Shiro walks down the hall, approaching Hideki's room, and then knocks on the door, saying:
-Hideki? Are you busy bud?
No answer comes. Shiro continues:
-I...heard some noises, I came to see if everything is ok...I...I'm going in, okay?
Shiro slowly opens the door, and is startled by what he sees. Hideki is lying on the ground, with some blood running down his lips, Shiro runs towards him:
-Hideki?! Hideki! What happened?!
Hideki remains unconscious, so Shiro asks for help:
-Guysl! Hideki! Help!
Quickly, Arashi appears, and says:
-What's up- Hideki?!
-I entered the room and he was like this.
-Oh damn... I'll call Misori, wait here.
-R... right. But go quickly.
Arashi goes after Misori and the others, while Shiroo stays with Hideki. Shiro puts him to bed while waiting for Arashi, apprehensive and confused.
A few minutes later, Misori, Rukka and Kensuke arrive in the room and are faced with that desperate scene. Misori runs to Hideki, saying:
-Hideki?! Wh...what happened to him, Shiro?!
-I don't know... I had heard a loud noise and I came to see how he was, he didn't answer, and when I opened the door, he was on the floor.
-Call Yuri, Arashi! Rukka, Kensuke, help me with it, let's make a healing seal.
Both accept the request and go to the two. Arashi and Shiro go after Yuri to ask for support. Yuri goes out into the hallway and sees Arashi and Shiro running, then asks:
-Where are you going in such a hurry?
Arashi responds:
-It's Hideki... he passed out and is hemorrhaging a little... we need his help.
-Oh damn... come on, quick!
-Yea!
Both finally arrive in Hideki's room, where Misori, Kensuke and Rukka perform a healing procedure on Hideki. Misori sees Yuri, and says:
- Glad you finally showed up. We managed to stop the bleeding, but...he's still unconscious...
-Do you know how that happened?
-No... Shiro found him lying on the floor when he entered the room...
-I see...the scar on his face has increased...what is this anyway?
-I asked myself the same question...
Rukka asks:
-He'll be fine?
-With the hemorrhage contained, I believe so, I need to keep an eye on him, in case something happens.
Kensuke says:
-We'll stay here too, the more support the better.
Rukka confirms:
-That's it! I believe that tomorrow he will have awakened.
Yuri takes a deep breath, and responds:
-I hope so. Now we have to find out what happened to him.
Shiro says:
- Guys, look at this.
Shiro brings Hideki's album, saying:
-That was open on the reading table.
Yuri answers:
-So he was reading...but what's in this book?
Misori responds:
-His old Memories Album...
-"Memories Album"?
-Yes...we went to visit old friends of mine...and they had saved it at Hideki's request, before we left on a trip...
-I see...I think that explains some things.
-Explain...?
-I think so. He may have collapsed due to his memories conflicting with the correction process he went through...
-Collapse?! Will he...recover...?
-Yes, it will, it's a matter of time, we must keep an eye on him, and take care of him until he wakes up.
-I see...
Rukka takes Misori's hand, and says:
-We'll help, Misori.
Arashi adds:
-That's right! Kensuke and I too! Isn't it, Kensuke?
Kensuke says:
-Exactly. Hideki is our friend, and important to you, we won't let anything bad happen to him, especially now that he finally trusts us. We must help in whatever we can.
Yuri smiles, and says:
-Your enthusiasm is contagious indeed. He'll be fine, I guarantee you.
Shiro says:
-Hideki is my friend...even if I don't have the same ability as you...I'll help my friend, whatever it takes.
Yuri smiles slightly, and says:
-You changed that thought of distrust and enmity pretty quickly didn't you, boy?
-You don't seem like bad people... they even gave me a name, duh. Hideki is my only friend, he saved me when I was in trouble, I owe him one.
Misori smiles, and says:
-Thank you, Shiro.
-Y...You're welcome.
-I'll stay with him tonight, okay, Yuri?
Yuri answers:
-Understood, I'll stay close if you need.
-All right. Guys, try to rest, if something happens, I'll call you right away.
Shiro approaches and says:
-It's going to be okay, right?
Misori smiles briefly, and replies:
-He is going yes...
-We'll show up if you need to. Goodnight.
-Good night, Shiro, everyone.
Everyone wishes them good night, and leaves the room, Misori arranges Hideki on the bed, and worriedly, takes his hands. The hours pass and Hideki looks tense, as if he is having a nightmare, Misori hugs him, then says:
-It's going to be okay...it has to be...I'm here with you. I... I'm not sure what's going on, but I'm staying with you until you get better.
Misori lightly kisses Hideki's face, and says:
-Goodnight dear...
The night goes by, and Misori manages to rest hugging Hideki. Meanwhile, in the complex, an unusual movement starts.
A squad leader organizes his troops, and warns them:
-Soldiers, pay attention! It was reported that three army traitors stole the cargo that was being transported to the cathedral base near the tower! Our instructions are to locate, intercept, and capture the traitors, bringing them into custody to the supervisor!
-YES SIR!
-Our troops have already identified the individuals in question. Class D Recruit, 0466, Class D Recruit, 0513, and Class A Research Lieutenant Supervisor Shuhei Yuri.
The troops are in an uproar, with small murmurs spreading through the place:
-"Mister Yuri?!"
-"How is it possible?"
-"I didn't think he could betray the country so suddenly."
-"I would never suspect."
The leader then says:
-Enough! These are the individuals accused of treason by the empire. One of them had been reported and associated with the "Blue Code" protocol.
-"The blue code?"
-"That means that..."
-"Impossible."
-This means, gentlemen, that we have to be cautious, as we are now dealing with beings of Omega rank.
The troops are surprised and silent. The leader complements:
-As you may know, the only ones that fit this classification are our leaders, who are the priority in protection! Our duty is to retrieve the specimens! Seal the quadrant of a thousand specimens, and go in search of the traitors! Already!
The troops are moving at full speed, with knights and soldiers in the field, armed with their swords and spears. As the leader prepares to accompany them, a lieutenant appears, and says:
-Apparently, they're on their way out.
-Oh! Yes sir! We are preparing for the search and seizure of specimens!
-No formalities, soldier.
-S...sorry, sir. Sir, why can't we... eliminate traitors?
-This is a decision of the supervisory board, I must abstain from this information.
-I see. Tell me sir, if we are in danger of rebelling, why do we still offer training to specimens?
-Simple. In addition to avoiding suspicion and mistrust, the correction process offers us powerful specimens to test the strengths of the Banshees, and those that survive can be selected to receive the "blessing".
-By the way sir, the Banshee troops are ready in their first wave.
-Splendid, I will report this to the Supervisor.
-Sir, we must leave.
-Of course, follow the troops, I'll move the rest of the complex.
-Yes sir!
- (laughs) the receptacle is getting ready...
Back at the inn, the day finally clears, and Misori slowly awakens. With a slight yawn, Misori gets to her feet, rubs her hands over her eyes gently, then looks away. Hideki hasn't woken up yet, which makes Misori think:
-Why did this happen so suddenly...?
Misori takes a deep breath, and says:
-I'll get you something to eat... I just have to find a way to make you eat.
Misori walks to a closet, puts on her white dress, and heads for the door. As soon as it opens, Kensuke and Yuri are outside. Misori says:
-Good morning, gentlemen.
Kensuke answers:
-Good morning, Misori. Did you have a good rest?
-The best I could...
Yuri says:
-What about Mr Yamada?
-Still nothing... my concern now is to find a way to feed him while he is like this.
-Don't worry, I can fix it with a simple alchemical seal.
-How so?
-Alchemists try to save their physical energy as much as possible, but when we don't have any resources, we can use our own mana to supply us, maybe I can convert that and help Lord Yamada to recover his energy.
-That might help. Thank you, Yuri.
-No need to thank, miss.
Kensuke says:
-The other three are in the main hall waiting for us, let's go.
-S...sure.
Misori takes one last look at the room, and says:
-See you soon, dear.
After closing the door, Misori goes to the lobby to meet the other members of the group. As they discuss the situation, everyone looks confused and apprehensive. Shiro holds Hideki's book, and says:
-Should...should we read it?
Kensuke answers:
-This could help us better understand what caused his breakdown, however, it would be an invasion of his privacy.
Arashi says:
-The guy has been unconscious since yesterday, I think our main concern is what caused this, isn't it?
Rukka says:
-You're right, but... still, I wouldn't want to wake up and know that someone has been going through my things.
-I know that, Rukka. But the point is, maybe there's something relatable in this book.
Misori takes a deep breath, and after a few seconds, she says:
-We can't read that.
-What? Why?
-This album is important to him, we cannot read it without his consent.
-But Misori... you more than anyone should be interested in what might have caused this to Hideki.
-And I am...but I can't do something like that, it's against my principles.
Rukka says:
-Then I think we'd better wait...
Shiro suddenly asks:
-Guys... are you feeling this cold too?
Yuri says:
-Cold...?
-Yeah.
-Now that you commented, it cooled a little.
Arashi says:
-Do you want me to light something?
-No need, Arashi.
Misori says:
-I'll see how Hideki is.
-Of course, if you need anything, just let us know.
-I know. Thanks.
Misori walks up the stairs and into the bedroom. Rukka says:
-She worries a lot about him...
Kensuke says:
-They have some kind of very strong bond, the least is to worry about each other.
-You're right...
Shiro asks:
-Miss Rukka...what does Miss Misori have with Hideki?
-They've known each other for a long time, Shiro. They must have some very strong bond.
-Like...a couple?
-We... we don't know for sure, but everything indicates that it is.
Arashi responds:
-What is, "everything indicates yes"? They slept together and everything by now.
-I know, but... I find it curious.
Yuri says:
-You worry too much about unnecessary things, young people. We must stay focused, Hideki is still unconscious.
Kenzuke says:
-We know...you're right. Let's focus on supporting him until he wakes up.
Arashi says:
-Just when I was going to train with him...
Misori, while on her way to Hideki's room, feels the cold that Shiro mentioned more and more intensely, and upon reaching the door, she notices something strange. When trying to open it, the door jams several times, and when she finally manages to enter the room, she sees the floor covered by a thin layer of ice, almost as if a small frost had hit the room. Misori hurries towards Hideki, who in turn is extremely cold. Hideki's expression is one of agony, which makes Misori worried:
-Dear!? What's happening?
Hideki wakes up, but not in the bedroom, but in an empty place, with no visible furniture or structures, or even people. As he breathes, Hideki notices the steam coming out of his mouth, but he doesn't feel the cold, which makes him even more confused:
-Where am I?
Hideki starts walking slowly, but doesn't seem to move. He continues, this time, gradually increasing his speed, to the point where he ends up running, but nothing changes, he still doesn't seem to have moved out of place.
Suddenly, a distant voice reaches Hideki's ears, saying:
-"The knight returns to his duty. With his sword in one hand, and honor in the other."
-Who said that?!
-"Calm down, my son. You are safe."
-I... I've heard that voice...
-"Remember, my son. Your effort was not in vain, but your task is not complete."
-Task...?
-"Your destiny in life is to protect the light...the hope of the world."
-You... say, Misori?
-"Correct. Remember your duty...your love."
Hideki looks around, and sees nothing. So he asks:
-Where I am?
-"At this moment, your mind and your body are one and none. You are in everything, and in nothing."
-How did I get here...?
-"Your past revealed the way to you. Pain was the key, but you will recover soon."
-The album...
-"Do you know who you are, knight?"
-I...
-"Did they take away your purpose?"
-I don't know... who I am.
-"Lift your head, Hideki. And look at whoever desires you."
-Wh...what?
Hideki looks forward, and sees Misori, hugging him, a brief, blurry vision, followed by Misori's sweet voice in a tone of anguish. Hideki asks:
-What happened to me...?
-"You left your body for a moment. Now, it's here."
- Why did you bring me here?
-"To show him who you really are."
-You called me a knight...
-"Have you read your book, Hideki?"
-I did...
-"You are the protector of the daughter of light. The one you loved, and that you will always love."
-I... I don't remember her.
-"But your heart did. Since you saw it, your life had changed. It's not by chance, it's destiny."
-What you mean...?
-"When you're near Misori, your heart doesn't fit in your chest. Your voice trembles, and your body weakens."
-How do you-
-"I know you, Hideki. I gave you a purpose, to protect you."
-Why does everyone want to condemn me to do something for the rest of my life...?
-"I didn't do this to imprison you, I did this to release you."
-What do you mean...?
-"Your world was empty, without purpose... without love. It gave you a reason, something to watch over and protect, to learn what it is to feel."
-I...
-"You let yourself be captured to protect her. You suffered, to prevent her from suffering. You cried, so that you wouldn't see her cry. However, they persecuted you and the people you belonged to. I gave you another chance, and they tried to take my gift from you. Don't let it."
-What...?
-"Look at her, Hideki. Look at the person who ran for years to save you."
-Save me?
-"There are countless evils in this world, which need to be contained. You are the due protectors of honor and virtue. Your people suffer at the hands of Kyoshi, don't let this last."
-Why should I protect her...?
-"It's simple... without her, your life would not be the same. Your heart and body belong to Misori, as well as hers to you. They are joined by flesh and soul, they cannot be separated."
-And... what should I do?
-"Fight, be strong, and reach your powers. You will change the world alongside your people, set them free, lead them, be the knight you promised to be for her."
-I don't know how I can do this...
-"You know the army...they will do everything to turn you into a monster, don't allow it."
-What part of "I don't know how I'm going to do this" that you didn't understand, dammit?! I'm just a soldier...no matter what I was before...now I'm just a traitor...
-"Wrong."
-What?
-"Wrong. It is not one of them, nor will it ever be. Protect your reason, protect all virtue, protect your light..."
-I don't know who I am...
-"Hideki."
-Yes?
-"Report your days again, starting from the last blank page, the page that will remember your new journey of discovery."
-But...how can I write with so many things happening?
-"You have time, do it, and just rediscover your true self."
-I see...
-"You will come back, remember to spend more time with her."
-More time...with her?
-"Strengthen your powers, and protect your freedom, your family, your beloved, and your people. The future holds greatness for you."
A light begins to appear above Hideki, and then the surroundings begin to fade. Hideki asks:
-After all who are you?
-"I am the light... be careful, knight...your journey is arduous, but the reward is certain."
After a flash, Hideki wakes up scared, and with that, Misori is also scared. After seeing that Hideki had finally awakened, Misori was surprised and pleased, hugging him, relieved, saying:
-You woke up! Thank heavens! You woke up!
Hideki looks around confused, and asks:
-What... happened?
-You passed out last night after reading your album.
-I...was unconscious since then?
-That's right.
-How strange...it seems that it's only been a few minutes...
-How do you feel, Hideki?
-Strange...
-How so? Are you feeling any pain?
-Not actually...
-So what is it?
-I...I'm very confused.
-Want to talk about it?
-Well, it's just... I heard a voice...
-One voice"? And what did it say?
-It said that I was a knight... that I was sent to protect the daughter from the light.
Misori is surprised, and says:
-You told me that the first time we met... I never understood what you meant by that.
-But...in the album it said that I told you who you were...
-You told me I was some kind of fallen goddess or something, it only made me more confused, but then I understood who I was.
-And... who am I?
-Hideki, lie down.
-What? W...why?
- Hurry up, you fool. I'll tell you a story.
-R...right.
Hideki lies down, and then Misori follows him, resting beside him, which leaves him surprised and a little anxious. Misori asks:
-Ready?
-F... for what!?
-(laughs) For the story, Hideki.
-Of course...the story.
-Very well, let's see...I lived in this village since I was little, it was a small and peaceful community, but one day, the king died, making the country go into crisis, so our village began to suffer from it. I was too young to understand what it was all about, and my parents wouldn't explain anything to me. A cult, called "Apostles of Marble" was gradually taking control and gaining confidence from the people, including the military.
-The white army...
-Some alchemist wizards, became leaders in the army, and with that, some bad things started to happen.
-Like what...?
-They began to oppress our village, and our commercial allies were warned to cut off dealings with us, so money became scarce. This got worse and worse over the years, but fortunately, some foreign provinces started to be interested in products that tourists could get here, and with that, our village grew again.
-Okay but... why did the church and the army do this?
-Yuri told me the reason...apparently, Marble considers us inferior...they say we're not worthy of "utopia" in Kyoshi's eyes.
Hideki is surprised, and says:
-U...Utopia...?
-Do you know what this is?
-Utopia is a city affiliated with the army...we were told in the complex that our duty was to protect the residents at all costs...but what do you mean "they aren't worthy"?
-I was also confused... as I understood, Kyoshi, the god of Chaos, is the source of Marble's belief, and we have something to do with his defeat.
-I see... then hate must have culminated.
-Apparently, yes.
-But... if so, why did they train me in the complex instead of killing or imprisoning me?
-I...I'm afraid this is part of a bigger plan...
-"bigger plan"?
-While I was there, I heard the guards saying something about some receptacle...
-Receptacle...?
-I didn't understand anything...but I'm afraid of what might happen...
-I see...
-But I know that's not what you want to hear. You want to know where you get into this whole story.
-Y...yes.
-Look... I don't know much about it, I just know what you explained to me.
-All right...
-When we first met, I was running away from some soldiers, when you suddenly appeared. You wore blue armor and finished them off quickly, when you took off your helmet you said you were "sent by light to protect me".
-Protect?
-When you told me that, I was confused, you were sent to protect me, but over time...things got different.
-What do you mean by "different"?
-Every day, you wrote to someone, telling how your work was going, until... you and I got closer...
-What happened?
-You decided to stay with me permanently...
-I did?
-You said you would stay with me, and help me protect my people.
-Your people...
-At that time, the army was chasing us, and I decided to help prevent that from happening. You started helping me using the ropes, for some reason, they showed Kensuke and the others.
-Misori...
-Yea?
-I...I don't quite understand what all this means...I'm sorry...
-It's okay...after all, I don't even understand right...
-But...
-What?
-I want to find out. That voice...said to spend time with you...if it will make me understand, I will.
-Hideki...
-I don't understand why, but... whenever I'm near you, I feel a sense of euphoria, I want to understand where this comes from.
-Well... we'll help you.
-I...may not be Hideki from before...but...
-(laughs)
-What?
-You are you, it doesn't matter if it's from before or now, you're still Hideki.
Hideki feels strangely relieved by Misori's statement, and says:
-I... must strengthen myself. I'm curious about these skills I have...if they are part of my past, I want to understand them better.
-I know you can do it.
-I hope so...
-Hideki...
Misori then takes Hideki's hands and pulls the blanket over them, saying:
-Let's rest, okay?
-Are you going to sleep here!?
(laughs) I slept here while you were unconscious.
-"If she knew how weird that sounds, she wouldn't say it so normally..."
-Besides, I need to keep an eye on you. I'll make sure it's safe.
-I...see.
-Hideki.
-Y...yes?
-I hope you remember everything.
-Me too.
-Good night, Hideki.
-Good night.
Hideki spends the night, recalling his life at the compound, and remembers how out of place he felt. Shiro was his only friend inside, and perhaps the only one he should really trust. The night passes quickly in Hideki's eyes, but luckily, he manages to rest.
The next day, Hideki reunites with the group. With everyone present, Arashi says:
-We thought you were at rock bottom, man.
Rukka adds:
-Exactly. It was so sudden that we didn't even know how to react.
Shiro, go to Hideki, and ask:
-How do you feel, bud?
Hideki responds:
-A little nauseous, but no pain.
Kensuke says:
- Yuri and I talked about what might have caused his fainting, and we came to a conclusion based on something that happened to Yuri himself.
-How so?
Yuri answers:
-His consciousness of him conflicted with the army's correction process, causing his body to collapse.
-I see...
-Misori was taking care of you with great zeal.
Hideki looks towards Misori, and says:
-Thanks...
Misori is surprised, and her face turns slightly red. She then answers:
-N... no need to thank me. You'll end up making me awkward.
-(laughs) sorry. Guys, can I talk to you for a moment?
Hideki gathers the whole group, gets up, and says:
-While I was unconscious...a person told me that I have a purpose. Yesterday, Misori explained a lot of things to me, about my past and hers, and how it comes to you. It's been almost three weeks since we've all been together and...I feel a part of something, the army has always bothered me, but knowing these things now...my annoyance has become more pertinent than ever.
Arashi asks:
-Where do you want to go, Hideki?
-I want to know who I really am... that's why I want to be taught how to use my skills.
Everyone is surprised and happy, so Hideki continues:
-You treat me like family since we met, and I feel like part of one, and now, even my friend Shiro is adapting. With you guys, I can reclaim my past, but more importantly, maybe I can have a better future.
Rukka comes to Hideki, and asks:
-Do you really trust us, Hideki?
-Well, my heart trusts, I don't quite understand why, but that's what I feel.
-I understand. We are a family, we will help you with whatever you need.
-Thanks, Rukka, guys.
Arashi says:
-Get ready Hideki, I won't go easy on you in training!
-(laughs) I'm counting on it, Arashi.
Hideki finally begins to accept his new lifestyle, his heart feels comfortable, so he decides to follow that feeling. This young man's life had already started long before he could have imagined it, and now he is ready to retake the reins of his destiny!