In the dimly lit holding cell, Hoshizora sits on the edge of his bed, his thoughts swirling with frustration and uncertainty. With a heavy sigh, he reaches out and picks up the blindfold Kotori had given him, turning it over in his hands. "Hmm... If only I could use my side effect on my eyes," he murmurs to himself, his voice tinged with a hint of desperation. "Maybe then I could see something, even if it's just shapes and shadows." With a cautious gesture, he lifts the blindfold to his face, hesitating for a moment before securing it over his eyes.
Hoshizora focuses inward, channeling his Trion into his senses in a desperate attempt to enhance his perception. But no matter how hard he tries, the darkness remains impenetrable, mocking his futile efforts. "Useless," he mutters. "Just like everything else." He slumps back onto the bed, his frustration giving way to a sense of resignation. Alone in the darkness of his cell, he wonders what lies ahead, and whether he'll ever find a way to navigate the world without his sight.
In the midst of his frustration and resignation, Hoshizora's senses suddenly prick up as he detects the faint but unmistakable presence of Trion nearby. Someone was approaching his cell. His brow furrows in confusion as he tries to discern the identity of the visitor.
The Trion pattern is familiar, comforting even, but he can't quite place it. As the footsteps draw closer, Hoshizora's heart rate quickens, a mix of apprehension and curiosity coursing through him. Who could it be, visiting him in this lonely cell? The door creaks open, and a familiar voice breaks the silence,
"Hey, Hoshizora," the voice says softly yet sleepily. "How are you holding up?" As the voice reaches his ears, Hoshizora's tension eases slightly, replaced by a cautious curiosity. "Kotori?" he repeats, his voice softening with a hint of surprise. "I didn't expect to see you here." He shifts slightly on the bed, turning in the direction of her voice. Kotori settles into the seat beside him, her presence a comforting anchor in the dimly lit cell. "I've finally been assigned to keep an eye on you," she explains gently, her tone reassuring. "Figured I might as well make myself useful."
Hoshizora's lips tighten into a thin line, his posture tense as he considers her words. "I appreciate the concern," he replies curtly, his voice betraying a hint of skepticism. "But I'm not exactly feeling grateful for being locked up in here."
Kotori sighs softly, understanding the source of his frustration. "I know it's not ideal," she admits, her tone sympathetic. "But right now, it's the safest place for you. The higher ups are figuring out the next steps with you."
Her gaze softens as she looks at him, her eyes lingering on the blindfold covering his eyes. "You know," she begins, her tone thoughtful, "that blindfold actually suits you. But I have to admit, I miss seeing your eyes." She offers him a small, teasing smile, her words laced with affection. Hoshizora chuckles softly at her comment, a faint blush coloring his cheeks despite himself. "You're too kind," he replies, his tone self-deprecating. "But trust me, my eyes aren't anything to write home about. Plus I can't see." He waves his hand in front of his face, causing her to giggle a little.
As Kotori reaches out her hand, Hoshizora flinches instinctively, his body tensing at the unexpected movement. Concern flashes across Kotori's face as she notices his reaction, her hand freezing mid-air. "Hoshizora, are you alright?" she asks, her voice filled with concern. Hoshizora forces himself to relax, shaking his head slightly to dispel the tension that had gripped him. "Yeah, sorry about that," he apologizes, his voice sheepish. "Just... wasn't expecting it, is all."
Kotori nods understandingly, withdrawing her hand and offering him a reassuring smile. "No worries," she assures him, her tone gentle. "I forget sometimes that you can't see me." She pauses, a playful glint in her eyes. "Although, I suppose that's kind of the point, isn't it?" Hoshizora chuckles softly at her remark, a sense of warmth spreading through him at her easygoing demeanor. "Yeah, I guess you're right," he concedes, his voice light-hearted. "Guess I'll have to rely on my other senses to keep track of you."
As Kotori withdraws her hand, Hoshizora can't help but feel a pang of guilt at his instinctive reaction. "Sorry about that," he apologizes again, his tone earnest. "I didn't mean to startle you." Kotori waves off his apology with a gentle smile. "No need to apologize," she reassures him, her voice warm. "I should have been more careful." Hoshizora nods in understanding, his expression softening with gratitude for her understanding. "Thanks," he murmurs, "I appreciate it." Kotori's smile widens, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she gazes at him.
"Of course," she replies, her tone gentle. "I'm here to help in any way I can." A playful smile dawns on Hoshizora's face as he takes in Kotori's words. "Speaking of which," he begins, "you mentioned something about finally being assigned to keep an eye on me. Should I be worried?" He raises an eyebrow in mock concern, teasing Kotori lightly. Kotori blushes slightly at his playful jab, but her smile remains bright. "Oh, you know," she replies, her tone light, "just making sure you don't cause too much trouble." She chuckles softly, the sound music to Hoshizora's ears.
"But in all seriousness," she continues, her expression growing more earnest, "the other guards have been... less than respectful towards you. I wanted to make sure you had someone looking out for you who actually cares." Hoshizora's smile fades slightly as he absorbs Kotori's words, surprise crossing his features. "Really?" he asks, his tone tinged with disbelief. "Why would they treat me any differently than they would any other prisoner?"
Kotori's expression softens with sympathy as she meets his gaze. "I think it's just because they're not used to dealing with someone like you," she explains gently. "Most of the agents here are used to handling regular prisoners, not combat-oriented neighbors like yourself." Hoshizora nods thoughtfully, "I suppose that makes sense," he admits, his voice tinged with resignation. "Guess I'll just have to get used to it."
Before Kotori can respond, Hoshizora's heightened senses pick up on another presence approaching. His muscles tense instinctively as he sits up straighter, his focus shifting to the direction of the door. He reaches for where he usually keeps his trigger, only to remember that it was taken from him. Sensing his sudden shift in demeanor, Kotori furrows her brow in concern. "Hoshizora, what's wrong?" she asks, her voice filled with worry. Hoshizora hesitates for a moment before responding, his senses on high alert. "Someone's coming," he replies cryptically, his tone wary.
As the door creaks open, revealing Hyuse standing in the doorway, Hoshizora's suspicions are confirmed. "Hyuse," he acknowledges, his tone guarded as he senses the agent's presence. "What brings you here?" Hyuse's expression remains impassive as he steps further into the room. "I'm here to check on you," he explains simply, his tone neutral. "Make sure everything's alright."
A flicker of curiosity crosses Hyuse's features as he regards Hoshizora. "How did you know it was me?" he inquires, his tone tinged with curiosity. Hoshizora shrugs nonchalantly, "I didn't," he admits, his voice casual. "Just a lucky guess, I suppose." Hyuse's gaze lingers on Hoshizora for a moment longer, as if trying to gauge the sincerity behind his words. Finally, he nods in understanding, "Fair enough," he concedes, his tone thoughtful.
Hoshizora, sensing there's more to Hyuse's visit than a simple check-in, probes further. "Cut the act, Hyuse," he retorts, his tone sharper now. "I know you're not here just to see how I'm doing."
Hyuse hesitates for a moment before responding, his expression guarded. "I've been instructed to bring you in for questioning," he reveals, his voice measured.
Hoshizora raises an eyebrow in mock surprise, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Figured as much," he remarks dryly. "But why now? I'm surprised they didn't do it when I just woke up from my two-week sleep." Kotori looked at him surprised, "What do you mean by that Hoshizora?" Hoshizora senses Kotori's confusion and quickly clarifies, "Oh I forgot to mention that. I've been imprisoned in other places before I ended up here, questioning usually comes right after you wake up. Border isn't the first organization to try and capture me," he explains, a tinge of bitterness creeping into his voice.
Kotori's mind races with questions, but she restrains herself. "I had no idea," she murmurs, her tone filled with sympathy. "It must have been... incredibly difficult for you." Hoshizora nods, "You have no idea," he mutters, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I've survived this long. I'll survive whatever comes next."
Hyuse's expression remains impassive as he meets Hoshizora's gaze. "I'm not privy to all the details," he admits, his tone guarded. "But I imagine there are still some lingering concerns that need to be addressed." Hoshizora's lips tighten into a thin line as he absorbs Hyuse's words. "And what exactly am I being questioned about?" he presses,. "My battle with Ainfai? My supposed allegiance to Border?"
Hyuse's gaze flickers with a hint of sympathy as he meets Hoshizora's challenging stare. "All of the above, I imagine," he replies evenly, his tone betraying little emotion. Kotori puts her hand on Hoshizora's back causing him to flinch slightly. "Don't worry, I'll be there to ensure everything goes smoothly." She says as she rubs her hand on his back.
Hoshizora's jaw clenches as he struggles to contain his frustration. "Smoothly," he repeats, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Right." With a resigned sigh, he pushes himself off the bed, his muscles tense with anticipation. "Well, I suppose I don't have much of a choice, do I? Funny how they got a neighbor to get a neighbor," he mutters, more to himself than to Hyuse.
Hoshizora braces himself to get off the bed, with a deep breath, he pushes himself up, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. Gripping the edge for support, he slowly stands up, his muscles tense with anticipation. However, in his haste, he forgets for a moment that he's blind. As he takes a tentative step forward, his foot catches on the edge of the bedsheet, causing him to stumble.
With a startled yelp, he loses his balance, arms flailing in a futile attempt to regain his footing. Before he knows it, Hoshizora finds himself crashing to the floor with a resounding thud, landing face-first with a dull impact. Pain shoots through his body as he grunts, momentarily stunned by the unexpected fall. As he lies there, dazed and disoriented, he can't help but curse his own carelessness. Kotori rushes to his side, her voice filled with concern. "Hoshizora, are you okay?" she asks, kneeling beside him and gently helping him to sit up.
Hoshizora grimaces, rubbing his sore nose as he forces himself to laugh, though it comes out strained. "Yeah, just... forgot for a moment there," he admits sheepishly, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Hyuse watches from a distance, his expression unreadable, while Kotori offers Hoshizora a supportive smile. "It happens to the best of us," she reassures him, patting his back gently. "Just take it easy for now." With a resigned sigh, Hoshizora nods, accepting her help as he struggles to push himself upright once more.
"Well then, shall we?" he suggests, his tone neutral. Kotori shoots him a glare, her eyes narrowing in disapproval. "You could at least show a little compassion," she mutters under her breath, her frustration evident. Hoshizora senses the shift in Kotori's Trion, her emotions fluctuating with intensity. "Hey, don't worry about it," he interjects, offering her a reassuring smile despite the throbbing ache in his nose. "I'm used to worse." With Kotori's help, he manages to push himself upright, leaning on her for support as they make their way out of the cell.
As they head towards the interrogation room, Hoshizora can't help but feel a sense of trepidation gnawing at him. Whatever lies ahead, he knows he'll need all the support he can get. And with Kotori by his side, he feels just a little less alone.
As they arrive into the interrogation room, it felt eerily unfamiliar to Hoshizora as he entered, guided by Kotori's steady hand. Despite his blindness, he could sense the tension in the air. The sound of chairs scraping against the floor echoed in the room as they took their seats, and Hoshizora braced himself for the interrogation that lay ahead.
Agent Midori's voice cut through the silence, her tone sharp and commanding. "I'm Agent Midori," she declared. "To start the questioning, you were brought here after a recent confrontation with a Neighbor. We'd like to ask you some questions about the incident." Hoshizora nodded, his brow furrowing in concentration as he prepared to respond. "Alright, fire away," he said, his voice calm yet tinged with a hint of defiance.
Midori leaned forward, her gaze fixed on Hoshizora. "Can you tell us more about the events leading up to your encounter with the two unregistered Neighbors?" she inquired. Hoshizora took a deep breath, his mind racing as he searched for the right words. "Sure thing," he replied, his voice steady. "I heard the alarm, so I went to evacuate the people first. When I was going to evacuate more citizens, they told me to go ahead and take care of the problem while they will rally and get others to safety."
Kotori couldn't help but feel a swell of admiration for him. She had always known him to be compassionate and kind, but hearing what he did, selflessly prioritizing the safety of others, reinforced just how much more there was to him beneath the surface. The agents in front of him listened intently, their expressions shifting subtly as they absorbed his words.
The agent next to Midori's left leaned forward; his curiosity piqued. "Agent Naoto here," he said cheerfully. He pulled out Hoshizora's trigger and twirled it on his pinky. As Agent Naoto cheerfully twirled Hoshizora's trigger on his pinky, a surge of recognition jolted through Hoshizora. This Trion signature, unmistakable and familiar, danced in the air before him. "That's my trigger," he exclaimed, his voice tinged with urgency. Instinctively, Hoshizora reached out in the direction of the spinning trigger, his fingers grasping at the empty air as he tried to pinpoint its location.
But before he could make contact, chaos erupted in the room. With lightning speed, the agent to Midori's right leaped over the table, tackling Hoshizora to the ground with a forceful slam. Hoshizora grunted in surprise as he was pinned beneath the agent's weight, the breath knocked out of him. "That's what I was looking for, the slamming and pinning." he gasped, struggling to catch his breath. Midori's expression hardened as she barked orders to her fellow agents, her voice sharp with authority. "Restrain him!" she commanded.