S-2878 • L3 Sintoluna • D00 Silensi
"Sintoluna kindles resonance on high. Silensi anchors the beginning in living stillness. The tide becomes a map of newborn radiance. The story enters in a crystalline tone."
Almost an entire lunation of meetings. Maia occupied so much of my thoughts. I smiled like a foolish Enchantress. Covered my face with my hands, too embarrassed to face myself in the mirror.
KNOCK KNOCK
Knocking at the door.
I returned to reality. Quickly. Checked my reflection. I needed to maintain calm on the surface of my skin. "Come in."
He entered. Firm steps. Exuding authority. Black hair impeccably combed back. His beard, meticulously trimmed. Gray strands accentuated his authoritarian presence. An immaculate black suit. On his little finger, a ring. A painfully familiar symbol. His stern, bitter gaze settled on me.
A wave of tension ran through my body. "Doctor…"
"Enough formalities." He waved dismissively. "Just call me Mr. Akiyama."
"Mr. Akiyama."
"Very well."
"I'll be direct. That woman…" My father pretended to cough. "…blocked my research. I need you to file a petition in your name."
"What research?"
He rolled his eyes and sent me the document.
I opened the file. Forced application. Risk of neural failure. Every line I read twisted my stomach into a knot.
"I refuse to do this." My voice came out firm. Jaw tense.
His eyes flashed with ferocity, like a cornered beast's. "That's an order."
"I refuse. I—"
I felt his hot palm crack against my cheek. Fast. Cruel.
I clenched my fists. My blood boiled with indignation. I took a deep breath. Held back the tears burning in my eyes. "G-get out! Leave immediately. Or I'll call security."
Riki stood slowly. Arrogant. One last sinister look. "You and your mother are both useless." He spat on the floor before leaving. Left a trail of contempt behind.
My hands trembled. My heart beat out of rhythm. I rubbed my cheek. Felt something warm. Drops of blood on my fingertips.
The reflection in the mirror revealed the red mark. The outline of his hand. A small cut on my face, probably caused by the ring. But none of it compared to the absurdity I had read. With a hesitant hand, I called Hideaki.
"What is it?" Her voice sounded cold. Attentive.
"Riki was here. He wants me to petition for authorization for the research the GMC rejected."
On the other end, silence. Heavy breathing, as though she were trying to process the information. "Th-this… that man is a danger to the medical community. I need to act." Hideaki ended the call abruptly.
I sighed and rubbed my forehead. The pressure in my head grew.
I tried to push away thoughts of Riki. Of his research.
Focused on meeting Maia the next day.