POV Narrator.
Bam!
Denji's head snapped back when Isagi flicked him straight on the forehead.
—I'm talking to you, dumbass. —Isagi said—. Are you thinking about the meaning of life or did aliens abduct you?
Denji blinked several times, rubbing his forehead.
—Grrr… —he growled, more out of reflex than anger.
—Don't growl at me, dude. —Isagi wagged his finger in front of his face—. Alright then, why do you look like you're having an existential crisis?
Denji lowered his gaze.
—Well… yesterday I got what I wanted… —he muttered in a dull tone—. But it didn't feel good groping Power's boobs. I think it's because Power uses padding in her bra. —He vaguely pointed at Power.
—WHAT DID YOU SAY, YOU FILTHY BASTARD?! —Power crossed her arms, outraged, her fangs showing as she huffed like an angry cat.
Isagi didn't need more details. Denji had fulfilled his "dream." And now he felt empty because reality didn't match the fantasy he had built in his head.
Classic.
—That's more normal than you think. —Isagi shrugged—. Every man goes through this. Getting what we want doesn't always make us feel better. It can be for a lot of reasons, like you don't believe you deserve it… or because you didn't earn it with your own effort.
Denji slowly lifted his head. For the first time that morning… he actually seemed to be listening. That made some sense, after all, he had only been able to touch Power's chest because Isagi had rejected the reward and handed it over to Denji.
At first he had been happy and excited, but it wasn't as good as he thought it would be.
.
.
.
.
—So quiet… —Isagi murmured with a faint smile—. I'd forgotten how peaceful a day can be when you don't have to kill demons.
He dropped onto one of the park benches, stretching his legs comfortably. The midday sun filtered through the tree leaves, casting uneven shadows on the ground. The distant murmur of people strolling around and the sound of water in the pond created a peace that felt almost suspicious.
He relaxed.
He had been there several times already. Sometimes just to clear his mind. Other times… simply to watch the ducks that, according to him, already recognized him.
Denji had stayed behind at Makima's office helping with paperwork. Paperwork that, indirectly, Isagi had caused by letting the Bat Devil wreak so much havoc in the city.
A destroyed building. Fallen streetlights… One or two serious damages to the street.
And why did Denji have to sign the documents for the damages Isagi had caused?
Simple. The moment Makima said the word "paperwork," Isagi vanished.
Literally. Power didn't even know how to write, so she was immediately ruled out. And as the only viable option left… Denji remained. Who also didn't know how to write… but at least he could stamp things.
—Hey, hey, hey! —Isagi let out a loud whistle.
Power had crouched by the pond and, without any shame at all, had grabbed one of the ducks by the neck.
—That's Captain Madwuack, put him down. —Isagi pointed at her with complete seriousness—. He's got his own platoon. Respect the military hierarchy.
Indeed, Isagi had named every duck in the park. Captain Madwuack was the leader. There was also a Lieutenant Feathers and a private soldier named Pancho.
—Huh? What are you talking about, punk? —Power frowned—. It's food.
She slowly opened her mouth, ready to sink her fangs into the poor "captain." The duck, unaware of its military fate, let out a desperate "quack." Isagi brought a hand to his forehead.
—Power… let it go before the entire platoon declares war on you.
The rest of the ducks began flapping nervously in the pond… and for a second… the peaceful park was about to turn into a battlefield.
—Give it to me! —Isagi stood up abruptly and snatched the duck away from Power before she could close her jaw.
The poor "Captain Madwuack" dangled in the air for a second before Isagi carefully placed him on the ground, as if he were setting down a high-ranking officer wounded in combat.
—My apologies, Captain. —Isagi raised his hand to his forehead in a perfect military salute, completely serious.
Without breaking character, Isagi pulled out a tiny hat from who knows where and placed it on the duck's head. Then he added three small metal badges he had found lying near the bench.
—There. Three medals of honor for your bravery in the Battle of the North Pond. —He nodded solemnly—. Now no one will doubt your rank.
The duck stared at him.
—Quack.
With its dignity restored, Captain Madwuack turned on his orange feet and returned to the pond, gliding across the water as if nothing had happened.
Isagi let out a long, satisfied sigh before sitting back down on the bench. Diplomatic crisis avoided.
—Are you crazy, Power? —he narrowed his eyes, glancing around and lowering his voice conspiratorially—. You could've started a war with the ducks. They're a very powerful organization… they've got connections everywhere. —He leaned slightly toward her. —They migrate internationally.
Power looked at him like she couldn't decide whether to punch him or ignore him.
—But I'm thirsty for blood! —she protested, pointing dramatically into the void—. Ponytail doesn't have blood in his stinky little home!
She was clearly referring to Aki's apartment.
The memory of the cramped space, the strict rules, and Aki's constant disapproving stare made her huff in pure annoyance. If it were up to him, he'd probably have her sleeping in the street inside a cardboard box… and then tell her she should be grateful for it.
Isagi rested his elbow on his knee and looked at her with a sly half-smile.
—Then suck your own blood.
Power went blank.
—Huh?
—Think about it. —Isagi continued, raising a finger like he was giving a masterclass—. You regenerate by drinking blood, right? So if you bite yourself and drink your own blood… you regenerate at the same time you're hurting yourself. —He paused dramatically. —That would be unlimited blood. A self-recharging system. Infinite energy. Basically… you'd become your own portable blood bank.
Power's eyes widened. Her brain, with an IQ comparable to two acorns fighting for third place, began processing the information.
—That… sounds incredibly smart… —she murmured, bringing a hand to her chin.
Isagi smiled in satisfaction. Perfect. She had taken the bait.
—Of course it is. It's advanced science. —he assured her with total seriousness.
Power slowly raised her arm… and opened her mouth.
The park, which had been peaceful just minutes ago, was about to witness something deeply stupid. And probably painful.
—I've got a better idea. —Power suddenly smiled, completely forgetting about the "infinite blood system" Isagi had just implanted into her brain.
Isagi raised an eyebrow, intrigued and slightly worried. He gestured for her to continue, as if making room for a brilliant strategic proposal. Huge mistake.
—Give me your blood. Yours tastes better.
Power's tongue slowly ran over her upper lip, leaving a wet shine as her yellow eyes sharpened with anticipation. It wasn't an innocent request. It was hunger. It was memory. It was craving.
Isagi froze for half a second. Then he made a quick hand motion, like swatting away a particularly annoying wasp.
—What? No— get out of here. —He took a step back. —No way, dude. Don't even dream of it. —He shook his head firmly—. It hurts. And it feels weird having someone suck your blood. Last time you almost had me seeing white tunnels.
Power puffed out her cheeks, annoyed.
—Come on, punk, give me some!
She stepped forward. Isagi stepped back.
—Nope.
—GIVE IT TO ME!
Power lunged without warning.
It was a fast, almost feline movement, arms outstretched and mouth open, aiming straight for his neck. Clearly she had analyzed the spot with the best blood flow.
—NOOO!
Isagi reacted on instinct. He jumped up from the bench and twisted his body, dodging just in time. Power, unable to stop her own momentum, flew right past him.
THOK!
Her face slammed into the edge of the wooden bench with a dry, painfully satisfying sound. The park fell silent again. A couple of ducks lifted their heads.
Power stayed still for a few seconds, her face smashed against the wood. Then she slowly straightened up. She shook her head like a wet cat and turned to Isagi, a vein slightly popping on her forehead. Isagi, completely unbothered, began miming the motion of cranking an imaginary music box.
With his other hand… he flipped her off.
---
End of chapter.