Kozuna
Damn, what happened..? Was I really asleep? When did I knock?
Everything was blurry for a short while as my eyes slowly fluttered open. Not a single thought popped into my mind. Upon gaining visual acuity, I scanned the room to find myself in a hospital bed, complete with wires and tech hooked up to my body.
Below the window to my right was a small table, and atop that table was all of my gear. And a new change of clothes I didn't remember wearing, apparently.
It didn't take long for me to notice the only other thing in the room of any importance: Yvira slouched forward in a chair, her head resting near my stomach...
How long was I out?
I forced myself to sit up, despite the immediate pain in my chest...
"Nnghhh..."
Thick gauze squeezed my torso, and upon feeling it, my mind was reminded of what happened. I pushed inward slightly, feeling a squishy indentation just below my heart.
Right, I got shot. How could I forget… Barely survived...
I lifted the blanket from my legs and slowly got off the bed, opposite the side of Yvira. She didn't wake up from my movement, surprisingly. I didn't waste time gearing up. Laying around in hospitals was not my cup of tea, and I didn't particularly feel like being bedridden, like a specific squad leader I knew...
"Unnghhh," I grunted again, the pain returning, but in my hands. "Damn. In this state, I'll probably be no good in a fight..."
Sitting back on the bed, I caught sight of something else surprising. There, dead center on the back of my left hand was a pitch-black crescent-shaped marking. I peered at it curiously for all of about ten seconds before opting to just wake Yvira and ask.
Did these doctors… mark me or something? What is this?
Taking the simple route, I shook Yvira awake. She let out a quiet moan, followed by a much louder yawn. Her eyes opened gradually, and as soon as she recognized me, she sprung at me with a tight hug.
My head twitched as the sudden force of her body filled me with physical pain.
"Ow, ow, ow! Girl, chill… How long was I out? Also, what's this black mark?"
Yvira pulled away until our bodies were no longer in contact, yet she didn't respond with words. All I got from her were shut eyelids and a shaking head.
So, she's still not speaking, huh? I know how to make her talk...
Without skipping a beat, I headed straight for the door.
"Whatever… I'm gonna go after those Bahsin guys..."
Yvira rushed over and grabbed my hand without speaking. Her grip was firm, and that signaled me to turn to her. I saw the makings of tears welling in her eyes...
"Please... Don't keep putting yourself in danger... I almost had a heart attack when you got shot."
I faced her entirely. It was clear Yvira was going through lots of pain, and I knew she cared, but her reaction meant she probably stayed by my side until I woke up...
"How long was I out? And what's this mark?"
Yvira's eyes shifted from mine for a moment.
"...two days… But… I don't know what that mark is..."
Oh, whatever, I'll just wash this thing off later… and wait… I was out for two whole days..?
"...two days? That means the mission is supposed to be officially underway. Did Nikai show up?"
Yvira nodded, letting go of my hand and taking a seat.
"Yeah, h-he came by to visit yesterday. He told me Nazun wanted me to stay by your side until you woke up. Then, for us to gather near the south gate of Sanzo today if you woke. But there's no way you can do any fighting in your condition, so it's better we stay behind and let the others handle it."
"Nah, we're a part of the mission, we can't leave Nikai to handle it alone... We have to go. And solving this mystery won't happen if we're cooped up in a hospital room. Now, let's-"
"Oh, so you're up and about now?" my apparent doctor uttered, standing in the metallic doorway.
"Yeah. Thanks for the help… Am I free to go?"
"No one's stopping you. You scouts always disregard your own lives. You go out there and die, instead of being smart and waiting until your body has fully healed..."
Okay, she's right, but I've got things to do. It's not like I can't fire a gun or walk around… Anari needed a wheelchair; she's got a reason to stay off the mission, but… I can still do stuff. Sitting around won't… sit right with me.
"Thanks for the concern, but it's... not necessary. I'll be fine."
My doctor shook her head and waved dismissively, abruptly exiting the room.
"Sure you will. Be seeing you."
I followed her out, only for Yvira to, of course, give chase and try to stop me. Not that it was unexpected or anything… Yvira ended up literally clinging to me and trying to talk me out of leaving as we entered the elevator, exited the aforementioned elevator, and even as I headed for the hospital's front door.
Ultimately, I had to convince Yvira to let go of me and wait. Hypocritical, I knew for sure, going on the mission when I should've been resting and then telling her to stay back. But my reasoning fell more along the lines of emotional stability rather than physical. Besides, I'd have Nikai to rely on for help.
I... left her inside the building, stepping outside by myself…
***
Outside, in the one-way street of Sanzo, there was no sandstorm. That much didn't make any sense to me. The weather was clear; there wasn't even a strong breeze… Things weren't usually like that. But then I saw what I was looking for: a gang of buggies parked at the south gate, along with a crowd of soldiers. Among which were a few familiar faces.
Nikai, Commander Kaiten, and... fucking Nazun… I had to take a deep breath and mentally prepare myself before joining them...
What's the commander doing here? And why is there a group of scouts?
I didn't hesitate to pocket my hands and maintain a stale expression.
"Hey, I'm here to join the mission."
Nazun met eyes with me first, providing me with his annoying-ass smug smirk...
"There's our residential anti-killer... Surprised you actually made it, thought you were still unconscious in the hospital. According to Yvira..."
"I woke up earlier today, and... I convinced Yvira to stay back... For her sake, I think she needs a bit more time for her mind to mend..."
Nazun rubbed his hands like a villain getting all excited over tormenting someone... At least, that's how I interpreted it.
"Good thing you didn't bring her, she'd only get in the way... Anyway, the group you see here is coming with us for this part of the mission. A few people here went scouting on those Bahsin bastards. Apparently, there's a large group of them waiting for us. So there's gonna be a battle. Be prepared to kill, Kozuna. There won't be anyone on the battlefield to carry you to the hospital again..."
I had already begun to lose my cool, but Commander Kaiten stopped our conversation from morphing into another argument...
"Enough, Nazun." Kaiten turned his gaze to me with a warm smile. "Glad to see you up and about, Kozuna. Despite what our residential naysayer says, I think you're a kind-hearted person. Hold onto that. I completely understand if you don't want to kill people, so out of respect for your wishes, I brought along a weapon you might like."
Kaiten pulled a small gun and holster from his bag and tossed it to me, along with a few clips of ammunition, continuing, "It's a tranquilizing gun. Puts a person to sleep almost instantly, keeps them knocked out for hours too. You'll probably find it much more effective in stealth ops as well."
I accepted the gun with a smirk, shaking the commander's hand and bowing to him.
"Thanks, Commander Kaiten. It's good to be working with you."
Following the greeting from Kaiten, Nikai waltzed right on over and gave me a bro hug.
"The dynamic duo is back in action! You ready bro? We're gonna kick some Bahsin ass!"
"Just as loud as ever, huh? We caused this problem, and it's only gonna get worse if our clans don't come to a compromise… We should focus on peace talks and sharing the water, rather than attacking each other."
Nikai shrugged his shoulders while closing his eyes. He didn't seem to care either way, but with all the welcoming-me-to-the-party out of the way, Kaiten chose to get things underway.
"We'd planned to wait a couple more hours in hopes you'd arrive, Kozuna. Now that you're here, I can begin the briefing."
The commander quickly cleared his throat and called the soldiers to attention, standing tall with his arms folded behind his back.
"Listen up, soldiers! Today, we're going against fight against the Bahsin clan. As you all know, they currently outnumber us, since the people standing beside you are all that could be spared. Here's our plan... Because the Bahsin attacked a particular squad, they'll be acting as bait. Nazun, Kozuna, and Nikai will head into Jigen unarmed, with Nikai disguised as our clan leader. Those three will walk in with their hands up, buy time, and agree to whatever terms the Bahsin present. In the meantime, the rest of us will get into position. Our snipers will be set up from the highest position in Sanzo, while the footsoldiers led and directed by me will circle and attack from each side. When the time is right, we will charge in from the safety of our buggies and take out anyone that stands in our way. As that happens, our snipers will protect our bait long enough for a buggy to reach them. Nazun, Nikai, and Kozuna will hop on that buggy, which will have all of their weapons, then they'll join the fray, so we can chase off the Bahsin."
Kaiten paused momentarily, looking individually at each soldier, exerting a pure presence of respect to his men.
"Through all the confusion, their numbers should experience a considerable reduction. At that point, we can park our buggies nearby and pick off the remaining foes. The most dangerous part of this mission is for the bait. The rest of us will have to stay out of enemy sight for a little while before we come crashing in. If they see us ahead of time, most likely, they'll attack without thinking… Or turn it into a hostage situation… Does everyone understand?"
"Yes, Commander!" saluted the soldiers, slamming their fists against their chests.
***
A few minutes passed after Kaiten's mini-speech. He led us to the buggy where we'd deposit our weapons for the time, though I was starting to feel a little antsy… Also, tingly...
"I've brought along a skilled group of soldiers for this mission, so you three don't have to worry about a thing. Everything will work out, one way or another..."
Nikai scratched his head, hesitantly tucking his rifle in the buggy backseat.
"So, are we just gonna walk in? Orrrrr we havin' our own ride?"
"There will be another buggy purely for transportation. However, that won't be your escape since it's likely the Bahsin will guard it. Plus, since they are at the north gate of Jigen, there's a possibility of guards posted inside the town. So, we have buggies ready to attack from the other three gates. Nazun mentioned that they might bring you guys past the north gate. In the event that happens, we'll wait for a little while and then barge in. And as for you Nazun, we'll recover your buggy once all the enemies are eliminated. All bases covered, any more questions?"
We all looked at each other quietly and simply shook our heads in near unison.
Kaiten pointed at our transportation buggy, tossing the keys to Nazun.
"I expect your best, men."
Nazun immediately headed for the buggy as Kaiten went off to his own ride. Seemed like the mission was finally underway. And with the two of them walking off, that left Nikai staring at me, with his arm extended to me. The dude was waiting for a fist bump from someone who was obviously not in as good a mood as him.
"Ready to have some fun?"
My eyes rolled to the sky with a sigh as I returned the fist bump...
"...don't know how you can call this fun..."
"What happened to your hand, bro?"
"I... think... the doctor drew on me or something."
It feels strangely... alive... Whatever... doesn't matter... I need to focus. The mission's finally underway.
***
The sound of engines firing up filled our ears. It was officially baiting time...
Kaiten raised his voice for everyone to hear him loud and clear, his buggy sat at the front of the crowd, yet somehow, it seemed like all the soldiers had no problems hearing him.
"Now, men! We ride! To defend our clan, and drive out the invaders!"
If there's one thing, I kinda admire about Kaiten… It has to be his natural leadership that doesn't need to rely on inspiring people...
A spark was visible in the eyes of Nazun, who zoomed off toward our goal with an evil grin on his face. He had followed suit with the other buggies, breaking off into pairs according to the strategy.
"Man, I wish I had my trusty ol' rifle," Nikai muttered, folding his hands behind his neck.
"Well, you won't need it. Just focus on perfecting your impression of the clan leader. If something happens, I'm throwing Kozuna up as our human shield."
"Ha-ha. Very funny, I'll make sure to keep an eye on you..."
Though I already was keeping an eye on you from the start.
"Heh, heh… I'm just messing with you, kid. Heh, maybe."
I stared into the rear-view mirror at Nazun until his gaze locked with mine. His eyebrows scrunched up, there was a tension growing yet again...
"You got something to say?"
I leaned forward and placed my hand on his shoulder while maintaining eye contact.
"Everything about the plan is sound, except for one thing. Neither you nor the commander mentioned a catch. The plan seems all perfect, and by scout standards, that seems fishy. Nothing ever goes according to plan..."
Nazun looked away from the mirror, turning his focus back to the sandy road.
"What makes you think there's something unmentioned?"
"You and I don't get along... Why are you trying to act like my friend all of a sudden?"
Nikai glanced back and forth between us, similar to how Yvira did. Except, instead of bearing a fearful expression, his was one of entertainment.
"We've been over this before, Kozuna. I know you don't trust me, stop beating around the bush and get to the point."
Nikai finally interrupted the increasingly uncomfortable conversation, pointing dead ahead.
"Hey, I love watching fights unfold as much as the next guy… But you guys do realize Jigen is just ahead, right? Brawl later, and let me watch too."
Nazun blinked his eyes quickly. He might've been looking ahead, but he damn sure wasn't paying attention.
I leaned away from Nazun's seat.
"We'll talk when this is over, Nazun."
"That's perfectly fine, so long as you're focused on the task at hand." With a smile, Nazun radioed Kaiten. "Is everyone in position?"
Kaiten had eyes on every buggy with tracking devices, so he alone could give Nazun an answer.
"Almost. By the time you're inside, we'll be ready."
The three of us soon parked and exited the vehicle, making our cautious approach to the gate.
***
Jigen had become fortified, like an overdone scout's outpost. They built machine guns into the gate posts and on top of certain buildings. The outer walls had jagged metal spikes sticking out to deter infiltrators. And all of the Bahsin soldiers were wearing heavier gear than usual. It was standard equipment but with metal greaves, gauntlets, and chest guards over top. They were prepared for a fight, while we had to walk in unarmed. Straight into the damn eye of the storm… The whole situation was making me uncomfortable.
Nikai stood in front while Nazun and I were at his sides. We had to play the part of subordinates if this were to actually work. Something I wasn't very fond of… Not to mention someone was bound to recognize me as the kid that got shot.
But it was just as Kaiten had predicted. Several people immediately surrounded and inspected the dummy buggy. They checked for weapons and kept watch. But they were nothing to be concerned about.
The real issue was the man beyond them, the tall and seemingly menacing dude at the gate. Clearly a member of the Bahsin clan, with the symbol embroidered on the hooded cloak he wore. Chestnut-brown dreads fell clear at the front of his hood, complete with purple beads near the tips that complemented his chocolate skin. He was giving us a wide grin as we came closer, one that screamed, "Hey, I'm a psycho!"
Some of the guards who examined the buggy escorted us over to him, where we abruptly received his proud-ass introduction...
"My name is Orion Bahsin, and you must be Izanai Ozukashi, the clan leader. You look a bit... different than I remember... but no matter."
Making a fist before his lips, Nikai cleared his throat.
"Yeah, that's me. What will it take for you all to leave our lands and people unharmed?"
"You seem different than what I expected. I heard you were a snobbish, bossy, and a constantly angry person. I suppose... Having your people at risk can... induce a change in a man? Beggars can't be choosers... Am I right?"
Nikai was clearly trying to hold back his emotions and not let the words of Orion sway him.
"Enough of the small talk... what are the terms of this exchange?"
"Come along. I'll take you to speak with our commander."
"Yeah, lead the way. I don't need to waste my time."
Orion turned and flipped his arm around in a circular motion. He led us further into Jigen, which only a couple days ago was utterly devoid of life...
I was taking in our surroundings as we walked through the town for what seemed like forever. Aside from the ridiculous amount of firepower swiftly and suspiciously manufactured, the enemies seemed odd. They were lined up at the side, watching our every move. Their heads were moving on an axle, and all of them moved at the EXACT same time.
"...something strange is going on here... Stay on your guard Nikai, and keep to your disguise, I'm gonna try to figure this out," I whispered, my glare shifting from one spot to another.
"Do your thing bro, I'll keep you covered."
I held my hand in front of my face, trying to act like the sun was in my eyes, then flipped my goggles down to cover them. At that point, I scanned the people we were walking past. None of them even reacted to me putting my goggles on my face; they just kept staring. Then, I noticed two things: none of those soldiers were blinking, and more importantly, their eyes were completely white. There were no irises...
Suspicious, to say the least.
What the hell? I saw Orion's eyes… and his had color... But these guys... They have no light in their eyes... No life... What the fuck is going on?
There was a long stint of silence as we proceeded to blindly follow Orion, a silence that Nazun broke in such a way that I felt even more uneasy...
"So... how much longer until we... meet your commander?"
"He's... right up ahead... Nazun..."
Wait… When did Orion... learn Nazun's name..?