"One Sword Style! The Souls Of Hell's Demons!" Arsen said dashing in towards Xdred.
However, right before Arsen could do the attack the roof above them broke and the debris completely blocked Arsen and caused smoke that blocked his eyes.
"Who is breaking into a place like this?" Arsen said before he felt the presence.
"Now, Now I feel like I should get a pass after all I am family." That's when all the debris that was on the platform flew straight off and the smoke started to clear.
"No way!" Xdred said with a surprised face that turned into an angry one.
43Please respect copyright.PENANAagn1UKyEgH
Chapter 44: Captain
43Please respect copyright.PENANAuVTVE6hU2D
"Seriously I didn't know we were having a family gathering! Only until one I heard about the plans the government was making to raid this place. Oops, I wasn't supposed to say that!" A man with white hair said as held his hand out.
"Captain! You weren't supposed to give that away!" A girl said, dropping down with an umbrella and placing a bowl of ramen into the man's hands. She was wearing a coat with six yellow buttons, three on each side. She also had nice gray jeans, and blue dress shoes. She also had black hair that was in a ponytail, with nice green eyes.
"It was inevitable, I'm surprised he hasn't given anything else away." Another man said dropping onto the ground from the top as well. The man wore a black plague mask with red for his right eye and blue for his left, a nice brimmed hat with a lining that followed the pattern of the red and blue split. He wore a nice vest of white with black sleeves coming from the sides, a red glove, and a blue glove.
"Yeah! I didn't give away the fact that-"
"Don't you even complete that sentence!"
"Yes ma'am." The man with the white hair said. He wore a black button-down with golden buttons opened, revealing his chest. He also wore a satchel that had golden snakes running along the white band that went over his shoulder down towards the white bag with the smaller details such as latches and zippers being a golden color as well. A nice diamond watch that glistens like his perfect teeth.
"I didn't know we were having a funeral..." Arsen said upset that they crashed in and ruined his attack and flow of power.
"Alright. Who's that?" The man called the captain said, pointing to Arsen.
"I... don't know." the girl next to him said, confused.
"Were we supposed to study this before we left?"
"No, like he has white hair. There's no way right?" The man called Captain said walking towards Arsen.
"You. Who are you?"
"It's me Arsen."
"You're not Arsen. Arsen is older than this, and I would hope taller."
"I'm inside of my son's body. I used my soul to fuse with the swords and he touched one of the blades. The other half of my soul is inside of some other boy down here, he's using my wife's blade."
"So then, who's your son?"
"I can't say the name now, so call him Z."
"So he's in our family? He's a polemos?"
"Correct!"
"Then get out of his body! I want to speak to my great nephew! Move!"
"I can't do that without killing that man over there!" Arsen said, pointing to Xdred.
"You mean, your uncle?"
"No, he lost the privilege of being my uncle!"
"I see. Well, I can't let you do that either."
"Why not? You're the head of the government! You should jump to the conclusion of his demise!"
"I would, however I can't."
"Why not?"
"Well... I'm mad! You guys, we're having so much fun throwing down and beating each other up while I was at home doing nothing. I didn't get any heads up until someone being undercover told me!"
"That's... extremely petty! Move out of the way!"
"No can do. I'm also no longer at the top of the government anymore, but I still work for them. I didn't like being head of charge so I ask if I can have something lighter with my own little team. So this is what I have. With the remaining members back at my headquarters of course."
"That doesn't change anything! Move out of my way! I made a promise to kill everyone here!"
"Promise? Well, I'm going to have to end that promise."
"You can'-" Arsen tried to speak but more blood dripped out of Z's mouth.
"What are you doing to my Great Nephew's body!"
"I'm running out of time. The deal I made for this body is running out of time. Uncle! I need to tell you something before I go. This information must stay with you until the very end! Only reveal it if it is necessary! I won't be able to be in my son's head anymore which means learning Zoe and our history is going to get a lot harder for him. Don't give this information away unless absolutely necessary as well! Do you understand?"
"Fine, fine tell me!"
That's when Arsen walked up to the man and started to whisper in his ear. That's when the man's face went white, straight pale. His eyes got bigger and he started to sweat even harder than before.
"You got that!?"
"I- I- I don't know. You must be making this up! There's no way, you're willing to ris-"
"Don't say anything related to it! I knew trusting you was a bad idea!"
"I won't. I promise I won't."
"Thank you. If it comes to it, you die with that information. In fact, let's make a deal, I'll let you see your Great Nephew if you swear to never tell the secret, unless deemed necessary or the time is right. You know both of those timings so, don't pull any half-ass deals on me. Got that?"
"Well, I was going to keep the secret anyways... However, this is a deal I can't refuse!"
That's when they shook hands and Arsen then fell to the floor. That's when he stood back up but not as Arsen but as Z.
"Oh, my head. What happened? I'm not dead!?"
"Z!" Apollo yelled to Z.
"Apollo! Why are you laid on the ground like that? Did something happen? Why are you holding Dion like that!?" What's going on? What happened? I don't remember coming down here, I don't remember anything. The last thing I remember was dying.
I died in Koji's arms, I felt the guilt coming off his body. Was that all a dream? No that's stupid, so stupid. Then how?
"Z, I'm sorry. I couldn't do anything... Dio- Dion."
"No. No way." Apollo then showed me Dion's body state. It's something I'll always remember. He didn't even look human anymore, he had a hole in his stomach. Who did this? Who do I need to kill? Is the bastard already dead?
"Z, I know you're mad. I'm mad too. I was too weak and let my own brother die in front of me, I'm so furious with myself. All because of these stupid broken bones."
Broken bones? Apollo is still able to move so well, with broken bones?
"Broken bones you say?" A woman behind me said tapping my shoulder and walking towards Apollo. She was dressed like she was in the coldest place on earth when it was so hot I could melt.
"Let's see those broken bones." The woman then dropped down to Apollo level and touched his body.
"Are you even human!? Every single bone is either shattered or broken! How are you able to move? Even if it's a little movement? That should be virtually impossible." She said to Apollo.
"I... don't know."
"Captain. We need to get this one out of here and get some medical help. This could kill him at any time, it's marvelous that he's even still alive. I want to run a test on his body after he recovers."
"If that's the case. Alright! Double X!"
"Yes, sir."
"Round up all the criminals that are either beaten or dead. I want them to be in the government prison."
"Roger, do I get your brothers... group."
"Leave the ones Arsen beat down. We'll let guilt live with those two, I have a feeling Xdred is fine with that."
"I am. Now leave."
"Don't forget I can still shut down this whole operation. However, there's an injured man that my fellow member wants to save so, you get off lucky today." Who are these people? Are they going to take Apollo and Dion to better circumstances? Where's everyone else?
"Now, while we get ready to leave.... I can finally talk to him!" The man then got progressively closer to me and looked down at me with a huge smile.
"Great Nephew! I always wanted to see you! However, you're father and I were always on bad terms. Now, well we might still be on bad terms even though we just talked-"
"You talked to my father? Where is he? Can I see him?"
"Sorry, Kiddo. He was you. As in he walked and talked inside of your body." That explains everything. That's how I got down here even though I died. That still doesn't answer the question of how I am alive. How am I living? I don't understand.
"Once we get to a hospital and find the rest of your group we're totally having an uncle and great nephew bonding time." He then rubbed my head and started to walk forward before taking a stance.
Uncle? Wait... That doesn't matter right now, make sure everyone is okay first, idiot!
"Wait!"
"Yes?"
"Speaking of my friends, did any of them get hurt? Did we save Alfred?"
"I don't know if any of you got hurt or not. However, my brother is safe. I know it."
That's good to hear... Wait! Brother!?
"Wait! Wait!" However, it was too late and he jumped all the way up and I knew he couldn't hear me.
"Apollo!" I ran over to him and Dion.
"I'm sorry, Apollo! I wasn't here, you were right I wasn't ready for this mission, and If you want to blame me I-"
"It's alright. You worry about yourself too much. None of this is your fault, none of this. Don't blame yourself, just promise me this."
"What?"
"That if I ever mess up like this again, slap me as hard as you can. No hesitation, no holding back, make sure I understand."
"I don-"
"Z. Please."
"Oka-" That's when I felt this enormous amount of pain. So much I couldn't even talk anymore, blood. Blood everywhere I can feel it.
"Z! Are you alright? Don't tend to me, I'll be fine! Help him."
"I'm back gr- What happened to my great nephew!?"
"I don't know! He just started to fall to the ground and blood started to gush out of his mouth and nose.
The pain from earlier. That's what it feels like, does that mean my dad was holding in all this pain? Was he fighting with this pain? Did he take more pain? Who is my dad!? What is going on!? I can't breathe. I can't feel it. My vision, it's going blurry.
"Z! Z! Can you hear me!? Answer me!"
"Apollo?" Those were the last words Z said before completely blacking out.
"Gwen!"
"I'm on it!" She put her head to Z's heart.
"He's alive, barley. He'll be fine if we treat him now like the one here. His breathing is already going shallow."
"I'll treat my great nephew. You take care of him."
"Alright. What about Double X?"
"He'll be fine, I trust him and his instinct. Let's round everything up and take lives in danger to safety then we'll come back and deal with the light stuff. Arsen had a point, we're still the government and it's our job to sniff places like this out and crush them."
"Okay, Captain."
"Don't worry, I got you."
3 MONTHS LATER
"Thank you. I couldn't be more grateful to you."
"It was nothing, Apollo. I think what you guys stand for isn't so bad either... Anyone who saves slaves and fights for the good of the world can't be so bad."
"Thank you, Captain."
"It's no problem. Having them working at the Government is going to be so fun!"
"Hopefully, their lives until now we're absolutely shit."
"Speaking of... Do you know the health conditions of my brother and my great nephew?"
"There still, not waking up."
"I'm so disappointed in Xdred for doing this. I didn't know he go the lengths to join that man."
"He must really hate his last name."
"He does... I can't blame him though. Polemos is a tainted name that only brought us misfortune."
"That's something I can relate to?"
"How so?"
"My father... is a murderer. He killed my mother and Dion's while hopping states. If he didn't get caught there's no doubt in my mind that he wasn't going to kill again and again and again.
"That's horrible."
"What made things even worse was we had no relatives so we were both put into an orphanage. We stayed there almost our whole lives because nobody wants the sons of someone who tried to kill them and killed his wife. I don't blame them for thinking that way it just... hurt."
"Yeah, I know that feeling. The feeling of being unwanted."
"Yeah, it's one that everyone overlooks. Lucky for me though I gained two awesome brothers who stuck with me through thick and thin. I also got to meet Alfred, my best friend. So I don't feel too sorry for myself."
"Well, at least you found something... Speaking of, my brother and my great nephew. How are they?"
"There, taking a longer recovery than anyone hoped. Whatever happened to Alfred at Ground 0 is affecting his health so much that he is still not recovering. Z on the other hand, is completely healthy. He just is not opening his eyes or becoming conscious."
"I see. You got anything going for you?"
"Not much as of now. However, I'm waiting to take a long vacation."
"Sign me up for that."
"Sure, I'll give you a call so don't be late to the phone."
"Ha! I'm never late to anything!"
"That's the biggest lie you've ever told!"
"All I hear is hating on an innocent man."
"Yeah, yeah."
"Well, I got to head out. My team hates it when I'm out for too long, especially Gwen. She never let me hear the end of it."
"Alright then, cya man."
Dion, Alfred, Z. I miss you all. The more I think of it, the more it hurts me to say it. In the walls of this bar, I see them more than I should have. I don't even drink heavily, I just don't want to be home. To see you guys in your conditions, to not see Dion. It hurts so much.
"Have a good day sir."
"Thanks."
Leaving the bar was something I could barely muster myself to do but when I do it wasn't like I was doing anything better...
"The only thing affecting your body i-"
I know Dion and I tried to stop. I tried so hard.
"I mean I drink so why shouldn't you be able to do something that calms you down."
We both know that's not true Dion! You only said that back then to make me feel better! I know smoking is worse than drinking! However, at the time I needed it. I needed it so badly. Now, I can't stop. I used to only smoke when my anxiety was high. Now, I can't stop. I can't stop. I don't know why either!
Is it because I lost you and D1!? Is it because of Aza's leg!? Is it because Alfred and Z are bedridden!? Is it because I feel guilty for all those occurrences!? Is it because no one is taking it well!? I can't eat, or sleep and all I do is go to the bar for one shot.
Then stay there till night and leave and smoke! I'm a failure who can't do anything right. Worse of all I know everyone knows, I see the looks! However, even while I'm fully aware and I know what I'm doing is bad. I'll just grab another cigarette.
"Hey, you."
"Yes?"
"Well, you look all alone."
"That's because I am."
"Well, want me to help you fix that?" It was obvious what this girl was asking me to do. She's attractive as well. I would have said yes. However, with the current circumstances, I can't be having random hookups.
No that's not it, these last years ever since coming out here and joining the agency. I find it harder to say yes. I wonder why?
...
"Koji?"
"Yes?"
"Where are you?"
"Outside on the porch." Ever since Ground 0 we've been hiding in one of Alfred's properties that no one else knew of except for Apollo. Apparently, Alfred had this place just in case of an emergency and for summers when he was out of state. We're not even in Phronesis anymore, however, I like it that way at least for now.
"There you are. Just looking at the moon?"
"Yeah."
"Well, it is nice out here... However, is there a reason you're out here all by yourself?"
"Just wanted a place to clear my head, nothing more."
"Oh... I came out here so I could avoid Jano, he's like a creepy uncle."
"Ha! Tell me about it!"
"Like who would've thought of Hesita bringing him? I mean he's cool and all but when he just stares at Hesita it makes you freeze."
"Yup! Yup! Well, it's getting cold out here and I'm getting hungry. Want to go inside?"
"Sure, I just came to see what you 're doing."
"Alright let's g-"
"Wait, Koji. There's something I got to ask you."
"Yeah?"
"Does it still hurt?" I never would have expected him to ask something like this. However it's only natural, I've been acting happier because I don't want anyone to see. The pain of losing Dion. He taught me everything I know, he saved my life, so to hear the news of losing him hurt. Not to mention the events of Ground 0, it's been... something.
"What are you two doing out here?" Aza said, stepping outside. Someone heard our cries to at least save one of us and against all odds Aza lived, like I knew she would. They made her a robotic leg that is probably better than a human leg.
They made sure that it was practically indestructible and that she can move faster than before. They also painted it so well, that it looks like her actual leg. You wouldn't know unless you touched it or someone pointed it out to you.
"Just looking at the moon."
"That's... sure. Well, I wanted to see you two anyway."
"What's good?"
"Well, it's about Z."
"Is he up!?" Kingsley said getting extremely happy
"No... That's just it. I am not losing hope at all, but in the strange case he doesn't or that Alfred doesn't. I want us to make a promise."
"A... promise?" I was confused, what could she want us to promise?
"We're a group. We let our newest member get hurt and die. Now he is stuck in a comma of some sort. With that I want us to make a promise to never let something like this happen to any of us again."
"So, I swear to get stronger than where we are now."
"Not just stronger, but to surpass the Top-Fives in their strength. To carry out the dreams of those who lost their lives, our agency was lined with blood and the bodies of people who had lives. Who had people who loved them as we did? Let's swear to get stronger and to never let someone in our group get this close to death, ever again." Aza said, putting her hand out.
"I'm in. I always have been." Kingsley said, putting his hand in.
To carry out the dreams of others is a hard burden. Once we were accepted when we first joined this agency. To the amount of dead bodies that we're at our home to Dion. We lost, we lost so much and gained nothing. Never again.
"I'm in. I'll learn my blades so well that they'll be able to walk while I'm in my sleep!"
"Thank you, guys. Our strength wasn't enough then, let's make enough next time."
"Right!" If there is something that even a small positive that came from all this is our bond has grown even stronger than I thought it could. Nothing, no one, nothing, can take us apart. Even death.
"Now, for my second reason. Jano made something he calls Jano's healthier nachos or something like that. I didn't fully listen, however, they were just nachos but... They're actually super delicious and I'm not even a nacho fan!"
"No way! Aza saying she likes nachos! What on earth are we on?"
"Okay, maybe I voiced a dislike for nachos in the past, however these. These are it. Even though Jano is a... weird addition. He does make some fire nachos."
"Well now I got to try them, I was hungry anyway."
"Let's go then, guys!" Kingsley said, pulling us both in for a hug and forcing us to walk him.
"You're so much younger than me! I should do this to you!"
"You're only two years older Koji!"
I haven't recovered. It still hurts like the time when I first heard the news. However, being with them. I know everything is going to be fine.
43Please respect copyright.PENANAukLvatS7qG
43Please respect copyright.PENANAVpVWLxac1W