Scanning every Outcome

“This is unbelievable!”

Kay shouted in disgust as they cycled through the dozens of photos taken by the surprise guest Moku. The unique person collected evidence that the four of them were in fact being followed. Observed and documented at each of their homes and routes, pretty much each time they were outside.

“They’ve probably been following us since we all met.” Yuuichirou mentioned. “Hah, a surveillance team being surveilled. How does one gather that kind of intuition?” He then questioned.

“Welp. I’d say one will tend to gather a few skills when you’re stuck in a field that forces you to be aware of your surroundings… Is there a pet squirrel in this place, or something?” Moku remarked in his cold folksy accent for it to slur into a drawl as he noticed the volume of squirrel nicknacks.

“What’s this picture of?” Zuina asked, reaching the end of the photos on Moku’s camera, and without realizing he asked a question.

At the end of the pictures of the surveillance spies, Zuina saw a couple of pictures taken of random things and places that Moku had on his camera. A stepped on flower, old unused bicycles, the rivers in Tokyo, an empty bowl of possibly ramen, sunsets over worn streets. Photos that evoke the release of time or experiences, and its continuation, its permanence.

“I like to take pictures, as a hobby, nothing much else too it.” Moku stated, slowly retrieving his camera.

The four were understandably nervous and cautious around the surprise arrival of this unconventional guest. The brazenness of his stature, his unapologetic appearance, were enough for anyone to be on edge, but what they mostly focused on was his neck. Engraved into his suntanned skin was a distinct scar shaped around his neck. A bold one that bears a number of mysteries on its own. But they’ll just have to wait for those questions.

“So when did you start to take pictures of these people?” Zuina politely asked.

“I was making my monthly routine in San'ya, where I like to rest, and I noticed the spies in the pictures snapping some pics of her.” Moku explained, pointing at Kay. “At first I thought that it was just some pervs, but when I went to sneak up on them to teach them a lesson, for lack of a better phrase… I, uh, heard some things that I wish I didn’t.” He then grew quiet as the other listened closely.

“About the event?” Getsurin guessed.

“Yup, things related to the aftermath, to the senseless violence… I just needed answers, and I knew they weren’t going to give me anything.” Moku hunched over. “I then spied on them, and found out that they've been following the lot of you for a couple of days now.” He finished.

“So you’re hoping we have the answers?” Kay chimed in.

“Well, I’d like to know why they’d be taking pictures of normal kids—Are ya somehow involved with that plane?” Moku asked with accented skepticism.

“Someone care to explain our situation?” Getsurin sighed.

“Oh, I will, I'd like to make sure I understand everything as well.” Zuina diligently volunteered.

Zuina dutifully rolled out her drawing board with the plethora of information relating to anything and everything that they’ve learned since the event. Zuina displayed her subtle charm when giving the presentation to Moku while the others somewhat patiently waited. Primarily Yuuichirou and Getsurin kept a close eye on Moku, all things considered, they still have just met.

However, focusing became a bit of a challenge as Moku has a rather common quirk. To assist and ponder the intake of information, Moku frequently scratches the coarse stubble on his chin with his thumb and index.

“Mind if I have a smoke?” Moku suddenly asked, shifting his body to grab his cigarettes.

“Um, yes, actually… But you’re welcome to smoke outside, near the sidewalk.” Zuina promptly answered, showing some confusion, but still offered some kindness.

“Sorry, this is just a lot… Could use something to calm my nerves.” He opened, to then gaze at the floor. “Can I smoke in the back?” He then asked.

“Um, yeah, that’s fine.” Zuina agreed, for Moku to then walk to the backyard.

“So what do yall think?” Kay was first to ask the group.

“I don’t like him.”

“I don’t like him.”

Both Yuuichirou and Getsurin announced their opinion almost with perfect synchronization. Kay responded with a quick puff of laughter.

“For me… I don’t know, he looks kinda distraught about the whole thing.” Zuina mentioned, glancing at Moku sitting on the ground outside with his flavorful cigarette.

“Why do you think that is?” Kay asked.

“Probably because he already feels guilty about killing us.” Getsurin scoffed, for Kay to quickly pinch his arm for the rude statement.

“I don’t think that’s it, I think he’s just seen some things. What? I don’t know, but he seems lost, confused.” Zuina provided her sympathies.

“Perhaps, we shouldn’t judge too hastily. I think there is strength in numbers, so the more we have with us the better.” Yuuichirou remarked, siding with his sister.

“Exactly! Right Surin?” Kay agreed as she grabbed Getsurin’s arm.

“Alright! Alright…!” Getsurin hollered, taking his arm back from Kay. “As I see it, we still don’t know what the hell’s going on, and no matter how much we learn, we’ll still be underprepared… SO, as long as we have people we can count on, I think having a solid team would be our best option.” He concluded, as the others nodded in agreement.

“Sorry again about that.” Moku returned, with his folksy drawl. “Thinkin’ bout it, suppose you already know that I’m like you.” He mentioned, carrying the light scent of tobacco smoke.

“Huh? What?” Zuina quickly questioned with surprise.

“That’s right, I knew pretty much the moment you walked in.” Getsurin answered.

“He’s a Bio Mage! Why didn’t anyone say anything?!” Zuina hollered with annoyance, feeling left out.

“Care to share your story?” Yuuichirou asked.

“Welp… Not much different than yours.” Moku began, finding a chair to sit on. “Like I always am, I was in my van, parked. Going about my business. When I started to see a few people staring at the sky, those few turned into several, before I knew it the whole neighborhood was staring at the sky. Just as I was about to get out—SPLAT!” He smacked the table next to him.

“This mass of flesh, bout the size of a golf ball, hit the front of my van… No blood, nothing. Slowly went to investigate… just seconds of holding, the damn thing went into my skin, my whole body was on fire, then I hacked up gut chunks." He then finished, flicking one hand for emphasis.

“Looks like it was your stomach.” Getsurin guessed, staring at Moku with his special eye.

“Nope. It's liver, trust me.” Moku quickly corrected. “The color, texture, it's liver.” He explained, leaning back in his chair.

“Regardless, have you had any urges?” Getsurin then asked.

“Nope, nothin’.”

“Well that’s good.” Kay added.

Their casual chatter soon fell silent, as the gravity of the unthinkable situation began to weigh on each of them. Gripping their minds like a brain tumor, unable to remove it, and only able to resist its constant destruction.

“Have you heard that the US will be sending over some of their troops?” Moku suddenly spoke with the news, clearly surprising the others.

“Why are things moving so quickly? All this is going on and it's barely been a week!” Getsurin understandably sighed in irritation.

“I haven’t heard anything about that” Zuina calmly stated, confused, as her research has been incredibly thorough.

“Right, I forget that everyone doesn’t have the same connections as I do.” Moku casually mentioned.

“What kind of connections?” Yuuichirou asked.

“Well, when you're a Ronin, you have the tendency of making beneficial partnerships since you don’t have a master.” Moku smirked with pride.

Kay gleaned at Moku mentioning his supposed Ronin lifestyle, but was quickly covered by Getsurin. “Okay, Mr. Ronin, do those connections have ways to deal with spies?” Getsurin swiftly asked.

“I’d thought you’d never ask.” Moku smirked, this time showing his strong yet neglected teeth. While the others expressed a smile of caution. Preparing themselves for the challenging future ahead, but thankfully ready to form a solid unit for survival.