Never

43. USJ, part 1

Kita's POV

          I was on edge since yesterday. Something was wrong, and I knew it, though I couldn't pinpoint exactly what. It had to be tied to the reporters invading yesterday, even though Principal Nezu hadn't seen anything unusual on the security cameras. Nobody strange had entered or exited, no one suspicious had approached the labs or his office, and there weren't really any other sensitive areas to check.

          Worse, while we jogged through the alleyways on our usual route to the beach, I hadn't seen a single one of the usual petty criminals... and that wasn't normal. I mean, sure, there were quiet days, but they were rare, and my instincts were shouting incomprehensible warnings at me. I tried shaking off the feeling during training, but it clung on, relentless.

Tch, I should have just gone on patrol last night — at least then I'd know for sure what's going on.

Except I promised not to do that until I have a provisional license.

          And to top off my mood, Izu had started asking questions. It was bound to happen, I knew what I was in for when I gave him advice, but that didn't make it any easier to talk about myself or my past.

Akatani : Alright, everyone, sit wherever you want, but let's line up to get on the bus. No pushing !

          I snapped back to reality and took my spot at the end of the line. I was excited to finally be going to the USJ for training, but the nameless dread was still gnawing at me. Worse, I had just remembered that Akatani and the "Monster Trio" hated me. Great day ahead.

          Should I talk to someone about this ? I glanced at Eraser. He was already on edge. It was subtle, but I knew him well enough to see it. His dull gaze met mine, and a flicker of understanding passed between us. We were on the same page.

          Well, that was something, at least. But should I mention it to the other students ? I glanced around. The only ones who might be able to keep their cool and lead the others in case of an attack were Akatani, Creati, and Robot. One hated me, the other was wary of me, but the last one might listen without immediately dismissing me.

          With my mind made up, I lifted my head. Only Akatani was left to board, with me behind him. Great.

          I pushed down my instinct to abandon my class to their supposed fate and forced myself to speak up.

Me : Akatani ?

          He ignored me, stepping onto the bus.

Me : Akatani !

          He sighed and turned to look at me.

Akatani : What is it, AIZAWA ?

          Ouch.

Me : Yagi, I need to talk to you. It's about yesterday's journalist invasion, it's important.

          He raised an eyebrow. Surprised, I raised mine too. I thought I was the only one who had mastered that art. Anyway.

Me : I have a bad feeling. I know you don't like me because of what happened Tuesday, but

Akatani : Do you have any idea what it's like ?

Me : Pardon ?

Akatani : I thought I was dying. I've blacked out before, for various reasons. But this was different. The pain, the weakness, my mind going dark... all the regrets, the remorse, the memories flooding my mind in that moment... You have no idea what it's like to suffer like that, let alone die.