A/N - I don't own these characters.

Chapter 35

Thunder pounded in her ears, the sound of her heart rapidly beating to the tune of her terror. Yumi tried to open her eyes, but nothing happened. More fear. Did the explosion blind her? Where was everyone else? Did she get caught in the flames? Was this the end? Her mind raced, seeming to fly from one possibility to the next without pausing or prompting.

Suddenly, through the dark haze of her fear, soft fingers drew her slowly from the brink of panic, making gentle trails down her cheek and neck. Yumi flexed her own fingers, wishing to reach up and take those gentle fingers and press them closer. She wasn't alone. It was the joy from that revelation that almost blinded her to the fact that her fingers connected with soft cotton rather than cold, hard dirt. Slowly, the rest of the world came back to her. She wasn't laying in the rubble in the aftermath of the explosion. No, she had long ago been pulled from that murder field. This was someplace else. Someplace safe.

Comforting fingers moved away and she struggled to follow, murmuring a soft, "Sachiko." Before, in the rubble, she had called another name. Endo was gone. Sachiko was the one who owned her heart now. Sachiko was the one she needed like she had needed no other.

The hands returned, this time their timidness was gone, replaced with urgency.

Slowly, those hands drove back the darkness and the world began to fade back into existence. Persistent beeping and antiseptic smell told her she was either still in the lab or in the infirmary. Muffled voices seemed to be calling to her, yet still, she couldn't open her eyes. Yumi tried to lift her hand, to grab the hand that now squeezed her arm, but the movement sent a pulse of throbbing pain through her arm and shoulder. It was as if she had exercised too much, pushing her limits to the point of straining tendons and destroying muscles. Against her will, a whimper escaped her lips.

"Yu-"

That voice. She knew that voice.

"Yumi? Please, open your eyes." Sachiko's voice sounded raw as if she had been issuing orders on the battlefield all night, yet still, Yumi found comfort there.

"Sachiko." She heard her own voice, weak and frail. What had happened? Even as she tried to pull herself from sleep Yumi felt forces trying to pull her back under. Grinding her teeth against the pain, she refused to give in. No, she needed to wake up. She needed to be with her squad and she wanted to be with Sachiko. The fear in Sachiko's voice shouldn't be there. It was within her power to make it better. All she had to do was open her eyes. Her body though refused to obey her will. "Sachiko." Whimpering her name was all she could do.

"I'm right here, love." Sachiko's emotion was clear, relief tinged with exhaustion. Yumi couldn't see her tears, but she heard Sachiko's sniffles and each one tugged at her heart.

Wanting to comfort Sachiko, hearing those tears, and knowing she was the cause, drove Yumi's frozen body to action. With great effort, she tried to lift her hand, but only managed to move a few fingers. It was enough though as Sachiko took notice and reached out to link their hands once more. Swallowing was difficult with a throat as rough as a desert storm, but Yumi did her best to muster a bit of moisture, just enough to croak, "D-don't cry."

Her words only spurred the older girl into sobs. They were of fear still, yes, but relief as well. As Sachiko had watched her lover lying as if on her deathbed her mind had conjured every scenario imaginable where this experiment ended with Yumi's death. Every time she closed her eyes she saw Yumi's arched back, straining against the pain erupting in her tiny body. In the silence, she could hear the echoes of her screams and knew that sound would haunt her every dream.

Her voice rough from disuse, Yumi spoke again, "Shhhh, it's okay. Don't cry, my Major."

As intended, Sachiko snorted a short laugh through her tears and shook her head down at her girlfriend. Knowing that Yumi had yet to open her eyes, Sachiko found that that was all she craved at that moment. She wanted to see those brown eyes, so cold for others yet so warm for her alone. "Your major, huh? Aren't you being a bit possessive, Yumi?"

A sliver of a grin pulled at the corner of Yumi's lips as she responded to her lover. "Yup. Not going to apologize for it either. We both know it's true."

Sachiko couldn't and wouldn't deny it. Yumi hadn't come in and conquered her heart. No, Sachiko had freely given it to Yumi and silently requested that she treasure it, always. Leaning down, she brushed her lips tenderly across Yumi's cheek and whispered softly in her ear. "Yes, it's true. I'm all yours and only yours."

An unmistakable moan came from Yumi's prone form and Sachiko knew just then that if she could Yumi would be pulling her close. "Sachiko, why-" Yumi licked her lips, trying to form her next words but needing moisture in her parched mouth.

Realizing her struggle, Sachiko reached for the cup at her bedside. "Hold on, love. Let me help you take a drink." Gently, she scooped her hand beneath Yumi's neck and lifted her head enough to bring the water to her chapped lips. While she didn't cry out, Sachiko could tell by the stiffening of the muscles in her neck that the motion hurt. "Sorry."

"It's okay," Yumi whispered, breathing hard through the pain. "Sachiko, why can't I move?" Despite her calm tone, Sachiko knew that her little shadow was anything but calm. Below the surface was a torrent of panic and worst-case scenarios that played on an endless loop in her mind.

"It's okay, Yumi." In an effort to calm Yumi, Sachiko slowly ran her fingers through her hair and along her scalp. "The pain you're feeling isn't permanent. According to Kato, you managed to engage every muscle as you strained against the pain caused by the injection. This is basically your body saying, 'F, you!' as payback."

Despite her situation, Yumi chuckled. "I'm guessing that was a direct Kato quote?"

"You would be correct." Sachiko smiled down at Yumi, enjoying how relaxed the smaller girl was with a simple touch from her. "They have you on muscle relaxants, a heavy-duty pain reliever, and an IV mixture of potassium and other nutrients that will help with the discomfort as your body heals itself."

"Wow, I'm a regular drugstore in human form." She tried to swallow but still struggled, her throat feeling dry and raw. "I would ask for more water, but I really don't want to move my head again." She heard the cup being lifted once more, but Sachiko's hand didn't reach for her. It wasn't until Sachiko's cool, wet lips pressed against hers that she realized what was happening. Eagerly, Yumi opened her mouth and welcomed the water Sachiko was offering. Yumi was grateful for the water, but she was even more grateful that Sachiko lingered long enough to give her a passionate kiss, their tongues gently caressing each other as their lips moved greedily together. At that moment all Yumi desired was the ability to hold Sachiko close and her heart ached at not being able to.

Sachiko pulled back only slightly, flicking her tongue over Yumi's abused lips. "I really hope you make a habit of this, Major. So good." Yumi groaned, imagining that talented tongue at work all over her body. "How is it that despite my body being basically broken I still desire you? That if I could, I would push through this pain to have you right here, right now?" She whispered her question between kisses, feeling Sachiko smile against her lips.

"Because," She whispered, gently capturing Yumi's bottom lip between her teeth for one tantalizing moment. "I'm your refuge. Pain doesn't exist when you're with me."

Yumi knew she was right. Sachiko was her refuge from everything bad or unpleasant. It had happened so quickly, this love… Yumi found she could only hum in appreciation and agreement.

"It is said that love is healing, but I do hope you stop at kissing. I highly doubt anything more strenuous would be helpful right now." Sachiko jumped back suddenly at the sound of Kato's sardonic voice. Turning, she found the nurse standing just inside the partitioned area of the lab Yumi currently occupied, her eyes scanning the chart in her hand. When Sachiko didn't respond, but only glared at the nurse, Kato looked up and with a smirk continued, "A climax does cause different muscle groups to engage automatically. At least, a good one will. It would probably be bad for Yumi-san right now."

"Honestly, if she's offering I'll gladly accept. To hell with the pain." Yumi laughed, despite not seeing the silent exchange between the two other women.

Gasping in shock, Sachiko turned to look down at her soldier. "Yumi!"

"Come now, Major." Kato mocked, stepping closer to the other side of the bed. "Honesty is also healing. Yumi-san is only being forthright." Turning her gaze to Yumi she added, "I still wouldn't recommend it though."

"Do I ever take your recommendations?" Yumi quipped back.

Before Kato could respond, Sachiko stopped them with a sharp command. "Alright, enough!" Her cheeks were flushed from embarrassment, yet Kato could see the twinkle of amusement in her eyes, her relief at Yumi's playfulness more than evident. "Geez, have you two ever heard of decorum?"

Kato crinkled her nose in distaste. "What's the use of decorum when being myself is so much more entertaining?"

"Can't argue with that." Yumi agreed with a snicker.

Throwing her arms up, Sachiko growled. "Seriously? Of all the things for you two to agree on, this has to be it?"

"Yes." They both answered in unison.

Despite herself, Sachiko could only laugh. "Unbelievable."

Between the excitement of Sachiko's kiss and the energy of Kato's visit, Yumi found that she was not having as much difficulty staying awake. It was still a struggle as even her eyelids seemed to ache a bit, but she slowly opened her eyes, blinking away the fog until she could see the lab ceiling in all its bland glory above her. Thankfully her head was on a pillow or else that would have been all she could see. Instead, she could see her Major looking exasperated and rumpled and just too damn gorgeous.

Noticing Yumi's smiling gaze fixed on her, Sachiko's exasperation fell away, replaced with a broad grin.

"Fed up with us, are you, Major?" Yumi teased.

Tears gathering in her eyes, Sachiko shook her head. "No, never."

"I beg to-" Kato began before Sachiko loudly cut her off.

"Never for you, Yumi. Kato is another matter altogether. Speaking of which," Sachiko turned humorless eyes on the nurse. "What were you needing?"

Inwardly, Kato grinned. Sachiko could try and act annoyed with her, but she knew the truth. The Major was overwhelmed that Yumi had finally woken up. Kato couldn't say she understood the gambit of emotions Sachiko was experiencing, but thanks to years of observation she could identify what the Major was going through. Personally, Kato couldn't imagine feeling so much for another person. Loving someone so much that self-preservation goes out the window? So much that thoughts of the future could only ever involve that person because anything else was inconceivable? No, Kato couldn't imagine it. She could respect it though and even feel a tinge of envy, knowing that she would never experience the same thing. These two and their love was a fantasy for some and a dream for most. And though she would deny it should anyone ask, Kato did like a good fantasy.

"Kato?" Concern glinted in Sachiko's gaze as she brought Kato's focus back to the present.

"Ah, sorry. Lost in my head." Kato brushed off the discomfort of the self-reflective moment and dialed back into her purpose for intruding on the two. "I came to check Fukuzawa's numbers. Glad to see your eyes are open, Lance Corporal. How are you feeling?"

Yumi chuckled sarcastically as she responded, "Like someone reached into my body and rewired my electrical systems."

"Excellent." Kato marked something on her clipboard and turned to inspect the monitor, checking her BP, heart rate, and oxygen levels.

"Excellent?" Sachiko scoffed in disbelief. "How is that excellent? She can't move, Kato."

With a sigh, Kato turned back to Yumi's bed and drew back the covers until her whole gown-clad body was revealed. "Lance Corporal, please wiggle your toes."

With great effort and a few grunts of pain, Yumi managed to wiggle her toes, though stiffly.

Kato nodded in acceptance. "Wiggle your fingers, but try to do so with a level of control more expected of a specialist such as yourself and not a newborn baby with no coordination."

"Hey-" Sachiko started to object to the harsh treatment but stopped at Yumi's warning gaze.

Without argument, Yumi moved each finger in turn, folding them against the palms of her hands. All except her middle fingers. "I'm afraid something just won't let me fold those in." Yumi tsked in mock disappointment.

"Uh-huh." Kato gave her patient an unamused glance and continued. "Turn your head side to side and up and down." Again Yumi moved, but with effort and pain. "Good." With that, she covered Yumi back up and returned to her clipboard.

"Good? She barely moved." Sachiko wasn't angry, merely frustrated, scared, and confused.

"Sachiko," Kato's sudden change in tone, going from emotionless to one filled with understanding completely threw Sachiko off. Tearing her eyes from Yumi's now-covered form, Sachiko looked up to meet surprisingly gentle eyes. "Focus on the big picture. She may be in pain, but she does have control and movement throughout her body. This is muscular strain, nothing more. Give her a few days and knowing Yumi-san she will be back on her feet. Still in pain, but mobile and moving toward normalcy again. You must be patient."

Sachiko found herself nodding in agreement without realizing it, still transfixed by the sudden change in the woman she thought she knew so well.

Turning her attention to Yumi, Kato asked, "Are you going to survive until 1800 for your next dose, or is the pain too much?"

"I'm not sure what time it is, but I can hold off." Yumi reassured the nurse.

Nodding, Kato turned on her heel and moved to exit the area. "If that changes, yell for me. I'm running some tests across the room so I should hear you. And Major," She turned back to Sachiko, sardonic tone back in place, and said, "Please, keep that in mind should you choose to… take care of your soldier, hmm?"

Just like that the spell of moments before was gone. "Kato?"

"Hmm?"

"Get out."

"Yes, Major."

General Ogasawara smiled as she put the phone back in its cradle. Captain Todo, who had entered with a report in hand moments before the phone had rung, cocked her head as she inquired, "A report on Fukuzawa?"

Sayako nodded. "Yes, Sergeant Kato reports that she will be fine. Yumi is awake now, though it'll be a few weeks before she fully recovers."

Shimako nodded as a relieved smile crossed her face. "Good to hear. The Major was so worried."

"Indeed." Smiling, Sayako nodded toward the report in Shimako's hand. "What do you have for me, Captain?"

"I'm honestly not certain, General." Her smile was replaced by a furrowed brow, and Shimako glared down at the report in her hand. "It's more what we don't have that concerns me."

Steepling her fingers on the desk, Sayako nodded. "Explain."

"As you know, twice a week all outposts are supposed to report to the main headquarters in their regions. I happened to notice that a few on our region's outskirts did not report yesterday."

Sayako nodded, having remembered a communication from a few days back. "Yes, I believe there were a few on the outskirts that were impacted by a damaged tower in the area. We expected a communications blackout for a short time until the repairs can be sorted out."

Nodding as though she already knew this information, Shimako continued, "That was my first thought as well, but there is more. The communications blackout only encompassed two outposts originally. Five didn't report in."

Sayako's eyes widened in shock. "Five? Are we certain?"

"Yes, we are certain. What's more, they are all outposts in the same quadrant of the region and hug the boundary with the next region over." Shimako's eyes held a glimmer of foreboding as she waited for the information to sink in.

"Are you saying… Captain, do we know what is going on in the same quadrant of the adjacent region?" Digging her fingers into her thighs, Sayako prayed silently that what she feared was not occurring.

"I anticipated your question and so already gathered the data." Stepping forward, Shimako took the printout of the outposts in question, a paper displaying a topographical map of the entire area, and laid it on the desk. "This is just the area in question, General. If you take notice, those twelve outposts clustered there, hugging the border closest to enemy lines… We haven't received any reports since last Thursday."

An icy stab of dread plunged its way into Sayako's heart at those words. No, no, no! Not yet! This wasn't supposed to happen for at least another month. Why now?! Jumping to her feet, Sayako moved for the door.

"General? General, what does this mean?" Shimako's eyes were wide as she watched in shock as the General's normally unwavering confidence faltered, giving way to fear.

Fighting hard against the wave of panic, Sayako flung open her door before turning back to meet Shimako's scared gaze. "It's the Rising, Captain. It's begun."

A/N - I'm so sorry for the long wait! I hope it was worth it! And hopefully, you won't be waiting nearly as long for the next update. Thank you all!