The living room fell into an eerie silence after Astroboy's tantrum. The streets were quiet, without a sound despite being filled with the footsteps of thousands just moments earlier. All Ella could hear was the slight noises of Christos' servo-arms moving as they sewed Ulric's chest cavity back together. She could tell Christos was in great pain as his damaged diaphragm meant each breath was a painful experience. Most importantly, she could not imagine what kind of dread living knowing your death was imminent was like.
Yet, there was no fear or sadness in Christos' eyes as he continued to explain to Ella how to treat and sew basic wounds properly. There was duty within his heart, and that's all there was. One could say it was because of indoctrination, but Christos is a Falling Spartan, men given a choice by their leader to stay or leave, and he chose to stay.
On the other side, after pulling himself free from the rubble, Michalis sat on the ground and realized that he won't have long either. From Astroboy's punch, the injuries he suffered were no less severe than Christos'. At best, he might outlive his fellow Marine by a few hours.
[Michalis] - "You know... You were perhaps right about something... "
Said Michalis as he glanced at Christos.
Christos didn't respond to conserve his energy, but acknowledged Michalis with a slight nod.
[Michalis] - "My family history... Was always a bit murky. Perhaps, I really am not as pure of a Greek as I claim to be. Maybe I really am part Turk, as you said, haha. "
Joked Michalis before letting out a bloodied cough.
Christos tried to laugh as well, but could only let out laboured gasps of air as he struggled to breathe. Slowly, Christos could feel his hands grow weak as his low blood pressure and low oxygen finally began to catch up to him. There was a cold creeping up Christos' body as he felt the chilling hands of death on his shoulders.
[Christos] - "Let your brother rest, he'll recover. Now, did you remember everything I taught you? "
Muttered Christos without looking up at Ella.
[Ella] - "I remember. I– I'm forever in your debt for what you did for my brother. "
Said Ella before bowing toward Christos in a gesture of gratitude.
[Christos] - "Good... Good... Now, could you leave us for a moment, please? "
Said Christos with laboured breaths.
Ella's eyes glanced at Michalis before she retreated into the bedroom with a nod. As the door shut behind Ella, Christos shifted his chair using his servo-arms until he was facing Michalis.
[Christos] - "Could you arrange your guts? You look ugly with all those organs hanging from your hole. "
Muttered Christos with a smirk.
[Michalis] - "You have no guts to even speak of, you piece of shit. "
Retorted Michalis with a grin.
Christos tried again to laugh, but suddenly felt his strength leave his limbs as he fell off his chair. In a hurry, Michalis quickly crawled up to Michalis using his arms. After flipping Christos around, Michalis tapped on his friend's chestplate to assure him.
[Michalis] - "You're alright? "
[Christos] - "Was that a joke or a genuine question? "
Said Christos as he pushed Michalis' hand off his chest.
Christos' breaths became gradually shallower as his body finally couldn't hold on anymore. Though both men tried to keep a positive vibe in these hard times, neither of them found any appetite for more of their usual banter.
[Christos] - "Heh... Was I a good medic? "
Whispered Christos suddenly in a weak voice.
[Michalis] - "The fucking worst medic in the fleet's history... "
Said Michalis in a sarcastic tone.
Yet, even as Christos smiled at the insult, Michalis felt his eyes grow heavy as he looked down at the ground, unable to watch his friend die.
[Michalis] - "No, man, you're good– You're a very fucking good medic... "
Muttered Michalis as he lowered his head.
[Christos] - "And you're a true Greek Spartan– I'm just a Bulgarian farmer pretending to be Greek, haha. "
Whispered Christos while his eyelids grew heavy.
[Michalis] - "The Goddess protects the weak... "
Whispered Michalis before looking up at Christos, expecting him to complete the litany.
Yet, Christos didn't respond; his eyelids shut peacefully as he drifted into his eternal sleep.
[Michalis] - "...While we shall endure. "
With a delicate motion, Michalis brushed the dust that had collected on Christos' symbol of the Falling Spartans. Another great warrior had fallen, but he will join the Goddess's army in the sky. One day, he will descend again to help those in need, because that's the duty of a Falling Spartan.
Suddenly, footsteps can be heard outside as a group of people approached the place. Michalis quickly tried to find his carbine, lost somewhere in the rubble, but before he could find it, Dane suddenly peeked his head through the massive hole in the wall.
[Dane] - "What in tarnation happened here? "
Said Dane as he leaped into the room.
Following closely behind him, Nilsson jumped in while still carrying an unconscious Kadyn on his shoulder. Immediately, Dane helped McCree and Senju into the room as well, before they immediately collapsed against the wall in pain and exhaustion.
[Nilsson] - "I guess we're not out of the woods just yet. "
Said Nilsson as he glanced at Michalis and then at Christos.
[Michalis] - "He won't attack for a while. He was recalled by his master, who clearly didn't intend to eliminate us just yet. "
[Nilsson] - "Still... "
Said Nilsson as he gently laid Kadyn on the kitchen counter.
[Nilsson] - "The mission was a failure. We lost Voss and Oltevin. "
[Michalis] - "May the Goddess protect their souls. "
Hearing the commotion, Ella peeked out of the bedroom alongside Demetri. Upon seeing familiar faces, Ella breathed a sigh of relief as she stepped out of the room. However, before she could stop Demetri, he rushed out of the room and arrived beside Michalis.
[Demetri] - "Mister! Your abdomen! "
Said Demetri in a concerned voice.
[Michalis] - "Worry not, young one. This is nothing for a Marine like me. "
[Demetri] - "But... It looks like it hurts a lot. Why doesn't Sir Christos help you– "
Said Demetri as he turned Christos.
However, with lightning speed, Michalis covered Demetri's eyes and spun him around to face him instead.
[Michalis] - "Sir Christos is unfortunately no longer with us. Now, listen, young one, I need you to promise me something. "
Said Michalis in a stern voice.
Demetri's eyes were filled with panic, but the brave little man forced himself to not show his fear.
[Demetri] - "I'm listening, mister. "
[Michalis] - "Whatever happens to me, you need to keep moving forward. I believe you will make it out of here alive, because I know the Goddess is watching over you. Do not stop, never! Do you hear me? "
Said Michalis while staring into Demetri's eyes.
Demetri nodded reluctantly before Michalis gently caressed his messy hair like a big brother.
Meanwhile, Dane began to work on Senju's injuries with whatever tool he could find. McCree, for his part, with a pale face due to blood loss, tried his best to wrap his bullet wounds in cloth. As for Nilsson, he inspected his multiple wounds all across his body, some already infected, with a thick sticky fluid leaking out of them. Due to his time in the sewers, the infection appeared way sooner than expected, considering Nilsson's physiology.
[Michalis] - "Young girl, come here for a second. "
Yelled Michalis while signalling for Ella to come closer.
As Ella arrived beside Michalis and kneeled down, he pulled her toward him and began whispering in her ear. There was a hesitant look in Ella's eyes as she heard Michalis' words, yet every one of her objections was met with a stern look of disapproval from him. At the end, Ella had to agree with the wounded Marine.
While Nilsson was trying to clean his wounds, Ella arrived in front of him with a vial of antibiotic given to her by Christos. With a mechanical syringe, Ella gently pressed her hand against Nilsson's arm to stabilize him for the injection. Nilsson didn't protest, instead he nodded out of respect and appreciation for Ella as the needle punched through his skin.
[Nilsson] - "Ya have enough vials for Michalis as well, right? "
Said Nilsson as he stared at Michalis with concern.
Ella flinched at the question, feeling the last vial left inside her pants pocket.
[Ella] - "Yes, I had already injected him with a vial before you arrived. "
Said Ella while taking glances at Michalis.
As the morning's first ray shone through the massive hole in the wall, the room breathed a collective sigh of relief. Despite their predicament, the sunlight brought a little bit of warmth and hope back into the hearts of these broken people. Before long, under the sun's soothing rays, one after another, everyone inside the hideout began to drift into sleep.
Michalis was the last to shut his eyes as he stared into the blue sky, wondering if Christos was already there. The Marine looked down and smiled, seeing Demetri sound asleep beside him. Then, as he looked at the room, filled with the snort of exhausted and broken people, he wondered how they could hope to win in this state. Yet, Michalis didn't think further. It was not a question up to him to answer. It was a question for those watching from above, whom he entrusts with the future of these people.
[Michalis] - "The Goddess protects, and we shall endure. "
Said Michalis as he glanced at Christos' body, now hidden under a blanket.
He needed to save up some energy for the road ahead, so he closed his eyes and allowed himself to rest. After all, it's a long trip up there to join Christos and their Goddess Athena.
Meanwhile, back inside the Central Tower, Dan was quietly having breakfast until his peace was suddenly disturbed by Astroboy. Dan didn't react as Astroboy put down his tray in front of his own on his table. Annoyed with Dan's passivity, Astroboy demanded his acknowledgment by sitting down extra hard on his side, causing the table to rock, spilling Dan's soup inside his tray. After swallowing his mouthful of scrambled eggs, Dan finally gazed up at Astroboy with a puzzled expression that hid his frustration.
[Dan] - "You have your own place to eat, so why join me here? "
Astroboy didn't want to mention the fact that KD-554 punished him by banning him from even eating in his luxury dining room, so he quickly redirected the subject.
[Astroboy] - "Don't you feel... Insulted by your treatment? "
Dan shot a look at Astroboy, his lips holding the insult conjured up inside his mind for the asshole before his eyes.
[Astroboy] - "Look at this, a cyberknight such as yourself, dining inside a dimly lit room, cramped like a prison cell. The moment I walked in here, I couldn't help but feel pity for you. "
Said Astroboy while inspecting the grey walls around him.
[Dan] - "What's your point? "
Said Dan as he nonchalantly went back to eating.
[Astroboy] - "What do you think you truly deserve for the work you do and the power you hold? "
Dan filled his spoon with scrambled eggs and brought it to his mouth instead of immediately answering Astroboy's question. Angered by Dan's attitude, Astroboy abruptly slapped the spoon out of his hand before bringing his fist down into Dan's tray. In a splash, soup and food coated Dan's face and clothes, while any stain was pushed away from Astroboy's body by his ability.
[Astroboy] - "I'm talking to you, Dan! Show some respect for your superior. "
Screamed Astroboy before reassuming a calm expression.
Dan sighed in annoyance before shaking the scrambled egg off his sleeves.
[Dan] - "I deserve, for my work and ability, the dignity of a man! I deserve peace and quiet when I'm having a meal, fairer working conditions, not under constant threat of violence, and news about my sister, Beth! Get to the point or leave me alone already! "
Yelled Dan in anger.
Astroboy sat down and assumed a more diplomatic stance by crossing his fingers.
[Astroboy] - "If I grant you these demands, and more, would you consider pledging yourself to my service instead of KD-554? "
[Dan] - "I was never on her side to begin with. I was forced to be here. If you want me on your side, then start by updating me about my sister! Why couldn't I contact her, and how is she? "
Said Dan without hesitation.
Astroboy grinned victoriously before nodding his head at Dan.
[Astroboy] - "Your sister? She was murdered by KD-554 in cold blood for not being up to her standards. Remind you, I was not involved in it; it was all her idea. "
Said Astroboy arrogantly.
Dan paused, his mouth shaking with rage and sorrow while his hands trembled uncontrollably. For months, he had doubts that she had been silenced, and now, his worst fears were confirmed.
[Dan] - "I figured... "
Muttered Dan as he looked away.
[Astroboy] - "Now, I held my part of the bargain. Time to uphold yours. "
Said Astroboy as he stood up and reached for Dan's hand.
With a barely concealed look of disgust, Dan considered slapping Astroboy's hand away, knowing full well he was just the same monster as KD-554, but with a different face. However, in his current situation, Dan knew his choices were limited. Swallowing his disdain for Astroboy, Dan tried to shake the man's hand. However, as Dan tried to stand up, Astroboy pressed him down, forcing him to sit, so the handshake showed a clear power imbalance with Astroboy standing taller than him.
[Dan] - "Does your coup attempt have a solid foundation already? "
[Astroboy] - "I just need to garner enough support from people like you, and that's all. I can eliminate KD-554 using my ability whenever I want. "
Said Astroboy with an arrogant smile.
Dan instantly realized the futility of Astroboy's coup upon hearing these words. The meatheaded knight, in his delusion, thought KD-554 was just an individual. The truth is, she represented a system, a system that operates with her as its heart. The moment Astroboy enacts his plan, his so-called authority will vanish like a thin veil of smoke as he clearly shows ignorance of this system's complexity.
[Astroboy] - "She thinks she can boss us around, but she's nothing but a failed experiment. We're pure-blooded Gods; we do not obey the command of rabid scrap metals like her! Together, we'll build an Empire, without the shit KD-554 does to hold us back. "
Said Astroboy in a confident tone.
Dan remained silent as Astroboy kept rambling about his prestige as a cyberknight, how he's above all the worms below him. Dan wanted to call out his hypocrisy as he knew Astroboy was as much of a pawn as he was, yet he knew to remain silent and composed. When Astroboy finally left, Dan quickly began to conjure up a plan of his own.
He was not about to follow Astroboy into his guaranteed downfall, but neither will he stay loyal to the monster that had murdered his sister. So what better way to act but to burn both sides down in a firestorm? Stepping toward the small window in his bedroom, Dan glanced at the photo of his sister Beth. He will not be a slave anymore and end up sharing her fate. He'd rather go out in a blaze that hopefully consumes both his oppressors.
Raising his hands toward the window, Dan deactivated his ability, causing the barrier he built around the city to vanish. As the barrier disappeared, a fresh breeze of air replaced the stench of rotting flesh inside the city. A renewal of life soon filled every street as the damp atmosphere was flushed away in a gust of wind. The city was once again free. Now, Dan just needs to wait until KD-554 realizes what has happened, then unveil Astroboy's plan to watch the chaos happen.
Meanwhile, as the day continued, heavy rain began to fall upon the city, washing away the blood and gore that stained entire streets. Slowly, but surely, the city regained some semblance of normalcy despite its ruins. Within the city, the death of most cultists and armed civilians resulted in the first calm day experienced by the city since its damnation. As the stains of violence were flushed beneath the surface and the fire of hatred was quenched by the cold rain, so vanished the propagation of the Red Truth.
Under the serene droplets of cleansing rain, Michalis stood under a bus stop, patiently waiting for his ride, unbothered by the water that dripped off his hair. He was in his armour, his abdomen whole without the wound that slowly killed him. Suddenly, a small figure appeared beside him, her body radiating with a familiar aura as she sucked on a red lollipop.
[Michalis] - "Lord Athena! "
Said Michalis as he immediately recognized the woman.
[Athena] - "Ah, Michalis, didn't expect to see you so soon here. "
Said Athena in a cheerful voice as she pulled the lollipop out of her mouth.
[Michalis] - "You... You know my name, Lord? "
[Athena] - "Of course I do, including all those who came before you in the 1st division. "
Said Athena confidently.
[Michalis] - "I'm honoured, my lord! "
Said Michalis as he knelt down before Athena.
[Athena] - "Rise now. No need for such acts. "
Said Athena with a wave of her hand.
As Michalis stood up, Athena suddenly tapped him on the abdomen, where a pain shot through his body despite the lack of a wound.
[Athena] - "Why are you here in the first place? You do realize you could have survived with your injuries if you just had taken those antibiotics, no? "
[Michalis] - "But then, there won't be enough for Nilsson. "
[Athena] - "But why him? Why not you, my warrior? "
There was a moment of silence as Michalis considered his answer. The rain kept falling, yet none of it was hitting Athena as if she was a ghost.
[Michalis] - "The same reason you gave your life instead of staying with us, lord. "
Surprised by his answer, Athena briefly spun her lollipop between her fingers before letting out a slight smile.
[Athena] - "You have the heart of a true Spartan. Brave and unyielding, yet kind and compassionate. You chose your fight and made your stand. "
Said Athena as she tapped on Michalis's chestplate.
As the distant light of the bus broke through the mist of the rain, water began to pass through Michalis' body as well, just like Athena.
[Michalis] - "Lord, could I ask you a question? "
[Athena] - "Mhm! "
Said Athena as she kissed her lollipop.
[Michalis] - "Were you truly watching and protecting as we believed? Of course, I don't mean I doubt you, I'm just curious. "
Said Michalis in a nervous, then panicked voice.
Athena let out a cute laugh as she heard her warrior's question.
[Athena] - "You guys and your superstitions... Haha... "
Said Athena while laughing.
After taking a breath to calm down, Athena reassumed her posture and pushed her lollipop to the side of her cheek.
[Athena] - "The Goddess protects, while we endure... In a sense, my protection is extended in the form of you guys, my dear Spartans. You guys protect, so others and the future might endure. See it as you might, but I'm dead. "
Michalis looked perturbed by Athena's revelations, but she quickly assured him by continuing.
[Athena] - "I know it's disappointing, but look at what you have done. You saved so many lives and inspired hope in those who needed it. You and Christos did far more than I could ever do as a single individual. This faith might only be a half-truth, but its effects do not lie. "
Said Athena as the bus cast its shadow upon both of them.
Michalis thought for a moment before he nodded with a humble smile.
[Michalis] - "You're right, Lord. You might not have power beyond the dead, but this faith is the fuel for the fleet's soul. No matter what you say, I will never stop believing. "
As Michalis began to step onto the bus, Athena suddenly spoke again.
[Athena] - "I might not directly affect things, but I am indeed watching, you know. "
Michalis' eyes widened in surprise at Athena's words. After pulling the lollipop out of her mouth, Athena saluted Michalis.
[Athena] - "I'm proud of you and Christos. Thank you for your duty, my devoted warriors. "
Said Athena as she knelt on one knee to show Michalis respect.
Shocked by Athena's gesture, considering his rank, Michalis tried to rush to Athena to lift her up, but the bus door closed on him before he could exit. As the bus began to drive away, Michalis watched as Athena disappeared in the distance. Suddenly, a very familiar voice called out to him. Turning his head, Michalis saw Christos waving at him from the back of the bus.
[Christos] - "Just when I thought I got away from your stinking Turkish ass... "
Said Christos jokingly as he watched Michalis approach him.
[Michalis] - "I met the Goddess earlier, and she confirmed to me that you're adopted from a dirty Bulgarian farm where you lived with pigs in the pen. "
Said Michalis as he sat down beside Christos.
Christos abruptly burst out laughing at Michalis' creative insult. Before long, Michalis also joined in the laughter. At the same time, back inside the hideout, Michalis let out a smile as his body finally lost its battle against the infection that spilled into his blood.
To be continued...