CHAPTER 28
THE BODYGUARD
Emma stood rooted to the spot, transfixed at the sight of the large, chiselled man before her. An odd tingling sensation rushed over her as she saluted with a trembling hand. "It's a pleasure to…finally meet you…Corporal Eric Lawrence." Emma squeaked between breaths, aching to clutch her chest from her banging heart.
"Likewise Ma'am." Corporal Lawrence spoke in a professional and polite manner. "I don't need a fuss. I'm just here to do my job in protecting you and maintaining Arzenal's securities by aiding you wherever possible." 'Ma'am!' Emma flushed, her head spinning with a thousand thoughts. 'He called me Ma'am.' He spoke just like those bodyguards in movies, reminding her she was his superior in terms of rank.
"Well, it's certainly a relief to have you." Emma cleared her throat. "This job is stressful enough. Especially after I was almost killed by a DRAGON." As she watched from the side-lines, Jill found the whole scenario quite entertaining and also a relief. It was a good thing this guy wasn't a Captain or even a Lieutenant rank because she would have an even bigger problem on her hands. 'Hopefully this guy doesn't cause too much trouble.' She hoped. 'No doubt his presence will cause a disruption amongst the girls.' But her biggest concern was with Cal.
"Don't worry about that Ma'am. I've been trained in the Rosenblum navy and have had the honour of serving five years protecting the king and queen of Rosenblum and their two daughters Princess Fiona and Misty." Corporal Lawrence assured. "The Norma Management board and your father Senator Bronson chose me due to my training and knowledge working with the NMB. They also briefed me on the DRAGONs."
"You know my father?" Emma asked.
"Not in person." Corporal Lawrence admitted. "But he was adamant that I knew what I was getting into. Especially after the chaotic attack that almost killed his daughter." He glanced to Jill and judging by his expression he didn't look too pleased. "And I thought the Norma lived to kill DRAGONs. Yet you were almost…"
"I'd have you know I was the one who save the Inspector's life." Jill interrupted, holding back the urge to deck him. She was about to lite a cigarette when suddenly the large man stepped forward and yanked it from her mouth and flicked it away.
"Excuse me." His tone changed from calm to stern. Jill's eyes widened in surprise as he leaned into her personal space and removed his sunglasses, his hazel eyes burning with contempt. "What is your name soldier?"
"My name is Jill, the commander of Arzenal." Being intimidated was NOT a feeling Jill was used to.
"That's right, and I would remind you that you almost lost your position because clearly a human's life wasn't important enough." Corporal Lawrence scolded. "I was informed that you Norma have the necessary structures and measures to protect the Chief Inspector of Arzenal and you still failed. One word from me and you're demoted to latrine duty. Do I make myself clear?"
"My apologies Corporal." Jill said half-heartedly though inside she was seething. Emma was blown away by how he had delt with the Commander. She had never imagined Jill of all people would apologize.
"If you'll follow me I'll show you to your quarters Corporal." Emma interrupted. "We'll announce your arrival to the Norma at lunch."
"Yes Ma'am. I'm ready to get started." Corporal Lawrence confirmed as he put his sunglasses back on. "Take this soldier." He held a large heavy suitcase to Jill.
"What!" Jill gawked. "I am the Commander of…" Corporal Lawrence didn't even look at her as he thrust the suitcase into Jill's torso, knocking the wind out of her.
"Do as you're commanded soldier! After you Ma'am."
"Sorry about that." Emma apologised as she led him off. "The Norma have a tendency to talk back."
"Nothing I can't handle Ma'am. I've trained disobedient, entitled brats in the military." Corporal Lawrence told her. "I know a thing or two about putting someone in their place." Pulling up a Mana Screen, he began to type away. "I have been instructed by the committee to send you these files personally for you to sign."
"What's this?" Emma asked as he transferred her the files.
"Permission forms for Arzenal's future defences. I have been ordered to not just protect you but to also oversee Arzenal's security and defences." He explained. "Upgrading or bringing in new weapons for the base defences and Para-mails for another potential attack on base."
"I'm surprised my father or the NMB didn't inform me about this but thank you for letting me know of the situation Corporal." Emma said, overjoyed that she had such a well-mannered and professional colleague to work with. Not to mention manly. She was rather impressed how he had delt with the Commander. She glanced back to see Jill hurrying after them, visibly straining with the weight of the Corporal's luggage. This was going to be even better than she thought. 'Maybe the Norma and especially that perverted heathen will start to show me more respect.' She hoped.
The morning sunlight came bursting over the horizon as thirteen flying objects skimmed along the roof of fluffy clouds. Six of them were equipped with rectangular cargo pods attached to their rear while the others flew around them in a protective ring. Lucas closed his eyes as the comparatively warm breeze washed over him. It was a different world compared to being stuck in the bitter, cold, and stormy mountains of the Sanctuary. For a long time, Lucas, Lucia, Harper and their chosen ten comrades watched as the dark blue sea gave way to farmland and rural villages until finally the marvellous Redwood Forest and mountains that bordered Rosenblum and Velda came into view. They dropped down just above the tree line to avoid radar detection and to dive for cover should any Mana drone spot them.
"How much further!" Lucia called from her earpiece.
"Not much longer. The woods run right up to the mountains!" Replied Harper who was leading them at the front.
"The sooner we get there the better!" Lucas yelled. "These supplies will go a long way, especially during the winters!" Once the never-ending green trees started to thin, a wall of rocky mountains came into view
"Okay everyone, don't break formation. Line up and follow me straight through the waterfall." Harper ordered.
"I hate this part." One soldier griped.
"Deal with it!" Harper called back as they all zoomed towards the streaming waterfall. A sudden shock of freezing water and they passed into the entrance tunnel carved out of the mountain wall. Their skyhooks' lights lit up the darkness as Harper led the way down until finally entering into a hanger the size of a Iaria field.
"Well, that was rather refreshing." Lucas joked to his sister whose long navy hair was plastered to her face. "Alright everyone let's get these supplies distributed to storage and the sanatorium." Harper ordered as Lucas, Lucia and the others began unloading boxes of canned food, seeds, medicine and water from the carrier pods.
"Great to see you back Harper."
"Nice to see you Captain."
"I knew you'd make things right Captain."
Everyone they passed through the base hallways; Humans, Ancient folk, Norma and children; came out of their rooms from all corners to greet their beloved Captain and his newly arrived companions. Once everything was set, Harper had his team distribute the newly acquired supplies.
"Get these meds to the infirmary. The kids need these more than anything." He urged.
"I take it the situation is worse than it is." Lucas spoke out once he, Harper and Lucia were alone.
"You have no idea." Harper sighed. "The Norma children have fallen sick with high fevers and some of the other ancient folk and older Normas health have deteriorated. Shame our Human companions can only use the light of Mana to heal their own. I can't thank you two enough for coming here to help for the month."
"Don't worry about it." Lucia patted him on the shoulder. "We're comrades. We look out for each other."
"We all need our strength especially in these trying times." Lucas nodded. "This time we'll be even stronger AND prepared once Libertus begins again." Their uplift was short lived as there was a booming chant of laughter and jokes coming from down one of the cave tunnels before several large men carrying five elk carcases emerged.
"Looks like Finn and his Hunters fair just as well." Harper commented. Lucas couldn't help noticing the unsettling atmosphere amongst the other humans, ancient folk and Norma by the Hunters presence. "Finn!" Harper called to the leader of the pack, who was built like an Ox with short cropped dark blonde hair. "Where were you this time?"
"Hunting, we bagged some prime game." Finn replied proudly, the six other men laughed helping themselves to parts they had already cooked. Lucas could sense right away these guys were arrogant assholes.
"Your men have done well for themselves. See everyone gets equal portion." Lucas ordered sternly, not taking his eyes from Finn's. The seven large humans looked at Lucas in contempt.
"And who gave you orders to boss us around boy. We'll give out what we caught, once we have had our fill!" Finn growled.
"You have more than enough!" Lucia scolded, disgusted by how these guys could be so egocentric.
"We caught these, gained by blood and risk of discovery. You just got here! I bet you're like all the others here. Do nothing but lay about while we hunt for food!" Finn shouted defiantly. Harper stepped forward, but Lucas stopped him. He knew how to deal with this.
"Divide what you have. I will not ask again." Lucas said coldly his hand gripping the handle of his sword. "Or do you want to discuss the matter further?" Finn scowled and tried to stare down Lucas but the visitor refused to budge. With a grunt of disdain, he beckoned to his fellows and they marched off to the kitchen to prepare their kill.
"Thanks for that Lucas." Harper grinned. "It's hard to deal with Finn and his men since they are the muscle around here. A lot of the others are afraid to even confront them. Though I can't complain since he and his friends are the reason we even had food over the last few days."
"I can't stand assholes like him." Lucia grimaced. "He may be a comrade but that doesn't mean he gets to throw his weight around like he owns the place."
"No one will go hungry tonight, that is all that matters." Lucas pointed out. "But I might need to take that lot down to your gym for a private lesson."
"Now I know why Captain Jacob chose you to lead this run." Harper chuckled. "I appreciate it. I've heard the rumours, so I know you'd rather be looking into the matter with Villkiss and Siegfried."
"Well, first things first let's get everyone fed for and checked over." Lucas ordered. "Then, we'll take three of your best scouts and check the entire perimeter. I don't want the humans taking us by surprise like the Galia Falls." Still, he had to admit Harper was right about him. 'What does that kid of Gaz's know about what's at stake and the responsibility of piloting that machine? Once Alektra knows we're alive, she and Captain Jacob will have no choice but to entrust Siegfried to me. For my Sensei Istvan's sake, I'll finish what he started.'
The entire cafeteria was packed owing to the fact training and drills had been cut two hours short today which put everyone in great spirits. Taking her tray of food, Scarlett scootched over beside Hilda. On the other side of the table sat Cal, Chris and Rosalie, the latter of whom stroked Cal's arms with broad smiles on their faces. "I see you three seem to be friends again."
"Yeah, well it's water under the bridge now." Cal said with a perverted grin. Last night had been a very long night with Cal, Rosalie and Chris exhausting themselves on each other, which went a long way to getting rid of Cal's pent-up frustrations with Ange's attitude and Rosalie and Chris' failed pranks.
"Disgusting." Hilda grimaced. "While you three were getting your rocks off I was left cold and alone."
"You could have joined us." Cal offered with a grin.
"Urgh I'm gonna be sick." Hilda mock gagged. Suddenly, to their utter surprise, who should appear but Miranda, looking very cheerful as she sat between Hilda and Scarlett.
"Hey you're out." Rosalie said, glad to see their newbie set free.
"Yeah, the Commander released me just 15 minutes ago." Miranda told them. "But she looked really angry for some reason. You don't think she hates me for…"
"Don't take it personal, she always has a sour face." Cal joked.
"What was it like in solitary?" Chris asked.
"Just drop it. She's been through enough already." Hilda told them. "From now on she'll be under our wing so that means we'll have to teach her our style of battle. But first hit the showers. You smell worse than him." Miranda however was busy stuffing noodles in her mouth like she hadn't eaten in days.
"Mmm, so good." Miranda said dreamily. "I'll never complain about the food ever again. Having to live off food loaf is even worse than starving." Hilda simply facepalmed. 'She's got a long way to go if she wants to fight like us.'
"I swear you're a bad influence on the little ones." Scarlett noted as Cal eagerly began devouring his own food.
"Good to have you back Miranda." Cal praised with a thumbs up which made Miranda's face brighten even more. But even though Cal was happy Miranda was released, he had a lot on his mind as the sudden revelation that another human was coming to Arzenal had put him on edge. 'If Miranda is right about Jill's mood, then that can mean only one thing.' As if feeling a target on his back, Cal looked over his shoulder and saw Inspector Bronson who seemed even more high strung than usual.
"Ahem." Emma announced though everyone ignored her and continued to chat and eat until Commander Jill stood up from the officer's table.
"Attention!" she barked, causing everyone to look up.
"Thank you, commander." Emma said as every eye was set on her. "As you all remember, the terrible attack on Arzenal a few months back and the casualties we suffered has left us in disarray." The reminder caused a few to sprout forlorn looks as they remembered their fallen friends and lovers. Even Cal couldn't help but think about Naomi and gazed down at her rose gold bracelet glinting on his wrist. "Because of how devastating the attack was," Emma continued. "The Norma Management board has decided to send us some help to improve Arzenal's defences in case there is another attack on base. A new assistant Overseer under my command is here to inspect all our operations, securities, and defences. Please welcome Corporal Eric Lawrence."
"Who?" Chris asked looking to Rosalie. From a nearby table, Salia gave a quick worried glance to Cal who nodded back just before footsteps echoed from the left passage and everyone's jaw dropped as a tall and very large man came into view. Taller than Gramps and built like a rhinoceros, his sharp white and purple uniform strained from every movement of his sturdy form.
"Oh dear." Ersha gasped from the kitchen, the other chefs and Tanya sharing her reaction.
"Holy shit I can't believe it's a human man!" Rosalie whispered.
"Damn this is a surprise." Scarlett commented. "He's a monster. Just look at those arms." Chris began to shake, a response shared my many of the Norma as collected gasps and whispers rang across the entire cafeteria.
"He's kinda fat," Vivian chirped. Salia along with three other Norma at their table clamped their hands over Vivian's mouth. Luckily neither the Corporal, the Commander, or the Inspector had heard her.
"Vivian keep your comments to yourself!" Salia hissed. "If you want to die do it in your para-mail!"
"I sowwy." Vivian preyed her hands together holding back tears of laughter. Meanwhile, the Corporal continued to walk the entire length of the cafeteria before he stopped at the top of the stairs for everyone to get a view of him.
"I am Corporal Eric Lawrence!" His stern, dour voice boomed; making several of the Norma go pale. "As Inspector Bronson has explained I am here to oversee Arzenal's defences and operations. The Norma Management Board has given me permission to inspect any potential complications regarding your base defences. Thus, you'll be upgraded with the latest weaponry if I deem necessary for future base invasions. Additionally, I will be serving as Inspector Bronson's personal bodyguard." This sudden announcement caused a surge of both jealousy and annoyance amongst the Norma.
"Bodyguard!
"How lucky. I wish I had a Bodyguard."
"Aw getting a man all to herself not fair."
"Bastard who does he think he is? We can fight the DRAGONs on our own."
"And I warn you all," he continued. "I am acting as your second in command Inspector so if any of you put a toe out of line, I won't hesitate to shove you back into place." Half the Norma shivered from the warning though Cal was taking an immediate dislike to the pompous ass. "So be sure to keep a civil tongue with me and your Chief Inspector Bronson. That is all."
Scarlett observed as many Norma gave the new arrival reproachful looks while others cowered against their friends.
"I don't like the look of this guy." Rosalie narrowed her eyes.
"Why did another human have to come here?" Chris gulped.
"Like we needed him." Hilda scowled bitterly. "We can fight the DRAGONs on our own."
"This guy looks kinda scary." Miranda whimpered. "I don't want to go back to solitary. You won't let that happen to me will you Cal?" Cal didn't answer, his eyes stuck in a death glare aimed at the man who now sat at the officers' table. His fist was clenched so tightly that he had started to bend his fork. "Cal!" Miranda repeated.
"Don't worry Miranda, this guy doesn't seem that much of a big deal." Cal said trying to sound tough. "Like Vivian said he is kind of fat. If you just run he'll probably just pass out from the strain of chasing you."
"I won't let a man here harm any of you." Hilda vowed. Like Cal she too had taken a great dislike to the new human. "If he does, he'll regret it."
"Hilda don't be stupid that guy is bigger than you." Rosalie worried.
"Since when has that stopped me. I've kicked his ass more times than I can count." She stuck her tongue out at Cal.
"Watch it." Cal glowered. Scarlett smirked catching Cal in the act tensing up as if he was flexing his arm muscles when the girls were busy eating.
"You aren't jealous, are you?" She joked.
"Of that great fat elephant," Cal scoffed. "Yeah right."
"If you say so." Scarlett mused as she checked out the Corporal's body. "Hmm he is a rather impressive figure. Now that's what I call a man."
"Hey!" Cal fumed as Hilda, Rosalie, Chris and Miranda roared with laughter.
"All he needs to do is lose 10 to 20 pounds and he'll be perfect in my books. And at least this guy doesn't have a dog." Cal looked at Scarlett in confusion since she seemed to like Vulcan. She'd often stroke her fingers under his chin when he walked up to her.
"Huh." Cal tilted his head.
"Oh, it's nothing never mind." Scarlett laughed nervously not wanting to get into it any deeper. During her time as Inspector of Arzenal, Jadis owned a bad-tempered Boerboel dog called Winston, who would snarl at every Norma. Winston often bullied poor Vulcan by lying on him, crushing Vulcan under his sheer weight like his own personal pillow. During her last year as inspector, Scarlett had accidently trodden on Winston's paw while helping Ersha pick tomatoes. Winston had chased Scarlett across the fields and up an apple tree and Jadis had refused to call him off until past midnight. The memory of this incident still brought tears of humiliation to Scarlett's eyes.
From the officers table Jill, saw that Corporal Eric Lawrence was surveying the entire hall. Even when his food arrived, four portions larger than everyone else's, his gaze never faltered as he ate at a pace not taking his eyes off one Norma in particular.
"Commander." He finally spoke. "I see the account of the Male Norma is true."
"Yes, that's him." Jill confirmed. "He's been here for over 9 months. Even we were shocked when he first arrived."
"Interesting, very interesting." Corporal Lawrence said rather impressively. "I never would have believed one existed until I was informed prior to coming here."
"You want to keep an eye on that one!" Emma frowned, a hint of irritation in her voice. "He's a pervert and sexual deviant." 'Okay that's over exaggerating a bit.' Jill thought.
"Don't worry about that Inspector. I don't tolerate those who don't know their place." Corporal Lawrence reminded her. "I'll be monitoring all the Normas' behaviour when I'm here. So none will step out of line when I'm watching." Jill was starting to really dislike this guy. Her pride was already hurt by having to drag a suitcase like a maid, but his presence alone was starting to cause disruption.
"No need to over exsert yourself." Jill commented. "The Norma don't go too far especially when I'm around. Cal especially has needed a firm hand from time to time."
"He is rather extraordinary." Corporal Lawrence admitted Emma looked at him in surprise. "I've never thought a male Norma existed. Though I have to admit, this world has got enough problems as it is without having Male Normas roaming around. He should have been put down at birth." From the opposite table Jasmine gave a reproachful look at the man, looking as if she'd knock his head off with the death stick. Jill wasn't surprised in the slightest that this was the Humans' attitude to a Male Norma but hoped no problems would arise between Cal and the Corporal. "Though I must ask, where is the former Princess of Misurugi? I was rather curious if she was still alive." Emma almost choked on her food.
"Oh, the former Princess Ange." She spluttered. "Well she erm…"
"Looks like your bodyguard has a lot of catching up to do." Jill said irritably.
Falling back on his bed Cal stretched out the knot in his back. Today had turned into a very interesting day no thanks to the newly arrived human. He was just how he looked in his mugshot and his entire being made Cal's blood boil from the reminder of the soldiers who attacked him and Gramps.
'Remember what the Commander said." Cal repeated in his head. 'Keep a level head and don't raise suspicion. Especially with Libertus.' As he lay flat on his back it suddenly dawned on Cal just how quiet it was. He had his room all back to himself with no Ange to shout or argue with. Though the constant ranting and yelling at one another had become tiresome and Ange's bad attitude drove him up the wall, Cal had to admit not all the times with her were bad. They might not have gotten along but with Ange gone it was another hole in his life. She was almost like a bratty little sister he could bicker with and it did seem as though she was getting more comfortable around him despite being a constant pain in the ass.
'No Ange isn't dead. She's too stubborn to die." Cal concluded. 'But why do I care, she's been nothing but a bitch to me.' His head was in a constant battle over if he actually cared about Ange's wellbeing. 'No, I don't care about her.' He told himself. 'She never cared about us and she had no remorse for what happened to Zola and Coco. I only agreed to search for Ange because we need Villkiss and her ring for Libertus.' As soon as Salia and Mei were ready, he would use Siegfried to trace Villkiss from their last known location. 'I wonder what she's up too. Most likely struggling to find food. I bet she couldn't even catch a guppy.'
The night sky had set in, but the large makeshift fire kept Ange warm. Both she and Tusk sat on wooden crates set around the fire while Tusk finished cooking the four large silver mullet he had caught that day.
The past two days had been the calmest Ange had felt for almost a month. Even though last night she had slapped Tusk and tied him to a tree for trying to sleep in the same bed as her, Ange had to admit Tusk was quite a nice guy despite his perverted antics. No way in hell those incidents were accidents as he claimed them to be.
"Here. You can have the biggest one." Tusk offered as he handed her one. Ange sniffed the fried fish and blew it off before taking a bite.
"Wow this is really good." Much better than the gruel served at Arzenal. "How did you learn to cook and make something taste this good."
"Oh, my dad and Uncle Jacob taught me." Tusk told her through a mouthful of his own.
"So, who are your parents?" She asked. "Do you have a Family? Where are they?" Tusk frowned and gazed at the fire.
"Let's not talk about that."
'I don't get you at all.' Ange thought. 'You're not scared of me, a Norma, and you know everything about Villkiss's mechanics. Just who are you?' After dinner, Ange had one last chore to attend to. She stood up on a chair and tied two sheets to the bamboo supporters of the sheltered roof and stuck a sign that read, 'Keep out!'
"Okay listen up." Ange ordered. "You are not to enter here when I'm asleep. This is my space now and I don't want you doing anything to me when I'm changing or sleeping got it? If so, you'll be sleeping outside tied to that tree again without a fire next time!" Her warning given, she went behind her curtain to get changed.
"Yes ma'am." Tusk laughed nervously, making himself comfortable in the spare sleeping bag he had set out on the outer deck.
"Oh, and Tusk." He looked up and to his surprise, Ange's head peeked out with the warmest smile he had ever seen. "Just call me Ange not Ma'am. Goodnight."
"Ange huh, that's a nice name. Goodnight, Ange." Tusk smiled back as he turned off the oil lamp. Once she was certain he was asleep, Ange changed out of her plug suit and into the loose buttoned shirt Tusk had let her borrow. Though she felt drowsy she found it hard to sleep. 'I wonder what Cal and the rest are up to?' She wondered. 'I hope their alright. After all, if we do manage to get Villkiss fixed and flying, I can't make it up to them if they die in a DRAGON attack.'
Leaning back in Siegfried's cockpit Cal rubbed his tired eyes. That day after training he flew Siegfried out to sea, searching for Villkiss and Ange who had at this point been missing for almost five days. He had traced Villkiss's last known signal but it was if it had completely vanished which wasn't a good sign. As the sun began to sink below the horizon, Cal opted to make his way back to Arzenal. He just hoped Inspector Bronson and Corporal Lawrence would be too occupied to greet him. And all because he teased the Inspector in the infirmary that afternoon….
(A few hours ago)
"There we go, your wrist is good as new." Maggie sang finally removing his brace. Cal flexed his right wrist and felt a great sense of freedom. "You and Scarlett need to watch yourselves." She whispered flirtatiously in his ear. "You worry your big sister Maggie a great deal. It would break my heart if I lost you."
"Always the charmer aren't you." Cal said sarcastically, grimacing from the stench of wine on Maggie's breath. There was a sudden uneasy silence from the assistant nurses and the two of them looked up see to Inspector Emma Corporal Lawrence standing tall behind her.
"Hello Maggie, I was just showing the Corporal around the base. He was curious to see how we treat the Norma's injuries."
"Oh, I see you've brought a guest." Maggie teased, swaying her hips as she approached them. "You don't mind if I examine your guest for my anatomy studies?"
"Maggie please!" The Inspector hissed. "Will you at least try to behave yourself today. Don't make the Corporal feel uncomfortable."
"Aw there's no need for a big guy like him to be scared of little old me." Maggie grinned broadly at the large man before her.
"Can you not." Corporal Lawrence said impatiently.
"By all means show him around my base of operations." Maggie smirked.
"Thank you." Emma shook her head. "This is Arzenal's infirmary." She introduced showing the Corporal around. "Most of the Norma who suffer injury from battle are treated here with immediate care by our lead doctor Maggie and her assistant nurses."
"I see." Corporal Lawrence observed. "Fascinating. I've never seen an infirmary like this since we humans use the Light of Mana to heal ourselves."
"Arzenal has some of the best medical supplies available, shipped right from our home nation." The Inspector boasted. "Maggie, despite her ways, is a capable doctor who apprenticed under our previous medical chief and has saved many Norma lives."
"Good thing the Norma have learned to adapted from not being able to use the Light of Mana." Corporal Lawrence said. "Otherwise, what use would they be if they couldn't fight the DRAGONs." The nursing staff scowled while Cal's muscles tensed in anger. "But I must ask what happens if you fall sick. I assume the Norma know their place to treat Human with the same care."
"You needn't worry." Maggie cooed circling around the Corporal to examine him more closely. "If you ever got wounded or came down with a fever, I'll take care of you." Cal could only facepalm watching Maggie dig a large hole for herself.
"Have you been drinking?" The Corporal scowled.
"Maggie, I've warned you about this!" Emma snapped, rather embarrassed by Maggie's show. "Forgive her she's has a certain way of expressing herself, especially around that one." As she spoke, Emma, pointed to Cal who was putting his tunic and jacket back on. As if awaiting this moment, the large man stepped forward so he could stare Cal down.
"So," His voice boomed. "You're the Male Norma?"
"Yes." Cal said curtly.
"Don't say 'yes' in that ungrateful tone." Corporal Lawrence warned. "It's damn good of the NMB to keep you. You would have been straight in an incinerator if he was born in the Galia Empire from what I've heard."
"He's been trouble ever since he arrived." The Inspector agreed. "But he is a very skilled pilot. In fact one of the best despite only being here for nine months."
"Gee Inspector you could try to not flirt with me at every opportunity." Cal joked.
"Like I said he's a sexual deviant!" She reminded the Corporal.
"You're one to talk." Cal retorted feeling rather insulted. "You can be just as bad as Maggie even when you're sober."
"Excuse me!" Emma yelled.
"Watch your attitude." Corporal Lawrence said, dangerously pointing a thick finger in Cal's face. "I've got my eye on you boy."
"It's the Inspector you need to keep an eye on." Cal grinned evilly. "I asked her to marry me many times, but she turned me down every time." Emma's face boiled burning red. "She said she wasn't ready and preferred to keep me as her personal boy toy. And now with you here I'm about to be tossed aside." Maggie and the infirmary staff burst into tears of laughter causing Emma to cover her face in complete humiliation.
"You… you filthy pervert!" Emma yelled, her face livid.
"Calm yourself Inspector I'll handle this." Corporal Lawrence said rather calmly as he approached Cal making him stand up. "You think you're a comedian here? You think your pretty funny don't you boy?"
"I have my moments, sir." Cal responded rather cheekily.
"I've heard you've already been punished for striking one of the other Norma but maybe you need a little mroe." Corporal Lawrence hummed. Removing his sunglasses, a hard gleam shone in his flinty Hazel eyes. "My shoes need some work. I want them polished and shined by the end of the day. Or I'll extend your punishment to a month."
"What!" Cal yelled.
"One more word and it'll be TWO months!" Cal stood white faced and furious at the Corporal, but the Commander's words made him bite his tongue.
"Fine." He grumbled in defeat.
"What was that!?"
"I meant yes, Corporal Eric Lawrence." Cal corrected himself half-heartedly. Emma couldn't believe her luck. 'He's like a model soldier. Father wasn't kidding around.'
"You've snagged yourself a great prize." Maggie cooed to Emma who tried to shush her. "He is very sexy."
"Stop it or you'll be next." The Inspector warned before she turned to Cal, a triumphant smile spread from ear to ear at his dumbfounded expression. "Serves you right you little hooligan."
(Present)
Corporal Eric Lawrence was as bad as his word. As soon as Cal returned to Arzenal, Corporal Lawrence took Cal to the Villa where he and the Inspector's quarters were and handed him a case full of shoes and black polish.
"If I don't see my face reflected in those, you'll be cleaning all of Arzenal's toilets with a toothbrush." Cal was bursting to say he'd rather clean toilets than shine his shit shoes, but the thought of finding Villkiss for the sake of Libertus helped him reign it in.
"Yes Corporal." Cal saluted in as he reluctantly accepted the case. For the next four hours Cal, sat on his bed and shined the Corporal's shoes until his fingers ached. But at least in the privacy of his quarters he could spit on them for that classic finish. Afterwards, his eyes itching with exhaustion, Cal decided he deserved a nice hot bath. "God, I hate this guy." Cal grumbled as he sank into the Onsen. "He's been here a day and I'm already his slave."
"Well, that's a role that suits your talents." With a grimace, Cal turned to see Hilda entering the outdoor bath. "You still owe me one so you can be mine too." She smirked as she slid into the water, sitting a few feet away from him.
"Oh ha ha." Cal rolled his eyes.
"It's not like you to be on your own. Usually, Ersha or Salia are here to keep you company."
"Ersha's busy tending to the Infants and Salia's gone to bed. Speaking of which, it's unlike you to be here without Rosalie or Chris."
"They were afraid we'd bump into the new Human. That guy is a complete bastard." Hilda said loudly, not caring if she was heard. "When you were gone on your little rescue mission, he broke up a riot in the mall."
"A riot?" Cal laughed. "I bet Jasmine was pissed."
"She was." Hilda laughed back. "Sadie got into a fight with Captain Eleanor which caused second and third squad to tear each other apart until that dumb gorilla came along and pulled the girls off their feet by the scruff of their necks. I must say it was rather amusing to watch."
"That guy is no joke. He may just be the Inspector's lackey but he's not someone to mess around with." Cal sighed leaning further back into the sauna. "It's bad enough having to deal with that guy and risking my neck finding Ange and her Unit."
"I don't get you." Hilda frowned. "Why go out your way to rescue that skank after what happened with Zola and Coco?"
"Hey I could care less about Ange. I'm just following orders from the Commander."
"Bullshit." Hilda fired back. "She called you an 'Abomination' remember?!"
"It's not that simple."
"Then what is it?"
'Sooner or later you're probably going to meet a girl named Angelise. She'll be a Norma like you and all alone. She'll also have a heavy fate placed on her shoulders. She'll need as many allies as she can get. So, do what you can to help her.' His Gramps final word echoed in his head.
"Because I made a promise to someone, and I never go back on my word." Cal turned to face Hilda. "Though I may hate her it's something I have to do."
"Oh, I see," Hilda sneered. "With Zola gone you're trying get inside another pretty blonde."
"Hey at least I'm not the one substituting Rosalie and Chris for Zola!" Cal angrily countered, which earned a splash of hot water right in the face.
"Jackass! Who do you think you are?!" Hilda growled. "Not like you're doing the same with Salia and Ersha since Naomi's gone!"
"Hey don't you bring Naomi into this. And I'm still pissed Miranda got put in solitary because of you." Cal said. "You're nothing like Zola. She at least looked out for her new recruits instead of letting them wind up in the brig!" Hilda shot up and launched herself and Cal stood up fast as Hilda flayed her fists at him, yelling at the top of her lungs.
"YOU KNOW NOTHING YOU BASTARD! DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I PUT UP WITH FOR ZOLA AND IT WAS ALL FOR NOTHING! SHE ABONDOND ME! BUT WHAT WOULD YOU KNOW, YOU ASS…" Hilda felt something and stopped as she looked down to see that in an effort to push her away, Cal's hand had accidentally grabbed her left breast. With an embarrassed shriek, Hilda leapt back, covering her chest while her face felt like it was on fire. "I'll drown you here and throw your body to the fish!" She hissed. Deciding to choose his next words carefully, Cal calmed himself to defuse the fire.
"Look I know how you feel."
"Don't you mock me!" Hilda seethed.
"I know how you felt about Zola and how hard you tried when you thought she'd push you aside when I came along."
"Don't patronize me!" Hilda snapped. "I was already on borrowed time with Zola. I was just too blind to see it! She already had someone she genuinely loved." She turned away but Cal could see tears welling up in Hilda's eyes.
"Look if it makes you feel any better, you may not have found what you were looking for with Zola." Cal said feeling a sense of sympathy for the red head. "But maybe you'll find it with Rosalie and Chris or maybe another girl someday." Hilda looked back to him, and her angry face softened at his words as she sunk back down into the water.
"Shut up." She mumbled. "Why do you care if I'm happy or not? Especially since I treat you like shit?"
"Just stop trying to be something you're not and just be yourself." Cal told her. "Me and you have our problems, but my life would be very boring without you in it." He smiled as he left the water. "Just promise me that you'll keep an eye on Miranda." Though Hilda didn't answer she seemed to get the message. Finally alone, Hilda felt she was about to boil over like a kettle.
"That dumbass!" She furiously kicked her leg out from the water. "Why is he always like that!? Why does he always go out of his way for other people even when they treat him like shit?!" Why would he even care her and that bitch Ange? Nothing he did make any sense and it pissed her off. But at the same time, his selfless and kindness towards other people and even her made Hilda's heart swell.
'Why do I feel like this?' She wondered. In a daze, Hilda's hand wandered to where he had groped her and blushed. It was the first time she had been touched in that way by a man. His hand was bigger and a lot rougher than a woman's but it didn't feel totally unpleasant. And it wasn't rough and possessive like Zola but rather tentative and gentle. 'Stop thinking like that! It was a freak accident and nothing more.'
Once he towelled himself off, Cal made his way back to his quarters and wanted nothing more than to relax. To his utter surprise Rosalie and Chris were laid on his bed in their pajamas, a portable movie player in the middle.
"How did you two get in here?"
"There you are. We we're wondering where you'd gone." Chris beamed. "Ersha let us borrow her keys for this room."
"About time you got here it's the new season of Elite Space!" Rosalie said enthusiastically. "We brought popcorn, chips and chocolate." Then to his horror he saw three pairs of the shoes he had polished had crumbs and a smudge of chocolate on them.
"Are you kidding me?!"
Training ran differently than normal the next day. The Corporal had requested the Inspector and Commander for permission to observe a Category 5 scenario through the simulation training. All three squads fought tooth and nail knowing their progress was being recorded for Arzenal's defence purposes. After almost 2 hours the squads had finally finished their training as they exited their respected simulators. Inspector Bronson followed Corporal Lawrence around as they walked from one simulator to another observing each Norma's progress.
"I'm quite intrigued by how these machines work Inspector." The Corporal rubbed his chin. "Back when I was a recruit in the NMB security division, I studied Para-mail basics and how they operate. And these simulators use VR training to practice formations and combat?"
"That's correct Corporal." Emma answered. "The simulators are very accurate in mimicking how the DRAGONs fight. It's the best way for the Norma to anticipate and formulate plans of attack depending on the type and number of DRAGONs during a sortie."
"I'll request the Category 5 footage from the Commander along with today's simulation later." Corporal Lawrence informed. "Next I'll look at base defences and request the NMB to upgrade a few things in case of another Category 5."
"I'm ashamed to say I'm more versed in logistics and administration than tactics and weaponry," Emma admitted. "I do appreciate your input."
"It's my job Ma'am. I'll make sure this base is never taken by surprise."
"I'm glad to hear that. And thank you for handling Cal yesterday. I'm glad someone here other than the Commander put him in his place."
"It's no problem Ma'am. I've dealt with filthy layabouts like him in the military." He shot a nasty look sideways at Cal who was towelling off. Every time he called her Ma'am it made Emma's ears go red, but she hoped her blush wasn't too noticeable. Suddenly, one of the Simulators doors opened, bumping Emma slightly that she knocked into the Corporal's hard chest.
"Captain Scarlett please be more careful." Emma cried in embarrassment as she straightened herself out.
"Sorry Inspector it was accident." Scarlett worried noticing the bodyguard. "Forgive me Corporal I should have checked if anyone was near the door."
"No need it was an accident." Corporal Lawrence said plainly.
"This is Scarlett, the Captain of second squad and one of the oldest surviving pilots on Arzenal." Emma introduced as the rest of second squad formed behind Scarlett.
"I see." He nodded. "You run a well a very well-disciplined squad. Rather impressive for a Norma."
"Someone has to keep these girls in line." Scarlett replied, secretly pleased that the new man in town had praised her.
"But I wasn't impressed with their behaviour at the mall yesterday. I had to break a few apart."
"You need to get them under control Scarlett you know better." Emma scolded.
"Don't worry that shit doesn't fly when I'm their Captain." She promised as she shot them a menacing glare.
"See to it that you do something," the Corporal urged. "Inspector I think I've seen all I need to regarding Norma's combat abilities."
"In that case, I'll escort you around the lower levels where we keep utilities and next, I'll show you where the school children learn." Emma said leading the Corporal away.
Once they had left there were a rather scornful looks and whispers at the new Human.
"Impressive for a Norma, who does he think he is?"
"I like to see you try buddy. That guy is so condescending."
"If he weren't human, I'd deck him for that."
"We're sorry for getting you into trouble, please don't be angry with us." Vice-Captain Betty pleaded.
"Ignore him girls." Scarlett told them. "Our training is done for today so go and wash up." She dismissed them. 'She's right I've lost my way since…' She paused trying hard not to cry, '…since I lost Zola. But I have to stay strong for my girls. It's what Zola would have wanted.' Her distraught state of mind was pulled back as she spotted Hilda and Miranda at the far end of the hanger. 'It's about time I had a word with her.'
"I'm sorry for letting you down." Miranda panted gulping down her water. "I didn't know who to listen too. Salia is our Captain and I was worried I was going to get into trouble."
"Salia isn't Zola, she doesn't know how to organise a formation properly." Hilda lectured. "Next time just stick beside me, Chris and Rosalie. We don't want you getting killed if a large number of DRAGONs separate us." She patted the young recruit on the back. "You go on ahead. I've still got business to take care of."
"Yes Mistress Hilda." Miranda beamed happily before running off to the showers. Hilda's heart swelled from Miranda's words. She remembered when Vivian first started calling Cal 'Big Bro' and Coco calling him 'Senpai.' She felt envious towards him at times. She had always wanted a little sister. Now it was if she was getting that chance that had been robbed from her by the humans.
"Nice to see you training the newbie." Scarlett chuckeled. "Usually back in the day you'd chase them away if Zola got too touchy with them." Of course Zola never touched recruits younger than 15. She did have standards despite her ways.
"That's different." Hilda said. "I'm only mentoring her so she'll fight just like me so she doesn't get killed in battle."
"Well, it's nice you're looking out for her after losing her best friend." Scarlett said with a remorseful look at Miranda who was now playing tag with Vivian and Ersha. "You've come a long way from the girl you used to be back when you first arrived. When the Princess arrived, she was almost a double of you."
"I'm really getting sick of hearing that." Hilda pouted. "I've already heard it from Ersha and I'm nothing like Ange! I never got anyone killed or put myself before my comrades."
"You sure about that?" Hilda scowled as Scarlett folded her arms. "I've seen enough detective shows to know motive when I see one. It was you who messed with the Princess's machine. I can understand with what happened to Zola but letting the kid get dragged into it is what I'm pissed off about."
"Look I know I messed up." Hilda sighed in shame. "But I'm trying to make up for it. And as for Ange she got what she deserved."
"That's where you're wrong." Scarlett scolded. "After what she did, I wanted to strangle her in her sleep. But it's not what Zola would have wanted. She looked out for her squad mates no matter how bad they were. Which is why I'm flying out with Cal to find her."
"Are you serious!" Hilda sneered. "And I thought you loved her." In a flash, Scarlett yanked Hilda close to her face by the collar of of her suit.
"Don't you dare!" Scarlett said in a low and dangerous tone. "You know nothing of what me and Zola went through. If you did you'd be out there helping your squad find Ange despite what she did. We Norma have to stick together. We're all we have in this hellish place." Scarlett released her and the frightened look on Hilda's face was replaced by her usual standoffishness.
"Screw this!" Hilda grumbled as she stormed off. "You all can do what you want." Scarlett deeply missed Zola with all her heart, but she wasn't the only one missing her. So was Hilda, Rosalie, Chris and Cal. It wasn't Hilda's fault for what she felt for Zola, but the damage had been done well before Hilda became a pilot. The fury in Scarlett was rising to dangerous levels just thinking about 'that' woman, the one who ruined Zola's spirit and sense of worth. 'I swear I would tear that evil bitch apart if I ever saw her again. I won't make the same mistake in letting her beat anymore girls' here if I had anything to do about it, human or not.'
In a barren land far away, where the ground was barren and ashen, the sky was a constant overcast from the never-ending smoke and fuel from a large ancient power plant. It's eight chimneys poured a constant jet-black smoke turning the sky into death from it's fumes and toxins. From within this place toiled many Norma dressed in tattered rags covered in oil and dust from the coal and smoke. They worked tirelessly almost to the point of collapse day in and day out as they were forced to build the very machines that their kind used to fight the DRAGONs at Arzenal. Chains rattled, engines roared, machines clanked and ground, and metal screeched from being cut apart and modelled to their respective molds.
"Get up you useless bitch!" One soldier yelled at a young teenage Norma who struggled to heave a sack of coals from the other side of the room. "Put your back into it!" From atop of her office, Jadis smirked maliciously, watching over as the Norma down below were doing what they were best at, slaving away. Since that day Dutch gave her the role to oversee the Galian Labour camp she never felt more in her element. It was just like being back at Arzenal all those years ago. Sitting back in her chair, Jadis sipped the wine from her glass.
"Mmm, look at those slaves, worth nothing in this world. It's a good thing I remind them of that. We don't want them to get ideas like they did 10 years ago." The ping of a message forced her to pull up her Mana screen to see her Commander. "Hello Dutch, you must be on to something if you're calling me."
"Did you find any more information from our prisoner?" Dutch questioned.
"Still nothing. The ancient monkey won't squeal a thing." Jadis said in frustration. "How about you? Have you located another terrorist hideout?"
"Not yet. My team are still investigating but it seems they have picked up Para-mail signals from outside of Arzenal's airspace. I've decided to handle it personally."
"I see." Jadis said insane glee in her eyes. "About time you got back in the sky."
"I'll be sure to bring them here if I take one alive. Until then, feel free to use extreme measures. Shoot a Norma in front of him. Then he might talk."
"With pleasure." Jadis cut the call and pulled up security footage of a bald man cuffed in a chair, covered in blood and bruises, the leader of the terrorist group from the Galia falls, Janos. "Hello Sergeant, how's our Guinea pig doing?"
"Still won't talk even after we removed his fingernails. I think a shock to his balls might make him talk."
"Bring Norma #9500-934 down to meet him. Maybe the sight of young flesh been torn away will jog his memory."
Cal got through the next few days by forcing himself to fly out longer in his search for Villkiss whenever Corporal Lawrence started on him. No matter what he did the guy always had something to say to keep Cal as downtrodden as possible. That the Corporal even had him shine his shoes while he wore them at lunch in front of the entire cafeteria was beyond embarrassing.
Cal busied his mind by thinking of Siegfried's potential power and the next episode of Elite Space. He was binging the entire season with Rosalie and Chris. This worked quite well though it gave him a sort of glazed look because Corporal Lawrence started voicing the opinion that he was mentally subnormal for a Norma.
"Looks like that's the last one in the northeast region." Cal called in, completely exhausted. Evening was setting in, Ange and Villkiss had been missing for six days now and there was no trace of the machine that Libertus depended on.
"It must have sunk deep or was badly damaged beyond recognition." Cal dreaded. "If that's the case then God knows what happened to Ange." The very mention of her made Cal feel sour, as his Gramps final word replayed over and over in his head.
'Sooner or later you're probably going to meet a girl named Angelise. She'll be a Norma like you and all alone. She'll also have a heavy fate placed on her shoulders. She'll need as many allies as she can get. So, do what you can to help her.'
"As much as you want me to, I just can't find it in me to help someone like her." Cal murmured. "Why am I worried about Ange of all people. I could care less if had drowned or ripped apart by a…" Those words feeling like stones in his heart as a guilty punch lurched in his stomach.
"Unit Cal this is Warhammer return to base. You're running low on fuel." Salia's voice called through his radio.
"Copy that Salia." Cal replied. "Have you had any luck over Alster Key?"
"Negative."
"10-4. We'll continue the search in the morning." The journey back was slower than Cal would have liked as the guilt of breaking his promise to Gramps still lurked within him. Landing at the launch desk Cal jumped off and asked Mei to give Siegfried's OS a once over then headed along to the mall to buy a few hamburgers for dinner.
"No luck hon?" Jasmine asked.
"Nope." Cal sighed. "I've searched the entire northeast islands and shallows but there's no sign of Villkiss."
"What about Ange?"
"What about her?"
"Come on hon don't be like that. You know your Gramps wanted you to look out for her." Jasmine said softly.
"I know but I tried Jasmine." Cal folded his arms to ashamed to look at her in the eye. "I tried to help her, but she didn't want it and threw it back in my face. And no to mention how she was never sorry for what happened to Coco and Zola. Even if I found her what difference would it make?"
Jasmine patted him on the back. "Don't worry about it, we Norma heal our wounds with each other no matter how much bad blood there is between us."
'I wish I could be strong like her.' Cal thought After eating, he returned to the hanger so help Mei run Mei strengthen Siegfried's scanner range.
"I heard you got into trouble with the Inspector's bodyguard." Mei snickered. "What did you do try and flirt with the Inspector again?"
"Hey, come on she likes it though she'd never admit it." Cal said making Mei giggle.
"He came along the maintenance hanger and said he was very impressed with my work," Mei piped up. "Said he was impressed with someone my age could organise and keep my girls in a discipline order. I think I like this guy."
"Yeah well I don't." Cal grumbled.
"Hey it doesn't hurt to try and appease the humans. Most of our previous Inspectors were easy to deceive when getting on their good side." Mei explained. "And Emma is even easier. But this guy seems to like discipline and rules so just appeal to his interests." Cal couldn't see the point in trying to appeal to Corporal Lawrence. Though Emma Bronson was bossy and annoying, the Corporal's whole demeanour vividly reminded Cal of those soldiers who almost killed him on his home island all those months ago. As if on cue, the Corporal tromped into the hanger with the Inspector who looked extremely blissful.
"What do you think you're doing?" He demanded as he marched over with an annoyed look on his face.
"I was helping Mei with adjusting Siegfried's mechanics." Cal explained.
"Well, if I remember correctly, you're to scrub the toilet when you got back for failing to clean my shoes like I requested." He said smugly. "Maybe you forgot that when flying out there, but I didn't."
"Well, I'm busy sir. I'm trying to locate a lost unit, which is far more important than scrubbing the toilets." Cal said through gritted teeth, biting his tongue and keep his temper under control. "Someone had too…"
"Yes, and that someone isn't you." Corporal Lawrence interrupted. "Now get to work before I make you do it tomorrow to."
"Go fuck yourself." Cal said suddenly, the Hanger went very quiet.
"Cal!" Emma yelled.
"What did you just say to me?!" Corporal Lawrence growled. "You little freak!" A burning rage came over Cal as he advanced on the Corporal looking like he was about to punch him when the armourers and Jasmine came rushing over to hold Cal back just before he could get within swinging range.
"Go on do it." Corporal Lawrence dared staring down at Cal. "You little monster, give me an excuse."
"Cal don't do this." Jasmine pleased as she held him back, his hand flexing over the hilt of his knife. Cal glowered at the man, his body was shaking all over. He never felt so angry in his life. But as he gazed into the reflection of the Corporal's sunglasses, what he saw shook him to the core. What was looking back at him was nothing but fury and rage.
'Don't give in to hate. I know you must be feeling a lot right now, but you can't go down that road.' The voice of his Gramps snapped him back to reality unaware that Emma Bronson had gotten in between them both, her arms out to stop the other from going at the other. "That's enough both of you!" She shouted. Still shaking, Cal whirled around and half fled out of the hanger.
Emma felt as if she was going to scream. She had never seen such a show of things between a human and Norma. "What are you all staring at get back to work!" She barked still feeling she was about to faint from the sudden drama.
"You should be ashamed of yourself." Jasmine scowled at the bodyguard.
"Jasmine please I'll deal with this. Corporal, please come with me." Emma ordered, taking her bodyguard out of earshot and on to the launch strip. "Look as much I apricate your help in keeping the Norma in line, you've gone too far with Cal."
"I apologize Ma'am if I undermined your authority…"
"It's not that." Emma said hastily. "I like to maintain a good correlation with the Norma. As much as Cal gets under my skin, he's been through enough before he got here. This base's previous Inspector, a woman named Jadis, used methods I find extremely distasteful in keeping the Norma in line, so I try to be firm but fair in my dealings with them. In the long run, it makes my job easier. I appreciate your ability to enforce discipline. But if possible, don't use the stick when the carrot will suffice."
"I will do as you request Ma'am." Corporal Lawrence apologised looking quite surprised. "I'll be sure to have a few words with the Male Norma."
"Thank you." Emma smiled.
"But what did you mean exactly?" Corporal Lawrence asked abruptly. "About how the Male Norma's been through a lot before he got here?" Emma frowned, thinking back to what Cal had told her about his life before Arzenal. Though she had denied it she couldn't help but feel a sense of remorse which almost made her heart almost stop. 'Why am I feeling sympathy for a Norma?'
With her head rested in her folded arms, Ange laid her head down on the table feeling rather tired. She was just about to drift off until Tusk shook her awake.
"Don't fall asleep now." He chuckeled. "We're almost done fixing the beacon."
"I wasn't sleeping!" She jerked up.
"Sure, you weren't."
Day in day out Ange and Tusk worked to get Villkiss working again, stripping parts out and fixing them and replacing components. Ange had to admit Tusk was almost as good as Mei with the way he knew the ins and outs of a Para-mail.
"So, I never asked what are your comrades like?" Tusk asked. "If I'm lucky I'm able to witness a DRAGON attack when a singular opens close enough."
"Oh well…" Ange hesitated. "They…they're not all bad. Not that it matters since they all hate me anyways." She let out a guilty sigh. Tusk looked at her with a mixture of worry and confusion.
"Why would they hate you? You fight together."
"That's the thing." Ange replied heavily. "I work alone. It's best that way. I've broken the trust of my squad mates and I don't know how to fix it." Ange felt a great sense of guilt flood her. "One of them, he always tried to help me and show me the reality of this fucked up world and I threw it in his face." Tusk looked at Ange sympathetically as she was almost on the verge of tears.
"It's not too late." Ange held back her tears and looked up to him. "There are lots of things I wanted to say to people I can't see anymore but it's not too late for you. As long as you and they are still alive you can still have a second chance."
"I guess you're right." Ange smiled back as they got back to work fixing Villkiss' parts around the table. 'I don't get you at all.' Ange thought. 'How is someone like you who lives on this island all alone so understanding?' She didn't know why but every time he spoke to her, he was always so kind and he always made her feel welcome. It was a constant struggle not to give in to the temptation just stay with him. But she had business back at Arzenal and she couldn't just leave things the way she did with Vivian, Ersha, Cal and especially Hilda who was going to get a piece of her mind when she got back.
A few hours past, the sky turned to a bright orange tinged with pink Tusk had fallen asleep in his chair, so Ange took the sheet off the bed and wrapped it around his body. He looked so peaceful and even kind of cute sleeping like that. Her eyes sparkled with gratitude and happiness at the sleeping boy before her when an unknown emotion came over Ange that made her feel warm as she bent down and pecked Tusk on the cheek.
'Thank you,' she said. As she stepped out for a breath of fresh air, she realized something. 'I said Cal was a male Norma but he didn't act surprised.'
Cal was far away from everyone else, wanting nothing but peace and quiet as he sat alone in Arzena's graveyard against Naomi's headstone. Anger was still surging through him as he listened to the frantic thumping in his heart. But after ten minutes alone by Naomi's grave a new emotion overtook him. Panic. Which ever way he looked at it, he had never been in a worse fix. He had just broken a massive rule and almost hit a human which he was almost certainly going to be punished by not just the Inspector or Commander, but the possibility of the NMB getting involved and sending someone worse to deal with him. If he carried on like this, it would almost mean being demoted to a janitor if the humans saw fit. Or even worse they could discover Libertus.
"I don't know what to do." Cal sighed, feeling thoroughly miserable. "What is wrong with me? I wanted to kill that man. Why am I like this? I've never had these urges before until…until." It was becoming clear to Cal his anger was festering deep within him, something that was waiting to spill over ever since that night Gramps died.
Looking at the name etched in the grave Cal rubbed his eyes as his heart sank lower. "What would you do Naomi? You always knew how to bring me back from the darkness I was in. God knows I need your words now more than ever. What would you do regarding Ange? Would you search for her or her machine? I don't know what to do. I hate her but I feel guilty for wishing the worst fate on her. What would you tell me to do?"
"Probably not talk to a gravestone first." Cal body seized in anger hearing the Corporal's voice a few steps away from him.
"What do you want?" Cal breathed heavily turning around to face the large human.
"I just wanted a little chat with you." Corporal Lawrence answered calmly. "Look I may have my ways in dealing with pests like you. But I've had a talk with the Inspector, and she's convinced me to let this incident go."
"Wait what!" Cal found himself on is feet completely taken aback.
"I had a little chat with her, and she informed me of your situation and your recent losses." Corporal Lawrence waved his hand dismissively. "I've heard everything from her and read your file. I was also told of recent events regarding this Ange girl." Cal was a loss for words. How did he find himself dodging a bullet like this? "As for your little task in finding the former Princess, you clearly do care about her wellbeing despite your rocky relationship with her."
"What do you know about it?" Cal asked irritably.
"Fair enough." Corporal Lawrence replied. "It may have been under different circumstances but back when I first enrolled, there was a recruit I knew. A skinny guy called Tyler that couldn't do a pull up to save his life."
"Why are you telling me this?" Cal questioned his patience running thin.
"You might learn something." The Corporal continued. "I used to give him a hard time and made his short time in the military hell."
"What do you mean short time?" Cal questioned.
"One day when us new recruits were out patrolling in the woods during a storm, I found Tyler in a 30-foot-deep ditch. His leg snared in a bear trap." At this revelation Cal felt a sudden understanding, this guy was just like Gramps when he was a young recruit. "He lost so much blood he didn't have the strength to call for help through Mana, so I climbed down and stayed with him until help came. Because I realised despite my dislike for that kid, he was my comrade and his life mattered."
"So, he was saved?"
"No. He didn't make it. He had already lost too much blood so there was nothing I could do. After that, I realised that despite my relationship with him, no matter how I felt about a certain ally or comrade, it was my duty to not leave a soldier behind. And I think that's exactly how you feel about Ange. Am I right?" Cal didn't know what to say but the words came pouring out without thinking.
"This is not the same. Ange got people I cared about killed. And what does it matter to you humans if we Norma live or die? We're less than cattle to you." Corporal Lawrence gave a curled smile.
"Let me give you some advice soldier. We all carry burdens from our lost comrades, but we keep living to honour their memory. The only thing we can do now is do what's best for the people we still have." He turned around to leave but gave one final look at Cal. "Take my advice how you will. It's up to you how you choose to treat your comrades. Even those those who you dislike. Whatever the Princess did I'm sure she regrets it. All soldiers, human or Norma, carry the burden of their lost comrades."
"So what happens now?" Cal asked.
"The Inspector and I agreed to let this one slide but don't push your luck." He warned before walking off. After the initial shock had worn off from his pardon, Cal walked back to his room and sat on his bed to think things over. 'Nothing about that guy makes any sense.' He though biting his nail. 'First he acts like a first-grade asshole then tries to act all understanding. Like he knows what we go through. That guy is full of crap.' Ange didn't care and never did about him, the squad or even Coco. Kicking the leg of Ange's bed out of frustration, Cal heard something falling under the mattress. He knelt down and to his surprise saw a pyramid of packaged Vanilla and chocolate puddings hidden carefully in the dark corner. He scooped up the one that had fallen and examined it carefully.
"Since when did Ange have a pudding obsession?" Then it all made sense as the whole realisation came crashing down on him. These were Coco's favourite puddings. "Ange did you really…why would…she did have a conscience." Cal's face lite up. "You really did care."
At the base of the Norma Management Board's security division, the staff busily typed at their Mana consoles as the technicians s hurried to prep for their Commander's arrival. From a dark hallway, footstep echoed louder before he finally appeared.
"Ah Mr Villson!" A specky technician with a clipboard came hurrying over. "We have your unit ready, all we need is it's activation." Dutch smirked as he walked forward with his hands behind his back.
"Excellent. For once the freak show known as my staff can do something right." Dutch came to a stop as light flickered on, finally seeing for the first time in 10 years his old unit. Towering in front of Dutch was a hulking, robust dark anchor grey machine. Over a head taller than a Para-mail, it's cockpit unlike the Para-mail aerodynamic was more wedged shaped. The legs robust and powerful and its arms stockier than a Para-mail's design while two large jet-black engine wings shaped like a bat extended from its back. A large double bladed battle axe hung from the hardpoint on the left wing while the right wing carried a massive, heavy rotary pulse rifle. Atop of the head was mounted a bright golden sculpture of a phoenix with its wings spread.
"Commander Villson, we have installed the latest upgrades. The Ragnarök will perform better than ever." The technician said gleefully. "We're ready whenever you are."
Dutch growled as he stepped up to the huge machine, his hand glowing with the Light of Mana as he laid it on the unit's left leg. His Mana shone even brighter, and a pulse of electrifying energy surged through Dutch's body and down his arm into the machine. There was a low rumble as the Light of Mana pulsed through the robust machine. The eyes of the Ragnarök shined an emerald green as did the golden sculptured phoenix, the rumbling growing louder until finally, with a blinding flash and crack like thunder, Dutch retracted his hand and looked up at his machine which had finally awakened after all these years. "It's been far too long old friend." He smirked. "Now it's time I showed these traitors of humanity and that insolent snake Blackadder what they're truly dealing with."
AUTHORS NOTES
It's been a while since I've done one of these but now the time is right, here's another character's bio. I want to thank you guys for your support, and I want to thank Eric Michael Kline because without him these chapters won't be as amazing as they are, go check out his account his stories are a blast.
Lucas
Height: 5' 11", 179 cm
Age: 25
Eyes: Dark blue
Hair: Navy Blue
Weight: 75kgs
Build: Lean, Muscular
Voice Actor: Matthew Mercer (Levi, Attack On Titan)
Profile: Lucas was a baby born into war, along with his twin sister Lucia they were brought into this cruel world, Lucas is the younger of the twins and tragically his mother died brining him into this world which hardened their father, the former leader of the ancient folk Captain Zolton. Lucas was trained hard by his father and felt a great sense of pride to live up to his father's footsteps. Once the first Libertus began he was assigned as steward to Istvan the pilot of Siegfried and was considered to be the next successor even more than Tusk. However, the day of travesty came as both Norma and Ancient folk were slaughtered and ambushed, Lucas managed to escape along with many but were forced into hiding. Now with Libertus on the verge of beginning again Lucas vows to protect his people and to pilot Siegfried once again but has a burning revenge on the man who killed his father right in front of him, the very man who gave him his scar. Dutch Villson.