Chapter 4: Awaken

Three years had flown by in the blink of an eye. The days leading up to this check-up were filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety. I couldn't help but wonder what my quirk would truly be like and how it would reshape my world. The thought of finally experiencing it was both thrilling and daunting. The anticipation had been mounting, and today marked a significant step in that journey.

The hospital room, with its antiseptic scent and the hum of machines, felt both familiar and foreboding. It was a place we had visited many times, but today, there was an added layer of significance. The routine check-up was more than just a formality—it was the prelude to a moment I had been eagerly awaiting.

As I sat on the examination table, my parents' faces were a mixture of concern and anticipation. My father, Ryu Hikari, and my mother, Fusako Hikari, were here with me, their presence a comforting constant in this new and uncertain chapter of my life. The doctor, friendly and reassuring, went through the usual motions—checking my vitals and asking how I'd been feeling. Despite the routine nature of the visit, an inexplicable sense of anticipation buzzed beneath the surface.

Just as the doctor wrapped up his check-up, a strange sensation coursed through my body. It began as a tingling in my fingertips and quickly spread, like an electrical current flowing through my veins. I glanced around the room, and for a moment, everything seemed different—sharper, clearer, almost as if I were seeing through a different lens.

The machines, the walls, even the doctor—they all appeared to be outlined in faint, glowing lines, like strands of energy or data. It was as if the world around me was revealing a hidden layer, something beneath the surface that I had never noticed before. My mind raced to make sense of what I was seeing, but deep down, I already knew.

This was it. My quirk was beginning to manifest on its own.

My parents noticed the change in my expression, and my mother quickly took my hand, her eyes filled with concern. The doctor, initially unaware of the significance of what was happening, continued with his routine but soon observed the changes around me. His eyes widened in recognition.

"It seems that his quirk is being awakened," he said, his tone a mix of surprise and excitement.

My mother's worry deepened. "Is everything going to be okay?"

The doctor nodded reassuringly. "Yes, everything is going to be fine. It's actually fortunate that his quirk is awakening now rather than later. Some aren't as lucky."

My father, always seeking clarity, asked, "What do you mean?"

The doctor's expression grew serious. "Some children who awaken their quirks have difficulty controlling them right away. This can lead to uncontrolled manifestations that might inadvertently harm those around them. It's a risk, but it seems that your son is handling it well so far."

My mother squeezed my hand, her concern evident. "So what should we do now?"

The doctor turned to her with a reassuring tone. "For now, just be aware that the quirk is in its early stages. It's important to monitor him closely and support him as he learns to understand and control this new ability. We'll schedule follow-up appointments to track his progress and provide any necessary guidance."

He then guided us to a nearby testing area with a few simple gadgets and a screen. "Let's start with something straightforward. Can you focus on this screen and try to interact with it? See if you can make any changes or influence it in any way."

I focused on the screen, feeling the tingling sensation from earlier intensify. As I concentrated, I noticed the screen's colors shifting and the text rearranging itself in ways that seemed to follow my thoughts.

The doctor observed with interest and then turned to me. "Can you tell me what your quirk feels like? Do you have a name for it?"

I hesitated for a moment, trying to articulate the sensations I was experiencing. "It feels like I'm seeing patterns and codes… like I can influence how things work. I think… it might be something like 'Programmatic Control.'"

The doctor nodded, noting down the name. "Yes, 'Programmatic Control' is a fitting name. It reflects the ability to manipulate and interact with the underlying structure of things. Your quirk seems to complement the abilities of your parents quite well."

My father, intrigued, asked, "How so?"

The doctor smiled and explained, "Your quirk, 'Programmatic Control,' allows you to interact with and alter the world's fundamental patterns, which aligns with your father's Technopathy and your mother's ability to perceive the world as a program. Both of their quirks involve understanding and interacting with systems and technology. Your quirk takes this concept further by giving you control over the very code that underpins reality."

My mother's worry seemed to ease slightly, but she still asked, "What does this mean for him moving forward?"

The doctor's tone remained gentle and encouraging. "With 'Programmatic Control,' he has the potential to influence and reshape his environment in significant ways. It's crucial to understand its full potential and limitations. We'll help him learn to control it properly, ensuring he can use it safely and effectively, just as you both have managed your quirks."

My father, always practical, added, "Are there any specific things we should watch out for as he develops this ability?"

The doctor nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, definitely. It's important to watch for signs of overexertion or stress. Sometimes, when a quirk is new, it can be overwhelming, and the user might struggle with controlling it. Regular check-ins will help us gauge how well he's adapting and whether any adjustments are needed in his training."

As we prepared to leave, my mother gave me a comforting smile. "We're here for you, no matter what. We'll make sure you have everything you need to learn and grow with your quirk."

The doctor added one final piece of advice. "Remember, understanding and mastering a quirk takes time. Be patient with yourself and with each other. You have a strong support system in place, and that's incredibly important."

As we left the hospital, I could sense the weight of responsibility that came with my new ability. The world around me seemed more intricate, and I felt the need to explore and understand my quirk fully. My parents were by my side, ready to support me, and I knew that this was just the beginning of a journey filled with discovery and growth.