Osaka, Japan
Sakura Co.
April 7th, 2023
Mike, Alice, and Shino stood in front of the tall and luxurious Sakura Co. building, its silver palette shining under the sunlight. The grandeur of the building stood in stark contrast to the desolation surrounding it. The other nearby structures were either reduced to rubble or left abandoned, but Sakura Co. remained untouched.
As they approached the entrance, their footsteps echoing in the silence, a bald man with piercing black eyes emerged from the building. He wore an orange windbreaker that stood out against the gloomy backdrop. His stern expression conveyed a sense of authority and caution.
The man crossed his arms, blocking their path, and stared at them intently. His voice was firm as he questioned their presence.
"What are you doing here? And who are you?"
Shino's worry was evident as he stepped forward to address the man.
"We're looking for Shindo and Tsumi Mitsuya. They're my parents," he explained, his voice filled with both hope and anxiety.
The man's stern gaze softened slightly, his curiosity piqued by Shino's words.
"Ah, you mean that rich couple? They are indeed here, but I need some proof to confirm your identity."
Shino's heart sank momentarily, realizing they didn't have any concrete evidence to validate their claim. However, Mike stepped forward, his voice calm and determined.
"We understand your caution, sir. We don't have physical proof at the moment, but I can assure you that Shino is their son. We've been on a journey together, and we're here to reunite them."
The man studied Mike's earnest expression, searching for any signs of deceit. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded.
"Very well. Your conviction gives me some reassurance. Come with me, and I'll take you to them."
With a sense of relief washing over them, the trio followed the man inside the building. They walked through the spacious and immaculately maintained foyer, the elegance of the surroundings adding to their anticipation.
As the bald man led the trio to a room resembling an office, a group of people inside turned their attention towards them. Each member had a distinct appearance, hailing from various backgrounds, and their gazes were filled with confusion as they took in the unexpected visitors.
A man with vibrant orange hair and golden eyes, holding a clipboard, stepped forward and addressed the bald ma sternly.
"Yuta, have you been letting strangers in again?" His voice carried a mix of annoyance and authority.
Yuta, maintaining his composure, responded promptly while offering a quick salute to the orange-haired man.
"No, boss! They claim to be looking for Shindo and Tsumi Mitsuya, and they say they've brought their son."
The orange-haired man's gaze shifted towards Mike, Alice, and Shino, his eyes scanning them with scrutiny. His expression softened slightly as he noticed the familial resemblance between Shino and his parents.
With a hint of curiosity in his voice, the man spoke up. "I am Alrich Jeanne von Heimz, the Vice-Captain of the Cat Crusade. If what you say is true, then it seems we have an unexpected but joyous reunion on our hands. Please, step forward and let us hear your story."
Mike, Alice, and Shino approached Alrich, their eyes conveying their gratitude for his willingness to listen. They began recounting their journey, sharing the trials and challenges they had faced, and how they had ultimately found themselves standing before Sakura Co.
Alrich listened intently, his demeanor shifting from skepticism to empathy as the trio described their encounters with the damned and the desperate search for Shino's parents. The determination and unwavering bond among the group resonated with him.
"I see," Alrich mused, his gaze focused. "The resilience you've shown and the lengths you've gone to reunite Shino with his parents are truly remarkable. It is a testament to the strength of family and the power of unity in the face of adversity."
As the trio stood in the room filled with people, a woman broke away from the crowd and hurried towards them. Dressed in a light leather battle armor, her hands bearing scars from battles fought, she enveloped Shino in a tight embrace.
Shino's voice quivered with a mix of surprise and joy. "Mom?"
Tears streamed down the woman's face as she held onto her son, a mix of relief and overwhelming emotion washing over her.
"Shino, my dear, my precious child. I can't believe you're here. We thought we had lost you forever."
Shino's mother tightened her embrace, as if never wanting to let go. Her voice trembled with a mix of gratitude and love.
"We searched for you tirelessly, hoping and praying for your safety. And now, here you are, standing before us."
The room fell into a profound silence, broken only by the sounds of gentle sobs and heartfelt whispers of endearment. The reunion between Shino and his mother was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love amidst the darkest of times.
After what seemed like an eternity, Shino's mother gently pulled away, her hands cupping his face as she gazed at him with teary eyes.
"You've been well, my brave child. We are immensely proud of the person you've become."
Shino's voice cracked with emotion as he replied, "Mom, I've missed you so much. I'm grateful to have found you again."
Their eyes locked, a silent understanding passing between them. In that moment, the world around them seemed to fade away.
"Where's Dad?" Shino asked, his voice filled with a mix of hope and trepidation.
Shino's mother didn't reply immediately. Instead, she looked away, tears streaming down her face. Her silence spoke volumes, conveying the heart-wrenching truth that Shino feared.
Shino's eyes filled with tears as he grasped the truth. His voice trembled as he asked, "What happened?"
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Shino's mother spoke through her sobs. "There was an incident, Shino. As we were on a journey to find you, we encountered a powerful damned creature. Your father and I fought against it valiantly, but... it was too strong. Your father sacrificed himself to save me."
Shino's heart sank, a mix of grief and admiration flooding his being. He could only imagine the courage and selflessness his father had shown in the face of such danger.
"You've been out there fighting damned creatures this whole time?" Shino's voice quivered with a mix of disbelief and pride.
Shino's mother nodded, her voice filled with a sense of sorrow and determination. "Yes, Shino. Your father and I were chosen as hosts. We have faced countless battles, striving to protect each other and those we care about."
Shino's mind raced with a torrent of emotions. The truth about the damned creatures, the existence of hosts, and his parents' courageous battles unfolded before him. It was a lot to process, but deep down, he knew that his parents had fought to keep him and their loved ones safe.
"How did you become a host?" Shino asked, her curiosity piqued by the revelation of her parents' role as hosts.
"It's better if Vice-Captain Alrich explains it to you," Shino's mother replied, gesturing towards Alrich, who stepped forward.
Alrich projected a holographic screen from his palms, capturing everyone's attention. "As you are aware, people can become hosts if and only if they are chosen by a tale. However, we have discovered a breakthrough. Using the power of a unique tale, we have found a way to transfer the abilities of the damned to ordinary individuals, just like in Mrs. Tsumi Mitsuya's case."
The room filled with a mix of curiosity and intrigue as Alrich continued to explain. "The project was a success, and we have been helping people gain these powers to survive in this new chaotic world. We are growing our numbers, and we would appreciate it if you joined us too."
Mike observed the room, his senses honing in on the mystical energy emanating from the people present. It confirmed Alrich's claims, and he felt a surge of excitement at the prospect of Shino harnessing his potential to become host.
Shino's eyes widened, a mix of astonishment and wonder. "So, there's a way for me to gain powers and fight alongside all of you?"
Alrich nodded, a reassuring smile on his face. "Yes, Shino. If you choose to become a host, you will undergo a special process to awaken your dormant abilities. It won't be an easy journey, but with the support of our team and the training we provide, you can tap into your true potential."
Mike stepped forward, his voice filled with encouragement. "Shino, we've seen your bravery and determination. If you decide to embrace this path, we'll be right there by your side, guiding you every step of the way."
Alice, her telekinetic aura shimmering, added, "We believe in you, Shino. You have the strength within you to make a difference and protect those in need. You won't be alone in this journey."
Shino took a moment to absorb the weight of the decision before him. The idea of gaining powers and joining the fight against the damned creatures both excited and frightened him. But deep down, he knew that his father's sacrifice and his desire to protect others had ignited a fire within him.
With a determined gleam in her eyes, Shino looked at his mother, Mike, Alice, and Alrich. "I want to become a host."