Haruka examined the power armor. They looked advanced, but they lacked something. Something fundamental. "Power source," he stated, more to himself than Lena.
Lena raised an eyebrow. "Power source? What do you mean? They run on the most advanced fuel cells we have."
"That's not what I mean." He paused, trying to find the right words. "It's not just about fuel. It's about where the power comes from, what gives it… its edge."
He thought of his own Drivers, each drawing on something unique. Amazon Omega feeding off primal instincts and raw protein. Faiz, fueled by the Orphnoch DNA that coursed through his veins. Even Kabuto, with its mysterious connection to the Zecter.
Other examples were Kamen Rider Fourze, who uses cosmic energy, Wizard who uses magic, and Build, who uses Nebula Gases or the Pandora Box. It all came down to the source, that was the difference.
Lena tapped a pen against her desk, her green eyes fixed on some distant point only she could see. "Thank you, Haruka. You've given me a great deal to think about."
He nodded, accepting her words at face value. He'd planted the seed. Now it was up to her to decide if it would grow. He turned to leave, the sterile white of the lab feeling suddenly oppressive. He needed air, needed to get out from under the Luthor gaze, for now.
"Haruka," Lena called out.
He paused at the door, turning back to face her.
"Your… power sources. Are they all… safe?"
Haruka considered his response. All were very dangerous. But he was trying to help her, for now. "As safe as they can be," he replied. It was the truth, as far as it went. He needed to go home.
And with that, he left.
After Haruka exited the Lexcorp Tower, it was only afternoon. He figured he'd visit Hila, who was still staying at the hotel. He'd promised to show her around National City, and it was as good a time as any to make good on that.
Haruka strolled into the Kojima Grand Hotel, the familiar scent of polished wood and subtle jasmine a comforting change from the sterile air of LexCorp. He decided to surprise Hila. It felt like a long time since he'd seen her last.
At the front desk, he flashed his most charming smile. "Afternoon," he said to the clerk. "I'm Haruka Kojima. I was wondering if you could give me the room number for a friend of mine? She has red hair and her name is Hila."
The clerk's eyes widened slightly. "Oh, yes, Mr. Kojima. Of course. Just one moment." She tapped a few keys on her computer. "Your friend is in suite 1408." She gave him a knowing smile, and a wink.
Haruka winced internally, feeling his cheeks flush. He hoped the clerk didn't get the wrong idea. He wasn't here on any sort of… date. He just wanted to check on a friend, that was all. He needed to stop the Lexcorp visit from happening, and this was the only thing he could think of. "Thanks," he mumbled, turning away quickly.
He found the elevators and pressed the button for the fourteenth floor. As he ascended, he tried to imagine Hila's reaction. Would she be happy to see him? Annoyed that he'd shown up unannounced? He hoped it was the former.
He got off the elevator and walked down the luxuriously carpeted hallway, finding suite 1408 without any trouble. He hesitated for a moment, then knocked on the door.
The door swung open to reveal Tula.
Haruka blinked, surprised. He hadn't expected one of Hila's stoic bodyguards to answer. "Uh, hi," he said, feeling a bit awkward. "Is Hila here?"
Tula's gaze was as intense as ever, but she stepped aside, gesturing for him to enter. "She is," she said, her voice as clipped and precise as her movements. "Come in."
He stepped into the suite, his eyes adjusting to the plush surroundings. Hila sat on a velvet chaise lounge, a book in her lap, though she didn't seem to be reading. She looked up, her green eyes widening in surprise.
"Haruka? What are you doing here?" she asked, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.
"I, uh, just wanted to see how you were doing," he said, feeling a bit lame. "And I thought, maybe, you'd want to get out of this hotel. See some of National City."
Hila closed her book, placing it carefully on the side table. "That sounds… pleasant," she said, her gaze searching his face. "I must confess, I am growing weary of these gilded cages."
"So, you're in?" He couldn't help but grin.
"Indeed. A tour of the surface world with my… protector," she said, her voice laced with playful amusement.
Tula, who had been standing silently near the door, straightened her posture. "Princess, if you intend to venture out, Kaldur and I must accompany you."
Hila waved a dismissive hand. "That won't be necessary, Tula. I appreciate your concern, but I wish to explore the city… privately." She glanced at Haruka, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Besides, Haruka is more than capable of ensuring my safety. And let's not forget, I am hardly defenseless myself."
He felt a surge of pride at her words. He knew Hila could handle herself, but it was nice to hear her acknowledge his abilities, too.
Tula remained impassive, but he could sense her disapproval. "As you wish, Princess. However, know that Kaldur and I will be within reach should you require assistance."
"Duly noted," Hila said, rising gracefully from the chaise. She turned to him, a coy smile gracing her features. "So, Haruka, what wonders of your world do you intend to show me?"
Haruka stepped out of the Kojima Grand Hotel, a nervous flutter in his chest. He spotted Hila waiting near the entrance, dressed in a sleek green dress and a matching jacket. She looked like she could stroll down a runway, not just navigate the chaotic streets of National City.
This isn't a date, he told himself firmly. Just showing a friend around. But the thought felt like a lie he wasn't even trying to believe.
"Ready to see what this surface world has to offer?" he asked, trying to sound casual.
"As ready as I'll ever be," Hila replied, a hint of amusement in her voice.
"I figured we could start at the waterfront," Haruka suggested, leading the way. "Gives you a good feel for the city's, uh, personality."
They walked side by side, the air buzzing with the sounds of the city. Street performers juggled fire, food vendors hawked their wares, and families strolled along, enjoying the day. Hila observed the bustling scene with a thoughtful expression.
"It's...vibrant," she said, a slight frown creasing her brow. "And loud. Quite chaotic, compared to the quiet depths."
"Yeah, well, that's part of the charm," Haruka said with a shrug. "There's beauty in the chaos, you know?" He gestured towards the CatCo building looming in the distance, then pointed towards the bustling market square. "Landmarks like that clock tower are cool too."
"Speaking of cool," Haruka said. "What about we get some ice cream, I know this place down the street..."
"I'll allow it, surface dweller," Hila said, giving him an ever so subtle glance.
They arrived at the ice cream stand. Haruka insisted on treating Hila, despite her initial protests.
"Come on, it's on me," he said with a grin. "Gotta show you some surface world hospitality."
Hila eyed the colorful flavors with skepticism. "What is this..." strawberry cheesecake, you call it?"
"Just try it," Haruka urged, already grabbing a cone of his favorite chocolate fudge.
Hila reluctantly took a scoop of the Strawberry Cheesecake. Her eyes widened slightly as she tasted it. "Hmm," she said, her expression softening. "It's... surprisingly palatable."
Haruka chuckled. "See? You're becoming a surface dweller already."
After their ice cream, Haruka led Hila through the heart of National City, pointing out more landmarks and sharing anecdotes about its history. They eventually stopped at the historic clock tower.
Hila watched a street artist sketching portraits, her brow furrowed in concentration. "It's so... expressive," she said, tilting her head. "Very different from the functional art we have in Xebel. Practical, more utilitarian..."
"Yeah, well, on the surface, art's about...expression," Haruka explained. "Even if it's messy, or imperfect. It's about showing how you feel, what you think."
As the day wore on, they ended up at a small park overlooking the city. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the skyline. Hila gazed at the view, her expression thoughtful.
"It's... peaceful," she said softly, the usual sharpness in her voice absent. "I didn't expect this kind of beauty on the surface. I don't think I did, anyway..."
Haruka leaned against the railing, watching the sky change colors. "Moments like these," he said, "make all the chaos worth it."
High above, a familiar figure soared through the sky. Kara, patrolling as Supergirl, kept a watchful eye on her city. As she flew over the park, she spotted two familiar figures sitting on a bench: Haruka and Hila, laughing and enjoying the sunset.
A pang of jealousy and confusion shot through Kara's heart. What are they doing together?
She hovered briefly, unnoticed, her thoughts racing. Then, with a sigh, she turned and flew off, pushing the unsettling emotions aside.
Haruka checked his watch. "Getting kinda late," he said to Hila. "How about we grab some dinner? There's this amazing sushi place not too far from here. Best in the city, hands down."
Hila gave him a playful smirk. "Lead the way, oh knowledgeable tour guide."
They walked off together, the city lights casting a soft glow around them, illuminating the path to the restaurant.
Kara landed on a rooftop, her cape billowing in the wind. She tried to shake off the unsettling feelings that had crept in. Haruka's just a friend, she told herself firmly. A really good friend.
But the image of him with Hila, laughing and sharing a moment, lingered in her mind, stirring emotions she wasn't quite ready to confront.
With a sigh, she forced herself to focus on her patrol, scanning the streets below for any sign of trouble. The city needed Supergirl, and she wouldn't let her personal feelings get in the way. Not now.
Throughout their tour, subtle hints of attraction and connection simmered beneath the surface of their conversation. Haruka found himself increasingly drawn to Hila's sharp wit and surprising vulnerability. He struggled with his feelings, unsure if this was just a friendly outing or something more.
Hila, for her part, found herself enjoying Haruka's company more than she expected. His kindness and genuine curiosity about her world charmed her. Her playful demeanor and occasional thoughtful glances betrayed a growing interest.
The scene ended with Haruka and Hila walking towards the sushi restaurant, their footsteps echoing softly on the pavement. Haruka felt a sense of contentment wash over him, Hila by his side, even if he wasn't ready to define what this was. The city's hum faded into the background as they shared a quiet, unspoken connection.
On the rooftop, Kara watched the city lights twinkle below, her thoughts a mix of determination and unresolved feelings.
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