia: You're on the floor because you have to "feel" the vibrations and that's easier to do with your whole body at first. Now here's what's going to happen. I'll walk a certain number of steps, and when I stop you're going to hold up the number of steps I took with your fingers.
Seigan: Won't I just be able to hear you walking?
Sonia: You don't need to worry about that. Now close your eyes and focus.
Seigan: You're the boss.
Seigan focused his mind trying to do what Sonia instructed. He heard her take a single step, then complete silence. Even the hum of the studio's instruments disappeared.
Seigan sat in silence for a while, even though Sonia said to "feel with his body". He didn't "feel" anything.
Seigan: [This is stupid, she didn't give me any real instructions.]
A small tremor shot up Seigan's spine. Then another, then a third. He slowly raised three fingers.
The sounds returned all at once. The hum of the instrument, the soft buzz of the lights above, and Sonia's voice.
Sonia: Not bad. You got in on the third set of steps. How'd it feel?
Seigan: It felt weird, I didn't expect the feeling to be in my spine. By the way… were you walking heavier on your left foot on purpose?
Sonia: Very good Seigan! I honestly didn't think you'd be able to pick up on that. You might be even better than I thought.
The joy in Sonia's voice threw Seigan off, he was sure she'd clap back with something sarcastic. He couldn't suppress his own smile.
Seigan: Thanks…
Sonia: Now, time for lesson two.
Sonia clapped her hands. The sound created a shockwave that ripped through the studio like cannon fire, the surprise made Seigan flinch.
Seigan: The hell was that Sonia?!
Sonia: "Sound Amplification". Pour Serava into anything you do that makes noise and it boosts the result. Now you try.
Seigan dusted himself off as he stood up. He raised his arms and clapped. The sound echoed a few times but not like Sonia's.
Sonia: That was…kinda lame. Give it another try.
Seigan clapped once again and got the same result. Just a loud noise that didn't have any weight.
Seigan: It's not working. I feel like I'm using Serava but it's not getting any louder.
Sonia: Well that's the problem. You're focusing on making it louder when you should be trying to make it stronger.
Seigan: Any chance you could explain in a way that makes sense?
Sonia: Let me ask you this wiseguy. Who would clap louder, your friend Takuro or a middle schooler?
Seigan frowned.
Seigan: Takuro, of course.
Sonia: And why is that?
Seigan: Because Takuro is stronger, obviously.
Sonia: Exactly! So what you need to do is channel your Serava and make your clap stronger.
Seigan clapped his hands for the third time, channeling his Serava. The shockwave rang out, lifting Sonia's hair gently.
Seigan: There it is!
Sonia: That's better. We've got one more, it shouldn't take long.
Sonia held out her hand. A glass bottle materialized and she handed it to Seigan.
Seigan: Cool! How'd you do that?
Sonia: Did you forget this is a dream space? I can make anything for the most part. That's not important right now though, focus.
Sonia created another glass bottle, and she set it down in front of her as she sat on the floor of the studio, Seigan followed suit.
Sonia: Watch.
She pressed her fingertips to the top of the bottle. Instantly, an intense pulse ran up her arm.
CRASH! The bottle shattered into a pile of tiny fragments.
Seigan: Vibrations?
Sonia: Yeah, good to see you pick up on that. You've learned how to sense vibrations now it's time to expand on that. Most things on this planet vibrate at specific frequencies whether it's glass or steel. You sense it, match it, then force it.
Sonia pushed the fragments of glass to the side.
Sonia: It's a bit advanced for someone who got blessed yesterday, so don't worry about using this technique in an actual fight, it'll be useful if there's a door standing in your way though.
Seigan: I gotcha, I've done the other two, this shouldn't be too hard.
Seigan held his bottle in his hand. He focused his energy. After another moment the bottle exploded in his grasp.
Seigan: Haha, Yes!
Sonia: Haha, No! You used pure strength. Try again.
She handed him another glass bottle.
Seigan: No way! I can't shatter a glass bottle with my bare hands.
Sonia: You're probably thinking about before you had a literal God enhancing your body.
Seigan: Oh yeah… forgot about that.
Seigan closed his eyes. Trying to match the feeling he had when he was lying on the ground. He felt the bottle hum, it was faint, but it was there. He slowly created and tuned his own vibration. The two frequencies synced up for just a moment.
With a quick snap, the bottle cracked straight down the middle.
Seigan: Ha! How about that? That was pure vibration control.
Sonia: Yeah, yeah, proud of you kid.
Don't start slacking yet though. Now it's time to practice what you've learned.
Seigan: Ready when you are!
Seigan listened, practiced, and honed his new abilities, for what felt like an eternity. Just as understanding seemed within reach, an obnoxious noise overtook the studio.
Seigan: What the hell?
BEEP.BEEP.BEEP.
Sonia: Sounds like it's time for you to go.
She slapped her hand on Seigan's back.
Sonia: Concert time, let's put on a show they'll never forget!
Seigan groaned as he cracked open his eyes. The morning air was cool, he even considered going back to sleep. Until a condescending voice echoed in his head.
Sonia: You're acting like that lazy friend of yours.
Seigan jolted up and looked around his room.
Seigan: [Am I still dreaming?]
Sonia: Dumb question.
Seigan: Where are you?
Sonia: You weren't actually listening earlier were you? We share a body, I'm in your head, I see everything you see. I can even do this…
A low chill crawled through Siegan's body, the air around him wavered. Then, from the corner of his eye, something shifted.
Sonia's form flickered into existence over his shoulder, she wasn't solid—more like a hologram or a ghost. She hovered lazily, stretching her arms.
Sonia: 'Bout time, I was getting sick of being a voice in your head.
Seigan: [Great this is exactly what I needed.]
Sonia: I can hear your thoughts, you know.
With a sigh, Seigan pushed himself off the bed and ran a hand through his dreadlocks before pulling them into a loose ponytail. A box sat at his door, his new training gear—a white compression shirt, dark sweat pants, and the headphones he requested from the R&D division.
He laced up his shoes and went for the door, stopping right before he opened it.
He glanced at the Goddess watching over his every move.
Seigan: Hey can you go back into my head, it'd be weird if the others said something about you.
Sonia: Relax, kid. You're the only one who can see me, your friends'll probably have their deities right next to them the whole time.
Seigan was the last one to arrive at the basement training room. Siana stood near the center of the room, her sharp eyes watching them with a relaxed expression.
Siana: Glad to see I didn't have to wake anyone up.
Seigan: So this is where I'm gonna kick ass, huh?
Akida scoffed, turning to him.
Akida: That's pretty bold considering Siana hasn't even given us instructions yet.
Seigan: I'm just that confident.
Akida: You'd better be able to back that confidence up.
Siana clapped her hands together, drawing their attention back.
Siana: Ok, this morning you six are doing sparring matches. I need to see what you guys are currently capable of.
Tamiko: So who's fighting who?
Siana: First I need to know something.
She pulled a small notepad from her pocket and clicked a pen.
Siana: Each of you ask your Deity what 'layer' they're from. They'll know what it means.
Seigan: [Sonia?]
Sonia: What? I wasn't paying attention.
Seigan: [What could you possibly be doing…Never mind, what layer are you from?]
Sonia: Ahh, I'm from the 2nd layer. Not to brag but it's the best one.
Siana: Alright let's start from the right and work our way down. Seigan?
Seigan: The 2nd layer.
Siana: Ok nice, next?
Takuro: The 5th layer.
Sakiko: No way! Mine's also from the 5th!
Siana: Two from the 5th, Ok.
Tamiko: The 1st layer.
Inezo: The 8th layer…
Siana: I see…and you Akida?
Akida: The 4th layer.
Siana: Wow, really? Don't see that happen much.
Siana wrote in her notepad for another moment before shoving it back in her pocket.
Siana: Ok, now you'll be split into pairs.
Seigan: Nice! Inezo let's do this!
Siana: Not so fast, I'll be making the pairs.
Seigan: Aww, what?! That's lame.
Tamiko: Wouldn't one of the teams inevitably have an advantage from watching the other two fight?
Siana: You don't need to worry about that. Because your opponent will be…Me.