Hirono is still wandering around the hallway, not even finding the way back to his room. He thinks to himself, that he should've stayed at his room, but it was too late for that. While walking, his stomach keeps on making noises, making him say, that he is still hungry. He turns around a corner, and sees Asuha coming out of the storage room.
„Hey there new one, it's nice to to meet you. I should introduce myself properly. My name is Asuha Haiden, we will be working together."
„It's nice to meet you too. My name is Hirono Hidō.", but Hirono's stomach keeps on making noises.
„I see. Are you perhaps looking for the kitchen?"
„Yes, I've been trying to find it, but this place is huge. I can't even find the way back to my room. I only wanted to eat a little more, but now I am lost in here."
„Well, it's good that we bumped at each other then. The kitchen is not far away from here, let me lead you the way. Actually, Kara should be in the kitchen as well as we speak. I hope he actually made something to eat, I am starving as well."
„He made me food, but I didn't know how much appetite I would have. I swallowed the food like water."
„It's natural, you've been incaptive for a month now, and you didn't have the chance to eat anything. Actually, being able to move and have the strength without eating is a good side effect of our powers, but it's a shame that we don't actually have to eat. But once you start, you realize the emptiness in your stomach. You will get used to this as well.", and Asuha starts to lead the way.
„Those clothes look like they belong to Kara, they don't fit you well. You should get clothes with a large size."
„I actually think that it is the right fit, but I eventually need some clothes of my own at some point. My body used to be not this big, it became this when Tenazuchi injected me with something after I nearly died. One thing led to another, and I ended up here."
„It's the serum that Tenazuchi created that he injected you with. The only thing in this world probably to actually activate our powers. Without it, we wouldn't be able to manifest anything at all."
„So, we are born with this power then?"
„You can say that. I guess that Tenazuchi didn't have the chance to tell you everything yet. It's a nice coincidence, because I also have to report my mission. You will hear a lot of information at once, but you will have enough time to process all of it. After you fill you stomach with food, you are ready to hear the whole truth. But someone should probably bring you back to your room and pick you up later."
„Every corridor looks unfortunately the same. It will probably take some time to get used to this place."
„How does your body feel right now? Do you have any pain or side effects? It must be a load on you body to have a sudden change like this."
„I'm actually surpirised how well I am and how my body adapted to the current situation. There are no side effects or any pain at all. My wounds heal faster, and I have an increadible power flowing inside of me. Aside of the one dream that I kept dreaming the whole time I was unconcious, there is nothing wrong with my body."
„It's nice to hear that everything is alright. Tenazuchi will do a check up on your body probably later on, then you can be sure that everything is fine with you."
Both arrive at the kitchen, and Kara is indeed at the corner chopping some vegetables. Kara looks at the two when they come inside.
„I'm glad that you are here, we both are starving. We were hoping to eat lots of food, so you know what you have to do.", says Asuha to Kara.
„It seems like, that you two became friends real quick. It crossed my mind, that the food I prepared for Hirono would not be enough, but now I have to feed another mouth. I'm actually surprised that Hirono found his way to the kitchen.", says Kara.
„He actually got lost on his way. I stumbled on him. That's actually how we met, and had the chance to talk a little bit on the way.", says Asuha.
„It's good that Mikari is not here, I don't want to make more food than I can handle right now.", says Kara.
„Actually, I was keeping in contact with her, and she's also on her way back here. Maybe you should make more than you were intending.", says Asuha.
„Alright, alright, sit and wait, it will take some time to to prepare the food. Don't disturb me, I don't want to take more time than I already wasted.", says Kara.
„Your attitude changed.", says Asuha with a smile.
„You keep on being annoying. Just sit there quitely and wait for your food.", says Kara with a pissed attitude.
Both Hirono and Asuha sit on the table, waiting for Kara to finish his cooking.
„So, how long are you part of this group? You guys must've had your powers for a long time now.", says Hirono.
„I think, that it's been five months for me now. Time flies fast. Tenazuchi was the one that found me, like in your case. He saved me from a giant tragedy, and since then I am a part of this group. It was overwhelming at first for me, but over time, I got used to all these monsters and running away from the Space Station.", says Asuha.
„I don't get that part at all. Why is the Space Station hunting people like us at all? I get that we are able to breath under the gas in the atmosphere, but we don't turn into those monsters.", says Hirono.
„It's just a pretense to hunt us down. It has actually nothing to do with us being able to breath outside. Did you not wonder why that captain you fought was able to breath as we did, but used powered up tools rather than actually using powers like ours? Those captains of the Space Station are just like us.", says Kara.
Hirono realizes something.
„So the power inside the captain were not activated with a serum like us. That's the reason why the captains are not treated like us.", says Hirono.
„Exactly. The captains are the same as we are, they have the gene to breath under the gas, but also have the abiltiy to receive the same power as we did. But the only difference is, that their gene didn't get activated by the serum, and they are practically still human. That's why they keep on referring to us as monsters, because we actually gained power with the gas, like the humans that inhale the gas and turn into monsters.", says Asuha.
„If their powers didn't get manifested like ours, then how are they still able to use powers like we can?", asks Hirono.
Before Kara or Asuha can answer the question of Hirono, Tenazuchi storms inside the kitchen, completely turned up.
„Who the hell is responsible for the disgusting thing on the hallway?! There is vomit all over the place! Don't I tell you to keep this place clean all the time?!", says Tenazuchi.
„I'm sorry, it was actually me. I was wandering around to find the kitchen, and then it happened. I will clean it up.", says Hirono.
„I can't take this. Clean it right away. I have to take a shower, and clean every inch of my body of that filthy smell.", making Tenazuchi leave the kitchen immediately.
„You will also get used to that crazy behaivior of Tenazuchi as well.", says Asuha.
„I will clean that up immediately.", making Hirono stand up and get to the door.
„Will you actually be able to find that spot at all? How will you clean up that spot? The most important question is, if you will be able to find your way back to the kitchen at all.", says Asuha, making Hirono stop in front of the door.
Hirono turns around and asks Asuha kindly for his help.
Tenazuchi quickly takes all of his clothes out, except his mask, and gets inside the shower. Wounds and scars are visible around his complete body. He starts to clean every inch of his body.
Hirono is cleaning the space of the vomit with a wet mop, while Asuha is leaning on the wall with his arms crossed, looking at Hirono.
„This happened to me here as well. When I had to go on a mission and kill monsters for the first time, my body felt hurting. I could feel the pain eating my soul. You did realize it too, didn't you?", says Asuha.
„The Space Station and we keep on calling them monsters, but they all used to be humans. It's not any different than what the Space Station is doing with us. We killed innocent people without trying to save them, and we keep on seeing them as monsters. I didn't have the time to realize that during the chaos, but that part is really messed up.", says Hirono.
„There is unfortunately no cure to this gas. Once you inhale it, it's over, except you have the gene to survive it. I know exactly how you feel right now, that's the way I felt too that day. But it would be even worse to let them keep on living like a monsters. They didn't choose this life as we didn't. We still have the ability to use our brain and use that power for something good, but they can't. As much as I wouldn't like to kill innocent humans, letting them live a life of killing is worse. That's why I decided to take the burden of killing, for them not to have it. That way, I can be at ease that I actually saved their humanity.", says Asuha.
„I didn't look at things from that perspective. When I think about people turning into these creatures, I just can't help myself but think of how a horrible person I am becoming by killing them. You're right, that we are the only ones probably to have the chance to save their humanity. It will take me some time to get used to the killing I guess, even though I was prepared to live this life.", says Hirono.
„You don't have to force yourself to get ajusted to the situation right away. You're still new to this whole thing, and you will learn a lot. Don't rush into things and take your time. If you force yourself, you could break your soul. That's why we are here to support you and your path to get used to this life you chose to be a part of now.", says Asuha.
„I just hope that it doesn't affect me as much I think about it at the moment.", says Hirono while still cleaning the floor.
Tenazuchi is buttoning the last buttons of his white coat, and takes a deep breath, before he leaves his room. He walks the hall by holding his breath and quickly moves to his little laboratory, just to exhale his breath, and finally breath normally.
„It looks like you got confronted by something. Was is dust, or perhaps the image of dirt in your head?", says Mikari Yakahime, the last member of the group, with a mocking voice.
„It's nothing you should worry about, I am fine."
„I was clearly making fun of you, but you won't get it anyway as usually. It's been weeks since I was last in here, and it's great to see that you didn't improve your personality at all. Nevertheless, it's great to be here again, after living in the woods for weeks. I've been keeping in contact with Asuha, and he has major information about his mission. He also told me on the phone that Kara finally brought the new one with him. I wonder, if he for my taste.
„Don't try to seduce him like you tried to seduce Asuha, we don't have time to play games. There are far more important things to worry about than pleasing your desire of men."
„Well, Asuha didn't complain and was actually pleased to have so much attention. You don't need to be jealous of them getting the attention, I can play with you as well if you want. We all could have fun together. It's been a while for me, I should have my fun with Asuha as well."
„Anyway, Asuha is also back as you should know already, and he wanted to discuss the situation at the Space Station 66 with the rest of the group. They are all in the kitchen right now, waiting for Kara to finish cooking. You're probably starving as well. You should eat something first like the rest before everyone gathers around. You will have the chance to meet Hirono before the meeting. Don't distract them, and behave."
„I'm not a litte girl, I can do whatever I please.", and leaves the room.
Asuha and Hirono are entering the kitchen again, while Kara is cooking in a gigantic pot.
„Isn't that a little bit too much?", asks Hirono confused.
„Don't underestimate your hunger, you can eat more than you can realize. There are three starving poeple in here, you will be shocked to see how less this pot actually is for us.", says Asuha.
„It's hard to picture, that we actually will be able to finish the whole pot on our own.", says Hirono.
„The food is almost ready, sit and waot quitely.", says Kara, while stirring the food inside the pot.
Asuha and Hirono sitting back to their places. Hirono puts his arms on the table and looks at his palms, and repeats the words of Asuha in his head. He knows, that overthinking won't take him far, but he can't shake that strange feeling, that he can't even describe himself. Trying to find a solution in his head will be a huge challenge for him, but he has to deal with this as quickly as possible, or he won't be able to move on. Above all, he won't be able to face Takumi.
While everyones's waiting for the food to be ready, Mikari enters the kitchen.
„So, you are finally back from your mission. I hope everything went well on your way back to here.", says Asuha, but Mikari doesn't engage with him, and walks straight to Hirono.
Mikari holds the chin of Hirono gentle towards her, and gets extremely close to his eyes. Hirono is confused by the actions of Mikari, and doesn't says a single word.
„You look alright. Tell me your name.", says Mikari, making Hirono answer with just his name.
„Give him a break. He's still not used to all the crazy things that are happening. Don't make him feel obnoxious.", says Asuha.
„When I did the same thing to you, you didn't feel obnoxious at all. On th contrary, you liked being close to a woman. That's why you loved to be by my side all the time, in my room and in my room. I am pretty sure, that you want me rigt now as well.", says Mikari.
„Can everyone please keep their pants on for a second? I am trying to cook here. Go and be perverted somewhere else.", says Kara.
Mikari let's go of Hirono, and sits on the chair next to him.
„And this is Mikari Yakahime, another member of this group. She's another person you have to get used to.", says Asuha with a smiling face.
Kara puts out four giant bowls on the table, right in front of each one. He then proceeds to use his giant fire hands to pick up the gigantic pot, to put it on the ground, and pours the soup inside the giant bowls. After filling the bowls completely, Kara puts the pot back on the stove, and brings chopsticks for everyone. Finally, he picks a seat, and sits as well.
„You guys can eat now." says Kara, and starts to eat, while the others also start to eat the food out of their bowl.
The food is devoured quickly by each of them, finishing their bowl in mere seconds. To Hirono's surprise, Asuha was right, and he can also feel the satiety in his stomach.
„I love it when Kara has to cook. His food is something else.", says Asuha with a satisfying face.
„I have to admit, even I can't make food this delicious. If it weren't for your attitude, you would make a damn good husband.", says Mikari.
„You are the last person to talk about attitude. Don't be horny all the time, no one will take you as a bride otherwise. A man who marries you has clearly lost his mind.", says Kara.
„All men want the same, and I am willing to give them what they want. Be more like Asuha, a real man, and not a virgin kid. I can show you how to be a real man if you want.", says Mikari.
„I wouldn't engage with you, even if you were the last person on this planet. Go and be with you real man, and let me be. I am clearly more of an adult than you are at this point.", says Kara.
„I don't know why you guys mix me inside your argument every time. You can leave me out of it, when you two are clearly the ones fighting. And also, you guys are always fighting for no reason. You both act like children.", says Asuha.
„See, that's a real man. Acting the way an adult would act. This makes me want Asuha even more." says Mikari.
„Give me a break. All you can talk is about how horny you are and how much you want a man. You two can leave me out of your stupid fantasies.", says Kara.
While the heated argument between Kara, Mikari and Asuha continues, Hirono keeps on listening with a smile on his face.
Tenazuchi is mixing some liquids together, and fills them inside injections, to put them inside a box. He cleans the table very carefully, leaving no trace of dirt, dust or chemicals. He proudly puts the box to the corner and sits on his chair, waiting for the others to arrive.
Hirono helps Kara to wash the bowls in the kitchen, while Asuha and Mikari are no longer in there.
„It's really fun to be around here. I haven't been around people for a long time, and I forgot how it felt to have people around.", says Hirono.
„I would rather be alone than having those three idiots around me. They are so annoying, and they are getting on my nerves. But, it's sometimes ok to have them around, I guess. Not that I like them." says Kara, making Hirono smile.
Asuha and Mikari are lying naked inside the bed of Mikari, while the sheets are covering their bodies.
„After those lonely weeks, this was just the right thing I needed. I just need you more today.", says Mikari.
„What do you think about Hirono?", asks Asuha.
„Your pillow talk is as impressive as usually. Couldn't you bring that topic up after we are finished?"
„Isn't it a little bit too convenient for Tenazuchi to find him at the exact right moment to save him and bring him back to this place?"
„Isn't it exactly what happened to us? We all have almost the same story, and Tenazuchi was always the one that saved us at the right moment. It's the same with Hirono."
„Not like this. Tenazuchi had no business in that town, and knew exactly what to look for. And for your information, Tenazuchi never carries his injections with him. He always stores them inside his box, because he doesn't want to get the liquid on his clothes."
„Are you implying, that Tenazuchi planned this whole thing?"
„I don't know, but there is more going on here than we know or were told. Tenazuchi has always a plan in his mind, and doesn't share all the details sometimes. This could be something as well. We have to wait and find out, I guess."
Mikari stand up and slowly moves to the bathroom.
„Sometimes secrets don't stay as secrets, we learned it the hard way. If there is something behind Hirono's awakening and rescue, then it will come out eventually. Even if we have to force out the truth.", making Mikari enter the bathroom, while Asuha looks at the ceiling.
Over an hour passes, and everyone slowly gathers in the small laboratory of Tenazuchi. Tenazuchi is passionately waiting for everyone to get together. Hirono and Kara were the first ones to arrive, but Kara didn't say a single word since he came in. Mikari and Asuha were the last ones to arrive, about half an hour later than Hirono and Kara.
„Now that everyone is finally here, we can start our meeting and discuss the result of your missions. As you already know, we have a new member to our group, you already met him, and we don't need another introduction. But, to rescue Hirono, Kara had to infiltrate the Space Station 8. He spent over a month in that facility, and surely gathered important information. Next, Asuha had also an important mission, to spy on the Space Station 66. He also found out interesting details about the facility, which he will cover in a moment. Lastly, Mikari spent also weeks at the woods, inspecting the anomalies happening there, along with Enja and Aojiro. Her report will also be important for our next move against the Space Station. After everyone's report, I would like to explain everything to Hirono, and would like you guys to support me in explaining the situation. Last but not least, before we begin with the report, i would like to announce a very important matter. Since Hirono is a new member of this group and he also gained his powers recently, he needs training in adapting to his powers and gain control of them. There will be a new mission after this meeting. The mission is as follows. One of you will assist Hirono to the Mirage Forest, and let him train with Enja and Aojiro. The forest and the two there are the best way for Hirono to gain experience. This will be the first step for Hirono to be a part of this new world.