Chapter 170 - Indirectly because of him

Back then, he had such strong feelings for his wife. However, because it happened so quickly - he quickly realized his own flaws and shortcomings. The two of them took their time and circled around one another before falling in love and starting to date. His relationship with Setsura is different. Akito felt like he had feelings for her from the moment he saw her. It sounds cliche, superficial, and stupid. However, he knew.

'I've already given up.'

Akito wonders if Setsura remembers one of their first conversations. During one of the first nights, she came here, during her breakdown. Setsura told him such words. It pained him whenever she said such things. They weren't even close then; she only came. The girl's words shouldn't have meant anything to her.

"You don't have to pull that sort of expression now, Akito. Even I understand now that you're not the same person as before." Izu trails off, "Truthfully speaking, even though I was not afraid of you. Nor did I blame you, I heard the rumors."

"Yeah."

"But what made me change my mind was back then, I saw the tears in your eyes. Eyes filled with pain. Eyes like that person. You and that guy differ completely from each other, yes, but I believe you are both the same in that aspect. Even though both of you fell into the deepest pit of darkness, You both found light and salvation after meeting her. The same goes for her too. It's different now than before, but Setsura now is shining so very brightly, shining even brighter than when she was with that person. She can shine that way because of you. That's why I know you're not."

Truly, the people who surround Setsura are not normal at all. What's with that grandiose speech? How can he say such things despite not being around as much? No, since this is Izu. He's secretly watching over them from the shadows. There is no need for him to make a report about Setsura. Izu already knows everything, and yet he's asking for his input. This guy always wants to hear everything straight from his mouth. Akito never understood that logic.

"How about her, man? Have you found anything about him?" he quickly changed the topic. It was something he asked of Izu a long time ago.

"Quite a lot, but is there any need for you to get so worked up about a person who doesn't exist yet? If Setsura remains here like you said, then.."

"I still need to know."

Izu sighed and slid an envelope in front of him. "This is all I know for now. As for the specific details you mentioned, I couldn't get them."

"That's rare for you, getting incomplete information."

"Touma is asking around for it too."

"Huh?"

"I think I explained this to you before Akito. But, us Guardians aren't completely united. The realm is made up of several groups. It seems like, amid all this chaos, one of those groups ended up contacting Touma."

At that comment, the air between them turned heavy. Akito didn't know much about the guardians even now. But, from what he did know. He knew how much power and influence they held. Now he understands why Touma acted so careless. Somebody much stronger is acting as his backer. Somebody who has influence and control of the world. This is more dangerous than a member, an official like Akito originally thought. One of the main reasons why such bad rumors emerged even before the thing with his wife - is because of Touma.

Akito, however, didn't have the evidence. With the timing too, it was terrible. The thing with his wife messed him up badly. He didn't have time to think about it. "Back then, I was so close. Finding out the truth of him joining the force."

Izu nodded, "But, your investigation halted after the incidence. Considering the timing, there is no doubt Touma is involved in all of this. However, Akito, since you stopped the investigation once. It won't be easy to get back to it."

"I understand that better than anybody. In the first place, the investigation itself was complex. Even with Touma's bad reputation, people didn't think it was right for me to investigate someone on the force. So while they approved of the investigation, I had to do so in secret," Akito tapped his fingers against the wooden table. "What are the chances of …"

Izu nodded, "It's exactly what you think, they'd have the means to do so."

"So, they sold me out. Touma knew I was investigating him. That's why he dragged my wife into the conflict. While Touma knew I disagreed with his ways, there was no anonymity between us. I was just a man who disagreed with him. There are many men out there who would think the same. He didn't have any intention to pay attention to me. He only did so because he felt threatened."

The things he dug about Touma during a short amount of time. It was normal for him to worry. Initially, Touma underestimated him. Like everybody else, they only saw what was on the surface. His background, his richness. 'He is only that skilled because he has the resources.' People didn't believe he was naturally skilled. Nobody saw the hard work he put into everything.

Back then, it was suffocating to be on the force. However, with his wife and his friends by his side. Akito thought he could accomplish anything.

Setsura has changed a lot since the first time she came here. Victor says he is one of the main reasons for that, Akito too thought the same. Setsura smiles a lot more now that they are dating one another.

Even if he thinks such things, Akito knew first hand all about it, if it's that man. If she's with that man, then Setsura will become the happiest woman on earth. A deep sigh escaped his lips. He understands it already, no matter how close they get with one another.

Akito doesn't say anything in response and watched as the clouds of smoke formed around him.

"Akito, can I ask you a question?"

"Mmm? What is it?"

"You, why did you accept Setsura-chan?"

"Because I love her," Akito gave an immediate reply.

Izu, too, appeared surprised, "So, something has changed. Lately, are you doing well? You no longer have to see Lyra as much?"

Akito nodded, "Yes," he played with the drink the waitress just set down. He didn't order anything, so Izu probably did it. "However, I can't say for sure that things are okay yet. My emotions, sometimes it doesn't feel like my own anymore. I still feel at times that this body isn't my own, and the only thing living here is my mind."

Sometimes Akito felt like he was living somebody else's life. Maybe that's the reason why he is not attached to this place. However, he's heard Izu's input on this so many times already.

"It's truly strange. I know nothing is possessing you. However, something about you is peculiar."

"Such vague words, at least tell me if I'm crazy or not."

"You're not crazy."

Akito thought he would feel relieved hearing those words from Izu. But, instead, the expression on his face grew grimmer. If he isn't crazy, then what on earth is wrong with him?