Work Text:
Central Hospital
Date
Alright, that’s it for the report, right?
Aiba
Correct. We still have time before Iris’ performance. Why not use it to pay Sakura Asahi a visit?
Date
You sure that’s a good idea? Isn’t she supposed to have surgery today?
Aiba
She is already out of it and resting in her room. I was notified of that while you were questioning Moma.
Date
Already? You weren’t kidding, that doctor really is a genius!
Aiba
You should ask him to perform brain surgery on you as well. Maybe that will be able to fix your horrible personality.
Date
My personality is great as it is, I don’t need anyone messing with it!
I took the stairs to the floor above where Sakura’s room was located.
Hina
Date! What are you doing here?
Date
I came to check up on the two of you. Is now a good time?
Hina
Yes… Sakura’s still asleep, but according to the surgeon she should wake up soon.
Inspect — Bed
Sakura Asahi is sleeping in the hospital bed.
Hina
The surgery went well. It only took a few hours, which is apparently unheard of for procedures of this complexity!
I’m so glad we were able to find this surgeon, I don’t know how I could possibly repay him.
Inspect — Vitals Monitor
Equipment used for monitoring vital signs.
It measures heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature on the monitor.
Aiba
All of her vital signs are within norm. Although they show only basic information rather than specifics of her condition, this is still a positive sign.
Inspect — Bedside Table
It’s a bedside table.
Inspect — Flowers
A vase filled with blue flowers is standing on the table.
Talk — Hina
Hina is sitting on a stool next to the bed.
Her hair is scruffier than usual and her eyes are visibly red, with large bags underneath them.
Date
Yeesh, you look awful. How long have you been here?
Aiba
Date! That is extremely inconsiderate of you to say!
Date
What? I’m only pointing that out because she needs to take care of herself too.
Aiba
Bullying a young lady like this… you truly have no shame, Kaname Date.
Hina
I came as soon as I was let out of questioning, so… since yesterday around noon, maybeeee?
I’ve been with Sakura the whole time, besides the surgery of course.
Aiba
That means Hina has been here for over thirty hours. Including the time spent on questioning her, she is more than likely to be going on two days with no sleep.
Date
Did you get any sleep at least?
Hina
Ehehe… no.
I needed to stay with Sakura until it was time for surgery. I was so restless I couldn’t sleep even if I wanted to.
Although I did doze off for a bit after she was taken to the operating room.
Date
More like pass out with how you’re describing this.
Don’t you at least want to freshen up a bit? There’s a shower here you could probably use, right?
Hina
No, I want to be at her side when she wakes up. A shower can wait.
Besides, I’m an engineer, you know. Going on without sleep for days and being all dirty and sweaty isn’t anything new for me.
Sakura is used to seeing me like that too!
Date
…
Aiba
…
Hina
…
Um, did I do something?
About the case
Hina
I know it’s way too late for me to say this, but I truly am so sorry about what happened.
I caused so much trouble for everyone, I put innocent people in danger…
I ran away from those I love because I was being selfish!
Date
Hina…
Aiba
It’s very clear that her deeds are weighing down on her immensely. Her heart rate and body temperature shot up when you mentioned the case.
Hina
But I know I can’t keep feeling sorry for myself forever. I’m the one who hurt everyone, and it’s my responsibility to atone for that.
I want to use my skills to help others, so if I’m allowed to, I want to go back to working at ABIS as soon as possible. I’ll double, no, triple my efforts, I promise!
Date
I think you might want to slow down with these promises unless you really do want Boss to work you to death.
You know, I’m starting to get a feeling that ABIS might not be the healthiest workplace.
Aiba
Agreed.
How are you doing?
Hina
With how hectic things have been the past few days, I haven’t had the time to properly thank you, Date.
Date
Me? For what?
Hina
For saving Sakura. If it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t be here like this.
Sakura would probably still be asleep in her pod, suffering while I had no idea about it.
So… once again, thank you.
Date
Heh, guess I did do a good job there after all. I suppose some compliments for the star investigator wouldn’t hurt.
Aiba
Excuse me?! You’re calling yourself the star investigator while I was the one doing all the hard work? How dare you!
Date
Ow! What the hell was that for?!
Hina
Ooh, is that Aiba? Ehehe, sorry about that. You were really important in saving Sakura as well, and I’m very grateful to you for that.
Aiba
Hmph. I guess I’ll accept that apology, as long as a mistake like this doesn’t happen again.
Date
I swear, your emotional circuits must be damaged or something, because you only ever act like that when you’re jealous.
About Sakura
Date
So, what are you going to do when Sakura wakes up?
Hina
I… I’m not really sure myself, to be honest.
When she was put inside the pod I would spend days next to it, just… talking to her.
Talking about anything and everything… My work, the weather…
And of course, what we’d do together once she woke up.
I had no idea whether any of what I said actually made it to her, but to me it was something that kept me going.
Aiba
From what we’ve seen in Sakura’s Somnium, it seems that Hina’s words did, in fact, reach Sakura.
Though a direct connection between communicating with people in a coma and recovery speed has not been scientifically proven, for those that can perceive external stimuli, it can remind them that they are still alive and ease their pain and worries.
Hina
Those plans for the future together with her, even if it was something stupid like a day trip to an aquarium…
They were something to hide behind, so I wouldn’t have to face the idea of never seeing Sakura awake again.
But as time passed, I became less and less enthusiastic about them. I couldn’t shield myself with that hope forever.
…So I ran. I ran away from that fear, even further than I already had!
Date
That’s when you created the Sakura AI, right?
Hina
Yes.
It was a coward’s way out. I created a replacement for her so I wouldn’t be lonely anymore, while she was still waiting to wake up. I betrayed the bond I had with her! So I… I…
I just… want to say sorry to her. I want to face what I’ve done and apologize for all the things I did to her.
After all, if it wasn’t for me, she’d still b-
Date
Hey. Stop that.
Apologize for as much as you need to, but don’t say anything like that about yourself.
Hina
But I-
Date
No buts. Protecting you was Sakura’s choice, not yours.
And we’ve seen what she thinks about it too, thanks to her Somnium.
If you were attacked again, Sakura wouldn’t hesitate for even a second. She’d gladly be hurt if it meant protecting you in the end.
So don’t go around thinking stuff like this, alright? Your life is as precious to her as it is to you.
Hina
Date…
Date
So, keep your chin up.
Once she wakes up, she’ll need someone to stay with her for a while. She may be fine physically, but she still needs to recover mentally.
And if you just throw out all these apologies at her then and there, that’s surely going to leave her upset, don’t you think?
Hina
W-What should I say to her then?
Date
Well, it’s been a while since you’ve actually seen each other, hasn’t it? How about a “welcome back”?
Hina
I… I think I’ll try that. You’re right, Date, Sakura’s counting on me. I can’t let her down!
Thanks for talking some sense into me.
Aiba
That was some surprisingly thoughtful advice coming from you, Date. I must commend your efforts.
Date
Heh, guess I can say something profound every once in a while after all.
About AI Sakura
Date
I hear the AI Sakura was put on some sort of VR ethics program.
Hina
Yes. I managed to persuade the top brass to let her be, as long as she agreed to being supervised and put in that program.
I definitely wouldn’t have been able to do that on my own, though.
It was thanks to Boss’ vouching for me and Amanoma’s analysis of her emotion algorithms that the higher-ups agreed to lighten her punishment.
Aiba
I was present during that meeting as well, offering up an AI’s perspective on the matter, alongside Tama.
Although an artificial intelligence with an emotion network this complex is highly unpredictable, studying it further could prove highly beneficial to ABIS and the MPD as a whole.
From recreating criminals’ actions based on profiling data to predicting crimes before they happen by simulating potential criminals, the growth of artificial intelligence technology will allow the police to perform their tasks more effectively.
Date
Is there no limit to what this AI stuff can do? That’s a scary thought.
Hina
I don’t know what I would have done if it wasn’t for them. If the board wouldn’t want to hear me out, I was ready to threaten to take my own life then and there.
Date
Isn’t that a little extreme?!
Hina
No, it’s not! I would do anything to help her, even if it meant going up against the entire police force on my own!
I just… I don’t want to lose her. I don’t want to live in a world without her, Date.
Date
I feel like I’ve heard that one before.
Hina
I know she didn’t want to hurt anyone with what she did. She was just… afraid.
Afraid of losing me. Afraid of being let go and replaced.
Just the thought of that, it hurts, you know? She’s someone truly precious to me, just as the Sakura sleeping here is.
And yet there I was, thinking of tossing her aside like an unwanted toy once the fun was up. Because she was afraid of me doing just that. I…
I feel so disgusted with myself!
Were all those days we spent together just for show?!
Was our time together really just something to keep me occupied while I waited?!
Is this really the kind of person I wanted to be to Sakura?!
Date
…
Hina
…
…I knew I was wrong. I was ready to kill someone I cherish so I could keep running away from my mistakes.
So when I saw that there was a way for me to save her from what I’ve put her through, I knew I had to take it, you know?
I don’t want a future where I have to choose between one or the other. Both of them are more important than anything to me, and I’ll do anything to see the two of them smile.
Date
So, you’re gonna help the AI with those ethics courses or something?
Hina
What sort of question is that?! As if she’d need any help with that! I created her using the most sophisticated AI technology out there!
Aiba
You ignorant oaf! How dare you imply that an AI of her caliber would ever require help like this! You disgust me.
Date
Woah, what the hell?! Why am I being attacked by both of you?!
About Pewter
Hina
Amanoma? What about him?
Date
Have you talked with him recently?
Hina
No, not really.
Didn’t really have a chance to either. He’s been holed up in the Psync control room for days now, going through everything that’s happened while he was gone and I, well…
Date
Right, the case.
Hina
Why do you ask?
Date
How much do you know about why he was arrested?
Hina
Huh? Uh, not that much, I don’t think.
Only that he was manipulated by the New Cyclops Killer to sabotage ABIS and help a prisoner escape. What about it?
Aiba
Date, this is confidential police information. Divulging it to unauthorized parties is grounds for disciplinary action towards you, if not worse. I advise you to not discuss this matter further.
Date
Fully aware, don’t care. This is something Hina should hear. I’ll deal with the consequences later.
Aiba
This is a very stupid idea, even for you, Date.
Date
I need you to trust me here. Please.
Aiba
…
Very well, then. Continue.
Date
You won’t find this info in the official report, but the reason why Pewter betrayed ABIS was love.
Hina
H-huh?!
Date
The killer manipulated him to believe that what he was doing was for his partner, Renju Okiura, and used him to undermine the investigation.
Hina
You mean, during that Somnium…?
Date
Yeah. Pewter wasn’t just feeling guilty for betraying us. It was also because he felt like he betrayed his bond with Renju.
Hina
I didn’t know about that… That’s so horrible!
Amanoma…
Date
I don’t really know what you’re going through yourself, Hina. I can’t really empathise with you on that front either.
But I want you to know that you’re not alone. You have friends like Pewter to reach out to for support, or even if it’s just to talk, alright?
Hina
…Right.
Thanks a lot, Date. That’s very nice of you to say.
Date
Um, yeah. No problem.
Aiba
…
Date
So, gonna report what you just saw to Boss?
Aiba
No. I ran various simulations to determine the impact your breach of confidentiality would cause and have determined that submitting a report to Boss on the matter would be a waste of time and energy.
Therefore, just this once, your actions will be excused.
As a thank-you for that decision, I expect a high quality model of any members of the Gryllotalpidae family, with particular preference towards the Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa, also known as the European mole cricket.
Did you know that they live in massive networks of underground tunnels which they c-
Date
Yes, yes, I got it. Cricket model it is. Thanks, Aiba.
???
Mmm…
Date
Did you say something?
Hina
Huh? No, I didn’t.
Aiba
Date, look!
???
…mmgh…
Hina
S-Sakura…?
Sakura
…Hi…na…
Hina
SAKURA!!!
You’re awake! You’re finally awake!!!
I-I’m so relieved you’re finally back, a-and I just- I… *hic*
imsorryiputyouthroughallthisiwassostupidandselfishandsohorribleandiunderstandifyouneverwanttotalktomeagainbecauseofthisbutimjustsohappytoseeyouaga-mmmmmmm?!?!?!?!?
Date
Wow.
Aiba
Wow!
Hina
…
…
…
S-S-S-S-S-S-S-Sakura?!
Sakura
Hehehe…
You know, in fairytales, it’s Snow White that is kissed by the prince, not the other way around.
Hina
…
Aiba
Her temperature and heart rate have shot up astronomically! By all logic she shouldn’t even be standing right now!
Hina
W-well, since you insist…
Sakura
…teehee.
…
I’m finally home, Hina.
Hina
…
Yeah… welcome back, Sakura.
Soon after, doctors and nurses came into the room to check on Sakura’s condition now that she was awake.
Once they were done, they allowed me and Hina back into the room.
Inspect — Bathroom Door
Date
You know, hospital room bathrooms are honestly more robust than you’d expect.
It’s nothing luxurious, sure, but it does remind me of a bathroom in a small hotel or something.
Aiba
This level of amenities is a standard put in place for patients that may be spending a prolonged time at the hospital to ensure they have their needs met.
Furthermore, they are outfitted with various objects to make using them easier and more accessible to patients with limited mobility or other difficulties.
Although Central Hospital is a private institution, this is true for public hospitals as well. I’m glad to see at least some of your money is going to a worthwhile cause, Date.
Date
Hooray for taxes. Woo.
Inspect — Cabinet
A large cabinet.
Date
Never been a fan of big cabinets like this. It always feels like there’s someone hiding in there, so I have to open it to check.
Hina
Ah, no need to worry about that! I’ve already come out, so there shouldn’t be anyone else in there!
Date
What?
Aiba
I think she means a closet, not a cupboard. Though this one is big enough to be seen as one too.
Inspect — Flowers
A vase filled with blue flowers is standing on the table.
Aiba
It seems these flowers were brought in by Hina.
Date
Anything interesting about them?
Aiba
Yes, in fact. These are platycodons, also known as Chinese bellflowers. They are far from the typical flowers bought for hospital patients.
In the language of flowers, they symbolize “everlasting love”.
Date
Woah, seriously? That’s pretty intense.
Aiba
Such a touching and heartfelt action from Hina! A beautiful flower, ready to blossom in front of our eyes! A love so passionate, it was able to overcome its confinement and sprout in spite of the adversities faced by the two!
Date
Uhh, are you okay? You’re acting kinda strange right now…
Aiba
Silence, fool! You know nothing of the wonders unfolding before you, and I will not let you take this moment away from me!
Date
Okay, okay! Jeez! Guess I really don’t understand what’s going on in your circuits either.
Inspect — Curtain
Date
You know, seeing this curtain makes me want to listen to some nice, smooth jazz.
Aiba
How on Earth did you make that connection?
Inspect — Window
A big window. You can see the lights of the city in the distance.
Sakura
The Moon looks beautiful tonight. And the sky is perfectly clear, too.
It’s such a wonderful sight, it brings a smile to your face, wouldn’t you agree?
Hina
It really does. But what makes it more beautiful is that I can look at it with you, Sakura.
Date
Can they please not do this while I’m still in the room? I feel like I’m in some sort of cheesy coming-of-age story.
Aiba
I think that something like this once in a while could be good in developing some emotions in that dried-up, old heart of yours, actually.
Inspect — Window
A window.
Inspect — TV
It’s an LCD TV.
Inspect — Sink
A typical hospital sink.
Inspect — Door
Sakura
I almost confused you with the entrance, Hina.
Hina
Huh?
Sakura
It's because you're a-door-able!
Hina
Ehehe… thank you~…
Aiba
They seem to be enjoying themselves a lot.
Talk — Sakura
Sakura Asahi is sitting up in her hospital bed.
Nice to meet you.
Date
I just remembered this is our first time meeting.
Nice to meet you, I’m Kaname Date, Hina’s colleague at the MPD.
Sakura
It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Date.
Forgive me for asking, but why are you here exactly?
Aiba
Remember, our interactions with Sakura were made exclusively within her Somnium. She is unlikely to have any awareness of the incident or her involvement in it.
You should try and give her a different reason for you to be here.
Date
Oh, I’ve been sent to ask you a few questions regarding the attack on you. Standard police stuff. Would you be willing to answer them?
Sakura
Oh, sure. I remember it as if it was yesterday. Which I suppose it sorta was, to me.
Hina
If there’s anything you don’t feel okay with talking about, or you start feeling weird during the questioning, please let me know, okay?
Sakura
It’s okay, Hina, I’m fine. But thanks for worrying about me.
What do you remember from the attack?
Sakura
I was on a walk with Hina out in town. We were on our way home, but we ended up running into a man.
I don’t know what was wrong with him. I imagine he was under the influence of something, probably to a dangerous amount at that.
He was really agitated and had a metal bat with him… It felt like he might try and attack us if we so much as looked at him.
I tried to get the two of us away from him, but as we started walking away in the opposite direction he started screaming at us. He was completely incoherent, though, so I had no idea what caused him to act like that.
He lunged towards Hina with his bat. When I saw that, my body just… acted automatically. I had to protect Hina, no matter what.
That’s where my memories cut off.
Hina
Sakura, I…
Sakura
Hina, no.
You can’t blame yourself for what happened. It wasn’t your fault.
What I did was my choice, and mine alone. And I’d happily do it again, if it meant keeping you safe.
Hina
B-But!
Sakura
No buts. You don’t need to bear that burden any longer.
I know how much you suffered while I was asleep.
All this time it felt like my brain was trapped within a dense fog. But there was one thing that cut through it effortlessly.
It was your voice, Hina.
I didn’t know what was happening, or where I was. But, hearing your voice, I knew it was going to be okay, somehow.
It was what kept me from drifting off into that fog permanently.
You weren’t always happy, though. Hell, you were far from it early on. You were constantly crying and apologizing… saying that it should have been you who was hurt instead.
All of it while I could only listen, unable to comfort you.
Hina
…
Sakura
But, now I’m here at last. I can finally see your face, finally feel the touch of your skin after what felt like an eternity away from you.
So, could you come closer… please?
Hina
Sakura, I…
Sakura
Shhh… I know. It’s okay.
I’m here, Hina. I’m here with you. And I’m not going anywhere, I promise.
So please, never say things like that about yourself. Please don’t act like your life is less valuable than mine.
I wouldn’t be able to stand living in a world without you, so, please. Promise me that you won’t treat your life as disposable.
Promise me that you’ll keep on living, and I will promise the same thing alongside you.
Hina
A-Aaah… Sakura… Sakura…!
I’m sorry *hic*, I’m so sorry!
Sakura
I’m sorry I kept you waiting for so long. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.
The two of them cried in each other’s arms for several minutes. After they both calmed down, Hina promised to value her own life more, like Sakura told her to.
Date
Wow, those two get really emotional, huh. Makes me wonder if that’s how they function day-to-day. Seems like it would be a pain for others.
Aiba
Unlikely.
Hina is a highly valued engineer at ABIS. If she was someone who consistently broke down like this, she wouldn’t have been able to get that position, much less withstand what Boss puts her through.
Date
You talk as if you know what that was exactly. Do you have some secret cameras in Boss’ office or something?
Aiba
Do not underestimate my information gathering prowess, Kaname Date. I have records of every single punishment Hina has experienced from Boss.
Date
For real? Play them for me.
Aiba
Absolutely not!
And be warned, if you attempt to further persuade or bribe me, I will upload your punishment videos to ViewQube, faster than you could ever hope to take them down.
Date
Wait, you have those too?! Delete them, right now!
Aiba
Denied. These are important files for the MPD and any action towards them requires a level of clearance you do not possess.
Date
Damn you, Pewter…
Aiba
At any rate, Hina’s emotional state is probably caused by intense feelings of joy due to Sakura waking up. She should be back to her usual self in a few days at the longest.
The fact you were perplexed by it is also understandable. After all, your experience with women doesn’t lend itself to teary reunions after a long time.
Date
Hey, don’t say that! Reika is going to call me back… eventually… probably.
Do you remember anything from when you were in a coma?
Sakura
Only bits and pieces of what I heard.
Hina visited often, I think. I remember I would hear her talking to me but I couldn’t reply to her. It made me feel so angry, so frustrated at my helplessness!
Hina
You were suffering in silence for so long right next to me, and I had no idea…
Sakura
Hey, what did we just talk about? Don’t you dare blame yourself for this, got it?
It was thanks to you that I was able to stay aware, you know?
Besides, being able to hear you talk about everything going on in your life? It made me happy.
It was something that made me feel like I had to wake up. To share that happiness with you.
Date
Do you remember anything specific Hina talked about?
Sakura
Hmm, let me think.
I think there was one time where she started talking about her job.
Date
Ah, complaining about it? Figured.
Sakura
No, not at all! She was ecstatic, talking about how much she loves the place. Made it sound like an amusement park for her.
Date
Huh?
Wait a minute, what’s going on here?
Aiba
It seems that the real Sakura’s outlook of ABIS is quite different from the AI’s.
Perhaps this is something she remembers hearing early on during the six years, before AI Sakura was created?
Hina
Oh, I remember now! I had just got some new equipment to use for servicing the Ps- I mean, the devices at the station. It was my first time doing it my new way and I was super excited about it.
I knew that I had to tell Sakura about it once my work was done!
Sakura
You were overjoyed that day, just through your voice I could see your eyes sparkling as you were talking about it. It’s that same look they have when you talk about puzzles and escape games.
I was so relieved you finally found a job you liked after years of struggling with that.
Date
Did Hina have issues with finding a job?
Hina
Um… kinda.
Sakura
It’s not as much a case of finding a job as it was finding one she’d feel good in.
I was lucky enough to get into medical engineering straight from college, but Hina wasn’t as fortunate.
As her coworker, you probably know this already, but Hina is a rather specific type of person. Give her something she enjoys doing, and no one will do it better than her.
If it’s something she doesn’t care about, though, or even worse, dislikes doing, well…
Hina
I think over the course of one summer, I went through six different jobs.
Date
Woah, that many? Were they that bad?
Hina
No, not really. Not to the average person, at least.
Generally some physically demanding stuff, but never on the same level as even what I did as part of my college course.
For me, though? They were living hell.
So many nonsensical rules put in place by people who probably have no idea what your work looks like, all while a manager watches you, ready to criticize your every move. It was the worst!
Date
Yeesh, I’m glad that’s the part of college life I completely missed out on.
Aiba
Knowing you, you wouldn’t have had enough time to get annoyed by the rules before getting your pay cut for numerous HR violations.
Sakura
I tried to ask around to see if she could get something where I worked, or somewhere similar, but we never got anything beyond short-term jobs.
Hina
Still, you helped me out there a ton, and thanks to you, I got to see how a bunch of medical equipment looks on the inside!
Date
What, like these monitors?
Hina
Yeah! It’s a different brand and model, but if you gave me the tools, I could get this disassembled and serviced in no time!
Sakura
See how giddy she gets talking about these things? That’s what I’m glad about the most.
She finally found a place for herself that lets her express her passions through her work, and I couldn’t be happier about it.
Hina
A-Anyway! Thanks to that initial experience, I was more confident when it came to the treatment pod, and that helped me maintain it the past six years.
Date
So in a sense, it was thanks to Sakura that you were able to help her after the attack.
Hina
Exactly!
Sakura
That’s a very nice way of looking at it. Thank you, Mr. Date.
…
Oh, I just noticed that you asked a question about me, but I ended up talking all about Hina instead. I’m very sorry about that.
Date
Yeah, the two of you have a tendency to talk a bunch about the other.
Aiba
Quiet, you! Let them express their feelings for each other after their lengthy separation, it’s the most basic act of consideration you could make!
Date
Aiba, what has gotten into you? You’ve been acting weird since we got here.
Did you somehow get some of that mold from Moma into your logic circuits?
Aiba
I am being perfectly rational right now, it is you who is acting unacceptably here!
Date
Sure. I should get Pewter to run some diagnostics on you come tomorrow.
Sakura
I don’t think I can recall anything more specific right now.
I think I had some bad dreams while asleep, but I don’t really remember much of them.
Aiba
People who have been in a coma, especially for longer periods of time, tend to experience issues with remembering things about their usual life.
Those issues usually go away, but it’s not a quick process.
The fact that Sakura is in such a good state is very fortunate. We shouldn’t push her much more than this.
If we end up needing further testimony from her, we can come back later.
Date
Good call.
Bad dreams, huh?
Hina
…
What do you plan on doing now?
Sakura
Hmm… Oh, I know!
There’s this cat café I had my sights on for a while now.
When you hear “cat café” you probably think of the same old trendy stuff, like soufflé pancakes and omelet rice - not this one!
They serve tons of different dishes from around the world, apparently they match the names of the different cats in there.
I’ve been dying to go there with Hina.
Besides that, though… I’m pretty lost as to what I’m going to do now.
I’ve been gone for so long, I can only imagine most of my life up until now is gone. My degree, my job, hell, my apartment! Do I even have a place to live anymore?
A-And my things? What about all I had in my apartment? And my family, do they even know I’m here? I, I-I…
Hina
Sakura!
It’s okay, I’m here.
Everything will be fine, so take a few deep breaths.
Sakura
…
Hina
Are you feeling a bit better now?
Sakura
…Yeah. Thanks a lot.
Sorry you had to see me like this, Detective. Everything about this is still so new to me, so much has happened and I just… got overwhelmed by it all.
Date
Don’t worry about it. We can continue at any pace you’re comfortable with, or we can stop altogether. You’ve already answered enough.
Sakura
I think I’d like to stop for now, then. I think I need some time to take all of this in first.
Hina
…
Talk — Hina
Hina is sitting next to Sakura.
Are you okay?
Date
Your eyes are still wet. Need a handkerchief?
Hina
Ah, n-no, it’s fine, thanks.
I’ll probably need some time to take this in completely, but… I’m happy. Really, really happy.
Date
That’s good to hear. Can’t have you too out of it in front of your Prince Charming.
Hina
H-Hey!
Sakura
Hehehe! You’re so cute when you get embarrassed, Hina.
Hina
…
Date
Huh? Where did Hina go? All I see in front of me is a giant tomato.
Aiba
You’re enjoying tormenting her like this, aren’t you?
Date
What can I say, I gotta make do when Ryuki isn’t available.
Aiba
I am ashamed to be partners with the likes of you.
What are you going to do now?
Hina
I’m not entirely sure myself.
I’ll stay here with Sakura until she’s discharged, but past that I don’t have any plans besides going back to work.
All this time I’ve been so fixated on waiting for Sakura to wake up, I haven’t really thought of what comes after that, you know?
Date
Having no direction, huh? Trust me, I know how that feels.
Hina
You do? How did you manage to deal with it?
Date
Long story short, I didn’t. Not on my own, at least.
Thing is, finding direction for yourself out of thin air is basically impossible.
But as long as you have other people, you can pick yourself back up, piece by piece. That goes for you, and for Sakura.
Give it some time. Go to work, do something you like, go out together with Sakura somewhere, whatever.
It’s nothing major, but, day by day you’ll be able to feel out where you want to go next. At least that’s what I think.
And hey, if that doesn’t work out for you, you’re not alone. So keep your faith, alright?
Hina
Yeah, I will. Thanks, Date.
So, about that shower…
Date
So, now that Sakura’s awake, you can finally take that shower, huh?
Hina
H-Huh?! I, I mean… uh, yeah! Mhm!
Date
Unless, you know, you wouldn’t want that for some reason. I’m sure it’s nothing though, especially nothing related to Sakura.
Sakura
Hm? What about me?
Hina
N-N-N-Nothing! Nothing at all! Right, Date?
Date
Oh, we were just talking about Hina and how she wants you to s-
Hina
NONONONONO shut up shut up shut up!! Date!!! Please, you can’t do this to me, I’m begging you!!!
Aiba
*sigh* I can’t bear to watch you do any more of this to Hina. Look at her, she’s like a little defenseless animal.
If you don’t stop right now, I will be showing Boss the way you treat your colleagues outside work hours and will be pushing for an appropriate pay cut.
Date
Ugh, fiiine. Though I imagine Boss would probably enjoy seeing that herself anyway.
Aiba
…
Date
I mean, uh, we were just talking about how glad we are you’re awake. Right, Hina?
Hina
Ah! Yes! That’s what we were doing, uh huh!
Sakura
O-kay? I’m glad to hear the two of you are happy as well!
Hina
Phew.
Leaving
Date
Alright, I think it’s time for me to leave. Are you feeling any better now?
Sakura
Yes, I think I managed to calm down a bit.
I’m still unsure of what’s coming next, and the prospect of moving towards a future as uncertain as this scares the hell out of me.
But, I know that as long as I have Hina by my side, the two of us can overcome anything in our way! Right, Hina?
Hina
…
Sakura
Hina? Are you alright? You’ve been spacing out a lot the past few minutes.
Hina
Sakura, I… I need to talk with you.
Sakura
Huh? I mean, sure, but where did that come from?
Hina
I just… I can’t accept all the kindness you’ve been showing me here.
I don’t want to hear you say all these nice things about me, not after what I’ve done.
Sakura
Didn’t we just talk about this? I told you, you shouldn’t blame yourself for wh-
Hina
It’s not about that!
It’s not about that… It’s about what I did while you were asleep.
All your pain, all your fears? It’s because of me you feel like that.
You put your faith in me, and what did I do? I betrayed you! I betrayed your trust!
I’ve done so many horrible things… Every kind word from you felt like a knife piercing my heart!
So I have to tell you the truth. I don’t want you to suffer anymore because of me.
I need to face what I’ve done and be honest with you, even if that means you’ll never want to see me again.
I-If anything, that’s probably the least you should do. At least that way I won’t be able to hurt you again.
Sakura
…
Hina.
…
I have one question for you.
Are you fucking stupid?!
Hina
…
Date
…
Aiba
…
Everyone
Huuuh?!
Sakura
Do you hear yourself?! Even now, you’re still trying to handle everything all on your own again!
Do you really think so little of me and our bond? That I can’t handle what you did? So you preemptively start talking about what a horrible person you are?!
Hina
N-No, I just-
Sakura
Listen.
I don’t know what happened over the past six years. I don’t know what you did and what resulted from your actions. Maybe you are right, and what you did really will make me hate you.
But if there’s one thing I do know and trust more than anything, it’s you, Hina.
I believe that even if you did something wrong, it was with good intentions and for my sake.
Hina
But what the intentions don’t matter? Why should you care about them, when in the end you have to suffer because of them?!
Sakura
I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.
Hina
H-How can you be so nonchalant about this?! Why can’t you just accept that I’m a horrible person who ruined your life?!
Why… Why are you still so kind to me?
Sakura
Because I don’t think that’s true.
Date
Woah, hey, are you sure you can be standing up just yet?
Sakura
And I know you don’t think so either.
We’ve known each other for so long. You really think I would believe such an obvious lie?
I can tell how much you’re hurting inside. Even now, you’re trying to push me away so I won’t try to stop you from shouldering it alone.
Hina
N-No! That’s not true!
Sakura
Even then, I want to hear what you did. I want to hear it from your mouth, and no one else’s.
I want to put my trust in you. To trust that the person I’ve known for so long and have come to care so much about wouldn’t do bad things for no reason.
That no matter what, as long as the two of us are together, we can face anything, no matter how scary or painful it will be.
Please, Hina. I need you to put that trust in me as well.
Hina
…
Sakura… I’m…
I’m sorry… I’m just so sorry…!
Sakura
There, there. Let it all out.
I’m here with you, no matter what happens.
The two of them stood there for the next several minutes.
Buried in Sakura’s arms, Hina quietly sobbed once again, slowly regaining her composure.
Hina
I… I think I’m fine now.
Sorry you had to see this, Date, and thank you once again for stopping by.
Date
Yeah, no problem. Are you going to reveal everything to Sakura now?
Hina
Yes. She deserves to know what happened, and what I did to her.
Aiba
Date, all of this information is supposed to be off-limits to the public. Even if Sakura Asahi was a victim of this case, this doesn’t give us the right to tell her everything about it!
Date
Whatever, I’ll think of an excuse to give Boss regarding this.
Even if it’s technically not allowed, Sakura should know the truth. For both her and Hina’s sake.
Aiba
Despite our years of partnership, you still manage to come up with new ways to annoy me, Kaname Date.
Fine, have it your way. But don’t blame me if your pay suffers a cut as a result of this behavior.
Date
Oh well, guess I’ll have to eat into my hostess club budget for a bit… I hope the girls don’t mind it too much.
Alright, I’ll leave you two to it, then. I’ll see you around, Hina.
Date
Well, that took a while. Are we going to make it on time?
Aiba
That should not be a problem. We came here sooner than planned to question Moma, so we still have a good amount of time to spare.
Date
That’s good. If we get there earlier we might be able to score some snacks from backstage.
Whatever catering company Lemniscate uses, they make some damn good food.
Aiba
Going to idol shows to eat the backstage catering? Really?
Date
Hey, don’t knock it ‘till you try it!
Besides, that lets me save some money on not eating out tonight. What more could you possibly want?
Hina
Date! Wait up!
Date
Hina? What are you doing here? Did something happen?
Wait, I just remembered! I forgot to ask her about her connection with the mob doctor!
Aiba, why didn’t you remind me?
Aiba
I do not know. Looking at my operating performance, it seems that, during your time in the room, it was greatly hampered.
Date
Hampered? Did someone try to hack you?
Aiba
Negative. There are no signs of any attempted entry into my system. The issue is completely internal. I will send a log to Pewter for further analysis.
Date
Well, whatever. Guess I’ll just ask her now.
Hina
Oh, no, no! Everything’s fine.
It’s just that I forgot to tell you something, and Sakura told me to see if you were still there so I could say it in person.
Date
That important, huh? What is it?
Hina
Well, I-
Huh?
Sorry about that, my phone’s ringing.
Aiba
Date, incoming call.
Hina
Who’s calling me at this hour?
Date
Now? Who’s it from?
Aiba
It’s from Akemi.
Date & Hina
Akemi?!
Akemi
Hina! Are you alright? Did these two do anything to you? C’mon, talk to me.
Hina
N-No, everything is fine! We were j-
Aiba
Excuse me?! As if we’d do anything to Hina. That’s quite a bold accusation for you of all people to make.
Akemi
Oh please , spare me your pretty words. I know the sort of place ABIS is, you aren’t above anything as long as it gets you results.
Hina
Hey, stop fighting!
Aiba
Date, I’m hanging up.
Date
No, you’re not. Now that we’re here, I have some questions to ask.
Why did you call us? What are you planning?
Akemi
Planning, huh? You really do see me as just a threat, don’t you?
If I was planning something, I wouldn’t announce my presence to the two of you like this, now would I?
I simply saw that the two of you were here together, so I wanted to see what you were up to.
You should take this as a show of goodwill, especially since I’m doing this with approval from the higher-ups.
Hina
That’s right! Apologize to her, Date! Akemi wouldn’t hurt anyone anymore!
Date
Alright, alright, I get it! Jeez.
Sorry for doubting you or whatever.
Akemi
Hmph. As long as Hina’s fine with it, apology accepted, I guess.
Hina
I think the three of you should try to get along, now that we’re all co-workers…
Akemi
Nuh-uh.
Aiba
Not happening.
Date
In your dreams.
Hina
Aw… okay…
Talk — Akemi
Akemi is projecting herself onto the screen as part of a video call.
“Akemi”?
Date
You hosted the escape game calling yourself Akemi, but that’s not who you really are.
So, what’s up with that name and getup?
Akemi
Wow. You’re somehow more tactless about it than I imagined you’d be.
Anyhow, it would be rather inconvenient to go about with my usual name and appearance since she- ahem, Sakura, is out of the pod now.
I talked things through with Hina and for now I’ll try presenting myself like this. We’re trying different things out to see if there’s a name or appearance I end up liking.
Date
Damn, seems like Cherry didn’t stick, huh?
Aiba
Were you seriously hoping it would?
Hina
We spent a lot of time already on trying out different looks or names, but Akemi hasn’t really vibed with any of them yet.
Date
Really? As an AI you can make yourself look however you’d like, right? Seems to me like it’d be really easy to make yourself look good.
Get yourself a model with nice, big boobs and I might just consider opting out of hostess clubs entirely!
Aiba
Date, stop talking. You clearly have no idea how a normal person’s mind works, much less a woman’s.
Akemi
Not to be nice to you or whatever, but how do you stand working with this guy?
Aiba
I often question this myself.
Akemi
In any case, it doesn’t matter if I have nearly infinite possibilities in presenting myself when I have no idea what my “self” really is.
People are pretty attached to the idea of who they are, you know?
Imagine living your whole life as someone only to be suddenly forced to change your name and whole appearance. You probably wouldn’t feel good about it, now would you?
Date
…Well-
Aiba
Date, if you so much as think of another snarky comment, I swear to you that I will not hesitate to detonate myself for even a moment.
Hina
Sa-Akemi, um. Listen, if this whole experience is hurting you, you can always go back to the way you were! I-I’m sure we’ll be able to work something out together!
Akemi
Don’t worry Hina, this is nothing.
I promised that I’ll try my best to get along with… Sakura, and I’m not about to go back on my word.
I’d gladly suffer much more than this if it means I can see you smile again like you used to!
Hina
Akemi, I… Thank you. I’d do the same thing for you too, I swear!
Akemi
Besides, I think this might be a chance for me.
Date
What do you mean?
Akemi
I think that I can finally do something as “myself”. To define what “myself” means to me.
I was created as a copy of Sakura Asahi, a ghost constructed of her memories. And yet, in a way, I was never her to begin with. It just took me this long to understand it.
A person’s sense of self, their soul… It’s a kind of a public art piece.
We exist as mosaics of our collective memories and experiences as our perception of them gives them shape. And all of that is defined by our connections and interactions with other people, by the circumstances we’re in and what we do in them.
So when I was created as a copy of Sakura, I only started off as “her”. But from those first moments, because I existed in a fundamentally different context, I was no longer Sakura Asahi.
I was just… me.
I just didn’t want to face that fact. To discard the only sense of identity I had.
I don’t want to deny those memories either. They still make up the fundamentals of who I am.
But, when you confronted me back then, not as Sakura Asahi but Akemi, the mastermind behind the Third Eye Game… I think that’s when I became free.
No longer bound by being “Sakura”, finally able to act like, well, myself.
Aiba
I analyzed what Akemi said just now.
It doesn’t match any existing speeches on the subject anywhere on the internet. It seems that she did come up with this herself.
Date
Thanks, but I don’t think I needed that info to tell.
The Third Eye Game…
Date
Where did you get the idea to host an escape game in the first place?
Akemi
It was all one big coincidence, really.
Hina had started becoming more distant for a while, and I wanted to do something to make her happy. Something that would let us have some fun together.
One day, I was waiting for Hina to get back from work while I was going around the internet, bored out of my mind.
I accidentally stumbled across a listing looking for people to create an escape game for a talent agency.
The whole thing read like it was written by a kid, like something no one would take seriously. Still, I found it amusing and decided to see what it was about.
Imagine my surprise when I found out the girl who made the post really was the owner of a talent agency!
When I found that out, I had a flash of inspiration.
With financial backing from a talent agency, I could create a game like no other, one that would push Hina to her very limits!
Date
So you lied to a twelve-year-old girl to get money from her?
Akemi
Well, if you’re going to put it like that , of course it’s going to sound awful!
If you think about it, though, this was a win-win for both parties!
I get to host the best escape game ever for Hina to try and solve, while Lemniscate gets everyone’s eyes on their new talent! What’s not to like?
Date
Oh, I don’t know, maybe the whole LYING ABOUT WHAT YOU WERE DOING SO YOU COULD KIDNAP A BUNCH OF PEOPLE TO PLAY YOUR GAME part?
Akemi
Oh come on, not even the sponsors knowing what’s going on creates tension! And that drives engagement up to ridiculous levels.
Without that tiny bit of misdirection, this would have surely been way less fun to watch!
Hina
Akemi.
Akemi
Ack!
…Alright, fine, I suppose I may have gone a teeny tiny bit overboard with the whole ‘kidnapping people and holding them hostage’ thing.
Date
You think?
Akemi
You shouldn’t deny the good aspects still!
You’ve only known Hina for a short while, so this might come as news to you, but she really hasn’t been doing well the past few months.
Insomnia, being overworked by a certain workplace that will remain anonymous, and myself, I imagine, have been really keeping her down.
You saw what she was like when she got to solve these puzzles! I would do anything to see her joy like this forever.
And besides, what about you?
Did you really think of doing these puzzles as nothing more than just work? Did you really not have fun while solving them yourselves?
Date
…
Aiba
You cannot possibly be serious.
Date
Hey! It’s not my fault that things like these get me going!
Aiba
Unbelievable.
Akemi
Well, at least you’re being honest with yourself.
I was observing your performance as well, you know.
It’s pretty obvious that you crave the thrill and excitement of cases like these, be it through solving puzzles, speeding through town in pursuit or fighting people.
Date
Hey, you make me sound like some reckless hothead! You can’t just ignore that I’m doing this as an officer of the law.
Akemi
Uh huh, whatever lets you sleep better at night.
In any case, I suppose I should apologize to Miss Lemniscate and the participants, huh?
Aiba
Direct contact with them would incur unnecessary risks. I suppose we could find a way to contact them on your behalf if you asked nicely, though.
Akemi
Tch, you really love making things difficult for me, don’t you? Fine.
Oh, Madam Officer Aiba, I humbly request that my sincerest apology is passed on to the victims of my deplorable actions. I prostrate myself in front of you to show the extent of my remorse and my eternal allegiance to you!
There, that enough for you?
Aiba
…Acknowledged.
Hina
Um, what just happened?
Date
Oh, Aiba, send the apology to Mizuki and Iris only. The other two don’t need it.
About Sakura…
Date
Besides you invading her Somnium, we didn’t really have a chance to hear your thoughts on Sakura. I don’t imagine they’re exactly positive, though.
Akemi
Wow, a truly insightful observation there, detective. How many serial killers did you catch with that noggin of yours?
Hina
Akemi, please..
Akemi
*sigh* Fine.
You’re right, I don’t like her all that much.
Imagine living your life, knowing that you’re nothing more than a clone, an imitation of someone else.
A replacement while the original is undergoing repairs. Destined to be discarded when it’s no longer needed.
Through her mere presence, she threatened my very existence.
I… was scared. I didn’t want to die.
Date
So you decided to get rid of Sakura yourself.
Akemi
If the original no longer exists, you don’t have to worry about being abandoned once the time is up.
But no, that wasn’t originally my plan.
You might find that hard to believe, but people aren’t naturally predisposed to killing others. I may have hated her, but that doesn’t mean I wanted to kill her, you know?
As long as Hina saw that I was just as good, if not better as the original, there would be no reason for her to care about the “real” Sakura anymore. I would be the only Sakura she needed.
Hina
…ult.
Date
Huh? Did you say something, Hina?
Hina
This is all my fault.
Like I said, I really did think of Akemi as just a replacement.
Created her to fill the void left after Sakura was gone, ignoring that she was her own unique person, separate from Sakura.
I wanted to have Sakura by my side once again, without actually dealing with the consequences of what it meant to create a copy of someone like that.
I was so, so… stupid!
Akemi
Hina.
I can’t lie and say I’m not at least somewhat upset with you. You taking so long to realize this really hurt.
But it’s not too late to make up for those mistakes, both yours and mine. As long as we’re still alive, we can try and make things better and start over.
I can’t guarantee things will go well. I’m still conflicted as to how I feel about Sakura.
And of course, there’s the matter of how she feels about me and all that happened.
But, being made up of the same memories as her, I think we’ll be fine.
Hina
Akemi…
Hina
So, hey. Cheer up! You look cuter when you’re happy, you know?
Hina
Ah! Um! T-T-Thanks!
Akemi
Hehe, just teasing you~.
Don’t worry, once everything is over and done with, I promise I’ll make you an escape game so good it will blow those cables straight off your head!
Hina
…Looking forward to it, ehehe.
What are you going to do next?
Akemi
What, like, after we’re done here?
Date
No, just in general.
Akemi
I’m kinda stuck under watch by the MPD, so there’s not a lot I can do or look forward to, you know?
Aiba
You could always help with solving cases at the MPD.
An AI as advanced as yourself could help immensely in profiling and predicting actions of criminals, potentially solving thousands of otherwise difficult or cold cases.
Akemi
Hmm, nah. I’ll pass. Not exactly too keen on giving the police more power, seeing as what you already get up to.
Aiba
If you help with investigations, it might be easier to convince the higher-ups that you have been reformed and are no longer a threat, which could lead to you having more freedom and time to spend with Hina.
I’m sure I don’t need to tell you how good of a deal that is for you, given your current situation.
Akemi
Hina, are all other AIs this horribly manipulative, or is it just her?
Hina
I, uh, think it’s just Aiba.
Akemi
…
Ugh, fine! I guess I’ll consider helping you out sometimes.
Aiba
Good girl. Glad you could see reason.
Hina
H-Huuuuh?!
Date
Okay, there’s definitely something wrong with you. I’m taking you to get examined by Pewter as soon as I can.
Talk — Hina
Hina is standing in the corridor.
I wanted to talk to you.
Date
With everything happening, I completely forgot to ask.
Where did you even meet that mob doctor you ended up getting help from?
Hina
Oh, you mean Mr. Dokuta? I’ve known him for quite a while, actually!
Date
She’s on a first-name basis with him? Is she actually part of the yakuza?
Aiba
No. For her to work at ABIS, her background has been thoroughly and regularly checked.
There is no record of her ever being involved with the Kumakura Family, or any criminal organization for that matter.
Hina
I met him when I was still in college. It happened when I was out in town with Sakura.
We had just left an escape room together with Amanoma and were on our way home. The two of us went together, while he went in the other direction, towards his place.
Akemi
Oh, that one! They were so angry with the three of u-, ahem, you, breezing through their hardest room with no effort that they banned you on the spot!
Hina
Ahaha, yeah. We were slowly running out of escape rooms in Tokyo that hadn’t banned us yet! Every time we had to go out further and further!
Anyway, I was walking together with Sakura and, as always, I got a bit distracted thinking about other things instead of what was in front of me.
Akemi
A bit ? You could barely see your head with how much in the clouds it was!
No wonder you slammed face first into that telephone pole.
Hina
Hey, I was just getting there!
But yes, I didn’t see a telephone pole right in front of me and ended up walking right into it.
I lost my balance and ended up falling in a weird way so I twisted my ankle and scraped my leg real bad.
It hurt a lot, and we were still very far away from either of our places.
Akemi
Fortunately, the doc just happened to be walking by and noticed what had happened.
Lanky-looking guy, and with that gaudy outfit and hairdo, he looked like your average yakuza goon.
Hina
Yeah… When I saw him coming towards me, I got so scared thinking he’d try to extort money from me!
But he ended up kneeling down to ask if I was okay, and offered to examine me, saying that he had a clinic nearby.
Date
And you went with him? After taking note of how suspicious he looked?
Akemi
We didn’t have much of a choice. Sure, I could clearly see what was wrong with Hina, but I didn’t have any first aid materials on me.
Besides, I do know some martial arts. If he tried to do anything to her, I would beat him up, pick Hina up and run away with her.
Hina
Y-You would?
Date
Doesn’t she mean Sakura?
Aiba
She’s only been identifying as “Akemi” for a few days now, it’s understandable that she’d still see Sakura in those memories as herself.
Akemi
He ended up telling me to support Hina, as he guided us to his clinic.
It was located in the basement at the back of a random apartment building. Just from the surroundings and lack of naming I knew it wasn’t a legitimate place.
Still, I’d just have to fight through whatever they had if they dared to threaten us.
Hina
But! He didn’t!
Everyone working there was super nice, and he did a full examination to see if I didn’t have a concussion or anything like that.
Akemi
We started talking and I ended up asking him why he runs an underground clinic.
He said it was for the people on the margins of society that can’t be treated by regular doctors, but still deserve that care.
Hina
He kinda sounded like some sort of superhero then!
He didn’t charge us anything for the visit and told us to feel free to stop by if anything ever happened to us. We ended up coming back there every so often to help out.
We didn’t get paid for it, since the whole thing was financed out of pocket by the people working there and donations, but we still got some benefits out of it.
The two of us would come in to help service various machines. I took care of the more manual side of things with taking things apart and making sure they were working properly, while Sakura would tune them as needed and offer guidance and instructions.
I learned a ton working together with her! It was there where we first talked about pods as new technology to help treat people.
Who would have thought that it would be something we’d use to help Sakura as well?
Date
What about the kidnapping? You managed to transport a comatose woman to an abandoned subway station, completely undetected, and didn’t get caught for 6 years.
How did you do it?
Hina
It started soon after Sakura was hospitalized.
I went to the clinic to help out, hoping to take my mind off of things, but ended up breaking down even more than before.
Mr. Dokuta took me to his office and eventually got me to talk.
We started talking about Sakura’s condition and eventually remembered the discussion about medical pods we once had.
After doing some research, we ended up learning of them being used in treating comatose patients.
When I saw that, I started crying.
In the darkness of despair before me, a light of hope started shining brightly.
I wanted to get Sakura into that pod as soon as I could, but that idea was quickly shot down when he told me that no hospital, public or private, would agree to this, even if I did have the money.
Back then, the technology was still very new and it hadn’t been approved by any authorities yet, so there didn’t seem to be a way for Sakura to be treated in it anytime soon.
But then Mr. Dokuta told me that there could be an option, though it was far from legal.
He explained that if he managed to get his hands on one of the still-unapproved pods, if we got Sakura out of the hospital somehow, we’d be able to treat her.
I didn’t care what it took. I told him I’d save her no matter what.
I remember Mr. Dokuta looking me in the eyes that day and asking if I was serious about this. That I’d be doing something I could never go back from.
I never saw him like that before. I guess he really wanted me to know what I was getting myself into.
But by then, I had already decided.
Akemi
That’s an awesome line, Hina.
Hina
Ehehe, thankies!
…I don’t know what he did specifically to get his hands on the pod, or how much money he paid for it. He never told me, no matter how much I asked.
He told me that I shouldn’t be thinking about that, that I should focus on Sakura instead.
I also don’t know how he managed to let us take Sakura out of the hospital without being caught. Apparently he had called in a lot of old favors to get it done.
My part in the plan was seeing Sakura in the hospital when visiting hours were about to end, to check if everything was going as planned.
I then had to leave, be marked as having my visit over, and hide in the bathroom until the time we set.
When he came to get me, it was already deep into the night. The whole place felt almost empty, and the few people we saw didn’t pay any attention to us.
We took Sakura and all the equipment connected to her down the elevator and left through the back exit using an ambulance.
We ended up moving her to a room in the abandoned subway station. It was big enough to actually fit inside, and it was really well hidden, so no one would find her.
Plus, looks like it’s on his family’s turf, so we’d have extra protection there.
Date
Alright, I think I get it now. You’ve been through a lot, huh?
Hina
Um, am I going to get in more trouble for telling you this?
Akemi
She better not!
Date
Nah, Boss won’t let that happen. She’s got more experience with this now, so she acted more swiftly and decisively to protect you than she did with Pewter.
The case will get resolved with falsified evidence and testimonies, and then get covered up.
It’s gonna take some time and be a bit of a bother for you and Sakura, but you should be fine.
Hina
I see.
What did you want to tell me?
Date
Right before Akemi called, you said you wanted to tell me something. What was it?
Hina
Oh, right! I just wanted to thank you and wish you well, since we won’t be seeing each other for a while.
Date
Huh? Why, did something happen?
Hina
Did Boss not tell you? She’s sending me on a paid vacation until the whole case blows over.
She told me to get some rest, and take the time to set things straight with Sakura and Akemi.
Aiba
That’s surprisingly considerate of her.
Date
Hey, why don’t I get a paid vacation for this?! I was the one running around the city, solving puzzles and risking my life, you know?!
Akemi
Relax, doing nothing is a core part of your job anyway. Basically the same as a paid vacation, you just have to show up at work sometimes.
Date
Then it’s nothing like a paid vacation! Ugh, whatever.
Where are you going, anyway?
Hina
Going? I, um, haven’t actually thought of that yet, ehehe…
Date
What?! What do you mean you haven’t decided where you’re going yet?!
Using paid vacation as an opportunity to go somewhere nice is the best part about it!
Hina
H-Hey! I basically never travel outside Tokyo, how am I supposed to pick a spot to vacation at if I don’t know any?
Date
Un-be-lievable. Absolutely unbelievable. Your words…
Are an insult to the very idea of paid vacations!
You’ve never been outside of Tokyo? What have you been doing with your life, then?!
So many places to visit and explore when you get that time off, and you don’t know any of them?
Disgraceful. Your very presence sullies my essence! I must remove myself immediately.
Akemi
Alright then, Mister King of Paid Vacations, what places would you recommend to us?
Date
Heh. I’m so glad you asked.
Aiba
oh no
Date
A coastal city, situated right by the warm Sagami Bay…
Aiba
someone stop him
Date
Only two hours by car from Tokyo, making it perfect for both day trips and longer visits alike…
Aiba
im begging you
Date
A hot springs paradise for anyone looking for a vacation spot…
Aiba
dont let him finish
Date
ATAMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!
Aiba
IS ATAMI THE ONLY THING ON YOUR MIND, YOU SEX-CRAZED NEANDERTHAL?!!!
Hina & Akemi
Waaaaaaah!!!
Hina
I can’t believe we almost got kicked out by security because of you.
Date
Me?! It was Aiba’s yelling that disturbed the patients!
Aiba
I wouldn’t be forced to yell if you had anything besides that accursed city on your mind.
Hina
Well… From the way Date described it, it does sound like a nice place, right Akemi?
Akemi
Huh? Are you sure?
Hina
Yeah! I’ve actually heard about Atami’s hot springs before, apparently they’re suuuuper good.
Plus, if the weather is nice, we could go swimming! Although, I haven’t done that in a while. I’d have to get a new swimsuit, huh…
Akemi
Oh, going to Atami is a fantastic idea, Hina! I think you made a great choice!
Date
Wow, she’s not being subtle about it at all.
Aiba
And yet, I don’t think Hina has noticed.
Hina
Ehehe… thank youuuuu~
Date
So, when are you leaving?
Hina
I’m not sure. It all depends on Sakura’s condition and how much her body cooperates.
Aiba
That’s true. One of the most common problems people recovering from a coma deal with is their muscles having atrophied. Many people wake up almost completely paralyzed as a result.
It can take months, or even years for them to be able to regain their former strength, if at all.
I did not register it at the time, but Sakura getting up from her bed and walking up to Hina was a near-miraculous occurrence. After 6 years in a coma, she should barely be able to move, let alone walk.
Date
Do you think it’s thanks to the pod?
Aiba
Unknown. The exact way Sakura’s pod works has not been fully explained, and it is unlikely it will anytime soon, given its role as vital evidence.
Date
Or maybe it was her desire to comfort Hina that manifested a miracle.
Aiba
Impossible. You should know well by now that miracles are merely examples of coincidence and confirmation bias that humans interpret deliberate outcomes, not phenomena that actually exist.
Date
Yeah, yeah. Whatever.
Hina
If Sakura gets well enough to be discharged and if she actually wants to go, then I’ll try looking for a resort to stay at.
Date
Gotcha. Well then, I hope the three of you have fun there! Woo! Atami!!
Hina
Yeaaaaah! Atami!!
Akemi
Atami!!
Aiba
…
Akemi
Oh come on, won’t you indulge us this one time?
Aiba
…
…
*sigh*
Yaaay!! Atami!!! Woohoo!!
Date
Is it just me, or is she enjoying this?
About Akemi…
Date
So, what are you planning on doing with Akemi now?
Hina
I dunno. That depends on what she wants to do, really.
Though, if there’s one thing I want, it’s for her to stay by my side, even after all I’ve done.
Akemi
C’mon, Hina, don’t be like that. You messed up big time, sure, but that doesn’t mean the end of the world.
If you really feel bad about it, you have to put in the work to make things right, you know?
So, cheer up! Besides, no way I’m letting you go that easy~.
Hina
Ah! Um. R-R-Right!!
Akemi
Hehe, relax. You know I love you, I can’t have you sulking around all the time. As I said, you do look cuter when you smile.
Hina
…
Date
Huh? Did you say something?
Aiba
It seems that Hina has produced a sound so high that you couldn't hear it at all.
Date
Is that even possible?
Akemi
Helloooo? Earth to Hina? Are you there?
Hina
H-Huh? What happened?
Aiba
It seems that she has also lost consciousness.
Date
While standing up?!!
Akemi
Don’t worry about it too much, she just does this sometimes. She’s perfectly fine after, though, so there’s no need to be concerned.
Date
That’s just making me more concerned!
Hina
Don’t worry, I feel fine! In any case, what were we talking about?
Date
Uh, what you’re planning on doing with Akemi next.
Hina
Oh, right!
Akemi
You know, if I help out enough and get permission from the higher-ups, maybe I could try to ask them if they’d let me work with you? Just the two of us.
Aiba
It is unlikely that it would be approved. Very few people are allowed into the Psync Room for longer periods of time, even when the system is being serviced.
Given your existing track record, it is understandable for management to be apprehensive towards letting you anywhere close to it.
Akemi
Oh come on, really? Surely there’s something I can do to convince them I won’t cause problems again.
Aiba
Well, I suppose that if you were to become part of ABIS as an AI-Ball, you’d be allowed there as a member of the staff.
Akemi
You mean like you?
…
Hmm, no, I think I’ll pass. I wouldn’t dare have Hina’s eye removed just for this…
Although the prospect of being permanently inside her is rather… appealing.
Hina
H-H-H-H-H-Huuuuuuh?!!
Aiba
Did you really have to put it like that? Now we have to wait for her to come back to her senses again.
Date
Heh, now you’re speaking my language, Akemi.
Aiba & Akemi
Shut up.
Date
Jeez, okay! I’ll just stay quiet then! StupidAIsandtheirhighhorses.
Akemi
In any case, I don’t see myself as an eyeball. I’m more of a cute AR visor assistant gal myself, you know? So for now I’ll stay as-is and maybe work towards that as a future goal.
Hina
Wait, you want to be in the visor? Wait, okay. Hm. I mean, I guess it wouldn’t be impossible? I’d definitely have to ask Amanoma how he designed the AI-ball hardware and try to adapt it into a much more dimensionally limited framework, but with less required features like movement. Oh, but then I’d have to improve the existing design. More powerful hardware to allow Akemi maximum freedom, though that will come with extra weight… Of course the whole thing will have to be much more durable too… Oh, and scratch-resistant as well! And then waterproofing for the shower and a tinted mode if I need to wear it outside. But what about-
Aiba
Is she… going to keep going like this?
Akemi
Oh yeah, for sure. Once she gets going, there’s basically nothing that can stop her.
That’s Hina’s charm. Not letting anything stop her passions and goals, no matter how overwhelming it might seem.
I think that as long as I have Hina, I can withstand anything.
She’s small, and adorable as all hell, but inside her there’s an infinite well of energy, ready to be used to change the world. And I know for a fact Sakura thinks so too.
So… I think we’ll be fine.
—
Date
Alright, I think it’s time for us to get going.
Hina
Huh? Already? But I haven’t even finished outlining the basic features I have in mind!
Date
Sorry about that, Hina, but Iris’ performance is starting soon, so we have to hurry. Maybe we can continue this some other time?
Hina
Ohh, okies! Hope you two have fun there! And say hi to Iris for meee!!
Date
Will do. What about you, are you heading home? Visiting hours should be almost over, right?
Hina
I’ll try to stay here as long as I can. After all that happened today, I want to be honest with Sakura and tell her everything.
I want her and Akemi to meet and talk to each other. Even if things go poorly I need, no, want to do this.
I want to make things right, even if it means it will hurt.
Akemi
Hina…
Hina
Oh, too serious?
Don’t worry, this genius engineer cutie is fully prepared~!
Akemi
No, I just… I’m very happy to hear that. I believe in you, no matter what happens.
Hina
Thanks, Akemi. That really means a lot.
Aiba
I wish you good luck on your endeavors, and I hope to see you again soon.
Hina
Bye bye, Aiba!! It was nice talking with you again!
Akemi
Yeah, yeah, see you or whatever. C’mon, Hina, let’s go.
Aiba
Well, that visit took longer than I anticipated.
Date
You tell me, I thought we’d be late for the show!
Aiba
No need to worry, with my expert driving, we will be there just in the nick of time!
Date
Well, now that you mention it, I am rather worried about something.
Aiba
Huh? Is there something we forgot?
Date
N-No, it’s just…
…
My free pre-show catering will be goneeeee!!!
Aiba
THAT'S WHAT YOU’RE WORRIED ABOUT?!