HOTD: A New Dawn

In the following days, Mai noticed a gradual, subtle shift in Tysone's demeanor and appearance. It wasn't some dramatic upheaval like in some of those mangas she'd read, where the main character would become a different person overnight.

Instead, it was more akin to a slow and steady metamorphosis. It was like seeing the petals of a bud unfurl and bloom, the process of evolution taking place right before her eyes. It was an organic process of self-improvement.

He was a little taller, a little broader, his features more defined. He no longer had a stoop, nor the air of one who'd always had the weight of the world on his shoulders.

And yet, he still had that same mischievous twinkle in his dark eyes and that crooked half-grin. The same old Tysone.

"Saya told me of your new habits." Mai started the conversation, a slight frown on her brow.

Tysone nodded. "I've been busy, that's true." He replied, his voice deep and resonant. "It was something that needed doing. A change that I felt I had to make. But I've already had this conversation with the little missus, and I don't feel like explaining myself again. It's not something you should worry about, though."

"Is that right?" She asked, tilting her head to one side. "And was it so urgent that it warranted your complete attention, to the exclusion of all else?"

"Of course." He smiled, and Mai easily noticed the tired glint in his eyes, or the callouses in his hands. The idiot was overworking his body on top of his mind. But what could she even tell him at this point? She didn't want to come across as overprotective or controlling. She just wished she knew why he was so desperate to achieve whatever he had in mind. She just wished to know if there was anything she could do to help him, or if there was a reason for him to put such an unreasonable strain on himself.

"Then... that is all I wanted to ask." She sighed, resigned to his cryptic response. "Just be careful."

"Always." He promised. Then it was his turn to tilt his head. They were in the backroom of the Rage Room, sipping from their water bottles. "So, how are things on your end, Mai? We haven't had many chances to speak lately."

She nodded. "They are as good as one could expect, given the current situation."

"And what does that mean?"

"It means... that my life is far from ideal." Mai sighed, leaning back in her seat. "But, I'm doing what I can. I'll get through this. Somehow."

He gave her an assessing glance, taking in the subtle signs of stress that had begun to manifest in her features and the slump of her shoulders. He was no fool, and it was hard to miss. "As much as I like to have your help around here, I believe it's time for you to go back in the spotlight, Mai. You have some genuine good lyrics on your hands. You could be great. No. Greater."

Mai paused, her breath hitching in her throat. It wasn't as if she hadn't thought about it, but having it laid out in front of her like that made it feel all too real. It also didn't help that the one that had said those words had been none other than Tysone, whom she placed a great deal of trust in.

If it had been someone else, she might have been able to brush it off. But coming from him... it felt like a weight on her chest. A responsibility.

"I-I don't know..." She stammered. "My mother will be there... waiting... watching my every move..."

Tysone's eyes softened. "I'm not telling you to go against your family or do anything drastic. I just want to know what you think is best. You've been working hard at this job, but I can tell that your heart is elsewhere. Don't be afraid to take the first step, to pursue your dreams." He paused, then added. "You're still young, after all."

"I suppose... but it's not that simple."

"It never is, Mai."

They sat in silence for a moment. Finally, she spoke up. "What would you do, Ty?"

He laughed at this, and Mai didn't know whether to be insulted or amused.

"I would probably run away, change my name and live a life of crime, but... that's just me." His eyes twinkled with amusement as he held out his water bottle in a toast. "Here's to you making a better decision than me. Cheers."

"Ha. Ha. You are a riot." Mai said dryly. She still found herself tipping her bottle against his.

He smirked. "I know."

"But seriously, Tysone..."

He tilted his head. "What?"

Mai took in his relaxed expression, the way he lounged back on the chair as if he hadn't a care in the world. She wondered what that must feel like.

"What... if my mother finds out about it? I don't want to go back to her... not when I can do so much good in other places."

Tysone took another long sip from his water bottle, considering her question. "But you don't have to, though? Unless you're in some sort of contract that forbids you from doing your own thing. You're not a kid anymore, Mai. You can make your own choices." He paused. "Or are you scared to do that, too?"

Mai's cheeks flamed with embarrassment, but she didn't back down. She stared into Tysone's eyes. "I'm not afraid." She declared firmly.

"Good. Then I believe you're on the right path. If she wants to stop you, then she has to find you first. I know that's easier said than done, but..." He shrugged, as if it was the simplest thing in the world. "If you want to go big, you'll have to make some sacrifices, Mai. Just be prepared to lose some things along the way."

"You make it sound so easy."

He shrugged, smiling. "Either way, you'll always have my help, Mai. So go do your own thing. Just don't forget about lil ol' me when you're a famous superstar."

Mai rolled her eyes. "I won't. Thank you, Tysone."

"No problemo, kid."

"... Shush."

Tysone waved his hand dismissively. "Now go, little bunny, go and become a wolf." He leaned his chin on his hand. "And if you ever need some freshly ovened lyrics or a shoulder to cry on, my bed is very comfortable at night. You can always drop by."

"..."

…

By the time Tysone's university term started, his Rage Room celebrated its new opening in a nearby city. Mai, naturally, had to quit working at the Rage Room, which had many customers crying crocodile tears and screaming hoarsely at the heavens for the unfairness of the universe. 

He felt kind of melancholic to see her go, after all she did bring a massive boost of customers to his establishment, but by the time she left, the business was already standing well on its own feet. 

There were still many customers, but most importantly, their numbers remained consistent.

As for the second location, located in a small town called Fujimi, had a similar layout to the original in Tokonosu, but it was a bit more spacious, and the interior decor was slightly different.

The main difference was the lack of a bunny suit-wearing Mai to draw in crowds, so it was a bit less populated, though the place still had a steady stream of customers, both regular and new. Also, Saya was overseeing its construction and management. She also made sure that the staff were trained properly, and that the place ran like a well-oiled machine. She did a lot more than she let on, really. It was a shame she couldn't spend as much time as she liked there, but it was just how it was.

Tysone, on the other hand, stared at his reflection in the mirror. The dark-haired, brown-skinned young man staring back was a far cry from the chubby, tired-looking guy he'd been a few months ago. He had the same sharp intimidating eyes, but now, they were framed by the well-defined features of a man in peak physical condition.

He had to admit, it was quite the change. His body was now lean and muscular. And damn, he was glad. He wore a freshly-ironed black shirt underneath a blazer. The shirt hugged his chest nicely, and the blazer and pants fit perfectly. The whole outfit looked smart. He was a new person, ready to take on the world, or at the very least, Japan.

He left the house, a bag on his shoulder. 

"Time to make some new friends, I guess." Tysone mused aloud. Honestly, he wasn't even that interested, but being a social butterfly at the university was an effective way to increase his network and influence. If anything, he needed more people he could trust.

It wouldn't do to have a bunch of idiots surrounding him during a crisis. And that's what he wanted to avoid at all costs.

After all, schools in anime tended to be a good place to find allies. He'd be meeting new people, getting involved in clubs, breaking a heart or two, and possibly even making some enemies.

He wasn't sure what category he'd fall into yet. That would depend on how he played his cards. Hopefully he could find some like-minded people who could help him build something great in this world.

It was going to be interesting, at least.

Author Note: More chapters on [email protected]/LordCampione.