The sound of rain dropping into the slow current of the Ikigami River was soothing to Sarah as she sat and dipped her bare feet in the wash. It was slightly before sunrise and she was not in any mood to sleep. Even though she had proof of Eddy's relative safety, she couldn't for the life of her get the image of him in the folder out of her head. The phrase "one-way-trip" danced in her thoughts as she pensively looked out into the darkened stone embankment on the other side of the water. Her shadow being draped over them by the streetlamps shining through the tree line like a a phantom. If she didn't have complete animosity for the person that said it, she would of thought that turn of phrase was kind of funny in a black comedy sort of way. There was nothing funny about what she saw in Abe's file however, especially in the section SECOND WEEK. Sarah may not have known what "COLORS" or "VOID EXPOSURE" or "EPIPHANY" meant in context, but the numbers of casualties attributed to them was enough to discern they weren't names of fresh linen.
"Eddy, what did you get yourself into?" Sarah groaned sadly as she leaned back. The effects of the "jet lag" made her head throb as she peered through the branches of the tree she is sitting under to the assaulting cumulonimbus formations above.
"Sarah," An effeminate man's voice softly echoed through Sarah's being as she pressed her fingers against her temples in a vain attempt to quell the pain. "This is not good for your health. You need to rest while your body adjusts to the integration process."
"I shouldn't have this much trouble," Sarah said wiping her forehead with her sleeve. If it wasn't drenched in rain water it would have been drenched in sweat. "Normally when I end up somewhere I adjust like that." She snapped her fingers for emphasis.
"What normally happens is not guaranteed to happen every time," The disembodied voice replied in a state of worry. "Just because you can adjust easier than a normal traveler, that doesn't mean anything if the town is not adequately equipped to handle new guests. You have to be mindful of that. All this is doing is making yourself more miserable. And you know how your temper gets when that happens."
"I'm not a kid anymore, I can keep my temper under control. Look at my past work," Sarah rebutted. "And it's not like the town has nothing to integrate new people."
"You like being called Monika if you're not Japanese?" The voice had a point.
"No, but it's better than waking up in the river and having just an address number for a name," Sarah also had a point. She sat up and pulled her feet out of the water. "And besides, like you said, you don't stay a Monika if you remember your name."
"Still sounds xenophobic don't you think?" The voice turned bitter. "Why not just group everyone together as Nanashi or Nanako? Why the separate classification for everyone else?"
"I think you're reading too much into this Jimmy," Sarah spoke wearily. The search was already taking a toll, and the mention of political claptrap this early in the morning was not helpful as far as she was concerned. "I don't think I'll see anything in this rain. You can stop worrying now."
"That's for the best," The voice concluded as the woman rose to her feet and walked to the tree behind her. At the base laid her shoes. "Why are you out here at 4 in the morning anyway?"
"According to the notes, this is where Eddy was found," Sarah spoke matter-of-factually. She pulled out her phone to check the time. "I figured if I matched the exact spot at the time he was found, I would be able to gather temporal dust. That time has already passed a few minutes ago, so I think we can rule out time tempering as a cause for his age regression."
"Anything to throw out time anything is always a plus," The voice sounded relieved. "At least now we know if something happens to him here, it won't affect his future."
"Yes, I can rest easier because of that," Sarah allowed this contentment to show as she slid on her shoes.
-BOOM-
Sarah dropped to the ground with a scream as an explosion of light and sound rang out in the south. Another one followed, then another. Flashes of multicolored light followed afterwards as smaller explosions resonated through the tree line.
"What the hell was that?!" Sarah yelled as the sounds ended. Before the voice could theorize a loud call answered back over the commotion as a shadow illuminated by a lightning flash loomed over the river in front of the woman. Startled she looked to the sky and saw two giant blue orbs on a large darkened form swoop out of the cloud cover at a fast clip. Pulling up, the flying mass repeated the call and created a strong blast of wind and river water as it flapped its wings forward to stop itself. Sarah didn't have time to brace herself.
"Sarah!" Jimmy cried out in fear as the woman was slammed hard against the cherry tree behind her by the wave. Her impact made a large splintered dent in the bark. The orbs started moving to where the explosions originated from as the battered lady uprooted herself from the trunk with a moan of pain. She fell to the grass in a watery heap. Her lack of response a few minutes afterward sent her friend into a nervous tizzy. "Sarah! Speak to me! Please!"
"I-I'm fine Jimmy. I just- need a moment. Inside voices please," Sarah murmured as she trembled. She pulled herself into the fetal position and tried to control her breathing through the pain coursing through her backside. As she did so she heard the call again, this time in the distance. She opened her burning eyes in time to see the mass become illuminated by the lights shining over the power station nearby. A building sized eagle with red and orange feathers and glowing sky blue eyes landed behind the tree cover with a deep thud.
"I've been reading up on that if you want to hear it," Jimmy said softly trying to distract his best friend from her pain with his fun mythological research.
"Go ahead," Sarah answered softly as she resolved to control her breathing before she attempted anything. She learned to do this from experience.
"According to the Palisade Vermin Encyclopedia, that bird is categorized as a class S metaphorical beast. The townspeople believe they act like guardians sent by the local deities to help protect the lost as they move to their new place in the reincarnation cycle. That particular one is called Amagumo. She is believed to be the guardian for the Diety of the First Gear and is said to promote new beginnings for all who seek her aid."
"Yeah I can tell. Nearly breaking my back, what a new beginning," Sarah seethed as she started to move again. She was able to stand after a bit of difficulty. After that she tested to see if it did in fact break her back and after a few pain filled stretches she concluded it didn't. Did not help her feel better on the pain front now but it allowed her to breath somewhat easier knowing she probably didn't need medical intervention. She finally spoke while she rubbed the back of her neck. "I need to go to bed. This town has too much excitement going on."
"Will you be able to drive in your condition?" Jimmy asked.
"I'm going to need more of those things you've been reading up on. Otherwise I should be able to manage," Sarah allowed a small smile to slowly replace her sneer. The pain finally started to ebb away as she continued her self-message.
"Nostalgia?" Jimmy nailed the reason right on the head. Sarah laughed a little and began her walk back to the bike. Jimmy took this as a sign to begin a new lecture. Sarah soon became so engrossed in her friend's spiel she didn't notice a few bright flashes behind her.
A hooded figure photographed the dent in the tree Sarah left behind with a white camera. A few minutes later a ring came from the photographer's bag. A call came down the pipeline, there was a down utility worker near the fence. Panicked from this news, the figure scurried through the brush to Amagumo's feeding area. Someone thought it was a good idea to have the worker there alone.
Black Box Society Day 4: Noon
Despite the feelings of violation he felt a couple minutes prior, Eddy was in relative good spirits as he left his hospital room behind with Ino in tow. With the only punctuation being the slight vertigo Eddy felt while they crossed a hallway that bridged over a street; the walk through the substation hospital was quiet and brisk. After a few turns the hallway diverted to parking and Eddy got confused. "Wait where are we going?" he asked as Ino passed him and entered the garage.
"I got business I need to take care of," Ino waved off turning his back to his ward, bags of snacks and notes in hand. "Abe will take you back when you're ready."
"You took me all the way here for that?" Eddy was not amused.
"Didn't know you were following me," Ino smirked looking back. "I just thought you wanted to see me off. Ya big charmer~"
Eddy facepalmed as he heard the man chuckle. "I'm slipping," Eddy grumbled as he turned on his heel. "I should of seen that coming."
"Be careful Mr. Hero," Ino joked. "If you fool around with Miss President, I'm not raising your kids."
Eddy froze as his face turned red hot. He turned back to retort and saw the man running down the aisle way, his laugh echoing off the walls over the sound of engines. "D-don't think so lowly of me!" Eddy yelled out a few seconds too late. The boy gave a slight ineffective kick then started retracing his steps with a huff. Please under normal circumstances she probably wouldn't settle for me anyway.
The retrace didn't last long when the boy found out he didn't know where Monika's room even was. After an awkward conversation with a nurse who only knew broken English, he wondered why his leader wanted to use a placeholder over her real name. Add it to the pile I guess. Eddy thought with an annoyed sigh as he used his new directions to enter the same wing his room was. Turned out much to Eddy's chagrin all he had to do was go up one floor. He used the elevator in the main nexus then began his walk down the caramel painted corridors. A few minutes he reached his destination which was easily marked by the large amount of flower arrangements taking up space against the walls around the door. "Looks like her admirers emptied out the gift shop by the looks of it," Eddy thought out loud as he started to sweat. He furrowed his brow in concentration. No, I can always get something nice later. If what I dealt with is any indication, she will probably be laid up here for a week or so. He breathed deeply and stepped to the door. He gave a knock.
"Just put your flowers with the others you thirsty cur," Abe-san's voice resonated in deep irritation from the other side of the door.
"I-it's me," Eddy replied into the door with a feign determination. A few clacks of the knob later the door opened a crack to reveal half of the codger's face. Even behind his rosy glasses, the man's right eye bore into Eddy's soul for a moment with a sinister expression. The boy felt a deep chill run down his back. The glare was removed a few moments later as a smile crossed the man's face.
"Good to see you again McGee-san," Abe whispered as he opened the door more. The man was dressed in a black Hawaiian-style shirt with white palm tree patterns, khaki shorts and tan sandals. The feeling of fear didn't leave the kid completely. "She's resting now so don't make too much noise alright?"
Eddy nodded and the way became clear. No wonder jump scares are beneath him, that look alone can scare paint off the wall.
The room was immaculate and large with a wood panel floor, eggshell white walls, and large windows that gave a good view of a large hill of trees behind the building. The bed was situated next to the wall hard right at the door. Next to it was an electrocardiogram, an IV with an empty bag, and a tower that looked like a desktop computer case on top of a black stand with 4 wheels supporting it. On the window side of the room was a long counter with the same setup as in Eddy's room save for a keyboard and monitor near the sink. On the wall to the left of the door was the wardrobe, the fixture for the air conditioning, and a flat screen television above it. Three chairs dotted the floor: one in between the counter and the wardrobe against the window, one in front of the IV, near the middle of the bed facing the television, and the last one near the base of the bed facing the second chair. Aside from the hum of the air conditioning there was soft piano music playing from a small stereo on the floor under the fixture. Wordlessly Eddy took the seat near the IV and Abe took the seat near the counter. Abe fetched a spiral notebook from under his chair as Eddy's mannerisms became somber when he saw the state of his new leader.
Monika was laying on her side facing the boy. She was almost as pale as her bed sheets. With the exceptions being a piece of linen cloth over a long gash on her left forearm, the rose colored skin around the tape holding the IV needle in her right hand, and the bruises near the bandages around her throat. She had a white scarf over her eyes with the knot poking through her untied hair in the back. The yellow moose plush from before was cradled against her chest by her left arm. Her right arm extended outward toward her guests.
Eddy's thought process shifted gears when his foot bumped up against something. A novel was partially under the chair. He turned to Abe-san, who didn't look up from his pen's movements. With a scoop the Ed-boy inspected it. The book had what looked like a giant gray egg hovering over a tree on the cover. Hard-boiled Wonderland and the End of the World? He looked at Monika then back to the book. He noticed a sliver of yellow poking out of the pages. Feeling curious, Eddy pulled on the sliver and a small yellow square slid out. The penmanship was exquisite even though the ink was almost faded into the paper. Eddy immediately felt pangs of remembrance in his gut as he started to read the writing on the square.
Dear Naomi,
Don't forget to take out the trash today, it has been piling up.
Love, Mom
Huh, small world. Thought Double d's parents were the only ones that did this. Eddy thought as he playfully waved the note in his hand. A small whirling sound came and went from the computer tower as if it had a reply. He then noticed the sleeping girl as she started to curl up and lightly shake. A slight whimper escaped her lips causing a slight panic to build in the newest club member. Unsure about how to proceed, Eddy looked to Abe who noticed this action as well. The old man calmly brought out his left hand then placed his other hand underneath it. He then began to make small circles using his right thumb into his left palm. He then pointed to Monika's extended hand. Eddy mouthed out a "really?" with a raised eyebrow. A quick nod answered. Eddy placed the note and the book on the bed and bent forward. He lightly cradled Monika's hand with both of his. He then followed the action, applying a little pressure into the palm as he went along. Her hand felt warmer to the touch as it closed slowly over the boy's thumbs. A few minutes later the shaking and tension ended as the girl's breathing slowed down again. With a light sigh of relief, he laid her hand back down and sat back in his chair. The girl had a small smile as she nuzzled her head in subconscious contentment. Eddy smiled warmly in kind. "That's better," he spoke softly.
An inkling made him turn his attention back to his new discovery after a few moments. He grabbed the book he stuck the note to and started to read the back of it. My head is already trying to deal with what happened earlier. I'll hold off on this for now. He concluded placing the book back down underneath the chair, taking off the note as he went. Now for you. He turned the note again and again in his hand as if it were a treasure map. There was a something about it bubbling in his mind but for some reason he couldn't find words for it. Something about the handwriting. He almost pocketed the note when a realization hit him. He frantically searched his pockets for the thank you note and mentally kicked himself when he realized he wouldn't find it in different pants. It's probably blood-soaked as well. Dammit I do not have the luck to be a detective do I?
"Are you alright?" Abe-san whispered. Eddy turned to the man in surprise. He completely forgot he was there.
"Y-yeah why wouldn't I be?" Eddy whispered back as his face showed a little embarrassment.
The codger wasn't having any of it. "You were looking at that post-it for 10 minutes. Do you need to rest?"
"I-uh- 10 minutes? I was only looking at- did I just-" Eddy stammered looking for anything that told time. He didn't register the volume of his voice until he felt hands grab him in the side. He yelled as he was pulled out of the chair like a rag doll.
"So assertive," Abe-san commented as he watched Monika lift the hapless boy, drop him on the bed like a lead weight, then started spooning with him. "And it's amazing that her severe malnutrition didn't affect her strength at all. This is going into the notes."
"Abe," Eddy spoke out as the little spoon. Internally he was enjoying this situation very much. But it looked pretty sketch so he needed confirmation. "Are we going to get banned for this? I don't know what she's doing with her hands."
"Good news, I don't think she knows what she's doing with her hands," Abe pointed out with a sweat. "Bad news, she seems sensitive to subtle movements."
"What subtle movements?" Eddy asked moving his head to look up at the man. Monika made a soft moan and immediately pressed her prisoner harder against her and held him there like a vice with her arms around his waist.
"That," the old man replied with a light cackle. He then started rapidly scratching his pad with his ballpoint pen.
"Why are you writing about this?" Eddy asked a little angry and very out of breath. "You getting your rocks off?"
"I wanted to know how people act during the first day of Epiphany treatment. I didn't expect this much cognitive complexity to remain intact," Abe remarked.
"What do you mean you wanted to know?"
"I don't really have a grasp on how Black Box works yet so I'm making observations now while the iron is hot so to speak," the man smirked. "Also knowing how people act in certain situations allows me to help them better with their problems should they ever need it."
"You a doctor Old Man?" Eddy raised an eyebrow.
"I have the degrees of a doctor, but I see myself as more of a willing student than a professional," Abe said. "A useful philosophy to have when you work with the things I work with."
"I don't think she's letting me go is she?" Eddy asked after a few minutes of ineffective wiggling. He felt his captor start to doze off, content by this arrangement he figured based on soft giggles being made by her.
"If you want to rest, now would be a good time for it," Abe answered with a laugh.
"Why do I feel like you're setting me up?" Eddy asked. He did feel fatigued. He couldn't figure out if it was because of the warm softness he felt from the girl on his back or the residual effects of bloodloss both from his injuries and his thoughts.
"Ehheh! I choose to think of this as a gesture of good will, after what you two went through yesterday it makes a little sense for something like this to happen," Abe laughed. "And the fact that she did it of her own free will is a sign she must think really highly of you."
Yeah but why? All I did was- Eddy stopped his train of thought. Come to think of it, he's probably right. At least Sayori has Sado to fall back on for support. The others have family and jobs. If what I think about that note is true. Who does she have outside the club? Epiphany and a bunch of bought flowers.
"She does seem happy now I admit," Eddy resolved. He could feel Monika's heartbeat and he felt his own start to sync with it. He drowsily looked at Abe. "Will you wake me up if someone comes? I don't want to have to explain."
"They run calibrations for the box in an hour and a half, I'll take you back to your house then," Abe nodded. "School doesn't let out until 30 minutes after that so we won't run into more suitors."
"T-thanks Abe," Eddy said as he started to allow the ambiance of the room to lull him. He scooted up to the pillow supporting the head of his president and laid his on it as well.
"Have a good nap you two," Abe cooed as he came to the bed and pulled a blanket that was bunched up on the side over the two teens. 15 minutes later the boy was out like a light. Eddy was able to sleep soundly. Monika was finally able to sleep.