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Shiki Tohno and Len: Epilogue 1/4 - The Legacy of Shiki Tohno
"..."
For perhaps the first time in ever, Len seemed to give Sakuya something almost resembling a dirty look, almost as though offended that such a thing like being threatened to love was suggested. Still, she said nothing of it, as usual, though she did briefly shake her head, letting the small bells attached to her clothes by a ribbon ring out just a bit.
Seemed like she didn't appreciate almost getting tag-teamed by Sakuya and Shiki.
With a resounding sigh, Shiki shrugged his shoulders. "Alright, alright. Love at first sight. Whatever... Whatever you say, Len," he said as he'd purse his lips, before letting out a small, well-meaning laugh, pocketing his hands as he'd nod, "In any case, yes. Perhaps it's time to go now already. If we waste too much time here, we'll never actually end up leaving. Set the coordinates to your world, and we'll be on our way."
"Wait."
Blinking in surprise, Shiki turned to face the voice that came from behind him, meeting Akiko standing behind him, the nurse seemingly brought out of her contemplative state while the leaders, or rather leader and other subordinates, carried on their planning in the background. Shiki glanced back at the others for a brief moment, before raising a finger to them.
"Ah... Hold on just a moment. Go ahead and get the portal ready. I'll catch up to you in just a sec," Shiki said to Sakuya and the others, as Len would softly sigh, before nodding and walking off towards the Gateway Room, expecting Sakuya and Remilia to follow. With that, Shiki approached Akiko, casually taking one hand out of his pocket.
"You needed something, Miss Yosano?"
"So then... After all this time, you're finally leaving, huh? Ready to finish up your personal journey and get on your way back home again."
The whole Coalition Civil War Incident was an odd time, to make an understatement. It showcased the darker sides of those who operated within the multiverse. It was a time where those who called themselves "heroes" painted themselves as heroes by vilifying everyone who opposed them, regardless of their opponent's intentions. A time where one had to wonder if the ends truly justified the means. A time where even the jocular were given pause, and grounded to the grim reality that they'd tried to move past. A time of betrayal, revelations, and despair.
No doubt, as a member of the Coalition, the good nurse (the term "good" is applied loosely) was no exception to this. Before, one could view her as a sadistic, facetious, and perverse woman who, despite her general personality, was still considered "good" if only because she still had good intentions, was willing to work with others to achieve the common goal of maintaining peace, and had a surprisingly grounded sense of morality, despite her... less than ideal tendencies when operating on her patients.
Likely to her own disgust on some level, however, over the course of the civil war, Akiko was forced into a position where she had to be serious all throughout. There was no place for caustic humor as everyone heatedly discussed a matter of great importance, and Akiko was forced to pick a side, adding to the division between the organizations of the multiverse. One could say that the ordeal as a whole made her more sensitive, though Shiki didn't dare think that long enough, else he'd risk a devastating right hook. Women could practically read minds, after all.
With a nod, Shiki let out a breath. "Yeah. Yeah, I... I'm heading off now. It didn't feel like a while, but now that I'm leaving, I didn't realize how much time I'd spent here, getting to know people like you, Mr. Kunikida, Ms. Kirigiri, and the like. I'll certainly miss you bunch, but... It's as they say, y'know? Every person's life is a road, and while every road or so often will interconnect or run parallel with each other, they'll ultimately part ways. At the end of the day, the road is its own road. And I need to get mine back on track," he spoke profoundly, giving a genuine smile.
"I see..." Akiko said, crossing her arms and seeming to give a thoughtful nod, "Well then, I'd be loath to give you a formal goodbye, but before I do, Shiki, I need you to tell me something. I need you to answer just one question," the older woman spoke with a serious look on her face. An expression that was usually unlike her to make before the Civil War had started, but now, it was almost indistinguishable from her normal tone.
"... Eh? And what's that?"
"How are you still going on?"
"..."
Shiki blinked, having to take a moment to process Akiko's question. He didn't exactly fully understand it, if at all, but he certainly tried to. It was almost as though it went entirely above his head, but then, that wasn't too unusual for a boy who looked like the protagonist-type you could find anywhere.
"I'm... sorry?"
"After everything that's happened, after everything we've discovered, after everything we've been through... How are you still able to keep going with that dumb, naive smile on your face, Shiki?" Akiko questioned, elaborating without missing a beat, "You may not be a member of the Coalition, but it still concerns you."
"How so?"
"Umbrella was hunting you because you're a Progenitor, you know. That's why Ms. Valentine was killed. That's why a large portion of those who have appeared within the Crossed Testimony, like you have, all ended up dead eventually. The Silent Hill Incident, the Rapture Incident, and the Hunt in between. That's why that man tried to kill you when you first left on this journey. Because you're a Progenitor. Because you were there at the beginning of this all. To their plans, you were more important than anyone else, possibly in the whole Coalition. It was vital to them that you died, more than the leaders of the Coalition and United Nations, more than the dhampir with the inflated ego, more than the strawberry blonde girl, not because of how powerful you were, but because of the latent Malevolence energy that resided within you. The aura of despair that would help Ilona unravel her powers even more, like a key unlocking one of many locks. And even if you were to live past their attempts, which you managed of course, you're doomed to live a cursed life. Don't you remember what we said during the beginning of all this? Those who live with this Malevolence are afflicted, like a disease. The patterns are all there in the writing. Hell, just look at Ilona. You won't even be able to have a child, unless you want another vessel of Malevolence walking around. And another thing, you likely won't even live long enough to raise them to adulthood. The Malevolence is predicted to prevent you from living a long and virtuous life. So with all that in mind, how are you still going on, hopeful as you are? I have to wonder if even Commander Naegi could remain optimistic in circumstances like yours. So how? How can you just keep walking and smiling like that?"
Akiko didn't realize how stern and serious her voice had become until she'd finish speaking. To an outsider, it would appear as though she was angry with Shiki, though in reality, she was simply astounded. Confused, even. Despite the hopeful smile on Shiki's face, the situation she saw him in was hardly one that warranted hope.
And yet... All Shiki could do, after taking in Akiko's words, much faster with the longer explanation than the shorter question, was smile. He let out a light chuckle, rubbing the back of his head momentarily, before giving his own response, hardly even having to think about it evidently.
"Listen... If I had a nickel for every time I was told I was doomed to live a short, tragic life, I'd be able to afford a college education. Between my bloodline, my Mystic Eyes... What's another cause of a bad life? Frankly, the way I see it, Miss Yosano, you only live a life as happy and as tragic as you will it to be. I've had a lot of things happen to me. Seen a lot of things happen. I have all the power in the world, and yet, even I can't prevent tragedy from hurting me or those who I care for... because life isn't about how hard you can hit, y'know. It's about how much you can take before you break, if there is a breaking point, and... As long as I can return to my home, the place where I belong, where people are waiting for me, I'll move mountains if I have to. Or... I'll let the mountains drop on me. Because ultimately, I don't mind. It's okay if I can't bear children, or perhaps live past a certain age. As long as I can live the peaceful life I want, surrounded by those I love, holding the power to protect them, then I'm okay. No matter how short or long my life ends up, I'll be satisfied. I've already fulfilled what I need to in my world. Anything more that I do would simply overflow the glass with water."
"..."
Now, it was Akiko's turn to remain silent. She couldn't possibly believe the answer she'd gotten in return. Truly, Shiki was a boy unlike many others, free of delusions and ambitions. A hero who didn't see himself as a hero. A hero who wanted, more than anything, to protect what was his. Perhaps that was what made him more of a "hero" than those standing atop their shiny pedestals, their higher moral grounds, and whatnot. Because it was then that the nurse realized... At his core, he was more human than anyone around.
Surely, Commander Kirigiri was right about one thing. There were two types of people with absolute power, if not just people in general. Those who wanted to change something, and those who wanted to maintain things as they were. Shiki was surely of the latter, and if someone like him were to be of the former, then more than likely, he'd be someone led astray by his ambitions, driven mad by his power, believing he could do anything he wanted. Time and time again, Shiki was brought to the edge of madness; hell, who was to say he wasn't already mad? But even so, he still retained his humanity. His dignity as a man. Full of conviction, yet passivity. Never wavering from what he'd determined.
Like a man with a mind of steel.
And so, Akiko laughed. She let out a small laugh, having to hold her own sides like she had heard something quite amusing, though Shiki didn't find it all that strange of her to be like that. Hell, if anything, it was comforting to see her be odd like this, like she used to be.
It meant already, the status quo was reforming.
"Stupid, dumb kid," Akiko looked up at Shiki with a rare genuine smile, though her words made it look like she was looking down at him instead, despite the fact that the boy was one inch (or rather, 3 centimeters to be precise) taller than her.
"Damned crazy lady," Shiki shot back lightly. It was nice for the two of them, being able to jab at each other like this were lighter times. But alas, even this had to come to an end.
Clearing her throat, Akiko would change the topic. "So then... I guess this is goodbye then. For real. You may be going home to live your quiet life, Shiki, but tell me one last thing... I can count on you to help out if the Coalition ever finds itself in a pinch again, right? You have the power to solve a certain class of problem, y'know."
Shiki nodded, his smile shifting to a more confident, assured one.
"Yeah. I may wanna go home, but it's not like I'll be out of contact. You'll know where to find me, considering how tied my world had been to the earlier Murder Games. But now, I have people I care for in other worlds, so now, I'm obligated to travel beyond space and time to protect them if I have to, but with your help, it shouldn't be too much of a hassle."
"Well, good on that. I'll be giving you a call soon in that case... though it seems like there's hardly a shortage of cute girls and beautiful women in your life as it is, hmm?" Akiko joked with a knowing smirk, grabbing Shiki by the hand and shaking it, not even letting the boy give consent to shake hands, though despite a small moment of surprise, Shiki didn't mind too much.
Giving a nod, Shiki let out a short breath through his nose, before clearing his throat. "Right... Well, I should get going. I'll see you around, Miss Yosano. Do tell me if you see beautiful older women around," he said, getting one last crack in, before giving a wave and hopping off, jogging over to the Gateway Room in order to travel back to Sakuya's world with her, Remilia, and Len, as Akiko sneered, crossing her arms, shaking her head.
"... Boys. Always the spitting image of male chauvinism."
And with that, the young man was off. The story in his book was over, for all intents and purposes, and now, he was on his way to reach the last page so that he could finally close it.
So that he could finally live his life again.
"..."
For perhaps the first time in ever, Len seemed to give Sakuya something almost resembling a dirty look, almost as though offended that such a thing like being threatened to love was suggested. Still, she said nothing of it, as usual, though she did briefly shake her head, letting the small bells attached to her clothes by a ribbon ring out just a bit.
Seemed like she didn't appreciate almost getting tag-teamed by Sakuya and Shiki.
With a resounding sigh, Shiki shrugged his shoulders. "Alright, alright. Love at first sight. Whatever... Whatever you say, Len," he said as he'd purse his lips, before letting out a small, well-meaning laugh, pocketing his hands as he'd nod, "In any case, yes. Perhaps it's time to go now already. If we waste too much time here, we'll never actually end up leaving. Set the coordinates to your world, and we'll be on our way."
"Wait."
Blinking in surprise, Shiki turned to face the voice that came from behind him, meeting Akiko standing behind him, the nurse seemingly brought out of her contemplative state while the leaders, or rather leader and other subordinates, carried on their planning in the background. Shiki glanced back at the others for a brief moment, before raising a finger to them.
"Ah... Hold on just a moment. Go ahead and get the portal ready. I'll catch up to you in just a sec," Shiki said to Sakuya and the others, as Len would softly sigh, before nodding and walking off towards the Gateway Room, expecting Sakuya and Remilia to follow. With that, Shiki approached Akiko, casually taking one hand out of his pocket.
"You needed something, Miss Yosano?"
"So then... After all this time, you're finally leaving, huh? Ready to finish up your personal journey and get on your way back home again."
The whole Coalition Civil War Incident was an odd time, to make an understatement. It showcased the darker sides of those who operated within the multiverse. It was a time where those who called themselves "heroes" painted themselves as heroes by vilifying everyone who opposed them, regardless of their opponent's intentions. A time where one had to wonder if the ends truly justified the means. A time where even the jocular were given pause, and grounded to the grim reality that they'd tried to move past. A time of betrayal, revelations, and despair.
No doubt, as a member of the Coalition, the good nurse (the term "good" is applied loosely) was no exception to this. Before, one could view her as a sadistic, facetious, and perverse woman who, despite her general personality, was still considered "good" if only because she still had good intentions, was willing to work with others to achieve the common goal of maintaining peace, and had a surprisingly grounded sense of morality, despite her... less than ideal tendencies when operating on her patients.
Likely to her own disgust on some level, however, over the course of the civil war, Akiko was forced into a position where she had to be serious all throughout. There was no place for caustic humor as everyone heatedly discussed a matter of great importance, and Akiko was forced to pick a side, adding to the division between the organizations of the multiverse. One could say that the ordeal as a whole made her more sensitive, though Shiki didn't dare think that long enough, else he'd risk a devastating right hook. Women could practically read minds, after all.
With a nod, Shiki let out a breath. "Yeah. Yeah, I... I'm heading off now. It didn't feel like a while, but now that I'm leaving, I didn't realize how much time I'd spent here, getting to know people like you, Mr. Kunikida, Ms. Kirigiri, and the like. I'll certainly miss you bunch, but... It's as they say, y'know? Every person's life is a road, and while every road or so often will interconnect or run parallel with each other, they'll ultimately part ways. At the end of the day, the road is its own road. And I need to get mine back on track," he spoke profoundly, giving a genuine smile.
"I see..." Akiko said, crossing her arms and seeming to give a thoughtful nod, "Well then, I'd be loath to give you a formal goodbye, but before I do, Shiki, I need you to tell me something. I need you to answer just one question," the older woman spoke with a serious look on her face. An expression that was usually unlike her to make before the Civil War had started, but now, it was almost indistinguishable from her normal tone.
"... Eh? And what's that?"
"How are you still going on?"
"..."
Shiki blinked, having to take a moment to process Akiko's question. He didn't exactly fully understand it, if at all, but he certainly tried to. It was almost as though it went entirely above his head, but then, that wasn't too unusual for a boy who looked like the protagonist-type you could find anywhere.
"I'm... sorry?"
"After everything that's happened, after everything we've discovered, after everything we've been through... How are you still able to keep going with that dumb, naive smile on your face, Shiki?" Akiko questioned, elaborating without missing a beat, "You may not be a member of the Coalition, but it still concerns you."
"How so?"
"Umbrella was hunting you because you're a Progenitor, you know. That's why Ms. Valentine was killed. That's why a large portion of those who have appeared within the Crossed Testimony, like you have, all ended up dead eventually. The Silent Hill Incident, the Rapture Incident, and the Hunt in between. That's why that man tried to kill you when you first left on this journey. Because you're a Progenitor. Because you were there at the beginning of this all. To their plans, you were more important than anyone else, possibly in the whole Coalition. It was vital to them that you died, more than the leaders of the Coalition and United Nations, more than the dhampir with the inflated ego, more than the strawberry blonde girl, not because of how powerful you were, but because of the latent Malevolence energy that resided within you. The aura of despair that would help Ilona unravel her powers even more, like a key unlocking one of many locks. And even if you were to live past their attempts, which you managed of course, you're doomed to live a cursed life. Don't you remember what we said during the beginning of all this? Those who live with this Malevolence are afflicted, like a disease. The patterns are all there in the writing. Hell, just look at Ilona. You won't even be able to have a child, unless you want another vessel of Malevolence walking around. And another thing, you likely won't even live long enough to raise them to adulthood. The Malevolence is predicted to prevent you from living a long and virtuous life. So with all that in mind, how are you still going on, hopeful as you are? I have to wonder if even Commander Naegi could remain optimistic in circumstances like yours. So how? How can you just keep walking and smiling like that?"
Akiko didn't realize how stern and serious her voice had become until she'd finish speaking. To an outsider, it would appear as though she was angry with Shiki, though in reality, she was simply astounded. Confused, even. Despite the hopeful smile on Shiki's face, the situation she saw him in was hardly one that warranted hope.
And yet... All Shiki could do, after taking in Akiko's words, much faster with the longer explanation than the shorter question, was smile. He let out a light chuckle, rubbing the back of his head momentarily, before giving his own response, hardly even having to think about it evidently.
"Listen... If I had a nickel for every time I was told I was doomed to live a short, tragic life, I'd be able to afford a college education. Between my bloodline, my Mystic Eyes... What's another cause of a bad life? Frankly, the way I see it, Miss Yosano, you only live a life as happy and as tragic as you will it to be. I've had a lot of things happen to me. Seen a lot of things happen. I have all the power in the world, and yet, even I can't prevent tragedy from hurting me or those who I care for... because life isn't about how hard you can hit, y'know. It's about how much you can take before you break, if there is a breaking point, and... As long as I can return to my home, the place where I belong, where people are waiting for me, I'll move mountains if I have to. Or... I'll let the mountains drop on me. Because ultimately, I don't mind. It's okay if I can't bear children, or perhaps live past a certain age. As long as I can live the peaceful life I want, surrounded by those I love, holding the power to protect them, then I'm okay. No matter how short or long my life ends up, I'll be satisfied. I've already fulfilled what I need to in my world. Anything more that I do would simply overflow the glass with water."
"..."
Now, it was Akiko's turn to remain silent. She couldn't possibly believe the answer she'd gotten in return. Truly, Shiki was a boy unlike many others, free of delusions and ambitions. A hero who didn't see himself as a hero. A hero who wanted, more than anything, to protect what was his. Perhaps that was what made him more of a "hero" than those standing atop their shiny pedestals, their higher moral grounds, and whatnot. Because it was then that the nurse realized... At his core, he was more human than anyone around.
Surely, Commander Kirigiri was right about one thing. There were two types of people with absolute power, if not just people in general. Those who wanted to change something, and those who wanted to maintain things as they were. Shiki was surely of the latter, and if someone like him were to be of the former, then more than likely, he'd be someone led astray by his ambitions, driven mad by his power, believing he could do anything he wanted. Time and time again, Shiki was brought to the edge of madness; hell, who was to say he wasn't already mad? But even so, he still retained his humanity. His dignity as a man. Full of conviction, yet passivity. Never wavering from what he'd determined.
Like a man with a mind of steel.
And so, Akiko laughed. She let out a small laugh, having to hold her own sides like she had heard something quite amusing, though Shiki didn't find it all that strange of her to be like that. Hell, if anything, it was comforting to see her be odd like this, like she used to be.
It meant already, the status quo was reforming.
"Stupid, dumb kid," Akiko looked up at Shiki with a rare genuine smile, though her words made it look like she was looking down at him instead, despite the fact that the boy was one inch (or rather, 3 centimeters to be precise) taller than her.
"Damned crazy lady," Shiki shot back lightly. It was nice for the two of them, being able to jab at each other like this were lighter times. But alas, even this had to come to an end.
Clearing her throat, Akiko would change the topic. "So then... I guess this is goodbye then. For real. You may be going home to live your quiet life, Shiki, but tell me one last thing... I can count on you to help out if the Coalition ever finds itself in a pinch again, right? You have the power to solve a certain class of problem, y'know."
Shiki nodded, his smile shifting to a more confident, assured one.
"Yeah. I may wanna go home, but it's not like I'll be out of contact. You'll know where to find me, considering how tied my world had been to the earlier Murder Games. But now, I have people I care for in other worlds, so now, I'm obligated to travel beyond space and time to protect them if I have to, but with your help, it shouldn't be too much of a hassle."
"Well, good on that. I'll be giving you a call soon in that case... though it seems like there's hardly a shortage of cute girls and beautiful women in your life as it is, hmm?" Akiko joked with a knowing smirk, grabbing Shiki by the hand and shaking it, not even letting the boy give consent to shake hands, though despite a small moment of surprise, Shiki didn't mind too much.
Giving a nod, Shiki let out a short breath through his nose, before clearing his throat. "Right... Well, I should get going. I'll see you around, Miss Yosano. Do tell me if you see beautiful older women around," he said, getting one last crack in, before giving a wave and hopping off, jogging over to the Gateway Room in order to travel back to Sakuya's world with her, Remilia, and Len, as Akiko sneered, crossing her arms, shaking her head.
"... Boys. Always the spitting image of male chauvinism."
And with that, the young man was off. The story in his book was over, for all intents and purposes, and now, he was on his way to reach the last page so that he could finally close it.
So that he could finally live his life again.
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