Copycat

Chapter 1: The Return to Academy City

There are 3 people in the car. Tenma's dad, Tenma's mom and Tenma herself. But despite that, the ride to Academy City was quiet.

Mr Akazaka: I'm sorry Tenma. I know how much you hate it, but I've got no choice but to return to Academy City. The higher ups there have called me to work with them again. They need help with controlling some dangerous stuff.

Mrs Akazaka: Mom's sorry too. I've requested them many times to not transfer you to a prestigious school that will attract attention, but they insist you must attend Tokiwadai. *Guilty look*

Mr Akazaka: Tch, those obnoxious guys only care about advancing esper technology! They don't care about our daughter's mental condition at all. *Angry* *grips at the steering wheel*

Mrs Akazaka: We can't go against their words... If only our status is higher than them...

Tenma: ... *Emotionless expression* *hugs teddy bear*

After a while, the Akazaka family arrived at Academy City. They were greeted by some important looking guys.

Guy 1: Mr Akazaka, welcome back to Academy City. It's been a while. How are you? *Shake Mr Akazaka's hand*

Mr Akazaka: Let's be honest, I wouldn't want to go back here if you guys didn't threaten to get me fired from my company.

Guy 1: Haha, your sense of humor is as amusing as ever. And... *Eyes went to Tenma* This must be Akazaka Tenma?

Tenma: *hide behind Mr Akazaka*

Mr Akazaka: Don't look at my daughter with tht creepy face of yours.

Guy 1: Relax, Mr Akazaka. I meant no harm. I'm overjoyed to have the talented Akazaka Tenma back here in Academy City. We will do our best to make sure her powers can be used to the full capacity so that she can achieve so much more. *Sweet smile*

Mr Akazaka: I warn you. If you ever do something that injures my daughter physically or mentally, I'll do something that will make every researchers here in Academy City cry desperately.

Guy 1: Our methods aren't extreme like what you think of, feel no worries. Well, let us guide you to the place you'll be staying at.

Guy 1 is guiding Tenma to her room.

Guy 1: It's a nice place, don't you think? It shows just how much important your family is to the higher ups.

Tenma: ...

Guy 1: Not speaking to me? That's fine. I can sense your distrust towards me, but please know that I don't have any bad intentions in my heart. I'm not in the list of people who made the decision to force you guys return here too. That's all from my higher ups.

Tenma: ... Then are you just the government's puppet?

Guy 1: Haha, I don't like that term but technically speaking yes. My responsibility is to ensure all of their orders are executed.

Tenma: Then what do you think of us returning here?

Guy 1: Hmm I don't really know. Mr Akazaka's return here will benefit the researchers project of bettering our technology. And you, too definitely. Your ability will be essential in our research for esper technology advancement.

Tenma: Sigh. I'm tired of being used by the government for their own pursuits.

Guy 1: *look at Tenma* Then, do you wish you've never born with the ability of yours?

Tenma thought quietly for a while.

Tenma: No. If I had not been born with this power, I might not be able to save that person.. at that time.

Guy 1: *smiled* As I thought. Btw, we have arrived. This is your room.

Tenma: ...

Guy 1: Nice, isn't it? I'm sure it's better than your former room in that unknown rural place.

Tenma: I don't really care either way.

Guy 1: As expected. Well, if you need anything just tell any other researchers like me.

The guy started to walked towards the door when he stopped. He turned around and smiled.

Mr Daichi: And my name is Oono Daichi. Nice to meet you.

With that, Mr Daichi left the room. Tenma looked around the room. It is certainly spacious and has a good design. But she has never cared about stuff like that.

She walked to the bed and lied down on the soft mattress. It's so soft it's like sinking on a trampoline.

Tenma looked at her stuff that she still hadn't unpack yet. Well that has to wait for tomorrow because she's feeling really drowsy at the moment.

As she closed her eyes, the memories of the person she met in her childhood resurfaced.

"Touma..."