Siana: Hey kiddos, wake up, we'll be landing soon. If you've got any more questions, I suggest you ask them now.
The group all slowly awoke one by one, they stretched their rested bodies in the seats of the helicopter. Looking out the window all they could see was water for miles.
Takuro: Whoa! Where are we?
Siana: Right now we're over the Pacific Ocean. We're on the way to the island I live on.
Sakiko: Whoa! You live on an island?!
Siana: It's pretty nice if I'm being honest.
Seigan: Wait, we left Japan?! I don't have a passport!
Siana: Haha, that's alright, the island has special permissions, so you'll be fine.
Seigan: Really? This island sounds cool.
Takuro: Seigan look, I see dolphins down there!
Seigan: Lemme see!
Seigan zipped across the helicopter to press his face against the window next to Takuro.
Inezo: You said we'd be landing soon, how long is soon exactly?
Siana: Umm, I'm not a pilot but I'd say an hour give or take. This bird's faster than your standard helicopter.
Inezo: Hmmm, an hour isn't long enough for a good nap so I'll just wait.
Siana: Ahaha.
Akida: I have a question.
Siana: Shoot.
Akida: Your voice…It sounds kinda like one of the teachers from our school.
Everyone turned to look at Akida and Siana.
Siana: I figured one of you'd notice eventually. I was Ms.Kitsugiya.
Sakiko: You were our teacher the whole time?!
Siana: Whoa whoa whoa, not the whole time, just the day of the attack. The real Ms.Kitsugiya wasn't going to your school since it was an optional day; so I put on a disguise, forged a few forms of identification, and walked right in.
Seigan: That school has GOT to get better security…
Siana: I agree hahaha.
Akida: But why were you at the school? There's no chance you simply dressed as Ms.Kitsugiya and came to our school on a whim.
Siana: True. Honestly, we figured that you six might be targeted so they assigned me to keep an eye on the school. I had been watching over it for about a week waiting to see if there would be an attack.
Tamiko: Why exactly are we targets?
Siana: I promise I'll explain that later, if I say something now; you're not going to understand.
A chorus of raised eyebrows passed around.
Tamiko: What happened when you were "holding off" the owl man on the 2nd floor of the school?
Siana: I used that chance to put a tracker on him, didn't help much though.
Sakiko: So then, how'd you find us?
Siana: Oh, I also put one on Akida's back in the storage closet.
Akida: Where?!
Akida started searching herself all over trying to find the device.
Siana: Don't worry, I took it off you earlier.
Seigan: What was the deal with that red-haired dirtbag and the strings he made?
Siana's eyes widen and she leans forward in her chair.
Siana: Wait…Could you see the strings he made?!
Seigan: Not me, Inezo could.
Inezo: Only if I really focus though.
Siana: I see…
Siana: [Hmm…a natural affinity? That's rare.]
The small speaker on the ceiling of the helicopter buzzed and a loud beep came through, followed by the pilot's voice.
Pilot: Five minutes till touchdown. I repeat 5 minutes until touchdown
Siana: I gotta make sure he knows where to land, give me a moment.
Siana walked back into the front of the helicopter, now that she was gone the cabin of the helicopter was dead silent. The two groups realized that aside from their previous life-or-death scenario, they've never had a reason to talk to each other.
Sakiko: Hey Takuro, how many clubs are you in this year? I've heard you do a lot.
Takuro: Not that many this year. I'm starting to really focus on only Kendo, but I still help out clubs that need extra people though. How about you Sakiko, you in any clubs?
Sakiko: I'm in the drama club!
Takuro: Oh wow. You must be a pretty good actor.
Sakiko: I like to think so. I act like I like Akida all day.
Akida: Oh really? Headlock time.
Sakiko: Wait! It was just a joke!
Seigan: No acting required there.
Akida: You say something?
Seigan: Huh? I think you're losing it.
Akida: Nope I definitely heard something. Say it again—to my face this time!
Inezo and Tamiko sat in silence and watched the chaos unfold, they looked at each other and shared a nod. Agreeing that they don't need to get involved.
Takuro: WHOA! Guys look!
The commotion stopped and they all piled around Takuro to look out the window. Down below they see a sleepless city, massive skyscrapers, bustling streets, and flowing rivers.
Seigan: This place is insane, it puts Kaigaku to shame!
Inezo: It's not a small island either. The place has to have a population at the same level as Tokyo. Maybe even higher.
Akida: How've I never heard of this place? It should be all over the news.
Tamiko: I guess that's another question we have to ask Siana.
Sakiko: They seem to keep piling up huh?
The helicopter touched down in a grass patch and everyone stepped out. Siana talked to the pilot for a moment longer, then joined the group outside. She stepped out of the helicopter and waved as they took off. She turned to the group with a confident smile.
Siana: I'd like to welcome you all…to my humble abode.
The house was astonishing. Built in an older style with white stone walls, a sloping roof, and large windows that give a great view. The entrance had a stone walkway that met the wooden porch and a set of double doors.
Akida: You live here?!
Sakiko: This house is gorgeous! It's like something out of a fairy tale.
Siana: Aww, you flatter me.
Seigan: Are you the mayor or something?
Siana: No nothing like that. But I am kinda a big deal around here. *wink*
The inside of the house was just as elegant. High ceiling, chandeliers, and a fancy central staircase. However, opposed to the outside which smelled like the many flowers planted around the house, the inside smelled like dead air. The house obviously hadn't been disturbed for some time.
Siana: Sorry if it's messy, I've been gone for some time.
Inezo: It's not messy at all.
Takuro: You haven't even looked around…
Siana: You guys can find bedrooms upstairs. Let's say girls on the right, boys on the left. There's three rooms on each side, take your pick.
Takuro: If you're the only one who lives here, why so many rooms?
Siana: I had plans for all the space but…they didn't fall through, that's all.
Tamiko: Do you have a bath?
Siana: Oh yeah, I'll show you.
Sakiko: Great! I can't wait to be clean. Akida you're coming too right?
Akida: Sure, if that's ok with you two.
Sakiko: Of course it is. There's no point in making you wait.
Siana guided the girls down the hall. The boys took this opportunity to explore upstairs.
Seigan: Ok who gets what room?
Inezo: I want the one with the biggest bed.
Takuro: I imagine they're all the same, no?
Seigan: Why don't we just look at them? Then we can decide.
Takuro's assumption was correct, all three rooms had the same setups. A bed, a desk with an electronic clock, a chair, and a lamp in the corner but that was all. They all had closets, but the boys of course, didn't bring any clothes with them.
Inezo: I'll take either the first or last one, but Takuro you have to be in the middle.
Takuro: I don't mind, but why?
Inezo: Seigan's too loud, I won't be able to sleep.
Seigan: You sleep through everything. But fine, I'll take the first one and you can have the last one; that way you can get at least some exercise by walking down the hall.
Inezo: Whatever, we won't be here for long anyway.
They disbanded into their rooms to decompress. But even the comfort of the rooms couldn't stop their minds from wandering.
Akida finished washing off and joined the twins in the bath. Siana's bath was expansive, with multiple shower heads and numerous statues dispensing water.
Sakiko: What a lovely bath, it's nicer than anything I've ever seen before. Ms. Siana must have a lot of money.
Akida: I'm sure being a hitwoman definitely pays well.
Sakiko: How do you know she's a hitwoman?
Akida: Sakiko…She has a giant sniper and carries knives.
Sakiko: That doesn't immediately mean she's a hitwoman though.
Tamiko: Tell me then sister, what exactly is her occupation?
Sakiko: She could be a…a…ok let's put a pin in this one.
Akida: What'd you guys think about all this? You know, like everything at the school and the abandoned building.
Tamiko: At the bare minimum I'm glad we're alive.
Sakiko: Yeah me too, and as weird as it sounds I'm glad the boys got captured too. It definitely would've been worse if it was just us three.
Akida: I agree, Takuro is solid in a fight and Inezo could see that asshole's little strings.
Sakiko: What about Seigan?
Akida: What about him?
Sakiko: Haha, nothing good to say about him huh?
Akida: Not at the moment.
Tamiko: Akida, why do you two have such strong resentment towards each other?
Sakiko: Yeah! We've been friends for a while now, but I've never seen you act like that towards anyone else. Usually, you're only rude if they are. But it's different with Seigan.
Akida: It's nothing crazy, and really not worth the story.
Sakiko: I wanna hear it anyway!
Tamiko: Same here.
Akida: Ahh fine.
Akida let out a sigh and turned her focus to the ceiling.
Akida: Back when I was younger—
Siana slid the door open abruptly.
Akida: What happened to knocking?
Siana: It is my house you know…But for the record, I did knock but I know it's hard to hear with the water running.
Sakiko: It's all good, whatcha need?
Siana: I'm sorry to cut your bath short but the boys still have to get in. I also have to talk to you six about something important.
Akida: Can't it wait until tomorrow?
Siana: Sorry but no, it can't.
Siana's face had a seriousness to it that reminded them of when she saved them back in the abandoned building.
After the much-needed bath, Akida, Tamiko, and Sakiko made their way back up to their rooms. All they had to wear were robes that Siana left outside the bath.
The moment Akida opened her door, she stopped in her tracks.
Neatly folded clothes were placed on her bed.
In unison, the twins peeked their heads into her room.
Sakiko: Did you two also get random clothes?
Tamiko: Yeah, that's kinda weird.
Sakiko: Siana probably left them for us, how nice.
Akida: How does she know our sizes?
Sakiko: Maybe she took our measurements on the helicopter?
Akida & Tamiko: That's creepy…
Sakiko: What'd you guys get?
The twins piled into Akida's room holding their outfits.
Tamiko stepped forward unfolding her outfit on the lower half of the bed—a plain, long-sleeve black shirt and athletic shorts.
Tamiko: Well at least it's close to something I'd actually wear.
Sakiko was beaming, holding up an oversized t-shirt and a pair of silk pajama pants.
Sakiko: Oh, these are cute!
Akida grabbed hers, a matching pair of basic pink pajamas.
Akida: Okay, but why do mine look like a unicorn barfed it up? Hey Tamiko. Switch with me.
Tamiko eyed the pajamas then turned back to Akida with a cold stare.
Tamiko: No way.
A knock hit the door, followed by Siana's voice.
Siana: Hey, just wanted to let you know, those clothes are only temporary until we get something in your size. I just got general sizes.
Akida: But why the pink?!
Siana: Sorry, I just cobbled together three quick outfits. You can stay in the robe if you like.
Akida: …It's whatever, they're just clothes.
Siana: If it makes you feel any better, all the guys got the same thing. A white T-shirt and a pair of sweatpants.
Akida: [It doesn't.]
Siana: I'll come grab you guys when the boys are done.
The twins disbanded back to their rooms, while Seigan, Takuro, and Inezo finished bathing.
The three boys entered the bath and relaxed as the warm water soothed their muscles.
Seigan: Dude this bath is amazing, I've never seen anything like it.
Inezo: If only the beds were equally as nice.
Seigan: Did you lay on the bed?!
Inezo: No, but I can tell the caliber of it with a glance…
Seigan: There's something seriously wrong with you.
Takuro: Seigan, is your arm alright? I remember you fell off my shoulders earlier.
Seigan: Oh yeah I'm all good. Siana gave me this weird med kit techy thing earlier. I held it on my arm for a few minutes and it was good as new.
Takuro: Really? Just like that?
Seigan: I know right? I was shocked too but hey, I'm not complaining.
Inezo: Guys remember Siana has something to tell us so let's hurry and get out.
Seigan & Takuro: [You're just trying to go to bed faster]
Seigan and Takuro followed after Inezo and left the bath, the three of them sat in the living room while Siana gathered the girls.
Takuro: Aww, I just remembered I have to take that test when we get back.
Inezo: Don't worry it wasn't hard, it's just a lot of questions. It covers everything we've done for the past three weeks.
Seigan: Don't even stress Takuro.
Takuro: Didn't you say it was incredibly difficult?
Seigan: Oh it was, but you're forgetting something…the school is damaged so we won't be back for a while.
Inezo: Wait… Are you saying what I think you're saying?!
Seigan: I am!
Seigan & Inezo: No school!
Siana walked in followed by the girls, the three of them sat down on the assorted chairs and couches, Siana took a seat facing them, her usually steady demeanor wavering.
Siana: Alright, I need you guys to listen to me. This is going to be hard to hear, but I need you to stay calm ok?
Seigan: After all we've been through in the last 24 hours, I doubt you can say anything that'll really shock us.
Siana: Just listen…As I was rescuing you guys, I got some news. The people that the red-haired guy works for, pulled the rug out from under us.
The group all shared looks of confusion.
Siana: Capturing you wasn't the full extent of their plan. As of right now, the current status of you six is…deceased.
The words hit like a freight train. Silence followed, only broken by someone shifting in their seat.
Seigan: You're saying we're dead?!
Siana let out a sigh and dragged a hand through her hair.
Siana: News reports, left behind belongings, unrecognizable bodies. They did it all perfectly. Honestly, a few of you even have funerals coming up soon.
Akida scoffed, crossing her arms tightly.
Takuro balled his fists on his knees.
Tamiko's gaze fell to the floor, while Sakiko's eyes widened and filled with tears.
Inezo let out a slow breath, holding his head in his hands.
Takuro: So…we're just gone? Like we never existed in the first place?
Siana's expression slightly softened. She stepped forward, taking a knee in front of Sakiko.
Siana: Look…It's true they think you're gone, but you all know that's not true.
She pressed her fist to Sakiko's chest.
Siana: This heartbeat I feel beating so rapidly is proof alone that you're alive; and being alive means you still have the power to choose. That means it's up to you to decide what you want to do. No pressure from school or your parents. Just the six of you and a choice.
She took a deep breath, letting her words sink in.
Siana: You guys can stay here and live as close to a normal life as possible, we have schools here that you can enroll in. Or you can take matters into your own hands and fight. Even if your only motivation is revenge. But listen, you don't have to fight, you truly don't. But if you want to…then Xodur's hold. No…I will support you.
The room was silent. Siana's words echoed, heavy and sharp. Seigan stared at the floor, jaw clenched. Akida's sharp comeback disappeared before she could even move her lips. Takuro leaned back and stared at the ceiling, Tamiko's fingers gripped the edge of her seat, Sakiko grabbed her other hand; she blinked rapidly to push back the tears, her usual cheer nonexistent. Inezo let out a short breath.
Siana: I know this isn't an easy choice and I don't need an answer right now.
She turned, walking towards the door, her voice lingered in the room.
Siana: I have something to do tomorrow so I won't be back till the afternoon. Think about an answer, you're not the same people you were yesterday. And your world isn't the same either.
She left, the door clicked softly behind her. The six sat in the silent room, each lost in their own storm of thoughts. One by one they slowly retired to their rooms, not saying a single word to each other.
They were all thinking different things. However, one thing was the same. When they laid down and their heads hit their pillows…no sleep followed.