Commanding Officer Mel
Disclaimer: I still don't own the company that made Advance Wars but I do own a copy of the game as usual.
Author's note – I will include dossiers on all characters that I make or use. That means all characters in the game will appear, however now that I have added a couple of new characters, they'll have dossiers too. And anything in it is in Romanji or Pinyin and base Cantonese. Read And Review!
Well . . .It's been a while and like that Knightblade author said, Sami is way too cute! It's her own fault we write stories that involve the Advisors and her. Oh well . . .kawaii! Any who, let's keep on going shall we? It's gonna be a while cuz I don't have the time to write. Exams are up and I'm gonna be crazy like my alter-ego . . .too bad there isn't a real Sami to stop us maniacs huh? Oh . . .that's life. And on with the . . .show . . .no . . .fic! Haha!
Time: Morning, a week before Christmas . . .(I'll wish you all a merry Christmas first. No I didn't steal this from that Knightblade guy, this chapter was supposed to be written, but I lost track of time since I got Mystic Heroes and kicked some demon butt. It's a cool game, you should try and find it. It's only cuz I'm a collector of strange games that I'm the only one among my friends with it. Ha!) Saturday the 14th
Place: Room 777
"Hmm? What's this?" Mel said as he walked in and picked up an envelope with fine Japanese print on it.
"Dunno, came in the mail." Andy replied.
"Great . . .let's see . . .call up your girlfriend, would ya?"
"Kay." Andy walked out for a moment to the room next door and knocked . . .he came back a bit later with Sonja.
"Ohayou gosai mas nii-chan! Did you want me for something?" Sonja said peering at him.
"Hai . . .ohayou . . .I've got a letter, it's in Kanji and I can't read it . . .well some of it at least . . .I can only tell it's from your hometown."
"Kuragai? Really? Let me see . . .hmm . . ." She quickly looked it over and read the penmanship in the letter and then she gave Mel and grin. "It's from daddy! He wants you to come by this summer, he has a few things to discuss with you and to bring some people, around five . . .small wonder he'll write to you and not his only daughter . . .I'll give him an earful when I get home." She grinned playfully.
"That's nice Sonja. Can you write him a letter and tell him I'll come. Now you two, play nice." He said jokingly as Sonja had Andy in a tonsil hockey match.
"Eh!?" She squealed as she turned red.
"Don't act like I'm not here. You shouldn't really get so close, especially when people are around."
"Oopsies . . .I better be going then, I need to write a letter! Bye-bye Andy!" She said as she ran out waving.
"She's quite the cutie huh?"
"Yep . . ." Andy said trailing off, following her lithe form running off.
"Pretty amazing what a few months can do."
"Yep . . ."
"Is that how you're gonna answer from now on?"
"No."
"Good. Or I'll have her smack some sense into you."
"Please don't."
"I won't, now I need to find someone to drag to Yellow Comet . . .definitely not you."
"Aww . . . but Sonja . . ."
"No buts, it's for something else, I'm thinking."
"But . . ."
"Nope. You're not going and that's final."
"Sheesh. Fine."
"I'll be off."
"Kay, see ya."
"See ya. Oh the other reason is that if her dad finds that she's dating some Orange Star punk, he'll have you both garroted. Actually . . .just you."
"Yikes."
"Yeah, yikes. Bye."
"Bye . . ." Andy said, still unnerved by what Mel had said about Sonja's father.
Time: Feh, I don't know, don't really care (nyah)
Place: Somewhere in the general vicinity
Sami was wandering the halls of the school building with her friends, but she realized that it was kinda boring since class wasn't even on for the day. Letting out a sigh, she shook her head as she scanned the hallways for someone else to follow.
"What's the matter Sami?"
"Nothing . . ."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, I'm okay Jen."
"If you say so. Is it true you're going with that Mel guy?"
"(sigh) Yes."
"Wow! That's so cool! I heard that he had to - "
"Listen! I don't really want to talk about it . . ." Sami snapped.
"Oh . . .gee, sorry."
" . . .sorry . . .I can't help it . . .it's still something that left a bitter taste in my mouth . . ." She said shaking her head.
"Oh . . .wait . . .who's that walking over there?" Her friend pointed across the hall.
"Huh?"
"Hey! Sami! Do you wanna go somewhere?" It was Mel and he was waving.
"Mel!" She jogged up to him. "Hi! What are you doing here? And sure I'll go somewhere with you! Now?"
"Uh . . .sure."
"Oh yay! Wait . . .sorry girls . . .I gotta go then."
"Don't worry."
"We can talk later . . ."
"Yeah."
"Bye."
"Yeah, see you later then. Bye." Sami waved good bye to her friends and followed Mel outside.
"Where do you want to go?"
"I don't really know . . ."
"Oh . . .I guess it doesn't matter. Let's just go around town tonight. Hmm?"
"Okay! That sounds nice."
"I'm glad you agree." He said, while taking her hand and led her back to her room first.
Time: Christmas
Place: University area
"On the first day of Christmas, my boyfriend gave to me - " Sami was singing as she walked outside in the snow. She was kicking her feet up, and watched as the snow flew up and landed next to her.
"Here you go!" Mel said as he handed her a wrapped box.
"Huh? What's this?"
"What your boyfriend is giving to you silly."
"Oh!"
"Merry Christmas! Oh and I'll see you, at the dance tonight then, right?"
"Of course!" She said with a smile.
"Great! I'll see you then."
"No, don't go yet."
"Hmm?" He turned, then his eyes widened as she hugged him.
"Mmm . . .don't leave yet, you aren't busy are you?"
"Not really, just need to turn in some assignments . . ."
"Even during holidays? You work too hard." She scolded.
"No, it's just that I need it out of the way, so I can have more time to spend with my friends."
"Does that include me?"
"Especially you." He said, as he returned the hug.
"That's sweet of you." She returned her gaze to the neatly wrapped small parcel in her arms. "What is it?"
"Oh you'll see." He said grinning. "How about we open it at your place?"
"Hmm . . .okay!" 'That gives me the chance to give him something. But what is this he gave me?' She shook the gift and heard nothing. 'Hmm . . .'
"Hey! Don't shake it!" He said jokingly.
"Hmph! Just seeing silly!"
"Just making sure." He said as he took her hand and they walked over to their building.
Time: Meanwhile
Place: Andy's room
"Zzz . . .zzz . . .zzz . . .snort . . .zzz . . ."
"Andy no baka! Wake up!"
"Zzz-what? Ack!" Andy who was now disturbed by someone at the door. "Augh! Aiya!!! I'm coming!" He fell out of the bed and landed deftly on the floor and as he tried to get up, the knocking continued.
"Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnndddddddddyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!! What are you doing!? Let me in! It's Christmas baka!" Of course it was Sonja standing outside waiting for her lazy boyfriend to get his butt out of bed.
"Coming! Coming!" Andy yelled, as he tried to simultaneously pull his pants on and hop on one leg to the door. He was about to open it, just as the door swung open and he landed flat on his face, with his pants half on and half off . . .
"Ack!!! Ecchi pervert!" Sonja screamed, while both Sami and Mel, covering their ears, walked to room 776.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"
"Just kidding Andy. Heehee!"
"Oh . . .yeesh . . .can I go back to sleep then?"
"No way! I just came to all the trouble to wake you up and get your butt out of bed so that we can get ready for the party tonight."
"Oh . . .man . . .that . . .oh . . .wait!" He immediately scrabbled up, pulled up his pants and dashed off to his room. He came running back with a large present in his hands. "Here you go! Merry Christmas Sonja!"
"Eh? Nani?" She looked quizzically at the huge sparkly wrapped box.
"Don't you have Christmas at Yellow Comet?" Andy said looking confused.
"Umm . . ." She just looked up, "To be honest, I don't really know.
"What!?" Andy face faulted, and stared at his girlfriend, "You never ever had Christmas? That's crazy!"
"Come to think of it . . .nii-chan might have said something about it some years ago . . .but I don't remember, I just know it's a holiday in the other countries . . ." She said trailing off looking at the ceiling, placing her hand on her lip. "I don't recall much though anyway . . .I don't even remember getting presents . . ."
"Oh . . .that's just great . . .oh well, we can still have fun tonight though!" He said grinning. Sonja was surprised at the optimism and vibrancy that Andy had.
"That's nice Andy. But do you wanna do something for now? Like walk around the grounds?"
"Hmm . . .why not? I'll get dressed first." He said motioning at the clothes he was wearing. Sonja nodded and she took a seat on the couch, waiting for Andy to get dressed. And then, they were off. But unbeknownst to the two of them, there was a pair a gleaming red eyes following them . . .
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Place: Main Gymnasium/Dance Hall/Dining Area
(Soft dance music playing)
Mel was standing by a table, tapping his foot. Beside him was his posse, of Gabe and Gary.
"Now where are the rest of them?" He sighed swerving around. The other two shrugged. Then he spotted them and waved. "Sami! Sonja! Over here!"
"Hey! You look . . .bland." Sami said motioning at his choice of attire. A white suit, and beige pants, Mel still looked like a ghost amidst the darkness of the dim room. He was also still wearing a long coat. "Do you always insist on wearing a jacket inside, all the time?"
"No, I just feel like something's up . . .that's all."
"Whatever Mel. Wanna dance?"
"Huh? Uh . . .sure."
"Kay." She let him lead her away to the dance floor, while Sonja was chatting with the destructive duo next to her.
"Gabe-kun, where's Alice? And where's Allison?"
"Somewhere." Was the reply of both.
"You two are horrible conversationalists."
"We know . . ."
"Okay . . .(they are way too creepy for me)" She said as she turned and tried to seek out Andy. Of course, being the idiot he was sometimes, she saw him dancing on top of a table. "Why me?" She sighed. Their first dance-dance, and already he was embarrassing her. She turned away, and spotted Sami and Mel waltzing, along with everyone else who could dance. 'Stupid academy style dances, always so formal. How do they do that though? I usually end up falling on my face . . .' She thought to herself as she watched Andy slip and fall on his butt. But the general laughter just egged him on and he got back up and kept his antics up. That was until, Sonja marched up to him and pulled him down.
"Aww! What's that for?"
"You're embarrassing me!"
"But Sonja . . ."
"No. If you're gonna dance, it's gonna be with me, okay?" She said seriously.
"Okay . . ." He said reluctantly.
"That's better." She said smiling. Just then, her friends passed her by.
"Hello Sonja. How you doing?"
"Just fine Sami."
"That's good."
"Konichiwa Sodashi-chan!" Was Gabe and Alice's greeting.
"Hello!" Came from Gary and Allison.
"Hi guys!" She replied.
"Having fun Sonja?"
"Lots. Ow! You stepped on my foot Andy!"
"Oops, sorry." He said reddening.
"It's all right. Say, it's Max and Nell. And Grit cutting in. How weird."
"Neh." Was Andy's response. He just continued moving along with her until he got tired. "Aiya . . .Sonja, can we take a break?"
"Okay." She was reluctant to sit down, but she did anyway, just to be with him.
Time: Meanwhile . . .
Place: Just a few rooms away
"According to the agents observing, the subject is in place, his usual protectors are too busy dancing to notice anything amiss."
"It is all going to plan."
"Our master shall be pleased."
"Good, good, weapons, at the ready?"
"Yes."
"Now remember, no casualties, or Orange Star will notice something."
"Of course sir."
"Now just attack the target and use lethal force only if required."
"Of course."
"Is everything understood?"
"Yes sir."
"Good. Let's move out. Remember, we just need to cut the subject and take a sample and have it sent immediately to the commander."
"Yes sir." And that was it . . .
Time: Same time
Place: Same place, actually, no, just a few rooms over.
"What's that in your pocket, I bumped into earlier?"
"Gun."
"You're armed?" She asked, shocked.
"Always. Safety thing." He replied, then she just changed the topic.
"This is nice, isn't it?" She said quickly.
"Of course it is." He thought he might as well play along.
"But why are people coming in now? Aren't they late?"
"I have no idea Sami." Mel said.
"Hmm. Wearing all black too, so drab."
"Since when did you have a fashion sense sweetie?"
"Since always, silly." She mused.
"Hmm. All right, I believe you. It's just that the way you dress sometimes."
"What?"
"Like a tomboy."
"Oh. At least my hair is long enough for you to tell then."
"I guess." Mel said, his eyes, now following the black clad latecomers. Just then he felt a hand rest on his shoulder. "Huh?"
"There's something weird about those people." Gabe said.
"Yeah, they seem to all be heading to where Andy and Sonja are." Gary finished.
"Alice, you and Allison, go outside and take cover." Gabe said. The two girls obediently got up and headed for the exit.
"This might get ugly." Mel warned.
"What are you three going on about?" Sami asked.
"Sami, are you armed?"
"Now why would I be armed at an event like this?"
"Then quickly get out, or take cover or something."
"Why?"
"Guns, all of them . . .they all have guns."
"What? How can you tell?"
"I don't know, it gives me a feeling like this might get really messy." Mel replied.
"But . . ."
"Get out . . .now!"
"Umm . . .okay." She softly ran out after her friends. Her high heels clicking softly against the wooden flooring.
"Okay . . .Gary, find a place to hide, you can give us cover. Gabe, you and me, we're gonna go dish out some pain."
"Gotcha."
"Securing position." Gary said, as he took out that briefcase, and he headed off, behind the bar.
"Let's go." The two went off in Andy's direction . . .
"Nice dance, huh Sonja?"
"Yeah Andy . . ."
"Excuse me sir,"
"Yeah?" Andy replied to the stranger tapping his shoulder.
"We were just wondering,"
"Uh huh?"
"If we can just so happen to take a sample from you for an evil experiment."
"Uh, sure . . .wait a second! Hell no!"
"We figured you'd respond that way, so we'll have to hurt you now."
"What!? No way you're doing that!"
"That's what you think!" Was the stranger's response.
'Pang!'
"Urk!" The black clad figure collapsed. Everyone else stopped, and stared at where the shot had rang.
"Not so fast buddy." Mel said, gun smoking. "No one's getting hurt but you and your pals here."
"Fool! You dare defy our dark master?"
"Dark master, dark smaster. Let's take it to 'em! Everyone else, GET OUT OR GET DOWN! NOW!!!" Then there was a sudden chaos, as everyone ran off for cover, even the head officers had pushed down the table and drawn arms behind it.
"What the heck is going on?"
"Fools! You'll never defeat Black – argh!"
"You never should yak and fight at the same time pal." Said Gabe from behind, with a bloody blade.
"Urk . . ." Was the assailant's last cry, as machine gunfire rang out.
"Nell! What's going on out there?"
"I don't know Max. But that's Mel out there! We should cover him."
"I got it covered darlin'" Grit poked over the table and took aim, squeezing off three shots. "Got them!"
"Good shot!"
"Indeed." The other officers agreed.
"Ha!"
'Clang!' A sword slash cut the gun in half.
"What the?"
"Ah, ah, ah! No guns here!" Gabe taunted as he then planted his foot in the guy's face and kick flipped off it. His other foot then connected to the guy's nose and he handed in a crouching position. "Dammit, surrounded." He said looking at the guns pointed at him. He looked over where Mel was, but Mel was rather preoccupied.
"Argh! Get out of my way! Andy, get behind me!"
"Gotcha!" Andy ducked behind his friend, and watched as frenzied gunfire whizzed past him.
'Blam!' Mel had drawn his rifle and the results were deadly.
"Ahh!!!" Was the responding scream as four black clad soldiers flew back.
"Take my spare gun Andy and cover Sonja!"
"Right!" Andy grabbed one of the two handguns and grabbed Sonja. "Sonja, quick, hide somewhere!"
"I will! Help! Eek!" She dodged a shot aimed at her.
'Bang, bang, bang!' Strafing about, Mel pumped out rounds faster than the machine guns and watched as the goons dropped like flies. Gabe on the other hand, was still kneeling, contemplating what to do, as the guns were still aimed at him.
"Hmm . . .fine then, give me your best shot!"
"I will fool!"
"Now!" Was Gabe's only cry.
"What?"
"Hahahaha! That's it! Ya never mess with the sniper!" Gary laughed, as he took aim, and fired. "One, two, three, four, ah heck, I major in math who cares how many I shot down?" He shrugged, as he continued to pick off more of the black suited ones. "Neh, come in Mel, what's the ruckus?"
"Nothing yet, but there aren't any more of these – "
"Argh!"
"Andy!"
"I've been shot!"
"You bastards!" Mel rolled away from the increasing gunfire, and tried to head to Andy before one of those goons could. "Get away from him!"
'Bang, bang, bang!' Mel knelt and fired at the man running towards Andy.
"Fool! You may kill me, but our plans will prevail!" He screamed as he was hit in the shoulder. He reached Andy, and with a quick movement, he secured a blood sample, and sent it to his HQ. Then he was about to turn and fire at Mel, but a knife flying to his neck stopped him cold. "Urf . . .!"
"Ah, shut it." Gabe said as he then turned and faced the remainder of the black forces.
"What, what happened?" Olaf questioned.
"I don't know sir."
"The gunfire stopped."
"I know that you fools! Tell me what stopped it!"
"Those two."
"Try three, sirs!" Gary said landing neatly next to them.
"Eh!? How did you?"
"I was hiding on the rafters. Don't mind me though. We need to check what's going on."
"We won't surrender without a fight!" One of the black clad men yelled as he pulled out his gun and aimed.
"Fool! Don't do that!"
'Pang! Pang!'
"Ahh!!!"
"Argh!"
"Idiots . . ." Mel said looking down the smoking barrel of his pistol. "Andy, Sonja, you both okay?"
"Yes Mel . . .Andy seems to have stopped bleeding now." Sonja said as she pressed harder with the tablecloth.
"Uhh . . .that really hurt. Where's Sami?"
"I told her to get out, with the rest of them. But you two were surrounded, so we had no choice but to have you help."
"Here . . .your gun . . .didn't manage to use it."
"Mel!? That's Mel!? Small wonder, that kid's crazy!"
"Well, we should check on the injured." Nell said, as she watched as the remaining false students were arrested. She headed towards Mel and his friends with Max, Grit, and Olaf.
"Ahh, Mel, you are one fine piece of work. You and your companions have stopped this . . .whatever the heck it was cold single-handedly. I, Olaf, Supreme commander of Orange Star commend you."
"Umm . . .thank you . . .uh, Sir?"
"Officer will do fine boy."
"All right."
"And with the power invested in me, I honor the three of your with one of the most prestigious awards . . .The Golden Sun!"
A/N: I do like that game, so I might as well stick something in eh?
"Umm . . .thank you . . .officer."
"No thanks needed. You three have proven your worth of being in Orange Star's Academy."
"Uh . . .sir, this is a University . . ."
"Whatever Nell."
"Yes sir . . ." She walked over to where Mel and Andy were. Mel kneeled down and took a look at Andy's arm.
"That's a nasty wound."
"Yeah . . ." He said weakly. Then he turned and spotted Sami running in.
"I-I-I heard gunshots and screaming and stuff . . .then I saw blood flooding out of the door, I . . .then I saw those black suited guys getting led out . . .what, what's going on? Why are you covered in blood Andy?"
"Hi . . .Sami . . ."
"He got shot, but I didn't really understand what happened . . .They headed for him, then they tried to get his blood or something, and the last one Gabe killed succeeded. But he said that their 'plan' will prevail. What plan? I'm just as confused as you."
"Hmm . . .according to the similar dress of all these . . .50 . . .51 . . .52 . . .53 bodies, they have this insignia on it." Gary stated as he inspected the inner lapels of their jackets. "A Black . . .something? I can't tell." Officer Hikagi and Rush headed towards Gary and looked at the insignia as well.
"Well, I can't make anything out of it . . ." Hikagi said after observing one.
"They don't have any ID either, kid, it's as if they just never had names."
"I reckon this is some pretty messed up stuff here. Like how on earth do 50 some at gunners bust in and try to get at Junior there?"
"Don't call me Junior . . ." Andy protested.
"Shhh . . .Andy, you need to rest." Sonja said, holding down the cloth. Her hands going slightly red with blood.
"Mel . . .what's that?" Sami pointed at the small white gold emblem he was holding.
"Some award . . .for killing these goons . . ." He shuddered. It had been a while since he had shot someone . . .or a lot of someones for that matter. Both Gabe and Gary were contemplating silently the events that had just occurred.
"Some Christmas . . ."
"Yeah . . ."
"You're . . .covered in blood . . ." Sami said, now realizing how severe the fighting was. "Oh dear . . ."
"It's nothing serious . . .developing En protects us . . ." Gabe stated. "But never again do I want to have something like happen. But I doubt that . . ."
"Yeah . . ."
"Sir, what do you make of this?"
"I have no idea Nell . . .this is bad . . .but they aren't Blue Moon filth that's trying to take our territory, I'll wager that." Olaf replied.
"Of course sir. But . . .oh, at least it's Christmas, and none of the students except the ones here know of anything that happened in here. Thank goodness."
"Yeah, then we can get this mess cleaned up before anyone finds out . . .I hope." Max said walking up to them.
"I reckon that they won't fellas. You can bet on that."
"I hope so Grit . . ." Nell fell silent. This was her last student year here, and she wanted it to be memorable, but not THIS memorable. She had remembered watching the two fighting off the assailants like frenzied whirlwinds of destruction . . .it was almost too much for her to bear . . .
"You all right then Mel?"
"I'll be fine Sami . . .it's Andy who needs help."
"Hmm . . ."
"MEDIC!" Sonja screamed. That definitely got everyone in the vicinity's attention. "He's going unconscious!" She started to cry, and Mel knelt down to comfort her . . .as she watched as Andy was carried off to the infirmary.
"Hush . . .he'll be fine . . .I've had worse . . ." Sami said.
"Yeah . . .he'll be okay . . .for the time being, that's if the bullets aren't tainted or anything. I highly doubt that they are. No one ever uses phosphorus rounds nowadays."
"Geez, you know your ammo." Sami laughed slightly, to ease the mood.
"Neh . . .we'd better go . . .aw man . . .it's so expensive to get blood out . . .lousy dry-cleaning . . ." Mel muttered as he took Sami's hand and walked out of the bloodied gym. "See ya later sirs . . ." He said with a final wave.
"Okay . . ." Sami said, as she gripped his hand firmly and then helped him pull Sonja up. "It's all right Sonja, we'll probably visit him tomorrow."
"Okay . . .(sniffle)"
"Mel . . ." Sami said softly.
"Hmm?"
"Can we stay at your room, for the night . . .I don't feel so safe, after learning all this . . ."
"Kay . . ." He started walking, but then one of the black clad prisoners broke free, grabbed the guard's sidearm and fired it at Mel. "Huh?"
"DIE DEFILER OF OUR MASTER'S PLAN!"
"SHIMETSU-RYU-KIRIKAESU-HIZEME!" Mel deflected the shot with his sword, and leapt at the assailant, using a more focused version of his Destruction Blade attack, summoning a great flaming strike, he cleaved the foolhardy recruit into two, leaving a pile of fiery debris where he was . . .
"What in the!?"
"How!?"
"Uhh . . .ugh . . .urk . . . I'm gonna . . ."
" . . ."
"(gasp)"
"What did he . . .?"
" . . .astounding . . .better take note of that in the Destructive En studies . . ."
"Mel . . ."
"Nii-chan, how?"
"Max . . .what was that?"
"I have no clue . . ."
"That was the most gosh darn freakiest thing I've seen."
"Are my eyes fooling me?"
There was a general commotion, as they watched Mel sheath his katana, and walk back towards the door.
" . . .I'm very sorry that you had to see that . . ."
" . . .oh my . . ."
"Coming Sami? Sonja?"
"Umm . . .yeah . . .I guess." Sami could not rip her eyes away from where the guy was standing.
"Coming . . ." Neither could Sonja.
"How'd he do that?"
"Beats me . . ."
"That might explain him and his pals . . ."
"Is he an alien?"
"Naw . . .couldn't be." There and then the officers had a hushed discussion about the potential future for the strange sword/gun man walking out . . .
Time: 9:00 p.m.
Place: Down a lane outside of the building.
"Mel . . ." Sami started.
"Yes?"
"How did you . . ."
"Do that?"
"Yeah . . ."
"It was something that just jumped out . . .when I was getting shot at, I just reacted, then kinda killed that guy . . ." He said stretching as they continued to walk. Sonja silently trailed behind.
"That's really freaky . . .how you stopped the bullet and cut him in half . . .but there was nothing left but ashes . . ."
"Are you afraid of me?"
"No . . .it's just . . ."
"What?
"Never mind . . .it was cool, but promise me, never do something like that again to anyone, okay?"
"Okay . . .I promise . . .but unless I have to, though, deal?"
"Hmm . . .all right . . .as long as it won't happen often." She said, staring out at the dark sky.
"Weird things happen huh?" He asked.
"I guess so . . ."
"We'd best get back now."
"All right."
"Sonja, you okay?" Mel said, turning to the girl behind him.
"A bit shaken, but otherwise fine . . ." She replied, "Is Andy going to be all right?"
"I've seen worse, so he'll be fine . . ."
"Okay . . .let's go then." She finally said.
Time: Later . . .
Place: Mel and Andy's Dorm room . . .minus Andy
Upon arrival, Mel unlocked the door and walked in. The girls went back to their dorm to pack up a few things first.
"Eww . . .way too much blood, gotta soak it first I guess . . ." He groaned as he changed out of his blood-soaked white clothes. "Aw man, and it's my whites too . . ." He continued grumbling as he finished changing and tossed the clothes in the bathtub, and turned it on. "Yep, let it soak for a bit then I'll clean it out myself . . .save 50 G, I hope." He muttered.
"Mel! Let us in! It's getting really late and the lights are out!" Sami said knocking.
"Aiya . . .coming . . ." He said as he walked to the door.
"Hi Mel, thanks for letting us stay . . .I guess." Sami said, hugging a bag to her chest. "Umm . . .where can I sleep?"
"Er . . .there's Andy's bed . . .if the two of you don't mind sharing . . ." He said, trying to pick the right words. However, the mention of Andy kind of set Sonja off, but not really.
"Andy? Oh . . .hmm . . .ooh . . .hmm . . .umm . . .(sniff) . . ."
"You all right Sonja?" Sami asked turning to the shorter girl.
"Hmm? Mmhmm . . ."
"That's good, but don't worry, he'll be fine."
"Okay. . ." She accepted that. Except that she had an itching feeling that something bad was bound to happen . . .again.
"You're thinking of something, aren't you Sonja?"
"Mmhmm . . ." She nodded. Perhaps a little cheering up was in order. Sami just shrugged and shuffled off to Andy's room to change.
"Whatever Sonja, I'm changing." She opened the door and walked into her cousin's room. "Hmm . . ." She flicked on the lights and saw that Andy's room was 'interestingly' decorated . . .there were a few pictures of Sonja sitting on the night stand, a sword hanging on the wall, a toolbox, some CDs, a stereo, and a dresser. "Hmph, he's got more junk than I do. And I'm older . . ." She sighed, as she carefully undid the buttons on her dress and stepped out of it. Moments later, she had that same pajama top she wore, on her first run in with Mel. "Hmm . . .you can come in to change now Sonja . . ."
"Okay . . .Mel told me, that one of us can have his room, he's sleeping on the couch."
"Oh . . .where is he now?"
"Asleep."
"What?"
"Well, according to what he pulled earlier today, I think he deserves it."
"Oh . . ."
"Can I have Andy's room?"
"Why did I think that you'd ask that Sonja?"
"Because . . ." She was happy again, thank goodness.
"All right, you win. You can have Andy's room. I'll see what Mel's is like then."
"Yay!" Sonja grabbed her stuff and skipped into the room more cheerful than she was hours ago. Sighing, Sami picked up her stuff again and headed for the next room. The rest of the dorm was dimly lit, but she made out the entrance and went in. This room was a bit different compared to Andy's . . .somewhat messy room. Looking around, Sami spotted: a sword, a gun cabinet . . .with the guns, some wall scrolls, a bookshelf with some various magazines, mangas, and novels. A CD player sitting on the nightstand; with two full racks of CDs, a clean workstation, with notebooks and pens, neatly stacked and placed in a container and his sunglasses sitting neatly and polished on the surface. Mel was definitely a neat freak.
"Well . . .it's cozy enough . . .I guess . . ." She turned to the bed which was neatly made and rather roomy. "He really shouldn't have . . ." She sighed, then she sat down on the bed. It shifted slightly from her weight, then she shrugged and pulled off her glasses, placed them on the radio alarm clock, turned of the table lamp and slid into the bed . . .
Time: Middle of the night . . .
Place: Confinement center . . .
"WHO WAS THAT!?"
"Um . . .sir . . .I have no-"
'Blam!'
" . . .Urk!" The soldier collapsed on the floor of the cold cell.
"The rest of you incompetents! You will all pay for your stupidity!"
"But . . .aieeeeee!!!" The guards were slain by their merciless officer as he stormed off from cell to cell, killing each of the surviving members that were posted in Orange Star.
"Fools! You have paid for your incompetence! However, you have done what is required of you, so my plans will go on! Muhahahahahaha . . .!" Evil laughter rang out through the cold cells, as death wafted through the chambers, only to be discovered by the guard the next morning . . .
Time: Middle of the night . . .
Place: Andy's room . . .
Sonja was soundly asleep . . .or so it seemed . . .she was having a nightmare . . .
A dark night, a storm was brewing and Sonja found herself standing in the middle of all this. Darkened forms of tanks and enemy troops are mobilizing, giving her a sense of dread she hasn't felt for four years. Moving closer, she sees the face of the officer that had slain her mother . . .she shrieks and attempts to run away, but trips and falls, then watching with wide, frightened eyes, she screams and raises her hands to shield herself from the killing blow.
"(Gasp!)" Sonja woke up immediately with cold sweat running down her face and the rest of her body. She shook her head and tried to regain her concentration . . .but something was eating at her . . .it was strange that a dream of her mother would occur on a night like this. It was mid-winter, she was fourteen, and her parents were trying to map out a plan to stop invaders. However, that fateful night, when her father had gone out to command the troops, there was a sneak attack and her mother was ruthlessly slain by an officer clad in black. She was watching this while hiding in a closet, and when the assailant had left, she had gone to her mother's cold body and wept. Just that fateful day . . .her friend Mel's parent's were killed, and he had managed to make his way to their house, relying on his own wits and a stolen handgun. He had made it just as her father returned and he collapsed at the entrance . . .her father also in tears hearing the terrible news.
After a few months of recuperating, he had insisted that he'd return to Orange Star to handle a few things first, then he'd return. He had promised quite a while ago that he would protect the girl with his own life, as Kanbei had saved his family on a separate occasion. In which case . . .he has held up for as long as she could remember . . .until the day he left the country to return to his own. She hadn't seen him since now . . . and now, she lay looking up at the dark ceiling, trying to stay awake, but exhaustion took over and she came to a bout of fitful sleep . . .
Time: 2:00 am
Place: Mel's room
Sami was sleeping, until a nightmare roused her.
War torn streets, explosions, gunfire, bodies scattered, and the free flow of blood. Sami found herself running an endless street, being pursued by Blue Moon troopers, firing constantly at her. None of the bullets met their mark, but until she saw her parents, she gasped in pain as a bullet tore into her right shoulder, causing her to drop, she winced in pain, and turned her back to the street and she closed her eyes to avoid the inevitable.
With a sudden start, she sprung up, sweating, pain searing up her back. The scar where the bullet had torn had a burning sensation. She found that she was hallucinating and that there was something wrong . . .what could be happening? She hadn't had any nightmares for years, but why now? Was something happening as she lay sleeping? Her breathing quickened as she tried to calm down, but there was that sense of dread surrounding her. Trying to fall back asleep, she couldn't, so she headed for where Mel was sleeping, and she lay on the floor shaking . . .and breathing softly . . .
Time: 4:00 am
Place: The room where Mel is sleeping and where Sami was overtaken by exhaustion on the floor . . .
" . . .no . . .no . . .don't . . .please . . .don't . . .no . . .no . . .!" Mel was also awakened by a nightmare.
He found himself standing helpless, and unable to do a thing as his friends and family were killed and torn apart by Blue Moon and rebel forces.
Regaining his composure, he sat up on the couch and accidentally nudged something as he got up. "Huh? What the . . ." He looked down and saw Sami shivering at the foot of the couch. Fatigue had gotten to her and she was sleeping fitfully, shaking and sweating. He pulled the blanket from the couch and put it over her, sighing. She looked so troubled, he wanted to do something about it, but couldn't. Yet in her sleep, she had a peaceful serene look, despite whatever dreams plagued her mind. He went back to his room and took the blanket and climbed back on the couch . . .looking out the window, seeing a moonlit sky . . .then watching as it was covered by the freezing winds of snow. Sighing, he tried to reenter his slumber. After all, the next day was a holiday, and there were things to do . . .
SHIMETSU-RYU-KIRIKAESU-HIZEME: Flaming Dragon Destruction Counter-attack Strike, one of the random skills that a Destructive En CO can use.
Author's End of Chapter Notes: . . .So stressed . . .I can't believe I finished this chapter before Christmas . . .ah well. It's all good. I'll take a break . . .and don't expect anything anytime soon then . . .if you want me to write more . . .read and review, then I'll consider doing something. If there's anything more . . .in which case I highly doubt, you can't contact me then. I'll be on a brain dead holiday, and trying to work on my various school projects and homework. And I am currently doing this . . .at around 11:00 pm . . .so yeah . . .Mountain Standard Time. And . . .if you're all really bored . . .guess where I'm from. And my race . . .and . . .if you get it right . . .I'll make you a character in this fic . . .
And I'll thank my prereader Silverystorm . . .if that still is her penname, or else if not . . .she's neko-chan. I also thank the real Gary for helping read this and such.