Chapter 2: Things Start to Get Interesting

Okay second chapter! I have the plot sorta lined out, cuz I figured, I shouldn't just make chapters up as I go. Even though that was my original plan LOL. Please review! I would love some reviews to feed my ego, also it's nice hearing what you guys think about what I've written so far. It seems like my format got screwed up a bit, so I'm manually going in and adding italics where they're supposed to be. I might miss a few. Italics are Hana's thoughts btw. Alright, here we go!

Hana's POV

Crap crap crappity crap. I cursed as I slowly regained consciousness in a back alley. My body seems fine, but I have no clue where I am or what I'm doing here. I suddenly went from this weird room which Dresden implied was his consciousness to this dark alleyway.

Pull yourself together and focus on what's important now! I mentally chastised myself and took in my surroundings. Sketchy alleyway? Check. Clothes? Check. Backpack? Check. Pink hair? Check. Wait hold up. Pink hair?

NOOOOOOOO. This is so much worse than having white hair! God damn it. At least have it be blue! Pink is not my favorite color. I pouted. Yeah, one would expect me to looooveee the color pink considering that my name means "flower" in Japanese. All dainty and what not right? Well nope. Not at all, I'm not one to shy away from danger or back away if someone is getting injured. After all, I've been taking martial arts classes since I was a kid, knew my way around pretty much any gun, and had been taking kendo lesson for years thanks to my overprotective parents.

I reached up to the tufts of hair sticking out of my ponytail and stared long and hard at the ends of it. They were completely pink! Yes, I suffered from the occasional white hair due to stress, but that was pretty much the only other color ever present in my typically ebony-colored hair.

Awww man, I'm going to need to hide this. Even if this is an anime world, pink hair is still pretty unusual and eye catching. I don't want to catch any unneeded attention. Since I was wearing a hoodie due to the cold weather back in Berkeley, I could just zip it up all the way and pull the hoodie down over my head to conceal the color. I'm going to murder Dresden for leaving me here, anything could have happened! I could be mugged or a gang could attack me as I look like a defenseless girl!

"You stupid piece of trash! Get out of my sight!" I heard whimpering coming from further down the alley. Aw no, I just have the worst luck don't I? I ran towards the source of the yelling.

"Hey! Stop it or else I'm calling the police!" I confronted the two teenage boys as I held out my phone, as if to call the police. In all honesty, it was a bluff because I didn't even know the police number to call in this world! It's probably different than '911.' It might link me to SCEPTR 4 actually. Hm.

"Tsk. This isn't worth our time." The two boys left after spitting on the ground by her feet as they passed by. They were both black haired with freckles and faces contorted in evil. Yes. It was pure evil, because they had been kicking a cat! I should've beaten them within an inch of their lives for this. Only the lowest scum would kick and abuse animals.

I turned my attention towards the injured animal as the boys left the alley. "Hey there, it's okay, I'm not going to hurt you." I cooed to the cat. Hold up, this isn't a cat, I realized as I took a closer look. It's a ferret! It hissed a little at me, then winced as it couldn't seem to get away from this stranger. It seemed like the ferret was domesticated as it had a collar around it, but no ID tag. How strange. I slowly crept closer and the ferret remain quiet, but curious as I slowly lifted my hands towards its body. I swear to Kami, Dresden said I gained powers and the only power I can think of that are useful to me are healing powers.

I would not want any other power that can be used to hurt others. As I concentrated on healing the poor wounded animal, my hands began to glow a soft pink color. Amazed, I continued to pour my energy into healing the animal, watching carefully to make sure I wasn't hurting her. Right before my eyes, it appeared as if the open gashes on her body were closing. I admired her fur, as the ferret resembles a smaller, longer, and skinnier cat, with a bushy tail. I used to have a cat back home before I moved to college. The ferret's body was black, but with small tufts of white fur decorating her face and body. "Ahh I'm going to name you Pepper." I whispered softly to the small animal as the last few bruises regained a normal pink color of the ferret's skin. I wanted to be sure that Pepper was comfortable with me, so I sat there for a few minutes, gently stroking her fur. She cautiously stood up and approached my fingers, sniffing them. Sensing that I wasn't going to harm her, she rubbed the top of her head against my hand, begging for her head to be petted. As I continued to gently stroke my fingers against her coat, she began to make these small snorting sounds and I paused, scared that I hurt her.

She had her eyes closed in contentment, but opened them back up in annoyment when I paused. She turned around and butted her head against my hand again to get my fingers working on her. Again, she made the snorting noise. I shrugged. Must be the ferret equivalent to purring?

After a good fifteen minutes, she seemed comfortable enough for me to pick her up and I place her around my neck, under the hoodie so she was hidden. She seemed to really enjoy lounging around my neck. In fact, as I lifted her towards my shoulder, she practically jumped under my hood to get comfortable. I chuckled and walked over to my backpack, putting it on.

I opened my phone to the camera app to see my appearance. At this point, I'm not surprised anymore. I'm 5' 5', have turquoise-colored eyes, and PINK hair. Man, I hope this is just some twisted sense of humor and my hair is just dyed pink. What a color combo. My features remained the same, other than some dimension-traveling perks such as clear skin and slightly larger-than-normal eyes. Even though my body seemed delicate, I knew that after fifteen years as a swimmer (yes, I started swimming when I was 3 years old), one of the faster track team members throughout high school, and a skilled martial artist and archer, that I was far from helpless. I doubt archery or swimming will come in handy in this type of world, if this really IS the K Project world.

Ignoring my new appearance, I researched what ferrets eat (yes the internet works!) and discovered that they eat a relatively simple diet, such as eggs and meat.

I headed towards the nearest convenience store as I was starving and so was Pepper. It seemed like an unusual app was downloaded onto my phone, which contained Yen. I could hover my phone above a machine and it would transfer the Yen to the machine as I bought the food I wanted. Funny, it seemed like there was quite a large amount of Yen stored in the app. Walking around the convenience store, I noticed something weird.

There were holograms floating around with prices and to purchase the news, it said to just hover your phone over it. It seemed like I could read and understand the text, even though it was in Japanese. I guess I also yelled at those boys back there in Japanese too.

Quickly scanning my newly purchased item (that downloaded and opened on my phone), there was something about the 10 year anniversary of the Kagutsu Crater Incident in the digital newspaper. Humming to myself, I found what I was looking for: the date.

"WHAT?!" I exclaimed aloud, slightly startling Pepper as she woke up from her nap and hissed in my ear to complain. I quickly covered my mouth with my hand and grinned sheepishly as other customers milling about stored at me.

One customer in particular, a boy around my age with a beanie and a skateboard stared at me as if to ask "What the hell is your problem?" But when he caught my eye his cheeks turned red and he looked away, saying nothing.

"Gomenasai." I slightly bowed my head towards those nearest to me. I walked out of that aisle to save myself from embarrassing myself further. I double checked the date on the newspaper, and it said October 18, 2009. Awww man, I'm too early in the timeline, somewhere around two or three years too early. I went 9 years back in "time," since I'm from 2018. However, I don't know why I'm worrying about time when I'm in a different universe and I have strange powers. Wait, if I remember correctly from the spin offs, isn't Anna captured and tortured by this deranged madman who wanted her to become the Blue King? When does that happen….

I resolved myself. I need to save Anna from that horrible place that called itself a hospital, when in fact it was just a cover for doing illegal human experiments. I can't believe the medical field would be abused like that. Anger seeped out from my body, but I struggled to rein it in, because I couldn't make a scene in public like this.

I made it to a park bench, where I watched the trash cans roam around, cleaning up trash. I found a comfortable seat and placed my backpack next to me. It's interesting to see the level of technology this dimension is in, even though they are in the year of 2009. I took out our lunches and clicked my tongue at Pepper, gesturing to my lap. Pepper jumped off of my neck and landed on my thighs, getting herself comfortable by circling and finally plopping down. She stares at me knowingly.

"Hai hai, here you go." I hand her bits and pieces of eggs and she chows down hungrily on them. A look of sadness crossed my face as I imagine how horrible Pepper must have been treated by her previous owners. She has no tag, even though she has a collar on. I take my katsu chicken sandwich out of the plastic wrap and chow down, occasionally breaking off a piece of chicken to feed it to Pepper. Satisfied, I sit on the bench, gently stroking Pepper's fur. I watch as people go by, high schoolers, office workers, groups in red, uniformed people in blue, a group of green-hooded boys and girls playing on their phones, seemingly engrossed in a game. I let out a large sigh.

"My, that's a large sigh you let out there. Did you know that every time you sigh, a small amount of happiness escapes?" A pretty, black-haired woman says as she takes a seat next to me.

I give her a small grin, "Is that so?"

"So what's troubling you?" The lady continues, her brown eyes watching the people milling about around us.

"I'm sorry, but I don't talk to strangers."

"Ah! I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Honami Kushina, I'm a high school teacher. Sorry, you just reminded me so much of my niece, Anna, that I couldn't help but ask you what was wrong. She also gets that sad, far-away look in her eye just like you did. As if the whole world in on her shoulders and she has to bear the burden alone." Honami was serious for a few moments, then a smile crossed her face, "But it's alright! She's getting help from people so she'll be okay."

To me, it seemed as if she said that more for herself than for Anna or to me.

I gave her a genuine smile, knowing from her words, and also from my knowledge from the anime and manga, that Anna's aunt is a really nice person. "Thanks for stopping by, I guess it's nice to talk to someone. Sometimes it's hard for me to rely on others or ask them for help, but it means a lot to me that you stopped by. It's nice to meet you Honami-san, my name is Hana Kugawa."

"What a beautiful name, Hana. It's nice to meet you too. Actually, if you have some time, would you like to grab some tea in the cafe over there?" Honami suggested.

"Sure! That sounds great. Pepper, come here." Pepper jumped around my neck, fitting in snugly between my hood and my neck. "Do you mind if Pepper comes along? She's one of my few friends since I recently moved to Shizume City."

"That's no problem at all! Pepper's adorable. What breed is she? She doesn't really look like a cat, but she sort of resembles one."

"She's a ferret, they're domesticated animals. They're really nice and playful, they love to be adventurous." Hana gave Pepper an appreciative one-finger pat on the head.

"She seems very loyal, kind of like some students I used to teach." Honami commented as she cooed at Pepper.

"Where are those students now? Do you normally keep in contact with high school students? I'm in university now, so I always wonder if my high school teachers think of me."

"They run a bar now. Hahaha you have such a surprised face! Yeah, I visit once in a while. I was really shocked when I found out too, that these troublesome boys of mine have a business that they run. They're around your age too." Honami signaled to the waiter for a table of 2.

The waiter ushered them to the back, near a window.

"Arigato." Honami and Hana said at the same time to the waiter, who bowed and attended to other customers to give them time to look at the menu. They made eye contact with each other and gave out a brief laugh.

As they both scanned the menu, Hana asked Honami, "You mentioned a niece, Anna right? Where is she now? Is she okay? You seemed concerned about her."

"Well she's at Nanakamado Chemotherapy Research Center now, because she has a brain disease of some sort." Honami commented sadly. At the mention of the Center's name, Hana stiffened slightly, unnoticeable to Honami.

They both ordered their drinks as the waiter arrived in that awkward pause.

"I'm sorry to hear that. I'm actually studying to be a doctor, because I've always loved saving people. Do you know the name of the doctor treating her? Maybe I've heard about it in my studies." Hana covertly probed for more information.

"Uhhh, yeah, I believe his name is Kōshi Mizuchi. He seemed like a very caring person."

Very caring person my ass. That fucking piece of garbage. It's him all right, now that she's said his name I remember him. From what the manga said, he is a doctor and he worked for the Gold Clan. He conducts human experiments and tortures Anna because he thinks she will be the next Blue King. Hana put a contemplative look on her face, "I don't believe I've heard his name before. How long has she been there if you don't mind me asking?"

"Ah, she went there yesterday actually. It hasn't been that long and I miss her already. That's why I called out to you today." Honami sipped her drink quietly.

YES. Okay, I need to contact HOMRA without getting Honami panicked. "I'm glad you did, I'm enjoying our time together. It's always nice to make new friends when moving to a new city. Actually, you mentioned your two students right? Some of my university friends are looking for a good bar to go to, would you mind giving me the address of the bar? I'd love to try out a new bar and give your students some business."

Honami eyed me curiously, "You're over 20 right?"

I gave small laugh, "Yeah, do I look that young?" Man, these lies were too easy. I may have to compromise my integrity a bit in order to save Anna faster. It's not like I'm going to drink anyways. I'd probably be a bad drunk. Also, I don't have a valid ID or PDA. My driver's license says I'll be 21 in 2021, and it's 2009! My ID says it was given in 2016, so that would raise a looooottt of questions. Ah, I guess I'll have to look for some fake ID of sort.

Honami shrugged her shoulder, "I always like to ask. I need to make sure I'm not promoting underage drinking."

I looked up at the HOMRA sign that said closed. Eh I'm not surprised since it's 3PM. Not many bars are open at 3PM. Despite that, I knew that Anna was in trouble and I don't know how the manga continues from here on out, but I need to make sure Anna gets out okay. I took a deep breath and pushed open the mahogany doors and walked in.

Looking around the space, it was like that from the anime, a comfortable, beautiful bar in the back with a black couch off to the side. A few tables and chairs decorated the rest of the space. There were a few boys in the room, Mikoto lounging on the black couch I mentioned earlier, Tatara sitting on one of the red bar chairs with a guitar, and Misaki and a few of the others… uhhh Rikio and Shohei if I remembered their names correctly. As always, Izumo was behind the bar wiping it down as he kept a watchful eye on the boys messing around in his bar. Something's missing, they need Anna. They aren't complete without her.

I stood there for a good 2 minutes until Misaki noticed me and stuttered, "A g-g-girl is here! W-w-hy is s-she here!"

I face palmed. "Yes I'm a girl and I need your help." The room was quiet as everyone looked at me. "We need to save Anna."

"Anna?" Izumo questioned as he flicked his lighter open to light his cigarette. For any normal person, the flame would be unnoticeable, but for someone who is aware of their powers, it was a subtle threat. "How d'ya know her?"

Everyone kept their eyes locked on me except for Mikoto who didn't even bother to open his eyes.

"It's a long story, but my name is Hana Kugawa, and my furry friend here is Pepper. We met Honami-san this afternoon and she told me about Anna going to Nanakamado Chemotherapy Research Center. I know that hospital, it's one that experiments on strains and tortures them. You have to save her, I don't have enough power to do it alone! Please! At this moment she's being tortured by this insane doctor. I'll tell you everything as soon as we save her!"

Mikoto seemed to stir at this considering Honami used to be their high school teacher. I would've expected a large outburst of accusations, but what I didn't expect was Mikoto slowly sitting up and making eye contact with me. He proceeded to stand up from the couch and walk out of the door.

Tatara laughs. "Alright guys, let's go get her!" The rest of the boys leave the room, following their King and I stand there a bit shell shocked. Tatara gently grabs me by the elbow pulling me along.

"Hey, don't worry. You can explain some of the things happening as we get there. We won't hurt you."

"You guys believe me? I barely told you anything. How can you trust me?" I whisper to Tatara.

"Ma ma, it's all going to turn out fine. If King trusts you, then we trust you too! Plus, I have a feeling we're all going to become good friends." Tatara finishes with his signature smile on his face.

His reassurance worked, and a smile found its way onto my face. We both jog to catch up to the group.

(Line Break)

At the train station:

I flipped through my phone, finding the contact saved on here by Dresden most likely. Or some sort of force that is giving me cheats through my phone. I don't know. But I had few numbers on my phone, with contacts of a silver crown, a gold crown, a red crown, a green crown, and a grey crown. Instead of labeling the King's numbers with their name, it seems like their contact names are colored crown emojis. Cute.

I clicked on the gold crown emoji and started a new chat:

Me: "I think you should research your clan member, Kōshi Mizuchi. He's conducting illegal experiments on strains. I recommend sending some Gold Clan Members to Nanakamado Chemotherapy Research Center to help us arrest him."

Daikaku: "Who is this and how did you get this number."

Me: "I'm just a friend, Gold King. My name's Hana. Dresden Rex sent me, if you understand my meaning. I'll tell you about the situation later. Trust me on this and you won't regret it."

Wowwww that was a long chappie! Hana is making a lot of promises isn't she? My oh my. Again, please review! It's nice knowing that people are reading this. I WILL promise, though, no backstabbing or betrayals, because honestly, who likes that sort of stuff? I'll do my best to finish this entire story within a year or so, because if I don't then I know I won't ever finish it :0. King for sure has a soft spot for Anna, I mean, who wouldn't! Also, a side note is Hana cusses a lot when kids are not around. Well, not a lot, but she does like to mix it into her sentences when she's feeling particularly angry. Especially when describing pieces of shits like the bastard who experimented on Anna. Whoops, sorry there she goes again.