Shinji, Mana, and Mio all departed for the camp, but another event was ending as they boarded the second train. It was Isaac's meeting with the prime minister of UK, which was about finished. Isaac managed to gain his favour, once again proving he is worthy of the title of CEO.

"It was a pleasure, Sir Westcott. I look forward to our next meeting."

"The pleasure's all mine. Me and my organization are happy to help."

The prime minister then left, prompting Isaac to begin the scheduled press conference. There were a lot of journalists, each already armed with a dozen questions. Before Isaac entered the room, his aide, the Vice-Founder of DEM Ellen joined him.

"I hear all went according to plan?" asked Ellen.

"To a T. Now we turn the journalist's advantage against them and try to gain the attention of Japan. We can't afford to damage our reputation with them."

"We've got what they desperately need. Just wait for them to bite the bait and then pull them in."

"Like fish. Heh. At this rate, we won't need a Spirit to gain influence over the world."

"Exactly! Then why don't we just—"

"No. The Spirit must be found. Remember, it poses a threat to everything and everyone. If its power is not within our hands, it's not a matter we can afford to ignore."

"Fine, just throwing it out there."

"Now, let's go. They're waiting for us."

Isaac, Ellen and a few of his directors then entered the room and walked up to the podium. Isaac took the first word, and everyone quieted down.

"Greetings and hello to everyone present. My name is Sir Isaac Ray Pelham Westcott, and I'm the CEO of Deus Ex Machine Industries. It is with pleasure that I can confirm our talks with the government and my meeting with the prime minister himself went smoothly and we've begun drawing a concrete plan in corroboration. Our organization is determined to help countries and nations affected by the phenomena now known as spacequakes, and to find their cause. To this end, we are open to cooperation, such as we are already committed to with The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It would be hasty to reveal any further details, so it's time for your questions."

Instantly, the journalists jump up from their seats and noise fills the room. Isaac points to a random journalist.

"Sir, can you tell us what DEM was committed to before the spacequakes started happening?"

Ellen felt as if they were being mocked, but Isaac didn't falter.

"Of course. DEM has always been focused on natural disasters, including earthquakes, hurricanes, volcano eruptions and similar occurrences. It is only thanks to our charitable patrons and the public's support that we could focus on something the whole world has suffered, spacequakes. Next question?"

Almost everyone raised their hands again. Isaac picked another person.

"Sir, is DEM truly willing to help any nation in need?"

Once again, Ellen felt like she and Isaac were being mocked.

"Absolutely. Of course, some nations were hit harder than others, so we act in accordance to make sure our efficiency is the best it can be. For example, Japan is a country that was heavily hit, now facing a crisis we cannot ignore. As such, we would be more than happy to assist to the best of our ability in coordination with the UN, local government and various organizations that focus on disaster relief. Next question?"

Once again, many hands were in the air. Isaac picked one out.

"What technologies does DEM intend to use in its efforts in disaster relief for spacequakes?"

Ellen looked like she had enough. She tapped Isaac on the shoulder.

"Let me answer this one. They really need to stop butting in our business."

Surprisingly, Isaac relented without struggle and let her take the podium.

"DEM is currently developing new inventions and technologies that the world hasn't seen. For your curiosity's sake, I can only say these will be possibly able to detect and predict spacequakes. In short, with our technology, they would only be reduced to more destructive earthquakes that wouldn't take any of your nation's precious lives. Its promise is endless, and it's part of the reason why our talks are proceeding so smoothly. But like anything else, it's going to take time. And money. This isn't us trying to make a profit, but it's about successfully creating the next breakthrough in technology every one of us would wish for. I hope that answered your questions, since our time is cut to a short."

The other DEM directors were surprised by Ellen's speech, but Isaac looked as if he expected no less from her. He may have been a convincing speaker, but Ellen knew how to reach the listener at heart. And if anything was going to gain them Japan's interest, this was it. Isaac walked up to the podium.

"...Thank you for your questions, and we look forward to seeing you next time."

Everyone thanked him for his time and then the crowd dispersed.

"You're rather persuasive, Ellen. Revealing our ace like that..."

"An ace is used to secure a victory. And that's precisely what we'll achieve."

Isaac, Ellen and his directors then left to have a post-meeting conference within the organization to plan out their next move. The time was nearing, and Isaac didn't want to miss it.

***

Back on the train, Shinji, Mana, and Mio have been talking about what they'll do after they come back home with their parents. Mana was the one participating the most during the conversation.

"All of us will definitely have to visit that amusement park, and the arcade!" said Mana.

"I think it's best we ask for their opinions first, but we'll surely go somewhere together," replied Shinji. Mio was looking out of the window.

"Mio, what are you planning to do after we come back? Are you going to venture out by yourself?"

"Honestly, I don't want to be alone again. Can I please stay in your home for a little longer? Besides, I have nowhere to go even if I wanted to go..."

"Of course you can, Mio. We're indebted to you anyway," said Shinji with a smile.

"I owe you two, especially you Shinji my life as well."

"Don't mention that. But in the end, it's our parent's decision to make. Be that as it may though, we'll be for," said Mana.

"Mana, I think we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves. Who knows what happened to our parents."

"Jeez, have some optimism. If they're alive, then we should hope they're in the best condition as well."

"I know, and of course I'm hoping for the same thing. But let's focus on reaching them first, right?"

"Back to the initial topic then."

The three continued their chatter, with Mio continuing to look out of the window. She wondered how big the world really was, as the train kept passing more and more landscapes. At times, she could see damaged buildings and people affected by the spacequake. She thought to herself, how both fascinating and melancholic was it that in one place the Sun was shining, and people were thriving, and another place was darkened by clouds and riddled with suffering.

The train announcement eventually went off, informing the passengers that they arrived at the final stop. The three got off the train, and Mana tried to make sense of the map.

"Okay, so now we go this way."

Shinji and Mio followed Mana who had to focus to navigate them successfully.

"Shinji, can I ask you something?" said Mana. Shinji was all ears.

"Go ahead, I'm listening."

"Why did you save me when you found me? Why didn't you leave me there?"

Shinji was surprised by that question, especially from Mio. His surprise was added to by the fact that Mio looked genuinely curious.

"It's not like I could have just left you there, Mio. I saw a person in need, so I helped them. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I just left you there to your own fate."

"Why wouldn't you be able to?"

"I have a conscience and morals, I suppose. Most people do, only few tend to think in such a cold way. But personally, helping other people makes me happy. I may not show it too much, but it does."

Mio didn't seem to understand too much, but she too felt the same way, deep down. All this time spent with Shinji and Mana helped her realise a lot of things, including what she wanted. To stay with Shinji and Mana, even though she had the freedom to metaphorically spread her wings and leave.

"Ah, over there! I see the camp!" blurted out Mana, pointing in the direction of the camp. Shinji and Mio broke from their stance.

"No time to waste, let's go!"

The three of them picked up their footing. When they entered the camp, they could see the reception instantly. When they came up to the receptionist, Mana started talking.

"Excuse me? We were told there were two Takamiya's in this camp, our parents. Are they here?"

"Give me a minute, I'll pull up the registry.

The receptionist fiddled with the computer for a bit before turning back.

"There are two Takamiya's here. You said they're your parents, right?"

"That's right, but where are they?"

"I'm afraid one of your parents is in a severe condition. Your father, to be exact. He's barely conscious, but we'll have to perform surgery on him when his turn comes."

The three were shocked, Mana especially.

"S-Surgery?! What do you mean by severe condition? What happened to him?"

"He suffered a lot of traumata to his arms and legs alongside his back. Even though we're doing all we can, there's a slim chance he will not suffer permanent damage to those parts."

"No..." uttered Mana. The receptionist didn't seem happy either.

"I'm sorry I couldn't have given you better news, but I'm sure they'd want to see you. Do you want me to lead you to them?"

"Just tell us where they are. We'll find it," said Shinji decisively.

The receptionist gave them the directions and they rushed off. Shuffling through all the people who too were in pain, Shinji and Mana were beginning to think the worst, but then they saw them. Their parents, in front of them. Immediately upon seeing them, they ran up to their mother and hugged her. As they feared, their dad was not doing well. He was bedridden and on various devices.

"Mom, dad...! I can't believe it, you're both here..." uttered Mana, tears in her eyes. Both of joy and sadness.

"We missed you so much..." uttered Shinji, he too relishing the moment. Both their dad and mom were likewise shocked and relieved to see them. Mio watched from a distance.

"Shinji, Mana! My children, I'm so happy to see you both well...," said their mom. Their dad was weak, but he tried to get some words out too.

"I knew you'd find us, and find us you did... You've grown up so much, Shinji and Mana."

"Dad! What... What happened to you? How did this happen?" uttered Mana with a shaking voice.

"It's all right. No need to worry about me, it's all over now."

"No, it isn't. Please, dad. Tell us what happened."

"Fine. When the spacequake happened, we were walking on the street. The explosion first shattered all the windows and pitted us against a strong gust of wind, but then the actual destruction came. Various things and parts of buildings started falling on us or being thrown on us, so I... I placed myself in-between them and your mom. We couldn't get to safety, since the wind would pick us up like leaf, so that was the decision I made. But it's all right. Even though I suffered all these injuries, at least I'm the bearing them. Who knows if your mom would still be here if I didn't do what I did? I could never let that happen, haha..."

Shinji and Mana were left speechless. To learn their dad put himself in that bed to protect their mom left them both unable to do naught else but cry. Their mom was tearing up too.

"Shh... I haven't seen you two cry in years. Don't let this reunion become a sad memory, we're all together again now."

"Oh, dad..."

The Takamiya family was in a tight spot, but one person was still behind the curtains. Mio. When she heard what the man had done, the selfless act he had performed, she told herself this wasn't fair. A tear even rolled down her cheek, seeing the family she was so grateful to suffer as much as they did. Suddenly, she could feel herself gather some sort of power. Her hand felt like it was circled by light and wind, and she suddenly knew what she had to.

Mio came closer to the Takamiya's, and she reached out her hand to their dad.

"Shinji, I understand now. You've all done something selfless, and I want to do the same. Yes... I want to help! I..."

The family was at first confused, but that was quickly replaced with shock when a light started emanating from Mio's hand. She touched the dad's broken body, and the light enveloped the whole room, blinding them all. Her wish was only one, to heal his wounds. In her eyes, they all deserved to be happy. And surely enough, her wish was granted as the dad's wounds were slowly healed. This continued until Mio's power was expended, and not a single scar remained on his body.

When everyone could see again, they were shocked. Shocked at what happened, but more so at what they saw. Their dad without wounds, as new as he was before the spacequake. They all hugged each other instantly, and after a minute they turned and looked at Mio.

"Y-You... You just..." uttered their mom. Their dad wasn't much less shocked.

"Who... Who are you?" he asked. Mio didn't know what to answer, but Shinji did it for her.

"She's Mio. Mio Takamiya," said Shinji with a newfound smile. Mana smiled too.

"Mom, dad... I introduce you to Mio, who made all this possible."

"Um... Hello..." said Mio awkwardly.

Suddenly, both their mom and dad kneeled in front of her.

"Thank you so much, Mio! You're a miracle!" Said their mom.

"I'm eternally indebted to you, young lady. Words cannot express my gratitude," said their dad.

Mio composed herself.

"You're welcome, but I just wanted to help," said she with a smile too. Their dad and mom got up.

"She's right, you know? You really are a miracle," said Shinji.

"A lot has happened since the spacequake. We all have so much to talk about, especially now," said Mana.

"Then how about we talk while we're headed home? But, Mio... However can we ever repay you?"

Mio took a moment to think.

"Can I go home with you guys? I don't want to be a bother to your family, but..."

"I think after this, there are no doubts in anyone's mind that you can. Honestly, I'm starting to see you as family too," said Shinji. Everyone agreed.

"Our blood may not be the same, but you're as much of a Takamiya as we are. Our doors will always be open to you," added their mom.

"Just wait until we tell you all the things we've done and gone through. You won't believe it!" said Mana with a smile again.

All of them took a train that would transport them directly to their home city after, and Shinji alongside Mana and Mio told their parents everything that happened. Their parents were proud of them all for handling everything like mature adults and grew closer to Mio as they learned she was with their children longer than they thought.

When they all arrived home they celebrated, and officially accepted Mio Takamiya into the family. They didn't care what kind of human or being she was, as her kindness spared them all a bottomless pit of suffering and pain.

Thus was the Takamiya family reunited and now even stronger than before, and with the spacequakes stopping and the country slowly returning to normal, the skies seemed cloudless for the days ahead. However, Isaac's DEM was behind the country accelerating its recovery, in exchange for the freedom to search for the Spirit that was still rumoured to be in Japan. Will Isaac find what he was looking for, and will this affect the Takamiya family? Nothing is set in stone.

***

End of chapter.