Nothing Is Truly Impossible
To avoid suspicion for the time being, Tony was hid away in his dorm working on paperwork for the new recruits. Wearing his usual limiter's outfit he worked casually 'til Kolt walked into the room holding a dozen folders, "What is it Kolt? I'm kinda busy" Tony told her sternly not taking his eyes off his work.
"I have several candidates for the next batch of recruits." Kolt said walking over to Tony's desk sitting toward the wall. Standing beside him she stated, "I want you opinion on them first."
"Fine bring them here." Tony told Kolt and placed the folders on his desk. Tony only read the tabs of each one, "Aria Richardson, 14. Sloane Kunoho, 14. Rachel Ceder, 14." Not wanting to read anymore stopped letting out a frustrated sigh, "Nope can't do it." Tony said putting the folders down and slid them away.
"Wha-why?" Kolt asked as if her hard work had been trashed.
Expecting this kind of behaviour Tony sighed and admitted, "Their too young, they'll short of Child Soldiers. We don't do that kind of thing and on top of that we don't have the time to train them." He explained reminding her that their faction wasn't about Child Soldiers, that'd be taking freedom instead of giving it.
"They're teenagers." Kolt defended her decision.
"And you're considering conscription. Kolt, These Girls may be candidates but they'll be no match for for a 7 foot monster I'm sorry, I'm not allowing them into this force." Tony once again reminded her that their faction was giving freedom instead of taking it, "As a Colonel you must understand the situation."
Kolt let out a defeated sigh, "You were always were better with audacity." Admitting he was right and complementing him. Altogether plan of training a force was conscription enough but in a sense that was their choice.
Sister Margaret entered the room shortly afterwards, "Tony, it's great to see unharm. Weird but great." She said still trying to accept the fact he wasn't like most mortals, hell a Pandora would survive a shot to the head.
Tony gave a nod, "Thanks, what's on your mind?" He asked knowing she would stop be to say hi. Kolt stood there waiting patiently.
"I order the things you wanted." She stated with a monotone voice.
Knowing that tone he knew something was off, "But something's wrong on your part isn't there."
"Is it going to be worth the trouble?" She asked not hesitating for a second.
Tony thought about it for a brief pause, "How 'bout I ask you that question when this is all over." He told her. She smiled in response and closed the door leaving him alone.
Tony shook his head feeling a slight migraine, "I need break. I'm going to get coffee." He said getting up and heading out the door.
"What about the academy? Won't they see you alive and well when you supposed to be in severely injured?" Kolt responded expressing concern watching him walk out.
Before leaving the room Tony stop at the door and turned around., "Kolt, Relax. I'm a ghost." He replied before fading transparent and walking through the door. Looking a bit jealous Kolt scoffed before taking the files and left as well.
Using his ghost-like movements he made his way towards a parking evading passing students going to and from classes.
Parkade
Shortly after calling a delivery he found himself in the parkade and awaited his delivery. A familiar buggy drove up through the lots and stopped in front of the doors where Tony stood patiently. Getting out of the vehicle Himiko held what appeared to be a large cup of coffee, "I knew you liked coffee but didn't think it was that much." She said walking over.
"I do. How much?" Tony asked gladly taking the cup and attempted to pulled out his wallet.
"Consider it a gift." Himiko replied putting her hands up. Tony acknowledged her request as she lowered her arms, "Say what's going on? I had to be checked at like 3 checkpoints." She explained.
"Something serious." Tony blandly answered taking a sip of his cup. Chapping his lips he tasted to see if she had the right mixture.
Her expression dropped as Tony took another sip, "I wish I could something about it." She stated aloud downhearted.
Stopping in realization and having a mouth full of coffee sitting in his mouth he wondered. Lowering the cup and gulping the coffee he finally spoke, "You just might."
"What?" She sounded looking at Tony confused out of her mind. She was wondering if she had heard him right.
Tony smiled knowing he had peaked an interest, "If you're willing to accept this offer of staying here and train as a Pandora, you just might make a difference." He explained merrily with open arms for dramatic effect.
"Me? At West Genetics? That's...that's great news! I have to tell me mom and sister." Himiko exclaimed in excitement and still trying the process the thought. Realization struck her when she remembered something important, "Wait I'll be off training for a period of time and won't be able to see them."
Tony lost his smile and lowered his arms adjusting his cup to remain level, "If you accept my offer you won't be seeing them at all." He spoke with a serious tone.
Himiko's thought process stopped dead at those exactly words, "What about my family?" She asked. She began wondering what'll happen if she did accept. Will she be the same person or something much more?
"What about them?" Tony replied with a question. Himiko couldn't believe what she was hearing but nonetheless she badly wanted to be a Pandora. Being a Pandora was one of her childhood dreams, to be someone that people looked up to and now that the opportunity was present she didn't know if she was ready after all she failed the compatibility test when she took it at the age of 12.
"Don't I at least get to say goodbye?" She asked a different question sounding like she wanted this more that anything but didn't know how to approach it.
Tony let out a long sigh. He pinched the bridge of his nose and hated the idea of taking her freedom but if she sounded like she wanted more than so be it he wasn't going to stop her, "People like us make a sacrifice to those closest to us and don't usually get to say goodbye. We fight entirely not because we want to but also no one else will. We are the few determined to Protect." He explained lowering his arms and stared aimlessly at the floor.
Himiko fell silent and process that thought. He began to sound like more of a selfless hero, "Ilya" she whispered her sister's name with tears forming in her eyes.
Tony turned around to face the entrance of the door, "Goodbye Kasukezaki." He said waving her off but before taking a step Himiko spoke out.
"Wait! I'll do it, because no one else will right?." She sounded more assertive than before.
Turning his head Tony showed a small grin, "That's right." He replied cocking his head prompting her to go with.
"I'm sorry Ilya" Himiko whispered under her tongue, "I hope you'll forgive me." Following behind Tony she felt this was a kidnap but it was entire out of her choice to go along and that put her in conflict. Hopefully she could learn more and fell reassured.
Courtyard
Kolt and Maximus were dress in Digi-TRUs (tactical response uniforms) waiting for Tony separated from the main group. Tony pointed to the group, "Stand over there with the others while I address the situation." He told Himiko who nodded in response. She looked out of place and felt unsure about her decision.
Walking over toward the two compatriots he spoke, "Kolt, shouldn't you be the one in charge." He casually said. Of course Kolt would out rank him but she didn't see the point.
"Naturally I should be but you have way more experience as field commander." She admitted and saluted Tony. He chuckled and shook his head then finally saluted back.
"It's surprises me that more people showed up." Maximus butted in not wanting to feel left out overlooking the crowd of more potential recruits.
Turning her attention towards the group, "It's no surprise to me after what happened last night." Kolt said reminding the three of last night's events. Tony made a slight scowl at her tactless comment, Too soon on his part.
"How many more have showed up? I recognize most faces from yesterday." Tony asked scanning the familiar faces from the prom. Some Pandora, Some Limiters, and some regular civilians.
"At least 40 more. Though few faces have left, I take it they suspected what we've been doing and decide that this wasn't what they wanted." Kolt replied. She too was scanning the group and noticed an odd one wearing a cafe outfit while the others wore uniforms.
"Can you blame them?" Maximus added, "I mean c'mon, we're basically asked for a conscription." Being the person he is he took the whole process as conscription.
"It's their freedom and choice if they want too. Listen up potential recruits!" Tony reassured Maximus and addressed the crowd, "I recognize some faces from last night's incident and probably questioning why I'm unharmed. In truth that man was right, I'm no mere mortal nor are these two behind me are." He explained and pointed back with his thumb.
"We're not from this world. The Nova also come from a different world. Back home, We give our own freedom so people like you can have theirs." Kolt spoke with sheer pride
"Those monsters from yesterday originate from our world and have plans to take this one by storm. This is where you come in, seeing how there are only three of us we can't possibly take on all of them." Maximus told the crowd explaining briefly why they were there
"Which is why we're asking you for help. In the end the choice is yours, leave now knowing the threat of those monsters or fight to protect those around you from certain death." Tony explained sympathetically, "For those who haven't been here last night, this is what were going up against. Keep in mind that this is only a hologram." He said pulling out a hand held device and tapped the keys on it.
What sounded like a scoff everybody turned to look behind them. Standing on top of the building's ledge behind them was one of the same monsters from yesterday. The monster jumped up and twirled down towards Tony.
The monster landed beside Tony and roared directly at the crowd which made some of them flinch with horrified faces, "This is something that can't be taken lightly." Tony stated with a stern look, Himiko began feeling butterflies out of fear upon seeing such a creature.
Kolt then took a step, "How those who think this is too much, leave, but know this: If you leave you won't be able to come back and rejoin. This is a once and a lifetime opportunity." She explained with the same expression as Tony. Certain individuals had mixed feelings about leaving due to the expressions they showed. In any event they made their choice and stayed.
"For those who think they're not ready, not worthy, we recommend you stay. Let us find out together if you are worthy and ready for such a task." Maximus stepped forward and explained as well, "Before we get started, there'll be three sections."
"I will be the head of Pandora Ops, the Pandora here will be under my command." Kolt announced. The Pandora in the crowd looks amongst each other with mixed reactions. What about their limiters that showed up as well? Will they be able to fight along side their Pandora?
"I'll be the Infantry Commander. Those that volunteered yesterday afternoon and a select few will be trained to take on such creatures." Tony explained looking at a few familiar faces. Stopping on Himiko her face expressed consideration and determination. She wasn't going to let a monster like that to harm others for the sake of destruction. That's exactly why she wanted to be a Pandora, to protect others.
"The rest will be under my command as Heavy Armor, These things are tough and occasionally need a heavy punch." Maximus finally added. Those that weren't picked off would be under Maximus' command operating heavy armor and vehicles. He often thought what would be better driving a tank.
"We don't do this not entirely because we want to, but because no one else will. We are the few determined to protect." Tony spoke with inspiration which the crowd looked amongst themselves and smiled confidently towards each other knowing they would accomplish something no Pandora or Chevalier could, "Now to shorten up training for this chapter and the course of a couple days we're gonna do a complete montage of Basic Training with fitting music." He said pulling out his iPod.
Watching in cofusion the crowd wondered what he was going on about, "Wait WHAT!" Maximus and Kolt sounded in unison as Tony pressed play.
(Rise Against - Under The Knife)
(Intro Chords play x3)
Tony, Maximus, and Kolt are standing with their respective teams who are all standing at attention side by side. The three look to each other with confidence.
(Intro Chords play again x3)
Tony is at head of a classroom teaching what's on the board, "Properties of Impurification". Kolt and Maximus are to his sides following up on his conversation as the three teams are writing down notes.
(Wake me up inside
Tell me there's a reason)
Training begins with Tony addressing his team like a drill sergeant. He rings one recruit next to Himiko and pulls him down ordering him to push ups.
(To take another step
To get up off my knees and,
Follow this path of most resistance.)
Tony has his team running an obstacle course with little results, Kolt combats Pandora but easily dodges and block their attacks, Maximus has his team reloading refurbished 120mm cannons to an Abrams but struggles.
(And where ever it takes us,
Whatever it faces and wherever it leads,)
Chiffon watches from a window as the three teams work. She clasped her hand over her heart seeing Tony man handle the recruits. Tony looks back to see Chiffon's silhouette in the window.
(So wake me when it's through,
I don't want to feel the things that you do (the things that you do))
Kolt combats Skar with her Pandora and Tony's team watching. She dodges and pivots out of his swings and thrusts.
(Don't worry I'll be fine
I just don't want this dream, wake me up inside)
Tony combat's his team and effortlessly takes them down but Himiko's determination refuses to back down and continues to combat Tony.
(Something for the pain, just to kill this feeling
Although we looked awake, inside we're all still sleeping
And I spent my time here alive, but barely there)
The three teams are sitting the cafeteria eating happily and conversing with one another. Himiko watches in glee and realizes this is only the beginning of something great as Tony, Maximus, and Kolt watch from afar overlooking the teams.
(Do you believe we'll ever make it?
Do you think we'll ever really see?)
Himiko looks over to Tony wondering if this is all worth it, Tony notices the concerned look and reassures her with a simple yet meaningful nod. She smiles back filled with more determination.
(So wake me when it's through,
I don't want to feel the things that you do (the things that you do))
Tony's team are practicing tactical maneuvers in an urban setting, Kolt's Pandora are managing to holdout against Skar but is shortly dispersed, Maximus teaches his team to drive a refurbished M1 Abrams.
(Don't worry I'll be fine
I just don't want this dream, wake me up inside)
The three teams are target practicing with TAR-21s. Each of them hit the target with mild accuracy and Himiko is more focused on protecting what is close to her.
Instrumental
The teams are resting in cots tented outside West Genetics. Himiko is on her stomach writing a letter with the heading on top reading, "Dear Ilya". She contemplates what to put down.
(Wake me up inside
These dreams all die if we let them,)
She flips around to back her looking up at the tent ceiling. Thinking about her choice and why she did it.
(Wake me up inside
Today won't start if we just give in.)
She drifts off into sleep dreaming about all the memories she had with her sister and mother. A painful reminder what she had done.
(Don't show me anything!)
Shooting her eyes open she was ready to tackle the next day.
(Just wake me when it's through,
I don't want to feel the things that you do (the things that you do))
Back on the obstacle course Tony's team is effortlessly passing the obstacle course wearing a rucksack and full gear, Kolt's Pandora are engaging Skar who appeared to be losing, Maximus' team are relaxing on several tanks bored already knowing everything.
(Don't worry I'll be fine
I just don't want this dream, wake me up inside)
Sister Margaret watches from her tablet as the three teams progress. She smiles at Tony's group confident enough to understand his decision and the choice he made.
(Outro chords play x3)
The three teams are all standing side by side at attention with Tony walking down inspecting each one. He turn's to Kolt and Maximus then nods as a sign of acknowledgement and respect.
Multipurpose Room #16
The three teams are now relaxing in a room giving as a gift and reward from Sister Margaret for all their hard work. Tony sitting with his team are chatting about something that has to do with a celebrity, a tennis racket, and 20 little monkeys.
Kolt and Maximus walk into the room wheeling a dolly of dinner plates, "Who's hungry?" Maximus asked. Without words the teams made their way towards Maximus.
Managing to squeeze by Kolt walked over to Tony. She leaned over to his ear and whispered, "Madam President is outside wanting to speak with out." She leaned off and headed over to help Maximus.
Tony made his way to the door and left the room. Sure enough Chiffon Fairchild is waiting opposite of the door leaning against the wall, "Tony." She greeted.
Tony nodded in response, "Madam President." He greeted back. Deciding to get closer he too leaned against the wall beside her.
Her heart skipped a beat when he accidentally bumped her shoulder with his. Choosing to remain calm she slightly slid over, "I want to ask you a favor." She told him.
Feeling noticed he shot up his stance in delight, "Anything for you." He stated cheerfully.
"I'm going on a date and I want you to escort us." She wasted no time saying that. Tony's delight quickly fell to disappointment but he remain his stance and expression to find that fact.
Processing the thought on wether or not he should accept but looking Chiffon's expression it looked as if she wasn't sure if it was a good idea, "Sure." He announced with a cunning look. He wanted to see if this other guy was for real taking on the Student Council President on a simple date and seeing his expression when he get's friendzoned.
Her expression lit up like a bright campfire, "Great, Don't worry about waiting for him. He'll be at the restaurant when we arrive." She told him leaning off and giving a tender yet striking smile.
"See you later." Tony waved her off as she did the same. Turning around and leaving Tony behind walking in the other direction.
Much later on Tony arrived at Chiffon's dorm wearing a regular 3-piece suit, white, red tie. He though he looked average but on his way here he got surprised looks from many of the Pandora. Knocking on the door and waited for an answer he checked his breath.
The door swung open with Ticy looking pissed as hell. Tony knew this was her time of the month and didn't bother saying hi which was exactly like playing with fire, "Chiffon, Tony's here." She spoke with an extremely irritated voice.
Chiffon walked over to the door, "Madam Presid-" Tony greeted but stopped in mid-sentence in awestruck. Chiffon donned on a white cocktail dress with red trimmings and making her look similar to that of an angel.
"Is something the matter?" Chiffon asked looking innocent, "Do you like he'll like it? Is it too much?" She then looked down to her dress inspecting it for something wrong.
Tony regain his vision after Chiffon's sudden flashbang he gave a quick look over Chiffon then answered, "You look stunning in that dress, I think he'll absolutely love it." He said completely forgetting about the other guy. Chiffon gave a soft smile and looked relieved instead of her usual creepy dominate smile. Allow her to pass Tony watched her graceful steps out the door. Turning around he noticed Ticy glaring at him.
She gestured her hand with the index and pinky fingers directed to her eyes and twisted her hand toward him implying that she was going to watch him. Tony gestured the same thing except he slouched and gave a weird look as he left. Ticy scrunched her face in confusion while also shrugging her shoulders.
Restaurant, Moxxi's Bar and Grill
Arriving via Taxi they stopped outside the well-known restaurant. Being the gentleman and escort he hopped out, payed the cabbie, walked over to Chiffon's door, and opened it as would a security guard would.
Stepping out she stepped forward towards the door to which Tony was going to open it for her but before reaching the door he bumped into a mauve headed teenager running passed. The force pushed Tony back a step while the teenager dropped back on to her rear.
"Oof, you alright? You know you should watch were you're going." Tony told the girl who sat there rubbing the point of impact on her forehead.
"I'm fine." She told him looking up at him with a careless look and a smile.
"Here, lemme help you up." He said lending out a hand.
"I'm not helpless." She commented but without question she took the hand as a gesture of kindness, "Thanks, I didn't catch your name?" She said to the older man before her.
"It's Tony." He replied with a kindhearted smile.
"Thanks again Tony, I'm Ayama." The teenager responded back with a smile as well.
"Ayama!" A voice shouted calling to her. Ayama winced and noticed a group of people down the street she had forgot about.
"Coming, I gotta go but nice meeting ya Tony." She told the group and waved goodbye to Tony. He waved off dismissing her allowing her to return to her friends.
"You certainly have a way of meeting new people." Chiffon commented holding the door open to the restaurant." Tony did nothing but nod in response.
Inside, the waitress lead them to a table and already got them something to drink. A quick look at the menu they already knew what they wanted. The waitress came back with the appropriate drinks and took their orders.
As the waitress left Tony remembered something that struck him since they left West Genetics, "Chiffon, I noticed you haven't said anything about your date yet. I'm curious." He started looking over the alcoholic beverage menu.
"Oh? This that so?" Chiffon asked feeling something was wrong. She had planned this night but this wasn't how it was supposed to go down.
"Yes, he isn't here because he's already here." Tony explained with a smile staring at Chiffon who now was beginning to become flush red with embarrassment and heart pounding also staring at the dinner roll basket below Tony's face, "It's me isn't it?" He stated.
Finally letting out a relieve sigh Chiffon looked up to Tony making eye contact slowing her heart rate, "I'm not gonna lie: it is you." She said defeated, "How did you find out?" She asked. She felt confident enough that this was wasn't at all going to fail towards normal guys but Tony wasn't a normal guy.
"It's obvious..." Tony commented but Chiffon made a face that said otherwise, "...'kay maybe not that obvious but I suspected when you ask me if your date would like that dress. After I answered you hinted to me that I was the date, most would not have picked up on that." He said expressing intuition of the highest cailber. The waitress came back and placed their food in front of them.
Tony gladly took the fork and knife and started eating. Putting a mouthful of food Chiffon commented aloud, "Handsome and smart."
Her tactful comment made Tony inhale some food causing him to choke, "Wha-what?" He coughed the words.
Chiffon laughed at the man's dismay in response. After a good laugh and finally managing to stop coughing Chiffon's face became sincere, "There's been something I've been meaning to ask." She said. True, there's been something she wanted to ask since her dream.
"As long as your not going to make me choke on me food again, shoot." Tony replied wiping his mouth with a table cloth meant for such.
She gave a small chuckle acknowledging that request, "I...had a dream." Chiffon admitted but Tony remain quiet to hear the full story, "In my dream you said something about "Being the few who protect". Does that mean anything to you." She had been expecting him to laugh but much to her surprise he didn't.
Tony remained silent trying to think of something to say. Was he going to admit it or play dumb like he normally would but instead this was something that need ed to be dealt with, "Yes." Tony said with a nod, "In my mind, that was true." he spoke in a cryptic tone like he did earlier.
Again she sighed in relief, "Thank you, I was hoping you'd know something." She told him taking her fork and started eating.
"In native culture dreams often say a lot but I digress." Tony said eating a bit more food.
"So what does your saying mean?" She asked taking a mouthful.
Swallowing his food head dropped his fork and began gesturing, "The saying goes like this "There are those Destined to Conquer, While most Desire to Destory, and very few Determined to Protect.". Back home there are three major factions: One fights for Control, another fights for Destruction, and the last one fights to Protect." He explained those in power from his world. Three main factions fighting for their own beliefs but one felt more justifiable than the others, "This means something than this." He said clasping his hand into a fist then into a helping hand.
"That's where you fit in." She said understanding his analogy.
"Right, I do it not entirely because I want but because..." ; "...No one else will." Tony said but was interrupted be Chiffon. The conversation stopped in silence, "There was more to that dream than what you're telling me." Tony said wanting to see if his suspicions were true.
"Tony, I'm sorry." Chiffon apologize remember what she had seen but Tony still had to hear some of it before answering, "For what's it-" ; "Please don't talk." He interrupted her by raising his hand and spoke.
"I've had enough to put up with since I seen you for the first time." Tony sternly told her now remembering what had happen and what she was talking about. Whatever she was experience in her dreams took it to a whole level, "Don't make me relive that memory again." He said softly.
Silence fell between the two, "You won't." She told him breaking the ice. Tony now found out how much different Chiffon was to the other girl.
Just as Tony leaned forward Chiffon did the same about to lean in for a small kiss but the staff interrupted that moment.
"Everyone drop what you're doing and leave now." The owner of the restaurant told the customers.
Just as he told the customers Tony's phone rang. Checking to see who it was it read "Kolt" on the caller ID, "This is Tony." He answered putting the phone to his ear. After hearing a response he shouted, "What!?". He waited for another response, "You sure?" He asked.
"What is it?" Chiffon asked as the customer began leaving in a rush.
"We'll be right there?" He told Kolt before distancing the phone from his ear.
Kolt voice was briefly heard, "We? Who's...*Beep*" Tony hung up the phone and looked to Chiffon with a serious expression, "Let's go Madam President." He told her in a very serious tone.
"What's going on?" She asked with a concern.
"4 Nova just appeared outside East Genetics." One of the patrons replied answering Chiffon's question. Did she just hear that right? After all that's been happening it had to be now and not only that there had to be 4 of them. Sh*t just hit the fan.
Flash Notes:
Chiffon was supposed to be the date in the original story but that spotlight was taking by Attia Simmons and the way things went
Moxxi's Bar and Grill is a reference to Mad Moxxi as well as a restaurant by the same name.
On a side note, some names were actually OCs from a forum I became a part of. I thought it be nice to have them Cameo.