At a speed incomprehensible to Hideki's eyes, Arashi takes him to an extremely remote location. In the middle of that desert abandoned by the gods, Hideki did not imagine what could happen after the visible horizon, as if his world was reduced to just what he had seen in the complex. Arashi then finally stops and Hideki is amazed at such speed, and then says, in a shaky voice:
-A ... at least ... tell me before you do something like this ... I think I'm gonna trow up
Arashi observes the situation, and starts to laugh. Hideki then says it:
-Where did you bring me?
Arashi then points forward and tells Hideki to just watch:
-They'll open for us now, you don't need to worry. Enjoy and get some rest.
After a few minutes, the ground begins to shake, and something emerges from the sand before Hideki's eyes. An opening in the floor, an entrance to something that Hideki couldn't quite imagine, but which, for some reason, didn't seem to scare him. Arashi then reaches out to Hideki, and says:
-Let's go?
Hideki nods, and both enter the room. When descending several staircases, they finally arrive at the mysterious safe place that Arashi mentioned earlier. A large and somewhat dark place, almost like something improvised, like a warehouse or something similar. Such a thing intrigues Hideki, who asks:
-What is this place? ...
-The safe place I told you, why.
-What you mean?
-I'll explain, before, I'll let you know that you're here. Wait sitting in that chair over there, so you get some rest.
-R ... right.
Hideki, finds it curious that he is not strangling that place, almost to the point of finding it familiar. While waiting, he gets up several times to observe the surroundings of this vast place, and is faced with something different. An engraving, with four people in it, and what catches your eye is to see on the side of Arashi, a young woman who is very similar to his illustration, which he had forgotten that he had put in his pocket before the battle of early. With that, Hideki then wonders:
-Who are these people? ...
Soon after, Arashi arrives with the other members of the print that Hideki has seen. A young woman with purple hair and eyes, a different shade from each other, one more with heterochromatic eyes, and a young man with green hair, tall and with a closed countenance, with the same peculiarity, but not quite intimidating. Arashi then says:
-Here he is, guys. As I said, take it easy, he just woke up.
Hideki gets up and greets them formally, as he was taught at the complex:
-Hi! My identification code is 0466, at your service!
With a confused look, they both don't seem to understand why Hideki is behaving like this. What makes the young woman say to Arashi:
-You didn't say it was that bad.
-I know I know. That's why I told you to take it easy. The guy is a soldier.
-Hmm.
The young woman then approaches and watches Hideki, with her eyes measuring him from top to bottom. Hideki, not knowing what to say, remains stationary. The young woman then says:
-You finally came!
The young girl hides Hideki tightly, and with a face of relief and joy. Arashi then says:
-I thought I said more than once to go easy on him Rukka!
-Sorry ... is that ... I'm very happy that we finally found you, Hideki ... we all are.
Hideki, without understanding what is going on, asks:
-Who are you? Arashi said that you would explain everything to me when we got here.
-Yeah, I really said. We'd better start then folks.
The young woman greets Hideki, and then reveals her name:
My name is Rukka Murasaki. It's a pleasure to meet you, Hideki.
The young man with green hair approaches and greets Hideki next:
-My name is Ryu Kensuke. It is good to finally meet you.
Hideki then asks:
-Do you know me then?
Arashi answers him:
-Not exactly, but with the stories Misori told us just before he left, I could have an idea of what you were like.
-I have questions to ask, and I expect clear answers.
-As you wish. Well, sit down.
-After all, where does that name come from? Why Hideki? and why me?
-Where do I start? ... Well, we ... are not like other people, Hideki.
-What?
- About two years ago, Misori was looking for you, but the complex was immune to our localization techniques ... they locked you in a place where we didn't have access.
-Locked? I was not arrested. I am a soldier.
-Soldier?
-That's right! I studied to become a soldier. See? Here in my uniform says Ballista, it's my job. I am a soldier.
Rukka gets up and approaches Hideki, saying:
-You are not one of them, Hideki.
-What do you mean by "one of them"?
Kensuke in the background, folds his arms, and says:
-A tool.
-Tool? I am a soldier, obviously I would be a "tool".
-A testing tool, that's what they want from you.
-But how so?
-You are much more than a miserable soldier ... much more than a simple human.
-That ... I don't understand ... who am I anyway?
Rukka takes Hideki's hands and looks him in the eye, saying:
-Your name is Hideki Yamada, and you are one of us, an Elemental.
-Elemen ... what?
Arashi says:
-We are responsible for maintaining the balance and security of life on Earth, linked to the most primitive elements on the planet. So you didn't get hurt in that field, your ice protected you instantly.
Rukka, surprised by Arashi's statement, asks:
-He managed to use his powers?
- Yes, you did. Although it was unconsciously.
-Well ... I think it's a start.
Hideki, skeptical about it all, says:
-If you are forces of the "figures", I will soon warn you that it will be easier to kill me than to make me say something.
Everyone looks at Hideki with a puzzled look, and Kensuke says:
- Have you had contact with the figures?
Arashi answers him:
-They planned his meeting with the figures there at IO, he killed some.
Kensuke then approaches Hideki, and reaches for his sword. Hideki wields it and draws it from its sheath, and says in an aggressive tone:
-Get back! Or I'll cut you in half!
-Hey, take it easy. I just want to see if there are still traces on the blade. Put that down.
Hideki looks at his sword, and realizes that that black blood has not yet disappeared. Slowly, Hideki hands over his sword but hands and Kensuke, who says:
-I see ... apparently it was just Banshees. It's a good sign ... it means that we have time.
-Time for what?
-Time to protect our people.
-Where do you want to go?
Arashi then says in a high voice:
-Don't you get tired of asking so many questions? It's giving me a headache.
-You drag me to a place I don't know, full of people I don't know, talking about things I don't know, and you still hope I don't ask questions ?!
-It's not my fault if you don't have the brain drug in the place you should!
-What's your problem ?!
-That's what I ask to ya!
Kensuke and Rukka watch the discussion in the background, laughing. Kensuke then says:
-These two will get along very well, right?
Rukka smiles, and confirms his friend's statement. Meanwhile, Kensuke takes Hideki's sword to another room, probably in order to clean it, leaving to Rukka the task of stopping Hideki and Arashi's futile argument.
After both cooled off, Rukka explains the situation to Hideki:
- First of all, we must focus on one thing. Misori didn't leave, so we need Hideki to learn as soon as possible how to use his powers.
-Powers...?
Ask Hideki. Rukka then replies:
-We are the only ones able to overthrow the white army.
-Where do you want to go?
-They want to use the figures as weapons to become more powerful than anything, destroying anyone who opposes them, our goal is the exact opposite of such a barbershop.
-That ... it doesn't make sense ... why would they put us to fight the figures then?
-To test them.
Hideki is silent for a few moments, which makes Rukka ask him:
-What did Arashi tell you to agree to meet us?
Hideki then looks her in the eye, and with an expression of surprise, replies:
-I thought that if I were to die at the hands of a likely enemy, it would be better away from my colleagues. After all ... I wasn't in the best position to fight back.
-I see ... well, we are your friends, you can trust us.
Hideki doesn't know what to think for sure, judging by his confused expression. Rukka then recommends him to rest:
-You must be exhausted, both physically and psychologically. Your room is ready.
-My room?
-Uhum.
Rukka then guides Hideki to his supposed room that he had just mentioned, and to his surprise, it was a much more comfortable place than his accommodation in the complex, even having a bed just for him.
- That will be more comfortable for you.
Says Rukka, smiling. Hideki then replies:
-I don't know the context of that, but it's also not bad.
-I think it's a start (laughs). Lie down and rest, you're safe here, Hideki.
-T ... thank you, I think.
-Good night.
-Good night.
Rukka then closes the door, and Hideki, lying on his bed, observes his so-called room, in which he felt extremely comfortable. Soon, Hideki says:
- (sigh) ... where did I end up in ...
Hideki finally lies down, in order to rest, wondering if his colleagues are looking for him, not knowing if they believe in the idea that he had died or been captured. A brief thought, but enough to make him distressed by everything that was going on in his life.
Hideki, unable to sleep, something that had been happening for so long that it had become a habit, takes his illustration in his pocket, and observes it for a few moments, without focusing on anything other than that image. Hideki then internally asks himself:
-So you are Misori? ... Well ... I think it's even better to know your name now, after all, I believe I'm only here because of you.
Hideki, while looking at the image, perceives something different compared to the photograph he had seen earlier. In the photograph, Misori had a characteristic besides eyes with different coloring, but something about his hair, almost like the ears of some animal, accompanied by a syrup. Such a thought sounds so unreal to Hideki, that he decides to ignore it, dealing with it as if it were just an erroneous impression, getting ready to sleep soon after, as he can no longer stand to stay awake for so long.
The day finally clears over the small dusty windows of the place, but still, awakening Hideki quickly with the simple beams of light reaching his eyes. Hideki had a peaceful night, never stirring during his sleep, which surprised him, in fact, raising even more questions about too much comfort he had felt in a previously unknown place.
A curiously warm dawn. Hideki gets up slowly, quickly dismissing a brief thought that it was all a dream. Someone knocks on the door, asking Hideki if he has already woken up, Hideki realizes that it is Rukka, and replies:
-Ah ... Yes, I'm awake. You may come in.
-I hope I didn't scare you. Did you sleep well?
-I ... I can say yes, to my own surprise.
-That's a good sign, Hideki. Perhaps your mind is adapting quickly, so you won't be uncomfortable.
-I guess ... it still hasn't entered my head. Can you explain to me what's really going on?
-You are right ... Arashi didn't say anything to you, did he? Well, we are different from humans, because we have skills beyond their comprehension. We are able to control the primordial elements of our world, and we are responsible for the balance of life here. But recently, a legion of corrupt wizards came together, and formed the order known as the "White Army", guided by the teachings of the god of chaos. Our goal now is to prevent your resurrection.
-Wow ... this is kind of hard to digest ...
-I suppose you are not convinced of this, but believe me, that is our purpose, and we have to start acting, Hideki.
-But ... I thought the complex trained us only to defeat the figures.
-The figures resurfaced a few years ago ... maybe that's one of the reasons why you awakened your skills again.
-They are directly related to this chaos god?
-Well more than you think ... but before we focus on the figures, we must rescue our friend. They will try to make it corrupt, we must act as soon as possible.
-I see ... one last question.
-Yes?
-Why I never managed to use these powers?
With a surprised expression, Rukka replies:
-You were just awakened, so you have to develop your skills yet.
-I understand...
-When Misori found him, she went without thinking behind you, leaving us without understanding anything. Arashi went to get you at her behest, creating a good distraction, because she said that if she couldn't get back with you, we should somehow rescue her, then go after her in time.
-So that rain was part of her plan?
-Exact.
-I see ... he told me that they would go after me ... it means they wanted to test me. Well ... if this girl is as attached to me as you say, it should help clarify something, so I think I should help you get her out of there.
With a surprised expression and a sparkle in his eyes, Rukka asks:
-Same? Without reluctance?
- It's too complex to be a simple silly lie. We can put together a rescue plan.
-Altruistic isn't it, Hideki? (laughs).
-I wouldn't say that ... I just ... I have a lot of doubts, so I want those answers soon. So I will help.
-I am relieved ... well, come on, the two must be waiting for us.
-Uhum.
Both then leave the bedroom area in the direction of the small kitchen, where Arashi and Kensuke are.
-Hey! Good morning sleeping beauty.
Says Arashi, in an enthusiastic tone. Kensuke also greets Hideki:
-Looks brand new. Apparently, the night was pleasant.
Hideki agrees with Kensuke's statement, and sits around the table at which they are gathered. Hideki then says:
-Rukka said that girl needs help ... do you have a rescue plan?
Surprised by what Hideki had just said, Kensuke says to Arashi:
-Did you see?
-What? Why that mocking face huh, Kensuke?
-It's nothing, just watching Rukka pass you by again (laughs).
-Hey! Which is?!
Rukka laughs lightly, and says to Hideki:
-These two have no way at all, don't worry.
-It seems normal to me. I believe that friends are like that.
-I think that's why you and Arashi got along so well, despite being hot-headed, everyone likes him.
-He doesn't seem like a bad person.
-Go for me, he's actually sweet.
With everyone finally gathered, Kensuke spreads an image of the complex on the table, and says:
-What we know so far is that they are keeping Misori somewhere in the left quadrant of this complex. Hideki, you know what it's like inside, don't you? Did you see where they took her?
-Well ... I did. It is in an isolated area, close to the laboratories, in block C.
-Do you know how we can get into the place?
-It is a maximum security area, only elite soldiers have access. I only entered this block only once.
-I see ... so we have to find out as soon as possible. Can you help us with this, Hideki?
-A ... I think so.
-Great, we will be reviewing several strategies over the next two days, in the meantime, Arashi will help you use your skills.
Arashi nods towards Hideki, and says:
-Go get ready, I won't go easy on you.
Hideki smiles sarcastically and says:
-Well, if you say so. Let's see if you get over the complex's workouts.
Rukka says:
-You two have no way, right? I think they will challenge themselves until they can't take it anymore (laughs). Remember, Arashi, new friends, new customs.
-Okay, okay, I already got it. Leave it to me, soon Hideki will be able to use at least enough of his skills to get in there and defend himself if necessary.
-I know you can do it, Arashi.
-Yes!
Hideki then asks:
-Can I ask you a favor? ...
Everyone then looks at Hideki, waiting for his request. Kensuke then says:
-Sure. What do you need?
-A friend of mine is inside, I would like to bring him with us, if possible.
-Well ... we can think about it, if it won't cause problems. What's he like?
-Blonde, he's almost the same height as me, blue eyes, there's no mistaking it. His number is 0513.
-I think it's okay with me, if he is just an ordinary low-ranking soldier, I believe he won't cause any problems.
-Appreciate.
-We leave the thanks for when we rescue Misori, all right?
-Right!
Hideki, observes everything around him at this moment, sees how these people are united, they all seem to have a common goal. This energy cheers Hideki, after all, for him, until two days ago his life was based only on orders and numbers, he did not imagine having a name, much less a family. A smile, even a brief one, appears on Hideki's face without his realizing it ... yes, that child found the home he was looking for.
Later that day, Arashi takes Hideki to the back of the site, in order to awaken his skills again. Arashi then says:
-Well, here we are. We have two days for your skills to emerge, so we better hurry up.
Hideki agrees with Arashi, and asks:
-And how will this training take place?
-First, we will train with a wooden sword, to keep you warm. You will make several strikes against that target in the background, and then, when you are ready for your warm-up, we will train the "Elemental Attribution".
- "Elemental attribution"?
-Ah yes, I forgot if I explain that part to you. We have special abilities to drive elements to our advantage in battle or even day to day. However, we don't have enough strength to get them out of nowhere, so we are obliged to use "special stamps", which correspond to the skill you want to use. According to their element, the "seals" change their name to match their skills. Humans call this magic.
-I see ... so, to use powers do we need to "summon them" first?
-Something out there. But this is not the only way, hence the "elemental attribution". This technique consists of channeling your elemental matrix into your weapon, in order to use it in battle as an extension of your standard ability as an elemental.
-So we can charm our weapons ... I have never seen anything like this.
-Go for me, it's less complicated than it looks. Anyway, having said that, prepared?
-Y ... yes!
-Okay ... so ... prepare ... go!
Hideki then initiates a series of powerful blows against his target, a stout and worn wooden stake. With each blow, it is visible even the air being pulled and pushed by the small sword that Hideki wields, impressing Arashi. The training continues in the afternoon, with Hideki still not completely exhausted, as if he could still do that with the same efficiency for a few more hours. Arashi then says:
-I think it is better to stop this heating.
-Are you sure this is a miserable warm-up? We've been here for two whole hours.
-You've been standing for just over a day, you needed a lot of training to remember how to hold your sword.
-Hmpf ...
-Well, I think we can train the assignment now, it will not be possible to use full strength, as this is just any wooden sword, but it is already a start for you to adapt.
-Understand.
-Follow my instructions.
-Right!
-Hold the sword firmly, and imagine a connection between you and your weapon.
-Right...
-Very well, now, focus on what your element has to say ... a distant voice will show you your element, then, I will tell you the recital necessary to activate the infusion.
- (sigh) all right ...
Hideki, following Arashi's instructions, feels an energy flowing through every fiber of his body to the edge of his sword, and to Arashi's surprise, Hideki's scar on his right eye begins to glow a bluish hue. Hideki then, after a long sigh, and with the air dissipating around him, says loudly and clearly:
-ELEMENTAL ATTRIBUITION N ° 35 ... FROZEN BLADE!
A shock wave emanates from all over the training site, spreading icy air around, and when Arashi looks in the direction of Hideki after a flash, he is even more surprised. Arashi then tells himself:
-Amazing ... how did he manage to infuse so quickly ... and even at first? Wait ... did he ... do the recital alone ?!
With a crystalline shine, and a shade of light blue, Hideki had transformed the simple little wooden sword into a majestic and imposing blade of pure ice. Hideki then, holding the blade firmly, opens his eyes, with his right completely white and incandescent, prepares an overwhelming blow, and without hesitation, just before with a shout, Hideki strikes the target, causing a shock wave with the force of the impact . The dust finally settles, and the result is surprising to Arashi. Hideki had cut that very strong wooden trunk with just one stroke, freezing from the affected area to its surroundings. Arashi then says, in a tremulous and enthusiastic voice:
-That ... it was ... incredible! How did you manage to do that at first? It's impressive! Just wait until people see this!
The icy blade then dissipates with air after the blow, and Hideki sits down after his effort. Hideki had never felt anything so powerful flowing in his body, which makes him wonder if he really did it. Feeling extremely exhausted, as if all that had drained his energy at once, Hideki can barely move, and when Arashi returns, he takes him into the Warehouse again, so he can rest better.
Lying in his room, Hideki has several thoughts flying over his head, but the main one among them is the voice he heard during that training earlier. A distant and empowered voice, who told him the full recital to use his skill, and that makes him ask himself:
-How the hell did I do that ...?
In the room, Rukka, Arashi and Kensuke talk about what had just happened. Rukka says:
-It's impressive! He did the recital on his own, so maybe he can use his skills a lot faster than expected.
Arashi replies:
-I had the same reaction, I believe that we can get Hideki to reach his full potential as soon as we rescue Misori.
Kensuke, pleased with the situation, says:
- Little by little he will become stronger, and as soon as we rescue Misori, we can finally expel the forces of the white army from the border.
Both agree with Kensuke, sharing joy and satisfaction. Back in the room, Hideki watches his hands, confused, but at the same time, impressed by his new skills. Hideki then looks towards the corner of the room, where his sword is, leaning against the door. Hideki approaches and holds it, drawing it and simulating light blows, and while wielding it, he says to himself:
-Is this right? ... at this point, I don't really know what is or is not true ... who should I trust? ... these people, they seem so united ... they treat me like family, different of life in the complex ... but even so, I don't know if I should raise my blade against the army, it would be ingratitude on my part ... how has 0513 been since I left? ... I hope I can talk to him again when we go there.
Kensuke knocks on the door, and asks Hideki if he can come in to talk, Hideki allows his entry. Kensuke then asks:
-Do you feel more rested, Hideki?
-Y ... yes, I think earlier today I used more than I should have by accident.
-That was a good sign, it seems, your skills will develop fast, so much so that you recited the seal without any help. So it's a matter of time before you learn even more.
-A ... I think so. I've never seen anything like that before ...
-The white army probably doesn't even imagine that they had an Elemental with a potential like that between them, we finally managed to step forward and get you out of there, now, we just need to meet with Misori again.
-Do you already have an idea of how we're going to get in?
-I believe so. With your skills we can protect ourselves more easily, we can enter the complex and get it out of there.
-No casualties, right ...?
-No casualties. We don't need to hurt anyone.
-Great ... and, what about my colleague?
-I think we can bring him with us, just show me the way.
-Okay, I think it can work. But, I have a question.
-What would it be?
-How did you know I was really in that complex ...?
-We don't know for sure, but ... something or someone left clues for us of where to find you, right after the last clue, Misori felt your elemental presence and went after you without thinking twice.
-I understand...
-As soon as we rescue Misori from the clutches of the white army, we can fight them and the figures.
-You're right...
-Well, I'll let you keep resting, Hideki. We have a busy day tomorrow, so try to get some sleep.
-Yes of course. Good night Kensuke.
-Good night.
The next morning, Hideki wakes up at sunrise, feeling refreshed, but finds the weather around him strange, as if something is not right. Hideki gets up, and heads towards the main room, where he is faced with a strangely apprehensive scene.
A silver-haired man stands in front of Arashi, Rukka and Kensuke, his clothes are white, resembling those of a scientist, with his small pieces of armor bearing the symbol of the white army in which Hideki used to act. The mysterious man, looks towards Hideki, and says:
-Ah! You finally woke up, didn't you? I was waiting for you, Hideki. Or rather ... soldier 0466.
Hideki feels paralyzed, with no reaction but a terrified and confused look, after all, who would this man be? Hideki then asks:
-W ... who are you?
The man smiles and replies:
-At the moment, just a stranger, but I've been with you for a long time, Hideki.
-What do you want with us?
-You're with your friend in the hands of the white army, aren't you?
Arashi then, enraged, yells at the man, asking:
-If you think you can capture us, forget it! We get rid of you in the blink of an eye!
The man then sighs and replies:
-I didn't come here at the behest of the Supervisor.
-W ... what?
-Let me introduce myself. I'm Dr. Yuri, it's nice to meet you ... elementals.
Everyone looks towards the man without knowing how to react, how does this man know about his secrets? Where did he come from? What can you do? All these doubts could be solved by that man ... and that is what Hideki wants to discover, and then asks:
-How did you find us?
- Do you really want to know? So let me tell you what I want to say, and I'll tell you what you want to hear.
Rukka looks towards Hideki, and says:
-Calm down, Hideki, let's see what he has to say.
-R ... right.
With that, more doubts appear in the life of this young man, and from here ... things would get even stranger. A new family, new customs, new truths, all at the same time, being enough to get you out of your comfort zone very quickly.
The man says in a strong tone:
-Rukka! Arashi! Kensuke! And Hideki ...! I came here to help you!