(4 Years later)
(Mine)
"Give those bastards hell!"
"Oi! Earth to Mine, ya there?" A gruff voice shook me out of my daydream.
Why was I thinking of him? Then again, why wouldn't I think of him? He is the one who encouraged and inspired me to join the Revolutionary Army, and ultimately, Night Raid. Because of him, I have a purpose and a dream, a dream that we both share.
It's been a little over four years since I last saw Malik, but it actually seems he made a name for himself in the Empire somehow. They called him "The Black Hand" because of that Teigu of his. It was a nasty piece of work, from what I heard. Hopefully, Malik hasn't forgotten about me...or that dream of ours...
A united Empire where no child has to suffer discrimination ever again...
"Relax Leone, I'm almost ready." I replied with a sigh.
Our target was a wealthy family, the Haddocks, who were rumored to take a sick sense of pleasure in torturing and toying with people that their daughter, Aria Haddock, picks up off the street. according to the anonymous contract the Boss received. The information was rather specific, enough for the Boss to take an interest in.
Strapping Pumpkin over my shoulder, I left my room and headed to the main room to meet the others.
-xXx-
"So this is Night Raid..." Once we all gathered in the main hall, a voice spoke suddenly from a shadowy corner behind us. We all flinched, reaching for our Teigu, but the Boss simply smirked and let out an amused chuckle at the voice.
"Well if it isn't the bastard who took my eye. C'mon out, kid." She grinned as a shadowy figure, who took a step out to the light.
I couldn't believe it...was I dreaming?
Malik held a smirk and simply payed no mind to the alert members of Night Raid, his eyes fixed on the Boss. "It's been awhile, Najenda. How's the arm doing for you?" He said smugly, walking over to the Boss.
Wait...did the Boss say he took her eye? Then does that mean-?!
Still, when he shot a glance at me, I felt my heart skip a beat. Even though Malik was with the Empire, it didn't feel like he was an enemy.
"Sorta miss my old one. I do miss my eye, no thanks to you." The Boss said, chuckling. "Anyways, what the hell are you doing here, Malik?" She asked, her warm mood suddenly dying.
Malik sighed. "Relax, Najenda. I'm not here as an Imperial Official. Right now, I'm only here because I want to clean up some scum from the face of the Earth. You got that contract about that family I sent?" Wait, he sent that contract?!
The Boss nodded wordlessly. "I hate how unpredictable you are, Malik. But yeah, I'll let you help out on this one. Still, aren't you a little high profile to do a job with us?"
Malik sighed and shook his head. "Only those in the Palace know my face. Those outside only know me by name." He replied with a smirk. Wait, he stays in the Palace?!
He's changed, but for worse or for better, I really don't know.
Then Malik suddenly turned towards me and smiled warmly, like he did the first time we met four years ago. "It's been awhile, Mine. I see you took my advice and joined the Revolutionary Army."
I-Idiot! Why's he calling me out now of all times?!
I felt my face heat up and I avoided his warm smile. My heart pounded in my chest and I swallowed hard. "Y-yeah, it has. A-and y-yeah, I did." I managed out to him, prompting curious looks from Leone. My eyes wandered to the jet black clawed gauntlet that armored his right hand, Malik's Teigu. So thats why they called him 'The Black Hand.'
The Boss sighed and straightened up from her chair in the back of the room. "Right, so Malik, would you like to proceed with sharing with us any details we might need to know."
-xXx-
(Malik)
It was early evening before my escorts and I reached the contract's home. Let's hope my acting isn't too bad.
"I am Leiutenent Colonel Malik Dekras of the Imperial Guard. We have reason to believe that you and your family are targets for Night Raid tonight." Knocking on the door, I announced to the well dressed, older looking man, a Mr. Alan Haddock.
Being an Imperial Official, I had a decent amount of authority over the wealthy and was seen as a figure of merit. Enough merit for the Haddock family to actually trust in my little lie. My task was quite straightforward; infiltrate the target's mansion and keep an eye on the family until Night Raid attacks.
Alan Haddock's face began to pale at this new and he began to tremble with fear. "W-what?! W-why would they-?!" His voice cracked in terror.
I cleared my throat to get him back on track and gestured to my escort of Imperial Guards and myself. "And because of this knowledge," I continued with a sigh. "The Prime Minister ordered me and a couple of guards handpicked by myself, to serve as bodyguards for you and your family." I tried assuring him with a hint of impatience.
Alan cleared his swallowed and let out a sigh of relief, opening the front door for us. "Is that so? Well then Lieutenant Colonel Dekras, come in, come in. Make yourselves at home." He said, his voice still a bit shaky.
"Corporal Ayagami, Corporal Neru." The two young guardsmen snapped to attention upon hearing their names. They were good kids, fresh from the garrison. I picked them out from Seryu's unit, so I knew they were at least decent human beings. I couldn't really ask for anything less than that, and Aneki ran her unit exactly how I'd imagine she would, punish any foul play, and reward those who did the right thing. in her eyes at least. Her commanding officer, Captain Ogre, seemed pretty shady at first glance, but Seryu looked up to him as a role model, which was good enough for me.
"Come you two. Let's go meet the Haddocks." I gestured for the two to follow as I entered the large mansion.
-xXx-
(Mine)
I watched Malik enter the target's home with a sigh of anticipation. I had no doubt in my mind that Malik could handle himself, but I couldn't help but worry.
Please stay alive...
I thought with uneasy nervousness. Because of Malik, I had a reason to stay alive, a dream to fight for. His dream and my dream became our dream four years ago. It's a dream that I cherish and have been cherishing with all my being ever since our first encounter.
"Worried about Malik, are we?" My spotter teased. At that, I let out a startled cough and a small embarrassed squeak, flushing bright red.
"S-shut up, Leone. I'm s-sure Malik can take care of himself." I unsuccessfully tried to dismiss her comment. Sighing, I shook my head, trying to clear my head. "Anyways, Malik reached to target's location successfully. Let's return to the others."
Not losing that smirk of hers, Leone and I got up from our position and leapt from tree to tree back to where the rest of Night Raid was located.
-xXx-
(Malik)
"Thank you so much for personally coming here, Colonel. It means a lot to our family." Alan's wife, Luise, remarked kindly, pouring three cups of tea for the three of us.
Their daughter, Aria, took it upon herself to closely seat herself next to me. "With Night Raid on their way here, you'll protect us, right?" There was a hint of mock worry, but it was drowned out by the flirtatious tone of her words.
I cleared my throat and took a sip of the tea that Luize poured. "Of course. Please, call me Malik. I'll protect you and your family. It's the Empire's duty to protect it's people after all." I hated working out on the field, but I took this job with Night Raid because it was personal. The things these people did to those from outside the Capital walls were inexcusable and I would personally see to it that I deliver Justice onto this family of monsters.
"Say Colonel, you look quite young to be in a rank as high as yours. Might I ask how that is?" Aria questioned me, feigning a curious smile.
I chuckled and nodded, paying no mind to the steadily decreasing gap between Aria and I. "To be honest, I find it difficult to believe myself. About three years ago, I was nothing more than street scum. If it wasn't for the former General Nejenda, than I'd still be street scum." I sighed, remembering. "Before turning her back on the Empire, General Najenda took me under her wing and made me her personal aide. Under Najenda, I learned many skills required to survive life in the Palace. When Najenda betrayed the Empire, I worked with General Esdeath and Great General Budo to bring an end to her rebellion." I explained with a sigh. Esdeath took her arm, I took her eye. It was unpleasant, but it had to be done. I couldn't throw away the progress that I made in order to make my dream a reality, not even for the life of my former mentor.
"It seems like you live an exciting life being the Lieutenant Colonel of the Imperial Guard, Malik. I'm pleased to say that I can put our lives into your capable hands." Alan said with a curt nod. "Aria, since you appear to be quite attached to the young Colonel, why don't you show him where he'll be staying for the night."
Aria grinned and stood up, taking me by the arm. "Yes, Papa. Let's go Malik, we got only three hours 'till it turns dark!" With a surprised yelp, I felt my body jerk forwards as Aria tugged me forward by the arm out of the dining hall and up the stairs. I didn't even have a chance to finish my tea...
"At ease, you two. You both are free to patrol the mansion." I ordered the two escorts before vanishing up the stairs with Aria.