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"Deputy Director—umm..." Hiiro wasn't sure how to begin this. He let out a loud sigh, closing his eyes for a single moment. "Can I ask for advice on something?"
"Certainly, Hiiro. What is it?" He had motioned for the surgeon to sit down in front of his desk. Hiiro did.
"Its about Emu—regarding the current situation." How could he word this?
"Is he alright?"
"Yes! Emu is fine, it's just that lately he's been having nightmares about his previous life and crying out for either Parado or myself. I'm... unsure exactly on how to help him. I've been asking my own parents in regards to this, as well as reading from the myriad of books I've found on how to care for such a child. Yet, through it all, it feels as though there's nothing that I can do for him."
"Calm down, Hiiro. For one, you're doing a good job taking up the role of the father for him. For two, I understand how frustrated you must be. You're dealing with a different version of Emu, pieced together from his and Parado's genes and memories connecting. He subconsciously has his memories but they're all scattered about inside of his deep subconscious, or so that's what Yaotome-sensei is thinking. This Emu is still the Emu we once knew, but more like the Emu I had once operated on many years ago. He's only 8 years old right now between body and soul; he is going to have nightmares. All we can do is be there for him, comfort him. Parado may be able to erase some of those unwanted memories. Normally I'd be against such a thing, but..."
Hiiro sighed, interrupting him. "Yeah. I agree. I'm just rather frustrated with the entire situation. Not at Emu, but at myself and Genm." A sneer spread across his face before it twisted into a frown. "I wish I could've been fast enough in saving him, so he didn't have to reset like this."
They all referred to it as a reset, like resetting your stats in a video game up to a certain save point. No one called it any different. They didn't really call it a resurrection but they also didn't call it much of a miracle, either. That's what it was. A reset.
"I think we've all agreed we wish we could've been faster. Even then, the past can't be changed, but the future can. Hiiro, just continue being the father he has always needed in his life."
"You're right. I... thank you." He bowed his head briefly, the tears beginning. "I just hope I can continue giving him a good life. I feel guilty at the fact that I'm busy so often and have to leave him with Parado or the others."
"Its a part of life and the jobs you have. Emu is in good hands with everyone and he surely will not forget you being his adoptive father."
Another sigh. "Yes, I agree. Emu... is still Emu. Only now, Emu is my son. I will protect him with my life, with everything I have. I will make sure this time that he can live how he should've been able to."
Kyotaro had smiled to him again. "That right there is proof enough. Though, that does remind me, how is school going? I know he's been there for two months now."
"Surprisingly it's going well. He has made a few friends his current age and I've already met with their parents at the Parent-Teacher meeting last week. Apparently Emu talks all about me and everyone at CR. He's rather hyperactive, but I'm not complaining. He is most definitely a very well behaved child at home and at school, otherwise."
Kyotaro looked relieved, leaning back more in his chair. "That's good to hear. I'm so happy Emu is getting along. After seeing what he went through back then and comparing it to now, he seems much happier." He took a breath of relief. "Oh, Emu..." Then he smiled. "At any rate, you need to head home. I'm sure you've had a long shift today."
As he went to leave, Kyotaro called him again.
"Hiiro, you were the best one to take him in. You've grown a lot yourself and he will continue to flourish with you."
"Thank you, Hinata-sensei."
. . . . .
When Hiiro opened the door to his house, he was surprised. Emu had been home for a few hours at this point. The child ran to him from sitting on the couch doing homework. "Papa is home!" He ran to hug Hiiro, who held onto him back.
"Yeah, I'm home, Emu." He pat his head gently while hugging him back. "Sorry I took a bit longer tonight."
"Its okay! I'm just happy papa is home now!"
Parado stood up from the couch, smiling at the two of them. "We were working on his math until he heard you opening the door. He got really excited to see you were home." He had a soft smile on his face that Hiiro managed to return.
Then his gaze went down to his adopted son who was still holding onto him. "Emu. I'm happy to be home with you."
"Now that papa is home, the family is complete for tonight!"
"You're right. Hey, why don't we watch a movie?"
Emu lifted his head to look up at Hiiro. "Can we?!"
"Yep. I'll make popcorn, even."
"Yay! Popcorn and a movie!" Emu let go finally so he could head to the couch. "Parado's turn to pick the movie!"
The bugster stared at Emu before he pointed to himself. "Its my turn?"
"Yeah! I got to pick last time and before me was papa, so now it's Para's!"
Parado then laughed briefly. "Alright, fine. I'll pick."