Game of Cards

by TPez

Chapter 20: The Siblings of Loathing

Makoto, dragged out of the hall, is still transfixed by the now-closed doors. Sickening. Disgusting. Revolting. Words crawl through her head like maggots. 

Her body remembers the autonomous processes like keeping her feet moving and breathing in and out. She vaguely notices Ren and the others being taken away around her. They're all ushered away from the banquet. With the man's crushed head on her mind, Makoto forgets why she came here. It's easy for regret to seep in. 

“Do you think that guy was him?” Ryuji asks unsteadily. “The guy we were looking for?” 

“There’s a chance.” Ren says. “We can't make assumptions though.” 

“How could he do such a thing with his bare hands? That man’s skull was crushed. It's incomprehensible. Simply impossible.” Yusuke says. 

“What did we walk into?” Ann asks, a hand over her mouth. 

“It's messed up, but it's not that surprising.” Ren says. “These aren't good people. That's why we're here.” 

“Doesn't look like we're just gonna be able to walk right through anymore.” Ryuji says, tilting his head toward the people pushing them out. 

“Hey.” Ren says, drawing the attention of one of the men. “We were invited here. Why won't you let us go?” 

Ren is dragged along by the arm, taken out of the hall and toward the opulent entrance to the hotel. 

“Children such as yourself have no place here.” The man says. “Though we regret what you just witnessed, you were the ones who barged in.” 

“Is this any way to treat your guests?” Ann asks. 

“It does strike me as disrespectful. You do not owe us respect simply because we are younger? That seems like a dated perspective.” Yusuke asks. 

“You are not our patrons. If, as you claim, our staff allowed you to be here, then mistakes have been made. Those mistakes are now being amended.” He says, pushing Ren through the wide gap made by the double doors. “Now leave, and never return.” 

The massive double doors are closed on them like those of a castle. It's hard to imagine being able to force them back open. And with the staff now aware of their attempted entry, there won't be any more mistakes. 

Ren bites down on the inside of his mouth in frustration. So close, but for the first time, there's no easy way to proceed forward. It's tempting to just try to open the front doors again, but there's sure to be people waiting to throw them back out again, or worse. And even if that wasn't the case, the doors are probably locked now. 

“So, uh, what now?” Ryuji asks. “They kicked us out, and they didn't even bother lookin’ at the invitation she got.” 

“I don't think they wanted us to see whatever that was.” Ann says, shuddering.

*Perhaps it would be detrimental to their operations if that was revealed to the public. Could we use it as leverage?” Yusuke asks. 

“We probably shouldn't stay here just in case they can monitor us.” Ren says. “But, hear me out, I think we should just give up. We can't just go back through the front doors; they'll be expecting us. And if we mess with them again, there's no guarantee we’ll get off the same way if we're caught.”

“Give up? Then why did we come here?” Makoto asks. “Someone died in there! We should call the police or do something!”

Ren shakes his head. “I know what you’re saying. And usually I’d agree, but this is the mafia we’re talking about. What can the police do?” 

“They'd do something about it!” Makoto argues. “If not the police, then who else can we count on?”

“This is beyond their jurisdiction.” Yusuke says. 

“The Mafia is conducting organized crime. We have to do something, but whether it's us or the police, rushing in is useless.” Ren says. “The fact that we were essentially caught is definitely for the worst. We should get out of here and regroup before they decide to be more forceful.” 

“I didn't come here to sit by and watch.” Makoto says, storming off to the entrance once more. “If you don't want to follow along, that's fine with me. Go home. But I'm not going to let this happen when I'm here to do something about it!” 

As Makoto reaches out for the doors once more, someone grabs her wrist casually, halting her where she stands. 

“If you brought them here, you're already in enough trouble. Trying to barge through those doors won't help.” A woman says with a smirk. “Hey Ren, it's been a while. Make some new friends?” 

“Miyagi.” Ren says in amazement. “You grew your hair out. What happened? How are you here?” 

“It's an awful coincidence.” Miyagi says. “I was wondering how you got here too.” 

Makoto pulls her hand away, rubbing her wrist. “Let me through.” She says, trying to push past Miyagi. 

“Sure. If you’re going to insist.” Miyagi says. “But whatever happens next is your fault. No one else’s. Let's go, Ren.” 

“Well, that's not fair.” Ren says. “We can't just let her run in there, Miyagi.” 

“Why not? She's not my problem.” Miyagi says. 

In the midst of their dispute over how to handle Makoto’s outburst, she takes the free lane to the doors and pulls at a handle. She pulls back, but the door doesn't come open as it did before. Makoto doesn't stop, trying to plant her feet and force the doors open, but they don't so much as budge. 

“Why?” Makoto says. “Let me in, damn it!” 

“We’re not just going to give up. You’re right, Makoto. We came here for a reason.” Ren says

“Then why? Why won’t you help me?” Makoto asks, her hand still clasped weakly around the doorhandle as she looks at him. Tears prick at the corner of her eyes. 

“Because it’s not the time.” Ren says. “If we try in vain today, that throws away our chances tomorrow. What matters is making sure we get it done. And just trying to pull at a locked door or throwing ourselves into that hotel isn’t going to help. If we don’t do this, who will? You know the police can’t. We don’t even know if they’ll try.” 

“They have to!” 

“They won’t.” Ryuji says. “If they threw Ren in jail, then we can’t trust ‘em.” 

“But they’re supposed to help us!” Makoto says.

“Reality is often different from what it appears to be.” Yusuke says. “If Ren says this task is too difficult for the police to surmount, then I must trust in his judgement.” 

“Why don’t you decide for yourselves?” Makoto asks. “Does everything you do run through him?”

“It’s our choice to stand beside him.” Ann says. “We’re a team, and he’s our friend. Why wouldn’t we hear him out?”

“Again, we’re not giving up, Makoto.” Ren says. “We just need to regroup. We need to take him down for sure. And if that’s not today, that’s just how it is.”

“Fine. If that's how it has to be, then fine.” Makoto says. “I get it. I just… I wanted to do something.” 

“You will, Makoto. I promise.” Ren says. 

Makoto finally distances herself from the doors, taking steps away from the hotel with the rest of the group. Miyagi lingers behind them, just in the corner of Ren’s eye. She appears to be waiting for something, unwilling to engage with the group yet.

 

“So, what now?” Ryuji asks.

“We'll have to rethink our approach so we don't just get rejected like that again. Sorry it didn't go as planned today.” Ren says.

“Hey, it’s not your fault.” Ryuji says. “I don’t think any of us coulda seen that coming.” 

“Still, it sucks.” Ren says frankly. “To get turned around right now, it’s like we came here for nothing. We’ve got no other option but to turn around and think about what comes next.” 

“If not through Kaneshiro, then what angle do we have?” Yusuke asks. “I suppose, in hindsight, it would’ve been a blessing to be let in through the front doors.” 

“We don’t have one, and that’s the problem.” Ren says. “There’s nothing else to be done but go home now. I need some time to think about what we should do next.”

With no other solution offered up to fix their current dilemma, Ren sees them off. The only two people left behind are, of course, him and Miyagi. Now that they’re a decent ways away from the hotel, Ren addresses her.

“So why are you here exactly?” Ren asks. “I didn’t really get your answer.” 

“Eh, it’s not really that important. But I’ve been staying here a little while.” Miyagi says, pointing back at the direction of the hotel. “I’m curious about what brought you guys here. You didn’t just get here by chance. I don’t believe it.” 

“My friends and I came here to look into something. That massive guy, Kaneshiro, he's the boss, right?” Ren asks her. 

“Yeah.” Miyagi replies. “Were you looking to see him?”

“That’s why we came here.” Ren says. 

“What could you be looking for with a guy like that?” Miyagi asks. “I don't know what common ground you were looking to find with him.”

“Looks like I couldn't find any.” Ren says. “We did get kicked out.” 

“Yeah, that's right. Probably for the best anyway.” Miyagi replies. 

“Was he going to kill us if we didn't leave?” Ren asks. 

“Who knows?” Miyagi says. “I don't think he was gonna invite you guys in for dinner if he found your friends snooping around. And that friend of yours… Makoto. She needs to get her head out of her ass. I thought you'd surround yourself with better people.”

Ren can't quite hide a smile at how utterly disappointed Miyagi sounds. As if Makoto's rashness was personally offensive to her. 

“Her heart’s in the right place.” Ren says. “She's just not able to settle for inaction anymore, and I can understand that.” 

“Do you say that about everyone who does something stupid?” Miyagi asks. “You can't do anything when you're dead.” 

“You're being pretty harsh on her.” Ren says. 

“People like that are hopeless.” Miyagi says. “No street smarts whatsoever. Even with all her blessings, she's worse off than I am.”

“What do you mean?” Ren asks, finding himself following in her footsteps. 

“A stable home. Parents in the picture. Going to school.” Miyagi says. “Simply stuff that I never got to have. I've learned that I don't really like you guys.” 

“Well, I'm-”

“Save it. I don't want your apologies.” Miyagi says. 

With that, a silence falls between them. Neither willing to misstep in the conversation. There's a bit of tension to it too, given her obvious irritation. But in that time, Ren begins to notice her profile. 

Maybe it's her posture that stands out, or the bulkier, finer clothing she wears. It's not designer apparel, but instead clothes that prioritize function over form or appearance. If it's of a specific brand, there are no obvious labels giving it away. Her dark cargo pants are covered in deep pockets, and the beige shirt she wears is a leather one. It resembles an old fighter pilot’s jacket, but it's sleek and almost shiny, showing its modernity. 

Most of all, she simply stands taller than before. Perhaps that newfound pride is the best display of her confidence. 

“What changed for you over the last couple months?” Ren asks. “When we were talking on that rooftop, I felt like you were a little unsure. But something's changed since then. You got taller, grew your hair out. You just seem more confident. It's pretty impressive.”  

“Well, thanks.” Miyagi says after a long moment. “Everything started to just click into place for me since that day. A little bit of savvy negotiating and I found my way here. Kaneshiro took a liking to me, so I didn't end up in a ditch like you guys should've. And ever since, I've been doing a lot of new things. Eating as much as my body needs, and eating more ‘correct’ foods. Working out. Training. It's all led to this. Just under a month and it'll all be worth it.”

“Right. That July first thing. What's that about?” Ren asks. 

“Sorry, don't wanna talk about it.” She says carelessly. “Too serious for what I've got planned. You’ll have a lot of those days later.” 

“What you've got planned?” Ren echoes. “Where are we going?” 

“Somewhere that’s probably right up your alley, if I'm right about you.” Miyagi says. “I mean, I'd be surprised if you weren't a fan of this stuff.” 

It’s a decently long walk to the location Miyagi chose. And on that walk, he’s surprised to find she still has her phone. Apparently she's been getting a multitude of special privileges. Or, at least, she isn't subject to the same restrictions. 

The flashing lights are obvious from afar, and the pulsing beat of music bounds off the walls of tall buildings. Following the sound, they walk up to a large amusement park. The faint exclaims of excitement and fear take their time to briefly cut in with the music. A Ferris wheel stands high above most of the attractions, its glittering lights almost blinding as it continues its cyclical rotation. 

Miyagi puts her hand on her hip near the entrance. “Well? What do you think?” 

“An amusement park. I'm surprised.” Ren says. 

“Here, I'll pay.” Miyagi says, dragging him along by his arm. She excitedly leads them under the arch at the entrance, pulling him into the world of glittering lights

“Are you sure?” Ren asks, running along with her to keep up. 

“I am. I've always wanted to do this. Pay for a guy on a date.” Miyagi says. 

“This is a date?” Ren asks, confused by her sudden change of tone. Apparently she's able to compartmentalize pretty well. It's as if she's completely forgotten her frustration from earlier. 

“Well that's definitely what it looks like.” Miyagi says with a smirk. “But we don't have to put a label on it. It's just a guy and a girl going out to an amusement park.”

“If you say it like that, I'm going to assume you're treating it like one.” Ren says. 

Miyagi flashes him a grin. “Who knows?” 

Ren smiles at that. To his surprise, there's no lineup on the way to the booths. They have a clear runway to the vendor, and Miyagi pulls him along to a free booth occupied by an employee. Unsurprisingly, she does the talking. 

“Two tickets please. For me and my boyfriend.” Miyagi says, taking the liberty of throwing an arm across Ren's shoulders as she hands the woman her money. Miyagi hangs over his left shoulder, her right hand over his chest. Looking at him with half lidded eyes as she bites her lip. Ren, oblivious to how she's looking at him, is simply surprised to have her hanging off of him like this. 

“Good for you. These are tickets for general admission. Some of the rides need special tickets, and you can buy them when you're there. Have fun.” The woman behind the glass says, a hint of bitterness in her voice as she hands them their tickets. 

“Thanks!” Miyagi says, rushing off and taking him further into the amusement park. Immediately to their left is a tall, spire-like ride. Its function is obvious. The hexagonal seating platform ascends, then locks in place for a few moments before suddenly dropping. It often catches people off guard, but the lack of duration causes a lack of interest in Miyagi. 

As Miyagi finally stops dragging him along, Ren finds they've stopped in a central area of the park. From here, it should be pretty simple to access whatever ride strikes their fancy. 

“What should we do first?” Ren asks. 

“I don't know.” Miyagi says, putting a hand to her chin. Clearly thinking hard. “There's a lot of rides I'd like to try, but I've got no clue what one's good. We also don't have all the time in the world, so that's another thing.” 

“Money’s not an issue?” Ren asks. 

“Not anymore. Let's start with this one.” Miyagi says.

“That’s not a ride.” Ren says.

“Well, yeah. But it’s better to pace yourself, isn’t it? We shouldn’t run right to the biggest rides right away.” Miyagi says. 

“Whatever you say.” Ren says. “This is kinda your thing.”

“Our thing.” Miyagi says, leading him to the small stand. “You’re tagging along for a reason.”

Ren stands beside her, their shoulders brushing as she lifts a toy rifle from the counter. The objective is simple. Shoot the targets as many times as possible and earn points. More points mean more prizes. Ren knows pretty well that these kinds of games are usually stacked against the players, but he sees no reason to point that out. 

Miyagi takes her first couple shots before Ren does, starting their timer. But she stops shooting, looking quizzically over at Ren’s hands.

“You’re holding it wrong.” Miyagi says. “You’ve got to hold the stock like this against your shoulder, or you’re just going to damage it for no reason.”

“You know it’s not a real gun, right?” Ren says. “There’s no recoil.” 

“Ah, right.” Miyagi says, shaking her head and focusing on the targets once more.

“I’m surprised you knew something like that.” Ren says.

“I’ve had some practice with guns recently.” Miyagi says, knocking the targets down with ease. 

By the end of the game, she’s nearly doubled his score.

“Looks like this really isn’t my strong suit.” Ren says, setting the gun back down on the stand and thanking the employee.

“You were trying, right?” Miyagi asks, dusting her hands off on her pants. “Letting someone else win just to keep their pride intact is really terrible, so you better not have been doing that.”

“Not at all. I’m not some professional marksman as you just saw.” Ren says.

“I guess not. You weren’t terrible though.”

“Almost sounds like a compliment.” Ren says. 

“I’ve seen worse, if that’s what you’re wondering.” Miyagi says. “It’s not something that you can just pick up and be good at. Doesn’t help that it was those fake guns either.”

“What do you want to do next?” Ren asks. 

“How about that one?” Miyagi asks, pointing towards a classical carousel. The lights glint invitingly their way.

Ren laughs. “I didn't think you'd want to try a ride this slow.”

“Just because it's slow doesn't mean it's bad.” Miyagi counters. “Besides, only one way to find out.”

So, upon paying for their tickets, Miyagi and Ren mount their horses. The ride kicks off, raising them slowly up and down as they travel in circles. 

“So, you were here for Kaneshiro.” Miyagi says, leaning back while holding onto the pole with one hand. “It didn't seem like you were looking for me, but I'm fine with being proven wrong.”

“Would you be sad if I admitted that wasn't why I came?’ Ren asks. 

“That’s cheating. I can't force you to act like you were here for me. Fake satisfaction like that isn't any fun. But you say you found Kaneshiro by chance? That's not easy to do.” Miyagi says, looking over at him from the fake horse she rides. She clearly has her suspicions, so he'll give her something. 

“Someone from school got a note. A fake invitation.” Ren says. “Either that, or an invitation for something else. Kaneshiro said he didn't make it. As long as he isn't lying, that means someone wanted Makoto to show up at that hotel. If you want to talk about chance, I think it's unlikely someone just mentioned Kaneshiro’s hotel by accident.” 

“So you were led here.” Miyagi says. 

“That's about right.” Ren replies. “But, as you saw, we just got kicked out. I didn’t think it was a fake because it was clearly the right address, but I don’t know what’s up.”

“If it’s any help, you guys got off easy for now.” Miyagi says. “It’ll all make sense eventually, but you shouldn't think that you're off the hook. They won’t just forget your faces.”

“Are we going to be in danger?” Ren asks.

“Who knows?” Miyagi says. “You might just hear a thing or two, if you keep your doors open.” 

Ren looks at her questioningly. “You mean that-”

“Who knows what I mean?” Miyagi says. “If you hear a thing or two about what to expect, I don’t know how that’d happen. But anything’s possible, right?” 

Ren smiles, looking down at the floor below his feet. Of course, he isn’t standing because he’s still riding the carousel. But it seems to be slowing down now.

“Thanks.” Ren says. “I think that’ll help a lot.”

“I see you as a friend. You know that, right?” Miyagi says, something in her voice that wasn’t there before. “The only one I have right now. The only one in the whole world.” 

Ren raises his head in response to her honesty, and he finds himself unable to stop himself. 

“Just a friend? You seemed pretty happy to call me your boyfriend back there.” Ren smirks, in anticipation of her response. “Did I do something to get demoted?” 

“Fine. Boyfriend too.” Miyagi says, reaching out to hold his hand across the gap between their horses. “Happy?” 

“As long as you are.” Ren says. “Though, isn’t it a little rash to assume I don’t have a girlfriend?” 

“I don’t think you’re so spineless to go along with me calling you my boyfriend if you were already dating someone.” Miyagi says. 

“Well, I’m glad you don’t think I’m the type to cheat on someone at least.” Ren chuckles, descending from his horse on the carousel. 

To an extent, Ren does feel as though he’s simply humoring her and her sudden decision to take him on as a significant other. Usually these kinds of things don’t happen so suddenly, and he doesn't know her well enough to make that kind of commitment on a whim. Because, as juvenile as it might sound, he does view the ideal relationship to be a commitment. If he isn’t going to seriously tackle the act of loving someone, what’s the point? A casual relationship strikes him as something likely to have more lows than highs. 

But at the same time, he really doesn’t mind this setup. And he’d hate to cut her fun short just because of the technicality of them not actually dating. Besides, it’s not as though Miyagi can’t think the same way. He’s sure she’s just as aware as he is that they’re not really dating. 

Ren offers Miyagi his hand, bowing his head as she dismounts the fake horse. 

“What a gentleman.” Miyagi snorts, punching him in the shoulder as she walks away with him. “Really stepping up, aren’t you.”

“Just an aspiring romantic. I try, you know?” Ren jokes. “Anything for my lady.” 

“Yeah yeah.” Miyagi replies. “Well, let’s see how you handle this, tough guy.” 

An utter contrast from the simple carousel from before, she takes him to a massive roller coaster. This one has a notable line, and even Ren feels a bit of a thrill as they ascend the stairs to clamber into the cars. 

“Grab onto me if you get scared. I’ll keep you safe, darling.” Miyagi says, a snarky grin on her face.

“You’ve never been on one of these, have you?” Ren asks. “I’d be more worried about you. Just know the offer goes both ways.”

Miyagi rolls her eyes, tilting her head up high. “That won’t be a problem. It won’t be that bad. And if it is, I was gonna do that anyway.” 

As the rollercoaster ascends backwards, Ren feels his heartbeat rousing in his chest, assuring himself their proximity has nothing to do with that symptom. They’ve really only met after all. It’s ridiculous to be pining over someone this early, especially when he hasn’t ever felt quite like this before. The only explanation is the adrenaline from the anticipation of their imminent descent. That’s the reason for his rapidly beating heart. 

“You ready?” Ren asks, looking over to her.

“There’s no backing out now.” Miyagi says, giving him a nod.

The roller coaster launches forward, driving screams of elation and fear both from its passengers. Miyagi’s black hair flies backwards like a flag, billowing as they hurl down to the ground along the tracks. 

Miyagi can barely hear her own voice as they plummet downward, smiling widely and laughing. She looks over to him in awe, shaking his shoulder in amazement and later grabbing his arm.

Beyond the initial rush and the sensation of her heart jumping up to her throat, it’s not a particularly frightening experience. She and Ren both have experienced worse, so they settle in relatively fast to have fun for the rest of the way. It’s still enough to get her heart pumping though, and she understands why people rave about it.

“That was pretty fun.” Miyagi says, hopping out of her seat. “But I think we can do better.”

“I can’t imagine they have that many rides more intense than that.” Ren says.

“Intensity isn’t always good.” Miyagi says. “You can get that in other places. Here, follow me. I have just the thing for a guy like you.” 

The pink hue emerging from the ride she takes them to is telling enough, and the lopsided heart above the cavern just confirms it. The tunnel of love, it’s almost too on the nose. Ren wasn’t expecting that to be the ride she chose next. Apparently she may not be quite the daredevil he was expecting. Judging by her choice in amusement park rides at least. 

“I didn’t think something like this would appeal to you, Miyagi. I’m clearly a terrible judge of character.” Ren says.

Miyagi elbows him as she straps herself into the boat. “Hey, I picked this one thinking of you. Don’t try to spin it any differently.” 

The boat departs slowly, and they approach the dark tunnel ahead, completely alone. With just the two of them on the sparsely populated ride, the silence between them stretches on for a long moment, until Miyagi finds it in her to break it.

“Do you think it's wrong? To kill someone?” Miyagi asks him, looking up at the glowing lights stringing throughout the artificial tunnel. 

Ren sits up in his chair. It isn't really a question he should just brush off like before, even if he doesn’t understand the sudden change of tone.

“I don't know. I've thought about it a lot. I feel like the act of killing, of taking someone's life, is pretty despicable. It's the same as hurting someone. It's hard to imagine a situation where that's a good thing.” Ren says. 

“I used to think that way too.” Miyagi says. “I think it's normal, actually. I bet most people live that same way, but I can't stand for that anymore. Because there's someone that I think has to die. So I can't sit here and say murder is wrong.” 

“What made you bring that up?” Ren asks, glancing over to her where she's seated to his right. Her gaze is still straight ahead, as if she's looking at something beyond the love tunnel. But her eyes aren't unfocused. 

“I said that because you're going to have to find your answer pretty quick. I already have mine.” Miyagi says. 

“You think killing is okay?” Ren asks as they pass under a flashing pink sign that says ‘kiss’. 

“It's not a matter of if it's okay or not. You're gonna get a different answer with every person you ask anyway.” Miyagi says. “There's no point in arguing about it. But what’s wrong about wanting evil people to die?”

“But then how do you categorize that evil?” Ren protests. “People have different definitions of what makes a person wrong. How wrong do they have to be to deserve death?” 

“Again, you're just gonna get a different answer with whoever you ask. And I'm not interested in the legal definition of the death penalty either. What he did justifies anything that might come his way.” Miyagi says. “I think once you hurt other people, you have to be prepared to be hurt yourself.”

“But when does that stop?” Ren asks.

“Listen. I'm not going to be the better person and let him get away with what he did, just because of some feeling of morality. I'm not going to put myself on a pedestal. I will stoop as low as I need to if it means I get retribution.” Miyagi says. “The bottom line is that he killed them. My family died because of him, and so he has to die. I know that won't bring anyone back, but that's not the point. If no one else will do it, then I will.” 

“You're planning to kill someone.” Ren says. 

“Yeah. What about it?” She asks. 

“If you kill someone, things won't ever be the same for you.” Ren says. “Your life will be upended. There's no going back.”

“You think I'm not ready for that?” Miyagi asks. “I haven't been preparing without a reason. You can't change my mind.” 

“I just want to make sure you know what'll happen if you open that door.” Ren says. “Once you kill someone, you don't just wash the blood off and move on in life the same as before. You have to hide the body, hide from the police. And it changes who you are. You'll always be a murderer.”

“I don't care if the whole world spat in my face and told me it was wrong, and that I was evil for killing him.” Miyagi says. “I'll follow through with it regardless. And whatever happens after is for me to worry about. That bastard deserves to pay. And I'm not going to sit around waiting for it to happen.”

“That’s what I'm worried about.” Ren says, hanging his head. “I don't know what I can say to change your mind. I'm not even sure if there are words that can do that. But, I guess I understand it a little. If someone caused you that much pain, it's only natural to want retribution.”

She fixes him with a questioning stare at his response. 

“Why are you so against killing someone?” Miyagi asks, flipping the question his way once again. 

“It’s cruel. It's harsh and it's messy.” Ren says. “I've seen it myself sometimes. You're never just killing in a vacuum. The person’s parents are losing a son or a daughter, and you don't know what they were like. If they deserved that burden on their shoulders. It's just terrible all around, and I think there are almost always better solutions.”

“That's fine.” Miyagi says. “You can be right. But he killed people I loved. He destroyed everything I've ever known. You can't change my mind.”

“That's obvious.” Ren says. “And, again, I get why. I can't really say you're wrong on that.”

“Is that really how you feel?” Miyagi asks, crossing her arms with scrutiny. 

“What do you mean?” Ren asks. “I said it. I mean what I say.” 

“Sure.” Miyagi says, sounding not the least bit convinced. “Well, I’m done with that now. Death’s just been on my mind. But that's not what I should be thinking about right now.” 

“Why don't you believe me?” Ren asks, unwilling to drop the topic of conversation. “Do you think I’m a liar or something?”

“No.” Miyagi says, bristling. “But if you’re going to lie to my face, don’t think you’ll just get away with it. I’m not stupid.”

“I’m not lying.” Ren says firmly.

“You’re not telling me the truth.” Miyagi counters. “Just forget it. Let’s go somewhere else. We’re supposed to be having fun.”

Ren’s brow furrows for a second, but he calms himself before replying.

“You’re right. I’m sorry.” Ren says, offering no other protests as she takes him to a more discreet stand. Or, at least, she was going to. But then something caught her eye. A gentle clacking sounds as a pair of small model trains are on display, cycling around each other on meticulously designed tracks.

“These two trains…” Miyagi says, tracing her finger in a circle in the space between the tracks. “I watched a movie like that once.”

“A movie about trains?” Ren asks.

“Kinda.” She replies, eyes flickering from side to side as she watches the trains move away from each other. “It was almost romantic, or that's how I was looking at it. There was a girl and a guy, of course. I can't remember their names now, but it really stuck with me.”

“Why’s that?” Ren asks.

“I’m really not so sure. I guess it was bittersweet.” Miyagi says. “Enough to tug on my heartstrings at the time. Maybe I just have bad taste.”

“What exactly was it about?” Ren asks.

“From what I remember, there were these two childhood friends who’d come to like each other. But as the days went on they drifted further and further apart. It was like a million little things coming together to separate them. And I'm sure some of it could’ve been avoided if they’d just talked things out, but it also felt inevitable. Like no matter what universe or world they were a part of, no matter what choices they made, this life was the only one for them. One where they’d be sent on opposing orbits. So close for so many years, but on constantly different trajectories. They just didn’t realize that until they had already broken away from each other.”

“Did they at least get together in the end?” Ren asks.

“Of course not.” Miyagi says. “It wasn’t that kind of movie. That would’ve messed everything up.”

“I think fighting for a happy ending is worth it.” Ren says.

“Well, you’re not always gonna get there. That’s life. It happens all the time, but people don’t wanna show it cause it’s terrible, unsatisfying. But that’s life, and that’s why I liked it.” Miyagi says.

Moving on to the stall as originally planned, Ren kneels down to fish with a small handheld net. Tiny models of Koi fish swim around according to the changing artificial currents in the pool. It's more difficult than it looks, but as the time elapses, Ren catches enough miniature Koi to earn one of the small prizes. 

After some scrutinous inspection, Ren chooses a jellyfish stuffed toy. With a press of the button on the top of its head, the tendrils below light up with flashing colors. 

“Ah. I wanted that one.” A kid says, pointing toward the toy Ren just won. 

“Well, honey, you need to get a higher score to win a prize.” His mother says, grabbing her purse. “Here, we can try again if you'd like.”

Ren kneels in front of the boy, holding his prize out. 

“Here. It's yours.” Ren says. “Take good care of it, alright?”

“Whoa, really? Thanks!” The kid says, grabbing the toy from Ren's hands. 

“Thank you. You didn't have to do that.” His mother says. 

“It's my pleasure.” Ren says, a fond smile on his face. “Better he has it than I do.” 

As the mother and her son walk away, Miyagi huffs, her arms crossed. Ren looks over his left shoulder to see her expression bordering on disgust. 

“Did I do something wrong?” Ren asks, unsure of what could've set her off. 

“You did something weird.” Miyagi says. “You said the same thing when you handed me all that money. That ‘it’s of better use to you’ or something. Why is that?” 

“I don't know, it's just a toy.” Ren says, standing. “I didn't think much of it.” 

“See, that's the problem. It's your toy, so why are you so willing to give it away? Just because someone else wants it, doesn't mean you should give it up.” Miyagi asks. 

“He was going to be happier than I was with the toy. Besides, it makes me happy to see other people happy.” Ren says. “Giving is better than receiving. That's what my parents taught me.” 

“Yeah?” Miyagi says, a bitter laugh escaping her. “Then what happens when you don't have anything left to give, huh? I'll tell you what. They're gonna keep coming because they know they can rely on you. They'll take and take until you're a shell of yourself, with nothing left to provide them with. And when that happens, can you be sure they won't leave?” 

“You're looking too far into this. I'm not like that. You're supposed to be relaxing, right? So let's do whatever it is you want.” Ren says, but his voice lacks conviction. He raises a hand unconsciously to the top of his head, holding it there. 

“Don't give me that shit!” Miyagi says, her voice filled with venom. “Don’t try and deflect like you’re used to. And I know you're used to it. I can see it all over your face. I’m not gonna move on until I get a real answer from you. Why are you so dedicated to other people?” 

“I don't know what you want from me.” Ren says, his voice breaking. 

“I'm invested in you, alright? So you better get that in your head.” Miyagi says. “This is some weird stuff. And if you as my friend are gonna try and deny that, I’m gonna bring it up.”

“There's nothing wrong with giving to others!” Ren says. 

“There is when you don't have anything left for yourself!” Miyagi yells. “What do you want, Ren? When are you gonna focus on what it is you want?” 

“I don’t know what that is. I don’t know what you’re talking about. I'm worried too, okay?” Ren says. “I don't know why you're acting like you don't have a future! Like you're checking off a list before you die! You're not telling me anything! I-I feel like I don't know you, Miyagi. And I want to. I want to know who you are, but you won't tell me!” 

A silence opens up between them once more, their boiling emotions settling down as they enter a stalemate, but Miyagi refuses to let it last for long, extending a hand his way.

“We came here to have fun, but this can be more than that.” Miyagi says, “Let’s make a deal. The next time we meet, we’ll tell each other everything. None of these charades. We’ll trust each other.” 

“I… I might be able to do that.” Ren says, giving her his hand, but she pulls away.

“Nuh-uh. There’s no ‘might’ be able to or ‘i’ll try’. You either do it or you don’t.” Miyagi says. “So what do you say?” 

Ren hesitates, but he ultimately puts his hand forward. “I’ll do it. But there will be a next time, right?”

Miyagi smiles, shaking her head as she turns away from him. “Of course. But for now, let’s just check out some more of the park. We’re running out of time.”

It’s two more rides before Miyagi hits her preset time limit, and while they enjoy them, there’s a decidedly different atmosphere between them from before. With the outbursts of the day all said and done, their anger expunged, the air is a bit thicker than usual. But it’s not a bad thing necessarily. More of a subdued energy in the air, the excitement from earlier having run its course.

“I didn’t hate it.” Miyagi says. “But I also felt like it could’ve been… more? I don’t know how people can spend days there.” 

“I’d agree with that.” Ren says. “It’s fun once in a while, but any more than that is weird and a bit extra. It's kinda like going out for Halloween in your 20’s. Doesn't make much sense.” 

“Halloween?” 

“Oh, sorry.” Ren says. “I guess you haven't gone before.”

“No, it's fine. I was just thinking about how different our lives must've been.” Miyagi says. “You talk about something like Halloween as if it's just a truth of life and something we all experience. I’ve just heard of it from adults and other people's whispers and movies. I've hardly seen a Halloween celebration myself. I guess that makes me the weird one.” 

“Not weird, just different.” Ren says.

“Isn’t that the same thing?” Miyagi asks.

“I wouldn’t say it is.” Ren replies. “I think it’s a compliment in your case.” 

“Thanks.” Miyagi says. “There’s something I really wanted to get to see, so we should go now if we’re going to make it.”

“Mind if I ask what it is?”

“Telling you now would be pointless. It won’t take long to get there.” Miyagi says.

True to her words, it’s an even shorter distance to get to the object of her interest. A planetarium. She once again pays for admission, and they settle down with their heads to the proverbial sky inside the dome, watching the projections and models of stars within the solar system and further. 

Miyagi’s hand brushes over his, causing him to look over at her.

“Why stars?” He whispers.

“They’ve always fascinated me.” Miyagi says. “I don’t really know enough to tell what I’m looking at. I never got an education, but they did try. So, I want to learn. I just find them incredible.”

“I’m sure I have a book at the apartment if you’d like to read it.”

Miyagi perks up at that. “I’d love to,” she says. “Next time?” 

“For sure.” Ren says, with the same question looming over their heads for completely different reasons.

Will there be a next time?

Miyagi sighs as she settles back down on her back, gazing at the display. “I wish this was the real thing.” 

---

June 10th.

The space of her private room feels increasingly claustrophobic these days. Sae drums her fingers impatiently on the wood of her desk, but she isn’t waiting for anything in particular. It’s just the facts that are laid before her giving her pause. It doesn’t make any sense.

Across her desk is, as per usual, a heap of official documentation. But it’s worse than usual right now, considering all of this just came in today. All of these murders occurred within the last 24 hours. And it’s enough to give her a sensation like a headache. 

In just 24 hours, the situation changed completely. Deaths in a multitude of places within Tokyo and the surrounding regions all at once, and there’s no way to tell how many of these deaths are flying under the radar. These are only the confirmed deceased. Just as in war, there are always hidden casualties.

But as if that wasn’t bad enough, the means of murder changed as well. Some were poisoned, others died by laceration. One was completely bisected. One had no external wounds or signs of damage at all, as though the person’s essence had simply been sucked out of them. Yet another person was found hanging by bright glowing string, pulled taught around their body. Their limbs stretched and broken, and their head purpled from the lack of circulation. 

It couldn’t have been triggered by one person with any normal means, and as if she needed any further confirmation, bystanders reported monstrous apparitions cloaked in darkness, murdering a person or a group of people at their respective scenes. As soon as that happened, they apparently withdrew, dematerializing before any sort of response could be mustered. 

The targets that were chosen pose another problem altogether. From what she can gather of the confirmed victims, there’s no strategic value in their deaths at all. It’s such a completely senseless act of murder, so different from the targeted murders that link together his profile of killing. It’s enough to cast doubt on the belief that these two killers are the same. 

Conversely however, who else could be capable of murder on such a grand scale? The phantom thieves, maybe. But that’s a long shot. An assumption at best. 

Sae begins to pack the files into her bag. The sky outside has long since darkened, and sitting here isn’t going to unearth any secrets she’s yet to discover. It irritates her beyond measure. Not only her own lack of tangible results, but at how it feels as though the world is mocking her. The moment she thinks she’s closing in on the culprit, he changes his tactics, trying to throw her for a loop. As if to throw dirt on her theory. 

It’s beyond infuriating. Sae throws her bag over her shoulder and makes her way down the stairs. She’s one of the last to leave as always. She shouldn’t even be working today, but that’s the way it is. She couldn’t afford not to show on such a pivotal day.

How could he have killed across so many different locations at one time? How could the method have been so different? No bouts of insanity this time, and no events of mass murder. But instead, precise targeting of people that aren’t particularly important. They don’t stand out at all. Indiscriminate, nonsensical violence. 

It all might have to do with the creatures that were spotted at their respective scenes. Sae thinks, the events of the day hanging over her head like a storm cloud. 

One of the reported creatures was a huge white wolf which apparently gnashed a victim with its teeth, shaking the person’s body until his blood soaked the cabin of the plane. After that, with its skin soaked in blood, it simply disappeared. Similar incidents with creatures of different descriptions happened all over the city. One died to bullets which instantly cauterized the wounds due to their heat. Another was eaten by a swarm of huge ants the size of a human hand. 

Sae continues the trek to the apartment confused, annoyed, and frustrated beyond anything else. 

Maybe the appointment tomorrow will let her clear things up. Dwelling on it certainly isn't helping. 

The next day, Sae finds her way to Maruki’s clinic. She's surprised to find the place has been retrofitted significantly. Not only is there more space, but the medical cots are designed more like proper beds. 

“Ah, Sae.” Maruki says, his hands clasped behind his back. “Welcome. Please, come in.” 

“The usual, right?” Sae says. 

“Of course. My rates haven't changed. Especially not for you.” 

Sae raises an eyebrow at that, but she lets it slide. “Let’s just begin the process.” 

Sae, having gotten used to the clinic, doesn’t take long to settle down. She lets a comfortless sleep carry her along. A few minutes later, Maruki touches a hand down against her forehead. She feels a tad warm, but it’s nothing abnormal.

“What exactly are you doing?” Haruto asks. “I still don’t fully understand it.” 

“Why don’t I show you? Here, take my hand.” Maruki says, lifting his hand to reveal a trail of emerald green energy streaming down from his fingers toward Sae. 

Haruto grabs Maruki’s free hand and darkness envelopes his vision. With that sense of spatial awareness gone, he is grounded only by Maruki’s hand. 

“I can’t see a thing!” 

“Give it a second.” Maruki says. 

Haruto counts each moment under his breath, his vision unable to surmount the darkness. Slowly, however, golden outlines like picture frames become sources of light. It begins as a light golden hue, but that is soon overtaken by a warm orange light atop it. That gentle shade of orange surrounding a spread of moments of Sae’s life.

“Are these…”

“Her memories.” Maruki says. “Try not to touch anything. Playing around with the subject’s brain is a more sensitive process than you’d like. There’s still a lot I don’t know about, so I try not to push any limits. It wouldn’t be good to break anything.” 

“What’s with the outfit? And your hair, it wasn’t slicked back like that before.” Haruto says.

“Something to do with this world. Perhaps even because of my power.” Maruki says, tracing a path through the air with his staff. 

All of a sudden, there’s a simple office space floating in front of them just beyond the never ending line of memories. Maruki consolidates a group of memory clusters, forcing them to coalesce to bring back a version of Kaoru of his creation. He sends that to the office, where Sae will soon be awakening and tied to for the duration of her sleep.

“You’re not raising the dead with this, are you?” Haruto asks.

“Of course not. That’s far beyond me.” Maruki says. “But at the same time, it’s not wildly different either. I’m taking some liberties, but I’m essentially reshaping her old friend exactly as she remembers him. He’s just been… slightly altered.” 

“How so?” Haruto asks, stepping past Maruki to approach a memory.

“There are certain things people shouldn’t say. This is for the benefit of the living after all.” Maruki says. “It’s beyond important for their satisfaction that this treatment both impacts them positively, but also that they don't say anything outlandish. Because, ultimately, these encounters could have big implications on the person's real life.”

“And it'd be damning if they started causing trouble after they attended your clinic.” Haruto says, nodding. “Though, what can be said and what can't? Isn't that a bit of a slippery slope?”

“Not at all. I'm just making sure the subject's mind is really eased. Besides, there's no perfect way to replicate what a dead person would say.” Maruki says. 

“Couldn't you make a creation that could?” Haruto asks. 

“Maybe, but I don't know how.” Maruki replies. “I'm creating Kaoru solely from Sae’s memories. That perspective is inherently biased. We never know everything about each other. He might have a bad side she doesn't know about, but I don't care. And at this point, I doubt she does either. This is supposed to be a treatment and therapy. Having Kaoru cuss her out and berate her wouldn't solve anything. There's no point to that kind of free will to a construct of her imagination. This place would get blown up by our irate patients.” 

“Even if it's just a delaying act?” Haruto asks. “Making them happy is fine. It's what they're here for, but isn't what you're doing just a stopgap solution?” 

“I believe in dressing wounds, not opening new ones. I can't believe that people need to be burnt to be healed. If it's avoidable, pain should be circumvented.” Maruki says, his tone indicating that it's final. 

Dangerous. Haruto thinks. What a dangerous, naive, and frightening perspective that is. 

He trails a finger against a memory, surprised to find it to be solid matter rather than completely intangible. From where his fingers touch the orange border, golden lines snake outward, as if infecting the memory. 

What's that? Haruto thinks. This… feedback. Is it possible that I can- 

His thoughts are derailed by Maruki, who gently removes his hand from the memory frame. 

“It's dangerous.” Maruki says, casting a green glow from his staff onto the memory. The golden lines quickly recede, not having made a ton of headway. 

“It seems so.” Haruto thinks, flexing his hand in surprise. Maruki showed him the way to something even he wasn't aware of. 

Just how fragile human minds are to corruption. 

---

“Still not satisfied?” Kaoru asks. “Making a habit of talking to the dead isn't really a normal hobby.”

“Well, I'm not so sure I'm a normal person.” Sae says. “But life’s been as hectic as always. Even more so than usual.”

“What, the SIU giving you trouble?” He asks. 

“Not quite. Just a lot of cases that have been coming up in the last few months. Some really difficult ones.” Sae says. “I don't know how much it'll take, but we have to come out on top.” 

“Run it by me.” Kaoru says, pulling a pen from his breast pocket. “I might be in over my head here, but I'm sure I can give you a different perspective. Can't hurt, right?” 

“I suppose it can't.” Sae says, smiling as they get back into this familiar rhythm. It’s like nostalgia’s ancient embrace. Like stepping into a memory. It takes a decent while to explain everything. Well, mostly everything. Sae decides to omit some information that he doesn't really need to know. She still feels partially bound by secrecy and confidentiality, even while knowing the painful truth of how the information will never leave the room. He will never truly speak again, though it's easy to forget that here. 

“That all sounds pretty fanatical. I don't want to give up, but I might be in over my head here.” Kaoru says, taking a moment to run through the scenario in his head. He's been taking notes on paper as she spoke, trying to organize all of the details for himself. There's a lot to work through though. 

“What do you make of how the victims suddenly changed?” Sae asks. “I haven't been able to understand why the sudden change in tactics. Did he hire outside help? Give his men the okay? None of it matters if it's all speculation, but I don't understand. It's like he's mocking me directly, showing that all my investigation to this point has been useless.”

“But your observations probably weren't wrong.” Kaoru says. “If you look at it a different way, he might've been doing this to make you think you were wrong.” 

“But it doesn't seem like a move of desperation.” Sae says. “Killing more people won't help him escape, that'll just give us what should be more clues towards who he is. Give him more chances to slip up. But he had help. He couldn't have done this alone.” 

“Not across that many locations.” Kaoru says. “Still, unless he has another objective that's different from killing all those high profile targets and causing general unrest, this just seems like a diversion. And regardless of the reason, is it really impossible? If he's got this magic power like you say he does, how can we know the limit?” 

“We don't of course.” Sae says. “I just would've thought he'd already have used it that way. It would've been so much more efficient to be killing autonomously, in several locations at once.”

“Well we really don't know the means, but maybe something changed somehow. I'm just throwing it out there, but maybe he has a reason to start trying a little harder.” Kaoru says. 

“Let’s talk about something else.” Sae says. “Speculation can only do so much at this point, and I didn’t come here to work. So I have to ask, Kaoru. Why'd you start a career as a lawyer of all things?” 

“What, you're having regrets about your profession? Somehow I doubt that, Sae. You didn't work this hard just to regret everything now. You're where you are for a reason, you know?” Kaoru says.

“Thank you, Kaoru. But I wouldn't say it's self doubt that's the problem. My conviction isn't really in question, I was just curious about why you made that choice.” Sae says. “It can be a cruel profession sometimes — for everyone involved.”

“That’s true. The same can be said for the police. It’s a really brutal profession sometimes. We deal with the worst of the worst.” Kaoru says.

“Not only that, but the law is… cumbersome. It’s unfair.” Sae says. “The best lawyers are out of the question for the average person. And because of that economic hurdle, it’s extremely difficult for the average person to get proper representation. Even for someone who can afford a decent lawyer, there’s a plethora of well known tactics to draw out a case so that only the lawyer profits. There are scumbags on either side in their own ways.” 

“That may be true, but you’re past that now. The biggest case of mass murder in, well, what seems like forever. That’s no easy burden, and you’re on the right side. Even if you have to take on some unconventional tactics, it’s worth it to bring him to justice.” 

“So long as I can.” Sae says, holding her head in her hands. “It’s only worth it and justifiable if I can.” 

“You’re just doing your best. And if your best can’t solve this case, then we were screwed to begin with.” Kaoru says. “Keep your head up, Sae. You’re closer than you think.”

“And what makes you say that?” She asks, peering at him between her fingers.

“I’ve got good intuition.” Kaoru says, smiling.

“Yeah? Then tell me who the culprit is.” Sae says.

“It’s not that good.” Kaoru replies.

“So, are you going to answer the question?” Sae asks.

“I think it’s because I wanted to be of service to people.” Kaoru says. “There's something gratifying about that, and it's not something you feel everyday at a grocery store or a big company, you know? I wanted to know that I was helping people, and see the product of my work. No matter how small, I wanted to make a difference in the world. And, even if I never made it as far as you did, I think I did alright.” 

“I do agree that if anywhere, that small law firm we worked at was perfect for you.” Sae says. “A lot of our time together feels wrapped up in that place.” 

“You were always meant for bigger, better things.” Kaoru says. “It didn’t take a genius to figure that one out. I didn’t want to compete with you.” 

“You didn’t have to. I was perfectly content with those little things.” Sae says. “I wonder if, had I just stayed with you, things would’ve ended up better. Maybe I wouldn’t be so stressed.” 

“Are you crazy?” Kaoru asks. “If you’d halted your career trajectory because of me, I wouldn’t have forgiven you. You’re supposed to reach out to the truth. That’s what you’ve done at every level, and that’s not going to stop just because of some adversity. You have a job to do.”

“You’re right. I guess I should get back to work then.” Sae says, dusting herself off. 

The renewed sense of confidence within her is different from how complacent she seemed upon entering, and that’s exactly what he likes to see.

“Catch that guy first. We’ll celebrate after.” Kaoru says, watching her leave.

“I- I’ll miss you, you know.” Sae says, hovering in the doorway to drink in his features once more.

“Next time, don’t come back so mopey.” Kaoru says. “It better be with a smile on your face and that guy behind bars. Otherwise, I’m not hearing you out.” 

“What a ridiculous demand.” Sae says, but she takes the challenge to heart.

---

Sae, in much better spirits, thanks Maruki and even Haruto for their work, leaving with gusts of newfound inspiration. 

When she’s gone, Haruto speaks up in hushed tones behind a thick wall, observing the remaining patients sleeping contently through the multitude of cameras monitoring each one.

“You might have been chosen by God.” Haruto says, a hint of reverence in his voice. “How many others alive right now can boast to have abilities like yours? To have such power over the human psyche?” 

“You think people had access to magic in the past?” Maruki asks. 

Haruto chuckles. “Not likely.”

“It’s hard to imagine anyone.” Maruki says. “It’s my duty to introduce this gently to the country, and eventually the world. People can still be so much happier. Especially people like us.”

Haruto bristles at that, standing carefully from his chair to look down at Maruki.

“What do you mean by that?” He asks, his voice perfectly even.

“If there are memories people are better without or wish to escape even just for a few hours, I can do that for them.” Maruki says. “I feel like I can cure the world.” 

“From what?” Haruto asks.

“Well, even in our case, you know what we saw in Taiwan. People are-”

Haruto kicks his chair across the room, slamming it into the cabinets on the far wall and sending papers flying.

“We agreed never to speak of that again.” He says, deceptively calm despite the outburst.

“It doesn’t help to keep it bottled up.” Maruki says.

“Shut up. I don’t need you to say it.” Haruto replies. “I won't escape from what we saw, but that isn’t to be discussed here. Nothing can make that better.” 

“Maybe if we’d been a bit more level headed-”

“We were following orders!” Haruto yells. “I won’t have you rewriting this narrative to spin the blame on us. I lost a part of myself in Taiwan. You did too, Maruki. So don’t start preaching to me. We are victims as much as any other. Victims of a world that is worse than we could’ve imagined.” 

---

KIRIJO GROUP FILE 37

Shuji Ikutsuki.

Classification: 17-T

1998-02-14

To be kept out of public consumption for the good of all persons involved.

Magic, as we know it, comes in waves. Eos is the energy that, thanks to a persona, blossoms within the awakened by form of a pact. We all understand the basic rules. We've seen them and heard of them time and time again. But once one person awakens to this power, that creates an imbalance in the world. This person, the lone awakened, could become an existence beyond any other. Unparalleled strength, unchecked by laws or societal convention. So in response, there's never just one person given magic. If there's one, there will be more to come. 

The personae are interested in keeping some sort of balance in our world. I can't claim to know how, but these exceptional individuals seem to always find their way to each other. How else would we have stumbled upon so many of them? It isn’t just a coincidence.

This sudden rush of power can change the people that inherit it. They could feasibly become a huge problem for our society or anyone that they’re around. With that kind of power, even accidental death becomes highly possible. We’re lucky that the people we’ve found are all of remarkable character, or we may have had a disaster on our hands. Regardless of their character, conflict is inevitable. That’s why I can only assume that there is never only one of the awakened in any period of time. It seems they don’t desire a monopoly of power.

It’s not a perfect hypothesis. In conversations with Takeba and others, he’s brought up the question of why the increase in their number halted or stalled at all. Or if it did in the first place. And, in honesty, there’s no surefire way to know. We haven’t yet found a way to wind the clock backwards. That’s still a work in progress. 

But, given the trends, and the tendencies for these magical people to reveal themselves one way or another, intentional or not, I don’t believe that suddenly changed come the modern day. It’s a tall task to ask of someone to hide such a big secret from all of their friends and family. In general, the last century has been utterly devoid of Eos. An almost constant decline over the last five hundred years. The only exception to their dwindling numbers are sporadic spikes in their population. But even so, as a whole, their numbers have been whittled down to a mere fraction of what they were a millennium ago. 

So then we have a pair of questions. Why are their numbers on such a dogged decline, and why do they spike upwards without warning? 

Both of these questions are easily answered. The first has to do with the climate of the world as a whole. In this era, convenience is sought after more than anything else, to an almost alarming degree. It’s as though they’re seeking more and more layers of escapism. 

With these distractions, both on a micro and macro scale, people are inherently less imaginative than they were even just a decade ago. Each generation is a bit worse off than the last. The birth rate doesn’t help either, both in Japan most prominently, but also other ‘first-world’ countries around the world. 

We're running out of children. And it’s those youth, still in the developmental stage, who have the largest imaginations. Only people who can dream are capable of making a contract with a persona. That aspect of humanity is something often lost in adulthood. This isn’t to say it isn’t possible, but under recent observations, all of the awakened have been adolescents. And that’s also the case for the two pioneers of magic in Japan. Maya and Tatsuya. 

This was another perplexing issue which gave us pause. Of what little scraps of text we could find, these two were the heroes of Japan who saved us and even the world from annihilation. But, naturally, we wondered why there were so few documents on the history of such important people. It’s something we would’ve kept secret if possible, so the assumption that the government concealed their information was a popular one. But we’ve received significant governmental backing in our research into shadows. They agree with what we’re doing, so why wouldn’t they tell us about these two? 

Their history wasn't buried or erased by some collective or organization. I believe it’s most likely that we never had the information in the first place. In other words, it wasn’t allowed to exist.

For some reason, in the heads of Japanese citizens and the world alike, Maya and Tatsuya do not exist. So, if we've forgotten them, what else could we have forgotten? With that in mind, I find it almost impossible to say that Eos began with those two. 

But about the energy itself: Eos. We cannot locate it or see it like those who have made a contract can. We certainly can't feel the energy, as it doesn't take gaseous form or simply exist in the air around the world. We've done a number of tests, different frequencies of sound and visual receptors. There were no results. It is effectively invisible to manmade tools. The energy itself might not be observable, but there are differences between the body of one who has magic, and one who doesn't. 

It's small changes on a molecular level, but there are differences to how the person's skin is composed. Some new cells are born all over the body, and they're most concentrated in the hands—nearly double there than anywhere else with a similar surface area. The goal of these mysterious cells is to protect the body in some way. Both from their own power, and from that of others. Their bodies proved effective in resisting magic at a rate far beyond our scientists. We had to duck out of the room at times from the mere cold alone, while the awakened noticed the temperature change, but endured it without issue.

This difference is peculiar though. Their arms and legs aren’t tougher to the touch. It isn’t a discernible difference through any of our senses or equipment. But the awakened gain a sort of endurance factor. It’s not as simple as dulling the pain receptors. You can do that, but your body will still shut down the same way from blood loss or a severed limb. Even if you don’t feel the pain yourself, your body doesn’t shrug it off the same way. 

But they’re different. Something in the fabrication of their bodies is changed so that they can withstand injuries beyond what should be possible. If there’s nothing else to their name, their ability to persevere through wounds and magic both is remarkable. 

The magical techniques, or the conduit magic flows through to take some sort of shape, is located in the limbic system. Each of the awakened receives one, and it’s unclear how many distinct abilities each technique can branch off into. Without any answer to how far a magical technique can go, there could be an endless series of abilities yet to be discovered, or you may already have grasped the only one available to you. It's also possible that a person may be able to develop a technique themselves, therefore making documentation pointless as the same magic could take different forms depending on the user. There’s no guarantee that one person’s achievements represent the pinnacle of another’s own abilities, but this hasn’t been a topic we’ve seriously been able to consider. Although there’s no denying different rates of growth among the awakened, no two under our observation have developed the same technique. That would be a miracle.

To stimulate the development of magic, the brain enters a special state of neuroplasticity. This is most potent during an awakening, the person’s initial exposure to a potential myriad of abilities. But it's also quite strong in life threatening scenarios. With the right imagination, difficult fights become the best source of growth for the awakened. It is only during either a real battle or an awakening that magic can be developed further and new abilities unearthed. You can still practice at home on your refinement, but you won't ever have a breakthrough to unearthing a new ability in a controlled environment. Those sort of epiphanies simply don’t happen. That’s why magic appears to be so instinctual, and it’s so difficult to predict those who have the potential to awaken. There’s no way to know how people will respond to life-threatening scenarios until they’re in them.

This neuroplasticity is the result of the brain going into overdrive. While it is healthy, much like working out, there are limits to these benefits. 

If a magic user pushes their limits too far, bears the burden of using too many abilities in rapid succession, then their condition can worsen in a flash. Once Eos is overused, the awakened will begin to feel the deathly warning signs crawling over their body. Sudden lethargy, a looming headache, and a disruption to the flow of Eos. Should someone continue pushing through this, fracturing is inevitable. The worst case scenario for any who wish to use magic. The result of this fracturing? Irreversible brain damage. 

That's why the stories of old are so nonsensical. There are endless tales of magic from cultures even beyond our own. And I believe these tales are rooted in truth. Eos can't be new to our world. Are some of these stories fictional? That's certainly true. But these stories weren’t simply fabricated without basis. Paladins, Magi, Sorcerers, Warlocks, whatever you'd like to call them. These are all things that potentially existed ages ago. Divine constructs wielded for the battles against dragons and Yokai. Humans who used Eos were surely heralded in the palaces of the Edo period or the castles of Europe. With their abilities, they would be instrumental on the battlefield.

I believe that most of these magicians, had they been legitimate, were contracted to personas. With the passage of their tumultuous eras, their minds would no doubt whittle away. Not from age, but from the same magic that empowered them. 

Medical technology hundreds and even thousands of years ago couldn't pick up on the warning signs that we can see now. They wouldn't have been able to notice the deterioration of the brain until it was too late. 

There is impotence, which is normal after an awakening. It’s fracturing that sent those magicians into insanity. 

Impotence is fine. It's even routine for people that use Eos often. But it's pushing past that impotence which causes fatal issues. The damages from fracturing are compounded within the limbic system, wreaking havoc on the mind. I've also observed that, in many cases, fracturing is not the absolute worst case scenario. It's almost like an especially potent concussion. It doesn’t spell permanent brain damage with the first occurrence, that seems to be more of a gradual process. Should it happen more than once, the risk of permanent damage goes up exponentially. 

By the time the brain bleeds, it's too late to halt the fracturing in any meaningful way. Little lines are formed, crossing through the hippocampus like tiny scars. They cut through a sea of cells, destroying some, separating others. The first and most obvious ailment that comes with fracturing is memory loss. Something to do with how the hippocampus is split on the cellular level. And for one of the awakened, well, there's no punishment worse than memory loss. Eos is so tied to the brain that any damage there can stunt their growth significantly, if not outright halting it. For example, forgetting an ability or a fundamental part of the use of Eos.

Sorcerers of the past who'd made contracts with personas often exhausted their capabilities. The fervor around magic and witchcraft was at its peak. In such high demand, they'd use magic either for their own gain or out of necessity in wartime. Without an awareness of the consequences, it was only a matter of time until they were mentally debilitated. And with no way to recover, these sorcerers were doomed to become madmen. Losing their minds in the abuse of their power and leaving nonsensical notes behind. In these bouts of insanity fueled by fracturing, these sorcerers wrote pieces on their magic. But without the proper focus or memory to truly recall their own abilities, they were completely incomprehensible works, or simply falsehoods. There was nothing of value left behind by these broken people. 

Of the stories that remain, almost all of them are products of fiction, or written in these bouts of insanity. And in the modern day, with so few awakened, those texts that are true documents of magic are effectively useless. We've yet to find one on general practices of Eos. And the most treasured techniques of the past haven't been unearthed by any of the children. There's no relation between magic and age, status, upbringing, or even blood. It can't be manufactured to grow within someone. They had tried their best in the past, but magic isn't hereditary. There's no gene or trait to it. Anyone is as capable of magic, just as anyone may be incapable of ever forming a pact. Someone may even achieve the potential on their best day, only to lose it on any other. 

What is concerning and enthralling to all of us, is our recent discovery of a new species. For their generally dark colors and tendencies to emerge in darkness, we call them shadows. Despite the name, they aren't as intangible as their title suggests. They take specific forms and wield magic similarly to the awakened, but with less effectiveness. 

Most behave with instant hostility. There are varying levels of intelligence among their kind, with some speaking full sentences. However, they answer none of our questions. It appears we can neither intimidate nor effectively torture them. Conventional weapons aren't the most effective given their healing. Bullets penetrate the skin just fine most of the time, but they can repair those holes within a second. 

They seem to have individuality. Shadows are capable of infighting and creating hierarchies based on raw strength. They can also appoint leaders of which they follow, so they are certainly not a hive mind. 

If you were to ask me about what concerns me the most, it's their birth. Why were shadows born only recently? Take man, for example. We were not born with these brains and hands and feet. We had to evolve to get to this state in which we confidently parade ourselves as the most intelligent and developed species on our planet. Did shadows not have to evolve the same way? It's concerning no matter how I look at it. I wonder if either this is their earliest state of evolution, or if they have been developing somewhere else all this time. 

And of the dilemma I raised earlier regarding the birth of the awakened. I believe it must be in response to something. Other humans could be part of the equation, but I believe it's something more. What if, instead of humans, the birth of magic was in response to oncoming disasters? Could this emergence of shadows be one such disaster? If the era  begets such power, what could they be preparing us for? And I sincerely hope we can prepare these children. Both to defend themselves, and the world they look to live in.

---

June 15th.

“So? What do you think?” 

“It's fascinating.” Okumura says, holding his phone up to his ear. “Had the circumstances been different, I wouldn't have been able to fathom such a power existed. Through Shido’s pet, however, this is undeniable. Eos really does exist.”

“When you consider the mental shutdowns, it makes sense.” A grainy voice says through the phone. Of course, it's untraceable despite Okumura’s best efforts. That isn't his business, but he's in the pursuit of information. The more he knows about the man on the phone, the better he can play this game with him.

Up until now, Kunikazu has been wonderfully rewarded with a wealth of information like that included in the files he was sent today. A copy, to be sure. Not the original files. They may have been destroyed for all he knows. The man speaking to him isn't so generous or careless that he'd give away the only remaining copy of such crucial information.

“The lack of hereditary magic is disappointing. I suppose there's no monopoly to be had in it.” Okumura says. 

“Yes, the distribution of power isn’t that simple. There's nothing that can be done about that.” The man replies. 

“But with the initiative we put in motion around a decade ago, the children weren't effective, were they?” 

“It was a long shot from the beginning. We had one success, and that's been more than enough for Shido. You know who he is already.”

“Yes, I do.” Okumura says. “Crow has been indispensable toward his goals. It's not an overstatement to say he's one of the few reasons people truly rally behind that man and his political goals. Without the fear of Crow's power, I'm sure many among our ranks would leave as soon as they could. But he keeps them in line without a word. The mental shutdowns are enough proof that he still works.”

“There's no denying his set of talents.”

“And I had hoped to get some of those same talents under my house. But it seems that wasn't possible.” Okumura says, letting a bit of disdain into his voice. 

“She didn't show any of the potential. They all had the same circumstances. None of them stepped up.” 

“The objective was to force the potential into them, wasn't it?” Okumura says. “That's how Crow awakened.” 

“They may have been in similar situations, but the end result was obviously different. His case was akin to a miracle. Maybe it's strength of character or the proper inciting incident that he received. Either way, it's not a replicable success.” The man says. 

“That’s not something you can decide just yet.” Okumura says. “I want you to replicate that same incident you created. And if after that she still fails to awaken, then she'll really be a failed product. I'll just have to make another kid.”

“You're sure about this? There's no guarantee she comes out the same way he did.” 

“Do it.” Okumura says. “She's of no use to me right now.”

Kunikazu Okumura hangs up, throwing his phone away in frustration. 

Easier said than done. The man on the other end thinks. Akechi had already awakened by the time I got to him. His situation is very unique. What happened to him is impossible to replicate with the power I have now. Kunikazu Okumura will have to wait. I have high expectations of her too, but it's too soon. 

She'll reach these heights eventually. I'm sure of it.

---

June 21st, SIU building.

Ren stands fidgeting slightly outside of his office. He sort of fumbled his way into the front floor. Of course, given that he’s a member of the general public, he wasn’t let go any further. There’s nothing classified to see here, and the only reason he’s been escorted here is because of his ties to Sae. With Sae not currently being in the office, they redirected him to one of her co-workers. A man by the name of Haruto Mori. 

“I have a question to ask. Is there anything you could tell me about Junya Kaneshiro?” Ren asks as he emerges, a wad of paper peeking out of his briefcase.

“I'm surprised you know that name.” Haruto says. “It's not exactly publicly available. Here, come in. I’m guessing this is a conversation we should have in private.” 

As Haruto closes the door behind Ren, he closes the blinds that let light leak into his office from the rest of the building. Instead of having him sit like he expected, Haruto raises his arms.

“Sir?” Ren asks.

“It’s just a precautionary measure.” Haruto says, making Ren hold his arms out in a T shape. “It’s important this conversation is kept private.”

Haruto pats him down thoroughly. He leaves no margin for error before he shows him to a seat. Haruto leans over the desk, hands in front of his mouth.

“You're that kid that prosecutor Niijima took in, aren't you.” Haruto says, nodding his head as if to confirm it. 

Here we go. Ren thinks, wincing internally. 

“Good on you.” Haruto says. “If there's anyone who can set you straight, it's her.” 

Ren blinks, surprised by the lack of a negative response. It's at odds with how most people respond to his criminal record. 

“I’m not here to admonish you for breaking the law.” Haruto says. “You came to us for help. Besides, I was young once too.”

“You don’t seem too old to me.” Ren says.

“Appearances can be deceiving.” Haruto says. “But I have to ask, are you involved with any sort of organized crime? Whatever threats you’ve been told, I promise you, your life won’t be in jeopardy no matter what you say. Your words won’t leave this room, so don’t feel pressured.”

“No, I’m not.” Ren says. 

“Is that so?” Haruto says. “Then how’d a high schooler get to know about someone who’s so entrenched in the mafia?”

“Word gets around.” Ren says.

“Apparently it does.” Haruto replies. “I’ll assume you have a reason for not telling me. So then, what would you like to ask?

“I need to know if there’s anyone close to him you could tell me about? I'll take anything.” Ren says.

“Hmm. I don't know if I'd say they're close, but someone who matches that description would be Kunikazu Okumura.” Haruto says.

“I've never heard of him before. What’s he like?” Ren asks.

“He's the worst.” Haruto says. “Not that you'd expect reputable people to be ‘friends’ with a Mafia boss, but he's really just scum. Honestly, he's someone I’d expect the phantom thieves to have on their radar soon.” 

“The phantom thieves?” Ren echoes. 

“Yeah. They're a group of vigilantes claiming to ‘take people's hearts’ and make them confess their wrongdoing. I guess you haven't heard of them?” 

“No, I have.” Ren says. “I'm just surprised you knew about them. I didn't think they were that popular.” 

“That so?” Haruto says. “Well, you’re right. They're not the most popular right now. From all we've investigated, the group is just starting up. But it's our job to know a little more than the public when it comes to stuff like this.” 

“They made one of our teachers confess at school.” Ren says. “It’s definitely shaken things up.”

“Right, that does check out. If you’re attending Shujin Academy, you'd have been present to see Mr. Kamoshida’s confession.” Haruto says. “So you believe the phantom thieves made it happen?”

“I find it hard to think of any reason he'd confess otherwise. I don't think the guilt was eating at him.” Ren says. 

“But from what I heard about his confession, he certainly did sound guilty. I know it's no consolation for how terrible his crimes were, but the guilt seemed real.” Haruto says. “I also wonder about that sudden change of heart… I’d hate to get into politics, but I can't find a ton of fault in what they're doing, you know? Take this with a grain of salt. It's really just my opinion, and that doesn't count for much around these parts, but getting rid of terrible people? I understand that. It’s exactly what we’re trying to do, just accomplished by methods we don’t yet understand.”

“You agree with their cause?” Ren says in surprise.

“I know it's weird.” Haruto says. “It's my job to stop groups like theirs from running rampant, but I have opinions that are removed from my profession. Most of the time, these groups resort to killing. But in a lot of cases, these people they target are almost unanimously hated. So, while I can't in any way condone it, I understand why they choose the people that they do. For one reason or another, most people can agree that their targets deserve punishment.” 

“Are the phantom thieves involved with Kaneshiro?” Ren asks.

“No, sorry. I went off on a tangent there. What would you like to know?” Haruto asks, adjusting the sleek and modern looking watch around his wrist.

“What’s Okumura’s relation to Kaneshiro?” Ren asks. “What does he do for him?” 

“Have you ever heard of the FDP?” Haruto asks.

“I can’t say I have.” Ren says.

“Didn’t think so. It’s not really something people your age would pay attention to.” Haruto says. “Future Development Pharma. It’s Okumura’s company, and his claim to fame. That’s where he continues to rake in an exuberant amount of money. We haven’t gotten to solid confirmation. He's a very private man, as anyone with that kind of wealth is. But there’s a relationship between him and Kaneshiro, that’s certain. It’s just a matter of gathering the details. We have our suspicions that he’s somehow a backer of Kaneshiro’s mafia, but it’s difficult to see how he’d benefit from that. He certainly isn’t acting like a man with his back to the wall, so I don’t think Kaneshiro has leverage over him. But if you’re looking for someone with ties to Kaneshiro, then go no further. Kunikazu Okumura is your best bet.” 

“Thank you.” Ren says, standing from his chair to shake Haruto’s hand. “I won’t take any more of your time.” 

“You know.” Haruto starts as Ren’s hand closes on the door handle. “If something were to happen to him in the next month, like a sudden confession, it’d look a little off considering what I just told you.”

Ren turns back to look at Haruto, his eyes empty as he stares toward the taller man. Ren’s expression is unreadable, as though his body can’t decide what to feel.

“But you wouldn’t believe how unreliable eyewitness accounts can be. People can be fully convinced they can identify the right man, and all of a sudden, we’ve got the wrong guy in jail. I’d hate to wrongly convict someone. So, if Okumura were to confess all wrongdoing, that’d just be a terrible coincidence.” Haruto says. “We can’t go along grasping at straws and arresting high school students after all. Wouldn’t that look foolish.”

---

June 30th.

Miyagi steps outside of her hotel room, using the elevator to descend to the main lobby. She has free reign to go just about anywhere, with limited observation. It’s freeing, but she’s found herself working even harder these days. Even Kaneshiro’s men telling her to take it easy and rest more. 

But that’s impossible now. Tomorrow’s the day she chose to meet him, the day she’ll rid the world of his life. She has no choice but to be prepared. But she has to be even. Balanced. She can’t go into this with her emotions, because that could compromise her composure. With that in mind, she’s been meditating in her free time and taking long walks with no particular objective. The streets always seem fairly quiet around here, and she finds herself once again gravitated toward her childhood home.

So many years spent in that orphanage, all to be destroyed by Akechi. A day that should’ve been spent in celebration, that went up in an explosion and flames. Words like resentment are too tame for what she feels towards him, for what she’s been wrestling with ever since she emerged as the lone survivor. 

Miyagi didn’t get to witness the murders. She isn’t sure how she’d feel if she had. Most likely, she wouldn’t still be breathing. Logically, they must’ve all died in the explosion almost instantaneously. But Miyagi has had dreams about it on particularly sleepless nights. 

Their charred bodies writhing in pain, reaching out to her as she runs away. She imagines Akechi piercing their melting bodies with a knife or a sword, playing with their lives like the psychopath he must surely be. Nobody sane kills their family. Even just thinking about it is making her blood boil, so she tries to push it to the back of her mind. 

So lost in her thoughts, Miyagi nearly bumps into a person in front of her. Startled, she scrambles to apologize before she takes in his features.

He appears almost meek in his posture. His shoulders slackened, his face smeared with mud in places.

He looks young. Around her age for sure. He clutches his bag, his knuckles bone white. A huge amalgamation of flags poke out of his back, conjuring what seems like an endless stream of blood from his body. They are the flags of nations across the world. Peering behind him, Miyagi is dumbfounded to find there is a literal trail of blood like a bright-red carpet following him. Had he been a normal man, he would’ve died multiple times over.

“I’m sorry, did I scare you?” He asks, his voice gentle but with a rattle to it. A rasp like sickness scratching at his throat. He doesn’t look like an especially healthy boy, but Miyagi doesn’t feel like she’s in danger either. She doesn’t feel like he’s fully here.

Miyagi finds herself noticing the little things. His uniform that’s clearly sodden and waterlogged. It must be heavy and sticking to his skin. His nose is slightly crooked. There’s a cut from his lips all the way up to his left cheek that’s deep enough she can see the pure white of bone. It widens his mouth on that side, not unlike Kuchisake-onna. Around his neck, there’s something like a collar. Miyagi’s sharp eyes catch that it’s not a solid band of metal, but rather a series of interlinked dog-tags strangling him. 

Despite his clearly disadvantaged state, he doesn’t seem to be struggling with the injuries.

Miyagi briefly looks over her shoulder, seeing nothing but a barren street behind the alley. “Are you okay?” she asks, dumbstruck.

“Don’t worry about me.” He says, “I’m not really human. I don’t have a heart.” 

“You’re bleeding so much. I don’t understand how that’s possible. If you’re not human, then what are you?” Miyagi asks, stepping back in disbelief.

“I guess I’d call myself the devil.” He says. “I am… Warfare. I’m sorry that I look like this, but I’ve got an offer to make you.”

“What is it?” Miyagi asks.

“I know you want to kill someone. I can feel it.” He says. “And that makes me happy. It means you’re like me. I want to enable you. I want to make sure you can accomplish what you’re looking to do. So, I’m going to offer you the strongest weapons there are. Much stronger than those little guns you have. Those are the weapons of humans. You can do better than that.”

“I need more than this?” 

“No, not necessarily.” He says. “But if you agree to this deal, I can promise you’ll be stronger.”

“And what would I have to do to agree?” Miyagi asks. “I have to do something for you, right? You’re not just going to give it away for free.”

“That’s right.” He says. “I’ll show you what I want if you just take my hand.”

Warfare raises one hand in her direction. The skin is scarred and almost purple in appearance from burning. Despite that, she finds it’s a strangely beautiful feature to have.

Miyagi accepts his offering, and the space around them changes. 

“I want you to spill blood.” He says. “That is my imperative. That's what'd make you like me.”

“I can do that.” Miyagi says, staring at her own reflection in a mirror. She doesn’t particularly like looking at herself. She hasn’t proven anything. Her existence to this point is muted. It has no reason.

“All I’m going to ask of you are your memories. The things you hold so dear to your heart, I want to treasure them for myself. To feel what they’re like.” He says. “You are so brilliant. I have no doubt your memories are just as stellar.”

“They’re not all that special.” Miyagi says. “But they’re precious to me.”

“Even what you might call mundane is enough.” He says. “I will warn you though. It’s going to cost a lot. To start with, blood. That is a requirement of this magic I bestow upon you. Whether they are allies or enemies, they bleed all the same.” 

“Will I be able to kill him if I accept?” She asks.

“Absolutely.” He replies.

Miyagi smashes her fist into the mirror, shattering a portion of it around her knuckles. She’s gotten used to the impact of punching and the splitting of her knuckles that comes with it, but that doesn't do much to dull the pain. If anything, it's just her tolerance which has increased. 

In the small section of the mirror she shattered, she can see her own face ghosting over his through the broken shards. A murky reflection of her own snarl tracing the more tangible view of his face.

“Anything.” Miyagi says. “It doesn't matter what it is. As long as Goro Akechi dies, I'll give you anything.” 

“Then consider the contract sealed.” He says, tossing her a lighter and a large, bulky, mechanical key. “Every memory you burn in service of me will only strengthen the magic I grant you. As for that key, it unlocks the ultimate weapon. Be sure not to lose it.” 

Miyagi catches the lighter, walking along the line of pictures strung along. They are fed across some invisible tension, moving slowly at maybe 5 centimeters per second.

She watches as they go by. Each one freshly sparks a memory. They were her family for the longest time, but they're all gone now. Their memories and spirits surely cannot be properly appreciated. With how brutally they were taken for her, all of these precious moments are already tainted with blood.

She tastes her own blood in her mouth, a product of her teeth gnashing into her lip. She only allows her shoulders to shake as tears spill down her cheeks. She cries in relative silence, and despite these emotions, her expression is one of the utmost fury. 

Her resolve will not be questioned. Miyagi flicks the flame of the lighter without hesitation. She casts aside those thoughts that seek to chain and burden her from this purpose. Miyagi burns the first image, warping a polaroid picture of her latest birthday. Her fingers briefly caress the contours of the image before setting it ablaze. The flame mercilessly laps at the picture, destroying it in seconds. She walks down the line of images displayed, burning them one after the other. 

Such is her motivation. Burning everything else for one singular goal, Miyagi feels them vanishing from her mind. Being broken away at the seams. Her ever-precious memories. 

Warfare does not demand everything at once. She does not lose all of her recollection of her past, but that is an inevitable process. Even if it isn’t today or tomorrow, she’s committed herself fully to the process of sacrificing everything in order to tear Akechi’s life from his body.

For that ultimate goal, any cost is cheap. 

---

July 1st. 

Miyagi taps the toe of her shoe lightly on the ground. Standing in the doorway of an old storage unit, a busted light hangs over her, a mere flicker of illumination flickering from the shattered bulb. The light doesn't reach her where she stands, her hands hidden in her coat. 

Any minute now and he'll be here. He has to show up. She thinks. It all comes down to this. 

Akechi makes no attempt to hide, though he does scan his surroundings. On his hip lies a blade sheathed in a void of darkness, only the handle can be seen in its dull silver. 

“Miyagi.” Akechi says, disdain in his voice. “I'm surprised you've survived this long, but clearly you're still just a-”

Miyagi cuts him off, three loud bangs in rapid succession and three holes are opened in his skin. 

From under Miyagi's coat, she shot off three bullets from her revolver through her clothes and through him. Unfortunately, given the hip firing, she couldn't properly hit him in the head. 

Akechi begins to bleed from his abdomen, chest, and midsection. All on his left side. 

He absently reaches to his side, patting the wounds and smearing blood on his hand, which he quickly wipes off onto his pants leg. 

Miyagi brandishes her revolver properly. He must be in shock, she thinks. He appears to be spacing out. 

Lining up the killing shot takes less than a second. She fires at his head, only for the next three bullets to ring out with a clang of metal. 

Akechi smirks, putting his hands in his pockets. 

“That's no way to greet an old friend.” Akechi says. “And here I was, thinking we'd be having a warm reunion.”

“Fuck you.” Miyagi says. 

“Well you're terribly crass.” Akechi says, frowning at her language. It's almost as though her anger offends him. 

It was a teddie bear. A teddie bear was what blocked the bullets that should've found his head. Akechi steps out from behind it, giving it a nod of approval as it falls to the ground. 

Miyagi tenses up. What was that? She wonders. Where'd it come from? How did it block the bullets? A magical object? That has to be the only explanation. That means that Akechi’s like me. This pistol isn’t gonna cut it.

“If you thought bullets would be enough to kill me, then you thought wrong.” Akechi says. “It may have been enough if not for this.”

Rapidly clasping his hands together out in the open now, a pool of shadow opens up in front of Akechi's feet. A multitude of hairy mandibles emerge, sharp claws digging into the ground and pulling the body upward. A truly giant spider, maybe 10 feet tall. Even one of its limbs alone looks powerful. The concrete cracks beneath the spider’s claws. 

“Ah, my liege. I am pleased by your summons. What may I do for you?” 

Akechi pats the side of the spider. “Just one combatant today, Maelle. Can you take care of her?” 

“Consider it done.” Maelle says. 

Maelle is a shadow that he definitely acquired on the lower end of strength. Despite her imposing form, size isn’t an indicator of power. She doesn’t have a single technique to her name. Just smaller abilities of which she bears the burden. As such, there’s no drawbacks to Akechi summoning her. Each shadow is given a ‘weight’ proportionate to its strength, and a lot of that weight is decided on magical ability. As such, summoning a shadow without a technique is light work for Akechi. 

Miyagi frowns, casting her pistol aside and letting it clatter to the ground. The situation changing so rapidly for the worse is more than concerning. She hadn’t expected him to have magical abilities, and the existence of that giant spider in front of her is more than proof of that. 

But, in a sense, it’s also a blessing. Just as Miyagi had no way to know he had these abilities, conversely, he has no idea she has the same capabilities. So, for this brief moment, she holds all the cards in her hand. Akechi must’ve pulled out his magic not only to stay alive, but in the expectation that she’d be easy work. And she thought the same. In fact, Miyagi is thankful she didn’t go overboard right out the gate. If she had, she would’ve lost out on this advantage. 

Miyagi drops to her knees, putting a palm flat to the ground to brace herself. She bows her head, hiding her expression from the oncoming spider, and Akechi behind it. It almost looks like she’s offering her head on a silver platter. 

That instantly gives Akechi pause. Is her resolve so weak? He wonders. It’s true she has no way to win, but then why try at all? 

It hits him then, and he reaches out to the shadow. “Maelle, stop!” Akechi yells, but it's far too late. 

An array of spears rise up from the concrete, materializing from nowhere and piercing the spider’s body. Each of its long legs pierced. Blood streams downward from each cut as the shadow is felled. It may have survived long enough to heal itself had she not pierced its brain three times over. That was an injury not many could overcome. Something far beyond Maelle’s capabilities. 

The attack doesn’t stop there however. The trail of spears continues beyond his shadow, with eight quickly emerging around him and narrowly avoiding his limbs. However, with how they’re arranged, Akechi is squeezed tight between them, trapped between the constructs. 

Miyagi raises her hand to the sky behind her, summoning yet another spear. This one hovers over her hand. She holds off, allowing the spear to accumulate energy. The weapon trembles with the energy being infused into it. Somehow, from Akechi’s perspective, it looks as though it’s being stretched out. 

Akechi doesn’t fail to realize the danger. He pulls his sword out of the shadow, cutting away at his prison of spears with his left hand. With his right, he raises it in her direction, summoning three brown teddie bears to intercept the attack. Holding them in the trajectory of her weapon. 

Miyagi releases the spear, sending it flying toward Akechi. It pierces right through the teddie bears, just barely angling the attack enough so that it nicks his shoulder instead of stabbing through him. 

Even with that defense, imbued with the most Eos he could allocate between those shadows, the spear still tore through them and even through his skin without difficulty. 

Taking a strike like that without proper defense could be problematic. He realizes, cutting himself free of the spears embedded in the ground. He steps out from between them, pointing his serrated sword toward Miyagi. 

“Not bad, but you'll need more than one dimensional attacks to survive.” Akechi says. “I suggest you try your hardest from the outset, no holding back. If you do that, you might buy yourself a few seconds.” 

Miyagi doesn't respond, and so Akechi brings his hands together. She tenses, one foot behind the other, hands clenched like she's going to punch him from that distance. They're a good 30 meters apart, so that won't be possible unless he closes the distance. 

A shadow opens up behind Akechi. From it, a humanoid figure emerges. Appearing to be a woman, not that it matters. She carries a massive sniper rifle of unconventional design, preparing it by clicking a cartridge into place. 

“This is Crow.” Akechi says, his voice crackling slightly over the radio. “To all police departments in the region that can hear my voice, dispatch all the units you can to evacuate the area of any personnel, civilian or otherwise. You're in my strike zone.” 

Akechi then tosses the radio casually over his shoulder, letting it fall into shadow. It's annoying to lug around, so he throws it into storage. He then points two fingers in Miyagi's direction as if he's holding a gun. With a curt nod, the shadow’s sniper rifle thrums with energy, aiming to eviscerate Miyagi.

Miyagi spreads her arms out, tracing a symbol in the air he can't quite make out. Save for a brief glow of energy across her body, there are no changes to her appearance. She seems content not to launch an attack. 

If it's a battle of firepower she wants, then he'll gladly give it to her. It's delectable to have the chance to one-up even her area of greatest strength. It's like approaching someone sure of their talent in some regard and crushing that hope by proving your superiority. Almost like when someone who says they're the best fighter in the world gets decimated in their own game, at the peak of their condition. The stronger somebody feels or the more comfortable they are, means it's all the more satisfying for Akechi to make them fall. So he'll play into her strength, and exceed her at even that. Such is his favored form of systematic destruction. 

The shadow fires its rifle, a pulse of energy instantly traveling the distance to crash into her body. 

The orphanage, now an abandoned crime scene that's little more than a husk of a building, is nearly entirely decimated by the blast. The brittle walls blown away as the sniper’s shot flies outward. Smoke bursts up from where she was standing, obscuring her presumed body, if there's anything left of it. It's hard to imagine someone who could've taken that shot. Still, what a pathetic ending. 

A bullet flies through the air from the smoke, exploding his sniper’s face on contact and having her drop her rifle, dead. The headless body falls to the ground beside him, his eyes widening. 

“That gesture you made was circular.” Akechi says, twirling his sword through the air. “I wonder what that means.”

Miyagi emerges from the smoke, running straight towards him. There’s no sign of the weapon that she used to kill his shadow, which is something he’s surprised by. It seemed more like a cannon than a gun. It’d be difficult to conceal that like she did her pistol.

Miyagi hadn’t noticed it before, but now that she’s closer, she sees four strips of fine paper on his face. Two stripes across each cheek, the material of the paper looking as though it came from a scroll. She can’t quite make out if there’s significance to it, but it stands out to her. 

Akechi raises his hands together yet again, this time summoning a swarm of small spiders, each about the size of a basketball. Tens of them skitter towards Miyagi, standing between her and Akechi. They spit acid her way immediately, a pesky attack for such small shadows. Some close the distance, trying to bite at her legs and climb up her body. Miyagi won’t have any of it. Her expression doesn’t change in the slightest, utterly unphased as she summons yet more spears to systematically impale the ones close to her and then further outward. With her hand outstretched, she murders the spiders with ease. Each one ending up impaled or sliding down the handle of a spear. Their blood sliding with them.

That’s weird. Akechi thinks, hand on his chin as his shadows get slaughtered. Some of them definitely bit her, but she’s not slowing down at all. How is she resisting the acid? It’s not just that, but there’s no damage across her body whatsoever. I know that sniper shot from earlier hit. What’s going on?

Akechi steps in himself this time, flanked by a quickly summoned swordsman. He and his shadow strike at once. Akechi’s sword cuts towards her throat as the swordsman pokes his toward her heart. Miyagi walks right into it, making no effort to block. 

Akechi can’t believe it. His sword cuts across her throat, but it never slices her skin. It’s as though he can’t come in contact with her body. Either that, or her durability is otherworldly. In disbelief at this point, with Miyagi standing right in front of him, he tries to kick her three times in rapid succession, but those don’t have any effect either. It’s an odd sensation, like he’s kicking against a 1000 meter wall of steel. As though, no matter how much he hits her, he won’t even put a scratch on her skin. He was pushing himself away rather than do any damage to her, which is unbelievable.

Miyagi makes sure to stare him in the face as her left arm morphs into a mechanical one. Flesh and bone replaced by complex machinery in instants. She pushes the cannon up into the shadow’s throat and fires, tilting her body slightly towards the shadow as she keeps eye contact with Akechi. Its head explodes with the shell, being instantly obliterated by the explosive. 

Miyagi blocks his sword from the right, lifting a forearm to catch it against her bare skin without worry. Then, she grabs his extended arm, keeping him close. She punches him with great form, her left hand striking him right across the jaw and staggering him. She pulls him closer with her right hand, grabbing both of his arms to slam her forehead against his. Miyagi tries to do it again, but Akechi lets his weight drop, forcing her to keep him up by his arms. He breaks one arm free, making a hand sign as he drops his sword. From under her, suspended just above the ground, he summons a pair of frogs behind her. They shoot their tongues out, latching onto her ankles with incredible suction and making her slam forward into the ground, her legs taken out from under her. She lands atop of him, but Akechi scrambles out from under her as she kills both of the shadows behind her with her gun arms. As she stands, Akechi does as well.

With that quick reset out of the way, Miyagi doesn’t intend to allow him to gain distance. She wants to make him uncomfortable, feinting a punch as she instead lowers her center of gravity and drives a knee up into his groin, making him grunt out in very audible pain. Akechi glares at her, resisting the urge to drop a hand down as he staggers away from her once more.

“You like that?” Miyagi asks, smirking at him.

“That’s a troublesome technique.” Akechi says, grimacing. “I’m through with playing around with you.”

Akechi summons something of much higher magnitude before. One of his more esteemed shadows, the enchantress. 

“A human opponent, hm? I’m surprised, my lord. How long has it been since humans have raised weapons against us?” 

“The windswept gauntlets.” Akechi says. “That’s all I need.”

The shadow to his left is adorned with a full fur coat and armor that clinks gently beneath it. Despite that, she seems rather nimble, with a lanky frame and long limbs. Even so, the satchel she carries isn’t insignificant. She doesn’t reach into it, however. Instead, she opens her coat and provides the gauntlets to him.

“You require no further services?” She asks.

“No. I won’t be having you fight. You have my thanks.” Akechi says.

She nods, smiling as she’s dispelled. Akechi fastens the gauntlets across his arms, the armor nearly reaching his elbows, completely hiding his hands and forearms. They are a pure white, with golden outlines swirling down in a cyclical design. Akechi puts his fists up.

“That’s really your key to victory?” Miyagi jeers, running a hand through her hair. “You’re not beating me in a fist fight.” 

“I can defeat you in any facet of fighting.” Akechi says. 

“We’ll see.” Miyagi says, stepping into distance once more. 

Though Akechi tries to dodge her punches, they’re essentially fighting in a phone booth. Miyagi lands more than he does, but she begins to notice his punches have a weird quality to them. She tags him with a hook up against his ribs, then another just under his armpit. She dodges a straight, awkward punch, catching him in the cheek and knocking a tooth free of his mouth violently. 

Miyagi ups the pressure at the cost of getting hit. Despite her great differential in punches, and how he begins to get bruised and bloody, a cut opening just under his eye, Akechi suddenly begins to improve. No, that’s not quite it. It’s that she’s gotten worse. With every one of his punches, he seems to land more, like he’s ramping up somehow. On a particularly bad exchange where she got punched four times consecutively with no response, Miyagi takes her first steps back, and that’s when it all seems to hit her at once.

Miyagi feels a sudden wave of vertigo. She reaches out blindly, scrambling for purchase on air as she falls backwards for seemingly no reason. She tries to get back up, but the world is spinning around her as she gets to her knees.

“Looks like these are as effective as ever.” Akechi says, adjusting the fit of one gauntlet with care. “You couldn’t have known, but these have a name for a reason. Every time I punch you, it throws your equilibrium off a little bit more. Looks like you can’t handle it anymore. That means our fight is over.” 

“Shut up. You’ll bleed out eventually.” Miyagi says, fighting just to stand up straight. She shakes her head, trying to keep her balance.

“Oh, I’d almost forgotten about that.” Akechi says, absently looking down at the bullet holes in his side. “But no, I can promise you that’s not going to happen.” 

Akechi sweeps his sword lazily across her midsection in an arc, hitting her side. With her sense of balance so unstable, he figures it’s about time for experimentation. To learn exactly why she’s so impervious to damage. It surely can’t be invincibility. There’s no way that’s possible. With how little damage she’s taken before, he’s surprised to find his sword actually does its proper work. Just above her hip, blood begins to drip out from her side. He even tore a piece of her clothes along with the cut. 

“Oh, did your invulnerability run out?” Akechi wonders aloud. “So it was a time based thing.” 

“Why’re you so curious?” Miyagi asks, still trying desperately to get her bearings. She can’t properly fight back like this. Throwing a punch while she’s so unsteady will only expose her further. She needs to recover, and delaying by talking seems her only choice. She can’t exactly run away lest she wants to fall flat on her face. And she’s not nearly within reach of that. 

“Just stand over here.” Akechi sighs. “I can’t have you stumbling everywhere.” 

Akechi drags her over to the wall, allowing her to brace herself against it with an arm. At first, he stands in front of her, trying to stab straight into her abdomen. It isn’t a killshot, but it doesn’t matter because it doesn’t penetrate at all. Akechi raises an eyebrow at that. 

So the technique hasn’t been dispelled, but she's definitely bleeding on her side. Maybe it’s based on force? He speculates.

Akechi tries a softer slash, but it still doesn’t cause any damage. As though it’s gliding over her skin instead of against it. She shows no visible reaction to his experimentation, so Akechi steps around to her right side again, opposite to where she braces against the wall to her left. She is indeed still bleeding.

Akechi pokes the sword into the front half of her side, no damage. He pokes her closer to her backside, and it slips through her skin, making her wince. Akechi’s eyes widen. He tries a few more combinations of stabs, and he nods, having finally figured out the trick. Any front facing damage will be completely negated. And in return, anything behind her, or on the back half of her body, will work as normal. 

What an incredible technique. If the opponent isn’t aware of its stipulations, they’ll certainly lose.

“What do you call this exactly?” Akechi asks, stepping behind her. 

Absolutely furious, and apparently having regained her footing, Miyagi hits him with a devastating spinning back fist across his jaw, sending him through the wall. The bricks crumble around the force of his body being propelled viciously through it, and he lands against a thick support pillar within the building, causing it to shake with the force. Tiles are upended the entire way he traveled, scattered across the floor.

What incredible strength. I shouldn’t get hit like that again. Akechi thinks, touching his jaw in search of damage. He’s sure the bone has been fractured if not outright broken. It's a technique based on manipulation of one’s body. Not only that, but she can manipulate external weapons as well. I shouldn't take her so lightly, but I'd rather not reveal the extent of my own technique either. Still, how is it possible she’s gotten so strong so fast? It couldn’t have been a conventional awakening, or she wouldn’t have so many techniques under her belt.

“I’m sure you’ve realized it by now.” Akechi says with scorn as she steps through the gap in the wall. “The fact that, by itself, Eos is utterly useless. But it takes different forms for all of us. And I can make use of the energy on its lonesome. It’s called allocation.”

“And why should I care?” Miyagi asks, raising her shield.

“It’s one of the reasons you’re fated to lose this bout and your life along with it. I thought you’d want to know.” Akechi says. “This isn’t really a fair fight, so I feel like throwing you a bone to even the playing field. I don’t take any pride in defeating a clearly inferior opponent.” 

“I’ll make you choke on that pride once I kill you.” Miyagi says. 

Akechi elects to ignore that. 

“You meant something to me once, so that’s all the more reason to try and help you.” Akechi says. “So, about allocation. It allows me to augment my shadows at any time, under my own discretion. I can channel my Eos into any one of my shadows, so that even the weakest may give you problems. Because with my reserves, even a shadow you would normally overlook can be dangerous. Now let us resume our battle.” 

“Um, excuse me? You two are making too much noise.” A woman says, emerging from the top of the stairs. 

Miyagi charges towards Akechi, shield in hand as she keeps herself low to the ground. 

Akechi sighs, tracing one of those fine papers on his cheek. “The police really are incompetent.” he mutters.

A high sound pulses through the library they entered. With that, Miyagi, the woman at the top of the stairs, and even the tiles are thrown about in all directions away from Akechi. The civilian doesn’t stand a chance, crushed against the wall as it earns a new color of red. Further on in the building, the staff and general public milling about don’t fare much better. There won’t be any screaming.

The wall crumbles further as Akechi steps outside, anything that isn’t bolted down being thrown violently away from him. 

Miyagi wipes blood from her lip, lifting her shield once more. She fires her cannon at him, only for the shells to be redirected her way. She takes the brunt of her own attack with her shield.

“That shield.” Akechi begins. “Can I take that to mean your invincibility trick from earlier isn’t active anymore? It isn’t that useful if you figure it out. All I need to do is get behind you.” 

Miyagi tries to push forward toward him, but there’s a constant pressure emanating from his body now, and it’s like fighting against an insanely strong wind. As she’s sent skidding across the ground, she realizes wide open spaces will be to her advantage against this new technique. He can only have so much range with such a powerful attack. She either needs to wait until he drops it, or push through the pressure somehow. That means she needs something fast enough to bypass that pressure emanating from him. 

Miyagi conjures a bow this time, drawing back on the string with her muscles flexing with the effort. Akechi continues to walk towards her as she prepares the shot, but he drops to the floor as soon as she releases the arrow. It travels straight through a building in the distance, an explosion rumbling in that direction. Akechi suddenly accelerated as she shot the bow, which caused her to miss. He doesn’t seem to be able to move very fast with it active, so he must’ve deactivated the technique in order to throw her off with the speed burst that granted him.

Miyagi switches back to her fists as he closes the distance shockingly fast, but he releases a burst of repulsion right in her face, sending her traveling far through the air, sliding against the asphalt before she hits the side of a building. Something cracks loudly in her back as the impact reverberates back through her body. 

Miyagi holds her arm out, summoning spears to impale him, but he dodges every one.

How did he get so much faster? She wonders, frantically trying to stop him by creating a wall of spears. Akechi bursts right through them, activating his repulsion once more. This time though, he uses it with finesse. Just enough pressure to keep her pinned to the wall, forcing her eyes open and keeping her slightly suspended. Trapped in place. She can’t even lift her arms from where they’re pinned on the wall. 

Akechi punches her in the stomach again and again. Stomach, legs, chest, each hit creating further cracks in the wall behind her. Just as it’s about to break, Akechi releases the pressure and slams her head down with both fists, indenting her head into the concrete. Miyagi conjures her shield, taking her opportunity to ram it up against his chin like an uppercut. She then slams the flat side against him, pushing him back.

Backing away from the wall, Miyagi feels like her body is growing numb from the hits. 

It might be about time. She thinks. If I lose my arms, I’m done for. 

Miyagi’s expression darkens as he dodges yet another spear thrown his way. He’s faster than she is. In that case, she’ll have to be smart about this. Miyagi arranges herself so that her back is to the warehouse she’s deliberately avoiding. The walls in there are tall enough that it’s obvious compared to the rest of their surroundings. She makes her stand here, bringing her arms out.

“If it’s a fist fight you want, then I’ll give it to you!” Miyagi says, smiling as she returns her shield to nothingness.

Is she stupid? Akechi wonders. Any close quarters weapons are completely nullified against my repulsion. 

Miyagi crosses her arms in an X shape, making him hesitate. She hides her face behind her arms, biting into her mechanical forearm out of his vision. As he takes a step backward, she yanks at a blasting cap in her arm, tearing it out with her teeth. The ground beneath his feet explodes, but not before he reacts. Chunks of concrete and rubble beneath fly hundreds of feet into the air and shake the earth. 

Miyagi grins. I might not have caught him, but I think I figured it out. 

“That was a better attempt.” Akechi says, standing before her unphased. He bats away a falling piece of rubble behind him without looking. “But I understand your technique and its limitations. You’re going to run yourself ragged before you even come close to hurting me.” 

“You’ve been talking a lot this whole time.” Miyagi says. “Isn’t it about time you backed it up? I’m still standing.” 

Miyagi gestures him forward and he takes the bait. She fakes a punch, prompting him to activate his technique once more. This time, she plays into it, stepping into him and conjuring her shield to skid across the concrete by using it as a sled. She slides down the street, leaving sparks in her wake as she fires explosive shells his way. Miyagi halts her momentum at the end of the building, kicking against the wall to stop herself abruptly. A piece of the wall breaks away as a result, crumbling to the ground from the force. 

Miyagi quickly darts inside, ducking under a partially open garage door. She sprints over to the location she’s been seeking, twisting her gun arm and switching the setting. As Akechi bursts through the door behind her, she swivels and sends a wall of flame his way. Akechi leaps over that, propelling himself from the ceiling to slam down feet first on her shield. She barely got it up in time, and he sends it skidding across the room.

She tries to recall the shield, but instead gets terrible feedback, an ache driving through her arms in response.

What was that? What’s happening? She wonders, looking down at her arm.

When it comes down to it, learning magic is a generally healthy process for the brain. But much like working out, everything has its limits. A tipping point in which the benefits can be strained. 

Obviously, not all abilities or techniques are made equal. If you're learning or pulling off something simple and small scale, it's not going to make your body implode. But the brain has its limits. 

The aspect of warfare is not an ordinary persona. The technique she was given was extraordinary, and warfare decided to cheat in this regard. He granted her a plethora of abilities from the getgo, essentially forcing them into her brain so that she would remember, and allowing her to essentially bypass this developmental process. This was what allowed her to fight Akechi with such proficiency. An awakening with a potency unlike any other. 

But this was not without its drawbacks. With every new ability used and familiarized within her brain, she began to overwhelm her mental faculties with this onslaught. Using so many abilities and so rapidly, her brain began to fracture.

Ikutsuki’s research supports exactly what Akechi's thought process wanders to. As Miyagi wipes the viscous golden liquid from her nose, he doesn't fail to recognize its significance. 

“You're running on fumes.” Akechi says. “This won't be an issue then.”

“I'm just getting started.” Miyagi says, though her voice is strained. “You're the one who's going to end up in a ditch.”

“Even you can't seriously be assuming you've seen the extent of my capabilities.” Akechi replies. “You're not that stupid, I hope. An opponent such as yourself was an utter unknown. I've concocted a formula for these scenarios. To win while revealing as little of my hand as possible - that was my goal. You proved to be surprising, but now you've exhausted your energy, your Eos, and your abilities. You revealed your greatest means of attack, yet I still stand. I'll commend you for forcing me to heal, but you won't live long enough to make that a problem.” 

Miyagi simply steps backwards, entrenching her shoes in the mold warfare specified for her feet earlier.

“I guess I surrender.” Miyagi says with a sigh, raising her hands above her head lethargically. As soon as her weight is registered within the mold, she’s tilted backwards, the ground opening up behind her to let her through. She makes sure to take one last shot at Akechi’s face to make sure he doesn’t follow, though it hurts her arm to do so. 

A swarm of mechanical arms emerge from the building, fitting metal plates all across her body to come together in an intricate design she can’t claim to understand. Within moments, she’s fully suited, a helmet fastened on her head as she’s suspended like a bat. She wiggles one leg free, then both, curling inward to shoot a hook towards the ceiling to rappel herself downward.

Miyagi touches down without issue, just as Akechi crashes into the basement, but by now, it’s too late. 

She turns the key to the intangible vault, bringing forth a singular case. The first part of the ultimate weapon granted to her by warfare itself. She swings it around, feeling the heft of it in her hands. 

The warhammer named Heavenbreaker.

Miyagi quickly familiarizes herself with the weapon. It’s a sleek, white color. Very modern and ergonomic in design. Futuristic like her armor. She pushes it to different levels, feeling it respond to her cue. Orange, purple, and black. Those accents decide what effect the hammer will have. In that sense, it’s sort of like a magical technique written into a weapon. Its title is deserved, as it puts no strain on her magical capabilities. 

Akechi’s sword versus her hammer. She wills the hammer to glow purple, hitting Akechi with both hands from the side, almost like a golf swing. He is sent flying from the impact, crashing through the floor, wall, and onto the street outside. She gives him a taste of his own knockback, following in quick pursuit as she propels herself like a slingshot. 

Akechi slices across her armor to little effect but a scratch. She hits him in the chest, crashing into him with a flash of black this time. Spikes spawn within him, causing instant internal damage in his center. They gouge into his sternum, internal bleeding and and fracturing some of his ribs. 

Akechi staggers back, blood spilling from his lips. 

Miyagi hits him while he’s weak. This time opting for orange. Akechi tries to block, but as soon as the hammer gets within a certain distance, it accelerates, driving the cluster of spikes deeper as she hits him in the same spot. Akechi sputters, falling to his knees and kissing the ground as his eyes begin to grow unfocused. The black spikes spearing out of his back like a growth of crystals.

Miyagi holds the hammer high over her head, ready to bring down the strike that will split his head open. But under his injury where he’s bowled over, Akechi hides his hands and whispers a chant, causing a shadow to manifest behind her. 

Just as Miyagi commits to the downswing, she's held in place. Glowing pink cords of light are wound around her body instantaneously, Akechi’s hand held up as he directs the entrapment. Miyagi struggles against the cords, but they’re already wound tight, and she has nowhere else to go. She can’t bring the weapon down with her arms suspended above her head.

“You’re out of time.” Akechi rasps, stepping back into a vortex of white. A series of paper, like a tornado of envelopes, engulfs him completely. Hidden from her eye, Miyagi pushes forward, only to find the papers swarming her. They tink and rebound off of her armor, many making tiny indents and cuts, trying to find any weak areas in the armor. Most concerningly,  she can’t see. She finally got her arms free of the trap, only to be caught in another one. Anywhere she blindly swings or tries to run is met with more paper. That is, until they float away all at once. And standing before her is Akechi. No spikes sticking out of his skin, just faint traces of blood.

“This is pretty dangerous. Not easy to heal.” Akechi says, holding a cluster of the dark spikes. “Anyone else, and I would’ve been dead. But as I said, you ran into the wrong person.” 

Akechi directs hundreds of sheets of paper to her helmeted head, killing any hopes of vision she may have. With Miyagi fighting blind, he stabs at her arms and legs, finding tiny gaps between the armor and even cutting chunks of it off. The fight becomes terribly one-sided, as Akechi lands 100 blows to her 1 blind strike. The chances of winning go from guaranteed to miraculous for Miyagi.

Every new cut under her suit causes more blood loss, makes her feel slower, ruins her armor further. She can’t even use sound to find him, as the papers are constantly ramming into her.

Why am I fighting? Miyagi wonders In a slight daze, her head spinning, blood dripping down her forehead under her helmet. That or sweat. Both, probably. 

“Who am I again?” She chuckles, spitting blood. “That's pretty important, I think.” 

That man… the one with a mop of brown hair and fine clothes… he's the one that’s hurting me.

She hates him. She can remember that much. She hates him so much she feels like crying with that anger. Even now, with the world bearing down on her, she can't possibly forget that. But why?

She groans, clutching her head with a hand, only for it to get stabbed too, blood streaming down her palm.

What the hell! That hurts! She thinks, light headed and delirious with blood loss. She swings her hammer like a drunken dancer, somehow hoping it’ll find purchase against his body. The deadly weapon little more than a plaything now. 

Somehow, the blossoming of pain in her chest reminds her of something. Something she was losing, but wants to hold onto. 

She wants to see the stars and learn about them. The real thing in the books and in the skies, not over some digital simulation. She wants to eat traditional food, maybe with someone special. She wants to remember the family that did so much for her. She wants to understand why her heart blazes so fiercely and so often for the people she comes across. She wants to fight this bastard who she once loved like a brother. Who she treasured as family.

She wants to see Ren once more.

She wants to end Akechi’s life. 

Miyagi gets a burst of strength out of nowhere from Akechi’s perspective. Pulling it from somewhere deep within, hitting Akechi’s arm that directs the papers to blind her. She finally lands a hit, blowing Akechi’s arm back and buying herself some time. She flips backwards, gaining even more distance, though that action makes her feel nauseous, she shrugs it off. Miyagi stretches her arm far behind her back in a bladed stance, almost like a fencer might. She brings her fingers together, middle and thumb. The conditions are finally fulfilled. Even if it costs her her life, he won’t be able to stop this attack. She has Heavenbreaker to thank. A hidden property of the hammer is that it restores its user's Eos. Without that, it wouldn’t have been possible to pull this off.

The technique bestowed upon her by warfare itself is one with two trump cards. In that sense, it’s like having two jokers in the same deck. A card that shouldn’t be in the deck, multiplied by two. If the opponent gets rid of the first one, Heavenbreaker, then they will surely be filled with a sense of accomplishment and the sensation of victory. This is exactly as warfare designed it. A secret, underhanded tactic to assure the opponent of their victory as warfare’s champion has yet one more card in their hand. 

Miyagi’s hand thrums with that power. The truly strongest weapon in her arsenal. Absurd, unfair power bursting from between her fingers, and she isn’t wasting time thumbing the trigger. She won’t leave any room for doubt. Only their evisceration will be enough proof.

Because of this ridiculous power, it cannot be manifested by magical talent and refinement alone. Instead, so egotistically, this weapon chooses when to manifest of its own accord, once its own personal conditions have been met. And that time is now. Miyagi feels it infect every cell in her body like a beautifully sickening poison.

“Intercontinental Ballistic-”

Miyagi’s eyes widen as she loses sensation in her right hand. Akechi, who was in front of her a moment ago, dashed under her outstretched arm and twirled so they ended up back to back. Jumping off the ground, his back against hers for balance, he cut her right hand off at the wrist, leaving the useless flesh to tumble to the ground in a dripping pool of blood. 

Miyagi, of course, turned to face him. She swung her hammer with her good hand, but it wasn’t enough. Akechi blocked the strike at the handle of the hammer rather than the blunt end as she’d hoped, negating the knockback. 

“It’s natural given your technique, but you’re too focused on our weapons.” Akechi says, giving her a stabbing front kick that jabs the point of his shoe into her abdomen. She coughs, tasting something that isn’t blood flowing through her mouth. 

Miyagi huffs, lifting her hammer as best she can with her only remaining hand. She brings it down towards him, but Akechi easily sidesteps, and she nearly stumbles over without intervention. The exertion and effort wracking across her body. Staying conscious begins to become a struggle as blood pours freely from her right arm. She squeezes tightly around the handle of the hammer, glaring at him once more. But that glare becomes a wince as she loses her left hand as well. Miyagi staggers backwards, Heavenbreaker falling to the ground for the second time. Akechi carelessly throws the weapon behind him, as if it’s a child’s plaything.

Both hands are now separated from body on the ground, and she leaves twin trails of her own red blood, spilling profusely onto the dark concrete.

“You can’t use Eos anymore, can you?” Akechi says, his smirk showing he already knows the answer. He just likes to share that fact with her. “Your grave is already settled. A lonely one, as it always would be. It was from the moment you raised a hand against me. You should be proud, though. For someone new to my world, you were absurdly strong. It’s just that you ran into me, a strength beyond that absurdity. That’s why you lost your life.” 

Miyagi lifts her arms together, watching as blood streams down from her wrists. She tries to hit him with those stumps, only for Akechi to kick her leg out from under her, sending her down to the ground on all fours. Her weak attack rendered a useless swipe at nothing.

She’s fairly quick to get back up to her knees, but that’s all Akechi will allow her. He grabs a handful of her sweat-matted hair, driving a knee up into her face. He takes his time lining the strikes up almost leisurely, throwing another knee flush against her nose. Then one drives up against her lips as he pulls her head downward into it, hurting her teeth. By the time he’s done, she’s sputtering and struggling to breathe, the inside of her mouth and skin of her face all bloodied. Akechi lets her stand now, her legs shaking with that simple effort.

“Take a look at how utterly pathetic you are.” Akechi sneers, pulling her hair back harshly as he cranes her neck upward to look at a mirror. He has a shadow hold the mirror up so that she can see exactly how disheveled and defeated she looks. Eventually, he deems that to be satisfactory. Pushing her away, Akechi twirls his sword around and stabs behind himself into her back, aiming straight towards her heart. But the feedback he receives isn’t quite right. Not the wet piercing of flesh, though it is present. But primarily, a quieter clash of metal. 

Miyagi’s vision blurs, becoming unfocused as the sword stabs through her gut, ripping through her. The sharp flash of pain is enough to nearly separate her from consciousness. She hangs on by some miraculous willpower, arms hovering weakly by the blade, as if trying to grab it with her missing hands and pull it out. Her blood quickly spills out from the open wound, seeping into her shirt and dripping down her clothes. Akechi can’t believe she still clings to life. It draws his unwilling respect. If nothing else, she is more tenacious than he can claim to be. At that point, he’d just let it go. Life isn’t that desirable to cling to like a dog.

Akechi throws a wild spinning backhand in an arc, coming just short of Haruto who leans out of the way. In the meantime, Miyagi collapses to the ground, unable to hold herself up on her feet any longer. The sword still embedded within her. 

“So it was you.” Akechi sneers. “And what business would you have with me now?” 

“You can’t just kill her.” Haruto huffs, out of breath from running. “I came here as fast as I could.” 

“If you wanted to interfere, you should've been on cleanup, not protecting her.” Akechi says, turning fully to face them both. “Why did you divert my blade? You know well what happens if this comes out, don't you? If I am compromised, then Shido is as well.” 

“She's not to be killed.” Haruto says. “I know what you're saying. Maybe I even agree with it. But you know these decisions go beyond you or I.” 

Akechi scoffs. “Grow a backbone.” But he obliges the man, sheathing his blade in shadow once more. That only serves to open her wound and the bleeding further, but at least it can’t tear at her skin any longer.

Haruto came in at the perfect time. A second later, and he would’ve pierced her heart. After that, there would’ve been no saving her. Even now, Akechi has his doubts to whether she’ll survive the journey. Even as the helicopter Haurto surely called in lands amid the rubble their fighting created, he doubts she’ll survive the trip. And that’s as it should be.

“She’s not going to live.” Haruto says, mirroring his thoughts. “Akechi, you have to heal her.” 

Akechi grits his teeth. “Telling me to spare her is one thing, healing her is a different matter altogether. She died of her own accord by raising a hand against me. What reason should I have for enabling her to fight me once more?” 

The medical team begins to swarm around the trio, lifting her onto a gurney. 

“She's lost a lot of blood!” 

“Tighten that tourniquet!” A man says. “We need to get her to the operating room.”

“She has to make it there first. Her pulse is erratic but she's still with us.” 

“She's got too many cuts. Just focus on the gaping wounds. Get a defibrillator ready if necessary.” 

“You know how Shido will act if she doesn’t survive.” Haruto says in an emotionless tone.

That drives a clammy feeling over Akechi’s heart. He wishes to protest once more, but he gives in. No use in spinning his tires any longer.

“This is happening by my discretion, then. Get out of the way.” He tells Haruto, quickly putting his hands together.

Akechi summons two shadows in quick succession. First, a large wolf as white as snow, nearly as tall as Akechi’s shoulders. He caresses the creature’s artificial fur, scratching it behind the ears. The wolf nuzzles into Akechi’s side.

The second shadow is one which weilds two medium sized blades. However, only one is wreathed in color like it's body. The shadow is lanky, maybe six feet tall. It's body is merely an outline, a shifting array of colors like a silhouette, with negative space filling in the rest.

“Heal her. I can’t bear to do it myself. And you.” Akechi says, addressing the humanoid shadow. “Cut that thread. Don’t leave anything behind.” 

“Thread?” Haruto asks, not seeing what Akechi is referring to.

“None of your business. I’ve done what you asked.” Akechi says, watching as both of her hands regrow and the cord that connects her head to the sky is severed.

He isn’t happy, but this will have to suffice.

July 15th.

“Ah, you’re finally awake. That’s wonderful to see.” The doctor says as she opens her eyes.

“Where am I?” Miyagi asks. 

“You’re in the hospital.” He says in a gentle tone. He looks to be in his 20’s, which is somehow refreshing to her. Short black hair and blue eyes that sparkle like the water of the ocean.

“Why? Did something happen?” 

The doctor named Ittoki, or so says the nameplate on his left, blinks, partially surprised for a moment before he composes himself. 

“You took a pretty rough fall I take it. If you don’t remember anything, that is. Something about an accident? It was pretty gruesome. We’re going to have to keep running some scans on you, but physically speaking, you’re doing great.” Ittoki says. “This might not make a lot of sense right now, but it’s something they told me to tell you. If I were you, I wouldn’t worry about it too much. Honestly, you should just be focusing on physio.”

“What is it?” She asks, leaning forward in her bed to sit up.

“Well, it’s just, apparently Miyagi Hirohiko isn’t your real name. That’s all.”

Notes:

It's been a while. I changed my mind when this chapter was almost done, so I had to edit quite a bit of the general structure. That's partly reason for the delay.

Apologies for an entire two months without a chapter. That definitely wasn't according to plan. But this is a pretty fun chapter for me. Even if the process was particularly grueling, this is the beginning of a plot point I've been waiting SO long to write. That being Miyagi vs Akechi and what will follow that fight. And, of course, the development of the power system that comes with it. This is one of the many highlights I've been waiting to write.

I wish some scenes like the planetarium were elaborated upon, but at a certain point you just have to post the chapter.