In a standard hospital room all is silent. Kazuke sits in a chair near the bed now in regular clothes. A rare sight. Mike lies on the bed in bandages. His destroyed jacket hung up on a hook in the corner. Kazuke twiddles his fingers looking around the room. He looks up as Mike's eyes begin to waver. He wakes slowly, not speaking but just glaring at the bright ceiling lights. He turns as he comes to.
"Kazuke, what are you doing here? Wait. What happened to Vargas?"
"Don't get excited, I just happened to be the one here when you woke up. As for him he's not a threat right now. Don't worry about it."
"Cold as ever, what do you mean?"
"Your injuries were the worst out of everyone, so you are the only one we are waiting on. Reyna, Nathan, Hinako, and Leon, well everyone has been taking turns waiting to see when you wake up."
"Glad they care, but my injuries couldn't be the worst. Brian has to have me beat there."
"Yeah, right."
"Speaking of which, how is he doing?"
"I'll wait until everyone gets here to talk about anything major. Doctor says we shouldn't stress you out. You suffered a lot of damage to your head. The only thing I know for sure is that Hikari has been asking about you. He wants to talk. He spoke with the rest of us already. I'm sure he'll be dying to get to you since I know he was worried about getting out of here quickly. Piers also mentioned something about the Mayor as well but that's not for awhile.``
"Hikari? They sent a Hikari?"
"Yeah, you must have already been out."
"You said Vargas isn't a threat now? What happened? Did that Hikari teach him a
Lesson?"
"No, it was actually Reyna who ended up landing the finishing blow. It was pretty damn amazing. Suppose you had to be conscious though." Kazuke says with a smirk. "Anyway, I should let them know you're awake." Kazuke stands on his feet and goes to leave. As he opens the door he bumps into Hando.
"My apologies young man, I was just coming to check in. I have to leave by 3 today so I wanted to get one last chance to visit with young Tozuki." Hando says this while looking past Kazuke. His eyes widen and he smiles as he notices Mike is upright.
"I have been waiting to speak to you young man. I wanted to thank you for filling in as the public guardian while I was absent."
Mike looks at him thinking to himself. "Hando the Flaming Sword of the Hikari. One of the stronger members. It's almost like I'm still asleep. Unreal to see him walking into my hospital."
"I am Hando-"
"I know who you are. You are somebody I have researched well. Viewed as one of the most noble members of the Hikari. You are somebody I have great respect for."
"Well I am blessed to hear that. I came to apologize."
"No need, I stepped in because it was the right thing to do. You can't be everywhere I know that. Those who have the power to fight must be a pillar for those who can't. Remember?"
"That sounds like something out of my book, young man. I must say, you are well spoken."
"It likely is something out of your book, while I'm not much of a reader, my master was a large follower of your studies and combat ability."
"Your master? I'd love to meet him too then. Only the finest of men could raise a group so brave."
Mike pauses. "Unfortunately that can't happen, he was killed not too long ago. By that guy we were fighting at the city hall."
"Unfortunate indeed. Well, rest assured. I don't believe that man will be hurting anyone anytime soon. A shame we couldn't capture him."
Mike's face turns angry in an instant. "Wait, he got away? I thought Kazuke said ``finishing blow?"
"Calm down young Tozuki. The man was blown away. Limbs missing, flesh burned. He is unlikely to be able to fight if he does not perish from his wounds. Rest assured your battle did not go unrewarded."
"I have a question. You want to apologize right? I know this isn't your fault so please answer honestly. Why did it take you guys so long to investigate this area? The masked man and crime in general have been running rampant for a while now."
Hando thinks and refrains. He lets out a soft sigh and puts his hands on his knees. "The answer I want to give is that there are only so many Hikari to go around which is true. The reality is that it seems they only cared enough to send one of us when someone they viewed as important was in danger. It isn't something I agree with but it is something I feel to be true."
"Yeah it is true. It's one of the reasons i hate organized hero work, and choose to remain independent."
"Not a choice that goes without understanding. It's a shame the public likely feels differently about that choice. I simply chose this path because it allows me to reach more people. Resources, information. While not perfect consider it." Before Hando can continue his phone begins to ring. He picks up and listens. After a moment of a voice on the other line. He responds. "I understand sir, i will return at once." He hangs up and stands quickly. "Command, I have to leave. I'm glad we got to speak, if only for a moment. Here take this." Hando slides a piece of paper onto the nightstand. "My personal phone. In the future I would like to speak again. Keep your head up, don't waver, and take care young Tozuki." He says running out of the room.
Mike sits and lays back against the wall. He sits for what feels like an hour and the door opens again. This time, Reyna, Hinako, Nathan all walk in. Nathan leans up against the wall and Reyna stands. Hinako runs forward and stops before the bed.
"You're awake! Good! Here, take this!" She says loud and cheerfully holding out a basket. Mike reaches forward and takes it. "Go on, open it." She says. Mike opens the basket and pulls out some apples.
"Apples?" He asks.
"Yeah! The doctor said nothing heavy but I know you like apples."
"Yeah I do, thank you guys. This is great," said Mike.
"You look terrible. Those injuries look painful," said Nathan.
"Nathan, I'm glad you are okay. Why would you run off on your own like that?" Mike questioned him.
"Don't worry about that now. It was a foolish mistake, but I'm ok," said Nathan.
"Look, I'm just glad you are awake. Not that I had any doubts you would pull through you are too much of a pest to die that easily," said Reyna.
"You and Kazuke practice this? It's like your twins," said Mike.
"Reyna, don't be so mean!" said Hinako.
"I'm sorry, I'll be nice," said Reyna smiling at Hinako.
Nathan steps forward putting his hand on the bed rail. "It's about time we tell him what happened. This is going to have to come out at some point so might as well be now. Right Reyna?" Asked Nathan.
"Well, I suppose there is no good time," she said bashfully.
"What are you guys talking about?" said Mike.
"Well, Vargas escaped. I'm guessing you heard that part. However, the other reality is that." Nathan pauses for a moment and gathers himself. "Brian died on the way to the hospital."
The four stayed quiet until Mike spoke up first. "Yeah, I had a feeling. The way everyone was beating around the bush. However, hearing it really puts it into perspective."
"I'm sorry Mike, I know he was your friend at one point," said Reyna.
"He knew what he was signing up for. He wouldn't want us to all be sitting here grieving him. Brian may have given off a cocky vibe but at his core he had a strong sense of justice. Even if it was corrupted a bit at some point, So let's not dishonor him by letting it stop us."
"You don't need to be cool right now bro, it's ok to be upset."
"Trust me, I'm upset. I know he's gone and that sucks. However, that does not change what we need to do. To honor him. We need to confirm Vargas really is captured, we need to make that a reality."
"I agree. We will finish that masked man. So nobody else can die," Reyna said.
"Doctor said you can't leave until tomorrow. So we will come back in the morning to help you out. Leon is also trying to do some sort of group outing as a team builder, whatever that means. So, maybe sleep this off and we will be back."
Nathan leaves the room and starts walking down the hallway.
"I'll actually be in the waiting room I'm not gonna go home. So if you need any help tell the nurse to come get me!" Hinako said as she exited the room. Leaving Reyna standing there awkwardly.
"Haven't seen you in street clothes in awhile." Mike said.
"Well, yeah. Don't get used to it or anything."
"Any reason you're hanging around?"
She stares out the window puffing her cheeks. She pulls her hand from behind her back revealing a gift bag. She holds it in Mike's direction and says nothing.
"What is this?" He asks.
She stays silent.
"You really are bad at this communication thing, Reyna." He grabs the bag and looks inside. He pulls it up and spreads the gift out. Another gray jacket. Brand new tags still on it.
"Nathan told me which one you had. Yours got destroyed, so it seemed like a good idea." She says choking over words.
"Thanks Reyna, really. This is great. You didn't have to get me anything though."
"Consider it a thank you for all you did in the fight against Vargas. His infatuation with you allowed me to pull off what I did."
"All I did was almost get myself killed." Mike says thinking back to the moment of impact.
"Yeah, maybe." She says turning to leave. "But I thought it was pretty cool regardless." She walks out, closing the door behind her.
Mike looks at the jacket loading it back into the bag. He puts it on the nightstand and slides back into bed. He thinks to himself while falling asleep. "Brian. I won't allow this to go to waste. I won't." Mike bites his lip hard and rolls over. He falls asleep softly.
*******
Mike awakens in a dark room. He rolls over to check the clock. It reads ten. The darkness outside allows little light into the room.
"I wonder if Hinako is still here. I should let her know she's good to go home. I wouldn't want her getting in trouble with her parents."
Mike slaps the red button on the bed to call a nurse. After a minute or two, an older woman walks in. She speaks softly but attentively. "Did you need something sir?"
"Hey, no sorry to bother you. I know that I'm not due out until tomorrow because the doctor had one more test to run but I was wondering if it would be okay if I head to the guest room? I have a worried guest I wanna check on."
"I don't see why not, I'll approve it but be careful. While you can walk your body is still recovering. Keep your abdomen loose and don't apply much pressure on your muscles."
"I'll be careful. Thank you ma'am."
The nurse exits the room and Mike does too. He heads down the hall. A sign reads, "Left to the food court, right to rooms 300–400, straight to guest services and main hall.""Mike proceeds to go forward but out of the corner of his eye notices a child sitting outside a room to the right. He doesn't look back until a double take brings him back. It's the boy from the street who wanted an autograph. Mike shuffles his way over and the boy looks down. Not noticing him. He taps the kid's shoulder and he looks up. The kid looks confused.
"Tozuki? What are you doing here?"
"I'm a bit banged up from that fight at City Hall. Had to get admitted. What about you?"
"The city hall battle? That was you?"
"Yeah it was me. I got my ass kicked can't you tell?" He says laughing.
"I know they said the villain was powerful. He must have been if he beat you that badly. I'm here because my grandpa had to come back. He comes here a lot. My parents are inside the room right now and I'm just waiting to head home."
"Your grandpa huh? That's tough, I'm sorry to hear that."
"Thank you. Mom and dad said he's gonna be fine but he's been here so often I'm not sure if I believe them."
"I bet he will be. Wait. I just realized I never got your name. What is it?"
"Reiko My name's Reiko but my friends call me Reek because they think it's funny."
"Reiko. I'll remember that. As for your grandpa, keep your head up. Be strong and be there for him."
"How can I do that? I don't have any power, it's not like I can fix him."
Mike bites his cheek. "Wrong."
"Wrong how? I don't have any magic. I'm not like you."
"You don't need magic to be powerful. Trust me. I know a guy who can't use magic to save his life and he's strong as heck. I have a few friends like that actually, But my point is that you have power. You can be there for your grandpa. Stand tall and be strong when others would waver. Be a pillar for him. I bet he is happy to know you are here caring about him and that will help him push through."
"You think so?"
"I know so. I bet he's fighting because of you and your parents. He won't forget that. I'll tell you what kid." Mike holds his hand out. "You got a phone?"
"Yeah I do, Why?" He says holding it up.
Mike grabs it and begins to type. After a moment he hands it back. "When your grandpa gets out of here, text me. I'll get you that autograph you wanted and maybe when this is all over I can help you try to figure out magic."
The boy's eyes widen and he holds back as if he's upset. "Thank you. I'll do that. I should check on my grandpa now. I won't bother you anymore, you can go do what you were gonna do."
"Not bothering me. Take care Reiko"
He opens the door and walks into the room and Mike continues forward. As he turns to go to the guest room he is shocked. Hinako is standing no more than a foot around the corner. She goes to pretend as if she was surprised too. Mike raises an eyebrow.
"Eavesdropping?"
"No never. Just walking by." She says her face is tightening with dread.
"Lying doesn't suit your demeanor."
"Ok well I was passing by to go to your room and I saw you. Didn't wanna interrupt."
"It's fine I'm messing with you."
"You know that kid?"
"I've met him before during a crime stop. Guess his grandpa is sick here. Figured it couldn't hurt to hype him up a bit."
"You really do have to help everyone don't you?"
"You know I have a soft spot for kids. Why do you think I'm always letting you hang around?"
"Woah woah I am no kid and I help out!"
"Yes, no question. I'm just messing with you once again. I was actually just coming to look for you."
"Oh you were? Why's that"
"I was gonna let you know if you wanted to head home you can. I don't want you to think you gotta wait for me to wake up. I'll be ok."
"I know but it's fine."
"You do have to sleep sometimes, you know? You got classes and stuff to worry about."
"I know I would go home but-"
"But you don't want to be at home?"
"Well, no. Not exactly."
" It's about time we talk about that situation. I really want to get you out of there."
"I know but, it's just not time yet."
"I won't force you. Let's talk about it soon though. Now why were you coming to my room at this time anyway?"
"Well I was just worried. Something might happen and truth be told I thought to myself what if I healed him myself."
"You think I don't know you already used your power on me?"
"How could you know that? Who told you?"
"It hasn't been long and this chest wound healed far quicker than my body would normally allow. I'm not mad, I just want you to be careful. At this point using your power this heavily can really put you at risk. Until you have it under control, best stick to minor injuries."
She looks at him with a firm face. She punches him hard in the arm. As he winces with pain she holds her hand up and places it on his arm. A glow emits from her palm and radiates. "Like it or not. I am always going to be here to heal you. I will watch over you and make sure you don't go too far, I will get this power under control and someday, I'll make sure none of us will get hurt." She pulls away her hand and places it at her side. Before she can move again an embrace feels firm but warm. Mike squeezes her harder, and harder.
"Please keep that promise. Ok? I don't think I can handle losing anyone else."
She hugs him back and no words are said. After they pull away. An awkward tension is felt as they both laugh. Mike leans against the wall. "You know why don't you just stay here tonight? Keep an eye on me alright?"
"Will do. You have my word."
"When I'm out of here one more thing. I wanna start your combat training."
"You mean it?" She said enthusiastically.
"Yeah. We will start soon. Kazuke said he will help. By the time we are done you'll be able to hold your own."
"Sounds great. Can't wait. Now go to bed, you need to rest!"
"Sure thing. Night kid."
"Not a kid, but good night."
Mike goes back to his room and lies down. Hinako closes the door and leans up against the wall in the hall sliding down. She sits and lies her head down drifting off in the quiet wing.
****
In the morning Mike awakes to a doctor touching his arm lightly. He raises up quickly.
"Oh, doctor. Good to finally see you."
"Hello Mr. Tozuki. By any chance the girl drooling all over herself in the hall is she with you?"
"Oh yeah, she must have been waiting. She's fine."
"Ok good. We'll have some good news. You are cleared to leave. You have recovered at an absurd rate. I'm not gonna lie, it didn't seem natural. That said you aren't 100%, and you need to take it easy. With the damage to your body right now it's unlikely it can resist the strength of your magic so don't use it. Not for at least the next week. I prescribed you these painkillers and other than that you should be good to go."
"What about payment?"
"Well you don't have insurance, but the mayor of the district has forwarded payment for you. He said Don't worry about it."
"Amazing. So do I need to do anything special or am I good?"
"You are cleared just don't forget your bags, and as I said take those pills and don't use your power. You should be fine soon. That scar will stay though."
"Lucky me. Thanks doctor truly."
"Have a great day Tozuki. Don't forget your friend."
Mike slings his duffel bag over his shoulder and walks into the hall. Hinako sits drooling on herself sleeping. He kicks her leg and she springs awake.
"I'm up, I'm up." She says.
"Time to go kid." Says Mike
He reaches down and she grabs his hand. He pulls her to her feet and they head out. Leaving the dreary hospital behind.
****
Months later in the cold of November, In the winter air a rooftop lies still on the dark skyline. An outline sits along the ledge, Mike sits with his legs hanging off the edge looking down. He lays back looking at the sky. Staring off into nothingness, head filled with nothing but clutter and white noise.
"What are you doing up here alone? It's freezing out."
Mike turns his head still lying down. Reyna floats a few feet away from the ledge of the building looking down and folding her arms. She floats forward and drops to the building. Walking a few steps before stopping.
Mike turns back to the sky and puts his hands behind his head to support himself. "I come up here from time to time when I wanna be alone. Been doing it for a while. How did you find me?"
"Got word from Nathan, said you might be here."
"Fair enough, I guess the better question is what do you want?"
"I'm checking on you. You have been distant this last month. That's all."
"Yeah, you noticed that."
"Not gonna deny it, I'm surprised."
"What would be the point, You would just pry until I gave in. So I might as well just get it over with."
She walks over and stands near him. "Well, I wanna talk."
"Why does it seem like it's killing you to say these words? Its like your gritting on every sentence."
"Communication, not my strong suit."
"Fair."
She sits down next to him and he sits up looking down at the street. He says nothing as the cold breeze chills the air.
"You can talk to me, please talk to me."
"I know I can, and I know you want me to. The truth is I'm fine."
"Shut up."
"What?"
"I said shut up you moron! Shut the hell up!" Reyna yelled her face now welling with tears. She balls her fists and slams the ground. Mike looks at her confused.
"Why are you-"
"Why what? Why am I concerned? Why do people care? Why what? You think you're helping by locking yourself away up here but you aren't. You are making it worse for yourself and everyone that cares about you. You are so damn selfish it's not even funny."
"That's not what I'm trying to do, Reyna."
"I know it's not, I get what you are trying to do but you need to hear this like it or not."
"Fine, say it. Whatever you want to say, just say it!"
Reyna bites her lip and calms her nerves. "You can't do everything alone, you can't keep beating yourself into a corner to protect the rest of us."
Mike stays silent looking down.
"Why won't you tell me anything? Why are you leaving me in the dark?"
"Reyna."
"For once drop the wall and say what you feel. Put on the face for the others but tell me what's going on."
Before she can continue her hand is grabbed. Mike clutches it squeezing. She stops talking but just stares intently. No words come out but Mike looks down still straight towards the lit streets. He attempts to force words but all that comes is starting and stopping. Reyna squeezes his hand back and looks towards the street as well. Mike finally stretched out one phrase.
"I'm sorry for leaving you in the dark, but I'm not ready to talk yet. Please accept that and soon, I'll tell you everything."
She pauses for a moment and smiles through the sadness written on her mask. "I'll accept that. I realize I may have been selfish here too. Getting you to talk to me because I felt like you should wasn't right. You talk when you're ready to, this is a start."
They sit and watch the cars roll on. Nothing else is said, and a mutual silence passes as the cold of night rages on. The two specs on the skyline in a bubble of frozen time, unaware of the scale of the battle to come.