《I Am A Hero: In A Silent Way》


 1: Its a wonderful, wonderful life

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    Murakami sat in the office alone with his head hung low. As a teacher, the young man was still inexperience but for him to encounter a case like this. It was just a hunch but he couldn''t let this feeling slide. The girl should be here any time soon.


    As he looked at the clock, the door slid open "Excuse me"


    "Come on in, Hanazawa-san" Murakami tried to keep calm "Take a sit, there is something I want to talk with you about"


    The girl looked around the empty room before sitting down. She was still calm and collected, Murakami could never tell what the girl was thinking. Suddenly, the teacher started to doubt himself, what if his hunch was incorrect. Maybe he should just send her back.


    The young man immediately wiped that thought out of his head. If he was wrong then that was that. If his hunch proved to be correct, however¡­


    "What''s wrong, did I do something wrong?"


    The girl spoke softly, and yet something about the timing startled Murakami. He couldn''t show that to a student though.


    "No, not at all. You have been a model student!" The teacher straightened himself "I called you here for a different matter"


    With great concern, Murakami looked straight into the girl''s eyes and said his mind.


    "You can be honest with me, are you being abused at home?"


    There, he said it, now for the girl reaction. Hanazawa gazed at him, surprised, before bursting out laughing. Murakami was rather taken aback, he had never seen her expression this extreme before. The girl wiped away a drop of tear before looking at him, amused.


    "No sir" Her answer was succinct, like usual.


    "Sorry for the question, but I want to make sure¡­"


    "Don''t worry, sir, I can see why you would think that" Hanazawa cut him off "I am relatively quiet, never talk about my family and you must have learnt that no one came for any parents'' event either"


    "So you see where my concern is coming from¡­"


    The girl was sharp, but that alone didn''t prove much. Or more like, it only fuelled his suspicion. Such a strong reaction could be a mean of self-defence. The girl could see, smell and sense his doubt, however.


    "Next parental meeting, I can bring in a family member if you want"


    She didn''t say father or mother, Murakami noticed. He wanted to ask more but would that push her too much. Or maybe he could see who she brought in, then this conversation could resume.


    "I guess that would be alright" The young teacher felt like he was being played here.


    "Eh, he actually thought that you were abused!"


    Maromi couldn''t hold in her laughter. She needed to stop, people were looking. Her friend, however, kept on walking with a smile on her face. Hanazawa was strangely happy today. Was she that glad someone brought that up? Now Maromi was actually worried, despite knowing each other for years, she didn''t know much about that girl Hanazawa.


    The two continued on their way back home. They suddenly came across a mutual friend, Sakura. She immediately scampered away after seeing the two, however. Maromi sighed.


    "Ever since she got herself a boyfriend, Sakura-chan hasn''t been hanging out with us"


    "Yeah" Hanazawa answered.


    "She doesn''t seem to be hanging out with anyone actually. Do you think something bad is happening to her, I''m so worried!"


    "I wonder"


    "Ugh, isn''t she our friend! Don''t you care about her!" Maromi snapped.


    "Of course. Don''t worry, I will do something about it"


    Maromi pouted as they continue. Hanazawa was a caring person and she always kept her words. The girl never showed it, however, and it could get a little bit frustrating.


    As they passed through a familiar park, there seemed to be some sort of commotion. A group of youngsters were ganging up on a homeless, filming their deeds.


    Maromi could recognise that man. Every day, Hanazawa''s lunch would consist of two handmade sandwiches. She only ate one, however, the other she always gave to the homeless man on their way back home. He would always waited here as well, an act Maromi was rather uncomfortable about.


    "We should just keep on walking" Said Maromi as her words fell to deaf ears.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Hanazawa pulled something out of her bag, a canister of lighter fluid. She slowly and walked toward the youngster and sprayed the content all over them.


    "Hey, what the hell, my phone!"


    The group turned around to see a high school girl with light fluid on one hand, the other holding a lighter. With a click, the flame appeared burning ominously.


    "What do you want, bitch, what is wrong with you"


    The girl remained quiet and approach them calmly, waving the flame around slightly.


    "This chick is crazy!"


    It didn''t take long for the group of youngsters to scamper away. Hanazawa smirked and brought the canister to her lips to drink the remaining content. Maromi watched on, for some reasons, her friend kept water in that kind of package. It had caused them troubles in the past, at least the thing now proved useful.


    "Let''s go, they will soon realise it is just water"


    The girl reached out to the homeless man who quickly heeded her words. The three quickly moved to somewhere closer to a police booth.


    "Thank you" The man said "But you shouldn''t have done that, what if they remember your face"


    "I am fast, I will just run here" Hanazawa answered nonchalantly "Besides, I haven''t given you your sandwich today, here"


    The girl reached into her bag and presented a neatly wrapped treat. Maromi looked on disapprovingly, the man noticed it and turns away so not to meet her gaze. He was probably older than both of their parents. Hanazawa turned to her friend.


    "You can go back without me, I will inform the police about what happened"


    "I am a witness as well, I can go with you!"


    "No"


    That look, Hanazawa was up to something, Maromi could tell. Normally she would always listen to her friend but there was a limit. They were still high school students, whatever business she had with this homeless man was not appropriate.


    "I am not going anywhere, you can just act as if I am not here"


    Maromi crossed her arms and stood her ground.


    "I see"


    Hanazawa gave up without any resistant. She turned to the homeless man and handed him the sandwich. He accepted it, glancing uncomfortably at Maromi.


    "I appreciate this, I really do" He clapped his hands together and bowed at the girl "But it''s best you leave it like this. There is no need to interfere when you see me like that either"


    "Why not? I might be your neighbour soon. Don''t neighbours help each other out?"


    "¡­" "¡­"


    "Hah, that''s just a joke. I guess it isn''t that funny" The girl didn''t even raise the edge of her lips over her own ''joke''.


    Maromi and the homeless man were speechless.


    "Actually, I have a favour to ask of you today" Hanazawa continued.


    "What is it?" The homeless man looked at her nervously.


    "You still have at least a clean suit, right?"


    The man nodded, even now he was still trying to find a job. What was this girl getting at?


    "There is a teacher parents meeting coming soon. Can you come for me?"


    "What!" Maromi was worried, maybe Murakami''s hunch was correct after all "Why are you asking for that? Of that guy even?"


    "Your friend is right, I am just a bum on the street. Where are your parents, why can''t they come for you?" Even the man objected to this mad idea.


    Hanazawa looked at the homeless man and glanced at her worried friend. For the bubbly Maromi to be this worried, she messed up. Maybe the truth was what her friend deserved. Then she shall speak the truth.


    "My mother died some time ago and my father ran away then as well. I only have my brother left and he is too busy working to provide for us. I can''t ask of him such a thing"


    Both of her companion had their mouth agape. Hanazawa said all that so nonchalantly yet it didn''t seem like she was lying either. Maromi couldn''t believe she would get the truth this way and now. She knew Hanazawa had a brother, but not that he as her only family member. So her friend wasn''t abused after all, but this wasn''t much brighter.


    And why was she even saying that in front of a homeless man. Maromi turned to the man who seemed¡­ frustrated. Eh, the girl didn''t understand, why was he frustrated.


    "You can have this back" The man shoved the sandwich back "And no, I don''t need any food from you anymore"


    "Eh" Hanazawa didn''t understand what was happening either.


    "And take that back, that joke about being my neighbour" The man looked straight down to the ground, remembering a time long pass "Your brother, I am sure he is doing his very best, so don''t joke about something like that. YOU WOULD DISHONOUR HIM! And this sandwich, I can''t accept it anymore"


    How unsightly of him to break down in front of two school girls like that. Oh, how hard did he work, he slaved his life away but still couldn''t keep a roof above his little girls'' head. And now, their mother had taken them away, leaving him cold and alone.


    Hanazawa took the sandwich back and bowed down.


    "I''m sorry, that wasn''t right of me" The girl looked up "But now, I want you to come to the meeting for me even more"


    She held his clapping hands gently. The man gaze up, there was a charisma to this seemingly emotionless girl. From this angle, she seemed like a godness, divine "I guess¡­ I could give it a try. I still think you should tell your brother about it, the meeting"


    "I will"


    The girl stood up and prepared to leave. But before that, she had a question for the homeless man.


    "Before, we would come here as a group of three, do you remember the final girl who used to be with us"


    Maromi looked at her friend, was she really asking this man what was going on with Sakura.


    "Why¡­ why are you asking me?"


    "You usually sleep under the bridge right, I usually see you and a few others around there"


    "So you already has your suspicion" The man said. There wasn''t much a high school girl could do here in the dark of the night.


    Maromi looked at the two of them "Wait, what is going on" She turned to her friend "What is going on with Sakura-chan!"


    "That girl¡­ I sometimes saw her, dealing some kind of drugs, it''s in a white tablet"


    Hanazawa seemed disappointed but not surprised.


    "I see, and is there a blond guy with her?"


    Oh right, Sakura''s new boyfriend. Maromi remembered him, it must be his fault. So he was the bastard dragging their friend into this. She wouldn''t forgive¡­


    "Yes, the poor guy, he was always begging her for more"


    Maromi was stunted. What was this man even saying? He must be talking nonsense. Sakura had been her friend since the two were small, there was no way she would be a dealer. The girl nearly slumped but her friend was there to prop her up.


    "Don''t worry" Hanazawa said "I will do something about it"


    But what, she could go to the police. But then, Sakura''s life would be ruined, there must be a mistake, there must be, Maromi told herself. She walked back with Hanazawa holding her shoulder close.


    "Goodbye then" Hanazawa turned back to the homeless man.


    "Wait" He called to her "I am Takashi Tokioka, what''s your name"


    "Nice to meet you, Tokioka-san. I am Yuuko Hanazawa"


    And with that, the two girls left. One trying to hold back tears while the other deep in thought. Hanazawa would need to tread carefully about this.

 2: One way ticket

    1.2


    One way ticket


    In Eden, electric appliances simply couldn¡¯t function since Mana dissolved most electrical interactions vital their operation. This became a problem when the need arise to transport huge quantity of resources throughout the country. The resolution was simple, train, or more like steam powered train. Its aesthetic inspired by the Divine Silas¡¯s portrayal of similar machine in the frontier. The trains of Eden could seem rather out of place, more suitable on the backdrop of the desert than the greenery of the country.


    Nevertheless, the trains served their purpose well and became an attraction to the mundane citizens. Readers of the Divine Silas¡¯s story could experience a part of his fiction, a popular fantasy of the wild wild West.


    On that sunny day, a group arrived at the Saragarhi¡¯s train station, preparing to leave the town for good. Having several carriages already reserved, their luggage all packed. They were only waiting for a certain member to recover.


    Sitting with Suiren in a table seat, Hiro Hanazawa looked out of the window to see the one he had heard so much about, Eikichi Kira. Along with him was Jim Cross.


    Momo-chan: [Where is that Doraemon girl?]


    Hiro: {Why are you asking me¡­}


    This second group was certainly colourful. A girl from the future who could turn invisible, a teenager who could harden his skin like diamond and many more to come. Meanwhile, Hiro turned to the table next to him. Conrad and Malcolm were cutting paper to make flowers for some reasons. The man in armour seemed to be pouring his heart and soul into this. Then there was him, Hiro Hanazawa¡­


    Hiro: {Talk about a let down}


    Momo-chan: [What with the sudden self-deprecation!]


    Along the walkway came Willow who waved at him. She was ushered to continue by her brother, Johann von Brandt. Ever since Cassian was sent away to deliver a message, he hadn¡¯t been nice. The young warrior glared at Hiro intensely. The young man waved back weekly which Willow believed to be aimed at her. She seemed happy at least. Her brother clicked his tongue.


    It didn¡¯t take Hiro long to learn that Willow¡¯s sibling didn¡¯t consider her to amount to much. And she really believed in him, the young man didn¡¯t know what to think.


    Eikichi entered the carriage and greeted his companions. Then to everyone surprise, the bald man chose to sit in front of Hiro. Yes, the Hiro Hanazawa, instead of the man many companions. The teenager called Jim questioned this curious decision, sitting next to Eikichi.


    The bald man was deep in thought. He turned to Jim to give an answer.


    ¡°Racism¡± Eikichi said with a straight face.


    ¡°Fair enough, you want me to call Haruka here¡± Jim answered with face equally straight.


    A smile appeared on Eikichi¡¯s face as he put around the teenager¡¯s shoulder. Jim was surprised by this sudden gesture of friendliness toward him.


    ¡°Just kidding¡± The bald man said ¡°I wanted to sit with THE Hiro Hanazawa, that¡¯s all¡±


    ¡°Eh?¡±


    That came from both Hiro and Momo-chan and Jim simultaneously. During Eikichi¡¯s absent, Willow had certainly tried to hype him up to the group here. She talked about how he slew a beast, faced with the Centurion (just a little bit). To made matter worse, Malcolm also joined in along with her. It was the youth style, to diverted attention elsewhere.


    Of course, none of the Saragarhi group bought that. That included Willow¡¯s brother, who had been glaring at Hiro every time they met.


    Momo-chan: [Did that guy think it was a funny joke or not]


    Hiro: {Umm¡­ why don¡¯t you look around first}


    The young man turned his face around for Momo-chan. Around them, the whole Saragarhi group was staring at Hiro. Even the little girl Haruka, lifted her head from all the food to look at him curiously. This Eikichi¡¯s words carried a lot of weight among them.


    ¡°What kind of joke is that¡±


    A hand appeared resting on his seat, Doraemon appeared, asking. The girl had been tormenting Hiro. Tripping him while walking, hitting him in the stomach, eating his food after hearing all of Willow¡¯s hype. It was like school all over again.


    ¡°Um, do we know each other¡± Hiro asked, scratching his head.


    ¡°Well, not yet, for you at least¡± Eikichi answered immediately ¡°I met you all the way back in high school, on a school trip to Tokyo. I saw you with my own two eyes, Hiro Hanazawa, an office worker, taking on a gunman by himself. You were one badass. I thought to myself, ¡®maybe one day I could be as cool as this guy¡¯ even¡±


    The bald man said all that without any hint of irony.


    Momo-chan: {You did what!}


    Hiro: [I have no idea what he is talking about!]This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    The young man turned around to find Doraemon glaring at him. ¡°Huhhhh¡± The girl mused. Pushing him further in, she sat right next to Hiro. Despite this being a two-people seat, the three on it were all of smaller stature than the people of Eden. Crossing her leg, the girl looked at him, her razor-sharp nail running along her cheek.


    Hiro didn¡¯t like this development at all. There was always something off putting about this girl to him. Perhaps because of all the neon red which shone unnaturally.


    Willow arrived, disappointed that all the seats around Hiro was taken. The girl sat with Conrad and Malcolm instead, both still immerse in their craft. Soon, the ¡®Eikichi effect¡¯ happened. All the people of Saragarhi, scattered throughout the carriage, started to converge around this area. They must really like this Eikichi fellow.


    ¡°So, what happened while I was out¡± The bald man asked.


    Doraemon answered ¡°Apparently there was another summoned in our group. We somehow missed her¡±


    ¡°Who is she?¡± Eikichi looked around.


    ¡°Nah, the chick isn¡¯t here. She was injured quite badly, a doctor guy is looking after her in the back carriage¡± Doraemon said ¡°Apparently it is another Japanese, how many of you guys are there¡±


    Victor did comment that nationality wasn¡¯t considered in the summoning process. So theoretically, there could be this many Japanese by chance. But there seemed to be another explanation, one that Victor wasn¡¯t willing to share. ¡®It was just a hunch, I don¡¯t want to mislead anyone¡¯ That was his excuse.


    The girl in red, meanwhile, had another story to tell.


    ¡°Something else also happened, why don¡¯t you ask Jimmy boy here¡± Doraemon rested her legs on the table, annoyed. Eikichi looked at Jim, who had his head down. The girl continued ¡°We managed to take Six¡¯s accomplice, a Korean chick into custody. Then while Jimmy boy and Johann were on guard duty, a blind guy came in and knocked them out, breaking our prisoner out¡±


    Jim Cross had nothing to say, it was his failure through and through. Johann was caught by surprise, the man with blindfold was as quiet as the night. The young warrior got knocked out instantly. Jim, meanwhile, was faced with the blind intruder.


    Tensing up, he activated his power, using too much mana. His body hardened to an unnecessary level, locking his joints in place. Jim could only watch as the blind man took the prisoner away, he didn¡¯t harm Johann at least. When Doraemon found Jim, he was still frozen in place, fully aware of his surrounding and in shame.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t his fault¡± Hiro chimed in ¡°That guy was identified by Victor to be Sparrow, an elite operative. There was no way Jim could stop him¡±


    Doraemon glared at him but Hiro just gazed back. He was glared at plenty by his bosses, his father, the yakuza and many more. The young man stood his ground. Meanwhile, Doraemon¡¯s eyes were filled with killing intent, as if she was going to shiv him then and there.


    ¡°Oh my, isn¡¯t this romantic¡± Commented Eikichi and the girl immediately broke eyes contact. Hiro had won this staring contest.


    ¡°Why did every time I mentioned this, you defended that guy like no tomorrow¡± Doraemon asked ¡°Are you into Western guys or something¡±


    ¡°No¡± Hiro answer was resolute ¡°I just don¡¯t like how you push him, acting like a third-rate bully. Anyway, I am going to see how the doctor is doing¡±


    ¡°Tch¡± Doraemon clicked her tongue, retreating her legs for Hiro and Suiren.


    Eikichi decided to stay here, he would meet this woman when she woke up. Although the man did wonder why she was treated on the train while him at Saragarhi. Wasn¡¯t the reason that the group couldn¡¯t move was to wait for him to recover. Jim would relay what Victor said. Apparently, Eikichi took in too many mana from this area. After leaving, they would leave his body to return, damaging his mana channels.


    Hiro looked at Jim, there was another reason why he defended the youth. The young man made his way to the back carriage. Willow wanted to follow him but she would rather not meet with Victor, the girl hung out with Alva instead.


    The door slid open and Hiro entered the darkened carriage, repurposed to be a medical station. The young man was greeted by Victor. On the bed was the woman, impossibly tall with a metallic jaw. Hiro was still iffy about this, in truth, she wasn¡¯t a summoned at all. In fact, this woman worked for Eden¡¯s enemy, under the False Shephard.


    Hiro remembered Jim and Johann, and how they were set up.


    ___


    The encounter with the Killer Queen was disastrous. Victor looked upon Mi-young, ¡®such cruelty, that man¡¯. The biker was driven away by Conrad. The vagabond admitted it was an one-off, however, he had the element of surprise. The thing would return no doubt, and no one could stand up to it.


    Technically Victor could, but as a native of Eden, he was bound, his power limited.


    Then, the doctor was contacted by someone unexpected, a blast from the past. It was a secret meeting with an old enemy, Sparrow. Victor was shocked when he met the man, the Divine Silas had taken away the sniper remaining eyes, his power could no longer function.


    ¡°It had been a long time¡± Sparrow said ¡°Last time we met, you were still a cleaning boy¡±


    ¡°I was good at it¡± Victor still cleaned his giant lab with a mob.


    ¡°You were the best¡± The sniper laughed ¡°Those were the day, Victor, how time changed¡±


    Even now, the doctor still looked at everyone shoes, trying to hold back the urge to scrub them. From a cleaner to the Heretic, he had come a long way.


    ¡°Why are you here, Sparrow, what business do you have with me¡±


    The sniper told Victor about his encounter with the Divine Silas the Peacekeeper. The gunslinger didn¡¯t only spare Sparrow¡¯s life. No, his superior Four, while heavily injured, was still alive. The woman was left in a critical state, however, her equipment was taken away.


    ¡°I have taken Four here, I need you to heal her¡± Sparrow said.


    ¡°You do know we are enemy now right¡± Victor answered ¡°And did you return to One¡±


    ¡°I have contacted him, yes, this is his idea in fact¡±


    The doctor was surprised by that revelation. It wasn¡¯t like the number elites couldn¡¯t heal gunshots. They were experts about it in fact and they should all thawed out by now. No, Four must be too injured to be moved a long distance. With Silas still lurking around, they couldn¡¯t send in reinforcement. That would explain this arrangement. Sparrow continued.


    ¡°Are you familiar with a biker called Killer Queen¡±


    ___


    Victor only disclosed this plan with Hiro (and Momo-chan). The deal was that they took care of Four and gave Sparrow the prisoner, Mi-Young. The numbered elites would also stop targeting the group. One of them, Six died protecting a summoned and they wanted to honour him. But that wasn¡¯t all, apparently, this Killer Queen was a menace which proportion Hiro still hadn¡¯t grasp.


    In a direct fight, only two of their members, Six and Four could face the thing. That was another part of the deal, Four would deal with their Killer Queen problem, avenging their fallen comrade.


    Now came the purpose for Hiro in this plan, Four had been unconscious all this time. Of course, the woman wasn¡¯t aware of this plan at all. Victor also didn¡¯t want her to contact her superior. So, it would be up to Hiro to relay this to the supersoldier who could snap him in half.


    ¡®I am not good with people and she had quite a temper¡¯ Victor said.


    Hiro prayed that he could get out of this in one piece.


    The train conductor announced through the speakers, it was time for departure. Hiro looked out of the window to see steam shooting up. This was the first time he saw a steam train, this was quite exciting. The young man could see many more heads poking out of the windows. The train started to move, their ultimate destination wasn¡¯t the Capital, no it was to Vaswani Academy.


    On the bed, Four turned slightly.

 3: Fours awakening

    1.3


    Four¡¯s awakening


    When Hiro turned around, the operative was already on him. Four held him by the throat, her strength over domineering. The young man swung his feet but he was lift up helplessly. Knowing Suiren was coming, he told her to stand down and look at his captor.


    Towering over him was Four. Despite having a fair but unassuming face, Hiro couldn¡¯t stop but stare at her jaw. It was made of metal, a row of teeth running under the upper lip all way to the side. Her veins were blueish, her skin discoloured. Victor said she was suffering from some sort poisoning. ¡®She would be severely weaken¡¯, he said, ¡®it will be fine¡¯.


    Momo-chan: [Fine my arse, why is she so strong, I can¡¯t breathe!]


    Hiro: {WE can¡¯t breathe, we}


    Momo-chan: [Are you seriously doing this now!]


    With one hand, the operative held Hiro up by the throat. Her arm despite its lanky appearance, was as tough as rocks. She said menacingly.


    ¡°Who are you, answer or I will break you¡±


    ¡°I really want to, but this arrangement is quite uncomfortable!¡± Hiro answered with the best of his power ¡°Can you at least let me down first¡±


    The young man wanted to try something. Could his power work on her, just a thought? But seeing that her arm was longer, that didn¡¯t seem feasible. The operative dropped him onto the ground. Hiro crawled up, trying to gain back his breathe. What with him and being choked by women. From Suiren to Four.


    ¡°I am Hiro, Hanazawa. I have some news for you, about your friend¡­ Six¡±


    The young man then proceeded to tell her the story of Six¡¯s death, of his murderer Killer Queen. Contrary to his expectation, Four listened quietly, even when Hiro mentioned that he was summoned by Eden. The operative turned around, looking at the man sitting behind.


    ¡°And I presumed you are Victor¡± She said coldly.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s yours truly¡± The man nearly blabbered something inconsequential but held back.


    ¡°I see, so that idiot had gone and gotten himself killed¡± Four sighed ¡°And now you want me to help you?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡± Hiro chimed in ¡°He is a threat to us all and he killed your friend. We desperately need your help, we heard you are the only one who could stop that thing¡±


    ¡°You are aware that I can kill all except that girl and wait for him to come myself¡±


    The operative said, staring into Hiro¡¯s eyes. The young man didn¡¯t stand down, however. Victor had told him about her. About rumours back when the doctor was still a normal citizen. Hiro prayed they were right.


    ¡°I know that full well. I also know you are soldier, that you won¡¯t hesitate to carry out any order¡± Hiro gazed back at Four ¡°But I also know that you are good person, like Six. That you wouldn¡¯t let down those in distress. I am not asking you to avenge your friend, no, I wanted to ask you to save us, please, you are the only one who can! We need a hero, we need you!¡±


    ¡°Tch¡± Four glanced back at Victor, her hand placed over her face.


    The operative was feeling uncomfortable without her mask. Unlike her siblings, Four wasn¡¯t trained at espionage or the art of lying. The operative evaluated her situation. There were likely many more in another carriage. They managed to chase that Killer Queen away, so at least some of them must be competent. Meanwhile, she still felt like a wreck. The overdosed was now poisoning her, it would go away but that would take a while.


    Four tried to calculate but a memory returned to her, kept on disrupting her thought. Gahhhh, thinking wasn¡¯t really her forte. Four gave her answer.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°Very well¡±


    Hiro bowed at her, a gesture he had performed countless time ¡°Thank you very much¡±


    Seeing it that was certainly a d¨¦j¨¤ vu for Four, before coming to the new world, she was an accountant for so long. The operative continued ¡°I would only help you to deal with the Killer Queen and only it¡±


    ¡°That would be plenty already, thank you¡±


    Momo-chan: [That certainly went better than I expected]


    Hiro couldn¡¯t help but agree to that sentiment. Although the voice was thinking of something else. Of his host¡¯s plea, it was sincere but deep down, he knew that wasn¡¯t the case. And the bowing¡­ All of them were so foreign to the voice.


    Four was now feeling rather restless, having been confided to the bed for days.


    The operative headed to the carriage door only to be stopped by Hiro. ¡°What do you want?¡± She glared at him. Hiro stood his ground, there was still another thing. Knowing Willow, and possibly Johann, they wouldn¡¯t accept working with an enemy. Something else needed to be done first. Hiro explained that to Four, something tough, that would require her full attention.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± The operative wondered, what could be so difficult.


    ¡°Well, we can¡¯t really present you as Four, right. I think that you would need a cover identity, like a secret agent of sort!¡± That was Victor idea actually.


    ¡°What!¡±


    From her reaction, so that rumour was true after all ¡°From what I heard, you aren¡¯t really good at that. Don¡¯t worry, I am hear to help you with that! Let¡¯s do our best!¡±


    Hiro tried his best to channel all the positive people in his life, which weren¡¯t much. In the background, Victor was clapping in agreement.


    ___


    That word, ¡®hero¡¯, certainly brought Four way back.


    Back when they were younger, back at the camp where they were born and raised. One sunny morning, Four didn¡¯t train with the others. Her strength superior, she had a different training regiment. It was a shame, the girl wanted to see how the new guys fared. For so long it was just her, Two and Three. Suddenly, there were so many new faces, from a different camp.


    When she went outside to the courtyard, everyone was all grouped together. It was Two, he was showing the new kids their treasure. A vintage copy of the first comic issue of Major America, he must have swiped it from One¡¯s office.


    The girl hurried over, she wanted to see it again too. No matter how many times they have seen the comic, the three at this camp always wanted new reason to read it again. The new faces were unimpressed, however.


    ¡°It was just a comic from more than a century ago¡± They said.


    They couldn¡¯t understand, why were the three here so impressed with such a na?ve story. There had been plenty other rendition of Major America, becoming darker over time. It was up to Two to show them, he was always the charismatic one. Meanwhile, Three was hiding behind a pillar, shrouded in darkness.


    ¡°So, what if it¡¯s old, what if it¡¯s na?ve. Is it such an antiquated thought, to always strive for good. No, in this age of cynicism, it¡¯s more important than ever to aspire to heroism!¡± The boy hopped onto the table ¡°We are all born stronger, faster, smarter than normal. We are made this way. Then isn¡¯t it important for us to be better, to be the heroes from the story of olds, an unstoppable force of good!¡±


    The children were unimpressed, their eyes¡¯ lifeless. What happened to them in the other camp, Four wondered. They looked like the other adults, cynical and devoid of any positive thoughts, deeming them simple.


    ¡°Heroes, there are no heroes¡± They said.


    A person walked past Four, such light footsteps, it was One. He came to see how the new faces first day was. The man had seen Two¡¯s shenanigans. He kneeled down in front of the children, a warm smile on his face. No one could tell that this person was deemed the greatest soldier.


    ¡°Heroes do exist, they are all around us. Firefighters, police officers and even teachers, all those who do goods are heroes¡± He said, taking back the comic book. It was a collector item, luckily, the thing was unscratched. One looked at Two, sternly ¡°What you said about responsibility is wrong. No one should be forced to do good, no matter who they are¡±


    The new faces turned quiet, one of them wasn¡¯t quite convinced though. A meek boy, Six, he said ¡°But it¡¯s not like we can choose¡­ We will be soldiers, there is no way around that¡±


    A grim reminder indeed. Products of genetical engineering, the children in the camp were raised to be soldiers. And soldiers they shall be, killing, maiming, destroying all in their path, as long as the order was given.


    One placed his hand on Six¡¯s head. The Canadian boy looked up, a warm feeling swelled up within him. His life had only known needles and gruesome training, such kindness was alien.


    A determined look on his face, One hugged the boy close.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t let that happen. You shall be free, you shall be able to decide your future, your path. All of you. That I promise¡±


    He kept his promise, One, the programme was shut down. All of the children were free, unbounded. Most impressive, the soldier managed that without shedding a single drop of blood. He appealed to every offices involved, every country possible. The man had worked tirelessly for them to be free.


    But of course, it wasn¡¯t that simple. Private companies were involved and they weren¡¯t happy that their investment didn¡¯t yield any result. One of them, a powerful private military contractor sent their force to capture the children.


    The company would find out why One was the greatest soldier.


    Four would later be an accountant, a rather mundane job. But the woman would never forget the One¡¯s effort for her to live a mundane life. He was her hero.


    Living so peacefully did sometimes make Four pondered, perhaps one day she could also be someone hero.

 4: A girl worth cooking for

    1.4


    A girl worth cooking for


    Doraemon pulled the cord in boredom. This was supposed to be attached to a bell to call a helper, however, line was cut. Their carriages would be completely isolated from the rest, shutting out potential threats. All the other train goers were oblivious about their existent. Although they were too busy admiring the machine and immersing in the books of a land far far away.


    The scenery outside while pretty got monotonous rather fast for the girl. The new faces weren''t much fun either. Doraemon had hoped for Conrad, the knight in shinning armour. But the man was a train wreck, taking ages for a single sentence. Him defeating the Killer Queen was probably lighting in a bottle, the thing was softened up quite significantly.


    On her table, Eikichi was describing future Japan to Haruka, who only paid attention when foods were mentioned. Then there was Jim¡­


    ''Bout time Doraemon went somewhere else.


    Maybe she could take a peak at this final member. Although having only one door meant that her entrance couldn''t be discreet. The girl ran the number, only to be called by someone, it was Mara. The old lady waved at her to come and sit.


    Might as well. Doraemon made her way there. Sitting with Mara were Fleur and Willow. The French''s beautician was showing the later about make-up.


    The girl lied on the long seat, her head rested on Mara''s laps, her legs crossing dangling on the arm rest. Across, Willow seemed rather annoyed about the limbs obstructing the walkway. The girl swallowed it, however, and looked at Doraemon curiously.


    "What" The one from the future asked "Did no one teach you that staring at other is rude?"


    "I was just wondering if you are wearing makeup or not" Willow answered.


    Doraemon looked at the girl like she was dropped at a child. Her lips were literally neon red, of course she was wearing make-up. The future girl found the question too trite to reply. After a stern look from Mara, she grumbled a ''Yes''. Signalling clearly that she wanted to be left alone.


    Fleur ignored all the signs completely "Come to think of it, I really want to see what your make-up is like. They are all so vibrant!"


    They didn''t interact much but sometimes Doraemon wondered if Fleur was a bit daft. The woman was still hanging around them for some reason. Nevertheless, the girl from the future placed a small case on the table. Fleur opened it, her mind filled with anticipation about what was inside.


    She held out an item "Is¡­ this some sort of laser rod!"


    "No, it''s just lipstick" Doraemon answered curtly.


    Fleur spun the bottom and the bright lipstick poked out. The woman looked rather disappointed. After going through the case, she seemed dejected.


    "What, didn''t you want to see my make-up"


    "I know" Fleur said, filled with disappointment "I just thought the future would be¡­ different somehow"


    It was not like there were no improvements. Future make-ups were so much more efficient, nearly impossible to smear and easy to clean when needed. Nevertheless, Fleur gave the case back to Doraemon. She wondered what the future was like, the one from that time weren''t very talkative, however.


    "Well, this is not all" Doraemon said, feeling rather bad for Fleur somehow "People use all sort, you can laser to colour your lips permanently, or spray to get a tan. I am just rather retro"


    Before Fleur could continue Doraemon shot her down "And don''t ask me about them" Her sympathy ended there "I do have this though"


    The future girl reached into her inner pocket and pulled out a bulky pen. This should be futuristic enough. This was used to create neon tattoo that could be easily erased. While Doraemon wasn''t into tattooing, this item was still quite neat. It didn''t take long for Fleur to be marvelled at the pen. She decided to give it a whirl on the table.


    Meanwhile, Haruka, tired of Eikichi, also arrived to watch her work. The young girl asked the beautician to surprise her. Fleur went to work with great vigour.


    "Maybe I will borrow that pen later" Mara said, smiling to the girl on her lap.


    The red string, still connected her to old lady, informed Doraemon that she would be the subject of Mara''s experiment. Oh well, the result could be easily erased anyway. The girl considered taking a nap but that would not happen.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    The train door opened to reveal Hiro, ready for an announcement. Their final member was finally up, ready to introduce herself.


    Doraemon sat up to take a peak and the first impression was certainly strong.


    Everyone turned silent as the towering figure stepped in. Over 2 meters tall with a lanky figure, this woman looked straight out of an urban legend with her long coat. And that wasn''t the most notable detail, oh no. Her jaw was metallic, a row of steel teeth running along the upper lip and out some more. The woman skin was also deathly white, her eyes bloodshot.


    ''Now this look more like it'' Doraemon thought to herself. Such an intense stare as well.


    The woman stood there in threatening silence. Hiro had to nudge her a bit before a rather clear voice escaped from that metallic jaw.


    "He¡­rro, nice to meet you all" Four wanted to die "My name, uh, my name is Hota¡­ Hotaru¡­ Hanazawa¡­"


    Momo-chan: [What the, that''s not the agreed upon name at all! She even used our name!]


    Hiro, meanwhile, was heavily regretting this. Four seemed so calm and collected, he had thought her to be more¡­ well¡­ more than this. Maybe they should have spent more time preparing, no time to cry over spilled milk though.


    In truth, Four thought she could handle this as well. But when suddenly confronted by a group of strangers, she just froze. Maybe that was why the higher-up never let her greeted the guests, instead asking her small and cutesy co-worker¡­ She even blurted out half of her real name, talked about a failure.


    "So, it''s another Japanese" Murmured Doraemon, what a disappointment, this one only looked tough "When do you come from?"


    "Eh?... What do you¡­ mean" Four took awhile to process that simple question "Ah, I am from 2101¡­"


    What the! Doraemon was surprised to hear that, this woman came from a future even further after her. In the next century even. This also piqued the others interest, another one from the future! Although unlike their previous one, there was nothing on Four that indicated that. All of her clothing was made in Eden, even the jaw wasn''t that futuristic.


    "Woah, there are so many of us!" Commented Haruka.


    "Certainly, what a surprise" Said Hiro "How about I prepare for everyone a Japanese meal, it''s about lunch right"


    That got support from Haruka alright. Hiro could then drag Four away with the excuse of helping him. This introduction had been disastrous. There was one rogue element though.


    "I will also help" Said Eikichi, who raised his hand like he was in class.


    There was nothing Hiro could do about it, seeing that there was no reason to turn the man down. Mara also joined him, wanting to see how a few Japanese dishes. Besides, they would be preparing for fourteen people after all. For reinforcement, Mara called Doraemon who reluctantly agreed.


    Momo-chan: [I''m surprise she even helps]


    Hiro: {Certainly} From his observation, the girl from the future seemed to listen to her elder.


    Before the med bay was the kitchen, a freezer and a kitchen in one. It was rather spacious, enough to fit five people. Now to cook for a dozen, quite a daunting task. Hiro wasn''t that confident in his cooking either, except for one treat.


    The young man went into the freezer, followed by Eikichi.


    "So what are you going to make?" Asked the bald man.


    "I am thinking about some sashimi or maybe sushi" Hiro had spotted gari, soy sauce and even wasabi in the kitchen.


    Making sashimi was his specialty, although thinking about it still stung. He learnt that his old crush, the class representative, loved sashimi. And so, being the hopeless romantic he was, practiced to death to surprise her. Then it turned out the girl already had a boyfriend¡­ Even Momo-chan was crying inside.


    There was a fine selection of fishes in the freezer. Before Eikichi could take a look at then, Suiren already finished taking what was needed. Sea bass to tuna, even some eel, all of the ingredients were first grade. The woman was able to pick them out nearly instantly.


    Hiro was sure that Suiren could make a wonderful meal, but this was his time. The masked woman could help the others.


    Four, meanwhile, was delegated to making rice.


    "So, how different is the cuisine from the future I wonder" Mara asked the operative. Doraemon''s perspective wasn''t the most representative.


    "I don''t think the food itself changed much, nor did the cooking. Although I mostly ordered food, though" Hotaru answered "Fully cooked meal could be brought to you in a few minutes, it was rather convenient"


    "How was the quality though"


    "It was better than most home cooked food I guess" Hotaru replied truthfully "But there was still a charm to making food yourself like a good old barbeque"


    Mara giggled.


    "I didn''t think you would mention barbeque" A more expected answer out of the woman would be sushi or something.


    Hotaru scratched her head "I knew a man from the State, he really loved his barbeque"


    Before being flashed frozen, every time Four or any of her comrades returned after a big operation, there One was with his grill ready. Saying that, the woman could smell the sauce already, with the sound of sizzling meat permeating her ears.


    "I do want to have a barbeque sometimes, Haruka would love it" Commented Mara.


    Meanwhile, Hiro was preparing to make some sashimi. The knife he would use had already been sharpened to a tee. The young man carefully remove the meat with motion most delicate. Next to him was Eikichi, who was strangely focused onto his own knife. The man put his knife down with lighting speed but stop before touching the fish. He then cut up the thing, also with great care.


    Doraemon looked at them, the two were so focused. Their moment delicate¡­ like a maiden.


    "This is rather creepy" She commented.


    Soon, strips of fatty tuna were displayed on the tray with all of their glistening glory.


    "I heard a lot about your cooking from the other" Said Hiro "You really are good at this"


    "You too" Commented Eikichi "Although this is my specialty, I am surprise you can hold up to me"


    That was surprisingly arrogant, Hiro thought to himself. But sure enough, the young man was measuring up to Eikichi "Why is this your specialty" Hiro asked.


    The question seemed to take Eikichi back, the man smiled "It was for a woman" He continued with his job, carefully, especially with fugu. Removing their poisonous parts needed precise motion. Hiro already finished with a few. The man noticed his fellow cook had stopped, looking at the roof.


    "What wrong" He asked.


    After a pause, Hiro pointed his head back down.


    "This is also my specialty, because of a woman"


    The two men looked at each other and laughed. Then they continued with their work. Doraemon was behind them then "This is rather creepy" The girl commented.

 5: A familiar taste

    1.5


    A familiar taste


    The food preparation went smoothly. Haruka popped in to see how things were going. Hiro decided to hand out a few pieces as samples for the little girl and his fellow cooks.


    The first reception was Doraemon who simply said: ¡°I hate sushi¡±


    ¡°This is sashimi¡± Hiro replied.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care¡±


    Hotaru didn¡¯t comment much, the sashimi she could order back home was of higher quality. And yet, there was a strange feeling inside of her. ¡®Come to think of it, when was the last time I had sashimi¡¯ Hotaru thought to herself. Was it before she came to this world, now that would be a long long time ago.


    Mara, however, was more enthusiastic about this treat.


    ¡°I can see myself liking this¡± The old lady commented.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you will¡± Murmured Eikichi, a smile on his face, having realised something.


    The last person to receive a sample was Haruka, who merrily went out awaiting the meal. Hiro looked at the group, this was rather¡­ disappointing. He really tried his very best.


    Hiro: {Had my skill deteriorate that much}


    Momo-chan: [Maybe a bit¡­ You did well]


    The two sighed and Hiro cleaned the knife. It was him who prepared that, what did he expected. He took a peak at Eikichi¡¯s piece, lying neatly on the tray.


    It was time to bring out the food.


    The door slid open to reveal Eikichi with a huge tray on his hand. On top of it was a tower of sashimi, laid exquisitely with great care by Suiren. It was followed up by other dishes such as tempura and takoyaki and tonkatsu. Then the staple white rice and miso soup.


    Johann and Alva came laid down the food. Jim and Willow also wanted to help but there wasn¡¯t enough space. The two just stood there failing to be useful.


    Haruka brought a bowl of rice to the back table where Fleur worked on. The girl was in for a surprise. ¡°Arghh, what is that¡± She said, pointing at the table. Behind her, Mara caught the rice bowl. Her prosthetic leg caught in a seat, she nearly fell down but Doraemon was there with an arm wrapped around the old lady.


    On the table was a figure in neon red. A man with a hunch and a huge sack, his face was of utmost evil, filled with blisters.


    ¡°It¡¯s El Moruno, a sick man who drinks children blood. His favourite target are bad kids, for example¡­¡± Fleur popped from behind the seat, facing Haruka ¡°¡­Those who eat too much¡±


    The little girl only recoiled a bit from surprise, she didn¡¯t seem particularly scared though. Fleur looked on in disappointment. She held up the pen ¡°Still, I can make such a thin line with this. So futuristic!¡±


    Doraemon grabbed the item, mildly surprise that the beautician was quite an artist. The girl turned the pen turned on a laser line. With a few sweeps, el Moruno was gone without a trace. Fleur pouted, that took her quite some time. Nevertheless, the table needed to be clean for the food that was to come. And the beautician was waiting in anticipation for this meal. Sashimi sounded like a great treat, that wouldn¡¯t be too fat.


    Hiro went by Malcolm and Conrad¡¯s table, the two had been doing nothing but making paper lantern all morning. It took the young man exactly three yells to inform Conrad¡¯s that it was meal time. The vagabond was surprised and accidentally crushed the lantern in his hand. His face unchanging yet there was a deep pain in his weary eyes.


    Hiro felt like he just kicked a puppy or something. The young man sat down with Suiren, who of course didn¡¯t need to eat.


    There was some time to pray for those who needed it, including the von Brandt. Hiro always found it strange, that Willow would pray to her own father. Stranger still, in her story, there was a God mentioned, the one who gave the Divines their powers. And yet, God himself was never mentioned by anyone, only the Divines were revered.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    ¡°Let¡¯s dig in!¡± Said Haruka, who couldn¡¯t wait anymore.


    Hiro held up a piece of sashimi, the cut was slightly off. The young man couldn¡¯t but be disappointed in himself. There wasn¡¯t much he could do but he took great pride in what he had. Luckily, the atmosphere of the room cheered him up somewhat.


    Everyone was enjoying their food, seeing it warmed the amateur chef heart.


    Momo-chan: [I am feeling strangely happy]


    Hiro: {Well, most of it wasn¡¯t made by us though}


    Momo-chan: [Get out of here with that negativity of your!]


    In his table, Conrad was eating silently, the vagabond held every piece with both hands. His eating was rather awkward.


    ¡°Are you alright¡± Hiro said ¡°Is the food not to your liking¡±


    ¡°No, I like it¡± Ever since their first meeting, the CTTR (Conrad time to reply) had decreased quite significantly.


    ¡°Then why are you eating like that¡­¡±


    The vagabond paused for an answer then replied ¡°You took great care in making this, I don¡¯t want to break them¡± He looked at the delicate piece of sashimi.


    Maybe he should cook more, Hiro thought to himself. He was feeling rather guilty about all of this positive feeling. For two years he had broken his back in the office to provide for his sister. And yet, he had never felt any satisfaction in providing for her. Her never made her sashimi either.


    ¡®It¡¯s not like I don¡¯t want to, it¡¯s too expensive¡­ And it¡¯s not like we eat together¡­¡¯


    Those words rang hollow. What was this guilt, he didn¡¯t do anything wrong? He provided for that girl, he made sure that she wouldn¡¯t have to work, that she could focus on her own life! And yet, there was a sinking feeling within Hiro.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to eat¡± Asked Malcolm who already moved on to the meatier offering.


    ¡°I¡¯m just looking around¡± Hiro replied ¡°How are you finding the food so far?¡±


    ¡°The food? It¡¯s been great¡± The youth answered, holding the chopsticks quite proficiently. Apparently, Malcolm learnt this from the Chinese at the ports of London.


    ¡°Was that supposed sarcasm¡± Hiro asked, Malcolm always sounded sarcastic.


    ¡°You asked and I answered, I don¡¯t like lying¡±


    ¡°Now that¡¯s a surprise¡± The young man employed some sarcasm himself.


    Malcolm looked at him straight at his face ¡°Woah, you doing it sounded insufferable¡± Even Hiro could tell that, he looked down in shame. The youth continued ¡°From my experience, a lie will always come back one way or another. It would sneak and stab you at the back the moment you lest expect it. No, between lying and not saying anything at all, I prefer the later¡±


    ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean I don¡¯t lie¡± Malcolm smirked, flicking the pinkie finger up. A curious gesture that caught the eyes of Hiro.


    ¡°That flick was rather feminine of you¡± The young man commented.


    ¡°Really? I didn¡¯t notice. Do I do it a lot?¡±


    ¡°No, not at all, this is the first time I saw that. Although I don¡¯t really look at you much¡±


    ¡°Huh¡± Malcolm smiled ¡°I should watch out for that then¡±


    Looking around, everyone was enjoying themselves, this scenery warmed Hiro heart, who dug in as well. When he returned, maybe he would make something for Yuuko. The young man wondered what kind of face she would make¡­ his mind was blank.


    On another table, Mara was having the time of her life. She had always avoided sushi or sashimi, the thought of eating raw food was heresy. But now, this was to become one of her favourite ¡°What kind of fish is this?¡± The woman wondered.


    ¡°Fugu, pufferfish¡± Eikichi replied, popping up from a nearby table.


    ¡°Wait, wait¡± Mara remembered an arm dealer in her past, dying from a piece of pufferfish that might not had been supplied by her ¡°Aren¡¯t they poisonous!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I made sure to remove the poison. I even let the doctor to check¡± Eikichi answered proudly, he took great pride in this accomplishment.


    His moment of pride didn¡¯t last long, however, as Hiro chimed in ¡°The pufferfish here aren¡¯t poisonous, they were raised to be food¡±


    Eikichi continued to stand there, unmoving. A sound of deflating balloon could be heard. Jim poked his head out to look at Fleur, who was simulating that sound with her mouth ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    The beautician stopped and returned to her food ¡°Sorry, I just find that¡­ to be an¡­ appropriate time for¡­ that¡­ sorry¡±


    After several seconds, Eikichi sat back down, acting as if nothing happened.


    The meal soon came to a close, Hiro sat back, dreading the cleaning that would come next. He glanced at the table where the von Brandt were sitting with Hotaru. They had all finished their meals and were clearing up the table already. The woman seemed more comfortable but still awkward. She kept trying to put her hand up, perhaps he would ask Victor to give her something to partially hide her face. A scarf or maybe a cap?


    The young man took a sip of miso, the taste was simply serviceable, something that he made. Hiro glanced at Suiren next to him.


    Momo-chan: [I wonder what miso soup made by her would taste like]


    They truly were one, Hiro thought. He could just ask her to make it for him for the young man didn¡¯t want to. Not yet, perhaps one day, when she was willing herself. Hiro wondered whether that day would ever come.


    Gathering his plates, the young man stood up but to his surprise, Suiren remained seated.


    Momo-chan: [What¡¯s going on? Why is she not moving¡­ Does she WANT to sit!]


    That would be a hopeful thought. Hiro touched her shoulder and Suiren fell down. The young man caught her and was horrified to find out the masked woman was cold. Her naginata slowly dissolved, turning into dust then blew away by the wind.


    ¡°SUIREN!¡±

 6: Yuuko Hanazawa is a good girl

    1.6


    Yuuko Hanazawa is a good girl


    ¡®You know what separate the greats from the rest, the greats act¡¯


    That was what her deadbeat father always said as he was drunk. She didn¡¯t mind, him busy philosophising meant he was not beating mother and brother.


    Then that day came, and the girl would never be bothered by him ever again.


    This time, Yuuko Hanazawa returned home from school by herself. Last night, the girl brought up the parents¡¯ meeting and as expected, her brother would be too busy to attend. This was nothing new and yet, Yuuko had been feeling rather down for the whole day now.


    She remembered the night of her birthday which was just last week. Brother hugged her, he was shaking slightly. That was the first time ever since mother died that she saw him sentimental in front of her. Yuuko thought things would be different after that night. But it was just wishful thinking.


    While the girl was deep in thought, a van was approaching. Yuuko realised it too late as a pair of hands smothered her and dragged the girl in.


    Inside were three thugs, on at the wheel and a familiar face.


    ¡°Sakura?¡± Yuuko grunted.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t let you interfere!¡± Sakura said, fear on her face.


    Maromi must have told Sakura that they had found out her dealings. Yuuko knew that her friend probably said it out of concern.


    ¡°Is this really necessary?¡± Asked on of the thug as he bound Yuuko¡¯s hands with a pair of handcuffs ¡°She is just a school girl¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand, once Yuuko decided on something, she would not step down¡± Sakura answered, looking down on her old friend. Inside her were many conflicting feelings. She didn¡¯t want to hurt Yuuko but¡­ no, if she was to be found out, her life over ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± She muttered, avoiding eyes contact with her victim.


    ¡°I still don¡¯t understand why this is needed but oh well, I am not complaining¡± The other thug in the back seat said, licking his lips as he gazed upon the high school girl¡¯s skirt. Realising the futility of the situation, she was not thrashing around as he had expected. This would be an easy score.


    The other one held Yuuko down by her head, holding up a syringe ¡°Stay still girl, this won¡¯t hurt at all¡± He said with malice in his voice ¡°Quite a looker, I¡¯m sure your AV would be a hit. Maybe you will enjoy it even, hah¡±


    The syringe came down near her neck. In Yuuko mind, the word of her deadbeat father rang.


    ¡®You know what separate the greats from the rest, the greats act¡¯


    Yuuko squeezed down on her hand and a dry crack sound resonated within the van. The thug looked down in confusion as a broken hand was aimed straight at his eye. He recoiled back in pain as blood spurted from his head. With her remaining hand still in cuff, Yuuko grabbed the syringe. Before the other thug could reach for her, the girl drove the item into the driver¡¯s arm and dragged the wheel as hard as she could.


    The van our of control and crashed against a street light, Yuuko was flung out of the windshield, having thrown herself at it.


    She stood up, her hands screaming out in pain. One of them was broken, crushed enough to squeeze through the cuff. Both filled with glass shards, bleeding all over. Having never felt such intense pain, Yuuko wanted to scream out and cry.


    The girl bit her lips, no this was not the time to cry. The thugs would be after her soon. Yuuko recognised this route as she staggered to the nearest phone booth. Her side was screaming out in agony, however, having impacted against the road. The girl limped forward, at this rate, they would catch up to her. There should be a hardware store nearby.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Yuuko slid the door open and entered. Inside, the lone clerk greeted her.


    ¡°Welcom¡­ what¡¯s wrong!¡±


    He was frightened, and he should be. A girl with a broken bloodied hand, the other in cuff also drenched in red just entered the store. The clerk reached for the phone.


    ¡°Just wait there, I will call an ambulance for you¡±


    Yuuko grabbed his hand and looked straight into his eyes. She tried to look as weak and desperate as possible. This was unpleasant, but she needed his help.


    ¡°Don¡¯t, there¡¯s no time, they are coming. I need your help¡± She darted her eyes around and saw the cleaning bucket, filled with water ¡°Please grab this and hid behind the counter!¡±


    The clerk wasn¡¯t a remarkable man in any mean. But there was a girl in distress leaning on him, this awakened an instinct within him. Of course, he would help the damsel. The clerk grabbed the bucket and hid. Meanwhile, Yuuko made a beeline for the Sellotape and limped to the back of the store.


    When the two thugs busted into the place, they could see her, leaning at the back door.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have run like that, now I will make sure you feel it all. You have no idea what I want to do with that body of your¡± One of them said, clutching his bloodied eye, his words filled with rage.


    They rushed toward, determined on tearing the frail and pure flower ahead.


    With an ice-cold gaze, Yuuko raised her broken hand. A torch taped to it, with her intact thumb, the girl lit the fire. These low-lives thrived on weakness, she shall show none. They wanted her, only fiery judgement ahead. With her remaining hand, the girl raised a spray.


    The gears inside the thugs¡¯ brain turned too slow as Yuuko refused to hesitate.


    ¡®You know what separate the greats from the rest, the greats act¡¯


    A stream of flame shot out like a fiery dragon. The two thugs were shrouded in fire as they ran back, their eyes blinded. Yuuko gave her order calmly.


    ¡°Now¡±


    The clerk rose up from behind the counter and dumped the bucket onto the thugs¡¯ path. They slipped and collapsed to the floor with a thundering thud. Not waiting for a second, Yuuko grabbed the shelf and threw it onto the two whimpering messes. Inside her, there was a slight disappointment that it didn¡¯t crush their empty skulls. The girl held back from stomping on the shelf. The police would soon arrive, she had sent a passer-by to them.


    Yuuko cut the cuff left the store, but not before giving the clerk a kiss on the cheek.


    She felt strangely nonchalant about using and manipulating him like that. He stood there in a daze, this was the first time a girl had kissed him. The clerk turned back to ask for her name, but she was gone, just as sudden as her arrival.


    Outside, the police made their way to the store, Yuuko avoided them just in time. She encountered a familiar face in the alleyway, it was Sakura.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I don¡¯t intend on reporting you to the police¡± Yuuko said coldly, her eyes as empty as the void ¡°They would take you away and Maromi would be sad. But if you pull something like this again, the police would be the last thing you should fear¡±


    Sakura fell to the ground, the person in front of her wasn¡¯t the Yuuko she once knew. Who was this person, devoid of empathy, a ruthless being? What happened to this girl.


    Or had this side of Yuuko Hanazawa always been there¡­


    Despite facing with only one girl, Sakura was overwhelmed by fear. The girl whimpered, a wet puddle formed under her.


    Yuuko walked past her without a care in the world. She needed to reach a clinic for her broken bones and the bleeding. There was something wrong though, something Yuuko couldn¡¯t quite put her finger on.


    The girl looked down to see her legs shaking, her breath soon ran shallow.


    What was going on? Yuuko leaned on the alley wall and collapsed alone. She was shivering, a panic attack soon overwhelmed the young girl. All the thoughts she had been suppressing flooded in like a broken dam. To be pushed down, to be cuffed, to be rendered powerless. It was nothing but frightening.


    And that was without mention what would happened if she failed. Her mind was filled with all the possibilities. All the despicable acts that would be committed on her, and they would be filmed as an eternal reminder of her humiliation.


    Yuuko was shivering in fear, the adrenaline rush was over and she was just a high school girl.


    ¡°Onii¡­san¡± She curled up, holding her legs ¡°I¡¯m¡­ scared¡±


    Tears welling up but before a drop could escape, Yuuko held back.


    ¡°No¡­ I can¡¯t be like this¡± The girl muttered to herself. Brother had sacrificed his life for her, working himself away so she could live a peaceful life. Just like mother before who died from overworking¡­


    She couldn¡¯t be scared, no, she was not allowed to. That would be a bother to brother.


    Wasn¡¯t that why Yuuko had avoided the police? He would have to spend time for their inquiries, then she would be a bother.


    ¡®Yuuko is a good girl, Yuuko is a good girl, Yuuko is a good girl¡¯


    All these injuries were because she fell down the stair, yes, because of that and nothing else. ¡®Yuuko is a good girl¡¯. She couldn¡¯t cry here, then her eyes would be red. Brother would notice, then he would be worried, then she would be a bother. ¡®Yuuko is a good girl¡¯


    The girl limped to the nearest clinic, having suppressed her shaking. Soon, even fear and pain were smothered, only nothingness remained. She continued to mutter again and again. Like a chant, one to numb her soul, to remind her not to be a bother.


    ¡°Yuuko is a good girl. Yuuko is a good girl. Yuuko is a good girl¡±

 7: Reflection

    2.1


    Reflection


    How many hours had passed? Outside, the moon lit up the sky before retreating back to show a burning sun on Eden¡¯s plain. Still stuck on his seat all his time was Hiro, sitting there silently, waiting alone. Soon, a door opened as the little Haruka entered the train car, holding a tray of food with a sword strapped on her back.


    ¡°You are still here?¡± She asked, puzzled by this action.


    Hiro nodded slightly, acknowledging her existent. He remained quiet, however, being in no mode to talk. His mind was devoted what was going on in the next car, the med bay.


    The young girl sat near him, not knowing what to say. The food was put on a table.


    Soon, the silence was broken by a voice from within Hiro himself.


    Momo-chan: [You are still awake]


    The voice said with a hint of shame in his voice. When Suiren collapsed he thought his non-existent heart would stop. He was here along with Hiro to wait for any news about her. But despite being the one having a crush on the masked woman, he fell asleep. Meanwhile, Hiro continued to wait.


    Hiro: {I thought you wouldn¡¯t be up this early, sleepyhead}


    Momo-chan: [How can I sleep still while Suiren condition is still¡­] The voice sighed, couldn¡¯t finish his sentence. He couldn¡¯t comprehend why Hiro would be even more desperate than him about Suiren. Perhaps it had to do with the years that separate them.


    Having heard Momo¡¯s voice cleared Hiro¡¯s mind somewhat, he turned to the girl, loosening his tie.


    ¡°How are you doing this morning?¡±


    ¡°Fine¡± She replied, still finding his action puzzling ¡°Your food is here, eat while it is hot¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be alright, why don¡¯t you have it instead?¡±


    ¡°Why do you think I would want your share¡± Haruka answered, she sounded defensive.


    Momo raised his imaginary eyebrows, what with her. He could hear Hiro giggled mentally, a perfectly normal giggle, yet the voice found it disturbing coming from his host. The young man looked at the girl with a tired smile.


    ¡°So someone is trying to change her image¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not it, I am just not hungry, that¡¯s all¡±


    Hiro patted the girl¡¯s head gently, to his surprise, she looked back with a cautious expression. Being with Willow had certainly given him false expectation. The young man retracted his hand.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, I¡¯ve heard about the condition you arrived here at. There is no need to be shy, there¡¯s nothing wrong with wanting to eat a lot¡±


    ¡°But I really don¡¯t want to eat now¡± The young girl answered meekly, pausing a bit before continuing ¡°Maybe a bit¡­ but this is your share, I ain¡¯t touching it¡±


    ¡°Thank you¡± Hiro answered weakly and grabbed the tray, he started to take a few bites then stopped. The young man just didn¡¯t have the appetite. He put down the tray and the silence set in again, but this time, Hiro decided not to let it go on.


    ¡°Talk about where you from, how is it like¡­ back then¡±


    They are both Japanese and yet, the young girl seemed so foreign. Especially for a city boy who had never stepped his foot out of Tokyo like Hiro. She might as well be a foreigner.


    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t have much to say¡±


    Looking at her, Hiro mind went wild. Her condition was critical, was the young girl neglected, abused or just in extreme poverty? Whatever the reason, she didn¡¯t want to disclose it. Haruka never returned to her world as well, an understandable choice.


    Perhaps she wanted this to be a new beginning, one she had no intention of looking back on. Except for one broken memento.


    ¡°That katana, I¡¯m sure Victor could fix it¡±If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Haruka immediately glared at Hiro, her gaze filled with hostility. The young man continued.


    ¡°That knight, Conrad, his longsword was broken as well. But Conrad made it better than even before. Don¡¯t you want to see it, that katana of yours, shinning again?¡± From Alva¡¯s description, the thing was already unusable before being broken just by a drop.


    The girl was still unconvinced; however, the katana was now moved into her arms. Haruka held it tightly, her legs curled up on the chair.


    Was it insensitive of him? Hiro wondered. But seeing the girl sitting like up awakened something in him. He wanted to protect this little girl, to shield her from harm. A feeling he hadn¡¯t felt since¡­ more than 15 years ago. In his mind, the memory was vivid.


    Mother had just returned from the hospital, with her was a new member to the family.


    That day, Hiro had made a vow. He had suffered, he was beaten, he was neglected. The little boy promised to himself to protect his new-born sister. He would love her, he would never let the misfortunes that befell him happened to her. Little Yuuko would get to be happy¡­


    Hiro: {NO, I did my job, I took care of her, I slaved my life away for so she could live a normal life¡­ I kept my promise!}


    Momo-chan: [¡­Are you alright]


    Hiro: {You heard that?}


    Momo-chan: [You practically screamed that to me¡­]


    Hiro was speechless, both outside and inside. He knew why Momo-chan could hear it. The young man wanted someone to hear it¡­ to hear his justification. But why did he even need to defence himself to himself. He did his job¡­


    His mind was soon diverted back to Haruka. Her sword, where did it come from, her father? Inside, Momo-chan was trying to say something but the young man couldn¡¯t hear any of it.


    He immediately stood up, however, when the door to the med bay opened, exited Alva.


    ¡°How is she! Will she be alright!¡± Hiro gripped on the girl rock solid shoulder.


    ¡°Her condition has stabilised for now¡± She said.


    ¡°But what happened to her in the first place!¡±


    This is such a strange scene for Alva. Why would he care so much for a Fallen, why would they had to try so hard to keep her alive. These masked drones were endless, they could be remade infinitely if one knew how. He must have known this and yet¡­


    ¡°She was never intended to live for long. You must have noticed how she never eat nor drink nor sleep¡± Nevertheless, he deserved an explanation.


    ¡°Of course I did¡±


    ¡°Well, the reason a masked person could function like that is because they have a storage of energy to put it simple. But after that deplete, a Fallen is programme to dissolve along with their equipment¡± The Fallen¡¯s weapons were also kept together by a Mana core, making them virtually indestructible ¡°Currently, the Heretic is working on removing her mask, allowing your Suiren to be able to function like a human again¡±


    Hearing that stunned Hiro, Suiren¡¯s mask will be removed. He is no doubt excited, the young man and the voice had wanted to see her real face for so long. Inside them there was a small doubt that she wouldn¡¯t be as fair as their expectation, that doubt was drowned out immediately by another worry.


    Would her memory returned¡­ Hiro wondered.


    It would be wonderful for that to happen but Hiro and Momo still worried. Suiren had a history, she was a wife, possibly a mother. What would a woman like that felt about being used by a lonely pathetic guy from the future. Would she react with disgust, would she abandon them?


    Of course, with his power, Hiro could make sure that wouldn¡¯t happen. However, that thought never crossed his mind even for a split second. If that made her happy, then he was willing to let her go. Although he would probably need to go back to his world for a bit to hit that bar again.


    His younger self, however, was feeling ashamed of himself. He feared the worst, and to combat it he thought of using the worst, their power. Momo berated himself for even thinking about that method.


    ¡°Um, can you let me go now¡± Alva kindly reminded Hiro, who promptly did so.


    The girl left to re-join her fianc¨¦e, but to her surprise, the young man held her back.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Hiro asked, concerned about a glimpse he caught.


    ¡°Why are you asking that¡± Alva smiled ¡°Of course I am alright. Anyway, your Suiren will be alright, why don¡¯t you take a rest now¡±


    ¡°But you looked so sad¡± It was just a split second, but that expression was unmistakable.


    Like Willow, there was something about Alva that reminded Hiro of his sister. Perhaps because they were of the same age and had black hair¡­ Actually, that was about it¡­


    Alva simply brushed his concern away with a smile ¡°Thank you, but I am alright. Anyway, I need to go before Jo makes a mess of himself again~¡±


    With that the girl was gone, leaving Hiro and Haruka behind. The two looked at her and back at each other. Both of them saw it, that sombre expression.


    Still, now knowing Suiren would live, a huge weight was lift of Hiro¡¯s shoulder. The young man sat back down with a thud. He gazed outside to see the plain, its greenery soothing both for his weary eyes and soul.


    Haruka decided it was time for her to leave as well.


    ¡°I will ta¡­¡± As she turned around the young girl saw Hiro already sound asleep ¡°So fast!¡±


    She tipped toed away in silence, only to return later with a blanket. With some difficulty, Haruka managed to throw it over the tired office worker. ¡®He doesn¡¯t seem like a bad guy¡¯ she thought to herself.


    This was such a foreign world, and they were faced with a grave danger in the form of the Biker. So when Haruka¡¯s group finally encountered Hiro¡¯s group, there was no doubt tension. But the young man had tried hard to ease that, by organising that sushi meal. His effort didn¡¯t go unnoticed.


    While Hiro sat here waiting for news on Suiren, many had visited him. Eikichi was the first and he didn¡¯t stay long, followed by Jim. Then there were Mara and Fleur. Willow of course barged in but was dragged away by Johann.


    Among Hiro¡¯s group, he was the most suspicious. Having some sort of mind control power and a ¡®slave¡¯ in form of a woman. Willow hanging around didn¡¯t help, even Johann was worried for his sister. But seeing Hiro like this, his dedication to his ¡®Suiren¡¯, one couldn¡¯t have but admire.


    Still, Haruka wondered why his two other companions weren¡¯t among the visitor. The girl entered the next train care, those two were still busy making papercraft.

 8: To be or not to be a practitioner

    2.2


    To be or not to be a practitioner


    It was sudden, everyone was having the time of their life, or at least some fun. But the meal ended with a screamed as that thing, the Fallen fell down. From nowhere, black smoke came from underneath the door sliding to the scene with frightening speed. And from it, came the Heretic, who gently brought the masked woman into the med bay. As the other acting medic, Alva went with them.


    Putting on a clean gown including apron with white gloves, mask and surgical cap.


    The girl was thrown a guide by the Heretic on how this condition. What was this? A total failure of the body, every single part bar none falling apart. From bone dissolving to blood being polluted, to muscles and skin shrivelling.


    This beautiful body will soon be reduced to literal dust.


    Luckily, the guide outlined what need to be done, Alva studied the notes for assistant only to be surprised by what she found.


    ¡®This procedure was done before¡¯ All of these notes were written on the spot.


    But that wasn¡¯t all, the assistant working with the Heretic was nothing but extraordinary. This speed, this accuracy, this technique, this medic could keep up with the Heretic! Alva only knew of one person capable of this feat, the Divine Vaswani herself. But why wasn¡¯t she the main surgeon?


    This was not the time to dawdle, however, there were notes written after with a simplified guideline for assistant. The original procedure took a few hours, this variant would take more than half a day.


    ¡°Her muscles are failing, can you stabilise it?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I¡± Alva looked at her hand, only one pathetic finger could dissolve into smoke.


    ¡°Here¡± The Heretic handed her the scalpel ¡°Vaswani must have taught you how to use this¡±


    The girl nodded then performed precise incisions in the muscles along with instructions. The Heretic then embedded a few gems inside, radiating enough power to keep the muscles alive. This wouldn¡¯t be enough as the body continued to deteriorate faster.


    Hours passed spending on the operating table, so much longer than the girl¡¯s exam. Not the official one, oh no, grandmother especially prepared this for her.


    All this stress, Alva couldn¡¯t help but remember that day.


    ___


    ¡®That man is completely healthy¡¯ She asked, wondering what would happen.


    ¡®Not for long¡¯ Grandmother said coldly ¡®In half an hour, his inside would be broken in random place, expect the heart and lung to be among them¡¯


    ¡®But why?¡¯ Alva asked, still confused. This person seemed completely healthy and happy, what could cause those damages.


    Grandmother looked at her and she continued, a name was followed by age. It was the man details. A baker, he was happily married with two children, one under three the other under training. Alva soon recognised that name, it belonged to one of her favourite baker. It dawned on the girl what would happen next.


    ¡®You¡­ would break him¡­ but¡¯


    ¡®Do not stutter¡¯ Grandmother glared at her ¡®It¡¯s undignified. There is nothing wrong to this, he volunteered to help you¡¯


    ¡®Wait, why me, I never asked for this!¡¯


    All of Alva¡¯s fire extinguished as those eyes gazed down on her, such callousness ¡®So dense, yet you call yourself my grandchild. You will be the one to fix him up, girl, you alone. You are a von Brandt, do you seriously think you are worthy to bear that name passing that basic medic exam. Considered this your final assessment, you better not fail me, Alva von Brandt¡¯


    ¡®But¡­ what if I fail?¡¯ The girl asked meekly. Her grandmother wasn¡¯t particularly tall, yet here she seemed impossibly imposing.


    ¡®Then back to the academy with you¡¯


    ¡®No¡¯ Alva started to panic ¡®What would happen with him!¡¯


    Grandmother didn¡¯t even care to look at her anymore, she remarked ¡®Then the blood of one of our citizen shall be on your hand forever¡¯


    ___The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    A procedure original took 30 minutes turned into several hours instead. But finally, the patient¡¯s condition stabilised. The body would still need major repair and most importantly, removal of that white mask.


    Alva could finally sit down, after some time, she could finally use Ayurveda. It was nowhere near the level of the Heretic previous assistant, however.


    The girl felt defeated. Just like the time when Jim first arrived, she couldn¡¯t use Ayurveda probably. Even during the operation, the Heretic delegated her with mostly tasks that didn¡¯t involved the technique or only to a minor degree.


    Had she been slipping. The girl remembered her final exam.


    ¡°How are you feeling, Alva¡± Asked the man, looking at her with concern.


    ¡°I am doing fine¡± She answered ¡°Why are you asking that¡±


    ¡°Your muscles, I mean, are they holding up¡±


    Alva paused for a bit ¡°I did feel a bit of pain on my right shoulder the other day, but it wasn¡¯t much. I am sure it¡¯s just a normal ache¡±


    The Heretic let out a sighed. Seeing him like this was giving Alva so many mixed feelings right now. The man looked at her shoulder then continued ¡°A check-up wouldn¡¯t hurt¡±


    The girl hesitated, while the Heretic was the assistant in her surgery, the Divine Vaswani was the one to do check-ups. She wasn¡¯t here so¡­ But to let the Heretic do a check-up on her was an uncomfortable thought to say the least. Nevertheless, the girl complied.


    She peeled off the skin on her arm to reveal the artificial muscles, in order as all thing should be. The Heretic had another idea, however, with just a glance he came over.


    ¡°What about this part here¡± The man pulled out a bundle, worn and damaged ¡°This is what hinder your ability to use Ayurveda¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­ but¡­¡±


    ¡°But what? You couldn¡¯t use Ayurveda because of emotional reason?¡± The Heretic smiled ¡°Alva, you are one of Vaswani¡¯s student, have more faith in yourself¡±


    Was he¡­ trying to reassure her? Ever since the operation that gave her these fake muscles, Alva had been having mixed feelings about him. No, there was nothing to be confused about, this man was the Heretic, that was all. Alva did have a question for him though.


    ¡°The operation in these notes, when and where was it done?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, in Llandudno, while I was fetching the summoned there¡±


    ¡°Wait, then how come there was no report about that¡± Alva stood up ¡°The operation was a succeed, what happened to the patient¡±


    ¡°Him?¡± The Heretic scratched his bald head ¡°I don¡¯t know really¡±


    ¡®Don¡¯t know?¡¯ This was a Fallen they were talking about here. Was the Heretic trying to start something? The Divines seemed to be sure that he wouldn¡¯t betray them so there was no fear of that. Was this some sort of secret order, then how come he admitted to it so easily. The Heretic could just say this was done in the Academy.


    ¡°Why did you do such a thing?¡±


    ¡°Well, I know that this would happen to Suiren someday so I need to be prepare¡­¡± The Heretic paused, looking out of the window to the horizon ¡°Actually scratched that, you could say I wanted to save that man, in a sense I admired him¡±


    ¡°You? Admire someone?¡± Now this was alien to Alva, could this man even be capable of such feeling? ¡°Was that Fallen some sort of scholar?¡±


    The Heretic grinned and looked back at Alva.


    ¡°No, he was a warrior through and through. But despite being bound by that mask, he struggled¡± His voice started to break, this was unmistakable, the Heretic was being sentimental ¡°He was in the twilight of his years and yet¡­ even after realising that he fought on so valiantly, clinging to life. As a doctor, how could I let a man like that die!¡±


    The sight of the Heretic being enamour like this was rather disgusting. Alva believed what he said anyway, the girl didn¡¯t even know why. There was still something else, however, the matter of his assistant.


    Alva remembered the uproar at the Academy. During the exams, a girl appeared out of nowhere. Despite never taking a single class, she aced all of the assignments, not just the medical one. That girl went even further, many said her ability could one day rivalled the Heretic and the Divine Vaswani herself. Then one day, that girl disappeared, she went to a town in nowhere to be a healer. One called Caron, so Llandudno was where she settled.


    When Alva graduated, that girl was already gone, her ability so legendary it could only be overblown rumours. But now, after seeing those notes, there was no mistake about it. This Caron was just as excellent if not more.


    What was someone like that doing in such a place.


    Thinking about that person suddenly blanketed Alva with a dreadful feeling. Their ages didn¡¯t differ much and yet, the gulf between their ability definitely enormous. Many expired long before reaching that level. Could Alva herself, a von Brandt, ever match up to that, a local girl.


    Her fear was soon realised, however.


    ¡°You can leave now¡± The Heretic said, getting back to work ¡°I will handle the rest¡±


    She was to be dismissed, her ¡®talent¡¯ no longer needed. That was to be expected. Alva excused herself and let the professional went to work. She wandered out only to be held back by Hiro.


    Now this was also a strange person, why would he care so much for a Fallen? Had this person fallen in love with the one he brainwashed. That sounded rather pathetic which was probably not to far from the truth, Alva thought. After all, looked at him, she still couldn¡¯t understand why her auntie was hyping him up. But then again, Willow was never that bright. For some reason, Johann had quite a high opinion about his sister.


    Talked of the devil, after escaping Hiro, she ran into his biggest fan in the next train car.


    ¡°Ah, Alva!¡±


    Made no mistake, the girl enjoyed spending time with her aunt. But her high energy wasn¡¯t what Alva wanted to run into right now. Behind Willow a shadow appeared, grabbing her in the head and moved her to the side. It was Johann.


    ¡°Come with me, I need something¡±


    ¡°But I want to hang out with Alva!¡± Willow¡¯s chimed in.


    ¡°No¡± Johann pushed her to the side, but the girl stood her ground. Despite his best effort, Willow didn¡¯t budge an inch. Her physical prowess was certainly to be admired.


    Alva decided to step in though ¡°I will hang out with you later, let¡¯s see what Jo want~¡±


    The two arrived at their resting quarter, it was rather embarrassing, but they shared the same space, being fianc¨¦es and all. Inside, there was a neat meal on the table, more than an usual breakfast.


    ¡°I asked Eikichi to make this¡± Johann said ¡°Eat then have some rest¡±


    ¡°Aww, are you worried about me~¡±


    The young warrior glared at her but Alva chuckled instead. He always tried to be mean but the girl never found him ill intended. Compared to grandmother¡¯s glare¡­ Just thinking about that made her shudder in fear. Nevertheless, the girl would enjoy this treat.


    As she laid down to rest, Johann sat there silently watching over her and he would be there when she woke up again.

 9: A thousand paper cranes

    <div>


    <div>


    <div>


    2.3


    A thousand paper cranes


    When Haruka returned to the communal area, she was surprised to not see Alva. Didn''t she just enter not that long ago.


    "She went with Johann back to their quarter already" Mara answered, having somehow read the young girl mind "Come here and sit with me and Doraemon"


    She always found the old lady rather unsettling. When the others didn''t notice, Mara would dart her eyes around, scanning everything with utmost caution. Her gaze was intense, completely different from the normal image. Only Haruka caught on to that, however. Perhaps Doraemon did as well, she spent an awful lot of her time with the old lady. Rather out of character for both of them really.


    "Thanks, but I want to seat with them"


    The young girl made her way to the group from Llandudno, Malcolm and Conrad and Willow. The former two making paper cranes, lots and lots of them. Ever since stepping on the train, this was all they did.


    Even Willow seemed annoyed about this.


    "Don''t you usually train?" The girl said to Conrad.


    Nothing happened, the knight continued to be immersed in his paper cranes. And yet, Willow kept on waiting, Haruka soon realised why.


    "You talking to me! Sorry" The man looked up then hung it low again "I¡­ don''t feel like training¡­"


    "Don''t tell me you prefer this?" Willow asked, raising one of her eyebrows.


    The knight nodded, then continued with his craft. The girl continued to focus on him though and he soon realised that "Sorry¡­ do you still need something"


    "I want to know why you prefer this to training?"


    "Sorry¡­ Um¡­ I guess this is more¡­ constructive"


    Willow gave up on any further inquiries and let the man focused on his cranes. Not seeing Johann around, she decided to check on her Herald. For some reason, her brother kept dragging her away from him.


    Normally she was quite inquisitive but Haruka could understand why Conrad was an exception. It always took an uncomfortable amount of time for reply to anything, if he realised you were addressing him at all. Then everything he said would always be peppered with apologies, all the while his expression unchanging.


    There were several attempts to communicate, but not many could stand conversing with the knight. Doraemon was one of them, she wanted to know how he could possibly injured the Biker. The future girl gave up on frustration though, chalking that up to luck.


    After every false conversations, Conrad would just continue to sit there. Haruka strangely found herself pitying him every time she saw that. Maybe it was the way he clutched onto whatever was being held at the moment and muttered ''sorry'', head hung even lower than usual. Nevertheless, she probably also couldn''t stand talking with the man, so she continued to pity him from a distance.


    It was a strange feeling though to be directed toward a person like him, decked out in steel.


    Ever since coming here, Haruka had met so many strange and foreign people. Back in her village there weren''t many types, there was nice and hungry, grumpy and hungry, tired and hungry, miserable and hungry¡­ But here, people were so alien.


    And so, the girl picked up a new hobby of interacting with them. Now for her target.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    "You are still making paper crane" She asked Malcolm.


    "Yes" That was all of the reply.


    "Can I try and make one?" The young girl wasn''t deterred.


    Malcolm was going to say something but stopped, the youth leaned forward toward her with a paper in his hand "Here you go, young miss"


    He was certainly being strangely nice, Haruka had her guard up "I don''t know how to"


    "Are you interested in this?" Malcolm asked, of course with a grin.


    The young girl nodded. To her surprise, the youth actually showed her how. Quite detailed instructions actually. Even Doraemon sitting nearby had to turn around to check. Soon, she managed to make quite a decent crane.


    "That''s a good one, much better than my first" Malcolm commented, sounding artificially bitter, still with a grin "Nah, Hiro was just a horrible teacher"


    "Did he teach you how to make this?"


    "Yes, apparently it''s Origami, Japanese''s papercraft"


    "I never heard of this before" The girl commented "Sound like something for rich people"


    "Hah, it certainly does" Malcolm seemed strangely amused by that remarked "I''m sorry but you can''t eat these things though"


    Haruka pouted, why did everyone seem to think she like to eat a lot. It was not like she was constantly hungry, just¡­ most of the time. Alright, so Haruka maybe had more appetite than a normal person. But not too much!


    "Why are you guys keep on making paper cranes?"


    Haruka turned to the mound of cranes on a nearby table, how many are there? Probably around the hundreds.


    "About that, when he taught us how to make these, Hiro said there was a legend where if you make a thousand cranes, a sick person will be well again" Malcolm casted his eyes to Conrad "This guy here want to actually make a thousand cranes for Suiren. Stupid idea, but I decided to help him anyway, it''s not like there is much to do here"


    "You kept saying things like that but aren''t you quite a nice guy" Haruka commented "A good deed is still a good deed, regardless of intention"


    "Hah" Malcolm laughed out loud "You are quite wise for a kid"


    She got that quote from Ito, just thinking about him made her rather depressed. But feeling the weight of the sword on her back, the young girl felt a bit better. She decided to help out as well, saving a person life was a good deed.


    "I will join you guys" She did have a question though "Why do you want to make these for Suiren?"


    After an excruciating amount of time, Conrad replied "Sorry¡­ I didn''t know¡­ Sorry" No one knew what was that second apology for "She seemed very important to Hiro, besides, I don''t like to see people die"


    Somehow hearing cheered Haruka up, a smile appeared on the girl face. This guy was mighty awkward and looked a bit scary, but he seemed like a really nice person. She was even more fired up now. A person soon sat down next to her though, it was Mara.


    "Aww, isn''t that sweet. Can I join as well?"


    "Don''t you need to lie down, sitting that long must be hard on your back" Malcolm said mockingly, his apparently fondness of kids didn''t extend to old people.


    Mara was unconcerned, however "I will be fine, sweetie. My back is probably not as tired as your face, having to keep that grin all the time"


    Malcolm giggled slightly, it seemed like he had no more line to sprout. That remark took Haruka by surprise, she didn''t know Mara had that side to her. The old lady also had other plans as well, she waved at her former seating companion.


    "Why don''t you join us, Doraemon"


    "I will seat out" The future girl put up a futile attempt to resist, Mara wasn''t going to stop.


    "Come on, join us"


    Doraemon put up her hands and gave up early. The old lady was unlike anyone she had ever met. There was a connection between them, both figuratively and literally. After exposing all of her life, the future girl couldn''t refuse anymore. A strange feeling, at least she had a direction for that to go.


    It didn''t end there, however, not long after the door opened and entered Eikichi and Jim. The latter looked like he was going to die anytime soon. If Haruka remembered correctly, the teenager wanted to try and train with Eikichi. So this was the result, Jim practically collapsed on the nearest seat. The bald man, however, didn''t even have a drop of sweat on him, his head still shinning in the morning sun.


    "Paper cranes, are they for Suiren?" Eikichi asked, Mara said yes "Why didn''t you guys tell me, I love doing Origami" He joined without much thought.


    Jim seemed like he wanted to participate as well but the teenager was exhausted to do anything. He would have to sit there for a while.


    As expected, Eikichi''s cranes were cut above everyone with the exception of Conrad. This was quite an image, Haruka thought. The bald man was quite big, to see him meticulously folding paper was quite entertaining although strangely not surprising.


    Then came Willow, wondering what with the paper cranes endemic. After hearing the name Hiro, however, she immediately joined. Haruka was certain that she didn''t have a lick of care for Suiren. Then came Fleur who just¡­ joined, nothing too remarkable about that.


    Soon, the train car fell silence as everyone was focused in their craft. Their reasons may differ, but it was still a sight to behold, Haruka thought. These people were from all walks of life from different continents and even time. Yet, for all of them to be united in such a simple act like this. What a strange world indeed.

 10: Before The Call of the Wild

    2.4


    Before The Call of the Wild


    From the dark, a voice lit up like a damp fired, unnerved and afraid.


    ¡°Are we really going to do it?¡±


    ¡°Do you want to return then, to the way thing was before¡±


    Another voice flared up, filled with a calculating malice. The other voice muttered pathetically ¡°No, not again¡±. Yes, he wasn¡¯t going to return to that world, they didn¡¯t appreciate his boxing. Those above, they were feared of his talent, they tried to keep him down. And that bitch who was his wife, she didn¡¯t understand, she never did.


    ¡°Say it out loud, I want to hear it¡±


    ¡°NO, NOT AGAIN! I will do it, I will kill them all¡±


    Being sent to this new world was a new beginning, he was granted the power he deserved. ¡°I am invincible, I am unbreakable¡± The damp fire had become a raging flame, hungry for glory.


    ¡°Yes yes you are. Imagine if we manage to kill them all! You will have it all, the fame, the wealth, all the women you want¡±


    No replied, the fire was out of control, volatile. The second voice thought to himself, maybe this was a bad choice. But it was also his only road to respect, that woman. There was no need to fear, the two powers would be enough, they were unbeatable.


    Their only problem was number, but that made the train car their best terrain. As long as their opponents were separate, the two would prevail.


    Besides, they still have it, the horror that was The Call of the Wild.


    ¡°I am invincible, I am unbreakable¡± The flame continued to chant.


    ___


    Mara retreated to her room, the thousand cranes finished. The place was rather small but cosy, with the two beds on opposite ends. She did go on a tour on a historical steam train before and she highly doubted they had bedrooms. Nevertheless, she wasn¡¯t going to complain. Mara sat on her bed and laid down, putting the cane away, her back aching in pain.


    Her roommates entered soon after, it was Doraemon. The girl looked at her companion groaning painful.


    ¡°Do you need a massage for that?¡±


    ¡°I will be alright, dear¡±


    The old lady could see Doraemon frown, the girl seemed to dislike it when she used the word ¡®dear¡¯. That wasn¡¯t the case not too long ago though, Mara wondered what happened. The red string was still connecting them, but the future girl had closed herself off.


    Something wasn¡¯t right though, right here, right now, the string was more muted than ever.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Mara asked, her voice filled with concern. Had she somehow messed this up again. The old lady couldn¡¯t help but remember how she had driven her family away.


    ¡°There¡¯s something I want to say¡± The door was slowly closed, followed by a click of the lock. The light was turned off. Doraemon sat on the old lady¡¯s bed, looking away. The girl raised her hand, showing the red string still tied to her finger.


    ¡°This is all so strange¡± She said ¡°All of my life, laid bare to a stranger¡±


    ¡°Am I still a stranger to you¡± Mara asked.


    Doraemon remained silence gazing at the string. The girl then turned to her roommates who couldn¡¯t decipher what her expression meant. She put a finger on her bright red lips, having just applied the make-up again not that long ago. She said close to the old lady.


    ¡°No, not any more you aren¡¯t¡± Doraemon said lovingly for the first time in her life.


    ¡°What¡­¡± Mara, needless to say, was confused by her tone.


    ¡°A confession what else¡± The future girl cleared her voice ¡°Mara Singer, I love you¡±


    The old lady had completely forgotten about her pained back. In the twilight of her years, Mara never expected to connect again with anyone, much less romantically. The girl next to her also looked to be around her deceased daughter¡¯s age. Meanwhile, she was now¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t think like that, we are only a year apart¡± Doraemon raised the red string.


    Having regained her composure, Mara pushed the girl back gently and sat up.


    ¡°I know, but look at me, my body is breaking down, I am expiring¡± The old lady looked at herself ¡°Why me?¡±


    ¡°Well you have seen it all, my life. How I spent most of it just running¡± From the Killer Queen, even now, thinking about him still made her shuddered ¡°I had forgotten what it was like, to be free, I couldn¡¯t remember the day before that thing. But with this red string, through you, I was able to relive those memories again. You were there for me¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    A little girl in an orphanage in Belarus, life was peaceful then, but that was so long ago. Doraemon could no longer be that innocent again.


    ¡°I want to live again¡± The girl said, putting her face close of the old lady ¡°With you¡±


    Mara held her back, however ¡°But why like this, it doesn¡¯t have to be romantically¡±


    ¡°No¡± Doraemon answered ¡°But I wanted it to be. I don¡¯t want to be swayed by anyone who could give me false hope again. I would rather choose who I love, and I want it to be you¡±


    The girl was swayed alright, when that man came along. Bald, long and obnoxious, and yet he was frighteningly capable. Her heart skipped around him. But it was all for naught, he never had any care for her, everything he had done was simply out of habit. That man despite his warm exterior, was cold and calculating.


    It was a failure, so Doraemon would now choose for herself.


    ¡°Besides, I hate being treated like a kid¡±


    Doraemon muttered those words and soon as it exited her, the string lit up. These past few days, the girl had kept her side from spilling over. She tried and fostered her feeling, for this very moment, when the dam was finally broken.


    The flood of emotions struck Mara hard, threatening to drag the old lady along with its flow.


    ¡°It¡¯s the same with you right¡­ I know. Your duty, your mission, we are the same, those without a life¡± Doraemon said, having seen all the sacrifices Mara made, her husband, her children, her youth, her life ¡°Let¡¯s have our fill of living, together¡± The girl said sincerely.


    Taking the moment into her hand, Doraemon kissed her loved one passionately. The girl then paused, waiting to be pushed away but alas, that didn¡¯t happen. Mara remained quiet, the old lady didn¡¯t share the girl passion, but she didn¡¯t reject it.


    Doraemon was no stranger to physical interactions, but something was different here. Just their lips touching was enough to send a shiver down her spine. A wayward soul finally found its place. Doraemon wanted this moment to last forever.


    She reached behind the old lady and closed the blind. This would be their moment and theirs only. The girl laid down next to her loved one, she wanted more, but not now, not before she could hear the reply. For now, she would treasure this sensation and she would rest in a warm embrace.


    Mara held the small frame, stroking her hair gently. The old lady felt like she was having an ultimatum. The girl was the same as her, they were too jaded, love wasn¡¯t going to struck them like lightning. She would have to make a choice herself.


    A memory of her long lost family briefly resurfaced, Mara would have to think this through.


    ___


    Hiro was sleeping soundly and yet, a sense of dread was creeping onto him. What was it, where did it come from he didn¡¯t know. But that feeling, no matter how hard he tried, Hiro couldn¡¯t shake it off.


    ¡°Suiren!¡± The young man grasped, sitting up from his slumber. He was out of breath, incapable of breathing properly. Hiro held onto his chest, panting pathetically.


    He looked around to see Hotaru, sitting next to him looking surprised. The operative didn¡¯t know what to do in this situation, but she felt like something should be done. Fortunately, Hiro regained his composure fast, no stranger to nightmare. Although this one was particularly intense despite being unable to remember its content.


    ¡°So how come I am graced with your presence here¡± Said Hiro.


    ¡°Well, I was told to give you this¡±


    From behind the table, the operative brought out a bundle of paper cranes. Hiro couldn¡¯t count them all but he knew there were a thousands of those.


    ¡°This¡± Needless to say, the young man was speechless.


    He wasn¡¯t the only one. Hotaru, no, Four, was against the use of their fallen enemies as mindless brainwashed drones. An opinion shared by many of her siblings. The decision couldn¡¯t be reversed, however, and Four had to live with it. Over time, her resistant was eroded and then came the point where she couldn¡¯t see them as human anymore.


    The real people were long dead. In her ages where mechanical robots were starting to make their way to the battlefield, these masked being weren¡¯t too far off.


    And yet, here she was, seeing this salary man, so heartbroken over a sick masked. And these thousand cranes offering, efforts were made. Four, no, Hotaru wondered, what was that turning moment she stopped seeing those as people. There was a tinge of regret budding.


    ¡°So, did you make all of these?¡± Hiro asked.


    ¡°Wah¡­ of course not¡± Hotaru replied immediately ¡°It was the others. Then that Eikichi guy¡­ barged into my room. He asked me¡­ to make one and give it to you¡­¡±


    ¡°Which one of these did you make then?¡±


    ¡°How should I know! Anyway¡­ don¡¯t ask me why that guy sent only me¡­ instead¡±


    From his sit, Hiro was looking at Hotaru and she couldn¡¯t decipher his gaze. This made the operative nervous, her extended mission here in Eden had crippled her already lacking ability in people even further. What was this man thinking about looking at her? Did he have any intention at all? Questions swirled around Hotaru¡¯s head.


    Her heart nearly stopped when Hiro suddenly smiled.


    ¡°What¡­ what¡¯s so funny!¡±


    ¡°Nothing¡± Hiro said ¡°It¡¯s just that when we first met, you didn¡¯t stutter like this at all. I am wondering why that is¡±


    ¡°That¡­ that¡­¡±


    ¡°I just have a though that maybe you are actually great at this, that perhaps this bumbling person is just a cover¡± The young man smiled weakly.


    ¡°Perhaps¡­ you can think what¡­ever you want to think¡± Hotaru didn¡¯t deny that.


    In her mind, she wanted to say sorry to her old co-worker. She tried so hard to help Hotaru be able to talk to stranger normally. Now the operative had regressed significantly. She suddenly remembered home, her ¡®cave¡¯, where she would retreat to binge watch videos and anime while the television was taken by¡­ her other half.


    Hotaru was overwhelmed by an usual wave of sadness as the realisation that she would never meet her love again. The operative consciousness was copied here, not cut like Hiro. Back home, there was still a ¡®Hotaru¡¯, living a happy life.


    The operative steeled herself, she made the choice to come here knowing that. This wasn¡¯t the time to question her decision. At least her ring, after so many battles, still remained.


    ¡°Um¡­ Can I have that?¡± Hiro said, pointing at the cranes.


    Then, Hotaru realised she was still holding to them.


    ¡°Here¡­ you go¡­¡±


    Finally, the cranes were given to Hiro. The operative just wanted to dig a hole and burrowed herself in it, never to emerge.


    Hiro Hanazawa, meanwhile, gazed at the cranes. Oh, how their differed, many were off, some perfectly made. A few were rather soft due to sweat, many more had small cuts and rips on them. His hand started to tremble slightly as the young man laid the offering next to the infirmary door.


    He stood up and nearly plummeted to the ground. Despite his years slaving behind a desk, he still stayed seated for far too long. His experience allowed the young man to keep his footing, however.


    ¡°Where are¡­ you going?¡± Asked Hotaru.


    ¡°To civilisation, I guess¡± Hito laughed ¡°Do you want to come as well?¡±


    ¡°I guess¡­¡±


    The two left the train car to re-join the rest, Hotaru decided to retreat to her room. Meanwhile, Willow was already on Hiro asking all sorts of questions. Her brother was nowhere to be found along with his fianc¨¦e.


    Outside, The Call of the Wild continued to wait for its time to strike.

 11: The Call of the Wild: Unbreakable

    2.5


    The Call of the Wild: Unbreakable


    It came like thunder, wild and strong. Most of them were there to it loud and clear, a black void, swallowing anything in its path, mercilessly.


    ¡°Hiro?¡± Willow looked on in disbelief, he was right in front of her.


    Then came down the black spot swallowing him whole, splitting the train car in half with its blighted existent. Now, the deep dark hole lodged itself there, refusing to move, its void inviting. Three of them were swallowed, Hiro Hanazawa, Eikichi Kira and Fleur Guillard. On one side, separated from the rest were Willow, Malcolm and Conrad.


    The other side, however, was far grimmer, there was only Jim Cross as two men broke in through the windows. One a giant, whom despite his threatening stature seemed calculating and cold. The other, a boxer with hands wrapped in bandage, was smaller but twitchy, hungry for victory.


    Waiting for nothing, the smaller jumped at Jim and punched him right at the jaw. The teenager stagger back, a tooth dislodged from its place.


    ¡°I thought this would be harder¡± The boxer said, mockingly.


    A jab followed by a brutal straight punched that broke the teenager nose. Blood was spilt and spit and it was all over. The boxer could see the end, he punched with all his might and yet in that final moment, a light lit up. His power warned him off something and the boxer slowed down his momentum.


    A wise choice, as the boy skin hardened at the last moment, tough as diamond. The boxer felt like punching a wall but his fingers weren¡¯t broken.


    ¡°You brat¡±


    The boxer grunted and slammed a nearby table onto the teenager, the thing snapped effortlessly against skin as tough as diamond. This bastard dared to lure him in, Jim took the hit to bolster the boxer confidence, waiting for that final punch.


    ¡°YOU BRAT¡± The boxer yelled from the bottom of his lungs but before he could do anything, his power warned of something from behind.


    Jumping to the side, he narrowly dodged his companion charging forward. Jim took the brunt of the hit, getting knocked to the end of the train car. A figure towered over him, skin as rough and tough as rock. The man looked at the teenager mockingly.


    ¡°It seems like our power are rather similar¡± A grin appeared ¡°But not enough¡±


    Another kick aimed straight Jim¡¯s chin, launching him through the connecting door. The two could both hardened themselves but Jim so much more, going to ludicrous level. However, the trade off was that harder he got, the more immobile he became. Meanwhile, his opponent, not only could move normally, but also had his speed and strength enhanced.


    Behind the teenager were the bedrooms, from one of them, exited the little Haruka.


    Seeing an opportunity, the rock charged forward, only to stop by Jim. The teenager couldn¡¯t hope to win this match up, however, his power was never about fighting anyway. No, it was to take hits after hits and could still move on to take some more. To be unbreakable.


    Behind him, Hotaru exited to find the juggernaut. The operative had no intention of helping but she wouldn¡¯t want to child to get hurt. Haruka was pulled away.


    To support Jim was to be someone else, Johann von Brandt.


    The boxer was starting to worry. How could that guy still standing, and the now the rock was to be outnumbered. He then breathed deeply, no, there was no reason to be worry. That man could handle all of them. Then there was him, he was invincible, he was unbeatable. And he would prove it.


    ¡°YOU THINK I COULDN¡¯T SEE YOU!¡±


    The boxer yelled from the top of his lungs and block a devastating kick from Doraemon. The girl jumped back and decloaked herself. This third rate managed to find her out. He could also predict Jim¡¯s attempt at breaking his hand.


    ¡°Good grief¡± The girl mumbled.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°You can never beat me¡± The boxer said, that sentence aimed more at himself ¡°I am unbeatable, I am unbreakable!¡±


    He stepped up and jab quickly. Such sloppy movement, Doraemon immediately kicked, her legs aimed at his throat. The boxer, however, put his weight into his back legs and retracted his punch, grabbing onto her leg with his left arm. With his right, the man drove his elbow straight at her shin, a direct hit.


    The girl spun her other leg for a kick, only for that to be dodged. At least she was freed.


    ¡°How!¡± The boxer said in disbelief ¡°Your leg should be broken!¡±


    Of course not, Doraemon bones were state of the art. There was no way her leg could be broken by a third-rate boxer. But this guy was ready for her kick, his back leg already in position. Perhaps¡­


    ¡°You there¡± Doraemon said, pointing at him swinging her hip to the side ¡°Your power is precognition¡± She stated casually.


    How could she know, the boxer felt stung. Her conclusion was slightly off, the boxer was more limited. He could only use his power in a fight and it could only predict an enemy movement. The Greatest, he called it.


    ¡°So what¡± He said ¡°I am invincible, I am unbreakable!¡±


    ¡°Is there a need to repeat that like a broken record¡­¡± Doraemon replied, her words were ignored, however.


    ¡°I am invincible! I am unbreakable!¡±


    The boxer felt renewed as he repeated his chant. He still hadn¡¯t lost sight of it, that boy, sitting enthralled in front of the television screen. It was a boxy set; the image was barely visible. The sound was also marred by constant statics. And yet, the boy continued to sit, on the screen was a declaration that struck deep in his heart.


    ¡°Imma show you how great I am!¡±


    That was when the boy knew, he could only be the best. The boxer would never stand down, he would be among the great, he would never lose with this power.


    The boxer stepped up proudly. Doraemon tried to get in the strike but her move was read. The girl got a jab straight at her chin instead. It was followed by a flurry of punches straight at her head. She held up her arms to defence but what could those lean limbs blocks. All of the boxer hits went through, one after another viciously pounded at her head.


    ¡°You are nothing!¡±


    The boxer jumped up, his knee straight into the girl face. She flew back but somehow regained her balance. The boxer didn¡¯t know why he did it, that knee, it just felt natural. He could feel it, the flow of the fight.


    ¡°I murdered a rock! Injured a stone! Hospitalised a brick!¡±


    More, he wanted more, he would prove his superiority. All of them back at the gym would see, they mocked him and his dedication. They tainted the sport.


    The boxer prepared for another onslaught but there was a strange feeling nagging at him. It wasn¡¯t his power, however, it still showed that the girl wouldn¡¯t act. He dismissed it. Rushing headlong, that was when the boxer realised what was it that was nagging him. Blood, or more like the lack of it. The girl never drew blood.


    His power rang, the girl would throw a punch straight at his face, a simple move. The boxer dug his feet into the ground to prepare the blow.


    ¡°Eh¡­¡±


    He stared at disbelief as the fist was already his face. A crunch sound of broken nose later, the boxer staggered back all bloodied. There was no time to rest, a kick would come and it came as predicted. And yet, once again the blow connected, two of his ribs were broken.


    ¡°How¡­ How could this be¡­ My power¡­¡±


    ¡°Is wasted on a third-rate like you¡± Doraemon completed that sentence for him ¡°What¡¯s the use of reading everything when you are that pathetically slow¡±


    Third rate? Slow? Her mocking took a while to be processed. Those words weren¡¯t new to him, but why would he hear them here, in this place. He had The Greatest, he was invincible, he was unbreakable¡­


    ¡°I am invincible, I am unbreakable¡±


    The boxer murmured to himself. That was the truth, that bitch was just trying to rattle him. Just like all of them, they tried to bring him down, they tried to deny his talent.


    ¡°Slow? Me?¡± The boxer said, then broke into a violent sprint ¡°I will show you slow! I cut the light off in my bedroom and was in bed before the room was da¡­!¡±


    Doraemon jumped up and kneed him in the face. How? He knew she was going to do that, how could that connect.


    ¡°You talk too much¡± The girl said mockingly ¡°Now it¡¯s my turn¡±


    This wasn¡¯t real, it couldn¡¯t be. The boxer was pummelled again and again. He could read them all but he could dodge none. This was just a dream, this was just another fight. When everything was done, he would return home, there would be a meal waiting for him.


    ¡°I am invinci¡­¡±


    A punch parted three of his front teeth. The boxer desperately clung to a nearby chair. In the window, he could see faint reflection. What was that man, so bloodied, so beaten, so pathetic, just a loser. No, this wasn¡¯t a dream. This couldn¡¯t be! With the rest of his breath, the boxer yelled out.


    ¡°I am invincible, I am unbreakable! I WILL SHOW YOU HOW GREAT I AM¡±


    ¡°Just shut up already¡±


    Doraemon kicked him straight at the head, sending him through the glass window. Outside, the sun was shinning brightly, but the boxer could no longer enjoyed it as he slammed against the heartless ground.


    The girl let out a sigh. She should feel lucky that ability wasn¡¯t granted to someone with more self-awareness. But who to say powers couldn¡¯t be similar. Doraemon brushed the dust of her hoodie, paying no mind about the fight she was in. That kind would never know what he had or why he lost.


    Only the rock remained and he was also in a bind.


    Johann he could snap in half, but that meant getting past Jim Cross. The teenager still stood his ground, defiantly, truly unbreakable. The young warrior, with his naginata, could get past the block with ease. But his weapon wasn¡¯t enough to break the rock. But there must be a weakness, he just needed to see it.


    ¡®Eikichi could see that weakness already¡¯ Johann told himself. It didn¡¯t matter, the rock was now outnumbered three to one.


    Then there was that void, just being there, ominously. Three of them were swallowed but no one here was worried. After all, Eikichi was among the people taken.

 12: The Call of the Wild: A dainty flower

    <div>


    <div>


    <div>


    2.6


    The Call of the Wild: A dainty flower


    Hiro felt like he was thrown into a particularly violent washing machine before landing on his feet again. The young man looked around, eyes wide at the scenery. No more were the Wild West steam train, but of the American wilderness instead. Not like the geographically muted Hiro would know.


    The other two, Fleur and Eikichi didn''t fare much better. The former was on the verge of panicking. The bald man, however, kept his cool, scanning the surrounding.


    They were swallowed by a dark void, two possibilities presented itself. Either they had somehow been teleported away or this was an illusion. Eikichi soon spotted something, or more like someone, sitting on a nearby rock. He wasn''t there before.


    Wearing a warm brown jacket, the middle age man sat silently on the rock, sharpening his machete. He looked up to them and tipped his cowboy hat, flashing the friendliest of smile.


    "Howdy, the name is Jack Thornton, what''s your?"


    "Eikichi Kira"


    The bald man answered instantly, the other two hesitated and decided to remain quiet. Jack laughed out loud.


    "Nice to meet you, Mr. Kira, but you should be more careful" He held up the machete, its blade shone "What if my power activates by knowing one''s name"


    "Does it" Eikichi replied nonchalantly.


    "No, but I know someone who does, quite a nasty one. So what about you, by now, y''all should have receive your power" Jack said, his voice filled with gentleness, a hint of sadness in his eyes "Hm, I''m sure I would get to see them soon"


    The bushes started to ruffle and then came the wolves. They soon surrounded the group. From behind Jack, on top of a high rock was the most majestic beast. Fur white as snow, the pack leader stood, gazing down on its preys.


    Then without any warning, the silent truce was broken.


    It was Eikichi who immediately hurl something at Jack, it was a throwing knife which he ''borrowed'' from Doraemon. The man simply dodged the weapon, whistling a high note.


    The wolves jumped at the bald man but the first to reach him received a kick to the head. The rest coordinate their attacks but their primal instinct couldn''t be a match. Eikichi swung up a branch on top of him effortlessly to avoid the initial barrage. He then jumped down and with a mix of throws, kicks and chops, five of the beasts were taken down.


    Outrageously adept, that was the impression Hiro got when hearing about the bald man exploits. Next to him, Fleur didn''t look too surprised.


    So the stories were true, Eikichi was truly quite an individuals. Compared to Hiro, who had just many if not more tales told about him. Thinking about that was rather depressing for the young man, they were both revered, but he was far outclassed.


    Jack Thornton didn''t sit still, however, the man lunged forward with his machete. He was fast, but Eikichi simply sidestepped to the right. The bald man held his enemy right''s sleeve with his left hand. His other hand found its way to Jack''s shoulder, the cowboy was held down effortlessly, the machete twisted out of his hand.


    ''Is it over?'' Hiro thought to himself, he then saw a smile on their enemy''s face. It wasn''t one of bitterness, that he had to resort to this.


    The cowboy drew out a revolver with his other hand, pointing straight at Eikichi. Fleur grasped, how could this be, guns couldn''t be taken to Eden! Her concern while normally valid, didn''t mean much in this instant. The bald man, despite being in quite an awkward position, still holding onto Jack''s sleeve, dodged the shot easily.


    Before he could avoid the follow shot, however, two wolves were already on his back. Eikichi delivered a wide kick to down them both. This caused his grips to loosen, which resulted in a more well-aimed shot.


    The bald man could easily dodge it but another wolf was already onto him. There was no avoiding both, and in the milliseconds that followed, Eikichi made his choice.


    He thrown himself into the shot which hit point blank. With his momentum, Eikichi fell onto Jack, breaking several of the cowboy left fingers with his grip. The gun was taken and thrown straight at Hiro.


    The young man clumsily grabbed the weapon, it took him several seconds to hold it successfully.


    Meanwhile, the wold had taken a bite out of Eikichi''s leg. The bald man rolled to the side to shake off the beast. He would then be surrounded by the whole pack. With this injury, he wasn''t going to get out of this one. To make matter worse, this nasty open wound was primed for blood infection.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    Freed, Jack Thornton stood up again, amazed by what had gone down. He gazed curiously at his broken fingers "Such struggle, it''s futile to go against mother nature but it is also man''s nature to struggle" His face was one of amazement and sadness "You put up a wonderful fight, Mr. Kira, I am glad to have met a man like you"


    He tipped his hat in respect as the wolves dawned on the bald man. Jack then turned to Hiro.


    "Would you kindly give me back my gun? Your hands are shaking, boy"


    The young man immediately pointed the gun at the cowboy, this would be a ''no''. Time seemed to stand still as the wolves circled the desk worker. Finally, after a great deal of effort Hiro pulled the trigger only to hear a heart dropping click. Click, click, click. Every pull of the trigger was met with that sound.


    "What a shame" The cowboy said as a wolf jumped at Hiro. Suddenly, something flew past him. It was another beast, one wandered near Eikichi.


    The bald man, with monstrous effort picked up the wolf and threw it away. The beast collided with his friend which was jumping on Hiro mid-air. Jack stood with his mouth agape, how could this be. This Eikichi might as well not be human, so such a man could exist.


    "Damn I looked cool there" The bald man commented as the pack all jumped at him. His bitten leg had stopped functioning, this was dead end for Eikichi.


    Hiro could feel something tucking his shirt, it was a someone, or more precisely Fleur.


    "We need to get out of here!" The woman pulled him away.


    Two wolves were going to chase after them but stop, they decided to focus on the bald man. Despite not having one of his limbs, he was putting up a frightening fight. Jack watched on, such tenacity, a shame they were to be enemy.


    Fleur and Hiro ran and ran, soon the later found himself left behind.


    Momo-chan: [I can''t tell if she is really fast or if you are a disgrace]


    The young man didn''t even retort, he was focusing on how to get out of this situation alive. Fleur wasn''t particularly fast, but she navigated the jungle with ease. Jumping over logs, ducking under branches, hopping on rocks with various size without any loss in speed. She was certainly nimble for a make-up artist.


    Hiro had to stop and breath, at least nothing was following him. The young man hid behind a particularly huge log lying on the ground, covered in moss. He looked to the size and was surprised to find someone right there.


    "¡­!"


    The Hiro of yesteryear would scream his lungs by now. But after enough times being jump-scared by Suiren, he had gotten used to it. Besides, this face was way more aesthetically appealing than a cracked white mask. The other side didn''t take any chance though, a hand was already over the young man mouth.


    "Shhh" Fleur did the loudest ''shhh'' ever, she noticed it halfway, however.


    Despite the heavy exercise, the woman was barely sweating at all. She had somehow tied up her hair during the escape while still clutching onto the handbag. Fleur wasn''t going to let some wolves nonsense got in the way of her being a pretty flower.


    "We are probably stuck in this realm, just running away would be too easy" Fleur commented. ''Too easy''? The young woman sighed, it was not like she was in a movie or a shitty story, maybe just running away would work fine. The woman looked at her companion to see him still sitting there with his eyes wide open "Um, Mr. Hanazawa, are you alright?"


    "You sure are beautiful¡­"


    Hiro commented unconsciously. Momo-chan was still at awe. He never looked at the woman much before, but now her image was being slammed straight at him. It was a different kind of beauty than Suiren (his imagination) or maybe Willow if she even qualified. To him, Fleur was striking with her platinum hair and red lips, but not too in-your-face like Doraemon.


    "Oh thanks" The woman didn''t let that compliment escaped her ears of course. On her face was a smile hundred percent girlish. She instinctively reached up to check her hair.


    Fleur''s expression immediately changed back to one of seriousness in a split second "Anyway, as I was saying¡­ we could try running away¡­ Yes, I was definitely saying that"


    "That would be too easy, would that work?" Hiro replied.


    On another thought, being in another world with a super power sounded like a shitty story alright, Fleur concluded. Then, a development so on point it could only be fate or poor pacing happened. A voice rang around them, it was of Jack Thornton.


    "Not many could escape from my initial ambush" The sound was carried by the wind all around them, it rang genuine "But nature is a cruel mistress, she will get her target in the end. Surrender yourselves and I will make sure your end is painless. I promise"


    The howl of wolves soon enveloped them. The predators were nowhere near but with their speed, the distance didn''t mean much. Sooner or later, the two would be found out. It was time to make a choice.


    "Let''s run away" "Let''s go back" They both said in unison.


    "What, why would you want to go back there" Fleur rejected that idea.


    "Well¡­ we are in that Jack''s power, what if we need to defeat him" Hiro said without hesitation "Besides, what if Eikichi is still alive, we can''t leave him"


    "What the¡­" Fleur didn''t understand, was this a real person speaking to her. No one in their right mind would go back to where they nearly got mauled by wolves. Yes it was actually, the young man believed in everything he said. The time spent behind the desk must have messed with this guy''s brain "Do you have any plan for that then"


    "¡­ No" After a great deal of thinking, that was Hiro''s bitter answer "I need you help"


    "Are you crazy, what make you think I could do anything" This dainty flower wasn''t going to fight any wolves. What made this guy think she could help even?


    "Victor told me by now, everyone should have developed their power" Hiro looked straight at her "What''s yours?"


    Fleur had completely forgotten about that, which was exactly her intention "No!"


    "No what!" The young man was confused.


    "I have no power!" A lie, of course, but her power might as well be nothing, Fleur thought. She was excited to receive one of course, the woman was filled with excitement. In her mind was full of amazing possibilities and training montages. She could feel changes happening, energy was swelling within her it was all so exciting, then the power came.


    Yup, that simple, Fleur could do it right away, as natural as breathing or walking or raising her hand. Which made sense, their power was an extension of themselves, asides from special cases like Hiro or Doraemon.


    Then why did she develop such a power, Fleur pouted.


    Meanwhile, Hiro was thinking hard "I see¡­ If so, you should run away then" The young man completely believed her.


    "What about you?"


    "I¡­ maybe I could do something" Hiro said, turning away "We should move now before those wolves reach us"


    The young man bolted as soon as he finished speaking. Fleur was left behind, not knowing what to do. That Hiro guy was out of his mind, she thought. If only he also decided to run away, it would so much easier. How could Fleur make off with this feeling of guilt within her now.

 13: The Call of the Wild: A silent way

    2.7


    The Call of the Wild: A silent way


    Hiro snuck back to where they were, or at least tried to. The young man was soon surrounded by wolves, familiar with his scent. They had no intention of attacking him, however, just growling leading him back. Soon, he was at his destination, once again faced with their attacker, Jack Thornton who was waiting for him.


    Far behind the man on top of a hill was the majestic white wolf still.


    ¡°You actually return¡± The man whistled ¡°Should have run away, that would work¡±


    ¡°How could I leave that guy behind!¡± Hiro blatantly lied, he didn¡¯t think the solution would be so simple. Well there was some truth to that at least.


    The bald man was leaning against a nearby rock, all bloody. With his sunglasses still on, Hiro couldn¡¯t tell if his eyes were open or not. Eikichi was, however, unmoving, blood still dripping out from all the bites.


    ¡°You have a kind soul¡± Jack said, believing all of Hiro¡¯s words ¡°Don¡¯t worry he is still alive, I was thinking on using him to lure you and the girl back. But of course, I will kill you all¡±


    ¡°But why¡± The young man tried to appeal to his opponent. This guy didn¡¯t seem like a bad person, maybe they could get out of here peacefully. Hiro hoped that Eikichi was still alive.


    ¡°That¡¯s how the world work, it¡¯s nature¡± Jack sighed ¡°There will always be conflicts, senseless violence, we have to accept the hand we are dealt¡±


    ¡®Senseless¡¯, that word stuck out to Hiro. Jack Thornton didn¡¯t fight for a belief, nor a cause he considered just. Yet here they were, facing off against each other.


    When he was summoned, Hiro was told by Willow it was his job to slay monster. But they only ever fought one. No, his opponents were the masked people. The group from Saragarhi faced off against the operative Six, then the Biker. Their enemies weren¡¯t beasts, but fellow human. But it wasn¡¯t Eden¡¯s blood that was spilt. No, it was all the people of their world, of Earth.


    This Jack Thornton, Six and Four worked for the False Shephard. But Hiro only knew this force to be the ¡®enemy¡¯, why did they fight. What was he brought to Eden for, his purpose of being here? Oh right, there was none, he was chosen randomly.


    ¡°Come to think of it, I never know your name?¡± Jack asked with kindness. But it wasn¡¯t one born of a cosy upbringing. The way he moved wasn¡¯t off a cowboy, it was disciplined, filled with intentions. Jack Thornton was a soldier once, his kindness forged in fire.


    ¡°My name is Hiro Hanazawa¡± The young man answered politely, there was no getting out.


    He dashed toward the cowboy his power the only bet, but a wolf was already onto him. Keeping calm, Hiro avoided the creature. He wanted to try and grabbed its head, to see if his power would work. The young man decided against it, however, as it would be too risky.


    The wolf hadn¡¯t given up yet, the pack was still watching. The beast jump up, grabbing onto Hiro¡¯s back, biting straight at his throat. It could taste blood.


    But the jaw of death was stopped by bone. At the last moment, the young man had raised his arm to take the bite instead. Lucky for him, the wolf went for his left side, his power hand still intact. The beast reacted violently, gnawing at the lanky arm, hellbent on throwing it¡¯s target over.


    Hiro still stood strong, however, the training he took paid off. The young man was never strong, skilful, nor exceptionally smart either. But he could endure, oh boy he could grit his teeth. The memory of that ¡®medical¡¯ operation without anaesthesia was still fresh. The youth spent being beaten by that drunkard of a father, all the while having to listen to his ¡®inspirational¡¯ talk. The years lost behind the work table, slaving his life away.


    The wolf had made a mistake to go for the kill. It could easily had toppled the young man and ended him, but it got impatient. Now none of its legs were on the ground, and so Hiro could continue to stand. But being a prideful being, the wolf hadn¡¯t noticed his mistake.


    And so, the young man continued his trek toward Jack, the hardest walk of his life.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Finally, the wolf realised what it had to do. Then beast tried to jump down, its jaw still firmly around the young man¡¯s arm. It will drag him onto the ground, where he would be easy prey.


    But Hiro continued to walk. With great effort, he raised his mangled arm, not letting the wolf to touch the ground. He could feel his gnawed meat being torn out of his born, skin ripped to shred already.


    The wolf jumps out, inside its mouth was human flesh.


    Underneath the gore, Hiro¡¯s bone was feeling the fresh air once again. But not a yell escaped from the young man¡¯s mouth. He was strong, like many of his countryman, he endured without muttering a single word, dutifully.


    ¡°You are all so extraordinary¡± Said Jack Thornton as he pulled out the revolver and fired straight at Hiro¡¯s left knee cap.


    It wasn¡¯t enough, however, the young man endured it all and continued walking without even a grunt. The second shot was the end, both his knees smashed, Hiro fell onto the ground as the wolves circled around him.


    Oh how the pain hit like a broken dam. It hurt, it hurt, it hurt so much. His arm was torn apart, his bones shattered by cold lead. He was bleeding like a stuck pig. It all hurt so much. He wanted to scream, he wanted to yell out in pain, he wanted to cry.


    But Hiro Hanazawa, both him and the voice within him remained in silence.


    Who would heard their cries, there wasn¡¯t anyone here nor when they were young either. Hiro couldn¡¯t even shed a single tear for his death.


    Perhaps because this wasn¡¯t going to be the time for that.


    ¡°Stop!¡± A voice rang out from behind the bushes.


    Jack wasn¡¯t surprised, his wolves knew someone was there. That person was there for quite some time now. He was wondering when she would show herself.


    That time was now as Fleur exited her hiding place. She walked toward Hiro, who was withering. The wolves all split up for her to reach him while Jack watched on.


    This oriental man had put up a beautiful struggle, it was cordial to at least had him felt kindness before his eventual gruesome death. The cowboy wondered if this could be cruel, to dangle a carrot like this, but he decided a little comfort wouldn¡¯t hurt.


    ¡°So charging in was your only plan¡± Fleur said as she sat down next to Hiro, avoiding the spilt blood.


    ¡°I¡­ am not a smart person, although¡­ I would like to believe I am one¡±


    Momo: ¡®There you go again¡¯ Joking around at the brink of death. At this point, the voice wasn¡¯t surprised anymore, he could understand now.


    The woman wanted to bandage the wound, but she didn¡¯t want blood on her white gloves. Fleur sighed as she removed the pearly item, beneath was something she didn¡¯t want to show. From the top, her hands were normal, dainty.


    But as she grabbed the bandage and ethanol out of her handbag, Hiro could catch a glimpse.


    The shrivelled flesh, all greyed and dead, a palm reduced to cinder. These¡­ things was not girlish, it wasn¡¯t pretty nor dainty. Fleur hated to show them, mostly because it wasn¡¯t fashionable, lesser so a reminder of a life she had left behind. There was a dark period, but the beautician didn¡¯t care too much.


    ¡°This will hurt¡± Fleur said as she poured the ethanol over the bite wound.


    ¡°Ugh¡± Hiro grunted, which surprised him and the voice. This didn¡¯t hurt that badly, compared to what had happened at least. And yet here he was, gritting his teeth grunting.


    ¡°Come on, this doesn¡¯t hurt that bad!¡± The woman pouted.


    As the voice wondered why Hiro had to endure the reason. He was treated by many ever since coming here, Suiren, Caron, Victor and even Malcolm. All of them were particularly gentle in the way they handled the injured, yes even Malcolm. But Fleur, oh she was a different beast altogether. Despite being a beautician, there was something rough about her handling, perhaps because she was rushing.


    ¡°Sorry but blood is really hard to wash off¡± Fleur tried to give him a smile, noticing that he noticed ¡°I¡¯m sure you can handle this!¡±


    Momo-chan: [She sounded¡­ experienced]


    Hiro: {Ah hah hah, this hurts so much}


    Momo-chan: [Why are you moaning about it now, I can feel it too you know}


    After finishing a sloppy job on bandaging the mangled arm. Fleur moved to the knees. This was taking way too long and the woman was feeling more and more self-conscious. Was she sweating? That would show the straps, what bra did she even wear anyway?


    To make matter worse, the wolves and Jack were still watching silently.


    ¡°That should do it¡± Fleur held back on patting the wounds ¡°The bullets, they have to be taken out later, at least there doesn¡¯t seem to be any internal bleeding. Just sit still¡±


    The beautician stood up and tied her hair back only to find out she had done that already. Around her, the wolves readied themselves. Fleur could see that Eikichi was still alive, breathing slightly. There was nothing she could do for him or Hiro but pleading.


    ¡°Please, find it in your heart to leave them out, while we fight at least¡±


    ¡°If that is your wish¡± Jack said ¡°But there is no going against nature, I am not going to tell you not to struggle. But I will say giving up would be much less painful¡±


    ¡°They are the same thing!¡± Fleur exclaimed as she took another item from her handbag, dental floss. She started to pull a string out and tie it around her body ¡°Sorry, this will be done soon¡±


    The wolves growled impatiently but they stood still. Finally, Fleur finished her preparation. The woman glanced at Hiro who had sat up, looking at her attentively.


    ¡°I know you would be back¡± The young man said, this was the truth.


    ¡°Wait how?¡±


    ¡°Back at Saragarhi, when Eikichi was fighting that Biker, you were the one who ran in front of us all to help him¡±


    Fleur remained quiet. Of course, she couldn¡¯t stand still after seeing his display of will. Everyone was pumped witnessing it, even Jim stood up from near death. But she didn¡¯t think she would actually lead the charge.


    The beautician turned to Jack, a fire in her eyes, one she was not aware of. The wolves jumped at her, but they were all repelled as Fleur pulled out a lighter and set herself ablaze.

 14: The Call of the Wild: The brightest flame

    <div>


    <div>


    <div>


    2.8


    The Call of the Wild: The brightest flame


    The initial blaze wore off to reveal Fleur who was still very much unscathed. The flame was only on the string wrapped around her burning in a strangest of orange. Even Hiro, who was sitting quite a distance could feel the heat, this fire was stronger than any he had known. A good way to keep the wolves at bay.


    ''What a shitty ability'' Fleur thought to herself.


    She was now fire-proof, but that didn''t mean the smoke no longer choke. The beautician could still feel the heat as well, it would drive any normal person to madness.


    Jack Thornton walked forward to face with her. The heat was unlike anything he had ever known, it was like hellfire in the realm of the living. Was this fire made by the woman''s ability, was that string a part of it, was she completely immune to the heat, what degree of control did she have over it? He needed to identify what kind of power this was. The wolves wouldn''t help him, not like he wanted them to.


    "So you want to challenge me" The woman said coldly, she soon noticed her manner, which was forced into one more girlish.


    A sparkle on the ground attracted the cowboy attention, before he could see what it was, the man was blinded by a flash.


    By the time he recovered, Fleur was already in front of him. Even while blinded he could still feel her coming. At this distance, the heat was simply unbearable. But Jack was a soldier once, in this life and death situation, he needed to know how she would attack.


    A hug? There wasn''t enough distance. There was something in her palms, sparkling dust.


    Fleur reached up, but she didn''t want to reach Jack, oh no. The woman clapped her hands and as she opened them, hell was unleashed. A blast of hellfire burst out, threatening to consume everything in its path.


    ''Is this the end'' Thought Jack, facing the void his head was blank. The man closed his eyes and he could hear thunders, the sound of bullets whizzing through his ears


    He had survived through hell itself, he just had to resign to mother nature, pure instinct. Jack jumped back, his broken left hand outstretched to grab the explosion. His palm was scorched but it stopped the heatwave from expanding, frying him whole.


    With his right hand, the cowboy pulled out his revolver, firing a single shot, it was a hit.


    Fleur staggered back as the bullet punched through her stomach.


    "Ughhhhh" The woman grunted, the pain was numbed by the hit. That expression of pain was because now her clothes were officially stained with blood. She took solace in the fact the actual clothing back in her world would be fine.


    Fleur stood up but she staggered back, why, the wound wasn''t that serious.


    "It seems like the heat finally gets to you" Jack said, with admiration "Seem like you weren''t immune to it, such endurance"


    "I guess I am now as red as a lobster" Fleur answered bitterly "Don''t reply to that, I don''t want to know"


    She was starting to lose it, the heat was maddening, there wasn''t enough oxygen. At this rate, she would actually die from asphyxiation or heatstroke, both so uncute.


    Jack held up his gun while Fleur readied her hand, a finger in her mouth. She shed a single tear for what to come. The man fired without any hesitation, only for his shot to be dodged. Another missed as the beautician ran up to him like an action hero.


    In truth, she was panicking ''slightly'' seeing the gun, having completely forgotten about it. But then, Fleur wondered in this situation, what could she do. ''Die'', that was the answer. No one could outrun a bullet, it was too outrageous. Then what would an outrageous person do. She tried to think like Eikichi, in this situation, what would he do.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    The man would do somethings stupid, like looking at the barrel to guess the trajectory. Somehow, it worked, she just dodged two bullets while moving forward. Fleur would feel like Neo, or more like Trinity, if The Matrix had come out by her time.


    ''Now it''s my turn'' With a drop of tear, Fleur ripped one of her left nails off with her teeth. Ah, she spent hours smoothing them¡­


    What done was done, the beautician spit the bloodied nail at Jack. She had closed enough distance, he couldn''t avoid it. The man immediately fired, this time it was a hit, straight at Fleur''s left shoulder, a bone was shattered.


    The nail detonated, taking two of Jack''s fingers with it.


    Yes, the flame wasn''t Fleur power nor was the string. It was a chemical fire, the ''dental floss'' was made to withstand it. Her clothing was also completely heat-proof. The beautician herself, was a different matter, her incapable of being burnt was just a part of her power. Her true ability was to turn any of her body part except for hair into a bomb.


    "Why do I have this stupid power" Fleur lamented. She was a beautician, the woman wanted to pretty up the world around her. Then why did she develop this ability. Fleur completely left all the chemicals and fire-proof items she had out of her mind.


    Jack dropped his gun but he wasn''t finished yet. With his mangled hand, the man pulled out his machete. The string around Fleur was starting to break, the flame weakened. Soon she would be unprotected, open prey for the wolves. There was no time to go for the revolver.


    "Ahhhh!" Fleur charged at him, the floss broke, left a burning trail behind her.


    There he was, Hiro Hanazawa, watching it all. The woman looked as if she had wings of fire on her back. Like a deity descending onto the mortal realm.


    Fleur reached into her handbag with her right hand. The wolves were right behind, waiting for the flame to leave her for good. Jack was there, his machete raised, eyes kept on that bag. There was something tucking at him, however, it was his instinct, warning of a trap. He dismissed it, however, she must be getting more of that explosive powder.


    That wasn''t the case. Fleur flicked her bloodied left hand instead.


    Jack couldn''t see why, until blood reached his face. The man recoiled back but it was too late, several drops of blood had reached their target. A series of explosion lit up the man''s head. They weren''t major, however, seeing the drop was small.


    The damage was done, skin and lips were torn apart, the right eye only saw darkness. He had doubted his instinct, the flame had rattled him, he couldn''t keep faith.


    Seeing the opening, Fleur slipped to the left, disappearing out of Jack''s sight. The wolves desperately jumped at the woman. The man was left to figure out how she was going to attack. Would Fleur reach for the machete, or was she aimed at his throat for another explosion. The cowboy tried to awaken his instinct but there was nothing.


    The answer was neither. The beautician sliced his stomach with a folded long knife drew from her handbag. The cut was clean, this was no amateur.


    "My struggle ends here" Jack muttered, content.


    The wolves stopped and howled as the knife came up and pierced through the man jaw straight up to the top of his skull.


    Fleur looked back to see the beasts had all backed off, slowly disappearing. So this was all an illusion of sort. The woman could see that Hiro still remained, staring back at her with eyes of amazement. The beautician realised she was holding the bloodied knife and hid it behind herself awkwardly, she didn''t want the blood to stain her back.


    This office worker wasn''t fazed by the violence at all "You were amazing" He said,


    "What, heck no, I am a mess" Fleur replied "My hair is a mess, blood is everywhere, my nail is gone¡­ I am a mess!"


    "Nah, you gave it your all, I could see it in your eyes, the determination, the passi¡­"


    "NO, I am not a pyromaniac!" The beautician cut him off.


    Hiro zipped his mouth, he didn''t lie however. In the moment, amidst the fire and the carnage, her eyes shone through. There was something burning within, brighter than any flame.


    Momo-chan: [Yep, she is definitely a pyromaniac]


    Hiro: {Nah, I don''t think so}


    Momo-chan: [Huh]


    Hiro: {Or else her power would be more fire-based, not explosion}


    The voice thought deeply then commented [True]


    Hiro remained quiet, that fire had lit something within him. It wasn''t a zealous flame like what was in Willow''s eyes, no it was much more.


    The beautician felt like she had forgotten something, oh it was Eikichi. She turned back to see to the man only to be greeted by Jack''s corpse, still breathing. There was something strange, there was no cut on his stomach, nor burnt nor stab. No, the man was filled with arrows instead. Next to him was that majestic white wolf that had been watching over them all this time, having come down from its hill.


    The beast eyes were sparkling off tears, they were pure sadness.


    "It''s alright, Buck, this is all part of nature" Jack said weakly, patting the wolf head, its snuggled up to him like a small dog, trying to feel its master warmth. But there was none.


    Jack Thornton faded away like the packs, an illusion just like the rest.


    The wolf cried out, its howl echoed through the mountains, filled with pain and sorrow.


    "It was you all along, your power" Fleur said "It''s all over now, you can step down now"


    Buck had no intention of doing so, however, he turned to the woman barring its teeth. Pain, sadness, confusion, the beast wanted to lash out. It stood there majestically, like a king without a throne. The flash of domestic gone without a trace, washed away years ago with the death of Jack Thornton. This is a beast, a wild beast.


    "I don''t want to do this" Fleur held the knife tight.


    A final howl, a call of the wild, the beast lunged forward, fangs flashing.

 15: The Call of the Wild: Hero

    2.9


    The Call of the Wild: Hero


    There was once a man who had it all, woman, power and money he had in abundance. Everything he wanted, already his. The man felt like as if the world was revolving around him. Everyone was his stepping stone, just a part of his journey, his development. People around were to make him shine.


    But that day came to an, he was called upon by the False Shephard to the land of Eden. Suddenly, he was trapped in this land with nothing. Treated like a low life thug.


    He continued to live his way but nothing worked out. This world didn''t revolve around him. Then everything and everyone was frozen for a century to come. When they finally thawed the False Shephard was nowhere to be found, there was chaos as the frail order collapsed. Time for a new power.


    The man knew it, he had to be among the top, that was the only to live. What better to boost himself than an achievement, killing all of the Heralds for once. He enlisted a crazed boxer and a mysterious man with a wolf. They were loners, the later a high-ranking enforcer, it was his time. But everything went wrong.


    The boxer was defeated by a girl despite his overpowered ability.


    What about the man, the rock, he was blocked off by a puny teenager and guy with a pointy staff. The two worked well frighteningly, the naginata could go through easily while Jim could body blocked everything.


    This wasn''t the, there was still that Jack guy¡­


    The ominous orb that had been separating the Heralds'' group, from it dropped three individual and a white wolf, lying still. They were those abducted by the orb, all injured especially Eikichi who was out cold. But they were there, alive while Jack was nowhere to be found. Everything had gone wrong for the rock.


    How could this happen, wasn''t that guy some sort of incredible enforcer, he got defeated¡­


    "Hiro, what happened!" Willow could finally reach them, she asked.


    Before the young man could answer, however, Fleur jumped in "Oh it was horrible, we were trapped in this forest and there were wolves everywhere. They got Eikichi" She was crying alligator tears "But Hiro, he took down the enemy, he saved us all"


    "Of course, he did" Willow said confidently.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    "Well, that''s our hero, Hiro" Malcolm smirked, no one could tell if that was sarcasm or not.


    The young man, meanwhile, remained silence.


    Momo-chan: [Are you sure you don''t want to tell the truth]


    Hiro: {I feel like my throat will be slit if that happen}


    Momo-chan: [¡­ True enough]


    The rock was in disbelief. That guy was the one! How could this be, everything had fallen apart. He would once again be back with nothing, no he wouldn''t have that. The rock could see a crack, Jim was distracted by what was going on.


    "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" The rock charged through the two roadblocks.


    He had reached the personal quarters, and finally the world started to turn his way. The little girl, Haruka, poked her head out to see how thing was going on. She was grabbed immediately out of Mara''s hand by the rock.


    "Everyone stands down or this girl will get it" He lifted her up as a shield "I will do it!"


    Just as expected, all of his opponents backed off. Jim was beating himself up for letting this brute through. He had only one job and he failed, once again he couldn''t even be a shield.


    The little girl''s neck was so thin, the rock could fit his hand around so comfortably. The man started to feel strength welling up him. Yes, he would kill them all, him alone. Then everything will be his once again.


    "Oi, put her down now this instant" A cold voice came from behind him.


    Everyone was surprised to see Hotaru, standing straight with no hint of awkwardness.


    "Huh, who do you think you are talking to" The rock yelled back.


    "No one" Hotaru walked toward him, one hand in her pocket, the other forming a fist.


    The brute found himself dwarfed, what was this height. There was no need to afraid, the woman was only tall that was all. Looked at her, so lanky, there was no way she could break hi¡­


    The fist flew up and cracked his shoulder opened, the protective rock broken like foam. Hotaru pulled her hand out of the pocket and grabbed Haruka into her arm. The little girl hung on the limb, it was tough but unlike the rock, gentle. This was someone she could lean on, someone who could protect.


    "HOW DARE YOU!" The brute punched at the woman.


    She sighed and punched back, the two fists collided and the one made of rock was broken open. His fingers were smashed like nothing. But the operative blow continued to travel straight to his face. A loud crack and the rock was sent flying back, his skull cracked open, he died before his body even hit the floor.


    "Nameless grunt like you should know your place" The woman said before turning to the girl in her arm "Are you hurt?"


    "Um, not at all" Haruka answered, eyes opened wide.


    No one could recognise this Hotaru, where was the oversized woman who kept on stuttering. This person in front of them was cool and collected. Yet there was a warmth to her as she spoke to the little girl.


    Johann could see it, the Herald he wanted to meet. Hiro was supposedly great but that was a question mark. Eikichi was out of this world but he was too brilliant, lacking empathy.


    But this woman, she was the one Eden needed, one with the quality of a true hero.


    The young warrior believed and everyone here could attest to it, the person in front of them was one they could rely upon.


    Only Hiro was aware of the irony, but the young man remained silence, at least this drew attention away from him and Fleur''s lie. Nevertheless, he couldn''t help but feel it within. The feeling was contagious, he could even feel a hint of envious budding inside him as the ''supposed hero''.

 16: Before The Call of the Wild

    3.0


    Before The Call of the Wild


    It was dark when Yuuko returned to her apartment. It was a horrifying day for the girl, she was assaulted, and she fought back. Her hand was now bandaged properly, luckily, the people at the clinic didn''t question much. Yuuko Hanazawa could be very persuasive.


    She wanted to collapse right here and now, the grip of that brute still fresh, the pain of the handcuffs ingrained in her mind. But the girl couldn''t, her brother should be home by now.


    His work hours ended earlier but he never returned on time, always after the moon was high above. Poor brother, he had to work to keep them afloat. Yuuko wanted to help, she truly did. But brother forbade her from doing any sort of part time work. Making money was his job. ''But what should I do'' The girl asked, ''Just live like a normal life'' He answered.


    But it was hard being normal, she could see her brother withering away over time. The vibrant energy that he once had drained away to leave just a soulless husk.


    "I''m home" The girl said as she entered through the door.


    "Welcome back, why were you so late?" He was there in the living room, asking.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Yuuko was stunned, not by the question but by his expression. Brother was looking excited for something. How long ago did she last see that, years? She soon spotted him holding a book about origami, it was brand new but he already went through half of it.


    The girl was disappointed, but she didn''t know why.


    "I tripped and fell down a stair while holding a bottle" She held up her bandaged hands.


    "I see, be careful next time" Brother replied.


    That was that, nothing more. He asked less than that bored nurse, too engrossed in that book about origami. The young man simply chalked her dirty cloths to the fall. No, it was not like brother didn''t care for her, he was just stressed because of work, he wanted to read a book¡­ the girl thought to herself.


    "I already ate something¡­ I will go to bed early tonight"


    "Alright"


    He didn''t even look up to meet her eyes. The girl went inside her room. This apartment was quite a spacious one, she even had her own room. Brother worked hard for that, he cared for her deeply, he cared for her deeply, he cared for her deeply.


    It was a lie of course, Yuuko hadn''t eaten anything yet. But her body was already falling apart from today''s event. She collided against the pavement floor quite severely. But the girl couldn''t show it to the nurse, there was no way to explain that wound. Her side was all bruised, but she already swiped ice from a nearby shop to press over the it in an alley.


    Yuuko changed her clothes but as she raised her arm, an unbearable pain shot through. The girl let out a grasp and started to tear up. She held her mouth shut to keep any more noise from going through. Luckily, only one drop of tear made it out. Yuuko chanted in her head.


    "Yuuko is a good girl. Yuuko is a good girl. Yuuko is a good girl"

 17: Ordinary World

    3.1


    Ordinary world


    It was late but Hiro couldn¡¯t sleep, he decided to take a stroll along with his book on origami. After some deliberation, he decided to put on his working clothing. Carrying just enough money for his purpose, a robbery would yield next to nothing. The empty street soon transitioned into one bustling with lights and people. Everyone was out here enjoying the night life. Be it tourists or gangsters, they all seemed to be having a time of their life.


    Making his ways through the sea of leaflets. Hiro tried not to look at them, splitting images of him. Office workers littered the street, drunk out of their mind, trying to forget their miserable life. In one alley, one dressed exactly like him, the hair was the same as well. That man was puking while laughing and crying all at the same time.


    There was another breed, those without a job, quite plenty in this age. Gripped with desperation, they had no idea what await, but there were still hope within their eyes.


    Hiro made it there, only an imposing door in his way. Pushing open the heaviest door of his life, the young man made it inside the little bar called Glass Heel.


    There, he was greeted by a familiar smile of that bartender. She was polishing a glass, a normal chore and she made it looked like an art. Her gentle yet professional smile still there where he expected it.


    ¡°The usual?¡± She asked, a routine question with no meaning.


    ¡°Yes¡± His answer the same.


    Next to him were two other patrons, served by the head bartender. They seemed like people with stories but Hiro was not here to find out about that. Every since the operation two years ago, the young man had been coming here every month. Always the same drink, always the same bartender, every single month without fail.


    This was what kept him going. Near death, her image was what inside his dying mind.


    Hiro never knew what the drink was, he never asked. Yet, he still drunk it religiously, the best drink of his life. Before he could pick up the glass, however, Hiro found himself somewhere else.


    Surrounded by those whose eyes only less dead than he, the young man was at work.


    This tended to happen ever since he arrived at Eden for the first time. That world was dangerous yet vibrant, unlike his life here. And so, Hiro found himself time-skipping by running on complete auto-pilot. No one noticed that.


    But no, he didn¡¯t want to skip it, his time at that bar. Why did that happen, how could he. Hiro couldn¡¯t tell, but he was sure of one thing, anywhere was better than here.


    ¡®Rosebud¡¯ He whispered.


    ___


    There was a fight, two dead along with an animal. But the people on the train couldn¡¯t care less. They were told to ignore everything coming from the final carriages and of course they complied. It was order from the Divine¡¯s representative. And so, everyone continued to enjoy their ride in the vintage steam train through not the American desert while they read their books about the Wild West.


    Hiro woke up inside his room on the train. Next to him was a familiar figure, sitting dutifully. It was Suiren, the bottom half of her mask was removed. Now she would function like a normal human, albeit with increased appetite to support her strength. Too bad Victor couldn¡¯t remove all of the mask.


    This was enough, just this half was enough to show how beautiful Suiren was. One day, maybe one day he could witness it all.


    Sitting up, Hiro looked down at his intact legs. Victor certainly did a good job here, although the doctor was displeased about this situation. The young man couldn¡¯t tell why.


    Hiro gazed outside, it was dark, he intended to take a sleep here after returning from work. But now, he didn¡¯t want to. Inside him, there was a stinging pain, he didn¡¯t get to taste it, his drink, he didn¡¯t get to see more of that bartender.


    He went into the kitchen, remembering that there was a bar of sort there.


    Passing through the trashed living room, Hiro made his way there. Behind, he could here the faint footsteps of Suiren, a sound that had become a part of his daily life.


    Inside, the young man found someone else also getting acquainted with the alcohols, it was Fleur. By an unbelievable stroke of fate, she was the only summoned to drink.


    ¡°Hi¡± Hiro waved at her and the woman nodded back ¡°Hello¡±


    ¡°How are you doing?¡± He asked.


    There was no reply. Only a sighed and Fleur continued to take another shot of whiskey. Her cheeks were already flustered, the bottle nearly empty.


    Momo-chan: [If I have to guess, I would say she is not alright]


    Hiro made his way to a stool next to her and sat down. To put it lightly, Fleur looked miserable. But even in a state like this, she was still pretty. That meant all the make-ups were still on point, her hair still perfectly done.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Hiro asked, what could have happened, when they returned being attacked she was normal. The young man tried to rack his brain for a reason, but this had proved to be slightly above his addled mine. Eventually, he did reach a conclusion. Fleur seemed capable but she was still a normal woman. That fight must have been taxing on her mind, kind of like ptsd of sort.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    ¡°My¡­ nail, hic, I lost one¡± She said with a pained voice.


    Why did the thought of Fleur being normal ever crossed his mind? Hiro threw his theory in the garbage. Inside, Momo was doing the same, the young man wondered what the voice came up with, couldn¡¯t be better than him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure Vict¡­¡±


    His sentence was cut short by a mourning Fleur ¡°I did¡­ he said for some reason, it couldn¡¯t grow back. Must be because I blew it up¡­ hic¡­ with my power¡± She looked at her hand covered in gloves ¡°Any part I used won¡¯t return¡­ hic¡­¡±


    ¡°Maybe you could get another nail then, a fake on?¡±


    ¡°Of course¡­ but I spent so so much time cutting them, polishing them. You have no idea¡±


    Momo-chan: [But doesn¡¯t she always hide them with gloves?]


    Hiro: {I¡­ It¡¯s best we don¡¯t question this}


    The woman pulled out a lighter and then clicked it. She wiggled it around, mesmerised by the little flame ¡°Why do I have such a stupid power, wahhhhh¡±


    ¡°Um, maybe because you have affinity with f¡­¡±


    ¡°I am not a pyromaniac!¡± She cut him off again, her eyes still fixed on the fire. It was whispering something to her, Hiro couldn¡¯t tell.


    ¡°Right, you aren¡¯t¡­ I will remember that¡±


    The room was shrouded in silence, which wasn¡¯t a bad thing. Hiro wanted himself some peace and quiet, but this was a concerning one. Fleur was still hypnotised by the open flame, as if she was going to torch the place. Maybe he should say something, a question perhaps, one to draw her away from the fire before he got turned into kebab.


    ¡°Fleur, so what do you do for a hobby!¡± That was all he could think of.


    ¡°Same old same old¡± The woman answered.


    Momo: [What did that even mean!] Hiro: {What did that even mean!}


    Maybe he could ask a more mentally stimulating question. Talk about a challenge. Believe it or not, back in the day Hiro was quite a social butterfly for a short while. But the last two years had taken much from him, including the ability to hold a conversation. He tried to think about something she would be interested in, there was make-up, but he knew nothing of it.


    ¡°Fleur-san¡­ can I ask you something¡±


    ¡°Shoot¡±


    Hiro was still racking his mind for a question, he finally got a basic one ¡°What do you want to do, I mean, what is your dream?¡±


    ¡°Huh¡± Now that seemed to catch her attention, the woman turned to him. Her cheeks were still cherry red ¡°Now where did that come from¡±


    ¡°I just want to know more about you¡± And please put away that fire.


    The woman mind was working to think of a reason why he could possibly ask that. But tainted with alcohol, all the gears were starting to come off. Might as well.


    ¡°Promised you won¡¯t laugh¡±


    ¡°Of course not!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you, pinkie swear it!¡± She said, sticking her finger out.


    Alright, she took this way too seriously. Was this dream going to be something outrageous, out of this world. Hiro was starting to get curious. He accepted this promise. It was time for the grand reveal.


    ¡°Ok, my dream¡­ hic¡­ I wanted to be married to a handsome actor. And I don¡¯t mean just handsome, he needs to be stunning, ripped with six pack, dreamy eyes. He would provide for me, taking me out every day to eat in the fanciest of restaurants, walking on the beach together. Then, at night, we would cuddle¡­ hic¡± She said, drowning in her fantasy.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing to laugh about, I would love for someone to provide for me¡± He could want nothing more than being rescued from his work¡­ or did he. After saying it out, Hiro wasn¡¯t sure if he truly wanted that. Why though, he had no love for this job, yet not having it seemed alien.


    ¡°No no no¡± Fleur was displeased with that ¡°I am not some hobo, I am drowning in money. There are probably cases of diamond around my place. I could buy a new necklace, but I wanted someone to gift it to me, to put it on for me with his gentle hands while looking into my eyes¡± The woman looked down and continued bitterly ¡°I have a stupid power and a stupid dream¡­ hic¡±


    Hiro wondered how much make-up artists made. Probably not enough to have ¡®cases of diamond¡¯ lying around. But judging from the content of her bag, the young man could be sure that she had another source of income, one that he shouldn¡¯t try to dig up.


    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t think that¡¯s stupid at all¡± He didn¡¯t need anyone to provide for him. But the young man wouldn¡¯t mind another operation to be able to take a stroll on beach everyday with that bartender. To cuddle with her, to kiss¡­ He was turning red from all these. From just the kissing part? Really? He wasn¡¯t a kid anymore.


    Hiro turned around to see Fleur burning holes through him with her gaze.


    ¡°Do you really mean it?¡± There was a sparkle of innocence in her eyes. This Fleur was no longer burning, just a rather adorable ember.


    ¡°Of course¡­¡± His answer, sincere.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t think anyone would think that¡­ Everyone I know, they always mocked me for that. ¡®It¡¯s childish¡¯, going on about how a woman needs to be progressive, need to be strong and independent. They said I am shallow. But I don¡¯t want any of that, I hate strong and independent. I want to be pretty and¡­ to have a strong handsome man to lean on¡± She, of course, didn¡¯t leave out the ¡®handsome¡¯ part, now that was essential. Was the woman in front of him ¡®shallow¡¯, Hiro wondered.


    Fleur wasn¡¯t done though ¡°You know, you sure can listen. I wonder if that¡¯s why that Eikichi looked up to you so much¡±


    ¡°Um, I am pretty sure that was a joke¡± Hiro scratched the back of his head.


    ¡°Nah¡­ back in that wood, he said ¡®damn I look cool¡¯, I always thought that was odd¡±


    ¡°How so?¡± The young man couldn¡¯t see how that was related to the other.


    ¡°He always did the most outrageous, I could tell, that is a man who didn¡¯t care about what others think of him¡± She said ¡°Yet, that was his words, I thought he was just commenting about himself at first. But no, I am sure, Eikichi wanted to look cool in front of you, Mr. Hanazawa¡±


    ¡°That¡­¡± Hiro didn¡¯t know what to do with this information. It was just talking of a drunk woman, he tried to brush it off, so much for a good listener.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t see why though¡­ especially after that fight with Jack¡±


    ¡°Why is that?¡± The young man wondered, he would like to think he put up a valiant effort.


    ¡°What? You think that was brave or something?¡± Fleur immediately dashed that.


    Hiro was starting to feel annoyed with this woman. What did she know? He put himself through all that pain, he tried his best and that was what she had to say. He wanted to refute her, but Fleur was looking with him with sadness. What with those eyes, did she chipped her nails or something.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t bravery, no, it was just suicidal¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I tried¡­¡±


    ¡°Without any plan? Did you think you could just run up and grab his face!¡± Fleur seemed emotional ¡°That wasn¡¯t bravery, no, you looked like a moth to the flame, as if you wanted to go out with a bang¡­ No, it was as if you WANTED to look heroic. I¡­ I don¡¯t like that¡± She wanted to say something deeper, but in the end, ¡®don¡¯t like that¡¯ was all that her alcohol addled mind could come up with. ¡°But, I am sure¡­ hic¡­ there is something else in there¡­ hic¡± The woman lied on the counter and snored softly. The bottle of whiskey was emptied and now she was out cold.


    Hiro couldn¡¯t mutter a single word. He couldn¡¯t accept what she was saying and yet, the young man remained silence.


    The young man sent Suiren to bring the beautician back to her room while he retreated to his own. A creature of habit, Hiro didn¡¯t forget to change out of the bland white shirt and tie. He lied on the bed, looking up on the empty roof as the carriage shook slightly, the rhythm eventually lured him to sleep.

 18: That girl, Willow von Brandt

    3.2


    That girl, Willow von Brandt


    The light was shinning through the blind of the shaking window, dancing on top of Hiro Hanazawa¡¯s eyelids. The young man, still two third asleep heard a rustling noise and soon there was no light. He decided to wake up nevertheless, greeted with Suiren retreating to her seat. To lay his eyes on this beauty every morning was a blessing, Hiro remembered his room, so barren and devoid of life.


    ¡°Good morning¡± He said, always a creature of habit. Something was off however, out of the ordinary, there was no reply. Of course not Suiren, but from another voice.


    Hiro: {Good morning}


    Momo-chan: [Ah¡­ good morning]


    Hiro: {What¡¯s wrong, sleepyhead? Too busy fantasizing about Suiren¡¯s lips?}


    Momo-chan: [Wah, what are you even talking about!]


    Hiro: {Do you want to kiss her?}


    The young man could practically hear the voice went down in flame. Was he truly that innocent? Hiro could see a face in his mind all red from blushing, but strangely enough, he couldn¡¯t fit his face in at all.


    Finished putting on his working clothing, it was time for a new day.


    The dining room was rather populated. Doraemon as talking to Jim, their conversation seemed rather one-sided. Conrad and Malcolm were sitting together, doing origami like usual. The von Brandt were all there, chatting among each other. The rest was probably in the kitchen san Fleur who was recovering from a violent hangover. They all turned to look at him, even Doraemon. Hiro stood in place, what happened? Was his zipper still open or something.


    ¡°Good morning, Hiro!¡± Luckily, Willow was there to break the ice. For once, she wasn¡¯t dragged away by her brother immediately.


    Speaking of the devil, here he was, appearing from behind the girl. Such serious expression, which was par for the course for Johann, but it was extra tense today like he just drank black coffee in the morning.


    ¡°Hiro Hanazawa, there is something I need to talk to you ab¡­¡±


    ¡°Come on, Jo, let the man has his breakfast first~¡±


    Everyone returned to do whatever they were doing as Willow led her herald into the kitchen. They encountered Eikichi who was on his way out, snacking on some handmade takoyaki. The man said ¡®hello¡¯ to Hiro with voice of respect and offered him some. It was an offer he couldn¡¯t refuse, but before the young man could take a bite, it was swiped by an invisible girl.


    ¡°I will make some more later then¡± Eikichi said, looking amused.


    ¡°Thanks¡±


    Inside the kitchen, Mara was sitting with Haruka and Hotaru. ¡®That¡¯s strange¡¯, Hiro thought to himself, for once he didn¡¯t see Doraemon hanging around the old lady. They all said ¡®Hi¡¯ then returned to their own conversation.


    ¡°5 minutes, that fast!¡± Haruka said in amazement.


    ¡°Y¡­ep¡± Hotaru replied, taken aback by the little girl enthusiasm.


    Mara looked at them both, giggling ¡°It¡¯s just like you to fuss over food¡±


    Hearing that made the little girl self-conscious, she tried to deny everything to no avail, getting all flustered. Hiro wondered what they were talking about but his thought was interrupt by the sound of growling stomach, his stomach.


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t me!¡± Haruka felt the need to clarify that.


    ¡°Yeh yeh¡± Mara brushed that off to the little girl distress.


    Hotaru laughed awkwardly, all traces of that confident and heroic woman from yesterday was gone. She was like someone straight out of an action movie, completed with one-liner. The Hotaru now was back to her stuttering phrase.


    Meanwhile, Willow was whipping something up for her herald, ¡®a humble breakfast¡¯ she said. Apparently having set everything up, the cooking started immediately. Soon the room was filled with the smell of crispy bacon, Haruka couldn¡¯t help but drool slightly. Despite his view being blocked by the counter, Hiro could see that Willow was using her own fire power instead of the stove.


    The young man turned back and see Mara, cleaning Haruka¡¯s drool, the little girl completely unaware of that.


    ¡°Children, they are so absent-minded¡± The old lady said, a hint of sadness in her voice ¡°Mr. Hanazawa, do you have a younger sibling?¡±


    ¡°Yes, a little sister¡± He answered politely.


    ¡°Really! You never told me about that before!¡± Willow chimed in from the kitchen ¡°What¡¯s she like, what¡¯s her name!¡±


    Hiro laughed weakly against the barrage of questions. Come to think of it, he never mentioned his sister to his group despite them having travelled with each other for a while. The young man wondered why, guess that no one brought that up. But still, maybe he should have mentioned her before.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°Her name is Yuuko, lovely girl that one, she is still in school though. Her grade is really good and she is a nice girl, umm¡± Hiro stopped, struggling to find what to say. That was kind of all, really, he was never good at describing. Even Momo-chan couldn¡¯t add anything else.


    Luckily, Willow didn¡¯t push further, too occupied with her cooking. Hiro did want to have Suiren made the food to see what it would be like. But he could try this instead, although the young man was filled with doubt.


    Mara, however, was still curious ¡°So what was she like, as a kid?¡±


    ¡°Well, she was always nice, listen to her elder and do her homework¡± Hiro had to hold back trying to scratch his head.


    Momo-chan: [Yuuko was also really energetic] The voice added but that was all he had.


    ¡®Oh right¡¯, Hiro thought to himself, his little sister was always cheerful and rowdy. But now¡­ maybe she would be more explosive at school, he wasn¡¯t the most talkative brother after all. That girl seemed like she was doing well at least.


    It was now time to dine as Willow brought out his breakfast, humble was definitely not a word to describe it.


    The main attraction was the sizzling sirloin steak, well done with sea salt and a hint of pepper. On the sides were strips of crispy bacon, its colour of supreme juiciness, wrapped around a small potato treat. But that wasn¡¯t all, even the pancakes were the prettiest, like temptress luring one in. Hiro could spot multiple thin layers within that dishes. Even the simple egg was transformed into something else, mixed with lobster on top of breadcrust, with a topping of caviar on top. That was to say nothing of the salad, expertly mixed with a tomato on top and sprinkles of¡­ gold dusts!


    Needless to say, everyone in the room had their eyes wide open. Even to the Llandudno group, Willow¡¯s reputation as a bumbling overzealous fan of Hiro was soon established. No one, even the young man himself, expected such a luxurious offering.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Willow remained oblivious to her spark of brilliance, as if this was the most common occurrence. Hiro could still remember vividly how she enjoyed Caron¡¯s simple cooking, he didn¡¯t expect the girl to be capable of this.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this too much for just me?¡± The young man replied awkwardly. Just looking at this meal made Hiro¡¯s remaining kidney screamed out in fear.


    ¡°I was so excited that I made too much¡± Willow put her hands on her face, blushing ¡°But if you don¡¯t like something, you can try you another dish!¡±


    Why was she acting like a normal girl now, everyone in the room thought.


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t mind some help¡± Hiro looked at Haruka.


    The little girl didn¡¯t even try to deny it, she looked at the potato bacon with longing eyes. Mara decided to try out the egg dish while Hotaru settled for the pancakes. That left Hiro with the main attraction, the steak.


    They all took a bite, saying it was ¡®delicious¡¯ would be a gross understatement. The food tasted even better than it looked. The young man was blown away by the simple steak, it was evenly seared, with just the right amount of seasoning. Hiro could immediately tell this would be the best steak he would ever taste in his world.


    The main course was the simplest among the dishes, however, the others were also having a time of their life. Haruka, of course, had the strongest reaction. After taken a bite of the potato bacon the girl could barely stopped herself from drooling. Luckily, Mara was there to place a handkerchief over her mouth. The outer layer was crispy, but the inside was juicy, the steamed potato had absorbed the flavour and fat of the bacon. There must have been other ingredients, but the little girl couldn¡¯t tell what, this was by far the best treat she ever had. She had to hold back from finishing it all to save some from the other.


    ¡°This¡­ this is¡­¡± Haruka was at a lost for word, she could die for this flavour.


    Meanwhile, Mara was also taken aback by the best egg dish of her life. The taste of lobster was unnaturally rich and yet it went well with the main ingredient and the caviar. The outer layer of breadcrust was so thin that it only provide texture to the combination.


    There was an overlap among the dishes, however, a sign of amateurism, not like the eaters cared. The pancakes also had thin layers of lobster and caviar and also truffles.


    ¡°Th¡­is is not¡­ how this wo¡­rk¡± Hotaru said in amazement, how could all these flavours went with what had to be the softest pancakes. Even the sauce had hint of alcohol but it all just worked, somehow.


    Even the salad tasted better than usual even if it tossed vegetable. Hiro wondered if he let the rest affect his taste bud but there was something else in here. All and all, it was a breakfast of their life, but the food ended up rather short, not enough for four people.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Hiro asked as Willow had been in the kitchen ever since setting down the tray of food.


    ¡°I figure this wouldn¡¯t be enough so I am making some more¡± The girl answered.


    Mara chimed in ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we already had breakfast before¡± Despite saying that, she still looked forward to what in store. Luckily, Willow made enough for all of them.


    This wasn¡¯t a particularly fancy looking dish, paper wrapped around big lump of fried rice. Haruka picked one up, still warm, and poked at the outer layer to find white rice within. The four looked at one another and took a bite almost at the same time.


    What followed next was a nuclear explosion.


    Everyone senses of taste and smell were assault by the violence of curry, hidden within the rice. It didn¡¯t take long for this offer to be finished, Hotaru practically ate it in one bite even. The woman looked around to find no one was witnessing that act of gluttony.


    Meanwhile, Willow seemed like she was making something.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to make anything else¡± Hiro said, never sounding less convincing.


    ¡°This is just something I want to make¡± The girl said.


    The four rested their battered mouths in the meantime, luckily there was tea to tide them over.  Then came the final dish which was surprisingly¡­


    ¡°Miso soup!¡± Haruka exclaimed in surprise, she certainly didn¡¯t expect to see this. Willow answered ¡°I asked Mr. Kira how to make this, had been wanting to try ever since¡±


    Everyone tasted the soup slowly except for Haruka, who gulped it down in one go. The little girl then proceeded to kneel in front of the chef ¡°Please marry me!¡±. The other laughed, even Hotaru who managed to not be awkward this time. That reminded Hiro of something he once heard, about how a wife must know how to make good miso soup. Willow certainly hit it out of the park on that one.


    ¡°Your cooking is amazing, how come you don¡¯t cook more, Ms. Willow¡± Mara complimented the chef, who was not being zealous for once.


    ¡°No, this is nothing, Alva is way better than me!¡± Willow humbly replied.


    That certainly prompted a reaction from Haruka ¡°Wait, she can cook!¡± That girl was always eating and fawning over others food. No one expected her to be master chef.


    ¡°All the daughters of the von Brandt must learn how to cook¡± Willow explained ¡°I am probably the worst since I skipped that for combat training all the time. All those dishes wouldn¡¯t go together at all!¡±


    No one here really minded that, seeing that it was the best food they ever had.


    ¡°I really want to meet with your sisters now!¡± Haruka said, imagining all the possibilities ¡°And nieces¡± The little girl remembered Alva, she could tried and ask her to cook some time later, definitely.


    Hiro rested his stomach, today already started out explosively. He certainly learnt something about Willow, she always seemed so unbalance it was strange to see her like this. But now that the young man had taken a closer look, she looked just like a normal girl.

 19: Big brothers

    3.3


    Big brothers


    Saying that was an enjoyable meal would be a gross understatement, but everything had to come to an end. When Hiro tried to leave the kitchen, there was Johann von Brandt, waiting there. It seemed like they would have a private talk. The two decided to go to the infirmary where Victor was nowhere to be found. There were only the two and of course, Suiren.


    Facing with the young warrior was an unnerving experience. Always so serious and intense, Johann¡¯s presence completely dwarfed the office worker.


    ¡°So what do you want to talk about¡± Hiro asked, keeping his calm.


    The young man couldn¡¯t think Johann could look more serious, but he managed it. His eyebrows furrowed, the young warrior sighed and¡­ bowed.


    ¡°Mr. Hanazawa, I want to say sorry for doubting you¡±


    ¡°Eh?¡± The young man had no idea what was going on.


    ¡°When we first met, I was wholly disappointed with what I saw. You simply looked useless in my eyes, your power limited by your physical capability¡± Johann said it straight, hearing those words hurt slightly ¡°Then I saw how my sister seemed to believe in you and even after hearing all the stories I wasn¡¯t convinced one bit¡±


    Because most of them were overblown by Willow and Malcolm. The young man did deal the finishing blow to the chimera but he sure as hell didn¡¯t do it deliberately while bellowing ¡°Begone foul creature¡±. His plan against the Centurion also backfired mostly, Hiro could only be a meat shield for Willow. And yet, his involvement was certainly played up.


    ¡®He weakened the Captain with his power¡¯ Malcolm said, a sentiment echoed by Hiro¡¯s biggest fan. Thus, that victory was attributed mostly to him.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t believe a single word said about you¡± Continued Johann, still serious ¡°You must have used your power to somehow change people perception of you. I thought. But I was wrong¡±


    Even now, Hiro still had no idea why the young warrior changed his mind. The answer soon followed.


    ¡°But then I heard words of your praise from someone I know, Ms. Guillard. You managed to win whereas Mr. Kira had failed. And I could see the injuries, you bear them with dignity and courage. My doubt vanished then¡±


    Hearing that made Hiro felt like he was being stung by needles all over. That was also a lie, Fleur didn¡¯t want to draw attention to herself, the same reason why Malcolm propped him up. There was nothing admirable about him, someone who charged in recklessly to die. No, that was all Fleur, she burnt bright and triumph heroically. Meanwhile, he was just someone who could endure pain pretty well.


    Nevertheless, he needed to keep up this ruse.


    ¡°I get what you came from, don¡¯t worry, I wouldn¡¯t trust someone like myself either. Apology taken¡±


    Johann breathed a sigh of relief and sat down. It was unreal, seeing how the young warrior so bothered about something like this. It was just an apology and yet he treated it as seriously as the fate of the world. Hiro always thought of Johann as someone who was eternally serious and grumpy. But now, he had taken a liking to this person in front of him.


    ¡°This world needs heroes, Mr. Hanazawa. And I am glad to have you as one of her saviour¡±


    It was a line as cheesy as it could get. And yet, there was no hint of sarcasm or forced delivery. No, the Johann that said it was the embodiment of sincerity. Seeing this, Hiro couldn¡¯t help but smile as that reminded him of a certain someone.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Johann asked, wondering what was amusing.


    ¡°No, you are more similar to Willow than I thought. You both are all so sincere¡± ¡®Unlike me¡¯ Hiro thought to himself.


    ¡°The children of von Brant are taught to be honest¡±


    Mentioning that zealous girl reminded the young man of something.


    ¡°So was your doubt related to why you kept splitting Willow away from me?¡±


    Training, reporting, talking, even resting, there were always a reason for Johann to drag his sister away. But today, not only did she roam free but the girl also made the best albeit stacked breakfast for Hiro.


    ¡°Yes¡± Johann answered without any hesitation ¡°I thought you would be bad influence and was only trying to use her. That was childish of me to believe so, it was her decision¡±Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°You couldn¡¯t be helped but be worried¡±


    The young warrior remained quiet for a bit in contemplation ¡°I guess¡­ no I was, among our siblings I was always the emotional one¡±


    Momo-chan: [Talk about a curveball]


    Hiro: {I can and can¡¯t see that at the same time¡­}


    Johann looked up to Hiro and asked with all seriousness, just like usual ¡°So what is she to you, my sister¡±


    That question was rather out of nowhere, but the young man could answer it comfortably ¡°She is like a little sister to me, sorry to stepping on your turf¡±


    ¡°Willow told me about how you protected her from the Captain, that girl, her job was to do the opposite. But it¡¯s not like I am in any position to say that¡± Johann sighed, remembering that man with his zweihander ¡°Thank you for looking out for her¡±


    ¡°The pleasure is all mine¡± Hiro said, leaning on the table.


    In his mind, the image of Willow von Brandt was pushed to the front. She was strong, stronger than he would ever be and yet the girl was weak at the same time. When it was her time to step up, to shine, she couldn¡¯t do it. Was it that moment, when Willow slumped down powerless in front of the masked attacker that Hiro realised it. She was so young. It was his job, the senior, the shield her, to protect this kid.


    But Willow was so much stronger than he thought. That fight with Malcolm, she was dominated, even the youth didn¡¯t expect her to stand up. And yet she did and grew as a person, wearing her scar as proof. Inside Hiro there was this tingling feeling to see that girl moving forward, learning.


    Just now, Hiro learnt of her amazing cooking prowess. He wanted to see more of that girl, to see Willow kept on walking, growing. And the young man wanted to be by her side as she continued to take those steps¡­


    His thought was interrupted by a simple question.


    ¡°So Mr. Hanazawa, do you have any sibling¡±


    It was simple and so was the answer, just a ¡®Yes¡¯ would suffice. And yet, Hiro was at a lost for word, the image in his mind was the von Brandt child still. He tried and yet the person he wanted didn¡¯t surface.


    ¡°Yes¡± Hiro answered, shaken by a realisation, one he tried to hide.


    It was failure, Johann noticed something was wrong. Was this a touchy subject, the young warrior thought to himself, he decided not to dwell further.


    Their conversation ended there as Hiro excused himself, retreating back to his room.


    Momo-chan: [What¡¯s wrong] Even the voice couldn¡¯t tell what happened.


    Hiro: {Tell me, do you miss her?}


    The voice didn¡¯t understand the question, which ¡®her¡¯ here was his host referring to. Was it Willow, the topic of the latest conversation. But it didn¡¯t make sense, they just met her as well. Was he talking about someone only he would know, that didn¡¯t work either. Momo tried to think of a ¡®her¡¯ that both of them would be familiar with and miss. The class rep?


    Hiro: {Yuuko}


    Momo-chan: [Guess not, I mean it¡¯s not like I could do anything for her anymore. Besides, I know she would be in good hands]


    Hiro: {Then do you miss her at all, as a brother}


    Momo couldn¡¯t say anything, his answer was silence.


    Hiro: {How did it become like this}


    He sat on the bed with his hands covering his face. The two were both taken way back, when a new Hanazawa was entering this terrible world. Knowing only abuse and neglect, didn¡¯t they made a vow, one that they both still remember.


    ¡®No matter what, big brother will always protect you¡¯


    Hiro: {I don¡¯t understand, I did everything for her, working my life away for her. I EVEN SOLD MY ORGANS FOR HER}


    Yes, it was two years ago when their father ran away, leaving a crippling debt behind for his children. The sharks were hungry, they could smell blood in the water. The payment must be made, the girl would have to sell herself. Or her brother could bear it all, having him cut up. That ¡®doctor¡¯, that operation without anaesthesia, he endured it all without even a sound. A liver and who could tell what else were cut off to pay that debt.


    Hiro: {I¡­ can¡¯t even remember her eyes}


    He didn¡¯t understand how. The young man cared for her, he even tried to reconnect on that birthday. And yet, there was this pain in this chest, of guilt.


    Momo-chan: [I don¡¯t know¡­] His host was lost and so was he. Could it be that they didn¡¯t care for her, but then, his older self wouldn¡¯t go through all those sacrifices. Maybe the answer lied within him. Why didn¡¯t he look for her, care for her.


    The answer was because there was no need for that, Yuuko was already cared for.


    Momo-chan: [She was loved]


    By mother. Yes, the same woman who lamented of her lost youth, pinning it all on his head. Her neglect left scars deeper than all the beating they received. And yet, when that little girl was born, she changed. That once scornful woman loved and cared for her child. She worked for her little girl so hard that one day she collapsed and never moved again.


    The answer came to them both. Mother cared for her child, not her children. A symbol of mistake, she never looked at her son. Soon, Hiro couldn¡¯t bear seeing his sister anymore, she had everything that he didn¡¯t.


    But Hiro trudged on when mother died, he made a promise and he would prove it. The young man would prove that he was better than his deadbeat father, than mother.


    And yet, he still couldn¡¯t bear looking at his sister.


    ¡°My Yuuko, what have I done¡±


    Hiro lamented, in the end he was no better than that neglecting mother of his. His mind went back to yesterday when she came home late, that girl hurt. ¡®My little Yuuko was hurt¡¯. Even before that, she asked him a question he hadn¡¯t heard once for the last two year. She asked him to come to the parent meeting. ¡®My little Yuuko called out to me¡¯.


    Wait, wasn¡¯t this that day, back in his world. Yes, it was parent day. He needed to go, Hiro needed to go to see her.


    ¡°Rosebud¡±


    He left to meet with her again. Hiro had forgotten about something, the other him, also receiving this grim realisation. But Momo-chan could never go home again, much less seeing his sister once more time.


    ___


    It was work day and the company employees were hard at work. But then, someone stood up and left. It was that guy at the bottom of the food chain, one everyone dumped their work on. Something was strange, however, he wasn¡¯t hunching like usual.


    The boss was mad, the seniors were livid. They tried to stop him, there were works to do.


    But the young man didn¡¯t stop, he simply told them to step out of his way. His timid voice was gone, it was replaced by one filled with determination. And there was fire in his eyes.

 20: Hanazawa Part 1

    3.4


    Hanazawa: The Yankee the handsome and the genius


    Today was parent day, of course Yuuko didn¡¯t forget to mention the homeless man of their deal. He was concerned no doubted but eventually accepted, he made his promise after all. Needless to say, Maromi was greatly displeased by this arrangement. But when she tried to complain her friend would simply put a single finger over her lips, a simple gesture but it somehow worked.


    ¡°I wonder what will they be like¡± Maromi said.


    Students from around the country were coming to Tokyo for a national exam. Their school accepted the responsibility of taking them in before that time. A short programme of sort, letting them had a taste of the modern capital.


    ¡°Human I presume¡± Yuuko answered.


    Got a chuckle out of Maromi for that. Yuuko never knew whether her jokes were truly funny or not. Didn¡¯t seem so since no one really laugh at them, well except for Maromi, she always found them amusing. Seeing that never failed to bring a smile onto Yuuko¡¯s face, especially now, her friend noticed that.


    ¡°You seem more amused about this than even me¡± Maromi commented.


    ¡°I like to see you smile, that¡¯s all¡±


    Maromi sighed ¡°I wish my boyfriend can sprout half the things you say¡±


    Yuuko pondered on what that was supposed to mean. The two continued until they reached the school. The girl scanned the ground, there were faces she didn¡¯t recognise. Of course, Yuuko couldn¡¯t remember everyone in this school, yet it was easy to see strangers. This was simple yet somehow unnerving at the same time, the girl didn¡¯t like changes.


    Someone suddenly appeared in front of them, it was a classmate, a rather timid guy.


    ¡°Ah, Hanazawa-san, it¡¯s you!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± The girl answered ¡°You seem rattled¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Oda, he¡¯s picking on one of the visitors!¡±


    Now that was something to be concern about. Oda was more than just your run of the mill bully, part of a vicious biker gang, he was a violent thug. He was always followed around by the average bully, trying to bask themselves in his presence.


    ¡°I will take a look then¡± Yuuko answered.


    Despite his reputation, Oda and his posse didn¡¯t cause many problems at school. The reason for that was Yuuko Hanazawa. No one could tell how or what was the relationship between them, but one thing was clear, that vicious Oda didn¡¯t want to cross this person.


    It was time for a detour then, despite this not concerning her, Maromi followed anyway.


    The scene waiting for them could be described by the word unexpected. It was heralded by a sickening noise of tooth being ripped out. Then they could see Oda clutching his bloodied mouth, hyperventilating. The rest of his posse had a look of horror as they tried to scamper away, they had messed with the wrong person.


    It was one of a students, a delinquent, what one would called Yankee. His hair dyed blond, this guy stood towering over the formidable Oda. He looked just like a typical thug with that particularly care about fashion. The guy¡¯ shoes were brand made, completed with a gaudy watches and hair filled with wax.


    He was holding onto a front tooth, flashing his own set of pristine white teeth.


    ¡°Running away? I thought you guys want to ¡®mess me up so hard I would have to eat with a straw¡¯?¡± He said, tauntingly ¡°Come one, I am right here¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s them go!¡±


    The person to say that was¡­ Maromi. Her legs were certainly shaking but the girl had to jump in, those bullies had enough. Behind her, Yuuko couldn¡¯t have but muttered ¡®good grief¡¯. The girl stepped in front of her brave friend.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± The Yankee said, looking at the two girls curiously. The one in the back was reasonably scared, the other, however¡­


    ¡°Can I have that tooth¡± Yuuko said with a straight face ¡°Oda would want that back¡±


    ¡°Does that guy collect his own tooth or something?¡±


    ¡°Of course, don¡¯t you know that the tooth fairy would give you money for putting a tooth under your pillow at night?¡± Yuuko said like that was most normal. Oda looked up with disapproval.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°All the more reason why I should hold onto this then, I want some changes too¡± The Yankee went with that, clearly amused.


    Yuuko wasn¡¯t fazed in the slightest, however ¡°I am sure that she wouldn¡¯t take kindly to being tricked¡±


    Trying to hold back his laughter, the Yankee actually handed back the tooth in peace. Oda received the item, didn¡¯t know what to do with it ¡°What am I going to do with this¡± He asked, his mouth was still aching.


    ¡°Put it under your pillow when you sleep¡± Yuuko answered.


    The thug was going to say something until he saw the look on her face. ¡®Wait, does she actually believe in that?¡¯ The thought shared by him and Maromi. Both decided not to comment on it, Oda retreated with a simple ¡®yes¡¯. This new guy was a beast but he wasn¡¯t scary, this Yankee wasn¡¯t Yuuko Hanazawa.


    Someone else was entering the scene, a girl whose, judging by her uniform, came from the same school as the Yankee. Behind her were their classmates but they all stood back as she walked toward looking rather pissed off.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you not break someone one tooth on the first day here!¡±


    ¡°What, they came at me first, ask them¡± The Yankee looked back ¡°Oh wait, they all ran away, guess you would have to take my word on this one,


    ¡°Even so, pulling a tooth out is rather excessive don¡¯t you think¡± Surprisingly, she trusted him, but that didn¡¯t make her less angry.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Of course it is! Next time that happened, just black the guy eye out or something. Just no permanent damage!¡± The girl said ¡°You got that! And go wash your hand right now¡±


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am¡± The Yankee replied enthusiastically, raising his hand up in the air. He practically pranced away in a good mood. With his clean hand, he pulled out a comb and fix his hair slightly.


    ¡°I am sincerely sorry for the problem he caused¡± The new girl bowed and apologised.


    After some introduction, her name was Ryuko Mizuhara, hailing from Sh¨­nan. She seemed to hit right off with Maromi, the two chatted for quite some length. Not a surprise, Yuuko thought to herself, everyone loved to talk with Maromi. Although she why someone like that always hung out with her.


    ¡°Your friend doesn¡¯t talk much¡± Ryuko commented.


    ¡°Well, Yuuko¡¯s just really shy around stranger¡± Maromi grabbed her friend¡¯s arm ¡°But if you get to know her, she is a really nice girl, and dependable¡± The girl tried to tip toe to pat on Yuuko¡¯s head, she seemed pleased for that achievement.


    ¡°Am I shy?¡± The Hanazawa girl wondered.


    ¡°And she can also be really funny, see, like that!¡±


    Yuuko was truly confused, that wasn¡¯t really supposed to be a joke. Maromi seemed to find joy in everything, but this Ryuko seemed to be agreeing with her. So she was apparently funny, to be honest, Yuuko kind of liked that thought. Meanwhile, the other two continued their chit chat.


    ¡°You are certainly pretty¡± Maromi suddenly remarked ¡°And smart as well, you got this far in the national competition as well¡±


    Ryuko turned away to hide a wide smile, scratching her head ¡°Nah, I am not that amazing, I score the last among this round entrees after all¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s still great, I can barely understand the classes to begin with, without Yuuko¡¯s help I would definitely flunked by now¡± Maromi leaned onto her friend ¡°That¡¯s one of the reason I hand out with you after all!¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Yuuko questioned.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s not the only thing!¡±


    Hearing the name jogged something in Ryuko¡¯s mind ¡°Wait, are you THAT Yuuko Hanazawa, the one who scored second in the country?¡±


    ¡°Wait, you participated?¡± Maromi was surprised by this revelation.


    ¡°I had free time so might as well¡± Answered Yuuko.


    Talk about look and intellect, Ryuko could feel herself dwarfed ¡°Your friend here is the amazing one¡­ Then there¡¯s also that guy¡±


    ¡°What about that Yankee?¡± Maromi asked.


    The girl from Sh¨­nan sighed ¡°I made a bet to have him participate, if he is in the top five I would have to call him Handsome for this whole trip¡­ He is the one in first place¡± It was a bet she placed on herself, she wanted to see a talent like him at work. Still he was only two point away from second place, then there was a gap between them and the third and below.


    ¡°Did you hear that, Yuuko, that guy beat you!¡±


    ¡°Hmm, is it that surprising?¡± The Hanazawa girl was unfazed.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ supposed to be¡± Maromi was confused by this reaction.


    ¡°Did you look at his hands, it was filled with callouses. You can¡¯t have those by being lazy¡±


    Talk of the devil, here the Yankee was, coming up toward them. He was holding a bokken as well. Seeing that, Ryuko excused herself, classes were starting soon as well ¡°It was a pleasure meeting you guys!¡±


    They parted way, the two from Sh¨­nan went on to meet back up with their group.


    ¡°That girl with long black hair, what¡¯s her name?¡±


    ¡°Eh¡± Ryuko had to check if she didn¡¯t misheard that, for Handsome to ask about someone ¡°She is Yuuko Hanazawa, the person rank right below you¡±


    ¡°I have a hunch she would be someone amazing¡± Handsome combed his hair, while looking for his reflection in the windows, ignoring everyone behind them ¡°I like that one¡±


    Now that was a strange thing to hear. This guy would go on joking about liking Ryuko but she had never seen him said that to any other girl. That Yuuko was certainly incredible, the girl could tell but she couldn¡¯t put her finger on why yet. For that one to notice Handsome¡¯s hand. Then there was the thug he was fighting, Ryuko could see that despite having a tooth broken he wasn¡¯t afraid. Yet someone like that seemed fazed Yuuko¡¯s mere presence.


    ¡°Hah, good luck with that¡± The girl commented distractingly.


    ¡°Come on, hearing that don¡¯t make you feel jealous in the slightest?¡±


    ¡°Nope, not at all¡± Ryuko said that without hesitation, a look of disgust on her face.


    ¡°Come on, that hurts you know¡± Handsome said, clutching his chest while falling back dramatically.


    They were in plain view and of course, everyone was looking. Ryuko hastened her pace to get of sight as soon as possible ¡°Can you stop joking about with me¡±


    ¡°I am not¡± Handsome replied, looking strangely serious ¡°You are the only one to have beaten me in a fight after all. I am smitten¡±


    Ryuko continued on, pretending that she didn¡¯t hear that. They should meet up soon, time was running out. After this would be a tour around the school and they would take some classes as well. Handsome didn¡¯t have time for such nonsense, however, he soon made a detour.


    ¡°Where do you think you are going!¡± Ryuko asked, only to be taken aback by Handsome still acting serious.


    ¡°Something doesn¡¯t feel right, I need to check something else¡± He shoved the bokken into the girl arms ¡°Hang on to this, maybe you don¡¯t have to use it, I hope so¡±


    Those words were certainly ominous, especially coming from a serious Handsome. That guy, meanwhile, was combing his hair again, seriously.

 21: Hanazawa Part 2

    3.5


    Hanazawa: The siege the girl and the scarred


    ¡°You will do a wonderful job I am sure¡±


    Yuuko said as the fixed the tie of the homeless man with her not broken hand. He certainly blended in with the other parents well, no one suspected a thing. He was experience at this after all, once. The man wondered how his children were doing, probably better with their new dad, without a failure like him.


    ¡°Chin up¡± Yuuko brushed the suit slightly ¡°Can¡¯t have my uncle be too depressing¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ certainly, I am Takashi Hanazawa for today¡±


    He wondered what her only family doing but it didn¡¯t take much imagination. The man had tasted it, the hellish office, they would chew and spit you out in the end. Takashi tried to smile, today was a special occasion after all.


    Paranoid, the homeless man couldn¡¯t help but look around them. There were people but none of them seemed to be listening. What a relief¡­


    His thought was interrupted by a loud noise of gunshot. That was soon followed up by the screaming and yelling, there was the sound of a scuffle broadcasting though the speaker. After a blood curdling gurgle, a strange voice enveloped the whole school. Eloquent and polite, yet with a slight playful man.


    ¡°1, 2, 3, everyone can hear me? Good good good¡± There was a sound of giggling ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to do this, so eh, you are all our hostage now. Take a look around¡±


    On the hallway, there were thugs, most armed with baseball bats and knifes. But there were a few at the back, holding pistols, their fingers twitching.


    ¡°So um, we aren¡¯t too professional here, so our guys may have quite a trigger finger. If you don¡¯t want to get shot, please return to your class¡± The voice continued ¡°But what could you do to pass the time, hmm, perhaps study? No no no NO¡± There was a yell, then the voice was calm again ¡°Sorry, I really hate education you see. I guess just sit still, read some manga or study if you are a pathetic loser. Do whatever, just be still, ok? Ok good¡±


    Retreating back to the classroom, needless to say everyone was horrified. Some of the parents managed to keep their calm trying to reassure their children. The teacher, Murakami, was flabbergasted, a hostage situation like this. He didn¡¯t know what to do.


    There were eyes on him, however, a pair. It was the family that Yuuko¡¯s bring, her uncle. He was looking at Murakami expecting something. Oh right, he should do something.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, class, they are here on a business. These people will leave after getting what they want¡± The rookie summoned all of his strength to mutter those words.


    Yuuko, meanwhile, was strangely calm. It was like when she was kidnapped, the girl¡¯s mind was clear, it knew that wasn¡¯t the time to panic. There would be a hit afterward, but for now, she could focus on thinking on the next course of action. A niggling feeling was tugging at her, Maromi was not here, she couldn¡¯t help but be worried about her friend.


    She wasn¡¯t the only one, Maromi¡¯s mother was being held back by a father as she tried to run out and search for her daughter.


    There was a familiar face here, however, it was Sakura, who came to school. There was a unnatural fear in that girl eyes as she moved back to the back of the class. Her brother was also there, scared out of his wit.


    Seeing that man made Yuuko¡¯s blood boil. According to her own investigation, he was the one who asked his sister to sell drugs at her own school. Scumbags even beat her into it.


    The Hanazawa girl moved to the back of the class and slowly, inconspicuously held her hand around Sakura¡¯s mouth. No one noticed this, even the brother who was too worried about himself to thing about anything else.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Yuuko whispered into the girl ears.


    ¡°Why¡­ do you think I would know¡± Sakura muttered.


    There was silence. Yuuko didn¡¯t say anything, simply looking into the girl¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°It had to do with brother, his dealer accidentally gave him something from them¡­ That guy was found dead some days later¡± Sakura looked around, her brother still hadn¡¯t paid any attention her way.


    From what Yuuko could tell, the guy was a wuss. He was probably too scared, thinking that if they knew he was as good as dead ¡°What and where is that now?¡±


    ¡°Brother¡­ gave it to me¡­ it¡¯s in my backpack¡±


    That bastard, Yuuko calmed herself. The girl in front of her was shaking in fear. Not only did that guy ruined her life but now here she was, a broken mess. He didn¡¯t even have the decency to look at her. Thinking about that somehow stung, Yuuko couldn¡¯t understand why. Looking at Sakura, she couldn¡¯t help but feel sorry.


    She took the shivering girl into her arms to the latter surprise. They were once good friends, what Sakura did was out of fear. Yuuko didn¡¯t fault that, she could only feel pity.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will deal with it somehow¡±


    It shouldn¡¯t make Sakura feel any better and yet it did. It was an irrational thought and yet it couldn¡¯t leave her mind, ¡®it¡¯s Yuuko, she would work something out, she always does¡¯.


    Soon, the door was kicked opened and three thugs marched in. It seemed like this was the only room that to be invaded. They were there to find whatever was stolen, or at least supposed to. One of them, with a bandaged cheek and a gun spotted Yuuko. The girl could recognise him everywhere, the driver of the van that abducted her.


    ¡°You bitch¡± The thug grunted, an evil grin appeared on his face, pointing at the girl ¡°It¡¯s her, the one I told you guys about, bring her up here¡±


    Yuuko came up without any resistant. Whatever going to happen next wouldn¡¯t be pretty, horrible thoughts running through the girl mind, but she suppressed them. Now wasn¡¯t the time for something like that.


    ¡°What are you going to do!¡± Murakami, asked worryingly.


    ¡°What am I going to do¡± The thug said mockingly, putting away his gun and pulled out a knife ¡°Look at what she did to my face, it was a bitch getting the glass shards out. I will cut her up and¡­ hah hah, I am sure you can imagine the rest¡±


    The teacher slumped down, he couldn¡¯t understand any of this. What could a rookie like him do in a situation like this. One of his student was in grave danger, Murakami needed to thing up something. Yet, his mind was blank, his legs shaking he was a failure of a teacher¡­


    The girl was now brought up to face to face with her soon to be assailant. Something was strange, however, his eyes were wary, they weren¡¯t of a predator.


    The thug couldn¡¯t understand either, something inside him was flaring alert. Why, he had the power here, all these people none would dare to stand up to him. Especially the girl in front of him. Yet there was something in her cold as ice eyes that were unnerving. ¡®Don¡¯t tell me she was planning something¡¯


    ¡°You bitch¡±


    The thug punched her straight in the stomach. Yuuko slumped down in pain, her bruise from the crash was still new. But she didn¡¯t let out a single sound or showed the pain on her face. She wouldn¡¯t feed these bastards anything.


    ¡®There¡¯s nothing she could do right¡¯ The thug thought. Wait, didn¡¯t she send two of their enforcer behind the slammer, both burned. How did that girl even do that.


    ¡°Ahhhhh¡± A yell distracted them all as Murakami tackled one of the thug.


    He was scared, he couldn¡¯t do, he was a failure. But he couldn¡¯t let his student get hurt. The teacher wasn¡¯t the only one, the other thug found someone punching him straight in the face. It was the homeless man, still posing as the girl uncle. Those were futile effort, however, they were weak, their attacks ineffective.


    Yuuko would rather those two not be a hero. She had accepted her face, they will deface her, violate her, but she will live. And yet, her hand was moving. Even Yuuko was surprised, but even she couldn¡¯t stop herself.


    The thug could feel something tucked at his pants, when he turned back to face the girl, all he could see was the cold steel of the gun.


    Bang, the girl fired straight at his face.


    The sound shocked everyone in the room. The thug crumbled to the ground, writhing in pain. The shot was fatal, he turned away and out of luck, the bullet only went through both his cheeks. But it was over, the pain was unbearable for him.


    Another thug came back to hit sense in time. Picking up the baseball bat, he slammed at the girl¡¯s wrist, sending the gun flying. The other thug picked it up and pointed it at the ground.


    ¡°I will kill you all!¡± He yelled before the door opened right behind him.


    A figure in hoodie entered, his face shrouded in darkness.


    ¡°Shhh, it¡¯s class time¡± That voice, it was the one from the speaker. The man reached out and took the gun from the trembling thug ¡°I will hold onto this¡±


    He then turned to Yuuko and opened his hoodie ¡°Booo¡±


    Everyone gasped in horror at the terrible terrible sight, all but lone Yuuko. The man was still young, in his twenty, rather handsome without that. His face was covered with long scars all over, running down through his throat. Coupled that with a most unsettling of smile and sunken eyes, he came straight out of a slasher flick.


    ¡°Even now, you could still look like that, I am impressed¡±


    Scarface directed that to Yuuko, who still had eyes cold as ice. She didn¡¯t appear to be fazed in the slightest which was all but true. The girl shot that man even though she had accepted her fate, something in her snapped.


    ¡°Just sit down, none of us is going to do anything. Right?¡± Scarface turned at his thugs who all nodded in fear.


    ¡°I¡¯ve enough of this¡± Someone suddenly stood up, it was one of the fathers, with a bald patch ¡°Stop this madness right now, your parents would cry if they see this!¡±


    The man son clung to his father¡¯s legs, trying to pull him back down. To everyone surprised, Scarface looked surprised, moved even, then a smile soon stretched across his face once more.


    ¡°I wonder if they would, I don¡¯t even know who they are¡± He said, his words untrustworthy. Scarface then walked toward the man ¡°Why don¡¯t you be my father then, mister. I would the best boy I swear¡± Hearing no reply, he muttered ¡°What a shame, anyway, where was I. Pardon me, my memory isn¡¯t great and today has been a very eventful day don¡¯t you all agree? Oh right, I remember now¡±


    Scarface pointed the gun right at Sakura¡¯s brother ¡°Let¡¯s be quick, where is it?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know what you are talking about¡± The scum replied, feinting ignorance.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t have time, here, how about this¡± Scarface point the gun at Sakura ¡°If you don¡¯t say anything I will shoot her, capiche? 10 9 8¡­¡±


    Sakura looked at her brother for help but he remained silence. ¡®I¡¯m sorry¡¯ he mumbled, if he was really found with the good then his death later would be sealed in stone. The scum would rather remain silence till the end.


    ¡°7 oh what the hell 3 2¡± Scarface got bored of this fast. Sakura closed her eyes in fear, she tried to say something but the girl couldn¡¯t stop stuttering.


    ¡°Stop, I know what you are looking for¡± A voice called out.


    Sakura opened her eyes to see it was Yuuko. The girl went to her friend bag and took out the item, a small sealed steel cylinder ¡°Is this it¡±


    ¡°Ho, you really are full of surprise¡± Scarface said in amazement ¡°Oh well, it¡¯s just that simple, we will be going now folks¡±


    Of course it wasn¡¯t that simple, a wide smile appeared on his twisted face. Scarface grabbed Yuuko ¡°You will be our ticket out of here, I am sure you don¡¯t mind, right?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± The homeless man ran up to them but was knocked down by one of the thug. The other was keeping a close eyes on Murakami and any others who wanted to be a hero. Everyone was frozen in fear, not one voice was even raised.


    ¡°No objection? Good, let¡¯s go¡± Scarface left but then turned around ¡°Oh wait, I forgot¡±


    He shot straight at Sakura¡¯s brother, the bullet collided with the floor right next to him. The scum broke down crying.


    That was all, they left the classroom with Yuuko in tow as hostage. The girl didn¡¯t know what would happen to her, she could see no way out. But she wouldn¡¯t resign just yet, if the chance presented itself, she would fight till the end.

 22: Hanazawa Pt 3

    3.6


    Hanazawa: The friend the swordswoman and the beast


    Not everyone was near the classrooms when the siege started. Every strangler found were taken to and dump inside the gymnasium. They were surround by a wall of chairs, set neatly earlier for an event. Inside were three thugs with gun seven more armed with nailed bats and blades of all kind.


    In here was Maromi, who was near the toilet when this all happened. Worried sick for her mother and friends, she found a familiar face ¡°Mizuhara-san!¡±


    Her new friend from Sh¨­nan was holding onto a bokken which the thugs didn¡¯t care. What could a girl with a wooden sword possibly do. Maromi, on the other hand, was wondering where that came from.


    ¡°Handsome gave it to me¡± Ryuko said ¡°He said something dangerous could happen¡±


    To think that guy was spot on, Maromi wondered if that was something exclusive to genius. Yuuko was acting uncomfortable after all, were their intuitions on another level.


    Everyone was sitting, no objection there, if they kept following orders then everything would be fine. After getting what they wanted, the thugs would left. That or maybe they would be taken down by the police. Talk about that, no one could tell that law enforcement had arrived or not.


    ¡°Shhh, everything will be alright¡± A mother comforted her kid.


    Seeing that made Maromi¡¯s worried, she didn¡¯t know where her mother was. Hope that no one was hurt yet. It would be all over soon, she hoped.


    That couldn¡¯t be further away than the truth.


    The thugs were getting uncomfortable, it took them a while to found out why. One of them had seemingly disappeared. Did that guy went to take a piss or something, but then he would say something. To make matter worse, that guy was one of those with gun. Soon, the hostages started to notice that as well and the tension worsened. Still nothing major happened yet, that guy would return, they all thought.


    He didn¡¯t.


    To make matter worse, another one of them had disappeared, also holding a gun. All without a sound, those two seemingly got spirited away. Now there was only one with pistol left. That thug distanced himself from the crowd, if his gun was to be grabbed they could easily be overpowered. But would he disappear like rest.


    The other thugs with bat soon surrounded him, one of them raised their radio.


    ¡°Something strange is happening here. Shit, we need backup, now!¡±


    There was an affirmative on the other line. Hearing that calm them down slightly. But what was going on, they already lost two. Did they patrol too close to the wall of chairs? Someone needed to check that, but no one dared to.


    Was it police commandos? Impossible, they shouldn¡¯t be alerted of this situation yet.


    Their leader, a big and intimidating man, realised another problem. The hostages now knew they were in a bind. Greatly outnumbered, they would have a problem if not being careful. He needed to take charge of the situation.


    ¡°Whoever out there, show yourself now, you bastard!¡± Grabbing a girl among the crowd ¡°Or I will start by breaking her arm¡±


    Or not, the leader turned around to find himself at the end of a wooden sword. With a thrust, the hulking man was sent tumbling, crashing onto the ground. Clutching his throat, wheezing like a malfunction hose.


    The thugs all turned around to face the assailant, Ryuko Mizuhara. A fool charged, confident in his nailed bat. A strike on the wrist and his weapon was dropped straight on the floor. Another right on the head, the hothead thug tumbled onto the ground, having fallen unconscious instantly.


    Those moves were performed with such speed and surgical precision that no one could tell what was going on. The one with the gun pointed at the girl ¡°Stand down!¡± He ordered.


    ¡°Or what? Are you going to shoot me¡± Ryuko said with confidence.


    It seemed to work as the one with gun seemed to hesitate. The girl¡¯s heart was pumping, facing against a gun was the scariest she had ever been. The other thugs circled the girl but they were cut off by the hostages. It was a strange sight, they had many, all decked and a gunner and yet all these thugs wouldn¡¯t dare attack a girl.


    Together, they could overpower her easy. But getting hit by that wooden sword would hurt and no one was willing to make that sacrifice.


    The stalemate was eventually broken when Ryuko was tackled from behind. It was the thugs¡¯ leader, hidden among the hostages from the beginning. A man with a dragon earing.


    ¡°So this work¡± He said as the girl was knocked down, the sword kicked away.


    Could Ryuko had reacted to this? Definitely, but she was too overwhelmed by the situation, her nerve too rattled. The leader stepped on her shoulder, pinning the girl down.


    ¡°Come on, was that all?¡± He said mockingly.


    ¡°P¡­please, stop¡± There it was, the sound of pleading. A retired mma fighter, the thug derived joy from hearing his victims¡¯ begging for their lives. But this time, it didn¡¯t come from the girl, no, it as her teacher ¡°For your own sake, I beg you to stop¡±This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    Huh, what was that guy blabbering about. He seemed sincere, that was confusing. The thug looked down at the girl, she didn¡¯t seem to be a threat now. Were the mocking him. Just that mere thought boiled his blood, the thug stepped down on Ryuko shoulder, dislocating it.


    ¡°Oh no¡± The teacher said in disbelief, the sentiment shared by the other student from Sh¨­nan.


    On the ground, Ryuko clutched her shoulder, fearing what would come next. The thug was even more confused. Sensing an opening, Maromi ran to Ryuko, trying to help her sit up.


    From behind the rows of chairs came a boy. A student with blond hair, combing his hair with one hand. It was Handsome, but there was something off. His fists stained with blood. The thugs all looked his way. Was this the guy who had been taking out their friends one by one.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t touch Ryuko¡± The teacher said, shaking in fear ¡°You made him mad!¡±


    There was an exploding sound as Handsome kicked the ground, the wooden panel busted under his step. It propelled the boy forward with frightening speed. A punch and one of the thug was sent flying, two of his teeth broken off with ease. Handsome grabbed another one and walked toward the thug with gun, using his friend as human shield.


    Both of them didn¡¯t last long. One hit for each then came the sound of cracking bone, the two writhed on the floor, coughing out blood.


    Everyone watched on in fear. This wasn¡¯t a person, a boy. No, what in front of them was a beast, a predator.


    Those with guns all taken out, Handsome leapt at the rest with primal strength. They all swung their nail bats and hit absolutely nothing. The beast weaved in between the group and destroyed them with his inhuman power and speed.


    The fundamental of fighting a group was not letting yourself get surrounded then taking the weakest and made your way up. This beast had no care of such a thing. Everyone here was just harmless bunnies, their bones to be broken under his fists. The sound of snapping and screaming filled the place as the hostages watched on in fear. This level of brutality was unreal, only seen in the most hardcore of movies.


    ¡°Stop! Stop right now¡± The leader said, backing off barking pathetically. ¡°Reinforcement is coming, my brother is coming, they will kill you!¡±


    With a sneer, Handsome pulled something out of his pocket. It was an ear with the blood already hardened, on it a dragon earing. There was no hope.


    ¡°Ahhhh¡± With a scream the leader ran up and punched the beast.


    He recoiled back in fear, what was that? The thug felt like punching a brick wall, what kind of muscles were that. Handsome grabbed his arm and snapped it in half with ease.


    The thug screamed out but it was cut short by a savage punch. He could fall down, however, as the beast was still holding onto his mangled arm. Then came another blow, one after another. All of the them slow and deliberate, aimed to inflict as much pain and destruction as humanly possible.


    ¡°Stop it!¡± Only Ryuko stood up to the beast.


    Handsome complied, dropping the thug onto the ground on the edge of life and death. It was a blood curdling scene, to see a human be mangled to such a degree, reduced to a quivering mess, groaning in pain.


    ¡°Yo¡­¡± Handsome raised his hand only to be struck in the head by the bokken ¡°Ouch, that hurt! What¡¯s for!¡±


    ¡°Why did you take them out! If we left it be, no one would get hurt¡± Needless to say, Ryuko was furious for endangering everyone in the school.


    ¡°The girl is right, you are risking all of our life here¡± One of the parents joined in, seeing a girl standing up to the beast had calmed his nerve. Maybe he was just imagining it. There was no way such brutality could happen in this city. Those thugs were just pathetically weak. The parent was met with a cold gaze.


    ¡°Huh, I don¡¯t remember talking to you¡± His tone changed instantly, which earned a swift hit from Ryuko ¡°Don¡¯t be rude to seniors!¡±


    ¡°Oh right, I have my reason alright! I found some of them, mixing something in the water tanks¡± Handsome dropped a bomb ¡°They definitely didn¡¯t intend to let everyone out unscathed. These thugs are just hired hands, they don¡¯t know anything¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you watch too many movies there boy¡± Another parent commented which Handsome chose to ignore completely.


    The hostages then proceeded to tie the thugs up with the rope with jackets of all kinds. Seeing their conditions were frightening. The leader was left lying down, he was in no condition to do anything now. Their mouths were also stuffed, now the big question, what to do now. If a patrol found this, they would all be toasted.


    ¡°I will go handle the rest, just barricade the door up, wait for the police¡± Handsome said.


    There was no objection, they had all seen what he could do. The boy couldn¡¯t care less about any of these people, even his fellow students from Sh¨­nan. With the exception of Ryuko of course, talk about that girl.


    ¡°I will go with you¡± She said.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s too dangerous. They have guns you know¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say I am the only one to have beaten you? Besides, if meeting with guns, I will just hide away¡± Ryuko was determined, she snapped her dislocated shoulder, only letting out a grunt. Knowing there was no way to convince her, Handsome reluctantly agreed.


    There was someone else that wanted to go as well, it was Maromi ¡°I will also go. I need to find my mom. She has a bad heart, I need to be there with her¡±


    Ryuko tried to convince her not to but this girl was surprisingly determined, even when facing the beast. Being held hostage and having her arm threatened to be broken was scary, but her worry for mother triumphed all. Handsome didn¡¯t object, he couldn¡¯t care less. Although the boy did raise his eyebrows as he remembered this fluff ball was the one who hung around that Yuuko.


    Handsome combed his hair and the three departed for the main school building. The hallways were strangely deserted, there were nowhere as many guards as expected. Understandable, digging enough people to hold an entire school hostage was impossible. That was why guns were shown and the struggle through the speaker. It was to instil fear so no one would dare be a hero.


    ¡°We could take over the announcement room then tell everyone to rise up¡± Handsome smile ¡°That would be amusing¡±


    ¡°No, people will get hurt!¡± Ryuko shot that idea down immediately.


    Maromi had her concern, for this guy to find such a thing amusing. Their journey also went by smoothly, Handsome took out every patrol stealthily, none knew what hit them. ¡®What is this guy¡¯ Maromi thought to herself. It was uncomfortable but she needed his help to reach mother and Yuuko. Besides, Ryuko seemed to trust him.


    As they approached the classroom, however, the three were surprised by gunshot!


    From that room, a group of thugs emerged, surrounding a man with scars all over his face. Along with them was¡­ Yuuko, she was taken hostage.


    ___


    Back in Eden, the train was still moving along according to the schedule. In an empty carriage, Jim and Haruka were being trained by Eikichi per their request. Mara and Hotaru were sitting watching. The old lady wanted to join but she was feeling under the weather today. Meanwhile, Hotaru just sat there in silence didn¡¯t know what to say. The woman said she was a police back in her world so Haruka dragged her here for ¡®advice¡¯.


    ¡°Wait, why are we doing yoga!¡± Jim said.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that what you guys wanted¡± Eikichi replied.


    ¡°Of course not!¡± Both Jim and Haruka retorted at the same time. They wanted to know how to fight but it seemed like the bald man wasn¡¯t taking that seriously. Their yoga session was soon interrupted by someone who was certainly in a rush.


    It was Hiro Hanazawa.


    ¡°Please, I need help¡± He said with such agency ¡°How do you deal with enemies with guns¡±


    Jim looked around, they didn¡¯t seem to be under attack. It took the teenager an embarrassing amount of time to realise it wasn¡¯t happening in Eden.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t tell us exactly what¡¯s going on then¡± Eikichi said.


    That Hiro did to every single detail, the situation was hopeless. Yet, there were three experts here willing to help. And with the one of the summoned greatest power yet, maybe there was a ray of hope.

 23: A silent way

    3.7


    Hanazawa: A silent way


    It was chilling, Scarface¡¯s smile when he spotted Handsome. The scars on his face contorted to form an unholy visage. The fact that a human could be capable of such a repulsive, yet frightening smile was to be applauded. ¡°Ah¡± He said, pointing like an innocent child seeing a toy on the shopping aisle.


    ¡°So it¡¯s you, is this the grand plan you were talking about¡± Handsome said.


    ¡°No, regrettably¡± Scarface replied, giddy like a kid ¡°That is still to come. My offer for you to join us is still standing by the way, Beast of Sh¨­nan¡±


    Handsome laughed, reaching up to comb his hair ¡°Nah¡± He immediately drew out a pistol and fired at a thug with gun. The bullet impacted at the knee, shattering his bone. The thug collapsed on the ground, screaming out in pain.


    ¡°It¡¯s hunting season now boys!¡± Scarface announced with glee. Screw the hostages or the police, he wanted the Beast. The rest of the thugs soon converged, some followed their master away with the hostage.


    ¡°Yuuko!¡± Maromi yelled out and was promptly dragged into a classroom by Ryuko.


    The hallway was soon filled with the sound of gunshots as Handsome retreated in with them. Maromi was still hyperventilating, her best friend was in grave danger.


    ¡°You know that guy!¡± Ryuko immediately asked her classmate.


    ¡°Yeh, he approached me some time ago, asking me to join his dig¡± Handsome answered casually ¡°It seemed fun but I turned him down though¡±


    The situation was becoming dire, they were trapped in the room on the top floor. Outside the only entrance and exit were thugs with guns and nailed bats converging. And yet, there was a wide grin on Handsome¡¯s face. Adrenaline was pumping, his mind clear, it was like waking up from a long dream. The action, the heat, the sound of bones cracking, this the life.


    ¡°How can we get out of this?¡± Ryuko asked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I am on the case¡± Handsome stood up, ready himself for another fight.


    Before he could leave, Ryuko hold him back ¡°Promise that you will keep yourself safe, then I¡­ will go on one date with you¡±


    ¡°If you say that, how can I even get a scratch¡±


    It was strange, Handsome could no longer feel the rush, the excitement. And yet, he was readier than ever. It was now time to be a hero. The boy opened the window and climbed out up to the roof.


    Ryuko gripped the bokken tightly, her other hand holding Maromi to calm down her shaking. It was right to be afraid, the thugs were all now right outside. The door busted opened. The vanguard found a wooden already trained on them. They all fell to the ground in pain, but their number too great.


    Then, from outside, Handsome crashed in through the window into the pack of thugs. Clumping together, their weapons a burdened. A few smart ones stood out trying to shoot in but the boy was always behind someone else.


    Ryuko shut the door again and waited, the sound of crunching and gunshots and nailed bats hitting the wall surrounded her. Soon, there was silence.


    The girl nervously opened the door to find Handsome standing, all bloodied. She let out a grasp.


    ¡°Hm? Are you perhaps worry?¡± The boy said, smiling ¡°I didn¡¯t get hurt, as promise¡±


    ¡°Of course I am worry¡± She said, brushing his clothe. The girl knew of his past, he deserved a peaceful and happy life after all that happened. Fighting was the last thing she wanted him to do. But here he was anyway, Ryuko could only went along. She bit her lips, knowing that the fighting wasn¡¯t going to stop here.


    ¡°Um¡­ can I asked of you something¡± Here it came, the request from Maromi ¡°Please, Yuuko, please help her¡±


    Normally Handsome wouldn¡¯t give two-bits about anyone. But when someone was in distress, he wouldn¡¯t hesitate. Ryuko was sure that he would accept this particular request, especially after expressing an interest in Yuuko.


    ¡°Of course, a piece of cake¡± Handsome was predictable, to Ryuko at least ¡°Stay here, I am tired of babysitting you¡±


    Hearing that was a red alert for Ryuko. That guy was confident that he could them all safe, but now that had changed. The girl looked outside of the window. Too late to see a crazy man charging into the premise. The police had surrounded the school, but they couldn¡¯t enter, not knowing the hostages¡¯ status. Maybe they would be able to rescue Yuuko.


    Not a chance, that Scarface wouldn¡¯t allow it. That man was out of his mind, planning something like this in the first place. If he went down his hostage wouldn¡¯t get away unscathed.


    ¡°Our promise, it isn¡¯t over yet!¡± She reminded him. ¡®You better return in one piece¡¯


    ¡°Better ready yourself cause that date is coming¡± Handsome said, leaving for be the hero.


    The boy got to the first floor, pulling out the gun he took from the thugs. He had plenty of ammunitions, the weapon didn¡¯t have any notable damage. Despite having taken out the main force, now was the hard part.


    All the combats till now were close quarter, he made sure of that. There, guns didn¡¯t matter and he could take down a crowd easily. But now, in the back yard, a shootout was impending.


    Handsome found himself¡­ scared. Why? Highly trained, the boy could outgun all of them, but he was still outnumbered. A single bullet was enough to end him, that was enough to send fear down anyone. But that wasn¡¯t all, Handsome couldn¡¯t care less if he live or die. Guess a promise was all it took.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    Taking a big breath, the boy charged outside and took cover behind a brick ring around the trees in the area. Bullets whizzing past, they were expecting him.


    ¡®This is bad¡¯ He couldn¡¯t move forward like this.


    A thug poke out aggressively and ate a bullet in the shoulder. Handsome was far more accurate, but at this rate they were just pinning each other down now. Maybe he could hold them here until the police decided to come in. That was his only hope, but still, nothing could guarantee Yuuko¡¯s wellbeing.


    Wasting a hostage was something no sane person would do, but Scarface was far from that. There must be something he could do, something to tip the scale.


    There was nothing at all, Handsome could feel something that he hadn¡¯t felt ever since being a little one. Helplessness.


    He wasn¡¯t the only person who felt that way, however. Behind Handsome, still inside the building hiding was the homeless, Takashi Tokioka. He wanted to do something for Yuuko, but the man couldn¡¯t move from his spot. It was all so overwhelming. For a youth to be out there fighting while him being like this, so pathetic.


    Someone suddenly ran past him, straight through the door into the battlefield.


    A daredevil in office attire, he ran like a madman. All the frustration, the days slaving behind the desk, the operation, the pain, the silence broken like an erupting volcano.


    ¡°LET¡¯S HER GO YOU BASTARD!¡± Hiro Hanazawa yelled, his voice like thunder.


    The thugs tried to shoot him but with their untrained aim, hitting a moving target was a challenge. Using this opportunity, Handsome fired two quick shots that hit their marks. Two of the thugs dropped their weapons, hands all shot up.


    Hiro vaulted through a brick ring, kicking one in the face.


    A move unthinkable for an office worker like him. But the young man was trained in this one move again and again and again, it had become muscle memory. Able to return to Eden at any moment, he could update his trainers on every detail, any change. Every blink was a trip back to that fantasy world.


    But no training could save him now. At this distance, even the most novices of shooter could hit him. But that was where Handsome came in. The boy didn¡¯t know who this crazy was but he sure couldn¡¯t let that guy down. Letting out shots after shots, Handsome kept the thugs hiding behind their cover, fearing his accuracy.


    Vaulting over another brick ring, Hiro delivered a kick straight to the thug neck.


    Handsome watched in awe, he could do that with ease. But still, this was a normal slightly malnourish office worker. To retain such control and accuracy of his body mid-air.


    Meanwhile, Tokioka watched on in horror. To go against them so head on, what would happen to the hostage! In truth she was safer than he thought. The thugs needed her for the police, not a crazy person. But as he came close to taking the rest out, the deciding moment was now, Scarface pulled Yuuko out.


    ¡°Stop or I will shoot her!¡± He said, giggling with the absurd scenario he was in.


    ¡°Then I will kill you¡± Hiro declared without any hesitation. He continued to charge forward, sure of the result of this altercation.


    Finally, a thug let out a random shot, it hit Hiro¡¯s straight in the stomach. But the young man didn¡¯t stop, no it was like a prick fuelling his anger. Another bullet ripped by, tearing his left air apart but it couldn¡¯t stop Hiro Hanazawa for one bit.


    It was straight out of a horror movie, an unrelenting figure that was seemingly indestructible. All the while fighting against a boy who might be from an action flick.


    ¡°Ahhhhh¡± They screamed out as Hiro vaulted over, a precise punch, one throw. He rushed through their number like nothing. The final thug was flung over, his back collided with the brick ring.


    Handsome was also dumbfounded. That guy was shot twice, but asides a slight expression change, he could still continue without slowing down one bit.


    Someone was having fun though, Scarface pushed Yuuko away and drew his gun. He fired a shot, only narrowly missing Hiro. But the second one would hit straight on. Way behind, Handsome was in a dilemma, he couldn¡¯t get a clear shot on Scarface ¡°I can¡¯t cover you!¡± The boy yelled out.


    It didn¡¯t stop Hiro at all as he charged straight on at the villain.


    ¡°Today is the best day of my life!¡± Scarface fired.


    His shot missed completely but it was in no way because of his aim. Blood dripping as Yuuko shoved a shiv straight into Scarface¡¯s side.


    ¡°Where do you even get from¡± Clutching the wound, he tried to raise the gun but it was too late ¡°This world is sure full of surprise¡±


    Grabbing the outside of his gun arm, Hiro pulled Scarface while circling the villain. A twist of the hand and the gun fell to the ground. With his other hand, Hiro pinned his enemy¡¯s head low and deliver a knee straight to his face.


    Scarface puked blood, a tooth broken. He fell onto his knee, laughing perversely before landing headfirst into the ground, clutching the wound on his side.


    Siblings reunited once again, Yuuko couldn¡¯t recognise the man in front of her. Standing tall, expressive and most of all, looking her way. The girl could spot something in the background, it was Scarface, leaning onto a brick ring. From his cover, hiding from Handsome, the villain pulled out another gun.


    ¡°ONII-CHAN¡± She screamed out but it was too late, his blood was spilled.


    Scarface opened his eyes to find himself still alive. ¡®That¡¯s strange¡¯, not wanting to be caught by the police, he had pointed his gun toward himself. But there was Hiro, grabbing onto the weapon, the bullet ripped through his hand. Mouth agape with surprise, Scarface let the gun be taken, he asked.


    ¡°Why did you save me?¡±


    ¡°How can I let my sister see a guy blowing his own brain out¡±


    The answer was simple, Hiro looked at his hand, all bloodied. At the heat of the moment, he forgot to return to Eden, with their training maybe this wound could have been avoided. Everything was over now. Handsome had arrived to apprehend the villain, from the building came Ryuko and Maromi


    Takashi Tokioka watched on ¡°So that¡¯s your brother¡± He said, so she didn¡¯t need him here at all ¡°I told you he would come¡± The homeless man left satisfied.


    Handsome looked at the ghastly hole on Hiro¡¯s hand. The boy knew he wouldn¡¯t go that extra mile, saving Scarface while enduring such a wound ¡°Come here¡± He drew out some bandage and help this office worker with stopping the blood. ¡®What is this¡¯ Handsome thought, from just a touch, he could tell this was a pathetic body. And yet, this man was capable of such feats. Deep down, the boy couldn¡¯t help but find this person rather ¡®cool¡¯, finally, another adult he respected that wasn¡¯t the old lady.


    ¡°That was amazing¡± Handsome admitted.


    ¡°I could only move like that because you had my back¡± Hiro replied ¡°Thank you, Kira-kun¡±


    ¡°Eh¡± Both the boy and Ryuko were surprised to see that the stranger knew his name. Well it was plastered all over on the scoreboard, but still.


    After that was Scarface turned to be bandaged, the guy was strangely quiet with a melancholy look on his face.


    This was quite an encounter, Hiro couldn¡¯t have expected to ever see Eikichi with hair. Good to know that he was still insanely capable even in his youth. But at least that answered why the bald man was so sure no harm would come to Yuuko, he lived through to see it.


    Next to them, Maromi burst out in tear ¡°I was so worry¡±


    ¡°Thank you¡± Yuuko calmed her friend down ¡°I am fine now¡±


    All bandaged up, Hiro stood up to face with his sister ¡°Sorry I am late¡± He said.


    ¡°You are here now¡± Yuuko said.


    The young man was falling apart, his body wasn¡¯t built for such exercises, not mentioning being shot. And yet, he stood tall. Yuuko had a terrifying day, as her brother, he couldn¡¯t be weak, Hiro must be strong for her to lean on. Even if that mean enduring everything without a single sound, that was his silent way.


    Yuuko wasn¡¯t faring much better, her bruise from the car crash was screaming out in pain. Fear was also creeping up, she fired a gun, nearly killing a person, was taken hostage. That wasn¡¯t even mentioning straight up stabbing someone, the blood was still on her hand. But her brother was shot, he had such burdens placed on him. Yuuko must be a good girl, not adding to his worry. Even if that mean enduring everything without a single sound, that was her silent way.


    Eikichi, Ryuko and Maromi watched the siblings, they expected the two to be way more emotional. That there would be tearful reunion and everything, but there was none. This was quite a pair.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home¡± Hiro said gently and Yuuko nodded silently.

 ...

    ¡­


    Some days had passed since the incident with the mysterious Scarface. The police hadn¡¯t made any announcement, there was no mentioned of the canisters either. Ryuko wondered if Eikichi was just making that up. No, he wouldn¡¯t lie to her.


    Now that was a strange thought, trusting a guy like that. An orphan with quite a storied past, letting him back into society was a debate the council wrecked their brain over. In the end, Eikichi Kira was released to an orphanage, after all he had done. ¡®The boy was young¡¯, they said, but it was a cynical move. His past was twisted to be a marketing campaign of a city with happy childhood. It didn¡¯t help that the boy has quite a penchant for violence.


    But Ryuko also saw that he was a guy who took an hour just to prepare his hair. Someone who was freakishly confident and brutally honest.


    And now, it was time for their promised date.


    ¡°Ahhhhhh¡± Ryuko was regretting making that bet. She had devoted her life till now to the sword, having no significant relationship to speak of. Now her first date ever was going to be with that guy.


    ¡°Yo, did you wait long¡±


    Talk of the devil, he was there right behind her.


    ¡°Where did you come from!¡± Ryuko panicked.


    ¡°I walked here¡±


    The girl realised in her confusion her face was turning inside the mall. Talk about an embarrassment. The date certainly started out with a bang. What happened next was, surprisingly, a normal trip.


    The two went through the shopping area but none of them wanted anything. Eikichi already had enough hair products for life and Ryuko¡¯s sense of fashion was only a bit above a brick.


    The movie seemed promising, a horror flick. A man was possessed by a vengeful samurai and slasher happened. But in the end, the two just sit there motionless as the plot progressed. Eikichi was of course not scared in the least, even the violent didn¡¯t have that oophm. Ryuko, meanwhile couldn¡¯t get over the way that ¡®samurai¡¯ hold his sword.


    What was next on the list? Some food, what else.


    The two walked silently to the place.


    ¡°That was a horrible movie¡± Eikichi broke the silence.


    ¡°Is it? I don¡¯t even know¡± Ryuko commented ¡°I don¡¯t really watch movie¡±


    ¡®Is this what people do for a date?¡¯ The girl wondered. Ryuko didn¡¯t even know what to feel bad about, the fact that she didn¡¯t enjoy it at all or the face that she couldn¡¯t enjoy a normal date. Was she this out of touch? Looking down, Ryuko could see her normal choice for clothing, only a step above wearing her school uniform.


    The girl couldn¡¯t help but feel like she had ruined this supposed date.


    ¡°Hey, let¡¯s go somewhere else¡± Eikichi said, grabbed the girl hand and took her some where else. This wasn¡¯t part of the plan. The pair ran down the busy street without a care for anything else around them.


    Their destination was a¡­ batting center.


    ¡°Why do you want to come here?¡± Ryuko asked, having never even stepped foot in one.


    ¡°Well, I thought you would be good at them¡± Eikichi answered nonchalantly ¡°I mean you swing a wooden sword around all day after all¡±


    ¡°THEY ARE NOT THE SAME!¡± The girl covered her mouth, everyone was looking at them.


    It was embarrassing but Eikichi didn¡¯t care, there was a wide grin on his face. The two entered the center and went into a batting cage. All the wide that grin was still on the boy¡¯s face.


    ¡°Is it that amusing?¡± Ryuko asked, still embarrassed.


    ¡°Hmm? Kind of, it¡¯s fun to see you just be yourself¡± He was still smiling.


    ¡°An embarrassment?¡±


    ¡°Nah, a kendo nut. You are just so passionate about it, it¡¯s adorable¡± Eikichi said, looking up with a sombre look on his face ¡°It¡¯s also jealousy, I also want something to be passionate about¡±


    What the. So the Beast of Sh¨­nan could be like this. Talk about learning something new every day. Ryuko picked up the bat, swinging it around for a bit. The weight distribution, the handle and pretty much everything was different from a training sword. But the girl could see herself getting used to this.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    First swing was a complete miss. The next one as well.


    ¡°I can¡¯t do this, your turn¡±


    Ryuko passed the bat to Eikichi. The boy stood slouching, holding it with only one hand. It was a hit and the ball only missed the target slightly.


    ¡°You sure can do everything¡± The girl commented.


    To her surprise, there was a reply to that passing remark ¡°No¡± Eikichi said with a downer of a tone ¡°I couldn¡¯t give you a good date. I looked up references and everything, but¡­ I have no idea¡±


    This wasn¡¯t the Eikichi Kira that she knew. He seemed like¡­ a normal human being. It was easy to forget, especially after the Scarface¡¯s incident. Taking out a hoard of thugs all armed, swinging through window. But most foreign was the thought of Eikichi Kira, trying to do something.


    Ryuko smiled and stood up, filled with energy ¡°It¡¯s my turn! I will nail this for sure¡±


    They took turn taking on the bat and poured their energy into just beating balls around. Eikichi evens started to be more serious, using both of his hands.


    Ryuko was enjoying herself. The girl couldn¡¯t remember the last time she had this much fun, especially with someone else. Not so long ago, her days consisted of only school and kendo training all by herself, no woman as allowed in father¡¯s dojo. But then came this outrageous guy, no one knew how to deal with them.


    All but Ryuko, who he somehow listened to.


    And so, the girl was assigned with all the tasks about Eikichi. Her schedule invaded by this blond yankee that everyone was deathly afraid of. Even the teachers would ask for her help. Without Ryuko¡¯s words, Eikichi wouldn¡¯t even go on that trip to Tokyo.


    Speak of the devil, her phone rang, there was a text. Checking, it was from a teacher about Eikichi. Ryuko opened the text, but what awaited her wasn¡¯t something ordinary.


    ¡°Are you alright¡± Eikichi asked, wondering why she was standing still for so long.


    The girl turned around, her expression was one of confusion ¡°You¡­ are dropping out of school?¡± And of course, since he was their best student, the teachers decided to ask Ryuko to convince him to rescind that choice. Talk about a downer¡­


    ¡°Yes, I am leaving town¡± Eikichi said nonchalantly.


    ¡°Eh¡± Ryuko looked at him, shocked. The girl was surprised that those words hit her that hard. It wasn¡¯t like she had feeling for him, but somehow, this blond yankee had become a part of her life. And now, he was going away, just like that ¡°But why?¡±


    ¡°That scarred guy wasn¡¯t the only one, I know, they tried to recruit me¡± Eikichi gripped the bat and hit a thunderous ball ¡°I will find them, I will tear down whatever they want to do¡±


    ¡°But why, just let the police handle them!¡±


    ¡°Nah, I want to do it myself¡± A ball flew toward them and passed by as Eikichi stood still ¡°Back at Tokyo, I felt something I had never felt before¡­ I want to find something that I want to do¡±


    The normal response here would be ¡®That¡¯s crazy¡¯ but those words couldn¡¯t escape from Ryuko¡¯s lips. The person in front of her was Eikichi Kira, he could and he would do it. The girl smiled gently.


    ¡°Let¡¯s make a bet, if I win I will do everything to stop you¡±


    ¡°And what if I win?¡± Eikichi asked.


    ¡°You already know¡± Ryuko replied, looking down.


    ¡°No I don¡¯t¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± The girl stood there in silence, biting her lips, she finally spoke ¡°If you win, I won¡¯t stop you¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the bet then¡± Eikichi asked, he was still serious¡­ today had been a strange day.


    ¡°Well, you have to be¡­ Ryuko! Act like me and I will judge you!¡±


    The girl looked straight at the blond yankee, his expression was still quietly intense. Ryuko laughed and continued.


    ¡°Just kidding, for our remaining time, let¡¯s take turn batting and see who have the higher score!¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Eikichi finally broke, a smile appeared.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t I the only one to ever defeat you?¡± Ryuko took the bat from the boy hand ¡°Prepare yourself, I am not going to miss!¡±


    Only the sound of batting remained. It was fun, if only they knew what await them outside.


    ___


    Ryuko and Eikichi exited the building, they hadn¡¯t said anything to each other. It was the end, the meal was silently cancelled. But still, this had been quite a day, filled with surprises. There was one more awaiting them both.


    A youth was waiting for the two. His clothing unkempt, his eyes bloodshot, his expression was one of an intense obsession. The youth was holding something long covered in cloth. Despite the horrible condition he was in, Ryuko could recognise this person anywhere.


    ¡°Brother!¡± She grasped.


    ¡°KIRA!¡± He completely ignored her, as if his sister wasn¡¯t here at all ¡°I heard you are going away¡­ I won¡¯t let you!¡±


    ¡°Huh, will you miss me or something¡± Eikichi said coldly, his expression blank.


    The youth didn¡¯t listen, he had enough of listening. All the humiliations, he will pay them all back in full. The cloth was discarded and underneath was a katana, one passed down the Mizuhara family.


    ¡°I am here to repay the debt, in full!¡±


    Eikichi turned away, ignoring the rambling of a mad person. Ryuko ran to her brother, trying to talk him out of his obsession. ¡°Stop it, brother!¡± She grabbed onto the sword.


    ¡®It hurt¡¯ Ryuko recoiled back as brother slapped her¡­ she couldn¡¯t believe it.


    ¡°Get your hand of it, know your place!¡± His eyes weren¡¯t of the brother she once knew, but something deep inside him, something the girl tried not to see ¡°I know, you getting chummy with him. Father should have never let you near the dojo, a woman learning sword, ridiculous. No, I was at fault too, for tolerating you loitering about¡±


    ¡°Brother, please stop¡± Ryuko muttered ¡°You are not yourself, please¡­¡±


    ¡°How dare you open your mouth!¡± The youth flared up, veins popping out. But then, he came to a realisation of his own, one most cruel ¡°I see, it was because of him. You spied on us for him, so that bastard could humiliate me! It was YOUR fault!¡±


    Ryuko was kicked out of the way. The deranged youth looked up to see that Eikichi had turned back to face him, but that cold gaze was no longer there.


    No, it was hellfire burning inside the Beast¡¯s eyes. His anger unparalleled. But madness, it had ways to cloud one eyes, even to doom.


    ¡°Draw that thing and I will chop your hands off with them¡± Eikichi grunted.


    The youth yelled from the top of his lung, drew the weapon and ran toward his enemy. But something was wrong, a person was suddenly between them, in front of the blade.


    ¡°No!¡± Eikichi lunged forward but he was too late to stop Ryuko Mizuhara.

 End of the line

    <div>


    <div>


    <div>


    End of the line


    The Wild West Express through Eden prized itself in its authenticity to the trains described in the Divine Silas''s novel. Complimented by exceptional services, its workers dedicated their lives to this and only this like a true Eden''s citizens.


    The young waitress knocked on the private carriage, she brought refreshments.


    Answering the door was someone strange, huge and imposing with a blue uniform of sort. He and the others in this carriage didn''t seem like Eden''s natives. But the waitress didn''t question, her purpose was to serve, not to think.


    "Thank you" The man smiled gently, he seemed to be interested in her "I will take over from here" He took the tray.


    Before this man, called Douglas, would ask if she wanted some of the refreshments herself, chatting her up. But the waitress refused, this was work and she had no mind for any other activity. Of course, of the guest truly wanted to, she could spend some time with him but the man didn''t push. The waitress left, a mental clock ticking down till the time when she could collect the tray.


    "Food''s here" Douglas announced to his fellow passengers. The tension inside still high.


    There are five here including him, all stuck here in this land called Eden. Only one of them over their thirties, this was quite a party. Despite his size, Douglas was still young, fresh out of the police academy straight into this nightmare.


    "You didn''t stutter for once" The college student, Hannah, jabbed sarcastically.


    "I guess I did well" Douglas refused to take the bait.


    He had developed quite a crush for that waitress who was called Caron. The time here was horrible, and she was like a ray of sunshine in their desperate situation.


    "I wonder what happen if you stick it inside her" Hannah continued "Would she go beep boop" The young girl shuddered, the people here gave her the creeps, always bright and obsessive, they were like programmed robots, uncanny.


    "Now now, no need to say that" The clown Barbara chimed in.


    From the toilet, exited a young salaryman, Lee, looking around in paranoia "Did anything happen?" He asked their youngest member, a silent boy, couldn''t be over 15.


    They all used to have a life, but then, were violently plucked away from their world to this land called Eden by a mysterious figure branded as the Shephard. Still confused, they were conscripted to fight, then frozen, then finally thawed out more than a century later. This land was now ruled by their supposed enemies, their enigmatic leader now branded the False Shephard, nowhere to be found.


    Directionless, this group was cobbled together since they were close by to be on this train. Their job to intercept and eliminate the ''enemies'', people summoned like them, but from the ''other side''.


    "Food is here, you want some, Mr. Lee" Douglas asked bringing the tray over.


    "Of course, I am starving" Lee exclaimed.


    The young police officer tried to ignore Hannah''s provocation. The young woman was scared, confused, her reaction to that was to lash out, deflecting those around her. Douglas understood, he once knew someone like that, his ailing father. Thinking of that gave him immense sadness?


    "Oh my, this looks amazing" Barbara clapped enthusiastically.


    "Isn''t this just like the usual" Hannah said, despite the comment she would always finish all of her portion.


    Barbara took her tray and went to the boy to accompany him while the rest sat down.


    It was daunting, they still didn''t know what was what, thrusted into a hit job like this. The boy had shut everyone out completely, remaining mute. As an officer of the law, Douglas felt like he needed to step up, for everyone. But he couldn''t, the one to do that was their most senior member, the clown Barbara. She remained chippy, slowly opening everyone up.


    They made such progress with the boy, he even showed them his power. To project an image of the Milky Way, it was a wondrous sight, he must loved astronomy.


    But everything went downhill.


    "There are too much food¡­" Lee commented, worry showed on his face.


    There were three more members in their group, one was supposed to be their leader, Jack Thornton. But the man would just sit with his majestic wolf, saying cryptic lines about nature. But he was a beacon of sort, a senior member of the Shephard''s organisation, his mere presence inspired a strange sense of safety.


    Then came the argument, one of them wanted to carry out the hit, the rest refused. And so, the three left yesterday and had yet to return, including Jack Thornton and his wolf.


    "Ah, what are we going to do!" Lee dropped the spoon and grabbed his head. His mother spent her whole life selling cans to get him into university. He finally got a job, but all of that was gone now "Are we going to die, I don''t want to die!"


    "Quit your bitching right now" Hannah slammed at the table. She was shaking in fear.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Their ''enemies'' didn''t know of their presence, that was everyone thought. But after the attack, there was no way they weren''t alerted now. Would they realised those three had accomplices? Douglas wondered, should they surrender? Would their lives be spared? Could they return home?


    That dread had been hanging over the group head for the whole day.


    "It''s all right, I am sure we would be fine" Barbara popped up.


    Douglas wondered how she could still smile. Here he was going to fall into depression, at least seeing Caron cleared his mind somewhat.


    "It''s alright" The police officer stood up, he couldn''t keep on relying on a civilian "If they come, I will protect us all. My power is strong, you all know that!"


    "That boxer guy could predict the future!" Hannah said, she was having some sort of panic attack "And yet they still lost, the enemies must have some crazy power¡­ We don''t stand a chance"


    The mood in the room plummeted instantly. Everyone was panicking, including Douglas. His power was undoubtedly strong. But was it better than predicting the future, or whatever Jack Thornton had. No, he didn''t want to die.


    "Twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are" Barbara started singing, here it came. "Up above a whole so high, like a diamond in the sky" Lee continued. "Twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are" Hannah sang begrudgingly. Then it was Douglas turn.


    That was Barbara power, she infected others with a strange drive. They would have to do what she was doing at that time. Using that power, she would force the group to sing. The method worked, everyone started to calm down. If she wasn''t here, they would have all broken down in despair a long time ago.


    The clown never used her power on the boy, however. He required a method that wasn''t brute force. But she was getting there.


    Night fall and the group went to sleep, all exhausted from stress.


    There was suddenly a sound of explosion. Little Douglas opened his eyes to find the world around him engulfed in fire. There was mother, reaching out only swallowed, reduced to crisp. "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" The boy screamed out as the fire consumed him whole.


    Douglas woke up from the violent nightmare. Even now it haunted him, the incident that took his mother away. But the dreams were getting more and more horrifying.


    The police officer could see Lee, who was supposed to be on guard, sleeping soundly.


    Putting a blanket over the salaryman, Douglas went into the bathroom to wash his face. His mind muddled, he didn''t realise there was someone already in there.


    "Oh my" Said Barbara, at least she wasn''t doing anything, just standing in front of the mirror. There was no trace of the cheerful clown, only a middle age woman remained.


    "Sorry!" Douglas said but then, something caught his eyes "Wait those are¡­ white hair" They were all over the sink "Do you need help with that?"


    "I would be delighted" The clown replied softly.


    There was so much white hair, but she wasn''t that old. Douglas understood why though, he hung his head low in shame. Removing one strand at a time, it took a while.


    "It''s done" He announced after a thorough job, it was the most he could do.


    "Thank you¡­ Are you alright there?" Barbara noticed his shame.


    Douglas sighed "I¡­ I relied so much on you. Even though I am supposed to protect everyone" It was his job, and yet he failed so spectacularly.


    To his surprise, Barbara gave him a pat on the head "You did well, I could see you try so hard to appear strong, I appreciate it. We need someone we could rely on" She reminded him of his mother "You said you would protect us all, I know you would do it, that''s enough. Don''t worry, I will try to help out as well"


    "How are you going to do that?" Asked Douglas.


    "Like this" Barbara tilted her head to the side and so did the police officer, his skull approaching the sink. He couldn''t stop, however, of course she stopped just before the impact. On the clown side, her head wasn''t near anything at all.


    "Wow" Douglas said in amazement, this ability could be used like this. It was stronger than he thought, now he understood why the guy who led the attack group wanted Barbara to join them. The woman wanted to take a bath now, however, so Douglas excused himself.


    He exited the bathroom, having forgotten about washing his face.


    "What were you two doing in there" Hannah said, having awaken some time earlier.


    "Practicing some clown routine" Douglas made a joke.


    The young woman turned away, acting like she was back to sleep. The police officer looked outside, it was still late. For her to be awake, the reason probably not too far from his own. Putting his hand on her shoulder, Douglas said.


    "I swear, I will protect you, all of you no matter what"


    "¡­ You promise" Hannah said meekly, her face still turned away.


    "I promise" Douglas answer. He sat down near the college student and stood guard till morning. Barbara exited the bathroom sometimes after sunrise, the clown makeup back on.


    Everyone woke up and wait for the food to arrive.


    Soon enough, just like clockwork, Caron arrived with the tray of goodies. This was a cleaning day, however, so the waitress would take care of the bathroom while they dine. Douglas felt rather bad about it but he couldn''t stop her at all.


    The food was as great as ever, everyone seemed to be feeling better. There was still tension in the air, but it was clearer than yesterday.


    Douglas sat watching Barbara eating with the boy. Before he wouldn''t let anyone near, but now the little astronomer seemed rather comfortable.


    The police officer relaxed, he would have to call a meeting after this. They shouldn''t just wait around, it would only cause more stress. No, the group would have to take their fate into their own hands, plans will be made.


    "Ugh" Suddenly, the boy went pale, veins appearing on his skin.


    Douglas stood up to go to him only to fall down. He was becoming weaker and weaker, the other also collapsed. Next to him, Lee was convulsing violently. Hannah followed, a horrified expression etched on her face.


    They were attacked, Douglas tried to stand up, he needed to protect them. His powe¡­


    ''Caron'' exited the bathroom and surveyed the carriage, everyone was nice and dead. Still just to be sure, the waitress drew a knife and slit their throats one by one. She wondered what their powers were, but that didn''t matter. Strength didn''t matter if one couldn''t even get the chance to use it. A powerful ability could be wasted with an inept user. Even a power like predicting an enemy''s every move was irrelevant.


    The waitress didn''t pause at all when she dug her blade into the boy''s neck. It was a shame someone so young had to die, but he could be a threat, or not. But she didn''t like to take chances at all. ''Caron'' had sacrificed her empathy a long time ago.


    Last one to be finished was the big man. She knew of his crush on her. It didn''t matter at all, the waitress slit his throat just like the other.


    It was over, every potential threat on this train nipped from its bud. She looked down, none of the blood was on her dress at all. But she still entered the bathroom to clean herself anyway.


    After the train reached its destination, ''Caron'' would sneak back and replace her doppelganger. Who would have thought the doctor''s three headed mutt could shape shift. The waitress was worried that its mannerism could be off, it would be alright if the thing didn''t draw attention to itself. Talking about the doctor, she would have to tell him to clean this up later.


    The waitress ''Caron'' exited the carriage, all freshen up. She entered the staff quarter. From there, emerged the youth with red right hand Malcolm Burgess.

 An unedited rambling

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    <div>


    An unedited rambling


    Around 18 months ago, 3 guys sat down in a coffee shop and started to talk shits for 2 hours straight. One thing led to another and I found myself in a basement in a shrimp costume that was too tight around the crotch... Oh wait, wrong story... One thing led to another and the first chapter of I Am A Hero was completed. Why am I writing this? Well that''s because this current run is at the end of the line and I want to ramble a bit about this short journey.


    The end


    First of all, why is this ending? That has to do quite a bit with the story creation... which were only vague ideas and concepts. This soon evolved into a start and an end, but what of the middle? That was a problem. Due to a lack of planning or anything, the foundation for this story was rather shaky. Things like monsters and masked people got introduced only to get sidelined, constant escalation and introducing way too many characters. The long version is winding and the short version is that we had no idea how to pace a long term story.


    That''s why we are ending this run. Maybe we would return with a reboot of this ideas, that''s in the work with a much better skeleton. But another reason for this end is scheduling. Works and promotions and shift changes meant me and the boys could sat down again in a coffee shop less and less. While I have written other works by myself, this was something we made together and I want to keep it that way.


    My journey


    Flashback to 18 months ago. Writing was something so distant I could not even hope to imagine it. To be honest, I couldn''t even remember what happened while hanging out with my mates, we decided to create a story. After 2 hours of work, the three of us made 10k words of babbling that would eventually become... A Picture Of. Yeh, that actually came first, but in an incredibly rough form. I would mostly work with TH on that one and eventually he became the busiest in all of us, so we decided to make one complete part of that and post it online. But that was later on. Before that, I would meet up with TD and we created I Am A Hero, TH would also join us on that one occasionally.


    As anyone who made it here have probably guess, I do not write, nor do I even read that often. Hence why the tenses and writing styles between my works and different parts of I Am A Hero seemed to change quite a bit. Neither TH or TD write or do any creative work at all, so this is a classic case of the blinds following each other. Yet, speaking for myself, I have had tremendous fun doing all of this. I have learned through trials and errors many lessons and I feel like my writing has improved (hopefully).The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    If there''s anything I am still hung up on it''s the grammar mistakes and the likes. Due to my way of writing, I tend to rewrite parts or whole chapters constantly instead of going and fixing or adding details. This is my way to preserve a flow but it is also incredibly time consuming. As life goes on and my free time dwindles, there was no time left for editing. This was while I temporary discontinued The Vacuous Doctor while writing this, although that one should resume now. I could push my schedule more apart, two weeks a chapter. But that I feel like would be two long for 2000 words, besides, there''s also a problem of me making this feel like a second job and that''s the last thing I want. All of this doesn''t mean anything I have given up on fixing my works, I will try my best to improve and make the experience smoother for y''all.


    I Am A Hero


    The idea to make this story came from TD, who wanted to make our own spin on the story of characters being taken to another world. Apparently this was all the rage, or maybe it still is, I honestly do not know. He enlisted me partly because of my lack of knowledge on the subject and together we worked out three major things:


    - The world (this was mostly my creation yayyy).


    - The characters MUST interact with their original world and timeline as a major part of the plot.


    - The main character MUST have an illusion of strength.


    That 3rd point maybe a bit abstract so I will elaborate more on it. One thing TD wants is to make the main character, Hiro, a weakling. But we also wanted him to be special since he''s... the bloody main character. And thus, Hiro gained a very unique power that makes him a big deal. This story will continue to have people build him up as someone formidable even though it is not the truth. Willow follows him out of her fanaticism, Malcolm and Fleur hype him up to divert attention from themselves, Eikichi idolises him for misguided reasons. Throughout the story, Hiro will be propped up as the HERO the world needs. But in truth, the one with true heroic qualities lie within the unexpected places like the supposed enemy Four, the mentally stunted Conrad and others.


    Of course, eventually Hiro''s flaws, which are buried underneath the title of ''herald'' will surface with devastating consequences. Then he will be forced to stand up and become the ''hero'' he is believed to be. That''s all the original plan anyway, which I hope would one day see the sun.


    Anyway, this has been an enlightening ride and I certainly enjoyed every moment, every stumble.


    (Just a tidbit, Hiro was originally called Hideo but the night we created the story, TD messaged me that there is a zombie comic also called I Am A Hero with a guy called Hideo as the main character. Talk about a coincident!)


    The end (for real)


    I had intended to ramble on more but there must be a limit, this should be it. Thanks for getting this far and I hope you enjoy what you see. I fully intend to continue writing till... when I do not know. I hope to see y''all again and I welcome all feedback no matter how insignificant, just a comment would be great.


    Feel free to contact me on: majortomnal


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