Part 1
"So, how is your ability building coming up? Any progress?"
Isao asked Ian as they are walking in a more populated area, the shopping district.
There are shops for male and female, bookstore and mini-marts, game shops, cafes, and all the other things. A hot spot for the students of Academy City to hang around.
As Ian heard the sentence 'How is your ability…' he instantly felt real disappointed.
"Haa… talking about my ability, I've made no progress ever since I got here. I guess this brain of mine isn't really made for having abilities."
He points to his head with his index finger, showing that his brain is somewhat useless and he has the last 4 years to prove it.
"Hey come on, it can't be that bad. At least you are real smart. See me, I always get 'C's in my subjects and if I am lucky, a 'B'."
They arrived at the Seventh Mist and they entered the building. Now they are heading to higher floors, passing shoppers and groups alike.
"Now you, you're something else. Every subject that is on the curriculum, even if it doesn't exist, you have 'A's for it."
Ian's face lighten up a little with a smile, he felt a bit better being praised for his academic achievements. Although, he would just disregard it and call it luck.
"Except for Power Devel-"
Ian immediately dropped his head, losing all hope and happiness as Isao said that.
"Eh?! B-But! That is not the point! Point is, you're doing very well and you should have a good future ahead of you!"
A depressing sigh was let out by Ian and he said "Yeah, you're right about that… but you're wrong about one thing, I don't get all 'A's you know."
Fifth floor, they have arrived at the level where the meeting is held but still have a little more distance to cover.
"Oh ya? Well then prove it "Level 0 Genius"!"
Isao felt confident as he said it. There was no way he has ever gotten a bad grade, is what he though.
"Heh, even now you're calling me by that name. Who came out with that name anyway, practically the whole school-"
An index finger launched directly in front of Ian's face. That immediately stopped Ian's question. Perhaps hiding the fact that he, Isao, was the one who spread the rumor.
"Ah-ta-tat! Don't change the subject, I want to hear what you have to say about me being wrong!"
High and mighty, like a child who won a game of tic-tac-toe against an adult, is what Isao felt right now. The feeling of proving Ian wrong seems like a rare occasion for him as he waits for the opportunity.
"Oh, right. Hmm… let's see… you don't know the score of my entrance exam."
"Eh? B-but that is just the en-" He tried to make a recovery but he was stopped
"And my grades when I was in grade school, they were really bad. Want to see them?"
Defeat, Isao remained silence.
They arrived at the door to the meeting room. The door is between two tables with food enough to make a few sandwiches and drinks, both cold and hot. Not far from the door was a board with the meeting information. 12:00 PM, the starting time on the board.
"Alright, we are here now."
"Yeah, the meeting. Looks like it has started" Isao's smile got even bigger
Isao looked around the area on the right, and Ian, the left.
"Looks like no one is around"
"Yup, nobody at sight" confirmed Isao
Both of them stared at each other in silence. The beginning of a duel is the atmosphere felt around them. Eyes burning with passion and fists gripping the air out of the palm.
*Bang*, an imaginary gun shot sounded in their heads.
The two dashed to their tables and start preparing a sandwich.
Bread, lettuce, tomato, smoked ham, smoked beef, mayonnaise, and bread.
The speed between them is furious. It is obvious now that it is a race of speed preparation.
A plastic cup is place on the side of the sandwich, ice cubes in the bucket are stabbed by a scoop, and poured in the cup.
Iced tea is poured in it.
The competitors seem to be moving at the same pace. After their drinks are poured, they take one quick look at their opponent.
"You're pretty good." Complimented Isao.
"You're not bad yourself."
The sandwiches and drinks are prepared, but it seems that it is not over yet.
Both stared in silence, waiting for the one on the other side to make a move. Then they continued, now grabbing the sandwich and stuffing their faced.
Remarkably, both had their sandwich half-stuffed into their mouth. They ready themselves with a drink in their hand.
Then a cup is lifted and heading straight to be drink out of. The cup quickly empties and a gulp proceeds after.
Who has finished their meal first? Who drank the cup empty before the other? Who will gain bragging rights from this childish race?
*Tap*, the plastic cup hit the table.
It's Isao who won this match! Ian is still trying to swallow the sandwich while drinking some iced tea.
"Ha… haha! Yes! I won again! This makes 2 times in a row!"
Ian, still trying to finish his food, is giving him the look of I'll get you next time.
Minutes pass now.
Ian and Isao are still in front of the meeting room.
"Crashing meetings are a good way to get free food huh?" said Isao after drinking some iced tea.
"You said it, I can use the money to play around in the arcade for awhile"
Ian finished his cup of drink.
"So what do you want to do now? I have 3 more hours till my class starts."
Ian looked around for things to do, and then the meeting board caught his attention.
'Esper Level Meeting with Dr. Steven Connor'
The name ringed into his ears. Ian has a feeling he heard of the name before, but as he would put it, he can't put his finger on it.
"Hey Isao, do you know who Steven Connor is?"
Ian resorted to asking Isao.
"Steven Connor? The famous physicists that is in Academy City right? Yeah, I have heard of him."
Hearing that, it reconfirmed who Ian thought he was and then he proceeds to pointing at the board in front of him.
"Hmm…? What's that? Esper… level… meeting… with… doctor St… Steven Connor?!"
Isao stared at Ian with a surprised and disbelieving look.
"Hey Ian, let me see that flyer, quick!"
Hearing that, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of flyer. It was folded 4 times to be exact.
Ian unfolded it and passed the flyer.
A quick snatch came afterwards and the snatcher scans the paper.
"Eh…! It is true, this is a meeting by Doctor Connor himself!"
"You know, you don't have to look at the flyer to confirm that." Ian switched his gaze to the board.
"That board should be sufficient enough rather than a crumpled up piece of paper."
Isao, still mesmerized by that crumpled flyer, didn't even hear a word he said.
"Oi, don't ignore m-"
Without warning, Isao's face came within inches with Ian's face. Ian got pushed back by the sudden approach.
"Hey, want to go inside the meeting?!"
Although surprised, Ian quickly regains posture and took a step backward.
"First of all, don't come so close to me, face to face in fact. Second, I don't think we are invited. Third, we just crashed their meeting, I don't think it is good to just 'go inside' the meeting like that."
These points are critical but it seems to fly by Isao's head. That may very well be true, literally.
"Huh? I am sorry, I can't hear a word you are saying"
Isao is beaming straight at Ian, like a little child wanting to get permission from father to go to the candy store.
"Geh- you're doing it again, I hate it when you do this to me."
He let out a sigh, looked at his digital watch, scan left and right.
Unwillingly, Ian utter the words "Alright, let's go."
"Hm? Did you say let's go?"
"Yes, I said lets go and you can stop using it now." said Ian as he points to Isao.
"Yes! I knew you would come"
That happy "kid" turned towards the door and starts to approach it.
"God, I wish you'd be more mature. You're 18 years old now, be like one please."
Again, those words did not reach Isao.
Inside the meeting room, it was dark and the only light that is clear is at the end of the room, where the stage it. A projector is projecting data, a pie chart to be exact, beside the illuminated stage. Chairs are in lines of 4 columns around the stage and about three fourths of them are filled with people with white lab coats.
On the stage, there stood a man who is also in a white lab coat, giving his speech. He is the size of your average working man, wore glasses shaped in rectangles, short, blonde, and roughly spiky hair, blue eyes, have a goatee, and a very calming demeanor. He is the famed Dr. Steven Connor.
"…and so with the data we have gathered, the unreachable level 6 comes one step closer within' the hands of science…"
At the entrance of the meeting room, the 'crashers' slid pass attention and took a seat in the back.
Isao's eyes were glued to Dr. Connor like he has gold ingots on him.
Unable to hold his curiosity, Isao whispered to Ian for some answers.
"…Hey, is that Dr. Connor…?"
"…Most likely since this is his meeting…"
There is no one sitting close to them so whispering did not disturb the meeting. In addition to that the room was dark.
"…wooow… so that is the famous Steven Connor… do you think he'll write me an autograph…?"
Ian stared at Isao as Isao is glued to the man in front.
"…What is with you and famous people…? …They are just normal human beings who happen to be well known…"
"…well I made a promise to myself to get the meet famous people…" Isao said it with such fire his fist is held up.
"…and when was that…?"
"…5 minutes ago…"
The expression on Ian instantly switched to annoyed mode as the whispered answer hit him. He did not respond after.
For the remainder of the meeting, they listened to Dr. Connor's speech.
"And so this concludes my speech. Thank you for listening as always, you were gracious audiences. The future for Academy City is great as the answer to the unknown level 6 become clearer."
As the speech ended, the room starts to light up softly. Around the room, everyone applauded for Dr. Connor and his speech. Not long after, people are up and around. Some of them are in their small groups, talking to one another, some are packing their papers and going out the room, and some are talking to Dr. Connor himself.
Near the entrance, our crashers are still seated. Isao looked confused as if he had misplaced something.
"er… so the data he gathered… is used to back up the… uh… research for level 6 and… something about level 0? Hey Ian, do you get any of this?"
Isao turned to Ian but he is engaged in deep thought while talking to himself.
"I see, so the reason for the absence of abilities in level 0s could be due to the fact that a right catalyst is yet to be found. Every individual has their own catalyst but most of the catalysts are the same, if not, very close to it. That is why the Curriculum worked for some espers and not other. But what about…"
His original intention was to find clarity in the speech, but upon hearing Ian's thoughts, Isao got even more confused. In fact, he even showed signs of having headaches.
"Hmm… did you say something Isao?"
"…nothing, I don't think asking you would help me in anyway…"
"Alright!" said Ian as he stood up. He seems like he had fun listening to the speech. "I must say that this is one of the things you've dragged me into that I enjoyed."
"Ugh… I am glad you did…"
*VRRRR-VRRRR*, the familiar sound of a cell phone vibration.
It took their attention to Isao's right lap, where his right pants pocket is located.
Isao took out his cell phone and examined it.
"Hmm… it is a message from the teach. Extra-lesson for today is canceled, just study logarithm. Hey this is good news, now I have more free time!"
"Oi, I believe you have to read some lessons. More importantly, why are you still studying logarithms?"
"Ah no worries, those math problems just won't let me understand them even if the answers are clear to me as day!"
"Hey…" the only respond Ian could come up with.
As they are done conversing, Dr. Connor approaches them.
"Good afternoon gentlemen, I see we have some new faces here."
Both of them turned to the oncoming doctor. One in awe, the other, surprised. It should be obvious who is in awe and who is surprised.
Isao immediately stood up as a proper gesture of respect for the doctor.
"Oh man! Dr. Connor himself came to see us! It is an honor!" said Isao as he enthusiastically bows from his waist up and hands straight on his sides. "My name is Kokawa Isao and this is Ian!" again with much vigor.
"Um… Hi sir." followed by Ian as he bowed his head.
Dr. Connor pushed his glasses up with his left hand and responded.
"Hmm… being addressed as 'Sir' and 'Dr. Connor' makes it seems as though I am an elder person. Please, address me as Steven, as my colleagues do. I 'am' 22 years old."
As Steven stated that, he turned to Ian for Ian's word seemed a little too formal.
"Yes si- um- Ste- I mean, ok Steven" stuttered Ian because he is trying to change his words of formalness to words of casualness.
"Good, now then what brings two students to my meeting? Are you interested in the studies and development of abilities?"
"Well actually, we came here for the fo- fhmm!"
Ian's hand covered Isao's mouth before their cover is blown.
"WHAT he would like to say is yes, we are interested in it and that's why we came here."
His hand lowered from the cover breaking mouth. Isao stared in irritation while Ian continued.
"And I have a question, is it really true that everyone has their own unique catalyst?"
"Ah, you're talking about my report. Well it is just a theory based on the data we have gathered."
"But you said you're the one who figured it out right? You must have some kind of perception" praised the amazed Ian.
"Well that is true, but I would not say perception. More of 'intuition' to be exact."
A thought came to Isao as he hears 'Intuition'.
"Oh ya, I remembered you have an ability named after it, something intuitive mani-er.. something."
"Self Intuitive Manipulation or 'SIM', abbreviated." answered and corrected by the doctor.
"Right! And it lets you er… something something something…"
Ian is thinking of the ability SIM and what it was. Quickly, he pieced the words and responded.
"Hmm… Self Intuitive Manipulation… does that mean you can control your instincts?"
Looking dully surprise, Steven said, "Well you sure do know your terms, I am impressed."
Possibly it is because of Isao that Ian seems much brighter than your average student. Truth is, Intuitive is a word overused in an anime he watches so Ian already knew what the definition of it is, or maybe it is just an easy word.
"Ah haha…" laughed Ian as he tries to hide his feeling of joy of being praised. This could be because he still sees Steven as Dr. Connor, the famous scientist born from Academy City and treats him with high respects.
"Well he is our school's smartest level zero, it is no surprise he knows so much."
"Is that true? You are a level zero?" again he seems surprised, at a low level, in learning that fact from Isao.
"Ah yes, that is why I am trying my best to get an ability and if what you say is true, then all I just have to do is look for my own catalyst!"
Ian's hopes of getting an ability got replenished by the thought of that.
"Good, good, it is always good to have students working hard to find their ability. What about you Isao? Do you have an ability?"
"You bet'cha , I am a level 2 too!" Isao's pride is showing as he hit his chest with his fist.
"Oh, that's great. Care to share it with me?"
"Sure, my ability is called Hertz Administration, I can control-"
"Sounds." the doctor finished Isao sentence.
It should be a given that he knew of what the ability can do given that he just finished his research on ability development.
"Yup, you're right!" said Isao as he gave his usual grin.
Ian thought of a new question to ask the doctor.
"So, do you determine the level of your ability? Actually, I am more interested in how your ability works."
As he finished his sentence, he took a quick glimpse of the time. Then he thought they might be holding the doctor from his work.
"Ah sorry for the questions, if you're busy then you should go."
Steven looked at his wristwatch for a moment, and then he smiled.
"It is alright, I have enough time. Besides, I have not have this much fun in ages. Now to answer your question, my ability is manipulating my own instinct. That means I can heighten or drop my sense of knowledge, perception, and learning ability. Why lower knowledge? It is because it helps me relax by slowing down my brain calculations."
"Wow, that means you can be the smartest man on the planet and you can understand everything at once right?" Asks Isao.
"It is more complex than that because like instinct, it happens so fast or it happens without one knowing, and if the same process were to be replicated again, forcibly, it would be difficult unless practiced."
Isao was looking very confused and this time, Ian joined as well.
"Er… you lost me there. Hey Ian, do you understand it?"
Isao turns to Ian.
"I think I get what he means… maybe not."
The area was starting to get empty and the clean up crew was almost done stacking the row of chairs. Lights in different sections of the room started to turn off.
"Ah ha ha ha, how about we change the subject? And why not we move to a different location, they will be asking us to leave soon. Perhaps a cup of coffee?"
Both Ian and Isao looked at each other then back to Steven and nodded.
A few moments later, the three of them are seated in a café. A waitress just finished taking orders and walked away from the table. The café is fairly occupied but the noise level is at a moderate range. The décor consisted of refined wooden walls and supports, and potted plants are at each corner. Beside the cashier is a counter where pastries are being sold and the one responsible for it is the cashier herself.
"…and that is how my ability works! Pretty neat huh?"
Isao finished explaining his ability, happily of course.
"Though, it can sometime be a pain, like stubbornness right Isao?"
Ian added to Isao's finishing statement.
"H-hey, that's not true, just becau-"
Isao tried to "explain" but Ian immediately stopped him by saying, "Really now? The fact that you're denying it is proof of your stubbornness."
The statement Ian made is followed by a smirk.
"Geh!? Aa…" Isao was silenced, head down.
The doctor laughed at the conversation. The waitress arrived with the ordered drinks and distributed the drinks.
"Impressive, that was fast" commented Ian.
The waitress just smiles and leaves to attend to other customers.
"So doctor, you were saying something about a new research you're doing but Isao interrupted you with his ability explanation."
Asked Ian then proceeded by picking up and drinking his refreshment. Isao decided to join the conversation back by lifting his head up.
"Ah yes, I was given a new research task by my colleague. I need to complete it with haste before I can start on my own desired research."
"Why don't you start with your research first?" questioned Isao.
"Hmm… let us just say I have a debt for a certain individual's grandfather."
Dr. Connor adjusts his glasses and reaches for the cup of coffee in front of him. He sips it.
"But I do not wish to do a careless job on it too, so I've been looking for ways to facilitate the research but effectively creating a solid report. But, I believe I have found my answer."
The doctor set his sights on Isao and smiled. This made Isao confused with a half smile on his face.
Ian takes another drink and sets the carbonated refreshment down.
"And this answer you've found is…?"
The doctor glanced at Ian, smiling still, then back to Isao.
"Kokawa-san, would you like to be part of my research?"
Isao stared at the doctor for awhile, dumbfounded. Then the kid in him exploded.
"Really?! Oh man, of course! I am ready to start now! Oh man… I get to see how a pro researcher works…!"
His voice is loud and so are his expressions. Both fists held up side-by-side, around chin level.
"Oi… we don't even know what the research is about and you're already willing to join?"
"Haha, what enthusiasm your friend has. For your information, the research is mainly based on sounds and with Kokawa-san's help, we will be able to collect crucial data with minimal amount of time. I promise you it won't be a long one, I just have to get the basis of the research."
"Sounds good, it is my kind of job!" exclaimed Isao while he pound on his chest once.
It is as the doctor said, with Isao's help he can finish his research quickly with a certain special ability Isao possesses.
"Ah I see, but you still have not told us what the real research is."
"Hmm… that I can't do, it is a secret that I can't tell."
The doctor's reason for privacy may be because usually researches keep their data a secret from others for if leaked, information could be used by other researchers. That was what Ian thought.
"But you are welcome to come and watch. I am starting a few days from now so if you are interested to join, here is my card."
Dr. Connor pulls two cards out from his lab coat pocket and hand it to Ian and Isao.
"Ah, thank you."
"Thanks doc! I'll definitely help you!"
Before Ian could keep the card, his attention is set on Isao's last statement.
"You know Isao, a few days from now, school and class will be piling up on homework, do you have the time to do it?"
Ian made Isao remember their current responsibilities, students, and his smile faded. He goes into thinking mode. After 10 seconds of pondering, he finally gave up.
"Ugh… sorry doc, I don't think I can make it. Not unless if Ian decides to let me copy his homework."
Isao turns to Ian, hopefully seeing Ian agreeing to let him copy. But the moment he sees Ian, a cross was already prepared by Ian's arms saying "No!"
"Aw come on man! Just once!"
The doctor laughed again at their communication.
"Don't worry Kokawa-san, I can wait for awhile. Meantime, I'll do my pre-preparations for my desired research."
"Sweet, well that settles it then." Said Isao like a job well done.
"Oh one more thing, if you're not planning to participate please do call to inform, I'd hate to wait for nothing." Said the doctor as he picks up his coffee cup then finishing it.
"Now then, it is time for me to bid farewell, don't worry about the bill because this is my treat."
The doctor stands out of his chair. Ian and Isao stood up too.
"Ah thank Steven, and it was nice talking to you."
"Yeah, thanks a bunch doc."
And both of them paid their respects to the doctor.
The doctor picks the receipt and his briefcase from the table and went to the cashier. After payments he exited the café.
Just a few steps away from the café, he pulled his phone out from his carry-on. He stopped walking there. He dialed the phone and waits for the recipient.
*Dood dood- dood dood- dood do- click*
"Hello? Yes it's me, Steven. I'll have your report done no longer by the end of next week. What? What do you mean yo- hm? … … … understood."
*beep-* the call ended and the doctor disconnects the call.
"Gr… that bitch."
The doctor is not happy after that, he grips the life out of his phone if it had one. He stares back at the café a few meters away from him, formulating a plan.
He makes another call and starts walking again.
"… … … Hello? Yes, it is Connor. Prepare the materials, we need to get it done now. One more thing, have my 'other' business card prepared."
Back at the café, right after the doctor left, Isao and Ian sat back down again to finish their drinks.
"Well that nice talking to him, I'd never thought he would talk so much."
"Same here man." replied Isao, "I thought he would be boring since he is a researcher and all."
Isao finishes his drink and noticed his watch.
"MMM! Kak Kyak!" he chocked on his drink when he notices the time.
"Oh man, it's 4 pm already! Saki will be mad at me!"
'You have a date today even though you were going to have classes?' thought Ian as he drinks his soda.
"I got to go now, I'll see ya later man!"
Isao took off and Ian saying good bye with a hand up, staring at Isao as he ran out.
*Glup, glup* the sound of rapid drinking.
"Ah…" he exhaled.
"hmm… to the arcade then I guess."
He stood up and exited the café. "Have a nice day" he is bided farewell by the cashier. 'A very family friendly café indeed' thought Ian. Before he leaves, Ian had already planned his next visit to this café.
A few moments later, in an arcade close by, a few coins are on a palm. Ian is holding it and staring at it.
"Hmm… one, two, three, five… this will last me at least 2 hours."
And he proceeds to the gun slinging machine.
Part 2
*Beep beeeeeeep-* the sound of a car honking.
"…Mm…?"
Sunday Morning.
In a dorm that is rectangular, the bedroom, living room, dining room, and kitchen are one. The only source of light is the glass sliding door at the furthest part of the room leading to the balcony.
A bed is placed beside the balcony entrance and in front of the sliding door is a small table. The bed is equipped with a sliding table that moves forwards or backwards. On it rests a monitor hooked to the computer.
Some cabinets are placed along the opposite side of the bed. One thirds of the room where the front door leads to is the kitchen and in the kitchen is the entrance to the bathroom.
This is his dorm, Ian's, and the description is how it is set up. His 'man cave' as thought by his dad and that is what he calls it now.
On the bed lies a curled up, blanket covered Ian as he slowly greets the day.
Minutes dozed by.
The 'log' is still on the bed, eyes half closed, staring at the wood luster finished cabinet.
His gaze leads him to the boundaries of consciousness and knocked out.
(Ah… already morning…? What time is it…?)
Slowly, he shifts his head towards his part computer desk, part sliding table to read the time on his digital clock. "10:28 am"
His usual waking time in the mornings except school days, in fact this is quite early. On weekends he spends his nights going online and playing his MMO or FPS games but he tries to limit himself in order to sleep at a reasonable time.
Now, staring at the digital clock, his gaze returned to the cabinets again.
*Lin Lin Lin Lin-Lin Lin Lin Lin*
Hearing the ringing of his phone, he starts analyzing his current status. 'Who is calling?', 'I am tired now', 'should I answer it?', 'maybe I'll just let it go to voice mail'. These thoughts are going through his mind as he ponders. It also shows on his face where his tired eyes try to be serious.
"Mmgh…"
Regardless of his brainstorm, he got up and reached for his phone on the desk.
*Beep*
"…"
"Hello? Ian, can you hear me? It's me Isa-"
*Beep*
Halfway through his sentence, Ian recognizes it was Isao's voice and immediately hung up.
Even though he decides not to talk to Isao, he still held on to his phone, staring at it and waiting for something to happen.
*Lin Lin Lin Lin-Lin Lin Lin Lin- Beep*
Another call came but this time instead of answering it, his thumb pushes the end call button.
Phone, still held by hand, eyes, staring at the front cover of the cell phone, Ian is still waiting for another call to connect.
*Lin Lin Lin Lin-Lin Li- Beep*
"Hello…?"
"Hey Ian, cut that out, I have to call you so many times before you actually answer!"
Ian grinned out of enjoyment.
"…well I find that very amusing."
"Ah you always do that when I call you. Anyway, I am going out to eat, want to join me?"
Ian turned to his clock, his usual habit to seek for timed based answers or in this case his plans for the day.
"Hmm… what happen to Saki? I thought you guys were going out for a day?"
"Ah… we're no longer together. Yesterday was bad because I was late. Ha… and I just met her yesterday too."
Upon hearing it, Ian is containing his laughter because his guess was right along with a 'funny' remark that he wanted to say but left it at that. This need for 'funny' remarks is thanks to a certain friend he met when he was living in the States.
"…gk…hmhmm… so the relationship did last a day… ahaha-"
"Ah enough, I know what you are going to say, just leave it! Anyway, do you want to join me or no?" Spoke the phone.
"Right, yeah I can do that. Let's meet up at the usual place at noon. Give me some time to clean up."
"Alright then, I'll see ya soon-"
*Beep* The call ended.
Ian set his phone on the desk and got out of bed.
*Ding ding- ding- dingding* chimes from a wind chime and its background is the famed Academy City, where a population of 2.3 million lives and 80% of that population are students. Tall buildings and wind turbines engulf the scenery and tiny birds can be seen flying.
The sun is bright and high in the sky and the streets are flowing as busy as usual with people, vehicles, and inanimate objects. By the way, inanimate objects would be the cleaning and security robots.
Peer into a family restaurant among the buildings and the chances of seeing our target is less than 2% through an unfiltered list.
Skipping the whole process, the family restaurant of choice is chosen where Ian and Isao are in. Isao's back can be seen though it's large windows as he is sitting and chatting.
"…and then the whole thing went down, just like that!" Isao was telling a story at the table with Ian as his audience.
"It what?! Hahahaha! Wow, that's something!"
Eaten dishes are on the table, they were done eating 5 minutes ago and are now loitering, chatting there.
After laughing, Ian finishes his milk, lean towards right and look outside of the restaurant.
The day is beautiful, a little cloudy but it is not going to rain. This information is known thanks to the Tree Diagram, the world's best super computer, for its calculation predicts the weather outcome of the day, right to the second.
"The day is good, I think it would be a waste to stay indoors. Want to head to the park?"
"Hmm… it seems that I don't have anything to do today. Well maybe some homework but I can do it later." said Isao then proceeding to finish his drink.
Ian stared at Isao with a partial smile, showing disbelief in Isao's word to do his homework. In his mind, he thought tomorrow he is going to get yelled at again.
*Dingding-Ding* the café doorbell rang.
Both exited the café and proceeds to their destination, the park.
"So do you think you are going to help out with Dr. C- Steven's research?"
"Oh, I have not thought of that yet, I totally forgot. But I will help him out, if I can find some time that is."
They walk past an alley in between the shops of the city. There are quite a number of alleys that cuts through the row of buildings or shops, each providing a back door to the establishments.
Ian stopped at his tracks and Isao slowed down to a stop after seeing Ian stop.
"Hey, why don't we take the short-cut? It will save us a certain walking distance."
"Yeah sure." answered Isao and they proceeded into the alley.
The alley gave Ian a deja vu though he does not react much to it. He only looks around the path.
"What do you see?" noticed Isao.
"Hmm… nah, nothing, it just reminds me of yesterday."
"You mean when we saved that girl?" Isao memory jogged his excitement.
"Yeah, it just looks like this alley, that's all"
Isao's eagerness to speak of yesterday's past event is showing greatly and he wanted to talk about it. He is even giggling a little.
"Hehehe, yesterday was great right? The way we both save the girl, it was so cool!"
"Yeah yeah, but it was me who did most of the work leading them away. All you had to do was shouting and amplifying."
Up ahead, in the corner of the alley in front of them but hidden from their sights, a guy hears their chattering as they got closer.
"You know what? We should do more heroic stuff like that. Be famous. Then let's join Judgment! Hahahaha!"
"If you want to join Judgment then go apply for it. You've been talking about it so much lately- huh?"
A figure of a man stopped Ian as he was walking. It came out from the "hidden corner" as they got very close.
He looked up and it is a bald man with his arms crossed, smirking.
"So! It was you bastards who tricked us and made fun of us!"
In a few seconds, Ian remembered this guy. It got him alerted because this guy was the same guy from the group of thugs.
"Ohh man, you are going to pay us big time!" the other guy from the thugs joins in as he walks out from the corner.
Two considerably big guys are in front of Ian and Isao, blocking their path.
Isao still did not get the fact that they were the thugs he and Ian tricked.
"Hey Ian, do you know these guys?"
"What? You just finished talking about them and you forgot about them?"
"Hmm… oh!" After a quick pondering, he remembers
"You mean those idiots we tricked and- urk…!" realizing what he said, he went to a quick state of silence and fear.
At the moment, Ian felt like telling Isao to turn around and dash out as fast as they can.
*Pak ka, Pak ka* sounds of crackling fist.
But before Ian could do so, he is interrupted by somebody cracking their fists. It is not from the thugs in front of them, one had his arms crossed and the other had his in his pockets.
The sound is coming from behind them and they turned their heads to see what is there.
3 more thugs entered the scene and they are part of this "group of thugs" Isao was talking about.
All of them had an evil grin on their face like they just successfully robbed a bank.
Ian's plan of escaping is now reduced to 2 grains of rice. A feeling of "game over" looms over his mind but he does not show any fear, still keeping his serious poker face and still trying to form a new plan. A drop of sweat can be seen on the side of his forehead.
Isao is becoming less spirited as he usually is. Although, he still tries to keep his smile.
"Hey you cost us a pretty girl you know, you have to pay us back."
"Yeah, 10000 each sound about right, and some satisfaction for our fists heh heh heh…"
Not only they are going to be robbed, but they are going to be punching bags for these goons, thought Ian.
(There has to be a way out for this.)
Desperately, Ian is still trying to build a plan. It would be simple and easy to escape the group by himself but that would mean leaving Isao behind, and he can't really tell Isao what to do in such a short amount of time. Fighting is the only option left that was and is the conclusion of his every plan.
"Hey Ian, w-what should we do?!"
"Looks like we're going in for a fight"
"A fight?! But I am not strong enough to fight these guys! You do it!"
"Wha- why should I do it?!"
"B-because I have arm wrestle with you before and you beat me, you're strong!"
"Ha… even if that is true, I don't think I am strong enough for these guys." Sighed Ian as he sees there is a very little chance of them getting out of this. Both of them are in the same situation the girl was in yesterday, hopelessness.
"Ah ha ha! Are you couples done with your gay talk? You better be ready for this."
All of the thugs got into their stances.
Ian got ready too, eyes showing a little fear but as well as a fire for self-defense.
Isao just looked around, panicked.
"Wo-wo-wo-woh! W-wait!"
"No time for this Isao, I want you to make a noise as loud as you can!"
Ian knew how loud Isao's ability can get but it is not nearly enough to stun anyone. Maybe a sudden shock could give him the advantage to grab a weapon and knock the 2 thugs in front down.
"B-but I didn't have enough time to concentra-"
"Get ready for some ass kicking!" shouted one of the thugs as he charges at them.
"Shit!" exclaimed Ian as he took a step back from the charging thug.
"HOLD IT!"
That shout is from in front of Ian and Isao and it echoed the alley.
It sounds like a shout from a certain attorney game that he played awhile ago.
In front of Ian and Isao, this is behind the 2 thugs, stood a young man about Ian and Isao's age. He is wearing school uniform, white button down shirt and a dark blue pant. Brown hair short on his back and drops in two in front, leaving the middle part of his forehead exposed, and brown eyes. But there is one key detail that separates him from others. His right sleeve had a band attached to it with symbol of a shield.
"I am a member of Judgment, you hooligans are placed under arrest! Stand down for any actions taken will result in consequences!"
His words match his guts for he is showing no signs of fragility and exerting a show of force, not flinching and well grounded.
The thugs' mood went south as they heard 'Judgment' and they have a reason to be.
Why would a group of thugs be fearful of a single person who is smaller in size? Because like law enforcers, members of Judgment keep the students of Academy city safe from threats not dealt with by the security robots. So they hold the authority and their way of using force is by ESP abilities, or supernatural abilities, capable of dropping a group.
"S-shit Kazu, it's Judgment! We better run!"
"ah... ah… n-no! We will stay and fight! I am tired of running away!"
"Y-yeah, he is just one guy, we can take him on!"
While the thugs were talking, Ian is glad help had arrived. But he is not in the safe yet, if these guys were to use them as hostages then it will be a big problem, thought Ian.
Again Ian formed a plan to just make a mad dash towards the Judgment member with Isao.
"…Hey Isao… lets-"
Before he could finish, his vision went completely black. It startled him as he looks around. But pitch black is all he could see.
"Ahh! Ian, I can't see!" shouted Isao.
"Ahhh! My eyes!"
The thugs scream, each and every one of them. As though to add more fear to the already blind Ian.
"W… what's going on?!"
He felt his left arm being grabbed which immediately made him pull back.
"Don't worry, follow me. I will lead you to safety."
Those words are from the Judgment member and Ian recognizes it.
"Wah! W-where are you taking me?! Help, Ian!"
"Isao, calm down."
He placed his faith on the Judgment member and followed the pull of his left arm, trying not to trip on anything on the ground.
"Alright, I'll slowly drop the shadows so you are able to adjust to the light easy."
And just like he said, Ian's vision slowly comes back. Roughly about 5 seconds, then he can see clearly.
His sights are on the Judgment member then he turned to Isao, wondering what happen.
Isao was shocked too and both Ian and Isao stared at each other dumbfounded.
Quickly snapping out from it, both Ian and Isao assess the situation by looking around. They are now a good ways from the thugs, who have their hands to their eyes like they got soap in them.
The Judgment member walked pass Ian and Isao, heading towards to the thugs.
"You guys stay here and let me handle this."
"Right." answered Ian
"Uh… ok." and Isao
By now, all of the thugs start to open their eyes but most are squinted.
"Y-you bastard! What was that light?!"
"Oh I am going to kill you! You almost blinded us!"
Still standing strong, the Judgment member said, "Sorry, I had to get the civilians out of danger first. Now you guys are to follow me back to the branch where the Antiskill could get you. Though, blinding you guys would be easier."
"Grr… Dammit, we're gonna go to jail man."
The thugs are now desperate, though they have their eyes wide open and can see well.
"N-No! We still have a chance, lets all take him down at once!"
"Yeah! Charge!"
The 5 began to run towards the Judgment member. The first 2 are the closest while the other 3 is about 4 meters away from the first group. The first 2 had their arms ready for a grab.
"Yaaah!"
When they get close enough to the Judgment member, who is still standing, they closed their arms to grab him. But he slipped pass them by ducking, extending his right leg out while crouching with his left. Then with the right leg, he does a sweep kick, knocking one thug down.
"Duah!" *Thump*
Just after the sweep kick, he launches himself with his left leg off the ground towards the 3 thugs at the back, leaving the one standing in front of him dumbfounded.
While in the air, he grabs the thug in the middle by his face and pushes him towards the ground.
*Dah* the sound of impact by the back of the thug to the concrete ground and he is out for the count.
He turns around and what is left of the 3 thugs, which is now 2, charge towards him. Both gave their charging strike but he easily dodges each punch by moving his upper body. The thugs who missed are now behind him. He sidesteps to position himself behind the thug who passed his right and gave a right hard jab, hitting the back of the neck.
*Thoum*
"Urgh-!" is his last word and he fell to the ground.
The first 2 thugs who ran in front have recovered and are now starting their charge toward the Judgment member.
The last thug in the back, who gave a charging strike and missed, turns around to give another right jab. The Judgment member was ready for this and he redirected the jab with both his hands and used the force against the thug to push him against the alley wall.
*Thump*
But he is not done yet. While holding the thug's right arm back, he grabbed the hair of that thug and slammed the thug's head on to the wall once. It knocked him out and he fell to the ground.
When his attention turned towards the last 2, one of them ambushes him by giving the Judgment member a bear hug from behind, gripping and not letting the Judgment member go; constricting his movements. The other thug walks up to them, with a grin on his face.
"Heh heh heh, we got you now…!"
Have the tides changed? Has the Judgment member already lost? Afraid not, for he smirks and said, "Are you sure?"
"Huh? What are you-"
The Judgment member lifts his right hand up and in his palm is a dark ball with a few uneven spikes resonating from it.
"What is this?"
Both thugs stared at the dark orb in confusion.
"Careful not look into it to closely" warned the Judgment member.
Ian and Isao watched as they are wondering what is going on. The dark orb is visible which made them ponder more.
Then the dark orb turned brighter, and brighter, and brighter by the 100 milliseconds until it was as bright as a stun grenade.
*PIIIII!*
"AHHH!"
Noticing the rapidly glowing flash, Ian and Isao took cover over their eyes.
"W-what is that light?" ask Isao.
A few seconds later, the light dies. Ian and Isao look back at the scene.
"AHHH! MY EYES!"
The thug who grabbed the Judgment member is now grabbing his eyes, same goes for the other.
The Judgment member, whose arms are now free, finishes the job by giving an upper cut to the one behind. Then he moves forward and puts his leg behind the last standing thug, grabs him by his shirt and pushes his back towards the ground.
*THUM!* "Ug-ah…"
Now the ones who are standing are the Judgment member, Ian and Isao, the rest are knocked out.
Staring in amazement, both spectators are speechless.
Ian looked at one thug after the next, then stares back at the Judgment member.
"Ha..ha ha ha! Whoa man, that was awesome!"
Isao cheered and went running to the Judgment member. Ian followed in a bit, partially walking and jogging with a look smile of amazement.
"Are you guys okay?"
"Yeah, we're better than okay thanks to you!"
"Yes, thank you for saving us in the nick of time." Ian gave his thanks.
"Well I'd better report this to Antiskill, but first would you mind coming back with me to the branch?"
While this guy did save Ian, he couldn't stop but to feel uneasy to go to the branch which is a part of Judgment's base. This uneasiness could be because of the 'meeting crashes' he has been in with Isao and others.
"Well.."
"Yeah! We'll go!"
Before he could start, Isao already gave the Judgment member the thumbs up.
Ian stared at Isao annoyed.
"By the way, my name is Kokawa Isao and this here is Ian Khaw."
"Geh-" said Ian, double annoyed. Give out personal info will you, thought Ian.
"So why do you need us to come with you? Did we do something wrong?"
"No, it is just orders. But don't worry, it is not anything bad."
The Judgment member got out a phone from his pocket and called Antiskill.
Isao turned to Ian and said, "Whoa man, that was the coolest thing I've ever seen! That's why I want to be in Judgment."
"Yes, I know. You've told me many times already."
The Judgment member finished reporting and kept his phone back in his pocket.
"Alright all we have to do is wait for Antiskill to be here and we will head to the branch."
"Ok er…" Ian is trying to remember if he had given his name. For all the academic achievements, he is quite bad at names.
"Oh sorry, I forgot to tell you my name. It is Nakayama Yuichi, nice to meet you."