White Sand: First 5 Hours
777 glanced at 669’s intent expression as he flew next to him. He was seeing a lot of changes being brought out of the man during the course of this case. The 669 who brushed serious matters aside like they were boring gossip was now invested in such a complex and serious case, more so that a friend’s life was on the line.
His mind went back to the first day he was teamed up with him and 789.
He had just been promoted to corporal to earn the right to his own squad, and at the age of 19 years, was respected as a prodigy. 669 and 789 had just returned to the Skeleton Palace barracks from their first tour, which was more torturous than others had faced at their age and rookie rank.
17 years of age and already proficient in death and surviving harsh terrain against a righteous order or diabolical demons. He had seen the impacts on their faces through zero smiles and eyes that were hardened to life before them. It didn’t help that they had been thrusted into their roles without pause. Then again, it was always like that straight after being fated with the henchman majestic will.
But they impressed them with their returning attitudes. He chuckled to himself when he remembered walking out to the dirt clearing where all the training was going on. Suddenly there was an earthquake that created a chaotic scene around the combat arena and stable grounds. Harses and imps were running or flapping wildly everywhere from sonic waves that were driving them insane. The earthquake was followed by explosions that carried pulse waves of magic. Everyone had believed the enemy was attacking and began to run the drills for battle. Then everything had stopped. Amass of gravity pushed everyone to the ground when their Grand Demon Overlord bellowed 789’s name with outrage. It was that moment that everyone knew there had been no enemy, just this petite, tomboyish henchman running test experiments again.
Rather than see her executed, he offered her to be part of a vanguard squad for a dangerous assignment to keep her out of trouble. 777 put his hand up straight away. His eyes couldn’t stop seeing the credits raining in his eyes. 007 must’ve had the same thought too, as he gave them license for 789 to continue her inventions provided they satisfy the henchmen role and gave them the edge to win battles with the Holy Order.
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“I don’t have a choice to be a henchman. But I have a choice on how. I vow to prove a henchman come with brains. And the best brains came from women!” She had boldly cried out at the local tavern when they just became a squad. There had been so much fluffy mochi and ale, it was a good night.
When it came to 669, no other squad wanted him because of his lofty and frivolous attitude. Especially, when he had slept with men who would deny their tryst with him to appease the palace’s social norms. But 669 didn’t care: not for the cause or other people. He just wanted to enjoy his fine spoils, party, get wasted and sleep with as many men as possible with no strings. He loved sex, but only with men of his choosing.
“I love feeling the excitement and passion a man gives me when he takes me in. It makes me feel that there’s more to this life, and it’s good,” 669 had said as they shared a serious conversation upon their first meeting.
But when 777 had asked if he would consider him as a bed partner, 669 had laughed hysterically and said no, finding the notion funny. “You’re my leader. I won’t make you feel uncomfortable. A chicken doesn’t lay an egg where it can be stepped on. There needs to be boundaries. And besides, you’re far from my type. But you lead and I will follow you.”
777 was glad his instincts about the man as right. He wasn’t the joke everyone else at the barracks had taken him to be. But many times everyone had warned him to reconsider his squad mate choices. He was the prodigy henchmen many had admired. But although he had been popular among his own, he soon realized it had been lip-service. The people who looked down on 789 and 669 were not around when he needed help. Only his squad could be relied on time and again. Through the Dry Sand Wells and across the Bone Lake where vengeful souls released harsh magic. They had his back and he theirs.
He closed his eyes for the moment with a smug grin. 789 and 669 were his family, so it was only natural he would stand by 669’s choice to help his friend.
“We’re almost there,” 669 said as they lowered their altitude and landed on the snow covered bridge that connected the Market District to the red light area.
The night was sleepy, quiet and snowfall sluggish. It was an odd sight for 669 to see the Peony Soap House to be closed in with a handful of litters coming and going. He suspected that word had gotten out that the house was under Royal Guard observation. It was a given that no respectable noble and businessman would want to pay a visit when everything in the house was being monitored.
Molly was stepping back into the building when she saw the Cannon Fodder 4Hire trio coolly making their way to her with the grace of snowfall, and the dark of night at their backs.