FATED (Naegami)

IT WASN'T A DREAM?

I woke once again in the same cold, empty place. I was really starting to get sick of the tasteless decor of my current accommodation. Lifting my still tired and heavy head, I placed my hands on the side of my bed and sat in contemplation for a short moment, but as I lifted my hands, a small panic rushed through me at the sight of my bloodstained palms. This prompted me to recall the events of the previous evening. So that really happened? It was all so unbelievable that I just sat screwing my face at the wall in utter astonishment. Making a slightly disgusted face of confusion, I lifted myself off my bed and got ready for the day. No matter how much time passed, I still struggled to understand how exactly it all happened, and that it happened mere hours earlier, and why I spent so much willpower practically nursing a distant acquaintance I hadn't crossed paths with in years. I knew I wouldn't get anything done if I just stood here and thought about it all day so I took myself downstairs and brewed a cup of coffee. I took it over to the round, wooden table at the edge of the kitchen and began to review and update my research. Future Foundation had sent me to observe and research the condition of the nearby town that had been infected with the despair disease. I had watched as they had become so crazed that they have lost any ounce of their own conscience and became obsessed with eliminating hope (which explains Makoto's current situation) - especially the "symbols of hope." I always thought that was such a stupid nickname. The thing about the despair disease is that are countless variations that can deteriorate into a number of mind consuming conditions. It's become such a pain. I really doubt that we'll be able to cure it. Taking a sip of my black coffee, it occured to me that I should probably make something for Makoto. What a strange situation. The cupboards didn't contain much as food was hard enough to get in the city but I managed to make some sort of egg fried rice and boiled a pot of green tea. These classmates always did manage to put me in the strangest situations. I placed the food and tea on a tray and carried it through the living room until I reached the corridor of the room he was staying in. This is going to be so awkward. Begrudgingly, I slowly opened the door before peeping my head around the door only to find he was still sleeping. With a slight sigh of relief, I placed the tray down on the empty bedside table and carefully backed out of the room, slowly shutting the door behind me. That wasn't so bad. Of course we're going to have to run into each other awake sooner or later but I'm glad I have some time to compose myself before then.