Chapter 20
When Haru awakens, he finds himself in a bed, his kitten curled up next to him. That’s right...This is Ari’s house, he remembers. He jumps out of bed when he looks at Ari’s clock and realizes how much time has passed. Hikaru and Asha could be anywhere by now! Haru bolts to the door of the room and turns out into the hall when he hears Ari call his name.
“Wait, you idiot!!” she yells. “You’re still not a hundred percent better!”
“I don’t have time to sit around waiting to be a hundred percent!” Haru yells, starting off again. He trips on his way down the hall and thuds to the ground.
Ari picks him up and drags him back into her room. “I know you’re in a hurry,” she says, “but if you’re reckless, then neither you nor your friends will get outta there alive!”
Haru bites back a sharp reply and forces himself to stay put, knowing that Ari is right. He notices a band-aid on his arm and asks, “What’s this? Did you give me an injection?”
Ari nods. “My mom did. It’s something that BIOTECH created to keep tampered DNA in check. I guess you could say it’s an antidote of sorts. But if you don’t take it regularly, you’ll keep getting weaker.”
“...How do you know all this?” Haru asks.
Ari doesn’t answer. “I told you that for a reason. The medicine restored some of your strength. But if you don’t take it easy, you’ll be right back where you started.”
Haru frowns. “What’s with that face?” Ari asks.
“You know I don’t have the luxury of sitting around like this when Hikaru and Asha are with BIOTECH in some God-forsaken factory.”
Despite Haru’s tough talk, Ari senses the fear in his expression. “You’re scared of them, aren’t you? They’re the reason you’re always moving around all by your lonesome.” Haru nods silently. “What would happen if you went after them now?”
“My friends are more important than my personal fear.”
“You’re trembling,” Ari comments, glancing down at Haru’s hands. “You may talk tough, but if you’re so scared of them, you won’t be able to help your friends on your own.”
“What exactly are you fishing for?” Haru asks suspiciously.
“‘Fishing for’? I wouldn’t call it that,” Ari says. “Look. It’s not like I gave you and your friends up by my own choice. I never wanted this.” Ari frowns. “I want to make it up to you. I want to go with you to get Hikaru and Asha back.”
Haru looks surprised. “But…your uncle...”
Ari’s eyes widen for a moment. “That’s right. I did mention him, didn’t I?”
“Sis!” Ryo comes running into the room. When he sees Haru awake, he says, “Oh, he’s better!”
“Hi, Ryo,” Haru greets him.
“What is it?” Ari asks her brother.
“Mom and Dad said our uncle called,” he reports grimly. “He was askin’ for Haru.”
Ari and Haru exchange uneasy glances. “There you have it,” Haru says. “If I stay here, I’ll only cause trouble.” He shakily gets up from his spot and turns for the door. “I’m outta here.”
“Wait, Haru!” Ari calls. “I’m comin’ with you!”
Haru looks somewhat uneasy. “I’d rather you didn’t. Stay here.” He gently pushes his way past Ryo and walks down the hall to the front door, then leaves. By the time he is a few feet down the walkway, he hears Ari calling out to him.
“WAIT!!!” she calls. She catches up to Haru before he can run.
“I’m goin’ whether you want me to or not,” she says. She holds out a medical kit. “Besides, if it comes to a fight, you’ll need this.”
Haru frowns and nods to her. “Fine, then."
