"I want you to join the CSF" The morning was simple, the way here was just as so, but when I sat down I was almost immediately greeted with that request.
"The hell did you just ask for me to do?"
"There aren't any corrupted in the CS-
"They're quite literally called, Corruption Suppression force, I'd think they'd have none."
"That's the point, no, that, rephrasing. Corruption, can more easily kill corruption, as such, having someone capable of using those powers are needed in the CSF."
"Maybe you shouldn't keep killing corrupted then"
"We can't guarantee their immunity"
"But you could for mine?"
"We could for the Guardians" I waited for Raymond to continue. "They think we don't have more ships, and that being far will prevent us from spotting a ship that's the size of a goddamn country"
"So why keep them up there?"
"That's their own choice, it isn't our fault they not only cut communication, but then fire at us when we try to speak with em"
"So it's some stupid misunderstanding"
"I will admit, I can't say that fully, there are some CSF hellbent on killing anyone corrupted...but we can't figure out who that is until they act on that bloodlust."
"So that's why"
"Right, so not only do I want you to join the CSF, I want you to act as a mediator between the CSF and Guardians, I already have a go ahead for you joining"
"I'm just some kid, I can't keep up with that"
"Then we'll make it so you can"
"I doubt it's that easy"
"Course not, for a while you'll just be doing basic missio-"
"Hang on, what about the others?"
"Take them with you, don't, not my concern when you're around"
"That again...your high expectations..."
"You have the coin for a reason, you have Crescent for a reason, I'm only trusting in the person who trusted in you"
"What if I decline?"
"Declining is fully within your right to do so"
"The catch?"
"I can't guarantee the CSF won't come for you regardless"
"What happened to your command?"
"I'll repeat what I said prior, we can't figure out who has that bloodlust for Corrupted until they act, if you go with the commanders who are fully onboard with Corrupted with no risk, they can't touch you, and hopefully they understand they're not killing others."
"You're not really giving me a choice."
"There really isn't one to give" I leaned back on the chair, Raymond seemed determined on me joining the CSF even without having done much. "They're paid more, they're under every benefit under the sun, you get injured? You'll be cared for. You're stranded, we'll do everything to come for you, you get the gist, and that's for every member of Bravo Team."
"But more dangerous missions"
"Not at first"
"...I'll consider"
"Not an option, it's now or never"
"And care to elaborate that one?"
"Same thing as before"
"Course...Fine then, I don't really get to pick here"
"Maybe not..." Raymond opened a drawer before throwing something onto the desk. It was an ID badge, it seems they already had something ready for me. I picked it up and inspected it
'Second Lieutenant Lee
Blood Type: AB'
"The hell is this?"
"What's the matter?"
"'What's the matter?' I practically flew up the ranks!?"
"No use bringing you back down to private"
"Even so, you expect me to lead a bunch of soldiers?" Raymond held up one hand with it closed, he raised one finger.
"Bravo Team"
"That's different"
"Bravo Team" He held up another. "That survivor group when you were in the apocalypse."
"Most of that was still Bravo Team."
"Half of that was also new people, enough to make a new squad." He lowered his hand. "You already led two squads, and I have a ton more CSF squads who'd love to be under your command."
"Why?"
"Ask them yourself" He shrugged it off. "You still need a picture for that badge, so go take one when you get your coat"
"Right, only the higher up CSF get jackets right?" Raymond shook his head.
"No one has one"
"But I could've sworn I saw one before"
"Some coats are modified with armor plates and all that, wouldn't doubt it'd eventually look like one"
"So when do I get one?"
"When you get your ID done"
"That's sorta contradicting"
"You'll be told when you have your coat done, then you get your I-" Raymond's HUD opened. "Speak of the topic" He flipped it around so I could see more clearly. "Your coat's done, but before you go." He stood up, a syringe summoned in his hand. "I need a blood sample."
"To see the corruption?"
"Good to know you're catching on" I rested my arm on the chair, Raymond pressed the syringe end against my arm and pressed forward, he waited then began taking some blood. "Alright" He took the syringe out. "You're good, location for the CSF HQ should be on your map." He stabbed the syringe into a weird looking vial, without even pressing down the plunger of it, the blood dispensed. "Take care now" The vial vanished, and Raymond sat back down while I stood up.
"I'll try" I walked out of the room. The HQ wasn't that far, just a few blocks away, the front door was guarded by two CSF, what worried me was how tired they looked even when their helmet blocked out their face. Their arms were drooping, they shook themselves to stay awake every so often as well.
"Ain't that the kid?"
"Seems so" I heard them speaking as I walked closer. "Welcome to the CSF Second Lieutenant"
"Yeah..." They opened the door for me as I made my way over, unlike the facility I was in prior, this one seemed more refined. Other soldiers walked around, some were in side rooms conversing about operations.
"Photo Room's to your left" The soldier behind me spoke. Just like they said, I saw a camera being upheld by a tripod, aimed towards a wall. I went into the room, where my coat was also hanging on the wall.
"Whenever you're ready." The one standing next to the camera waited, I took the coat off its hook and put it on, it was a perfect fit if not a little big, and even with the heating on I was perfectly comfortable. I went over and sat down on the stool in front of the wall. "Alright, just stare into the lens" I did as instructed. The camera guy was taking a while, adjusting multiple things, all until it was perfect. The camera's shutter went off and the guy motioned for me to stand. "That good for you?" He turned the camera around, it wasn't exactly perfect, but I wasn't risking a worse one being taken.
"Yeah, I'm alright with that." He pressed a button on the camera, where a cut out version of the photo dispensed.
"Here you are, you can just slot it in" It wasn't exactly easy, me having nails made it easier, but not easy. "And now you're fully one of us. Hope to see your good work." My HUD opened as something new was marked on my map, a room in the CSF HQ was marked as mine. Guess I better head over there to see it. The room was almost dead center in the building, but its size told me it wasn't fully just a personal room if it was at all. The door leading in had a window, but I prefered seeing it fully.
"How do I get more stuff thrown on me..." I spoke to myself as my hand rested on the door handle, I turned it and pushed forward.
The room was far from basic, dispensers for drinks, a table in the middle with a board beside it. Desks with name plates on them. All of it could be described as a mini office, and seeing how there were more rooms on the side, made it clear there wasn't anything left out.
"A- Oi! Boss is here!" I didn't see it at first, but the desks were already filled except for spares and mine. All five of them got up from their seats, two of them looked familiar. "Raymond said you'd be by soon, how've you been." They spoke like they knew me too.
"You're..." I couldn't quite get it however.
"Just making sure I'm under the right boss, you're the Lee that's with the Sam girl right?"
"Correct..."
"Then let's get reintroductions outta the way" He stopped slouching and stood straight. "Kyle Towa, Ex-Mercenary" The moment I heard the name I recalled perfectly who he was.
"So you died too"
"Mercs' loyalty are bought, figured I wasn't paid enough"
"and?"
"Figured if they were gonna kill me, might as well take us all out"
"So that also means." I turned over to the girl beside him. "Kayla Towa"
"Correct" Her answer was short.
"And the rests of you all?"
"Salazar" The guy wore armor that looks like it'd crush me to bits if it was mine. On the upper-half of the armor, resting in a sheath, was a big knife with markings I couldn't understand. Seeing his armor made me realize they all had the same insignia embedded in their outfits.
"Anne will be fine" She had a big bag beside her desk, each zipper had a label under it, indicating what was in there.
"Kieron, or Kay whichever is preferable."
"As you've noticed" Kyle looked down at his insignia. "We were part of the same merc group, it's been through a lot of names, as no one could figure ut one, along with the fact we had to keep the government off. We died on the name Viper Legion, so that'll be what sticks...damn shame we're stuck to stupid shock rounds now..."
"So that's what Raymond meant...guess it's better I know some of you instead of a solely new team."
"How you know Kyle?" Salazar's voice was deep, he was clearly the eldest of the group, possibly in his 40s or so, contrary to Kyle and Kayla who were still teenagers...seeing them still as Mercs was...breaking to say the most.
"Not surprising, he punched me"
"Explain"
"That's a story for another time, we've gotten along for the most part."
"Right, so, we have a job yet?"
"Before we focus on that, this isn't the only team, Kyle and Kayla know them, Bravo Team"
"Course we know, they're not exactly the most silent." Kyle rolled his neck while speaking, seemingly not enjoying the fact he's standing
"Just letting everyone know, so no one is confused why another group is there."
"So, any job?" Salazar repeated what he said earlier.
"CSF get different jobs right? How exactly do I check tha-" I opened my HUD and saw a new section for CSF Jobs. "Nevermind" There were a decent section of jobs even with our low ranking.
"That hostage one takes priority I feel" Though quiet, Kayla suggested a job.
"Right, this is one of the only missions where we're on a time limit" Kyle looked at it as well.
"Guess there's not much of a choice if a majority agrees" Kay was holding onto the collar of his coat.
"We'll do that one then" I sent a message telling Bravo Team I'd be gone for a bit. "Everyone read-" Before I could finish what I was saying, Kyle held out a rifle from its sling, it didn't look like any I knew. "What is this?"
"People tend to not like the CSF if you haven't noticed, so it'd be bad if people recognized our weapons, as such, we use KCARs, heavily customizable automatic rifles"
"I see" I grabbed the rifle and slung it over my shoulder. "Anything else?"
"Not that you already don't know." I grabbed Crescent and cut open the portal to the mission location, with no prior saying, everyone hopped into it, as did I shortly after. The world we were in was nothing I knew, but it felt and looked similar to earth, all the buildings, trees planted partly in the sidewalk, all that stuff that made sense in a city, which included the massive crowd in front of the building we needed entry to.
"Alright, out the way everyone!" Kyle pushed through the crowd, giving us room to move forward, it was claustrophobic, people smashed together trying to get a better view. Though we struggled, we soon made it past the crowd and to the front of the building where other CSF waited.
"Viper Legion, guess you all took the mission, where's the leader?" I went in front of the group. "A-, Second Lieutenant Lee, glad you all made it" The soldier turned his back on us as he faced the building again, it was a tall structure, if we needed to reach the top it could very well take half an hour or so. "We don't exactly know who they are, but they might as well be terrorists, they've been causing mayhem in the city."
"We don't need to know this, where are they located?" Kyle spoke up before anyone else could.
"Regardless of mission importance, more may come along" Salazar gave reason to Kyle, a reason that was seemingly enough for him. "If we have to deal with them later, we may as well listen now."
"Is it alright if I continue?"
"Go ahead" Before anyone could contest I gave the soldier permission to continue.
"They almost blew up the underground tunnels just a few days prior, and they've been taking people hostage a lot recently, we also heard rumors of them having some sorta base, but we can't find the building."
"Any main leaders or such?" We all started walking in the building, other CSF had taken control of the lobby, letting us speak without the deafening yelling of the crowd.
"No, well, we have heard them chant something when killing someone"
"That is?"
"For the Dollmaker? Dunno who that is"
"Neither do...actually" I started thinking back, though most of my younger memories were clouded, even those of my time with the Calstianos', I recalled something. "There was a guy like that, on the news one time." I thought harder, and eventually, through sheer will, or because I had something to go off on, the memory unclouded, or unlocked...either one worked.
"The current program has been interrupted, the next statement should be taken seriously, this isn't a test or drill." The TV cut to something, showing a disfigured person, if it wasn't for what the news channel was saying, you could never tell they were ever human. I was the only one still up, everyone else was asleep. "Recently, abductions have occurred in the nearby region, previously these abductions of people were considered to be for ransom, however, officials have recently discovered buildings with people, looking like what you are currently seeing. These 'dolls' as the horrific person behind them as called them, are highly dangerous, if you see anything like this, or anyone with unregistered medical supplies, call the local police force immediately, we appreciate your cooperation and this will all be handled soon."
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
That was what I recalled.
"No wonder you're opposite of her, you watch gorey shit" Kyle immediately commented.
"I didn't choose to"
"There's one thing missing" Salazar spoke with his deep voice. "Why wasn't the city on lockdown if that was the case."
"I watch out of country stuff, I wouldn't doubt I caught the news signal on accident, meaning I very well may have seen the same thing the people here have seen."
"Hm...this place is similar enough to earth to be that, but considering it's not registered as earth, that's reason for concern" Anne had checked her HUD, ensuring us this wasn't earth.
"We can focus on specifics later, hostage comes first" I went over to the elevator, it was already called down, and open. "Which floor are they on?"
"30th" I clicked the button immediately and pressed my foot against the door.
"Everyone in!" The crew rushed over, once everyone was in I retracted my foot, letting the door close.
"We have a while till we reach the 30th floor, what's the game plan?" I checked the map and saw we had the floor plan of the 30th floor.
"Alright, look here everyone" I moved my HUD over to the elevator door, letting everyone see it. "We'll be coming in from here, so we can get shot at the left and right, so firstly, we'll divide into left and right, to make sure both sides are covered. "Kyle, Kayla, and I will take left, rest of you's take the right. After that left will search the left hallways, right will search the right ones, after that's done we'll all regroup at room 3001 and decide from there depending on the situation.
"Understood" Everyone got ready in their own manner. Kyle and I checked our stuff while the others more or less checked their gear.
"Right before we forget" Anne placed down her bag from before and took out something, it was masks. "Like the CSF downstairs, we wear these too. Just put them around your neck." We all picked up our own, once it was placed on our necks they disappeared, we couldn't feel it either."
"Entering mission area" The device emitted audio and soon activated. The mask covered our whole face and yet we could still see as though we never had one on to begin with. The only downside is that it was hard to tell the others apart.
"Might wanna put our hoodies up too" I recommended.
"You're the only one with hair that sticks out"
"And wouldn't it be weird if only one guy had it on?"
"Get your point" Following my lead we all put our hoodies up as well, completely making it impossible to tell one from the other, except for Salazar and his bulky gear.
"Anyway to see each other's names? Who's who?"
"Not that I know" I could tell it was Kay by his voice, their voices are probably the only way to tell...actually...
"Real quick, lemme see everyone's weapons." We were on the 27th floor but everyone still showed their weapons, everyone's was wildly different, Kyle had an underbarrel shotgun and that was it, Kayla had a knife under the barrel with a small sight, Anne had a smaller version of the rifle, it also had two barrels and two triggers, Kay's was decently standard with no major changes, and Salazar's was practically an LMG with a smaller mag size. The paint job also helped, though that was only small differences compared to the attachments. "Alright, I know who's who"
"Got photographic memory too?"
"I think anyone can remember an underbarrel shotgun on a rifle"
"Tsk, alright Genius" The elevator dinged as we made it to the top. All our fingers went from the side of the trigger, onto it.
"You recall what to do." In the middle of the doors opening we burst out, Kyle even jumped to the floor. I heard gunshots behind us, but there was no one to shoot on our side. "Left side doesn't have anyone"
"Right is clear" Salazar confirmed. "Moving onto the hallways" We all pushed forward in our own direction. I turned left, without even a moment to register anything a bullet went through my shoulder, and I was thrown back around the corner.
"Guess you got rusty?"
"Hell you on about?" I gritted my teeth as I sat and held my shoulder.
"Talking to myself" He pressed on the side of his ear. "SL hit, he'll be fine though, bastard ain't that weak" Kyle crouched down to my level "You can stand, come on"
"I know..." I used my rifle to help me stand. It was hard to hold it, but I had to manage. Kayla walked over with something in her hand, she pulled a pin and tosses it around the corner.
"Bac-!" A loud bang went off. Kayla turned the corner and fired four shots.
"It's Clear" Kayla looked back over to us, speaking quietly.
"Thanks, let's move forward" I joined them around the corner and pushed on, the wound in my shoulder was still stinging, but I couldn't do much without Nicholai. No matter where we checked the halls were clear, with that in mind, I tapped on the map to set off a ping.
"Other side's all clear too, we had a bit of resistance" The others made it over relatively quick, not a single one had a scratch.
"Kyle, you're breaching, Kayla support him. Salazar, Anne, when the door opens you'll cover the left side of them, Kieron, you and I got the right side of them."
"Understood" We huddled up on our spots.
"Let's rock!" Kyle fired the shotgun at the door and kicked it open, unlike the rifle, the shotgun was normal, firing the pellets a typical shell would. The moment Kyle went in we all followed, it was hard to squeeze in with two people entering a door at once, but until Salazar was up, it was bearable. "Main room is empty." I heard Kyle shout as I pressed my hand against a door.
"Kieron, ready?"
"Of course" I opened the door and without hesitation Kieron went in. They all walk to places with no doubt or hesitation...kinda scary. I followed shortly behind, it was a pretty big bathroom, but overall nothing to mention, no enemies, no traps, fully clear. "Bathroom is free" I made room for Kieron to walk back out.
"Side room is clear" We all regrouped where the Towa two were. "Onto the next room" I agreed with Salazar.
"Onto the next" We all exited the room.
"Elevator is coming down!" Kyle pointed out the faint dinging noise of the elevator, indicating something was in it.
"Towas with me, Kieron, Salazar, Anne, circle around so we can get both sides"
"Roger" The three left while we stuck to the walls around the corner, waiting for the elevator to open. My eyes went to the number above the elevator, like Kyle predicted the number ticked down.
"Do we know if any CSF were on the roof?" I turned back to the others.
"None as far as we know" Paranoia set in, we're using shock rounds so we wouldn't kill anyone, but it was still horribly wrong to fire upon our allies even if they were willing to beat me half to death. "Screw it if they get shot that's their fault." Like he read my mind, Kyle stepped in front and prepared his rifle. Kayla didn't say anything but joined him all the same. The two crouched down to get a better aim.
"Damnit..." I walked over and joined them, raising my rifle over Kyle's shoulder. The elevator ticked again as they went down another floor, they would be right above us had they gotten out now, but they didn't, the elevator dinged one last time as the doors slowly began to open. I closed an eye and squinted the other, praying I see the CSF emblem before anyone fired...but it was silent, for a good minute or two nothing came out and no one said a thing. "Stay here" I patted Kyle's shoulder and stepped forward, I made sure to take slow and silent steps. I could see the other three on the other side, they had their rifles lowered as I walked in their way. My back was against the wall beside the doors. I swear if it's a bomb...I took a breath and quickly fipped around to check inside. It was empty, before I decide to fully walk, in I checked the sides, but they were empty too. Something feels wrong. I refused to fully step in the elevator, stupid as I can be I wouldn't do anything like that. I tried to step back but couldn't. what is it this time? When I tried moving back, it felt like something tugged on my shoulder. I could actively feel the gears in my head turning, when I finally understood I took out my knife and slashed up.
"Agh!" Something staticed in the elevator, all the while a claw and a rope were clipped onto my shoulder.
"Enemy in the elevator!" I tried raising my rifle to fire but my gun was raised up, forcing me to shoot the ceiling instead. The person decloaked, the gear they wore looked sci-fi, hundreds of years in the future even. They didn't talk, they quickly tore out a metal chunk from their suit and swung down the makeshift blade at me. I let go of the rifle and ducked down, when the swing missed I kicked their leg, the moment they flinched back a dozen shock rounds fired their way until they fell.
"Normally I would've just shot ya" Kyle and the others walked over. "Sadly, I can't accidentally shoot our boss even if I think it's a clear shot."
"I give you permission"
"Heh, trusting guy still?"
"I don't need to trust you to know you're a good shot...though not the best" I smirked at the last comment, Kyle found it amusing too. I opened my HUD and called Raymond.
"Raymond here"-Raymond
"Tell the CSF we have people cloaking and stalking about"-Lee
"Alright, just for future reference, now that you have a high rank, you can read intel about people under you, that includes a call button, just tap them on your map"-Raymond
"I'll check later"-Lee
There was no use checking now, especially if Raymond is going to tell them in my place.
"Let's move onto the next room, but before that" I looked to Anne. "Have anything to detain them?"
"Of course" Anne reached into her bag and took out a zip-tie, she didn't hold back on them either, using three just for the hands. "We're set"
"Okay, same thing as last time." They nodded. It was an exact repeat up until the actual breach. Kyle shot the door and went to kick it but bullets fired through the door. It wasn't much, but some still hit Kyle to the ground.
"Salazar!"
"Got it" Salazar grabbed Kyle off the ground and dragged him around the corner. I felt something tick in me.
"Forget this..." I stepped closer to the door, stepping a bit forward as well. "Kayla get a flash"
"Got it" I faced my back to the door and kicked as hard as I could backwards, The hinges creaked loudly as they almost snapped off the wall.
"Flashbaaaang!" I heard multiple things get tossed and turned before the flash went off. Without me even telling them they understood to march in there and clear it. I left it to them as I crouched down beside Kyle.
"Guess you got rusty"
"Go to hell" Though his comment sounded otherwise, he seemed amused. "Mostly hit the vest, still stings like hell" Kyle stood up after he finished speaking.
"Room is clear, we got something" I went in after hearing that, Kieron was holding a laptop. "Leave it to you" He handed it to me, but it was locked. I thought back to how we could take pictures using our HUDs, i took a pick and sent it to Kenneth.
Need me to crack it open?
-Kenneth
If you can
-Lee
Great great, main thing, how do you expect me to do that by just
Seeing the laptop?
-Kenneth
Right...
-Lee
It was a good attempt, by the way, Nicholai wanted you back on earth for something
it's not often I see her panicked about things
-Kenneth
I couldn't help but feel dread, I most likely knew what it was, but I couldn't focus on that now. I vanished the laptop to give it to Kenneth later.
"You won't...be able to" One of the people who were shocked seem to have resisted it, but not enough to move.
"Ain't you cocky" Kyle got to their level, crouching down. The guy continued to speak, but the language wasn't anything familiar to me, or to anyone with how their faces looked. "Sorry pal, satan ain't really helping ya here" Kyle stood up and kicked them in the face, fully knocking them out. Seeing the chance, I went on the map and tapped on one of the CSF below.
'First Sergeant Hallow'
huh...I had the option for more info, but found it unneeded, I called them
"Hallow Here"-Hallow
"We have a guy here, along with a laptop, I think this might be what we were looking for"-Lee
"Understood, you guys can come down, we'll clear the rest of the building"-Hallow
The call ended.
"Our job is done here, we found what we're looking for."
"Back down we go then?" I wasn't getting used to Salazar's voice.
"Correct" All in agreement, we headed into the elevator...not the same one that guy was in. Starting with Kyle, we all took our hoods and masks off.
"God we feel like terrorists with this on" Kyle reminded me why I thought he needed a filter all those years ago.
"Don't...say that" Anne spoke up.
"Yeah whatever, so what do we do about the straggler?"
"What straggler?"
"Brought the runt with us" I jumped slightly before I looked around, the person who attacked me was against the wall.
"How'd...you..."
"I'm talented" his tone was different, indicating sarcasm. "Actually...how're you doing?" His tone became much more serious.
"Why do you ask?"
"Because you don't look so good" Salazar answered in his place.
"But, I haven't really been doing much..."
"I wouldn't say that..." The doors to the elevator dinged as they opened. "Well, if you don't have a problem with it, I don't have a reason to mind it" Salazar crouched down and picked up the ambusher, it clearly wasn't an issue for him considering he hadn't slowed down at all, but that wasn't the case for me, once my foot pressed against the lobby floor I felt nauseous. My hand instinctively went to my head but it didn't help at all.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Anne leaned over to see me, I couldn't muster a response.
"Tch, Ka-a...olai" It was too abrupt to manage, I had to put everything i had to not fall over as it felt like the world's pull grew tenfold. Someone gripped onto my arm and slung it over their shoulder, but the entire feeling was numb.
"Second Lieutenant, respond" It was Salazar's voice, it couldn't be the person supporting me.
"I'm...fi-" My throat burned, cutting my sentence short. "I..." One step turned into a spill, landing my whole body onto the ground face first. I couldn't move, or rather, I wasn't even awake anymore. My head continued to have a piercing pain right in the center, any breath I took only made it worse. How many times is this? Even thinking hurt. Is this corruption? Did my wound hit something important? There was another thing it could be. Or...did being more pain resistant make me ignore any signs.
"Your guy!? Whole reason he's like this is because of you!" I heard familiar yelling, though it burned, I mustered the strength to pry my eyes open.
"L...o...ui?" My voice was weak and slow. Loui was here, yelling at Raymond and Kai. I attempted to sit up and press my back against whatever I was laying on, but something tugged on my harm...an IV was connected to me, but seeing it go above me made it not worth it to see what the medicine was.
"Need I remind you I never forced him to take on all those missions, at most I assigned two"
"Why is Loui here?" I expected my voice to be weak, but hearing it sound normal startled me. The three turned my way.
"A little risk is worth checking on you" Loui seemed annoyed, his arms were crossed and his expression towards Raymond and Kai was clearly hostile.
"I guess we should get to explaining what happened." Raymond walked forward until he was at my bedside, then he got on a knee to match my level. "It was simple exhaustion, You've undertook a lot of things that overdrove your body, the missions, the corruption, along with mountains of information." I almost ignored what I was being told when I looked around the room, and saw a lack of any friendly faces.
"Where's Bravo Team?"
"They can't come in yet."
"Why?"
"Reasons"
"What reasons?" Raymond paused, looked to Kai, then back to me before continuing.
"You have these dreams right?" I didn't respond. "They're not exactly...from the past...not all"
"How does this relate to my friends not being allowed in this room? I hope you realize from my point of view I'm being surrounded by three people who recruited children to their war"
"I'm getting there...Your unique thing...the coin too, allows you to rewind, however it's not just rewinding...you can go forward too, even rewind without dying. Those visions are most likely different points of time...tell me, have you ever heard a melody playing when you've been out?" It was as though something stabbed my mind, as though I've come across an important crossroad...Raymond refuses to give my memories back, even now that I've got my power...there's no excuse to holding my memories unless there's something else.
"...No"
"I see, if you hear it...ignore it, at all costs"
"Why?"
"You're going to see things you don't want to if you keep following them" Raymond stood up. "Well, now that we've confirmed your health, there's no reason to not let them see you, you have tomorrow off, actually take a break this time instead of going back to earth"
"Hang on" Raymond and the others were halfway to the door before I called. "The Guardians and the CSF...what happens now"
"far from settled"
"Being worked on"
Loui had a more negative answer while Raymond's was more positive, I couldn't help but lean towards Loui's answer more than Raymond's.
"Alright, you're good to come in" Raymond spoke as he and the others walked out the door. Naively I expected a moment of silence. But almost a second later, Bravo Team and Kyle's CSF crew walked in.
"You're alright!" Sam in a split moment had already made i to my bedside, dragging out a seat and sitting down.
"Luck must be on your side..." Nicholai commented. "If Sam wasn't walking around I don't think Kayla would've found me. Granted I wasn't the one who admitted you nor examined you, but I made damn well sure they didn't do anything wrong" Nicholai seemed rather calm. "I would be mad and tell you to care for yourself more, but I'm partially responsible for this too, and the fact that we feel less pain doesn't help."
"We all caught up if you're wondering" Kyle's arms raised as he crossed them. "Doesn't seem like you've all changed a bit...will say, This room is something, treating you like royalty ay second lieutenant?" I hadn't looked around the room until Kyle mentioned it, but his words turned out to be true. Unlike to my left which was where Sam and co were, to the right of me was a window, letting me gaze upon a view people could only ever dream of, where the stars were at a perfect angle. The only negative was a large plant due to one of its colorful leaves blocking a small corner of the window. Even then it didn't end there, returning to the left side, just beside Sam was a small plant growing in a sophisticated pot, just a few days off blooming from the looks of it... if I recalled correctly that is.
"Pretty plant isn't it? Wonder who grew it" Sam's tone didn't leave much to be thought.
"You obviously"
"Duh, it's bored doing nothing for 3 day-
"3 DAYS!?" I sat up even with the stabbing pain of the IV.
"Goddamnit Sam!"
"No one told him!?" Sam stood up and looked to the door. "They didn't tell him!?"
"Guess he figured it was best for Lee to hear it from someone like you...doesn't seem to have worked as well as he thought" Kenneth started leaning against a wall. Dave had also found his spot near my foot.
"What am I going to even do?" I slouched forward, the blanket covering me shifted with it.
"For tomorrow?" Sam's tone was opposite of mine
"Yeah..."
"You should focus on what you're doing for the rest of the night, I doubt you can just fall back asleep" I hadn't heard the others speak in some time, it was mainly Nicholai, Sam, Kenneth, and Kyle, with Nicholai being the case right now.
"Ah! First lesson being in a hospital, the doctors can get annoying"
"Oi, are you trying to catch a scolding?"
"I was kidding...kidding"
"Right.." Sam and Nicholai shared some banter before turning back to me. "What she meant by that, is that nurses tend to draw some blood every three to four hours, so be ready for that."
"Hang on, how long am I staying here?"
"For the rest of the night most likely. Don't worry about being alone, Sam and I will check up on you later after we leave."
"Oh.."
"Widely different reasons, our times for visiting just aligned somewhat. Don't be troublesome okay? Now that you got a CSF crew you got more people counting on you, but also don't overload yourself, today and tomorrow you're resting, I forbid anything else." Sam stood up for good this time.
"Like she said! We're going to go for now, Nicholai and I will be back, but if you need us just call, Oh! And Crescent should be nearby if you need protection."
"Take care Second Lieutenant" Salazar bowed slightly, as did Anne and Kay. Kyle's posse shuffled out the room, taking their time to exit.
"You know, before we start heading out" Just as Sam was going to take a step, having one leg raised, she spun around back to me. "Want me to ask the nurses to get something for you?"
"No need, I don't wanna be a bother"
"If you say so...hospitals tend to have some pretty good crackers though"
"Really Sam?" Nicholai waited by the door.
"What? Who better to give the hospital advice than the main girl herself"
"Heh, just don't take too long" Opening the door, Nicholai and Kenneth stepped out, almost immediately Sam sat back down.
"Thought you had to go?"
"I do, just doing my own personal checkup, how're you doing?"
"If I wasn't told I was out for three days I'd assume perfect"
"Even after taking that fall?"
"Alright, maybe not perfect"
"So?"
"I guess I'm doing alright, if not still a bit nauseous" As I talked I had begun to notice Sam's odd behavior, her slight shaking and the minor amount of sweat coming from her head. "You're not sick yourself, are you?"
"No...not that...just...your hand" I was reminded of my action earlier that hurt my hand, when I took a glance at it nearly half of my backhand had blood drying out on it.
"oh god...uh..." I looked around for a napkin or tissue yet neither was around.
"And I found what I'll go ask for. Take care Lee" Sam bowed slightly before getting up. "And don't do anything to get yourself hurt again!" She spoke loud enough to make up for the distance, and the opening door.
The rest of that night was pure anguish, anytime I was about to fall asleep the door to my room would open and various things would happen, Blood work, pressure, whatever they needed.
Going to sleep was rather pointless, so I started messing around with my HUD, scrolling through things in hopes to find at least something to satiate this boredom.
"Huh...wonder if..." I opened up another section of the HUD, if our memories were in the form of videos, then maybe it would be possible to see old videos. I continued to scroll, it felt endless. A majority of the videos played the moment I hovered over them, yet one actually had audio to start with. It was obvious who was in frame too, seeing how only one member of Bravo Team had a white puffy jacket, and the fact it was covering most of the frame.
"Come on! It can't be that hard to put a camera on a tripod." From the background I could hear Nicholai's voice, it was more high pitched here considering how much younger we were, course it wasn't on par with Sam's, then against I don't think anything ever could.
"The bottom is broken or something" my voice was different as well, and unlike the others I wasn't in frame, more so behind the camera than anything.
"Sam?"
"He's right, I dunno if it's gonna wo- oh?" With a click the camera slid into place on the tripod, and Sam stepped back. "There we are!"
"More difficult than it should've been" Soon I walked into frame as well, and with no one covering most of the camera, Nicholai and Kenneth were more visible in the background, both of them at their instruments.
"We ready?" Sam looked back at everyone, seeing them nod in confirmation. "Alright!" She quickly turned back to the camera.
"Let's get it started then" I spoke aloud, seeing myself on camera was odd. Back then I was never really one for talking, rather I was the type to only say what needed to be said, but here I was. The music started soon after, in just a quick second I started to recognize the theme.
"No..."I spoke out loud. "No it's not...our first song wasn't...it was an anime cover" I covered my face with my hands. "Oh god..." I could feel my face get flushed. The cover of course had its flaws, it was too long ago to recall if it was our first time recording or not, but it most definitely sounded that way. Even with that however, it brought a sense of peace, though it was rather small scale compared to everything else, still, it reminded me of how we were before all this.
"to think..." I closed the HUD, shutting off the music with it too. "We started as normal students...then to a zombie outbreak, to this" It was all tragic, yet I couldn't help but smile at it. "Goddamn we can't catch a break can we?" I let myself relax against the bed, keeping myself sat up was exhausting and after the amount of blood work I wanted to relax the best I could.
'Still going strong?'
-Nicholai
'Better than I thought I would'
-Lee
'We'll be by shortly, hope the wait is worth it'
-Nicholai
Nicholai and Sam had been keeping tabs on me for a few hours now.
'Just for the record, what time is it?'
-Lee
'Somewhere just after midnight, hang on'
-Nicholai
Course there was a clock on my HUD, but due to me laying down, and not wanting to strain my neck looking up, I had to ask.
'2am...ish'
-Nicholai
'2:14 :3'
-Sam
'Right, there you are'
-Nicholai
'Just making sure the doctors and nurses there haven't
been injecting you with stuff you don't need right'
-Nicholai
'Correct'
-Lee
'And you're 100% sure?'
-Nicholai
'As sure as I can be'
-Lee
'Alright then, take care for now'
-Nicholai
There were still hours until they were able to come by.
"If they come by in a few hours...and I get my blood drawn in a few hours...I got time for a nap" I started slouching down until I saw laying on my back, once it got to that point I let the tiredness from all the boredom take me. I couldn't believe it, for once it was peaceful, no nightmare, no abrupt wakening. My whole body relaxed as I drifted off into my own mind...peaceful...yeah, peaceful