CHAPTER 43: SQUAD RECRUITMENT.

Good morning and welcome to the news at 8. We have Dr. Aname Parker joining us live to discuss the recent apocalyptic events. Dr. Parker, what is your take on the current situation?

A brief pause as the man clears his throat and adjusts his tie. The blonde news anchor also adjusts the hem of her dress and flips through a page in front of her.

"People don’t know what to think. I’ve heard some say that this is the end of the world as prophesied in the bible, some say its a government project gone wrong, some say that its an alien invasion - all of which seem right, depending on the point of view, but is not of guaranteed certainty."

"And what do you think, Dr. Parker?"

"I think it is a form of alienic attack meant to bring about war and disunity. The people should not be alarmed. The government is doing everything possible to put these things down".

Another brief pause.

"Before we go on a brief intermission, would you discuss more on the means the government is employing to ’put these things down’ as you said?"

"It is not my place to disclose such confidential information, but the people should rest assured. Once we are able to study these creatures, we would be able to design a suitable way of annihilating them".

"Thank you, Dr. Parker. I remain your host, Amy Suarez. Stay tuned for more as we will return shortly".

I switch off the TV.

"Study them?" Furuno-kun repeats in fascination.

I don’t know why I feel like the government will be making everything much worse. I understand that the government is trying to contain everything and prevent a panic uprise, but sugarcoating the situation and lying to the people would not solve the problem. More people are being wiped out every passing second. We can’t stay in this school for much longer. If there is a way to cheat, then I would welcome it with open arms. The leaders in this place are all very adamant and useless. None seems willing to be open to change.

"I tried speaking with the Registrar about joining the fight".

I already know what he’s going to say, but I still want to hear it from him.

"What did he say?"

"He flat out rejected even discussing the subject. He was mumbling some esteemed nonsense about not wanting to be exposed to the world and protecting the interests of both sides. I was way too annoyed to listen".

I pat his shoulder reassuringly.

He glances up at me, then, at my hand. I immediately retract my hand, suddenly feeling stupid and awkward.

"That’s a first". He just says and goes to the reading desk to pour himself a cup of cold coffee.

I turn my attention to the girl. She should leave already.

She turns from staring at Furuno’s rigid back to me. Her eyes are huge. She shrugs at me when I narrow my eyes at her.

A slow blush starts creeping up her neck and stains her cheeks.

She averts her gaze and starts fiddling with her fingers.

Does she like him? Well, I don’t blame her -not like its my business. He just tried to kill her. Girls have very twisted minds.

"The students here are quite powerful. Some of them oppose the views of the leaders. You can form a kind of squad with them".

"And then what? We’ll get expelled".

"Exactly". She says with a mischievous smile.

"But we just got here".

"Yes. And you can’t leave until the semester is over. If you can build up a loyal squad in time, an expulsion would be your ticket out of this place. You’d be free to fight off the monsters".

Furuno and I exchange glances. It’s not a bad idea. It could work.

"Who do you have in mind?" Furuno asks, sipping his coffee in between pauses.

I wonder how he can even stand cold coffee. I shiver in disgust as if I’m the one drinking it.

He catches my expression and smirks.

"Want some?" He extends the cup to me with a playful smile.

I shake my head.

"We have a whole bunch of talents, but not all are useful to you. What are you looking for?"

"Brave-" I and Furuno start saying at the same time.

"Brave, huh? There’s this guy I know, he’s a recluse - we all think he’s insane. He can get into anyone’s mind and he can force you into his mind. Once you’re in his mind, he can manipulate you and beat you. If he is in your mind, he can make you weak and destroy you. He calls his power the Spatial Domain. Does he fit your criteria?"

We exchange looks.

I like the sound of his power. I want to see him in action to be able to decide.

"Can we meet him?"

Her eyes widen.

"No one ever wants to meet him. We all run away from him".

Furuno shrugs.

"He sounds like my kind of bestie".

---

Angela leads us to a hallway and stops at the entrance. The hallway is really long, but there is a guy sitting on the window ledge at the end. He’s wearing headphones and drawing something. He does not seem to notice us.

I’m shocked that he is not afraid of falling to his death.

We start the long journey across the hall. What’s with this school and endless carpeted hallways?

As we are walking, the environment gradually changes. We are no longer in the sombre hallways with portraits of brooding faces and creepy game heads. We are walking along the gravel path in a beautiful garden with bright sunshine. The gravel feels so real beneath my feet. The wind feels so tangible against my skin.

I turn to Furuno.

The guy at the window is seated on a bench surrounded by prickly rose bushes. Primroses and dandelions are scattered around in beautiful shades and hues. There is no building in view, just a plush garden and green trees beyond, dancing in the wind.

Are we in his mind, or is he in ours? This can’t be my mind. I hate flowers. My mother had a garden that she cared about more than me.

Is this Furuno’s mind? I never imagined him to be the flowery type.

The guy slowly removes his headphones and opens his eyes.

He takes a loud breath of the fresh air and grins creepily.

He pulls off his knitted cap and shakes his long, tangled blonde hair into order.

He is doing this deliberately.

With a snap of his slender fingers, we are seated in front of him.

He looks at me with the full potency of his gaze. He has very beautiful eyes. His eyes look like the night sky, filled with stars and...you get the image.

He’s what I’d call pretty. He is wearing diamond studs in both ears, looking every bit the bad boy. Girls should be swooning over him, not running away from him.

When Angela described him, I had imagined someone ugly and rude - a bully.

Not the exact opposite.

"I would hate to leave my guests standing. Please, make yourselves comfortable." He brushes a loose strand of hair away from his eyes with finesse.

"So...tell me, to what do I owe this pleasure?"

For what it’s worth, I’m impressed.

Now, I’m tongue-tied.

"Have you heard about the invasion of monsters?" Furuno asks.

Relief washes over me as Furuno takes the lead. I would hate for this guy to think that we are a pair of unorganized fools.

"Yeah...what about it?"

His stare is unnerving. It makes you want to crawl out of your own skin. He looks like he can see right through me.

"We want you to join our rebellion squad".