Tenazuchi stands up and gets over to the corner to give Kara the space to speak. Kara stands up and starts to speak.
„Since all you know, I was assigned to rescue Hirono from the Space Station 8, and spent a month in there. Surprisingly, no one noticed that I used to be a part of the Space Station 8 in the past, but that made the situation a lot easier for me. The Space Station 8 officially has two more captains in their ranks, one of them is the one who captured Hirono. I was able to challenge him, and he still isn't completely ajusted to his powers yet, but that will probably change in the future. Now that I infiltrated the Space Station 8 once and caused so much damage to various buildings, they will probably strengthen their defence, which means that we used our only ticket to infiltrate the facility for good. Four more Space Station's were also opened on four different locations, but I couldn't get the information if all facilities were under the control of a captain. These are the information I was able to collect. I spent the rest of the time in the cell, waiting for Hirono to wake up.", says Kara and sits back.
Asuha stands up this time to report his mission.
„For a long time, Kara had these suspicions, that something else was going on at the Space Station 66, which meant for me to check it out. It is true, that the Space Station 66 operates completely on their own, and don't report everything to the Space Station 8. The facility has a laboratory that experiments on monsters and humans. I wasn't able to get far inside, but they might be able to use the power of the monsters, and myabe found a way to use the gas like Tenazuchi. The whole building is tightly secured, which made it for me to get in and out a little bit difficult, considering that I wasn't caught. The captain of the Space Station 66 is also in charge of the laboratory, but doesn't do the experiments himself, but collects monsters rather than defeating them. There were also not just the usual monsters, but the dark ones as well. They might be onto something very dangerous, maybe trying to combine both monsters into one entity or one power. If we don't act and stop them, they might create something unstoppable. All the soldiers around the facility were also extremely huge, like the monsters. I have the feeling, that not even the soldiers there are human anymore. That's all I could discover.", says Asuha and sits also back.
„When I worked at the Space Station 8, there were just three Space Station's, the Space Station 66 was among them. The captain was a very kind person, and cared for his employes. This was just before the meteorite hit the earth. After the gas spread out, we didn't know about it's effects, and it's origin, since it appeared out of nowhere. We at the Space Station 8 were confused at the time, but then we discovered the true power of the gas. People started to turn into monsters, and the streets started to get dangerous for everyone. The Space Station 8 get destroyed in that process, but it was built shortly after. A lot of people were affected by the gas, including the captain of the Space Station 66. Unfortunately, he turned into a monster after inhaling the gas, but was killed shortly after by a mysterious guy. That person is the current captain of the Space Station 66, which made him take charge of that place after killing the captain that turned into a monster. Shortly after, the Space Station 66 started to invent various devices, which made us understand the gas even better. It was the current captain that invented the gas mask for the soldiers. But since he became the captain, everything changed, and we started to get less and less information and reports from the Space Station 66. Most of the time, we were not even allowed to enter the place, and had to wait in front of the gate to receive the devices or certain information. At that time, I knew that something was off.", says Kara.
„As we know of now, the Space Stations were working on different powers, way before the meteorite hit and caused the supernatural reaction. That was probably another cause of the current captain of the Space Station 66 not to reveal the insides of their facility, since it's one of the two remaining original Space Stations.", says Asuha.
„At that time, I was unaware of the secrets behind the Space Stations, and worked so long there without realizing their intentions. When I witnessed the cruelty myself, on my body as well, I searched for a way to get out of that place. The day I succeeded to leave the Space Station 8, I met Tenazuchi.", says Kara.
„It was a fateful encounter for you two. I can't imagine what the rest inside the Space Station 8 went and is still going through.", says Asuha.
„I know by now that there are other things out in the world, but I didn't know that the Space Station used to work with other powers. What were the reasons of the Space Stations behind their action in observing and working on different powers?", asks Hirono.
„Even before the meteorite hit the earth, people were eager to obtain more power and stand above others. Everyone has a different reason to want more power I guess, but the reasons behind the Space Stations are still unknown. All that we can do is now to try and stop the madness the Space Stations are trying to execute. The more allies we have, the more power we have to oppose them, and that's our reason to get even more power.", says Mikari.
„People usually fear the unknown and strong beings in the world. The reason behind trying to get even more power is typically the same, to gain power to be feared and to control the world. If someone has great power, they can do whatever they want in the world. That's why everyone seeks for more strength and power. There are still so many unanswered questions around the Space Stations. Powers existed even before the gas, but the majority of the world still don't know about their existence. Beings, who know about them, will always be after them, that must be the reason of the Space Stations. But the Space Stations were observing the space, as if like they were looking for something. What was the reason behind their observation? What were they trying to find out of space, when they were already working on different powers?", says Tenazuchi.
„So there is a possibility that the Space Stations were looking for the meteorite?", asks Hirono.
„We still don't know about that, but it's a possibility. When I was part of the Space Station 8, I was doing basic work, researching other powers until the gas appeared But I was never able to find out the reason, why the Space Station 8 was observing the space. Their reasoning behind it was always to watch out for dangers coming from space, but I started to question it when I left them. But it is certain that they used the opportunity of the gas to increase their power.", says Kara.
„As we try to uncover their intentions, we also try to stop them. It is a big challenge, since we are literally fightning against an army of people.", says Mikari.
„That's all I could learn from my mission.", says Asuha and sits down.
„I think it's my turn now.", says Mikari and stands up.
„I started my mission along with Asuha. The Mirage Forest and the Space Station 66 are close to each other. When I met with Enja, he had a new apprentice, which was really to my taste. I unfortunately didn't have the change to taste him, but he looks like a strong ally. As for the forest, the gas is mixed with the mist, and is still causing for other beings to transform as well. There are far more dangerous beasts than before. If we really want to take action towards Space Station 66, we also have to be prepared to fight those beasts. Also, Enja found a few more people who can breath under the gas. They are potential candidates to gain powers, but Enja wants to observe them more before giving them the serum. Enja is also prepared to fight against the Space Station 66 whenever we are ready.", says Mikari and sits back, making Hirono raise his hand.
„I would like to ask something first before we proceed with the meeting. The monsters are humans that inhaled the gas, and didn't have the gene for it. As I can understand, there are also other beings like those monsters?", says Hirono.
„Since we are done with the reports, I can start to inform you about what's going on in detail now. This will be a lot to take in probably, so listen carefully. Over eight months ago, a mysterious meteorite appeared out of space, crashing on earth, spreading an unknown gas into the world. The gas started to turn humans into monsters with strange abilities, and made them cause havoc and chaos. Ever since then, the Space Station 8 took the initiative to analyze the gas and use it on them to gain power. They were successfully able to fight back the monsters and create even a society without letting people know about the existence of monsters. As you know, the captains use weapons to cultivate powers, just like we can. The captains of the Space Stations all have the gene to breath under the gas. Since they don't have the serum of mine to activate their powers and treat everyone with the serum as monsters, they found another way to use their power. With those powers, they have the same powers as we have, but are limited in using them only with their weapons. Like this, they have a means to fight back the monsters. But, the monsters are not just their only target, as you know by now. We are also hunted by the Space Stations, and treated like the monsters. Their reasoning is simple, but contradictive with their captains. They hunt us, because we manifested the gas into power inside our bodies, just like the gas does to humans by turning them into monsters. But with that same logic, the captains should also be treated as monsters. Their true intention is of course different, trying to eliminate us, a treat, that can unravel the truth about the Space Stations, and also have the same power to take them down. All of the Space Stations are our enemies, which we must take down as much as getting rid of the gas. The gas didn't just affect humans, but other living things as well. Animals, plants and even bacteria are turned into beasts by the gas, making them a greater threat than the human monsters themselves. The whole world is literally being consumed by the gas. But even before the gas appeared, there were forces beyond human capability. Dark creatures, humans with different powers and even beings with a longer lifespan than an ordinary human. All existed for hundreds of years without any knowledge to the majority of human kind. There are no records when and how these powers came to existence, but my assumption is, that they've been among us since the beginning. Hirono, you are still inexperienced, and you need training with your powers. You will face off even beings with different powers probably, so you have to be prepared. For that, you have to get a proper training at the Mirage Forest. You will learn to use a different power from what you've been using. Once you are ready, I will tell you more about the meteorite and the Space Stations. Your training is also a milestone in moving at the Space Station 66. Once your training is complete, you will participate in the mission to take down the Space Station 66.", says Tenazuchi.
„Aren't you a little bit hasty? Hirono is barely able to use his power, and the basic training at the Mirage Forest won't be enough for him to handle the Space Station 66. As I and Asuha said before, the Space Station 66 is a dangerous place, and Hirono won't be ready to take on that whole station. You should let him just train and let others do the mission.", says Kara.
„I trust in the power of Hirono, that he will be able to accomplish this mission. Hirono needs experiece, and this is the best chance for him to get it. The most important part is to act as fast as possible, before the Space Station 66 turns into a bigger threat. A few months of training will be enough for now.", says Tenazuchi, making Kara get annoyed.
„Since we've been all on a mission, it doesn't matter at this point who accompanies Hirono to the Mirage Forest. I would volunteer to take on this mission along with Hirono. As the one, who infiltrated the Space Station 66 for a short period of time, I would be the best choice to attend this mission. The last time, I also didn't have the chance to meet Enja, so this will be a good chance as well.", says Asuha.
„It's not much fun around here without you, Asuha. These two don't like to have fun with me, so I should probably join you.", says Mikari.
„It's important to have people here as well. We already have a few people here, and almost everyone go on the same mission will affect the course of our actions. You should stay here, until Tenazuchi comes up with something important." says Asuha.
„Now that it's been decided, you two can slowly prepare yourselves. It's best to had over to the Mirage Forest as fast as possible. Take a few days off, and start your journey immediately.", says Tenazuchi.
„Well, I'm stuck with the two most boring and annoying people in this place. I have to find a way to have fun.", says Mikari and leaves the room.
Kara and Hirono both stand up together and walk towards the door.
„You will finally be able to learn to control your powers a little bit. Unlike Tenazuchi, the guys at the Mirage Forest are way better, you will like them. We all have been through this training. You will learn the basics of fighting and to use a different power while doing so. Diversity is important when it comes to fighting the captains.", says Kara to Hirono, while they both leave the room together.
„You're putting a lot of faith into that new kid. I'm curious what your goal is behind the hasty action towards pushing Hirono. We've been all through this training, but we always did something else before, which is way important than the basics of fighting. You also push Hirono into attacking one of the most dangerous enemy bases. I really would like to know your true reasoning behind this all. For one, I don't think that it was a coincidence that you've stumbled onto Hirono, I know that much. I don't know what you are keeping from us, but it's better worth risking everyones lives.", says Asuha.
„You should better get prepared to your journey with Hirono. There is not much to tell at this moment, everyone has to get stronger as fast as possible, that's all my concern. Beating the enemy comes always first.", says Tenazuchi.
„You are still a man with few words and secrets. I won't push you into telling me anything, you must have your reasons in doing all this. Your actions are noticeable, especially because the way you are. I hope it's worth doing all this, at the end. There are still so many mysteries about you that I never asked you before. Kara told how the two of you met, but there was always this one major question in my mind this whole time. Why were you right outside the Space Station 8, when Kara escaped? I always wondered about it, but couldn't come to a conclusion.", says Asuha, but Tenazuchi doesn't respond to anything.
„Hirono spent a month in solitary, while being unconscious. He already told me that he had the same dream over and over again during that time. Spending so much time at that place had probably major effects on Hirono, that's another reason why I am accompanying him. I will keep an eye on Hirono.", says Asuha and leaves the room as well.
Tenazuchi looks at the box filled with injections.
Hirono is lying in the bed in his room, while looking at the ceiling. This will be the first time for him to go on an unknown journey. His excitement can be seen in his eyes. Hirono knows that he still lacks in strength and controlling his powers, escpecially after he was beat by Zakumi and saw how strong Kara was. Hirono really wants to get stronger, he wants to be useful in figths. He wants to be strong enough to be able to face Takumi. While being in thoughts, the door gets knocked twice. Asuha enters the room.
„Are you excited to go on this journey? It will be long journey and tie up to a difficult and dangerous mission at the end. You will learn more about different powers and your powers at the same time. This will be a nice change for you as well.", says Asuha.
„For my own surprise, I am really calm. Of course, I feel the excitement in my heart. But, I know that this mission will make me stronger and bring me further than trying to do things on my own. Since I aquired these powers, I came to the realization, that I can't achieve everything on my own. Sometimes, it's better to ask for help than to struggle on your own. I am looking forward to travel with you, and meet new people.", says Hirono.
„I'm really glad that you were able to conclude things in your mind, on your own in such a short time. We are here to help you in any way possible, as long as it is in our power. It's nice to see someone like you around, I'm also looking forward to travel with you. Take your time, rest and try to discover the insides of this place. Our journey starts in two days.", says Asuha.
Time moves on, and two days pass in a heartbeat. At the Space Station 8, the soldiers were able to locate all the remaining bombs and remove them. They tightened up on security, and appointed more soldiers to guard the gates. There are still a few prisoners in the Sections C, D and E, that are just people who can breath under the gas, which are unharmed. The little chaos that Kara caused, left a huge scar on the Space Station 8, which will have a drastic impact on the future of the facility.
Akizora is heading to the commanders office on his own. He enters the room without asking for permission, and gets closer to Juju.
„You still don't know your manners. Don't be like this in the presence of the master, or you will learn how to behave in a much harder way.", says Juju.
„You are aware that this is all your fault, aren't you? If you would've managed the Space Station 8 as you should've had, we wouldn't be in this situation. Once the master returns, everything will change. You and I know how he is and what he can do. We are nothing in his presence. On top of that, you will probably lose your title, or worse, even your life. Are you really prepared to accept your punishment?", says Akizora.
„I'm really flattered that you're concerned about me. You and I are here from the beginning. We witnessed the downfall and the rise of the Space Station 8 with our own eyes. If it wasn't for the master, we would've been locked up like the prisoners in this facility. Since I took over the Space Station 8, I wanted to create an environment exactly the opposite of the masters. Trying to accomplish that, I lost focus on our mission and on our duties. All the prisoners in here are considered criminals, but at the same time, potential captain candidates. You and me know to what extend the master can go to get more captains, and I wanted to prevent that method and outcome. I failed on every side, like it's been my whole life. When the master arrives, the old Space Station 8 will return with him, and you will all suffer because of my failures. As much as I want, I can't change the past. That's why I am prepared for everything. I've come a long way, and I think I should stop trying to change the fact, that I am not fit to lead the Space Station 8. If it really means my death, so be it, I won't oppose my punishment.", says Juju.
„I've never agreed on your method, how you handled the Space Station 8, even though you had your own reasons. We indeed are here from the beginning, so it's our duty to witness everything that will follow. As much as I hate to say this, I have to admit that I can't accept your death as a punishment. Your way to lead the Space Station 8 is the complete opposite of the masters, so he would never understand what you were after. Since we are here from the beginning, we also know each others stories, and what we've been through to get to this point. That's also another reason why I can't accept your death as a punishment. Because you struggled, you have to live. That's what matters the most for the two of us. So don't tell me that you are prepared to die, without being able to make the dream you wanted to come true. You don't deserve to die. Non of us do. The arrival of the master is still a long way down the road. We still have time to fix certain things. I won't let you die, as much as I hate your way of handling the Space Station 8.", says Akizora.
In the hospital part, Zakumi is awake, and is still lying in the bed, while the bandages are also still around his wounds. He's frustrated. He can't believe, that he wasn't strong enough to beat Kara on his own. His power should've been enough to handle one guy. But Zakumi remembers the words of Kara, trying to figure out what Kara truely meant. He doesn't know if he should believe a criminal like Kara, or if he should forget what he said. But, he also asks him the question, if Kara is truely a criminal. Zakumi knows that his and the powers of Kara and Hirono are practically the same, but what makes them truely a criminal is the biggest question. Is really something more going on in this place than Zakumi knows? Zakumi is conflicted with both thoughts. Once he recovers, Zakumi will make his priority to get stronger, so that he will never lose a fight against a Gifter. But the second most important task is, to get to the bottom of the words of Kara.
At the same time, the ruins blocking the entrance to the hideout of the Gifters is slowly moving. Asuha and Hirono are coming out, making Hirono put the ruins back on the entrance with his strength once they are out. While Asuha is wearing the same clothes, Hirono is wearing a xxl size black hoody, while both of them carry a little bag on their back.
„Your physical strength is definitely the strongest among us, that's really handy. Our way is long, it will take a couple days for us to reach our destination. I hope you like walking, because we will be just doing that from now on. Now then, shall we start our journey?", says Asuha, and the two of them start their journey to the Mirage Forest.