My eyes stung as tears bubbled to the surface. A brilliant blue sky hung above me as I was digging my knees deep into the pavement. I felt small shards of glass and gravel cut my exposed flesh and embed themselves into fresh wounds. Ironically, being centrally located in downtown Sapporo, I couldn't hear a sound. My mouth - gaping - had saliva streaming slow and viciously from my teeth. I thought I heard someone screaming in the distance - come to realize, that someone...was me.
Did you forget about the promise we made to each other or was I the foolish one to place my faith in you - believing you would change this world? You should have stayed by my side...maybe then, I could have saved you.
I'll never forget where I was when the news broke out about Kai...or, as the world now refers to him...Overhaul's arrest.
About two months ago, I stopped in for a cup of coffee at this small shop a few blocks from my flat on my way home from work. It was about 7 PM and the sky was painted a piercing red that seemed to bleed far beyond the horizon. The owner of the cafe has a clunky tv that never seems to get a steady signal; however, I remember on that day, the images of him flashed before my eyes with razor-sharp clarity:
Kai Chisaki - the young leader of the Shie Hassaikai - was taken into custody after the Nighteye Hero Agency and law enforcement confronted the yakuza members under investigation of what appears to be an illegal racketeering scandal. The organization appeared to be in direct involvement with the League of Villains though the motive for this pairing is still yet unknown. After an overwhelming display of quirk devastation, it was soon revealed that Chisaki developed and was illegally distributing drug-infused bullets that could dismantle quirks entirely upon contact. Details are still not yet known as to how these bullets have been created; however, both professional heroes and law enforcement alike are looking to seek answers and justice for those directly affected.
When the news finally reached my town about Kai's arrest, my heart couldn't help but sink deep into a somber void. Here is a man - whom I have known ever since I was a little girl - now being sent away to Tartarus. The Kai I knew would have never condoned such tragedy to be brought to our society. Yes, corrupt heroes plague the streets who fight and save solely to further their personal prerogatives. And ironically, there are mislabeled villains who have been dealt the cold shoulder due to their quirks being labeled as too "destructive" or "useless" for hero work. Kids who have had their world crushed by these self-righteous "role models" fight with hate in their hearts and utilize their unruly power to turn the tables on those who have scorned them.
I suppose my ambivalent nature to this beautifully deranged society runs deep; however, I knew Kai wasn't happy with the status quo. He believed one didn't need a quirk to save lives. Even as a young boy, he always viewed those who labored day in and day out as more admirable than any hero - whether they were police officers who had to rely on their instincts or firefighters who needed hoses to extinguish a blaze - he wanted them to be given their just credit. Maybe he was right. Maybe my indifference and the indifference of many others is what led this corruption to manifest into something larger.
But we were kids then. What did we know about the world?
"Listen...miss, in order for us to grant you visitation access to Prisoner 6684311 Kai Chisaki, we need to gain a thorough understanding of your ties to him."
Pausing to take a long drag of my cigarette, The chair I was sitting in was cold to the touch. Though I was never an accomplice to any of his crimes, I felt as though these two men with case files in hand, sitting directly across from me felt otherwise. One of the men, short in demeanor, seemed quite timid by the brutish guard who sat beside him.
"With all due respect, what exactly do you mean by that? Why are my ties coming into question when all I am wanting to do is see him?"
I was starting to get annoyed with the "run around" from these nimrods.
"Please know, this a simply a formality we need to undergo with all potential visitors," the detective clumsily reassured me, attempting to quell the booming voice of the guard. "I-I mean, you seem like an upstanding woman of the law. I just don't want you to get the wrong id-"
"What Detective Tokumaru is trying to disclose," the guard interrupted in an irritated fit, "is that we will need for you to go on the record and provide a detailed account of your past with Kai Chisaki. From there, our team will decipher whether or not you are mentally 'fit' to bestow rights of visitation."
Mentally "fit"? I guess my preconceptions were right.
"There is no problem, detective." I solely addressed the timid man who let the boisterous guard be his voice. "I would be happy to disclose any information you two may need. I would do anything...as long as I am able to see him."
My voice trembled saying the last bit.
"Anything?" The guard's oddly placed interest piqued. "Great, then if you don't mind," he continued as he shifted a now active recorder to the center of the table, "we will begin by you stating your full name, current employment and brief quirk description."
I took in a soft yet filling sip of air in.
Get it together! Be honest about everything...skip over no detail...don't let these guys see you sweat...literally.
"My name is Akane Satō. I am a graduate student studying at Hokkaido University while also working part time as a lab technician in quirk research. And...," I hesitantly paused not wanting to particularly divulge the true nature of my abilities.
"If I had to give a name to my power, it would simply be 'contagion'...a health reversal quirk."
Both men looked at me with eyes of fear and disgust. So much so that the guard's eyes began to turn a rose red hue ever so slightly along his lower lid.
As expected, both Detective Tokumaru and the guard were speechless; waiting close to five minutes until they continued on with their "interview".