Date A Live: Starting as Acheron

"Where… are we?" Nia asked dazedly, staring up at the neon sign of the building in front of them. The surrounding structures all showed signs of wear and tear, their walls all loosely covered by a myriad of ad posters. A stray tumbleweed blew past the pair, disappearing down an alleyway. Wait, where did that even come from?

Kyo shrugged and pointed at the sign. "Izakaya Hanako, if my eyes aren't failing me."

"No, but… this isn't the place we were meant to go to?!" Nia clutched her head. "How did we even get here? I don't even recognize this part of town anymore!"

Kyo put a sympathetic hand on her shoulder, patting her gently. "Now, now. I know it's hard to accept, but I think it's time to let this go."

"But- but it was literally a straight line!" Nia groaned. "How do you go anywhere without getting lost?!"

"...I may have accidentally become well-acquainted with the lady in our neighbouring apartment," Kyo muttered. 

"What exactly do you mean by that…?" Nia eyed him suspiciously. 

"I'll explain later," Kyo sighed as he moved to open the door of the izakaya. "For now, let's just fill our stomachs."

"But yakiniku!" Nia protested weakly.

"Another time, I promise."

—————I am the dividing line that shifts time and perspective—————

"Ugh…" Ryouko moaned as she trudged along the sidewalk, squinting to see through the darkness of the evening. "Idiotic higher-ups with their stupid policies and even stupider budget cuts… what the hell are we supposed to do against a Spirit that can control our bodies, especially with that outdated junk they gave us?!"

Her voice echoed across the empty streets. That's right; at this time, everyone's already at home or at a drinking party. Speaking of which, when was the last time I had a good drink? Ryouko swiftly glanced around the nearby buildings. All of the signs were pitch-black, save one small establishment at the edge of the road. Tch. Damn the consequences; nothing's gonna stop me tonight from drinking until I forget all my worries. 

Before she knew it, Ryouko had already dragged her tired body into the bar, she halfheartedly greeted the server and collapsed onto a bar stool. The faint smell of grilled chicken and beer filled the air as she picked up a drink menu. 

"Ahaha~! This's th'good stuff, Kyo!" A boisterous voice immediately drew her attention away. Wow, she sounds like she's having fun. I wonder what they're having. Turning to her side, she glanced at the cup of the person beside her. Is that… oolong tea? Who comes to an izakaya to drink- 

Suddenly, she froze. Her eyes shook as she took in the appearance of the man that was directly to her left. Dark purple hair streaked with white, and violet eyes that seemed to contain an empty galaxy within. There's no doubt.

As though he could feel her gaze, the man quickly turned and locked eyes with her. Ryouko, now wide awake, felt a shiver go down her spine as she stared into the eyes of [IX] once more.

——————I am the dividing line that shifts perspectives——————

Oh, damn it all. Kyo repressed the urge to sigh as Ryouko's body tensed up like a frightened animal. "Hello there."

"I- you- how- what?" She sputtered with a horrified expression on her face, seemingly unable to form a coherent thought. Yeah, I guess that's a fair reaction. 

Kyo shrugged and took a sip of his tea. "Would you believe me if I said that you're confusing me with someone else?" 

Ryouko seemed to choke a bit before going silent, as though debating over her answer. "I… tch. No." Shaking her head, she steeled her gaze. "As the team leader of the AST, it's my duty to protect the citizens of this town."

"...how very noble of you," Kyo replied dryly. "Fine, let's drop the pretenses."

"!!!" Ryouko stumbled back, tripping over her seat in her haste and falling to the floor in a heap, prompting a waitress to rush over and help prop her up. 

"Heeeeeeh? Whass goin' on, Kyo?" Nia finally looked up from her drink, blinking blearily at the woman on the floor. "Oh, the Captain!"

"[Sister] too?!" Ryouko screeched, her eyes widening even further. From the corner of his vision, Kyo noticed some staff exchanging worried looks.

It's a good thing there aren't any other customers in the bar area tonight, he mused, standing up and addressing the waitress. "Ahem, sorry about that. Is it possible to switch our seating to a private room?" 

"Eh? O-oh, of course!" She quickly ran over the front reception desk and checked a chart. "A-1 is available; please, follow me.

"My thanks." Kyo bowed his head, shaking Nia by the shoulder. "Oi. We're moving."

"Moving!? B- hic, but what 'bout my manga? Don't let 'em touch it!" Nia grabbed Kyo's shoulders and shook him back and forth.

"Don't throw up on me." Without another word, Kyo hoisted Nia into his arms ,wrinkling his nose at her whiskey-infused breath. 

"Whoa~" Nia laughed drunkenly. "The world's spinning~"

"...Ryouko, I assume you can stand?" Kyo looked at the wary woman, who was still being supported by a waiter. "C'mon, let's go."

"...alright," she replied grimly, giving the waiter a quick nod of thanks before following Kyo in trepidation.

————————I am the dividing line that skips time————————

"Thank you." Kyo nodded his gratitude as the waitress set down a plate of yakitori.

"Of course," she nodded, swiftly retreating from the room. As she left, the atmosphere quickly dampened. Ryouko watched Kyo from across the table carefully, as though he would go on a massacre at any moment. Nia, sitting beside Kyo, continued to sip from her cup, occasionally mumbling incoherently.

"...so, how have you been recently?" Kyo finally ventured after a minute of silence.

Ryouko's eyes twitched. "I've been busy."

"..."

"..."

Is that all? Kyo massaged his temples tiredly, sighing. It's not like I was expecting a detailed report, but still.

"Kyo~" Nia slurred, holding out her cup in his face. "More whiskey, please~"

"Haven't you had enough tonight?" Kyo handed her a stick of yakitori. "At least eat something before you start on another bottle."

"Ughhhhhh~ fine." She waved her cup in the air in annoyance, sloshing her drink all over the table. Ryouko and Kyo ducked in unison.

"Is that… safe?" The former asked hesitantly, eyeing the red-faced Nia with great apprehension. "She won't suddenly go on an alcohol-fueled rampage across the city, will she?"

"I'll stop her before that happens," Kyo assured her. "It's only her third bottle."

"Her WHAT?!" Ryouko looked at him as though he were mad. "Do you know the alcohol content of this whiskey?!"

"Uh…" Kyo picked up an untouched bottle, his expression gradually changing into concern. "43 percent…"

"Hehehe~" Nia cackled. "You know- hic, Kyo went into the wrong apartment room twelve times? And twelve is four times three!"

"Thank you," Kyo said heatedly, "for that highly necessary contribution, Nia. As thanks, I'm cutting your alcohol tonight."

"Heeeeee? No fair!" She latched onto Kyo from the side, grabbing his chin and turning his head to face hers. "Please~"

"Eat some solid food, or you'll regret it in the morning." Kyo gently pushed Nia off of him, who moaned in protest. He coughed awkwardly into his sleeve once he saw Ryouko's judgemental stare.

"...so, you have an apartment?" She asked doubtfully.

"What, did you think all of us just fizzled in and out of existence?" Kyo shrugged, picking up a skewer of yakitori and taking a bite. Tch. As expected, it tastes like nothing. "I'm not telling you where we live, though. I'd bet good money that you'd carpet-bomb the entire district if I did."

Ryouko's face darkened as she stood up and slammed her hands on the table. "Enough of this. Just tell me what you're after."

"Alright, alright." Kyo put his hands together and smiled. "Although it's a bit sudden, I'm hoping to ask a small favour of you: please disband the AST entirely."