Tsuki stood beneath the moon's pale glow, her eyes tracing the endless stretch of night above her. Her white uniform clung neatly to her frame, boots worn from hard travel. Short black hair grazed her shoulders, and her silver eyes shimmered under the lunar light.
The night brought a strange kind of peace in the starlight. Except Tsuki didn't feel the peace she pretended to see.
A presence behind her stirred the silence. Tsuki didn't turn around right away.
"Commander," a voice called out, "we've completed the mission. The target is eliminated."
"And the others?" she asked softly.
"They were knocked out. No witnesses."
"Good." The word left her mouth flat, detached—but her expression didn't match. Her shoulders barely relaxed, and her eyes remained fixed on the moon.
"Go get some rest, Gatch," she added. "I'm sure you're tired. Probably overused your ability again."
"You can say that again," Gatch chuckled, stepping beside her. "Feels like all the Solena in my body's been drained. But hey—you should've seen my summon! I'm getting better, promise."
He rubbed his hands together, eager to brag.
Tsuki gave him a tired side-eye. "We'll see. Now go rest before I put your ass back to work."
"Yes, ma'am!"
With a snort, Gatch turned and jogged off toward the campsite.
Left alone again, she exhaled through her nose, her eyes still fixed on the endless sky. Her eyes drifted over the quiet countryside of the Galion District. A solemn smile tugged at her lips for just a moment until she finally turned and followed.
At the campsite, a fire crackled at the center, casting a warm glow over the two remaining tents. Jianka, a taller, lanky fellow with blonde hair and brown eyes, was seated near the flames. His outstretched legs made it clear he was enjoying the rare comfort.
"'Bout time you show your face," Jianka quipped as Tsuki approached.
She raised an eyebrow. "Is that how you talk to your superiors?"
"When I know they can take a joke? Absolutely."
"Ballsy," she muttered, settling onto the log across from him.
Her eyes reflected the firelight. "While you're both here—might as well give you the mission briefing."
Gatch returned and plopped down beside Jianka just as Tsuki continued. Gatch was a smaller man, nearly twenty-one years of age. His short brown hair revealed his baby face.
"We've received intel on a child named Nokosaki. An unnatural telekinesis-user. I don't understand why, but the APC labeled him a threat. Orders are clear—no questioning. We head out at first light. Pack your things."
Gatch sighed and stretched. "Thanks, Mom."
She narrowed her eyes. "Excuse me? I'm only twenty years old, thank you."
"Sorry, ma'am."
She stood, brushing ash off her coat. "Get some sleep. We move at dawn."
As she headed into her tent, Gatch elbowed Jianka, and the two exchanged a tired glance before turning in themselves.
Morning arrived too fast.
Tsuki stood with arms crossed outside the tents, the rising sun just brushing the rolling hills in golden light. She let out a long breath, then stepped forward and flung open the flap of her squadmates' tent.
"Wakey-wakey," she said with mock cheer. "We've got a job to do."
No answer.
She frowned, stepped inside—then sighed. Gatch was sprawled on his back, a pillow over his face, snoring. Jianka, on the other side, had somehow kicked his blanket half out of the tent.
"Wake your asses up. Now!"
The tent burst into chaotic motion as the two shot upright, bumping into each other in the chaos. Gatch slapped the pillow off his face and stood at attention.
"Reporting for duty, Commander!"
"About time," Tsuki said. "We leave in under an hour. Pack your gear. Breakfast is already made—no thanks to either of you."
"Sorry, Commander," Jianka mumbled, rubbing his eyes.
She turned on her heel and left them to scramble.
How the hell did I get stuck with these two morons? she thought.
Outside, the sun had risen just enough to warm the dirt beneath her boots. The other two followed out shortly after, rolling up tents and securing their bags.
"She loves putting us to work, huh?" Gatch muttered under his breath.
"Not lyin'," Jianka said, stretching his arms.
"I'm not deaf, you idiots," Tsuki called over her shoulder. "Keep complaining, and I'll send a report to the higher-ups myself."
"No problems here!" Gatch said quickly, back straight.
Jianka gave a silent nod, expression blank.
Once packed, the squad began the trek through the heart of the Galion District. Hills rolled like ocean waves, and sunlight filtered through wispy trees. Birds chirped in distant harmony.
After a few hours, they reached their destination: a ranch-style home nestled on a quiet rise. A gentle river flowed behind the house, and the straw-covered roof glistened under the sun. Two adults—a man and woman—stood out front, speaking quietly. They noticed the squad before the group had even approached.
Tsuki stopped at the edge of the hill. "This is it."
Jianka groaned. "Could've been here ages ago if Gatch could keep up. You're slow as hell, man."
"Bite me."
"Enough," Tsuki cut in. "Focus. Our orders are to locate the boy—Nokosaki. The people outside aren't hostile. We'll talk first and identify his location. If they resist, knock them out. Then we go in and finish the job."
Jianka cracked his knuckles. "Sounds easy enough. Let's wrap this up and eat."
The group walked down the slope toward the couple.
"Hello, lovely citizens of Galion!" Jianka called, his voice far too enthusiastic.
The older man narrowed his eyes. The woman beside him visibly tensed.
"Who are you?" the man demanded. "What do you want?"
Tsuki stepped forward, her tone measured. "We're looking for a boy. His name is Nokosaki. We were told he lives here."
The woman shook her head instantly. "You're mistaken. He's not here. Now leave, this is private property."
Gatch tilted his head. "That's not a very neighborly tone."
"I said he's not here," the woman snapped. But her eyes darted away, refusing to meet Tsuki's gaze.
Tsuki caught it instantly.
You're obvious, ma'am.
She nodded to her squad. "He's here. Take care of them."
Without a word, Gatch and Jianka lunged forward. The man grabbed for a shovel on a nearby stump, but Gatch was faster—he tackled him hard from behind. The man hit the dirt with a sickening thud, unconscious before he could even shout.
The woman screamed. Gatch spun, slamming his forearm into her neck. She instantly collapsed.
"Easy bunch," he said, brushing dust off his sleeves.
Jianka crouched beside the man's fallen body. "Still don't get how two normals can give birth to an unnatural child. Doesn't make sense."
Tsuki didn't even glance at him. "I've explained this many times to you. Abilities don't come from bloodlines. Solena chooses its hosts at birth—some call it fate."
"Yeah, Jianka," Gatch added smugly. "Maybe if you listened for once."
Jianka only glared but said nothing. He always kept a tighter leash on his temper than Gatch.
"Gatch, quit your barking. Or I'll treat you like the dog you are," Tsuki said.
He remained quiet after the remark. The trio headed towards the farmhouse in unison. The porch was built with pinewood and covered from the midday sun.
They arrived at the front door and Jianka creaked it open. Tsuki stepped in first, shadows falling across the entryway.
The air inside was warm and still. Neatly arranged furniture, old glassware, and antique vases lined the shelves. A faded carpet stretched across the wooden floor beneath their boots.
Then—a voice. Young. Shaky.
"Who's there?"
Gatch's eyes flicked toward a room ahead. "Living room," he whispered.
They turned the corner.
A young girl stood there, fists clenched at her sides, legs planted between the soldiers and the far wall. Her voice trembled, but her stance said she wasn't moving.
"I won't let you hurt Nokosaki," she said.
Gatch and Jianka didn't stop.
"Girl," Gatch warned, stepping forward. "You don't want to get involved. I don't know what he is to you but forget he existed. It's better that way."
"No!" she yelled. "You jerks won't find him!"
Jianka gave a crooked smile. "What's your name?"
"…Rio."
Tsuki watched the girl's knees quiver. She's young. Brave. Scared out of her mind, but standing her ground anyway.
The girl's arms were spread protectively. Tsuki's eyes scanned the room.
He's here. She's guarding him. But where?
Jianka crouched slightly, his tone softer. "Tell us where the boy is, Rio, and no one gets hurt. You, your parents—everyone walks away."
Rio's eyes widened. "Mom and Dad? Are they okay?"
A short laugh escaped Gatch's lips. "So, they were your parents. Confirmed."
"What did you do to them?!"
Tsuki's gaze drifted to the girl's shaking arms. Something pricked at her conscience. A warmth in her chest—unfamiliar and unwelcome.
"They'll be fine," Gatch said dismissively. "Now just give us the boy."
"Don't make this harder," Jianka added. "We've got orders. One death. It doesn't have to be yours."
Rio didn't move. She stared them down with defiance far too large for her small frame.
"I'm not moving," she said.
Gatch shook his head, sighing. "Fine. You'll die with your unnatural brother, then."
He stepped forward, pressing his hands together—preparing his summoning technique. Energy rippled across his skin as the Solena began to form.
Then—
"Don't hurt my sister!"
The voice came from behind the couch. All eyes turned.
Jianka stormed forward and reached behind the couch. Nokosaki squirmed and kicked, but Jianka's strength overpowered him easily.
"Well, there you are," he sneered. "Should've stayed hidden."
He shoved the kid forward. Tsuki's eyes locked on him—messy hair and frightened eyes.
"Let's get this over with," Jianka muttered. "You first."
Tsuki didn't move. Her fists clenched. Her heart pounded.
Why am I hesitating? He's just another target… right?
Gatch raised his hands again, calling forth his summon.
"Alright, kid," he said. "Time's up."
Tsuki's breath caught.
What's wrong with me? It's just another mission. It's protocol.
A crackle of Solena signaled the summon's arrival.
Tsuki's chest tightened, followed by a sharp pain. Foreign. A feeling she didn't have a word for, yet it overcame her.
Tsuki gritted her teeth. "Damn it all."
And then she moved.
A shadow warped around her body as she flashed forward. She stepped between Nokosaki and the conjuring energy. She raised her arms protectively, her own Solena crackling from the floor.
Jianka's mouth dropped open. "Tsuki?! What are you doing?!"
Tsuki didn't back down. "Why does this kid have to die? Explain it to me."
Gatch narrowed his eyes. "What are you talking about? We have our orders. You were trained better than this."
"That doesn't answer my question."
The two children cowered behind her, clutching each other tightly.
Tsuki stood tall.
"He's a kid living on a farm. His ability is telekinesis, not mass destruction. He's not hurting anyone. So tell me—what kind of threat is he?"
Jianka stepped forward. "Commander, use logic."
"I am using logic," she responded.
Gatch's voice darkened. "Move. Or it's treason."
Tsuki didn't flinch. Her voice was steady now.
"Then so be it."
Gatch didn't wait.
"Sic 'em, Troll."
The floor shook as a giant—maybe eight feet tall—summoned troll erupted into the room. Its thick, gnarled limbs barely fit through the walls. The creature's eyes glowed with malicious hunger, and its fists were the size of small boulders.
The troll swung at Tsuki. She dodged and dropped to the ground; her palms pressed to the floor as shadows surged forward like crashing waves. Tendrils of darkness shot from beneath the furniture, snaking around the troll's legs. It roared in frustration, locked in place.
But not for long.
With a guttural growl, it tore one leg free and swung wildly.
"Watch out!" Gatch shouted.
The troll's fist tore through the dining table like wet paper before catching her ribs. Pain burst through her side as her body sailed across the room—she slammed into the far wall with a sickening thud and crumpled to the floor.
"Tsuki!" Nokosaki cried.
Gritting her teeth through the pain, Tsuki forced herself up. "Run!" she gasped. "Rio… Nokosaki… get out of here!"
The two children bolted for the door without hesitation.
Jianka moved to intercept, skidding into their path with outstretched arms. "Going somewhere?"
Before he could grab them, a dark, massive shadow-fist burst from the hallway behind him. Jianka yelped as he was launched straight through the drywall and into another room.
The kids kept moving, feet pounding across the floor. They reached the front door just as a hand caught Rio's collar and yanked her backward.
"No!" Nokosaki cried out.
Gatch held the girl tight, a smug grin on his face. "One more step, and she's dead. Either of you."
Breathing hard, Tsuki rose to her feet, fists clenched. Her eyes locked onto Gatch—and they burned.
Nokosaki stopped in his tracks. "Please…" he said, trembling. "Please don't hurt her. You can take me. Just leave Rio out of this. She didn't do anything wrong."
"Well, aren't you noble," Gatch chuckled. "I'll take that deal. Now come here. And Tsuki—don't even think about pulling anything. My devil dog's got his eyes on you."
He raised a hand, smirking. What he didn't notice was Nokosaki's eyes moving to a nearby lamp.
"Now, about that tra—"
A loud crack split the air.
The silver lamp, flung from behind, smashed into the back of Gatch's head.
His eyes rolled back, and he dropped like a stone.
Rio stumbled back into Nokosaki's arms. The boy held her tight, breathing fast.
Without its wielder's energy, the devil dog vanished into thin air.
Tsuki stared at them, heart thudding.
What have I done…? There's no walking this back. I've betrayed my orders. The APC. I should feel sick... Why don't I?
She walked over to the children, her limbs aching but steady.
"Are you two alright?"
Rio looked up, unsure. "Yes… thank you. But—weren't you with them?"
Nokosaki nodded, still clinging to his sister. "Yeah. Why did you help us?"
Tsuki paused.
"I'm not sure," she said. Her head dipped to the ground, and her arms crossed. "Instincts, maybe."
"Well," Nokosaki said, beaming through a bruised cheek, "your instincts kick ass!"
"Noko!" Rio hissed, lightly smacking his arm. "Language!"
"Sorry…"
Tsuki chuckled softly. Then she turned back toward her squadmates.
Gatch lay unconscious in the shattered remains of the hallway, his summon already dissolved. Jianka groaned from the other room, his head barely poking through a hole in the wall.
She knelt and checked their pulses.
Still alive. Relief washed over her. That's something. But this… this won't end well for me.
"I'll have to take them back to Alden Central," she muttered. "And pray I get off easy."
I've only heard whispers about the APC's actions for traitors. Dark things. Methods to make examples, Tsuki thought.
But this mission couldn't warrant that.
Right?
As she stood, Rio tugged on her sleeve.
"Tsuki? Thank you again."
Tsuki looked back, surprised. "Oh. Yeah... sure."
"I… I want you to take this," Rio said, reaching into her pocket. She pulled out a small, handmade cloth doll, its seams worn from years of love.
"It's not much," the girl added, "but it's important to me. I want you to have it."
Tsuki blinked, taken aback. She slowly accepted it, cradling it in her hand.
"A doll…?"
"Yes. Please."
A quiet smile formed on Tsuki's lips. "Thank you."
Rio grinned. So did Nokosaki.
"Don't worry about our parents," the boy said. "We'll help them when they wake up. I'm sure you've got places to be."
Tsuki turned her head. "Are you sure? I feel… bad. For knocking them out and all."
Rio waved it off. "They'll be fine. We'll handle it."
Tsuki gave one last glance at the children—at the simple life she had just shattered—and then slung Gatch's limp body over her shoulder.
"Up you go, fatass," she muttered.
She hoisted him up—and then promptly lost her balance. Her squadmate's limp body landed on top of her.
She groaned. "Dammit…"
Instead, she dragged her squadmates by the collars towards the front door. Tsuki gave one more look to the children, still unsure of her own actions. The boy gave a final wave, and Tsuki nodded in return.
She headed down the dirt path from the house towards a larger road. The endless forests to the north swallowed the horizon whole. The Galion hills sloped gently every other direction. Tsuki noticed the bodies of the parents still unconscious out front.
Eventually, after minutes of hauling, Tsuki and the other two reached the main road. There, they awaited a carriage back to Alden Central.
The carriage creaked along the dirt road, its wheels wobbling every time they hit a rut. Inside, Tsuki sat on the wooden floor between two benches where her unconscious squadmates lay like sacks of grain.
She kept her eyes on the night sky. Stars shimmered above like a thousand tiny lanterns.
"Stars sure are pretty out here," she muttered to herself. "You don't get skies like this in the city."
The carriage driver, reins in hand, glanced back over his shoulder. "Ain't that the truth. That's why I only take jobs through Galion. Nothin' but farms, hills, and open skies. Hell of a view. Makes the quiet worth it."
Tsuki offered a faint smile, then looked down at Gatch and Jianka. They hadn't stirred since the mission. The silence between them was deafening.
I betrayed the APC. I disobeyed orders and attacked my squadmates.
Her hands fiddled, as if her nerves were trying to predict every possible outcome.
I saved a child, though. Doesn't that matter for something?
She sighed, leaning her head against the wooden wall, eyes drifting back to the stars.
"Ain't that the truth," she echoed quietly.