7 months later, in a classroom sits a class of roughly 20 students. Nathan taps his pencil along and stares at the clock waiting for the bell. Not long after, the bell chimes signaling the end of the last day of school. Kids shuffle to their feet running out the door. Nathan pauses for a moment and casually rises, grabbing his bag and heading out. Before he can leave the teacher calls him.
"Hey, Nathan could you come here for just a moment?"
Nathan turns around to face the man and walks forward a few steps. "What's up my Koshinori?"
"Is everything okay?" It seems the closer to the end of the year we got the less interested in these lectures you became. It's not like you."
"Everything is fine," Nathan replied. "I'm just a bit tired, ready for the year to be over."
"I see, good. Well I have to let you know your advisor wants to see you one last time before you leave. It appears he needs you to sign some final paperwork."
"Final paperwork on the last day of school? Shouldn't that all have been taken care of already?"
"Usually yes but I'm not sure. Just go see him it won't be long."
"Alright, I'll stop by on the way out." Says Nathan turning to leave.
"Oh and one last thing, good luck at whatever school you end up choosing. You have a bright future ahead of you! Don't forget about us!"
"I won't, thank you sir." Nathan leaves the classroom and as he exits the now vacant hall only one person remains. Brody is leaning up against the wall adjacent to the classroom.
"What took you? I'm ready to roll."
"Change in plans, I need to go see my advisor."
"Damn, I'm gonna be late for the new episode of Wookisho Kaisen. Well, alright, I'll tag along let's just be quick."
"Agreed"
The two boys walk down the hallway. A nice breeze rolls in through the open window as they turn right down another hallway. This hallway is longer than the last as it houses the main staircase. They see a group gathered around a locker and as they get closer they see one student who is standing with his head down as the others shove him lightly.
"You think you're hot shit don't you? Just because you scored high on the damn exit exam" yelled the largest of the bullies.
The boy replied "No I never said that, I didn't even say anything."
"Well you implied It, you gotta have your face all over the tv's around the campus!
"You think you're better than us!" Another bully yelled.
"I don't make the school broadcasts, you should know that."
Before the boys can continue Brody yells with ferocity. "Hey, what are you guys doing? Don't be dumb you can't be mad at him for being smart!"
The main bully turns to the duo and his face grows red as he looks at Nathan.
"You!" He shouts. "You are the other kid on that board. Number 1 in the school. You must really think your hot shit."
Nathan laughs. "Hot shit for passing a stupid test? I don't think so. Don't be so insecure. Let that kid go, what is this proving."
"Fine!" The bully yells, throwing the young man to the ground. "Choose better words next time!"
"What is wrong with you! That's it." Brody charges forward and is caught by the shoulder from Nathan.
"Relax Brody, I'll handle this."
"But Nathan"
"Trust me, I can handle them. Besides, you don't know how to hold back. The last thing I need is you killing one of them."
The bully laughs. "Kill us? Those test scores must be a fluke!"
The bully charges Nathan, he steps in front of Brody and steps forward. The bully leads a right hook as Nathan sidesteps it, sending the bully falling past him. He hits the ground and turns around angry.
"What are you doing clowns? Back me up!"
The two goons run up and Nathan walks towards them. They lunge to grab him as he leaps flipping forward over them. One of the bullies turns around and goes to punch. Nathan grabs his fist catching it mid punch. He squeezes the Bullys hand with both fists and flips him over his shoulder slamming him down hard. The other bully rushes towards him and before he can Nathan punches the air in a swift well formed motion. The bully a few feet away clutches his stomach and stumbles back falling down. The posters in the wall in the hallway shake and waver as if a breeze flew through a wide open window.
The main bully now at his feet rages. "What the hell he didn't even hit you! What are you doing?"
"He doesn't need to touch you," said Brody firmly. "His punches now generate so much force he can manipulate the air. Nathan's new move, concussive current. You picked the wrong nerd to challenge.
"Sounds like a load of trash. Beginner's luck!"
The bully rushes Nathan who dodges. The bully contains his onslaught throwing punch after punch but Nathan dodges once again. Down the hall loud footsteps are heard and a teacher begins shouting. Nathan smiles and lets the bully connect a strong punch straight into his stomach. After a moment he lets out a dramatic wail and falls to the ground clutching his stomach. No more are then a second later the teacher grabs the bullies shoulder and pulls him back.
"What on earth are you doing young man?"
"He and his two friends just jumped us, no idea why. Nathan was defending himself but they ganged up on him," said Brody.
"You did what? That's it you are coming to the office now. Let's go, Brody, please help these children get to the nurse."
"Yes sir." Brody nods.
The teacher drags the bully off towards the principles office as he pleads. After they turn the corner Nathan jumps to his feet and brushes off his clothes. "Worked just as I thought."
"Let him land a hit right when a teacher showed up. Smart move."
Nathan walks over to the scared younger student and reaches his hand down. Helping him to his feet. "All good?" Asks Nathan.
"I guess so, thanks for helping me out."
"Yeah it's nothing. People who prey on the weak disgust me. Not that you're weak, but three on one? Cowardly."
"Yeah they just came up and started shoving me, I didn't even provoke them."
"I figured, even so violence isn't right. They won't be hurting you anymore I hope."
Nathan and Brody turn to leave.
"I gotta go, I have a meeting with my counselor. It was nice talking to you though. Oh yeah and you guys on the ground. Make it snappy and go to the nurse, and if they ask we escorted you there got it?"
"Like hell."
Nathan leans down and stares into the eyes of the smaller bully. "Got it?"
The bully shakes a bit and responds under his breath. "Yeah ok fine."
Nathan and Brody walk away towards the counselors office and Brody waits outside. Nathan enters and heads to his counselors chamber. He knocks lightly before opening the door. Behind the desk an older man with white hair and a well put together beige suit sits drinking water. He brushes his lip and sits up.
"Mr. Tozuki, glad you could make it. Please do sit. This won't take long."
Nathan sits and places his bag on the floor. "Mr. Nakara, I hope you are well. What was it you wanted to discuss?"
"Yes you aren't in trouble or anything so don't worry too much. I just wanted to gauge what's going on with your plans. You are one of our top students and I know I've worked closely with you in the past with your goals and aspirations. The year has come to an end and you are in prime position, but I noticed you failed to sign off on any applications to schools. If you can sign these I'll be able to send out your letter to every school you listed on your potential interest list. Of course you don't have to go to a school just because you applied. It can't hurt to-"
"Thank you for the offer sir but I'm going to skip all that for now."
"Mr Tozuki, let's not be hasty here, you would be wasting your potential if you didn't apply yourself."
"Thank you again sir but I'm just going to be working with my brother at least for this year."
"Taking a year off can be good for students who aren't sure where they want to go, but you were so set before what has changed?"
"I just don't know if going that route is right for me, besides I kind of have an idea of what I wanna do anyway."
"What's that?"
"I wanna be a hero. Licensed or non licensed. I just wanna help people."
"I see, while that's honorable, sometimes it's best to leave that to the Braun of society. Brains like you and I can't be wasted on such tasks. As far as I'm aware as well you haven't shown any power or aptitude in that area. Non reported at least. Even if you did applying to a school for police or law enforcement."
"Not interested." Nathan says getting up and walking out of the room. "Again sir, thanks for the offer to help. Your guidance has been helpful but at the end of the day it's guiding me not making the choice for me. Have a good summer break." Nathan leaves the room and walks to Brody.
"Everything good?" Brody asked.
"Yep, just had to get that out of the way. Now I gotta convince Mike that it's a good idea."
"Good luck with that, you know how he feels about you following in the vigilante footsteps."
"I'll tell him the same thing I told my counselor. Guidance is guidance, but I'll make my own way. Not in a disrespectful way. I know he's just looking out for me but he has to understand why i want to stay with the team."
"If you sit down and explain it, I bet he will."
"Either way we gotta go grab Hinako on the way home. She is at the usual spot."
The pair walk down the stairs and head to the front gate of the school. Hinako is sitting on a bench waiting dazing into the sky with two of her friends sitting. They look at Nathan as he walks up and giggle. Quickly they stand up and run off.
"Hinako, time to go," said Nathan.
She delays and looks at the duo. "Oh hey you guys are late."
"Sorry, I had to go see my counselor."
"It's ok." She says rising to her feet.
"Everything alright? You looked lost in thought." Asked Brody.
"Just thinking about the offer," she said.
"Oh yeah, well what are you thinking?" Asked Brody.
"You should do it, Hinako. You know we will accept you. Uncle Jerry would have wanted this to happen."
"Yeah I know, I think I'm close to making up my mind. Leaving home at such a young age wasn't what I was imagining for myself at this point. Not to mention the court if my parents want to pursue it. It's all so overwhelming."
"Well no matter what we have your back. You're a part of the team, always have been. Let's get home though, Mike said you have some kind of training again today."
"Yeah hand to hand training. It should be fun! Let's go."
The three head towards home as they discuss the passing school year. Looking back at the last half year of refreshing peace. The blood soaked fall of violence felt like it was just yesterday. After a long walk they arrive walking straight in through the front door, noticing in the backyard loud music is playing and most of the team are out there having some sort of party. They push through the kitchen and begin heading down to the training rooms. Upon entering the main room they hear loud violent sounds echoing from the chamber. The three look down the railing and Mike and Kazuke are fighting a harsh battle. The two stand far apart and look head on. Kazuke stands sword drawn flames flickering off the edge. Mike stands in a combat stance, a newly designed one handed sword hanging off his back. He draws the blade with his right hand and charges it with electricity. He charges in and Kazuke readies. Before Mike arrives to meet his blade he swings it harshly through the air and as he does a crescent shaped blast flies off the edge traveling quickly.
"Lightning magic. Arc lash!"
Electricity flies through the air. Kazuke shifts and dodges at the last second pushing off his hand and latching to the wall. Mike charges his blade again and fires off another larger ranged attack. Kazuke dodges once again and lands. He pushes off the ground spinning through the air creating an entrail of flames behind him. He lunges and swings laterally. Mike ducks under quickly and attempts to kick upwards. Kazuke shifts his body mid air to dodge and sheaths his sword in one motion. He lands and engages in hand to hand combat the two exchange punches and the stalemate continues. Mike slides back across the floor and puts one hand to the ground. He looks up and smirks. Kazuke hesitates then attempts to leap upwards.
"Won't let you charge the ground, acting like I can't take this to the air!" Yelled Kazuke.
"Misread Homura. Sorry about this." Mike winces with pain and begins to charge. "Lightning magic. Unrestricted discharge! Full power!" After a moment a loud cracking boom emits from every inch of Mike's body. A large orbiting wave flows around him and Kazukes eyes widen. He braces but is hit and caught in the blast. He shakes and screams after a moment, the blast ends and Kazuke drops catching himself at the last second. He looks up at Mike and rages.
"What the hell was that?"
"Unrestricted discharge. You didn't hear me yell that?" said Mike scratching the back of his head.
"No I'm saying, what is with all these new attacks?"
"Oh, those? I have been training a lot. Not to mention I talked with that flame Hikari about what I could do to cover up my weaknesses, he's been really useful in explaining techniques I didn't even know I could utilize. I'm not like you Kazuke I can't just wing it and come up with some world ending attack."
"Flattering you feel that way but I bet I could benefit from broadening my arsenal like that." Kazuke looks up. "An audience huh?"
"Kazuke! You got smoked bro!" Yelled Brody pepperish.
"Ok then, why don't you come down here so I can have another chance to win one?" Kazuke replied feverishly.
Mike puts his hand on Kazuke's shoulder. "Gonna have to wait on that one. Hinako is gonna train today."
"Hand to hand combat right?" She shouted coming down the stairs.
"Correct. You gotta connect the skirt straps though. Not exactly optimal battle clothing."
"Right, right, I remember." She says.
Kazuke climbs the steps and joins the group above. Mike begins to climb the stairs and Hinako passes him confused. "Wait, where are you going? You said we are training?"
Nathan jumps onto the railing and lands down in the chamber. "Actually, Mike said he wanted me to train you in hand to hand combat. Li would have done it but he said something about his honor in training one student at a time or something."
"Very well, you are going to hold back though right?"
"Offense yes, defense no. You gotta try to hit me. That's it."
"Anything goes?" She asked.
"I guess so yeah," said Nathan.
"Start now?" She asked?
"Yeah sure," said Nathan.
Before Nathan can ready himself She swings her arm quickly and launches something quickly. Nathan dodges right and turns around to see a knife jammed into the wall behind him. "Did you just launch a knife at me? Where were you keeping that?" He shouts. Turning back to face her he ducks reactively as she lunges to almost connect with his face. She continues the assault this time dropping down and attempting to sweep his leg. Nathan dodges back and continues to block and dodge as the young girl fights. She jumps and slides two more kunai out of her sleeve. She launches them as they extend, jamming into the ground. Two kunai connected by a harsh wire. Nathan steps back and trips over the wire but backflips, catching himself and readying for defense. The two continue to exchange blows as Kazuke and Mike converse above.
"She's getting remarkably fast," said Kazuke.
"She has been working hard. Though she is struggling with her actual power, physical combat has actually come to her quickly."
"Good job."
"What do you mean?"
"You did a good job training her. In general, you have done right by everyone here. We took your word and trusted you when we joined up. You have not betrayed that trust. Don't forget it."
"Where is this coming from?"
"I know Brian's death still haunts you. I can see it in your eyes. You are working hard to make sure nothing like that happens again."
"Kazuke."
"Well, your uncle's death haunts me. So I'm right here with you. My sword and soul are committed to this team and group, because I trust you. Others feel the same so keep your head up and push forward. Don't allow guilt to eat you from the inside like I let it do to me all these years, because unlike me the background doesn't suit you. All of us, especially those kids, are counting on you. So keep up what you're doing, and channel that pressure into honor yourself. Things are starting to return to normal. Let's keep on that path."
"Thanks, Kazuke." Mike says bumping fists with him. Below the training continues for around 20 more minutes. Not long after the two appear to be tired.
"I am getting exhausted. Why do you have to be so damn fast?" She said,
"Hey Mike, is that enough for now? I think she's burnt." Said Nathan.
"Yeah that's enough. I think the exercise still had some merit. I would struggle to hit you. Let's go take a break.
Mike and the group walk into the elevator to head up. Hinako questions him vigorously. "How did I do? Was that progress or what?"
"You should be happy with the results. You're progressing at a faster rate than I did when I started. In no time you will be able to completely utilize your energy to amplify your strength and speed further."
"Yeah but I still have little control over using my healing ability without hurting myself. I wonder if I ever will at this point."
"Using your power is going to be hard. Far harder than just honing your fighting ability, but don't worry. One day you will master it and never look back."
"I sure hope so," she said.
"Hey if it makes you feel better i still can't use any element magic Hinako, and i've been trying for a lot longer," said Brody. "Nathan can't use any other than physical amps like you as well. So don't be so hard on yourself. It isn't easy."
"I used to burn myself with my own flames when I started too. It's hard, you have plenty of time. We will all help," said Kazuke.
No words come as a response but just a light smile. The elevator opens and the group pour outside to the backyard to join the rest of the team. Mike sits in a chair under the tree and thinks to himself. "It's been nearly 7 months since Angry Joe's last attack at the city hall. Since he was defeated he had gone into hiding. Save Leon and Karina's weird flirting everything felt. Well, normal. It was almost like a vacation. Everyone stayed at the lake house. Piers grilled Friday nights. Pizza on Saturdays. Wookisokaisen on Sundays. Everything felt normal. Too normal."
The group are all outside on the deck and scattered throughout the backyard. Loud music plays from a large speaker and echoes through the treeline. Everyone but Itami is present. The mood is happy and light as everyone relaxes. Brody and Karina now sit by the pool as Brody holds a large textbook.
"Ok, now. Without looking, recite page 77." She says.
"Is that the one about the blood sacrifice or the plague of hornets?"
"You should know this." She said impatiently.
"I'm not really good at memorizing. Look, do I really need to learn the entire shade book?"
"You took the power of a shade goose. Now you must pay it back. Now. Page 77!"
Under a tree, Hinako leans watching over the party. Leon casually walks over and approaches. Hinako looks up from her phone.
"Oh, Leon. What's up? You need something?"
"Everything ok? You're sitting here alone. Something seems off."
"Everything is fine, why wouldn't it be?"
Leon takes a spot leaning up against the tree as well. "Well, a lot of you guys are young, kids if i'm being honest. So I feel like this kind of stuff has to be harder on you guys."
"Thank you for the concern Leon, but I'm fine. I've been working with these guys for a while now."
"I see, yeah Mike mentioned as such. This however is a bit bigger than busting some small time criminal like Gage. You seem capable though. Well I guess I'll just get to the point. Reyna being here bothering you?"
"No, I have no problems with her, why would I?"
"Well, considering I figured you had eyes for the so-called captain, it would bother you, or do you favor the younger one? More your speed?"
"What? Leon no, you have this wrong. Even If I did feel that way, Mizuki doesn't look at me that way. At least I'm pretty sure."
"Never know until you ask, trust me I know."
"Are you talking about that woman that turned out to be a spy?"
"Yep, but more so somebody else. I found somebody I wouldn't have thought was an option until I asked."
"Well, the truth is Mizuki isn't really one to care about relationships or things like that. I really don't wanna go too far into it. Prior to the one off with Reyna he's mostly been centered in on his goals and survival. The serious types are hard to read."
"He has always been strange, not in a bad way but different from most people I talk to. I guess that goes for most of us here. Kazuke is closed off too."
"The accident affected the brothers differently. My guess is due to their ages. Nathan was really young when it happened, so Mike ended up having him dive harshly into school work to keep him occupied. Nathan thinks extremely logically, he analyzes things to a decimal. He finds comfort in things like that because growing up it's all he had while Mizuki was off working to gather money. Nathan is extremely intelligent, but socially he's always been a bit odd. Not in a bad way, but you can see it in the way they reacted to Jerry's death."
"I see"
"As for Mizuki, he was a bit older so emotionally I think he understood it more. His parents were gone and he was the adult of the family now. He reached out to their uncle Jerry and asked for help despite Jerry not speaking to their father long prior to his passing. After that he worked in Jerry's shop, helped him with his charity work, and then eventually started working as an independent hero once he realized his powers activated. While he has mellowed out it seems, I worry Jerry's passing plunged him back."
"I don't wanna pry much more, but how did you end up in all this?"
"My home life was a bit rough, so I wanted to get a job to get out of the house. I was too young at the time though. Well, Mr. Jerry offered a volunteer after school program for troubled youths, as he called them. Mike always used to joke about Jerry's shop being an orphanage but he wasnt far off. Jerry took in many less fortunate children and helped them develop into strong young adults. I mean this seriously when i say if not for Jerry despite Mike and Nathan's resilience, i doubt they would be on the right path right now."
"Thanks Hinako."
"For what?"
"Telling me this story, I really appreciate you trust me enough to do that."
"Of course Leon, you haven't done anything to break my trust so until you do, you are family in my eyes."
Leon pushes off the tree and turns around. "I feel the same way. Now, i'm gonna go before people start thinking im sus, but my advice kid is, tell him how you feel."
"Tell who what?" said Mike who was now standing right behind Leon."
"Nothing, don't worry about it dude, just dudes being bros over here."
"Ok then, if that's what you say. Anyway, Hinako, I need your brain on something I've been thinking over. If you don't mind after dinner could you meet me out here?"
"Score." Says Leon as he walks away.
"Oh um what for?"
"I have something that I've been thinking about for awhile now and I believe you are the only one who will be able to help me with it at this point. We can go over the details later."
"Ok sure I'll meet up with you later."
Mike walks to turn around and leaves back to the party. Hinako stays leaning against the tree and returns to her phone.
Over towards the shade on the far side of the yard is the man in the tracksuit, Youta. He sits in a mass of casts and bandages, energetic as ever as he sits and talks to Lobra.
"I'm sorry Youta but since you only use physical attacks and possess no augments I got nothing to make for you. I wish I did."
"No worries. I do not need supplements. I am all natural!"
Nathan walks over and joins in on their conversation with a smug look on his face. "So, Youta now that you're up and about and pretty much at full speed i've heard, is it time for us to train?"
"Of course! Let me just get out of these casts!"
Nathan's face turns to surprise and Hinako hears this from across the yard and shouts over. "No Youta, you are not ready for the last cast to come off yet!"
"Nonsense!" He screams. Youta rips the casts off his arm and cracks the one off his legs. He leaves the bandages wrapped. "Now. Let us begin!" He grabs Nathan and drags him into the house and towards the training rooms.
"I can walk! You don't have to pull me!" Shouts Nathan as he's dragged into the darkness.
Lena approaches Mike and begins to question him.
"What are you up to, clown, you are playing emo or something nowadays."
Mike turns and raises one eyebrow. "Emo? Although I do like emo music I wouldn't consider myself well versed in the culture."
"Not what I mean you dope. What's gotten into you? You have been locking yourself in that training room."
"Staying active, trying to improve. I handled that last threat poorly and I don't intend to let myself get beaten like that again."
"You fought well, nobody could have expected the masked man to be such a strong opponent."
"Regardless, i won't be caught off guard again. If there's even a fraction of a shot he returns. I need to be ready."
Polar saunters over smoothly and sits on Mike's lap crushing him.
"Hey man, you can't sit here, I'm already here." says Mike struggling to breathe.
"Saw on television. Friends sit by friends."
"yes, sit by not on!" Yelled Mike.
"Bear man, sit here; I got you a chair," said Lena.
Polar slides over and sits on the small chair. It sinks in and creaks but doesn't break. Mike turns and notices Kazuke is sitting by himself, resting his face on his knuckles.
"Kazuke, Everything good?"
He says nothing but proceeds to stare forward. He appears lost in thought.
"I would let him be. He's not hurting anyone," said Lena.
"I think he's upset about Itami ghosting off, But I don't want to push him. All things considered he's really come a long way out of his shell."
"I agree, this whole project has helped everyone in some way i think. But anyway, why are you so worried?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well you said you think that Vargas is gonna come back. So even if he is. Why are you worried?"
"I'm kinda worried because he's powerful and wants us all dead but, I'm confident if he comes back we will handle it."
"Exactly my point. We have a super squad back home that will send this bozo to the grave!"
Mike laughs. "Super Squad?"
"Well yeah! Look around, we have an S class for every type of brutal killer. We even have a giant bear."
"That giant bear hasn't done anything yet though."
"woah. That's harsh. He's been a huge help with morale."
"Fair enough."
"Not to mention I heard you took Vargas on by yourself! One versus one and you obliterated him."
"I took him on but Reyna is the one who obliterated him. I was left in a comatose state on the ground. Which I can't allow to happen again. I won't let anyone else here die due to my weakness.
"Dare to disagree. I think you did great. Nobody's death is your fault. We all take risks with this job, so don't blame yourself. We will come out on top of this. I promise.
Leon walks out of the kitchen with a guitar and sits down and begins playing. He sings loud and slightly off key while he plays. Everyone looks over and pretends to enjoy it. He finishes his song and everyone lets out a slow clap.
"That's right. I still got it."
Karina across the pool stands up and throws the book at Brody.
"Forget the book! Keep the goose! You are hopeless!"
"Jeez sorry alright it was an accident."
Leon drops the guitar and walks over putting a hand on Karina's lower back. "Come on. Let's go inside. I'll read you the pages word for word."
Karina turns to look at Leon and smiles. "A man of culture. I agree, let's go inside! You kid. Be aware that goose shits a lot."
They walk up and head into the house. As they do Junpei is heading down the stairs and approaches Brody.
"Party time is over?"
"Not today I was uh thinking we could do something else."
"What?"
"How about we watch the new episode of Wookisho Kaisen?"
"Woah what, you actually wanna watch it?"
"I'll give it a fair chance. Why not?"
"Oh my god!" Brody says springing to his feet. "This is the episode where they are gonna adapt that iconic manga line where he tells the villain he's not god."
Brody runs up the stairs and heads into the house and Junpei slowly follows upwards. Lobra sits drinking a drink and Polar sits listening to the music playing. Kazuke sits alone and he double takes as he sees Reyna sitting alone by the lake. He gets up and walks down the deck stairs and heads over there. As he approaches she doesn't turn to look.
"What's up? What are you doing over here alone?" Asked Kazuke.
"I know you aren't asking me why I'm sitting alone." Reyna responded.
Look, I know I'm messed up but this isn't your usual MO. What's up?"
"I just want to sit by the lake. I'm not feeling well."
Kazuke sits down next to her and stares out at the lake as well. "Look at somebody who has some internal issues that generally show on the surface more than I'd like, I know what this looks like. Just spit it out what's wrong?"
"All these people. They have friends, family, life. Why can't I have that? Why was I forced into the position I'm in? I never asked for this. I didn't want to be somebody special."
"I feel that. You know a lot of people look at my last name as some kind of blessing but. I view it as a prison if anything."
"you do?"
"Yeah, my family has a blood soaked history, just like the man said. And I have to live with it. I didn't ask for it but it's my life now. I would trade all this power everyone claims they envy for a taste of normal. But I can't. So I run with it, I am a member of the Homura clan for better or worse. These days, I'm choosing to use the better to help."
"I feel the same way, but I don't have a choice."
"I know. That's why I came to talk to you. I get it. But I have some advice for you."
"what's that?"
"Don't hate the people who have what you want. They aren't the reason you are the way you are. They don't get it but it isn't their fault. I spent the majority of my life shoving away people who just wanted to help, but keeping them around is what will make you as normal as you are ever going to be. Does that make any sense?"
"sort of."
"They want what we have, we want what they have. So who is to say who the normal ones are? You were dealt a hand and you have to run with it. It's just a matter of which side of that chain link fence you were both on. If you fall me, and everyone else here will help you up. I've realized it. And the sooner you do the better you will feel. These people, our friends, care about us."
"Thank you Kazuke. I see what you mean. It helps to have somebody who actually gets it to explain their outside view. I appreciate it. Now, what's wrong with you? You aren't acting yourself either."
"I suppose if I didn't tell you I would be a hypocrite wouldn't I? Alright, we'll it's about my brother. Let's just say we don't really get along. He's the only family I have left and we aren't exactly close."
"I'm sorry to hear that but that is fairly obvious. Family trouble isn't fun I know."
"I want to confront him but he won't listen either way."
"I would. You will regret it if you don't try. Even if he does reject you, better to know than to guess. Whatever monster is in your head it can't be worse than what he will really say."
"I know I should but, I also know once this is all over he will disappear again."
"Confront him prior to this being over. My advice to you is to do it. Now. I mean, I think you should.
"Only fair if I give advice I should get some." Kazuke says this as he stands and turns to leave.
Reyna cuts off his exit, speaking lightly. "Thanks for the talk. Kazuke."
"Anytime."
****
Deep in the forest Kazuke walks alone seemingly wandering. Until he sees Itami meditating on a tree.
"What are you doing out here?" Asks Kazuke.
Itami lets his arms fall to his side as he side glances towards Kazuke. "I am trying to find answers to a few questions i have for my inner self."
"Cut the shit, you are just planning to run off again aren't you?"
"If I was running off you wouldn't have found me. I will be here until this all blows over. Then- "
"Yeah then you will run off like a coward once again."
"Tell me, when you look at me what do you see?"
"I see a self loathing loser who has failed as a brother. Somebody who is so afraid of his past. He pretends that embracing it is somehow making him superior. While inside you are just afraid to fail the same way father did."
"I see, so why don't you do something about it? Show me your way."
"My way is how I live right now. I'm here to fight. To do the right thing. You are simply here because there is a threat to you right now you only care about yourself!"
"Now who sounds like they feel superior. You take that moral high ground and stand on it. Who is the one concerned with looking different on the surface? You waste your time on such petty things such as feelings. You should focus on self preservation. You have always been naive."
Kazuke draws his sword. "Then why don't you come down here and see how naive I am? Or are you scared your way was the wrong way and i've surpassed you. That even following the path of petty things I have already managed to become stronger than you ever have been. Then again, even if that's not the case. I'd rather be weak than a coward. So in my eyes I've always been ahead of you."
"You speak like you know it all but in reality you are just a stupid child."
"No way to retort my point because you know it's true. You are a scared child on the inside the same as when everything went down. You just try to look cool, like some damaged main character in a fiction novel. I'd rather you be dead than the way you are now! You are no brother of mine, a real older brother doesn't turn their back on family when things get hard."
Itami hops down from his branch and walks over to Kazuke who is now holding his blade ready to fight. As Itami approaches he puts his hand on the blade pushing it down. He touches Kazuke's shoulder. "Not here, I have a place where we can settle this. Hold your breath." Kazuke looks down as his body turns to black mist. Within a moment they are somewhere else. Kazuke looks around, a small village full of run down broken buildings and a large center square with a shrine.
"Do you know where we are?" Asked Itami.
"Yeah, the Homura shrine. What kind of game is this?"
"It seems fitting doesn't it?"
"Wouldn't be my choice of words."
"Kazuke, killing our father at such a young age must have had quite the effect on you." Itami walks over to the front of a large statue in front of the shrine. He wipes grime off the tablet bound into the base.
"Yeah, maybe. But I'd say our childhood affects you far more than mine."
"Is that so? Then I want you to show me how much you've grown. Don't hold back at all. If you beat me I'll give you the conversation you want."
"Is this some kind of joke?"
"No. For once I'm giving you what you want. I want you to show me you are my equal. Your conviction. I'm giving you the chance to bring it to the forefront and open my eyes."
"You'll never get it. Even if I defeat you."
"Try me. What do you have to lose?"
"The only thing I had left to lose was my older brother, and he's already gone in my eyes."
Kazuke readies his sword and flies in. Itami draws his short blade and defends. The two trade blows rapidly. Itami stays on the defense and calmly watches as Kazuke attacks. Kazuke's usual anger turned to calculated strategy. Kazuke swings low and Itami jumps attempting a spin kick. Kazuke catches him with this left arm and throws him back. Itami lands softly and looks up.
"You fight smart, your attack patterns are much harder to read," said Itami.
Kazuke says nothing and flies back in. He swings his sword harshly downward and it catches on something. A dark flaming arm holds out over Itami. His conjuring grows its other arm and swings at Kazuke only for it to be met with Kazuke's bright red flame conjuring blocking in tow.
They break and slide backwards.
"Conjuring our shroud will only lead to prolonging this fight. Why don't we ditch the added help and stick to close quarters," said Kazuke.
"If you insist." Says Itami. He readies his hand and holds it out. Before a moment a large bellow of flames roars from it. Kazuke readies and fires off his flames in a similar attack. The two blasts collide and fly off in a burst canceling out. As the smoke fades Kazuke charges, catching Itami off guard, slashing through him. When the blade collides all that appears is a black mist. Itami flashes away. He appears above and Kazuke looks up. He spins his sword rapidly garnering a flame wheel.
"Flame magic Rotating flame shield." Kazuke says calmly.
"Itami doesn't slow down and jams his blade into the flame wheel, stopping Kazukes sword and sending it clattering to the ground. Itami looks at his blade as it cracks away. The two exchange fists and perform quick fast hand to hand combat, chaining in blocks and dodges quickly. They jump back as Kazuke grabs his sword off the ground and readies himself.
"What's wrong, Itami? Where is that confidence now?"
Itami stays silent as he prepares to fight again.
"There is no sense blocking, this attack won't care if you defend yourself. You wanted to see how much I've grown. Well, you will regret that request." Kazuke stands, and holds his sword directly in front of himself. Flames spread over the blade rapidly and roar viciously. They flow past the hilt and don't stop. The flame coating spreads over his entire body creating an armor looking shape. Only his eyes show behind the wall of fire. As he lowers his stance flames grow and a ball of fire is all that is shown from the outside. Kazuke stands in the middle of the inferno and charges in moving faster than ever. "Now, it ends here! Flame magic. Full plating, final form! Homura!" He screams as he flies in scorching a divot in the earth below him as he flies. He collides with Itami who catches the attack but is sent flying back with him. Kazuke drives viciously as Itami is send pummeling through multiple buildings. The attack continues dragging him through the forest smashing trees and rocks alike. They collide into a large cliff side as the attack stops. The flames dissipate as Kazuke breathes heavily lowering his guard. He attempts to pull his sword out but realizes it is stuck. As the smoke clears he sees Itami has it firmly gripped. His hands bleeding, is arms scorched and his face covered in cuts and bruises. His body slammed imprinted into the mountain side. Kazuke looks on in shock as his brother lets go of the blade. He gathers himself for a moment before speaking.
"That attack, was the most impressive display of power anyone has used against me. If I wasn't also adept at countering a fire user, I would have been burnt to ashes. Still You can't beat me little brother, with that said. It appears I can't beat you either. My fear has come true." Itami slides down the rock and looks down at the earth. "You, all these years. I've neglected you. All this time I've been following this path of independence and self protection. Yet you have still managed to catch me. Even being my younger brother. It appears my way, wasn't the right way.
Kazuke looks at him, drops his sword and falls down. "Itami?"
"I didn't want to admit it when I first arrived here. I did come because I was in need of help dealing with the masked man."
"Itami, you don't have to."
"In reality, I wanted to know how you had grown up. When I saw how strong you had become. I put on a front. I didn't want to believe I had been wasting all this time chasing something that wasn't real. I hurt you, and myself. What do I have to show for it?"
"Itami, you have made mistakes. That's what i've been trying to tell you." Itami stays silent as Kazuke rises to his feet, stumbling. "I have made all the same missteps. We weren't given the best start to our journey. We chose different paths now, sure. At one point however, I was not so far from you. I isolated myself underground, locking myself away. It was only recently that I chose to change." Kazuke reaches his hand down and extends it to Itami. "It's not too late for you. If you take my hand, we put this behind us. Move forward. We have each other's backs."
Itami hesitates and thinks.
"It's a start." Says Kazuke.
Itami reaches up, grabbing his hand and pulling him to his feet. He looks at his younger brother and looks away a moment later. Turning his back completely he clenches his fist. "I know you may never forgive me for taking this long to realize my mistakes."
"Don't apologize. Just show me by example, going forward, that I can rely on you."
"Very well." says Itami turning back to Kazuke. "Well, we have a lot to catch up on. Let's have that talk you wanted. What do you say?"
Kazuke lets out a light smile. "It's about time you shithead."
The two brothers sit down on the ground and talk for hours about their long lost family lineage. In the former shrine of the Homura clan, its only known living members shared a bond once broken, now reforged under intense fire. Old cracks reforming to make strong, new ties.
Back at the house a party rages on. Loud music blasts over the speaker. Leon stands on the coffee table dancing up and down aggressively as Karina cheers him on.
"Watch it grow a little bit!" He screams.
Polar nods his head to the music at twice the speed of the beat.
Junpei walks outside and shakes his fist. "This music is too loud! Turn this garbage off!"
Brody puts his hand on his shoulder. "It's alright, just let it go."
The old man growls and then gives up. He goes to bed to wait out the party. Mike sits near the fireplace talking to Lena. He is yelling over the music to get his words across. Piers sits at a table drinking a beer and eating a steak. He turns to Nathan.
"That grumpy old man really does know how to make a good steak." He says licking his lips.
"I'm not allowed to have steak, only chicken, according to Li."
"Unforgivable, truly."
Mike stands up and walks over and turns the music off. He stands on the coffee table and calls for attention. Everyone looks confused.
"I just wanna say something really quick and we can get back to seeing Leon's overly tight pants struggle to stay intact. I wanna thank all of you for everything so far, and to give a toast everyone for training to hard. Also, let us all come together to cheer to Brian. A man who gave his life to put a stop and no doubt saved countless lives. It's almost been a year since his passing. Remember that."
The room cheers and screams in unison.
"We are gonna be meeting the prime minister soon, it took awhile, but that ceremony is right around the corner. Reality is, we couldn't have done this without each other, and after this all blows over. I wanna do this every weekend. Nothing matters more than the people in this room. I love you all. Now Piers. Turn that fucking song back on!"
Piers runs over to the speaker and hits the power button and then drops it low. The crew party on in celebration of new found friendships and a lasting period of peace. Polar even joins in leaping around swinging his body like a mace. Mike sits back down with Lena and the party rages on. Kazuke sits on the porch alone thinking about his brother. Reyna walks out and confronts him.
"How did it go?" She asked.
"Not perfect, but not as bad as the monster in my head thought it would be. You were right."
"That is great news. I'm glad I was."
"You can stay out here if you want, but I'd rather not discuss this any further.
"If that's what you want I will."
She sits down next to him and they enjoy the silence outside together, once again Kazuke feels like somebody actually understands him. The feeling he chased in his brother is found in the form of another close friend. An unlikely companionship.
****
A few hours after the party dies down and everyone is sleeping, Hinako walks down the stairs and heads outside. Mike is sitting on a chair by the pool looking at a large binder on the table. He turns as she walks out. "You're here good. I'm starting to think you fell asleep."
"No, I'm really not tired."
"Good, have a seat, this may take awhile for me to explain."
Hinako walks over and sits. "So, what did you need to talk about?"
Mike looks at her for a second confused. "Are you wearing makeup? You look different."
"Oh I was just trying something before I came down, don't worry about it. Let's just talk about whatever this is."
"Hey Hinako, took you long enough."
Hinako looks up to see Nathan walking back from the woods.
Mike slides the binder to face her. "So, i've been looking through Jerry's notes. I'm sure you remember Jerry was big on keeping files for everything. Old hoarder he was."
Hinako thinks to herself as Mike talks. She zones out as his words turn to mush and Nathan comes to sit down. "I should have known this would be something about combat training, how could I be dumb enough to think he was inviting me out here to tell me his feelings like some slice of life rom-com?"
"So what do you think? What could be missing here? This technique Jerry seemed very close to figuring out. There are notes for both Nathan and I but they are incomplete on both sides."
She snaps back to reality and looks down, glazing over the notes. "This seems simple in concept, it really isn't much different from Nathan and Youta's technique."
"It seems that way doesn't it? However Jerry said here there was a missing component he could never figure out. For some reason he intended to attempt to teach me this but never could do it himself."
"Let me look at these closer." She says. Hinako flips through the pages reading Jerry's intricate notes. "See, it says here that in theory if all limits are released on the body it could result in exponential power growth unlike anything else, by letting every fabric of one's being go and focusing everything on the common goal of strength you can reach what Jerry called a human's prime form." She bites her lip, shaking her head. "These notes are unfinished likely because he couldn't do it himself. However, he thought you would be able to. I wonder why."
"Perhaps it has to do with the nature of our magic? This technique suited better to lightning users?" Says Nathan.
"No that can't be it, otherwise why would Jerry even attempt to have you learn it? Here on the last page it shows two graphs going past 100 percent. Magic, and physical energy. Nathan and Mike." She looks up at Mike and slides it back to him. "I got it, the reason this technique seems very similar to Nathans, is because it is just that. It consists of releasing all the limiters on the physical barriers of the body, and also doing the same on the body's magic energy production side. You would have to be able to release all of the body's natural blockages on mana and all mental barriers at once."
"That sounds easier than I thought."
"Not likely," said Nathan. "Releasing even some of the physical limiters on the body can cause tremendous strain. I've been able to remove some, and I still feel like it's going to kill me at this point. Not to mention magic gets even trickier. If you force your body to output more than it can handle it could not just injure your muscles but rip you apart. Essentially, if you did it you might literally explode."
"Makes sense maybe why Jerry never attempted it. However, why would he think we could then?"
"Well, there are actually four things needed here, it says. Two of them are releasing both sides of the body's limits, one appears to be a resolve of the mind one way or another, the other has to do with why Jerry couldn't learn it when he thought you could eventually do it. Unless it's just you need the power to handle it."
Nathan raises his hand as if he's in a classroom. "When it comes to my technique the stronger you are generally speaking the stronger the multiplier. Me releasing limiters is very different from Youta doing it. Maybe you need a strong base amount of power and skill to utilize it."
"That would track, reality is Mike. If you want to access this you will need to learn to let everything in your body, mind, and heart go and also get to an absurd amount of base strength. If you tried to access it without these things it could kill you. So please, be careful."
"I will, I don't intend to die in some blaze of glory. I just wanted to know how much Jerry had left to teach me. I'm regretting blowing off lessons towards the end there."
"Hindsight is twenty- twenty, don't regret it," said Nathan.
"There are also some scribbles here about partial activations, and side effects. Partial activation is seen as a failed attempt but can provide some benefit with strange effects. Changes seen in the eyes, hair and aura. Why do you feel the need to do this if I can ask? Why search for power like this?"
"You want honesty? It's because I think the man is still out there. If he comes back I want to be ready. I want to know if I can defeat him alone. For good."