Guys I can't describe how I'm sorry fourth chapter went amiss, or how it happened O.o
Oh well I guess an updated chapter won't hurt. After all, I've written it when I was thirteen and it was still clumsy. Now I'm nineteen, I guess it will look more updated and better (I hope). My apologies again.
Disclaimer: This is not meant to offend anyone, promote a racist message or anything of the sort. As for the scientific information, it is reliable. But again, this is fiction.. :D so I'm basically writing based on real facts ^
Anyways- Chapter 4:
Truth
Kishu stared at the fourteen carats diamond ring placed on his smallest finger. A token of appreciation he was told, for all the diligent work he, Pai, and Taruto had accomplished and what it meant for the future of the Cyniclones. The king's coat of arms was engraved behind the diamond with "For perseverance" chiselled slantly underneath it. Amused, Kishu held his hand to the light and enjoyed the powerful refraction emitted by the diamond. Around him, men and women in uniforms were chatting animatedly, enjoying glasses of cocktails and hors d'oeuvres served around, waiting for the congregation to start.
It was the first ceremony of the "Réconcurrence" and the ballroom was swathing with wealth and opulence just for the occasion. Noting the extraordinary change, Kishu found it hard to believe that just some years ago his race lived in extreme misery, seeking refuge in trenches from cold. But since ever Earth was reconquered, the resources were put to better uses. The arid desert of gases and sand that was this planet was transformed into a very habitable realm, with natural remedies and plants, whose lack has wiped a substantial part of the Cyniclone population. Now, more in touch with their natural habitat, and all the resources of Earth ready for them, it seemed that a ravaging frenzy had attained the Cyniclones. The years of misery and death were so traumatic that it was an impending issue hovering above their heads; for their new lifestyle was a vow that such a thing should never happen again. Extremely rare and expensive material was imported from the Earth, and with it, was manufactured highly technological artefacts, sumptuous palaces, unnecessary and unbelievable luxuries that facilitated life and reassured its owners that they shall never roam the desert, burying the members of their families one after one ever again. Moreover, a nationalist move was in procession. It was now the nationwide desire to wipe the human race and to be the master race once again. Never, it was said, shall these soft-fleshed primates subdue the Cyniclones ever again. We shall rid this planet from these profanations that devoured each other, trying to outdo each other in wealth, who murdered each other for no more than their different skin colours, who persecuted minorities, who, because of their sadistic nature, molested their own young and who destroyed the environment to instate a godly status. Good riddance of these perfidious creatures, which, in their greed for power have ruined the Earth.
The meeting in waiting concerned a new missile, which, instead of bringing about demolition, should propagate a deadly virus that should kill humans and humans only. The vegetal and animal life should be kept intact and protected. Only humans and ALL humans should perish. No exception should be made: they may come from different continents, speak different languages but they were all the same. No favour was to be given for anyone. Silently grateful that the most precious human to him was upstairs being attended by servants; Kishu felt a wave of relief. Surely had Ichigo remained on Earth, he would have not permitted that missile…he would have stopped it with all his might.
As he was lost in thought, he did not notice all the seductive glances thrown in his way by females accompanying their male relatives, nor did he see a tall and slender figure saunter its way towards him, her tight white uniform glowing in the refraction of the diamond's light.
"It must feel weird."
Startled, Kishu turned around to find a woman with long plum coloured hair and green eyes staring at him with a happy look on her face.
Shocked, he could only stutter.
"Naiya!"
He stood up from his chair and searched her face with his eyes. She had changed, this old acquaintance of his. Instead of the small, shrivelled face with over size clothes that had trudged behind a man throwing inquisitive looks behind her; was a grown and well-fed version of his childhood best friend.
"How…how did you…its been too long…"
She laughed her silvery laugh.
" I've been selected as a top engineer in biological warfare. I'm the one in charge…but that's not important. How are you? It's been so long indeed! You just came back from Earth, I've heard. And Pai and Taruto were with you. You've been appointed top lieutenant from what I can see…." She said; pointing to the medal pinned on his chest.
Merrier, both talked about their lives and how it was good to find each other again.
"And… How is your human faring? I heard you both are to be married?"
Kishu smiled, remembering the night before. "She is adjusting…its not easy on her but I think it's for the better, you know," He gulped his cocktail and Naiya's smile faded slowly from her face.
"Don't you think that she won't possibly…fit? I mean with all the political propaganda going around, wouldn't it have been better if she stayed on earth?"
Kishu's stare intensified, " I could never leave her on Earth, not with what's happening…God, not with what's going to happen."
"You know what I mean, Kishu. She's not fit to live here, emotionally, physically and you know with all that's going around, how could you expect others to accept her—"
"She's with me." Kishu cut in curtly. "I think that's enough."
Naiya narrowed her eyes. Before she could retort anything, Taruto's small figure came running towards Kishu, Pai walking slowly behind him.
"Onee-saaaaan" He said, "Look, look!" He started prancing around, showing off his new uniform. "I look like those warriors in the stories, and I have a medal too!" He exclaimed in his excitement, showing his bright medal with pride.
"Taruto," came Pai's placid voice.
Annoyed, Kishu told Taruto to shut it and that he was with company. The latter's eyes grew larger than saucepans when he saw Naiya and then, confusion clouded his face.
"But…if you're going to be married to Ichigo…Then, why are you—" He had abruptly stopped when Kishu started boxing his ears.
"Baka! Learn to shut up in publiiiiiiic"
Pai's face remained expressionless and Naiya was just a little embarrassed.
"I heard you're in charge," said Pai, addressing Naiya while the commotion between Kishu and Taruto persisted.
"Oh yes," she said, holding her hand to shake his.
"And you must have facilitated our access to Earth," Both continued talking when the doors leading inside their meeting quarters opened and everyone rushed to leave their glasses on trays and tables.
"Let's go," Naiya said, and the trio followed her into the doors, and found them selves surrounding a huge circular glass table in a dim room.
After everyone was installed and comfortable, the room lit into a blinding blue neon luminescence.
"Welcome," said a mechanical female voice. "You are currently attending the first congregation of the Réconcurrence. Please be seated,"
"Alright," started a Cyniclone wearing spectacles. "Welcome. As you may all be aware, the purpose of this reunion is to discuss plan A1, destined to be executed on the summer solstice of this year. Now that we have destroyed the Earth's most powerful military bases, we can already start with our second objective; which is to wipe away the human race. "
The Cyniclone switched something and a huge transparent and tactile screen appeared before everyone, showing a rotating Earth.
"So far, in order to launch our new bio-missile, we must choose appropriate places on each continent, that would facilitate the propagation of the virus. But before that, I leave the word to Naiya Yagasaki, who will explain the nature of the virus and what are its effects on the human anatomy."
Naiya stood up and walked to where the spectacled Cyniclone was standing. "Thank you, Soren. So to proceed, I shall begin with an introduction to the virus then we'll move on its effects on all species and its role as a parasite."
She started handing copies of her work. When Kishu received his, he read: "Operation Elimination A1" written in bold blue letters and just underneath it; "The biological warfare department established against alien entities". A comic version of a human was drawn on the front to represent the department's logo.
"The name of the virus is A1. It was manufactured in our laboratories after studying gene sequences that constitute the human DNA. Our main objective was to disintegrate completely the human race. Or in other words, destroy human beings from within. This virus infiltrates itself in the chromosomes and destroys the one allele out of each pair…the result is to make denaturalize the gene sequences and to make the human completely dysfunctional. Moreover, this virus, if ever caught, hinders reproduction."
"We have manufactured this virus to only attack humans and no other animals, including primates. The advantage this virus offers us is that it can be carried by other species without enduring the consequences. We wanted to make the medium of infections as easy as that of the acanthoemeba. But it was challenging; the human immune system is really resistant. This can only be passed by blood or through a weakened immune system. So our options are to make it transferrable through blood, sexually, or hosts. Digestible hosts."
She suddenly smiled and started explaining how the virus should be spread everywhere- including animals such as cattle which humans use as food. The cattle, she explained, ate grass, which is contaminated with all sorts of parasites. If ever those parasites were to be contaminated with the virus, humans would with no doubt be infected.
Kishu looked around: everyone looked really impressed. Yet, he felt queasy as he pictured Mint or Lettuce slowly loosing their cognitive abilities and their reflexes, entering a faze of a vegetative state…
"Alright, alright." Clapped the spectacled Cyniclone, "Thankyou, Ms. Yagasaki for this brilliant innovation. You make us proud."
The rest of the assembly clapped as well, while Naiya went to sit back, obviously flushing with pleasure.
"Now," started Soren, "Our next step is our starting points. We have decided two places on each continent to catalyse the proliferation of the virus."
He lightly touched the screen with the rotating Earth and it zoomed in.
"Each place should promote an immediate infection. So we decided: The shores of the Californian beaches as well as those of Alaska. The Easter Islands and Montevideo, as well as Trinidad and Tobago; the Canary islands, The Atlas mountains, The heart of the Republic of Congo, Antwerp in Belgium and the border between Austria and Germany, Cyprus, the Ganges river, Yunan, Tokyo, the sea of Japan, Indonesia, the Chatam Islands, New Caledonia, and the Marshall Islands. All those places have been chosen for the easy access of the virus and how to exterminate all people at once. We took in account animal attacks such as sharks, the diet of humans, huge population, etc. all kind of factors that could wipe off a huge number of humans all at once. Remember, our objective is that no human should remain functional by the end of next year."
They all applauded and discussed the last details and when they should start the procedure. Just when they were leaving, they heard shouts and a commotion.
"What's going on?" Taruto asked, as they saw servants shouting to guards to come over.
Pai stopped a servant and asked him what was going on.
"An attack," squeaked the latter, "Someone got hurt…"
"Who?" Inquired Kishu, feeling suddenly alarmed.
"Someone…Someone important, I heard. I don't know who."
Kishu did not wait for more information; he was already making his way hurriedly towards the living quarters of the south wing, feeling anxious.
It had taken Ichigo half an hour to slither back to room without attracting attention to herself. As soon as she approached the corridor in which her door's room stood, she made a dash and shut the door violently behind her. The room was empty with the large windows open to seep in the morning breeze.
Half pacing, half running, Ichigo was full of adrenaline. What was going to happen to her and what damage had she inflicted on her foe, she could not say. Her only issue was how to leave. She walked through the window leading to her balcony and checked whether the grounds bellow would allow a riskless jump. To her horror, the grounds were very low, almost 700 feet…she would die before she hit the ground.
Groaning, Ichigo felt panic at last creeping. What was going to happen to her?
She could feel her body turning cold and jellylike and there was nothing to do but give in. So she slumped on the floor, breathless and light-headed.
And it all came to her…what happened, why that woman summoned her….How degrading her ensured a bitter supremacy that was not felt. This had nothing to do with a human and cyniclone rivalry. This was more personal; this was woman to woman- of one who was hiding behind smiles drawn with lipsticks and power emitted with a crown. But what was she? Just another who was subdued and overshadowed by the power of new felt money. Little by little, the hierarchy was taking shape… Ichigo pictured that same woman, head lowered, walking behind the man that ruled a planet, forever outshined for her stunning looks yet unconsidered mind…
Cradled in her panic, a sudden wild idea prowled in her mind: so what if she dies jumping down? Who would regret her? If she is not allowed to go back and if she won't be able to endure living here, what was the use of staying alive? The road ahead promised only pain and darkness…
Mechanically and numb, she rose, feeling quite high, and headed straight towards the balcony. When she climbed up the balustrade, her brain decided to display all sorts of memories. She saw Zakuro's bored face and Minto's cunning one sipping tea…and then Pudding and lettuce and Ryou and Aoyama-kun…
But just when her body flexed, she was knocked out cold and her arms were locked together. Her eyes snapped open, and she looked around. It took her three full seconds to realize that Kishu was hovering above the ground, bracing her tightly.
"Just…what…In…" He sputtered, but she writhed herself violently and shouted to him to let her go.
Ducking and wincing against the jabs of her elbows, Kishu managed to get her inside the room and to secure the door of the balcony shut.
He was suddenly caught between fear and an overwhelming anger. Just what in the world was wrong her?
"Why," he hissed, his eyes ablaze and cornering her, "What in the world are you thinking? You would have been dead before you reach the bottom.."
"Well good!" She bellowed at him, all red eyed and flushing with anger. "Anything- Anything is better than being stuck here with you. I'm not your toy, you hear?!" She was screaming so loud now that there was a reverbato in her voice.
He watched her as she paced in frustration before sinking on the bed, her new blond hair in discord and her face distorted in irritation and grief.
"Ichigo," he started.
"I don't want to be here…I hate it…I thought you'd know better…This is not right…"
"Ichigo," he said again.
"You have ruined me, humiliated me, what more do you want?"
"You," he said, before he could think.
"Me? Me?! Then take me and get it over with! And if you proclaim to be better than my people, do it now and let me go in peace!"
She darted towards him and opened her arms as an invitation, challenging him…
Kishu swallowed hard and focused on her face. "Ichigo, it's impossible. I can't let you go and I refuse, especially now…"
She laughed bitterly. "Now look here: the brave one, the saviour! Can't accomplish what he brought me here to do! You refuse? You can't? Cowardice under this carcass of a hero! If you were half the man Aoyama-kun was..."
As if electrified, Kishu darted towards Ichigo and knocked her stone cold on the wall. For a second, she was truly frightened that he might actually strike her. But then, it didn't matter. Tear strained, she looked right in his face and challenged him to confirm her every word.
Kishu seized her by the shoulders
"Enough acting stupid for one day. You want to go back? Here," and he thrusted the conference's papers on her face.
Ichigo blinked and kneeled to read the papers that had fallen on the floor. Fuming, Kishu took the time to ask a servant what had happened during the day. The latter explained that she had prepared Ichigo for a meeting with someone very important and everything was going fine until that human was seen running away, leaving a trail of blood behind the imperial door.
It took two more servants to explain everything in good detail before Kishu understood what had truly happened. Before he could enquire more, he heard a strangled squeal behind him. Ichigo was kneeling on the floor with her eyes wide as saucepans and her face blanched. For a second, Kishu thought she was going to vomit; but instead, she stood up and threw herself on the bed.
He dismissed the servants and leaned on the door, watching Ichigo shivering on the bed. What has befallen him, may he ask?
After fifteen minutes of eerie silence, he settled himself next to her and looked at her curled frame feeling sympathetic.
"Ichigo. I wouldn't have brought you if you didn't matter…Now I know it must be hard for you…But you can't stop it, neither can I. And you know what she was trying to do…having her few minutes of glory, trying to damage you this way for her miserable decade of servitude to a man bedazzled with too many jewels. She thought you below her. She is a bitter creature that one. I fear she will give you hell for challenging her…"
The silence remained.
"I won't let them hurt you; that I promise. But work with me. It's not supposed to be like that, we could be happy you know," he resumed.
She chuckled. "Happy…"
She remained silent for the rest of the night and he kept staring at the one he brought over, feeling a wave of sickening affection for the latter.
After she had fallen asleep, he went to apologize to his sovereign. But when he sought him, the latter was already strategizing deeply with two of his favourite advisors. His face was deeply submerged in their talk and there was no trace that anything had happened.
When he saw Kishu, he smiled brightly at him and asked him what pleasure did he owe him for such a visit.
Speechless, Kishu just stared and after a few seconds, excused himself.
As he walked back to his room, he pondered about how, Ichigo, the human, was far more lucky than the one married to the king.
I'm sooooo sorry for the delay but it took AGES to figure out what I was going to write. I honestly hope you like it. I wanted to add a reality touch to it all, especially with the biology part and whatnot. Give me your feedback? Read and review, peeps! As for the places on the continent, I just realized how huge the world was so I had to add a third place for some continents. But God forbid something like that should ever happen! After all, it's just fiction!