There comes a time when you just feel like being pure evil... and for me that feeling is today. Only two people know that I've already pre-written this story and am just posting them as fast as my fingers can type and my internet will allow. But what I'm about to tell you is something I didn't tell them... this story is only 44 chapters long.

Perhaps this is good news for some and bad news for others. The story is starting to come to a close and this chapter is one of the larger ones at the end. Tick-tock.

Chapter 38

As we carried Brendan to the Sick Bay he had gotten quiet all of a sudden. Thinking that he was in pain I set him on one of the beds to head off and find a medic. But he started talking, making me stop-in-place and look at him.

"The people here are all nice so they won't mention it, but I disgracefully came back from the Ark Project... And ever since. I've always wanted to make it up." Brendan... how long has he been carrying these burdens? I thought they were gone. "That's why I took up the rear guard, and here I am. I was confident of living a smarter life... Sorry, I sound like I'm complaining. I actually feel really good right now. This really is a nice work place..."

With the weight lifted off his chest I embraced him with the best of my ability with our awkward positioning. His head rested near my heart, while my head lightly laid on top of his, tilted. "We're all so glad you're back..." Releasing him I straightened up. "Rest now, you've earned it."

"You... really are an angel." Again? What is that?

"The others will come by to visit, when you're feeling a little better." I let go of him and headed to the exit. "Sweet dreams."

Leaving the Sick Bay I saw that Kanon was still guarding the hallway.

"Kanon? You can relax now, Brendan is back and resting." She didn't look at me, but kept staring out into the beyond. "?"

"When you take a close look at things you can't do, you begin to see the things you can do. That's how it felt." She placed a hand by her heart and squeezed. Turning her head to face me she smiled. "Thank you so much! I hope I can continue to rely on you for certain things from now on too!"

"Of course... my friend." I gave her a smile, tapping her shoulder I walked off to the elevator and headed for the Entrance.

Soma, Alisa, and Gina were still on the top floor just like they were when we came back with Brendan. They all turned to me as I came out of the elevator.

"How is he?" Asked Soma.

"Getting the needed rest as we speak."

"So Brendan's back too?" Soma said just stating a thought. "Heh, the only one left is that directionally-challenged Lindow."

"Annette must've been really relieved. She's been sleeping for a while now." She may not admit it, but I could hear the relief in Gina's voice as well at his return.

"I'm so glad Brendan was found too! Kanon and Annette would be relieved!" Alisa replied with cheer. "... Wait. Didn't Tatsumi and them go out to search for Brendan earlier? Maybe they missed each other..."

"I'm sure they'll return to the Den soon. Hibari must have already informed Tatsumi about Brendan's return." A yawn escaped from my mouth, finally fatigue was catching up with me."If it's alright, I'm going to get some shut-eye for a while."

"Come to think of it, you've been at the search for Kanon and Brendan all day yesterday and all night." Soma said, looking sternly at me.

Alisa was startled and slightly upset with the news. "Leader! You haven't slept at all last night?!"

"How could I with my pact still out there. Tsubaki said I couldn't join in the search for Lindow that didn't mean Brendan and Kanon too."

"Leader!"

"Relax, I'm going to sleep right now." I was heading back to the elevator, when I remembered something. "Hey, Soma... what's an 'Angel'?"

"What?"

"When I was bringing Brendan back that's what he kept calling me. What is that?" Suddenly I smelt Soma give off a slight scent of anger. But why? Was it a bad word?

"An angel is..." Soma said, trying to find the right words. "A being different from normal humans... They watch over mankind... guiding them and... protecting them when they're needed. Without even being in direct contact with mankind or standing up to take credit for their actions."

"Oh... so in a way you're an 'Angel' too, Soma."

"What?!" His face turned red as he took a step back from me, while Alisa and Gina giggled at his reaction.

"And Alisa, and Gina, and the others..." I said continuing my thoughts. "Protecting the people who cannot, without ever letting them notice us as individuals or giving us the glory of a Hero treatment."

"That... is a nice way to think about our line of work." Alisa said, touched by my words.

"You really are a strange one, Okami." Gina said as she grinned. "But then again, that's what gives you your charm."

I yawned again. "Thanks for answering my question... I'm going to call it in for a while, I'll see you guys later."

As I came out of the elevator to my Floor I crossed paths with Ren. As I left to go onto my Floor he entered.

"Everyone likes you, and they depend on you. And I also have no choice but to rely on you too..."

I was going to ask him what he meant by that, but as I turned the elevator doors already closed.

****** A couple hours later ******

Stretching my arms I entered into the Entrance. "Ugh... that was refreshing, what time is it?"

"It's two in the afternoon," answered Gina. "I've been waiting for those guys from the Third Unit, but I'm getting tired of waiting..."

"They're still not back yet?" This is starting to trouble me. "Perhaps we should go look for-"

"Even though my brother is missing I have a duty to not let it affect the priorities of missions. You should do the same." Said Tsubaki, cutting off my sentence as she approached us. "That might be the balance I should keep, but... Nevermind, sorry. I'm just ranting. Ignore me.

"But you speak the truth... I'll go see what missions Hibari has lined up for me today." As I approached Hibari she seemed flustered.

"Hello! Accepting a mission, yes? Let's see..." Her hands are uncharacteristically clumsy, she must be worried about Tatsumi. "Hm? Can you hold on a second? I have an incoming emergency call from the Research Unit... Tatsumi, Shun, Karel have encountered an unidentified Aragami at the factory ruins. Request for retreat backup. And... Oh, I'm sorry I kept you waiting."

She seemed so flustered. "Whats wrong?"

"That was just a quick alert, so I can't say much... I'll request the official mission when we know more. Let me see what I have. It'll just be a moment."

"Now it's the Bozo Trio in danger?! Why do these things all happen at once..." Kota says, stomping his foot. "Shun and Karel, huh... They were really mean to me when I was still a rookie. My motivation is so low..."

"Kota!"

"Buuttt, I can't not call them mates. So we'll go help Tatsumi, and rescue the others while we're there!"

"You have a funny way of saying yes, Kota."

"If it's okay with you, can you take me along too? I'll do my best!" Annette asked.

"Alright."

"Thank you!"

"It'd be helpful if the First Unit can prioritize their usual mission, then go help support Tatsumi's retreat." Commented Tsubaki. "It's scary enough to lose God Eaters, but what's worse is losing the trust of the people you protect."

Blast, as mush as I hate it I know she's right. "... Understood, ma'am"

"Hello. That announcement was a backup request." Hibari said gaining back our attention. "Tatsumi's unit has encountered an unexpected enemy and they required aid. The First Unit is assigned with another mission, so you need to prioritize that first. And..."

Poor Hibari, this must be too personal for her to keep a professional leveled head.

"I understand this is completely personal and I don't mean to burden you before an important mission, but... If possible, please take care of your mission quickly and help Tatsumi out..."

"Fear not Hibari. We shall retrieve your mate and his pact." That said I left with my team, leaving Hibari flabbergast and as red as blood.

"In a sense, this can be foreshadowing... Or more like a forecast..." said Ren, drawing my attention as we were about to head out. "Please head out to help Tatsumi as soon as you can. If you're lucky, you'll be able to prevent two tragedies from happening."

"What do you mean?"

"What are you talking about Okami?" Kota asked, drawing my attention from Ren to look behind me at Kota's and Annette's curious faces.

"Nothing important. Let's go." Then I turned back to Ren. "You too."

"Right," he said as we headed out to our mission.

****** City of Mercy ******

"Ah, we managed to survive today too." Kota said out of breath as the Dyaus Pita finally fell to return to the earth.

"It's over."

"This is a real battlefield..." replied Annette trying to catch her breath. "I can't believe I went up against the Dyaus Pita by myself for a while."

"What are you talking about?" I know me and Kota went on our own to take out the Aether, but we took it down as fast as we could, making record time, so we could take out the Dyaus Pita while they were separated.

And besides, Ren was fighting the Dyaus alone way before Annette popped up to fight it. So why was she saying she fought it alone?

"Don't you think we should go help Tatsumi and the others now." Said Ren slightly less tired than the others, bringing me back to the matter at hand.

"Right," then I turned to Kota and Annette to address them all. "You guys rest, I'll go on ahead to help Tatsumi and the others. Catch up with me when you're ready."

With that I dashed toward the Sunken Grid with Kota and Annette looking at me as if I just had a stroke and Ren's eyes boring into my back.

****** Sunken Grid ******

I came just in time as what looked like a black Hannibal knocked Tatsumi off his feet. I dashed pass the others, pulling out my shield to cover him just in time as he came in to get a second hit. As his fist made contact with my shield we... Resonated.

It was Lindow... I saw everything... up to the point where he took out all these Kongous to save the others only to lose control. He has already lost control over his body, and from what I've seen his consciousness... is starting to fade.

But he still recognized us as he pulled back and ran away. I watched his retreating silhouette with grief.

"Wow... you chased them away." Shun said.

My God, Ren was right.

"Yeah, she sure did." Karel said out of breath, relieved that it was all over.

Will Lindow no longer be Lindow soon?

"Ah... we're saved," said Tatsumi getting back on his feet. "Still, who was that just now?"

He lost control of his body, will he attack us again if he gets the chase?

"Hm? What's wrong?"

Will I have to kill him? Must I have to dirty my hands again?

"Hey?!"

If I did... would the others be able to forgive me? Why did life have to be so cruel? Damn you Lindow... and damn me too.

****** The Chopper ******

"That was the first time I looked at an Aragami and seriously thought I was going to die." Karel said on the Chopper ride back to the Den. "That... thing. It's not just a normal Aragami. It knows us. I just felt it when I looked at its eyes."

Okami said nothing, but with each word he said her face twisted a little more in grief. Her group already caught up to her after the fight and boarded the Chopper with them.

"I'm not gonna say thanks. You decided to help us, I never asked. But you know... yeah. I'll admit you support this Branch." Shun said, trying to get a reaction out of Okami. When he saw it wasn't working he began to falter in his rant.

"Thanks a bunch." Tatsumi said seeing he could get something out of her. "The thought of if you didn't come gives me chills. There's no way I could've handle it. You really saved us."

But again no response from her.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Kota asked. She finally moved, she looked at him as she replied.

"Sorry, guys. It's just... It looks like I'll have to report to Tsubaki about this." She turned to look at Ren who gave her a nod in return. Her face turned grim.

****** Director's Office ******

"Sorry to jump into it, but I need you to give me a short report about that black Aragami." Ordered Tsubaki, but this would be an order I wouldn't enjoy following through. "What... is it?"

"I think it's Lindow..."

"I see, as I thought. I value your honesty." At least she was taking it well. "Let me discuss this with Dr. Sakaki for a moment. We want to think of a counter measure, quick."

I leave the Director's office with one burden off my chest, now to settle the other. Ren was out in the hall waiting for me.

"I'm sure you've noticed through Resonance by now. That black Aragami is Lindow, no doubt about it. Once the Aragami Transformation progresses to where it stabilizes, you can never go back to being human." Ah so there was still hope.

"Anyway, on to the real subject."

"Which is?"

"The best way to deal effective damage at an Aragami-turned Gods Eater is to use the God Arc that they had once used." I closed my eyes, already knowing where this was going. "The only person who knows this truth right now and is able to use Lindow's God Arc safely... is you. In order words, only you can defeat the monster that was once Lindow. So, I will ask you again, one last time. Can you kill that Aragami?"

"I'll save him, no matter what."

"That's an optimistic ideal you have. Though I must say, maybe it's that strong will that lets you succeed in carrying out your beliefs."

"It's what helps me carry on."

"As I said before, you'll need his Arc in order to defeat him. Carefully sneak it out, and make sure no one sees you. I'm sure everyone will try to stop you if you walk out with Lindow's Arc without permission."

"I'm ready..."

"Then, let's go." So we walked together to face the unknown, going through the elevator to get to the Entrance which was were the Arc Hangar elevator was. On our way to it we were stopped by Soma.

"And where do you think you're going at this time of the night?"

"Soma... I didn't expect you to be still up."

"Couldn't sleep with that weird Aragami on my mind," answered Soma. "That black Aragami feel's like somethings mixed."

"I see..."

"But you're changing the subject, where are you going?"

"I've... got a secret date with the Rookie." I said pointing at Ren who started to panic, raising his hands in surrender. For some reason that excuse made Soma mad.

"What?!"

"And if we don't leave soon we'll be late."

"Now wait a minute!" Soma growled, I tried to appease him by giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"Don't wait up. We'll try not to take too long." With him stumped at my actions, me and Ren entered the elevator to head out. I smiled at him as the elevator doors closed and gently said, "see you soon."

Due to it being late Licca had already called it a night. So there was no trouble grabbing my God Arc and Lindow's.

There would be no Chopper ride for us, so we got to Aegis Island using the destroyed entrance way under the Den. Oddly for the past couple of days I've gotten immensely stronger so getting pass the rumble was no trouble. I even did it while helping Ren and keeping everything in tact so the entrance was still shut off.

Arriving at Aegis Island we were greeted by the Corrosive Hannibal... the darkness that holds Lindow captive. I'll have to fight my way through in order to save Lindow. I put on my mother's mask, hoping she will help me get through this battle.

Sakuya, Soma, everyone... I hope you can forgive me for what I'm about to do.

The Corrosion roared at me and leaped at me, ready for a brawl. So the battle to save Lindow from the darkness... has begun.

****** Back at the Den ******

What the Hell?! She went on a date. On a DATE! With not just anyone, no, it had to be that Rookie. I didn't even know they were that close. She only hung around Frederico a couple of times, that doesn't merit enough to start dating!

What pissed me off is I should have stopped her. But those damn lips of hers always find a way to make me paralyzed! Now instead of wondering about that black Aragami, I have the urge to kick Frederico's ass.

But... if he makes her happy... I will not interfere. I don't mind if... in the end... she doesn't choose me. I came to terms with that a long time ago. As long as she'll allow me to stay by her side, I don't mind. But she said she needed to hurry or else they'll be late and I didn't see Frederico with her, that Frederico better not ditch her on that date-... Wait. She said it was a secret date. But that was a coverup coding for Special Missions.

So it wasn't a date, it was a hunt for her. Again, I didn't see Frederico anywhere. So that means... she most likely went alone! But why would she lie, she never lies! Damn I have to get the others before she gets herself killed!

Running to the elevator the first thing I did was loudly bang on both Kota's and Alisa's door. Good thing their rooms were on opposite sides of each other, this makes things easy. They both opened up, tired and grouchy.

"Soma... it's late, what are you doing? Kota said with a yawn.

"Get up. Okami's gone."

"What?!" Gasped Alisa and Kota, both of them jumping awake at the news.

"Go get Sakuya. We're moving out." I tell Alisa.

"Right!"

Me and Kota headed to the Entrance to get Hibari to track down Okami's beaker signal. Another good thing that Hibari also works late night shifts. Sakuya and Alisa joined us as Hibari was zooming in on her signal. Suddenly her alarm went off.

"We've detected a black Hannibal on Aegis. Uh?... The 1st unit Leader is fighting it alone." Damn, I knew it!

"Huh, what's up with that?" Kota asked.

"Our Leader... fighting alone?" Says Alisa in shock. Perhaps she didn't know about those solo missions Okami hid from the others. But this was different from those other times, that thing almost killed Tasumi, Karel, and Shun.

"What an idiot." Why is she so damn reckless? I turned to the others. "Hey! We're all heading out!" They all nodded in confirmation.

"None of you move! Stay on standby!" Says Tsubaki as she's coming down the stairs toward us. What kind of sick order is that?!

"What's the meaning of this?" Alisa exclaims in outrage.

"The black Hannibal must have infected Lindow." What? "So your Leader went to kill it on her own."

"But why?" Sakuya's heart was breaking.

"Sakuya. Are you prepared to point your gun at Lindow?"

"Well..."

"The same goes for the rest of you... Can you bring yourself to do it?" They all turned their heads away. "... If you can't then prepare yourselves right now!"

So that's why she was acting strange... she was carrying that burden all by herself. So we didn't have to suffer... that selfless idiot.

"I'm going to issue a new Special Mission! Your target is the Black Hannibal an Aegis! Destroy as soon as possible! The Hannibal regenerates, so it'll have the upper hand. Remember, you are to retreat as soon as you've extracted the core. Understood?"

They all nodded their heads at this.

"Sakuya, I'm ordering you to stay behind. No need for you to have to grieve over and over..."

"No. That's an order I can't obey. It's my duty to watch Lindow, the one I love, take his last breath."

"Sakuya..." Alisa says in sympathy.

"... Very well."

"Yeah, me too," replies Kota. "I've... made up my mind too. Although... it's not like I've accepted it in my mind yet..."

"Our job is to support our Leader." I stated. " That moron that carries everyone's load." They all nod at this.

"Yes, you're right. But... perhaps I'm being an optimistic. But I think it's going to be find. Our Leader wouldn't do this for no reason..."

"Heh, you may be right." Tsubaki says with a nostalgic laugh. "Fine. You should head out right now. And give those two brawlers this message from me. I'll only exempt them from discipline if they both return safely. Alright?" Now there's an order I can obey.

****** Back on Aegis Island ******

All my Aragami bullets went to Ren, who used them brilliantly. I would complement him on his skills if we weren't fighting Lindow.

His blades were dark and deadly, his flames as black as night. He would make the darkness track us down and burn us to our core. I've never felt so disgusted and excited about a fight in all my life. I once said I looked forward to fight along side Lindow not against him. I hope I'm not reverting.

The Corrosive King got a couple of good hits on me, but I managed to break his arm guard and face armor while Ren blasted away his back scale. But with one last Concentrated Burst shot fired from Ren.

"This is goodbye." The Corrosive King was down for the count... for now. His regenerative core should bring him back anytime now. I was covered in his blood but I ignored it, keeping my eyes on his fallen body.

Suddenly I heard a multiple of footsteps coming from behind me. I didn't turn around, I recognized the scent. Why were they here?... I didn't want them to see this.

"Leader!" Alisa cried out.

"Did you... kill it?" I turned my head to look at Kota for a second then faced back toward the King. Kota gasped, whether in shock at my state with blood splattered on my clothes and my stone-like face or in fear of the Hannibal getting up again, I don't know.

But as the Beast exposed it's chest we all gasped out at seeing Lindow slightly fused with the Corrosive King.

"Lin...dow..." Sakuya said in shock at finally seeing in but in this sorry state.

"Damn," said Soma, realizing how dire the situation was.

"Lindow! Open your eyes!" Alisa cried out.

"Do it..." I turned to my side, remembering Ren was still there. "If you miss this chance you might never be able to kill it."

Then he pulled out Lindows God Arc and held it to me. How the hell could he touch it? "Now then, take this sword and plunge it into Lindow." I hesitated, was there no other solution to this?

I'm startled as Lindow starts to grunt, so he was still there. "Just... forget... about me."

"Lindow... it's you, isn't it?" Sakuya says in hope, he doesn't answer. A sad and tired look is plastered on his face.

"Lindow..." says Kota, recognizing that hopeless look on his face.

"You're still wavering?" Wavering? "But I thought you already made up your mind." Was Ren talking to me or Lindow? Cause I already made up my mind before I left the Den. I'm going to save Lindow, no matter what.

"Get out of here... hurry." Lindow pleads pitifully.

"No. I won't leave you again and I won't be left behind again." Sakuya says on the verge of tears. "I just wont. Lindow."

"Lindow. You're coming back, even if I have to drag you." Alisa said. "How else can I atone."

"Decide now or others will die!" Ren says drawing my attention. "Do you want Lindow to murder his own comrades?!" No, I can change this. With these hands of mine, I can change his fate.

"Listen... I've already made up my mind... I'm going to... clean up my own mess." Lindow says in reluctant acceptance of his fate.

"Now, release him from this vicious circle of carnage!" My face stays on Ren but my eyes dart back to Lindow. His Aragami was getting ready to attack.

"Get away from here. That's... that's an order!"

"Hurry, take his sword and stab Lindow!" I looked Ren in the eyes.

"I've already made my choice." With that I grabbed Lindow's God Arc. The arm I grabbed it with changed into a Corrosive King's arm.

"Ahhhh!" I cried out at the fire running through my arm. Everyone gasped, wondering when I grabbed Lindow's God Arc and the transformation in my arm. The scent of Soma's worry peaked as I screamed out.

"Leader!" Alisa called to me at my distress. But I ignored it and wielded both my Arc and Lindow's Arc.

"Don't run away! Don't run away from the living! Ugh!... That's an order!" I charged at the Aragami. "Arghhh!"

We both meet in the middle, it tried to punch me but I jumped into the air. Shoving both God Arcs into the Aragami's mouth I forced it open tile it's jaws and throat split open into two, revealing it's core. Using my Aragami transformed arm I punched the core, Resonating my being with his. If I can't reach him with words then I'll just have to go get him with my mind.