Disclaimer: I do not own Haruhi Suzumiya or anything related.

This is dedicated to my friend and partner-in-crime, Patty.

A/N: I honestly feel that one or more of my works could be linked together. Otherthan that, enjoy! :)

Title: The Origin of Koizumi Itsuki

Synopsis:

He was. And that was what he knew. He didn't know why. But he was chosen. Koizumi Itsuki searches for the reason why he was.

Puzzle

"Abstain, one vote."

There goes my last hope of acquittal.

"What?"

That was Mikuru Asahina and Number 12 in unison.

"This court finds no resolution over this case."

"I do not mean to be disrespectful, your honorable Council, but what will happen to my client?" asked Number 12.

It was Emiri Kimidori who spoke.

"There is a lack of substantial data for us to give a definite decision. Therefore, the accused, Itsuki Koizumi will be put under probation for an indefinite amount of time."

"There is no assurance that Asahina-san's argument will not happen in the future." The Faction Councilor said. "Which is why it is best that the accused be observed for any changes in action and behavior."

"The Observer has already begun probation." piped Number 7. "He will be observing your every action, and will report directly to us. If there is any undesirable action coming from Mr. Koizumi's part, then, the Council shall call for another Inquest to deliver the verdict."

All in all, the sentence was bearable. I was expecting something more like three years in prison. Looks like I won't be wearing stripes for the meantime.

Outside, Number 12 was still fuming about the Council not finding me innocent.

"…I mean, come on! It was done in self-defense! Bring it in any court and it will be resolved! Probation? They're just wasting their time…"

Maybe it's time to ask something.

"Number 12… Can I ask something?"

"Shoot."

"I suppose that the Agency does more than hunt for Celestials… What else do you do?"

At this, Number 12 suddenly became quiet.

"I suppose it can't be helped. I didn't want to tell you this until later, but I guess…"

He sighed.

"You know, of course, that the Alliance has been focusing on Haruhi Suzumiya. However, behind the 'Alliance', are four groups with their own agendas."

"I cannot hide this anymore. Each of the four groups wishes to get an edge in their own investigations for their own purposes. Though there is a General Investigation Task Force assigned to watch Haruhi Suzumiya, each of the four groups have been trying to use their own methods to get something the others don't know."

"Some of the things we investigate are Haruhi's powers, what they can do, how they affect the universe, and where these powers come from. Still, our observations and investigations yielded little to nothing. The only thing the Agency is sure of is that she has God-like powers. She can alter, create and even destroy the world, no, the universe, if she wishes."

"Still, we have our doubts. She has a corporeal body, experiences life the way normal people do, and is unaware of her powers. I would like to believe that these powers were not originally hers, but alas, we could find no source other than her."

"There has been a motion from some espers to investigate Haruhi by dissection."

"Dissection? You mean---?"

"Yes. That dissection. Naturally, there are a lot of us who are against this method. There has been a large debate over this issue."

"It was a good thing you were awakened to your powers. With your ability, there is no need for us to probe her mind. We got a lead in the investigation."

"So, I was a tool. You wanted to use me."

"Recruiting you was an issue. You were too young. But they suggested that we recruit espers your age to train them. We figured that we'll just have to keep the… harmful stuff away from you until you are of legal age. Thus, you, Yutaka Tamaru and Sonou Mori were accepted into the Agency."

"But I beg to disagree with your recruitment."

Hearing this voice, Number 12 and I turned around. Standing tall with her hands on her hips was none other than Mikuru Asahina.

"Ah, yes, the lovely Miss Asahina. You're such a different person back there. I guess you do not like legal halls."

But this Mikuru Asahina ignored Number 12's taunting words. Instead, she looked at me.

"Koizumi-kun… No. Itsuki Koizumi."

She patted my head. I flinched away. Who is this woman? First, she accuses me of being a murderer at one point, and then now she calls me Koizumi-kun?

She was taken aback by my actions.

"I see… I understand why you would be so hostile towards me. After everything I said back there."

She smiled weakly.

"If I had only known a few years ago… I would rather have not… But, I guess…"

She wasn't making any sense. I do not understand. Is it foreshadowing?

"Even we time-travelers do not understand the puzzle that is time. Forgive me."

She then hugged me.

"Please. Take good care of yourself. Never forget the words I am about to say."

She whispered her softest and sincerest.

"Approaching zero doesn't necessarily mean zero."

What does that mean? Approaching zero? I don't get it.

My thoughts were cut short by Number 12 suddenly grabbing my arm.

"Don't listen to her. She's just trying to confuse you. So then, Asahina-san. We'll be off."

With a "courteous" bow, Number 12 dragged me away from her.

As we reached the end of the hallway, I had the sudden urge to look back.

And as the door closed behind us, I could see her wiping tears from her eyes.

What do you call that feeling?

Nostalgia?

------------------

After going through some dark passageways and secret entrances, we found our way back to a train station.

"Itsuki. Listen." Number 12's coarse growl pierced through the hubbub.

"No matter what happens, no matter what those time-guys tell you, I still believe that you wouldn't fail us."

The southbound train on the other side of the railway just stopped. People walked to get on board the train.

How many people are there in this world?

Everyday, thousands, maybe more, people board the train to get to work, school, and elsewhere.

It could've been anyone of these thousands of people. But why?

Why, of all the people in the world, I had to be given this power? What was I supposed to do with it?

When I was younger, being a superhero sounded easier than I thought it would be. Guess being gullible is inversely proportional to one's age.

Now, saddled with this burden, I have come to the conclusion that I am stuck doing this for the rest of my life.

If there was only a way to transfer these powers to someone else, let me know! I don't want to be chasing blue blobs my entire life!

Furthermore, this whole Alliance deal sounds shady to me. They can't even trust each other. How sure am I that there will be no one else after me?

I have dreams too. I don't need to be bothered by someone else's dreams.

Without noticing it, Number 12 had suddenly disappeared from my side.

The northbound train had suddenly made a halt. The door opened, and passengers rushed to get inside.

No, you fools. The train is not for you this time.

It is mine.

Northbound, southbound, it doesn't matter. I just need to get away.

A/N: Hope you liked the latest installment! Jaa minna-san! :)