A/N: Here's an update for a two months vacation! Sweet~! Although, I'm not really sure if I can update fast, since I'm still trying to finish Black Rose first lol. I hope you won't get confused at the end, and please tell me what you think about the switching and stuff. I'm very grateful for the reviews last time, guys; and thank you, too, for a grammar lesson, Chiio-chan. ;3 To Sirdimsum for the fave, cheers!
This chapter will explain some questions you're probably thinking.
Warning: Possible character deaths, swearing, loose humor around the phone–freak and her brother (which is seriously lame, I know), violence, and a long chapter ahead.
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Previously on Going Up...
I, Rin Kagamine, was an orphan even before Gakupo Kamui and Len Kagamine found me.
The only difference is that I became an orphan the second time they found me. The home that brought me up, the parents that cared for me, the brothers and sisters I once had – the first family I ever had – were taken from me at a war where there are only two sides – the 'white' and the 'black' – and I was caught in between both. I was in 'gray'.
I swore to fight for everyone in the 'white' side, together with my partner, Len Kagamine, and when things turned upside down because of that day, I came back in 'gray'. But, it didn't stop me from doing everything I can for everyone in my power.
Recently, we just came back to our own camp from a battle a few hours ago, led by Kamui Gakupo himself, a retired high–ranked military man, together with his sister, Megumi Gakupo, who was in charge of peace talks and stands as Gakupo's helper in our , since we were once dogs of the military, it's not like we're bloodthirsty and stuff or anything – in fact, we didn't really want to stand out and just live our normal days like we used to do before that day, but we had no choice. I saw its benefits to us, and followed Gakupo–san's lead as always, indeed. If this war continued, the camp will probably be in big danger in the near future, and I wouldn't really want that to happen. I was thankful that Len agreed to take part in a meddling we'd never done in years, even though he didn't really like the idea in the beginning.
What shocked me the most was what Gakupo–san told me behind this war in secrecy, and even though it was a bit surprising, I can't help but to feel good about it. Help is coming. Hands are reaching. Our survival is ensured.
And as we were on the vehicles those people sent to us, going to the battlefield, I can't help but to also feel bad, as I gazed at Len, out of the corner of my eye.
"Rin, if you want to make this happen, you shall never tell Len a word about what we've discussed, understood? The kid will be a little tough and rough to handle if he knew about this thing without knowing the reasons on his own way. He'll be hard on himself more and on everyone… I just wish he'll realize it sooner and stop living in the need his cooperation on this, Rin, and I also need yours, especially yours. Please, don't tell him yet, because I will tell him this on the right time that you won't have to worry about."
With the promise, I glanced away from Len and into the raging battle with different people on different sides. Grabbing my gun from the black strap on my right leg, I extended it as I jumped out of the moving vehicle that drove us to the chaos. That's what started it all.
However, little did I know that there were also other sides besides from white, black, and gray – the color which chose nothing at the three...
"Time to go~!" I playfully said as I stood up, stretching my limbs as I look upon the once breathtaking view before me. The next thing I knew, everything around me became blurry, and I only heard the sounds of gunshots and attacks.
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Minutes before...
"Don't blame me if your bloody guts come out later, asshole!"
Miki was so damn loud. I put the bottle I've slipped from the tent on my side, hanging from my belt.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever," shrugging my shoulders, I mumbled, as I waved my hand to shoo her away. It was a great relief to walk out of that damned tent to get away from that obnoxious nurse. Was she even called a 'nurse'? She's a wrestler in a white suit for crying out loud. The tomboy almost killed me with those suffocating bandages and scissors of death, and she only called 'that' a 'medication'? No wonder why children here are scared for life.
"Would you look at that, Rin's here~! Need a hand to take your brains out, too?"
I stopped for a second, and turned around. I saw Miki eating her stocked cherries, and her attention on someone.
"Kagamine, huh…?" I muttered lowly under my breath, as soon as I saw the blonde, who, like a kid, was poking her brains out. What a perfect timing like always and that I have to thank her for. Quickly, I walked briskly out of the area, with my radar on to scan if Miki's following me, and I went to the lot.
Away from the tent, I headed north, where my beloved and my precious were probably located. I just felt that they were in that place, and my instincts told me that I'm right. I must retrieve them both at once. I really feel uncomfortable and uneasy without them, let alone not seeing them for a minute makes me feel a little bit… afraid. I shrugged, as I shook those thoughts. The word 'afraid' isn't part of Second–in–Command Len Kagamine's vocabulary, and I really need to check my precious in there, especially when that scraps–freak is around...
"OW!"
"OUCH!"
I ceased in my tracks, backed off a few steps and looked for where those small yelps came from – and I realized that it was in front of me. I approached the sources and saw the kids who were planking on the ground. They must've bumped into the unalarmed me and planked on the sand when I stepped back. As expected of the 'troubled' child – me…
Anyway, the kids sat, rubbed their eyes and sniffled. I sighed, and I felt tense in the atmosphere. Oh no, this isn't good. I crunched my eyebrows, thinking of how to manage this thing with kids. I'm bad at interaction with adults, except with Gakupo, and I guess that Miriam is counted, but most of all, I know that I'm even worse when it comes to children.
Uh, what am I supposed to do in this kind of situation again? I observed everyone around me, if ever someone noticed. Good thing they're all busy and are working. I heard cries below me, and my sight turned to the crying kids. A cat–headed girl opened her mouth, and I knew this was really going down. Waving my hands, I hushed her and just about she'll wail, I kneeled beside them and looked them in the eyes. They stopped, barely holding their cries, and waited for me.
Now, what? Panicking, I thought.
In the past, Gumi always scolded me whenever I tried to help a kid in our missions in provinces and such. Once, in a lowly province we visited, there was this kid who screamed loudly than Miki and sobbed about his mother, who at the meantime, was out and taking care of her husband. The woman saw me outside, while I was patrolling and called me to take care of her child for her for a while. Gumi was there, passing by and agreed, grabbing me. Inside their tent, while Gumi was tending to the child's needs, I was pissed off by the kid's "Mommy, Mommy!" and snapped. Later, Gumi was holding the crying kid and was scolding me, cursing her brother on how he "was making you Gakupo II, too". I was seriously pissed off. I mean, I just greeted the boy with a friendly look and said gently as I could, "Would you stop whining, kid? A real man doesn't cry, so shut the hell up, will you? Grow up already. Be a man. You're already six."
What's wrong with that? I was six when my mother was already gone to heaven, you see. So, basically, if I do the same, I'll be damned by Gumi and disgraced by Gakupo. Great siblings, huh. Moving back to the situation, the girls can't keep it anymore. They're going to burst soon, and I needed to do a thing.
"U–Um…" I started, and tried to touch them, but kept my hand to myself. They might continue to cry. "Um… Uh, so… W–Where does it hurt? Tell me. I won't bite, okay, so tell me freely. I'll treat you both."
The two exchanged gazes and pointed to where they're hurting. I nodded, and got an extra white bandage, and cured them. It's not as much as Miki does, but it'll do. I helped them both up, and patted the dust off their clothes. While making them good as new, I broke the awkward silence.
"I'm sorry that you're both had scrapes. I should had been paying more attention while walking. Those wounds will take days to heal, so don't ever scratch them if they're itchy or the cut will open again, alright?" I stood up, ready to go.
"Um…" the black–haired girl started, as I paused and I looked at her. "C–Can I call you 'Len–nii', instead of Kagamine–san? I'm Yuki Kaai, by the way! You can call me 'Yuki–chan' in place for 'Len–nii', please!"
"M–Me, too…!" the other girl talked, too. "Len–nii, Iroha Nekomura here, at your service, too! You can call me 'Iroha-chan'!"
I gulped, and blinked. No one, even kids, tried to approach me like this. They usually like the other Kagamine better. With a quick simper of satisfaction, I turned away from them, and said, "Do whatever you like," and the two squealed. I saw someone approaching, so quickly, I dismissed and went off, leaving them, as if I never talked to them. This had happened before, and I knew better, but to continue to go to the lot now.
"Iroha, Yuki, what did you just do? That lad will surely be angry with you, with such inconvenience you two gave him! Don't go disturb him again!"
"But, you're wrong! We saw Len–nii smiled at us! Len–nii doesn't mind! He's a very nice onii–san!"
"Ah, you kids, day–dreaming again! Go take your nap now!That boy will never be like that…"
"No! We don't want to–" …Too much , after a brisk walk, I entered the lot, and I checked every vehicle 're not really vehicles, but the remaining scraps and parts of vehicles. Cars, bikes, we got there's my boy, which I really need to find before it's too late.
"Look who's here! Is the mission over already, Len–kun?" I heard Meito behind me, and quickly, I paused searching around.
"Well, it isn't, if I weren't here and I'm not talking to you alive, right?" I said sarcastically, and continued to search, walking from row to row. The brunet caught up to me, and grinned sheepishly, saying, "Good point!"
"Whatever," I mumbled back, and I cut the chase, stopping in my tracks. "Okay, you scraps–freak, enough acting innocent and distracting me, where the hell did you put my Fenrir?"
He should be the one to know, since Meito is the genius of all existing technology and scraps in this technology–related thing we have here was made by him, through remaining scraps and junk. Now, you know about the 's also the one who manages the lot, and the one who has an interest in my boy. If I got anymore pissed if he ever touched Fenrir, I'll turn his little laboratory tent into ashes.
"Ouch, Len–kun!" he cried, feigning hurt by me, "You, out of all people, suspect me for getting Fenrir–chan? I'm your best friend, dude, don't you remember! I would never, ever–"
"Cut the drama, Meito, and get over with it," I glared at him. "And for your information, Fenrir is a boy."
"Geez, stiffer than stiffs back home! Lighten up, sometimes, Lenny," the brunet sighed, smiled and leaded me where my boy is. "Anyway, I'm very glad to see you again."
"Stop calling me that. Don't expect that I'm glad to see you."
"Okay, okay, I understand, alright," Meito said, but I still glared at him, and went to my Fenrir, once we found him at the corner of the a black, sleek–bodied motorcycle given to me by Gakupo as a gift, for my twelfth birthday. Ever since, I took care of it, and never let anyone touch it, except a few acquaintances if necessary. I touched the said vehicle, and hopped on it, missing the feel of riding out. Then, I realized that something's missing… I turned around, and stared at Meito.
"What?" he asked, but I still looked at him. "Look, I'm not that in love with Fenrir like you, so stop treating me like your enemy, okay? Seriously, I'm your best friend, Len–kun, and best friends don't kidnap their best friend's wives!"
"For now, since he's here, I'll believe you–"
"Dude, just believe me in a natural way a normal human would, alright."
I gave him an icy glare for breaking my moment. He shrugged, "Sorry, sorry," and gave me something. My shotgun, the shotgun my parents used to have, the shotgun which protected many lives, and that which helped them go to heaven. I grabbed it from Meito and checked it. Sparkly clean, inside and out. Safe and secured. Good. He didn't tinkle with it that much. If it's ever lost, I swear I'd commit suicide in an instant.
"Yeah, yeah, I know how you like it, Len, so I did it the 'Len way style', you know," Meito grinned widely. I made Fenrir roar, and faced it to the exit. With the strip of my shotgun, I hanged it around my body, and swing the gun behind my back. "Hey, you're going already! Does Miki know about this? You still probably need to rest!"
"I will rest," I said, readying myself for a hot ride, as I flipped my brown scarf around my neck and use it to hide the half of my face, except for my eyes. "That tomboy already knew. Besides, she won't be able to restrain me, like you now. …See you later, Meito–'kun'."
"Hey, wait…!"
I sped off and left the camp to my place in another way – a place away from the noise, secluded in peace. It was a place located outside the camp, just several meters away from the laundry zone, which I don't prefer to hang out. This place was once a meadow, with a green forest, outside the 'unfortunate city' our camp is residing now. Well, if you look at this now, you won't recognize that it was once a masterpiece of nature. It's a masterpiece of ruins today, see. But, it didn't change the fact that it's still my favorite place, since it really makes me feel like I'm home, because of some of the plants that survived and all.
Hopping down from Fenrir, I walked towards that familiar symbol of strength and sturdiness. I got my bottle of water and poured some of its contents on its roots. Immediately, the old plant sipped the cold water through its thick roots. Under its shade, I sat, shut my eyes and rested against it. It's a miracle how this old tree survived the unbelievable weather changes and change in its environment. It's a good thing that the loam soil in this part of the whole area didn't die. The other surviving plants live beside this tree. They're admirable, that they're struggling to live, even if there's no water, too much amount of sunlight and no hope.
I sighed. Why the hell did I help Japan earlier? Was that because it's my country? I swear I won't fight for anything, except my camp again, didn't I? Damn that Gakupo. What was he thinking? Siding with the enemies?
Using a few contents of my bottle, I drank some and made the remaining wet my face, shaking those irritating thoughts. How refreshing.I was about to take mynap, a nap I wished only for myself alone, when…
VROOM! SWOOSH! Immediately, I sprang from my sleeping position, as I hide behind the tree. There're presences, no doubt, approaching…I took a quick glance, as soon as I saw two men in black, riding a motorcycle. Wait, that direction… It's the camp!
Quickly, I made Fenrir roar and drove after them. I concealed my presence that was until they stopped in the laundry zone…
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*** Going Up ***
Project 03: The Boy in the Poor Country
– Part III: Tears from his Blue Eyes –
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Len's POV
Good thing that there were huge rocks around. What an advantage the new environment gave. So, why am I here again?
Ah, I remember! There were those suspicious men in black on motorcycles coming in my camp's direction. I wondered why they stopped here, in the laundry zone. Who are they? I mean, it's been so long since outsiders or should I say, I last saw other humans besides us in months. And coming in on motorcycles? Pretty lucky to have two of vehicles, since we only got one–Fenrir–and the rest are on bikes. Well, that was a moment ago. Stupid government lending out their stupid vehicles.
Anyway, from where I'm hiding, I saw them, communicating with each other. If I could just hear about what they're talking about…
"…Time to go~!" I heard a familiar voice. Carefully, I lifted my head to see a girl dressed in green, stretching her limbs. It's Kagamine.
Back to the men, I saw them advancing towards her. Damn, is she that dense or what? How did she survive beside us in all those years of rough life? I thought she's tougher than she looks or that they just hid their presence real well…
CLICK! A familiar sound snapped me out of daze. A gun user like me can't be mistaken. I found where it can be from. As fastas I can, I hopped out of my hiding place and pushed Kagamine out of the bullets' way.
BANG! BANG! Just as I've made it in time, I flicked my eyes back to Kagamine who's near to trip, out of this sudden ambush. Luckily, I saw something shine before her, and quickly, I grabbed Kagamine close to me.
SLASH! SLASH! I twirled around, along with Kagamine, for us to change positions and for me to kick our attacker with my left and right leg. As we made the attack I've desired, the attacker dodged and did a flip backwards. Using this chance, we ducked, and I got my shotgun.
BANG! BANG! I gave two shots to the back–flipper and as we stood, another two to the shooter.
BANG! BANG! Out of a rock, someone went out after the shots. Just as I've thought, that's where they're positioned. I smirked. 'Kay, bitches, you better pay for my sleeping time and for putting me in a bad mood. And all that I need to think of now and choose from are ways on how to torture you in a gruesome, blood–
"L–Len…?"
Immediately, all those thoughts ended, and I looked down to where that voice is. I almost forgot Kaga– Shoot! I pushed her away from me, and got some of my space back. Yeah, you swore you'll never touch her or anyone like her and bam, you're even hugging her for the second time. I dislike physical contacts.
"Letting your guard down for a second can cost you your life. Don't you know that, Kagamine?" I scolded this too much care–free girl.
"I–I'm sorry, Len… I didn't–" she paused, and I interrupted her with a nod. I readied my gun, instead, as I pat dust off me, while observing the quiet men feet away from us. Suddenly, one ran to our direction. The other hid again from behind, supporting his ally with gunshots. Tactics, eh?
"Kagamine," I said, as I ran from my place to clash with the straight–forward enemy. "Heads up!"
I shot some to the one Kagamine's going to have, and to the hidden shooter out there. I've got to deal with that shooter who's busy shooting Kagamine. But, something black blocked my way and immediately, since I can't dodge due to the direction and speed, I went in that black cloak and slide through dirt. After wrestling with a stupid piece of cloth, my eyes noticed that same shine going in for a kill. Immediately, I threw the cloak to the attacker Kagamine was supposed to deal with, and that's the one caught in his own trap.
And what's supposed to be a surprise is the one I saw after he took off the cloth. A loud girl with long yellow hair is sitting in front of me, gasping for air. "What a hellish nuisance!"
I focused the end of my gun on her forehead, and she paused. But, I backed off, once she swirled that shiny thing from the cloak, slashing it to pieces. I've got to have the upper–hand while Kagamine's getting hers with the shooter, and while this girl's open. I shot her a couple of times, but the shit's surprisingly aware! She jumped out of the way of my shots, and the next thing I knew, I'm laying on the hot, burning earth, while fighting for my life with my gun in between the girl and me.
"What a waste~!" she sang, pressing her Wakizashi against my gun. I groaned in pain, and in anger of what she's doing to me and my important thing. "You're a cute one~! But, how sad it is that I'll have to annihilate you, no~?"
"Get the hell off me, you– ARGHHH!" I ended up shouting in the end instead of insulting this whore! That's it, she isn't a normal whore. For her to gain over me like this, this little lady's trained…
I felt the shot in my stomach open, and my thick blood burst like a fountain. As if a dead fire rose again, I felt worse than having a high fever, like I'm burning alive. My sweat turned colder than it is, and like a vacuum sucking dust, my power's draining, sucked by this miserable pain. Adrenaline forced its way to my senses. One thing was on my mind: I needed to kick this whore off!
With my remaining strength, I shut my eyes closed, pressing harder than ever, and shouted, "Just get the fuck off of me, whore!"
"–GYAAA…!"
"Len! Are you alright?" Opening my eyes, I saw Kagamine asked me in an I–just–pawned–someone position, as I felt kind of light. The whore's obviously gone, and was crying curses away. Kagamine helped me up, while holding her retractable Gun. She defended us from the bullets the shooter sent by spinning the Gun fast. I put my hand on my stomach, just to check, even if I already know and I've felt a hot icky liquid wetting my black top on it. Nice, damn whore got me there. The next second passed, and I'm on my knees.
By the corner of my eye, I saw Kagamine with worry on her face, and the two in front of me spinning a little. I'll lose more blood and awareness if this continues… And Miki sure will do worse later. Holding my brown scarf around my neck, I ripped its end and did first–aid by wrapping it around my opened wound, overlapping Miki's bandage and tighten it, stopping the blood from oozing out. This… I can handle for, how many minutes? Five? Ten? Fifteen, at least? I hope I can last...
"That's unfair, you little bitch!" the blonde yells away, while the shooter protects her from my possible long–ranged shots. I held my stomach, and held the pain.
"And you think that shooting does the job, whore?" I shouted, already tired with this. "Tell that to that shithead over there!"
"Who are you? Why are you attacking us? We didn't do anything wrong to you!" Kagamine started the 'friendly' conversation, and I continued, glaring at them.
"And what the hell do you want? You didn't come here for nothing, did you?"
"'Didn't do anything wrong?'" the blonde mimicked Kagamine. "You just hit me like BASEBALL, bitch!"
"Well, that's just what you deserve, brat," Kagamine replied with a different tone of hers. Wow, did she amaze me in a time like this. "You have no right to hurt those close to me!"
Suddenly, all came to halt. The other person clothed in black took off the cloak, and it's a boy with yellow hair and the same dark golden eyes like the girl with the golden hair in a pony–tail by side who sat behind him. Hmm, see the resemblance?
"You have a point there, Len–san," the blond replied, showing his two guns in hands. A dual–gun user, huh... But, why use one earlier, I wonder? Damn, so he's been 'playing' with us from the start, huh. Arrogant bastard.
"But, you see, I've been fighting with one since earlier."
"You don't say?" I said with sarcasm, my patience getting thin, so is my wound. "Answer us already or die."
"No need to be impatient, Len–san." There he goes with my name, as if we're close. Tch, this kid's getting on my nerves. He bowed with respect, and stood straight again. "My name is Nero Akita. I'm very pleased to meet you both in person."
The hell with 'Len–san'. What're these guys planning? I looked at Kagamine with the same expression on her face.
"This here," he pushed the blonde's head down to bow just as she stood beside him, who's recovering from Kagamine's hit. "…is my older sister, Neru Akita. Please forgive her for cursing against you. I shall see to it that she gets her punishment back home."
"Hey! The hell with your 'punishment', Nero…!" Akita–whore said, squirming like a fat, disgusting worm from Akita–shithead's hand. "What the hell are you doing to me, anyway? Just do the damn thing your–"
"I'd rather not show that kind of attitude, onee–chan," Akita–shithead interrupted, scolding his older sister like a little girl, "We are in front of our respectable idols, so, this, is a first sign of greeting with respect done here in Japan, genius."
"Shut the hell up, dumbass! I'd rather eat rusty cellular phones than do this!"
"Then, go forth later back at home, my dimwitted sibling. I'm really sorry that you've been lowered to that level of intellect, that you won't even understand how to do and important proper manners are. Therefore, I won't stop you later, my dearest sister!"
"Why, you–!"
This kind of fight lasted and was still continuing for seconds, until we snapped, and I know Kagamine did, too. Are they seriously fucking with us?
I rolled my eyes, completely fed up with this. I just want to sleep, damn it. I lifted my gun, focused on the two, when Kagamine pulled her to me. My shot lost its aims at the two, and I glared at her. What the hell is she doing? Then, Kagamine gave me a dark look and showed me a shuriken… Wait, what. How did–?
"Nice catch back there, Rinny–bitch!" Akita–whore grabbed my attention, her hands holding with sets of shurikens as she stood. "You know, I really hate it when people are butting with me and Nero's fight. But, I wonder, how long can you keep up with me?"
I looked at Kagamine. She just saved me from a flying, invisible shuriken that I didn't even see. Or maybe I was just distracted and laid back that I didn't realize it.
"Well, if that's clear, then let's give this game a shot!"
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A few minutes passed, and we were still dancing with weapons and death.
I already felt fatigue. A few more, and my body will surely pass. I know my limits. My wound was also ticking me, annoying me so much like if it were alive, it'll tease me like 'Hey, Lenny, I'm going to open again! Oops, that one's a joke! You fell for it, moron!' and something like that. It's itching to open, and my body's losing its strength. Well, damn. We really need to finish this shit up, right now.
I shoot Akita–whore who was terrorizing Kagamine and she backed off, while I slide and ducked in front of Kagamine. I continued to shoot her, as Kagamine protected me. Afterwards, I stood and Kagamine ran from behind me, going to where Akita–shithead is. She tried to hit him, while I dealt with the whore. The whore, seeing how her brother gets beat up, went to cover him, and I protected Kagamine's back. Kagamine went back to our place, while the siblings take care of each other.
Just as I've thought, shithead's got weak stamina and vitality. Long–rangers' weakness. Melee's not good.
"Kagamine," I called lowly, and immediately, the said blonde faced me.
"…Time for that?" she asked, with an expression that she'd like to finish this quickly, too. It seems that she's also weakening.
"Yep, that. You ready?"
"I'm born ready!" Kagamine grinned at me cheerfully, even though it's obvious that she can't even lift a muscle on her face.
Taking them by surprise is a part of the plan. We'll make sure that they'll regret messing with us. And I'm not called the 'Second–in–Command' and 'Gakupo's left hand' for nothing.I tried to feel my stomach, and I'm quite sure that I'm still good. Now's the chance!
I took on Akita–whore while Kagamine took Akita–shithead. We surrounded them – Kagamine at the north, taking east and west, and I'm at the south, guarding the other directions. The Akitas were panting, struggling. I grinned, pointing my gun to the two. It wouldn't matter if I hit them a shot or two, just to immobilize them. After all, I have different kinds of bullets for different kinds of uses… And that's where things went fucking wrong fast! Tables turned upside–down! I screwed up big–fucking–time!
Akita–shithead used the chance I haven't clicking the trigger and shot me instead. Of course, I dodged by rolling to the side, but Akita–whore was already there and punched me real hard in the stomach. I fell to my knees, and the bitch kicked me to their past position. I didn't see how they decapitated Kagamine first, but I bet it's after I'm down. She was a few inches away from me, with a face that tells we were the ones surprised. I tried to stand, but I failed. My stomach's hurting than ever, worse, like it's been hit by a sledgehammer. I could only bite my lip and sip my blood in silent pain.
"What? You think we were that weak?" I heard Akita–whore laughed, mocking us. I pulled my gun, ready to take her off, but Akita–shithead shot it near my hand and I released my weapon. They slide it away from me.
"Sorry, but we were trained more in your specialties, Sempai," Akita–shithead proclaimed with pride, stepping on my hand which reaches out to my gun, even though it's far. Damn!
"We're far more capable than you are now, since we were trained to counter people like you, and most of all, especially you, since the two of you are the greater threat yet to be seen."
"Fuck off!" I spat, but he only kicked me as if I'm a soccer ball. I heard Kagamine scream "Len!" and a shot. I looked up, and blood is flowing from her right shoulder. I struggled to get up, even though my body wants to lie down, but in the end, I could only curse those bitches and say this somehow, "Don't touch Kagamine!"
The dual–gun asshole user only gazed at me, and I can see Kagamine cry in pain behind him. Fuck him. I'll make him taste hell real soon!
"About goddamn time! This bitch's finally got shot. I'm so irritated with her since earlier," his bitchy sister said. "So, let's go back to business, shall we? See, you leveled up because of that war and you are now officially declared as a threat with your camp! That's all so far, I guess~! Are we clear on that, smart–asses? Oh, and you're going to ask 'why' again, right? Hey, Nero, go tell them! I'm lazy at explaining pointless explanations now."
While we're at this talking–before–finishing scene, I need to find a way, somehow, on how to gain our positions back and beat the crap out of these two.…But, how? I'm nearly out, and Kagamine's losing, too. I must think of a way to manage…
"My pleasure, then," Akita–shithead started. "Len and Rin Kagamine, together with Gakupo Kamui, are guilty of betraying your people. How? Well, by helping the government several hours ago, in a fight with another country for the 'cure.' That's why it's not only you who are going to pay, but your camp, too!"
What the hell is he babbling about? I'm just forced to do it! And if I didn't fight earlier anyway, there's a large possibility that we will be in it after time, in war between two countries. Bad, is that our people and the camp itself will be tangled in that mess.
"This nonsense is fucking issued by whom?" I said, intrigued, while trying to wake myself up and think of a plan.
"By the main camp, of course," he answered, leaving me stunned. Well, that's impossible. There's no such thing as that camp. It was only rumors!
"What, Len–san? Why do you have that kind of face? It's true, I tell you. And we're from it."
"But, why…?" Kagamine cried. "Shouldn't we help each other, instead of this? Just think of what happened to all of us on that dayand what we must do to continue and survive now–"
"That was the plan, until you betrayed us, all of the camps out there with the main, bitch," Akita–whore spat, flicking her hair for Kagamine to eat. "So, that's why, we're going to terminate all of you, thus, erasing the 'threat' with your existence, get your supplies and go on with our day~! Right, Nero?"
"Yes, and I'm very glad to have a fight with you, Rin–san," the blond looked at me afterwards, "…And Len–san, before your end."
"You…" I said, that event coming back to mind–the surprise, the doom, the misery, everything, that it took in a second from all living things breathing in existence. "You don't mean that Main and such, all started since…?"
"Len…! Len, wake up! …Len!" Just got from a mission and she was making noises. I opened my eyes, just to glare at her.
"What the heck is it, Kagamine? You–"
"We must go now!" the short–haired blonde shrieked, as she quickly packed my weapons, clothes, and other essential things in a bag. I hopped from my bed, and grabbed anything I can, putting in the same container. I know I had to ask Kagamine, somehow, but we first sped out of our assigned room in one of Crypton's buildings and ran outside.
"To where…?"
"There's no time left! Just run as fast as you can, Len!"
Outside, Gack was there, with the fastest vehicle in the building. Even Fenrir was loaded in the back truck. What's with the sudden vacation? He called us, and we quickly went inside. Gack drove away from the building and I swore the wheels were on fire and we were riding a roller coaster to hell.
"What the hell is happening...?" I asked, confused and frustrated at the same time. I looked at them, hoping to answer me. "Gakupo? Kagamine? Someone answer me, damn it!"
Kagamine gave me a mournful face, as if some of her teddy bears were ripped open and the cottons were poured out. She just gave me a look that said 'there was nothing I or we, can do about it' and broke down in front of me, sobbing sadly. I could no longer see Gakupo at that time with a neutral face, but instead, a face with a sorry and painful expression, as if he stabbed someone a million times. I was so angry with myself, not being able to understand a thing. If they could only talk about it without their moods like that, except with Gakupo's "We're almost out of the city's reach, so grab on tighter. It'll be a more bumpy ride," and Kagamine's chokes and cries.
"Why do we have to go away from the city? It's as if there's some great emergency that everyone 'evacuated', too or something–"
Suddenly, something big exploded behind us, as the ride did get bumpier, as I turned around and my eyes widen in shock…
Six months ago, on the thirteenth of June, year 2041 – the exact date of doomsday and end of the world itself.
It was the day when exact sixty billion of the world's population was wiped out, like a bird poop being wiped away by a car's windshield mercilessly. But, these are life that we're dealing with, people, so it's not that funny. It was frightening and heart–stopping, so freaking unbelievable that what humans founded in decades and centuries – technology, culture, science – all vanished in an instant, like the only thing remaining is civilization.
It all started in a city, where we were in its vast forests back then, in a building for our use, resting after a heavy mission. It was one of the cities favored by Crypton and its laboratories, and the first city ever to get high–class technology, created by its talented and great people who helped discover the new millennium. But, it was not to last, wasn't it? And you think that was hell? The cause of all is a group of Crypton's super advanced nuclear weapons meant for battle use, which jammed magically, threw their selves above that unfortunate city and went boom.
The after–effects were worse than you think. Plants and animals died. Pretty lucky if some survive and adapted to sudden weather changes – example, sunny to stormy; rainy to a hot day, yep, something like that. Human resources were decreasing, chances of survival were sinking. Humans are getting sick, because of the after–effects and a 'cure' was made. However, that 'cure' was not to last and countries foolishly fight for it. We're lucky, since our bodies built immunity and adapted to the situation, although we know that someday, it'll just gnaw us and we'll die because of it. And we, the camp and us, are one of the million outsiders that survived without the 'government's' help so far, who formed different 'camps', small communities that gather people who lost their homes and hope. Now, there's this Main Camp rumor going on, saying that it have the large control of other camps and that it have the authority overall. I didn't think it's true, but to see people from that Main Camp itself…
"Yes, just as you think," the shithead replied. "You're supposed to fight alongside with us. But, you chose their side."
Shut the useless crap that I didn't need to hear. As if I'm siding with the ones who helped take my mother's life and the happy life together that we're supposed to have. They could go to hell to all I care!
"You…" Kagamine spoke darkly, with her hand holding her bloody shoulder. I saw her stand on her ground, holding her Gun with her other hand. "You're so low. Both of you are. Just for a pathetic reason, you'll go and kill all the people who did their best just to survive until now? They didn't even matter if they're children, women or men, did it? As if I'll just let you… I'll protect them over my dead body, you useless pieces of trash!"
Seriously, you are an idiot, Rin Kagamine. I glared at her. You are the princess of all idiots out there. What a naïve girl who wanted to act like a martyr. Congratulations… You sure are an idiot, but, I can't have another person die in front of me again. So, don't be a burden and be selfish, or else… I won't take it anymore! If I were to feel the same pain, the same misery, the same blame… I'd rather protect you to the cost of my life!
I stood, even though I can see black spots, blocking my sight.I blinked fast, removing the dizzy feeling for a while. I could feel my blood fall bit by bit, but I didn't care. Forcing my adrenaline, like a madman, I ran towards Akita–whore's direction. Just one more attack! The Camp, Gack, Gumi, Miki, Miriam, those kids, those people… I need to protect them!
I slide below the whore who was about to give me a beating, and took my shotgun near her. Standing fast as I could, I saw the 'Crap!' look on her face as she approached fast, but I aimed at the shithead, who's overpowering Rin. I shot him, as he fell with me, since Akita–whore took the chance to finish me off with a single, powerful punch in the gut.
"NERO!" I heard her screamed, turning her eyes to her brother, but she just returned her gaze onto me, but with a mad glare. She took the chance to punch me all over my body, attack me with her blade, slashing me with everything she got. I can only defend myself with my arms, even if I'm already falling apart. I feel like I'm showering in blood, as it flows from my open wounds. My body's burning with its loss.
"You asshole! How dare you shoot Nero! I'm the only one allowed to beat the crap out of him and kick him in the balls and – Just die already, Len!" the whore shrieked, and I coughed up blood. This is a disgrace for me – for a girl to overpower me and kill me... How pathetic. But, I can only do this much now… I wonder what I can next time–
"…Len!"
The world suddenly sunk. And Kagamine, she… she's…why is she upside–down? Where's the whore? Why can't I see a thing clearly?
"No way, bitch!"
Colors began to mix before my sight. I felt my sweat turned to ice. I can't breathe...! My shoulder and limbs began to ache. My stomach's howling in pain. My lower body can't stand anymore. I forced my brain to process things… and I just… fell. And… Then, Kagamine, she ran to me… Then, Neru… Then…Then…
"Get out of my way, trash!"
She's out there, alone. Fighting those… monsters, like what Mom used to tell me in her stories. I need to get up. I need to assist her. I'm a knight, aren't I? I swore… I need to–
"Len…! Len, answer me! Come on! A–"
Hearing–the first sense to vanish when you're fading, some people say. I never believed it, since when I first saw people die, I just saw how those senses fail in a second.
"Len, co– Ope– yo– ey–!"
But, now, the next thing I knew, I blacked out.
Rin's POV
"Len, come on! Open your eyes!" I commanded him, holding the injured blond, after I got to him. This is bad! He can't sleep now, or else…!
He saved me, even though he's already falling. What an idiot I am! Charging without a plan and with only guts, I'm really crazy! Now, Len's suffering because of me. I just wanted to protect everyone, and to protect him, but now, this is what happened… all because of that Neru and her brother.I mean, we should be helping out each other to survive instead, not this!
I got some painkillers and stuff from my little black bag strapped around my left thigh above my knee. I tried to first–aid him again, but his condition is serious, that I'm afraid even first–aid won't do anything much.
Taking my eyes off him, I looked up and saw Neru, her yellow eyes firing with rage, even though she's glaring a few feet away from us. Nero looked fine, too, but he was shot deeply, it seems, with one of Len's special bullet that got anesthesia, slowing him for a bit. At least, one of our problems is solved, I guess…
"…!"
CHARGE!
Quickly, I let go of Len carefully, lying him on the sand with my green coat before him, and I took my weapon from a black strap around my right thigh. As I collided with Akita Neru's attack, my green hat that I've been taking care of since earlier fell off my head, flying with the wind…
Len's POV
They say when you die, hearing is the first sense to disappear; next is the others. Now, I know what it feels to lose them one by one in a desperate manner. There came sight as second to fade.
The light that once irritated me is the one I'm searching for now. Clouds darken my vision, as if there are black holes to see. It seemed like even I can't see a shadow. It's beginning to revive my once lost 'fear'. Trembling, even though I didn't really know how I do it now, I can feel my heart beat slow; slower than a turtle, slowing, slowing…
"…Le–! I– He– me!"
Wait. What is that?
"Help me! Len…!"
The sounds were getting clear. But, how?
I opened my eyes, and the pain was gone in an instant. It's impossible, but I didn't care. I stood without difficulty, and rushed to where the familiar voice is through the sandy earth in the laundry zones we were in a while ago. And there she was, Rin Kagamine, grabbing her bloody right shoulder as the once bright blonde turned into a gory little girl. She was lying in front of me, with many injuries and wounds and I got her, making her rest her head against my lap.
"Kagamine!" I called her, as her once lively eyes droop. "No, you can't close them! You can't!"
But, the said girl continued to close them. And I can only feel anger boiling inside of me. This isn't happening! This can't be! This… This is their fault from the start! If they hadn't created those stupid nuclear weapons… If they hadn't screwed everything up… Kagamine won't be like this, countless people won't need to suffer, and Mother…! Mom won't have to die for nothing! But… to think this'll happen, I… I'm more hateful! I can't even help my mother when she's dying… I'm weak! I did nothing but to hate them… and I hate them more now! I–I–
"Kagamine…" Trembling, I pleaded, holding her in my arms. "Don't die on me…!"
'Oh, she will,' a voice in my head said, a thing I don't want to hear or think of. 'Like that person.'
"M–Mom?" I asked, as the once Rin Kagamine turned into my mother's image. It all seemed so real, so good to be true.I shook my head. There's no way I'll see her again, unless…
"Len," her spitting image said, as her hand caressed my cheek lovingly. The woman in my arms wore a pure white dress, with a soft smile on her lips. "You grew up to be a nice, young man. Good job. I'm very proud of you, my dear son."
My eyes widen, as I'm going to speak to her again, but my mother suddenly turned into sand and the sand flew away from me with a gentle wind. The moment I blinked again, she was there, standing, looking at me with warmth in her ocean–shaded orbs.
I wished to run after her, go with her wherever she's walking to, but guiltiness ate me. It's my fault, too, that she died… and that everyone will soon die. Especially Kagamine, who has nothing to do with my epic failure…
I think that… It's better if I'm better off dead, instead of her.
My stomach churned, as my eyes burst. The feeling of helplessness and uselessness floated in me. I couldn't hold it anymore. Even though this is a dream, I can't stop the warm water coming out of my eyes. I can't believe I cried the second time now in an unbelievable moment away from reality, since my first war…
So, please, God, if you're still there and if you're any real, help her live. Even if this prayer comes from a sinful person and an atheist like me, I'll accept hell as I promise you, I swear. Please. I'll even accept whatever burden or torture you'll give for a tainted person thinking this prayer. Do what I wish: help Rin live, help them all survive and see the future I won't be able to see.
Rin's POV
"Argh…!" I backed off, holding my right shoulder. It's been aching for a while now, as if it's been tearing itself from the inside. Nero got it good, but there's no way I'll lose ourselves, our camp, our nice people from this match.I shrugged it off, even though it hurts like heck.
"Tired already, bitch?" Neru stated, as she licked my blood off her blade. I twitched my eyebrows in disgust. "I'll finish it real soon only for you, I promise!"
I switched my hands in holding my Gun, holding it with my bloody left hand and charged at her.
"Show me what you got, Akita!" I said, as I hit her hard with my metal Gun, for the people she'd hurt and for the people I protect. For Len, who's at a critical condition now… I need to win. I must win.
We exchanged attacks for many times. I tried to hit her again with my Gun, but she's too fast. She jumped back, and threw those annoying shurikens at me, but I dodged and strike her again. She swished her Wakizashi at me and I yelped in pain as soon as her blade reached my cheek. She laughed darkly, and swung her blade crazily. Just in time, I dodged and dodged, but it reached me by my limbs, when I can only defend myself. I caught her off–guard then swung my Gun like mad at her, hoping to hit her.
Neru smirked, when I suddenly tripped and fell on my knees, panting greatly.
"What? Are you at your limit now?"
I'm losing my strength…! No!
"Is that all? Are you even serious, Rinny–bitch~! It's not even warm–up. Surely, that isn't all you've got, no~?"
But, I can't fall now. I need to bring Len back, and see everyone safe there. I can't let this girl ruin their lives, just because I allowed it. Stand up, Rin. You can do it! Stand! Now–
"…GYAAA–!" I screamed, when Neru suddenly worsen my injuries and as she put her Wakizashi in my right shoulder. I tried to turn away, remove the blade, but Neru pushed it, as she stabbed it hard in the wound. I fell, lying on the earth as she pushed it more and more, and I can't feel my shoulder anymore. It's vanishing from my control, as it continued to tear inside. I shouted, waggling from her grip. Neru pulled it out slowly, slowly so that I can feel how excruciating it is.
She laughed again, while I wriggle below her. I cried, I bit my lip and I tasted my own blood. I'm losing… I'm…
"Cry more, Rinny~! Scream to my heart's content, bitch!"
I can only hold my tears and hope, that someone, anyone, help us. Please do! Help us! Help Len more! Someone–!
As I almost succumbed to the darkness, I saw one of my rescuers from my past and the light back.
Len's POV
"P–Ple– he– Len! H–He's in da–er! I'm s–s–rry! I–I–"
Hey, what're you 'sorry' for, Rin?
I'm the one who should apologize, that because of me, you're almost killed. Stop that mannerism, it's annoying. Ah, finally, I'm getting some words…
"We–e n–t on anybo–'s side, and if yo– still pers–st, we'll unl–sh hell on yo–" Another voice, from whom…? Impossible! Only Rin and I are… Wait. Rin, she's–!
Then, that same voice shifted, and unfortunately, I can't make out the words, so I just tried to remember how the anonymous lips move. The rest of my senses went numb; the presence that I could only feel is my heart and all I know is my mind is still active, somehow.
As I blinked, I saw the gray sky above me, with those still black spots, covering the image of the voices. Pain came back again, and just as about to scream my heart out, I choked, as if I'm being strangled. My once slowing heart beats faster, thumping quicker, as I can't breathe. The air is vanishing, as if replaced by water. I can't breathe!Then, slowly, slowly, again, my heart calmed. My tears flowed, trickling on my cheeks downward. I can, somehow, still feel it... but…
"…Len."
As I closed my eyes for real, I saw my late father took me away with an assuring smile on his face.
.
.
.
A/N: Oh no, Lenny dies! Why, cruel world, why! T.T #shot And Rinny! Why, you, too! DX #double shot
I NO OWN OF THE BELOW, okay. References, references. There are also facts here. Congratulations to those who've seen it or know it.
1) Fenrir is the name of the motorcycle based from the one belonging to Cloud Strife from FFVII if you noticed. If you're interested, the picture I got is not exactly Fenrir and Len, but it's the one I'm picturing if the two will be ever seen: [http:/ konachan. com/post/show/103362/gun-hatsune_miku-headphones-kagamine_len-kagamine_] ;P
2) A Wakizashi, which is Neru's weapon in the story, is a companion sword of a katana in a pair of swords worn together called daisho, which was used in feudal Japan, where samurais roam around.When the wearer is seen with the two swords, he's a samurai. Neru's not one here, since she'll be a more difficult opponent if she had a katana. ;D Oh, and this is what it looks like, if you're still interested: http:/ www. google. com. ph / imgres?q=ko-wakizashi&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1440&bih=809&tbm=isch&tbnid=EA02QZYZ5wBWVM:&imgrefurl=./70776-Halo-V-impressions&docid=qjj59QLPK8J7wM&imgurl=/images/Black%252520and%252520Gold%252520Wakizashi%&w=480&h=640&ei=ksf6Tte7CsutiQfy67myCw&zoom=1. Just remove the spaces.
3) An atheist, in case you don't know (since I didn't until I was a third grader or something lol), is someone who doesn't believe in God. I'm surprised how I used this word again, after all those years. Whoa.
4) Did you know that a butterfly on your right shoulder means death? I just discovered this surprising fact in YouTube, when I was scrolling and reading comments below Rin's Migikata no Chou. Awesome, much? XD
See you at the next chapter~!