Threads of Misfortune

by AidenJacksonSmithDSBB

Akito Hoshizora had pretty bad luck in general, he had accepted that as a fact however when he transferred to Chiba Academy for some reason his bad luck decided to ramp up for no reason. Also, what's this mark on his shoulder and why is it glowing? This story mainly won't be told from the OC's PoV but from those surrounding him with a few parts on him.

10. Chapter 10 - Before the Deluge

Disclaimer - I do not own Honkai Impact 3rd

Also for updates, they'll come around once or twice a week. Happy reading.

It was a sunny December afternoon, but instead of the crisp chill that typically accompanied the season, the air felt unusually warm and balmy, as if spring had decided to make a brief visit. Haruto adjusted his scarf, wondering why he'd even bothered with it. The heat wasn't stifling, but it was just enough to feel strange for this time of year.

"Hey, Akito," Haruto called out, breaking the companionable silence as they walked down the street together, Mei and Airi trailing a little behind. "Is it just me, or is it way too warm for December? It feels more like spring out here."

Akito, hands shoved into his coat pockets, shrugged with his usual casual demeanor. "Apparently, my luck gets confused sometimes. Think of it like a slingshot effect."

Haruto raised an eyebrow. "You're gonna have to elaborate on that one."

Akito sighed, as if he'd explained it a hundred times before. "Okay, picture this: You've got a huge stack of paperwork on someone's desk, right? And it's all in the proper order. Then, suddenly, you feel this nagging sensation—like something's off. So you dig through the whole stack to find that one sheet of paper that doesn't belong there. That's basically my luck right now. It's messing with the seasons, trying to find the one thing that doesn't fit."

Haruto blinked, then shook his head, grinning. "So your bad luck is giving us spring weather in December because it's 'confused?' That's ridiculous."

"Yeah, but it's temporary," Akito replied nonchalantly. "The closer we get to Christmas, the more it'll course-correct. So, enjoy the warmth while it lasts."

Haruto chuckled. "Guess I'll take it. Warm December is better than freezing my butt off."

Later that day, the group found themselves gathered under the Augury Tree, enjoying the unusual weather. Mei was seated beside Airi on the bench, while Haruto wandered around taking pictures, and Akito lay sprawled on the grass, one arm draped over his eyes.

Airi scrolled through her phone absentmindedly before nudging Mei with her elbow. "Hey, have you noticed we're finding a ton of these mini-conditions tied to Akito's slingshot thing?"

Mei glanced over, curious. "Mini-conditions?"

"Yeah, like… random warm weather in December, animals popping up out of nowhere, or that time the vending machine spat out three cans of coffee instead of one. Stuff that's not outright disasters but still weird enough to make you wonder."

Mei thought for a moment, her gaze drifting toward Akito, who was now being circled by a trio of crows looking for an opportunity to land on him. "Maybe he's just blaming everything mildly inconvenient on his luck. Like a catch-all excuse."

Airi smirked. "Honestly, it's kind of genius. Can't get mad at him if it's 'not his fault.'"

Mei sighed, though a faint smile tugged at her lips. "Still, the way he explains it makes it sound so… deliberate. Like his bad luck has a personality or something."

"Maybe it does," Airi teased, leaning back against the bench. "Wouldn't be the weirdest thing about him."

The two shared a quiet laugh, letting the conversation drift as Haruto returned, waving his camera with a victorious grin about catching another perfect shot of the group in the warm December light.

The last bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. The late afternoon light cast a golden glow over the school grounds as students streamed out, buzzing with the anticipation of the holidays. Only two weeks remained until Christmas, and the atmosphere was light with most assignments either completed or nearly so. Well, unless you were Kiana, whose definition of "completed" often came with a barter for food.

Airi strolled alongside her friends—Mei, Haruto, Akito, and Kiana—feeling the ease of the approaching weekend. The day had been unremarkable but pleasant, and there was a quiet joy in the group's usual banter as they headed for the school gates.

"We should hang out," Akito said suddenly, his voice cutting through the chatter. His hands were stuffed into his jacket pockets, his tone casual yet oddly inviting. "At my place. It's not far."

The group paused mid-step. Mei blinked, looking curious but unsurprised; she spent most of her time either with Akito or the group anyway. Haruto shrugged easily, grinning as he adjusted the strap of his camera bag. Airi noted that they had both finished their commissions for the week, leaving them free for whatever Akito had in mind. Kiana's expression immediately brightened, and she practically bounced in place.

"Hell yeah! I'm in!" Kiana declared, already marching alongside Akito as if the decision had been hers all along.

The group fell into step, the short walk to Akito's apartment filled with light conversation. Airi, however, found herself curious. Akito wasn't the type to often extend invitations like this, though he wasn't unfriendly by any means. Still, the thought of seeing where he lived piqued her interest.

"So," Airi ventured, walking a half-step behind Akito, "how'd you manage to get a place like this? It's got to be pricey, given the location."

Akito turned his head slightly, his usual easygoing expression in place. "My old caretaker set it up for me," he replied simply, offering no further details. The answer only raised more questions, but Airi decided not to press. Akito had always been somewhat private about his past.

They reached Akito's apartment building—a modest yet well-kept place nestled in a quiet corner of the neighborhood. As Akito unlocked the door and ushered them in, Airi found herself impressed by how cozy and spacious the studio was despite its size. The large lounge area was inviting, with a low coffee table surrounded by comfortable seating. Warm afternoon light filtered through sheer curtains, adding a soft glow to the room.

However, her eyes were immediately drawn to the northernmost corner. There, in what could only be described as organized chaos, was a literal dogpile of animals. Dogs, cats, kittens, and even a few birds lounged together in peaceful coexistence, forming an odd yet somehow fitting addition to Akito's space.

"Is that… normal?" Kiana asked, pointing at the animal heap with wide eyes.

"Completely," Akito replied without missing a beat as he moved toward the kitchenette. He opened the fridge, retrieving snacks and drinks, while the rest of the group took their seats. Haruto eyed the animal pile with an amused smirk but said nothing, likely cataloging the scene for later use on his social media. Mei, meanwhile, seemed unfazed, as though such sights were routine for her at this point.

Akito returned with a tray laden with snacks and drinks, setting it down on the coffee table. As they all reached for refreshments, he leaned back into his chair and looked at the group.

"Let's play a game," he suggested, his tone casual yet holding a faint hint of mischief.

"What kind of game?" Haruto asked, already intrigued.

"Two truths, one lie," Akito replied. "It's a good way to get to know each other better. Plus, you can refuse to answer some questions if you want."

Kiana perked up immediately. "Oh, I'm in!" she said, already bubbling with ideas for her turn.

Haruto nodded in agreement, while Mei glanced at Airi with a small smile. Airi chuckled, shaking her head lightly. Akito's suggestion seems simple enough, but she had a feeling it would reveal more about each of them than they were expecting.

"Well," she said, leaning back and grabbing a soda, "this should be interesting."

And so, the game began, the group already laughing and teasing each other as they tried to figure out which statements were true and which were the cleverly disguised lies. Despite the cozy atmosphere, Airi couldn't help but glance at the pile of animals again, feeling as though the strange yet familiar chaos of Akito's life was only just beginning to unfold.

Haruto started the game with his usual confident grin, adjusting his seat as he leaned forward to deliver his statements.

"Alright, here we go. Two truths, one lie," he began, holding up three fingers. "One: I have first-aid training. Two: I'm studying for a degree in psychology. Three: I'm terrible at video games."

The group stared at him for a moment, pondering. Mei tapped her chin thoughtfully, while Kiana's expression twisted in exaggerated contemplation. Airi smirked, clearly knowing the answer.

"That's too easy," Airi teased. "You're not terrible at video games."

Haruto snapped his fingers, laughing. "Got me! Fine, fine, I'll make it harder next time."

When Airi's turn came, she folded her hands in her lap, her voice calm and measured compared to Haruto's lively delivery.

"Okay, my turn. One: I want to be a photographer. Two: I know first aid. Three: I've been skydiving."

Kiana's eyes widened. "Skydiving? No way."

Mei tilted her head, watching Airi's expression closely. "You're telling the truth about the first two," she guessed. "The lie is skydiving."

Airi smiled, nodding. "Got it in one. I've never been skydiving—though it does sound interesting."

Akito, who had been quietly observing, nodded. "First aid is a good skill to have. I've had to use it more than I'd like."

As the group turned to Akito, he leaned back slightly, a faint smirk playing at his lips. "Guess it's my turn," he said. "One: I also have first-aid training. Two: I can treat spinal injuries and apply tourniquets. Three: Captain, Lieutenant, and Grim were originally mine."

Haruto raised a brow. "You're trying to make this tough."

Kiana, sitting beside Akito, squinted at him suspiciously. "Wait. I thought those animals were yours."

Mei, however, shook her head. "They weren't, were they?"

Akito nodded at Mei's insight. "Correct. They originally belonged to my old caretaker. He trained them, not me." He glanced at Kiana with a faintly amused expression. "But I'm not bad at keeping them in line."

"Wait, you're telling me those oversized beasts aren't yours?" Kiana asked, leaning forward with interest.

"Nope. Inherited them, you could say," Akito replied, his tone casual. "Captain, Lieutenant, and Grim were all trained by him. He's the real deal."

Kiana clapped her hands together, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Okay, my turn!" she announced. "One: I've been to over twenty countries. Two: I've got a permanent home. Three: I'm amazing at cooking."

Airi snorted. "The cooking one's a lie."

"Not even a challenge," Mei added with a faint smile.

Kiana groaned, slumping in mock defeat. "You guys are no fun! Fine, yes, I'm a terrible cook. And I don't really have a permanent home, either."

Akito tilted his head, his expression softening slightly. "But you do have someone who looks out for you. Misako, right?"

Kiana perked up, nodding enthusiastically. "Yeah! She's kind of like a grandma to me. Though she's way cooler—she's got a firearm license and everything."

Airi raised a brow. "Firearms? In Japan? That's... unexpected."

Akito chuckled softly. "Not really, considering who trained her. Misako's an old contact of my caretaker. She's seen her share of action."

The revelations hung in the air for a moment, the weight of their personal stories adding an undercurrent of seriousness to the game. Haruto was the first to break the silence, laughing lightly as he grabbed a snack.

"Well, that just made my life sound incredibly boring," he joked. "I need to start hanging out with you two more often."

"You already do," Akito pointed out dryly, earning a round of laughter from the group.

The game continued, the atmosphere lightening once more, but Airi couldn't help but notice the layers of history they were all starting to reveal—especially Akito and Kiana. Their lives, shaped by caretakers and experiences far from the norm, seemed to carry the weight of untold stories.

Haruto leaned forward, propping his chin on his hand with a mischievous grin. He decided to start with something practical, a way to satisfy his curiosity without being too invasive.

Haruto: "Alright, Akito. First-aid training—you seem like a pro. Where'd you pick that up?"

Akito leaned back slightly, his expression remaining calm but thoughtful.

Akito: "My old caretaker taught me. He had military experience and thought it was essential. Told me it wasn't just about helping myself but others too. You never know when it might save a life."

Haruto nodded, visibly impressed.
Haruto: "Sounds like a wise guy. Makes sense now why you're always calm in chaotic situations."

Kiana wasted no time, jumping in as soon as Haruto finished speaking.

Kiana: "What's the deal with the animals? It's like they follow you around or something. Are you secretly some animal whisperer?"

Akito smirked slightly at her enthusiasm.
Akito: "Not quite. My caretaker worked with animals he rescued—mostly from trafficking rings and illegal fighting pits. Some of them stuck around afterward. Grim, for example, was one of the ones he took in."

Kiana: "Grim's the big mangy dog, right? The one that could probably wrestle a bear?"

Akito nodded, his smirk growing.
Akito: "That's the one. Tough as nails, but he's got a soft spot for the group."

Not satisfied yet, Kiana pointed to Akito's left arm, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.
Kiana: "What about that lighter patch on your arm? What's up with that?"

Akito chuckled, clearly amused.
Akito: "Oh, that? I wear a watch there most of the time. Sometimes I forget to put sunscreen on it. Nothing mysterious."

Kiana groaned dramatically, throwing her hands in the air.
Kiana: "That's such a lame answer! You're supposed to have some cool scar story or something!"

The group laughed at her exaggerated reaction, with Airi chiming in to shift the focus.

Airi: "And the birds—like crows and ravens. They're always around you, and they even show up on social media. Why is that?"

Akito shrugged nonchalantly, as if the answer was obvious.
Akito: "Honestly? I have no idea. I assume it's my bad luck. Maybe it attracts them, or maybe they just find me entertaining. I've stopped questioning it."

The group exchanged amused glances, imagining Akito's "bad luck aura" as a magnet for mischievous animals.

Mei, who had been quietly observing the conversation, finally spoke up.
Mei: "What about hobbies? You always seem... calm, like nothing rattles you. What do you do in your free time?"

Akito's expression softened, his answer coming more easily than expected.
Akito: "Reading, cooking, vibing with the animals, cloud watching, and video games. It's nice to just... take it easy when I can."

Mei nodded, a faint smile crossing her lips.
Mei: "That makes sense. You've got this laid-back energy."

Kiana wasn't satisfied with the surface-level answers and leaned forward again, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Kiana: "Alright, tell us about your caretaker. What's his name? He sounds like a badass."

For the first time, Akito's expression shifted into something more genuine, a faint but unmistakable smile forming on his face.

Akito: "His name's Alfred Hanzo. A mixed American-Japanese guy. He used to be in the military."

The room fell silent for a moment as the group processed the weight of his words.

Kiana: "Sounds like a badass," she said softly, her usual energy subdued.

Akito's smile lingered for a moment before he leaned back, his casual demeanor returning.
Akito: "You could say that."

The conversation shifted naturally after that, the group taking turns to share their own stories:

Haruto surprised everyone by revealing his knowledge of sailing, a skill he picked up from his uncle.

Airi spoke warmly about her grandmother, who inspired her love for photography by gifting her a vintage camera.

Mei reluctantly confessed her burning hatred for eggplants and how she earned the unfortunate nickname "Eggy" in middle school.

Kiana humorously recounted tales of her father's disasters in the kitchen, declaring that he was permanently banned from cooking without supervision.

The laughter and shared stories created an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie, leaving them all feeling closer than before.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the studio apartment seemed cozier than ever, illuminated by the soft glow of string lights. Despite the lingering questions about Akito's past, the group respected his boundaries and didn't press further.

They didn't need all the answers tonight. For now, they were content to enjoy each other's company, knowing that the mysteries would unravel in time.

The once-lively chatter in Akito's apartment had dimmed to a quiet hum as the group grew more comfortable in their surroundings. The cozy atmosphere, combined with the soft glow of warm lights, invited relaxation.

Kiana was the first to fall asleep, sprawled across the couch in a position that seemed more appropriate for an acrobat than a tired teenager. Her arm dangled off the edge, and one leg was propped awkwardly against the couch's backrest.

Haruto and Airi had been sharing stories in hushed voices until they both yawned in sync. They glanced at their phones, texting their families to let them know they'd be staying at Akito's. The messages were simple and unbothered—it wasn't the first time the group had ended up crashing at a friend's place, and their families trusted them.

Akito stood by the kitchen counter, idly scrolling on his phone before typing out a quick text to Misako:

"Everyone's staying the night. All good here."

Misako's reply came swiftly. "Understood. Don't let Kiana eat everything in your fridge tomorrow morning."

He smirked faintly at her dry humor before slipping his phone back into his pocket. Turning to the sleeping arrangements, he began pulling out futons from a discreet storage compartment under the lounge area. Akito's movements were quiet and precise, a skill honed from years of living with animals who didn't appreciate sudden noises.

From the corner of his eye, Akito noticed Mei quietly gathering her bag. She tiptoed toward the door, her steps light but not silent enough for Akito's sharp hearing. Without even looking up, he spoke in a tone as dry as a desert.

Akito: "The weekend's tomorrow, Mei."

Mei froze mid-step, guilt flashing across her face as she turned to face him. "I wasn't—"

Akito raised an eyebrow, cutting her off without a word. His steady gaze carried no malice but had the weight of expectation. Mei sighed and returned to the lounge area, setting her bag aside as she muttered something about him being "too perceptive for his own good."

Satisfied, Akito set up the final futon, gesturing for her to settle down.

As the group settled in, the animals, previously content to lounge in the northernmost corner of the room, began to stir. One by one, they stretched, yawned, and padded toward the futons.

Dusk and Wasp, two tiny kittens, ambled over to Airi. Dusk snuggled against her side, while Wasp claimed a spot near her feet, curling up into a tiny ball with her bright yellow eyes half-closed. Hunter, a gray Kai Ken with a proud gait, lay protectively beside Airi, resting his head on his paws.

Mei was next to be adopted by the animal squad.
Chunni, a small, brown dog, wiggled her way onto Mei's futon, nestling close. Drake, a gray Shiba Inu, claimed the spot near Mei's pillow. A baby raven hopped up beside her, settling on the edge of the futon and fluffing its feathers before nodding off.

Haruto, probably the one who would have the most amusing reactions among them later, was immediately surrounded by Lieutenant's pack. A mix of huskies, greyhounds, and other assorted breeds stretched out around him. The warmth of the dogs seemed to lull him to sleep faster, their quiet breathing blending into the peaceful atmosphere.

Akito's watchful nature wouldn't let him relax just yet. He positioned himself near the door, reclining in a way that would allow him to fall asleep without waking up sore. Grim, the scarred and ever-vigilant dog, padded over to him, flopping down near his side.

Aaaaah, the small and mysterious animal, settled down on Akito's other side, its contented sighs breaking the silence.

From his vantage point, Akito could see the entire room. The sight of his friends and the animals sprawled across the futons brought an odd sense of peace. For someone so used to chaos, this rare moment of harmony felt... strange, but welcome.

As the soft rhythm of breathing filled the apartment, Akito's thoughts wandered. He idly noted that he hadn't rearmed the traps around the apartment—a precaution he usually took out of habit.

He considered getting up to check but dismissed the idea.
'If someone's dumb enough to break in, they'll have to deal with this lot first,' he thought, glancing at the zoo-like scene of animals surrounding his friends.

His lips twitched into a faint smile. 'And that's not even counting Lieutenant and Captain outside.'

Just as sleep began to claim him, a muffled noise from outside caught his attention. For a moment, his sharp senses kicked in, but he quickly relaxed.

'Is that screaming? ...Never mind. Someone probably met Captain and thought they ran into a demon and a werewolf.'

With that final thought, Akito allowed himself to drift off, the rare sense of contentment lingering as he fell into a light, peaceful sleep.

Akito's eyes fluttered open at 6:00 a.m., his internal alarm clock pulling him from the depths of sleep with precision. The apartment was still cloaked in the soft hues of dawn, a faint golden light peeking through the curtains.

Stretching lightly to avoid disturbing the animals sprawled around him, Akito rose to his feet. Grim, ever-watchful, stirred as Akito moved but didn't make a sound. With practiced quiet, Akito made his way to the bathroom, splashing his face with cool water and running a hand through his dark hair before brushing his teeth.

Once his other rituals were complete, he headed back to the lounge, greeted immediately by Grim's low, guttural growl.

Akito: "Really, Grim? Can't even let me stretch my legs?"

The dog didn't budge, his amber eyes fixed firmly on Akito as though demanding he return to his place. Akito rolled his eyes but complied, settling back into his previous position with an amused huff.

With nothing else to do, Akito let his gaze wander over the scene before him. His friends were still deep in sleep, their expressions softened in the peaceful embrace of rest.

His eyes landed on Mei first. She was sprawled out across her futon in a near-perfect imitation of Kiana's usual chaotic sleeping posture. One arm was stretched over her head, the other hanging limply off the side, her hair a dark, tangled mess.

Akito smirked, pulling out his phone. With practiced care, he made sure the flash was off before snapping a quick picture.
Akito quietly muttered to himself "Blackmail material for later."

His amusement deepened when he noticed the baby raven that had nested in Drake's fur. Both bird and dog were undisturbed, their synchronized breathing a testament to how well they'd adapted to each other.

Moving on, his gaze shifted to Airi. She looked almost serene, her breathing slow and steady. Akito leaned in slightly, his sharp ears picking up faint snores. His lips twitched into a grin.

Akito internally 'Yup, she's snoring. She's going to deny it to her last breath, though.'

Dusk, Wasp, and Hunter remained steadfastly by her side, the kittens curled into tiny balls against her warmth while Hunter lay protectively at her feet.

When Akito turned his attention to Haruto, he barely stifled a laugh.

The poor guy was buried under a pile of animals. Lieutenant's pack—a mix of sleek greyhounds, sturdy huskies, and a few assorted mutts—had claimed Haruto as their personal mattress. One greyhound was stretched across his legs, a husky was curled into his side, and a smaller mutt had somehow managed to drape itself over Haruto's chest.

Akito smirked silently, 'This is going to be fun to wake up to.'

Despite the weight and heat of so many animals, Haruto slept peacefully, his head tilted slightly to one side and his arm pinned beneath a particularly heavy husky.

Finally, Akito's eyes settled on Kiana. She had, mercifully, shifted into a normal sleeping position at some point during the night. Her chaotic sprawl had been replaced with a peaceful, almost angelic expression.

Her chest rose and fell evenly, and for once, the storm of energy that usually surrounded her seemed to have quieted. Akito tilted his head slightly, noting how relaxed she looked when she wasn't trying to challenge the world around her.

Akito observed her, 'Almost looks normal. Almost.'

Satisfied with his survey, Akito settled back into his spot. Grim rested his head against Akito's leg, his growl replaced by the soft rumble of contentment. Aaaaah joined in, curling against Akito's other side with a faint, sleepy chirp.

As Akito's eyes grew heavy again, a stray thought flitted through his mind.
'Did I rearm the traps last night?'

He considered getting up to check but dismissed the idea with a faint smile.
'If anyone's stupid enough to break in, they'll have to deal with Captain, Lieutenant, and a whole zoo's worth of pissed-off animals.'

His smirk deepened as another thought surfaced.
'And if they're lucky, they'll run before meeting Grim or Captain... or realizing that the noises outside are probably people screaming about supernatural creatures.'

With that last thought, sleep reclaimed him, the warmth of the room and the soft breathing of his friends lulling him into a dreamless rest.

Akito stirred awake to the sound of panicked breathing, his senses kicking into gear almost immediately. Years of training with his caretaker had drilled into him the importance of assessing a situation before making any sudden movements, so he kept his eyes closed, his breathing even.

The sounds continued—shuffling, muffled gasps, and the occasional light scrape of fabric against fur. Carefully, he cracked one eye open, ensuring his movements were imperceptible. What greeted him nearly made him burst into laughter.

'Oh, this is gold.'

Across the room, Haruto sat frozen in wide-eyed panic, his gaze darting from the massive husky curled against his side to the three smaller dogs sprawled across his legs. His chest rose and fell with shallow, careful breaths, his hands locked under a husky's body as though unsure where it was safe to place them.

Kiana was no better. Her hands clamped tightly over her mouth, her eyes darting frantically around the room as if searching for an escape route. Akito realized with amusement that she'd probably woken up first, her usual impulse to yell or make noise stifled by the very real possibility of being mauled by the animals surrounding her.

Mei and Airi were awake too, though far less panicked. Mei sat stiffly, her eyes flicking between the baby raven nestled in Drake's fur and the Shiba Inu curled up at her feet. Airi, meanwhile, seemed more preoccupied by the creeping urgency of needing to use the bathroom, shifting uncomfortably but careful not to disturb the dog and kittens snoozing by her side.

Akito allowed himself a small, subtle smile. He leaned back slightly, his head resting against the wall as he watched the scene unfold.

Haruto felt like he was in a hostage situation.

He wasn't entirely sure how he'd ended up with what felt like a pack of dogs using him as a mattress, but here he was. A massive husky was pressed against his side, its fur soft but its sheer weight pinning his arms. A sleek greyhound lay stretched across his legs, its bony frame oddly heavy, while a smaller mutt was curled snugly on his chest.

'Don't move. Don't panic. Don't die.'

His eyes darted around the room, searching for Akito.
'Where is that guy?!'

He spotted Airi first, who looked surprisingly calm given the two kittens and one dog stationed around her. Mei, too, seemed more annoyed than anything, though her gaze kept flitting to the baby raven perched so casually in the Shiba Inu's fur.

And then there was Kiana.

Haruto nearly snorted at the sight of her. She was sitting upright, her hands clasped over her mouth as her eyes darted wildly from one animal to the next. She looked like she was trying to solve a life-or-death puzzle and failing miserably.

'At least I'm not the only one freaking out.'

Airi's morning started with the unsettling sensation of something soft and warm pressing against her legs. Blinking groggily, she became aware of Dusk and Wasp curled up at her side, their tiny bodies rising and falling with each breath. Hunter, ever the protective presence, lay at her feet, his sharp eyes occasionally flicking toward the door before settling back into rest.

She didn't panic—she knew better than to startle animals awake—but there was a problem.

'I really need to pee.'

Her gaze shifted across the room, landing first on Haruto, who looked like he was about to faint from sheer panic. She stifled a laugh, her lips twitching as she watched him glance nervously at the animals draped over him.

Kiana was a close second in terms of sheer entertainment value. Airi couldn't help but admire the sheer effort her friend was putting into staying silent, though it was clear she was losing the battle against her usual impulsiveness.

She turned her attention to Mei, who was sitting stiffly with a look of resigned irritation. Airi could practically hear her thinking about how she'd ended up in this situation, especially with a raven making a makeshift nest nearby.

And then there was Akito. Or rather, there wasn't Akito, because the infuriating boy was nowhere to be seen.

Kiana woke up to what she initially thought was a warm, fluffy blanket.

Then she realized the "blanket" was breathing.

Her eyes snapped open, taking in the sight of a massive Shiba Inu resting just inches from her face. She clamped her hands over her mouth to stifle the scream that immediately threatened to escape.

'Okay, don't scream. Don't yell. Don't even breathe loudly. Just… stay calm.'

Her gaze darted around the room, searching for Akito. Surely, he'd know what to do. But no matter where she looked, she couldn't see him.

'Where is that guy?'

Panic set in as she realized she was surrounded. Dogs. Cats. Birds. All of them asleep, all of them seemingly harmless, but Kiana wasn't about to take any chances. Her mind raced as she tried to formulate a plan.

'Okay, step one: find Akito. Step two: don't die.'

Mei wasn't sure what she'd done to deserve this.

She'd woken up to find a baby raven nestled comfortably in Drake's fur, its tiny body rising and falling with each breath. The Shiba Inu, ever calm and collected, seemed completely unbothered by the bird's presence.

Mei, however, was less than thrilled. She sat as still as possible, her back straight and her hands resting on her knees, her eyes flicking between the raven and the other animals scattered across the room.

She spotted Haruto first, his wide-eyed panic almost laughable if it weren't so relatable. Airi seemed to be faring better, though Mei noticed her shifting uncomfortably every few seconds. And Kiana… Mei had to stifle a sigh at the sight of her friend, who looked like she was moments away from a complete meltdown.

'At least I'm not the only one suffering.'

Her gaze swept across the room once more, searching for Akito. 'Where is he? He'd better have a good explanation for this.
And yet, despite the chaos, there was something oddly peaceful about the scene. The animals were calm, her friends were safe, and the morning light streaming through the windows bathed everything in a warm, golden glow.

For a moment, Mei allowed herself to relax, her shoulders loosening as she took a deep breath.
Then the raven stirred, and her tension returned with a vengeance.

Akito leaned against the wall, arms crossed, as he watched the scene unfold before him. His friends were all trying their best to stay calm, and failing spectacularly. The sight of Haruto's frozen panic, Kiana's barely contained urge to scream, Airi's subtle but desperate squirming, and Mei's stoic resignation was enough to make Akito's lips twitch in amusement.

'This is too good. But I should probably intervene before someone tries to move and gets themselves bitten—or worse, wakes up Grim.'

Grim, of course, lay sprawled near Akito, his massive form radiating quiet authority. Aaaaah, perched atop him, observed the room with half-lidded eyes, a silent guardian of their odd little pack. Both animals were the closest to him, and both would reach him first if he so much as sneezed too loudly. Akito wasn't about to test that theory.

He was just about to make his move when a sudden knock echoed through the apartment.

"Nagazora Mail!"

The voice from the other side of the door startled everyone—humans and animals alike. Haruto's head whipped toward the sound, his eyes wide. Kiana froze mid-breath, her gaze darting toward the door. Even Airi and Mei looked relieved at the interruption.

Akito took the opportunity to act. Carefully, he maneuvered around Grim and Aaaaah, stepping lightly so as not to disturb them. As he approached the door, his friends' heads swiveled to follow his movement, their expressions shifting from panic to outright pleading.

He opened the door to reveal the mail carrier, who handed him two letters and a small package. Offering a curt nod of thanks, Akito closed the door and turned back toward the room.

"Mail," he said simply, placing the items on the kitchen counter.

He turned to face his friends, raising an eyebrow at their desperate, wide-eyed stares.

'Really? You've all dealt with worse than this.'

Without a word, he walked over to Aaaaah. The raven had dozed off again, but a quick poke to her head had her snapping awake with a loud caw.

The sound was enough to stir the other animals. One by one, they stretched, yawned, and began moving. To the humans' surprise, the animals didn't linger or cause a fuss. Instead, they started lining up systematically near the southmost window that led to the fire escape.

Akito walked over, sliding the window open with practiced ease. The animals filed out in an orderly fashion, leaping or climbing down the fire escape with surprising grace. Within moments, the room was empty of their furry and feathered captors.

He turned back to his friends, crossing his arms as he leaned against the window frame.

"Well," he said, his voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of amusement, "you're free to move now."

For a moment, no one moved. Haruto blinked, his mind struggling to process what had just happened.

"That…" he began, his voice hoarse, "was terrifying."

Kiana finally let out a breath she'd been holding, flopping back against the couch. "I thought I was going to die. For real this time."

Airi gave a relieved laugh, running a hand through her hair. "You could've done that ten minutes ago, you know," she muttered, though there was no real bite to her words.

Mei, still sitting primly, adjusted her hair as if to regain her composure. "I take it this is a regular occurrence?" she asked, her tone carefully neutral.

Akito shrugged, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "More or less. They're well-trained, though. Not much to worry about unless you provoke them."

Kiana shot him an incredulous look. "Not much to worry about? Akito, you've got a zoo in your apartment! That's plenty to worry about!"

Akito just chuckled, moving to retrieve the package from the counter. "You'll live," he said, opening the box.

As he examined its contents, his friends exchanged looks, a mix of exasperation and amusement settling over them. For all his oddities, Akito's calm demeanor was strangely reassuring, even if it was sometimes infuriating.

"Well," Airi said, standing and stretching, "I don't know about you guys, but I could use some breakfast. You're cooking, Akito."

He glanced at her, one eyebrow raised. "Am I?"

"Yes," she said firmly.

The others chimed in with their agreement, and with a resigned sigh, Akito headed to the kitchen, his friends trailing behind him.

Akito moved into the kitchen with the ease of someone long accustomed to handling chaos. He began prepping breakfast, the sound of clinking pans and running water blending into the background. Behind him, the others shuffled around the apartment, groggily navigating the start of their day.

Kiana bolted toward the nearest bathroom before anyone else could claim it, slamming the door behind her with a triumphant shout. Haruto watched her disappear, grumbling under his breath about her lack of manners. As he stood there, yawning and stretching, a thought crossed his mind.

'Wait… I didn't bring a toothbrush.'

Turning toward the kitchen, Haruto was about to ask Akito if he had spares when the sound of wings flapping drew his attention. The crow and a larger raven swooped through the open window Akito had used earlier. The raven landed gracefully on the floor, a plastic bag clutched in its beak, while Aaaaah perched on the counter, looking supremely pleased with herself.

The bag dropped to the floor with a soft thud, and Haruto blinked at its contents. Inside were several toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste, neatly packaged.

Still half-asleep and mildly shell-shocked, Haruto yelled, "DID YOUR BIRD ROB SOMEONE?!"

The loud exclamation caused Akito to reappear in the doorway, a spatula in one hand. Without a word, he slapped Haruto upside the head, eliciting a startled yelp.

"Keep your voice down," Akito said, his tone more annoyed than angry. "And no, they didn't rob stores. I trained them to grab supplies from specific places. Just take the bag and go."

He turned back toward the kitchen, muttering under his breath as he resumed his cooking.

Haruto, still processing what he'd just witnessed, robotically picked up the bags the raven had delivered. He made his way to the bathroom, knocking on the door to hand the items to the girls.

When Airi opened the door, her questioning look was met with Haruto's deadpan expression. He held up the bags, shaking them slightly for emphasis.

"Akito's birds located our houses and robbed them of our toothpaste, toothbrushes, and hairbrushes," Haruto said flatly.

Airi stared at him for a moment, then slowly reached for the bag. "...What?"

"You heard me," Haruto replied, his voice void of emotion.

From behind her, Mei peeked out, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "You're not serious."

Haruto shrugged, shoving the bag into Airi's hands. "I'm not even awake enough to process this."

As Haruto walked back toward the lounge area, Airi and Mei exchanged incredulous glances.

"His birds what?" Airi whispered.

"Let's just… not think about it," Mei said, rubbing her temples. "This is Akito we're talking about."

From the kitchen, Akito's voice called out, "Breakfast will be ready in ten minutes. Try not to get lost in existential crises."

Mei rolled her eyes as Airi burst out laughing, the absurdity of the morning starting to sink in.

By the time breakfast was ready, the group had recovered enough from the earlier revelations to text their families about the heist orchestrated by Akito's birds. With faces washed, teeth brushed, and hair in place (thanks to their mysteriously returned belongings), they gathered around the table. Plates of food were set in front of them, steaming and aromatic.

Haruto and Kiana, however, seemed far more interested in the letters and package Akito had left on the counter. Both were leaning slightly toward them, eyes narrowed with poorly disguised curiosity.

Airi, meanwhile, decided to ask the more immediate question. She gestured toward a few of the animals lingering near the table, tails wagging or meowing softly. "So, do you feed them all? Or…"

Akito raised an eyebrow, his voice laced with dry humor. "Exactly how do you think I'd stock enough food for a small army of animals on a consistent basis? I don't. They hunt around and just nab stuff, usually from the fancier places nearby."

Mei, who had been sipping tea, nearly choked. She set her cup down and turned to Akito, alarmed. "Wait. So those rumors about Captain and Lieutenant attacking people—those were true?!"

Shrugging nonchalantly, Akito replied, "Only the places that can afford it. Would you rather they attack random people instead?"

There was a brief silence as Mei processed this, her mouth slightly open in disbelief. Akito sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as if explaining this was a tiring routine. "Look, no matter how smart they are, they're still animals. It's better for them to stay used to hunting in cities and urban areas rather than relying on handouts all the time."

Before anyone could respond, a sudden thwack broke the moment.

"OW!" Haruto yelped, jerking his hand back as Akito slapped it with a wooden spoon.

"HEY!" Kiana protested right after, cradling her hand.

"Don't touch my stuff," Akito said sharply, his tone leaving no room for argument as he glared at them. He picked up the letters and package, placing them out of reach. Then, in one smooth motion, he snagged Airi's phone from her hands.

Airi glared at him. "What the hell, Akito?"

"No phones at the table," he said flatly, sliding the device into his pocket. "That goes for everyone. Got it?"

The four of them exchanged exasperated glances, the unspoken thought running through their minds:

'He's like an annoying older brother with eyes on the back of his head and scary perspective abilities.'

For Haruto and Kiana, however, an additional thought lingered:

'And possibly running a mafia.'

Akito sat down at the head of the table, completely oblivious to—or more likely ignoring—their collective judgment. As the group finally began to eat, they couldn't help but keep stealing glances at the letters and package, wondering just what kind of person they were really dealing with.

Akito placed the final dish on the table, taking a step back to glance over the spread. Normally, his breakfast routine was far simpler—green tea and miso soup were more than enough for one person. But today, with four additional mouths to feed, including the bottomless pit that was Kiana, he'd had to go the extra mile.

The table was now laden with steamed rice, grilled fish, pickled vegetables, natto, and an assortment of juices, tea, and water. He wiped his hands on a kitchen towel, letting out a silent breath. Privately, he worried if the food would meet their standards. Kiana didn't concern him—she'd probably eat anything edible—but the others came from more refined or wealthy backgrounds. Would simple dishes like these be good enough for them?

As he moved to sit down, his vision momentarily blurred, the vibrant world of his synesthesia washing over him in sharper detail than usual. He almost did a double take.

Each of his friends had an aura of color and scent that he'd grown used to over time, but today they seemed unusually vivid.

Kiana's aura was a bright, almost blinding white with golden yellow streaks, her presence a burst of energy that filled the room. She smelled faintly of fresh tuna—a detail that still made him snort internally every time he noticed it.

Mei's colors were calmer, lighter tones of indigo compared to the deep, almost suffocating purple he remembered from when he'd first met her. The shift was subtle but comforting. Her scent? Eggplant. Akito hid a grimace. That was one secret he was taking to the grave.

Haruto's hue was a warm orange with soft red undertones, like the sky during sunset. His scent reminded Akito of fresh rain and the open sky after a storm—clean and soothing.

Finally, Airi's aura was an intriguing light chrome with green accents. She carried the crisp scent of fresh ink, film and, faintly, the ocean.

The overlapping smells and colors tugged at his vision, threatening to obscure the mundane details of the room. Akito rubbed his head, masking the action by scrubbing at his face with the kitchen towel before hanging it back in its place.

He tried not to focus too much on his synesthesia. It was useful in some ways but often more of a distraction. Too much intensity could blur his vision or leave him disoriented. He shoved the thoughts aside and sat down at the table, casting a glance toward the counter where his mail sat.

Predictably, Kiana and Haruto were eyeing the letters and package like predators stalking prey. Akito stifled a sigh, already anticipating the mischief brewing in their heads.

"Don't even think about it," he said flatly, not bothering to look up from his food.

Kiana yelped and Haruto flinched, their guilty expressions confirming his suspicions.

Akito picked up his chopsticks and began to eat, his focus split between his food and the chaotic trio seated around him. Despite the antics, there was something satisfying about this scene. The colors and smells swirling in his mind were brighter than they'd been in a long time, the room filled with warmth and life.

He didn't say it aloud, but for once, the vibrant chaos didn't feel like a burden. It felt... right.

The group finished their chores, with Akito efficiently packing the futons and tucking them away in the cabinet near the door. Their next destination was Nagazora Park, specifically its well-known hill, for an early-morning photo session Haruto had wrangled them into agreeing to the previous night when they were too tired to protest.

As they trudged toward the park, the remnants of morning sleepiness lingered. However, the sight of the hill lifted their spirits. The location was breathtaking—a high vantage point with a clear view of the park bathed in the golden glow of sunrise. A lone Japanese Walnut tree stood near a weathered bench, framing the scene perfectly.

Haruto and Airi immediately got to work, setting up their equipment with the precision of seasoned professionals. The camera gear had been delivered by their families or staff earlier, ensuring everything was ready for the shoot. As the sun inched higher, the group took their places under Haruto's and Airi's careful direction.

At Akito's suggestion, Mei and Kiana took the bench. Mei sat normally, her posture calm and elegant, while Kiana perched on the backrest, pointing animatedly at the horizon as she chattered about the sun's beauty.

Airi stood slightly farther back, positioning herself in a way that allowed the sunlight to cascade over her figure. Her quiet beauty shone through as the light highlighted her lighter black hair and a serene smile.

On the grass in front of the bench, Haruto and Akito lay side-by-side. Haruto gestured enthusiastically at the sun, a bright smile on his face, while Akito rolled his eyes in mock exasperation, though his lips twitched upward in a rare hint of amusement.

The camera crew captured three distinct shots: one of the group's faces bathed in the morning glow, one from behind them showing their silhouettes against the sunrise, and a final angled shot from the right, artfully highlighting every expression.

Once the crew was done, Haruto took over. He set his phone on a tripod, framing the scene so that the sun rose to the right of the group. Everyone gathered on the bench, squeezing together with warm smiles. Even Akito managed a full grin, not just his usual faint smirk.

The phone's timer counted down, and with a satisfying click, Haruto immortalized the moment.

Before the group could pack up, Akito raised a hand, stopping them. "One more picture," he suggested, his tone light but mischievous.

They obliged, returning to the bench. Haruto adjusted the timer for a multishot countdown. The phone began its beeping rhythm, signaling the countdown.

It was then Akito pulled a silver whistle from his pocket. Holding it up dramatically, he blew into it with a sharp, shrill sound that echoed across the park.

The group and a few early park goers froze, watching Akito with puzzled expressions. He paused for effect, then thrust his hands skyward.

"HERE COMES…" He paused again, for dramatic effect. "…THE HORDEEEE!"

Suddenly, a cacophony of caws and flapping wings filled the air as what seemed like every crow, raven, and just bird in the vicinity—perhaps all of Japan—descended upon the park. The birds swarmed the area like an avian flood, circling the group in what could only be described as controlled chaos.

The phone went off, snapping shot after shot of Akito laughing maniacally while his friends looked on, stunned into silence.

The early parkgoers stared, some taking out their phones to film the scene. The sheer absurdity of the sight—a boy summoning a flock of birds like a mythical bird god—left everyone gaping.

Kiana finally broke the silence, shouting over the din. "AKITO, WHAT THE F—"

But her words were lost in the symphony of caws and Akito's gleeful laughter as the phone captured every moment of his madness.

It wasn't until the birds began to settle on tree branches, the ground, and the park benches that the group managed to recover from their shock.

Haruto muttered to no one in particular, "Yup. Definitely a mafia boss."

Airi nodded absently, her gaze following a particularly bold raven that perched near Akito. "Or a bird wizard. Is that a thing?"

Mei just sighed, shaking her head but unable to stop the corner of her lips from twitching into a small smile.

As the park slowly returned to its usual peaceful state, Akito grinned at his friends. "Well, that was fun."

Kiana pointed a finger at him, still too flabbergasted to form proper words. "Y-you—just—!"

Akito chuckled, hands in his pockets, already walking away. "What can I say? The birds like me."

EarlyBirdsNagazora
: Beautiful sunrise today at Nagazora Park. Couldn't ask for a better view. #MorningVibes

6:55 AM

PhotogDreams
Just saw a group of teens setting up an elaborate sunrise photo shoot at the park. Love the energy this early! #GoldenHour

7:10 AM

CrowsNestWatcher
A massive flock of birds has started gathering nearby. This feels ominous. Or magical? #NagazoraNature

7:15 AM

NagazoraUpdates
BREAKING: A boy at Nagazora Park just summoned what looks like all the birds in the area. Witnesses say he used a whistle. Park-goers are calling it "The Bird Swarm Event." Videos attached.

: [Video of Akito blowing the whistle, birds flooding the park, and his dramatic declaration.]
️: "HERE COMES THE HORDE!"

sweetfangs89
Pardon my Japanese but. WHAT THE FUCK?!

SleepyToast: "I was here for the sunrise… Now I'm terrified. Is this a Disney villain in the making?"

CrowExpert: "As a crow researcher, I have NEVER seen this many corvids respond to one person. Fascinating and slightly alarming."

SunriseLover32: "The sunrise photo shoot turned into a Hitchcock film real fast."

WhoIsThatGuy: "Forget sunrise. WHO IS THE BIRD GUY?!"

7:30 AM

NagazoraTimes
Reports of a "bird summoner" in Nagazora Park have flooded social media. Witnesses claim a single whistle attracted a massive flock. Is this the start of a viral phenomenon?

[Video of Akito laughing maniacally while birds circle him, and his stunned friends in the background.]

Local Nagazora Wildlife Experts

: "We are investigating the phenomenon at Nagazora Park this morning. Please avoid disturbing the birds until we gather more information."

BirdlyLaughs:
[Image of Akito holding the whistle with the caption: "One whistle to rule them all."]

FlockMaster69:
"Akito's new title: Lord of the Wings.

CrowKing:
[Photo of Akito laughing surrounded by birds.]
"When you realize you're in a real-life anime."

Haruto's Post (7:45 AM)

: [Photo of the sunrise with the group from their earlier photo shoot.]
"Sunrise photoshoot was going well until Akito decided to summon every bird in the prefecture. #MorningChaos #BirdKing"

Airi's Story (7:50 AM)

[Quick selfie of her looking exasperated with birds flying in the background.]
"I just wanted to take pictures, not live through a live-action bird movie. Thanks, Akito #NatureGoneWild"

Kiana's Post (8:00 AM)

: [Picture of Akito looking smug post-swarm.]
"This man summoned birds. All of them. I can't make this up. #BirdLord #Help"

Mei's Story (8:15 AM)

[Video of birds flying away post-swarm.]
"Morning drama aside… the sunrise was worth it. I think. #NagazoraVibes"

Akito's Account (8:20 AM)

FiftyFiftyFails:
: [Black-and-white photo of the birds flying away with the caption]
"Rise and shine. #HordeHasRisen"

The sterile hum of machinery filled the underground facility as Bronya Zaychik, seated in front of a bank of monitors, methodically entered parameters for the upcoming artificial Honkai Eruption. Her fingers moved with precision, each keystroke deliberate, while her expression remained placid. Around her, the glow of LED screens bathed the dim room in cold, pale light.

Cocolia Rand, standing a few steps behind Bronya, observed her work with folded arms. The CEO's face betrayed no hesitation, though her sharp gaze swept the screens. Each piece of data represented weeks of preparation for the experiment. Mei would serve as the catalyst, and the outcome—though uncertain—could be monumental.

"For the greater good," Cocolia murmured under her breath, her voice barely audible over the hum of the facility. She didn't need to explain herself, least of all to Bronya, who knew her motivations well. Her goal was clear: secure a live Herrscher and dissect the phenomenon for the advancement of humanity, ensuring that no other children in her care would suffer the same losses she had witnessed in the past.

Bronya's voice broke the silence, monotone but efficient. "Systems are calibrated. Stabilization protocols are in place. Proceeding with simulation checks."

Cocolia nodded, though she was only half-listening. Her tablet pinged with an alert, pulling her attention. She glanced down at the screen to find a flood of news reports about a bizarre event occurring in Nagazora Park.

A sudden beep from a nearby terminal interrupted the calm. Bronya's eyes flicked to the screen. "Local news alerts are reporting an anomalous event at Nagazora Park."

Cocolia frowned, stepping over to see for herself. "Anomalous? What kind?"

Bronya brought up the feed, displaying footage of Akito Hoshizora standing amid a massive flock of crows and ravens, laughing as they swarmed the park. The video zoomed in on his face, then cut to a wider shot of stunned onlookers and the chaotic flurry of birds.

"Interesting," Cocolia mused, watching the footage. "What is this? Some form of Honkai interference?"

"No detectable Honkai energy signatures," Bronya replied flatly. "Preliminary analysis suggests it is not directly related to Honkai activity. Subject Akito Hoshizora is the focal point."

At the mention of his name, Cocolia narrowed her eyes. "Hoshizora... That name is familiar."

"Akito Hoshizora, male, age 17," Bronya recited as if reading a file from memory. "Known association: Alfred Hanzo, former Schicksal operator. Current activities: mundane." She paused, her head tilting slightly as if considering the data further. "Low threat level."

Cocolia leaned closer, her lips pressing into a thin line. "And yet he's amassed what looks like half the bird population of Nagazora. Low threat or not, that's... unusual."

Bronya remained unfazed. "He demonstrates an anomalous ability to interact with avian fauna. No other exceptional traits of note."

Cocolia's mind, however, was already turning over possibilities. If Hoshizora's actions weren't directly linked to Honkai, they could still represent an opportunity—or a complication. The timing of this spectacle, so close to their experiment, felt inconvenient.

"Monitor him," Cocolia ordered. "He's too close to our operational zone to ignore, even if his actions are purely coincidental. We can't afford any interference."

"Yes, Matushka," Bronya replied without hesitation.

Cocolia lingered, her eyes fixed on the frozen image of Akito smirking as the birds swirled around him. "And Bronya?"

"Yes?"

"If he becomes more than a low threat, I expect you to handle it."

Bronya's gray eyes flicked to her adoptive mother, her voice unwavering. "Understood."

Cocolia turned back to the central console, dismissing the matter for now. "Focus on the Catalyst. The experiment must proceed flawlessly. We cannot waste time on distractions."

"Yes, Matushka," Bronya said again, already resuming her work.

As the lab returned to its earlier hum of efficiency, Bronya's mechanical arms moved fluidly, calculating variables and adjustments. For a fleeting moment, she glanced again at the screen, at the smirking boy surrounded by birds.

Hoshizora Akito.

A low threat, indeed.

For now.

The view shifts, panning out from Akito's uncontrollable laughter, his friends' stunned expressions, and the bemused park-goers to a sweeping bird's-eye perspective. The scene transforms, bathed in the soft orange hues of the morning sun, as two birds—one sleek raven and one agile crow—fly off in separate directions.

The camera follows the crow first, the black feathers catching the light as it glides swiftly over rooftops and treetops. The paper clutched in its claws shifts slightly, revealing bold, unmistakable lettering: "OPERATION PIPE DREAM". The rest of the message remains obscured, as the crow disappears into the horizon.

The focus shifts smoothly to the raven, its powerful wings cutting through the brisk morning air. The letter it carries flutters slightly, revealing another phrase in blocky, uneven text: "OPERATION MAGIC". Like its companion, the raven speeds off with unwavering purpose, heading toward an unknown destination.

As the two birds vanish from view, the screen fades to black, leaving only the faint sound of wings beating against the sky.