Everything is quiet.
She wanted to scream, she wanted to be sure if anyone was there. But somehow she knew that she was alone. She tried to concentrate. She tried to control her feelings, so she can focus her mind and thoughts. She took a deep breath and scanned the area, not just the room. "It's a beautiful place." She can see the greeneries, the colorful flowers, the trees, and the butterflies.
A new home
She noticed that she had never been here before. It was not the ravaged area. Everything seemed to be well taken care of. Her room is clean and almost empty Only a few gadgets and electrical devices can be seen here and there. And there is only one bed available and one sofa bed and one single seater.
It was then that she realized. She doesn't know what those appliances are. "I've never seen things like that. It seems out of this world, but the sofa seems very comfortable.
She focused on her wrist. The restraint on both of her wrists was off. And the IV has already been taken off. Then she focused on her ankles. I am free. She suddenly realized that Tomo was by her side. Where could he be now? Or was I dreaming?
She sat up, slowly getting down from the bed, and tried to stand up. She felt wobbly. She sat down again. She put both her legs on the bed again. She remembered the steel that went through her legs. No wounds can be seen. She rubbed the part. It doesn't hurt at all. It looks as if she was never hurt at all.
She noticed that she was wearing green tight pants and a matching T. "This is not The Place. Everything was white there. While here, the rooms are blue and the clothes green. Maybe I will soon see the colorful colors of nature. It must be the new place.
All of a sudden, she panicked. Or am I in captivity? Or am I in another dream? Her mind was muddled. She doesn't actually know where she is, but she could feel kindness and the beautiful nature here. She can feel it in her bones. But she immediately said to herself, "I may be wrong. I was totally wrong about Jun and Ryoma. So I could be wrong again," she reminded herself.
However wobbly, she kept trying to walk through the corridor and out of the door.
"Hello," said a young woman in a nurse uniform. "I'm Teri. I see that you are better, but please rest first and I will bring you breakfast., " she said while holding Tiara's arm and taking her back to bed.
"If this is another dream, I hope it will be a nice dream. Not a nightmare, Tiara thought.
In just a few minutes, nurse Teri brought her tray of breakfast.
Tiara didn't realize that she was this hungry until she ate all the porridge and milk. "This is like the fourth time I think I had breakfast in bed," Tiara said. The nurse smiled, and said, "You are the very person who should be served breakfast in bed." the nurse said as she took the tray away.
Tiara can smell the scent of flowers. Yes, she is more sensitive now. All her senses have a great advancement. Despite Jun and Ryoma's attempt to ruin her, it seems to have backfired. She became more powerful.
She tried to walk, this time with the nurse's permission. Tiara found a low wall, separating the terrace of the building and the garden. She sat down on the low wall just outside the door and started to scan.
"I am on a planet. A beautiful planet. If only mom was here. "She tried to hold her tears. Her past disappointment of knowing her mother was not real and just imagery broke her and made her fragile. "Will I ever find my mother? Will I see the real her? See her for real?" She sighed and took a deep breath. "Even when my senses have elevated, I still cannot locate my mother."
"I've got to be strong," She reminded herself over and over, to boost her self-confidence, which she almost lost, due to her traumatic experience with Jun. "But I don't know if I can face a battle again." She closed her eyes, in the hope to calm herself.
"It's good to see you looking well." She heard a familiar voice in her head. In her mind, she can see Tomo walking toward her. She instantly opened her eyes, got up, and walked toward him.
"Tomo, is that you? You're alive!" Tiara's voice trembled, as she was so happy to know that there was someone she knew, that she was not alone. She forgot that she had met him in her semi-unconscious state.
Tomo held both of her hands as if to assure her that it is really him. But looking at her expression, Tomo knew that Tiara's senses and abilities have heightened. She is almost to the level of her mother, who was known for her unimaginable abilities and the goodness of her heart. And Tiara can be even more.
Tomo was thinking of a way how to tell Tiara why he didn't rescue her when she was in desperate need.
"It's alright," she said. "You don't have to say sorry for not helping me when Jun held me captive."
"You read my mind," Tomo said feeling embarrassed.
Tiara shook her head. "Please tell me. I really want to hear the story. To be honest, I was confused, distraught, and almost lost my mind."
Tomo pointed to a bench a bit farther away. Tiara could see the small yellow flowers behind the bench. "It's beautiful," she whispered.
"You will see much more colorful flowers here. Not only that, there are wonderful surprises for you to see," said Tomo looking at her smiling face. "Everything will be alright," he said to himself.
They both sat down. Tiara sat on the edge of the bench. Feeling impatient to hear what Tomo has to say.
"This story is from what I've seen and know. I also would like to know what really happened, from your point of view, from your experience because I'm sure there's so much that we don't know," said Tomo. "I will start from the day of the battle where you shot the villain's vessel."
We were losing the battle, I saw our troopers injured. I backed out to help our guys, it was at that time when I saw Jun. You said that he had another blue ball. a purplish one. I thought it couldn't be the one that we took from him because the blue was still in my pocket. Prior to your vision, we never knew that he had two, Tomo explained.
"Yes, I saw him contacting someone, which I guess is the attacker. I was so mad with anger. That was when I told you," Tiara said.
Tomo continued, "I rushed towards him from behind him, but he knew I was going for him. I think it's because he had the blue ball. It was like he had a sixth sense. He shoved the blue ball toward me and a very bright light shone. For a moment I felt I couldn't move. I felt paralyzed. Then he laughed, a loud sneering laugh. Luckily, I had the blue ball, so the paralyzing only lasted for a couple of seconds, and I was able to move again. Meanwhile, the attack started, and Jun left. I was going to run after him, but I heard something vaguely."
It was then Tomo heard a voice. Tomo asked him where he was, and how could he find him. "I am held captive. I don't know where I am. I cannot telepathize. I think I've lost my power. " That was what he said. His voice sounded very tired. "I asked him his name, but a moment later, I lost contact. Only later I thought, maybe he could be in the same place as you"
"I ran back to my post and looked at where you were standing. You were still standing strong. While around me, I saw troopers who needed help immediately. After I sent them to a safe place. I looked for you. I saw that you were wounded, but then I saw you place shields on all the troopers, vessels, and yourself. So I thought you were okay. I also remembered running towards you. I heard you tell the troopers and pilots to retreat. I lost focus on you. I helped them all until I knew they were all safe." he held his breath.
He exhaled, then continued, "It was at that time, I ran towards you. I knew you were in danger, and I had to help. I saw you standing. I heard you scream, a high-toned and ear-hurting shriek. You were aiming toward the main vessel. You shot it down, and it went into flames. Then everything was like a whirlwind. Vessels falling. Fire everywhere. I saw Jun lying there near you. I thought he was dead, but it turned out I was wrong. I was totally wrong. After a couple of seconds, I looked for you, but I couldn't see you. I saw Ryoma running away, but I didn't follow him. I felt I couldn't care less about him. I tried to find you but you were nowhere to be seen. I felt distraught and dispirited. I have failed you. I panicked. I felt at fault."
"I think that was my last memory. I don't really know what happened after that. Not one single building was left standing. Everything was leveled to the ground. Dave said he came back when he heard the blast. He took me with him. But before that, he searched for you. He couldn't find you. All he saw was a pool of blood and a bloody machete. It was only then, we found out that it was your blood."
That was the time Tomo felt devastated and at loss. He went back there. "I walked around and Jun's body was not there anymore. That was the moment I realized that you were abducted by Jun. I knew I have to go back here, to get more information. so I could find you."
"So you mean, this place was already here even when I'm hurting my back to save The Place?" Tiara cut in. "Why didn't you tell me? So all this time you didn't trust me enough to tell me about this place, and no one even tell me? " she said in disbelief. Tiara felt hurt and humiliated because as she gave her all to them, nobody trusted her enough to tell her. "You even used my name for that place, just to use me?"
"Tiara, You can be mad at all of us, especially at me, as much as you want, " Tomo said, looking straight at her. "I did mention to you that all are safe in a new place. remember? I couldn't tell you more because we are not in a safe place. I was scared that someone is listening. I don't want to put the community in danger again.
"Yes, I remember now. You also told me not to sacrifice myself."
Tomo admitted that he did not really trust her for the first couple of years. One of the things is that she joined the team when there were a couple of leaks in the system. I was not suspicious of Jun and Ryoma, after all, as far as I know, they were the pioneers of The Place. I was asked to join later on. So it never crossed my mind that they were the evil ones.
"But then you had the accident. That was the time I became suspicious of Jun and Ryoma." Tomo then told her that her mental abilities became even stronger over the years. So he was pretty sure that she couldn't have fallen on the edge when picking blueberries like a careless school kid.
And the last straw was, that they didn't take you home immediately to treat you but put you in an empty place far from everyone. I saw Ryoma use the imagery of your mother, in that house.
"I searched Ryoma and Jun's offices every time I had the chance. I had to find out. It was at that moment I had proof of how they were not the good guys I thought they were. And I made a guess of what really happened at the time they hijacked the vessel."
"My father was the one who built the vessels and build both sanctuaries. A place for people to be safe. He did everything in secret, not one single person in the family knew, except my mother, what he was exactly been doing, because he did not want to put us in danger. I've tried hard to find my father, just to know whether he is still alive or not. But until now, though I can feel, deep in my heart, that he is well."
'I'm sorry. I didn't know about you and your father. I was also too focused on myself, on finding my mom that I'm not aware of your difficulties, or maybe other people's difficulties. God, I was so selfish," Tiara heaved a deep breath.
"It's okay. You couldn't have known about it. I never knew that my father was an extreme genius who founded the planets for people to live when the earth was on the verge of being nonexistent. I know that he was a scientist and I know for sure that he was a kind-hearted man. He helped people. But for me, he is just my father, the father who really cares about the family. So when I found out that Ryoma and Jun might have done something to him, I was furious.
"Do you know how bad they were?" asked Tiara.
"No, I don't and I didn't try to find out more. I focused on finding a safe place for everyone after Tiara's Place. And I found this place, which my father had actually prepared."
Tiara told Tomo everything she knew about both, and how they deceived the guards, so they can get into the vessel. Tiara told him, that his father may be in another place. Tiara asked Tomo why he wasn't curious that his father was not with him.
"My father was actually a family man, but his work made him rarely at home. He was more often in his lab. He was a true genius and he dedicated his brain to mankind and to nature. Often I and my family did not see him for months, and often don't know where he is, and he didn't call because he was too focused on his work. Never crossed our mind, that something bad would happen to him or to his work. His work was very sensitive and has strict confidentiality. So he took a step away from us, so we would be safe, as bad men could be hunting for him and his creations."
After finding out that his suspicion is true, Tomo did ask around about his father. The elderly ones remembered asking about him, but it is said that he couldn't come because there is still a lot to do. So they were never suspicious. And they also mentioned that his father always knows who is good and bad, so they are sure that all that who went with them are good people. So they never had any doubts.
Tomo did all the investigation himself because he couldn't let anyone take the blame for his sake. "I didn't involve you at the time because, to be honest, I wasn't quite sure if you would believe me. I remember that you had doubts about me".
"I never meant to put the blame on you," Tomo said hurriedly. "I'm sorry if I sounded like that. I'm never good at explaining myself."
In those days, Tomo tried to find a way to get rid of them. After a couple of months, Tomo decided that he was physically and in artillery no match for them.
"A good deed is something we should heed." It was one of the things his father always reminded Tomo of. So that's what Tomo did. He did good deeds by saving people.
So what did you do? How did you find this place?" Tiara asked.
"Ever since I knew about the incident, I rummaged through my things. maybe there's something or a clue that maybe my father left me something because, at the time, I was just a small kid."
And Tomo was right. In his writing pad that he loved so much, where he used to write his theories of physics, he found slides on how to control the vessels and that Tomo can go to this place if and whenever he is in trouble. His father left him a memo as if he had a vision that this incident will happen.
Tomo did all his work secretly and discreetly in his secret room. "You remember the room where I took you and you became unconscious, don't you?"
"How could I forget? It wasn't a nice experience," Tiara replied smiling.
"Yes, sorry. I haven't really trusted you yet. Although I was starting to."
"When did you trust me then?"
"When I told you about my sister, Even Ryoma and Jun didn't know that. I never really knew why but my father always told us, for safety reasons, not to tell anyone that we are siblings. "In later years, when I was older, I realized that it is possible that bad people may want my father's work, and he didn't want his children to be at any risk. It also may be the reason that he is often away. Both didn't know who my father is. Anda I never told them.
"Well. back to my work," Tomo said and continued, "I did tell Ryoma and Jun, that I wanted every house to have a vessel to create a feeling of safety. They agreed, but what they don't know was that I had pre-set each vessel to land here, but I did not pre-set it on Ryoma and Jun's."
Tomo started by moving the elderly and children first because he knew, both of them will ever have anything to do with the senior citizens. So it's safe to move them and exchange them with interactive virtual images. And then, it was time for families to leave. "Then I send some of the going-to-be-extinct birds and other animals, including the keeper and his sons. I have always trusted his judgment. I think of him as the wise guy."
"So Dave and I created imagery of every person and animal so that no one would get suspicious."
Tomo wasn't too worried about Ryoma and Jun knowing since they never checked or talk to the people. But the imagery was an excellent cover-up. No one in the community was ever suspicious.
"So you're the real genius. And all this time, Jun thought he was the genius," Tiara exclaimed.
"Well, he was a moderate genius since he was a nerdy geek. And he knew how to use me. I helped him build the blue ball, which caused the destruction. So I guess, I am the fool to be fooled like that," Tomo looked down," And I may be the cause of destruction." He looked up at the sky, trying to stop his tears from falling.
"No Tomo, don't blame everything on yourself. You have tried hard to do your best. You have saved a lot of lives. You saved all the children who are the successor of good hearts. They come from loving families and were taught to love not only mankind but also nature and living beings. So you have helped a lot."
Tiara raised her finger to her mouth as if telling Tomo to be quiet. Tiara could sense that someone was approaching. They both stayed still. not saying a word. Until Tiara said," Aaah it is you. I'm so glad to see you." she said without turning around.
As the footsteps get closer, Tomo's sister showed up. "I too am glad to see you, and I see you've met my boring brother, she laughed cheerfully while hugging Tiara. "I'm sorry I interrupted your serious conversation, but I just had to see you."
Tiara smiled, "not to worry. I'm alright."
"I know you will get over any obstacles. You are really special," she said while hugging Tiara again, "Just take care of yourself."
"I will, thank you." Tiara hugged her back and waved happily as Tomo's sister left."
"I didn't know you two know each other,"
"Well, you remember that I often go to the library and she gave me the film on the history of mankind." Tiara stopped for a while, "It was you who asked her to give it to me, wasn't it?"
Tomo laughed. "I forgot about that." he smiled and nodded. "Both didn't want you to know, but I do. I want you to be the knowledgeable Tiara that I knew before you had the so-called accident."
"Thank you. I wish I had known before that you were to be trusted. I had doubts about you too. I wish I hadn't. It's good to have someone you can trust."
"No worries, we are now open and trusting of each other, true?" Tomo said while shoving his knuckles for a fist bump which Tiara accepted happily.
Tomo looked deep into Tiara's eyes and said, "No sadness from now." Tiara smiled.
"So, back to the mistakes that I made. I know I didn't do it on purpose. But I still think that I should have a better judgment of people. To pay for my mistakes, I worked hard to keep this place a haven for all."
After a short silence, Tomo asked, "You do believe me when I say that I tried to look for you, don't you?" Tiara nodded and smiled. "You did find me anyway."
"Yes, I did, but only after you had tremendous torture, as I saw from the condition you and Nino were in."
"Nino?" Is he alive?"
"Yes, thank God, he was still alive when we found him, although barely. A couple of hours late and he couldn't be saved. Only the strange thing is, that there seem to be two personalities in Nino. When he was in treatment, he was sometimes angry, and sometimes so weak to say anything. Sometimes his eyes showed sadness and kindness, but sometimes like he has that harshness in him."
"We have tried to talk to him. At times he is a youngster with a telepathic ability but sometimes..... I don't know.... sometimes he gives the doctors the creeps."
Tiara listened intently. "Could he have double personalities?"
"The psychiatrists said so. So we made a psychiatric program for Nino to follow. After the program lasted, and he passes the exam bar, he can come back to the community. But not before that. And only the team of psychiatrists can give the recommendation."
"He speaks highly of you. And I see him as a person with courage. During the battle, I thought I heard a voice. He got inside my mind and asked me to help you as he knew you were in trouble. But I was too late. I couldn't leave the troopers just like that. And somehow I knew, You would do the same if you were in my shoes."
"Now I guess it's your turn," Tomo said. the palm of his hand on the side up, like he was letting her have the chance to speak."
"I don't think I want to talk about it now. Is it okay?"
"Of course. Sorry to rush you. You have just healed physically. But that was a very traumatic event, so I'm sure it must be harder to mentally heal. You must have thought I have no heart."
"If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't know whether I would survive or not. I'm just glad that you're here with us. You can talk to me anytime, whenever you're ready."
"Now, can you show me where I will be staying?" she said, changing the subject and avoiding awkwardness between them both.
Tomo agreed. "Yes of course. So heartless of me. You should rest in your own home. And... you're not staying, you are living here starting from now, but are you sure you want to be alone? Mika, nurse Teri or I can stay with you until you're totally healed, or maybe just for the night."
"I'd like that," said Tiara while taking a step to follow Tomo. Can Mika stay for the night?
"I'm sure she'd love to. I'll tell her to meet us at your place now."
There are rows of cottage-like houses, with beautiful and different flowers in each garden. They walked until they reach the house on the corner, at the end of the road, which has a beautiful vegetable garden.
Tomo opened the door and let her in.
Tiara's heart skipped a beat as she heard, people in the house, shouting, "Welcome home Tiara." How could I not sense their being? Are they imagery?
A young man stepped forward and said, No Tiara, we are all real." It was Nino. but his voice sounded different. His voice sounds older, like a middle-aged man. She remembered Nino as a teenager. How could he become an adult in such a short time? She was rummaging through her thoughts when she felt people hugging her.
"We tried really hard so as you do not feel our presence. Or else you will not have a surprise welcome. We hope you're not angry."
"Of course not," Thank you. thank you all. Tiara's sight blurred as tears filled her eyes. She never expected to get this kind of welcome. She was really happy, after such a long time.
Not long after, they all left, saying that they were just around the neighborhood and advising Tiara that she should take a rest.
Tiara agreed that she was tired. After everyone left, she looked around the house. In the garage, there was a bicycle and a pod. It seems like a highly sophisticated technology pod, that she did not dare to touch.
She went to her bedroom. and tried the bed. "Hmm very comfy," she thought. She lay there, looking around her room which was very simple, consisting of a bed and a bedside table. There was only a dresser on one side of the wall, The soft pink and white bedcover really made her day, as she loves the combination of pink and white. "I've seen this room before. But where?" Tiara could not remember. It was actually exactly the same as her bedroom at home. But as she was really tired, she just let it go, not forcing herself to think.
"I"m too tired to think. I just wanted to rest." And she did. She had a good night's rest, and to Tiara's surprise, she slept really well, without nightmares or even dreams.
She woke up not too early, feeling very refreshed.
She went to the kitchen, to prepare her morning coffee, and made toast with honey, when she saw Mika. "I'm so sorry. I asked you to stay, but I fell asleep right away."Not to worry. I slept early too and I have made you a healthy breakfast."
After taking a hot shower, and breakfast, Tiara went out with Mika. "It's like the first time I was at The Place. Not knowing where to go or do. But she felt a slight feeling of relief not to be on her own. She did enjoy Mika's company since it helped her to be more relaxed. She told Mika that she wanted to avoid questions and small talk as she knew it would bring her back to the horrible memories. "I know. That's why I brought you here. It's a very quiet place. You can only hear the rippling sound of the river.
" I will leave you now. No one ever comes here. This is my special place and Tomo's too. I hope this can also be your special place."
Mika left, " she said quietly, "Thank you Mika for understanding me. I'm really hoping to not see anyone she knew. Not just yet...
Being normal
Yesterday, she came from the left side of her house. Now she decided to go to the right. The rows of houses are identical to hers. The only difference is the flowers. Every house has a unique flower in its garden.
Walking past the rows of houses, Tiara saw rows of shops. A clothes store, a pharmacy, a bakery, and also a DIY shop.
Tiara got attracted to the DIY shop, wondering what they might sell and how to pay for it.
The bell on the door jingles as she opened it.
There are colorful knitting threads on display. There are cushions and fabric paints, to be used to paint pictures on cushions. There are also oil paints and canvases if you want to try to paint as a hobby.
"I would really like to paint the cushions, but how do I pay for it?".
The woman behind the counter just smiled. "I forgot that you just came. I guess you haven't opened your mailbox. "Every month you will get 'money', to spend for your living. Though you've got to remember not to overspend because that is what you get for a month, not more and certainly not less."
She continued, "please take the cushion and the paint that you like, think of it just as a welcome gift."
"I... I don't think I can take it."
"Yes, you can. We are one big family here. So we really welcome a new member of the family."
"Alright. Thank you very much," Tiara was so happy that her smile never left her face as Tiara headed home, wanting to try her hand at painting cushions"
At almost lunchtime, she heard a ring on her front door. "It's Tomo's sister. "I brought lunch for you, and you can ask anything you want to know."
She casually walk in and saw the cushion. "Ah, so you've gone to the shopping area."
"Yes, but I got it as a gift since I don't have the money yet. She also told me to take the money from the mailbox."
"True. I'll show you." They walk to the entrance on the left side of the garden, where the mailbox stands. She opened it and took an envelope with 'money' in it.
'It's more like a coupon actually.' she laughed, but it is enough to last for a month.' Tomo wanted everyone to feel they have the freedom in spending, just like they used to. But they don't have to work hard to earn it. Just like in The Place, there is no 'work' all there is, is only responsibility and obligation.
"We try to make living here as real as possible, so when your pantry is empty, you've got to buy whatever it is that you need or crave. Tomo made sure that every person can get what they missed or craved. You can go to the grocery store to buy whatever you need by using the coupons."
"Cool, I like that. Just like when I was an orphan, only I had so little back then ..." Tiara stopped. "She was surprised that she remembered it. The effect of the blue ball must have worn off. "I remember my past now. Tomo did say that he didn't want me to forget everything."
Tiara was so surprised. "Yes, I remember I was an orphan. But somewhere in my mind, I have a mom."
That's also the reason I came."They went back inside, and while having lunch, Mika told Tiara that Tomo wanted her to have something of hers, then she took out a package from her bag."
But he asked you not to force yourself in remembering the past. The memories will come in time. That's what he said.
"Thank you, Mika."
It was the package that Anne gave her. She hurriedly opened it. She looked at her jeans, her checkered blouse, and her boarding pass. everything was there. She couldn't stop the tears from falling. " Give my thanks to Tomo"
"Tomo found these when he was preparing for the move-out. He found out that Anne had brought it to you. It was then he realized that it was from the time of the incident when you were unconscious. So he kept it for you," Mika explained.
"I told my brother that he should take them to you himself, but as you now know, he's probably caught up in his brain of his. And he's not good at explaining either."
"Where can I find Tomo?" she asked as Tomo's sister was about to leave.
"Ah, when you get to the end of this road, turn left, and just go straight until you find a small creek. Turn right. It's a totally white house on the right side."
"He's a night owl. So you will find him working until late," she added, "On the right side of his house, is his workshop. He spent most of his time there."
Tiara decided to stay home that day, to practice her mental capabilities. It was over 11 pm when she finally felt tired. "I didn't realize it was this late. I'd better turn off my 'antenna' and go to bed." She laughed at her own joke and turned off the lights. She didn't realize that just at the moment she turned out the lights, someone was in her garden.
The next day, she decided to spend 'me-time' at home. "She still kept her 'antenna' off. She wanted to feel 'normal'. She felt that maybe if she didn't have extra capabilities, she would not have to face the 'troubles', and she would be safe as she was just an ordinary person.
She enjoyed coloring the flower pattern on the cushion, making lunch, and just being her.
The chains
Weeks passed, and she still hasn't approached Tomo. She spent most of her time alone, enjoying the leisurely normal life unless she was practicing, and soon after practicing, she always turns her 'antenna' off. She stopped hearing voices in her head or having images that makes her know what was going to happen. She never felt surprised. But now, she can enjoy the feeling of surprise when someone visits, or just the simple enjoyment of not knowing.
There was a knock on the door. She rushed to open it and Saw Tomo standing outside her door.
"Are you surprised to see me? I don't think I have ever seen your surprised expression.," Tomo said, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, I decided to be normal like most people. I turned my 'antenna' off."
"You sounded as if you wanted to get rid of it."
"Almost correct. I still practice a lot to enhance it. But after the practicing session, I turned it off, and become normal, not reading other people's thoughts. I really like being normal, and not knowing everything" she smiled and her face was bright and happy.
She pats her forehead as if forgetting something. "Oh oh, I wanted to come and see you and thank you properly, but I enjoyed my time so much, that I had postponed the thank you too long," Tiara said apologetically.
"Naah no need for a thank you. Seeing you so happy like this is really worth the trip coming here, so I think I'd better postpone my intention."
"And what was your intention?"
"mmm ... I know it would be hard for you to dig up and relive the terrible moment"
"But you really want to know what really happened," Tiara said, adding to his sentence.
"Come let's make ourselves comfortable, Tiara ushering Tomo to the sofa.
"I brought a coffee latte for you," he said as he showed her the tall glass.
"Ah, so you still remember what I like," said Tiara as she moved to sit on the end of the sofa, while Tomo sat on the one-seater sofa.
"I guess I should start at the end of the battle. As we were losing, I told the troopers and pilots to retreat. I put a barrier for them and also for me because I was wounded. After that, I made myself invisible. As I thought I would be safe because no one could see me. Suddenly I felt an agonizing pain in my back. It was Jun. He stabbed me with the machete. I forced his hand that was holding the knife to stab himself. I thought he was dead, and I focused on the battle. I focused on shooting down the leader and healing myself."
"Heal yourself? That's new." Tomo was surprised.
"Oh yes, I almost forgot to tell you that before I shot the leader down, we had a mental battle. Luckily I was stronger, so I absorbed his abilities, like a sponge. That's when I shot his vessel."
Tomo nodded. "Did you see Ryoma?"
"No, I didn't. Maybe Jun killed him or he had escaped."
"I tried to heal my wound as best as I could, I didn't know I could heal myself. I just did it. and then I lost consciousness. I woke up in a totally dark place..... " She told Tomo everything, not missing anything. She told him, how in the end, she saw Jun lying on his face. "I know he's dead even though I didn't check it."
"Yes, he was. When I got there, I checked on him. That was when I saw you unconscious near the remainder of what was once a wall. Medics quickly took care of you. So I tried to look for Nino. He was there not far from Jun, barely alive. I was so relieved when the medics told me that he will survive.
"How did you find me?"
"I have searched for you ever since the battle ended. I couldn't find you or Jun. So I had the hunch that Jun might have abducted you. For days I couldn't get even the slightest sign from you. A week passed, and I was getting desperate. Until that day, I realized, because you were wounded, you couldn't send a sign, or maybe you were in a dungeon or a cave. Dave and I went back to the place. On our way there, we heard an explosion."
"And oh, we also got a very intense signal. I thought it might be you who send it, so we immediately followed it, and there you were, on the ground. Was it you who send it?
"No, I didn't. I did make it explode because I couldn't handle my rage. I was really frustrated and angry at Jun, at the time. "Could it be my signal?" Tiara asked.
I don't think so, because it was not your distress signal, although I have no idea who could have sent it."
"Do you know exactly where you were held?"
Tiara shook her head. "I think there were only a couple of rooms. Jun was on my left and food was given from a latch on my right. I scanned for a while. It was a basement, but everything was empty. It smelled like an unused building and it had chains. Because Jun chained me to the wall.
"God, sorry that you have to go through that chastisement."
"I'm just glad to be out of there because the next day, he said he was going to rip my scalp to get my power."
"I never thought he was capable of doing that." Tomo kept quiet, thinking. "Is there anyone other than him? Because we found Nino," said Tomo. He brushed his hair nervously. As if he knew there was a missing puzzle.
"Sorry I ruined your day, by asking you all these. Don't think too much of it."
"No, no, ask me. Let's say there are only 3 rooms, where was Nino?
" I don't think I remember Nino. I thought I was the only person held captive."
"Wait, come I think of it... when I scanned the rooms, the width of the pantry door was too small for a wheelchair to pass." Tiara frowned. Her face, and was serious.
"I thought so too when I saw the place where you were held captive. Nino couldn't be held captive there. Tomo saw the expression on her face. Tiara looked seriously thinking and hurriedly changed the subject, as he knew that Tiara didn't really want to use her ability yet. "You are safe now. This is the place my father built and he kept all information in between my things. He wrote that if there was an emergency, I have to come here, and I did. So here we are. Everyone's here.
"One question. So Ryoma and Jun didn't know your plan? Tiara asked.
"Not really. As I was in charge of the technology, so it was not strange if I check every house. I often do that. But this time I modified the vessels. The imagery's also perfect. None realized that most people are just imagery.
"Yes, I was also fooled," Tiara said quietly. "Amazing. I thought I was really with my mother, It's heartbreaking when I found out, she's not real."
"But at the house, when I first came, I was already curious because I did not feel anything when she touched my forehead. And I had a dream, but the mother in my dream is different."
"Sorry. It wasn't made to fool you, and only you can guess that something is not real."
"That prototype wasn't perfected yet, and maybe your dream is just a dream."
"Yes, I've said that to myself."
"Tiara, I'm sorry I've kept things from you. I hope from now on, we will be truthful."
I know. I'm glad everyone is safe."
"Yes, I moved them after this town is livable and had a lot of better things than before."
"It's colorful," Tiara's eyes brightened.
"I knew you would love it. I remember how you brightened when you saw colors."
The glitch
Tiara, I want you to know from the start what I'm doing. So you can join me anytime.
"What are you working on now?
"The barrier. As there is a glitch in the barrier, and if someone has high technology. who knows, maybe one could slip in. I'm still working on it, " he said as he was to leave.
"If you need help, I'll be more than happy to lend a hand."
"Great. Remember, you can visit me anytime. Meanwhile, just get some rest. You need it."
Tiara was glad that she had told Tomo, and gotten it off her chest. Now she can relax a bit. After a week, as she had promised, Tiara joined Tomo in his workshop.
Months passed...
Tomo got good news. It turns out that his father is still on earth trying to fix things and make earth the perfect place to live. Only one thing worried Tomo, and it was when his father commented that there was an unknown signal from inside, and also that he should fix the glitch as soon as possible.
Deep in his heart, Tomo also felt that the glitch could cause serious problems in the future, if not it has happened already. But he has not found the way out. He contacted and consulted experts, but it seems there is no perfect solution yet.
He asks for his father's help, and so they both work day and night to handle the glitch. A few months later, it was fixed. But his father reminded him, that even though the glitch is non-existent, he still should be careful.
"Even if it's just a feeling, you should never brush off an instinct or a feeling. It actually can be the first sign of what the future may hold.
"I personally feel that there is an intruder or someone who shouldn't be there," his father mentioned his 'gut' feeling.
It's true that he can never get away since we have fixed the glitch, but the person could still be there and can still cause enormous problems. Can you think of someone who could be that person?" asked his father.
" I can't think of anyone, because the last time we had a newcomer is when we picked up Tiara and Nino. And I am quite confident that it wasn't them."
"If you are sure of it. Then it is clear that it is not them."
"Although I can't be sure, I feel that a not-good person came here at the end of the battle," Tomo explained.
"Are you sure Tomo?" His father asked.
"I am sure, why?"
"I just feel that sometimes you look as if you are not here, as if your soul is away, even if it is for only seconds of time. Better pay attention to your well-being. Always follow your gut feeling"
"How about Tiara? Did she feel anything?" Tomo told his father about Tiara's trauma and how happy she is to be a normal person. "But I'll try to talk to her."
Antena and dream
Tiara was living like she was having a staycation, living at ease. especially since she blocked out her mental senses most of the time. She enjoyed her almost normal life. She felt relaxed and not always on the edge. She likes the sense of not knowing. She likes the sound of the doorbell and wondering who it was, she likes to walk and talk to her neighbors without reading their minds.
Time passed. Tiara thought that this wonderful life would continue, until one night, she had a dream. Not a whole complete dream, but just bits and pieces.
in her dream, it was as if she is standing on top of a derelict, unlived place. Then she can smell the rain, it brings out a nice foresty smell of the wet ground.
Suddenly she saw flashes of lightning. There was a storm. Everything became dark. She could hear the howling of the wind. She could see the blurry form of a forest.
And a second later, a big flash of lightning hit the ground and she could feel the ground shake hard. her dream went to show a flock of crows hovering above something. She couldn't tell. Then she felt a sudden chill. It was winter, she could feel the snow falling on her head.
She saw the derelict land again, only this time it was clean. No rubbles can be seen. The dream ended, She woke up, sensing that the dream was saying something to her. Though she couldn't understand what.
A couple of nights later, she had this dream again, only this time, there was a man. He was standing with his back to her. for a split second, she saw a slab of metal on the ground near the man.
This time, she woke up with a horrid feeling. "Who was that man? Where was that place?" she cupped her face with both hands.
Tomo has become a reminder for her. She hasn't fully trusted people yet. Not after her mom wasn't her mom. There's always a question mark on the back of her head. She always questioned everything twice.
"I have to tell Tomo about this." She brushed off all her doubts.
The next day, she went to Tomo's house as it is still early in the morning.
"I hope I'm not bothering you," Tiara said as she saw Tomo's face. He hasn't gone to bed yet.
"Of course not. Want coffee? What's worrying you Tiara?"
Tiara then told him about her dreams, and Tomo also talked to Tiara about the conversation he had with his father.
"So you think I should turn my antenna on? Well, okay. I'll keep it on at all times.
"It's okay if you don't want to."
"If it's for the safety of everyone, I will. Don't worry Tomo, I'm over the trauma. And you're not forcing me to do what I wouldn't do"
Both of them felt that the dream was telling her something, though they couldn't tell what it is yet.
"I feel that it could be related to your gut feeling Tomo. So I feel, we should be careful."
"True, and you should tell me if you have another dream."
Afterward, Tomo double-checked the data of who is staying with whom. He was suspicious of the 4 guys who stayed in a share house. There was something not right. Though he cannot pinpoint it yet since the data seems valid.
He was unsure but with the planet's barrier and masking, He felt it was totally safe for all. Despite the safe feeling, Tomo kept working on the teleport pod, which he thought may be needed in the future. So he succeeded in finishing it in a very short time.
It wasn't until a couple of months later did Tiara have another dream.
In her dream, the wind was howling so hard, that she felt she couldn't even hear herself think. She sensed that the man was watching her from beyond the trees. She couldn't see him.
"Who are you?" she shouted at top of her voice, although her voice sounded very soft due to the storm. Suddenly she saw herself at home drinking coffee.
Then the scene went back to the derelict. She felt that she had been here before. "Could it be that it was the place I was held?" She woke up with a jump. She felt her clothes damp and sticking to her skin. She was sweating so hard.
She went to shower to freshen up, but her mind keep trying to mix and match the puzzle. She finished her shower, and felt refreshed but still couldn't construct the puzzle pieces into a whole picture.
She went out and sat on a bench in the pink-flowered park. She took a small thermos flask and a piece of cheese bread, and pour herself a cup of hot chocolate. she didn't drink coffee this time, she was afraid that it might be the cause of the not vivid dream.
"If that was The Place. It must be after I was held there. The rubbles the derelict, Yes, it may be at approximately the same time. But next, there was a forest. Could it be that The Place now looks like in my dream? Could it be that trees have grown, after all these years?" she thought, "hmm, could be," she answered to herself.
She sat up, her eyes wide. "So who was that man?" could it be that someone was living there now, after all these years? It couldn't be Jun. He's dead. I saw him and Tomo confirmed it too."
She thought for a while. Could it be Ryoma? It could be. Had he been living there, all this time? She put her hand on her mouth. She almost screamed out loud at the thought. But she had no proof whatsoever, so she couldn't tell Tomo, not just yet.
She dreamt again, after two days. Only this time, Tomo said without speaking. ; 'Send me to earth - the teleport'. Again the dream ended just like that.
She decided to tell Tomo everything, every detail she remembered since they have made a pact to be open and truthful.
"About the teleport, you know I am working on a teleport. I don't know when I started this project. I just felt that I will need it soon. Could it be that in reality, later on, I will need it?" said Tomo.
"So, that part of the dream could be true. But what about the electric static and the man that I saw? Do you feel you know the man?"
"Yes, I think it is Ryoma. He was here all the time. But he was not a person. He was like a shadow. No... he was like electricity. I felt a horizontal electric static when I saw him," she explained. "When you took me and Nino, was there something electric, a lighting perhaps?"
Tomo tried to remember that day. he did see a static somewhere, but at that time, he didn't really pay attention. He was too focused on helping Tiara.
After about a month, Tiara had another dream. She was not sure it was a dream. It felt more like a vision. She felt a strong feeling that something is wrong and that Ryoma is just waiting for the right time for something, which filled her senses. And Tomo's sentence to send him by teleport was repeated.
"Hmm, maybe I should visit Tomo. I haven't seen him for weeks. And maybe I should ask what he can tell me about my dream. She walked to the workshop. Tomo looked thin and frail. He had black circles under his eyes, a sign that he didn't get much sleep.
"You rarely sleep, don't you Tomo? " Tiara asked him directly.
"No, I don't. I can't. I seem to be living off my human battery and I have to finish everything in time before my battery runs out."
"What do you mean?"
"Sorry. I just don't feel like myself. I felt pain. But I'm not ill."
Tiara looked him in the eyes. "Yes, I can see pain, but there's something else....."
"Let's take a walk.. he said, grabbing his jacket.
After a couple of steps, Tiara asked, "what do you mean by telling me through my mind that I should teleport you to earth."
"Huh?" He looked confused.
" In my dream, you told me to teleport you to earth."
"I don't know. Maybe I just miss my father."
"Maybe," Tiara whispered to herself." But somehow, that's not it."
"Is there something that made you unable to sleep?" Tiara asked.
"I don't know for sure, but I feel I'm not myself when I sleep, and I'm constantly worried about the teleport. I just don't know why."
"Would you like to sleep at my place tonight? Maybe you could get your much-needed sleep."
"Thank you, but I... I'll be fine," he answered nervously.
It was not like Tomo to be nervous. Tiara was full of questions. "Something must be terribly wrong," she thought.
Tiara went home in a muddled mind. " I've got to get to the bottom of this. There is something terribly wrong," she mumbled to herself.
As she lay on her bed, Tiara began to open up all her capabilities. She began to scan. Every house, every corner, every nook. she doesn't want to miss anything. She started at her own house, then she went on to the next. Everything is normal.
After a number of houses, she starts to feel drowsy and slept. her dreams become more real, more vivid. It was like she was looking at her dreams, and she was not part of the dream.
She saw the land of destruction. She now knew that what she has seen was The Place. Farther than the area where she was held captive. The man was standing in the shadows. He was a heavily built man. But everything about him was blurred. It is as if he was not a person. It was as if he was only a shadow or a soul. Suddenly he vanished. "It's impossible that he is a ghost," Tiara reprimanded herself for thinking illogically. "There's no such thing as a ghost." She said it to convince herself.
Suddenly, she could see some kind of electric static in horizontal lines. She could see the man again. But it was clear this time, that he had no solid body. He was translucent. The trees behind him could be seen. So what is he?
Her dream jumped to a room. It was empty, except for something that was underneath a dome-like glass. There was something inside. She tried to see what was in it, but suddenly, as if being jerked off, she was flung away. She opened her eyes, she was still in bed. She slept again until morning, but his time, without a dream.
The next day, Tiara decided to focus her mind on the room. "Where is it?" she searched the area in her dream. Only this time, she was wide awake. She remembered the trees and the steel-like pad near where the man was standing.
"It must be somewhere... here." Her eyes saw the steel thing. It was a hatch.
She tried to open it. It was really heavy. "Why did I use my human strength, Of course, it is too heavy for me,' she laughed at her silliness.
She then focused on the latch and wriggled her fingers. It opens just like that.
She was in the room, it felt cold.
There were two chairs, each with cables attached. Some were cables with small paddings. Just like the one you see on traditional EKG machines.
She tried to get closer to the table with the glass dome. But before she was able to see clearly, all of a sudden, the static was back. It has a high-pitched sound that hurt her ears. She lost focus, just in a second, and the spirit, or the translucent man, was already standing there. He had no face. But Tiara sensed anger, an enormous wave of anger.
"Who are you?" she shouted.
"You know me," a static sound answered. But now I am stronger than you.
Tiara felt a surge of electric static on her body. She hurriedly retreats before the static beats her.
"What was that?" Her heart pounding fast. She could still feel the effect of the electric static. She calmed herself and regained her energy.
Tiara remembered that the man answered, 'you know me.'
She dig deep into her mind, and from the voice, and the clenched fist, she realized that it must be Ryoma. "Yes, it must be him,". We never found his body. But.... how did he become a spirit and evil one of course? And how did he come here? Was it when Tomo saved me? That must be it!"
"How do we fight a spirit? We cannot hit, shoot or stab him. He doesn't have a manifested body. And where did he go when I got there?" All sort of question was on her mind. She decided to talk to Tomo. Maybe, just maybe, he knows something. She turned her antenna on.
Tiara heads to the workshop. But before she was even halfway there, she sensed that something was terribly wrong. She saw an image of Tomo on the floor. She ran as fast as she could, and yes, to her horror, Tomo was on the floor, exactly like the image in her mind.
She kneeled beside him and saw his nosebleed. She called to him, connecting herself with his mind. She canalizes her strength and energy to Tomo, while she keeps calling his name. Slowly, Tomo opened his left eye and then the right one. He tried to get up but quickly fell back to the floor.
At that time, his sister came.
"What happened? I was just bringing his snack because he didn't show up as he promised. And he never broke his promise," she started to cry.
"Tomo, look at you. You're so thin," she said, in between her sobs.
Tiara asked her to help support Tomo to his chair.
He will sleep at my place. So I can watch over him."
"Tiara!" she said sternly. "What is it? I'm sure you must know something."
"I think I do, but I cannot tell you now. For your safety, please don't come near this place. I will clear all recordings of today and all of the recordings of you in it. Now go, before he passes out again." Tiara snapped.
She ran out of the building as fast as she could. She knew there must be something incredibly wrong for Tiara to snap at her like that.
Tiara cleared everything, every millimeter of the room for any signs, and also deleted all recordings with her in them. She remembered Tomo's words that no one should know that they're siblings.
She then supported Tomo out of the building. But prior to that, so no one can see them, she put a barrier to protect them and changed into invisible mode.
She got to her house in no time. She sat him up and quickly washed Tomo's face, so he will feel a bit refreshed. She then transferred her energy to Tomo. In an instant, Tomo was able to sit on his own and sipped coffee.
"Here, I've still got some soup left. Finish it. '
He ate as if he has never eaten for ages. He cleaned his bowl in minutes. Do you have some more? he asked, shoving his empty bowl to her.
"Sure, still one bowl left. " Tiara took a bowl and Tomo eats it hungrily.
"Can I have more coffee?" I don't think I want to sleep.
"Why?
"I'm not sure. Over the last couple of weeks, I felt something inside me wanted to take over my body. It is becoming stronger, while I feel weaker and weaker by the day."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know. It's just that when I sleep, I felt a strong force entering my body. I'm a very light sleeper. I even only sleep about 3 hours and it is enough for me. And I always feel fine."
"But a couple of weeks ago, I started to feel something strange. Something was trying to enter my body, but it couldn't. Then after a while, it stopped. It was a while ago, and the feeling was back, especially when I sleep. I felt that it keeps on trying again. And I felt it became stronger. I felt that he used me when I sleep and he was frustrated and mad because I rarely sleep and usually sleep light or just a nap. I felt he couldn't enter my body if I was just napping."
Tomo said that he felt weaker even during the day now. Maybe because mentally he was exhausted.
Why didn't you tell me?
" I couldn't. I knew how much you wanted your normal life. I couldn't ruin that, not after what you've been through."
"I have a hunch and I may know what's happening to you. But I need your help. I need you to be aware, even if you are sleeping or you feel you are dreaming. "This is an Asian ritual if spirits take you into the darkness. But of course, it is not a ghost. I think this one is even much more evil than just a mere ghost. Can you do that? I don't want to lose you." Tiara said in a serious voice.
"I can do it. I know I can," he said.
"This is the Tomo I knew, the confident one. I know I could count on him." Tiara spoke in her mind.
"I have this small bell. I will tie the ribbon on your finger and the other one, with a bell, which I will tie on my fingers. So we will stay connected," she said.
"Now I want you to sleep, so the spirit can enter. When he enters, I will know who the spirit is. I will be in your dream. If you feel that you are on the losing ground, pull the string and you will wake up," she explained. "But if I feel that you are becoming too weak, I will pull the string and take you out of your dream."
"Have you ever done this before?"
"No." Tiara shook her head. "There's always a first time for everything."
"I believe in you. I know that we can do this."
"Ready?"
Tomo nodded and Tiara made him sleepy and he fell asleep in a matter of minutes.
There was nothing. Tiara stayed still and waited. She sensed the same static. Then on the other end, she saw the same diagonal electric static. After a couple of seconds, the figure entered, still only in the form of a spirit.
Tiara saw it heading to Tomo. Each time he moves, Tomo's breathing becomes heavy and heavier. It kept on moving toward Tomo, and it looks like it was trying to evolve into Tomo.
That was when, as it had started to embody, Tomo became more translucent. As he was aware of his condition, Tiara pulled the ribbon, and the sound of the bell woke him up. That was when, for a split second, as the spirit embodied, Tiara could see his face before it went translucent again.
She got out of Tomo's body and kneeled near him. He was breathing. Tiara took an oxygen can, and let Tomo breathe in. He was soon breathing normally.
"What happened? Tomo asked, still holding his oxygen can.
"I don't exactly know how he did it, but it entered your body in the form of a diagonal electric static. Then as he was on you, he embodied, and you're the one who becomes translucent. It was as if he wanted to become you, and trying to kick you out of your body."
"When he embodied, I can see at a glance that it was Ryoma!"
"Haah!! He's alive?" Tomo exclaimed.
" I'm not sure how to say it, but I think he is in some kind of an experiment. I saw it in my dreams. Then Tiara told Tomo about the room, in which she saw a glass dome and two chairs. Tiara also explained about the cables. Hoping maybe he knew what it is."
"And in one of my dreams, you also said that I should take him to earth using the pod. I don't understand what you mean."
Tomo said nothing for a while, and then he said, "I think I do. Though I don't know how I could not remember how I send the message to you."
"So how can we beat a spirit? One that has no physical being?"Tiara was getting to feel desperate.
"When you describe the room, I can imagine what it is. I think it was a device to enter another person's body. I think Jun or someone brighter than him, made the experiment. Because Ryoma hasn't got the brain to create it."
Tomo explained, that in his opinion, Jun and someone who made it, may not have gotten the chance to try it because he was dead. "And Ryoma, who knew about it, I think, tried to use it, He lost his body and now he wants to live by entering my body. Lucky for me, you were there to help.'
A very serious look can be seen on Tomo's face. "But how does he know about this place? even you didn't know because I never mentioned this place when we were there. And I remembered my father said that the being came to this place at about the same time as the end of the battle."
"So, how do we deal with this?"
"For now, as I said in your dream, we'll have to take Ryoma back in time, to earth. This way, he will be embodied. And we'll leave that to the police."
"You rest now," she said to Tomo.
As he slept, his hands were not clenched, and he had these soft features on his face, Tomo that she knew, never had a hard feature. His features always show that he is a nice guy.
The next day, Tomo awoke as Tiara was preparing breakfast. Suddenly, Tiara sensed something odd, that something was off. Though she can't make out what it is. He smiled, though his smile seemed to be forced as if he didn't really want to smile. Tiara tried to brush it off her mind. Maybe Tomo was extremely tired, after what happened yesterday.
But when Tomo didn't say anything. Tiara sensed that something must be wrong. "But which part was wrong? This is not Tomo. I'm sure of it. But how do I get the spirit out without hurting Tomo?"
"You don't have to come to the workshop today. "
"Why not? I have nothing important to do and I could be of help, I think." Tiara answered. She knew she had to be careful in giving her answers.
"That's right. He's not Tomo. He's Ryoma and he refused me because he didn't want me around." Tiara thought. "Especially after I helped Tomo yesterday"
Tiara stood behind him. She could see Ryoma trying to push Tomo out of his body so he could possess him. But Tomo fought back Tiara hurriedly send almost all of her energy to Tomo, to help Tomo take over his own body and get Ryoma out. It worked.
As soon as he was out, the diagonal static is back. and Ryoma became a shadow, a person without a body. "This time, Tiara sensed that he was not as strong as she first dreamt about him, and in minutes he was gone. But she has to know, how mentally and physically strong is Tomo. Will he be able to fight Ryoma?
So she asked Tomo, who was mentally and physically deprived. "Did you still remember what happened yesterday when you passed out?"
"Of course, You helped me. It was always only you who came to help."
Tiara said nothing. "Why didn't he remember his sister? Maybe he's too exhausted, so he doesn't remember everything."
But Tiara knew, Ryoma is back inside Tomo, as Tomo was too weak to fight.
So Tiara stands resting her elbows on the kitchen table and said, I think we'd better go to the workshop. I want to see your project."
Tomo hesitated for a while but then he said, "ok."
"Lead the way," Tiara stepped back to let Tomo walk in front, while she walked a bit further behind him. She did not want to be too close to Ryoma. Since she didn't know how to handle something without a body.
She looked closely at Tomo as if memorizing every detail. She saw Tomo in pain.
"I'll let you lead the way now," he said. "Take in turns."
Tiara just smiled, and walk into a building. Then she said, "actually Tomo, I forgot which door is yours. It has been a long time since I came here."
"Oh, it's this one." He opened a green door, and there were only rows of plants. " I... I've been working on these.".
"Oh, good for you." Then she abruptly said, "Hey, I forgot I was going to buy some fruit. See you."
Tiara left and before going home, she went to the fruit store. So this Tomo, will not be suspicious."
At home, Tiara tried to get into Tomo's mind. Tiara had difficulties reaching Tomo since he was getting weaker. If it's not handled soon, Ryoma will be totally taking over Tomo's body.
After numerous tries, Tiara was able to get past the electric static and found Tomo.
"Thank God, at last, I found you. Tomo! Stay with me! Where is the pod?"
"At your house."
'Tomo, stay awake! You need to tell me how to operate the Pod to travel to earth back in time. Tomo! I need your help!" Tiara shouted.
"Take us both to the Pod with you. Use the glasses. It will scan your eyes, and it will automatically take you."
"There's a patch in your pocket. Stick it to my wrist, so Ryoma cannot use my body. It will not be able to fight back. It only works for 15 minutes. So you have to hurry. Make sure you have both of us!" Then Tomo added in a stern voice. "Don't ever sacrifice yourself, Tiara, not even for me." That was the last time she was able to communicate with Tomo.
"Okay. I'll have to go now. She hurried before Tomo's energy runs out.
Tiara went back to the workshop. She ran like never before. Tomo or most of him is Ryoma, was still there.
"Why are you running?" he asked with a voice that is not Tomo's voice anymore.
"I had to see you," Tiara sounded urgent. She holds Tomo's wrist and sticks the patch on his wrist." In an instant, Tomo did not move and just stood still.
Tiara entered the mind and soul of Tomo. Yes the two of them are inside, but Tomo had already looked very weak.
"With the strength of her mind, Tiara makes Tomo walk with her to her house. Made him sit on the rear seat while Tiara took the front seat, wears the glasses and everything went black.
Tiara didn't wake up until the pod reached the designated year and date, The date was when Ryoma was a fugitive hunted by the police. The place was the Police station parking lot. Before she walked out of the pod, she instantly filled Tomo with her energy and helped him sit in the pilot's seat and put the glasses on Tomo.
She had only seconds before Tomo woke up and in an instant, Ryoma lost his grip on Tomo. As he was now in another year, the year of the killings, Ryoma embodied 'Ryoma the serial killer. Tiara got out hurriedly. She knew that in seconds the pod will go back To their home. Tiara and Ryoma were in the parking area beside the Police station. Tiara knew that she couldn't risk Ryoma escaping. What if he ran and the police couldn't catch him? So Tiara stood in front of Ryoma, as he started his full embodiment outside the pod. She shouted for help, and Ryoma who was confused and not knowing where he is, in his rage, tried to strangle Tiara with his hands. At that moment, a couple of police officers on duty heard her scream and rushed to her and saw him strangling her. They shot him right on the forehead, and he died instantly. At that moment, or on that date, Ryoma was known as a dangerous escaped convict broadcasted in every news flash and was hunted by the police.
Meanwhile, Tiara who had given her energy to Tomo was in a weak condition, especially as Ryoma strangled her. She was out of breath and passed out.
At that exact time, in the pod, Tomo regained his strength and opened his eyes. He was automatically scanned and instantly cut through time and went back, leaving Tiara behind.
The pod landed in an empty space, far away from the city. So no one would see it. As he looked at the rear seat, Tomo realizes that Tiara had saved him, but she was not in the pod. "She should have followed the protocol, by just letting me out. Why did she have to get out? Why did she have to make the sacrifice for me?"
He went down on his knees and cried. He knew that Tiara have sacrificed herself to save him. He must have left Tiara on earth, and he couldn't go back to save her, because, for security reasons, the pod can only be used once.
Then he heard the beeping sound. The pod was going to self-destruct in 30 seconds. he hurriedly moved away from the pod. His eyes focused on the pod which is going to self-destruct. He saw the bright laser-like light coming from the pod. The whole pod shakes and it was gone.
He just sat there watching the pod disappear. He felt empty. He was at loss for words. He didn't know what to think as if his sharp mind was going blunt. He tried with all his might to mentally contact her. But there was no response, and Tiara did not contact him either.
Tomo knew it was impossible for him to go back in time unless he breaks the time channel of life and disrupt the elements of time and the universe. And he must not and would never do that. This is one of the reasons why he made the pod self-destruct. So no one can use it again, even for a good purpose, and especially no one will ever use it for a bad purpose.
He looked up at the sky. Hoping and wishing he had a way to undo it and bring Tiara back. He tried with all his might to mentally contact her. But there was no response, and Tiara did not contact him either. Lots of questions muddled in his mind.
Suddenly, as if a bright light bulb appeared in his mind, Tomo ran to his workshop. He searched on his computer for the news history. It was from the newspaper headline on the same date, that Tomo knew Ryoma died and the girl who was said to be strangled by Ryoma, survived, and the girl couldn't tell much to the police. She said that she could only remember bits and pieces of how she was abducted by Ryoma.
That was all he could find out. At least, he knew Tiara's alive. And he is pretty sure that Tiara, made that excuse to avoid having to tell anything that would lead them to Tomo. But in the year of Ryoma's escape, even if she tells the truth, the police would never have believed her, and would only think of her as a mentally-ill girl. She could be locked in a mental hospital. But how was she? Why didn't she contact him? Could it be that by going back in time, Tiara lost her powers?
The year? Yes, the year is the key. I need to see the year she's in. Tomo looked for the date. It was written clearly in the upper corner of the newspaper. It was the same year as when Tiara was born.
Yes, Tiara was about half the age of Ryoma. Ryoma did his crime in his early twenties...
"God, let this be a dream....."