"Don' be whippin' ol' Jake. I goan do what'chu say now!"
Amy didn't take part in the banter, but neither did she admonish Jake for it. If he needed to wisecrack to distract himself from what they were doing, Amy would let him, as adverse to humour as she was feeling right now.
Once they were all down the ladder, Amy took the lead, her nose not so much as wrinkling from the smell.
"Follow me." She told the others "And try to keep it down. There's not much room to scatter for cover down here. If we run into any of Austin's goons and they get the jump on us, we're dead."
The unconscious forms of Severa and Owain were thoroughly tied up and deposited together in the trunk of the Crawler, one of the many abandoned ones in this city at war that The Gentleman had been able to acquire without difficulty. While he wasn't taking any chances with these two any more, The Gentleman had at least given them both first aid, to ensure that their conditions would not deteriorate beyond what would be acceptable for the journey to Paradiso, and he supposed, at the very least, they could enjoy each-other's company on the way... for what time they would spend conscious.
Closing the lid, The Gentleman now turned to Florian, and took the time to examine him properly In the 'daylight' of Frostfall, he looked truly terrible. It was a wonder he was still on his feet.
"Are you... alright?" he asked "Relatively speaking, of course. I wouldn't want to ask a stupid question."
Austin had rushed forwards to his children while Heath sent grenade after grenade at the maidens. Aesop saw the grenade fly right over him from his cover ahead of the other maidens.
"PROTECT FA-" One of them shouted out, jumping out of cover before Austin threw him back against a wall for his own safety.
"TAKE CARE OF YOUR SELVES FIRST! WE PUSH THEM BACK AT ALL COSTS! NO MORE OF US DIE THIS DAY!"
That voice. That tone. That sense of demanding authority. He... he couldn't... he wouldn't! He didn't fight on the front lines with the kids, they were his barrier! He thought with the strong ones, why would he... why would he ever fight with the little kids? What the fuck was going on?
Aesop was on the verge of freezing up when Austin shouted out once more.
"THEY DON'T GET ANOTHER INCH OF MY SHIP!" Austin fired his powerful revolver, causing a massive dent into one of the metal walls.
'Your ship?'
"WE KILL THE FALSE PROPHET MAIDENS RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW!"
'Your ship!'
"I AM THE FATHER OF THE ROCK! THE SAVIOUR! NOT YOU CHILD MURDERERS!"
[HEADING=1]"YOUR SHIP!"[/HEADING]
Aesop flew out of cover and emptied the rest of the shotgun at Austin. Austin was forced back into cover as a buckshot flew past him. Another pretender trying to one up the metal man.
"YOUR SHIP!!!" Aesop unloaded shell after shell on the children who defied Austin's orders, desperately trying to protect him. Austin was forced to drag one of them back into cover when he saw the face of the pretender. Wild eyes, a bloodied face, a ridiculous beard. Austin could deal with him easily, but his children were in danger.
"PETER!!!"
Austin shuddered as that fake name was called out. He even let go of the grip he had on his child, leaving his son to run into the willing hands of Aesop who blew him to pieces. So few would ever call him by that name.
"PSYCHOTIC MOTHER FUCKER!" Aesop bashed the butt of the gun against an oncoming cultist's chin, swiftly blasting another before returning his attention to the first one, this time with his blade.
Even the voice, it had been so long and it sounded differently than he remembered, he was only a teenager when he last heard him. His skin may have looked the same, but it was too much of a leap to-No wait! He was a maiden! The Pixie had kidnapped and brainwashed him. She even had a detailed file on the boy.
Once done with that child, Aesop threw the empty shotgun in the face of the last one who was now charging at him. The gun missed but the kid had a pipe and swung wide for Aesop's hip. Aesop braced and brought his left arm down to catch it between his hip and his arm. It hurt but he could take it, he barely registered pain in the state he was in. He could have been bleeding out of his jugular and not have noticed. The kid on the other hand felt every second of agony when Aesop brought his knife from his right hand down in the flesh above the collarbone. Up and down and up and down and up and down, and thus the kid crumpled to the ground in pain before Aesop stomped on his neck over and over again.
"PETER!! PETER YOU COWARD ***** COME OUT!"
He wasn't a pretender at all. Just a confused, scared boy. Twisted by the minds of the real pretenders into following their actions. He could be forgiven for killing his brothers and sisters, Alex had after all murdered some of her own children. But she was forgiven, and Austin wasn't about to lose his child, the very first of his children to believe.
"I'm here." The voice came softly as Austin stepped out. "I've missed you."
Aesop began panting like a rabid dog. He was standing right in front of him, but not like some kind of villain, like an old friend. Acting so casual. Where the hell did he get off acting like that!
"Your siblings will disagree, but I forgive you for these trespasses on our family."
Aesop's jaw literally dropped. How could he talk like this? Aesop expected-hell he wanted a big stupid villain speech. Why was he acting like this? This wasn't what Aesop had thought. What he had wanted. This was wrong, so wrong. Wrong wrong wrong wrong wrong!
"We must get to safety Sillah, Heath is keeping those maidens in the mess hall busy, come with me quickly." He then turned and began running back the way he had came.
Running? RUNNING? Where was... why was he... was nothing he did consistent? Did any of his motives make sense? How could he so easily choose one stupid path then disregard it a second later? How mad was he?
'Does it fucking matter! Get him! Rip out his fucking vocal chords, cut open his brain if you wanna see what's inside!'
Yes. Yes that was right. The build-up might have been fucked up, but he could still finish the scene the way it was meant to play out. He'd defeat this barbaric bastard and make him scream for all the pain he had caused the rock, and Sillah. Howling like a banshee, Sillah charged forwards to chase the bastard down. He'd nail his heart above his bed as a trophy.
Austin however knew what he was doing and ran to the navigation room of the ship, getting a good look at his city before Aesop ran up behind him. "Remember when I took you for your fir-"
"SHUT YOU FUCKING MOUTH!" Aesop hadn't stopped until his was within reach of Austin. He swiped his blade at Austin's face, to which he ducked under surprisingly elegantly. Aesop swiped and jabbed at the man repeatedly, forcing him to back up against the wall, yet he dodged every attack. Sillah's mistake came in trying to gut the man too early. Austin side stepped and punched Sillah as hard as he could in his outstretched arm, making the knife go wide, before following up with an elbow to the forehead. Sillah didn't know how, but Austin seemed to have grown like a giant in his absence. He was much, much bigger, and hit a lot harder than when they were younger.
Sillah stumbled back but planted his foot back, regaining his footing swiftly, not wasting a second he swung his knife in an upward arc. Austin ducked again, but Aesop raised his leg high and kicked him hard in the chest three times over, though the father barely flinched. Austin brought his elbow down on the leg, but Sillah had already swung around to round house him in the back. Austin jolted forwards before Sillah could stab him in the back, turning just in time to catch his arm as Sillah leaped up into the air with the knife. He couldn't stab him in the face, but he could punch him a good few times in his nose. Austin reeled back as his broken nose was struck, but he held strong and, still gripping Sillah's wrist, brought him in close and kneed him harder in the stomach than Sillah had ever felt before. He hadn't felt such pain since Rodrigo's men assaulted him, and that was from just one kick. Worse yet, he wasn't feeling numb to pain anymore, in fact he felt the complete opposite, as if his guts were about to fall out.
His hand was useless, but his arm wasn't. Bringing his elbow down on Sillah's outstretched arm, he was forced to let go of his knife. Before Sillah was able to recover and counter attack, Austin brought down another crushing elbow onto his own nose before kicking him in the chest, throwing him back across the floor. His nose was bleeding but it wasn't broken, and even if it was that wouldn't stop him. Rushing back to his feet Sillah attempted a bicycle kick at Austin. Stupid idea. Austin reached his arm between his legs and gripped his body tight, slamming him down on the back of his neck with incredible force. Sillah spat out in pain as Austin held him down.
"Listen to me! This isn't the time to do this! Those people want to kill your siblings, we need to have a game plan!"
"FUCK YOU!" Sillah screeched and volleyed Austin in the nose again and again and again until he let up just enough for Sillah to squirm out from under the man. In a flash Sillah was on his back, his forearm pulling on Austin's throat while the other pushed his head forward. Austin instinctively reached both hands up to grab Sillah, despite one of them being utterly broken and... was it bleeding?
Unthinking, Sillah snapped his jaws at Austin's gloved hand. The scream was delightful, delicious, everything Sillah had wanted. NEEDED for years! Nearly a decade of pain was finally leading up to somehting. A conclusion that actually meant something. Peter would scream his lungs out by the time Aesop was done with him, before he fed on his heart.
Austin wouldn't allow such a crime to happen. Lurching to his feet, Austin lamped Aesop with his working fist in the face. Aesop refused to stop biting his hand and Austin had to work up desperate measures, throwing his entire body onto his back and crushing Aesop under his weight. Barely a second had gone by and Austin was already mounting the insolent child. Bringing fist after fist after fist down on the little boy that was Aesop. He tried to knee Austin between the legs but Austin had reacted first, stealing Aesop's idea and assaulting his manhood with his knee. Aesop flinched and screamed out in pain as he was pelted in his face and his testicles. He helplessly punched Austin in the sides but it was no use. The weight of Austin's heavy fist forcing his head against the floor was making him dizzy and the pain down below was enough to make him nauseous.
It wasn't supposed to be like this. It wasn't it wasn't it wasn't! He was supposed to own Austin. To make him his *****! To make him beg for forgiveness, force him to apologise for all his sins. It wasn't meant to be this hard, this impossible, and certainly not this quick. The fight had barely begun and already Sillah was on his back feeling unfathomable strength destroying his face and manhood. By the time it let up Aesop was seeing stars. Austin pressed his forearm of his bad hand against Aesop's throat.
"Don't you understand she stole you from me! From your family."
Aesop struggled to breathe and even speak as he clambered his hands on Austin's face. Austin batted his hands away like nothing as he pressed harder against his throat. "I'm not..." He barely managed to get a few words out. "Your son!"
"So what you're hers! The Pixie is a liar! A murderer!"
"Liiike, you."
That earned Aesop another fist in the lips, enough to knock out a couple of his front teeth.
"You aren't a pretender Sillah! Please, please stop hurting me son! You have no idea the agony I am in!"
Aesop began convulsing beneath Austin. Those words had pissed him off more than anything Austin had ever said. Where did this bastard get off! Who the fuck did he think he was! Who did-
It was becoming harder for Aesop to think such thoughts as he was struggling to breathe, his eyes rolling in the back of his head and his face going from a dark brown to a bright, feverish red.
Placing the jack under the crawler, Lilith angrily pumped the handle as the vehicle slowly lifted.
They had managed to clear Feroxi, driving nonstop for several miles in complete silence, When it appeared they were not being chased, Lilith had brought the crawler to a stop. The rear tyre needed replacing, or they wouldn't be getting anywhere.
Falling to her knees in the ash, Lilith placed a hand on the offending wheel, thankful that the crawler was of the fully outfitted city guard variety.
Without looking at Axel, Lilith held out her hand. "Tyre iron." She demanded curtly.
Sprout hopped out of the crawler and handed Lilith the tool without saying a word. Once she'd taken it in her hands he simply stood over her and watched, his hands buried in his pockets. The inside of his breathing mask was a mess of humid liquids but he didn't really have any way of dealing with it at the moment.
The silence throughout the journey was... oppressive. Maria scraped the ground with her heel, just standing there as the duo made the repairs. She had her eye on the horizon, nothing much to do as the more mechanically-inclined did their work on the crawler. All in all, Maria just felt... drained.
Snatching the the tyre iron from the boy, Lilith quickly set to loosening the bolts on the damaged wheel.
The woman was still furious, it was all she could do to not scream at the other two.
After all that talk, after all those promises, after swearing that she'd never let Dio get his filthy hands on the girl. All that meant nothing now. She had failed Elizabeth, failed Cranston, failed Meredith, failed everyone.
Failed Margaret.
Did she resent him? Resent Maria? Sprout wasn't sure. It was a tough call, but one they had to make. They had no other choice.
After standing in silence a bit longer, Sprout finally spoke up, "Hey... are you okay, Lily? I can do this if ya' wanna rest."
Glancing up at the boy, her eyes told him everything he needed to know. Clenching her jaw, she held her tongue as she returned her attention back to the task at hand.
Sprout balled his hands into fists. He hated seeing her like this. He hated that pained expression. But worst of all, he hated being the target of her anger. Her despair.
As Lilith went back to work, ignoring Sprout's words, he bowed his head and closed his eyes, "Ya' know, ya' don' 'ave ta' suffer alone. They were ar' friends too."
Biting her lip, Lilith ignored the boy as she reached over to remove a stubborn bolt from the damaged wheel, catching her hand on a jagged shard of metal hidden behind a sagging section of the tyre.
Gasping in pain, Lilith jumped to her feet, grasping her hand as blood steadily trickled from the deep cut on her palm.
Holding her breath as she tried to quell the rage rising in her throat, it wasn't enough.
"GOD FUCKING DAMN IT!" The woman roared as she buried her injured fist into the side of the crawler.
Maria's eyes darted towards the shouting Lilith. Of course it would be foolish to run up to the bear with a sore head and ask if she was okay - Lilith was clearly the very opposite of okay. And so were the rest of them.
Maria walked towards the injured woman both calmly and tentatively. Afterwards, the doctor placed her hands on Lilith's bloody one, moving it away from the crawler's side.
Maria sighed and said, "Y'know, I've seen plenty of hands get broken that way."
Her tone rang of exhaustion. And to be honest, Maria fully expected to get hit by an angry Lilith.
Sprout winced when Lilith screamed and reactively reached out when Maria approached her. He withdrew his hand and furrowed his brow, "Need me ta' grab anythin' from the first aid kit, Maria?"
Lilith snatched her hand from Maria's grasp. "Don't touch me!" The girl hissed as she turned away from the doctor, kneeling back down in front of the damaged wheel.
Using her unwounded left hand, she more carefully removed the bolt she had tried to shift from before.
'Can't even removed a goddamn wheel without fucking up.'
Sprout and Maria shared a concerned look before Sprout knelt down behind Lilith to get a better look at her hand, "Lilith..."
"No." The girl muttered simply as she struggled to do the job with one set of fingers, her right hand resting on her lap, blood slowly pooling in her palm.
Well, at least Maria didn't get hit in the face. She crouched close to Sprout and put her arm on his shoulder. The doctor let out another sigh, "C'mon, just get it bandaged."
Sprout couldn't help but scowl as he reached out and grabbed Lilith's shoulder, ignoring Maria completely, "Lilith, listen to me!"
"FUCK OFF!" Lilith roared as she got to her feet, pushing the boy off balance as she got to her feet. Standing over the pair, Lilith balled her her hands tightly into fists. "WHY DON'T YOU BOTH JUST FUCK OFF!"
This was a familiar sight.
Despite how desperately he wanted to reach out and embrace her, Sprout couldn't simply turn the other cheek. This wasn't the Lilith he knew. Lilith wouldn't take out her pain on her loved ones. No, this woman was weak.
Rising to meet her, he closed the small gap between them so that their faces were but a few inches away from each other, "Fuck off to where? Huh?! Come on, tell me Lily! I'd love ta' hear what'cha gotta say!"
For the briefest of moments, the woman was impressed with the boy's reaction. Her eyes bore into his as she desperately fought the urge to lash out.
This wasn't his fault, none of this was any of their fault. Then why was she so angry?
Just as Lilith had mentally gotten into a place she felt confident in, life just had to go and throw her a curve ball didn't it? Just had to sucker punch her, just had to hurt the ones she loved.
"Back off boy." Lilith muttered through gritted teeth.
"Or what!?" Sprout barked. "You'll hit me? Really? You'd do that? After everythin' that's happened?! After everythin' you've learned an' experienced?!" His expression softened as he let out a deep sigh. "Lily," He searched her eyes. "Yer like Ma' in a lotta ways an' I've always been happy ta' see that, but... this? When I look at ya' now I don' see a brave woman whose willin' ta' sacrifice everythin' fer her loved ones. What I do see is a weak, scared little girl who strikes down her own children when her life gets to hard." He grit his teeth. "So what!? You gonna man up an' get over yerself or ar' ya' gonna hit me!?"
Maria stood up and rested one hand on her hip. She cocked her head, "Well, what are ya gonna do Lilith? Just sit there bleeding on dusty sand?"
She shook her head, adding, "Can't carry on like that forever."
Lilith stood there silently, her anger smouldering as the duo laid into her. Eyes still on the boy's, she couldn't help but notice the familiar situation she found herself in. It didn't feel so good in the other side either.
Pursing her lips, her eyes softened as she let the tension from her body.
"We left them, Axel." Her voice cracked as her expression softened.
"Yeah, we did," He replied. "We told Cranston we'd do as he said. You can' blame yerself fer what happened. None of us could'a done any better than we did. Look, we'll go back home. We'll go back to Ma'. Maybe she'll have a solution. Maybe we can fix this. Don' lose hope yet, Lily."
"Hmph" Turning away from the boy, she walked over to the crawler, her hand dripping blood onto the ash. Leaning with her back to the crawler, she slid to the ground, pulling up her knees, she buried her face in her arm as she draped it over her legs.
'I hate it when he's right'.
She closed her eyes as a wave of shame washed over her.
Silently, she held out her wounded palm.
"Sprout." Maria said softly, "Just get some bandages, will ya?"
"Sure." Sprout said simply as he walked over to the back seat of the crawler to retrieve bandages from the first aid kit. Once he had them he gave them to Maria.
Bandages received, she walked over to Lilith, knelt beside her and wordlessly began to dress the wounded hand.
As the doctor wrapped her hand, Lilith winced slightly. Surely there was still hope? Elizabeth would still be alive, and who knows, maybe Cranston was captured, or he escaped!
She wasn't particularly optimistic about either outcome, but they were better than the alternative.
"Thanks." The girl mumbled quietly to Maria, her head still buried in her arm.
"No problem." Maria beamed. "Wanna just sit here for a bit?"
Lilith shook her head.
"Hey," Sprout bent over and held his hand out at Lilith. "What did we say ta' each other? Back in that bar... do you remember?"
A short grunt escaped the girl's throat as she reached out with her wounded hand, pulling the boy down next to her. She then proceeded to point at the doctor, clicking her fingers before pointing at the empty spot of ground on her right side.
Maria nodded, moved and sat down at the decided spot.
Head still buried, she wrapped her arm around Sprout's neck, pulling him into her as she herself leaned against Maria's shoulder.
"Sorry." The girl mumbled pathetically.
Sprout chuckled, "No need ta' say sorry, Lil. But if it makes ya' feel better I'll accept it."
"Yeah." Maria agreed, "Hmmm, maybe I should start renting out this shoulder."
"Fuck you guys." Lilith grunted, with exaggerated self pity.
Whatever was going to happen, they'd do it together.
Always together.
"Alright, enough of this pity party," Sprout got to his feet. "The inside of my breathing mask feels like a fuckin' swamp. If ya' don' mind I'd like ta' get ta' where I can clean the damn thin' ASAP." He laughed and helped Lilith to her feet.
Maria chuckled, "Did that tyre ever get fixed?"
"Fuck," Sprout trudged over to it. "I'll take care of it. I mean I did a pretty---FUCK! MARIA! Yer moped's still in Feroxi!"
"Mierda!" The doctor said as hand met face as she mock-mourned the loss of a mostly unreliable machine. "Nothing's the same without it."
A short sharp laugh escaped Lilith's mouth. Before she knew it, she was doubled over, tears welling in her eyes as she struggled to breath. "FUCK!" the girl sputtered. "YAH SHITTY MOPED!" She clutched at her sides as the laughter refused to stop.
"It was a dear friend!" Maria pouted.
Sprout started working on the tire, "To think I stripped ar' old crawler ta' fix it. We left that poor ol' girl too. Ruffles would be so disappointed in us." He laughed. "If I ever lead the Maiden I'll 'ave ta' be sure not ta' park 'er in enemy territory."
Maria turned towards Lilith and pointed at Sprout, "I bet you know your odds pretty well, so... Tell me, what are odds of this pipsqueak taking over the Maiden? High? Low?"
Still reeling from her bout of laughter, Lilith coughed as she caught her breath. "He's the captain's son, he'll inherit that shit no matter how much of a snot nosed little dumbass he is." She winked Axel, as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"I feel sorry for ya then." Maria quipped. "As soon as he gets the post, I'll bet he'll put on a hat and cape and everything."
"Pfft, who wouldn't?" Lilith smiled. "Capes are fuckin' awesome."
Maria replied with, "More like dangerous. You wouldn't believe the amount of injuries they cause."
Sprout scoffed, "Don' matter what I wear. Once I'm captain I won' 'ave ta' worry 'bout gettin' pussy ever again!"
"And try to keep it down. There's not much room to scatter for cover down here. If we run into any of Austin's goons and they get the jump on us, we're dead."
Ruffles put a finger to his lips and gave Amy a silent thumbs up.
Whiskey shouldered her shotgun and instead drew one of her pistols. As Amy was taking point, she could not fire The Persuader in such a confined space without risking wounding the other woman. As they advanced, she wondered idly whether Austin's brainwashed army would really have kept guard down here. Or even sent people down in the first place.
It was possible, but she thought it more likely they might run into Yuteni citizens hiding out. That didn't mean it wasn't dangerous, though. They were all just about young enough to be mistaken for one of Austin's fucked up children. It was a crossfire incident waiting to happen.
There. It was over. The two of them were dead or at least close and bundled together in the back of the crawler. Florian should have been furious. He should have been screaming for their blood, reaching for the nearest gun or knife or brick and setting about ruining their bodies in the most bloody way possible. But he was just so tired, drained and weak. The cold that he'd once welcomed as the brisk embrace of home was whipping around his tattered torso, sinking in under his skin and claim its own selfish toll. Somehow taking his frustrations out on the pampered, foppish, face of these maniacs just didn't seem worth the energy.
"Are you... alright?" he asked "Relatively speaking, of course. I wouldn't want to ask a stupid question."
"This isn't right." He croaked out, looking at the desolation around him.
The Hussar crews had been trained harshly over the past few years, they were professionals. This looked like a gang of children had run amok through the streets with heavy ordnance. It was as close to quiet as things had been in days now (however many days he'd been trapped there) but the sounds of fighting had kept up. Not higher calibers, the sounds of pockets of resistance being put down but small weapons. Street crime and thug activity.
"No, it isn't." The Gentleman agreed, though likely for different reasons.
The two of them surveyed the aftermath in silence for a while, before The Gentleman continued, "For what it's worth Florian, that conversation we had before, about my... intentions? Well, you can consider them aborted. Recent events, not the least of which being how events here span so quickly out of my control, have forced me to reassess. I'm not certain when or how, but it is clear to me now that my house has been infiltrated by disorder, and I must focus on righting the ship, before I can once more turn my attention to the greater game afoot, at which point, I will likely be in need of a new plan."
He walked back to the Crawler, and was about to get in the driver's seat, when he turned around again to face his travelling companion.
"It was a mistake to bring you here," The Gentleman said "both on my part, and Meredith's. I recognise that I have done enough to harm you in the last few days, and I shan't presume to have any say in where you go from here. However, if you would permit me to offer some last advice? Don't stay here, Florian. I know what you're thinking of doing, and it's a bad idea. Leave this place, and forget it, just as it has forgotten you. While you're at it, don't return to Meredith and the Maidens. Let them believe you died here, and make a fresh start with some new calling. It shouldn't be too hard, you've done it before. I respect Meredith, and she has aided me far more than I know I deserve, but I'm afraid I cannot share the same blind spot that the rest of you seem to have. The only thing more dangerous than being her enemy, is to be her friend. For all her good intentions, and all her charity, I knew from the moment I met her how toxic her nature truly was, and I'll admit, I used it to my advantage.
It is hard not to admire her courage, her compassion, and her singular drive... but make no mistake, put your faith in her, and she will devour you until there is nothing left. You may dislike me Florian, you may even be inclined to call me evil, but believe that it would upset me greatly to see that happen to you, as I have seen happen too many times before."
Drawing his gaze away from the lone, stricken figure of the priest, The Gentleman got in the Crawler, ignited the engine, and drove away in a cloud of dust without another word.
Amy had been leading the group through the sewers for about 10 minutes, when she heard the scuffing of footsteps up ahead, which were too distinctive to be chalked up to rats. She held up her hand to halt everyone behind her, and listened. The sound was moving away from her, off to the left at a junction. Silently, she motioned forward with her fingers, and move up as slowly as she could afford, placing her feet carefully and keeping her gun raised.
As they turned off the junction, Amy's eyes caught a light in an alcove for a split second before it was hurriedly snuffed out. Her party continued, creeping ever closer to the position.
"Halt!" a shaking voice called out, and in front of Amy jumped out a boy no older than sixteen, a .45 calibre pistol gripped unsteadily out in front of him. In response, Amy's finger had curled tight around the trigger of her MP5. The slightest twitch of a muscle from her would be enough to loose a round straight between his eyes. She had almost done exactly that, but even in the near darkness, the look in his eyes had stopped her just in time. He was scared, having not had a good night's sleep in days, and those eyes did not shine with the same Zealous fervour that she had seen in those they had already killed.
'He's not one of them. He's a civilian.'
"Don't come any closer!" The boy warned, clearly attempting to sound braver than he was. He may not have been their enemy, but if Amy couldn't convince him that she wasn't his, she may well have to shoot him anyway.
"It's alright." she told him, keeping her gun up and steady. "We're not with the people that invaded Yuteni. We're here to help."
"Prove it!" he spat. He may not have been convinced, but the soothing element Amy employed in her voice, was at least enough for him to relax the hold on his gun.
Amy peered behind him. There were others languishing in the dark, children and adults alike. Some looked up at her fearfully, while others hid their faces, as if not seeing her would shield them.
"You've been here long enough to see what they've been doing." she told the kid. It wasn't a question, but he nodded in affirmation all the same. "You've seen how they kill all the grown-ups on sight, and take away the children."
He nodded again.
"A bunch of you are in your forties and fifties. If I wasn't being straight with you, they'd be dead already."
The gun began to droop in the boy's hands. Amy still wasn't safe yet, but she was beginning to get through to him. It might have been worth the risk to try and disarm him right then, but Amy stayed her current course.
"Now, look at the woman behind me, on my right." she told him, keeping her body still. Sudden movements would not be a very good idea right now. "I reckon she's old enough to be a target for those nut-jobs, wouldn't you agree? Do you think she'd be with me right now, if I was one of them?
The .45 was almost pointed at the floor, when one of the figures, huddled up against the wall, lifted its head.
"I was sure I knew that voice."
It took Amy more than a few seconds to recognise him, through the gloom. He was ragged, covered in grime, and badly in need of a shave.
"Stephen?"
"You know her?" The boy demanded, rounding on the other man.
"I must admit," Steven continued, smiling weakly "The Golden Rose was just about the last person I expected to encounter down here, especially in circumstances such as this."
"The Golden-wait..."
"Yes, Rob. This is Miss Amy Turner. The finest young lady in Yuteni, and all the Ashlands for that matter, though it would seem her career has taken something of a turn. She's not your enemy. However, she seems perfectly capable of killing you if you do anything stupid, so I suggest you put that thing away."
"Thank you, Stephen." Amy said, lowering her weapon as Rob uneasily holstered his in his waistband. Her voice sounded just a little more girlish than it did a moment before. "It's... good, to see a familiar face."
"Is it?" Stephen asked, sounding tired. "I never could tell if you were being truthful, Miss Turner. I suppose that was all part of the attraction once. I shall choose, as always, to take you at your word."
Getting slowly to his feet, Stephen straightened up, and brushed some of the dirt away from the ruins of his suit, for what little it accomplished.
"Now, you say your here to help? Perhaps you could start by showing us the way out."
Most of the ride up had been made in silence. Tsubaki had always found it difficult to strike up a conversation when on her way to see Dio like this. Nerves, probably. They had only just gotten back to base when they were summoned to his penthouse. Apparently the debriefing couldn't wait. They were almost there by the time Tsubaki finally spoke, "This is your first time being summoned by him, isn't it?"
"I believe it is." Asad smiled at the woman.
'Thankfully.'
Asad wasn't particularly enthralled by the prospect of a meeting with Basilio, but it was always wise to get one's bearings of a person. See what made him tick. "You don't have to come with me, you know."
Tsubaki pursed her lips and cocked an eyebrow, "Someone's got to have your six, Asad. Besides, he's going to want my input."
"My six?" The man chuckled softly. "Is there something you're not telling me?" His expression changed to that of mock concern. "This isn't all an elaborate ruse to assassinate me is it?"
Tsubaki scoffed, "How important do you think you are?"
"You're right." The man shrugged. "I'll just take my huge pay rise and be on my way."
Right on cue, the elevator doors opened as if Asad had planned to have the last word all along. As they stepped through the threshold, the two armed guards fell in behind them and escorted them to the enormous doors that led to Dio's penthouse. Never had Tsubaki come to this place twice in such a short span of time. She respected Dio, but there was something about his personal quarters that put a bad taste in her mouth, "Remember, be respectful." She muttered as they crossed through the doorway.
"When am I not?" The man quipped, a small smirk curling his lips. Noting the woman's disapproving look, he rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I know, I know."
"Asad--"
"Welcome," Dio called out from behind his desk, silencing the two soldiers immediately. "Come, pull up a seat." He gestured towards the two chairs that were sitting in front of his desk. Tsubaki let out a sigh of relief when she noticed he was dressed this time. Nodding to Asad, the two of them approached the desk and took their seats.
"Sir, I--"
"No need for formal greetings, Commander." Dio interrupted. Clearly he was still a bit annoyed from earlier. "Harel, was it? I understand you were the soldier responsible for capturing that old man and rescuing my betrothed?"
"Yes sir." Asad answered, his expression formal. "I would hasten to add that the operation would not have been a success without lieutenant Gamble's assistance." He quickly added. "I would not be here right now if not for her."
Dio nodded, "Of course, your entire squad is to be praised." Dropping the documents he had been looking over onto his desk, he finally made eye contact with Asad. "You were their commanding officer during the operation, however, which is why you are before me now." He glanced over at Tsubaki for a brief moment before looking back at Asad. "Tell me what happened."
Asad nodded, taking a second to organise his thoughts. "Me and my squad were called out to an attempted escape at the North gate, which later proved to be a distraction. We surmised that the South gate would be the most likely escape route used by The Maidens, with Lady Maribel in tow." He paused for a moment. "Our hunch was proven correct, the Maidens had already dispatched the South gate guard and were in the process of opening the tunnel to the outer dome walls. Majors Moon and O'Lafferty split from myself and the Lieutenant in attempt to oversee the conflict from the rooftops"
Asad furrowed his brow. "It would seem that they were confronted by the Cook en route and were both neutralised, although I did not know this until later." Asad coughed slightly before continuing. "The Maidens attempted a... gambit, that was unfortunately successful, and they managed to escape into the tunnel via a stolen crawler. It was at this point that the Cook appeared, as well as several guards that had been sent as backup."
"Myself and the lieutenant followed on foot, since our own crawler had been made inoperable at the start of the conflict. Upon arriving further in the tunnels, it appeared that both Lady Maribel and the Cook had been jettisoned from the escaping crawler, either by the intervention of our own men, or the poor driving on the Maidens' part, I don't know for certain."
Eager to wrap up the summary of the mission, Asad crossed his arms over his chest. Dio had been listening attentively, which was surprising. "The Cook fled into the inner walls of the dome, dispatching all of the pursuing backup, both me and the lieutenant gave chase, and we managed to subdue the Cook and take both him and Lady Maribel into custody."
Dio remained still until Asad had finished his tale. Nodding to himself, he closed his eyes and considered what the soldier had said, "And Lady Maribel? Did she resist?"
"Lieutnenant Gamble subdue the Lady, yes, but only after sustaining an injury that forced her to do so." Asad replied simply.
Dio leaned back in his seat and frowned, "What would you say her mental state is like right now? Do think she's been manipulated by the enemy?"
The memory of the Maribel girl with a gun to her own head flashed through his mind.
"LISTEN TO ME, DOGS OF BASILIO! I AM ELIZABETH VERONICA MARIBEL, THIRD IN THE LINE OF THE BOOMHOWER NOBLE FAMILY! BETROTHED TO YOUR LORD! IF YOU DO NOT LAY DOWN YOUR ARMS I AM PREPARED TO TAKE MY OWN LIFE! NOW, COME OUT WHERE WE CAN SEE YOU!"
Asad's eyes did not move from Basilio's. "I would say that the Lady was terrified and was unsure of who she could trust, my Lord."
Implying the girl was too far gone might end poorly for her, better Asad be as vague as possible, if the girl has any common sense, she'll have her own deception planned.
"She may very well have been fed misinformation by your enemies, information that made her fear for her life, my Lord. I ask that you take that into consideration."
"Well," Dio shook his head. "If it weren't for the city guard's brazen disregard for the Lady's safety she may have been more cooperative. I've already informed their superiors of what improvements I expect to see in the future. Commander Saburo."
"Sir."
"While your men are in recovery Samsara is to be temporarily disbanded. The two of you will, for the time being, be reassigned."
Tsubaki was taken aback, "M'Lord?"
"You are to serve as my personal guard for now," He smiled. "And Major, considering your experience handling Lady Maribel, I will leave it to you to look after her. Once she wakes up I expect you to serve as her shadow. You will go where she goes and keep your eyes on her at all times. Keep her safe and keep her in the tower."
Despite his surprise, Asad managed to keep his compsure.
"Don't let her share the fate of her sister. Don't let that monster devour her."
"My Lord, if I may, what is to become of the Cook? He undoubtedly has information that could prove very useful." Asad glanced at Tsubaki before returning his gaze to Basilio. "Request to interrogate the prisoner, my Lord."
"Denied," Dio replied without missing a beat. "His whereabouts are classified. Besides, neither one of you are qualified to interrogate a man like him. His mind will require a far more direct dissection."
Asad clenched his jaw. It was a long shot anyway. "Understood, my Lord." He glanced at Tsubaki. "What of the two majors, O'Lafferty and Moon? After they've recovered from their injuries, of course."
"Once Lady Maribel can function on her own and your comrades have recovered I will have Samsara reinstated."
Tsubaki nodded. At least there was that.
"Thank you my Lord." Asad bowed his head slightly. "I have no further questions."
"Good," Dio stood up. "Now, if you wouldn't mind, I have a young woman in need of a few answers to tend to. Thank you for your time, Commander." He nodded.
Tsubaki nodded in return, "M'lord."
"Major." Again, he nodded.
"M'lord." Asad bowed his head slightly, then glanced at Tsubaki, awaiting her lead.
Turning on her heel, Tsubaki marched out of Dio's office with Asad in tow. Once they reached the privacy of the elevator, Tsubaki let out a sigh of relief and looked to her subordinate, "Well... what do you think?"
"Hmm?" Asad raised an eyebrow and as he leaned against the wall of the elevator. "What do you mean?"
"About the assignment he gave you."
"I don't know." Asad shrugged his shoulders. "I suppose we'll see what she thinks of this whole situation when someone isn't pointing a gun in her general direction." He smirked slightly. "What do you think?"
"It's weird," Her gaze looked distant as she stared at the elevator door. "My squad is no longer my own... for now, anyway. I don't like it. I fought hard enough to have you lead Samsara in my stead, but now you all are completely out of my hands."
"Well, it's only temporary, right?" The man yawned slightly. "And at least we're being kept in the loop." He placed a hand on the woman's shoulder. "What about you? You gonna be okay being his 'personal bodyguard?'"
Tsubaki put her hand on his but did not look at him, "I can look after myself. There's no reason for concern." A sad smile formed on her lips. "As of this moment I am no longer your commanding officer. I don't think it has set in yet."
Asad breathed in deeply. "So this is what freedom tastes like..."
"Sweet or sour?" She chuckled softly.
He paused for a moment. "Disappointing would be the word I'd use." He winked at the woman. "We still up for drinks?"
Finally, Tsubaki's eyes found his own, "Yeah, I'll probably regret it in the morning but... I don't know what I'd do with myself tonight if I didn't."
"That bad huh?" Asad chuckled. "I thought you weren't going to drink ever again after what happened the last time?"
"Last time was bad," Tsubaki broke eye contact. "It was... I was in a bad place. I can't say I'm really doing all that much better right now, but at least I'm worried more about you guys than I am myself. There's also the fact that, well, you're not my subordinate right now. That helps."
"How are you feeling about what... you know." He took his hands into his pockets. "Think that's gonna affect this whole bodyguard schtick?"
"No," Tsubaki shook her head. "I made it clear to him that we wouldn't be repeating that night. He may resent me for it on a personal level, but he understands my worth as a soldier. If he... tries anything, I'll stand my ground." She looked to him. "I promise."
"That's good." Asad nodded, an approving look in his eye. "Good job kid." He patted the woman on the back. "See, I can call you 'kid' now, and there's nothing you can do about it."
Tsubaki cocked an eyebrow before slapping him hard against the back of his head, "Sure there is."
"Assaulting a former collegue?" The man chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head. "Ought to report your ass."
"I'm getting you drunk, Major," She scoffed. "You can kiss my ass."
"Now there's a thought." The man winked as a smirk curled his lips.
Tsubaki pouted, "You really think I need more people gossiping about my fat ass?"
"I'm sure they just need to get to know it first, maybe take it for a few drink, you know?" He glanced down at the woman's rear. "Poor misunderstood creature." He shook his head solemnly.
Tsubaki sighed and placed her palm over her forehead, "This is such a bad idea."
"What's even worse is that you offered." The man chuckled. "Nobody to blame but yourself."
"Just for that, you're buying the booze," The two of them shared a brief laugh before the elevator doors opened. "I'll meet you at my place." She said as she stepped out and started down the hall.
"Anything you want in particular?" Asad stuffed his hands into his pockets as he followed behind her.
She shrugged, "Get me whatever it is you get your other girls."
"Lots of water and respect it is!" He quipped as he looked at the woman, smiling warmly. The man was pleasantly surpised but how much of a turn the woman had made, he half expected her to start pushing him and the others further away, but instead she was doing the opposite.
'At least something good came from this whole mess.' He mused.
"Stuff the snark before I get second thoughts, Harel," She chuckled as they parted ways at a fork in the hallway. "See you soon."
"I'll bring more chips!" He cupped his mouth with one hand as he called out to her. "I know how much you love to stuff your face with them!" He was a lot louder than he needed to be.
Tsubaki simply held her arm out behind her and flipped him off before disappearing around another corner.
What in the world are you thinking, Tsutsu?
After a short walk she'd made it back to her apartment. Her cat had been sleeping on the armrest of her sofa, waiting patiently for its master to return home. She forced a smile as she scratched behind its ears. Its purs did help cheer her up a bit, but upon reaching the kitchen she was suddenly hit with the full brunt of her despair. Plopping down in a chair, she dropped her head into her arms on the kitchen table and let out a long, exasperated sigh.
It had been a long day.
If things had gone any differently her men could have all be wiped out. Despite their survival, Tsubaki still felt awful. If she had been there, maybe they could have captured Maribel without any casualties.
It's useless.
Worrying about 'what-ifs' never did anyone any good. Tsubaki knew this. Resting her chin on the table, she peeked out from behind her arms to see her kitten sitting on the table in front of her, looking at her. He really was adorable. Tsubaki didn't have to force a smile this time as she reached out to pet him.
"Stay hidden. Stay safe. We'll come find you once this is all over." Bennie instructed the small gathering of children he'd found locked away in one of the Maiden's utility closets. The scared boys and girls nodded in compliance and remained huddled close together when he closed the door once more. Bennie glanced down the hall to see Brock was busy doing something similar. Despite the atrocities he and his fellow Maidens had been forced to commit, at least this little something served to ease his troubled soul. After all, these children were who they were fighting for in the first place.
Weren't they?
He was only able to take a few more steps down the hall when the sounds of a young woman screaming caught his attention. Someone had been stuffed in a nearby locker from the looks of it. He was surprised she even had enough room to slam her fists against the damn thing, "COVER YOUR EARS!" He shouted just before he shot the padlock with his revolver. The lock snapped and he opened the door swiftly, his weapon ready just in case.
Isabel promptly clasped her ears tight but still couldn't stand the sound of the stinging echo the gunshot left in the locker. Isabel fell out of the locker almost instantly, panting and clutching her chest. She wanted to thank the man, but she needed to find her baby, and manners were not a main concern.
"Give me a gun right the fuck now." Her breath was ragged, as if she never expected to be let out.
"Whoa, whoa, chill out a second, girl," Bennie suggested as he rested one hand on her shoulder. "I can't just give you a gun. Who are you?"
Isabel grabbed his wrist tight and stared up at him with desperate, bloodshot eyes. "HE TOOK MY BABY GIVE ME A GOD DAMN GUN!"
"Shit," Bennie muttered. Just then a young man, likely no older than sixteen, rounded the corner with a shotgun levelled. Bennie caught him in his periphery almost immediately. "GET DOWN!" He shouted as he forced Isabel to the floor with his freehand.
"DEATH TO THE PRETENDERS!" The teen shouted as he fired his weapon. Bennie fired in return as he ducked down low with Isabel. The buckshot flew over his head, thankfully, and the boy was on the ground before he could take a second shot. Bennie rose to his feet and fired once more to ensure his target was dead before he began his approach.
He had a sawed-off shotgun and a glock. Looking back to Isabel he shrugged, "You can have one of his."
The second he was done speaking she had ragged the gun out of his hands. "Overdramatic little shit." She turned up back to Bennie. "Where's Austin? Where's safe to go?"
Bennie shrugged, "We think Austin's on or near the bridge. I don't think we've made contact with him yet. Do you have any idea where he'd have kept your baby?" As he spoke he checked around the corner. Nothing. This cultist was likely working up the courage to attack after his cew had been wiped out.
"He probably has him as a..." she shuddered before continuing, "as a prize somewhere. Either somewhere safe or way out in the open. I need to go, I need to." She took off down the way he came before shouting down. "Austin has a wife and a kid, a real kid, somewhere down here. Thank you." And like that she was gone. Troy wouldn't be suffer like she had a second longer.
"WAIT, I----FUCK!" Bennie couldn't stop her. He couldn't waste his time babysitting one grown woman when there was a ship full of helpless children in need of his rescue. "God dammit..." He muttered as he continued down the hall.
Don't get yourself killed, kid.
Bennie continued navigating the maze that was the Maiden's lower deck. He had no clue what the ship was originally intended to be, but he wouldn't be surprised if several decades ago it served as a prisoner transport of some sort. The sheer amount of small quarters throughout the bottom of the ship suggested as much. Naturally, it was perfect for what Austin had used it for in the wake of Yuenti's fall.
Fortunately for Bennie, however, he had spent a long time getting to know this ship. He knew his way around. As he made his way to the center of the lower deck, he began to notice fewer bodies littering the floor. Eventually, he reached an area where no fighting had yet took place. Pressing himself against the wall, he peeked around the corner to see two armed guards standing vigil in front of one of the Maiden's various holding cells. It looked like they were arguing.
"FUCK MAN, Father might be in trouble up there!"
"We have our orders! He told us to stay put and watch over Mother! The pretenders may try to AW FUCK----!"
Bennie spun around the corner, firing his submachine gun at the hip. He cut straight through one of them, but only managed to slip the other in the leg as he scrambled inside of the holding cell. Sprinting down the hall, Bennie attempted to open the door but it had already been barred from the other side, "Shit."
The young man panted and squealed as he locked the door from the inside, sitting against the wall and staring at his mother, while she was busy trying to hide the fact that she was hoping this kid would get his neck blown off his shoulders.
"Mom! Mom whadda I do?" The door was being barged on the other side, the door would hold but it wasn't the strongest thing in the world. "Mom he's fucking huge!"
Alex could see he was scared, terrifed even. She wasn't good at feeling bad for people but she'd have to push it away while she committed to her only option. "Get me out of here son. I'll protect you just get me out of here."
"Bu-but father sai-"
"Me and your father are going through a rough patch, but we'll never stop loving you. NOW QUICKLY! While the door still holds!"
He hesitated for a second before realising he was disobeying his own mother. It was the worst kind of sin to disobey father, surely it was the same with mother. He set up and swiftly freed Alex of her bonds. She shook her arms out before turning to the boy. "Give me the gun, I'll take him son." He nodded frantically before handing her the gun. "Get the door." The boy shook as he approached the door. Alex stayed behind the corner of the door, nodding to the man as his hand stayed on the bolt. "Trust me son."
He had just unbolted the door when she blew a hole in his forehead, giving Bennie a good view. He may have saved her but Alex needed to be sure he wasn't going to go apeshit, and she had her handgun ready just in case.
Bennie stepped back from the door and kept his weapon trained on it, "I'm with the Maidens. Who are you?!"
Alex ignored his question."First. How old are you?"
"A bit personal, but what the hell, thirty-three," Bennie chuckled. "How much do you weigh?"
"Is that meant to be smooth?" Despite the situation she had to sarcastically ask.
"No, I'm just being an ass," Bennie lowered his weapon. "That guy called you 'mom'. The fuck's going on here?"
"They're crazies with guns. Alex leered around the corner with her gun still trained on the man, before finally relaxing upon him lowering his weapon. "Don't go nuts, but the psycho asshole up there is my ex. My son-my real son is on this ship. Help me find him." This guy didn't seem the type to be commanded but Alex so loved to give orders anyway.
"Sure," Bennie shrugged. "Where would he be?"
"No idea. You see any other kids?"
Bennie nodded and pointed in the direction he'd come, "Yeah, a lot, but none of them were alone. I had them stay put. We can check back there, but I have a hunch your kid would probably not be thrown in with the rest of them."
"Yeah, you're right. God fucking dammit." She muttered under her breath. "He's probably somewhere tiny, I doubt he can even fucking move." Alex was clearly getting emotional, and doing a much worse job at hiding it than usual.
"Hey," Bennie reached out to put a hand on her shoulder, but withdrew it at the last moment. He had a passing fear she'd snap at his hand in the state she was in. "If he's Austin's 'real kid' I am sure he's safe. You look like you're pretty good with one of those. Cover me while I free the rest of these kids and we may run into your son."
Alex nodded quickly before wiping away a couple unwanted tears. This guy was right, in his own sadistic way he cared about young Austin too much to hurt him. "Lead the way." She croaked her words as she followed.
"Now, you say your here to help? Perhaps you could start by showing us the way out."
"We can manage that," said Whiskey. "And on the surface, we've got the crawler we came here in, plus two more we got a hold of. I don't know how many of you guys are hiding out here, but that's gotta be enough to at least make a start on getting you somewhere safe."
"If you have weapons, now's the time to get 'em ready," added Ruffles.
===================================
"Alright," the kid hollared, squinting in the sun. "It's king of the hill." He was a chubby little kid and he looked delicate. But he was an ideas guy, and he had all their carbon in his hat.
"These girls here are gonna be counting," he said. "Whoever stays on top of the hill for a full minute first, wins. I get a fifty percent cut, and the rest is prize money." He pointed a stubby finger to the mound of earth.
"GO!"
Over a dozen children had chipped in to compete, with twelve year old Bryan among them. The thunder of the other kids was uncomfortably loud, especially for him, with blossoms of colour filling his vision. He ignored the headache and pressed on.
For the most part, the other kids charged forwards like berserkers, but Bryan had a touch of cunning. He hung back, watching the others slam and kick and throw each other down the mound. Occasionally, someone would plant his feet atop it, and the girls would harmonize in their count. "one, two, three, four," but then another boy would dethrone the other.
After a few minutes of this, while several of the children were panting and clutching their knees, Bryan charged forwards. The girls were mid-count. "thirteen, fourteen, fifteen," when Bryan shoulder barged the unsuspecting lad in the small of the back. The kid positively flew.
"One, two, three,"
One boy skidded up the slope, tackling Bryan in the midriff. He kicked up dust but held his ground, and planted his knee between the the other kid's legs. As his first opponent rolled impotently back down the slope, two more came up from opposite sides.
"Eight, nine, ten,"
Bryan thrust out a palm, catching the first one in the sternum, pitching him back down. Then he spun, slamming his elbow into the second kid's head. It said something about street urchin king of the hill that this wasn't the first boy to be knocked out cold today.
"twelve, thirteen, fourteen,"
The several boys still standing were watching him warily, now. They circled the mound like a pack of wolves. There was a little infighting at the base, now. Kids hoping to thin the crowd for their own attempt at holding the hill. Seconds were ticking by.
Bryan grinned as he waited. There was something he wanted to try. As it happened, the perfect opportunity lined itself up when three boys charged from one direction. One in front, two flanking him.
Bryan spun on one foot, lashing out in a roundhouse kick that slammed the first boy in the gut. He was lifted off his feet and collided with the other two behind him. Bryan skidded a little, but managed to keep his position. Just barely.
"Forty four, forty five, forty six,"
Some of the competitors were dispersing now, clutching cuts, bruises and even the occasional broken arm. Shit was getting brutal.
One boy though, a giant of a thirteen year old that Bryan wasn't even sure had entered the competition started striding towards him. He was the sort of kid Bryan thought might already have armpit hair. He topped the mound in two huge strides. Bryan put up his fists.
The behemoth telegraphed his first jab. Bryan swayed and it passed his head by. He responded with a quick flurry of blows to the kid's midriff. He didn't look to even feel them. Before Bryan could register that unnerving face, his knees were buckling as the giant slugged him in the gut. He scrambled to get his feet back under him and lashed out again.
The big bastard swatted his hand aside and shoved him in the chest. Bryan skidded backwards and threw his weight desperately forward.
"sixty!"
Bryan buried his hands in the dirt and managed to get a foot back on the slope.
"Sorry," the pudgy kid said. "Our possible winner has to clear the hill before he gets the victory."
Bryan nearly screamed in frustration, and maybe it was that anger that did it. He pumped his planted leg and straightened up in a flash. As he stood, the top of his head smashed unintentionally into the larger boy's jaw. Lights exploded, and he felt warm droplets pepper his face.
He wiped away the blood as the behemoth swayed. Gurgled. Fell.
"WINNER!"
Bryan threw up his arms in victory and turned. Then stopped. He blinked. The kids were gone. He was in a narrow alley now, and he recognized the bald son of a ***** aiming a gun at him.
Cranston fired. Bryan yelled.
Beeping filled his ears, growing more rapid at an alarming pace.
"Shit, shit, shit, he's waking up!"
Blurry, aggressive light burned his eyes as they opened. Grey shapes flitted back and forth across the sterile whiteness.
"I thought you anesthetized him!"
"I did!"
"Give him more, he can't fucking wake up while we're slicing him, he's going into shock..."
There was a roaring in Bryan's ears, as though he'd cupped his hands over them. He still heard the talking, but it was muffled and incomprehensible, as though he were underwater.
The pain started to recede, and blackness crept in again.
Was that Austin? Yes, it had to be! There was no doubt about it!
"GOD DAMMIT, AESOP! GET BACK HERE!" Pixie and Warren did their best to cover the bearded bandit as he threw caution to the wind in a reckless gambit to take out his nemesis. "FUCKIN' RETARD!" She counted six different times he could have died before he and Austin disappeared down the hall. He was lucky Pixie was such a good shot. Though she yelled for him to return to the formation he was likely too far gone to register her orders.
He was nothing but a mad dog chasing after his prey.
It was a mistake bringin' ya' here, Aesop.
"COME ON, WARREN! THEY'RE THINNIN' OUT! LET'S PUSH ON THROUGH!" Pixie barked at her last remaining comrade.
"ROGER!" He replied as he moved up. Bullets continued to whiz by, but they were in short supply now. They were ankle deep in corpses at this point. It was hard to imagine Austin had many followers left. As they continued pushing, more aggressively than before, the two of them were beginning to run low on ammo. Once she'd emptied the last of Mr. Monroe's magazines into a group of teenage girls she threw her rifle over her shoulder, letting it hang by the strap, and drew her sidearm. "GOT YOUR SIX!" Warren called out as he took up a defensive position at the corner of the hall, allowing Pixie to dash out of the mess hall. It would take all of Warren remaining ammo to keep Austin's prized fighter, Heath, at bay.
Heading towards where she believed Austin and Aesop had run off to, Pixie held her pistol and knife close together as she rounded another corner. As she suspected, a small group of young men were heading down the hall from the direction of the bridge. They stopped in their tracks, scared shitless as they took in Pixie's appearance. She was covered in cuts and bruises as evidenced by her tattered jacket and pants. A bullet hole could be clearly seen in her jack where her vest caught a small-caliber round earlier in the attack. Blood splatters covered every part of her body, more or less caking her hands and forearms. And that stare. There was no light in her one good eye. Just a dull, emotionless void.
That stare was the last thing any of those men saw as she sprung into action the moment they set eyes on her. One man dropped to the floor with a bullet between the eyes while another had his throat slit moments later. The last man tried to level his weapon to defend himself but was too late. She buried her knife deep in his chest before planting her boot on his abdomen and kicking him off. As he stumbled onto his back she fired two rounds into his face. She didn't make a peep. She didn't even crack a smile.
It was as if she wasn't even on the Maiden. She wasn't even on the Rock. She was somewhere else. Somewhere safe. Something else was in control of her body now. Something merciless. Something inhuman.
She thanked God for this creature. Without it, she could not do what had to be done.
Blood dripping off of her knuckles and trickling down her face, Pixie flew into the navigation room, wailing like a siren of war, "AUSTIN! I'M FUCKIN' HERE FER YOU YA' COCK SUCKIN' FUCK!" There he was, crouched over Aesop. Was he alive?
Austin.
Without allowing Austin a chance to reply, she opened fire on his position, forcing him to spring to his feet and scramble for cover, "COME ON OUT YOU STUPID PIECE OF SHIT! I AIN'T HAD A CHANCE TO PROPERLY FUCK YOU IN THE ASS YET!"
Her vacant, thousand yard stare had been replaced by that of a frenzied mad woman. She was out for blood and she wouldn't leave this ship until her enemy was hung from the bow by his entrails.
Elizabeth doubled over in a fit of uncontrollable laughter. She didn't know what she was laughing about, she just new it was funny. She felt... funny. Was she drunk? Considering how Lilith had been trying to hold her up, chances were that she was. She loved drinking with the girls. They were so much fun. And so nice. She wished it could be like this all the time.
"Lilith," Elizabeth looked up at her friend with a stupid grin. "Let's be f-friends forever!"
She was super drunk.
Lilith gave her an understanding smile, "Sounds good to me, Tiger Man. Let's you and me always stick together."
Elizabeth nodded, "Yeah!" Closing her eyes, she rested her head against Lilith shoulder as she embraced the young noble. "Always together..." Suddenly, the warmth of Lilith bosom was replaced by a damp, sticky feeling. We Elizabeth opened her eyes she realized she was in Josephine's embrace.
And she was bleeding profusely.
Her twisted, undead eyes bore into Elizabeth's, gripping the young woman with an unnatural fear, "What about me, M'lady?"
"O-oh, God... I-I-I, Joesphine..." She was shivering.
"YOU LET ME DIE!"
"JOSEPHINE!"
Elizabeth found herself sitting up in a hospital bed, her arms grasping at thin air. Where was she? What had happened? Why did her body hurt so much? Searching herself she found both her right arm and leg had been put in casts and there were bandages all up and down her arms, legs and abdomen. Her face stung like hell as well.
"OH, NO!" She squealed when she suddenly realized what had happened. When she remembered what had happened.
She and Cranston had failed to escape. They had been captured by Dio's forces. But what of the others? What happened to Sprout, Lilith and Maria?
As she struggled to regain her composure and keep herself from panicking, she heard voices coming from outside the room. Were they doctors? "Hello?" She called out, against her better judgement.
"I'M GOING IN!" A stern voice announced. It sounded like the other person was trying to keep them from entering. Moments later a large blonde man entered the room, a concerned look painted on his face.
It was Dio.
"M'Lady you're awake!" He announced as he approached her bedside and took her uninjured hand in his own. "How are you feeling? Do you need anything?"
Elizabeth simply stared at him. She didn't know what to do. What to say. She was terrified.
"Please, M'Lord... she just woke up. She needs time to rest. To recover. I---"
"SILENCE!" Dio roared, "Let her speak for herself."
Yes, let me do just that.
In the time it took Dio to bark at the doctor and set his gaze upon her once more she had managed to calm her nerves. Finding his eyes, she offered him a weak smile, "I'm sorry M'Lord, but I-I don't feel well. Please, let me rest some more."
"Very well," Dio nodded. "I will be right outside. Send for me when you are feeling able to speak."
"Of course." Elizabeth nodded.
"It is good to see you safe and sound, M'Lady," He grinned as he turned to face the doctor. He scowled at the old man before leaving the room. The doctor said nothing as he followed closely behind.
Once they were gone, Elizabeth let out a long, raspy sigh.
Austin's pleas to his first believer seemed to be all for naught. The boy could barely breathe and consciousness was fading swiftly. Austin paused as his body was essentially limp, reaching his fingers into his mouth to pull out the broken teeth, he didn't want his son to choke, and Aesop was too out of it to resist. "Stupid boy-"
The sounds of footsteps brought him back to the danger at hand and he was force to flee behind a support pillar as a pretender unloaded on him. The Pretender. Austin reached into his red robe and pulled out his .500 revolver, ready to blow a hole the size of a newborn baby in her heartless chest.
Pixie threw caution to the wind as she advanced on Austin's position; stepping over Aesop's limp form as she continued to riddle her foe's cover with lead, "COME ON OUT YOU FUCKIN' PUSSY! MAMA'S GOTTA DATE WITH YER CANDY-ASS!"
Austin balled his hands into fists and growled. "If you even knew who mama was oohhh she would tear you to pieces." He just needed to wait out her clip, there couldn't be much left.
"I RECKON YER MAMA GOT TO RIPPIN' UP YER ASS FIRST THEN, HUH!? WHAT A SHAME!" She was about out of ammo, but he was running out of cover. She was almost upon him. "WELL, THAT'S FINE! I AIN'T NEVER BEEN AVERSE TA' SLOPPY SECONDS, ANYHOW!"
"You are a SULLEN DISAPPOINTMENT!" He sprung out of what little cover was left, his hand cannon firing at the liar Pixie Monroe.
"THERE YOU ARE!" She cooed as she returned fire. Stepping to the side in the blink of an eye, Pixie narrowly avoided Austin's shot ; finding her mark on his own weapon and sent it sailing across the room. And just like that, she was out of ammo and he was without his revolver. "LET'S DANCE, ******!" She lunged at him like a wild hound, thrusting her knife at his chest.
Austin had to let out an angry chuckle as his revolver went, before grabbing Pixie's arms as she threw herself at him. "You have A FILTHY TONGUE!" He didn't hold back, swinging his tree trunk leg at her abdomen.
Pixie grit her teeth in preparation of the incoming blow. It hurt. A lot, "It's filthy in more ways'n one, sugar!" She taunted as she caught his leg with her freehand under the knee. Pushing up, she swept her right leg under his left and sent him crashing down to the ground. Mounting him, she pressed down with all her might in an attempt to bury her blade in his chest. "This'll all be over soon. Jus' close yer eyes an' think happy thoughts, now!"
"Heh," Austin gripped her arms as tight as he could, stopping her just short of pushing in. "I wonder if Carlton thought happy thoughts, or any of the others you left behind." He relented for a second, only to pull her arms to one side and bring her chin down onto his elbow before wrestling to get on top of her.
"DON' YOU SAY THEIR NAMES, YOU DISGUSTING FUCK!" He probably should have waited to taunt her AFTER he attempted that maneuver. Her legs more or less free, she sent a knee straight for his manhood as he was attempting to get on top of her. While temporarily stunned, she rolled out of his reach and sprung to her feet. That elbow had shook her brain about a bit. Pressing her attack without a clear head would be a mistake against an opponent like him. "WHAT'S WRONG, *****! GET THE FUCK UP!"
Austin chuckled before growling as he stood up, slowly, staring her down as he did. "Is it sore?" He stood there, not with any kind of defensive stance. "Is it sore knowing you're lonely? That Beck, Hoxton and how many others aren't around to hurt children anymore? Perhaps that's why Lilith and Axel aren't here? Did you already kill them?" He thought back to the files in her room, oh how much could he get under her skin? He thought gleefully.
Pixie's rage welled up for a moment and then, suddenly, dissipated entirely. Instead of lashing out at him like some unhinged lunatic she simply chuckled and shook her head. She knew the game he was playing. She knew it all too well.
She also knew that she was better at it.
"Yeah, maybe I did," She closed her eye and shrugged. She wore a cruel grin. "Maybe I don' gone'n chopped up poor lil' Sprout n' put 'im in a stew. Maybe he's float'n 'round in my stomach right now. Would that make you upset? He is one'a yer 'children' after all, right?" She sneered and met his gaze. "An' I thought I was crazy."
"So you're a cackling witch now?" He sniggered. "I thought you were a child murderer. You haven't seen what I've seen." He was done playing the game now, and his disgust was evident by the way he leered at her even across the room. "You know I thought you were like me. I've heard tales, exaggerated clearly, about how the maidens pluck from the nobles and give to the children. But after seeing body after body piled on top of each other because of YOUR maidens! I know, that its a lie."
Pixie burst out laughing. So hard in fact, that a tear escaped her eye, "You fuckin' kiddin' me with this shit?! Yer delusional as well as stupid, Austin. Ya', maybe we ain't all that different, you'n me. But, ya' know what? Ya' know what separates the two'a us?" Her canine peeked out from behind her lips as her grin widened. "I done'n seen a lotta shit too. More'n my fair share, I admit. But ya' know what? I deal with my shit like a normal person. I drink an' fuck an' fight to deal with the pain. I ain't fuckin' lyin' ta' myself, Austin. But you? You 'ave ta' make up this fucked up fantasy jus' ta' register the world around you. You can' even fuckin' function without seein' everythin' rotten about this world as part'a some kinda divine conspiracy where yer at the center, fightin' the good fight as some Christ, God, Marry an' fuckin' Joseph stand in."
She scoffed, "Yer the center of yer own fucked up world, Austin. Don' you see? You don' give two fucks about any of these kids. So long as you got someone suckin' on the end of yer knob callin' you daddy, you feel like yer fuckin' worth somethin'. Well guess what, you ain't God. No, God's way more fuckin' sadistic than you. I mean, for one, he put me here in the same room as you." She twirled her knife around in her hand and kissed the air. "God's a sick fuck, Austin. Accept that."
Austin was silent for a while before he answered, his eyes flaring up. He spoke each word slowly. "Christ, is a lie. God is a lie. Every word you say shows how ignorant you are. I'm glad I'm here, because it shows me how stupid I have been for believing there could be potential. Potential in someone that I haven't taught. And for your information, I DO NOT!" He broke forward and swung for her with heavy hands." RESORT! TO DEGRADING MYSELF LIKE A PRETENDER WHORE!" Miss, miss, she was damn fast. "BECAUSE I AM WORTH MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER THINK!" He waited until her counterattack before dropping low and grabbing her waist, picking her up and slamming her down onto the ground.
"And there is no point in wasting my time on a walking lie."
It worked. God damn, it worked.
How had this man gotten so far without being challenged? How was it that it had taken this long for him to fall?
She allowed him to tire himself out, weaving in and out of his blows effortlessly. When he moved in for the grapple she grit her teeth and focused on what was important.
The knife.
She hit the ground hard. Though the wind had been knocked clear out of her, her knife remained firmly in her grip, "YOU AIN'T WORTH SHIT!" She hissed as she clutched his shoulder with one hand and stretched her other arm out to the side. Swinging down hard, she buried her bowie knife deep into his shoulder blade and pulled.
Austin howled out loud as he was pierced with cold metal. As quick as it had happened Austin lurched for her throat, lamping her again and again in the side of the head, hoping he'd distract her just long enough to let go of the blasted knife.
Pixie couldn't just let her skull get smashed into dust. Having pulled the knife as far as it would go with her limited leverage, she released it. Though she was dizzy, she managed to muster up enough focus to grab the sides of his face and dig her thumbs into his eyes. As he screamed out in pain she threw her head forward, bashing her forehead as hard as she could against his own.
His howls could be heard throughout the ship, he couldn't allow this walking lie to blind him, he'd been humiliated enough. He released his grip, surprised he could hold her head in place with his bad hand, and pulled his arms back before hooking them under hers. He spread his elbows, forcing her to move her arms before violently clubbing her in the face with his arms like a bear.
Pixie took a few blows to the face before she was able to retaliate. Thankfully his attacks lacked focus and didn't hit as hard as they very well could have. Earlier she had noticed his crippled hand. It seemed now was as good a time as ever to exploit that weakness. Several cuts and bruises accumulated on her face by the time she'd managed to grab hold of his arms mid-swing. She held back his good hand with all her might as she twisted his bad hand with the other. The muscles in her arms, shoulders and neck bulged as she brought his hand between the two of them and squeezed and twisted. She could hear the joints in his fingers popping under the pressure. As he struggled the break free, he managed to pull her up off the floor, giving her the room she needed to move her feet. Pulling her knees up, she pushed forward against his stomach sending him staggering backwards and putting a fair distance between them.
"Fuck," She muttered as she dragged herself to her feet. She was dizzy and fatigued. Having fought a series of fights before this one had certainly put her at a disadvantage, but she was smarter than this man. She could best him. Would have been nice to have her knife though. She wiped some blood from her bottom lip and chin and spat out the rest. "I ain't fuckin' done with you yet, you piece of shit." She groaned.
Austin screeched in pain as he grabbed his worthless hand, as if he wanted to fix it by sheer will power. "And you think I am with you?" He seemed in a trance, as if he didn't even notice that in his rage he was crushing his broken fingers with his good hand. "Come and get me Miss Monroe."
"As you wish, Father," She mocked. Cracking her knuckles and neck, she slowly started towards the monster of a man. Her thigh, where she had been shot earlier that week, was on fire. Thankfully, she was good at masking pain. He was so lost up his own ass, so completely flustered, that he couldn't be arsed to notice any weaknesses in her form. "You best start believin' in God now Austin, 'cause you ain't gonna be answerin' yer own prayers here in a sec. I promise you that." As she made her approach she scanned his ragged body. It was hard to focus with all the unwanted fuzz in her skull, but she was able to pick up on a few obvious tells. If her body could keep up, this would be over soon.
Austin kept still like a statue up until her approach. With every grab she had a dirty trick. With every blow she had a tricky counter. For someone who was out of her mind, she could certainly think that was for damn sure. Perhaps going old school would work better.
He seemed to do just what she wanted, spreading his legs and bracing, close to the ground and ready to block her. He'd wrestle the ***** to the ground if he could, choke her if she couldn't, bash her brains in if he needed to.
And there it was. She saw it in his derranged eyes. He was over analyzing the situation. If Pixie was especially great at anything, it was in deceiving her enemies. When they thought she was mindless she was a cold, calculating a machine. When they thought she was a strategist, she was bloodthirsty berserker. For Austin, she'd be something in between. She'd fight with her mind half-empty.
She lingered before him for a moment, allowing him to worry for just a second longer what it is was she was going to do. And then she struck. She lunged at him, her right fist held back behind her head. Expecting such a manuever, Austin attempted to grapple her, but in the last moment she planted her left foot forward and bent over under his arm. Rising up inside is reach, she delivered a savage uppercut, knocking loose a few teeth from his jaw before she pressed his attack. A right hook, a left uppercut, a haymaker, another uppercut to the gut. He was too weak, too dazed to keep up with her speed. One, two, three, four, five more blows and she delivered one final uppercut, knocking free those loosened teeth.
He reeled backwards on his heels and caught himself on the far wall. Pixie laughed out loud and bent over to pick up a tooth off the ground. Her knuckles were split open and bleeding, but she ignored the pain. She was having too much fun. Holding his tooth out in front of her, she nodded towards the door near where he stood, "You wanna run, now's yer chance."
Even the metal man hadn't rocked him like that. No one had challenged him like this for years. Years! The metal man managed to slink away, yet he could very well have caused his downfall by killing his hand. Would that be the sinner's legacy?
And then he realised. There was a doubt. A doubt for even a second. No. No no no NO NO NO NO NO NO! There would never be doubt! He couldn't doubt himself, he had a family to look after! Children to save! He had...
Breathing in through the nose, and out through the mouth. Chest raising up and down. He watched her. "My wife won''t appreciate what you've done to my face." Lifting himself off the wall, Austin threw off his robe to show the hulking mass beneath, yet in this fight it meant so little if he looked tough.
Speaking so casually he said, "You'll live on like the metal man, history will remember you as the second who maimed the father. Be proud of that. You'll be remembered than... the other rabble who died here." He wobbled a loose tooth in his mouth. "Ah you *****, don't tell the kids I swore." He looked over at Aesop, still lying flat on his back. "I love him you know. I'll never forgive you for twisting his mind like you have. He's such a good boy, but you toyed with his brain! What is wrong with you? Or is there even a point in asking?" He spat out some blood from his gums. "I suppose not." And suddenly he was charging like a mad bull.
He shouldn't have done that. His reward for the mistake was pain and darkness. With Cranstion's punch, Jun fell into a pit of black. It was empty until images and sensations began to take hold.
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Cold, blunt prodding, followed by something sharper.
Perhaps it was but a trick of his mind, but the temperature seemed frigid. Hands clutched the edge of the hospital bed, its thin mattress offered little comfort, the network of metal springs could be easily felt beneath it. Both Jun and the military doctor behind him were completely silent. A repeat of previous lectures was not needed. After what felt like an eternity, the silence was broken. The doctor stood up, causing the bed to creak. Every motion of his was calm and deliberate. Jun's... wasn't so much. Regardless the man held out the boy's shirt. With that, Jun put it on, face lowered as he did up the buttons. Then he turned on his heel to face the doctor, his expression trying to be that of stoic fierceness.
The doctor simply said,
Jun knew better than to object.
He left the barracks' infirmary. The barracks as a whole was a hive of activity, recruits and other soldiers marching about almost to the sound of gunfire as others underwent target practice. One foot after another, he walked out of there. Just sitting there watching the others carry on with their training, being reminded of what he was missing out on, wouldn't do any good. All in all, it was a lonely walk back home in the outskirts of Mugunghwa-i. Only the faint splashes of colour on signs pointing out various places interrupting the onslaught of grey: grey buildings, grey pavements, grey gates... Even the crowd seemed somewhat muted in colour. Dirt clung to their clothes, dulling bright whites to yet another shade of grey.
After around half an hour or so, and a little sprint up some stairs, he arrived at Residence No. E-371. Otherwise known as the Moon family home. However, he didn't enter through the front door. From the lack of certain pairs of shoes in the locker near the door, it was clear both his parents weren't home. His father was probably still working, as for his mother, Jun guessed she was out doing the laundry or collecting their daily allowance of food for the day or doing other chores, leaving his little sister all alone in the house. That little detail gave him an idea. Jun carefully checked the windows and before entering through the back door. Afterwards, he tackled the matter of taking those heavy army boots. Once off, he crept onwards and onwards...
Until he found her. There the target was, washing dishes and humming a childhood tune.
Jun got closer and closer. Now he was within reaching distance. And so he stood up, and gave her a quick jab in the sides.
Hye-Jeong almost dropped the dish she was cleaning. Luckily, she recovered from the initial shock and quickly turned around only to see her big brother. It had been too long.
Even though her hands were still soapy, she wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly.
It hurt. But that didn't matter, for a short moment Jun was safe from the harshness of the barracks and of the training, the responsibility of being the eldest son, and his duty; both to his family and to the State. The sheer burden of all of that combined was nothing. Just as long as he kept his family in mind.
Asad stopped off at the barracks for a shower and change of clothes before heading to the store. He didn't really know what Tsubaki preferred, so he got a little bit of everything. Hell, get drunk any one of them and the others would probably follow anyway.
Holding the bagged gorceries against his chest, dusk setting in overhead, the man silently contemplated the events of the day as he slowly walked the streets to Tsubaki's apartment. Maribel's bodyguard? He didn't see that coming, but the whole prospect intrigued him.
Now he'd see what the girl was made of. He smiled back to earlier that day. The kid had balls, he'd give her that, not the pampered princess one would think. Maybe she was? or at least, had been. Maybe the Maidens stirred something in her? Whatever, he'd find out soon enough. He wanted his own answers.
As he thought of the Cook, he felt a pang of sympathy. Maybe better if he had killed himself, that might have been a mercy compared to what Basilio's interrogators will do to him, but if anyone could resist, it would be him.
Nobody was that old, and that skilled, without knowing a thing or two about surviving impossible situations.
Putting those thoughts aside as he entered Tsubaki's apartment building, Asad let out a relieved sigh.
He was alive, his friends were alive, they got the job done, and now he was about to have a friendly drink with one of said friends.
All in all, a good day.
Awkwardly fumbling with the bag of groceries, Asad banged his elbow against Tsubaki's apartment door.
"COMING!" Tsubaki called out from her bedroom as she finished brushing her hair. After tossing the brush onto the bed she started for the door. Soon enough, the door opened to reveal a side of Tsubaki Asad had the very rare privilege to ever see. She had let her hair down and was wearing a white button down shirt with black skinny slacks. She couldn't help but blush when he looked her over, "Need a hand with that stuff?"
Asad stared at the woman for a few moments, blinking in disbelief before his wits returned. A smirk curling his lips, he blew a high pitched whistle. he had never seen her with her hair down.
"I didn't know that came with an off setting." he chuckled, nodding at the woman's head as he entered the apartment.
Tsubaki pouted before reaching out and snatching half the groceries out of his hand, "And here I was hoping your mouth came with one!" Walking out into the kitchen she started unpacking the booze. "You know, I am relying on you for all this. My knowledge is pretty limited."
Placing the other bag on the counter, Asad raised an eyebrow as he unpacked a number of bottles. He was pretty sure he hadn't tried some of the stuff he picked up, he wasn't really paying attention at the time.
"Okay, here's what you do, master class in drinking." He crossed his arms over his chest. "Step one, start drinking, you with me so far?" He kept his expression serious. "Step two, don't stop drinking, okay the next bit is complicated, you still with me?" He placed his hands on the woman's shoulders. "Step three. There is no step three."
Tsubaki rolled her eyes, "Do you really get laid like this? I think you have a thing or two to learn from our resident Irishman. At least his jokes are funny." She giggled and took a bottle of vodka in her hands. She had no idea what she was looking at, but she wanted it.
"Who said anything about getting laid?" Asad scoffed. "I'm talking about drinking, the two are mutually exclusive." He noted Tsubaki's interest in the bottle of vodka. "That there is vodka, say it with me, voooodkaaaa."
She cocked her eyebrow and held it out to him, "Make it for me, errr, whatever."
Asad blinked a few times, raising an eyebrow. "You really have no idea do you?" He shook his head as he took the bottle from her. "Unbelievable, how did you even make commander?" Opening the cupboard above him, he gabbed two glasses. "I'm very familiar with this kitchen, speaking of which, you should really put the bottle opener in a less impossible to find location." Filling the glasses with ice from the freezer, Asad guessed at the measurements as he poured a few drabs of vodka into both glasses.
"Now, you choose your mixer, orange juice, soda, whatever."
Tsubaki watched closely as he worked. Putting a finger to her chin, she thought on his query for a moment before answering, "Orange juice sounds good. Everyone likes OJ."
"Well lucky for you, I brought some of that with me." He smiled as he reached into one of the bags. "'Cos last I checked, you only had catfood." he pursed is lips. "Which is great for the cat, don't get me wrong, but you know, terrible for... err." He trailed off as he struggled to open the screw cap on the orange juice bottle. "Heheh, slippery hands." He grinned as he held out the bottle to Tsubaki. "Would you be so kind?"
Tsubaki crossed her arms over her chest and laughed, "Can't even open some OJ without your Commander's help? Typical." Taking it in her hands, she placed her palm atop the cap and twisted. It came off without putting up much of a struggle. "Those muscles just for show, Major?"
"I must have weakened it first." He nodded sagely. "Also, it's my injured shoulder." He pulled an exaggerated wince as he rubbed his arm. "It's okay, I'm a survivor, don't concern yourself with my pain." Taking the juice from the woman, Asad topped off the two glasses of vodka. "See! Easy as that!" He grabbed both the glasses and offered one to the commander.
"I am beginning to doubt your expertise," She groaned as she took what was offered. Holding it to her lips, she caught Asad's eye. "After you."
"Ladies first." The man winked
She scoffed and took a sip of the drink. It stung on the way down, "Holy shit." She blinked a few times. "That shit is strong."
"What?" Asad coughed, "It's vodka and OJ, Tsu, how much of a fucking lightweight are yo-whoa!" Asad choked slightly as he took a sip from the glass. "How much booze did I put in?!"
"Enough." Tsubaki assured him as she took another liberal sip. She coughed through her laughter. "I have a feeling we're not going to end up touching a fourth of this stuff."
"We can try!" The man said heroically. "We're Samsara, we will not be defeated by the likes of cheap liquor!" He took another gulp of the beverage. "Jesus..." He blinked a few times. "Tsu..." He locked eyes with the woman. "I think we're gonna lose this one."
"NO!" Tsubaki barked as she took another sip. "Never give up! Never surrender!"
"Aye ma'am." Asad sighed as he forced another sip. "If Jun Junior ends up dressed in your underwear, don't come crying to me."
Although the two started off slow, they eventually hit their stride and consumed an impressive amount of booze between them. The lights were low, with several empty bags of chips strewn around the living room.
Asad couldn't stop laughing , he had been stuck trying to finish the same joke for the last five minutes. "And then... And then... I... I don't." He struggled to catch his breath. "He could never wear pants ever again!"
Tsubaki spat up a few potato chip crumbs as manic laughter got the better of her, "I-I-I don't even remember how this story started!" She was laying on the sofa with her head and feet resting on opposite armrests and she'd lost one of her socks during the shenanigans. Her kitten was sitting on the coffee table, silently judging the two of them. "Get me another, man-servant!" She cooed as she held out an empty scotch glass.
"You ain't the boss of me anymore!" Asad slurred his words, chuckling as he finished off his own drink. "The scotch is, er..." He looked around the room, look at a couple of the bottles within his reach. "I dunno where the scotch is."
"Fuckinnnnn', who gives a damn!" She laughed. "Just give me something that makes me forget which color is burgundy or something!"
"You sure you can handle it?" The man clumsily got to his feet, plucking Jun Junior from the table and stroking him gently as he cradled the cat in his arms. "Jun Junior said not enable girls who are missing a sock." He grabbed one of the cat's paws and waved it at the woman.
Tsubaki tried to pull herself up into a sitting position but failed. Throwing her wrist up against her forehead, she scoffed, "Get your grubby hands off of him! And his name isn't Jun Junior! Christ!" After staring at the cat a little longer, she giggled. "He does kind look like Jun, doesn't he?"
"You don't even have a name for him yet, do you?" Asad teased as she walked over to Tsubaki, plopping the kitten on her forehead. "Jun Junior! Judge her! Judge her now!" He motioned dramatically.
Tsubaki giggled and took the kitten in her hands, "Wh-what are you doing?" She held it over her head and swayed him side-to-side. Grinning, she held him close to her chest and looked at Asad. "Do you like animals, Asad?"
A warm smile curled the man's lips. This wasn't a side he'd ever seen of Tsubaki before.
He liked it.
"Had a dog growing up." The man managed to squeeze himself on the edge of the sofa next to Tsubaki. "Alphonse was his name." He chuckled at the memory, gently rubbing the kitten behind his ears. "I don't remember him not ever being with me when I was a kid, the big guy was always there, watching my back, getting into trouble with me." His eyes lit up. "There was this one time, when we were playing ball on the street, some rough looking guys started walking towards me and my friends, and I mean rough looking guys." Asad grinned. "Al starts growling, and when they got too close, he just went mad at these guys. He didn't attack them or anything, but man, it looked like he would have if they didn't back down." He trailed off, his brow furrowing.
Asad's smile softened as he smiled sadly. "He died a week before I headed off to bootcamp for the first time. He had been weak for a few months, but nothing we thought was serious." He chuckled. "It's like he didn't think I needed him anymore, you know?" He tilted his head slightly as he locked eyes with the woman.
Tsubaki frowned and let Jun Junior escape her grasp and scamper off. She didn't even notice it leave, however, "Th-that's so sad..." She searched his eyes. "I'm so sorry, Asad." She placed a hand on the side of his face. "I'm sure he was a great friend."
Asad shook his head gently, a smile still on his face. "That was a long time ago, Tsutsu. They're nothing but happy memories now." He took the woman's hand from his cheek and held it between his own.
Nothing was quite as sobering as talking about dead pets.
The young woman smiled, but remained silent. For a good long while she simply stared into her former subordinate's eyes. Though she'd been flushed the moment she took her first drink, her face glowed notably brighter when she opened her mouth once more, "Would it be, ummm... ah, hahaha, oh this is a weird question."
She was about to chicken out.
"Hmmm?" Asad raised an eyebrow. "Spit it out, commander." Asad smirked.
Having her hair down really suited her, and she had the brightest whiskey face he'd ever seen.
"Well, uh," She giggled, nervously. "Would it be weird if I, uh, you know..." She was bright red now.
Fuck it.
Tsubaki planted a soft kiss on his lips and withdrew quickly, "S-sorry..."
Asad closed his eyes for a moment as the tingle on his lips lingered. "That's the second time you've done that." He smiled warmly, raising a hand to cup the woman's cheek gently. "It went a lot better this time." He averted his eyes slightly. "Or it could be the same, and I just think that because I'm drunk as well." He laughed nervously as he leaned over the woman, bringing his face closer to her's. "I better check again, just to make sure." he whispered quietly before gently placing his lips on Tsubaki's.
Tsubaki's eyes widened in shock as he came in for seconds and almost pulled away out of instinct. After a few moments, however, she closed her eyes and rested her hands on the sides of his neck and jaw. It had been a very, very long time since she'd shared a moment like this with anyone. The fact that it was Asad of all people she was kissing was but a faint whisper in the back of her mind. She was too drunk and happy to care. Damn the consequences!
She pulled him in closer, allowing him to shift himself on top of her. She withdrew her lips and giggled, "H-hey, I... it's been a long time. I'm sorry if..."
Despite her lack of inhibition, she was surprisingly nervous.
Her laugh was intoxicating.
"You think too much." The man panted as he gently bit down on Tsubaki''s bottom lip.
He deserved this, he'd worked his ass off, got nearly killed twice that day, manage to complete the mission despite nearly losing both his friends, he deserved this, if Tsubaki wanted the same thing, then why shouldn't they?
'Nearly lost my friends.'
'Bryan.'
Tsuaki squealed when he bit down on her. The reserved, nervous Tsubaki he thought he knew suddenly vanished in that moment, replaced now by something else entirely. Something far more aggressive and far more giggle-y.
Clutching the sides of his face, she pulled him in closer as her tongue twisted and twirled around his own. She began shifting her legs up and down against Asad's while she pressed her hips closer to him. Back and forth. Her breath became ragged as a high-pitched squeak snuck its way out of her throat.
As the man roused, he pushed himself against Tsubaki, his breathing getting heavier. Running one hand through the woman's hair and placing his other on her hip, he gently kissed her neck and jaw, before gently brushing his lips against her earlobe. "This sofa sucks." She could hear his smile.
Tsubaki giggled uncontrollably as he teased her and moaned when he bit her ear, "Yeah," She whispered as she opened her eyes and grabbed him roughly by the collar. "Follow me, Major." Dragging him to his feet, Tsubaki led him into her bedroom and threw him in the direction of the bed. "You're so subtle, you know that?" She coed as she sauntered over to the foot of the bed, unbuttoning her shirt as she approached.
"I don't know what you're talking about." The man shrugged as he feigned ignorance, sitting at the foot of the bed. Placing his hands on the woman's hips as she approached, he lifted her shirt and gently kissed her navel.
"Don't act coy," She laughed as she ran her fingers through his hair. The soft touch of his lips on her stomach sent a shiver up her spine. Putting one hand under his jaw, she forced his eyes onto her own. She wore a mischievous grin and pulled on her bra strap with her finger. "Do it without your hands."
"With... With my feet?" The man smirked as he rose from the bed. Pulling off his own shirt, he pressed himself against her, wrapping his arms around her hips, After gently nuzzling the Tsubaki's cheek, Asad planted soft kisses on the woman's neck and collarbone, gripping one of the straps of her bra between his teeth before moving it over her shoulder.
"" She muttered in her native tongue. She purred and moaned as he kissed her all over, sporting an enormous grin when she felt his teeth tug on her bra strap. Before she knew it, she too was bare-chested. Resting her palms against his chest, she pressed herself against him and giggled. Her eyes searched his as if she were about to ask him something profound. Then, suddenly, she pushed him back onto the bed and dropped to her knees. Grabbing his knees, she ran her hands up his thighs until her chin was right above his crotch. "Tell me what you want, Major." She purred.
"What I want? I wish I had put on looser jeans for a start." The man chuckled. Holding out a hand towards Tsubaki, he nodded his head upwards slightly. "Come here." As she took his hand, Asad gently pulled her on top of him. Placing a hand on the back of the woman's head as he kissed her deeply, his other hand slowly travelling down the small of her back and under her waistband.
Tsubaki just couldn't stop giggling. She must have been annoying Asad at this point. Well, if he was, he was good at hiding it. Tsubaki closed her eyes and let him take the lead. Once his hand had travelled far enough she started getting a bit nervous causing her giggling to intensify. Running one hand through his hair, their lips parted as she moved to kiss the side of his neck. Making a small trail up to his neck, like she had done to her earlier, she whispered into his ear. She chuckled through bated breath, "I'm yours."
Asad had never heard a woman giggle so much, but damn if it didn't make him smile. "I bet you say that to all the tall, dark skinned men who are in the same spec ops unit as you are." Rolling on top of Tsubaki, Asad pinned her hands gently against the bed as he tenderly kissed her breasts.
And like that, the giggling was done. Instead, the small bedroom was now filled with a chorus of high-pitched moans. Though she didn't really have the qualification to make such a claim, Tsubaki figured he was a fairly skilled lover. Every tiny movement he made served to invigorate her further. Had she been sober, she'd have probably been embarrassed when he focused on her bosom. She was always a bit self conscious about her modest chest, but apparently that wouldn't stop the Major.
As he worked his magic, she began growing impatient. Biting down on her lower lip, she wrapped her fingers around his wrist and guided his hand down.
The man chuckled as he kissed his way back up her chest, biting the woman's lips gently as he let her guide his hand. Deftly unbuttoning the woman's pants, he slowly slid his hand downward, teasing gently before moving his fingers between her legs.
Tsubaki had moaned like that in a long, long time. He was good. More than good. That, or she was very drunk. As her legs squirmed by the whim of Asad's finger, she kissed him deeply. After a short time, she couldn't muffle herself any longer and broke away, howling. Forcing herself to meet his gaze, she struggled to speak, "I-I-I, I want to stay like this... f-forever. Stay with m-m-me..."
"Anything you want." Asad cooed as he nuzzled the woman's cheek, dabbing the corner of her mouth with soft kisses. Breaking away from her, he pulled down Tsubaki's pants, her underwear in tow, before removing his own.
Despite his size, Asad was a gentle lover, slow and affectionate. As he lay back on top of Tsubaki, he gently kissed her jaw, his hot breath tickling her ear. "Forever is a long time, you sure you can manage?"
Tsubaki giggled for the umpteenth time and bit her bottom lip, "I was shot three times the other day. What do you think?"
Though she was drunk out of her mind at the start, Tsubaki made sure to clear her head by the end of the night. She wanted to remember it. She wanted to remember all of it. She hadn't been able to let go like this in a long time. She hadn't been treated this well in even longer.
She fell asleep in his arms later that evening. When she would wake the next morning it was unlikely she'd want to leave the bed at all.
"I don't know how many of you guys are hiding out here, but that's gotta be enough to at least make a start on getting you somewhere safe."
"We are fourteen here," Stephen replied "though there are other groups scattered all though the tunnels here. Sometimes, we run into them, but we've learned not to grow together. We're too easy to find if our groups become too large. Perhaps, when we have led our wounded and otherwise unfit to safety, we can go back and find more. Though, I feel the quicker way to keep what those of us remain safe, will be to root out and kill all the thugs that this so-called 'father' has infested our city with. On that count..." he held up his slim, elegant revolver to the side of his face. "you have my support."
"Thank you, Stephen." Amy replied. Her expression was hard to read as she looked at him. A minor noble, great in wealth but little in responsibility, Stephen had been one of her better customers, generous and cheerful. He had used her just like the rest, and even his cheer, and all the balls theatre-goings that she had been taken to on his expense had all been serving his own fantasy. Still he had always been good company, and was never cruel, repulsive or disappointing. However, bravery, beyond drunken boasts he had told to impress her, had never been a quality Amy had expected of the man. Yet here he was, looking weary, but utterly sincere.
"Let's go." she said, turning away from him and taking point, gripping her machine gun once more.
Three hours had passed in relative silence. Lilith was sound asleep in the back and both Sprout and Maria had more than enough going on to occupy their minds. Sprout had rarely been allowed to drive a crawler for this long before, not that anyone in their right mind actually would want to. Several hours driving on the open ashlands wasn't exactly fun. Eventually, Sprout looked over at Maria in the passenger seat, "What exactly was Lily on 'bout early? That thin' 'bout Dio hurtin' 'Maribels'?"
"You think I know more 'bout that than you do?" Maria replied, one eyebrow raised. While something in the back of her head was kind of anxious about the whole notion of a fifteen year-old driving for some long, she chose to lean back and watch the landscape roll on by. She just found it easier to think. She continued with a shrug, "Something about not letting another Maribel get hurt by him?"
Sprout clenched his jaw and shook his head, "I jus'... I don' get it. Liz was a nice girl 'n all," He shrugged. "A great girl, even. But why did we go through all of that for her? What does Ma' know... what does Lilith know that I ain't been told? I feel like the truth's dancin' 'round me, tauntin' me."
"Can't help ya there. I'm a doctor, not a detective." Maria sighed. There was something odd about it, she could admit that. Everyone seem to want a piece of the Tigerman, it was like one giant tug of war. No wonder Elizabeth felt like she was some useless pawn surrounded by better pieces. Maria furrowed her brow, they had no way of knowing of whether the plucky noble was okay or not. However, there was the matter right in front of the doctor to deal with. Behind her every word was the low growl of the crawler's engine, "With you guys, it's like I'm in a crazy whirlpool. So... I'd say to hang back and not worry about it but I don't think that's the answer you're looking for."
Sprout shook his head, "Yer right, it's not." He sighed. "Look, I'm sorry, I don' mean ta' put this all on you."
"It's fine. I'm just saying that I'm probably not the right person to talk to 'bout this sorta stuff." She replied, slightly looking towards the currently asleep Lilith.
Sprout did the same before returning his gaze to the wasteland before him, "I don' know why I scooted over an' let her take the wheel. She shouldn' 'ave had ta' make that call. It should 'ave been me."
"What happened, happened." Maria muttered, "Shit's fucked up enough without the 'what if's. Still..."
She suddenly stopped herself from spouting even more guff about the whole thing. It wasn't needed.
"It's jus' that," Sprout groaned, frustrated with himself. He just couldn't let it go. "I know Lily. I know what she's like. It's... it's much harder fer her to live with decisions like that than it would be fer me. I can handle it. I'm... I'm not as kind as she is." His expression softened. "I've been taught to distance myself. To look at things pragmatically. I ain't convinced Lily's capable of being like that."
Maria's eyes tried to settle on the ashlands again but she found herself looking at the back of Sprout's head, "I wonder how you both would cope with some medical situations, then..."
"Like yer job?" Sprout tapped the steering wheel with his fingers. "I reckon I'd probably deal with it okay. Not sure 'bout Lily though. I mean, don' get me wrong, she's a tough girl but... I see more 'n more'a Ma' in 'er everyday."
"Yeah." Maria said as she shifted one leg over the other, "You can't save everyone and it's pretty obvious that she'd get frustrated by that fast."
Sprout wore a sad smile under his mask, "Yeah, well, I wouldn' 'ave 'er any other way."
A weak chuckle escaped Maria's lips, "Same."
Sprout laughed softly and reached over to pat Maria on the shoulder, "Ain't the best way to get introduced to the Maidens, but I'm glad yer comin' with us."
"Hey, I still have to look over my patient, shitty situation or no shitty situation." Maria beamed.
"Yeah," Sprout laughed louder. "I ain't gonna stop gettin' shot at anytime soon, I reckon.Yer in fer the long haul."
A grin spread across Maria's face, "What have I gotten myself into?"
"I ain't qualified to answer that question, Maria." Sprout joked. "Jus' sit back an' enjoy the ride, would ya'?"
"...Fine." She mock-pouted.
They would be reaching Yuteni in a few short hours. Hopefully the ship will have been taken back by then. At this point, paper-thin hope was all Sprout had left.
The crawler sped off down the road with a low rumble, kicking up sprays of dust and ash before disappearing around the corner. And Florian was alone, for the first time in so long he was well and truly alone. Despite the wrenching pain and overwhelming cold that was having its way with him the priest actually managed to feel his spirits lift. Just a little. He was free at last and in with a chance of survival. So what should he do?
Find shelter and recuperate. Standing was proving to be a challenge right now, he wouldn't be doing anything until his body had a chance to pull itself together (almost literally in the case of some of these cuts).
So he started walking.
Everything seemed so grey, had Frostfall always been like this? Florian seemed to remember it being brighter than this. The climate may have been harsh but the air had always had a clear, crisp quality to it. Now the whole dome seemed to be chocked by mist as dust lay thick in the air. That and the smell... Florian wanted to say death but that would have been too easy.
It looked like the dome had taken to recovering from the hangover the bender of violence had given it. People were about the streets in their tiny numbers. Florian had no idea what they were doing out on the streets at a time like this. Everyday things he supposed, routines were sometimes all you could cling onto at times like this. Whatever their reasons it didn't matter, all he had to do was find somewhere warm and avoid getting into any more trouble. The second part was easy enough, people were making clear effort to avoid him as he hobbled his way down the ravaged streets, none of them wanting anything to do with whatever trouble he was part of.
Whether by chance or instinct he did finally find a port in the storm. The same slice of sanctuary he'd gone to all those times before. The old church he'd been reunited with on the first day he and The Gentleman had arrived in Frostfall. her old stonework was a little more chipped and weathered and a hole in one of the windows had been boarded up but for the most part she was untouched by the violence. One of the perks of being in a quiet neighborhood Florian guessed. You always ended up far away from the action.
The old doors felt even heavier than usual as Florian forced all his meager remnants of strength against them and stumbled wordlessly down the aisle. All was quiet except for the sound of rustling movement in the back.
"I told you that's all the supplies I can give out for today." Came the call.
Florian simply wheezed and coughed as he struggled to hack up a response. With words failing him he dragged his slashed up carcass along, resting against the far back door and raggedly tapping against the woodwork. Where had all the energy he'd had just an hour ago gone?
"I'm sorry but we have to ration ou-" The old priest's protests were cut short as he opened the door and sent Florian slumping onto the nearest pew for support. "You?" He gawped at Florian in silence for a moment as his brain tried to comprehend what it was seeing. In his hurry Florian had forgotten that the last time he saw the man he'd been covered in layers of makeup and fake hair.
"I thought you were dead!" He eventually squawked.
"Day's young." Florian finally managed to rasp.
***
A few hours later, Florian was laid up in the humble rooms tucked into the rear of the church. He'd tried resting a little but beyond sporadic drowsing naps full sleep alluded him. He'd attacked what food and drink his host had to offer with wild abandon. Being able to do such regular things without the intruding eyes and wicked knives lurking over him seemed like acts of pure bliss right now. It might have brought little tears of joy to his face if he'd had any fluids left to spare.
"Well there's a bit of colour coming back to you at least." The old priest chimed in, taking a seat in the corner. "what in heaven happened to you?"
"Nothing from heaven." Florian grumbled into a quickly emptying glass of water.
"No, I suppose not." They were quiet again for a moment, neither sure of what to say or do. "I've called for a doctor by the way."
Florian nodded. They'd done the best they could to bandage him up and quell any left over bleeding but neither one was truly trained in such things and no doubt he'd be covered in stitches before the day was out.
"I wandered for a while." Florain said, answering a question that was yet to be asked. "Found the abbey you told me about. Even took vows. Traveled with some brothers." Those early days. "The things they showed me." he smiled painfully. The first few years of his service seemed so idyllic looking back on them now. But it had never been enough, always leaving him hungry.
"Who did you travel with?"
"The Clerics of St Micheal."
"Funny, I had one of them in just a few days ago asking for..." The priest trailed off again as he saw the look Florian was giving him. "Of course." He shook his head, resigned. "I can't see why you would come back."
"It was a mistake." Or maybe it was fate. Maybe it was part of God's plan. OR maybe it was reality catching up woth him, you can only run for so long.
The two of them talked for a while, Florian about his travels as a cleric and the maidens, the priest caught him up on the little pieces of Frostfall news he'd missed. Most of it was overshadowed or blown away (literally in some cases) by the war. It was part way through the conversation when Florian's mind started to wander and he began to think on something. The two men had only crossed paths a handful of times really, they'd never even exchanged names but here they were talking like old friends. Florian was even talking about things he'd never told the others, his actual friends.
'The collar.' He smiled to himself. 'Everyone opens up to the humble collared man.' How many times had Meredith taken advantage of the way that piece of white around his neck had let Florian slip effortlessly past people's guard on a job?
Eventually they came to the big question. "What are you going to do now?"
So many options. So few choices. Reason and logic said to cut his losses, either return to the maidens and find safety in numbers... or accept that he wasn't cut out for this life and disappear into the ash, starting over all over again. Or he could listen to his soul one more time. Its voice may not have called out the loudest but it was the most clear and it would not be denied. Damned thing always did insist on getting its way.
"Sure thing," said Ruffles, following after her, with Whiskey just behind him. Glancing back at Stephen, he said, "I guess we can't stop you from sticking around and fighting, but the name of the game's evacuation. Getting you and yours outta here and somewhere safe until this shit blows over. Don't worry about Austin and his 'family', though." He grimaced. "We've got people on that."
As Asad opened his eyes, it took him a moment to realise where he was before a warm smile curled his lips. Glancing downwards, he moved his hand slowly, gently brushing a few stray strands of hair from Tsubaki's face as she rested her head on his chest, her arm draped over his shoulder.
He watched her gently breathe, a serene expression on her face. Leaning his head forward slowly, Asad gently kissed the woman's forehead, the sweet smell of her hair filling his nostrils.
The last 24 hours were ones he were not likely to forget any time soon, to start the day chasing and capturing a world renowned assassin, then to finish the day making love to a beautiful woman, let alone that woman being Tsubaki?
As gently as he could, he slid himself from underneath Tsubaki, cradling her head as he exited the bed. Tsubaki moaned gently, her mouth slightly agape before she fell back into her slumber. Asad's face softened as he leaned over, brushing his lips against her cheek.
Quickly locating his underwear, he slipped into them before leaving the bedroom and making his way to the kitchen.
As he began preparing a light breakfast of toast and coffee, Asad leaned his back against the counter as he waited for coffee maker to finish, stretching his arms over his head as he yawned slowly.
Asad glanced to his side as Jun Junior entered the kitchen, with the most judging of judgemental stares. The man locked eyes with the cat for a few silent moment, before he scoffed. "Fuck you Juncat, you would have done the same if you were me."
"Mm-hmm, one more time," Tsubaki muttered, half-conscious. It wasn't until Asad's voice sounded from the kitchen that she finally woke. She opened her eyes slowly. For a moment she'd forgotten where she was. The warm, vacant spot beside her... she'd shared her bed last night.
That's right.
She smiled warmly. Half of her face still sunk inside her pillow, she caressed the space on the bed that Asad had occupied. She didn't want to get up. In fact, she didn't want to move at all. It wasn't even the overwhelming happiness that was keeping her bedridden.
Jesus, Major...
Tsubaki winced as she turned over onto her back. Reaching under the sheets, she rubbed her inner thigh and sighed. She was still pretty damn sore. How long had they slept since the last time...
Tsubaki blushed as if she were just now realizing she and Asad had slept together. Of course, that wasn't the case, but rather she hadn't really considered what that meant until that moment. How did she feel about him? Was this more than just a simple romp, or...
Stop overthinking things, Tsu.
Sitting up in bed, she hummed blissfully as the aroma of Asad's cooking reached her nose. She was completely famished. Looking down at herself, she blushed once more. He'd seen her completely naked. Major Harel had seen his CO completely nude.
Why are you getting hug up on that of all things!?
Dismissing her embarrassment, Tsubaki rolled out of bed and put on her underwear. She darted her eyes around the room for a bit but was unable to locate her bra, "Now, where... oh!" Spotting Asad's t-shirt on the floor, she promptly picked it up and slipped it on. She wore a mischievous smile as she slipped into the kitchen. "Smells good." She mused.
"Good morning..." Asad paused for a moment. "Commander." he tilted his head, winking at the woman. "Did you sleep well?" he asked as he turned to face the counter, pouring two cups of hot coffee.
"Yeah," Tsubaki chirped. Her hands behind her back, she leaned against the wall by the door. "I did. How about you?"
"Good." The man smiled as he reached over to the toaster, pulling a couple of slices from the machine and placing them on a plate. "I managed a wink or two." He smirked as he began to spread butter onto the toast.
Tsubaki watched his hands as he worked, "You, uh, make food for girls often?"
"Only the ones I like." He quipped as he turned and offered the woman a cup of coffee, gingerly sipping at his own.
Tsubaki took the coffee in her hands and smiled before taking a sip, "Mmm, good. Better than the briefing room coffee." She giggled.
The man's eyes softened as she laughed. Was she always this happy on her days off? Was this is a side of her that had existed forever, but only privy to in private? Regardless, Asad was glad to see her in such a way.
"Military coffee always sucks, ever since I could remember." He placed his drink on the counter before turning to finish spreading the toast.
Tsubaki sauntered over to the kitchen table and sat down. Huddling over her coffee, she took another sip. It was freezing in the kitchen! "I haven't received a page about Bryan yet." She started. "I assume that means he's still out. Jun should be okay to visit though." She cooed when her kitten suddenly hopped into her lap. "Not you, Junior!"
Asad froze at the mention of the man's name.
'Godammit Bryan'
He knew how he felt about Tsubaki, knew his reasons for sticking around as long as he had. Easy to justify stuff like this when you're drunk, the story was much different when one was sober.
At the same time, why couldn't he have this? It was obvious that Tsu didn't feel the same way about Bryan, she wanted Asad as much as he had wanted her, it's not like he forced himself on the woman.
They were both drunk though...
Finishing up the toast, he grabbed the plate and his coffee as he made his way over to the table. Sitting opposite Tsubaki, he placed the plate of toast between them. "Help yourself." He smiled warmly as he took another sip of coffee.
"Don't mind if I do," Tsubaki offered a cat-like grin before snatching up her first bite. After laying waste to the poor toast, the young woman found Asad's eye. "Hey, you don't... last night was okay, right? I mean..." She blushed. "I don't know what I mean." She giggled nervously.
Leaning back in his chair, Asad smiled as the woman fumbled over he words. "You were amazing, Tsutsu." He cooed as he rested an elbow on the table, resting his temple on his knuckles. "I had a wonderful time."
Tsubaki's cheeks lit up as she broke eye contact, "Oh, uh, well when you say it like that it sounds so... I don't know..." Putting her hands in her lap, she pursed her lips and began to run circles in her head. She'd written herself into a corner and was beginning to panic. "You, um.... You were good too. I-I-I mean, you were great! F-fantasic, even!"
Awesome, now you sound like you never get laid...
"Well, um," She blinked stupidly and met his gaze once more. "Pretty great?"
Asad remained silent, his eyes on the woman as she continued to shyly bumble through the situation. Without taking his eyes off her, he grabbed a slice of toast before taking a small bite out of it.
Noting his passive reaction, Tsubaki furrowed her brow, "Oh, I didn't mean any offense, Asad. I-I-I...." She sighed. "I'm really bad at this sort of thing."
Moving his hand across the table, he gently cupped the woman's cheek before smiling slightly. "Do you ever get laid?" He chuckled, his eyes softening with affection.
Clutching her chest, she wiggled with anxiety, "I-I, uh, that's a very personal question, don't you think!?"
Asad raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" Placing his toast on the table, he leaned over the small table and gently brushed his lip against her's before sitting back in his chair, an inviting expression on his face.
Tsubaki's face glowed red as her former subordinate came in for what looked to be a kiss. Though her first instinct was to pull away before he got too close, she remained where she was and closed her eyes. She felt their lips touch for a brief moment and then, nothing. Her eyes still closed, she leaned forward to pursue the missing lips but came up with empty air.
Opening her eyes once more, she was embarrassed to see Asad sitting across from her with a smug smile on his face. Touching her fingers to her lips, she pouted, "What was that?"
Only just managing to contain a chortle, Asad placed his hands behind his head, as he leaned back in the chair. "Didn't want to be too personal, I guess." He pursed his lips, shrugging his shoulders slightly.
Tsubaki narrowed her gaze and took a bite into her toast, "What kind of game are you playing, Major?"
"Game? What game? No games here." The man got to his feet, stretching his arms above him as he yawned, before slowly sauntering out of the kitchen and towards Tsubaki's bedroom.
'Your move, Tsutsu.'
"Wai---where are you going?" Tsubaki panicked as she watched Asad leave. What did she say? Was he upset or was he just messing with her? Looking to the kitten in her lap, she sighed. "What do you think little Jun?"
The cat began to pur.
"Gee, thanks," She groaned as she shooed him away and got to her feet. Making her way towards her bedroom, she stopped in the doorway; her hand resting on the door frame, "Asad?"
Asad lay on the bed, the bed sheet covering the lower half of his body. Hands behind his head, his eyes locked on the woman's as she entered the room. Silently, he turned on his side, his elbow on the mattress as he cradled his hand in his hand. Gently peeling away the portion of the sheet next to him, he raised his eyebrows suggestively as he patted the empty spot in the bed.
Tsubaki cocked an eyebrow and chuckled, "Haven't had enough of me yet? You're a greedy man, Harel." She scoffed. "Fine." Crossing over to the bed, Tsubaki plopped down beside Asad. Lying on her back, her hands on her stomach, she looked up at him. "Now what?"
Asad tilted his head as he looked up thoughtfully. "Y'know, there's something I've always wanted to do." He looked a little embarrassed at the prospect of asking, but it needed to be done. "Turn over."
Tsubaki eye-balled him suspiciously, "I'm not sure I trust that tone..."
Asad moaned. "Just do it." He rolled his eyes.
She gave him another shifty look before turning over. Crossing her arms in front of her, she rested her chin across her wrists and closed her eyes, "It's been awhile since I've had a good backrub, you know."
"Yeah, backrub, sure." Asad grinned cheekily as he lifted up Tsubaki's shirt up to her neck. Lightly running a finger down her back, he hooked it in the back of her underwear, tugging at them gently.
Tsubaki opened her eyes and peered over her shoulder, "Wh-what?"
Nodding his head at the woman's rear, he smirked as he gave her underwear another tug.
Tsubaki groaned, "Fine," Hesitating for a moment, she sighed out of embarrassment. "Don't get any funny ideas." She muttered as she slipped off her underwear.
"Heheh." Asad chuckled as he began to make his move. Shuffling down the bed, he kissed Tsubaki's hip.
Moving further down the woman's body, he moved his hands over Tsubaki's thighs. Gently he rested his cheek on the woman's, well, cheek.
Asad gasped with child-like wonder. "It's just as soft as it is in my dreams!" He whispered loudly.
It really was a magnificent ass.
"Gah-ah, pah----WHAT!?" Her face flushed, Tsubaki could do little more than quiver out of embarrassment. "I---this is... ugh..." She ran her fingers through her bangs and offered an exasperated chuckle. "Thanks..."
She was embarrassed, sure, but she was happy.
With a contented sigh, Asad turned his head, kissing Tsubaki's rear before planting kisses on her back as he moved up her body. Lying on top of her the man put on an nonchalant expression as he rested his head next to her's.
"S'up." He nodded.
The bashful woman averted her gaze and half-smiled as her words stumbled out of her mouth, "So... is it everything the rumors say?" There was something in her words that stung. Bitter memories, perhaps.
Asad smiled warmly, kissing the woman on the nose. "Screw those guys, your butt's awesome." He gently nuzzled her cheek as he held her tightly. "Jealousy is an ugly trait."
"Yeah," Tsubaki nodded and rested her head against his collar bone. "It is." A short time passed before she added. "Let's stay like this for awhile."
"Yes ma'am." Asad grunted as he moved his hand to salute awkwardly. Moving to his side, he pulled the woman into his, sliding an arm under her neck, he cradled her against his chest. "Initiating spooning manoeuvres." He said formerly as he kissed the nape of Tsubaki's neck.
While Bennie had been leading the way as he knew the ship better, Alex took point when it came to the more talkative psychopaths. Some were easily decieved into thinking mother needed their help, only to die once their guards were down. Many however didn't believe her and thus they had to fight their way through.
Thankfully, one massive brute of a man was willing to talk to Alex.
"You're sure your brother is there right?" She asked, looking up at the giant, he would have towered over even Bennie, who was thankfully hiding behind cover.
"Yes mother, I am sure. I can take you there if-"
"No no, that's okay son... now, come here and give your mother a hug." She felt incredibly uncomfortable speaking like that to a man who was so clearly deranged. He however gleefully hugged Alex, letting all of his troubles slip away, while she slipped a blade into his throat. He thrashed and gurgled until the inevitible took hold as Alex slipped out of his grip.
"Clear!" She yelled back to Bennie.
"Damn," Bennie muttered under his breath as he ran over to Alex's side. "This the room?"
"I hope so, I can't get mad if the bastard lied to me." She began searching the place. "Austin! Austin baby its mom! Baby I'm here where are you!" She called out in a much more desperate tone, as if she had forgotten the killings up to now.
Bennie kept his shotgun levelled as he moved into the room behind her. He almost told her to keep it down but quickly dismissed the idea. He knew he'd be doing the same thing had he been in her shoes and... well, how many hostiles could really be left at this point anyway?
Austin huddled in his tiny prison when he heard yelling in the distance. Would it have been too much to hope if it was his mother?
"Mom?" He yelled out, praying to get a response.
"Be careful," Bennie whispered. Surely she recognized the voice of her own child, but even still. "It could be a trap."
"Austin!" She took off like a rocket as she ran towards the voice, gun drawn and ready to punish anyone cruel enough to toy with her like this. "BABY!"
There was no mistaking it, it had to be his mother. "MOM! MOM!" He banged all around the confined space and yelled for her as she did the same. Two women ran towards Alex's position as she yelled. Both went down without heads to talk from as Bennie and Alex unloaded on them.
"AUSTIN SWEETIE I'M HERE!" She screamed desperately as it became clear where her son was being held. A tiny cupboard. The bastard had thrown his own son in a bloody box he could barely fit in. A padlock was fitted onto the lock which she set to work smacking her gun against, she didn't want to shoot it off and make her own son deaf.
Bennie stood over Alex as she went to work bashing the lock apart. Standing vigil over the desperate mother, the Maiden blew away one more cultist before Alex had managed to break open the lock, "Is he okay?" Bennie called out over his shoulder.
She didn't believe it but through sheer strength she had managed to smack open the lock with the handle of her gun. She swung the door open and pulled her son out, him leaping into her embrace. She sat on the ground and hugged him, holding him so so tightly and he held her even tighter. He wept and shivered from fear, while she did the same but from anger.
Yet their joy of finding each other once more overrode that. "I'll never let you go again baby, I promise." The world could melt away for all she cared, but she was smart enough to know that they needed to go, now.
"He's fine... lets get the hell out of here."
"Wait mom! There's other kids here! I don't know how many, but we can't leave them. Mom please!" Pleaded the boy.
"I'll handle it," Bennie announced. "You get your kid out of here, okay?"
Alex nodded to him as she picked up young Austin. "Thank you." She spoke sincerely thankful to Bennie before following up sternly and angrily. "Get him for this."
Bennie grinned, "I have a feeling he's already getting it from someone far scarier than I." He looked down at the boy, his shotgun slung over his shoulder. "You're a lucky kid to have a mom like this. Keep her safe, alright?"
Young Austin nodded slowly as he clutched his mother. Alex smiled for the breifest of moments before taking off away from Bennie.
Bennie watched them leave, "Stay alive." He whispered to himself.
==============================================
The mess hall was made far messier, and by far would need the most cleaning up on the ship, as Heath and Warren lobbed grenades back and forth at each other. Children flew in only to get torn to pieces by the maiden's berserker, they only served to refill his ammo, and Heath was doing an awful job at protecting them-that was if he was even trying. His only goal was to bring down Warren. Him, The Pixie and the other big black guy were far too dangerous to let live. Warren's bloodlust was verging on overload. As a child soldier himself Warren felt old feelings stir as he was forced to cut down the little ones, but when the big boys came to play they filled his murder gauge right back up. Heath was soon running out of ammo, however he still had one more trick up his sleeve, or rather, slung across his back.
As Warren slammed a man's skull against a table until there was nothing left to rattle in there, he had to leap over the table for safety. He growled at the ridiculous irony of his situation. "Fucking swords..."
Heath stood across from him brandishing a broadsword. He swung it over the table, forcing Warren to duck and flipping the table up against Heath. The child fell back but slid out of the way before the maiden could take advantage. Jumping up to his feet, Heath thrusted forward, Warren side stepping and elbowing down on his extended arm causing the sword to drop to the ground. Much like Warren, clearly this one knew little about how to handle a sword other than 'hit with the sharp part.' Warren raised his elbow up to Heath, who in return grabbed Warren's shoulder and hip as he was about to tumble back, delivering a knee into the dreadlocked man's stomach. He repeated this a few times before Warren grabbed his leg and brought him down, spinning and falling to the ground, slamming Heath as he went.
Heath clambered for a metal chair as he fell to the ground, taking it and crushing it over Warren's head. Warren was dazed and Heath took advantage, kicking the man away and rolling over to grab the sword. He ran over to jam it down onto Warren, but he was sharp and stole Heath's trick, grabbing the chair and launching it up at Heath's head. Heath's arms took the brunt of the attack but in the distraction Warren had time to tackle him, running a few good feet before jumping up and delivering a vicious spine-buster onto a table. The sword fell out of Heath's grasp once again, and he was helpless as Warren mounted him and lay a series of vindictive punches down onto his face. Heath's head was rocked by the fists before mustering up the strength to lift his knee and raise Warren above and over him, who fell onto the other side of the table. Heath made a break for it and ran to the sword, but stopped and turned on his heel as he found his mark. Instead he stood and waited for Warren to rush him.
Rush him he did, as Warren hopped back up and leapt off of the table towards Heath, who rolled out of the way. Warren stopped himself from landing badly as he went back to the man child. They exchanged a series of sadistic blows onto each other, spending God knows how long knocking each other's heads about with their fists and elbows, taking cheap shots onto each other whenever they could. Teeth flew, lips busted open, Heath could barely see out of his left eye because of the swelling while a terrible pain rocked the back of Warren's head. The maiden finally took advantage as Heath threw one sluggish swing, and it was all he needed. Hooking the back of the man's head and grabbing a fistful of hair, Warren uppercutted him hard before jabbing him in the throat until he was clearly having trouble breathing. Warren threw Austin's muscle across the room as he bolted back to pick up the sword. Getting flashbacks of when he actually used one of these damn things and wishing he kept one, but most of all wishing Ruffles' hadn't gone and made another bloody one of the things.
Warren sped back over to Heath's position with a powerful overhead swing. Heath had barely enough time to counter, spinning out of the way, readying himself on the balls of his feet. Warren stabbed at him, swinging wildly and kicking him away when he got too close. Heath stood strong and awaited his opponent who replied in kind. The two men, both having fought as child soldiers stared each other, Warren holding the sword close while Heath looked the berserker over. They thought they knew how to read each other exactly.
They ran, Warren swinging in upward arcs, Heath sliding side to side to dodge, jabbing him in the nose and chin. Warren let the sword to one side as he blocked his face, a huge mistake as Heath kicked high against his arm. Warren responded by grabbing Heath's throat and gripping as tight as he could. Heath grabbed a handful of Warren's dreads and pulled, pulling him into a vicious headbutt. Warren answered the call and copied the man, headbutt after headbutt again and again and again until both men's foreheads were busted wide open, but Heath dropped to his knee first.
As Warren reached out for the sword again Heath scrambled for his arm, his back to Warren and knocking the back of his head against Warren's face, forcing Warren into an awkward grip. Heath grabbed the hilt before it hit the ground and swiftly jabbed the sword behind him. Warren was still, the sword so deep even the hilt pressed against his stomach, the blade cutting through organs and bone. Heath put his back foot against Warren't waist and pushed off, pulling the sword out completely before spinning and slashing it against the maiden's neck. It didn't cut straight through at first, so he continued. Over and over again, Warren's neck extremely resistant to the sword, but it didn't matter, his eyes gave away that this was over. After a dozen swings, Heath gave it all with one last swipe, with all his strength, and Warren's head rolled across the floor.
Heath panted and struggled the breath, dropping the weapon they had both fought so hard for. He fell onto his backside before laying down on his back, recuperating for a moment. He'd take a break. A small break, he earned it.
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