|Hurtful Reunion (part 2)

He had a pair of arms wrapped around his collar bone, gently pressing his head back. A peculiar feeling but not peculiar enough. Deep in his mind, forbidden thoughts danced around him in provocation. They were shaped like bubbles but he was unable to reach for them.

In a pale grey chair he sat, unaware of his surroundings or his fate. He was unfazed, seeing as this wasn’t his first encounter with this mysterious figure.

Her words were sweet, sweet poison that unraveled the mind, but weakened the spirit.

[

“Your father was a pretty scummy person, right?”

“He was.”

“He abandoned us, right?”

“He did.”

“ Why did he commit double suicide?”

“I don't know. I'm sorry…”

“Did you cry when he died?”

“Yes.”

“Why? Did you know it hurt me so much?” she pressed her nails into his neck, decorating them in red.

“I'm sorry.”

“Did you have any right to cry?”

“No. I'm sorry.”

“In that case, how do you apologize?”

“….”

“Zirou?”

]

“A---oi.. It’s me.”

“...”

“Aiko. It’s Aiko.”

*cough*

“Let me go.”

“...”

“Can’t..breathe..”

Despite being away by a considerable distance, she struggled to close the gap and finally managed to make contact. She placed her hands on his cheek, hoping she could snap him out of this spontaneous state. With all the energy she could muster, she slapped him.

In seconds, everything in the room fell back to the ground. The chair, the bed, the table, the TV that landed on the ground, shattered.

“The hell? Why are you here?”

*cough**cough*

“What’s wrong with you?”

“Answer me!!”

“I wanted to drop off the sandwich I brought for you.”

“I did it again.”

“What are you..”

“cough*

“ I’m sorry, I should have mentioned this. I still do not have full control of my powers, especially when I’m unconscious. They break out when I’m in a state of shock.”

“You could have told m-----”

*bleghh*

“No no no. Not the table.”

He hit his face and shook his head repeatedly as she struck again. At this point, it felt like an overused punch line.

*knock**knock*

“Great. Fucking great.”

He walked calmly to the door, sneaking a few looks at himself through the mirror. He was still in his dashing velvet robe. He casually put on the comfy pair of slippers before reaching for the door.

“Hey there. Sorry for the commotion. Honest mistake on my part.”

“Haha, thanks for your honesty. We heard all the racket from the other room so we thought something was wrong. Also, about the screaming…”

“Pardon me, I accidentally connected my phone to the TV and freaked out as a result.”

“But..” she was grabbed by her friend. Their puzzled expressions were masked with smiles.

“I see. Thanks for letting us know at least.”

“Once again, apologies for interfering with your beauty sleep. Have a good night, ladies.”

“Oh.. Good night.” she glanced around, turning to her friend who looked pleasantly surprised.

“Hey, what’s your name?”

“It’s Aoi.”

“Rest well, Aoi.”

After he shut the door, he sighed and whispered ‘I hope I do.’

“What did they say?”

“Nothing important. Seems my powers leaked out.”

“Think they sensed it?”

“Definitely. I tried to wait around to see if they said anything but nope.”

“Well, if they’re talking in their room, think I can listen in by sticking my ears to the wall?”

“Of course not. And give it a try, stop asking me.”

“Hmmm.”

“Why are you even on my bed?”

After half an hour of cleaning and changing clothes, they both sat on the bed, fully exhausted.

“I’m sorry. I had a lot to eat so..”

“It’s alright. I mean, at this point you throw up more times than you use the bathroom. What’s there to explain?”

“I see you’re having fun..”

“What else can I do in this situation?? I can’t fall asleep again and the room now has a weird smell. Plus my TV is broken.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Anyway, you really had to teleport to get some new clothes?”

“What else was I going to wear.”

“I already told you there are two pairs of Pyjamas in the wardrobe. Don’t tell me you’re embarrassed?”

“Hmph. I like my comfy ones.”

“Ladies can be unbearable sometimes.”

“What did you say?”

“Thanks for the sandwich. You got one thing right, I was hungry but unfortunately I won’t be able to eat that. I might end up puking.”

“If you’re going to make such a big deal about it then why don’t we switch rooms for the night?”

“Why would you want to do that?”

“I messed up your room so it’s the only way I can make up for it.”

“That sounds good but I’ll pass.”

“Don’t tell me you’re embarrassed?”

He sighed.

“It’s getting pretty late. Shouldn’t you be going to bed?”

“Yeah, thanks.” upon hearing his ‘excuse’ she smiled. She looked way too smug for his liking.

“Or what, wanna stay in the same room?”

“I’m leaving already!!” she swiftly bounced off his bed.

“Hah!! See that.”

“Aoi.”

“Huh?”

“I might not mind teaming up with you. After all, who would keep you in check?”

“Are you crazy?”

“Perhaps. Have a good night’s rest, Aoi.”

“Goodnight.”

With the door shut, he laid on the bed and covered his eyes with his hands and murmured “weirdo.”

In the same building, the entire premises was on the brink of ruin. It was a case of trigger synchronization. She responded to it’s call, but there was resistance. Despite being held back by her partner, she effortlessly got to the door. A nauseating amount of bloodlust and a monstrous aura to boot.

As she stared at the ceiling, the desperate call from her partner put her movement to a halt.

“Chizuru, please snap out of it.”

Her eyes glowed gold in vivid flashes. She finally dropped her sword and accepted her partner’s embrace.

“It’s okay. I’m here for you.”

The sun had risen and yet, he still hadn’t gotten any sleep. It felt like his own body was punishing him for succumbing to his powers.

“I finally binged galactic heroes. That was definitely a ride. Time to take a shower.”

He undressed and whistled away to the bathroom. After a hot shower, he dressed up in his previous clothes and prepared to meet with his new, well soon to be boss, Atsuko Fujisaki. He pondered on whether he was too early or not. Until there was a knock on the door. It was loud and aggressive with no particular pattern to it.

“If you’re planning on breaking the door then be my guest.”

“May I come in?”

“A bit too late for that.”

She pushed the door open with the force of a war elephant but upon seeing his bare chest, she stopped.

“Huh? I’m almost done dressing, you don’t have to be weird about it.”

“Jeez, put on some clothes, will you?” she crossed her arms in disappointment.

“You were the one who barged in!!! Are you mad about yesterday?”

“Not at all.”

“In that case, what happened?”

“Remember Sho and Rika?”

“Yeah. I don’t think I can forget.”

“Well, since I teleported everyone away, the motor bike Sensei used was stuck there. I wasn’t thinking. But you know what that means, right?”

“It was a suicide. No, technically it was murder."

“I don’t know how well the new procedures take into account the supernatural but due to the rise in these types of cases, I don’t think they would even care for the details. Can’t say I blame them.”

“I didn’t consider this.”

“Fujisaki-sensei is the one that would suffer the consequences of our actions.”

“Surely they can’t suspect her of being the killer. That would be an idiotic move on their part.”

“As far as I'm aware, there still isn’t a special unit for these things. I mean, there’s nothing the police can do. In fact the supernatural existing in the first place was only accommodated into the law about half a decade ago, despite the clear proof. Let’s not even go into the implementation.”

“So what is going to happen? I’m not a detective but I know there’s lack of evidence. Based on the body, you wouldn’t be able to link anything to anyone. He was literally killed by air. The only conclusive thing here is that her motorbike was at the scene of the crime.” while she frantically walked around, he sat on the chair by the window.

“I said I don’t know. As an organization, and as the owner of said organization, she is given some level of freedom but even though there are absurdities now, she’s not the law and she’s also not above it. If there’s any evidence they can use then they’ll use it. That’s what I think.” her gaze strayed to each and every corner of the room. Every other thing but the man in front of her. He still hadn’t finished dressing.

“Well they can try. It’s useless. And you’re saying all this now but why didn’t anyone take me there too?”

“She probably didn’t want to disturb you.”

“If it’s something that she’s not bothered about then why are you??”

“I-I’m just worried.”

“If you have the energy to be that bothered about another person’s problem, doesn’t that mean you just don’t have any of your own to deal with?” due to his overwhelming curiosity, he didn’t look away.

She leapt forward with her hands and held his face softly, the solemn look she had on made him pay close attention to the next words that escaped her lips.

“That’s a sad way to think, don’t you think?”

“It’s more realistic. Are you good at running too?”

“Maybe I am. But this is this and that is that. My heart can simply accommodate it. That should be normal.”

“It is, isn’t it?”

“You ask too many questions. It’s annoying.”

“That was the plan.”

After that exchange, there was an awkward silence in the room and they stood still for seconds before she removed her hands.

“Let’s meet up with everyone at the briefing room. Sensei will talk to you when she gets back.”

So you know she’ll be back, but you’re worried that she’s gone…Such a troublesome lady, he thought.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea? I don’t really want to do that if it’s not necessary.”

“What do you mean? Of course it’s necessary.”

“I think I’ll look for something new to watch. Thanks for the TV you brought last night. There were so many channels. It was an heavenly experience.”

“Well, you know what won’t be heavenly?”

“Here we go again. Let me guess, you will vomit all over the place?”

“You talk about unbearable people but you’re one of the worst I’ve met.”

“Shut it, ugly.”

“What does that have to do with anything? Besides, I’m not ugly, far from it. Do you know who you’re talking to?”

“??”

“Kushieda Aika. Search that up and tell me what you see.”

“Oh.”

“Hahaha” she grinned ear to ear as he scrolled through his phone, awaiting her well deserved praise.

“I’ve been on multiple magazine covers and it’s a given that I have loads of fans that would do anything for me. I am the golden standard for teen beauty in Tokyo, so don’t mock me.”

“Was. ”

“THAT’S ALL??”

"Maybe it's because you're an idol and this might be hard to hear but you're an adult, aren't you?"

"That doesn't matter. Look at it." she diverted his attention back to the image by tapping his phone repeatedly.

“Guess what has also been on multiple magazine covers?”

“Hmm?” she leaned in out of curiosity.

“Vegetables. Lots of them. Guess what has loads of fans too?”

“Vegetables!!”

They said this at the same time but she uttered those words with a more dispirited tone.

“You don’t have to worry though. Just like veggies, it’s about what is on the inside.”

“I want to hit you so badly.”

“But really, I’m jealous. You look so pretty in this cover.” unlike their polarizing sense of justice, there was one thing that they both had in common.

“Stop it.”

They both loved receiving praise.

“Now you look like a different person.”

“Shut it!!!”

“I need your help. You might have to drag me out of here before I find something else to watch.”

“Gotcha. Let’s head over to the briefing room or we might be late.”

He shook both his hands and made a clueless gesture. He then took a closer look at her and examined the uniform she had on. It was a black shirt with a hint of pink on it’s collars. In conclusion, a mixture of black and pink on the zip up hoodie she had on. Exactly the same one as she had on the previous day.

He absolutely loved it. Dark clothes reminded him of ninjas, something he was fond of. While bunnies reminded him of the colour white and vice versa. However, both reminded him of his mother; someone he was extremely fond of.

“Now you’re cooperative?”

“Consider it pay back for the TV.”

They both exited the room. He just got there last night so upon seeing the interior, he was astonished yet again.

“Hey now, this is not a tour. Just be quick and follow me.”

“Got it. By the way…”

“Yeah, I did say I will explain some things to you yesterday. Sorry for the delay.”

She stopped walking and gently rubbed her chin, her right hand on her hips.

“Where do I start?”

She continued walking but with slower steps.

“You know about the incident regarding the void, right?”

“Who doesn’t??”

“Then you know about all the spirits that spawned from the dead, right?”

“Look, I get the gist of it. The orb of calamity appeared and weird phenomena started happening at the same time, all at once. There were natural disasters, lots of unnatural ones, and finally, the orb was so far in the sky that it covered the moon for a period of time before disappearing.”

“Yup. I was told that on the day of its disappearance, it glowed dark red. Like a scene from hell itself. The souls it left behind were those that became apparitions. That incident also gave birth to people like us, trigger users. The only beings capable of harming them.”

“Tell me something I don’t know.”

“Hmm. What if I told you the number of apparitions was up to a million?”

“Yeah, right.”

“For the procedures I mentioned earlier, we have to bring each and everyone of them peace one way or the other. After all, they were humans like us before their lives got screwed over.”

“.…..”

“That’s the only right way to end things. As long as we have that luxury then it is an absolute must.”

“I’m glad you dismantled your own point in the same sentence.”

“If you can’t do that then Sensei is probably going to let you go.”

“Like she can. You really don’t get it, do you?”

“What?”

“Nevermind. Anyway, that’s something I’ll have to think about later.”

“Although, you don’t have to think much of it if the spirit in question can’t be saved. If there is no chance of us even reasoning with them. Then..”

“Then?”

“We fight. Without holding back.”

“Another form of kindness, don’t you think?”

“I know you like that option but it’s only for emergencies. Violence comes last.”

“We are basically risking our lives for those who don’t have any and if we are to die in the process, we are supposed to smile at the shortest stick we were given? I’m being paid but still...”

“Well, most of us aren’t here for the money. We just want to help heal this country. This is the most efficient method to solve that problem. It’s better than those rogue wannabe heroes that kill spirits without any consideration of the consequence of that action.”

“What other consequences could there be?”

“Apparently, most of those that died have some regret left, no matter how little. Of course they did, they were not aware that they were going to lose their lives on that day. Most of them with that regret stuck in their hearts, become lingering spirits. Depending on how strong that desire they have, the more likely they are to return with even more bloodlust after being killed.”

She turned to him, a hint of sadness in her voice.

“That is why this is a very delicate job. We don’t kill. We save them.”

“That’s a load of bull.” he dismissed the claims with a shrug.

“Anyway, I have explained what I meant yesterday. Understand?”

“I understand now.”

“Where’s my thank you?”

“Aika chan. Thank you.”

“D-Don’t you dare bring up that name again.” she reached for his lips.

“So now you deny the hot shot that is Aika?”

They spent the next couple of minutes walking through this massive hallway. It was on a different floor and this time, there were many others in the middle of their own missions. This was just a reminder that he got the actual scale awfully wrong. With this many people, it was difficult not to admit.

They finally reached the desired floor. This time it gave off a nostalgic feeling. He couldn’t quite put his fingers on it but it seemed like he went from moving around a museum to a hotel and lastly, to a typical high school.

“Whoever did this definitely tried too hard.”

“I didn’t know it was that obvious.”

“It’s just a feeling, right?”

Engrossed in the nostalgic feeling that this imagery evoked, he placed his arms behind his head as another figure came to mind. Unfortunately, he couldn’t shake it off. With every step he took, the vague figure only solidified in his mind and every memory of that figure came speeding through his brain like a car crash.

Aiko led the way as they entered the room from the front entrance. He handled the stares from the people in the room fairly well.

“According to Sensei, the amount currently at HQ is not up to a fifth of the total trigger users in the country. There are still many other people outside the FISF that either don’t know they have powers or don’t want any tough responsibilities to deal with.”

“That must be grea----”

His eyes darted around in response to the oozing aura that was so dense and dark, it made him nervous. He knew he was in danger when his eyes finally caught the sight of a sword swiftly approaching his neck.

It glowed gold as the sharp edges, crafted beautifully, were a few meters away from meeting his flesh.

This was no time to be admiring a weapon. Luckily, he was able to change the trajectory. However, the attack was inevitable,  the force was sharp enough to graze his shoulder. He had no time to examine how deep it was despite the blood. She launched a swift attack with two slashes in succession after the first one. It was indeed a fearsome sight. One that few people actually caught with their eyes.

“Trying to kill me already, huh??”

His eyes widened, her eyes widened too as they both met. The culprit in front of him let out a sadistic smile. It was all coming together now. His very own nightmare was right in front of him, he stood in shock as her quivery lips moved.

“Chizuru???”

“I’ve been looking for you, Zirou.”