For the three years she stayed in her grandfather's home, they were nothing but training and restless days. That's not to say they were unfulfilling or boring. In fact it was the opposite. She went through Hari's intense training to build up her body suitable of a Fire Soldier. Her hands are no longer frail and thin but instead callous and firm.
Kasai will finally put those years of training into use as a second-class Fire Soldier. Yes, today's the day she officially joins Special Fire Force Company 8 as their new recruit.
She promised her parents and Hari she would contact them occasionally to update them on how she's doing as a fledgling firefighter. She would be living at the 8th's base after all from now on.
Kasai pulled on her leather black gloves. These were specially made by Haijima Industries specifically tailored to her needs. She wouldn't have to worry about constantly pulling normal gloves off from burning them to a crisp to fight and jump straight into battle. Although, they required her hair as a key component material.
Fortunately at the time, before she had decided to trim her long ponytail again, her parents were one step ahead of her. Apparently they had kept the long hair she had cut off when she had decided to become a changed woman. They didn't want to let go of the treasured hair until the time prompted them to finally hand the possession over and help Kasai's future endeavors. The amount was enough to create these gloves.
In a way, these gloves are mementos from her parents as a way to reminder of good luck.
Kasai arrived before a shabby cathedral that could use a paint job. The number 8 and white cross as well as the red Fire Force Station painted on the wall on the side screamed lack of budget. It looked more abandoned than new. She hoped the inside looks better than its outward appearance.
To her relief, the cathedral is well-maintained upon entering. Now to head for the captain's office.
At the end of the hallway, Kasai stepped before a door where the sign confirmed her destination. She knocked twice.
"Come in." A man's voice spoke from behind.
Kasai opened the door. She was greeted with a pair of flexing biceps performing bicep curls with giant weights that only gorillas can possess.
Despite her new presence, he continued his training as he made eye contact with her with all his attentiveness. He is not planning to drop the weights anytime soon, huh?
She salutes. "Good afternoon, sir. I'm the new recruit, Kasai Daigo. Pleasure to meet you."
"I'm Akitaru Obi, captain of Company 8. Glad to have you on board." Obi placed his weights back to their proper place and turned to face her. His dark eyes squinted at her as he examined her face.
Kasai was quiet and withheld his gaze. She was thinking how he could crush a walnut with his bicep alone. They're so massive!
"Can I ask you to stand by the window for a moment?" He asked. What an arbitrary thing to ask upon first meeting.
As her superior, it was more of an order than a request. Puzzled, Kasai obliged regardless and stood in front of the window. The rays of sunlight penetrated the glass and shone behind her.
Obi was amazed. "So it's true! Your hair really does look like it's on fire."
Kasai was surprised yet not simultaneously. He just wanted to test the rumor out, it seems.
"I've been told that a lot about my hair, among other things." Kasai rubbed behind her head that was being warmed by the sunlight. Who has such vivid hair that isn't dyed? Even in the dark a person can identify her from her hair alone.
Her eyes darken. If her hair resembles fire, the one thing feared and hated by the world, then she is perceived as such.
"I could see why. It's beautiful." Obi praised, smiling earnestly.
Kasai couldn't suppress the facial muscles pulling into a mildly stupefied expression. His honesty shocked her. She stood awkwardly from her roots by the window. "I-Is that so?"
Obi nodded. "Of course. I bet you got at least one admirer in school." He teased.
"Actually, I did, but I declined his confession..." Kasai recalled the one day when she was called out to the backyard after school. A random male student had confessed his feelings to her but Kasai had no intention to accept. She was not obligated to. If her rejecting him (in a polite and kind manner) is considered mean, you're too soft. Becoming a Fire Soldier takes first priority.
Obi did not expect a blunt response from the girl. Perhaps under her modest and well-behaved behavior lies a vigorous persona. It's not unwelcoming, though.
He looked at resume on the clipboard before glancing to her. "Those gloves you have there... May I ask why you want to keep them on?"
"Sir! About that, I have unusually sweaty palms. It's a condition I'm rather self-conscious about, and I fear they will hinder progress in daily tasks. And yes, I'm aware that my ability is igniting my hands on fire, too. My gloves are specially made by Haijima Industries to be flame resistant specifically from my flames."
"I see... Speaking of, for your Blue Stripe uniform do you mind if we trim it for shorter sleeves?" Obi asked. "Unless you have another suggestion?"
"No, I don't mind, thank you." Kasai said. Sometimes the flames could catch the rim of her sleeves on fire, and that would be a hassle.
"Great. Well, that's enough out of me. I'll have you meet the rest of the eighth, which isn't much. They're all good people, and I hope you'll form good relations with them."
Kasai smiled. Somehow she finds herself trusting him without doubt. Something about him just compels her to.
A man enters the office with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee.
Kasai was immediately reminded of Kagamine. She wondered if she'll see her in the future as a respectable firefighter. When she finds Kaen, she'll tell the counselor about it.
The captain's eyes lit up at the man's presence. "Ah, just in time! Lieutenant, this is the new recruit, Kasai. Show her around the cathedral, and also the members."
Kasai stood straighter upon the man's gaze. His perpetually stern expression bored into her behind his glasses and underneath the shadow of his cap. She opted to look up.
"Head Spa" was stitched across the base of his cap.
She bowed a little too quickly to hide the quivering brows that were perplexed between bewildered and astonished. Now she can't take him seriously because of the outlandish hat that somehow made its way to stores. Is this also another test of strength? To not laugh in the face of someone intimidating and could kill her with pure eye contact alone?
"Kasai Daigo." She introduced herself formerly, internally patting her shoulder for not letting laughter slip through her tongue. When she stood back up, traces of her bafflement were completely suppressed.
If the brunet man had noticed, he showed no signs (not that Kasai could identify them through his blank face). "Takehisa Hinawa. Follow me. The others should be at the rooftop."
"Yes sir." Kasai saluted to Obi before exiting the office with Hinawa leading the way.
The walk was quiet with the exception of Hinawa sipping his coffee leisurely throughout it. She wouldn't say it was uncomfortable for her since she let her mind wander to the interior of the cathedral and memorize the routes. Hinawa didn't seem like the type to strike a conversation unless it was business-related, and that was fine.
They climbed a flight of stairs until they arrived to their destination. Hinawa opened the brick red double doors, only to discover some kind of ruckus that may be unusual at Company 8.
Kasai was ordered to stand by the doors until she was called. As she watched him approach the middle of the rooftop, she makes out two rather familiar figures among unfamiliar ones.
'That's Shinra. And Arthur...?'
Kasai had expected the former, but Arthur's also in the 8th? She thought the pair would want to be in separate companies, but knowing Arthur, it was likely he came to "slay the devil." His knightly duties wouldn't let Shinra escape under his radar.
Oh great. That means she has to be the mediator in the house now. Again. If only Ogun was here... Actually, she can handle the boys just fine on her own, but that doesn't mean she is eager to hear their silly arguments. She doesn't have the patience like Ogun does.
Kasai hears Hinawa summoning her and enters the circle.
Shinra was surprised when he saw her in her redhead glory. "Kasai! You're the other recruit the Captain mentioned? Why didn't you tell me?"
"I just thought a little surprise wouldn't hurt, that's all." She said. "Funny how we end up working in the same company. You too, Arthur."
Arthur flashed a smile. It was charming this time since he was in front of two ladies watching the three interact with curiosity. "It's the Knight King's mission to slay the devil and protect the princesses of this castle."
Kasai sighed with a smile. Typical Arthur. "Of course."
She glanced to the side and faced the two women. One is a nun just around their age while the other is a Fire Soldier slightly older and a veteran.
"I'm sorry if Shinra and Arthur caused any trouble. They tend to argue at any chance they get. Now that I'm here, I'll make sure the fights stay at a minimum." She cast a knowing look to the aspiring hero and knightly duo. They recognized the glint in her green eyes and feinted ignorance, avoiding direct eye contact all the while. Not another taste of her knuckle drills, as Kasai calls them.
The Fire Soldier woman was gazing at Kasai with starry violet eyes. "Oh my gosh, you look like a princess! To think I'll be working with a pretty and such polite fellow firefighter -a girl, too... I'm looking forward to it!"
The sister beside her nodded in agreement. "We're happy to have another female friend in Company 8. I'm Iris, and this hopeless romantic is Maki."
"I'm Kasai Daigo, a pleasure."
Three people complimenting her within the span of an hour is a record. Kasai didn't think the company could be so welcoming and open.
Hinawa coughed. Everyone on the rooftop fell quiet and pays the lieutenant their full attention.
"First of all, hold off your reunion until after this. Second, Kasai, are you aware of the Rookie Fire Soldier Games?" Hinawa asked.
Kasai replied, "Yes. It's a contest where all the rookies that joined up this year compete against each other with their abilities. If I recall, isn't the Games just around the corner?"
Hinawa was impressed by her knowledge. She studied well. "Correct. This is sudden for you and Arthur, but you three will represent the 8th this year. The Rookie Games are coming up soon, and I want to see what you've got. Use your abilities as hard as you like. Maki, take these three on."
"Huh? Who, me?"
"Is there anyone else here named 'Maki'?"
"I beg your pardon!" Even Maki is scared of him that she was almost reduced to tears.
When all four sparring partners gathered, the trio facing the lone Maki, Hinawa announced that Shinra will lead off.
Kasai considered herself lucky to have dressed in her casual clothes. Her academy uniform is not the most appropriate for battle.
"Are we really supposed to fight?" Shinra voiced.
Kasai did think that, too. Three third generations against one (generation unknown) is a lot, but Kasai learned from Hari since day one to never underestimate your opponent. Even a little cockiness will throw you off and bite you hard.
Plus, Maki's got defined muscles that Kasai aspired to have. Damn. She's pretty envious of her. Just how much training does she have to do to get them?
"You don't have to hold back." Maki told the three. She shifts into a battle stance with fists held in front of her. "Well, let's hurry up and get started."
Arthur and Kasai watched as the hesitant Shinra lit his feet on fire.
The moment he did, Maki bends low and swung her palm upwards to his chin. Shinra falls backwards, but before Maki would hammer in a punch, Shinra propelled himself off the roof.
Maki's eyes glowed a vibrant purple as she raised her palm to Shinra and curled her fingertips inside in a groping motion.
Shinra's flames extinguished from the soles of his feet. A second generation!
Just before the boy collapsed to the floor, Maki thrusts her arms toward him and shoved him off the ledge of the rooftop.
"Shinra!" Arthur and Kasai cried out.
Maki stood atop the ledge and waved her hand, fingers now straight and unbending as she looked down with a carefree smile.
Kasai watched as Shinra flipped and used his flames to soften the landing. That was a close call.
Next it was Arthur's turn.
"You won't get me like you did him." Arthur gripped his sword hilt with a cross symbol.
"Excalibur!"
Blue sparks erupt from the hilt. The blond cuts the air with a condensed plasma cutter shaped similar to a blade. Maki braces herself. A breeze flew by.
Arthur rushes a few steps forward. Maki attempted to extinguish his pyrokinesis before leaping out of the plasma blade's range. His flames didn't go out.
"My Excalibur can't be dampened as easily as Shinra's flames." Arthur thrust the blade then swings it, all which Maki swiftly avoided. "But a knight can't very well do harm to a princess, either."
Maki firmly grabbed the arm that held Excalibur above his head and kicked behind his knees, bringing him to his knees. "You're forgetting your knightly manners."
She gripped his wrist tightly. "Knights kneel in the presence of princesses, remember?"
The next second she kneed upwards to his chin. "You'll answer to me for your rudeness toward Lieutenant Hinawa."
Kasai was amazed. She only had Hari to fight as a second generation opponent, but with Maki the training will prove to be worthwhile.
"Why, you! So you're not a princess, but an ogre?!" Arthur's Excalibur blade reignited.
Something snapped.
A dangerous bright violet light glowing from Maki's eyes glare at him while her muscles bulge from bursting in madness.
"Who are you calling a gorilla cyclops?!"
"I never said that! Don't you even understand human speech, she-ogre?!"
Kasai overheard Iris remarking how flame-manipulating third generations are best at throwing fuel into the fire and honestly, Kasai couldn't argue that statement.
Shinra suddenly shot up into view and hovered in the air with his flames. "Don't forget about me!"
Maki swerved to the boy with unspoken rage just oozing from her.
"Huh? How come you've got such an ogre-like look on your face?"
Kasai literally face palmed. That was it. These two pea-brained idiots that come from the same pod are going to get it. And she'll be staying from the corner watching them and scolding them to not ever specifically say stuff like "ogre" to a woman. Especially Maki.
"Not you, too, Shinra-san..." Said Iris.
In that moment, Maki's angry face really did morph like a "gorilla cyclops", not that Kasai would admit it openly to her.
"If I can't snuff out your flames..."
Shinra's and Arthur's flames turned into fireballs with faces on them. Kasai thought they were actually cute. They're like flame spirits.
"'Devil' and 'Knight' indeed. If we follow their pattern, then I guess that makes Maki a 'Witch,' doesn't it?" Hinawa characterizes.
Kasai had to agree. Maki does look and match the part.
"I wonder what would that make Kasai, then?" Iris voices aloud, perking said girl's ears up as she watched Shinra and Arthur try to wave the fireballs off to no avail. Kasai was wondering that herself.
"If I remember correctly, there were rumors about a 'bright burning red-haired maiden' that was sometimes compared to a divine angel sent by the Heavens to deliver judgement. They call her 'Valkyrie'."
"So an 'Angel'? That's so cool!"
Kasai pretended to not have heard their conversation. How embarrassing! She hates being glorified like some godly figure. That's a pedestal too high for her to stand on.
"Sputter! Flare!" Maki generates ginormous flames from Shinra and Arthur and merged them together. "Come forth, Bobobo-bobo-bobo!"
A fireball of death was created. But "Bo"? That sounds familiar to Kasai but she would have remembered something goofy as that.
Maki held the fireball above her head before the two boys. "Would you like to keep going?"
Shinra and Arthur look to each other.
It was then Kasai intervenes, "Um, I still haven't gone yet, so I can volunteer to spar in their place. I mean, please put Bobobo...whatever elsewhere." She quickly added. That thing can consume her whole.
Maki blinked before the exterior of a veteran lifted from her face, wrath incurred by the boys disappearing. "Oh, yes! Of course! Sit tight for me, Bobobo-bobo-bobo."
Said fireball floats to the side. It blinked down at Kasai, startling the girl just a little bit. She waved nervously at it. It may be her imagination, but she thought she saw it smile slightly wider. Can these things be sentient, too?
Shinra and Arthur released a sigh of relief before creeping to the safety of the sidelines where Hinawa and Iris stood. Kasai swears, what will they do without her?
Kasai removed her red hoodie to reveal a black tee underneath and entrusted Iris to hold onto it before returning to face Maki. The redhead pulled her black leather gloves more snugly and clenched them into fists.
Kasai has seen how Maki fights up to now. She even has experience fighting against a second generation for three years. Let's see how far Hari's training takes her with Maki. If this ends up a total disaster, she will personally go back home to smack the old man for going senile on her.
The two girls stood silently awaiting the other's move.
Kasai charges in.
Maki braced herself and analyzes her. A simple, direct approach. She has yet to ignite her flames. Or so she thinks.
Kasai sends a straight punch. Maki deflects it, only to raise her forearm from an incoming sweep of a leg towards her head. The woman pushed the limb off her. Kasai spins from the toes of her shoes to swing the other leg at the other side of the head. Instead of guarding, Maki grabbed the ankle, preventing Kasai from moving while her other leg was balancing on the floor.
However, Kasai doesn't stop there. She hops off the floor and thrusts her palms above her head. Orange flames burst from her palms.
Caught off guard, Maki released the ankle to duck low before Kasai would kick her face.
Kasai quickly twirled in midair to change the velocity and this time held her palms perpendicular to her sides. Just when she could have fallen off the ledge, Kasai propelled her body to shoot back at Maki like a rocket.
She was still ducked low at the time Kasai changed direction. Maki swerved her head back and dodge rolled from her line of trajectory.
Kasai avoids smacking into the floor by swooping just before a foot from the surface to glide and soar into the air, like a falcon that goes to great heights and then stoop at great speed to attack.
Maki thrusts her palm out. When Kasai was a few feet above, she willingly stopped generating flames. She was not letting Maki create fireballs out of her while they were sparring. Hari already took that spot, she didn't need another second generation filling in his place at the cathedral. He made obnoxious glass cat paws one time!
A flicker of surprise flashed Maki's eyes. So that's how it is. Kasai had seen Shinra make that same mistake and learned from that. She was watching and had been waiting for her turn since then.
Maki smirked. At least someone was taking notes instead of idly watching and standing around.
However, mental note taking is not enough to win a battle.
Gravity pulls Kasai to the rooftop. Maki rushes forward before she could land to attack, but Kasai foresaw that. The redhead lifted her foot and slams her heel upon Maki.
The brunette slid underneath her before she realized her swiftness and grabbed the back of Kasai's shirt.
Kasai had to think fast. She swung her hands behind her and activated her flames. However, Maki was one step ahead and used her free hand to negate them.
Kasai cursed internally before pulled to the ground face down roughly. She grunted. Maki has her pinned to the floor completely immobilized, keeping her wrists locked together from behind and one leg pressing both the back of Kasai's legs from any attempts.
"Checkmate."
The sun has begun to set, twilight orange light making its entrance over Tokyo.
Kasai panted. Damn, she thought it was going so well, too.
Maki removed herself off the girl who then sits up as she said, "You have a good sense of instinct, but next time work on your firepower. They're rather soft than to your liking."
Kasai accepted her hand and was lifted off the floor. "I noticed that, too, early on when I started out. I'll do my best to work my way around it. Thank you for the sparring, I appreciated it." She bowed.
Maki never received such earnest response from an earnest character before. Her seriousness tied in with her appreciation somehow warmed her heart. She couldn't help but smile. "Aw, no problem! And don't worry, you only just started today. You'll gain experience in no time!"
White sprays shoot at the flaming ball that had been stationed at the side the entire sparring session, courtesy of Hinawa. Maki gasped and despaired at the horrific sight of her dear creation being sniffed out by Hinawa's fire extinguisher.
"Bobobo-bobo-bobo!"
Maki flailed her arms around and hopped to no avail as Bobobo was reduced to thin air.
As Shinra and Arthur were left alone in their thoughts, the former looked to Kasai.
She stood with lifted open palms, summer green eyes contemplating deeply into them. A frown twisted her lips.
It's apparent that her powers are rather weak. Why, though? She doesn't know how to compensate for their lackluster strength aside from training her body.
Her hands closed into balled fists.
Not enough. She needs to become stronger. That's the only solution.
That evening, Kasai was led to her would-be bedroom by Maki, which was next door to Maki and Iris' shared room. At the moment, Kasai would be the only occupant as the third female member. It's a little lonely to be the only one to sleep on a bunk bed, but she didn't mind.
Kasai sat on the bottom bed and plopped her leather brown messenger bag beside her. She pulled out a familiar toy. The amber light shone on the metal surface.
Kasai still has yet to master Hari's training regimen before being employed to the 8th. Before she had left, Hari had encouraged her to keep following it through and return the kendama to him once she succeeded. She was about halfway to achieving her goal, but regardless it's a pain to bring the iron kendama everywhere on her person. Her bags almost ripped open because of that.
Kasai cupped her cheek and propped her elbow on her knee. Baring a deadpan, she played with the skill toy a few times. The drumming clang noise filled in the otherwise peaceful silence.
By the fifth round, a few knocks that were not from the kendama pounded from the door. It was then the iron ball landed on the spike. Kasai stored the kendama in her bag and went to open the door. It was the sister, Iris.
"Hello, Kasai-san. Maki-san and I were wondering if you'd like to take a bath with us? You must be exhausted coming all the way here and training on the same day." Iris says, light blue doe eyes awaiting her reply.
Kasai smiled sheepishly. "Thank you for the offer, but I'm sorry. I'm actually not comfortable with stuff like that. Changing and bathing in public facilities... I don't look like it, but I'm more shy than the next person."
While that's not a lie, why Kasai really didn't want to go is because of her hideous burnt scar. She couldn't expose them so openly.
Iris waved her hands. "Oh, I understand. I'll let Maki-san know that, too. You're always free to use them, of course. Have a good night."
Kasai nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Sister. And you too."
Iris bowed politely before leaving. Kasai held the door momentarily staring her back before returning inside to close it and plop back on her new bed.
Kasai fell on her backside and faced the roof of the bunk bed.
She thought of Kaen. The day he Infernalized, the same day she discovered her powers, and the path she chose to take from there on...
She held her black forearm sleeve. Sometimes she would feel the searing burn even after these years. It's weird. Despite the actual burning sensation no longer apparent, the sting is alive. Her left arm would be numb from it, but at the same time she believed it was a signal of sorts. It could be from Kaen.
She let out a scoff. As if. No one would believe that. It could just be her delusional mind framing deception as the truth.
Yet a part of her wishes to be foolish.
~Fire Force~
Kasai's reflection glistening from the golden yellow ramen stared back at her.
The aroma of freshly made noodles lifted her nostrils with an enticed appetite. It looks and smells delicious.
Obi treated her as well as Shinra and Arthur, all three new recruits, to a ramen restaurant called Ippudo Ramen for lunch the following day Kasai and Arthur arrived. The captain thought this would be a nice little welcoming party. After all, the recently established Company 8 has three new members of third generations joining within a short time.
Slurping noise from the second and third seats beside her were heard.
'I can definitely eat faster than him!' is what Shinra and Arthur must be thinking when they sucked the noodles in fast.
"Make sure to chew before you swallow." Obi reminded, casting a stern glance to the boys to mind their manners.
Shinra and Arthur broke down the noodles in their stuffed cheeks while giving the other a competitive edge. Kasai couldn't resist a soft snicker. Boys.
She sensed a pair of eyes on her. From under the rim of her flannel red cap, she spotted Obi looking her way. She stood straighter.
"Don't let the food get cold, Kasai." He said, tone lighter in reassurance. He quirked a smile.
"R-Right..." Kasai twisted the rim of her cap behind her before splitting the wooden chopsticks clean in half and slurping some noodles as well.
"Thank you for the food!"
The four head back to the cathedral with full stomachs.
"Delish grub, Captain." Arthur said.
"Hey, mind your tone." Shinra scolded. Arthur was being too familiar to their superior.
Despite that, Obi said, "Yeah, glad to hear it. That restaurant is delish."
Kasai was quietly following them in their orange jumpsuit attires. She had her sleeves rolled just above her elbows, exposing her left black sleeve, and an opened collar like Shinra and Obi with one button loose. Like their affiliation to Company 8, they branded the number eight black and yellow emblem on their left arm.
Kasai had wished for an attachable hoodie to hide her hair, but it would get caught by something during training. Instead, she made do with a cap that she'll wear when outside the cathedral. At least she can wear a hoodie under her official fire brigade uniform.
Obi noticed Shinra walking slower and stopped to peer closer at the contemplation written across the boy's face. He didn't even acknowledge it until he and Obi were a mere hair length from their noses bumping into each other.
"Hmm? What's the matter, Shinra?" Obi asked, oblivious to the close proximity.
Said boy's rigid smile twitched. "N-Nothing at all, sir."
They stood like that for a few seconds until Obi was apparently okay with his response that he stood straighter. He then resumes walking in front of him, Arthur following suit.
"Training right after eating isn't good for you, so I guess there's no choice but to do some office work." The captain said.
Kasai was beside Shinra as she inquired quietly for him, "What's up, Shinra? Is Arthur being here bother you that much?"
He looked away, making somewhat of a pouty face as he shifted his weight to the side. "It'd be a lie if I said no..."
Kasai quirked a smile. "Well, at least I'm here. Come on, let's go."
Some time later, they, along with Hinawa, were in the shooting range testing out equipment. Shinra made a shot that was borderline target range (which is pretty bad) with the Type 7 Firefighting Axe. According to Hinawa, when you pull the trigger, a Sacred Spike shoots out of the axe's end.
Kasai played with its weight. It was as heavy as an actual gun. She knew because Hari once made her hold a tool that was as heavy as a gun, though how he knew that was not answered.
She tests her shooting skills. The spike pierced dead center of the Infernal dummy's core.
Kasai was pleasantly surprised she achieved a perfect bullseye. She honestly wasn't thinking too much when she did. All she did was aim, focus, and fire.
Hinawa acknowledged this from his place beside her while he was checking off the axe's working condition. Kasai was told by Maki that his second generation ability controls the gunpowder inside bullets and can make the impact stronger and weaker. As a veteran marksman Hinawa is, Kasai would assume she won brownie points with him despite him not saying anything and scribbling some things down.
It was peculiar, though. Kasai, Shinra, and Arthur are third generations who can manifest their own flames. They might not even need the equipment to kill Infernals, unlike Obi who is nonpowered and always has to equip over 30 kilos of gear on missions. It's an impressive feat for someone like him, though people with gorilla strength is rare to find.
Unfortunately, the company doesn't have an engineer yet and Hinawa is filling that spot, though he doesn't really mind. Kasai know Hari and Vulcan who are best at creating and mending, but neither are exactly willing to help within their interests. Especially Vulcan...
She tries not to think too much about their current relationship at the moment. Vulcan really doesn't like anything and anyone related to Haijima Industries, and the Fire Force along with Kasai are no exception. Ever since she graduated she hasn't kept in touch with him, mostly because of that conversation that left a sour taste in her mouth.
The fire bell trilled throughout the cathedral. Maki rushes in to report, "An Infernal has appeared in Taito-ku, Iriya District, sir!"
Kasai lowered the axe. This is it. Her first Infernal mission.
~Fire Force~
It was evening when Company 8 set out on suppressing an Infernal. Hinawa drove the Matchbox truck vehicle to their destination while the rest were inside in the amber lit seating space, dressed in their blue stripe uniforms.
Kasai wore a crimson red hood over her head like Arthur has, although her sleeves are short underneath as well as her uniform. Maki had trimmed them just this morning to accommodate for her flame abilities. As the turnout coat sleeves were just above her elbows, she wore another thin black sleeve for her right arm for less skin exposure.
Kasai was sitting beside Iris and across Obi as he stated, "This one's a fire in a detached house. It's conceivable that we'll have to put them to rest in close quarters."
The captain handed Shinra the Type 7 axe from inside his coat.
"Keep your weapons hidden inside your turnout coats. Under no circumstances display them publicly." He said firmly.
Kasai stared at her balled fists laid atop her lap. What kind of weapon should she have equipped for the near future? Right now she only has her gloves. Even if she were to request one, who would make them? Haijima Industries only manufacture the common equipment. They wouldn't take requests without a fee.
Kasai will have to hold off on it, then. Her gloves are sufficient for now.
They arrive in front of the house housing an Infernal. Oddly enough, it's a very quiet fire scene. Tame, even.
Kasai glanced behind her. A young teenage girl had tears in her lifeless eyes as they bored the ground before her fetal position on the side of the road.
According to Obi, her mother also Infernalized two years ago. Now this time, her father was advocated by the flames.
Kasai frowned behind the curtain of her hood. How terrible. Will this become a pattern for this girl? To lose her family members one by one in periods of a mere few years?
"I hear there have been a lot of strange incidents at fire scenes lately." Obi said. "Stay on your toes."
"Roger!"
Kasai caught eye of Shinra and Arthur shuffling around and bit back a squawk. These idiots just whipped out their weapons! After Obi had just warned them not to!
Kasai quickly swerved her eyes back to the girl behind them. Fortunately because Kasai was standing between Shinra and Arthur, the girl hasn't noticed them. Even then, her head was bowed low from the world, preoccupied with her father's tragic transformation.
Regardless, Obi called the duo out to the backyard to have a "talk". It was really awkward. Kasai was glad to not be a hopeless idiot.
Kasai silently sighed and heaved her shoulders when the three moved elsewhere. She turns back and approached to kneel before the girl.
She slowly meets her gentle warm green eyes kindled by the sunset.
Kasai smiled one of reassurance. "It's all right. We're here, now. Your father will sleep soundly in peace with your mother soon enough."
The girl shakily nods. Her hunched frame slowly melted away as she felt her words and calm unwavering gaze reach her heart. She clasped her hands tightly and squeezed her eyelids shut, tears trickling freely down her pale cheeks. "I... If you can..."
Kasai patiently listens as the young girl breathe through the knot forming in her throat. She had something more she wanted to say that Kasai didn't stop her.
"C-Could you please... tell my dad I love him? Everything was so sudden, I never got to tell him that today. I hope," she sucked in a deep breath of air, "he'll say hi to mom for me..."
Kasai's eyes creased. "I understand. What's your name?"
"Mikako..."
"All right, Mikako-san. I'll make sure your message is delivered loud and clear." Kasai stands up to her feet.
The company moves in. When they entered the living room, only the light from the window shone the area. Transparent curtains bellowed softly along the gentle breeze. Graced by the light is an Infernal fully clothed and sitting quietly before a porcelain white tea set of poured tea and a few macaroons sitting delicately on a plate.
Kasai's expression stiffened as the Infernal acknowledged their presence, straight white teeth in a perpetual tight grin accompanying beady white pupils within flaming orange eye sockets.
His black skull and fiery head was enough to swarm her mind with memories of Kaen's Infernalization. Kaen was like that, too. He was basking in flames alive, silently still as though the flames were nothing but thin air.
This man is not going berserk at the sight of them. He may have some self-awareness, or it could his Infernal instincts telling him to stay put. Whatever it was, this Infernal case is tamed.
"Captain, let me be the one to put him to rest." Arthur volunteers.
Shinra swerved a glance to the blond. "Hang on a second. That Infernal still hasn't done anything yet."
"Don't be a dumbass! The man is sitting there enduring the tremendous pain of those flames. We have to put him out of his misery, quickly." Arthur said.
Kasai solemnly closed her eyes in silent agreement. Considering Arthur's ability, his is the best merciful method to send the man away peacefully. He wouldn't notice by the time that happens.
"1706." Obi said. "Moving to put the Infernal to rest."
The hilt of Arthur's sword pops off the sheath. "We cannot allow you to suffer any more pain than this. Sister, the prayer."
"Right." Iris pressed her fingertips together, and so did everyone else as she chanted, "The flame is the soul's breath. The black smoke is the soul's release. Ashes thou wert and art. May thy soul..."
Arthur stood behind the Infernal and pressed his hilt behind where the core is. Blue eyes illuminate from under the casting shadows of Arthur's hood. "Return to the great flame of fire."
Excalibur's blade manifested from the hilt. In a flash, blue plasma penetrated the Infernal's core. The flames sprouting from his head were snuffed out along with his life. His body disintegrates and fades into ash.
"Latom."
"Latom."
Kasai was apprehensive to open her eyes. Behind the shunned curtains, she recalls the first time she put an Infernal to rest two years ago when she was searching for Kaen. Her fist impaling a black vessel crumbling before her eyes still burns to this day. She remembered the static paralysis of her numb hands that went cold the moment the fleeting embers of the Infernal left her. What she had punched was alive, as if she had blown a hole in a human's body with her bare fist. Are Infernals still considered human at that point? They were former humans who had unfortunately succumbed to their demise that is the flames.
Kasai's brows scrunched as a frown settled. One day, Kaen will face the same ending. Would Kasai really have the courage to finally put him to sleep by the time fate weaves their paths together? The Kasai who turned a blind eye of the possibility that her brother would manifest into an Infernal so soon was not prepared in any shape of form. What about the person she became today? It may be too soon in her career to think that, but the prospect of her hands crushing his small frame into dust is a future she knew she will have to face.
"...Mi...ka...ko…"
Kasai's praying hands twitched. A man's voice... It wasn't Obi or Hinawa, right?
"Your mother and I...will be watching over you..."
Kasai finally fluttered her eyes open.
The world around her had become a blank white canvas. Only a man and a woman were seen standing by the other side as they looked directly her way. Her breath hitched. Could they be...?
The man smiled gently, the folds of his wrinkles caving by the corners and carrying a shimmer of content and peace in his eyes. "I'm sorry to leave you behind, Mikako. Mama and Papa have faith you will continue living on with us in your heart."
Kasai's heart ached of something bittersweet. Every life that breathes has to come to an end. She understood that. Kasai could feel warmth radiate from the husband and wife. Though they have left their shells, it was as though she was sensing their souls radiating life. She wondered if Mikako was self-aware of their warmth that loved their daughter dearly only for it to be snatched away by the corrupt flames of damnation.
The man's smile then curved upside down as an alert sharpness molded his eyes. "You must hurry and leave. An unknown threat is about to disrupt the peace any moment."
Kasai did not realize she had held her breath for as long as the momentary fleeting departure was that she returned to reality. She was still in a prayer like the rest of the company who were silently paying their respects. How long has it been since she had that peculiar meeting with the ghosts of Mikako's parents? A minute? Not even 30 seconds?
Kasai did not know what just occurred. Whatever it was, that will have to come after.
Her ears, trained to distinguish the sound of burning flames apart from others, picked up the crackling of explosives above them. She shot her head up to the ceiling. From the corners, she could identify black ashes seeping through.
Shinra, who had noticed she broke out of her prayers, was watching her peculiarly. Before he could inquire, Kasai suddenly cried out, "Everyone, get out quick! Explosions!"
"What-!"
The ceiling crumbles from the explosion. Everyone ducked and huddled close together from any stray falling debris and dust clouds swarming the living room. Obi commanded the company to escape the fire scene and soon everyone but Obi and Shinra, the second last member to leave the room, were in the safety of the untouched hallway corridors. The planks and pipes collapsed, but thankfully for Obi's superhuman strength raised through training, he easily shrugged them off.
However, Kasai could hear the captain raise his voice against whoever decided to disturb the fire scene and the residence. The nice, friendly Obi who has a big heart of gold who never showed rage has this side to him. Such a change somehow struck Kasai hard at the realization. She had assumed nothing could really shake him to the core, but of course that was the impression made within two days. Everyone has more than one side they often portray in daily life.
Company 8 head back to the streets where Mikako was waiting. As Kasai watched her superior hand the girl a picture frame of her and her parents, she wondered how heroic figures could smile in the face of evil and injustice almost on a constant basis. They really have to carry the pain and burdens of the people they save on their shoulders, no matter how broad they are, that are not easy to dismantle. The load is not removed once you saved the day. It stays with you for a long time, if not forever.
Mikako swelled into tears and clung to the picture of the only memory of them smiling happily in one captured moment of her life.
Kasai tugged her hood lower until the rim was drooping just below her nose. She is not one to be easily emotional, at least prior to losing Kaen to the flames. If she made a funny face right now, she wouldn't be strong. To her, expressing vulnerability before her brother means he would feel unsafe. That his elder sister is not an unbreakable shield who will protect him. If her resolve quakes at the loss of a stranger's family, then she has a lot to learn before she could stand up for her own problems.
That same night, Kasai laid in bed staring at the roof of the bunk bed in deep thought.
There was a woman who willingly embraced Kasai's judgement onto her final moments; the first Infernal she confronted after Kaen. Even now that moment was almost bizarre for her. How the Infernal woman had the self-awareness to open her arms and accept Kasai as the one who would slay her, how Kasai could actually see a completely different person replacing a flaming body...
And just then, she had a similar experience with Mikako's parents. She was sure she was the only one to know of this. Yet why is she able to communicate to the souls trapped in flames? Why do her hands always turn numb at the connection?
Could this be a clue to the phenomenon?
Emerald eyes slowly closed.
Behind them, she could see Kaen staring back into her. The image of his human frame would flicker to a ball of flames dancing around a black skull.
Kasai bit a sharp gasp and instinctively clasped a hand on her black forearm.
She does not think she'll get used to the numb sensation, nor the sendoffs given to Infernals, anytime soon.
She sometimes has the same dream: a girl whose burning, crisp red hair contrasting her black silhouette had her hands pierce an Infernal's core. The girl would sob loudly before the limp body hanging on her wrist and staring lifelessly into her scarlet red eyes stained from malice and corruption. She would cradle the heap of charcoal remains in her arms while kneeling atop a white pool that could represent the tears she shed or the blood belonging to either the girl or the corpse. Perhaps both.
There lied not an elder sister who could not do anything for her only brother, but a girl who thirsts for the power that can defy the Sun God and ravage them into oblivion, while cursing the world to burn in hell for all she cared about.
Unbeknownst to her, her unspoken desires will manifest into flames that would carry out that exact wish.
[Welcome to Company 8]
Random Trivia Corner - Kasai's favorite type of music is jazz.