"How did this even happen?" the question lingered on her mind, how could this receptionist not know what this device did, especially when she suggested using it on Akira?
"I'm so, so sorry. I'll get someone else, perhaps they can explai-"
"No, it's alright. I'll just take a look at the other bounties."
"Alright then.. but hey, I know many other things when it comes to this line of work! If you ever need any help, no matter how minor, just contact me with this!" the girl quickly wrote something down on a piece of paper before handing it to Akira.
"A number?"
"Mhm, I feel a bit bad about wasting your time like that and showing you such a side of myself sooo," she readjusted her uniform's bow, straightening it, "Contact me whenever, I'll be your avid supporter!"
"why.." she muttered.
"Hm?"
"Why would you help me, why do you do this?" Akira's question seemed to catch the girl off guard.
"Why?" she put her index finger up to her mouth in a thinking motion, trying her best to look like she's debating on something, "Because no one should be treated differently based on how they look, right?"
A quick goodbye was exchanged and Akira left the tavern, making her way through the crowded streets, the crowd and the many lights were dizzying but as she found a quiet corner in the sea of commotion, she could finally relax.
Everything she held in could finally be let out, tears began to well in her eyes as she let those words sink in. Her mind went blank as soon as she heard those words leave that girl's mouth, never had she met such a compassionate person before, one that would not discriminate against her because of how she looks.
Her words echoed through Akira's mind as she tried to regain to regain her composure. The girl spoke words she had never heard before, one's that would change her way of thinking of people, or at least change her perception of a rare few.
The receptionist wouldn't know, but this had changed her fate drastically.
People kept walking by unaware as they hurried to their next destination, their minds consumed by either work or entertainment. Akira sat there, unable to do anything but think. She knew that sitting there would do nothing and that by sitting there she would be wasting her time, but her body wouldn't listen. For the first time since.. she was happy.. happy. Why was she doing all of this anyway? Questions raced through her mind as she begun wondering why?
A faint smile grew on her face as images of a future that may be entered her mind. A flowery field, a clear blue sky, nothing like the grey world world she's facing currently, nothing like the cruel nature of everything and everyone she had ever met before.
[Have you forgotten what they have done?]
"Forgotten? ..No, I will never forget that." Her voice beginning to shake as she utters her words, finding resolve within them, but something else lingers.
[Good, then get up. You have more work to do]
"But, what if there was a chance of a life for me? What if, somewhere, someone out would share their time with me, what if there are others like.. her?" hesitation swept through her mind as a million thoughts raced through, anticipation, fear, happiness, hope.
[Do you truly believe something like that could happen? How can you be so sure of this future you think of, you're clearly grasping at straws.]
"...perhaps.." her voice carried a heavy burden as she spoke. Slowly, Akira got up from the ground. Of course she would know that there would be no hope for her in this rotten world, yet she couldn't help but think to that girl, someone with such a bright smile.
Akira chuckled to herself as she walked forward, reminded of the woman's clumsiness. If she were to have a goal, it would be to protect that. The light that she emanated. To never let such a smile fade from this world, to stop the cruelty at it's stem. Akira vowed to protect the good. A warmth stirred iin her heart as she thought about this goal she had set for herself.
A hope sparked from within, an ember that would soon set flame. The warmth embracing her very being, she began to head towards the market.
Walking through the market, the bright lights seemed blinding. The colours melted together into an amalgamation of colour. Although it was already dark out, it didn't stop the people from enjoying their life. Many gathered in the streets and the night didn't seem so lonely anymore. Rather than a grey dull world, Akira finally saw the rainbow of colours dawning this world full of innovation, and with a hopeful outlook on life, she went in to the armsshop.