#azumano

from files from game Magical Deathpair

DNcember 11 - Melancholy art by @fugitivehues​ & writing by @keikotwins

The sound had resonated at night, but only residents from the neighbourhood had been able to witness what had caused it. It had spread on social media, followed by official news in the morning. Newspapers, local television and officials communicated on the sad event that had suddenly struck the town.

The building had stood strong for centuries, protecting its bell firmly, however, on this very day, its roof and upper layer had crumbled; the falling bell sang one last time and remained, cracked and dented, up there in the belfry.

The following day, specialists had been dispatched to check the dangerousness of the tower and evacuate immediate buildings. It looked torn on the sides, as if the thick stone wall had been nothing but paper and the gaping holes looked anything but natural and reassuring. Inhabitants and journalists all cried for the truth: what did officials have to say to justify a historical, protected building falling to pieces without any consolidation? The mayor spoke: this destruction was a surprise for everyone, and theories that some sort of explosion had caused it were being thoroughly explored. However, any professional allowed to visit the building could verify that the bell and walls had fallen vertically, crumbling on themselves, and the idea was rapidly discarded. It would take months, if not years, to check the building’s foundations, clear and rebuild it. And the unique, historical bell would have to be repaired or remelted.

According to Commissioner Hiwatari’s map and the general plot, most of Dark’s targets are located in or around Azumano. It’s safe to assume that since the Niwa have lived and worked there for generations, so did the Hikari.

But where exactly did they live? Hikari Ancestor’s workplace was neither small nor subtle, after all.

Kokuyoku’s storage basement likewise requires a great deal of land.

In addition, Argentine’s tower revealed that the Hikari family were also master architects. Perhaps they were responsible for more buildings in the city than we know. 

Perhaps they used their family crest to mark them...

Given Krad’s murderously possessive tendencies and his curse which causes descendants to die young, many Hikari would die in their family home. 

(Not to mention all the artworks “haunted” by magic and spirits that they’d create and store inside!)

Of course, the family is too secretive to dispel outsiders’ rumors~

Destiny starts a bit early, as a certain Niwa heir just happens to break in and “steal” back Riku’s bear doll.

But this raises another question: 

Who is the reclusive old man and why does he keep the dolls and toys that fall into his yard? 

Even if his eyesight is as poor as his hearing and that’s why he paid no mind to the shouting children at the gate, why would he bring such things into the mansion?

... Unless a child also lived there.

A young Hikari heir who grew up in seclusion to be trained, perhaps?

Since the Hikari family is dwindling and sickly at this point (and they tend to seal their monsters rather than use them), the survivors might have had no choice but to use a caretaker to maintain their mansion filled with priceless artworks. 

Maybe the old man served them loyally for decades. Maybe he's a Hikari by marriage. Or maybe he was hired later in his life because Hikari secrets would be safe with him.