Hey guys, Orion here with a new chapter. Hope y'all enjoy part one of this three part installment.
Kitaroshi and Corvic walked down the white corridors of the Franxxinus Industries tower, both of them indulging each other with friendly conversation.
"You seriously need to take some time off of work Corvic, you do realize that I am completely willing to go without you as my bodyguard for one measly week," Kitaroshi said with a smile
"I can't afford to take time off of work, who knows what crazy shit you'd get yourself into if I wasn't always watching you," Corvic said with a chuckle
"No more than I already do, old friend. But seriously, take some time off, go do something with Minahura, take her to a movie or go on a date, do something fun!" Kitaroshi said rather loudly
"Yea, that does sound kinda nice...but even so, she'd have to take time off as well, and you know how much she enjoys working here. This was her dream job after all," Corvic exclaimed
Kitaroshi just laughed at his friend's weak response
"Seriously Corvic, you do realize that both of us are human beings after all. Work isn't the only thing that people do. Even I, the head of the worlds largest manufacturing and research corporation, take time off of my job as well," Kitaroshi said with a smile
"Yea, and remind me what kind of work your job consists of? All you do is sit in your penthouse of an office and lounge around all day, how is that even remotely considered to be work?" Corvic asked
"Hey, lounging takes a lot of effort, even I get tired while doing it," Kitaroshi said with a chuckle
Both friends started laughing, enjoying each other's company as always. Once the two had had their fill of laughter, they walked in silence.
However, Corvic soon broke that silence.
"So...this procedure that you're about to have those kids take part in...could it really cause them to forget their current lives?" Corvic asked
Kitaroshi looked at Corvic and answered bluntly
"It could very well cause that, but there is only way to find out of course," Kitaroshi said
"Do you even care for these kids? I know that you act all nice and friendly to them, but do you even care what happens to them?" Corvic asked in a serious tone
"Of course I care about those kids. I'm not your stereotypical, heartless CEO that doesn't care about anything other than profit and fame, like the ones in all those movies. I already have a plan just in case the procedure takes an unexpected turn. I just hope that it doesn't come to that, as even then there could be side effects,"
"So even it it fails, and you pull them out, there's gonna be repercussions either way...this procedure is more dangerous than you made it it sound when you sent me to find those kids," Corvic said with a sigh
Kitaroshi looked at his friend with a kind expression
"Let's face it, would you have done it if I had gone into full detail?" Kitaroshi asked with a slight smile
Corvic took a few seconds to answer
"I don't think I would have."
Kitaroshi just nodded his head, as if he expected that answer
Kitaroshi suddenly heard a ringing sound coming from his holopad. He accepted the call and saw the face of the security chief of the Franxxinus Industries tower
"Chief Yato, why are you of all people calling me now?" Kitaroshi asked
"I didn't mean to inconvenience you sir, but I received some intel that you might want to hear, especially since you're about to begin a rather dangerous project," Yato explained
Kitaroshi let out a heavy sigh before giving in to chief Yato.
"Alright then, tell me what it is that you discovered," Kitaroshi asked
"There has been some recent Quadriad movement on the coasts of China, and the Chinese navy reported not too long ago that a squadron of about two dozen or so unregistered Franxx made their way into china sea airspace. Readings suggest that they are making their way to Japan as we speak sir," Yato explained
"You don't think that they'll be coming here?" Corvic asked
"There are several possible targets for the Quadriad to hit here in Japan, although it is worth noting that this facility could very well be one of them," Yato explained
"Dammit, if they were to attack the tower now..." Corvic said in a worried tone
"Don't worry Corvic, we'll be fine, even if they by some small chance they attack this tower," Kitaroshi said
"Yato, announce a code three security response, I want this tower secured, but do it discreetly. I don't want to raise a panic within the tower, especially now," Kitaroshi said
"Understood sir, I will announce a code three response," Yato said as the message ended
Kitaroshi turned off his holopad and turned to face his friend.
"Corvic, I want you to assist Yato and the security forces, they'll need you if the worst does indeed occur," Kitaroshi said
"What about you? I am your bodyguard, what are you going to do if they come after you and I'm not there?" Corvic asked
"Don't worry my friend, I do know how to take care of myself," Kitaroshi said with a smile
"Ugh...fine. Don't do something stupid if anything happens," Corvic said as he walked off
Kitaroshi watched as his childhood friend jogged off down the corridor and out of sight, a small smile on his face
"Well that sounded rather interesting," a female voice said from behind
Kitaroshi flinched as he turned to face the woman.
"Minahura, I would very much prefer it if you'd stop sneaking up on me like that!" Kitaroshi said
Minahura just laughed at him
"I can't help it, it's to much fun," Minahura said
Kitaroshi sighed as he walked passed her
"Come on, the waiting room is just around here," Kitarohsi said as he gestured in front of him
Kiataroshi and Minahura walked towards the room where the two teenagers and their families were waiting.
Franxxinus Industries Private Conference Room...
An hour had passed since Kitaroshi had left the two families in the conference room together, and in that time spent together, they only thing that they did was reminisce on all of the good times thy had spent together
"I think that that was one of the best vacations that we had even been on together. The Hawaiian Islands have been restored to almost exactly how they looked like before the Klaxosaur war. It's amazing what the human race can do when they put their minds to it," Iota's mother said with a smile
"I agree, I don't think I had ever seen Iota or Hiro in a happier mood before. I just wonder...will we ever see them in that kind of mood again...you know...after all of this is over," Mireya said sadly
The mood in the room quickly shifted due to her comment, with looks of sadness replacing those that had been of joy only moments ago.
"Is there any way, any way at all that we can convince either of you to change your minds about all of this? Mr. Kitaroshi isn't forcing you to do any of this, you both still have time to get out of this," Iota's father said in a calm yet concerned voice
Iota and Hiro looked at each other, knowing very well that both of them had already solidified their decisions.
"Listen...this is something that we have to do, there's no getting out of it. These dreams...these memories...I know that there is a reason as to why we are seeing them. Me and Hiro can't ignore them anymore," Iota said in a serious tone
"I agree with Iota, if these dreams are lost memories from another life, then we have no choice but to accept them. Even with the chance of losing the memories we've made in this life, this is still something that we can't ignore," Hiro said, equally serious
"Besides, these dreams may never go away. If we don't do this, we may have to live with them for the rest of our lives. Would that really be something you'd want us both to go through?" Hiro asked
The parents in the room all had looks of concern
"You're saying that you're willing to forget us just so you can remember a life that you already lived? Are you saying that that's more important than your own families?" Iota's father said, a hint of anger in his voice
Iota and Hiro knew that they hadn't chosen their words carefully enough in that moment, they knew that their parents were worried, and what they had just said only worried them more.
It was at that moment that Hiro spoke up.
"Now I know for a fact that I will never forget my parents, I wont forget this life. Iota won't either, and do you know why? Because this life...this life means just as much to us as the ones that we lived before...you mean just as much to us as the blurry faces in our dreams did back then. The reality is...both lives are too important to forget!" Hiro said confidently
"Hiro is right, you're all too important to us just to be forgotten!" Iota said with equal confidence
All of the parents had smiles on their faces, with a bit of tears here and there. Everyone was all caught up in the moment, so nobody noticed the Kitaroshi had entered the room with previously unknown woman standing beside him
"Well, I'm glad that we walked in on such a touching moment. It's not everyday that scenes like this happen here, isn't that right?" Kitaroshi asked the woman standing next to him
"I agree, this is like something out of a drama. One could say this touching scene could almost be considered...cinematic," said the woman with a smile
Everyone was caught off guard by suddenly hearing Kitaroshi's voice, although they were more surprised by the woman.
"Excuse me...but who is that?" Asked Iota's father
"Ah yes, this is a good friend of mine, she will be overseeing the procedure with me. Go ahead and introduce yourself," Kitaroshi said as he gestured towards the woman
The woman smiled as she began to speak.
"My name is Minahura Rokujuroku, I'm the one who will be overseeing the memory recovery procedure along with Mr. Kitaroshi. It's a pleasure to be meeting you all," Minahura said happily
"Hang on, your last name is the same as Corvic's...are you his sister or something?" Hiro asked
Iota facepalmed as Hiro asked the question. The two looked nothing alike, so of course Iota already knew the answer to that question
"Hiro, Corvic has black hair, hers is rose gold. Do you honestly think that they are even remotely related?" Iota asked Hiro
"Huh...now that you mention it..." Hiro said as he put on his thinking face (just imagine it)
Minahura laughed in amusement at the two teenagers
"I'm actually Corvic's wife, we've been married for 22 years now. Honestly, that's the first time anyone's thought that I was his sister," Minahura said while suppressing her laughter
"Woah...Corvic is actually married? I never would have guessed a dude as serious as him would be married to someone so energetic as you," Iota said in surprise
"Oh trust me, you only see the serious side of him at work. Outside of work, he's a sweet guy," Minahura said with a smile
Kitaroshi suddenly chimed in as he stepped forward
"You should tell him how he is back at your place, like that one time when you and him-"
"T-that's not something you should be talking about her Juugo!" Minahura said, her face turning as red as a tomato
Kitaroshi held back his laughter as he backed away slightly.
Minahura looked around the room at everyone looking at her. She quickly composed herself.
"*Ahem* Now then, let's get down to business shall we?" Minahura asked as she gestured towards the open door
"Yes, it I'd say it's about time for this whole...eh...event! Yes, event, to finally come to a close...shortly," Kitaorshi said as he tried to find the right words
Hiro and Iota walked towards the door, but not before looking back at the sad faces of their parents. They had hopeless looks in their eyes, the fear of not seeing their true children again was boiling over on the inside.
"Don't worry...we will come back..." Hiro said with a confident smile as he and Iota left the room.
The four walked down the illustrious white corridors of the Franxxinus Industries tower, passing other people as they went. A sense of nervousness crept over Iota and Hiro as they walked to what could very well be the last place they'd ever be together in their current life. Minahura just happened to notice their nervous expressions, and a small smile crept onto her face
"So, are you guys nervous?" Minahura asked with her small smile still on her face
"How could we not be, this might be my last day of ever remembering anything in this life," Hiro said with a defeated look on his face
Minhaura looked away for a moment before speaking again.
"You know, you might forget your life, this life, but I doubt that will happen," Minahura said reassuringly
"What makes you say that? Mr. Kitaroshi said that there was a high chance that we might forget this-"
"Actually, I never said how high of a chance there was, I just said that there was a chance," Kitaroshi chimed in
"Yes, thanks for the clarification," Iota said as she rolled her eyes
"Anyways, like I was saying, Mr. Kitaroshi said that the was a chance that we could loose the memories of this life, what makes you think that neither me nor Hiro will forget?" Iota asked
Minahura smiled as she looked back at the two
"Just a hunch, that's all"
Iota and Hiro looked at each other with small smiles. Maybe there was some hoe they wouldn't lose themselves after all.
The group soon arrived back at the door that led to the room that Mr. Kitaroshi had shown them earlier, the room where their literal trip down memory lane would begin. Corvic was standing by the door waiting for them, his trademark seriousness along with him. As the group entered the room, Hiro and Iota noticed Corvic and Minahura smile at each other, which made them smile as well
"They totally love each other," Iota whispered to Hiro
"Yea, as if I didn't know that already," Hiro whispered in response
As the two entered, they once again saw the machine that would be used on them, the VRES machine that he had shown them a while back. Although this time, the were lounge chairs, like ones you'd see at a dentist, positioned under the machine. On top of that, there was now a massive computer terminal installed on the back wall, with wires connecting it to the VRES.
"Okay...so some of this looks new," Iota said in a suspicious tone
"Yea...I thought the only machine in here would be the Vital Memory Recovery Device?" Hero asked
"Yes, well...we had to do some updating. Also, the Vital Memory Recovery Device had to be renamed to the Vital Memory Extraction Device, or VRED for short now. I received some last minute complaints from the board of directors that the name's abbreviation was too similar to another abbreviation...one that is certainly not friendly or good whatsoever," Kitaroshi said with a slightly embarrassed tone
"Right...I can see what you mean...now that I think of it," Iota said
"Yup, I can see that too," Hiro said as he agreed with Iota
Kitaroshi had to get the procedure back on track, so he chimed in to end the little conversation
"Anyways, the chairs there are for you, as for the massive computer terminal...I'll explain that shortly. But first, let's get you set up shall we?" Kitaroshi said as he gestured to the room with the complex machinery
Iota and Hiro cautiously entered the room with the machines, a room mind you, that was in another room with only a glass wall separating the two.
The two each sat in their respective chairs and exchanged looks at each other.
"So, this is really happening huh?" Hiro said as he cracked a slight smile
"I guess so," Iota said as she returned his smile
As they sat there, metallic locks snapped shut about their legs and wrists, securing them in place.
"Are you two feeling comfortable in there?" Kitaroshi asked from behind the glass, via the intercom
"As great as one can feel when they can't move, and who are in the same room as a potentially dangerous device," Hiro said sarcastically
"I'll take that as a yes. Now then, I'll explain what's about to happen so neither of you get confused when the procedure stars," Kitoarish said to the pair
"Great, lay it on us," Iota said
Kitaroshi smiled as he straightened his glasses.
"The way this procedure works is complicated yet simple. I'm sure you're aware of how Franxx pilots share the neural feedback in order to pilot a Franxx...yes?" Kitaroshi asked
"Yup," both of the teenagers said in unison
"Great, then this may not take as long. Franxx pilots have the ability to view their partners' memories at the moment their connection with each other is established, although this machine takes that effect and amplifies it by thousands of magnitudes. Both of you consciousness will become linked to the VMED, and you will enter a digitalized landscape made up of both of your memories, present and past. Instead of nearly glimpsing the memories, you will temporarily be living through them. You will basically become partially existent in a digital landscape crafted from both of your memories."
"Holy crap...so what you're saying is that we'll be moving through a world constructed from our own memories?" Iota asked
"Precisely. The VMED creates and exact digital copy of your brain down to the smallest molecule, and scans all of your neurons and the patterns they form in order to reconstruct your memories into an explorable landscape writing your own minds."
"This sounds dangerous, we're going to be inside of our own heads, literally. How are our own minds supposed to handle this?" Hiro asked
"Dont worry, I have all the equipment you need in order for you minds to handle the combined neurological stress. There is nothing for you to worry about, after all, I have been working on this project for over a decade now. Have some faith in me, won't you?" Kitaroshi asked
"Kinda hard to trust the guy that had us kidnapped, but I guess we have to," Iota said with a sigh
"Don't worry you two, this procedure will be successful, I just know it. Besides, we have Minahura operating the machine to begin with. At the slightest sign of failure in either the machine or your health, she will pull you out." Kitaroshi said confidently
"He's right ya know, I won't let anything happen to you kids. If I did, I'd lose my job and your parents would probably sue me and the company for a shit load of money," Minahura said as she chimed in over the intercom
As she Minahura finished talking, the chairs that they were sitting on began to move, tilting their bodies upward into a standing position, both of them facing the glass that Kitaroshi sat behind.
"Now, that way neither of you are surprised or caught off guard, you memories are obviously incomplete, so some things may appear...distorted. People, names of shops, all of those should appear blurry if they do not hold some sort of emotional significance. Are we clear on that?" Asked Minahura?
"Got it."
"Yup."
"Great, now it's about time we got this underway," Minahura said as she pressed a button on her dashboard
The sound of machinery starting up could be heard from above, and two headbands lowered themselves around the teenagers heads, clamping on firmly as they got into place. A robotic voice could be heard from within the room, counting down the seconds until their journey into their memories began
"Memory retrieval dive beginning in 30."
"29"
"28"
"27"
"Hiro...are your scared?" Iota asked, her voice sounding anxious
"20"
"19"
"18"
"Of course I'm scared, but that doesn't mean I'm afraid," Hiro said, his voice full of seriousness
"13"
"12"
"11"
"Heh...that makes one of us..." Iota said nervously
"Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you. You are my darling after all," Hiro said
"What's that supposed to mean?" Iota asked
"You know...I have a feeling we'll find out..."
"2"
"1"
"Initiating memory retrieval dive"
Both of the teenagers' visions tunneled, a wide array of colors flashing around them. Then it all went black...
It all went silent...
"Welp...their vitals are holding steadily. Everything is off to a good start," Minahura said as she laid back in her swivel chair
"They are now in their own minds, there's no telling what they may face there. Weather it be traumas, dark thoughts, or even their inner demons. We simply don't know," Kitaroshi said as he watched the teenagers intently
"Do you think...that by some miracle...they really can do this and come back in one piece?" Minahura asked
Kitaroshi looked over at her with a questioning look in his eyes.
"You sure thought they would," he said in response
"I kept telling myself that..." She said with a sigh
Kitaroshi looked back at Hiro and Iota, both of their faces calm and blank.
"I think they will...I think that because they do as well."
Both of the adults simply observed the two, wounding if their journey into their minds would be a success.
Somewhere outside: 3:30 pm
"The dive has been initiated, both targets are incapacitated," a voice said from the other side of a radio
"Good, now all we have to do is wait. Once they wake up, we make our move," said the voice of a man
"What's the play boss, how're we gonna do this?" Said a man with a heavy Australian accent
Silence came from the man, until he finally faced his comrade
"We do it like we usual do, take what we're after...and give em' hell," said the man whom was called "boss"
The man stood up and turned to look at a black Franxx with crimson red veins of light coursing through its armor, along with 2 dozen other Franxx standing behind it.
The man simply smiled, a cold, evil smile, as he turned to face the city
"Juugo Kitaroshi...tonight...you will finally know what it's like to lose…"
And there's part one. Hope y'all stay tuned for part two coming soon. See hA next time!