Chapter 01 - Isao I, Prologue
The sirens rang overhead. The contractors were beginning to attack the gate. We could not let South America happen again. There was simply too much at stake.
Before I knew what was happening, I was in my supervisor's office, sitting in a chair. "Isao," he said, trying to hide the stress of the situation on his face, "I'd like to introduce you to Mai." Seated next to me was a girl who looked like she could be in high school. She was wearing a white jumpsuit with some red patterns across the shoulder.
The man handed Mai a piece of paper. "Mai, show Isao your ability." She looked at the man as if she were to ask why, but before she could he interrupted "so he can assist you better on this mission." As if out of a dream, a blue radiance surrounded her, and her eyes shone with a bright light.
"Contr—" was the most I could get out before the paper ignited into flames. The girl name Mai held it aloft until there was nothing left to hold and the remains dropped to the ground.
My supervisor nodded. "The two of you are to report to the Saturn ring to ensure that everything goes as planned. Mai, you are to stand guard on the platform and destroy anything which threatens the ring. Isao, you are to guard the entrance to ensure that Mai can do her job as planned."
I fingered for the gun at my belt and nodded. This was probably the first important task I've had since taking this job here. Upon hiring from PANDORA, I was nothing more than a janitor. But through some inner connections and promotions, I could move through the ranks to become a basic security officer. But if I could succeed in a job of this magnitude, I would be sure to get a promotion. Perhaps I could control an entire squadron?
"I'll leave it to you," confirmed my commanding officer. I nodded, and left the room with Mai.
As we walked down the hall, I heard a small sound to my left, almost as if somebody was singing. Sure enough, there was Mai, humming a tune as we walked forward to a job that could save or destroy our lives. "Why are you—" I began, before I remembered. Each contractor has a unique remuneration. As she had used her abilities to burn that paper, she had no choice but to repay her debt on this walk.
"A real shame," I said allowed as we turned the corner. "I meet a fine young girl such as yourself and as soon as this mission is over I'll probably never hear from you again. Isn't it cruel?"
Mai finished her tune and turned to me with cold eyes. "Why?" she asked.
"It's nothing," I said, and kept walking. From that point on I swore to not ask a compassionate question. Contractors have no emotions. If something makes no sense to them from a rational perspective, they see no reason to do it.
"Well, here you go," I said, pointing to the archway. I'll keep a lookout here, so you go and make sure that our only hope is protected. Mai said nothing and walked onto the platform. I leaned back against the wall and sighed. Protect this girl? Is the supervisor nuts? She should be the one protecting me! There's no way I could stand again a girl who could easily set me on fire.
The minutes ticked by. My watch read 3:12 PM. Screams echoed outside as the contractors fought against the armed units. I should be out there fighting with them. I am a security officer after all. But I suppose this was more important. Another 3 minutes. More screams.
But then I realized that the screams were coming from the Saturn system. I looked inside and there was Mai, staring down at the ground, where two intruders were burning to their deaths.
My watch read 3:12 PM. Screams echoed outside as the contractors fought against the armed units. I should be out there fighting with them. I am a security officer after all. But I suppose this was more important. Another 3 minutes.
Suddenly, I heard large rattle inside the Saturn system. Upon looking in, there was Mai sprawled on the floor, as if an invisible force had just pushed her aside. Blood drops were scattered, and her leg seemed to be twisted in an impossible position. I got ready to run in her aid, but she saw me. He eyes glowed red and suddenly, my tie caught fire.
Left with no choice I beat out the fire with my suit coat and went back to rescue her. But as I did, there was a very large explosion. Warning went off everywhere, and I heard some people yelling about the Saturn system being damaged. Then I heard the screams. Blood curdling screams as if people were burning inside. And as I expect, Mai was glowing a blue color. I dashed in and caught a glimpse of a naked woman disappearing, and a man continuing to burn.
The Saturn system continued to collapse as I came upon Mai. However, she had lost consciousness with the final burning. "Ah, geez!" I yelled, as I put her arm around my shoulder and grabbed her waste. "We're getting out of here!" I yelled, as we dashed through the door.
If only I knew that door was a door to my new life, I may have said something differently.