Tallius’ Point of View 

“You seem quite calm for someone who was just cheated on. If you don’t feel like going to see Dr. Barwick, I can tell him you are sick.” I casually talk to Kiyoshi. 

“I am calm. I kind of feel free... But also empty... Maybe seeing Dr. Barwick will take my mind off of things.” Kiyoshi says with swollen eyes, “What did Dr. Barwick need to see us for today anyway?” 

Kiyoshi and Zekuu have broken up and gotten back together several times over the past 3 years, I wonder if they’re actually done... I hope so.  

“He didn’t really say. He just asked us to come. Probably something related to Oran.” I explain. 

Together we head to the nurse's office to have a chat with Dr. Barwick. We meet him at the front desk, and he guides us to his office where we all sit down. 

“Welcome boys. It's been a while since we all met like this, no? I just wanted to ask a few questions and have a nice little chat.” Dr. Barwick smiles, “So, do either of you know what an Angel’s mark is? You should have learned about this in school in The Under Realm (Hell).” 

Kiyoshi and I dropped out of school in The Under Realm after middle school. So, we don’t have much knowledge about this kind of stuff. 

“We didn’t stay in school...” Kiyoshi scratches his head. 

“What is it?” I sigh. 

“An Angel’s mark is a kind of birth mark that every Angel has. Not only do Angels have them but those who were Angels in their past life also have them and people who have been blessed or cursed by Angel have them. The mark is a symbol of an Angel’s power. If an Angel breaks a rule of The Upper Realm (Heaven) then their mark may fade or completely disappear.” Dr. Barwick explains, he takes out a picture of a hand and shows it to us, “Oran’s father had one on his pinky. It resembled a swirly line down the length of his finger. Even though he wasn’t 100% Angel he still had one. I did a brief exam on Oran and did not find anything that looked like an Angel’s mark. Have you guys seen anything on him that I might have missed?” 

“Maybe it’s in a more private area?” Kiyoshi giggles. 

“Hm... Maybe so... I didn’t check. It could be very light since he doesn’t have much Angel blood in him. Just let me know if you find it. We must not let any of the other demons at this school see it.” Dr. Barwick explains. 

“Yes sir!” Kiyoshi smiles. 

“Okay...” I agree. 

“I was thinking... You and Oran’s dad were quite close right? It seemed so by the snapshots I got through the ritual.” Kiyoshi inquires. 

“You’re right. We were best friends! I miss him so much; he was like a brother to me. I actually introduced his wife, Oran’s mother, to him. We were born in the same hometown, so I was good friends with her too.” Dr. Barwick smiles gently. 

“I don’t mean to pry... But it kinda seems like you liked her.” Kiyoshi asks. 

“I did... A lot. But I stood no chance against him. She had known me most of her life, so she only seen me as a brother or maybe even just as a neighbor.” Dr. Barwick reminisces, “I haven’t talked to her since his death... She changed after he died. She went into a depression and immersed herself in her job. Being a surgeon is a difficult, time-consuming job, she took it on purpose to get away from her trauma. I don’t know for sure... But I think she resents Oran since he was born around the same time. He’s a constant reminder.” 

“He has talked about him not being so close to his mother, but they seem to have an alright relationship. If anything, maybe she doesn’t give him much attention.” I explain.  

“Anyway... I feel bad for Oran. I hope Pond changes his life like it did his father’s. I just wanted to check in on you two and Oran. How are you guys, how is Oran doing socially?” Dr. Barwick asks. 

“We’re doing great! I think Oran is doing good too. He is making friends and excelling in class so don’t work!” Kiyoshi smiles wrapping an arm around me, “We will make sure Oran’s time at Pond is a good time!” 

“I’m kind of glad you two found out, I couldn’t imagine any better spies I could have. Anyways see you two around and stay out of trouble!” Barwick smiles. 

We say our goodbyes and leave the building as we start to head our separate ways; Kiyoshi stops me. 

“Hey Talli, are you going to go back to my dorm to wrap Sparky’s birthday present you left there? I got the wrapping paper.” Kiyoshi asks. 

I nod and follow Kiyoshi to his dorm. Sparky’s birthday almost slipped my mind. I got his present early since he showed interest in some shoes we passed by. Kiyoshi got him a bundle of magic study supplies from Thorns, and I just got him the shoes because they were expensive. The shoes have a brightly colored accents and have a rainbow base, a pair of eyes are on the tip, and it gives the illusion that the tip of the shoe is eating the base. After wrapping the presents I hide them under Kiyoshi’s bed. 

“I’ll hide the present here since he snoops around our dorm too much.” I explain. 

"Oki doki! See you next time!” Kiyoshi smiles. 

I have to hurry back to the dorm before Sparky comes back from Otaku club. Oran is probably there studying so I can ask him to come to Sparky’s birthday get together now. I enter the room and as expected Oran is seated at the desk studying on his laptop. 

“Hey Oran. Me and Kiyoshi are taking Sparky to see a movie for his birthday this weekend, do you want to come?” I ask. 

“I-I would love to! But I don’t have a gift for him... I gave Kiyoshi one, so I feel bad that I didn’t get him anything...” Oran sighs. 

“He will be sad if you don’t come. Just pay for his ticket or snacks, he is easily pleased.” Tallius explains.