Author's note: Hello, it is I, your local trash! Thank you to those who are still reading, and a friendly reminder - I am writing this story for the people who are reading it, and therefore, try to consider absolutely all feedback I receive in who gets how much screen time, etc. etc. SO, yeah, I want to try to write a story people enjoy, and I just hope that this is what I am doing
Important tidbit to soothe y'all: M-21 will be a major player once he gets out of his predicament
Takeo II – South Korea, 3rd November, 22:00
The house was dark and returning after so much time felt almost wrong. Frankenstein, M-21, Raizel... too many were missing. Takeo felt entirely out of place here. For months, this has been their home. Four humans and one noble, they were the heart of their group. Seira and Regis. He liked the children. Karias, Rael and Rajak. Three out of ten would never return here. Tao ran a hand over his unshaven face. It was shaky. "I will... check on the fish." It's been two weeks since they had been here. Hopefully the fish food has been stocked up plenty before they all had left. Strange. Was it not strange to think of fish and dust when greater things should preoccupy them? Or maybe the real questions were too scary to ask, and so, cowardly, they turned to small matters instead.
While Tao checked up on the fish and the electronics, Takeo picked up two candles from the living room. They were merely decorative, but... they would do. Slowly, he pushed open the door to M-21's room. A plain, simple room. Bright daylight fell through the windows. Clutching the two candles to his chest, Takeo stepped to the simple bedside table. A glance at the printed and framed picture of their little group. Raizel, surrounded by Frankenstein, M-21, Tao, Regis, Seira and himself. Tao was also holding the trigger for the camera. They would never meet up again in this life. With heavy heart, Takeo turned the picture frame upside down and set down one of the candles. He turned to the small mirror by the sideboard and turned it face down as well. Could the spirit of someone be trapped in a mirror even when the body was not there? Did he even still believe in something like Gods and ghosts and souls? Takeo fumbled with the matchstick before lighting it on fire. The candle was not much but... maybe that small light might guide M-21 home. He stepped to the large window and pulled the thick curtain to the side to block out all the light.
A small light in the dark. Have their lives ever been more than that? With a wistful sigh, Takeo closed the door, leaving the single burning candle behind on the bedside table of his friend. He moved on to Frankenstein's room, feeling as though he was doing something awfully forbidden. They usually respected their host's privacy and left his room alone – yet now... Quietly, Takeo covered all mirrors and placed all photographs face down. He lit a second candle on the small side table next to Frankenstein's bed and closed all curtains.
He returned downstairs to Tao's agitated voice. Briefly, Takeo stopped by the mirror in the corridor. His tired, unshaven face barely looked like himself. His hair was a mess, and he looked as though he'd barely gotten a good night's rest in more than a week, which was true. Tao looked no better.
"... alright. Thank you. I'll call you if I have any news." Tao ended the call and remained sat on the couch for a few moments. Takeo sat down next to him. Quietly, he placed a hand on his friend's back and they sat in silence for a good minute.
"I made some calls... I told everyone Frankenstein has been hospitalized abroad, and that he conferred everything to me. I asked our contacts at the KSA to lend us a hand in that." Since this was not exactly legal. Anyway, to say he has been hospitalized... felt more respectful than merely assuming his identity with falsified videos like he had done before leaving with the remaining RK-team to set out and save M-21. Takeo agreed with that train of thought.
Now Tao would not even ever get to apologize to Frankenstein for hacking into his bank accounts. It felt wrong to be here, knowing vital parts of their group would never return here. Tao agreed. And as they sat downstairs, mourning for the dead, the two candles upstairs were extinguished by forces unseen. They would not burn for the living.
M-21 II – Werewolf Island, 6th November, 12:50
The passage of time was almost impossible to tell down in the cells of what was left of the laboratories. The cold, artificial lights hurt M-21's eyes at all times of the day. He shared the cell with three other werewolves – the two scientists who had freed him and Kentas, as well as a young female warrior-in-training who had voiced loud criticism on the path of the warriors even after the invasion. Five more werewolves were detained in the other cell on the other side of the hallway, and M-21 was aware of several more. From everything he heard, all experiments have been put on hold for the time being. One of the guards had mentioned a trial while bringing the prisoners food and water – if that stuff could be called food at all.
Was Lunark still alive? He only knew that the warriors had taken her to another part of the intact dungeons than him. Was she still alive? Was she being subjected to tremendous torture because she had stayed true to the path of warriors? From what he heard of the other prisoners... Something had happened. An invasion by the nobles – he was almost afraid of finding out about details. If no one had come for them yet... then he must assume the worst. He only hoped that his friends were not among those who had tried and failed to invade the werewolf lands.
Footsteps approached, more than the two guards who usually brought supplies. Several warriors had come this time. M-21 recognized the black-haired warrior who had been so insistent on fighting him and Kentas.
"Today is your lucky day, you bunch of worthless vermin," he spat, reaching for a keyring. "You all get the honour of being sentenced by the Lord himself." M-21 briefly considered whether this was a situation in which he could fight. The idea was tempting, to go down fighting – but … If there was a trial.. there was a good chance Lunark would be on trial as well. He wanted to cling to that possibility of knowing that at least someone on his side was still alive. She had tried to help him, after all – alone, she could have gotten away easily.
Each of the prisoners was handcuffed and, again, M-21 wondered whether he should rather try to make a run for it and go down fighting. Anything was better than being back on an experimentation table. For now, however, he hoped that he might find out what had happened – he wanted to die knowing there was no hope left in the world. Thus, he complied. On their way out of the dungeons, he noticed that the werewolves had not idled with reconstructions. They were gathered in a hall before a large, two-winged door. This must be where... From the spiralling staircase to the left, two warriors emerged - "Lunark!", he called out and was promptly punished with a fist to his back. Wheezing, he almost dropped to his knees, toppled over by the force of the impact. The blue-haired warrior who had ordered their capture now accompanied Lunark, chained. The steely glare of her pink eyes softened when she saw him. She was led closer by the blue-haired warrior and positioned in front of the prisoners M-21 has been brought up with.
"Are we ready yet?", the black-haired warrior inquired impatiently and Juraki shook his head.
"No. We are still waiting for Mirai and Ignes."
The warrior behind M-21 snickered in malicious joy and turned when, a minute later, the two aforementioned women descended from the left flight of stairs. A green-haired female warrior led the noble, clad in a simple black dress with golden adornment reminiscent of lukedonian fashion and a long train she dragged down the steps of stone. Mirai released Ignes' arm and quietly, she positioned herself next to Lunark. M-21 blinked. Was she... also on trial? Even though a part of him felt a certain malicious joy – he could not help but to wonder what the hell was going on.
One of the doors opened slightly and a bearded warrior with deep shadows under his eyes stepped out. "Everyone assembled?" He let his gaze wander over the prisoners before stopping at Ignes Kravei. "You understand what you are supposed to do?" The noble nodded.
Before M-21 had an opportunity to try and talk to Lunark, they were pushed forward. Juraki led Lunark by the chain attached to her handcuffs, Ignes just brushed away Mirai's hand.
The two women led the procession of incarcerated people. M-21 glanced around. Many warriors in white robes. But also many people who... looked like civilians, actually. Sunlight falling through a large stained glass window was the main source of light, positioned behind the Lord's throne. M-21 did not have time to take in any details – roughly he was shoved down forward to kneel, along with all the other prisoners. Lunark and Ignes were brought to kneel a couple of feet in front of the regular prisoners.
M-21's glare settled on the man sat on the throne – this must be their Lord. Because of him... He swallowed his rage. There was no point in causing a scene here and now in front of so many warriors – he did not believe in pointless suicide. All whispering stopped once the Lord raised his hand slightly.
"To begin these trials – I accuse all of you, warriors, of having brought shame to the honour of your people by getting involved in the sacred act of the duel, more so, for this was a matter between two Lords. Without regards for your duties and your honour as warriors, you engaged the nobles in combat, while they obeyed their Lord's command. I expect better of each of you."
The Lord let his words sink in while M-21 tried to process what happened. Has... Had Raskreia duelled him? Then that could only mean... that she must have lost. He felt sick to his stomach.
"However, I understand you." His tone softened just slightly. "These nobles came in the dark, cowardly, and assaulted your homeland and killed your comrades. I understand that having to let them leave must have been a great slight to your pride and the pain you felt over the loss of your comrades. Still. A promise given is not a promise to be given. This time, I forgive you."
Some of the warriors knelt to show their gratitude.
"Now... Lunark. You have shown your true colours and true allegiance at last." The Lord paused for a moment as though he expected the warrior might raise any objections in her defence even before he'd pronounced the crimes she would be tried for.
"You stand accused of treason of highest order, against your Lord, your fellow comrades and the entire werewolf race. You allied with the former renegade Lord Muzaka and the foreign power of Lukedonia to conduct a coup that is not in accordance with the law of our people. No one in this room is ignorant of your blatant ambitions. Tell us. What did the renegade and the Nobles promise you?"
"Why do you bother asking any questions if you already decided my guilt?!", Lunark spat.
"Can you prove your innocence, then?" Maduke rose from his throne and took a step forward. "Can you prove you did not enter this alliance of traitor warriors and nobles to gain more power and standing among a weakened werewolf people as vassals of the nobles? Can you prove the deaths of your fellow warriors were not a casualty you accepted in cold blood? Can you prove that you are still loyal to your vows and your duties?"
"I am the last warrior loyal to the sacred vows!" Lunark shouted and noise followed a moment of shocked silence. Countless voices, left and right. Indignation, anger, accusations – M-21 looked around and saw that Lunark had no friends in this audience. What kind of justice was this?! He knew little of laws, but even he could tell that no justice would be obtained here.
"Silence." The Lord did not raise his voice much above his usual tone and, after a few moments, the warriors stopped talking.
"You always sing innocence while your actions tell of nothing but guilt. Lunark. As your senior Elder of the Union, I strip you of all ranks and titles you held within the Union, along with all rights and privileges that came with them. From now on, you will be known as a traitor and enemy to our common cause. In the name of the werewolf people, and as their – and your – rightful Lord, I herewith strip you of your title as warrior of the people. From this moment on, your authority, honour and your status as protector and pride of our people is forfeit and you no longer have the right to call yourself a warrior – and no one will grant you the honour of ever referring to you as such again. Lunark, you have chosen to turn away from your sacred vows – may you remember them as you serve the people one last time. I sentence you to serve our scientists in any way they will require of you. Though your heart may no longer be willing to abandon selfish pride, may your body remember its promise before the people."
Once more, the Lord raised his hand to calm the agitation that had arisen among the warriors. M-21 heard some of the warriors call for a death sentence, a clean execution for someone who no longer deserved to serve the people she had betrayed in any way. No honours for a traitor. He wondered whether even half of the accusations could be true – would the Nobles really support a renegade warrior in a coup that would put the entirety of Lukedonia at risk for war? He understood nothing.
"Ignes Kravei. You stand accused of attempted treason and attempted desertion," Maduke continued. "You abandoned the fight against a traitor you could have defeated and thus allowed her to cause even more damage. You deliberately abused the emotional agitation of the warriors to coax them into breaking the sacred rules of the duel and thus undermined the authority of the Lord and the validity of tradition to these warriors who have sworn to honour it. What do you wish to say in your defence?"
What the fuck had happened? Ignes, still kneeling modestly, placed one hand over her chest. "My Lord. I cannot present any excuses that would justify my misdemeanour towards you and your people." Every single world sounded like she had learned it by heart and recited an unloved poem now. "Nevertheless, as your guest and your protege, I beseech your forgiveness and hope you may show mercy on me where I deserve none."
Anything she said here had been written down and learned by heart. M-21 had absolutely no doubt. This whole trial felt like one of those strange courtroom shows that allegedly had nothing to do with the reality of law. Well, this certainly was not law.
"Step forward," Maduke said, and remained stood where he was. Gathering her skirts, Ignes rose to her feet and approached the steps to the throne. M-21 almost hoped he would see something gory, she'd deserve it. Ignes climbed the five steps to the Lord and lowered herself down on one knee. She kept her gaze fixated on the floor before him.
"I am not without compassion for those who served me well," he started. "I understand that you, just like the other warriors, sought to find justice and face the man who assaulted you violently and murdered your friends and your family – along with countless of our allies among the union, as well as several of our warriors."
The Lord briefly turned towards the assembled warriors when he – No. Was he speaking of Raizel? Frankenstein? The ones who had fought in self defence, and defence of their friends? Had they too been - Then, Maduke offered the back of his hand to the noble knelt before him. Slowly, Ignes leaned forward and pressed her lips against the back of Maduke's hand before leaning her forehead against his knuckles for a brief moment. "For the good services you have provided our people… " Graciously, he turned his wrist to offer his hand palm up – and Ignes accepted it, rising back to her feet. He placed one hand against her cheek and leaned foward to kiss her forehead. "I forgive you."
Ignes lowered her eyes and remained stood by his side as the Lord turned back to his warriors. "Ignes Kravei, you will resume your work as valuable member of our research teams and support our scientists and thus, the progress and growth of the entire werewolf race, to the best of your knowledge and abilities."
Two out of too many dealt with. Finally, his yellow gaze wandered over the remaining prisoners. They were not even sworn warriors yet, barely worth his attention, most likely. "You. Every single one of you has been found guilty of a crime against the people – of treason, of attempted treason, and other trespasses that give us all reason to doubt your allegiance to your people. You all will serve with your bodies and lives to the greater good of the people and further their power and glory. I sentence you to be used by the scientists such as they see fit."
The blank-eyed warrior who had been so eager to fight him and Kentas cleared his throat. "Lord." Brusquely, he grabbed M-21 by the hair and dragged him forward a few steps.
"This is a modified human who was taken along with Kentas, and who meant quite much both to him and Lunark, apparently. A fellow conspirator, clearly."
Maduke eyed him for a few moments and M-21 glared back, determined to take whatever verbal abuse he would receive with dignity and spite. He was tired of hearing these arrogant werewolves put him down for his mere existence, raging on about pure, supreme, great power he could only dream of. He never asked for this power.
"Is he? Well then. He should keep Lunark company, then." He waved his hand with a chuckle that looked like he regretted he could not say whatever else he had on his mind. "Dismissed."
Juraki approached Lunark and pulled her up on her feet, keeping a strong hold on her tied arms. "Where do we put these two?", Gayare asked, maintaining a grip on M-21's hair. "The inner laboratory," Juraki suggested, and led the way. If there was ever a moment to fight and struggle, it would have been now. Is this what all the fighting has been good for? Why had he fought at all if he was just going to end on another experimentation table? Before he could even start his fight, a hard hit on the back of his head knocked him out cold. Like a stone, he sank into the black void of unconsciousness.
When he woke up, he felt like everything was unreal. He was sunk against a wall, sitting half upright. Lunark was there as well, chained to the opposite wall. Her pink eyes watched him valiantly, but he could not deny the emptiness he saw in them. They terrified him.
"I am sorry," she said and her voice sounded thin. M-21 lifted one hand and touched the back of his head and his fingers ran over a dully throbbing bump under the grey hair. How much time had passed? He glanced around. They were alone. No windows. Once more, he was trapped in a place where the unfeeling neon lights were never turned off.
"… Muzaka, Frankenstein and the Noblesse all accompanied me to find you and confront Maduke," she said and M-21 was grateful she was answering his question before he had to ask it aloud. "I don't know where they are. I don't know what happened to them. I… I don't know about the nobles. I don't know anything. I am sorry."
She was rambling, her mind was elsewhere. M-21 had seen it many times. Raizel and Frankenstein… Were they alive? Did they manage to leave before everything went to shit? He could not bear the idea of them having given their life in an attempt to save him. Surely they would not. Their lives were so precious – they would not have done that, would they?
"Do you know about my friends?", he asked after a few moments of silence.
Lunark shook her head in defeat. "I have no idea. No one came to tell me anything. I... I am just as in the dark as you."
So it was hopeless? Then he might as well strangle himself with these chains before they could get to him. Raizel and Frankenstein... he could not see them retreating just like that. He could not see them turning around to leave instead of standing their ground until the very end.
"I am sorry," Lunark said softly. "... for leading your friends here... and failing to protect you like Kentas had tried to. I am sorry."
Author's note 2: Fun quiz question: according to my beta reader who's also a lawyer, Maduke violated international law and committed three war crimes in this chapter. Did you spot them?