Recap: Busy days are ahead of you with the internships coming upon you, but you need to finish up some loose ends before you can head out of U.A for your studies. With some encouraging (?) words with Bakugo and heartfelt conversations with Todoroki, to a surprise Shinso's mentorship with Aizawa who's dragging you along for the ride, deciding for your upcoming hero internship with Midoriya in the USJ, meeting the mysterious Pokemon that you'll need to discuss with your boss, and an argument against an emotional Iida set on his sights on the Hero Killer: Stain, you have a big storm ahead of you! But with all this rounded off, you decided it was time you faced a history in the past you buried for you and only you, going to the Shie Hassaikai to meet your bedridden father and find out what's just going on out of your sights.

❧❧❧

In that slightly lit room, you found yourself stepping in faced with the warm summer breeze wafting through the open window. The room felt empty like no one had entered for a while-desolate to the outside world. Yet that was a lie, as your eyes fixed against the man under the bed cover in the middle of the quaint room.

You reached a handout to shut the door quietly, sliding the tatami door in hopes of being especially quiet for the occupant, yet there was no sound from said man. For most, you find yourself reeling in the room, noticing the unclutter of the room, practically lacking any furniture besides the bed and the beeping of the heart monitor. Other than the infusion bottles hung by the bedside, and the few Hospital necessaries, there was almost nothing. So bare. And so very quiet.

With your eyes trained on the lonesome figure, your legs did the work for you. You took slow steps towards the bed, stepping to the side to slowly come face to your father. His aging, tired face that you had not seen in a while made your inside swirl unease. Your father had always looked old, but he especially looked worn down. He looked pale, like a man who had not seen the sun in years. He looked skinnier too, the tired lines of his face showing the body's endurance to stay...breathing.

During that small period, you simply stood by the bedside, almost against coming any closer than this distance. Perhaps you shouldn't threshold that invisible line. Watching the way his chest rose with shaky breaths, a nose cannula attached to his nose as he struggled in the realm of unconsciousness.

You wondered if it felt too hot, or would he prefer being stuffed under the blanket in this warm air? The room's only light was that open window, showing out the greenery of the place's garden, the tranquility of nature swishing and moving just a step away from this silent, cold, unmoving room.

There was a tiny twitch of his fingers, his left arm dragged out of the blanket, and that's when you slowly moved. You carefully sat by his bedside, reaching a hand to his cold hand, stiff and unmoving. An uneasy crawl flitted at your being, as you quietly moved to snuggle him closer to the blanket, gently draping the material just below his chin, as you moved to grasp his hand lightly once more.

It was still. In your imagination, you saw him twitch at your touch. But alas, it was a trick of your mind. He didn't wake. He didn't move.

Ever since you found out of his illness through Kurono, the man that had been following you at times, you wondered...what would your father say if you had visited him just a little sooner? Would he look at you the same way he did when you were young, that same...love that he could not quite show? You tightened your grip a bit, by perhaps by some god that he would arise.

But most of your thoughts always dwelled on this; What would you say to him?

Silence fell, as you let the sound of the beeping monitors and machinery waft the room.

In this quiet solitude, you were struck a little by the sudden chime entering your eardrums, the sound so lighthearted compared to the dreading machinery. As a gust of wind blew in, lightly ambling the room in cool air, the sound came again, like the tinkering sound of a bell, slowly being rung.

You raised your (eye-color) eyes to gaze at the window, catching sight of something with a dash of red. You were surprised you didn't notice it earlier, your eyes locked onto an object hung on the windowsill, flowing along with the dance of the wind. It was a wind chime. A cutesy white dashed with light red swinging by the force of the light wind blowing on it, as it tittered like a lighthearted bell of a tiny laugh.

You walked a little closer, musing its appearance, the colors reminding you of the swirling mixture of the koi fish, so vibrant and unique it was hard to miss. It was beautiful. Your eyes raised to eye it properly as you made it to the sill, looking at the rounded part of this chime. You tilted your head, the corners of your lips raising as you let out a soft sigh.

"...Have you been companying him, or did you just get stuck...?"

You huffed a breath of laughter, watching as the rounded chime turned along with the wind, your eyes meeting cute blinking eyes, a tittering bell of a coo responded. Chimecho, it was a chimecho that hung on your father's windowsill. The being cooed, blinking like a child adorably, letting its cape-like bottom lightly tap your head. A greeting perhaps? You chuckled.

"Well, whatever it is. Thank you."

Your appreciativeness was returned with another innocent cry, unknowing and oblivious in your appreciativeness as it let the wind continue to let it dance. It was pretty. Especially with the wonderful garden just out of hair's reach. The wind felt cooling through your face, as you embraced the feeling in calm solitary.

In that room, the sound of the beeping machines letting your father live has been overpowered by the lightheartedness of the Pokemon.

Until...

The door slid open. The sound was so soft, so vague and so quiet, you wouldn't have noticed. You felt the appearance in the room, the air changing by the appearance of this person, a tension like no other. Even Chimecho's tittering bell-like charm could hardly quell the intense stillness the room went in. You turned your head, eyes meeting golden-hued ones in this dim room.

A feeling of uneasiness brushing you, the fur-coated man stood by the door, watching you calculatingly. And just like that, your mood shifted. Your eyes narrowed a little, tilting your head up. Finally, you call out to him.

"I see you've been busy. Enter Chisaki."

『 Chapter Forty-Four 』

He stood stock-still, standing by the shadows in front of the tatami door. Compared to yourself, standing closer to the sunlight, he stood in the darkness, his eyes flickering to you as if he were assessing your very being. You can't say it's any different from you, who took in the man by the door.

Chisaki Kai was a man who had always been there. A man who has held a deep trust with your father. It had truly been a while since you truly had seen him, but you were a little caught off guard by his appearance. He got a tad taller when you think about it. He's wearing a fur-coated jacket, and he had a plague mask over his face that left you a little uneased.

You narrowed your eyes in slight confusion. Chisaki had always been wary of the dirtiness of his surroundings, his mysophobia had been an apparent thing when he first entered the syndicate. He always wore a mask and always wore gloves. Your eyes zeroed in on the mask now, the beaked plague doctor mask covering the lower part of his face. That's...quite the jump.

...Chrono was also wearing a fully masked suit before. Looks like things have changed more than you thought.

Nonetheless, you straightened further, waiting for what was going to be his next move. You frowned, that assessing eyes seemed to send strange waves your way, it made you wonder what Chisaki was planning. He's not...planning to betray your father, is he?

You waited unearthly, a hitch to your breath. The silence held you in a chokehold, an uneasy one, and you weren't sure what to expect. It was only when he spoke coolly that you finally calmed just a bit. "Yes, it's been a while."

You tilted your head upward as if evaluating Chisaki's action further. He stayed respectfully away from you, eyes crinkling in a smile. You can tell that much even with that beaked mask. "It's good to see you well and healthy, Ojou."

Your father always asserted that addressing upon the members. You never quite like it.

You hummed. "I could say the same to you." You warily moved your gaze back to your father, watching interestedly as his chest rose and fell. With your eyes away from the visitor, you had a moment to compose yourself.

Chisaki Kai was not a normal person.

Deep inside, you knew that even before you decided to come here. He's always plotting something inside that head of his, and you never quite knew what he had in mind. All you knew, beyond a doubt, was that he was entirely devoted to your father.

You shook your head. "...I have many questions that I'd like to discuss." You affirmed, frowning in his direction. He didn't look disturbed, simply listening in. "Surely you won't turn me away now, would you?"

Silence. An uneasiness crawls your skin as Chisaki's gold pupils rack your very soul. He says after a minute. "Of course not, but it would be best if we discuss this more privately, wouldn't you say?" He turned to the door, prepared to walk out. "Somewhere without many eyes and ears, yes?"

"...right." You nodded, watching as he fully turned, preparing to open the tatami door. But before you decide to follow him, you quickly turn to your bedridden father, your eyes softening significantly. You whispered in a hush, placing your hand on top of his comfortingly, hoping that even in his unconscious state, he'd be able to feel your warmth. "I'll be back...dad..."

Through it all, gold eyes never left your form.

.

.

.

As Chisaki guides you around the house, a hand barely even gracing your clothed back, he quietly leads you somewhere you two could talk more. He barely acknowledges the slight hesitant bows from a few underlings that pass by. It was a big house, with a lot of people running around amok. The way they looked away made it obvious to you that things are a bit more complicated than they look.

When a few met your eyes accidentally, you nodded to them softly, remembering some of their faces clearly. It seems most of them have stayed, always loyal to your father. You respect that.

And the way they returned your gesture with their head lowered showed you enough.

Overhaul's eyes lingered at your form ever so staunchly.

Nonetheless, you continued following Overhaul's guide.

"I hope you don't mind, but I think you'd feel much better having our conversation somewhere secluded." Overhaul's smooth con-man voice made you side-eye him again, who gave you a clear smile behind that mask-eyes crinkling amicably. You sided away uncomfortably, humming.

"Right...so where is this place?"

"Right here." After making your arrival in this barren hallway, with only a small pedestal placed decoratively in the middle of the corridor. A small cherry blossom plant placed pliantly on it, its soft pinkish hue so beautiful, even in the middle of this sweltering summer. You highly doubt it needed any water, not like you believed anyone would diligently give it so.

Chisaki carefully maneuvers away from you to move it away, seemingly tampering with the area beneath it leading it to a secret passageway. A spark of memory filled you.

"Ah, the underground passage." You spoke lowly, pressing the side of the hidden door, catching sight of the dark, barren passage. "I'd say it's been a while."

Overhaul took it again to lead you in, as you looked around. You wouldn't say you pass this place that often, but kids are kids. You find yourself foraging these parts often enough to remember some areas. As you eyed around, you couldn't help but murmur at the different paths, very so unrecognizable to your keen eyes, something you were sure did not exist early on. "Hmm...It feels different."

"Good eye." He compliments, and your eyes drift to meet him. "Mimic, Irinika if you remember, have renovated the place for security purposes." He spoke assuredly, even with your continuous remarks, he kept an eased and amicable air. "We must always keep adapting." Overhaul responds meticulously, a gloved finger gently knocking his temple as you raise a brow.

"Oh?" You eyed around carefully, mapping out the few oddities. "Looks like Irinika-san has improved his quirk..."

Mimic was a fairly loyal worker under Overhaul, and a comparative one to your father too. You knew him enough to know he's quite abrasive, and his quirk gave him the ability to merge into an object, whether it would be walls or chairs. If you remember correctly, he used to be only able to merge with a refrigerator at most...

You frowned a little, as Overhaul guides you through many paths. You were wondering if Overhaul is truly demanding your demise at this moment and going to kill you in this dull place before he opens the door leading to what appears to be his office. A bare room with just a couch for business partners.

Just from the lack of décor, you got a sense it belonged to the man leading you inside, gesturing you over to take a seat on the couch. He apologizes. "There are not many homey places down here, so I hope this place is well enough."

"...It's fine. Though I would like to think you're not going to treat me like your associates?" You raised a brow, but Overhaul seemed completely at ease at your jest. He sits on the adjacent chair, eyes crinkling at his smile.

"Of course not. You're far more important than the filth." Your teasing forced smile fell off for a tinge before you held it again. You looked away for a second, catching sight of Kurono standing by the door, keeping watch quietly. You averted your gaze to meet the observant yellow ones once more.

"Yes, and I suppose you keep tabs on those who are important?" You bantered, not completely over that stalking issue. It may not be happening as often, but you can even tell someone was following you around when you were in the city. The times you were truly alone were in the safety of the U.A compound.

Chisaki counters. "I hope I didn't cause any ill to you, it was only for your safety." He assures but doesn't apologize. You can tell instantly that he saw no problem in asking Kurono to follow around you like so. He adds. "The boss would've wanted that after all." His last words made it difficult for you to counter. He knew that.

"Is that so?" You mused, clenching your jaw. Perhaps it's best if you drop the issue now. Silence befell for a moment, and now that the eyes and ears were gone, you decided it was time to get back to business. "...What was the illness?"

"Brain tumor." Overhaul responds. The response left you tense. "It was a surprise to us all, but the boss has been gaining frequent headaches at the start of the year. It wasn't until he got a stroke this March that he fell into a coma. He's been bedridden since then."

You sighed. This was news to you. The room was silent, the two other occupants keeping silent with eyes set on yours, out of respect or to anticipate your reactions, you wouldn't know. "I'm surprised you hadn't informed at least one of us. Even with father and mother's strained relationship, shouldn't she still be updated?"

Overhaul hums agreeably. "I understand your discountenance, but there were too many external and internal factors that kept me from doing so. I know the lady's illness isn't quite...stable, I wouldn't want to shock her."

Your mind lingered on another family member, your last conversation sending bitter waves. She should be already starting her new life. "I suppose sister was left unaware too; bet she didn't even bother coming around here..."

If he heard your distaste, he didn't address it. "...Yes, she always loathed being here. Boss lost contact with her for a while now." He tilts his head, seemingly coaxing a response. "And yourself...?"

"...You know we never were close."

"Of course."

You sighed again, but slowly the tension on your shoulders went away. There's no time to think of her any longer. Your lives are no longer intertwined, she made it very clear. She chose to go off and cut ties, and so you will respect that. But even then...her words left you standing before a door curiously. Why did she say those words before...?

"My husband is dead!" the loud voice garnered attention from others, and the shop became mute. Your sister was giving you a sort of frightened look, and she didn't care about her surroundings anymore. "And this wouldn't have happened if it weren't for that curse-!"

You shake the memory away from your head. But with that out of the way. You lean forward, narrowing your eyes. "...So, you've been appointed as the head in his steed."

Chisaki Kai was undoubtedly capable. But that didn't change that he was...younger than most. Though he played often as your father's right-hand man, you knew enough that the rest of the others might have differing opinions from your father's eyes. "...The order of the clan is a matter of concern," You continued. "I pray everything is smooth?"

Kai looked unperturbed, as usual. "Nothing of concern, a matter of fact, perhaps we would reach a new dawn."

You raise a brow, but you find his search for improvement interesting. Your mind wandered over your father's ideology. His stern but soft tone. His perceptions of tradition, and the ways of this lifestyle he so admired are ingrained in your head like a maggot. You never would quite understand him. Yet...

"A new dawn huh? He always did say he wanted a place in this new world..." There's a glint in the eyes of Overhaul, as you grow somber, your thoughts running with the man that had a place in your childhood. "I suppose out of everyone...father would be glad that it would be you to take over."

Chisaki didn't comment after that, out of respect, or simply at a loss for words, you would never know from his blank expression. Nonetheless, he smiled that smile behind the mask, the one he'd been giving you for the past hour and gave a small nod. "Words as such, mean more than anything."

The sound of his voice was only filled with ambition. You cleared your throat after, continuing where you had left off. "...There's a lot that I feel, but I suppose all that's important here is father's health and the Hassaikai's current standing." You sigh, it is not the best feeling to know both of your parents, not in their best health-wise. "I'd like for father's health to be discussed with me from now on - more if possible..."

"That can be arranged." Overhauls voices. You must've been out of it since you had just noticed that someone, another completely covered lower member, lowered a tray of what looked to be tea. The member made a quick exit, as Chisaki poured the piping tea meticulously. "It's good that your heart still lies close to the syndicate. He would be happy."

You watched the brown-tinted tea slide over to you, the steam emitting from the drink swirling out. "...I don't know about that, but it's important to father."

You definitely had no care for the syndicate. It's only your father your worries lie with.

"Hmm." Overhaul hums. Of course, he didn't pour himself a cup, simply watching you. It was frankly nerve-wracking. "I feel it's more than just that at the very least." You didn't say anything at his comment, finding yourself taking the cup off the table, slowly taking in the steaming drink. Overhaul's next comment left you to halt mid-drink. "I was worried ever since I watched that festival."

You felt yourself stiffen involuntarily. Your eyes flicker to the unmoving eyes watching you, as you set the drink down. You tilted your head, eyes narrowed. "So, you watched the sports festival? Is that a problem?"

"Nothing of the sort. I was simply concerned that you might have been tainted by them." His words were a mess you couldn't quite understand. He continues without hesitation, gesturing out perhaps in a show of worry. "Being involved with heroes is quite a contrast with us, yes?"

"...Well, I never did quite belong here either." You ended curtly. Your eyes drift to eye something else than his. "Besides, I had my own reasons."

"Ah, right. Those beings, the monsters." Overhauls nods. Somehow you feel even more uncomfortable now that the conversation has shifted to this. "...I always knew something was going on back then."

"What can I say..." You smiled cordially. "Perhaps I'm just a little special."

He mused. "Right, you are."

You didn't expect that response. You cleared your throat to explain your stance. "...Anyways. Even with my affiliations, Father's well-being and his business solely is his own." You added after a second. "...I won't speak of business that isn't of my own."

You hoped that it got through to him. You weren't stupid, surely Overhaul's implying that you're going to rat about Father's syndicate now that you have been associated with kids aspiring to be heroes as well. You may be learning to be a hero, but this was something that you could never speak of, at least not so casually.

Your sister, who you're still solely sour with after your last conversation, may have run off, but even she would never call out this place to the police. And it wasn't in a place of fear, but perhaps a place of understanding- a sign of respect. You sigh, family is family after all.

"...There's a lot of men here who respect him. They follow him because of his ideals..." One that you might never agree with. "He has his own way in the world, and those people spent their lives here for that. I won't take that away..."

After all, it might just feel like losing a home to these people. You don't want that.

Chisaki seemed to consider your words. He pondered over it, analyzing your strange words. He thumped a finger on his elbow, which he had crossed earlier upon your small confession. Either way, he seemed rather disgruntled. "On the contrary, I didn't think you would do as such, Ojou."

"You don't?" You questioned. He didn't have a wary stance against you.

Chisaki sighs, almost exaggeratedly. "I'm quite hurt that you thought I was accusing you of such." He leans forward. "I'm rather glad to see you actually." You stare in confusion twisting your expression. He expressed carefully. "You're important here after all."

That strange glint in his eyes appeared again. You tried not to think about it deeply. Important to...your father? Perhaps. It's something you can't say for certain.

Chisaki Kai is a strange person. You will never quite understand what he wants.

Chisaki curiously starts. "Though I do find myself curious about those creatures." You want to flinch, as you eyed the drink in your hand. Chisaki hums. "Creatures with powers, they are quite similar to the nature of quirks, wouldn't you say?"

"...Well, I suppose." You calmly replied.

"It's still a pleasant surprise that you have involvement with them." There's a hinge in his brows, a small discontentment. "It's worrying."

"Just as I said, it's a matter of my business." You weren't sure how much more you had to explain. You really didn't want to delve too deep about the Pokemon to someone from the syndicate. It was a private matter before, and though it's now exposed to the world, you don't feel like addressing anything more than necessary.

"It's the idea of creatures with quirks that worries me." You raised a brow, what was he getting. Chisaki noticed your uneased look, but he didn't hesitate to express his 'concerns'. "I imagine they can be quite dangerous."

Not those words again...

You were almost sick of the notion of the Pokemon being so connected with the word dangerous. How many times must you hear it from the citizens, the media, and those around you before you stop hearing it?

"...I assure you there's nothing to worry about."

Chisaki takes your upset words with a thorough analysis but otherwise doesn't go any further. The head of the Shie Hassaikai hums. "I'll trust your words," Chisaki then asks. "Is there anything else you need from me?"

"No, just my father's care and the syndicate standing are all I care about." You repeated, getting ready to head on back. You want to see your dad one more time before going before it gets too dark out. Not only that, but you're also just overall drained from this conversation. "I just wanted to make sure all is well here. Then..."

You raise from your seat, and the man in question stays seated. You made a move to leave this room, this stuffy, uncomfortable room when Chisaki interrupts. "Actually, there's something that I'd like to ask of you, Ojou." You halt. There's a strange lilt in his voice, something that draws you in to hear him out. Those yellow eyes of his put you on to stop.

You saw Chrono's head shift, that silly mask of his moved just a tinge, through your peripheral vision, as you sat back curiously. The head honcho of this organization looks expectant. "I was thinking that perhaps you could help me out."

"You need help?" You find yourself amused. You didn't think that in any scenario, any figment of your imagination someone like Chisaki Kai would say he needed help. Overhaul's eyes glint, as he raises his hand out, perhaps to illusion you of this being of himself being needy.

"You see, with the boss out, things have been harder. I want to improve our situation and raise the syndicate to a better form."

He said that already. A new dawn. Something of the sort. You furrowed your brows contemplatively, tilting your head. "Yes, I heard."

"I believe that you are essential in making that materialize." He contends.

You froze at his words, a strange shiver running up your spine. His eyes lingered ever so lasting. "It would help a lot if you, Ojou, could provide us with your help in doing so." There's something in that look that doesn't quite spark something good.

The walls were beginning to feel claustrophobic. You shifted uneasily. "...I'm not sure what I can do for you."

"On the contrary, I think that perhaps you might be what I need the most." He smiled, assuring you. He attests with a calm vigor. "Wouldn't it be great for your father to hear of your help when he awakes?"

You don't know what to say, the second time you find yourself speechless today. His last comment sparked something inside you to feel something was wrong. Surely your father would be pleased to know your interest in the syndicate, you know that more than anyone. But not even an inch of you has ever considered that possibility. Overhaul didn't broaden what he wanted you to do, but you don't even want to consider it. you don't want to hear it at all. Rather, you don't want to know at all. His eyes stayed upon yours, and it was suffocating.

You open your mouth hesitantly after an awkward silence filled the room, the new leader waited keenly, only to say. "I have to go to the bathroom."

You rose uneasily, not able to look at him any longer. Another pause filled the room before he proposed. "Hm, of course, Chrono can lead you."

"I'll find it myself." You responded quickly, heading to the door. He doesn't say anything back at your agitated statement, and you are glad he finally read the room. But before you could completely leave the room, Chrono sidestepping away after you glared at him too, Chisaki called out.

"Think about it."

You stand and step out of the room, glancing back one more time at the impassive man, before leaving.

❧❧❧

You wandered around the complex underground, lost.

After endless hallways, you were beginning to lose hope of finding the bathroom in the first place. You sighed, groaning in frustration.

Truthfully, you were aware that you had zero clue where the toilet was. You just simply needed a breather from being in a room with those calculating yellow eyes, his gaze piercing enough that it made it hard to breathe, like pins and needles against your skin. Chisaki Kai had always been this way.

The whole conversation had left you with unease, and fear. What would he want from you anyway? And his comment with Pokemon? You don't even want to find out any further what he wants. Chisaki may be an important person to your father, mayhap the son he never had, but there's a level to his sanity you can only take.

It makes you wonder back to all those days before when you brought him in here...

You shake your head, for now, you hope to find the bathroom. You need to wash the madness exuding from your expression.

But...

Eyeing around the underground tunnels, you find yourself wondering if you can even find an area to breathe. It was like a maze for prey. Allowing their prey to feel trapped and befuddled. A mouse trap, that's what this was.

Otherwise, you suppose it was time to give up and begrudgingly go back to his office. You need to be straight with him, you weren't planning on involving yourself any further than where you were now upon the syndicate. This was enough.

As you tried to map your footsteps back to where you came from, there was another figure running along this maze at the very same time.

Tap! Tap! Tap!

Hurried light steps echoed the stoned tunnels, eyes flickering behind in fear. Dazed and rushed, she used the bits of her strength to find a way out. Someone will come. Someone will get her. Panic, Panic, Panic!

Her heart was pounding so loud it was all she heard; she couldn't focus on where to go. She rushes through the very tunnel you were in, not even noticing you in her panic. She had no clue of your appearance, and you too, had no clue of her appearance.

It was strange.

From the moment this little girl came out to run away, for the first time she decided to risk it all.

It brought her to meet you.

As if it was fate leading the string.

.

.

.

It was unexpected when you felt something slam into you.

Though the impact had surprised you, it wasn't strong enough to bring you to your knees. You knew whoever it was that had bumped into you was small, and as such, you heard the fall of the other. A small cry, a yelp that sounded like a frightened fawn, entered your ears, and it was an easy notion for you to pick up that it was a child who slammed into you.

Your eyes dropped to meet her, a young grey-white-haired girl- the strands of her hair messily draped all over her distressed face. Her garb was a dull nightgown, at least to what it appears to be, that just passed her knees. But what caught your attention the most was a small lump on her right temple, a tiny horn. But other than that, you couldn't quite focus too much on her appearance as you were quick to lend her help.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Are you okay? What are you doing here?" You walked closer, bending a little to reach a handout to help her out. "That was quite a fall."

If it was not for the obvious way that she flinched so strongly, you would've already gotten her back on her feet. The child couldn't have been more than around early elementary, her figure was tiny and thin.

"Do you need help?" You asked again carefully, being extra softer. You didn't want to scare her off.

Perhaps it was just the sound of your voice that made her look, the softness and tenderness that she never experienced that made her finally look up. Her fearful red eyes meet your own, expecting those terrible, terrible stares and glares. There was a tremble in them that suddenly washed away the moment she met your eyes.

She was wrong, those eyes of yours were so kind.

A look akin to shock appeared in those very eyes. A flicker of an emotion or sorts swirled in them. It was finally then did you took a careful look at her.

You didn't see it before, but the young girl had bandages wrapped around both of her arms. She looked haggard, seemingly panicking. She was incredibly thin too, and it left worries to broil your stomach. It appeared she had gotten into an accident of sorts, as you once again meet those trembling eyes.

A part of you grew confused. Questions circle your head like a school of fish trying to get their bites of a meal. Who is this? Why is she in this base? Not to mention in the underground passage that Chisaki made himself because he was paranoid of eyes and ears in the first place?

For now, though, you tried to focus on getting this girl back on her feet. Your gaze softened as you reached an inviting open hand for her to take. You smiled softly, coaxing. "Let's get you back on your feet."

You could feel her hesitance through the wary glances and the darts of eyes, but the moment she met your gaze again, she reached a hand to touch yours. As her tiny hand landed on your palm, you first realized how cold her tiny fingers were.

You gently wrap your own on her, hoping to warm her just a tad before you pull her up. She was light as a feather. Another thing you realized about this girl was that she was shoeless. Had she run around barefoot?

Your hands didn't let go, and she seemed fine with that. You bent down onto your knees, smiling brightly and kindly to the girl who remained all the while skittish. "There you go. Can you tell me your name?"

"...Eri." You didn't think she would answer, but the sound of her name made you beam.

Eri. The name somehow felt familiar.

"Eri, huh? That's a lovely name. Well, it's nice to meet you." You greeted her, in hopes of allowing her to feel comfortable. She nodded just barely, but you weren't deterred by her hesitance. It's good that she's responding at the very least. This time you went to find the answers your head had, as you asked her softly. "So Eri, are you looking to go somewhere?"

The skittish girl remained no matter the softness of your tone, but you felt that there was trust she had for you. She looked at you with a look of hope. It was a strange thing- it was an unusual look to get from a stranger. You didn't ignore that. "...Yes."

Your brows twinged, worry filling you. "Eri, did you come here with someone? Do you want me to help you find them?"

You could tell she was going to answer, but she hesitated at the last second, her eyes darting once again. You remained focused on her, waiting patiently for her to answer. It was then rushed footsteps echoed through the tunnel, thumping of harsh stomping entering both of your ears as a masked man rounded the corner the girl rushed from, brutishly calling.

"Hey!"

The hand wrapped around yours clenched tightly with your own, Eri's whole visage shook, as if the whole tunnel had gone freezing cold. Your eyes darted at the incoming man. Probably another lower-ranking member of the Hassaikai. He skidded to a stop, seemingly finally realizing you were there. And it appears he recognizes you.

"Ah, Ojou-san!" He yelps, as you slowly stand to your full height, your hand still enveloped in Eri's as she stood still. The man bows lowly, awkwardly moving. "Forgive me, did she bother you?"

He stumbles to his feet, eyes held on the ground in respect- he refuses to stare at any part of you out of fear. You eyed him carefully. "...No, it's alright." Your eyes switched back to the stiffened form of Eri's briefly before you asked. "She's yours?"

"Ah- No!" He answers hastily, finally rising from his deep bow to explain. "She's one of our member's daughters, she's been staying here for a while with him...I was keeping watch on her before she rushed off! I-I wasn't being vigilant enough." Seemingly having explained himself enough, his eyes through the beaked mask landed on the young girl. "Er...Emi! Let's go back."

Your eyes twinged. "...That's not her name."

The man flinched. "Ah! I was wrong...uh....Eri!" The man seemed elated as Eri flinched at having her name called out. "Eri!" His call sounded softer, sweeter than the one before when he was looking for her. "Let's go back, your father's getting worried..."

She didn't let go of your hand. Her eyes seem zeroed on your finger that she is clutching, face twisting to fright. You gazed at the man with narrowed eyes, as nervousness filled the man, and it showed through his actions. "Come on! You don't want to keep your old man waiting right?"

If you hadn't been right there, he probably would have pulled her with him this instant. You frowned. "...Are you telling the truth here?"

He flinched. "Of course! He's been waiting for a while now! I guess Eri just wanted to play around, ha-ha!"

"You didn't even get her name right before."

"I mistook it! Bad memories. Old age, you know!"

He was jumpy, and under your observant eyes, it only grew. You weren't sure what to make of this. You gently pulled Eri so you could stand in front of her, obstructing her view from him.

"...It doesn't seem like it." You drawled, pointedly watching him. "...What's your name? I need to have a word with Chisaki about this."

Panic. The moment you said that more like said his name, he began stuttering like crazy. "W-Wha-?! Ojou-! It's not like that! I'm just looking after her in her father's steed."

You remained firm. "Then you can tell me her father's name, I'll take her to him myself."

"B-B-But...! He's low-ranking! You don't need to put your energy on this..." He was lost for words and could only try to bribe Eri once more to come out of her hiding place behind you. It was only when he said the next words, did Eri reacted. "Eri! He'll get upset; you know? You don't want him to get upset with you now, do you?"

Eri's stiffened, and the grip she had on your hand loosened. Your eyes worriedly darted over to her, as she trembled uneasily. In that instance, Eri decided to go back. When she tried to unhook her hand from yours, relief sagged the man's shoulder, but you weren't going to let her go without another word. You hastily tightened your hand around hers.

Her eyes widened, raising her head to meet yours in shock. You bent down once again, smiling at her carefully. Her wide hesitant red eyes watched your every move, waiting. "Listen...if he's bothering you, you don't have to go to him. You can trust me." You assured, eyes glancing at the nerve-wracked man. "I can help you find your dad."

A flicker once again danced in her eyes, her eyes completely entranced into yours. But the moment you thought she was going to stay with you, they dulled as she responded quietly. "...No...I'm sorry, I just wanted to play. Sorry..."

Silence fell again, but this time the man interrupted with an awkward laugh.

"Haha, that's right, a little game of hide and seek with your ol' pal."

"..."

You watched her carefully, wanting to argue with her but she seemed so sure of herself. Your eyes flickered over at the fidgeting 'babysitter' before you sighed. "Ah, I see." But before she could scamper off, you reached your other hand to her free hand, keeping them both interlocked, making her halt in surprise. You smiled softly. "It's too bad our time together has ended; I would love to get to know you more." You worded, as her eyes shimmered, desperation in her visage. Your own gaze softened, as you tightened your hands around her comfortingly. "...We'll meet again, okay?"

Defeat appeared in her eyes, but you tilted your head to maintain eye contact. "I promise." Releasing your hold on them, you reached out a pinkie finger. She looked confused, unsure of what you were doing before you interlocked it with hers. She didn't seem to understand the concept of this yet. You smiled. "A promise means that I must do whatever it is I said I would do. So that means I'll come and meet you again. I can't break it."

Her eyes lingered on your interlock pinkies, eyes darting from it to your eyes wondrously. It was too bad you couldn't muse about it more before the man rushed Eri to hurry, causing her to let go.

"Apologies again for the bother, Ojou-sama." The man bowed deeply; hand placed on the little girl's back carefully.

"...Right." A feeling of regret somehow followed you.

As she walks by the man's side, she places a guiding hand on her small back. She would turn to meet your gaze again and again, as you watched her disappear through the halls. Something about that gaze made your heart clench.

The moment she disappeared; footsteps appeared to be coming from behind you. Overhaul appears, a twinge of amusement in his eyes at seeing you probably much too far from where the bathroom was. "Ah, I was wondering where you have gone. Have you found your way?"

He seems to know the answer to that, but he respectfully asks anyway. You continued to eye the path the little girl went off to, and Overhaul seemed to notice, peering over with scrutinizing eyes. No sooner did a half smile appear on your face, then you say. "...I'm sure you know the answer to that."

He hums, still eyeing where you were staring at for a moment, before nodding. "I expected as much. If not, this would make a terrible escape route." He gestures his arm, asking you to follow. "This way."

He leads you to the bathroom, not a sense of sound following in this empty passageway. Your mind was supplied with a lot of things, but a part of you decided to add.

"Hmm, perhaps you need to invent maps one of these days. I find it hard to believe all the members could traverse this without getting lost." You jested, eyeing the head of the syndicate, who muses by your side, mayhap amused by your comment.

Overhaul chuckles. "There's no need for that. After all, this place is for our more exclusive members. Not everyone can roam here."

"...Oh?"

You wondered, eyes darting to the side briefly. "...I see."

As he guides you to the toilet, your mind reels back to the events of before. The very scenario playing back like a broken tape. Eri's frightened eyes, her trembling stature, and the clench of her hand were all so very real to you.

But you didn't utter a word, not as you walked by the calm man.

And as his eyes were turned away from yours, it was at that moment that you couldn't hide the suspicion in your narrowed eyes marring the back of his head.

Just what are you planning, Overhaul?

.

.

.

Omake:

The little girl is trapped in her cage again.

She huddles in her tiny bed, her plain colorless bed in her cutesy room filled with toys left untouched by her. She clenches her eyes tightly, frightened, as she holds herself to comfort herself after the attendant leaves her alone here, where she belongs.

Eri curls even more into a ball, tears beginning to form at the corner of her eyes, a hiccup just threatening to escape from her throat. Your comforting touch, words, and eyes are all she sees that allow these tears to come out.

Her tiny hands unconsciously move underneath her pillow, a scrap of paper in her hand. A photograph she was able to stay within her hold after all this time. It is a lifeline to her; a memory she keeps so tightly in her hold she refuses to let it slip out of her hold.

She stares at the photograph with its crumpled edges as if someone had squeezed the picture tightly long ago. She stares at the figures in the photograph, many but few, she barely recognizes them at all. But her mother, a face she is forgetting day by day, is still ingrained in her little mind. That unhappy look still glaring down at her even in picture. Then her teary eyes shifted to another figure, standing by her mother's side, whose smile you, yes you, gave was so prominent and vibrant in her eyes.

It seemed like just yesterday when she found this picture.

"...Ah...I guess you should know this..." Her mother's bored gaze lands on the figure that Eri had pointed curiously upon, her young mind filled with wonder as her mother explains. "...This is my sister, (name). You're aunt. She's...something."

They were huddled together at her mother's bedside, Eri had snooped into the drawers and her mother seemed to be in a dull mood, not scouring her phone endlessly this time. Her mother's pretty, yet dull eyes danced at the picture, a look of disdain flashing by, but another look of something else was there. Eri couldn't put her mind together on what that look was.

Eri grabs upon the picture-perfect picture, wide eyes taking in the picture carefully. Her mother's dull eyes brightened perhaps just a tinge, something unexpected of the adult as a huff of a laugh leaving her, as she dryly comments. "...You two look alike."

The tears in her eyes begin to fall, as she clutches the picture tightly against her chest. She curls tighter in her tiny bed.

"...promise."

❧❧❧

To get here is honestly crazy. There were so many times when I thought of writing this chapter and I can't believe we got here. Above all else, I hope I did alright with the characterization of the overhaul, which is harder than I expected yikes. Killed me. And honestly, Eri's just tugging on my heartstrings at this point, the poor baby.

Eri will have to hold on. Since this was at least a few months back, I deliberately didn't write of Eri's bandages on her legs. Both Chisaki and Eri showed up for a bit, but we won't really come back for quite a while, but they will come back again soon, I made this interaction starting now for a reason! They play parts in readers' pasts outside of Pokemon, so I hope you enjoy them.

I didn't think I would have a hard time writing Chisaki, but here we are! I made him a con man. Lmao. To be fair, Chisaki is playing the role of someone who believes he's doing something 'righteous' even though it's not and it's simply heavily creeping out the reader, haha. The reader doesn't have much suspicion about Chisaki early on, but the longer she stays in the house the more Chisaki holes begin appearing. There's no way she can't see it! It's so plainly obvious.

Pretty short chapter this time, mostly because I felt it would be strange if I expanded further, so I just gave Overhaul and Eri their own chapter. Hopefully, it's interesting enough. Every time I don't write about Pokemon, it feels weird. They are the main part of the show after all haha. But otherwise, I'm not super looking forward to the internship arc, nor the exam arc. They weren't my favorites, but I have a few ideas for making them a little bit more fun. So, look forward to it.

You know, I have not kept up with the MHA manga in a while, but I always see spoilers around, so I usually get a sense of what's going on. Still, doesn't change that there's so much happening! My god! Need to pick up on it soon.

Thankfully I'm done with my midterms which is why I'm posting this, now I have 2 term papers to look forward to in a few days...yay. Pray for me. Hope you enjoy this chapter and see you in the next one.