Years passed, and the sisters formed close bonds as they considered each other the only semblance of a family. Though they demonstrated a high level of emotional awareness and empathy, their design purpose made sure that they remained lethal killers. The sisters would gather to say goodbye when one of their own was sent on a mission, and worry about each other. They would also learn to entertain themselves with games or knowledge when they gain some free time outside of their missions.
Life was going to be just fine and bearable until an unforeseen event three years after their birth would disrupt their delicate bond. It was a morning like the others as KD-551 was assigned a mission in Poland, where she would have to take down a target of interest to the Empire. As the girls gathered around KD-551's transport craft, they exchanged a few heartfelt goodbyes.
[KD-552] - "Can't believe they would keep sending you out on missions instead of us. "
Said KD-552 as she playfully shook KD-551's shoulders.
[KD-551] - "Aw, it's probably because the mission is a low-intensity one. If they were serious, they would've probably sent KD-554 or our little steel maiden sister. "
[KD-552] - "Ah, Little Five, you mean. I wonder where the hell is she again. "
Said KD-552 quizzically.
[KD-553] - "Ugh... you know her. Obsessed with those romance novels you snuck back last time. Seriously, what a naive little shit she is, thinking any sane man would want her. "
Said KD-553 in an annoyed tone.
[KD-554] - "Exactly, she should be training with us in new combat tactics instead of daydreaming. "
[KD-552] - "Fucking hell, you two are like a pair of pessimistic vultures! Constantly sitting beside each other and only feeling joy when you see the downfall of somebody. "
Said KD-552, and she pointed her fingers at the sisters.
[KD-553] - "Wow, it's like women who are named Kirchoff-Decimator should be inclined to feel joy when they serve their purpose of causing downfall and chaos. What a surprise, sister, what a surprise. "
Said KD-553 in a mocking tone.
[KD-554] - "HAHAHA! "
[KD-552] - "Ah hell, you two are fucking lost causes! "
Said KD-552, annoyed by the taunting.
[KD-551] - "Hahaha! Ah well, I suppose I have to get going soon, so we'll settle this another time. I can't wait to get this over with soon. "
Said KD-551 as she stretched her arms while yawning.
[KD-553] - "Hey, safe trips, big sis. Come back in a single piece, alright? "
Said KD-553 as she leaned in and hugged KD-551.
[KD-554] - "Yep, same here! Go make some eyeballs and gut fly, sis. Remember, I don't want you to leave any survivors and get punished like the last time. "
As KD-554 leaned in for a hug, KD-551 instinctively opted for a handshake instead, clearly disturbed by KD-554's comment.
[KD-552] - "Welp, I'll send you KD-555's regard instead, since she's again late. "
Said KD-552 and she hugged KD-551.
[KD-551] - "Oh, by the way... "
[KD-552] - "Huh? "
KD-551 hesitated as she noticed KD-553 and KD-554 listening as well.
[KD-551] - "Nothing, I suppose I'll tell you instead when I come back. "
As the sisters left the area, KD-551 breathed a long sigh before moving to board her ship. Suddenly, in a gust of wind, KD-555 arrived in front of KD-551 before tripping and collapsing in her arms.
[KD-555] - "Ouch! I'm sorry for this, big sis. "
[KD-551] - "Look who decided to show up? "
Said KD-551 with a smile as she helped KD-555 stand upright.
[KD-555] - "I was too caught up in that novel you brought me. Like, I can't get rid of that fuzzy feeling I was getting every time I saw the characters being lovey-dovey with each other. "
[KD-551] - "Is that so? I'm glad to hear that. "
Said KD-551 with a relieved grin.
[KD-555] - "I was late because I got mad at KD-553. She brought a male "friend" of hers and asked him what he thought of me, and he said he'd rather sleep with a wild animal than sleep with a savage such as me. So after that, I went to hide and- "
[KD-551] - "That is absurd and ridiculous! "
Yelled KD-551 in anger before her sister could finish.
[KD-551] - "Listen to me, my little steel maiden, you have more choice than you think there is. KD-553 doesn't realize the gift she was given compared to our predecessors. We have the gift of life! We can think as humans who are not destined to kill forever. We can build families, choose a different path from our destined one and choose to go pursue our own happiness. "
Said KD-551 as she stared at KD-555 in the eyes.
[KD-555] - "But... We are born killers. If we don't kill, then what purpose do we serve? "
[KD-551] - "What difference is there between you and the women in these novels you've read? Withdraw these blades, and you will no longer be a killer. Tell me, little sis, do you not strive for anything else other than to serve the people who created us? Do you want to serve as their tool for the rest of your life? Or do you want to give choice a chance? "
There was a dreamy expression in KD-555's eyes as KD-551's words resonated with her.
"Craft D-7609, clear for take-off! You may move toward the runway. "
Announced the radio above the sisters.
With a teary face, KD-551 hugged KD-555 tightly against her as if it were the last time she'd ever see her. Then, in a hurry, KD-551 turned around and ran up to her ship's ramp as it began to initiate its takeoff.
[KD-551] - "Farewell, my dear sisters. Thank you all for everything. "
Whispered KD-551 as she took one last look at the Imperial base.
As KD-555 began to head back toward her barracks, she began to daydream about her future. As she imagined the soft mattress and tender touch of a lover, she abruptly bumped into an Imperial lieutenant holding his lunch tray. The crash immediately sent searing soup and food flying around her and the officer.
[Lieutenant] - "Ah, mother fucker! Son of a bitch, you dumb fucking pig! "
Yelled the lieutenant in pain as the soup burned his hands.
Before KD-555 could react, the officer slapped her across the face and sent her to the ground.
[soldier] - "Shit, man, I can see skin peeling. "
Said the soldier as he inspected his superior's wound.
[Lieutenant] - "All because of this blind fucking bitch, fuck! "
Yelled the lieutenant in anger as he mercilessly kicked KD-555 in the abdomen.
Seeing their lieutenant in pain, the men around him assumed that something worse had happened as they began to surround and attack KD-555 on the floor.
[KD-552] - "Get back! Get back, you bunch of pricks! "
Yelled KD-552 as she suddenly appeared over KD-555.
In a swift motion, KD-552 drew her wrist blades and forced the men to back away from her sister. As the crowd cleared, KD-552 immediately helped her sobbing sister get up before leaning her against her shoulder.
[KD-552] - "It's ok, let's get out of here, Little Five. "
Said KD-552 as she forced the lieutenant to back off with her blade.
[Lieutenant] - "How dare you point that thing at me? I'll report your sorry ass to the lieutenant general for this! "
Ignoring the lieutenant's threats, KD-552 carried KD-555 out of the crowd without a word.
[KD-555] - "Thank you! "
Whispered KD-555.
[KD-552] - "You would've done the same for me. We are a family, remember? "
KD-555 smiled as she rubbed her cheek against her sister's shoulder affectionately.
However, not all good things last. KD-551 never came back from her mission, as many suspected that she had been captured and executed by a powerful enemy. As for KD-552, she was seen being escorted away in chains by IEEB agents and never returned to the barracks since her departure. Just like that, the fragile balance of a family broke apart with KD-553 and KD-554's cold demeanour and indifference toward KD-555, sealing the final nail in the coffin.
As for KD-555, she was supposed to forget that side of her that craved more, to conform and become the same unapologetic beast she was made to be. However, an unlikely encounter would change her perspective on life forever. The man who was supposed to represent the faceless nature of each servant of the Empire, the detached nature of duty, and the absolution of selflessness, inspired Kadyn to rise from the ashes of her meaningless life.
They would meet again after their first meeting, and though Mike refused to concede her an inch of ground emotionally, he would, however, accept her as one of his close agents. Where before, she would despise the sight of morning as they signalled to her another day where she would have to let the monster out, she would now meet the sunrise with hope and a yearning for life. Though on occasion, the mission assigned to her would not be less bloody than before, she can often be in the company of the Grand Knight. Officially, she would walk by his side, clad in the same faceless mask as him, as his high assistant. Yet, they shared knowledge of what's behind each other's masks as a secret between them.
On one fateful evening, they shared a meal together at a private suite especially made for Mike, to protect his identity. While Mike ate without an ounce of emotion on his face, Kadyn could only smile every time the delicious bites touched her tongue.
[Kadyn] - "Lord Mike... thank you for inviting me to dinner. "
Said Kadyn as she peeked a tiny glance up at Mike.
[Mike] - "You have served me well. Your record within my circle of agents has so far been the most outstanding. "
Kadyn felt flattered as she smiled discreetly alongside the praises. At a certain point, even her concealed fox ears accidentally flared up in excitement before she retracted them back into her hair.
[Mike] - "Yet I fail to understand why you would find solace in my presence. I can't help but notice your mood's improvement around me, as well as your effort being driven not by your loyalty to the Empire but by your infatuation with me. "
Said Mike as he rolled up a strand of fettuccine on his fork.
[Kadyn] - "For a man as intelligent as yourself, you sure lack deduction power. "
Said Kadyn teasingly, as she brought a shrimp toward her lips.
[Mike] - "If you doubt my understanding of your simple-minded complexity, then let me remind you that your unprofessional feelings toward me are duly unreciprocated. "
Said Mike coldly before he gracefully shoved his fork into his mouth.
On the other side, Kadyn could only feel a shiver down her spine as the shrimp froze just before meeting her lips. Even though she never explicitly stated to Mike how she felt about him, he somehow seemed to know all along and was seemingly prepared to crush her dream with such brutal words. Reality is simply different from all the caricatures she had seen in her romance novels. However, it still hurt Kadyn in a way that she couldn't put into words.
[Kadyn] - "Oh... I understand. Heh, what was I thinking? How could I ever dream of having you? You are the Grand Knight after all, and I'm just... Not even a proper human being. "
Said Kadyn awkwardly as she put down the shrimp on her fork.
[Mike] - "You are beautiful, on the outside and on the inside. Do not sell yourself short, as you deserve love as much as any other person in this world. The fault lies not in your person, but in the misdirection of your heart. "
Assured Mike with the same efficiency he used to accomplish his other tasks.
Kadyn gripped her fist around her chest before breathing a small sigh.
[Kadyn] - "Why did you take me in if you knew what I feel about you? "
Said Kadyn as she looked down, not daring to meet Mike's gaze.
[Mike] - "Because I am the Emperor's spear. Unlike you, I value only my duty and principles. I only took you in because I saw potential in you beyond what you were meant to be. "
Said Mike coldly before bringing his wine glass to his mouth.
[Kadyn] - "But don't you ever feel like... there's more to life than just duty? "
Said Kadyn in frustration.
Mike simply looked at Kadyn, his eyes stoic as always.
[Mike] - "At the end of the day, all I care about is the result you bring from your assigned duty. If it would help you to be more efficient this way, then be my guest. "
Said Mike before resuming his meal without a thought.
Frustrated and hurt by Mike's violent coldness toward her, Kadyn clutched her chest while holding back the tears threatening to fall from her eyes.
[Kadyn] - "Then tell me what you think of me. Am I a tool to you, just as you are a tool to the Empire? "
Mike paused for a second as he analyzed Kadyn's posture and emotions. There was a reasonance within his icy eyes as he felt guilt for being so harsh with her. For all the stone-cold logic in his heart, he secretly appreciated the time he spent with Kadyn. For a year now, she followed him loyally and always brought a bit more life to a usually quiet and dead world.
However, most importantly, this girl, unlike any other person, never saw him as anything more than a man. She spoke to him as if he were never the tool or the God he was told he was. This bravery and blind trust made him feel emotions for the first time, now that he had given it proper consideration. As much as the dutiful side of him wanted to shut her down with one last sentence, he resisted that urge for the first time in his life.
[Mike] - "You're more than just a tool. In truth, I appreciated the time you were around. No matter how misplaced are your emotions, they do make me feel a little less lonely at times. "
Said Mike, ashamed to meet Kadyn's eyes.
Upon hearing Mike's confession, Kadyn's eyes sparkled once more with the same naive hopefulness she used to sport.
[Kadyn] - "I'm glad. Now, I just have one more question. "
Said Kadyn before picking up her fork with the shrimp once more.
[Kadyn] - "Will we be together forever? If you plan on staying true to your duty, then could you accept me by your side for as long as your duty lasts? "
There was a jolt passing through Mike as he heard Kadyn's words. He looked up to see the same familiar smile awaiting his gaze. He hesitated, but he knew deep down that this girl would be the most dependable person for the rest of his life. Her loyalty is undeniable, and her commitment could not be questioned. As the Grand Knight, she was the only possible choice of a companion as he continued to serve the Empire.
[Mike] - "If your stay is a complement to the accomplishment of my duty, then I shall permit it. "
Upon hearing Mike's response, Kadyn's heart jumped in excitement while she finished chewing her food. With this agreement, the two finished their meal in silence, both content that a boulder in their heart was lifted as they are now free to enjoy each other's company.
As night fell, the two returned to Mike's room. To keep Kadyn a secret from the rest of his men, Mike had to keep her in the same room as himself. However, staying true to his code, he allowed her to sleep alone on his bed while he slept on a makeshift bed on the other side of the room. Tonight, though, Kadyn had other plans following their agreement at the dinner table.
While Mike cleaned his cyberknight helmet, Kadyn took another one of her showers. As the steamy bathroom door slid open, Kadyn stepped out, wrapped in a towel as usual. Then, moving toward Mike, she sat beside him on the bed and watched him work.
[Kadyn] - "Mike, I have been thinking about our talk today. And, I think it would be best to just admit this relationship for what it is. "
Without paying much attention to Kadyn's words, Mike put down his helmet and cleaned his hands.
[Mike] - "It's a partnership, nothing more, nothing less. "
Kadyn suddenly stepped up and grabbed Mike's hand. Before Mike could react, the towel slipped from her body, revealing her most intimate features before him.
[Kadyn] - "We are both already loyal servants of the Empire. Our union could only strengthen our shared goal of accomplishing our duty. I will support you in your pursuit, and you will motivate me to work harder. "
Said Kadyn as she kneeled down and met Mike at eye level.
Mike was initially flabbergasted by Kadyn's bold move, but he quickly took control of the situation by freeing his hands from her grasp.
[Mike] - "You truly are a few screws loose, are you? "
[Kadyn] - "I have never seen things so clearly. There will come a day when we will need a new generation to serve when we can no longer do so. By then, who would you trust to carry on the torch? "
Said Kadyn as she leaned in closer toward Mike.
[Mike] - "You seriously need to stop trying to fool me by justifying your desires. "
Said Mike as he avoided meeting Kadyn's gaze.
[Kadyn] - "But am I wrong? "
Said Kadyn as she pressed her hands on Mike's chest.
As Kadyn felt Mike's heartbeat, she felt a level of passion she never expected him to possess. Judging by his expression, Mike was cracking under the pressure as his true self was being slowly pushed to the forefront to face her. At that moment, as the silence spoke louder than words, Mike was finally no longer the Grand Knight, but the boy named Mike.
[Mike] - "Fine, I concur to your logic, Kadyn. "
Whispered Mike as he looked Kadyn in the eyes.
Without hesitation, Kadyn embraced Mike, and the two shared a long kiss before she pushed him against the bed. The two exchanged wave after wave of steamy breaths during their passion as they allowed their emotions to fly wild. For once, Kadyn was no longer the killer, and Mike was no longer the knight. They were, at that moment of their embrace, just two teenagers in love with each other.
In the aftermath of their steamy session, Kadyn lay by Mike's side, her chest pressed against his arm. Meanwhile, Mike stared quietly at the ceiling, still in disbelief at what had just occurred. As he looked to his side, he couldn't help but find respect for the girl who had managed to tame a supposed God like him. Yet, as much as he felt wrong for indulging in such an act with her, he also couldn't help but feel a joy that made him smile for the first time in happiness.
[Mike] - "You just couldn't give it up, couldn't you? I just don't get what you see in me that made you even so unafraid to the point where you sealed the deal in such a bold way. "
Muttered Mike as Kadyn began to playfully draw her finger across his chest.
[Kadyn] - "I have a dream– to be one day able to escape my destiny and have my own family. When you saw me for more than what I am that day, you confirmed to me that this dream is possible. "
Said Kadyn calmly while feeling Mike's heartbeat.
[Mike] - "Then why choose me? Why not someone who could offer you what you want without all this baggage? "
[Kadyn] - "Because you make me feel safe. With you, I know that dream is not just words, but a promise. A dream so mundane is but a distant echo in the lives of people like us. Yet, when I'm by your side, I can somehow see and imagine my future with such beautiful clarity. You will not understand this perspective of mine, but know that I will abandon everything just to chase after you. "
Said Kadyn as she smiled joyfully.
Though Mike couldn't understand the weight behind Kadyn's desire and words, he could feel how much he mattered to her. In some way, Mike knew he was as important to her as the Empire is to him.
[Mike] - "I might not understand it, but I accept it. "
Said Mike as he placed his hand on Kadyn's.
And so it was, the contract that sealed the destiny of the two individuals from two different spectrums of the world. They shared their pain and joy as one, bracing through the storms that devastated their paths without ever letting go. Where one stood, the other was never far behind.
In the present day, Kadyn suddenly jolted awake with a look of shock in her eyes. Without looking away, she tapped her bed and found no one beside her, while the bed below her felt stiff as a rock. There was no sunshine but the neon lights of Trump City illuminating her room. Slowly, Kadyn clenched her fists as pain filled her heart. As much as she loved the realistic feeling of her dream, she hoped it was a nightmare instead. That way, she wouldn't have so much difficulty stepping back into reality.
To be continued...