Extraordinary Minds: Road to Hell

Chapter 52: Growing

Akira and Monoboy made their way up to the 3rd floor, as throughout the floors, more vague memories of the things that happened flashed for Akira. However, this time...The good memories began to fade in, the better times with everyone.

Until eventually, they reached Kiokas Ultimate Lab, where they could hear Swan Lake playing over a little stereo. As Monoboy looked in, he could see Kioka elegantly dancing in harmony, with her Bunny Plush watching from one of the stools in the room.

"Who's that bunny over there?" Monoboy asked. "Is he..Like me?"

"Well, that's Mr Bunny." Akira explained. "Kioka likes to carry him around as a means to remember her Dad."

"Awe...Is he waiting at home for her? I bet he's excited to see his little girl again, right?" Monoboy asked, as Akiras heart sank.

"Oh Monoboy..." Akira sighed. "You'd have to ask her personally, as...I'd feel bad explaining."

"Oh...Is...Is her father..."

"Oh! Hi guys!" Kioka said, noticing Monoboy and Akira as she skipped over to her radio and paused, skipping over to Akira and giving him a hug.

"I'm doing ballet! Did you see how good I was, Akira?" Kioka asked bouncing up and down in excitement.

"I did, and you did really good Kioka!" Akira exclaimed, as Monoboy clapped.

"Bravo, Kioka! Bravo! You did great!"

Kioka giggled hearing Monoboys kind words, as she pulled both him and Akira into her ballet studio.

"This was the place I wish I could've shown Big Sis Ayaka...Because...Just like she promised me she'd animate me, I promised her that..That I'd do ballet for her in the place I do it best!"

Kioka looked down sad, and said. "I wish Big Sis Ayaka could see how good I am...Or even Daddy if he was still alive. I wish everyone could see how much stronger ive become!"

Kioka looked up at Akira. "So...Akira, do you...Think you can do ballet with me, one last time?"

"I- ballet?" Akiras face turned red. "I'm not sure I'd do that good you know." Akira chuckled, as did Kioka.

"Well that's ok! I meant maybe I can show you my own ballet some more, and...and maybe Monoboy can join me!"

"Oh!" Akira exclaimed. "Of course! I mean...If it makes you smile, I could at least give it a shot."

Kioka clapped in excitement, as she rushed over to her Stereo, and pressed Play. As Swan Lake began again, she began to show Akira and Monoboy how to go along with the song. While Monoboy did rather well, and adapted fast, Akira found himself slipping up every now and again. Laughing at his own failures, and yet..

Cherishing this time with Kioka. Seeing how happy she was to still have her friends around, and remembering fondly the people who helped her become this strong.

When the song ended, Kioka jumped up and down in excitement, clapping her hands and giggling. "I had lots of fun! Because, because I got to show more people my dancing! Did I do good, Akira?"

"You did incredible!" Akira exclaimed.

"That was fantastic, Kioka!! You're truly a natural at what you do best!" Monoboy shouted. "If it's..ok for me to ask though."

Kioka tilted her head. "What is it?"

"Who's that Bunny sitting over in the corner? Is he...is he special to you?" Monoboy asked.

"Oh! That's Mr Bunny! When I have him around, I imagine my Daddy is sitting there and watching! Because Daddy personally made me him when I was little!" Kioka said.