Chapter 4 - The Sunrise In The Halls

Akari woke up, doused in a sudden sheet of sweat. She scratched her hair while kicking off the thin blanket and looking around the white unfurnished room. She lifted herself off the thin mattress, staring at her reflection in borrowed pajamas.

This isn’t the weirdest thing to happen to me… Actually, how did I get here?

With a crisp zap, Kagemura materialized in front of her. “Morning, sleepyhead.”

Akari shrieked, instantly grabbing the sheet and tossing it at him engulfing his body.

“Oops, sorry, old guy… Did you—?”

He threw the sheet off with a deep sigh. “No, I didn’t change you. Nurses came by to check your Aether levels after I dropped you off. You exerted a catastrophic amount of energy. Here, now that you’re up, I got something for you.”

Akari stared still extremely confused, before he zapped away and reappeared in an instant. He tossed a paper bag at her, which she stumbled to catch.

“Welcome to the job,” Kagemura said, leaning against the cold white doorframe. “Here’s your uniform. Your sister designed it herself."

“So she is here!” Akari's exhaustion being tossed to the wind.

“Like I said. Took care of her. You can see her later, for now, wander a bit. Familiarizing yourself with this fortress should be your first priority.”

Akari looked around the room, reaffirming how absolutely barren the room is. Getting familiar with the empty room they have me in, right…

“Alright then, I can check things out! Shouldn’t be all that confusing!”

Minutes later, Kagemura watched the door, practically dozing off. Akari burst out, adjusting the crisp, clean white-and-silver jacket and skirt of the outfit given to her. It was sharp, minimalist, to say the least but under the collar, a slash of a bright red shirt peeked out. Billowing behind her was a white cloak, held in place by metallic shoulder clasps over her shoulder and lower face.

“I’m off! Catch you later, teacher!” she yelled, running off in whatever direction she picked at random.

Kagemura caught a glimpse of the pink-and-orange underneath the cloak as she ran—a bright, distant sunrise against the academy’s muted halls. He smiled for a second however the emotion is  quickly damped by a look of sour concern as she vanished from sight.

A sleek silver monitor flared to life, catching Akari’s attention. On it, a calming, synthesized voice began to speak:

“Hello, and welcome to Virelia Academy! Home to the Amatsu Reservoir! If you’ve forgotten your duty, I’d be welcome to remind you! Long ago, humanity wished for a true utopia, and the First Flame answered! But, granting that wish also caused the Blight… Weakness from the old world. So Lucents like you, from the age of twelve, take up arms!”

Right… I failed my exam a lot. Thank goodness Mei isn’t old enough yet… I couldn’t imagine her fighting!

The monitor continued its smooth, hypnotic lecture. “Thanks to the First Flame, Humans harnessed the powers of the Elements to fight, that which we call the Aether, and in tandem, we gained the power to master the self. This power we call Anima can manifest itself in many different ways. With this power, the great Imperator Zenith will lead us to a bright future, with the other six Imperators in tow as well. Reminder: vigilante activity is punishable by law, and will result in Imprisonment. Stand clear of Blighted Zones, or else you risk corrupting yourself and your fellow Lucents.”

Zenith… I’m gonna take that seat from you! I’m gonna reach the top of the world and then… I’m gonna make a brighter world, for me and Mei! For everyone!

Akari felt a tap on her back turning quickly to find Rika standing there in her own uniform. Rika had skipped the cape and jacket, favoring a simple tank top with her own silver jacket tied around her waist.

“Hey, you passed! Knew you would, obviously.” Akari grinned.

Whatever, come on! Everyone’s got a team already! We’re late.”

“Dang it! C’mon! Wandering can wait till later!” She took off running.

“Wait, you don’t even know where you’re going! It’s left!” Rika shouted after her.

Akari shifted her focus leftward, running until she reached a circular, dome building. She entered, her steps echoing under the enormous stained-glass windows that leaked colored light onto the pristine floor. The room felt like a miniature cathedral. 

Standing in the center was a woman with black hair streaked with silver. She pushed up her circular glasses, her eyes instantly trained on Akari.

“You’re late,” her cold voice pierced her chest.

“I’m sorry, I just…” Akari trailed off scanning the room.  She spotted Yuto and Ami standing next to each other, also in different variations of the uniform. Ami’s skirt extended into a long, layered white blouse, while Yuto wore a distinguished cap and an extremely long, flowing white cape. The visible confusion returned to Akari’s mind. 

What is this…?

Rika opened the door, joining the line with the others.

The woman offered no comfort, no hesitation at all.

 “Enough excuses. Just listen. Thanks to the bravery and strength showcased by Miss Hoshizawa here, the Principal has given the order to assign you all together on one team. So congratulations, starting today, you are all now, Lucents. Your job to save the world from the Blight is a tough one, but as long as you inspire others, you will never lose your way. Am I clear?”

“Yes, ma’am!” They all shouted in unison.

Her cold demeanor softened slightly breaking way for a small, professional smile. “Naturally. You are now designated as Team Hinome, the team that will lead the way for the future and cause a blazing new dawn. Now, please introduce yourselves.”

Yuto stepped forward, adjusting his cap. “Once more, I am Yuto Hayasaka. My ability allows me to control the density and manipulate water to my whims. I will lead this team efficiently.”

 “My name is Ami Setsuna! I can harmonize with my friends, so everyone can fight together! I will be your eyes, ears, and guidance… If you’ll let me!”

“I’m Rika Misono. I use Air and Aether to make microscopic strings. Not really good for fighting, but that’s not my area anyway. You need somethin’ fixed? That’s my job!”

Akari finally walked up to complete the line. “I am Akari Hoshizawa, and the more I fight, the more my blood burns! I’m gonna save everyone, and be the greatest hero of them all! Count on it!”

The woman nodded softly, “Before I send you on your way, since your team is special, you’re being designated a new member from the Order of Solace. You can come on in, Miss Kujo.”

The large doors opened slowly, revealing a girl with long, perfectly braided blonde hair. She entered in a bright white, armor-plated dress that made her look wholly divine, like a nun. She carried a heavy leather book in her arms.

“Thank you, Narsue-sensei. It’s a pleasure to meet all of you, my teammates. You may refer to me as Seraphine. I will be accompanying you as your sanctioned cleanser. My light will absolve you of all worry.” Her voice was smooth and patient. 

What an odd girl… She’s so mature! Akari thought.

The group looked at Seraphine, a moment of confusion passing over their faces before they shrugged off the unease.

“More friends! Nice to meetcha!” Akari exclaimed leaping forward to hug their new member. Seraphine took a small, precise step to the side and dodged the hug entirely, not breaking her calm gaze as Akari tumbled onto the floor.

“Enough playing around. Who’s leading the team? That’s all I care about,” Yuto demanded behind gritted teeth.

“Hoshizawa-san, of course,” 

“Her?!” came several simultaneous shouts, including Akari's. 

“Me?! But I’m not really like… the leader type?”

“I’d have to agree!” Yuto outraged. “I’m the heir to this country's most influential family, I’ve been trained my entire life to be second rate! This gutter trash?! A waste of resources, ex-vigilante that just so happens to have a strong Anima Ability is going to lead over me?! You can’t be serious!”

Rika’s jaw hardened. “You back the hell off of my friend, Hayasaka! Your goddamn corp has done nothing but line your pockets while people suffer from your bullshit ‘tests’! Check that ego already!”

Yuto slowly stepped forward, his glare piercing her very soul. “What the hell do you know?! You’re what, a mechanic was it? And you think someone as useless as you gets to be in the frontlines?! Stay back in the laboratories and rot where you belong, or die along with the others like you that have such awful powers!”

Rika balled up her fist, clenching her teeth. Then, with the full force of her frustration, she socked Hayasaka across the face. His head snapped back. He looked up, his eyes burning with murderous anger, ready to destroy her. Until he saw her eyes well up with immediate tears.

“You wouldn’t know a damn thing! The hell I had to walk through… The hell Akari had to walk through! You don’t know ANYTHING!”

Yuto tried to respond, but the sight of her genuine tears made him clench his fists into white knots. He was suddenly trapped by the humiliation. He stood up straight and left the room without a single word, slamming the heavy door behind him.

The air of the cathedral grew awkward with unspoken tension.

“U-uhm…” Ami stammered, looking at Narsue. “Was there something else you had to tell us?”

Narsue-sensei cleared her throat. “Right… Hoshizawa-san, your little sister is waiting for you in the dorms. I know you’ve asked to see her, so go on.”

Akari's mood shifted instantly. She started beaming leaving all feelings behind. “Really?! I’ll be on my way then, thanks teach!” she shouted, bolting for the door.

Rika followed after her, quickly wiping her tears away. Ami bowed politely before chasing after them. Seraphine gave Narsue a small, knowing smile, then briskly walked behind the group’s full sprint.

Akari burst open the door to her room, finding Mei sitting on the bed, absorbed in a book. Mei’s small face lit up with immediate joy, and she launched herself into her elder sister’s arms.

“Akari! You looked so cool out there! It was unbelievable! I’ve never seen you like that before!”

Akari giggled with immeasurable joy, smiling so bright it threatened to eclipse the sun. “Right?! And I’m gonna look even cooler from now on, now that I have this awesome outfit you designed me! How’d you come up with this?”

Mei rubbed the back of her head, embarrassed. “Um… It’s like the sun! When you show up, everything is so bright and colorful! So whenever you have to save someone… it’s the sun rose on a really dark night!”

Ami tapped Akari’s shoulder, then whispered into her ear. “Is that really your sister? She’s…”

“Mature? I know! She gets it from me!” Akari smirked proudly, eyes closed.

Mei tugged on Ami’s blouse, pulling her down. Ami crouched down with ear shot.

“My sister is… naive. Please make sure she doesn’t get into any trouble. She means well…” Mei whispered, her expression all too serious for a girl her age.

 “You don’t say... I’ll do my best.”

Rika sulked in the corner, staring at the floor. 

"Are you… okay?” Ami asked, slowly approaching her.

She shook her head, avoiding eye contact.

“Hey,” Ami continued gently. “You saved me in that test, you know… I got so scared, it felt like I was out of my element. It was nothing like I was used to where I’m from… And then you took my hand.. And stuck with me the whole time.”

Rika chuckled, small and choked up.  “Yeah, you were all curled up in a ball, it was pretty funny.”

Ami punched her arm lightly. “Jerk. But, yes… You’re the only reason I’m here. So don’t let that jerk get in your head, please.”

Rika nodded, her smile returning, although this time it felt for real. “Alright, alright… I’ll be okay.”

Akari turned to them, a figurative lightbulb popping up over her head.

“That just reminds me! That jerk Kagemura took my notebook and tossed me into this bland room! At least let a girl decorate…”

Rika whipped a swipe card from her pocket with a confident smirk. “Swiped this from the old man. Kagemura owes us this much after all the meddling he does. How about a shopping spree?”

Akari hopped up and down in sheer excitement. “Heck yes! Let’s do it! Let me just go find Yuya and—”

Rika stopped her in her tracks, laying a firm hand on her shoulder. “No. That guy is a piece of crap who doesn’t care about anyone but himself and his goddamn ego! Do not invite that guy!”

Akari shrugged. “Alright, alright… C’mon, Mei! To Akihabara!”

Ami sighed, a sweat drop sliding down her forehead. “We’re not going to spend all of Sensei’s money, you know…”

Chapter 4 - The End