In the two days after Kingston, to say that the earlier dissent had become larger would have been an understatement. Now, full on protests had begun on the government’s inaction. Though their opponents would cite the fact that time was needed to gather information, even this much was ineffective against many who’d lost their family and friends in this event. Especially in Tokyo. Where the Southern Shima Murders still happened occasionally, and the damages from the Inferno were nowhere near repaired.
A virtual riot had begun in front of the Imperial Palace, droves of people, yelling out in their rage. Insults, Demands, and pleas alike.
“Reimburse us for our damage!”
“How is my business supposed to survive like this!”
“That bastard killed my family!”
A varied crowd of people. Industrialists, workers, simple shop owners, some even members of the nation’s militaries themselves. Far above them, in one of the top floors of the castle, Emperor shin sat in his office. A bare room, with a wooden desk at the very center and the walls lined with bookcases. Physical copies of the many documents he tended to work with. Though, his focus was not on that, rather, it was what he saw from his window. The crowds of angered people swarming his compound, though, from his perspective, looking more like ants. He sighed as he watched this. All things considered, he would prefer to reveal something to them. But there was something he had since taken note of. Revealing that their government had corrupt agents within it all this time did not bode well for public support. Especially in the midst of multiple attacks. The situation was unstable enough already. Information like that might just be enough to light the powderkeg. And from there, who knew what the ramifications would be. Shin turned on his heel, placing his gaze on the armored man who stood at the entrance of the room. The red cape draped on his shoulder indicated his status as the captain of the imperial guard. This much would give anyone his name. One of many heroes that rose to prominence through the third world war. Sando Izanagi. He began a slow approach, as his deepened voice reverberated through the room.
“Heika(Your Majesty) , what is our next course of action?”
Shin went silent…
“No Matter how I look at this... There aren’t many ways in which this ends well.”
Now, he sighed again.
“Dispatch the troops, take care of the situation.”
And, just like that, Sando saluted, before making his way out of the room. It was but a few minutes after that armored soldiers flowed out of the palace, the Chrysanthemum on their shoulder demonstrating their status as members of the imperial guard…. And with that, the crowds somewhat calmed down, beginning to break apart. After all, there were not many who wanted to clash with them of all people.
Across the city, in the Shima ward. Things hadn’t become as chaotic, but the unrest under the surface was there. Conversations criticizing the government, and some even claiming they’d do something themselves. Though, for a certain group of youths, this was overlooked. Finally, Arctaius and Alarick had reached home. Now, they walked down the streets of Shima in their school uniforms. Though, it was strange enough to /those around them that they were walking around like they were friends, especially considering the two were polar opposites. There was also the two that tagged along.
Kazmir walked on the left, and Zhao and the right, both of them wearing the same button-down, black uniforms of North Shima High. Given they wern’t all that close, it wasn’t a surprise that they were silent. Instead, most of the conversation came from those around them. Many eying Arctaius and Alarick in particular.
“Grayhelm is back?” a feminine voice asked.
“Looks like Corde is too.” Another noted.
“Those two never talked to each other… Now they disappear and show up together?”
Even so, they ignored the statements, instead, casually continuing their walk. Kazimir yawned as he glanced at Arctaius.
“Corde. Did you ever get that housing situation figured out?”
Arctaius glanced back at him. Sighing at this question.
“As you might expect, my apartment is nowhere near finished rebuilding… You could say that for the Area as a whole really. I have to bunk with Yudei out in Kangai for now…”
Alarick, hearing this, began to step toward the two.
“I'm surprised his parents are fine with that, especially considering the reputation you have… Mr "Emperor Of the North"”
“Well, I don't completely disagree with you… It's just that they know me. And how did you know about my title?”
Alarick raised an eyebrow as he slowly looked back at him.
“Did you really just ask that question? I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but you don’t exactly keep it under wraps.” He responded.
“ Then I suppose it's fortunate that they let you… I had to go to sleep on a roof somewhere… I needed to be rested either way- I must make a good first impression.” Zhao chimed in.
“While I don't exactly get how we got dragged into going to school with you two…”
A smirk made its way onto Kazimir’s face.
“I'm not complainin' all the more time to pick up some girls!!!”
Now, Arctaius glanced over at Kazimir, as did Alarick, with both of the two going quiet at his words. All the while, the man’s smirk did not disappear, as he glanced around at many of the girls around them.
“Me and you both know that isn't gonna happen…” Arctaius stated.
“Just what is that supposed to mean?!” Kazimir replied Defiantly.
“That aside…” Alarick began, in an attempt to break off the conversation. Something that worked, given that they stopped talking. Alarick put his gaze forward.
“Remember what I told you all. While we're here, it's William Grayhelm… I already have enough issues with people here, I don't need them knowing of my origin as well.”
Promptly, Arctaius focused his attention on him... A certain question that brewed in him before had come to the front of his mind.
“I think this question needs to be asked, Half-pint, what kind of stupid alias is "Grayhelm"...”
Alarick glanced at Arctaius in response, though he was prepared to send a jab back at him, considering the mention of his less than ideal nickname, he decided against it.
“What’s the problem? It works, doesn't it?” He responded.
“It may not work as well as you think. You did say you already have issues here.” Zhao noted.
“That is a fact… however - it is for different reasons than my identity, or what someone like this delinquent over here would have… for the opposite reason actually.”
This much remained to be seen, until they arrived at the front gate of North Shima high. Strolling onto the stone path in the schoolyard. Where they soon found a vast crowd of women wearing the school’s uniform, given their gazes fastened onto him, it was clear what they were looking for. Promptly, the swarm descended, separating the tide from his allies. “William!!!” A pale haired one yelled. “I missed you!!!!” A redhead screamed. She began to step toward him, only to be pushed back by another, much taller one. “Whoa! Get back, he's mine!!”. From here, THIS girl is pushed back by another shorter one. “Yours?! As if!!”She yelled. All the while, the one in the very center of the circle, observed all of this, with a blank expression on his face.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
“Really?!”
Elsewhere, the three and many unlucky enough to be stopped by this obstruction merely observed this with blank expressions. The tides glanced at one another, and then back to Alarick, or, rather, the crowd around him. Especially since none of them could even catch a glimpse of him by this point. Arctaius rubbed the back of his head.
“The hell is this? This guy has a fan club or something... It's at times like this where my reputation is a good thing…”
Zhao closed his eyes.
“I'd be hard-pressed to disagree.”
Kazimir smirked, as he stepped in front of both of them.
“Well I couldn't disagree more!! Look at all those babes! He's lucky he's been here longer, otherwise, they all would've been falling head over heels for me instead.”
Arctaius glanced at Kazimir. Before he turned on his heel, looking away from the crowd entirely.
“I'd rather not spend time watching this display… I care about this even less than I do class.”
“I'm certain he can get out of this on his own…” Zhao mumbled.
“If you get the chance, tell him we're meeting on the roof at lunch, I’m the only one who goes up there, and luckily, they mostly stay away because of that. Last thing we need is any prying eyes. We can talk about our targets there.”
With this, Arctaius began to walk away. Zhao did the very same, giving Alarick a passing glance, but not much else. Though Kazimir didn’t leave, rather, he began walking across the schoolyard. Perhaps to gain his bearings, but, not very likely. Elsewhere, Alarick stood within the crowd, he glanced around at many of the girls there, listening to the numerous overlapping voices. It’d become apparent to him that the three had left. And, like that, this was what he was left with. He sighed at this.
“What a pain…”
Promptly, he began his attempt to wade through the crowd… He would need to be tactful with this.
Part B
Hours later, the clock struck Eleven and the students in their respective classes began to flow out, ready to eat their lunch. For many of them, this was the highlight of the school day. Well, second to the end of it, at the least. Today, there was a common sight in the halls that was somewhat missing for the past few days. Arctaius, Yudei, Shinto, and Akashi walked down the halls of the school. Mostly empty, save for themselves and a few of the students standing throughout.
“Damn Gotou… Try to give me detention, as if I'd go to that. I'd much rather take a suspension at least that'd mean I wouldn't have to be HERE!!”
Shinto stepped forward, pushing his glasses up.
“If there’s any bright side to this, at least the likes of Tsuchiya or the Principal didn’t say anything.” All four quickly looked at the door that began to swing open.
Yudei glanced over at Arctaius
“Yeah, I’m surprised about that… Either way, we all got it, just be glad Asami didn't get to you. She's probably up in Arms right now…”
Beside them, Akashi scratched the back of his head.
“It’s even worse for me… Shizuko-Chan's real’ serious about those rules… Doesn't make that any easier for me.”
“You still have a chance... I think so, at the least.”Shinto responded.
“Tch. I guess you're right… I might not be in class… Depends on whether Gouto annoys me or not…”
Yudei nodded.
“Right.“
The four continued to walk in silence until they came across the stairway, they all nodded at one another, a silent goodbye.”Shinto responded. He slowly walked up, Grasping the doorknob, he pushed the door open, the sun went into his eyes, as he looked at the towering buildings in the distance. He glanced around the roof, Taking notice of Zhao, Alarick, and Kazimir standing in a circle. He began to walk toward them, catching their attention as they gazed at him, not long after, he joined them, stepping into the circle.
…
Elsewhere, on a bench within a soccer field at the outer edge of the building, three students of the school sat. A certain brunette had a frown across her visage.
“I should’ve known I'd get grounded for that…” Asami mumbled.
Beside her, Megumi adjusted her glasses.
“Well, I guess we won’t be going anywhere for a bit... I heard that Death Of The Stars was gonna be good...”
Kasumi sat up, as she shoved an onigiri into her mouth, munching it, before swallowing and parting her lips to speak.
“Nothing we can do about it now… Speaking of your family, though, I’ve been meaning to ask you something, whatever happened to your brother?”
Asami’s eyes widened at this question, as she went stiff... Apparently, something they didn’t notice, Megumi perked up at the question.
“I’ve been wondering that too. We haven’t seen him since middle school. I know you said he moved out, but I'd think he would’ve visited by now...”Megumi Commented.
“Well, Uhmm…” she began to trail off. Until, once more she became silent. Until, she thought of a response.
“He can be a bit reclusive... I could tell him you guys wanted to talk to him the next time he comes around.” She finished.
Now, Megumi stood up.
“Sounds fine with me! Anyway, I got something I have to take care of for Gouto-Sensei. I’ll see you after school.”
Now she began walking away, waving goodbye. Soon after, Kasumi began to follow.
“Yeah, see you later, Asami!” she called out. Now, the two left her alone, in silence.
Back on the roof not much had changed. The tides stood in the circle, as they had before.
“So… any plans?” Arctaius questioned.
Beside him, a smirk came onto Kazimir’s face, as he pointed at himself with the tip of his thumb.
“Yeah, the Kaz-Meister right here is leaving soon, gonna go talk to some babes…”
……………..
The WHAT?!
Alarick slowly directed his gaze toward him, eying him with a raised eyebrow, promptly so did Arctaius. And, surprisingly, even Zhao did the same thing. The questionable quality of the nickname, apparently bringing the group to silence. Eventually, however, they would all move past it, speaking once more.
“You know, maybe I'll go with you, I want to see how hard you fail this time around.” Alarick responded.
“And what is that supposed to mean?!”
Arctaius smirked at Kazimir.
“Exactly what he said… I think I'll be going as well, this sounds like a good source of entertainment.”
Kazimir opened his mouth, prepared to defend his honor. At the least, until the creaking of the door filled his ears. All four quickly looked at the door that began to swing open. With Arctaius looking over his shoulder. Now, entering the roof were two girls wearing the Shima High Uniform, With heads of hair silver and Orange respectively. Megumi was the first to enter, calm and collected, with her expression neutral… The same could not be said for Kazumi, who was shaking in her boots.
“Corde-San-- Goutou-sensei said he needed to see you.”
“What kind of group is this… they're standing in a circle…All, Menacingly... Even Grayhelm is here?!”
As Arctaius focused his gaze on them, Kazumi could see it, the enraged expression on his face, in rather exaggerated detail… She didn’t grasp why he was angry, but she didn’t want to witness the result of such rage… Or rather, the rage she believed she saw, as, in front of her, Arctaius’ expression remained neutral, like it typically had.
“Ain’t my problem… Do me a favor and tell him that I won't be coming…”
As the two spoke, Kazimir looked between the two, but, as he focused his gaze on Megumi as he smiled, and his eyes widened... He blocked out the conversation that began to occur between the two, rather, he focused upon the beauty in front of him, especially given his jaw that hung open.
“Ah- a Beautiful Flower-- My target is here!! A matured beauty, aged like a fine wine, waiting for centuries to be consumed. A superior taste indeed. She's perfect!!”
Now, Megumi turned on her heel. Though before anyone had realized, Kazimir was separated from the rest of the group. He kneeled in front of Megumi with his hand outstretched, as if he had teleported to her.
“Hello-, my Fair Maiden. I’m sorry to interrupt you, but I must ask you one thing. May you grace me with your presence toni-” He began, cut off by.
“No thank you… But, thank you for asking.”
Megumi walked past Kazimir, disregarding him from then on. All the while Kazimir continued to kneel there in silence, hand outstretched to the wall. Though, his expression remained all the same. Even as Megumi cleared the door, leaving his sight, and soon, Kazumi did the very same...Behind him, Low snickers and chuckles emitted from two of the group’s members. As Kazimir’s gaze shot into the sky with a yell.
“Again?!!!”
It was only after this that the two concluded their snickering. Arctaius cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure.
“Were you really surprised? “Fair Maiden" "Grace me with your presence"... What made you think that would work?” He commented.
“Overall, not a good idea…” Alarick concluded.
Kazimir’s gaze shot toward Arctaius, as he jabbed his finger accusingly.
“Wasn’t it you who told us to come up here to talk about the Kaemerge? Why are we talking about this?!” he yelled.
“Because it’s funny- why else…”
Nonetheless, the smile on his face began to fade soon after.
“But yes. Let’s get to that.”
The mood soon seemed to change with their respective words. Arctaius shoved his hands into his pocket as he leaned onto the wall. While Alarick split off as well, looking past the chain link fence that lined the roof, and out onto the skyscraper-laden metropolis.
“We should eventually start traveling again; we won’t make any progress just sitting here.”
“We know that the Southern Shima base has been abandoned- but perhaps there's some data left?” Zhao Inquired.
Alarick shook his head.
“I’d think not… They would’ve searched for that as well. As we all know, any info we could’ve taken was gone. What the Kaemerge didn’t take with them, they likely encrypted or destroyed… I don’t possess any experience with that. “
Before long, Kazimir began to slowly pace around the roof’s tiles.
“If anything we could’ve used Lafeyah and Yu’s support, they might know how to get through the systems.”
Arctaius began to tap his foot as he looked up to the sky.
“Even so, I don’t blame Yu for leaving. I’d likely do the same if I found out they had any living members of my family…”
Elsewhere, Alarick looked up as well.
“Agreed…” He mumbled.
Now, Alarick closed his eyes... With the simple mention of that word, family. Certain memories began to play through his head. 2009, Von Zaisen Manor... The Von Zaisen, a long line of Proto-Human Generals, that had led the Delmenford Ground forces since the collapse of the Holy Roman Empire, and the establishment of the nation. What was formerly a massive stone laden building, had now turned into a smoldering ruin, with the sounds of explosions and gunfire echoing through the area. Soot lined the cobble paths, and along with them, where the bodies of those killed in the battle. Whether they be armored, a distinct sign of their association with either force, or simple civilians, caught in the crossfire.
Experiencing this as well, was a young Alarick Von Zaisen, beginning a desperate run, a final attempt at an escape, surrounded by a group of armored men, there to at the least, let one of the family’s children escape. The fear was evident in his eyes as he looked up at the numerous ships that dotted the air above them. As well as the HAUs that zipped around, the light of their thrusters streaked behind them. Only to be shot by each other, or by the ships that lie around them, exploding into balls of fire. Undoubtedly spelling the end for the pilots within.
Soon, much to Alarick’s surprise, a guard soon lifted the boy in his arms, running toward a a patch of cobblestone in the path, at the very least, it looked like one, proving to be false as the guard placed him down into the tunnel, while his team aimed their gauss rifles aimed outward, staring down their sights.
“Young Master- You must Escape!!”
The boy looked back at him… He was clearly not so willing to leave without them, after all, he’d known many of these guards since he was an infant, he had a bond with them, to say the very least... It was around this time that Alarick snapped out of his stupor. Returning to the present as his eyelids parted.
“Well then… I guess our plans are set.” Alarick stated.
Soon, the bell rang once more, signaling the end of their lunchtime. Now, Arctaius stopped leaning on the wall, walking toward the opened door, leading to the stairs. Glancing over his shoulder.
“You guys can go back to class if you want… But I’m gonna go see what Tadashi and Kenzo are doing. I’ve heard those guys from Yama Academy have some strong guys running around… May as well confirm the rumors.”
Now, he began to descend down the stairs, leaving the three alone. They glanced at each other, shrugging, before they made their way down as well.
To Be Continued
Far removed from Tokyo or even the isles of Yamato as a whole, a familiar, two men, face clad in a mask, kneeling in front of a throne. The one belonging to the same man who led the concordium… The very same man who silenced not one, but two of the Four Apostles with a single threat. His cheek rested upon his fist.
“How is our progress?” He questioned.
“Your Excellency… Preparations are practically completed, our forces are in position. We'll be able to move along with the plan soon.” One of the two said.
“Good…”
Now, the man stood, walking toward the two men, placing his hands on their respective shoulders, apparently, a surprise, given how quick they looked up.
“While I can not say the same for us all… You two have done well. Ardam’s dominion will expand across this world with people like you, keep up the good work…”
And, just like that, their leader, the one much of the nation looked up to, had given them his personal praise… To many, this was the highest honor one could receive, something that most could only dream of. After all, the emperor’s stoic attitude and his high standards meant that only a select few would hear words like that… It was for that reason that the two were elated. As he strolled toward the door at the end of the throne room, they finally stood, turning on their heels and saluting.
“Kaemerge Est Aeternum! GLORIAM ARDAM!!” The two yelled.