Key:

Narration/Action

"Dialogue"

Thoughts

Flashback

Thank god for that… As he ran past the wanted sketches he now knew that Kayaba and the others were safe and knew where to go.

He knocked on the door said the password and was greeted by an ecstatic Klein.

"Yo Kirigaya's here!"

"Welcome back hotshot."

"Captain." He nodded at her.

"Kazuto, welcome back."

"So who's left?"

"Just us," Kayaba explained the dire situation to the surviving men and women. Things were looking dire for the rebels.

The door opened and Alice jumped awake.

"Don't worry It's me. The names Aly."

"A..lice.."

"I'll make sure he doesn't come back."

"Thanks.." She scrunched her lips together…

"What's with that face?"

"Why are you helping me because I'm your prisoner."

"I don't abuse prisoners and besides I have a child."

"Really?"

"Yes, I was raped but I still love the child."

"I'm sorry…"

"Don't be I have a husband who loves the child like it's his own. Besides, I owe the captain for helping me."

"Don't you guys see that this is wrong?"

"What is?"

"That locking up Eugeo and killing him is wrong especially when he's our best bet against this oppression." Aly looked away.

"Does it matter? I have a family to support and I can't afford to follow my feelings or I'm afraid she's going to pay the price."

"Who?"

"My little girl."

"If you don't mind me asking… what's her name?"

"...Asami."

"What a beautiful name."

They both chuckled. "Look at us chatting as if we are friends…"

Midori was scared as she was holding a piece of paper

"Kazu what the hell…" She shook her head.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door she went to open it and was greeted by an officer. "Hello Ma'am, I am Officer Kritz one of the rebels Kazuto Kirigaya resides here."

"He's not here."

"You were quick to respond. Please move aside so we can search."

"On what grounds?" She stood in front of the officer. "My nephew hasn't been home for days he isn't stupid to come back, especially when my husband is a Captain in the brigade."

She was violently shoved to the side by the officer. A girl came running up the steps and was furious. "Hey, that's my mother what are you doing?!"

"Sugha no!"

The man grabbed Sugha's neck and squeezed it. Whispering to her in a threatening manner. "Listen I am in charge here if you don't wanna get severely hurt I suggest you listen. Capice?"

She nodded in fear since it was hard to speak and ran to her mom as soon as she was let go. They let the officers have their way because they couldn't fight back.

Kazuto was restless the rebels were forced to sleep on the floors since they were scared to return home. The homes were probably being searched by MPs. Once in the middle of the night, he woke up to heavy breathing that didn't belong to him. Putting on his shirt and deciding to head out of the room. Seeing a figure holding a wooden stick and swinging it in repetition.

"Captain?"

She almost tripped upon hearing his voice and was interrupted and threw her wooden to the side hurriedly.

"Kazuto?"

"Yep, that's me."

"Why aren't you asleep?"

"...Can't sleep."

"Oh."

"What were you doing just now?"

She looked away… "I was just practicing some useless swordsmanship." Thank god it is dark I'm so embarrassed.

"..ool."

"Huh, I didn't catch that."

"I was saying it was awesome."

Now she blushed for a different reason a smile was now plastered on her face. "Thanks."

"Can you teach me…?"

"What?"

"Can you teach me?"

"Why it's such a useless skill…?"

"Nothing's ever useless in this world."

Her mouth was agape baffled that this was a regular teenage boy.

"Ok…"

She signaled him to come and they got started practicing. Meanwhile, across the hall, a figure was listening and smiling.

A noise was heard. It sounded very metallic. My spies have found something. Akihiko stood up quickly went outside and grabbed the envelope that was placed inside the mailbox. He went to his office space and ripped it open. Good job Cardinal…

During the week things were busy. Tsuboi was in charge of food rations along with Edyis. Kayaba and Sejirou were busy planning their next move. Sortiliena was busy teaching Kazuto her Serlut style.

"Good." As Kazuto swung at her. "You're a fast learner."

"Thanks."

Kazuto kept swinging at her. She parried when she could. He slammed her sword so hard it flew out of her hand. She was forced against the wall as he put his wooden sword against her neck while his Onix eyes stared into her own.

"Do you surrender, Captain?"

She raised her hands up in defeat. There was a knock on the door. A voice was heard from the other side.

"Kayaba wants us in five." A female voice was heard.

"Roger that, Mifune."

Kazuto went to put on his undershirt and trenchcoat. Serlut stared at his back muscles while he was changing. Damn…look at me being a pervert while he only maintained eye contact with me. She proceeded to put on her purple button-up.

She coughed. "You ready?"

"Yes, Captain."

"You may call me by my first name." And she left the room and headed toward the others

"Ok men, I have received intel that they are holed up in the old royal family's chapel."

Kazuto raised his hand.

"Speak."

"All of our men? No disrespect but I don't think that can fit all of the rebels."

"I never said that Kirigaya. It's just that Alice and Eugeo are holed up there. The rest I am positive that they are being held under the Capitol building in Mitras."

"So we are going to have to split up I am assuming." A voice said.

"Correct, Tsuboi."

He grabbed a chalk as he drew a building.

"As you can see we will need two teams. So one team will be led by Mifune and the other will be led by Serlut. Any questions?"

A hand rose up.

"What about the Commanders?"

Seji spoke up. "Good question Edyis, Me and Commander Kayaba will surrender as a distraction. While you guys complete your tasks."

Kayaba squinted at Seji with his eyes saying 'Hey I should explain it since it's my plan.' Sejirou squinted back. 'Hehehehehehehhe.'

"Anyways the teams will be…Fanatio, Tsuboi, and Edyis. The chapel team will be Sortiliena and Kazuto…" Kirigaya was about to raise his hands but Akihiko spoke before he could raise his hand. "The reason for this is because the Capitol is probably guarded closely. The Chapel team has less security and once you rescue Zuberg and Nakamo you will have more members."

Sortiliena spoke up. "Wait how do you know this?"

"I have a spy her code name is Cardinal." They all looked at him with disgruntled faces. "That's not her real name."

"Then what is it?" The Garrison Captain questioned.

"I don't even know myself."

"So back to the explanation…If the capitol team finishes first they are to rendezvous and assist with the chapel and vice versa as well. Understood?"

"Yes, Sir!"

"Yes, Commander!"

"Seji is your plan ready."

"Of course Aki."

"We set out at dawn. Dismissed!"

"Can't believe we got the barrels."

"What did I tell ya even though most of my branch refused to participate they come in clutch."

"Liena you got this. Don't fret."

"Yep.." To be honest I'm a bit unsure…

Most of the Garrison members left the room after Kayaba made the announcement I mean it was reasonable as most of them had a family to support or were fearful of the uncertain future.

After the briefing. Sejirou was looking for his second most trusted X.O. who was in charge of Karanse's defense.

"Schmitt."

"Yes, Commander?"

"I want you to take up Commander if something happens to me."

"But sir I think Mifune's the better choice."

"No can do sir as she's on the secret mission with me."

"Understood."

Seji explained what his 'acting' duties would entail.

"Schmitt came in clutch." he whispered as they were 'discovered' by the police

"Indeed Seji."

"So where's the rest of the rebels."

"Rebels? Oh them? As you can see It was hard for us to come together as we didn't have a plan B and your checkpoints hindered us from sneaking and seeing each other…" He continued to butter up the Officer-in-charge.

Nice acting. Sejirou was holding in a laugh as Kayaba fed the officer his bullshittery.

Tsuboi, Edyis, and Fanatio broke in through the vents after they set a barrel off outside which attracted the guards.

"Uffgh."

"What not my fault that these vents are small and tight."

"Djon't pubt yuoor sheo in ym mtho."

"What?" Edyis playfully said.

Tsuboi violently grabbed her leg and moved and shoved it away so he could speak. "I said don't put your fucking foot in my mouth."

She noticed his aura change and decided to answer in a serious tone. "Not my fault these vents are small." They continued crawling.

Eiji was lying on his bed. I miss Yuna… He squinted his eyes and noticed something in the vents. He had an idea.

"Guards let me tell you a story."

"On what."

"Of how I was a bard." Gonna be spewing a lotta bull in this story.

"I thought you were a medic?"

"No, I was a bard..." He said goofily seeing the screws were loosening so he decided to sing one of his beloved's song that she wrote. "...Watch me."

"Yeah ok."

He took a deep breath and screeched.

"I was sure that there could be no

No crueler fate than this hell we know

But now I fear our darkest day here

Will catch us unaware

I hear a pounding at the door and

Just like a warning, it unnerves me

How could we know a greater nightmare was hanging in the air?

Soaring high as one to fight the enemy

Every passing day they must be slain at any cost

On that day, I wonder the expression in our eyes

When we saw victory could be realized

What more can we do against the demon, crushing man?

I worry our reluctant hearts will bring to life

The catalyst to destroy us

We dedicate and sacrifice our hearts for humanity

All that we've lost is not in vain

It's all leading to this moment

We dedicate and sacrifice our hearts for humanity

Create the fate with your own hands

A day that we'll reclaim!"

They immediately covered their ears and were knocked out from behind by Edyis and Tsuboi

"Dude Yuna sings it WAY better."

"Your welcome Tsuboi." he fired back.

Kazuto and Sortilliena arrived at the chapel with five barrels in tow. They stepped out of the carriage with their luggage.

"You ready to blow shit up, Kazuto?"

"Yes, Captain."

"You can call me my first name."

"We are at work."

She rolled her eyes. "Let's go,"

A guard noticed a barrel roll in he went to check it and shouted to the outside guard. "Ben um what happen-" BOOM the barrel went off. Then the two rebels came with another and Liena lit three of them and rolled them into the crystalized room.

"Yo It's Kiri-" His head was mercilessly sliced off by the figure in black. The figure dodged a bullet shot by another guard by orbiting the staves of ice and slicing his head off.

A door opened revealing a cloaked figure

"Huh, who are you?"

The figure took off her hood. "It's me Serlut."

"Oh hey." She didn't know her well.

"Do you know where Eugeo is?"

"I heard the guards say he's in the…central cell? I don't know it was hard to hear sorry."

"It's ok, I saw an armory lets get you geared up."

"Yes, Captain."

They both left and headed to the armory.

Kazuto was swinging around killing the policemen with no remorse he wanted to find Eugeo quickly hoping he didn't have to encounter a certain someone. I don't want to be here any longer Kayaba…

"Commander…?" Kayaba stopped in his tracks waiting for Kazuto to speak. After a few moments, there was no response.

"Kazuto please hurry, the longer we procrastinate the more we put the plan in jeopardy."

"...Can I swi..tch to the prison team..?"

"Why?"

"Because I don't think I'm the right man to assist the Captain can't Kl- Tsuboi or Edyis help?"

"No."

He widened his eyes. Why?

"Not that I think you are incompetent, It's actually the other way around."

"Huh?"

"Edyis or Tsuboi would die If I put them in your post."

"Why?"

"They're not up to par with you."

"What do you mean?" He furrowed his eyebrows

"I heard you killed at least three policemen."

His hand started shaking, as he tightly shut his eyes. Kazuto's arm started shaking and he grabbed it with his other but failed to suppress it. He squeezed it even harder which resulted in some mild pain. "Are you mad at-"

"Mad?" If you could see his face dimples would be seen. "I'm proud of you-"

"Proud?" What the fuck? "I didn't sign up to kill my own kind."

"You knew what the mission entailed. I even gave you a chance to leave that room."

"Can I just switch with Edyis or Tsuboi?"

"Is it because of your uncle..?"

"..."

"Your the only one who can take him."

"Please…" He muttered lowly.

"If you wanna switch just Imagine attending their funeral."

"Hm?"

Akihiko took a deep breath. "You're the only one that is up to par with HIM, if you decide to switch their blood will be on your hands."

"What if I die."

"Then you can die in peace."

Kazuto left Kayaba, It'll be my fault, hopefully, I can just avoid him.

He took a quick breath as a shot almost hit his face luckily he avoided it on time and it just grazed his forehead. FUCK that hurts, Blood was trickling down the right side of his face. As he hung on the pillar looking to see where the shot came from. This person seemed experienced as she set off a smoke grenade the moment she missed. He scanned the smoke to see who shot It. Please don't be him he repeated in his head. It was so quiet he could hear his own staggering breath. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw movement.

The guard on the other side was thinking. Should I shoot…no he'll dodge it for sure…aha. She now had a perfect plan. Seeing a silhouette of where he was she tiptoed to his left side. Attaching to the same pilar, pointing the loaded gun forward, and charging. Big mistake the man no the boy was quick to catch on to this and stabbed her gut and she fell on the floor as he flew on ahead.

With her shaky breath, she thought of her muttering. "..Asami…" closing her eyes for what might be her last time seeing the light.

Kazuto was manuvering in the air. Thought that was my uncle… He saw a door wide open so he retracted his ODM hooks and before he touched the ground he boosted and was in an identical room as the last. Weird…

A guard came at him with astounding speed. He managed to block his strike by using his sword. He looked at him.

"HELLO CHAMP!" He now had a sabre in his left hand and decided to engage his nephew in a series of parries

"Uncle…" He said in a distraught tone as he parried his oncoming melees.

"This is fun."

"Please Uncle st-"

They parried again. "It's nothing personal champ." Wearing a stoic expression. Both men used the pillars as cover. Kazuto managed to push back his uncle a few feet away but Mintaka raised his right hand as he shot in the direction of his nephew.

"Eugeo!"

He opened his eyes and recognized that warm familiar voice. Alice ran up to him and hugged him teary-eyed. She just enjoyed the feeling of him. He tried to make a sound but was muffled.

"Oh sorry, let me take off that gag…" She took it off "..better?"

"Yeah."

Alice tried to yank off the chains on his hand but despite her efforts, she failed. "Where's the key?"

"Kazuto's uncle has it."

"..."

"Hello glad to see you didn't kick the bucket Eugeo."

"I might if we don't get outta here Captain."

"So where are the keys?"

"Eugeo said Kazuto's uncle has them."

They heard clashing nearby. Alice tried to shake off Eugeo's chain harder and rattling could be heard.

"Alice what are you…"

He missed as Kazuto dashed for the nearest stave for cover. Nice speed champ. He reloaded his gun and ran after Kazuto who was utilizing his ODM. So he decided to match him. Both of them were engaged in ariel combat. Having an ariel duel seemed surreal and cool if it wasn't for the fact that it was to the death and your opponent was someone who you looked up to. The number of times they parried was uncountable. If Kayaba were present he'd be smiling like a madman waiting to see which Kirigaya came on top.

"Don't do this."

PARRY

"Do what?" He furrowed his eyebrow in excitement.

PARRY

"Make me-"

PARRY

"...the worst…"

PARRY

"..human.."

PARRY.

As they struck swords for a bit longer Mintaka remembered something and smiled. If you won't strike me maybe you'll need an incentive… When they separated he threw his sabre at Kazuto to slow him down.

He was now clear of the pillars. "OH HELLO EUGEO AND FRIENDS SEEMS I HAVE TO KILL YOU, I CANNOT ALLOW YOU TO LEAVE." Boosting upwards to get a clear shot but was knocked down from the air by his own nephew.

"Kazuto can you grab the key?!"

He got on top of his uncle and went through both of his pockets until he found a key. "Here Cap!" He threw it but was interrupted by his uncle who woke up and grabbed his arm. The key landed on the ramp a few feet up the ramp to Eugeo but Sortliena still had to run to get it. Mintaka threw Kirigaya away from him and attached to a pillar. He used it to spin around and aimed at Eugeo. Alice saw this and jumped in front of him by hugging him tightly.

"ALICE WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"

She shut her eyes tightly awaiting the pain.

Kazuto got up and knew what he was up to. He ran up the ramp halfway jumped off and boosted towards the position where his uncle was. He didn't even mean to do it, It was more like a reflex as he stabbed his uncle in the gut mid-air.

"WHY?!" A teary-eyed Kazuto yelled at him.

"You did it…champ." He smiled as shut his eyes

They both fell only Kazuto rose to his feat. The silence was deafening everyone was expecting him to scream. Mintaka groaned. Kazuto moved his arm to his wound.

"Leave me."

"But you-"

"I deserve this."

Yw for the cliffhanger enjoy the pain,