Chapter Six: Supernova
"I'm telling you Otaoko Aimina told me to meet her here! You know I have no other reason to be here Yuutase!" Gaku screeched to Bashouna at the front desk in a vain effort to go see Aimina.
"Oh we all know you really came to beg for my love Gakie! You see... Aimina isn't even in today! You really should check these things before you try to use them as cover!" Bashouna was purely teasing but the fact it made Gaku so red and angry. Gaku made a point of talking properly around Bashouna lest he be corrected constantly between each word.
"GAKU-KUN!" Aimina beamed running up and hugging him. "Long time no see!" Gaku's face became a completely different shade of red this time as he started blushing violently. "Gaku... I'd like you to meet Hikari Ishina and Takara Kuma." She added letting go of him and referring to the two figures she had collected.
"Ku...ma? What kind weird name is that?" Gaku wondered indignantly as he stared down the figures suspiciously.
"WELL JUST LOOK AT YOU!!!" Bashouna beamed hopping over the counter and wrapping his arms around the figures. "You're both just so cute! I can't decide who I like more! Oh decisions decisions! Well not to worry! There's plenty of me to go around!" He cheered hugging them both tightly at the waist.
"Bashouna... you would do well to unhand them... Kuma doesn't look very happy..." Aimina pointed out eying Kuma's clenched fists.
"Awe no one ever wants to play with me..." Bashouna pouted walking away disheartened. Aimina sighed and shook her head as a slight smile crept over her face. She rarely had a flux in her state of being but Night always sensed happiness when she talked to Bashouna or was around him. He had to wondered if she didn't have feelings for him... And if she did, why did she never pursue them?
"If you'll come with me we can talk in my office." Aimina tugged the figures along gently in the direction of her office.
"She means her cave." Gaku mused indignantly. He was promptly beat down by a fist that materialized out of nowhere.
"I swear he normally behaves so much better... I guess the zoo forgot to give him his medicine today..." The Director fumed angrily as she pulled the figures along faster.
"Aimina-sama! You're late!" Ariia scolded as she stood up from her sit next to the Director's office door.
"Good Morning Aimina-kun!" Night chimed in from shoulder. "How are you feeling this morning?" Night had opted to stay with Ariia that evening to discuss how they would handle Aimina from now on. They both knew they couldn't move her project elsewhere but that she wouldn't stop working on it or even let up. Her passion and dedication were things they both admired in her... even though they were now killing her... Gaku seemed uneasy about Night's miniaturized presence with the apprentice. It appeared he knew what that meant.
"I'm all right... I hope you both slept well we have some catch up to do!" She replied as she started keying in the elaborate and long winded pass code to unlock her office. "Before we go in... All of you have to promise to forget what you see inside..." her voice was very quiet but her face was extremely serious. The remark made the two figures a bit leery but Gaku just laughed and nodded.
"Then you're finally able to do it? You said for years you would... I guess I should have expected as much from you Otaoko... You always were fantic in your beliefs and convistions." The former coworker mused pushing past her and through the door. "It's none of my business what you do in this black hole..." Aimina sighed and laughed a little as she motioned everyone to go in.
"How morbid..." Ishina gasped bleakly at the appearance of the lab.
"Are you sure she isn't some mad scientist?" Kuma chimed in a similar tone to Gaku. Gaku burst out laughing and almost fell over. Aimina was clearly unamused... When he finally regained composure he asked why it was Otaoko had called him here.
"You're going to be their manager..." Was the stark response he got as she set about getting ready for the next step of assembly. "Ishina wants to be a pop star... And well Kuma is quite the musician. It's incredible! They both taught themselves by reading the reactions of those around them in order to establish a database of knowledge! They in a sense wrote their own program for discerning pitches and frequencies! True incredible Gaku!" She added enchanted as she stopped what she was doing and looked at them romantically. The two were clearly flattered by her enthusiasm for their abilities and the work that went into them. They were so cute when they blushed it made the Director giggle uncontrollably.
"That's all well and good but I'm not representing anyone unless they have some real talent!" Gaku protested eying the figures apprehensively. Ishina looked uneasily at Kuma first then at Aimina. The Director smiled and nodded urging her on gently.
"I remember the instant/ Emotion danced across your face/ In that stifling place/ I knew you felt the same/ Though we didn't know the name/ The word we couldn't utter/ Ignorance was our bliss/ Grant me this everlasting kiss/ When will we escape/ Our unbreakable fate.../ Unbind these chains/ Change these names/ Eternity can't touch us..."
Gaku was clearly impressed by Ishina's voice and he looked at Otaoko wide-eyed. "She taught herself? You're certain?" Aimina simply nodded and he looked back at the figure trying to collect himself. "So... They're both like him aren't they? How many more of these things are you going to make? These machines that come to life? It's a little creepy how you have a knack for that!" He ended on a melodramatic note as he rubbed his head and closed his eyes. "I'm crazy for doing this but all right... I'll make some calls and see about getting some studio time... If he plays half as well as she sings they're going to be huge..."
"Thank you so much Gaku-kun! I knew that there was no one else who would do as splendidly as you!" She beamed bounding over a box and tackle hugging him. Again he turned a deep shade of red and looked away. "When you get things straightened out let me know and I'll fund the project!"
"Ah yeah well you're not doing a good job of helping me keep up my tough guy exterior you know. All this hugging... Ruins a man's image pretty fast!" He said awkwardly as she laughed all the while.
"I think she likes making him feel awkward..." Night chirped with a smile. He was thoroughly enjoying Gaku being paid back for all the awkward moments he's made.
"I think she's amazing..." Ishina cooed sparkle-eyed as she gripped Kuma's hand tightly. "I firmly believe there are few people in the world who would do for us what she is..."
"Yeah... She's a pretty awesome chick..." Kuma added rubbing Ishina's clasped hand with his free one. "I don't know how we could repay her..."
"I think all Aimina-kun ever wants is people's friendship and kindness. If you are kind to her... she'll try to give you the stars and moon..." Night's voice seemed conflicted between happiness and sadness now as he spoke though his face tried hard to smile. "Oh! Aimina-kun! You should teach them how to dance! All the famous pop stars now-a-days are great dancers too!"
"Oh! No way I'm not that good! I'm so out of practice too!" Otaoko blushed as she released Gaku and spun away. "I suppose I could at least teach them the basics though..."
"This is going to be so much fun! I want to join your class too! I need to get some more exercise!" Ariia chirped happily as she finished setting up the table. "I think though we're ready for the final phase of interior assembly now... We should wait until you get back though..."
"You're leaving this close to doing something? I'm shocked..." Gaku hissed condescendingly as he made his way to the door. When he looked back he noticed Aimina's uneasy expression and realized he touched a nerve. "Do you want me to take you somewhere?" He wondered softening his tone slightly.
"No... If you could take them back to my apartment though... Or better yet..." She snatched her purse from the table and took a credit card out of it. "Take them shopping... They need some clothes those things are hideous..." She said finishing the thought. Gaku groaned loudly.
"Come on..." He sighed finally taking the credit card from her outstretched hand. "I hate shopping by the way... So consider this a favor... A big favor..."
"Consider us even..." Otaoko's voice was playful and she had donned a sly smile. Gaku spied Night out of the corner of his eye and smiled.
"Even you say... No I think I still owe you one..." Was all he said as he made his way out. "Come on kids! Uncle Gaku's time is valuable so you should feel privileged!"
"You're in good hands I promise... Now please go out and have some fun and buy what you think you'll need. Just bare in mind my apartment isn't infinite!" Otaoko soothed pushing the figures gently out the door. "I'll see you tonight then!" As she turned around she was met with a muffin and a knit hat.
"You haven't eaten today have you? And put these on! It's chilly in here!" Ariia squawked like a mother hen. Aimina was thrown as a muffin was thrust into her mouth and a scarf matching the hat was wrapped around her neck. "Now you go on and go to your appointment and I'll get everything sanitized and ready for when you get back! And don't forget to grab some lunch while you're out!" Ariia was obviously worried but she was beaming a smile as she tied the scarf gently under her idol's neck.
"Ariia...kun..." Aimina whispered as a tear welled up in her eyes. "Thank you..." She added hugging her apprentice with the muffin free hand. "Thank you for putting up with me."
"You're going to be late!" Ariia scolded choking up a little as she pulled and away and turned her back to her friend. Aimina sniffled and nodded as she crammed the muffin in her mouth.
"Can I come with you Aimina-kun?" Night asked in a meek voice. Aimina stopped but wouldn't look at him as she thought about her answer. After a few minutes she reached out her hand for him though she still wouldn't look at him. He grabbed her bag and hopped on. "You know... I just... I just don't want you to be alone right now... In case something happens... I don't think you'd like to die alone... It's kinda... cold." Aimina gasped and looked at him wide-eyed as she realized he knew exactly what that was like. Her face quickly faded to a teary smile.
"I know Night... Thank you..."
"How long do you think this is going to take?" Ariia wondered pulling on the last of her scrubs.
"I have no idea... I've never put them all together like this. I think it will take quite awhile though. The human body is really complicated. You got hard part done while I was gone though so it's shouldn't be terrible. With the wiring and circulatory system in already this should be easy." Aimina replied thoughtfully as she rolled and cart of jarred organs to the table with Night's body on it.
"Well let's get started then!" Tsukiuko's enthusiasm was encouraging to Otaoko. And so with high spirits they started the longest and hardest phase of construction. By the time they had finished installing the organ systems it was morning the next day. It was time for the table to do the task of installing final internal components and do the systems check. When that was done it was set to cover up the framework. Just to make sure today was the last day of construction Aimina planned to download Night into the body at the same time. Numb and tired the two ladies stumbled away from the table and collapsed on whatever they could find to sit on.
"I'm really glad you were here Ariia-kun... That would have taken much longer alone..." Aimina sighed as she rolled her chair over to her desk to retrieve Night. "Are you ready to go? I'm not sure how long this will take..."
"I'm ready!" Night beamed excitedly as he hopped into her hand.
"You should head home and get some rest Ariia-kun. I'm just going to get Night going then I'm going to do the same..." Ariia nodded warily and picked herself up off the box she had been sitting on.
"Don't forget to eat something..." She muttered slowly wandering to the door. Aimina chuckled and shock her head as she plugged the figure into the data port on the table.
"Sleep well Night... I'll see you soon!" She chirped happily as his tiny eyes drifted closed. There was a kind of peace on his face which Otaoko attributed to him knowing he would definitely be waking up this time. "I'm so glad... So glad you'll finally be able to be happy..." She slowly rolled back over to her desk and pulled her bag up to her. As she was about to stand up to leave she began feeling very unwell. "Maybe I'll just rest here a little longer..." She sighed laying down and pulling a jacket over her head.
The monitor hooked up to Night's head began beeping as it registered independent brain activity. Once everything had been installed the body had been put on a sort of life support to keep it alive while he transferred. The beeping slowly caused Night to stir and move. He pulled the sensors off and sat up in the chilly room. Aimina had covered the body up with a warm blanket but that had done little stave the cold off of his naked body. Thoughtful as she was though, she had a pile of clothes waiting for him next to the table with a cheerful note. "I hope we guessed your size right Night-kun! There's some food in the fridge if you're hungry! Remember you HAVE to eat now! See you soon!" There was another note from Ariia sitting under it pointing out that she left him some homemade cookies in a box on top of the fridge. The notes made him smile but he was still having a hard time adjusting to all the sensation he could now enjoy. He took things very slowly as he got dressed and went about getting something to eat. It didn't take long for him to wonder how long he had been asleep...
As he sat down to eat the door started to unlatch and open. To his delight it was Aimina and Ariia. He stood up to greet them and the sight of him made them stop in the door abruptly.
"Night..." Aimina gasped in shock.
"...kun..." Ariia added in equal astonishment. He looked down worried to make sure he put his clothes on right.
"Is something wrong? Did something not get put together right?" He wondered feeling a little embarassed.
"No... It's not that at all... I just... After all this time it's..." Otaoko seemed to be at a loss for words.
"She's been working towards this moment for years Night-kun... To see you up and around again is a little much for her I think." Ariia explained coming out of her shock. She pulled her idol into the lab and shut the door. "How are you feeling? No pain or sickness? Your head is clear and you're able to think and process what's going on and understand it?" She wondered making him sitting down as she interrogated him.
"I feel... I feel... everything for the first time... And it feels very nice!" He replied after looking around the room slowly and a bit in awe. "It's just odd seeing things from this height again is all." He chuckled which caused both the girls to laugh with him.
"I'm really glad everything fit! Do the shoes fit right?" Aimina wondered finally coming to her senses again. Night nodded and donned a cheesy smile. "Well I guess it's time to get you out of here... I just hope that box is comfortable enough to get you out of the vicinity..." Aimina sighed sadly. "I really wish there were a better way to get you out of here without getting accosted by the Lead Investigator or anyone else."
"Yeah with you looking just about the same as before I'm sure that would raise some questions..." Ariia added sounding defeated. "You were supposed to be scrapped years ago after Aimina-sama finished her analysis..."
"I don't mind hiding in a box if it will be easier for you Aimina-kun!" Night chirped running over and hopping into the box. He sat down and got comfortable before looking over at the two surprised ladies. "Let's go home... friends..." Aimina and Ariia looked at each other and smiled before returning their gaze to him. They got up and grabbed some hammers off of the desk to shut the box with. "Aimina-kun... Can I make a request?" Night wondered looking a little sad and avoiding eye contact.
"Sure anything Night-kun." Aimina replied looking a little worried.
"When there's sometime... Could the three of us go and get some pictures taken again? I would like some where I can be more of a part of them... In case something happens..." He was very sad looking now but at least he would look at them now.
"I have a friend from school that's a photographer! I'll call him later and set something up!" Ariia beamed trying to lighten the mood with a cheerful tone.
"That sounds great! All right let's go now!" Night exclaimed perking up significantly. Aimina smiled warmly as she slid the lid closed. With a great deal of effort they were able to get the box on a cart and wheel it out. The old body and the mess they had made over the past few weeks had already been cleaned up and disposed of. All except the miniature, she just couldn't bring herself to get rid of it yet. Instead she put the tiny lifeless shell in a glass display case and sat it on a bookshelf at her house.
"AIMINA-KUN!!!" Bashouna cried running across the lobby to help them with the box. "You simply have to let me come and see it when you get it set up and acclimated!" He chirped pushing the front door open. "I would love to meet him... He sounds fabulous..." The metro secretary swooned in a slightly seductive voice.
"He's not like that Bashouna-kun!" Otaoko shrieked blushing violently.
"I don't care what he's like as long as he take good care of you Aimina-kun... I would feel terrible if anything bad happened to you..." Bashouna looked the most serious that he ever had for as long Aimina had known him.
"Bashouna..." Aimina whispered a extremely surprised by his appearance and tone.
"You're like a brilliant supernova Aimina-kun! A burning beacon of light and goodness! If you burnt out the world would grow colder and darker!" He gleamed returning to his usual overdone tone and using over-pronounced hand gestures. With a swift shove he pushed the door opened and ushered the ladies outside. It was during this whole line of conversation that Night realized there was something on his finger. It was a ring with a stone in it like he had before to gather information. In his pocket he felt a piece of paper which he awkwardly pulled out.
"Understanding humans and their emotions can be difficult especially if you have little experience. The ring hones in on who you're thinking about and reads their emotions. Hopefully this will help you to grow close to people and make many good friends... And maybe just maybe... Find happiness... If this isn't enough you still have me to talk to! - Ariia" Night smiled and looked back at the ring and wondered how Aimina was doing. The ring started turning bright pink and his hand felt warm. It was then he understood what he had to do. Or at least he thought he did until Bashouna left and Ariia started prodding Aimina about their relationship.
"You two would be a totally cute couple! Seriously I really think he has the hots for you Aimina-sama! Why don't you ask him out?" Ariia teased smiling slyly at her idol.
"Ariia-kun... Hunny... Bashouna isn't just metrosexual... he's gay... I set him up with his last boyfriend..." Aimina explained kinda surprised Ariia hadn't realized it sooner.
"People can change! Seriously when he comes over later you should ask him just to go to dinner! Even if you have use some lame excuse like you have missed his company these last few weeks..." Ariia was pushing hard for this and Aimina couldn't understand why.
"I hardly think that given my health pursuing a relationship is something I should be doing right now." The Director sighed has they rolled through the parking garage and came to a stop at her car. "Besides... I don't think Bashouna thinks of me as anything more than a good friend he can be open with. I think you're confusing his nature for something that isn't there..."
"Maybe... But it wouldn't hurt to try would it? You aren't going to be sick forever and you know the kids are going to go their own ways and leave you alone!" Ariia prodded seeming more desperate now. "I just don't want you to end up alone!"
"Then I really will build myself a figure..." Aimina replied sticking her tongue out at Ariia. This appeased her but she still wasn't so sure about her idol's future. The ladies grew quiet as they pried the box open and let Night out. "Come on out Night-kun it's safe." Night climbed out and spied Aimina's car. It was cute silver sports car which surprised Night a good deal. He had somehow expected something less flashy. Aimina noticed his expression and what he was looking at and laughed. "This is my attempt to be cool!" She beamed patting the rear quarter panel. "Would you like to drive home?" She wondered dangling the keys and a driver's license in front of his face.
"Sure!" He answered taking the keys and smiling. "It will be my first act of payment for this great new body you made me!"
"I'll ditch the box and meet you over at your apartment!" Ariia cheerily offered as she shoved the lid inside the box and started wheeling it away. "Have fun you two!"
"I'm sure Ishina and Kuma are bored by now... We should go to lunch or something..." Aimina mused climbing into the door Night had opened for her. "There's so much to do... But that can all wait you have plenty of time now!" She seemed very relieved now... And much brighter like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. "Would you like to see Riiko-kun?" She asked randomly after they had been driving a few minutes. Night almost stopped the car in the middle of the road.
"I'm still not sure that's a good idea..." He replied after regaining himself and continuing on at a normal speed. "I... I just don't want her heart to hurt anymore because of me."
"I think she has chosen a path that she can walk on... And though the hope of you coming back was dim... She knew you could come back one day... I think the real question is... can your heart handle it?" Aimina had rolled down the window and pushed her seat back to a lounging position. "Maybe... you should make your heart stronger first before you go to see her. But if you decide to never see her again... I'll support that decision... It's not what I would like you to do but it's not a choice I can make for you." Her voice became more and more quiet as she drifted off to sleep. Night realized she was asleep and grew a little concerned partly because he didn't know where he was going and from the sudden onset of her sleep. A park caught his eye and he made a bee line for it. In the bright warm sun he took Aimina out of the car and sat down on a bench with her. He made her comfortable and sat her head in his lap like Riiko had done for him all those years ago. The shades of the leaves on the tree above made beautiful designs on the sidewalk and the wind played a melody of a wonderful spring to come... For the first time since he had woke up, he felt at peace. Maybe he could be happy in this life without Riiko though he owed her much of this very life he had.
"A path to walk on..." Night sighed looking up at the tree. "I think I can find one as well... If only my friends will help me..." He smiled and started people watching. He didn't seemed to noticed the young man from the hot spring passing by and snapping another few pictures though.
"So perfect... Such a beautiful picture!" He sighed looking at the screen of his digital camera. "I'll send that one too..."