Chapter 10

With a few weeks in the healing tank, Hana was fully healed of all her injuries. Mitsuki, or Mikki as his mother called him, came almost everyday and they talked about trivial things like school, his progress in his training, and his family. Hana didn't contribute a lot about her own past, but Mitsuki never pushed her or got frustrated with her. His parents, Raze and Josuke, kept their distance and always made sure one of them was in the room with Mitsuki when he came to visit. But overall, they didn't treat her roughly, which surprised her considering she had tried to kill Raze under orders.

Raze was able to take a week off from her duties as Major General with the excuse that she was shocked and hurt from the failed assassination. She told Hana that the rumor of Hana's disappearance was helping her to narrow down who had sent the order and why. Apparently there was an unhappy group in the military that was trying desperately to find her in Sabel, not knowing that she was actually in Grail. Raze was trying to narrow down this group and find out who they worked for.

Of the three, Josuke held a cold attitude in her presence. He was extremely upset that she had tried to harm his wife and child, and while he was clearly interested in her different abilities, he never talked to her or asked questions. Mitsuki told her that instead, Josuke was throwing himself into old manuscript and research in order to find out more about her powers. Hana didn't know what to say to him either and made sure to only look at Mitsuki whenever Josuke came into the room. She wasn't sure apologizing would do anything, and she was a little afraid of him because he reminded her of the scientists from her early years when they would experiment on her and test her.

After these weeks of healing, Hana was starting to feel a little trapped inside the water tank. She would float in the water until Mitsuki came and then she would have to go back under once he left. After building a light foundation of friendship with Mitsuki, she wondered if he would let her roam around the lab. When Mitsuki came in, he lessened the water level as usual and pulled out a chair for him to sit on. Today, Raze was with him because it was the weekend and she technically didn't have to go into the office today.

"Mitsuki, I have a favor to ask you."

"What's up, Hana?"

"I've been in this tank for a long time. All my injuries have healed. Is it okay if I get out now? I promise not to try to escape or hurt you."

"..." Mitsuki looked at her and then back at his mother with a conflicted look on his face. While he trusted Hana's word, he knew his mom would have to agree in the end. Raze was silent for a couple of minutes and just stared at Hana, trying to guess her intentions. She had seen the friendship blooming between these two children and had no doubts that she would not hurt Mitsuki. But the chances of her escape increased exponentially once she was out of the tank and able to use her abilities again. While she thought to herself, Mitsuki got up to talk to her.

"Mom, let her out. She's been in there a long time and she's probably getting a little stir-crazy."

"But Mikki, it could be dangerous."

"If you can't trust her, trust me Mom. Take a leap of faith. Hana won't hurt us and she'll keep her promises."

"..." Raze looked back at the girl in the tank. Despite their initial interaction of assassin and target, she had grown to like the child. She seemed to be fiercely loyal and also gentle, based on the interactions with her son. Hana stared back, her aura quiet and calm.

"Okay."