Nineteen
Ceremony
Kaito was beginning to grow bored with this small town, and the entire province that was the Minami Delta. The only spot he hadn't tried to explore was the small forest near Kamakessai, only because he knew that Range's weird followers, cult, or bastard offspring were hiding up there. Initially, Kaito hadn't even given these cloaked mutants the thought of day, but now that he had run out of options to keep him entertained without entering the town proper, he was about to go see where the so called 'Night Blades' had lived.
So he walked, following the paths that had been covered and hidden, with every step making him feel more uncomfortable. Something about the fact that these Inklings all looked similar to the man who had taken his father's company, each having pitch black eyes that light couldn't escape, made him more and more cautious with every step he took. He had seen these creatures in passing occasionally, and the resemblance to the sickly beast was uncanny, but now that he was in a forest with an indiscernible amount of them made him pay close attention to the woods that surrounded him.
"What are you doing here, stranger?" A voice quietly asked, almost as if the trees themselves were whispering to him. Kaito instinctively put a hand on his weapon and began scanning the area, unable to find anyone near to him.
That was until the knife was at his throat, and a hand was on his weapon, keeping it fixed on his back. After a few tense moments, Kaito tilted his head to see the black eyes of one of Range's pet creatures, hidden beneath a thick hood that had the green foliage of the forest attached, almost as if the cloak itself was a part of nature. Knowing that he wasn't in any real danger, Kaito released his grip on the weapon's handle, fearlessly turning to face the deformed creature that was threatening to kill him.
"What are you going to do? Stab me?" Kaito asked, the hints of laughter on his words.
"Perhaps. Identify yourself, and we'll find out together." The abomination smoothly said, undoubtedly confident in such a situation.
"Manners, creature. If one asks for a name, one has to give a name first." Kaito scoffed, being difficult only for the sake of being difficult.
"Kageha." The cloaked Inkling simply stated.
"Was that so difficult? I am Commander Kaito, of the Ninth Monster Corp Division, Kageha. I would appreciate if you would lower your knife now." Kaito said, fairly certain that these Inklings still respected their ranks despite being weird forest creatures.
"What do you want, Kaito?" Kageha asked as he eventually sheathed his small dagger, the lack of acknowledging Kaito's officer status a fairly obvious hint that they probably didn't respect rank. "Not even your beasts are dumb enough to come into our part of this forest, nor your master. Perhaps you should have taken that as a hint."
"Just wanted to see what the whispered 'Night Blades' have been doing, I suppose. Maybe even speak with one, and learn how Range had come to make you his own." Kaito shrugged, watching the Inkling's eyes narrow. "It angers me slightly, that he is able to tame fellow Inklings, while all I do is point at things for my beasts to eat."
"He is not my people's master, masked one. Do not presume that we follow him in servitude." Kageha growled, "He does not command us through fear, like your master does for you and your pets. Nor does he command me."
"If you say so, Kageha. Though I admit to being an outsider and ignorant of your relationship with my old commander, you too must admit to being ignorant of the Monster Corp's ways. Though I follow Kantoku, it is not out of fear, but respect. Do you respect your master, as I do mine?" Kaito asked, the humidity not helping in his task of tolerating the metal face covering.
"I respect my mother, brothers, and sisters." Kageha said, his words and tone making it fairly obvious of his thoughts on the one who commands him.
"So you do fear him?" Kaito asked, continuing as he watched a confused look appear on the Night Blade's face. "It's understandable, I suppose. I obviously do not know what happened in your winter war, but perhaps he's shown you the side he tries to hide now. That, or you follow him for a completely different reason."
"Do not pretend to know me, masked one. The reasons I follow this company are my own." Kageha answered with venom, turning away from Kaito after giving him an intense stare. Kaito was about to say something in response, but the fact that the cloaked figure hadn't run off into the words probably meant Kageha still had something to say. Sure enough, the Night Blade turned back towards him, asking, "What do you mean, 'side he tries to hide'?"
"Nothing." Kaito smiled under his mask, almost wanting to laugh. Of course Range would have kept that part of his life hidden from these seemingly volunteer fighters. It seemed Kaito suddenly had a massive opportunity to give his father's replacement trouble without directly causing it, and he couldn't help but apply the roundabout teachings of his general to carry it out. "It's just that… well."
Kaito took a few steps closer as he spoke, acting friendly despite just meeting this Inkling as he tried to copy his general's practiced movements in being casual. "You see, Range went through a troubling time when he was with us. In fact, no one actually remembers a time when he wasn't…"
"Wasn't what?" Kageha asked, uncaring that Kaito had actually managed to touch his person. Kaito stifled his laughter, knowing he had actually managed to get the full attention of the pale creature.
"Ah, well. I don't know if I should say. After all, I'm not the one doing as he orders in life threatening circumstances. Honestly, I shouldn't have said anything in the first place, Kageha. I apologize."
"What? No, please, continue. I feel I must hear this, Kaito." Kageha returned with determination, perhaps unaware of the game that Kaito was playing with him.
"Perhaps we could walk and talk then? I still have yet to even see your fellow's living conditions, and want to know more about you and your people, just as much you want to know about your general."
"Yes, fine. Just tell me about Range before he became the Tenth's commander." The hooded figure practically begged, already moving towards his hidden camp.
"Of course, of course. Now, have you heard anyone call your general the 'blood drunk'?" Kaito asked, quickly marching after the Night Blade.
"What? Did they really call him that? That doesn't sound flattering."
"Oh, it wasn't. But it was a very apt description of him. You see, Kageha, your general used to be a gore covered alcoholic, who cared nothing for his life, or those around him. He even ignored the chance to retire from the company just for the sake of taking more life. When he wasn't finding an enemy to cleave through, he was consuming more alcohol than an entire platoon!"
"That can't be true…" Kageha said, despite seemingly taking his words for truth.
"Yet it is. But I haven't even gotten to the best parts yet, Kageha. I've so many stories to share on the way."
Etsuko didn't know why she was the one that had to come all the way out in this forest with Hana. It was understandable that Emi wasn't here, due to her getting wed today, but for the other girls? The fact that she was the one having to escort the platoon leader, after several nights of deliberation and planning still made Etsuko slightly mad.
Then again, going to the only confirmed mother in the entire brigade had been her idea, Etsuko sighed. She watched as Hana jumped at the noise she had made, Etsuko copying the scout's motions as a knife was pulled and directed at her. After yelping and falling on her ass, Etsuko worriedly looked up to Hana, who scanned the area before helping her up.
"C'mon, Hana. You need to calm down. I've never seen you this nervous before." Etsuko chastised on the way to her feet, making sure to grab her crossbow. "I can't have you shanking me every time I sneeze."
"I'm sorry, Etsuko. I had forgotten you were behind me, to be honest. Could you walk beside me, instead?" Hana asked. Etsuko nodded, knowing that the platoon leader was still sensitive if anyone was in her blind spot.
She would have offered to lead the way, but apparently they were going to the camp the 'back way', and Etsuko wasn't that confident in being able to find the Night Blade's camp from a different road. Apparently, they were taking a very indirect route, as they had been walking for over half an hour, when the camp was barely fifteen minutes away from Kamakessai.
Etsuko was about to ask whether they were going to make it back before the town's party was over, unsure if Emi was getting married first or last today. Apparently, Range and his logistic officers were marrying anyone who wanted to get bound today, and a lot of the brigade's couples were getting encouraged by the two platoon leaders who were all but leading the charge. A sudden concern filled her mind as Etsuko realized what Natsumi meant by 'what do you think?' after being asked what she would be doing that stopped her from accompanying their scout friend. Looking over her shoulder, Etsuko really hoped Tae wasn't about to get knocked over the head and dragged to their general, and if he was... Etsuko really hoped their mission in the forest would wrap up before it happened. If she missed that, Etsuko wouldn't forgive herself for being absent to witness such a hilariously dumb event.
"We're here." Hana whispered, crouching down next a large piece of fabric that had seemingly materialized in front of them. Etsuko quickly followed after Hana, who lifted the bottom of the tarp-like wall and went underneath it, sneaking into the camp they could have just walked in.
"Hana?" Kagehaha asked, confused. Etsuko looked around the camp, unsure why it had shrunk so massively to just a single room. After thinking it through, Etsuko realized Hana hadn't just led her to the Night Blade's camp, but the Night Blade's matron as well, who they had come to consult with. After understanding that they were trying to be quiet, Kagehaha lowered her tone to a whisper, asking, "Why are you here?"
"I… I um… I…" Hana stuttered, her nervousness fairly obvious to both Etsuko and the older woman.
"She thinks she's pregnant, ma'am." Etsuko helped, getting both pairs of stares directed at her. The matron looked concerned immediately, grabbing Hana's hand and pulling her close for her voice to be clearer.
"What makes you think this, Hana?" Kagehaha asked, Etsuko getting dragged into the conversation when she was suddenly questioned. "Is she having cramps? Headaches?"
"Hana, have you had cramps or headaches?" Etsuko asked after Hana didn't seem to gather that there was no way for her to actually know.
"Not... really? I've always had a sort of phantom soreness after being…" Hana trailed off, but both of them knew she was referring to the time she had been stabbed by Akio.
"Have you bled recently?" Kagehaha asked. Etsuko grabbed the bridge of her nose, finding it unbelievable she was bearing witness to this conversation. What did getting hurt in battle have to do with finding out…
The significance of the question resounded in Etsuko's mind as Hana shook her head. Briefly, she wondered if her own village matron, or that logistic officer who took samples from their genitals had mentioned that bleeding there, and pregnancy, were connected. Wondering just how common this information was, or if they were acting improperly currently, Etsuko couldn't help but feel over all embarrassed by the conversation that was taking place in front of her.
"Do you remember how long it's been since you've bled?" The matron asked, her face growing slightly red the longer her questions remained unanswered. As Hana mentally went through the weeks, Etsuko threw her hands in the air, the anticipation killing her.
"Not since the end of winter. So… two months now?" Hana offered, getting a few nods from the older woman.
"Now what made you think you were with child, Hana?" Kagehaha repeated her original question, not even glancing at Etsuko now.
"I… I just feel… strange? I've never been sick before, but I've vomited twice this week. I feel like I'm not producing as much ink, either. After getting... wounded, I thought it might have something to do with my recovery from being attacked. Could these be signs as well?" Hana asked, offering up the information that she had asked Umeko about.
"I think…" Kagehaha started, gripping Hana's hands tighter. "I think you should go tell Range. We can't be sure until a bump appears, but… if you're being honest, then you're with child, girl. You two need to talk, and decide what you want to do."
"What do you mean?" Hana asked, confused at the elder's words.
"Hana… oh, my little flower… the brigade is moving soon, towards more and more battles. I might not be part of your country, but I know that they won't just let you walk onto a battlefield while pregnant. I know about the ten year conscription, and I know you are still far from it." Kagehaha stated, her words almost sorrowful.
"What… what are you talking about?" Hana asked, doing a double take towards Etsuko as they listened to the matron's words.
"All I'm saying is that you need to talk with your leader, and lover. Know that I'll be here for you, no matter what you decide to do." Kagehaha promised, before releasing her grip on the platoon leader's hands. "Now go. We're in the middle of packing up the camp, and need to be ready to move by tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Etsuko asked, confused.
"We've already spotted the siege company ordered to this province. We might stay to greet and inform them of the situation, but we'll be moving soon after." Kagehaha admitted, Etsuko almost forgetting that she was her general's sub-commander and probably had much more information to be trusted with.
"Right. Thank you, Kagehaha." Hana said, lowering her head in thanks, to which Etsuko copied the motion... not knowing what else to do. As she prepared to crouch down and go back the way they had come, Hana walked towards the front entrance, perhaps no longer thinking.
"You're kidding me. Don't nearly all of his platoon leaders know this same information? How can any knowingly fight for him, especially after he let their last commander die? It just doesn't make any sense." Kageha spoke as he shook his head, his words being surprisingly straight forward after Kaito had taken his mask off.
"I am of the same mind, but that is their choice for following him. Don't get me wrong Kageha, I'm not trying to incite violence or an uprising. I just don't want everyone to forget about the ones that came before them, you know?" Kaito asked, making his words much more agreeable. "Making sure that your friends and loved ones aren't following someone else's lead blindly is what every Inkling should do."
"I completely agree." Kageha said, finally pointing to the curious camp's perimeter. "We're here, by the way."
"Oh. This is interesting." Kaito said, noticing that cloaked Inklings were rolling up massive amounts of fabric, similar to the walls that was slowly being pulled down. Small hand drawn carts were being loaded with weapons and bags of unidentifiable supplies, but a larger one was slowly being pulled by a familiar figure. Kaito felt his smile slowly fade as he watched Inklings walk fearlessly beside the colossal squid, children even getting in his path to try to mount the beast of war. "What the hell?"
"Oh. That's Tsume. I'm sure you know all about Colossals though." Kageha said as he walked into the camp, waving away the young warriors that tried to stop Kaito from following.
"Tsume?" Kaito asked in mild disbelief. They had actually named the Colossal that Kantoku had given to Range?
"Yeah. Range gave him a name, then sort of… I don't know… left him with us for spring. He honestly hasn't been that much of a help, though. He sleeps half the day, plays with the kids, and occasionally disappears for a couple of hours before going back to sleep. Is that normal?" Kageha asked, gesturing to the creature juggling small children.
"No." Kaito solemnly answered, never seeing such a relaxed Colossal before. Out of the twenty Kantoku kept in his cohort, none had acted in the way that had been described, or what he was witnessing. Sure, Kantoku and the girl could sort of ride a Colossal by holding onto them while they moved, but he had never seen one try to carry a living creature other than to rip it apart. He had never seen one relaxed, or burden itself with a wagon either. "Did Range teach him that?"
"Not that I know of. One day, some of our kids charged the big beastie, and then he started playing with them. If memory serves, Range yelled at him to stop, but that order hadn't lasted long." Kageha shrugged before he glanced at Kaito's very confused expression.
He yells at them? Not even Kantoku was dumb enough to outright yell at a Colossal, or even an Infernal. During his training, he had been taught to be firm and confident, but not loud. That the emotion and tone mattered more than the words themselves, and if you were too aggressive, they would react in kind. Was Tsume a special one that was able to understand the meaning behind complex sentences? Kaito made a mental note to ask Kantoku about this creature later, and ask if they had been doing something wrong this entire time.
"Kaito?" A familiar voice asked, Kaito turning to the source and finding Etsuko and the seventh platoon leader, Hana, who looked visibly upset at him for a reason he didn't know.
"Etsuko. Hana." Kaito calmly greeted, remembering he wasn't wearing his mask and regretting it as he interacted with those he knew to one he was getting to know.
"Hana. Etsuko." Kageha said, lowering his head as Hana passed them both, Etsuko hesitating before them.
"You're still a scumbag, Kaito." Hana growled, not even returning Kageha's greeting. Not wanting to let her have the last word, Kaito quickly turned on his heel and loudly talked at the moving woman.
"He didn't even tell you where I went, did he?"
"No one cared enough to ask, you self-centered prick!" Hana yelled back without breaking pace, the one who had cared enough to ask slowly going after her.
"B-bye, Kaito." Etsuko simply said, undoubtedly going to act emotional if Kaito responded to her comment with any tone inflection.
"Goodbye, Etsuko." Kaito quietly, and firmly said while he turned his back on her, intent to move forward and investigate a wooden device that had several dozen ropes attached to it. As he heard Etsuko's pace increase, he turned his head to see that she was running off, and that Kageha was jogging to catch up with him.
"What was that about?" Kageha asked.
"Like I said, I used to be a part of the company. More importantly, what's with you and Hana?" Kaito asked, the glare he was receiving being the only answer he needed. "So... that's why you're here. Makes more sense now."
Kaito laughed as he was hit in the arm, the punch only confirming his suspicions. Kaito felt as though he had made a connection with this Kageha, perhaps a connection that could be exploited sometime, he thought as a slow smile formed on his lips.
Back in Kamakessai, Inklings stood around in pairs or groups, making idle conversation in the relaxed atmosphere. The gathering wasn't nearly as big as the festival, which was a good thing, Etsuko thought as she followed Hana through the crowd. Occasionally, Inklings would shout in excitement, the cheers causing a chain reaction of more cheering that was joined by anyone who was passing by.
Etsuko wanted to dwell on her emotions, but she refused to allow them to spoil the mood anywhere near her. She focused on what was important. Hana was pregnant. Emi, and maybe Natsumi, were getting married. This was supposed to be a happy day, and judging by all of the celebrating Inklings, it was one. Just because she felt like a walking bag of garbage didn't mean she had to share her feelings and ruin everyone else's fun.
"My, my! Don't you two look like you're in a hurry?" An old lady called out as they tried to find another path to the larger gathering near where the stage used to be during the festival. Hana turned to the old woman, the words not seeming to connect properly to form a real reaction. Taking over for being polite, Etsuko quickly spoke, not wanting the old woman to feel like she was being ignored.
"We are, ma'am. We're trying to get to General Range. Do you know where he is?" Etsuko asked, fairly certain they both already knew he was the reason the large crowd was even there to begin with, as another set of cheers erupted.
"Please, call me Miss Frog. And yes, I do know! He's right up there. Are you two also trying to get married? I thought it was forbidden for such a thing to happen, but I've been out of touch with the world outside of these walls for a while now!" The old lady laughed like a lunatic at her own joke, Etsuko scoffing away the thought.
"No ma'am. We just have some urgent news for him." Etsuko calmly stated.
"Oh dearie! Hum. If only it was the townsfolk in the way, I could cast a spell and move them all!" Miss Frog laughed again, as if she was part avian creature. Etsuko smiled kindly, but realized that this conversation wasn't doing anything for her, or the nervous at her side. As she turned to look at a paling Hana, she realized another laugh at joined in with Miss Frog's, her mind instinctively telling her to flee.
"Then perhaps I might help!" General Kantoku excitedly called, placing a hand on the old woman's shoulder and patting it softly. "Thank you, Miss Frog."
Etsuko wasn't surprised by the woman jumping in shock, but was by her words.
"Y-you! Get away from me, you monster!" The old woman shouted, drawing the attention of some of the crowd. "You and your evil laughter, you… you!"
Without even saying another word, Kantoku's mask shifted to Etsuko and Hana, his eyes completely hidden within the metal, smiling face. With a single gesture, he pointed to the crowd, and as if by magic, a small gap had opened, a few Inklings disturbed by the elder's outburst now understanding that platoon leaders were trying to get through.
Etsuko didn't want to think about why the general had helped them, only hearing his regular laughter follow as she chased Hana to the front of the crowd. As fellow Inklings and warriors were confused by the movement, most made room or got out of the way as they finally reached the end of the audience.
Etsuko shared a confused look with Emi and Naoki, who had indeed chosen to get wed last, standing together while holding hands in front of their general and his two logistic officers. To the side of the small ceremony, every other platoon leader stood of both companies, right behind commander Kichi and Taiki. Before Hana could charge Range, however, Etsuko grabbed her wrist and dragged the barely resisting scout over to her, huffing as she regained her breath.
"You two made it." Umeko whispered as Etsuko became a living leash. "Did you find out?"
Etsuko nodded once, then shared an awkward look with a few dozen Inklings, each wondering what the hell happened before turning back to Emi, Naoki, and Range.
"Where was I? Right. Okay. 'As our war continues, and our enemies surround us, we look to the future. Today, as we continue to persevere, to celebrate one of the few things that allows us to continue fighting, we find ourselves joyful. Today, we celebrate the bond of two individuals, who have become one. We celebrate for Naoki, and Emi, who have come together and become a bastion of light, in an age where darkness seems surrounding. As their general, and proxy of Strategic Command, I recognize that these two are bound together, by fate, law, and love. Let none break these two apart, or attempt to shatter the bond they have formed this day. Who else recognizes this bond?'"
"Tsuneo, Tomone, Seiji, and Sumiye, of the Logistic Officiary." One of the logistic officers loudly stated.
"Commander Kichi, of the Sixtieth Battle Patrol Company." Commander Kichi called out.
"Then let these two be recognized by our country and kin that Naoki and Emi have formed an unalienable bond. Congratulations." Range spoke, a happy expression plastered on his face as the two kissed in front of them. Etsuko copied the cheer her fellow platoon leaders, every Inkling bearing witness to the event loudly adding their own voices to the cheer. As Emi and Naoki rushed towards them to receive hugs and congratulations, Hana darted to their general as he began to address the crowd.
"Alright, all of you! Show's over! Git! Get out! Scram! I've done over a hundred of these things and my throat hurts so-" Range's shouts suddenly extinguishing. For whatever reason, maybe because their loud and happy leader had just completely silenced himself, the witnesses didn't move, but all directed their gazes towards him. That, or it was because it looked like he was getting a private runner to those who didn't know what Hana looked like, who was covering his entire ear with her hands and she whispered into it.
As she watched Hana take a step away from her lover, Etsuko had to cover her mouth from laughing out loud. Range's eyes were wider than they had ever been, unblinking, and gazing forwards. His entire body looked completely stiff as he turned to face the platoon leader, Etsuko feeling the awkward shifting and confused whispering as they got a full view of Range's face. As they all watched their general, who had always seemed to know what to say at any given moment slowly open his mouth, Etsuko had expected many words to come out, but none did for a time. Their pale warrior merely just kept his mouth open for several very long seconds before he muttered a single word.
"W-what?"
