Ch. 5: Not Everything is as It Seems
The sudden attack near the Ravenstar nightclub would eventually become public and cause mass hysteria and Kaname realized that the situation had to be taken care of and quickly. He could hear the hissing and roars from the winged four-legged creatures and the terrified screams of the citizens.
Taking out his 39R, Kaname found one about to take a young woman and noticed that the creature had a long whip-like tongue and quickly took aim and shot at the creature's tongue, severing it and letting the victim go before letting loose another burst from his gun to damage the wings, thereby causing the creature to fall to the concrete sidewalk hard.
Shots from the paladins that were trying to take down the vampires that were targeting either them or the citizens could be heard and cars and buildings ruined, smashed, or on fire. People stabbed, drained of blood, or...worst case scenario...turned.
However, that wasn't the least of his problems. Kaname was barely able to make it out, but several groups of werewolves were also in the fray as well and the paladins couldn't quite tell if they were interfering or helping. Heading back to his motorcycle, he then took out a Benelli M4 shotgun, loaded several rounds in it before pointing it at two vampires who spotted him and fired. Unlike his 39R in which he had to wound a vampire first before firing off a round, his shotgun managed to do the extra damage for him, thereby turning the ones he just shot...into ash.
He did a quick rolling reload and pointed it at four oncoming vampires and fired, severely wounding them but not until he heard shots being fired from vampires over at the northeastern side.
"Damn…this isn't good," he cursed, as he looked for the nearest group of paladins to back them up.
After several seconds of scanning the carnage, he eventually found a nearby paladin platoon situated on the northwestern side and used his visor to contact Philip.
"What is it?" asked Philip.
"How are Reo and Subaru doing?" asked Kaname.
"So far…they managed to draw their attention…if only for a moment," he replied.
"That's good…as long as they keep doing that…they just might be able to lead them to some of the other platoons," said Kaname. "Have you managed to locate Luke?"
"I'm tracking him as we speak. It appears as though he realized the situation and is trying to gather members of his pack to lend a hand. It also seems he knows where you went because it looks like the group he's managed to find are following your scent," answered Philip.
"Smart one he is," said Kaname.
"Happy hunting partner," said Philip.
"Thanks," said Kaname.
Kaname eventually saw one of the paladins in the platoon he was approaching giving orders to the others and put his motorcycle next to the barricade.
"What's the situation captain?" asked Kaname.
"We've been trying to keep them at bay for a while. We're still waiting for backup," he replied.
"Captain Kaname Zenryuu of the Phoenix Fire branch," he answered, giving salute as he introduced himself.
"Captain James Benett…part of the Iron Eagle branch," replied the captain. "Capt.
Jason of the Fire Phoenix branch sent word about the attack."
"Much appreciated. I'll try and draw their fire," said Kaname.
"How do you plan on doing that?" asked Capt. Benett.
Kaname then drew out his sword Vanguard, and went out of the barricade into the ensuing chaos. Capt. Benett just shook his head in embarrassment.
"He's asking for a death wish," he said.
Several vampires then surrounded Kaname with swords drawn and circled him. The platoon that Kaname just found were watching in amazement.
"This is crazy...guns versus swords...what are these guys...medieval?" wondered Capt. Benett.
Just as the vampires surrounding Kaname were about to attack, a yellow curved energy blade was unleashed just inches away from where Kaname stood taking out a few vampires with it. Looking up, he saw a familiar figure land near him.
"If you just came to the party...you just missed the appetizers Fate," joked Kaname.
"Is that your way of saying thank you?" she asked.
"No...it's my way of saying 'Talk about impeccable timing'," he answered.
"You mind if I grab this kill?" asked Fate.
"Be my guest," he replied.
The remaining vampires surrounding them then charged in. Kaname ducked within seconds as Fate with a quick fluid motion, swung Bardiche around a full 360, destroying the remaining ones coming towards them.
"Who is that girl?" wondered Capt. Benett.
"Friend or foe?" asked a nearby paladin.
"Hard to say...but she's good," replied another paladin.
"That was for paying for our drinks," said Fate.
"A simple thank you would have sufficed," replied Kaname. "You brought her back?"
"Yeah...by tomorrow as a result of the drink she had, Nanoha might not remember as much from what happened tonight," said Fate.
"You sure you didn't alter her memory in some way?" he asked.
"Some of us are capable of doing such things...even though I've been around long enough...I was never taught that skill," replied Fate.
Suddenly, both of them heard flapping of wings and looking up, Kaname saw the same creature with sharp fangs and claws diving down towards him. Their heads were slightly slimy and their flesh appeared to be a light gray color and their eyes were red, indicating bloodlust.
"Shit…these guys just don't know when to quit," he cursed under his breath.
Fate leapt out of the way before loading some cartridge of sorts into her weapon and unleashing that same attack from earlier on them, severing their wings. She then took to the air and was instantly surrounded by about 15-20 yellow pointed projectiles before she let them loose.
Seconds later, Kaname received notice that Reo and Subaru had just arrived at Kamagaya and were currently engaging the same creature that he and Fate had just fought. One of the nearby vampire groups that were engaging a paladin force in a firefight spotted Kaname and called out
"That's the one…get him!"
"It seems you're the target this time," said Fate.
"How can I know you can be trusted?" asked Kaname.
"Let's just keep tonight between us," came her reply.
"Fair enough," he answered.
It was not until both of them as well as a few other paladin teams heard a howl that Fate began to search around in the sky.
"Lycans...this isn't good," said Fate.
Seconds later, more of those same creatures that were killed began to come in droves until the ground beneath Kaname's feet began to shake.
"What the hell is going on?" shouted Capt. Benett.
"Talon 01...this is Kaname...callsign Shadow. Do you copy?" asked Kaname, through his com-link.
"Shadow this is Talon 01. What's your situation?" asked the pilot.
"There's an oncoming werewolf pack that is aiding us. Do not attack. I repeat...do not attack. Provide them some cover fire when possible," ordered Kaname.
"Affirmative Shadow...sending in the rain," replied the pilot.
It was when Kaname saw those familiar eyes from the lycan leading the group that he smiled.
"Don't attack them Fate," said Kaname.
"Why not? They're my enemy," she replied.
"Just watch," he answered.
Almost hundreds of werewolves were charging down the street with one in particular leading the assault. Several of the werewolves broke into small groups and began climbing to engage the four-legged flying creatures. The two sides began clawing and slashing as each tried to outdo the other. Kaname observed as one of them tries using its tongue to either distract or to rope it in...until the werewolf bit down, severing it before spitting it out and falling back to the ground, causing him to smirk a bit. The helicopter above was providing cover fire while destroying some of them that came close to where they were with two built in Gatling guns.
"Friends of yours?" inquired Fate.
"Just one of them," he replied.
Meanwhile, Reo and Subaru were busy fighting off the winged creatures and several vampire groups, they eventually heard the same howl and a few other lycans respond in reply.
The Audi car was caked slightly with dust as several paladin soldiers were taking cover with them and backing them up at the same time.
"Reo…did you hear that?" asked Subaru, who gave several jabs to one vampire coming from behind before doing a round house kick to its side and landing a hard punch to its head, fracturing the skull with a sickening crunch.
"Yeah…I wonder who that was," said one paladin, named Alex as he fired several rounds from his MP7.
"It's obviously a werewolf," said a second paladin nearby Reo, named Michael, firing a couple of rounds from his MP5K at three vampires on the far left corner.
"Whose call are they even answering?" asked a third paladin that was in the middle.
"Will you guys just pipe down and engage the enemy already!" commanded Reo, taking out a small group of vampires with his M1Garand.
Seconds later, a paladin by the name of Alex yelled, "We've got incoming!"
Screams from some of the paladin men could be heard as Reo saw a few of them being lifted up by some thin long tongue. Looking up, he saw what they were…four-legged creatures with wings, sharp fangs at the edge of their mouth and a whip-like tongue. What he found really disturbing was that the face of the creature would split open revealing tendrils with sharp fangs before quickly shutting them on the victim…instantly killing them. Another named Michael tried to shoot them down from where he was standing, but was instantly caught by one of the creatures and killed seconds later. Alex tried to fire at them from a small distance behind the car, but was shot several times by an unsuspecting vampire on the northeastern side.
Reo pointed at one with his M1Garand before he heard Subaru screaming, as one of the long tongues wrapped around her right ankle and quickly lifted her up.
"Subaru!" shouted Reo, as he pointed his M1Garand at the flying creature. Just as he was about to shoot, several shots rang out as Reo saw a couple of rounds go to the creature's head instantly killing them. The one that caught Subaru lost its tongue's grip causing her to fall on her butt. She quickly moved out of the way of the falling corpse, as the rest of them scattered.
"Let's give them a hand," shouted Reo, firing at three of them with his M1Garand. Alex and his co-captain, Takeshi formed up behind Reo, creating a triangle formation as they covered each other's backs. Subaru saw one climbing down and jumped a couple of trash bins before her left hand got caught in its tongue pulling her forward. Just as the tendrils were about to appear, she gave a sharp jab with her right hand and following up with a flip-kick to its chin, before pounding away on its head and then grabbing it firmly. It tried to shake her off but Subaru held on tightly as though it was a wild horse. Eventually, she held on long enough to twist its head before ripping it off.
As the fight wore on, Fate unfortunately, was called in and had to be summoned elsewhere as a result from an unexpected attack at their coven from some strange creature that almost resembled a vampire but wasn't.
"Sorry...I've got other business to attend to," said Fate.
"How about another drink sometime and we'll call it even," suggested Kaname, shooting at another one of the four-legged flying creatures that was coming towards him.
"I'd like that," she answered, as she flew off.
'What has gotten into me tonight?' wondered Fate, as she headed towards her coven.
Eventually, the fight in which Kaname was in began to die down as the remaining paladin forces began to take down the remainders. Capt. Benett thanked him for the assistance, as the remaining vampires that were engaging either died or began to fall back. Kaname got back on his motorcycle and tried to call Reo and Subaru. Before he could however, Kaname spotted Luke's pack coming to him as Luke phased back into being human, as did his pack.
"Thanks for the help," he said.
"I'm just doing what my brother would have done for his friend's son," he replied.
"Your pack is always welcome under my roof. If you need anything...just howl," said Kaname, with a hint of humor in his voice.
Luke chuckled and patted Kaname on the back. "Will do. Happy hunting," said Luke. "Oh...take this."
Luke then produced from one of his pocket's a small sample of the creature that attacked the area.
"Thanks," he replied, as Kaname placed the sample in his jacket pocket, hit the throttle and headed away from the battle zone.
"DATS...any word on Reo and Subaru's whereabouts?"
"They're currently engaging the same creatures that you were fighting earlier in Toshima," replied the program.
"Send me the closest route possible."
"Calculating nearest route to Toshima now."
However...by the time Kaname got to his destination...he literally blinked when he found the remaining vampires and those same creatures he fought earlier began to leave as though they were either retreating or they found something.
'I don't get it. Did they find something important?' he pondered.
He eventually found Subaru and Reo behind the Audi with a small paladin platoon...or at least...the remainder of the platoon.
"You guys alright?" asked Kaname.
"Yeah...we heard reports of attacks coming in right as soon as that sudden explosion near that nightclub came up," answered Reo.
"Who are they?" asked Kaname, referring to the two paladins standing near them.
"That's Capt. Alex and his co-captain Takeshi. They're both from the Iron Eagle division," answered Reo.
"Nice to meet you captain," said Kaname giving salute.
"Same here," he answered, returning the gesture.
"How did things go here?" asked Kaname.
"We've lost Teams 2 & 3, and most of our unit," answered Takeshi.
"I'm sorry to hear that," he replied.
"Why do you think they left?" asked Capt. Alex.
"I'm not sure," said Kaname.
Seconds later, Kaname heard a couple of helicopters coming around with several small platoons and captains shouting orders left and right. He eventually saw Capt. Jason coming over to where he was and gave him salute.
"You're late Captain. The party just ended," said Kaname.
"Very funny...you alright?" he asked.
"I'm fine. You informed the other branches?" asked Kaname.
"Only the ones that were in the vicinity," said Capt. Jason.
"Can I have a quick word with you…in private?"
"Of course," he replied.
Once the two of them were well outside earshot range, Kaname was leaning against a wall and Capt. Jason asked, "So…what's up?"
"I need you to be seriously honest with me about something. Did you ever receive word about a couple of fugitives from either the Iron Eagle branch or the Silver Gauntlet branch?" asked Kaname.
The captain was silent for a moment before responding. "Yes…I did," he said.
"Why…do you know where they are?"
"Sir…if I may…I know this is going to sound awkward but…I think the tables are turning…much quicker than I anticipated," said Kaname.
"What do you mean?" asked Capt. Jason.
"This is going to get me in hot water but…they're with me," answered Kaname.
"Seriously?" he asked.
"Seriously," replied Kaname.
"Kaname…you know they'll place charges against you," said the captain.
"I know…and I'm saying that there's something more to this than just a couple of fugitives. If they're so damn bent on bringing these two to justice…they're being completely blindsided by an oncoming storm," said Kaname.
"I think you need to bring this up with them," said Capt. Jason.
"They'll say I've gone crazy…but I don't give a damn," said Kaname.
Suddenly, he could hear Subaru's screams of 'Let me go!' and Reo shouting 'Leave her alone!' in the distance.
"What have you done?" growled Kaname, with his 39R pointed at him.
"You have to understand...I was just following orders," he replied.
"How can I be certain?" asked Kaname.
"Capt. Patrick has been acting awkward since you and your partner left. If you want to know...I suggest you listen," whispered Capt. Jason. "Take this key...it'll come in handy later. There's a security containment room on the first floor of the base that sit right below the war room. You'll know why once you get there. The password is 079 bravo, lima, alpha, delta, and echo. He's planning on trying to take over command."
After Kaname took the key from the captain, the two then resumed their conflict.
"Who tipped you off?" growled Kaname. When he got no response, Kaname prepared his gun to fire. "I'll say this one last time. Who tipped you off?"
"It was…Capt. Tyrell of the Iron Eagle branch," answered Capt. Jason. "Please Kaname…try to understand…"
"Why? I trusted you for most of the time I was with the Fire Phoenix branch. I trusted you," said Kaname, feeling his anger rising again.
"I had no other choice," said the captain.
"Stand down soldier!" shouted a voice.
Kaname turned his head but kept his gun pointed at Capt. Jason.
"That is an order," said the voice again.
"Who are you?" growled Kaname.
"Don't you recognize me Kaname?" he asked.
He was silent for a moment before turning his head slowly, his breathing a bit heavy. "Commander Remington?" inquired Kaname.
Kaname then turned to Capt. Jason who then nodded as if to say, "Just go along with it for the moment."
Back over at the underground base, Philip mentally cursed at what had just transpired. He tried to track down their location but somehow got blocked.
"Damn it…those arrogant bastards," growled Philip, as he slammed a fist near the console.
Suddenly, he could hear faint knocking on the front door and immediately had one of his P30 pistols at the ready. Walking slowly near the door, Philip quickly opened it and found two individuals cloaked standing before him. One was slightly smaller and the other was a tad bit taller.
"Who are you?" asked Philip.
"If you want to rescue your friends…you will come with us," said the first individual, which had a male voice.
"And if I refuse…"
"You won't see them again. The Holy Order Council has recently gone in the wrong direction thanks to some corruption from within," explained the second individual, which had a female voice.
"Alright…I'll go with you. However…I demand an explanation for this," said Philip, getting his cloak and prepping some smoke grenades and his two P30 pistols secured near his waist. As he followed them outside, he spotted a black Toyota Avalon waiting over on the curb. Once he got near, he saw another hooded figure at the wheel.
"Get in."
As Philip entered from the back, the other two took the other side. Once seated, the one with a male voice then handed Philip a cup containing some sort of black liquid.
"What's this?" he asked.
"Drink it and don't ask any questions," he shot back.
"Do you want to help your friends?" asked the driver.
Philip was annoyed at first, but then found it better to just go along for now. He took it in one gulp and made a grimacing expression. The stuff tasted horrible, like juices from rotten grapes. Seconds later, Philip felt himself feeling really drowsy.
"Wh-what…are you…guys?" he asked, in a weak voice.
"You will know soon enough," came the reply. But it was so faint from the drug's effects that Philip went out like a light.
The one driving the car took off the hood, revealing a young woman with long aquamarine hair with light green eyes. The person sitting next to her had brown hair and purple eyes, while the guy that gave Philip the sleeping draft had black hair and blue eyes.
"Do you think it was necessary to do that to him Captain Lindy?" asked the one with brown hair.
"It's the only way to not show them what we have up our sleeve Amy," answered the one with black hair.
"That may be true; however…that boy appears to be the key to trying and solving this dilemma. Chrono…I'll leave you with dealing the infiltration details," replied Capt. Lindy.
"Understood Captain," he replied, looking over at Philip's sleeping form.
'Hopefully he doesn't do anything that compromises the mission.'
As the helicopter approached headquarters, Kaname became nearly silent throughout the whole way...until they landed.
"Did the commander notice Capt. Patrick's awkward behavior?" he asked.
"Yes...he did. We're trying to figure out whatever it was he was taking," said Capt. Jason.
As the three of them entered, Kaname felt the head of an AK47 poke his back as one of the paladin soldiers told him to keep going. His eyes quickly scanned the building as he searched for the building layout of the base till he spotted it as they approached the elevator. Once inside, Kaname looked over Capt. Jason's shoulder and spotted the exact same layout on one of the sides of the elevator and memorized it in seconds as they were going up.
Reo and Subaru were placed in a different holding cell than Luke was. While their holding cell had bars made from energy, his was a metal cage. Subaru looked at Luke with a sad look yet inside anger started to boil within her. The cold air made the wounds from the whips sting. Some were still deep while the minor ones healed.
"That's not just an insult…it's disrespectful," said Reo.
"I wouldn't argue with you on that one," said a voice.
"Who's there?" wondered Subaru.
The two then spotted a couple of old men wearing dark red robes with golden linings at the edges. The left side had a staff while the right had a cross. Reo looked at them carefully before letting out a surprised gasp.
"You guys...it can't be," he said.
By the time Kaname and the others reached the designated floor and exited, he was then led to the council chamber which had a high curved table and four seats. One for each of the council members. As soon as Kaname saw the seats were empty, he immediately knew something was wrong. The paladins that were escorting him, Commander Remington, and Capt. Jason had left the room. However, Kaname didn't feel Capt. Jason slip a small vial into the right pocket of his uniform when the doors closed.
"Alright...enough with the charade. What's going on here?" asked Kaname.
"There were supposed to be two members to come in and question you. We've received word that they had arrived. We're not sure as to their whereabouts at the moment," answered Capt. Jason.
"So why did you bring me here?" asked Kaname.
"We need your help in trying to figure out what Capt. Patrick has been taking lately. Some of the other commanders and a few of the soldiers assigned to your group have been giving reports about his erratic behavior," answered Commander Remington. "Some presume it's drugs...others say it's stress and that he might not be getting a lot of sleep."
Kaname then fished into his pocket and pulled out the vial that Capt. Jason slipped in. The contents had a dark colored liquid with a hint of red in it.
"I came across it when I was closing up one time after our branch was summoned for another investigation while you were undercover," answered Capt. Jason. "The contents look similar to blood."
"There's no way that he could have been a vampire unless he somehow fell under their influence," said Kaname. "Also...the blood of vampires are black...not a dark red."
"So...what is it?" asked Commander Remington.
"First off...did you guys notice anything weird on his body? Like markings or anything?" asked Kaname.
"Wait...now that you've mentioned it...I did see some sort of strange mark on his neck...not bite marks...but...something that resembled a snake with wings on its body," answered Capt. Jason.
As soon as the description hit Kaname's ears, his eyes widened in surprise and shock.
"Oh no," he said faintly. "This isn't good."
"What? What is it?" asked the commander.
"Did he say where he found the vial?" asked Kaname.
"He said some strange woman wearing a purple dress had given it to him," replied Capt. Jason.
'Precia,' he thought.
"If the vial isn't vampire blood...then what is it?" asked Commander Remington.
Kaname became silent for a brief moment before looking at them and said, "Demon blood."
"Just as one would expect from someone that's of royal lineage...although ironically I'm surprised you haven't figured it out yet," said a familiar voice.
"Funny coming from one that easily got jealous because of my skill that got me through the ranks up to captain," said Kaname. "Isn't that right...Capt. Patrick?"
The three of them turned around to see a figure hooded in a black robe with red lines near the edges running all around. Kaname noticed something a bit different as he saw that Patrick appeared to be wearing some sort of black armor.
"What's with the medieval outfit Patrick?" asked Capt. Jason.
"Funny you should ask since one of you have been trying to keep tabs on me," he replied.
"Then perhaps you wouldn't mind explaining...this," said Kaname, pulling out the vial with dark red liquid.
"How'd you get that?" he asked, a bit surprised.
"I have my ways of getting information. More importantly...I could ask you the same thing as to what type of information you were leaking and to whom," replied Kaname.
"I grew sick and tired of the fact that just because the commander considered you one of his favorite students," shot back Patrick.
"So you consorted with a vampire that is possibly controlled under dark powers who then gave you this," guessed Kaname, holding up the vial.
At the revelation being out in the open, Capt. Patrick couldn't help but smirk.
"What's so amusing?" asked Commander Remington.
"For once I never considered you to be the bright type, Kaname," he jested.
"That's a lot of arrogant bull coming from the person that was so willing to sell out his entire squad just because he had a hunger for power," shot back Kaname.
"Why'd you do it?" asked Jason.
"Simple...I gave her the information she wanted...in return, she gave me a bit of her strength," he answered.
"You have absolutely no clue as to what you're messing with," said Kaname.
"And I suppose you do?" inquired Patrick.
"All I know is that the more of this stuff you take, the more you're letting whatever influence is influencing you take hold," he answered.
"You don't get it do you?" asked the captain. "Do you even know what that stuff is for?"
Kaname analyzed every aspect of the armor that Capt. Patrick was wearing until he saw what appeared to be small holes within the arm protection part of the armor.
"It's for the armor," guessed Kaname.
Meanwhile, back in the holding cells, Subaru was just as surprised to see two of them after the first one name Paul Morgan explained the situation to Reo. The other member's name was John Alexander.
"So if you guys were here to warn someone...how did you end up in here?" wondered Subaru.
"Our small platoon was escorting us to this base after we landed. However, along the way, the team got ambushed and we got separated. We sent word to a certain team that works with the Holy Council but we are unsure as to their whereabouts," said Paul.
"What exactly was the message that you were trying to convey and to who were you trying to send it to?" asked Reo.
"Recently, things have been going out of hand in the Council lately. Younger ones are starting to take the seats that we used to have and are starting to abuse their positions. One of team members that we managed to contact before arriving here received a small piece of footage regarding a lab somewhere in Europe," explained Paul.
"What was going on in the lab?" asked Reo.
"Illegal experiments...using vials of blood that wasn't human," replied John.
"What color was it?" asked Subaru.
"Some were black...others were dark red," answered Paul.
"That's not good," said Reo.
"What isn't?" asked Subaru.
"Black blood belongs to vampires...but dark red..." he began, but stopped short.
"What...what kind is it?" asked Subaru.
"Demonic," replied Reo.
"Why in all things holy would someone do such an atrocious act?" asked Paul.
"Someone's got a grudge that's for sure," said Reo. "Question is...who?"
"I can give you three guesses as to who," said another voice.
They turned in the direction of the person speaking and three people stepped out. One had light brown hair and blue eyes, wearing archaeological attire, while the other had blue hair and brown eyes. They were then followed by two paladins behind them. The first archaeologist was named Nolan and the other was Christopher. The paladins behind them introduced themselves as Tyler Maxton, a Lieutenant paladin and the other one beside him was Andrew Richardson, one of the soldiers under Kaname's command.
As Chrono and the others were making their way towards the base, Philip slowly began to come to his senses after the drug he just ingested.
"What the hell did you give me?" asked Philip.
"Oh...looks like he's awake," said Amy.
"First off...who the heck are you guys? Second...what side are you on?" asked Philip.
"Sorry about what we did to you awhile ago," said Capt. Lindy.
She then introduced herself as well as Chrono and Amy and told Philip that they were a special unit dispatched from the Holy Order Council and were sent to monitor the activities of a certain vampire leader and also trying to keep a protective detail on a certain individual.
"We've been trying to get in contact with one of the members of the Council but haven't heard back from him. We suspected something was up so that was when we decided to contact you in order to help us," explained Chrono.
"You could have just notified me in a way that didn't involve having to drug me," retorted Philip.
"We did what we had to so that the enemy wouldn't know our hand," answered Capt. Lindy.
"So...if all four factions are caught in some sort of a conflict...what exactly is the cause?" asked Philip.
"We're still not sure as to what the cause is but we have a hunch that someone or something is pulling the strings behind all these events," said Chrono.
Back over in the council chamber, Capt. Patrick sneered at the trio as they finally managed to have him cough up the reason for his treachery.
"You're nothing more than a fool to fall for such a trick," scoffed Capt. Jason.
"Unfortunately for you fools, the seeds of deception have already been sown. Soon the dark forces will gather and be free of their shackles and there's nothing you can do to stop it," snickered Capt. Patrick.
"Like hell there isn't," shot back Kaname, unsheathing Vanguard and pulling out one of his 39Rs.
With a snap of his fingers, four hooded figures descended and surrounded the trio. The three of them were back to back, weapons drawn. The figures somehow surprisingly appeared to be floating and were wielding weapons such as a sickle on a chain, a mace, and a longsword.
"Something tells me that bullets won't work on these guys," said Capt. Jason.
"Yeah...you're right," said Kaname. "What do we do?"
"I'll try and create a distraction while you guys go and free those in the holding cells," replied Commander Remington.
"Forget it captain. I'm not leaving you," said Capt. Jason.
"Listen to me...events are happening that are beyond our comprehension...save one. I need someone to lead the others while another looks after them," he answered. "From now on...you'll be the commander, Jason. Kaname...you've proven yourself through trials that I have sent your group in and have made this unit proud. You'll be leading your own team from now on...as captain."
"We won't fail you sir," said Kaname, placing a hand on his shoulder.
As Commander Remington then provided cover fire and acted as a distraction for Kaname and Jason to get out of the room, Kaname let loose a smokescreen to cover their tracks before taking out a grappling hook and strapping it to himself. Seconds later, a faint groan was heard, and the shots being fired suddenly ceased.
"You know where to go?" asked Jason.
"Yeah...where are you heading?" asked Kaname.
"To the armory in the bottom floor just below the base," he replied.
"Try not to get killed...commander," said Kaname.
"Same with you...captain," replied Jason, saluting.
As the two made their way to their designated destination, a loud explosion rocked the base as Kaname rappelled down to the first floor. Seconds later, Kaname found himself running through several corridors until he spotted those same hooded figures from before appearing in front of him. What caught his attention however was the fact that they appeared to be wearing some sort of skull mask. Kaname then charged forward, sword at the ready, as the one facing him ran towards him with a scythe. The shadowy figure then swung at Kaname, but missed as he ducked and then knocked away the scythe with his sword before pointing his 39R at its head and fired a solar bullet, giving a crack at the mask and then watched as it turned to dust.
He then realized that these things...whatever they were, could be killed...if done the right way. After dispatching three more that were blocking his way towards the holding cells, Kaname then found the lock combination pad next to the door to the prison. Sliding in the key, Kaname then entered the password that Commander Jason had told him and managed to unlock the door.
"Guys...someone's coming," said Subaru.
Once Kaname stepped through, he became surprised to see Andrew in one of the cells...as well as another paladin soldier. Luke and his pack were in a separate cell near them, while Reo and Subaru's were adjacent from another holding cell.
"Couldn't have come at a better time, mate," said Reo.
"You guys OK?" asked Kaname, as he entered the same code for the cells.
"Yeah. What happened back there?" asked Subaru.
"I'll explain later. By the way...did you guys hear that explosion earlier?" asked Kaname.
"Yeah...but we don't know where it came from," said Reo.
Kaname turned around and noticed the ones that they were with were Holy Council members.
"Good to see you Kaname," said Paul.
"Your honor...I'm glad to see that you're not hurt," said Kaname, genuflecting.
"Nothing too bad. We'll need to get the rest of your allies out as well," said Paul.
"You do know that one of my companions is..." began Kaname.
"A lycan...yes...we know," said Paul.
"Um guys...not to cut this reunion short or anything but...considering there's a battle going on...what's your plan on getting us out of here?" asked Andrew.
"Is that any way to talk to your new captain?" asked Kaname.
"Whoa...captain?" inquired Reo. "Since when?"
Lieutenant Maxton...how'd you get into this mess?" wondered Kaname, as he finished unlocking the remaining cells.
"I'll explain later. In the meantime...what are you suggestions?" he asked.
"We'll get to the rest of the explanations later. Right now, Commander Jason is heading to the armory. We should meet up with him at the center of the base and then head to the control room. There's a hidden passageway that leads to the hangar doors. We'll get out that way. There's also two helicopters in the hangar that we can use," explained Kaname. "Any words from the pilots?"
"They're being kept under watch by some of Patrick's lackeys," said the lieutenant.
"I've just run into a few of them. You still remember your swordsmanship, lieutenant?" asked Kaname.
"Are you kidding me? I may not have been born yesterday but I know I can still kick your butt," joked Maxton.
"Only because I let you," answered Kaname.
"Let me...Kaname, you could barely keep up with me before you started to sweat," he replied.
"Not with what I've just faced. This is different," replied Kaname. He then turned to Reo and Subaru.
"Alright, listen up. Reo and Subaru stay close to Lieutenant Maxton and Andrew. You four will provide cover for the Council members. Luke's pack will follow behind and try to dispatch any of Patrick's lackeys that come near your circle. Keep it nice and tight and make sure no one gets inside," he explained. "Lieutenant Maxton should take front and center, Andrew...provide cover when possible. Luke's pack will stay in between the rest of you guys, while he guards the rear."
"You got it captain," said Andrew.
"Interesting plan...I'm in," said Lieutenant Maxton.
"I'll go check on Jason and be back as soon as I can," said Kaname, going ahead of them.
As he scanned left and right, in the distance Kaname could hear metal clashing against metal as well as shots being fired off. He eventually found the same hooded figures he fought earlier blocking his path to get to the main hallway. One of them wielding a scythe on a chain, and the other a mace on a chain.
'Wait a second...these guys must have been the ones from earlier,' thought Kaname, having Vanguard on his left hand at the ready, and his right hand poised to pull the trigger when he managed to get the upper hand on them. The first one with the chained mace made the first move and began to swing it around before trying to land a blow. Kaname simply dodged and struck with his sword, at one of the presumed limbs of the figure, taking out the mace and then pointing the 39R at the mask and fired off a round, destroying it. The second one oddly enough...fled.
'These guys are starting to become a real pain,' thought Kaname, as he managed to finally get out and found himself almost literally in the middle of a conflict and a firefight. Kaname spotted a small group of paladins fending off those same creatures that he fought in the city, while another group he didn't recognize was trading fire with what appeared to be rogue vampires. However, looking carefully, he spotted a familiar individual among them.
"Philip?" he inquired.
"Kaname...over here," shouted his partner, as he provided cover fire.
As Kaname ran over to where his partner was, several of the creatures he fought in the city began to gang up and surround him, until several shots were heard near him. Turning around he saw Com. Jason return with several swords, sub-machine guns, as well as assault rifles strapped to him. He was currently using an MP-9 and providing cover fire. The shots were enough to cause the flying four-legged creatures to scatter, providing the others an open window to get through the firefight. Jason looked over at where Kaname had come out from and spotted Reo and the others providing cover for a couple of individuals. Luke and his pack began to dispatch the rouge vampires as the others made their way over to where Kaname and Philip were.
"What the hell is going on here?" asked Kaname, as soon as he joined up with his partner.
"We'll explain later. Right now...the important thing is to get the others out first," replied Chrono, as he began launching attacks with his device that seemed to resemble a staff. Several light blue daggers formed in front of them until they were unleashed and sent flying towards the enemy.
"Who are these guys?" asked Reo.
"They're a special unit created by the Holy Order Council whom you happen to be protecting," answered Philip.
"What were those things that I fought a while ago?" asked Kaname.
"If you're referring to the creatures that look faceless, have wings, and can also walk on four legs...they're called Devourers," answered Chrono.
"We can catch up later with the details. Right now, we need to provide cover fire while the others get to the hangar," said Jason.
"Easier said than done," said Kaname, taking one of his solar bullet magazines, an MP-9 that Com. Jason managed to pick up, loaded up, and began to take down the small group of Devourers that were trying to advance on them.
As Reo, Subaru, Paul, John, Andrew, and Tyler made their way to the hangar with Luke's pack, Kaname, Philip, and Chrono keeping the enemy busy, several jeeps were waiting outside with paladins on standby. Capt. Lindy gave the signal for three platoons to move in while the last one set up a perimeter. Lieutenant Maxton then started up one of the helicopters outside and got in the pilot's seat. Subaru was sitting in the back, while Reo manned one of the Gatling guns.
"You're a pilot, sir?" asked Reo.
"Served in the air force for 5 years. I've been in a few helicopters before...particularly the Apache Attack Helicopter," he answered.
Chrono and the others fell back as the three deployed paladin platoons went in. Capt. Lindy guided Paul and John to one of the jeeps, while Commander Jason and Luke as well as the rest of his pack then got into the other jeeps. Kaname looked around and spotted his motorcycle along with the black Audi also in the hangar. Turning to his partner, he explained that he was going to get into the helicopter and provide cover.
"What about the Audi?" asked Philip.
"Take it back to base...luckily the program DATS can bring the motorcycle back to base without me. I programmed it to do that just in case of such an emergency," he answered.
"Try not to get shot down," said Philip.
"I'll try," said Kaname, getting into the helicopter and manning the second Gatling gun turret.
When everyone was accounted for, one by one they left the base, with the helicopter piloted by Lieutenant Maxton leaving last. Kaname could hear despite the noise from the helicopter's blades, that the former Capt. Patrick had sent out some of his Devourers to pursue them, as well as some of the rouge vampires. He tried to dispatch the helicopter, but was unsuccessful.
"Everyone secured?" called out Lieutenant Maxton from the speakers in the headset.
"We're good here sir," said Kaname, while Subaru gave the thumbs up to also indicate she was fine.
"Sir...we've got incoming...closing in fast on our six 'o clock," said Reo, spotting a small wave of Devourers.
"Alright...hang on...I'll try and lure them away from the convoy," said the lieutenant.
Moving the stick to the right caused the helicopter to make a hard right, causing Reo's chest to hit the panel of the Gatling gun a bit hard. As a result...the first batch of Devourers overshot them.
"Ow...take it easy with that would ya?" asked Reo.
"Well...I told you to hang on," he said.
Kaname turned his Gatling gun to the right and using his eyes scanned his side of the sky. He then asked Lieutenant Maxton as to the type of rounds that were in the Gatling guns.
"Solar rounds...tracer type," he replied.
'Perfect,' thought Kaname.
"Guys...we've still got another batch stuck on our six o'clock," called out Reo.
"We've also got some in the front as well. Try to take out the ones behind us," said Kaname.
"Easier said than done. You got the easy part," replied Reo.
"Clam up and start shooting," shot back Kaname, as he eyed the first two Devourers on the left in a formation of four and pulled the trigger, causing the other two to split off.
"Reo...two of them have split off...try and locate them," shouted Kaname.
"What about the ones in the back?" asked Reo.
"I've got this...just look for the other two and hope they don't surprise us," he answered, as he swung his turret to the left and locked on to the second wave, unleashing a barrage of bullets in a quick sweep. His ears then picked up flapping of wings and looking up, saw a third wave coming from above.
"Damn it...we've got incoming, twelve 'o clock high, closing in fast," shouted Kaname.
"Hold on to your hats...this is going to be a bit rough," said Lieutenant Maxton, as he pulled the stick left, and then pulled back. This caused the helicopter to move sharply to the left, before turning and facing west.
Looking down at where the third wave had just come in, Kaname then took a quick glance down and his eyes widened as he realized what was going on.
"They're heading for the convoy," shouted Kaname.
"That's not good. Hang on," said the lieutenant, as he pushed the stick forward, causing the helicopter to dive down and get within shooting range of the Devourers.
"Lieutenant...try and get close to where the convoy is heading," said Kaname.
"I can't...we'll be reaching the city in a bit," he replied.
"DATS...you read?" asked Kaname.
"Loud and clear sir," replied the program.
"Autopilot disengage now," he ordered.
"Disengaging autopilot in 10 seconds."
"Get me close to the motorcycle...I'll handle things from there. Try and provide as much cover as you can," ordered Kaname.
"I'll do what I can," said Lieutenant Maxton, pushing the stick slightly forward.
As the motorcycle came into view, Kaname then shouted, "Can these guns go on automatic?"
"Unfortunately no," answered the lieutenant.
"Autopilot disengaging in 5...4...3..."
"Reo...I'm counting on you to provide cover," said Kaname, as he prepared to jump.
"Are you crazy...at this rate and height...you could possibly miss," shouted Reo.
"I haven't missed...yet," he replied, as he leapt from the helicopter, and onto his motorcycle.
"Autopilot now disengaged," replied the program.
Increasing the throttle, Kaname then went ahead of the convoy before giving it a hard swing to the left and heading the opposite direction, straight into the formation of the Devourers. The helicopter then went back up to provide cover from above. Kaname then pulled out his sword Vanguard, and prepared to target the nearest Devourer. The rate that both sides were going was so close that from above it looked a dogfight on the deck.
Kaname's instincts shot through so fast that it was only milliseconds from him getting thrown off by the claws if he hadn't swung before it moved, slicing off one of the wings before pointing his 39R and firing off several rounds. One of the rounds, going through its head, dissolving the rest of the body in ash as it burst into flames.
The remaining three in the formation disengaged and went to target the helicopter. Kaname gave a quick glance up before throwing his sword and firing off the remaining rounds in the magazine at a second Devourer, clipping one of the wings, causing it to lose control before the sword sliced off the other wing.
As he increased the throttle to get back his sword as it hit the ground...Kaname's ears faintly picked up the sound of rounds going off in the sky. The helicopter that Lieutenant Maxton and Reo were in began engaging the remaining Devourers. Once Kaname picked up his sword however, he looked up again and saw the remaining wave approach from behind as well as the two that he scared off join them.
Reo tried to engage until the lieutenant told him on his headset to jump. He protested about leaving him behind but the lieutenant repeated the order.
"There should be a couple of parachutes in the back. Grab those and get out of here," ordered Lieutenant Maxton.
"What about you?" asked Subaru.
"I'll hold them off until you guys managed to escape. It's been nice knowing you guys...even if it was only for a short while," he replied. "That...is an order."
Reo was hesitant to leave the turret, before he heaved an annoyed sigh and grabbed the parachutes. He then lead Subaru by the hand before they jumped off as the remaining Devourers swarmed around the helicopter.
Kaname then called out to Philip via comlink and told him to try and pick them up as he tried to lead the others to safety.
"I'm on it," he replied.
Kaname could hear the screams of the Devourers as they closed in on the helicopter before heading off to join the convoy.
However, unbeknownst to him, one of the hooded figures Kaname engaged from the base was suddenly on his tail and wielded a chained scythe, aimed right at him. Kaname noticed it on his rearview mirror and tried to engage, but the shadowy figure was quicker and launched its weapon. Seconds before hitting however, a yellow energy scythe blade sliced through the enemy, causing it to vanish completely. Looking up, Kaname saw a familiar blonde haired girl floating above him.
"This is an unexpected surprise," said Kaname.
"Consider that as being even for tonight," she replied.
"You're welcome to join us if you'd like," offered Kaname.
"I appreciate the offer, but unfortunately...I'm a little busy," replied Fate, flying off into the night.
Philip managed to nab Reo and Subaru as they landed and were placed in the back of the Audi as he rejoined Kaname and the convoy as they headed for a different base.
"What happened to the lieutenant?" asked Kaname on the com-link.
"He...he didn't make it," said Subaru.
"Crashed as he tried to fight off the Devourers," added Reo.
"I see," he replied, increasing throttle.
As they headed through the streets of Tokyo and through the Shibuya district, they eventually found themselves heading towards the old neighborhoods. The black jeeps then parked near a driveway which was near an alley and the others eventually followed suit.
Once everyone disembarked, Capt. Lindy Harlaown then introduced Chrono and Amy to Kaname and the others and explained the current situation that has transpired.
"We've been keeping an eye out of any suspicious activity that could cause any complications for quite some time," added Chrono, as he pushed a flower marking on a lightpost, revealing a hidden passageway near where Reo and Subaru were standing. As they headed downstairs, Kaname then filled Capt. Lindy Harlaown with the details up to the confrontation with Capt. Patrick.
"This is where we would normally operate," said Chrono, inputting a code into a lock. The door lifted up revealing a huge room that to Kaname…looked a little similar to his own, except for a few things such as a conference room, several garage holdings, and a communications room.
"You guys said that you're a special branch, like you're similar to that of the Holy Order Council," said Philip.
"They commissioned us because of our unique talents and skills," answered Chrono.
"How can we be sure that you guys are here to help?" asked Kaname.
"Because I was the one that enlisted their aid to help you guys," said a voice. Kaname, Capt. Jason, Philip, Reo, and Subaru
Nanoha turned to the person speaking. The hooded figure then stepped out of the shadows and stood near Chrono.
"Is she an ally or a spy?" wondered Subaru.
The cloaked person finally took off the hood, unveiling a stunningly beautiful young woman with dark red hair and silver eyes. Kaname immediately recognized those eyes and his partner noticed he had the exact same as she did.
"They're the same…then that means…" began Philip.
"Hello Kaname," she said.
Kaname stared long and hard and was shocked for a brief second before he uttered the word that surprised them all.
"Mother?"
Hey guys...I know that summer is already almost over and all but unfortunately...my classes have already begun. I'll try and update whenever I can and for those that have reviewed and like what they've read so far...thanks for the support. I know I seem to be adding a lot of OCs and it might sound like they might overtake the story...but I assure you, most of them are minor characters and I know which ones are my major supporting OCs so I'm trying to keep them around as much as possible, and knowing which ones I plan on killing off. However, later on things will change and by the time of the huge battle near the end of this first part of the fanfic project...things will be different among a few OCs and the paths of a few CC might change as well. Biggest challenge will be trying to keep the CC from becoming OOC. Oh well...might as well do the best I can.
R/R onegai.