Chapter Text
“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”
- CARL JUNG
“Well, it’s certainly less hot here than in Peru,” was Santiago’s first remark when he landed in Kazbara’s northern airport, the Maui International Airport. He had packed the necessities, perhaps too many, for the long-term trip he would be making, and that he would be staying for a while. What was next as he carried his briefcase and a carry-on luggage, was to find the people he was looking for. Looking around, he soon found out that a lot of people were visiting this time of the year, the middle of May. He fanned himself by stretching his shirt, and swiped a forearm across his forehead. He figured his hat wasn’t doing the best job it could. Spotting a group of mainland U.S visitors, he had scoffed.
‘Of course..’ he thought. He had unknowingly given himself a reminder of the reality Hawaii was facing at the moment. His attention was redirected when he spotted a woman waving and dashing towards him. He managed to spot her through the immense and tight crowd of people who were in the lobby.
“Uncle Santi!” the woman exclaimed. It only struck him now that the woman was Akira, the daughter of his very close friend Lionel. She wore a pair of jean capris with a striped buttoned shirt, and a pair of flat sandals, and in particular, a leather handbag he had once gifted her. He walked steadily towards her, as fast as he could with his exhaustion and age.
“Akira! There you are!” He gushed before nudging people aside, causing them to stumble, “move outta the way!” Multiple yelps erupted due to his natural strength. Moving through the crowd as if he was parting the seas, he was soon in an open space and was soon bearhugged, rather strongly, by Akira.
“H-Hey!” he wheezed as her arms clenched around his chest, “Akira! Look at how big you are! You’ve gotten very.. strong!” He emphasized through heavy breaths as his ribs were squeezed. She chuckled as she clenched harder. She leaned against his chest, and deeply inhaled, smelling the familiar scent of bourbon and caramel. It was enough for her to feel at home once again. They separated as he scratched his chin.
“Now, when was the last time I saw you..” he pondered, “when you were about.. nineteen?”
“Twenty,” she corrected, “went on a road trip around the East? Don’t tell me that your memories are kickin’ your ass!” Santiago nodded in agreement, having memories flow back to him. Santiago soon realized. He grabbed her loosely.
“How many times I gotta tell you? I don’t care how old you are, I never want to hear you swearing under my arm!” He placed her in a playful headlock, as she laughed back. People surrounding them have had concerned expressions about their bond. Their laughter soon died down.
“You must be.. twenty-three now? It has been three years.” She nodded, looking back up now. The two walked beside each other through the bright airport. “It’s been so long, my memory’s all fuzzy. How's your mother?”
“She’s been great, she’s waiting at the entrance of the place.”
“I’m assuming she has yet to have any wrinkles, eh?” Akira laughed. They proceeded, until standing on the moving walkway. Santiago glanced down at his classic mint-green watch, acknowledging the time.
“It’s 2:45 p.m. We should probably get going in order to catch the train to Maramiya. When we get there, it will be around dinner time.” Akira was alerted by the fact.
“Right! Should I treat you? I mean, it would be rude of me not to introduce you to the city.” Santiago chuckled at her attempt to act mature.
“I refuse to believe that there could be so many new things in Maramiya.”
“You’d be surprised, there’s always something new. Come on, Mom’s waiting.” She took his free hand, urging him to walk faster.
When they reached outside, the shade caused the space to be rather humid. The birds were singing above their heads on the roof of the shuttle’s area, and they crossed the roads to get to the end of where the train would arrive. Mavani Valle was waiting there, and her face was full of relief to see them.
“Santiago! How are you? Oh my goodness,” she leaned in for a hug, “I can’t believe you’re here.”
“Right? I can’t either,” he responded. His smile was hard to erase in the moment, as if all his worries drifted away. The same could be said about Mavani.
“The train should be here any moment, we're right on time!” Mavani exclaimed.
When the train debuted with a loud whistle, the family collectively found a seat together, and Akira was usually left holding all of the belongings. When the train started to move and accelerate, is when Akira drifted to sleep on her mother's shoulder. Noticing this, the two of them waited momentarily for her to be comfortably asleep before continuing their conversation.
“Santiago,” Mavani hesitated, “how is Lionel? Is he well?” Santiago reflected on the question, before briefly smiling.
“Never been better, it seems like,” he started, “he gave me a present for Akira’s birthday.” Mavani was relieved.
“That devil,” she chuckled, “I see he still has such a good memory.”
“He says that he never forgets what’s important. He might be coming home next time.” Mavani was taken aback.
“You’re saying he’s retiring soon? He’s barely into his 40’s!”
“Which would you rather him not?” He raised a brow, challenging her. She exhaled.
“I suppose not. It’s just that I would have never expected for him to throw his hat in so early.”
“Oh, come on, he’ll still support the family.”
“Maybe with his charming looks, I can’t rely on his winning personality.” They shared a hearty laugh. Mavani looked down on Akira’s restless state.
“It’s hard to not think of him. Akira looks so much like him the more she’s grown up.”
“I wish I could sympathize with you, Mav,” he said, “I’ve been trying to convince him for nearly forever.” Mavani felt as if he was bluffing, but it was comforting to know.
The ride was quiet for a long time of the ride, until they spoke again. That was right before Akira woke up. She stirred at murmurs.
“..Maramiya looks like it's still thriving, that's great! Do you still live in the East?”
“There's never been a reason to move, but gosh, we never stop getting mail about our house being sold..” Mavani noticed Akira waking, “oh, finally woke up, huh? Your boxing has you exhausted again, huh? I swear..”
“That's one way to put it," Akira mumbled. Santiago now spoke to Akira.
“Akira, I have a gift for you. Of course, a souvenir, and a personal birthday gift from your dad.” Akira’s eyes widened. Santiago took out two boxes, and placed them on the top of the briefcase. He gave the smaller one first. Akira uncovered the carefully packaged box to reveal two Cuban shot glasses.
“How neat! I'm assuming this is your idea, isn't it?” Santiago smiled at her question.
“Yep, thought that,” he paused, thinking, “we could have a drink sometime. You have drunk before, right?”
“Yeah, yeah I have.” Mavani rolled her eyes.
“Oh come on, don't encourage her.” Akira nudged her mother.
“Don't ruin this for me,” Akira whispered to her.
“Alright,” he said with a drawl, “now, for the birthday gift. He knows your birthday is in April, but the thought is still important.” He offered the box to Akira to take. She felt the velvety box, a popular material to use in Maramiya, and undid the bow. The birthday present was rather more elaborate than the glasses, and she pulled the cover. Akira had spoken out loud before she could process everything thoroughly.
“Woahh,” she awed. The artifact was an intricate compass necklace. Akira was enamored with its design, and a stripe was a swirl around the border. She wore it around her neck. Santiago rubbed his temples.
“He gave me specific care instructions; Lead with your mind, and your resolve will point you in the right way to defeat your challenges.” Akira smiled at the cheesiness. That was one thing she always loved about Santiago; his ability to incorporate influential messages in everything he did. In her palm, the compass pointed to the East of her position—which was toward Maramiya.
“No clue what he meant by that, but I'm sure a smart woman like you can figure it out.”
“Thanks,” she responded, flattered.
“Calling all passengers, we are soon arriving in Maramiya, the Hawaiian Sparkle. If you're visiting, Aloha, and if you're coming home, welcome back. Please take all belongings when you get off the train. Mahalo.”
Akira leaned over to the window and cracked it open, causing a brief wind to blow through the curtains, and there was Maramiya. To Akira and Mavani, it was home. To Santiago, it was returning to a brand new place. Everything seemed the same, and yet he still found differences. But the thing that he feared the most was not in sight, yet. When the trains view peeked inside the city, Santiago was pleasantly surprised with the sturdy state the city was in.
The train came to a quick and smooth stop, and the three of them departed from the transport. Akira had pitched the idea of dinner, and since she was paying, it was hard for them to disagree. Mavani and Santiago followed behind.
"How bad have the parasites been over the years?" Santiago quietly murmured.
"Not as bad as I expected," she replied, "of course the experiments and organization are still standing, but it's been pretty.. mellow compared to the past."
"Really? I would've expected that they would've made a move now."
"I don't really like thinking about it. I'm just glad Akira never brings it up."
"That's a relief," Santiago sighed, looking forward again at Akira's head.
'She's safe, Lou,' he thought. They were walking on the block before Akira froze in place, causing them to also stop.
"Akira, what's the hold up?" Santiago questioned. Akira now looked to the left to spot Sunshine Bouts, a boxing ring and underground area.
"Oh, for crying out loud.." Mavani mumbled, rubbing her forehead in embarrassment.
“Mom, please, I’ll make it real quick!” Mavani rolled her eyes and waved a dismissing hand. They followed her down the stairs hurriedly. The area was always pretty dark, and it either was full with desperate gamblers, drunkards, or genuine fans. Akira guided them through the area.
“Howzit, Kira?” A group of guys asked as they passed.
“Whaddup?!” She responded, chuckling as she exchanged a brief fist-bump. "We're almost there,” she mumbled to them. She walked to a suspicious dark and heavy door, and she opened it. She brought them in.
The only people in the room were the doctor and patient. Akira walked forward, and went to greet her friend who was on the table being worked on. At least that’s what Santiago thought.
“Hey there, Dante,” she said. The doctor’s head shot up with a flinch.
“Akira?! What are you doing here on your day off?”
“Well.. I was in the area, and figured I might say hi.” Dr. Rodrigo straightened his posture, and cleared his throat, hands still on the patient’s. He proceeded in wrapping their abdomen as they draped forward, unconscious.
“There’s no problem with that, don’t go sneaking up on me. And, that’s Doctor to you.” He glanced over back at the door, noticing her visitors she brought with her.
“Well, who’s this you’ve brought with you? Not your usual bruised friends this time..”
“Not at all! Rodrigo, this is my mother, Mavani, and my father’s friend, Santiago, he’s visiting us after a long time,” she gestured, urging them to come closer.
“How sweet! I don’t exactly do conferences, but we could work something out,” Dr. Rodrigo laughed and Akira did too, “I can assume that you get your looks from your father, right?”
“Yeah,” she responded, “I do.” When she noticed her mother’s uncomfortable look, she made sure to make the conversation brief. “We’ll be on our way now, see ya.”
“Have a good evening Akira! And, Akira.. family,” he trailed off awkwardly, before clearing this throat and resuming his work. Akira’s family swiftly left the sterile office, she waved before shutting the door. Mavani only spoke the moment they were on the street again. She was tugging on Akira’s ear.
“I can’t believe you can hang out with such dangerous people!”
“Mom,” Akira groaned, “there’s nothing wrong with Dr. Rodrigo.”
“Don’t tell me you think he’s an actual doctor, with the amount of psychos in that area..”
“He has a license, you know? His certificates were on the wall!” Mavani clicked her tongue.
“I don’t believe it. No man acts that.. strange unless there’s something else going on. Think about it! These doctors know so much about all of these procedures, and before you know it, there’s serial killers roaming the streets that are getting off scot-free, there are always ulterior motives!” Akira rolled her eyes.
“Still watching those true crimes?” Akira asked with a teasing lilt. Mavani remained silent, pouting sternly.
When seated at the restaurant, which was well hidden in a small alleyway. The owners were ecstatic to see Akira, coming up to hug her. They spoke in their language before proceeding with English.
“So great to see you, ah, Akira..” an aged woman said, “this is your family?”
“Uh-huh, my mom and uncle,” she responded. The woman exclaimed something in her native language, and thanked Akira for bringing more people in. They soon received their food.
“Oh, wow,” Mavani started, “Akira, this food’s amazing!”
“Isn’t it? A true miracle I had stumbled upon this place.” Santiago ate quietly.
“It’s very filling,” Santiago mumbled. In about fifteen minutes, all three of them were finished eating.
“Wait here, I’m going to go pay,” Akira instructed, getting up from their secluded booth. In the silence, Santiago filled it.
“Well, I guess Akira’s doing well in her boxing, huh?”
“Yes, she’s too good for the people down there, such a shame.” Santiago glanced elsewhere.
“I don’t know about that, I think it teaches her a lot of good life lessons. She needs to be exposed to all kinds of people, and how to deal with them. You don’t ever have to worry about her having to defend herself!”
“I know, but I still worry. I wish that she just attended college, our family already frowns upon us too much.”
“It can’t be helped,” Santiago said with a comforting smile. Akira walked up to the front table. She handed the money, and while waiting for the woman to return, she heard screams from outside. Terrified screams.
“Get out! Stay inside of your homes!” People shouted, running past the restaurant's small windows. Akira came closer, trying to see where the commotion came from. When the woman had returned to the counter, she was left with a ten-dollar tip on the desk.
“Akia?” The woman quietly asked, looking around the desk. The ground started to shake, and that was when everyone inside the restaurant started taking notice of those circumstances.
“Akira!” Santiago yelled, pulling Mavani along in the shaky area, rushing to the front counter. “Miss, where is Akira?!”
The woman was kneeling and praying, and the husband had been comforting her. When he replied to them, Santiago couldn’t understand and it caused his panic to increase further.
“Mavani, we have to stay inside. There’s something out there. Let’s go.”
Akira reappeared outside, slipping her mask on. She was ashamed to admit she was invisible watching her family full of panic. But, her duty was calling her for another rescue. She sprinted throughout the street, trying to locate the danger. People had noticed her and started to point.
“Steel Spar! There’s a monster on the top of the parking garage! It’s emitting this gas!” She nodded in response. She halted up the levels, before spotting the giant parasite on the top. She summoned Steelheart and came closer, wielding the heavy dagger. She saw from her perspective that the parasite was already preoccupied with Bronze Eye. She approached, activating her invisible ability.
Bronze Eye was widely famous and received by Maramiya’s residents, nonetheless Akira herself. But as far as Akira’s admirations went, they were irrelevant at the moment. She watched, not seeing the need for her intervention. With defined efficiency, he was able to cause the monster to stumble away, and had switched to the side where Akira was. She reappeared.
“Oh,” Bronze Eye started, “it’s you Steel. What are you doing here?” He seemed more surprised than usual.
“Heard screaming and shouting, and breathed in a horrible gas,” she cleared her throat, “what’s the situation?”
“It’s a parasite.. it’s the Red Sun’s doing,” he sighed exasperatedly, “no clue how the city hasn’t found a lead yet, we’re already doing what we can.” Bronze Eye held his hands behind his head in distress, trying to breathe sparingly as his katana grazed his back with its blade.
“Well, let’s get to exterminating,” she said, heaving, “the gas is just going to get worse and worse.” The two started to lure the beast down to the level below the top, therefore the parasite couldn’t attempt to leave easily. They established a plan that involved attacking the core of the parasite’s giant buglike form. Akira dashed past as it focused on Bronze Eye, using her dagger to stab right into its legs. With Akira taking them out, Bronze Eye striked forward and pierced the center of its form. Unable to defend itself, the bug made an unholy screech before being proclaimed dead by the two, crashing into the concrete. The body started to release more gas than before, and it accumulated in the area. Steel Spar had thought it was over, and started to head out.
“I believe we’ve done our work here,” she said, spinning on her heel, and heading towards the stairwell.
“Wait a minute, Steel,” he said, pausing her exit, “do you smell that?” She paused, turning back.
“The gas? Yeah, what about it?” She hadn't taken notice until the moment he spoke up about it. Bronze Eye had a firm gulp, and leaned forward, causing his long hair to mask his face more.
“It’s ammonia. The gas is ammonia, coming from the parasite. This isn’t good.” Akira was clueless on why he was so concerned. Yet, it became more pressing since it was starting to make her eyes water, even under her helmet. Then that’s when Bronze Eye saw it. Across the wide lot, he spotted the other stairwell, concealing the appearance of yet another parasite. One of the more humanoid ones. With its outstretched hand, it held a lighter. With a singular spark, Bronze Eye already knew well what would happen in the passing seconds.
“Ah- Steel!” He trembled before launching himself over her to protect her form, being mostly effective. The crashing of concrete all around was enough to mess up Akira’s mind, and they were disoriented as Bronze used his own body to protect her from it all. They must’ve fell through two or three stories before the explosion had settled. And Akira was alone in the faint breakout of dust and ammonia that had not been extinguished. She laid in silence for a moment, even though chunks of material failed to fit her head. Once she sat up, she had a mysterious feeling overtake her. It reminded her of when she first inherited her parasite. The feeling is pushed aside when she acknowledges Bronze Eye’s body nearby, more shattered than hers.
“Bronze Eye!” She yelped with the voice she had left. She scrambled to her feet to come to him, leaving her looking like a zombie. The dust felt heavy on her eyes, and she didn’t want to blink, knowing that in a flash, Bronze Eye could be dead. She looked over at him, but paused.
Akira was confident that this man was Bronze Eye, even if his sword was nowhere to be seen. But, something about his appearance was wrong. His previous long blonde hair, and orange-tinted skin were no longer present. Even if lights were hanging by a thread illuminated his face.. his unmasked face! His hair was now dark and short, and.. and.. that face. She scrambled to find something to mask his identity.
“Oh, no, no, no, no..” she mumbled under her breath. She knew that she was acting like she had seen him nude, which thankfully wasn’t the case, but, it would be right to protect his identity as he protected her. She would need to erase the memory, and pretend as if she had never seen him. But, she could not leave him here, unmasked. With a heavy grunt, she pulled him up on her shoulders. She sought shelter, before authorities could arrive at the scene. Knowing the history of the Red Sun, they were able to attract attention anywhere except to themselves. Unbeknownst to her disoriented state, Bronze Eye was already stirring to his consciousness, and there appeared Communion in his left hand.
She stumbled down the car ramp, leaning on the ledge for balance, and when she made the last descending step, she saw that multiple police cars and ambulances had pulled in. Relieved, she attracted their attention.
“Hey, hey! I have a local right here! He’s injured badly, and was exposed to the breakout. Give me a hand!” The officers approached closer.
“Tell us where he is, Steel Spar! Where’s the victim?!” Akira looked at them with a confused look, even if her helmet didn’t show it.
“Uh, well, he’s right here on my back. Don’t you see?” The officers didn’t seem so amused.
“Cut the crap, where is he? There’s nothing on your back!” Akira looked over her shoulder to see no one, and she gasped.
‘Am I experiencing effects of that outbreak? Bronze Eye was right here, over my shoulders, I could’ve sworn my life on it! I felt his weight and everything!’ She panicked.
“Sorry, I.. sorry, yeah. I must’ve been feeling the effects that the gas made. Everyone has been evacuated from the building,” the guilt became heavy in her throat. She sheepishly walked past them, since her parasite hadn’t activated just yet.
‘I really hope that they don’t find him up there. It’s really wrong of me, but I need to leave before this gets worse. It’s just..’ she interrupted her own thoughts by a series of others, ‘I abandoned someone who sacrificed their life for mine. I didn’t even thank him. Could it be the heaviness on my shoulders was my own guilt?’ Little by little, she limped out of the area, escaping the crowds of people into an alleyway, despite the invading questions that people had and the paparazzies. Using the little energy she had, she walked through faster to escape it all.
“Ms. Steel Spar, a moment please!”
“Steel Spar, what was the creature?”
“Steel Spar! Look over here for a photo!”
“I’m.. I’m sorry, I have to go,” she breathlessly objected as she ran faster from them. Once reaching the end of the alleyway, she walked to the left, fleeing down the street before crossing a road.
“Steelheart, what are you doing? Transform me already! Turn me invisible! I can’t do this on my own!” The thought of her mother and Santiago soon flooded her head, and she was filled with more agony.
‘Not only did I leave Bronze Eye, I left my family too.. Why did I do that? I should’ve just stayed in the restaurant.. What’s wrong with me? Why am I only running the moment people need me most?’ She felt the worst, but over what? She wasn’t on the verge of dying, she wasn’t stuck worrying about her daughter.
However.. she was someone who was so consumed in her self-shaming thoughts that tripped and tumbled backward and over into someone’s classic convertible, causing her head to jolt against the backseats. Unfortunately, the darkness consumed her, and life knocked her out before she could claim tears.
Reporters who were pursuing her looked around the block confusedly for her sudden disappearance. The car was nowhere in sight for them.
“We already lost her, goddamn it! Move back to the area!”
When the people retreated to the alley and sirens, a man stepped forward and unlocked his car with a loud chirp from his keys. The engine fired right up.