Reflection of his mind: Mirosuke is in a blank mirror plane He looks straight at his reflection. It suddenly begins to crack then shatters, causing Mirosuke to fall down into an abyss He dives into an underwater like atmosphere
It was dark. He began sinking down while suddenly something fron the abyss beneath him tries to pull him down. The objects appeared to be oxygen tubes.
He begins to see two silhouette figures. Along his field of vision appeared a pane of glass between the two silhouettes and Mirosuke Then he hears their voices(edited)
Silhouette 1: It seems like he can be released in a week.
Silhouette 2: That's a relief...
Silhouette 1: Sighs
Silhouette 2: Are you sure about this, MXXXX?
Silhouette 1: Yeah.....Thanks for doing this, RXXXXX.
Alarm clock causes him to black out in the dream and wakes up.
Mirosuke swiftly taps the alarm clock, then sits up while holding on to his forehead
Mirosuke: That dream...again. I feel hazy now.(edited)
Mirosuke then prepares to go to college, as a freshman
University name: Ato Bitjutsubu University
===In Between===
Mirosuke Mizuki, born on November 30, 2017. A serious man with barely an expression to show; was raised by a single parent, a father named Ryouki Mizuki. He struggled in raising him due to his lack emotions, but sooner or later Mirosuke learned to adapt to these emotions that anyone could have. Although Mirosuke rarely shows his actual emotions, and does a façade, as he does not want to be involve with strangers as much as possible. Also, at the age of 10, he lost his memories of his past up to the age of 9. Unable to recall anything at all. Ryouki simply told him that he fell down a long staircase and cracked his skull, which affected his memory. The wound was severe according to the doctors.(
Mirosuke today is an 18 year old college student, who wants to take art class, specifically courses related to illustrating. And as Ato Bijutsubu University being the only prestigious art school in Japan, the tuition fee can amount you to buying a simple house. So how does Ryouki Mizuki support him? So apparently the Japanese government is secretly keeping surveillance on Mirosuke Mizuki. And behind the scenes, they rake care of their financial needs as Ryouki works in the Intelligence Department of the government. But why would they support an emotionless child? Because of an important government project.
Which will be unraveled later on...
===Present Day===September 04, 2036===
Mirosuke rides a train to Ato Bijutsubu University, in Tokyo City, from 6:00 am to 6:15 am. (Shibuya to Tokyo)
From the train station, he walks with complete silence, to be unnoticed by the public. Then as he arrives to the main gate of the university, there he saw Tatsui Hakaze, quietly waiting as he was looking at his smartphone.
Mirosuke gets his attention with sign language
Mirosuke: Tatsui-san? It's been a while since we last saw each other.(edited)
Tatsui: Bro, long time no see. I heard you enrolled here, so I decided to wait and expect you here.
===In Between===
Apparently Tatsui Hakaze was born as a deaf child. He is currently 18 years old, born on March 3, 2018. His family enrolled him in a special school for deaf people to lip read and respond verbally. But right now he has a hearing aid to help him respond quickly to anyone who approaches him.(edited)
===Present Time===
Mirosuke and Tatsui enters the university, to their classroom then to the multi purpose hall for the entrance ceremony. Although, along the way, people would look at Mirosuke's hair color for being violet shade. Mirosuke was secretly annoyed at the attention at first but decided to carry on. The first day of college ended smoothly for the both of them And so they decided to eat in a cafe to take a break before going home.(edited)
During the break, they had a conversation to catch up with each other
(Although it was in sign language)
Tatsui: Man, the last time I was able to talk to you was during 12th grade, graduation day. Time really does fly eh. You just enjoy your youthful high school days, then the next thing you notice, you're in college already.
Mirosuke: Yeah, but it's better to grow up to achieve your dreams. I wouldn't mind letting time go by quickly if it allows me to grow quicker.
Tatsui: Still, I want to enjoy my youth a little longer. Anyways, setting that aside. Who would have thought that you would pursue arts, specifically illustrating. I'm surprised that you chose this career path. Knowing you for 6 years, you're the type to beat the competition easily in athletics and academics. I expected thst you would aim somewhere that cand impact society.
Tatsui: You were popular back then for consistently being at the top of the leaderboards. Sadly you hated the attention and snubbed it. Thinking about now, it's hilarious, especially seeing your shoe locker get filled with letters(Love letters or fan letters).
He briefly averts his eyes to the window
Mirosuke: Heh.....my father told me to consistently do my best in anything. So, I wouldn't hold back no matter what. But the attention I got was just giving me headaches, a pain in the neck. Despite of me being obvious that I don't want attention, it did not affect them at all...
Mirosuke: Well now that's all in the past, I can quietly start all over again in a university full of strangers.
Tatsui: Well then, moving to the present, my family decided to move Saitama from Chiba. My little sister just entered highschool. My mom is taking of the house, while dad works as a business man, travelling around the world. Pretty simple.
Mirosuke: Well, sounds like your family is doing well. Hmm, I'm still impressed that you still pushed through to have a regular life, despite your condition. You were badly bullied back in highschool, because of being deaf.
===Flashback 3 years ago, 9th Grade===
Tatsui was surrounded by five boys, who were part of the basketball club. This occured after class, 4:00 PM at the back hall way of the school. Their names were Kenchi(15), Maiko(16), Oake(15), Marco(16)(The foreigner leader of the group), Rie(16).
Maiko stares at Tatsui with a dark grin
Maiko: Tch, his face looks annoying again.
Tatsui is trembling on his knees
Oake: Yeah, take a look at this brat. Getting special treatment from the school just because he's deaf
Rie: A spoiled brat like him should receive the same hardships like we all do.
He cracks his knuckle with pride
Kenchi just looks with a sense of guilt, in complete silence, hoping not to create violence.
Marco: Oake, Rie, grab the deaf kid and hold him against the wall. he senses cowardice and guilt from Kenchi
Brat! people like you should stay in special schools. You should not be here, because you cause inconvenience to everyone.
Tatsui is in cold sweat
Tatsui: (I'm sorry mom, dad, I might get home with bruises again...)
Marco: Kenchi, do the honors of giving him what he deserves. a wicked grin shows from the foreigner
Kenchi: nervousY-y-yes...(Please forgive me Tatsui, I can't do anything against these guys)
Kenchi prepares his fist to punch Tatsui. He gives off his best throw. But before he could reach Tatsui's bear face
Someone swiftly drifts his fist, repelling straight to Oake on the right side of Tatsui.
As Oake took the sudden blow, everyone there was shocked as they suddenly see someone standing next Kenchi's right arm that was stretched accross to Oake's face.
Oake drops down. And the 5 boys who were standing suddenly backs off a few steps. Tatsui trembles down to his kees again
Everyone was confused, because they did not expect someone to suddenly dash in and stop the punch in time.
???: Sigh Resorting to physical harrasment? I see.
Marco: Tch, Mirosuke Mizuki. What the hell is someone like you doing here?!(edited)
Rie: Oi, I thought a popular snub like you does not care about others?? What kind bull shit is this?!
Mirosuke: My homeroom teacher asked me to put some books into the storage room, at the back of this school. I just finished and happen to stumble upon you six.
Marco: Cut the nonesense! Don't you dare interfere with us. Your egoistic mouth should shut up and leave! Who are you to care for others?!
Maiko: Big bro, I heard that he was able to beat the karate sensei in the karate club, even though he's not a part of any club. I think this guys is bad news.
Marco: Fool, don't be intimidated by a mere rumor. Beat this reckless idiot to a pulp. Let's see if that pretty face will still remain popular.
The four boys were in stance to attack Mirosuke
Marco: Say your prayers, you popular snub!
Mirosuke strokes his hair while slowly closing his eyes with a composed face
Mirosuke: Sigh What a drag.
Mirosuke easily repels all the punches thrown off by four boys and swiftly hand chops their napes to put them out cold.
All four boys: Ugh...
The five boys simply went out cold due to the chop.
Mirosuke simply helps him to stand up
Mirosuke: Get up.
Tatsui unintentionally uses sign language
Tatsui: Thank you.
Mirosuke: Huh?
Tatsui realizes that he used sign language by mistake. So he takes a pen and paper from his bag which was lying on the floor.
Tatsui then writes a message
Tatsui: Thank you for saving me, Mizuki-san. I feel indebted. Is there anything you would like in return?
Mirosuke:(Can't speak huh? Deaf, perhaps?)(On the paper) No need. Just go home and report this to your parents. The school should do something about this. Goodbye.
Tatsui: Good bye...
Tatsui is a bit saddened, but he gently waves goodbye to Mirosuke as he walks away as if nothing happened.
===Present Time===
Sign Language conversation continues
Tatsui: Ah I remember that. It was the first time I actually met you.
I still can't thank you enough for saving me from getting bullied.
Mirosuke: Ah, I just happen to pass by that time. You could have ended up getting beat up if I did not return those books. There's no need to thank me.
Tatsui: But do you remember the day after that?
Tatsui oozes with a grin
Mirosuke: Yeah, you started to become an annoying fly following me around. You would always pull my sleeves gently just to get my attention and greet me. I kept insisting you to leave me alone, but you did not give up there.
Tatsui: Annoying fly???
He was offended, but with a humor along with it.
Mirosuke: But then...
He briefly looks at his mocha drink
You did save me in return. One day, you found me on the rooftop, at the edge of the railings. And you knew I was gonna drop off from the rooftop. Then you somehow dashed in and pulled me back before i could fall.
I was surprised, but thank you. You saved me when I was at deeply depressed.
===Flashback===
Tatsui pulls Mirosuke back with every ounce of strength he had. Then tried his best to write on a pen and paper to persuade Mirosuke.
Mirosuke: Hey! What the hell is your deal with me?! Let me be!
Tatsui writes on the paper:
Tatsui: I don't know what is making you go this far, but stop! There are people who care for you! Please don't let them mourn for you!(edited)
Mirosuke:(Ugh...I lost the motivation to kill myself.)
Tatsui begins to cry while desperatelt writing on the paper.
Tatsui: I'm not giving up on trying to become your friend. I would be lonely if you kill yourself. You're the only one who has ever reached out to me, aside from my family.
Mirosuke looks at the paper, for the first time in his life, he has finally experienced guilt. He then pats Tatsui's head and writes on the paper:
Mirosuke: Thank you...so much...
===Present Time===
(Sign Language Conversation)
Tatsui: Ah, now that you mentioned about it; why were you driven to suicide back then? It was unlike you to give up on life. You had this charisma that anyone would respect if you showed off a good performance.
Mirosuke: Well...family issues, that's all. Probably couldn't bear with the problems back at home. I don't remember the details because I decided to move on from that. (I lied)
===Flashback===
2 and a half years ago...
Mirosuke comes home from high school. By the front door he sees Ryouki Mizuki, his father, talking to a man in black suit. He sees with his keen vision from the front gate of his house, some sort of document folder being given to Ryouki. Then suddenly he overheard a snippet of their conversation as he was stepping down the path, approaching the door.
Agent: These documents are updated. Be sure to record them and dispose of it. And don't forget, the program has already begun, your son would most likely be a the top candidate, so be prepared.
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Ryouki: Ah yes, thank you informing me.
Agent: Mhm?
He notices behind, Mirosuke is approaching the door.
Agent: Well then, good bye Mr. Mizuki. I will comeback in a later date.
He walks down the stone path, passing by Mirosuke.
Ryouki: Hmm...the program huh?― Oh Miro-chan, welcome home my boy. How's school?
Mirosuke: Same as usual.
Ryouki: You're exhausted? Did something happened?(edited)
Mirosuke: Nothing, just getting surrounded by a crowd in school, as usual. I'll be staying in my room.
Ryouki: Oh, well then, be sure to come down for dinner, later.(edited)
Mirosuke just waves his hand once in response, while his back is facing his father as he climbs up the stairs.(edited)
Mirosuke then simply lies down looking at the ceiling.
Mirosuke: (Ugh, Tatsui is persistent in getting my attention, despite of being deaf. He just adds up to the bystanders trying to get close to me.)
(Aside from high school, something was suspicious with that man in black suit. I'm aware of father being in the government, especially his work for the Intelligence Department. But they wouldn't just pass down information on such a risky place, outside. I'm curious what this "program" has to do with me. Perhaps it's about the financial support of the government for our household? Meh, I'll just break in to father's office later.)
A few hours passes by, it was already 8:00 PM, dinner time. Mirosuke and Ryouki are sitting across each other in a large rectangular table, with very intricate glass design.
Ryouki: clears throat Eherm, so Miro-chan, how's your day?
Mirosuke: Same as usual, nothing new. continues eating with a bored face
Ryouki shows his worries for Mirosuke.
Ryouki: Well then, are you getting along with your classmates at school.
Mirosuke: It's a pain in the neck to do so. Besides, there's no problem with my academic and non-academic grades, I'm doing fine without a group of friends.
Don't worry about me.
Ryouki shows a disappointed face, but it was subtly gentle.
Ryouki: Now, now Mirosuke. Life isn't all about achievements and maintaining standards. You have to have some friends too, you know. Living alone isn't pleasant at all, no friends watching your back or you watching theirs. A bond of friendship is important to have to learn new things.
Mirosuke: Yeah, I'll eventually get one. (What a drag, don't meddle with my social life.)
He averts his eyes away from his father for a brief moment
Ryouki: Miro-chan, you always avert your eyes when you have deeper thoughts behind your words. BE honest with me. Is there a problem?
Mirosuke: I would have told you as soon as possible if I did have one, remember?
Ryouki: sigh (Difficult to talk to, as usual.)
Time passes, dinner time is over. Ryouki eventually prepares to sleep and goes to his room, while Mirosuke is secretly awake in his bedroom waiting for the sound of his father's bedroom to make a sound.
As Mirosuke heard the door close, he eventually prepares to get out of his room and stealthily head to his father's office room.
Mirosuke: (If I were father, were would I hide my newly received documents?)
He searches the front drawers of Ryouki's work table. Normally, he would see Ryouki keeping his newly received papers in the front drawers.
Mirosuke: (Hmm, if it's not here, that means it must be a confidential document. Well then, there's only one place to look for.)(edited)
Mirosuke approaches the hidden vault behind the large family painting, displaying Mirosuke and Ryouki.
Mirosuke: (If I were father, how would I secure this vault with a password, since he changes it every now and then...? Ah he is a worrywart father, so I believe he would involve my information in making a code. My birthday perhaps?)
Types in the 6 digit code lock: 113017
The Vault opens easily, presenting a gallery of documents, including the one that was just received today
Mirosuke: (Why are you so simple to read? disappointed I expected to have a hard time with this.)(edited)
Mirosuke: (Well then, since they're conveniently arranged by date, let's find the latest.)(edited)
Mirosuke was very much use to peeking into his father's files, out of curiosity, finding out government activities mostly concerning politics and average terrorism, for self-amusement. As he searches for the latest folder, something unusual was imprinted in the documents. This was nothing like the previous confidential files that Mirosuke has been cracking in for.
File Content: [Front Page] CONFIDENTIAL Addressed to Ryouki Mizuki. By the United Nations Supernatural Department
[First Page] PROJECT: CHRONOS REGISTRATION Test Subject: Mirosuke Kushiro(.10) Birth Date: .11/.30/.17 Height: .155.70 cm Weight: .92.01 lbs CURRENTLY: Age: .18 Height: .181 cm Weight: .163.15 lbs GUARDIAN: Biological Father: [CLASSIFIED] Biological Mother: [CLASSIFIED] Foster Father: Ryouki Mizuki Foster Mother: [NOT REGISTERED]
[Second Page] Objectives: -To activate the Heart Core as soon as possible. - Automatic recruitment of the Test Subject_Mirosuke Kushiro by the age of .18 to the special military program.
[Third Page] MILITARY PROGRAM: OCCULT DIVISION of the UNSD (United Nations Supernatural Department) To Mr. Mizuki, Your son, Mirosuke Mizuki, is to be recruited, by the age of .18, to the OCCULT DIVISION. Which consist of members with supernatural abilities. He, therefor shall be under the Japanese Branch, without any objections. Resistance or refusal to this invitation shall be deemed as neglecting confidential obligations. By Gen. Apollo Ignis,
Mirosuke dropped the folder and was in shocked. This was not an ordinary report of terrorist activities or military operations under normal circumstances, not anything like that. This involves the supernatural. But that wasn't the fact that Mirosuke was shocked about, it was something more personal.
Mirosuke: This can't be.....
He drops to his knees on the floor with a shocked face
Father is not my real parent?! My life was a lie?! Does this explain why I have amnesia?!? He never told me once that I was adopted, nor brought up the subject. Has he been dodging the topic and keeping it a secret from me? Was this all under the government's manipulation?! I'm a damn test subject for some shady experiment?? I'd rather die than be a part of something so dark! (I had enough of this simulated life.)
Mirosuke feels miserable about knowing this file. And so he returns everything back to their original places as if nothing happened. And proceeds to attempt suicide by the next day, which was prevented by Tatsui.(edited)
===Present Time=== (Sign Language Conversation. Still at the cafe near the Tokyo Train Station)
Tatsui: Was it really just a family issue? For someone who's well composed, I don't think you would describe your problem as vague as that.
Mirosuke: Well...I can't really remember. (I lied)
Tatsui: Mhm...fine, for now I'll let it go. Besides, here we are today looking forward to our career paths. I'm glad you're here. gleefully smiles with a gentle tone to his face
Mirosuke: smiles back in a subtle way The sun is setting, let's go home, Tatsui-san. gets his bag and prepares to leave
Tatsui: (Ok...)
Mirosuke and Tatsui gets up and leaves the cafe. They walk casually to the station and part ways since they live different places.
Tatsui waves back in a gleeful way, as usual. While Mirosuke just gives a gentle wave in return.(edited)
While Mirosuke was on his way home to his condo unit in Shibuya, walking with his presence minimalized to the point that no one can notice so easily. Something alerts Mirosuke's guard.
Mirosuke: (Something doesn't feel right. Let me try to confirm that.)
Mirosuke suspects that he is being tailed, so he decides to provoke them by walking down a dark alley in the direction to his condo. To confirm it himself, he intends to confront this suspected presence.
He senses movement from a far. His long training of martial arts(which was simply is leisure to spend time) allows him to be self-aware in a lot of situations, especially in scenarios like this.
Mirosuke: strokes his hair-puts up an uninterested face out of habit (Hay...looks like there's someone tailing me. Two? No...four perhaps. They are pretty much hiding their presence pretty well from the average joe.)(edited)
Mirosuke decides to stand at the end of the alley with his back facing the people tailing him in stealth.
He expects an something to happen, like an attack, judging from where he stands.
The people tailing him suspects why he has stopped. So they decided to stop from there and leave range of awareness.
Mirosuke: (They left eh? It looks like they know what they're doing. If they are aware that I expected them, they could be assassins.) (I've read assassination cases in the records hidden in my father's vault. Therefor, I would not be surprised if a person like me were to be targeted because of my father's position in the government.)(edited)
Mirosuke: (I'm very sure that this isn't over. I'll have to be careful tomorrow and not get Tatsui involved in this.) (Maybe I'll fight them head on tomorrow, although I need a weapon. And it would be risky if they had firearms. Jeez, I wish I had those so called "supernatural" abilities that are written in the record of those files. Perhaps the ability I only have is amplified intelligence and awareness, well that sucks against combat in some ways.)
With the suspicious presence gone, Mirosuke proceeds to head home, with an unusual case of adding a lock to his window and covering it with hard blinds. He's very much alert for any possible assassination. And rigs any entrance way with tin wires to create subtle sounds that can only be heard near the bed, possibly a low drop of a coin. He can wake up from such a weak sound due to his physical discipline. So here on, he sleeps, looking like nothing has happened. Then it suddenly rains as he sleeps.
End of Chapter 1