Talents Beyond Talents

"Shadow..."

Initially, she didn't want to discuss anything with Shadow. After all, she knew nothing about her or why she brought her here. Yet, with no other option, considering that she was basically erased from existence, she had to talk to Shadow.

Shadow looked at her, tilting her head ever so slightly, with a curious look on her face.

"U-um... don't get mad, but I went to the school today..."

"And?"

"They didn't remember me."

"Of course, that's because it's a dream wasn't it?"

"Well, I can't help but feel like there is some truth in there..."

Shadow shook her head, concern on her features.

"I think you're just overthinking it. Go to sleep."

"Okay..."

Red resigned herself to rest for today.

---

Earlier that day.

"When can you start?"

"Any day is fine."

"Okay, then you can start tomorrow."

"Okay!"

Shadow's courteous smile immediately faded the moment she left. The trouble in her heart blotted out whatever joy she should have felt.

(Why? When did it become like this?)

Shadow sighed to herself.

She knew that man was watching her, whether it be in person or one of his cronies.

Also, she had that talent in her house. Even though she knew little of her talent, and Shadow had kept her powers under wraps, she knew that man was still suspicious of her.

She barely even got to know the girl. After all, they were separated from birth. The girl probably never even heard of her, and she tried her best to keep it that way in order not to endanger her.

Shadow wished that being a talent didn't endanger her. Unfortunately, where power lies, so does danger. That man used to care for her, or at least acted like it. However, he treated her more and more poorly each day after some point, until she was finally fired from her position as his secretary.

(He used to be a good friend. Now, he is temperamental and hypocritical.)

As she inserted the keys to her house, she thought about how to get Red to know her better, and convince Red that talents don't exist so that she will no longer be threatened by that man.

(I used to think that all talents should be identified to contribute their talent, but now... now it's just dangerous)

Shadow sighed as she pushed the door open.