Katsuhira Agata
Urushii led us to a system of hallways and corridors but then stopped in a single door. She opened it and inside were numerous computers and gadgets in 3 separate tables. Blueprints littered over the wall and whiteboards were scribbled with formulas and charts.
" What are we doing here Katsu-kun?" Nico asked.
I payed no heed in her question and continued to look at Urushii who sat in a swivel chair.
" Well, ask away." Urushii smirked.
" What connections does Noriko have with Tenshi." I stated.
" Connections...?" Urushii whispered as her smirk disappeared.
She then sighed and gestured her hands in the seats behind us.
" Sit down, it's gonna be a long story." She commented.
" You see, Noriko and Tenshi were once in a Kiznaiver project too. Connected to 3 other children, they were then the first batch."
" We gave Tenshi the first ever Kiznaiver serum but, it seemed to back fire."
" We thought that it would lessen the pain, or better yet stop the Kiznaiver project, but it doubled to an extreme. Whenever one of the 4 children would feel pain, it would be doubled."
" She would always be seen carrying a flower and would smile to hide the pain away. But the other children knew what's wrong. They know exactly what's going on."
" The children complained whenever they heard her muffled cries every night. They would always be cautious around everything, afraid of Tenshi's well-being."
" We came to a conclusion that enough was enough and tried to release them from their bonds but..." Urushii stopped and looked down.
" But what?" Hosomu questioned.
" The serum that we have created prevented them, or at least, the majority of them."
" But their only 5." I said.
" Yes, majority meaning 3."
" 3?" Nico asked.
" Yes."
" Who would those 3 be?" I asked.
" Tenshi Kuroshiro, Noriko Sonozaki, and Gato Yakushi."
" GATO?!" Nico exclaimed in surprise.
" Yes, Gato. Why are you so shocked?" Urushii asked.
" Ne, Katsu-kun, wasn't Gato Tenshi's roommate?" Hosomu asked.
I was silent as Urushii looked at Hosomu in surprise.
" Really now..." She whispered. She then shook her head.
" Continuing on, 1 of the 3 was then released back with their parents as the other 2 were then transferred to another hospital."
" The reason for this was that they could continue to observe the bonded children on whether it would grow stronger together or when they are far apart."
" And so, another Kiznaiver project was renewed. This time, Noriko was given the first serum."
" But, why wasn't she feeling pain?" Nico asked as we nodded in agreement.
" You didn't hear?" Urushii chuckled sadly.
" Hear what?"
" They're still bonded with Tenshi."
Nico gasped, Hosomu's teeth clenched as my eye's widened.
" Th-Then that means-"
" Whatever pain Noriko feels, will all be transferred to Tenshi." Urushii confirmed.
" B-But then it will be doubled!" Hosomu shouted.
I looked at him in surprise.
" Yes." Urushii said sadly.
" N-No wonder..." Nico muttered sadly.
" Although, why does Noriko wanted to keep the Kiznaiver project going?" I asked.
" She just wanted the good old days back. She thought that, by pain, they would grow stronger..." Urushii then smiled. "...together."
" But, only Tenshi would feel the pain." Hosomu said.
" It's true. But, like you asked, I only answered the connections between the two." Urushii said.
We were silent for a moment. I twirled a lock of my fringe and looked down on the ground.
' Why hasn't Tenshi told me about this?' I thought.
" Where is Noriko?" Nico asked seriously.
" Huh?" Urushii asked in surprise.
" Let me ask you again." Nico said as her bangs shadowed her eyes in an intimidating manner. " Where is Noriko?"
" I-I don't know where she is." Urushii stuttered.
Nico glared at Urushii as she then stood up and left, Hosomu following along. We heard the door bang as we were then left in silence.
" Aren't you going along with them?" Urushii asked.
" Urushii." I said.
" What?"
" How long has it been since you've last seen Tenshi?"
" It's been about 8 years." She chuckled sadly.
I stood up and looked at her.
" I know where she is."
