A village lies quiet. A breeze whispers past each small building eventually whisking past a young boy lying in the snow. Hiro’s young mother lies beside him as they stare up at the falling snow. Years before any destruction came to the village people were happy.

Hiro’s mother grabs hold of his little hand as they laugh together as snow taps against his face.

“It’s cold mommy!” A young Hiro runs around his mother laughing.

His mother chases him around as he giggles. She grabs hold of him and lifts him high up in the air. He reaches to the sky with his stubby arms as his bright sparkling brown eyes stare upwards.

Hatsuho, Hiro’s mother, slowly brings him into her embrace with a smile. She looks him in the eyes as she wipes some snow from his cheeks. Hiro holds her long black hair smiling. Her hair has streaks of white matching the snow as she laughs,

“Don’t grab my hair Hiro!”. Her laughing is quelled when she sees a young woman with blonde hair walking by with a young girl by her side.

Hatsuho’s black eyes stare out towards the woman as she stares back. The young girl looks across to Hiro as he smiles back. The young girl stumbles along to the two of them and stands staring upwards to both Hatsuho and Hiro.

“Play with me” Hatsuho and Hiro look at one another confused.

Hatsuho places Hiro down beside the young girl. Her short blonde hair and glimmering blue eyes stand out against the white sheet lying on the ground. The young woman stands across from Hatsuho as the snow grows thicker.

“I-Is it ok for my daughter to… y’know” The woman twirls her hair clearly nervous before Hatsuho smiles.

“You want to play?” Hatsuho lifts the young girl far above her head and places her on her shoulders.

“Oh no! Hiro, she’s controlling me!” She lifts out her arms and begins chasing Hiro around in the snow. Both Hiro and the young girl laugh as the young woman looks on softly with large bags under her eyes. A man with short hair watches on smiling from a distance.

The sun begins to set as Hatsuho and the two kids sit atop a hill overlooking the village. The sun begins to fall behind the mountains in the distance. Hiro lies against his mother half asleep as the young girls’ eyes widen at the sight.

Hatsuho smiles as she looks at the young girls’ wonder.

“Do you like this spot?” Hatsuho whispers to the young girl. She nods emphatically without looking away.

The three sit staring outwards with the orange glow of the sun shinning off each of their faces. The shine brings a warmth to the cold air as Hatsuho holds her son close. She slowly lifts Hiro and places him beside the young girl.

The two kids look at one another before Hiro places his tired head on her little shoulder. The two sit beside one another as the sun beams their shadows against the stone behind them. The young girl finally takes her eyes off the sun as she looks at Hiro. Her cheeks redden as he leans against her.

“My mommy called me Hiro…” The young Hiro lifts his head off the girl as he stares at her under the bask of the golden glowing sun.

“M-My name is Kyoko” Hiro smiles to her as she blushes.

Hatsuho squeals to herself in behind them, “So cute!”

She runs over and lifts the two off the ground. “Let’s get you home, shall we? Kyoko”

Snow begins falling softly once more as Hatsuho holds both of their small hands as a single snowflake falls softly against their hands together. They all smile together atop the hill.

A snowflake falls from the sky and softly touches Hiro’s hand as he sits in the capital. He smiles softly as he watches it melt in his palm. The snow on the ground is nothing but a muddy sludge as the people walk all over it. He sits alone for the first time in a while as he looks to the sky and lets the snow tap against his face.

Hiro hears the crunching of footsteps in the snow nearby as he sees Gou walk by. Hiro recognises the green eyes and jet-black hair as he follows behind. Gou continues walking towards a small cemetery on the edge of the city.

Hiro looks on confused as Gou sits by a grave silently.

“What’s this place?”. He flips through his book searching for any indication as to what this place was but he didn’t find anything.

He slowly walks up to Gou, “Sorry… but could I ask what you’re doing?”

Gou slowly opens his eyes as he looks up to a smiling Hiro. “My mother is buried here…”

Hiro tilts his head curiously, “Buried?”

Gou stands with a grunt as he places his hand on Hiro’s shoulder, “Yeah… she passed away a while ago”

Hiro looks at the stone that sits at the base of a statue of an angel. Words as engraved on the slab of stone.

“What does it say?” He points to the grave.

Gou smiles as he looks back at it. “Oh, it just says how amazing she was really…”

“D-do you do that for everyone that dies?” Hiro looks closer at the slab as Gou looks at him confused

“You’re not from here are you?”

“No… sorry”

Gou laughs, “No don’t worry… a secret between me and you is that I prefer people outside of these walls.

Hiro smiles. “Is Asahi the same?”

Gou’s eyes widen slightly at the mention of his brother, “You know Asahi?”

Hiro nods, “Yeah… we met a month ago or something”

Gou looks even more confused, “And he kept talking to you?”, Hiro nods emphatically, “Wow… I didn’t think it was possible for my brother to make a friend”

Gou smiles proudly as Hiro’s face lightens up, “He’s your brother?”

Gou laughs as he places his hand on Hiro’s back, “You have to come with me… I have to see this for myself”

Gou guides Hiro towards the large building in the middle of the capital.

Zero and Asahi walk the halls of the capital’s large building as the various workers avoid their eyesight. They walk silently down the shining hallways decorated in the Yoshida symbol, the symbol of the god of enhancement.

“We can’t just leave without saying anything… it’s not fair” Asahi pleads with Zero who walks stoically.

“He’ll understand…” She looks to the floor as she walks, “He can just hang out with Isamu or something”

Asahi sighs as they turn the corner, “Well look I don’t ag-“His eyes widen as he stops dead. Zero notices and turns to him before looking down the corridor where his eyes as stuck.

Both stare in shock as Hiro and Gou walk along the corridor laughing and joking with one another. Zero and Asahi give each other a look of confusion before following the pair.

Gou leads Hiro into Kenji’s meeting room. His eyes widen at the huge window at the back of the room overlooking the city. He slams his face against the glass sparkling with amazement. Gou laughs as he looks out the window as snow trickles down from the grey sky.

“Wow, I can see everything…” his eyes follow the streets as they converge and split across the city.

Gou walks over and looks up at the painting of his mother. Hiro follows as he stares upwards.

“This was your mother?”, Gou smiles softly, “Yeah”

They both stare silently at the painting as the door behind them swings open. Kenji walks through the door confused as to why Hiro is there.

“Who’s this Gou?”

“Oh, father I didn’t know you would be in today?”, Gou places his hand on Hiro’s shoulder, “This is Asahi’s friend…”

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Kenji raises an eyebrow as he walks towards a smiling Hiro. He looks at him up close.

“You look familiar…”

Hiro laughs awkwardly, “Never met you in my life”

Kenji’s gaze grows colder as he stares closer and closer at Hiro before the door opening once again interrupts.

Zero and Asahi walk through the door. The two of them look shocked to see Hiro in the company of Kenji.

“F-father… I didn’t know you were here today”, Asahi looks at Hiro nervously

Hiro smiles and waves at the two, “Zero, Asahi yo!”

Asahi somewhat waves back as Zero just stares at Hiro.

Gou laughs, “So it’s true!? Asahi found a friend?” Gou laughs out loud to Asahi’s annoyance

“S-so what?!?” Asahi looks away angry from his older brother as Gou leans on Hiro laughing.

Kenji stares fiercely at Zero as she doesn’t take her eyes off of Hiro.

“And how do you know him?” Kenji glares in their direction

Asahi awkwardly laughs, “Oh while I-“ Kenji lifts his hand towards him cutting him off, “Not you…”

He stares at Zero as everyone turns their attention to her. She stands silently for a second before finally taking her gaze away from Hiro and placing it onto Kenji.

“I have no relationship with him…” Her words pierce Hiro as he stands in the arms of Gou.

Kenji looks over at Hiro, “He said your name, no? You two must know each other.”

“He was someone we met on our last assignment… I have no feelings of friendship towards him” Her words are cold like ice as Kenji smirks ever so slightly at her answer.

Hiro looks at Asahi confused as he shrugs in response.

Kenji looks at Hiro and then back at Zero before nodding, “If you say so…”

“Get ready for your next assignment… You leave tomorrow”, Kenji leaves the room leaving it silent.

Gou laughs as he taps Hiro on the shoulder, “Hey I wouldn’t worry Zero isn’t exactly the type to have fr-“ Zero storms over to Hiro and grabs his arms,

“Why?! Why are you here?!?” Her voice rings of anger as she shakes him to Gou and Asahi’s shock

Hiro pouts as he looks away from her, “I thought you didn’t see me as a friend?”

Zero grabs him by the shirt and pulls him close. “Don’t ever come into this building again!”

Hiro looks at her shocked as she screams at him. Asahi’s hand is slapped away by Zero as he tries to diffuse the situation.

“Promise me!” The anger in her voice gives way to desperation as she stares at Hiro

“O-ok…”

Zero lets go of Hiro with a sigh and storms out of the room slamming the door behind her. Hiro and Asahi look at one another in shock as the room lies silent.

Gou laughs out loud completely destroying the tense atmosphere. “Well, who would’ve thought… maybe she can make friends after all”

Gou slaps Hiro in the back as he chuckles, “Let’s get you out, shall we?”

Asahi stops Gou, “Don’t worry I’ll deal with it” Gou smiles and watches them leave the room.

“You dropped Isamu off?”, Hiro nods in response

“Good”

“What’s this about another assignment tomorrow?" Hiro raises his eyebrow as they walk down the hallway

Asahi sighs as he slumps over. “You’re going to follow us no matter what right?”

Hiro smiles widely as Asahi rolls his eyes, “We are going to capture two women apparently”

“two women? Like those rogue subjects?”

Asahi taps his chin in thought, “I guess? It’s weird that he gave us descriptions and even a warning to be careful…”

Hiro smiles as he taps him in the back, “Well let’s get those bad guys, shall we?”

Asahi smiles back to him.

Gou smiles to himself as he looks up to his mother’s painting, “Who would’ve thought? Little Asahi found a friend…”

The morning approaches as Zero sits on the steps of the Yoshida’s building. She watches as the sun creeps over the walls of the capital and glimmers against her armour. Her blue eyes sparkle through the slight slit in her helmet.

Asahi approaches smiling with Hiro in tow.

“No no no I told you he’s not coming!” She pokes her finger into Asahi’s chest as she speaks.

“Zero if you don’t let me come, I’m gonna walk into that big building.” Hiro pretends to slowly walk towards the building as Zero stares daggers into him. “Oh come on Zero I promise I won’t get hurt this time”

“You’re literally a magnet for getting hurt…” Zero sighs as she looks at him smiling back at her,

She groans loudly, “Fine, but you will not get into any fights, Isamu will not be coming with us and you will stay in the carriage until we say you can leave it… you got it?”

He pouts slightly, “Why can’t Isamu come?”

Zero glares at him. He shrinks as the pressure of her stare grows, “Fine… she won’t come”

Zero growls Asahi’s way as he smiles awkwardly. The three of them get into the carriage as it begins to take off. Zero clearly still holds annoyance that Hiro is there as he sits smiling. Asahi feels the annoyance of Zero mainly aimed at him as he avoids eye contact with her.

Kenji watches the carriage roll off towards the gates of the capital from high up in the Yoshida building. His glares land on Hiro as he hangs out the door. His eyes slowly land on his wife’s painting, “Don’t worry… The day she dies by my hand draws closer…”

The carriage trudges through the snow. The wheels crunch over the white plain as frost lines the windows. Hiro and Asahi shiver in their seats. Zero sits perfectly still.

“Z-Zero we have to stop at th-the next village and buy some winter clothes…”

Zero sighs, “These two women are top priority… higher than your warmth”

Hiro drops to his knees begging, “Please! Zero please!”

Zero looks down at him for a moment, “Fine…”

The carriage slows to a stop outside a tiny village. Only a few homes populate the small area. Hiro jumps out the carriage running on the spot to keep warm.

“Didn’t I tell you to stay inside the carriage unless I said you could leave?” Zero stands over a shrinking Hiro as Asahi jogs to the nearest building.

Asahi sighs in relief as he enters a small wooden building with a wall of warmth hitting him as he steps in. Smiling faces greet him as he enters.

“Do you guys sell any winter clothes? Maybe you know someone who does?” He rubs his hands together as the stinging cold makes way for a golden warmth.

“Oh it’s by the tavern… you’ll find a small s-“

Asahi perks up, “Tavern you say? Tell me more” He leans in towards the woman as she looks at him confused

Hiro sits in the carriage pouting as Zero stands against the door with her arms crossed. She stands impatiently with her foot tapping against the snow below.

“Cheers!” Asahi drinks with the small group of locals. They all dance together under the burning light above.

Hiro yawns as he leans against the window. “Zero! Where is he?”

Zero sighs deeply as she opens the door to the carriage, “Let’s go find this asshole”

Hiro jumps out excited as the sun begins to set. Zero grabs hold of his arm to stop him running ahead. “You don’t leave within an arms length of me”

Hiro groans loudly, “C'mon you’re killing me here!”

“Actually I’m doing the opposite” She drags Hiro along through the snow as only one building in the whole village glows with light.

Zero stares angrily at the tavern sign. “If I open the door and he’s in here…”

Hiro flips through his book while glancing at the sign. Zero waits for him to get to the page.

“Oh here it i- ohhh” He laughs, “I could’ve guessed that one really”

Zero pulls Hiro towards the doors. She swings them open and what greets her is Asahi and the rest of the locals barely able to stand. They all grumble over one another as the cold air hits their faces.

The one sober face in the whole building is the woman standing at the bar of the tavern.

Zero slowly walks towards the woman, “How much for two rooms?” She says so defeated as the woman laughs

“Well… we can only get you one… since we only have one” She smiles nervously at Zero’s angry aura

Hiro smiles as he lifts his thumb. “We’ll take it!”

The two of them carry a mumbling Asahi towards the room. Asahi drunkenly waves to the people he was drinking with as the door closes on their room. Hiro and Zero throw him on one of the two beds as Hiro wipes the sweat from his forehead.

Hiro sits against the wall as he sighs, “What even is alcohol?”

Zero sits on the other bed silently. Hiro looks over to her, “What is it?”

Asahi bursts up from the bed as he grabs Hiro by the collar, “I love you man!” He drools all over Hiro’s shoulder as he hugs into him. Hiro laughs as he falls backwards, “You’re stronger than you look dude!”

He signals for help from Zero who just watches. “Zero! Please!” She seemingly finds it amusing as she leans back slightly just watching.

Asahi snores on top of Hiro as Hiro wriggles around trying to get him off of him, “Why the hell are you so strong?!?”

Zero eventually lifts him off of Hiro with relative ease before reaching down to help Hiro up.

He laughs as he stretches. “You god people are pretty tough…”

Hiro lies on the ground at the end of Asahi’s bed. He places his head on his hands as he tries to get some sleep.

“You’re sleeping on the floor?” Zero stands over Hiro

“Huh? Oh yeah… where else would I sleep”, Hiro doesn’t open one eye as he looks up at her.

“You can take the bed if you want”

“Oh don’t worry I’m used to it go ahead and sleep Zero”, He closes his eye again.

Hiro lies in silence until he hears the clinking of armour. He hears rustling coming from the other side of the room. He lifts his head in confusion. His eyes widen and his face blushes as he sees the origin of the sound.

Zero stands between beds taking off her armour. Her helmet remains on as she slowly undresses. Hiro sees her body for the first time outside of the armour and he’s taken aback by the site. She has a large scar running from her chin down to her chest. He doesn’t even notice the necklace flickering in the glow of the moonlight.

Zero notices Hiro staring as she stares back, “What?”

Hiro swallows nervously as he continues staring, “I-I never thought you’d take your armour off in front of anyone…”

She crosses her arms slightly embarrassed, “I don’t… N-not to say you are special we’re just in the same room so…” she trails off as she looks to the floor.

“Wh-where did you get that scar?” , she places her hand on her scar and runs her fingers from her chin to her chest following the scar.

She silently thinks, “O-oh you don’t need to tell me o-“, “No it’s ok”

Zero sits on the bed and taps beside her. Hiro slowly sits beside her twiddling his thumbs. She places her hands on her thighs as she stares downwards,

“I was forced to use my power by… a bad man” She slowly lifts her head towards Hiro who looks at her with soft and kind eyes.

She looks down at her palms, “Every day I refused but eventually I broke… I then found out I could form all types of weapons…”

She forms a small knife in her hand and holds it tight, “So I tried to end it…” She looks back at Hiro who looks back at her saddened and with shock in his eyes.

She chuckles awkwardly, “I failed… obviously. The moment I did it I regretted it”

“Why did you regret it?”

Zero’s knife dissipates into red mist in her hands, “I have people I love… and that love me”

A tear drips from beneath her helmet as her voice cracks. She wipes them as they drop, “I’m sorry I don’t know what’s happening with m recently… I just…”

She looks towards Hiro as he places his hand softly on her shoulder. He smiles widely as the moonlight shines against the two.

“I think it’s good that you let stuff out… My mother told me that if you can smile during the worst times… then it’s easy to smile when you’re happy” He smiles as he turns to face her fully.

“I’m glad you were able to get through it…” He blushes slightly as he chuckles, “S-sorry that was a bit embarrassing”

The light peers into the room it shines against Zero’s helmet as she sits silently staring at Hiro. Her blue eyes sparkle within her helmet as Hiro’s eyes widen. His mouth opens slightly as he sits stunned by the beauty of them staring softly back at him..

Zero gets closer to Hiro as they both sit silently. They stare at one another as the room lies quiet. She lifts her helmet to expose her lips. Hiro blushes slightly as she gets closer. She leans towards him as their lips grow closer to one another.

“Anyone got drinks?” Asahi sits up as Zero and Hiro jump away from one another. Asahi just groans in response as he lies back down.

The atmosphere ruined by Asahi as Hiro coughs and lies back down at the edge of Asahi’s bed.

In the silence of the room Hiro blushes against the cold floor as his breathing is heavy and, on the bed, lies Zero who takes her helmet off in the darkness. She blushes with staggered breathing as she holds her necklace close to her chest.

“This isn’t fair…”