"Come in, and close the door behind you."
It was early in the morning, and Nyota leaned on Jora's desk in the classroom while Jora stood with his arms crossed. Sage and Kilo did as they were told.
"Okay…" Kilo started ruffling through his hair and rubbing his eyes. "What's up? What's the rush? I wanted to sleep in a bit longer."
Nyota appeared serious and didn't respond.
"You would've had to wake up at this time anyway," Sage retorted. "We're always somewhat early."
Kilo was tempted to respond, but he read the room and saw the expression on Nyota's face. It was clear they were all together to talk business.
Sage turned back to the other two. "What's up, Nyota? I got your text. Whatever's going on must be serious."
Jora gestured to Nyota. "You first."
"I think I have two different sets of memories. One I remember, and one I don't.
The one I remember is vague and shallow, as simple as growing up in an orphanage and that's about it. There's also reason for me to believe that none of it ever happened.
Maybe it's all a bad dream, I don't know. But I know there's a lot of important information I can't seem to remember."
On top of that, I noticed Noriko's wingman giving me a weird look."
"Well, that's attentive." Sage commented. "And what's the significance of that?"
Nyota shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. There might not be any, but it's worth pointing out."
The claims staggered Sage and Kilo, having no idea of how to react to the information presented in front of them.
"His name is Elwin," Jora interjected. "I don't know that much about him, but he's been her right-hand man for as long as I've personally known her."
"And how long has that been?" Kilo asked.
"A few years now." Jora shook his head. "I believe you, Nyota. I just really hope this isn't all one bad fever dream."
He shook his head. "I'm still just as confused, but it can't be. Remember, I had dreamed of the name 'Noriko' before I ever remember hearing about her. What are the chances I'd recognize her identity before I ever remember hearing of or seeing her myself?
It is worthwhile questioning why my mother is even able to speak to me in my head in the first place, but I mean, let's think about it.
Take the continental orbs for example, if we know gods exist…" Nyota announced his thoughts aloud, hoping Jora and the brothers would receive them well.
Kilo wiped his nose and shook his head. "Nah, that's crazy. You can't be a god," he denied. "That's ridiculous!"
"No, I'm not," Nyota pleaded. "I'm simply saying that we shouldn't rule out the supernatural."
"No, you have a point." Jora was still deep in thought, trying to rationalize all the new information revealed to him.
Nyota noticed Jora's stressed appearance. "I really do appreciate you lending an ear for as long as you have, Jora. You two, as well." He turned to Sage and Kilo.
"But please understand that this is what I know to be my life, it's all I know. Right now, solving this memory is my biggest priority, and so I've got to see it through.
I acknowledge you have no obligation to stay by my side, and I wouldn't want to be the reason for anyone other than myself getting hurt."
The room went quiet for a minute. Nyota observed the anxious expressions of the others. He knew he would be anxious himself were he to go through with his objective by himself.
But he'd much rather be alone than be the reason for the destruction of his newfound family. He refused to have a guilty conscience.
After the brief silence, Sage began. "I'm with you."
The others looked at him before he continued. "I told you long ago you're family, so I'll do what I can to help you. As annoying as Kilo can be, I'd give my own life to save his.
And as far as I'm concerned, I personally benefit from exposing Noriko for who she is. I came into this with the expectation of helping others. I'm going to continue to do just that."
"Gee, thanks, I guess," Kilo responded sarcastically before turning his attention back to Nyota. "But yeah, I agree with him. You're my brother now, so I've got your back.
And I want to become as strong as possible—and be a hero." He grinned, "What better way than to put myself in a difficult situation for the benefit of a friend as well as the rest of the world? I could use the thrill!"
Nyota smiled before he and the brothers redirected their attention. "Jora?"
He was turned away from them before swiftly turning around. Initially standing with his arms crossed, he raised a hand in confusion.
"What? I never said I disagreed with you. Noriko is a very secretive individual and it's typical that evil comes with politics. It's just," he paused.
"I just can't help but ponder how it's even possible for her to have a hand in your memory, and if she somehow is, how she manages to keep all of this under wraps."
He directed his attention to Nyota, Sage and Kilo. "I've got your backs, and I'm proud of you. This is the job of a Lunanova soldier, the real job, to uphold ethics and every good.
I already told you that you had my green light, and my sentiments on the matter have not changed."
"So, what's the word?" Kilo asked. "We're all still on the same page, and we know what we're dealing with. What do you want to do from here, Nyota?"
Nyota smiled, a feeling of relief flowing through his body. "Alright, here's the deal.
Right now, I've got my eyes on helping Nora help me resolve this puzzle, figuring out my alleged buried memory and making it provable. Her first suggestion was to find out more about Noriko."
"That's very ambitious." Jora stroked his chin. "I'd say right now, none of us are remotely close to being able to get intel on her."
Nyota added. "That's right, nothing we can do now. For now, we carry on training for the tournament and get gold so we can choose our agencies and factions and receive higher rankings. Next, we graduate and choose."
Sage commented. "I think the three of us are all choosing EPSA and the police faction." Nyota and Kilo nodded in affirmation.
"Well if that's the case, you'll be stationed at a police precinct after you graduate, just so you know what to expect from here." Jora stretched his arms. "From there, you're basically free to explore and do whatever else you see fit.
Anyway, your squad mates are going to start coming in soon. Let's consider this meeting adjourned, then, shall we?"
Nyota and the brothers nodded their heads in agreement.