Chapter 83: The Disappearing Father

Chapter 83: Chapter 83: The Disappearing Father

As lunchtime begins, we observe Gram making a humorous face while Kono maintains a serious demeanor.

Kono: You’re going to lose.

Gram: No, I’m not!

The scene transitions to Gram and Kono engaged in an arm wrestling match, with Gram exerting all his effort to defeat Kono.

Kono: Are you really trying?

Gram: SHUT UP!

Kono’s arm begins to lower slowly.

Gram: (Evil laughter) I GOTCHA NOW! YOU’RE DONE FOR!!

Kono swiftly slams Gram’s arm down, winning the match, which causes Gram to cry out in pain.

Gram: OUCH! KONO, YOU DID IT TOO HARD!

Kono: Oh, sorry, Gram! I didn’t mean to do it that hard.

Gram stands up, clearly frustrated.

Gram: Man, this sucks!

Kono: What? Is it losing at arm wrestling?

Gram: NO! I wasn’t even trying the seven times before, but it sucks that we’re stuck here while the others are out having fun!

Kono: But you said th—

Gram: I know what I said! But it sucks, okay? I can’t just sit here and do nothing!

Kono: Wow, Gram, is this a new side of you? You actually want to do something?

Gram: Hey! I always want to do something! Besides, I won the Newbie Event anyway.

Kono: What does the Newbie Event have to do with this?

Gram: Kono! We’re going to Aimi’s house!

Kono: What? Why?

Gram: To get some answers!

Gram begins walking out the door.

Kono: Answers for what? Ahh! Now he’s starting to walk away!

Kono follows Gram as the scene shifts to Zodiac sitting alone at the table, eating. He reflects on the day he witnessed parents crying in the office over the three boys he killed.

Zodiac: Tch! (bites his food) They deserved it anyway.

Ohma and Himitsu approach and join him.

Ohma: Hey, Zodiac!

Himitsu: Are you okay, Zodiac?

Zodiac: I’m fine. Just don’t talk to me.

Ohma: I think he’s upset.

Himitsu: Yeah, just eat your food, Ohma.

Ohma: Okay!

Shortly thereafter, Akira and Hana arrive and take a seat. Hana still appears saddened by her brother’s absence.

Akira: Hana, get over it!

Hana: Huh!?

Akira: Your brother is gone, and if I were you, I’d be glad he’s gone. Brothers are nothing but backstabbers!

Himitsu: Akira! You can’t say that to her!

Akira: I already did.

Hana remains silent as she stands up.

Hana: I’m going to the bathroom.

Hana exits for the bathroom.

Himitsu: Hana!

Hana continues walking. Himitsu turns to Akira.

Himitsu: Akira, you can’t say that to her!

Akira: I don’t care. Plus, no one needs a brother.

Zodiac: You’re right about that.

Himitsu: Akira, not everyone had your upbringing.

Ohma: Umm... has anyone seen Daru?

Daru walks down the hall after speaking with the President. He notices Hana alone.

Daru: Hana!

Hana looks up, tears in her eyes.

Daru: Still crying, I see.

Hana: I’m sorry, it’s just th—

Daru: Listen... I understand he was your brother, but you need to realize he is gone now, and we don’t know if we can bring him back—sorry, all of them. However, the pain you’re experiencing can be a good thing.

Hana: Good!? How is feeling pain good, Daru?!

Daru: Use that pain to make you stronger; channel it into finding the person who did this.

Hana: (sighs) Okay, I’ll try.

Daru: Good... now, HANA!

Hana jumps back, startled.

Hana: Huh!?

Daru: What did I tell you about going off on your own? Stay with one of us or around other students!

Hana: Okay, okay, I’m sorry. I just needed some time to myself.

Daru: I understand... just do better, Hana.

Hana: Okay, I will.

As they converse, a student grabs Daru’s arm, pulling him away.

Daru: What the—

Student 1: Bro, basketball is about to start! Come on!

Daru: Let go of me!

Hana starts to laugh.

Daru: (yelling) Hana! Remember what I said!

Hana: Yes, I know!

Hana heads back to the café as Daru goes to the gym. Upon arrival, the student pushes him into the group as they begin selecting teams.

Daru: I said I didn’t want to play this game!

Student 4: Okay, I pick... Derek!

Derek: Yes! Let’s go!

Derek walks over, leaving Daru as the last selection.

Student 4: I guess that kid goes to you guys.

Daru: This is ridiculous. I’m leaving.

Student 1: Please, bro, don’t go!

Daru looks at him, visibly upset.

Daru: (to himself) I hate people. I seriously hate people.

Student 1: So are you—

Daru: Yes, just shut up and get on the court.

Student 1: Yes! Okay, my name’s Zack!

Daru: Just be quiet!

Zack: Okay!

Daru and the other students take to the court and begin passing the ball. Daru rushes at one player and tackles him to the ground.

Student 7: AHHH!!

Zack: What the...

Daru seizes the ball and charges toward his net, forcefully slamming it against the backboard, shattering the entire net. He glances back at the onlookers, who are all staring in disbelief.

Derek: D-does he even know how to play?

Student 2: That’s what you’re worried about? He just destroyed the whole net!

Daru cracks his neck and begins to exit the gym.

Daru: (looking at Zack) There, you happy?

Zack: Uh...

Daru departs the gym and heads to the café.

Derek: Well, I guess no basketball for lunch.

Everyone sighs, gathers their belongings, and starts to leave the gym.

Teacher: Who was that kid? He’d make an amazing football player!

The scene shifts to Daru seated at the lunch table with his peers.

Ohma: Oh hey, Daru! We’re just talking about you!

Daru: Oh, really?

Ohma: Yeah! Hana says you’re a good person.

Hana blushes slightly, and Akira notices.

Akira: You’ve got to be kidding me.

Hana: Huh? What?

Akira: Don’t play dumb; I know what that face means.

Hana: I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Akira: Mhmm...

Hana: Hey, Himitsu.

Himitsu: Yes, Hana?

Hana: Do you think you could take me to the house in the forest?

Everyone at the table turns their attention to Hana.

Daru: Why do you want to go there?

Ohma: Yeah, Hana... why?

Zodiac: And out of all the people, you want Himitsu to take you?

Hana: Well... I want to see if I can uncover more clues there.

Daru: We already checked it.

Hana: I know, but maybe I’ll understand what the house is or find something you missed.

Akira: Just let her go; if she dies, she dies.

Himitsu: Akira!

Daru: Alright, go ahead.

Daru looks at Himitsu.

Daru: Make sure she stays by your side at all times.

Himitsu: Yes, Daru. I won’t take my eyes off her; she’s always on my mind.

Zodiac: Yeah, I’m going to stab myself in the eyes... bye.

Zodiac rises and walks away from the table.

Akira: I might come with you.

Akira stands up and exits.

Ohma: Hey, Himitsu, I can come too! (smiling)

Himitsu: Umm... Okay, that works.

Hana: Alright, let’s go.

Himitsu: Wait, you want to go now?

Hana: Yes!

Himitsu: Oh, alright then.

Ohma: The adventure begins.

Daru: Just leave already.

Ohma, Hana, and Himitsu enter the forest while Daru remains at the table, eating. A gym teacher sits at Daru’s table.

Teacher: It’s Daru, right?

Daru: Yeah... did I do something wrong?

Teacher: No, no... well, you did break the backboard, but the school will cover that. That’s not why I’m here, though. I wanted to ask if you’ve ever played football.

Daru: What is that?

The teacher laughs at Daru’s serious expression.

Teacher: Oh, you’re serious.

Daru: Yes.

Teacher: Well... football is a sport that involves using your hands and tackling.

Daru: Hmm... sounds boring.

Teacher: Boring? No, no, football is the best sport ever!

Daru: Listen, Mister Teacher, I’m not interested in playing sports; I just want to eat my awful lunch and get through this day, alright?

Teacher: Ahh... Okay, you’re right. Well, it was nice talking to you. Have a good rest of your day.

Daru: Hmm...

The teacher walks away.

Daru: Weirdo.

The scene shifts to Zodiac and Akira walking through the halls. Akira notices that Zodiac is deep in thought.

Akira: What’s on your mind?

Zodiac: What?

Akira: I can tell you’re thinking about something, and I can sense it too.

Zodiac: You can sense what I’m thinking about?

Akira: No, I can sense that you’re feeling something inside, but I can’t tell what it is.

Zodiac: It’s none of your business.

Zodiac walks ahead, leaving Akira behind.

Akira: Yeah, well, I didn’t care anyway!

The scene returns to Hana, Ohma, and Himitsu.

Hana: Ohma, are you sure we’re going the right way?

Ohma: Yeah! I’m 100% sure!

Himitsu: Hey, guys, I found it!

Ohma and Hana turn to the right and see the house.

Ohma: Oh, Hana, look, I found it!

Hana shakes her head as she and Ohma approach the front door.

Hana: This house doesn’t look familiar at all. Why is there a house right in the middle of the forest?

Himitsu: I was wondering the same thing.

Hana opens the door, and they are all taken aback by what they see inside.

Himitsu: I’m going to contact the others!

Zodiac, Daru, and Akira arrive at the house while Himitsu paces back and forth at the front door.

Daru: Himitsu?

Himitsu looks up.

Himitsu: Ahh, there you guys are! We have a problem!

Daru: Can you calm down and just tell us?

Himitsu takes a deep breath.

Himitsu: Just go inside.

They approached the front door and opened it, revealing the entire premises meticulously cleaned from top to bottom.

Zodiac: What the hell?

Akira: Everything has been tidied up.

Daru: That means whoever is involved knows we’re onto them.

Hana: What does this mean?

Zodiac: It means whoever is doing this to the students is either trying to cover their tracks or grab the kids more quickly.

The scene transitions back to Kono and Gram in Sampostis, walking down the street toward Aimi’s residence.

Kono: Do you even know what you’re doing, Gram?

Gram: Of course I do!

Kono: What questions are you going to ask her that would help the others?

Gram: (Scratching his head) I’ve got that covered.

Kono shakes her head as a suited individual rushes toward them, microphone in hand.

Interviewer: You must be the Mavelance Crew!

Kono: Huh?

Interviewer: I’ve heard a lot about you! You’re the crew that won the Newbie Event and fought off that creature!

Gram: (Smiling) You mean "I" won the Newbie Event.

Kono: (Rolling her eyes) Oh, here we go again.

Interviewer: Amazing! Do you think you could answer a few questions for me?

Kono: Uhhhh, well, you see—

Gram: Of course we can! We have some spare time.

Kono assumes a blank expression.

Interviewer: Great! How did you manage to beat the Newbie Event without getting caught?

Gram: (Arms crossed) Well, I, The Great Gram, didn’t even have to try. My presence alone scared everyone off. I took advantage of that and grabbed all three flags just before the event ended. It was like taking candy from a baby.

Interviewer: Incredible! I would have never guessed you possessed such greatness!

Kono: You’ve got to be joking...

Gram: Now, what’s your next question? Ask, and you shall receive.

Interviewer: Who is the strongest in your crew?

Gram: Strongest, you say? I think you already know the answer.

Interviewer: So you’re saying you’re the strongest, even with those two who have glowing hair?

Gram: Indeed! I could take them both on with my eyes closed.

Interviewer: I see. And my last question is, how did you assemble such a strong crew and meet them all?

Gram: Well, it’s a long story. As I, The Great Gram, was adventuring through worlds, I stumbled upon a group struggling to fend off a massive dragon. So, as a hero, I stepped in and—

Kono: Okay, that’s enough.

Kono takes Gram’s hand and begins to guide him away from the interviewer.

Gram: Hey! I wasn’t finished!

Interviewer:

After a few minutes, they arrive at Aimi’s house, and Gram appears dejected.

Gram: Why did you do that? I was about to tell him the best part!

Kono: Really, Gram? You fighting off a dragon? You sure know how to spin a tale.

Gram: Whatever! We’re here now, so let’s see if she’s home.

They approach the front door, and Gram knocks. After a few moments, there is no response.

Gram: Helloooo! Is anyone home?

Kono: Maybe she’s not here.

As Kono speaks, the door slowly opens by itself. Once fully opened, they see the interior of the house, which is completely dark.

Kono: What in the world?

Gram: (nervously) I’m not liking this!

Suddenly, two glowing eyes emerge from the darkness as a growl and footsteps approach.

Gram: (frightened) What is that!?

Kono: (anxiously) I think we need to get out of here!

The footsteps grow louder as they approach. Gram and Kono cling to each other in fear as a minotaur steps out of the shadows.

Kono & Gram: AHHHHHHHHHHH!

Amid their screams, they hear laughter; it’s Aimi using her illusion powers. As the illusion dissipates, Aimi appears on the ground, laughing until tears stream down her face.

Gram: What the hell, Aimi!

Kono: You nearly gave me a heart attack!

Aimi: (laughing) Oh, that was too funny! You should have seen Gram’s face!

Gram: (upset) Hey, I wasn’t scared! You just caught me off guard!

Aimi: Sure, but you were holding on tight to Kono.

Kono: That is true.

Gram: Shut up! Anyway, we came here to talk to you.

Aimi: Huh?

Kono: Yes, Gram wanted to ask you a few questions, if you don’t mind.

Aimi: Oh, sure. Come on in.

Aimi invites Kono and Gram inside. They remove their shoes and proceed to the living room, taking a seat on the couch.

Kono: So, how’s everything with you, Aimi?

Aimi: (annoyed) Bored. I’m still on house arrest.

Kono: Oh right, I totally forgot.

Aimi: So, what did you want to talk about?

Gram: Alright. I have three questions for you.

Aimi: Okay?

Gram: First, how do you manage to live in a house by yourself?

Aimi: (confused) What?

Kono: What does that have to do with school?

Gram: It doesn’t, but I’m curious! How can a kid afford a house alone?

Aimi: I’m under a special program where the Order covers the bills. Once I turn a certain age, I’ll have to worry about that.

Gram: Oh, that makes more sense.

Kono shakes her head.

Aimi: Okay, what’s your next question?

Gram: Why don’t you and Hana live together?

Aimi: Did you forget? It’s because I have powers, and I can’t be in a school that doesn’t allow that.

Kono: Gram, can you stop messing around and ask her a real question?

Gram: Alright! The question I’ve been thinking about the most is about your father.

Kono and Aimi look surprised.

Aimi: My father? What does that have to do with the case?

Gram: I feel like something is off. You said your father went on vacation and was supposed to come back, right?

Aimi: Yes, that’s what I told you.

Gram: How long has it been since you and Hana last saw him?

Aimi begins to show signs of nervousness.

Aimi: U-uhhhh, a few months.

Gram: Aimi, you don’t have to lie to me.

Aimi: (panicking) What! How do you know I’m lying!?

Gram: (smiling) I didn’t, but now I do.

Aimi: Ugh! You’re so annoying!

Kono: We’re just trying to help, Aimi. You understand, right?

Aimi takes a deep breath.

Aimi: The truth is, our father left us four years ago.

Gram: (shocked) Four years!?

Aimi: Yeah. He didn’t even tell us beforehand. The day he informed us was the day he never came back.

Kono: Wow, I’m truly sorry to hear that.

Gram: Did you try to contact him?

Aimi: Don’t you think we tried? We called him, looked around, did everything we could, but nothing worked.

Gram: Hmmm. What about your mother? I remember you said she passed away.

Aimi: She died before we lost our father.

Kono: Do you know how she died?

Aimi: Apparently, she was murdered, but they don’t know the details.

Gram: Really?

Aimi: Yeah, pretty much.

Gram: That’s strange.

Kono: What do you mean?

Gram: The way their mother was murdered and their father went missing. Something feels off, and I don’t like it at all.