45. Perfectly Balanced
12-09-2023
A/N: PLEASE READ THE AUTHOR'S NOTE AT THE END!
Q: Did you have a good time throughout this fic?
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"Shishou has been found?!"
Your bright (E/C) widened in shock, as well as feelings of relief and joy. But despite having as many of these positive feelings, there were thoughts of dread and guilt slowly building inside of you. You thought it'd be best to tell her the story about what had happened between the two of you. You knew she'd understand. She was a calm and fair woman.
"You've got quite the face there, (Y/N)-chan. Are you upset that I interrupted your time with Senku-chan? Or... are you worried about seeing your master for the first time in a while? What's she like, anyway?" Gen asked as he walked by your side. Senku had already left to continue treating Tsukasa as much as he could.
You gave the man a sigh. "I am. She's calm and composed, though she sounds cold naturally."
"A serious figure, huh~? I'm sure you see her in high regard, but also care for her as a beloved teacher," he wondered.
"I do. I owe it to her for giving me the skills I need to fight. She taught me to value life and defend those in need and those I love. I see her the way I saw Byakuya-san. A parental figure, in a way," you said.
Gen's eyes closed into a smile. "I see. That makes me wonder how little Haru-chan got the personality they got now."
"You'll see why...one day," you sighed.
The two of you walked up a nearby hillside, where Haru had wanted their mother to be revived. You were lucky enough that it was smooth enough for your scooter to go up. There, you saw Yuzuriha finishing up the final touches of the statue before adding a white kosode and red hakama to finish it off. Haru was watching her carefully with worry, and Nikki had her hand on their shoulder to get them to relax. There were a few villagers watching from off to the side as well.
"A miko outfit looks good on her," you blurted out from behind them. You carefully looked at the statue and saw that your master looked as if she accepted her fate.
"Senpai! You're here! Took you long enough!" The kid fretted with shaky fists.
"You know damn well why I can't hurry up, brat," you lightly smacked their head, then turned to Yuzuriha and Nikki, "Sorry for all of the trouble this one gave you."
The blonde responded as she crossed her arms, "It's understandable why they'd act like this. It doesn't bother me..."
"It's really no problem!" Your bubbly friend told you with a smile as she stood up straight.
Gen then held up a small jar with what you assumed was revival fluid inside of it. He asked both you and Haru, "You two ready?"
The two of you looked at each other, then back at him with a nod. The liquid was poured over Miyamoto Mori's body. Haru was filled with anticipation as the cracks began forming, breaking apart afterward. Your friends and the other villagers noticed how much Haru looked like their mother. It was almost as if they were a carbon copy of her; from the dark hair that fell to her sides, to the shape of her eyes and the mole in the very same spot. The woman had dropped to her knees as her silver-like eyes slowly opened. Her first view of the new world was both you and Haru. The mentalist immediately started pushing everybody away to make sure the three of you talked in privacy.
"I've been asleep for a long time, haven't I? You've grown, Haru, (Y/N)-san," she stated with a cool, composed look on her face. Her voice was as calm as a running river. The air around her was still as she looked at her surroundings. "The world looks so different, yet it's as beautiful as ever."
"Shishou..." You started slowly.
"M-Mama..." Haru gently whispered as they gradually approached their mother. Tears were streaming down their face as they dropped to their knees in front of her.
Your master placed her hand over their head, rubbing it side-to-side to comfort her child. "Didn't you say you weren't going to call me that anymore, Haru? Well, no matter. It looks like the two of you were in a struggle while I was dormant. I can tell."
You fell to one knee to speak to her, bowing your head down in respect and guilt, "We were. I deeply apologize for hurting your child."
"Oh? How so?"
You started, "I wasn't able to protect them from the influence of manipulation. I tried to convince them to come over to my side, but they were blinded by the enemy's false hope."
"N-No! It wasn't senpai's fault! It was mine!" Haru interjected as they stood up. "I was stupid, and I listened to bad advice. It's my fault that she can't walk properly because of her injury!"
"Injury?" She queried, then leaned over to her side to see the cast wrapped around your leg. Her eyes squinting slightly as she looked back at the both of you. "I want you to tell me everything. The truth and nothing but."
You and Haru nodded, then explained everything from the very beginning. You started with your revival and how you, Senku, and Taiju were together for a bit until you revived Tsukasa for safety for context. Then, Haru continued with adding bits and pieces of detail about how Haru was revived for their skill to aid Tsukasa's Empire. The fights were heavily explained so that Mori would get an idea of the conflict. Everything up until now was told with the truth, and nothing but the truth.
With a nod, she responded once the story was finished, "Ah, I see now. You already solved your issues then, I assume?"
"I-I guess," the kid stammered as they wiped the tears from their face.
"Yes," you answered firmly as you looked up with determination. "It should be. My leg was treated, and Haru is doing what they could to repay the damages by helping the village."
Mori looked over to her child. "Then why are you feeling so guilty? Surely, (Y/N)-san has forgiven you."
Their eyes slightly widened, their cheeks blushing slightly from embarrassment. "Because... I hurt her so I can save you... and finally make you proud of me."
The woman had a solemn look on her face before she slowly wrapped her arm around her child. "Haru, don't ever think that I'm not proud of you for anything. I am grateful that I had you as my child. You're my greatest treasure. My pride and joy. I'm sorry that I've made you feel like you weren't."
You watched the heartwarming moment before you. It made you happy that Haru was able to reunite with their mother. After a second, you were about to stand up and leave them alone. Suddenly, the woman also took you around her arm as well, much to your surprise. "(Y/N)-san, despite not being blood-related, I see you as my child as well. You're my brightest student, one that I am also proud of."
Your heart was full of gratitude as a small smile appeared on your face. You felt extremely lucky to have so many people who cared about you. A warm grin curled on your face as you replied, "Thank you, shishou. I was able to fight and protect those dear to me with your teachings."
"Like your science guy," Haru mumbled.
"Haru," you hissed.
"'Science guy? Oh! Do you mean that adorable boy in the lab coat?" Mori had a small smile on her face as she let go of the both of you.
You cried out with a frown, "You noticed him!?"
"Of course I did! He was the one who looked over you and came to every one of your matches!"
The kid replied with a smirk, "Yeah, he's the guy who saved everyone from stone and gave his girlfriend the cast."
"Girlfriend?!"
"HARU!" You shouted in their ear, causing them to cover it.
"(Y/N)-san, he's your boyfriend now?! Oh, you're growing up!" The woman placed her hands up to her face with excitement, her calm demeanor dropping instantly. "You need to properly introduce me to him, okay? But if you need any advice, don't ask me. I'm not reliable."
"Shishou!"
"What? Am I not allowed to be proud? The two of you are perfect together, now that I'm remembering some things," she mentioned with a giggle, placing a hand over her mouth.
"Like what?" You let out an annoyed sigh.
"Like how he'd closely watch your every move, confidently knowing you'd win. He'd tend to your injuries when you were on a break. That boy also looked at you with loving eyes after every victory," she explained with a small smile.
You blushed as you heard those things come out of her mouth. "I... I never really noticed back then, to be honest..."
"I knew how much you cared every time you talked about him. I'm sure you've loved him for a very long time. Am I right?" She wondered.
Haru nodded as they crossed their arms. "Yeah, she has. You should've seen how she was when I tried attacking him."
"Oh, do you know anything, Haru?" Mori asked them as you placed a palm against your face.
"Of course, mother! She does anything to protect him! He does the same thing, even if he's weak as hell! Using his science brain, he does anything to support senpai!" They huffed out.
The woman then had a look of understanding on her face. "I see, I see. Then that means (Y/N)-san is a knight in shining armor, protecting her scientist prince from every whim. But that scientist is just as much as an equal to that very knight... a perfectly balanced pair, I should say."
"Perfectly balanced, huh...?" You mumbled.
"Slowpoke!" You heard your boyfriend calling out to you. Turning your head toward him, you watched as he motioned his hands for you to come to him.
"It's okay for you to go, (Y/N)-san. I know that spending time with a lover is important," your teacher told you. You looked over at her and Haru with a look of disdain as you saw the pompous grins on their faces. They truly were mother and child, down to the bone.
"Yeah... sure. Haru, make sure you get your mom up to speed and introduce her to everyone, will you? Especially Kohaku," you told them.
They placed a hand over their head in salutation, "Yes, senpai!"
Despite rolling away on your knee scooter, you heard both mother and child continue to converse with each other, causing you to smile as you headed down.
"How was your reunion?" He asked calmly as the two of you walked side-by-side.
You replied with a smile curling up on your face, "It was nice... but also very annoying. Shishou said she wanted me to introduce you properly to her. As my boyfriend."
A bit flabbergasted, he responded, "What? Is she acting as your mother now? There's no need for something so illogical if we're going to have to explain everything later on."
"I know. How is Tsukasa doing?" You then asked.
The boy was then quiet as an expression of melancholy had appeared on his face. You were starting to get worried. "He's alright. You'll see when we get there."
The two of you headed up into a cave where Tsukasa was, and you saw a new contraption that Senku created. Your friends, Kohaku, Kaseki, Ginro, Chrome, and Tsukasa were waiting patiently inside.
"(Y/N)... You're here just in time," said Kohaku. You noticed that she had a somber look on her face. Your suspicions were growing larger, and you didn't like it.
Kaseki began to push everybody out of the room. "Come on, come on, it's time for us to withdraw."
"Ehhh? Why do we have to...?" Ginro asked.
The old man replied, "If you had to deliver the fatal blow to your friend, who would want people around watching?"
Your gaze grew bigger as you heard that, then turned to Senku, then Tsukasa. With wide, (E/C) eyes, you watched as Senku opened the large contraption and noticed the cool mist being emitted by it.
"Is that...a fridge?" You asked in a quiet tone.
Your boyfriend answered, "Yep. We're gonna put Tsukasa under a cold sleep here."
Your suspicions were correct. You believed Senku was going to preserve Tsukasa in some way, but for that to happen, the primate would have to die temporarily. Senku needed you in some way, and now you know why.
"Cold sleep, huh...? I've only heard of that on sci-fi spaceships," Tsukasa uttered out.
"Spaceships? The Soyuz can only fit three people. Both of you answer this--of all the people around you, who would you choose to bring along on a journey to space?" Senku asked.
You replied gently, "I'm not so sure..."
"I wonder..." The primate said, then looked over to the scientist, "Are you asking me... to make a list of all the capable people I know... before I go...?"
"What are you talking about? I was just asking," said the green-haired boy.
Confused, the man then questioned him, "Why would you... ask me something... so pointless at the end of everything...?"
Senku stayed silent before he responded as naturally as he could breathe, "What's wrong with a little pointless conversation...?"
With that, a pleased look on Tsukasa's face appeared. "I see...then perhaps I'd bring Taiju or you, (Y/N), seeing how Senku's stamina isn't up to standards... Chrome, too..."
"Chrome is a good kid; he'd be helpful, considering how I'd be pretty useless," Senku added. "What about the girl with the shells on her head?
"She would visit me from time to time to bring me news. She was very detailed, though she seemed like she wanted to ask me some questions," you piped up.
Tsukasa replied, "She's a reporter... I figured she'd be a valuable source of information when I was selecting candidates for revival."
The green-haired boy chuckled, "Heh, you know I thought she might be your type. Like the strongest primate favors a Marilyn Monroe kinda girl or something like that."
"Marilyn Monroe type for Tsukasa? I don't think so. Maybe one with an innocent look," you argued. "But I don't think he'd like a girl that's a damsel in distress."
"Damsel in distress...?" the primate wondered.
"Yes. One that needs to get rescued all the time. Kinda like Princess Peach in the old Mario games," you let out a small laugh.
Senku started, "Wait, if we're gonna get into Mario right now, let me say some things..."
~~~
"...and in other words, Mario only thinks he gets bigger after eating the mushroom. It's ten billion percent a hallucination, I'm telling you. And then, all of a sudden, the theory that the mushroom is actually amanita muscaria becomes likely," Senku explained as he held a hand up.
You were listening to him ramble for a little while. However, the more he spoke, the more desperate he would appear... and the quieter Tsukasa would get. You were already beginning to get emotional.
"They've always looked alike, after all. And then, if one consumes ibotenic acid, it also seems to cause hallucinations, you know what I mean? You think so too, don't you...? Right...Tsukasa?" Senku finished with a shaky voice as he kneeled before his friend. Without saying a word, he stood up and carried the primate's body into the freezer, using your help, of course.
Once you finished preparing Tsukasa's body for preservation, the boy immediately rested his head on your shoulder, burying into the crook of your neck. You took your arms and snaked it up his back to give him a comforting hug. With the action so simple, you began feeling his tears rolling down to your shoulders. Senku completed the embrace to help calm himself down.
"You did what had to be done, Senku," you gently told him, tears pricking the corners of your eyes.
"I know," the scientist replied weakly, but you could tell he tried to keep his confident tone up.
He lifted his head, and you saw his crimson-colored eyes glazed over with tears, as well as puffed up. The solemn frown on his face instantly made you place a hand on his face, which he grabbed and leaned into with no hesitation. You've never seen him cry before, but Senku let you look. He was allowing himself to be vulnerable around you.
You wiped his tears in the corners of his eyes with your thumbs and continued, "We'll figure out a way to heal Tsukasa. I'm sure we will."
Suddenly, Senku had a smile on his face. A wicked, presumptuous one, to be precise. "Kukuku, nobody told you yet, eh?"
"Told me what?" You raised an eyebrow in confusion, lowering your extremities.
"We're gonna be working on a science craft and prepare for departure! The invaluable information left to us by Byakuya and the others, across many thousands of years... the source of the petrification beam was on the other side of the Earth!" The boy exclaimed with joy, his hands now holding into your shoulders.
"Huh?! We're gonna--how?! We don't even have a way to get to the other side yet!" You told him.
He chuckled, "That's no problem! After all, Neanderthals crossed the entirety of Eurasia on foot!"
"Didn't they walk...for thousands of years?" You said. "Pangaea doesn't even exist anymore..."
"Doesn't matter! We're gonna jump into the new world to dispel all mysteries. In this stone world, the great era of sea exploration will begin!" Senku excitedly declared. "And we're gonna do it together!"
You just stared at him with bewilderment before you let out a laugh. "I'm glad you're back to your usual self, Senku..."
"All thanks to you, slowpoke," he said with a grateful smile. "I could've never done all of this without you."
"Sure you could," you returned the gesture; yours was reaching your eyes. "Because I believe in you. I always have. Just as I've always loved you."
He grinned, "Then, let's get the others so we can start, alright?"
"Right!"
"That's my girl."
-To be Continued... in the next arc!-
A/N: RAHHHH, I FINISHED THE STONE WARS ARC!!!
I'm so glad I'm done with the arc. I hope you really enjoyed this chapter, despite half of it not being with Senku!
OKAY, so I'm gonna post a chapter after this one real quick, and you guys go ahead and read it BECAUSE IT HAS SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON IT.