The rest of the night was a blur. Ki was trapped in a loop consisting of small periods of rest and brutal awakenings. The images refused to leave him. Like it or not, he was forced to think about them. There was nowhere to run from himself after all.
'This is so unfair' Every single time this thought came up, his mind was brought back to the piles of rubble and corpses, to the destruction he witnessed. Did he even have the right to hold that kind of innocent thinking ...?
"...!" His teeth gnashed against each other as his guilt spiked. He hated this situation and the overwhelming sense of powerlessness that came with it. It was now clear to him : he might become a danger for all that he knew and held dear. The oh-so-sweet option dismissing all of this as mere imagination was long gone. But alone, he couldn't do much. Then again, the safest and most direct option was still in his hands.
He could just commit suicide.
Ki went still as his heart painfully contracted. He slowly looked at the bathroom of his bedroom. Yes, death. That would be the most surefire way of ridding himself of the problem. Right now, he was terribly afraid of reenacting the carnages he saw earlier, so much he couldn't bear it. He knew nothing of how to avoid this, if all of this was going to happen, when...nothing. His own family became untrustworthy, and he couldn't blatantly seek help elsewhere since he knew he was being watched. Not to speak of the worst aspect of all of this : If this was all true, just how many deaths was he responsible for ? The agony that had no answers began to whisper thoughts of release unto his soul. The fear of the truth chained him down, taking the freedom of choice away from him.
There were razor blades there. It would be quick to slit his wri-
"No !" With a jolt, he almost fell on the floor as he rejected that mental image. Despite everything, life still felt far more alluring than death. His heart thumped strongly, as though its beats alone could drive death away. He took in a shaky breath, attempting to get his thoughts into order. 'No, this isn't the s-solution. There m-must be something else I can do.' Trying to switch gears, the boy racked his brains. 'What I lack right now is intel. I need information, loads of it, before I come to any kind of decision !' His frustration only grew at the observation that he had no way to get info. Ugh, despite living with two adults that kn-
...Wait. He had a means to get info !
'While Dad and Mom were contacted only recently, it's clear they're working with Raiden Ryoma and the rest of his gang. If I can get my hands on what they've got through them, it would be a huge step forward. But doing so at home would be bad : they would suspect me almost immediately. Out of the house is my only choice...But I need to have a solid alibi in case I'm suspected. In the first place, what do I need to search for here ? And where do they keep it ?' And on and on. Using the internet to gather info and gradually forming a plan, Ki hereby launched himself unto the search for knowledge. Not noticing he averted his eyes from two important emotions in his heart.
Ki was angered. At this whole situation, but also at the entity, those white hands that started all of...this. He couldn't let go of this rage no matter what .
How ? WHY !?
The question wrapped around his head, threatening to make him go mad. This absolutely couldn't go unanswered. This anger subsided due to Ki's recent fear of himself, however. 'If this rage was unleashed, what would I become ? What should I do ?' This was the stop, the brake to his fury.
The other emotion was manifested deep within him, casted aside there due to Ki's refusal to face himself. Despite the terror, anguish and all other negative aspects of these new changes, Ki was enjoying his new powers. They may be a laughable, infinitely small part of the real deal, but they pleased him. Somewhere even he didn't look, he longed to feel those familiar sensations of power again.
...
2 days later
Ki stood in front of his house, dressed in everyday clothes. As usual before one of his walks, he said goodbye to his parents before heading out. Nothing seemed out of place. His clothes, his face, or anything in his behavior. If there was one thing to notice, it would probably be the fact that he went out a bit earlier than usual. But that wasn't anything to write home about for the couple.
Ki closed the door. To be honest, he still held a few doubts. Careful planning and thinking may have gone into this, but he was up against much bigger opponents. To say that he wasn't scared would be a lie.
But. But !
He had staked and was going to risk it all here. He already had too few cards at his disposition : if he didn't bet everything, how was he going to win ?! He had had enough time to let his thoughts wander. Now was not the time for indecision.
10 seconds left.
Inspiring a great deal of air, he looked at his watch. He was just in time.
5 seconds left.
Ki was going to face a dangerous morning with only himself to trust. That was far too lacking compared to what he had to do no matter how you looked at it. Yet, what was this ?
3 seconds left.
Why was he smiling ?
1 second left.
Time's up.
Start of the Operation 'Don't Underestimate a Stubborn Brat !' : DUSB !
...
Stage 1 : Shake off the "eyes"
I leisurely began my walk in the town. At least, that's what "they" must be seeing. In truth, my objective was to lose "them". I didn't know if humans or drones were tasked with watching me, so I had planned to use a tricky path into the town, filled with narrow alleys, roads that didn't exist on maps, and such. My bet was that people belonging to that big organization would be unfamiliar with these. Ironically, this was the longest and most safe part of the plan, but one of the most important : I absolutely needed to be on my own, since the only one at my disposal was, well, me.
Stage 2 : Acquire necessary supplies
Using my own stuff or stuff from my parents risked being linked back to me, so I planned to buy everything I needed right now, with cash. I had done no apparent research for this, at least none that could be detected by others, so I should be safe from this. The goal was to make sure I wouldn't leave any traces : I almost covered entirely my body so as to not leave hair, skin or handprints that they would trace back to me. I also took a shower before, but this had a demerit : so tightly covered, my stamina would be chipped at quickly, meaning that Stage 3 had to be carried out with optimal timing.
Stage 3 : Infiltration
The most dangerous part of the plan. Going to my mother's workplace and use her watch to get the juicy stuff. From my observations, their watches are used in some, let's say, 'sensitive' communications : I once heard voices coming from his room but when I opened the door, Dad had tried to make it look like he was checking his watch. He didn't seem to have a phone or anything like that on him, and something similar happened multiple times, so I'm sure of it. Their watch is the key to this. Bypassing the securities that must be present in it is another problem for later. Well, I've got no choice but to take another bet here. As for why, my mother's workplace has a more useful and vulnerable layout than my dad's.
...
...
The boy was aware that despite his 'preparations', this was nothing more than an attempt at giving him some peace of mind.
His plan was not that shaky, but considering what he was up against, this was either pure recklessness or foolishness. But he had no other way out of the mental maze he was trapped in.
Not doing anything, passively waiting around had become unbearable. In truth, he wasn't expecting anything out of this : internally, he simply wished to act and lighten the weight on his steps. To strike at something rather than anything and quell his fears, even by a little bit.
This was why, right now, at Yukina Tengo's workplace, the employees were flooding out of the building, fleeing from the fire.
...
...
'Up until now, this has been smooth.' was what the intruder thought as he made his way towards his mother's office. Predictably, she and some of her colleagues were rushing down the stairs. As they set their sights on him, their tense expressions relaxed in relief. Yes, in relief. After all, for those who were fleeing from a fire, seeing someone clothed like a firefighter would hardly be something to frown upon, right ?
"Miss !" The 'firefighter' called out a seemingly randomly chosen lady. "Is anyone still here on this floor beside you guys ? "
"No sir, we're the last ones !"
"Please get out quickly ! I've checked, the way down is safe." He sidestepped after informing the group, inviting them forward. Yukina moved...
"Than-Ah !" and slipped on the 'curiously' shining steps just behind him. Just before she kissed the ground however, the 'firefighter' caught her arm and steadied her. The eyes of the crowd shined with admiration at this act. His reaction was so swift, why, it was as if he had foreseen it !
"The shock must have robbed you of your legs. That happens often, miss. Could someone please help her down ?" After offering an explanation that was quickly accepted by everyone, he urged the group to resume their way down. And while Yukina held some doubts over this whole situation, she let herself be carried away and hurried down the stairs along everyone.
'He sure did get here fast. Was he patrolling around the area ? And why is he alone ?'
It was only later that she noticed that her watch was gone.
...
'Hearing her call me sir was freaking weird.'
Ki Tengo threw his firefighter disguise, and sat in the seat of his mother. 'Her office is professional but cozy.' His lips twisted in a soft smile as he shook his head.
This wasn't the time for this. He had to be quick. First, he put a post-it on the camera of the computer. He didn't know when face recognition would be used and someone with a completely covered face would no doubt trigger some alarms. Second, he searched for a way to connect the computer to the watch. That step was the easiest : a VERY obvious port was on the underside of the watch. Was this really supposed to contain secret info ?...
Regardless, that just made things easier for him. Holding his breath, Ki connected the two devices. Now was the moment of truth : Face security was blocked, and biometrics were impossible here, so this all hinged on the last security possible : a password or a question only she knew the answer to.
What will it be ? A password or a question ?
The screen went black for a few moments before the dilemma showed itself. But it was beyond his wildest expectations. A question had appeared on the computer, but the words in front of him blew Ki's mind away.
When was my son first contact with the Honkai ?
'My first contact with the Honkai ? Uh, it should be the accident back then, right ? I can't think of anything else to put here.' Hesitation was fatal right now. Time was of the essence. He had to make a decision swiftly. Hardening his resolve, he began tapping 20-
Hey, why don't you come with me ?
Wha-
My queen, is it wise ?
Since wh-
Do you want it ?
Yes.
Oh.
A small laugh. Surprised golden eyes.
Good.
Herrscher. Herrscher. Herr-
"Ah..."
His mind refocused. His eyes blinked as if he was Just walking from a long sleep. Like a broken TV, his brain rebooted from the odd blank instant.
"What was I..." His voice trailed off as he saw what was etched into the screen.
2000.
That was not the good date. Shit ! He had to quickly-
Password valid. Hello, Yukina Tengo.
"Huh ?" For the second time, Ki stared dumbly at the screen. This was his first contact with the Honkai ? But he was barely even a kid back then. That probably made sense as to why he didn't possess any memories of it, but...
Come to think of it, why did he doze off ? He felt like that time had been spent on a faraway dream about the past...
'No this isn't the time for this.' Shaking himself out of his reverie, he then proceeded to get his prize. The watch connected him to a database with a number of files. Choosing all of them, he quickly began to copy them onto the USB key he brought. He had planned for quite the voluminous harvest, so it had enough storage space. He couldn't do much more about this now. This was out of his hands.
Taking notice of the time, the boy concluded that his diversion had been successful. If not for that, true firefighters would already be running all over the place. Not exactly the best of outcomes. He really had been careless.
Taking a discreet peek from the window, he saw the crowd gathered in the street, looking at the building. No one seemed to come up the stairs. Good. He really didn't need anyone meddling at this important moment.
Blaring sirens wasted no time in disappointing him, though. It would seem the firefighters were here, after all.
But this was really the worst timing : The copying was almost over, but them coming meant all exits would be sealed off.
Getting out right now was impossible, he would be found out. But just waiting to be caught is unacceptable too.
Game Over. This time, no secret cards would save him : his plan had failed.
Well, this was why you planned a backup plan, right ?
Stage 4 : Deception
...
...
"Ryoma, we've been had." The conclusion of Einstein was direct and stung. The man in front of her took it all in and tried to remain stoic, but his face showed hints of frustration and worry. Their securities had been bypassed, and quite a bit of confidential data had been stolen. Worse, it had basically happened under their nose : from what Yukina told them, the first 'firefighter' she encountered is the prime suspect. Stealing her watch and then using it to steal intel might be the prelude to something much bigger.
But that wasn't the most troubling piece of news. No, the most worrisome news was that he had answered the question correctly. No one other than them should know that. Ki Tengo himself ignored the date of his absolute starting point. So how, when and why did they know about it ?
"The intruder used the fire on the rooftop to burn a bag that presumably contained his belongings, making them untraceable. Not only that, but he also made sure to leave zero trace of himself in the building. The trail has gone cold." Einstein exhaled a long sigh. This was really not the time for such things : those three should be given some more time, but the events worked to deny them even this much. "The real fire was only on the rooftop. The smoke that came from the highest floor was caused by a chemical reaction. This fire was a scam to clear the building."
Ryoma turned his eyes to the report with a frown and saw something curious. "Ki Tengo was in the building ? What was he even doing there ?"
"Ah, yes. From what he said, he claimed he had come to deliver his mother's lunch that she forgot to take with her. He did have it with him, so I think his alibi is solid. From what he told the firefighters that rescued him, he would have lost consciousness in the toilets soon after hearing about the fire."
"Hmm...I understand his reason, but his shock seems quite big for the situation, no ?" Ryoma's intuition needled him. Something was amiss here.
"He did describe some weird flash-back about his recent 'nightmares' to his parents. And while the surveillance system did lose sight of him for a while, I still think that he cannot be our mysterious firefighter." This wasn't only an emotional reply : Einstein truly believed that Ki Tengo couldn't be behind this. What was worthy of notice though, was the memory wipe : it was causing him quite the problems. While this was still within the realm of possibility, it did preoccupy Einstein...
Maybe they should check up if there was nothing to worry about on that front...
...
...
It worked. Man, this was close. I ended up relying on my backup plan : deception. The content of the plan was simple : to make me appear as being coincidentally there if I couldn't get out of the building on time. To that end, I stuffed a bag with some of my regular clothes and mom's lunch that she had 'coincidentally' left at home.
'Poor little me had just been unlucky and got wrapped up in all of this.'
That was the message this deception sent out. I sure hope they all swallowed it without complaining. At least, everyone there did. My parents didn't hold a sliver of doubt about my side of the story, that much was obvious.
...They were so worried, I almost felt guilty. Almost. Clutching the USB key in my pocket, I went back home with them, eager to reap the fruits of today.
...
In the gigantic web that is the Internet, you can really find anything as long as you know how to look. For example, you can even request a computer that has been modified so it can no longer access any type of network but otherwise works just fine from some hacker named...Haxor Bunny.
The transaction, for obvious reason, had been all cash though. I had some doubts about the quality of my request due to the shady type of deal I was involved in, but my worries were unfounded. The package arrived earlier yesterday at a remote part of the town. I went to retrieve it and hid it in my casual clothes in the bag before going through with the plan.
In the evening, I went to the bathroom while hiding the device and the USB key in my clothes. I didn't know if they had gone as far as to put cameras into my room, but I was betting that they had spared my bathroom. Now, it was time for some answers. With no access to the network, even if there was some kind of trap, nothing would get to them.
Brushing upon the surface of the screen, I looked incredulously at his own reflection. My face held no particular emotion as it stared back at me but the absurdity of the situation hit me in full force : here I was, in my bathroom, holding such ludicrous items in my hands.
Where the hell had the boy who slept here and felt lucky and hopeful for the future ? He was long gone. I could barely remember him anymore.
But this was exactly why I needed to know. This was why...
...
The screen came to life quickly. On it were the files that the boy desired. No final security, no wall to overcome, nothing. His plan had been a success.
It would be a lie to say there was no apprehension in him. His fingers were slightly shaking, but was this out of fear or excitement. His breath had quickened : was it filled with apprehension or impatience ? Slowly, Ki opened the first file, and found...
...a bunch of robot blueprints.
'Wait. What is the point of getting surprised about this sort of thing this late ?'...Somehow, seeing giant robots blueprints had been quite shocking for him.
This wasn't at all because the fact that giant robots existed rocked him to the core.
...It wasn't, got it ?
Anyway, Ki closed this file and proceeded to the next that contained...
...even more blueprints. Just like the next one, and the one after that...
"This is getting ridiculous. I can't make heads or tails of this." Ki felt like his hard work had been wasted. Plus his feelings. What the heck ? So basically, he risked it all just for a bunch of useless blueprints. He was itching to throw the device on the wall with all the strength he could muster. That, at least, would undoubtedly provide him with quite the satisfaction.
Massaging his temples, Ki sighed. 'I went this far already. Might as well see that last file before doing anything.' It wouldn't be too late then to use it as an outlet for his stress. Moving his fingers on the keypad, he then opened the last file, named Tengo.
It just had to be the last one, didn't it ?
...
...
...
As the liquid ran down his throat, Ki managed to restore a modicum of calm to his excited head. He had read through the full file and, just like he expected, he learned a lot. He was back in his room : he already knew that no cameras had been put there. He also didn't need to worry about being wiretapped, if what he read was true.
But right now, his biggest concern was trying to accept what he saw. Even after everything that came to pass recently, to think that something this unique came to be...Honestly, he just felt tired right now.
He came back in front of the screen to sum up the info in his head about his past and the past of his family.
...
The Tengo family had been quite fortunate in the past. Both his mother and father were competent scientists in the gigantic organization named Shicksal. A rival of Anti-Entropy, from what he gleamed, and another Anti-Honkai organization. His parents had met in the same line of work, and wed. Then, nothing of note for a few years, until his birth. The event was likewise ordinary, despite both of their backgrounds, and was nonetheless quite happy. However, one major issue reared its head.
The baby had a faulty brain. The prefrontal cortex and the limbic system weren't truly active, which meant that the baby had no "self". As a person, it wasn't even born. An empty shell.
That discovery had a crushing effect on the young couple. Their first child, saddled with such an unprecedented ailment. Even though their health had been thoroughly checked during and before the pregnancy, they suspected their jobs as scientists responsible for this. Despite this, they kept working in Shicksal in order to find a way to help their child. But nothing came up. Their research about this vital issue wielded no result. A dead end with no light in sight. Emotions, stimuli and interactions were essential to develop a young brain. Without this, never mind getting better, the baby would encounter even more mental complications as he grew up.
This dire and grim situation went on for until 2000. The year of the Second Impact.
"But what is the Second Impact ? And what happened to us back then ?" A frustrated sigh left Ki's lips. The only other things mentioned here was the family moving to his previous town and his parents resigning from Shicksal. The important part of this mysterious event had been left blank on purpose. Well, not exactly blank. He still had his flashbacks, but they consisted of fleeting, unreliable recollections. They were useless. Be as it may, this absurd and mad bet of his was a glowing success. Though it felt really creepy to know about such an incredible health problem this late in life, precisely because so much time had passed, it was probably no longer a danger to him.
After that came the observations and the conclusion that he was a potential Herrscher candidate to an unknown authority. 'I guess that means the possibility of me being one incre...'
His mind stopped there. Really ? Had he really been on the verge of thinking that ? A mirthless laugh burst forth from his mouth. This late. After this much. Louder and louder, it echoed in the room.
It was so asinine, he couldn't help but laugh. "I will become a Herrscher." There was no longer any room for doubt now. Soon, THEY would be here.
But not only for him.
The information about the Gem of Conquest mentioned here, the discussion he happened to hear, everything seemed to point towards one thing : an Impact, here in this town. And for the Herrscher this time, it would probably be his new friend, that naïve and gentle heiress.
'Which means, this is not over. No, this is only the beginning.'
Author's note :
This is my story, right ? I mean, I'm the author and I'm writing it, so it is. But, uh, rather than me writing, it feels like I'm getting swept by the flow just like any other character in the story. I hadn't planned for this : the chapters weren't supposed to give this much yet. But now I really wanna write some 'relaxing' parts for this story. The lore dump has been quite heavy after all.
More about the chapter now. So, Ki is getting new info, understands a few things and finally forms a small resolve. While that is a minor step forward, it is still a step nonetheless. The foundations of the future have been laid out, shaky as they might be. I'm curious as to how you'll react to this unique chapter. I don't plan to repeat this theme a lot, so enjoy.
I think I'm making some of you wait for the final part of this arc, but believe me the wait will be worthwhile. The Nagazora Eruption I will show you will be like none other.
As always, leave a fav/comment if you like the chapter, thanks for reading, and I'll see you later !