Chapter Twelve
Hiro brought them over tree roots, past boulders, down trenches and over tiny trickling streams. The woods seemed to stretch on forever. Hiro followed the invisible path Soul couldn’t see, walking in determination and often setting his hand over his heart. Soul had noticed Hiro doing this. He would lift his hand to his heart, touching the metal door that hid his crystal heart. After the seventh time Soul looked at him.
“Is your heart okay?” She asked.
Hiro nodded. “I don’t hear Crystal Crier anymore,” he muttered. “I feel lighter than usual. It’s strange.”
“Your powers seem to be normal,” said Soul, looking away. “You tore up those trees and dropped them on the pursuers like it was nothing.”
“Did you actually see me do that?” Hiro asked, giving Soul a concerned look. “If I can’t hear Crystal Crier anymore I want to know if I still take on the same massacre form as I used to. That was Crystal Crier, so now that he’s silent I may not look the same.”
“I didn’t see anything,” said Soul, hunching her shoulders. “Enimito was protecting me so I could only hear what happened.”
Hiro was silent for a moment, but then he lowered his head. “Didn’t you see anything?” He asked quietly.
Soul shook her head. “I saw a streak of golden light,” she told him. “Right before the trees were torn up.”
Hiro made no response. His mind was spinning as he fought to remember what he had done when he heard the gunfire. He recalled seeing Enimito shove Soul out of the way and protect her, but even that was a blur. Hiro recalled getting up at blinding speed and doing something that tore up the trees. The energy had felt more focused and controlled than it used to. The golden light he knew had been him, because he had seen it too, but in the chaos of the moment he wasn’t sure why.
“The light must have been you,” muttered Soul suddenly. “Because when you look back at me your eyes were glowing, but it wasn’t like a normal glow. It was like how fire fills the inside of a lantern and makes it shine. The light was from deep inside of you. I’m guessing it was your heart somehow.”
“Hmm.” Hiro wasn’t sure what to say to that. It was possible. The golden cat was the only difference inside him. “Did Enimito say the cat had worked?” He asked.
“He said it should have,” replied Soul. “But you didn’t wake up so he was starting to doubt.” Soul glanced at Hiro, looking him up and down and then smiled. “I think it must have worked,” she told him.
Hiro nodded slowly. “Must have worked,” he repeated to himself.
They walked in silence for a long time. Neither admired the woods around them, they were both deep in thought.
“Hiro,” said Soul suddenly, breaking the silence like a glass plate. “What if we struck Anna first?”
Hiro actually stopped and stared at Soul. “Are you kidding?” He demanded. “She’ll see us coming and kill us before we can even knock on the door!”
“But what if she doesn’t?” Soul asked, looking up at Hiro desperately. “It might be the only way! We don’t want to be on the run forever. I don’t, and I know you don’t either!”
Hiro looked away, but then sighed and shook his head. “No, I don’t want to be on the run,” he said quietly. “Not anymore at least.”
“We have to do something this time,” Soul told him, her voice soft. “If she catches us then we’ll be back to the circle of escape and run for the rest of our lives.”
“Okay,” said Hiro, accepting the reasoning in Soul’s idea. “I’ll go and face her while you stay somewhere safe-”
“No! I’m going to stick with you!” Soul argued, wrenching her hand out of Hiro’s with a glare. “If you leave me behind I could be hunted down and killed much easier!” She moved back and crossed her arms, holding Hiro’s gaze angrily. “She can easily find me when I’m on my own,” Soul said bitterly. “Idiot.”
Hiro looked away. “I want you to be safe,” he said grimly.
“I’m safest with you,” Soul replied. “You know that.”
Hiro looked at Soul sadly. “You’ll be in danger the whole time,” he told her quietly. “I’m sorry, Soul.”
“This is my choice,” Soul said, looking at the ground. She shrugged. “You’re the only home I have anymore, Hiro.”
Hiro gazed at her for a moment before turning and approaching her. Soul looked up when he placed his hands on either side of her face.
“Somehow,” he told her, holding her gaze with warmth in his golden eyes. “Everything will be okay.” He leaned forward, placing a kiss on Soul’s forehead. “Watch your back,” he whispered in her hair as he pulled her into his arms and held her close. “I don’t want to lose you.”
Soul sniffed, not knowing why she felt tears coming to her eyes. She wrapped her arms around him. “You too,” she breathed through her tears as they began to fall. “Please...”
Hiro shut his eyes. “We have to get to Onsolaises,” he told her quietly. “That’s where we will find the central lab.”
“I thought that was your home,” said Soul, shutting her eyes tiredly. The hug was warm and somewhere inside Hiro she could hear his heart. It was similar to the drumming of a human heart, but it had a depth and echo that was strange.
“It was,” replied Hiro, setting his chin on top of Soul’s head and gazing at the trees behind her. “The village is ruins, but the central lab is located under the ground.”
“How do you know?” Soul asked.
“I study,” replied Hiro. He heaved a sigh and moved back, looking down at Soul who held his gaze. “The scientists have always been around Onsolaises, the reports about them taking people from my village range back for centuries. It is only logical that their head quarters would be near there. After looking up stories about Onsolaises I discovered there were reports of strange sounds coming beneath the ground, so there’s no doubt that they’re there. Anna mentioned it once too.” Hiro shrugged. “If I’m wrong then Anna will catch up to us there. We have to be on our toes.”
Soul nodded. She frowned sadly, gazing into Hiro’s eyes. “I love you, Hiro,” she told him quietly, her voice wavering a little. “I mean, I’ve always admired you, but now I really love you.”
Hiro lowered his head, grinning at his feet. “I know, Soul,” he said, lifting his eyes and smiling at her warmly. “I love you too. And I’m relieved I can feel the emotion. It makes everything up to this point worth it.”
“Even Geicko and Enimito’s lives?” Soul asked, her smile faltering at her words.
Hiro’s shoulder’s slumped. “Why would you do that?” He demanded with a laugh. He cut off abruptly and slapped a hand over his mouth in shock. “Did I just laughed?” he asked blankly.
“You did,” said Soul, also looking surprised. “Why did you laugh at that? It wasn’t even funny.”
“Well, it’s because you ruined the mood,” replied Hiro, laughing again at his words then stopping hastily with a blank stare. To Soul it looked like he had the hic-ups.
“It’s not that funny,” said Soul, pouting.
“You think its funny too,” Hiro accused, pointing at her face.
“No, I don’t!” Soul argued, knocking his hand away with a grin.
“Do to!” Hiro shot back, smiling. He sharply shook his head, placing his hand over his eyes as he laughed. “I have never laughed like this before,” he said to the sky.
“You must be broken,” teased Soul, unable to ignore how glad she felt to see Hiro happy finally. She narrowed her eyes, gazing at him gently. “I’m so relieved,” she told him.
“Hm?” Hiro looked down at her curiously. “What for?”
“I got to be here to see you experience happiness,” explained Soul. “Ever since I met you I’ve wanted to be here when you finally laugh for joy.”
Hiro heaved a deep breath, nodding his head. He looked around their surroundings, the grin fading from his face. “We’ve stood still for too long,” he muttered. “It’s lucky that Anna hasn’t
caught up to us.”
“We need to find a way to Onsolaises,” said Soul, looking behind them. “Do you know which way to go?”
“Yeah,” replied Hiro with a nod. “Its location is in my tracking memory. I can get us there easily.” He hesitated after speaking and looked down at himself. “At least as Crystal Crier I could,” he muttered. “Now, without him, I don’t know if I can.”
Soul passed a hand through her hair, looking at the ground in concentration. “Maybe,” she said cautiously. “Maybe Syph had a way off the island?”
Hiro blinked. “Say what?” He said, giving her a blank look.
“Well, he got here somehow,” said Soul, shrugging. “Maybe he has a way off as well; a boat hidden somewhere or something. He’s like Anna and even she needs a way to cross the water.”
“So there should be something here!” Hiro declared.
“There has to be,” Soul agreed, nodding. “But how would we even find it?”
Hiro crossed his arms and looked towards the sky. It was growing near evening and the sky was turning purple and pink. “We’ll have to return to his house,” he said slowly. “Anna is probably scouring the woods looking for us so if we can get there safely we’ll have time to search its remains.”
“I hope you didn’t burn the whole thing down,” said Soul with concern.
Hiro flinched at her words. “That was Crystal Crier, not me,” he said, looking away grudgingly. “Please, Soul. Don’t make Crystal Crier and I into the same person. It may be one body, but we’re completely different in every way.”
“I’m sorry,” said Soul hastily, placing her hand on Hiro’s arm. “I just meant-”
“I know, don’t worry about it,” Hiro interrupted, patting Soul’s hand before taking it. “We have to move fast and silent if we’re to pass Anna undetected. Are you ready?” His golden eyes held Soul’s gaze calmly and Soul swallowed hard before nodding.
“Good,” said Hiro. He glanced around before leading them back in the direction of the house, but avoiding the way they had taken. They moved slower and stepped with more care. Hiro moved as silent as a mouse and Soul was impressed. She had never seen him sneaking through the woods before. He moved almost naturally but his feet left no sound and neither did his body. Soul herself felt foolish for every time she heard her footfall on the soft ground or when she passed some weeds and made them rustle. Hiro never responded to the noise she made, but Soul tried her best to be as quiet as him.
Unexpectedly Hiro sank to the ground, bringing Soul down with him. He placed his finger to his lips, glancing at Soul before pointing past the tree and brush they hid behind.
Soul turned her head, craning her neck to see past the bushes without much movement.
Passing through the woods was one of Anna’s guards. His mask looked eerie in the gathering darkness and he held his gun at the ready. Soul sank down, but then remembered any movement could give away their position. She breathed slowly, mimicking the steady breaths Hiro took. The guard passed out of their sight, but Hiro and Soul sat for a painfully long time in the gathering darkness. Soul’s feet and ankles began to hurt in the uncomfortable crouched position. She wanted badly to shift or wriggle her feet, but seeing how perfectly still Hiro was she was determined to be like him.
“Okay,” Hiro breathed, rising to his feet. He continued forward, looking back and forth more often and sinking low to pass beneath brush or low branches. Soul kept close, holding his hand when he offered it or letting go when his grip released. When this happened was normally when they both needed their hands to keep themselves balanced while low to the ground. It seemed like forever before they passed near any familiar area. Soul came to a halt at once, taking Hiro’s arm and stopping him.
He looked around at her in alarm, but Soul placed a finger to her mouth, her eyes wide with fear as she pointed to their right into a clearing.
Hiro turned his head, following her gaze. He held his breath when he saw the pool of blood and empty jacket, but Enimito’s body was the real sight. It had already decayed. The clothes were stained from the blood and flesh that appeared to have melted off and lay in a pool around him. Enimito’s skeleton was metal and bone, stained with blood and still dripping off the ribs. The grass was dead around it and a strong metallic smell filled the air.
The sight was dreadful and Hiro took Soul’s hand, squeezing it gently and leading her away. He knew the image would not leave their minds any tie soon.
When they reached the mansion it was pitch black out. Clouds covered the sky and Hiro glanced at them warily before scanning the area. The damage from Crystal Crier’s attack was still fresh and smoldering. Half of the house had burned down and the remains looked insecure. Hiro didn’t want Soul going inside of them, but he knew she’d follow either way, so he passed through the ruined garden and approached the house. He looked back numerous times, not liking that they were out in the open.
They came to the house and Hiro released Soul’s hands, moving forward and stepping through the broken window. The glass was melted around the edges and he glanced down at it with loathing. Crystal Crier had caused such unnecessary damage. Hiro wished it had never happened, but as he placed his hand to his throat and felt the hole from Shadow Eater’s blade he knew it couldn’t have been avoided.
“It smells awful in here,” whispered Soul as she stepped into the house behind Hiro. She placed her hand over her mouth and looked around. Her silvery eyes began to water and she coughed.
“It does,” said Hiro tonelessly. He stepped over the glass that crunched beneath his boots. The walls were seared and crumbled at the touch. Farther back the roof had collapsed and Hiro ducked under it, moving deeper into the house. He blinked, trying to bring up his night vision, but it didn’t come. This made him uneasy as he fought to see in the dark. He didn’t bother to tell Soul his discovery. Ever since they fixed his heart he had full emotions and no connection to Crystal Crier. It frightened Hiro to realize that he was just like a normal human now.
Soul stumbled after Hiro, reaching through the darkness to take Hiro’s hand. “How does it look?” She breathed, coughing when ashes rose from the ground. She placed her hand to her heart and winced, but Hiro didn’t see.
“Dark,” answered Hiro grimly. He straightened up, placing a hand on the fallen roof to brace it just in case. “Soul, I can’t see anything.”
“Are your powers gone?” Soul gasped, clenching his hand tighter.
“I’m pretty sure I’m more human than ever,” replied Hiro grimly. “And that makes me useless.”
Soul frowned, but then wrapped her arms around his waist. “What can one as intelligent as yourself fear that for?” She asked gently. “If you can’t fight you can still lead. You’re more than any normal human ever could be, Hiro. But you have a heart of gold now, so that makes you better than Anna too.”
Hiro shut his eyes. He wasn’t sure how Soul had known that was something he had been thinking about. Anna was a machine like him. He had begun to compare himself to her, powerless, but intelligent. He didn’t want to become a monster as she had.
“Sorry,” said Hiro, stroking Soul’s hair. “I guess I’m just having trouble accepting these changes.”
“It’s fine,” said Soul, she moved back, grasping her chest and wincing. “I can’t...” She cut off, grimacing and stepping back.
“Soul?” Hiro stared in alarm at her silhouette as she fell to her knees.
“I... can’t breath,” Soul gasped, her arms tightly wrapped around herself as she began to pant and shiver. “Hiro... H-Hiro-” She cut off, a sudden scream of pain erupting from her that made Hiro jump. He swiftly scooped her into his arms, leading the house as fast and carefully as he could. Soul was twitching and a clicking sound was coming from her when she tried to speak. When they were outside Hiro laid her in the grass and brushed her hair from her face, touching her shoulder and watching as she opened one eye to look at him.
“I’m cold,” she told him, beginning to
shiver as a smile twitched onto her pale lips. “Hiro... I’m out of time.”
“No, don’t be silly,” said Hiro, trying to laugh to cheer her up, but it failed. His own heart was hurting and he felt panic overcome him. “You’ll be okay, Soul. Just hang on.”
Soul shook her head, shivering even harder with dry sobs coming from her throat. “I’m sorry,” she said in a squeaky voice. “Stupid... I’m stupid to have thought-thought I could be with you forever-ever.” Her voice began to glitch and Hiro saw a bolt of electricity in her mouth when she opened it to speak.
“You’ll be okay,” Hiro said, stroking her hair and trying to think of how he had saved her. It had all been a matter of time though and getting her to a level place to rest. He had done all that, but she wasn’t getting better like she used to. The attack was different than the last ones.
A twig snapped and Hiro looked up. Several guns clicked as they aimed at him. Hiro froze, holding his breath. He watched as Anna moved out of the darkness and approached him and Soul carelessly.
“Well,” she said, standing before them and looking down at Soul whose eyes were shut tight. “Right on time.” She nudged Soul’s head with her foot. Hiro smacked her foot away, bringing Soul closer to him while glaring up at Anna.
“You’re supposed to be short-circuiting by now too,” said Anna, her emotionless eyes on Hiro. “Don’t tell me Enimito bothered to save the crystal inside of you before he died.”
“He did,” said Hiro darkly. “As useless of a choice as it was.”
Soul shifted, placing her fingers over Hiro’s lips. Hiro looked down at her and found her sad smile looking up at him.
“You’re not useless,” she told him gently. She opened her eyes, gazing at him with tears in her eyes. “My brother-er saved you for-for a reason, Hiro. Your new life is a gift.” She lowered her fingers from his lips and touched his cheek. “Live it,” she told him, holding his gaze. “Live to protect.” She grinned through her tears, stroking Hiro’s cheek. “My Golden Protector,” she said. “Hiroshima.”
“Soul,” said Hiro, his heart clenched in agony.
Anna made a gagging noise and drew her gun, aiming at Hiro. “A crystal might be strong,” she said coldly. “But not your body.” She shot Hiro, the bullet cutting through the flesh of his chest. Hiro cringed, a silent scream of pain in his mouth.
All of a sudden Soul moved.
Hiro looked up, startled to see Soul getting to her feet. She held out her arms, holding Anna’s gaze with deep hatred.
“Wow,” said Anna, popping out the empty cartridge in her pistol and tossing it aside. She retrieved a new one from her pocket and slammed it in place. “I’m impressed.” She shot Soul whose body jerked, but other than that Soul didn’t react.
“You’re doomed, Anna,” said Soul in a cool voice. She lowered her arms and stepped forward.
“Shut up,” said Anna darkly, firing again. The bullet cut through Soul’s stomach, but again, Soul didn’t react. Anna looked furious. “How are you moving?” She demanded angrily. She fired twice more, but Soul just stepped forward and grabbed the gun, pointing the barrel to her chest. Her silver eyes glittered with pain and anger.
“You’re doomed,” she whispered. “All your plans are for naught.” She held out her hand and a knife appeared. She held it between her and Anna, turning it so the silver knife glinted. “Self-destruct,” she whispered, looking Anna in the eye. “You will not get my heart back.”
Anna looked horrified and began to pull away, but Soul’s grip was too tight. “You weren’t supposed to know how to do that!” Anna shouted as she tried to get away. Soul just smiled.
“I studied,” she whispered. With that she took the knife in her hand and slammed it into her own chest. The bolts of blue electricity illuminated the night.
“Soul!” Hiro cried in a strained voice. “Don’t!”
Soul glanced back at Hiro, a smile on her face and tears spilling down her face. “I love you, Hiroshima,” she whispered, her voice holding an electronic echo that slowly rose to a higher pitch as if it were a countdown.
“NO!” Hiro screamed, jumping to his feet and running forward, but it was too late. Soul exploded and Hiro shot backwards, tumbling head over heels and slamming into the house. He crashed through the burned walls and shook himself before getting up and running back to the garden. He froze outside the house, catching his breath.
Anna stood where she had been, the ground torn up and flaming around her. A corpse that was both bone and metal lay at her feet, the flesh melted and gone and the empty eyes staring. Hiro’s stomach turned over and he lurched forward as if he would puke, but only air came out. He stared at Soul’s remains, his eyes welling up with burning tears. How could she do it? Why would she do it? Hiro’s poisonous glare snapped to Anna who lowered her hand. Only the handle of her pistol remained. Her eyes narrowed in annoyance.
Her skin was torn and burned, peeling off her metal skull and arms. She tossed the useless handle of her gun aside and looked at her hands. They were metal also. Hiro stared at her. He had known she was a machine, but he hadn’t stopped to realize that no part of her was even human.
“Men!” Anna shouted, looking around. Her men had been blown away in the explosion and were lying in crumpled forms all around. Anna pouted with what was left of her lips and then glared at Hiro.
With the light of the crackling fire on her she looked absolutely horrifying and even Hiro felt fear grip his heart.
“Well,” said Anna, stepping through the flames casually. She knelt beside Soul’s body and retrieved the key that had been in Soul’s pocket. She held it up, examining it as she approached Hiro. “What do you say, Hiroshima?”
Hiro took an uneasy step backwards. “To what?” He asked, his voice rough from screaming.
Anna stood before him, her eyes illuminated evilly by the firelight. A little over half her face was missing so one eye was a full eyeball in a steel socket. Hiro shivered involuntarily.
“You’re coming with me back to my lab in Onsolaises,” said Anna with a sneer. “If your heart was repaired then you should be human enough to know you can’t refuse without ending up like that.” She pointed to Soul’s corpse and Hiro sharply looked away, his stomach tightening.
“Fine,” he whispered hoarsely. He lowered his head, tightly shutting his eyes. It wasn’t like anything mattered anymore. With Soul gone there was no reason left to fight...