In a white hospital room Mike sits upwards on a bed. Standard medical equipment lines the silent room. On a table flowers lay, adding color to the otherwise drab backdrop. The sun lightly pours through inconsistent blinds. Mike's face is drab with a light expression of melancholy as he sits limply. Bandages covering many areas of his body and a cast over his arm. He looks straight ahead and thinks. No thought in
particular but a flurry of confusion and white noise.
It's been 4 days since the battle with Godkill and 1 day since I've woken up. However I would say it feels like it's been weeks in this room. Having a silent sanctuary to play over the scenes on repeat hasn't been great to my mental state. Physically the pain is harsh but the majority of my wounds appear to have been healed prior to arriving here. Mentally I'm not sure whether I would say it hurts or I just haven't processed it yet. How many of my friends died in a mere blip in time. Dealing with one death was dreadful, dealing with many has almost made me numb. I was knocked out for many of them this time around. Better or worse? I can't tell. I didn't have to witness it, but I am stuck imagining things that could be worse than the reality. Better and worse I suppose but the end result is the same. They are dead. Piers, Dead. Junpei, Dead. Lena, Dead.
All of Oluo's men, dead. The city is in ruin and many civilians were also killed in the crossfire of our battle. How many were killed without me even knowing? Without even batting an eye. Have I become so used to it now that I don't even care or is this just my brains way of stopping me from letting guilt consume me?
Mike clutches his blanket hard and grits his teeth. As he does the door creaks open breaking the silence and Leon enters the room. Dressed not in his usual attire but in business casual all black.
"Morning, how are we feeling today? Glad to see you awake and up and about."
"I'm alive. Nothing more."
"Well that's a start."
Leon pours himself some coffee and sits down in the chair near the bed. "Today will be hard. Maybe even harder than the day of the fight. Are you ready?"
"I was cleared for the funeral so long as I took it easy."
"I mean. Ready, as in mentally prepared. I have no doubt you can physically muster it."
"I don't know if you can be ready. How are the others? I haven't been able to get much info about what's going on."
"They didn't want you worrying about them but nobody else died post battle. Kazuke and Nathan have woken up and are surprisingly in good spirits all things considered. Youta is in bad shape to say the least but he is alive although he may not be able to move for at least another week or two. The rest of us scraped by with some bruises and fractures."
"Good to hear."
"Mizuki."
"Leon?"
"I'm sorry, I failed you kids. If I was stronger and better at my job." Leon grips the cup with both hands. It shakes as he looks down, his hair draping over his face. "Less people would have died. It's my fault for dragging you into it."
"No, if you didn't involve us the entire city could have been killed. It isn't your fault the government didn't handle the threat when you brought it up. You did your best."
"Maybe but from now I'm gonna work, get strong like you guys. No more guy with a badge and gun. I'm gonna become a true fighter."
"I look forward to seeing it. We will be here to help you."
Leon still looks down as a smirk forms across his face. "I know. Hey, are you planning to announce your big news today?"
"Yeah, I am. A funeral seemed like a bad place to do it but since the PM insists on having it be public it seemed to be as good a time as any."
"Your brother and Hinako are out front waiting by my car. You are going to want to get ready. I got you some clothes to wear. Take your time and meet me out front and I'll drive you."
"Alright, thank you."
Leon stands up and goes to the door, opening it. "Don't forget despite my joking attitude towards things you can talk to me if you want. For real. I can be serious if need be."
"Maybe I'll take you up on that. I'll be out shortly."
Leon leaves the room and closes the door behind him. Mike slides out of the bed and struggles towards the bench. After sliding on his clothes he walks to the door slowly and begins to walk towards the exit. After passing the counter and exiting the building up against a black car, Nathan Wearing street clothes for once. One arm of his black button up shirt flopping in the wind.
"I'm not going to lie, getting used to the arm is going to take awhile, but i'm surprised you are back on your feet this quickly."
"I will only be armless for a while longer. Lobra is creating a mechanical prosthetic I guess."
"Sounds like something she would be able to do. Until then it looks like you're just gonna have to deal."
"Yeah, wiping my ass is hard like this."
Mike smirks seemingly letting out a light smile. "Glad to see at least you kept your sense of humor."
"Hello Mizuki."
"Hinako, good to see you. How are you?"
"I'm good; I'm glad to see you up and about. I was worried."
"Don't worry about me, I'm not so easy to kill."
"Yeah, I wish everyone else was the same."
"Ready, set, let's go, clowns. We are gonna be late," said Leon.
Leon hops into the car's passenger seat and motions to the back, the brothers climb in and the driver takes off leaving the hospital across the streets of the once bustling city. The car's 4 passengers sit in silence, the only sound being the radio playing on a low volume. After a while they pull into a parking lot. Nearby a large outdoor pavilion where people pour in. Mostly somber, the group get out of the car and begin walking.
"We go in through the left side." Says Leon. "We will be in the front row. I know you guys would have wanted a private funeral but the government insisted this for optics. Cruel yes but we didn't have much say."
"So it goes in this business. The point of it is the same."
The group walked towards a small building towards the left side of the outdoor pavilion. Leon walks to the door and opens it letting Nathan, Hinako and Mike in. Inside many of the group lay scattered about. Lobra, Brody, Karina, Polar, and Kazuke stand together talking about various things. In the corner in a chair, Youta sits covered in casts from head to toe sleeping. They were seemingly unaware that more people had arrived. A moment after Mike enters he feels a hand on his shoulder. He turns around to see Reyna. Not wearing her usual gear but instead an ornate black dress. She smiles.
"Glad to see you two are back on your feet. Was sad seeing you all drained and pitiful."
"Wow, pitiful? Harsh, don't you think?"
"No, I hold you two in high regard so I don't think so. Think of it as a backhanded compliment."
"I have one arm," said Nathan.
"I can see that, hopefully not for long if all goes well. I hear you will be getting a mechanical replacement."
"Call me robutakus."
"I'm good on that one friend."
Nathan smiles doobishly and walks away to speak with Youta.
"How are you holding up?" Reyna asks.
"Not bad. Doctor says I am healing faster than normal. One of the benefits of my physiology, I guess," said Mike.
"The threat is gone, rest and self care are normal right now. Don't forget that."
"I won't, I think I'll be alright with everyone here."
"I hope so. I hate to say peace won't last for good but it won't. When that comes you will be needed again. I'm going to go speak with the others. Take care of yourself."
She walks away to join the group and Mike catches Kazuke looking in his direction. He hesitantly walks over with his hands in his pockets and eyes to the ground.
"Hey Mizuki." Says Kazuke.
"I'm glad to see you in good health."
"I'll cut to the chase. I'm sorry."
"Sorry for what exactly?"
"I've always seen you as a rival but it's clear. I haven't lived up to my end of the deal. In that battle I was useless and I made you bear the brunt of it. We may be rivals but if you died because I wasn't strong enough to help I wouldn't be able to live with myself. I'll work to compete with you, but I also want to work to be better as a team. Next time, I'll have your back. Take my word."
Mike smiles. "Don't be a fool, I would have lost without your strength. There is no need to apologize. Now I won't deny I am stronger than you now of course but i mean. You are fighting for a close 4th on the team."
Kazuke turns angry. "Look you brat not a chance. Fourth? I am going to train and next time I won't lose to you and it will be me saving everyone. You got that?"
Mike leans in and hugs the angry man whose face turns from anger to shock.
"I'm just glad you're still alive. Don't have any regrets. You did your best and so did everyone else. Having regrets would just dishonor the dead's sacrifice. You are alive, and that's what matters."
Kazuke pauses for a second and looks on. "Right, let's save the smoke for another time."
Leon claps to get everyone's attention. "I think it's almost time to walk out and take our seats up in the front. Let's get going.
Leon opens the door to the outdoor pavilion and the group walk in a line out along the side. Not before long the crowd spots them and begins cheering and clapping. None of the group look enthused by this. They take their seats up front as The Prime Minister takes the stage accompanied by 2 guards. He walks up and taps the mic and as applause falls he begins to speak.
"I gathered everyone today for a few reasons. Some good, some bad but all important nonetheless. In times of hardship there are the few and far between who reach out to help those in need despite the danger it poses to them. Those that would rather bleed than see somebody else bleed. Those that would charge towards the sound of gunfire in times of need. Standing before me are these people. These men and women stopped a global catastrophe without aid. For nothing to gain but the safety of human life. For that they just be commended. Greatly."
The crowd rises in applause and screams out chanting. The man taps the mic and calms them and speaks again. "I would like to give out these medals but before that there is a topic I would like to address. In the past it has been frowned upon for unlicensed heroes to operate as they please. This came during a time of uncertainty and worry. Many things changed so quickly due to powers popping up and magic having a global resurgence we could never imagine. With that said this event has shown me i was foolish to believe those who practiced heroic work under their own guise were a problem. These children and young adults have shown me the error in my ways and for that I am truly sorry. I will look in the future for ways for these so called vigilantes to operate with a provisional license. Alongside the police. Just as they did in this case. The process could be a long one but please assure I am working on it. The future is foggy and filled with uncertainty, but if we work together we can have a bright one. Now let's get on to recognizing these fighters. As follows I'd like to present a new award and then a special gift to them. As I call them by name.
The minister begins calling out names and one by one the members walk the stage and bow their heads for a medal. Mike walks up last and shakes the man's hand firmly, taking his medal. Then standing.
"It is now time I state the surprise. It is no understatement to say we fear those different from us. These superpowered people before you may seem scary or perhaps a bit dangerous. However I think it has been assured they are not. I have spoken with captain Oluo Bozan, who has stated he will personally vouch for them. From this day forth they will be recognized as a federal entity and will be allowed to continue operations with more funding and resources. So long as they allow Captain Oluo to join them. This will be a part of my new bill allowing non licensed supers to work so long as one member is licensed.
The crowd erupts screaming and clapping. He hushes them once more and looks down.
"I appreciate the support, however. Before we conclude this, There is another reason why we are here. Behind me. The caskets of some of the fallen heroes who did not make it back that day. The ones who bled for us, who died for us. They deserve even greater honor than I can award. As they are buried today at a private burial I ask you to remember their names, and remember the friends they left behind. Piers Evans, one of our own. He died collapsing a building taking down one of the enemy's higher ups and securing a crucial position on the monster who was destroying the city. Junpei Matsui, a veteran and well known hero of this city. Dying in the same manner as Mr Evans but saving a younger hero. Lastly, Lena Oxford. The guardian of this city. She died by her vows to protect this city. She leaves behind a legacy of the city guardian with the highest approval rating of any precinct in the area. She will not be easily replaced. Please have a moment of silence as we place flags over their remains and say a prayer. Before we allow them to be taken."
The crowd goes silent and bows their heads. The group shows varying arrays of discomfort. Brody holds back tears with a serious expression, Kazuke holding down a soft emotionless gaze, Leon holding steady remembering the good in his lost friend, and Mike turning red with anger and biting his lip. So hard it draws a drip of blood. He thinks to himself.
"Will this be the last time I bury a friend? Could it have been different? If I had just killed Vargas earlier what would have happened. They would still be alive right? My own stupid rule caused this. Not that I could have killed Joe even if I wanted to. I'm too weak. I should have killed them all. Next time I will. I won't hold back. Anyone who comes in the way of innocence should be slaughtered."
Mike is snapped out of his trance from a slap on the shoulder. Hinako turns to him and speaks in her usual calming voice.
"Calm down; it is going to be okay." We are going now to load the caskets. You looked like you were spacing."
"Yeah I'm good, just got a bit caught up in the moment."
"Good, oh my, your bleeding. What did you do?"
"I'm fine, I'm just. I want to say something but I don't know if now's the time."
"If not now then when?"
"You're right."
Mike steps forward and taps the man speaking. "Can I say something sir?"
"Why of course you can, it's all yours."
Mizuki faces the crowd and looks at them. "Thank you all for coming today. Your support in this hard time is needed. I don't want to take too much more of your time but I would like to make a request. Right now you might feel unsafe or uncertain of what's going to happen. That's normal. I feel the same. With that said, I spoke with Lena during her dying breaths and i think it's only fair I let you know her last wishes."
The crowd murmurs and speaks, rising to a light volume.
"She told me something I didn't expect to hear, to be honest with you I didn't want to hear. She looked at me and said she would like me to take over her spot as guardian of this city."
The crowd creeps to a silence.
"I never wanted to be a hero for image or being a big name. With that aside, I want to carry out her wishes. I would like to be this city's guardian if you would let me. I would assure nothing comes to harm you again. I would bet my life on it. Only if you and the prime minister allow it."
The crowd stops for a second until roaring into a cheer or approval.
"You have my approval," said the prime minister.
They walk to the side of the stage and take the caskets to be loaded in vans hauling them off to be buried.
****
The funeral wraps up and people leave going their separate ways. Mizuki walks back to Leon's car and as he rises over the hill he sees a familiar face standing near it. Hando. Mizuki approaches.
"Mr. Tozuki. Sorry to meet you like this."
"Hando, it's no trouble at all it's nice to see you. Were you attending the funeral?"
"Yes but I kept my distance, I wasn't sure you would be upset to see me all things considered."
"Upset? Why would I be?"
"I failed you young man. The Hikari fell for the traps set around the country and left you to fend for yourselves."
"Enough of everyone trying to take the blame. The only one to blame is the man locked in the cell. Vargas. Not you. You did your best."
"Very well Young Tozuki. If that is how you feel, I'll let it rest. I am also here on other matters. Of course if you do not want to hear them as of now I can understand that."
"No, it's fine, what matters?"
"After hearing of your bravery at the battle. My master has requested to see you. He has some opportunities he would like to discuss with you."
"What sort of opportunity?"
"I cannot say for certain, Masaru isn't one to give details over distance. He will want to see you in person."
"I would, that is an opportunity of a lifetime but I now have to attend to the city. I did say I'd become the new guardian."
"I know, which is why I am prepared to step in and fill it for the meantime while you travel. Besides, you need to rest anyway. Traveling to HQ you can handle, I think, fighting maybe not."
"Very well. I will head out soon then. After I take care of one loose end."
"Loose end?"
"I am going to see Vargas in prison. I need to get something off my chest."
"I won't ask what that is, I'm sure it's personal."
"It is, I just need to ask him one question."
The two go their separate ways and Mizuki gets into Leon's car with Nathan, and Hinako. They drive back to the lake house and rest for the night processing the long day.
****
The next morning Mizuki wakes up and heads out the front door. He travels out driving for miles and miles. He stops in a parking lot next to the prison and heads in.
"I would like to speak with Jose Vargas, I believe we spoke on the phone."
"Yes, Mr. Tozuki, I remember. I already had him restrained and set up in the room. Go down the hallway to your right and take the elevator to negative 5. You can find your way easily after that."
"Thank you sir."
Mike takes the described route and ends up outside a door. He opens it to a bright light. A single chair and a large glass wall. On the other side of the glass, Vargas. Mike walks to the chair and sits down crossing his leg over the other. He folds his arms. Joe looks up and speaks.
"You came here, why?"
"After the battle, I heard you willingly transferred the power out of me and back into the others."
"To the molecule, it didn't take a drop more or less. Everything should be back to normal."
"Why did you?"
"I do not know."
"I think you do, I think when I beat you into the dirt something changed. Tell me i'm wrong."
"I don't know."
"Cut the bullshit! Something changed! What was it?"
"I was wrong."
"Spill it, everything now."
"I was wrong, all this time I was wrong. Parading around like a damned fool. Claiming I could change everything when I was just a terrorist with some extra steps added in."
"You were wrong, but not about what you wanted, just the means to get it."
"The vision I had for this world was one where the needy didn't get trampled."
"Yeah, me too. I hate them just as much as you. I've struggled the entire time fighting you because I don't believe we are that far off. Just walking separate forks. That said, I still hate you. I wish I didn't but if i did it all over again I don't know if I could stop myself from killing you." Mike stands up, turns around and grabs the door. "The next time I see you, you will be a changed man. If you aren't, I'll see to it you die in that cell."
****
A week later, a familiar place. The lakehouse. A lovely day breezes by as the group sit in the living room sharing dinner.
"Things have changed for better or worse. We are a lot smaller than we were, but closer too. Leon and Karina got together officially. Leon did say she was starting to grow on him a little bit. Youta has to go to therapy three times a week and they say he will never make a full recovery but he's taken on the full time job of training Nathan, Nathan's high tech fake arm has bonded perfectly and he's totally mastered unlocking the final limiter even surpassing his master although he has vowed to never use it unless its life or death.. Brody plans to carry on Junpei's will, still watching weekly episodes of Wookisho kaisen and even training with Mr. Oluo on using the Jet system gear, retiring the short lived riding of 86h. Speaking of which Oluo has requested to join our little gang on orders of the Prime Minister.. Not sure how well he fits in calling everyone green even though he's new but I can live with it. Reyna is in and out since she's dealing with some issues at home. Hinako now works with Lobra full time as an assistant, coming up with new tech and being directly under the government's payroll. She plans to move out of her parents house to live under our protection. Oh yeah and we get to keep the lakehouse free of charge. Kazuke isn't around much. Since the events of that day he really has never been the same. Over time I'm hoping he comes around. I'm glad he keeps in touch but I wish he didn't bear so much hatred towards himself for what happened. Things really are just peaceful right now. I guess we have earned it, and it's what our fallen friends would have wanted for us. I hope so at least.
Mike gets up and walks out to the balcony. Leaning against the railing looking down at the pool.
Brian would be playing guitar right now, and Lena would be out here telling me I need to be more positive. It's strange.
The door opens and Mike turns to look. Reyna walks out in casual wear. Jeans and a hoodie.
"Glad you could make it. Interesting attire."
"I'm wearing clothes that fit in a normal setting right?"
"No, they look nice."
"Good, you know this is nice. Everyone is just here together. Finding peace and waiting for a war that may never come."
"It will come, and when it does I'll be ready. This time I won't let a single one live."
"Let's hope it never comes to that, but if it does i will also be. I will always have your back. You know that."
"I know. Thank you."
"So, your meeting with Masaru is in the morning right?"
"Yeah, I'll be heading out soon."
"Soon? Would it not make more sense to leave in the morning?"
"It would if the Hikari HQ is the only place I was going."
"Other plans?"
"Nathan and I are going to visit Jerry's grave, I have something I would like to tell him."
"I see, did you want any company?"
"I thought about asking, but I didn't want to burden anybody. No sense grief dumping when everyone else is knee deep in it."
"I know how you feel, don't feel bad."
Nathan opens the door and clanks his metal arm against the windchime, making ghost noises. "Mike, it's time to cut the cake. Let's go."
"Alright I'm coming."
Mike walks inside and everyone is sitting at a large table. Kazuke is slashing a cake with his sword.
"What? It's sanitary."
"I don't know about that," said Lobra.
Mike sits down at the table and looks around cautiously.
"Time for a speech," said Leon. The truth is, Nothing matters more than the people in this room.You are all family to me. I won't allow you to forget that!"
The group cheers to Leon's words of motivation. Mike sits thinking. "I guess this is life now. Maybe things are good this way. Guess all I can do is look forward. Leon is right though. Nothing is more important than the people in this room, and from now on I will do anything to protect them. Even if that means I have to soak my hands to the bone with the blood of my enemies. Until then. I'll enjoy this peace."
Mike gets up and taps Nathan on the shoulder. He walks towards the door and Nathan follows. A few people look as the two walk out the door. Reyna looks around and Leon stops the music. The room sits in a striking silence.
*****
Mike and Nathan arrive at the cemetery and walk down the path.
"So, what happens next?" Asks Nathan.
"In regards to what?"
"Everything, life."
"We do the same thing we always have, we stop evil and support the innocent. Now we do it with more funding and greater reach. It is gonna be hard, harder than it ever has been. We have to though."
"Do we?"
"I think so."
"I want you to really think this over. Think if you want to continue down this path."
"Why would I not?"
"Because it's killing you."
The two stop right in front of Jerry's grave.
"I'm fine."
"Try again, you are beating yourself up over this. Over the dead, over the looming danger, over everything. I just, don't want you to go down a dark path you can't come back from."
"Well, I'll ask you. What are you going to do? What's your goal?"
"No matter what you choose, I will stay and fight. I told you I want to be a hero, and I will. So if you have to stop, don't think this city is gonna crumble. I'll hold it together."
"You are still stuck on being a hero?"
"Don't start trying to talk me out of it."
"Good, together we are gonna keep this city safe. You are gonna work alongside me. From now, until the end." Mike turns to Nathan. "I approve. You are gonna be an excellent hero." He turns back to the grave. "Now, let's pray."
The two brothers kneel and pray.
"Jerry, sorry we took awhile to come visit. I got caught up in some troublesome business. I took care of it, I won. I didn't want to come to you until I could say that. You were right though, I was a fool who did not understand nearly as much as I thought. That will change though. I'm not going to be a fool anymore. Although I'm also sorry I won't be stopping my hero work. I know your angry with that watching me now, but Nathan also chose to become a hero too. He's gonna watch my back so you don't have to worry. I got Hinako out of her house, you really helped that girl you know?"
Mike pauses and drops his hands to his sides.
"There is one other thing. I wish you were here to guide me right now. I could use one of our closing up shop talks. I'm a bit lost in one bit of this whole problem."
Nathan opens his eyes and looks over.
"I'm scared. Really, I am." Mike says. "Im so fucking scared. I know I'm strong, you always said that. After fighting these opponents I realized I am nothing compared to the ones I need to stop. I don't want to be scared but I am. Not for my own life, but that I won't be able to protect my friends and the people I promised I would. I already failed to save them once. I just wish you were here to tell me what the answer was. I'm tired of biting my lip and trying to be tough when all I have wanted was to break and fall apart. Stay strong for the weak, I've done it. Who stays strong for the strong?" Mizuki breaks and tears roll down his face. Months of anger and sadness smashing past the surface like thin glass. He stops speaking and tightens trying to fight back his feelings. It is no use.
Footsteps are heard on the pavement, first one, then more. Mizuki feels a hand lightly placed on his shoulder. He doesn't turn around.
"Who stays strong for the strong?" Says Kazuke. "Well, I don't know how to answer that. You are heading down a path of suffering so there are times where being strong won't be enough. That said, I will bear your burden when you can't. Just as you did for me."
Mike and Nathan stand up and turn around to see the whole team, sprawling out of the van. Kazuke leans in and hugs them both.
"I'm gonna be here, until the bitter end."
Reyna joins in on the group hug. "You won't be rid of me yet, I'm in. For the long run."
Hinako and Brody Join "I will help you in any way I can." She says.
Leon joins. "I failed to keep you kids safe, I won't forget it. I'll be strong for you, if you promise to bear with my weakness."
Everyone joins in sharing a group moment holding almost frozen in a bubble. Mizuki speaks to the group softly. "Put your faith in me, I won't let you regret it."
"No, you don't have to do it alone anymore. We are all going to fight. Until the end," said Reyna.
They disperse. All bowing their heads at the gravesite to pay respects.
"So tomorrow you head to the Hikari HQ?" Asked Oluo.
"Yeah, I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous."
"You should be, I've stood before them in the past, some of them can be a bit intimidating."
"I don't mean to but in but Mizuki can worry about that in the morning. For now, let's forget about everything and have a peaceful conversation. I think Jerry would have liked that. Don't you think so?"
"Yeah," said Mike. "I think he would have."
The group sat around for a while talking and taking in the weather. Before long they return to the lakehouse.
*****
In the morning Mike heads outside. Leon exits a moment after.
"Ready to go?"
"Yeah let's head out. No need to linger here."
The two head in the car as they begin to travel. The long car ride soaked in no words and just the sounds of light music.
"What do they want from me exactly?" Asked Mike.
"Beats me. They don't really do this often. It could be because you said you would take over as guardian of the city but generally that would just be an email or something. Maybe they are gonna arrest you for running a fake electronics store for years."
"Funny, but we did sell electronics. Old graphics cards and CRT TVs."
"Gross. Really I don't know what they want but don't worry. They are the good guys. No more traps. You're just on edge."
Time passes and they arrive outside of a large black building.
"Good luck, I'll be outside."
Mizuki walks up the stairs and into a large room. He walks to the front desk, his footsteps echoing across the large mostly empty front room. The woman at the front desk looks up.
"Hello, can I help you?"
"I have an appointment with Masaru."
"Must be why everyone is in today." The woman looks down at her notepad. "Tozuki?"
"Yes, that is me."
"Very well head on into the large room to your right and have a seat."
He walks into the large room, a small stage-like structure wraps around the rear of the room. In the center a chair. The room is dark with the only light being the small amount brimming from the door he just came through. He closes the door behind him and walks towards the chair, looking around.
"Have a seat." Says the voice of a woman over the intercom.
Mizuki sits and a few minutes go by. A door opens near the back of the stage and seven people walk out all casually walking to six out of the seven chairs equally spread across it. A man in office clothing walks to the front and speaks.
"You are in the presence of The Hikari."
The lights turn on and six people sit on the stage. The center chair is empty.
"From left to right, Hando Tachibana The Flaming Sword. Kyoka Watanabe The shimmering Beauty. Narumi Eto The radiant dawn. Ryota Yasuda The silk archer. What should be Master Masaru is the empty chair. Gendo Okito The mad dog. And Tony.
The girl with the name Narumi stands. "My apologies, Master Masaru should be here now. I suppose it is irrelevant to the point. I can relay the information to you."
"That won't be needed." A man walks in from the door slogging his way to the empty chair. He trots across the room, hands in his pockets. Each step booming through the hollow room. Narumi sits down as the man arrives in his chair. He looks Mizuki up and down. "So you're the one Hando has been talking about."
"I suppose I am."
"Well, what's wrong with you?"
"I'm sorry?"
"You work for free, put your life on the line to help us solve a problem that wasn't yours to solve. Why?"
"I couldn't just let Vargas walk around hurting people. Wouldn't be right."
"Right, that isn't what I'm getting at. I suppose it's irrelevant. Now you're here so the paths converge regardless." The man steps off the stage one foot first. A second flashes by and he's in front of Mizuki. Standing too close for comfort.
"He's fast." Mike thinks to himself.
The man leans in close to his ear. "I wanna know you. You interest me. Not many people do." He steps back. Looking up and down, hands still in pocket.
"I'm glad to hear I've caught your attention, but I still don't know why I'm here."
"I'm not big on theatrics so I'll get to the point."
"Masaru, not big on theatrics, gives me a break." Narumi whispers under her breath.
"You gathered a team and fought the biggest threat your city has ever faced and after all that you claim you want to be the new guardian. You think you're fit for that job?" Masaru asks. A condescending tone rolling off his confident lazy dimenor.
"I think I am."
"You think you are?" He says. Pausing. "Well good, because I think you will be too."
"Then with all respect I'm not sure what the issue is."
"You have potential. So I heard. Not to mention I like the style you bring. Here is my command i won't pretend it's an offer because i won't take no for an answer. Let me mess with you, become my experiment and allow me to unlock what you really can be. Then, ill approve you as guardian of your city."
"What if I refuse your offer?"
"Ill make sure you don't work another day as a hero. Ill personally lock you and your group off from performing again."
"Sir, the prime minister already granted them permission. I hardly see it fit."
"Hush, Hando. It won't matter. All this guy has to do is train with me for a while and it will all work out. That seems like a good deal right?"
"I met your offer with a counter offer."
"I like you more and more by the minute. A bargaining man. What's your offer?"
"I will accept your training on two conditions. You assign a temporary guardian to the city in the meantime. I will not allow it to go unwatched while i doddle about."
"Done, easy."
"The other thing is simple, you teach me what I need to know to make sure nothing like what happened to my friends ever happens again."
"I'm afraid that's impossible."
"How?"
"Losing people you care about is part of being a hero. I can't change that. However, I can make sure you will be able to repay anyone who hurts your friends tenfold."
"You speak from experience?"
The room falls to a silence. Masaru puts his hands back in his pockets and looks down. "Why yes, I do. As a hero you are gonna lose people you feel like you aren't able to live without. You will need to keep on pushing regardless."
"I have heard myth of your power, your telling me even at your level i won't be able to protect the people I care about?"
Masaru looks up. His eyes now glowing an affluent purple, his hair white as snow. He holds his hand up and forms a small black ball dark as the night sky in his hand. The orb expands slowly, then ramps.
"Sir i don't think that's wise!" Says Hando.
"You damn fool, using an ability like that you'll bring the building down." Says Narumi.
Masaru stares at Mizuki as the orb expands. His hair now wisps from the force. Mizuki stumbles as the ball brings him closer, pulling him towards it. The ball continues to expand now violently flowing. It glows a bright purple with flecks of gold and white.
"You feel this?" Asks Masaru.
He collapses the ball shattering it into glass like dust that fades rapidly as the room calms. Mizuki looks on standing his ground.
"If you can't even replicate a fraction of this, you have no hope in protecting the people you care about, or the people of your city. It's a fact. Now, return when I tell you too, and we'll train. Maybe you can lessen the number of dead comrades you'll face down the line."
Mizuki bites his lip and smiles. "I'll live on those terms."
"Remarkable." Masuru flashes back to the top of the stage and heads through the door. "You will return here next Monday. We will begin training then."
"That's it?" Asks Gendo.
"Yeah that's all." Says Masaru halfway out the door.
All the Hikari leave the room one by one and Mizuki heads to the exit. He leaves out the front entrance and Leon sits waiting in the car. He sits down in the seat.
"All set?" Asks Leon.
"Yeah, let's go home."
The two drive down a familiar road. The car humming along. No words spoken, the buzz of the radio the only audible sound. Mizuki thinks to himself.
"More and more I find myself wondering if this is all worth it. If I chose the right path. If the people that died for me to be here would approve of the choices I'm making. I guess I'll never be sure in what the truth is. One thing is certain. I will not waiver, I will not yield and I won't let their deaths go to waste. I won't stop fighting for those who can't fight for themselves until I've drawn my last breath. That is my truth. My reality. I'll bear it, because I have too. That's what it means to be a hero, to be a guardian. That is my path. Until the end."
"You ok? Awfully silent."
"I'm good, Leon. How far are we from home?"
"A good ways."
"Can you pull over?"
"I guess I can, what for?"
Leon swings the car over and parks against the curb. Mizuki opens his door and gets out.
"Where are you going?"
"I'll walk the rest of the way thanks. I'll be back around dinner."
"Hey wait!"
Mizuki blasts off in a flash and leaps to the nearby rooftop. He leaps away rooftop to rooftop until reaching a tall familiar building. He sits on the ledge and lays his hands back to support himself, his legs hanging off the side. He lays back and looks at the sky. Lost in thought.
Hours pass, as the sun dims and the city lights up below he awakes.
"Damn guess I passed out, glad i didn't roll off." Mike checks his phone. It reads 3 missed calls. "I guess I must have worried people." Mike turns around to the sound of footsteps. "Hinako, what are you doing here."
"You were missing for dinner and Reyna said I might find you here."
"I was just about to head out."
"No need, I brought the food here. Can I sit?"
"Perhaps."
They sit and look at the city below.
"So, what is your plan now?" She asks.
"I'm not sure, i guess just do what i've been doing so far."
"Winging it?"
"I have not been winging it, I'm extremely calculated."
"Funny, but for real. Do you really think the whole group will stay together?"
"I hope so, and after everything we have been through I think they just may."
"Maybe you're right, let's hope so. All I know is there are a few people who won't be going anywhere. Me, Brody, Nathan. I suspect Reyna and Kazuke too."
"Whatever happens, I have a feeling this isn't over. That said, anything that gets thrown at it. Well handle it."
"Yeah, we will."
"I guess only time will tell."
The two sit and watch the sun set completely. The horizon fading into the distance. A horizon filled with a future packed to the brim with an ocean of emotions. Pain, sorrow, love, anger and justice. The two sit, waiting for greed and tyranny to rear its head again. All that and more waits on the horizon.
*****
The next morning Mizuki leaves the house hopping around from rooftop to rooftop. Eventually he sees a nice park.
Mizuki lands at a nearby park and begins to walk. He thinks to himself. "Parks are best this time of day, nobody is around."
"Hey there. Did you just come from the sky?" A crackling soft voice came from the left.
Mizuki looked and sees a small older man sitting on the bench, legs crossed looking directly at him.
"I suppose I did."
"You must be one of those people I hear about on the radio, what did they call you again?"
"Depends who you ask."
"Well isn't that the truth. That's correct in any sort of conflict."
"Right, we'll you have a good day sir."
"Say what's a young man like you doing here this time of day? Usually it's just old folk like me who come to saunter about the park and scowl. Something troubling you?"
"No sir, just hear to clear my head is all." Mizuki begins to walk away.
"Say, you have any interesting stories? I hear all kinds of crazy things you heros do."
Mizuki stops and turns back to the man. "No I'm afraid most of my stories aren't all that interesting. Most of them end the same way. Not to mention you seem to be having a peaceful restful morning. Wouldn't want to burden you with my drab tales."
"On the contrary, I'm alone in the park with nobody to talk to but myself and the birds. Your story will be more interesting than what they have to say."
Mizuki pauses and thinks on it for a moment. "Are you sure you want to hear my story?"
"Humor an old man will you? I have nowhere else to be. Now please sit down and tell me your tale."
"Very well, but for it to make sense I might have to go a bit farther back. Let me start from the beginning"
"One thing before you continue, your name?"
"My name? Well, my friends call me Mizuki."
"The story of Mizuki. Has a good ring to it. Alright now you may tell me your story."