Soul Drive: Ignition

Chapter 27: Motive

Hiro emerged from the dark, narrow alleyway, his back pressed against the cold brick wall as he caught his breath. The distant wail of sirens echoed through the air, reminding him of the destruction he'd left behind at the Canadian Embassy. He swallowed hard, guilt clawing at his chest for having to kill Daiki, but he knew it was the only way to prevent more deaths. With a deep breath, he stepped out into the dimly lit street and began walking quickly towards the train station, determined to get back to Osaka before anyone realized he was missing.

The icy wind whipped around Hiro's face, stinging his cheeks as he pulled his coat tighter around him. He couldn't help but replay the horrific scene in his mind - Daiki's crazed eyes, the overwhelming power of their combined Machs, the sickening finality of it all. He shook his head, forcing himself to focus on getting home safely.

As Hiro turned a corner, the shrill ring of his phone pierced the silence. His heart skipped a beat – had someone already discovered his absence? He hesitated, then answered the call. "Osamu? Are you okay? Is Kimiko safe?"

"Hey, Hiro," Osamu replied, his voice tense. "We got away from the embassy before Daiki lost control, but... there's some bad news. Kimiko attacked me once we were safe. She knocked me out cold."

"Wh-what?" Hiro stammered, shock coursing through him like electricity. "Why would she do that?"

"I don't know," Osamu sighed. "When I woke up, she was gone... and so was her Mach. I'm sorry, Hiro."

"Damn it," Hiro muttered under his breath, clenching his fists. He couldn't understand why Kimiko would betray them like this, but right now he needed to focus on getting back to Osaka. "Osamu, stay safe during the fallout of this embassy incident, alright?"

"Same to you, Hiro," Osamu said before ending the call.

Hiro slipped his phone back into his pocket, his body tensing with every step he took towards the train station. He couldn't help but worry about Osamu and Kimiko, wondering how they could possibly recover.

As the train station came into view, Hiro's thoughts raced like a whirlwind through his mind – the world had seen the true power of Machs, and everything was about to change. For better or worse, he would have to face whatever consequences lay ahead.

-----

Osamu leaned against his car, the cold metal pressing into his back as he exhaled a breath of relief. He stared at the night sky, the stars barely visible through the city's light pollution. He had managed to convince Hiro that Kimiko had attacked him and fled, but the reality was far different.

"Hey," Kimiko called softly from where she stood a few feet away. Her eyes held a mixture of fear and determination, her gaze locked on Osamu.

"Listen, Kimiko," Osamu said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I have your Mach, and I'll give it back to you, but only if you work for me."

"Work for you?" Kimiko scoffed, crossing her arms defensively. "Why would I do that?"

"Because," Osamu hesitated, searching her face for any sign of trust. "I heard the conversation between Hiro and Daiki. I believe Hiro's parents were murdered, and I need an agent to find proof."

He watched as Kimiko's expression softened, guilt flickering across her features before she quickly masked it with resolve. She knew she owed Hiro after what happened tonight.

"Alright, I'll help," she agreed quietly. "But only for Hiro's sake."

"Deal," Osamu replied, handing her the Mach and a cellphone. "I'll call you when I need you. For now, we both need to lay low."

As Kimiko nodded, clutching the items tightly, she disappeared into the shadows of the night like a ghost.

-----