I apologise for this one. Personally, I think this shit is my weakest chapter thus far. As someone had pointed out, 'Gabage story'. And it appears that you've reached Ch20 or more, so why don't you tell me what's wrong with it so I can try and fix it? I'm not one to take things lightly when it comes to my work.
Fun fact! This story was published exactly 6 months ago! so... happy half birthday to me!
The seventh day of the Daihasei Festival meant the climax of the celebrations, and with it came the end of the summer vacation. As people across Academy City basked in the afterglow of the countless events and attractions, feeling a bittersweet mix of happiness and nostalgia as autumn air began to descend, the world seemed to slow down and take a breath for a moment.
As the festivities came to an end, the group found themselves amidst the crowd, watching the fireworks light up the night sky. The explosions of colour and light painted the world in breathtaking hues, a fitting end to the spectacle that was the Daihasei Festival.
Hirano's head craned to the side and watched as these people, whom he'd come to acknowledge as friends, laughed and cried over the display of lights in the sky. Their faces shone with an almost ethereal radiance that seemed to echo the fireworks themselves, as if each and every one of them were contributing their own personal magic to the moment.
It's strange, but he couldn't help but feel like something had... shifted. Perhaps it was just his own perceptions changing, of learning how to view things in a different light.
Or maybe it was the knowledge that he wasn't alone anymore, that someone cared about him and believed in him. Whatever it was, it made him feel... different. Not better, per se, but somehow lighter. More at peace with himself.
He was ashamed of himself, as he'd forbid Uiharu from telling their friends of his situation, and he was grateful to her for not letting it slip. Perhaps one day, when he was ready, he would share his story with them. But for now, perhaps it was enough to simply enjoy the moment.
The fireworks display comes to an end, and with it, the mood becomes sombre. People begin to disperse, tired from the revelry and eager to return to their lives. The group likewise part ways, each going their separate ways, promising to see each other tomorrow, on the first day of school.
Hirano stood there for a moment after everyone had left, staring at the soft glow of his phone. The colours of the fireworks had faded from the sky and the sounds of laughter and chatter had given way to the quiet murmur of distant conversations and the occasional car honking. He felt a tug on the back of his shirt.
Kuroko. And she looks upset. "You've been ignoring me."
Hirano tried to give Kuroko a reassuring smile, but he wasn't the best at those. He just looked like an idiot. Well, he supposed she was used to that. "I've been lost in thought," he said, mustering up a hint of his old sardonic tone.
"I'm worried." Kuroko's voice was soft, but firm. "Ever since that guy approached you, you've been distant. I don't like it."
Hirano sighed, running a hand through his white hair. "It's nothing you need to worry about, Kuroko." He tried to reassure her, but he could see the scepticism in her eyes. "That guy just wanted something from me."
There was a pause. Then Kuroko faced him, her expression unreadable. "What did he want?"
His answer was almost immediate. "Nothing I couldn't give him." It was an evasive response, but it was true in its own way. He couldn't help but feel grateful to Kuroko for being there for him, even if she didn't know the whole truth.
She softens, but the lingering concern doesn't leave her eyes. "I'm glad," she says, finally forcing out a smile. "You know where to find me if you need anything."
The two exchange another look, understanding passing between them. "You're coming to the office tomorrow, right? We have ice cream."
He hummed. "I don't like sweets. But okay." She couldn't help but break into a giggle. "Come, I'll walk you home."
As they strolled through the quieting cityscape, Hirano found himself reflecting on the events of the past few days. There was a weight to his thoughts that hadn't been there before, as if his mind had been transformed into a leaden sphere carried around by an invisible thread.
The wind blows softly through the trees, their leaves rustling like ancient secrets being whispered. Under the faint glow of the streetlamps, shadows dance wildly, hinting at things unseen and unknown. It is a peaceful sight, one that belies the darker aspects of the city. The night air felt thick with the smell of fireworks and the memory of laughter. Kuroko walked beside him, unaware of the darkness that had settled over his heart like a stone.
Hirano knew that she was only looking out for him, and he appreciated that... but sometimes, it was hard not to feel imprisoned by that well-meaning concern. As they reached her home, they bid each other goodnight, and Hirano made his way through the empty streets back towards his own apartment.
The wind was colder than usual as he walked, weaving through the maze of side streets and alleyways that made up his part of the city. Gone were the bright lights and raucous crowds; this was a world of shadow and silence, where everyone knew better than to attract unwanted attention.
Desolate. That was the word that came to mind as Hirano made his way through the alleyway, barely lit by a few flickering street lights struggling against the wrath of a cold wind that seemed to slither between the cracks of buildings and mock him with its icy touch.
He stared into those eyes. They looked empty, almost glassy. It was as if all the light and warmth that had once filled them had been extinguished, replaced by a cold, hard resolve that blunted the edges of his humanity.
Her hair swirled around her face in the breeze, like a twisted tangler of black thorns reaching out to nestle into the cracks of his resolve. Her lips parted, forming silent words that went unspoken. The air between them crackled with an unnameable tension.
The alleyway seemed to stretch on forever, a dark and foreboding corridor leading inexorably to an uncertain fate. The wind picked up, carrying with it the scent of smoke and despair. Hirano felt it against his skin, saw it in her eyes... and he welcomed it. He embraced the cold and the darkness, allowing them to transform him into something else entirely. Something strong. Something unyielding. Something terrifying.
The corners of his mouth lifted in a cruel smile.
He had come to an understanding.
The words lingered in the air like a hangman's noose, heavy with their hidden meaning. It seemed to lift the weight from the air, and for a moment, the alleyway was still.
…
"I'll look forward to it."
Less than a week later, Dolly's health slowly but visibly declined. It wasn't as drastic as one might expect, but the signs were there for those who knew what to look for. Nunotaba Shinobu, ever the meticulous observer, could not help but notice the subtle changes in the girl's demeanour, the slightest hitch in her breathing, the pale cast to her complexion.
Even the beeping of the machines monitoring her vitals seemed to have taken on a new, ominous quality. Yet, despite her keen awareness of the situation, she did nothing.
What can she do? She's a prodigy in Biopsychology, but her knowledge can only stretch so far when faced with the inevitable march of time. The Radio Noise Project has its protocols, and even someone of her stature cannot simply disregard them. It would mean the end of her career, perhaps even her life. But still, she couldn't help but feel the weight of her inaction.
So she did something.
This simple act of hers could very well jeopardise her very existence, but it was a risk she was willing to take.
She took out her phone, and messaged a certain number. In them, she asked for a favour from a certain person, a favour that would change the course of history.
It was a risky move, she knew. The person on the other end of the line was unpredictable at best, and downright dangerous at worst. But she had to try. She owed it to Dolly, and to herself.
She sent the message, and then waited.
There was no response, but she still went to the place of their meeting, as if hoping against hope that her message had been received and would be answered.
The meeting place was a secluded spot, hidden from prying eyes and inquisitive minds. It was a place where the normal rules of society did not apply. Where not even the influence of the Board Directors and their sycophants could reach. It was a place of shadows and whispers, where the world's fate could be reshaped by the will of two individuals.
Shinobu arrived at the rendezvous point early, her heart pounding in her chest.
She was deep in an alley. The alleyway stretched before her, a dark and foreboding maw that seemed to swallow all light. The walls were lined with trash cans and discarded cardboard boxes, the floor a treacherous mess of broken glass and rusty nails.
She stood there, still, so unmoving that she could have been mistaken for a statue. Her breath came out in short, shallow gasps, her heart thundering in her chest. The air around her felt thick and oppressive, as if the very atmosphere were conspiring to keep her from moving.
Even as the distant rumble of fireworks, marking the end of Daihasei Festival
felt oddly out of place amidst the alley's oppressive silence, she couldn't help but feel a shiver run down her spine.
Not long after, he was here.
He looked like a ghost. Skin ghastly and fragile, hair as white as snow and fluttering in the wind. His eyes were like pools of blood, empty and unfeeling. He moved with the grace of a predator, silent as a shadow, and as deadly. He didn't even acknowledge her presence as he approached, simply standing there.
She stepped forward, her voice barely a whisper, and yet somehow carrying weight nonetheless. "I need a favour." The words seemed to echo through the alley, bouncing off the walls and ceiling, as if to emphasise their significance.
The boy scowled. The boy's expression darkens, his empty eyes narrowing into a glare. "A favour, huh?" He says, his voice cold and distant. "And what kind of favour could you possibly ask of me?" There's a menacing quality to his words, as if he's daring her to voice her request.
"Stop the project."
Hirano laughed almost immediately. It was a harsh, bitter sound that cut through the air like a knife. "I would've done that shit long ago had I got the power to do so, don't you think?" He took a step closer, looming over her. "Besides, you're integral in this bloody project anyway. Why would you, of all people,want to see it stopped?" His voice grew dangerously quiet.
Shinobu's eyes soften, as if saddened. "They're not clones. They're humans."
He raised an eyebrow at that. "The fuck are you talking about?"
Nunotaba Shinobu's gaze didn't waver from him, her voice soft but firm. "They have emotions, they feel pain, they have desires. They're not just things to be experimented on, to be used and discarded. They live."
He rolled his eyes. "I don't see you people saying that fucking shit when they're doing what they're doing to me." His tone was angry and bitter. He let out a sigh. "You're just as responsible for their plight as the others are."
The girl chuckled, a sound that was more like bark. "I don't like this any more than you do, you know? Had I known that all those scholarships would lead to this, I would have never accepted them in the first place." She pushed herself off the wall, her eyes never leaving Hirano. "But it's too late for regrets now."
Hirano stared at her, surprise clear on his face. He had never expected her to admit to such a thing. "Then why are you still here?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Shinobu hesitated, her eyes flickering before she met his gaze again, Shinobu hesitated, her eyes flickering before she met his gaze again. "Because I can't do it alone."
The boy considered her words. They hung in the air like mist, obscuring the truth and concealing the path ahead. He didn't trust her, not completely. But she was right about one thing: he couldn't stop the project alone either. He had too many people to protect, too many obstacles in his way.
He sighed, taking a step back. "You're serious about this, aren't you?" She nodded. The determination glinting in her eyes was unmistakable. He let out a long breath. "But… how do I know you're not playing me? There's nothing in it for you to gain."
"I only want to protect them. To give them a chance at a life of their own. I'm willing to risk everything for that."
Her words hung in the air, heavy with conviction. Hirano looked into her eyes and saw something he hadn't expected to find: sincerity.
"You're really doing all of this shit for some stupid clones?" Shinobu's expression hardened, and for a moment she looked like a different person entirely.
"They're as human to me, just as humans are Yoshikawa and Yomikawa to you."
He looked like he was going to tear her apart for even mentioning those two names. But he held himself back. They stood there in the alley, their gazes locked in a silent battle of wills. Despite the tension between them, there was a sense of understanding, of two people who had been thrown into a situation beyond their control and were now forced to make impossible choices.
"Fine."
Her expression softened. "Thank you," she breathed, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders.
They stayed quiet for a few seconds, just standing there, there in the alleyway. The air around them seemed to shift, as if the world itself was adjusting to the unexpected turn of events. Despite the darkness and the silence, there was an unspoken understanding between them, a bond forged from shared suffering and a common goal.
"So how are we supposed to do this?"
"Destroy the SISTERs Project from within." Her voice was resolute. "I have access to their files, I know how they think, how they operate. I can guide you."
He nodded, considering her words. "How long do we have until the shit starts?"
"Spring next year. Long enough to crumble this whole thing before it even starts."
"So what do I do? Kill the clones now?"
Shinobu almost instantly shot him a warning look. "Not the clones. They are innocent. Destroy the equipment, sabotage the facilities. Make it look like an accident. We need to leave no trace for them to follow."
Hirano clicked his tongue. There were several people he wanted dead. Key researchers. The Kiharas. But she was right. If they killed them now, it would only make things worse. They needed to be careful and methodical. They had a plan, and they were going to see it through.
He nodded, his gaze focused on the ground. "Alright. I'll take care of it."
"I'll send you the locations."
Their eyes met once more, a silent understanding passing between them. They were in this together, united by their hatred for the city's darkness and their determination to see it fail. It was a fragile alliance, built on shaky ground, but it was all they had.
So with a quiet exhale, Accelerator, the albino child, softened.
"I'll look forward to it," he murmured.
Nothing much happens that week. Shinobu told him about something happening on an entirely different Project. Said project was completely wiped out by one of its own subjects, and all of the data regarding it, the progress and discovery was all wiped. Some of the files have something to do with him, apparently. But not all was cleaned. The physical notes, at least some, survived.
So they did nothing for now. Kihara Gensei has been wary of his peers.
The week passes by slowly, but Hirano finds himself strangely content. The events during the Daihasei Festival have left an indelible mark on both his heart and mind.
Not only was one of the worst moments of his life occurred in the past, but also one of the most profoundly meaningful. He's not sure if he can ever truly understand why, but he feels a sense of peace washing over him as he goes about his daily routine.
Kuroko and Uiharu and the rest of his friends continue to be a constant source of support and comfort. They may not know the full extent of what he's been through or what he's capable of, but their unwavering kindness and acceptance are enough to sustain him through the darkest of days.
Gunha wasn't around much, but he was there whenever he could. The guy was running around beating up people that he deemed as GUTLESS. Mostly criminals and hooligans. Especially with this new group known as 'Skill Out'. They were pretty small scale, but were in the Anti-Skills and Judgement's radar. Nothing too much for them to handle.
The calm before the storm, as it were. The weight of his burdens may not have lifted, but for now, he can find solace in the warmth of friendship and the acceptance of those who care for him. As the week comes to an end and another weekend approaches, he wonders what the future holds.
"I bought these shoes online for 100 bucks. And look what that guy did to it!" Ruiko exclaimed, pointing at the tiny smudge on the shoe.
"108 bucks with taxes." Frenda adds a spoon in her mouth. "They're such a pain."
Hirano rolled his eyes. He was sitting on a bench in the park with the other members of his study group. It was a pleasant afternoon, the sky a soft blue and the air crisp with the promise of autumn. They were discussing their weekend plans when Ruiko decided to share her shopping woes.
Misaka decides to chime in. "I feel ya, Ruiko. Sometimes people just don't understand the value of good shoes." She flashes a knowing smile at the girl.
Kuroko clears her throat, trying to change the subject. "Anyway, about the math homework..."
Ruiko groans, pulling at her hair in exaggerated frustration. "Maths... Why does it have to be so hard?" She pouts, trying to catch Hirano's attention.
Uiharu, the group's very soul and the more mature one of the bunch, took the opportunity to interject. "Well, Ruiko, maths is like that because it's a language. And languages are meant to challenge us and help us grow." She paused, taking a bite from her apple before continuing. "It's like learning how to cook. You have to practise and make mistakes to get better."
"Bah, you lot are different." Ruiko protested, crossing her arms. "I'm just not good at it. It's not like I'm ever going to need maths in real life anyway."
The others exchanged glances. It was a familiar argument, one that had been had many times before.
When the cloud decides to start drizzling, autumn's rain, it only does so gently, as if it's apologising for the intrusion. The leaves on the trees rustle softly, their colours seeming to deepen under the wet touch of the rain.
"My sweets!" Uiharu and Frenda scramble to keep their ice cream cones from being ruined as they run for cover under an awning. Ruiko, however, stands her ground, letting the rain drip onto her clothes and hair.
"What's the point of running away from a little bit of rain?" she asks, looking up at the sky.
...
"That's exactly why you run from a little bit of rain." Misaka says rather sarcastically, rubbing the girl's head with a towel. "Seriously, how did you catch a cold from that?"
Not three minutes in after, Ruiko sat huddled in a fetal position on a couch, shivering uncontrollably. Her teeth chattered loudly as she attempted to speak between gasps for air. "I-it's n-not a c-cold..." she insisted weakly, her words coming out in stutters.
"Now, now, Ruiko, don't be like that," Frenda whispers at the girl. Her tone was soothing, almost maternal, and it only served to make Ruiko feel worse. The warmth of the blanket they'd wrapped around her seemed to be leached away by her own despair. "Maybe think twice before insisting on standing out in the rain again next time, okay?" The fallen girl only hums at that.
Hirano watched them from the other end of the Judgement Office, leaning on the wall. Kuroko sat on a chair beside him. "Y'know, senpai," the twin tailed girl started. "I was wondering if you'd be willing to give me an input of some sort."
He looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"I already talked to my parents. They wanted me to enrol in Tokiwadai. But..." She recently became a level 3, making her qualified to attend the prestigious school.
"But?"
"But what about the others? Misaka, maybe, but Uiharu? She's a Level 1. Ruiko is a Level 0. Frenda-senpai also attends a different school. And then you... Tokiwadai is an all-girl school so you can't even enrol even though you're a Level 5."
The girl pauses, taking a deep breath. "I don't want to leave them behind. I don't want to leave you behind. It's... I just..."
Her words trailed, Hirano knew exactly how Kuroko felt. It was a difficult decision, but he also knew that Tokiwadai was the best place for her. It would give her the opportunities she deserved, help her grow into the person she was meant to be.
"They'll be fine."
He spoke softly, his voice calm and reassuring. It was as if the weight of his own experience and the knowledge of what lay ahead for her had settled into his tone. Kuroko looked at him, hope flickering in her eyes. "You shouldn't hold back your life just because of them. You should move forward, because they'll want you to. They'll be happy for you."
It was true. They were her friends, her family. They would understand. And if they didn't, well, that was something she'd have to deal with. Kuroko nods slowly, her expression thoughtful. "You're right... I guess." She pauses, looking away for a moment. "It just feels like I'm abandoning them."
Hirano steps forward, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "You're not abandoning them." He rubs the back of his head. "If moving forward is abandoning those you cherish, then the world is a cruel place." It was the sort of statement that stuck with one. Not because it was particularly deep or profound, but because of the sincerity behind it. Kuroko looked up at him, eyes widening as she processed his words. For a moment, there was only silence between them.
"Don't think much of what I just said." He adds a little later, placing a hand on top of her head, stroking her hair. The girl was surprised by the sudden act of affection, but she didn't push it away. "Everyone will be here when you get back. Just do what you think is best for you for now. You can always come back. We'll be right here, waiting for you."
His words were like a balm, soothing the anxieties that had been plaguing her. Kuroko slowly nodded, a small smile forming on her lips. She looked at him and felt a strange sense of comfort, of acceptance. He was right. They'll be fine.
Because he says so.
But even he couldn't know what the future truly held. As for her, she could only trust her heart and hope that it wouldn't lead her astray. The rain outside continued to fall, a gentle reminder of the cycle of life, of change and growth. Even though it might seem harsh now, it was all part of the greater plan.
A ring from his phone fills the persisting patter of the rain. He fished his phone out, glancing at the screen, surprised to see who it was. "Hospital?" He murmured before answering the call. "What is it?"
He listened intently at their words, expression shifting from surprise to concern. His eyes widened and he stood up straight. "Oh... yeah... I... see..." He cleared his throat. "I'll be right there."
Without another word, he hangs up the phone, the look on his face is a mix of shock. Everyone present was looking at him. Uiharu, who'd just come out, holding a bowl of soup, paused mid-stride. "Is everything okay?"
"Aiho's awake."
The news sent a shockwave through the room. Everyone exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of surprise, happiness, and worry. Ruiko, whose cheeks were still flushed from her recent illness, perked up instantly. "I don't know who that is but you're making it sound importa- ow!"
The girl's head was then lightly slapped by Frenda. "Don't be rude." She scolded, glancing at the ground. "That's just... it's his mother... Was she?" The blond asks, eyeing Uiharu.
Hirano ignored this exchange, already moving towards the exit. "I'm going to go see her. You guys can head home if you want."
"I'll go with you, senpai!" Kuroko volunteers immediately, already on her feet.
He looks back at her. He looked surprisingly vulnerable, almost like a lost child. His eyes, usually dark and unyielding, were filled with a mix of hope and fear. Kuroko swallowed hard, her heart thumping in her chest. She couldn't help but feel like this was some sort of turning point, that from this moment on, things would never be the same again.
"No."
It wasn't him who answered.
He felt a shiver crept down his spine. "You have got to be fucking kidding..." Hirano whispers in contempt. The words hung in the air, weighty and ominous. It was as if the very fabric of the universe had shifted, the balance of power shifting ever so slightly.
Kuroko's eyes widened in surprise, her lips parting in shock. She hadn't seen the man stand there, having been preoccupied with her upperclassmen.
But now that he was here, she couldn't help but feel a shiver run down her spine. The man who stood before them was, whose dirty blond hair combed back, was tall and well-built, his eyes dripping with malice and piercing.
There was something about him that set him apart from ordinary people. Something terrifying. He was dressed in a lab coat, as if he'd just come from a research facility. His fingers twitched, as if he was restraining himself from doing something. Something dangerous.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude." Sarcasm at its finest, the man speaks with great disdain. "But I have some business with your little boyfriend here. Am I right, Hirano-kun?"
In response, the white haired boy glared as hard as he had ever been. The balls of this guy, approaching him in broad daylight like this, in front of everyone, inside an Anti-Skill office branch with nothing but an empty hand, not even a shadow to hide him.
But he was not one to let someone push him around, even in such a situation. He squared his shoulders, steeling himself for whatever was to come. "And what business is that?" He growled out, his voice barely above a whisper.
"You really want to talk about this shit in front of them? Acting tough now, aren't ya?" The man in the lab coat sneered before laughing, a humourless bark that seemed to have sent a wave of chill down everyone's spine.
"You really are something, you know that?" He walked closer, his voice low and dangerous. "I don't know what you've done to have that old man be this wary of you. Frankly, I don't care, I'm just going to enjoy breaking you."
The man stopped several feet away from them, a predatory grin spreading across his face. He felt a tug on his back, pulling him away from the approaching threat.
Kuroko had positioned herself between him and the man, her eyes narrowed in defiance. "You're not laying a finger on him." She declared, her voice firm and unyielding.
The man's grin widened, his gaze shifting from Hirano to Kuroko. "Oh? And who's going to stop me, little girl?" He took another step forward, closing the distance between them.
The answer came as quickly as he'd asked a question. The room erupted into chaos. Anti-Skill officers had noticed it from afar and were ready for this kind of shit, their weapons trained on the man in the lab coat with deadly precision.
The sound of their guns cocking was a clear warning, a promise of violence if he made one wrong move. The officers' faces were hardened, their expressions unyielding as they stared down the man who dared to threaten one of their own.
Hirano watched the scene unfold, his heart racing in his chest, feeling rather ashamed and amused that he was being shielded by 4 girls, with Ruiko on his back asking if he was okay.
This has to be the most bizarre turn of events he'd ever experienced. Kihara Amata though, wasn't as amused. His grin faltered for a moment as he took in the sight of the officers surrounding him, their guns pointed directly at him. "Well, ain't that some bullshit. I'm just here to talk, this is police brutality i tell you."
With no answers given, he clicked his tongue, rolling his eyes as he straightened his back. "Whatever. Not my fault if he decides to be a little bitch about it." Kihara Amata spat out, his eyes flickering with annoyance.
He raised his hands in a surrendering gesture, taking a step back. "That old man has some... whatchamacallit... an instinct? Whatever it is, he knows when something is going bad."
"So if you're going to do something unreasonable, you're either dead, or that stu-"
"Shut the fuck up and leave you fucking dipshit."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, shut it asshole, I'm leaving."
He turned around, walking towards the exit, his footsteps echoing ominously in the building. He glances at Kihara's retreating back, a bitter taste in his mouth. He's never been so humiliated in his entire life. But he wasn't going to let it show. He had to maintain his composure, his dignity.
When the blond man left, all eyes were now on him. He felt embarrassed albeit quite shaken, he kept his posture straight, meeting each gaze with equal measures of defiance and determination. "Don't worry about it," he muttered, more to himself than to anyone else. "It's nothing I can't handle."
Uiharu and Misaka exchanged worried glances, but Kuroko seemed to have recovered from her shock. Hirano's dismissal did little to reassure the others. Misaka fidgeted, her eyes darting between him and Kuroko. "Are you sure you're alright?" she asked, concerned about lacing every syllable of her tone.
"I'm fine," he repeated.
There was silence for a moment. Tsuzuri stepped out of the line, sighing. "Who the hell was that guy, anyway?"
"Someone I'd rather not cross paths with again," Hirano muttered, still looking unsettled. He glanced at Kuroko, who was studying her feet. "Thanks for... umm... doing that."
She nodded. "He looked like he was going to hurt you. I just did what I thought was right." Her voice was quiet, uncertain. It was then that he noticed the way she was clenching her fists, the tension in her shoulders. She was frightened, scared, but she was still trying to put on a brave face.
There was a hand on his shoulder. Tsuzuri. "I'm assuming you got the call as well, about Aiho?" He nodded. "Let's go, I'll take you there."
The woman wasn't awake. Not entirely. But her brain waves showed signs of activity. The doctor explained that she was in a semi-conscious state, her body slowly healing itself from the inside out. Hirano listened, nodding, his expression unreadable.
It was all thanks to a small device connected to her brain. A choker of some sort that was supposedly connected to her brain. Why it took months to finish is unknown, but he wasn't complaining. Just knowing that she was finally listening to his words, that she wasn't completely gone, it was enough. He sat beside her bed, watching her sleep, occasionally brushing a strand of hair away from her face.
The choker was used to aid her cognitive, motor, and sensory functions. It helped her focus, think clearly, and even hear. The choker connects her brain to a computer, which on its own was very flawed as it lacks an understanding of human thought, but it was all they had.
They needed an actual human brain for this. He volunteered before suddenly retracting his offer. If she was connected to his mind, would she catch a glimpse of his memory? That's the last thing he wants her to see. He'll tell her everything himself. Now is just not the time.
Besides, the Doctor was gonna refuse anyways. His Vector Barrier is always on, whether it was repelling anything or not isn't even the case. It was because it was always reading things. It would fry Aiho's brain.
So as of this current moment, she was still in a coma.
That night, Shirai Kuroko couldn't sleep.
Not after what had transpired earlier that noon. Hirano was unsettled as well. Something about the encounter with that scientist felt... off. It wasn't just the man's threatening demeanour or the fact that he had appeared out of nowhere. It was as if the very air around them had changed, becoming charged with boiling anger and fear.
Her white haired upperclassmen felt and showed fear for the very first time.
In front of anyone.
Her white haired upperclassmen, who'd always been so strict and aloof, had been shaken. It didn't sit right with her.
She tossed and turned, her mind racing with questions. What kind of guy could instil such a fear in people? Why was Hirano involved with him in the first place? And most importantly, was he truly safe?
With each passing moment, the weight of these thoughts grew heavier, pressing down on her like an anchor. Eventually, exhaustion overtook her, and she drifted off into an uneasy sleep. The blond man's threats echoed in her ears as she slept fitfully, haunted by the memory of his malicious gaze and the twitching fingers. She dreamt of darkness and shadows, of Hirano alone and helpless, surrounded by the oppressive silence of an empty void.
The thought of him possibly whisked away again, in the face of such overwhelming danger, sent a shiver down her spine.
As the night wore on, the air grew colder and the shadows longer. She tossed and turned, her heart racing, as if sensing some unseen threat lurking nearby. Eventually, she sat up, her eyes wide with fear.
No more. 'Just do what you think is best for you' were his exact words. The only thing she thinks is good for her is to protect him. So she'll follow him wherever he goes.
Misaka Mikoto didn't know Hirano as much as she'd like to think she does.
The thing that had happened earlier was a testament to that. She stared at her darkened ceiling, feeling a lump forming in her throat. Something about that encounter had left a bad taste in her mouth. She couldn't quite put her finger on what it was, but she knew that it was something big.
He'd looked so vulnerable, Hirano, standing there with his shoulders squared and his fists clenched, as if he was trying to hold back the weight of the world from crashing down on him. It was a far cry from the confident, aloof image he usually projected. And that man, Kihara Amata...
He was the scariest person she'd ever met. The way he'd glared at Hirano, the casual threat of violence... It was chilling. She shivered, wrapping her arms around herself. She knew that she should be more worried about Hirano, but she couldn't help but feel uneasy about the whole situation.
He was her best friend. But did he see her as such as well? Of course he does. Why would he spend the last three months helping her train, to help her get stronger all because she wanted to help the people of this city from the evil that lurked within?
That's all bullshit, she couldn't even protect him from whatever that was. She was powerless. She could only watch as he stood on his own, facing whatever came his way. It was a humbling thought, and it made her feel small and insignificant.
And the man's words too. That if he were to do something unreasonable, he'll die. She can't let that happen, now can she?
He was her best friend. And she wants him to see her as such too.
Shinobu had been reluctant in letting him do this. Not after the news of Kihara Amata's approach just hours ago. He'd told her about it. Gensei has been suspecting it for a while now, that much Shinobu is aware of. But the full extent of his knowledge and how he found out remains a secret to her.
So she wasn't so sure about letting Hirano infiltrate a research centre for the clone's forerunner. It's a risk, and one she's not entirely comfortable with. But he insisted.
He was aware of the risk at hand, but he was fine with it. He trusts the people at his guardian's side that he'd left behind in that hospital room. As for her, they didn't know about her. But it's gonna be a matter of time before they start to suspect anything.
So she kept her distance, monitoring the situation from the sidelines as best she could. She fed him with anything that he might find useful, guiding him through the maze of corridors and labs. And as she watched, as she waited, she couldn't help but feel a strange mix of dread and anticipation building up inside her.
The hours dragged on, the tension in the air thickening with every passing minute.
And then a distant rumbling shook the entirety of the district. The sound of the explosion, echoing through the city, was deafening. It was as if the very earth itself had been rent asunder, splitting apart to reveal the hellish inferno that lay within. Shinobu felt a chill run down her spine as she heard the distant explosion. She knew what it meant. The sabotage had begun. Her heart raced in her chest as she waited for confirmation from the albino.
And when he came, he smirked.
Their little plan has been set in motion. Level 6 SHIFT is set to fall.
Yeah... not exactly my best. Could've added more, could've changed a lot of things, could've done a lot better. I just don't know how to.
Anyways, new stuff next week? I hope it's better next time!