SHINYA'S POV
Shinya proceeded down the rows of armored vehicles and back into the main camp still choking on embarrassment. He figured he should probably take Yuu's advice about grabbing dinner even though his stomach was in knots after his conversation with Mika... Pushing aside the canvas flap he entered the dining tent and spotted Shinoa, Mitsuba and Shigure sitting together at the farthest table alone. He was glad some trusted and familiar faces were still here and quickly picked up his dinner just before they finished serving food.
"Mind if I sit here?" He asked politely as he walked up to the group.
"Sure! Sit, sit~" Shinoa smiled as she patted the seat next to her. He set down his tray and scooted across the bench.
"Did Yuu-chan find Mika-chan okay?"
"Nn~… he did, I was with her-"
"Oho~ did he interrupt something haha!" Shinoa jested. Shinya laughed and shook his head, though he sort of did… With a sigh he started to eat the bland tasting food while the girls continued their previous conversation. He felt the anger steadily growing again that he had quelled earlier… not a heated rage but more cold and devious. He knew he needed to do something soon about the situation regarding the children while keeping Mika out of danger. She had not given an answer to Kureto's request, which was fortunate… but Kureto was not the most patient of individuals nor does he like being told no…
"What is wrong, Shinya?" Shigure studied him from across the table. He peered up from his plate to see all three were watching him with a concerned gazed. "You always play with your food when you are troubled…"
"Nn, you're right… something is quite wrong…"
Hearing the tone of his voice they slid a little closer together making it so they could speak low and remain inconspicuous. Being in the corner made it easier so he had a clear view of whoever may approach them. Even still, he decided to keep the reasons behind his troubled appearance as succinct as possible.
"If you haven't already been told by Guren or Mika herself, Mika is mostly the reason behind us being accepted back into the JIDA with little issue so far. She had been working with Kureto and now he has offered her a new deal about taking in the vampire's livestock. She said he wants to make her human again but really we all know, including Mika, he wants to use her because of the Seraph gene she possesses… I can't let that happen." He summarized as best he could. The three were silent for a few minutes as they contemplated his simple explanation, all while casting glances at each other…
"Well, we do need to start considering a plan to rescue the children whether there is a deal or not between the General and Mika. When I say we, I am referring to us all as a human civilization entirely, not just our squad… I do not believe any soldiers or civilians living within our walls will reject them… but I have not heard much talk of it amongst them. It could just be that the battle is at the forefront of their minds but it needs to be addressed. There is the issue of the JIDA not accepting outsiders normally, but I think if the military as a whole were better informed about the children's hardship they would be willing to make an acceptation." Shigure was the first to speak her mind.
"Nn… and remember, as of now the vampires are their caretakers. If or when the JIDA wins, those kids won't have the vampires providing for them any longer so the JIDA should take responsibility for them." Shinoa pointed out.
"You are right, we can't wipe out their support system and then just leave them underground… but I'm worried if we get caught trying to talk to soldiers about it, it might look like we are trying to interfere with the General and Mika's deal… I don't want her to get hurt or be in trouble because of something we did… It's already a really big shock she's allowed to stay here with us and I'm sure that situation is incredibly fragile as it is..." Mitsuba chimed in.
"You're all correct and I agree, I've had the same exact thoughts…"
Seeing Aoi enter the tent Shinya went quiet and drummed his fingers on the table; a signal Shigure picked up right away and quickly changed the topic. It threw Mitsuba off a little but Shinoa met her eyes and they had their own silent exchange.
"Major General, our General would like to speak with you." Aoi addressed him almost robotically with dark circles under her eyes, the strain of war clearly beginning to wear on her.
"Sure, I'll be there in a few minutes…"
Aoi bowed shallowly and hurried out of the tent as quickly as she came.
"Hm… any idea what it's about?" Shinoa asked as she watched Aoi leave and then turned her worried eyes to Shinya.
"I have a theory~" Shinya gave her a wink and got up from the table. The girls all smiled a little and sent him off to his meeting. He made his way towards the Command tents again and acknowledged the guards standing watch outside of Kureto's tent as he slipped in. Seishiro was just leaving with a folder in hand and causally bumped into his shoulder as he passed. He instinctively rolled his eyes at the aggressive gesture but didn't respond to it… Rather, he reassumed his cheerful persona instead.
"You rang~" Shinya stopped in front of Kureto who was pulling out another folder from his desk and handed it to him without meeting his eyes.
"These are your sniping mission details, Guren said he already spoke with you briefly about it this afternoon. Look them over now before you take them incase you have any questions." The General said as he continued to pour over a map full of red marks and lines.
"Back for two days and the both of you are already putting me to work…" Shinya mumbled casting a glance at Kureto who ignored his witty remark.
He shifted his weight onto one foot and opened the file, quickly scanning the mission's objectives. It was only a scouting mission that included himself and a handful of other snipers three days from now. He read through the names and found Yoichi was also on the list of snipers joining him. They were to track and record the vampire's movements, as they had not been outwardly attacking them like they had been previously when they entered their territories. It was curious behavior, but when he was imprisoned he didn't see many within the city so they had to be above ground. Which reminded him about the other mission involving the placement and detonation of the cursed gear version of a bomb…
"Well…" Kureto called for his attention while he continued tracing lines across the map.
"It's fine, I don't have questions. I'll pull the other snipers together in the morning for a brief meeting to review the mission's details and expectations."
"Good…" Kureto finally turned to face him; leaning against the table behind him he folded his arms. "And what was that earlier today?"
"Hm~?" Shinya innocently looked at him, but he knew exactly what he was referring to…
"You and Mikaela…"
"Ah, you mean the public display of affection you caught us in~?"
"Is that what it was? Well, I'm going to need you to keep your hands off of her and far away for that matter."
"Aha~" Shinya couldn't hold back the laugh. "And why would I do that, Sir?"
"It is none of your concern. I would like to keep you around, little brother… you would be wise to heed my words if you want a life after this battle."
"My life after this battle is with her… Just what the hell are you doing anyway? Your little arrangement with Mika and the livestock… I will not allow it."
"Hm, so she told you then… Well, do not interfere with any plans between Mikaela and I. If you try to get involv-"
"You'll what? Kill me? Don't think your threats frighten me…"
"They don't? Then how about… I'll kill her…" Kureto met his gaze with equal intensity. "Does that frighten you?"
"That's a lie… we both know it…" Shinya narrowed his eyes him. Kureto simply stared back at him with a smug smile. It was a lie; he knew he wanted her for an array of reasons and would not kill her so groundlessly. The threat was still there regardless and Shinya couldn't help but be worried…
"And when did you get a backbone Shinya? Interfering in other people's arrangements-"
"It is you who is interfering…" Shinya said with a hiss.
"You know, Shinya…" Kureto lifted off the table and came closer to him at a nonchalant pace. "…in spite of her strength and capabilities as a vampire, she is still young and women can be fickle. So lets be rational about this… Whatever this relationship is that you two developed, it was obviously out of convenience and lack of more suitable options, it won't last… and she never mentioned anything about it when we spoke this afternoon… I wonder why that is…"
"Tch. I don't see our relationship being any of your business," Shinya glared at him feeling the sting of his comment. "You only want her for the Seraph gene. I already told you she will not be your toy and she will definitely not be a weapon... Filling her head with the foolish hope of becoming human again is sick even for you…"
"I never said I would use her as a weapon. And how would you know what we've accomplished in your absence? Stop being so shortsighted Shinya… If Mikaela's experiment is successful, we will know how to reverse the vampire's curse, putting us at yet another advantage over them-"
"And what if she doesn't survive your experiments?"
"That would be unfortunate..."
"Unfortunate?! You're fucking asshole you know that? Do you even have a conscience?"
"Mind your tone, little brother, and remember your place in this military and family... it hasn't changed… I have every intention of achieving success in this war and making the vampires our cattle instead. That also includes unraveling the vampire's curse… It would be unfortunate if she were to die, however, the consequences for her are worth the risks to me… and at least I can offer her hope, Shinya, what can you offer?"
Shinya grit his teeth. Yes, he was a high-ranking Officer in the military himself, but he didn't have the power and control Kureto did. Or the large amount of loyal followers… stripped of his rank and Hiragi name he really was just a man. No one special from nowhere special… but he had his friends and he had Mika, it's all he cared for anyway.
"I understand why you like her, Shinya... she is a fascinating creature…" Kureto took another step forward and leaned close to his ear. "And I have to say, her lips are devilishly sweet… I'm looking forward to the day I taste the rest of her..."
"Fucking bastard!"
Shinya swung and landed a punch square on his jaw with all his strength behind it. Kureto staggered back a few steps bumping into his desk, making it tip over and dump its contents out onto the floor. He brought his hand to his lip and dabbed at the blood rolling down his chin. With a callous smile he charged, slamming into Shinya and landed on the ground on top of him, hands around his throat. Shinya slid his hand across the floor pulling dirt and flung it into Kureto's eyes. Using the momentary blindness he rolled him off and brought himself on top, hitting him in the face once more.
"Hey! What the fuck!" Guren ran in with Goshi following behind. Kureto wriggled out and kneed Shinya in the ribs, knocking the wind out of him as Guren pulled the two apart.
"Goshi take him to my tent!" Goshi nodded and tugged Shinya away.
"Glad to see your true colors coming out, little brother…" Kureto sent a parting shot of words as Shinya left. He spit some blood out and finished. "Seems you haven't forgotten what you learned as a child-"
"Shut up Kureto!" Guren cut him off as he pulled him back to his feet.
"Fuck you, high-bred spoiled bitch." Shinya threw back over his shoulder.
"That's enough Shinya…" Goshi yanked on his arm as they left the tent. The guards stood frozen, knowing full well to keep out of the Officer's internal skirmishes... only offering a polite bow as they walked back in silence to Guren's tent. As soon they entered Goshi shoved him into a chair and stood above him.
"What the hell was that just now?"
"I cannot allow him to do or speak as he pleases-" Shinya began his excuse but Goshi raised his hand to silence him.
"Yes, you do actually…"
"Goshi h-!"
"No, Shinya you are wrong… he can do and say whatever he wants, he's in full control of this military and our presence here is far from being uncomplicated anytime soon. Did you already forget what you and I talked about earlier and the whole 'conspirators' thing? We still don't know what that is all about… I know this may sound like I'm not on your side but know that I am when I say this… but you will need to swallow your pride because he doesn't have to… our options are limited and we have no choice but to fall in line behind him…"
"So I should just allow him to manipulate Mika as he pleases? Let him convince her to be experimented on in exchange for the JIDA taking in the vampire's livestock? I should swallow my pride as he makes lewd comments about her? Because that's what that was just now…"
"You're only going to be able to work that issue out on Mika's end because Kureto won't and doesn't have to obey you. I need you to just 'Yes, Sir' him till it makes you sick… that is our best option. So yes, push your pride aside and do it, for us, for yourself… for Mika… that is how we will all stay together and alive through this. He could have and may still lock your ass up for what you just did. And he can Shinya, he is in control right now-"
"What the hell is wrong with you?!" Guren said as he flung the flap open on the tent, startling both him and Goshi. He stopped in front of Shinya with huge angry eyes. "You're both acting like a couple of kids in the school yard, what are you thinking Shinya?!"
"…he started it…"
"Dammit Shinya this isn't a joke! Whoa!?" Guren had raised his hand intending to knock some sense into him but the ground suddenly began to shake violently beneath them and they braced themselves.
"Earthquake?!" Goshi asked through the rattling, watching Guren's belongings fall from his desk onto the floor beside him. The waited quietly in their secured stances as the earthquake continued, longer than expected, but slowly it subsided.
"It's been a while since I felt one of those…" Goshi said as he picked up a few things that fell from Guren's desk and put them back.
"This has been the longest day…" Shinya mumbled to himself as he moved to help Goshi clean up. The pain in his side started to pulse from where Kureto had kneed him as the adrenaline wore off, making him wince when he bent forward.
"Shinya, I'm not-!" Guren started but was interrupted when a soldier flew into his tent commanding all of their attention.
"Sir! The vampires attacked our western defenses! That earthquake just now was no earthquake!" The young soldier was panting and trying desperately to catch his breath as he made his report to Guren. "I don't have a full report available yet on what damages have occurred but your command presence is needed immediately as well as yours Major General and Colonel!"
"I understand." Guren looked back at Goshi and Shinya who pulled their weapons out. "Lets go!"
MIKA'S POV
"Mika…" Yuu ignored her command and followed her towards the outskirts of the main camp, leaving Kimizuki and Yoichi behind. She stopped and closed her eyes, listening…
"What is it Mika?" Yuu whispered.
"Vampires…"
"We need to get the others, how many are there?" Yuu paused at her side, resting his hand on his sword.
"Not many… a handful at most… I can take care of that many…"
"What if it's Ferid or some other strong vampire? It could even be Crowley…"
"Maybe, but we won't know unless I find out…" Mika flew into the night at the speed of a vampire, only hearing Yuu shout her name.
She moved attentively to avoid the sporadically placed guards who watched over the perimeter of the camp and reached the street she thought they'd be, but it was quiet. They either had moved on already or were lying in wait, completely still… she unsheathed her sword incase the latter were true. She honed her senses, silencing the white noise the humans created behind her at camp. Her mind cut through those sounds and focused on the soft, feather-like sounds a vampire makes as it moves in stealth.
Where are you… there…
She spun around to face her own kind who had been hunting her as she was hunting him… He materialized from the shadows like any ghost would, a vampire yes, but just as haunting….
"Wow, so you already sensed me? Too bad, I was hoping to have some fun…"
"Lacus…"
"So it's true… you have joined the humans, wearing their uniform and all… even though you said you hated them more than anything. How hypocritical of you Mika…"
"Where's Rene?"
"Here." Rene said as he swung his sword at the distracted Mika. Shifting to the side she dodged the strike and launched her own attack, cutting open his waist. It wasn't deep enough to be fatal and he'd easily recover in minutes… Rene quickly rejoined Lacus out of reach and seemingly pissed he had failed in landing a blow on her.
"Tch. You've gotten quicker…" He grumbled as he gripped his shallow wound.
"I have to admit I didn't see this coming or believe the rumors behind your disappearance and then sudden reappearance… or that it had been you who helped the prisoners escape… but seeing you here now… I'm kind of disappointed Mika. I considered us comrades with all the missions we had been on together…" Lacus said as he dropped down to the street. "But I see now, you're a traitor… and here are your masters now…"
"So you think you two can take on the entire military then!?" Yuu shouted coming up behind her, joined by his entire squad including Narumi with their weapons drawn.
"How many are there, Mika…" Narumi whispered.
"It's just them, only two."
"No… we came to distract Mika… so she wouldn't sense this…" Rene answered Yuu, pointing out into the distance beyond the far edge of camp. Just in that moment the ground shook and the humans braced themselves as it persisted. Mika turned in the direction of the camp seeing the sky far beyond it had erupted with smoke and the glow of fires.
"It is going to be troublesome getting home now, humans…" Lacus wore a pleased smile as Mika spun around to face them again.
"What have you done?!" She asked taking a step towards him.
"If you were with us you would know… I can't imagine how disappointed Lord Eusford must be in you, turning your back on him to join the JIDA…" Rene answered.
"I would never turn my back on him!" Mika shouted back.
"It's doesn't really matter, you have no home now, JIDA slave… you'll die beside your masters before long-"
"Enough from you bastard!" Yoichi cut Lacus off and fired his bow, nearly hitting him.
"Ho~ that was a close one! Enjoy your last days on Earth humans! And Mika…" Lacus shouted as he and Rene slipped back into the darkness from which they came before anyone could strike at them again, having completed their mission.
"We need to get back to camp right now!" Kimizuki broke into a run towards camp.
"Nn, lets go!" Shinoa shouted and took off as well.
"Mika lets go!" Yuu said tugging on her arm.
"No, I want to go see for myself what has happened and I can't do it so freely now with the state of the camp. They will be on high alert."
"I'll come with you-"
"No, Yuu-chan, stay with your squad. I will not be gone long and I will return to camp as soon as I can safely rejoin you all. Don't worry I won't do anything stupid, I promise…"
"Fine, just be careful!" Yuu said after giving her a playful smirk at her promise. He turned to run and join his squad as Mika took to the rooftops and flew towards the lit horizon. The closer she got the more JIDA soldiers there were moving forward quickly as they assembled, preparing to make a defensive attack. She passed the majority of them and got ahead of the main military, bringing the reason for the chaos into view.
From the top of the highest building she could find still standing, maybe ten miles west of the main camp she stood frozen, seeing it all clearly… It was as though the Earth had spilt apart, creating a chasm unlike anything she had ever seen… Fires burned on both sides, lighting up the night stretching from the north to the south... It spanned as far as she could see in both directions in length... and it was far too wide for her to even entertain the idea of jumping across; it had to be a mile wide at least… And the depth, she could just barely make out the fires burning and sunken buildings within it… This is what Lacus meant when he wished them luck getting home… they were cutting the JIDA off from its cities and its supplies… from what she could tell, the only way to commute between here and their home now was by helicopter, which would surely be shot down on sight. There was no other way to safely cross to the other side, not anywhere near camp at least… The JIDA were now stranded out here, stuck with the vampires ahead of them and the abyss at their backs...
Mika glanced up and across, seeing a familiar figure standing just on the other side also atop a building, admiring his work…
Crowley…
She stared at him but he did not look up at her. This must have been his mission, the one he mentioned almost a week ago, cornering the JIDA… pushing them up against the entire vampire force or down into a grave already dug for them… she expected nothing less of him, he was brilliant when it came to battle. He was always one to quietly observe his prey and then lead them into the most intricate of traps… A force on his own that should truly be admired, and he was, even by his foes. She felt a tinge of shame in her heart seeing him again.
Look at me, Crowley…
She continued watching him and as though he heard her thoughts he looked up and locked his eyes with hers. They stood only a mile apart but in two different worlds… She couldn't decipher his expression and then Lacus' comments back to her…
What you see… does it disappoint you… when they grow old and are gone, do I have a home to return to?
Again the weight of the afternoon's emotions fell upon her and all the choices she had to make… her life as a vampire before finding Yuu had been a cold and empty one… or so she thought. Always remaining distant and detached from other vampires, preferring to be alone… never seeing what was in front of her, until this moment… It was Crowley who lifted her tiny broken body off the cold floor… Chess who calmed her and held her arm in place as it painfully reattached itself… and Horn who washed the blood off her and fitted her with clean clothes… It was Crowley… who held her as she grieved the loss of her family for weeks… never did they scorn her for it… never did they tell her she was weak for it… never did she thank them either. How ungrateful she realized she had been... And ashamed for only thinking of it now… She would not blame them for cutting ties with her, she only hoped…
Can you all still love me… the horribly selfish and ungrateful me? I will never turn my back on you… I will never betray you… so please…
Crowley's gaze slowly shifted somewhere below her and the sounds of JIDA squads reached her ears. Seems they finally arrived to assess the situation for themselves. She hid herself; waiting for them to pass and when she looked back Crowley had gone. Familiar voices reached her ears but she could not approach them, not with all the soldiers surrounding them hell bent on killing vampires… especially right now…
Shinya…
Mika watched as he and his squad, including Kureto, Aoi, Seishiro and many other soldiers looked out at the space separating them from their home. She couldn't see their faces but she imagined they were in as much shock as she was. This would without a doubt change the course of the war in a way the JIDA had never anticipated… She could see Yuu and the rest of his squad running up and joining them as well, staring down into the dark chasm. It wasn't long before Kureto turned his back on the scene and left with his followers close behind. The General would indeed need to form a new strategy and he wasn't one to waste time staring into the literal empty space… Shinya and Guren stood talking a little longer before they and their squad also turned to join the rest of the Officers returning to camp. Yuu's squad followed minutes later...
Mika sat down on the roof and went flat on her back, staring up into the sky. It would be a while before she could move safely out of here with the JIDA swarming down below like angry bees. She sighed and closed her eyes…
Just when I think I know what to do… fate, you have a cruel sense of humor…