Soldier's Forge Chapter 13, a sakura wars fanfic

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Soldier's Forge, Chapter 13:

Emerging from the old but cozy house next to the decrepit shrine, Kanna yawned and stretched, basking in the warmth of the late morning sun. They had arrived late at night, exhausted from hiking with frayed nerves while running from the several patrols they encountered. Ducking around corners and sneaking through the shadows was not something Kanna enjoyed, although she thought that Sumire would be more inclined to those activities.

The path to the shrine was off any major roadway, and was winding and overgrown; she doubted anyone would be able to find them unless they had prior knowledge of the place. Humming a small tune to herself, the large giant walked to the shrine, hoping to pay her respects. She changed her mind when she arrived, seeing that it had not been kept in ages. The decorative signs were worn, and weeds were abundant everywhere, threatening to forever consume the landmark in obscurity.

Mildly annoyed, Kanna wanted to do something about it, but the problem was so extensive she did not know where to begin. Shrugging, she started to pluck out weeds and throw them in a pile. After about twenty minutes, she saw that she was making no real significant progress and probably wouldn't if she spent three days working. Sighing to herself, she jogged back to the small house.

The rest of them had woken up and were sitting on the front porch when she returned.

"Good morning, Kanna," called Kohran. "I didn't really get to see this place last night, since it was so dark, but it turns out that this place has quite a bit going for it. I found some old firewood in the back, and there's a stream nearby."

"Yup. Back in dad's days, it used to be pretty big, but after Teito modernized people stopped visiting."

"What's for food?" asked Orihime while she watched Kohran unload some of her tools from her bag.

"There's fish in the streams. I can some pretty quickly," answered Kanna. "What's up with you, squad leader?"

Maria flinched slightly. "I guess I still have to get used to that. Actually, talk to Kohran, she's working on something." Kanna turned to Kohran with one eyebrow raised.

"The things I managed to snag from the theater before we left are rudimentary tools—nothing in the way of any field lab equipment. There just wasn't time or space to do so. That means that I can't do anything about this." She dug through a pouch and held up the disk that she managed to snag last night. "Even if I had managed to bring a portable computer, I wouldn't have been able to read this. If I'm right, it's encrypted, which means I'll need something on a larger scale to find out what this is about. Secondly, I still haven't completed the analysis on this." Kohran rummaged through another pouch and procured the burned circuitry from the bomb attack earlier. "Once again, I need lab equipment that I wasn't able to get."

"That's fine," said Maria. "You did manage to get the important evidence we'll eventually need, not to mention the survival gear and the defensive weapons."

"No problem. I keep a small arsenal for emergencies. Last audit, I still have several explosives, smoke grenades, flashbangs, flares, lights…" Kohran continued listing her inventory while ticking off fingers. "…adhesive, string, and repellant. Want me to get them out?"

"No, that's quite alright," replied Maria quickly, realizing that many combustibles together had the potential—no, certainty—for disaster.

"I guess the question is where do we go to give Kohran her toys, right squad leader?" pondered Kanna.

"Well, where do we have to be Kohran? Don't tell me the theater," said Maria.

"Actually, that was one of the places. But I know we can't get there. Two other options: Teito Central Defense military compound, or Kanzaki Industries. There's no way we can get to the first one, so naturally we'll have to opt for the second."

"Wait a minute, first of all, Army Intelligence probably has that place staked out. Second of all, it's a pretty long drive from here. Notice I said drive, not walk," commented Maria.

"No problem. All we need to do is get ourselves a ride, right?"

"Assuming that we even get some kind of vehicle, what do you plan on doing, walking up to K.I. and knocking on the door?" asked Maria incredulously.

"Hey, can I drive if we go?" pitched in Orihime.

"If you can get us a vehicle and figure out a way to get into Kanzaki Industries without us getting caught, I'll let you do anything," replied Maria.

"I knew you'd see it my way—creativity is my forte."

Maria groaned inwardly.

* * *

Kaede felt much better this morning than she had yesterday. Although her chest still ached, it was manageable. She was even able to get up and use the surprisingly luxurious facilities that Kayama kept around; it was obvious to her as she explored the ship that, despite its size, Kayama still managed to decorate it ostentatiously, but not to the point of tackiness. That, to her, showed a person of good taste.

Restless, she went on deck to gaze at the sea. The ship was moored to the port, but there was no sign of Kayama. Breathing in the salt air deeply, she relished in the scenery; it had a recuperative effect on her spirit, something akin of a return to nature.

As she stared off into the horizon, she was interrupted by the thud of boots onto the deck. Turning quickly, she saw Kayama smiling and holding a small bag.

"Good morning, Commander," he greeted. "I see you're feeling better. I brought you breakfast."

"Thank you very much. I think I'll take you up on that offer." Kayama gestured to a small table near the stern of the ship. They sat down across from each other and Kayama produced some muffins, bagels, and a thermos of coffee.

"Sorry, but the food isn't very fancy," apologized Kayama.

"Not a problem at all. It's perfect," she replied. For a few moments, they ate in silence and enjoyed each other's company.

"I can see why you like the sea so much," commented Kaede. "It really is peaceful out here."

"That's part of why I enjoy it also. It's so different from what I do—if I didn't spend time out here, I don't know what would happen to me."

Kaede looked into his eyes thoughtfully for a second. "Do you like being where you are? What I mean is—do you regret not being chosen as Hanagumi squad leader?"

"If it were my choice, I would still make the same decision you did. This is where I belong. Maybe I don't get the attention or the spotlight, so to speak, but it never really mattered to me."

"You know that your work is just as important as the others'. We never saw it any other way."

"I understand." Kayama leaned back and sipped his coffee.

"How are the others? Any news?" asked Kaede.

"I suppose it is time to get to business. Sakura and the others are still in the old city. As a matter of fact, I have the message to send to them right here." Kayama pulled from his front jacket a small sheet of paper for Kaede to preview. "It has enough to let them know what they need, without overburdening them." Kaede nodded in approval after reading the message.

"As for Maria's group," continued Kayama. "We are still having trouble locating her, but we're almost certain they are alive and well, and are hiding out somewhere. Yesterday, one of the army surveillance teams was sent out to search for them. Near evening, they reported being attacked. From the descriptions I could get, it seems like they managed to conceal themselves rather well. They could be anywhere in the city, or even outside it."

"How will we get word to them if we don't know where they are?"

"We're doing the best we can to find them, but it is my belief that they will pursue an investigation on their own. I don't think Maria will tolerate being idle for so long."

"And…Yoneda? Oogami?"

Kayama frowned. "They're still missing. We're pursuing leads on both of them, but we're not sure where they are. I only hope it's not too late for either of them."

Kaede closed her eyes briefly.

"Is there…anything else?" she asked.

"The Bara-gumi have been captured. They fought valiantly until the end. They're being held in a military prison labor camp. They'll hold out."

"Let me do something, Kayama. I'm much better today—I have to help the others." Kaede stood up uncertainly.

"Hold on," said Kayama as he rushed to her side to aid her. "You might think that but it's too dangerous for you to be running around."

"I told you, I'm fine," she repeated.

"What I meant was, you are also targeted by the others. Stay here, and you'll be safe. I have someone watching this place all the time."

"As much as I'd like to, I can't just sit around in here all day," she protested.

"Truthfully, we don't have anything for you to do to help us with. I hate to say it, but I think it's actually better that you let us work things out."

"So I don't get in the way, is that it?"

"Well, partly that, yes, but it's also for you. You've been through a lot lately, and you should take some time off. I've got plenty of books, journals, and other things kept away here that'll help pass the time. Until then, there really isn't anything you can do."

"But—" she started.

"I don't want you getting involved with my work, Kaede. It's not pretty. I hope you understand that."

Kaede knew it was logical, but she felt guilty at not being able to do anything to help.

"I understand," she replied sullenly.

"I will be back later. If you need anything, there is an emergency call button under my desk. Just hit it, and someone will be there for you." Kayama stood up, gathered the disposables, and saluted before he left.

Which left Kaede sitting at the table sipping some coffee, wondering what to do with the extra free time she suddenly had.

* * *

Sumire lay sprawled out over one of the seats on board the train she recently returned to. It was uncomfortable, her back ached, and a whole host of other problems ran through her mind while she shifted from one position to another. Most people would judge her two options as a lesser of two evils dilemma, but Sumire worked differently than most 'other' people. To her, it either had to be perfectly suited for her, or it was unacceptable. Sleeping in a dilapidated, run down ancient artifact was no worse than staying aboard the cramped, uncomfortable train.

She spent most of the night tossing and turning. Before long, morning had arrived and she still hadn't gotten any real sleep in. It was irritating to say the least, but soon she was able to finally drift off into the bliss of unconsciousness. Let them fumble around in the dark; I'm not getting up, thought Sumire.

And then it happened. Gourai-gou's communication panel began emitting an obnoxiously loud beeping noise, and began printing. Sumire shot up out of her blankets and stomped over, feeling the need to do some property damage. Switching on the lights in the cabin, she glanced at message being printed. She let out a small gasp, and then ripped out the printout as soon as it was finished. Sleeplessness forgotten, she packed her blankets and began her trek back to the others.

When she returned, she found Sakura cooking brunch over some firewood and a small pot. Iris and Reni were sitting to the side conversing, while Tsubaki tended to the fire.

"Everyone," she began.

"Sumire's back!" said a cheerful Iris.

"I got a message from the others!" she said excitedly.

"They must have sent it to Gourai-gou, hoping we would pick it up," surmised Tsubaki.

"It's a good thing you were there to get it," Sakura told Sumire.

"What does it say?" asked Iris. Sumire cleared her throat before reading.

"To those who made it on the Gourai-gou,

We hope that you are all safe and secure. If Tsubaki has performed her task, you should all be at a location that will keep you hidden from those who would seek to do harm to you. For now, the only thing we ask of you is to wait until the time comes for us to take action. The provisions on board Gourai-gou should be enough to last for several weeks, and there are further stores placed near you if need be. As for the others, we believe that everyone else who was separated made it out safely. Right now, we are investigating a means of rectifying the current situation, and are leveraging all our resources to this effect. Until further notice, you are to remain where you are on standby.

Kayama"

"That's odd. I didn't expect the message to come from Kayama, but rather Yoneda or Kaede," commented Tsubaki.

"Maybe they're in trouble," said Iris.

"But the message says everyone got out fine," replied Sakura.

"When was the last time you actually trusted anything Kayama said?" rebutted Sumire. "He may be charming, but there is a side to him none of us can really understand."

"I believe in him. He's Oogami's friend. They've known each other for years," reasserted Sakura.

"Everything said in the message is what they have decided we need to know. It is unproductive to conjecture outside our given orders," said Reni.

"But—" began Sakura.

"She's right. If they wanted us to know more, they would have told us. They're doing the best thing for us. We should just accept it," said Tsubaki.

"So, we sit here doing nothing while the world turns above us? In this…this tomb?" said Sumire loudly.

"According to our orders, yes," answered Reni. Sumire let out a groan in exasperation.

"How about some lunch?" Sakura cheerily offered.

After they had eaten, each tried to find some way of spending the long hours that were to lie ahead. Sumire took to practicing some dance steps, although she cursed every so often as she fumbled around in near darkness. Sakura had brought her sword with her and spent the time in meditation. Iris, Jean-Paul, and Reni spent their time together. Tsubaki joined Iris and friends, and tried her best to play along with them.

As the afternoon wore on, boredom set in and they sat around, staring at nothing. The place had no way of marking the passage of time, so they did not know whether thirty minutes or five hours had gone by. The one who was most concerned about this was obviously Iris.

"Don't ask Sakura, she won't let us," whispered Iris to Reni.

"It is not a good idea, there is no information as to what is—" she replied.

"No problem, that's why we're going," said Iris as she dragged Reni by the arm over to Sumire.

"Sumire, can we go outside to look around?"

Sumire, preoccupied in her thoughts, just waved her hand at them.

"Thanks, Sumire. Let's go!" Iris ran out of the small house with Reni in hand, snatching a light stick on the way out.

Iris was intensely fascinated by the scenery as they explored the hidden city. She would peek into buildings, look at some old artifacts, and hop up and down trails, all while asking Reni about her thoughts on this and that. Reni was not disinterested, but was wary to keep track of directions so they would not get lost.

Near the edge of the large cavern were several small tunnels leading outwards.

"Reni, what's down that way?" asked Iris.

"I do not know, but they probably lead to other areas. I would strongly advise against going there. The danger of cave-ins and other hazards is substantial."

"Come on, let's go," she said, ignoring Reni's advice. Instead of following her this time, Reni put her arm in front of her.

"Not this time," she objected. "There's real danger. I can't guarantee your safety beyond this area."

"Reni…" pouted Iris quietly. Normally, Reni would go along with Iris' wishes, but for some reason she seemed unnaturally reserved. "Okay, we'll go play somewhere else. Come on, Jean-Paul."

Eventually, they wandered towards the underground stream. Nearby were several monoliths, arranged in a circle. This perked Iris' curiosity up a notch.

"Waah…" she commented as she walked closer to the stone pillars. On the pillars were pictographs and some faded, ancient writings in an unknown script. Iris ran up to them, peering intently.

"Um, Reni…who do you think wrote this?"

"As I have stated before, I have no relevant knowledge about this area."

As Iris flitted from on pillar to another, Reni desperately tried to keep up. The writings and pictures had a disturbing motif, however. Reni observed several pictures of what looked to be Kouma bleeding, crucified, or killed in a variety of methods. Logically, there should have been nothing to fear, but Reni had an unsettling feeling of anxiety. Not wanting to worry Iris about it, she remained quiet while Iris continued to examine the area.

Iris ran to the center, marveling at the intricate carvings on the floor. The alien designs captured her imagination as she swept dust off the center pedestal. Joining Iris in the middle, Reni paused for a moment, observing the structure. Kicking the circular floor, she noticed it was indented slightly from a surrounding larger circle.

"Iris, this is hollow," remarked Reni. Iris stopped for a second, awaiting explanation. "See the floor over there? I think this may be some kind of covering."

Backing off from the middle, Iris and Reni stood quietly, thinking about the ramifications of this discovery.

"Hey, let's see what's under it."

"I do not think that is a good idea." Reni pushed against the covering with her foot, to no avail. "Besides, it's too heavy to move. Perhaps we should return."

Iris, ignoring Reni, held her hands out as a soft, yellow glow surrounded her. The rumbling of stone moving against stone grew, and the disk began to slide in a radial direction. A small passage was revealed; dust covered stairs beckoned downwards into the darkness.

"Let's go," she beckoned. To her surprise, Reni stepped in front of her.

"Since I will not be able to convince you otherwise, I shall go first," she stated. Iris nodded, somewhat relieved. Following Reni, Iris and Jean-Paul marched slowly down the steps into the small passage. Covered in dust and cobwebs, the passage traveled down several hundred feet before emerging into a large vault. Before entering, Reni stopped and barred the passage.

"Please stay quiet," she instructed as she observed the surroundings with her light. Old earthen pottery, decorations, and jewelry lined the walls of the vault. Broken pillars, stone blocks, and pieces of older treasures were scattered over the floor. A small box in the center, however, lay undisturbed. Reni scanned the walls and floor intently.

"Wait right here." Reni carefully moved over and threw a rock near a step. Without warning, arrows flew in front of her to bounce harmlessly off the walls. Moving to the next target, she once again triggered a nasty trap, this time sending spears flying from the floor. She moved from area to area, cleanly disarming several traps. When she finished, she motioned for Iris to enter.

"How did you—?" asked Iris.

"Observation. Training. Do not touch anything and follow me—I may not have gotten all of them."

Iris held onto Reni's arm as they surveyed the area. After several minutes, they stood in front of the mysterious box.

"Can we open it?" whispered Iris. Reni studied the contraption carefully before reaching out and flipping the top open. Inside lay a sword hilt, decorated in fine colors and lavish in design. Picking it up, Reni examined it carefully.

"Waah…it's so pretty," Iris remarked quietly. "Can we keep it?"

Reni shrugged and handed it to Iris, who held it eagerly.

"I believe it is time to return."

Iris nodded, and followed Reni out, hand in hand.

* * *

Yoneda fell on his knees, weak with exhaustion and body wracked with pain.

"You still refuse to answer me?" yelled Amakasa.

"I told you…I don't know where—" replied Yoneda weakly. The crack of the whip cut him off again, the lashes on his back stinging.

"I'm impressed—you are either stronger than I had given you credit for, or you are telling the truth. Either way, you will in the end sign this document before you."

Yoneda smiled while he lay on the floor. "Kill me, then. I'll never sign it."

Amakasa frowned at his prey. "You will beg me to do so when this is over with. I am a patient man. It can wait—the question is, how long will you be able to?" Cackling loudly, he gestured to two guards to drag him back to the cell. The Major exited the interrogation room and turned to one of his aides.

"How much progress has been made on their computer?" he asked sternly.

"The encryption is strong. Even with all our resources, it will take about two weeks to gain access."

"And what of the other?"

"He will be ready for interrogation in a few days."

"Excellent. Inform me when he is ready." With that, the Major stormed out of the room, his looming presence still lingering behind.

* * *

"How do you work it again?" asked Kanna as they neared the complex.

"Right pedal, accelerate. Middle, brake. Left to change gears," instructed Orihime.

"I can't believe we're doing this," commented Kohran.

"Hey, it'll work. Trust me," replied Orihime. Maria buried her head in her hands.

It was early evening, and the four were traveling in a large truck, with Kanna nervously at the wheel. The crash course in driving given by Maria and Orihime did not make up the hours of practice that she thought was needed. Kanna reminded herself of the trouble they went through to get the vehicle, and resolved to try her best.

Nearing the cargo gate, each of them steeled themselves for what was ahead. Almost missing the checkpoint entirely, Kanna ground the truck to a halt violently.

"Purpose of visit," asked the Kanzaki Industrial checkpoint guard.

"We are carrying recently excavated artifacts to the lab for examination," said Orihime from the passenger side. This perked the interest of the guard.

"Excuse me?" he asked incredulously as he walked around to the passenger window.

"Don't excuse me, young man. This is a monumental find that predates anything found about Teito history! I am the renowned Dr. Solet, premier archeologist. This here is my driver," Orihime gestured to Kanna. "Over here is my academic associate, Dr. Chen, and this here is just a stupid American I brought along for labor."

"I don't have any indication here of a requisition to use the labs. I'll have to call in to central office," he commented. Looking at the back of the pickup, he spotted several large mounds covered in tarp.

"I'll have to check the cargo for safety reasons."

"Wait! You cannot touch that—it is extremely fragile. Extremely."

"Um, it's regulations. I can't—"

Orihime pulled on his sleeve and held his face close to hers.

"We went through a lot of work to get those…could you just call your boss and ask him about us? Please?" she whispered into his ear sweetly.

The guard gulped as she handed him a name. Wordlessly, he walked over to his booth to resolve the situation.

"We're dead," stated Kanna.

"They get lots of different vehicles moving in and out. Maybe intelligence hasn't spotted us," hoped Maria.

"At least the clothes came in handy," said Kohran. After a few minutes, the guard returned, obviously shaken.

"It seems that you do have clearance to enter. You may pass."

"Thank you," said Orihime. "Let's go, driver!"

Kanna jumpstarted the car and weaved her way to the garages. As soon as they neared the main building, she stopped the car and they all jumped out. The head tech from earlier ran out to meet them.

"It's a good thing your people recognized us," said Maria.

"We were put on alert by CEO Kanzaki in case you decided to visit. Come inside, he will want to speak with you as soon as possible."

The four of them followed the loyal employee through the garage and to a lounge where he instructed them to wait. After a few minutes, Sumire's father entered the room.

"It's good to see you all in good health," he remarked. Glancing at their outfits, he had no choice but to smile. "The new looks are…interesting."

Maria returned the grin. "Yes, it was Kohran's idea. In any case, I assume you are aware of the events that have transpired?"

"Right down to business—that's good. Yes, we received reports that the theater has been attacked. After that, however, we do not have much information. Are you the only ones to escape? I tried asking the military for my daughter; they have refused to answer any of my questions. Is she alright?"

"They escaped aboard the bullet train. We were to go with them, but were separated. I believe that she is safe."

"I am relieved to hear that. Yoneda always took good care of her, and I have no reason to doubt that now. I have not been able to get in touch with him, or his assistant. I fear the worst for him."

"We…we do not know what has become of him. He did not manage to escape with us," reported Maria solemnly.

"Then I pray for his safe return. I must warn you, our surveillance has detected that this complex has been watched ever since you escaped. They haven't openly moved against us, but if they discover you are here, then I believe they will be restrained any longer."

"I'm sorry, we did not wish to bring problems to you."

"It is no imposition. In actuality, they are very close to seizing Kanzaki Industries and all our assets. Our workers are very apprehensive right now. This new power shift has the backing of our rivals, which we have discovered to be the Tatsumaki Conglomerate. They seek to displace us, forcibly if need be, and to dominate as the new power in the military-industrial complex. Until we can prove their wrongdoing, there is nothing we can do."

"That is what Kohran is here for, actually." Maria gestured to the scientist. "She needs the resources of your labs to analyze some evidence that may give us the answers we need, one of which is a data disk taken from our enemies. If we can decipher it, perhaps it will shed some light on the situation."

"Excellent. I will make all our resources available for her use. If there is anything else I can do, let me know. I will not let our business fall helplessly while others conspire against us."

"Thank you. We will try our best." Maria stood and shook hands with the powerful man.

"One other thing—if you see Sumire, please let her know that we will always try to keep her safe, even if our lives are not. She always has a place to return to."

"I will relay the message when I see her," replied Maria.

"My thanks once again." CEO Kanzaki gestured to several techs near him. "Alert the lab staff. You are to help this lady with anything she wishes. She has my full authority to utilize all resources available. Have all available personnel reassigned to work with her. Understood?"

"Yes sir!" Kohran followed the techs out of the room, leaving Maria, Kanna, and Orihime behind.

"You—make sure they receive everything they request, and see to their needs," CEO Kanzaki ordered. Nodding, CEO Kanzaki parted with his aide.

"We have food and refreshments, as well as bathing and cleaning facilities at your disposal. In addition, if you could give me a list of items you will be needed, I will be happy to provide them for you."

"Thank you. I think we'll take you up on that offer," said Maria, relieved for the small conveniences.

"Did I ever tell you that Sumire has really nice parents?" commented Orihime.

"So true. Have to wonder why any of it didn't rub off on her," replied Kanna.

The main laboratory of Kanzaki Industries was bustling with activity as Kohran directed the teams of assistants performing the analysis. She marveled at their efficiency, mainly because at the Hana-Yashiki branch she never had half the resources offered to her now. She went from team to team, monitoring their progress in performing the two tasks that may extricate them from their dilemma—analysis of the data disk, and the analysis of the burned piece of circuitry from the bomb explosion.

While this continued on, she eventually found time to make use of the facilities offered. Maria, Orihime, and Kanna were once again refreshed, although Maria's hair still remained a dark brown color, much to her chagrin. They spent the time creating a list of essentials, mostly basic supplies, food, hygienics, and some ammunition for Maria's revolver. Kohran met up with them and added field equipment, chemicals, and explosives.

While Kanzaki Industries was working on the analysis and gathering the supplies requested, it became apparent that they could do nothing more to assist. The aide offered them rooms to rest in, and assured them that they would receive results as soon as they were available. Weary from an exhaustive day, the four of them gladly took the opportunity to catch some rest while they could.