Nothing Is Truly Impossible
Chiffon wasn't one for having a lot of dreams but when she did she'd dream about her friend Ticy and judging by her sleeping body's reaction and impulses it was clear it was erotic or intimate. But for some reason this dream was different from the rest.
She found herself at a shrine out in the middle of a secluded green forest up on a hill. Chiffon looked down upon a set of long stairs leading up to the shrine and saw a silhouette making it's way up a flight of stairs. She was about to walk over to the stairs the door to the shrine slid open and out came a familiar face. Her expression turned surprised as she glanced at the person walking out, to her it was like looking into a mirror.
The person wore a sage-green furisode and held a graceful expression of tranquility. Her hair style was exactly like Chiffon's but the color was black and her eye's were a deep blue and the only thing standing out of the person's features. Who was this girl Chiffon wondered as she watched the female greet the silhouette. Chiffon's mouth dropped when she noticed the silhouette was Tony stepping up to the Shrine.
"Hi." He greeted.
"Hello, My father's been expecting you." The female replied softly and held an arm to the door leading him inside the shrine.
"That's not the only reason I came by." He replied walking by. The female giggled as he passed her and followed behind him. She as was about to walk inside Chiffon caught a glimpse of a pedant dangling in her hand.
Chiffon turned her head and suddenly found herself in the shrine but it felt off to her, it felt wrong. Looking around to see how she got there she noticed a few piles of ashes and several bodies of an unknown group. She looked to one section of the room and found Tony on his knees above some ashes. Walking over she looked down to see Tony holding a pendant with a little bit of ashes, the same pedant she seen just now held by the female.
"I'm sorry I wasn't here to project you." Tony said to himself. Judging by his to he was sad and disheartened but no tears ran down his face. Realization struck Chiffon when she remembered the female. Whatever happened here it became clear to Chiffon that the Shrine was attacked and the occupants turned to ashes and the bodies would explain that they were the attackers.
Feeling despair she knelt down, "For what it's worth..." Chiffon said softly, "...I'm sorry."
"For what it's worth." Tony commented gripping the pendant in his fist. Chiffon's heart stopped when he said that. Did he hear her or was it a coincidence? She shook her head realizing it was only a dream, or so it seemed.
After shaking her head she noticed the scenery changed again and now she was in a ruined building with chunks of walls and ceiling were broken. She heard grunting and foot steps to her left and turned to face in it's direction. She gasped when she noticed the grunting sounds was Tony laying about on some rubble and quickly head over.
"Look at yourself!" A voice said walking amongst the rubble towards Tony. Chiffon looked upon a male wearing a black kimono underneath a tattered cloak. She then turned back to Tony and kneeled down beside him. She didn't notice a price of rebar sticking out of Tony's left abdomen before, "Those you called your brothers have turned their backs on you...and all for what?" The male explained stopping over Tony.
Tony didn't say much but grunt in pain and looked down to the rebar coated in blood.
"Still you fight, you resist, why?" The male asked with consideration wanting to know Tony's answer. Not knowing what's going she did know that Tony was persistent and that was the case of this situation.
"Because no one else will!" Tony shouted then pulled out a pistol seemingly out of nowhere and shot the male standing over him. Suddenly the scenery went black after the shot.
Chiffon did her best to look around but only found darkness. She couldn't even see her hand in front of her it was so black, 'A nightmare?' She asked herself. She then felt a striking pain in her head which made her drop to her knees. Holding her head in impulse several images flashed through her head.
The first one was Tony walking away from a spotlight in front a council. His expression was stern with overflowed furiousness.
The second one was Tony combating several people wearing the same tattered cloaks on top of an urban city roof on a rainy day. Though Tony was clearly out numbered he showed in his expression that didn't hinder his confidence but in fact strengthened it.
The final image showed Tony standing on rubble holding a fist held high overing looking a large crowd doing the same motion. Beside Tony another dark-skinned individual with a shaggy-cut and a large bang covering his eye wore a smirk look of pride. The crowd below appeared to cheer in support in return to Tony's stance.
'We are the few determined to protect...' Tony sounded in Chiffon's mind. With that, Chiffon quickly drifted awake and found herself back in her dorm. Getting uo and looking around she found Ticy slumped back over the side of her bed.
She laid back down and contemplated about those words, '"We are the few determined to protect..." what does that mean?' She asked herself remembering Tony standing on rubble overing looking a crowd. Deciding to sleep it off she couldn't help but think and couldn't fall asleep.
Unknown Location, Jesse
Jess stood on a podium along side several officers from the same faction. They all wore military style dress suits with the exception of several more that wore custom tailored suits indicating that they were from a different branch. Looking out of place the officers didn't detest not even the slightest, "Look alive Lieutenant." One of the military officers told the inexperienced lieutenant.
Jesse sighed in response, "You know as well as I do that I don't want to be here." He told the officer sitting next to him.
"Someone was to replace Tony while he's gone." Officer reminded Jesse of his duties, "And no Keller isn't taking Tony's spot. Tony entrusted you with this position so deal with it."
"You sound like my girlfriend." Jesse complained to the officer.
"You would like a kiss too?" The officer asked turning to Jesse with a stern expression.
"Ugh, no sir." He quickly responded backing down and realized what he said.
"Good, I'd rather open mouth kiss a pony." The officer told him before turning to the area below.
Trying to process what the offcer said he ignored it when he noticed another booth on the other side of the area and down below were soldiers wearing dark grey BDUs and civil war hats, "I've notice several of Eisenreich's companies here. Why?" Jesse asked the officer changing the awkward conversation.
"This is a joint exercise with our most loyal and trusted ally, today's events consists of war games, maneuvers, and sports." The officer explained looking amongst Eisenreich's ground forces.
Eisenreich, Their reputation is alway preceded by it's name. A nation rich in metal of all kinds and seemingly infinite amounts of ore. Although the majority of it's people seem to be fascists they're actually stubborn when it came to outside views with the exception of it's allies.
"Hmm, I see." Jesse nodded. Looking around he decided to slump back his head but seen several cargo planes above and several dozen of black dots. Squinting to catch a closer look to identify them, "Are those airborne troops?" He asked pointing upwards
The officer glanced to Jesse and followed his direction and look up. He too seen several cargo planes and black dots and realized what they were arter a brief pause, "Close, those are Der Fallschirmjäger. Eisenreich's elite fighting force." The officer told Jesse who simply nodded again.
Watching the Fallschirmjäger drop-in for a few moments before he turned to the area below where a few of Eisenreich's main battle tanks sat in rows along with several companies stood in sections all at attention waiting for the rest to show up.
The first Fallschirmjäger took a little longer than expect and his expression was confusion. His loadout was different from the rest of the soldiers; he wore the same civil war hat, a plated vest with dozens of magazine pouches over his belly and chest, shoulder pads and forearm plates, leg rigs with pistol holster and clip holders, and shin guards. His uniform was all in urban flecktarn camo. When he landed he took off his hat and look back up scratching his head.
"Vuht da..." Sergeant sounded as several more Fallschirmjäger landed and only the few, "Vare are da rest?" The Sergeant asked the only members that made it. Again the Fallschirmjäger members looked above in confusion.
"I don't know." One of the members replied.
"I'm telling you, deh disappeared in a flash. I voz right dare!" Another member announced. Following the confusion chaos ensued as Eisenreich's officers tried to contain the situation
"By the Great Divine this can't be happening." Jesse commented watching the area down below erupt.
"Jesse, do you know what's going on?" The officer asked sitting next to Jesse. The other officers turned to the lieutenant wanting to know as well.
"Well, Tony and Maximus were experimenting with Electron Emitters and Pulse Weapons when something went awry. Whatever happened caused them to disappear." Jesse explained thoughtfully remembering Maximus' laboratory had an active station with said emitter. It also appeared that Tony was also the lab.
"Perhaps something bigger is at play here, wouldn't be the first time." Another officer spoke. True, their faction had to play in a role bigger than their own world would allow and forcefully crossover into another.
Jesse turned to the officer who spoke, "You can say that again." He told the officer. Looking back to the area Eisenreich's forces eventually calmed down resuming the exercise with the remaining forces and have an investigation afterwards.
West Genetics
Sitting in class Chiffon could help but think about those few words that cross her mind and on top of that she only had a few hours of sleep, 'We are the few determined to protect.' She said to herself. Trying to comprehend those words she kept forgetting she was in class, 'That dream felt real, maybe Tony might know more.' She told herself returning back to reality and began working.
Shortly after class ended Elizabeth comfronted Chiffon in the halls, "Chiffon, People say you've been getting close to Tony and..." ; "What? No, of course not. He's not even my type." Chiffon defended interrupting Elizabeth mid-sentence. Realizing what she said Elizabeth didn't bother engaging, "That's not what I was implying. There have been a lot of secrets surrounding Ingrid's incident and intend to find them out. I have reason to believe to you've been in on it as well." Elizabeth explained to Chiffon.
Pausing in silence to process her statement and think of something tactful to respond with. She opened her mouth but nothing came out. This wasn't like her to pause and be completely stumped by simple words which didn't make any sense. Instead of trying to find a way to respond to Elizabeth's words she was now thinking why she was feeling this way.
"Maybe it's safer that some secrets remain hidden." Elizabeth stated. Sighing, she looked down the hall, "I'll see you around Chiffon."
Walking passed her Chiffon began wondering what else Tony has to hid, "Like wise." She told her before leaving for the next class.
Courtyard
Overlooking a group of five people conversing Tony stood not far off along side Maximus, "This is it, isn't it." Maximus said with a slump expression.
"We didn't exactly promote about what this'll be, in fact far from it." Tony responded confidently. He wasn't going to have hundreds of people at West Genetics all for the same thing and train every single one of them in less than two weeks tops.
"Let's get this over with." Maximus replied blandly
Tony nodded and stepped up catching the group attention, "I'm Commander Tony and I'll be your combat instructor. Today I need me 5 soldiers, 5 jewish american soldiers..." Tony explained and train off as the 5 people looked around in confusion. Realizing what he said he took it back.
"Uh Tony." Maximus called, "I don't think that movie quote will work here." He said chuckling at Tony's idiocy.
"Right~, ok let's wing it." Tony answered again confidently and begain clearing his throat, "Ahem, You're here because of your curiosity. Now I wasn't lying when the poser said you'll receive Basic Military Training and Weapons handling. That much is clear seeing's how you're at West Genetics courtesy of the Headmistress Sister Margaret. Today is sort of a meet and greet but tomorrow is when shit hits the fan." Tony explained looking relaxed.
One of the persons spoke up, "So you're gonna our drill sergeant, you don't look like one." She stated cause the five to chuckle at her statement.
"Boy Imma work you for so long, you wished you joined the YMCA." Tony said with a serious tone and look making the five to stop their giggling and listen up.
"Sir." A female voice called from behind.
"Yes Yuzuki?" Tony asked turning his attention to a brown headed Pandora.
Sighing, she spoke blandly and uninterested, "There are more people wanting to see what this is about at the gates." She told him.
"Send them over unless said otherwise, you get me?" Tony told her with all seriousness and shot her a death glare.
Piercing the Pandora she immediately submitted to it, "Y-yes sir." She replied and headed back towards her post. Tony then turn to the group as Maximus handed him a rifle.
"Now, the weapon of choice you'll be working with is the TAR-21 "Tavor" assault rifle." Tony said holding up the iconic bullpup rifle, "Thanks to Sister Margaret's connections, I've managed to get my hands on at least a dozen." He told he group who looked in intrigued at the rifle's unique design. Though few had fired a gun before the others did not.
"I'm off, I'll see ya later." Maximus told Tony before finally leaving.
"Alright then, later." Tony waved him off. Turning back he noticed several silhouettes in the corner of his eye and greeted, "Welcome Gentlemen."
"You're a disgrace!" One of the silhouettes shouted.
Turning to see the silhouettes he noticed three people, "You peaked my interest, do tell." He told the trio implying they explain their sudden outburst.
"My brother died during the last Nova Clash and here you are making a mockery of the armed forces!" One of the three exclaimed being held back by his two friends. This man looked like he could be in the armed forces himself due to his masculine body structure but for whatever reasons know to man he wasn't.
Process the words to think what to say. Then Tony remembered why he was doing this, "A lot of people died, but you know what? By the week's end you'll realize that there isn't the Nova you have worry about." He quietly and seriously told the man.
"I...well...uh..." Stumped, the man couldn't find his words. A part if him wanted to laugh at Tony's comment but the other half knew he was being serious.
"I'll be inside doing some paper work, if more show up greet them." Tony explained and headed off towards the main building, "Oh and you and whoever is invited to a Prom later tonight." He said before leaving. The group of five, now eight looked to each other with expressions confusion.
Night, Prom
Pandora from various groups from within West Genetics were all making their way to the main area. Tony and his group stood out like a stick in the mud, "I don't see why they're allow here?" Attia irritatingly said looking at his group from behind.
"I know, It's kind of weird seeing them but I'm sure Sister Margaret knows what she's doing." Arnet said with little to no concern about weird things happening lately. She knew better than to get caught in such affairs as they will only bring drama.
Walking next to Arnet was her dark skinned counterpart Creo, "Considering what happened yesterday I'd suspect she know what she's doing."she said agreeing with Arnet and she too expression little concern.
"How could you to be calm about this?!" Attia snapped at the duo stopping and confronting them forcing the two to step back. Attia wasn't please how things turned out yesterday nor did she liked how calm and accepting the two were.
Walking seemingly out of nowhere Elizabeth approached Attia stepping into between Arnet and Attia distancing them apart, "Attia relax, Don't make a scene where there doesn't to be one." She calmly said pointing ahead.
Tuning to see what she was pointing at Attia noticed Tony and his goup were staring back with serious gazes and looks. Gritting her teeth the turned back to Elizabeth, "Whatever!" She said with an outburst and stormed off towards a building. Elizabeth and the duo shook their heads in response.
Elsewhere the staff watched from the lounge overlooking the entire area. Sitting at a table next to the window Elise, Yu-Mi, Maximus, and Kolt all enjoyed a bottle of wine and watching countless Pandora arrive for the prom. Standing not off the Student Council Chiffon and Ticy stood with ease.
"I certainly hope we get through festivities without incident" Chiffon softly told the teachers with concern
"The current average is roughly 5 or 6 sending to the nurses office" Elise assured her. Knowing from past events and close observation she estimated that much.
"Chiffon, Will Sister Margret be joining us this evening?" Yu-Mi asked turning to face the Student Council President. A look of concern and seriousness brought about Yu-Mi's face.
"She was invited, but never responded" Chiffon calmly replied.
"I see, I was worried about that" Yu-Mi said with concern and stared directly into her wine glass. Feeling a bit disappointed she wished Sister Margaret had joined the teachers in the lounge.
"What do you mean?" Ticy asked with concern and curiosity.
"There's been an increase of dimensional fluctuations that's way beyond anything we've seen before" Yu-Mi replied turning towards the Student Council, "On top of that we've detected strange signatures throughout the campus." She explained.
"When did this start?" Ticy asked another question. Just as Yu-Mi was about to open her mouth Chiffon interjected.
"Does it have any relation to the appearence of the Nova?" She asked. Ticy rolled her eyes in response seeing how they wouldn't answer her question and ignore it.
"We have no Idea" Kolt answered, "The signatures don't have a specific locations. They appear and disappear shortly afterwards and this has been going on since this morning." Kolt explained answering both questions.
"Sister Margret has been taking dealings with the Military and Chevalier concering this very issue" Elise added also turning from the window to the Student Council.
"I suggest we take time to enjoy the party on her behalf" Yu-Mi said retur ing to the window.
"Whatever you say ma'am, we'll do our absolute best" Chiffon said cheerfully walking over towards the window for a better view. Looking amongst the crowd Kolt made a scowl which Chiffon caught at the corner of her eye, "What's wrong Ms. Kolt?" She asked turning to her.
"Something's not right, Everything seems...too calm..." Kolt said scanning the entire area with her eyes. The others too felt something was off and decided to scan as well.
Down the on the floor everything seems fine. Tony and his group were far from any Pandora but also not too far they looked like social outcasts. One of the potential recruits Tony had take a liking to was a frosty blue haired teen with his hair blown back to a point spoke up, "This is nice." He commented
"Don't get to see this many girls huh Cobalt." Tony joked. Cobalt chuckled and nodded, "Yeah this is kinda nice."
Another potential recruit with dark brown asymmetrical hair walked up beside Tony, "We only have a number of 11, this that enough for you?" The man asked. Aside from a brith defect making one of pupils smaller he knew what he was getting into.
"Trust Googles, 11 is all I need." tony, "Ears open we're getting started."
The host or announcer stood up to the stage and talking into the mic but only his voice without the mic was heard. To some it sounded like a muffle tone but down in front with was clear. The announcer tapped the mic several times but the thing was off.
"What's going on?" One of the limiters on stage asked.
"Be damned if I know." A stage hand replied
"What is that?" A voice announced from the crowd
Seemingly out of nowhere dropped a fairly large creature onto the street. The creature towered over the announcer who was in complete disbelief by over 3 feet. The creature expected the crowd to disperse in fear but instead they looked in shock and whispered amongst themselves.
The creature became confused and scanned to entire crowd but rest assured a couple more of the same creature dropped beside him and one of them had a male in his shoulders. The male hopped down and walked inti the spot light, "Humans of West Genetics, Do not be afraid." The man announced with open arms.
The crowd began stepping back from the stage out of fear. Seeing more monsters on and around the stage put everyone off ease. Tony made a scowl and headed over towards the stage. As he was weaving around ha patrons he noticed several Security Pandora rushed towards the stage as well.
"Don't be afraid. We come not as Conquerers but as Liberators." The man told the crowd with an inspiring voice as more monsters began appearing out of nowhere boxing the crowd in. Like the one's on stage there were more humanoid zombish ones that were clearly corrupted in some way. Some were just down right creatures of other worlds with he same color scheme.
Standing up from her chair, Kolt narrowed her eyes on the man standing in the spot light, "Damn it! This isn't good." She sounded. Yu-Mi, Chiffon, Ticy, and Elise were all shocked to see this many monsters in one place.
"Wha-what's going on?" Ticy nervously asked.
"Richard." Maximus said quietly and fiercely, "We are LEAVING!" She shouted to Kolt.
Kolt nodded and understood what he meant, "Let's go!" She responded and headed towards he lounge door. Maximus followed behind.
"Where are you two going?" Chiffon asked as they bursted through and out the door.
"KOLT! MAXIMUS!" Elise called trying to catch their attention but they already left. Getting up to chase them Elise took a few steps forward until a voice spoke out from the hall
"Leave them." Said a calm and subtle tone. Walking into the room a fairly aged woman wearing a cardinal robe similar to a cardinal.
"Sister Margaret?" Yu-Mi sounded upon seeing the woman.
"They're going to do their job while we do ours." Sister Margaret responded walking over to the window. She knew what the other two were going to do and understood their motives.
Back down on the stage Richard began monologuing, "For far too long Humanity has been fighting for survival, but I'm here to say it doesn't have to that way." He explained as if speaking with prisoners, "These "monsters" before you were once humans and look at them. Instead of surviving they embraced a larger view of understanding, Saved from themselves." He explained with a smirk. Not far off the Security Pandora were boxed with more monsters Identified as Hydros.
"You're kidding right? They can't be humans." A voice sounded from the crowd.
"I kid you not child, These things were humans fighting for survival until I came along. I liberated them from themselves and saved each one, I took away their pain and gave them a purpose. I expect you to do the same." Richard answered confident as ever.
"Like hell we will!" Sounded a voice off to Richard's left. Tony made his way onto the stage.
Richard grinned upon seeing him, "There you are." He said and attempted to greet Tony. Knowing Tony towards himself, Tony predictively pulled out a pistol and pointed directly at Richard and pulled the trigger. The crowd ducked to the sound of gunshot but before Richard was shot a Hydro jumped in front and took the bullet that was meant for Richard's head.
The Hydro dropped to the ground dead and Richard simply shook his head in response. Before Tony could fire again one of the zombish looking Impure grabbed Tony's arm and disarmed him, before he could react with a punch another Hydro wrapped it's tail around Tony's arm.
The two Impure then slam Tony to the floor with both arms held high. The Hydro stepped one Tony's head pressing him against the stage floor, "Now that's an entrance." Richard calmly said walking over, "I was beginning to think you weren't going to show up."
Tony was then brought up to his knees still being held, "Blow it out your ass!" Tony snarled. Richard took the the gun from the zombish looking Impure as the crowd fell dead silent and watched with horrified, irritated, and sympathetic expressions.
"West Genetics, This man is no mere mortal." Richard announced to the crowd looking among them, "I'll even prove it." He said before turning Tony and pointed the gun to his forehead. Before Tony could speak Richard pulled he trigger
...
*Bang*
...
The crowd and the entire area fell silent, not even the faint sounds of the nearby city was heard, "Don't worry, by night's end he'll be fine." He told the crowd then sounds of automatic fire erupted closeby. The crowd of Pandora and Limiters alike all dropped to the floor as Richard proceeded to leave the area still holding Tony's Pico Beretta, "Nice gun, I think I'll keep." He said inspecting the sides.
The monsters boxing everyone in followed after Richard and disappeared just as Kolt and Maximus ran into the area geared up and weapons ready. They both wore Subdued Urban Digi-Camo and MOLLE Vests outfitted with Assault Loadouts. Tactical gear including Pads and Rigs showed everyone that they weren't a force to be reckoned with.
Several students went to check on Tony who was dropped when Richard left. Crouching next to him Chiffon had her hand over her mouth with tears running down her face.
"He's gonna have a migraine headache after that." Kolt commented. Maximus snickered a chuckle.
It wasn't long for things to get under control, Pandora and Limiters alike were still processing the fact that monsters actually existed and there was no denying what they saw. Something like this wasn't going to be easy to coverup but the Chevalier challenged that.
Tony woke up in a hospital ward wearing nothing but a patients gown he sat up and looked around, "Where...Ugh! My head!" He winced and placed his hand to his head. After a good minute it stopped giving him time to look around. His room was meant for one patient and simply plain for the most part. The lights had also been turned off and only the moon light shined through the window.
"So he was right." A voice sound from Tony's right. Turning to look he noticed a silhouette standing along the wall
"Huh? Chiffon?" He called in question rubbing his head.
"He said you'd be fine by night's end." The voice responded not moving from her place and withheld any emotion.
"Who? Richard!" Tony asked then realized who she was talking about. Tony gritted his teeth due to the mere thought of Richard, of all the enemies Tony faced back home it had to be Richard to f*ck things up here.
"If you aren't human, then what are you?" Chiffon asked walking over beside the bed still withholding emotion. The tone in her voice was curiosity but it also hid the fact that she was disheartened.
"I'm a ghost." Tony admitted with a sigh knowing he would have to give an answer sooner or later, "So is Kolt and Maximus."
"That would explain why you didn't die...because you're already dead." Chiffon she said taking a eat on the bed and looking down to the dimly lit floor.
"Physically dead more or less." Tony commented with a bit of sass
Chiffon snickered a quiet chuckle, "I thought I was the only one." She blandly said lowering her head.
Trying to process the thought, "Only one? What?" He sounded.
Chiffon quickly placed a finger on his mouth, "Shh...don't talk." She told him softly looking into his confused eyes.
"Uh...Chiffo-" Tony tried to speak but Chiffon leaned in towards a kiss. Holding it for a good minute she leaned off and slid down to his chest.
Trying to listen for a heart beat she spoke, "You have a cold heart." She said softly. Tony gulped at her words .
"It's not cold...it's broken" Tony quietly muttered to himself but Chiffon heard it completely. She sighed laying there on Tony's bed wondering what to do next after all her heart was pounding endlessly since Tony was taken down by Monsters and seeing him shot didn't make things easier for her either. Was she beginning to have feelings for him or was it an illusion?