huh what's this? an update? I made a bit long because who knows when it will update next.
"Welcome back." Klukes words are a little more than a mumble. Her brows are risen and her eyes look large from taking in a lot of light. Andropov was surprised to say the least. He has to mask him smile, seeing her looking so, firm. Wearing nothing more than his black shirt, with wet hair. It was designed to be tight on him, but on her it hugged her modest bust rather sweetly, but length hung down to just passed her bottom, like a dress almost. He damn near groaned looking at her.
Her desperate sounding voice is what got him though. Earlier when she had called him on the scouter he gave her, a delicate voice, crumbling under the weight of tears. Just as the morning had done to him, her distress sent him into a frenzy. Was he not on his way to something? Still in mid duty, everything dropped to run to her aid. He plowed down 2 floors to get to her, dropping everything he was in the middle of doing.
He put her before duty, at the drop of a hat?
...
Andropov had clearly gone mad in less than a few days.
He swallows at her composure, she looks soft, a fluffy throw blanket he desired to be wrapped in. A bead of water fell down a wet lock and tapped on the floor as he tried to remember himself. Her lips parted to speak but her voice cracked. A hand with pruned fingers covered her mouth as she attempted to clear her throat.
"I um." her words hoarser Kluke tries to talk again, she was tired. But Kluke begins to squirm under pressure he emits. She tried to lock eyes with Andropov, the light above him made a downcast of dark shadows, his features became firmer, his baby blue hair seemed to glow in the light like it had a halo of yellow. His crossed arms pushed his biceps upwards, and his big hands in his arms pushed into his armpits.
The young man smelled like soot and coal, his boots had dried mud and his scarf seemed to be a bit ashy. But its those eyes, sharp and calculating, thick youthful furrowed brows, eyes as blue as any ocean, just picking each molecule of her body apart. That scowl, that made her squirm so very much. He's angry with me?
She swallowed, it spun a form of tension in her heart. She wasn't feeling very rational, a day of hard medical duties, on little rest and food.
Andropov wasn't angry actually, rather pleased on the contrary. He repressed his grin trying to form, watching her shift weight from one foot to another. His arms un-tucked themselves. One falling into one of his many pockets, the other went to gesture her up and down.
"Explain this?" his words firm, her lips pressed together as she looked down at herself.
He is upset..
"I." She whispers, thinking of how to explain herself. Alone in his room, in nothing but panties, in his shirt, and a wet mop of auburn hair. A cautionary step back prompts him forward. His hand lands on the porcelain sink between them. Kluke was holding her hands looking away.
"Mine became, -what I was wearing had..." The shirt Andropov had lent her before, along with the belt and shoes, had become caked in dried blood.
"Hmm?" He hums in question. His head tilts to the side a bit. "What happened to my shirt?"
Puppy eyes shoot up to look at him, he swallowed the sigh that tried to form. His brows tighten as she holds herself, her eyes falling closed.
"I preformed a lot of, medical duties..." Emerald eyes open looking down at his hand on the sink. "-They should be cleaned.." Her lip finds her teeth in a tug.
"So you dirty my clothes?" The young Lieutenant takes another close step, she retreats. "Then you decide to take another?" He continues, taking another step. The game of cat and wolf continues in the small bathroom, her feet feel the rug below, still wet from her shower.
Kluke hits the wall from moving back without looking, the small plush foot-rest full of towels under her legs, and the open shower door to her right. Two big hands crash at her side, caging her in.
Her balance is off with the slanted way she is standing. And he looms over her.
Her perfumes grace his senses along with her palpable panic. His one arm shifts to support his weight on his forearm. The other pulls the black fabric of his shirt above her belly button, in a pluck.
"Tell me Doctor." His voice has gravel in it, as his head tilts to the side of her face. Making Kluke's shoulders rise along with her heart rate.
"What was the point, of me getting you your own clothing?" Her eyes open wide as he continues. "If you're just gonna wear mine?" He chuckles a bit, a grin forms on his handsome face.
Klukes face turns to him in question, her lips trying not to pout as her brows crunch. His shit eating grin becomes slightly flat, as eyes dart a bit back and forth between her luster filled orbs. She smells so damn intoxicating, He had rushed here in such a panic, that he just felt so relieved to see her okay. On the outside. He exhales, prompting her to whisper his name.
"Andropov…" His rough name leaves pretty peach lips. His gloved hand drops the fabric, to scoop the small of her back, pulling them off the wall close together. Her hands brace against his chest, feeling the rough fabric of his peacoat on thimble fingertips. His large arm pressed the small of her back, her head presses against his collarbone as she shudders for a moment. His arm snakes up holding the back of her elbow. He smells like fire, smokey. There is a silence she would like to set into.
But Kluke can't, she knows why. Every cursed reason why, eyes close as resolve takes away from comfort.
The little doctor pushes a bit from him, he looks almost surprised as she meets his eyes. Andropov's face settles as she clearly has something to say.
"Hm?" His brows dip in question.
"I need, -to go back out." Her words are a whisper, for her heart is still racing from his tender actions. He seems to scowl at her request, making her shudder for a moment. Her eyes squint but she remains firm. She needs to get out of this situation, away from his hot touch, and the way he makes her heart race.
"I fail to see the point." His words terse, His hand palms the side of her hip, forcing a small breath out.
"The report I got stated that you are done for the day, and that you had retired for the night."
He nearly growls at her, her nostrils flare as anxiety spikes.
"Please." She huffs. "If you are going to force me to be a Doctor for you, then let me be one." She continues as her face falls to a small scowl, trying to sound as if her will is not paper thin.
He laughs tersely with his jaw closed. Its fun for him to see her bite every once in a while.
"Then lets go. Doctor." He would rather not let her go, but his will seems to be wakened with her.
Andropov walks out of the bathroom with Klukes wrist in his large hand. She squeaks in surprise.
"So you got no shoes again?" He curses out. Letting her go as he marches off to his dark wood cabinet, The magnets click as he opens the large wooden doors.
"Come here." he wags his finger to her, his tone a bit loud on her ears. She's hesitant as she makes her way over, the young doctors knees threaten to wobble if she doesn't regain her composure. His arm folds as she grows near, Kluke pauses before him.
His head tilts to the side and back, signaling her to look inside. Kluke holds her breath, making her chest far to tight as her brows fold forward. Inside the cabinet, from what she remembered this morning was full of cool toned clothing, scarves, shirts, and shoes.
But now, it was half full. Her pretty face fell as she turned in question to him. Half of the cabinet had been emptied, or at least pushed to the side, all the remained was half an empty coat rod, and a single pair, of blue rubber looking shoes. why is he doing this?
"I got shit for you, ittle' be here tomorrow morning. But I got you these to wear for now." He says with crossed arms
She looked back at the small working shoes. Feeling her heart fall as her eyes closed and lashes swept down.
He breathed out from his noes, she looked so small, her hair was still rather wet, was she cold? He would much like to hold her close again.
"Kluke?" He asks out suddenly. Her shoulders jitter a bit, in a startle. She is still rather nervous from his actions.
"Why do you need to go back out?" He asks her. This coils in Klukes heart. Does he wish for her to remain in his room forever? Its frustrating, she is a prisoner, yet an employee. If she needs to go to the ward then let her. That man, was still waiting there, alone in the cold dark room.
"I need to change over anesthetics and administer aftercare to a patient recovering from surgery." She explains with a snap, her back turned to him.
"Surgery?" He questions with firm brows.
"I had to remove a bullet." She furthers. She hears him groan in displeasure. Why the hell is she doing stuff like this so soon? His eyes run her figure up and down again.
"Though I have grown rather fond of your apparel, I'll have to ask you to put pants and at least a bra on if you wish to go back out." He laughs at the end. He felt her back with his hand while they where in the bathroom and took a very quick and lovely notice of her lack of clothing.
"Because we know just how many bra's you own." She grumbles. Kluke remembers the drawer full of women's garments, though it seems obvious that they were for her now, it still uncomfortable.
Her curt words still tick him off.
"What's with all the attitude?" He growls at Kluke, feeling frustrated at the tension, now brows knit together. But he is at a loss for words as he turns to her, her features pressed together as anger and distress litters a heart shaped face.
"Is this meant to make me happy?" She bites down on pain. "Working to save the lives of the men who kill and steal small children from their families?" Hands tare into the flesh of hate. "To remove bullets from teen boys?!" Her voice breaks in a small scream. Her fists shake as she clenches them. She hates this ship, she hates the metal floors, and damn the whistle of the engine.
Kluke hates everyone on this ship.
He feels pissed, fighting with her is not what he wanted, but he knew she was bound to break down eventually.
They all do.
Hot tears threaten to fall as she pants a bit, now glaring up at him. Kluke wants him to get mad back, to fight her, and thrash her. She wanted to feel pain in this moment, her body was so rattled with bruises that are now starting to turn green, knees knobby from being thin. She wants the pain in her heart, to be pain on her body.
The children she loves gone, not knowing if they are even alive. But being told that they would be? If she plays doctor for a hound of Nene?
Yet she can not bring herself to hate him, Andropov..
As tears start to fall. She felt frustration taking her over.
"You're done for the day." He speaks, his tone nearly calm. She is clearly overwhelmed from her long day. Her vision blurs as she holds her own arms.
"I'm not another one of your soldiers." She hisses. Don't order me around... She thinks.
"Kluke I'm going to give you an ultimatum"
." He begins, taking a step towards her, this time she does not flee.
"You can hop into that bed, pull the blankets up and call it a damn day." His tone rises as the sentence ends. Her lips fall flat as hot tears drop.
"Or." His large hands find the bottom of her chin, raising her face up to him, hands leave the nest and grip his forearm tightly, Kluke tries to look away. Olive eyes filled with gray as her heart stings, the leather on his glove is cold on her hot skin. Klukes face feels hot as he leans in too close to her.
"Or I tie you to it." He rasps in a dark growl, growing tired of a day of fighting with people. Her breath leaves in a wet gasp, eyes looking into his. Such Shocking and gross words. She felt a "told you so", ring in her ears. He speaks to her kindly when it suits him. And like a demon if she challenges him?
"You had your chance, but you seemed to be rather emotionally compromised, and I'm not letting you around sharp instruments." He growls down.
"Now get in that bed Kluke." He rumbles still holding her face, her eyes shut as he lets her go. She takes a stumble back. Kluke wipes away tears with the backs of her hands, and shudders out a deep wet sounding huff.
There is a bitter pause between them. Cold and quiet. His icey sharp gaze could tear her to shreds. She begins to shake, Andropov knows that she is tired. He took her report in earlier, by the end of her first damn day she serviced in 17 people. It pissed him off greatly, he was told 2 fucking people. Secondly he also found out he had wasted an entire morning preparing maid service and hot meals, that she did not receive while in the ward all day.
His temper was starting to boil and boil, till it over flows. He looked at her again. Hair reddish brown, like a fallen maple leaf, and eyes of a soft green. Her eyes only glitter with swells of tears, the tip of her noes is pinkend, as her once wet body clings to the black fabric of the shirt. She is just too fair for him, and it becomes too much to handle.
Damn it all.
One strong hand grabs her behind the shoulder, his other holds the soft side of her face, his thumb bringing her jaw up to meet his own crashing lips. The distance is closed as soft lips find her own. Her eyes snap wide as he folds himself forward with a tilt of his head. His lips send a hot fever through her body as hands do little to brace him. He pulls away from it, his brows in a deep furrow. As shock had prevented Klukes eyes even from thinking of falling shut. A shaken exhale leaves her lips as he looks at her In question. The first kiss was brief, but with a fire-bent passion.
She can't speak at all, as her body feels so very hot, heart racing a mile a minute. The desire to touch her lips to figure out what just happened. He's looking for something in her green eyes. He leans again and this time she gasps, coiling a bit with tall shoulders, and gripping the collar of his peacoat. He pauses just before her lips, his breath hot as it fans her face. She feels like an inferno is going to take her over, her eyes wince shut as he comes for her again. And again.
Its intoxicating, He pulls her tight, holding her petite frame against his own, feeling her melt into his touch awakens a fire he didn't know he could have. He feels as if he is going to devour her, as he breathes hot between another fold of soft, yet firm kisses. His hand snakes to the back of her neck, feeling electricity flow through his bottom lip, as a mewl comes from her.
She pushes him away, Kluke is panting as he has stolen breath after breath from her. Shes flushed eyes half lidded as he holds her. Andropovs hand presses her small back, digging her as close as possible to him, he can feel her heart thudding in her rib cage. Stirring him further as his eyes are filled with a hunger.
"A-andro-" Kluke tries to mumble as she feels dizzy from an assault of passion.
"Wrap your arms around my neck." His hot words are pulled out from somewhere deep in his strong chest. His tone alone sends ripples through her. But his orders she doesn't know if she can refuse them. She hesitates at first, unsure as he leans down giving her ample room. She feels like a fever has taken her over. she pulls him in, causing hot flush to take him over. Arms wrap around his strong neck as she goes on her tip toes. Kluke embraces him as if hugging him close. God he feels far too hot, his scarf is strangling him and he just wants to tear off this jacket, and feel her body heat against his. Her face is red, to the tops of her ears, down to her fingertips. Klukes flush spurs him on even further.
He grabs round her body, holding her close for a moment, he can't close his eyes as his heart thuds into her own. God dammit, what did I just do?
I've made things instantly more complicated.
He lifts her up easily, she lets out a yelp in confusion. Her arms loosen as she feels she unbalanced. Andropov carries her over with ease and sets her on the bed. But he cant let her go, falling to a knee. Holding her under her shoulder blades.
"Things are going to get complex around here. Keep your head down, do your job." He pulls away, his face full of so much worry she can't breathe. She tenses as he leans in again, her eyes pressing shut.
But he presses his soft lips to her hot cheek. "Don't do anything stupid." His words fill her ears.
He gets up, Klukes face is filled with worry as she goes to speak. But he knows what she is about to say as he starts to walk away.
"My day is far from done, call me if someone tries to break in." With that he leaves her alone in the room, shutting the light off with his departure.
Her fingers press into her lips.
Andropov's day had been long, after leaving Kluke's side outside the ward doors he made pace outside to meet with his comrades.
The air is thick, it sets on your skin and sticks like sweat. Its hard to breathe and people stifle their lungs as you walk. Black sandstone walks you through the trenches of the mines. Nene's militant strong hold. Carved into the black canyons of the east, the mines run through the parched earth in a network of tunnels, deep deep down as slaves dig for ores. Then those ores are taken up in pulley systems, and rail carts built in the catacombs. Once above ground its taken into smelting pits.
Most of the metal used to fashion his militant weapons and what is used to craft his battle armada comes from here.
Once Lt. Andropov had left his battle craft he fell into his cold hard stare. The bridge from the large murky lake from the ship to the shore he walks. Boots make clad thumps as he descends. Lined with Nene's troops with tight backs and arms in salutes he huffed silently.
Would Kluke be okay without him there? Are those guards competent enough to keep her safe? Safe from his own men. He should perhaps just tie her to the bed and lock the door. He scoffs at himself. No, she has a duty to preform, as does he.
A tight respiration mask fastened around his face to protect from the fumes of the mines. Past the hundreds of dead trees, used for tinder, into the mess of the mining city. The ground is black and gritty from ashes. The homes built are run down and pitiful. Roofs held down by large stones, doors that had been kicked in too many times to bother fixing. No children laughed, as only prisoners of war worked here. It was dismal to say the least.
He ascends into the center of the city, a tower spiked out like a spiked staff. The stone was obsidian and curt. Rails sharp and heavily guarded. Black thunder sends a boom through red clouds as he approaches the massive castle like doors.
His presence is pertinent to all around him. He need not say who he is as people flock in respect.
The entourage of guards that follow him break into a path and give him entry way. The massive doors, dangled in spikes and matte chains, begins to creek as gears and pistons steam. The rumbles shake the earth and thunder breaks the sky.
He could never bring Kluke here. Whatever is left of her spirit, would surely be broken to pieces by this fucking hellhole.
Inside was no better. The light was faded, dim like night, the walls lighten by large hot light bulbs. The entrance is like a media office, filled with men and desks, people spoke loudly, as armed guards marched round.
"Lt. Andropov sir." A guard is swift to greet him, fixing his scarf over his shoulder he exhales through his respirator.
"All the other Lieutenants have gathered on the highest floor. General Logi has yet to arrive sir." Andropov's brows scrunch at this information. He cares very, very little for the rest of the Independent Flying Squadron. Andropov is only here, because General Logi wills it of him. If the General is not here, then he could have spent more time beside Kluke. It's hard to hide his discontentment, as the lowly guard feints a sweat.
"Sir." He shutters.
Andropov opens sky blue eyes as his brows furrow. He lacks the energy to speak to whoever this asshole before him is. He needs no escort as he descends up the elevator. 49 floors of the gargantuan tower. His ear drum pops as he scoffs. Arms cross in the elevator. Its dim and the light flickers, like everything in this god forsaken place. Why must they meet here?
As the moving death trap reaches the pinnacle of the tower, and the pressure runs from the top of his head down to his toes, it rumbles as it sets. A soft ping echos as the door creeks open.
Stepping out two guards, with large rifles and frightening, spiky black armor, Nenes red devil insignia bright dead in the center of their chest plates.
They break stance into a salute, Andropov removes his face mask as thunder booms around the tower.
"They are waiting for you sir." The guards voice was gruff, these men seem to be more hand reared for battle, as even Andropov feels his guard tense as he passes them.
The hallway is well lit, but narrow. Just one large door at the end of the metal hall.
They could wait longer. He slouched against the wall beside the elevator. Dark gray painted bricks, with the paint chipping made little fun for his shoulder blades. His eyes closed as his bangs covered his face.
His mind danced to thoughts of Kluke. She was surely busy with patients at the time. Was she well? He could call her on the scouter? No, he should let her be. She surely would be busy, is she eating? She is thin..
Eyes opened as he felt the wall rumble slightly, pressing himself up to stand at attention by the side of the door. It opened with a soft ping, as pressure released, so did the door.
And General Logi walked out.
Andropov gave a firm salute. His brows pressed firm and a flat face. His heart burned with respect, happy to see his General again. Despite him throwing out his concerns for Kluke maybe being to weak to start working full time. But Logi did lend him dependable guards for her with little rebuttal.
"Sir." Andropov salutes.
"At ease Andropov." Logi nearly grins. His towering stature begins to walk passed Andropov. Long knee and tan length combat boots make large booms on the metal floor, his war cape pulling his momentum as Andropov follows behind.
"Didn't feel like waiting with your comrades?" Logi grins to himself. Andropov only scoffs at such a question.
If Andropov could it would just be him that Logi needed, all be it his work load is already over bearing. His comrades are a group of powerful, less than savory individuals. All hand picked by Logi, and blessed with powers, from the leader of the Grand Kingdom army himself. Lord Nene.
The end of the long dim hall opened to 2 giant doors. 2 armed guards with high powered handheld machine guns stood outside. They simply stepped to the side shuffling their boots, while one entered the key card password. A large deadbolt could be heard unlocking as they both pressed the dark blue metal doors open.
They opened to an oval room, carpeted with the same painted gray bricks. Large windows screened the room around, showing the putrid black sky, and booming thunder in the distance. A thunder clap ripped the room flickering the light for a moment as Logi entered.
Each member shot up and saluted him.
"Everyone get in a seat, I have a lot to go over." Logi gestured to the group. The was room set up for a conference, had a broken half circle of black long heavy desks with chairs facing towards the windows.
General Logi, stood in front of the mirror, looking passed his own reflection to the burned and overwork earths far below. His arms folded behind his back, pulling the iron hilt of his hidden long sword out from the cover of his dark cape.
He inhaled deeply and exhaled as the group grabbed a seat.
"I'd like to thank all of you for being here and on time." Logi begins, his voice rich and stern. "Lets start on the right, work our way down." He remains looking forward. "Field report, begin Cynthia." He orders.
"With pleasure." Cynthia purrs as she stands.
Cynthia, a tall for a girl in her mid to late twenties, with most of the lank of her form in her taunt legs. She wears thigh high boots made for a dancer. They look shiny and metallic, a neon purple with a 2 inch heal. No nylons underneath a very short denim deep blue skirt. Its well made with a tight waist, that falls into pleats.
Her toned stomach is out as she wears only a pink tube top, and a denim jacket. Littered with patches of her conquests. The neckline pulled back in the collar, her left arm has the diamond multicolored yellow and black crest that all of Logis personal men have been bestowed. And on the back. The Grand Kingdom insignia, like the devils eye, bright red, with 3 horns. A thin neck, with a black choker on top of an almost bobble like head, with large cheeks big eyes and thin lips. Her almost overtly off purple to blue eyes glimmer with evil as very long thin brows press tight.
She flicks her overly died pink bang to the side as her very long straight hair, kept tight in a ponytail sways when she stands.
Cynthia is the only female in Logis independent flying squadron, and perhaps Andropovs least favorite, she could easily tie with another in this room. She is cunning, but can be rash. She is petty and cruel to a point of sadism. But the powers Nene gave her make her a force to be reckoned with. Andropov's assumption that its better to keep enemies close, if she were to not be under many, many thumbs she would be her own reckoning.
"My prison runs well, those brought in from the other P.O.W. camps are quickly put to work. Those who are willing to join the Grand Kingdom are sent off to the front lines for reassessment training. While the rest create weapons." She speaks with a tone that reminds Andropov of nails on a chalkboard. "That's all I have to report sir." She speaks as she takes a landing seat, not waiting to be dismissed, this coils Andropovs bottom lip. It's just plain disrespectful.
Logi only chuckles.
"Very well." He maintains. "Next."
Then Schneider takes the stand. He is a few years older than Andropov. He is dependable, strong and manned like a snake. His skin is sickly pale, eyes yellow like a vipers. His short cut hair, but long bangs fall just over eye length. He appears a man of indulgence, he wears purple silk shirts, that seem almost sheer and loose. A tight collar and cuffs keeping it from hanging open. A tight choker with the grand kingdom insignia dangling from it, and skin tight light blue jeans. He is thin, tall, and a physique like a triangle. Just the way he talks, cool like a seduction.
He stands his perfectly manured hands fold in front of himself.
"Greeting sir." He begins. "The report is as follows. Are troops move passed the echos of the sealed ground, passed the late fields south of the fallen Kingdom of Jirbal. The territory offers very little towards continued knowledge of the concealed information. Children soldiers that were deemed unworthy by our Lord offer very little other than leg weights to my journey." He begins to complain. Logi smirks at this.
"So nothing new to report?" Logi's head turns a bit.
"No sir, headway is slow." Cynthia scoffs loudly at Schneider's words. Schneider laughs licking his bottom lip, I know what he could be thinking and now's not the time.
"Sit down, next." Logi almost grumbles.
Up next was Klukes by far least favorite piece of human garbage. Lumiere. A jacked up man, arms thick like tires, hair long and silky with a very feminine middle part. Big eyes on a tough guys clean shaven face. He was wearing a wife beater with a light gray denim jacket with the sleeves ripped off, it had many breast pockets, filled with who knows what. He wore baggy cargo pants with a tight black belt with an over sized buckle. A large hand with a mid arm length cloth glove pressed his weight up while he stood.
Andropov felt almost giddy to hear this man speak, for when it was his fucking turn he had hell to pay. His stupid jargon began as he talked about how he ran such a tight ship, Andropovs' fucking ship without incident, raiding many villages on the Easter mountains of the far east. His words are loquacious, and Andropov closes his eyes to keep them from rolling. Once he had finally, stopped talking he went to sit.
"Lumiere." Logi spoke, snapping him back to two feet. "Sir?" He questions, Andropov cracks open an eye at this.
"Where are all the Children you captured. The numbers you claim do not add up to the capture report I was handed." The grin on Andropov's face was not hidden to Schneider who mirrored it.
"They are still above the Riesenhimmelfelsen." He speaks the name of Andropovs active warship. Andropov clicks the inside of his cheek as he forces himself to look away.
Logi scoffs loudly drawing a sweat to Lumieres giant brow line.
"We will speak after. Sit down." His words louder as his displeasure is clear and thick. This is a piss off because, the active numbers sent to the Grand Kingdom are fraudulent. Meaning that Nene would find out the processes comparison is wrong and look to Logi for explanation. Meaning Andropov has to fix it.
"Next!" Logi is terse now. The air is thick as the mood sinks into the ocean. Lumieres short comings make Andropov wonder how Kluke could seek revenge on his stupid mug.
A man actually worth of Andropovs respect stood next, Gilliam. The only member to hold the rank of captain. Hes older than Logi, but not out of the game. His body is large and toned from many many years of battle. Light scars on tanned skin. His scull is square shaped, with a long sharp jaw and pressed cheek bones. Short cut red hair with messy bangs, and a goatee. He wore white sun glasses with green scouter screens. His chest was puffed out with a thick neck. A popped dark colored jacket with a loose washed out shirt. He once worked right next to Nene, before joining under Logi. His battle skills and tactics are nothing to bat an eye at.
"Report as follows." His gritty voice starts. "All capture targets have been found, we are currently excavating the ancient runes as ordered by Lord Nene himself. All documents have been forwarded to Alba Rose. Permission to disclose sir." He asks.
"Granted." Logi speaks his mood better after Lumiere's blunders.
"Thank you sir, the information that is about to be spoken is classified above top secret." Andropov's ears burn as he leans forward, the attention shifts as the groups drops their lax disposition.
"We have discovered the ancients Runes of a shadow beast of origin." The room gasps as Logi just grins wickedly to the dark world out the large windows.
"As we know Lord Nene had found a way to use the power of the artificial shadow to that he bestowed upon us. But It seems that Nene is not the only one with a natural shadow. While the war with the soldiers of light wage on. It seems that they to have acquired a similar power. It is time to know why we gather children. It is to find others born with the power of the shadow."
Cynthia is the first to interject. "What the hell does that mean?" Her voice is shrill.
"It means, that people can be born with a shadow."
The shadow. A mystical power where a being can pull strengths from the dark world. The black cast beneath their feet grow with mystical powers, pulling from their feet into beasts of power. It must be summoned, each one different from the other. Most people die during the transplant surgery. That's what sets foot soldiers apart from them. They lived.
"I thought only lord Nene was ever born with the shadow?" She complains loudly.
"No, long ago there were 7 original shadow wielders. Born in light" Logi begins. This information was discovered by Schneider's discoveries in the sealed lands, were the first battle took place hundreds of years ago."
"Lord Nene believes that those shadow wielders have reincarnated. I can not stress enough, that we must find them, you all know why."
His eyes closed, Andropov felt his gut tern. He was once a child in the war too. And know he processes those same kids. The ones Kluke killed for, and would die for.
His eyes opened at his thoughts. Kluke was working to live, so that he would keep a small handful of kids out of direct harms way. Children now missing from the final count. His report was about to be so satisfying.
"Thank you Gilliam, I'd like you to create these reports to be forwarded to each member here for a proper review."
"Next please." Logi finished, as Gilliam bowed and sat.
Andropov felt a kin to butterflies as he stood.
"I also recognize your report is rather lengthy, but everyone listen well."
"Thank you sir." Andropov began his tone smooth and brows set firm. Andropov's hand folded behind his back as he began. "My assault of the front lines to the west were a complete victory, our power and tactics left shreds of the resistance pockets, all the prisoners taken were forwarded to Cynthia's prison. "Castle Des La Testa" And where processed uniformly and timely." A compliment planted for a personal request he had for her later. Her smile was pride filled as Andropov continues.
"But, upon returning to my ship Riesenhimmelfelsen (giant sky rock) I came into what I can only describe as, a bunch a bull shit." Andropov's jaw twitched as he felt the desire to shake his head. General Logi for the first time turned from his perch to look over and his lieutenant palpable anger. Schneider covered his mouth, hiding a laugh.
"Within 2 hours a coup had formed on my ship, something that took only 3 weeks to form while I was absent. It seems that gross miscalculations where taken when a single girl killed 4 troops and set free in one of the cloaked escape pods to a still unknown location. Some how a single girl, was able to outsmart, deceive, and waste of resources. I would like an explanation to this sir." Andropov was clearly pissed.
Before Logi could answer Lumiere's fists slammed into the wood of the desk, shooting up with vigor, making his chair falling back with a loud rattle. The thunder boomed rattling the small room. Andropov remained pissed, but composed.
"Pardon me?!" Lumiere spat.
"While I left my ship, in your care. I lost 5 soldiers in less than 2 hours. Because of a coup from the prisoner children you captured and failed to process. You also took a village doctor and work them nearly to death as a cleaner. While my ships doctor was driven to suicide. I can only describe such negligence as sabatosh!" Andropov's scowl falls on Lumiere as a fight is on the cusps of tension.
"How dare you?!" Lumiere spits, his muscles bulge with veins as he clenches his teeth.
"Enough you two." Logi's scolds the thread about to break with his patients.
"This will be fixed. I assume the girl was dealt with." Logi turns to Andropov.
"It's in the report I handed to you this morning sir." Logi gives a questioning brow, he expected a yes sir, this was interesting to him. Has his youngest member entered a rebellious streak? He would smile at the thought.
"All of you are dismissed. Lumiere and Andropov stay standing."
"Cynthia, I have a favor for you after." Andropov speaks giving her a side eye. The women has a faint blush as she nods, Andropov almost rolled his eyes in reaction at this.
"Andropov." Logi begins. Andropov's back becomes straight, his chest broad and shoulders strong.
"From the moment transfer began to when you dealt with the prisoners. Tell me word for word what happened."
That replayed thoughts Andropov's head as he shut Kluke in the room. He did not lie to Logi, he could never. Logi knew his knew doctor was a P.O.W. He told him that Kluke had killed for freedom and failed. That she would work till she died, on his ship saving the lives of her captors. This would be her punishment.
He told his General about how Lumiere did not debrief him according to protocol, that before he was out of the loading docs the alarm began to blare. That they where understaffed for a performance departure, and it caused men to scramble to action. And the cost of the high end escape pods that the improperly marked "cargo", the children Kluke gave everything to save were gone.
Logi took a great displeasure in Andropovs words. It was fun to watch Lumiere melt and squirm. He could tell that Lumiere's pride was wounded. Serves him right.
Treating his ship like a play thing. Getting his men killed. Using Kluke to scrub floors when she had such a talent? A waste of time and effort. And those kids would have been processed. and sent off to train. Not off in an unmarked escape pod launched into space with false hopes.
The self justification tasted bad, but it was the truth.
The argument grew tense as Lumiere blamed Andropovs men. Claiming that they were lacking if a weak girl and children could outsmart them. That perhaps Andropovs crew was in need of a new assessment. These claims made him see red.
He took a step forward, but Logi interjected. Stopping Andropov clean with just the rise of hand.
"Enough, the both of you." Logi growls, as a long strand of blonde hair falls from his shoulder.
"Both of you will meet here tomorrow for a further assessment, Leave lieutenant." He flicked away Andropov. "But Lumiere you will stay."
He won, fuck you Lumiere.
She better go to bed, he's pulling a lot of strings. Logi may just want her to stand a trail in front of Nene. He made a good case. If she works good, he is more than certain Logi will just let him sweet this under the rug.
Andropov also knows, that if Lumiere had done his job, would have ever seen Kluke the way he does. He never visits his own ward. Would she be there? Would she smile for him the way she does for others?
Probably not, not after that outburst.
He marched off, to his office in the ship, to clear up the missing numbers before he could finally sleep for the night.
The night he left her alone in her room, she found little slumber. Satin skin in silk sheets, wispy autumn hair runs rivers in the pillow tops. Every night she has spent as a doctor on this ship, Andropov slept by her side.
Perhaps she was delirious, her and the children often bunked together. To keep them close, warm, and in turn that kept an illusion of safety.
That night, after he kissed her. She laid in a odd silence. pressing the side of her bent index feeling against her peach lips. Chasing the feeling were his once where. He did it so simply, such an intimate action. Just to walk off.
Every time she felt herself getting angry, she felt just as hot as she did when he kissed her. In an infinite loop, of rushing anger, turn to burning embarrassment.
His lips were soft, like the inside of a rose. She never thought what they would feel like on her own, that something could feel so tender, comfortable and warm.
She pressed her finger again, but it did not recreate his. It didn't fill her over again with that rush.
Damn him.
She rolled over, getting entangled in sheets, silk found itself between her tired thighs. She would like him to come back, so she can berate him for what he did. How dare he kiss her? What does he take her for?
Sleep came for her in only pockets, but Andropov did not return that night.
The next morning, Kluke was already awake, sitting at his desk. The sun had seemed to die in the sky, as only a sick pink filled the space of the room. She had looked outside, they were in a bog, the black spikes she saw the night before are now clearly dead trees surrounding a muddy lake. She looked far off into the distance at ever accruing thunder above a red sky, as if a giant fire burnt below it. And in the center of it, a thin black tower, that looked like a fork off in the distance.
Kluke sat, still in Andropovs shirt, fiddling with a strand of hair when there was a knock at the door. She shot up to two feet rather quickly, rallying toward the door.
Another boom jolted her,
"Hello?" Kluke whispered, it being clear no one could hear such a faint tone. Another rap at the door, filled Kluke with a familiar dread. Large men, in black armor, fashioned like an insect. Wielding guns only meant to maim and harm the innocent. Her head darted from left to right she should hide!
"Call me if someone tries to break in." Andropovs voice rang in her head. The scouter? She left it on the bed. Her heart was starting to rattle as her hands shook.
Is another killer knocking at the door? Am I not already one of them?
"I am coming in ma'am." A lady's voice called out from the other side of the door, Kluke suddenly felt rather embarrassed about her stat of undress. stopping dead in her tracks as the door unbolted and crept op.
It was the young women from the day before, her long black skirt, white apron, a simple maids uniform. Her round violet eyes seemed to light up upon seeing Kluke. She was pushing a food cart, with 2 compartments. The top had a large metal lid with a small handle. Keeping what ever under it warm and out of eyes. The bottom was filled with boxes. She pushed it in the room and an unseen hand pulled the door shut.
"Good morning Doctor." The maid, Bouquet, her name was. Bowed her head slightly, hands neatly tucked flat on her lap.
The next chapter will have smut, I promise.
His sheep means giant flying rock. Riesenhimmelfelsen- | Rie-senn- Heim- esl-sehn
The fic theme is Gods & Monsters - Lana Del Ray.