20/9/2055

10:09 PM

Yakage Compound

Stasis Chamber

Isamu

My wife places her hand on the outer casing of the Stasis tube, looking up at her son's smiling face as he takes a long deserved rest. He has bought us time, time I refuse to let go to waste.

“So… he really went that far.” She rhetorically asks no-one in particular. “We told him, didn't we? We told him what would happen if he ever pushed himself like that in that body…”

Instinctively, I wrap my arm around her shoulder and pull her towards me, hugging her and stroking her hair. “That’s… just the way he is. I just wish I could have gotten some of my powers back sooner, this could have-”

I’m stopped, the warm feel of her finger on my lips prevents me from continuing my sentence.

“Stop. That’s not true and you know it.” Pushing her forehead to my chest, she hugs me tightly, shaking her head, “Don’t this to yourself. Haven’t you suffered enough?”

I have no reply, I can only hug her tight as thoughts of regret, frustration and anger run through my mind, my powerlessness to stop this progressing so far eating away at me.

Christine releases me, and glances back to Edward. “I hope you can forgive me, Edward. This... shouldn't have happened and from the bottom of my heart... I'm sorry son. I truly am. We'll do everything in our power to help you, and we’ll get back Kousei too. Count on it.” She smiles warmly at Edward, before holding my hand and beginning to leave the room, “Come on, we’d best get to bed. Looks like we will have a busy day tomorrow.”

“...” I hear her, but I find it hard to listen, my feet planted where they are as I continue to contemplate what I could have done differently. Should I have refused everyone's help? Is this a mistake? Who else needs to get hurt for my mistakes?

“Isamu?”

What am I putting everyone through? 

(Isamu!)

I’m startled at the sudden connection, (Christine?)

(Did I not just say to stop it?)

(How did you-)

She pulls my hand firmly, turning me around to face her. (I might not be able to read your mind, but, I kinda don’t need to. You haven't changed in these last 22 years, have you?)

I’m inclined to disagree. (Oh I clearly have. Look at me, I’ve grown old.)

(Isamu, what are you trying to say?)

(I-)

“Sigh.”

Christine audibly and deliberately sighs. I’m unable to finish the thought as Christine drags me out of the room by force.