That's how everything began. What once could've been a normal peaceful life, turned into this… A life where parents had lost their son to the city of science. Days passed. Every night Musumi and Kotatsu would cry themselves to sleep over their lost son, telling themselves they wished esper abilities didn't exist. Musumi, Kotatsu and little baby Haia moved into a little house not to far away from the city. Musumi and Kotatsu were always worried about Haia. They were just waiting for the day she would get her esper abilities, and he city then would come and take her too. Even so… Aiko was right. Only a month after Haia's birth, Musumi got pregnant again. This was wonderful of course, and they both wanted to tell Kakine the news, but as usual they couldn't get through to him. Months passed, and Haia began to talk a little. It was around this time, that Musumi and Kotatsu began to stop showing emotions over Kakine. They didn't want their little girl to be worried about them, thinking she had done something wrong, so therefore they stopped. Haia's sister's birth should also take place in Academy city, however not in the same hospital, which seriously worried both of them. Haia however couldn't wait to get a little sister. Yeah! So excited! So excited! Little Haia yelled, as she jumped around from couch to couch.

Musumi was already in the last month, so now there was almost no telling how long it would take before Ahmya's birth would take place. It was incredible how fast Haia had learned to walk, talk and eat real food. Both her parents feared this had something to do with her esper ability. Musumi smiled. He babysitter should come any moment, and then we're off, she said, placing a hand on her daughter's hair. Haia smiled. Yeay! Can't wait! She yelled, jumping on the couch. Hello! A familiar voice yelled. That must be her, Kotatsu said, walking towards the door. A woman with kind brown eyes, and long brown hair entered the room. Today she wore an orange sweater and blue jeans, and her hair was up in a ponytail. Kaho! Haia yelled, as she stopped jumping and ran over to her babysitter and hugged her. Haia! She said back as she hugged the little girl. Musumi and Kotatsu smiled. Well.. we better get going, Musumi said, walking towards the door. Bye bye Haia, Kotatsu said, gently kissing his daughters cheek. Bye daddy! Bye mommy! Haia yelled as she waved from the door. They both smiled, as they started the car and also waved. You've got the permission card right? Kotatsu asked as he looked at his wife. She nodded and pulled out a plastic card.

Good Kotatsu said, as he again payed attention to the road. They drove in silence. Musumi kept rubbing her big stomach, while Kotatsu couldn't stop smiling. After about 30 minutes Academy city popped up in the distance. Kotatsu suddenly stopped smiling, and Musumi looked at him. He looked down. I know… Somewhere in this city of science... is our son, he said with a sad sounding voice. Musumi looked down as well. Kakine… she whispered, as she put her hands on her stomach again. A couple minutes later, they arrived at the city's gates. A guard wearing an Anti-skill outfit was the one to meet them. Permission card? He strictly asked. Kotatsu pulled out he plastic card, and gave it to the guard. He took it and put it under a scanner, which a second after made a beep sound. Very well, he said handing he card back to Kotatsu. A second later, a big metal gate opened and revealed the city. They entered. Everything was just as they had remembered. The buildings, streets even busses were completely different from the outside world. None of them could resist staring amazed at the city.

Everybody in the city were completely different as well. Or well, all the clothes everybody were wearing was different from the rest of the world. Musumi was just looking at some girls with some weird school uniforms when the car suddenly stopped moving and held in at the sidewalk. What's wrong? Musumi asked, as she looked at Kotatsu. He looked like he had just seen a ghost. His eyes were big and watery. Slowly he took one of his shaking fingers up and pointed at something. Musumi looked up and was about to cry as well. There, only about 10 meters away, across the street stood a boy with dirty blonde hair and a leather jacket. It..can't be, Musumi thought, as she quickly stood up and opened the car door. She ran across the street with Kotatsu right behind her. Kakine! She yelled, as the boy slowly turned around. A second later, Musumi had rapped her arms around the little boy. Kakine… she whispered. But then, suddenly Musumi felt something push her away, making her fall over. Musumi looked up at Kakine, who seemed to have a very emotionless expression on his face. Kotatsu had also catched up and was now standing beside Musumi, who stared at her son. Do I know you? The little boy then asked, still not changing his facial expression. ! . Now both of Musumi and Kotatsu were speechless. Tears started appearing in Musumi's eyes. Kakine… no, she said. What have they done to you? Kotatsu asked, still in shock.

Kakine still stared at them with the same emotionless expression. A wind blew by, making Kakine's long hair flatter. Who are you? He asked coldly. Musumi got back up. Kakine… it's me! Your mother Musumi Teitoku, Musumi said, hoping her words would reach her son. Kakine stared at both of them. I don't recall ever having seen either of you, Kakine said, as he turned around and began to walk away. He however didn't get very far before the felt a hand on his shoulder, making him stop again. Kakaine... It was his dad who had stopped him. I can't… I can't just let go of you again! Not like this! Kotatsu yelled with a desperate voice, as tears began to appear in his eyes. Kakine didn't answer. You were so excited about becoming Haia's big brother… your mother's even pregnant again! Doesn't any of that mean anything to you!? Kotatsu yelled, sounding desperate, as tears began to appear in his eyes. Kakine still didn't answer, but his face expression however had changed. He looked serious… mad, but there was something… a spark in his eyes, something that only people who knew him as good as Kotatsu and Musumi would understand. Then it happened. Kakine clenched his fists, and pulled Kotatsu back so he stood right beside Musumi, still having the same look on his face.

Listen… I don't know who you people are, or what you might think about me, but, if you as much as ever come near me ever again… I'll kill you, Kakine said, so quiet people around wouldn't be able to hear him. ! . At that moment, it felt like hundreds of knives went through both Musumi's and Kotatsu's hearts. Their son.. their first kid they had ever loved, had just forgotten everything about them. They were completely frozen like that, and didn't try to stop Kakine as he again turned around and this time got away. They were like that for a couple minutes, just trying to understand everything that had just happened. Then suddenly, Musumi fell to her knees, looking into the ground. Ka..Kine, she said, as her eyes started twitching. Musumi! Kotatsu yelled as he quickly was by his wife's side. I can't believe this.. he's gone… he's really gone, Musumi said,, as she suddenly got really dizzy. Musumi! Kotatsu said, as he helped his wife get on her feet again. This is no good… I can feel her coming, Musumi said, putting her hands on her stomach.

We gotta get to the hospital, Kotatsu said, staring in the direction were Kakine had went and then at his weak wife. She slowly nodded, as she let Kotatsu help her over and into the car. They drove to the hospital in silence. He birth was quickly over, and soon Musumi was sitting with her other little girl in her arms. Even so… even so she held a little miracle full of life in her hands, she didn't look happy. She only stared at her, knowing the city would come after her someday too. Kotatsu was sitting beside her with he same expression on his face as well. Suddenly, a doctor with an odd face entered the room. Kotatsu looked up at him, but Musumi kept staring at Ahmya. The doctor looked at both of them, as he walked over to them. Congratulations on getting another girl, he said, as the smiled. Kotatsu gave off a sad smile as well. Yeah… he said, looking at his daughter. The doctor looked at him. There's something I'd like to discuss with the two of you, he said in a serious sounding voice. What is it? Kotatsu asked, trying to sound completely normal. He looked at newborn Ahmya. Hh, there's no easy way to tell you this… he said with a little bit sad sounding voice. Musumi and Kotatsu looked at him, waiting for him to continue. He closed his eyes.

The girl.. has a disease, he finally said. ! . Wha.. What? Musumi said, merely about to break down. Her heart is very weak, and so therefore… she will most likely die before she turns five, he said, looking sadly at both of them. Tears began to appear in Musumi's eyes, and Kotosu didn't say anything, as he looked at his daughter, who began to cry again. None of them however did anything about it, as Kotatsu clenched his fists. Can't you do anything!? How can you say she is gonna die like that!? How could you just let a little girl die!? He said quiet loudly, as tears also began to appear in his eyes. The doctor looked sadly into the ground. I'm so sorry… If there was anything at all that I could do to save her, i would do it, even if it meant giving up my own life. But there isn't… There's no way, even for Academy city to keep a heart beating when it's already dying, he said. Musumi and Kotatsu didn't have anymore to say. The doctor turned around and was about to leave, but suddenly stopped. Oh yeah.. and that kid.. she's an esper as well, the doctor said, as he left their room, leaving Musumi and Kotatsu alone with crying Ahmya. Musumi looked at crying Ahmya, about to cry herself, and tear were already falling from her eyes. Why?... She said, with a broken voice. Why does all of this happen to our children!? Why out of all of us they're the ones to suffer!? Musumi said, as she hugged Ahmya tightly. Tears started streaming down her face. Oh Kotatsu… What should we do? How can we possibly help our children like this? Musumi cried, desperately looking up at her husband.

Kotatsu looked at his wife, walking over and hugging her and his daughter as well. I don't know… what we even can do? He said, as tears also began to stream down his face. They just sat like that for a while. Crying over their slowly dying daughter, lost son, and might soon gone other daughter. The time was around midnight when they finally stopped. They could only stay in Academy city as long as Musumi was still in the hospital. As soon as she got discharged, they were gonna go back to Haia at their little house back in their little town. But even so, they couldn't just pretend like everything was alright anymore… something had to be done. A week later, they were back home again. Mommy! Daddy! Haia yelled, as she threw herself into her parents arms as soon as they had opened the door. Haia! Kotatsu said, hugging his laughing, smiling little daughter. Where is she!? Where is she!? She asked, as she excited looked around. Musumi smiled, as she showed the little sleeping Ahmya, who was in her arms. Haia's face lit up as soon as she saw her.

She looked at her with he cutest eyes ever, obviously already loving her. Hi Miss and Misses Teitoku, a sweet voice said. Kotatsu walked over to Kaho who had already packed all of her things. Thank you very much for taking care of her for so long, Kotatsu said, as he bowed. Kaho smiled. No, it was really no big deal. We had lots of fun, right Haia? Kaho asked, as she bend down into the little girl's height. Haia smiled. Yes! Kaho showed how to draw! Haia said, as she ran into the kitchen to get something. A second later she came back with a piece of paper, which turned out to be a drawing of Ahmya. Kotatsu smiled as the looked at her drawing. It was very messy and colorful, yet still he could feel all he love Haia had put into that drawing. Wow… it's so pretty, Kotatsu said, as he also smiled and picked up his daughter and swung her around, making her laugh again. A couple minutes later, Kaho left, after getting paid, and finally Kotatsu and Musumi were together with two of their kids, without having to worry about Academy city, or the future. That however didn't last very long… Later that evening, Haia had fallen asleep on he couch, and Musumu was sitting with Ahmya on her belly. The peace however didn't last very long, as Kotatsu went out and called Aiko on he phone. In their sichuation right now, they didn't know who else to contact, and he had been the only one to ever actually help them in Academy city.

Kotatsu quickly explained everything that had happened. There was silence over the phone. I see… Aiko's voice said. Please Aiko, we don't know what to do, Kotatsu said. There was still silence for a little while, but then Aiko suddenly sighed. I'm gonna be honest here… There is no way for me to help out your new born girl, but trust me I would do anything if i could. Kotatsu didn't say anything, and just clenched his fist. But… Aiko said. But what?! Kotatsu said, sounding hopeful that Aiko might had the answer they were looking for. There was silence for a couple seconds. As you know, we in Academy city specialize in developing espers. It might not be possible for me to prevent your daughters death… but, I might be able to take advantage about he fact that she is gonna die, in order to help your other daughter, Aiko said. ! . What do you mean, "take advantage of her death"? Kotatsu asked, sounding really surprised. Well… that'll need a longer explanation. You know how higher level espers are put through a lot more experiments, as their bodies and minds are stronger than the lower levels, Aiko said. Yeah, that much i know. But how's that gonna save Haia? And what did you mean by taking advantage of he fact that Ahmya's gonna die!? Kotatsu said, sounding a little impatient.

Well… under normal circumstances, espers are put through the same power development program, so that almost every research facility or law keepers can get information about you, and he fact that you have abilities. But..if somebody were to gain something… something that nobody in the entire city had ever seen, then surely that would cause a lot of attention right? That's what would happen.. Unless, we actually gave that somebody a reason to keep their powers a secret, and that way look weaker whenever they'd get a system scan, or get tested, Aiko said. Hold on, what are you suggesting? Kotatsu asked. Well… maybe it's possible to actually prepare Haia for what Academy city would have in store for her, and actually make her want to keep her powers a secret from the city. Back from the tests I took back at the hospital, it is most likely, that she will become just as powerful as her big brother, Aiko said.

Kotatsu still clenched his fists. Ok, but what does that have to do with Ahmya's death? Kotatsu asked, trying to sound calm. Again there was silence for a little while. Kotatsu was about to say something again, but Aiko interrupted. Well… remember what i told you at the hospital? That I'd keep you hidden, but in the return of a favor. My plan involves turning your other daughter into what we scientists refer to as an AIM regenerator, Aiko said. What's that? Kotatsu asked, sounding a bit worried. No need to worry. In way.. it will actually make her live, Aiko said. ! . How's that!? You said that it was impossible! Kotatsu yelled. Yes… it is. It is physically impossible to keep her body alive.. but, because of her esper powers, it might be possible to keep her mind alive, Aiko said. ! . A tear ran down Kotatsu face. What's more… I can use Ahmya's mind to make a special power for Haia. That's he best I can do for you. You can think about it, and give me your answer once you're ready, Aiko said, as he ended he call. Kotatsu kept holding the phone to his ear, resulting in him hearing the beeping noise. The couldn't believe what he had just heard. The could save his precious daughter… for he price of his other daughter who was gonna die in five years… He slowly let his arm slide down his side, still holding the phone, as he staring into the wall.

Musumi saw her husbands weird behavior, and therefore looked worried at him. Kotatsu? What's wrong? She asked. Kotatsu slowly looked at her, still not changing his expression. Musumi… He said, as the slowly walked over to his wife and sat down beside her. We can save Haia, Kotatsu then finally said. ! . How!? What can we do!? She yelled, sounding just as desperate as Kotatsu had a couple minutes ago. But.. Kotatsu said, ignoring his wife's last words. It comes with a prize as well… the prize… of Ahmya's life, Kotatsu said, looking at his newborn, sleeping daughter. ! . Musumi stared at him, as the began to explain everything that Aiko had just said. None of them knew what to do about it, and therefore they both decided to just wait, and not answer, until they knew what was the best. Two years passed… The girls grew up having lots up fun together, almost always smiling, and being together. But Musumi and Kotatsu never forgot Kakine, or his last words. And that exact year, Kakine reached status of level 5, at the age of 14, completely shutting off all hope there was left of ever having him return home. Musumi and Kotatsu grew up together with their daughters, living with he burden of having lost their son, and knowing their daughter would die in a matter of years. And then.. finally they made their decision.

Haia was the first to show esper abilities, when she one day suddenly just lifted up a pen without touching it. She was so proud, and Ahmya was so excited as well, but Kotatsu and Musumi however were terrified. They knew they had to make a decision now… now, or Academy city would come and take Haia away just like Kakine. As the time passed by, Ahmya began to grow weaker and weaker as well. They knew what they had to do. At that time, what choice did they have? They called Aiko again, accepting his offer, and then signed a contract. Both of them also started working for Aiko, and began to help him prepare his experiment, without making it look suspicious for Ahmya and Haia. And then… finally, a week before Ahmya's five year birthday, the experiment finally began. It broke Kotatsu and Musumi's hearts to finally see their daughter die, but even so, kind of making them realized about what would happen if they hadn't chosen what they had. And that's it. That's the story

of how Musumi and Kotatsu lost two of their children to he city of science. That, is their true reasons for ever doing everything they did.