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Makoto knew from the very second he was born that he was not human. It had been pretty easy to learn that fact.
Not because anything felt off or wrong, but because that’s what everyone kept telling him and each other as they waited for him to get a stable grip on his life and body.
It was admittedly a bit strange to hear those sorts of things, as he had memories of a previous life full of experiences. And when he coupled that with the fact that his body and face looked as young as they did, it was fairly jarring.
Still, the person his mind was based on was very analytical, so he processed this information well and accepted it. He felt there was no need to be hung up on something out of his control.
There had been several tests and questions after his awakening. He learned much through them. Such as his identity as a homunculus, an artificially created humanoid creature. His genetic makeup was of two different individuals, the mind of one and the body of another. He also learned that he was the first successful homunculus, one that was able to withstand the sunlight without consequences. He also had a normal diet, not needing specific nutrients that the others before him had craved. He had not been blind to the celebration the researchers and scientists had thrown when he repeatedly refused to consume a foul smelling meat that had been offered to him. Through some carefully worded questions of his own, he had gathered what that meat was and where it had come from. Seems like the people here had found a strange use for donated cadavers.
Regardless, people didn’t let him forget his status as a non-human. The head of security, Yomi, was especially very fond of that activity. But Makoto was just as fond of acting nonchalant about it around the red haired man, finding his irritation of no reaction very entertaining.
It wasn’t like he was lying during those interactions. He found no issues with his body and mind being copies of already existing people. No, his dissatisfaction came from another source.
Boredom.
There was very little to do when living at a lab and being studied. It had become routine and he was beginning to desire a change. He wanted something new to happen, anything.
And little did he know when he made that mental wish how soon it would come true.
~~~~~~~~~~
“I am… being relocated? May I ask where and why?”
Makoto had been sitting down in a chair in front of the lead scientist, reclining a bit and making himself comfortable.
The scientist nodded. “You have proven to be mentally and physically capable of acting as a normal human. So we are going to conduct a test. You are to be sent to live amongst humanity and see how you fare. Of course, we won’t send you to a place all on your own. You will live with others. Specifically, we want you to live with the one your body is copied from.”
That sparked Makoto’s interest. The one he was physically based on. He would be able to meet him. “I see. I am most interested in this development. Though I assume I won’t be free from check-ins, am I correct?”
Another nod from the scientist. “Staff will periodically come by the house to check on your condition. But largely, you are to be left alone. That is, if you comply with some conditions we have for you.”
Makoto hummed, twirling a strand of his long hair in between his fingers. “And what are these conditions?”
“Simply put, to keep your identity as a homunculus a secret. Which will include hiding your face, being vigilant so that no one sees your blood, and no information being spread to others.”
The artificial human grinned, straightening up in his seat with excitement. “Sounds simple enough. When will I leave?”
~~~~~~~~~~
Apparently, the one his mind was copied from had found out about his creation. The man hadn’t been too pleased, seeing as his mind’s scans and DNA had been used without explicit permission. And this man was apparently a very important individual; the lead detective and head of the World Detective Organization. So the man, nicknamed Number One, had pulled the strings and this had led to Makoto getting to experience life outside the lab. And the one he was to live with? Number One’s grandson, Yuma and his parents. The grandson whose face Makoto shared.
Still, Number One had agreed that his nonhuman status should be kept under wraps. So Makoto had been given an electronic mask to wear at all times. The design on it would change to display whatever emotion he was expressing underneath. It was very handy, as he wouldn’t need to be more verbally telling. And he had to admit, his choice of design on the mask got some amazing reactions from people upon their first viewing. That was a large part of the reason he chose it.
And after a week of preparations, Makoto was being driven to the household where he would be living. He drummed his fingers on his leg as he watched out the window. He had initially been disappointed when he wasn’t allowed to drive, but he had to admit that he was enjoying watching the sights as they flew by. The mask he wore didn’t inhibit his vision at all and he could see just as well as he could with it off. A benefit of technology being so advanced. He could easily keep it on for as long as needed with no complaints.
Soon, he was walking up to the front door of a nice looking home. The scientist who had driven him knocked on the door, letting the people inside know they were there. The door opened, revealing a couple. “Ah, you are here. Come in, come in.”
The scientist beckoned for him to enter first, likely so that they could keep him in their sights. Oh well, he didn’t mind. He strode forward, nodding to the couple. He grinned as he saw their faces react to his mask, but they seemed to calm down a few moments after. Perhaps they were warned in advance about his need to wear this mask. Whatever the details behind the scenes were, he supposed it didn’t matter at the moment. Especially when he caught sight of the third person in the house sitting on the couch.
A head of purple hair, violet eyes that mirrored his own. This was his body’s original, Yuma.
The young man in question caught sight of him, eyes widening at the sight of his mask. Feeling the need to be dramatic, he took a bow. “Hi there, nice to meet you.” He looked up, mask on full display. “I sure look suspicious, huh?”
Yuma didn’t look very certain on how he was supposed to react. Makoto could practically see his brain blue screen. He chuckled as he stood back up and simply offered out his hand. “I am Makoto Kagutsuchi. I do hope we can get along.”
Yuma straightened up with flushed cheeks as if embarrassed. “O-oh! Right! My apologies. It’s nice to meet you, too.” He grabbed ahold of the outstretched hand, shaking it firmly. “My… grandfather told us that you needed a place to stay. Do you know how long?”
“Nope!” Makoto replied with cheer. “I have no idea!” He leaned in closer, whispering so that the scientist couldn’t overhear. “But between you and me, I really don’t want to return to where I was previously. Here seems much nicer.”
Yuma’s expression turned into a sympathetic one. “I see. Well, I’ll do my best to help you feel comfortable while staying with us.”
The disguised homunculus stepped back and did a delighted twirl. “I am in your capable hands.”
~~~~~~~~~~
The first few days had been a little tense. The family clearly had to get used to a new person in the household. Understandable, as he did just barge into their lives with little warning. He supposed that having a scientist drop by once a day to check him also wasn’t something normal in a typical human household.
But things began easing up when Yuma asked the question. “Why do these people need to come check on you? Are you sick?”
It had been as dinner was being set up. Makoto typically took his portions to his new room to avoid anyone seeing his face. But he paused with the plate in his hands. “I am not sick, so please don’t worry! I suppose the best way to describe it as the place I came from is overprotective. They want to make sure everything is alright with my systems. But again, it’s nothing you need to worry about.” He then tried to take a step again towards his room, only to be interrupted again.
“Um…! You know… you don’t have to sequester yourself away in your room. You can… eat with us,” Yuma offered, rubbing the back of his neck.
That made him pause for a little longer. It was a tempting offer, but one he didn’t think he could accept. “I appreciate your kindness. But I don’t want to make you all feel uncomfortable. You wouldn’t like what’s underneath this mask, so it’s important for me to eat separately.” He walked off then, ignoring the protests as he made it to his room.
He closed the door and sat at the small desk on the opposite side of the room. Only then did he remove his mask and set it down next to him. He was faced away from the door, so if someone did come in, he would have time to conceal his face again. He sat down and ate quickly, already predicting what was about to occur. And if he was right, then he would need his mask back on soon. Sure enough, there was a knock on his door a few minutes later. “Come in!” he called out.
The door opened with hesitation, very clearly telling him who it was. The voice confirmed it. “Um… I was wondering if I could join you here. I don’t want you to feel lonely.”
Makoto shrugged his shoulders as he gathered his final bite on his fork. While he did have a feeling that he knew why this was happening, he wanted to make absolutely sure. “Did your parents or the doctors put you up to this? You don’t have to force yourself to be near me if you would rather not.” Now Yuma had the opportunity to leave with no hard feelings. This was a test to see what the reaction would be, and his prediction was correct.
“N-no! No one put me up to this. I wanted to!” Yuma loudly protested. His voice then lowered with the next question. “Do you… want me to leave?”
Makoto hurriedly chewed his final bite, putting the mask back on and spinning around in his chair, crossed legged and eager. “Quite the contrary. I would not mind your company in the slightest! Please, take a seat!”
To his delight, Yuma didn’t react to the mask this time, instead nodding with a smile and sitting on another chair. He still hadn’t touched his own food, focusing more on talking. “Thank you. I appreciate it. Um… do you mind if I ask you a few things?”
The homunculus grinned, the mask changing along with him. “A detective now, are we? But I am fine with answering your inquiries, so long as they don’t stray into subjects I can’t or won’t delve into.”
The human looked off to the side with a small smile. “Detective? You really think so?”
“Oh? Is that a profession you are considering?” Makoto asked, curious about his double’s life.
Yuma scratched his cheek, still sporting that embarrassed smile. “Well, I have a lot of detectives in my life right now. My grandfather is one, as you know. But I also have friends at a local detective agency, and they are really inspiring to me.”
“Friends, huh? I hear those are nice to have. What kinds of things do friends do when together?” Makoto was genuinely curious, as the memories he had inherited showed no interactions with anyone the man had considered a friend.
Yuma also seemed to pick up on this, but was smart enough to not mention it. “Well, if you want, I can bring you with me to meet them one day after school. If… you want to, that is.”
Makoto was a bit stunned. He didn’t think he would be trusted this fast by his original. Clearly, the one in front of him was far more kind than anyone he had met in this life. But he still had to answer, and so he did. “If you wouldn’t mind, that sounds delightful!” He leaned forward, resting his chin on tabled hands. “Now then, I believe you have some questions. Fire away!”
~~~~~~~~~~
That had been the spark that started the kindling of a new friendship. From that point forward, Yuma made an effort to spend time with Makoto and get to know him. In turn, Makoto welcomed the human in, learning about his original’s current life, likes and dislikes. It was truly fascinating to witness and experience. Never before had he felt so connected to another. And it grew stronger with each passing day. Whether it was watching a show together or helping the human out with his homework.
So it wasn’t terribly surprising when Yuma had asked to introduce him to his friends at the agency. He had said that they had grown curious about the new person living with him. Perhaps they wanted to make sure the newcomer was a good fit. Or curiousity. Both were powerful motivators. But regardless, Makoto had agreed to go. And that’s how he found himself outside of the Nocturnal Detective Agency next to his double.
Yuma glanced over to him with a smile. “They should all be here by now. Are you ready to go in?”
Makoto grinned at the human’s excitement. “I am if you are. I am most intrigued to meet this agency’s staff after all you have told me.”
Yuma nodded, turning back to the door and pressing the doorbell. Then nothing. No sound of movements at all from within. It made the purple-haired teen flush a bit with embarrassment. “This… sometimes happens. I’m sorry about this. Maybe we should…”
Makoto interrupted. “If you are saying we should leave and come back later, I think that’s a silly idea. Especially when there’s an easy solution.”
This certainly grabbed Yuma’s interest. “You have a solution? What is it?”
Makoto cracked his knuckles. “Watch and learn.” He took a step forward, taking Yuma’s place by the doorbell. And then, he began spamming the button for a solid five seconds.
THAT got people’s attention, frantic footsteps approaching the door and someone opened it. Before them now was a tired looking man with blue hair. The man’s eyes looked annoyed. “Alright! Alright! You can quit that now!” He then got a better look at who was in front of him. “Huh? Who are you? What’s with the mask?”
Yuma then came into view, standing next to Makoto. “He’s with me, Chief Yakou. Remember how you all wanted to meet the person who moved in with my family?”
Yakou’s eyes lit up with recognition. “Oh, Yuma. That’s right, I do remember that. Didn’t expect him to wear… that.”
Makoto chuckled. “Do you like it? It’s a family heirloom,” he joked.
He saw Yuma roll his eyes. “Anyways, we can do introductions inside. That way everyone can meet him.”
“Sure, that’s a good plan.” Yakou stepped aside, allowing the two to enter. Yuma knew where he was going, grabbing hold of Makoto’s wrist and guiding him through. The sudden contact baffled the homunculus, having not expected that whatsoever. But he found that he enjoyed this sort of touch, gentle and kind.
He was a bit sad when it ended, Yuma letting go as they arrived into a large room. He didn’t let anything show, keeping his face and mask neutral as he surveyed his new surroundings.
There were three… no, four other people in the room. He nearly missed the man lounging under the table. An odd place to lay, but who was he to judge? He certainly was guilty of lying on the couches in a similar fashion. And all of them turned and locked onto him, each having varying degrees of astonishment of his facial wear. It was fun to see.
“Alright, is everyone still here?” Yakou asked as he almost collapsed into a larger seat. “Okay, now tell us who’s with you, Yuma.”
The shorter human nodded, again walking up to stand next to him. “This is Makoto Kagutsuchi. He’s been staying with my family for about two weeks now. Please treat him well if he comes here with me again.”
Then he got proper introductions to the staff here. Halara, a calculating person who looked as though they knew much about their profession. Desuhiko, a young man who couldn’t be much older than Yuma with a mischievous glint in his eyes. Fubuki, an elegantly dressed young woman who appeared and sounded quite airheaded. And Vivia, the one under the table surrounded by piles of books and a permanent exhausted look.
An interesting cast of characters. But from the way Yuma talked about them now and before, it was clear that he respected them all greatly. And by the way they replied to him, it was evident that they respected him back as a companion and friend. So Makoto saw no problems in Yuma being around them.
His brain halted for just a moment. Why had he been so concerned about his body’s double? Obviously Yuma was fine; he had known these people far longer than he had known Makoto. Was it a stray thought that just popped into his brain? Yes, that had to be it. So he put that thought to bed, mostly as he began answering another round of questions from the detectives around him.
They really attempted to drill into him, asking all sorts of things. But as he did with Yuma, he refused to answer specifics. Desuhiko had whined and complained initially about his evasiveness, but could do little when no one else prodded further. The homunculus felt safe in his secrets. Nothing would be revealed today.
He did get a break when Yakou jumped out of his chair with a worried expression. “Wait, those case files are due to be delivered today! Crap, they’re probably waiting outside. Everyone! Help me move the boxes indoors! Pronto!”
With a few groans, people rose to do so. Yakou went first followed closely by Yuma. Halara went next, Fubuki and Desuhiko right behind them. The room was soon quiet and still. Makoto hummed, considering his options. He could help, or he could just stay here. Oh, what a decision to make.
But his thoughts were interrupted when something firmly clutched his ankle. Makoto halted all movements, angling his head down to discover the clamp’s source. It was a pale hand, one that belonged to the still present Vivia. Though now, those sleepy eyes held more emotion. Suspicion and wariness. “You… are not like others.”
Makoto kept calm. “Oh? Are you referring to my mask and living situation? I do agree, it is a bit strange, isn’t it?”
Vivia continued looking at him, the grip on his ankle tightening a bit. “Yuma… is precious to this detective agency. He is important to us all. Our beloved friend. So you will understand that we won’t take kindly to anything… unfortunate that happens to him.”
The threat was heard loud and clear. He had no doubts that this group was capable of much. But again, he had no reason to worry. “What a coincidence! I, too, would be displeased if anything bad happened to him. After all, he’s the first person to actively seek me out without wanting something in return.”
Yes. His ‘visitors’ had always been people wanting answers or results from him. He was never given a chance at a normal conversation. And now that he had a taste of normalcy, he was determined to keep a tight hold on it.
His statement seemed to satisfy Vivia, who let go of his ankle and returned to his book with a deep sigh. “I wanna die someday.”
Nothing more was said between them, a comfortable silence falling over them. They had come to an understanding, their thoughts and feelings on the matter conveyed.
It didn’t last, as the others returned with their arms full of boxes. Halara showed everyone up by carrying two, while everyone else struggled with theirs. Especially Yuma, whose arms were beginning to shake. Makoto rushed over, lifting the box out of his double’s arms. “Let me grab this. You don’t want to break your arms, do you?”
Yuma laughed while rubbing his arms. “Thank you. I appreciate it. That was super heavy.”
Makoto felt something begin stirring in him. He… liked being able to help Yuma with this. For the first time in his created life. It was unusual, but he was more than eager to put this to the test.
~~~~~~~~~~
More weeks passed, leading to a few realizations. First, Makoto had gotten used to living like a human. His life at the human household had become routine, no one batting an eye at his presence. And most importantly, his bond with Yuma had grown even stronger.
That strange feeling at the detective agency hadn’t been a one time thing. Every time he managed to help his original, he felt a sense of pride and happiness unlike anything his memories provided to him. And it was only Yuma that this occurred for. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what was going on. Makoto had become attached to the purple-haired teen.
And protective, as he soon found out.
It had started off as a normal day, the two of them walking back home from visiting the agency. “I really do think they are warming up to you. I know you don’t believe it, but trust me. They are,” Yuma insisted.
Makoto shrugged his shoulders. “I suppose you leave me no choice but to accept it. After all, you are clearly a talented detective in training. Who am I to disagree with your professional opinion.”
That made Yuma laugh, which sparked his own giggles. Their conversations were always fun and enjoyable. He much preferred this over the boring lectures and questionings of his lab days. If only he could spend eternity in this bliss.
But his thoughts were shaken right in front of the house. A car raced by, going far too fast and nearly losing control. But while that was happening, the wheels kicked up debris and loose rocks, one of them heading straight for Yuma.
“Look out!” he shouted, shoving his double out of the way and feeling the rock make contact with his mask. There was a crunching sound along with pain on his forehead. The rock had damaged his mask, the material cutting into his skin. The mask’s technology stopped operating, leaving him in darkness.
“Makoto! You’re hurt! Let’s get you inside,” Yuma frantically said, tugging on the homunculus’ arm to lead him in the correct direction. They walked along the now familiar pathway, entering through the doorway with Yuma shutting and locking the front door.
“Okay, I’m going to go get the first aid kit. Just stay here while I find it, okay?” Yuma’s voice got quieter as he ran off to do as he said.
Meanwhile, Makoto was frantically trying to figure out what to do. His mask was broken, and it was unlikely that it could be fixed here. He would have to request another from the lab the next time the scientist came by. But he couldn’t keep wearing the damaged mask, as it was actively harming him. He would have to remove it.
He did so, flinching as the sharp bits cut him again, the wounds oozing pink blood. But he didn’t have time to waste. He had to return to his room before Yuma saw.
He sped towards his room, heartbeat increasing in intensity with each tense moment. Could he make it? He had to make it. So much was on the line. He couldn’t lose what he had built here. He couldn’t. He-
His heart stopped as he heard a gasp. Instantly, he realized a few things. In his panicked state, he failed to remember that the bathroom where the first aid was stored was close to his room. His mask was fully off of his face, leaving his identity fully bare with his unnatural blood dripping down his face. And Yuma, holding the first aid kit, was now in front of him and staring at him. Looking at a perfect mirror of himself in flesh and blood.
Makoto reacted swiftly, rushing into the room and locking the door behind him. He pressed his back to the wood, sliding down to the floor in a state of distress. Had he destroyed everything? Was it damaged beyond repair? He didn’t regret saving his double from harm, but the results were still terrible. He clutched at his hair tightly, trying to think of what to do.
Then he both heard and felt gentle knocking on the door behind him. “M-Makoto? Are… are you okay?”
He let out a delirious laugh. “Oh yes. Just peachy! You don’t have to worry! I’m sure I will be gone from this home and out of your life soon. You can forget this ever occured and that I ever existed.”
Yuma’s panicked reply was unexpected. “What? You… will need to leave? Why? Is it… because I saw your face? That… I know you look…” He paused, but continued strongly. “Listen, I don’t know why we have the same face. Or… why your blood isn’t red. But, I would love to learn the reason. If… you want to talk about it, that is. Also, your face is still bleeding, right? Can I… treat your wounds?”
Despite everything, despite being faced with his literal clone, Yuma was still accepting him. Was this a dream? He didn’t sound like he was lying. But… he wanted to give it a try. Perhaps, it would turn out okay.
Makoto sighed, steadying his nerves as he stood back up and unlocked the door. Then he relocated to the bed, habitually sitting facing away from the door. He heard Yuma enter, shutting the door behind him and taking a seat on the bed next to him.
“I know you’re nervous, but can you please turn to face me?” his double asked kindly. Well, how could Makoto refuse such a request? He did so, now eye to eye with his body’s original. Yuma, to his credit, didn’t stare for too long. He didn’t mind, as he was sure it was stunning to see someone with the same exact face. The human grabbed a damp cloth and began dabbing gently at the cuts on his forehead. “I’m… going to guess that your blood has something to do with our faces matching. Can you… tell me?”
Makoto kept still, seeing the pink blood beginning to stain the cloth. “Well, it’s supposed to be quite a huge secret. But, the cats out of the bag for you. And you deserve to know.” And so he explained everything, how he had been created with Yuma’s body and his grandfather’s mind as templates. How he was not human, but a homunculus. How he had been living in a lab since his birth until Number One had intervened. What the conditions were for him to leave. All was laid out plain and bare for his double.
“That… is a lot to take in all at once,” Yuma muttered as he finished putting the bandages over the wounds.
Makoto giggled. “You asked.” He felt relieved, as if a huge weight had been lifted. It was nice being able to finally talk to someone about it, especially his original.
“You must have been so lonely. I can’t imagine not having anyone to comfortably rely on or speak with. No one who shares your experiences.” Yuma’s voice was laden with sadness. Then, he did something Makoto could never have predicted. He brought the homunculus into a hug. “I might not be a really dependable or capable person yet, but I hope you know I’ll stay by your side. You’re like my brother now. So please, don’t go.”
The embrace was warm, tight, reassuring, comforting. Moisture gathered in Makoto’s eyes as he returned the hug. They sat there on the bed quietly, as the homunculus cried for the first time in his life.
~~~~~~~~~~
Now Makoto had a definitive label to call their relationship. Siblings, brothers, family. And oh, did it feel good to have that figured out. And he was overjoyed that Yuma felt the same. They rejoiced in their new status as siblings, spending lots of time together. Makoto even removed his mask around Yuma when they were alone in his room, allowing his brother to see him in his entirety.
Of course, getting the new mask meant telling the lab that Yuma was aware of his identity. It had initially led to panic on their end, as their secret project had been discovered by an outsider. This led to a plan to bring Yuma in for questioning about his knowledge and trustworthiness. This was a bit worrisome, as Makoto knew exactly who was to do the questioning.
He expressed his concerns to his double days before the scheduled lab trip. He didn’t want anything stressful or painful to befall his new family, and he knew it was best to not withhold information. “I’ve seen what Yomi does to people, even those employed in the lab. He is brutal in his interrogation. I don’t trust him to let you off easy.”
Yuma obviously grew nervous, clenching his hands tight into fists. “And you are positive there is no way I can… not get questioned?”
Makoto leaned back onto the headrest of his bed. “I’ve never bothered to get out of the questioning, and the employees endure it to keep their jobs. So I wonder…” He closed his violet eyes, humming as he thought. There had to be a way. What could possibly keep Yomi from doing the interrogation? As far as he could recall, every session had gone uninterrupted.
His eyes shot open as he thought of something. “Oh, of course! I know what I can do!”
His double startled from his sudden outburst, but got curious. “Huh? You thought of something?”
Makoto looked over to his twin with a confident smile. “Never before has there been a situation where the interrogation is interrupted. But what if something happened that would require the questioning to be interrupted? Say, a data breach and mass corruption of stored information?”
Yuma brought a finger to his chin as he thought. “In that kind of place, I’m sure that would cause a mass panic. But what would cause it?” He glanced over again, seeing the smirk. “You have something in mind.”
“That I do. And now I am eagerly awaiting this trip. Their faces will be priceless!” Makoto closed his eyes again, this time in a more relaxed manner. Yes, he knew exactly what he would do. Perhaps while giving Yuma a tour of the lab before Yomi arrived, he could hack into the network and heavily corrupt certain files. Namely, all information they had on homunculus creation. He didn’t want any more like him roaming this Earth if he could help it. So the plan was set, just awaiting execution.
~~~~~~~~~~
The day had arrived, and the twins found themselves being driven to the lab by one of the scientists. It was mostly quiet, with Makoto holding onto Yuma’s hand to help calm him and reassure him. It was the least he could do, considering how he kinda dragged Yuma into this mess.
They arrived at the lab, having passed through several security stations to get here. It was a familiar sight to Makoto, though he partially wished he didn’t have to return to this place. Regardless, they were here and they had important things to do.
Makoto got out first, Yuma getting out right after him. “Welcome to the lab. My birthplace,” he said as he removed the mask. He wouldn’t need it here.
“Y-yeah. Happy… to be here,” the purple-haired teen replied, looking around nervously.
Makoto took the trembling hand in his again, tugging him to the door. “Allow me to give you a grand tour! I know this place from top to bottom.” He squeezed the hand as they made it inside, now surrounded by sterile testing rooms and monitors everywhere. He was sure it was quite something to those not in the know, so he walked slowly through as Yuma took in the sights. Meanwhile, Makoto was endlessly amused by the reactions of the staff as they saw the identical pair standing side by side. This was just as entertaining as the initial mask reactions, making this whole visit worth it.
Well, almost. He still had something incredibly vital to do. And he found his opportunity when he entered an empty room with computers. He knew that the camera in this room was pointed in a specific direction, so he took a seat at one of the computers whose screen wouldn’t be visible. Yuma took a seat next to him, and so he began his work.
“They sometimes let me read what they are working on here. Though not any of the top secret things. Sadly, I am not amongst those worthy,” he stated as his fingers flew across the keyboard, easily hacking in and finding what he needed. “Did you know that this place also does robotics? Here’s a plan for a new toy they are coming out with to help entertain kids.” He pulled up a picture in the corner of the robot, giving Yuma something to look at as he constructed his time bomb virus that would infect the entire lab’s network.
His brother knew the plan, going along with the ruse. “Really? That’s interesting. Do you know when it might be released for public use?”
“I’d say by the end of this year. Just in time for those holiday sales,” Makoto replied, hitting the enter key and finishing his task. “But yeah, not much else is accessible to me. It’s a shame really.” After closing out all the programs and deleting the computer’s recent history, the homunculus stretched his arms out above his head. “Anyways, that’s really all I have to show in this room. Shall we move on?”
His twin nodded, getting up out of his chair and offering his hand to the other. “Yeah, I’m ready if you are.”
Makoto took it, letting himself be pulled out of the chair and up onto his feet. “Then let’s get a move on!”
The tour went on, though both of them felt much more at ease knowing that the plan was going well. The hardest part had been completed. All they had to do was wait.
The timing ended up being perfect, as the tour had just been wrapped up when the unpleasant voice rang through the hallway. “Hey! Get over here, you worthless maggots. Don’t you dare waste anymore of my time.”
Yuma stiffened, understanding that this was the infamous Yomi. Makoto stepped in front of him, partially shielding his brother from sight. “Sir, I suggest we keep our voices down. There are people here that are hard at work, as you know,” he called over cheekily.
As expected, this angered the red-haired man. “Shut your mouth, you waste of resources. Now bring your little friend over here. I’ll deal with him personally.”
Makoto reached behind him and again laced their fingers together. Once secure, they approached the taller male. Though Makoto wasn’t done with his irritations. “Oh, also. I am to remain by Yuma’s side during this questioning. So I will be joining you.”
He had to bury his grin as he saw the veins begin bulging from the head of security. “What? Who gave you that privilege to overrule my orders?”
“Number One. He holds power over this whole lab, as I’m sure you are well aware. So I think it is best to do as he says,” the homunculus answered, calm and serious.
“Tch! Fine. You can attend. But I will kick you out if you interfere! Now get moving!” Yomi turned around, his cape making it dramatic. He stomped away, leading them to the interrogation room.
Makoto and Yuma began following, the human twin leaning in to whisper a question. “Did you really get his permission?”
The homunculus didn’t hide the grin now. “Don’t need to. I’m also technically Number One, so I’m not lying. I gave myself permission.”
Yuma let his head roll forward to make contact with Makoto’s shoulder. “You are ridiculous, you know that right?”
“Maybe. But let’s get back on track now. We have to stall for three more minutes.”
Yuma raised his head back up, nodding in confirmation. “Okay. And… Thank you for being there with me. I don’t think I would have handled him well on my own.”
The homunculus’ grin turned into a genuine smile. “Family looks out for each other, right?”
The two followed the ill-tempered man into the room, neither flinching when the door was slammed shut. “Now, we will start off easy. You are lucky, brat.” Yomi slammed his palm on the metal table, making a loud noise. “What do you know about the freak in front of you? Are you aware of what he truly is?”
“This is him going easy?” Yuma whispered under his breath in disbelief before raising his voice to actually reply. “I… I know he’s technically not human.”
Yomi scoffed. “‘Technically’? Wrong. There is absolutely nothing about this creature that is remotely human. You’ve seen him bleed. You’ve seen his face. He’s a fake. That’s all there is to it.” The man stood up straight again. “Aren’t you disturbed by this fact? He stole your face. He’s nothing more than a science experiment with a voice.”
“N-No! He’s not!” Yuma shouted back, surprising both Yomi and Makoto. “He has feelings, thoughts, desires. He may be an artificial person, but he’s still a person! So please be nicer to him!”
The bravado of the teen fled as soon as Yomi got that sinister look in his eyes. Makoto pulled Yuma behind him again, knowing this could get bad. “Talking back, huh? You still don’t understand your place here. I guess I’ll have to remind you then.”
But Yomi would never get that chance, as the lights in the lab all began flashing red and blinking. “Warning. Warning. Error. Error.” the robotic intercom announced, grabbing everyone’s attention. “Virus detected. Data breach occurring.”
“What!? A breach? How?” Yomi shouted as he marched out of the room with a look of fury. As soon as he was gone, the twins let out sighs. “There we go. All done. Hey, Yuma. Can we go get ice cream now? At that place near the agency? You know, the one far away from here?”
Yuma peeked out from the crack in the doorway, seeing various people in lab coats running like their clothes were on fire. “Yeah. This place isn’t my favorite. And after that encounter? I need something sweet.”
Makoto grabbed the doorknob and flung the door open, his other hand taking his brother’s. “Then let’s leave! Our car awaits!”
The staff member who was to drive them back looked very confused by the commotion inside, but didn’t ask as they started the car and pulled away from the lab. As they rode, Yuma leaned his head on Makoto’s shoulder, eyes closing as he relaxed. “I hope I never have to see that man again. Words couldn’t possibly describe how terrifying he is.”
Makoto laughed and even the driver cracked a smile. “I wouldn’t be worried about the possibility of another encounter. Something tells me he will be far too busy to even consider another talk,” the homunculus assured. He too closed his eyes, mentally picturing the sweet treat that was in his near future.
~~~~~~~~~~
The virus had done its work well, erasing all traces of the homunculus research with no possibility of recovery. With all evidence of his creation destroyed, there was no real proof that Makoto was an artificial human. And since no one bothered to remember details of the experiments and relied on technology to store all that information, there was no way anyone would be able to replicate him. He would remain the sole homunculus on the Earth.
So the lab had no real cause to keep him tethered or monitored. The original Number One made sure of it upon learning of the data breach. It seemed the old man had noticed the clone’s effect on his grandson, making sure that Makoto would never have to return. If the lab tried, they would be charged with abduction. And seeing as they were on thin ice from other shady practices, they would not dare risk anything more.
So Makoto was free. He would never have to return. No more tests. No more scientists keeping tabs on him. He could live with his sibling without any worries. As for the pink blood? Eh, he could explain it away as a rare condition. He wouldn’t get sick anyways, so there was little need to worry about hospital visits.
As for right now? He had been assisting on calculus homework.
“So, now that you are free of that place, do you have any plans for the future?” Yuma inquired as he took a break from his schoolwork.
Makoto remained where he was, twirling his pen in his hands as he turned his masked face to follow his twin. “I have given it a few thoughts. I'm also thinking of joining you on that potential detective gig you are looking into once you graduate.”
“Really?” Yuma asked as he pulled out some snacks from the pantry. It really was a shame that both of them couldn’t cook. So relying on packaged food it was. “I didn’t expect that. I was thinking you would go more into becoming some company’s CEO in a matter of months.”
The homunculus laughed. “Oh, that’s certainly an option. I could easily do that if I wanted. But no, I see more benefits in helping solve cases with you. We could be an unstoppable detective duo!”
“I… guess?” Yuma looked out the window, a conflicted expression easily identifiable. “Makoto. You know you are your own person, right? You aren’t just a clone of me or my grandfather. You are free to go do whatever you want. You aren’t chained to me.”
The homunculus took in the spoken words, analyzing them. How kind his twin was. “Before I answer that, I wish to ask a question of my own. Do YOU want me to leave?”
That got an immediate reaction. “Of course not! I love our time together. I finally got the sibling I always wanted, and they are such an amazing person. But I know it’s selfish of me to potentially deprive you of your freedom. So I just… wanted to remind you of that. It’s your life now. No one else can control what you do.”
“I see.” Makoto stood up, making his way over to his brother and putting a hand on his shoulder. “Then I’ll make my choice. I wish to stay with my only family. I want to help you achieve your goals, to help you succeed. And perhaps I can lend my aid to those in need, alongside you. So what do you say? Shall we aim to work hard to solve the world’s mysteries and bring happiness to everyone?”
That wonderful smile grew again, followed by a firm nod. “I’ll count on you, then,” Yuma stated, looking out the window with determination. Makoto did the same, removing the mask to feel the sun on his face through the glass. Their goal was the same, and he knew that together, they would achieve it. Each with a reliable partner at their side.