It started with a text conversation between Ryuko and Houka:

*Hey, you up?*

*Always*

*Something important*

*Really*

*Yeah**You fucked up**I'm bringing Mataro by the place*

*Oh shit**Yeah, I hear you**Should I bring the others?*

*Yeah, definitely**Sats too*

And so she found herself down in the messy break room of the secret lab, tapping her foot anxiously as all the deciding voices assembled. Houka, Shiro, Aikuro, and Tsumugu were there of course, then there was Nonon, as the future wearer of a kamui (although Ryuko thought that was a pretty tenuous reason for her involvement). And then, as their de facto overseer, Satsuki.

Ryuko hadn't seen Satsuki since Uzu's welcome home party, when she'd been in such a sour mood. Actually, it was since the morning after that. She had stayed the night in her cramped quarters, and because she'd had maybe one glass of wine the entire night, as usual, she was up early helping the guests who had crashed there find their stuff and get on their way home. By the time Ryuko and Haruka stumbled out of the master bedroom she was the only one there except Soroi and the house-staff, but she hadn't wanted to stay and chat. Which was a shame, because Haruka had told Ryuko an intriguing story about an argument between Nonon and Uzu about which she was excited to gossip, but she'd hardly been able to ask about it before Satsuki poured some tea into a travel mug and set off, saying she had lots of work to do. And when Ryuko had offered to carry her off the patio to ground floor she had shuddered.

It was a slight thing, maybe even imperceptible to the human eye, but Ryuko noticed. Had she blacked out and done something regrettable, or worse, said something Satsuki didn't want to hear? She didn't think so, and when she asked around later everybody conceded that she'd been pretty coherent all night, even Nonon. But in the two weeks that had followed Ryuko hadn't been able to pin Satsuki down for lunch and hadn't seen her around the penthouse, even though she knew she was in Tokyo for business quite frequently. She had even turned down a Saturday mountain-biking excursion, and she loved those! To make everything worse she'd been worse about responding to texts too, sometimes it took hours, and this frustrated Ryuko to no end. And now here she was, bent over a coffee table piled high with physical paperwork and laptops, studiously bustling though what looked like mind-numbing work. She'd barely even said hello, and although she'd given everyone the same treatment that didn't make it sting less. And when Ryuko tried to strike up a conversation she gave only noncommittal, nonverbal answers. C'mon, talk to me. I'm fuckin' dying over here.

Oh, and Uzu was there too, although as Ryuko quickly found out he wasn't part of their little meeting, he was just there for a tour of the lab. It had been under construction when he left, and he was one of the few people given security clearance to see it, so he figured he might as well. Esteemed diplomats ought to be well informed about their own country's secret projects, right? Plus, he'd heard that all four scientists and Nonon were practically living down there, which was such a strange setup he couldn't help but be curious what they were up to. When everyone was gathered, he pulled up a chair and asked why everyone was looking so damn glum.

"Well, as I understand it, Mataro accidently overheard some discussion of Kamui Saiban, courtesy of Houka here-" Aikuro summarized, and Houka hung his head in continuing shame.

Uzu's eyes went even wider than normal and he whispered to Shiro, "The new Kamui's gonna be on the tour, right?"

"-And you didn't feel comfortable lying to him about it, so now you've brought him and his parents here to fully let him in on it, is that right?"

"Well, there's… a bit more to it than that. He, uh, he wants his own Kamui." The room went dead silent as Satsuki stopped typing and looked up with the sort of stormy expression the old Satsuki frequently wore. Everyone else registered surprise to some degree except Houka, who nodded slightly like he'd seen it coming.

"I'm sorry, what?" Nonon blurted.

"A-and I think he'd be a good Kamui wearer," Ryuko continued, eyes glued on Satsuki. Oh, she was not happy about this. Which was why it was important that they got everybody together; someone would agree with Ryuko and together the stood a better chance. Nobody spoke, and Tsumugu made a hand motion that she should continue, "Now look, he's still just a sophomore in high school, so like I don't mean you're gonna start working on it right now. But he's willing to train nonstop, that's gotta be an advantage, starting out so young, right? And he's the best kid on his school's track team by a long shot, fights way above his weight class, and we all know he can take care of himself in dangerous situations. I mean, he was there for the whole thing, so he knows what the stakes are, how serious this shit is. More that you could explain to someone who wasn't there. Plus, we talked about it a little, so he knows what to expect in terms of the whole synchronization deal and the telepathy and everything. And remember how much of a little creep he was back then? Well, maybe not cuz none of you would've hardly know him, but he's like way more mature now. He's got himself an honest-to-god girlfriend and most of the kids at his school think he's a pretty stand-up guy. I-I dunno I feel like that's all I gotta say," Ryuko finished reciting the mental list she'd been working on and crossed her arms resolutely.

"Well, if nobody else'll say it let me be the first to point out what a fucking stupid idea this is. All this shit I've gotta do is not for kids. I thought you'd get that since you've almost killed me at least once a week. Plus, I do not want that twerp running around here. He'll just get in the way," Nonon said dismissively. That tone of voice always irritated Ryuko, but then, it was supposed to.

"Wait, hold on, you're gonna wear the new Kamui?" It was Uzu's turn to be shocked now, and he put a far more incredulous tone on the question than he'd meant to.

"As a matter of fact, I am. And you're not even part of this conversation, so either buzz off or quit it with all the moronic questions!"

"Now hold on, if this is something that's on the table why am I not being considered? You all know I'd be good for it!"

"Oho no! It's always just been more and more power with you, always on the lookout for your next strongest opponent! We make you a Kamui and we'll be back to the stone age in a year!"

"That's just not true and you know it, Nonon," Uzu wisely reigned himself in before he lost his temper. Stop looking at me like that, he shouted internally, what, what was so wrong with just asking? "I've seen so much shit out there – we're gonna need more than one Kamui to start bringing these people to justice. Satsuki, c'mon, how 'bout it?"

"This is all quite unnecessary," Shiro intervened before Satsuki could. "We have already discussed this and decided should the creation of another Kamui be necessary – and it probably will be - Aikuro is the best choice to be its wearer." Aikuro did a little bow, and when Uzu opened up his mouth to protest he shut it for fear of being rude, "He's already an accomplished soldier and secret agent and, as we all know, has long since overcome his hold-ups with nudity. Or maybe never had them in the first place. So, synchronization should be no problem for him. Really, he's the ideal candidate."

"Stop that now, you're gonna make me blush," Aikuro said with a chuckle, "Well, what can I say? It's not something I'd planned on but if it comes to that I'll be up for it."

"Back on the matter at hand," Shiro continued, "In the case of Mataro I must admit I'm intrigued. Mako was noted - several times – to have a very strong connection to life fibers, a heightened level of compatibility over even Ryuko. It's possible the same is true of her brother – that it's genetic – and I'd very much like to find out. What do you think?" He turned to Houka.

"Oh, yes, and besides that I can attest that what Ryuko said about his maturity is true too," Houka weighed in, then explained, "We play VR games together a lot, so I spend a lot of time with 'im. He's getting a lot more responsible"

"How the hell do you have time to play video games with all this?" Nonon snarked with a gesture around the lab.

"There's just two things that I do. My work here, and video games."

"You definitely do more than two things," Shiro said dryly.

"You are undermining my point."

"Erm, I also think training the kid's worth a shot," Aikuro added, "Starting out so early, it's a great opportunity. We could teach him right. Who knows, he might even turn out better than any of us. And if things aren't working out, we can always bail. It's the training that'd take years, the actual construction of the Kamui would probably take, what, a few months?"

"A few months to half a year, yeah," Shiro said, "Although we still aren't quite there on figuring out how to do it yet, so there's that."

"Well, there you go. So long as he understands that it's just a trial thing, I don't see an issue with it. Tsumugu?"

"If he really wants it, let him pursue the training on his own and come back in a few years," Blunt as ever, but Tsumugu hadn't said a thing yet so he'd been weighing things up internally, "You're suggesting we promise a fifteen-year-old kid that level of power. I wasn't happy about relying on you all back then when you were teenagers, that's no secret, and I don't want to do it again. Even if his heart is in the right place, it will lead to a sense of entitlement."

Shiro nodded that he saw the point and opened his mouth for a rebuttal, but Satsuki spoke up before he could, declaring, "We will not be moving forward with this project, I forbid it."

"But Satsuki!" Ryuko whined, but Aikuro cut her off.

"With all due respect Satsuki, this is a question for the Research Complex to decide. Now, you should have a say since he's family, but you don't have the authority to outright veto it."

"We agreed that any Kamui wearers would be integrated into the military, placing them under my jurisdiction, remember? So yes, I think I do have the authority. Ryuko," She said, turning her attention away and leaving Aikuro to mull that over.

"Yeah?"

"I can't believe you would even suggest this." No no no, why don't you get it? Ryuko felt a burn of panic and guilt. "Your own brother?"

"Hey, it was his idea in the first place!"

"And you went along with it. I won't permit our brother to be put in danger like this. Don't you want him to be able to live a normal life, Ryuko?"

"I mean, sure, but -,"

"Have you considered what would happen to him once he became too old to wear the Kamui? If he even survives that long. His whole life the consequences of his actions would haunt him – the celebrity, the people he killed, the enemies he made. He'd never be safe. It's no easy thing, trust me."

"But shouldn't that be something for him to decide? Look, can we just bring him down here and let him talk? You'll see, he knows what he's in for."

"We can't bring him down until we decide what we're gonna do with him, because if we send him away with nothing we can't risk him talking about what's down here. And we can't talk in the conference room, it's theoretically possible for someone to listen in," Houka said cut in to explain, "That's the unfortunate thing."

"Even if he thinks he knows, he's still just a boy. He's not ready to make rational decisions about this."

"C'mon, he's older than any of you were when you first started. Hell, you were a toddler when dad told you everything. Why's this gotta be any different? And don't give me any of that 'we were special' crap!"

"That's true, but I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy," Satsuki said, then when Ryuko raised a skeptical eyebrow she stumbled, "Er, well, really I would with that and much worse on her. But that's just a figure of speech. The whole point of what we do is so that others won't have to be subjected to that kind of life."

"But you just said you're objecting because he's you brother! Don't you think that's a little unfair, huh? Why should he get a free pass, especially when that isn't even what he wants? He wants to help, most people in his place wouldn't even go that far."

"That's not the only reason and you know it! And what about you? Surely you realize he's trying to emulate you. I didn't take you as so prideful that you'd swallow that flattery."

"Yeah, that's rich coming from you! And what, am I such a screw-up that my own little brother shouldn't look up to me? Who cares why he does it if something good comes from it!"

"That's enough!" Tsumugu intervened, "We're getting nowhere with this. I understand your concern," He said to Satsuki, "And yes, I would say he's too young to be put to this. But you must admit that it does look a little hypocritical to forbid him when we're considering recruiting Kamui wearers from outside our circle if it comes to that."

"It's. Not. Happening." Satsuki growled.

"How about we put it to a vote?" Tsumugu suggested, "C'mon now, let's get in the habit for when we disagree about other more important things down the line."

"…Fine," She conceded, but glared out at everybody with a look that dared them to vote against her.

"C'mon, you're gonna vote on it without even talking to him? Let me get 'im, please."

"I'm afraid not, we just can't permit him down here without a reason."

"Alright, alright."

"Ok then," Aikuro said, and cleared his throat, "All in favor."

"Aye," Houka, Shiro, and Aikuro said in unison.

"All opposed."

"Nay," The response, this time from Satsuki, Nonon, and Tsumugu.

"Okay, now what?" Ryuko said while everyone else sat there pondering what to do about the tie. "I-I guess I'll be the tie breaker?"

"No," Aikuro said with a sigh, which was fortunate because both Satsuki and Nonon looked like they were about to blurt something angry "I don't think that would be fair since it's your idea. I guess we'll have to defer it."

"Why don't we have Uzu do it?" Nonon suggested.

"Wait, seriously?" Uzu exclaimed.

"You wanted to be involved, didn't you?"

"If you don't feel qualified to weigh in that's alright, but I don't have an issue with it. You're part of our inner circle, you should act it, right?" Aikuro said.

"I mean, sure," Uzu said nonchalantly, but to himself he admitted that he was stuck. She definitely wanted him to vote her way, but if he did, wouldn't that set a precedent of being more likely to turn down potential Kamui wearers? That might bite him in the ass later. And what was the actual right choice, putting himself aside? He wanted to believe in the kid, after all he wasn't much younger than the rest of them and if they could rise to the occasion then so could he. Plus, he had to admit it would be cool – the beginning of the next generation – it stirred the imagination. But if he died, not only would that be rough on its own, but Satsuki and Ryuko and Mako and their parents would all be devastated. He couldn't shoulder the blame for that. Seven pairs of eyes bored into him. Nonon's, Ryuko's, Satsuki's. He knew which he could afford to disappoint more. After a long moment, he spoke, "Nay, sorry Ryuko."

"Ah, that's alright," Ryuko said, deflating a little. "Boy, we're real democratic around here, aren't we, coercing the electorate," She muttered.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Satsuki asked.

"Oh, nothing."

"Well, that settles that," Aikuro said breezily, trying to tone down a bit of the tension. For his part it was a relief to be done with it either way; it was an interesting opportunity sure, but he wouldn't lose any sleep over it. "Sorry Ryuko."

"Yes, I am sorry Ryuko, I didn't mean it as -," Satsuki began.

"Nah, nah it's alright. Not your fault, I get why," Ryuko moped. She couldn't sell it. Hell, whatever was making Satsuki so distant lately might have been the same thing that made her react with such hostility. It was a bitter pill, letting him down, only more so because if it had been someone else instead of her it might have gone through. If Houka had just slipped an application across Aikuro's desk or something. More even than before she needed to know what had happened between her and Satsuki. "Well, who's gonna tell him?"

Meanwhile, Mataro paced furiously around the presidential conference room, nervously glancing at the spot on the wall the elevator had disappeared into. He had long since made up his mind, and now the waiting was agonizing. It was all the more so because try as he might he couldn't fully imagine what was going on down there. They were discussing it, but what were they saying? In his imagination it was all very arcane; there was a long wooden table in a dark room, Satsuki was at the head – of course – Mr. Mikisuki at the other side, they called the meeting to formal order, everybody had businessy little folders in front of them. Ryuko probably worded the question very carefully, and then… what? They would go back and forth in debate, sure, but he just couldn't begin to guess who would say what. It was enough that before long Sukoyo was asking him if he really had to keep pacing. Both she and Barazo had no real idea what was going on, Ryuko and Mataro just told them there was an important question they wanted to ask at the lab and that they should come along. Neither of them had anywhere to be, so they came along without a fuss and were idly talking about a TV show they'd been watching together lately.

Mataro was debating with himself what he would say if they agreed, trying to come up with a response that covered all the bases that would be expected: humbled, dutiful, determined, excited. It would be a historic moment, he thought, even though it would happen in the confines of a secret lab beyond the sight of the world. He had to be ready. But then there was also the possibility they would say no. He almost didn't really believe that, but to be reasonable he had to accept that it could happen. And if it did, he didn't know what he would say. What he would do next, on the other hand…

Eventually the elevator reappeared, and Mr. Mikisuki stepped out. With a somber look he motioned for them all to follow him. On the elevator ride down, he gave his standard speech about security and not telling a single soul what they saw here, but when the doors opened Mataro couldn't help but wonder what there was to tell about. All the break room's doors were closed, all the monitors switched off – this was the workaround to avoid showing him anything he need not see – so what he was left with was a dingy, messy little hangout. Maybe I underestimated how much time they spend down here. The assembled group did look sufficiently serious though (except Nonon, who was on her phone), and one way or another Mataro could tell they were prepared to give him one hell of a talking to.

Once they took their seats, Mr. Mikisuki - with the help of Mr. Kinagase, Houka, and Shiro - began explaining what the secret lab was, before moving on to Mataro and the Kamui. They went about it in the most roundabout way possible, for the benefit of his parents, and not only did it frustrate him, but it also filled him with anxiety – wouldn't they have just flat out said if they'd accepted him? For their part Barazo and Sukoyo didn't seem all that surprised or concerned even when the heard that Mataro had asked if he could wear a Kamui. But that was probably because it was immediately followed up by:

"However, after due consideration, we have decided to decline. Sorry sport." In the pause that followed, everyone looked to him for a response. Ryuko was still looking quite despondent, clearly feeling responsible. Satsuki, on the other hand, looked sorry but not nearly as much. This was probably her doing, Mataro thought, and really, he couldn't blame her.

"Oh, alright. Do I… ah… do I get ta know why?"

"Mainly that you are too young both to be trusted with this responsibility, as well as to be ethically subjected to this experimental technology. Also concerns for your safety, obviously. I can go into more detail if you want."

"No, that's alright. Thank you for your time." But he wasn't done. Someone who aspired to wear a Kamui couldn't be held back by such a simple setback. He stood up, "Yo, Uzu, now that you're back I was wondering if I could take Kendo lessons with you."

"Uh, okay? Sure, I'll be opening up my dojo pretty soon."

"I'll pay full price, of course, don't worry."

"Not necessary, little dude," Satsuki had been about to turn her attention back to her laptop, but now she was staring at him with her mouth slightly open, clearly wondering with some alarm if he was really doing what she thought he was.

"Mr. Kinagase, I'd like to start tagging along to Ryuko's martial arts training with you, if that's alright."

"It's always been open to you, but I'll warn you we don't cut newbies slack."

"That's fine by me. And, Mr. Mikisuki?"

"Yeah?"

"If you're not too busy I'd like to set up some sharpshooting lessons with you sometime."

"I think we could work something out," Aikuro responded with a sly smile. He gets what's going on here.

"Oh, and Houka? Or Shiro either one, if I could maybe get some tutoring sessions with one of you that would be great. Math ain't exactly my strong suit."

"Er, sure."

"Excellent. Nonon?"

"Oh goody, my turn. Whaddya want, kid?"

"A schedule of your workout routine, that's all."

"Oh."

"Here, I've got it," Houka said, "I'll email it to you just as soon as I edit the secret stuff out."

"Thanks," Mataro said while Nonon groaned. Now the last one, "And, uh, Satsuki?"

"Yes?" Satsuki asked suspiciously, shooting a glance over to Ryuko. She was chuckling to herself and shaking her head, pleased by Mataro's determined reaction but just as surprised as the rest of them. She definitely hadn't put him up to this, it was his own idea. So this was the path he had chosen. Mataro continued, "I need some cash to buy a treadmill and a weight set."

Despite herself, Satsuki's lips formed into a soft smile.