Yuren sat quietly in his dimly lit cell, the cold metal walls pressing in around him. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, still reeling from the tumultuous events of the past few days. Anger coursed through him like a wildfire, frustration gnawed at his insides, and confusion clouded his reasoning. He felt utterly lost, grappling with the reality that his life had spiraled into chaos.
"I've been a loyal soldier," he reflected bitterly. He had served the Empire faithfully for years, dedicating himself to every mission, every order. Yet now, it seemed as if they had turned their backs on him, leaving him to fend for himself in this forsaken place.
Exhaustion weighed heavily on him. The toll of recent events had stripped him of his strength and resolve. "I can't believe this is how it ends," he thought, a sense of resignation enveloping him. The darkness of his predicament felt inescapable, and he reluctantly began to accept the dire fate that loomed over him.
Just then, a sudden thud echoed from the ceiling, startling him from his thoughts. Yuren looked up, and the flickering light overhead began to dim further, casting eerie shadows across the cell. "They could at least maintain the cells," he muttered to himself, annoyance creeping into his voice. Just as he finished his thought, a ceiling panel dislodged and fell, landing squarely on his head. "Ouch!" he yelped, rubbing the sore spot.
As he glanced up again, a familiar face emerged from the darkness—Eri, a girl he had seen in passing during briefings but never really spoken to. "E-Eri...?" he stammered, disbelief evident in his voice.
"Hello," she said, her expression cheerful despite the circumstances.
"W-what are you doing here?" He was both bewildered and curious.
"Rescuing," Eri replied with unwavering confidence, lowering the hefty sniper rifle slung across her back. "Grab."
"Huh? What are you talking about?" His mind struggled to process the situation.
"Pull you up. Grab," she instructed, wiggling the barrel of her weapon enticingly.
Instinct took over, and Yuren reached for the barrel, his heart racing as she swiftly pulled him up and through the opening in the ceiling. "Oof," he grunted, landing unceremoniously next to her.
"Good, stay quiet," she whispered urgently, looking back nervously.
"What's going on? What's happening?" Yuren asked, his voice a mere breath, confusion still evident.
"Shhh. Stay quiet." Eri placed a finger over his mouth, her eyes darting around to ensure their surroundings were safe. "Follow Eri."
The two of them crawled through the narrow vent, their movements slow and deliberate to avoid making noise. The cramped space was filled with the musty smell of dust and metal, and Yuren could feel the cold air seep through the grates. As they inched toward the end of the tunnel, they could hear voices below them, growing louder and more frantic.
"Where did the boy go?!" a commanding voice boomed, the urgency evident.
"I don't know! We can't find him anywhere!" another voice replied, panic creeping in.
"Dammit! What about his unit? Have they been informed yet?" the first voice barked.
"No, the Vice Minister deployed them to the northern district," came the fearful response.
"Dammit! So she knows he's missing now! If she finds out we had him taken to the lower levels…" Fear laced the words, revealing the stakes of their failure.
"Sir, there's a breach in the ceiling of the cell. Someone must have entered from above," another voice added, far more subdued.
"Don't just stand around telling me about it! Get your ass moving and cut off all exits! Don't let anyone leave this facility. We can't let the Vice Minister know what happened here!" the commanding voice erupted, frustration boiling over.
"Understood, sir," came the reply, urgency hanging in the air.
"Hurry! Find him!" the voice shouted, echoing ominously through the facility.
Yuren's heart raced as he processed the magnitude of the situation. He was no longer just a pawn in the Empire's game; he was now a target, and he could feel the danger closing in around him. With Eri by his side, the stakes had never felt higher.
Yuren and Eri crawled through the narrow vent, their bodies twisting and turning in the dimly lit tunnel as they made their way toward the exit. After what felt like an eternity, they finally emerged from the ventilation system into a dusty maintenance corridor lit by flickering fluorescent lights. The air was stale, filled with the scent of grease and metal.
"Where are we?" Yuren asked, glancing around.
"Underground," Eri replied matter-of-factly, her eyes scanning the surroundings.
"Yeah, I can tell. But where exactly are we?" he pressed, frustration creeping into his voice.
Eri shrugged, still surveying the corridor. "Underground," she repeated, her tone indicating she didn't see the need to elaborate further.
Yuren sighed, rubbing his forehead as he resigned to the fact that explanations were not Eri's strong suit. "Nevermind. Let's just go," he said with a wave of his hand.
They moved cautiously through the maintenance tunnel, navigating a confusing maze of corridors and stairs, each step echoing in the silent space around them. After a few minutes of walking, they came across a heavy metal door, its surface scratched and battered from years of use.
Eri ordered, "Open."
Without hesitation, Yuren pressed the button next to the door. With a loud hiss, the door slid open, revealing an empty street bathed in an eerie silence. Emergency warnings blinked on every sign and digital display, casting a red glow on the deserted pavement. The streets were completely void of life, and a thick, acrid smoke choked the sky, obscuring the sun.
A massive partitioning wall loomed ominously over the city skyline, dark smoke billowing up from behind it, creating an unsettling sight that sent chills down Yuren's spine.
"Meteorn is there," Eri said, her gaze fixed on the wall.
Yuren squinted, trying to make sense of the chaos. "It's so quiet. Do you think it stopped attacking?" His heart raced with uncertainty.
"I don't know," Eri shrugged, her expression unreadable.
Just then, the distant sound of an approaching engine drew both their attention upward. An aircraft was flying toward the northern district, its silhouette clear against the smoky backdrop. The sky was crowded with various aircraft—most were transport vehicles, but a few sleek fighter jets darted through the clouds like predators on the hunt.
When Yuren spotted the Eisendrache among the fleet, a wave of relief washed over him. "Looks like my battalion is alright. They're still here," he said, a hint of pride in his voice.
"Come," Eri said, tugging gently at the fabric of his sleeve.
"Where are we even going?" Yuren asked, trying to keep up with her brisk pace.
Eri paused, eyebrows arching in curiosity.
"Do you not have a plan?" he questioned, a mixture of surprise and concern evident in her eyes.
"No." Eri admitted.
"Great…" Yuren mumbled, facepalming in frustration. "Okay, then follow me instead."
"Okay," Eri nodded, her determination unwavering.
They walked down the quiet street, passing by empty stores and abandoned buildings. The atmosphere was unsettlingly calm, with only the distant hum of aircraft and the occasional wail of sirens to disrupt the silence. The cityscape, once vibrant and filled with life, now felt like a graveyard, echoing the remnants of chaos that had followed.
Eventually, they reached the train station, which stood eerily deserted. The schedule display flickered sporadically as it revealed all train routes had been canceled, save for the automated ones servicing the military base.
Yuren stepped forward, pressing the button on the control panel. He scanned his ID card, and with a few taps, he selected the southern district as his destination. "I'll just head home and rest there. It's closer, and I can return to base tomorrow," he thought, feeling a small flicker of hope.
A few moments later, the train pulled into the station with a soft whirring sound. The doors opened, revealing an empty cabin, sterile and cold.
"This train is for authorized personnel only. Please scan your ID to continue," a robotic voice announced, echoing through the stillness.
Yuren scanned his ID, and as the doors slid shut, he felt a sense of finality wash over him. The train started moving, and the vibrations reverberated through his body as they picked up speed, the scenery outside blurring into streaks of color. The estimated travel time was one hour to their destination.
Letting out a long sigh of relief, Yuren slumped in his seat. "Finally. This day is over," he said, closing his eyes for a brief moment.
Eri, sensing his exhaustion, gently took hold of Yuren's head and guided it to her lap.
"What are you doing?" he asked, surprised by the sudden gesture.
"Rest," she said softly, brushing her fingers through his hair.
"But…" he hesitated.
"You're tired. Just rest," Eri insisted, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Surrendering to the comfort of her lap, Yuren lay his head down, finding solace in the softness of her fabric and the warmth of her presence. The weight of the day began to lift from his shoulders as he closed his eyes, drifting off into a peaceful sleep, the chaos of the world outside momentarily forgotten.
When he had opened his eyes again, the train was slowing down, the view outside the window showing the familiar station.
"We're here." Yuren sat up, his eyes feeling heavy.
The two exited the train and headed up the stairs to the street.
It was still early evening, the streets were mostly empty, but the usual bustle of the district could be heard in the distance.
Despite the warning signs, the people of the southern district seemed to be going about their lives as usual, the atmosphere was normal, and the residents still carried out their daily activities. These people were used to danger, having lost a part of their district already.
Yuren and Eri walked through the streets, passing by stores and restaurants. The smell of food filled the air, and the sounds of people laughing and talking could be heard coming from the inside of the buildings.
"Yuren!" A familiar voice called out.
"Torven, how are you?"
"Same as ever kiddo." The burly man set a bowl of stew on the stall's counter for him. "Here, you look tired. Take it, no charge."
"Thanks, Torven." Yuren gratefully accepted the food, taking a seat at a nearby table.
Eri sat beside him, eyeing the bowl of stew. Torven set a bowl in front of her and smiled, "Of course, I wouldn't forget you miss." He said.
"Thank you." She took a spoonful of the stew, chewing slowly.
"So, Yuren, What happened to the north? Shouldn't you be over there as well?"
"An attack..." Yuren responded. "The military is handling it, but it's bad. The damage is immense."
"Not the Republic, is it? Be honest now. I know there's those unknowns lurking around." Torven's expression grew stern, "I'd rather know than not."
"You're right. You and dad always did know how to tell when I was lying." Yuren admitted.
"Well the military has their business. So let's change the topic." Torven smiled, "This your partner?" He asked.
"Uh... She's uhm. It's not really like that."
"I didn't mean it like that." The man laughed, "She's clearly wearing the same insignia as you are so I was asking if she's in your unit. No need to get flustered. It's good to see you making friends."
"Oh..."
"Eri is bodyguard." She answered, her mouth full of stew.
"How fancy, Yuren you a big shot Commander? How'd you end up with a personal guard."
"I got put in charge of the 701st, but it's a lot more trouble than I expected."
"Wow, the 701st? That's a really elite unit, didn't know you had the skills to make it past Infantry." Torven nudged him teasingly.
"I never even had a choice..." Yuren muttered.
"That's just how it goes." The man laughed.
"What's your name miss? I'm Torven."
"Eri." She nodded.
"Ah, a girl of few words. Well, it's nice to meet you too. You're welcome to come here anytime, and I'll even make you the house special. It's my pride and joy."
"Thanks." Eri gave a faint smile.
"Alright, well, I've got other customers waiting. You two stay safe."
"Will do, see you later, Torven."
Yuren finished his meal, standing up and leaving the stall. Eri followed closely behind him.
They arrived at the small house, and the lights were off, and the atmosphere was quiet.
"Your house?" Eri asked.
"Yeah."
"Nice."
Yuren opened the door and stepped inside. The living room was dark, and the sound of someone snoring could be heard coming upstairs. "Dad..."
He went to the kitchen and got a glass of water. He felt a tug on his sleeve, looking over to see Eri pointing at the couch.
A mint-haired man was asleep, drooling on the sofa.
"Shh, that's Yae's dad." Yuren whispered, placing his index finger against his lips.
Eri nodded and moved to the sofa, covering the sleeping man with a blanket.
The boy shook his head and then proceeded upstairs, heading into his bedroom. Eri followed close behind.
Yuren entered his room and sat down on his bed. The girl set down her rifle and her case before sitting down next to him.
His heart began to race, his face flushed as he felt her hand on his. He realized how this would look, bringing a girl home to his room. He was worried about how his father might react.
"Calm." She said.
"What?"
"You're stressed." She replied.
"Yeah... a bit." He admitted.
"Why?"
"You're... very close to me.
"Always close." She tilted her head.
"I-I'm gonna go take a shower..."
"Okay."
"I-uh... yeah."
He quickly left the room, and the shower was running a few minutes later.
Yuren entered the bathroom, his clothes scattered across the floor, steam filled the air, and the water was hot.
He stepped into the shower, the warmth soothing his muscles, and his skin tingled as the water washed away the tension.
He closed his eyes, his mind wandering, his thoughts drifted, and his body relaxed. He felt his heartbeat slow, his breathing deepen.
Then, a sensation, a feeling. He opened his eyes and found Eri standing next to him, her body glistening with water, her skin smooth and flawless.
"Wha-?!"
"Relax."
"B-but..."
"Wash." She began to rub his back, her fingers trailing along his shoulders.
"This is a little-"
"Relax." She repeated, her voice gentle, her touch tender.
"O-okay..."
He stood there, his heart racing, his mind reeling. The feel of her hands on his back sent shivers down his spine, and the way she ran her fingers along his skin made him tremble.
The sensation was unlike anything he'd experienced before. He was scared, excited, and nervous. But he also felt calm, relaxed, safe.
"Done." She spoke, stepping back, her hair falling over her shoulder.
"Uhm... thank you." He blushed, his gaze shifting away.
"Sleep." She took his hand and led him out of the bathroom.
"But my clothes..."
"Wait."
He waited.
Eri came back a few minutes later with a pair of boxers and a shirt. She handed them to him.
"For you."
"T-thanks." He mumbled.
"Sleep." She repeated.
"R-right."
He quickly changed into the clothes and lay down in bed. Eri followed suit, climbing under the covers next to him.
Her warmth, her closeness, her scent, the feel of her skin against his. It was overwhelming, intoxicating.
He tried to resist, but it was futile, a certain part of his body betraying him.
He closed his eyes, the exhaustion catching up, the events of the past few days taking their toll. He drifted off to sleep, his thoughts and emotions in turmoil.