The Fruit of Infinity

5:00 p.m.

Makoto had just returned home from school.

MAKOTO POV

"What a drab." I muttered before entering my house.

It wasn't a mansion, but at a glance, anyone could tell: it was a luxurious house—A two-story building, actually.

My father is always away on missions, so, it's just me, my sister, and our mother who stays together.

Before I even reached the door, it slammed open. Then a pale yellow-haired teenager in an apron ran out. But she was actually no teenager:

"Too-chan! Welcome!" Mother exclaimed, engulfing me into an embrace.

She's always being clingy and cheerful. A great contrast to my little sister—we never see eye to eye, and she complains about everything I do.

I don't know why she suddenly became like that, though. She used to love me when we were little.

Since I returned from abroad—where I went to train with my father and his mentors—Cherry has been acting cold.

She and my mother are like twins… No seriously, they look almost the same! Save for their hair and eye color, you literally would mistake them for each other.

"Welcome back, Narcissist. Dinner will soon be ready, go change out of your uniform." She bossily greeted, acting bitter for whatever reason.

"Okay, okay." I said, entering the house, "But let me hit the training room for a bit, first." As I said that, I was presented scornful gazes, from both Cherry and Mother.

Wh-what now?

"Too-chan, you're always training! You don't even make time for your own mother!" my short-stark mother whined, dramatically wiping a tear.

"It's always either the training room, school, or study. And the loop just resumes!" Cherry added, infuriated.

Sigh! This is what I've been passing through since I came back from abroad, last month.

"You guys... I don't blame you." I retorted. "If you knew the level of evil and danger that exists in our world, that roams and lurks, you'll praise my efforts to train and get stronger!"

I left huffily, going upstairs to my room.

I needed a shower, right now. I've been in the midst of people for too long.

Goodness! Those two don't even know anything. Ever since I stepped out of Japan, 6 years ago, I've become aware of many mysterious things that happen in the dark.

Only a strong individual can navigate that darkness.

It's the Job my father's been doing: fighting against people who utilize the darkness of the world to further their evil plots.

My mother is offended by it; Cherry basically hates the man.

I used to hate him, too. But when I decided to follow him... I realized and understood the need for his absence.

My father is an executive at a certain agency where they do things that I actually have no idea off...

Sorry, you thought I knew better, right?

I know about the darkness of the world through his secretary. She's my major trainer. And she also revealed to me that I'd soon succeed my fathe—

Knock, knock!

"Too-chan... Can I come in?"

Mother's soft voice interrupted my thoughts.

What does she want yet again?

"No, you CANNOT come in." I firmly replied.

"Are you angry with me? Because of what I said?" Her voice shaking a bit, she asked.

Sigh! This teenage-looking 40-yr old…

"I'm not angry, okay?" I answered, gently.

"You are."

"I said I'm not!!" I retorted louder this time.

"See? You're mad at me!"

Oh my God!!!! This mother of mine!

I then opened the door and glanced at her—she had subtle tears in her eyes.

What a baby. What happened now is nothing to cry about.

"See? I'm NOT angry." I said, bringing her into a warm embrace.

She tightened her grip, subsequently, as I kissed her forehead;

"Now, GET THE HELL OUTTA MY HAIR!!" I yelled.

As she ran away, she shouted, "I knew it! You were angry!!"

Damn woman!

She's really annoying but... I understand why she acts like that... Even though it's annoying as hell.

She doesn't want me to leave her again. Better still, she doesn't want me to walk in my father's footsteps. Footsteps laden with danger and pain. Footsteps which wrenches one from their family, indefinitely.

After chasing Mother away, I locked the door and prepared to enter the shower:

School was a bit draining today...

Akira and Hana didn't make it any better.

I'm I going to keep facing drivel from them?

In that case, then my high school life is already as good as over.

Ti, ti, ti!

My phone beeped.

I brought it to my face, naturally, but what I saw surprised me. It was very unexpected.

It said, "If you're man enough, meet me at piggy kid's park. I'll show you something."

Was that a threat? It's a challenge, right? Heh-heh. This person obviously doesn't know who I am, now. Ha-ha. Ha-ha-ha. Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!!

I laughed loudly, reveling in my self-confidence. Before:

"SHUT UP, MAKOTO!" Cherry rebuked me from downstairs.

This mysterious fellow wants to know if I'm man enough, huh? I'll show them what I'm made up off, immediately I finish showering then working out, in the training room.

But, wait, shouldn't it be the other way round? Work out before shower?

Whatever, I'll just shower again.

You just wait, stranger. I'll beat you back to last week!

*

Before I entered the bathroom, I spotted myself on the mirror:

Oh, God! Who's this handsome guy?! Is he a god or something?

High-god Makoto?

Sorry, it's just me. That's how I sometimes scare myself with my own appeals.

Those deep blue eyes, deep blue hair, and well-chiseled abs and chest... but, it's a shame my hair's the same color as that arrogant Akira.

My gaze went down a bit;

Ah, and that fella is looking healthy today!

I stretched myself and flexed my muscles before the mirror...

"Spectacular... Just awesome!" I muttered to myself.

"Gross, who says that out Loud about themselves?" A familiar voice brought me back to earth.

A familiar voice that I shouldn't be hearing in my territory.

I wrapped the towel on my neck, around my waist. Even my own sister isn't worthy to behold such a gem.

"Cherry. Uhm, what are you doing here?" I asked, deadpan.

"Dinner's ready. Come to the dining. We're eating together with Mom."

And who gave this shrimp the right to order me around?!

"I'm about to take a shower, but I meant, HOW did you get in here? I locked the door?"

Cherry squinted her eyes, speaking sinisterly. "Makoto, don't ever go thinking anything you do is beyond my range of access, get that? It's only a matter of time, I'll soon find your stash of porn mags."

That was really something. Something I never wanted to hear from my little sister. Porn magazine? I'll never sully my godly eyes with such filth. But in case I fall into temptation, I'll not like her to find them.

However, I see, now... I have an enemy living under my roof. I'll be at high alert.

But before any other argument will ensure, let's get her out of here.

"I see, I understand. Now, can you get out…?"

She still stood looking at me. So I added. "Like now?" before she rolled her eyes and left.