The True Record Withheld || KagePro Fanfic

Chapter 2

     Despite the fact that everyone in the -dan had been there before at least once, the Heat-Haze seemed a frighteningly hostile place. It was unimaginably large, never before had anyone found the edge, or where their start came around again. There were so many crossroads, so many buildings, so many elements which would make it seem like it was the real world. But it was also packed with pillars of clocks and metal gears which were practically melting in the incredible heat. When touched, they emanated a scorching burn to the skin, unbearable for more than a split-second.

     Most of the -dan were stunned speechless at the sight of the whole world before them. Marry shivered and trembled uncontrollably. Hiyori and Hibiya clutched together almost instantly, wanting to keep away from the incidents which came about the last time they were here. Seeing their discomfort, Kido put a hand on each of their shoulders as if to say that she'll keep them safe, or that it'll be alright. Konoha seemed to vaguely remember where this was, and also stuck protectively by them with a reassuring try of a smile. The most confident in this environment, Ayano strode ahead of the rest, not quite as wary.

     "I can't say that it's good to be back..." She muttered.

     "Still, we can't waste any time," Kido said in a firm tone, "Can you remember where this girl was, Kano?"

     "Um... No...?" He replied sheepishly, soon receiving a blow to the ribs from Kido.

     "Then it's all up to you, Nee-chan," Kido continued, brushing off her hands.

     "Wh-Wha?! Why me?" Ayano blustered.

     "Why d'ya think?" Shintaro put across bluntly.

     Ayano sighed and grumbled all she could to get the responsibility off her shoulders, but there was no other way around it. She had to do it for her little brothers and sisters (except the ones who were older than her now because of her time in the Haze) and for this other girl none of them knew.

     "Well, then," She carried on, "Kano, do you remember any landmarks of any sort near where you saw this girl?"

     "You're always asking for my help, Nee-chan!~"

     "Just get on with it," Ayano huffed.

     "Okay, okay! Um... A fork in the road... and a telephone post... Lots of telephone wires."

     "Well, that's helpful..." Momo muttered sarcastically.

     "Wait! There's more! A... An arch... thing... She was at the bottom of this black curvy thing."

     "Perfect! I think I know where to go," Ayano exclaimed, leading forward the -dan towards the blankly white sky.

     It was almost as if Ayano knew the whole of the Heat-Haze like the back of her hand. She guided them all down streets and alleys left and right, past certain buildings, round every corner without doubt, hopping in between the water that flooded the ground where there were gaps, round, across, up and down pillars clumped with heavy equipment and electronics. Soon the landscape changed from what seemed like normal reality in how there was roads and posts to a more surreal scene, with ticking gears and clocks displaying different times and the ground oddly lifting off at random places. It was even more unfamiliar.

     And there it was. Stretching into the blindingly white sky, there was an array of giant curving structures, darkly coloured but reflecting off the Summer sun. It was a miracle they hadn't already fallen down, let alone stood up as they were.

     "Yes... this looks about right..." Kano examined.

     "Now we just need to find her..." Momo inputted.