It was the morning after the meeting and I had everything I'd need packed up. Toki had come to explain that they'd return and formally join the Future Foundation once we completed our goal, so I decided to leave Akio's books. They would be safe here.

Everything was in the backpack I was wearing. After everything, I couldn't help but feel happy. I had almost lost hope of that a while ago, as I was all alone for so long, but now I had people I could rely on. It felt nice that I would be able to help.

I knew I was earlier than I needed to be, but I opened my door to head to where we were meeting. I took one last look back at my skateboard, wondering if I should really leave it. It helped me get around when I was alone, but now I was in a group, so it would just get in the way. I shook my head, leaving and closing the door behind me.

As soon as I was out, I overheard voices coming from nearby. Curious, I walked towards them, peeking around a corner to see Ryuji and Satchiko exchanging a tight embrace.

"I missed you... s-so much..." Satchiko said, her eyes watering. "Y-you're okay... right?"

Ryuji nodded, pulling away. I noticed tears running down his cheeks. "They wouldn't let me see you! I thought something really bad happened!" He whined.

Satchiko looked away from him, staring at the ground. "S-something bad... did happen, b-but, that's not important... Ryuji... do you know where Yukiko is?"

Ryuji slowly shook his head. "W-we were together with mom and dad, but... we all got separated and I found Hoshiko-san."

"We'll find her." Satchiko stated. "I-I'm gonna make sure she's safe too..."

Ryuji nodded. "Yeah! Yuki's so smart though, she'll be okay!" He replied before pausing for a moment. "But, Satchi... What happened to your face?" Ryuji asked, pointing to Satchiko's scar.

The strawberry blonde's eyes widened, and it seemed like she was gasping for air. "No no no no..." She mumbled, gripping her hair and shaking her head. Ryuji took a step back, looking shocked at her reaction.

Satchiko closed her eyes, taking in deep breaths. "I-I'm okay... he's not here, he's far away, he's not here...." Finally, she looked back at her brother. "I-I'm sorry Ryuji... I'll... I'll tell you someday."

"O-okay..." Ryuji replied quietly, still seeming surprised.

Satchiko paused for a moment before speaking again. "Ryuji... I'm going to l-leave now, a-and I want you to stay here. It'll be safer than where I'm going, and I'll come back for you."

"What..?" Ryuji sniffed, "B-but, you were gone so long, and you're gonna leave again?"

Satchiko pulled him into another hug. "I'm sorry, I-I can't tell you why, but this is really important... stay here with Aimi, okay?"

"You promise to come back?" Ryuji muttered, gazing up at his sister.

Satchiko nodded. "I promise."

"Pinky promise?" Ryuji asked.

Satchiko lifted her pinky, intertwining it with the child's. "I pinky promise I'll come back."

"O-okay... I'll miss you." Ryuji gave her a small, sad smile.

I felt my heart melt at their conversation, but I couldn't help but feel jealous. I gripped the locket around my neck, shaking my head. C'mon Akira, you can't change the past, get ahold of yourself!

Not wanting to be caught eavesdropping, I quickly headed towards the meeting place.

~*~

Our small group was gathered near the front doors of the building, all prepared to head out. It'd be a lie to say I wasn't terrified, going back out into a world run by despair, but I was also kind of excited.

Aimi stood with the group, handing out hacking guns to everyone. "Since you're all on your own, you should be able to defend yourselves." She paused, stepping back once we all had our weapons. "Good luck... all of you. I hope you find what you're looking for."

"Thanks, Aimi-chan..." Kazuki replied with a small smile. "We'll come back safe."

"You better." Aimi responded.

I suddenly felt a tap on my shoulder, and turned around to see Tomi was standing behind me. When did he get there?!

"Heya Kira, were you gonna leave without saying goodbye?" Tomi pouted. "Well, doesn't really matter, you don't have to now! I'm comin' with you!"

"No you're not." Aimi asserted, "You're part of the future foundation so you have to listen to the higher-ups."

"What if they gave me permission?" Tomi replied with a smirk.

Aimi shook her head. "I don't believe that...."

"Hey, even if I wasn't in the killing game, I was still part of the 79th class! I know the guy they're looking for!" Tomi said with pleading eyes. "And I was the ultimate escape artist too! I'll help a lot."

"He's already packed to go..." I muttered, noticing the backpack slung over Tomi's shoulder.

The white haired boy smiled at me. "You'd miss me if I stayed, wouldn't you?"

I shrugged, feeling heat rise to my face. "M-maybe a bit...."

"Whatever, just go. If you get in trouble for this it's not my fault." Aimi said dismissively. "Be safe out there, all of you."

"Thanks Hoshiko-chan!" Mai responded. "We'll be fine!"

We then left the building, heading out into the despair filled world, knowing that I'd need it I gripped the hacking gun tight.

~*~

We were traveling for almost an hour with only minor problems. I had been able to try out the hacking gun, and it was relatively easy to use. We were now in a neighbourhood of townhouses, looking for a safe place to spend the night.

"I think I hear something..." Katashi said, and we all came to a stop.

Toki gave him an disbelieving look when they heard nothing more. "You're sure?"

Katashi nodded. "Yeah, I know I heard it..."

Suddenly, I could clearly hear a girl's scream from not too far away.

"Help me! Somebody! Help!"