The sun began to set over the towns that lined the sea in Britannia. John and Shirley had returned at the break of dawn to a worried team and were rushed to get their wounds healed. The two had spent the rest of the day in bed sleeping off the battle and pain. As the last bit of light shined over the hills John began to stir beneath the thin sheets. Slowly opening his eyes the boy looked around to assess where he was, his memory of coming home had drifted away. Nothing else really stuck in his mind after the fight. He was surprised he even made it home on Shirley's bike without falling off.
John licked his lips to find them dry to his tongue. He painfully sat up in the bed and looked through the thin darkness that surrounded him for something to drink. Beside his bed sat a cup of water that he reached out for. Touching it to his lips and drinking down a large amount of the liquid he quickly quenched his thirst. When he removed the cup he saw his arms for the first time after the fight. They were covered in bandages from his palms to his shoulders. He hadn't felt them when he first awoke but now the pain was starting to appear.
"Figures. I can't get through a fight without getting hurt one way or another." John laughed to himself looking at the white bandages. As they ran along his arms he could see some points had turned a deep red or even brown. It was clear he was still badly injured and blood was soaking into these points. John slowly touched his right hand to his left wrist and was immediately taken back by the pain. He bit his lip to refrain from crying out in agony.
"Third degree burns." John heard from the darkness. The familiar voice was connected to a woman sitting by his bed. All John could see was a pair of legs sitting crossed in the chair the rest of the body was shrouded by the darkness beyond the windows light of the moon.
"Makes sense, I was fighting toe to toe against a human fire ball. I'm just surprised I didn't notice it when it happened." John said to the woman as set down a clip board on her lap.
"That's just the big injury of the nights. The list is pretty extensive." She said flipping through the pages.
"Thanks Commander" John said as Minna leaned forward through the shadows and handed him the papers to look over.
"If you ask me you are lucky to be alive. What were you thinking? You should have called for help or at least told us you were leaving" Minna Drilled the boy as he dropped the papers not wanting to look at them.
"I had to act fast. Shirley was in trouble and I couldn't wait around any longer… I didn't want her to suffer because people were trying to find me" John said. Minna sighed and crossed her arms as she looked down at the boy.
"I don't agree with how you handled the situation" She paused and a relaxed expression came over her. "But you did save a good friend of mine, so I can't be that mad at you. You did well last night John." She said with a smile. John smiled back at the commander.
"When you first met me did you ever think those words were going to come out of your mouth?" John laughed.
"if it were up to me you wouldn't have stayed the first night." Minna said leaning back in her chair.
"So how is she?" john asked bringing the conversation back around to the questions hat hadn't been answered yet.
"She was in pretty bad shape when you brought her in this morning, you both were. She had to be treated immediately so we had Yoshika fix her up. She's in one piece again and should be up and walking in the morning." Minna said.
"That's good. As long as she is alright" John said letting out a sigh of relief that he wasn't too late.
"You should worry about yourself before others more often. You put others well being far ahead of your own. You're going to get yourself killed one day. Your arms are only like that because Miyafuji passed out in the middle of healing you. She couldn't heal both of your large injuries… and we kind of knew that given a choice you would take the bullet for Shirley so we healed her first and did what we could with you. But maybe seeing your hands like this may be a wakeup call. You're not going to live forever, and the rest of your body may one day look like what's under those bandages." Minna said concerned for the soldier's safety.
"I know. But it's my fault all of this crazy shit is happening to all of you. If one of you died because of my past I could never forgive myself." John said sitting himself up straight to better talk to his commander.
"man… I do know how to pick 'em" Minna said.
"what's that?" John asked.
"There were others who were being taken out of the hospital we first met in. It wasn't all the higher ups choice to have you stationed here. I also had a say in who would be temporarily stationed for healing at our base. I saw the photos and the background information… or at least I thought I saw all the information. And I picked you. John Walker" Minna said looking into the boys eyes with a light smile.
"So why me? Was there… something special about me that you saw?" John asked shooting the girl a sarcastic smile.
"as if!" Minna laughed. "You were a bed ridden wounded soldier on life support. I thought I could just keep you in here the whole time." She said as the words pierced John like a blade.
"But you really surprised me when I walked into your hospital room. You were up and about. The papers I read said you had sustained horrible injuries that would put you out of commission for the rest of the war… but there you were. Clear as day buttoning your shirt and strutting around ready to leave. I was surprised you could even walk to the door." Minna said as she thought back to the first day they met.
"Well I guess it takes some time to update those papers. But couldn't you have changed your mind, turned around and shut the door on me. Why didn't you try to take an easier job?" John asked.
"A boy who stood when he was told he couldn't even breathe without help…" she took a dramatic pause to nod her head in approval. " that was something I wasn't going to pass up. I was sure that you had something about you that would haunt me if I passed it up. So I went along for the ride. And here we are today." She said leaning back in her chair with a smile on her face.
"What a ride." John agreed with the girl.
"But from my readings… it's coming to an end." Minna said pulling some folders out of a briefcase that was sitting against her chair the entire time. Paper clipped to each folder was a photograph of each member of the Hound unit. John was handed them one by one as Minna searched for the specific one she was looking for.
"So now you and I have confirmation of the deaths of four members of the hound unit. So that means that not including you as an original member there is only one left." Minna said holding up the Generals file.
"Wait. There were seven of us… not six" John said looking through the files to only see the five that Minna had.
"What do you mean? I read over all of these papers multiple times. There was no talk of a seventh hound." Minna said looking through them again as a photo falls from her folder.
"Someone must have changed the files." John said reaching down and picking up the photograph. It hurt his finger to grab the paper from the ground but he had to be sure of the truth. John knew the photo that had fallen too well. It was taken the day of their final mission with the man removed from the files. John had only seen it out of the corner of his eye but he was sure it was the photo he remembered. Turning it over he smiled and fell back on to the bed.
"What is it? Did you figure out what happened just from the photo?" Minna asked as John gave her the photo without a word. It was a photo that appeared to be taken in a grassy field. There were tents flying the Britannian and Karlsland flags in the background behind the people in the photo. The first person she recognized was john to the right of the frame. In the center was the smiling face of the old General. To the Generals right was Vlad and Sandman, to his left was Burn. On John left he was being hugged by Mirage and on his right between everyone was a taller boy with white hair with his arm around John's neck. The group was playfully smiling and had their arms on each other's shoulders. Minna could see how tight they all were together.
"You all look so happy" Minna said looking at the Photo closely.
"It wasn't always about being angry at the world. We were all very close." John said picking up the photo and pointing to the white haired boy.
"Who is he? There isn't a file on him or any mention of him in any of the other papers." Minna questioned looking at the boy.
"His name was Duke. I left him out of the stories because I didn't think he deserved to be grouped into all of this. I didn't want his name to be ruined like the others. He was… the first of us to die." John said. Minna looked at him with sad eyes. She could see it hurt him to bring this up.
"Duke was the only good one out of all of us. He did his best to not kill unless it was necessary… and that's what got him." John started as he rubbed his head to cover his face.
"its fine… you don't have to say anything else." Minna said.
"We all made a pact when he died. We were going to leave him out of our work. He would be remembered as a hero and not… a Hound. I guess someone took it to far and completely wiped him from the file." John said.
"Do you think he is working with the General right now?" Minna asked.
"He died to long ago. Before the bombings and my magic core. I don't think it is likely… but anything is possible." John said.
"So how are you going to handle this?" Minna asked.
"I'm going to wait for the General to show himself again. And this time I'm going to kill him" John said looking at the girl angrily. Minna was taken aback by the rage in the boys eyes.
"John. Calm down" Minna said putting her hand on his gently trying not to hurt him.
"You can't even hold a gun right now. Just try to relax tonight. We'll see how Yoshika is feeling in the morning, she will fix you up and then we will talk about our retaliation." Minna said.
"You're right, you're right. Just you touching my hand is hurting like hell." He said losing the angry look and smiling through the pain.
"Oh, sorry about that." Minna said pulling back her hand quickly.
"It's alright." John said turning his legs out from under the covers and sitting on the edge of the bed. Looking down at his cloths John noticed he was not in his uniform anymore. He was wearing a pair of light blue pants that were supplied by the doctors. His shirt was also replaced by a thin throw away shirt of the same color. The sleeves had been cut from the shirt to allow the bandages to be wrapped over the day.
"It seems like I have spent more time in this bed than in my own." John said stretching his legs and standing up next to the bed.
"What are you doing?" Minna asked the boy as he curled his toes to crack the joints that had dent moved for hours. He then turned his body to crack his back.
"I have been in bed all day. I just got out of the hospital a few days ago and I'm already stuck back in this room. I'm as thirsty as a race horse. I'm gonna go grab a drink somewhere... If you don't mind." John said looking around the room. He saw the orange haired girl sleeping in the other bed. John walked over to her and stroked his burnt hand through her hair, being careful not to wake her.
"She's going to be fine" Minna said from behind John as she watched him pull his hand back painfully. Just the touch of her hair across his fingers felt like razors cutting across his skin.
"Augh... I should just stop touching things. It hurts a lot." John said turning around.
"Come on John, lets get you something to drink. You deserve it" Minna said patting him on the back. As they walked out Minna grabbed the briefcase from the chair and put all the files in to it.
The two quietly walk out of the room and are careful when letting the the door close behind them. They did not want to wake Shirley.
In the kitchen Minna was looking through the cabinets for something for John to drink. John had taken a seat on the counter and kicked his feet back and forth as he waited.
"Are you sure you don't want any help. I can look for it on my own." John said to Minna as she moved boxes around.
"It's fine. You can't even touch the air without getting hurt. I think it would be best you let me find something." She said as John looked down at his hands. The bandages had been recently changed while he slept but they didn't help the pain much. His fingers were not wrapped for some reason and he could see the deep red skin that replaced his regular skin tone.
"I guess they were planning on fixing me in the morning. They didn't bandage me for a long term healing." John said to himself as he tried to ball his hands. The little movement inwards caused a sting of pain.
"Found something" Minna said as she rummaged through the cabinets. She stood up holding a cola in her hands.
"It's been a while since I cooked in here. Miyafuji does it more often than we do. She pretty much took this place over." Minna said putting the cap against the top of the counter and punching it down against the wood. With a pop the cap flew off and the bubble of the soda could be heard.
"She moves things around to be more comfortable to her. I know how it is, whenever I move to a new workshop or hanger I can never find things. It's easier to move thing to where you would find them than learn another persons comforts." He said reaching out for the drink with his bandaged hand.
"I guess that makes sense. Are you sure you can handle it." Minna said not wanting to hurt him by giving him the bottle.
"I can deal with it" he said in an annoyed tone. He didn't like that he was being babied by his wing commander. Taking the bottle from her he feels a tingle of pain but it subsides as time went on. As long as he wasn't feeling new things or moving his fingers a lot the pain would stay away.
"Alright. Just tell me if it huts to much." Minna said as she hopped up on to the counter with him.
"What, are you gonna hold it for me while I drink." He said looking at the girl as she shoots him an angry look after his comment. John sighs and then looks at her.
"I can handle the pain... I'm alright." John said smiling at his commander. She hadn't been this concerned for him in a while.
"If you say so... I just worry some times about you. You always try to hide the pain. You never let it out." Minna said.
"What are you talking about. If you touch my shoulder right now I can show you letting out the pain" John laughed but the commander wasn't amused.
"I'm not talking about physical pain all the time John. I can see it in your eyes... You have a lot of emotional pain right now. I'm not only your commander, I'm your friend. You can talk to me about stuff like this. I used to be like you... I had a lot bottled up inside about someone I lost... Things got bad but it turned around." Minna sighed as she thought back on those days.
"I guess what I'm trying to get across is that I always kept my pain inside and acted like it wasn't there. I almost hurt my friend by bottling this pain... Just let it out John." Minna said putting her hand on the boys lap. There was a silence as John thought to himself. He took a sip of the cola and then spoke.
"They were all I had... I thought I lost them, the hounds. I thought I lost them because of some messed up reason. I never knew really why it happened... I still don't know. I guess what I want most is the reason why they had to die. Only the General could tell me that. But then he disappeared and my life fell apart. When I try to get it back on track everything explodes in my face... Or my chest. When I get back on my feet my past comes back around to knock me back down." John said as he paused and a tear rolled down his cheek. Minna sees this and becomes concerned for her friend.
"John? Maybe this is enough. You don't have to let it all out. I pushed to hard it's alright." She said putting her arm around him to try to comfort the boy.
"I always knew when they died it was the Generals fault... But they came back. And I had to kill them. No matter what. I killed my friends. They were the only people I had and I killed them." He said as he put his head on her shoulder.
"It's not your fault John. It's not your fault." She whispered in his ear trying to calm the boy. After some time John calmed down. The two were now silent as they sat their waiting for one of them to say something and break the silence.
"I fell... A little better now." John said.
"I knew you would. It's exactly what I went through. It can only get better." Minna smiled at the boy trying to relax him. Joh sighed and looked out the window.
"Do you know what's going to happen when this is all over?" He asked.
"You mean when the hounds are gone. I don't think anything will change. It will probably be a lot quieter around here though." Minna joked.
"Do you think they will try to relocate me." John asked.
"John, we are the only ones that know this is going on. Only the girls on this base have any idea that you have been fighting this battle. Sure it won't go down in military history that you saved so many lives or stopped the general." Minna said.
"This is supposed to make me feel better?" John asked.
"I was getting there." She smiled.
"You haven't been called away yet. So they probably won't try it any time soon. And besides, I wanna see them try to take you away while I'm in charge." She said with a smile.
"Thanks commander. That did actually make me feel better." He smiled and took another sip of cola.
"Care for some?" He asked holding the bottle up to her.
"Thanks" she said taking it from him and taking a sip. She handed it back and looked out the window to see the moon was illuminating the sky that night.
"I know what will make you feel really good" Minna said hopping off the counter and waving the boy to follow her.
John tailed her it the stairs and through the dark halls until they reached the top of the watchtower. As they went through the doorway a heavy breeze stroked their hair. A sea of green could be seen beneath the moons vast glow as it cast its light upon the fields. The reflection in the sea was magnificent as John looked over the edge of the tower. It was a breathtaking view.
"It's amazing. I haven't been up here." John said stunned by his surroundings. Minna crossed her arms and smiled seeing she had accomplished what she set out to do.
"I thought you would like to see this. I was sure you hadn't had the chance to come up here so take it all in" she said.
"This is truly the nicest thing anyone has done for me" John said falling back against the wall and dropping to the ground. He sat there against the wall with Minna as they drank the cola and pointed out the stars that hung above them in the sky. All the lights in the nearby towns and in the base were mostly off and there wasn't a cloud to be seen so the sky shined with the vastness of space.
"I used to ask myself what was out there" Minna said to John as they made conversation.
"Well... We kind of know there is life out there... It just wants to kill us." John said.
"Yeah. But I still wonder if there are others out there like us. Fighting to survive in peace. Maybe the Neuroi are fighting them now... Maybe the Neuroi have already concurred them." This sent a chill up Johns spine as it left Minna's lips.
"We can find them once we solve our own problems. If they need our help we will help them." John smiled as he went to take a sip out of the glass bottle but found it to be empty.
"We're out of cola. That actually lasted longer than i thought it would." Minna said.
"I can go grab some more" John said about to get up when he puts his hand down to lift himself and feels the pain again.
"It's fine. You can't even get up without my help. Ill go grab the soda. You just stay here and relax." Minna said as she walked out the door. John sat there in the glow of the moon as he looked into the sky. He took a deep breath and smelt the fresh air. It had been so long since he enjoyed anything. It was strange to him that the things he sees all the time could be so enjoyable. Even the girl he thought to be strict and up tight was also enjoyable.
John heard footsteps coming from behind him. He couldn't see who was coming but it was probably Minna.
"That was fast." John said as the person came through the doorway. John was surprised to see captain Barkhorn walk in instead of Minna. Barkhorn almost jumped when she heard another voice from the darkness. She wasn't expecting anyone to be hanging out in the watchtower. It was normally empty at night while patrols were happening.
"John? I didn't know anyone was up here" Barkhorn said looking down at the boy sitting there.
"Yeah. Minna and I were talking up here. She left for a bit. Why are you up here." John asked the girl. She sighed and took a seat next to the boy.
"I come up here to clear my head sometimes. Tonight was one of those nights." She said.
"I can relate. Tonight has been a real night for me as well. A lot of pain." He said.
"Are you alright?" She asked. Concerned for her friend.
"Yeah. Minna and I just came up here to have a drink and talk it out. Well we had a drink in the kitchen and then moved up here." John said holding up the cola. Barkhorn didn't see it was a soda as he tossed the empty glass bottle to the side.
"What! You were drinking with the commander!" Barkhorn questioned angrily.
"Yeah... What I can't drink" John said confused as Barkhorn stood up.
"You are a soldier. You shouldn't be getting drunk!" She shouted at him.
"I'm not drunk! Is this why your mad? It's all a big misunderstanding." John laughed.
"If your not drunk then stand up and keep your balance" Barkhorn said.
"I... I can't stand up on my own... Right now... But that is unrelated!" John said seeing his injuries may get him in trouble. Barkhorn sat back down next to him and pressed her face into her hands.
"Ugh John! What am I going to do with you. You are always getting yourself in trouble and now this." She said.
"Come on. It's not as it looks" John said trying to convince the girl.
"*sigh* I guess your stress drove you to this. John if you feel the world getting you down you can come to me. I'm your friend. Your probably not even going to remember talking to me in the morning." She said before it became very silent. Barkhorn's eyes brightened up a bit after saying this.
"Hum... Barkhorn?" John asked as the girl stopped what she was saying.
"If you aren't going to remember this..." Barkhorn said as she pulled over and turned her head. She planted her lips on his as Johns eyes opened wide in surprise. As Barkhorn continued to kiss him his eyes went into REM and soon closed as he felt relaxed. He felt her tongue move in to his mouth as she kissed him passionately. Her fingers moved through his hair and messed it around. John would have put his arms around her but his burns stopped him. Barkhorn slowly pulled away as they looked into each others eyes.
"Sorry John... I just always wanted to do that... It helps that you won't remember this." She said standing up and lightly walking away with a face of joy. John sat there in a daze as he thinks of what just happened. Soon Minna walks up the stairs and takes a seat next him. She hands him a soda as she starts to drink from her own.
"I saw Barkhorn on the way up. What did you say to her? She looked happy" Minna asked as John's hands started to shake as he drank from the glass bottle. He set it down and without braking his gaze from the sky spoke.
"She came up here... Thought I was drunk... Yelled at me... Then kissed me" John said. Upon saying that Minna coughed into her drink as she tried to catch her breath.
"She did what!?" Minna said, shocked to hear that her friend who was known for her iron will and aggression would do something so feminine.
"I was as surprised as you" John said.
"Well?" Minna asked.
"Well what?" John responded.
"What did you think or Trude's lips being the first you felt after rescuing Shirley." Minna said turning the situation into a joke. She laughed as johns cheeks turned red with embarrassment.
"To be honest commander... She kisses better than Shirley" he smiled at Minna as her cheeks turned pink
Well that is another chapter down. its getting pretty close to the end. Tell me what you think of the story even if you haven't said anything for the parts that you do like. I really like to hear feedback about what i have done so far. also I was surprised no one spotted the little joke in the last chapter. A little tribute to David Bowie found its way in there... maybe you are all to young to get it. well until next time, tell me what you think and i'll keep writing. see ya!