Chapter 1: Ally
Sneaking from her own house was easier said than done. Located on a hill at the edge of Inazuma Town, the Sumire Manor was a fortress. Tall brick walls surrounded the mansion, ensuring nobody entered or left without permission. The only reasonable means of exit was the large front gate.
The sun had fallen a long time ago. Mid-autumn air stung her cheeks, fresh and sharp. Yuu had exhausted herself rattling the gate for a full minute. There was no way she was getting out without help. Through the gaps of the gate and beyond the slope, warm and white lights shone like jewels.
Yuu pushed her hand through the black metal bars, her path to freedom out of reach.
"My lady, what are you doing?"
Yuu yelped and turned around. She deflated at the familiar face before puffing her cheeks and stomping the ground. "Higashi, geez, I told you not to scare me like that!"
"I apologize. Security noticed someone suspicious, and I came to check." The woman bowed, her peach-colored hair styled in a high ponytail swaying with the motion.
Yuu leaned against the railing and looked away. The woman kept quiet, waiting for an answer to the earlier question. Lying wasn't going to work. Higashi was a psychologist and a former military member. She was sharp and observant, never falling for a child’s antics. More important, she was her mother's trusted aide. Like an older sister, she prioritized Yuu's well-being and safety. That was the problem.
"Higashi-san," she started, staring up with her hands in prayer. She used her girlish charm, small body, and large eyes. She pushed her lower lip forward into a pout for a pleading and cute look. "Could you open this?"
"You know that doesn't work with me." The woman lowered a knee to the pavement. "Why don't you tell me what you are doing outside at this hour?” She said in a gentle tone. “I promise I won't tell your father."
Yuu clicked her tongue, face twisting into a bitter expression. With her last resort a failure, she told Higashi about seeking Raimon to face the aliens. She kept the journal's existence and her suspicions a secret.
Behind her tinted glasses, Higashi listened to every word. "I see, so you want to fight."
Yuu nodded, chest swelling at the last word. 'Fight'. It was something she had been doing every day for the past year. She had spent nine months in the hospital regaining movement of her limbs. After coming home, she had to face her family's disdain for her current state. Her life was fight after fight, a daily struggle to uphold her humanity.
"A responsible adult who knew of your condition would drag you back to the house," the woman said. "But if you reached this far and I stop you, I cannot imagine the lengths you are willing to go to escape. I can’t take that risk.”
The meaning behind her words flew over Yuu’s head. "I have a lot to offer to the fight. Moreover, someone I—know is there."
"Kidou-sama, I know. He transferred to Raimon two weeks ago."
The news caught her off guard, but it wasn’t the time to ask for details. "Then you know why I must go," she answered with determination. Then, she recalled the nature of her relationship with the boy and inhaled sharply.
Whether Higashi noticed the contradiction in her motivation, she didn't show it. After what felt like an eternity, she seemed to have reached a decision. She took Yuu's hand, small and delicate, and stared into her violet eyes. "Allow me to double-check your bags. We'd best prepare for a long journey."
Yuu's expression blossomed. "Yay, I knew I could count on you, Higashi!" She threw herself into the woman's arms, tearing a dry laugh from the latter.
"We'll leave early in the morning," Higashi said when the girl pulled away. "Please keep in mind that I cannot withhold your whereabouts from your family."
"Fine, fine! It's a trip then! Let's gooo!" The girl threw a fist to the sky. She rushed back to the house, a small bundle of excitement.
Higashi watched with a fond expression. This unexpected turn of events put her heart at ease. Now she didn't have to worry about leaving the young lady behind. Being around people her age was better than confinement in a hostile environment. The young lady was as determined and optimistic as her mother. No matter the trial, Higashi was sure that she would have the strength to face it.