Chereads / The Metaform Effect / Chapter 2 - Shocked

Chapter 2 - Shocked

August 3, 2021

The Gendaishi Organization just finished fixing all of the damage from yesterday. Aichi and Seiko are having lunch on the rooftop of the Kagushiro main building. It's windy and has a view of the drones as they reassemble the buildings. But they cannot reassemble the hearts of the casualties.

"Hey, Seiko"

"Hm?"

"Have you seen Konechan?"

"Yes I have seen her, she lives at my house, remember?"

"No that's not what I mea-"

"If you keep using phrases like that, you're gonna be at risk of causing a transformation,"

"Ok....sorry,"

"..."

"..."

"You're talking about Konechan being down today aren't you,"

Aichi slowly nods.

"Guess you haven't known yet.."

"..."

"Konechan..just broke up with her boyfriend,"

"Eh?!"

*

"Man, being in a relationship is tougher than I thought.."

"M'hm"

"..."

"..."

"Hey, Seiko"

"Hm?"

Aichi raises two long pieces of paper,

"Are those Movie Tickets?"

"Yeah"

"You're gonna ask me out?"

"Not really, I just kinda need some company,"

"How sad, you really are a lonely person, aren't you, Aikun"

"Says the girl who only talks to one person in the entire school despite being 'popular'.."

Aichi's cross-symbol suddenly glows, Seiko's right hand combusts. Fortunately, Aichi manages to transfer the fire onto himself but leaves Seiko's hand in a burn, "um," Seiko softly moans in pain, "I'm really sorry," "It's okay.. just be mindful of others next time," "Sorry, also I think we should bandage this," Aichi grabs a nearby first aid kit. He raises Seiko's hand up and pours cold water on the burn. He then pulls out a roll of gauze. And gently wraps it around her hand, he then cuts the gauze and keeps the roll together with medical tape from the first aid kit.

"I'm..really sorry,"

"I already told you it's fine.."

"But still.. I triggered it-

"-and I triggered you to trigger it, so don't feel guilty.."

"I suppose so.."

"Hm," Seiko lightly giggles, "It kinda seems weird that you were doing first-aid on me.."

"Was my bandaging too tight? Sorry, I don't really do these kind of stuff very well,"

"Nah, it was pretty good for a beginner actually,"

"Oh."

"It's just.. it seems weird seeing you this way. Those hands just punched a giant flame dragon monster yesterday, and today they're gently bandaging a minor burn. I kind of feel an odd warmth now. Thanks."

Aichi nods.

"Come to think of it.. you know what.. I am going with you.."

"Oh."

"..on one condition.."

"Huh?"

Seiko whispers something to Aichi's ear.

"Eh?!"

"If you want me to go with you, that's gonna be your condition."

Aichi takes a deep breath, "Alright, I'm not being desperate or anything.."

"When is this gonna be?"

"This Sunday,"

"See you there"

"Seiko,"

"Yeah?"

"Have you received the letter from the higher-ups?"

"About the Third Gendaishi? He's your club leader, right?"

"Yeah, Raigi Kamiki-Senpai"

"How is he?"

"He's also received a letter after turning into a Gendaishi, surprisingly he's actually one of the Mojidori we 'eliminated'."

"I already know that.."

"Oh."

"Do you know his Figure?"

"No.."

"It's okay" Seiko looks at her phone, "Oh no! It's class time!"

Seiko and Aichi run into the door and go downstairs into their classrooms. After a few seconds, Kokoshi walks into the rooftop in school uniform, "Seichan and Aichi must have been here, their class should start about now"

She stares at the distance while the wind blows on her face, "I guess.. being lonely isn't so bad after all,"

"And I guess, this was where you are, Arisaka."

Kokoshi turns around to see a tall male with messy, slightly spiky blonde hair, in a school uniform hanging a silky mechanic jacket up his shoulder as if he's just changed to school clothes, "..Kamiki-san.." Kokoshi says in a low monotone voice

"I was just wondering where you were, that's all,"

"Stalker.."

"no!"

"..."

"So, uhh- Arisaka,"

Kokoshi pretends to ignore, as she sets up her lunch.

"I heard what happened.."

"If that's what you wanna talk about, then you can leave now,"

"Nah, that's not what I wanna talk about,"

"So you're just here to pester me?"

"Quit jumping to conclusions!"

"And quit following me!"

"..."

"..."

"Fine, I should stop bothering you"

"About that Cross symbol on your wrist,"

"THATS WHAT I WANTED TO TALK ABOUT!!"

"It didn't seem like it.."

"Well, that's because I needed to start the conve- you know what, nevermind."

Kokoshi laughs, "Wow! Now you're just like Arashi!"

"Did you just compare me to your boyfriend?"

"..Ex-"

"Oh yeah. My bad."

"..."

"*sniff sniff* Hey is that..."

"Dumplings filled with rice cakes, try it."

Raigi grabs a dumpling and throws it into his mouth. He realized how bitter it tasted. Trying his best not to squint, he raises a thumbs up.

"Thanks, now where was I... right, you're the third Gendaishi, correct?"

"Yeah, but I kinda don't know how to these kinds of stuff,"

"..."

"..."

"A Gendaishi is a Mojidori who became human again. They retain all previous human characteristics, except for a cross-symbol on their wrist. All Gendaishi have a Trigger, a condition that, when satisfied, activates your Figure or ability. Figures work by gaining energy called Simile from an unknown source. The amount of Simile absorbed is proportional to the magnitude of the Trigger. Your Figure is basically what happens when the Simile runs through the cross symbol on your wrist, which is made up of multiple interconnected dents which create a circuit that generates your ability."

"Circuits.."

"There's one more important thing you need to know,"

"Tell me."

"The input for the circuit can adjust via brain signals."

"Wait... so that means.."

"Correct, you can make the Simile flow in large numbers simultaneously,"

"Wouldn't that cause it to overheat?"

"More like Overdrive, doing this can cause damage to your circuits BUT in desperate times, you can use it for more Firepower. You DO need a lot of Simile to begin with, though. This is called a Hyperbole Strike."

"If you want more things to do, drop by my house this Saturday. I think Aichi's gonna be there as well,"

"Aight, see you later"

"Raigi.."

"Did you just.."

Kokoshi passed him the Reciever, "that makes us allies.."

Raigi smiled, "This thing needs some tweaks!"

He descends downstairs.

"Hmph. He's more fun than I thought,"

*

Sunday, August 8, 2021

A knock is heard at the front door of the Sekininsha Residence. Seiko, who was wearing a white T-shirt with a red heart design, rushed to open the door. It was Aichi, who was also wearing the same shirt, "Hey.."

"Ai-kun! You're just in time!"

Kokoshi calls from the Lab, "Aichi! Is Raigi with you?"

"Yeah!" Raigi appears from behind Aichi.

"Senpai? What are you doing here?" Seiko asks.

"Three reasons. First, I wanted to know more about The Metaform Effect,"

"It's a part of being a Gendaishi. We'll supply the information you need, we'll also update you on any breakthroughs, don't worry."

"Thanks but no need, I'll come here every now and then to see the results for myself."

"Well, that's less work for us," Aichi comments.

Seiko kicks Aichi in the shin, "Ow!"

Seiko then asks, "What about the second one?"

Raigi begins to explain while Aichi collapses, "Second, I wanted to give this to Kokochan..."

A book flies from the Lab into Raigi's face, Kokoshi walks into the scene looking angry and disappointed at the same time, "Who told you to call me that?!"

"Guess that makes two.." Seiko comments, crossing her arms.

Kokoshi grabs the object that Raigi was holding, it was the Reciever but it's now blue, "So you DID tweak it.."

Raigi's muffles while he's facedown on the ground, "I boosted the bass, increased the range, gave it an adjustable volume and attached a support."

"All that in 5 days?" Seiko asks

"Nah, all that in 2 days, the other 3 days were me waiting for the paint to dry..." Raigi begins to get up.

"That's Raigi for you," Kokoshi comments

"Was that a compliment?" Raigi asks,

"Do you think that was insult?"

"N-no.."

"Hey Kamiki-senpai.." Aichi begins to get up as well

"Yeah?"

"What about the third one?"

"Oh! I'm here to support you on your date!"

"DATE?!" Aichi and Seiko yell in chorus.

"No! No! I just needed some company, that's all!" Aichi explains hesitantly

Kokoshi crosses her arms while Raigi points out, "Then why are you two wearing those T-shirts?"

"Seiko..." Aichi asks for help,

"Well.. I wanted to make sure that we could easily identify each other from a distance! So we wouldn't get lost!" She hesitantly defends.

"But why Valentine-themed shirts?"

Kokoshi scratches the back of her head, "..Because those are the only two shirts that come in pairs.. " she places her hands in front of her, "plus they easily stood out.."

"Heh.." Aichi laughs and looks at his watch, "Seiko! We gotta go!"

Aichi dashes down the road, Seiko follows suite, "See you later! Senpai! Konechan!"

*

"Huh huh huh," Aichi pants in front of the Cinema. "We were in a hurry for no reason, your watch was early." Seiko complains. "Oof. Sorry.." Aichi apologizes.

"Aww man, I'm getting hungry now." Seiko says. "Hey Seiko,"

"DONT DO IT..." Aichi thought

"Yeah?"

"You know that there is a better way to not get lost, right"

NO...

"What?"

Aichi, without warning, grabs Seiko's hand and they start walking into the entrance, "now you won't get lost.." Seiko blushes in shock.

AICHI! NO!

Since when was he..., Seiko also contemplates. She lets go of his hand, she places it in front of her, holding it with her other hand, "Let's just stick with the shirts.."

SEE!?

"Oh.. Well, you do you.."

*internal screaming*

*

While looking for their respective theaters, they say someone's wallet drop to the ground. Aichi dashed to grab it, and hand it to its owner. The owner was a teenage male, with dark hair and was wearing a familiar piece of clothing, it was a Kagushiro jersey, the boy turned around, "Ohoho, thanks! Clumsy me!" He took a good look at Aichi, " Aren't you.. that guy who Sekininsha always talks to?"

"Good morning, Nujikoto-senpai," Seiko greets while approaching the two.

"Nujikoto? Arashi Nujikoto.. That's.. Konechan's ex-boyfreind.."

"Sekininsha.. How's Kokoshi?"

"She's very fine, thank you very much.."

"..."

"Hmph..Lets go, Aikun.." Seiko signals Aichi to follow her. When they reach a considerable distance from him, she yells, " Also! We're not dating! Just so you know!"

"Yeah right," he comments while making his way to the exit.

"..." "..." "Aikun.." "Yeah?" "Don't tell any of this to Konechan.." "Yeah.."

"Oh! Nujikoto's with you!" A voice blasts at their eardrums,

"Kamiki-senpai?!" Seiko shockingly asks.

It was from the receivers. Apparently, Aichi and Seiko were still wearing them and Raigi managed to contact. "Don't tell me.."

"Yup! The second Kokoshi heard about Nujikoto again, she started whining!" Raigi tells in a playful manner.

"Oof.." Aichi commented.

"Well, I guess we can trust you on comforting her.."

"Wait, what?" Raigi's playfulness immediately disappeared.

"If you don't you won't just have one book flying at you.."

"Heyheyhey, I'm not good at-"

The call disconnected.

"Well, Ai-kun.. Your club leader is a handful,"

"..."

Aichi rolls his eyes and catches a glimpse of Arashi being approached by a shadowy figure near an alleyway.

*

Raigi knocks on the door of Kokoshi's room,"Kokoshi? Kokoshi?", before opening it. "Hm? If you're gonna start crying in your room, at least lock the- DOOR!" A book strikes Raigi's face... again.. "Jerk.." Kokoshi mumbles in a swingy crying voice. "Ow.. Hey, isn't throwing a book at someone also a jerk move?" "Hmph.."

"So yeah.. about the thing...." "..." Raigi takes a step forward, "What are you doing, you creep?" Raigi takes another step, "Stay away from me.." and another, "Raigiiii" He reaches his hand out and proceeds to tickle Kokoshi who then bursts out laughing. She manages to kick off of Raigi and started running around the room screaming and laughing at the same time. Raigi chases her for a few seconds and then pounces on her.

After 5 minutes of laughs and aggressive chasing...

Raigi sits down with his legs crossed on the ground, tired.

"*sigh*",Kokoshi lies down on Raigi's Lap,

"You exhausted, too?"

"Raigi.."

"Hm?"

"Thanks... for everything so far.."

Suddenly, a roar thunders around the entirety of the city, "Huh?!"

"Kamiki-senpai! Kamiki-senpai!" Aichi calls from the computer which is connected to the receivers. Raigi bounces up, knocking Kokoshi off of him. He then rushes out of the room to answer the call.

Kokoshi pouts, "He's still a jerk."

Raigi places the headphones on his ear, "Aichi!"

"Kamiki-senpai! There's a Mojidori outside!" Raigi glances at the window. He sees a large flying creature, it was covered in fur and had a sort of glow surrounding it, the glow pulled objects from the ground and started tossing them to the atmosphere, "Wow! This is the first time seeing one up close. Aichi! How are you guys?"

"We're fine! Seiko-chan is evacuating everyone, right now.. Kamiki-senpai, I need to tell you something important.."

"Tell me.."

Kokoshi walks out of her room to see Raigi having a conversation with Aichi. She couldn't hear what Aichi was saying but right after that...

A flash of light came from Raigi's wrist. It was brighter than Aichi's or Seiko's glow. When the light disappeared, so did Raigi, leaving the headphones lying on the ground. Before Kokoshi could wonder where he went, there was a loud boom. Kokoshi was knocked back a few meters. She managed to glance at the window and saw it.

A bolt of lightning flies upward from a nearby tower. It was Raigi. Kokoshi gets up and places the headphones on her ears, "Aichi.. What happened?!"

"Konechan.."

"Raigi's Figure is called Shocked, he sorrounds his body with electricity whenever he gets surprised. What did you tell him to trigger it?"

"Well..." "Ai-kun,"Kokoshi hears Seiko's muffled and distant voice through the speakers, "Are you talking to Kone-chan? Don't tell her about the Mojidori outside.."

"What about the Mojidori outside?"

"..."

"Aichi?!"

"Sorry, Seiko.. Kone-chan, I told Senpai that.."

"..."

"Nujikoto-senpai..is the Mojidori.."

"A-Arashi?!"

As Raigi flies nearer and nearer to the Mojidori. He conjures up some sparks in between his hands. "His Figure throws objects to space, most likely from that aura over there. Since electricity is affected by it, then that aura is actually an electromagnetic field. That means with the right dose of electricity.." He swings his arm launching the sparks in the direction of the Mojidori. Although they didn't hit, the Aura began to disintegrate.

"He realized that the field around Arashi was electromagnetic, meaning both sides of it's body have different charges. By launching the right charges of electricity, he repelled the charges, temporarily deactivating the field. The field should come back in one minute, I wonder what he does in that short of a time.." Kokoshi watches from the window.

Raigi began to smirk, "Scream for me, will ya?" More sparks were conjured on his right hand. With a swipe, the sparks electrocuted the Mojidori. It let out a large scream that broke the windows of nearby buildings, "HAHAHAHA! It worked!"

"What is he doing? He should finish it off quickly.." Seiko commented, "Well, I forgot to say that my club leader..is a bit.. sadistic.." Aichi replied.

"The student who created a machine that injured the headmaster, but because of his skill, he wasn't expelled. The Daybreaker of Kagushiro, Raigi Kamiki." Kokoshi told herself.

"Hey, lets have some more fun, shall we?" Raigi moves around the Mojidori launching projectile after projectile, each causing the Mojidori pain.

With each scream, Kokoshi is reminded of who the Mojidori really is. She doesn't want to see him anymore, even if he's already a monster. Kokoshi desires that Raigi end Arashi's suffering, yet, she's too scared to tell him. Raigi on the other hand, even when he's very far away, knows what Kokoshi is thinking. He stops torturing the creature and releases a single projectile, aiming at it's cross symbol.

"He just stopped? Wow, guess he isn't just a psychopath after all.." Seiko comments.

"He remembered that Kone-chan wouldn't want to see this, so he stopped."

"So.. he cares about her, after all,"

"Even though he may be a bit chaotic, he has a caring side,"

The projectile strikes the cross symbol..

Kokoshi mumbles, "Farewell.."

*

Raigi lands on the ground. Right in front of the Sekininsha residence, to see Kokoshi wiping her tears, "Idiot.." "..." "Why did you have to do that to him?" "Well, he hurt your feelings," A book flies towards Raigi's face. This time, he catches it and moves it out of his vision to see an angry blushing Kokoshi, "For me, nobody gets away with hurting you-" "Stop it!"Kokoshi angrily yells. Raigi calmly smiles, "Okay, I'll stop." He walks towards Kokoshi. "Are you gonna start tickling me, again?", She covers her body by crossing her arms and placing them on her shoulders "N-No! I won't do that!...but I WILL ask you something.." Kokoshi loosens her arms while Raigi closes in.

Meanwhile, "You're not angry that I told Kone-chan, right" "No.." "Oh. That's a relief.." "..." "Hey Seiko-chan." "Hm?" "You realize that haven't taunted me since Last week.." "Now that I think about it.." Seiko gets closer, "That was a fun date, Ai-kun!" "I shouldn't have asked.." Seiko giggles. She then reaches her hand out. Aichi is knocked back a bit, "Seiko.." "Don't leave me hanging, Ai-kun" Aichi sighs and then lightly smiles, "Okay.." He grabs her hand and they start walking, Seiko leans on Aichi as they march towards the orange Sunset holding each other's hand

*

Within the alleyways near the cinema, a person wearing a sports hoodie walks down. "Your money, hand them over.." A thug yells pointing a gun at it. There was a flare on it's right sleeve followed by a quick hand movement. The thug collapses on the ground as blood erupts from a wound on his neck. With a bloody dagger sticking out of its sleeve, coming from the back of it's hand, the person removes its hood. It was a female with a pair of tails running down from each side of her face, with thin, blood red eyes and a merciless gaze. "Jack the Ripper, The Zodiac, Ted Bundy... Serial Killers are Sooooo cool!!" She monologues in a high pitched voice. "Now begins the terror of Taka Shinsuki.. Watchlist, here I come!" she moves away from the body of the thug as her footprints begin to disintegrate. The breeze sways through her sleeves causing them to flow just enough to reveal a glowing Asterisk Symbol on her wrist.