Battle Master's Class
Disclaimer: I do not own the Sekirei anime nor the manga. Only the OC here is mine.
Chapter VI: Massacre Zone and Return to Hell
The leaders of the allied forces involved in the Kamikura Island raid convened for a final discussion just before commencing their operation.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have convened to discuss the impending Kamikura Island raid. We all recognize the critical significance of securing the Sekirei embryos and capturing the elusive Neon "Grim" Cross."
"Indeed, the Sekirei embryos represent immense potential, and the capture of Neon Cross is a coveted prize. Our approach must be marked by swiftness and precision."
"I concur. Our intelligence reports indicate that MBI is on high alert and has engaged Neon Cross for security. He's a proven and formidable adversary from past encounters."
"Our forces are ready for engagement, but caution is paramount. Neon Cross and the trained Sekirei present formidable challenges."
"The element of surprise is our greatest ally. Coordination and simultaneous multi-pronged strikes are essential to success."
"Agreed. We must ensure seamless coordination, preventing MBI and Neon Cross from gaining the upper hand."
"Let's not underestimate the political ramifications. Securing the Sekirei embryos will significantly bolster our global standing."
"Secrecy is paramount. Our embedded agents within MBI will provide real-time intelligence on the situation."
"Underestimating the potential resistance is not an option, especially with Neon Cross as the wildcard. We must have contingency plans at the ready."
"Our mission is clear: secure the Sekirei embryos and capture Neon Cross. Success hinges on a delicate balance between stealth and overwhelming force."
"We possess the element of surprise. Diligent planning will help us achieve our objectives without unnecessary casualties."
"Swift extraction upon securing the target is vital. We cannot risk being bogged down on Kamikura Island."
"Ladies and gentlemen, this mission defines our collective strength and determination. Proceed with the utmost caution, and let's ensure the acquisition of the Sekirei embryos and Neon Cross."
"Agreed. We advance with a coordinated strategy, leveraging our element of surprise. The fate of the Sekirei embryos and Neon Cross now rests in our capable hands. Let's make this mission a resounding success."
With that, the meeting concluded, and the leaders dispersed to individually brief their forces, unaware of the impending massacre they were about to face.
FOB of Allied Raid Forces…
In the shadowed confines of a video call, four operatives connect with their concealed commanding officer.
The obscured commanding officer begins, "Phantom Team Azure, we have vital intelligence to discuss concerning your involvement in the Kamikura Island raid."
"We're all ears, Commander," acknowledges one of the operatives, a female.
"As you're aware, the world's allied forces are embarking on the Kamikura Island raid to secure Sekirei embryos held by MBI. Your mission in this operation is to obtain a select number of these embryos and extract swiftly," the commander continues. "However, there's a twist to the situation."
"What's the twist, Commander?" inquires a male operative.
"MBI has enlisted Neon Cross for security, and they've rigorously trained six Sekirei for combat." An image of the imposing figure in tactical gear appears on the screen. "Neon Cross is a formidable adversary, and as some of you may recall, your leader, Aasimar, has crossed paths with him before."
Aasimar nods and adds, "That's correct. I've engaged Neon Cross in the past, and it was an intense battle that ultimately ended in a draw. He's a formidable opponent, and I'd rather not face him again anytime soon."
Another male operative inquires, "So, what's our strategy, Commander?"
"Our foremost priority is the retrieval of those Sekirei embryos without engaging Neon Cross or the trained Sekirei. They are not to be underestimated. Our mission is to execute a stealthy, clean extraction," the commander states.
Aasimar addresses her team, saying, "Listen up, team. Our directive is to avoid Neon Cross at all costs. We're not here to prove our strength against him. Our mission is to secure the embryos and withdraw without attracting attention."
"Understood, Alexa. We'll adhere to the plan and steer clear of their path. It's as simple as that," asserts a burly operative confidently.
"Don't get cocky Carnage. This is serious." A female operative apart from Aasimar warns.
"No need to be overly anxious, Deadeye. I'm serious about this. I know what we need to accomplish," Carnage replies.
"Commander, we'll fulfill our objectives and exit without detection," Aasimar concludes.
"That's the spirit. Phantom Team Azure, you represent our best chance for the mission's success. Remember your training and your leader's guidance. Now, prepare yourselves, and let's get ready for the infiltration. Time is of the essence, and there's no room for error," the commander concludes.
Aasimar nods and affirms, "We won't let you down, Commander." The video call ends. "Phantom Team Azure, let's ensure the success of this mission."
…
He had been meticulously observing the island from a safe distance for several months. His clients had a relentless curiosity about MBI's findings, and he had dutifully provided them with the critical information that had set the stage for the impending raid. However, the moment Neon Cross entered the equation, he couldn't shake the sinking feeling that the mission was on a collision course with calamity. He had forewarned his clients about Neon's formidable presence, but if anything, it had only fueled their greed, virtually sealing the raid's fate for failure.
'Well, who am I to impede these reckless individuals from willingly marching toward what could very well be their doom?' He mused silently as he rose from his concealed vantage point and retreated into his tent to initiate a video call.
The intercom crackled with anticipation before the call finally connected. "Attention, crew. Gather 'round, I've got critical information to share." Renato's voice resonated through the ship.
"What's the latest, Renato?" inquired a crew member, Joey.
"Hey, Joey, Siri, and Markov, it's about the impending Kamikura Island raid, folks. As you're well aware, the world's allied forces are making their move to acquire those elusive Sekirei embryos held by MBI." Renato began before his tone grew solemn. "But there's a twist to this situation."
"What's the twist, Renato?" Markov queried.
"MBI has enlisted Neon Cross for security, and they're put the first five Sekirei through rigorous training. This changes the game, people. I've crossed paths with Neon Cross before in a brutal confrontation, and it concluded in a deadlock. They are an undeniable force." Renato explained.
"That's definitely upped the stakes. What's our role in all of this?" Joey inquired.
Renato shrugged and replied, "Well, we won't be directly involved in the raid itself. Our mission is strictly observational. We're here to gather intelligence and closely monitor the situation."
"Renato, do you believe MBI can withstand the allied forces with Neon Cross and the first six Sekirei at their disposal?" Siri asked, her concern evident.
"With Neon Cross on their side, it's highly likely that MBI will turn the tides in their favor, creating a disastrous bloodbath if they perform as they did against me. We must remain vigilant and document every detail we witness." Renato stated.
"What's the contingency plan if things spiral out of control, Renato?" Siri's worry was palpable.
"The primary objective is to maintain our position and continue observing. If it becomes apparent that my safety is compromised, I'll make a swift exit. The mission is crucial, but I'm not exactly eager to meet my demise." Renato responded.
"Understood, Renato. Keep a watchful eye on the situation and inform us immediately if anything significant occurs." Markov added.
"Yeah, stay sharp and stay safe, Renato, so that Siri doesn't have a meltdown." Joey playfully quipped, earning an embarrassed glare from Siri herself.
"Sh-Shut up, idiot!" Siri retorted.
"Don't worry, Siri. I'll be cautious and back home before you know it." Renato reassured her with a smile.
…
"Called it," Renato deadpanned as he observed nothing but chaos on the horizon.
MBI seemed to be in firm control of the battle, with their five powerful Sekirei and Neon Cross wreaking havoc on the allied forces. Curiously, those six combatants were garbed in attire reminiscent of the Shinsengumi, although Renato couldn't be bothered to ponder the reason behind their choice of clothing.
The red-haired member of their team served as the support and hacker. She had effectively infiltrated the ships and aircraft systems, rendering all electronics inoperative and thwarting their missile launches. Her most destructive feat was causing those missiles to plummet into the ocean.
Next in line was a striking brunette, who took to the skies with an almost ethereal grace, wielding the very winds themselves. She systematically targeted the ships from above, slicing through their hulls with razor-sharp blades of wind. She'd sever sections of the vessels, sinking both the ships and their weaponry into the depths of the sea. This tactic not only prevented their escape but also halted any potential counterattacks.
In the southern part of the island, a silver-haired male played a pivotal role by creating impervious rock walls with a single stomp, effectively shielding them from incoming cannon fire. He skillfully wielded a katana and used it to eliminate ground forces, either slashing through them or impaling them with rock spikes he fashioned by striking the ground with his sheath.
The most brutal onslaught, however, was undoubtedly orchestrated by the silver-haired woman, whom Renato could have sworn was a female counterpart to Neon Cross. With unmatched speed, she carved a path through the soldiers and their weaponry, showing no regard for their futile attempts to stop her. She haphazardly sliced through them and their firearms, reveling in their despairing cries as they succumbed to her lethal assault. At one point, she flashed a sinister smile and glanced to her right before resuming her merciless rampage.
Next in line was the composed Yamato Nadeshiko, who managed to create ear-shattering sonic booms with each swing of her katana. She obliterated all forms of vehicles and personnel, unless, of course, she was gracefully cutting through them like a master swordswoman. Renato couldn't help but entertain the idea of challenging her to a duel if they weren't embroiled in the current dire situation.
Finally, there was the battle-hardened master himself, Neon "Grim" Cross, who was engaged in a relentless assault. He was either filling the opposition with a hail of bullets or slicing them into pieces with his custom gunblade. His dark flames engulfed or incinerated those unfortunate enough to be caught in his path, or he simply drained the life out of them, leaving behind withered corpses. Neon remained unnervingly emotionless as he dispatched soldiers or amphibious vehicles that entered his crosshairs, issuing orders to the Sekirei and teleporting across the island to assist his comrades or confront any enemies attempting to flank them.
"I'm grateful I don't have to be there and partake in that massacre." Renato muttered with palpable relief.
…
Matsu diligently worked on her laptop, meticulously keeping tabs on the opposition and Kamikura Island. Her nimble fingers danced across the keyboard, hacking into the adversaries' electronics, communication systems, technology, vehicles, and weaponry. The sight around her was grim, with a growing pile of bodies accumulating by the hands of Karasuba, Miya, and Neon-sensei. In particular, Neon-sensei's transformation from a calm, smiling figure to one who was unnervingly emotionless and ruthless in the heat of battle sent shivers down her spine. Even before the main battle had commenced, Neon had already dealt with the spies who had somehow infiltrated the island. He'd utilized his unique abilities and military prowess to root them out and eliminate them in a brutal fashion.
Suddenly, she intercepted chatter from a small, off-the-grid team that had eluded MBI's radar but had been detected by her own systems. There were four of them, and they had managed to navigate their way close to the labs.
"Sensei, we have a situation," Matsu calmly reported through the secure communications channel.
"What is it, Matsu?" Neon inquired.
Matsu continued, "A small team of soldiers has somehow slipped past our defenses and is dangerously close to the labs. I'm not sure how they managed it, but I just picked up on their presence. I apologize."
"No worries. Thank you for informing me." Neon replied. "Do you have visual on them?"
"Barely," Matsu explained. "I had to activate thermal imaging on the cameras to locate them. It's as if they have some kind of cloaking technology."
"Invisible, huh? I have an idea of who it might be." Neon mused. "Good work, Matsu."
Matsu's face lit up with a smile in response to Neon's praise.
"Enjoying the praise from sensei?" Kazehana playfully teased.
"Of course, I am." Matsu admitted. "He values my skills and efforts, after all."
"The same goes for me. He also commended my performance." Kazehana chimed in, sharing the sentiment.
…
"Karasuba, you're with me. We've got some vermin to exterminate who somehow managed to slip through the cracks." Neon ordered, with Karasuba promptly landing at his side, casually disposing of the unfortunate individual he had held in a one-handed chokehold.
"Miya, join Mutsu and provide him with your support." Neon directed.
Miya nodded in acknowledgment and swiftly made her way south, while Neon and Karasuba hurried toward the labs.
Meanwhile, in the labs…
Phantom Team Azure utilized their adaptive camo to stealthily approach their objective. Armed with a hacked map from the security system, they navigated through the facility to reach the location where the Sekirei embryos were stored.
"We're here." The support specialist, Gadget, declared.
"These are what we're here to acquire? Alien embryos?" Deadeye, the recon specialist, inquired.
"Yes, indeed," Aasimar, the team leader, responded dryly. "Carnage, swiftly grab one batch. We don't have much time."
"On it, ma'am," Carnage, the heavy specialist, acknowledged. He moved in and efficiently retrieved a batch of embryos stored in a canister before rejoining the team. "Got it. Let's get out of here and secure our payday."
"Payday? Really?" Deadeye asked in disbelief.
"Less talking, more extraction from here." Aasimar commanded, and the team swiftly exited the labs.
…
Neon and Karasuba silently observed as Phantom Team Azure materialized in their desperate dash toward the extraction point near the shore, entirely oblivious to their presence.
"So many ways to exterminate those vermin." Karasuba mused thoughtfully.
"But only one is necessary." Neon responded in his typical deadpan manner. "Annihilate them."
A sinister grin stretched across Karasuba's face as she harnessed dark energy onto her katana. With a swift motion, she released a massive shockwave at the quartet. Neon noticed that one of them had spotted the incoming attack, attempting to warn their team and mount a defense. Yet, it was too late; the attack struck, leading to a violent explosion that sent bodies and body parts hurtling through the air.
"Karasuba, I hope you didn't damage the embryos in the process." Neon cautioned, glaring at her.
"Hey! I aimed at the vermin, not the embryos." Karasuba defended herself.
Neon sighed and made his way to the impact crater created by the attack, with Karasuba following. Upon arrival, they encountered the mutilated, charred remains of the group, with one exception. Somehow, one individual had survived Karasuba's devastating onslaught, lying near the shore with most of their tactical gear destroyed and barely conscious. Neon wasn't entirely surprised by the lone survivor.
"See? I didn't harm the embryos." Karasuba noted, approaching Neon with the canister containing the recently pilfered embryos, her gaze now piqued by the surviving operative. "What do you know? Someone survived that."
The survivor, barely conscious, watched as the bloodthirsty Sekirei closed in to deliver the final blow.
"Stand down, Karasuba." Neon ordered. "Overkill serves no purpose. They're as good as dead anyway."
Karasuba appeared bewildered by Neon's decision. "Hah?! Why not?! I'm just making sure they won't come back."
"Sometimes, you can let nature handle the disposal of bodies instead of doing it yourself." Neon explained. "Just as the ocean will eventually take care of her and what's left of her squad." He took the canister from Karasuba and headed back to the labs.
Karasuba clicked her tongue in frustration before begrudgingly following suit. Aasimar, though severely wounded, managed to shoot a glare at Neon and Karasuba, just as the tide surged in, sweeping her and the remnants of her squad away from the shore.
…
"Damn! I knew it would go south, but that was a catastrophic failure." Renato muttered as he surveyed the aftermath of the botched raid. The coalition forces had regrettably withdrawn after suffering significant losses, and he knew that their recovery would take a considerable amount of time.
"So many lives lost, all driven by human greed. Typical of these insignificant creatures, isn't it?" His tone carried an unmistakable disdain.
His earpiece emitted a faint tingling sound, prompting him to respond, "Renato here."
"I assume it's all over," Siri inquired.
"Yes, it is, and it unfolded just as I anticipated. A one-sided bloodbath in MBI's favor. All of this could have been avoided if they hadn't let their greed get the best of them. But it's not my responsibility to prevent them from wrecking lives over whatever's on that island." Renato remarked with a palpable sense of disdain.
"That's a bit harsh, but I can see where you're coming from," Siri replied, a touch miffed by the comment.
"Feel free to be miffed, Siri, but it's a harsh reality about humanity. They have an unfortunate habit of taking a couple of steps forward and then tumbling ten steps backward. They can create and destroy with equal ease, often ruining one another's lives due to their insatiable greed or inability to accept what they can't comprehend." Renato continued, his words heavy with disillusionment. "It's a wonder that humanity hasn't pushed itself to the brink of extinction."
"That's because there are good people within humanity who manage to strike a balance." Siri argued.
"Unfortunately, those are few in number, and they have a tendency to remain inactive when it's most critical, often leaving the cleanup duty to society's outcasts." Renato countered. "In any case, our business here is finished. I'll be in touch with all of you and our client shortly." With that, he terminated the communication and melted into the shadows, vanishing from the area altogether.
…
Minaka couldn't contain his excitement as he addressed the room filled with MBI's key personnel about the successful defense of Kamikura Island from the coalition forces' raid.
"Ladies and gentlemen, today marks a historic triumph for MBI!" Minaka's voice boomed with enthusiasm. "Our island remains secure, our Sekirei embryos untouched, and our reputation as a formidable force in this world reaffirmed! Thanks to your efforts, the opposition has been soundly defeated."
The room erupted into cheers, but there were uneasy glances exchanged between some of the attendees, including Takami and Neon.
Takami cleared her throat and raised her hand to get Minaka's attention. "Mr. Minaka, while we appreciate the successful defense, we must also remember the lives lost during the battle."
Minaka's enthusiasm waned for a moment as he considered her words, but it quickly returned. "Ah, yes, sacrifices were made, but in the grand scheme of things, the embryos are what truly matter. Humanity has been shown the might of the Sekirei, and our message is clear – we will protect our own!"
Neon couldn't contain his frustration any longer. "Minaka, you heartless fool! You care more about your experiments and power than the lives that were lost today. Human lives are gone even though it's because of their own freaking greed but it's still nothing to celebrate about!"
Minaka's smile faded as Neon's outburst filled the room with tension. "Neon, you always were too sentimental. The embryos are essential for our future. Sacrifices are regrettable, but they are a part of progress." He turned to the applauding staff and resumed his celebratory speech, seemingly ignoring Neon and Takami's concerns.
As Minaka continued to dismiss the loss of human lives and celebrate the victory, Neon's anger boiled over. The room seemed to tremble as his energy swelled, creating an intense and overwhelming pressure. His eyes blazed with an inner fire as he stormed towards Minaka, his voice a furious growl.
"Sentimental? Me?! I'm the last person to call that you crazy bastard." Neon roared, his voice echoing through the room. His energy crackled around him, threatening to engulf everything in its path. He reached out, his grip firm and unyielding, lifting Minaka off his feet as he glared at the scientist.
"I've had enough of your callous disregard for human life, Minaka. I'll honor our contract, complete the training for the remaining five Sekirei, and then I'm done with your madness. If you ever push me again, I will raze MBI, and everyone involved to the ground. I will leave nothing but ashes in my wake." Neon seethed, his eyes locked onto Minaka's with a deadly intensity.
The room fell into an eerie silence as the others watched, shocked by Neon's outburst and the ominous promise he had just made. Minaka, for the first time, looked genuinely afraid, realizing that he had crossed a line that even Neon, with all his power, was not willing to tolerate.
"Neon, you can't be hypocritical." Minaka retorted, his voice shaking but his determination evident. "You didn't hesitate to eliminate those same people from the coalition forces. You're no different from them."
Neon's eyes blazed with anger as he retorted, "Those assholes attacked first, Minaka. They were greedy, evil fools who brought this upon themselves. But don't you dare think I'm callous or happy about their deaths. I'm angry because their lives could have been spared if it weren't for their greed and ambitions. So don't put me in the same bracket as your insane ass!"
Neon dropped Minaka unceremoniously and, without another word, stormed out of the room. His energy was still palpable, and the air seemed charged with tension. Takami, knowing Neon all too well, followed after him, her expression a mix of concern and understanding.
"Neon, wait," she called after him, reaching out to touch his arm gently.
Neon turned to face Takami, his anger still smoldering in his eyes. "I'm not leaving until I've finished training the remaining five Sekirei, as we agreed. But after that, I'm done with MBI, Minaka, and all of this. I can't stand the way he treats human lives so callously."
Takami nodded, her expression empathetic. "I understand, Neon. We'll finish what we started, and then we'll find a better way, a more responsible way to use our abilities."
Neon's anger began to subside, and he gave Takami a nod of acknowledgment. With that, they both turned and left the area.
Within a year, Neon had fulfilled his contract obligations, leaving MBI as he had agreed. His departure was met with mixed feelings among those he left behind. Minaka, Takami, and his students had hoped that he might stay longer, given the bond he had formed with some of them.
Matsu, Kazehana, Karasuba, and Uzume, in particular, had taken a liking to Neon. They expressed their desire for him to stay, and Neon assured them that there was a good chance he'd return after taking care of some personal business. Little did he know that this offhand comment would eventually come back to haunt him in unforeseen ways.
…
EPILOGUE
The atmosphere had been filled with joy and laughter as Neon and his now wife Dunnan walked together on the private runway at a hideout, both still trying to grasp the reality of their marriage. Despite Neon's tough exterior, he couldn't hide his nervousness, and Dunnan, his best friend and now wife, couldn't help but blush in her own way.
"This is surreal you know. We're…married." Neon said nervously.
"You're one to talk. I'm a blushing mess over here!" Dunnan replied trying to hide her red face.
They shared a moment of laughter, both aware of the surreal nature of their situation. After Neon had wrapped up his business with MBI, he had proposed to Dunnan, and she had eagerly accepted. Their wedding had been a small, intimate affair due to Neon's reputation, attended by a few close friends and trusted associates.
"And now we can enjoy a peaceful life without any issues." Neon stated.
"So you're retiring from the mercenary life?" Dunnan asked.
"Yes I am." Neon replied, "And with the fortune I've amassed we can live the rest of our lives as lavishly and lazily as we want, with me spoiling you especially."
"Yes, I don't mind being spoiled by the man I love." Dunnan said with a smile, "I'll do the same to you too. Can't have it be all one sided."
"Indeed. Well then how about we go to Japan, I mean I was born there after all and it's where I'd love for us to settle down." Neon suggested.
"Oh? Japan? Nice. Good thing I'm fluent in Japanese." Dunnan replied.
The couple then shared a hug, their embrace exuded warmth and affection, reflecting the love and happiness they had found in each other.
But in a horrific instant, their world crumbled. Blood splattered on Neon's face, and he felt Dunnan go limp in his arms. His eyes fell to his wife's lifeless body, a hole in the side of her head. The pain was unbearable, and Neon's anguished cries pierced the air.
"No! No! No! No! No! No! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Before he could process his grief, he sensed the presence of the one responsible for this heinous act, and they wasted no time in making their escape. But Neon had seen them and recognized the assailant. His anger, grief, and determination merged into a burning fury, and he made a vow that reverberated through the empty runway.
"R-E-N-A-T-O...I WILL KILL YOU!"
…Six Months Later…
The helipad atop the imposing MBI Tower had become a gathering place for Minaka, Takami, Karasuba, and Yume. They awaited the arrival of someone Minaka had hired, and the anticipation in the air was palpable.
A military helicopter landed on the helipad, and as the dust settled, a silhouette emerged from the aircraft, gradually taking form to reveal Neon Cross. He was dressed in a camo outfit, a black trench coat, and carried a duffel bag. His return was a significant moment, and his presence marked a pivotal development for MBI.
Minaka's maniacal grin stretched from ear to ear as he laid eyes on the returning mercenary. To him, Neon's return meant a strengthening of MBI's position as a dominant force in the world.
Takami's relief at seeing Neon again was mixed with concern as she couldn't help but notice the vacant look in his eyes, a stark contrast to the man they knew. The lifelessness in his gaze weighed heavily on her heart, leaving her worried about what he had endured during his time away.
Karasuba's happiness at seeing her former teacher was genuine, but she couldn't ignore the complex emotions she sensed within him. Neon's aura exuded fiery rage, sorrow, and profound disgust, and it was clear that he had been through a great deal during his absence.
Yume, with her unwavering exterior, concealed the inner turmoil she felt. Deep down, she lamented her teacher's state, empathizing with the storm of emotions he carried. Neon's rage, despair, sorrow, disgust, self-hate, and suffering were all too evident to her, and she steeled herself with the determination to help him find his way back from this dark abyss.
Neon's gaze swept over the group before him, and his reactions varied. He completely ignored Minaka, giving the company's CEO no recognition. Takami received a nod from him, acknowledging her presence, but it was tinged with a hint of annoyance.
However, as his eyes fell on Karasuba and Yume, a subtle, barely visible grin graced his lips. He was genuinely pleased to see two of his students again, and his expression conveyed that happiness. Despite the turmoil within him, the reunion with these two brought a glimmer of warmth to his heart.
"Hello again," he greeted them, his voice carrying a mix of emotions. "And what do you know? I actually jinxed myself after all. Damn it! What did I miss?"
Takami decided to get Neon up to speed.
The unintended consequences of scientific meddling had left Homura's genetic code in a state of constant flux. The only hope of stabilizing this chaotic condition was for Homura to be winged by an Ashikabi. However, a significant and unsettling twist awaited Homura – depending on the gender of the Ashikabi, Homura's own gender would transform into the opposite. This was a situation Homura strongly disliked, adding another layer of complexity to an already challenging circumstance.
Akitsu, too, had fallen victim to the recklessness of a scientist who had tampered with her genetic makeup. As a result, she was rendered unable to bond with an Ashikabi. The responsible scientist had met a gruesome end, his remains splattered across the walls of the lab, as Neon confronted him in a fit of anger and retribution.
The next and one of the most significant blows was Miya's departure, which left a void within MBI that would never truly be filled.
Takehito's tragic passing further deepened the turmoil within the organization. His untimely death had a dark and mysterious undertone, as he had attempted to wing Miya once again, and the process had gone horribly wrong. His body had broken down violently and had been consumed by an inner fire, resulting in a tragic and gruesome end.
An autopsy revealed the shocking truth – Takehito had experimented with a serum, one that combined the blood of Neon and Miya. Neon had explicitly warned against such a reckless endeavor, but Takehito had ignored the caution, driven by his love for Miya. The blood from Neon had been obtained from his Discipline Squad cloak, which had retained traces of it from a previous encounter where he had been scratched by bullets during a daring evasion of machine gun fire.
Miya was devastated by her lover's death, and her grief was compounded by her belief that Neon was partly responsible. This accusation only fueled Neon's anger, as Takehito's idiocy was what caused this mess after he ignored Neon's warning about such a dangerous stunt.
In the end, Miya left MBI, vowing to sever all ties with the organization. The loss of Miya and Takehito marked the beginning of a period of decline and uncertainty for MBI, as its most formidable assets had departed, leaving a void that would prove challenging to fill.
Matsu had left MBI in shambles for a while after escaping from their HQ with something important alongside Uzume who'd helped her to escape.
Mutsu had left for god knows where. No one knew how or when, but he'd left, and no one could find him.
Kazehana had been told of Neon's return and was making her way back.
"Great. Crap definitely hit the fans." Neon groaned.
TO BE CONTINUED...
The allied raid on Kamikura Island unfolded as the world's combined forces launched their attack. It quickly became apparent that the 1st Discipline Squad and Neon Cross were a formidable defense, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Renato, who had observed the massacre, found himself unsurprised by the outcome. Meanwhile, Alexa and her squad suffered a devastating defeat, with Alexa herself left gravely wounded and near death.
In the aftermath of the battle, the situation took a grim turn. Neon Cross was deeply disturbed by the immense loss of life and destruction that had occurred. His internal turmoil was exacerbated by Minaka's actions, which only served to further fuel the flames of his anger and despair.
Tragedy struck once more with the death of Dunnan Vella, Neon's wife, a result of Renato's bullet. This incident intensified the grudge between Neon and Renato, setting the stage for a deep-seated conflict.
Despite his internal struggles, Neon made the decision to return to MBI to work with them once more. He was a mess internally, but his determination to do what he did best remained resolute, no matter the personal cost.
With that Battle Master's Class comes to an end.
