[Faraday]
[Chapter 58]
[Rei's Apartment.]
Rei Aki-ma works diligently, her hands expertly piecing together the Universe Fragments.
The fragments pulse with a shimmering energy, each piece glowing brighter as they align.
God, observing from the side, remarks,
"Don't forget, Rei, my form is still missing. I hope you haven't overlooked that."
Rei Aki-ma laughs lightly, glancing back at him with a teasing smirk,
"Oh, I haven't forgotten. You're just going to have to be patient. Besides, it's not every day I get to enjoy some good-natured ribbing with a deity."
Hisako watches the exchange, a faint smile on her lips as she takes in the dynamic between the cosmic beings.
The final fragment clicks into place, and a burst of light engulfs Rei Aki-ma. The transformation is complete.
[/....\]
[/Transformation Complete\]
A tall, dark figure emerges from the light. The Observable Universe, now restored to her true form, strides confidently onto the floor.
Her white eyes, black ninja bandana, and wide hips make her presence unmistakable.
God observes with a nod of approval. "She's back, isn't she."
The Observable Universe grabs her phone and starts typing with an air of excitement.
The screen reads: "OMG! It's so great to have this body back! All that jabber as Rei Aki-ma had me bummed. I know that's supposed to be my alter ego, but seriously! We're practically and literally two different people!"
She continues: "Yaknow, I need a new name, a human name!"
A moment later: "Actually, we'll get to that later!"
"Everyone except Hisako!"
"Shoo!"
With that, God and Michael take their leave, vanishing in a flash of light back to Heaven.
The Observable Universe then focuses on Hisako.
With a contented sigh, she collapses onto a bean bag chair, her form quickly sinking into relaxation.
Moments later, she's fast asleep, the cosmic energy around her settling into a peaceful aura.
Hisako, watching this surreal scene, remains seated, her thoughts a whirl of confusion and awe. She glances at Rei Aki-ma, who offers a reassuring smile.
Rei Aki-ma says,
"Rest up, Hisako. We've got a lot ahead of us, but we've earned this moment."
The room settles into a quiet calm, the impending adventures ahead hanging in the air
[Later….]
As the Observable Universe drapes herself across a bean bag chair, a deep, otherworldly sigh escapes her.
Hisako, still processing the recent events, watches with a growing sense of realization.
It hits her suddenly: Rei Aki-ma must have telepathy. The unspoken communication, the subtle influence—it all makes sense now.
Her thoughts swirl around the discovery as she decides to retreat from the cosmic intensity of the day.
She needs a break, a sliver of normalcy before diving back into the extraordinary.
Hisako quietly slips out of Rei's apartment, closing the door softly behind her.
The bustling streets of Tokyo greet her with their familiar hum.
She navigates the urban sprawl, seeking comfort in the routine of everyday life.
The sight of street vendors, children laughing, and the rhythm of the city offer a momentary escape from the surreal.
In a small café, she orders a calming cup of tea and settles by the window.
The steam from her drink mingles with the quiet of the afternoon, creating a peaceful cocoon around her. Hisako sips slowly, finding solace in the mundane.
After finishing her tea, she takes a leisurely stroll through a nearby park. The green expanse, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, soothes her restless mind.
She watches the leaves rustle in the breeze and takes in the serenity, allowing herself to forget the chaos, if only for a while.
With the day winding down, Hisako makes her way back to Rei's apartment.
The familiar landmarks of the city guide her steps, bringing a sense of comfort.
She prepares herself mentally for the next chapter of their journey, her resolve strengthened by the quiet moments she's had.
Arriving back, she opens the door to find Rei Aki-ma still lounging, a contented smile playing on her lips.
Hisako steps inside, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.
Rei Aki-ma looks up, her eyes sparkling with a mix of curiosity and mischief. "So, how was the taste of normal life?"
Hisako gives a small smile. "Refreshing. I'm ready for whatever comes next."
Rei's smile widens. "Perfect. Let's get to it."
[Later…]
After Hisako returns to Rei Aki-ma's apartment, Rei, now fully immersed in her role as the Observable Universe, decides it's time for a change of scenery.
She stretches out, a playful glint in her eyes, and announces,
"Let's go out! We've had enough of this apartment. Tokyo's calling."
Hisako raises an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Where to?"
Rei grins and waves her phone in the air. "First stop, the bustling heart of Shibuya!"
[Shibuya Crossing.]
The two step out onto the iconic Shibuya Crossing, the sea of people moving in synchronized chaos around them.
Rei Aki-ma, in her tall, dark form, navigates the crowd with an effortless grace. Hisako follows closely, her eyes wide with wonder as the neon lights of the city pulse around them.
Rei stops by a vibrant street food stall, picking out a few skewers of yakitori.
She hands one to Hisako, who takes a tentative bite, savoring the smoky flavor.
"Not bad," Hisako says, a smile tugging at her lips.
Rei takes a bite of her own skewer and nods. "Tokyo's street food is legendary. Now, how about some shopping?"
[Harajuku.]
They make their way to Harajuku, the hub of eccentric fashion and youthful energy.
Rei revels in the colorful, avant-garde outfits on display, trying on a series of outrageous accessories with gleeful abandon.
Hisako watches, amused and slightly overwhelmed by the sheer variety of styles.
Rei pauses in front of a quirky boutique, holding up a pair of bright, oversized sunglasses,
"What do you think?"
Hisako chuckles. "Definitely... unique."
Rei laughs, placing the sunglasses back on the rack,
"Let's keep moving. There's so much more to see."
[Asakusa.]
Their next stop is Asakusa, home to the historic Sensō-ji Temple.
The contrast between the bustling modernity of their earlier stops and the serene, ancient atmosphere of Asakusa is striking.
Rei and Hisako stroll through the temple grounds, the smell of incense hanging in the air.
Rei lights a small incense stick and waves it gently, eyes closed. "A moment of peace amidst the chaos."
Hisako observes the traditional rituals with interest, feeling a sense of calm wash over her. "It's beautiful. I didn't expect to find this kind of tranquility in Tokyo."
[Tokyo Tower.]
As dusk falls, they head to Tokyo Tower. The cityscape stretches out below them, a glittering mosaic of lights.
Rei and Hisako ascend to the observation deck, taking in the breathtaking view.
Rei leans against the railing, her gaze sweeping over the city. "Tokyo has so many faces. It's amazing."
Hisako stands beside her, taking in the panoramic scene. "It really is."
[Rei's Apartment.]
The night winds down, and they return to Rei's apartment, their spirits lifted by the day's adventures.
Rei settles back onto her bean bag chair, her form shimmering slightly with the remnants of cosmic energy.
Hisako, tired but content, sits down across from her.
Rei stretches out and grins. "Well, that was a day well spent. Ready for the next adventure?"
Hisako nods, a tired but genuine smile on her face. "Absolutely."
Rei's eyes twinkle. "Good. Because I have a feeling the real journey is just beginning."
[end]