Soul Drive: Ignition

Chapter 17: Emergency

On the bridge suspended over the tranquil lake, the vibrant lights reflected on the water's surface, Nori's lips pressed against Hiro's in a sudden act that caught them both off guard. Hiro's eyes widened as he felt both confusion and an unexpected comfort from the intimate contact. As quickly as it happened, Nori pulled away, his dark eyes searching Hiro's face for a moment before disappearing into the bustling crowd without another word.

"Wait!" Hiro called out, but Nori was already swallowed by the sea of people. Hiro's Mach, buzzed in his pocket, alerting him that a Mach had been activated nearby. He knew it must be Nori flying away.

"Damn it," Hiro muttered under his breath. As he leaned against the railing of the bridge, Hiro couldn't help but reflect on the night he had just spent with Nori – the boy who was so angry at the world and treated unfairly, and yet, had shown him nothing but kindness. A curiosity began to grow within him, why did he kiss him.

But there was nothing more Hiro could do tonight. With a deep sigh, he activated his own Mach, feeling the familiar sensation of his body being coated in the teal cybernetic armor. The cool metal closed around him, providing a sense of security and power. He activated his stealth function, blending seamlessly into the shadows before taking off into the night sky.

"Yutaka will find you, Nori," Hiro thought, his strong conviction fueling his determination. "Together, we'll convince you to join us."

As Hiro soared above the city, the wind rushing past his face, he replayed the events of the evening in his mind, trying to make sense of Nori's actions and motivations. There was so much he didn't know, but one thing was certain – he couldn't let Nori slip through his fingers.

"Whatever it takes," Hiro promised himself, the city lights below him blurred by speed and resolve. "I'm going to help you see a different path, Nori. One that doesn't involve anger or bitterness."

-----

In future Tokyo, Daiki walked through the crowded streets, a satisfied grin on his face as he thought about their recent mission. He had managed to discover the location of the Japanese Machs, and plans to infiltrate the facility were already taking shape in his mind. A successful mission would mean stealing the remaining Machs for Canada, tipping the balance in their favor.

As Daiki entered the small apartment he shared with the girl he had rescued, he carried a bag of food, knowing that she would be hungry after the ordeal she had been through. The dim light from the hallway cast long shadows across the room, where Kimiko lay sleeping on the couch, her chest rising and falling gently with each breath.

"Guess I'll let her sleep," he thought, placing the food in the kitchen and glancing back at her peaceful form. "She needs it."

With a tender expression, Daiki decided to do something kind for her. He gathered the pile of clothes from the floor, intending to wash them. As he did so, a small Tamagotchi fell from one of the pockets, landing with a quiet thud on the ground. Puzzled, he picked up the device, reading the message scrolling across its tiny screen: "Mach repairing."

Daiki's eyes widened in shock as the realization hit him – this girl was not just any ordinary girl; she was a Mach user.

"Who are you working for?" Daiki demanded, his voice cold and accusatory as Kimiko stirred awake, disoriented by the sudden change in atmosphere.

"Wh-what are you talking about?" she stammered, rubbing her eyes groggily.

"Don't play dumb with me," he growled, holding up her Tamagotchi Mach. "How did you know I was looking for the Machs?"

Kimiko's heart raced, panic setting in as she desperately tried to maintain her composure. "I don't know anything about that," she lied, her voice barely a whisper.