Emergence: Roots Of The Past

Chapter 2: The Awakening

They were both walking through the city and pointing out some things that neither of them had truly noticed until now. Once they arrived, she took him to a certain locker near a subway station.

Saki: Ah, here it is! Give me a second.

She put in the combination and opened the locker, looking at the money that she had saved. It was a decent amount, enough to provide for a couple of days. She grabbed it and put it in her bag, getting ready to continue their walk to home.

As they continued their walk, Matt decided to ask her something—something rather personal.

Matt: Saki...can I ask you a question while we walk?

Saki: Sure, what's up?

Matt: What happened to you? You were gone for a really long time... I thought you were dead.

Saki saw how much her friend cared for her, and that made her feel a bit of guilt.

Saki: I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking clearly at the time. I'll try to answer any other questions you have as best I can.

Matt looked over to Saki, wearing a light smile.

Matt: It's nice to be with you again, you know that?

Saki: Yeah...it's nice to be back together.

The duo kept going, trying to reach their destination before sunset. But something felt...off, as if they were being watched.

Once they got to an open part of the city, they heard laughter coming from around them. The two looked around, panicked, not knowing where the laughter was coming from...only for Matt to see something coming at them out of the corner of his eye.

Matt: LOOK OUT!

He immediately pushed Saki out of the way, and was immediately punched right in the gut. The moment he looked up...he saw a man. He was thin, had ear piercings, and wore a leather jacket. But the feature that scared Saki the most...was his red hair...it was him.

Hayato: Hello, Saki-Chan~...

Matt slowly got up, groaning from the sudden punch in the gut. He looked up at Hayato, not knowing who he was. Saki noticed an interesting detail...his eyes were blood red, instead of the usual brown.

Matt: Ow...the hell was that for?!

Hayato looked over at Matt...Hayato may have been taller, but Matt looked physically stronger. For now, he decided to play it cool, and helped Matt get back on his feet.

Hayato: Sorry about that. I thought you were trying to get my girlfriend. My...protective instincts kicked in. I know you understand.

Matt stared daggers at him, trying to figure out who he was to Saki...if only he knew.

Matt: Wait, you two know each other how again? I'm sorry; I'm still at a loss on this.

Hayato grinned like a child who got a new video game during Christmas, while Saki was terrified of the unexpected turn of events.

Hayato: Clearly, she didn't tell you. She's my girlfriend, and I am her boyfriend! That makes us lovers! Ya get the picture now?!

Matt looked more confused...but then remembered the condition Saki was in when they first met—the condition she was still in now. His eyes began to narrow and he clenched his fist out of rage.

Matt: Well, clearly, you weren't a good boyfriend! You leave her starving on the streets and force her to sell herself, and by my assumption, you're the one that got her on drugs! Clearly, she doesn't deserve you!