Chapter 20
"This one won't do." A female voice said as Varen opened his eyes. Everything was colorless around him. He floated alone in a world of pure white as far as the eye could see in all directions. The female voice that had spoken sounded so familiar and yet he was alone.
"Ah, I suppose he has to go back." The voice said again. She sounded young and happy. There was a hint of laughter in her speech. He felt like his body was beginning to move forward on its own through the air. Each passing moment the feeling increased until he felt like he was flying at high velocity. His vision distorted and twisted until there was only a blur.
Ahead of him a figure took shape although everything around it remained a muddled unrecognizable landscape. He still felt like he was flying quickly through the air. The figure came into focus close to him as she stretched a hand out towards him. Varen breathed heavily holding back his tears as he reached forward taking his sister's hand. She smiled squeezing his hand tightly.
"Ready?" She asked and his vision snapped clear as he rolled sideways slashing his sword hard at the core of the Nova. The outer shell shattered under his blow and he completed his spin bringing the scythe around hard. The blade pierced into the exposed core of the Nova destroying it completely. The Nova lurched and the ribbons went limp as its body slowly crumbled to the ground. He kicked off of the body of the creature as it died flipping backwards through the air until he landed on his feet some distance away. The sword and scythe in his hands disappeared as he watched the Nova toppled over.
A strong grip spun him around and he stared at his instructor, Yumi Kim as she scanned over his body closely. He stood quietly without moving as she ran her hands over his arms and torso and up his neck. She looked him in the eyes her face very serious and yet also showing a hint of confusion. She stepped back seeing that the cracks and symptoms he had just exhibited were gone. It wasn't possible for someone to come back from novalizing. That much was certain as far as she knew. Considering her roommate was none other than Elize Schmidtz she felt confident that what had just happened was impossible.
"You're fine?" She asked. Varen looked around as the adrenaline from everyone began to wear off and the aftermath sank in. Bodies were scattered here and there with fellow students wailing in sorrow and despair. Behind Yumi, Arnette clutched the blackened remains of her Limiter as she cried uncontrollably.
"No, I am not fine." He said and she could tell his voice was back to normal.
"Varen!" He turned and saw Chiffon sprinting towards him. Without stopping she pressed into him wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Chiffon." He said quietly putting his arms around her back.
"I heard you, but I couldn't leave the first years alone. They were caught in the courtyard when it happened. They couldn't fight back!" She panicked.
"It's ok, I'm ok." He said still catching his breath.
"Why would you do that!? You promised me! Don't ever lie to me about that! Don't you dare leave me here alone!" She cried as her emotions finally broke free. He knew she was broken up over what should have killed him. Perhaps he didn't fully understand or realize just how much she cared. His desire to defend everyone even if it meant his life had been something he had not doubted once. However, he now questioned how his sacrifice would affect people like Chiffon. He would give his life for anyone in Genetics, but was that selfish? It made him question whether or not he was willing to die for them, or was he trying to die for them? He still blamed himself for Rin's death, but seeing her opened his eyes. He had been trying to atone for that by giving himself for the sake of others.
"I understand now. I can't save anyone if I'm dead." He said and she raised her head looking around. Her eyes widened and she stepped back from him in surprise. He didn't understand at first until he looked around as well. Pandora and Limiters stood staring at him all with their left hand clenched in a fist over their heart. Those who were cradling their fallen comrades stood wiping their eyes placing their fists over their hearts. He looked back at Arnette still on her knees her face wet with tears and she looked up at him nodding and placing her hand over her heart as well. He turned back towards Chiffon who now made the same salute over her chest. Yumi Kim looked around in surprise as well taking in the surroundings as every Pandora and Limiter formed the same salute.
There were many gestures of respect in the military whether Genetics or the standard militant wing of Chevalier. Only one was reserved for a headmaster of Genetics or grand general of Chevalier. A closed first over the heart signified the respect and allegiance while in the presence of a headmaster or grand general. They were the highest authority within the military and Genetics. No one was their equal, but Varen looked around as everyone silently stood in that courtyard.
"Put your hands down!" Yumi commanded. It wasn't that she didn't understand everyone's feelings in that moment. She truly did and it took all her willpower not to raise her fist over her own heart towards Varen. However, there was no way to know what could happen if Sister Margaret or a Chevalier officer saw this display. It could be a sign of mutiny or treason in the eyes of Chevalier especially. Whether or not Varen fully comprehended the scene Yumi knew the students were acknowledging him as their leader. No, that didn't sound right in her mind; they acknowledged him as their savior.
"Justicar!" A Pandora yelled. No one moved from their salute. Varen looked in the direction of the voice seeing a small white haired Pandora on her knee. A young Limiter lay before her, his chest showing signs of being slashed apart by the Nova. Attia wiped her face with her other hand looking down at her Limiter, Mark and then back up at Varen holding her salute.
"Justicar!" Another Pandora called out as more people joined in.
"Lower your hand that's an order!" Yumi yelled beginning to panic. She feared for the students and the repercussions they could face. Chevalier would not stand for this regardless of the circumstances.
"Justicar." Chiffon said smiling as he watched in awe as the courtyard erupted in chanting. He raised his fist over his heart returning the salute and everyone's voice rose louder. Varen didn't know that in that moment everyone at West Genetics changed. He became more than just the guy who could summon a volt weapon and fight like a Pandora. More than the man who not only challenged Chiffon and lived, but also won her heart. Yumi could tell that to his fellow students he had been reborn as something Chevalier could see as a threat. Something that they might possibly even fear. A symbol.
Two months later
Their heels clicked along the walkway as they approached the central command building. A few fellow Pandora and Limiters walked past each one raising a fist over their chest. They ascended the small series of stairs leading to the doors passing by the same Chevalier Pandora Varen had encountered the last time he was here. The same ones who had taken it upon themselves to insult him. He stopped on the steps before passing them and looked to each one. The four Pandora and single Limiter who followed behind him stopped as well.
"Anything either of you would like to say this time?" Varen asked flatly. The two Pandora looked him over for a moment before looking around cautiously. After a brief moment they both lifted their left hands up forming a fist over their hearts.
"We're with you Justicar, good luck." One of them said.
"Thank you." He said resting a hand on her shoulder as he walked past entering the building. The last time he had been here was when he was assigned to the mission that led them to the laboratory in De Orleana. This time would not be the same. After the Nova incursion two months ago he was now walking towards one of the largest rooms in the command center prepared to fight once more. They passed numerous people as they walked quickly through the hallways. Many were Chevalier personnel or higher tier Genetics personnel. Most looked their way and eyed them cautiously. Every so often though one would nod quickly in respect. They rounded a corner and opened a set of large double doors leading into the courtroom. The room was filled to capacity with more than a hundred people. They all turned as Varen and his team entered. He stopped for a second before approaching a large table at the front center of the room. Ahead of that table and seated on a large platform was general Renalt, Sister Margaret, and a few other high ranking Chevalier officials.
"Mr. Askiligar, take a seat. Or should I call you the Justicar?" General Renalt said with a hint of disdain in his voice.
"Call me what you will general it makes no difference to me." Varen responded sitting at the table. Chiffon, Arnette, Attia, Elizabeth, and Elizabeth's Limiter Andre sat down as well.
"This session was scheduled to assess and call into question the events of the West Genetics Nova clash. Your peers have unanimously decided to allow you to represent the entire student body of West Genetics. Every first, second, and third year has given their consent that you should represent the school in explaining the events that transpired that day." General Renalt said.
"I'm honored." Varen responded and he noticed Sister Margaret smile slightly.
"You have also requested a status and assignment responsibility change for second year Pandoras Chiffon Fairchild, Elizabeth Mably, Arnette McMillan, and Attia Simmons. As well as the same request for first year Limiter Andre Francois." He continued.
"Correct I have." Varen responded.
"And you understand that not only must we assess that day two months ago and consider your request, but that you face charges of sedition?" People shifted slightly in the room as the general finished.
"I do." Varen responded. The officers sitting on the platform looked at each other muttering amongst themselves before general Renalt nodded.
"Very well. Miss Fairchild, you are a well-respected Pandora at this academy. You function as the student body president, and are the number one ranked Pandora here. Your marks are exemplary and your dedication to the role of a Pandora has never been called into question. My question to you is simple, to whom do your loyalties lie first and foremost above all else?" The general asked looking over to Chiffon. She stood slowly facing the assembly of officers from Chevalier and the headmaster.
"My loyalties are to the people who make up all of humanity sir." She answered.
"Clever. If given an order from myself, and Mr. Askiligar were to command you differently, whom would you follow?" He asked drawing a smile from her.
"Mr. Askiligar would never order me to do anything. I am not his possession and he would never treat me as such." She answered and general Renalt's lip quivered a bit angrily.
"Answer the question Ms. Fairchild I have little patience for wordplay from you." He commanded.
"I would follow him to the gates of hell and back general sir." She answered sharply.
"You see him as a force of authority?" He asked and she looked at Varen and smiled.
"No, he's my hero." She answered.
"The reality is that he is a first year Limiter and nothing more. He holds no position of power or authority. He neither commands leadership or loyalty from anyone here. We are the ones who command not him Ms. Fairchild." The general responded.
"I remember when everyone in this facility considered him as just a first year student nothing more just as you do. I also remember when he proved every one of those people wrong. You're right he does not command leadership or loyalty. We give it to him freely." She responded coldly taking seat.
"Mr. Askiligar, your deeds two months ago were extraordinary. You defeated the Nova singlehandedly without suffering any injuries. You exhibited powers unheard of for Limiters or Pandora, and now your own Pandora has stated her loyalties lie to you before all others. Do you have anything to say?" General Renalt asked.
"No, but you are free to offer your thanks to me if you'd be so inclined." Varen responded causing the whole room to gasp. A few laughter's were heard and Sister Margaret covered her mouth to quiet her own.
"You dare speak in such a manner of insubordination!" One of the officers yelled.
"We buried our dead, said our goodbyes, and mourned for our friends and family. We fought, bled, and died together that day. When everyone flees from the Nova we charge. When normal men fall we stand. I will use my abilities to stop the Nova and those who choose to betray mankind. I've proven I can do it. So, I ask you now, will you label me a traitor?" Varen answered back.
"What do you want Mr. Askiligar? How do you see this ending?" General Renalt asked calming his associate. Varen looked at the people with him before turning back to the general.
"The Nova that attacked two months ago was undetected because it was brought here by humans correct?" Varen asked.
"Your knowledge of classified information is intriguing Mr. Askiligar. Yes, a short range device with the ability to create a rift between our dimension and the Nova's was used to bring it here to our world." General Renalt answered.
"I have some great friends with access to information." Varen responded nodding to Elizabeth.
"Of course you do." Renalt responded.
"What I want is simple general. You offered me a task that I have yet to accomplish. The Novitiates brought that Nova here. You offered me the opportunity to end their threat and I am asking to continue that job. Let us avenge those who have fallen." He requested.
"Is that all?" Renalt replied.
"The people seated at this table with me. Place them under my command and allow us full authority to operate outside of West Genetics until Kyle Monroe is brought to justice. Relieve us temporarily from our standard expectations at West Genetics and allow us the opportunity to function as a splinter cell dedicated to this task." Varen said.
"Do you truly believe you can bring down the Novitiates?" Sister Margaret asked.
"Give me what I'm asking for and I swear it." Varen responded.
"I knew you were something different when we first met Mr. Askiligar. Your request is granted. It's clear you have inspired the students of this school to reach heights they never thought possible. Although it is worrying that you have managed to elevate so highly in the students eyes to a point where they view you as a higher power than Chevalier, I recognize your worth. You are granted command of Pandoras Fairchild, Mably, McMillan, and Simmons. Limiter Francois will also be placed under operational command of yourself as Mably's official partner. Is this correct that Pandoras Arnette McMillan and Attia Simmons have not found a replacement Limiter after the untimely deaths of their former partners?" General Renalt asked.
"We have not nor do we plan on it. Varen's capabilities as a Limiter are sufficient that additional Limiter's are not necessary." Arnette answered. Her voice cracked slightly as she spoke.
"You wish to function as single Pandora with no Limiters?" Sister Margaret asked.
"This team is all we want. Together, nothing will stop us." Attia answered.
"Done, section twelve, buildings 3A and 3B will be repurposed to your team. Submit your provisional needs and requests immediately. I am holding you all to the highest standards regardless of your age and status as students. The freedom given to you today is not to be taken lightly and can be revoked at any time."
"Thank you sir." Varen said standing and bowing before turning and heading towards the doors.
"Good luck… Justicar." He called after Varen.