It took about an hour to determine which hospital Kenji Ishiro was in. She thinks that she called every single hospital in the area before finding the one he was at. She feels like she should have visited immediately, but ended up getting feelings of dread each time it crossed her mind. She rationalizes it as it would have been harder to find him if she tried to do this on Sunday and she was busy enough.

They give her a room number and tell her when visiting hours are. They have her sign some kind of log, and send her off. And that’s about it.
She makes a side trip to the gift shop. She grabs up some flowers and get well card. She takes about another hour, just picking out a bouquet and card. The bouquet ends up having white camellias, forget-me-nots, and bluebells. She figures the blue color was sufficiently boy-ish. She finds the card to be painfully generic though. She pays, signs the card, and walks out with her things.

Finally, with all things in hand, she takes a deep breath and opens the door. She prays that she is the only one right now. At least, hopes that his family wasn’t there at the moment… that maybe they were off eating dinner or something. She doubts she could handle that with any sort of calm.

When Sophia enters, she finds only Kenji on the bed hooked up to the various monitoring and medical machines along with a blue haired doctor analyzing the data and running some basic tests, tapping the boy's joints with a small rubber reflex hammer. A lack of reaction, the doctor turns to scribble on her clipboard with a dejected sigh.

"...This is strange...other than some skeletal damage, there is nothing else that seems to be wrong with this young man..." she says dejectedly with a sigh of frustration, not quite aware that Sophia had entered the room.

The depictions of comatose patients in movies didn’t really get things right. Sophia finds that it looks a whole lot worse than she thought it was going to be. Tons of displays and she only recognizes one of them as a heart rate monitor. For the rest, she has not a clue. And to her, she finally notices how bad he looks, being in such a daze after the encounter of Scorpio.

She hears the doctor talking aloud. Those words were disheartening. Would he even wake up to see the card and flowers or was he has gone as Kousuke. “Sorry to interrupt. Were you running tests? Should come back?” Sophia asks.

"No, it is quite alright. It's just routine testing.." the woman says, turning to face Sophia. Sophia would see the woman had short, cropped blue hair, glasses, and a nametag that said 'Dr. Ami Mizuno' on her, along with typical doctor scrubs and coat. "The family left a short time ago, and I took the opportunity to check on his condition." she says, disheartedly looking at the young man. "Coma patients are the most unfortunate situations..leaving family and loved ones holding on to hope with no clear sign of what may happen...if only I could do more.." Dr. Mizuno laments, closing her eyes.

"Doctor. As I told you before, his condition will likely change once certain things have happened..." a voice familiar to Sophia states from one of the corners, as the black cloaked, masked man emerges and takes a step forward. The doctor opens her eyes and then glares at Nazo.

"...You do realize I still don't trust you. Showing up at my hospital and saying that this boy's life was critically important and that he needed to be maintained at all costs makes me think you had something to do with it...especially with how you brought him here out of nowhere on the sixth floor..." she says, though Sophia would likely know the obvious answer to that.

“Thank you, for bringing him here,” Sophia smiles at Nazo. It was nice to have a familiar face, even if she hadn’t really seen her face. Going through this alone was difficult enough. She moves over to his side tables and places the flowers and card on it. “And thank you for watching over him, Doctor. And you shouldn't worry about him. He has always been helpful and kind.”

She takes a seat in one of the empty chairs in the room. She wasn’t initially sure what to do here. It seemed like a lot of people tried to talk to comatose patients, but she could now focus on getting some information. As always Nazo seemed to have some answers. “What needs to happen before his condition improves? And what about the boy in the tree?” she asks.

"...I see. Well I will be nearby, However, do not try anything. The poor boy is suffering enough I'm sure. Coma patients are the least fortunate of all, since there is never any certainty that things will change and medical science even now is limited in what they can do." Dr. Mizuno says, then moving to leave. In truth, the presence of the masked man unnerved the doctor, and the temptation to call security was very high, especially after that incident with the Lieutenant the other day that she still has no idea what exactly happened. The fact the visitor knew him was slightly reassuring, but not much.

Meanwhile, Nazo walks a little closer, and looks at Kenji, then at Sophia.

"His soul is being suppressed by a new version of Scorpio's poison. However, I can faintly sense a link from this far away, one that cannot be severed with what is currently at our disposal. I believe the solution to your friend's problem is simple yet difficult: killing Scorpio." he says with complete seriousness and honesty, before then shaking his head slightly.

"However...I don't think he can last any longer than a week...his grip is slowly fading. Also, I don't sense his connection to Venus anymore. When I had a vision of what happened after the fact, I noticed that Scorpio had stolen his weapon and henshin item...this is quite unfortunate." Nazo says then with a shrug about the tree.

"As far as the Earth Knight, I don't entirely know what his situation is. I do not believe he is dead, otherwise the tree thing wouldn't matter. However, I believe that eventually, he will make a return." he says calmly, a muffled exhaled behind his mask.

A combination of good and bad news. She isn’t sure how to take it all in. This visit wasn’t helping in terms of not triggering bad memories and emotions. However, she was getting better at faking composure. “The tree was strange, but, at least, Kousuke will make a recovery. I think everyone will be glad when he returns. I should tell Ama at some point.”

“A week from now,” Sophia repeats as she gets back up. “I don’t know how we’ll find Scorpio again. We randomly run into other all those times before.” She wasn’t sure if she would even be ready for that. “I was useless during that encounter, and that wasn’t too many days ago. I fear that we’ll just have a repeat, maybe end even worse off. But I owe it to Kenji to try, I don’t think I would be alive if it wasn’t for him.” She scolds herself mentally, more optimism. “Before next Wednesday, Scorpio will be dead. I have faith in our group. It will be our first real challenge, but they'll meet it.” She moves close to Kenji and smiles at him, "So please hold on a little longer. I won't let you down this time."

“I felt his connection from Venus be severed to it. It’s strange to have something like that develop and disappear within the span of a few minutes. And, yes, Scorpio did take the sword. If we kill him and get the sword back, will the connection be restored? Or is there more to it than that?”

"...Scorpio will be arrogant, and you will have more allies this time. Further, his ascended state is unstable and likely subject to a weakness of some sort. If you want to pull him out, perhaps offer a 'bait' of some kind." he says, then shaking his head when she mentions she was useless.

"...If you hadn't healed him, he most likely would have died of his injuries. Plus...you will find that when the situation is at it's more dire, your power will not let you down. It's not something that can be expected, but you have to have faith in your Venus Powers." he says calmly, then looking at the boy, shaking his head a little when she asked about the power coming back to him.

"It is highly unlikely that you will see that sword again until you attack Virgo. That sword was created by the Silver Crystal during the Silver Millenium in the past...an incredibly potent tool of positive energy, and an incredibly dangerous threat to them. It is more likely they will try to destroy it or corrupt it. But even past that, I believe that the power has left him for good, but does that really matter? I would think that if he survived it, then you would be happy that he no longer has to put himself in danger." he says calmly, looking at the situation with logic.

“I guess we do have a bigger group this time. They will do their best to stand up to the challenge. As for bait. I can’t think of what would entice Scorpio to show himself. Well, other than parading down the street as a senshi, but that sounds dangerous for other reasons entirely,” Sophia responds. “You said he is arrogant… If we made it seem like both knights were not in such terrible states, would he bite? Or if we bluffed that we had the silver princess already, would he show up? However, I can’t say I could make either of those things work…”

She shakes her head as he mentions having faith. “No, you misunderstand. I don’t lack the faith now. Well, I don’t lack the resolve would be more accurate. I was useless then, but I won’t fail the rest again. Because I can’t. They all depend on me to pull my weight. I won’t die until every bone and organ has been crushed beyond compare. Actually, not even then because I don’t want to be shown up by Kishin when he comes back.”

“Then, the sword isn’t something we should be worried about coming back. And if it has left him forever, then yes, it is a good thing. I doubt I would be alright with him continuing to protect me. I guess we can consider it repayment from a great deed. He deserves. So would Kishin for that matter…”

She turns her gaze back to Kenji and then the flowers, “When we manage to do all this, and he comes back, do you think it would be best if I stayed my distance? I don’t want him to think that he needs to get involved again. I don't want him to get hurt, rushing into danger for me. I am grateful for everything he’s done already though. Besides, he’d lead an infinitely more normal existence if we didn’t continue to talk.”

"The Silver Princess will be detected once she awakens, I fear mere words will not suffice. The condition of the knights will be meaningless, since he will most certainly defeat you without problem in his mind. Truth be told...you are lucky he left that night, or he might have finished the job." he says calmly, then pausing and thinking, tapping the side of his mask with a metal clawed finger tip.

"But...have you and the others located any of the rainbow crystals yet? I am certain if you came in possession of one, then that would entice him to come out of hiding, to attain a powerful object that could threaten him and his queen." he says, hinting at the thing that was mentioned at the Gyoen park meeting. Who knows how much he knew about what was said there or if he was invisibly watching or not. Time will never tell. When Sophia mentions and asks how she should handle Kenji, Nazo tilts his head a little in confusion.

"The Senshi of Love asking what she should do in a situation like this?" he muses, then shrugging. "I think that you would be silly to cut off contact abruptly. Clearly he thought highly enough of you to put his life on the line to keep you safe, and he is in his present state from an act of bravery and sacrifice. You would be a coward to not face him if and when he awakens. Honorable actions deserve a just response. Further, disappearing would alarm him and compel him to find you, the exact opposite of what you just said might be a preferable result. I do not know what you personally think of him, but Knight or Human, he deserves better than that." he states calmly, then remaining quiet to let Sophia gather her thoughts.

Sophia looks down at the ground, “I am aware that I’m lucky. I just wish the others were… It's weird. I was prepared to make that kind of sacrifice, but not for others to do that for me.”

“No… we haven’t made much headway in regard to the crystals. I think everyone sort of forgot about that, considering…” She nods her head in direction of Kenji, “Not that it is a good excuse. But there it is.”

“You say all that as if I can any clue what I’m doing. I am pretty sure you noticed that I seem to have less of myself together the rest of the senshi and knights… But I thinking I am starting fake togetherness well. Anyways, you’re one of the closest thing to an actual teacher I have in all this, so you’re the only one who can just ask questions. And thanks. I’m still not quite sure the best way to keep everything from the normal parts of my life separate from the rapidly increasing senshi parts of my life. I have doubts that I can keep my family in the dark forever…”

“I still say there should be a senshi handbook… It’d be so helpful. It would need to have a very large section on moral dilemmas though,” she jokes.

She looks at Kenji, “I’ll make sure to get him actual food when he wakes up. Hospital food is pretty terrible, and I’d hate that to be my first few meals after being out so long. So while I see the reason not to disappear forever from his life, it’s still cool to avoid his parents like the plague though, right? You wouldn’t happen to know how much time I have before they show up, would you?”

"Work on the crystal, It's vitally important to the success of your campaign. " Nazo says firmly, letting Sophia merely vent out her first sentiments about sacrifice. She was in a hard spot trying to rationalize things, and the answer Sophia needed she would likely have to figure out on her own. When Sophia mentioned him as a teacher and then the aspect about the family being kept separate from her other life, Nazo shakes his head again.

"You must keep them in the dark, or they will be used against you later if the Covenant catches on. The senshi handbook is your heart and your instinct: when you've moved past the pain, you will better understand how to go forward and how to endure. The end result will be worth it...once Scorpio is defeated, it will likely cause the Covenant to weaken worldwide, saving additional lives as a side perk." he says, referring to the active American, European, and Chinese battle fronts.

Nazo nods when she decided she wasn't going to completely vanish from the boy's life.

"That is likely a good start, the pieces will probably fall in line later. As for the parents...they are out to dinner currently..." he says, as his mask would glow where one would estimate his eyes to be, as an obvious sign of him using his abilities to see through the mists of time. "You have approximately a half hour before the father returns."

Sophia shakes her head as Nazo mentions keeping everyone in the dark, “I wasn’t going to tell them… I just figure that they’ll probably notice something is up. You can’t constantly keep to yourself or sneak off every so often without getting called out or found out eventually. Strange behavior doesn’t go unnoticed. It’s the truth for the rest of senshi as well probably. Some will notice eventually take note. Mostly, I anticipate a day where I or someone else gets caught. And I don’t think it’s that far off in the horizon either… Maybe I’m just being pessimistic though.” She wasn’t entirely sure what to do if something like that were to happen. Such events were likely to end poorly with big falling outs and arguments.

Sophia gives him a confused look, “My heart and instinct? I don’t think you actually want me following those. Sometimes, they tell me not to fight at all… I mean, I will if backed against a corner or every single other option is terrible, which it appears that I often am and my options often are. I don’t even want to hate them… In the end, I mostly end up fighting for other people or the other senshi and knights. To make sure as many people return safely home as possible.”

Relief washes over her as Nazo says it will be awhile until their return. “Thank you. Thirty minutes, so I'll probably stay for another 15. Alright, my to do list includes getting crystals and killing Scorpio. I wish there was a way for me to get more power... I need something better than my bow to do this... He's a little too well armored for me to be more than a distraction. My knight was way better at being a force of destructive power, and we could have used that sword now..."

"You are being pessimistic. Once Scorpio is in the underworld and your friend is awake, I think your perceptions will improve accordingly." he says, then shaking his head when Sophia mentioned her disagreement with heart and instinct.

'The mind and will tempers the impulse of the heart. It will come in time, just don't give it too much thought. The hand of fate will help you with your actions if and when it is needed. Just trust me when I say your heart is your greatest asset."

When Sophia mentions a way to find more power, he looks at her behind the mask firmly for several moments.

"You all wish to grow your potential...and grow it you shall. Meditate on what it means to fight, what you fight for, and how you envision yourself at your fullest potential tonight." Nazo states, then looking up in the direction of the desk where Dr. Mizuno was staring at them.

“For such a mysterious person, you’re really pretty uplifting to talk to,” Sophia smiles at him. This talk had made her feel a bit better. “Honestly, I say that you should think about taking a career in therapy,” she jokes. The mental image of the masked figure with a clipboard, asking people to tell him their feelings was hilarious.

“Meditate…” she repeats. “I’ve never been that good at just sitting with that quietly, but alright.” But she would ponder the nature of this war at some quieter location. The electronic beeps started to tear at one's sanity. And hospital settings were too depressing to speculate on the nature of war and battle.

Sophia looks over to the Doctor who is staring. “Do you need me to leave?” she asks. Honestly, she can’t fathom why the doctor would be weirded out or worried now after having Nazo teleport in and out of this room and tell her cryptic lines about her patient.