Chapter 63 Blood and Sacrifice – Part 1
Life, life, so erratic.
It comes without a warning, it goes without a stain. It makes us treasure what is only the result of a gamble, it lures us into the destruction of analogous existences. It trusts, it cheats, it gives, it takes. It creates the utmost joy, it conceives the sheer anguish.
Life, life, so essential.
It is through sacrifices we learn. It is through devastations we progress. It is the ultimate price to pay. It is also the most inconsequential object we through away. Some are gone for the most honorable reasons, while others are done for the most pathetic excuses.
…
If there is a meaning for her life, then Sheele found it in such a somber way. Being the only one who could not accomplish anything to the other's standards, she has undergone countless ridicules in her early years. A kind heart does not fall, however, since her sense of protection will always be overwhelmingly gushing toward those she cares. Clumsiness prevents her from building a paradise for them, but it does not matter – she could always cut down what is standing between her faithful friends and that paradise.
That grumpy pinkette, Mine.
Sheele knows how much sadness is hiding under that prideful disguise. She knows how Mine was the target of all types of derisions. It is all too familiar to no other than herself. That is why she wants to protect her. Maybe only a true friend can fulfill what is missing in that fragile heart.
That innocent boy, Tatsumi.
Sheele knows how much danger the future contains for him. He is too idealistic, he is too kind, and he is too naïve. That one day may come – that day when his perfect worldview is shattered into infinite pieces in front of him, and he will fall into the deepest despair. That is why she wants to train him. Maybe only a caring older sister can let him gradually see what this path he has chosen truly is.
CLANG!
Her heart trembles at that voice. That assault – that planned attack on the Imperial Police Captain was supposed to be her decisive comeback against this declining situation. Mine has been overworking herself. The sweat on her forehead cannot be mistaken as anything other than the result of tremendous mental concentration. She thought a surprise ambush against the Teigu wielder would end this madness once and for all, but that hopeful speculation soon turns into distress when that voice came to her ears.
Someone stopped her Extase.
"Ah, yes, Night Raid, the famous group of unlawful assassins. It seems that you have been rather busy with your assignments."
Quickly pulling her Teigu away from that confrontation, the purple-haired assassin locks her gaze onto the newcomer. If he is able to defend that Seryu from her previous lethal blow, then he is an opponent to be cautious about.
"Please allow me to introduce myself. I am General Junius Brutus, advisor to the Prime Minister."
A general who is also an advisor to the Prime Minister? Sheele contemplates those words, trying to determine the threat level from this Junius. The man in white conceals himself with a gentle smile on his face, but Sheele knows that anyone who works closely with the Prime Minister cannot be trusted so easily.
"It is a beautiful night, and I am currently in no mood for a full-out confrontation. I know your answer would most likely to be negative, but would you please lower your weapons and come back with us? I like talented people. With your skills, I could even partition a pardon for your crimes to the Prime Minister and ask for you to serve in the military…"
"General Brutus! How can you say that? They are the dirtiest scoundrels who stir up chaos and injustice in our city! You can't just…"
Before one-eyed general finishes his proposal, the brunette lashes out her inner most complain with absolute shock and frustration. Seryu believes, from the very beginning to the very end, that criminals should be brought to justice, no matter what.
"Yes, yes, Seryu. I understand; however, don't you think that bringing the criminals to our cause is just another way of exercising justice?"
Cutting the Imperial Police Captain from the middle of her statement, Junius turns to look at Seryu with a sincere complexion.
"I am sorry, general, but I cannot let them just get away with their crimes in the pass; and in addition –"
BANG!
A powerful stream of energy blasts through the middle of the conversation, directing into no other than the white-coated general, sending him flying outside from the park. In the distance, the pinkette immediately dashes toward her friend after the shot was fired.
"Sheele, let's go! This is the chance!"
With an anxious shout, Mine forcefully drags her friend out of her deep thoughts as she breaks for the realm of trees.
"General Brutus! No! Damn Night Raid! Damn you all! Koro, Berserker!"