Nex’s Viewpoint:
I stared at Nakadachi in surprise and Seiji had his palm on his face, shaking his head. We stood in the Central District, lost and hungry.
NX: You’re telling me you forgot to charge your phone? The only one with Internet on it!
ND: Uh, well yeah.
SJ: How does that even happen?
ND: Let’s just ask someone for directions.
NX: Go and find someone. It’s your fault.
SJ: Hey. Excuse me, could I ask you a question?
P1: Uh, sorry, I don’t really like to talk so…
P2: Well, I actually don’t really know. Sorry.
ND: Hey, good job, Seiji.
NX: My god, this is so sad. How do we even get lost when we were following the damn signs?
ND: I, uh… don’t know.
SJ: Hey. Sorry to bother you, could I ask you question?
P3: Well, I think if you take the road up and then go right for three blocks and then go down one block, you should find a bus stop there.
SJ: Thank you. Uh, sorry, but could I ask you to repeat it? I need to write it down.
P3: Of course.
I felt relief after seeing Seiji finally find someone that might know the way back. As Seiji wrote down the directions on his phone, I saw Nakadachi staring around. He talked to a random girl and then nodded.
NX: Did you find anything out?
ND: What? Oh I was asking where we could find a store.
NX: What the fuck is wrong with you?
ND: I thought we could find an outlet there, charge my phone. Who knows, man?
NX: My god, Seiji, do you know the way now?
SJ: I think as long as this is right.
NX: At least we have something.
We followed the directions the man gave us and then arrived at a bus stop. Nakadachi looked at his watch and then at the schedule posted on the sign.
ND: Uh, we might have slight complications.
NX: What?
SJ: Oh crap. You’re right.
ND: Yep.
NX: Wait, what’s going on?
ND: The buses stop running here after a certain time. We’ll have to walk up to trains.
NX: Why didn’t we do that in the first place?
ND: Uh, cause, well…
SJ: Sorry, Sueo. We weren’t thinking. Let’s go.
We walked about half an hour up to the train station and then asked a worker there for directions. He pointed at the route we needed and we thanked him.
NX: Finally.
SJ: Sorry again. But it was a fun day though.
ND: True that.
NX: I’m hungry. Do you have any food?
ND: I have a granola bar. You can take it.
Nakadachi handed me a wrapper and I stared at him. He smiled and continued to offer the wrapper.
NX: What is this?
ND: A granola bar.
NX: Are you serious?
ND: There’s some granola inside.
NX: Fuck you! Unbelievable!
SJ: I have no food. We’ll just have to wait it out until we get back.
The train finally arrived near the school and we all walked in the darkness back to the dormitory. Nakadachi looked up at the night sky and then paused.
ND: What time is it, Nex?
NX: Almost 9:00… shit.
SJ: Crap, curfew. Okay, let’s think about this. Anyone know a secret path?
ND: Let’s see. Let’s just climb over the gate.
NX: Are you dumb? What the hell is wrong with you, hmm?
SJ: It’s not a bad idea if we don’t have any other options.
We finally arrived at the dormitory gates and I checked my phone. The upper right hand corner read 9:59 and then changed to 10:00.
NX: We spent an hour walking? How is that possible?
ND: Well, we did have a lot of breaks.
NX: What, it’s my fault now? That hill is hard, man.
ND: Dude, I’m not saying anything. But uh Nex is a scrub, ahem.
SJ: Guys be quite. I think I hear footsteps. Get down.
We all hid behind a large bush and then poked our heads up. I saw a guard swing his flashlight around and then walk out of our view. I lay on the ground and then looked at the others.
NX: Now what?
SJ: I’ll call Ryuu or someone else and see if they can open the gate.
ND: No.
SJ: Why?
NX: That bastard, not you Nakadachi, Ryuu turns his phone off at five. He won’t answer. We can try though.
SJ: Nope, not answering.
ND: Itsuki, maybe?
NX: I don’t have his number.
ND: Crap, I don’t either. Seiji?
SJ: No, I don’t have it either. Damn, let’s see. Hako? He should be there.
ND: Nex, do it!
NX: Why’s it gotta be me?
ND: Just call him, already, scrub.
NX: Fine.
I looked at the screen and then scrolling through the list of names, found Hako. I pushed the call button and waited. It rang seven times and then he finally picked up.
H: Yeah?
NX: Thank you! Hako, are you in the dorm right now?
H: Yeah. Where else would I be?
NX: Good, good. Could you come outside and unlock the gate for us?
H: You’ll have to wait. The guards are making their rounds. I’ll cover for you. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.
NX: Alright. We’ll wait.
H: “We?” Who are you with?
NX: The bastard and Seiji.
H: Oh, in that case, I’ll leave you outside. Since Nakadachi’s with you and all.
NX: No, no. You can’t do that. You have to let us in.
H: Fine. Just wait.
ND: How was it, sir?
NX: He’ll come after the guards leave.
ND: Cool. What should we do?
SJ: We could play a game.
ND: But what though? I wish I had playing cards or something.
SJ: Shhh! I think I hear someone coming.
We all ducked down and to our surprise saw Ryuu and Itsuki. Itsuki wore dark tactical clothing and held a clarinet case in his right hand. Ryuu wore a long coat that dropped to his knees and held a toolbox in his left hand. I waved my hand and then saw a flash. Inches from my hand, a knife blade was in the ground.
R: Nex? What are you doing here so late?
NX: What the fu-?
I: Be quiet. I think the guards are walking around.
ND: Oh, thank the gods, freakin Ryuu is here. Now open the door for us.
NX: Wait, what about me?
SJ: Thank you. You are our savior.
R: Calm down. Look, we’ll wait five minutes and then head in.
NX: So this knife, you know, almost hit me.
I: Ryuu?
R: Looks like mine. I’ll pick it up.
Ryuu yanked the knife out of the ground and then strapped it to his belt. I watched the two old friends wait on the opposite side and finally when the five minutes passed, Ryuu flicked open a knife. He stared at the keyhole and within twenty seconds opened the door. He waved for all of us to enter and after everyone was in, he closed and locked the gate behind him.
R: We’ll split here. Itsuki and I will climb in through our window.
ND: Why not just take the path?
R: Dressed like this? No, I don’t think so.
I: Ready?
R: See you tomorrow, everyone!
Ryuu and Itsuki slipped off into the darkness and then the three of us all returned to our respective rooms. As I approached my door, I saw Hako poke his head out.
H: Nex, I was about to go out and…
NX: I’m tired. Let’s talk tomorrow.
Once inside, I dropped onto the bed and then slept without changing. All the events and happenings had drained my energy. I didn’t even think about why Ryuu and Itsuki were out so late. I just didn’t care. All I wanted was sleep.
Hako’s Viewpoint:
H: A record on Ryuu? Why would you need that?
RN: Just get it to me. Get it from the disciplinary committee. Also get the report on Yoshimura Setsuhi as well.
H: Sure but may I ask what this is for?
RN: Safeguarding. Don’t worry about it.
H: Alright. I’ll head out now.
After chatting with the disciplinary committee archive member, I returned with the required documents. She nodded and then dismissed me.
H: Wait. I’m done?
RN: Yeah. Now go! You don’t have to stay here.
H: I feel weird if I don’t stay though.
RN: Well in that case, here’s some work since Aiko isn’t here.
H: Damn. Okay. I’ll do it.
I finished sorting through all the paperwork and then handed it to Rin for approval. She nodded and I sat at the desk, staring at the cabinet file.
H: Rin-senpai, who’s the successor?
RN: For student council president?
H: Yeah. Shouldn’t it have been decided already so there could be a transition?
RN: Actually, there should have been one but thanks to the financial situation caused by Aiko, we delayed it.
H: So, who will take over?
RN: No one for now.
H: No one?
RN: You’ll be appointed the temporary leader until an election is organized. But we think that in February, we’ll plan out one and have everyone vote. The candidates already know who they are so it won’t be hard to get everything together.
H: Okay. I could see that working.
RN: Well, you can actually leave now, Hako. So please do it.
H: One more question, senpai?
R: Make it quick.
H: Why Ryuu and Yoshimura’s profiles?
RN: It’s a secret. But if I think what’s going to happen is right then I’ll need to be ready.
H: What’s going to happen?
RN: Don’t worry about it. Go and leave.
I nodded and then walked back to the dormitory. I thought about Rin’s words and then tried to piece together connections concerning Ryuu and Yoshimura. But they just wouldn’t fit together and I gave up. If it was going to happen like Rin said, I’d just have to wait and see the outcome.
February 2020
Ryuu’s Viewpoint:
I sat down at my desk and prepared to take out my homework when the door of the classroom was violently kicked open. Taiga quickly looked up from his reading and looked surprised. I looked over at the door and I sighed. Setsuhi, followed by two men in black suits, silently and emotionlessly entered through the door. She held papers in her right hand and marched toward me. Everyone in class quieted down and looked over in my direction. Taiga rose up from his chair but one of the suited men rushed over. He pushed Taiga back down and shook his head. A few of my classmates started to whisper and Seiji looked at me. I shook my head and attempted to greet Setsuhi with a smile. However, before I could, her cold eyes prevented me from doing so.
S2: Tatsumaki Ryuu. No, more accurately, Long. I hereby place you under arrest under the authority of the NPA.
I calmly accepted her words and then thought about the next move. She seemed ready to fight and I couldn’t risk a gunfight in the class just yet. Additionally, she brought two NPA special force agents. There was no telling what they would do if I pulled out my gun right now. I could risk the lives of my classmates. Setsuhi placed the papers on my desk.
S2: Take a look at these documents. They are official papers from NPA headquarters in China, detailing the various information about your arrest. You are free to look over them right now and check for errors. Keep in mind any words that you speak will be used against you when you are tired in court.
I nodded and then carefully picked up the arrest documents. Written in Chinese, I read over them and then placed them back down on the table. By now, I heard the buzzing and whispering of the entire classroom. There was an air of anxiousness mingled with fear. No one dared to speak up. Seiji tried to stand up but the agent pulled out his gun. He pointed it at Seiji and waved his gun with menace. Seiji gritted his teeth and sat down. I then answered Setsuhi.
R: Under whose order are you placing me under arrest, Setsuhi?
S2: There’s no need for you to know. You’ll be coming with me now. Don’t make any moves or people will be hurt. Pick up your stuff. We’re moving out.
The NPA agent watching Taiga blocked the doorway and waited for Setsuhi to take me into custody. I slowly reached for my backpack and then pulled out my Beretta from the back of my belt. I needed to do something and I hoped it wouldn’t hurt anyone. I aimed it at Setsuhi’s head but before I could pull the trigger, the NPA agent at the door fired one shot. I moved my gun and then fired a bullet straight into the man’s neck. He dropped to the ground and the second agent rushed at me but I tripped him. As he fell, I slit his throat with the knife I pulled out. Blood started to pool around the dead agents but Setsuhi made no move. The classroom erupted into chaos. Students started to scream and tears fell from their eyes. Seiji’s eyes widened but he retained his composure.
S2: It matters not that you may have killed two agents. There are more. Unless you plan to kill off every one of them, I suggest you give up now.
R: You know, this is the most words I’ve heard from you in a long time. It’s so nice to hear your pretty voice.
Setsuhi remained silent and then pulled out her own gun. Before I could react, she pointed it at me. I wanted to avoid shooting Setsuhi but I had no choice. Neither of us pulled the trigger and then suddenly, the windows shattered. Masked men with assault rifles scrambled in and pointed their firearms at me. My classmates, astonished and terrified, all stayed still. They were afraid to move and one of my classmates tried to dart for the door. He failed and slipped on the blood from the dead agent. He then whimpered and stayed on the floor motionless, covered in red. One of the agents pointed his gun at him but Setsuhi shook her head.
S2: Surrender or people die. 1, 2-
I smiled and then threw my gun down onto the floor. Setsuhi picked it up and took out handcuffs. My classmates all stared as she snapped them on. Seiji, still shocked, only could look on as Setsuhi dragged me towards the door. The entire brigade of NPA agents followed behind us. Setsuhi never looked at me and as we exited through the doorway, I decided to ask Setsuhi a question.
R: Setsuhi, can you allow me to chance to speak to my classmates before we leave?
S2: No, we’re going now! Keep an eye on him and if he talks, hit him.
Despite Setsuhi’s warning, I opened my mouth anyways. I saw the butt of the rifle in my line of sight but still continued.
R: It’s only the-
Before I could say more, I felt the steel of the rifle smash into the left side of my head. I dimly heard the cries and shouts. The last thing I saw before losing unconsciousness was the cold, chilling face of Setsuhi.
Seiji’s Viewpoint:
I could only sit there. There was nothing I could do. Ryuu shouted out words but I didn’t hear anything. Two dead people were on the floor and I felt cold. I saw Taiga rushing out of the classroom but I still remained seated. The shock from the sudden events paralyzed me. When Taiga returned, I saw a medical staff and a policeman accompanying him. A medic came up to me and asked about my condition. Barely comprehending words, I nodded at the question. The medic gave me assuring look and then wrote something down in his notepad. Taiga walked up to my desk and looked into my eyes.
TG: Seiji, get a hold of yourself.
I felt Taiga shake me on the shoulder but I couldn’t respond. The blood on the classroom floor and the cries of the classroom shocked me. I had never seen such violence in my life and the fact Ryuu was the one who killed them made it worse. I shut my eyes and then sighed. I needed to regain my composure but the fear still gripped me. It held a tight grasp on me and refused to let go.
TG: Kid, listen to me! You have to get past this.
MD: Give him some time. People need time to recover.
TG: Listen up, Seiji. We’re going to take everyone down to the clinic and check on their condition. Let’s go.
I only nodded at Taiga’s words. My body felt numb and I stood up. Without actually control of my body, I followed everyone down to the clinic.
Itsuki’s Viewpoint:
I heard the gunshot from my homeroom and stood up in class. Old Stone glanced at me and then shook his head. I sighed and then sat down again. A few minutes later, I heard the sound of shattering glass and I looked up at the board in frustration. Old Stone, unfazed by the noises, continued to write on the chalkboard. He glanced over in my direction but resumed writing. Ten minutes elapsed and then an announcement came on.
PA: Attention, all staff and students. Due to an undisclosed matter, we ask everyone remain in their rooms until further notice. Thank you for your patience.
Murmurs started to spread throughout the entire classroom. Classmates whispered to each other about the announcement and wondered about the entire situation. I looked up in the front to see Old Stone flipping through the textbook without a care.
OS: Well, since we’ll be here for awhile, I’ll assign the homework for tonight. You can start on it now.
Old Stone picked up a chalk and then wrote up the reading and problems for tonight’s homework. He waved for me to come up and I walked up quickly.
OS: Itsuki, go out and check the situation.
I: What about the announcement?
OS: I’ll take responsibility.
I returned to my seat and unhooked the knife from the bottom of my desk. I attached the blade to the side of my belt and then walked out. My classmates looked up in surprise and one of them yelled for me to stop. Old Stone looked at the student and he shut his mouth. I looked back and did not see Konomu. Once in the hallway, I heard more shattering of glass. I felt a shard pierce through my left cheek and a trickle of blood fell onto my right arm sleeve. Men dressed in combat gear burst through the windows in the hallway. One of them tried to tackle me but I dodged with ease. I pulled out my knife and stabbed one of the men through his protective gear. Five men surrounded me immediately and I sighed.
NPA: Hey, surrender!
I remained silent and then spun around. Before any of the men could pull the trigger, my blade slashed through all of their wrists as I moved like the wind. They yelled out in surprise and dropped their weapons. I looked up to check the number of advancing men after me. To my surprise, all the men formed a line for someone to walk through. They stood to the side of the hallway, waiting for the arrival of someone. I took deep breaths and waited for their next move. When Setsuhi appeared with Ryuu in handcuffs, I pulled out my gun and pointed it at her. Immediately, the men to the sides all readied their weapons at my head.
I: What is this?
S2: Ryuu is under arrest. NPA orders. Leave now. It doesn’t concern you.
I lowered my gun and bit my lip in anger. Nearly fifty men surrounded me and I couldn’t defeat all of them. Setsuhi had Ryuu in her possession and if I tried to bargain, I would be at a disadvantage. I had no choice but to watch Setsuhi drag Ryuu away. Setsuhi turned around once and glared at me with her ice cold eyes. She spun around and then beckoned for the entire horde of special force NPA to follow her. A massive stampede of footsteps echoed in the hallway. Frustrated, I slammed my right hand into the side of the wall. My anger diminished the pain I felt. I then returned to the classroom.
Setsuhi’s Viewpoint:
I called over an agent and asked him to take care of Ryuu. He nodded and lifted Ryuu up from the cold, dirty school floor. Two men grabbed Ryuu from both sides and dragged him to the front entrance of the school. An agent walked over and handed me a report. I glanced over it and handed it back to her.
NPA1: Should we take off the handcuffs?
S2: No. Leave them on. Shackle him to the floor and ceiling of the truck. Have ten men watch over him.
NPA2: Alright, chief.
I watched the agents take Ryuu out and I looked back up the stairs. I could faintly hear the cries and screams of students. I ignored my feelings and walked out the door. I completed my job and it was my responsibility that violence was utilized. Exiting out of the gates of the school, I glanced up at the entire school building. The cloudy, grey sky failed to illuminate the school and give it its usual shine. I laughed at myself inside and then pushed away the rising feelings of nostalgia and regret. Ryuu’s personality had impacted me too much and I needed to kill those feelings off. My only job now was to transport Ryuu back to China and after that, I had no vested interest in the outcome. Entering the NPA vehicle, I looked one more time at the school building. Despite vowing to not look back, I felt a slight sense of guilt.
NPA2: Are we ready to go?
S2: Yes, let’s go.
The engine of the NPA vehicle started up and then we departed. I looked away from the school. From this point on, I no longer had any interest in Mantan High anymore. My mission fulfilled, I needed to look forward to returning and accepting any new assignments. I walked back to the imprisonment center in the back of the vehicle and looked at Ryuu. Wanted for treason and rebellion, he seemed harmless now. Yes, I knew the capacity that Ryuu possessed. In a way, I envied his passion and ability but I was an NPA agent, a human dedicated to missions.
NPA1: What will happen to him?
S2: Who knows? Interrogation, probably. It’s not our job. It’s the Defense Force’s job to take care of him.
I returned back to my seat in the front and watched the landscape flashing by. I transferred to Mantan as part of my mission nearly ten months ago. It seemed so long ago. Now, I would return back to China and I looked forward to it. But there was still a nagging feeling that persisted, something I was unable to destroy. It stemmed from Ryuu. I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen to him.
Lantern Dragon Works 