The silence in the house was deafening as Aaron sat in his room, staring at the walls. The photograph he had found in the basement still lingered in his mind. Rentaro Hawke, Elias Reid, and his father, Victor Gray there was a connection, a secret, hidden away for years. The questions gnawed at him, and the answers seemed just out of reach.
It was time to confront the past, to face what his father had tried so hard to bury. But how? Where could he start?
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across his room, Aaron's phone buzzed on the desk. It was a message from Ren.
"I need to talk. Meet me at the Fuji Park."
Aaron's heart skipped a beat. This could be it the break he needed. Without hesitation, he grabbed his jacket and rushed out the door. The "Fuji Park" was a small park just outside the city.
The cool evening air hit him as he made his way to the park, his mind racing. Ren had been avoiding him all day, and now, here he was, reaching out. Maybe he was finally ready to share what he knew.
When Aaron arrived, he saw Ren sitting on their old bench, his back to the setting sun. His posture was stiff, and there was something almost... mournful about the way he sat.
Aaron hesitated for a moment but walked over. "Ren," he said softly, sitting down next to him.
Ren didn't look at him right away. "I didn't want to drag you into this," Ren began, his voice low. "But you've already uncovered more than you should have. Now, I don't know how much longer I can keep quiet."
Aaron's pulse quickened. "What do you mean? What's going on? Why is my father connected to yours, and to Rentaro Hawke?"
Ren took a deep breath, his eyes meeting Aaron's for the first time that evening. "My father... Elias Reid. He wasn't just a friend to your dad. They were partners in something... bigger. And Rentaro Hawke... he was the one who made them both change."
Aaron listened intently, his mind racing. "Partners in what? What are you talking about?"
Ren looked away, his voice dropping to a whisper. "It's all tied to Kage Corporation. I don't know the full story, but it's bad. Really bad. My father and your dad were involved in things that... well, I don't think either of them ever wanted us to find out."
Ren leaned back, the weight of his father's past heavy on his shoulders as he spoke, his voice low. "My father told me they were inseparable back then—Victor, Elias, and Rentaro. All three of them used to mess around, teasing each other about everything. Rentaro had this ridiculous jacket he insisted was 'stylish,' while Elias couldn't stop making fun of it. And Victor, well, he was the mastermind, always coming up with the plans... though he never got the credit he deserved." Ren paused, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face. "They were the best of friends, but I guess that's what makes everything so much harder now."
Flashback: High School Days
The air was thick with the sounds of lockers slamming and students rushing between classes. In the midst of it all, three friends—Victor Gray, Elias Reid, and Rentaro Hawke—stood by the school's front gate, laughing like they had all the time in the world.
"Hey, Rentaro, you're not gonna wear that ridiculous jacket again, are you?" Victor grinned, tugging at Rentaro's oversized varsity jacket. "You look like you're trying to start a fashion revolution in the 80s!"
Rentaro, unfazed, flicked his hair back with a dramatic flair. "It's called style, my friend. You wouldn't understand. Some of us have an eye for the future." He winked, making an exaggerated gesture to show off the jacket.
Elias, leaning casually against a lamppost with his arms crossed, raised an eyebrow. "Future, huh? You mean 'future' as in 'everyone's going to think you raided a thrift store'?" He smirked, earning a chuckle from the other two.
Victor snorted. "Yeah, Rentaro, the '80s called—they want their jacket back."
Rentaro shrugged, unaffected by their teasing. "Well, while you two are busy mocking my fashion sense, I'll be out there impressing everyone with my charisma. You can be the ones stuck in the shadows of mediocrity."
"Right, right," Victor said, giving him a playful shove. "Mediocrity's just fine when you're hanging out with us, pal."
Elias laughed, shaking his head. "Some things never change. Victor's the brains, Rentaro's the look, and I'm just here to make sure neither of you get arrested."
Victor slapped Elias on the back. "You're the muscle, and the negotiator. Don't sell yourself short, buddy."
The trio exchanged a look of mutual understanding. Despite their teasing, they had each other's backs. The bond between them was unspoken but strong, forged in the fires of shared experiences and the challenges of high school life.
"So," Victor started, shifting the conversation, "what's the plan for this weekend? The big game's coming up, and you two are looking at my playbook, right?"
Rentaro rolled his eyes. "Victor, I don't need your playbook. I've got a winning strategy of my own. I'll just use my charm to convince the coach to give me the ball."
Elias laughed, pushing Rentaro lightly. "Sure, let's see how that goes. Last time you tried that, you ended up on the bench eating pretzels."
Victor grinned. "Nothing wrong with being a strategic thinker, huh, Elias? Rentaro's just working on his 'charm' while I do the actual work. I'm the one running the plays."
"Yeah, yeah," Elias teased. "Well, whatever happens, just don't get caught trying to change the playbooks in the middle of the game. We all remember how that turned out last time."
Victor and Rentaro exchanged an exaggerated grimace, and they all burst out laughing.
"Alright, alright," Rentaro finally said, "let's just win, okay? That's the only plan I'm sticking to."
They nodded in agreement, but the unspoken truth hung in the air—no matter how different their approaches, they had always been in it together.
As the years went by, the trio of friends—Victor, Elias, and Rentaro—watched their academic years blur into adulthood. They had graduated from high school and, eager to make their mark, all joined the same government research agency: Kage Corporation. It was an exciting new chapter, and their bond only seemed to strengthen as they worked together, advancing in their careers.
Rentaro, however, seemed to outpace them both. In no time, he was promoted to director of Kage Corporation, the position coming so quickly that it took Victor and Elias by surprise. Elias had managed to secure a respectable promotion of his own, and Victor was following close behind, but no one could match Rentaro's speed.
Despite the rapid climb in positions, the trio's friendship remained unchanged. They still joked around like they did in high school, sharing laughs over coffee breaks, teasing each other relentlessly, and making fun of each other's stiff business attire.
"Look at you, Rentaro," Victor would say, raising an eyebrow as Rentaro adjusted his suit. "Director now, huh? Guess we'll have to start calling you 'Sir' now." Elias would chime in, grinning, "Yeah, don't forget where you came from, pal."
Rentaro would laugh, always quick with a retort. "Keep dreaming, Victor. I might be a director, but I still know who the real genius is here."
As time passed, their lives took a more serious turn. Elias was the first to get married, much to everyone's surprise. Victor couldn't resist poking fun at him.
"Who knew you'd be the first to get lucky, Elias?" Victor teased, giving his old friend a mock salute. Rentaro joined in, grinning. "What's next, Elias? A house with a white picket fence? You're making the rest of us look bad."
Elias just chuckled, clearly enjoying the attention. "Well, someone's got to do it first."
Soon after, Victor and Rentaro both followed suit, getting married to their respective partners. Their lives seemed perfect. It was the culmination of everything they had dreamed about—careers, families, and friendships that stood the test of time.
Then came the children. Elias, ever the sentimental one, had a son and named him Ren after Rentaro—an homage to their friendship. The others couldn't help but laugh at the gesture.
"Guess we know who the favorite is," Rentaro joked, ruffling Elias' hair in the way only a lifelong friend could. "But hey, it's a good name. I approve."
Victor, not one to miss an opportunity, added, "Well, if we're naming kids after each other, I'm expecting one named Victor in return!"
Rentaro's family soon grew as well. He had a daughter, a bright-eyed girl with his same fire and determination. Her name was Yuki Hawke.
As the children of Elias, Victor, and Rentaro grew, their lives seemed to mirror the success of their parents. The trio's friendship had remained strong, and their careers at Kage Corporation were flourishing. However, what seemed like an ordinary day soon turned into something far more extraordinary.
The research team at Kage Corporation had been working on multiple projects, but one in particular had piqued their interest—a newly discovered ancient ruin. According to the reports, the ruins were located in a remote region, far from any known civilization, and were untouched by time.
A search team was immediately dispatched with all the necessary equipment for excavation and study. The team's findings initially appeared to be mundane, with no immediate signs of danger or any elements that might threaten human life. The area was clear of traps, toxins, or any sources that could jeopardize their health. However, as the team dug deeper into the site, they began to uncover something far more disturbing.
What they first assumed were simple artifacts or remnants of a past civilization soon revealed themselves to be something much more enigmatic. Fragments of enormous bones, much larger than any creature they had ever seen, were scattered across the site. At first, it was difficult for the team to make sense of it. Could these be the remains of an extinct species? But no known creature had such size, and the bones were unlike anything in the records they had.
The team's initial confusion turned to horror as more pieces of the creature were uncovered, including parts that seemed almost too alien to be real. Gigantic claws, teeth the size of a grown man, and what appeared to be remnants of an armored hide, something out of a legend, lay strewn across the excavation site.
"What... is this?" one of the researchers muttered, his voice trembling with awe and fear.
The unease spread like wildfire through the team as they continued to unearth more of the skeletal remains. The sheer size and scale of what they were dealing with sent shockwaves through the entire department. What had they uncovered? And why had it been hidden so well, buried for centuries?
The discovery was quickly deemed too significant to remain within the confines of the research team. As per standard procedure, the details of the find were sent to the highest levels of Kage Corporation—Rentaro Hawke, and others. Each of the directors received the detailed reports, and the implications of this find were immediately clear. This was no ordinary archaeological discovery.
The bones, the size of the remains, and the unsettling features—it all pointed toward something far beyond their understanding. The question that lingered in the air, unanswered for now, was simple: Why was this creature buried so deep in the Earth?
Kage Corporation had once been a small, simple organization. Its founders had established it with a vision to innovate in research, focusing on technology and solutions for global advancement. It wasn't always the shadowy conglomerate it had become. The company's beginnings were grounded in the pursuit of knowledge, and its employees were dedicated to exploring new frontiers in science.
But all of that had changed with the discovery of the ancient ruins.
The excavation team's report was clear. There was no indication that this site had ever been touched by modern civilization, nor was there any explanation for why such massive remains were buried so deep beneath the Earth's surface. No records existed of this creature in any known history, no myths, no legends.
As Kage Corporation had grown over the years, so had its scope of operations. What started as a research initiative had evolved into something far more ambitious. The unearthed remains, however, now hinted at a connection to something far darker and more mysterious than anyone had ever anticipated. Was this creature somehow tied to the early days of Kage Corporation? Were its origins linked to the very foundation of the company?
With these unsettling questions in mind, the directors were summoned for an emergency meeting. They had no choice but to confront the fact that their corporation—once so focused on progressive science and technology—was now involved in something far beyond their initial scope.
The room was heavy with tension as Tetsuya Ichikawa, the CEO of Kage Corporation, stood at the head of the long table, his eyes scanning the room full of directors and high-ranking employees. The discovery of the ancient ruins had shaken the very foundation of the company, and now, in this high-stakes meeting, everything was about to change.
"As you all know, our agency has recently discovered a set of ancient ruins, and among the discoveries, we found the remnants of an unknown, massive creature," Tetsuya began, his voice steady but filled with the weight of what he was about to disclose.
He paused for a moment, letting the implications of his words settle in the air.
"Upon further investigation by our scientists, it became apparent that the material of these bones is unlike anything we've encountered before. The strength of this material is beyond anything known to man—it can withstand extreme temperatures, even the kind produced by something moving at the speed of light. However," Tetsuya's expression hardened slightly, "there are certain chemicals that this material cannot withstand. We have isolated one such chemical, which we've dubbed Xenotoxium."
A murmur of disbelief spread across the room, but Tetsuya quickly raised his hand to regain control.
"Xenotoxium is capable of dissolving this unyielding material, and we will use it to develop powerful machinery for the defense of our nation's security. This will revolutionize our ability to combat future threats." His gaze swept over the room. "But I must emphasize—this information is strictly confidential and is to be kept within this room. Do not let it slip, or there will be consequences."
The silence that followed was thick with the weight of the decision at hand. Each of the directors present knew the magnitude of the situation. The direction of the company had just changed forever.
Later that evening, Elias, Rentaro, and Victor gathered in the living room of a quiet, dimly lit bar. The amber glow of beer bottles filled the space as they sank into the soft leather chairs, their laughter filling the gaps between their thoughts.
Rentaro took a deep sip of his beer, leaning back and breaking the silence. "Our company would never make weapons to destroy the world, right?" His voice held a hint of disbelief, though his eyes were still sharp. "They couldn't."
Elias chuckled, his fingers tapping lightly on the beer bottle. "Yeah, no way. Why would they do that? Maybe just defense vehicles to withstand severe heat and atomic attacks. They've always been about protecting, not annihilating."
Victor smirked, taking a long gulp from his bottle. "Exactly. And if they're developing something like that, it's probably just for national security, not to destroy everything in sight."
The three of them laughed, the weight of the conversation lighter now, but deep down, they knew the truth. There were things that didn't add up—too many unknowns. What if something went wrong? What if the power of what they were uncovering was far more dangerous than they realized? None of them spoke the thoughts aloud, but they lingered in the air like a shadow.
The next day, the research team was dispatched once again to the ancient ruins. This time, however, the mission was far more dangerous. A forensic team and a special team for retrieving the materials were also sent. The goal was to investigate the cause of death for the enormous creature, and to uncover what had wiped out an entire civilization.
As the team made their way through the ruins, the air was thick with anticipation. Everything about this place spoke of a long-lost era, a forgotten power. The ground crunched under their boots as they carefully moved forward, their flashlights dancing over the walls of the subterranean cavern.
Suddenly, one of the researchers shouted, "Hey! Come here! I think I found something!"
The others quickly rushed over to the spot where he was pointing. In the center of the room, hidden beneath a layer of dirt and stone, was a door—a door that led downward. With great care, they uncovered it, revealing a descent into another level of the ruins.
As they entered the new ground, they were struck by what they found. Blueprints, preserved in a strange fluid that seemed to have kept them from decaying over the centuries, were scattered across the floor. The papers, intricate and alien in design, hinted at technologies far beyond anything humanity had ever seen. The research team stood in awe, trying to make sense of the bizarre schematics.
Then, a forensic expert approached the wall, his fingers tracing an inscription carved deep into the stone. "This... this might be written in an ancient language. We'll need the forensic team's help to decode it."
The room fell into a hushed silence as the team worked quickly, gathering all the materials, translating the ancient text, and piecing together the information. It was clear that whatever had lived here—whatever civilization had built this place—had left behind secrets that were buried for a reason.
Once they had gathered the data and materials, the research team sent their findings back to the directors and heads of the organization, unsure of the full extent of what they had uncovered.
The next morning, after reviewing the reports from the research team, Kage Corporation immediately began analyzing the blueprints. The scientists' findings shocked everyone involved. The blueprint's implications were far beyond anything they had ever imagined.
A new meeting was called, and this time, only a select few directors and trusted employees were invited. Rentaro, Elias, and Victor, having earned their reputation in the company, were among them.
As the room filled with an uneasy atmosphere, the Director began speaking, his voice calm but serious. "What I am about to tell you may seem a bit unsettling. If any of you wish to leave now, please feel free. However, whoever stays here must promise to keep this information confidential."
The tension was thick in the air. Everyone in the room choked for a moment, their breath catching in their throats. No one left. All of them had built reputations on their discretion and loyalty to the company.
The Director continued, "Upon further research, our forensics team uncovered some troubling details. Thousands of years ago, there was an ancient civilization far beyond us in terms of technology. However, they faced monstrous creatures that threatened their existence. We don't know what they called their scientists, but those scientists created weapons from the remains of these monsters. They used the bones, the essence, of these creatures to forge tools and weapons capable of destroying the monsters that plagued their world."
The room grew even quieter. The implications of such an ancient war—where technology and monster remains were used to fight back—were heavy on everyone's minds. No one spoke at first, the weight of the revelation sinking in. The Director paused before continuing, "One particular monster died of old age, and the civilization decided to use its remains to create weapons capable of destroying the other creatures."
At this, everyone in the room felt a sudden pressure in their chests. The idea that these remains could hold the power to create such devastating weapons sent a shiver through them.
Then, Tetsuya Ichikawa, the CEO, spoke up. His tone was calm but firm. "But rest assured, we will not be using these blueprints. They will be securely locked away within the organization."
The air in the room seemed to lift slightly, the collective tension easing as people exchanged looks of relief. Yet, Tetsuya's next words brought a fresh wave of uncertainty.
"But there is something else we need to discuss," he continued. "We also found a blueprint for a time machine. Yes, you heard me correctly. A time machine."
The room went silent again. The mention of such a fantastical concept seemed almost absurd to those present. Elias, Rentaro, and Victor exchanged confused glances. Was this some sort of joke? How could something so outlandish be possible?
Tetsuya held up his hand, silencing the murmurs. "The time machine could also be powered using the remains of the monster. But let me make it clear—we will not pursue this path. We do not want to risk meddling with the fabric of time itself."
As the weight of Tetsuya's words settled in, the room was still. The conversation was heavy with the realization that the organization now held knowledge that could alter the course of history—but that it was being kept under tight wraps.
"We will not be developing any of these weapons or time machines. All of this information will remain confidential—do not discuss it with anyone, not even your families," Tetsuya said, his voice final.
With that, the meeting was adjourned. The members of the room stood in stunned silence, the gravity of what had been shared weighing heavily on them as they filed out one by one.
As Ren turned to leave, Aaron's voice stopped him. "Hey, hey, hey, how do you know all of this? This sounds almost like some kind of fantasy."
Ren paused, a distant look crossing his face as memories of his father flooded back. He turned to face Aaron, his expression somber. "He kept a diary—wrote everything down, from his work to his thoughts. He never let anyone see it, not even my mother. But one day, he forgot the locker key at home, and that's when I found out everything."
Ren fell silent, and Aaron stared at him, his mind struggling to process the weight of what Ren had just revealed.
Ren exhaled deeply and continued. "I never understood why my father was so secretive about his work, about Kage Corporation, until I read those pages. There's so much more going on than any of us know. The company, the ruins, the monsters—they're all connected, but I can't make sense of it. My father kept things from me. Things that might have changed everything."
"Well, that's all I know," Ren said, turning away with a resigned sigh. "I'm going home now."
Aaron stood frozen in the park, the words from Ren echoing in his mind. His father, Victor Gray, had been involved in something far beyond anything Aaron had ever imagined. The secrets, the lies—he had to confront him now. He couldn't keep living with this uncertainty hanging over him. The truth was out there, and it was time to face it.
He knew what he had to do. Tonight, I'll ask him. No more hiding from the truth.
Aaron's heart pounded in his chest as he turned and began walking home, the weight of his decision heavier than ever. The quiet streets felt almost suffocating, as if the world around him was holding its breath, waiting for the storm that was about to unfold.
The streets were nearly empty, the distant hum of traffic blending into the background as he made his way home. His mind raced, replaying every word Ren had told him at the park. Could it all be true? The thought gnawed at him, each step he took feeling like a plunge deeper into the unknown.
The house stood quiet as Aaron approached, its silhouette bathed in the dim glow of the streetlights. He hesitated for a moment at the front door, his hand hovering just above the handle. Taking a deep breath, he pushed it open, the door creaking slightly as if protesting the confrontation that was about to unfold.
As the door creaked open, he heard Victor's voice from the other room, calm as ever. But Aaron knew better. The calm would soon break, and when it did, nothing would be the same.
It was time. Aaron stepped inside, the door clicking shut behind him.
The confrontation was inevitable.