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Monsters Among Men Chapter 5
🕑 Added 2025-01-25 12:43:07 +0000 UTCI storm into my room, slamming the door behind me. Damn that Kazuya and his goons. My fists clench as I wince, examining the bruises blossoming across my skin. Wincing, I grab the medkit from my desk drawer and start dabbing antiseptic on the cuts, gritting my teeth against the sting. That jerk really did a number on me this time. But I won't let him get away with it. Not again.
He injured Miyuki, and I'm not going to let him get away with it. I can bear all of the insults and pain he has caused me. They were nothing to me. But Miyuki is a different matter altogether. He put her in a coma! Miyuki was going to be a pro hero! Now her dreams are crushed, and that asshole Kazuya is going to be one. Are people like him becoming heroes? Never! I won't allow it! I slam my fist onto the table in anger, wincing at the pain but ignoring it. I remember all of their faces, Kazuya's and his goons. Their laughs, sneers, and mockery are ingrained into my mind. They don't deserve to live, and I'm going to make sure of it.
I take a deep breath, trying to calm down. Miyuki wouldn't want me to do anything reckless. But I can't just sit back and let them get away with this. Kazuya and his lackeys have terrorized me and Miyuki for too long. And now he has crossed a line. It's time I took matters into my own hands.
I head down to my lab, the familiar scent of chemicals and the whirring of equipment greeting me. As I step inside, Cliff's cheerful chirps catch my attention.
"Welcome back, Eddie—" His beady eyes scan me, head tilting curiously. "Are you okay, Eddie?"
I pause, considering how to respond. "I'm fine, Cliff." My voice comes out more strained than I intend.
Cliff flutters closer, his colorful wings beating the air. "Are you sure? You look to be in pain. If there is anything Cliff can do, Cliff can do it!" He hops from one scaly leg to the other, his excitement palpable.
I manage a small smile, reaching out to give his feathered head a gentle scratch. "...Thank you, Cliff." The warmth of his concern is a welcome comfort amidst the turmoil swirling within me.
With a newfound determination, I turn to Talon, sleeping peacefully within the containment tube. Those people—Kazuya and his goons—they're not human, but monsters in human skin. To fight them, I must become the monster myself. No more hiding, no more running. It's time to face them head-on.
Miyuki's dreams were crushed because of their cruelty. I won't let them get away with it. They'll learn the hard way that messing with me has consequences. I'll fight fire with fire, and they'll soon realize the true power they're up against. I'll show them who the real monster is.
I head over to my workbench, Cliff's curious eyes following my every move. Grabbing the specialized components I purchased, I started disassembling the S.Y.N.A.P.S.E. helmet to add new components.
"Ooh, what are you doing, Eddie? Can Cliff help?" Cliff flutters excitedly, his vibrant wings beating the air.
"I'm upgrading the S.Y.N.A.P.S.E. to improve the range of the connection with Talon," I explain, my brow furrowed in concentration. "The last time, the link started to weaken when I got too far away. I can't let that happen again."
Cliff cocks his head, his beady eyes filled with curiosity. "Does that mean you can stay with Talon longer?"
"Yes, that's the idea," I reply, offering him a reassuring smile. "With these upgrades, I'll be able to explore the city as Talon for longer without risking the connection breaking."
Cliff flutters closer, his feathers brushing against my arm. "That sounds exciting! Cliff wants to see the world with you and Talon!" His enthusiasm is infectious, and I find myself momentarily distracted from my dark thoughts.
I finish the last of the upgrades to the S.Y.N.A.P.S.E., double-checking the connections and calibrating the range. According to my calculations, the connection should now extend 15-20% farther than before, allowing me to explore the city as Talon without the link weakening. This is the best I can do with the limited materials I have access to right now.
I turn my attention to the van parked in my garage, considering how I can outfit it to transport Talon. This old beat-up van will have to do - I don't have the time or resources for anything fancy.
Grabbing my trusty toolbox, I get to work. First, I install a specialized containment unit in the back, similar to the one Talon is resting in right now. It'll keep him secure and comfortable during the trip.
I examine the unit, making sure the connections are secure and the life support systems are functioning properly. Can't risk anything going wrong when Talon's in there. With a satisfied nod, I move on to the next modification.
I add a few compact generators to the van's electrical system, ensuring it has ample power to support the containment unit and all the electronics. These generators will keep Talon stable and the S.Y.N.A.P.S.E. functioning during our excursions. I know this setup isn't ideal - the generators are noisy and require constant refueling. But for now, it's the best I can do to get Talon out there.
I make a mental note to look into solar power options in the future. That would provide a cleaner, more sustainable solution. But for now, I need to focus on getting this van ready. I can't let Kazuya and his goons get away with what they've done.
I was about to test the van, but Cliff fluttered over to me. "It's getting late, Eddie. You should rest." His chirps are laced with worry.
"I appreciate your concern, Cliff, but I need to keep working. There's no time to waste." I turn back to the van, determined to get it ready.
Cliff flutters closer, his feathers brushing against my arm. "Please, Eddie? Cliff worries about you. You need to take a break." His large, beady eyes plead with me, the worry evident in his expression.
"Alright, Cliff. You win. I'll try to get some sleep." I offer him a small smile, grateful for his care.
I head to my room, Cliff's concerned chirps fading behind me as I close the door. Exhaustion weighs heavily on my limbs, but the moment I lie down, Miyuki's still form in the hospital bed flashes before my eyes. Kazuya's sneering face, his goons' mocking laughter - it's all I can see.
I squeeze my eyes shut, willing the images to disappear, but they only grow more vivid. Miyuki's dreams are crushed, and just thinking about Kazuya becoming a hero makes my insieds churn. My fists clench at my sides, and rage bubbles within me. I won't let them get away with this—not anymore.
"I can't sleep…"
I head to school alone today, which feels strange. Miyuki and I have walked together every morning since we were kids. I couldn't believe I would miss Miyuki's chatter about Ember Nova. That superhero was all she ever talked about. I'd get an earful every morning about her latest exploits and how amazing she is. Now, that familiar voice and energy is missing. I guess quiet mornings weren't really my thing.
I enter the school gates and in the corner of my eye. I see Kazuya laughing with his friends, not a worry in the world. Anger flares up inside me, but I force it down. Causing a scene here would only backfire. I steer clear, keeping my distance. I don't need his attention right now—if I let my emotions get the better of me, I might do something I'll regret, and I won't get the revenge Miyuki deserves.
I make my way to class, my mind racing. Miyuki's absence is like a constant ache. Now, the halls feel hollow without her voice filling the air. But I know I have to stay strong, for Miyuki's sake. I'll find a way to make things right, no matter what it takes.
I take my seat, trying to ignore the empty chair next to me where Miyuki usually sits. The teacher clears her throat. "It is with great regret that I must inform you all that Miyuki Shibata will not be able to attend school for the time being, due to an unfortunate accident."
My hand instinctively clenches into a fist. I know the real reason - Kazuya and his goons are responsible for putting Miyuki in the hospital. The anger I felt earlier surged back, but I forced myself to remain calm. I can't afford to lose control.
"Miyuki has been an exemplary student, and we all wish her a speedy recovery. In the meantime, I expect you all to continue your studies diligently and support one another during this difficult time."
As the lesson drones on, I find it increasingly difficult to focus. My mind keeps drifting to Miyuki, wondering how she's doing, hoping she'll wake up soon. The thought of her lying in that hospital bed, unconscious, makes my stomach twist with guilt. If only I had been there to protect her.
When the final bell rings, I waste no time gathering my things and heading straight for the hospital.
I arrive at the hospital and immediately spot Miyuki's mother, Akira, sitting in the waiting room. Her long, dark brown hair is pulled back into a practical bun, and her soft brown eyes convey a mixture of worry and determination. Despite the stress etched on her face, she radiates a comforting warmth. Akira wears a simple cardigan over a pair of jeans, a community pin adorning her sleeve.
I approach Akira, my heart heavy. "Aunty Akira," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. She looks up and her eyes light up with recognition.
"Eddie, dear," Akira says, standing to embrace me. Her warm hug is comforting, "I'm so glad you're here. Miyuki will be happy to see you."
I return the hug, feeling a lump form in my throat. "How is she?" I ask, my voice shaking slightly.
Akira's expression turns somber. "The doctors say Miyuki is stable, but she hasn't woken up yet." She places a gentle hand on my arm. "I heard you saved her. Thank you, Eddie."
"I'm so sorry, Aunty Akira. I should have been there to protect her. If only I had—"
Akira cuts me off. "Don't blame yourself, Eddie. This isn't your fault. Miyuki is strong, and she's going to pull through. All we can do now is be here for her."
I nod, unable to find the words to express how I feel. Akira's reassurance helps ease the burden on my heart, but I know I won't be able to forgive myself until Miyuki wakes up.
"Do you know how she became like this, Eddie?" Akira's eyes were filled with worry.
"She tried to save a girl." The words felt like a weight on my chest.
"Is the girl safe?" Akira's voice trembled slightly.
"Yes..." I could barely meet her gaze.
Akira sighed, a sad smile crossing her lips. "I guess that's Miyuki for you. Always trying to help others." She shook her head, worry etching her features. "You're always getting into trouble, to the point that I worry too much. But I can't blame you…" She placed a gentle hand on my arm, her eyes filled with a mixture of pride and concern.
Seeing Aunty so sad makes me feel more guilty and makes my anger towards Kazuya stronger.
"What's wrong, Eddie?" Aunty asks, her voice filled with concern.
"Nothing, Aunty..." I reply, not wanting to burden her further.
Aunty places a gentle hand on my arm. "Don't worry, Eddie. We both know Miyuki is not a quitter. I'm sure she will open her eyes sooner or later and just laugh this off."
"...I'm sure she will." I nod, trying to match Aunty's optimism, though the words feel hollow on my tongue.
It's good to see Aunty still being her optimistic self.
"Eddie, dear, why don't you come stay at our house for a bit? I could use the company, and I know Miyuki would be happy to have you there when she wakes up."
I shake my head. "Thank you, Aunty, but there's something I need to take care of first." The image of Kazuya's smug face flashes in my mind, fueling my determination.
Akira sighs, a sad smile crossing her lips. "I understand. Just remember, our door is always open if you need anything. Miyuki and I are here for you."
"I will, Aunty. Thank you." I give her one last hug before leaving the hospital room, my resolve strengthening with each step. I promise to visit Miyuki as often as I can, no matter what it takes to make things right.
I arrive back at my lab, my mind racing with thoughts of Miyuki and my desire for revenge. Quickly, I begin checking over my van, ensuring it's ready for the mission.
Cliff flutters over, his bright feathers catching my eye. "Eddie, Eddie! What are you doing?" he chirps, his head tilting curiously.
I pause, meeting Cliff's inquisitive gaze. "I'm preparing to go on a hunt, Cliff," I say, my voice resolute.
Cliff's eyes widen, and he lets out an excited squawk. "A hunt? Can Cliff come too? Cliff wants to help!"
I shake my head. "I'm afraid this is something I have to do alone, Cliff. It's too dangerous for you." Cliff's face falls, his vibrant feathers drooping.
Seeing his dejected expression, I offer him a reassuring smile. "But tell you what, when I get back, I'll bring you a special snack. How does that sound?"
Cliff's eyes light up, and he lets out a happy chirp. "Yay! Cliff loves snacks! Hurry back, Eddie!"
Cliff flutters back to his enclosure, ready to relax. I focus on the task at hand, determined to see this through.
I continue working on my van, making the final checks. Tonight, I'm going on a hunt. My first target is one of Kazuya's friends, a guy named Riku. He's in the same class as me, and I know where he likes to hang out, so he's a prime target. I'm leaving Kazuya for last.
I load Talon into the van with the help of some of the arm robots I created before. I don't want to damage its containment, so we load Talon carefully, but we manage to secure it.
Talon lets out a low, rumbling growl. I know it senses my determination, my desire for vengeance. "Soon, my friend, we'll make them pay." My voice is laced with conviction.
With one final check, I close the van's doors, ensuring Talon is safely contained. The creature's powerful presence fills the space. I can almost feel its anticipation mirroring my own.
I start the van and exit the lab through the underground tunnels.
"Let the hunt begin."
