Celebrity Issues

Moments later, the group walks down the street. Mei hides in her cloak, keeping her face hidden from the passerbys. "So, you're somethin' of a celebrity right?" Takami asks. "SOMETHING of a celebrity?! She's literally Destined Future's daughter! She's probably the most well-known girl in our country if I had to take a guess! I'd be surprised if she hadn't surpassed him!" Minato exclaims. 

Mei turns around and glares at Minato, visibly upset. "I don't HAVE any powers. I'm not like my father, I'I'mm not special like you think I am. I'm just... his daughter. Nothing more, nothing less." She responds. Minato looks taken aback, not expecting a strong response. "I'm... sorry if I got too personal. That wasn't my intention. But, seriously? You have no powers? I don't mean to compare you to your father but.." Minato continues. 

"What? I should have something of his? I should have SOME proof I'm Destined Future's daughter?! Without his powers, that makes me lesser right?! A WASTE, RIGHT?!" Mei screams, as she removes her hood in a rage. "Woah, woah, Mei... Calm down there. I know you're upset about your dad, that's really to be expected. But this isn't how you grieve.. you know?" Takami proclaims. "... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to.."

"No, I should apologize. I got out of line with my questions. I shouldn't ask stuff like that when he just..." Minato retorts. "They're valid questions though. I don't really know what it is, maybe just a cruel twist of fate. Or maybe, it's what he always wanted? I couldn't really find that out.. I won't really get the chance either.." She responds. "Well... You'll find it out eventually! You're strong, with or without powers!" Takami exclaims. Mei snickers. 

"Yeah, guess I am huh?" From across the street though, multiple people pull out their phones and begin to record Mei as she suddenly notices. She pushes Takami and Minato back before dazzling everyone with a cheerful smile. "Hey-Hey-HELLO!" She proclaims with a peace sign. "I know you're ALL worried about me because of my dad but I'm fine! I'll punch through the sadness and see the rainbow ahead!" The crowd erupts in admiration. 

"UNMEI! UNMEI!" The group roars. "You're so strong miss, how do you do it!" An member of the crowd exclaims. "When you have a legacy like mine, you can't disappoint! That's why I love each and everyone of you! I'm busy right now, so we'll have to end things early! But I'll see you all very soon for a MASSIVE surprise!" Mei retorts. "Say it with me now..."

"Our destinies intertwine and our future is bright! Bye-Bye!" The crowd and Mei shout in unison. She manages to slip away as Minato gives an awkward wave. "Let me get in there, I've been working on my breakdancing!" Takami shouts. "No." Minato retorts, dragging Takami away by the collar of his shirt. 

"Hey wait! My debut!!" Takami shouts as he's dragged away. The group meet back up a block away from the crowd. "So.. punch through the sadness and see the rainbow ahead huh?" Takami says. "S-shut up!! I'm a celebrity that's my job!" Mei shouts, embarssed. "You seriously don't get know about Unmei's signature destiny sign off? That's how she ends EVERY video of hers! You should see her during birthdays, that's my favorite version actually!" Minato explains. "...Are you a fan?" Mei asks. "No, what?! Of course not! Me? Pfft, nah! It's my.. little brother! He's a big fan!"

"Actually now that we're here like this, haven't I seen a few posters of Mei around your room?" Takami ponders. "No you haven't. MOVING ON NOW." Minato shouts. "Anyway... We're here. Welcome to Destiny HQ. Or in another words, my house." Mei declares. They look up at the large slick black modern looking building. "...This is your house? And no one knows this, how exactly?" Minato ponders. 

"Everyone thinks I live in that one building they built for my dad. I hate that solid gold they used. It's way too gaudy for my taste." Mei responds, thinking about a massive golden building with the face of man imbedded into the top of the entrance. Minato looks at her then at the large building, taking a double take. "Right.. too gaudy."

"Oh, this place! It's been forever since I've been here! C'mon, I remember THIS place like the back of my hand!" Takami shouts, running inside. "...it's my house." Mei whispers. Minato and Mei follow him inside as they're greeted to a large room with a central fireplace. The floor covered with white carpet as the light of the sun shines from the glass windows. Minato whistles in surprise. "Niiiice place. I'd love to grow up here!"

"We got some catching up to do before we do your tour Mei! Let's go into your room like we did before!" Takami suggests. "Seriously? We aren't kids anymore... But whatever, fine." She responds. They enter the room as the bright pink walls stand out. Minato scans the room, looking at all the anime posters on her wall and figures on shelves. 

Takami makes a dash for her desk and stares in awe at her three screen computer set up and her large PC on the floor. "You got an UPGRADE, didn't you? This is INSANE! But, where'd Bearrington go?" Takami questions. "I'd never get rid of him are you kidding me?! He's in the one of the-" Mei clears her throat, obviously bright red. "I-i don't play with stuffed animals anymore!"

"I'm... in the most popular idol's room. This... has to be a dream. ...Would she let me take a photo?" Minato whispers. "Hey, don't touch anything! That costs extra!" Mei exclaims, turning around. "W-what?! I'm not touching anything!"

"...That being said, how much for a photo." Mei thinks in response. "I've heard weirder requests. Real question is how much are you willing to pay?" Minato rustles through his pockets and pulls out some money. "I'll give you 1,300 yen." Mei scoffs in response. "Sorry, but that's not enough. 2,600 and you're good to go though!" Minato steps back in shock. 

"2,600?! That's INSANE!" Mei holds out her hand. "You'll be pretty cool though..." She responds. "...Fine. deal." Minato hands her the money. "Thanks for the patronage!" She exclaims. Minato holds up his camera as Mei puts out a peace sign. "While you're scamming Minato of his entire net worth, can you tell me if you have an actual idea to fight the government?" Takami asks. 

He takes the photo as Mei remembers. "Basically, as Destined Future's daughter, I have ties to the government. They've been trying to see if I have powers for years. Ever since I was young basically. I think I can figure something out, but you'd have to give me a week to see what I can do.."

"A week? No problem, we got school to worry about anyway." Minato retorts. "...We do?" Takami responds. "Yeah man. I mean we literally have the PST's that same week." He explains. "Those sure are words you put together man." Takami replies. "The Power Strength Test is basically just a measurement of how strong your powers will be eventually based off of how strong they are now. Like how did you not know this?" Takami shrugs. 

"I don't really pay attention but whatever, if that's somethin' keeping us busy then we'll go for it." Minato shakes his head disappointed. "Weird. They called it the Power Aptitude Test for me. But you guys do your thing, just leave the insider stuff to me!" Mei exclaims. "Perfect, c'mon Takami. We gotta get back." Minato says. "Alright, see you in a bit Mei!" Takami exclaims as the pair leave. Mei clutches her fist a little.

"Why'd you have to make a promise you can't keep?" She whispers to herself.

Chapter 2 - The End.