Disclaimer: I don't own The World God Only Knows. Maybe some day?

Less than a God, a fanfiction by Silent Iguana

Chapter 1: In their own perceptions

Haqua du Lot Herminium.

That was her name.

She knew it.

She was sure of it beyond all doubt. Just as she knew what the purpose of tonight was—to capture the loose soul that had proven to be quite elusive over the last few days. Like a faint memory, Haqua barely managed to confirm how she and Elsie had tried their best to stop the weary spirit from causing any trouble.

It all seemed easy at first, just another loose soul to deal with.

After all, the spirit had been found when it had yet to enter the heart of a host. It looked weak, and sure enough its power was miniscule when compared to the power held by either herself or Elsie. However, the spirit had proven over the greater part of the past week that what it lacked in power, it more than made up for in intelligence. And now, not only had it found a host to hide in, but it was also doing an increasingly good job at driving everyone's nerves.

W-what is this? Thought the section chief, eyes closing slowly, effectively severing the connection to the world around her.

That's what tonight was for, to end the soul's time in this world.

The conquest of the girl in question was supposed to be going as planned, and it was. Or at least she thought it was…until now that is. What was happening now had completely thrown her off balance.

Why me…this isn't…I'm not…

She knew her name and their objective tonight, but what she was feeling now was not part of the plan. It couldn't be. What ever it was, it immediately emptied her mind of just about everything else happening around her, like a great flood consuming all in its path. Drowning all under its influence. Everything, everyone was lost in the void of her mind's growing confusion. The plan, the loose soul, her fears…all were swallowed whole by that unstable force that now ravaged her mind and the very core of her heart. It was an emotion that captivated her entirely.

With her eyes fully closed, her visual perception of the world ceased. She could still hear the melodies and the people beside her, but those too, faded into murmurs, slowly diminishing out of existence. The footsteps of those dancing around her were like echoes, barely surpassing the threshold of her auditory senses. The steps became fainter, slower, like ghosts dictating her ambient state. It was in that ocean of soothing ghosts and under the multiple constellations of flashing lights that Haqua stood, frozen to her spot. She dare not move, less she disrupt the action and sensation that cradled her senses. That was the only thing that mattered to her, that small fleeting emotion that had evaded her for the longest of times. Yet…now that she felt it securely in her heart, she did not know what to make of it. She knew she had a job to do, knew that her responsibilities as section chief were not to be ignored. But it didn't seem to matter at the moment. No. The warmth that was rushing through her was serene and gentle, easing her to lower her defenses further and forget about the loose soul.

Is…this how it's… supposed to feel? Haqua managed to wonder in the furthest reaches of her mind. Nothing answered her. She could not see the solution…or the culprit responsible for her delirious state for that matter. No, with her eyes closed she could not see him, and the urge to do so was escalating to dangerous levels, like another dam ready to burst. It would not be ignored for much longer.

How long had it been since it started?

A second? A Minute? She silently told herself that it had been much longer than that. That's what it felt like to her, but apart of her knew otherwise. Undecided and starved for answers, Haqua tried to focus on how it began, on how something so unfamiliar could cause all of this. That too eluded her, however.

All she knew right now, beyond the certainty of her own name, was that he was pressing his lips to hers ever so innocently. The heat around her rose as his lips started to press more firmly against hers. They were soft…warm, and lulling her into a bliss she didn't know existed. It was almost maddening how tranquil she felt in his arms. Completely shielded from all the planes in creation. Hell, Earth, and Heaven could not convince her of a safer place for her to reside in that wasn't in his embrace.

Lost in the temporary insanity of the situation, Haqua let herself fully feel the warmth that radiated outward from his lips, onward to the rest of her body. She had never felt this emotion before. It was far from despair, guilt, or anguish as she could guess. It felt like happiness…but not quite. What she was feeling now was more than that. Joy, delight, and even harmony, did not do justice to depict what waters her heart was submerged in right now. Regardless of what it was called, however, Haqua felt at peace with it.

It made her feel…whole.

The sensation continued for what seemed to be an eternity, and to be true, Haqua felt she could spend that much time and more bathing in its glow.

Then, without warning. It stopped.

Abruptly as it had begun the warmth that had once caressed her heart diminished in strength significantly. Haqua immediately felt her body grow colder. Starting with her lips, all the way down to her arms and legs until the chilling stir instilled itself in her chest. Panicking, Haqua fought valiantly to find any source or remnant of that once again fleeting emotion before it left her completely. It was all in vain though. The cold kept on encroaching on her peace, ever so menacingly with its darker presence. Like an entity discovering the presence of its natural predator, the warmth fled in fear of the impending conflict that would be sure to ensue if it stayed. Furthermore, the fear in her mind started returning with such a force that it made her aware of where she was…of whom she was with.

Only the memory of her falling to despair against her then to be first soul capture, could rival the pungent fear that was currently rising within her mind. Indeed, what was once inviting and generous now turned repugnant and menacing in her mind's eye. Her heart, also, now almost completely consumed by a relentless hunger, was no longer satisfied with her actions. It reproached her in the vilest of ways. Furious that she had denied it the knowledge that such a pleasure and peace existed for the longest of times. Haqua could almost feel it screaming at her in frustration for withholding such a beloved secret for more than three hundred years.

Haqua tried her best to still her heart and mind from tearing her apart, all the while still trying to regain control of a quickly nastier situation. How unforgiving her heart was. It's shouts becoming stronger…louder, more demanding with every mention of her name!

Haqua…

…Haqua!

…"Haqua!"

Haqua's eyes shot open at the sound of his voice, everything around her becoming tangible in an instant as the flood waters in her mind receded. Looking straight ahead, she could not see Keima anywhere, which left her slightly bewildered. Only the eyes of other students stared back at her. Surprisingly, their eyes held emotions that seemed to mirror what she herself was feeling. Confusion, curiosity, and even a miniature form of amusement, was present in their orbs. While only a few pair of students actively looked in her direction, it didn't take Haqua anytime at all to register the reason behind their sudden interest.

Haqua felt the heat in her cheeks rise slightly. They saw. She felt the blush in her cheeks intensify at the thought of her and Katsuragi just standing there…kissing…in front of everyone. F-for how long…did we k-kiss!?

Judging by the look sketched on the student's faces, some of which were giggling and whispering amongst to each other, Haqua realized; it wasn't just a peck on the lips that Katsuragi had given her. Shaking her head furiously in embarrassment, Haqua turned on her heel without giving her onlookers a second thought, instead focusing on finding Katsuragi. His voice had come a few ways behind her, at a distance that only served to prove of how he had left her standing alone for some time.

She quickly managed to locate the source of the previous call beyond the body of dancing students, his running clearly distinguishing him from everyone else. She noted how some of the scholars looked agitated that Katsuragi, who had completely paid them no mind as he flew after Ahiko, had interrupted their dance.

"He must have spooked her out." Said a random student to no one in particular.

"Eh? Not sure why Ahiko even bothered to give him a chance, he's so rude and creepy." Replied another.

"They aren't so different then."

"Maybe he actually likes her?" Whispered a few of them.

Haqua knew better, however.

She tightened the grip on her scythe, gathering a better understanding of why he had kissed her. Or better yet—how he had used her. All to reset the unfavorable situation, and to thus empower himself to redirect the course of the conquest to his liking, that, thought Haqua, must have been why…he kissed me. And the more she thought about it, the more she let the idea run in her mind, the more convincing that line of reasoning resonated within her.

Haqua knew the situation, she knew of how fragile the girl was and how dangerous the loose soul could be, but for him to use her in such a manner, to then dispose of her like that, without any concern for her own feelings…it made her blood boil…even if it was for a good cause. There just had to have been a better way of turning things around, there just had to be!

He didn't even hesitate. She felt her grip tightened even more, not stopping until her knuckles turned white, practically shaking with rage.

To disregard her completely like that, with no reluctance, and then to simply rush off after some girl he had known only for a week. She didn't know if he was so dense that he couldn't tell that she felt…something…for him, or if he was truly that stupid.

The students that had voiced their opinions, regarding the couple that was now out of sight, took notice of her and backed off slightly. They noticed that she appeared to be shaking, with an unmistakable look on her face. The anger in Haqua's eyes was very much alive and very much predatory.

Swallowing the growing lump in her throat, Haqua made up her mind.

Y-You're dead Katsuragi. Without so much as another thought, Haqua bolted from her spot after the duo, all the while trying her best to ignore the growing sting in her eyes.

Keima ran up the stairs at a quick pace, not too far behind Ahiko. While not in the most ideal of physical conditions, far from it in fact, Keima was doing a surprisingly good job at keeping the distance between them at a minimum. However, that small fact could not keep the frown from appearing on his face. He was not pleased with the direction the conquest had taken. To begin with, Ahiko was not a complicated girl to figure out, and he was sure that he could force the soul from her heart as he had originally planned.

Then the soul interfered and the situation had taken a turn for the worse. At least that's what he assumed was behind Ahiko's sudden change in attitude.

Mentally cursing himself for ignoring his physical condition as he felt his legs grow heavier with every step, he pushed himself with greater force, determined to finish this conquest by tonight at all costs. His legs moved at a faster rate and before long his extra effort paid off. Keima could hear the sound of her footsteps becoming louder as he cached up to her. She seemed to be slowing down, but he didn't want to risk losing her, even though he was certain she was headed for the roof. Still…thought Keima, he couldn't afford to leave her alone for more than a few seconds. Less the loose soul should intervene once more and create new obstacles for him to circumvent.

Keima accepted that he had let his guard down; he hadn't taken the warnings from Haqua or Elsie seriously enough. This loose soul was indeed very different from the others he had helped captured. It was cunning, active, and knew enough information about how the runaway spirit squad operated to evade capture.

That wasn't what worried him though. Smart or not, all spirits had the same relative objective: enter a host, grow in strength, and reincarnate themselves into the human world. While he had no doubt that the soul at present was faster at catching on to things than most, it's objectives made it predictable. Regardless of how seemingly bold the soul was, he would not make the same mistake twice, and he would put an end to this conquest tonight. The faster he conquered Ahiko's heart, he thought, the sooner he could save her from the soul's influence. It had already persuaded her to take actions she wouldn't have done otherwise…and that's what unsettled him. The soul inside Ahiko was very malicious, evidenced by Ahiko's behavior throughout the days he had gotten to know her character better.

Initially, Ahiko Mastuda was not the most pleasant person to be around, due to her abrasive and, at times, seemingly cruel personality. Orphaned at a young age, Ahiko had been placed under the care of her grandparents, who, despite there best intentions, where often busy with other responsibilities to pay her much attention. This left her with a great emptiness in her heart, and a greater wariness of those around her. She felt alone, and, as such, was practically lead to the conclusion that the only person she could trust was no one other than herself. That explained why she was always on the defensive, and so quick to mistrust him when he had first approached her; she didn't believe that a complete stranger, who hadn't paid her any mind until then, could have possibly fallen in love with her. Let alone keep his promise that he would always be there for her.

She's right, was the morbid thought that entered his mind.

He didn't like toying with people's emotions, especially with a girl like Ahiko, who already had a difficult life without the need to throw the loose soul into the mix. Ever since the incident with Chihiro and the rest of the Goddesses, he had tried his best to keep his mistakes to a minimum, as well as focusing more of his time on the conquests at hand. He hated not having time to play his games as he used to, but…he didn't want to hurt anyone else like he had hurt Chihiro. It was painful to say the things he had said to her, more so when she was letting him see the contents of her heart, completely open to the real world. It wasn't her fault he had chosen to use those words, or that he was the one who led her to expose herself in the first place.

That's why I won't let this continue. Reassured Keima as he continued to analyze all that had transpired.

Ahiko was in a state of depression when he first started making contact with her. Which made it clear why the loose soul inside her now had chosen her as a host. It could sense the despair that had accumulated inside of her. He also knew that Ahiko didn't have a pool of close friends she could lean on. In a way, she was very much alone, unable to access a support group to confide her fears in. The only thing that was there for her and able to hear her inner most thoughts, was the loose soul itself. All the factors of her situation, along with the talks he had shared with her, all guided him to come to the same end—Ahiko Mastuda was mentally and emotionally unstable.

If the soul felt cornered and was given sufficient time to influence her state any further, it may lead her to do something drastic. Keima narrowed his eyes as he heard the door to the roof open. No doubt that she saw me. Thought Keima as he rushed to close the few meters of distance between them.

His original plan was to begin the ending of this conquest on the dance floor beneath them, then lure her outside where Elsie would be waiting for him to draw out the spirit, but the soul had changed things. Ahiko, who up until a few moments ago was openly receptive to his company and affections, seemed to fall into a greater depression.

Keima would not forget the look in her eyes. So hollow, and lost in her own perceptions of how cruel the world had been to her. He couldn't recognize the girl that was in front of him. The soul must have sensed her growing detachment from the depression that had once anchored her heart down, and taken matters into its own hands. While he didn't know what it had done to trigger her sudden relapse into depression, he did know that he had to do something to bring her back to reality, and refocus her attention on him.

He was quick to come up with a counter strategy. In his games it worked more often than not, that one of the few emotions stronger than depression, was either love or hate.

He opted for the first choice of course, but it wouldn't work. The soul had already seemed to be expecting that, and the dark aurora that surrounded her form made it clear that she would not let him get any closer to her. He couldn't reach her to kiss her, and so showing her love would not be possible, at least not at first.

Hate was the only other alternative.

There was very little time for talk, however. Keima understood that very well. He seriously doubted there was anything he could of possibly said to Ahiko to bring her back. Only a strong action would suffice, and one powerful enough to induce Ahiko to leave her indifference and notice him again.

Keima gritted his teeth in an unforgiving manner. Haqua.

He hated taking advantage of her in such a demeaning manner…or anyone else for that matter. He only hoped that it wouldn't have any greater repercussions than her beating him to death. After all of this was over, offering her an apology was the least he could do. It wasn't fair either, that she had only recently been brought up to speed about the sort of risk Ahiko posed to herself.

"It couldn't be helped"; he voiced out loud to himself. Though whether to convince himself because he truly believed it, or to simply say it for his own sake, he couldn't tell.

With a forced smile, he couldn't help but think back to something Chihiro had once told him.

'You low level cockroach.'

Keima reached the door, slightly out of breath, but ready to confront Ahiko. She no longer had an escape route. He would conquer her this time for sure. Failure was not an option.

As Keima gripped the door handle, he couldn't help but notice the poster on the door.

It was of Kanon, advertising one of her latest concerts. The bright colors employed in the marketing stunt couldn't be further from the current situation he found himself in.

After a short glimpse at how lively she appeared, Keima was taken back to how different she looked with a knife running through her, almost knocking on death's door not so long ago. Adjusting his glasses one again, Keima Kasturagi focused his mind on the challenge just lying behind the closed door. The look on his face was of the outmost seriousness, now fully determined to end this conquest, here and now.

For Ahiko's sake, he would not fail.

The door opened, and after stepping through the doorway, he spotted Ahiko with her knees to her chest on one of the nearby benches. A soft sobbing noise reached his hears as he slowly approached her. His plan had worked, she was no longer in a comatose state entrenched over her life's grievances, but upset at him. This was what he needed to save her.

With a confidence that only he could possess, he initiated the last stage of his new plan.

I can see the ending.

Elsie leaned lazily against the wall adjacent to the entrance of Maijima private high school. She could hear, and feel, the music resonate through the wall, indicating that the festivities were still very much on going. A loud sigh managed to escape her lips, not liking the idea of having to wait outside in the cold, while everyone else got to enjoy each others company.

Eh…why do I have to wait outside by myself? I wanted to be inside like everybody else…nii-sama's plan isn't very fun! Slouching ever more against the structure behind her, Elsie tried her best to find an alternate form of entertainment that wouldn't jeopardize the plan her nii-sama had decided upon. Another quick gaze around her only served to confirm what she already knew though. There's no one out here…

The demon girl had been waiting outside for the final phase of the plan for the last hour or so. Needless to say, Elsie had grown rather displeased with the idea of having nothing to do, or anyone to at least talk to. Especially when tonight's event was meant as a celebration for the student body. Nii-sama…please hurry. Finally growing tired of standing, Elsie slouched downward the entire length of the wall, stopping only to take a seat on the hard concrete floor. In retrospect she comprehended that it made little difference whether or not there was someone else outside with her...unless it was Nii-sama, Haqua, or one of the goddesses. She was employing the power of her hagoromo to cloak herself from any human eyes, no one who happened to be passing by could see her, let alone engage her in conversation. I hope I didn't scare off Tenri. Ahhh…why didn't I notice that she didn't have the halo over her head! Elsie ran both her hands through her hair somewhat frantically, still a little bit upset that she had caught Tenri off-guard as she was heading home. While her surprise didn't last very long, since Diana made it clear that she had long sensed her presence, the act of calling out her name, rather loudly, might have inadvertently caused the goddess's brisk attitude toward her.

Elsie admitted that she was surprised to see Tenri exit the building by herself. Especially since the girl had actually looked forward to tonight, to leave early didn't seem like a good indicator that she had indeed enjoyed herself. The disappointment on her face was also quite noticeable. Placing a finger underneath her chin, Elsie scrunched her eyes in thought as she replayed the conversation that ensued following her outburst.

It had been slightly awkward and rather short. Not to mention that it wasn't the most pleasing of talks she remembered having with one of the Jupiter Sisters.

Diana had been curt in the small dialog she had been dragged into. She didn't say much, and didn't really allow Elsie to respond appropriately. Not bothering in the slightest to answer the lone question that had been directed at her. She did look a little unhappy. Elsie frowned slightly, recalling what few words the goddess was willing to share. I wonder what she meant by the festival being filled with depraved people? Elsie wasn't sure, but it sounded like Diana, or Tenri, had the unpleasant privilege of running into Kami-sama while he was in his conquest mindset.

Elsie allowed a warm smile to form on her lips as her thoughts drifted to her alleged brother. He had locked himself in his room for five days shortly after vintage had been stopped. No doubt playing his games, evidenced by the animated noises she would hear emanating from his room from time to time. Had she had not gotten used to his extreme gaming habits; she would have been worried about his self-induced lock down. Well…more worried anyway. He had changed, however slightly, in his conduct towards her and everyone else.

She and Haqua had discussed his small change in demeanor since then. They both agreed that he had stopped playing as much as he used to, and that he had grown a tad more… what was the word Haqua used…tolerant of the section chiefs visits, albeit by locking himself in his room, or outright ignoring the pair. The latter strategy usually wouldn't last long, however.

Haqua and nii-sama sure do get into a lot of fights, thought Elsie fondly, having memories of some of their more…active…disagreements fresh on her mind. Although Haqua did remind her that it was usually his fault for being so dismissive of them.

Sighing once more, Elsie stretched her legs and arms out, yawning soon afterward as boredom started setting in. I wonder what's taking them so long…they wouldn't be having fun without me would they?! Elsie's new particular train of thought hit a wall before it could take off, courtesy of something landing on her head.

Huh?

Slowly, and cautiously, Elsie's fingers brushed through her hair, feeling for whatever had decided to drop by and make her company. The fair skin on her fingers only managed to brush her locks…along with many small and rough pieces of dirt. Eh…but I took a shower! I'm sure I scrubbed my hair more than enough times! With a small cry of hysteria, Elsie grabbed her broom and went to work by hastily patting her head with her cleaning utensil. It's no wonder nii-sama didn't want me going inside, hurriedly commiserated Elsie, how could I be part of the festival if I can't even look presentable!

Elsie ceased her antics as she noted the feel of the particles of dirt entangled on her hair. Pausing to inspect a small specimen, she realized that what was lying on her scalp appeared to be thicker than would be simple specs of dirt.

Rubble?

The demon stood and stepped away from the wall she had been sitting against, perceiving how small chunks of concrete and dirt continued to rain from above. Curios, Elsie's eyes followed the drizzling trail upward against the wall of the school. Her eyes landed on the roof of the edifice where, from her current position on the ground floor, she could just about discern a thick piece of broken concrete and asphalt, hanging dangerously close to the edge. That wasn't there before…when did that get there? As the gears turned in her head, the demon girl also became aware of minute tremors originating from the roof. Elsie didn't know what to make of her discovery. Kami-nii-sama didn't mention anything about the festival taking place up there. Not wanting to abandon her spot and anger either Keima or Haqua, or worse, miss the loose soul, Elsie was about to dismiss the curious object for a later time. Until she heard a menacing roar pierce the sudden silence that overtook the still air around her. Elsie didn't have the chance to wonder what it was as another sound rang in her ears shortly afterward.

It was different from the first, more of a cry or a scream than an angry battle cry. Concern suddenly showed in her eyes as she recognized the voice behind the second outburst.

…Haqua?

A/N: I will say that this does take place after the Goddess arc, though I'm sure you all already knew that . Well there it is, the first chapter to my second project on this website. Hope you enjoyed it! Sorry if at times the chapter doesn't quite flow as it should, but I'm new to this sort of thing! Since I'm here I would also like to ask for a Beta to help? Recommendations? Volunteers? Anyhow, let me know what you all think, and have nice day while you're at it ;)

Till next time!

-Silent Iguana