Hello again! Last time, Kuon and Elise transfered into Es' Home Room at school while Wendy transferred into Akira's and Kiri was able to deduce Es and Touya's newfound romance. And on the other side, Avenge has found some concerning factors...
On the flipside, a high school delinquent has his eyes set on Es and intends to make her his and his alone!
Lastly, Unomaru has finished the device to control Diablo before sending Haruki on a task of importance to revie the Mad Dog of the Unions.
Where will all these factors head into now! We'll find out now...
Himezuru Residence [Touya's Room]
After sitting Kiri down, Touya began to recount the events that led up to him reciprocating Es' love after their fight with the Union infected Ren and sometime after, Mei told him and Es to keep their new found status as a couple a secret until the Metal Man, now known to be Unomaru, has been dealt with. It went up to the events of last night and considering Kiri was aware of what happened during the battle with Freaks, Touya felt it was safe to explain the supposed return of Es' Phantom Memory Grimoire compared to Mei and Kuon withholding this from everyone else. After he finished recounting the the tragic events from last night, Touya waited for Kiri's response...
"Wow... it seemed like the three of you really went about things, huh?" Kiri said, not knowing what to say about it. While he knew about Unomaru based on what happened yesterday, he was filled in on things the others didn't know, including Touya and Es' relationship.
"Yes, although Mei knew longer since Es told her how she felt about me. Despite that, I'm to still to blame for Es losing herself in pain and despair..." Touya replied while still blaming himself for causing Es so much grief.
"Touya. You know you're not to blame for what happened yesterday. It was that awful man Unomaru who's to blame and I know you guys will stop him." Kiri reassured Touya, knowing full well that Es and the others wouldn't blame him either.
"Thanks Kiri, it's really nice of you to say that." Touya replied in gratitude to Kiri's kindness, however undeserved Touya believes it to be.
"But, how come you and Es have to keep this a secret from everyone? Apart from the Metal Man thing I mean." Kiri asked, once again wondering why they need to keep their relationship a secret to begin with.
"Partially because we want to deal with Unomaru first and partially because we're worried about how the others would react. Currently, apart from Mei, only you, Avenge and Nu know about us... hell, even Unomaru knows now sense I straight up told him..." Touya explained to Kiri, hoping it would tell him why they're keeping things a secret while also scolding himself for telling the mad scientist how he feels about the Azure Maiden, hoping he won't use that against him.
"I... I see. Why would you be worried?" Kiri asked, still wanting to understand why he'd keep it a secret from everyone else.
"I guess... I... I'm not too sure. I mean, yes I love Es. I don't regret that. But... I'm worried about Kuon and... maybe Hinata, even Mei... I mean, I don't know what Kuon and Mei truly think of me as just a friend or not. If they were in love with me, I don't know how to break it to them without hurting their feelings. And Hinata, I just see her as a sister and I know Akira likes her, but..." Touya began to explain, once again sharing his concerns about how the other girls may or may not view him. While he has interacted with Hinata and Mei a lot, he can't read their minds or tell how they feel, same thing with Kuon. While he wants to live a happy life with Es, he didn't want to break the other girls hearts. Although with Mei, it appears she's respectful of their relationship and is willing to let them be happy, but...
"I don't think you need to worry that much. I'm not saying they will be sad, but I think the one thing they'd want for you above all else is for you to be happy. Same thing with Es as well. I mean, I don't know what it's like to fall in love, but loving someone is wanting that person to be happy, even if it's not with the one they love, right?" Kiri followed up, making a rather good and solid explanation about what it means to love another person. Although he didn't say it, Touya understood what Kiri is trying to say; That Love requires sacrifice. Even your own happiness if it means the one you love is happy as well.
"Kiri... thank you for your reassurance. But, please promise me you won't tell anyone what I told you, okay?" Touya gave his thanks while also asking for Kiri to keep their relationship a secret.
"I don't like to keep secrets, but... I will keep your relationship a secret. We'll be here when you two are ready to tell us." Kiri said as he looked at the clock to see it said 10:00 AM, realizing that Touya needs to rest now.
"Touya, you should rest now. I apologize for keeping you up." Kiri apologized for keeping Touya awake as their conversation wasn't as light as he thought it would be.
"It's alright... *YAWN* I should rest up... thanks... Kiri..." Touya said as he laid down with his eyes closing as his body began to relax as the medicine does induce drowsiness to an extent. Kiri than pulled the blanket over Touya and he quietly left Touya's room before heading back to Yuki's room, grinning to himself all the while.
'Es. You're truly blessed to have him by your side.' Kiri thought in regards to his friend, knowing that she's in good hands and knows their bond will remain strong for many years to come.
Hakuo North Academy [Akira's Home Room]
It was 12:40 PM, about five minutes away from Lunch Time. Akira sat through listening to the teacher and doing his written test the whole time while keeping a close eye on Wendy, who had finished her test MUCH earlier than everyone else did, much to the whole room's surprise. The Wind Mage than just strolled through her school book while waiting on everyone else to finish up. As the teacher is finishing her lecture, Akira took another glance at Wendy.
'What is her game here? She finished that test like it's no big deal. More importantly, I need to find Mei as soon as I can or there's going to be blood on the school ground! ... Wait, wait! Maybe I'm jumping the gun here... I mean, she doesn't look like the person to drag innocents into a mindless scuffle...' Akira though trying to make sense of the whole thing before the school bells rung, signifying it's time for lunch.
"Class dismissed. I will see you after the lunch period." The teacher said politely as she watched all her students leave the classroom.
Hakuo North Academy [Hallways]
Akira made sure to get out of the class room as discreetly as he could and proceeded to make his way to where Hinata and Es's class is to meet with them before looking for Mei. As he was making his way there, he took a breif glance behind hi, to notice Wendy following him.
'What the?! Why is she following me?!' Akira thought as he began to quicken his pace with Wendy doing the same. Even though he shouldn't run, he decided to do so to lose the Wind Mage, a fact that she noticed.
'Oh, he thinks he can outrun me?' Wendy thought with a slight smirk as she began to run after him. After all, he's her best chance at finding Mei for answers. Not that she intends to start a fight here at the school. After all, she doesn't want to drag innocent people into her problems.
'Well, maybe except that perverted pig...' Wendy thought in regards to the delinquent boy she saw outside the school eyeing Es as she continues after Akira. The young man swerved through the hallways that has stundets with Wendy doing the same until Akira was getting farther away and jumped down a couple of stairs to the second floor with Wendy jumping on and sliding down the hand rails much to the amazement and confusion of other students.
Eventually, Akira made a tight corner as he got somewhat far away from Wendy. The Wind Mage managed to make the same turn just in time to see Akira meet up with Hinata and Es as they came out from their Home Room.
'YES!' Wendy thought to herself as she prepared to chase them down now that they're starting to meet up until...
"Akira! Nice to see you!" Kuon said as she came out of Hinata's Home Room with Elise coming out right behind her with a wave.
"Kuon?! Elise?!" Akira said in surprised confusion, briefly forgetting about Wendy chasing him for a moment. As the Wind Mage saw them however, her slightly tanned skin turned white as a bedsheet.
'OH CRAP!' Wendy thought as she immediately did a sudden U-Turn back around the corner and hid behind there, surprised that her old friends did the same thing she did and transferred into this school of all places.
'What in the world is Kuon doing here?! Not only her, but Elise is here too!' Wendy thought as she peeked around the corner to observe everyone chatting.
"What are you two doing here?" Akira asked Kuon why she's at the Academy once again with Elise in tow.
"Well, I was able to pull a few string thanks to some... *ahem* clever hacking." Elise said while placing an open hand at herself in pride. Apparently, Elise used her hacking skills to get herself and Kuon transferred into the Academy.
"We transferred back in to join you guys at school again and with the recent events, to keep a close watch on you guys. That... and Elise wanted to see what school life in Japan is like." Kuon said as she explained her and Elise's reasons for transferring, slightly chuckling at the last bit.
"Yeah, isn't it wonderful that Kuon and Elise joined us Akira?" Hinata asked with the bright smile Akira loved seeing so much that is made his heart skip a beat. However, he had more important matters right now as he looked back to see Wendy peeping around the corner.
'Have to cut my losses!' Wendy mentally cursed as she kept herself hidden for the time being, ready to run in case Akira led them over to her sense he's likely going to tell them and with her appearance, it won't take long for her cover to be blown.
"Akira... what is is?" Es asked Akira softly as her throat is still strained.
"First of all, where's Mei? We need to find her, fast!" Akira mentioned as once again, he has something important to tell everyone. Es, Kuon and Elise can't help but wonder if it's chilly in hell with how much crital stuff he's been learning lately. Just as he said that...
"Why do you need to find me 'fast' Kamewari?" Mei said as Akira jumped behind at hearing the Shrine Maiden speak up behind him.
"Mei?! Don't scare me like that!" Akira yelled at Mei for giving him a sudden fright with the Shrine Maiden chuckled and looked to see Kuon and Elise, much to her slight surprise.
"Kuon. Elise." Mei simply said with a slight smile, happy that her friends are here at the school. It was then Akira looked at the corner he ran around and wondered what he's doing.
"Kamewari?" Mei asked the orange haired boy as he turned to lead everyone else somewhere else.
"We're heading outside for lunch. I've got something important to tell you guys and... at least we'll be able to discuss things proper." Akira said as he and the others began to walk outside. Wendy, overhearing this, decided to observe from afar for the time being as she carefully followed them.
Shin Yokosaki Hospital
It was around 12:50 PM as Haruki approached the Hospital wearing a hoodie with a medical mask covering his mouth, ready to take on the task Unomaru sent him on. He than remembered the words Unomaru said to him.
"Haruki. I need to you procure a Defibrillator and some pain medicine from the Shin Yokosaki Hospital. We'll need these things to revive Diablo and lessen his pain. This will at least earn us some brownie points in his eyes. Don't worry my friend, I will be around there to help you carry the goods."
'Easy for him to say. I never stole anything from a Hospital before.' Haruki thought with some guilt as he knew this place needed Defibrillators to help the patients.
'I'll... I'll only take a spare Defibrillator. Yeah! That way, no one will be at risk!' Haruki thought as he walked around to the emergency ladder to begin his way in. After all, he didn't want the Hospital staff to know he was there.
Shin Yokosaki Hospital [Hallways]
Yuki was making her rounds around the Hospital carrying a clipboard with her that had notes and paperwork in regards to Ren who has been discharged from the Hospital sometime yesterday. He needed a crutch to walk for a while, but otherwise Ren's perfectly healthy and that's all that mattered to Yuki.
Currently, Yuki made sure to check in with her patients, including the six from the Mall incident, who are all doing well in the meantime. The Elder Himezuru strove to make up for lost time and she was doing just that.
'So far, all my patients are recovering so far. That's good to know. I just hope Ren is doing fine now.' Yuki thought as she made her way to her office to file out the last of Ren's paperwork. Then Yuki saw someone unsual running through the corridor in front of her.
"What the...?" Yuki let out as she saw a hoodled person make his way through the Hospital. They didn't look like a patient here and there haven't been any medical emergencies going off in the Hospital as far as Yuki was aware. Maybe they were here to see someone? No, if that were the case, than why blast off at a speed like that. Not to mention there appeared to be mud on the floor, leaving footprints. At least Yuki isn't on cleaning duty. Regardless, this is concerning behavior...
'I should see what's up with them.' Yuki thought as she quickend her pace and went off in the direction the man ran off too, following the foot trail to see where this person was going and after four minutes...
'The Storage Room? What would they want here?' Yuki thought for a moment, wondering why someone would head to this room in particular. Unless...
'Diablo! Kazuto and Mei said he's in cryo stasis. So maybe...' Yuki thought in concern at the idea of Unomaru being here, but knew that it couldn't be him as the foot prints didn't make metal sounds and the person's clearly human. Despite this, whoever it was, they're clearly here to steal medical equipment and that is uncalled for. With this, Yuki pulled out her phone and called up the police.
"Police. This is Doctor Yuki Himezuru of Shin Yokosaki Hospital. I suspect we have a thief in the building trying to steal medical equipment. Please send someone over here right away." Yuki said as the officer confirmed that they'll send units over before Yuki hung up. With that, Yuki placed the clipboard on the bench and steeled herself before entering the Storage Room.
Four minutes ago, Haruki was exploring the Storage Room looking for any spare defibrillators. After a moment or two, he managed to locate a portable unit that's been recently repaired and ready for use.
'Perfect! Now to get this back to Souichiro!' Haruki thought as he heard the door open, causing him to tense as he hid behind the wall and saw through briefly to see Yuki walk in, remaining cautious but was unfortunate to not notice him.
"Okay. Listen to me, I don't know why you're in here, but I won't stand by while you're here to steal important tools to help save lives. Just come out now and this no needs to be hurt." Yuki replied in a tone she rarely uses. Like a mother bear ready to defend it's cubs, a single doctor is willing to make sure this equipment won't be misused for evil when good people needs this stuff.
Stiffened, but undeterred, Haruki snuck around toward the end and waited for Yuki to turn her back to look in one direction and as she looked in the opposite direction...
"*GASP*!?" Yuki looked to the other side in surprise as Haruki grabbed and pushed the Elder Himezuru into the wall, knocking the wind out of her momentarily as she got up and dodged a punch from the thief as he hit the wall, hurting his hand in the process. Yuki knew that this man intended to hurt her, so she ran and grabbed a spare gurney and pushed it toward Haruki who managed to dodge it as he chased the Elder Himezuru. While the thief had no wish to harm her, he knew thay he can't let her catch him and had to deal with her. Yuki however tried to deal with him without damaging anything in the room, which was easier said than done. Eventually, Yuki got a hold of the thief and pushed him against the wall. She than punched him in the gut, knocking the wind out of him, allowing her to pull down his medical mask, revealing a face she saw on the news.
"You?! You're the thief Es and Kiri detained the other day!" Yuki exclaimed in surprise, knowing he should be in jail at this point. Taking advantage of her shock, Haruki got up to grab Yuki's arm and...
THUD!
With all of his strength, pulled and slammed Yuki into the wall face first, with the Elder Himezuru's vison blurring as she took uneasy steps trying not to pass out and keep herself steady.
"Sorry lady, but I have a job to do." Haruki said as he ran up and punched Yuki in the face.
"Hina... Es... Touya..." Yuki thought weekly as she stared at the thief for a moment before she fell to her knees and onto her back on the floor, trying to keep her eyes open. She than witnessed Haruki grabbing the portable defibrillator and a couple of Pain Medicine before leaving the room as Yuki's vision to black out.
"Ugnnnn... ugh..." Yuki moaned as she lost consciousness, having failed to stop the thief from taking the equipment and medicine. She could only hope the police would catch this man before he gets away. If there was a bright side to this, is that the thief hasn't taken her life, meaning she won't leave her family alone this day...
Alleyway
Haruki barely managed to get out of the same way he got in just before the police arrived and made his way to the rendezvous point where Unomaru waited to lead Haruki back to the lab.
"Hey man, managed to get the things we need for Diablo." Haruki said as he presented Unomaru the items in question.
"Excellent job Haruki! No issues I take it?" Unomaru congratulated the thief before asking if anyone found them.
"Barely. I almost got caught by the cops again while having to deal with this copper haired woman in the storage room. I think she's one of the doctors." Haruki explained, with the woman's description catching Unomaru's attention.
"Copper haired woman? By chance, was she wearing it in a ponytail?" Unomaru asked the thief in regards to this individual.
"Yes she did. But I managed to knock her out, but... she recognized my face from the news..." Haruki confirmed Unomaru's suspicions as the Metal Man jumped up and pulled down the alleyway ladder.
'Yuki Himezuru... be grateful it was Haruki instead of me you ran into today. Otherwise, you would be in the morgue by now...' Unomaru thought grimly in regards to the Elder Himezuru due to her housing Hinata, Touya and Es. Even though he can't remember where they live, he at least recalled that Yuki gave those three a home, much to his own disgust.
"Come on, we should head back to the laboratory, quickly." Unomaru said as he made his way way to the rooftops with Haruki following behind him.
Shin Yokosaki Hospital [Storage Room]
As Yuki's conscious slowly came back to her, she heard faint voices as she woke up to see the other doctors and the police were making their rounds on what transpired in this room.
"I'm telling you, one of the portable defibrillators and some of our pain medicine is missing!" One of the doctors said as he spoke to the police officer in a panic.
"We can see that. You just need to remain calm while we do our job." The police officer said as he kept a cool head in regards to the crime scene.
"How can we remain calm when this... this... this thief hurt Doctor Himezuru?!" A female doctor said in an angry tone in regards to Yuki's state.
"Look, I can understand you're upset and while it was brave of her to try and apprehend, she should have just waited for us to come here." Said another officer trying to back up his fellow officer. As Yuki began to come too, she knew the officers made a point, but she also knew she couldn't stand by and do nothing.
"Hey, look! Doctor Himezuru is waking up!" Said a third doctor as Yuki slowly got up into a sitting position, taking a few deep breathes as she allowed her vison to come back.
"Are you okay Miss Himezuru?" Said the police officer as he knelt before her.
"Y-yes... I should be. What happened...?" Yuki asked, trying to remember what hit her.
"The police arrived saying you called them, than we ran to the Storage Room and found you passed out on the floor... I thought something terrible happened to you!" Said the female doctor said as Yuki began to remember what happened up to this point.
"Right... I remember now... thanks for looking out for me. Which police officer is in charge here?" Yuki said as the one with with the black uniform walked up.
"That would be me, Doctor Himezuru. Can you stand?" Said the higher rank officer as he offered a hand to Yuki, who graciously took it as she stood up slowly.
"I... I know who stole the defibrillator... it was the thief that was at the mall the other day..." Yuki said as the police all turned around to the Elder Himezuru as they knew he was the only one who broke out of prison.
"Haruki Kiyama. You saw him here?!" The police officer said in an angry tone, clearly not happy that the escaped convict was here to steal medical equipment, let alone attacking a doctor.
"Yes... listen, we should talk somewhere private. This is important..." Yuki said as she and the police officer left to discuss what transpired here.
Hakuo North Academy [Outside]
It was 12:50 PM when Akira and the others sat down to discuss what Akira witnessed earlier. As everyone was setting up lunch, they were all shocked to learn that Wendy transferred in his Home Room at this school.
"You're kidding? Wendy's here too?" Kuon said in shock as she didn't expect to hear that Akira now has her friend as a fellow student. Needless to say, Mei was uncertain about this. While Mei was angry at Unomaru's return, she couldn't exactly be angry at the Wind Mage for how she feels in regards to Achts' death.
"I wouldn't joke about this! All I know is that she's here. I'm guessing she stopped following me when she saw you and Elise." Akira said while theorizing why Wendy stopped her pursuit of him in the hallways earlier. Akira than caught a glimpse of the Wind Mage from where he's sitting in the trees as she watches them.
"Guys! Over there!" Akira whispered as they all looked up to see Wendy. While Es and Hinata didn't know what she looked liked, Kuon and Elise instantly recognized her. Wendy then flinched when she saw that they're all looking at her and immediately hid in the branches before fleeing to a different part of the school.
"That was her..." Kuon said softly in sadness. While still glad she's no longer helping Unomaru, she knew Wendy came here to stalk everyone here for answers. Noticing this, Es cleared her thorat before speaking up.
"Maybe... we can... explain everything to her..." Es said softly as the others looked at her.
"I get what you're saying Es, but she wouldn't listen to a word from me or Kuon..." Mei said solemnly, knowing Wendy has no intent on hearing her or the Fire Empress out.
"Hey, remember what Avenge said Mei? He said that only us and those who knows us can explain everything to her. Maybe if we just talk to her one at a time, we might get through to her." Kuon suggested, not wanting to give up on her friend that quickly.
"Maybe... I can start..." Es said as the others looked at her with concern.
"But you throat hasn't healed Es-chan..." Hinata said with worry, not wanting Es to hurt herself just to talk with this unsual girl.
"Please... trust me..." Es said softly, hoping the others would let her do this. Before anyone can say anything else, Mei noticed a small wind tornado land on the school's rooftop. Despite that, Mei took a deep sigh, knowing Es' mind is made up
"Well, she's up there. But, you should be careful. We'll shadow you just in case, but don't strain your throat, alright?" Mei said as Es shook her head in disagreement about shadowing her.
"No... I appreciate it Mei... but I want her... to trust us. Please... wait here while... I go talk with her... but I will try... not to... over do my voice..." Es declined before making her way to the rooftop. Although the others wanted to follow her, they knew Es was right and decided to trust her.
Hakuo North Academy [Rooftop]
Wendy landed on the rooftop, cursing herself for letting herself get spotted so easily. Along with some degree of shame in regards to Kuon and Elise.
"Great... now the rest of their friends know who I am..." Wendy said to herself, knowing she lost the element of surprise. Not that she intended to start a fight at the school to begin with. Getting expelled wouldn't get her anywhere. Wendy spent at least 5 minutes up there trying to get her thoughts in order until she heard a door open. Looking back, her back was turned to a structure on the roof and guessed there was a door on the other side. Wendy kept her guard up for a moment until Es walked out into plain sight of the Wind Mage.
"You?" Wendy said with surprise. She had at least expected Kuon, Elise or even Mei to come up here to face her, but Es? The object of Unomaru's revenge? Wendy had nothing to do with her, at least not anymore...
"Tch! Go away..." Wendy said, turning her back to the Azure Maiden. Es however, wasn't deterred in the slightest.
"I wish to... talk with... you..." Es replied softly, at least getting Wendy's attention as Es spoke too softly for her liking and then as Wendy turned around, she saw the bandage around Es' neck.
"Wha...? How'd... how'd your neck...?" Wendy asked in concern before realizing that is was most likely Unomaru that did that to Es. The Azure Maiden rubbed her hand on the bandage for a moment before speaking up.
"Unomaru nearly strangled... me to death... until Touya saved... me..." Es said, taking occasional breathes to speak. She had to at least talk with the Wind Mage.
"Ah... but... you're still friends with that Shrine Maiden. The one who... murdered my friend..." Wendy said, trying her best to be mean to Es, but it didn't feel right being angry at an injured girl.
"I should be upset that... you tried to murder... Mei and Kuon... but you wanted answers... correct?" Es replied, understanding what it feels like to be livid with someone else, but she knows Wendy needs to understand the truth about what happened during the Embryo Incident. Wendy, at least understood what Es is saying; she did want answers.
"Y-yeah..." Wendy replied softly, earning a look of approval from Es.
"I should explain... my past... to you and... my perspective on... the Embryo Incident... while having... lunch together..." Es said as she tried to explain what she knew as the Wind Mage listened to the Azure Maiden's retelling on the Embryo Incident as they both got out there bentoes to have some lunch.
To Be Continued...
Es has began to open the window of trust between between her group and Wendy. Will this turn Wendy into an ally or turn her into revenge further?
Tragically, despite Yuki's best efforts, Haruki escaped with the tools to revive Diablo! Fortunately, the Elder Himezuru will live another day...
What will happen in regards to Wendy and Diablo? Stick around.