Chapter 4

After parting ways with Miyuki, I headed to the tech district to stock up on supplies for upgrading the S.Y.N.A.P.S.E.

I head to the tech district, determined to find the components I need to upgrade the S.Y.N.A.P.S.E. Stepping into the electronics store, I quickly scan the shelves, my eyes darting from one item to the next. I need specialized circuitry, high-density memory chips, and the latest neural interface sensors.

I grab a basket and take the components that I need; the clerk eyes me curiously, likely wondering what a teenager could possibly need with such advanced hardware. I offer a polite smile, not wanting to draw unnecessary attention.

"Quite the haul you've got there. Building a new computer?" the clerk asks, eyeing the basket.

"Oh, just a personal project. I'm always tinkering with tech, you know how it is." I chuckle, trying to keep the conversation casual. The less I reveal about the true nature of my work, the better.

"Well, you seem to know what you're doing. Let me know if you need any help finding something specific." The clerk nods, returning to their duties.

I nod in acknowledgment

With everything gathered, I approach the counter, pulling out my wallet. The total cost is steep, but I've been saving up for this. I hand over the cash, eager to get back to the lab and start the upgrades. The clerk nods, handing me the bag of supplies.

"Good luck with your project," he says, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

I nod in thanks, quickly making my way out of the store. The sooner I can enhance the S.Y.N.A.P.S.E., the more I can freely use Talon.

I clutched the bag of tech supplies, eager to get back to the lab and start the upgrades on the S.Y.N.A.P.S.E. With everything I needed. The next step was to find a way to transport Talon when I wasn't connected to him.

Heading to the local dealership, I scanned the lot, my eyes landing on a sleek, roomy van. Perfect for discreetly moving around without arousing suspicion. I approached the salesperson, giving them a friendly smile.

I approached the salesperson, my heart racing with anticipation. "Excuse me, I'm looking to purchase a vehicle for a personal project. Something large enough to accommodate a special...cargo. Do you have anything that might suit my needs?"

The salesperson eyed me curiously, no doubt wondering about the nature of my "special cargo." Nevertheless, they quickly led me to the van I had spotted earlier, its sleek design and ample interior space catching my eye.

"This van should do the trick," the salesperson said, gesturing towards the vehicle. "It's got plenty of room in the back and the latest safety features. What do you think?"

I examined the van, picturing Talon safely secured within. "This is perfect. How much are you asking for it?"

I grimaced at the high price the salesperson quoted me. "The price seems a bit high, don't you think?" I asked, hoping to negotiate a better deal. I couldn't help but feel the sting of the steep cost - every penny counted when it came to funding my ambitious projects.

I've been making some money from my "side business," but it's still not enough to cover all the costs of the equipment and materials I need for my lab. I gotta be really careful with my spending, making sure I budget every purchase.

The salesperson paused, considering my request. "I'm afraid the price is non-negotiable,"

I grimaced at the high price, knowing I couldn't afford to pay that much. But this van was essential for my plans.

As I inspected the vehicle more closely, I noticed a few signs that it was previously owned and not brand new.

"Hold on. This van looks a bit... pre-owned," I said, raising an eyebrow at the salesperson. I can't justify paying top dollar for a secondhand vehicle."

The salesperson's eyes widened, realizing I had caught on to their attempt to sell me an older model at a premium price.

"W-well, I... uh, I can certainly look into adjusting the price for you," they stammered, clearly flustered.

I crossed my arms, maintaining a calm yet firm demeanor. "Alright, how about we negotiate the price?"

The salesperson paused, considering my request. "Hmm, let me see what I can do." He tapped their chin and glanced at the van. "Okay, I think I can shave a few hundred off the asking price. Does that sound more reasonable?"

I scrutinized the offer, considering the pros and cons. This van was essential for my plans, but I couldn't afford to overspend.

"That's better, but I was hoping we could go a little lower. How about..." I named a price that was closer to my budget.

After some tense back-and-forth, we finally settled on a price that was much more reasonable for a secondhand van. I let out a small sigh of relief, pleased that I had managed to secure a deal that fit within my budget.

"Looks like we have an agreement," I said, shaking the salesperson's hand.

I fill out the necessary paperwork, carefully providing all the required information. The salesperson hands me the keys, and I can't help but feel a surge of excitement. This van will be the perfect way to transport Talon without drawing unwanted attention.

Clutching the keys, I offer the salesperson a grateful nod. "Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it."

With that, I turn and make my way to the van, eager to get behind the wheel and head back to the lab. The engine roars to life as I start the ignition, and I can't help but smile. This is another step closer to fully realizing my ambitions.

Putting the van in gear, I pull out of the dealership, my mind racing with the possibilities that lie ahead.

I'm driving back to the lab when I spot a girl waving her arms, calling for help. I slow down the van and roll down the window.

"Excuse me, what's going on?"

The girl looks up at me, her eyes wide with fear. "Please, you have to help! A woman is hurt and needs assistance!"

I hesitate for a moment, torn between getting back to my work and helping this stranger in need. But the worry in her voice tugs at my conscience.

"Okay, where is she? Lead the way," I say, pulling the van over to the curb.

The girl nods gratefully and gestures for me to follow. I quickly park the van and jump out, hurrying after her as she darts down the alley.

"This way, hurry!" she calls out, her voice laced with urgency.

I pick up my pace, my heart pounding as I wonder what could have happened. As we round the corner, I see a woman lying on the ground, unmoving.

"There she is!" the girl cries, rushing to the woman's side.

I rush over to the woman's side only to find out it was Miyuki, my heart pounding.

"Miyuki? Miyuki! Miyuki, can you hear me?" I frantically check her for injuries, my hands trembling as I see the blood pooling around her head.

"What happened?" I ask the girl, trying to keep my voice steady.

"I don't know, I just found her like this," the girl says, her own voice shaking. "We need to get her help, she's bleeding really badly!"

I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. "Okay, help me get her to my van. We need to get her to the hospital right away."

Together, we carefully lift Miyuki and carry her to the waiting van. I open the door and we gently lay her down in the backseat. Her face is pale, and I can't tell if she's breathing.

"Hang on, Miyuki," I whisper, my voice cracking with emotion. "You're going to be okay. Just hold on."

I jump into the driver's seat and peel out of the alley, tires squealing. My mind races, filled with a thousand terrifying thoughts. What if she's badly hurt? What if I'm too late? I can't lose her, not Miyuki.

The hospital is only a few blocks away, but it feels like an eternity. I keep glancing back at Miyuki, willing her to open her eyes, to show some sign of life. The girl sits with her, trying to stop the bleeding with a piece of cloth.

Finally, I pull up to the emergency entrance and leap out of the van. "Help! I need help!" I shout, frantically waving down a nurse.

Within seconds, a team of medical personnel rush over with a gurney. They carefully transfer Miyuki and rush her inside, leaving me standing there, my hands shaking, praying that she'll be okay.

I rush to the doctor, my heart pounding. "How is she? Will Miyuki be okay?"

The doctor's expression is grave. "Her head has fractured, and she has serious head trauma. She's also lost a lot of blood. She needs immediate surgery to stop the bleeding and repair the damage."

My stomach twists with worry. "Do whatever it takes, please. I can't lose her."

The doctor nods solemnly. "We'll do our best. We need to get her into the operating room right away."

I watch helplessly as they wheel Miyuki away, my mind racing with a thousand fears. All I can do now is pray that she pulls through.

I pace anxiously in the hospital hallway, my mind consumed with worry for Miyuki. The doctor's words about her severe injuries have left me shaken, and I can't stop imagining the worst.

A young girl, the same one who led me to Miyuki, sits nearby, her eyes downcast. I approach her, needing answers.

"Excuse me, can you tell me what happened?" I ask, my voice tinged with desperation.

The girl looks up at me, her expression somber. "I was being harassed by some boys in the alley," she explains, wringing her hands. "She... she saw what was happening and came to my defense. She told me to run, and so I did."

My heart sinks as I imagine Miyuki, brave and selfless as always, standing up to protect this stranger. "And then?" I prompt, dreading the answer.

"I don't know, I heard fighting and only came back to her with you." The girl's voice trembles as tears well in her eyes. "I'm so sorry, I should have stayed, I should have helped her!"

I reach out, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "This isn't your fault. Miyuki did what she always does - she put someone else first. Now we just have to hope she pulls through."

The girl nods, sniffling, and I turn my gaze back to the operating room doors, silently willing the doctors to save my closest friend.

Hours passed, my pacing back and forth in the hospital hallway becoming more frantic with each minute that ticked by. Finally, the doctor emerged, his expression grave.

"How is she?" I ask, my voice quivering with anxiety. "Is Miyuki going to be okay?"

The doctor takes a deep breath. "The operation was successful, and we were able to stop the bleeding. However..." He pauses, his eyes filled with sympathy. "Miyuki has lapsed into a coma. I'm afraid we don't know if she'll recover."

My heart sinks, the words hitting me like a physical blow. "What? That can't be true," I stammer, my mind reeling. "She has to be okay, she has to wake up!"

The doctor places a hand on my shoulder, his touch heavy with regret. "I'm so sorry. All we can do now is wait and monitor her condition closely. But I want you to prepare yourself for the possibility that..." He trails off, the unspoken words hanging in the air.

I shake my head vehemently, refusing to accept this reality. "No, she's going to be fine. Miyuki is strong, she'll pull through. She has to." My voice cracks, the weight of the situation threatening to overwhelm me.

The doctor offers me a sympathetic look, but I can see the uncertainty in his eyes. Miyuki, my closest friend, the one who has always been there for me, now lies unconscious, her life hanging by a thread. I can't bear the thought of losing her.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what I'm about to face. "Can I see her?" I ask the doctor, my voice barely above a whisper.

The doctor nods solemnly. "Of course. This way."

I follow him down the sterile hospital corridor, my footsteps echoing in the deafening silence. My heart pounds in my chest as we approach the room where Miyuki lies.

The doctor pauses at the doorway. "Take all the time you need," he says gently, before stepping aside to allow me to enter.

Slowly, I push the door open and step inside. There, in the stark white hospital bed, is Miyuki. Her vibrant red hair is matted, her face pale and still. A bandage wraps around her head, and an array of tubes and wires are connected to her motionless body, monitoring her every vital sign.

I approach the bed, my eyes filling with tears. Carefully, I reach out and take her hand, my fingers trembling. The warmth of her skin is a small comfort, but the lack of response chills me to the core.

I stand there, wordlessly, unable to find the right words to say. All I can do is hold her hand and pray that she'll open her eyes.

I exited Miyuki's room, my heart heavy with worry and fear. I needed answers, and the girl who had led me here might have them.

Approaching her, I asked, "Do you know who did this to Miyuki?"

The girl looked up at me, her eyes filled with uncertainty. "There were a lot of boys, but their leader... he had blonde hair and was wearing the same uniform as you."

As the words sank in, a surge of rage coursed through me. I knew exactly who she was describing - Kazuya, the bully who had tormented me for years. Without a second thought, I whirled around and slammed my fist into the nearby wall, the impact sending a jolt of pain through my hand.

The girl's eyes widened in surprise at my sudden outburst. "You know him, don't you?" she asked hesitantly.

I nodded, my jaw clenched tight. "Yeah, I know him. And he's going to pay for what he's done." My voice was laced with a fury I had never felt before.

Cradling my bloodied hand, I turned and strode down the hallway, my mind racing with a single, unwavering thought: I would make Kazuya answer for this.

I got into my van and went to find Kazuya. I knew the spots where he and his cronies liked to hang out, and I headed straight for the arcade center.

Pulling up, I spotted Kazuya lounging outside with a group of his followers. Without hesitation, I flung open the van door and stepped out, my eyes locked on him.

"Kazuya!" I shouted, my voice laced with fury. "Get over here, you bastard!"

Kazuya replied annoyingly, "What do you want, Logan? Come to cry about your little girlfriend again?"

I didn't say anything, I just clenched my fist and moved to punch him. But before I could reach him, Kazuya blasted me with a powerful telekinetic blast, knocking me to the ground.

I groaned as I pushed myself back up, glaring at Kazuya. "This is your fault, you son of a bitch! Miyuki is in the hospital because of you!"

"Oh? She's alive?" Kazuya sneers, a twisted grin spreading across his face.

"She's in a coma because of you!" I shout, struggling to my feet.

I lunge at him again, but he easily deflects my attack with a telekinetic push, sending me tumbling to the ground.

Kazuya lets out a cruel laugh. "She's in a coma? Hahaha! That's a shame. I guess I hit her too hard."

"You bastard!" I roar, charging at him again, but he simply waves his hand and I'm knocked back once more, landing hard on the pavement. Pain shoots through my body, but the anger coursing through me is far more intense.

I clench my fists, refusing to give up. "I won't let you get away with this, Kazuya!" I charge at him again, determined to make him pay for what he's done.

Kazuya simply waves his hand, and I'm suddenly pinned to the ground, his telekinetic powers holding me in place. "Give it up, Logan. You're weak. Without powers, you're nothing but a pathetic nerd. You're just a nobody, while I'll be the greatest hero of all time," Kazuya sneers, his voice dripping with arrogance.

I struggle against his hold, glaring up at him. "You're no hero, Kazuya. You're just an asshole," I growl, my voice strained.

Kazuya lets out a cruel laugh as he stomps down harder on my back. "That's where you're wrong, Logan. With my powers, I can easily be a top Pro Hero. People will love me and sing praises of me. And you? You'll be nothing."

I glare up at Kazuya as he sneers down at me, his goons flanking him.

"Since Miyuki is in a coma, I guess I have one less rival to worry about," he says, his voice dripping with malice.

I struggle against his telekinetic hold, but it's no use. I'm completely at his mercy.

"You won't get away with this, Kazuya," I spit, my voice laced with anger.

He just laughs and turns to leave, his goons following close behind.

"We'll see about that, Logan," I crash into a dumpster as Kazuya knocks me back with his telekinetic powers.

His goons laugh as they turn and walk away with Kazuya. I groan, struggling to push myself up from the ground. The pain shoots through my body, but the fury burning inside me is far more intense. I glare at their retreating figures, clenching my fists.

"I won't let you get away with this, Kazuya!" I shout after them, my voice laced with determination.

///

Advance chapter on my Patreon - Najicablitz

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