Chapter Text
"Poor, pitiful soul..."
The nameless child's head turned around in the blink of an eye. Seeing a dark shadowy figure, floating behind him. Despite their aura being ice-cold, their embrace was warm. The nameless child felt weaker, fainter. His head spinning. It felt like a heavy weight was placed against their eyes, as he struggled to keep awake. Taking one last look at the dark, yet warm figure, he subconsciously extended their hand out before losing consciousness.
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When the nameless child woke up, he was in a barren place illuminated by blueish green flames. The trees were dead, charcoal-black whilst the ground was dried-up grass. Amidst all this, were translucent people lining up and being distributed into different places. One called heaven, which had golden arches, tiny angels playing trumpets and fluffy-looking clouds, whilst hell had scorching, scarlet-vermillion flames all over it and broken swords scattered through-out. As the nameless child looked around, they saw the dark, shadowy figure from before. Sending the child's inner question, the figure answered. Gently, warmly.
"You're in the afterlife, young one."
The nameless child didn't seem so surprised, having internally guessed that. Yet, he pondered over how that happened. Was it the figure who had put their soul to rest? He somewhat doubted it.
Ah.
He recalled not having eaten, or drank for a few days. That must be why. He slowly lost motivation to do simple tasks, and simply followed his master's orders. It made sense why he had died, most likely due to a lack of water and malnutrition. Possibly even overwork- no, that was impossible. He was just doing the normal, moderate amount of work, right...?
The figure, sensing they had processed the revelation, proceeded to gently introduce themselves.
"I, am Mother Death. The Reaper, or the Judge between life and death. When it's time for people to pass on, I arrive and make sure they can move on from their lives. If they can't, they are forced to be bound to Earth till they fulfil their inner desire. That, is unfortunately something out of my power, and something I deeply regret."
They then placed a hand on the Nameless Child's head, gently stroking it.
"You, however, are practically indifferent. Slightly leaning towards death, yet having enough reason to live that you can maintain a physical form in the human world. You're one of a kind, really. In all my thousands upon thousands of years here, I've never seen such a case like you. And as such, I would like to make a selfish request."
They crouched down, meeting the child's gaze.
"Would you like to become an Emissary of Death, that can bring the souls of the departed here? To fulfill their last wishes, and help them move on?"
The Nameless Child's composure shattered for a brief moment. Of all the billions of people on the world... they were the one that was needed? They shook their head, unable to believe it. Perhaps in that moment of shock, his body made a lapse in their judgement and caused the words he was holding back to be spoken out.
"You must be joking. I, of all people, being assigned a duty? That's preposterous..."
Mother Death, having heard this, genuinely seemed a little saddened. They now gently cradled the child's face in their hands, sighing.
"Would you give me an opportunity to prove to you that it's real?"
It was like a fever dream, really. He, of all people, being asked for something? Not an order, an actual choice. Were pigs flying? Was the world magically healing? No, it- it must be a joke, right? Yet... seeing Mother Death's expression... even a baby could tell it was real. He just, couldn't swallow the fact that it was. Why? Why was she being so caring? Why was Death, treating him better than Life? Did the gods have this much of a twisted mindset?
He nodded, not really knowing what to do. Mother Death gently took his hand, and showed him around. Teaching him the basics. How to sense and see souls, how to wield them... How to use sorcery and curses... The Nameless Child seemed to have quite a good aptitude for it. Able to grasp concepts in a short time, and already having quite a good constitution because of his calm and soft demeanour.
After just a few months, he was already on-par with someone who had been training for about 4 years. It was remarkable, and it was clear he was a prodigy. Mother Death themselves thought that if they just had grown up in a better environment, he'd surely be a much better sorcerer. Known throughout the world. If only his circumstances weren't bad, he could have had such a bright future...
And then, came the decisive question.
"I have trained you for a few months, and showed you who I am. Nothing to hide. Do you now believe me, when I say that I truly want you to be an Emissary Of Death?"
The Nameless Child simply nodded, having no counter-argument. He had saw their kindness and patience. Sincerity, and passion in curses and sorcery. He had seen their genuine happiness when he asked questions, or when he mastered a more difficult spell. How could he say no, when there was nothing to deny?
Mother Death was secretly pleased at this, but hid it deep inside her. She then extended her hand, asking once again... "Would you like to become an Emissary of Death, that can guide lost souls back to the afterlife? That can free them of their sins, guilt, or regret that's binding them to the mortal realm?"
For the first time, The Nameless Child made a choice for himself.
"Yes."
He spoke, and Mother Death smiled.
"Very well. Then, do you have any wish? I'll do my best to grant it, as long as it's within my power."
"Any... wish?"
"Yes, indeed. Anything."
"Then, can I meet the kind man who gave me a glimmer of hope in the dark...?"
"One day, child. I'm sure you will.
"Mm."
The two sat in silence for a moment, before Mother Death spoke up.
"May I bestow upon you a name? It'd seem quite impolite of me to simply call you, 'Child'. Of course, this is just my assumption that you do not have a name."
"...Miss Mother Death, you're correct. I do not.
"I see. Then, would you prefer?"
"I have no preference... whatever you choose, I'll accept with open arms."
"Well then, what about..."
"Hikarino Shu?"
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The once vibrant skies were now reduced to ash-black. Only illuminated by the shimmering, golden hue of the stars and the warm, ambient street lights. On the streets, a person with flames on their back stood out. Having a purple and blue hue to them. Yamino Shu, a sorcerer who belonged to a group of quite abnormal people called Luxiem, was currently on his way to do a job.
The job details were quite vague, so to say. Arriving at a location, and exorcising a curse? It was practically screaming that it was a scam! Yet Shu, being the kind-hearted and helpful person he was, couldn't help but slightly worry if it was a real job. So, against everyone's words, ESPECIALLY Ike's, he took the job.
The venue was dark, having an unsettling atmosphere. The wooden roof had eroded, cracked over years of abandonment. The concrete floor faced the wrath of Mother Nature. Being engulfed in vines and greenery of all sorts. Upon all this, stood a figure. Illuminated by the moonlight shining through the roofs, they stepped forward.
"How ignorant... you've fallen into my trap." In the next moment, a glistening, sky-blue barrier appeared. Sealing the both of them in. The figure stepped forward, carrying a talisman. "A few years ago, you defeated me in a duel... now, it's time we settle this once and for all, Yamino Shu-" "Apologies for the err, interruption- Who are you?" Shu calmly asked with a raised an eyebrow, still having that same composed smile on him. He discreetly took out a paper shikigami and wrote a message on it before sending it off.
The figure's eyes widened at Shu's words, slightly backing up before falling to their knees. "You- you don't remember me?! How?! This battle was supposed to be our destiny, Yamino Shu! I am the second greatest sorcerer, and I now want to reclaim my title of being the strongest!!" Shu simply tilted his head at this, feeing a tad bit amused. The figure, seeing this, was enraged. He couldn't believe Shu had forgotten him, not to mention he wasn't even taking this seriously!
Taking advantage of the moment, he charged at Shu with the talismans in his hand. Chanting a powerful spell. Shu, realising he had underestimated his opponent, quickly took out his shikigamis. The two clashed in a powerful battle, their spells sending shockwaves towards the barrier. Yet, it held up strong. A myriad of colours were displayed in this duel against two, strong sorcerers. Yet, unbeknownst to Shu, there had been a second person all along...
In a fraction of a second, it was decided. A sword pierced through Shu's stomach. Time seemed to freeze around them as the world came to a sudden halt.
It was then, that a shadowy, translucent figure appeared beside him. They embraced Shu. Gently caressing his face, cradling Shu's dying body in their arms. "Yamino... would you like to see your friends again?" The figure asked. Their voice soft, gentle as the breeze. Shu's breath hitched as he heard the voice. It sounded familiar, yet he couldn't quite put his hand on it. Brushing off the thought, he focused on the more important matter. "Y-yes. I'd like for that..." He weakly muttered, his eyes slowly closing as time ticked by. "Excuse my intrusion, then." The figure smiled softly, before healing Shu's body and taking over. Before Shu lost consciousness, he saw his eyes turn green and his ahoge becoming purple in colour...
The sword was pulled out of Shu's stomach, and he dropped to the ground. "You shouldn't have underestimated me, sorcerer! Cowardly- unfair?! I care not! For this was all for the sake of revenge-" "Yes, yes, I heard you now shut up for a second!!" The second attacker exclaimed, easily shutting the first attacker's mouth.
Suddenly, 'Shu''s body stood up. The wounds closing up in an instant as he conjured fire. Not Shu's usual purple fire with a blue hue. This time, it was pitch-black with a green hue. The two attackers froze at the sight, before the first one laughed heartily. "So you weren't even serious?! I knew it, you wouldn't fall that easily-" A hand landed on his head. The first attacker's body turned pale, skin wrinkling, before they dropped to the ground. Lifeless. The same thing happened to the second attacker in a matter of seconds, and they both laid on the ground. Dead.
"Ah... Poor souls, I better send them off personally when I get back." 'Shu' said, with a calm, empty and soft voice that was unlike of the sorcerer. As he got ready to get rid of the evidence, the door slammed open. Revealing the members of Luxiem.
"SHU! WE RECEIVED YOUR SHIKIGAMI, WE'RE HERE TO- uh... h-help...?" Ike had exclaimed, but his voice wavered at the end as he saw the corpses on the ground. The poor novelist let out a screech at the sight, his arm trembling as he pointed at the bodies. "Holy crap- Shu you totally annihilated them! Why'd you send a note then?" Mysta asked, tilting his head. The two then felt a pat on their shoulder, by Vox who was staring at Shu. Ike and Mysta then finally took a proper look at Shu, before simultaneously exclaiming: "WHAT THE FUCK?!" Luca whistled, smiling brightly. "POG, man! Did you get a new look? You look great!" 'Shu' simply stared at them, before sighing deeply.
Now, how did all this happen...? Flashback to around 10 minutes ago...
At the Luxiem household, Ike was happily humming Hatsune Miku songs. Cleaning the front porch before Shu's shikigami landed straight on his arm. Curious and concerned, the novelist read the note before screaming so loudly it may as well have ruptured a few eardrums. "SHU'S IN DANGER?!" Mysta, Luca and Vox immediately darted out of whatever they were doing and rushed towards Ike's side. "What do you MEAN he's in danger Ike?!" Mysta exclaimed, clearly concerned before Ike handed the shikigami to the worried trio.
The shikigami stated, and I quote: "Gonna be late, scaryyy and weirdge enemy here!" The moment the trio read the note, their faces noticeably paled. Shu was known for downplaying many things, including whenever he was in danger. As such, the four of them made the shikigami lead them back to Shu... and that is how we got here.
"Err... hey, yall...!" 'Shu' exclaimed, trying to imitate Shu's causal and goofy tone. Though, the attempt was clearly not good enough as the entirety of Luxiem immediately knew something was fucking off- "IMPOSTOR! YOUR AN IMPOSTOR!" Mysta exclaimed, screaming like a rat. "Calm down Mysta! Maybe Shu has a secret twin brother?" Ike proposed, having calmed down but still bewildered by the situation. Vox nodded in agreement. After all, how could he ever dare to not agree with Ike's? And Luca... he still didn't get the situation. "Soooo, you're Shu's twin brother? Poggers! Where's Shu?"
'Shu' simply blinked at the four, before softly sighing. "Dear benefactors, have you all heard of Yamino talking about alters?" The lightbulb lit in all of Luxiem's heads as they stared with wide eyes at the figure before them. "YOUR SHU'S ALTER?!" They exclaimed in unison. Hikarino was slightly surprised, not expecting Shu to have actually mentioned an alter. before nodding in agreement. "Indeed." Ike couldn't believe his eyes, whilst Mysta elbowed Vox. "Told ya he wasn't lying!" Vox was gaping at the revelation, still trying to process it. Luca, being the golden retriever that he is, extended his arm out to Hikarino. "Nice to meet ya Shu's alter! I'm Luca Kaneshiro, hope we get along-" "LUCA! HOW ARE YOU SO CALM?!" Ike exclaimed, but Luca simply smiled at Ike. "He's Shu's alter, right? Shu isn't bad, so he can't be bad." The trio facepalmed at Luca's words. The man was really too optimistic at times...
Hikarino chuckled slightly at Luca's words, unable to hold it in any longer. His heart felt a hint of amusement. He kept his composure, saying: "Well, you aren't wrong Sir. Though, I won't suggest getting your hopes up. Alters are quite complicated, and I doubt even Yamino himself can explain it clearly." Vox, having regained his composure, tilting his head. "How complicated is it?" Mysta perked up at the as well, just as curious. Hikarino studied their reactions, before continuing. "Alters are versions of yourself from different worlds. The world I come from, I'm an Emissary Of Death. So... keeping your guard up is recommended." He casually and softly stated, as if it were normal.
Luxiem's brains just melted at the sudden revelation. It caught them totally off-guard, especially Ike who was not too used to this because of his somewhat normal occupation. "Wait, you're from another world? And the Emissary Of DEATH?!" Mysta exclaimed, slightly scared whilst Luca's eyes practically SPARKLED- "Even better, bro! That's cool!" Ike facepalmed at Luca's obliviousness and Vox simply chuckled at the situation. Hikarino had small, rare smirk on his face. Clearly amused, which was a rare moment of him letting his guard down.
After Luxiem brought Hikarino back to their house, Ike froze as he realised something horrifying. "Wait... Shu can't just cancel his stream now, because it's so near and it's company policy- so... Shu's alter... when does Shu wake up? Hikarino blinked, causally replying: "In... a day?" Luxiem stared at him, faces turning paler. Even Luca... Hikarino pondered for a moment, before his world shattered. He- he has to...
STREAM AS SHU?!
"I... truly cannot do this... I- I'm an Emissary Of Death... I have no knowledge on what this-streaming thing is..." Hikarino's tone wavered, filled with slight uncertainty. Sure, he wanted to HELP Shu in the past as it was his lifelong wish... but he couldn't help him that much in this aspect!
Luxiem simply stared before erupting into full-blown panic-
Ike: "...We're FUCKING DOOMED-"
Mysta: "HOW CAN THIS GET ANY WORSE?? LIKE- WHAT DO WE DO?! VOX, ANY IDEAS???"
Vox: "...I er... I can uhm... uh... yes."
Ike: "VOX! V-O-X, A-K-U-M-A!"
Vox: "I'm so sorry my dear Ike Eveland! I simply cannot fathom such an unpredictable situation!"
Luca: "Uh... Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhh I'm out!" *Insert disappearing guy meme*
Ike: "LUCA!!"
Mysta: "Yeah, we're cooked. Even more than my own cooking..."
Vox: "So, Shu's alter... do you know anything about technology?"
Hikarino simply stared blankly at them, before sighing deeply. He didn't know a thing! What the fuck is streaming, heck what even his Shu's occupation or whatever?! He's literally an isolated piece of shit who hasn't touched grass in years! And so, Death's Emissary himself had to pathetically confess that he didn't. In Shu's room, Ike and Mysta helped him set everything up and left him on his own for streaming! Very, very helpful Ike Eveland and Mysta Rias from Nijisanji EN's 4th wave Luxiem...
Hikarino looked at Shu's schedule for the week. Huh- valorant? That was certainly a new thing... and he didn't know shit! Once he started stream and placed it on the intermission, he looked at chat. Or, whatever they were called. They were "chat", right? Goddamnit he should have listened when Ike taught him- well anyways, EVERY single message was talking about how good Shu would play today... yeah fuck, Hikarino was doomed wasn't he? He'd play like crap, he was certain...
Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, and the "chat" thing was going absolutely wild! Holy shit, how popular was Shu?! And heck, he still didn't know what the fuck was streaming... Goddamn it. He really had to wing it, huh? So anywho, he stayed dead silent and pressed the start button where he IMMEDIATELY died. Much to chat's shock as it froze for an entire, 5 seconds. Then, the messages came in. "WHAAAA-?!" "SHU, ARE YOU ILL-" "HOLY MOTHERFUCKING CRAP, SHU YAMINO LOSING?!" They were rightfully shocked, or at least, Hikarino assumed so. Fucking dammit, Shu was probably damn good at this wasn't he...
Even Nijisanji Livers themselves raided the chat live on stream-
Elira Pendora: "SHU??? WHO IS THIS IMPOSTOR?"
Oliver-sensei: "Oh my god, I can't believe my eyes..."
Kyo Kaneko: "Yoo, das actually CRAZYYYY!"
Enna Alouette: "Shu, did you fucking hit your head??"
Everybody was practically getting on Hikarino's nerves, who, despite being calm, wasn't used to losing.
"One has no knowledge on what this is... how do you even use this electronic box?" He muttered to himself, sighing and brushing his hair back. Perhaps he really should read the tutorial, like Mother Death always tells him to do.
Well, unfortunately, that sent chat into even more of a frenzy. "SHU YAMINO, WHAT HAPPENED???" "HUH-" "WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY SHUBERT?" Heck, even Shu's manager had joined the chat... and the livers were definitely even more shocked.
Rosemi Lovelock: "S-Shu..."
Petra Gurin: "Dang. He became formal."
Enna Alouette: "...Shu, the technology support, is suddenly stupid asf."
Nina Kosaka: "Shu, my boy, could you repeat that again?"
Millie Parfait: "Yeah! For science, pretty pleaseeee??"
Hikarino simply raised an eyebrow, before complying- well clearly, he knew nothing about Shu... "Electronic box? Sincere apologies, Miss Kosaka and Miss Parfait... Could I request your assistance? This otherworldly object exceeds my knowledge..." He asked, in his usual soft and empty tone. To which, that sent alarm bells ringing in everyone's head. "Miss?" "Last name?" and not knowing how to use technology ? Something was seriously, seriously up...
Nina Kosaka: "Shuey, could you say my full name for me?"
Hikarino: "Sure... Miss Nina Kosaka?"
There it was. A "Miss." Unfamiliar tone, SOMETHING WAS SERIOUSLY UP. Everyone in the chat, and the livers watching this were genuinely getting goosebumps- so much so that they told him to end stream and join a call. Shu's manager had already been notified by the livers, and agreed because they, themselves, were genuinely stunned. And so, in the voice call...
Petra Gurin: "Okay Shubert! You have a lotta explaining to do... first of all, who the fuck are you?!"
Enna Alouette: "Lowkey, whatever phase you're in... kinda hot man-"
Nina Kosaka: "Enna! Now's not the time!"
Reimu Endou: "So... you Shu's twin brother or something?"
Elira Pendora: "I'm inclined to believe that's true..."
Rosemi Lovelock and Maria Marionette: "Shu has a twin brother-???"
Hearing what they said, Hikarino realised he had truly screwed up. So, he went along with the excuse since he didn't really have much options now, did he?
Hikarino: "...Well, you all are right. My dear Yamino is sick today so I... had to substitute for him. It's a pleasure to meet you all, I'm Hikarino Shu. And... apologies for the secrecy, I was told not to reveal the truth by this kind group of people called 'Luxiem'."
Everyone let out sounds of "Ohhh" and "Ahhhh"s before basically the entirety of Luxiem joined the call- besides Luca, he was streaming.
Ike Eveland: "HIKARINO! WHY DID THE STREAM END? WHAT HAPPENED? WHAT'S WRONG-"
Mysta Rias: "He probably fucked up majestically!"
Vox Akuma: "I can't say I'm surprised..."
Nina Kosaka: "So you boys knew, and don't bother to tell us?"
Luxiem: "UHHHHHHHH-"
Nina Kosaka: "That's it, time-out boys!"
Luxiem: "NOOOOOO!"
Enna Alouette: "Why are y'all being so fucking pathetic-"
Elira Pendora: "Shhh, this is good."
So, after Luxiem left, the situation was explained to the Nijisanji managers and they cancelled the stream for the day. Leading to Hikarino being alone with Luxiem.
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Gazing at the pure, sparkling and iridescent stars above, Hikarino Shu couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the starry sky. Standing on the wooden balcony, he raised his hand up as if to reach the stars. "Iridescent stars, who knew thy were so ethereal?" He mumbled to himself, eyes slightly glazing over as he admired the beauty. Was the world truly... this beautiful? Could it be this beautiful? He had never noticed it before. Yet, now, he was slowly starting to love this new world that he didn't belong in...
"Shu's alterrr? Hey, where are you??" "Mysta! You're shouting so loudly!" "Well we gotta find the guy, right? You wanna ask him questions too, Ike!" "For once, I am unable to agree with my dearest Ike Eveland-" "Sighhhh, let's just get this over with..." "POG! Man!" Hikarino paused whatever he was doing when he heard their voices and footsteps. Going to a nonchalant position and pretending that he was just playing around with spells and sorcery. When Luxiem spotted Hikarino on the balcony, they paused their conversation and approached him.
"Hey! Having a good time, Shu's alter?" Mysta said, with his usually bubbly and playful tone.
"I hope you're feeling alright. I mean... suddenly being in another world must be quite hard." Ike asked, his tone soft and having a hint of worry.
"Call me if you need anything. Even a great time in bed-" "VOX!" "Okay, okay, Ike! Well, you know what to do if you're in trouble." Vox offered, his tone charming and caring.
"If you're bored, let's play some games together man!" Luca enthusiastically offered, his smile as bright as the sun.
Hikarino gazed at them for a moment. So accepting, so friendly. So...
Warm.
Warmth? Ah, that feeling he had with Shu and Mother Death... It's been a few years, hasn't it? He didn't think he'd ever feel that again.
"I'm fine. Thank you." He said, calmly and softly with the same nonchalant and empty smile on his face. Smiling at Hikarino, Mysta approached. "I'm a detective. Sooo, you probably know it but let's just say I'm pretty observant!" He leaned over, having a playful yet concerned glint in his eyes. "You're like in a state of contentment. Not good, not bad. Now... usually only elderly people aim for this sorta thing- but you don't even look 30!" He chuckled, before his face turned into a more determined expression. "Sooo, while you're here- we are gonna make you have a great time!!" Luca smiled brightly, eagerly nodding in agreement while Ike and Vox just silently agreed. Hikarino, intrigued by this, took up their offer.