Chapter 7

Audio Log 7490

Playing

"You're sending the new blood in this assignment?"

"Hans has trained him enough as we speak. It's a simple a task. Once he performs the distraction, you get your people out of here. I already have yours and the rest of your kinds chips removed. They won't have time finding you once they start getting paranoid that the terrorists are attacking..."

"That's an interesting plan but how do you plan on getting us out?"

"Leave that to my black scales. They will aid you on your escape."

"...I see...but why are you doing this?"

"Because someone in the ADVENT rank wants you dead and the elders has no use for you from what my black scales tell me...that and that I'm willing to return the favor who saved my life from X-Com..."

"Heh...you haven't changed one bit, Kaiserin."

"I don't betray friends...especially those who risk their life to save me..."

"...Indeed."

"We shouldn't linger here too long...you must get your people into a discreet location until my black scales escort you to safety."

"...Very well...let us hope this plan work..for our sake..."

"There's a reason why I'm sending the black scales to protect you if things go south. They will protect you with their life as your people protect you...now...I must be off...til we meet again...Viper king..."

End of Audio Log

(Dante's pov)

The next day was the day of the initiation cermony was a big thing in the family. Everyone was so eager to see me become a full blooded member of the family for the first time. As I entered the temple...I was admittedly a bit nervous and tried to keep my composure on check thanks to Hans' help.

"I'm nervous, Hans. What if I screw up?" I groaned.

"You won't. Take a deep breath...and relax." He tells me,

I slowly took some deep breathes as the rest of the family were getting in their seats(or go on the vines to get a better view.)...

"Better?" He asked me.

"Yeah...I think I'm ready...I hope..."

Hans chuckled as he kissed me on the forehead and pats me on the shoulder.

"Good luck, brother. I'll be right behind you if it makes you feel better." He smiled.

I nod as I walked down the hall of the temple to meet Kaiser standing near the altar...

So you were wondering how does the initiation cermony goes. It goes like this and this was something I had to do to show my loyalty to the family. I got on my knee in front of Kaiserin, made a fist on my right hand and placed it on my chest. Now it's basically the whole "Do you pledge your life to serve the family?" which keep in mind the entire family was listening so I didn't want them to think I was a betrayer to them. So when that part was over...I did not expect what Kaiserin did next...

She cuts her wrist with her dagger as her blood poured in a chalice. As she gives me the blood filled chalice and said this..

"Drink it, my son, and you will finally be a full blooded son in the family." She said with a smile on her face.

...Yeah...I had to drink a blood filled chalice to complete the initiation cermony...so I...managed to drink it all...barely...as Kaiserinsaid with joy in her voice...

"It is complete. We welcome you to our humble family, Dante." She smiled.

Everyone cheered...they welcomed me with opened arms as I just couldn't help but smiled of how welcomed I was...a real family...yeah...something I always wanted...

3 hours later

I was in my home relaxing when Heinrich showed up with Erica with a smile on her face as I got off the ground and sat on the chair.

"Mother. Erica. What brings you here?" I asked them.

"I got some good news. Tomorrow will be the day I will be assigning you and Erica on a certain task to test how well the two of you work together as a team." Heinrich tells me.

I was shocked to hear her say that...working together with Erica? How could I say no to that?

"That's...that's great. I'm looking forward working together with you, Erica." I smiled.

"As am I." Erica giggled.

"She will also be moving into your home for the time being so that you can enjoy her company more." Kaiserin chuckled.

...Crap...

"Now...I have heard interesting rumors about the two of you...possible lovers?" She smirks at us.

Erica and I tried to make excuses...but it only resulted Kaiserin giving a hearty laugh...

"Please...I see nothing wrong about you two being bonded lovers. We are a family...we are meant to love each other and becoming bonded with one of another is what makes us strong." Kaiserin smiled at us.

Well...she does have a point there...but I get the feeling she is doing this on purpose.

"We understand, mother." Me and Erica said at the same time.

"Good. Please...cherish the moment together." She smiled as she vanished while she left my home.

Just as I sat down on my bed, Erica sat down next to me as she rests her head on my shoulder...

"You think mother is doing this on purpose?" I asked Erica.

Erica was silent for a while as if she was thinking of something to say...

"Maybe...but she's right. Bonding is important in our family." She said silently as I sighed.

"I...suppose there's no harm in that...still...that's a bit rushed don't you think?"

"Don't get any ideas..." She smirked.

"I don't plan to." I chuckled.

We were silent for a bit as I start to wonder what the assignment we were going to do...

"I'm curious...do you think the assignment has to do with ADVENT?" I asked her.

"Oh there's no doubt in my mind she's cooking up a plan on ADVENT. If that's the case, then we would have relocate somewhere else so that we don't get ourselves into any dangers."

"I sure hope so...I don't want to be a puppet to them especially when I hear they dispose their units in a selfish manner." I sighed.

"It's true...saw it happen to a human ADVENT soldier...made me sick to my stomach..." She frowned.

"Hmmm..."

"And don't worry...we don't have chips in our skulls so the elders won't find us that easily."

Well that's a relief. At least I know the elders aren't watching me...

"I see...then let's get some sleep for tomorrow."

"Agreed..." She smiled.

I fell asleep with Erica as I felt Erica pull me close in her cold embrace...does she really like me...? No...get that out of your mind. She's your sister...don't let that thought get to you.

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But does she really like me...?

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Damn it...