Two Years Prior
Sakido was dressed in a business casual black button up shirt, along with complimentary blue jeans. His hair was parted to the side, as he did when he went out or had a formal occasion. He sat at the table of the cafe, eyeing his glass cup of black coffee. He looked up as a girl pulled out the chair in front of him and sat down. The girl had medium length brown hair that was pulled into a ponytail, while leaving plenty of stray hair in the front. Her sunlight colored eyes shined in the mix of natural and luminescent artificial lights that circled around the cafe. She sat and placed her latte in front of her and tasted the beverage.
The two sat for a few moments, exchanging glances.
Sakido suddenly began "So, Ami, are you excited about leaving?"
Ami took another sip of her latte and wiped off the milk foam from her upper lip. She said in a soft spoken voice "Oh yes. Chemistry is such a branching variation of science. There's analytical, physical, biochemical, organic and inorganic, and so on, so forth."
"And which one is it that you've decided to study?"
"Well, I study them all, but I'm going to Russia to study biochemistry. I'm gonna with an organization named 'Shumi'. It'll be so exciting, I'll get to go to one of the most advanced chemistry labs, and see elements that I've only dreamed of!" The girl spoke with a passion in her voice, but something seemed to hold her back when she spoke.
"That's wonderful, I'm so happy for you!" He said, giving her a playful wink and a smile. He sat in silence for a few minutes before continuing with. "Is everything alright, Ami?" He asked, giving her a look of concern.
"Yes, Sakido. You see, I've just arrived here after visiting Shizuka. You know I only come once a year, since my university is in Germany. He does
look forward to seeing me, so that truly does make me feel happy. As his sister, I just…I feel that he is progressively becoming more bothered by his past."
"What happened in his past?"
"Nothing that would change our conversation, besides, perhaps he could tell you better than I could. The point is that I've noticed a decline in his joviality. He was always a distant person, but he had a nice attitude and was eager to do things with me. But, it seems that vitality is not with him as it used to be. He told me that you two aren't necessarily friends anymore, why is that?" She asked this question while giving him a look that would make any man rethink a life decision. She had a look of understanding that few can express.
"We used to be closer, we seemingly drifted apart. When I was younger, I held tightly to him, he was the reason I survived much of my classes. He defended me many times, even took fights for me."
Ami laughed a slight bit and asked "Why was it that you got into fights? As I know you, Sakido, you've never been one for confrontations."
Sakido gave her a heartfelt smile and continued. "When I first came to this area, I was unsure of the social culture, let's just say that some others weren't pleased with my mannerisms. Sarcasm isn't as appreciated with Japanese students."
Ami put her hand gracefully up to her mouth and laughed with closed eyes. "Of course that's why you'd be in fights!" They both laughed together until she asked. "And you did come here to Japan…actually from Germany right?"
"Yes."
'Sakido naturally couldn't tell anyone of his true origins, but considering his mild German accent, it was a safe story to say that he was from that country.'
"Wow, it's a shame that you had to leave. I've been loving it there. Moving from Japan was one of the best decisions of my life. You know, so many people are fixated on 'this' place being all there is, without opening their minds to the wonders of other countries and cultures. I feel sympathy for them, they're missing one of the true joys of life."
"A true statement, Ami, your broad understanding never fails to impress." Sakido said, finishing the last of his coffee.
Ami puts her hand to her face and says "Oh, thank you, Sakido."
"There's something else I can tell about you that's changed since you left for Europe." Sakido mentioned, gaining the girl's intrigue.
"And what's that." She said, leaning in closer.
"Ironically, your sense of sarcasm." He said, grinning ear to ear.
The two laughed together, savoring the time that they had before their inevitable parting.
"Regardless though." He started with. "Back to Shizuka. I believe the main problem was that our friendship was somehow obligatory. I only spent time with him to gain something in return. I must admit though, for a period of my life, I did enjoy doing those 'rebellious' things with him. You know, childish rebel stuff. Things like stealing from convenience stores, kicking over street signs, putting graffiti on expensive cars, messing with police officers, just delinquent things like that. Well, not to say that I became arrogantly righteous or anything of the sort, but I stopped seeing the purpose of that mayhem. I realized that terrorizing an unexpecting business or civilian wasn't some statement of rebellion, but a waste of resources and of my own time I could spend on myself. It was just immature. So, I spent less time with Shizuka, and put more time into my relationship with Ichika. At that point, it turned into something serious between us, and I nearly cut him off altogether. Shizuka wasn't enthused about this change, I suppose I led him to believe something that wasn't true, and he felt attacked by this. We've made up now, at least, I hope so, we just stay at a distance and accept that we don't really care for the same things anymore."
Mizumi listened to this attentively while nodding her head. "I see, to be honest, I do wish that Shizuka had the maturity that you do. You clearly understand what he does not. I can completely see why a lady like Ichika would want you as she does. I dearly love Shizuka, but his latent emotions get the best of him, regardless of if he wants to admit it or not. So, all of this to say…that I understand you distancing yourself from him. I also want to see where he goes with himself in the future. Inside of him lies a scared, yet caring boy."
Sakido gave her a nod and said "Thank you, Ami. Sometimes I wonder how you two can be so different, considering that you're of the same blood."
She giggled and said "Well, isn't that how it usually goes with siblings? One is completely opposite of the other. For the better or worse, I've always been more rational than he has been."
She finished her latte as she began her next question. "How has your relationship with Ichika been?"
Sakido smiled and answered to her inquiry. "We're doing as well as ever, it really helps that she values everything that I do in a relationship. I love her more than anything else." Sakido began to stare at the table, perhaps in a daydream.
"Awww, that's so romantic. You two are certainly made for each other. Your white hair and her bright blonde go so well together."
Sakido laughed and said "Yes, that's true. The eyes match too I suppose."
"Oh yes!" She exclaimed, a light lingering in her eyes.
Sakido notices her looking at her cellphone for the time.
"My apologies, Ami, I did not intend to keep you." Sakido said, expressing his sudden remorse.
Ami's eyes widened " Oh no, you're fine, I just wanted to make sure that I'm on track for my flight."
"How long will you be studying in Germany?" Sakido asked, adjusting his short collar.
"It should be four years, it's quite perturbing, but regardless, I'm excited to begin my studies. And, you never know, perhaps someday I can use my knowledge to help you with your writing. You still do want to be an author right?"
Sakido exhaled sharply and responded "Of course, it's my passion. I'd love your help someday, Ami." Her eyes shined with a resounding glitter.
"I do unfortunately have to leave now, the plane arrives in an hour." She begins to sift through her purse.
"Don't worry about your coffee, I'm paying." Sakido spoke, a sense of responsibility in his cadence.
"Oh…are you sure? I know you don't-"
Sakido interrupted her with "Look, you're a close friend, and besides, consider it a parting gift. Use your money and buy some better quality coffee in Germany."
Sakido's remark caused Ami to laugh yet again, a laugh with even more joy than her previous outbursts.
They both stood up and adjusted themselves. Before Ami parted with him, she held his hands and said "Sakido, I do ask one thing of you. Please, look after Shizuka whenever you can. Keep him in line, and don't hesitate to put him in line if he gets too full of himself. You have my permission." She said with a wink. She continued "Please, take care of him, but also take care of yourself. I've never seen a boy your age with such potential, harness your intellect, and use it as a weapon and an aid as well. We'll meet again. So long, Sakido."
"I'll do exactly as you say, Ami, you have my word. Now go, I wouldn't want you to be late, large opportunities await you. Have fun, enjoy yourself there, I hear Germany is full of wonders. Safe travels, Ami, I look forward to hearing from you."
With that, she left the cafe and parted with him, he watched as she exited and became engulfed into the crowded Tokyo street.
Modern day
Sakido ran through the street, debris flying past him, the chilling screams of souls caught in the crossfire and imminent destruction. He followed the large siphoning structure of electricity that formed a few blocks from where he was. The closer he came to the mass, the denser the air became and the more horrifying the sights were. He heard a tumultuous crash from behind him and turned to behold a wave of bright orange flames, sweeping through the vast street that he had just come from. He could only assume that this was somehow Izumi's Seishin. He had no time for contemplations now, for an insurmountable obstacle laid before him.
He watched as stray bolts of electricity short tall skyscrapers, causing broken glass and steel beams to rain down upon the street. The darkness sky illuminated the glorified destruction, Sakido had never seen such a horrific sight, at least since that night, ten years ago.
The sound of crackling electricity filled his ears as the screams of trapped and dying civilians made his spine curl from voyeuristic regret. He wanted so badly to stop and help every fallen person, everyone that was trapped underneath debris, everyone laying on the ground missing an extremity, but he couldn't, it tore him apart to do so. As he approached the mass, he began to rapidly get flashbacks of that night, he began to remember the searing flames, the shrill screams, the agonizing feeling of knowing that everything around you is dying. He made the mistake of looking into the eyes of the dying civilians on the street, in them, he saw his parents, he saw everyone that day that called for him.
An influx of police officers had flooded the scene, the extreme weaponry division had been deployed and made their way towards the target. Ambulances lines the street, taking anyone that they could save. The screams of help filled Sakido's ears like running water, they remained in his ears and churned like a viscous gelatin.
Despite all of the sirens, the screams, the gunshots, a remaining sound could be heard from the cacophony. Sakido heard his name being called, over and over again. And then, finally, he realized who it was.
He turned to his right down the dilapidated street and saw Ichika running towards him, calling his name. Along with her ran Korihime.
"Sakido! Are you okay?!" She asked, crying, suddenly embracing him.
He embraced her back and held her tight.
"Yes, Ichika, I'm alright! What are you doing here, you need to be inside! You need to get to safety!"
Ichika managed to speak with a whimpering voice. " I went out to see where Izumi went. She told me not to go and to stay home, I got suspicious and traced her phone from mine. I get halfway to her location, and then this entire city just erupts into flames and destruction! I'm so scared, Sakido. I wouldn't have found you if not for her!"
Sakido turned to Korihime. "I didn't see you since the warehouse, where were you?"
"After the warehouse split apart, we got separated, all of the Seishin interference affected my abilities and I couldn't locate you, but I heard her calling your name, and I was finally able to make my way to you."
"I don't even know who she is, Sakido, who is that?" Ichika asked, tears running down her face.
Sakido gives her a quick kiss on her lips and says "There's no time to explain anything, Ichika, Korihime, GO!"
Both of the girls expressed their vehement dislike of his command.
"We're staying with you, Sakido. Besides, I'm the only one that can heal you!"
They could hardly understand each other's voices over the growing sound of firearms and crashing debris. Fires spread through the city and englulfed much of what was left in site. The charred remains of humans, fabric, and buldings spread through the air. The scent was a mixture of a chemical burn, and immolated flesh. The combination made Sakido's stomach become kneaded into knots. Flashes of that day repeated over and over within his mind.
"And I'm staying with you! WE all need to r-"
Ichika wasn't able to finish her sentence before a member of the Japanese military interrupted.
"You two need to stand back! That thing is here! Ge-"
Before he could finish his statement, a bolt of electricity flew through a steel building and came directly into contact with his helmet. The helmet blocked some of the blast, but it shattered, and the face that lied underneath was disgusting. The skin was almost entirely burned off, the disfigured eyes hung from their place in the skull, the jaw bone hung from it's hinge, the skull was cracked and the brain could be seen throbbing. The soldier reached for his face, touching it as if he could put it back together, the gurgling blood blocking his screaming. He fell to his knees, and then to the ground, to finally die.
Ichika watched in absolute horror, screaming and crying as she clawed herself in fear. Korihime, even having seen something like this, still wretched and screamed herself.
Ichika's whimpering voice spoke up. "Oh my fucking god Sakido, we have to get the fuck out of here! We're all going to die, let's go!"
She attempted to grab his hand, but he sent hers away.
"No! I can fight this thing! We'll discuss this later, but I have to do this, Ichika!"
"Fight THIS? Sakido, are you insane? You don't even know what that is!"
Korihime then interjected their transaction. "Ichika, trust me, Sakido will find a way to handle this, if you stay here, you will die!"
Ichika looked at the blue haired girl and then peered back at Sakido, tears gushing out of her poor green eyes.
"I can't believe you've lied to me all these years. I thought I could trust you…"
Sakido's eyes welled with tears, "Ichika, I can explain it, I promise, for now, you have to go."
His eyes began to glow blue at the combination at these occurrences, his power was beginning to involuntarily manifest, because of this, he could foresee a bolt coming straight at Ichika. In a moment's breath, he lunged at her and tackled her out of the way of the bolt.
They exchanged a quick glance while on the ground, and immediately pulled themselves upward, Sakido offering his body as leverage, which Ichika accepted.
Ichika looked into his glowing blue eyes and uttered "What are you…?"
"You won't be able to know if you don't go, get out of here."
Ichika, swallowing all of her emotions, gave in to her better judgment.
"Okay, but I'll forgive never you, I want nothing to do with you after tonight."
"But Ichika I-"
Before he could say anything, the girl turned and ran fast into the distant blockade of ambulance and military that were escorting civilians to safety.
"Do not worry, Sakido, she will come to reason, for now, there's something we must do." Korihime said, laying her hand on his back."
Sakido pushed his tears away and peered into her eyes. "You're right, lets go."
As they turned the final corner, they held the most horrifying thing yet. Lines of charred bodies lined their way to the source of the magic, like stepping stones of death, leading to one's own demise. A series of bolts emanated from the source, appearing almost like a spider's web.
Soldiers and police were being ripped apart en masse. Bodies being torn apart, debris falling and crushing them, appendages being shredded by the electric energy. Whole pieces of buildings were suspended in the air as if they were caught in an invisible force that suspended them there. And in the middle of all of this chaos lied the source of the mass death…there stood Shizuka. His bright blue eyes stared at Sakido as he viewed his former friend. A wicked grin came over his face as he viewed him. Sakido's eyes widened with horror and a visible trepidation.
"See Sakido? I told you that we'd meet again. Now, would you care to assist me?"
The End