Reconstruction

By: Aviantei

Chapter Four

Remains III

For the past three weeks, it had been necessary for Munakata Reisi to remind himself that he hadn't done anything wrong.

He had allowed Suoh Mikoto to kill the Colorless and Silver Kings. (One king was evil, the other had sacrificed himself.) He had killed the Red King not long after. (A second Kagutsu Crater Incident had been prevented.) He had left HOMRA without giving them any consequences for their actions at Ashinaka Gakuen. (They were in mourning.)

He hadn't killed the Colorless King himself. He hadn't stopped Suoh from exceeding his Weismann limit. He hadn't given HOMRA any of the answers they deserved. These things had yet to be justified.

Reisi hadn't done anything wrong, but hadn't done everything he could have. He also hadn't done anything right.

But he didn't have the time to think about those sorts of things. Just because the incident had concluded, that didn't mean that SCEPTER4 stopped working. If anything, there was more work to do than ever in the absence of three of the Kings. There would be disorganization, and the search for those who would become the next Kings.

It was also the first time that there was no Silver King. While the First King did not take much action in concern to the rest of the world, his loss was still obvious. Considering who had succeeded the last king that had died, the Blue and Gold Kings were both nervous about waiting for three new kings to take their place.

In addition to that, the Blue King was still responsible for maintaining SCEPTER4. They had a duty to the city and couldn't just suddenly stop performing it. Things were relatively calm on the surface, but certain reports were far more frequent than acceptable.

The most concerning issue were the disappearances. Abductions were common in cities this size, but the percentage had recently gone above the average. Furthermore, the pool of people being taken was much larger than the standard of people no one would miss. Missing persons cases were quickly shifted from the police into SCEPTER4 offices. The entire incident was beyond the scope of normal human trafficking.

In addition, localized blackouts had been occurring during the past two weeks. Reisi normally wouldn't have given the matter much thought—the city's power grid was in need of maintenance, nothing more. But when investigations proved otherwise, and even technicians could find nothing wrong with the buildings in question, it quickly become SCEPTER4's problem.

It was more than likely a Strain. That could be dealt with easily enough, but tracking it down had proven to be an issue. No one had seen anyone suspicious before the blackouts and there was no pattern. Like the abductions, Reisi had distributed small teams to look into the incident.

There were still no leads on either account.

It should have concerned Reisi more than it did, but he still wasn't up to putting that much effort into it just yet. There were plenty of standard actions they could take to investigate that would appease the organizations that backed SCEPTER4. It was all simple enough that Reisi had delegated most of the responsibilities to Awashima.

The Lieutenant had taken to the work with enthusiasm. She commanded with ease, and things were running just as smoothly as ever.

There was a knock on the door. "Awashima reporting," the familiar voice said.

"Come in," Reisi responded. The door opened to reveal the busty SCEPTER4 member. She walked into the room, standing at attention before his desk. "What is it? Did something come up in one of the investigations?"

"No, not yet," Awashima admitted. "But that's not what I'm here about." Reisi looked up from the puzzle he was barely focusing on, urging her to continue. "It may just be nothing, but Fushimi reported that HOMRA has started moving."

Shock marred Reisi's expression, but only for a second. He adjusted his glasses while he regained his composure. "Have they?" he asked. "They've made moves that haven't caused much trouble in the past. What exactly is their purpose?"

"I… I'm not certain, Captain," Awashima said. "They only seem to be scouting the city, but Fushimi seemed to find it important enough to report so…"

Reisi kept his face calm, but he still felt bothered. He hadn't expected HOMRA to take any action this soon after Suoh's death. Part of him had hoped that they wouldn't do anything at all, that he would never have to hear that name again.

Then again, maybe this is what I deserve…

"If Fushimi-kun found it important enough to actually report it," Reisi said, choosing his words carefully, "we should at least give it some consideration. Do you agree, Awashima-kun?"

The woman jumped slightly at her name. Reisi chose to ignore it. "Understood, sir. I'll get someone to look into the situation right away. Would you like me to assume resume responsibility for this as well?" Awashima waited expectantly. Reisi considered his options.

"No. I'll take care of things myself." Reisi stood up. "You can keep up with the responsibilities you already have. Besides, I have my own position to think of. I can't be slacking off any more than I have been."

"Captain, no one blames you," Awashima said as her superior walked towards the door. "Honestly, I can handle managing one more task. If you would like to rest some more it's okay." Reisi stopped but didn't look back. Just at the moment he was about to speak, Awashima's phone rang. "Um…"

"It's alright, Awashima-kun," Reisi said. "Answer the phone. If it concerns your investigations, you still have free reign to give any orders you wish. If you feel as if you absolutely need my guidance, don't hesitate to call. Let's work hard today."

"Y-yes Captain! Good luck to you!"

Her words fell on uninterested ears.

"Kusanagi-san wants to talk," Eri announced. The woman placed her phone back on the table. Hitomi looked across at her, mouth still full of the bite of noodles she was taking.

"Huh? What about?" Hitomi asked after swallowing.

"Well we weren't able to 'talk' much when I was there earlier," Eri said. She put her chopsticks together and placed them on the top of her empty bowl. "All Kusanagi-san really knows is who we're searching for. He doesn't really know any of the how or why. It's understandable that he would want to know that and discuss terms properly before putting forth the effort of his men like that."

Hitomi surveyed her bowl as if trying to determine the best way to empty it of its contents. "I don't like that idea," she said. "It makes it sound like if we say the wrong things then they'll call the whole thing off. Especially with you still keeping up the mute act with them. It'll be far too easy for your meaning to be taken the wrong way."

"Which is why you'll be doing the talking for me," Eri announced without hesitation. Hitomi nearly choked on the noodles she had tried to eat after speaking.

"Nee-san! You can't be serious!" The younger of the two coughed, still recovering. "There's no way I'd be able to explain everything to this Kusanagi guy properly. I can barely even think of all the questions he might ask to prepare myself. And even if you helped me with that, what if he asks me something I haven't prepared to answer? I'll freeze up and fuck everything up even more!"

"You can't think like that, Hitomi." Eri moved Mie-chan off the table to sit on her lap. "Besides," she said, forming signs with her fingers that matched her words as she spoke, "if you interpret for me we shouldn't have any real issues. I'll even keep a slow pace so you can take as long as you like. It'll be fine."

Hitomi gave her sister a long stare before sighing in defeat. "Are you certain they'll be okay with that?"

"Of course. Kusanagi-san's a nice person." Eri gave a pure smile that stayed on her lips while her words came out. "I'm quite certain he won't be offended even if you just look at me the whole time. It'll be exactly the same as when Ruyaki and I were giving you sign language lessons. And you picked that up so quickly, I'm certain we'll be absolutely fine." The woman accentuated the signed half of the conversation with a thumbs-up at the end.

Hitomi abruptly stood up, her chopsticks clattering as she dropped them into the now second empty bowl on the table. "Well let's go then!" she declared. Eri looked up at her questioningly. "If we don't go now I just know I'll lose my momentum! So let's go, okay?!"

Eri stood up, pulling a small change purse from her vest pocket. Mie-chan was tucked under her elbow. "Your real enthusiasm is showing, Hitomi," she commented. Eri placed the yen bills on the table, tucking the purse back away when she was done. "But I'm alright with heading back to HOMRA."

"What time does Kusanagi even want to meet up anyway?" Hitomi asked.

"His text said 'whenever you're free,'" Eri quoted. "But he's so polite that it probably really means 'as soon as possible."

"That's just what I need." Hitomi slid open the compartment's door. "Thanks for the food," she called to the chef, folding her arms behind her head. Eri trailed behind as they exited the ramen shop. The two walked down the street, until Hitomi stopped right in her tracks. "Nee-san, which way was the bar again?"

The brunette looked back in the middle of the crowd for a response, but Eri was looking away, already committed to public silence.

This sucks.

This sucks, this sucks, this sucks, this sucks, this sucks…

It was hard to breathe. His lungs were going to somehow implode from the lack of air he just couldn't get ahold of. His heart felt the same. Desperately, he put his hands to his chest, hoping that would make the pain disperse.

No. You've gotta keep calm. Relax. Remember what Masaka-san said. Breathe. Even if it's hard, just breathe. Don't be afraid of it. No fear. No fear, no fear no fear—

But that was impossible. Sparks jumped off his body. Newa Konde backed away from the metal railing he had been thoughtlessly leaning against. Not able to go anywhere else in his current state, Konde shuffled and collapsed into sitting in the middle of the roof.

He had discovered his power about three months ago.

Konde had never been good with talking to others. Every time he tried, it was a borderline nervous breakdown. All the way through middle school, he had never made any friends. Knowing that he wouldn't be able to get a job, even with the proper education, Konde opted not to attend high school.

Concerned, his parents had chosen to spend the money intended for college on sending the boy to therapy.

The entire process had gone relatively well. While still often nervous, Konde was able to at least function on an acceptable level in most situations. Two years later than most with only the merit of graduating middle school to their name, he had obtained a minimum wage fast food job. Aware of his condition, the managers even had Konde assigned to the kitchens during most of his shifts.

But one day, a trade in shifts and an inconvenient illness of one of his coworkers had left them short staffed. Until someone else could be called in, Konde was assigned to the front register. Not even an hour later, she walked in.

It happened all at once—

Unsuspecting, Konde asked the girl for her order.

Instead of providing a rational response, she grabbed onto his hands, almost pulling him across the counter when she straightened.

She said she recognized him from the therapist's office.

Konde was forced to admit that he didn't recognize her at all.

She said her name was Meiri, but he could call her Mei.

Mei, Mei, Mei, Mei—

And that was that. Konde had held himself together, but was still told to go on break. Mei was there the next time he was working the grills and waited until he was off the clock to talk to him, even though Konde's shift ran late. She was there every day he worked, for a week, a month, a year, then two. He walked her home and they talked about whatever was on their minds.

Somewhere in the middle of talking, they started dating.

The years passed. Mei graduated high school and enrolled in the university in the next city over so they could move in together. She studied in the restaurant when Konde worked. He didn't know what else he would do. The time flew by like it was nothing.

Mei was going to graduate in March. Konde had decided to propose to her. They went on a date at the end of November to shop for their families' Christmas presents. He bought the ring while she wasn't looking. Not wanting to wait, he decided to do it at that moment, even though they were in the middle of the street. Half the words were out of Konde's mouth before a nearby electronic store's window display exploded.

That entire shopping district had its power cut off. No one could figure out what happened. It was a mystery, an accident. Konde resolved the completion of his proposal would be the very first thing he'd do when he went to visit Mei in the hospital.

Except only her family was allowed to visit. Konde thought he was close enough but didn't argue. A nurse told him that it would probably only be a few days before her parents changed their minds. He doubted it. Mei's mother had never liked him much anyways. It would have to wait.

And then he almost blew up his alarm clock, and Konde knew that there was no way he could visit Mei in the hospital now. Not if technology was just going to blow up in his face. Then it occurred to him that maybe Mei's accident wasn't an accident.

That maybe it had been his fault.

Everything got worse from there.

He started panicking again, much like his chronic nervousness. Except now there was electricity involved. He started avoiding technology, which was hard in a city like Shizume. He could leave, should leave, but all the ways out of the city involved the trains or vehicles. Even the most standard bike had technology in the form of trackers in case they were stolen. Walking to a survivable living area was impossible. He couldn't even buy supplies without going into a store.

As long as he wasn't too close to any specific piece of technology, Konde only caused blackouts when he discharged. So while there hadn't been any other incidents like with Mei, the amount of times his power set off was something he wasn't comfortable with.

He couldn't really talk to many people without being near technology, and his cell phone had been fried long ago. There was no way for him to talk to Mei without blowing someone else up. The guilt and isolation both persisted for months.

Konde felt like he was going to regress.

"Looks like you're about to blow again, Sparky."

Konde scowled, not turning around to face her. Out of all the people who had claimed that all they wanted to help him, Minenai was the one whom he actively hated.

The woman wasn't having any of that. "So rude, Sparky." The sound of her clicking heels as she walked in front of him mixed in with her voice. Minenai tossed an end of the dark blue scarf she was wearing over her shoulder. She had a pretty face, but the short chopped locks colored a pale green weren't to Konde's liking. "We're just trying to help you."

Konde's chest hurt more, so he didn't move. Moving would only make it worse. "If anyone out of you bunch of freaks is trying to help me, it isn't you," he retorted. It was a relief that the words still came out. "All you want to do is antagonize me into blowing up city blocks."

Minenai sighed and squatted down in front of the young man. He could almost see up her too tight skirt but wasn't interested. She poked his forehead with a ring bearing finger. The piece of jewelry was black, but the sunlight still reflected off of it. "Geeze, come on, you little twerp," she said, pushing his head back and forth. "I'm trying to get you to accept your power. It's cause you're treating it so harshly that it keeps blowing up on you like this."

"Go away," Konde snapped. He didn't want to accept something that had hurt Mei. He wanted it gone. "And I don't have the patience to deal with you either. So unless you want all your little gadgets to be broken, you should just give up on this mess. And I'm not a 'little twerp,' I'm twenty-three!" The last part was childish, a reflection of his frustration. A spark shot off him, singing the rooftop

Minenai whistled. "Wow, check you out." Minenai's hand moved from his forehead to scratch at the mark in front of her. "See this?" she asked, flicking ash at him "This is the sort of thing you can do when you put your mind to it. Since you're not acknowledging it consciously, it's acting off your subconscious." The woman smirked. "You gotta learn to control this or you'll never be able to see that girl of yours again."

Konde's anger shot through the roof. Minenai may not have been the only one to know about what had happened, but she was the only one that ever brought it up. He felt like he would puke, except it would be the intense tingling ripping out his pores. His anger only made the feeling worse.

"Just shut up!"

The force of his shout ripped through the air, and Konde discharged. He could feel where the electricity bounded off to and the top floors of the building losing their power in an instant. The rest of his pent up energy lashed out towards Minenai. When Konde opened his eyes, the woman was sprawled out on the adjacent roof top and parts of both roofs were missing.

He panicked.

No, no no no no no—

Dammit!

This would definitely cause an investigation. There was no way around it. And there was no time to check to see if Minenai was alright. He needed to get out of here, hopefully without letting anyone he see him long enough to track him down. He had been lucky so far, but nothing like this had ever happened.

Konde turned and ran from the second person he had hurt with his curse of a power.

There are times I feel genuinely feel bad for the things I make my characters go through. Konde is definitely one of them. I hope things get better for him in the end cause so far everything I have planned ends in things getting worse.

Man, I never expected to get this much of this story posted so soon let alone the support I've gotten. Thanks to Sleepyface and TheRoseShadow21 for your respective reviews, follows, and favorites. I hope you continue to join the rest of the story.

Speaking of the rest of the story I'm starting to run out of archived chapters to keep posting. Once I finish up another project of mine, I'll be working on this way more than I am now, so it shouldn't take too long for updates to come just as often as they have been lately. Besides, I'm getting real excited for some of the stuff I have planned. But first...

Next time is a chapter entirely devoted to the misadventures of Eri and Hitomi! Please look forward to it!