The fog in his head slowly dissipated like a haze.
Sonic began to wake up, feeling... surprisingly good. His head wasn't splitting with pain, his body didn't ache like it had after his previous arrests. He felt light. It was as if a huge, pressing weight had been lifted off him.
His first attempt to sit up ended in failure. His body jerked, and he collapsed back onto the couch, hitting the soft mattress with a thud. His gaze automatically traveled down to his wrists. And there, glistening in the light, were the handcuffs. Again.
There was the click of the door opening. Two people entered the room: the same woman with the unusual hair he'd met earlier, and the small, furry animal sitting on her shoulder. It jumped off the woman's shoulder and walked over to Sonic and bowed its head, greeting him with a wide, friendly smile. A smile that was oddly human.
The woman, watching Sonic's reaction with a slight smile, took a step forward. The small animal, still smiling, crouched down next to her.
"Allow me to introduce myself - my name is Nezu. I am the principal of Yuei Academy."
" let's talk about your... misdeeds. Illegal use of a quirk is a serious offense. Evading arrest is another. And," he paused, his gaze growing even more serious, "We've gotten a lot of testimony, including videotapes..."
Nezu paused, looking at Sonic expectantly. He gave him a chance to interrupt, to justify himself. His tone was impeccably polite, but every word sounded like a sentence.
Sonic looked embarrassed. Nezu had listed his transgressions so clearly and concisely that it was pointless to deny it. He was had just had time to think about it when Nezu suddenly laughed - a short, harsh laugh that sounded more like the creak of rusty machinery than human laughter.
The laughter stopped as suddenly as it had begun. Nezu looked at Sonic, his gaze becoming more serious, but there was no longer any severity in it.
"However," Nezu continued, his voice softer, "I am willing to help you if you accept my offer." He paused, savoring the effect of his words.
"You will enter Yuei Academy, a school for training superheroes."
Sonic, taken aback by the unexpected offer, blinked. A school? Really?
"Uh..." he muttered, "I can't. One: I don't like learning. Two: I'm already a hero. I save people, don't I?"
Nezu tilted his head to the side for a moment, as if considering his words. Then his gaze became cold and piercing, like two sharp blades aimed directly at Sonic.
"If you refuse to accept this offer," he cut off, his voice hard and unyielding, "you will be officially declared a dangerous criminal, a threat to society, and subject to confinement in a special cell for criminals with dangerous quirks. And, if you suddenly decide to run away," Nezu emphasized each word, giving it extra weight, "you will be placed on an international wanted list. Your face will be on every pole, every screen, and every newspaper in the world."
Nezu paused, giving Sonic time to realize the gravity of the situation. He wanted it to dawn on him that these weren't just empty threats.
"Let me remind you of something else," he continued in an icy tone, "you have no home, no money, no papers. You may be used to a nomadic life, but sooner or later you're going to need food, water, and a place to sleep. And how are you going to get all that when your wanted posters are hanging on every corner? I don't think anyone wants to deal with a fugitive with a big bounty on his head. Which means you'll be alone, hungry and defenseless in the face of the world."
Sonic gritted his teeth, feeling his irritation building. Nezu's threats had struck a nerve, and he could hardly contain the urge to respond with a barb, to issue a sarcastic retort. But the words stuck in his throat like a lump in his throat. Nezu, as if sensing his mood, suddenly changed tactics, his voice softer and his eyes more sympathetic.
"Listen," Nezu said, his tone becoming friendlier and more accommodating, "I realize that my offer may seem unappealing to you. But let's look at the situation from the other side. If you accept, you'll get free tuition at the best hero school in the entire country. It's a chance that not everyone gets. After graduation, you'll be free to use your abilities legally, without fear of prosecution. We'll provide you with a place to live- with Midnight. She will be your guardian."
"And finally," Nezu continued, his voice a little warmer, "at Yuei Academy, you can make friends, make a real family. And, importantly, if you ever find your true family, you can always leave. We won't keep you, we won't force you. This is just a temporary measure necessary under the circumstances. It's just that right now, in the current situation, it's the only safe option for you." Nezu paused, giving Sonic time to consider what he had heard.
"We just want to help you, boy. We don't want to force you. It's just... circumstances."
Sonic frowned, staring at the floor. He didn't like having decisions forced upon him, but the arguments of this... director, were quite convincing. If he accepted their offer now, enrolled in this school, he would have everything he needed to find his way home, without any trouble with the law. Legally, quietly, without the chase or the risk of going to jail.
He sighed. He didn't like the idea of going back to school, much less a school for heroes, but... it was his best option for now. Better than running from the police and starving. Better than spending the rest of his life in some cell somewhere.
"Okay," he said, raising his head and looking Nezu straight in the eye. - I agree."
It had been... too long. Sonic seemed to have lived on this ward forever. Each minute stretched slower than the last, and he was beginning to doubt that he would ever be let out of here. But finally, the door creaked open, and Nezu and Midnight appeared on the threshold.
He heaved a sigh of relief, got up from the couch, and followed them without a word. On the way, Nezu and Midnight reminded him that he couldn't walk around naked - it wasn't cultural.
Finally, they exited the precinct building, and Sonic greedily breathed in the fresh air.
Dusk was already thickening outside.
He looked around himself. He was wearing clothes... well, you could call them clothes with a stretch. It was some kind of shapeless jumpsuit that was clearly several sizes too big. The sleeves hung down almost to his knees, and the pants dragged on the ground.
"A forced measure," Sonic muttered to himself, trying to lift the pants somehow. - Better that than nothing at all."
Midnight and Nezu were walking ahead, talking animatedly, glancing at Sonic from time to time, as if afraid he might disappear. He felt uncomfortable, as if he were a guinea pig being led into another series of experiments.
"Yeah, yeah, no running away," he muttered mentally, rolling his eyes. - I've already realized they don't want to let me go."
He lowered his gaze to his foot. On his ankle was a massive metal bracelet that was clearly not part of his "stylish" outfit. He had seen such bracelets on criminals before, and he knew exactly what they were for.
"Uh-huh," he whispered under his breath, with a dose of sarcasm in his voice. - Radar. In case I escape. It probably also electrocutes me if I try to run too far away. Or maybe it explodes. Who knows what those guys are up to." He wasn't going to test it right now, though. He could always run away. Nezu and Midnight were clearly reassuring him not to run away. They seemed to have underestimated his speed... or overestimated their abilities.
As Nezu, with a brief nod to Midnight, disappeared into the night crowd. Sonic was left alone with the pro-hero, who waited silently for him to take a seat in his car.
Midnight pointed to his car - a discreet but stylish automobile, elegant and concise, with no unnecessary flashy details. It was the car of a man who valued practicality and functionality over ostentatious luxury.
Sonic, still not fully accustomed to his new role as "ward", automatically headed for the front passenger seat. However, his movement was interrupted by a sharp but brief glance from Midnight. She shook her head slightly, and there was so much undeniable authority in that gesture that Sonic instantly realized: his place was in the back seat.
He sighed, showing visible obedience, and settled into the backseat, feeling not entirely comfortable in the overalls that were too big. The fabric squelched with every movement, and he felt a little awkward. He looked out the window, watching the city slowly fall asleep, shrouded in the gloom of night. His mind was spinning with thoughts of what lay ahead of him, and what his life would be like in this new, uncharted reality. This time, he was not staying outside in the open air, but in the warmth and comfort of Midnight's car. And it was... unexpectedly pleasant.
The engine rumbled softly, the car started smoothly, and Sonic, leaning against the window, watched the night city with amazement. Bright neon signs reflected in the dark glass, creating a magical atmosphere. He drove past all sorts of establishments: restaurants with attractive windows, noisy clubs with music blaring from them, and even a couple of beaches illuminated by the dim light of the moon. The beauty of nocturnal Japan boggled his mind.
He turned to Midnight, still not quite used to his new situation, and stretched awkwardly: "Ms. Midnight..."
But his words were abruptly interrupted.
"Not 'Ms. Midnight'," Midnight said, her voice was calm, but there was an audible firmness in it. - "Call me Nemuri Kayama."
Sonic, accustomed to reacting quickly to any situation, took in the new information lightning fast.
"Okay, Nemuri," he said, stammering slightly, but trying to put his voice at ease.
And then he burst through. He started asking Nemuri questions one after another, pouring out all the curiosity and impatience he had accumulated lately on her.
Where were they going? Where was he going to live? What will he have to do at the academy? Who are his classmates? He spoke quickly and excitedly, jumping from topic to topic as if trying to make up for lost time.
Nemuri, not expecting such an onslaught, was a little surprised at first, but then a warm expression appeared in her eyes. She answered his questions patiently and in detail, trying not to miss a single detail. She told him about her apartment that would become his new home, about Yuei Academy, about his future classes and teachers. And the more she talked to Sonic, the more she realized that behind his boldness was an ordinary, a little lost child in need of care and support.
Finally, the car came to a smooth stop and Nemuri turned off the engine. They got out of the car and headed towards the apartment complex. Nemuri, striding confidently ahead, led Sonic through the spacious lobby to the elevator.
When they reached the desired floor, Nemuri took the keys out of her purse, opened the door and gestured for Sonic to enter. The apartment was spacious and cozy, with a modern design and large windows that overlooked the nighttime city.
"Make yourself comfortable," Nemuri said, smiling slightly. "I'll show you your room first."
She led Sonic down the hallway to a small but cozy room with a bed, a closet, and a desk. Everything was neat and clean, but the room clearly lacked personality.
"This is where you're going to live," Nemuri announced, circling the room with a glance.
"Try not to touch anything until I tell you to. I'm going to go change," and with a slight warning glance at Sonic, she disappeared into the bathroom.
Nemuri, having changed out of her hero costume, chose simple, comfortable casual clothes: soft cotton pants and a loose T-shirt. She threw a cozy, warm robe on top, and put soft slippers on her feet. As she left the bathroom, she noticed Sonic, who seemed to be struggling to contain his impatience.
He was standing in the middle of the room, stomping his foot quickly and looking amusingly focused with a cross on his chest. His lips were tightly pressed together, but his impatient twitching of his foot and slight puffing of his cheeks gave away his mood.
Nemuri smiled involuntarily. The sight of a nervous Sonic standing in her apartment looked... cute. Really cute. So cute, in fact, that she momentarily forgot her intention to continue talking about her future plans and the rules of staying in her house. For that minute, everything else faded into the background.
Nemuri, unable to contain her sudden feeling of adoration, walked over to Sonic and bent down to stroke his head. The movement was light, almost imperceptible, like stroking a favorite pet. However, Sonic reacted instantly. His body tensed like a string, and he jerked back sharply, trying to get out from under her hand.
"Hey! I'm not a toy!" - he protested, his voice filled with childish indignation that was in stark contrast to his looks and superpowers.
Nemuri laughed, unable to contain her sudden burst of mirth. His reaction was so unexpected, so lively and sincere. Sonic, at this point, really did look a lot like some funny, fluffy toy trying to defend himself from the prying attention.
However, Sonic's patience had apparently run out. In a sudden movement, using his super speed, he bounced to the side and pressed himself against the wall behind the bed, hissing breathlessly:
"Stay back!" A soft pillow appeared in his hand, clearly intended to be a weapon in this unequal battle. His expression was so serious, so focused, that Nemuri laughed again. She realized that Sonic's first day in his new home was not going to go smoothly, and she was going to have to do her best to calm her 'neighbor' down. This was going to be fun.
Suddenly, cutting through the tense silence, there was a loud, prolonged sound of a rumbling belly in the room. Sonic flinched, as if waking up from a trance. Nemuri froze, her smile gone. She realized her mistake with terrifying clarity. How could she have been so hapless? Sonic probably hadn't eaten anything for at least three days. Preoccupied with thoughts of his future and how he could better adapt to his new life, she had completely forgotten about the most important basic human need: food.
She slapped herself on the forehead, feeling a prick of guilt.
"I'm sorry, I completely forgot!" - she said, her voice drenched in genuine remorse. She felt completely embarrassed.
"Let's go to the kitchen," she said, gesturing Sonic in. He, silently followed her. Nemuri opened the refrigerator and slowly ran the inside of her palm over her face. Her disappointment was palpable. The shelves of the refrigerator were practically empty. A few lonely eggs, a carton of expired milk, and a bottle of ketchup were her entire food supply.
Nemuri, with a guilty, slightly crooked smile, looked at Sonic.
"Sorry," she stretched out, "I only have eggs in my fridge so far. I... somehow wasn't expecting guests, especially ones this hungry." She sighed, admitting her ineptitude at housekeeping.
"We'll be sure to go to the mall tomorrow morning. We'll buy you some new clothes, groceries... and of course, school supplies. I hope you don't mind?"
Sonic, seeing her embarrassment, couldn't resist teasing her. He smirked, his eyes sparkling with amused mischief.
Sonic, seeing her embarrassment, couldn't resist teasing her. He smirked and said sarcastically: "School supplies? Oh, I'm thrilled! I'm dying to see an algebra textbook."
Sonic, noticing her confusion, softened.
"Okay, okay, I'll be patient," he said, trying to hide a smile. - Eggs are better than nothing. But..." he looked around the apartment, "your apartment is sooooo boring! There's no place to run around. What am I supposed to do here?"
He paused theatrically, then added: "Why don't we have a vacuum cleaner race? Or a game of hide-and-seek around the apartment? Just be warned, I'm a master of disguise! You won't find me for sure!"
Nemuri, exhaling with relief, smiled.
"You'll have plenty of time to have fun here," she said. - You can do anything you want to do. Within reason, of course. Just please don't turn my apartment into a battlefield and wreak havoc. Although..." she smiled slyly, "if you can find something to do, it might even be useful. For example, can you do the dishes... or take out the trash?"
Nemuri had expected a refusal. She was sure that Sonic, with his irrepressible energy and dislike of routine, wouldn't even consider doing housework. So when a blue blur began to spread across the room at an incredible speed - the residual images of his movement - she simply froze with surprise. It was so fast that her eyes could barely keep up with this visual whirlwind.
Five seconds then the swirl stopped. Sonic stood in front of Nemuri, wrapped in a soft, large towel, his face glowing with satisfaction.
"All done," he announced calmly, as if he'd just drunk a glass of water. - "Now it's boring again."
Nemuri slowly looked around the apartment, her eyes widening with each passing moment. The dishes that had been in the sink just seconds ago were perfectly clean and already put away in the dryer. Next to Sonic on the floor was a pile of board games that she kept at the very top of her closet in her bedroom, a place she only reached with the help of a stepladder. She just couldn't believe her eyes.
Nemuri had never seen such speed. Not even the Almighty, the symbol of peace and the greatest hero of all time, could move this fast. Absolutely unbelievable speed. She looked at Sonic in silence, deeply amazed. This was more than just super speed. This was something truly exceptional, something that turned her understanding of the capabilities of the human body upside down. Her amazement was so profound that she was left speechless for a few seconds, just staring at him, completely stunned by his actions.
Sonic, clearly satisfied with his sudden display of ability, decided to tease Nemuri. The corners of his lips lifted in a smirk.
"Wow, Nemuri," he stretched out, winking, "you're just like in a cartoon! Mouth open with surprise and birds almost flying out of it! Watch your expression, or the butterflies will fly in too!"
Nemuri, for the first few seconds, was simply stunned by the speed and scale of the cleanup. Then the meaning of his words came to her. Her cheeks turned slightly pink, but she quickly pulled herself together. Sonic's jokes were getting bolder and bolder.
"Sonic," she said sternly, but a slight smile slipped into her voice. - "Respect your elders. Also... I need to make up some rules for living in my apartment. I think it will be very helpful. The rules will come into effect now
Nemuri finally formulated some important rules:
"So, listen carefully, Sonic. Rule number one: no super speed inside the apartment. Normal human speed at most. No residual traces, no teleporting. Violation is a week without sweets."
"Rule number two: No strangers in the apartment without my permission. No friends, acquaintances, or random passersby."
"Rule number three: No loud games or parties after 10:00 p.m. The neighbors want to sleep too."
Sonic, listening to her, frowned with each new rule.
"That's... that's not fair!" - he resented. - "How am I going to live without speed? What if I want to invite someone over for a visit? This is a prison, not an apartment!"
Nemuri sighed, expecting a similar reaction.
"I understand it's difficult for you, but these are necessary measures," she said more gently. - And most importantly... Sonic, it's forbidden to use your power outside at all. There are no exceptions. Until you go to school and learn to control your powers, you must hide them. Understand?
Sonic, with a clearly disgruntled expression, mumbled something unintelligible that sounded like 'okay'. He didn't agree to it out of the goodness of his heart, but because it was useless to argue with Nemuri. But there was a mischievous spark in his eyes. He was already making plans to get around these imposed restrictions. A week without sweets? Hmmm... I wonder if tea could be sweetened with supersonic vibration...? Sonic smiled to himself. He already had a few fun ideas on how to turn these rules into a fun game. And Nemuri would laugh some more... probably.
After all the rules were discussed and seemingly fixed in the minds of both of them, Nemuri, deciding not to put things off, said with a smile:
"That's it, Sonic, time for bed. Tomorrow's a long day."
Sonic protested. He felt full of energy, his body seemed to be bubbling with unspent energy. He wanted to move, to run, to test his abilities, but Nemuri was relentless. He was already tiring of this enforced inactivity. He had spent enough time in this world to realize how long his "sleep" could last. And here it was again!
But just like last time, he didn't notice the light, almost invisible, pinkish mist that quickly spread across the room. He felt a slight tingling sensation, then a heaviness in his eyelids... and fell into sleep. The energy that had been bubbling within him just a second ago was gone, replaced by a deep, peaceful sleep. Nemuri smiled. She was quite sly.
Without waiting a moment, once Sonic had fallen asleep to her quirk, Nemuri dialed Nezu's number. There was an anxiety in her voice that she couldn't hide.
"Nezu, I have some bad news... Things are much more dangerous than we thought," she blurted into the receiver, trying to speak as quietly as possible so as not to wake Sonic. - Sonic's power... it's unbelievable. I had no idea it was even possible."
She gave Nez a quick but detailed account of what happened after Sonic agreed to the rules. "He... he turned my whole house upside down in five seconds! Washed all the dishes, took out the trash, even quietly popped outside and came back in before he could even wrap a towel around himself! And all that in five seconds, Nezu! I've never seen such speed, not even from the Almighty!"
Nezu's concerned voice came out of the receiver, with anxiety carefully hidden behind a mask of rationality.
"I understand, Nemuri," he replied, trying to speak as calmly as possible. - This is certainly a matter of grave concern. Sonic's papers will be ready in a week. As soon as I have them in my hands, I will convene a teachers' meeting immediately. We will discuss the situation and decide how best to deal with Sonic."
There was a sense of reticence in Nezu's voice, as if he was withholding something important. Nemuri felt it intuitively, but knew that now was not the time to press him. Nezu always acted in the interest of the common good, and she trusted his judgment, no matter how complicated it seemed.
After finishing her conversation with Nezu, Nemuri stood in the doorway for a long while longer, looking at the sleeping Sonic. In the semi-darkness of the room, he looked very small and defenseless. His eyelashes twitched slightly, and a slight smile lurked at the corner of his lips, probably reflecting happy dreams.
She couldn't reconcile this sweet creature and the image of a dangerous villain in her imagination. How could such a child, full of energy and cheerfulness, be a harbinger of chaos? Why should his power cause so much apprehension? Is there really no other way but control and restriction? Two opposing feelings struggled inside Nemuri: fear for the future and tender sympathy for this unusual boy who didn't understand the gravity of the situation.
She looked at his peaceful face, sunken in sleep, and hope sprang up in her heart. Hope that Sonic could overcome all odds, that he could harness his incredible power and use it for good. She hoped that this inexhaustible source of energy and mischief would not be channeled into destruction, but would become a force to protect the weak and help those in need.
And she, Nemuri Kayama, as his guardian and future teacher, would do her best to guide him on that path. She would do her best to help him reach his potential and become the true hero he may have been born to be.
With these thoughts in mind, Nemuri finally went to bed.