If you fail to feed the beast it'll bite off your hand

Chapter 33

"Do you think the Aragami are starting to stir? Even the other day there was an outbreak of Chi-You."

"Well that's to be expected with the return of the King, Alisa."

"The Hannibal? Well it makes me a little worried."

"Do not be troubled, we grow stronger with each passing day. They have yet to pass us?"

"But what about your brothers, aren't you worried about them?"

"My brothers are on the move, the search makes them unable to stop long."

"The search?"

"Nothing for you to worry about, well I best be off now. Bye Alisa."

"Bye?" I left her room bumping into Kanon. Apparently Karel has been faking an illness to avoid Shun's mission request. He was probably still tired after the Fallen Ouroboro's fight. Oh well I was still craving for a fight anyway.

Exiting the elevator into the Entrance I ran into Gina. "Shun's looking for someone who would go scouting with him. I think you're his target now. Hehe, good luck."

"Surely it can't be that bad." I spoke too soon, cause Shun came running at me. Only stopping at an enough distance for him to grab my shoulders.

"Hey, lend me a hand will you? A few days ago a group of Chi-You in the grasslands were exterminated, but it was a really big outbreak. So I need to go check up on it. It's a simple mission, but Karel's sick or something and he won't come out of his room. See, you won't drag me down, right? So I wanted your help!"

"... I'm flattered you think so highly of me, with what was your first impression of me... But yeah, Alisa told about that. This mission sounds easy enough. Alright, let's go."

"Hey, thanks! I'm glad I asked you. Then, good luck to us both!" The he let go of his hold of my shoulders and grabbed one of my hands. "Well what are we waiting for, let's go." He was practically dragging me away while Gina giggled through it all.

"Hehe, good luck you two." I felt a killing vibe as we entered the mission elevator, but why? The only people there were Gina... and Soma.

****** Entrance ******

That was uncalled for. Shun didn't need to be all touchy with her. And why the hell didn't she tell him to let go? Does she like him or something? I doubt it, what could she see in him?!

"Hehe," Gina giggled pulling me out of my thoughts.

"What's so funny?"

"Oh come now Soma, I can feel your killing intent when Shun grabbed her all the way from here. You reek of jealousy."

"Don't be ridiculous! She can do whatever the hell she wants for all I care!" I growled at her.

"Denial is unbecoming of you." Gina said unwavered by my anger. "You need to be honest with yourself before someone else takes her away."

"What do you mean?"

"Karel, Shun, and Brendan are starting to get pretty close to her. It's only a matter of time before one of them takes an interest."

"..."

"Well it doesn't concern me, as long as she's there to help me make my red flowers bloom."

Suddenly the mission elevator doors opened with Okami and Shun coming out of it. They were back so soon?

"I feel like that kind of thing was a piece of cake without you."

"I agree, it seemed like you didn't really need me."

"I am just joking, joking!" Shun said shaking his head and waving his hands frantically. "Call me when there is a hard enemy that you cannot slash. I would be happy to help you."

"Thank you, I'll keep that in mind."

"Well, how did it go?" Gina addressed.

"Too easy, the mission was quite boring."

"Well if that's the case, can you help Tatsumi out?" Brendan said coming up the stairs. "Dr. Sakaki asked Tatsumi to go on a Retrieval Mission. I saw the list, it was really long... I'm sure it'll help in some way or another, but he issues the most cruel missions with the strangest face."

"Sounds good, I'll get righ-" Suddenly she stopped her sentence to sniff the air. "Do you guys smell that?"

"Uh... no?" We all said, looking at her strange.

"Well, something smells great."

"Hey, where are you going?!" I asked her a little concerned with her behavior.

"I'm just going to see where the smell is coming from."

****** Laboratory Floor ******

The delectable smell lead me all the way to Saki's Lab, were I saw Ren standing outside the door.

"Ren," he turned to look at me as I came toward him.

"Ah, Okami." He closed his eyes to take a deep breath then looked back at me. "I have a good sense of smell and it just smelled something really good, something sweet and sour but bitter-sweet. Did you notice?"

"Actually, yeah."

"Right? Maybe your sense of smell is keener because your Oracle Cells are more active... Hmm. Have you been eating too much lately?"

"A little, I've been going on more missions and it's been making me hungry."

"When you eat or drink too much, a lot of acid starts to build up in your stomach causing pain and more binding. God Eaters are a little tougher than normal people, but everyday moderation is still very important, okay?"

"I know, but Saki's been sending us on more strenuous missions and I need to keep my strength up... Come to think of it he has been acting strange, turning off the water for a couple of hours and locking himself away in his Lab for so long. What is he up to?"

"You said something about being sent on more missions, don't you have one now?"

"Oh, that's right, Tatsumi! I best be off now, take care Ren."

"Good luck." He said as I ran back to the elevator to head to the Entrance. They were still gathered there.

"Okami are you-" I already knew what Soma was going to ask so I kept running while answering.

"Yeah, yeah. It was coming from Saki's Lab, but he locked the door." I ran down the stairs tile I bumped into Tatsumi and Gen.

"Hey, you've come at the right time!" Tatsumi said happy to see me. "I've been asked by old man Sakaki to go on this weird mission. I think it's some food-related investigation, but you know, there's no telling what trouble he'll get you into. So, please! Can you help me out?"

"Yeah sure, sounds like fun."

"Great, you're a big help! Then let's do this!"

"Tatsumi is the type who can't to say no to a request," Gen commented. "Sorry for the inconvenience, but I hope you can help him out."

"No worries Gen. I needed to get out anyway." With a wave of the hand me and Tatsumi headed to the mission elevator.

"Hey where are you going? You just got back to the Den." Soma said sternly at me.

"I know, but that last mission wasn't much of a warm up so I think I have enough energy to help out Tatsumi."

"You're pushing yourself too hard, don't over do it."

"But I'm still hungry."

"What?"

"I'm still hungry for a good fight, I've been needing one all afternoon." Soma seemed to be a little concerned with my wording. Nay, perhaps he's just worried I'm working myself too hard. "This will be my last mission of the day, then I'll take a break, okay?"

He didn't reply but his face relaxed out of that stern look, seeing that as an okay me and Tatsumi left to face our mission.

****** The next day ******

Man, I'm sore as all-get-out from that mission with Tatsumi. That Spark Borg Camlann really smacked us around for the first few minutes then we showed it who was the strongest. A good nights sleep did me good but I was still aching a little.

But due to our success in the mission Saki was able to finish that food experiment he was working on and released it out to the Den while I was asleep.

"I saw Kota making Tatsumi and Soma drink 'that' earlier. I thought I should stop him, but the faces they made... Hehehe."

"Drink what?" I asked Gina.

"Oh, you'll find out." Knowing that was all Gina was going to tell me I looked around to see the Janitor cleaning out the trash can full of soda cans. Tatsumi was sitting on the bench while Soma was leaning over the railing, looking sick as a dog.

"Ugh... Kota said it was good, so I tried it but... What is wrong with that juice?!" said Tatsumi leaning over with a slouch. "Was that what first love tasted like?! Urg, blehhh..." He ran to puke in the can the janitor lady just got done emptying.

"Ugh, stupid Kota, why'd he make me drink that?" Soma said sickly with a tight grip on the railing as he leaned over them. "Something is very wrong with whoever thought of making this. I feel sick..."

"Are you okay?" I asked placing a hand on his back as I stood next to him.

"It's nothing... I'm so going to beat Kota up later."

"Should I take you to Saki?"

"No way! Crazy old man Sakaki made this abomination to begin with!"

"Hey Leader!" Soma growled at the sound of Kota's voice but ended up feeling sicker and leaned further over the railing. "So, uh... Have you had it yet?"

"What?"

"You haven't tried it? Dr. Sakaki's secret invention! The First Love Juice, full of trauma and emotions! What's it for?! It's raison d'etre! It is a conspiracy?! That's right, Fenrir's new product! The First Love Juice! As the name suggests, it's bitter sweet but sour. This killer drink will send you through a spiral of sensory madness!" Then Kota slipped an evil grin on his face. "So you haven't tried it yet. Here, go on, it'll be a taste you'll never forget." He said handing me an unopened can of this 'First Love Juice.'

Soma and Tatsumi flinched at the prospect of another victim to the juice. They tried to warn me I believe, but their stomachs wouldn't have it. Oh well, I was curious. Gina watched and Kota's grin grew wider in anticipation at getting another kick at the face I'll make after drinking this.

I popped open the can, causing all eyes to go to me. Some in anticipation others in horror - Soma and Tatsumi. But as I opened it I was hit with the delicious smell I was hit with a while ago near Saki's Lab. With eager I took a sip. The faces watching me, Kota's evil cat grin, slowly turned to horror as I gulped the whole can down.

"That was... amazing! Is this what love taste like? Then it's a delicious thing! What is this, can I have more?!" I said to Kota in pure bliss.

"... You actually like that stuff?"

"Of course! It's the best thing I've ever tasted in my life. Much, much better than Ouroboros! Where can I get more?!"

"I-I think Dr. Sakaki might have some if you like."

"Thank you!" I was practically skipping to the elevator as everyone made a path for me. Whether out of admiration, shock, or horror I don't care. All I know is I wanted more.

"Hey there, have you tried it yet? My new product, the First Love Juice!"

"Yes," I happily answered Saki.

"It's got its pros and cons, well... Mostly, only cons."

"You must be joking, it was delicious! The best thing that's ever graced my tongue! What's it made of?"

"Hahaha, Hm? You want to know what it contains? If you must ask, it's sweet passion and bitter regrets! The rest is better left unsaid. Ignorance is bliss!"

"Awww. Well if that's what bitter love taste like, you should have bottled it up ages ago. Can I have more?"

"Sure I have some spares here." He said handing me a six pack. "But you'll have to get the rest from the Soda machines if you want more." I gave a big bear hug at his wonderful gift.

"Thank you Saki! Well, I best start my day!" With the cheer and energy kicked back into my body I headed back to the Entrance. Helping myself to some cans of First Love Juice along the way. Everyone looked at me strangely but I don't mind, I just headed to see the people I didn't get to greet this morning.

"You're just full of surprises. I like that."

"Thanks Gina. It actually means a lot coming from you."

"Looks like some fresh New-Types are going to join us soon. I just received some parts for the New-Type God Arcs. The only Hannibal upgrade is for the detachment, so I think they should be able to fight with these." Licca said, ignoring how I gulped down the said 'disgusting' drink.

"Meh, more New-Types." Added in Shun, I looked at with curiosity for his resentment before the New-Type even arrived. "Huh... It sounds fancy, but they're just more rookies to be blunt. The ring to the word New-Type just sounds so... stuck up! Don't you think so-"

"..." He stopped as he noticed me starring at him, saying nothing at his comment. Perhaps he's remembering that I too am a New-Type.

"... I mean... Forgot you were a New-Type too."

"I will train with them until they meet up to your standards. But until then, please... give them a chance, okay?"

"Ugh, fine."

****** A couple of days later ******

Her behavior is getting stranger and stranger. Not only does she like that stuff that Doc made. But she actually making the mission party smaller. When I would would ask her why she would say. 'What are you talking about? We have more than enough.'

Aside the fact she got ridiculously stronger in a short period of time, but she's been healing without using Recovery Pills. And experiences burst when no one shot her a team-bullet.

I'm starting to worry now, after that mission with the Arda Nova when she took it down in record time and said. 'Excellent there's more of them, now I can continue with my plan later.' When I asked her what plan she said, 'nothing important.' Am I really the only one noticing this, am I the only one watching? Damn... he hasn't shown any physical signs of changing. Just some changes in character, I guess there's nothing I can do but continue to watch.

****** Entrance ******

"These are New-Type recruits, both highly en-tight God Eaters." Tsubaki said introducing me to the new recruits.

"I've been assigned to the second unit today... I'm Annette Koenig." Something about her vibe seems off as if she's not fully prepared for the hunt. She's too cocky, that could get her killed.

"And I've been assigned to the third unit. My name is Federico Caruso." Ah, I see potential in this one. I look forward to his progress with great interest.

Then I noticed Ren among them, we smiled at each other. I guess Tsubaki though he didn't need an introduction since we already know each other and been on a lot of missions together.

"You know more about New-Type Gods Eater techniques. Look after them, understood."

"Yes ma'am."

"It's good to meet you." All the recruits said together, I nodded in approval.

"Don't worry, by the time I'm done with you, I'll make you lions of the Den."

"Good," Tarsumi said at my response before turning to the rookies. "Rookies, report for Dr. Sakaki for your medical checkups. That is all."

****** A couple hours later ******

The rookies must be done with their medical check up by now. Oh, I know! I should give Ren a can of First Love Juice, he followed the smell with me, I'm sure he's bound to love it.

Buying the Juice wasn't the hard part it was finding Ren that was. At last I found him in the God Arc Hangar looking at Lindow's God Arc. He turned to me as he heard me approaching and gave me one of his friendly smiles.

"Ah, good work today." Then he noticed the cans in my hand. I smiled to him and handed him the unopened one. "Thank you very much. Oh! Is this that 'First Love Juice' I've been hearing about?"

"Yeah, try it. I just know you'll love it." He took a sip which then turned into chugs.

"This is... it's quite... delicious!" He said taking a few more chugs.

"I just knew you'd like it." I said smiling at his adorable antics. But then he looked back at Lindow's God Arc.

"This is Lindow's God Arc isn't it?"

"Yes it is. But how did you know that?"

"Oh, I almost forgot to tell you... I've gone into battle with Lindow before." Then he looked back at the God Arc with melancholy. "Ah... that was cruel of Lindow... Leaving you all behind... and going off on his own."

It shocked me that he actually knew Lindow, but what shocked me more was that he was slowly reaching up to touch Lindow's God Arc. I reacted quick, grabbing his hand. But I was shocked into dropping my soda as I began to Resonate with him.

I saw Lindow the last time we fought with him. His brutal battle with the Aragami... him being saved by Shio... And his right arm transforming.

The shock terrified me, I didn't have time to question how Ren knew all this, I just took in the joy at knowing Lindow was alive. I was right, but he was not fairing well. We have to get to him fast before the Transformation takes over him.

"What's the matter?" Ren said with concern.

"I'm sorry, I-I got to go." I ran to Saki to tell what I saw.

Luckily he was in his office, along with Tsubaki. The news did her good, she may have been trying to hide it but I could see the relief in her eyes.

"That's the Resonance. Unique to New-Type God Eaters. So... you say that Lindow's alive?"

"Yes."

"The power linking God Eaters, which revived Alisa from her coma." Tsubaki said in shock of the situation. "It's a bit hard to believe... Still, it was wise of you to inform us without letting anyone else know. Plunging them into despair with getting their hopes up for nothing would be cruel."

"First, let's investigate the area near the Old Temple that you saw during the Resonance. And tell me about Lindow. If he's lost armlet control, it's grim. I need something of his. We need to take whatever steps we can before the Aragami Infection spreads."

With that I told him everything.