Mejiis pov.
Level 2 looked like something I could never even imagine. Lots of tall buildings called skyscrapers, houses in different sizes everywhere, factory's, shops, corporations, parks, schools and much more. The whole place was filled with things and no matter where you look there were always buildings there. The whole atmosphere of level 2 felt heavy, sad, depressed and tired. Shota said level 2 is one big city where people live and work all day. The people living here all had the same serious expression, dressed in mostly grey clothes which blended in with the grey houses everywhere. The only colour that really pop here is the green from the parks. Even though I was excited to finally visit the infamous level 2, I immediately felt less exited. The whole atmosphere, the people and the scenery drained my energy slowly but surely. As our Jeep slowly drove through the town I watched the people living in it. Besides the same expression on their faces, everything seemed to be kept in line, everybody where going somewhere and it seemed like everybody were in a hurry to get to their destination. Even the kids looked like that. The city saddened me, as no one looked like they were happy. I put my arms on the side of the car and leaned my head on them, this city is so different from level 3. I wasn't sure how to feel really. I stayed like that for a while, letting the city slowly pass me by without realising it. Level 2 absorbed my energy like a sponge and I had chills going down my spine and I closed my eyes as the sight gave me nothing but an uneasy feeling. "level 2 is different from level 3 Mejii" I quickly turned my head around to Shouta who was looking at me with his head resting on his right hand. "Back in level 3, our main goal is just to survive the warm climate. Here, people only have one main goal in life. Climb the ladder to become high enough in rank to get to level 1. Kids are taught here from early ages that if you work hard you can become a level 1 resident. That's why everybody here has the same sad expression on their faces. No one is thinking about relaxing or having fun, they believe they can have that once they become level 1 residents" Shoutas words had me silent. I thought life got better the higher the level, but this had me questioning it. It truly saddened me seeing their expressions, especially the kids. I clenched my fist. I looked at our driver Sam. "how would you explain level 2 Sam?" everybody paused, Sam looked at me through the rear-view mirror before he looked back at the road. "Mostly like Shouta said. It saddens me to see my people live like this. I once did as well, before Shouta reached out to me and made me realise how to truly help me, my family and my people. Now I live a happier life, because my goal is something I can achieve. Most people don't end up as level 1 residents, instead they work themselves to an early grave" the mood in the jeep was dead serious after Sam's speech. But a small nod was exchanged between him and my brother, which I can only assume as a nod of appreciation from both. "you have a family? You don't look a day over 25 though" Sam started chuckling. "How kind of you miss Mejii. I'm actually 30 and had my first child born about a month ago" My chest became all warm and fuzzy after hearing about that small of a baby. I quickly sat up and straightened my posture, turning my face and body forward. "eeeh a new born? How adorable! Is it a boy or a girl? Have you decided on a name?" the guys all enjoyed my happy state over a new born. Sam seemed to enjoy himself as well, get to brag about his child a little. "My baby girl, her name is Ame" I smiled, children are very precious back at home since most of us get married with someone from another village. There are a lot of villages in level 3 and most of them are not very big, so to get some new DNA in these villages, people will marry from other villages. A lot of them are decided by the parents, Shouta was even supposed to marry at one point, it never went through though as Shouta started this job he is doing now though. Children aren't very common for this reason though, so seeing one is always an incredible sight. "will we get to meet her?" I asked aloud. While bobbing happily in my seat. Shouta chuckled "it takes a long time to get through level 2 because of its size. We will stay the night at Sam's house and depart for level 1 in the morning. So, it is most likely." Shouta explained to me with a smile on his face. I smiled back at him, he knows how much I love children! He will never admit it but Shouta probably loves children more than I do. Then again, Shouta is turning 23 which is the age most people back at home get married and have kids at. I'm assuming the thought of quitting this job and start a family has crossed his mind several times. My brother has always taken well care of me, I can only assume that he yearns for a child in his life at some point.
We travelled for a few more hours before we reached their house. The house stood out amongst the grey ones as this was a brown wooden cottage. Apparently, Sam has built it himself. The wood was a refreshing sight after seeing so much grey for so long. The house is located right next to a big green park with a playground and a school nearby. The playground was depressingly empty, as kids were sitting inside and studying instead. The guys all got out of the car and started to unload it, I waited a few seconds more, taking in the scenery of the area and the house before slowly getting out of the car. We were unloading the car when the door opened and a red-haired woman opened the door and took two quick steps outside before stopping at the top of the stairs on the porch. She had freckles around her nose with striking green eyes. She wore a white blouse with a long brown skirt. She had a huge smile on her face as she greeted us all. Sam didn't hesitate to almost run up to her and pull her into his arms for a hug and a kiss. Sam's brown hair and beard was quickly found by the woman's hand as she tried to gently push him away. Obeying her gentle command, he released her from their kiss and she started to giggle. "Geez, give me some time to greet everyone before you steal my breath" they both laughed "I just missed my dear wife is all. Are you alright?" he said with the most caring look on his face, this man was deeply in love with her and warmth spread throughout my body seeing two people so happy and in love. The woman placed a hand on his chest and the other on his cheek and gave him a warm smile "I'm fine, I missed you to. Now help our quests with their stuff to the guestroom, will you?" Sam smiled and nodded, picked the bag up which he casually had dropped during their kiss and walked inside with it. After following him with her eyes until he was out of sight, the woman turned our head to us, put her hands on her hips and smiled. "Hi guys, nice to see you again. Oh, is that her shouta?" the woman asked, looking at me with interest in her eyes. I blushed a little as she looked at me. I'm not used to have people looking at me like that. Shouta just nodded looking very proud. "oh my, she is absolutely adorable! My name is Lily pleased to meet you!" she quickly walked up to me while the guys unloaded the car. She took my hand in hers and started to shake it. "Nice to meet you too, I'm Mejii!" I said, my voice was shaking from the intense handshake, I could hear Keita trying to keep his laughter down behind me. "Be gentle with her will you Lily? It is her first time out of level 3 after all and it has been a long journey here" Shouta spoke behind me, his caring instincts were always alert I see. He was smiling but there was a hint of worry to it. "yes of course, but is it alright to show Mejii around?" Lily spoke with the look of excitement in her eyes. "ask Mejii?" Shouta chuckled as he picked two bags up. "Don't think too highly of yourself Shouta, I WAS asking Mejii" she said and looked at him in a teasing way with a grin on her face. I looked over to shouta and I started laughing at his irritated expression. He started smiling when he noticed I was laughing though. "knock yourself out ladies." Shouta spoke before him, Keita and Hei all walked past us carrying bags into the house. Lily turned her face to me after the guys had left. "what do you say?" she smiled with that excited look in her eyes again, it was impossible to say no to her so I nodded and she was quick to take my hand in hers and drag me inside to show me around. The front door lead straight into the living room, it was a decent size with crème coloured walls, three dark brown sofas and a black coffee table in the middle. There was a fireplace next to the sofas and the guys were already sitting down there talking and joking. Lily was pointing around at the decorations and talking about them when I caught Keita looking my way. He gave me a thumb up and smiled at me as if to say, 'hang in there' I just nodded at him with a worried smile. After showing me around the living room, we went to the hallway and entered the first room on the left which was the kitchen, it was a decent sized white kitchen suited for a family of their size I suppose. She was quick to drag me to next room on the left side which was the bathroom, the light blue walls were a refreshing colour with the white bath and shower, sing and toilet. "you're welcome to use the shower as well if you'd like" Lily said to me and smiled. I looked at her "I have never used a shower really, in the desert, preserving water for food and drinking is the only way to use it. In order to keep our hygiene up, we simply leave our clothes out to get some air in them and use herbs and plants on the parts which needs it." For me that was natural, wasting water on your body has never really crossed my mind, but judging on Lily's expression that was not normal. "I didn't think about that. When I first met Shouta and the others they had been traveling around the levels for a while and knew what they were, but It never crossed my mind that you didn't know. I am so sorry if you feel offended by that!" Lily quickly apologised and I chuckled "I am not offended at all, we live in different worlds after all. However, I might take you up on that. I wonder how it feels like to take a shower lie that." Lily smiled and seemed relieved by those words. She quickly took my hand and continued the tour. The guest room which we would sleep in was a tight fit for the four of us, the white bed and the three mattresses occupied the walls with the only space left to stand on being in the centre of the room. The white walls of the room felt naked with nothing on them and the blinds were covering the view. "don't worry, you get the bed!" Lily suddenly said and smiled wide. Even though that was not on my mind it made me smile that she was trying to make me feel comfortable in here. My bag was placed on the bed and the other bags we had were scattered around the room, the only bags to be carefully placed were our own personal bags. I looked at each of the bags carefully placed on the bed and mattresses, seems the guys had already gone ahead to choose where to sleep. I smiled for myself as Lily beckoned me to follow her. We never entered their room, as Lily finds it to be very personal, out of respect I did not go against it, instead happily continued the tour. We stopped outside the nursery. I could feel my body getting all warm and fuzzy "is Ame in there?" I asked and Lily put her hands on her hips and said "yes, she is sleeping right now" "oh I see." It was obvious what Lily were trying to say by that without saying it. Please let her sleep for now, or something like that. I wish I had gotten so see her though, I would have loved to get a chance to hold the little thing in my arms and gently squeeze the small feet, but it couldn't be helped if she was already asleep. Lily looked at me and asked, "do you like kids Mejii?" I turned to her, she looked interested in what I had to say, I looked down on the floor and smiled. "yes, very much." She put her hand on my shoulder, "I am glad you do. I wish I could show her off right now, but I wish to let her sleep if you don't mind." I put my hands in front of myself and said, "oh no don't worry I understand!" this made her smile. I did not wish to make her feel bad, so her relieved smile was a comfort. "enough about that. I think I have pretty much shown you everything by now. The guys are in the living room, shall we?" I smiled and agreed to her offer. And together we walked to the livingroom.
The guys sat in the Livingroom talking and making jokes which each other, me and Lily walked in and decided to join them. "Ah there you are, I guess we can go through the plan for tomorrow now that you both are here." Keita spoke and gestured for us to come and sit down. Lily sat down next to her husband Sam. On the sofa across theirs sat Keita and Shouta and the one between them sat Hei and I sat down next to him.
"Right, the plan for now is as follow. "Shouta started and we all listened. "we will stay here for the night and leave around 9 a.m. Meaning we should be in level 1 by 11 a.m. Sam will drive us straight to Johns place then drive home again." Before Shouta continued, Sam interrupted. "what? No, I will stay there with you like I always do!" we were all quiet besides Shouta. "Besides the fact that you should stay home for your new born, last time we almost got caught. I don't want you to get arrested for being there if it happens again. And if we need to escape, going by car will only make that harder. If you stay in level 2 and we get to yours you can drive us to level 3 from there." So, this is an escape plan? "what do you mean you almost got caught?" I carefully asked. Keita looked at me. "last time there was an explosion along with the experiment. The whole thing blew up and guards came to arrest us, thinking we tried to blow everyone up. John had to convince them that it was all his fault as he had accidentally bumped into one of his projects, causing it to explode. He used all the fanciest scientific words he could think of to convince them" Keita said and snickered, but Shouta quickly told him off "this isn't a laughing matter Keita." Keita went silent. We all knew that messing up could mean we get captured or killed, there were no other options. Avoiding those were our top priority which is the reason for Shoutas change in plans. As soon as Sam realised that, he leaned back in the sofa. Lily placed her hand on his but kept looking seriously at Shouta. "Sam told me last time that he had found a hole in the wall big enough for a person to go through. He found it while taking a walk, apparently people from level 2 somehow dug through the wall without any guards noticing to steal from stores to later sell to others" this made Hei lean forward "why haven't you told us about this sooner?" Shouta simply looked at him. "I want it to be our last option for escape. If we can get away another way, or not having to get away at all, I want us to prioritise those options. That hole could be used again by us or others in need. So, I decided to wait with that information until it was needed." Hei seemed to accept that answer, as he did not ask any further things about it. Shouta appeared grateful for that as he made a small nod. "for now, there is nothing else planned. Hei and Keita will you go with Mejii to the guestroom? I have things I want to discuss with Lily and Sam." The guys looked surprised that Shouta wanted them to leave as well, but did not go against his wish. "alright then, let's go Mejii" Hei said as he stood up next to me with a gentle smile, beckoning me to come with them. Quickly shooting a worried look Shoutas way, I followed the two guys to the guestroom. Keita was obviously irritated by Shoutas words as he was pouting all the way to the room. Hei just sighed at Keitas childish behaviour which just made me giggle. We stepped into the room which the four of us were to sleep in.. Hei sat down on the bed and yawned, I was about to join him when Keita suddenly spoke to me. "sit down on the floor Mejii, I shall help you with your wrist." He sounded as if he was trying to hide his irritation with a gentle tone, but you could still tell it was there. I did as he said and sat down on the floor, back facing Hei, waiting for Keita. Keita had gone over to a bag and grabbed a white box which I assumed was for treatment. Once he had it he walked over to me and sat down across me. "alright, give me your hand" he calmly instructed me and held out his hand. I placed my hand in his and he started to inspect the wrist. "is it still hurting Mejii?" Hei asked behind me, I turned my head slightly to somewhat see him "I haven't noticed any pain since we arrived here, but it is still there. I notice it now when nothing else is occupying my mind." Hei simply looked at me and occasionally switched his gaze from my eyes to my wrist. "it doesn't seem to be broken, but he was rough on your skin. I'm guessing it'll become a bruise soon and then disappear. "Keita said as he grabbed a lotion and gently smeared it on my wrist. I smiled at him "thank you Keita" Keita just smiled back and seemed happy to help. I heard movement behind me and saw how Hei was laying down on the bed ready to sleep. "you know Mejii is supposed to sleep, there right?" Keita said going back to the irritated tone he had not too long ago. Hei opened one eye and grinned at Keita "I was told to protect her, which is what I am doing- "he switched his gaze to me and simply winked trying his best to hold in his laughter. "huh, are you sure about that? My brother just might kill you" I smirked at the figure on the bed. Hei seemed to enjoy my answer as did Keita as the both burst into laughter. "what the hell? Weren't you innocent? I was not expecting a challenge!" Hei said laughing. "I was so ready for an innocent response and expression!" Keita said holding his stomach from laughing. I turned around to look at him "did you two plan this?" but before Keita had a chance to answer me, Hei grabbed my arm and pulled me towards him so our faces were close "interesting, how far can we push this game?" Hei was obviously trying to tease and jut play games. I stood my ground and was just about to answer when a familiar voice spoke with a very angry tone. "just what are you doing Hei?" Shouta was standing by the now opened door, face looking like it might explode any second. We were all so caught up in this game of domination and pushing limits that we didn't notice him coming in. Hei was just about to answer when I caught his eye and gave him an evil smirk. When he saw that his face went from a smile to scared. I had come up with a brilliant plan to take control and was about to unleash it. I switched to an innocent sister persona and put on a small act for Shouta "Brother, Hei just grabbed my arm and told me to sleep with him. The same arm that the soldier hurt earlier." I was guessing Hei didn't mean to grab that arm, as he genuinely looked sorry about that. But he looked scared about the other things I said and was sending me gazes that told me to watch out because I was going to pay for that. Shouta was almost exploding with rage and Hei looked terrified of Shouta "Hei, how dare you! Give me one good reason not to lop of your head this instance!" To make things worse for Hei, I went over and hid behind Shouta as if I was scared by Hei, which had Keita rolling on the floor to not explode from laughter. Hei sat up and put his hands together "We were just playing a game Shouta, I am sorry. She was playing the game as well!" To be fair he was telling the truth, but Shouta was not having any of it "are you trying to tell me, my cute sister would agree to such game? Sit still, I will have to lop of your head!" "aaaah noo!" Hei shouted. I sighed, I obviously had to end this comedic fight. I placed my hand on my brothers' shoulder who turned to me with the biggest brotherly smile and said, "don't worry Mejii I shall kill him for you!" I stepped in front of him "no that's fine." I bent down to Hei and said with the most evil, victorious, and sadistic smile I could pull "if he apologises to me that won't be necessary" with that he understood what I was doing. He went from scared to a defeated smile. He scratched the back of his head and said "well, this was unexpected. You are tougher than I thought. You win, I am sorry." I leaned back and smiled at him and placed my hands on my hips. Keita at this point had laid down on his mattress because he couldn't keep his body up from laughing at this scene. "you really are something else Mejii!" I turned to him and smiled. Shouta stood in the middle looking confused as to what was happening, I took a step towards him ang hugged him. "haha its fine Shouta." He hugged me back and said to Hei "can I trust you protecting her knowing now that this happens when I am not in the room?" he shot him a glare. "eeeh, we were playing a game Shouta. You know I will protect her well!" Hei pouted. "Shouta you are my favourite brother; did you know that?" I said looking at him with a big smile. He looked down on me with a confused look "I am your only brother Mejii?"
A few hours later we had all gone to bed. The room was now covered in darkness and at each walk of the room a person was laying. The night air surely didn't feel as peaceful as it normally would, sine Shouta and Keita were snoring loudly. I had always known my brother for a master snorer, but Keita was putting up a fight, even though he isn't aware of it. I was turning in bed with no success of getting comfortable enough to sleep. It wasn't the beds fault, the soft bed with the dark blue quilt and pillow were very comfortable indeed. It was like sleeping of clouds compared to my bed back at home. But, maybe that was the very reason for my ability to not fall asleep? I pulled the quilt over my head in frustration. I just wanted to get some sleep. I sighed loudly. "can't sleep?" a voice spoke from the darkness, it made me jump and I pulled the blanket of my head and sat up in the bed from that very surprise, but I'd recognise that voice anywhere. His voice sounds more adult like than Keita's and Shouta's after all. "Qui! You scared me Hei!" a soft chuckled was heard, he had been so silent this whole time that the thought of him being awake hadn't crossed my mind. I took a second to calm down before responding to him. "and no, I guess so much is happening that my mind won't relax." Hei went silent. I immediately regretted saying that, I didn't want to bother him. He has most likely a lot on his mind as well. "well, I am here to listen if you want to share any of it?" I paused for a second, a bit surprised that he offered to listen. I had yet to actually discover what kept me from sleeping, I decided to just speak and see where it landed "I don't know really, at first I thought it was because this is my first time sleeping I a bed like this, but the more I think about it now, I think it has to with me never being away from home like this. And I am embarrassed to admit it, but I am afraid about what is going to happen in level 1. I have a feeling that something bad will happen, I just don't know what." Hei went silent again, I'm guessing he is thinking about an answer. I swallowed hard. The room didn't feel tense at all, it was me who was tense. It didn't take long for him to answer. "leaving home for the first time is always scary. You are safe there and know how it all works. So, throwing yourself into the unknow like this is not surprisingly scary. But we are all here to help you, so try to not let it get to your head. Regarding level 1, there is always something bad happening. You don't see it very well since they want level 1 to come off like a paradise. But for us level 2 and 3 residents, we see it clearly. How bad people are treated and how unfair it is. I do not know what this bad feeling of yours means, but trust me when I say I won't let you get in harm's way." I blushed and smiled, Hei has a good way with words it seems, I felt much better immediately. The worry was still there though but not as much as before. "thank you Hei." I said and smiled, not that he could see it. I assume I smiled jut for me in that moment. "are you not afraid of the experiment? I was sure that would be the reason behind your lack of sleep." I looked at the ceiling, good question. That should be the thing that worries, but for some reason it's not. "it scares me. However, it doesn't scare me. I know it is going to happen and I know it is going to be rough." Hei chuckled quietly to that response. Which made me realise something. "so, how come you are still awake. Something on your mind?" turning my head to the place in the room where his bed is, I awaited his response. I could hear him scratch his head and shift around a little in his bed. "Maybe, maybe those thoughts are going through my mind as well." Not fully understanding what he meant by that, I instinctively asked "what?" Hei paused for a second. "nothing, try to sleep." Even though I wanted to talk to him for a bit longer, I didn't want to push him either. Hei was still new to me, and you can't force a relationship to come faster. I did as he said and leaned back into my pillow, now being able to calm down fully and truly let my mind drift away I quickly fell asleep in the soft paradise I was in.
No one's pov.
Hei noticed how Mejii's breath got slower and heavier, realising she had fallen asleep he let out a sigh as to calm himself down a bit. While the things Mejii was worried about was on his mind as well, he was also in deep thought and worry about what might to come the upcoming days. Level 1 is dangerous for them, their cheer presence draws suspicion which is always harsh on them, having Mejii there who is new to all of this, and her being his responsibility makes it tougher as well. He will of course protect her with his life, but he couldn't help but to feel uncertain about this whole thing. Hei scratched his head as he listened to everybody sleeping, he wished he could see them, the guys always looked funny when they slept and it had the power to make him chuckle and calm him down. This room was far too dark to grant him that satisfaction though, tonight, he will have to listen only. Realising he was far from being able to sleep, the urge to go outside and have a cigarette arose. Hei doesn't normally smoke, but he has noticed that at nights like this, when the night grants him no sleep, a cigarette or two can help. Just as he was about to stand up he remembered how Shouta had told him to quit, saying he stinks like a pile of garbage. Remembering it made Hei chuckle and he gave up the idea of going outside for that cigarette. Instead he felt much calmer after just remembering that amusing moment between him and Shouta that Hei slowly but surely managed to fall asleep.