With the formalities completed, Miss Foster and Ahiro were finally ready to leave the hospital. As they approached the exit, Ahiro couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and nervous anticipation. The hospital stay had been a chapter in his life he was eager to put behind him.
As they pushed open the heavy glass doors of the hospital, they were greeted by a sight that caught them by surprise. Standing just outside, in the hospital's open courtyard, were Miss Rami and Mr. Rodez, the officers from the police branch specialized in the activities of Awakeners.
Miss Rami's playful demeanor hadn't waned, and she greeted Ahiro with a warm smile. "Ahiro, my dear, we've been waiting for you! How are you feeling now?"
Ahiro, slightly taken aback by their unexpected presence, managed a faint smile. "I'm doing better, thank you."
Ever the serious Mr. Rodez nodded in acknowledgment but didn't offer any pleasantries. Instead, he got straight to the point. "We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but we need ahiro to come with us."
Ahiro and Miss Foster's faces bore expressions of concern, curiosity, and anticipation as they awaited further information from Mr. Rodez and Miss Rami.
Mr. Rodez began to speak. "Ahiro, there are certain regulations in place concerning individuals with awakened abilities. These regulations are intended to ensure the safety and accountability of Awakeners."
Ahiro furrowed his brow, his curiosity piqued. "Regulations? What kind of regulations?"
Miss Rami, chimed in. "It's quite simple, really. The law requires Awakeners to register their abilities. This registration process helps us keep track of individuals with unique powers and, more importantly, ensures that their abilities are not misused."
Elara, who had been quietly listening, couldn't help but interject with a hint of concern. "Is it mandatory for Ahiro to register his ability now?"
Mr. Rodez nodded. "Yes, it is. Given the recent incident at the orphanage, it's essential for us to document Ahiro's ability officially."
Ahiro, his thoughts racing, nodded in understanding. He had already come to terms with the fact that his awakening had consequences, and this was just another step in the journey.
Miss Foster leaned forward, her eyes reflecting both concern and determination. "What do we need to do for this registration process?"
Miss Rami took out a folder from her bag and placed it on the table. "First, Miss Foster and Ahiro will need to sign some documents related to the incident. These documents will help us build a case against the trio and ensure they face appropriate consequences."
Ahiro nodded in agreement, ready to cooperate in any way necessary. "I'll do whatever it takes to help catch those responsible and bring Mia back."
Miss Rami smiled warmly. "Thank you, Ahiro. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated."
As Ahiro began to review the documents, Miss Foster had a few questions of her own. "Could you explain more about these regulations and the registration process?"
Mr. Rodez obliged. "Certainly. The registration process is straightforward. Ahiro will provide details about his ability, how he awakened, and any limitations or side effects. This information will be recorded in our database, and he will be issued an Awakener ID."
Ahiro, now focused on the documents in front of him, began to fill in the required information. As he wrote, he couldn't help but think about how far he had come since his awakening and the responsibility that came with it.
Miss Rami continued to explain. "The ID serves as official recognition of his awakened status. It also grants certain privileges and protections under the law. It's important to remember that the government's primary concern is to ensure the safe and responsible use of awakened abilities."
Once Ahiro had completed the documents, he handed them back to Miss Rami, feeling a sense of resolve.
Miss Foster, her voice gentle but resolute, spoke up. "Ahiro, remember that your ability is a gift, and with it comes a responsibility to use it wisely. We're here to support you every step of the way."
Ahiro nodded, his heart filled with gratitude for the family he had found at the orphanage. "I won't forget that, Miss Foster."
Miss Rami collected the documents and placed them back in her folder. "Thank you for your cooperation, Ahiro and Miss Foster. Now, if you're ready, we can begin the registration process at our facility."
Ahiro glanced at Elara and Miss Foster, who both offered encouraging smiles. "I'm ready."
Ahiro sat in the backseat of the car, that was parked in front of the hospital exit. The vehicle glided smoothly through the bustling streets of the city.
Miss Rami, turned toward Ahiro with a warm smile. "So, Ahiro, how many times have you been to the city?"
Ahiro thought for a moment before responding. "Not many, really. Only when I was much younger. The city has always felt so different from the quiet life at the orphanage."
Miss Rami chuckled. "I can understand that. The city can be quite overwhelming, especially if you're not used to it. But I promise you, it's not as intimidating as it seems."
Ahiro nodded, appreciating her reassuring words. "I'll take your word for it."
After some time, the car pulled up in front of a towering building that seemed to touch the sky. Mr. Rodez turned off the engine and turned toward Ahiro. "We've arrived, Ahiro. This is the Awakener Testing and Research Center "ATR" for short."
Ahiro gazed up at the imposing structure, a mixture of awe and anticipation washing over him. The building was a marvel of modern architecture, with gleaming glass windows that reflected the city's vibrant energy.
Mr. Rodez led the way as they approached a sleek, curved reception desk. A woman with a warm smile greeted them. "Welcome to the ATR. How can I assist you today?"
Mr. Rodez replied, "We're here to register Ahiro, who recently awakened. His case is related to an ongoing investigation."
The receptionist nodded, her fingers gliding gracefully over a holographic interface. "Of course. If you could please provide some basic information, we'll get started with the registration process."
Ahiro followed Miss Rami and Mr. Rodez to a designated area where a friendly Awakener registration officer awaited. The officer, dressed in a crisp uniform, introduced herself as Officer Maya and began to guide Ahiro through the necessary paperwork.
Once the paperwork was complete, Officer Maya directed Ahiro to a nearby examination room. "We'll need to conduct some tests to better understand the nature and scope of your awakened ability. It won't take long."
Miss Rami, still by his side, guided him through the labyrinthine corridors. Eventually, they arrived at a plain-looking door marked "TR 5"
Miss Rami gestured for Ahiro to enter, and as he stepped inside, he found himself in a room that seemed divided in two. One side of the room had floor-to-ceiling see-through glass, giving a clear view of what was happening inside. The other side was pristine white, with no discernible features.
A tall man in a white lab coat stood by a desk on the white side of the room, smiling warmly at Ahiro. His silver hair and glasses gave him an air of wisdom. "Welcome, Ahiro," he said, extending his hand. "I'm Dr. Stevens. I'll be assisting you with your ability tests today."
Ahiro shook the doctor's hand, trying to conceal his nervousness. He had no idea what to expect, and the sterile environment didn't help ease his anxiety.
Dr. Stevens led Ahiro to the glass side of the room. There, Ahiro could see Miss Rami observing their interactions from the other side. She smiled and gave him an encouraging thumbs-up.
"Alright, Ahiro," Dr. Stevens began, "I'd like you to demonstrate your ability for us. Do you think you can create a barrier right now?"
Ahiro hesitated, realizing that he had never consciously activated his ability before.
Uncertain, Ahiro raised his hands and focused his thoughts on creating a barrier. He pictured it in his mind, like an invisible shield that would protect them from harm. He felt a strange sensation, like a ripple in the air, but nothing appeared to be happening.
After a moment of concentration, Ahiro lowered his hands, looking puzzled. "I… I don't know how to activate it consciously," he admitted, a note of frustration in his voice. "It happened when I needed it, but I can't make it work now."
Dr. Stevens nodded understandingly. "It's not uncommon for awakeners to have difficulty consciously activating their abilities," he explained. "Some abilities are deeply tied to emotional states, and they manifest spontaneously when those emotions are intense. But that's precisely why we're here, to help you understand and control your ability better."
Ahiro's shoulders relaxed slightly, relieved that he wasn't alone in this predicament. "So, what should I do?"
Dr. Stevens led Ahiro to a comfortable chair in the room, facing the glass wall. "We'll start with some simple exercises to trigger your ability," he said. "I want you to recall a moment when you felt a strong urge to protect someone, just like when your ability first manifested."
Dr. Stevens continued to offer guidance and reassurance to Ahiro as they delved deeper into the complexities of his awakened ability.
"Remember the feeling you had when you first used your ability," Dr. Stevens instructed, his tone gentle. "The determination to protect someone you care about is the key to manifesting your ability. Hold onto that feeling as you practice. It's like a bridge between your emotions and your power."
Ahiro nodded, absorbing the advice. He knew that his desire to protect others, especially Elara and the children from the orphanage, was the driving force behind his ability. It was a feeling that ran deep within him, an innate instinct to shield those he loved from harm.
Dr. Stevens continued, "Research on awakened abilities has shown that they are intimately connected to a person's emotions. In your case, your emotion is protection. That's a powerful driving force, Ahiro. Emotions are what make our abilities unique and personal."
The doctor smiled and offered further guidance. "Concentrate on that feeling of protection, Ahiro. Imagine it as a source of strength within you. The next step is maintaining that feeling until you become more comfortable with manifesting your ability. This phase is called 'manifestation.'"
Ahiro nodded again, absorbing the information. Manifestation, he thought. It sounded like a significant step in gaining control over his power.
Dr. Stevens added, "As you practice, you might find it helpful to associate your barrier-producing power with a word or phrase. When you think or even shout that word, your barrier should come forth. It can act as a trigger for your ability, a mental anchor. This technique is commonly used by awakeners to improve their control."
Ahiro considered this idea. Having a specific word or phrase to trigger his ability could be a useful tool. He needed all the help he could get in mastering this newfound power.