[main character: Lilly]
JULY: I am glad to hear that!
ANGELO: You've just taken the right decision.
SHION: Don't worry, even if you regret it later, you can always go back, okay?
Those three were really nice to me. Even though I got used of enduring the pain these past days, weeks or even months... the pain in my chest won't disappear. Are my parents really... gone?
I knew I was going to be fine since the beginning, the flowers protected me every time they wanted to examine my inner body. But, they could not protect my parents.
These people really did 'silence' my parents... how cruel...
I am so hungry and my thoughts weight... I want to eat... I want...
(POOF!)
SHION: Lilly! Are you okay?
JULY: Bors! Open the door now...!
I fainted because of the lack of nutrition and the mental exhaustion. But also, I was happy that this nightmare was finally over. In my sleep, I saw the beautiful flowers again, surrounding me, protecting me, keeping me safe from any danger I faced. I knew that with my power I could try and seek the people who did all of this.
So, I fainted again, huh? This is starting to look like a bad habit. Wow, what a comfortable bed! Where am I?
As I looked around it seemed I was in an old house, maybe an old hospital. There were more empty beds around me.
I feel... well, my stomach is full. Did they feed me while I was sleep? I have the same lab clothes as before.
A strange noise was coming from the window across the room. It seemed like something was watching me. As I tried to stand up, I wanted to know about where I was.
- Hey you there, Hello? My name is Lilly, what is this place?
It seems that person is a bit shy. Wait! Somebody is comming.
As the footsteps got louder, I realized that something out of this world was going to cross that door. Someone with a presence so extreme that could make a hole room tremble.
(Door Screech)
???: Excuse me. Can I go in sweetheart?
What a mellow voice!
- Uhm... Yes!
KAY: Hi, my name is Kay and yours?
- Lilly.
KAY: Oh my, what a beautiful name, perfect for a young and pretty girl like you.
Her voice was so sweet and expressions so calmed that I wanted to melt. I felt an immense sense of relieve that made me trust Kay the moment I saw her.
- Thanks...
Am I flustered? Are her words that powerful? Argh! my heart can't take this endless kindness.
KAY: Well, well, then. I will ask you to follow me, you seem a bit impatient for knowing where we are. But first... Carbon! Can you come here for a second?
Carbon? Who is Carbon?
And from the window, the person watching me was, in fact, that so-called Carbon. She looked like a girl, but I wasn't sure.
She's short, even shorter than me! And her eyes are yellow, her skin black and hair white. She surely is unique.
KAY: Why are you so shy today my love?
CARBON: Cute.
KAY: Oh, she thinks you are cute Lilly.
- Thanks, I think she looks cute as well.
CARBON: Ugh! ~ wheeee...
She let out a quiet screech as she felt down her knees.
KAY: Hold on a little bit Carbon, I know Lilly is a pretty young lady, but don't you want to make her some clothes?
CARBON: (nods heavily) YES!
She approached me and extended her hand into my chest. Suddenly, a stream of past memories flowed through my head.
I started to remember my early childhood. It was winter, was cold outside, but I lost my jacket outside school, so mom gave me one of her favorites: a dark blue coat with white fur on the wrists and neck. Later that day, she said that I could keep it, that I would grow on it.
Such a simple and beloved memory. The warmth of my mother was still on that coat as she saw me smile with happiness and so, she, was also happy.
I loved that coat, If I could get back something from my parents, that season-less coat would be it, I would treasure it so much.
As the memories began to fade, tears fell down my face. Once they stopped, I opened my eyes.
What was that...? It felt so real like it was...
CARBON: Here.
No, way! Is that? My mother's coat?
KAY: Do not fear Lilly, this is part of Carbon's power, she can project one's desires into physical objects. Isn't that splendid?
- Yes, (sniff) it's amazing. I am so glad Carbon!
CARBON: Ugh!
She fell on to the ground. Is she okay?
KAY: Don't worry about her, she will be fine. Now get dressed over there in that room, there are more clothes your size. I will be waiting for you outside. Pick whatever you like!
I picked some comfortable underwear, a pair of shoes, and a cute summer dress. But most important my mothers coat. It was as comfortable as I imagined.
It's just like the original. Or maybe even better? It surely is smaller than back then.
Wait, is just that I've grown...
- I'm ready.
KAY: Oh my, you look beautiful. Now let's get going. I will be the one to present you who we are. Follow me.
While we were walking around that mansion, she started explaining.
KAY: Many years ago, a man called Arthur, our leader, decided to create a place where people like us, with special abilities could live in harmony and peace. But he tragically failed.
Oh.
KAY: Yet! He didn't give up. He thought that if he could not protect everyone, he would make them be able to protect themselves. And that's how this organization was created. Here in the Entaku no Kishi headquarters we train the new members into using their powers to the fullest and when they become strong enough, we send them to rescue missions just like Angelo and Shion did with you, two days ago.
- I understand... wait, TWO DAYS ago?!
KAY: Yes honey, Carbon was with you all the time.
It sounds sweet but at the same time a bit creepy.
KAY: Well, where was I? Oh yes, after new people are granted with the opportunity to join us, they will start training once they are fully recovered both physically and psychologically. Also, at such a young age you must have not finished your basic studies, right?
- Yeah, I only took a year of high school classes before all this happened.
KAY: Don't worry sweetie because Hadoc teaches the young ones like you, and also Shion will be attending classes now that he finished his basic training with his sister and done his first mission, so at least some known faces will be around. Well, let's continue.
I can attend classes here? This is better than I thought.
After walking for I while, we entered an open field area with a bunch of people in the distance with two swords each. In front of them there was a really tall women giving them instructions.
KAY: Lance! Over here! Say hello!
That woman with disgust on her face waved at me, looked Kay in the eyes and without saying a word to us, went back to the people doing repetitive and yet extenuating movements.
I don't understand. Why are they using swords? Isn't it about their special abilities?
KAY: As you can see, they are training with swords. It might seem a bit weird for you Lilly, but here we use a unique method to train our powers. You see, not everybody is born with a cool ability that protects them or allows them to become stronger. Some of us are born with very dangerous powers that apart from harming others, they also harm ourselves.
- And what are the swords for?
KAY: So, after learning martial arts around a weapon such a sword, Arthur discovered that our minds started focusing the danger on the weapon we are wielding rather than on ourselves. Being separated from our fears and with a mastery to build combat experience upon, our control skyrocketed. When we fight using swordsmanship, we combine the usage of our powers to our sword skills, providing us the amount of concentration needed to perform at our absolute best.
Uh... really?
KAY: Sounds amazing right?! But, of course, there are exceptions: some KISHI that do not need to wield a sword to fight properly, or people that their quirk isn't meant for combat, just like yours Lilly. All of this might sound a bit stupid... but trust me, it is more effective than you think.
- Okey, so... will I have to use a sword too?
KAY: Well, is up to you Lilly, you can choose between saving the ones in danger or protecting the people here. But I recommend you try both. People with low offensive powers usually go with just one sword, Single-Style, and lucky me, I could be your teacher!
- My teacher?
KAY: Yes! The tall woman you saw before, is the Dual-Style teacher and I am the Single-Style. We even have a Third-Style, but Sigma, the teacher, is not here right now so it can't be helped. What do you say?
- I will need to think about it. Kay, thank you very much.
How weird, me using a sword? And fighting?! I always liked heroine stories, but I never thought of becoming one. Maybe I should ask for the leader's advice, that always worked at school.
- Could I speak to Arthur about this?
KAY: I am sorry honey, but Arthur isn't here anymore.
- Anymore?
KAY: Well, is it true that Arthur is our leader but, he is not here with us, he left years ago but nobody knows why, not even Lance that was his first student. The important decisions are taken by a group of the strongest and mightiest KISHIs: the twelve ENTAKU. They are the best of the best. Very, very strong, and smart. Some of them are teachers, like me! And we all have a position from one to twelve, one the strongest to twelve the weakest. But don't get mistaken, even the weakest ENTAKU is way stronger than the rest of the KISHI.
- Are you one of the strongest here Kay?
KAY: Yes! I am currently the fourth strongest, just above Lance that is the fifth. We used to have a rivalry some time ago, but now we are best friends.
I don't think that last statement is true though.
KAY: Well, I think being the fourth is a great spot. You know, I won't be able to become third even if I tried my best. Lamorak, the third Entaku, is far way stronger than I am, and creepy, and even I consider myself pretty strong. Anyway, I am happy maintaining the fourth position.
- But, is there any advantage on being higher on the Entaku? You all get to decide right?
KAY: Well yes, but, isn't it nice to have some healthy competition going on around them? We, the Entaku, duel each other to climb our position pushing us to become even stronger. Oh, and also, the number one KISHI is considered the sub-leader and can take more drastic decisions than the rest of us. But Bediverel and Gareth, the first and the second strongest, won't be around here for a while, they had a really difficult mission and they have yet to return. So, if you wanted to talk to Arthur, Lamorak is always busy so... the closest thing you can get right now is me. (smiles)
So she is one of the strongest. What might her power be?
I still have my doubts about all of this.
Kay said that was going to give me some time to think about it, and meanwhile, she continued showing me the immense building we where in. It felt more like a palace than a big old house. Finally she guided me to my room finishing my tour there.
[90 minutes later]
KAY: Alright, here ends our tour. There are rooms that we still haven't seen but now that you know the basics it's in your hands to explore and discover. Also, this will be your room: there is one bed and some furniture so that you can decorate it as much as you like. If you want to take a bath, go to the end of the hallway. Any more doubts about what did you see today? I know is a lot to assimilate but it is important to know this day one.
She is surely passionate about what she does. But I still don't get how they fight with swords. What about guns? I mean, there is a clear disadvantage here.
- Kay, is not that I don't trust you but... are swords really the best option? I mean...
KAY: I knew you had your doubts. Let's meet in 20 minutes in the training field we saw earlier, I want you to show you something. You have some sport clothing in your room's closet, use it. See you then.
- Bye...
I think she is mad at me now. I shouldn't have said anything. Well in any case, I better do what she says and hope for the best...
[15 minutes later]
The field was empty. The group from before finished their training and while I looked to the sky I asked myself again where I was.
Where am I really? I know this is the headquarters of this group called Entaku no KISHI but, where is it located? Are we even in America? Is this weather normal this time of the year?
KAY: I am glad you came early Lilly.
- Uhm... I was nervous, so I did everything really fast!
KAY: I see, well then, Lilly. Let me ask you one thing. Why do you think as all the weapons we have chosen blades?
- I don't really know.
KAY: That's because they are the most noble weapon to wield. They can't be hidden, they show your opponent that you are his target straight-on and having to approach your foes close enough to look them straight in the eyes with every strike.
Okey?
KAY: And Lilly, such thing as disadvantage doesn't exist for us. Here, take this.
She throws me a sheathed sword that I manage to catch mid air that left her unarmed.
KAY: Draw the sword and attack me.
- Kay! I know that you are stronger than me but I am talking about a greater disadvantage. For example: What do you do when firearms are involved?
KAY: Oh! Now I see what you were talking about. Carbon! Get out of there, we need your help.
She was looking us from the distance this hole time? She might just be shy but this is starting to creep me out.
KAY: I need you to create a fire gun please, anyone is fine. Well, actually, something she could handle.
Wait, what?
CARBON: Here.
KAY: Thanks a lot Carbon, you are always helpful. Lilly! Get what Carbon has for you. And then I want you to use it against me.
- Eh?
Did I hear right? A firearm? What is going on?
CARBON: ~ Here..
- Thanks but... WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH THIS GUN AGAIN?!
CARBON: Loaded, careful.
KAY: Carbon, come back here and bring me Lilly's sword please. Lilly! I want you to fire towards me. I can get closer if you don't have good aim.
- But... I have never fired a gun ever in my life and even more important, why would I shoot you?
KAY: Don't worry Lilly, you won't be able to hurt me, I promise. Don't you believe in me? I will show you that we don't have any disadvantage whatsoever.
I mean, why am I so scared? I literally got hit by a car, fell down a hill, been slice open hundreds of times and yet nothing really happened to me. Maybe she is trying to show me her power.
KAY: And Lilly! I won't be using my power, alright?
- Wait what? WHAT DO YOU MEAN ALRIGHT?!
I thought she was nice person, a bit enthusiastic but still. Now I think she is actually crazy.
What am I going to do? Can I trust her? Well thinking rationally, I could try using my power with her if anything goes wrong.
But how do I use it with people?
KAY: Lilly?
- Whatever... alright, I'll do it!
KAY: Perfect! And Carbon, step aside, if you want. Is not like anything is going to happen to you anyways... Well then, bring it on!
I raised my arms towards her, aimed at the center and I saw it: she closed her eyes and was holding the sword still in its sheath. Without trying to hesitate any longer I also closed my eyes and pulled the trigger.
(BANG!)
I really did shoot that gun. Is she alright?
KAY: See? I am fine. You can fire again!
She is completely fine, did I miss? I trust her, I will shoot one more time with open eyes. I want to see what happens.
- I will!
KAY: That's right Lilly come on!
(BANG!)
This time I saw it. My shot didn't miss, instead...
Two pieces landed behind her as if she repelled them from the center of the blade.
Wait... did she just... cut the bullet mid air?!
Did Carbon see this? How is it possible for a human to... wait... where's Kay?
KAY: There is no disadvantage.
(SLASH!!)
Not only she stopped my two shots, but also, moved in the blink of an eye while I looked for Carbon and then, sliced the gun I had in my hands. Her strike was so strong that I fell backwards, sitting on the floor perplexed.
Is this the KISHI strength? They could fight even WITHOUT swords!
She said she wasn't using her power. So, how did she moved so fast? How did she cut it mid air? And what happened to the first bullet?
Will I reach that level too?
Even if my power is only based on healing, if I learn to move like this... maybe I could be strong enough to save people just like Shion did with me.
While I was analyzing everything that happened, Kay was looking at me with a smile on her face because she already knew that I already wanted to become a KISHI before even realizing, and also...
one of the best.
Later that night I did not realize, but a naked bullet was on top of one of my dorm's shelves. The first bullet that I fired, grabbed by Kay's bare hands was left intact to become part of new room decoration.