Just one quick question before we begin the story: does anybody of my loyal fanbase want to make picture or a drawing of this story? I lack a bit in the artistic sector and really want an awesome front page. You can do it about anything in this story. For those willing, thanks in advance! For those just ignoring this or not able to draw very well, the story starts under the line.
After silently getting out of bed without waking Charl up (which is an incredible feat considering the vice grip she had me in), I went back into the living room and opened several screens with various information on them. After looking at the time and emptying the bottle of wine in a last glass, I started skimming through them. I have all night anyhow…
At four in the morning I took a break. Which was necessary considering some of the things I just read. I can't believe it. Al those experiments, torture, death and… abominations that they made. I'm glad that they died soon after the surgeries and injections, no one deserves a fate like that. And the amount of kids they experimented on, where did they even find them? And to finish it all, there was only a survival rate of 0.35%.
"1189 children. Don't they have a shred of humanity left in them?" I muttered softly in a defeated tone.
"That intel hasn't been updated after our escape, so there are even more victims." Alex said in a leveled voice. I looked up at him with sorrowful eyes.
"How many are there then?" I asked while being afraid of the answer.
"They abducted those kids over a course of 8 years. Coupling the average growth index of the abductions with the fact that they're desperately trying to replace us, I'd wager around" we both made the quick math in our heads "Around 1250 children and still counting." Alex finished first.
"Which means that minus us, there are only two, maybe three other survivors on this bloody chunk of earth." I muttered bitterly. Damn, I wish I had more alcohol, so I could at least partly drown my depressive mood.
"How much have you seen of that data?" Alex asked me.
"I've seen how they tested some of the stuff that they injected me with. For every change to my body, at least ten kids have died." I stood up and went to the terrace with the bottle of Chi-chan's scotch that appeared in my hand with a flash. Thanks for storing that one Psycho.
'Don't forget that you owe me a swig as well, even I got sick from the shit they've done.'
I stepped outside with a mental nod and into the cool night air. Man, could really use something to cheer me up right now.
"How many have been sacrificed in order to make sure that I survived?" I wondered out loud.
"Do you really want to know the answer?" Alex asked me cautiously. Not that I blame him, I must look like I could break any moment now.
"Just tell me now, since right now I have the luxury to process everything without having to focus on something more urgent."
"… Very well. If we accumulate the deceased from all the experimental treatments and substances that they gave to you as well, the death toll stops at 217 minors." Alex said grimly. 217 deaths, 217 kids that'll never grow up thanks to those bastards. My hand clenched the bottle tighter. 217 kids died just so that I would stay alive! And why? Just because some old geezers wanted to rival the goddamn IS?! Which bastard thought that it'd be okay to use kids as lab rats?! Didn't they think about the emptiness and pain they'd bring in other people's lives?! I took a large swig of the bottle to stay calm. I passed the bottle to Alex, who put it away.
"Getting drunk won't help anybody Lieutenant. Well, maybe the Deus Project but definitely not our side." He stated calmly. I turned toward him in anger.
"How the fuck can you keep saying things like that calmly, like people's lives don't even matter?! You're acting more like a machine than a human!" I snarled in his face. Alex remained unfazed and simply started talking.
"When you are treated like a machine for a large part of your life, you start to believe that you are one as well. The only thing the Core and Venn changed was that I actually became partially what they wanted me to be. I apologize if I seem disrespectful toward the dead, but when you are forced to watch every experiment they conducted and all the death surrounding them, then you frankly speaking stop giving a fuck after a while. It's the only way to keep a part of your sanity."
After those words I calmed down considerably. He's right, people cope up with tough stuff in different ways. I vent out my anger on everything related, became a habitual thrill seeker and am protective of Charl, Cecilia and Sophie. Alex's heart became just as frozen as his little ice trick. I leaned with my back against the railing and watched the few visible stars in the sky.
"Like I said earlier this evening, I have the information you seek, but in exchange for that I want political refuge and I will test your worth first." He stated like everything was already decided. Still, the least I can do is listen him out after all the useful things he gave me. Psycho teleported the bottle from the table back into my hand (it's actually a process of rapid de- and dematerialization, but teleporting sounds way cooler), and gave an affirmative grunt. Alex took that as a cue to keep talking.
"Since we both have similar backgrounds and seem able to help each other out, I propose a trade. My utility in certain areas of work, intelligence network and databases for funding for my current and future projects and political refuge and security. That is, if I deem your practical skills satisfactory." I smiled at that proposition. I heard the true intent in between the sophisticated vocabulary he used to socially interact.
"Dude, if you start talking like that, I'll make sure that you'll have the meanest stepmother of all hangovers in the morning."
Alright then, I'll just talk like I always do then.
"I can think of only one way for us to both get what we want, which leaves me with one question; how does Sergeant Benfari sound?" I asked him with a taunting grin and a held out hand. Alex didn't show any emotion on his face, but that twinkle in his eye may suggest happiness… or annoyance, I'm not sure. Don't look at me like that, I ain't friggin Doctor Lightman. For the first time, I saw something else than boredom or annoyance on his face. He shook my hand with a small smile.
"I would've preferred head of Science Development or Intelligence, but I can live with that title for now."
"Well you've gotta work ya way up man. I started out as a merc." I said with a small laugh. Alex let out a chuckle as well before heading back inside.
"I'm going to sleep a bit more, so I guess I'll see you at the breakfast table, sir." He said with a small dismissing wave of his hands. I merely turned around and started to admire the skyline of Paris. What I wouldn't give to ride with my bike on the nightly streets of this place. Now where is that bottle, I have a crazy idea and am not nearly drunk enough for it.
"Oh no, I am NOT letting you do that! We'll have enough trouble as it is when we return to IS Academy!"
"Oh shut up woman, we're already standing knee deep in shit anyways, so we might as well do it. How much worse could it get?!"
"Ugh, Superstes please try to talk some sense in them. This is madness!"
"Madness? THIS… IS-"
"Finish that joke and I swear to god that I'll kick you into the deepest hole that can be made in his subconscious."
Blocking out the bickering G and Psycho, I turned my attention to Superstes. What do you think of the idea partner?
"… It fits in a weird way, but I understand why G is so cautious. Do it or do it not, the choice remains in your hands."
I opened a screen and pictured the drawing in my head. Satisfied with the projected result I jumped over the railing after leaving behind a note that I'd be back by noon at most. And that they could always send me a grocery list, since I'm out anyways. I landed with quite a soft thud thanks to my wings, and walked into the Capitol of Love with a spring in my step thanks to the alcohol. Thanks to the drinks I had, I didn't notice the worried look a certain blonde sent me from the balcony. So kids, when you drink, try and stay at least partially sober so you notice stuff like that.
I arrived back at Charl's apartment building around 11.30 with the groceries she asked me to pick up, a newspaper with some very satisfying news in it and a fresh bandage around my left arm. But damn, it stings like hell!
"You know what they say man, no pain, no gain! Still, we would've already caused a shitstorm upon our return at the Academy. Now it's gonna be a full blown hurricane thanks to your kid and decoration."
And let's not forget the fact that Chifuyu destroyed my bike! I will have my revenge so that she can rest in peace/"pieces".
… Seriously, you're screwing with my internal monologues as well?
"Since I'm a part of you, it's technically also my monologue smartass."
… Superstes, if you would you be so kind.
"So that's how it is, silencing people who express freedom of speech, you dicta-MPH *CRASH**BANG*"
Thank you very much Superstes. What's up with G? She feels kinda down.
"She's brooding over the fact that you didn't listen to her and went ahead with your plan."
G, you know why I did this, don't be mad. Besides, the guy did a pretty damn good job in just three hours. But, as most women do when they're pissed off, she remained brooding in her own little world. I pushed the door open with a leg and got to see Charl giving a suspicious look at my left arm. More specifically, the bandage around my left arm. Now let's see, what shall I do?
What shall we do with the drunken whaler?,
What shall we do with the drunken whaler?,
What shall we do with the drunken whaler?,
Early in the morning?
Stuff him in a sack and throw him overboard,
Stuff him in a sack and… THIS AIN'T THE TIME TO BE SINGING SAILOR SONGS YOU IDIOT!
"Harukaaa…" And that does NOT sound good. Not at all, no. I looked at Charl with an innocent smile.
"Don't worry, I got everything you asked for. Shall I help you prepare lunch?" I asked in a friendly tone while heading towards the kitchen. Charl trailed right behind me with an innocent smile that somehow spelled doom and torture. Trying to ignore the dreadful, yet charming smile I put everything where it should be under Charl's instructions. Alex walked toward us and picked the newspaper up after seeing the headlines, taking it with him towards the table.
"Have you seen what stood in the newspaper, sir? There seems to be quite a ruckus around your father." Alex said while skimming the article with mild interest. I couldn't suppress the smirk that came on my face.
"I already have a decent idea about what it could be, but you may always tell us." I said quite cheerfully. Alex looked at me with a knowing look before announcing something I've been waiting for quite a while.
"It appears that your father's gambling debts came to light and how he sold you to a human trafficker in order to pay off his debt. They even have a photo of the contract with some of the confidential intel blurted out. " Alex stated neutrally. My smirk turned into a Cheshire Smile. Let's see what you're gonna do about this 'Father'.
Now let's rewind the time two days in order to find out what has been happening in Japan. While the gears of fate started turning in France, they also set in motion a series of events in Japan that would show a man's true color and teach him who his true friends shall be. But for that, we'll have to return to the moment one man left to fulfill what thought to be his duty.
(Ichika's POV)
"Haruka!" I yelled at his fading form as he made a dome around the pulsating Cores. Goddammit, why does he always have to play the goddamn hero? It's almost like he wants to die. We all stood around the dome, waiting for it to either dissipate or a boom, but neither came. What did came out of the fading dome surprised us all. I saw the fading image of two persons, one looking bored and the other smiling sadly.
"-O, NO! Don't disappear again!"
The way that he yelled it in a defeated and desperate tone together with that defeated and shocked look on his face, that's something I'll never be able to forget. That moment I learned that even the strongest and most stalwart people could be broken. And when they do… only then you'll be able to grasp the meaning behind the word despair. Still, it's strange to see Haruka like that. He's stubborn, easygoing, rude, sadistic, can't stand authority, and attracts trouble like no other… but still he cares for people and helps them without asking anything in return… most of the time at least. I looked to my side and saw that Cecilia was worried as well, not really knowing what to do. I nudged her softly and motioned with my head towards Haruka. She got the message and comforted him together with Superstes, bringing him to the bright idea to suddenly leave the Academy. It seems like Chifuyu-nee realizes this as well. Knowing her, she'll head for the gates to stop him there. I better go and see if I can't help.
I still owe that bastard for the Shiro Kyodais. That and Chifuyu-nee is probably gonna maim him if she gets the chance.
…
I knew it. Chifuyu-nee was waiting for him at the gates with a vibro-katana from the Uchigane, and Haruka's just going straight for it. I started running after him, materializing Yukihira while closing in. Crouching under a flying part of the engine, I deflected the blade and forced it to assail towards the earth, giving Haruka the time to escape. Chifuyu-nee first looked at me in surprise, but after a few seconds it turned into rage.
"What do you think you're doing, Ichika!?" she yelled at me with extreme killing intent. I could feel the smirk creeping onto my face. I'm hanging out too much with Haruka, if I start laughing in this kind of situation is any kind of index. I'm still scared though, my sister's killing intent is nothing to laugh at.
"Just doing what is right Chifuyu-nee." I stated more calmly then expected. I jumped backwards and broke the sword lock (is that even a term?) and dematerialized Yukihara.
"YOU FREAKING IDIOT! WHY DID YOU ASSIST HIM IN RUNNING?!" Chifuyu-nee yelled at me.
Master, Haruka-san opened a comm link between us.
Thanks for the heads up Byakushiki.
"Because you have no grounding reason to stop him." I stated calmly. Again, where is the confidence coming from?
"And how do you know that?!" Chifuyu barked at me.
"Oh yeah, I did show you those parts of the contract didn't I?" Haruka stated in a question over the comm link… Is that even legal grammar?
"What do you mean, Garisaka?" Chifuyu nearly growled at me. Hey, the guy you should be growling at is already at least 10 miles away.
"Well, it was a lovely Friday evening after our usual training…"
And then came the usual when you talk to Kurasabe Haruka; A lot of digression, frustration and a head ache. I just silently left after the comm link suddenly shut off. I really feel sorry for him, for when he returns only a miracle can save him. I slowed down my pace when I saw Cecilia at the entrance, looking at the sunset with a rueful look. Before I realized it myself, I started talking to her.
"Don't worry, he'll come back, his AIs will make sure of that." I said with a calm smile. Cecilia just looked at me with a sad smile.
"That I do not doubt. The question is, will he be the same Haruka that we know or will he be a different person?" I wanted to answer that question, but her eyes looked like she knew something more.
"What do you mean?" I asked curiously.
"He talks in his sleep. Mostly in French though, but what was the most recurring was the same sentence. 'Je suis desolé Charl, je te suis raté'. A little while ago I looked up what it meant. What he was mumbling in his sleep turned out to be an apology. 'I'm sorry Charl, I failed you.'" Cecilia gave me a moment to let that sink in. the gears started turning in my head and I got what she meant.
"So what you mean is that the fading hologram he yelled at-"
"-was one of this 'Charl' and he or she probably was also a victim of the same group that kidnapped him."
"So you're scared of that Charl then?" I asked.
"I'm not afraid of that person, I'm afraid of the effect he'll have on Haruka. If he comes back, will he be the same, or will he be changed under the burden of his past?" Cecilia asked me.
"You're wrong, he's still chained to his past." I stated. Cecilia looked surprised at me. "He's protective, helps us getting stronger and tries to take on most of his problems by himself. Because he thinks he failed Charl he's is trying to compensate it by shutting down the project that took the two of them. Knowing him, he won't end there." I said with a sad smile. It's sad isn't it? You escape from one hell, just to drown yourself in another just to keep others safe.
The next morning in class, everybody was staring at me and not in the usual way.
"Did you hear? Orimura-kun helped Ichinose-san escape by confronting Orimura-sensei head-on!"
"I heard that he even managed to push back sensei a bit."
"No way! He's that strong?!"
"Uhu, I've seen Orimu and Sarge fight once in the Dojo. They are both reeeaaallly strong!"
He's already a Lieutenant, Honne. Still, those rumours seem to have spread the school way faster than anticipated. I go out of my thoughts when I saw a knife creating ripples a few inches away from me. I see now why Haruka keeps his shields always deployed. I looked up to see a glaring Laura looking back at me.
"Can I help you with something Bodewig-san?" I asked politely.
"I DO NOT RECOGNIZE SOMEONE AS WEAK AS YOU! I HEREBY CHALLENGE YOU TO A FIGHT!"
And the next chapter is finally here! I'm really sorry about not updating any sooner, but life was more of a bitch than usual. Anyways, I hope we can all put that behind us and throw away… those…pitchforks…pwetty please? No? WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!
*angry mob chasing Kurasabe*
Haruka:… wanna do the reviews?
Psycho: Meh, why not?
Xbamsod: Psycho: You're gonna have to wait a bit longer for the chaos, but when it happens it'll come in twofold. Man, that guy is gonna do some weird stuff.
Haruka: "Do I even want to know?"
lajoie21: Psycho: what happens next is the usual chaos and mayhem that explodes around us. That, a few touching moments and maybe a threesome.
Haruka: Say wut?
Psycho: just kidding man, just kidding.
AKOSI AGATAR: "I used one friggin senteeeennceee!" yelled the author while running into the sunset, chased by a horde of angry fans.
GhostStryker92: Psycho: it's gonna be interesting, suspicious and overall an investigation more thorough than the ones the CIA and MI6 do.
DarkMeddler: Haruka: we're still keeping it a bit light for the moment, but when it gets serious, prepare for dem feels.
Cor Strike FX: Psycho: maybe if they asked with puppy dog eyes and REEEAAALLY friendly, they might have… why are you looking at me like that?
Archangel Azrael: Haruka: the song isn't that bad fits pretty well with the situation. Not bad Archangel, not bad.
Psycho: And you know what they say, trouble always comes in double. So the huge explosion is gonna be bigger than the one a school full of drama queens could produce with their menstrual cycles synced… too much?
Haruka: Ya think?
Anyways that's all folks, until next time!
And in case you haven't read it on the top, it would be awesome if a skilled artist could make a cover for this story n.n