As the wind blew harder and harder, a shiver was felt traveling down her spine. Her arms shaking, yet still firmly holding onto her weapon, she gazed upwards.
There she saw a beast, with purple stripes running across its abnormally silky texture. That wasn't the most disturbing thing about it however, as it resembled nothing like any animal in this world. Its body proportions were impossibly large, with one of its feet big enough to stomp her. Its face seemingly melted into the rest of its head, leaving only large fangs hanging from its sides. It was unnatural, a being that by no means should be possible to exist, yet here it stands, breathing down on her, its goal clearer than ever. To destroy her.
Without another second of delay, it let out a piercing roar, rumbling the ground around it. And then, it promptly charged, heading straight towards her.
She flinched, caught off guard by such a sudden move. But just as quickly she began to move her legs, preparing to jump out of the way. But she underestimated her injuries, feeling the strength leaving her legs. She tried to conjure any semblance of strength to keep her going, even for just a little bit, but it was useless, she couldn't stand.
As the raging beast got closer to her with every moment, she felt time slowing to a crawl. This was it? Is this really where she would die? In the middle of a ruined battlefield, with no one to ever know she existed. Would this be where she would meet her end? These questions enveloped her mind as she watched the ever closer monster approaching.
But then, as if a miracle, a figure jumped into frame, barely standing out from the beast from above. With a simple motion, a bright orange light emits from the air in front of her, and with it something emerges from inside.
"Nekoooooooo-chan!"
Following those words, the air was immediately filled by a looming shadow, bigger than both her and the beast. Yet somehow, this did not bring her fear. Even as the potential threat of being killed by the beast or crushed by this thing, her heart was as calm and relaxed as ever. For she no longer felt afraid, for she had come to save her.
The large, almost mechanical looking limb fell down onto the beast, pounding it into the ground. The monster let out a pitiful scream, shocked by the sudden turn of event, yet unable to do anything about it. And with that, its body was completely crushed, leaving it as nothing but a stain on the ground.
Finishing the job, her savior firmly landed in front of her. The white figure promptly dusted themselves, their brilliance all the more radiant. Facing up, the savior then gives him a wide smile.
"Hehe, I came right on time now didn't I?"
It was the voice of a girl, a very young one at that. Her cheerful tone contrasted the ruined and destroyed wasteland, and yet she did not find it to be odd. Rather, relief was all she could muster, as she let out an exhausted sigh.
"Really, do you always have to make such an entrance?" She blurted, tiring in tone.
"In front of you, I have to really give it my all, Mei-senpai!"
"Hai hai, you always say that, Kiana-chan…"
With that short exchange, the two then shared a laugh with each other, completely different to how things were just a moment ago. Indeed, this savior wasn't just any old hero or the chosen one, it was simply Kiana, her friend. The most important person ever to her, and always will be.
Laying here, undisturbed by anything or anyone, simply gazing at the girl in front of her, she could only smile. This was all she could have hoped or wanted, to always be beside this girl forever. To be able to share their laughs together, their victories and defeats, their accomplishments and failures. So long as she was here, she felt nothing was truly so impossible to face. She believed it to be so.
The laughter continued, yet she could not remember how long it had been going. It didn't matter however, she wanted this moment to never end. Of this simple moment to never be cut short. For the image of this girl, this friend, this person, to forever stand in front of her, gazing fondly at her and always giving the happiest of smiles. She wanted this to last forever.
Everything slowly turned blurry, as her vision became more unfocused with each passing second, yet her image of Kiana never once stalled or bleaked. It was still there, smiling at her. Always smiling at her. Always there for her. Always be there. Never ever leaving. Never faltering. Never yielding, Never fading. Never never never.
She will never leave her.
"Mei!"
"...huh?" She opened her eyes, taking in her surroundings.
Despite the sideways view she had, she slowly realized where she was. The plain looking wall paint, the nauseating smell of cleaning products plastered across the place, and the dull looking tools placed on her desk. She was in an office. Her office.
"Mei, you awake yet?" The voice called out her name again, yet she could not see her.
She tried to lift her head up, before a sharp pain stabbed at her neck, causing her to wince in place. Despite that, she pushed through, gazing up towards the source of the voice.
Standing before her, wearing a matching dark blue shirt and tie, their hair a unique silver color, was her co-worker.
"Oh...hello there, Bronya."
"Why are you being so weirdly polite to me?" The woman asked, slight confusion plastered on her. Still, she gave a sigh.
"Sleeping on the job isn't a good thing you know? Your body will hate you for that."
"Mm, sorry about that. I promise I won't do it again."
"...you do know that this isn't the first time you have done this right?"
"Yes, and I promise I won't do it again." She reaffirmed.
"You shouldn't promise something out of your control, it would only make you look worse." Bronya gave another sigh, closing her eyes defeatedly.
She could only give a nervous smile at that. She knew better to not fall asleep at times like these, but she couldn't help it. She's been doing so much more work than usual, to the point that her nightly hours are getting shorter and shorter as a result of it. Despite knowing the consequences of that however, she still pushed through. She couldn't help herself.
But seeing Bronya so worried for her, she felt some small regret for her choices. Her well-being is important, especially now, so she should at least try to keep things under control.
Deciding that, she spoke.
"I'm sorry for worrying so much, Bronya. I'll make sure to sleep better tonight."
"...are you sure?" The woman leaned in to her.
"I-I'm sure. Really, I promise." So close
Observing her expression for a bit longer than needed, she then finally backed off. She then began to twirl her long hair as she spoke.
"Well, since you said that, I'll trust that you keep your word. That being said though, we should get something to keep you awake. Otherwise, it's gonna pose a problem later."
"Mmm, you're right."
"Coffee then?"
"Ah no, I don't really drink that." The last time that she did, her stomach didn't react too well with it. She would rather doze off on company's meeting than hold her stomach in agony for two hours.
"Hmm, how about tea then?"
"Where would you get that?"
"I saw the cafeteria selling them when I came up here. Probably just started doing that recently."
"I see..."
Tea huh? That could work.
"...I think I'm going to buy that."
"Really? Alright, stay here then, I'll go get it for you."
"Eh? What about the payment?"
"On me. I'm the one that's offering you to buy something after all, so this is natural."
"I-is that so...?"
"Mhmm, don't go anywhere then, I'll be back in a quickie."
"Ah, wa-" before she could say anything however, the girl had already dashed off.
She's surprisingly quick when she wants to. A lingering thought echoed through her mouth.
"But I was the one that chose to buy that..." In spite of such a defeated tone however, she felt a bit joyful. Bronya had always kept an eye on her even when the two worked at two different departments, and always seemed to figure out the slightest thing off about her. She found it odd how she was the only one getting such a treatment from her, but she didn't dislike it whatsoever. Without her, she doubts her life would be as non-stressful as it is now.
Really though, you make it so hard to deceive you…
"Here. Careful, it's a bit hot."
"Thank you. "
Grabbing the handle, she then slowly blows at the cup before taking a small sip.
"How is it?" Bronya asked.
"..."
"Mei?"
"...bitter." Her mouth slightly contorts in a weird shape as she squinted her eyes. It was hard keeping the liquid inside her mouth without feeling a bit nauseous, but she pushed it down anyway. What came after it however was so much worse. It felt like someone just forced down dried fruit peels down her throat. She can hardly call this drinkable.
Bronya on the other hand seemed to be laughing away, finding her face to be quite a sight. In fact, it was such a scene that others started to appear to check on what's causing the loud noise.
Upset by this, she jabbed at the girl's side, causing her to flinch in pain. Yet somehow, the laughter persists. So she kept jabbing her until she sounded more like a dying animal.
"O-ok alright! I'm sorry I'm sorry! It's starting to hurt now."
"Hmph…" She pouted, averting her eyes away.
"It can't be that bitter now can it?"
"Says the one who didn't have to drink it."
"Well, that's true, but at least it woke you up right?"
"I was already awake. This just makes sure that I'm not going to be able to eat anything without this horrible after taste."
"Then try not to fall asleep next time, or you're gonna drink it again, alright?"
"Ugh…ok…" Leaving the tea aside, she then grabs a hold of a nearby water bottle. This lingering taste in her throat is refusing to go away, even as she gulped down the whole bottle. Really, who decided to just wake up and make the most bitter tea ever? This is just horrible.
As she busied herself with another bottle, Bronya silently watched, a smile etched on her face. But as if something surfaced in her mind, her expression dimmed a bit.
"Say, Mei." She says.
"Hmm? What is it?" She glanced towards her, her hands still trying to find any extra bottles.
"I know that you tend to push yourself a bit. Sometimes too much."
"Mhm?"
"So when you have been dozing off recently, I thought it was just you simply overworking. So I got around."
"Around…what?"
"What you were assigned with. I was meaning to lessen the load of you, especially when I know how easy you are to push into accepting more work than you could realistically handle. But after searching, I found nothing out of the ordinary. There was no sudden overload, no extra tasks handed, and yet you seem to be so restless these past weeks." Her expression turns into slight worry, now gazing at her.
"Is there something wrong?"
"..."
Silence. Accompanied by nothing but the ambience of their surroundings and the sounds of chatter, yet to her, the world seems to go silent. Those few words lingered in her head, her face unmoving.
The silence continued as Bronya kept her eyes onto her, her expression morphing into more distress with no response being given.
"...Me-"
"Everything is fine."
"Eh?" Surprised by her words, Bronya stood in place.
She simply gave a wide smile to the girl.
"I just started doing some stuff outside of work recently, so that's why I haven't gotten enough sleep. Sorry for worrying you about it, Bronya." She said, skipping through her words like she was reading from a script. As to why, the girl did not know.
Regardless, she decided to not pry any further, twirling her hair as she gave Mei an inexplicable look.
"If that's the case, then try not to make it into a habit. Having a side hobby is nice, but keep it in moderation ok?"
"Mmm, I will." Mei then picks up the tea cup, drinking it down, before flinching in place. Her face then contorts horrible again.
"Bleh…it's still bitter…"
"...Hmph…" Bronya chuckled at that, the odd tension leaving the air.
As bitter as that tea was, at least it worked.
"Well, I'll be heading back to my place now. Thank you for the tea Bronya, I'll repay you someday."
"No need to bother with that, just get some proper rest. See you Mei."
"Mmm."
With that, she then walks away, leaving Bronya to herself. Despite what Mei had said, a part of her still felt slightly worried, but alas, she will just have to trust in her and believe that she can fix herself up.
Finishing up the last of her paperwork, she then proceeds to lean back in her chair, stretching her arms. The workload was bigger than usual, so she opted to stay behind to finish it, much to Bronya's dismay.
Glancing over the large window beside her, the sky was already jet black. Is it this late already?
She must be worried sick about me by now huh? Oh well, I'll buy her something nice.
She thought to herself, before shuffling her items into her bag. She needed to get back home as soon as possible.
Turning off the building lights, shutting the doors properly, she then headed down using the elevator. As she descends, her previous thoughts flow back into her mind. What should she buy for her?
Hmm, she didn't like what I bought her last time, and definitely not the one from the other time as well. Could it be that I…No.
She shook her head, lightly patting herself.
Of course I know what her taste in food is like. That's so obvious that I won't ever forgive myself if I don't. Ahh, it must be that she wasn't in the mood to eat anything. Yes, that's right, of course that's right.
But just in case, I'll buy her something really nice. Something that would make her stomach rumble, this time for sure!
Resolving herself, she then searched through her memories. There have been many meals that the two have shared together, most of which she seemed to enjoy. But for this one, it needs to be something memorable. Something that would definitely leave an aftertaste. What could that be?...Ah.
Letting a wide smile spread through her lips, she chuckled. Of course, why didn't she think of it sooner? It was so obvious! But it's alright now, everything is alright now. She knows what is needed, and she will get it for her. Always for her. After all…
Kiana deserves the best of everything~
CLACK
Turning the handle, Mei walked forward, her hand carrying a small white plastic bag. The house was pitch black, with the only source of light coming from the streets reflecting from the windows, and the small white light barely noticeable behind a closed door.
She closes the door, making sure that everything is properly locked and shut. You can never have too much protection around here.
Turning on the lights, she then plops the bag onto a nearby table, and tread towards her kitchen. She then took a bowl with other utensils, before returning back to the table.
"Hmm~hmm~hmm~"
As she prepares the meal, her light hum never stops. Her lips turn into a small smile as she hears the erratic footsteps echoing from the closed room, most likely realizing that she had returned.
Poor Kiana, she must have been so lonely without me all the time. I'll be extra gentle with her today.
And right on cue, the meal was finished. Placing them neatly and orderly onto a small tray, she then pace herself towards the room where she resides. And in a quick motion, she gently opened the door.
"Kiana-chan~" Mei said in an overly joyful tone, her face now plastered with a wide smile. How could she not smile when facing her? It was simply impossible.
For the person laying in front of her, their hands, cutely tied up behind their backs. Their clothing dirtied yet still recognizable as a school uniform, and their messy hair-do dragging on the ground. But the most important part was her face, her wonderful and oh so beautiful face. Despite the smear and visible tear marks etching across her cheeks, her eyes lit up, as her mouth tightly gagged violently moved about.
This person. This girl. This oh so wonderful human being. This…was her Kiana.
Taking in the rattled yelps, Mei gently places the tray of food down in front of her, her smile never once faltering. The girl tried to move away from her, yet found herself trapped by the wall behind. She tried to go around her, but her legs were bound too. She could only lay there, her body trembling.
"Aww, you don't need to be excited to see me. I miss you too, you know?" And yet, Mei found nothing strange in any of this, talking as calmly and gently as she possibly can.
"Though since it's you Kiana-chan, I understand. I'm happy to see you so cheerful around me."
The girl only shook her head violently, her eyes on the verge of spilling out again.
"Look, today I bought you something reeeeally special. I think this will finally bring back your appetite again." She opened the lid.
"It's sweet pepper curry, your favorite."
Taking in the sweet aroma of the curry, Mei lightly blushes.
"I uh…spent maybe a bit more than I would like to admit, but since it's for you, I don't mind! I'll try my best to buy you anything you want, so just be sure to tell me!"
She receives nothing but mumbled gags, the girl's eyes darting away from her. Mei then reached out to her.
"Here, let me get this for you. Then I'll feed you personally~"
Untightening the gag, she pulled the bind away, traces of saliva and blood trailed off from her mouth. Feeling her mouth properly again, the girl gulped and gagged, breathing heavily.
Mei waited for her to calm down, before grabbing a spoon next to the bowl.
"Here, say ahhh~"
"...please…"
"Hmm?"
"Please….let me go…" Was all the girl could muster the strength to say. Mei could only give her a confused look however.
"Let you go? What do you mean?"
"...let me go…"
"But you're already home? Where are you trying to go, Kiana-chan?"
"Please…" Her voice began to tremble.
"I really don't know what you're talking about though? Is this some kind of ga-"
"LET ME GO!"
Directing her eyes towards Mei, the girl screamed. Her tears overflowing, her hands and legs pushing at the ropes tying them up, the girl gave a hateful scowl, before pushing the nearby tray away.
"..." Mei stopped smiling.
"...You…took me away. You put me here. How could you not admit that? Why can't you see what you have done? What did I do to you?! Just let me go see my par-guh!"
The girl was stopped mid-sentence as she felt a hand around her throat, tightening and constraining her windpipe.
Struggling to breathe, the helpless girl thrashed violently, kicking and tossing her arms and legs in a desperate attempt to break free, but it was of no use. Mei's hands were firmly placed on her, refusing to ease off even a little bit.
As her mind began to slip away, her struggle weakened and her pure blue eyes resting on the woman's face. A face unmoved by her display, the display of a human life slowly fizzling out. Her darkened eyes looked more akin to a bottomless void, gazing at nothing more but an object to her.
Her strength depleted, her consciousness barely holding on, the only thing she saw was the face of Mei. Mustering just enough air, she puffed.
"P-please..."
"...Oh!"
Seemingly from those words, Mei quickly let go of her hands. How could she forget? Today was supposed to be different. She was going to be gentler with her today!
"Ahhh, I really blew it didn't I?" She asked, yet the girl couldn't give an answer, her consciousness already faded as she collapsed. Fortunately, Mei promptly caught her in a warm embrace.
"So sorry for that, Kiana-chan. I didn't mean to be rough on you like that..." She muttered to herself.
"Here, you must be tired."
Letting the unconscious girl to fall onto her lap, carefully avoiding touching the spewed mess, Mei gently caresses the girl's hair.
Noises echoed at the corner of the room as she glanced over the source, noticing the tv.
Mm, she must have turned it on accidentally.
Finding the remote, Mei reached over to grab the device but before she could turn it off, a voice caught her attention.
"It's been three weeks since the incident that occured in Nagazora, where a young high school girl named Kiana Kaslana was reportedly kidnapped while going home from school. As of this moment, no additional information has been shared by her parents nor the purposes of the kidnapping itself by the abductor, leaving the investigation team in a standstill. They-"
She promptly turns off the TV, before returning her gaze back to the passed out girl. She paid little heed to what those people were doing, so long as she was careful, this "incident" would simply be swept under the rug through the passage of time. Once that happens, she can finally be free to be with her Kiana forever.
A warm smile spread across her face, feeling slightly flustered of such a thought. She frankly couldn't wait to play with her Kiana more and more, and she will make sure that she would be given the best possible treatment. Her Kiana deserves the absolute best, something that only she could provide. Only her.
Leaning down, she then gave a kiss on the girl's forehead, and whispered in her ears lovingly.
"I will never ever leave you, my Kiana-chan."
AN: I'm branching out to write something different, and who would have thought it would be for this world? Certainly not me, but hey, I'm not complaining heh.
Anyways, I appreciate you for making through with this first chapter and giving it a shot. I'm still not a decent writer by an stretch of the imagination, but I hope I at least managed to peek your interest for you to keep reading. If you made it to here, I hope you did.
This would be new territories that I am entering, so I will do my best to tread carefully and make sure to do the best that I can do. So for those who gave this a shot and stay for more, thank you for giving me a chance. For those that don't, thank you for making it this far, maybe some day I'll write something more...fluffier heh.
Welp, see ya in the next chapter!