Chapter 9: A New Comrade and an Old Friend
I explored the Old City on my own, the thoughts of my current mission floating in my head. We were to split up and head to four sections of the area within the city to hunt down the targets: 1 Kongou and 3 Zygotes. I was located at the west side of the city, Sakuya the east, Soma the south and Kota the north. While I was confident in my teammates' abilities, I was a bit worried since two of them were Long range Gods Eaters. Once I have located one of the targets, I planned to regroup as soon as possible. Soma could handle things alone no problem and Sakuya could take care of herself for a while, so that left Kota who shot his flashy bullets a little too often and leaving himself dry of Oracle Points in a matter of seconds. With that in mind, I kept a lookout for any signs of Aragami. A roar in the distance soon caught my attention as a Kongou revealed itself, saliva dripping as it watched me hungrily. Apparently, it thinks I looked more delectable than the others and decided to come after me first…
Ain't I the lucky one?
Sarcastic comment aside, I should inform the others. "This is Helsing, I found the Kongou! What's your status?" The sound of battle that came as a response pretty much told me that the Zygotes had found my teammates. I was pretty much on my own for now and decided to focus on the task at hand. I had to keep the Kongou busy for as long as I can until one of my teammates can pitch in. Having fought the Kongou before, I knew what it could do and that gave me an advantage. Dodging the air bullets it shot my way, I attacked the Kongou as much as I can before retreating and firing Spark Bullets at it. Being weak to Spark, the Aragami roared in pain before falling flat to the floor. Grinning, I activated Predator Mode and was about to devour it when…
"Look out behind you!"
I wasn't sure where the warning came from, but complied and looked behind to see a Zygote coming my way. It was just like the description, a large eye at the top along with the statue of the woman at the bottom. Jumping out of the way, I also remembered that the Zygote has wide vision and acute hearing, which means my battle with Kongou alerted it to my presence. Not only that, if one of them had seen me it would alert all the Aragami in the area to my location. Great, things will get messy, that's for sure. I soon noticed Soma running towards me, "Soma, concentrate on the Zygote! We got another two incoming so let's save the Kongou for last!" Soma nodded, "Got it!" Swinging the large Buster Blade, he attacked the Zygote and smashed it into the ground.
Ouch, I sure wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of that weapon. I wonder how much damage I could do with a weapon like that?
"Strength alone isn't enough, child."
I looked around again, trying to figure out where the voice was coming from. Oh man, someone please tell me I'm not hallucinating! Damn it, I can't afford to snap now of all times! An air bullet passing by soon brought me out of my reverie. "What are you doing! Get your head out of the clouds and fight!" Soma shouted while blocking an attack from the Kongou. Not needing another telling off, I cleared my thoughts and focused on the fight. True to my earlier prediction, the other two zygotes soon joined the fray, followed by Kota and Sakuya. Things aren't looking good. "Focus on Zygotes, save the Kongou for last!" I shouted. Everyone was too busy fighting to answer but they followed my idea.
The Zygotes alone were just nuisances but can cause quite a bit of damage as a group, especially when a stronger Aragami is present. We had to kill them first, quite a chore when we have Kongou blasting and pounding us. I switched to Gun mode and fired at the Kongou, hopefully to get its attention away from my teammates. Soma quickly took down one of the Zygotes while Sakuya managed to shoot down another. Kota however was focused on the Kongou, "I got this!" I nodded and looked around for the last Zygote but I could find it. "Where did it go?" I mumbled. It was then I noticed some movement near the buildings behind Kota, "What?" I looked towards Kota and spotted the Zygote right behind him! Damn it, it must have used building as cover. "Kota, behind you!" I ran full speed towards Kota and managed to strike it out of the air, but not before it used a smoke attack on me. Coughing, I tried to reach for a Recovery Pill when a large Air Bullet hit me from behind. Everyone shouted for me to get away, but I didn't have enough energy to move. As a result, the next attack got me incapacitated.
As I fell, I heard my teammates calling my name. I wanted to get back up, I had to, but the damage I took was severe. Lying on the ground, I soon lost consciousness as the whole world around me turned to black. Damn it!
"Such recklessness breeds danger. Was such an action truly called for?"
Oh, shut up. I am in no mood to be dealing with imaginary voices inside my head.
"You think of me as a mere conception of your mind? No, my child. While it is true that I am speaking through your mind, I am as real as you are."
Oh… Wait, what?
"I have been waiting for a long time for you to hear my voice, for you are different than the others in more ways than one. While I am glad that the opportunity has arisen, it is unfortunate that it should happen under… dire circumstances."
Dire? I've been in a much worse situation than this, and I certainly did not hear any voices talking to me then!
"While I would like to continue this conversation, it would have to wait, for it is time that you re-join the battlefield. Best of luck to you, child."
What? Hey, wait a minute!
"Get up!" A familiar voice came to my ears as I regain consciousness. Feeling a bit dazed, I shook my head and turned to look at my rescuer. "Soma, you saved my life?" The words came out of their own violation, I swear! "You got problem with it, rookie?" Soma asked me while giving a blunt stare. I shook my head, "No, just surprised. Appreciate the save." Hearing a grunt as a reply, I got up and noticed that all of the Zygotes were down and the Kongou was nowhere in sight. In fact, neither Kota nor Sakuya were around as well. I look at Soma with a puzzled look, "Where is everybody?" Soma pointed in the direction of the church, "After you went down, I managed to inflict a deep wound on the Kongou. Then, it disengaged and fled to the church to recuperate. That idiot you saved went after it immediately and Sakuya went after him. Let's go already, we don't need another close-casualty" Nodding my head, I brought up my God Ac and headed straight for the church. We soon met up with Sakuya and Kota, who were watching the Kongou feeding. When she noticed us, Sakuya waved and placed a finger on lips, a sign to keep silent. Nodding our heads, we quickly and quietly regrouped. "Are you alright?" she whispered. "When we get rid of that thing and go home, I will be" was my reply. And with that in mind, we launched an all-out attack on the Kongou.
Once it was over, Kota patted my back, "That was close one, I thought we lost you." Soma glared at him, "If he didn't take on that Zygote earlier, it would have been you lying on the ground!" Kota winced at this while I remained silent. Soma soon turned to me, "And you, you can't go saving everyone in front of you just because you're a Gods eater! Everybody dies and you can't save them all!" I looked at Soma and shrugged, "I know, but I don't intend to stop trying." The white-haired youth sighed, "Fine, risk your life for your comrades. Just don't end up like Eric!" and then left for the evacuation point. As expected, Kota did not like how Soma acted, "Man, what's his problem?" Sakuya shook her head, "Don't think about it too much, that's just the way he is."
An hour later… Back at the Den
Once we got back, we were greeted by Lindow, who apparently managed to finish his "secret date" early… Yeah, till not buying that last part.
Sakuya was the first to greet him, "So you made it back before us. Good work today." Lindow haves us a smile, "Yeah, I managed to wrap things up early. How'd you guys do?" This time, it was Soma who responded, "As per your command – the same as usual." Sakuya nodded her head, "Right, we finished our mission and didn't lose anyone." Kota jumped in, "You should've seen us! Brilliant teamwork – we were so tight!" Soma scoffed, "I don't remember you being of much use." Sorry, Kota. But I'm with Soma on that one. Lindow smiled, "Is that right? Then I guess it won't hurt to go on more dates in the future." Upon hearing this, Kota asked, "Aren't you supposed to hook me up with some girls first?" Hearing this, Lindow smirked, "Huh! Right, like you'll be able to handle a girl."
Err… Lindow? That was totally uncalled for. I can tell from Sakuya's face that the statement hit a nail where it shouldn't be. Fortunately, an announcement arrived and distracted us from the current situation, "Staff announcement. Earlier today, the 7th Unit successfully detached the core of an Ouroboros. All engineers, please come to Lab No. 5. Repeat, Ouroboros Core successfully, please come to Lab No. 5." The news was certainly a shocking one at that. 'Ouroboros, a uniquely-shaped huge Aragami with innumerable tentacles and known as the Conqueror of the Plains, its body is the size of a mountain.' I'd never imagine anyone would be able to take down an Ouroboros, let alone extract the core. Since the announcement just came, it must be not too long ago, I wonder who… Wait a minute, the only team that was sent out during that period of time was us! And since we were sent to take out minor Aragami, then that means… I shot a look of surprise and awe at Lindow, who confirm my suspicion by holding a finger to his lips. I made a note to myself to ask him about it in private when…
"What's an Ouroboros? Is it powerful?" Leave to Kota to ask the naïve questions… Okay, that was rude but close to the truth anyways. And if I'm not mistaken, then Soma will… "It'll pop up if you search the terminal. Do your homework once in a while!" Yup, right on queue. Sakuya showed a look of worry, "Well, I uh… really don't think the 4 of us are ready to take it on yet…" Kota looked surprised, "Are you serious? Not even a team like ours?" Soma replied, "One or two casualties definitely." I nodded, "Yeah, especially against an enemy as big as mountain." Lindow then said, "Hey, come one. If we can survive somehow, we'll get it one of these days. No need to worry about it now… just focus on staying alive." Sometimes I wonder where that optimism of yours comes from Lindow, yet another thing to ask in private. "You know, that line's getting really old…" Soma said in annoyance. "Right. And I'll say it to you till I'm blue in the face. You'd probably head off to your own death if I wasn't watching." Lindow replied with a serious look on his face. That pretty much got Soma who only said, "Damn you… shut up." Lindow replied with an amused tone, "Oo, yes, sir! Okay, I've got another date coming up, so I'm going for a hearty meal." As Lindow left, Kota and I noticed the change in behavior in Soma and Sakuya. While Kota looked confused, I was pretty much knew the reason why…
A few days later…
"Hey, New-Type, have you ever felt someone's presence around the old office ruins?" I turned around in surprise to see that it was Soma who asked me that question. I thought for a moment, then remembered about the feeling that I was watched not too long ago. Nodding my head, I told him, "Yeah, I felt it. But I checked the whole area at the time, so I thought I was just being paranoid." Soma crossed his arms, "I see… it's usually when I 'm on a solo mission… But if it's a non-Gods Eater… Damn, that means extra work for me… Maybe I'll hand if off to the Research Unit." I scratched my head, "Well, whatever works. Anyway, see you around Soma." I went up to the counter when Hibari said, "Oh Kamino! Lindow was just looking for you! I think he's back in his room now!" Me? Well, I guess I'll find out what he has for me, and get some answers along the way.
…
Lindow greeted me as I entered his room, "Hey Kamino… I have a favor to ask of you…" I was pretty confused by this, "A favor? What kind are we talking about exactly?" Lindow frowned, "Well… A new Gods Eater will be assigned to this branch soon. Probably another New-Type God Arc user." Now this I didn't expect, "Another New-Type? Does that mean having me is not enough?" Lindow shrugged, "Not sure really. You've been doing very well lately, so I doubt it has anything to do with you. I can't prove it, but our director seems to be gathering New-Type Gods Eaters to the Far East Branch. Which brings me to my request. If he ever says anything about that to you, could you let me know?" …. Huh? "Err… why couldn't you ask him yourself instead having me be the middle-man?" I asked. Lindow gave a blank look, "Sure, but I find it hard to talk to that guy. Only if you feel like it, by the way. If it's confidential, you don't need to reveal it, but I'll give you a reward for that." As I left the room, I frowned to myself. It seems there's a lot more going on here that it appears on the surface… It was not until I was in the elevator when it hit me…
Doh! I forgot to ask about the Ouroboros!
The next day…
After having my breakfast, I walked towards the elevator as I dwelled on what Lindow had told me yesterday. I never heard anything about another New Type coming to the Far East Branch, nor did I hear anything from the Director… Actually, come to think of it, I remember hearing that the Director went to the Russia branch a couple of weeks ago. I thought it was for business, but if Lindow is right…
"Hey Kamino!" I looked around and saw Lindow walking towards me, "Hey Lindow, what is it?" Lindow smirked, "Well, big sis… I mean Tsubaki said to gather at the entrance. Apparently we have a new recruit assigned to our team." I look at Lindow, "You think it's the New-Type from Russia?" My team leader grinned, "Figured that out, huh? Yeah, most probably since you were assigned to me as well." I shrugged, "One way to find out for sure." We then made our way to the entrance and met with Sakuya, Soma and Kota along the way.
A few minutes later, I overheard people gossiping among themselves, one of them I recognized as Licca;
"Did you hear? They're assigning another New-Type."
"Oh? That's news to me. There's been a flood of New-Types lately, huh?"
"I hear the director brought her over himself, from the Russia Branch."
I didn't catch the rest of it since the elevator opened at that moment. Tsubaki left it along with a familiar looking girl…. When I looked at her face, I felt my eyes widened with surprise at the familiar sight. Tsubaki announced, "I have an introduction to make. This is a New-Type recruit: she'll be joining your ranks today." The girl then spoke, "Nice to meet you. My name is Alisa Illinichina Amiella. As of 1200 hours today, I've been transferred here from the Russia Branch. I look forward to working with you." Kota spoke with a little- too much enthusiasm, "Hey, girls are more than welcome here anytime!" Alisa glared at him, "I'm amazed that you've survived so long around here with that frivolous attitude." I chuckled, "That's because I always had to pull his ass out of the fire… for more times than I can count." Stepping forward, I smiled at Alisa, who gasped as she immediately recognized me, "Hey Alisa, it's been a while. Nice to see you're doing well."
"Kamino..!" Alisa cried out before catching herself. Coughing slightly, she spoke again in formal tone, "I mean, it's nice to see you again. I see you have succeeded in achieving your dream to become a Gods Eater?" I feigned hurt, "Ouch, that was harsh. But, yeah I did." Tsubaki along with the rest of my team looked at us, she then asked, "Are the two of you acquainted with each other?" I nodded my head, "Yup, I met Alisa while I was in Russia." Tsubaki nodded, "I see… Anyway, she doesn't have much experience in actual combat, but her scores in the simulated battle were quite stellar. You'd better train hard, or she'll soon surpass you." I wasn't sure who that last was it was directed for, but judging by how she was looking at Kota, I could get the idea. Tsubaki then continued, "Alisa, I want you serve under Lindow's supervision. Understood?" Alisa nodded, "Yes, Ma'am." Tsubaki then turned to Lindow, "Lindow, I need to hand off some documents to you, so come with me. The rest of you can go back to your quarters. That is all."
As brother and sister left, Alisa then approached, "So Kamino, would you happen to be the New-Type here?" As I nodded my head, Alisa smiled, "I see… then we are both New-Types." Sakuya then said, "My my, aren't the two of you close?" Kota then chipped in, "No fair! How did you get the hot-transfer!" Oh for the love… Can't I catch up with an old friend in peace! I soon noticed Alisa's face was pretty flustered, "I-It's not like that! Kamino and I just friends! Right?" She turned to me for support. Deja vu, I swear this has happened before... Nodding my head, my thoughts soon shifted to my conversation with Lindow yesterday. Why would the director need more New-Types for? Even if it was for the sake of the Aegis Project, this is a little… unless it's something else.
Well, no point worrying about it now. At the least, things would be a little more lively around here.
…
And done, finally! Sorry for the wait, I had projects and assignments, not to mention exams coming soon! So don't expect any updates for the next two weeks, sorry!
Besides that, I'm also working on another story, Noble Wolf. But even that, has to wait.
By the way, who do you think my character should end up with? Usually people have already pick their pair, but I'd like to see what other people decide.