Love is a Battlefield
Chapter 10: Shoot Hard
Military Academy; Assembly Hall
"Welcome Cadets! It is my pleasure to welcome you to this fine institution. Congratulate yourselves, as you know you have been selected amongst those who have tried to enter the military's ranks but failed, miserably. You should delight in the fact that after all your hard work, you will be placed alongside the best soldiers there is! Of course, those who'll come out of the top will have a special prize handed out to them. We expect great things from you, cadets! Do not let us down. Failure to meet my expectations will result in immediate expulsion. Is that clear?" The Grand general spoke into the microphone.
"Sir yes sir!" The voices of the newly admitted cadets boomed through the halls. Their faces stern, ready to face the challenges ahead of them.
Military Academy; Sleeping Quarters
A young Usui Takumi is wandering the halls looking for his room. It says M29 on the piece of paper handed out to him. He was supposed to be in it with someone named Igarashi Tora.
"Just how big could this place get? And would it hurt them to put signs on the door?" Usui thought to himself. He rounded a corner and saw a dark haired boy with glasses being surrounded by a group of men that seemed older then him.
"Hey! What are you doing over there?" Usui rushed to see that they were giving the boy a thrashing.
"Fuck off if you don't wanna join the fun."
He needn't say another word. Usui landed a punch on one of the faces of the assailants. A guy from behind him gave him a roundhouse only to be dodged by Usui and receive a blow from him. It didn't take long before Usui knocked them all out.
"Th-Thanks." Said the dark haired boy.
"You're welcome. Just be careful next time." He turned his back to leave before the boy stopped him.
"Oy, what's your name?" he called out.
"Usui Takumi."
"Kanou Sotarou. Thanks again. I owe you." Usui just nodded and left him alone in the halls.
Room M29
Usui looked around as he entered the room. It was plain white with a bunker bed at the side. No posters whatsoever, only a light bulb on the ceiling and an open window overlooking the main hall. The place looked dreadful, like it'll slowly suck the soul out of you if you stay in it for too long.
"You must be my roommate." A man appeared behind the closet doors.
"I just finished unpacking. Igarashi Tora." He offered his hands for a handshake.
"Usui Takumi." He said, not bothering to shake hands at all.
Usui Mansion
"Shit. I'm having dreams of that place again." He cursed, checking the clock it was just three in the morning. He hasn't been able to get proper sleep since they raided the warehouse. Just seeing that place brings back unwanted memories. How he wanted to talk to Misaki right now, just to get things off his head. He took his phone off the night stand and started to dial Misaki's number but decided against it. In the end he pressed delete and shut the phone down placing it back on the night stand. He stared at the ceiling of his room. Why can't he just live a normal life? He thought.
"And you expect me to call you my grandson? Can't you show a little more hard work?"
Usui got off from his bed and started to walk towards the garden. Darkness engulfed the whole mansion making the moon and the stars look extra bright. The place was so lonely without Misaki. He never really thought of it before, but now he seeks the company of his beloved little angel.
Military Headquarters
"Lieutenant, they're requesting for your presence on the assembly field. Something about the new recruits?" Yukimura entered Misaki's office looking dishevelled. They've been working all night long for the welcoming ceremony.
"Yeah, I'm coming. I've been asked to give out an inspirational message to them." Misaki skimmed the paper with her speech for one last time and headed for the door.
Military Headquarters; Assembly field
Misaki eyed the field. There are at least ten thousand new recruits this year. That means a couple thousand more to her unit. Misaki saw that there a few women who successfully completed the course at the academy this year. She could count them by tens. They all look stern though, that's for certain. Five years in the academy will strengthen not only your mind and body but your heart also. They'll teach you to be a heartless drone when you need to be. Misaki remembered her years at the academy. It was definitely not child's play. She could've chosen to study at a normal university and end up as one of those high ranking businesswoman but she chose to fight for her country. She didn't really know what urged her to do so, but maybe it was the fact that the soldier's family is safe from the Grand General's wrath.
"Misaki, are you ready with your speech?" Tora appeared behind Misaki and gave her a smile.
Misaki's face was impassive, calculating Tora's movements. She doesn't seem to know the man anymore. "Yes I'm ready. There seems to be a lot of them this year." She said starting a normal conversation.
"Yes, 12,157 to be exact. We were only expecting them to be in the nine thousands but I guess the propaganda worked well for them to increase in numbers."
"Not all of them will live their full life span though." She said pitifully
"Indeed, unfortunate for them; but of course it also depends on how good they're commanding officer is, isn't that right Lieutenant?"
"Yeah, I guess so."
"The ceremony is about to begin please proceed to the assembly field. General Igarashi and Lieutenant Ayuzawa you are requested onstage."
"We better go. Oh and put on a sweet smile Grand General Walker is here."
Tora and Misaki proceeded to the stage and took their seats according to rank. Misaki is seated two seats away from Gerard, Tora and the Grand General.
The Grand General stood and started toward the edge of the stage. Everyone stood silent waiting for him to speak. The new recruits remembered their first day at the academy. The Grand General spoke in front of them too, welcoming them to the ranks and wishing them good luck on their five year training. Now here he is again congratulating them for their hard work.
"But of course, this is only the beginning of a new day for you. As you officially join the ranks you'll be exposed to broader things in life. You'll experience a greater sense of love for your country, camaraderie and of course a greater view on the reality of death."
The air around them grew heavy at the mention of the word death. Gerard just smiled while Tora just nodded. It was always part of the speech. And the both of them already knew what comes next almost reciting it in unison: "I hope you're ready to die for your country soldier!" They both said in a whisper. Followed by a smirk. Misaki just rolled her eyes at the both of them. 'So childish.' She thought.
"I hope you're ready to die for your country soldier!" And with that the Grand general ended his speech.
Misaki's speech came next. If the Grand general's words almost crushed everyone's hope, Misaki's was there to bring it back. It always worked this way, every year since she graduated she'll always be there to reverse the effects of gloom through her words and this year was no exception. Misaki finished with a flourish and received immediate applause from the recruits. The others were clapping behind her too.
After a few more formalities the ceremony was over. Well that was what everyone thought anyway.
"I have an announcement to make, if you don't mind." The Grand general suddenly announced. Everyone turned their heads towards him, expectant. His eyes searched for Misaki and gave her a knowing smile. He nodded her way and stood again by the edge of the platform.
Author's random ramble:
Hey guys! It's been so long. Anyway am glad to say that it's finally summer here! So fun, except for the fact that it's boiling hot, I might as well be cooked in a broth right now. So how'd you guys find this chapter? Of course reviews are always welcome. Stay tuned for what happens next. It gets more fun from here. ^_^ Thanks to all those who've patiently waited for this update. Since I'm on vacation from school, I'll probably be able to update every day like I did last year or you know… every other day or so. Oh and you can follow me on twitter too. I'll be posting updates there and other stuff too. Link's on my profile. Also congratulations to my Filipino readers who have successfully graduated from high school. ^_^ I'm next in line to you guys. =D
Ja Mata =)
"How do you heal a broken heart?"