Have you ever realized that based on one decision, your whole life can take an unexpected turn? I don't mean that I didn't know that everything you do has repercussions; I knew that before. If I do something, it's likely that it has affected, is affecting, or will affect someone, because that's just how life works, so that's that. If I was so aware of that, why didn't I notice it in the first place? I have a lot on my mind, although I'm lying, it's only a few things, the kind of life I've been living since that moment when I can't say I lost everything, but what was being born and growing at that moment, those friendships, moments, events, that affection I had for my friends, was becoming my everything. If I already felt that way about my closest friend, whom I've known for years, it may not seem that way now from the way I express myself or simply by looking at my face, but as a child I reflected what I wanted, I could move freely wherever and whenever I wanted, if I wanted to say something, I said it, if I wanted to act smart, I did, if I wanted to act silly, I did, which was most of the time. It's easy for a child to take on many roles, and everything is sincere. When you grow up, you realize that the way you act and behave varies depending on who you're with, what you're doing, or where you are. Being yourself gradually disappears, and it is in those friendships, in that safe place, where you can be yourself without realizing it. There is no longer a mask for every situation, you are just you and... that's it, trying to get on with your life in the best way possible. I can't give up, no one can defeat me, I have to give my best and continue living my life and for everyone else's, it's the best and only thing I can do, for my friends who are no longer here with me, I must be a good person, serious and above all sincere in everything, staying silent is just ignoring the danger you can get yourself into, closing your eyes and ignoring others is already a danger that involves others. If you know what to say, you don't even have to know it clearly, but don't stay silent, you have to speak up...you have to say it...before...before it's too late...
I realized it too late, even though I saw with my own eyes how Lain was crying in front of the Nekomata family... during that visit we made to the Distant Duo of the North... I... I could have done something... if only I had hesitated, if only I had been suspicious instead of trusting... if only I had imagined the worst in a totally opposite situation... I... should have expected the worst at every moment.
What had to happen happened because of the interest of bad people. I had an experience that I will never forget for the rest of my life. What happened on Silent Christmas is something that the country will never forget... whether for good... or for bad.
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I waited at Kaizo Port all night, while it snowed and snowed... It was as if time wanted to stop at that moment. I wanted it to stop, so that I could have as much time as possible and see my friend Giji return safe and sound, bringing our friends back home... At first, I waited quietly, standing still... but I could feel myself losing strength, so I gave in and sat down on the ground. I was shivering from the cold, hugging myself as best I could... Every time I breathed, I could only feel cold air that made my situation worse...
It's true... I'm all wet and the temperature is dropping. I want to warm up... I want to feel better...
『Giji... Jun... Ema... Cat... please... come back as soon as possible...』
But Kyto was going to keep waiting at Kaizo Port, his gaze fixed on the farthest point he could see of the vast ocean in front of him. The snowflakes continued to fall... but even as the hours passed, there was no sign of his friend flying overhead. He continued to shiver from the cold, and with his first sneeze, he could only wipe his nose with the sleeve of his garment and continue to wait in silence.
He was the only one at the port, or so he thought. But there were two workers who did not obey Retro's orders, even though he clearly told them that when they were ready and had loaded the last container, they should...
『Go and enjoy a wonderful Christmas. We'll be done before midnight. Your families are waiting for you, surely with the affection, love, and warmth you deserve for all your hard work. I am very grateful to all of you, and since I won't be back here for a long time, *happy* Thank you for another year, for the friendship you have given me, I will continue to value it.』 -『So enjoy your time with your families, I too... I don't want to disturb your beautiful moment. *smiles*』
Whether out of fear, respect, or, as he said, friendship, they listened and left after doing their last task. But as I said, there were two individuals who did not listen, as they themselves knew that something was going on: the police intervention, the children who came, the fact that they had clearly heard them looking for their friend named Ron... This made them very angry, as they knew clearly what was going on. One of the workers, Kota, couldn't hide his frustration and indignation, even though his boss Retro told them that with a smile... He didn't want to stay silent, he was going to go to the police to warn them and at least help them with all this, even if a case was opened... he was also involved and...
『Don't do it, Kota... you'll only hurt us all... disobeying the boss... believe me, it's not a good idea...』
His partner, Atsu, grabbed his arm to stop him from doing something stupid and warned him, reminding him of the conversation they had had with their boss... Just as he had given them unconditional support many times, he could just as easily ruin their lives, just for his own interests at that moment, just as he had done with Ron...
『Do you want that to happen to you, your family, or someone you love, to fall victim to the boss's interests? Since we're in this together, it's better that he sees us as his friends and not his enemies. Please, Kota... keep quiet...』
He kept tightening his grip, looking really worried. This network, this business, at this point in his life, they don't even know how much, everything depends on the pure trust they have in each other. If one of them talks, everything can go to hell, and we don't mean hell, but the Devil himself, who has always been here on earth.
Kota was nervous and sweating. He watched as all his other companions left, acting as if nothing had happened, talking about other things while the children continued to search for their friend. Why... why are they doing this... is this the right thing to do? But at that moment, his friend Atsu took him by the arm and was also leading him away from the port.
『Our work is done, let's go...』
Even though he wanted to stay... when he heard the children screaming... he knew that he was succumbing to fear, just like everyone else. He didn't want to lose his life. They were all friends... they were all comrades... if speaking up would harm everyone else as well as himself... then...
They passed by a place far away, but he could still be seen, like his boss, pretending to be a supervisor from Kaizo Port, talking forcefully to a police officer. Seeing that even with the law present, he tries to hide his annoyance, what will it be like when he unleashes himself, knowing that he has the strength to overcome everything? At that moment, as if he were having a hallucination, he could see that the more Retro spoke, it was as if... a white stain... a viscous white solution... was slowly spreading, infecting everything in its path... he even wants to override his thinking and defend his position when he knows what he is doing is wrong... he also wants to incite that Cyclops... that he... is just doing his job...
And when he saw that the white stain was spreading so much that it was about to reach them, his partner Atsu quickened his pace, and seeing that they were not going to get out of this, they just closed their eyes as if that could save them and...
The next thing that happened was that... they waited... they waited and hid... The other workers didn't realize that they had stayed behind, as they also quickened their pace when they saw the white stain coming for them. But both Atsu and Kota remained hidden and... they could see that by staying, as if it were no longer a hallucination, but rather an absorption, their bodies were gradually becoming stained white, it was going to cover them completely and...
『I want... to stay!』
He had made a decision, and when Kota finally came up with his answer, he opened his eyes and... was surprised and realized that none of the white stain was real, it was only his imagination... or we could say the fear represented in that way that Retro conveys... Seeing his partner Atsu, he was also calmer now, he had resisted Retro's reprimand and...
『I can't... not this time... fall for your lie...』
With the two of them momentarily free from Retro's orders, they continued to hide and try to help those children, seeing what they could do... they saw the police leaving... it seems that in the end, as always... their boss always ends up winning. That camouflaged Lizardman who is also present... they don't know what to say about him, but they feel that he is like them. But above all... the children... where are the children...
When they realized it, it was too late. Even though they searched the port, the children were no longer there, and when the infirmary worker saw them, they were still there. He told them, in response to their questions, that the children had just boarded the cargo ship, and that Retro was also on board... This worried the two adults greatly, as that particular cargo ship... was headed for...
『Don't say anything else. You know how this works. We have to keep quiet and protect ourselves. I'll turn a blind eye for you, so as our boss said, our families are waiting for us, and I'm going to take it, and you should do the same, but if you want to stay, I'll understand.』
Now that they knew the whole context, the two adults didn't know what to do... They had two options: go back to the officer and tell him everything, or return home and cherish the time they had with their families. They were torn between what to do and what not to do. It was clear that Kota wanted to notify the police, but Atsu wouldn't let him. Rather, he wanted to...
『I... don't know what to do...』
『But... we have to make a decision...』
It's incredible that even though no one is here threatening them directly, they can still feel their boss as close as possible, as if he could hear and know everything... Faced with their doubts, time passed without them knowing what to do, and like Kyto, they were just waiting for something to happen, for the problem to perhaps solve itself. The hours passed, and they just watched that child, in the cold of what should be happiness for everyone... he is still waiting for that happiness to come...
Not even his cell phone was ringing, because it had fallen into the water and become unusable, but surely his family was calling him, and the relatives of the two workers were also calling them, and whether it was because of the moment they were living in, their world at that moment was coming to a standstill...
Finally, they were able to come out and face him. Of course, they were worried about Kyto when they saw him shaking, his clothes wet, staring intently at the ocean. If they couldn't do anything... at least they could keep him company. They wanted to give him their coats, but...
『Don't touch me... who are you? Workers? Or are you friends with that damn guy who calls himself Retro?" -『Friends of that guy? Then you're just like that phony! Get away from me... I don't want anything to do with liars.』
The way he looked at them shocked the adults, because they knew very well that those empty eyes were because he thought his life was over... It just made them feel enormous regret in their hearts. All they could do was clench their fists. Kyto's rejection was enough to make them not try anything with him, whether their intentions were good or bad.
『When my friends come, with how strong Giji has become... it will surely be easy for you to defeat them. Jun is also very strong, Ema can break free at any moment... the cat is the cat... They are all very strong... they will come back... and together we will be even stronger!!!』
Kyto said this and tried to encourage himself, while the two adults could only look at him with pity and... as if to answer him if he had the courage, Kota said.
『Your friends aren't coming back... I'm sorry, but... your life is never going to be the same.』
Kyto turned to look at them again, now angry with a blank stare. Did they have to say that to him at a time like this? Can't they see he's trying to be positive? He said nothing more, but his annoyance was clear...
『You were able to save yourself, so...』
『You're lying... You two are lying... Just like that fake guy, you want to give me the wrong idea! But what do you know, living a life where you can't be honest even with those you care about, you're bad people!!! You can't have a peaceful and healthy life knowing full well what you're involved in!!!! Us!!! My friends are good people! We haven't done anything wrong to anyone, we do our duties! Our chores! We listen to our parents!!! We may be spoiled, yes!!! But not to the extent that this kind of thing should happen to us!!!! You can't get away with this!! You can't get away with this!!!! You are the plague and evil of this world!!!! Why did you have to mess with us? Why do you mess with other people's lives? What do you gain by lying and living that kind of life? I don't understand why other people's happiness bothers you... You're adults... Tell me... Why do you do this?』
Faced with Kyto's explosion of emotions, they could see everything about him, his hatred, his anger, his depression, his sadness... they could see everything about him. And when they asked them both the question, they both had the right answer, which they said at the same time.
『『Fear.』』
『We're afraid of losing what we have.』
『Fear is what makes you make the wrong decisions.』 -『Here you can see two adults who succumbed to fear and can't overcome it.』
Kyto was surprised by their answer. He just stared at them and... he doesn't know who is pathetic now, them because they let themselves succumb to fear... or Kyto, who over time... has also become afraid...
『How pathetic adults are... I won't... I won't live a life in which I succumb to fear, I won't be a fake when I grow up... I will always stand firm in my thinking and in who I am and will truly be. Fear? Even though they are bigger than me, that doesn't mean they are stronger. I am the strongest here and I will always be. I will prove it to life, I will prove it to that guy who destroys people as if it were easy... I am not easy... for me... for my family... for my friends... I will live a life for all of them and prove that I am not afraid of anything! That's what I learned! I learned to be strong and be real! To achieve it, even though I know! Even though I know they won't come back! I must live! Live with my head held high and!!!! Be present to see every morning and never give up!!!!!』- 『I promise you, Jun, Ema, Ron, Giji... I will live and fight until my last days!!!!!!』 -『But if you manage to come back, Giji... I want you to see how strong I've become!!! And I hope that now you'll be the one to congratulate me *smiles*』-『You know very well that the one who is most afraid...is me...』
That was what Kyto swore at that moment. He would be a man who stood up for himself, and if one day he returned, and if one day his friends returned... then there would be no problem, right? Showing himself to be defenseless and weak in front of people who were strong in his eyes.
At this point, the police were already intervening at the port, sirens could be heard, and the sun was already shining on Kaizo Port. The news that something terrible had happened was already spreading by word of mouth. This was because some officers in the area, after having had their little party behind their superior's back, had not yet finished their shift, and their sense of duty was calling them. Perhaps they should do a little check of the neighborhood to see that everything was okay.
『What Manako said, I don't think it was a lie. She has a great sense of justice, just like you, Koki-nii. When the superior asked if something had happened, Manako wanted to speak up, but to cover for us better, she decided not to say anything. 』
『That's right. She told us everything after the superior left. In the middle of the party, she told us what happened and why she left, but seriously? A kidnapping on Christmas Eve? And by some kids? Manako did the right thing by going to investigate. If she had told us, we would have gone to check it out too. 』
『But someone wanted to have a party and didn't want to do their job. 』
『You also wanted to have a good time, and it was also to bring us closer to Manako, but the fact that he kept quiet and didn't say anything makes me wonder what happened. 』
『There are children involved. They wouldn't lie about something like that, and besides... 』
『Manako left the children behind and didn't take them with her. Should we go back to the port? Or should we investigate the houses? 』
『I could even say they wanted to brainwash her. It's almost dawn, and all the houses have their lights off... Huh? Why does that one still have its lights on? 』
『Are they still partying hard? Okay, let's go to Kaizo Port to investigate after checking this house. 』
With that, they went to do what they said. They were curious that in the middle of what they were checking and chatting about, they saw a house with the lights still on. So they entered the yard, rang the doorbell, and... That's when Koji saw small holes in the window of the house. The snow was trying to cover the window, but those small holes kept it clear. Koji already saw the worst in this. Even though Koki was ringing the doorbell, there was no one to answer.
『Huh? No one's answering? Even though the lights are on? Did they go to sleep without turning off the lights...? 』
At this point, the two brothers already feared the worst, so they didn't hesitate to force their way in. They managed to open the door by brute force, and what they found was...
『What...what is this... 』
They couldn't believe what they were seeing. They found the entrance completely destroyed, as if a fight had taken place. At this point, they imagined the worst had happened. And when they both managed to reach the main room, they ended up finding...
『But what...did this really happen? 』
They found the bodies of Nekomata Fuu and Nekomata Yume in a scene where blood was already spilled. One had been shot in the head and the other had been shot through the neck. They died together and... unable to bear the scene, Koji quickly lost strength in his legs, and his reaction to seeing something so shocking was to vomit on the spot. Meanwhile, Koki, seeing this...
『I... I should have done my job... if I had done my rounds as I was told... this... this wouldn't have happened... 』
Koki was in tears and also ended up losing strength in his legs. He stared at the corpses and... hit the ground over and over again, because of how stupid and foolish his actions had been at this moment, which should have been a happy one for this family... While they were having a nice Christmas... the Nekomata family no longer existed.
The police were alerted thanks to Koji and Koki's discovery. With the information they had and thanks to Manako, they intervened as quickly as possible. Patrol cars also arrived to take away the bodies of the Nekomata family. As they were being carried away in black body bags, Koki felt very frustrated and couldn't stop clenching his fists. Koji still felt bad, and he was also crying like a child because... he also felt responsible for what happened that night.
Manako arrived at Kaizo Port, and when Smith was also notified and ended up arriving, her mere presence and talking to her was as if the white stain on her had been removed at that moment. She told her what had happened. At that point, she was not yet a member of the M.O.N. group, she was only an officer, but seeing that Agent Smith was also present, it was her duty to tell her everything she knew.
『Well done, Manako-san. 』
『Well done? But I did what I shouldn't have done. If I had been more persistent and loyal to those children... if I hadn't fallen for that guy's words... 』
『Guy? 』
『I'm also... responsible for this happening...』
Manako also started crying at that moment in front of Smith. When the agent saw her crying, she realized that she was the one who had been closest to preventing this from happening, that the children had placed their trust in her, and that she had been deceived by bad people. If Smith didn't do something soon, this girl would feel guilty and would never forgive herself for the rest of her life.
『You're right, if you had been more attentive, this wouldn't have happened.』
『...』
『I understand your frustration, and you can regret it all you want, but living with it will only harm your life and the lives of others. Instead of seeing the negative side of things, we must see the positive, no matter how small... We have been informed that there is a little boy who is safe. Do you want to go see him?』
『A child?』
Manako and Smith went straight to see the child, who was already receiving treatment from the medical specialists who had also arrived. When they saw him, he was covered with a sheet. They removed his wet clothes. Due to exposure to the cold, he showed signs of hypothermia, but... he was alive... safe and sound... But just by looking into his eyes... it was clear that he had lost hope of living...
Manako went to see the child, and when Kyto looked at her, he recognized her and knew that she was the officer who...
『Ahh... you... weren't you supposed to help us? Where were you? Why did you leave? Weren't you a good person?... Why did you leave us alone if you're an adult...?』
What Kyto said was his own thinking and what he experienced. He even looked at her with contempt, since he knows that she was the only adult he was supposed to trust and who was a good person. Manako felt a great weight when she heard him speak and couldn't respond...
『Are you a liar too?』
『NO!!!!! I'm not a liar!!!!!!!! I really wanted to help you! I really wanted to be useful to you when you told me that one of your friends was in danger... My duty as an officer was to give you security and confidence! But I did the opposite, I fell for that guy's words and... I was afraid... I was afraid for a moment... what that guy would do if he kept insisting... I'm sorry... I'm so sorry... for being weak...』
At this, Manako ended up bowing her head, hitting her head on the floor, truly feeling very hurt by what had happened. Kyto only agreed with her and...
『Yes... you are weak... are you really an adult and an officer on top of that? How pathetic it really is to grow up and become like you.』
『...』
『But...you're being sincere right now, and if it weren't for you, we wouldn't even have found out what's really going on in this port, this place...it's full of rotten, lying people.』 -『At least you're less weak than that phony Lain. Thank you for listening to some kids and for trying so hard for us.』
With that, Kyto finished speaking, and when Manako looked up, she only found Kyto staring at her without reflecting anything. Manako still did not feel forgiven, and Smith told her to stand up and said,
『Don't feel that your intervention was useless. What you did was pave the way so that this tragedy would never happen again, but as Kyto said, you are weak, very weak. If you really want to save many more lives, then become strong, and then I will return *smiles*.』
Smith said with a smile at that moment. Smith approached Kyto to have a conversation with the boy. Manako could see Smith's actions and was sure that if she had been in his position... yes... she would have done things better... but continuing to regret... Finally, the ambulance was about to leave with Smith on board, and they were going to heal and treat the boy. Manako had stayed at the port, touching her heart and saying.
『I'm going to get strong so that no one else suffers... I won't ignore what's in front of me! 』
The news spread too quickly, through neighbors, acquaintances, and others, and an investigation was quickly launched at Kaizo Port. Kyto was admitted to a hospital to treat his hypothermia. His relatives came to see him, and when they found out what had really happened, his mother and father hugged him so tightly that it seemed like they were going to kill him. Seeing his mother truly worried, even though he knew she got angry easily over any mischief he did...
Because she is his mother, because he is with his family, it was only in that embrace that he could show himself as a child, crying his eyes out while unable to regret not having done anything, he too was afraid at that moment.
『Mom!!! Dad!!! I was scared!!! I was so scared!!! I couldn't do anything!!!! My friends must have been really scared too!!!! I'm sorry for disobeying you!!! I'm sorry if I ever didn't do my homework!!!! I'm sorry!!! I'll be a good boy from now on!!! I don't want to be scared anymore!!!!!!』
Kyto, like a newborn baby, couldn't stop crying in front of his mother, and all she could do was hug him and try to calm him down as only a mother knows how. During the week he was in the hospital recovering, of course the first visitors he had were his friends' families...which was fine... The only ones who could come were the family of his friend Giji, whom he had seen before and had known for years. When he saw his best friend's parents, he didn't know how to look them in the face, because if he did, all he could see was a face full of sadness and pain...
『Kyto-san... tell me... my son... Giji... is he safe? Is he coming home? At least tell me... that he's alive...』
『I... I... I don't know...』
He told them about his last interaction with Giji, where his parents already knew the final outcome. They were crying too, and Kyto was frustrated because...
『He flew... my son managed to fly... I would have liked to see it with my own eyes... to see him soar through the skies and... come home... Giji... son...』
The mother Harpy could do nothing but cry again in her husband's arms. They didn't need to say it, it was clear that Giji was...
『Kyto-san, if my son told you he was coming back, and if he hasn't done so yet, we know how persevering our son is, so... one way or another, he will do it. It won't be the way we would like it to be because... I want you to keep in mind that my son gave you and will bring you happiness *smiles*.』
Giji's father, who spoke better than his wife, made everything clear to him. Kyto was also crying, and he replied that he would also try his best to live as long as possible, so that the day would come when he could see his friend's promise fulfilled.
Jun's parents also came to visit him, and Kyto told them that she was a very good and precious friend. They asked him the same question, whether their daughter would return home safe and sound. But Kyto could only say...
『Giji went to rescue her, so at least because of the trust I have in my friend, if they managed to find each other again...』
That was all he could say. For Jun's parents, hearing that their daughter had been or was going to be rescued by their friend Giji somehow reassured them, as they now knew what they had discovered and what really went on in that port.
『If my daughter was accompanied, then... *cries* I can rest easier now...』
Although she said she was calm, she couldn't help it and ended up crying too. Both parents knew that if their daughter was alive, what awaited her would be...
But that first week was just the calm before the storm. While she was only able to receive visits from Giji and Jun's parents, Ema's parents never showed up. This seemed strange to Kyto, and for the first time, he became interested in everything surrounding his friend Ema. But downstairs in the hospital, news of the Silent Christmas, as it was officially called, was spreading, and with it, Kyto, as the survivor of a tragedy, was clearly going to be in the spotlight whether he liked it or not.
A sea of reporters was outside the hospital, most of whom just wanted to take advantage of the misfortune of others. Among the crowd of reporters, how far could Retro's influence in the world reach?
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It was all very sudden after Silent Christmas, although sudden would be an understatement. It was also annoying, hateful, irritating, prolonged, disgusting, exploitative... I have so many things to say about this whole time. But I definitely learned something very important during this time, which is that your words can be altered and transformed by others, someone who manipulates your thoughts? That's not the case, but someone who alters your words? How is that possible, you may ask. I hadn't thought about it either, but when you say something, it's because you mean something, and it can be interpreted in many ways, but what you said stays there, period. But now we've reached the point where your word... often lacks credibility, even though you know it well and said it, the one who says it is only one person, only you, but everyone else is everyone else, and the more people are against you, no matter how right you are, what others believe most will be decided. Why is that? Because misinformation exists, just as satisfaction exists. Using both to manipulate others? It wouldn't be manipulation so much as... counting on that support for that issue, and the more and more people fall into the trap just because it fits with their way of thinking, well... you get what you get. There are many resentful and, above all, sick people who don't like to see others happy, who don't like to see others better themselves. If someone is at rock bottom, they would prefer them to stay there. Do they know me? No. Do they know anything about my life? No. Do they... wish me anything? No... I'm just a stranger who, despite what I've been through, still feels empathy, as if it had gone on sabbatical.
I came to a simple conclusion about all this: all those people who talk just to talk, act just to act, without thinking about the consequences of their actions, it's because... they are failures in life, that's what they think they are. Growing up and becoming an adult, doesn't that come with responsibilities? Doesn't that mean you already have a defined idea of what is good and what is bad? Those who live bitterly, those who live by focusing on the lives of others, comparing themselves and feeling that they are the weakest. What's wrong with you? Tell me, can't you get ahead on your own? Can't you make an effort and persevere, see the best in yourself and try again and again? Are you going to give up and complain after the first attempt? It's not impossible for you, but one day you'll get there! Hey! You can fly too, damn it! Don't look at me or anyone else! Look at your own life and what really matters to you! And pursue it to the end! Make an effort and get ahead! I know it's easier to deceive than to help, it's easier to lie than to tell the truth... Don't be afraid!!!! Because if you don't dare to do it, don't expect your life to change overnight... it takes effort... a lot of effort... and I... am just beginning to understand how the world really is.
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As soon as I left the hospital, everything was fleeting at that moment. There were a bunch of reporters outside the hospital, huh? What do they want? I'm not famous or anything for them to pay attention to me. They were taking pictures without my consent. It was blinding me. It was bothering me a lot that they didn't even respect my personal space. They were asking me about a thousand things, like what really happened that Christmas, how I got into that situation, who my friends were, if I knew who was behind it all.
I see that they are only concerned about me, that was my first impression of them. They are reporters and their job is to report the truth to the whole community... Yes... I was there, and if talking about it can help, then...
『Kiyomiya Kyto, there is a rumor going around and we would like you to confirm or deny it』 - 『That you turned in your friends, Tsukishima Jun, Minako Ema, Sakato Giji, and Nekomata Ron, in order to be the only one to return home.』
A reporter said among the crowd, when Kyto heard this, how positive he was going to answer some questions, his eyes quickly clouded over, it was the only thing he could hear and pay attention to those words. That he turned in his friends for his own good...
『Rumor also has it that you were the most fearful of all, and because you succumbed to fear, you offered a deal to the mastermind, betraying your friends and handing them over in exchange for being the only one to return home. Some claim that this is true.』
By this point, all the other reporters had heard this, and some looked at him confused, even gesturing that it was the first time they had seen him, but others commented that he had a segment and space on a radio station in the country. When asked this question, everyone fell silent, writing in their notebooks and on their cell phones, and even recording Kyto's response. The boy couldn't believe it...who was spreading this lie...Kyto couldn't take it anymore and exploded with rage.
『IT'S A LIE!!!!!!! I WOULD NEVER LIE TO MY LOVED ONES!!!!! THEY DECEIVED US!!!!!! THAT DAMN COWARD LIZARDMAN CALLED LAIN WAS THE ONE WHO DESTROYED ALL OF OUR LIVES!!!!!! I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANY MORE LIES IN FRONT OF ME, INSULTING AND PITCHING MY FRIENDS!!!!!!』
Kyto exploded at that moment. He wasn't fully recovered yet, so he was still unsteady on his feet, but Kyto couldn't take his eyes off the reporter who had made that comment. He remembers him very well. He's young, or at least he looks young. He wears glasses with a cord and dresses sloppily for someone whose job is supposed to be to look presentable and project a good image. The reporter just commented that.
『Sorry for asking if it bothered you too much. It was just a rumor and I just wanted to deny it. Thank you for your contribution.』
This guy's name was Sumiya Lino. From that moment on, although it may not seem like it, he would be the one who would torment Kyto the most over the next few years in one way or another.
Kyto's first few months were focused on his recovery, both physically and mentally. He was at home and, obviously, could not attend school for a while. But this did not stop Kyto from wanting to improve and not fall behind. He spent most of his time in his room, picking up textbooks and trying to somehow keep up with the classes he could not return to. His family was always there for his recovery, but here came another problem: money. Kyto comes from an average human family. They are not in dire need, but they don't have money to spare either. They have what is stable and necessary for their family, a little more...
『There's nothing to worry about, we have savings set aside in case of tragedy, we'll use it for our son's recovery, seeing him with that attitude he has...』
『Especially those empty eyes he has...』
『For now, he needs to receive all the affection and love that we as parents can offer him. I wish we could solve all this as a family, but I know that problems will always come...』
Kyto had a clear routine: studying, helping around the house, and when outside help came to continue with the case and the process that was underway, Kyto rejected them outright. He told all the adults who came to get information out of him.
『I'm not going to say anything to liars like you.』
That's what he said, instead of stating in his own words that this was what he had to do. Anger got the better of him, and he wasn't going to give others what they wanted. This often made reporters who wanted to contribute to the case sad that they couldn't do their bit. Their duty is to inform the public, but if they don't, then...
『No problem, Kiyomiya Kyto, if you don't want to talk, then we'll do it *happy*.』
Sumiya Lino knew perfectly well that her duty as an informant was calling her. She had already encountered cases where the victim did not want to talk, mostly out of fear or to avoid further harm.
『He's a child, he must be very scared, even traumatized, but don't worry, as an adult, I seek nothing more than to support you and help you move forward. Leave it all to me, one way or another, I will make sure everyone knows about your case and the whole truth!』
So, on his own radio show, a radio show? Is that still feasible in today's world? On 25.5 FM nationwide. Although many other television channels and news outlets have already reported on the case, they made it clear that Kiyomiya Kyto still does not want to make a statement. This leaves citizens uneasy. They want to know what really happened on that Silent Christmas. All they know is the name and disappearance of the children, the death of the Nekomata family, but... what else... what else is there... there must be something else they need to know... even if it is both positive and negative.
『Welcome back to your information frequency, the one that stands out from the rest, Sintonia 25.5 FM!!! We still find it amusing to refer to ourselves that way, but we are glad that you also accept it with humor and, above all, that you always pay attention to our words and information. We truly appreciate that. Ehh...Ah! Today we have to talk about the topic that has been on everyone's lips across the country. I wish it were good news, but unfortunately it is very bad news. I am referring to the Silent Christmas of this December 20XX. And if you are hoping that we have a statement from the victim, Kiyomiya Kyto, I will tell you straight up, and with the absolute truth, we do not have one!!! Kiyomiya Kyto has always refused to answer anyone who asks her about what happened, and that includes us. We all want to help. We want to help by informing you because we care about you! We care that our population and community are interested, informed, and united in the face of all these kinds of misfortunes that always happen! That's why I'm here to calm you down as always, and to be totally honest, I want to support Kiyomiya Kyto and everyone involved, so I will devote myself exclusively to investigating the case, and every time I find something, I will inform you based on my investigations, theories, and also speculations, all with the aim of unraveling the pure truth! So stay tuned! This is the first chapter of "The Truth About Kyto"!!! 』-『Applause Applause!!! *laughter* 』
It was broadcast once again at its usual time, once a week. Sumiya Lino would devote himself every week to investigating the case on his own and sharing his thoughts in the space he created. People took this as truth and a necessity, and their concern about knowing the truth was already calmer, since Lino had a reputation for having done this before, always taking on cases, whether normal, dangerous, or easy. But what he did entertainingly was everything that happened to him and recounting all his experiences to his audience. This is how he has gained more and more listeners over time. And it was no coincidence. Being a radio station, you just need to be appealing with your voice, and this guy has a beautiful voice that charms you, that confidence, that empathy, that sympathy, that charisma, everything about him, and on top of that, the authenticity of going after the truth. Many take his reports as true... Which is surprising for radio station 25.5 FM, which is mostly characterized by entertainment, with other programs featuring jokes, comedy, and even music... Why do people believe that this is also serious?
Kyto was getting out of bed. It was another day, but at least this one was different, as he was more motivated than usual. Months had passed since his recovery, and he had preferred to remain silent, not only to reporters, but also to an agent named Smith who came to ask him questions. How can I put it... she was particularly annoying. He didn't know if the reporters were more insistent, or if it was this woman who was also doing it. Whether it was because he was different or because he was more tired of her being more nosy than the others, he ended up telling her simple information, especially about Lain. He told her that he was a pest, that he was weak, that he was a coward.
He was just throwing hate at this Lain guy, which was also what the other reporters and news channels latched onto, refuting what he said in the first month. All the channels, people, and species were looking for someone to blame for all this, someone to reproach and bring to justice. But this Lain guy, just as unexpectedly as he had appeared, had vanished.
Lain is a Lizardman, Kyto said. He was also insulting him a lot. Whenever we talk about the Lizardmen, we don't mention Lain's name, Kyto gets very angry. So the Lizardmen are the problem, even the main one. The Lizardmen? Ahh... I already had a bad feeling about those guys, someone who looks intimidating in itself does not inspire confidence. So, the Lizardmen. We must support Kyto and inform the population. We don't want anyone else to suffer what happened that Christmas.
When you have something, even the smallest thing, you make the effort to support and help. Other reporters and news channels, including the internet, spread the information that the Lizardmen were behind everything, that they already knew who was to blame, that race that was increasingly integrating into human society. Before finally declaring the possible culprit, it was obvious that hatred would arise. Everyone, especially those who reject their own lives, those who enjoy their own lives, even those who did not care about the case, all came together and began to reject and direct all their hatred towards that species.
The Lizardmen, who also knew about the case and were totally against it, supported Kyto... They wanted to support him in some way, perhaps someone from his hometown, perhaps an acquaintance... perhaps someone knows this Lain who is like them and...
POW!
A Lizardman who was walking quietly down the street had drinks thrown in his face. He didn't understand why, but he quickly realized that he was surrounded by both humans and other species.
『They're monsters!!! How dare they do that to those poor children and that family!!!!』 『Go back to your swamp and do your barbaric things there!!! Kidnap and even kill each other!!!! We don't care!!!! But don't ever come near us again!!!!』『YOU ARE DAMNED!!!! I WAS ALWAYS AGAINST THE SPECIES EXCHANGE PROGRAM BECAUSE I KNOW THERE ARE BEINGS LIKE YOU WHO DON'T UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF LIFE AND ONLY COME TO DO WHATEVER THEY WANT!!!!!!! GO AWAY!!!!!! GO AWAY, DAMN LIZARDS!!!』
He was booing a Lizardman who did nothing wrong. He only came because of the program, because he wanted to learn and be closer to humans. He never wanted to do anything bad, but... now, even though he always followed the rules imposed on him... this is what he gets? He wanted to speak up, but every time they insulted him and said all those hurtful things, he just let them take advantage of him...
『I... I didn't do anything...』
He clenched his fist tightly and, wanting only to leave, he could see that just by the movement he made, many people who were booing him backed away, turned around, and many were afraid.
『HEY! YOU'RE LEAVING!! THAT'S IT!! GO BACK TO THE SWAMP YOU CAME FROM!!!!! AND DON'T YOU DARE DO ANYTHING TO OUR SOCIETY!!! OTHERWISE WE'LL TAKE JUSTICE INTO OUR OWN HANDS!!!』
Life for the Lizardman species was going to change because of this incident. Those who already had a good life in human society, those who were known to be good, were also tarnished by the repercussions of Lain and Kyto's words. At work, if they weren't fired, they were treated as inferiors and even had their salaries reduced. For students, it was even more evident: the rejection by other children was obvious, and they all suffered harassment. Families with a Lizardman member also received hatred from humans and other species. The hatred was being directed at all the wrong people, while Lain... was outside of all this.
『Are they attacking the Lizardmen? Friends, you know that's wrong. Why take it out on them like that? I know very well that the hatred continues, but don't use it that way. The real culprit hasn't even been caught. We know his name and his face, but how strange. There's no one with those characteristics. I didn't find anyone in my investigation. Is he able to slightly change his face? If so, then he's well hidden, but doesn't he feel guilty that his entire species is getting what he deserves? Even if he comes forward, he has already damaged the image of the Lizardmen, and that's not going to go away in a few months. It's going to last for years! Even decades! If you're listening, Lain, I want to tell you that you're really a coward *smiles* 』-『So if you want to keep throwing hate at the Lizardmen, it's not that I support that, I already said that, but we need to get Lain to come out and show his face! If the only way is to torment his own kind, then friends, keep doing justice! Your actions will yield results!!! Let's show that we all have hearts!!! 』
By this point, the hatred towards the Lizardmen and the damage had already been done. They were labeled and seen as one of the worst species in the world, or at least in the country. Kyto wasn't fully informed about this, as he didn't watch TV or listen to the radio. He wasn't present during all this intense hatred in the first few months. He only found out when he returned to school in the middle of the year that...
His classmates were worried about him, asking him if he was okay, if he was sure he wanted to go home, or if he was still traumatized by what happened at -----
『Don't say that... And don't come near me as if we were friends. Stay away and don't touch me.』
That's what Kyto did. He rejected his classmates' support with anger, as it only reminded him of what happened at Christmas. It was strange for Kyto to act this way. Before, he was very friendly, always joking or saying silly things, making you feel comfortable around him. But now he was totally different...
As the days went by, he was finally able to see it with his own eyes. Why was there an empty seat? Whose is it? Kyto wondered, looking at the empty seat next to him. His classmates, with the necessary space, told him that he didn't have to worry about it, that it was just a Lizardman who joined this school year, but that he shouldn't be afraid or anything, that they had taken care of it and would make sure he didn't come back to school.
『Afraid? What have you guys been doing all these months?』
They replied that when they found out they would have a Lizardman classmate this year, they decided to support Kyto and make him feel good when he returned, so it was easy to make this Lizardman leave. So they dedicated themselves to bothering him, hating him, insulting him, mocking him, all so that Kyto would be okay when he returned to class. During the four months that the Lizardman classmate was there, he silently endured all the abuse he received, until his parents finally decided to change his school or...
『Some say he's studying at home now, which is better that way. Nobody wants to see a Lizardman these days. We all did a good job, Kyto! Your friends will always support you! *smiles*』
That classmate was happy and smiling, speaking for everyone who was watching the conversation. Kyto looked at the empty seat and...
『I didn't ask you to do that. Why did you do all that? You're nobodies, let alone my friends, to do whatever you want.』
Kyto was clearly upset, not because they had tormented a classmate, or who knows what... But what bothered him most was that they had done something he hadn't asked them to do, that... he hadn't said anything and yet something had happened? His classmates could only remain silent while...
On his way home, he saw with his own eyes a small garden Lizardman crouching down, trying to pull something out with his hands from where the water flows in the streets, the storm drain, where the cover was open. He was trying with all his might to pull out his backpack that was inside... He doesn't know how long he was there, but it's getting late and...
Kyto appeared beside him and... that little Lizardman in his gardening clothes, the first thing he did when he saw him was to quickly try to flee the scene, quickly moving away from Kyto, perhaps because of his face or because he sensed that something bad might happen to him. Kyto looked down to see what was underneath, so he bent down and managed to grab the backpack. But when he realized it, that little Lizardman was already gone.
The following days he continued with his typical routine, not talking to anyone. If anyone spoke to him, he preferred to remain silent. He only came to study and nothing else. This continued until it seemed that he had gone too far again. Reporters were waiting for him at his home, and as soon as they saw him, they quickly surrounded him. This upset him greatly. They don't respect the space he wants... He doesn't want to explode with anger right now, so...
『Is it true, Kiyomiya Kyto, that your friend Sakato Giji was a woman and you were interested in her? And that you have a huge fetish for hanging out with the Species?』- 『Many claim that your goal was to form a harem, that you said so as a child.』- 『All the victims of the kidnappings are women and females, so it would make sense that Sakato Giji was taken too, because why would they be interested in taking a man if it's supposed to be a Species trafficking network?』
When they told him that, Kyto didn't understand why... Huh? Where did it come from that Giji is a woman? The fact that he wanted to join Species... he said that before, but... What is this... Kyto didn't understand where this information had come from... but what... He quickly entered his home and there, finally, his whole family was watching television, where Kyto was also watching a news channel that reported:
『Thanks to reporter Sumiya Lino, who is investigating the case of Kiyomiya Kyto, more has been discovered this week about this child's life, and it's not what we thought. Here's the report.』
『Hello, hello, friends!!! I'm here with more information for your weekly dose!!! *laughs* This time I've been researching Kiyomiya Kyto's life. I know he's the victim and all that, but things happen for a reason. Maybe he's not such a good person after all. The weight of justice crossed my mind!!! Or something like that, I don't remember. But I've managed to investigate thoroughly and discover that Kiyomiya Kyto was a real troublemaker since kindergarten! He was interested in hanging out with Species! He was always saying, "When I grow up, I want to form a harem of Species." "When I grow up, I'm going to join the species exchange program a thousand times, so that when I'm older, everyone will fall in love with me and I can have sex as many times as I want." Although it should be clarified that this is all an exaggeration on my part, but that he wants to hang out with Species is a fact. After all, he never left his faithful friend's side! Or friend? Sakato Giji, they say he's male, and even his birth certificate says he's male, but was he really male? If you look at him from another perspective, he looks like a woman, don't you think? Besides, we already know that there has been a species trafficking network in the country for weeks, mostly females, who are taken away and then, well, they want to do what this same boy wants to do when he grows up. Kyto is the only male, he must not be suitable for this, which is why the only ones missing are his female friends. That makes more sense to me. Now, you can take it as you see fit, I'm just here to report. Ah! In the coming weeks, I will investigate his other friends more thoroughly! See you later! *smile* 』
When Kyto saw this, he became even more furious than before. That guy... is the one from that day, the only time he saw him face to face. He was supposed to tell the truth, but he's saying whatever he wants.
『IT'S A LIE!!! THAT GUY IS A LIAR!!! ME!! ME!! I LOVE MY FRIENDS VERY MUCH!!!』
He pointed angrily at the television... He couldn't stay silent about this; he had seen what happened when he took that stance. So he had to say it in the most credible way possible; only he, who had lived through the whole experience firsthand, could say it. So the next day, as soon as all the reporters gathered, Kyto would come out to deny that...
『LIE!!! EVERYTHING SUMIYA LINO SAYS IS A LIE!!!! THAT I WANT A HAREM!!! THAT GIJI IS A WOMAN!!!! THAT I BETRAYED MY FRIENDS FOR MY OWN WELL-BEING!!! EVERYTHING!!! EVERYTHING THAT COMES OUT OF THAT GUY'S MOUTH!!! IS A LIE!!!!!!!!』
At this, Kyto just shouted out his frustration, letting himself be carried away by anger, which Sumiya Lino quickly picked up on and saw that.
『It wasn't necessary to act and say it that way, Kyto. You're going to ruin all my work, and I'm doing it for you, which is the most important thing. Besides, it's my own research. All I'm doing is reporting it to my listeners *smiles*. You have the freedom and security to deny me and tell your version, which is the truthful one. You have no reason to lie, or is there a reason to lie? Aren't you letting your emotions get the better of you? You're very impulsive, aggressive, those are signs that they're playing with you! They're stalking you! A sword on the wall! Why are you afraid of me continuing to tell the truth?』
That's what Lino said in his broadcast the following week, and when Kyto heard this... he was furious. He wanted to destroy the radio station every time he saw a news story about him or a topic he had touched on. Of course, there were channels that rejected Lino's thinking, but many others took his information as true, and little by little, Kyto's word was losing its value.
To add to his anger, even more time had passed, eh? It's already next year... a few more months and he'll be starting high school... he's about to finish middle school... But... but... of course there's no problem with his studies, he can easily get into the high school he wants... but it's still on his mind that... this guy Sumiya Lino... of course the Kyto thing is over, time has forgotten many things, but those insinuations he makes... those little comments he throws at him and ignores... They make Kyto angry like never before and...
『Hey Kyto, where are you thinking-------』
『What did I tell you... about talking to me like we're friends?』
『Well, um... I consider you a friend. For the past three years, you've rejected anyone who's tried to get close to you. I could have walked away from you too, but I didn't, because I want you to see me as a friend too.』
『...Well, I'm sorry, but I can't see you as a friend. After finding out what you did to that classmate, I don't want your friendship.』
With that, Kyto walked away from the only classmate who had put up with him all these years. This was his only appearance. He has more than a year to prepare himself and... in high school... he hopes that life will get better and...
Leaving school, she hopes that everything will be calm, since at home she is sure that they will continue to be harassed by those reporters who are coming more and more often. Also, for some strange reason, there are people who are harassing and bothering her family members. Also, in terms of finances... if she hadn't gone to rehab, her temper would have been worse. Now she looks and feels more tolerant than she did in the first few months. She is growing and...
『I must improve... I must improve... I...』
His parents too... things are no longer going well for them at work, and it's because of him and the false reputation that Sumiya Lino has given him all this time... even though it's not true, it's incredible that so many people think that way. How horrible it must be for someone to hate you because of a lie.
『Hello, Kiyomiya-san *smiles*』
Smith had appeared in all this, waiting for him outside his school. Kyto remembers this, he also greeted her and said...
『Do you want to support me by giving your explanations? Saying that I'm not like the others isn't enough for you to believe me, that's why I want to help you first, and you'll see everything with your own eyes.』
Agent Smith appeared to offer me help, but I didn't believe her at all. As she said, I have no intention of supporting her, but... somehow, I felt that she was different from the others. As she said.
『See with your own eyes, my friend, and judge for yourself what I am going to do.』
I was there during those months, when she focused more than anything else on trying to clear my name of all the lies Lino had told. Thanks to her confidence, she also managed to rid my home of annoying reporters and people who were harassing my family. But that wasn't enough, not for her. Now that we're no longer in the public eye for the moment, she quickly decided,
『Good! It's time to move!』
We moved to an unknown place where Lino's news and influence were not so relevant. We arrived at a quieter neighborhood, close to the high school I want to attend. It was noticeable that we were returning to a normal life, going out without anyone waiting to throw thousands of questions and lies at you. It feels so good.
『About Sumiya Lino, if you're going to play at being a liar, then let's see who wins in imagination! *smiles*』
Because of its relevance, Smith often spoke at conferences and other events, and out of nowhere he brought up the fact that he has been aware of and working on a case related to Silent Christmas for years. I guess it's okay for him to say that, but... I was surprised by his talkativeness. He comes up with things I never thought of. If Lino told lies, Smith tells not lies, but nonsense, rubbish. For some reason, people began to take it as truth... In short, Smith did have a true command of leadership.
『And now the next thing I want is for you, Kyto, to move into a house on your own, and I need your faithful cooperation with the information you have. This time, don't let yourself be carried away by anger. Be clear and tell me everything you know.』
Smith shook my hand and privately offered me that she... she is not a fake face. Smith is real, with everything she did, with all her support, and in a short time, if I had fully accepted her help long ago... I...
『I'll help you, Kuroko-san.』
Thanks to her, my life has improved, my family is more at ease, and I have a house because I'm in the species exchange program. This is crazy... But now that I'm alone, I feel more at peace. I'm in my first year of high school... halfway through the year.
That day, which was just like any other, Smith came to me with a surprise, a surprise that calmed me down and finally allowed me to let off steam like a little kid, in the arms of my friend Ema.
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Nowadays, I feel calmer, more content with what I have. I don't get upset as much anymore, even though I worry about many things. But now I have to be clear so that there are no misunderstandings. Dhapi, with what happened recently, I'm feeling even better now, and I'm looking forward to what's coming. Kyto was walking and talking with Pina. The way they talk, Pina seems to be taking him to the sewing room, since she mentioned that they have a costume for Lizardman, which Kyto thought was a good idea since.
『Do you want to wear it? Those costumes are always for all the students. It would be nice if you wore it or even had your own for when the Graduation Ball is held in 3rd year. Isn't it too early for that? But from the look on your face, your desire won't go away until we do it.』
『Yes!... Yes!... *blushing* That's why I want you to see it and give me your opinion, so I can be ready if the opportunity arises!! *red* Ah! You can be completely honest! If it looks bad on me, don't hold back!!』
『I don't think so. You're already attractive, and with the dress, I'm sure you'll look attractive and even prettier.』
When Kyto said that, Pina was very flushed, playing with her hands, smoke coming out of her head. Meanwhile, Kyto kept walking and... I could see at that moment that both Papi and Muwi were flying and running through the school corridors, very excited.
『I'll get to the volleyball court first!!! And if I win, Muwi-chan!!! You'll let me stroke your legs!!!! *smiles*』
『And if I win!!! You'll let me stroke your wings!!!! *happy*』
Between flying and jumping, they both took advantage of the window. Papi can fly, and Muwi, well, she can survive great heights thanks to the strength of her legs. Pina was smiling at this and commented that she wished she could be as strong as them, to which Kyto replied.
『Yes, you have to be strong, but also *smiles* it's not bad to show weakness. Hello, Dhapi.』
Dhapi had appeared in front of Kyto, who was smiling, leaning forward to appear even more pleasant. Kyto knew this perfectly well; her life still had a lot of room for improvement.
-------------------------------------------→ To be continued