"So, Valentine, he has potential, no?" A sickly white coated man inquired.
"Yes, indeed, he could something great," a woman scientist responded.
An awkward man, worn with age spoke,"I don't believe he has enough DRIVE, he lacks EFFORT. Nothing he does amounts to ANYTHING."
"Come now, don't you think he just needs a push? A little incentive, don't you agree?" The first man asked the two others.
Staring into monitors and clipboards daily did nothing to help their sanity. Most of the people in the darkness of Academy City were those who had genius intelligence, yet lacked esper abilities. This was easily over shadowed, a flying child is always more fascinating than a man who creates power suits and satellites. It's harsh yes, but that's human nature.
The only thing people like this could do is try something completely unfathomable. Something no one man could ever achieve, the impossible. They shoot for stars with air guns. For recognition to be had by someone without abilities that is practically absolute. A genius in Academy City is just an average man, nothing special, even with twice the work or even more than an esper. This is why they turn to darkness. It sounds simple when explained, yet no one knows this, even I hadn't back then.
"His ability could rival the mighty RAILGUN or even the DEVIL of Academy City!" The awkward scientist was zealous.
"Don't get ahead of yourself now, he has potential, not the skill yet. His attempts at plasma control nearly ended his life and many others." The woman was adamant to shoot him down.
"Ah, but it's the mere fact that he could even craft such a marvelous thing at all that makes him fascinating!" The white coat spoke in defense.
"His brother is a truly wondrous SPECIMEN as well, he's practically a DEMON in his own right!"
"Problematic is he towards Valentine's health. He must be watched, thoroughly."
"He must be dealt with, surely. However, I feel his actions are interesting. He is quite fascinating himself. Brothers as they are, I wonder whom will gave mortality."
It had been a week with out issue, no death threats on my end. Yet still, thought of my own blood, trying to kill me. It was not very comfortable to think about. I had anxiety and fear over the entire situation. I had easily become overwrought, though I choose not to let others worry for my sake.
I had another issue to work out as well, though this had become a full time management. I was now living with a younger cousin of mine, no thanks to an irresponsible father of mine. Taking care of someone else was monotonous and arduous. Though I admit, it was comforting to have company. It truly gave me a sense of pride and compassion to care for another person.
I had set up everything as for schooling, clothing, and food. Only my wallet has felt the strikes from it deeply. I had taken more time at the coffee shop to work. Caring for one is enough with my job as it was, but two meant for twice the effort. It had been difficult, but I would not give in, too much now lie on my shoulders.
"Hey, look, I know you took the effort to give me a place to stay, give me food, and get me in school. But you don't need to do so much for me. I can't stand watching you work so much, it makes me feel like I'm a burden to you." Kazumi voiced out her worry.
"Two things, one, you're not a burden, don't ever think that. Two, I can handle the work, it's not like it's difficult." I wasn't about to let her get sad over my sake.
"No, I won't stand for it. I can't bring more worry too you than you need. I'll get a part time job to support my expenses, so please."
A deep sigh left my core, "alright, if you're serious about this, and only if you are. Then I can get you a job as a server for Ishida. He is a very good man I respect him to no end. So do NOT make me look bad, got it?"
Her face lit up with joy, and mine with hot redness. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! I won't let you down!" She leaned in and hugged me tight.
"Alright, alright, enough. Now get off me, Kazu." I scratched the back of my head awkwardly. She let go and smiled at me. "Jeez, you're too clingy."
"So um… when did you want to do that?" Kazumi asked awkwardly as she paced about the loft.
I began to put on my work clothes, shoes, tie, vest. "Now."
"What, what!?" She began to panic and hurriedly become presentable.
I opened the sliding door, as was my usual ritual. This time, however I felt something I hadn't in a very long time. A smile grew across my face. I pressed my feet onto the railing, the wind blowing about my hair. The air was crisp and lightly cold. "I feel great, this is going to be a good day."
I dove off the edge, flipping forward towards the earth. The air rushing past me, it was exhilarating. I held out my arms to my side and glided down off my descent. I touched the ground softly and looked back up.
"Hey, no fair, wait for me!" Kazumi yelled down from the third floor of the complex.
"Work stars today for you, so you better keep up with me!"