"Alright, looks like we're pulling up," Theo said, glancing over at his young charge who was seated in the back of the military vehicle. "You ready, Hiro?"
Hiroshi didn't respond immediately. His sharp eyes were fixed on the window as the vehicle slowed to a stop, the outside world coming into clearer view. The city of Crossbell, with its bustling streets and towering buildings, had always seemed distant to him—something he had observed from the shadows, never truly a part of. Now, as the vehicle came to a halt, he was about to step into a world that was entirely foreign to him.
The building in front of him was unremarkable at first glance—just another structure among many in the city. But there was something about it that made Hiroshi pause. This was the headquarters of the Special Support Section, the place where he was supposed to start anew. Yet, staring at it through the window, Hiroshi couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty gnawing at him. Could he really belong here? Could he really leave behind the life that had defined him for so long?
He glanced down at his hands, noticing the slight tremor in his fingers as they rested on his knees. The habit of drumming a silent rhythm, a way to steady himself, was one he hadn't quite managed to break. He was dressed simply, neatly—nothing that would draw attention. But the intensity in his gaze, the way his body remained poised even in rest, betrayed the truth: he was still on edge, still unsure if this was the right place for him.
"Ready as I'll ever be, I guess," Hiroshi finally replied, his voice calm but laced with a hesitance he couldn't quite hide.
Theo offered him a reassuring smile. "You'll be fine, Hiro. These people… they're different. You're not going to be just a weapon here."
Hiroshi nodded, though the words seemed to weigh heavily on him. The vehicle came to a stop, and Theo opened the door, stepping out first. For a moment, Hiroshi remained in his seat, his gaze lingering on the building ahead. It was just a building, he told himself, but the weight of what it represented—the possibility of a new life—made it seem so much more daunting.
Taking a deep breath, Hiroshi forced himself to move. He stepped out of the vehicle, his movements fluid but cautious, every step deliberate. The air outside felt different, almost too fresh compared to the stale, controlled environments he was used to. He adjusted his posture, trying to shake off the unease that clung to him like a second skin.
As they approached the entrance, the door swung open, but instead of the entire team, only one man stood there, waiting. Sergei Lou, the grizzled leader of the Special Support Section, sized up the newcomer with a critical eye, his expression inscrutable.
Sergei stepped forward, his posture relaxed but commanding. "So, you're Hiroshi," he said, his voice a gravelly rumble. "Theo's told me a lot about you."
Hiroshi met Sergei's gaze, trying to read the man who was to be his new commander. There was a weight to Sergei's presence, something that spoke of experience and authority. But there was also a hint of something else—a cautious approach, as if Sergei understood the need to handle this situation with care.
"Yes, sir," Hiroshi replied, his voice steady despite the nerves that prickled at the edges of his composure.
Sergei nodded, seeming satisfied with the response. "Good. Let's take this one step at a time," he said, motioning for Hiroshi to follow him inside. "No need to rush things. We'll introduce you to the team gradually."
Hiroshi followed Sergei through the door, his senses on high alert as they entered the building. The inside of the headquarters was modest, but there was a warmth to it that Hiroshi hadn't expected. It felt… lived-in, in a way that was foreign to him.
Sergei led him to a small office near the entrance. "This is where we handle most of the paperwork and planning," Sergei explained, gesturing to the room. "But we won't drown you in that right now. First, I want you to get a feel for the place."
Hiroshi nodded, appreciating the slower pace. He wasn't sure what he had expected, but this wasn't it. The careful introduction, the sense that he wasn't being thrown into the deep end, was something he hadn't experienced before. It was… unsettling, but not in a bad way.
As they walked, Sergei kept the conversation light, asking a few questions about Hiroshi's journey to Crossbell, but nothing too probing. Hiroshi answered as best as he could, grateful for the chance to ease into the situation rather than being overwhelmed all at once.
Finally, Sergei stopped near the central part of the building, where Hiroshi could hear the faint sounds of conversation and movement from the other members of the team, though they remained out of sight.
"Let's start with just one," Sergei said, his tone almost gentle. "Lloyd's the team leader, and you'll be working closely with him. He's a good guy—steady, reliable. I think you'll get along."
Hiroshi tensed slightly but nodded. He wasn't used to this kind of gradual approach, but there was something reassuring about it, too. "Okay," he said, his voice quieter now.
Sergei motioned for Lloyd to come over, and a moment later, Lloyd Bannings appeared, his warm, approachable demeanor immediately apparent. He extended a hand to Hiroshi with a welcoming smile.
"Welcome to the Special Support Section, Hiroshi. I'm Lloyd Bannings. I've been looking forward to meeting you," Lloyd said, his voice full of genuine warmth.
Hiroshi hesitated for just a fraction of a second before taking Lloyd's hand, his grip firm but cautious. "Nice to meet you, Lloyd," he replied, still feeling out the situation but sensing no threat in Lloyd's easy manner.
"Take your time getting settled in," Lloyd said, his smile never wavering. "We're all here to help."
Sergei nodded approvingly at the exchange. "We'll introduce you to the others later," he said to Hiroshi. "For now, just get comfortable."
As Sergei led him further into the building, Hiroshi felt the tension in his shoulders begin to ease, just a little. There was still so much he didn't know, so much he wasn't sure of. But for now, this slower pace, this gradual introduction, felt like something he could handle.
And as they continued deeper into the headquarters, Hiroshi allowed himself to believe, even just a little, that this might be a place where he could truly start over. As Sergei led Hiroshi further into the building, they stepped into a spacious area that appeared to be a combination of a lounge and an office. The room was filled with a warm, lived-in atmosphere, far from the cold, sterile environments Hiroshi had grown accustomed to. The floor was paved with intricate stonework, and soft, inviting furniture was arranged around a large wooden table at the center. It was easy to imagine the team gathered here, discussing missions or just taking a break.
Hiroshi's gaze traveled around the room, taking in the details. On one side, he noticed a row of lockers and a set of stairs leading to the upper floor. The walls were lined with bookshelves and filing cabinets, filled with documents and manuals—clearly the heart of the team's operations. The room had a sense of order to it, but there was also a warmth that was unexpected. Potted plants added a touch of life, their green leaves softening the edges of the otherwise utilitarian space.
As his eyes continued to wander, they landed on a figure at the far end of the room. There, slightly set back from the main table, a girl about his own age was seated at an Orbal Terminal. She was deeply engrossed in her work, her fingers moving with practiced ease over the controls. The faint glow of the terminal screen highlighted her blue hair, which fell in neat waves around her shoulders.
She seemed completely absorbed in whatever she was working on, her expression calm and focused. Hiroshi watched her for a moment, feeling a strange sense of connection. She was young, like him, but the way she moved—the confidence and precision—suggested that she was someone who had found her place in this environment, someone who was valuable here.
Sergei, noticing where Hiroshi's attention had drifted, offered a slight smile. "That's Tio Plato," he said quietly. "She's our technical expert. Don't let her age fool you—she's one of the best."
Hiroshi nodded, tearing his gaze away from Tio and refocusing on Sergei. "She looks… focused," he murmured, unsure of how else to describe the calm, almost serene atmosphere that surrounded her.
Sergei chuckled softly. "That's Tio for you. She's probably working on something for our next mission, or maybe updating the Orbal Network. She's always got something on the go." He paused, then added, "You'll get to know her soon enough. She's not much for small talk, but she's reliable, and she's got a good heart."
Hiroshi absorbed this information quietly. He wasn't sure why, but seeing someone his own age so deeply engaged in something that clearly mattered to her eased some of the tension he'd been feeling. Maybe this place wasn't as foreign as he had feared. Maybe, just maybe, there was a place for him here too.
As they moved further into the building, the image of Tio at the terminal stayed with him—a small but significant detail in this new world he was beginning to navigate.
After guiding Hiroshi through the common area and down a quieter hallway, Sergei came to a stop in front of an unmarked wooden door. The hallway was lined with similar doors, each one leading to a room where a different member of the SSS could retreat for some privacy. This one, however, was empty—waiting for its new occupant.
"This is where you'll be staying," Sergei said as he pushed the door open, stepping aside to let Hiroshi enter first.
Hiroshi walked into the room, his footsteps echoing slightly in the otherwise silent space. The room was empty, save for the basic furnishings—a bed with a simple mattress, a small desk with a chair, and a wardrobe against one wall. There were no personal touches, no signs of anyone having lived there before. It was a blank slate, waiting to be filled.
"This room hasn't been used in a while," Sergei continued, leaning against the doorframe as Hiroshi took in his surroundings. "It's simple, but it's yours. You can arrange it however you like, bring in whatever you need to make it feel more comfortable."
Hiroshi nodded, his eyes lingering on the bare walls and the empty shelves. It was nothing like the places he had been before—no harsh lighting, no cold metal surfaces. This room, though unadorned, had the potential to be something more, something he could call his own.
Sergei's voice broke through his thoughts. "You'll have your privacy here, but remember, you're part of a team now. If you need anything, or if you just want to talk, we're here for you."
Hiroshi glanced back at Sergei, the words sinking in. A team. It was a concept he was still getting used to, but one he was beginning to understand might be worth trying. "Thank you," he said quietly, the sincerity in his voice evident.
Sergei nodded, pushing off from the doorframe. "Take your time settling in. There's no rush. We'll get you up to speed on everything when you're ready. For now I need to get back to my own work."
With that, Sergei gave Hiroshi a small nod of encouragement before stepping out of the room, leaving him alone in the quiet space. Hiroshi stood there for a moment, letting the silence envelop him. The room, though empty, felt strangely inviting—like a blank canvas waiting for him to leave his mark on it.
He walked over to the bed and sat down, testing the firmness of the mattress. It was plain, but comfortable enough. He ran a hand over the surface of the desk, feeling the rough grain of the wood beneath his fingers. It was all so different from the cold, impersonal environments he had known before.
As he looked around the room, Hiroshi felt a strange mix of emotions—uncertainty, yes, but also a flicker of something else. A sense of possibility, perhaps. This room was empty now, but it didn't have to stay that way. It could become something more, just as he could.
For now, it was a start. A small step toward something new. As Hiroshi turned back toward the building with his belongings in hand, he couldn't help but feel the weight of the situation settle more heavily on his shoulders. The SSS headquarters, with its warm lights and welcoming atmosphere, was still so new, so foreign to him. He paused for a moment, glancing back at the military vehicle and the man who had been his guide through all of this.
Theo watched him carefully, noticing the hesitation in Hiroshi's steps. The man had always been able to read him, even when Hiroshi tried to keep his thoughts to himself. Theo straightened up, pushing off the side of the car, and took a step closer.
"You think you'll be okay in there?" Theo asked, his voice low and filled with genuine concern.
Hiroshi looked at him, a flicker of uncertainty passing through his eyes. He wanted to say yes, to reassure Theo that he was ready for this, but the truth was, he wasn't sure. Everything was so new, so unfamiliar. He wasn't used to this kind of environment—one where people seemed to genuinely care, where he wasn't just another tool to be used.
"I don't know," Hiroshi admitted, his voice quiet. He shifted the weight of his bags, trying to gather his thoughts. "It's… different. I'm not used to places like this, or people like them."
Theo nodded, understanding in his gaze. "It's a lot to take in, I know. But you've got a good head on your shoulders, Hiro. Just give it time."
Hiroshi considered his words, then gave a small, almost reluctant nod. "Yeah... I guess we'll see."
Theo smiled faintly, clapping Hiroshi on the shoulder. "That's all anyone can ask. One step at a time, kid."
Hiroshi took a deep breath, feeling a bit steadier after hearing those words. "Thanks, Theo."
With that, Hiroshi turned back toward the SSS building, the soft glow of the lights inside beckoning him forward. He wasn't sure what the future held, or how he would fit into this new world. But as he stepped back through the door, he felt a small spark of determination. He would do his best—whatever that turned out to be.
As Hiroshi walked back toward the SSS building, Theo remained by the military vehicle, his eyes following the young man's every step. There was a mixture of emotions in Theo's gaze—concern, hope, and perhaps a touch of pride. He had seen Hiroshi through some of the toughest moments of his life, and now, watching him take this first step into a new chapter was both reassuring and bittersweet.
Hiroshi reached the door and paused for just a moment, glancing back one last time. Their eyes met, and Theo gave him a small nod, a silent gesture of encouragement. With a deep breath, Hiroshi opened the door and stepped inside, the warm light of the SSS building enveloping him as the door slowly closed behind him.
For a few moments, Theo stood there in the cool evening air, staring at the door that Hiroshi had just disappeared behind. He knew that this was a significant moment, a turning point for Hiroshi, and he hoped with everything in him that the young man would find what he needed here.
Finally, with a sigh, Theo turned back toward the vehicle. He pulled the door open and climbed into the driver's seat, the familiar interior of the military vehicle welcoming him as he settled in. With a quick, practiced motion, he started the engine, the low hum of the vehicle filling the quiet street.
As the vehicle pulled away from the curb, Theo glanced one last time at the SSS building through the rearview mirror. The lights from inside cast a warm glow that spilled out onto the street, a beacon of hope in the darkening evening.
"That's all anyone can ask. One step at a time, kid," Theo murmured to himself, echoing the words he had spoken earlier. His thoughts drifted back to Kyutaro, wondering how he was faring at Thors. Theo hoped that both Hiroshi and Kyutaro would find the strength to carve out a future for themselves, even if the paths were difficult.
He drove off into the night, the vehicle moving smoothly through the streets of Crossbell. As he left the SSS behind, Theo couldn't help but feel a sense of closure, knowing that he had done everything he could for Hiroshi. Now, it was up to him to find his own way.
But even as the distance grew, Theo knew he would always be within reach if Hiroshi needed him. For now, though, it was time to let him take those first steps on his own. For now, he needed to focus on what his own next objective was.
[x[x]
Hiroshi stepped back inside the SSS building, the warmth of the interior contrasting sharply with the cool night air outside. He carried his belongings with a steady grip, his mind still processing the conversation with Theo and the uncertain path that lay ahead.
As he made his way down the hallway, he passed by the main room once more. The soft glow of the Orbal Terminal caught his attention, drawing his gaze to the far end of the room where Tio Plato was still seated, focused on her work. The light from the terminal illuminated her face, highlighting her calm, almost serene expression as she worked with the same quiet intensity he had noticed earlier.
But this time, something was different. As Hiroshi moved past the doorway, Tio's focus shifted. Her fingers paused briefly over the keys, and she glanced up, her blue eyes locking onto Hiroshi's for a split second. It was a fleeting moment, but in that instant, there was a silent exchange between them—curiosity on her part, and a hint of surprise on his.
Tio's gaze lingered just long enough for Hiroshi to feel the weight of it. It wasn't judgmental or intrusive, but rather analytical, as if she were quietly assessing this new presence in her environment. Hiroshi wasn't sure what to make of it, but there was something in her eyes that made him feel like she understood more than she let on.
Realizing that she had been staring, Tio blinked and quickly returned her attention to the terminal, her fingers resuming their rapid movement across the keys. The moment passed as quickly as it had come, and the soft hum of the terminal filled the room once more.
Hiroshi hesitated for a brief moment, unsure if he should say something, but the words never formed. Instead, he gave a slight nod—more to himself than to her—and continued on his way, heading toward his new room.
As he walked away, Tio allowed herself another brief glance in his direction, her expression thoughtful. She hadn't expected to meet the new member of the team so soon, and certainly not like this, but there was something about him that piqued her interest. Perhaps it was the way he carried himself—calm, controlled, but with an underlying tension that hinted at something deeper.
She shook her head slightly, pushing the thoughts aside as she refocused on her work. There would be time to get to know Hiroshi later. For now, she had tasks to complete. As he made his way further inside, he moved past the common area where Tio was working at the Orbal Terminal, and his eyes caught a glimpse of the large table at the center of the room, surrounded by chairs. The room was still and quiet, save for the soft hum of the terminal and the distant sounds of the city outside.
Just as Hiroshi reached the foot of the stairs that led to the upper floor, he heard footsteps coming down. He paused, looking up to see a tall, red-haired man descending the stairs with an easy, confident stride.
The man reached the bottom of the stairs and spotted Hiroshi, a wide grin spreading across his face. His eyes lit up with a mix of curiosity and amusement, clearly taking in the sight of the newcomer.
"Well, look who we have here," the man said, his tone friendly and relaxed. "You must be Hiroshi. Name's Randy Orlando, and welcome to the SSS."
Hiroshi nodded, adjusting the strap of his bag on his shoulder. "Yeah, that's me. Nice to meet you, Randy."
Randy extended a hand, which Hiroshi shook, noting the firm but casual grip. "So, how's the first day going? Meeting the crew, getting settled in, all that jazz?"
Hiroshi hesitated for a moment, still getting used to the laid-back vibe that Randy seemed to embody. "It's... different," he admitted. "Still trying to figure everything out."
Randy nodded knowingly, leaning casually against the railing at the base of the stairs. "I get it, man. Coming into a new place with a bunch of people you don't know—takes a bit to get your bearings. But don't worry, we're a good bunch. And hey, if you ever need to blow off some steam, I'm your guy. We've got some pretty decent training facilities, or we could hit up the town if you're into that."
Hiroshi couldn't help but feel slightly more at ease in Randy's presence. The man's easygoing nature was infectious, making it hard to stay too tense around him. "I'll keep that in mind," Hiroshi replied, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
Randy grinned, clearly pleased with Hiroshi's response. "Good to hear. And if you need anything, don't be shy about asking. We're all in this together, after all."
With that, Randy gave him a quick nod and headed toward the common area, leaving Hiroshi alone at the foot of the stairs. The brief encounter had been unexpected, but somehow, it had made Hiroshi feel a little more comfortable in this new environment. Randy's laid-back attitude was a welcome contrast to the tension that had been building inside him.
Taking a deep breath, Hiroshi adjusted his grip on his bags and started up the stairs, feeling just a little more confident about the steps he was taking—both physically and Hiroshi climbed the stairs, the sounds of the SSS building grew fainter behind him, leaving only the quiet creak of the wooden steps beneath his feet. The weight of his belongings felt heavier with each step, not just physically, but emotionally. This place was supposed to be a fresh start, a chance to find something he had never truly had—a sense of belonging. But the uncertainty of it all gnawed at him, a persistent doubt that he couldn't shake.
Reaching the top of the stairs, Hiroshi paused for a moment, glancing down the empty hallway. The doors were all closed, each leading to a room that was likely filled with the personal touches of the SSS members. They had carved out spaces for themselves here, made it their own. Could he do the same?
He reached the door to his new room, the simple wooden surface almost daunting in its plainness. As he pushed it open and stepped inside, the emptiness of the room greeted him—bare walls, a neatly made bed, a desk that had yet to see any use. It was all so different from what he had known.
Hiroshi set his bags down by the bed and stood there in the middle of the room, the silence pressing in around him. His thoughts drifted back, unbidden, to the place he had left behind—Xanadu. The memories were sharp, vivid. The sterile, cold environments, the sense of being a tool, a weapon with no identity beyond his designation. IX. That was who he had been there, not Hiroshi, not a person, but a number.
Without thinking, Hiroshi reached up and slipped his left hand into his glove. His fingers brushed against something hard and cold, hidden in the lining. Slowly, he pulled out the small badge—the icon of Xanadu. The metal was smooth against his skin, and he stared down at it, the simple, angular "X" that had marked him as one of them. It was a symbol of everything he had been through, everything he had been forced to become.
For a long moment, Hiroshi just stood there, holding the badge in his hand, lost in thought. This small piece of metal held so much weight, so many memories. He had kept it with him, hidden away, a reminder of what he had survived, but also of the chains he had yet to fully break.
Could he truly leave it behind? Could he let go of that part of himself and find something new here, in this place?
Hiroshi's grip on the badge tightened, his mind warring with itself. A part of him wanted to throw it away, to leave it behind and never look back. But another part, the part that had kept him alive all this time, told him to hold onto it. It was a part of him, whether he liked it or not.
He took a deep breath, feeling the cold metal pressing into his palm, and then, slowly, he slipped the badge back into the inside of his glove. It wasn't time to let go yet. Not completely. But maybe, here, he could start to find a way to reconcile the two parts of himself—the boy he had been before Xanadu, and the weapon he had been turned into.
As he looked around the empty room again, Hiroshi couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, he could find his place here after all. It wouldn't be easy, and it wouldn't happen overnight. But for the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to hope that it was possible.
With a renewed sense of determination, Hiroshi moved to his bags, ready to start the process of making this room his own, one small step at a time.
Just as Hiroshi reached the door to head back down the stairs to collect the rest of his belongings, he heard soft footsteps coming up from below. As he stepped out into the hallway, he came face-to-face with a young woman ascending the stairs. She had soft, blonde hair that framed her face, and her expression was warm and open, though tinged with curiosity.
"Oh, you must be Hiroshi," she said, her voice gentle and welcoming. "I'm Elie MacDowell, part of the team. I was hoping to catch you before you got too settled in."
Hiroshi nodded, slightly taken aback by her sudden appearance. "Nice to meet you, Elie," he replied, his tone cautious but polite.
Elie smiled, her eyes kind as she took in the sight of the young man before her. "Welcome to the SSS. If you need any help getting settled or finding your way around, just let me know. We're all here to make sure you feel at home."
"Thanks," Hiroshi said, appreciating her offer but not quite sure how to respond beyond that. The sincerity in her voice was evident, and it made him feel a little more at ease.
Elie gave a small nod, not wanting to overwhelm him with too much at once. "I'll let you get back to it, then. Just know that we're all here if you need anything."
With that, Elie continued up the stairs, giving him one last encouraging smile before heading toward the common area. Hiroshi watched her go, a strange mix of emotions swirling within him. It was clear that the people here were different—genuine, kind, and welcoming in a way that he wasn't used to.
Shaking off his thoughts, Hiroshi descended the stairs to retrieve the rest of his belongings. As he did, he couldn't help but feel that, despite everything, he might just be able to find his place here after all.